“I NEVER SAW IT IN DAYLIGHT before,” Sophie confessed as they rode in the air-conditioned comfort of the limousine. Goragavan appeared on the horizon, its stately, columned façade evoking unpleasant memories. It was the last place she ever thought she’d return to. “It really is beautiful. How long has your family lived here?”
Valeri sat on her left, gazing out the window at the vista beyond. “Since before our grandfather’s time. It was an Imperialist summer palace.”
Yuri sat on her right, sandwiching Sophie between them. “I never liked it,” he said gruffly.
Valeri snickered. “You only say that because you couldn’t win at hide-and-seek. 42 rooms and still I found you every time.” He squeezed Sophie’s hand. “It is a wonderful place to raise children.”
“I can’t say I like Goragavan either
