-10 years later; in the year of 1926, in the month of December-
It is December 13, Monday, and the sun is shining upon the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, snow coming down in soft drafts here and there. Laughter is echoing throughout the corridors as a 18 year old Anastasia is chasing 16 year old Alexei, "Get back here, brat! Or I am gonna tell Mama and Papa that you ate the last platter of cookies!".
Alexei gave a raspberry backwards at his sister as he ran, "No way, and I am gonna tell them first about what happened back there!", referring to the moment that he caught Anastasia kissing one of the servant boys, Dimitri, in the pantry closet.
Only he and Anastasia are permanently living in the Winter Palace as their older siblings has been married off to others, but they are excited to have them back home for the holidays as Christmas is only 12 days away, which is planned to be a spectacular time with family and friends.
Anastasia growled lightly, and jumped to pounce into Alexei, "Not before I stop you, little bro!", causing them to tumble and wrestle each other down one of the numerous stairways, earning servants, butlers, maids to get out of the way, half amused and half disgruntled as they are working hard on decorating the entire Palace, etc, etc.
Once they made it into the main floor, the siblings sprawled out, groaning lightly as Alexei spoke, "Perhaps you shouldn't have made that jump, sister. I think I got a bruise here.". A weary sigh sounded out as a shadow covered the siblings, "Alright, who did it?".
The siblings looked up to see Alice who has her hands on her hips, looking stern yet weary, and the siblings got up swiftly, pointing to each other as they shouted over, "He ate the pantry, she kissed the cookies!".
Alice glared at them, "I ask once again, who caused the tumble down the stairs? You know how important that the stairway's carpets must be clean, and look, there's flour everywhere!". Anastasia and Alexei blinked in confusion, and looked back, seeing handprints and footsteps, and scruffs of flour on the stairway carpet.
Anastasia winced, remembering that Dimitri was working on making pies, and there was a bit of incident with the flour in the pantry closet while they were talking to each other, and well, it led to Dimitri trying to clean off Anastasia's face with his hands, and eventually, led to put them into a intense, passionate rendition of kisses with Alexei eventually catching them in the act while eating the last few cookies off the platter.
Alexei and Anastasia looked at each other after their realization, and then looked up at Alice who raised a eyebrow, "Well? I am waiting to hear your explanation.". Alexei spoke softly, "I was trying to help Anya with finding flour for more cookies, and well, there was a flour fight...Anya was trying to clean herself off when I saw one of the maids come in with a platter of fresh cookies from the kitchens, and I ate them all without even asking Anya to share which got her mad at me...".
Anastasia nodded, "I didn't realize that we were still covered in flour as I was focused on getting Alexei for good, wanting payback...I am sorry, Aunt Alice...". Alexei nodded, "Yeah, I am sorry too..".
Alice sighed heavily, "I accept your apology, but you realize that you have to clean yourselves for the meal tonight. We're expecting your siblings and their husbands, and everything has to be perfect, understand?".
Anastasia nodded, "Yes, ma'am. Grandmama is coming tomorrow, right? She can't miss my recital!". Alice smiled reassuringly, "Do not worry, Ana. Mother is on her way already. She sent a telegram this morning, and she's really excited to see you sing.".
Anastasia sighed in relief, and Alexei grinned softly, nudging her arm, "Come on, Anya, we better head upstairs. I could use a bath myself!". Anastasia chuckled mischievously, "As long as you don't eat all the cookies tonight! You know I love snickerdoodles!", running up the stairs as she joined Alexei, almost avoiding the barristers.
Alice shook her head with a smile, "I wish you'd be here, dear Aurora. You could have ripped into them something stern with a warning of no cookies, but apologizing to me about the mess, that's better than nothing... Ah, something to add to the list to fix..", muttering to herself before looking up to the few servants and maids who had been subtly observing, "Get the backup carpet from the cellar, one of you, and get this scuffed one to the laundry!".
They nodded and bowed to Alice, swiftly doing her orders as Alice left the area, heading to the ballroom on the other side, sighing and smiling brightly as she can't wait to see how the 12 Christmas Trees are looking.
