Page 48 of Always a Princess
He cut a fine figure in his very formal uniform, with all of its gold braid, medals, and epaulettes.
“Are you happy?” he asked her. “You look a little overwhelmed.”
“I am happy. Please know that. But it is all happening so fast. Everything is changing very quickly.”
“Look at me, Thea.”
She met his crystalline-blue gaze.
“If you feel life spinning out of your control, all you need to do is hold on to me. I will be your rock.”
When he said things like that, Thea couldn’t help but want to melt into his arms. “Thank you.”
“Now I ask you again, are you truly happy?”
“Yes. Truly, Alexei.”
“And?”
“A little nervous.”
“For tonight?”
“Yes.”
“It has been many years since you have …”
“Yes.”
“Fear not, Your Highness. You are treasure in my hands, and I know the value of such a thing.”
Thea swallowed. “When you put it like that …”
“All is well, Princess. You will see. First, we have one stop to make on the way home.”
Home. His estate had quickly become that. And one day in the future, they would leave it and travel to a foreign land. Thea looked forward to the trip. She enjoyed experiencing new cultures. And traveling with the prince was bound to be a new experience.
Their carriage halted in a location Thea didn’t recognize. An alley of all places.
“Where are we?”
“You’ll see. Come. I will carry you.”
“Are you going to carry me everywhere?”
“Perhaps.”
He lifted her out of the carriage and whisked her into what appeared to be the back room of a millinery shop.
When he set her feet upon the floor, she heard a familiar squeal of two voices.
“Thea! Oh my goodness!” Louisa exclaimed.
“You look stunning. Every inch a princess,” said Sophia.
Thea was shocked as the twins came toward her, reaching for her lace-covered hands.
“Would you look at that? Goodness gracious. You look like a queen.”
