ASMI - CAP. 27 | Serie Koryaks

She was twenty years old and knew she wouldn't go far in her modeling career. I needed to enjoy it while I was earning some money, that meant accepting invitations to work in winter in Finland. Among the crowd of onlookers he noticed the tall man. She was too busy to pay him any attention, but she felt that his was all on her.

She didn't see him until the photographer announced the end of the shoot and that the models had five minutes to change before heading back to the hotel. Eva ran to the bus, changed her clothes and was the first to leave.

He was standing a few meters away. As soon as he saw her, he approached.

─ Allow me. ─ gently adjusted his coat and fur hat.

The touch was softer, firmer. She tried to look at him. Eternal shyness made her keep her head down for several seconds. Finally she thanked him almost voicelessly and when he laughed softly she looked up.

─ What is happening? ─ she asked, losing herself for the first time in the deep blue eyes that she would never forget.

─ You turn red.

─ It's the cold ─ she lied feeling her blush increase.

─ For a minute I thought she was embarrassed.

─ No. Thanks again for your help – she began to walk.

─ Are you in a hurry? ─ walked beside her.

─ I have to go to dinner with the staff.

─ I want to invite you to dinner. ─ She stopped in surprise.

─ Sorry. ─ got lost again. ─ I don't know him.

─ Dinner is to resolve this very little problem. ─ extended his hand. ─ I am Nicolai Reno Borlowish Spartwalyskis Meneslaups Borwoshi Conanlescaut. You can call me Reno ─ he said charmingly.

She accepted his hand, smiling delighted at his charm.

─ Eva Elizabeth Rollins.

─ My pleasure, Eva Elisabeth. So accept?

─ What?

─ Dinner with me.

Staff members stopped to observe her from afar. In front of her a mature, attractive, polite and interesting man inviting her to dinner. In the distance, the team that would only discuss the problems of the sessions. Undecided, she bit her lip. I should refuse. Years ago he learned not to trust appearances.

─ Say yes and you will make me a very happy man.

─ No. I don't think so. ─ He said hesitantly. ─ I'm sorry.

Without expecting it, he approached and kissed her lightly, sucking her cold lips. She responded and realized with a shock that she liked it. When he walked away, he didn't know what to say.

─ Sorry. He needed to do this before asking her to marry him ─ and without waiting for an answer he kissed her again. ─ Will you marry me? ─ he muttered when he released her.

Eva Rollins and Nicolai Reno were married weeks later in a quick ceremony in a small Orthodox church. With no relatives, it was easy to get swept up in this captivating man. Before getting married, he warned a few friends and resigned from the modeling agency. The wedding night, romantic and intense, made her understand why she couldn't say no to him.

The virginity so harshly preserved made him very happy. Reno bowed his body with every touch. The next morning the bloodstained sheet was carefully folded and placed in a suitcase.

─ Why keep this?

─ To show my family when we go to Koryakia.

─ What? Why?

─ Honey, don't worry. It's just a custom.

─ No. Please don't do that. ─ tried to take the sheet out of the suitcase. ─ Reno, please... I'm going to die of shame.

─ There is nothing to be ashamed of, my dear. You have reason to be proud. In my country the most precious thing a man possesses is the honor of his women. ─ He pulled her back onto the bed. ─ It is something that is not lost in one night. Something that will keep you captive to its charms for all eternity.

It took Eve some time to understand why her husband referred to the honor of "his wives." At the time, he did not notice the plural of the statement. Too passionate to question anything, she didn't bother to ask what his job was. Knew only he was part of the diplomatic corps of his country Koryakia. So distant and isolated that she had never heard of it.

Reno explained that they were a discreet people. The first three months together they lived in an apartment in the prime area of Helsinki until one night, right after dinner, he said they would travel to Koryakia the next morning. Eva barely had time to pack her bags and found herself on a private plane and then on the Trans-Siberian express. She enjoyed the first few hours of the trip until, as the hours turned into days and her husband turned into an austere, self-assured man, she wondered if she hadn't been hasty.

