His grin widened as he stood. “How many days have you been here?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do. You keep track.”
“How did you—” I clamped my mouth shut.
“How many days have you been here?”
“Eighteen.”
“Who am I?”
“Stop asking me that!”
“What is my name?” he whispered. “What. Is. My. Name? Say it.”
I licked my lips, wondering why my throat had gone suddenly dry, wondering why I now understood the question that he’d been asking me for days. I understood the rules to the game we’d been playing.
Finally.
“Igor,” I murmured. “Your name is Igor.”
“Say it again.”
“Igor.”
“Who am I?” he asked.
“Not my enemy.”
His smile was triumphant.
“Igor? Who amI?”
Dolinsky strolled toward me with purpose. He took my hand and kissed it. “My queen.”
Chapter 41
The next morning, I woke up to a breakfast tray and French press coffee. We were back to that, apparently.
I’d gone to bed with my head reeling, wondering how I was supposed to play this game. Even though Dolinsky told me what I was doing in his home, he still didn’t trust me. Not yet.
I knew about Stockholm syndrome. After all, one of my favorite Disney movies was about Stockholm syndrome.Beauty and the Beast. In exchange for her father’s life, Belle stays with the Beast, and then he gives her a library and learns to cow his temper. My situation with Dolinsky could easily have been explained away, but to say I was conflicted was a drastic understatement.
Reaching for my coffee, I mulled over the thoughts rushing through my mind. I nibbled on a piece of toast, and my eye caught the white envelope resting on the tray. I opened it, marveling at the elegant handwriting.
Moya Krasotka, My Beauty,
I left early this morning, knowing you were sound asleep in my home. I cannot tell you how joyful I am that you know the truth about why I have brought you here.
I realize how difficult it must be for you to reconcile, but I believe, in time, you will come to feel about me the way I feel about you.
You are not only beautiful but also strong and courageous.
Vlad and Sasha, my two most trusted men, will keep you company while I am away. They are instructed to treat you as the queen you will one day become.
I should be gone no more than four days. Be well,Moya Zvezda.
