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She nods. “I do. Besides, the worst Cormac can say is no, right?”
“Yes. True. Alright, I’ll reach out to him…”
“But?” Faina prompts, catching my further hesitation.
“Viktor. We need to get rid of him. Permanently. I don’t need him launching any more investigations into what happened that night.”
I find myself at a crossroads later that night. It’s clear that Viktor’s age and wealth of experience dictate a lot on this estate.Many of the people working under my name carry a loyal torch for Viktor due to his association with my father, and that’s not something I can shake. It also means that if it came down to it, I’m not confident that my people would rally behind me.
Especially if Viktor were my opponent.
Sitting on the balcony outside my room, I gaze out over the estate and try to piece together how things crumbled so quickly. Maybe they weren’t even secure in the first place. Erik was never here for me. He was just doing Viktor’s work for him. And Viktor, it seems, was never even on my side. He just respected the rules enough to let me step into power while waiting for my downfall. Faina is loyal, but the two of us won’t hold up against the might of this family.
Have I failed?
Should a leader really be this concerned about loyalty? It seemed effortless for my father, yet it’s a constant worry in my mind.
Did I make a mistake all those months ago when I slaughtered those generals? Maybe that secured my fate.
My thoughts drive me to the files Faina brought me after dinner. I requested all the details of every family that serves under the Remizova name. A lot of them are smaller and they’re scattered all over the city. It’s my only option, though. If I can’t trust the people I have here with me, then I need some new blood.
I scour the files, cataloging family after family while sorting them into a list of who would be the easiest to bring under my wing versus those who would be most willing. Without speaking to any of them directly, it’ll be impossible to know for sure, but it’s a start. I’m neck-deep in family history when my phone ringsand I answer it immediately, stuffing the device between my shoulder and ear.
“Yep?”
“Anastasia?”
My back straightens like a board. “Cormac.”
“Sorry to call at this late hour.”
“No, you’re fine,” I assure him, moving files out of my lap as if that will help me hear clearer. “What can I do for you?”
“I’ll keep it short. I can’t help you with your situation.”
My heart drops like a rock, alerting me to just how hopeful I’d been that he could help me.
“But,” Cormac continues, “I can put you in touch with someone who can. I trust them, and I’m certain you’ll be able to negotiate something that works for you.”
“Alright,” I reply cautiously. “Who is it?”
“You’ll see,” Cormac replies. “Just make sure you go alone if you want their help with everything.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I’m not. If you’re serious about what you need, then go alone.”
“To where, exactly?”
Cormac reels off an address. “Be there in an hour.”
“An hour?” I gasp. “That’s at the other end of the city.”
“Then you'd better hurry,” Cormac replies, swiftly ending the call.
I can’t go.
I’d never make it.