The pressure of a government role was not a welcome one, and he noted with a bitter irony that the only reason given to him that his sisters would be allowed to leave Russia - for his wedding or theirs - would be nigh on impossible anyway given the workload. Finding someone he trusted for his sisters would take an immense amount of time, and goodness knows about finding someone for himself. That said, a certain Britannic beauty he’d been spending time with lately was coming to visit that evening, and even if things were kept casual, she was a wonderful distraction from the ridiculousness of his home Ministry.
Finishing dressing and running a hand through his hair in the mirror, Maks gave himself a final approval before leaving the bedroom in his private suite of the Embassy, bypassing the rest of his apartments to head down the grand staircase and through the hallway, heading towards the front door of the building where he had arranged to meet his companion for the evening. He would show her the room where dinner was laid out for them later.
Now that the staff were dismissed for the evening - all returned to their own private rooms unless called upon - he waited with his hands in his pockets, his tall frame leaning against the closed door.
Sabine had had her hands full getting out of the door that evening. Her brothers were curious about this gentleman that could capture her interest for more than one evening on Harrowyck. Running her hands over the skirt of her dress, she climbed into a cab and managed to get to the embassy on time. Taking a moment to observe her surroundings Sabine bit her lower lip before heading up the stairs and being admitted into the room.
Handing over her wrap and clutch, she followed the doorman through the hallways and finally laid eyes on Maks and gave him a grin, “So we finally get a chance to meet again. I have to say, I am very impressed Maks….very impressed indeed.”
Signalling to the doorman that he was dismissed with a quick wave of his hand, Maks stood up straight and removed his hands from his pocket, striding towards her with the confidence and bearing of a man well used to power. He bowed and took her hand as she spoke, kissing the back of it gently and keeping his eyes on hers all the while. “Ah, while I may occupy the space, it is not truly mine. I am the one who ought to be truly impressed, I think” he replied, giving her an undeniably appreciative smile as he straightened up and offered her his arm as they began to walk through the hall. “Shall we?”
“I do hope you had a safe trip across London this evening” he stated, escorting Sabine down the lushly carpeted hallway, decorated with portraits of Ambassadors past who eyed them both keenly - by far the most traditionally beautiful couple to walk these halls in some time. “And that you have been enjoying yourself since last we met?”
Arching her brow at the portraits, Sabine settled in against him, “I did have a lovely trip- I enjoy the city at night. It suits me I think. And I have have been enjoying myself a great deal since our last meeting.” Her smile turned teasing as she looked up at him, “However, I will admit that the company has been somewhat lacking with your absence.”
“I was pleased to receive your invitation for this evening - mainly because I have missed your company. You know what they say about all work and no play I assume Maks?” She winked at him, and saw several portraits lean forward curiously, “At least - I would hope you do.”
Maks enjoyed a cheeky smirk as he walked her past the last of the goggling portraits, through another set of doors and into the lavish dining room. As well as tall vases of orchids in every corner, a mahogany table set with Russian Red china and delicate plates of mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres laid out upon it, a lone violin - Maks' own - was enchanted to play at the side of an equally enchanted piano. Also his.
"Oh, I certainly know my fun" he grinned, giving her a wink.
Flushing at bit at the wink, Sabine swatted him gently, “Oh the music…” She said changing the topic and turning to face him, setting her clutch down, “Dance with a lady?” Her grin was hopeful. She had enjoyed their last dance, and here it was just them and no one else to interfere with her moment alone with him.
“ I did so love our dance the last time - even if that one other woman kept trying to lure you away…”
If Maks was surprised at the request, he didn't show it, instead, without taking his eyes from her, he slid his arm around her waist and escorted her to a wider space of the carpet before taking her in hold. This was not a space where the wilder, exuberant dances of Harowyck Alley were possible, but the music did not suit that style anyway. Instead, he held her close and led her gently around the place, smiling.
"Myshka, I think she was just alone and bored, I wouldn't worry" he said, deliberately playing down what had definitely been a flirtatious move.
“I don’t care….and I know her - it wasn’t just a move of boredom, she saw something who wasn’t going to step on her feet….” Sabine let her voice trail off and she shook her head, “But never mind that.” Moving with him to the music, she let the spice of his cologne sooth her, “But tonight you’re all mine and I am okay with that.”