Five days later through vast landscapes, cities and small villages, they arrived at a developed city. It was early evening and she was surprised to find that they were still traveling on another small plane. They flew low for hours and hours and when they finally reached Koryakia it was dawn and she didn't ask many questions about who owned the ancient castle that welcomed them.

She imagined it was early when she woke alone in her room. Not knowing where her husband was, she dressed and only then looked at the clock, which read more than noon. He watched the landscape through the window. The weather was closed and dark. Puzzled, she left the room and with a good sense of direction made her way through the cold hallways and down a small, circular stone staircase to the lower level.

For a few moments she was undecided, until the sound of her husband's laughter behind a door brought her inside. Only to see him in bed sensually entwined with a woman of rare beauty. The swollen lips, the nudity of both and the expression of delight and pleasure left no doubt about what had just happened.

─ Reno… ─ she whispered absolutly in shock.

His first instinct was to flee, so he turned and left, leaving the door open. He still heard a “hey”, but he kept running through the halls feeling his world collapsing. Strong hands soon reached her and made her turn around. She tried to hide the tears. Her husband followed, wearing only a careless robe over his naked body. She struggled and screamed angrily, not understanding why he was speaking to her in Russian.

─ What is happening here? Let go of my wife Nicolai. ─ a strained voice commanded and before Eva understood what was happening, she found herself surrounded by a strong and pleasantly familiar body. ─ Eva, my love, what happened? Did this crazy brother of mine hurt you?

─ Your brother? ─ Eva controlled herself enough to look around. She was in her husband's arms. He recognized the body, the clean-shaven face and the serious expression.

In front of you is a doppelganger of his. The same face, only slightly shadowed by a wispy beard and slightly longer hair. Outside small details were identical. ─ Holy Christ! ─ was all he managed to say.

─ She saw me with Olga. ─ the man made a sign and the woman approached ─ When he said your name and ran away I realized that she thought it was you, so I came after you to make sure you are a faithful man. ─ he completed mockingly. ─ Nice to meet you, my sister-in-law. I'm Nicolai. He extended his hand. ─ I'm sure my brother didn't tell you about me.

─ He didn't. ─ He looked from one to the other. Then to the woman and blushed. ─ You are identical! ─ He accepted the outstretched hand, muttering an apology.

─ You will find many repeated faces here. Two, even three with the same face. Region feature. - He pulled her and without her waiting he kissed her on the lips. ─ Welcome to the family.

─ Oh...

─ Let go of my wife Nicolai. ─ Reno said feigning anger.

─ Just one more. He kissed her again. ─ Hmm, very good. Good choice.

─ Thank you. ─ Reno pulled her back ─ Don't you introduce me to your new wife? .

─ She is not my wife. Three is enough. This is Olga, my palvelija. The woman approached Reno and offered her lips. ─ You can make use of it if you wish.

Reno smiled and kissed Olga the same way his brother had kissed her. Eva recoiled in shock. I didn't know if I liked that kind of greeting. The husband soon let go of his wife and turned to her.

─ My Eva has me captive to her charms. I don't need a palvelija.

─ Do you have him captive? You? Nicolai laughed out loud. ─ I can already see Eva that you have many gifts. Welcome to the home of Conanlescaut. He smiled at his sister-in-law. ─ Olga will be happy to create your legacy if you wish.

At the sound of the name, the woman leaned over and wrapped her arms around Nicolai again.

─ My young wife is not in the mood. I thank her for her offer. Before using such services I will try with my wife. Perhaps I am fortunate enough to be privileged. ─ hugged Eva who was too shocked to say anything. ─ And where is the mistress of the house?

─ Oh, this house no longer has an owner. I live here alone. I leave each wife in a different house now. Keep the peace, if you know what I mean. ─ with another gesture of his, Olga walked away and disappeared into the corridors.

─ I understand perfectly. ─ Reno replied looking at his wife's annoyed expression with an air of laughter.

They started walking towards the dining room. The table set for just three was already served with a wide variety of food and fruit.

─ I hope you won't be offended if we drink coffee when I'm dressed only in this. ─ The statement was for Eva.

