Alexei knew their enemies were plentiful, and he appreciated her resolve in standing with them against the horde. But his own personality ensured that he be the protector, just as he always had been. He could admit to himself though, that part of that protection would stem from keeping Ingrid informed, and teaching her who to be wary of.<br/><br/>"The worst one, and most obvious, is Lord Brogin," Alexei explained. "It is him that has forced this marriage on us," he added, with a resigned sigh. "I'm certain that it is no secret that the Czarina has failed to produce an heir?" It was a question that he didn't need an answer to. "This man would have their marriage annuled, and Liz sent away. My kinsman loves her....to the depths of his soul, and she him. This is her home as much as it is mine, I will not see her sent from it....especially not by the likes of that swine," he growled, his voice determined. "An heir of mine was the only card Pavel was left to play. It is why I cannot fault him...or you." He gave her an awkward smile. He did not want her to think he was angry with her in this. The decision had been made without any input from either of them....so it seemed pointless to blame her.<br/><br/>He could see that she was trying to tell him something....something that she was immensely embarrassed about. He saw the blush that covered her cheeks, the stammering, the hand on her chest which drew his gaze there momentarily. Reaching forward, he delicately took her hand, the back of his fingers brushing against her breasts inadvertantly.<br/><br/>"Ingrid, are you trying to tell me that you are a virgin?" he asked, his thumb moving against the skin on the back of her hand. Of course she was. There had to be no question of the purity of the mother, so that there was no question of the purity of the heir.