Looking at him with a twinkle in her eyes, “I think I prefer the sounds when it’s you playing the violin. It’s lovely even now, but I still remember you playing when we met for the first time….”
Maks inclined his head a little, accepting the compliment. "Music soothes me" he murmured, his accent heavier as he discussed a personal and emotional matter. “When things are difficult… it - well, they, I suppose, if we mean the instruments I play - proves a distraction.”
Of course, this begged the obvious question as to why he was so stressed that day in the Palace gardens, but he wasn’t going to bring that up unless she did.
Sabine tilted her head and studied him curiously, she paused in the hallway and moved to stand in front of him. Her hands gentle as they reached out to stop him, “Maks, what had you so distressed the other day that you needed such soothing. It was such a….” her voice trailed off and a look of worry came over her face, “Is there something wrong? Is there something I can do to assist?”
Maks did not stop the dance, nor did his facial expression flinch as he replied. “Being a member of the Russian foreign service is not an easy path in life, myshka. Nor is the added complication of having to lead one’s staff through the intricacies of a foreign court at such short notice” he added, referring to the team’s sudden recall and redeployment, an incident that had caused so much international confusion. He was only twenty six - this was such a heavy burden for him to bear.
“Trust me, company is what I need right now” he said, turning her around gently in his arms, wondering what she had been thinking about the music.
Sabine knew a line when she heard it - and the best lines worked when there were veins of truth woven into them. And this was definitely something of a story - a line meant to stop her fussing and turn the focus back on her. Not that she minded - but she was trying to figure him out and him using her own tricks on her wasn’t helping.
“I don’t know if I should trust you - a romantic evening, divine dancing...and I believe I see wine on the table. I am not entirely sure you are trustworthy yet…” Her her twinkled up at him, hiding the concern she still felt - she would get to the bottom of the musical mystery she was faced with.
Maks slowed them down as she spoke, his eyes on hers with a quizzical intensity that his people were known for. The Russians had never been known for being an especially lighthearted people, after all. “I would prefer it if you could trust me” he mused, holding her close as the instruments finished playing their first slow piece. “You will have to let me know how to make that happen.”
This woman, still fairly unknown to him, was an intrigue he wished to keep around.
“Now if I give you all the answers so easily - how much fun will that be?” Going up on her toes a bit she pressed a kiss to his cheek and headed for the food with a small smile over her shoulder at him, “Why don’t you come and pour me a drink and we will see if we can’t find a few of those answers together, hmm?”
Her tone and smile were bright, but her eyes were careful as they took in the scene around her - the music, the man, the setting of events. He was already a very cautious soul, so for him to set this up...to open up his home to her like this...it was a good sign. But still, he was holding back. Not that she was an open book herself - but still…
Maks waited for her to turn her back on him slightly before closing his eyes briefly, allowing himself the moment to take in her scent and the feeling of her lips on his cheek. Cautious he may be, but he was also a sensual creature, and her touch was something else that he wanted to keep around. After a moment, he opened his eyes and followed her to the table, taking his wand from his pocket to uncork the wine with effortless expertise. He poured them each a glass and pulled back her chair for her to be seated.
“If you have any particular questions… you can ask.” He hoped she wouldn’t ask anything too embarrassing or personal, but he wasn’t going to lie to her.
“Tell me more about yourself and your music. It’s obviously such a deep part of you - and yet here you are in diplomatic service. Surely your passion and talent could have gotten you a sponsor to pursue the arts?” She took her seat delicately and rested her chin on the palm of her hand as she studied him, “I hope you understand - I am just curious.”
“And please - feel free to ask the same of me. It seems only fair after all….”
Maks’ head bowed slightly for a moment, thinking. Of all the things to ask, this was one of the most difficult to answer with delicacy, as his path into diplomatic service began after the brutal death of his beloved father. “Tell me” he asked carefully, “how much do you know of recent history in eastern Europe? My route here, after Durmstrang… well, it is somewhat complicated. I would not wish to patronise you by repeating what you already know.” And if he could avoid telling too much of his story, he would.
Picking up both glasses that he had poured, he handed one to her, his fingers brushing hers. Maks was thinking hard, trying to make his question count. “The day we met, you were delivering things to the Palace for your father. What is it that you do with the rest of your time?” He wanted to know what Sabine’s hopes were - her hopes and dreams.
