“Hello, tiger,” I said.
A pause. “Misha?”
“Yes.”
“You sound different.”
“I've been singing, rehearsing at the Larchary.”
“Singing for pleasure?”
“Singing formyself.”
“Swanling,” his voice went low and resonant. “I'm so happy for you.”
“Thank you. Have you found Kirvenia?”
“Yes. I found it and so much more. I'm bringing some people back with me.”
“Some people?”
“I have so much to tell you, baby, but I don't want to do it over the phone. I'll call you when I get back tomorrow and then you can come down to the village to meet them.”
“Why can't you just come to me?”
“I can't bring these people into the castle. I'll call you and let you know where I'm at when I get back.”
“You're scaring me, Kon.”
“I want to tell you that there's nothing to be scared of, but that would be a lie. I want you to stay in your room tonight, Misha. Have your dinner in the village if you can, then go straight to your quarters and don't leave until I get back.”
“But what if Nikolay summons me?”
Silence.
“Kon?”
“Do what you must, but be careful around him. Say nothing of me or my whereabouts. Don't even mention my name. And if he brings me up, lead him to another topic.”
“Konstantin, just tell me; is it him? Is Nikolay the murderer?”
“I don't know, but it's a possibility.”
My stomach turned, pushing my breath out in rapid bursts.
“Misha?”
“I'm here.”
“I love you.”
“I . . . I'll see you tomorrow.”
Konstantin made a soft, approving rumble, then, “All right. Goodnight, swanling.”
“Goodnight, tiger.”
I turned and looked at the village. I'd already had dinner at the theater, but maybe I should return there and stay the night. No, if Niko summoned me and wasn't able to find me, he'd have the entire castle searched and then the village. And finding me after such a search would not do good things for his disposition. Or my wellbeing.
