Alexandr stays silent for several beats before speaking. “I’m sorry to hear he couldn’t make it. I’ll be interested in hearing what you have to tell me. If you could meet me at my home in three hours, you can join me for lunch.”
“I would be honored,” I tell him before ending the call.
Returning to the living area, I find Dominic looking over the room service menu. “Hungry?” he asks.
My stomach growls in response, causing Alexi and Dominic to chuckle. “I am, but make it a small meal. I just got off the phone with Alexandr. I’m joining him for lunch.”
Alexi’s head snaps in my direction, and I see the yearning on his face. “You can’t go with me. He’ll recognize you.”
“I know,” Alexi says, dejected.
“He could accompany us in the car and wait outside,” Dominic suggests.
“I’d like to go, but I want to walk the same route I took that day. I want to see if I can remember more about that day,” Alexi says.
I consider the suggestion, almost shoot it down, then reconsider. “Don’t go alone. Take two of my men with you.”
CHAPTER TWELVE: ANYA
I wake before my alarm, heart already fluttering like it knows something monumental is waiting for me. For a moment, I lie still, staring at the ceiling, then it hits me—dress rehearsal. Today. The realization sends a rush of energy through my body, and I’m out of bed before I can overthink it.
In the shower, my excitement gets the better of me. The loofah slips from my fingers once, then again, bouncing against the tile as I laugh softly at myself. I breathe in deeply, hoping the lavender bath gel will work its usual magic, but even its calming notes can’t slow my pulse. My mind is already racing ahead, replaying music, counting steps, imagining the stage lights.
I know this is nothing compared to how I’ll feel on the day of the actual performance. That’s when the nerves will really take hold—when every movement will matter, and every breath will feel too shallow. But today? Today is different.
Today is about magic.
I rinse the soap from my skin and smile at my reflection through the fogged glass. For the first time, I’ll put on the Lilac Fairy’s costume—the flowing layers, the soft colors, the role I’ve dreamed of dancing. No matter what happens after, this moment is already perfect.
“Today is the big day!” Nadia calls out when I enter the kitchen. She has already prepared a light breakfast of syrniki for me. The pan-fried cakes made with farmer’s cheese sit easily on my nervous stomach, and they’ll give me the protein I need to get through the day.
“These are delicious,” I tell her as I take a bite.
“I know they’re your favorites. I’m so proud of you. Your father has promised that we’ll all have the opportunity to see your performance. He’s proud of you, too.”
I smile at the older woman. “I just wish Alexi were here to see it.”
“We all wish Alexi were here,” Nadia says, running her hand over my hair.
“Have you seen my father today?” I ask her.
“He was up at his usual time and is in his office. I will be taking him his coffee and breakfast in a few minutes,” Nadia says, gesturing toward the tray on the counter behind me. On the tray are a carafe of coffee, a covered dish, and a cup and saucer.
I finish eating and hop up. “I’ll take it to him,” I offer.
With great care, I carry the tray through the house and to my father’s study. Balancing the tray, I knock sharply on the door. I hide my grimace when Igor opens the door for me. He scans me from head to toe before moving out of the way so I can enter. My father is on the phone. He smiles at me as I lay the tray on his desk.
“You’re still alive? That’s great news. What happened? Why did I hear that you were a victim of a hit?” Alexandr asks, then pauses to hear the response. “Is your father with you?” Another pause. “I’m sorry to hear he couldn’t make it. I’ll be interested in hearing what you have to tell me. If you could meet me at my home in three hours, you can join me for lunch.”
He waits for a response before ending the call. “To what do I owe this honor?” he asks me as he offers his cheek for a kiss.
I oblige him before lifting the carafe to serve his coffee. “I just finished breakfast and wanted to see you before I left for practice.”
“Today is the big day?” he asks, his eyes full of pride and excitement. “The dress rehearsal. Are you nervous?”
“Very. I’m excited, too. I tried on the costume, but today I will become the Lilac Fairy.”
“You will be wonderful. I can’t wait to see your performance. I’ve told the staff that I will make sure they all get a chance to attend.”
