SHADOWS OF THE CROWN••Roman••The study smells like cigar smoke and old grief.The same room Adrian once sat in, laughing over battle plans, scolding me for being reckless, promising that one day Russia would be mine too.Now it’s quiet. Too quiet.Theo stands near the window, tall, sharp-eyed, and silent as ever. My father’s most trusted bodyguard, my right hand, and the only man I’d trust with both my life and my secrets. Years ago, he took a bullet meant for me. Ever since, he’s spoken little but seen everything.He was flipping through a file with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Mildred sits on the edge of Father’s desk, her heels tapping against the polished wood, eyes red but proud — a soldier’s sister.“Theo,” I mutter, rubbing a hand down my jaw, “tell me something good before I break something.”He looks up, lips twitching. “Good news? We’ve got men planted inside the Valerio network. Two dockhands, one accountant, and a driver. The bad news is the Valerios are smarter
Last Updated : 2025-11-29 Read more