26 Forever a Grandduchess!

I gave him a hard slap on his right cheek.

" How dare you to disrespect me like that!" I yelled. He went red and immediately apologised and ran away.

The truth was, I wasn't really angry.. He just couldn't control hisself because he was starting to fall madly and deeply in love with me. I was teasing him for a long time just like my mother used to tell me that men are visual creatures and they wanted a damsel in distress to show their power and reliability.

I didn't see him for several days and I was starting to wonder if I became to harsh to him.. I mustn't let him disappear.. I need him.. his connections, his influences.. his money..

One day at breakfast, Alexei waved at someone across our table. I asked him what was that all about since I couldn't see the corner in my direction.

" It's our friend Karl with a pretty lady friend." He gushed..

I had to admit that I was a bit stunned but I didn't want my brother nor anyone to notice it.

" Is she prettier than me? You have to tell me the truth but don't be too obvious that you are looking at them." I asked.

" You are both pretty but she's a bit taller. " He replied. I also asked him if they seemed too close and familiar with each other.

My brother started to tease me about being jealous. I told him to stop and to never mention to anybody especially Karl about my questions and inquiries.

I should have known.. being a man of the world.. he was well equipped and experienced to get any lady he set his eyes to.. But I wouldn't let myself fall into his traps.. I wasn't just another woman.. I was and still is The Imperial Highness Maria Romanov, Grandduchess of all Russia, daughter and grand daughter of a Tsar, sister of the new Tsar, a great graand daughter of the late Queen Victoria and a niece of two monarchs, George V and Wilhelm II.

But how would I win him back?