The table holds its breath.
The screen flashes green.OVERRIDE ACCEPTED. PORT AUTHORITY CLEARANCE: GRANTED.
"I issued the live signal," I say. "The digital gate is open."
On the screen, the status light on theLady Anastasiaturns from red to green. The massive ship shudders.
"And now," I tap one final button.
"Goodbye."
On the feed, thick ropes drop into the water. The water churns white at the stern. TheLady Anastasiabegins to drift from the dock, moving into the dark channel of the Atlantic to fetch the war they so desperately want.
"The ship is on its way," I say. "Your deal is safe."
I slide the console back to Ivan.
"Take it."
Ivan nods with respect. He takes the tablet and retreats to the shadows.
I life my wine glass and look Sokolov dead in the eye.
"You were asking if I exist solely to warm his bed?" I take a slow sip of the wine. "I suggest you ask yourself if you exist solely because I decided to let your ship leave the harbor tonight."
Absolute silence descends on the room.
Sokolov stares at the spot where the tablet was. He looks at Konstantin, then back at me.
Konstantin places his hand flat on the table.
"She speaks for me," Konstantin says. "Her signature is my will. Her command is my command."
His attention cuts to Sokolov.
"My wife is not a liability, Sokolov. She’s the Gatekeeper. And any man who disrespects her disrespects the Seat."
Sokolov swallows hard at our united front. At our competence.
Reluctantly, he lifts his glass, hand shaking slightly. "To the merger," he grunts as if pains him to say.
The other Elders follow suit, raising their glasses in a fearful rhythm.
"To the merger," they mumble.
Konstantin stands, glass rising in a toast. He’s looking only at me.
"To the Queen," he says.
I lift my chin and meet his gaze across the length of the table, feeling the thread that ties us together.
He isn’t the Pakhan yet. But tonight, he ruled them.
"To the King," I reply.
We drink.
The wine tastes like victory.
