Page 4 of Lord of Justice

"She's concerned there might be enough pressure from some of the state's politicians and higher ups to derail your nomination." Dmitri says. "While we're proud of your spectacular record and your powerful stance in the legal field, you know that they're looking for any reason to deny you this position."

"Just so I'm clear," I say slowly, "you are quite serious in telling me that I need to select awife?"

Roman gives me a sympathetic smile, holding up a thumb drive. "We have a list of twenty well-bred young ladies all, from what I am told, boasting highly superior backgrounds-" Alexsey snorts and tries to cover it up when Roman glares at him. "They would be delighted to make your acquaintance."

Looking over at Mother, I can see her mouth is tightening, and her eyes are beginning to spark.She's not enjoying this conversation.

"While I recognize that we are not past arranged marriages," she smiles at Alexsey, "it doesn't change the fact that my son should have the right to choose who he's going to be with for the rest of his life. She's going to have to have a certain…" She looks at me with something close to a smirk. "A certain personality in order to fit well with Andrey, and I don't think these potential brides, these young ladies ofsuperiorbreeding are going to be suitable. Son, what if you just pick someone who's willing to act as a prop, as a fiancée, until everything settles down?"

I nod at her gratefully. Mother has always understood me, from the beginning. She never took my lack of emotion personally.

Dmitri groans, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know, Andrey, that I find this almost as distasteful as no doubt you do. But the rumblings are very clear and we don't need the pushback against your appointment. If you're unwilling to look at these potential candidates, is there someone you're interested in?"

For the first time, I look around the table and feel a growing sense of unease.

They're serious.

My family is expecting me to grab someone off the street and marry her. Tapping my fingers onthe table, I think about it. I could marry someone appropriate, put her up in one of my houses and then politely ignore her aside from trotting her out to occasional events. That scenario should please them. But somehow, it doesn't please me. They're all still watching me. The sound of my tapping is painfully loud in the quiet room.

"Very well." I force the words between my stiff lips. “We have three months before the hearings. I will look at suitable candidates. At this time, that's all I can promise you."

Dmitri and Uncle Maksim nod at the same time. Even as a twin, I find it eerie how much those two move and speak alike.

"That's all we can ask for," Father says, eyeing me sympathetically. He knows how much I'm hating this. "Let me know if you need any suggestions.”

"Thank you," I say before looking around the table again. "Is there anything else?"

"That's it," Dmitri says. "Please keep me up-to-date on your decision."

Something's sour in my stomach, twisting. I know how to play the game, but these demands about something that is my choice alone enrage me, and it's best to get out of here while I can still control my temper.

Chapter Two

In which we learn that if the day sucks, it’s just guaranteed to suck more.

Iris….

I should have known this day was going to suck.

I woke up and my period had started overnight, which means a big load of laundry to do today. All these delightful spring flowers are giving me hay fever and a hideous, red dripping nose. Then, Rose calls to invite me to dinner.

"This seems oddly formal," I say, tucking my phone under my chin, about to switch the sheets from the washer to the dryer. "Anything going on?"

"No," she says quickly, and my eyes narrow.Tooquickly. Rose is a terrible liar. "I just want time to talk about important things."

"Is everything okay, sweetie?" My hands slow, with the wet sheets dripping on the floor.

"Of course! As a matter of fact, I'm really happy today. I've been crazy happy all week!"

Shrugging, I think back. She has been unnaturally cheerful and singing Disney songs so I guess that's a yes. This is where our interests diverge. I like opera. The darker and gloomier the better. Rife with sexism and trauma and meaningless death.

"Okay, where are we eating?" I ask reluctantly.

"Millie and Steve's diner. You know the one on 14th with all the pie?"

Who could forget? Stacked glass cases of every pie that exists and a few that shouldn't, like the sour cream and beet one on graham cracker crust. But I respect Millie and Steve's adventurous spirit. "I do," I glance at my watch and curse. "I'm sorry, hon. I've got to go, I have a Marketing exam in twenty minutes."

"Good luck! See you tonight."