Page 238 of Lodestar

I couldn’t imagine living my life that way even though I was a pawn in a wider game I had no control of. As much as my life had changed with Papa’s death, that truth hadn’t altered any.

Daughters were the vessels of an alliance.

Two years…

Seven-hundred-and-thirty days until I was eighteen.

Inessa had gotten married on her eighteenth birthday. It had led us down a road that was the best thing that could have ever happened to us, but I wasn’t her. I wanted options, just…

My hands balled into fists as I snuck out to use the restroom.

Locking the door behind me, I leaned back against it and drew out my phone.

Me:I heard you were sick. Are you all right?

As always, he didn’t take long to reply.

Maxim:Not sick, katyonok. Just managed to get into a scrape.

Me:From what I heard, it sounded serious.

Maxim:It was more serious than I’d have liked but I’m okay.

Maxim:Thank you for asking.

Me:If I’d known, I’d have asked sooner.

Maxim:Is that a reprimand I hear, katyonok?

My cheeks flushed.

Me:Yes.

Maxim:The kitten has claws.

My other hand balled into a fist.

Me:Do you have a problem with that?

Maxim:Why would I?

Me:My father would have.

Maxim:Your father was a mudak.

Me:You wouldn’t have called him a shithead if he were alive.

Maxim:He isn’t though, is he?

Me:No.

Maxim:And isn’t life much better for it?

His words should have hurt me, but they were true.

Me:Why do you always answer my texts, Maxim?

Maxim:I like to know you’re safe.

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