"Sit down, Dmitri." Sophie offered. Dmitri reluctantly obeyed. There was something in her voice that told him he wasn't going to like this.

Sophie studied Dmitri. She had to approach this gently. She had always had a soft spot for him. That horrible night 10 years ago didn't change that fact. Sophie had been like a mother to him since day one. She'd kept him on track all of his life. He was all alone since that horrible day at the castle. He was an orphan and lost his best friend. Sophie took him under her wing. She made sure he was okay before tending to the queen. Although they rarely met face-to-face now, they were still very close.

"Why don't you tell me why you're really here?" Sophie started.

Dmitri didn't understand. "I already told you about Anya."

"Dmitri, I know you well enough to know better." Sophie looked him square in the eye. "Why are you helping this girl?"

Dmitri shifted uncomfortably and sighed. He should have known Sophie would catch on. "You're going to think I'm crazy."

Sophie raised her eyebrow. "Try me."

Dmitri leaned in. "Sophie….I think she is Anastasia."

She sighed. "Dmitri! This has happened before! You find a girl with long red hair, dark green eyes, that fits the age profile and you instantly think she's Anastasia." Sophie caught her tone. "I know you still think she's alive, that she's still out there, but it's been ten years, Dmitri. You have to move on. She's not coming back. Don't you think after all your efforts; you would have found her by now?"

Dmitri knew that in any other situation, Sophie would be right, but this was real. He was not sure if Sophie believed a word of this, but he proceeded to tell her about the dream Anya had anyway.

Sophie sat back in her chair when he finished. "It's all coincidence, Dmitri."

Dmitri shook his head in disagreement. "That's not all, Sophie." He pulled out the jewelry box. It was still glowing blue.

Sophie leaned closer, her mouth dropping open. "Is it supposed to be doing that?"

"Yes, an enchantment was put on it by…a man of magic." Dmitri cautiously added.

Sophie raised her eyebrow. "Which one?"

Dmitri met her gaze. "You know which one." He mumbled.

"He's a dangerous man, Dmitri. How could you trust him?"

"Snow led me to him. James found her when Rumplestiltskin enchanted the engagement ring. It glowed as he got closer to her."

"Are you saying this jewelry box is supposed to glow when you get close to Anastasia?"

Dmitri nodded. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

She looked skeptical. "I thought the item had to be something that belonged to her for it to work."

"Sophie, this is Anastasia's."

Dmitri watched as Sophie's eyes fill with tears. "What? Where did you get it?"

"I've had it since the day the kingdom fell. Anastasia dropped it and I picked it up. I tried to get it back to her, but it was too late."

"And you're just showing me it now, because…." Sophie waited for an explanation.

Dmitri frowned. She was missing the importance here. "Because this was the only memory I had of her after that day. I didn't want to share it with anyone." He leaned forward in his chair, longing for her to understand. "Sophie, this goes far beyond coincidence! I know this girl is Anastasia."

A smile suddenly played on Sophie's lips. She's tried to hide it, but Dmitri caught it before she could.

He searched her eyes. "How is any of this funny?" He asked.

"Oh, it's not." Sophie assured him, stifling a laugh.

Dmitri crossed his arms. "Then why are you laughing?"

Sophie pointed at him. "You, my friend, are falling for this girl."

Dmitri gawked at her. "I'm not imagining this!"

"I never said you were. What you're saying is possible, Dmitri, but you have to admit that it's not very likely." Sophie shrugged. "Believe what you will, but you can't deny it forever. You like her. Try as you might, you can't stop yourself, so you made her out to be Anastasia instead, so it made sense of why you'd feel attracted to her." She leaned in and added in a whisper, "And you shouldn't let a girl like that get away."

Dmitri shook his head. If the jewelry box wouldn't make Sophie believe, how was he ever going to get Anya to believe him?

000

As soon as they entered the sitting room, Anya was instantly taken by a picture displayed above the fireplace. She studied it, not realizing that the queen was watching her. It was a picture of a family….the only thing she desired. The couple was happily holding a little girl, about 3 years old. She was gorgeous and had a huge smile on her face.

"It's a great picture, isn't it?" The queen asked.

"Yes," Anya whispered. She looked at the queen. "Who are they?"

