In this world, the cockatrice was a real type of monster. Its main body resembled a rooster’s, with a large red comb crowning its head, but its tail was a poisonous snake. The rooster and the snake had separate minds, and it was common for the snake to damage its main body with venom while trying to chase away enemies. Being “the tail of a cockatrice” had become a set phrase that referred to those who harmed their allies without meaning to.
“The twins were both very clever,” Alexei said. “Neither were prodigies like Vladimir, but they were far smarter than most children and knew a great deal. None of the children of the Yulnova branch families were anything like them, so I used to worry about finding capable talents to aid me.”
That made me grin. Even as a child, Alexei had kept an eye out for talent, aware of his position as heir to the Yulnova Duchy. He was quite something.
“I wouldn’t have had such thoughts if you’d been there at the time. Why would I need anyone else with you by my side, my wise Ekaterina?” he said with a soft look.
His Ekaterina filter was quite something too!
“Anyway,” Alexei went on, “I don’t know what she’s after, but seeing her today reminded me of something. Back then, the twins strongly opposed my friendship with Vladimir. What she said at the end... She said it to let me know she’ll convey those exact words to Vladimir. She made sure I knew she would, so I wouldn’t think of reconnecting with him.”
“It appears my master has served his purpose in His Grace’s eyes.”
Alexei gazed into the distance. I could tell exactly what he was worried about. Our houses were enemies now, but would those words hurt his former friend?
I mentally tapped him with the back of my hand and dramatically exclaimed (in my head): Of course not! He doesn’t care!
Wait a minute...
The first time we met, Vladimir had been awful to me. But maybe he’d acted that way because he felt like I’d stolen his place.
I was suddenly reminded of the English phrase that had popped up in my mind when I’d seen him: green-eyed monster, the metaphor for envy and jealousy.
If I was right, Zamira had chosen the worst possible course of action. She was about to tear the rift between Alexei and Vladimir even wider.
“How presumptuous...how insolent of her. Seeing you unhappy saddens me as well, brother.”
“Thank you, sweet girl. Someone as pure as you may have trouble fathoming it, but many harbor malice and lay traps for others. I remain concerned about Zamira’s intentions. One thing is certain—Magna wants to see Elizaveta crowned empress, so your radiance is a thorn in his side. We mustn’t lower our guard.”
“Thank you for your warning, brother.” I nodded, uneasy. “She seemed to know a lot about the play my class will be putting on... I wonder if I’ve been standing out in a negative way. I even caused a problem for you today. I shall take a step back after the festival ends.”
I hadn’t planned for this, but making my brother waste time when he was so busy hurt my soul. On top of that, I absolutely didn’t want Zamira and the rest of them to take advantage of my weakness to trouble my brother!
“How could you ever stand out in a negative way? What is meant to shine will shine. If that was a negative, the sun, the moon, the morning dew, every thing of beauty in this world would be equally guilty. Don’t you think that’d be ridiculous?” Alexei’s fingers brushed my cheek. “You don’t need to stop yourself from doing anything on behalf of Magna. Everything you’ve done has brought honor to the Yulnova name. I will handle them, so there is only one thing you need to do. Please, do not allow that woman anywhere near you. Besides, you could never stop yourself from standing out. Your light shines whenever you walk into a room. That is how beautiful you are, Ekaterina.”
“Oh, brother!”
His Ekaterina filter and his built-in flowery declaration feature were in perfect shape today!
As a former corporate drone, I felt absolutely unqualified to navigate a full-blown war between two major noble houses, yet there I was, standing in the eye of the storm.
Still, if my brother told me to press on, I would! I’d do everything in my power to stage a great play and support my classmates in their quests for careers and marriages alike!
I waited for Flora to finish the paperwork and join me in Alexei’s office so we could walk back to our dorm together.
When she arrived, I turned to Alexei and his advisors. “I’m sorry for stealing so much of your precious time, brother. I’ve disrupted everyone’s work, and I apologize. Still, I urge you to wrap up quickly and rest as much as possible.”
Everyone smiled at my usual nagging.
“You’re the one who keeps overdoing it,” Alexei said fondly. “Hurry along and rest well, Ekaterina.”
“I shall do as you say, brother. Have a good evening, everyone.”
With that, Flora and I left, and Ivan closed the door behind us.
The atmosphere inside the room shifted in the blink of an eye.
“Novak, carry on with your report.”
“As I was saying, the body of an elderly woman was found beneath a bridge over the Serno River. I’ve received confirmation that the deceased woman was actually Nonna Zares,” Novak declared, his tone matter-of-fact.
Alexei listened, his expression neutral.
Nonna Zares had been one of his grandmother’s waiting maids. Even after Alexandra’s death, she’d continued to worship her and had dared tell Ekaterina she wasn’t acting like a proper lady, promising to correct her ways so she’d better resemble Alexandra. All Nonna had achieved was provoking Alexei’s ire, and he had fired her for embezzling contractor funds.
She’d sought refuge with the Yulmagnas but had been chased away. Out of options, she was living out the rest of her days in a gloomy corner of the capital—or at least, so said the last report Alexei had received.