Episode 33

“On one condition,” I replied, walking to the door that connected the bedroom to the living room. “You need to get dressed.”

I didn’t wait for her response, wondering why the hell I felt like I was walking on clouds at making her happy this morning.

Or teasing her.

Or laughing with her.

She was supposed to be a tool.

And now she was going to be my ruin.

When she walked out, I gave her outfit a cursory glance before leading her to breakfast. I had been told that we would be in the formal dining room this morning. When we arrived, it was clear that we were late.

“Good morning, Gavrushka,” Katarina said brightly from her chair, her plate already full of food. “And Sveta.”

Naomi’s hand tightened in mine, and I gave her a brief squeeze as my mother looked both of us over, her sharp eyes betraying nothing.

“Good morning,” I said as I led Naomi over to the chair, pulling it out for her. “I trust that you are all well?”

“What about you, Gavrushka?” Aleksandra stated, arching a brow. “Are you