Liz smiled at Alexei, leaning in close as he kissed her cheek, placing her palm flat against his chest as he spoke to them both.  The relief on her face was evident when she saw that Alexi wasn't truly angry with Pavel.  She knew how much Pavel loved Alexei and knew that it would wound him deeply were Alexei to push him aside.  Her fingers curled against Alexi's chest, her gloved hand needing the contact with him for just a few more moments to reassure herself that the three of them were truly ok.<br/><br/>Warm brown eyes looked up at him, feeling a sudden surge of guilt for what was about to happen to Alexei.  "I'm sorry."  She whispered, letting her hand slide down his chest and moving her arm to tuck her hand under her husband's arm.  "I truly am Alexei, but if there was any other way....."  She let her voice trail of leaving the rest unsaid, hoping he knew that it wasn't any easier for them than it was for him.  "She is lovely you know, it's not as if you will be saddled with a homely wife.  That should make the getting of heirs a bit easier yes?"  Her smile was gentle and teasing, trying to lighten the mood ever so slightly as the made their way to the carriage.  Poor Alexei looked as if he was about to be sent in front of the firing squad.