“Love can help with so many things, Pasha. It can make you a better leader. It can give you more power than you could imagine.” She sighs. “You have a fortress built around you that you don’t need. Love could help chip it all away if you just give it a chance.”
I frown. “That just sounds like it’s going to weaken my defenses. She’s a key to the kingdom. That’s all. Nothing more.”
“We can assign importance to even the most unexpected of connections,” she says, picking up her teacup once more. “If you would just try, then maybe you would discover that.”
And that’s it. That’s how the conversation ends.
It’s different this time because it’s about Liya, but all the familiar flavors are there. Karina is worried about me, upset about me being alone, badgering me about meditation and finding my inner balance.
Blah, blah, blah—nothing I can’t find on one of those garbage spiritual websites, I think while rubbing my forehead.She acts like this whole thing is going to kill me.
Marriage without affection won’t kill me.
But a throne without power certainly will.
Besides, how can I love someone who’s just supposed to be a tool for me?
Chapter Twelve
Liya
“That’s a lot of dresses,” I whisper breathlessly.
My fingers instinctively trace theLaround my neck. Rows of fabric expand around me. A forest of cotton blends, Egyptian silk, satin, lace, and taffeta. Mountains of veils ascend to the ceiling in neat stacks organized by blend and length. Dozens of faceless models sport the latest wedding trends.
It’s overwhelming, to say the least, and it makes my eyes burn.
Bustling trains, stiff corsets, and dazzling heels fill in the rest of the shop, an ever-expansive valley of options for any bride.
Only it’s me.I’mthat bride.
Crap. I’m that bride.
A frown twists my lips. “Jesus, how many shades of whiteexist?”
A woman with long brown hair and eyes of spearmint green grins next to one of the racks. She flourishes her hand over the expensive fabric like Vanna White. “And behind door number one is—”
“It looks like water, Karina.”
“Oh, you should touch it.” She holds out the train. “Feels like a cloud.”
I touch the dress. “Good Lord. Is this what marshmallows feel like in heaven?”
“Maybe if angels spun it from their hair. Isn’t it amazing how these—”
“Clothes cost more than a mortgage on a house?”
She laughs hoarsely, waving away my comment. “You’re not even paying for it. Why are you worried about the price?”
Well, there are alotof other things I’m worried about right now, but admitting that to her could lead to my downfall. She’s Pavel’s sister. Who knows what she’s going to tell him later?
I exhale slowly. “Karina, I know you said Pavel sent you to help, but I’m feeling a little…” I scrub my arm nervously. Are people watching me? Can they tell I’m doing this against my will?
What happens if they can tell?
My heart sinks.Probably nothing.
The brigadiers guarding the front and back doors indicate my demise. It’s bad enough I’m stuck in a building in the middle of New York. Now I’m trapped in a bridal shop with enough sausages to kick off a barbecue.