In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 309

He grinned back at her. "Are you putting yourself in the same grouping?"

Keira snorted. "You wish, playboy prince… I'm your punishment for being a naughty boy."

Alexei gave her a look that said he was going to make her eat her words.

"Alexei—"

A sharp knock at the door cut through the moment. They both froze.

"Miss Warner?" Elena's voice called from the hallway. "I have your dress for this evening's state dinner."

Reality crashed back in. The engagement announcement was tonight.

"Just a moment!" Keira called back, scrambling for her robe as Alexei rolled out of bed in a fluid movement.

"The balcony," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before moving toward the French doors. "I'll see you at breakfast. Ask Elena to take you to the breakfast room once you are ready."

She watched him in shock as he slipped out onto the balcony in nothing but his boxers, wondering how he planned to get back to his room without being seen by half the palace staff. But then again, he'd probably been sneaking around this place since he was a child.

"Coming!" she called to Elena, tying her robe securely and fluffing her hair before opening the door.

Elena entered with a garment bag and her usual warm smile. "Good morning, Miss Warner. I trust you slept well?"

"Very well, thank you." If Elena noticed the very rumpled sheets or caught sight of Alexei's discarded clothes over the back of the chair, she gave no indication. "What do we have for tonight?"

Elena hung the garment bag carefully and unzipped it. "His Majesty personally selected this for the announcement."

The dress that emerged was breathtaking. Deep sapphire blue silk that would complement the pendant Alexei had given her, the dress had intricate beadwork. It was elegant, sophisticated, and undeniably pricey.

"It's beautiful," Keira breathed, running her fingers over the fabric.

"The color will bring out your eyes," Elena said with satisfaction. "And the cut is perfect for your figure. You'll look every inch a princess."

Princess. The word still felt strange even surreal. In just a few hours, she would stand beside Alexei as his father announced their engagement to diplomats and dignitaries from around the world.

Keira stared at the sapphire dress for a moment longer. Tonight, she would officially become Prince Alexei's fiancée in front of the world. Wishing her sisters could be here with her.

She showered and dressed in a simple white sundress Elena had left on the bed for her while she showered. Just light makeup then pulled her hair up into a high ponytail.

Once she was ready, they made their way through the palace corridors toward the breakfast room.

When they reached the breakfast room doors.

Keira touched her arm before she could go. "Thank you."

Elena smiled. "You're welcome." Before leaving her to enter alone.

Keira found only two people waiting: Alexei and Maria. They sat next to each other at the large round table, the tension between them was so thick Keira could feel it from the doorway. Oh, poor Maria hadn't been reading the room Alexei didn't want her. Keira would not pussyfoot around this woman. She was about to be told loud and clear.

Maria looked up as Keira entered, her dark eyes assessing. She wore a pale pink dress that emphasized her olive skin, and her hair was swept into a perfect updo. She looked every inch the polished royal lady. Shame it was only surface deep because the woman was a viper underneath.

"Good morning, Keira," Maria said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "How lovely for you to finally join us."