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He goes.

Unfortunately, the other two come down at the same time with the headboard between them. They have turned it sideways to get it through the stairwell, which gives everyone in the hall an excellent view of the damage along the lower panel.

Elara’s grip tightens around the workbook.

Irina looks at the headboard. Then at me. Then at Elara.

Elara looks at me as if she may never forgive me.

Irina steps aside to let the headboard pass. “I must say, Nikolai, I have always admired your commitment to thoroughness.”

Elara chokes.

Anya looks up. “What does thoroughness mean?”

“It means doing a job properly,” Irina says.

Galina turns and walks into the dining room. This time, she doesn't pretend she has business there.

I look at Irina. “You came for something?”

“I came to see Anya.”

Anya brightens. “We’re doing fractions.”

“What a revelation,” Irina says, then looks again at the open side corridor where the workers are carrying out the last evidence of the morning. It’s obvious she’s not talking about fractions.

“Irina,” Elle begins.

“You’re not allowed to talk to me,” she says.

“Don’t behave like that,” I say.

Irina scoffs. “Unbelievable. I can’t believe you’re taking a stranger’s side over mine? What’s gotten into you?” From the look on her face, it’s clear she knows what.

Anya looks between us. “Elle’s not a stranger. She lives here.”

“Yes,” Irina says. “That appears to be becoming clearer. After all, she managed to break your bed in less than two weeks, though not alone, I imagine.”

Elara’s cheeks flush.

I step forward before I think better of it. “Anya, take your workbook to the sitting room.”

“But I’m doing fractions.”

“Take them with you.”

She looks annoyed but obeys, dragging the workbook from the table and walking toward the sitting room. She pauses at the doorway to watch the men carry the headboard outside.

“Can beds really just break like that?” she asks.

Elara opens her mouth.

Irina says, “Some things are more fragile than they look.”

I look at her. She meets my eyes, and there it is. Not just jealousy. Hurt, too, though she would rather cut off her own hand than admit it.

Elara sees enough of it to look away.