“I know a great deal more than most women, my family does a great deal of business in various forms with a great deal of people in various countries. And when things started to happen - well, my father and brothers were vocal and as such - my mother and I became very well educated.” She took her glass from him and took a sip, “Besides, I have to admit - I find politics rather intriguing - they appear so strong and absolute - but are in truth so delicate and intricately woven together…”
“Now, that depends, do you want an honest answer or the answer that men wish to hear in a setting such as this?” Sabine took a another sip of wine and studied him over the rim of her wine glass, “I would hate to disappoint with the wrong one….”
“If you are honest with me, I will be honest with you, da?” he asked, his native language sneaking in without a thought. He paused for a moment, running a finger around the rim of his glass as he sat down, watching the deep red liquid swirl gently at the movement of his wrist. “As for politics… I fear they are less fascinating and more terrifying when they are something you have to live with on a daily basis” he sighed. “Certainly for those such as I, who just wanted to be left alone to play music and support my father in the running of the family.”
“Oh, I am sure they are.” Sabine studied him quietly, “I read and I learn. I challenge myself constantly - because I want to be more than arm candy. I am more than a pretty ornament Maks. But you see, men want a pretty ornament. You all don’t seem to like it when we think. So….I also act.”
She blinked and shook her head ruefully, “I cannot believe I just told you that - are you dosing me with truth potion Maks?”
Maks took a sip of wine and closed his eyes, sighing deeply. Anything to put off this confession for a little while longer. “I did want to play. For a living. But… after the fall of the Tsar, circumstances changed. Young men of my rank and status all over the country were rounded up and brought to Moscow... trained up to be loyal to the new regime and to complete tasks as the new Minister” - the word tasted like bile to him - “saw fit.” He shook his head. “Fortunately, my education and ability with languages meant I was given a foreign posting. I could not handle remaining in Russia much longer. Not after what happened.”
He looked Sabine in the eye. “And given that they would kill me if they knew I had said any of this to you… well. Arm candy, as you put it, is of no use or comfort to me at all. Not all of us are so shallow as to want a companion of little substance or brains.”
After all that had… Her mind zeroed in on the missing bits of story. Listening to him, her heart hurt for him. But part of her was glad - because it meant she had the opportunity to meet him. And that had to be a bit of a good thing, “Pardon my being so bold as to ask, but after what happened? I am sure the overthrow of your government was terrifying, but wouldn’t have been better to stay with your family and support your father during this crazy time?”
“And as for your commentary on the wants of the male species….I am glad you can see there is more worth to those of us with minds of our own,” Sabine shook her head and rested her chin on her hand, “But I am afraid that most in the country do not share your opinion.”
Her comment implying the relative lack of distaste for the fall of one’s government made Maks give a wry smile, knowing that this was one of the many cultural differences between Britannia and Russia, which had always been a more rigid society. But at her mention of his father, his breath hitched, sticking in his throat. Had he not been clear enough? Had his English failed him? He had tried to get across that he had had no choice, but this was apparently not enough.
“My father…” Maks began, having to swallow so his voice did not betray him, “My father was Prince Maksim Volkov of Alexeyevka.” He mentioned the name, as difficult as this was, as the man had been known in some circles. “He was one of ten of his rank in the country. All ten had sons, and all ten had their firstborn taken forcibly by the Ministry.” His accent, usually fairly clear, was thicker now. The long ago trauma was as clear as if it was yesterday.
Normally, the young man was a charmer - a flatterer, a lover and a conversationalist. But not today, it seemed, as his grief returned freshly and his desire to get to know Sabine was covered by this hated memory.
Setting her glass down, Sabine moved to his side of the table and wrapped her arms around him gently, sitting in his lap and wrapping herself around him. If he was having any other reaction to this story, if he hadn’t broken down like this - she would think he was using this as a line - a ploy. But the genuine emotion. The feeling and the physical reaction to the words….her heart was breaking for this man. This man with the weight of the world around his shoulders…
She pressed a kiss to his forehead and hugged him to her, “Oh my poor man….I am so sorry for your pain. I didn’t mean to press like that….I am so sorry.” She stroked his hair and kept him pressed closely to her side.