The windows are adorned with wreaths, lights, mistletoe, etc., while the floors are gleaming so clean that the reflections of the trees can be seen everywhere, and they are being put up in various positions, in a sort of double row under the two walls of windows, and yet something's not right.
Alice frowned slightly as she saw not the 12th Christmas Tree, but rather a large pear tree, and it's somehow adorned with pears in the wrong season. Alice met Nicholas there who is clearly confounded, "Nicholas, are you clearly seeing what I am seeing?".
Nicholas nodded, "Yes, a pear tree. I know I ordered 12 specific pine trees, all large size for the ballroom, but this, how did this happen?". Alice sighed in frustration, "Do you think the telegram didn't say clearly about this despite our specific orders to do so?".
Nicholas shook his head in amazement, "I always ordered from the same place every year...They couldn't dare do this! This is the first time I have ever seen this happening, dear Alice.". Alice nodded in agreement to her brother's words, and then suddenly, they hear shouting and yelling in the distance.
They turn around to see a partridge bird flying into the ballroom with servants and maids trying to catch it with a net, sticks, anything they had grabbed on the way in, but the partridge bird avoided them expertly, and flew over the two royals, heading downwards slightly into the pear tree with a call that almost sounds like a sigh of relief.
Alice took a careful look, and chuckled softly as she saw a woven nest into the lowest branches of the pear tree, close to the ground, but not high either. She saw the glimpse of white within the nest as the partridge bird rested, checking on her nest and her unhatched children.
Alice looked up, "Looks like we got a guest with unborn children for the holidays, Nicholas. We truly have a partridge in a pear tree...". Nicholas nodded with a low sigh, "Wonderful, and rather unusual. Well, we better tell the others about this development.".
Alice chuckled amusedly at Nicholas's dramatic words, and they told the others to mind the pear tree, and leave portions of grain and corn for the mama bird to feed upon. After all, it's the holidays, and it's proper to be very welcoming toward guests even if they have feathers and a beak.
Little did they know, for tonight and the next eleven nights, the mother partridge bird sang powerfully and deeply, warning the royal family within their subconscious, repeating a song which sounded like this.
It's Christmastime
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
At Christmastime, it's hard but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of door
Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
And there won't be snow in Russia this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life, oh
Where nothing ever grows, no rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Here's to you, raise a glass for everyone
Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived
If the table was turned would you survive
Here's to them underneath that burning sun
You ain't gotta feel guilt just selfless
Give a little help to the helpless
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Feed the world, feed the world
Feed the world, feed the world
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world, feed the world, feed the world, feed the world
Feed the world, feed the world, feed the world, feed the world
-December 14th-
It's morning, and the royal family is waiting near the front doors, excitedly searching for sight of the Dowager Empress, Marie, and then Alexei shouted, "I see her! There in that carriage!", pointing out to a fancy carriage, the open windows revealing Marie's face as she smiled brightly, seeing familiar faces in the windows of the Palace entryway.
Marie came out delicately and gracefully, warmth filling her heart as she came in, and her family called out for her, "Mother, Grandmama!". Marie laughed softly as she hugged her favorite granddaughter, Anastasia, "How beautiful you look, sweet Anastasia. I am glad to see you, all of you. What a warm welcome for a old lady like me!".
Alice grinned softly, "Mother, you aren't old, you still look wonderful!". Nicholas smiled warmly, "My sister is right, Mother. You don't look a day over 50 these days.".
Marie smiled mischievously, "Way to flatter a woman, Nicholas, my son, but I am sure little Alexei is better-minded than you, is that right, grandson?". Alexei snickered softly, "Papa, you got to listen to Grandmama. She is the Dowager Empress!". Laughter surrounded the family as Nicholas flushed softly in embarrassment.
"Now, I am anxious to hear you sing, dear granddaughter. And I hear you three are going to help Anastasia, yes?", asked Marie softly as she walked on with the family to the royal wing of the Palace. Olga smiled, "Of course, Grandmother! I am playing the violin! Tatiana is playing the flute, and Maria elected to play the piano.".
