"The Czarina and I appreciate the sentiment," Pavel nodded. His gut was telling him that they could trust the girl. "But your first loyalty should always be to your husband," he smiled at his kinsman. "Especially in this regard," he knew that Alexei came off like an ogre, but his heart was more pure than people realized. And he had a noble streak that was unmatched in Russia. He wanted Ingrid to realize though, that a wife's first duty should always be to her husband. His own wife was no different. It would be excruciating for her to have to choose, should that dreadful day ever occur. But he knew in his heart, she would choose him. "Besides, devoting yourself to being a good wife to my kinsman is everything the Czarina and myself want right now," he smiled, warmly, infinately pleased when she turned to bow her head toward Alexei.<br/><br/>Alexei Romanov was surprised when Pavel corrected Ingrid, especially with the way he worded it. He knew his cousin was brilliant, a master with words and diplomacy. He didn't say anything he didn't mean. But the Czar was the most important person in Russia, a man he would give his life for. Why would he tell her to serve a soldier first?<br/><br/>When Ingrid turned to face him, he looked at her beautiful face, his own look showing his confusion. He was about to return her bow when she gasped hard and cried out. His soldier's instincts springing to action, he lurched forward, and caught her before she impacted the ground, her face hovering a few inches above his boots. Gingerly, he righted her on her feet, his own countenance registering what this meant. "You are hurt, lady," he managed, not realizing there was a gentleness in his voice for a split second before his temper took over. "That man that hit you....I'll have him strung up," he growled, still supporting her weight as he guided her over to the chaise lounge. Setting her down with more care than a soldier should be capable of, he delicately cradled her head, lifting her eyes to meet his. "Are you all right?" he asked, his fingers still resting against her fair skin.