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"What? Of course not!" I couldn&039;t help blushing "Why would he do such a thing?"

She looked disappointed She leaned closer, whispering so Princess Alix could not hear "With limpses of the future," she said "And I see you and et rid of that black-hearted prince Danilo and run aith him instead"

If only he had If only I could have told hirand duke that I was coain It was not safe to have such fantasies about the grand duke Not for him or for me

I shook my head

"Is that what this was all about?" Princess Alix asked, looking shocked

Her hearing was extraordinarily acute "You alking in the woods with the grand duke?"

"I went for a walk for the fresh air The grand duke must have decided he needed fresh air as well, for he came upon me after I slipped on the wet eentleentlelanced at the grand duchess and princess, silently pleading with therand duke "I do hope you are speaking about loved hand and pressed it to his lips I squirmed with revulsion

"Of course, Danilo" I slipped rasp "Do we have tiin the cotil ion That is why I caarand duchess Xenia said, stepping on Princess Alix&039;s foot before she could say anything George&039;s sister looked at e dark eyes But she would help rand duchess over every night to play cards with you e are married" Which of course was not true, since the heir of Montenegro and his bride would have to reside in his horand duchess ever again Danilo placed my arm in his with a possessive smile

"This way, my love"

I knew Grand Duchess Xenia was shocked, and probably more than a little peeved that I would choose the crown prince over her brother If only she knew that I preferred to keep the grand duke alive and safe, she would understand Perhaps one day the grand duke would understand as well

That was the last large ball before Lent There would be no more dances or operas or ball ets for the season, and in a way I was relieved I hated parading around on the crown prince&039;s arrand duke Hoished it were his hand on my waist