Olga is married to the king of Norway. Tatiana is married to the king of Sweden. Maria is married to the duke of Finland. Now, Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra is considering that Anastasia has to be married soon, but they don't know of her secret relationship with Dimitri.
Marie smiled brightly, "Lovely! I am famished for some lunch, and afterwards, you shall do the recital, yes?". Anastasia nodded in understanding, "It's a brilliant idea, Grandmama. I must admit I am a little nervous through.".
Marie patted her hand warmly, "It's only us, your family. This is not a party or anything of that sort. I know you'll make me proud no matter what. You must have practiced very hard, yes?". Anastasia smiled, now feeling a little better upon hearing her grandmother's advice, "I worked hard on it every afternoon, yes. I do hope you'll love my song as it has been inspired by our song.".
Marie chuckled softly, "I see. I cannot wait to hear it. Let's have some lunch, shall we?", seeing the dining room in the distance. The royal family then went to eat lunch, and then headed to the music hall, and there, Anastasia made her recital, secretly knowing that Dimitri is watching behind a secret passageway.
Once upon a Christmas song,
Everybody sing along,
You see the joy on every face,
And the world is seen a happier place,
This song's bought us together
Good time memories forever,
Now I know what they mean,
And what they've given to me,
I'd have never believed,
They leave me singing them,
Over and over, and over again,
Every December they get in our heads,
Turn em' up, play em loud,
Every Christmas should be the same,
Singing them over and over, and over and over again.
They say they're good for the soul (Good for the soul),
But someone tell me I don't know,
Why no one seems to write them no more (Write them no more),
So the only way to settle the score,
Is to all make way for a new one,
That keeps the heart of the old one,
Make a little bit of festive cheer,
And you'll know when Christmas is near,
When this record appears, once a year,
You'll be singing them over and over, and over again,
Every December you'll hear it and say,
Turn it up, play it loud,
Every Christmas should be the same,
Singing it over and over, and over and over again,
It's getting in your head (It's getting in your head),
It's getting in your head (It's getting in your head),
And if your not singing it all night,
You'd be telling a lie,
You'll be singing this over and over, and over again,
Every December you'll hear it and say,
Turn it up, play it loud,
Every Christmas should be the same,
Singing it over and over, forever and ever again,
Over and over, and over again,
Over and over, and over again.
Oh, how Marie loved it so, cheering the loudest yet Dimitri was smiling the brightest. Anastasia briefly noticed Dimitri giving her a thumbs up before leaving out and back into the passageway, not wanting to be caught or late for his chores. The family hugged, encouraged, and complimented Anastasia's song and her sisters' aid with the instruments.
About two hours later, Marie is heading to Anastasia's room, hearing a humming voice through the crack of the door before a giggle sounded out, "Dimitri!". Marie was curious yet anxious as she peeked through the crack, seeing Dimitri holding Anastasia in his arms.
"Sorry, chores kept me busy for a while, Anya, but wow, your recital was amazing! You sang beautifully.", spoke Dimitri with a wry grin. Anastasia chuckled softly, "Yeah?". Dimitri nodded at her, his face softening into a warm look of love, "You are incredible, Anya. You should try out for theater, I bet you'll be great!".
Anastasia smiled softly, "That sounds wonderful, Dimitri, but you know I can't, especially with Papa...". Dimitri sighed deeply, "I wish I could marry you. You'd love my dream, you know. Living in the countryside, a swing seat under a tree, music filling the house, and little footsteps running outside...".
Anastasia sighed heavily, "You'd be cooking our favorite meals, I'd be dancing with our children...Somewhere in France that we can visit Grandmama all the time as she only goes here for Christmas...". Dimitri nodded softly, "Yeah, I couldn't mind having two or three kids...having your beautiful red hair and gorgeous blue eyes.".
Anastasia laughed softly with a smirk, "Oh, they'd have your dark brown locks and those handsome hazel eyes of yours.". Dimitri grinned lightly, "They'd have the best Christmases ever. Your grandmother can spoil them for us.", laughing warmly.
