The next morning arrived and began just like the previous one. The servants were milling about, waiting for the royal couple to wake. The last few days had been hectic for the two lovers, now asleep in their bed. Each day had been a demanding education session. But this time the couple in the bed was not being rushed out of it. There were no servants constantly measuring, fitting, make up-ing the couple. At least not yet. No tutors or dossiers educating them on etiquette, rules, and political mumbo jumbo. They were not being jostled and hustled about to and fro to be preened, primed, and proper-ed. They were sleeping in their nice, snug bed in their new house in Paris. All house fit for a princess, although Anya and Dmitri haven't gotten the chance to see if the house is as grand as her Grandmother said, since the last few days were an utter blur. The few glances they had have the outside and foyer as they were rushed inside looked nice, but that was about it. But the exploration would still have to wait, as the happy couple was fast asleep. After they got home from the ball, they went straight upstairs, changed, and went to bed. Anastasia's gown and Dimitri's tux were just thrown on the floor. The servants cleaned it up, and right now they were preparing the house to be ready for breakfast. Anya began to stir, it seemed that the effects of the ball had worn off.
"Ugh," moaned Anya as she began to stir, "what time is it- whoa." She was taken by surprised by the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower the window gave from the bedroom.
"Wow," she whispered in amazement. Then came the noise of a growling bear. At least that is what the noise the came out of Dimitri's mouth sounded like. Anya turned expecting to see Dimitri at least partially awake, but he still had his eyes close.
"Good morning sleepyhead," she playfully whispered into Dimitri's ear. Dimitri gave some sort of growl in response.
"Did someone forget how to speak this morning?" Dimitri gave a growl that resembled a no.
"Well, that's not helping; I can't understand you." Dimitri mumbled a response.
"What?" She leaned in to her better. Dimitri mumbled softer. Anya leaned in more. Then out of nowhere, Dimitri sprang to life. He grabbed Anya's neck with his left hand and pushed her over with the other. Anya gave a shriek of delight. He was now on top of her, with a playful, sly grin.
"I was saying how you were never going to see that coming."
"Well played, my sweet prince." She kissed him.
"Hey, who are you calling sweet? I have a tough guy reputation to uphold."
"I see you didn't mind the prince part."
"Well… I guess that will happen after all."
"Don't too excited, we're not officially married yet."
"That doesn't mean we can't practice for the official honeymoon."
"Dimitri!" She gave a "disapproving" boop on the nose, similar to a dog. Speaking of which… "I wonder if Pooka is up?"
"Well your grace, considering we just woke up, I highly doubt it."
"I suppose you're right," Anya looks at the ceiling, "our room is nice." Dmitri flops back down next to her. Both of them are now look around the room.
"Yeah, not bad, better than the rooms we've occupied during our lives. No more alleyways."
"Or orphanages."
"Abandoned palaces."
"Baggage cars."
"Leaky roofed inns."
"I wonder if that owner ever got it fixed?"
"I doubt it, knowing how he always served bad coffee and stale biscuits." Dmitri was talking about their trip to Ireland, when their inn at one stop left them worse for wear.
"That's when I really started to get homesick. And being Ireland with its rain that room leaked everyday. The whole place has probably collapsed."
"You probably right."
"I always am."
"Well…" Dimitri said in a doubting tone with a grin on his face. Anya got rid of it with a kiss, to which Dimitri said, "you're right." They kissed some more. It continued until Pooka came bounding onto the bed. "Oof!" Anya laughs as Dimitri gets the wind knocked out of him as Pooka lands on him.
"I think Pooka has gotten bigger since we've last been in Paris."
"I –groan- think you're right- aw cut it out." Pooka at this point was licking Dimitri's face.
"Ok, come here," Anya picks up Pooka and puts the dog in her arms. Pooka starts licking Anya's face, but a lot more gentle.
"Are you enjoying your wake up call?" Dimitri asks as he wipes the slobber of his face.
"I always enjoyed Pooka's kisses, and she's enjoyed mine, right Pooka?" Anya kisses Pooka on the head, who returns the favor by licking Anya's nose. Anya places Pooka back on the floor, and gets out of bed, putting a silk robe over her nightgown. She unruffles her hair, letting it hang down. That long hair made Dimitri's heart glow, looking at her silhouetted against the morning Parisian sky. He gets up and wraps his arms around her and kisses her neck.
"I love you so much." Anya turns to him and kisses him back.
"I know, and I love you too. And as much as I hate to leave you two, I going to freshen up for today," as she walks away towards the bathroom.
"Why? We have nowhere to be." Dimitri asks leaning against the patio railing. Both him and Pooka have a confused look on their face.
"But I want to go shopping, it's been a while since I've been to Paris's shops. And if we're to be royals, we're going to need the wardrobe to go with it, which isn't such a bad thing, especially in this city. Don't worry I'll put on something nice." She winks and goes in. Dimitri is left there, smiling until he realizes he needs to get dressed.
"Alright, Pooka, out you go," Dimitri picks up Pooka and places him outside the door and closes it. Pooka barks disapprovingly, but understands.
Eventually, the two got dressed and ate breakfast. They briefed their servants of the day's plan, and proceeded to leave the house. Just before they left, a servant came to them and said, "Excuse me your highness, but your grandmother left a message earlier. We didn't want to disturb you, but she wants you to call back as soon as possible. It's urgent she says." Anya was perplexed at this urgency.
