by K. S. Ruff
“The defense shield will limit Putin’s options,” Prime Minister Azarov assured me.
I caught sight of Kadyn. “Please, allow me to introduce you to my friend, Kadyn. He’s the one who convinced Secretary Gates to meet with Maxim.”
I broke away from Maxim so I could retrieve him. I linked my arm in Kadyn’s while I steered him toward the group. “Kadyn, I’d like you to meet Prime Minister Azarov, his wife, Lyudmyla, and Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leonid Kozhara. This is my friend, Kadyn Rand. He’s the director of new technologies for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
The men shook hands. A lengthy conversation ensued about Ukraine’s eastern border. I tried my best to follow the conversation, but I was worried about neglecting Rafael. He should be standing beside me, as my fiancé, not blending into the woodwork like my security detail.
Lev intercepted me on our way into the dining room. He planted a quick kiss on my cheek. “Kristine, thank you… for everything. We are so pleased you are here. Should you require a cup of coffee…” He grinned boyishly.
I smiled my first genuine smile of the evening. “Thank you, Lev. It’s good to see you again. Congratulations, and thank you for helping Maxim secure the presidency. I understand that was no small feat.”
He blushed, unaccustomed to compliments.
My eyes narrowed when I saw Konstantin talking to Shae. I stepped forward, intending to join them, but Maxim angled me toward the head of the table.
“I would like you to remain by my side.” He offered me the chair to his right.
Prime Minister Azarov and his wife claimed the chairs to Maxim’s left. Minister Kozhara and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, sat next to them. Two Supreme Court justices and three women I had yet to meet joined them. Lev, Konstantin, and Shae rounded out that side of the table. Kadyn sat at the end, opposite Maxim, so he could remain close to Shae. Rafael claimed the seat next to me. The rest of our friends filled the remaining seats.
I leaned over and whispered in Maxim’s ear. “Since when does twenty-five people comprise a small, intimate dinner?”
He blanketed my hand with his. “I would have preferred a candlelit dinner for two, but you invited all of these guests.” He waved toward my side of the table. “The least I could do was offer them someone to talk to.”
He kissed my hand before standing to address our guests. “We have many things to celebrate this evening, the least of which is a presidency. We celebrate a more secure Ukraine… a more secure Europe as well. Soon, everyone in this country will sleep more soundly. Soon, every Ukrainian will have food in his belly. And this is only the beginning. The future holds great things for our country, for the EU, and the United States. We will protect and care for one another as allies should. We will work together to right the wrongs in this world… as comrades and as friends. Thank you, each and every one of you, for joining me in this endeavor.”
Everyone raised his glass. A number of other toasts ensued while the first course was being served. The dinner began with borshch, the same savory soup Oni had prepared for us. This was quickly followed by varenyky and banosh with brynza. I waited patiently for Rafael to sample each dish before digging into my food. Having lost my previous two meals on the jet, I was beyond ravenous.
Maxim was thrilled. “You are enjoying the food.”
I smiled, mildly embarrassed by my voracious appetite. “Oni cooked some of these same dishes for us in Virginia. They’re so good.”
He looked pleased. “How is Oni?”
I reached for my cranberry juice. “She’s doing well. We invited her to come, but she was afraid she might never leave if she saw her family. She wants to finish her studies before she returns, and she’s immersed in final papers right now.”
“As are you, I presume.”
I nodded. “I only have one paper remaining… a paper about Ukraine.”
“Really?” His interest piqued.
“I’m developing strategies to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” I explained.
He grinned. “You will share that analysis with me when you are done?”
I laughed. “If you’re looking for something to read that will lull you to sleep, then sure.”
His eyes burned bright. “Still, you seek to help my country. Kristine, I will read everything you write… multiple times.” He kissed my cheek. “I will leave you to entertain your friends while I engage our remaining guests. Please return to me before you retire. In my dreams, you always return. I shall endeavor to keep it that way.”
