Page 94 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“That you were a duchess. You never told me.” He looked hurt.

“I don’t think about it. I—‍” She looked up at Wilhelm. “It’s a part of my past that seemed to die with Alex. I’m sorry, Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm gave her a sympathetic smile. “It is alright. I know it is difficult.”

“Wilhelm.” Vlad approached, extending his hand in greeting to Wilhelm. Nina was with him and gave Anna a sad smile.

“Vlad, I am sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Wilhelm.” Vlad cleared his throat. “I hope you will not hold my father’s rudeness against me. We... did not see eye to eye on many things these last few years, and I hope I can undo some things he did.”

“Thank you, Vlad. I would not?—‍”

“Good morning, Vlad.” Devin appeared at the side of the group and Anna felt as if a cloud of ice had fallen over her. His voice held a tinge of warning. “I see you are looking to rekindle past friendships?”

Vlad clenched his jaw. “My family and Wilhelm’s have been friends for a long time. I hope to undo some of the things my father did.”

Devin’s eyes narrowed. “That is an interesting idea.” He tilted his head. “Your father was a wise man. I hope you can also learn from things he did.”

Anna shivered and Kurt put his arm around her. “Are you alright?” he whispered.

“Cold.” She stepped closer to Kurt, but the cold seemed to originate deep inside her own body.

Devin looked around the group and stopped his gaze at Anna. His black eyes beckoned her and she tried to step forward, but Kurt held her against him, refusing to go.

Devin looked sharply at Kurt. “You only have her for a few weeks.”

“And I will cherish every moment and strive for more.”

Devin laughed. “So idealistic.” He reached out and stroked Anna’s cheek with long, cold fingers. “I can’t wait to have you home with me, Baby.” He ran his fingernail down her neck, stopping where he normally gave her the painful injections. He looked around and then gave Vlad a pointed look. “Might I have a word?” After raising his eyebrows, he purposefully turned and walked away, causing people to hurriedly clear a path.

Vlad gave her a sad look, then inhaled deeply. He glanced around. “I supposed I must speak with Devin.” He gave his wife a tight smile and kissed her cheek. “I will return as soon as I can.” He nodded to Wilhelm before turning and following Devin.

Peter bowed his head at Wilhelm and smiled apologetically at Anna. “I’ll see you later?”

Anna nodded, and he and Dariya followed Nina back to the entrance of the building.

Devin’s eyes narrowed as Vlad hurried over to where he was waiting at the side of the enormous courtyard.

Vlad frowned as he approached. “What do you want? I have guests to greet.”

Devin glanced over to where Vlad's family stood, their expressions sober as they greeted the arriving guests. “I hope you have no plans to make drastic changes to anything your father did.”

Vlad clenched his jaw. “And what if I do?”

A flash of anger coursed through Devin’s body and he glared at the new Russian Elder. Then he let a smile slowly appear on his face. “Of course, you can do whatever you want. You are Elder now.” Devin paused as a sigh of relief passed through the other man’s lips, and he casually looked up at the cathedral. “Would you have Peter’s funeral here, even though he is only a Son?” He could feel the fear shoot through the other man’s body and he gave Vlad a benevolent smile. “It would be a shame to have two family funerals so close together.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Vlad hissed.

“I wouldn’t?” Devin raised his eyebrows. “I am Chairman, Vlad. I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

Vlad’s jaw trembled with barely controlled rage. “You have no power outside your own country!”

“Don’t I?” Devin knew his power was limited, but there were still the Assassins. And he would never admit that he lacked power of any sort. He tilted his head. “Do you really want to take that chance?” He smiled again. “You have other children as well. There’s no limit to how much pain I could inflict on you, if I wanted to.”

Vlad clenched his fists as he looked over his shoulder at his family. His face softened and his eyes filled with affection.

“You have vulnerabilities, Vlad. Never forget that.”

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