In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 300

Keira stood under the scalding spray of the shower after Alexei left and she had cleaned up the room, she realized she needed to get a move on, letting the water wash away the lingering scent of sex and tiredness from her brain. Steam filled the bathroom as she tried to process everything that had happened in the span of a few hours.

Heir to the throne. Potential mother of future royalty. A life where her children might never have the freedom to choose their own paths. What was she doing?

She pressed her palms against the marble shower wall, water cascading down her back. When she'd agreed to come to Wystovia, she'd thought the worst thing would be learning proper etiquette and dealing with media scrutiny. The succession issue changed everything.

After a while she reluctantly stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. Through the bathroom door, she could hear movement in the other room.

"Miss Warner?" A voice called. "I have your dress for this evening."

Keira cracked open the door to find a young woman holding a garment bag. Not Maria, thank God.

"Thank you…?" Keira said

"Elena, miss. I'm to help you prepare for dinner with the royal family." The woman's English was accented but clear, her manner warm. "Prince Alexei requested I assist you."

Of course he had. Keira was beginning to understand that in this world, every detail was managed, every appearance carefully orchestrated.

"That's very kind, but I can manage—"

"If I may, miss," Elena interrupted gently, "Prince Alexei was quite specific about ensuring you felt prepared."

Keira's could see the kindness in the woman's eyes. After Maria's passive-aggressive welcome and the king's interrogation, this felt like a gift.

"Alright," she conceded. "What do I need to know?"

Elena smiled, hanging the garment bag on the wardrobe door. "First, let's see about your hair. And I'll explain the dinner protocol while we work."

An hour later, Keira barely recognized herself in the mirror. The dress was a deep emerald silk that somehow made her eyes look even bluer. Elena had arranged her hair in an elegant updo that showed off her neck. Diamond earrings Alexei had sent completed the look.

"You look beautiful, miss," Elena said, stepping back to admire her work.

"I look like someone pretending to be a princess," Keira muttered.

Elena's expression softened. "If I may... you look like someone who belongs here."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Elena moved to answer it, and Keira heard Alexei's voice in the hallway.

"Is she ready?"

"Long story. But she understands what it's like to be an outsider marrying into this family." His expression grew serious. "She can help you navigate things I can't."

They walked through the palace corridors, passing staff who bowed respectfully as they went. Keira was still getting used to that, the automatic deference to Alexei's rank.

"About earlier," she said quietly as they approached the private dining room. "The succession thing. I'm sorry that I lost my temper and said some things."

"After dinner," he agreed. "When we have privacy we can talk more, but I have to say your little hissy fits always make me hard."

She playfully slapped him.

They paused outside a set of double doors. Alexei turned to face her, his hands settling on her shoulders.

"Whatever my brother says, whatever questions they ask, just be yourself. That's all I need from you. Be yourself."

"Even if myself isn't royal material?"

"Especially then." He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead.

The doors opened, revealing a dining room that was somehow both grand and intimate. A long table set for six, crystal and silver gleaming in candlelight. Two people rose as they entered.