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	Elizaveta perked a brow as the princess host stood and brought it to their attention that the betrothals had been changed. This was an interesting turn of events and rather unexpected but it did not register on the Grand Duchesses features as she sat there and listened to the new pairings. 

	When her and her future husbands came up she merely blinked. That was not someone she had considered being wed to but now that it was out there she had to admit to herself that it could be a promising change. His empire was as old as hers but had had a far more prestigious rule than her. It had a more stable foundation.

	Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear she continued to ponder the possibilities. This would ensure a Czar without a history of cruelty and insanity; this could bring further peace with her people. An heir with him would also help to further remove any such maddening genes that may have been passed down. A genetic cleansing. Though no one knew what had driven her father mad, it being genetic had not been ruled out. 

	Elizaveta had been diligent though, she made sure to be evaluated constantly on her mental stability; even under going many blood tests to search for genetic defects as well as changes. Though her doctors assured her that she was in no such risk it was still her greatest fear. That she would become what had torn her nation apart; to become the monster so many feared she would.

	The Grand Duchess had worked hard over the last five years to integrate herself in with her people. She showered them with everything she was able and was not above being in the trenches with them as they rebuilt. She felt that is madness could destroy a nation that surely true compassion would rebuild it. The progress had been great but there was still so far to go. It took far less time to break something than to repair it. 

	 She decided she would need to contact her grandmother soon to let her know of the change in betrothal but that would have to wait. They needed to finish the dinner and frankly she did not want to listen to the woman go on and on about pieces on a chess board. It was a lecture she had heard far to often and was more than happy to put it off a few more hours.

	Turning as she saw a hand on the arm of her chair she looked up to see Edwin standing there. She smiled softly and without hesitation towards him; this was not a time to be anything but courteous.

	[color=a187be]"Yes, of course you may,"[/color] she said gesturing to the empty seat next to her. 

	[color=a187be]"It would be a pleasure to become better acquainted; especially considering the circumstances. I do hope the change does not displeasure my lord, I believe this could be rather advantageous for both our empires in many regards,"[/color] she said in a kind voice as she shifted slightly in her seat to better be able to speak to him one on one.

	[color=a187be]"And please, call me Veta. I see it only fitting at this point."[/color]