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“This is Yelena Belsky. She will be your primary mentor when it comes to your magical training. She’ll teach you how to harness your magic amongst other things, but I’ll let her tell you about that. I’ve got to greet some of my benefactors, so I leave you in her capable hands,” Filip said.

“Thank you,” Adelina said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Belsky.”

“Call me Yelena, dear.” She tucked a stray, grey curl behind her ear.

Taking her by the arm, Yelena steered her towards a round table dressed with an array of platters, including cold cuts of meat, cured fish, mixed salad, pickled beets, tomatoes, mushrooms, and hard cheeses.

“The cooks serve the most wonderful zakuski here. ”

Adelina gazed at the small dishes of food and her mouth watered.

“To eat before the feast, of course.” Yelena smiled and gestured to a servant who carried a tray of shot glasses. She took two, then handed one to Adelina. “Take a gulp of vodka, then wash it down with a bite of this delightful food.”

“I’m starving.” She slugged the alcoholic drink, then popped a chunk of hard cheese into her mouth, relishing its pleasant, savoury taste.

“Some of the ladies and gentlemen here are known for polishing off at least four rounds of vodka and zakuski before dinner is even served!” Deep creases formed around the elder lady’s eyes as a grin spread across her lips.

“I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself in front of Filip and his guests, so I think I’ll take my time,” Adelina dipped her head, “and I don’t want a headache while attending the public appearance tomorrow.

Any thoughts on what I’ll need to say or do?

” She leaned towards her new companion, hoping to gain a useful insight into what was to come.

“I wouldn’t worry, dear. He wants to show you off to his loyal supporters who’ve funded his cause for many years. You’re a great asset, and he’s thrilled to have you. Look at him beaming!” She pointed to Filip, who stood deep in conversation with three grey-haired men in the centre of the room.

“What do you mean, funding?”

“Well, his family is wealthy, of course, and he secured a considerable sum from his father. However, if Filip wants to remain in power, he needs support, people who believe in his cause, and men who will offer him weapons, coin, boats, you name it. ”

Adelina paused to process her words. It seemed Filip was well-liked, considering the many guests who flocked to his side.

“Do you believe in his cause?” she said.

“Certainly, dear, and you’re going to help him on the way to greatness.”

Filip tapped a knife against his glass at the back of the hall by the banquet room doors, catching the guests’ attention. “Please take your seats. Dinner will be served.”

The ladies and gentlemen slid into their chairs. Adelina sat beside Salma with Filip and Yelena opposite her.

“I hope you two have gotten acquainted—you’ll be seeing a lot of each other over the coming months.” Filip unravelled his napkin, then draped it over his lap.

Adelina raised an eyebrow. “A few months?”

“It’s nothing to worry about.” He smiled. “I want to ensure you have plenty of time to complete your training.”

Yelena offered a reassuring smile.

Servants carrying cloches filtered into the room, positioned the plates in front of each guest, then lifted the metal dome, revealing a golden-crusted pastry, potatoes, carrots, and peas.

With her cutlery in her hands, Adelina tucked into the food, taking care to chew each mouthful as graciously as she could. She placed her fork on the rim of her plate, wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin, then resumed eating.

Several hours after the feast, once plenty of vodka was consumed, carriages arrived to escort the guests to their homes. Servants tidied away the tables and bustled into the kitchens, while Filip retired to his drawing room after bidding Adelina and Salma good night.

Salma fell into step beside her as they climbed the grand staircase. “What a celebration.”

“It was rather lovely,” Adelina said. “Although I am feeling a little homesick. Perhaps I ought to write to my family, and Damir too.”

“I’d imagine it would bring you comfort.”

Salma kissed her cheeks briefly before entering her room. Adelina glided along the velvet carpet, then disappeared into her chamber.

The curtains were already drawn, and a fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm, orange glow across the room.

She kicked off her shoes, then sank into the chair in front of her dressing table. While she tried hard to pull the pins from her hair, she’d drank one too many glasses of vodka.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Adelina swivelled around in the chair, and the sudden movement made her stomach spin.

“Good evening, miss.” Natasha curtsied. “I’ve come to help you change out of your dress and remove the bed warmer.”

“Of course.” Adelina gestured for her to come closer—a wide grin on her mouth. “Did you enjoy the celebrations?”

“Oh, the household staff don’t attend the celebrations, dear. But we were able to enjoy the leftover food,” she said. “I came to prepare your chambers when the carriages came through the gates. ”

“You didn’t have to go to such lengths but thank you.” Adelina rose, then stumbled over to the bed. She rested her hands on one of the posters. “Can you help me get out of this corset? I’m afraid my fingers have turned to butter, and I won’t be able to undo the laces.”

Natasha smiled and went to her side. She worked on the laces, then drew the garment over her head.

As Adelina slipped out of the sarafan, she tripped over the hem, then fell onto the mattress. A laugh escaped her.

“Are you all right, miss?” Natasha pursed her lips.

“I’m fine.” Adelina shifted into a sitting position and crossed her legs. “I think I might’ve drunk too much.”

Natasha fetched her a nightgown from the wardrobe. “Here. Take off your silk underdress and put this on. I’ll help you.”

Wobbling, Adelina stood and stripped naked. Natasha didn’t bat an eyelid, and lifted the nightgown over Adelina’s head, guiding her arms into the sleeves.

Turning back the covers, Natasha removed the bed warmer.

Adelina slid into bed and flung herself back against the plumped pillows. “Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. Sleep well, miss. I’ll come to wake you in the morning.” She glided out of the room, leaving Adelina alone, and enveloped with warmth.