A/N: Thank you for the love and support! Here's the next chapter for you.

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Chapter 9: A Happy Dream

~one week later~

The week after Anastasia's nighttime outing with Christian was the best week of her life. The two of them had found ways to spend time together every single day, whether it was under the cover of night in their area of the meadow, or during the day in the town market, where Christian would sneak in wearing his usual servant garb disguise. They would arrange these meetings via Benjamin, who now acted as their personal messenger boy, and he was compensated handsomely for it.

The two of them would spend most of their outings talking and getting to know one another, but when they were alone it was mostly hand-holding and kissing, confessing to one another their deep and earnest feelings. Though Anastasia hadn't said the words yet, she knew beyond a doubt she was falling head over heels in love with Christian - the fact that he was a prince didn't matter to her. In fact, a large part of her wished fervently that he wasn't of royal blood… he would then just be a normal young man from town who could court her openly, without fear of his family's disapproval. Or maybe, in another universe, Anastasia could be a duchess, like the one Christian was betrothed to, and then perhaps she too could be worthy of his love.

Anastasia would give anything for their situations to be different, but since they had agreed to not let their class differences dictate their choices, she decided to put it out of her mind for the time being.

Anastasia woke up bright and early Sunday morning to go to mass with her father and uncle. She changed into her favorite light blue frock with a nice lace overlay, and tied a pretty white coif over her hair. She was feeling a bit sad today - Christian had told her he could not visit with her today due to the familial obligation of his nephew's birthday. He had promised to send Benjamin to her with a note this afternoon, however, so she at least had that to look forward to.

She went downstairs to see her father and uncle talking quietly with each other. Raymond looked up and smiled upon seeing his daughter approaching.

"Anastasia - I am glad you are up. There is something your uncle and I wish to discuss with you," he said promptly. Anastasia frowned at him, feeling rather anxious.

"What is it?" she asked worriedly.

"Nothing too serious, I promise you," Raymond insisted. "It is just that Alistair and I have a potential business opportunity up in Brighton. A manager at a lumber mill wants all of his workers' shoes checked over and fixed, and a few weeks ago he asked me for a price quote, which I sent. I received a letter from him today saying that he will accept our business, and he will be expecting Alistair and I in Brighton tomorrow afternoon."

"That's wonderful, Father! So you are going to be out of town for awhile?" Anastasia wasn't sure how to feel about that, but something inside of her was almost hopeful.

"We are sorry to be leaving you here all by yourself, Anastasia," Alistair said sincerely. "It will only be for a couple days, hopefully, but until then you will be here all alone."

"And what about the shop?"

"It shall remain closed until we return," Raymond explained. "As much as I value your experience working here with us, Anastasia, you will be alone and it would be impractical for you to run everything by yourself. The money we make on this business trip will hopefully compensate for the days we close the shop."

"Well, hopefully you will not be gone for too long," Anastasia said with a melancholy smile.

"We would not dream of it," Raymond said jovially, walking forward and wrapping an arm around his daughter. "Brighton is not too far away, and if all goes well at the lumber mill, Alistair and I will be back no later than Wednesday morning."

"Then I shall look forward to your return," Anastasia said to her father fondly, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.

Though she seemed sincere on the outside, Anastasia's mind was swirling with the possibilities of having her home all to herself. She would not have to sneak away in the dead of night to meet with Christian tomorrow - instead, he could just come here.

He could be here with her… in her bedroom, and in her bed. Anastasia blushed as she thought about being with Christian in that way, like how a husband and wife lay together, but she felt tingles spread from her head down to her toes all the same. She knew it was what they both wanted, and what other chance like this were they going to have? The timing could not have been more perfect.

Benjamin was going to be coming by later that day, and Anastasia knew she could send a note with him telling Christian where they could meet tomorrow evening. He would be ecstatic, she was sure, and she smiled at the thought.

"See? I told you she would enjoy having us gone for a few days," Raymond now said to Alistair, turning to smile over at his daughter. "I doubt she would even miss us for a moment."

"Of course I will miss you, Father," Anastasia smiled at him sincerely. "I am simply happy about not having to run the shop by myself, though it will be dreadfully boring around here with nothing to do."

"That is understandable, though I am sure you will find a way to pass the time," Alistair said, glancing out the window toward the church in the distance. "I believe mass is going to be starting soon, Raymond. Shall we go?"

"Yes, we shan't be late," Raymond said, hurrying to gather his things together. "Are you ready Anastasia?"

"Yes, Father," Anastasia went over to the coat rack to grab her parasol and fan, since the church often became stiflingly hot in the summer heat.

"Let us be off then." Raymond opened the door, and Anastasia and Alistair both filed out. Anastasia followed her uncle and father down the road toward church, wondering about the hypocrisy of going into God's house knowing what she was likely going to be doing tomorrow evening.


Sunday went by quickly, and by Monday morning Anastasia finally got to have the whole apartment and shop to herself. Raymond and Alistair left for Brighton very early before dawn, and Anastasia woke up so she could say goodbye to them. The shop was closed and Anastasia was home alone without her dad or uncle, she was going to have a vacation for the first time in many years - it was exciting, to say the least.

