Chapter Twenty-Four

Surprise, Surprise

Have you ever felt like you’ve been in a certain place or situation before almost as if it was déjà vu, only to come to find out that you were remembering a movie?  That’s basically how I was feeling during the entire lunch with the reporters.  It was like I was Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries or Emily Blunt in The Young Victoria as I entered into the dining room being escorted by a count and everyone’s well known Russian Prince.  Everyone at the table rose from their seats, including the reporters who were looking at one another with curious expressions before looking back at me.  Mandy and Eric just smiled at me, as if they were proud parents watching their daughter walk across the graduation stage, which I could only smile softly to myself.  My heart was pounding with excitement, fear, and despite this intense moment, courage.

When I had reached my chair that was placed at the head of the grand table, Ros stood to my right and Mr. Poloski took the chair on my left; and as I was about to sit down both Ros and Mr. Poloski made a clearing of the throat signal me in my tracks.  I couldn’t help but to look up towards them and then at my guests who were all smiling as if I had made a blonde joke.

“You need to greet everyone so we can finally sit down, silly goose.” Ros leaned over and spoke quietly in my ear, before standing back up straight with a grin on his face.  I couldn’t help but to feel the redness in my cheeks as I began to quickly thank everyone for coming this afternoon and to sit.

The time went by slowly, everyone was enjoying the food, and the conversations were endless.  I mostly spoke to Ros or Mr. Poloski, and a few people who were seated next to us; however that didn’t stop every single reporter from constantly looking back at me, and talking amongst themselves.  I didn’t really know what to expect, I thought they would have by now asked me thousands of questions, or had at least asked why they were there, but not one did while we were eating.  Maybe we weren’t going to publicize my Imperial name and status, I thought to myself as I felt my body begin to relax more until I saw Mr. Poloski stand up from his chair and brought his knife to his water crystal glass.  The servants came to collect the finished plates, and refilled all the glasses, while everyone began to end their conversations and turned their attention to Mr. Poloski who was waiting patiently.

“My friends and family, you all have traveled near and far on the beautiful day in Russia.  Not only does the weather outside make today beautiful, but also the most exciting announcement from the exclusive Romanov Imperial Family.” Mr. Poloski began to explain, as he looked down at me, and Ros took my hand and squeezed it for support.  I could only give them a very nervous smile, as I begged the courage to come back.  I could only just imagine what the reporters were thinking, because not one of them looked away from Mr. Poloski, Ros, and me.

“We the Romanov Imperial family, wanted to inform you all during this private lunch first.  As you all might have wondered why you signed a confidentiality agreement for a lunch party, I assure you, it wasn’t to keep your mouths shut about how wonderful our chefs are. Ha-ha.” Mr. Poloski said with a laugh, which traveled throughout everyone at the table.

“I best not keep the suspense hanging in the air for much longer; our family would like to introduce to you the newest member of our family, Her Imperial Highness Annalisa Nicola Dimitriievna Peterson Romanova, Tsarevna of Russia.” Mr. Poloski announced as he smiled again down at me.  My heart was racing, but for once I was proud to hear my entire name being spoken out loud.  It brought confidence and courage to my soul, hearing my ancestral name.  I looked over at the reporters, some with shocked faces, others who had disbelief written all over their faces, and one who had a smirk on his face.

“May I speak freely?” The man with the smirk on his face asked, as he stood from his chair.  This man, Gary Kowoski, was a world renowned historian reporter who had made numerous documentaries, and had even won an Emmy from his latest film.

“Sure, by all means we welcome it.” Mr. Poloski said as he began to sit back down.

“Thank you, first I must say that this is by far the most exciting news we have all heard in some time.  However, I believe you all have said this before about Prince Ros some time ago, also, correct? So, how are you all so sure that this young lady is the rightful heir to the throne?” Gary asked as he sat back down.  He did have a point, but now was the time to prove that the history books were wrong and that the myths and the legends were indeed true.

“If I may?” I asked as I began to stand.  Evidently no one had expected me to answer this man’s question, because the room was completely silent, even some of the servants had made their way into the room to hear my response.

