Page 93 of Code Name: Reaper
“Yes, as is Aunt Polina. She’s Katarina’s grandmother.”
“Mikhail’s wife?”
Lyra smiled. “Look at you, catching on already.”
“I’m so sorry about Eleanor,” Amaryllis said when we reached the top of the staircase. “I don’t know what to say.”
Lyra’s eyes filled with tears. “She lived her life to protect this family. Everything she did, every decision, every danger she faced, even who she married, was all to make sure we were safe, to see the legacy of Minerva lived on and that we never stopped working to do what our father expected of us.”
“Still, she’s your sister.” Amaryllis’ voice cracked, and her lower lip trembled.
“And your aunt. And I promise you, she died doing the very thing she lived for.”
“I have to admit, I will not mourn Ember,” Henry muttered.
“He was Eleanor’s husband,” Lyra explained. “But, like I mentioned, we’ll do our best to explain later.” She motioned to the right. “Your suite is the second door on the left.”
“You’ll find everything you need already waiting for you. Your brother arranged for your belongings to be delivered, and Mrs. Egger supplemented with what else she thought you might need,” Henry added.
“She’s our housekeeper. More a part of the family, really,” said Lyra.
Henry took his wife’s hand. “Let’s give them some time to freshen up.”
“If you don’t feel up to talking tonight, there will be plenty of time tomorrow,” she offered.
“Wait,” Amaryllis called out as Lyra and Henry walked away. “Would it be possible…? I mean, will I be able to meet, um, my grandmother?”
“Of course. I told you she cannot wait herself.”
“Hey,” I said after we’d stepped into the suite and closed the door behind us. As if she read my mind, Amaryllis fell into my embrace. And, as I’d anticipated, her body was immediately wracked with sobs. I guided her over to the bed and sat beside her, holding her as she cried.
When it stretched on for several minutes, I eased her down on the mattress and we lay wrapped in each other’s embrace.
When her tears eventually subsided, she looked up at me. “I don’t know where to begin. It’s so much.”
“You’ll take it one step at a time.”
“I have another grandmother,” she whispered.
“You do.” I smiled. “And I bet she can’t wait to tell you all about your mom.”
There was a knock at the door.
“Go ahead.” She motioned when I hesitated.
When I got up and opened it, Henry stood on the other side. “I don’t know if your brother already informed you, but your parents will be arriving in the morning. I wanted you to know in case you tried and were unable to reach them.”
I thanked him, somewhat stunned as I watched him walk away.
Amaryllis looked up at me. “I’m so glad they’re on their way.”
“Uh, me too,” I muttered.
“You don’t sound it.”
“I think I’m still in shock too.”
“Of course you are.”