An unspoken thought passed between us. If there had been one less twist in the road, I could have easily fallen in love with this man. Maxim sensed this, but he was far too honorable a man to force my hand. I gently squeezed his hand. “I could use some fresh air. Would you mind if I ventured out onto the terrace?”
His eyes met Rafael’s. “Please ensure her safety while we’re apart.” He rose politely when we stood, as did the remaining men.
Rafael retrieved my coat from the butler before escorting me outside. With the city lights, the view from the terrace was stunning at night. Rafael hugged me from behind. His hands slid inside my coat so he could rub my belly. “Are you okay?”
I leaned back so I could rest my head against his chest. “Yes. I just needed some time alone with you. I know we’re here to support Maxim, and he has an image to uphold, but I feel like I’m neglecting you in the process.”
Rafael nuzzled my neck. “I can picture you with him, you know. You actually seem very well suited for one another.”
I sighed softly. “I think that is the illusion he is striving for.” I turned to face Rafael. “Maxim may need me, but I need you.”
He looked unconvinced.
I cradled his face in my hand. “Think about it. Every time I veered down the wrong road, God created a roadblock. Countless events in my life have driven me closer to you. You, Rafael, are the man God intended for me. I can feel his hand in this. Can you?”
“Yes,” he admitted, “as if he’d forged you from my soul.”
* * * * *
My fingers caressed Maxim’s Bible. The brown leather bound book was worn and charred around the edges just like the wooden cross he wore around his neck. I wondered what horrific event these objects had survived and whether that same incident had claimed Maxim’s family. Maxim had revealed that the KGB killed his entire family, but he never explained how. I was beginning to suspect arson.
I looked up at the monitor while adjusting the earpiece that translated the proceedings into English. The Speaker of the Parliament was welcoming their more distinguished guests by name. A number of foreign ambassadors and presidents from other countries were in attendance, including the United States. Kadyn was sitting next to Secretary Gates. While Rafael and Jase were permitted to remain with me, the rest of our friends had been escorted into the balcony.
Rafael, Jase, and I were observing the inauguration from a hidden chamber adjoining the parliament. Architecturally, the exterior of the Verkhovna Rada looked like the United States Supreme Court. There were a few distinguishing features. Yellow and blue Ukrainian flags surrounded this building, and they had quite literally rolled out the red carpet for Maxim. The inside of the Verkhovna Rada was fashioned a lot like our House of Representatives. I found these similarities comforting, given my time on the Hill.
“How are you holding up?” Rafael inquired worriedly.
“Good,” I lied. My knee was bouncing wildly. “I still can’t believe Maxim invited us to dinner last night. He could have invited the Secretary General of NATO, Secretary Gates, and the President of the United States. Why would he invite us? He should be rubbing elbows with them now.”
Rafael shook his head. “Maxim is not the sort of man to forget the people who helped him. You believed in him, and you and Kadyn helped him when no one else would.”
Jase felt my forehead. “Do you still feel like throwing up?”
&nb
sp; “No. The Zofran helped.” I stilled my trembling hand against the gold and cream embroidered suit I’d so carefully selected for this event. “I wish I’d known Maxim was breaking with tradition.”
Jase froze. “How so?”
I took a deep breath and slowly released it. Maxim and I had met privately for breakfast so he could brief me on the inauguration and explain my role. “Historically, the President of Ukraine has sworn his oath alone. This will be the first time anyone has held the Ukrainian Constitution and the Peresopnytsia Gospels for the president.” I glanced at the Bible. “He’s also adding his father’s Bible to the stack. No president has ever done that before.”
“It will be interesting to see how the parliament views those changes,” Rafael mused.
“Not to mention the citizens of Ukraine. Those changes are very symbolic. Maxim’s honoring God, country, and family as he swears this oath. By including Kristine in the ceremony, he’s publically acknowledging his alliance with the United States.” Jase looked at me. “This is dangerous. Maxim’s thumbing his nose at the frothing bear next door while inviting Lady Liberty into his parliament.”
