Page 59 of Dark King Daddy

“It is so relevant that it’s practically sitting in a chair.”

“The marriage would stabilize the alliance.”

“Oh, good. You’ve already prepared the brochure.”

“Zoe.”

“No. Explain it. Use small words. Tell me why your body is suddenly a trade agreement.”

“It isn’t.”

“Then why are we discussing this?”

I told her.

The convoy. The dead escort. The wounded drivers. The clients requesting independent carriers. Sokolov drivers refusing Orlov cargo. The way fifteen years of cooperation had begun cracking in hours.

I explained waterfront access and distribution.

I explained what happened if the shared routes collapsed.

Zoe listened.

She did not interrupt until I finished.

Then she took a bite of cake.

“You’re considering it?” she asked incredulous.

“Yes.”

“Of course you are.”

Her tone made me look up.

“What does that mean?”

“It means everyone has a disaster, and Ksenia walks into the room wearing a tool belt.”

“That’s unfair.”

“Is it?”

“My father is dead.”

“I know.”

“Anton inherited an organization under attack.”

“I know.”

“A man died today.”

“I get all that.”

“The Voronins are trying to start a war.”

“I know, Ksenia.”