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“Your regime.”

“And this new, handsome young man.”

“Leonid.”

“Exactly,” the man says. “But I hear you’re young and handsome.”

I nod.

“I’m young,” Alexei says. “I’m not bad looking.”

“And you appear to be well spoken.”

“I only know six languages,” Alexei says. “But I’m entirely fluent in each.”

“Only six.” He chuckles. “I think I can work with that.” The man snorts. “Listen, I’d like to give the Russian people a choice between two young, likable men.”

“You want me to be the face of your regime, because after the former president’s disastrous mishandling of things, it’ll be a landslide in Leonid’s favor without me.”

The man on the other end of the phone sighs. “That’s about right.”

At least he’s honest.

“What do you think our chances are of winning?”

“We aren’t sure yet,” the man says. “But if you’re as charismatic as we hope you are, we think it’s about fifty-fifty.”

Fifty-fifty that the people of Russia vote to reinstate a monarchy?

“Assuming that I agree to help you,” he says.

“Yes,” the man says. “With your help, we have a chance. Without it, that maniac’s going to take over everything.”

Alexei looks at me, lifting both eyebrows.

I want to stay here. Let Russia burn.

Whether Leonid rules them or whether some other nut does, the impact on my life will be minimal. I know that’s selfish. I know that’s greedy. Neither Mirdza nor Kristiana would agree with me, but that’s how I feel.

But I also know Alexei, and I know he can’t live with that. He’s always said that Russia can stay as she is. . .as long as the people are well cared for. I also can’t help thinking about what Baba Yaga said. She said she’s supposed to serve all her people, not just a few. Leonid only cares about himself. He’s definitely clinically insane.

Alexei will care for everyone, at any cost.

It pains me, but I nod.

No matter how much I may hate it, that’s one of the reasons I admire him. He’s a much better person than I am. He even took the time to see what I thought, and I’m nothing to him right now. I’m not his wife, his fiancée, or even his official girlfriend, really. I’m some girl who agreed to date him, but so far still hasn’t actually gone on a single date.

“It seems like you’re not sure yet,” the man says. “Come back to Russia. Meet with me. Let me convince you that we share the same vision.”

“I’m not worried about a shared vision,” Alexei says. “Let me be clear. If I win, I want to do what’s best for the Russians every step of the way. Not what’s best for you. Not what’s going to line your pockets. I want peace and prosperity and freedom. Those are my priority. Do you still think we have something to discuss?”

“Oh, bravo,” the man says. “You’re even better than I was led to believe. I can’t wait to meet you.”

“But do you understand what I’m saying?” Alexei doesn’t let go.

“I do,” the man says. “Absolutely.”

“Our position with the Russian people must be that while I am of noble blood, I plan to earn my position as their leader. I’m not afraid of working hard for it. I’m not afraid of proving that I’m the best leader out there. In that way, they can maintain their freedom, and I will serve them as long as they feel I’m doing it adequately.”