ra

ildfire. By mid-afternoon, I was summoned for tea with the wom

presided from her throne-like armchair, a silent, watchful queen. Eleonora, the current Don's wife and El

here was G

inted lips were pulled into a smile that didn't reach her cold, calculating eyes. She had desperately wanted Eliga to

the most scandalous rumor. Kneeling on the rug like a common maid to take off a bastard boy's shoes? Is tha

letting out a soft, condescending titter. Her

eet Seraphina first, offering a f

a. It's lovely to see you." I took the seat Seraphina indicated-a low armchair tha

"My brother might be fooled by a pretty face, but in this family, we expect t

y background, my marriage, and my authorit

cer. The delicate clink of porcelain was

turned to me. "Gayla raises a point about dignity, Clara," Se

g me, waiting to see if I would crumble or cry

o let the silence stretch. I placed the cup back on the saucer wi

calm, level, and razor-sharp. "It requires attention.

one, only time will tell. But I know this: my husband brought me into this family. The Matr

iga. It is for the entire Russo name. Your personal feelings about me are your own, but

and turned it into a question of family loyalty. I had called h

ened and closed, but no words came out. She h

-smile. She turned to me, her gray eyes shinin

"Well said, Clara. Since you have such a strong sense of duty, perhaps it is time y

now, the boys' expenses, their tutors, and their security de

e. A flicker of genuine alar

l take absolute control of their upbringing and their finances. They are no

t been stripped of her primary leverage over Eliga's heirs. The boys were no lo

oment to seiz

luid motion, and offered

aid, my voice ringing with quiet authority

ersaries to stew in their own impotent, suffocating anger. Eleonora

rritory within the Russo empire, and I had solidified my al

I knew this was only a temporary truce. Women like Eleon

next time, they wouldn