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I look around at the assembled group, making sure everyone understands. The tension in the corridor eases slightly, and I can see people starting to nod in agreement. "Now, I want representatives from both households to meet this afternoon and work out a schedule that accommodates everyone's needs. Kitchen staff, royal attendants, security, housekeeping, everyone. We're going to establish clear protocols so these conflicts don't keep happening."

"Yes, Princess," the royal attendants murmur, bowing their heads.

"Yes, Ma'am," Samuil's staff echoes.

"Good. Get back to work." I dismiss them with a wave of my hand and watch as they disperse, the argument forgotten for now.

Before I can leave, the estate accountant approaches me hesitantly. He's a thin man with wire-rimmed glasses and a nervous disposition, and he looks like he'd rather be anywhere else right now. "Princess Anastasia, if I might have a moment of your time?"

"Of course." I gesture for him to follow me to a quieter corner of the hallway.

"I wanted to discuss the financial arrangements for the additional household members," he begins carefully. "Pakhan Galkin has authorized all necessary expenditures, but I thought you should be aware of the totals."

"I appreciate that." I keep my voice low. "However, there are some additional expenses I'd like to arrange privately. The guards who were injured during the rescue mission, I want their medical bills covered and their families compensated for lost wages. There's also a maid whose husband can no longer work due to injuries recently sustained. I've already set up financial support, but I thought you might need to add it to your accounts."

The accountant pulls out a small notebook and begins taking notes. "Of course, Princess. I'll prepare the necessary paperwork."

"The payments come from my personal inheritance," I say firmly. "Not from the Galkin estate accounts, and not from my father's funds. Mine. And I want complete discretion. No one, especially Pakhan Galkin, is to know where the money originated. As far as anyone is concerned, these are standard compensation packages."

The accountant's eyebrows rise slightly, but he nods. "I understand, Princess. I'll handle it personally and ensure the records remain private."

"Thank you." I dismiss him and continue through the estate, checking on various rooms and making sure everything is running smoothly.

By early afternoon, I find Samuil outside inspecting the expanded security surrounding the estate. He's dressed in dark pants and a black shirt. His hair is slightly disheveled and there are tired lines around his eyes, but he still moves with that commanding presence that makes everyone around him stand a little straighter. And makes my knees go a little weak. Guards are positioned at every entrance and exit, with additional men patrolling the grounds in coordinated patterns.

"How's your father?" Samuil asks when he notices me approaching.

"Resting. The physicians say he'll make a full recovery, but it's going to take time." I stop beside him and follow his gaze across the grounds. "How long do you think we'll need this level of security?"

"Until we find whoever is behind the attacks." His jaw tightens. "I'm not taking any chances with either of your lives."

Warmth unfurls in my chest at his words, but I push it aside.

Samuil turns to look at me, a slight smile curling up the corner of his mouth. "My captains spent all morning trying to sort out staff issues without any luck. Then you walked in and had everything resolved in under an hour."

"Someone had to step in before it turned into a war." I shrug like it's nothing, but his compliment catches me off guard.

"You're good at this." He studies me with those dark eyes.

I raise an eyebrow. "At breaking up fights between staff?"

He chuckles. "That… and more."

Heat floods my face. I'm not quite sure what he's talking about. The words are innocent enough, but the way his eyes darken makes me think of… sex.

I step closer, drawn by the heat in his eyes. "You're not nearly as cold and controlled as you pretend to be."

"Careful." His hand comes up to cup my jaw, the pad of his thumb brushing across my lower lip. "Keep talking like that and I'll have to prove just how uncontrolled I can be."

Heat floods through me at his words, and I'm about to respond when footsteps approach from behind. We step apart quickly as Ivan's chamberlain appears, his expression apologetic but determined.

"Princess Anastasia, forgive the interruption." He bows respectfully. "Several members of the royal household are waiting for instructions regarding the afternoon schedule and living arrangements. They're requesting your guidance."

The moment breaks, and I force myself to focus on the task at hand instead of the way Samuil's touch still burns against my skin. "Of course. I'll be right there."

The chamberlain bows again and retreats, leaving Samuil and me standing in the afternoon sunlight. "Duty calls," I say with a slight smile.

"It always does." Samuil's expression is mostly unreadable, but I still catch that banked passion gleaming from his eyes. "We'll continue this conversation later."