Page 124 of The Darkness is Calling

But there is also a thread of compassion there, because, despite appearances, she seems to be the only person in the Prescott family who defended me when I wanted to postpone the wedding. I was there one time, at a family dinner, when she brought up the fact that, out of respect for me and my late father, perhaps the lawyers should do something about it, if that was what I wanted. But she received a very harsh look from her parents, as well as from her brother, and afterward I found out she had been punished.

In what way, I don’t know. Oliver gave me no details and refused to tell me when I asked.

“As well as a bride can be on her wedding day,” I answer.

She comes closer and takes my hands in hers, while the stylist sets every strand of hair into place among curls that look almost drawn.

Olivia is completely different from her brother. Her blond hair has reddish tones, and her eyes are green, as her name suggests. I’ve always had the impression that she is trapped in a life she doesn’t want, just like me. I am bound to Bratva, she is tied to a name that carries weight within the Royal Family.

Fortunately, a few years ago, she managed to convince her parents to let her study in America, which kept her away from the family’s business. I noticed there was a battle between Olivia – a rebellious spirit with a good and creative soul – and the members of this cold, traditional family.

For a long time, I believed Oliver was like her.

But with every passing day, I realize I was wrong.

Olivia, however, has never given me any reason to believe she is anything other than what she has always allowed the world to see. A girl who wants to be free and independent. That is exactly why, apparently, I am the only one she told that she secretly got a job as an intern at a fashion magazine in New York, just so she could have her own money to buy the little things her parents wouldn’t have approved of.

“I sincerely hope you’ll be happy, Katya,” she confesses with honesty. “That’s why I came, because I don’t know if we’ll get another chance to talk once the party begins, and I wanted to wish you beautiful days and much love. If my brother upsets you again, tell me, and I’ll figure out how to slip laxatives into his tea.”

We laugh together, and Oksana chuckles along with us. Then the redheaded blonde straightens and checks her little green hat in my mirror, matched perfectly to her dress.

“I’ve always hated these things,” she mutters unhappily. “I’d rather wear a top hat like the men.”

“Who wears top hats?” Oksana asks, stunned.

“Plenty of people on the groom’s side. Top hats for them and ridiculous little hats for their snobbish wives.”

She looks from me to the blonde.

“That’s the tradition for the Lords, especially for events like this,” she explains as if teaching a lesson. “Don’t worry, you’ll be forced to wear ridiculous things like this in the future too.”

My grimace says it all. Oksana’s is even more obvious.

“One more reason to run now...” my friend murmurs in Russian.

“That information doesn’t comfort me at all,” I tell my future sister-in-law in her language, ignoring Oksana’s comment.

“You will get used to it,” she says with a laugh. “When Oliver inherits the Lord title, you’ll become Lady. The position comes with plenty of little details like that. Why do you think I wanted to leave England? I can’t stand any of them anymore...”

She shakes her head in frustration. At twenty years old, her blood still rebels fiercely against the rules imposed by her family.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who needs wishes of happiness. I hope you get to have the life you want too.”

Her smile lights up her freckled face. “We deserve it, don’t we?” She says with hope in her voice.

“Absolutely,” I confirm, and she leans down to hug me.

“Leaving all my crazy family aside, I’m happy you’re going to become my sister,” she whispers while we are still caught in the embrace.

“Me too.” My answer is honest, feeling a little calmer knowing I will have at least one ally in this family.

“OK,” she says quickly, pulling away from me. “I’ll leave you now, because Mother will show up any second and ruin my bun just to throw me out of here. She told me not to bother you.”

Little rebel.

That’s why I like her.

She winks to me, kisses Oksana quickly too, then leaves the room, which I now notice is guarded by my new bodyguards.