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

by Evelyn Skye

Ludmila crossed the kitchen and wrapped Vika in her arms. “I know it’s quite a lot to take in, dear. And I’m sorry I said nothing earlier, but I didn’t think you or Sergei wanted your true natures known. Now, however . . . well, you’ve decided to put your magic on display for all to see. And with Sergei absent, wherever it is he’s gone, I thought you might need a mother. Or a friend.” Ludmila kissed the top of Vika’s hair. “I am lucky to have you, sunshine.” But Vika only patted Ludmila on the back. Maternal affection was unfamiliar territory. After a minute, Ludmila released her, smiling from icing-covered ear to icing-covered ear. She hadn’t seemed to notice that Vika had been hesitant to return her embrace. “The facades on the buildings outside are lovely,” Ludmila said. Vika laughed. She loved that her magic was being seen by others, but she couldn’t take credit for something that wasn’t hers. “It’s true that I’m an enchantress. But the paint on Nevsky Prospect is not my doing.” Ludmila tapped her spoon against her chin, leaving sticky jam prints on her skin. “Really? There is yet another . . . what did you call yourself? Enchanter? How fascinating.” Vika nodded, and now she wanted to hug Ludmila. What a gift it was to have someone else know what Vika was, and what she could do. And then it occurred to her: she could tell Ludmila about the Crown’s Game. She would not have to bear it on her own. But no. One glance at the baker’s jolly mood and she dismissed the idea. Vi...