“Many decades ago, world history books claimed that the entire Imperial Romanov family was executed by the Bolshevik party.  However, since then many have started rumors and created myths that one Grand Duchess survived.  You may not choose to believe that what I’m about to say is true, but it is.  My great grandmamma is the Grand Duchess Anastasia, and she did escape that dreadful night.  I am the direct descendant of Nicolas Romanov, Tsar of Russia. I am the rightful heir to his throne.” I said as I looked at each reporter in the eye before meeting with Gary’s. Talk spread amongst the servants and the reporters, however this didn’t surpise me.

“If that is true, then why are you just now becoming public and why do you want us all to still keep this a secret?” Gary asked boldly.  He made a point, a point in which I couldn’t answer.  If I was now becoming public why did we want them not to say a word?

“We only just confirmed Her Grace’s true identity was when we performed DNA testing a short while ago.  Later tonight, I had hoped to keep this a secret, but oh well, we are having a grand ball in honor of Her Grace.  Tonight we invite you all to bring your cameras and we will be allowing you to conduct five minute interviews each, with pre-approved questions, of course. I have the invitations at the door, so please take one on your way out this afternoon.” Mr. Poloski announced, and of course my mind was filling up with annoyed anger towards him.  Didn’t I just say to run all ideas by me, I thought to myself.

After a few more questions from other reporters Mr. Poloski announced that today’s lunch meeting was finished, and that we would all have more time to discuss things later tonight and in the near future.  Everyone shooked my hand as they left, many of them bowed to me, but it was Gary who just gave a quick good-bye and left.  What was with him? I wondered to myself. As I watched the cars leave before turning to go hunt down Mr. Poloski and Ros.

“How could you? After what I had commanded from you; does what I say not really matter? I asked for you to let me know about everything.” I said as I stormed into the room where Mandy, Eric, Ros and Mr. Poloski were.

“Lisa, calm down, it was just supposed to be a surprise.” Ros said trying to calm me down.

“Lisa, I know what you said. But this was already planned out upon your arrival.  Everyone was in the know about it; we just wanted to keep this a secret.”  Mr. Poloski said as he started head towards the door.

“Wait you two knew too?” I turned to ask Mandy and Eric who were now looking like two kids who were in trouble.

“Um, yeah, Lisa, please don’t be mad, it was all done with good intentions.” Mandy said as she smiled and gave me a hug.

“Yeah go get ready, and you’ll see just how much fun tonight is really going to be.” Eric said with a huge grin, as he pushed me and Mandy towards the direction of the closest staircase.

Two hours and five completely different ball gowns later, Mandy and I were startled when a knock came to my door.

“Yes?” I said through the cracked door that revealed the same maid from earlier this morning.

“Beg your pardon Your Grace, but I was sent to inform you that guests and reporters will be arriving in exactly thirty minutes, and Count Dubrov and Count Rasputin would like a word with you before.” The maid said with her eyes down at her feet.

“Thank you, and what is your name?” I asked the maid as I gave her a comforting smile.

“Katiana Gokov, Your Grace.” The young maid said proudly as she curtsied for me.  Okay I’m still going to have to get used to that. I told my mind as I started to feel a little bit weird.

“Well thank you Katiana, one more thing before you go, can you do me a small favor?” I asked as I opened the door wider and lead her into the room.

“Yes of course.” She responded with much more excitement and yet still very nervous.

“Would you mind taking a picture for us?” I asked with a smile as Mandy came over with her camera.

“Yes ma’am.” Katiana smiled as she took the camera from Mandy and began to take several, even suggesting some poses for us.

As she showed us a few of the photos, I was grateful for Mandy’s fashion advice when it came to the gown she had persuaded me to wear.  The gown was a beautiful dark blue that looked black without the direct shine of the light, with gold iridescent beads throughout the entire dress.  It was funny how Mandy and I always seem to look similar, because she had on a black one-shoulder sequin gown that formed elegantly to her body.  We looked amazing, and I was getting even more excited the more I looked at the photos and thought about tonight.

“Wow, you really know a lot about photography, are you taking classes?” I asked her as I finished thanking her and followed her to meet Count Dubrov and Mr. Poloski with Mandy.

“No ma’am.  I hope to someday, but I just can’t afford it, and we are required to have a much nicer camera than the one I currently have in my chambers.” She explained as she led us down the stairs and through several different hallways and rooms.

