Tea ist gut

"Mind joining me for some tea your highness?"

As her words brought Alexander back to reality, he cleared his throat and answered.

"I don't mind"

After answering her question he moves closer and sits in a chair next to the table, the chair has a dark red cushion and is made from high-quality wood. The table, seems to be made from the same material as well.

It has golden flowers and golden purple butterflies carved into it. Giving it an elegant as well as an out-door feeling kind of vibe.

Alexander sitting there, watches as the woman pours the tea into the tea cup,

Pondering on how to start the conversation.

As she finishes pouring the tea, she hands hands him the fine porcelain tea cup by putting it on a porcelain saucer and handing it to him.

As Alexander drinks the tea he feels a mix of bitterness and swetnees blending his mouth, enjoying the taste.

"Hopefully its to your liking your highness, the used is called dajeerling grown in north-eastern part of india."

"Its great Eli-My lady"

Chuckling she says.

"Congratulations on your victory your highness, I have no doubt that your reign will be no-less greater then Peter and Catherine the great."

"You jest my lady, i'm simply following in their footsteps, true greatness lies in ones own ability."

"Oh? I think your victory is a great demonstration of your abilities no?

No need to be so humble your highness."

Said Elizaveta In a monotone way.

Alexander, feeling the awkwardness fill the room starts sweating. Never in his life has he felt this much pressure, From a woman no less. Feeling that dealing with the civil war might actually be easier then... this.

So, to fix it he gets up from his chair abruptly.

"Elizaveta I-"

"No need for words your highness, I know that official matters have kept you busy. Especially the civil war, dealing with the aftermeth is no less easier. For you to make the time to come here... Its an honor really."

Alexander, becoming even more uncomfrtable with the respectful atmosphere decides to take matters into his own hands. An all or nothing you could say.

So, he moves from his side of the table and walks towards hers. Causing a flash of surprise to appear in Elizavetas eyes.

As he comes before her he kneels on one knee, with his left hand curled into a fist put on his back and his right hand on his chest.

He looks into her eyes and says.

"Elizaveta Dologrukova. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, to be honest I could have made time a lot sooner to visit, But chose not to. For that I'm sorry, I truly am.

But, that doesn't mean I don't care. You have always been in my mind. and despite all i've done. Elizaveta Dologrukova, are you willing to become my tsaritsa?"

Feeling the weight of his words and actions, Its as if a dam broke inside Elizaveta as tears form at her eyes and she falls down, getting caught in a hug by Alexander.

In his embrace even more tears start falling from her eyes.

"I- I'm willing.

I thought that you didn't care"

Not knowing what to say Alexander utters asks for forgiveness again

"I'm sorry."

As he uttered those words she sperates from the hug and kisses him.

"You are forgiven. And... I love you."

"I love you as well."

As seconds slowly tick by and they calm down, they realise the awkward situation they are in. As both of them blush Elizaveta gets up quickly and tries to lift the atmosphere.

'It was nice while it lasted'

Thought Alexander.

"Uhm, We should take a stroll in the garden outside your highness, the air is refreshing."

"Indeed."

---

As they walk through the gardens, there is still some lingering awkwardness. So Alexander makes conversation about anything he can think of. Although its proving harder then he thought.

"Eliza, Whats that flower called?"

"That ones called Paeonia Lactiflora, or just peony. Its my favorite flower."

Becoming intrigued as to why the flower, looking like a mess of petals is her favorite asks. Whilst also being happy that the awkwardness was finally lifted.

"Any particular reason?"

"Because... it prefectly describes reality doesn't it?

In fictional stories there is a clear start, a conclusion, a resolution, and an end.

But thats not how the world works, most things don't get resolved. Be it a relationship that didn't work out, or an argument. There is also no most often then not a definite "start". Everythings connected with every decision having its own consequences, and those consewuences their own decisions. A comeplete mess. No one can say they know it all. A complete mess. Just like this flower. But its a beautiful mess. Don't you think so your highness?"

"I don't."

Surprised by his answer, Elizaveta inquires.

"Why?"

Alexander, with determinatuon in his eyes explains to Elizaveta what he truly thinks.

"The world may be a mess, but its not as beautiful as you think.

On every corner of this planet there is poverty, famine, injustice, slavery, disease, war. Countless parents watch as their children get enslaved or die due to numerous causes. This.... this is not beauty. Its disgusting.

Nations fight for dominance. People fight for resources. The only beautiful thing in this world is power. Only with power can you stop wars. Safe guard your people, and secure the best possible future. Power is whats truly beautiful. An overwhelming amount of power."

As he finishes his explanation, there an image of a huge mushroom cloud pops in Alexanders head, But he shakes it off. That kind of power would be nice but he doubts he can speed up the technology by that much.

"I see. I guess I should've excpected such an answer. You quite literally rule a nation after all. Priorotising the saftey of his people should always be the top priority for a ruler. But... Alexander. There is much more beauty in the world then you realise, I hope you remember that."

She looks into Alexanders eyes as she says it. Alexander responds

"I'll try."

His answer brings a smile to Elizaveta and she smiles.

"Thats enough."

"By the way, Elizaveta."

"Hmh?"

"When do you think we should get married?"