Chapter 2355 - 297: Victoria’s White-Horse Prince (Part 3)

Compared to Albert, who has neither land nor wealth and can’t be called charming or humorous, even a fool would know that the young ladies would definitely choose Russia’s Alexander.

Thinking of this, Arthur immediately felt an increase in pressure.

The formless sense of pressure was even greater than what Alexander’s father, Tsar Nicholas I, brought him.

"Prepare the carriage and head to Buckingham Palace."

...

If Arthur was troubled by the heir of Russia’s sudden visit, then Victoria, at this moment, was in a completely different state of emotion.

She simply couldn’t wake up.

Or, to be precise, since going to bed at three last night, she had woken up three times.

Just past midnight, she and Alexander entered the dining room for dinner, and afterward, they danced the Mazurka for half an hour. Alexander’s tall stature gave Victoria quite a hard time because every time they spun, she had to quickly keep up to match Alexander’s pace, but Victoria clearly enjoyed it; she very much relished the feeling of being led by Alexander in a waltz-like spin.

This excitement lasted until the end of the ball, as evidenced by her going to bed at 3 AM but not falling asleep until 5.

Sitting in the study, Victoria, who should have been drowsy, was instead full of energy; she suddenly recalled something.

That sudden surge of a racing heartbeat made Victoria involuntarily hold her chest.

The kind of blush unique to a maiden slowly appeared on her face.

She remembered the ball last night.

Remembered those blue eyes.

Remembered the perfect sense of distance when Alexander guided her as they spun.

She even remembered when he gently lowered his head, and his black hair, in the candlelight, almost seemed to glow.

"He said I danced well..." Victoria murmured.

Thinking of this, Victoria suddenly stood up from the chair, dragging her dress as she took a couple of steps on the carpet.

"Leisen!"

Leisen immediately pushed the door open and entered: "Your Majesty?"

"Last night... did someone mention... would Prince Alexander be coming today?"

Leisen clearly noticed something was off, but she maintained her composure: "The Russian delegation has other plans today, but if Your Majesty wishes to see him, we can send someone to inquire if there’s a possibility of changing the schedule..."

"No." Victoria hurriedly waved her hand upon hearing this: "I’m not saying I want to see him! No, I just... I was just asking offhand."

Leisen nodded nonchalantly and exited.

Victoria quietly approached the dressing mirror, almost holding her breath as she looked at her reflection.

She raised her hand to touch her cheek: "Is my face... really this red?"

At this moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

Leisen’s voice sounded: "Your Majesty, I’ve found that the Russian delegation has no plans for tonight. If you want to express closeness to our ally, you can invite Prince Alexander to the theater. We can arrange for him to be in the box adjacent to yours. This would also send a very friendly signal for British and Russian relations."

Victoria was stunned.

The theater...

Adjacent seats...

Only separated by a thin box railing...

She imagined the candlelight reflecting on Alexander’s black hair.

The orchestra’s strings just fell silent, and the prince turned his head, amidst roaring applause and the curtains, giving her that gentle Russian smile.

Victoria could almost feel her heartbeat spiraling out of control: "If I really invite him to the theater... would it seem too obvious?"

She hesitated for a while, finally making up her mind: "If he is available... Leisen, for me..."

But before she finished speaking, a knock sounded again: "Your Majesty, Sir Arthur Hastings has arrived."