And Anastasia was even more excited to be spending Monday evening with Christian.

Sunday afternoon, Benjamin had sneaked through the back alley behind the shops and met with Anastasia, giving her Christian's letter as he had promised. Anastasia then gave Benjamin her own letter to pass along to Christian, which told him of her father's business trip to Brighton, leaving her home alone for several days. In an act of brazenness she had never known of herself before, Anastasia wrote that he ought to come to her window Monday night after sundown, and she would sneak him inside. She did not explicitly state why she wanted him to come into her bedroom, but she hoped he would understand the implication. It wasn't as if she had any experience in these matters.

This felt right, though, and she was going to see it through.

All day, Anastasia spent her time cleaning the apartment and the shop downstairs, feeling it was a bit odd that it was the middle of a work day and the shop was empty and dark. She made sure to sweep the floors, wash the cupboards, dust the bookshelves, and clean off the workbench, which took her until the late afternoon. After she ate her dinner of bread and vegetable stew, she went upstairs to prepare herself for Christian's arrival.

She was feeling terribly nervous at this point - what does one wear for a liason such as this, she wondered. A nightgown? A fine frock and petticoat? Nothing at all? Anastasia felt out of her element here, and after a long while finally settled on a simple short-sleeve white cotton gown that was more low-cut than what was appropriate in polite company. However, she hoped it was something Christian would like…

Would like to take off of her, that is.

Anastasia watched the sun begin to set along the horizon, and she continued to prepare and prettify herself for Christian. She heated up a basin of water over the fire and washed herself from top to bottom with a washcloth; she then dabbed some rose scented water along her neck and wrists, hoping the perfume smelled nice upon Christian's arrival. Finally, after putting her dress back on, she took her long brown hair out of its usual updo and let it cascade down her back in long ringlets. Gazing at herself in the looking glass, she felt her appearance was very brazen and wanton… but hopefully not too much so.

Just as she was putting the finishing touches on her outfit, she heard a soft tapping sound on her window. She looked over and saw a few pebbles hitting the glass panes, and she smiled to herself before getting to her feet.

Looking out her second-floor window, Anastasia gazed down onto the street to see Christian standing there alone, dressed in his usual commoner clothing. He smiled up at Anastasia as she opened the window.

"Anastasia," he said, gazing up at her in awe and reverence. "You look absolutely breathtaking."

Anastasia giggled, her cheeks blushing pink. "And how can you even see me from that distance, sir? It is not very appropriate to speak with a young lady at her bedroom window at night."

"Then allow me to come up there, beautiful lady, so that I may be able to address you properly."

Anastasia giggled again, feeling her heart soaring with happiness as it often did when she spoke with Christian. "Just a moment," she said before turning back into her room and picking up the rope ladder she had taken out of her father's storage shed. After latching one end of it onto her windowsill, she let it unspool out the window down to the road where Christian stood.

"Climb up - hurry," Anastasia said urgently, glancing up and down the empty street to ensure nobody was nearby. Christian grabbed the end of the rope ladder and began to climb up quickly - in only a few moments, he was at her window, and Anastasia helped him inside.

"Thank you," Christian smiled, brushing himself off as he stood in the middle of her bedroom. He glanced around the small area, his gray eyes eagerly taking everything in. "So these are your sleeping chambers."

"In a manner of speaking," Anastasia said, pulling the rope ladder back into her room before closing the window and closing the drapes. "It is not exactly a castle where my father and I live, Christian."

"You are right, my apologies," Christian said sincerely, but the next moment he was in front of her, gazing at her with an intense, blazing look in his eyes. Anastasia couldn't help but blush as Christian's eyes roved over her body, taking in her low-cut dress and her long unruly chestnut hair. He reached forward and brushed his hands along her bare arms, causing goose pimples to appear where he touched.

"You are exquisite, Anastasia," he whispered, gazing at her as if he could hardly believe she was real. "Words cannot describe how happy I felt when you asked me to come to your home tonight."

Anastasia's heart pounded loudly in her chest. "When my father said he and my uncle were going to be out of town for several days, I knew I could not pass this opportunity up. I knew I wanted to spend tonight with you."

Christian smiled, looking like the happiest man to have ever walked the earth, and Anastasia could not help but smile too. Christian reached up and took Anastasia's face in his hands, brushing his thumbs gently along her cheeks.

"Oh, Anastasia…" he whispered reverentially before leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers in a tender yet passionate kiss. Anastasia kissed him back, reveling in his taste, his warmth, and his affection - she felt she could be like this with him all the time and never grow tired of him.

Their kiss soon began to escalate as Christian opened his mouth against hers, tangling their tongues together as passion began to dominate their actions; Anastasia felt as if her heart was going to burst as Christian kissed her senseless. He finally nipped her bottom lip before pulling back slightly, both their chests heaving as they panted for air.

"Anastasia," Christian breathed, his face mere centimeters from her own. He closed his eyes. "My blood burns for you… my heart cannot stop pounding at your touch… I do not know if I can keep myself from you any longer."

"Then don't," Anastasia said without hesitation, gazing up at Christian with all the love and passion she felt. "I am yours Christian."

