Chapter 45

Maria shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't I?" Keira remained seated, her voice deadly calm. "Then explain to me why you've been circling Alexei like a vulture since I arrived. Why every conversation we've had has been you trying to undermine me and my worth."

Maria's hands clenched at her sides. "You think you can just waltz in here and take what should be mine? I've been preparing for this role my entire life!"

"There it is," Keira said with satisfaction. "Finally, some honesty. You think Alexei belongs to you."

"I would be perfect for him!" Maria's voice rose, all royal composure gone in a blink of an eye. "I understand this world, I know what's expected. I could help him rule—"

"But he doesn't want you," Keira interrupted, rising slowly to her feet. Alexei still didn't say anything proving Keira right.

Maria's face went white, then flushed crimson. "He would if you hadn't—"

"