Hours later, after the reception and formal photos were at an end, Keira and Alexei finally escaped to the royal suite that would now be theirs. The palace staff had transformed it for their wedding night, filling the rooms with candles and flowers. Keira was sure Elena had made sure it was perfect.

Keira kicked off her heels with a sigh of relief. "Remind me to burn them tomorrow so I'm never tempted to wear the torture devices again."

Alexei laughed, removing his formal jacket and loosening ...