“And for Lord Oleg’s security when he is in our region?” Radu sat with his pen poised.
Oleg himself spoke. “As fully seventy percent of your roaming routes fall within my territory, I will bring the security I usually bring when I am among my Poshani friends.” Oleg offered Radu a convivial smile. “Nothing else is necessary for me.”
Unspoken:Because I am the biggest badass at this table, and could incinerate you all if I wanted to.
Oleg turned to Tatyana again and fixed his eyes on her with a slight smirk on his face.
By all the saints, he was insufferable at times. She hated that she loved him so much.
Kezia spoke. “And when you are outside your territory? Tatyana must attend to Poshani business across Eastern Europe. You don’t control everything, Oleg.”
Oleg turned his eyes to the woman who would be his sister-in-law. “When I am outside my territory or accompanying my wife on her various business endeavors, I will take what security I agree to with the authorities of that region. It is nothing that the Poshani need supply.”
“I think that is sufficient then.” Radu handed his yellow legal pad to the lawyer on his left and turned to Tatyana. “Sister, is there anything else you would like to add?”
Tatyana had thought about this for a long time. “Only this: Every agreement that I sign my name to, every contract that I commit myself to, is intended for the good and the benefit of the Poshani people, the family who has taken me in, sheltered my blood, and given me a home.”
Oleg lifted his chin. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for your sentiments, Tatyana le Tala.” His eyes turned fierce. “No one could ever doubt the lengths you would go to in order to protect those you love.”
My husband. My love. You do not know the lengths that I will go to protectyou, do you?
But you will.
Tatyana allowed herself a slight smile. “Then, Lord Oleg, we are engaged.”
Chapter 13
Oleg
Everything I want.
Oleg sat near the fire in the library at his private home in Warsaw, flipping through the finalized wedding contract with Tatyana’s signature and seal. They had formalized the final contracts two weeks after initial negotiations had been opened—relatively quickly by immortal standards—and according to vampire custom, they were now basically married, though the pomp and ceremony would start at the end of December.
He had worn the same gold-threaded kaftan to the signing ceremony that he’d worn to the ball, though Tatyana had worn a different formal Poshani dress.
The papers were then cosigned by Radu, Kezia, Mika, and Lidik, each vampire adding their signature and their personal seal in either wax or ink.
The signing dinner had been hosted by the Poshani, and Oleg and his people had been treated to traditional Poshani dancing, singing, and dining. He had brought another sturgeon as a host gift, and while suspicious stares were directed at Oleg, he was pleased to see that Tatyana had received universal praise in the speeches.
Everything I want.
Oleg smiled as he ran his fingers over Tatyana’s crimson wax seal and the gold ink she’d used to press her mark into it.
It was perfect.
In the beginning of their public life, he and his mate would have to appear indifferent and mildly hostile to each other in public, but that would be fun. Over time, they could warm to each other, as many arranged marriages did, and eventually the entire immortal world would bow to their union, acknowledging the shrewd alliance and brilliant maneuvering of the lord and lady of the Kievan Rus.
“You’re feeling very clever right now, aren’t you?”
Oleg looked up at his wife leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her beautiful breasts.
He had heard and felt her approaching, but he’d chosen to sit in repose, his feet kicked up near the fire, waiting for the delightful sight of her annoyed expression.
He smiled, making sure it was wide enough that she could see his fangs. “Hello, wife.”
Clever? Yes.
He was also feeling very horny. They had not taken the chance of meeting privately throughout the negotiations, so it had been weeks since he’d had her in his bed.
