My heart lifted. At least I would survive this encounter to fight another day. But before he could enter, Nikolai flew across the room, slamming a hand against the door to close it.
Stefan pushed back, attempting to open the door, but Nikolai’s strong bicep prevented him from gaining entry.
I tried to slip away, but he pinned me against the door with his other hand, his fingers wrapping around my throat.
He tightened them until it became painful. I tugged against him, trying to relieve the pressure, but failing. “I would recommend you abandon this desperate gambit to hold on to the crown before it costs you your life.”
“The throne is Papa’s or mine, not yours,” I growled. “Take your pick.”
If he succeeded in having our father declared dead, it would complicate things but I would claim the throne. What trick did he have up his sleeve to prevent that?
“We’ll see, Natashka. We will see.”
Stefan and an entire contingent of guards burst through from the servants’ entrance, weapons drawn.
My brother raised his hands, stepping back from me. “I have done nothing. Take yourtsarina.”
Nikolai slipped from the room through the double doors as Stefan holstered his weapon, racing toward me.
“Tsarina, are you all right?”
I cleared my throat as I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Stefan’s chiseled jaw flexed as he motioned to the other guards. “She is never to be unattended, and this room is to be under constant guard.”
I heaved a sigh, crossing my arms. “He said something about having Papa declared dead and claiming the crown. Does Nadia know what he is planning?”
“If she does, she has not confided it to me.”
“Where is she?” I asked.
“Following up on a potential threat,” Stefan answered. “I will leave word that you wish to speak with her.”
“I am capable of calling myself if you’d only give me a phone.”
He stared down his nose at me, his amusement obvious given the smile playing on his features. “Nice try,malenka.”
I huffed out a breath, stomping away from him.
“Your safety is my priority.”
Before I could answer, his phone rang. I glanced over my shoulder as he withdrew it from his pocket, arching an eyebrow as I wondered if I could pick his pocket.
“Da?” His eyes flicked to me, and he nodded before he held the phone out. “Your sister.”
I snatched the phone from him, intent on keeping it if I could. “Nadia?”
“You’re not going to believe this.”
“What is it?” I wondered if she had learned of Nikolai’s plan.
“Your doctor is in the dungeon.”
I collapsed on the bed, my eyes wide. My heart fluttered. Kyle had come to Belvaria? How?
It didn’t matter. He was here. And it lifted my spirits more than words could say.
My sister’s voice pulled me back to reality. “What is he doing there? Get him out of there immediately and bring him to the private office. We need him now more than ever. I will explain as soon as we’re together.”
