Hi everyone, thanks for considering my story to read. This is currently a one-shot but I am considering making it a story, although, likely just a bunch of connected one or two-shots. If you have any comments or suggestions I am happy to hear them, but please be considerate. I am new to the site and am still figuring out how things work. Also, I wrote this quickly so I am very sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes. Hope you enjoy!
"Dmitri? Can we… go back to Russia?" Murmured Anastasia one lazy night, about two weeks after their return to Paris. Dmitri, shocked, jumped off the sofa, "What? Anastasia have you lost your mind? I thought you said you didn't ever want to return?" cried Dmitri in utter surprise. Anastasia just grinned, "Well, I know its evil, but I sorely want to see what that "old lady" at the orphanage has to say when she finds out I am 'a someone.'" Dmitri raised an eyebrow, "Okay then, I suppose we can make a trip to Russia, if only for your sudden interest in showing off." "DMITRI!" shrieked Anastasia, playfully hitting him in the shoulder. Dmitri raised his hands in defeat laughing, "Alright, Alright, I am quite sorry Your Royal Highness, I beg your forgiveness in this grave matter," and for the grand finale he bowed, determined not to rise until Anastasia had given permission.
Anastasia meanwhile giggled, hand on her mouth, a playful glint shining in her eyes. Her attempts to contain her laughter, completely failed, and she burst out laughing. "Okay Dmitri, you win, you win! You may rise!" And so Dmitri rose, an evil gleam shining in his eyes, and then he proceeded in sweeping Anastasia off the ground and swirling her around in the air. Slowly Anastasia stopped laughing and smiled, And as Dmitri lowered her to the ground, their eyes met. Gazing into each other's eyes, hand in hand, Dmitri whispered, "When do we leave?" Anastasia smiled, "tonight" she whispered, and Dmitri smiled back.
The next morning Anastasia and Dmitri had successfully reached St. Petersburg and had begun the hour journey to the orphanage. Anastasia had traded her new fancy dresses and jewels, for simple peasant clothes, much like she wore during the ten years she spent at the orphanage. Another bonus was many people had just begun to grieve the loss of the Romanov family, and because Rasputin was gone, Anastasia could safely come out and proclaim her true identity. Something she had decided to do, as soon as she had visited the orphanage. So without hesitating Anastasia walked down the familiar path, but this time as a Grand Duchess, with her Grand Duke in tow.
As they reached the orphanage Anastasia stopped and took a deep breath. "You'll be fine, you always are" breathed Dmitri. Anastasia nodded, and gave a weak smile before marching straight up to the door and knocking. After a moment the door swung open, and a muttering old lady came marching out. "I swear, if it's another child I… I'll" when she saw Anastasia and who was beside her she paused, and then began to shriek. "ANYA WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU HAVE CAUSED, LET ALONE TO RETURN WITH A BOY! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE ANYA, INSIDE NOW. MARCH." Dmitri blinked, unaccustomed to the lady's random outbursts. Anastasia on the other hand was unfazed, and stood taller before stating, "Madam, I am not sure you realize who I am. While it is true I was 'Anya the Orphan' in your care, I have now discovered my true heritage." Anastasia paused. "Madam, I am The Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova of Russia, the last remaining daughter of the late Tsar, and this is the Grand Duke Dmitri of Russia, or in less formal circumstances, my husband."
The "old lady," or Alla, just stared in shock, and then burst out laughing. "Oh my dear, you really are confused, come inside, I will get you some water, and run you a bath and you will have forgotten all this nonsense in no time!" and she turned and began waddling inside. Anastasia shrugged and followed, however, instead of following her former caretaker, she ducked into a small side room, dragging Dmitri with her.
"Dmitri, I need you to distract her, I am going to change into one of my court dresses, and find the official decree from Grandmamma. I will meet you in the kitchen in a couple of minutes." Anastasia then proceeded to push Dmitri out of the room, where Dmitri was met with the task of finding the lady. However, he was in luck as a second later she came waddling in. "Anya? Where have you gone?" She called. "Oh, what was your name again? Dimka?" "Well actually-""now where has Anya gone?" she demanded with a glare. Dmitri swallowed "-it wasn't important" he whispered. "Um Anastasia just went to look at the gardens, she has always been fond of flowers." He replied. "Ahhh, that she was" sighed the old women. She was about to go out to find her when three girls came running in the hall, pausing when they saw the young man. "Girls, I would like you to meet Dimka, he brought Anya back to us." At this, the girl's eyes lit up, and broad smiles appeared on their faces. "ANYA'S BACK!" they yelled, looking around for her. They Did not need to look long though, as a second later Anastasia stepped out, in full Duchess Attire.
"That she is," spoke Anastasia smiling. "Although, I am not Anya girls, I discovered I am actually The Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova of Russia." Turning to the lady she said, "Madam, if my dress is not enough to convince you, I have here a letter signed by the Dowager Empress herself, stating that I am indeed Anastasia, and if you require more proof, I ask you to join me at the palace later this evening, where I have a meeting with the current leader of Russia."
The lady who had taken care of Anastasia for so long stood in shock, before kneeling before her and begging forgiveness for the care she had provided, which was unbefitting of a Grand Duchess. In the meantime, the girls shock had finally worn off, leaving three delighted girls running off to tell the rest. Anastasia smiled, and accepted her caregiver's apologies. However, the peace was quickly interrupted, as thirteen young squealing girls came rushing into the room. As the old lady tried to control the crowd, Anastasia put up her hand, and instantly the crowd silenced. Smiling she announced "girls, I have missed all of you a great deal. I understand many of you have questions, and I will be happy to answer them all. If everyone can sit quietly in the sitting room, I will explain everything." At that, every girl ran into the sitting room and awaited the story of the long lost Grand Duchess Anastasia.