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“It is complicated. Many jewelers are aware of the diamond mines in South Africa; few people know that Russia has a number of diamond mines and gold deposits in the Urals and Siberia. As a matter of fact, one of the diamond mines in the Urals is known as the largest precious gemstone mine in the world. The workmasters had direct access to the mines, and they used these stones to craft jewelry for the imperial family. They also built a great reputation and established many channels and back doors to dealers, suppliers, and diamond magnates across the world. At the height of the Guild, we controlled ninety percent of the diamonds sold in Russia and Europe.”

Diamond mines and gold deposits. Anyu had to take a moment to digest what she heard. “How did all the treasure end up here?”

“After the revolution, the workmasters were targeted by the rebels. Many were imprisoned or murdered. Some fled to Finland and England, and a few to Asia. We brought whatever we could carry.”

Isaac was a member of the secret Workmasters Guild, Anyu realized. She scanned the treasures again, each worth the price of a small kingdom, encased in a crystal box, hidden underground. “Where’s your egg?”

“Here.” Isaac walked to a crystal box to her left and pressed his moonstone ring to reveal the eagle again.

“Why the double-headed eagle?” she asked.

“It came from the Romanov family’s coat of arms, adopted by the imperial family in the fifteenth century. The workmasters revered the tsar but didn’t want to violate the crest. They designed a simpler version of the two-headed eagle without the crown and religious connotations.”

“Do all members of the Guild wear the ring?”

Isaac nodded. “There were forty-two rings for forty-two workmasters. The signet ring was designed to be inconspicuous but also identifiable. I received this from my father.”

He held the ring and fitted it into the brass plaque that said “The Winter Egg.” The box collapsed; in front of Anyu was the beauty that she had dreamed of seeing since she had first laid eyes on it. With his gloved hand, Isaac delicately lifted the egg. “Ready?”

She hastened to dig out her handkerchief and opened her palms as Isaac placed the egg in her hands.

It felt heavier than she remembered, and the egg’s surface, through her handkerchief, was smooth.

She admired the rivulets of brilliant diamonds, the surprise inside—an exquisite basket of flowers.

She cradled it gently, afraid that she’d drop it or tarnish it with her breath.

The egg that had inspired her, the egg that she had worked hard for all these months, the egg that had brought her to Isaac, the egg that had changed her life.

“Well?” Isaac asked.

“It’s magnificent.”

“But?”

“I can make something like that.”

He laughed.

Giving the egg one last look, she handed it to him.

He shook his head. “It’s yours now.”

She stared at him. “Mine?”

“Yes.”

“You’re giving me this priceless egg? Why?”

“Years ago, I told myself I would give my successor the egg. I’ve been looking for a successor for ten years. I think I’ve found her.”

He would honor her, naming her as his successor. Anyu’s heart fluttered. “I don’t know what to say ... Does that mean I’ll keep making jewelry for you? The egg ... I don’t know if I am worthy ... What about Samuel?”

“You’ve proven yourself, Anyu. You are God’s special gift to me.”

Did she imagine this—his soft tone, the adoration in his eyes? Her heart pounded in a strange rhythm of happiness. “Isaac ...”

“You asked me once how I felt about relinquishing my name. I think I told you fame means little to me. I only want to craft jewelry in peace.”

But still. This was a huge sacrifice.

“When this egg was placed in my hands years ago, I swore I’d protect it with my life.

It’s time to find a new owner. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t disclose the risk that comes with the ownership of the egg.

Men have the natural tendency to possess a treasure, and those with more means have fewer scruples.

It is dangerous to possess a prize everyone covets.

You’re probably aware of that, too. I understand if you decline my proposition. ”

“Decline? No.”

He smiled.

“I’m not afraid.” She gazed at him, thinking of how they met, the blood on his neck, and the gossip they had overheard at Mrs. Brown’s party. “I give you my word. I will protect the egg and the reputation of your family with my life.”

“Then my mission is accomplished.”

“You won’t be disappointed. This egg will be as safe as it can be.”

“Now what would you like to do? You can take it with you or store it elsewhere to keep it safe.”

She looked around her again. “How safe is this vault?”

“Very safe. You saw the man in the store, one of a team of twelve men who guard this place day and night. The crystal box is nearly indestructible and is only operable by the owner’s signet ring.”

She returned the egg to the box and slid the box back into the wall. “Then I’ll keep it here. I’ll come to see it when I need to.”

“Well then, you’ll need the key.” He removed his ring and slid it onto the middle finger of her right hand. It was loose, but it stayed.

Anyu lifted her head, shocked. “You said this ring was for members of the Guild.”

“Yes, and now you’re one of them.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll cease to be a member. The Guild has strict rules. Its membership is only transferable from one master jeweler to another. My father gave it to me, and now I give it to you. From now on, you’ll be the member, not me.”

She smoothed her finger over the moonstone and found the narrow swath built inside the ring’s band that concealed the double-headed eagle. She marveled at the mechanism. “It’s a cleverly crafted piece.”

“It is.”

“As your successor, I am honored to wear this ring.” She leaned forward and locked the box.

“There’s one more thing. My appointing you to be a member of the Guild is the first step. You’ll still have to earn the approval of other members.”

“Other members?”

“Yes. There are four of them who currently live in Shanghai. Including one original member who fled from St. Petersburg.”

“I’ll talk to them. Where are they?”

“As a matter of fact, they are attending their monthly meeting here.”

“I’d like to meet them.”