"That is my son, Nicholas with his wife and daughter, my precious Anastasia."

Anya felt stupid. Of course! How could she not of seen that? "I'm so sorry about what happened, your majesty." She unintentionally started playing with the key around her neck, lost for words in the awkward moment.

"Thank you, my dear." She studied Anya. "What is that you're playing with?"

Anya followed the queen's gaze. She studied the key that hung around her neck. "It was a gift from my family."

"May I see it?" The queen asked.

Anya innocently thought nothing of it. She didn't catch the look in the queen's eye. She willingly took the necklace off and handed it to the queen.

Marie studied it. She was always good at keeping calm. "It's lovely." She peered closer. "What does it say?"

Anya smiled. "It says 'Always Together'."

"And where did you say you got it?"

Anya's smile faded some. Her voice almost sounded suspicious. "From my family."

Anya could not have been more shocked as to what happened next. The queen's relaxed demeanor turned to rage in a heartbeat.

"You liar!" The queen growled. "Where did you really get this? Who did you take it from?"

"Your majesty, please! Calm down. What on earth has gotten into you?" Anastasia desperately exclaimed.

The queen ignored Anya, grabbing her shoulders. "Tell me!"

Anya searched for the right words, pain surging through her shoulders at the queen's tight grasp. "I already told you." She said in horror. "It was a gift from my family." She loosened the queen's grip. She tried to grab the necklace, afraid to lose the only thing she had form her past, but the queen drew it back farther.

"Get out." The queen growled.

The threat in the voice was enough to scare Anya back. She eyed the queen as she hurried to the kitchen to where she hopped Dmitri still sat. Much to her relief, he was. She marched toward him and, without thinking, grabbed his hand and dragged him from the table.

"We're leaving." She stated simply.

Dmitri was confused. "What? Why?"

He caught a single tear run down her face. "Anya, what happened?" He prodded.

"I don't know what you were thinking when you brought me here. That woman is insane." Anger was taking over now. She knew it wasn't Dmitri's fault, but he was the only one she could think of to blame. She quickly recapped what happened when they were outside. She couldn't believe the situation herself. Sophie had followed them out, listening to every word. She shared a look with Dmitri.

Sophie cleared her throat. "Why don't you take this money and stay at the inn that is a few miles away from here?" She offered.

Dmitri shook his head. "Sophie, you know I don't like taking money from you. I'm sure we'll be fine." He gave her a reassuring smile.

Sophie looked over towards Anya. She was about to break from hurt over a situation she was helpless to control. She lowered her voice so only he could hear. "Please, Dmitri. It's the least I can do."

Dmitri gave in. "Thank you, Sophie."

000

Marie didn't even hear him come in. She was sound asleep. The sudden feel of a hand covering her lips scared her into a panic. She tried to gasp for help but couldn't.

"Your majesty," The voice reasoned, "relax. I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to show you the truth about your granddaughter."

Although his face was hid in the dark, Marie recognized the voice. It was Dmitri! Had he gone mad? Still, Marie relaxed some. Knowing Dmitri would never hurt her, she let him lead her out the window. Marie was impressed that they didn't make a noise as they left. When they were deep into the woods, she was let go. Dmitri lit a lantern.

Now free, Marie let the anger she'd been holding back surge through. "What on earth is the meaning of this? Carrying me away in the dark of night? What on earth has gotten into you, Dmitri?"

Dmitri now knew where Anya got her temper. Once Dmitri calmed Anya down enough last night and she was able to fall asleep, he thought about the bizarre turn of events. It took him forever to get her to open up. She was so upset.

The loss of her family had plagued the queen over the years. Now that she was older, the pain got worse. Sometimes it messed with her better judgment. Still, he had to wonder why she would lose her sense so quickly.

"I want the key. It belongs to the girl." Dmitri quietly reasoned.

"It belongs to my granddaughter." The queen shot back.

Dmitri took a step forward. "Where is the key, your majesty?"

The queen met his gaze. When she didn't budge or say a word, Dmitri pulled out the jewelry box from his bag. "I want to know," Dmitri whispered, "if it unlocks this." He was relieved they were far enough away from Anya that it wasn't glowing.

