How to rule a king

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AN: For once I managed to update on time, although I apologize for this chapter not being edited. So you might spot mistakes. Please feel free to point them out. Also I really appreciate all of your comments so much, they really are what keeps me going. Anyways, here's a little bit of heartbreak for you guys.

Ronja:

Piotr's hand moving on top of mine brought me back to the present, having me standing on the balcony of one of the luxury penthouses my husband owned in New York City. Alexei claimed it to be a secure way of investing his money. Yet I knew his hardly legal deals were the real reason behind his ownership of buildings like this, as he refused to have his business partners meet him in our apartment at the den or even on the floating fortress named after a luxury cruiser sunk many years ago. He deemed it to be too risky. I no longer was surprised by Alexei's paranoia when it came to doing business or even meeting anyone that wasn't in his inner circle, yet having him purchase ten different apartments in Manhattan alone so enemies could never predict which one he would seal his next deal in, had even shocked me. Then again, I had to give him some credit. This one offered a fantastic view of New York's skyline. Letting out a silent sigh, I tore my eyes off the beautiful view displayed in front of me as I shook my head to answer Piotr's question before walking inside the apartment to greet my guests. It was time to make some money.

"You should tell him soon. The boss doesn't take secrets lighthearted."

Without turning my head to the man now walking beside me for my protection, I nodded again, agreeing to his warning. I already knew Alexei wouldn't take it too kindly to find out what I had been hiding from him, but I wasn't ready to let him in on my secret just yet. I wanted to at least have raised enough money to kick start the project myself before I would allow my husband to lock me away for months in order to "protect" me. As this would certainly be his first reaction to my pregnancy. Of course, I knew being pregnant with the child of one of the world's most feared criminals made me a number one target on my husband's many enemies hit lists, still I believed him to overreact sometimes. For example, when it came to locking me up in a safehouse somewhere in the icy wastelands of Siberia until I birthed him yet another heir. Then again, considering the shit Alexei had been through, his reaction was only human. Locking me up was probably his way to show me how much he cared for my safety. How desperately he wished for me and our children to be save. Yet, although seeing the clear act of love and care behind most of his actions, I still couldn't come to terms with being held prisoner for the next few months, even if it was for my own safety. Then again, maybe he would agree to a deal, to meeting me somewhere in the middle, like staying inside the den or on board of the TITANIC PART II. For the following few months. Not that I wouldn't be bored out of my mind there, but at least I would be capable of working on the project with Piotr in the meantime to keep my mind occupied. Also, Vasyli wouldn't be forced to choose between staying with his father, who was never home yet his biggest hero, and his mother, who'd soon be suffering major mood swings due to pregnancy hormones as she constantly stuffed her face with chocolate with all kinds of weird combinations. Oh, and let's not forget about the fact that it was my husband's own restlessness which put us in this particular position. So he might as well serve as my pillow, draw me hot baths, massage my feet, cook for me at two in the morning as well as be the outlet for my mood swings. After all, it was him who wished to see me getting round with our child. So, he might as well be ready to make some sacrifices for me. Shifting uncomfortably in my heels, I swore to myself to tell him as soon as he returned from his "meeting" with the Arabs, so he could start massaging my feet rather sooner than later.

Inside the apartment an older woman, probably nearing sixty, was the first one to greet me as her soft, tanned hands took hold of one of my pale ones before complementing me on the dress I had chosen to wear this very evening. A dress which was indeed worth many complements as its light blue silk flowed around my legs with a front stopping inches before hitting the floor so I could show off the pair of silvery glittering heels with red soles I had only worn once before. On my wedding day. My back was left free, allowing me to show off the creamy skin my husband loved to leave his marks on, while the pinafore dress gently hugged my backside before spilling out as a beautiful train behind me. The heart-shaped neckline of the dress was adorned with multiple little diamonds, leaving my shoulders and arms bare beside the tiny, pale blue silk sleeves resting on my upper arms as well as the pair of light blue gloves I chose to wear. I had decided to leave my hair open, relinquishing any fancy updos as the hairdresser had simply put a few diamond pins in my flaming curls, allowing them to contrast my skin and dress as they spilled down my back. Getting ready before, I hadn't been able to stop myself from thinking how much Alexei would have enjoyed the view of me right now. He always seemed to be fond of my hair, especially when it came to seeing it contrast my pale skin.