She'd seen photos of the King, of course, but nothing had prepared her for the man's presence. He was as tall as Alexei, with silver-streaked dark hair and the same sharp jawline his son had inherited. But where Alexei's eyes held warmth and sometimes mischief, the King's were calculating and cool as they swept over her.

"Father," Alexei said, stepping forward. "May I present Keira Warner."

Keira remembered her briefing… wait for him to extend his hand, address him properly, don’t speak ...