by Kat Mizera
He sighed, nodding slightly. “I’m sorry, my friend.”
“It’s all good. I was never the marrying type, you know? If it turns out she’s innocent, she’ll be better off.” I took a breath. “So, where do you want me today?”
“We’re all sticking close to the palace. Kids are hunkered down, no one is going anywhere, and tonight we’re having a movie night in the big theater. We’re taking a mourning day, so why don’t you take a nap and check in with me later?”
“Yeah, all right. Thanks.” I headed up to my room and tried to rest, but sleep wouldn’t come. I was drained, physically and mentally, but my emotions were all over the place.
Logan.
Solange.
The fucking Brat.
How had this happened?
Technically, it all started with Kostya. I didn’t for a minute believe Solange had in some way targeted me or the royal family. Kostya, on the other hand? He was capable of that and a lot more. And he’d disappeared, according to Sandor.
I got up and grabbed my keys. I had to find him. Kostya had some of the answers we needed and he was going to tell me everything, no matter what I had to do to make him.
I was lost in thought as I got on the elevator and started when I found Natalia already inside. She looked like hell, her eyes red-rimmed, her face a little puffy.
“Hey, how are you doing, Nat?”
She bit her lip. “I’ve been better.”
“I’m sorry, hon.” I reached out and hugged her. She fell against my chest, wrapping her arms around me tightly and sobbing. No one had known she and Logan were an item until this happened, and we were all trying to figure out what to say to her. They’d apparently kept it on the down low because they wanted to be sure before they went public. Also because Natalia’s family probably wouldn’t be happy that she was involved with a foreigner. They were old-school, much like Solange’s parents, so they hadn’t let anyone know. Not even their fellow Protectors.
She finally pulled away, taking a tissue from her purse and dabbing her eyes. “Where are you going?” she asked, since I’d pushed the button for the garage level.
“I need to talk to someone,” I said quietly.
She met my eyes, hers narrowing slightly. “Who?”
“It’s not important. You’re supposed to be taking it easy today.”
“It’s obviously important or you wouldn’t be evading the question. Does it have to do with Logan’s death?”
“Yes.”
“Are you going to see her?”
“Her name is Solange,” I said quietly. “And while I understand you’re hurting, we don’t know that she did anything. Until we do, I’m not condemning her. However, the answer is no. I’m not going to see her. I’m going to look for her brother.”
“Kostya slipped out at five o’clock this morning,” she said. “I watched the video from the front gate when I got up, and he walked out and went east.”
“He went towards the town square,” I said thoughtfully.
“He could get a bus to Vinake, couldn’t he?” she asked, following me out of the elevator.
“He could, but we can’t both be gone,” I said firmly. “You need to go back upstairs.”
“The fuck I do. I’m off today and I can do whatever I please. I’m going too.”
“Nat, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I plan to do whatever it takes and it might not be exactly—”
“Legal? Good. The more illegal, the better. I really want to hit someone today. Better him than you.”
We searched for hours, scouring the seedier side of town, checking surveillance cameras where there were some, stopping by a few illegal card games and even hitting up a few local drug dealers Natalia knew of since she’d done most of her military training here. It was all for nothing, and by the time we headed back to the palace, we were hot, hungry, and frustrated.
Sandor was waiting when we got off the elevator and he eyed both of us with irritation.
“What the fuck were you two up to?” he demanded. “I was very clear that everyone was to remain on-site today.”
“My fault,” Natalia said. “I wanted to talk to Kostya and—”
“Shut up.” I gave her a dirty look. “Like I’m gonna let you take the heat for me.” I turned to Sandor. “It was my idea and we spent the day looking for Kostya. He was nowhere. From what I can tell, he didn’t get on the daily bus to Vinake and he didn’t show up on any surveillance I got my hands on.”
“We’re going to talk about you disobeying a direct order,” Sandor said, his jaw tightening slightly. “But not until after the service tomorrow. Until then, you two need to stay the fuck out of trouble. That’s a fucking order.”
37
Solange
Tears were a waste of time. I discovered that after about eight hours of crying. I was so angry with Kostya, I’d slapped him three times before my mother separated us and spirited him away. He was hiding in the smallest room up on the third floor, not allowed to come out for any reason now that my parents had guests staying in the honeymoon suite on the second floor. Mama had given me the only other room on the first floor beyond their suite, and I’d been there crying since Kostya had dragged me inside.
Now I was done crying and I was angry. More like furious. I didn’t know what Kostya had done, but this was his fault and I was going to make him tell me the truth. He’d clammed up in front of Mama and Papa, pretending he was running for his life, that the Brat was after him, along with the Royal Protectors. Both of those might technically be true, but not for the reasons he told our parents. He made himself out to be a victim who was being framed along with me, but that was utter bullshit.
Poor Mama and Papa were so confused. They really didn’t have any idea what was going on, but I was about to tell them. Well, I was going to tell Mama because Kostya was far more afraid of her than he was of Papa. And if she didn’t get him to talk, then I’d call Xander and get him to come back here. Right now, he was the only person in my corner and the only person I could trust. Much as it pained me to say that, it was true.
