"Vlad dearie, please, stop staring out the window, I'm sure they'll arrive soon," Sophie assured Vlad. The two eagerly waited for Anya and Dmitri return to Paris. Roughly a year ago the young couple announced their elopement and went on an around the world honeymoon. Vlad and Sophie received gifts, letters, and photos from the young globetrotting couple. There were a lot of photos actually. Anya apparently became an amateur photographer during her travels. Now, Vlad stood at the window, staring intently down the road as he held onto the curtain in the manner of a shield.
"I know that my little cream puff," responded the portly gentleman to his love, "but I'm worried how they'll arrive here." He turned back to the window with a look of apprehension.
"Why's that?"
"Because if they are the children I remember them to be, they always bicker. I'm looking to see they're coming in the car we sent, and not a hearse."
"Oh, Vladie, you worry too much," smirked Sophie with a roll of her eyes.
"Maybe you're right Sophie, I did notice before I learned the truth that they were falling for each other. I wasn't at all surprised when I learned of the elopement, but still…"
"Not to worry my good man," said a sagely woman's voice, "I knew that night they were in love with each other. With each message I received from my granddaughter as they traveled the world, I could sense the happiness they were feeling. And I responded with my assurance that I was happy with her decision, and I am still happy. I can promise you, Vladimir, that they are madly in love, they just have a unique away of showing it."
"You're right your grace, I know they're madly in love, but just how Madly in love they ar- wait I see them!" Immediately Vlad, Sophie, and Marie began to head towards the stairs. Vlad was the first one down and out the door. He practically leaped across the lawn. As he opened the gate, the male passenger, in his trademark brown suit with green vest and his cap, stepped out of the Rolls-Royce.
"DIMITRI! My boy, it's wonderful to see you again!" As he cheered this, he swept up Dimitri in a great big bear hug.
"It's nice to see you too Vlad," Dimitri groaned out as he was hugged. "You can put me down now, I need to help with the bags." But already servants were already taking the luggage off the car. "Well, that's something to get used to," he remarks.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you get your share of servitude," said the female passenger as she got out of the car. She was wearing a beautiful green dress and matching sun hat in the soft, late April sun, making her look indescribable in the eyes of the man who loves her. Pooka went running up to Vlad, who immediately picked her up.
"My goodness, you've grown!" Vlad cheers as Pooka yipes happily. Then he turns to see the young woman. "Oh, Anastasia, you highness, it is so nice to see you again." Vlad gave a bow and kissed Anastasia's hand, as was the custom, "but what happened to that cute puppy I took a medal from?" Vlad asked as he played with Pooka.
"Oh Vlad, there's no need for formalities. I'm still the same girl you met in St. Petersburg. I'm still Anya," Anastasia humbly corrected Vlad, "Pooka? Oh she's been growing. Almost kept us from getting on the boat over here." At this point Sophie had arrived. Anya walked up to say hello to her. Vlad and Dimitri kept talking.
"It's nice to you two, especially you, still in one piece," whispered Vlad to Dmitri, "you had me worried while I was waiting for you to arrive."
"I see you have a lot of confidence in us, Vlad. I thought you would think we had changed."
"I had no doubts about that, it's just if you two changed for better or for worse is what I was worried about. Without me to break you two up, I was afraid you would be at each other's throats. But I am happy to see I was worked up over nothing."
"Vlad, Anya and I love each other immensely. Sure we have our moments, but it's the exception, not the rule. You have nothing to worry about."
"My boy," Vlad put an arm (the other was preoccupied holding Pooka) on Dmitri's shoulders and pulls him in, "it's nice to see you have grown. You make me so proud." Anya at this point was having an in depth conversation with Sophie with all the latest news and gossip.
"So, how vas ze honeymoon? Where did you go, what did you see? Tell me everything!," spoke Sophie excitedly.
"It was so incredible! Seeing the world was an amazing experience. We went to Italy, Greece, Egypt, China, and America to name a few. Each place was so different! And I thought Paris was an adjustment from Russia," Anya explained, "It's so hard to explain. We'll need a whole day to discuss everything."
"Well, I'm sure we'll get zhat chance! And how are thing with your Beau?"
Anya blushes. "Things are well between Dimitri and I. We've grown much closer. He really knows how to be romantic surprisingly," she says in sincere jest. "We still bicker, but we thankfully don't fight. We've had quite a few adventures. Seen how big the world is. And I'm so glad I got to share it with Dimitri."
"Sounds like you've found your prince charming."
Anya blushes more. "Yes, I think I have." At this point Sophie and Anya were inside the house. Anya was taking off her hat when she heard a familiar voice,
"Welcome home my dear. I see you enjoyed your trip," said the Dowager Empress.
"Grandmama!" beamed Anya. She ran to hug her grandmother.
"Oh my dear Anastasia, it is so lovely to see you again."
"I feel the same way about you, oh it is so nice to see you again."
"As lovely it is to see you, I sense there a reason for you coming here other that to renew friendships."
Anya sighed, "You're right Grandmama, Dimitri and I-"
"What about me?" asked Dmitri as he came in and hung his hat. "Oh, I'm sorry your grace, I didn't mean to interrupt." Dmitri bowed in respect to the empress.
"Young man, as much as I appreciate your respectfulness, there is no need to be so stoic about it. You are apart of this family now, so you can feel more open with us with any danger of banishment," assured the empress.
"Oh that is such a relief your grace, thank you."
"Now it is my turn to apologize my dear Anastasia, what were you just saying?"
