Pavel smirked as he felt Liz's breath wash over his neck. His wife was clearly in the mood to put on a show. And given what these traitorous fools had tried to do to her, he just didn't have it in his heart to deny her. Stuffed shirts and peacocks indeed.<br/><br/>"Yes, and isn't it such a shame that I couldn't care less how upset they are?" he asked, looking around the room, making certain he met the gaze of everyone he knew had conspired against his wife and family. He wanted them aware that he knew of their treachery, and he would deal with them at a later time. No one messed with his family and lived to tell the tale. For now, he would play the chess game, getting at least ten moved ahead of them...then he would destroy the board before they can leave, or try and forfeit like the cowards they were. He nearly rolled his eyes as Olga approached, really not in the mood to deal with her on top of everything else. But he realized, almost belatedly, that compared to the others, she was almost a welcome sight. Oh sure, she was a viper, and power hungry....but she was an evil they knew and understood. And because of the 'devil you know' aspect of their cousin, she made for a nice change of pace.<br/><br/>"Olga," he acknowledged her presence, returning the favor of intentionally not using her title. He watched her trade barbs with his wife, intentionally letting Liz handle things. If his foolish cousin wanted to give Liz the fight she so desired tonight, then it would be her funeral. He nodded his head toward the door when he saw Alexei and Ingrid enter the hall, snorting when everyone practically stopped.<br/><br/>"Well, my love, it looks like you were right, they *were* getting to know each other better," He chuckled talking in the young Princess' flushed, slightly tousled appearance. "Good for them," he laughed softly, leading Liz away from the crowds toward their table. He remained standing until Alexei and Ingrid joined them, both Romanov men holding the chairs out for their ladies. Finally taking his seat, his blue eyes met Liz's, lit with a great deal of amusement. He knew both he and his wife prayed that the younger couple's joining was as loving as their own. And it looked as if they were off to a good start.<br/><br/>