The Crown's Game (The Crown's Game, #1)

by Evelyn Skye

“Blood determines nothing. Vika is my daughter, no matter what you say.” “For someone as surly-looking as you, you’re disgustingly soft.” “It’s better than being surly on both the outside and the inside like someone else in this room.” Sergei reached over and helped himself to Galina’s tea, ignoring her scowl. “I suppose you’ve remained cold and distant from your student, haven’t you? You are so very talented at alienating people.” “Why would I form an attachment to a half-breed orphan from the steppe?” Galina scoffed. “I trained him because it was my duty to do so, and because I want to see my enchanter demolish yours. I like winning, you know.” Oh, yes, Sergei knew. Although more accurately, Galina should have said she liked winning against him. It had always been about beating him, beginning when they were small children and she wanted more of their father’s attention. She’d never outgrown her insecurity at being born a girl, even though their parents hadn’t played favorites between them. “It’s a pity raising Nikolai didn’t stir any maternal instinct in you. It would have been nice if Vika had grown up with a friend in the family to play with.” Galina plucked her teacup out of Sergei’s hands. “Maternal instinct? Ha! You can’t stir something that doesn’t exist, thank goodness. And as for Vika having a friend, that is ridiculous, and you know it. They are enchanters, Sergei. They were always going to have to fight each other and die. They couldn’t know who the other encha...