An Affair of Honor

“YOU TWO APPEAR TO BE OLD FRIENDS.” Mikhail’s voice held a strained tenor. “What is it you two find so amusing?” Kira felt so hot she thought she would melt onto the floor.

Roman smiled. “I reminded Miss Alesksandrovna of the time my horse almost kicked her father.”

Mikhail grunted. “Kira, I think it’s time we return to the family.” Kira looked across the room to see a stern expression on Alexander Alesksandrovich’s face and a worried brow on her mother. Mikhail clutched Kira’s upper arm and yanked her away.

“That’s no way to treat a lady.”

Mikhail turned to Roman. “This is not your concern.”

“I don’t like to see a woman, especially Miss Alesksandrovna, mistreated.”

Mikhail dropped Kira’s arm and closed in on Roman. “Sir, you are too attentive towards my fiancé.” Roman smelled his fowl breath of liquor and decayed teeth. 

“Gentlemen. Gentlemen.” Alexander positioned himself between the two men. “Restrain yourselves.” His voice turned harsh. “Kira, your mother is asking for you.”

“But, Papa.” His austere glance made Kira retreat to her mother. She passed Uri, Boris and Fëdor on their way to support Roman.

“I better not hear of any ill-treatment of the young lady,” Roman said as Uri tried to drag him away.

Mikhail freed himself from Alexander’s hold. “I have restrained from the gossip about you and my fiancé, but I fear at this juncture I can no longer sit idle.” Mikhail said. “It is time for action.”

“Agreed,” Roman said.

“I challenge you to a pistol duel,” Mikhail said.

“You are aware that dueling is forbidden.”

“Nevertheless, the challenge stands.”

“What, no gauntlet thrown down to mark the occasion?”

“If you insist.” Mikhail removed his white glove and slapped Roman hard across the cheek. Roman’s eyes narrowed. He lunged forward. Uri and Fëdor grabbed him.

“Sunrise, Moskva River near the stone bridge.” Mikhail stormed away.

Kira wiggled free from her mother’s grasp and rushed to Roman. “This is not what I wanted. There is still time to end this foolishness if you apologize.”

He stroked her cheek. “I do this not only for my honor, but for yours.”

Alexander led his daughter away. She turned her head back to Roman. “God be with you.”

Boris leaned over to Roman. “Are you aware that Colonel Mikhail Vershinin is an infamous duelist?”