I couldn’t help but to notice how quickly the main parlor had been decorated, and how beautiful it was as we walked.  I could hear Mandy carrying on a conversation about college and schools in the United States, but my mind seemed to drift to take in the changed atmosphere.  Candles were lit everywhere, flowers filled every spot possible, and dimed lights transformed the grand hallways into mosaic masterpieces of shadows.  Then what caught my eye to the left was on almost every other table, there seemed to be a collection of masks.  A masquerade? I wondered to myself as we finally started to enter the room where Count Dubrov and Mr. Poloski where waiting for me in.  I had to admit, I had always loved the idea of a masquerade, not those where you could tell who everyone was, but one that everyone was a mystery, and everyone could be and act however they wanted. 

My eyes filled with excitement as looked at Count Dubrov and Mr. Poloski dressed for the occasion, and I finally started to allow myself to enjoy this “surprise” party.  Count Dubrov wore a black tuxedo jacket over the classic white button down shirt.  Only he wore his Imperial blue sash and military ranking which allowed him to stand out as someone of importance, and in his hand he held a gold half face mask that would tie around his head once he put it on.  Mr. Poloski on the other hand, was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo with tails and a dark blue shirt underneath and also wore an Imperial blue sash, however unlike Count Dubrov, Mr. Poloski didn’t have any military decadents to show.  I couldn’t help but smile and let out a small laugh when I saw the mask he had chosen to wear for the night, a black mask that covered from his forehead down to his nose which became a long silly looking beak.

“What don’t you like it? It’s very traditional.” Mr. Poloski said with a smile as he looked at his mask.

“Hey I didn’t say a word.” I said with a bigger smile, as I was now completely relaxed.

“You didn’t have to.  Now, I’m afraid we must get down to business, as the guest will soon be arriving.” Mr. Poloski said turing on his serious face.

“You two can go.” Count Dubrov said as he held the door for Mandy and Katiana, and gave off a you are not welcomed vibe, despite his relaxed stance.

“Um, I guess I’ll see you at the party Lisa.” Mandy said as she looked back at me as she started to exit after Katiana curtsied and left in silence.

“Yeah, I’ll find you.” I said with a smile, as I thought about how fun it was going to be trying to find her and Eric in their masks.

“Now that the commoners are gone, let’s talk.” Count Dubrov said smugly.  Okay, I know I am now a royal, but did he really have to go that far?  What was he trying to prove? I thought to myself as I had to look away before my face portrayed what I was thinking, which seemed to always get me into trouble.

“Lisa, I’m happy to see you relaxed and already enjoying the evening, but like any royal family, there are certain things you must take care of before you can actually have fun.” Mr. Poloski started to explain, as he took out a sheet of paper, before continuing.

“These are the list of questions in which you will be asked by all the reporters, there will be ten total.  Not to mention that most will be on live television, as you are being made public tonight.  Also, you are to be position at six o’ clock sharp at the top of the stairs of the grand ballroom to greet the guests and pose for pictures, which again, the press and hired photographers will be doing.”  Mr. Poloski continued to explain, and then was interrupted by Count Dubrov.

“Think of it as what you Americans take part in, the Oscars, or Emmys.” There was so much to remember at this moment, I guess this was the true test if I could handle the media pressure.  Especially, since from this night forward, my life was never going to be the same again.  Was I really ready? I asked myself before remembering the conversation from this afternoon with Ros.  I was never going to feel ready, I guess I just had to take a deep breath, pray, and have faith that God wouldn’t give me anything that I couldn’t handle.

“Lisa, as your teacher, you can do this.  You are smart, and cleaver. You will find the words to say, and you will get through this first hour just fine.  I will try my best to be in the room with you…” Mr. Poloski said before I interrupted him.

“I’m ready.” I said honestly.  Feeling my heart beat slowed to a steady drum-beat and become more relaxed.  I will make the world know that I am proud to be Nunna’s great granddaughter. I said to myself, as I smiled thinking back to only some time ago when I dreaded to ever spending time with her.

Knock, Knock

The sound of a knuckle against the grand wooden door, quickly brought me back from memory lane, as Count Dubrov answered the door silently, only allowing a small opening to answer whoever was behind the door.

“My lord, some of the guests have now arrived.” The voice of a manservant traveled throughout the room, despite still being hidden by the door.       

“Thank you Henry.” Count Dubrov responded in Russian as he closed the door behind him and returned to where Mr. Poloski and I were standing.

“I believe its show time.” Count Dubrov said with a smirk, that could almost be confused with an evil grin and yet there was some kindness within it.

