Page 43 of King’s Promise

“I think there is an opportunity for you, you’re not in love with him like Mum was with Papa. I never understood it because he repeatedly cheated on her and slapped her around if she questioned it. I’d cut a man’s balls off,” she adds, balling up her fists.

Damn if she isn’t as feisty as me.

“What are we looking for?”

“Anything that will drive him insane in bed, an outfit to slay our dinner date tonight, and whatever else we can find.”

“Sounds like my kinda day. Dad had me on a budget. It sucked.”

“Oh, we’re buying for you, too. What’s a shopping date when only one of us gets to spend money?”

“Is he okay with that?” Her blue eyes grow wide with concerns of repercussion.

“I guess we’ll find out. Judging from what he spends on staff and upkeep at the estate, he’ll never miss it.”

“Hmm, speaking of that, I can’t wait to use your pool.”

“It’s divine. Any time.” I reach over and grab her hand. I’m not sure if it’s for her benefit or mine. Maybe I need the closeness of someone I love, even if it’s my sister. She squeezes my hand in return and we both smile.

We hit shop after shop, spending money like there is no tomorrow and have lunch at the sushi bar in Harrods. We schlepp bags of intimate wear, shirts, jeans and shoes to the SUV. By the time we add our dress bags, the car is bursting at the seams.

Alex drives us to the jeweler to pick up the engraved cufflinks. I hope Nikolay likes them.

While we’re dropping Katerynia off, Sergei pops out to the car, taking me by surprise.

“So, how is life in the big house?” I can’t tell if it’s genuine interest or hard feelings because he wasn’t picked to be my guard.

“Sergei.” I give him a hug. “How are you? Gee, so much has happened.”

“True, I miss your dad.” His face grows somber and for a second, I wonder if he’s depressed.

“Me, too. But he would want us to move ahead with life,” I add trying to cheer him up. He takes Katerynia’s bags, commenting on the vehicle. It sounds as if he’s jealous, which is ridiculous. Papa paid him more than any of the other guards. I don’t understand his attitude.

Sergei takes my sister’s stuff into the house, and I take the opportunity to hug her and ask if Sergei is okay.

“He’s Sergei, he’s taken Papa’s death hard, and he has dark moments from time to time. Stop worrying. We got my dress for the wedding and everything you need to blow every woman out of the room tonight. Now, go to the salon and get your hair done. You have to be home by four or you’ll screw up date night.”

“I wouldn’t call it date night but you’re right, I gotta run.” I hug and kiss her. It’s our thing, not a British or Russian custom. Alex drives me to the salon and hovers around taking calls more than usual. I assume he’s in touch with Nikolay.

By noon, I’m home, exhausted and drop by to say ‘hi’ to Hazel.

“You have big plans tonight I hear.” She pours me a cup of hot tea. “Your hair is amazing,” she exclaims.

“Thank you for the name of the hairdresser. He is amazing. However,” I pause to give her a questioning eye, “I have no idea where we are going.”

Her face softens, a smile floats on her lips, and my curiosity intensifies.

“You need to be ready on time. It’s fancy, a late dinner in a very romantic location. You need to look your very best.” She gives me a sheepish grin.

“Do you know where we’re going?” I ask excitedly.

“Yes, but I can’t tell. It’s a surprise.” She averts her eyes to her hands. She hold the hot cup as if its warming mitts.

“Oh, come on, we’re friends,” I implore her. I pull out a stool and sit next to her at the kitchen island where she eats breakfast. Her hair is always pulled back in a neat bun, all her dresses are floral prints, and she wears a white apron with pockets in it.

She rolls her eyes as if to tease me with the fact she knows, and I don’t. A chuckle enters the air between us. It’s nice to see the glint in her eyes and she looks happy for a Brit.

“Really?” I’m appalled she won’t honor the girl code and spill. In her defense, it’s her job, and she’s mature enough to know telling me secrets could cost her her job, or an unpleasant confrontation with Nikolay. I'm sure she’s not one to pass on gossip and so I remain without the details I want to know.

---