LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT MADE me uncomfortable as Alek casually arranged the meal. Mainly because I knew that's what we sailed back toa life with servants and massive responsibilities.

And no Yakov, I thought, feeling a weird mix of grief and betrayal. He'd been such a fantastic advisor, so genuineor so it seemed. Yet he'd been personally responsible for my parents' deaths, directly aiding Jenviet. I wonder what Al will tell Elena? I almost shuddered. What an awkward thought ...