Vlad had never seen something so funny. She looked like a little pirate! She stood prepared to fight
him it seemed, but Vlad could barely hold himself upright he was laughing so hard. He slapped the
wall in his mirth and she watched him like he was a madman.
She looked so adorable in his clothes! He should take the fact that she had a poker and two knives
seriously, but he just couldnt. He held his stomach and laughed till he cried tears of joy.
Stop laughing! She hissed at him but held up his hand as he tried to subdue his laughter. He couldnt
remember when he last laughed so much. His body felt like it was in pain from laughing.
Youre not touching me, ever again. She said menacingly and still he laughed She grew tired of his
antics and screeched charging at him with the poker. She swung it widely in the general direction of
his head and a thought occurred that maybe trying to kill him to protect her precious virginity, but it
wasnt that thought that sobered him up. It was the fact that given the way she had kissed him in the
ballroom he knew if he wanted it, he wouldnt need force.
He wrestled the poker from her and she pulled out the knives. He couldnt resist saying, Youre
holding them wrong.
She paused to looked down at her hands and he just rolled his eyes. How could she be so stupid? He
quickly knocked the knives away while she was distracted. Maybe I should teach you when you come
to fight, dont take your eyes off your opponent.
She whimpered biting her those full lips of hers that drove him crazy. Her eyes search the room for
another weapon and finding none near at hand, she used what she had, herself. She ran herself into
him like a battering ram. It did him no damage and drew another smile from his lips until she collapse
to the floor and came up with a knife. He braced for another sloppy attack, but none came instead
she turn the knife to face her stomach. He stopped smiling.
What the hell are you doing? He groaned.
You lied! She accused. Youre gonna use me like those men did the Latina! I wont let you!
I did not lie! Vlad corrected. You assume! Put the knife down Azura!
Then why am I in this room?
Where else will the bride be? There are guests staying here for the next three days. Youll have to
sleep herewell not here, heretheres a connecting room. He pointed to the door I didnt see open.
The door I was now noticing. He walked over and calmly pushed it open. It wasnt even locked.
Heh, heh I chuckled uneasily feeling like a fool.
Im tired Vlad stated pinching the bridge of his nose. This has been a strange and somewhat
entertaining night. Go to sleep Azura.
Goodnight. I told him uneasily as I skirted past him then slipped into the connecting room.
Once I was inside, I slammed the door shut and locked the door. I breathed a little easier as I glanced
around my new surroundings. This room was lilac and white with silver accent pieces, it was definitely
more feminine. I walked over to the closet door and found my clothes hung neatly and saw my
jewelled brushes and combs over on the vanity. This was the room I was supposed to be in, then why
did Kateya bring me next door?
To mess with me no doubt! I wonder how much power I have now as Princess, so I can get that bitch
fired! I thought as I pulled the ties of my head and waist. I took off his borrowed clothes and dressed
in my own sleepwear. I was yawning by the time I was done and barely made it to the bed before I fell
asleep.
I awoke the next morning with a heavy weight on top of me. I sleepily tried to shove it away, but it
didnt budge. Finally opening my eyes to see icy blue hovering over me I open my mouth to scream
but he covered it whispering Were about to have guests and youre wearing too much clothes. I need
you to do as I say. Understand?
I nodded vaguely confused by what was happening until he tried to lift my nightgown.
What are you doing? You gave your word!
I need you to be naked in order to keep it.
Im not that stupid, Your Highness! I hissed.
I dont have time for this. And with that declaration he ripped my nightgown in two. I started to
scream but he cut me off with a kiss then all the fight left me. I kissed him back and relaxed into the
mattress. My hands moved from pushing him away to pulling him closer until our flesh met and we
both hissed as if touched by fire.
He pulled away and his mouth open to say
Oh, it looks like Im a little early to wake the newlyweds. Yuri trilled from the doorway.
Get out! Vlad ordered from his position, which was between my legs and Yuri teased I know, I know.
Youre busy. Ill see you later then. Then left.
