Page 10 of Dark Prince

As I move through the hall, I realize that I'm quite hungry. My stomach reminds me that I’d skipped breakfast in the rush of the morning. Guided by the smell of fresh coffee and baked bread, I make my way to the kitchen.

The kitchen is a warm, inviting space, contrasting with the formality of the rest of the house. It's large and well-equipped, with a homey feel that immediately puts me at ease. The smell of food and the sound of sizzling from the stove creates a comforting ambiance, a reminder of the simple pleasures of home.

There’s a bustling team of cooks, each busy with their tasks. I notice that the kitchen is stocked with everything I could possibly need.

I step into the large, walk-in pantry and begin to reach for some ingredients. Immediately, one of the cooks, a pretty young woman with a bright, engaging smile, steps forward. She looks to be a few years younger than me, with curly auburn hair tied back in a neat bun and sparkling green eyes that radiate warmth and friendliness.

“Oh, please allow me, Mrs. Ivanova,” she says, her tone both gentle and insistent. “I'll prepare something for you.”

Accustomed to doing things for myself, I hesitate. “It's really okay, I can make something,” I say, not wanting to impose.

Her amusement at my response is evident. “I insist, Mrs. Ivanova. It's my job, after all. And besides,” she adds with a playful glint in her eye, “Mr. Ivanov would be quite incensed at the idea of his new wife having to make her own food on her first day here.”

Her words bring a smile to my face, and I find myself relenting. “All right if you insist. Thank you.”

As she busies herself with preparing something for me, we make our introductions. “I'm Maura, by the way. But I guess you already know that.”

“I'm Lily,” she replies with a friendly nod. “Welcome to the Ivanov home, your home. If you need anything, just let me know.”

As Lily skillfully prepares a simple yet appetizing salad, our conversation flows easily. I watch as she deftly slices and dices the vegetables, admiring her evident skills in the kitchen.

“I've never really been one to be waited on,” I share, watching her work. “This is all quite new to me.”

Lily looks up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “Really? I heard you were like royalty in your own family.”

I chuckle lightly, shaking my head. "It wasn't quite like that," I tell her. The truth is more complicated; Sharon's version of a gilded cage was one where I was left to fend for myself within the confines of our home. But I keep these details to myself, not wanting to delve too deeply into my past with someone I just met.

Lily's expression shifts to one of mild embarrassment. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so familiar.”

I offer her a reassuring smile. “There's nothing to apologize for. It's nice to have a casual conversation.”

She nods, a relieved smile on her face, and then presents the salad to me. “Here you go. I hope you like it.”

“It looks wonderful; thank you, Lily,” I say, genuinely grateful for her kindness and company.

While eating, I continue chatting with Lily. “I've only been here for a short while, but everyone's been so nice,” I tell her, genuinely surprised by the hospitality I've encountered since I arrived. “It's very different from what I expected.”

Lily laughs, a warm, infectious sound. “The Ivanovs definitely run a tight ship, but they're far from tyrants. They treat their staff well, and in return, we're all fiercely loyal to them. It's more like a big, somewhat unconventional family.”

Her words are reassuring, painting a picture of a household that's in stark contrast to the harsh, unforgiving world I've always associated with the Bratva. “That's really good to hear,” I reply, feeling a bit more at ease. “I guess I had a certain image in my mind of what life here would be like.”

Lily nods understandingly. “It's natural to have preconceptions, especially with all the stories out there about the Ivanovs. But you'll find that there's more to this place than meets the eye.”

She checks her watch, her eyes flashing.

“Shoot. I should get going. I have lots of food prep for tonight. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Ivanova. Welcome home,” Lily says, her tone warm and welcoming. And please, let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.”

“I will. And thanks, Lily.”

With a smile, she turns her attention back to her duties.

As I savor the salad, the side door to the kitchen opens, and a woman enters. She's young, with long, black hair that cascades down her back and eyes that are a striking shade of blue. Her features resemble Luk's, and I remember seeing her briefly at the wedding.

The woman looks over the kitchen with an inquisitive gaze before her eyes land on me. “Why are you eating in the kitchen like a cook on a break? Don't tell me you're too shy for the dining room?” she says. Like her brother, there’s a faint hint of a Russian accent in her speech.

I can't help but smile at her frankness. “I just arrived and found myself here. It's quite comfortable, actually.”

Elena snorts lightly, her amusement evident. “Well, perhaps I should introduce myself properly. I'm Elena Ivanova, Luk's sister.”

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