Sorry fans! In last chapter I meant Edgar, not Edward.
Chapter 4: Princess vs. Pauper
"Anastasia, time for breakfast," said a cheery voice from outside as a silver tray was set outside Ana's door. Opal, the servant was serving breakfast this morning to Ana and her friends. Happily she surveyed the crisp bread, eggs, and milk settled on the shining tray. Whistling she walked down the hallway to the other doors.
"Ugh," moaned Ana stretching her body underneath the silky, soft sheets touching her body. The feeling of silk always tickled her belly, but this morning she rapidly removed the covers and placed her delicate feet on the cold, marble floor as she walked to the door. Grabbing the tray a bit happier she closed the door behind her, than sat at her small table to eat. For an instant she swore the eggs tasted funny, but realized some of her milk had fallen on them. At the dresser she brushed her soft, red waves before dressing in a warm green gown, a brown scarf placed about her neck. Slipping on some flat, warm shoes she walked out of her room meeting an awakened Kurando who was all ready it seemed.
"So, do you have to study me or something?" she questioned frustrated as she walked down to Lucia's room. Hastily he placed a hand on hers as she reached to knock Lucia's door.
"I wished to ask you something…alone," he said, pronouncing 'alone' quieter as he softly pulled her hand down and away from the doorknob. As if contemplating her choices and outcomes, her lip pouted ever so slightly as if agitated before nodding thoughtfully. Tenderly he held her hand behind him as he lead her out of the hallway into the garden of stone benches intricately carved hidden beneath the smooth, beautiful snow covering them. Quickly he wiped the one, lonely bench nearby to reveal a deep scratch underneath that both didn't notice before Ana sit down on the cool stone and Kurando sat next to her.
"Ana, last night…you seemed upset, would you tell me why?" he asked sincerely, wondering if he should or even would be allowed to hold her hand. She looked at him, frowning deeply in her eyes, but her lips were pulled into a polite nothing. Unexpectedly she did open her lips to answer when Opal walked out into the garden.
"Sir Inugami, Czar Nicholas requests your presence," she stated, bowing respectfully, but seemed to bat her eyelashes a bit more than before. This went past Kurando like air on a gentle, relaxed day during spring, but Anastasia noticed this as a bitter wind during winter. Green eyes flashed with anger at such a display of flirting, but Anastasia hid that behind her exterior.
"Oh, and your presence is requested as well, Princess Anastasia," remembered Opal, looking up at the princess abruptly as if asking for forgiveness from forgetting that task before. Confused, Ana stood up and walked inside without a second glance at either of them, and left a stunned Kurando to follow.
"You were saying, princess," said Kurando as they entered another of the adjoining hallways.
"Nothing, it is not of importance," she finished plaintively, not wishing to continue their talk. Her shuffling skirts were the only noise to occur in the halls as they walked past, only the sniffles or sneezes of the guards echoed in the hallway. Before her she shoved open the doors before them, opening to the Grand Hall were Nicholas stood, arguing with his wife before both sat down realizing they had a small audience.
"Anastasia, it is great to see you so healthy," said her mom sweetly, but behind those eyes, Ana knew her mother didn't trust her, ever since she had been possessed to kill Alexei.
"It is great to see you mother…father," Ana said, bowing respectfully to both parents. Kurando, not knowing what to do, bowed lower than her before standing behind her.
"Anastasia, although you have just gotten back, we have business to attend to, like your future husband…"started her mother before Ana interrupted her with, "What? I just got back, and you wish to marry me off!"
"As I was saying before you interrupted me," began Ana's mother again, glaring at the upset Anastasia, "We have decided that a respectable officer of the Russian Army would be great for you. Even though you've had past difficulties with him and with what happened awhile back, we wish that you will accept his offer. Because of what happened, men here may not wish to marry you. Before you ignore our offer, his name is Sir Demetri Cavalisne, First Sergeant of Mother Russia's Army."
"Demetri!" shrieked Anastasia, looking up at her mother disbelievingly.
"Excuse me, but why am I here?" asked Kurando, confused, for this was politics going on, not defending the princess's life.
"Nick, please forgive me, but Ana must know. Kurando, you are to protect both of them from this point forward and any children they have. And any future wife or fiancée' you have here will be allowed to go with," stated the czar's wife quickly before he could interfere.
"NO! I told you not to tell her!" bellowed the czar, glaring dangerously at his wife, "YOU WILL LEAVE THIS ROOM NOW!" His wife looked up at him, quickly realizing her mistake and impudence. She bowed swiftly before leaving the room, shame-faced.
