The photo sessions and lunch finally came to an end. Allegra was relieved to have a couple more hours to spend with Vladislav before the ceremony. She should not have pinned her hopes so high, however, because even as they excused themselves to a quieter part of the castle, a few people followed them. She was starting to suspect that not being alone was a directive that they had all been sent earlier.
Vlad pulled her into a scarcely used longue, not looking surprised in the least. He settled into a love seat and took her by the waist to pull her in until she was beside him. Technically, there was enough space to fit someone else next to him, but no one she knew would be foolish enough to take it.
Allegra noticed there was a bar at one end with a couple of bar tenders standing by casual
