Chapter 183
Chapter 183
The plane touched down with barely a bump. Through the window, Keira could see a line of black cars waiting on the tarmac, along with what looked like a small army of officials and security personnel.
“Showtime,” she murmured, more to herself than to him.
“Remember,” Alexei said as the plane taxied to a stop, “no matter what happens, no matter what my father says or does, you belong here. With me.”
She wanted to believe him. God, how she wanted to believe him. But as the engines wound down and she saw the land crew approaching the plane through the window, all she could think was that she was about to step into a world where one wrong move could destroy everything.
The first thing that struck Keira as she stepped off the plane was the sheer formality of it all. A red carpet had been rolled out across the tarmac, flanked by men in military dress uniforms standing at rigid attention. The late afternoon sun caught the gold braiding on their jackets, making them gleam like something from a movie set. Was this how Alexei was received every time he came home. It seemed a little over the top to her.
Alexei descended first, his posture shifting subtly as his feet touched Wystovian soil. The casual man from the plane vanished, replaced by a prince returning home. He turned back to offer her his hand, and Keira forced herself to take it despite her sweating palms.
“Breathe,” he murmured as she joined him on the tarmac. He read her so easily, and that worried the shit out of her. Did he know
she loved him?
“I’m breathing,” she whispered back, though her voice sounded tight even to her own ears.
Mitchell appeared beside them, his expression even more professional than usual. “Your Highness, I have just been informed, His Majesty is waiting in his vehicle.”
Shit, she hadn’t expected him to meet them off the plane. She thought she had time and now time had just run out.
Keira’s eyes went to the impressive motorcade lined up beyond the honor guard. Black Mercedes sedans with darkly tinted windows, each one identical. She couldn’t tell which one held the King of Wystovia, and something told her that was intentional.
As they walked toward the cars, Keira became acutely aware of being watched. Not just by the military personnel, but by the small group of palace officials clustered near the vehicles. Their faces were neutral, but she could feel their assessment like a weight on
her shoulders.
“Miss Warner,” Mitchell said quietly as they approached the motorcade, “the King has requested that you ride separately for the journey to the palace.”
Keira’s step faltered. “Separately?”
Alexei’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “That isn’t acceptable-”
“His Majesty’s orders, Your Highness,” Mitchell interrupted smoothly. “Miss Warner will ride with myself and the security detail. It’s protocol for… non family members.”
“It’s fine,” Keira said quickly, though her voice came out smaller than she intended. “I understand.” Maybe this was a test.
“Keira-” Alexei started, but she was already stepping back.
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“Really, it’s okay. I should probably get used to protocol, right?” She managed what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’ll see your at the palace.”
She watched as Alexei was escorted to the second car in the motorcade, his reluctance obvious in the set of his shoulders. He got inside and the door closed behind him.
“Miss Warner?” Mitchell gestured toward a car near the back of the line. “If you please.”
The interior of the Mercedes was luxurious but felt more like a mobile office than a royal transport. Mitchell settled across from her while one of the security personnel took the front seat next to the driver. As the motorcade began to move, Keira found herself staring out the tinted windows at her first real glimpse of Wystovia.
The countryside was breathtaking. Hills covered in vineyards gave way to dense forests, stone bridges spanning rivers. Villages clustered around church spires, their red–tiled roofs and narrow streets looking like something from a tourism brochure.
“What do you think of Wystovia so far, Miss Warner?” Mitchell asked, following her gaze.
“Picturesque.” She forced herself to look away from the window. “It’s beautiful.”
“His Majesty is quite proud of our preservation efforts. Many of these villages have remained unchanged for centuries.”
Something in his tone made her glance at him more carefully. Was this casual conversation, or was she being tested already?
“That must be challenging,” she said carefully. “Balancing tradition with modern needs.”
Mitchell’s expression didn’t change, but she caught the slight nod. “Indeed. It requires… delicate handling. An understanding of how to respect the past while embracing necessary change. Because Wystovia must not fall behind the rest of the world.”
