She was right, and he didn't think she could have such a large family, though she hastily mentioned that this was just the beginning. The hall was full. Wherever he could see, he found women in fancy dresses, men in fancy suits, or children tangled underfoot. The tallest figures of her parents were reflected most strongly in the crowd - her mother, Ivetta, in a golden dress with a high bun made of braided braids, and her father, Igor, in a tasteful tailcoat with a golden plastron. Their grandchildren, Olga and Pietr, were walking nearby, and a bit further, the sedate Dmitri in a steel suit, elegantly holding his still pink-haired wife, Tatiana, in a gray, ankle-length translucent gown revealing booties with a strap on her feet. He tried to remember the faces of the people she described to him as accurately as possible. An elderly couple at the table in front of them, a woman in white, a man in gray - Tiana's in-laws, Alexander and Maria Lebedev. Near them are two blonde-haired twins Fedorov, Luba in a long dress in shades of turquoise and Valentina, in a slightly shorter, lilac, daughter of Mrs. Koroliov's sister. On the right, the distinguished lady in black, Nina, the sister in question, along with her husband Mikhail, a slightly grizzled owner of round, gold-rimmed glasses. Next to Nina - Awrora, with a silver peacock in her hair, the only single, eldest daughter of the Morozov family, Nadia's maternal grandparents, along with her parents, Adiel, an elegant lady with a long braid, and Yaroslav, the man with possibly the most colorful tie Robert has ever seen. The youngest of the siblings, blonde, skinny Alexei with his wife Debora, a beautiful Polish woman in a folk skirt and black boots, and their only son, teenage Vitalij, who was dealt with his adolescence exceptionally mildly, was also nearby. In front of them Igor Koroliov Sr., the father of his future father-in-law, looking around at the surroundings with a martial expression, winding a long mustache on the little finger of his left hand, together with his wife, Wilena, from whom Nadia probably inherited a prominent lips. Near one of the pillars, their children stood among the tables with appetizers: the eldest son, the black-haired Vsevolod, with his wife Zinaida, dressed in a light-colored dress with what was probably supposed to resemble a short, fur coat, and their daughter Zoya, who did not tear herself away from her phone; the younger sister of the lord of the house, red-haired Ida with her husband, Georgy, who looks at the antique ornaments of the pillar, son Timofiej, fiery as a mother with the rounded daughter Isolde, eating meringue crumbs; and the youngest, freckled Irina with her husband Silwan, a handsome brown-haired with shaved sides. It would be easy to get confused were it not for a few characteristics by which he easily recognized them. He continued to listen, registering friends of family, co-workers, until finally the most interesting information appeared. He reached for two glasses of red wine and handed one to Nadia. She took it gently, placing a crystal leg between her index and middle fingers.
- And there, by the window, Aunt Julia, my father's brother, Uncle Nikolai and their two sons. - she whispered as he leaned in slightly, taking a sip. - Anton is the taller, older, fair-haired one. A brilliant pianist. Ivan is standing beside him, stiff as ever, as if he had swallowed a broomstick.
She was right. Robert thought that in some ways he looked like ... himself. Stood impossibly erect, head proudly raised, looking at everyone with superiority. A man at least inaccessible to the public. He brushed a long, dark fringe from his forehead, tucking it behind his ear. He hadn't noticed them yet, or simply hadn't honored them with interest, though Robert was pretty sure that as soon as he noticed Nadia, he would fly like wings. He was wrong, or Ivan himself had a slightly different, more cunning approach to the matter. He was probably waiting for them to approach him. The girl, however, first decided to introduce Jurgens to the seniors of the family, starting with those on the father's side. The patriarchy in some parts of Russia apparently held up pretty well. Koroliov's senior eyed him, and judging by his expression, he seemed to like him. His beautiful wife displayed much more emotions. Before they came within a few steps, Nadia told him not to be surprised at how the man could charm with "original jokes".
- Nadezhda, dear! - Wilena shouted happily. - Every day more beautiful!
- Oh, grandma ... - The blonde laughed a little.
- The only granddaughter with hips perfect for childbearing. - Igor snorted with a smile, then added as if a bit softer. - And you, young man, are you Robert, I presume?
- Yes, Mr. Koroliov. - he replied calmly, bowing slightly.
- Nadezhda's parents told us about you. We've heard a bit about your family. - the woman explained.
- Good and old family! - the man laughed. - How did you find each other, my children?
- Apparently fate wanted it so, Grandpa. - The girl smiled, cuddling with the boy. - Forgive me, but there are still a lot of guests with whom I should have a few words ...
- Of course, honey, of course. - Wilena said, waving her hand lightly at them. - Come back soon!
Her mother's parents were next in line. The man seemed happier than the previous one, the woman wasn't inferior to him. Robert could have expected from whom Mrs. Koroliov had inherited her verve and enthusiasm. And they must have heard of him much earlier.
