In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 288

The question hit Keira like a physical blow and heat rushed to her face, but anger followed swiftly on its heels. She blinked, momentarily stunned by the cheek of his inquiry. How dare he.

"I beg your pardon?" she managed, her voice tight.

"It's a simple question." The King's tone remained calm, as if he were inquiring about the weather. "I need to understand the full nature of your relationship with Alexei."

Keira's spine straightened as even more anger flared through her. "Was Alexei a virgin when he met me, Your Majesty?"

The King's eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting her to turn the question back on him.

"Because if my sexual history is relevant," she continued, finding her voice, "then surely his is as well. Or is there a different standard for princes than for the women they choose?"

"Miss Warner—"

"No." Keira leaned forward, matching his posture. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, we're living in the modern world, not the dark ages. My worth as a potential partner for your son has nothing to do with my sexual history, just as his value isn't diminished by his past relationships."

The King's expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her.

"If you want to know if I'm capable of fidelity, of commitment, of standing beside Alexei through whatever challenges your family faces… then those are fair questions. But asking about my virginity? That's beneath you, and frankly, beneath the country you represent. I will not be answering your question."

A moment of tense silence followed her words. Keira's heart hammered in her chest, but she refused to back down or look away. She had gone too far to retreat now.

To her surprise, a slow smile spread across the King's face.

"Remarkable," he said quietly. "Most people would have either answered the question or lied. You did neither."

"I won't lie to you, but I don't have to answer, if I believe it's none of your business,"

"Good." He leaned back in his chair, his demeanor subtly shifting. "You're absolutely right, Miss Warner. The question was inappropriate, and deliberately so. I wanted to see how you would respond to provocation."

Keira blinked, realizing she'd been tested.

"And did I pass?" she asked, unable to keep a hint of sarcasm from her voice.

Keira felt her stomach drop.

"The people need stability. Recent events have shaken confidence in the monarchy, and a royal engagement will provide the positive news we need." The King's tone allowed no argument. "You'll have time to decide if you want to follow through with an actual wedding. Consider the engagement period a trial run."

"And if we decide we don't want to marry?" Keira asked. She needed to know.

"That's a bridge to cross later. For now, we announce your engagement tomorrow night at the state dinner," the King informed them.

Alexei's hand on her shoulder squeezed gently. "Father, perhaps we should discuss—"

"There's nothing to discuss. The decision is made." The King moved toward the door, then paused. "Alexei, I need a private word with you. Miss Warner, Alexei’s second cousin, Maria, is waiting outside to escort you to your rooms. You'll be staying in the east wing… separate accommodations, naturally."

Keira's eyebrows shot up. "Separate rooms?"

"Propriety, my dear. The palace has enough scandal to weather without adding rumors about unmarried couples sharing quarters. It may seem old-fashioned to you." The King's tone suggested this wasn't negotiable either.