Page 23 of Tragic Empire

Because this marriage can be an arranged deal—plenty of mafia marriages are—but it needs to be one forged without a hint of bad blood.

“We’ll give you some time with your advocate,” Apollo says, gracefully standing up while buttoning his suit jacket. “Try to pick your husband and how you’re comfortable with the marriage going. We’ll negotiate as a group from there.”

“Okay,” I respond, attempting not to sound nervous.

Apollo leaves the room without another word, but Dante offers a soft squeeze to my shoulder on his way out. His reassuring eyes let me know that everything is going to be fine… eventually.

Once the door latches shut, I turn to my friend’s husband. Dmitri isn’t a man that’s easily read. He’s an expert at concealing his feelings. It should be unnerving, but I’ve seen him with Jade. I know he isn’t as cold and unaffected as he tends to appear.

“I don’t know where to start,” I admit. I keep my voice low and small, refusing to let emotion clog my throat.

“That’s okay,” he assures me. “We can start small. Do you have any questions about being arranged? I know you aren’t as new to the world as Jade is, but I’m sure there are things you’re worried about.”

Because I was never meant to be arranged. I know it, and he knows it.

When Bron fell in love with my mother four years ago, she refused to marry him unless he promised to let me find love on my own as well. In fact, he made a very public proclamation at their wedding that he wouldn’t entertain offers for my hand.

Wiping my clammy hands down on my thighs, I try not to grimace. “If I picked Apollo, how soon do you think we’d have to have a baby?”

“Honestly?”

“Please.”

“Being pregnant within the next year would be best, if not expected.”

My stomach flips with discomfort.

“You don’t think they’ll be insulted if I pick a different option, do you?”

“Because he’s the heir?” Dmitri shakes his head. “Apollo won’t view this as a rejection. He isn’t pursuing you for his own needs or desires.”

I breathe out, relief washing over me.

“Okay, no Apollo then.”

“For what it’s worth, I think that’s a good choice,” he replies amicably.

“It’s worth a lot, actually,” I admit. “I’m worried that I’m not in the best state to make decisions.”

Nodding sympathetically, Dmitri sits straighter in his seat. “That’s what I’m here for, Ana. I hold no stake in your marriage outside of making sure you’re in a situation that you feel happiest in. The Morozovs stand to gain nothing from this. I’m only here for my wife.”

Trying not to let his words choke me up, I nod and sniff away the sentiment. “Who do you think I should pick? Like, if you were me, what would you do?”

His eyes scan mine as he contemplates his answer. “Dante’s offer is an attractive one. He’ll assure your safety like you’re one of his own. The Kings likely won’t protest him stepping in while Killian recovers.”

Dmitri hesitates to continue.

“But?”

“But he’s fifty,” he deadpans. “And you’ll be bound to him until death. Meaning unless he’s killed, you’ll be in a loveless marriage until you’re into your forties. I know the idea of that may not seem so bad now, but it will in the future.”

I swallow, nodding as I digest his words.

Can I live like that? For decades?

Looking down at my lap, I absently pick at my chipped nail polish. “You don’t think it will be a loveless marriage with Cassio, too?”

Cassio lost his wife and his newborn baby years ago now, but you don’t just get over that. No matter how much time passes.