Alexei watched her curiously, careful not to move, not wanting to break the spell that had befallen them both. Regretably, Pavel knew more about the woman that would be his wife than he did. But given her behaviour this day, she was clearly shy...demure, she had a regal nature that would serve the Romanovs well. And the forwardness that Ingrid was showing now, he suspected that she had not ever shown it before. And he wanted to encourage this bold streak.<br/><br/>"You'll learn that being a Romanov is a full time job," he replied softly, unable to explain how true that statement was. He had spent hours on top of hours going over servant records, investigating visiting diplomats, and keeping an eye on the power hungry Russian ones, in the name of protecting one man. He would never regret the sleepless nights, because his cousin was safe. And would remain so till Alexei drew his last breath.<br/><br/>Pavel broke off the kiss, forcing himself to take deep breaths as he pressed his forehead against hers. Had Ingrid not been here, he would be bending his wife over the chaise lounge and feeding this hunger in both of them. But she was, and he did not want to frighten their shy new arrival. He was about to turn to face her and Alexei again, but stopped when he realized that he had a small problem. Well, not small, a rather sizable rigid problem.<br/><br/>"This is your fault," he grumbled playfully, a blush coloring his cheeks. Turning Liz, he drew her back against his front to cover his severe erection, shifting them both so that they were facing the other couple. It seemed as if while they were otherwise...occupied, things had gotten more interesting between Alexei and Ingrid. And that thought pleased him. Wrapping his arms around Liz to hold her in place, he winced slightly at the Princess' innocent question.<br/><br/>"I'm afraid that is my fault, my dear," Pavel admitted, casting an apologetic glance at the other couple from over Liz's shoulder. "My kinsman has been a confirmed bachelor for far too long. I wasn't sure how he would react to the news of this arrangement. So I didn't tell him about you until you were due to arrive at our docks." he admitted, not wanting her to fault Alexei for his cowardice.