Follow up for 7. Own nothing.

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Kat politely answered the reporters' questions.

"Thank you for your congratulations."

"Yes, the ceremony will be Roman Catholic, not Russian Orthodox."

"We shall be married in Saint Stephen's."

"Yes, we will visit the queen tomorrow."

She dearly wished for the end of the relentless interviews, but strengthening ties with England was important. The questions were all trivial matters of the wedding.

Then a woman yelled, "Are you happy?"

"Pardon?"

"Are you happy to be engaged?"

"I am very happy! Prince Ferdinand is dear to me. What newspaper do you work for, madam?"

"The Glasgow Journal. Aren't you unhappy to be in an arranged marriage?"

"Next reporter, please."

"How can you bear it?"

"Other reporters are waiting. Please, only one question per publication."

"I wish you luck putting up with that dummkopf," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Tell him that Bovril is happier now. I am, too."

"Excuse me?" Kat asked, but the woman was gone.

"No, I did not know that woman."

"Yes, I plan to tour this beautiful country."

"No, I do not know what that woman was referring to."

"Thank you, that will be all." She delicately exited, and was helped into a car.

"So," asked Alek, "How was the press?"

"I met a lunatic. She said something about bovril. She seemed rather... tortured. Angry, but very sad." Kat shook her head.

"A lunatic lady journalist? Wait, bovril?"

"Yes, no idea what that was about. And she said she knew you."

"Well, I don't know who that could be." He looked away. She could tell he wasn't being totally honest with her.

"I'm not stupid."

"Of course not, Kat."

"Where do you know her from?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Obviously it does if-" She stopped at his expression.

"She's a dirty liar," he said sharply. "A harlot." Kat gasped.

"L-Literally?"

"Of course not!"

"I... I'm sorry..."

"No, I shouldn't have lost my temper. Please, forgive me." He sighed, and Kat wondered who this woman was that could cause such a reaction in her usually calm fiance.

Ekaterina was determined to find out.