Page 106 of A War Apart

“I…” I fiddled with the gears on my hand. “I suppose that a vow made to an unworthy leader could be broken, your highness, without betraying one’s honor.”

The prince nodded. “My thoughts precisely. And what would make you consider a leader unworthy?”

I considered. The tsar hadn’t done anything directly against his people—yet. “I believe,” I said slowly, “that words spoken in anger shouldn’t be held against a man. But when he goes beyond words, acting against what is right, that’s when he becomes unworthy.”

“I believe you’re right.” Radomir stood. “Thank you for your wisdom. I’m glad we can count on your assistance in this Disinheritance.”

I knew he wasn’t referring to Miroslav’s Disinheritance.

Chapter thirty-seven

Last Chance

Mila

The palace buzzed with fear and anticipation. Borislav’s army was on the move, heading toward the capital. Miroslav had ordered the nobles to remain at court, but every morning found another household gone, secreted out of the capital in the middle of the night, in fear of the approaching enemy.

They would arrive within two days.Hanwould arrive.

I still couldn’t believe it. He was alive. I’d mourned him, healed, and moved on. And now he was alive, and he was coming back for me.

I didn’t know if it was excitement or dread that had my stomach in knots.

What would Alexey think? The tsar had promised to get me out of the capital before they attacked. Would I have time to explain, to tell him goodbye?

I’d probably never see him again. I was going back to my husband and my old life. Back to being Mila. Alexey wouldn’twantto see me again once he found out who I was.

I looked around my workroom, and my gaze landed on Lady Yelena’s latest order. I’d planned to have my assistant deliver it tomorrow—provided the capital wasn’t under siege by that time—but I needed something to do.

And maybe I’d see Alexey. Possibly for the last time.

I packed the dresses carefully and trekked across the grounds to the main palace. Alexey was nowhere in sight when I reached Lady Yelena’s quarters, but the baroness received me in the drawing room, where she lounged on a low couch. Her face was ashen, but her smile was warm.

“Sofia Stepanova. You’ve finished them already?”

I smiled back. “I made them my top priority, my lady. How are you feeling?”

“Ill. Overwhelmed. Tired.” She sighed. “I’m told the illness should stop any day now.”

“I’m sure you’ll feel better soon.”

The baroness gestured for her maidservant to take the dresses. “I’ll try them on.” She stood but clapped her hand over her mouth. “Excuse me.” She darted through the door, followed by her maidservant.

Left alone, I stepped toward the open door, my heart pounding in an odd rhythm. Was Alexey nearby? Most likely he was off preparing for the upcoming battle, but I couldn’t help peering down the hall in hopes of seeing him.

The door across the hall was ajar as well. I saw a desk covered with papers, and a crystal decanter of medovukha sat atop the desk next to a half-filled glass.

Kazimir’s study.

I looked up and down the hall. It was empty, silent as a tomb.

If I wanted revenge on Kazimir Vladimirovich, now was my chance. I slipped my hand into my pocket, wrapping my fingers around the tiny potion Borislav had given me. I carried it everywhere; he’d told me it was for emergencies only, but what possible use would I have for it after this week? I didn’t have to use all of it, anyway. Just a few drops, enough to kill the bastard who had taken my child from me.

Heart pounding, I scanned the hall again and darted over to the study.

This might be my last opportunity to help Tsar Borislav win the war, as well. Kazimir could have left important papers on his desk, something revealing details about the palace security or the army’s movements.

I rifled through the papers. Personal correspondence, financial statements…

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