Though he trembled slightly, Maks still instinctively slid his arms around Sabine’s waist, protectively cradling her so she didn’t fall. With most anyone else - even Charlus, his best friend in this country, did not know the full story - he would have kept things quiet by now. Smothered the thought. Pushed them back inside the mental box where they belonged. But in this moment, the words kept on coming, and the wobble in his voice came with it. If she wanted to leave? Well, apparently, that wasn’t going to stop him now that he’d started.
“They’re dead now. All ten of them” Maks stated blankly, his eyes reflecting that he was utterly lost at this most tragic of recollections. “The Killing Curse for most of them. Secret assassins sent to keep them quiet. A couple volunteered to take poison to ensure the protection of their families. Not my father, though.” Maks’ voice hitched more heavily this time, his hand tightening on Sabine’s waist without realisation. “He had been the most outspoken of the lot about what they did to the Tsar, and he knew we had to run. But he didn’t make it. They caught us outside of our home, and made us watch as he bled to death at our feet before threatening the same to me if I did not comply.”
His eyes closed tight, wrinkling at the sides. His body shook again slightly, and it was clear that Maks was using every ounce of self control he possessed so that he did not completely let go.
“Oh Maks….” And in those two words, her voice trembled and there was a world of pain and sympathy in those words. A world of comfort and pain in them. She let his story fill her and felt rage start to build for those that had hurt him like this. For those who had caused this man that had lost so much….her thoughts trailed off and she did the only thing she could….
She tightened her arms around him and buried her face in his throat...and wept for him. She curled around him like a protective barrier and wept scorching hot tears for him into his shirt, pressing damp kisses to his throat and jaw, before kissing his lips. The only way she could think of to truly express her feelings for him in this moment.
Maks’ hands slid further around her as she pushed against him, holding her warmth close like a blanket, a familiar feeling that he could not allow to simply let go. Sabine was too much of a comfort now for him to be able to let her go without distress, and he found himself winding one hand deep into her hair, cradling the back of her head in his palm. Her sobs and gentle cries snapped something within him, and when she kissed him, it felt like the bottom dropped out of his world. Pressing his lips so firmly back against hers he almost felt a physical numbness as well as an emotional one, the Russian’s eyes were closed tight, focused on nothing but the woman in his arms.
Feeling his arms tighten around her, his lips crushing down on her own, Sabine couldn’t help but respond. Pulling back she pressed a series of kisses along his jaw to his ear, whispering soothing words in his ear in French, her fingers ran through his hair and along his shoulders. Cupping his face, she kissed and whispered, trying to soothe the hurting man who held her so tightly to him.
As her lips tugged at his and sucked him into her own mouth, Maks couldn’t help but let out a soft groan. Merlin, she wasn’t only doing things to him, she was consuming him completely.
He eventually managed to gain some control over himself as they pulled back for air, holding his forehead to hers, gently touching.
“Izvinite, myshka” he sighed, apologising in his native tongue. “This was not what I intended to happen tonight.”
“Same….I was going to tease and flirt and twirl away in a haze of chiffon and perfume and leave you wanting….I had no idea….” Sabine felt her voice trail off, “I wasn’t planning on any of this….” She rested her forehead against his, taking a deep and calming breath. Trying to not to notice how shaky the breath sounded to her own ears.
“I’m sorry” Maks repeated as his English came back to him with his brains. “I should not have told you all of this. It was wrong of me to burden you so when we barely know each other” he sighed, his hand playing with the fabric at the waist of her dress. He was half convinced that she would still run from him, now that he had confessed his trouble filled past. It was what he had conditioned himself to do, to protect himself.
“I am glad you did. I liked knowing this….I like knowing the names of the shadows I can see in your eyes.” She kissed the corner of his lips, “I want to know more about you. I want to know about you and that includes the things in shadows…”
Meeting his gaze, she tilted her head to study him a bit more, “And I feel safer with you now that I can see the man in the suit.”
Maks tilted his head, looking at her quizzically. The shadows in his eyes remark, about feeling safer… he wasn’t at all sure he followed this. He was glad that she felt safe around him, of course, but that was hardly the same thing.
“I’m not sure I understand” he murmured, watching her with an expression that was part confusion and part absolute, sheer longing.
