We take our time. Our footfalls echo as we pass the silent drawing room. The servants have already removed the blue velvet curtains. The crystal chandelier sits on the floor, in the very center of the dance floor. Some of the globes are missing. Used tapers lie in a pile nearby. “Tomorrow, all these tasks will be finished. It will be ready for your science meetings again.”
“Katia, it will look like nothing happened.” He murmurs, “Like nothing changed.”
“Everything has changed, Jasha. Everything.”
His eyes sweep over me. “Lydia’s waiting.”
He holds my hand with more strength. Soon, we are at the grand staircase. “I’m a little tired. Do you mind if I lean on you as we ascend?”
“You never have to ask, Jasha. We’re supposed to be in league, in all things.”
Realizing now he wasn’t merely stalling to tell everyone goodnight or to set up a chess set, I press into his arms and hold him about his waist. “You don’t have to pretend to be stronger or healthier than you are. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
“Can’t fool you when you pay attention. Shall we?” Time slows as I steady him, his cane. “You know, I pray daily to make it down the stairs. That’s how I know my joy is not a dream.”
“I don’t want the truth ever to be a dream.” My heart beats loudly for him. “This is all true. You’ve put more of our pieces together. I’m forever grateful.”
Halfway up, I see the corridor leading to the white suite. “Lord Mark must feel awful to have such a dreadful father. No grandfather to trust to look after his child.”
“Not as awful as Palmers. Prahmn hasn’t killed his son.” He wants to make a jest, but I hear pain in his voice. “Don’t fret, Katherine. Georgina will comfort him. He’s a man preparing for his own family. He knows his priorities.”
That’s not my hesitation. “They have us.”
“Don’t worry, Katia. They have forever to find their way. Scarlett and Carew, too.”
No one has forever.
The smartest man in the world knows that. Jahleel, in his way, reminds me that nothing material has changed. He still has a sickness.
That once frightened me. Now I see the honor he’s given—his name and the right to stand by his side. He’s chosen me despite my flaws—and despite his, too.
We reach the top of the stairs. Light escapes Lydia’s door. “Our sweet child is still up.” His words are whispers and gasps, yet the mention of “our sweet child” is the best thing I’ve ever heard.
I knock. I beam. “Sweetheart. Your parents are here.”
“Please come in,” Lydia says.
In her pink room, we find her sitting on the rya on the floor.
“Papen’ka? Mamen’ka? You’re safe? The mean men are gone? No tricks.”
“No lies.” I stoop to her. “Your father has made us safe.”
She leaps into my arms. Then leans over and hugs Jahleel’s neck.
He touches her cheek. “I’m sorry, dorogaya, that you had to see me lose my temper and hear such vile talk.”
Rustling her curls and braids, which had been carefully taken down, her father kisses her on the forehead like he offers a blessing. “My dearest heart, you helped save our family. I’m so pleased. I’ll always be so proud of you.”
When I let her down, she immediately goes into Jahleel’s arms.
I don’t think I could love a sight more.
“Grown-up parties are strange,” she says. “I like dressing up, but not much else.”
“They have their moments,” he says.
The princess comes inside wearing a big jet robe as big as the one she gave me. Lydia sees her and pulls up her nightrail’s hem. “I have on my stockings.”