"Now, Ana, please forgive Kurando and us, we were given him as a gift of protection from Inugami village. Besides that fact, I want you to have dinner with Demetri tonight in the Dining Hall. Kurando, you are to act as a server during dinner, but you will be watching Sir Cavalisne closely and his servants. After Rasputin I do not trust many men among me anymore. You will be allowed to bring that camera you used in the battle two years ago tonight for extra protection in case you get into trouble. Pretend you are taking photos of the garden to show to your friends like Joachim, or to send to Saki Inugami. That's all for now I believe. Kurando, please show Anastasia to her room now," ended Nicholas, rubbing his brow in agitation.
"Anastasia, sorry I did not tell you," he said lowering his gaze a bit at her smoldering eyes outside the Grand Hall.
"I am not told many things," she remarked, walking down the hall. Suddenly she turned to him, "So, you did not come back to see us at all did you? You would never have left Sayori if you had not been forced?" Kurando was surprised to hear her voice hint a little bit of sadness in it. He did not want to lie, but she was speaking of the truth and he kept silent. His silence was her answer as she walked back up into his eyes, her own staring intently into his, her emotions overcoming her as her outburst began. "You don't even remember that day do you? That day we left each other and I ignored your goodbye?" she asked. Once more she was left with silence. Speedily she twisted away from his view and walked down the hall, wishing to run, but not wanting to alert him, so she walked. Looking outside he saw a blizzard had begun.
What happened, he wondered trying to remember. All that came to mind was how cold she had responded as he waved to her that day. Growing a little upset at her sudden anger and the way she acted he followed her until they reached her door. Before she could close it he stopped the heavy door with a tanned hand. Shock and fear stopped her for a moment like a caught doe before she realized it was him. "What do you want?" she asked him.
"I want to know why you were mad that day and continue to hold a grudge. Now," he stated, his eyes calm and collected, not showing any irritation at all. Opening her mouth she began to refuse when once more Opal along with a grinning Lucia showed in the hallway.
"Miss Anastasia, Lucia wishes to shop for tonight's dress," she said bowing gently, more focused in Kurando's direction although he faced Ana. As she straightened, Opal flattened her maid skirts softly before walking past the two with Lucia grinning in a large, pink mink coat.
"Come on Ana, it has been awhile since you've seen the town square I know, and I'm excited to see you in something new," squealed Lucia with delight as she turned quickly to circle back, "Vivian, darling, come here. Uncle Kurando can baby sit you while we shop. If you're good I'll buy you a little outfit." The quiet, outgoing Vivi ran into the hall skipping until she hugged Kurando, like a little sister might. He was a bit surprised, and a bit aggravated by Ana and his interruptions constantly. However, he bit his lip and waved to the two shoppers, one seeming to almost be a prisoner of the pink bunny.
"Come, little Vivi, let's go play chess," he suggested and he saw her smile widely. Happily she followed him into his quarters where a small chess set of hand-carved marble sat. Building up the fireplace first, since the room was chilly from the weather outside, he sat across from her where they began to play. Vivi idly chatted about horses, scented oils, tarot cards, dances, fortune telling, and geography. It went on for awhile when she said, "Is Uncle Kurando married to Auntie Ana?" Kurando blushed furiously at the idea spurted from her mouth. Him and Ana married? Smiling he said, "No." Vivian frowned for a split second when a knock was heard at the door. Walking across the floor he opened the door slowly to find Opal standing there with two mugs of hot chocolate steaming. Graciously he invited her in although Vivi stared a bit angrily at the woman as both chatted. She may be little, but her mind was much more advanced, actually she could be smarter than the wise Lucia already. Once Opal tried to step into the room, invited by Kurando, both mugs tipped, splashing down her outfit. Opal blushed with shame and embarrassment as she picked up the pieces and he wiped away the spill on the tiles. After exchanging apologies and goodbyes she left, to which Kurando joined chess again. He was confused because Vivi had gone silent.
"Ana, try this one on," she said, placing a dress into Ana's tired arms. She stood in shock at the dress Lucia handed her. It was a creamy red, with a black corset and black lace over it. "NO WAY!" she screamed flinging it back, her face redder than the dress. Lucia sniggered, but stuck the dress on the counter thinking, 'One day she will use that dress.' When Ana turned away she bought it, stuffing it into her shopping bag. Ana peered at a silk, purple dress that had thin, spaghetti straps, sparkles of pink set in flowery patterns all the way down. Smiling she faced Lucia, seeing approval in her eyes and paid for the dress, excited about shopping. Outside they walked across the moist, snow-caked sidewalks. Lucia had also bought a small, white dress for Vivi with a black cloak over it for cold weather wear. As soon as they reached to palace however Lucia frowned. Looking over Ana asked, "What is it Lucia?"
"Nothing Ana, nothing," she smiled, walking forward. Shaking her covered head Ana followed her into the palace and to her room. Inside her room she set up the makeup and everything for Lucia, almost as if Lucia had become her makeup artist and hair stylist. She knew she would be alone for awhile so Lucia, herself, could get ready, so she lay on the small, gold-patterned couch to take a nap before dinner.