“Right, so we all know our positions tonight? Yes?” Mr. Poloski stated as he gathered some papers from a table, and then reached to grab a very antique box with dark sapphire blue and gold, before bringing it over to me.

“What is this?” I looked up at Count Dubrov and Mr. Poloski.

“Well open it and you will see.” Mr. Poloski said with a smile.

My fingers traveled over the gold encrusted details until they reached the clasp in the front of the box.  Opening it very gently as it revealed its gift inside, a very beautiful and antique mask that covered the entire face.  The only opening was the eyes; however the face on it was the most beautiful piece of art I had ever seen.  Whose was this I wondered as I tried it on, and found it fit perfectly?

“This was your great-great grandmother’s mask that both she and your great grandmother wore." Count Dubrov said as he looked at me with a bit of a smile on his lips.  I couldn’t believe they still had this, and they, he, thought I would like to wear it.  It was beautiful.  I took off the mask and quickly hugged Count Dubrov and then Mr. Poloski before returning my gaze to the mask which had gold flakes throughout the black paint, and small diamonds that outlined the eyes.

“Yes, well that’s not all, I’m afraid you will have to wear for a few hours a heavy piece history while you interview with the reporters and greet the guests.” Mr. Poloski said as he turned me around to Count Dubrov who had a blue velvet pillow with a sparkling gorgeous aquamarine diamond tiara.

“This was also Tsarina Alexandra’s, and now Your Grace, I suppose it is yours.” Count Dubrov said as he brought the pillow closer to me, as Mr. Poloski reached very carefully with both hands and placed the elegant crown gently on top of my head, and started to secure it.  It was after he had removed his hands from the crown that I started to feel the real weight of the crown.  As beautiful as it was, it was indeed heavy.

“But how?  I don’t understand how you have these two things?  I remember from our tour of the Romanov palace that most of Alexandra’s jewelry was sold.” I said remembering the trip to where my nunna and the rest of her family had once resided.

“Do you remember who actually bought the jewels?” Count Dubrov asked in his deep Russian voice.

“War…Wartski, right?” I said as I somehow recalled the most random name.

“Meet Wartski, then Lisa.” Mr. Poloski said as he pointed towards Count Dubrov who was grinning and standing more proudly as if he was a little boy who had just thought of the greatest game to play.

“Wartski is one of the companies I own.” Count Dubrov said with a smile, as he turned to go look once more in the mirror before heading towards the door.

“I’m afraid we will have to discuss this matter later, we will be late if we don’t head down now.” Count Dubrov said as he held the door open for Mr. Poloski and me, along with holding out a dark sapphire blue sash that I was to wear for the interviews.  I looked from Mr. Poloski back to Count Dubrov; they had given me two of the most incredible gifts tonight.  I have to find away to express my gratitude later, I thought to myself as I slowly walked out the door with Mr. Poloski at in front of me and Count Dubrov behind me.

When we had reached the bottom of the staircase, and entered into the main grand parlor, I could only see blinding lights flashing towards me.  I only prayed that I didn’t have a horrible, embarrassing facial expression. I guess this is game time, I told myself as I knew that there was really no going back from here and put on a smile, as I was introduced to the reporters and photographers, and was lead into a large room where there were many video cameras and chairs already staged.

“Your Grace, your interview time will start now, and we will be right here if you shall need us.” Mr. Poloski said in his Russian, as I could tell not everyone in the room spoke it.  I simply nodded as I turned to face my very first reporter, took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself for the questions.

Nine reporters later, and many questions later I finally came face to face to the one reporter I was hoping to not see, Gary Kowoski.  He wore his black tuxedo, and held his pen and notepad on the side of the chair, as he seemed very relaxed, compared to all of the others.

“We are live here at the Estate of Count Grigori Dubrov, who is the host of tonight’s Surprise Masquerade Ball for the young and elegant Tsarevna of Russia.  No, don’t turn away, or rewind on your DVRs, Russia has evidently found their long lost heir to the Russian throne.” Gary said straight into live video camera with a smile before continuing, like most of the other reporters before him as he began to ask me the same repetitive questions that had been approved.  Several moments later after the last approved question was answered, I thanked him like I had done with every other reporter, and began to take off my small mic that was attached to my dress and sash.

