In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 289

Alexei turned to her, his expression apologetic. "I'll find you after I speak with my father."

"Don't worry about me. I'm getting used to royal hospitality." Keira's voice carried just enough edge to convey her feelings.

The King opened the door and gestured for her to exit. "Miss Warner."

Keira stepped into the hallway outside the King's study, her pulse still racing. A young woman maybe two or three years older than her was waiting near the doors a few feet from the guards.

She had dark hair swept into an elegant chignon and wore a cream-colored dress. She was gorgeous, with her olive skin, dark eyes, and equally dark long lashes, which really showcased her heritage.

"Miss Warner?" The woman stepped forward. "I'm Lady Maria, Prince Alexei's second cousin. His Majesty asked me to show you to your rooms after your audience."

"Thank you." Keira forced a smile, though she felt like she'd just survived a diplomatic interrogation. Which, she supposed, she had.

Maria began walking down the corridor, her heels clicking against the marble floors. "I trust your meeting with His Majesty went well?"

There was something in her tone that made Keira glance at her more carefully. The question seemed innocent enough, but the way Maria's eyes assessed her suggested otherwise… maybe she was being oversensitive.

"As well as can be expected when meeting a king for the first time," Keira replied diplomatically.

"Indeed." Maria's smile never wavered as they passed beneath portraits of past royals. "You must be exhausted after such a... dramatic few days. The kidnapping, the media attention. Now a sudden engagement if your meeting with the king went well."

The way she said 'sudden' made Keira's spine stiffen slightly. "It's been a whirlwind, yes."

They climbed a grand staircase, the banister polished to a mirror shine. Keira found herself wondering how many staff it took to maintain a place this size; how many people lived their entire lives ensuring every surface gleamed and not a speck of dust could be seen.

"The east wing is quite lovely," Maria continued conversationally. "Very private. Perfect for someone who... values discretion."

Another loaded comment. Keira was beginning to sense a pattern.

To Keira, it sounded like a job… and she had managed just fine having one before. Alexei had never been 9 to 5.

They stopped before an ornate door. "Here we are. Your suite." She opened the door and gestured for Keira to enter first. "I do hope you'll be comfortable."

The suite was stunning, a sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the palace gardens, and through an archway, a bedroom with a four-poster bed that could have slept six people.

"It's beautiful," Keira said, and meant it.

"I'm so glad you approve." Maria moved to adjust some flowers in a crystal vase. "You know, it's quite fascinating how life can change so dramatically in such a short time. Just days ago, you were Prince Alexei's assistant, and now..."

She trailed off with a delicate shrug, but there was something that just pissed Keira off.

Keira's patience finally snapped. "What is your problem?"