"Thank you for watching her," Lucia said to Kurando as she grabbed little Vivi's frail hand. "You are welcome Lucia," he responded smiling at the two, although Vivi's head hung low, "Vivi was very good." Looking up Vivi smiled at him as Lucia led her out of the room. Outside Lucia looked down at the sad Vivi, knowing what had happened as Kurando closed the door. "Vivi, why did you do it? You know you are supposed to keep your talent a secret. I'm surprised no one felt the power, since Kurando has the fusion ability," Lucia said, shaking her head in unhappiness, "But, everyone slips once, which is okay. Come, I got you a present."
"Ana, I wish to talk to you…" started Kurando as he walked into the room, his eyes closed in case she was undressing. However, a soft, gently snore was heard and he saw her sleeping gently in the corner. Her soft, pink lips formed a small circle as she breathed, and a tendril of red lay across her cheek. Softly, he walked over to nudge her shoulder. Feeling the touch she jumped up, scuttling into the couch's edge, frightened. "Sorry, Ana, I really want you to answer my question now," he said, putting both hands up in surrender, looking at her with pleading eyes. Relaxing slightly she yawned, holding up a slender hand as she looked at him, exhausted, "Fine…"
So, she told him the story from her view as he sat next to her. Frowning deep down he looked up at her downcast eyes as he stated, "You forgot some things, eh?" She looked up at him suddenly, surprised. "You see, that day, Sayori had come with a picture you had forgotten. Worried that she was too late she had run, not noticing the monster, but when you did see it, you ran forward. Accidentally you slipped on a rock so I helped you up as I ran to attack the monster. At the same time you dropped the camera. Joachim ran to your aid than as I grabbed the camera since he was closer to you. We were lost for a moment before he realized the monster had taken you down to the crevice." Anastasia frowned before accepting the story with a nod. Then she looked up as Lucia knocked before entering the door. "Sorry, Kurando, I remember now. I must have forgotten when I was…um…actually Lucia needs to prepare me. Please, excuse us," she said, suddenly shaken a bit. Worried he looked at a chipper Lucia who saw his look and nodded towards Ana. Stoically he stood, walking outside as they prepared. Out the door was Vivi standing in her white, sundress almost gown with a black, velvet cloak over it to keep warm. She passed a bouncy, red ball to him and he passed back to her.
"Kurando, please assist Ana to the dining room," said Lucia, placing Ana's arm through Kurando's as was the ritual in leading a lady. Kurando bowed to Lucia as they headed down the hall. Suddenly remembering her date with the young man, Demetri he frowned, and unconsciously tightened the hold. Anastasia noticed it instantly, happy inside with butterflies. "Who is this Demetri?" he asked.
"A former boyfriend of mine," responded Anastasia, curious.
"Former boyfriend?" he asked, wondering.
"I did not like his speed and curiosity, especially since he was born rough," she responded, not taking note of the darkening look on Kurando's face. He remained quiet as they walked, only saying the accustomed, "Good evening, sir," once they entered the dimly lit dining room, with Opal serving entrees. A seat was laid out for him in the middle of the long table. At the southern end sat a tall, strongly built man, obviously Demetri. He had brown, tousled hair with laughing brown eyes which belied his devious personality.
"Princess Anastasia," he said smoothly standing as she came to the table.
"Lord Demetri," she responded coolly and indifferent as she sat in the chair. Their dinner continued on, only a few comments here and there. Opal talked insistently to Kurando as she served dinner until they finished. Happy that it was over, Ana stood when Demetri called out, "Ana, please take a walk with me." She knew she could not refuse and said, "With honor, Lord Demetri." Ana walked down to Demetri and walked outside to the garden watching the snow fall.
"Ana, you seem tense," he said holding her close to him. She cringed inside with disgust, knowing what he really was.
"I'm fine," she said, pushing away gently.
"Ana, I missed you," he said, whining a little, leaning in quick enough to sneak a kiss. She cried out in protest against his hungry lips that invaded hers. Suddenly she shoved him away, "Stop it!" He looked down at her upset. "What?" he asked, dumbfounded. Turning on her heel she began to leave when he jumped in front of her. "You can leave now, but Evan will come for you," he whispered into her ear.
"Is something wrong?" asked Kurando looking angrily at Demetri who jumped back from Anastasia. Shivering with the chance to hurt the young Demetri, Kurando walked forward when Anastasia said, "Kurando, would you please assist me inside. I'm feeling chilly and I do believe Lord Demetri must return to his home tonight." This ended the tension as Demetri bowed to Anastasia who curtsied. She took Kurando's held out arm and followed him in to the palace. Inside he stopped walking and looked towards her head on and asked in a low, tired voice, "Who is Evan?"
Aw, shucks…I'm gonna end right….here!