“Sorry, just one more question if you will Your Imperial Highness, what exactly happened to your father during Desert Storm?” Gary asked quickly as the camera was still rolling, with the entire world watching and waiting for me to answer this very personal question.  I looked over to Mr. Poloski and Count Dubrov who were furious that Gary had disobeyed, and were telling the camera man to cut the camera off, but I realized I had to answer.

“He passed away during combat.” I replied honestly, as that was what my mother and the rest of my family had told me over and over again.

“Are you sure about that?  There have been rumors that he is in fact still alive.” Gary said as he showed me his evil half smile, as he saw my facial expression change.

“I assure you, I don’t know what you are talking about.  My mother still morns to this day at his grave; where she buried him.” I said as I looked at him with stern eyes.

“I am sorry Your Grace, I’m sure you are correct, I was only asking because of the rumors I’ve heard.” Gary said as he wrote a sentence down on his legal notepad before giving his news station his sign off.  Once he did, Mr. Poloski and others swarmed in making sure I was alright, as Gary got an earful and was escorted out.

“Wait, he may stay.” I shouted out as quickly exited the room following the security guard who held Gary by the arm.

“But, Your Grace…” Mr. Poloski started to say before I repeated myself.  Even though he had definitely gone way over the line, he didn’t need to miss the entire evening.  This I knew was the event of a life time, and I was going to be gracious to him.

“Thank you, but I’m afraid I don’t want to step on other toes, I think I should go anyway.  Thank you for your offer to allow me to stay, it is very charitable of you. I wish you all a good night. And if you should ever like to get in contact with me, Your Grace, Count Rasputin has my information.  I will take your call no matter what time it is.” Gary said as he looked me straight in the eye, before bowing and exiting the estate.  His words and question about my father repeated in my mind over and over.  I had never heard rumors of him being alive, but could it be true?  Was my father truly alive after all this time? If he was then why hadn’t he come home? I wondered as I walked towards the grand ball room to pose for pictures and greet the guests.

An hour later, thousands of photos, and at least three hundred guests later, I was finally able to take off the tiara and sash and give it back to Count Dubrov, to put in save keeping, and headed towards the dance floor.  People were already dancing, and enjoying the party, everyone hidden by masks of all different styles and colors.  I wondered if I was ever going to be able to find my friends, until I felt someone tap on my shoulder.  I smiled as I quickly turned around to see Mandy who was a black swan beauty in black mask that had gold lips, and at her side a very handsome Eric who had a similar mask to that of Gerard Butler in the movie Phantom of the Opera that I had watched with Mandy probably over fifty times.

“Ya’ll look awesome” I said with a smile as I hugged Eric and Mandy.

“So do you. Your Highness. Ha ha ha” Eric said as he playfully bowed.

“Hey none of that now y’all.” I said with a silly grin as my southern accent took over instantly while talking and dancing with them.  I was truly having a great time; it was the perfect almost surprise party.

Before I knew it another tap on my shoulder had me spinning around to a very tall blonde Prince with a red half-face mask on.

“May I have this next dance to the Russian Waltz, Lisa?” Ros asked with a smile, as he held out his hand for me, as the next song began to play.  The music was very interesting, it was indeed in the rhythm of a waltz, but it had somewhat of an eerie-foreign sound.

“You look great.  How did the interviews go?” Ros asked casually as we spun and danced, with several others who knew the dance.

“They were fine, repetitive, kind of boring, but they went alright.  Until Gary’s.” I said as I thought back to the awkward question of his.

“Ah I heard about that, do you think he was telling the truth though?” He asked as he looked down with curious eyes.

“Truthfully, my mind is saying no, that it was all rumors and lies, I mean my mother still goes to his gravesite.” I said as looked away towards the several flashes from cameras as the music came to an end.

“Well, try not to worry about it then.  Enjoy the rest of the night, I’ll find you again at some point among the crowd.” Ros said with a big smile as he bowed and kissed my hand, and left. I looked around trying to find Mandy and Eric again, but could only see people dancing and some looking at me as they whispered about me and Ros.  I just knew it was going to be part of the tabloids tomorrow, that the heir to the Russian throne and the Prince had a thing for each other.  Great, not this again, I groaned to myself as I went to where some servants were passing out drinks. 