He held up the lapel of the robe showing his naked body.

─ No. Absolutely. - Eva replied embarrassed. He laughed.

They accommodated. The place was decorated with style and refinement and Eva imagined that everything had been there for several centuries. I didn't know much about history just enough to recognize that this castle was hundreds of years old.

─ I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. It's your husband's fault for not telling you about me. If I had been warned, I would have noticed how much more handsome I am. ─ Eva laughed amusedly.

─ I completely forgot that you existed. ─ Reno replied in a dismissive tone unfolding his napkin. He placed it on his lap and his wife followed suit.

─ Lie. And that he is ashamed of my way and envies my freedom.

─ Are you free with three wives? ─ he joked ─ three wives and... ...let's see... ...six palvelija? Is this freedom?

─ Exactly.

─ Do you have three wives? - Eva repeated scared.

─ Hmm ─ Nicolai agreed, munching on a croissant.

─ And palvelija are... ...lovers?

─ The closest word in your language would be concubine. We use another term for lovers. ─ Reno explained. ─ My brother has never left here and is adept at ancient customs. He maintains a harem.

─ You know that my aim is noble. Sons.

─ Ohh, and how many already have? – Eva asked curiously. I loved children.

─ Oh… none. I'm too young! – he said with a wide smile.

He enjoyed his breakfast. He looked younger and more carefree than his brother, yet Eva was amused by that way of thinking. She found out that her husband was already 46 years old and was surprised, as he did not look that age. If Nicolai was his twin then he wasn't that young.

She and her husband had yet to talk about children. But she wanted to have them soon.

─ Reno and I haven't talked about having children yet.

─ Oh, but he already has Hannya so... ─ Eva's spoon stopped in midair.

─ Does Reno already have a daughter? ─ she asked her brother-in-law, eyes on her husband.

─ It is clear. Didn't he tell you that too? - He looked from one to the other.

─ Shut up, Nicolai. You always talk too much. Eva... ─ He tried to take her hand.

Eve avoided the touch

─ Why didn't you tell me you were married? Why didn't you tell me you have a daughter? – she asked tensely.

─ Because it was not the time. Hannya is not my daughter in the way you think. Hannya is the daughter of my essence... not my biological daughter.

─ Isn't it? What is daughter of essence?

─ I took her when she was born. Her father was a commoner. Customs dictate that one of the men in the family take care of the pregnant woman and help her give birth, so when Narile, who in her language can be said to be my cousin, gave birth, I offered and accepted her in my house. I took Hannya when she was born and assumed her paternity. I married Narile because she was without a guardian and also could not be part of the Meneslaups household.

─ Who is Narile?

─ Narile is Hannya's mother. And also Klauskrtsk's mother, but he doesn't have my offspring, although he deserves it. He's a good boy. As soon as I'm older, I can take custody of my mother and sister, then I can divorce Narile and...

─ Aren't you divorced? ─ Eva recoiled in shock.

─ Ah... no... I can't until... ─ the wife got up and ran ─ Eva... Eva...

Eva then learned that she was the second wife and despite Reno assuring her that her marriage to Narile was just a formality, she did not accept explanations and packed her bags to leave. Even with money and possession of a passport, she was unable to buy a ticket at the airport and only then discovered that she needed her husband's authorization to leave the country. She fought, complained, clarified that she was an American citizen and that she had the right to come and go without anyone's permission. The clerk ignored her. When she left the small hangar, her husband was waiting for her at the exit.

─ Let me go. ─ she asked, too hurt to look him in the eye.

Reno just picked up the suitcase she dropped on the floor and guided her to the car. They did not return to the castle. Instead the driver took them to a large house on top of a hill. Eva allowed herself to be guided not to speak to her husband until he allowed her to leave. For her, the marriage was over.

─ Go rest. We'll talk later. – He said leaving her in a large and comfortable room.

─ Let me go! – she repeated hurt.

─ If, after you calm down and listen to me, you still want to leave, I will take you to Moscow myself ─ the husband informed annoyed. ─ Now rest. Tomorrow we will talk.

