“Then we have to find the killer.” I sat up. “Did you read the rest of Eva's diary?”
“Yes. It didn't contain anything more to help us.”
“All right, so do we move on to interviewing the court and castle staff again about Lady Milana?”
“No, only those who were close to her. We need to find her connection to the other two.”
“And what about the records Lord Timofey took?”
“If he entrusted them to someone, I doubt that we'll find them. We have to proceed without them.”
“Okay, I'll make a list of Lady Milana's closest companions.” I got up but before I could head to the desk, Kon grabbed my hand.
“Misha, I'm sorry about what I said to you. Right or not, I behaved badly, without regard to your feelings. I should have taken them into consideration.”
“You're forgiven.”
“And will you allow me to modify my earlier greeting?” He tugged on my hand and when I started to lower myself, he directed me back onto his lap, this time astride it.
“I suppose you can make the attempt.”
Konstantin chuckled against my lips but didn't kiss me. He nuzzled me, rubbing our cheeks together, dragging his face along my jaw, drawing his nose over the shell of my ear.
“Are you scent-marking me?” I asked lightly.
“Well, I don't have facial glands in this form, but it still transfers some of my scent to you. So, yes. Mainly, this comforts me, and I thought it might do the same for you.”
“It's about to put me to sleep.”
“We can't have that.” He set me back on my feet. “Go start that list, and I'll call for tea.
“Thank you.” I paused while he stood up, then stretched on my toes to kiss him. “That was a better greeting.”
Chapter Twenty-One
We had just finished interviewing the fourth lady on my list when Konstantin announced that we needed to take a break for lunch. Although I didn't notice him calling the kitchens, a meal was waiting for us when we returned to his chambers, but it was packed in plastic tubs, with a thermos to the side. Konstantin started filling a leather satchel with the food and drink—a satchel that was already half full.
“Put on your coat,” he said over his shoulder. “Your gloves too.”
“What are you talking about? My coat is in my . . .” I trailed off when I saw my sable coat folded over a chair with my leather gloves on the seat. “How did you do this?”
“Gleb helped me.”
“Gleb?”
“The boy you saved from spilling wine on the King.”
“Yes, I know who Gleb is. I just don't know why he'd help you fetch my coat.”
“Because I told him it was a surprise for you.”
“What's the surprise?”
“It won't be a surprise if I tell you. Now, put on your coat.”
“Kon, it's storming outside.”
“That's why you needyour coat.” He grinned. “Put it on, baby.”