“I am not entirely sure that I do entirely either. But you have a shadow in your eyes, even when you are happy - it’s still there. I am just...I am glad to know what that is….” She shifted a bit closer to his and met his gaze. Her own look one of concern, sympathy and something else she was not in the mood to give a name to yet.
“Kiss me again Maks?” her voice was soft, “I want another kiss….”
He looked down for a moment, frowning slightly as he contemplated Sabine’s suggestion that even his own happiness was tainted by the memory of the trauma of his youth. Was it ever something that he would escape? Apparently not. He sighed again, before looking up to her as she spoke once more.
“What the lady wants” he said, leaning in to kiss her as he wondered what else she might ask of him that night.
Sabine kissed him back and kept up the soothing touches with her fingers, a soft pleased sigh against his lips., “You are so generous my dear ambassador.” Her voice was soft and then she leaned in for another soft kiss, “All I want to kiss you please……”
Maks smiled wryly against her lips, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth and moving his hand to massage her lower back. Her dress, though beautiful, was just making him think about what it would be like if his hand was on bare skin instead.
“You don’t have to call me Ambassador - I’m not yours, after all” he stated with a chuckle, nipping her lip before nuzzling her face with his nose.
“Well, I rather like calling you mine.” She teased back, a soft chuckle, “It sounds good when I say it aloud.” the nibbling and the nuzzle made her grin a bit more playfully, “I also think you might like hearing me say it like that too.”
Maks gave her an intense look, straight in her eyes, picking up her hand to kiss each fingertip in turn. “Don’t tease, myshka” he purred, keeping her hand close to his face. “It makes me sad to think of things I probably shouldn’t” he went on, almost sucking the tip of her index finger into his mouth, a look that was clearly faux-innocent on his face.
“Now you have me wondering what you are thinking that you don’t think you should.” Turning a bit she picked up his wine glass and took a sip, “And I like to tease - I like a man that can take the teasing as it’s intended and stay on his toes.” Her lips ghosted over his, and her breath teased his lips as she whispered, “Are you that kind of a man?”
Maks removed his glass from her hand, pretending to look crossly at her. “Mine” he said, before offering Sabine her own glass. He was a man who took his booze seriously - he was Russian, after all. Kissing her lightly, the rich sweetness of the wine was on her lips and it just made him all the more hungry for her.
“I can handle teasing, as long as I get my pleasure… eventually” he smirked, taking a sip of his own wine. “I’m a passionate man, myshka. You’ll have to tell me what you think I can handle.”
“Oh darling…..while I am sure that you think you could handle what I have in mind - but I am not entirely sure. And I would like to point out your glass was closer than mine.” She kissed him again, and took a sip of wine, “I think I like this seat better by the way - I don’t think I will be moving any time soon.”
She wasn’t entirely sure what she was doing but she was having a fun time teasing him. And distracting him from the shadows in his eyes.
This time, Maks’ smirk went deeper, accepting the kiss before taking a drink. There was a fire in his eyes now, one that gave a hint to the lust that lay beneath. “You think that I might not be able to handle you?” he enquired, doubtful amusement in his voice. “Trust me, myshka. That will not be a problem.” Maks’ strong hands with their deft fingers were acting differently now - while his left hand held the wine, his right reached down her back and lightly caressed her arse cheek.
“As for your seat” - he rolled his hips to make the point - “that is your decision.”
Pressing a teasing kiss to the palm of his hand, Sabine arched a brow at him, “Allow me to make something very clear - I am sure that you may struggle with handling me.” Her eyes twinkled at him deviously, “I am curious how you seem so confident when you haven’t yet been put to that test.”
Pushing her hips back down she arched a brow at Maks, “And I think I will stay right where I am.” Not looking away for a moment she took a long sip of her wine.
All he could do was cackle lightly in reply, pressing a kiss of his own to the base of her throat before watching her as she drank a glass of one of his winecellar’s best. Shaking his head, he swirled his own goblet. “Sabine, I can assure you that I know what I am doing. But perhaps this is a good sign… for both of us.” The mental image of them going toe to toe in teasing each other to the very brink - he couldn’t wait.
As she pressed to him, he rolled his hips against her once more. This was not a chance he was going to pass up - more than mere flirtation, that is. Their hints were as blatant as could be without being specific.