“I was not aware that we were not alone. But then when I am in a room with Lady Lydingham, I can see nothing else, save this enchanting creature,” Nikolai said smoothly.

She cast Grayson a satisfied smirk.

“In my experience, Lady Lydingham is nothing if not an enchanting creature,” Grayson said pleasantly. “But then, even as a young girl, she was enchanting. Why I can recall—”

“Recollections that are best left for another time,” Camille said quickly. The only thing worse than Grayson being here in the present was his reminiscing about the past.

“Oh, but I should like to hear it.” Nikolai favored her with an affectionate smile. “I wish to know everything there is to know about you, my dear.”

“How . . . perfect of you.” She sighed up at him.

Grayson choked.

“Again my apologies.” Nikolai shook his head. “I fear in Lady Lydingham’s presence, I quite forget all else. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Pruzinsky, of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia.” He clicked his heels together. “And I am at your service.”

Grayson frowned. “I do beg your pardon, but I was under the impression you were a prince.”

“He is a prince.” Camille huffed. “He just prefers not to be addressed as such when traveling in a foreign country.” She lowered her voice. “There are dangers, you know.”

“Really?” Surprise or perhaps skepticism sounded in Grayson’s voice. She could cheerfully strangle him right here and now. And, as everyone already thought she was mad . . . “I never would have imagined.”

“I would prefer not to discuss such dire possibilities,” Nikolai said in an offhand manner. “Christmas and all.”

Grayson nodded. “To be expected, of course.”

“Forgive me.” Nikolai glanced from Grayson to Camille. “We still have not been introduced.”

“I am sorry. What was I thinking?” Camille smiled in as pleasant a manner as she could muster. “This is Mr. Grayson Elliott. He is—”

“Her cousin. Camille’s cousin.” Grayson grinned an altogether wicked and, perhaps once, devastating, grin.

“My what?” She stared. What was he up to now?

Nikolai’s brow rose in confusion. No doubt he’d smile and nod at any minute.

“Distant, you know,” Grayson said. “Our connection is tenuous at best. Scarcely worth mentioning, but nonetheless we are family. In truth, I am little more than a poor relation, but I am exceptionally fond of Camille and her sisters. And it is Christmas.”

“Yes, this is my cousin,” she said reluctantly. “My very distant cousin. It’s been years since we’ve seen him. Why, we have practically forgotten what he looks like.”

“A family reunion! How delightful,” Nikolai said with a genuine smile. “You are the first of Lady Lydingham’s relations I have met and I am quite looking forward to meeting the rest. You have my everlasting gratitude for welcoming me into the bosom of your family for Christmas.”

Grayson chuckled. “We are an interesting lot.”