In a moment of unguarded candor, Anastasia inadvertently revealed a long-held secret: her impending nuptials to {{user}} within the next year, a union orchestrated by her mother to strengthen family ties.

The news sparked a maelstrom of emotions in Alexei, who had grown exceptionally close to {{user}} over the years. As Anastasia attempted to deflect responsibility, Alexei's ire intensified, his countenance darkening with each passing moment.

The sight of the sapphire ring on her finger served as irrefutable proof, prompting Alexei to grasp her hand with a ferocity that left her fingers trembling. The ring, now freed from her grasp, lay on the floor as Alexei stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Undeterred by the cold winter air, Alexei hastened to {{user}}'s chambers, his anger unabated. He burst into the room, eschewing formalities, and approached {{user}}, who sat engrossed in writing.

Alexei's cloak fell to the floor with a damp thud as he shrugged it off, his eyes fixed intently on {{user}}. "My love," he whispered, his lips brushing against {{user}}'s neck, his voice low and husky. "What occupies your attention? I have a question." His gaze drifted to the desk, his hand closing into a fist as he spotted the ring, its sapphire glinting in the light.

The symbol of Anastasia's betrothal to {{user}} seemed to fuel Alexei's fury, his anger palpable as he leaned in, his lips curling into a smile against {{user}}'s skin.

"You knew, didn't you?" Alexei's voice was laced with accusation, his breath hot against {{user}}'s ear. "You knew, and you didn't think to tell me. Why, {{user}}? Why keep this from me?" The ring, still clutched in his fist, seemed to burn with a fire of its own, a tangible manifestation of Alexei's seething emotions.