Page 77 of Velvet Chains
I open the door immediately, hoping it’s someone bringing me more food.
Instead, a woman stands before me, her uniform different from the other maids I’ve seen. She’s older, with steel-gray hair pulled back into a tight bun and a stern expression on her face.
But there’s a kindness in her eyes, a warmth that makes me feel instantly at ease.
She’s holding a black tray with a sleek black card and a white envelope at the bottom.
“Zdravstvuyte,” she says, inclining her head. “I am Nadia Petrovna, the head maid.”
I blink, surprised. “Oh, um, hello. I’m Laura. I- I’m sorry, but I-I don’t know Russian,” I stutter, a flush creeping up my neck.
“I’m sorry, but my English, er… It’s not good,” she explains, walking into the room and setting the tray down on the table. She smiles, the lines around her eyes crinkling. “I know who you are, Mrs. Morozov. I go Moscow, see my daughter. I go see bhyk.”
“Bhyk…?”
“Ah… grandson?” She seems to be excited about this random snippet of information, and it makes her appear more human. It’s not common to see this in the house, but I like her already.
“Oh! Congratulations,” I say, genuinely happy for her. “That’s wonderful news.”
She nods, her smile widening. “It is. But happy… back here. Happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too,” I say. “Is there something you need from me?” Her arrival isn’t unwelcome, but I’m not quite sure why she’s here.
She points at the contents of the tray. “For you.”
“What’s this?” I ask, picking up the black card.
“Your money,” she says, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.“Master Vitya… he say you have money, this card,” she explains as she hands the white envelope to me.
“Thank you,” I manage to say, taking the envelope from her hands and holding it gingerly between my fingers. I’m about to open it when Nadia turns to leave, but then she spins back around.
“See Master Andrey in garden. Seven thirty.” She taps her watch, her brows furrowed in concentration as she tries to explain.
“Me?” I ask, pointing to myself.
“Yes. You. Madam Laura.” Her white teeth flash as she smiles, and she lightly touches my hand in a reassuring gesture.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.
Victor’s dad… What could this be about?
“Okay, thank you, Nadia,” I manage, my voice sounding a little strangled.
Nadia nods, then steps out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
I sink into the large sofa, my legs feeling a little shaky. I check the time on my phone. Seven. Still half an hour before I’m supposed to meet Andrey.
I look down at the black card and the envelope in my hands. Curiosity getting the better of me, I tear open the envelope and pull out the folded paper inside.
My eyes widen as I scan the text. It’s a formal letter informing me that I’ve been allocated an allowance of two hundred grand for the month, as per the terms of my contract.
And that’s not all. Apparently, I’m to start going back to my bookstore tomorrow.
I lean back against the cushions, my mind reeling.
Two hundred grand, and I have everything I need provided… What could I possibly need to buy?
Damn. Is this what it feels like to be a queen?