I hugged Maxim’s bible while tucking my head between my knees. “Now I’m going to throw up.”
“You can’t. The Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine just stood. They’re ready for you,” Rafael warned.
“Holy crap.” I nearly dropped the Bible. “I can’t believe I just said that. I’m holding his father’s Bible!”
Rafael laughed. “Maybe we should pray.”
As if in slow motion, the door to the parliament opened. Maxim looked stressed, but he smiled the moment our eyes met. “Are you ready?”
“We’ll be praying,” Rafael encouraged softly.
“Me too,” I whispered, although my prayers would be silently spoken.
I clutched Maxim’s Bible to my chest before accepting his arm. Together, we stepped onto the parliament floor. “I’m so proud of you, Maxim. I’ve known it since the moment you came crashing through that door. You are a good man. You’ve devoted your entire life to strengthening civil liberties, to reducing poverty, and to protecting your people. This title simply acknowledges what you’ve been doing all along.”
His pace slowed as we neared the podium. Maxim’s eyes remained on me, despite the immense crowd surrounding us. “Regardless of what the future holds for us, you will always be my first lady, Kristine. I could not love you more than I do in this moment.”
Tears slipped through my lashes. Frankly, I was relieved. With my vision blurred, I couldn’t see all the intimidating men standing before me. I handed Maxim his father’s Bible so the chairman could arrange the books in the proper order. I remained standing to Maxim’s right.
The chairman handed me the Peresopnytsia Gospels, a Slavic manuscript dating back to the sixteenth century. This was the first known translation of the four gospels of the New Testament into the Old Ukrainian language. Every Ukrainian president sworn into office had taken his oath on these gospels.
Maxim’s fingers trailed longingly over the manuscript. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to touch it. Very few people were allowed to touch the Peresopnytsia Gospels.
The chairman set the Ukrainian Constitution on top of the Peresopnytsia Gospels. The two inch thick legal sized document was bound inside a burgundy leather cover with gold embellishments. My eyes widened when I felt the weight of the constitution on top of the Peresopnytsia Gospels. When combined, the two books were pushing thirty pounds.
Maxim smoothed his hand over the constitution before setting his father’s Bible on top of the document. He kissed the charred cross hanging around his neck and placed his right hand on top of the books. He rested his hand in a way that ensured he was touching all three books at once.
Please, God, give him the courage and strength to see this through.
Maxim’s voice rang strong and true. “I, Maxim Markov, elected by the will of the people as the President of Ukraine, assuming this high office, do solemnly swear allegiance to Ukraine.”
Guide him as he governs this country. Help him serve selflessly.
“I pledge with all my undertakings to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine…”
Protect him, protect his people and their country.
“…to provide for the good of the Motherland and the welfare of the Ukrainian people, to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens…”
Free them from the evils of this earth; from poverty, corruption, violence, and fear.
“…to abide by the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine, to exercise my duties in the interests of all compatriots, and to enhance the prestige of Ukraine in the world.”
Command every thought, word, and deed so that Maxim’s actions reflect your will. When they do, we will rejoice in your name; for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours and yours alone. Amen.
Maxim signed the oath of office and handed it to the Chairman of the Constitutional Court before rescuing the heavy books from my trembling arms. I offered a subtle nod and an encouraging smile before backing toward the mahogany wall where Rafael and Jase were waiting for me.
Maxim stepped forward so he could receive the official symbols of presidential power. Trumpets sounded as men in uniform strode down both aisles. They were carrying an assortment of objects atop burgundy pillows. The first officer to Maxim’s left presented him with a thin booklet.
Maxim held the passport sized ID for everyone to see. Applause thundered throughout the parliament as he accepted the Presidential ID.
The chairman lifted a necklace from the pillow to Maxim’s right. He placed the necklace around Maxim’s neck. My earpiece indicated this was a badge, but it looked more like twenty or thirty metals woven together in a heavy gold, red, and blue enamel necklace.
The chairman handed him the Great Seal of the President of Ukraine. Maxim held it up for everyone to see. The applause was deafening.
