Leo smiled. “Then we have an advantage. If needs must, I will call them to assist us.”
Ivana stepped back, clasped her hands under her chin as though in prayer. “Do you think they would come after everything I have done?”
Leo searched his heart for the answer as opposed to his head. “I would trust them with my life. I am confident they would come if I called.”
Her countenance brightened. “Do you think we have the strength to overthrow him?”
“We can but try, Ivana.” They had too much to lose to fail.
She nodded apprehensively. “The choice is yours. I do not care what happens to me. I will concede to your wishes. I will do whatever you ask.”
“Then we should dress and meet your husband in the Great Hall.”
“You must not call out to your friends in his presence. He will feel and hear the emotional connection you share. You must write a note, and I will ask Julia to take it to the tavern. Quick. We must hurry.”
They entered the Great Hall to find Nikolai lounging in a chair by the fire. His legs were stretched out in front of him, his hands cupping the back of his head. Upon hearing their approaching footsteps, he glanced in their direction and smirked.
“Ivana, there you are.”
Leo could feel Ivana trembling at his side.
Nikolai stood. He turned to face them as he clasped his hands behind his back. His silky black hair touched his shoulders. With him being both tall and lithe, his features were well defined. Possessing a thin patrician nose, prominent chin, and sunken cheeks, he had an air of hauteur. His black velvet coat trimmed with gold brocade reflected a fashion popular forty years earlier. Leo knew the silver cane propped against the chair sheathed a sword because Calvino owned one similar.
“Ah, Leo, what a surprise it is to see you again.”
Sylvester stepped forward carrying another chair which he placed next to the fire. He proceeded to light the candelabras before trudging out of the room.
“I’m afraid you have an advantage,” Leo said with a hint of contempt. “I cannot recall ever meeting you. I remember almost nothing of my time here.”
Nikolai raised an arrogant brow. “If that is the case, then pray tell me how you knew where to come.”
The gentleman was sharp.
“Not all memories were lost to me. I knew to come to the tavern if I had any hope of finding and killing the woman who turned me. I came here for revenge.”
Nikolai laughed and glanced at Ivana. “How interesting. Obviously, you were unsuccessful in your task.” He inhaled deeply. “Indeed, I sense some other need drives you now.”
“What are you doing here?” There was a nervous edge to Ivana’s tone.
Nikolai jerked his head, looked a little confused. “This is my home, Ivana, or had you forgotten that too?” He gestured to the chairs. “Let us talk for a while.”
Like any good host, Nikolai waited for them to sit before dropping into a chair.
“I had not forgotten,” Ivana retorted. “But it is a home you have spent no more than a week in since we married.”
“Ah, so you did remember our vows when you took your friend here to your bed.”
Leo sat forward. He was tired of playing games, tired of skirting around the truth. “What do you want with Ivana? Why have you come back?”
Ivana sucked in a breath. “Forgive Leo.” She waved her hands nervously. “He does not know what he is saying. He is a little overwrought. That is all.”
“Do not speak for me, Ivana.” Anger infused Leo’s tone as he refused to let Nikolai see him as weak. “I am not a child.”
Nikolai’s eyes grew wide with amusement. “What is this? A lovers’ tiff? How quaint.” In the blink of an eye, his expression darkened. “Not that it is any business of yours, but I have come home to reclaim what is mine.”
Ivana gripped the arms of her chair. “What do you mean?”
“Have no fear, I am not talking about you, Ivana. You have served your purpose. After tonight, I no longer need you to keep watch for me here.”