Alexei nodded as Pavel and Liz passed, leading his fiance to follow them. He was proud of Princess Ingrid, she was holding up admirably under the harsh stares he knew were being directed at her. She was a bright woman, she knew it as well. Pulling her chair out for her, he waited until the ladies were seated before he and Pavel sat down, almost in synch. His body instantly tightened when he sensed an ominous presence.<br/><br/>"Lord Romanov, it is good of you to join us," Lord Brogin took it on himself to approach. He was talking to Alexei, but it was clear that the fat slob only had eyes for the newest addition to their family. He looked the young Princess up and down as if he were salivating over his last meal.<br/><br/>"I would avert your gaze if I were you, before I am forced to remove your eyes," Alexei growled warningly, his fist clenching under the table. He knew he had a dagger tucked in his boot, and could easily follow through.<br/><br/>Pavel, sensing that things could go downhill fast, decided to intervene. But there wasn't a chance in hell he would allow Brogin to think he was on his side.<br/><br/>"And how is your daughter, Lord Brogin," Pavel smirked when the man shot him a glare. Inwardly, the Czar cheered when he saw his cousin smile slyly, and sit back in his chair, all traces of anger gone from him.<br/><br/>"Yes, Lord Brogin, please do give her my regards....and pass on my fondness to your lovely wife," This time it was not a Romanov that growled, it was the man that had come to antagonize them. When Brogin stormed off in a huff, Alexei shot Pavel a greatful look. "Thank you, Czar, as always, cooler heads prevailed." He nodded, acknowledging his thanks.