Pavel entered the throne room, bracing his back against the door. His heart was racing. He knew his kinsman was not happy about this development, but he was honest when he had talked to Alexei. He needed his wife. It had been a risk to spring this surprise on such a volatile man, but Nikolai had been right...thank god. Yes, he needed his wife, but he also needed his cousin. The man he loved deeper than a brother. They were his strength, and without both of them, he would never be able to lead his country. Taking a deep breath, he lifted his head, looking into his love's brown eyes. He saw the concern for not only him, but their angry kinsman as well. Opening his arms, he wasn't surprised when she rushed forward into his embrace.<br/><br/>"We're okay," he mumbled against her hair. "He's angry now, but he understands what is expected of him, and will do it." he rubbed her back soothingly. "The carts are waiting outside with the carriage. I know there isn't a chance that you will stay behind while we go, so I had them prepare the larger carriage." He pulled his head back to smirk at his wife. She was a beautiful, formiddable woman in her own right. Besides, for Princess Ingrid's sake, he suspected it was better for his Liz to be there. The girl needed an ally who understood her predicament. "And I see you've already dressed for the occasion," he chuckled.