Page 136 of Hidden Empire

Jade

The Lord’s meeting place is creepy. Who wants to meet on a rooftop at midnight when it’s chilly? Apparently, this Batman wannabe weirdo does. I mean he isn’t wearing a mask, but he might as well be wearing a cloak.

Ugh, I wish I had a cloak. It’s freezing up here.

I bet his shaved head is cold too. He’s got bleached fuzz on top of the round surface, surely not enough hair to keep his head and ears warm. He’s pale and wearing black leather gloves that would be stark against his fair complexion if his arms weren’t covered by his dark blue cloak.

I shiver silently in my sweater while the Lord greets Dmitri, sharing a formal handshake. Ivan doesn’t leave my side after he does the same, practically gluing himself to my side as we sit. There are four chairs, one for each of us, but Dmitri and the Lord sit last, lowering themselves slowly.

“I’ve been briefed on your issue,” the new man says, starting the conversation immediately. The stars dance around in the sky above us, and the sound of wind sweeping through treetops creates a subtle soundtrack in the air. “Quite a mess, I’m afraid. Empire would like to formally apologize for the actions of Ms. Haller.”

Haller! That’s her name. She mentioned it on the first day, but it completely went in one ear and out the other. Her last name doesn’t give away what crime family she’s from, but at least I have something to call her in my head.

“She’s been suspended for the next four semesters and will only be hired back after retraining and extensive questioning. She’ll be off the island within the week.”

Oh wow. I did not expect such a direct and intense course of action.

“That’s not enough,” Dmitri seethes, apparently disagreeing with me.

The crack of silence that follows is thick and uncomfortable but passes quickly.

“And how do you suggest I punish her, exactly?”

Dmitri doesn’t hesitate or waver. “You could let me snap her neck in the middle of the courtyard for everyone to see,” he deadpans the suggestion.

“Dmitri,” I gasp, looking at him with wide eyes. He doesn’t return my gaze, keeping his eyes trained on the man across from him.

The Lord lets out a long-suffering sigh. “Any less dramatic suggestions? Perhaps something more fitting for an attempted crime?”

Dmitri tightens his jaw. “Okay, how about you let me attempt snapping her neck in the courtyard for everyone to see.”

“I see this is going to be a very productive meeting, great,” the Lord drawls, lighting up a cigarette with a match as sarcasm drips from his every word. The smell of cloves instantly floods the brisk air around us.

Worried that this meeting is going to spiral, I speak up before Dmitri can.

“You could make her fight,” I suggest gently.

“Jade…” Dmitri turns to look at me, shaking his head. He doesn’t want me to have anything to do with this because I shouldn’t have to handle situations like these. He’d take care of everything by himself if I didn’t have to come.

The Lord eyes me carefully. “Fight?”

“I mean, yeah.” I shrug. “That’s what she tried to do to me, isn’t it? Pick out some big guy to beat her up and call it even. Surely a fight training instructor can handle a less-than-friendly sparring match?”

Shocking the absolute hell out of me, the Lord smiles. “Your bride is a smart one, Morozov. Hasn’t been in our world for long, and yet she grasps the rules, doesn’t she?”

I mean, she’s not sure why you're speaking about her in the third person. But thank you for the compliment, I guess? Also, I love being referred to as his bride.

“There’s no eye for an attempted eye, but when an attempt is made to this degree… well, something must be done, no?”

“It’s not enough,” Dmitri argues stubbornly.

“Surely you have an idea of someone who could dole out this punishment that would qualify as enough for you.” The Lord pauses before adding an additional guideline. “Though, I must insist you pick someone other than yourself or your blood. Touchy subject, this is. Wouldn’t want you to break a rule in the name of vengeance. Having to execute an heir would not win me many favors.”

Another cold chill hits me, and I shudder.

Dawning a concerned look, Ivan reaches out to touch my cheeks. “Fuck, Jade,” he says with worry. “Tell me when you’re cold next time. He shrugs out of his overcoat, wrapping it around me like a blanket before I can blink.

The embarrassment of my teeth nearly beginning to shatter is so worth the immediate warmth his coat provides. Ivan kisses the top of my head before he sits back down, and even his lips have more heat than I do.

---