She was here too?

"Sure I will go. It's not right of me to not go". Alexia concurred. It was her in laws that were organizing the banquet after all and who didn't want to impress their in laws?

"Are you sure?" Ivan asked to be sure. Alexia was a stubborn, opinionated woman after all.

"Hmm...I am sure. I am as healthy as a bull. Can't you see?" she wriggled out of his arms, throwing her arms around as if she was throwing a punch which looked so cute in Ivan's eyes.

He pulled her back into his arms as he stared her lips with desire evident in his eyes "I wanted to do this so badly" he stated as he pushed Alexia up against the wall claiming her lips in a fervent kiss. He sucked her lower lips as she opened her mouth and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue in as he explored every corner of her mouth with his tongue. The kiss was a long one and it ended after some time with both of them resting their foreheads against each other.

Alexia regulated her breathing as she looked up and studied the face of the man before her. There was something about him that attracted her and pulled her into a never ending dizzying spell. He clouded her thoughts, made her miss him when he was not around and made her smile when he was around.

"Let's go and rest a little. I am sure you are tired". Alexia said as she guided Ivan to the bed. As they both lay on the bed, Alexia suddenly asked "When is the banquet though?" she wanted to know so she could prepare well.

"In two days time". Ivan said as he closed his eyes. He just realized how tired he was now.

"Okay". Alexia said but there was no reply. She looked up to see Ivan fast asleep and smiled before she closed her eyes.

....

Two days passed by in a flash and it was time for the banquet. Alexia entered the carriage with Ivan's help. The carriage was different from the previous ones she had seen before. This one was a mix of gold and blue.

'Perks of being rich' she rolled her eyes at the thought. Her body instinctively jolted the moment she heard Ivan's voice.

"What are you thinking about?" his deep and mesmerizing voice sounded just above her head.

"Nothing". she lied as she faced her head towards the window. The cool breeze entering through the window made her suddenly sleep off.

Ivan glanced Alexia who had her head bobbing with every shake of the carriage. He put her head on his shoulder as he faced his front like he did nothing.

"Alexia, we are here". Ivan said as he shook her lightly in a bid to wake her up. He looked at the palace up front and realized not much has changed. But not a lot can change within a month and a half's time anyways.

Alexia felt someone tap her and she remembered where she was. Her eyelashes fluttered open as she gazed around the place. It was kind of the first time she was seeing Eritrea since her marriage. The only time she had come here was when she forced her dad to take her with him for one of his many royal meetings and a lot had changed from that time. The walls looked as if they were shining and glistening and she just couldn't explain the rest.

She watched as Ivan got down from the carriage and stretched his hand out indicating for her to put her hand in his. She did what he wanted and they walked to the main entrance of the palace only to see the king and queen waiting for them.

'Isn't this meant to be the other way round? Gosh, I feel embarrassed' she thought as she stopped right in front of the couple to give a bow.

"Your majesties". She curtsied earning a point from her mother-in-law who had chosen her with her own two hands. Sigh, royal marriages were complicated.

" Alexia, I hope my son is treating you well ". The queen said as she gave her daughter-in-law a hug.

"Yes, your majesty". she said awkwardly not knowing how to react to the sudden hug. They were still at the entrance of the palace for goodness sake.

"Your majesty?" the queen raised a brow at comment "Why aren't you calling me mom?" she asked softly.

"Your ma...Mom". Alexia said in the most awkward tone ever. Goodness, she didn't want to be doing this right now. Embarrassed was not enough to explain how she felt now.

The king noticing his daughter-in-law's discomfort smiled at her comfortingly " Wife, let's go inside". he winked at Alexia as he passed her by.

Alexia got what he did and muttered "Thank you your maj.....father". she was confused at what to call him. She felt someone hold her hand as she turned to see Ivan smiling at her. They walked behind the king and queen through the hallways and somehow the king had managed to capture the queen's attention.

"Nervous, huh?" he stated the obvious making her roll her eyes. He was obviously teasing her.

"You find fun in teasing me, don't you?". she asked dryly not enjoying the teasing one bit. She was going to be with her in-laws for goodness knows how many days and she was scared she would fumble at something.

Ivan gave her a reassuring smile as he said "Don't worry. You are a fun, loving and caring person and my parents surely know that. Why do you think they chose you for me? Cause you have no potential, obviously no". he started listing out all the good things causing Alexia to smile.

They were brought out of their world when the queen announced "We are here". They looked at the door of the room they stopped at and greeted the king and queen giving them a silent cue to leave. Well, it was Ivan who did it anyway.

They were about entering when Alexia sighted a figure that looked too familiar to her coming towards them. She was here too? Oh no, she suddenly wanted to go back to Medrian. Why was life like this? She should have known she would be here because she was also a princess but still....why was she here? Her gaze hardened at the thought of this woman doing something stupid right now.

A/N: Hey guys. I am gonna pause this book for some time. I need some motivation to continue it so I need to find one. For now, read my other story Working For A Cold CEO. First chapter is coming out soon. Thanks for the love and support.