"Well, me and Dimitri want to tell you all something, something important. Can we discuss this in the parlor?" requested Anastasia.
"Of course my dear, we'll have refreshments as well." And with a wave of her hand, a servant went to get tea and the associated snacks. The group walked into the parlor. Dmitri and Anya walked hand in hand to the sofa. Marie sat across from them; Sophie and Vlad, still holding Pooka, decided to stand.
"How appropriate, this is the room when I realized you were the princess, Anya," reminisced Dimitri, with an affectionate look towards the girl of his dreams.
"Yes, and thanks to you, I am here today, I don't think I can thank you enough," Anya said as she clasped his hands in hers.
"So what more an appropriate place to make another life changing revelation. As you all know," spoke Dimitri as he turned back to the others, still holding Anya's hand, "about a year ago we decided to elope, and neither of us have regretted it since. But a few months ago, I made the decision to do things to right way, the traditional way." He looked at Anya with a "you-tell-them" look on his face.
"Well going around the world was an experience for both of us, we saw things that changed our lives," Anya began, "but the biggest changed in December of last year. We were sailing to Australia when Dimitri did something unexpected." At this point, Anya showed the ring on her finger. "He proposed." This was met with a gasp from Vlad and Sophie, and a happy bark from Pooka. Marie just smiled.
"And that's why we came back to Paris," Dimitri explained.
"Yes, we want to be formally married here, in the city when we realized who we are and that we're in love with each other. We were hoping for December if that's all right," suggest Anya.
"Of course my dear," said Marie, "anything to make you happy. I will gladly approve of this, it will the most beautiful wedding in all of Paris."
"I told she approves of you," joked Anya.
"What are you talking about, I never had a doubt in my mind-ow!" replied Dimitri, which was met with a playful slap that accidentally hit his nose.
"Why do I always seem to hit you there?"
"I guess it's how you subconsciously show your love," suggested Dmitri, sarcastically. Anya then gave his nose a good squeeze, to demonstrate that Dimitri had a point. Vlad chucked under his breath.
"Oh how wonderful, we'll make be ze wedding of ze century!" rejoiced Sophie.
"Actually Sophie, I would like it to be a quiet, private ceremony, just friends and family please," said Anya. Marie grimaced at the mentioned of 'family' but it went unnoticed.
"As you wish, but your wedding will still be fabulous, and you will still have the most beautiful gown ever seen and made."
"Thanks Sophie." Anya let out a small chuckle. "It seems everyone is happy for us." She spoke only to Dimitri.
"Yeah, I guess you were right, as you always are," Dmitri said with a smile on his face.
"It's nice to see you finally caught on," Anya remarked. Then the two lovers leaned on each other, until Pooka came bounding into Dmitri's lap.
"Why does this mutt always stop me from romanticizing you?" asked Dmitri as he raised Pooka above him. Pooka than gave him a lick on the nose.
"I guess he doesn't want to miss out on the affection," laughed Anya. Vlad and Sophie left the room to start preparing, but Marie began to speak.
"My dear, as much as I regret to, I must ask you to do something."
"Yes Grandmama?" Anya asked with concern. Dimitri and Pooka also tuned in, with synchronized head turns.
"There have been recent developments that have cause some… that will cause some changes. Since you are the Grand Duchess, and the heir to the Russian throne, I'm afraid you will have to assume some duties of a regal ruler. I'm sorry dear."
"What?" Anya's face had a look of shock.
"As you can see dear, I'm getting older, I cannot keep going to meetings, events, and balls in my age." Anya started to wince, not only at this sad fact, but also she didn't like where this was going. "I want you, and the world needs you to start attending in my place. I know this isn't what you want but the times are changing now; with recent events you need to start accepting your responsibility. That is why I was sending you those books." Dmitri and Anastasia both winced at this moment. Neither of them read the numerous volumes of history and politics. They viewed the books as mainly dead weight in their eyes, and which they were when their car needed the extra weight on a country road. Although the American history books came in handy as guidebooks, Anya didn't read the constitution and the declaration as her Grandmother intended. "And judging by the looks on your faces, you didn't read them." Anya and Dmitri gave sheepish 'we're sorry' grins. "Doesn't matter, your time here in Paris will be proactive. You will learn the ways of the modern political realm and society, and then you'll go to England to study on how to manage a constitutional monarchy, if you are ever get the chance to rule Russia again. You'll also most likely go to America to study there as well." Anya was speechless.
"What about me?" Dimitri dare asked.
"Dimitri, since Anastasia will be seen in public more now, and since you are her fiancée, you too will have to learn the ways of being a gentleman, which shouldn't be too hard for you. I'm sorry my dears, the present time requires this. Don't worry, you two will still have time to be happy, and the wedding will happen. In the mean time, you two will be preparing for your first ball. The American embassy is celebrating the 125th anniversary of their Louisiana Purchase on April 30th. Many ambassadors have been invited as well as I. I have told them that you will be going instead. It will help you both get use to the social realm. Once again I apologize, but this is the way things are. Also, your room is arranged for you, but you'll only be staying here tonight. For tomorrow I'll be taking you two to your new house. I will try to make everything as easy a possible. See you at dinner my dears." Marie left the room, regretting her actions, but a recent message from the American embassy had caused her to do those drastic measures. Anya and Dmitri turned to face each other, then simultaneously exclaimed 'uggggghhhhh' as their faces fell into their hands. Even Pooka did a face paw. Their lives were going to be a lot more complicated from now on.