Page 88 of The Pakhan’s Unwanted Bride

I turn back to Ana, reaching out to brush a strand of blonde hair away from her pale face. She looks so small lying there, so vulnerable. The fierce, stubborn princess who invaded my life and turned everything upside down now lies unconscious because someone wanted me dead.

My hand trembles slightly as I trace the curve of her cheek. When did she become the most important thing in my world? When did the thought of losing her become more terrifying than any bullet or blade?

I know the answer. Somewhere between her infuriating demands and her unexpected kindness, between heated arguments and passionate kisses, I fell completely and hopelessly in love with her.

The realization should terrify me. Love is a weakness, a vulnerability that can be exploited. But as I watch Ana's chest rise and fall with steady breaths, all I feel is a fierce, protective determination. She's mine. The baby is mine. And I will burn down the entire fucking world to keep them safe.

The door bursts open suddenly, and Benedikt rushes in. His face is flushed, his eyes wide with what looks like genuine panic. "I heard Princess Anastasia collapsed. Is she…"

"She'll recover." I don't turn to look at him, keeping my attention focused on Ana's sleeping face.

"Thank God." Benedikt's relief sounds authentic, his voice thick with emotion. "What happened?"

"Step into the hallway with me." My voice is quiet, and anyone who knows me would recognize the lethal tone.

Benedikt hesitates, his eyes darting between Ana and the door.

"Now," I add.

He follows me into the corridor, his movements stiff and uncertain. The moment the door closes behind us, I give a single sharp nod. Four guards materialize from the shadows, seizing Benedikt before he can react. His arms are wrenched behind his back, his body slammed face-first against the wall.

"What are you doing?" Benedikt's voice rises in panic.

"Take him to the interrogation room," I order coldly. "Make sure he's secured properly. I'll be down shortly."

The guards drag him away, his protests echoing down the hallway. I watch until they disappear around the corner, then return to Ana's side. Ivan has moved closer to his daughter, one weathered hand resting gently on her arm.

"You actually think it was Benedikt?" he asks quietly.

"I know it was." The certainty settles in my gut like lead. "He's been in love with her for years."

"Love can make men do terrible things." Ivan's voice is heavy with grief.

I nod slowly, my jaw clenched tight. "Stay with her. I'll handle this."

The interrogation room is in the basement, a windowless space with concrete walls and a single metal chair bolted to the floor. Benedikt is already secured when I arrive, his wrists bound behind him, his face bruised where one of the guards got enthusiastic during the arrest.

I close the door behind me with a soft click that sounds unnaturally loud in the silence. Benedikt looks up, and I see the exact moment he realizes there will be no mercy here.

"I didn't mean for her to get hurt," he says immediately, the words tumbling out in a desperate rush. "I swear to God, Pakhan, I never wanted Ana to suffer. The poison was meant for you."

"I know." I pull up a chair and sit down slowly, deliberately. At least I don't have to waste a lot of time trying to get the man to confess to poisoning my food. At least he's man enough to confess right off the bat. "Tell me why."

"Because I love her." His voice breaks on the words. "I've loved her since we were teenagers. I've watched her my entire adult life, protected her, been there for every moment. And then you came along and took her away. You don't deserve her. You never did."

"So you decided to kill me." My voice remains flat, emotionless. "And then what? You thought she'd fall into your arms?"

"I thought I could protect her properly. Keep her safe from all the violence and danger that follows you everywhere." Tears stream down his face now, ugly and desperate. "I thought if you were gone, she'd finally see me. Really see me."

"Did you have anything to do with Ivan's kidnapping?" I lean forward slightly. "The attacks? The symbol?"

"No!" The denial is immediate and vehement. "I swear on everything I hold sacred, I had nothing to do with any of that. This was just… it was just me. I couldn't stand watching her with you anymore."

I believe him. The confession has the ring of truth, the desperate honesty of a man who knows he's already dead. This wasn't part of the larger conspiracy. This was obsession, pure and simple.

I stand slowly, my hand moving to the pistol holstered at my side. Benedikt's eyes follow the movement, and fresh tears spill down his cheeks.

"Please," he whispers. "Please, I'm sorry. I never meant for Ana to get hurt. You have to believe me."