Dinastiya Tested // 3rd Book of the Takaryev Trilogy

Chapter 19

Ravil had wandered to the kitchen, and now held a knife in his hand for a reason his conflicted brain couldn't quite pinpoint.

All he knew was that he'd made a huge mistake. By saving Nazar in the first place. By sleeping late on the morning the Kremlin had been bombed. By not telling Leopold just to shoot every FSB agent in that cursed bunker. 

Devoid of all and any emotion, Ravil blinked and set the knife to his wrist, unconsciously endeavoring to re-open old scars.

"Put the knife down, President." 

Ravil whirled around to see Leopold standing in the doorway. He briefly considered turning his middle finger to the old man, but ultimately decided against it...for now. However, he held onto the knife. 

"Why should I?" Ravil offered him a grim smile. 

"Because I said so, and because the country of Russia has ordered me to guarantee and protect your wellbeing." Leopold countered. "Put the knife down. " 

Ravil lifted his gaze. Viridian eyes flashing with finality and a certain undeniable dignity, he said, "No." 

"I never took the oath that would keep me from saying the words," Leopold issued a warning. 

"Do it, I dare you. I'll fire you and make sure I never see you again." Ravil retorted.

"Oh, it won't be that easy to get rid of me, President," Leopold growled. "Trust me, they've tried before. And to no avail, see?" 

"I'll have you know that I have all the polonium in Russia at my disposal," Ravil warned. 

Leopold cocked his head. "Not without my permission. Myron would've killed you long ago if I hadn't been around. You owe me, Ravil." 

"I owe you nothing." Ravil sniffed. "You've only complicated things by searching the bunker." 

"But what you don't see, moy malchek, is that you were the one who ordered me to investigate that in the first place!" Leopold exclaimed. "So, Ravil...for the sake of your husband, put down the knife." 

Ravil only tightened his grip on the blade. "Shut up." 

"I'm going to have to disregard that order, I'm afraid," Leopold said with a smirk. "S lyubovyu iz Rossii!"

Ravil's grip faltered. "You bastard-" 

"Shh!" Leopold hissed. "S lyubovyu iz Rossii. Listen to me, Ravil."

"Kakoya moya missiya?" Ravil murmured involuntarily. 

"Do me a favor, Ravil, and believe with every fiber of your being," Leopold began, "that I only mean the very best for you and your prime minister."