Page 33 of Merciless Union
My mother laughs, breaking the tension. “So, I’d love to learn a little more about you now that we’re family.”
Vasilisa looks like she’d rather do anything else but that. “I’d rather learn more about you,” she says to me.
I sit back, startled. “Oh? Like what?”
“Are you going to be a good obedient wife to my Maxim?”
“Were you like that with your husband?”
She blinks before settling a frown on her face. “My marriage is none of your concern.” Elena and Kira exchange a glance.
I’m silent before saying, “I didn’t mean any offense. I just never got the chance to meet the late Mr. Petrov.”
“My husband was a glorious man and leader. Much like Maxim. That’s all that concerns you.”
Elena lets out an unladylike snort. Her mother whips her face around to stare at her. Elena clears her throat, glancing away. I wonder what that’s all about.
Our food arrives. After a few moments of silent eating, my mother says, “Well, Arina is an amazing daughter. She’s helped me so much through my cancer. Which shows how loyal of a person she is. I’m sure she will always be loyal to your son.”
Vasilisa nods, looking pleased to hear that.
I offer my mom a grateful smile. She gives me a secretive wink in return.
Elena looks annoyed. “It’s nothing personal. I just don’t like outsiders.”
“Well, I don’t like rude people, so I think we’re even.”
Elena gasps. “You don’t get to speak to me like that.”
I slowly put down my fork. “Being married to Maxim puts me higher in rank than it does you, does it not? I think that means I can speak to whoever however I want.”
Elena’s eyes narrow, making her look prettier in a fierce way.
“But,” I say before she can respond, “I like to treat those around me with kindness. No matter how they’ve spoken to me in the past.”
We sit there in a face-off. Elena’s eyes are an intense icy blue. I can tell she’s the kind of person who refuses to break—a lot like her brother.
I’m the one to look away, pushing my chair back and standing up. I refuse to play her petty games. “I’m going to use the restroom.”
I walk away, keeping my head up and shoulders back even though everything in me wants to bend and fold in on itself.
Once in that restroom, I splash water on my face.
The door opens behind me. I brace myself for more of Elena’s drama, but it’s not Elena who walks through the door.
It’s shy, young Kira.
I meet her gaze through the mirror. She offers me a small smile, and I give her one in return.
“Sorry about my mother and sister. They can be kind of intense.” Her voice is soft and airy like she doesn’t use it much.
I face her, resting my hip on the counter. “Well, I’d imagine belonging to the Petrov family, they’d have to learn to be tough. Especially your mother.” I chuckle softly. “Gosh, I wonder if I’ll end up like her after being married to Maxim long enough.”
Kira tentatively approaches me, leaning against the counter. “I think you’re very different than my mother.” She leans in closer, lowering her voice. “And that’s a good thing.”
I smile. “Yeah? And what about your sister?”
Kira’s eyes cloud over. “Elena, well, she has a valid reason for having her guard up.”