Marie smiled warmly behind the door, somehow not minding the thought of it, and then looked up to hear Dimitri's next comment, "And oh, there's something I got for both of us, to share.. A early Christmas gift, you'd say.", pulling something out of his pocket, revealing two beautiful turtledoves upon well-crafted necklaces.
Anastasia gasped softly, "Oh, Dimitri, they're beautiful! They must have been something costly!". Dimitri smiled warmly, "All the better for you, my princess. When I saw them, I somehow had to buy them...", placing one of the turtledoves over Anastasia's head.
Anastasia held it upwards to her eyes, reveling in the details of the turtledove as Dimitri put his turtledove necklace on, and Anastasia smiled, "I love it, Dimitri, thank you.". Dimitri gave her a look of sincere love, "I am happy to hear that...I love you, Anastasia.". Anastasia looked at him, her eyes sparkling of love, "I love you too, Dimitri.", and got closer to allow Dimitri to kiss her passionately.
After a few moments of that sight of her granddaughter kissing, Marie then opted to knock on the door, moving it forwards to reveal the room further on, and spoke, "Anastasia, what are you doing?", catching Anastasia and Dimitri who stood like stone, eyes wide like deer frozen before headlights, not noticing that Marie had closed the door behind her fully with her cane.
"Grandmama! I...This is...we're not, I mean,", stammered Anastasia as she refocused back to attention, pleading desperately, and Dimitri held her firmly, realizing that this may be the last few moments he'd ever touch her before the Dowager Empress forbids him to go near her.
Marie smiled softly, "Oh, please. You two are too much like me and my dear departed husband. You must be glad that I am discovering this instead of your father otherwise the circumstances will be far different then.".
Dimitri gulped, "Your highness, please don't punish Anya, I mean, the princess because of me.. This is my fault.. Punish me, exile me if you must, but please don't punish her.", politely pleading to the Dowager Empress, hoping that she'd not be too harsh on her granddaughter at the end of this situation, whatever the consequences may be.
Marie recognized the all too familiar expression of protection, love, and sacrifice on Dimitri, and realized that he has truly fallen in love for her granddaughter, and raised only an eyebrow, "Tell me, how long since it first occurred? Your relationship?". Anastasia and Dimitri stared at her in astonishment and shock before looking at each other for a moment.
When that moment ended, Anastasia sheepishly smiled, looking at Marie, "Since I turned 13. We have been best friends before that, but well, I then noticed him one day...it just hit me, I suppose...I confessed my feelings on that Christmas.".
Dimitri chuckled softly, "I was far more in love with you, Anya, since before that as I was 15 at the time. I was simply waiting for you to feel what I feel for you.". Anastasia grinned softly, "Oh, really? If I remember right, you said that you fell in love with me when I dared you to jump off the loft in the barn.", poking him in the chest playfully.
Dimitri laughed softly, "You still looked beautiful even with some hay stuck in your hair...That dress never saw another day again.", smirking with a raised eyebrow. Anastasia giggled softly, "That mud fight was fun.".
Marie smiled brighter, recognizing the playful banter between the two, and realized that they are truly turtledoves in a literal sense. They searched for love and found it in each other while being friends. "Well, you clearly care for my granddaughter, do you, boy?".
Dimitri nodded determinedly, "More than life, your highness. I love Anastasia with all my heart, and I swore never to hurt her...". Marie nodded softly, "And you, my granddaughter, do you care for this boy?".
Anastasia nodded firmly, "I love him, Grandmama, more than anything, and I don't care if he's a servant or a lord! He loves me for who I am, not what I am!". Marie exhaled slowly, "Very well, I will not tell Nicholas of this, but know this, something will happen sooner or later to expose this, and I can say I do not know what will happen. Just promise me that you must consider the choices you will have to make, and do not worry, you shall not hurt me, Anastasia. I want you to be happy, my darling.".
Anastasia smiled tearfully, hugging Marie, "Thank you, Grandmama! I love you so much!", and Marie hugged her warmly, noticing Dimitri's look of relief and happiness, and she nodded slightly, telling him silently that she's giving her blessing. Dimitri nodded in understanding, realizing that he had the Dowager's approval.