“Solange.” Mama was in the kitchen tidying up. “Are you hungry? You didn’t eat.”
I shrugged. “I could eat, I guess.”
“Let me make you some eggs.” She busied herself with the task and I rooted around the cupboard until I found a bottle of red wine. I poured us each a glass and then sat at the small table by the window.
“I don’t know what Kostya has done,” I told her in a quiet voice, “but everything that’s happened is because of him.”
She didn’t look at me, focusing on the frying pan in front of her, but nodded. “Yes. I figured.”
“Mama, you can’t protect him this time. He’s going to be in serious trouble when they find out what he did.”
“We don’t know what he did.”
“Not exactly, no, but one of the Royal Protectors is dead and not only did he die because someone told the Brat the best time to get into the school, but they were after sensitive information about all the rich and royal children that are going to be attending the school. A school that very few people know anything about. He knew about that because of me. Which makes me responsible as well. Mama, this could be treason. Which is punishable by death.”
Her shoulders shook a little and she finally turned to me. “We have to protect him, no matter how hard it is. He’s your brother. My son.”
“I’m not going to prison for him,” I said, meeting her gaze directly. “I am not a traitor and I’m absolutely not going to live the rest of my life in hiding.”
“Then what’s the solution?”
“We find out exactly what Kostya did and decide from there.”
She put a plate of eggs in front of me and then went into the back. I assumed it was to talk to my father and by the time I’d finished eating and rinsed my dish, they’d joined me in the kitchen.
“We’re going to talk to him together,” he said.
I nodded and th
e three of us went up the stairs to his room. Mama knocked but there was no answer. The door was locked but she dug out a master key and opened it. I wish I’d been surprised, but I’d had a feeling he would run, and he had.
I turned to my parents in frustration. “Where would he go? The only way I’m going to prove I’m innocent is if I find out what he knows.”
Mama hesitated. “Perhaps reach out to Felix. They’re friends.”
“He disappoints me,” Papa said, reaching out to put a gentle hand on my cheek. “I’m sorry, Solange, that he’s dragged you into this, but I won’t allow him to take you down with him. If he’s done this, committed treason, he has to pay for it.”
“He’s not a bad boy,” Mama whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “Just bored, and immature, with no direction. I can’t believe he would do this maliciously.”
“Whatever he got himself into, he has to become a man now, and take responsibility.” I’d never heard my father speak in such strict terms with regard to my brother, and while he was right, it felt like too little, too late. I was the one in trouble now, in addition to Kostya.
“I have things to do,” I said, turning and heading back downstairs. I regretted leaving my laptop behind, but if it helped clear my name, it had been the best choice. Luckily, I still had my phone and I called Felix.
“Hey, Solange. What’s up?” He sounded surprised to hear from me.
“Do you know where Kostya is?” I asked bluntly.
He hesitated.
“Don’t fuck with me, Felix. I could be in serious trouble because of him. Is he there?”
“He was trying to find a ride.”
“From who? He doesn’t know anyone…” My voice trailed off. Magda. Dammit, why hadn’t I thought of that? “Never mind, I know where he is. Thanks.” I disconnected and grabbed my purse, running down the stairs. “Papa, can you take me somewhere?” Erik had had our old pickup truck delivered to us so we had a vehicle.
He frowned. “Where?”
“Magda’s.”
His eyes widened and then he nodded.
“No!” Mama protested. “You can’t.”
“I can and I will, whether Papa drives me or not. And if you call and warn him, I’ll call Xander and tell him where he is.”
“You would turn on your own brother?” she demanded.
“He turned on me.” I didn’t blink as I stared at her.
She sighed and turned away as Papa got his keys. “Let’s go,” he said.
Unfortunately, we were too late. Both Kostya and Magda were gone, her parents unaware that he’d even been there. But she and the family car were gone, so it made sense they’d left town. Probably heading to Vinake, but there was no way to know for sure.
I was quiet on the drive back to the inn and Papa reached out to squeeze my hand. “It’s going to be okay. Whatever we have to do to clear your name, we’ll do it.”
“It’s not that simple. This isn’t just about me. If we can’t clear my name, you realize they’ll put us out of the inn as well? We’ll be homeless and jobless.”
“If necessary, I can get a job on the docks in Voda. Not ideal, but we won’t starve. Your mother is an excellent cook and can find a job at one of the many restaurants there.”
I sighed. “I’m so mad at him,” I whispered. “Like furious. Why would he do this?”
“I don’t know. We didn’t realize life in Vinake was so hard on the younger generation. We were happy to live a simple life, running the family business, raising our children… But I see now that the world has moved beyond that and most of you want to go with it.”
“I’m sorry, Papa.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You were making a wonderful new life for yourself and I hate that your brother has potentially taken it from you. But your young man…I don’t understand. Has he not defended you?”
I stared out the window, shaking my head. “Apparently not. His loyalty is to the Royal Protectors, not to me.”
