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I suck in a lungful of air.
Andrei’s not my enemy.
The perspective shift gives me whiplash. Only a few days ago, I felt differently. Or at least, I’d convinced myself he was the enemy...
We take a shortcut through the house, my grandmother knowing the halls much better than me. I wonder how long she spent here, wandering the halls. What her duties were as the pakhan’s wife. If she enjoyed them, or if she felt trapped within these walls.
The crisp autumn air is a welcome change as we step outside. Blinding sunlight makes me cover my eyes, but my grandmother keeps moving, despite the falter in my step. “Come along, ditya. We have much to discuss.”
What could we possibly have to talk about?
A chill runs down my arms as I hurry along behind her. Maybe my grandmother can tell me why...my men want to hurt her.
Why they think she has hurt me.
“You love me, don’t you, Grandma?” The question comes out timid, and I feel just like I did five years ago. Small. Weak. Unsure.
Standing near the wall like an ornament or piece of decor. Something to look pretty, but not to touch or speak to or hear.
I swallow my unease as best I can.
We step across the lawn and into the rose garden, a maze of hedges and flowering bushes of all colors and sizes. I’ve hated this place since I was little and got lost among the towering hedges and spiked leaves. If you’re deep enough in the labyrinth, the sun can’t shine its light within, and everything feels dark and twisty.
“Of course, I love you.” Her tone is sharp, but she takes my hand between both of hers and pats gently. “You’re my granddaughter.”
As if it was the stupidest question possible.
We find a quiet nook with three cement benches arched in a circle and a wrought-iron sundial sticking up from the center. I don’t know why it’s here; the sunlight never reaches it.
Towering pink roses crowd us inside the circular resting place, and my grandmother takes a seat on one of the benches and pats the space beside her. “Sit, Valentina.”
I do as I’m told.
Katya surveys the area in silence, and it’s only then that I notice movement behind the hedges near us. Guards shift into position, and some of the tension coiling around my spine eases. Andrei has been hellbent on making sure I have an armed escort, so I’m glad they’re following orders.
It makes me feel safer to have a piece of Andrei here with me, even if it’s just one of his orders.
I break the silence first. “I’m getting married. The wedding is in three days.” I brush a strand of damp hair behind my ear, feeling shy all over again. “I’d love for you to come.”
My grandmother’s sharp eyes turn to me. “I’m surprised at you, Valentina.”
My heart sinks. “What do you mean?”
“You walked away from this marriage once. I don’t know why you’ve come crawling back after all I did to keep you safe.”
It’s a punch to the gut. “I didn’t come here to get married?—”
“Yet you are.”
Irritation prickles at my skin. “I love him, Grandma. I know I left before, but I was scared. I’m not scared anymore. I know what I want.”
“You think you know what you want.” She shakes her head. “Ditya. You already have a boyfriend, hm? What about Liam? He’s been worrying himself sick about you. We both have.”
I rear my head back. Is she not listening to a word I’m saying? “Liam’s not a part of this.”
Her crystalline gaze narrows. “Should you not consider your partner before making the decision to have an affair? You let another man seduce you, Valentina. I understand that the Leonov boy is powerful and handsome to look at, but he’s using your name and inheritance to seduce you. Where do you think he got all of this?” She waves her hand through the air, gesturing to the area around us. The gardens. The main house and every building between it and the outer gates. “It was your father’s, and it should have passed down to you when he died. Why do you think Leonov wants to marry you? For love?”
Shards of razor-sharp ice cut deep into my chest.
