Why would anyone

"Yes, boss?"

"What are you communicating to her?"

"Only what you'd say yourself if you weren't so stubborn."

I lunged at him, but he flew to the windowsill. I stood up, irritated, and felt her touch my arm.

"Young Master Viktor," she said softly, "let's go to bed."

The choice between throttling a cheeky, all-knowing Vorgan and being with the most incredible woman in the world wasn't difficult to make.

"Milord?"

"Yes, Kuragin?" I woke up more fully and pulled Nila closer. "I've located Countess Elisabeta."

"Excellent, Kuragin. What about the Lurivox?" "Milord, are you sure about the name, Baroness Natalya?"

"I believe so. I could double-check. Why? Can't locate her?" "I've scoured the records, milord. There's no 'Natalya' in the House of the Lurivox, Baroness or otherwise."

I sighed. Why does life have to be so needlessly complex?

"Alright, Kuragin. I'll look into it tomorrow. Get some rest." "Thank you, milord."