Definitely a test. Keira kept her voice steady. “Change is inevitable. The key is making sure it serves the people rather than destroying what they value.”
“An interesting perspective.” Was Mitchell here to test her as well? If he was, she wished she had known that before she and Alexei had their little moment on the plane. How embarrassing if the king found out.
They rode in silence for several minutes after that, the countryside gradually giving way to suburbs and then to the outskirts of a city that looked like a perfect blend of old and new. Ancient buildings stood alongside modern offices, connected by tree–lined
streets.
“That’s the capital,” Mitchell said as they entered the city. “Population just over half a million.”
The streets were busy but not chaotic, filled with people walking, cycling, or riding in trams that looked vintage. Keira found herself watching the faces they passed, wondering what these people thought of their royal family, whether they even cared about the scandals and headlines that dominated American tabloids. Would they think she was a shameless hussy? Who had trapped the beloved prince or rogue prince as some in the press called him. Let’s not forget the playboy prince. She knew he hated that title.
The palace appeared gradually as they wound through the city center, its towers and spires rising above the other buildings like something from a fairy tale. As they drew closer, Keira’s breath caught. It wasn’t just beautiful… it was massive. Ancient stone walls stretched for what looked like city blocks/with elaborate gates and towers that spoke of centuries of tradition.
“The Palace,” Mitchell said unnecessarily. “Home to the royal family for over six hundred years.” Keira hated to think about the cost of heating a place so big.
The motorcade passed through the ornate gate guarded by soldiers in dress uniforms, then continued up a tree–lined drive that seemed to go on forever. Perfectly manicured gardens stretched in all directions, dotted with fountains and sculptures.
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When they finally stopped in front of the main entrance, Keira felt completely overwhelmed. The facade was intimidating in its elegance, three stories of weathered stone, enormous windows, and architectural details. She half–expected trumpets to announce
their arrival.
Mitchell got out first, then held the door for her. “Miss Warner, welcome to the Royal Palace.”
She stepped out onto gravel that had probably been perfectly raked that morning, looking up at the imposing entrance. Staff members waited at precise intervals along the steps, their faces blank.
Alexei was already out of his car, speaking quietly with a man in an expensive suit. Keira had seen a picture of the king and that wasn’t him. When Alexei saw her, he broke away from the conversation and approached.
“How was the drive?” he asked, though his eyes were scanning her face for signs of distress. She took note that he hadn’t been happy about her being put in a separate car to him. But she needed to show everyone she didn’t need Alexei as a crutch. She could and would stand on her own when needed.
“Educational,” she replied, aware that they were being watched by dozens of people. “Your country is beautiful.”
“Thank you.” His formality felt strange after the intimacy they’d shared on the plane, but she understood they were on display now. “My father is waiting.”
Of course he was. The King hadn’t waited for them and had gone inside.
They walked up the palace steps together, Keira very conscious of her simple blue dress. The massive wooden doors were already open, revealing an entrance hall that belonged in a museum. Marble floors, painted ceilings, portraits of long–dead royals staring down with expressions that ranged from blank to stern. It was all very intimidating.
“This way, please,” said the man that had been talking to Alexei before. His English was accented but perfect.
They were led through a series of corridors that showcased the palace’s incredible wealth and history. Tapestries that were probably priceless, and furniture that belonged in a museum. Keira felt like she was walking through a very exclusive museum. Was Buckingham Palace like this, she wondered.
Finally, they stopped outside a set of double doors guarded by two men who were in uniform. The official with them knocked once, waited for permission, then opened the doors.
“His Majesty will see you now.”
Keira’s heart hammered against her ribs as she followed Alexei into what was clearly the king’s private study. The room was smaller than she’d expected, but no less impressive: floor–to–ceiling bookshelves, a massive desk, and windows that offered an excellent view of the palace gardens.
And behind the desk, rising to greet them, was King Theodore of Wystovia.
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