The first thing she saw when she woke up was a pair of little brown eyes looking at her curiously. The little red-haired girl backed away startled when she realized she had woken up. Eva closed her eyes again and the child curled up on the bed facing her. In order to see her, he squinted his eyes. The girl was little more than a baby, with an expression so vivacious it surprised her. He heard the door open and remained pretending to sleep.

─ Ah, you are here my little girl. ─ her husband's voice made her close her eyes again. ─ Is my wife still sleeping? ─ silence ─ Ah... if she wants to continue pretending to sleep, we'll let her.

─ Why is she faking Ady? ─ the girl said in fluent, unaccented English, which was completely unexpected. To continue the farce Eva kept her eyes closed and her breathing regular.

─ Why does she think I lied to her.

─ What did you lie about?

─ On things you are still too young to know.

─ Oh. Is she really your wife?

─ Yes.

─ So are we going to have a wedding party? Like Uncle Nicolai's?

─ Yes. If she accepts me, we will marry as tradition dictates.

─ And can I give you to her? After all, I am your only descendant.

─ Of course you can. ─ he laughed ─ It will be a pleasure.

─ Are you going to have children?

─ If mother nature grants us.

─ I will marry your son. – the girl said happily. ─ Come on girl, wake up... we have to talk about your marriage to my father.

Eva opened her eyes and sat up in bed. She pulled her hair back and even without meaning to smile at the child. Hannya couldn't have been more than two years old and looked perfectly comfortable in Reno's arms.

─ Good morning Eva. – the husband said formally.

─ Good morning. He touched the girl's face. And he smiled without realizing it ─ Hi.

─ Hi. Did you marry my father? You're going to have kids with him and... Why are you crying?

─ Hannya better go... let me talk to her.

─ Don't cry girl. Nothing is worth a tear.

After a little run around the room, he left the two of them alone. Ignoring her husband, Eva got up and went to the bathroom and took her time. When he came back he was still sitting in the same place.

─ Your daughter is beautiful.

─ Yes it is. Hannya brought joy to the Conanlescaut household. Sorry if she woke you up. She has a lot of energy, and she wakes up early. I was looking forward to meeting you.

─ Does she live here?

─ Yes.

─ Does her mother also live here? – she asked dejectedly.

─ Narile lives here and owns the house.

─ Oh... damn it! How could you bring me to your wife's house?

─ Because this is where I stay when I come to Koryakia.

─ Oh... My God... what a face I'm going to look at her... She's going to kick me out...

─ Eva, you are welcome in this house.

─ How can you say that?

─ Eva, please listen to me. Narile knows about our marriage and is happy with it. We didn't come here directly when we arrived because I owe allegiance to my brother and I had important business to attend to. ─ made her face him ─ In Koryakia it is normal for a man to have several wives, and also several palvelijas if he so desires. And every wife is used to it and accepts it without any kind of questioning. It's the tradition.

─ This may be normal for you, but I don't accept polygamy and I don't intend to live one. You should have told me about these customs before you married me. He released his hands. ─ I want to leave. I can't stay here at your wife's house.

“Narile is not my wife as you are. Here there are weddings that are just necessary alliances. He pulled her to him and without much effort he took her into his arms. ─ Narile does not hold me captive to his charms. - He said between one kiss and another. Eva almost didn't have the strength to refuse, but she reacted and got up in revolt.

─ I want you to let me go. ─ she asked angrily at herself.

─ You won't even understand. ─ Reno said firmly ─ Pack up and go downstairs. My family will come to meet you

─ I will not do that. I don't want to meet anyone. I want a divorce. I'm going home. You have no right to keep me here against my will. I am an American citizen and...

─ Here you are only my wife and you owe me obedience. And he's not going anywhere but to get ready to go downstairs and meet his new family. ─ said dry ─ We're married and that's how it will be until I decide otherwise.

Eve was introduced to a multitude of male and female relatives of varying ages and children. Various children and teenagers. Everyone was talking at the same time and playing with each other.