Before I knew it several guys were asking for a dance, and I would politely accept.  One or two were from America, and had rich families that had connections with the Imperial family.  I had connected with one guy, Brandon Kensley, from San Diego, California when we were discussing about the University of Southern California, where he was currently enrolled at.  It only reminded me of how much my life was going to change once I got back to the States, which I was honestly open about while I continued to dance with him, until we were interrupted.

“Sorry, but may I cut in?” A low, yet familiar voice asked from the right as the song ended and a slower song began. 

“Um, well I suppose if it’s alright with her.” Brandon looked at me, for my answer.  I knew he didn’t want us to stop dancing, neither did I, but I had to give everyone a fair chance to dance with me.  It was only polite, and so with that in mind I curtsied formally towards him, so that he could take the hint of my decision.  He bowed and thanked me for dancing with him, and quickly walked back over towards his friends and family who had been watching us.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” The familiar voice spoke again, as he took my hand and drew me closer into his embrace as he lead us into a slow waltz.  I continued to look up at his tall dark stranger who wore an all black tuxedo ensemble, and a plain full face mask.  Even though I had no idea who I was dancing with, something about him seemed to cause my entire body to become alive.  It was as if I was connected to him, as if I knew him.

“Are you enjoying the evening?” He asked softly, close to my ear, as we continued to dance.  I looked around, almost everyone had stopped dancing by now and was now watching this stranger and I dance.  I couldn’t blame them; I could only wonder who this stranger who was dancing so intimately close was.

“Yes, thank you.  Sorry, but have we met?” I asked as I looked up at him, and looked into his hazel familiar eyes; quickly figuring out who they belonged to.

“Perhaps.” He said with a small soft laugh.

“Marc, what are you doing here? Why are you here?” I asked with surprise as I leaned back to look at him more.  He, Marc was here, dancing?  How did he? Why? What about Ros? I thought as we continue to dance.  My head was telling me that this was wrong.  I was dancing with the man who betrayed Ros, my own flesh and blood.  Yet, my heart was telling me that he was good, that this moment was perfectly right.

“I had to see you.  You leave in just a few short days.  This is some party though, I’ll admit that.” He said as he looked around, more flashes bouncing off his shiny black mask.

“You shouldn’t be here though, what if Ros and the others find out?” I asked as I looked around the other way for a brief moment to see if Ros and Mr. Poloski were watching, but didn’t see them because of the crowd that had circled around us to watch me and Marc dance.

“Oh come now, you wanted me here as much as I wanted to be here.  It’s written all over your face.” He said with what I could tell was a smirk.

“That’s not fair, besides my face is covered, you can’t tell what I’m thinking can you?” I said as I lifted my chin in defiance, not expecting to feel Marc’s hand leave my back, to lifting and sliding my mask back to the top of my head.

“There, now I will know.” He said with a small laugh as he placed his hand back to where it was, so we could continue to dance to the slow waltz.  I could only glare at him for a second before letting out a white flag sigh.  I didn’t want to argue at this moment.  I didn’t know how much longer the song was, but I knew that as soon as it was over, he would leave.  Despite the horrible things that Ros said about Marc, I just couldn’t stop myself from being constantly drawn to him, to feeling like we were somehow meant to be together, even after only a short while of knowing each other.  We are the classic Romeo and Juliet of our time, I thought to myself as I couldn’t help but let a smile cross my face as I had to look down, to hide my blushing cheeks.

“What?” Marc asked as he lifted my chin up towards him again, so that he could look at my eyes.

“Nothing, I was just thinking about a movie.  That’s all.” I said as I heard the song slowly coming to an end.  I looked up at Marc, who had now removed his hands from my right hand and back, and we politely bowed and curtsied to each other.

“Thank you for the dance, Lisa.” Marc said with a whisper, before turning towards the band with me to clap, and thank them. However, when I turned back to face him, he was gone.  I looked at the crowd, everyone now looking at me and talking amongst themselves, as more music started filling the air for the next dance.  I thought some would quickly tell me where he had went, but no one could, he had literally disappeared it seemed. 

I quickly excused myself from the now small crowd I had somehow managed to gather, and headed towards the back of the room, to see if Marc, Eric, or even Mandy would be back there.  However, I could only see dancing bodies on the dance floor, and people seated at numerous tables, eating and drinking, and mingling throughout the ballroom.  Finally Mr. Poloski saw me, from afar and quickly reached to where I was standing.

“Your Highness, you alright?  Who was that man you were just dancing with?” He asked like everyone else.

