I walked into the hallway, clad in a white silk dress with gold trimming around the edges. Over my dress, I wore a golden sash. My mother said it's the same one she wore when she was sixteen years old. Olga, Tatiana and Maria had all worn it on their sixteenth birthdays.

I met all of my sisters and my brother in the hallway, as was tradition right before the ball. Mother checked us all to make sure we were perfect one last time before she turned to me and forced a smile "You look lovely, my darling. Just be on your best behavior. And it wouldn't hurt you to try flirting with Prince Charles, you know?"
I refrained from rolling my eyes, knowing I'd get a scolding if I acted on such a thought, "Yes mom," I said, although entirely not meaning it. I was hoping beyond hope that Dmitri still fancied me, even just a little bit. I'd much rather spend my sixteenth birthday with him than some of the pretentious people I was about to engage with.

Mother nodded astutely, "Right then, off we go. Your father is already downstairs in the lobby and socializing." I again refrained from rolling my eyes. Father was forever "socializing," which by my definition meant that he was making deals and sucking up to people who he needed to suck up to.

We walked down the hallway and Alexei complained, "How long do I have to hang around this boring party for, mom?" I inhaled deeply with impatience. I knew Alexei had health issues, but he was always using this as a reason to get out of things he didn't want to attend.

Mother smiled sweetly at him, "Not long my dear one. All you need to do is make an appearance. Converse with one or two guests, and then you may retire to bed. Anna will take you, of course." We had arrived at the lobby now where guests were already filing in.

I was walking to the main door when I spotted Dmitri in a suit. I couldn't believe it! What was he doing in a suit? That's when I noticed the butler's tray being held aloft in his hand. He was offering the guests champagne and he had stopped Caroline Mikhailov and her daughter Daniela. They were accepting champagne from Dmitri and the pretty blonde girl batted her eyelashes at him furiously. He looked abashed and embarrassed which I found rather endearing.

Just as mother was pushing me towards the ballroom, Dmitri glanced up and he caught my eyes. I watched him as he tried to disengage from Daniela. I couldn't help but feel a little bit pleased, because at the very least it meant that he somewhat cared what I thought. I was ushered to the left-hand side of the stage, Pappa was still socializing and we had to wait for him before we could start the party.

Mamma straightened my Tiara and my dress. She said firmly, "Anastasia, you will be polite to every guest. And you will greet Charles with enthusiasm that he would not expect from you, alright? He might make you an offer that you cannot refuse." I stared at her in surprise at the seriousness of her tone. Mamma was not one who was normally light-hearted to be fair. But her something about her tone bothered me. Was she…she was worried?

Pappa finally joined us and he appraised as all, "Ah, my beautiful family! Anastasia…" he watched me with a big smile on his face, "You look radiant. I know you will not let me down tonight." Why were Mamma and Pappa acting so strange? I knew I had to see that blithering idiot of a prince, but I really didn't know why they kept thinking I would disappoint them…

Then Pappa's name was announced and the hall erupted with applause. He walked on stage confidently, and Mamma followed him shortly after. They held hands and waved to their audience. Maria commented, "Don't they look beautiful?" she sighed in a whimsical thought. I shrugged my shoulders, "They look like mamma and pappa. I don't see what's so different about them tonight." First Olga was announced, and then Tatiana, followed by Maria. Alexei also went first this evening. The speaker said finally, "And last but not least, her royal highness the Granduchess Anastasia Nikolaevena." A round of applause and whooping echoed from the audience and I walked on stage, making sure I didn't trip up the stairs with my clumsiness. I was by far the clumsiness of my sister at any rate!

I walked on stage, head held high and I was grateful that I was not wearing an ankle length dress tonight. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself, not while Dmitri was out there at least. The thought of his made me excited to see him that evening. I grinned and waved my hand at my audience, eyes searching the crowd for chestnut colored ones.

I finally found him at the far back of the room, standing beside the big oak doors in a black and white tuxedo. He was watching me with a smile etched on his face, and as my eyes met his, I felt a shiver trickle down my spine. Why did he have such an effect on me? Why? I had to forcibly look away from his penetrating gaze. It made me blush and I knew everyone was watching me. I did not want people noticing. This was our little secret. I had to pretend like I didn't care.