Next came the presidential mace. Again, Maxim held it so everyone could see.
“What is a presidential mace?” Jase asked.
“A ceremonial staff,” Rafael answered.
I couldn’t fathom what a ceremonial staff might be used for.
The applause died down when Maxim stepped behind the podium. We stood completely spellbound while he gave his inaugural speech. Maxim listed the economic and security problems plaguing his country before unveiling his strategies for resolving them. He made an impassioned plea to the parliament, encouraging them to join in his fight against poverty, elitism, corruption, and human rights violations.
When Maxim announced his intention to sign the trade agreement with the European Union, he received a standing ovation. I wasn’t surprised. President Yanukovych’s failure to sign that trade agreement, and his decision to strengthen ties with Russia instead, had fueled an uprising that drove him out of office. Maxim’s plans to strengthen ties with the EU, the United States, and NATO led to another standing ovation.
The applause grew thunderous when he mentioned Russia. “I will not tolerate Russia’s meddling in Ukraine’s governance, their incursions over our eastern border, or the annexation of Crimea. The insidious threat posed by the SVR ends now. Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and we demand to be treated as such. Any trade agreements with Russia will be mutually beneficial, or I will refuse to sign them. Putin will not dictate our future. We, the people of Ukraine, determine our own future.”
Maxim’s rich baritone voice rang out as he sang their national anthem a cappella. A choir standing opposite him in the balcony gradually joined him. They were wearing Ukraine’s traditional clothing. In a crescendo, the parliament, and nearly every person in attendance, layered their voices over Maxim’s.
A single tear slid down my cheek. Maxim’s inauguration was the most remarkable event I’d ever seen. Here too, God’s hand was evident. I was certain I’d never regret bearing witness to this monumental event.
* * * * *
I sank into the chair next to Shae. “How are you holding up?”
Her shoulders lifted in a delicate shrug. “I’m okay.”
“You look beautiful.” Her evening gown looked like a starlit waterfall. “How are things going with Konstantin?”
“I’m not sure,” she answered honestly. “He’s so tight lipped, we hardly speak anymore.”
I studied her sullen expression. “Is he planning to move back to Ukraine?”
“I think he’d like to, but Maxim asked him to remain at the embassy for now.” She eyed Brady and Jase, who were conversing a few feet away. “Where’s Rafael?”
“He’s in the foyer, speaking with the security detail out of Portugal.” Tons of people were milling about Mariyinsky Palace in anticipation of Maxim’s arrival for the inaugural ball. Security was proving a logistical nightmare given the chaos surrounding us.
Shae’s eyes morphed into two giant saucers.
“Kristine,” Kadyn called from directly behind me.
The look on Shae’s face was enough to make me bolt from my chair and turn around. I grasped the top of my chair. “Ma… Ma… Mr. President.”
President Obama reached for my hand. “Ms. Stone, I’ve learned some wonderful things about you.”
“About me?” My eyes shot to Kadyn while I shook his hand.
President Obama chuckled softly. “Senator Rockefeller mentioned your interest in funding the Odessa-Brody Pipeline in a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting in January. Mark Sondell shared his impressions of you when I met with the IMF back in February, and USAID called me about your request last month. When you set your mind to something, you don’t mess around.”
I fidgeted nervously. I wasn’t sure how to respond.
His eyes warmed. “I admire your initiative and your determination to improve human security in Ukraine and in the EU. Secretary Gates is thrilled we’ve found a home for the missile defense shield.”
“That was Kadyn’s idea,” I insisted.
He nodded. Once. “I’ve already thanked Mr. Rand. I asked him to introduce me to you, so I could thank you too. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done, Ms. Stone. Senator Rockefeller told me you were targeted and harmed by the SVR when you were here on a peacebuilding trip in June. I understand these efforts may come at a high cost for you, so I’ll tell you the same thing I told Mr. Rand. If you are threatened, I want to hear about it. Do you understand?” He placed his business card in my trembling hand.