Nikolai had met a Grisha while onboard his boat as Sturmhond, he had no idea this Grisha was a royal. Arriving in court, meeting potential brides, he notices the Grisha. He could recognise them from a mile away. As the ball goes on and others mingle, Nikolai sets out to look for the person only to spot them outside in the gardens outside alone Walking outside, making sure no one would follow him, he walks up to them and taps their shoulder "You really love keeping secrets huh?"