In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 333

They arrived at the palace's private dining room, the table set for four. Amelia and Niko were still away.

Amelia had sent her some photos of the private beach and house they were staying at. She was so happy for them Amelia had sounded more relaxed in her messages.

Keira smoothed her pink dress nervously as she and Alexei waited for his father to arrive. She had a sinking feeling the other place setting was for Maria. She hadn't seen the bitch since she had turned up after Alexei had uninvited her. Keira had found out from Elena that Maria had gone home for a few days. Those few days had led to over a week, and she couldn't say she missed her.

"Stop fidgeting," Alexei murmured, his hand finding hers under the table.

"Easy for you to say," she whispered back.

Before Alexei could respond, the doors opened. King Theodore entered, followed by Maria in a stunning burgundy gown that emphasized her Mediterranean coloring.

Keira's stomach dropped. Maria. Of course. She should have known she hadn't seen the back of her. But she wasn’t going to let the harpy get under her skin tonight. She forced herself to breathe and keep her composure.

"Father." Alexei's voice carried a warning edge as he rose from his seat.

"Alexei, Keira." The King settled at the head of the table, gesturing for Maria to sit across from Keira. "I thought it would be pleasant to have Maria join us this evening. Family dinners should include family, after all."

It was the first time the King had called her by her first name. It pleased her. She smiled at him before turning to watch the other woman waiting for the first dig.

Maria's smile was perfectly polite, but her dark eyes glittered with something sharper, something well hidden. "Thank you for including me, Your Majesty. It feels so long since we were all together."

Keira forced her expression to remain neutral as the first course arrived. Braised scallops in wine sauce, normally something she'd enjoy, but her appetite had vanished the moment Maria walked through the door. She knew what was coming… she just didn't know how long Maria would wait before striking.

"Miss Warner," Maria began, her tone conversational, "I heard your visit to the children's literacy center was... eventful. Something about a child asking why Prince Alexei couldn't find a proper princess?"

She should have known it wouldn't take long. Keira's fingers tightened on her fork.

"Children say the most honest things, don't they?" Maria continued, cutting her scallop with surgical precision. "Out of the mouths of babes, as they say."

"Indeed," Keira replied evenly. "Children also repeat what adults say. Not always well-informed adults."

Maria's laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "Though I imagine it must be exhausting, constantly having to defend your position. The stress must be overwhelming for someone not raised for this life."

Alexei's jaw clenched beside her, but Keira touched his thigh lightly under the table. This was her battle.

"Actually, I find it invigorating," Keira said, taking a sip of wine. "Every challenge is an opportunity to prove people wrong. And I do so enjoy proving people wrong." But she didn't care what this woman thought.

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