Page 51 of A War Apart

The first chance to test my knowledge of Sofia’s history. “Just a few years. I apprenticed with her previous seamstress.”

“You’ve come a long way in a short time.”

He had no idea how true that was. Unsure of how to respond, I focused on the movements of the dance.

“Do you have any family?”

“No. My mother died when I was young, and my father died in service to Tsar Miroslav.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” His smile disappeared, sympathy filling his face. “You have no other family?” When I shook my head, he added, “And suitors?”

“I—” I hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “No.”

The music ended, and he let go of my hand. “I hope I may have the opportunity to change that.” He bowed.

The room was stifling. A churning sensation developed in my stomach. He was near, far too near, and the earnestness on his face… Filled with a sudden need for fresh air, I muttered, “I have to go.” I turned and fled.

Once outside, it was easier to breathe. I stood with my back to the greenhouse, relishing the cold air on my heated skin.

No one had mentioned what to do if I found myself romantically pursued at court. I was married, but SofiaStepanova wasn’t. There was no reason for Sofia to reject the advances of an attractive, eligible suitor. And whatever else he was, Alexey Grigorovich was an attractive man.

Otets’ Blood. I’d been at court less than two days and already found myself in a mess.

Not wanting to go back to the dance and risk seeing him again, I walked slowly back to my quarters. Izolda would discover I’d left soon enough. For now, I needed to be alone.

Back in my bedroom, I built up the fire and took a seat on the nearby bed. I could guess what Han would say about Alexey Grigorovich’s not-so-subtle advance. Han wasn’t as hot-headed as Yakov, but if he thought someone was pursuing his wife, he wouldn’t hesitate to call the man out.

Still, Alexey Grigorovich served Lord Kazimir. I shuddered, rubbing my hands together for warmth. Getting close to him might give me an opportunity to exact vengeance on the man who killed my son. And Kazimir held Miroslav’s favor. Ingratiating myself with the manservant might lead to more information for the tsar, as well. Flirtation wasn’t infidelity. I could encourage his attentions, use the dalliance to my advantage, and still remain true to Han.

I sighed. I didn’t need to worry about Han. The distraction could put us both in danger. What I needed was to focus on the task at hand. I owed it to everyone we had lost. I owed it to Han.

I stood and stretched, my mind made up. I could use Alexey Grigorovich to my own ends, could find a way to use his interest to my advantage and help end this war. Whatever I had to do to bring down Miroslav would be worth it.

Chapter eighteen

Betrayed

Mila

After a week at court, I had finally settled in. The palace itself was easy to navigate, the layout deceptively simple, but it was difficult to remember where, exactly, each noble was housed within the ornate halls.

I looked up and down the long corridor, frowning. Where were Princess Alisa’s quarters? I was supposed to meet with her to discuss a new commission, but all the rooms looked similar.

As I considered, the door in front of me opened. A tall young noblewoman, her skin a warm, dark brown but speckled with white, stepped into the hall, followed by her maidservant.

I’d heard of people with skin like this, but I’d never actually seen it. It was a skin condition that caused the skin to lose its color, and according to research by Blood Bastards, it wasn’t contagious or harmful. I’d never heard of a noble with the disease; it lent the woman an air of exotic beauty.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

I bowed. “Apologies, my lady. I’m looking for Princess Alisa’s quarters.”

“You’re a few doors too soon. I’m headed that direction already. I’ll show you the princess’s rooms.” She turned and glided down the hall, the maidservant and I trailing after her.

The lady looked back. “What is your trade?”

“I’m a seamstress, my lady. Sofia Stepanova.”

“Are you? I’ll have to call on you when I need a new dress. Princess Alisa always wears the finest fashions. Anyone she commissions must be talented indeed.” She stopped. “Here we are, Sofia Stepanova.”

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