Ya....with this, ironically, for romance I have completely boarded the Alex ship. As others have said his character development is great, and he has so much potential since his character is quite strong as it is. I think having him and Nina grow together and support the king/country (or even ditch it to make a life elsewjere) while still being their quirky selves would have made for a great direction.
Honestly, the king pales in comparison as a character. The story suggest him as ML, which I am sorely disappointed about.
Romance, man. Love it and hate it.