The garden's tranquility had vanished, replaced by an uneasy tension that prickled Yelena's senses. Viktor's sudden appearance had shifted the atmosphere, his silver mask glinting ominously under the lantern light.
"Andrei," Viktor drawled, stepping closer, his tone deceptively casual. "Such an interesting choice of company for the evening. A commoner—how delightfully scandalous."
"Viktor," Andrei said, his voice a cold warning. "You have no business here."
"On the contrary," Viktor countered, ignoring the implicit threat. "As a loyal courtier, it's my duty to ensure your reputation remains untarnished. Imagine the rumors if the Crown Prince is seen sneaking around with such a… captivating woman."
Yelena felt Andrei shift subtly in front of her, shielding her from Viktor's gaze. His protectiveness was comforting, but she also felt a pang of frustration. She had survived far worse men than Viktor—she didn't need a savior.
"Leave. Now," Andrei commanded, his voice steely.
But Viktor only smiled, the expression more serpentine than friendly. "I mean no harm, Your Highness. Truly. But one can't help but wonder—what could this woman offer you that the finest of noble ladies cannot?"
Yelena's fists clenched, her instincts screaming at her to stand her ground. Before she could speak, Andrei took a step forward, his voice a low growl.
"Enough, Viktor. You don't want to test me tonight."
Viktor's smile didn't waver, but his eyes hardened. "A word of advice, Your Highness," he said, his voice soft but laced with menace. "Be careful who you trust. The court is always watching."
With that, he inclined his head and turned, disappearing into the palace.
Yelena exhaled shakily, her breath clouding in the cold air. "Who is he?" she asked, her voice steady despite the lingering unease.
"Someone dangerous," Andrei replied grimly. "Viktor thrives on secrets and manipulation. If he sees an opportunity, he'll exploit it without hesitation."
She frowned. "And why would someone like that care about me?"
"Because you matter to me," Andrei said simply. "And in his world, that makes you valuable."
Yelena glanced away, unease settling in her chest. She had spent her life surviving men who wanted to use her. Now, it seemed, she had stepped into a different kind of battle.
"Andrei," she said, meeting his eyes, "you need to keep your distance from me. I'm not someone you can afford to protect."
"I disagree," he said softly, his hand brushing hers. "I won't let anyone harm you, Yelena."
Before she could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps reached them. They turned to see a servant approaching, his face pale with urgency.
"Your Highness," the man said, bowing deeply. "The Tsar requests your presence immediately."
Andrei's jaw tightened, irritation flickering across his face. "Tell him I'll be there shortly."
The servant hesitated but nodded, retreating back toward the palace.
Andrei turned back to Yelena, his expression filled with regret. "I don't want to leave you alone."
"I'll be fine," she said, her voice firmer now. "You should go."
He lingered for a moment, as if considering arguing, but then nodded. "Stay in the garden. I'll return as soon as I can."
Yelena watched him leave, the weight of her situation pressing down on her shoulders. She had fought so hard to escape one cage, only to find herself in another—this one gilded and filled with unfamiliar dangers.
---
Inside the Palace
Andrei strode through the halls, his frustration simmering beneath a mask of calm. His father's summons was likely another reminder of his duty—a duty that seemed increasingly suffocating with each passing day.
When he reached the Tsar's study, he pushed the heavy doors open without hesitation.
The Tsar looked up from his desk, his sharp eyes immediately narrowing. "You kept me waiting."
"My apologies, Father," Andrei replied, his voice even. "I was attending to the guests."
The Tsar gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit."
Andrei obeyed, his posture straight and formal.
"You seem distracted," the Tsar remarked, his tone cutting. "I hope it's not because of some foolish indulgence."
Andrei's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain composed. "I assure you, my focus remains on my responsibilities."
"Good," the Tsar said, leaning forward. "Because this empire does not tolerate weakness. You are my heir, and it is time you start acting like it. The nobles demand stability, and that means you will have to get married soon.
Andrei resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Marriage is not a matter to be rushed."
"It is when the future of the empire is at stake," the Tsar snapped.
The air in the room felt stifling, the weight of his father's expectations bearing down on him. Andrei stood, bowing slightly. "As you wish, Father."
"Do not disappoint me," the Tsar warned, his voice like ice.
Andrei turned and left, his fists clenched. His father's world was one of control and sacrifice, but Andrei was determined to carve his own path—even if it meant defying the Tsar himself.
---
Back in the Garden
Yelena stood near the fountain, her thoughts swirling. Viktor's words echoed in her mind, mingling with Andrei's warnings.
"Still troubled, Yelena?"
She spun around, her heart pounding. Viktor was back, his silver mask gone, revealing a handsome but calculating face.
"What do you want?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
"To help," he said smoothly, stepping closer. "You're out of your depth, my dear. But with the right guidance, you could thrive here."
"I don't need your help," she snapped.
He chuckled, unbothered. "Perhaps not. But consider this: in Andrei's world, trust is a currency, and loyalty is a weapon. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself with neither."
Before she could reply, another voice cut through the night.
"Viktor."
Andrei appeared, his expression dark and dangerous. "You were told to leave."
"Relax, Your Highness," Viktor said, stepping back. "I was only offering advice. The court can be… unforgiving."
Andrei stepped closer, his tone a warning growl. "Stay away from her."
Viktor smirked but turned and left without another word, his retreating figure disappearing into the shadows.
Andrei turned to Yelena, his gaze softening. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.
He reached for her hand. "Come. You shouldn't be out here alone."
As they walked back toward the palace, Yelena couldn't shake the feeling that Viktor's presence was a harbinger of something far worse—a storm brewing just beyond their sight.