"Alright, where's the phone?" The servant leads her to it, and Anya calls her grandmother. "Hello Grandmama. How are you today? I was told you left a message for me? Is everything alright?" There was a brief moment of silence before Marie spoke.
"Hello my dear, I did leave a message for you. Early this morning, the British Embassy contacted me. They are requesting your presence tonight at the Hotel Lafayette. I am asking you…. I am telling you, you must go. It is important." Anya listened intently to her Grandmother's words. She could tell she was distressed.
"Why do I have to go? What's wrong Grandmama, is everything alright? If it's another politics lesson, can we rearrange it?"
"No, you have to go."
"But Grandmama, it's been over a year since I've been back in Paris. And since I've been back, I've been thrusted into the royal life. The last few days have been hectic and demanding on Dmitri and me. I just want to have a relaxation day today."
"But darling you must go. This is part of the duties of a head of state. And considering the situation, I want you to go."
"Grandmama, I understand my responsibilities. But I want a free day to be myself and going through so much. I'm sure the embassy will understand if we-"
"Anastasia, listen to me." Marie's sudden, stern cutoff jolts Anastasia. "You must go tonight. It is extremely important. It affects not only just you and me, but possibly the entire continent. The fate of the world depends on it." That last sentence caught Anya off guard. Her Grandmother was not one to use such strong language. "I'm sorry for snapping at you my dear, but this is how the world works. You can enjoy yourself today, but understand it may be the last time you ever get to be… 'normal' if you will. You're going to have to learn to make sacrifices. I'm so sorry, but I urge you and beg you to go to the meeting tonight." Anya is silent for a few beats.
"Ok Grandmama, I understand. I'll go. I'm sorry if I came off the wrong way."
"Don't worry my dear, you're still new to this world. But the sooner you realize its true nature, the better."
"I'll try. Goodbye Grandmama."
"Goodbye, my dear Anastasia." Anya hangs up the phone. Her emotions are swimming at this point. She steadies herself on the phone's desk. She collects herself as best she can, and walks out the door to Dmitri. Anya's thoughts were now clouded with this preoccupation. Dmitri started to comment, "How did the phonecall- are you alright Anya?"
"I- I don't know. Grandmama said we must go. That the 'fate of the world' depends on us going. I've never seen or heard her so… adamant. She's become so much more forceful since we've been home."
"Well, she did say she's getting old. Maybe she wants you be educated while she's still around, to make sure you come out right. But you're right, 'fate of the world' does sound kind of strong for her. So, is it another politics meeting or something?"
"I don't think so. I noticed something was different when we first came home. The way she looked so grave when she told us I had to take the throne. And the British Embassy being involved… Something is going on."
"Don't worry, I'm here to protect you. I'll make sure nothing will happen to you."
"I hope your right. I think we should try to enjoy today. I think things are going to get a lot more complicated from now on."
"Let's put that aside for now ok? If you makes you feel any better, I'll carry whatever you buy today."
"Really?" says Anya was an excited look on her face.
"Just don't make me regret saying that." As the couple enters their car and is driven off, across the street a man watches them. He writes down something on a notepad and walks away.
Anya and Dimitri made most of their time that day. Anya went in every store she could find on the Champs-Élysées. Dimitri soon regretted his promise. He found himself at capacity with his arms full. Luckily there were enough servants to help, and some stores did agree to deliver their products on accounts of the buyer's status. Dimitri did get some revenge, buying his own share of things. But Anya won the day. Lunch was quiet and peaceful, aside from the occasional onlooker and fans. One little girl was so enamored by meeting a real life princess that Anya happily obliged to have the girl's parents take a photo of them. "You know, you shouldn't make that a habit," Dmitri says as he and Anya wave at the retreating family, "then everyone will start asking for a photo with you."
"Jealous are we?" Anya implies with a smirk.
"No, just looking out for you. I don't want any crazies coming up and taking advantage."
"Dimitri, you know I can hold my own. Don't worry, I made a special exception for that little girl." A sense of longing overtakes her. "When I see children, I just can't say no. I want to make their young lives special. Allow them to have a special memory from their childhood." Dimitri was perplexed at this change in the mood, and then he remembered that Anya really didn't have a childhood. For at least 8 years she did, but she barely remembers her days as a Romanov, and what she does remember from her time at the orphanage is not exactly heart warming. Dimitri could relate to an extent, his childhood wasn't perfect either. He offers a comforting hand on her back. She takes it and kisses it. "Come on," she says as she gets up, "does a cabaret sound nice?" Dmitri nods. They set off to find a theatre. The afternoon was certainly active. After a showing, the cabaret's band played, allowing the guest to dance. Anya and Dimitri were once again the center of attention, especially when a Charleston or Lindyhop came on. After getting their fill of standing ovations they left the cabaret. The two went and saw a bicycle race, which was followed by a nice dinner. The day was concluded with a stroll arm in arm in a park along the seine. Then a servant came up to them.
"We have to be at the Hotel Lafayette soon. It is best to return to the car now." Anya nods and the servant walks away. Anya lets out a huff.
"Ready?" she asks.
"Are you?" Dimitri returns.
"To be honest no. I'm nervous. I have no idea what we're getting into. But I really don't have much of a choice now do I? 'The fate of the world depends on it.'" She looks out across the water, at the sun and sky, which was now turning pink due to the sunset. Dimitri puts a reassuring arm around her.
"Whatever happens, I'll be by your side every step of the way." Anya turns to Dimitri and embraces him. A kiss is shared.
"I love you."
"I love you too." They walk hand in hand to the waiting car.