“There’s a great deal of pride to be one of the Protectors and you’ve only known each other a short time. I suppose it’s to be expected.”
I didn’t respond, my heart breaking a little all over again. I’d diverted my pain over losing Axel to the focus on clearing my name, but it was still there, lingering in the background like an annoying headache.
“I’ll call friends in Vinake, have them looking for him. We’ll find him and get to the bottom of this. I promise.”
“Thanks, Papa.”
After two days of searching, I still hadn’t managed to locate Kostya. Everyone in Vinake denied seeing him and though I was almost positive he was there, hiding in the old community center, no one would confirm it. I’d been contemplating taking the bus up there to search for him when I was summoned to the palace. My stomach churned on the ride over, dread filling me. Were they going to arrest me? I had no idea what was going on and it was terrifying. Not just for myself, but my parents as well.
I didn’t know the guard they’d sent to pick me up and I was taken up the king’s private back elevator, which meant they didn’t want me to see anyone, or they didn’t want anyone to see me. Either way, it was depressing and made me want to cry all over again.
We took a staircase I’d never seen before, my heart pounding so hard I was sure the guard could hear it. Were they throwing me in prison? My knees almost gave out as we walked into a dark, dingy dungeon and I clutched the railing.
“Wh-where are we going?” I whispered.
“Prince Sandor wants to see you,” he responded.
I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat. I was going to puke and embarrass myself.
We rounded a corner and I was led into a small room. There was nothing but a table and two chairs and I whipped my head around. Was this an interrogation room? I was definitely going to puke. I sank into the chair and buried my face in my hands. No matter how many times I told myself I hadn’t done anything wrong, I was terrified.
“Solange.” Sandor came in looking intense. His long blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail, he wore the Royal Protector uniform of cargo pants, black T-shirt and black boots, and he had his shoulder holster on, looking seriously armed.
“What’s going on?” I whispered. “What’s happened?”
“A lot.” He sat across from me and gave me a direct look. “You’re either very good or very innocent.”
I wanted to say something sarcastic but my stomach was still on the verge of revolting so I kept my mouth shut.
Sandor drummed his fingers on the table. “In general, I can do an interrogation with my eyes closed. Torture, imprisonment, it’s all the same to me when it comes to protecting my family. But you throw a wrench in the machinery I’ve never had to deal with before. All the evidence against you is circumstantial and, believe me, we’ve tried to find something—anything—concrete that points to your guilt.”
“Perhaps that’s because I’m not guilty,” I whispered.
“We need your brother,” he said after a moment. “Do you know where he is?”
“I think he’s in Vinake. I’ve been looking for him also. I think he’s hiding with his ex-girlfriend in the old community center. Axel knows where that is.”
He nodded. “I’m sorry to do this, but we’re going to need to keep you here until this is sorted out.”
“You’re arresting me?” I almost burst into tears.
“Not officially. We need to keep you in the palace without contact to the outside world. Where you can’t get in touch with your brother or anyone else.”
“I just told you where I think he is,” I protested, swiping at my eyes. “This is…” I closed my eyes, trying to breathe.
“You’re not going to be in a cell,” he said, his voice gentler. “You’ll be in your old room, just without phone or internet access, and a guard outside your door so you can’t go anywhere. I realize it’s not ideal, but it’s not prison. We have to get to the bottom of this. If you’re truly innocent, you m
ust want your name cleared? Yes?”
I nodded since I didn’t trust myself to speak.
“We’re going to send someone to get you some clothes, but you can’t speak to anyone, not even your parents.”
“My mother is going to lose her mind.”
“I’m sorry. We’re getting closer to the truth. If you’re innocent, Solange, you have to trust me.”
“How can I trust you? You all turned on me without even giving me a chance to give my side of the story!” I was getting angry now that I wasn’t being formally arrested. And I was innocent, dammit.
“Xander thinks you’re innocent,” he said gently. “And so does Samaria. If that helps at all.”
I wanted to laugh but it just broke my already damaged heart a little more. “But not Axel.” It wasn’t a question, just a statement of what I already knew.
He didn’t respond and I looked away. “Do what you have to do. Axel knows the place I mentioned since I took him there once. Make sure to go during the day because they’re probably out at night when most people are asleep.”
“Noted. Thank you.” He got up and motioned for me to walk ahead of him.
My legs were wooden but I walked out of the room and back up the stairs. We took the same elevator up to the second floor, where my old room was, and he unlocked the door for me.
“I need your phone,” he said quietly.
I dug it out of my purse and handed it to him.
“If you need anything, you can ask the guard outside your door. Otherwise, I’ll check in with you once I know something.”
Until then, I was a prisoner in a gilded cage.
38
Axel
Xander and I hit the road almost immediately after Solange told us where she thought Kostya might be. I did my best not to think about her being summoned to the palace, taken to the dungeon and then being questioned by Sandor. He was my friend and one of my bosses, but he could be intimidating as fuck, and I hated that for her. But if it would help prove she hadn’t done anything, hopefully she’d see it as a means to an end.
