Grace took the only deal she could. She needed to marry the prince to save the ones she loved. She's lived...stayed in the palace, following orders (for once), I mean there was no reason to leave, Alexei had gone back to Russia without another word. After more than a year behind brick walls, and Alexei coming back, Grace has had enough. Instead of following rules, she's following her heart.

Chapter 1 Breathe Grace

Grace POV

Day 243 of being in this prison..sorry palace. And yet again, Ann decided to throw a party, well a party for my engagement…that hasn't happened yet. Tonight was planned carefully so that before midnight the attention will be drawn on Thomas and I. Thomas will then get on one knee, propose, I would say yes and then we'll spend the rest of our lives together. Great. I sighed, studying my reflection in the floor length mirror. The dress that was chosen floated elegantly down to the floor, the khaki green dress suited my pale complexion, my hair was braided into a fishtail and rested across my shoulder. The emerald and diamond necklace that I wore shimmered in the soft light. And the small diamond band across my head warned me of a life I should not have. There was a knock at the door. I glanced over my shoulder to see Thomas smiling easily, his hair was styled effortlessly, his tux fitted against him showing off his muscles. He was not the same prince that I met when I first came here, nor was he the same boy who followed me through the tunnels all the way to Iran. No, this figure standing in front of me was not a prince or a boy...he was a man. And the man I have to marry.

'You look amazing' He studied me carefully.

'Not too bad yourself' I smiled back. He chuckled lightly before his smile dropped slightly. 'I promise to make tonight bearable, even when…' He trailed off knowing that tonight changes everything for us both. I walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek.

'No matter what happens, you're still one of my best friends and I trust you' I smiled. A blush grew on his cheeks.

'Don't let Noah catch you saying that' His eyes widened and he shut his mouth. My eyes widened

'Noah's coming?' I squealed

'It was meant to be a surprise' He muttered looking down at his feet. I was too happy and full of energy that I hadn't had in ages, I wrapped my arms around him.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you' I muttered. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist.

'You're welcome'

'Well, isn't this adorable' Ann's voice caused me to freeze. Thomas sensed my discomfort and stepped away from me, stood up straight and faced his mother. 'All eyes will be on you two tonight' She winked and then left the room. I didn't realise that I was rocking until Thomas steadied me.

'Everything will be fine' He studied me carefully. I nodded.

...

The party was just as any other party held at the palace might be. The king, Ann, Thomas and I stood along the balcony just before the staircase waiting for guests to arrive. My feet were hurting in these heels and I was shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

'Breathe Grace' Thomas muttered to me. I took a deep breath.

'I don't think I'll ever get used to this' I whispered back.

'Me neither' I studied Thomas carefully as he greeted the next guest with ease and confidence that he was born with, the idea that he was born to rule. So was I apparently.

'Hello stranger' I turned to the person in front of me and almost did a very unprincess-to-be thing and throw my arms around him.

'Noah!' I smiled.

'Wow Grace' He looked me up and down 'Not bad' I punched his arm not caring about royal standards anymore. 'Ow' He faked. I laughed freely, something that I haven't done in a while. I could see in my vision that Ann was staring at me. Well, I say staring, she was glaring. My breathing stilled. Noah looked at me carefully and looked at Ann quickly.

'Save me a dance' I leant forward as he took my hand and kissed it. Royal custom.

'Will do' He smiled easily again and descended down the stairs.

As the evening went on there were still more and more people to greet, and I had to do all of that with a smile on my face. I glanced back at the party when there was a break in the line. Everyone was mingling and dancing. Noah was in the corner with Rosie, Lila and Megan. I was transfixed by those I loved in front of me all safe and sound when someone else moved along the line.

'Hello Gracie'

I turned around. Alexei was no longer in Russia. Alexei was here, in the palace, looking at me. His hair had grown out slightly on top and it part of it was swept to the side and hung to his eyebrows. It looked soft and all I wanted to do was run my fingers through it. He had a slight shadow of stubble lining his jaw. His icey blue eyes turned my stomach to mush, they were still wild and curious. My eyes flickered to his lips remembering the last time he kissed me, the night the king, Thomas' grandfather died, and I had to go through with the plan. I saw a smile tug on his lips and I realised he noticed me staring. I looked back into his eyes feeling a blush creep up my neck.

'H...hello Alexei' I stuttered. 'I heard you were in back in Russia' And left without saying goodbye

'I'm here now' He smiled, showing off his pearly teeth. My stomach fluttered again.

'How long for?' I asked. Alexei looked at me carefully.

'As long as I am needed' He said casually, but the look in his eyes told me more. I nodded. If Alexei realised he was holding up the line, he didn't let it bother him. He probably would have stood in front of me all evening if I asked him to...and I wanted him to. There was a cough from someone further down the line. Alexei didn't look away from me. He just reached down, took my hand. His rough fingers against my soft skin. He lifted it slowly and peppered a chaised kiss on my knuckled. He flicked his gaze up at me quickly.

'It's so good to see you, your highness' He whispered, winking seductively as well. I snatched my hand back hoping that no one over heard. Alexei chuckled slightly before moving off and down the stairs. I watched him go, wishing that he would turn back. But he didn't.