Have I read him wrong?
Every cell in my body wants to flee, to find a quiet corner where I can process the sting of his words. I slip out through the grille and see that Agafon has his back to me.
With a frown and clenched fists, I turn on my heels and head in the opposite direction, to where the bar is. Maybe a drink and some space could help me think clearer.
Just then, I notice some activity by the main entrance. Many of my cousins are gathered there, focused on one person among them. Just then, Nikolai and Dima step aside, and I see him.
It can’t be. Am I dreaming? I thought my oldest brother was in Russia!
My heart stutters, then races like a wild thing in my chest.
“Lion?” I squeal out loud before I can process that he's really here.
My voice must have travelled through the room because the next thing I know, Lion’s eyes are locked into mine. He breaks into a smile that can power the whole room.
“Lilushka,” he calls, using the childhood nickname that only he ever used.Little flower.
I'm running before I realize it, weaving between startled guests to make my way over to Ardalion. He moves toward me with equal speed, and we collide in the middle of the room, his arms wrapping around me so tightly I can barely breathe. But I don't care. I bury my face in his chest, and he smells just like I remember: like home.
“You're here, you're really here,” I mumble against his jacket, my voice muffled but thick with emotion. “I can't believe it.”
Lion's laugh rumbles through his chest and into mine. “Look at you, little sister, all grown up and married.” He pulls back, holding me at arm's length to study my face. His eyes, the same blue-green as mine, soften at the corners. “You look beautiful, Lilushka. Happy.”
The last word makes me flinch inwardly, Agafon's cold words still fresh in my mind. But I force a smile, because some part of me doesn't want to taint this moment by making Ardalion worry.
“What are you doing here? How did you—I mean, I thought you were in Moscow, handling—” I lower my voice, conscious of ears everywhere. “—business.”
Lion's face grows serious for a moment. “That’s all done now. I had some time on my hands and the first thing I wanted to do was come see you. I'm sorry I wasn't here for your wedding, Beth. It killed me to miss it.” He looks sad, pained by the milestone he missed, and I reach out, cupping his cheek in my palm. He whispers, “Some things are bigger than us, you understand? Even family sometimes.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat as the memory of getting married without my brothers present comes back to life. “And where are the others? Benedikt? Sergey? Samuil? Are they in town too?”
“No, I’m sorry. They’ve still got to overlook some things across Europe.” His thumb wipes away a tear I didn't realize had fallen. “They send their love. And their regrets.”
“I know,” I say, and I do. In our family, duty comes first. Always has.
Lion now pulls back and gives me a gentle smile. “I’d love to meet your husband. Is he here?”
For a brief moment, I don’t want to make that introduction. Agafon’s words still disappoint me. But now, I’m feeling happier and more in control. Whatever Agafon said, there must have been a reason behind it. Maybe, in time, I can ask him about it. But for now, those words weren’t meant for my ears. For now, I’ll go with how he treats me and what he says to my cousins.
“Sure,” I say, linking my arm through Lion’s and leading him through the crowd to go find Agafon.
He’s still waiting for me outside the washroom, and when we approach, he turns. I notice the question in his eyes, the unspoken “what took you so long?” but his words die out when he sees my brother beside me, his arm linked through mine.
From what I know, they’ve never met before. Agafon might be wondering who he is.
My brother speaks first, his voice still warm but with a new edge to it, “So this must be your husband.”
“Agafon,” I say, “this is my eldest brother, Ardalion Orlov. Lion, my husband.”
The two men regard each other like wolves, and I watch nervously as neither makes a move. Then, Lion extends his hand first, much to my relief.
“I've heard a lot about you, Letvin,” Lion says kindly, but his grip, I can see, is crushing.
Agafon doesn't flinch. “All terrible things, I'm sure.” The corner of his mouth twitches like he’s trying to smile but can’t bring himself to.
“Some.” Lion doesn't release his hand immediately. “Though from what I’ve heard, my sister seems fond of you, which counts for something.”
I feel heat crawl up my neck. “Lion—”
