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Dmitry got into Rice University in Houston, which is the best college in the state of Texas. It’s a difficult school to get into, so after everything Alek put him through, I asked my dad to write a recommendation letter for him.
For Dmitry’s sake, I turn my attention back onto Alek before he catches me smiling at another guy. But Alek is fixated on something behind me, and I crane my neck to look in the same direction.
Konstantin is standing beside Irina, who is sitting in a wheelchair. They’re listening as a group of adults speak around them, who I assume are their parents. Konstantin catches us staring at him, but he barely spares us a glance before turning away.
“What are they doing here?” I whisper. “I thought they didn’t support the Labor Party?”
Alek shakes his head. “Their families are probably throwing their support behind Schultz. They see the writing on the wall and want to back the winning candidate.”
“Then why did he snub you like that?”
“I haven’t spoken to him all summer.” He shrugs. “Now that I’m not next in line to run this country, I imagine my friendship isn’t as appealing anymore.”
I scoff. “That’s pretty shallow of him.”
“It’s fine. He’s an idiot.”
“I guess some friendships aren’t meant to last forever,” I say. “What about your friends from Russia? Have you heard from them?”
He nods, though he purses his lips. “Mikhail is still loyal to me. As for the others, it’s hard to say. Only time will tell.”
Alek glances up at someone behind me, and when I turn around, it’s Hans Müller approaching us.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” Alek says, extending his hand out to him.
“We all must support our party’s candidate, despite bruised egos,” Hans answers. “Good to see you, Aleksandr. Miss Baker, you look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you,” I answer, plastering a polite smile on my face.
Hans is responsible for the school shooting and holding Alek hostage afterward. I blame him for a lot of things, including the delay in Alek’s gunshot wound, but I’ve remained cordial toward him for Alek’s sake.
“Aleksandr, could I have a word with you in private?” Hans asks.
Alek tightens his hold on my waist. “Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of her.”
Hans sets his lips into a thin line. “Fine, but let us speak outside, away from prying ears.”
Alek nods, and we follow Hans out the doors into the hallway. He leads us to a quiet corner in the shadows, out of sight and earshot of others. The entire time, Alek keeps his arm wrapped protectively around my waist.
“First of all,” Hans says, “I want to make it clear the Labor Party owes you a debt of gratitude. You were instrumental in making this night happen, which is why I take no pleasure in what I’m about to say next.”
Alek narrows his gaze at him. “Are you about to stab me in the back?”
He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I’m just the messenger. The special election committee asked me to deliver the news. You’re being exiled, Aleksandr.”
Alek tenses beside me. “Exiled? Care to elaborate?”
“On the record, you are being exiled from the country for your own protection. There are many in this country who still wish to see you dead and end the Kurochkin line once and for all.”
Alek growls. “And off the record?”
Hans grimaces. “The special committee wants to assure the people we’ve moved on. By exiling you, they can guarantee your family won’t interfere with national politics ever again.”
Alek shakes his head, a deranged smile stretching his face. He lets out a hollow laugh. “So, the same committee I called into existence is exiling me from my own country? How rich.”
“Not only you, but your mother and sister as well. And your future offspring.”
“I already forfeited my family’s interest in the presidency. Is my word not good enough?”
