Sophie Meets The King

The atmosphere in the room was very hostile and suffocating all of a sudden. The two men were still glaring at each other fiercely. The guests were shocked to see a duke, dared to look at the king in such a manner. 

Some people whispered to each other that Duke Romanov was a foreigner and probably had never met the monarch, so he didn't know who that man was.

Everyone was watching the two of them in a staring contest until Princess Karenina ventured to approach Nicholas.

Karenina took the king's hand and invited the king to continue the party with her.

"Your Majesty, I don't know what kind of trouble you have, but it's my birthday today. Can you please give me face just this once and continue this party with me?" said Karenina in a soft tone. She looked at him pleadingly.