The first day of 1936 had dawned upon the world, but for Alexander, it was just another day of work. He sat at his desk, poring over a document while Rolan stood before him, waiting for his response.

“Rolan, you plan to marry my sister next week,” Alexander began, setting the document aside, “and this is how you want it to go?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Rolan replied, his tone respectful. “We want it to be a simple occasion. It was a mutual agreement between me and Christina.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “But you are aware that my sister is the Grand Duchess of the Ruthenia Empire. Surely the people would like to know who she is going to marry? After all, it is an important event for all the members of the royal family.”

“I am aware of that, Your Majesty,” Rolan said, keeping his eyes fixed on Alexander. “But Christina assured me that you are going to permit it.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “And what makes her sure that I would give my permission?”

Rolan hesitated for a moment before replying, “Because you are her brother, and you want her to be happy.”

Alexander chuckled at that. “She knows me well. But if I am going to give you my permission, she should have come here and asked me personally.”

“No problem, Your Majesty,” Rolan said, turning to the door. “Because Christina is merely waiting outside. Would you like me to call her?”

Alexander nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Very well, let her in,” Alexander As Rolan stepped out to fetch Christina, Alexander straightened his tie and adjusted his crown. He wanted to make sure that he looked presentable for his sister, even though they had seen each other just a few days ago.

A few moments later, Christina walked into the room, her eyes bright and her smile wide. She wore a simple dress, but it was clear that she had taken care to look her best. Alexander stood up from his chair and hugged her, feeling the warmth of her embrace.

“Brother, it’s so good to see you,” Christina said, pulling away from the hug. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well, thank you,” Alexander said, smiling at her. “And how are you, my dear sister?”

“I’m great, really great,” Christina said, clasping her hands together. “Rolan and I have been busy with the wedding preparations, but everything is going smoothly.”

Alexander turned his attention to Rolan, who stood at a respectful distance from the siblings. “Is that so, Rolan? Have you been taking good care of my sister?”

Rolan nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, Your Majesty. Never once in my life did I make Christina sad. If you don’t believe my words you can simply ask her for her testimony.”

Alexander waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, I don’t have to do that as I can see it through your face if you are lying to me or not. And even if I failed to read your face, Christina would simply call and reach out to me with a series of secret codes that she and I only know,” Alexander finished, causing Christina to giggle.

“Wait…really?” Rolan asked, exclaiming.

“No, of course not,” Alexander said with a chuckle. “I was just teasing you, Rolan. But in all seriousness, I trust you to take care of my sister and make her happy.”

Alexander told a lie. In times like this, he can’t be too careful, even if the person that her sister is going to marry is a close ally. He had read many stories of men being abusive to their wives, and he doesn’t want her sister to experience that. So, if Rolan did something bad to her and Christina informed him that. Well, Rolan is already aware of the consequences.

“I see, Your Majesty. But, for the safe measure, you two should have one. In case something like that happened,” Rolan suggested but inadvertently earned a slight ire from Alexander.

“Are you telling me that at some point in time, you are going to hurt my sister?” Alexander’s eyes narrowed.

“No, Your Majesty, I would never hurt Christina,” Rolan said quickly, realizing his mistake. “I was merely suggesting that a prenuptial agreement could provide additional security for both parties in the event of unforeseen circumstances.”

Alexander’s expression softened. “Now, you are sounding too formal.”

Alexander flickered his gaze to Christina, who had been listening to their conversation the whole time. “I hope that this conversation did not disturb you, Christina?”

Christina shook her head, her smile still present. “Not at all, brother. I trust Rolan completely, and I know that he would never hurt me.”

Alexander gave her a small smile. “I know, but as your brother, it is my duty to make sure that you are safe and happy. I want you to have a wonderful life with Rolan.”

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Alexander squeezed her hand and looked at Rolan. “Well, in that case, I will give my permission for the wedding to take place as you have planned. So for your wedding reception, you chose Catherine Palace?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Rolan replied. “We thought it would be a beautiful setting for the occasion.”

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed it is. The Catherine Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces in our empire. I am sure that your wedding reception will be a memorable event.”

Christina clapped her hands in excitement. “Oh, it will be wonderful! Thank you so much, brother.”

Alexander smiled at her enthusiasm. “Of course, my dear sister. I want your special day to be perfect.”

Rolan bowed his head respectfully. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We are truly grateful for your permission and support.”

Alexander waved his hand dismissively. “Think nothing of it, Rolan. You are family now, and I will always support you and Christina.

Rolan straightened up and looked Alexander in the eye. “I will surely meet your great expectations for me, Your Majesty.”

Alexander nodded approvingly. “Good. Then let us raise a toast to the happy couple and their future together,” he said, as he walked over to the cabinet where he stored his finest wines. He poured glasses for everyone and handed them out, raising his own glass in a toast.

Then they clinked their glasses, signifying and sealing the event that had to unfold in the office of the Emperor.