Page 26 of Queen’s Gambit

Yulianna – Age 17

Wayward Academy...I was here, and I still couldn’t believe that my father agreed to let me attend for my junior and senior years. We’d argued about it for weeks, so when he walked into my bedroom and said that I could go, I screamed so loud the guards came running. Coming here came with rules, but I didn’t care.

I’d only ever been homeschooled and barely allowed out of the house unless accompanied by an army of guards and Frida. I was going to miss her so much. She was my person, the one who knew my secrets and my accomplice for any crazy idea. But she wanted to finish school near home and be able to visit her family. I understood that, but the invitation was open if she wanted to take it. Selfishly, I hoped she’d come next year.

My heart hammered in my chest as we pulled through the tall gates. The property reminded me of back home, but not recognizing the trees and flowers that grew here made me giddy with excitement.

The car came to a stop, and I grabbed the door handle. Father touched my arm, stopping me. I looked at him as fear lanced my heart that he was going to say this was all a joke.

“Wait for the driver to open your door, Yulianna. How many times must I remind you?”

“I’m sorry, Father,” I said, lowering my gaze. “This is just so exciting for me that I lost myself for a moment.”

“You’re right. This is a whole new experience for you, but I trust that you will handle yourself with the same dignity that you would if you were at home. Any calls from the dean about boys sneaking into your room or your grades slipping will⁠—”

I touched his arm, interrupting his threats.

“Father, I know the rules. I promise not to disrespect our family. Thank you for trusting me,” I said, and he sighed.

For just a moment, I saw my father, who loved me and not the man who had kept me prisoner for seventeen years, parading me around like one of his thoroughbreds.

“You’re right. You’ve always been a good girl.”

He meant that I’d been the perfectly obedient daughter who knelt at the feet of the patriarchy. I wanted to spit in his face but kept my disdain hidden.

That was what he saw, but I was destined to fly. In my heart, I longed to make a difference in this world and to do crazy things like skydiving. Most of all, I longed for Eddie’s touch. My heart was just as wild as any of the stallions my father had purchased. I would break free of the stall he tried to keep me in soon. But today was not that day.

Instead, I would take full advantage of getting to spend a whole year with Eddie before he graduated. We wouldn’t waste a single second.

“I’ll make you proud, Father,” I said as the driver opened the door.

Getting out of the car, I sucked in a deep breath. The air was different here and the sweet smell of freedom smacked me in the face, taunting me to run now.

The doors of the school opened, and as if I were in a dream, Eddie stepped out. My heart stopped and I swore time stilled. He looked so handsome and in his element. He would be a magnificent leader. Three other guys flanked him like bodyguards, but my eyes never left him.

Eddie smiled, walking down the stairs like he owned the place. He was doing a far better job of pretending I wasn’t here as his eyes remained on my father. My blood heated with each step closer.

“Mr. Mikhailov, it’s good to see you again,” Eddie said, holding out his hand.

“Edmundo, likewise.”

“Will you be staying for dinner before flying out? I’ve sourced all the best restaurants for you,” he said, and my father smiled.

“Thank you, but I need to have a quick word with Dean Martin and then must be on my way back home.”

“That’s a shame. Next time, then.” Eddie looked at me. “Yulianna, it’s my pleasure as always.”

“If you say so, Edmundo,” I said, purposely looking at my nails. Even though all I wanted to do was jump on him and kiss him.

My father held out his hand, wanting Eddie to follow him. Even though he’d lowered his voice, I could just make out what they were saying.

“You have always been respectful to me and my family. I trust that it will remain that way. You will keep an eye out for anyone who would dare hurt my daughter.”

I couldn’t see Eddie’s face, but the rough and growly tone of his answer told me that he looked fearsome.

“If anyone so much as lays a single finger on Yulianna, I will break every bone in their body and then call you,” he said.

“I knew I could count on you. Thank you.”