Chapter 39

Keira stood under the scalding spray of the shower after Alexei left and she had cleaned up the room, she realized she needed to get a move on, letting the water wash away the lingering scent of sex and tiredness from her brain. Steam filled the bathroom as she tried to process everything that had happened in the span of a few hours.

Heir to the throne. Potential mother of future royalty. A life where her children might never have the freedom to choose their own paths. What was she doing?

She pressed her palms against the marble shower wall, water cascading down her back. When she'd agreed to come to Wystovia, she'd thought the worst thing would be learning proper etiquette and dealing with media scrutiny. The succession issue changed everything.

After a while she reluctantly stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. Through the bathroom door, she could hear movement in the other room.

"Miss Warner?" A voice called. "I have your dress for this evening."