Page 87 of Queen’s Gambit

“I am, and I mean it. If you’ve decided it’s too much for you and you want out, I’ll understand. But from this moment on, I’m taking control of my life.”

“You never have to ask. I’m with you all the way.”

“Good, I need a desk and a file cabinet.”

Frida smiled. “That’s easy, follow me.”

We stepped out into the hall, and I pointed to the guard outside my door.

“If you’re going to follow us, then you better be prepared to help, or you might as well stay right where you are.”

He looked bewildered but followed along behind us. Frida led me to a spare room that I’d never been in before. Despite being smaller than mine, it was split into two levels, and I loved it. Running up the stairs, I stood before the massive window that looked out toward the stables and paddocks.

“We can take this one,” Frida said, tapping the desk, but I shook my head.

“No, change of plans.” I looked down at Frida. “Does this have a second bedroom attached like mine?”

She nodded. “Yes, all the suites do.”

“Excellent.”

Jogging down the stairs, I faced the guard who had come with us.

“What’s your name?”

“Vlad, ma’am,” he said.

“Are you ready to get your hands dirty, Vlad?”

“Um….”

“If not, get off my service and send someone willing to work for a woman. From now on, you’ll take your orders from me, not my father.”

“But….”

“I’ll pay you ten percent more than he’s paying you right now, but I need guards who will keep my best interest at heart. You can work for me or my father, but not both. Choose, and make it quick.”

He licked his lips before closing the door. For just a moment, I wondered if he was going to try and kill me.

“Ms. Mikhailov, there are a handful of soldiers who are not happy with the current state of things. We have been looking for employment with another family, but if you want, I can arrange a private meeting with them.”

“You think they would stay on and work for me instead?”

“It will be tricky, but yes, yes I do.”

Vlad looked down at the ground briefly before locking eyes with me, and a surge of power raced through my body.

“I will work for you no matter what, and for the record, none of the guards like Christov.”

Walking forward, I held out my hand, and he gripped it with his much larger one.

“In that case, welcome to my personal guard. You’ll be in charge of my safety going forward.”

Releasing me, he made a fist and put it to his heart as he bowed his head.

“My loyalty is to you and you alone.”

“Vlad, you’ll set the meet with the others for as soon as possible. But keep it quiet.”