Ingrid watched and listened to all that passed with a face that was as smooth and pleasantly expressionless as a pond on a windless day. A royal princess learned that every blink and every breath could launch a thousand scandals or destroy a reputation. Gustav's court had not been isolated from politics, and Ingrid had been an invaluable agent to her father, charming her way through the courtiers like a skein of silk.<br/><br/>She subtly increased the pressure of her fingers on Alexei's hand after he sent the prince and Olga packing. A pity about Olga, for she had such a charming dog.<br/><br/>As the soup course was being served, Ingrid reluctantly let go of Alexei's hand. She realized she hadn't really had a chance to eat since her hurried breakfast shipboard this morning, and she was starving. It was hard to control her gusto as she ate, and soup in particular was too noisy for gusto.<br/><br/>She couldn't resist teasing the Czarina ever so gently about Olga's quip, though.<br/><br/>"Elizabeth, dear," she said in a tone that proved what a shocking mimic she was. "You really should stop spitting in your soup or you will ruin Pavel's pants."<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>After Lady Olga had flounced off with the rat terrier of a prince flouncing behind her, Yelkin decided the coast was clear to bring Angelique to introduce to the royal family.<br/><br/>With an old-world charm, he gave her his arm and brought her over to the head table. With her beside him, he felt as if he had shed 40 years with a step, and once again, he was at a dance held at the<em>dacha</em>of the head the school of medicine, and he was a young student again with his beloved Maria blushing prettily on his arm.<br/><br/>He bowed low and formal to the family.<br/><br/>"Your majesty," he said, officially addressing the czar. "May I be allowed to present Miss Angelique De Warrenne, the young lady Lord Romanov rescued from the boat this morning. I am pleased to report that she was not seriously injured and will make a full recovery, and if I may be so bold, I would hope that we can offer some assistance to the young lady in finding a place of safety and refuge where she might remain."