Page 215 of Snowbound Surrender

“A good friend attempted to knock some sense into me,” he murmured, “but I realised I could consider myself an impressive Czar all I wanted, but that meant nothing if I did not have compassion for those I truly loved.”

With his final word, Annika looked down at her hand which was being held in his. She did not speak, but she did not pull her hand away.

“I treated you with no compassion and that was wrong – as not just a czar, but a human being,” Maxim said urgently. “You make me feel alive, in a way I had not done since losing my family.”

“You made me feel the same,” she whispered, her eyes lifting to his. “But I can’t be hurt like that again.”

“It hurt because this means something, because it’s something valuable we must not lose,” he said fiercely. “Annika, everything in my life has changed now. My priorities were…I mean…everything I thought was important just pales in comparison when I look at you, and…”

Maxim’s voice trailed away. It was not possible to put into words what he had risked when he had pushed her away. Had he utterly lost it? Was there no way back?

Annika frowned. “We met but a week ago. How can you be sure that these – these feelings, are real?”

That, at least was a question he could answer. “I just know. I love you, Annika. I love you.”

His free hand moved to the pocket of his coat and pulled out the gift he had considered throwing in the Thames yesterday. Her eyes widened as she saw the small box move towards her.

“One last gift,” he whispered.

Almost seemingly against her will, Annika reached out for the box and opened it, gasping as the candlelight sparkled in the exquisite diamond ring.

“That was my great-grandmother’s ring,” Maxim breathed. “It was her daughter’s, and her daughters, and one day, I would like it to be your daughter’s. Our daughter’s, if you will permit me the greatest privilege of being part of Meredith’s life…and yours.”

Not taking his eyes from her, he lowered himself onto bended knee. There were murmurs around the room, and he could distinctly hear Lady Romeril’s voice near the back.

“Proposing? I thought they were engaged?”

“All secrets are out now,” he said quietly. “Let us make this a Christmas we never forget.”

He had expected – well, hoped – that Annika would smile, accept him, and perhaps even give him a kiss. At the very least, he had thought she would smile.

But she hesitated.

“What are you nervous about?”

Annika reached out and touched his hand, and whispered, “Any more secrets?”

No matter what her words said, he could feel the warmth in her fingers, could see the way she leaned towards him.

A smile crept over his face. “Many, but none that really matter. The rest are just detail. You?”

Annika smiled and spoke so softly that only he could hear. “The father of Meredith is a Kaiser.”

Maxim froze.

Her laugh seemed to resound around the room. “You will have to become accustomed to my sense of humour when we are married, you know.”

She pulled him up to his feet, and then pulled his face towards hers. Maxim kissed her passionately, pouring all the frustrations of the last twenty four hours onto her lips. When they finally broke apart, there were astonished gasps around the room. Maxim glanced over at Sir Thomas, who was smiling broadly.

“Well, no time like the present,” Maxim said lightly. “Father Michail?”

Father Michail stepped forward, rather out of breath. “I came as soon as I received your note, Czar, but – ”

Annika was laughing as Maxim pushed the ring onto her finger. “You came prepared! How on earth could you possibly know that I would say yes?”

Maxim entwined his fingers in hers as Meredith came running over, her eyes shining. “Every Czar needs a Czarina by his side.”

EPILOGUE