"Oh, Anastasia…"

Christian pressed his lips against hers once again, moving his arms down to wrap around her waist. Anastasia gasped surprise as he lifted her up into his arms and walked them over to her bed, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, anchoring herself to him.

"Christian…" Anastasia breathed against his lips, feeling him lower them both down onto the bed on top of her quilt. Christian now hovered above her, kissing her passionately on the lips, and Anastasia lay on her back beneath him, feeling her desire rising in a crescendo the more he touched her.

"You are exquisite, Anastasia," Christian whispered, moving his lips along her jaw and down her neck, causing her to whimper. "Everything about you calls to me… I do not know how I have gone through my entire life without you."

Anastasia felt Christian begin to gently pull her dress sleeves down her shoulders, and excitement and anxiousness both filled her heart. She had never been this bare in front of a man before, and she felt that once she was going to expose herself to Christian, there would be no turning back. The thought distracted her for a moment, and Christian seemed to notice.

"Are you alright?" he whispered, positioning himself up on his elbows above her and gazing into her eyes in concern. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No," Anastasia shook her head, biting her lip. "I've just… I've never done this before."

"Neither have I," Christian confessed, still searching her eyes. "I have dreamt many times about being like this with you, Anastasia, but I would never force you to do anything you do not want to do. If you want me to stop right now, just tell me."

Anastasia gazed into Christian's eyes, and she could see his sincerity, the vulnerability reflected in those gray orbs as he stared back at her. She now felt resolved on what she wanted to do, and with her heart pounding in her chest, she slowly lowered the straps of her dress all the way down to reveal her breasts.

Christian seemed at a loss for words, and Anastasia did not know what he was thinking. Finally, after several moments of staring, he leaned down to kiss the top of her chest, nipping at her soft skin before moving down toward her nipple.

"You are absolute perfection, Anastasia," Christian breathed against her skin, and Anastasia gasped at the sensations he was producing. "Everything about you… is absolutely perfect."

Christian continued to kiss her left breast, moving his hand up to fondle the right one. Anastasia arched her back, gasping at the wonderful feeling of his lips and hands on her chest. Before she knew what was happening, Christian had tugged her dress down her body to her waist, and the next moment her dress was pooled on the ground at her feet, leaving her completely naked.

Christian now stood up, staring down at Anastasia's naked body with unmistakable desire. He began to strip off his own clothing - he kicked off his boots before removing his jacket and untying his cravat. His shirt, now hanging wide open, was still tucked into his pants, and Anastasia reached forward to grasp the ends and tug them out. She pushed his shirt off his shoulders, revealing his naked torso, which was chiseled and defined with muscle. Her desire must have been evident on her face, because Christian smiled at her.

"Do you like what you see, my lady?" he asked teasingly, moving forward so that he was hovering over her on the bed once again.

"Yes, I do," Anastasia smiled sweetly, and Christian chuckled before kissing her once again. He gently moved them so her head lay on her pillow, and he lay on top of her in a position that was comfortable for both of them. They continued to kiss and fondle one another, the hardness of Christian's length pressing through his trousers against her thigh.

"Are you ready, my love?" Christian whispered, kissing along her jaw. Anastasia's breath hitched in her throat when she heard him use the word love.

Does he love me?

Anastasia knew beyond a doubt that she loved him, and as fast and tumultuous as their relationship had happened, she could never see herself loving another like she loved him.

"I am," she breathed, tilting her head back as his lips reached her ear. "I'm ready for you, Christian."

In a moment, she felt Christian pull off his trousers and toss them to the floor with the rest of the clothing. They were now both completely naked, the skin of their bodies touching from head to toe, gentle brushes which were warm and soft with the heat of their passion.

"Anastasia," Christian breathed, and she looked him in the eye as his cock brushed up against her center, poised to deflower her. His eyes conveyed his deep affection and vulnerability, and Anastasia felt her body ache with her need for him.

"Christian," Anastasia whispered back, and gasped slightly as he finally pushed his way into her.

The pain was overwhelming for a few brief moments, but Christian was gentle, keeping his body still enough so she could adjust to his length. His movements were slow yet loving, following the cues her body gave him. Anastasia was all sensation as Christian made love to her, filling her in a way she had never been before. The way Christian held her, kissed her, conveyed his feelings for her with his touch, was more than Anastasia felt she could bear. The emotions coursing through her body at this wonderful, magical moment caused tears to spring into her eyes.

They made love for what felt like hours, touching and caressing one another as their bodies and souls connected. Finally, they both came together in a spectacular climax, panting and clutching each other as if their lives depended on it. The release they had together was something neither of them had ever experienced before, and both of them needed several moments to collect themselves in the blissful aftermath.

Christian, finally noticing the tears slipping down Anastasia's face, leaned forward to kiss them away, and Anastasia couldn't help but smile, running her fingers through Christian's hair as she did so.

Happiness and love and desire and so many other wonderful emotions filled her entire body, making her feel tingly and warm. She wished with all her heart she could stay this way with Christian forever.

And perhaps, in a happy dream, she really could.


A/N: Yay, hope you all liked that! If you did, please review :)

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