The first group approaches within minutes.
Congratulations come easily.
Smiles.
Polished words.
Curiosity hidden behind courtesy.
“Mrs. Rusnak,” one of them says smoothly, his gaze lingering just a little too long. “A pleasure.”
I smile back just as smoothly.
“Valeria,” I correct gently.
His brow lifts.
A test.
I hold his gaze.
A response.
He inclines his head slightly. “Valeria.”
It continues like that.
One after another.
Names. Faces. Alliances I don’t fully understand yet—but I will.
I have to.
Every handshake feels like a negotiation.
Every question feels like a trap.
Where are you from?
How long will you be staying?
How did you and Timofey meet?
I answer carefully.
Never too much.
Never too little.
Balanced.
Controlled.
Timofey stays beside me the entire time.
Not hovering.
Not overbearing.