The brother-in-law arrived shortly after, accompanied by Olga. And it was with his arrival that the party really began. The music came out of nowhere and the women gathered in the middle of the room and started dancing. Eva was surprised by the pace. I always imagined that dance style was Arab. The men stood around clapping and humming in time to the music. Only then did Narile emerge.

Hovered in the middle of the room like a queen dancing sensually.

Eve lost her breath. Beautiful and sensual Narile was younger than she'd expected. The long fiery hair was identical to her daughter's. She was smiling openly and during her dance she touched every single one of the guests except Eva and her husband. When the music stopped, he was ahead of them.

Respectfully, he went over to a basket and picked up the white silk fabric.

Before Eva could avoid the sheet from her wedding night it was torn open in the middle of the room and everyone clapped their hands in ecstasy. The women rushed to her, touching her reverently, and Reno was greeted effusively. Dead with shame and embarrassment, Eva let out an anguished groan and ran outside.

It was Narile who found her crying in the middle of the garden. The husband's first wife knelt beside him without saying a single word. Little Hannya arrived soon after and spoke to her mother in her language.

─ Mom said you have no reason to cry. I said you made a great marriage and that my father will make a good husband for you.

─ I know...─ Eva said trying to control herself. Narile spoke again.

─ He also said that you are very welcome in this house while your house is being built. That she'll be happy to teach you everything she knows about how to please my father.

─ Oh... God! ─ Narile spoke again.

─ I said that you have no more reason to be sad. Now you have family. She is no longer alone in the world and her parents no longer cry over her loneliness. ─ Narile spoke again and the girl smiled. ─ He said that you will bring fertility to the Conanlescaut and that the women of the family will be able to bear again. ─ the girl's smile was intense ─ Thank you. I will also be able to father my own children because you are here!

There were months and months where each day was a new experience.

Hannya became her frequent companion, staying with her whenever her husband was away. She acted as a translator for conversations with Narile and other family members. The women always gathered in the gardens and Eva noticed that there were several foreigners among them perfectly adapted and even happy with the condition of second, third, fourth wife or even palvelija. Little Hannya tried to teach her the language but Eva realized it was too complicated to understand.

For some time Reno kept his distance. She didn't even know where he slept. She imagined him in the arms of Narile or any of those beautiful women and cried in anguish. Twice he tried to escape. After that he couldn't leave the house unattended. A tall, black man was always standing at the door and discreetly following her.

After the escape attempts, her husband went to her room every other night and silently loved her. When it was over, he left her alone in her pain. She had been married for eight months when she first felt sick. Counted the days.

The cycle was late. She raised her eyes to the sky, torn between the pleasure and anguish of discovery.

Her marriage had been a mistake. Her husband held her prisoner and barely spoke to her. He had said that everything would go back to the way it was once she accepted her status as a second wife. Sometimes Eve wanted to give in just to get back the passionate man her husband had been at the beginning of their marriage. Until she found Narile taking care of the house and her daughter with so much love that it made her feel like an intruder.

She kept the secret for weeks, trying to escape before the pregnancy became visible. She felt increasingly weak and irritated by the surveillance and feared for her son's safety. He started to get sick feeling sick all the time and unable to eat. Narile was already looking at her strangely until he passed out during a big party at the Chancellor's palace.

He woke up in one of the rooms with several women around the bed. The whole body trembled and burned with fever. The pain in the lower abdomen was unbearable. She moaned in anguish and the women made room for an old lady who bent over her attentively.

─ How long have you been pregnant? ─ the woman asked calmly in English.

Eva looked into the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen and felt protected by the love and peace in them.

─ Four months.

─ Why didn't you tell your family? We would take care of you.

─ I couldn't... ─ he felt pain and groaned as he tried to move ─ What is...

─ Insensate. Now you won't be able to generate this baby. It's very weak. We have to take it from you.

─ No. ─ He groaned and cried. ─ No... I want to have my child...

─ And you will. More will not give birth to him. Another will do... If he stays we'll both lose. Send for Olga. She is ready to gestate. ─ he said to someone.