- Robert, my dear! - Jaroslav snapped. - Finally we can meet you, boy!
- I am also very pleased to finally see you. - he replied calmly.
- Ivetta said you were handsome, but she didn't mention up to THIS degree! - Adiel laughed, throwing the braid. - You look beautiful together.
- Thank you, Grandma. - Nadia replied, wrapping her arm around his shoulder and resting head lightly. - How was your trip? Probably much milder weather in Minsk?
- Oh, darling, I guess I'm getting too old for such a journey! - The woman replied happily. - And yes, yes, our place is much warmer.
Robert caught the cleverly conveyed information. Her mother's family didn't come from Russia, but from Belarus. He hugged her gently around the waist, listening to the conversation, observing the surroundings out of the corner of his eye. Ivan continued to wait, without glancing at them.
- We saw the transmission from Montreal, Nadia. Triple axel! Heaven! - the woman applauded with joy. - I hope you took a moment too, Robert? Such a feat does not happen often!
Damn it! Oliver was right! If not for him, he would have just been shining his eyes for own stupidity and laziness. Another thing was that he definitely enjoyed watching her skating on that day, about a year ago.
- Yes of course. I had the opportunity to watch Nadia's performance live, from the stands.
- I'm sorry? - The girl looked at him with a surprised look. - Have you been to the tournament?
- Yes, along with the rest of the team. You looked beautiful ... - He sighed truthfully, looking at her tenderly and tucking a blond strand falling on her face slightly behind ear. - And the change of outfit in the process was stunning.
- Gee ... I thought you just sent a messenger!
- Messenger? - the older woman asked.
- My trainer gave me a gift and a bouquet of flowers, which I had to get. I had no idea he brought them in person! - The blonde explained hastily, then added indignantly. - Oh, Robert!
- Well, well... - Adiel gave him a pointed look with a smile.
They walked on, welcoming more visitors. He ceased to watch her cousin, especially as they were inevitably getting close to him. When Jurgens glanced only at Ivan, noticed that he was probably getting a little impatient. Nadia deliberately conducted the talks in such a way as to approach Uncle Nikolai and his sons at the very end. Everyone looked delighted to finally meet the future son-in-law of the hosts. One person, he guessed, would disagree. He was right. From the moment they approached, Ivan hadn't lost sight of Nadia. You could see that he was happy to see her, she was quite the opposite. She took Robert's hand a little tighter.
- Uncle, Aunt ... - she replied calmly, cursing a little in front of them.
- Nadia, it's nice to finally see you! - The brown haired girl in glasses said cheerfully. - And this is probably Robert?
- Nice to meet you. - he bowed elegantly.
- Ingrid, mon amour*! - a brown hair, about her height, reached the girl's hand, kissing the light skin on small ankles.
- Ivan, I think you meant "ma cherie*"! - She laughed beadily.
A stubborn, clingy creature! He loved those little, painful for opponents of irritability. At times like this, Robert was proud to be on the same side. He remembered well when she had sat down at his castle at supper, when Johnny had nearly lunged into her throat. Jurgens was positively surprised, although she later stuck more nails on him, he knew perfectly well that it was for a reason. True, she had used Robert's authority, but he didn't blame her for that at all. On the contrary. Thanks to this, he discovered that she could smoothly navigate tactics not only while playing chess.
- Here's another language? - Anton inquired.
- No ... although who knows, maybe someday I will pick up French. - The girl replied happily. - We have a friend in Paris, you know how it is ... sometimes it is enough to listen well.
- As always smart and cute! - Ivan rejoiced, undaunted by the lack of attention, that his mother looked as if she was getting ready to stop the boy. - So you are the famous Robert Jurgens? I have heard a little about you ... European Champion, proud heir of the family ... well, well ...
- And I've heard a bit about you. - Robert replied, his fingers tightly clenched on Nadia's tiny hand. - How's your political career?
- Politics is a paradise for those who are not afraid of challenges. - he replied philosophically.
He felt the attempt. Ivan wanted to outclass him, to show that he doesn't deserve Nadia. If that's how he wanted to play, go ahead. He was disturbed by resounding music, very energetic, even passionate. Probably specially composed for the celebrating couple.
- Ingrid, will you honor me with a dance? - he asked sweetly, leaning back towards her hand. - For the sake of the old days ...
She didn't want to. Robert let go of her hand, folding his long fingers on her round shoulders.
- Go, I'll see what you can do. - he replied, then whispered in her ear. - Don't be afraid.
