Page 2 of Warlord’s Empire

“I know,” Shaun said softly. “And you deserve every opportunity that comes your way.”

“Then why can’t I take the job that just landed in my lap?” Saskia cried, throwing her hands up. “All I’ve ever wanted is to pursue my own path, get out from under the shadow of the Kobas, but just when it seems freedom is at my fingertips, my damn cousin is yanking it away.”

Shaun looked at her with compassion. “Is that what you want? Your freedom?”

“Of course!” Saskia threw herself on the couch. “Why wouldn’t I? I’ve been a captive in this house since I was born. Forced to always toe the family line. No one cares what I want, they never have.”

“That’s not true,” Shaun countered gently. “Jozef was there at your graduation whistling and clapping louder than anyone.” She paused, searching Saskia’s face. “He wants you to succeed. He’s just afraid of what could happen to you when you leave the nest.”

Saskia’s sharp ears picked up on what Shaun was saying. “When I leave the nest?” She held her breath.

“I talked to him after you left,” Shaun admitted, a smile playing around her lips. “I got him to see that it would be a crime to keep you on the estate, to limit your job opportunities when you’ve worked so hard to get to where you are.”

Not that Jozef was afraid of committing crimes given he operated the largest mafia organization within the Czech Republic, but Saskia was beyond caring because it was beginning to sound like maybe Jozef had changed his mind.

“He agreed to let you take a temporary job abroad. If it goes well, he’ll consider allowing you to take longer contracts.”

Saskia hated that her cousin was in a position to “allow” her anything, but she would take what she could get. She lunged at Shaun, hugging her tightly. “I knew you would talk to him. You understand what it’s like to be forced into a life you don’t want.” She realized she’d let her mouth run away without thought when Shaun gave her a sad smile, hugging her back. “I’m sorry,” Saskia said. “That was thoughtless. I know you’re happy now and that you love my cousin.”

“Most days,” Shaun replied with a forced laugh.

Shaun was one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons whose talent should not go to waste and it had been an ongoing months-long battle for Shaun to get Jozef to allow her to go back to work. Now she worked at the Prague General Hospital, sharing the title of department head of Neurology with another colleague.

Saskia danced around the room. “I can’t believe it’s happening. I’m finally leaving!”

“Temporarily,” Shaun cautioned her. “Your cousin will burn down the Prime Minister’s office if you don’t return, so promise me this isn’t going to be one of your disappearing acts.”

Shaun was referring to how Saskia used to give her security detail the slip when she needed alone time. She hadn’t done it in years though, having recognized that she had to work with Jozef and his guards if she were to ever earn her freedom. And now it was happening! It was almost in reach!

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Saskia assured her. “I’ll work within the parameters of Jozef’s rules. I’ll show him he can trust me to take care of myself and that he doesn’t have to worry.”

Shaun captured her wrist as Saskia danced past, stopping her. “You don’t have to prove anything to him. You just have to stay safe and be happy and he’ll approve.”

“I hope you’re right.” Saskia flung her arms up and shouted at the ceiling, “I can’t wait to start living!”

Chapter Two

One year later

“I’ll need you to translate this conversation from the Prime Minister’s phone call with President Urban,” Aurelia Novakova said, handing Saskia a stack of what looked to be around 100 pages.

“What did they do? Have a cozy five-hour marathon chat?” Saskia took the pages from her boss.

Aurelia snorted. “Close. It’s probably a lot of golf talk so have fun with that.” She checked her watch. “Let’s grab a drink later in the lobby, maybe around 8ish. I have a Zoom meeting, but I should be done by seven.” She stopped at the elevator, punching the button. “Oh, and I’ll need you to be ready to go to the embassy first thing in the morning. We’re expected to meet the Polish delegation for breakfast.”

Saskia groaned as she stepped into the elevator. “Why do you need a translator? Your Polish is flawless. Can’t you communicate without me?”

Aurelia winked at her and hit the button for the sixth floor. “Technically yes, but my Polish counterpart is an unbearable bore. I can’t stand him. You’re coming with me to stop me from doing terrible things to him if he says something stupid.”

“Ah,” Saskia said with a grin. “We don’t want to start an international incident.”

“Exactly.” Aurelia stepped off the elevator on her floor. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

Saskia waved and pressed the button for one floor up, humming to herself. Aurelia was the first person Saskia worked for in the Prime Minister’s office and she’d been impressed enough with Saskia to give her a permanent job. It worked out well. Branislav Makovsky, the Prime Minister, was deep in Jozef’s pocket, which meant her cousin could keep an eye on Saskia’s movements without being overbearing.

She’d been working with Branislav’s office for a year and she had no intention of leaving. It was a sweet gig, allowing her both freedom and travel abroad.

Saskia let herself into her hotel room, tossing her satchel on the sofa. She approached the floor-to-ceiling window, taking in the South African city of Pretoria as the sun set over the rolling hills beyond. It was breathtaking and she stood rooted to the spot, watching.