I’ve been prepared to die since I was a teenager. I accepted the likelihood that my life would be short a long time again. So I know the fear in my gut is not for myself.
Even if I have to go, why does she? My death will cost the world nothing. But hers? The earth will lose something precious if Natalia is not here to walk it.
All the people she’s drawn in and held close—Remi, Misha, Mila, Katya, even my f*****g guards—they’ll be worse without her. Even the gardens won’t be the same without Natalia’s laugh to fill them.
“You can tell me tomorrow,” I rasp. “Tomorrow, when we’re back in the manor and Remi is playing with Misha in the garden.”
“I love you, Andrey.” She smiles sadly, and my chest constricts.
Her hope is gone. She thinks this is the end.
I grab her hand and bring it to my