Marie put her hand to her mouth in disbelief. A small gasp escaped her lips. "Where on earth did you get this?" She reached out to touch the last thing she shared with her granddaughter.

"Anastasia dropped it before she left. I've kept it ever since."

Marie's face turned dim. "Did she drop the key too?"

Dmitri knew to tread lightly. "Then the key opens the jewelry box?"

Marie shook her head, taking the key from around her neck. "It's not a jewelry box. It's a music box. I gave it to her right, along with the key, right before the raid." She carefully took the box from him. The key fit the lock perfectly. Suddenly, sweet music filled the air.

Dancing bears, painted wings

Things I almost remember

And a song someone sings

Once upon a December

Marie shut the box. A small smile played on her face. Dmitri recognized the tune. Anastasia sang its song all the time when they were little.

"You did not answer my question." Marie stated.

"How much did Anya tell you about herself?" Dmitri asked.

Dmitri could tell that Marie did not understand, but she played along anyway. "I'm afraid very little."

"That's what I thought." Dmitri started. "When she was 8 years old, she lost all memories of her past. She doesn't know how that happened, but an older couple took her in, made her believe she was their daughter. Not until ten years later did she discover the truth when she was finally given back that very same key." Dmitri paused. "You see, your majesty, Anya wants nothing more than to discover who her real family is, where she really comes from, who she really is."

"Dmitri," The queen interrupted, "please don't tell me you think that that girl is my granddaughter. You've had suspicions of other girls before, but this is just too much. "

"Why not?" He wanted nothing more than to make her believe. "It makes perfect sense! The timing is just right. How else do you explain the necklace?"

"Did you ever stop to think she was lying?"

Dmitri shook his head. "No, not Anya."

Marie raised her eyebrow. "You've fallen in love with her."

Dmitri was irritated. "Why does everyone keeping saying that?"

"Well, probably because it's true." Marie focused back on the situation at hand. "Look, Dmitri. Anastasia is gone. I didn't want to accept that for a long time. After we lost her with whatever magic that man used, we searched frantically as soon as we could. By then, she was gone, nowhere to be found." Marie's voice got choked up. "It was too late. She burned in that fire, Dmitri. She's gone. Anya probably just found the necklace before she fell and lost her memory."

"No, that couple must have got to her before you could. That's the only explanation. You have to believe me, your majesty. How can you not see this? You have to realize what you're not realizing!" Dmitri pleaded. "At least just talk to her! See for yourself! She is exactly the way we both knew she'd grow up to become."

Marie sighed. She couldn't say no to that helpless look. "Fine, if the girl will talk to me, I will oblige." She turned to walk away before looking back again. "Does she know you think she's Anastasia?"

Dmitri shook his head. "No."

"And why haven't you told her?"

"She wasn't ready. Plus, it'd probably sound better coming from you."

000

Anya woke up to Pooka's cold nose touching her arm. She smiled. Good thing she was a morning person. "Hey, buddy."

A knocked sounded at the door. "Anya? Are you awake?"

It was Dmitri. She got up and opened the door.

Dmitri smiled. "How are you feeling?"

She knew what he meant. "Better." She answered truthfully. She studied him. "How long have you been out here?'

Dmitri ignored the question. "The queen wants to talk with you."

Anya's eyebrow rose. "Why?"

"Why don't you go find out? She's waiting outside to take a walk with you."

Anya couldn't believe this. "Did you tell her to come? She's not going to help me anymore, Dmitri. She exploded yesterday. I have no idea what got into her."

"That's what she wants to talk to you about." Dmitri calmly replied.

As always, curiosity took over Anya. She had to see what the queen had to say. Plus, she was hoping to get her key back. Once ready, she slowly made her way outside the inn. She found the queen standing there, waiting patiently. She looked calm and collected; a sharp contrast to yesterday.

"Good morning, Anya." She said gracefully.

"Good morning, your majesty." Anya replied skeptically.

"Oh, please. Call me Marie." She smiled. "Are you up for a walk?"

Anya nodded in agreement, eyeing her suspiciously. Once they were out a little ways, Marie continued.

