The Dreaming Land I: The Challenge (The Zemnian Series Book 5) by E.P. Clark

Author:E.P. Clark [Clark, E.P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Helia Press
Published: 2018-09-10T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

When we arrived there shortly before the sixth hour the same two guards were there waiting for us, looking apprehensive. “Please send word that I have returned, and await Ivan Marinovich at his convenience,” I said.

They exchanged glances and then, having apparently gained strength from whatever they saw in each other’s eyes, nodded and called in through the little window in the door that I had returned. The same serving girl we had seen before called back a reply that I could barely make out, but that seemed to say that Ivan Marinovich would be right down. I resisted the urge to look significantly at Sasha and see if he had heard the same thing I had. Would it really be that easy?

“Ivan Marinovich and his escort will be down directly, Valeriya Dariyevna,” said one of the guards.

I stopped myself from asking what they were playing at. Maybe it really would be that easy. After all, Princess Velikokrasnova was, among other things, shrewd. She was unlikely to risk an open breach with the Tsarina if she could help it. And she could easily have decided to change tactics and, through her apparent compliance, play some other deep game. Or…there was considerable bustle in the hall on the other side of the door, more than I would have expected for just Ivan Marinovich. And then the door was flung open and two guards came out, followed by Princess Velikokrasnova, Nika, Ivan, and two more guards.

“Valeriya Dariyevna,” said Princess Velikokrasnova. Her nostrils flared as she spoke.

I bowed.

“I told you we were indisposed and not receiving visitors today, but since you chose to ignore that, I have decided to humor you. Is it really true that the Empress wishes to see my son?”

“It is,” I said. “She awaits the pleasure eagerly.”

Princess Velikokrasnova’s nostrils flared again, probably because she had been hoping to catch me out in a lie. “And he can have any escort I name?”

“Of course,” I said. “The Tsarina would not want him to be unsafe, or not to be escorted as befits his station.”

“In that case, I name these four guards here—and myself and my husband.”

I bowed again. “It will be an honor.”

She gave me a sour look and turned to the guard standing beside her. “Is the kibitka being brought round?” she asked.

“Here it is, Marina Yekaterinovna.” And indeed, a small kibitka, just big enough for three to ride inside and four to ride outside and stand guard was coming up to us.

Princess Velikokrasnova turned back to me. “I fear there is room only for my own party, Valeriya Dariyevna. We will await you at the kremlin.”

“Of course,” I said, and stepped back so that the kibitka could pull up to them and they could all get in. Nika gave me a brief but miserable look as he went by me, and Ivan hurried past with flushed cheeks and downcast eyes. I waited until they were all in the kibitka and it had started down the street, before turning back to Sasha and Tima.

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