It hardly seemed real.
Anya hadn't been lying. She really had dreamed of her first kiss in Paris. Lying awake at night she hadn't just longed to find her family but she had ached for someone who would love her.
And then as she slept dreams of an imaginary lover had invaded her mind.
Last night for the first time that dream had had a face. Dmitri. She'd awoken confused and scared.
Yet here he was, his strong arms tight around her. They were still in each other's arms when a light rain began to patter their cheeks. Anya pulled away and laughed as the shower grew heavier.
"Paris in the rain!" she cried.
"And a soaking wet princess" Dmitri said, trying pull her to shelter. Anya twisted out of his grip and begun to twirl.
"I'm free!" She shouted to no one in particular.
Dmitri laughed and watched the wild girl spinning in the pouring rain. Water began to soak her dress and the street lights reflected on the jewels making them sparkle. She pulled the pins from her hair and giggled as the wind whipped it around her face.
Louder this time, she shouted: "I'm in love!"
Anya still twirled, not noticing Dmitri's stricken face.
"You love me?" He croaked, his voice hardly audible above the rain.
Eyes bright, hair wild and rain streaming down her cheeks she turned to him.
"Dima, I love you with all my heart."
It occurred to him then that he'd never seen anything so beautiful. Grinning, he ran to her. Lifting her up into his arms he kissed her soundly.
"My love." He said, holding her too him.
She already knew he loved her, he'd admitted that even when he thought he couldn't have her. Yet he had to tell her again.
Soaking wet and breathless Dmitri set the girl down. Away from his warmth Anya shivered.
"We'd better get you inside before I have runny nosed princess on my hands." Dmitri said, wrapping his jacket around her.
Suddenly realising they'd agreed on no solid plans Anya hesitated.
"Inside…where?" She said.
Dmitri seemed suddenly shy too.
"Are you hungry? There's a café just around this corner…." He said.
"Sounds perfect."
He picked up her suitcase and took her hand.
The café was warm and candlelit. A few couples sat at tables, talking quietly in that subdued way only a rainy night can bring. Dmitri led them to a small corner booth. Bringing a menu, the waiter eyed the strange couple with a sense of amusement. Both of them were soaking wet, water dripped from Dmitri's scruffy hat and Anya's ball gown alike. The Frenchman decided not to comment. They ordered soup.
After the soup settled in their bellies Anya spoke first, "It was Nanna who gave me the courage to come to you." She said.
"To her then, I am forever grateful." Dmitri said, sincerely.
"But there was something else Dima, something terrible…"
She began to tell him of Gleb and what he had threatened. Of how she'd looked into the barrel of his gun and heard the voices of her family calling out to her. By the time she'd finished he was gripping her hands tightly in his. He didn't let go, or even say anything.
"You're hurting me a little." She said, trying gently to pry her hands from his.
He let go immediately and apologized, ashamed.
"I'm sorry Anya. I should never have left. I almost lost you!" He said.
She stroked his cheek. "But you didn't, and after that time with Gleb I knew couldn't go back to the way things were when I was a child. I am a princess of the past. You Dima, are my future."
"But I don't deserve you Anya, and I can't ask you to give up everything!" Dmitri said.
"I won't be giving up anything. Nothing that really matters at least. Besides with you, I have everything to win" Anya reassured him.
He took her hand again, gently this time.
"There's still one thing I need to say, Anya"
"Yes?"
"I lied to you. When I first met you, Vlad and I, we were in it to make the money" He said, eyes downcast.
"I know that Dima. And at first I was so angry, but now, after what you did for me, after how you've helped me…it doesn't matter"
"Still, will you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive. When I met you I too had no thought except for myself. All I wanted was to get to Paris and you brought me here. You gave me back my family, or at least a small part of it. For that I am simply thankful." She beamed up at him, her heart so full.
"Oh Anya, I adore you" He said and kissed her.
Dmitri hadn't been in Paris long enough to know if it was improper to kiss someone in a café. He did it anyway, making Anya blush in that pretty way he'd come to adore.
He remembered adoring it even when they danced all those weeks ago in St Petersburg. Not that he'd let himself dare to admit that then.
He was leaning in to kiss her again (it was city of love right?) when the waiter cleared his throat.
"We are closing now Monsieur."
Dmitri paid the bill and they exited the café. Anya's heart pounded as they stood together on the pavement. They still hadn't made any plans. She was growing tired and so was Dmitri. They both needed to sleep, but where?
"I still have my hotel room booked for one more night." Dmitri said, as if he could hear her thoughts.
Anya didn't respond but nodded slowly, unsure.
"It has a spare bed. Vlad was going to stay but then he made other plans." He clarified, reddening.
Anya looked relieved, yet blushed a little too.
"Well then, it's settled." She said and started to walk toward the hotel.
Dmitri didn't follow but hesitated a moment before making up his mind.
"Wait, Anya!" He called.
She turned on her heels, "Yes, Dima?"
"I want you to know I will do right by you." He said, and took her hands in his.
"I know." She replied gently.
"I mean; I would like to find a priest!" His voice sounded strange and loud to his ears.
"A priest?"
"Yes. Tomorrow, if that's alright…"
Anya looked puzzled. "What for?"
He waited a moment, shuffling on his feet.
Finally, he spoke: "To marry us"
Anya smiled with relief and exhilaration, "I don't remember you asking…"
Seeing her smile his own eyes twinkled. "Why would I when I knew you'd say yes?" He said.
Anya swung to slap him playfully but he ducked down. In a moment he was on one knee with both of her hands in his.
"I know it's sudden. And I know it may seem rash but I love you so very dearly. Anastasia Romanova, will you be my wife?" He said, his voice solemn, with no sense of jest.
Her eyes were suddenly filled with tears.
Home, love, family. In him she found all of this and more.
"Dima, I will"
This will be the first of three parts. I hope you enjoyed it! Please review xxx