“I’m fine, and just a friend.” I said honestly, before feeling the heat reach my cheeks.

“Actually, I think I need some air.” I said as I started to wave air to my face.

“Should I send a guard to accompany you?” Mr. Poloski asked as he now looked at my red face and started to motion over one of the security guards.

“No, no, I’ll be fine.  I’m just going out to the garden.  I need some air to cool off.” I said as I started to head towards the door that lead to the main foyer, and then walked out towards the garden.

Outside the world was so different.  I could hear the laughter, and the music coming from inside, however out here in the night the world was peaceful.  I took one deep breath before I started to walk down towards the lake.  The grass and some of the leaves ruffled under the hem and train of my dark dress.  As I finally reached the tree that sat on the edge of the water, I leaned against it, watching the wind cause small ripples over the water.  It was when I heard footsteps that my heart started to beat a bit faster.

“Marc?” I called out softly in the night air, hoping he had found me here.

“Nope, sorry Your Highness, but I’m not Marc.” The sound of Victor’s voice rang from the darkness.  My heart kicked into third gear, as I left from the tree, to see Victor standing in the moonlit grass in between where I was standing and where the manor was.

“What, what do you want?” I asked my voice a little shaky.

“Ah funny that you should ask that dear, what I want is for you to come with me quietly, and no one else will get hurt.  How does that sound?  Fair right?” He said with a devious grin as he lit a cigarette. No one else? Who else was he talking about, I wondered as I started to hear more footsteps coming from the shadows as well as a little muffled squeal.  Before I knew what had happened next at least five other guys from the shadows revealed themselves, two I recognized from the café from a few days back, all blocking my way to run back to get help.  That’s when I decide I was going to scream, and pray to God that someone might hear me, however Victor was ahead of me, I guess assuming I would try to scream, because as soon as I started to back away just a step, he started shaking his head.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you Duchess, and I wouldn’t scream either.” He said as removed the cigarette from his lips and put it out with the palm of his hand as he then motioned for someone else to come closer.  That’s when my heart stopped for a few seconds, and tears came to my eyes.

“I’m prepared to make you a very generous deal Duchess, and this will be the only time I will offer it.  I say we make a trade, you for them. What do you say?” Victor said as he motioned his hand from me to a very scared and beat up looking Eric and a terrified Mandy who were both being held by a knife to the throat as well as a gun pressing into their backs.

“Lisa, don’t do it, we’ll be alright either way, but you can’t go with them.” Mandy said with tears streaming down her face as terror radiated from her face and the rest of her trembling body.

“Shut up you stupid American girl.” The guy that held Mandy shouted at her in a thick Russian accent as he tried to shout in English.

“Lisa, listen to me, nothing good will come of this, don’t try to be a sacrificial lamb, think selfishly this once.  If this is the price Mandy and I have to pay to keep you, our friend and the future Tsarina of Russia safe, then we both are happy to pay it.  Just don’t fall into this trip.  You’re smarter than me, think this through.” Eric said boldly as he looked at me with courageous eyes, even though I knew deep inside he was scared to death.  My friends, my beloved best friends, willing to risk their lives to keep me safe, I thought. God please help us out of this, I prayed as I looked at both of them with tears in my eyes as I knew what I had to do.

“I love you both, everything is going to be alright.” I said.  Eric’s eyes growing wide as he took in my words, while Mandy started to cry even more, as she knew what my words meant. With one final look at my friends, I stepped closer to Victor, my pride boiling through my body because of fear and sadness, and when I was only several steps from him I looked him in the eyes.

“We have a deal, now let them go Victor.” I said in plain Russian, making sure he understood my every word. 

With a snap of his fingers and a devious crooked smile, Victor let Mandy and Eric go. The collapsed on the ground for a second before Eric took Mandy’s hand and raced back towards the manor to get help.  It after that brief few moments that I returned my attention to Victor who was now taking out his cell phone and telling the person on the other end, “It is done.” A second after he shut the phone he nodded to someone who was behind me, and with a quick apology for pain along with his evil laughter something sharp sunk into the back side of my neck as the heat and burning traveled throughout my body quickly.  The world was now fading and everything began to spin around and around, until I felt the rush of wind at my face as I felt my body collapsing into someone’s arms, the last thing I heard was Victor’s voice telling me to sleep as he moved a piece of fallen hair back, then everything went black.

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