He watched as they walked out into the center of the room together, much to the general excitement. The Koroliovs looked at Jurgens uncertainly, to which he replied with a calm nod of the head. He had a plan to make her cousin's confidence shake in the foundations. He had to admit that they actually fit together. Ivan led Nadia in the dance very well, she swirled smoothly, giving herself to the gestures. He noticed him whisper something in her ear in a few moments, something that she completely disliked. He focused on music. Each track had a climax that was approaching relentlessly and always clearly. He sensed the moment, and Ivan unconsciously handed him the girl on a tray. He released Nadia from his hands, she spun on her axis, then fell into Robert's arms, making a perfect vertical split. So that she wouldn't lose her balance, he held her neatly and with a dance step helped her to her feet. She was surprised and indescribably happy. He caught Ivan's angry glare. Jurgens smiled triumphantly as he and the girl ended their fiery dance. He almost got over his emotions and kissed her for the first time in front of everyone. He knew he shouldn't, but on the other hand, in the circumstances, he would have sealed what her parents had started, probably to their approval. He watched her happily. There was a warm applause.
- What happened? - she laughed softly. - I haven't seen you like this outside the arena!
- You think I'll let him take you away from me? - he asked rhetorically.
- Beautiful dance, my children! - they heard the pearly laugh of the girl's mother.
- You stole our audience, Robert! - father laughed.
- Oh, I'm so sorry. - the young man replied, although he was not at all sorry, especially that he had achieved his goal.
- It made me dizzy! I had no idea you were such a dancer. - Nadia sighed with a slight smile. - Mom, Dad, will we get away with it if we disappear for a moment?
- Of course, go. - the woman laughed again, leading her husband to the dance.
Robert took her hand elegantly under his arm, and they both walked steadily to the exit. Before they crossed the threshold, however, they heard a voice behind them.
- Jurgens! I know you don't love my Ingrid! You won't convince me with this cheap theater. - Ivan hissed. - Your relationship only exists on paper, it can be easily broken!
He ignored the warning as well as the boy himself. He wasn't going to spend more time with him than was necessary.
- Nice guy, right? - she whispered as she led him down the corridors of the mansion.
- To be swallowed and seated in place. - he said. - A neat diversion to get out.
- Thank you. - she replied with a smile.
- I am curious about one thing ... Zoja, your cousin, behaved in a special way. She didn't distract herself from the phone.
- Oh yeah. It's quite an interesting story for our family. You see, Aunt Zinaida and Uncle Vsevolod are very conservative. They raised Zoya incredibly rigidly, in line with the traditions and with what they considered "behavior worthy of a well-behaved lady".
- I guess she rioted?
- Very much. I talked to her and, frankly speaking, in such desperation I would probably do the same. Interestingly, it turned out much better than you might think. However, I am also not surprised by my uncle's reaction.
They turned into the alley leading to the main building, and through the large windows they could watch the silver crescent moon shimmering in the navy blue sky. She sighed heavily as she sat on the stone windowsill, allowing her petite feet a little rest. He stood beside her, watching the glow illuminate her face.
- In secret from her parents, Zoja met the boy via the Internet. The story looks quite naive, they said they fell in love, even though they didn't really know each other. Anyway, one day she announced that she was going to Varna for two weeks to breathe the sea air. She came back changed, joyful, and after a few months it turned out that she was not alone. - the story continued. - Aunt and uncle were terribly furious, and when HE found out that he was going to be a father ... he appeared in Novosibirsk with a bouquet bigger than himself, a bottle of the best whiskey and a beautiful engagement ring.
- Happy end? - Robert asked.
- Not really. They accepted that he was taking responsibility, but they didn't like him, mainly for his origins and how the whole thing happened. - she explained, then smiled. - We saw him once, and the rest of our cousins called him" Bulgarian bull ". Big, has biceps like my head, but he is also very nice and I don't think he would hurt Zoya. If anything happened, she probably wouldn't have had three children. I suspect that it is with him that she talks so passionately all the time ...
He considered. The case did look interesting, and her cousin's behavior would indicate that something was wrong. Maybe he shouldn't have worried about it?
- Why did you never tell me? - she asked suddenly.
- If not for Oliver, this trip would not have happened at all. At the time, I didn't want to go, I thought it was unnecessary. Now I know I would make a big mistake, I would miss a lot. - he replied sadly, moving closer to her and tilting head to her shoulder. He smelled the intoxicating rose perfume again. - When you went out onto the ice, I couldn't look away.
- And I thought all the time that you brazenly followed the line of resistance, ordering someone to deliver a gift. - Nadia muttered embracing his neck. - Sorry...
He felt a piercing shiver run down his spine again. He adored it. He loved those times when they were on their own. He could feel her warmth, listen to the sweet whisper, fill his nostrils with the aroma of the flowers he was longing to send to Moscow.
- What did he tell you? - he asked softly.
- He said he would make you jealous ... - she said in a hoarse voice. - ... and then he'll make sure we split up.
- I think we should go back. - He whispered reluctantly in her ear, and then helped her get off the windowsill so that she wouldn't twist her ankle in sky-high heels.
mon amour - [fr.] My love!
ma cherie - [fr.] My dear!