I waved until my father stepped forward and this effectively ended the introductory speeches. He cleared his throat and said, "Now, Prince Charles, I know you have a gift to give to my daughter." I glanced in confusion at mother, who avidly stared at the ground and pretended it was the most interesting thing in the room.

I felt suddenly ill for some reason, like I knew what was coming. Charles walked confidently to the stage, his blonde hair brushed perfectly back- not a strand out of place. He got down on one knee and I felt my stomach sink through the floor. I wanted to disappear and never come back. He smiled kindly at me and said boldly, "Anastasia, I've known you for a long time Long enough for me to feel like this is right." He pulled out a little box from his blazer pocket and held it out before opening the box.

Tucked inside the little red velvet box was a big blue sapphire, surrounded by little sparkling diamonds. I gasped, but it was not the typically good kind of gasp that people made when they were being proposed to. It was a gasp of shock and surprise and absolute terror. Charles smiled, thinking otherwise. He whispered, "Will you do the honor of becoming my wife?"
There was a collective murmur from the audience and I glanced at Pappa. I knew what he wanted me to do because he was beaming from ear to ear. My mother was also nodding slowly and then I glanced at Olga who looked positively jealous. I turned my attention back to Charles and whispered, "Uhh…I need to think about it."
There was more noise in the ballroom and then Pappa snapped. He dragged me off stage and he said angrily, "You will accept that boys offer, Anastasia so help me or…" I glared at him, "Or what, Pappa? What?" I folded my arms crossly and mother joined us, "Anastasia, you cannot leave the poor boy hanging there!" I scowled at her, "Yes I can. Did you really think it was a good idea to get him to propose to me in front of the entire ball?" Pappa interjected then, "We thought you couldn't refuse and embarrass us in front of so many people!"
I shook my head then and smirked, "Well, clearly you don't know me very well then." Mamma glowered at me and reprimanded, "Anastasia, you will get back on that stage and accept that proposal or…" I raised my eyebrows, "Or what Mamma?" Suddenly I could see a threat come into her eyes and she blurted, "Or, that kitchen boy will be banished from the castle. And he will be out of a job and have no home to go to. Is that what you what?"
This made me freeze. I glared at her, "What makes you think…" she interrupted me then, "That you still fancy him? I know you went to the kitchens today Anastasia. And I know that it had nothing to do with the cake you inquired about." This caused me panic! So she knew I'd been down to visit Dmitri. And I knew what I had to do now. Pappa turned to Mamma, "Why was she in the kitchen?"
I stared at her and prayed that she would not divulge my secret. She smirked, "Anastasia has a little crush on the kitchen boy. That's why she's so against marrying Charles." I balled up my fists tightly and Pappa's expression darkened, "Have they done anything about this obsession?" Mamma shook her head, "Not to my knowledge, no. I threatened Anastasia about it a long time ago."
Pappa nodded briskly, "Ok then. Anastasia, do not keep Charles waiting." I bowed my head in defeat and walked up the stairs. I reached Charles who was still standing on the stage. Pappa silenced everyone and he smiled falsely, "My daughter has something to say." I glanced down at Charles and through a tightened voice whispered, "I accept your offer of marriage, Charles."
There was a round of applause as Charles got down on one knee again and the slipped the massive ring onto my finger. I'd never worn such heavy jewellery and I hated the feeling of it sitting there, cold and uncomfortable, even though it fit perfectly. I glance up to scan the crowd for Dmitri. It seemed like he had vanished into thin air, like a ghost of my past. I wanted to cry and break inside, but I had to remain strong for the next few hours at least.

Charles then took my hand in his and led me to the dance floor. I danced with him because now we were engaged and mother and father had gotten their way again. But I was not going to stop trying to fight against it with all my might. I was even more determined to see Dmitri tonight than I had been before. Mamma and Pappa had just unleashed demon in me that was not going to be tamed easily. I knew what I wanted, and it wasn't Charles.