Page 102 of Vendetta Crown

"A collection of old Russian fairy tales that have long since faded from this world," she explains as I lift the lid. "Ivan's grandmother wrote them down from memory during Stalin's reign. I copied each one word by word and translated them so that you may know them as well."

"Anastasia, this is beautiful." I'm stunned by the gift's significance.

"You gave me back my voice," Anastasia says. "This seemed appropriate."

One by one, the other wives present their offerings. Natasha Korsakov brings handmade blankets, each embroidered with protective symbols around the edges. Varya Balakirev gives me a set of ancient silver spoons said to ward off evil spirits.

Each gift carries meaning beyond its physical form. They're tokens of the solidarity we've built together.

Finally, Liliya steps forward, holding a polished wooden chest. The room grows quiet with anticipation.

She opens it to reveal two tiny gold Orthodox crosses on delicate chains, nestled among faded photographs and yellowed letters.

"The original belonged to Ruslan when he was baptized," she explains. "I asked a jeweler in St. Petersburg to fashion another one just like it."

My fingers tremble as I touch one of the crosses. "Liliya, I don't know what to say."

"Say nothing," she replies, her eyes softening. "Just promise me that these children will grow up knowing who they are and where they come from."

I look up at her, understanding washing over me. These aren't just heirlooms. They're a blessing from a woman who once warned me away from this life.

"I promise," I whisper.

The room quiets as Liliya steps closer to us, the small wooden chest still open in her hands. She looks between Ruslan and me, then at my belly where her grandchildren grow.

"My son," she says to Ruslan, her voice steady but tender. Then, she turns to me. "And my daughter. Months ago, you asked my blessing for your marriage, and I did not give it. I was wrong to do that."

"You did what you thought was one thing that might keep us safe,Mamechka." Ruslan says.

"And it did nothing to keep either of you safe. Which is why I give you both my blessings today," she continues. "For this marriage, for your children, for the family that you are building together in the shadow of the families you have both lost."

Her hand reaches out to touch my stomach, and I feel a flutter inside as if the babies recognize their grandmother.

"May they grow strong and wise. May they know love and safety."

There's a weight to her words, a significance that makes the air in the room feel heavier. The other wives watch in respectful silence.

"But even now in your moment of happiness..." Liliya's voice drops lower so only Ruslan and I can hear. "I would be remiss in my duties if I do not warn you both that the path you've chosen comes at a price."

Ruslan stiffens beside me. I reach for his hand instinctively.

"Tragedies have a way of finding us. For that's the way of our people," she says, her eyes moving between us. "This world you're shaping and the power you're gathering. Neither comes without a cost."

My heart stutters.

She knows.

Of course she knows about Ruslan's meetings with the pakhans, about the alliance he's building to position himself at the head of theVori.

"The higher you rise," she whispers. "The farther you have to fall. And those who would see you fall will target what you love most."

Her hand returns to my belly, and I feel a chill despite the warmth of the room.

"Be careful, my children." Liliya straightens her spine, the matriarch once more. "Be vigilant. Most of all, be worthy of what you're building with each other."

Ruslan's fingers tighten around mine. "We will,Mamechka."

I meet Liliya's eyes, finding both warning and fierce love there.

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