“Have you chosen your dress, Amma?”
“I thought I would be asking you that,” her mother said with a gentle smile, sitting at the window seat next to her desk. “Are you sure you’re up to coming with me tonight, darling? You haven’t spoken much since you returned from your visit with Prince Kamenev."
“I’m fine.”
The lie sprang automatically to her lips, and her mother clucked her tongue. “You can lie to the world, child, but not to me. I am your mother. What’s wrong?”
The sympathy in her mother’s eyes made her feel like she eight years old again, and all that was wrong in her world was a skinned knee that would be all better as soon her mother kissed her forehead and wiped her tears away.
It all came out in a rush, her agreement with the Crown Princess, how she’d reconnected with Luka, and she’d created a prosthetic for him, and they caught a spy together, and how he’d told her he loved her—and how she’d had to tell him the truth and break his heart.
Her mother heard it all in silence, and when Maya was finally done, she gently wiped her tears away.
“Would it really be so bad if you married the Prince?”
“I told you, Amma, he hates me now,” Maya said, waving her hand as she swiped at the tears that persisted. “Besides, he is promised to another,” she said sadly.
“Yes, but if you were to apologize, I am sure he would forgive you. He loves you, does he not?”
“Even then, Amma…”
“What are you afraid of, darling?”
“Of ending up like you!” she burst out, before clapping a hand over her mouth at the stricken look on her mother’s face.
“Amma—”
“No, you are right, Maya. Your father and I have not set a very good example of matrimony for you.” Her mother sighed uncomfortably. “But I trust you will do better than me, Maya. You are stronger than me, my daughter.”
“No, I really am not,” she said, shaking her head.
“You need to trust yourself, child. Let go of the fear of the past. It is only holding you back from all the possibilities of the future.” Her mother heaved a sigh. “If you do not want a husband right now, I understand. But at least promise me that you will consider it for the future. Everyone needs a companion. Life can be very long, and very lonely, without one.”
Her mother patted her hand, and swept out of the room again, leaving Maya to her thoughts.
By the time they were in the carriage and on the way to the royal ball at Rurik palace that evening, Maya’s thoughts were as muddled as ever.
It was probably too late for her and Luka. Even if she apologized now, all that could be salvaged between them would be their friendship. If even that.
Would it be enough? To be Luka’s friend and stand aside and watch as he married Lady Demidova?
As they entered the ballroom, Maya was no closer to an answer. She found a corner of the ballroom, away from prying eyes, and took a moment to catch her breath. Her mother was enjoying her moment in the spotlight, radiant on her father’s arm, and her brother was somewhere among the crowd, hiding, just like her.
There was a fanfare, and the crowd quietened down as the royal family made their entrance. First came the Tsar, with each queen on an arm. Then came Luka, with the Crown Princess and Princess Ludmilla on each arm.
They certainly made for a striking picture—but why was Luka not escorting Lady Demidova? Maya looked around the ballroom for the other woman, but she couldn’t find her. She looked back at Luka. He’d isolated himself for months after his return from Telluria, saying he didn’t want to return to the court, but now that he was here, standing before them all, he looked supremely unconcerned. He looked like the prince he was, confident and regal. As if he’d never had a care in the world. As if they’d never said all those hurtful things to each other just two weeks ago.
The murmur of conversation ceased, and Maya turned to see that Tsar Vadik had raised an arm for silence. The grand ballroom was filled with the finest people of the kingdom, dressed in their most elegant attire. The chandeliers sparkled and the music played softly in the background. At the center of it all stood the Tsar, looking regal in his velvet robe with gold embroidery.
“My dear guests,” the Tsar began, his voice carrying across the room. “I would like to thank you all for attending tonight's ball. Your presence makes this occasion truly special, and I am honored to have you here with me. You are all dear to me, and it brings me great joy to see you all gathered here tonight.”
There was a murmur of appreciation from the crowd, and the Tsar continued. “I know that some of you have traveled far to be here, and for that, I am especially grateful. It is my hope that you will enjoy the festivities and find the company of your fellow guests to be delightful.”
He paused, taking in the faces before him. “The kingdom has faced many challenges recently, but thanks to your hard work and dedication, we have emerged stronger than ever before.”
The Tsar's eyes glinted as he looked out over the assembled courtiers. “I am proud to be your ruler, and I am grateful for the loyalty and devotion that you have shown to our kingdom. I am confident that you will show my daughter, Crown Princess Annika, the same loyalty when she ascends to the throne and comes Tsarina. Together, we will continue to build a better future for ourselves and for those who will come after us.”
As the Tsar finished his speech, the crowd erupted into applause, and Maya’s gaze was drawn to Luka again. He’d always hated the fact that he’d been made to feel like the ‘spare’, the backup plan to Princess Annika. How was he faring now that the Princess would finally ascend to the throne?
