"You have a choice, my boy," Nikolai said softly. "She never has to see that side of your father in you, if you don't want to show it. But," he said, slapping his thighs and getting creakily to his feet. "That's enough philosophy for now. How about you and I sneak off to the Czar's library and toast your last night as a single man?"<br/><br/>"Best get your fun in tonight, my lad," he added, elbowing Alexei's arm playfully. "How about taking that new young lady from the boat for a spin?"