Page 12 of My Wild Horse King

“Although, he goes by Daniel Belmont over there. His grandfather insisted he change his name or he wouldn’t pay for his school.” Dad’s beaming with pride. “My son went to Yale University—which is the best school in the United States.”

“You don’t say.” Katerina’s impassive face is starting to irritate me enough that I just may punch her.

“Not that it matters to you,” I say. “I’m still not sure why you’re coming with us.”

“If you’re leaving Russia, who will protect me?”

She has a point there. If I were her, the last place I’d want to stay, if my rescuers were leaving, was the country where the person I’d fled was executing people without any kind of fair trial. Even so, I’m relieved when we reach the airport, and I get a little break from seeing Katerina’s face. It takes a bit to walk my dad to the front counter, pay for his flight, and convince them to add Katerina to the flight with us.

I wish we were taking Aleksandr’s plane, but it’s not large enough to go direct to New York, and the paperwork involved is a nightmare. We decided it would be better to fly commercial this time. It’s also nicer for my dad, because we can take him right to the gate this way.

But by the time that’s all done, as we begin to board the plane, I’m ready to confront Katerina. I’ll just ask her, point blank, if she’s on our side. You can tell a lot from people when they’re surprised, and I aim to knock that impassive look right off her face.

Or at least, that was the plan.

Only, she’s nowhere to be found.

Somewhere between arriving at the airport and preparing to board our flight, Katerina disappeared.

4

KATERINA

Idon’t trust Leonid. Trusting him was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. But I’ve also learned not to underestimate him. That was the second dumbest thing I ever did.

So when I hear that they’re flying to the United States to warn Kristiana’s older brother of the risk Leonid poses. . .

I’m torn. I want to get away from that lunatic and never look back. I want to run with them as far and as fast as possible. The only thing that might keep me safe from Leonid in the long run is distance. He might decide he wants to take over the whole world, but I’m hoping he’ll be busy with Russia and other nearby countries, at least for a while.

And if this Gustav person never challenges him, maybe he’ll let sleeping dogs sleep.

But Alexei. . .he’s already lost his powers. He has no way to protect himself, no matter where he may run. To make matters worse, he’s gotten confused by this woman, and he thinks he’s in love with her. She’s the trashiest, most irritating and base woman I’ve ever met.

I hate her.

If I’m being honest with myself, my dislike is probably directly proportional to the magnitude of Alexei’s love for her. I’m smart enough to know that, at least, but I still dislike her. And I think if Alexei’s mother were here, she would agree with me. The two of them are a disastrous pairing.

Even so, she’s what he wants.

Above all else, I want Alexei to find the happiness I never have. I want him to have everything his heart desires. He deserves it. He’s only ever done the right thing. He brings joy to everyone around him. He’s Russia’s golden boy in looks and actions.

So I’ve pretty much resolved to run with them—and if he and Miss Trashy go south, well. I’ll be there to pick up the pieces. But after I pack my bag, I leave my room to find out how soon everyone’s leaving. No one’s anywhere to be seen, so I walk outside. The voices I hear in the garden are male, and I don’ttryto eavesdrop, but I’ve always been pretty good at it.

I can’t seem to help myself.

“—how long you can go without talking.” It’s Grigoriy.

“Oh, stop,” Alexei says.

My heart jumps, just hearing his voice.

“I’m just saying, for sisters, they aren’t very similar. Mirdza’s so much more reserved. Polite. Calm.”

“Adriana’s passion is one of the things I love most about her.” His words are like a dagger in my heart.

“Not when she’s mad at you,” Grigoriy says. “And I hear she’s really ticked that you ignored her for days and days.”

“I still think she should dump me,” Alexei says. “I’m powerless now. I can’t protect her. I can’t protect anyone.”

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