"I wanted to apologize for the way I acted yesterday, Anya. I'm not sure what came over me." She hesitated. "Actually, I do. I couldn't have been more shocked to see that key. I gave one to my granddaughter long ago that looked just like it. It has the same engraving and everything."

That made a little more sense as to her reaction. "It has to be a coincidence, Marie. I know this key is mine."

"Where did your family get it?" Her voice was full of kindness, not suspicion. It made Anya feel comfortable to share her story.

"Well, I can't say…that is, I don't know." Anya started. "I was adopted in a way. My parents never told me who I really was until recently, when I got the key back. My parents said they took it from me when they found me….but the key almost looks familiar to me. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, they could have gotten it from anywhere, but then again, why would they make up a story about the key, knowing how I'd react? It feels so close to me. It's the only thing I have from my real family. It's the only thing that connects me to them. It shows that they at least once cared about me."

"You said the couple found you…where?"

"In the woods. I still don't know how I got there."

"Anya, did your parents show you what the key unlocked?"

Anya looked at her. She didn't understand. "No, I don't think it unlocks anything. I think it's just a necklace."

"Well…" Marie started as she took out something from her bag. Anya looked over her shoulder. It was her key! – Along with a jewelry box. Anya got a closer look. The top of it was glowing against the sun.

Anya stepped back. "Is it supposed to be doing that?" She asked curiously.

Marie held up. "It was doing that last night too once we got closer to the inn."

"What are you talking about? You were here last night?" Anya questioned.

"Yes. Dmitri wanted me to agree to show this to you." Anya wanted to argue, she had so many questions running through her head. All the questions stopped when Marie took the key and unlocked the box. It was a perfect fit. The box opened and played a song. One that Anya recognized. She didn't know how, but she knew the melody and lyrics by heart:

Dancing bears, painted wings

Things I almost remember

And a song someone sings

Once upon a December

Marie started humming along. Her eyes were shut, as if a memory was running through her mind.

Someone holds me safe and warm

Horses prance through a silver storm

Figures dancing gracefully

Across my memory

Far away, long ago

Glowing dim as an ember

Things my heart used to know

Once upon a December

Someone holds me safe and warm

Horses prance through a silver storm

Figures dancing gracefully

Across my memory

Marie shut the box and opened her eyes.

"I know that song." Anya thought out loud.

"It was the song that my granddaughter and I used to sing." She smiled and then studied Anya.

Anya felt uncomfortable under her gaze. "Is there something wrong, your majesty? I mean, Marie."

"No, my dear. I'm sorry for staring. It's just…." She hesitated. "All of this is almost too coincidental…."

Anya looked at her, confused. "I don't understand."

"The key, the music box, the song, your loss of memory, you were found in the woods, probably even the glowing…."

Anya cut her off. "Marie, you don't think…."

"It's a perfect fit!" Marie exclaimed. "I think Dmitri was right, Anya. You are her."

Anya's mind was spinning. "Dmitri thinks I'm Anastasia?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't he say anything?"

"He said he wanted you to hear it from me."

"How can you believe him? None of this makes any sense."

"I didn't believe him until right now, my dear." Marie took a step forward. "I had to see the look on your face when the key unlocked the music box. I knew it'd either be one of guilt for taking the key or shock that it worked. I am so relieved and thankful that it was the latter." Marie shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're alive. I gave up all hope a long time ago."

Anya took a step back. "Marie…." She didn't know what to say, but this was making her feel very uncomfortable.

Marie frowned. "You don't believe me...you still don't remember."

"How can you be so sure that I should remember? Don't you think I'd know if I was royalty?" Anya wanted to desperately to say the words this woman wanted to hear, but she just couldn't. It wouldn't be true. "This would all be perfect if it was right, but it's not. I can't allow us to believe a fantasy. We both have to face reality. I'm not Anastasia."

The look of sadness and hurt on Marie's face tore Anya's heart apart. "I'm so sorry, your majesty." Anya whispered as she turned to walk away.

"Anasta…" She stopped herself. "Anya, wait."

Anya turned around to face her. Marie stepped forward. "I want you to keep the key and music box. You were right." She smiled briefly. "They do belong to you."

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry it's been a while since I posted a new chapter….life has been crazy. Anyways, tell me what you think of chapter 11! B)