Page 59 of Tainted Empire
As clarity slowly seeps back into my mind, I notice movement outside the hospital room window. Kaius is there, engaged in what looks like a serious conversation with Lee and Kazimir, Mikhail’s father. The sight of them together, their expressions grim, sends a wave of unease through me.
Gathering my strength, I manage to sit up, drawing their attention. They immediately enter the room, their faces etched with concern.
“Gabriette, how are you feeling?” Kazimir asks, his voice tinged with worry.
“I’ve been better,” I reply, trying to sound stronger than I feel. “What’s going on? What happened?”.
Kaius immediately cuts to the chase. “We believe the attack was a hit. It’s been brewing for a while, and it seems to have originated in St. Petersburg.”
My heart skips a beat. “St. Petersburg? The Pakhan at the dinner, Anatoly, he’s from there.”
Kazimir nods grimly. “Yes, and it’s no coincidence. We need to tread carefully. There are old rivalries and hidden agendas at play.”
I nod slowly, processing the information. “What are we going to do about it?”
Kaius and Kazimir exchange a doubtful glance. Kaius speaks first. “With all due respect, Mrs. Baranova, you’re not familiar with this kind of warfare. It’s dangerous, and Mikhail wouldn’t want you involved in this.”
But I stand my ground, my voice laced with resolve. “If the king is out of commission, it’s up to the queen to take his place until he returns. Mikhail and I are partners in every aspect. I won’t sit back.”
Kazimir, ever the patriarch, shakes his head. “You don’t understand the intricacies of this life, Gabriette. I was the Pakhan before Mikhail, and I will take over until he’s back.”
“With all due respect, Kazimir, you were relieved of your title the day Mikhail got his tattoo,” I say, refusing to back down and be dismissed by these men, I meet Kazimir’s gaze squarely. “I may not know everything, but I’m not a bystander. I have been learning, and I will fight for Mikhail. He would do the same for me.”
The room is heavy with emotion, a palpable tension hanging in the air. I can tell by the look on Kazimir’s face that he’s not used to a woman speaking to him like this. But fuck it. This is Mikhail’s legacy, and by extension it is mine, too.
Finally, Lee speaks up, her voice steady. “She’s right. Gabriette has shown time and again that she’s capable. We underestimate her at our peril.”
Kazimir sighs, rubbing his temples. “This isn’t a game, Gabriette. It’s a bloody, brutal world we live in and if anything happened to you, Mikhail would—”
“Why is everyone trying to tell me what my husband would want for me? I know him and I know the risks,” I cut in, my voice firm. “I’m willing to take them for Mikhail. I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I’m part of this world now and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Mikhail and what he stands for.”
There’s a long silence, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Finally, Kazimir sighs. “Alright. But you’re not doing this alone. If you’re going to take over as queen, then you’ll need help.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Thank you. Mikhail would do the same for any of us. I won’t let him down.”
As they fill me in on their plans, I feel a mix of fear and resolve. This is not a world I ever imagined I’d be a part of, but for Mikhail, for us, I’m ready to face whatever comes. I’m more than just his wife; I’m his equal, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him and our interests.
After the discussion, Kaius and Lee quietly exit the room, leaving me alone with Kazimir. There’s a palpable shift in the atmosphere; the air seems to thicken with unspoken words and emotions.
Kazimir’s presence is imposing, his years as Pakhan evident in his stern demeanor, yet there’s a hint of something else in his eyes as he looks at me - perhaps concern, maybe even respect.
Once we’re alone, Kazimir moves closer, his eyes unreadable. “Mikhail speaks very highly of you. He trusts you more than anyone else.”
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’d do anything for Mikhail. He’s not just my partner; he’s my life.”
Kazimir’s expression softens. “I know. And that’s why I agreed to let you help. I want you to understand the gravity of what you’re stepping into. This isn’t just about filling in for Mikhail while he’s incapacitated. It’s about navigating a world that’s unforgiving and brutal.”
“I know, Kazimir. I’ve seen enough to understand that,” I say with a sigh and a pain shoots up my side. “But I can’t just sit back. Mikhail would never forgive me if I didn’t step up now.”
Kazimir nods, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “He sees in you what many of us didn’t at first - strength, not just of character, but of mind. But this... it’s a dangerous game, Gabriette. Are you prepared for what it might ask of you?”
I take a deep breath, the weight of his words settling on me. “As prepared as I can be. I’m not going into this blind, Kazimir. I’ve been by Mikhail’s side, I’ve learned, I’ve observed. And now, I need to act.”
He leans forward, his eyes searching mine. “And what about when Mikhail wakes up? What then?”
A pang of pain shoots through my heart at the thought. “When Mikhail wakes up, I’ll step back if he wants me to. This is his world, his life. I’m just holding the fort until he can take back the reins.”
Kazimir’s expression softens slightly. “You’re a brave woman and my son is fortunate to have you. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re here to support you, guide you. But I want you to promise me something.”