He turned to face me then looked down. I blushed as his eyes stared at my breasts. I put my hand over
them and he frowned, then his angry eyes shot to mine and he got off me and stormed out through
the connecting door.
I lay back, releasing a breath I didnt know I was holding. What the hell was happening to me? Why
was I getting weak kneed and stupid each time he kissed me? And more importantly, what was that
pressing on my stomach? I shook my mind free of that last thought. Something was happening
between us and I wasnt the only one it was affecting going by what I felt on my stomach. Even the
thought of him laying between my thighs brought liquid heat in my most feminine place and made
my nipples ache.
He was an abusive murderer. I reminded myself mentally dousing my mind with cold water. I took
another steading breath and got up to go and physically do the deed. Steeping out of the shower, my
mind clearer I was greeted by Kateya.
Feeling for a little joke last night Kateya? I asked her as I wrapped my hair in a towel.
She looked confused for a minute then said, What do you mean, Mistress?
Her address stunned me for a second as I forgot I was indeed the Mistress of the Romanoff Keep now.
You took me to the wrong room! I informed her.
No, I did not. She replied simply.
Yes, you did. He said so!
The confused look returned to her face again before she replied. I followed the Princes order to the
word Mistress and he said to prep you for your wedding night in his chambers.
Then whyI dont understand.
Perhaps if you recall his exact words, I might be of assistance. Kateya suggested.
He said I was sleeping in the other room, I finished internally he never mentioned there was a mix
up, I just assumed there was. Sorry Kateya, the error was not yours.
She inclined her head gracefully then began spewing forth my itinerary for the day. First order of
business, I was to make an appearance at brunch with my new husband. After I was dressed up like
Russian royalty, complete with my new emerald tiara, Kateya brought me downstairs to meet the
Prince in his office.
Well done, Kateya. He praised as he appraised my sky-blue dress, which I thought was way too
elaborate for just brunch. She looks every inch a Princess.
He offered me his arm and I lightly grabbed hold of his biceps. It felt strange to do so and I began to
see the true implication of my decision I would be in his presence regularly and have to touch him
whenever we were in public, perhaps even kiss him. And after this mornings disaster, did I even want
such intimacies with him?
He pulled out my chair like it was something he did every day, which it probably was, just not for me,
and waited for me to take my seat before walking to the other end of the massive table to take his
seat on the other end. Yuri was already here, seated to my left, as well as some of the wedding party
and others arrived to take their places. With a nod of his head the food was unveiled and after the
prince had served himself then others were allowed to do so.
Your looking especially fine this morning, Your Highness. Yuri remarked and still didnt know how to address him because I didnt know what he was. Some of the guests wore crowns and tiaras but some didnt. So, with no other choice I asked him straight.
Do you have a title?
He never told you about me! Yuri asked, feigning hurt. But then Ive known him almost my entire
life, and yet I knew nothing of you until that night.
He only said to stay away from you. I admitted.
Why do you think that is? He wants to keep the woman he loves and his best friend apart hmm?
I do not know. I had several reasons but lied as I changed the subject. He just uses your first name, . so, do you have a title?
I am a Count. Count Yuri Sirakov Kazimir Golov descendant of the great boyars. Do you know the
history of the boyars?
Yes, they are one the ancient Russian families and are usually the servants to the Czars.
We were not servants! Yuri shouted drawing attention to them.
Sorry II think I translated wrongI-I think its supposed to be loyal servants of the Czars. I did not
mean to imply I hastily corrected, knowing the Russian nobility prided themselves on their
bloodlines and hated to be associated with the servant class.
His outburst also brought the Prince out of his chair, he walked up to Yuri and ordered. If you find my
wife offended you, you can always leave Count Golov.
He was defending me. In public, against his best friend. I didnt understand the significance of this at
the time, but I realized it benefits in time to come. He had publicly cast his protection over me and let
the cream of Russian nobility know that I was to be treated as an equal. In essence, he had in that one
statement, officially declared me his.