Eva heard the door slam. Firm hands began to undress her. When she was naked, the eldest laid her on her back and spread her legs.

─ No. ─ Eva groaned as the woman touched her like a doctor would. ─ No... I want a doctor... Please call a doctor. ─ he moaned in pain.

─ Keep quiet. I have to take the baby.

─ No... No... no...

The miscarriage was painful physically and emotionally. That same night they took her to her brother-in-law's palace and Eva cried for days without anyone telling her to stop. She didn't see her husband for a whole month. Abandoned and injured, one morning she managed to get dressed and go downstairs. He found the brothers talking in the library.

They were tense. Eva knew they were having serious disagreements with the Chancellor. There were meetings in Nicolai's palace with the heads of families and high discussions. Without speaking the language Eva could not understand what it was about. All he understood was the names of Olga and Narile, which were always mentioned.

She looked from one to the other and didn't know who was who.

─ I want to go home. ─ he asked trying to be firm. ─ I want a divorce! I want to go back to the United States.

One of them got up. The other took him by the hand and made him sit down.

─ I would stay here. It's too weak for such a long trip. ─ what made the brother sit down, he said authoritatively.

─ I am well enough to go back. Staying here makes me sick. ─ sat in front of them. ─ I will never forgive what they did to me. I want a divorce.

─ And what did we do with you? ─ the other asked without understanding.

Eve looked again. She couldn't tell which of the two was the husband.

─ They killed my son. They didn't take me to a doctor. I was not allowed to go to a hospital. That woman... ...that woman took my son from me.

─ She did it to save her life.

─ Let me die with him! - she moaned in revolt. got up. ─ I want to leave. You can't hold me here. Please let me go. ─ began to cry.

She recognized her husband when he held her.

─ Eva. ─ The tone was tender and suffering.

─ Please, Reno, I need to get out of here.

─ It's not going anywhere. I dont allow. ─ the brother-in-law said authoritatively. He threw the napkin on the table and got up. ─ You belong to the Conanlescaut house and this is where you will stay. Get used to it. Soon you will have your child in your arms and this pain will disappear. Only then will you be ready to know our secrets. ─ left the couple heading inside the house.

─ Why did your brother say he doesn't allow it? What right do you have to interfere in my life? ─ Eva asked when they returned to the bedroom.

─ He is the head of the family. We owe obedience to him. It's the tradition.

─ I don't care about your customs. I want to leave. She curled up like a frightened animal in her husband's arms. ─ Let me go Reno.

─ I cannot disobey you Lyubov. ─ He settled her in an armchair.

─ Why did you let them kill our son? she asked in such pain that Reno knelt beside her. She wanted an explanation and deserved one, but how to explain if she reneged on her ways every minute. I would never believe.

─ I didn't. Our son is not dead Lyubov.

─ No? ─ he laughed unhappily ─ You weren't even there.

─ I never left you Eva. I was with you all the time. Do you think you woke up in the palace right after you passed out? No. You've been out for two weeks. Matrioska did her best to keep our baby inside you, but if she didn't take him out you would die... and so would he.

─ I wanted him so much... ...it would have been better to have died too.

─ I know how much you wanted him. If you didn't love him so much we would all have lost him. ─ He stroked his wife's long blond hair. Eva had another crying fit ─ Don't look like that Lyubov. Soon we will have our son, soon.

The death of little Hannya, Narile and Nicolai woke Eva from her emotional torpor. The husband was on a trip and the first news that arrived, by one of the employees of the house, was that the boat they were walking on a lake capsized and, although some crew members survived, the three were lost in the icy waters.

It was the black bodyguard who always accompanied her who organized search parties. After three days he brought back the frozen body of the beautiful Narile. Nicolai's body turned up two days later.

The child's was not found.

Reno silently watched the wake and burial of his brother and first wife. That late afternoon Eva saw him drink for the first time. Sitting in front of the fireplace in Narile's home office, he drank two bottles of vodka.

