Chapter 126: All Good Things Must Come to an End
After ensuring that his wife was okay following that drunken fool's attempt to hit on her, Bruno maintained a close eye over his woman and their children for the rest of the night. His reputation immediately became even more fierce among the Russian Nobility as they could all guess that life in the Russian Army would not be pleasant for the duke's son who had dared to offend Bruno.
Heidi had become rather excited by Bruno's more murderous tendencies when it came to protecting his loved ones. Clinging by his side for the rest of the night, not wanting to be an inch away from him. Her expression could be described as pure reverence, and though Bruno didn't notice the way which the woman was staring at him throughout the rest of the ball.
Others did, and it became a warning to others about the rather possessive mindset the woman had towards her husband. Causing many of those who sought to become Bruno's mistress throughout the night to slowly fade away from his vicinity.
In the end, Bruno and Heidi shared a lovely waltz together on the dance floor of the Tsar's ballroom, stealing the spotlight as they did so. Bruno was still very young, and Heidi was even younger than him. And because of this, they were quite the attraction, considering their status in the Russian Empire.
Eventually, the night came to an end, and Bruno thanked the Tsar for his hospitality. Afterwards, he and his family set off to their rooms for the night. In the morning, they would be on the first train back to Berlin. His children sleeping throughout the journey as they were exhausted from the week they spent in Russia.
Meanwhile, Tsar Nicholas II couldn't help but comment on Bruno to his wife after the man and his family departed.
"It's a damn shame I couldn't drag him over to our side. A military mastermind like that appears once in a century...."
The Tsarina had a bitter smile on her face as she rubbed her husband's shoulders, making a remark about Bruno that the Tsar didn't expect.
"At first, I thought Olga had taken a liking to the man, but with the viciousness that couple displays towards those who have any thoughts of separating the two of them, I doubt there is even the slightest chance for her. A pity, it is as you say, he is a fine man, and with his princely status, he would have made a great match for our little princess."
The Tsar had been so focused on trying to win Bruno over to his side that he didn't even notice the affections of his oldest daughter had displayed to the man. He couldn't help but chuckle and agree with his wife's assessment of the issue.