Chapter 196

He grinned back at her. "Are you putting yourself in the same grouping?" Keira snorted. "You wish, playboy prince… I'm your punishment for being a naughty boy." Alexei gave her a look that said he was going to make her eat her words. "Alexei—" A sharp knock at the door cut through the moment. They both froze. "Miss Warner?" Elena's voice called from the hallway. "I have your dress for this evening's state dinner." Reality crashed back in. The engagement announcement was tonight. "Just a moment!" Keira called back, scrambling for her robe as Alexei rolled out of bed in a fluid movement. "The balcony," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before moving toward the French doors. "I'll see you at breakfast. Ask Elena to take you to the breakfast room once you are ready." She watched him in shock as he slipped out onto the balcony in nothing but his boxers, wondering how he planned to get back to his room without being seen by half the palace staff. But then again, he'd probably be