Chapter 21

Amelia watched Keira slight hesitation at the threshold, that familiar deer-in-headlights expression she recognized all too well from her own early days at the palace. Blonde, petite, with cornflower blue eyes that darted around the room assessing, Keira Warner was nothing like Alexei's usual conquests. This woman had substance. You could tell by just looking at her, there was intelligence in her gaze.

"She's nervous," she whispered to him. "I remember how terrifying this was but trying not to show it."

Niko's mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. "You handled it perfectly, as I recall."

"I was petrified," Amelia admitted under her breath as Alexei and Keira approached.

"Niko, Amelia," Alexei said with uncharacteristic formality, "may I present Keira Warner. Keira, my brother Prince Niko and his wife Princess Amelia."

Amelia watched as Keira executed a curtsy. The poor woman was trying so hard to do everything right that Amelia couldn't help but feel