Then he went down to the front of the house, ordered some belongings to be removed and everything to be closed. He stood looking at the building for several minutes before turning and walking with his wife and servants to the castle. He took possession of the place as head of the family and Eva sympathized with the immense pain she witnessed. That night it was she who looked for her husband in his room.

The marriage was resumed little by little.

There was a deep sadness in her husband's blue eyes, something she struggled to assuage. She knew he had other problems that made him tense and suspicious. Reno summed up his concerns by saying that Nicolai was reckless in business, there were serious issues and differences with the Chancellor persisted.

Months later, her husband woke her up in the middle of the night to tell her they were going to travel to the family's dacha in the mountains. He did not explain the reason for the trip. They drove to a distant village and then continued by carriage on narrow roads that skirted a cliff. Frightened Eva refused to look outside. If someone told you that there were places like that in the world, you would never believe it.

They looked like they had gone back more than five hundred years in time.

The dacha was more of a small palace than a hut. There was a lot of movement in the house when they arrived. Everyone was concentrated in front of a room. The presence of a blonde woman, a foreigner like herself, surprised her. She was the most worried of all.

─ What is happening? ─ Eva asked not understanding.

─ The moment has come. Olga will give birth. - the husband said seriously.

He exchanged a few low, tense words with the woman in her native language. She walked away annoyed. For a few seconds Eva remained motionless. That same morning he had done the math and realized that his son would probably be born that day. She took a deep breath, forced a smile and approached her husband.

─ I didn't know that Olga was pregnant. He must have been happy to find out that his brother left a son.

─ Yes. And the child is mine. No one will take this right away from me. - he said dryly. ─ I should have married Mary Elisabeth to be able to ensure that... ─ The sound of an anguished scream cut through the air and made him pale. ─ I have to go.─ the husband left her there and entered the room. Through the crack in the door, Eva noticed the tense movement.

─ Did Reno not explain anything to you about our culture, our laws? ─ the foreigner asked intrigued. ─ It's about time you knew our secrets. It would be so much easier if you knew everything that is going on.

─ He explained a few things to me, without much detail. He says my reason...

─ ...is too skeptical to believe in the impossible. This is a popular Koryak saying for foreigners. What does he say of his heart?

─ He says it's too hard... .

─ ... to love what is necessary. Another saying. And how do you feel?

─ Neither one nor the other. He extended his hand. ─ I am Eve.

─ I am Mary Elisabeth Meneslaups Conanlescaut. - He noticed the confusion in Eva's eyes. ─ I was married to Nicolai. One of the babies is mine. - he saw the surprise in her eyes.

─ Twins??

─ Yes, they are twins. One of them is mine. ─ Mary smiled ─ Palvelijas do not raise the children they bear. One of the babies is mine. Olga fathered him for me, now he is mine and my current husband's. The Chancellor. - she said proudly. ─ He asked me to marry him as soon as he knew I would be the mother of the new Hansalexius.

As the request was the first one shortly after Nicolai's death, I couldn't refuse. It would be an immeasurable offense. The other baby is an arrangement the matrioska made out of time. It's yours and Reno's.

─ What? ─ Mary Elisabeth laughed at her astonishment.

─ See? They are right. Your reason is too skeptical to believe in the impossible.

Another anguished scream cut through the silence. Then the cry of a baby.

Eva felt a tightness in her chest that she couldn't explain. A few minutes later the matrioska left the room with a small red package in her arms. Carefully she placed the baby on Mary Elisabeth's lap, who smiled proudly.

Reno left the room as a tall man entered the house accompanied by two others. Eva recognized him as soon as she saw him. It was the Chancellor.

The discussion between Reno and Vladymyr Meneslaups was heated. They forgot where they were and why they were. The matrioska returned to the room. Before closing the door, he spoke to them firmly but they both paid him no attention. Mary Elisabeth walked away from the discussion, preoccupied with rocking the baby. Five minutes later the matrioska returned to the door and spoke again. The men did not shut up.

