Nikolai

The walk from my destroyed office to my chambers was a march through a field of terrified ghosts. The moment Igor and I stepped into the corridor, the few servants and guards lingering nearby scattered like roaches when the light hits them.

Those who couldn’t flee fast enough pressed themselves against the stone walls, bowing their heads so low their chins touched their chests, making themselves small and invisible.

I didn’t even glance their way. Their fear was a given, a ...