Darke Beginnings

Chapter #16

From inside the tinted windows of the limousine, Lucien could see just enough of the gathering of Bratva as they milled in the lantern-lit courtyard of a palatial estate. Gentlemen were dressed in sharp, black tuxedos with black bow ties, most of them holding cigars and highball glasses containing various amounts of clear liquid, most likely the best vodka on the market, and small cubes of ice. The formal dresses of the women draped on their arms sparkled and cast dancing shimmers around the courtyard as their polite laughter seeped through the windows of the car.

In the center of the party, as expected, Vladimir Korsikov laughed and toasted with his comrades, oblivious to the storm that came his way. Luc was taken aback by the beauty of Juliet as she clung to his side, her smile more luminous than all the lanterns. He regretted that such rare beauty would suffer, but he also knew she was an integral part of his plan, even though she was not aware of it. 

Turning towards Sebastian, Lucien motioned towards the group in the courtyard. "I see the king is ready to be deposed," he smirked. "You know what to do."

Seth nodded. "When you give the signal."

The men, dressed to the nines in their own right, exited the limo as soon as the driver opened their doors. Their arrival was of no consequence to the rest of those in attendance, only another addition of Bratva to the soiree. Lucien led the way, easing though the crowd like a luxury ship through smooth waters, followed by Seth. They greeted each member of the cartel with a nod and a smile, silent acknowledgement of the brotherhood they all shared. 

"Ah! Gentlemen!" Vladimir exclaimed as he spied them. "I am so glad you made it. Were your accommodations satisfactory?" He extended his hand.

Lucien grasped the hand he offered and smiled. "Exceptional," he smiled. "I wouldn't have expected any less."

"And Valeriya?" 

"She'll be along later," Luc answered with a knowing wink. "You know how those women are."

Vladimir's head bobbed in solidarity as he motioned toward Juliet. "Yes, I do."

"Hey!" she exclaimed as she gave his arm a playful smack with the clutch she held in her free hand. "I do believe I was ready before you were tonight."

"Hello, Juliet," Seth said as he emerged from behind Lucien, his presence immediately upsetting the easy camaraderie between the trio. "Vladimir."

Sebastian was the dark horse in the organization, someone who had the capacity to be thought of as a loose cannon were he to decide to go rogue. He upset the status quo of the Bratva when he attended functions, a reputation he had no desire to outlive. The fact that he was there automatically caused unease amongst several members of the faction, their discomfort apparent in the loss of their cheerful smiles, which were replaced by stolid concern, the relaxed language of their statures replaced by taut alertness. Vladimir was no different. "Seth, I had no idea you planned on attending," he said as he cleared his throat.

Lucien intervened. "I asked him to come," he explained. "I felt that, given my circumstances, it was best to have a body guard."

Vladimir took a deep breath. "Is that all?" he said with a false cheer. "I understand." He seemed  to hesitate for a moment before continuing. "Given that this is your first introduction, I will give you a pass. There is plenty security provided here," he gestured towards several agents dressed entirely in black and skulking in the shadows of the perimeter, "You needn't have brought Seth."

The move was a slight surprise, but not unexpected. Luc knew there were security guards, he even knew who many of them were from their various comings and goings at the compound, but he hadn't expected Vladimir to reveal them willingly. Of course, he had no idea of the hellfire that would rain down upon his head in no less than an hour and a half. "I feel much safer," Luc grinned. "But I do recommend we let our dear comrade stay and assist if needed. I've got an inkling of something unpleasant this evening." He felt no compunction in alluding to the events planned, certain that Vladimir would think something entirely different was happening until everything came to fruition.