Worried by the increasingly anguished groans she was hearing, Eva entered the room in time to help the second baby be born. When the boy finally emerged from his mother's body, he didn't cry. The matrioska quickly cleaned him up and blew into his nose. Nothing. The baby didn't move. Eva's vision was already blurred by tears when the lady placed him in her arms. Remembering a first aid course he took in high school, he tried to revive the baby.

He blew air into the fragile little body and there was a faint groan.

─ Give it to me. ─ Olga's tired voice was heard.

Eva brought the baby closer to the mother and she blew air on it. For a few seconds they took turns filling the baby with air until he cried hard. Eva smiled happily rocking the child. She brought him closer to her mother again when she saw her reclining on the bed.

─ Your heart is not too hard to love enough. love him. He is yours.

─ As Olga died, the discussion stopped. Mary Elisabeth left with Vladymyr carrying the first baby. I remember Reno was furious because the boy was Nicolai's son and he was supposed to be the tutor. Nobody called the second baby. Just me and matrioska. Even Reno didn't look at him, but he let me have him.

─ And what happened afterwards, Mrs. Carson? ─ Jacob asked seriously.

─ Reno was not satisfied with losing custody of his firstborn. In little more than a year he had run away with Mary Elisabeth taking the boy with them. The Chancellor declared them traitors and sentenced them to death. He swore to hunt them down until he was avenged. He confiscated the castle and all the Conanlescaut family's possessions. In the following years no one else touched the name of the so-called traitors.

─ And what happened to you? ─ Michael.

─ As I was abandoned by my husband, I was left in the custody of the Chancellor. I asked permission to leave the country, but I would only go if I left the child in the care of employees. I couldn't leave him. Vladymyr then gave up the house that had belonged to Narile for me to live in and was allowed to stay while the boy grew up. As he was responsible for me, the Chancellor visited me and we ended up getting involved. And that's when my nightmare started. He was cruel, abusive and violent. He was always hard on Alex, treating him with contempt. Then I found out why there were so many disagreements between Vladymyr, my ex-husband and my late brother-in-law.

─ Why?

─ Due to some beliefs it was believed that the first born was the return of the first Koryak, the leader Hansalexius. So it would belong to the Chancellor, but the father, in this case, Nicolai, should assume the post of Chancellor. With his death and the lack of specific laws on the case, Vladymyr married his mother, usurping the place of guardian. And there was yet another point. Vladymyr was the twins' biological father. Don't ask me how this happened when Olga was one of the women of House Conanlescaut. I just know that as my son grew up he became a little replica of Vladymyr. I questioned him about it and he confirmed that the twins were his. He didn't explain. He only admitted that he was the biological father. But that didn't bind him to his son. He was only interested in finding out where the other boy was, who was already more important than my son, because he could be the one destined.

─ And how did you come to the United States? ─ Michael.

─ When the situation with Vladymyr was becoming untenable, Reno appeared and took us out of there, hiding in a ship. Alex was almost ten years old now. And I haven't seen Reno in over eight.

─ Did you ever see the other boy? ─ the judge asked.

─ No. And I didn't ask for him. Reno was different. Scared. Helped me escape, gave me a few thousand dollars and disappeared again. I spent two years being as discreet as possible. I registered Alex as Alexander and went back to using my maiden name. I moved often in fear that Vladymyr would catch up with us. And somehow he found us and took my Alex away, leaving me here believing my son was dead. He is a cruel man. I wouldn't give up the boy, even if he wasn't important to the family. But he was important to me. I loved him since he was born. I breastfed him... I just didn't choose his name because I wasn't allowed to. I called him Alex. Only I called him that. Reno referred to him as Alexius.

Shortening the name Hansalexius. That's why I believe the man they're judging is my son. I don't know how to explain how, but if he introduces himself as Alexius Leigh Lescaut, he's my son.

─ And even after twelve years without seeing him do you believe he is innocent? ─ Asher asked irritably. They were all so involved that no one reprimanded him for speaking out without authorization.

─ I talked to Mr Melton about it. All I can do is claim he has a twin and declare he may be innocent. From the bottom of my heart I wish for him to be my son and if a small part of the Alex I raised and loved is alive within him, he is completely innocent of all charges.