Chapter 2: My Last Happy Memories

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As a little girl, I played with my parents in security. I grew up in wealth and luxury. My parents were aristocrats. They taught me all of the mannerisms befitting a person of our status: proper dining, dancing, and so on. I was given the best possible education, learning to read and write in a largely illiterate society.

I remember my father sitting behind his desk. I sat in front of the desk and copied Biblical text in Latin.

One passage that stood out to me:

"Populus qui ambulabat in tenebris vidit lucem magnam. Habitantibus in regione umbrae mortis lux orta est eis."

My mother and I would sit together at a harpsichord in the ballroom. The harpsichord is a wonderful musical instrument that my father brought back with him from one of his trips to France.

"Here's a melody that my mother used to teach me." Vasilisa played music by pressing the keys. "Now, you try."

I played clumsily and grew frustrated. "I can't do it!"

My mother was calm with me. "Yes, you can. Let me guide your hands."

She put her hands on top of my hands. We played the melody together.

One day, I peeked in through the slightly open door to my father's den. He was sitting behind his desk. Another man, who I later learned was named Lord Laruba, was sitting in front of the desk.

"The situation in Olpret is escalating. Jean, perhaps you could talk to them. Negotiate a truce. Something."

Jean looked thoughtful. "After what Csák did, do you think they'll listen to me?"

"You're the best diplomat that I know."

Jean paused to consider it. "Very well. Vasilisa and I will head out to Apateu tomorrow."

"Where are you going?" I asked.

My father looked. "Sonia?"

I slowly walked into the den.

"Your mother and I are going on a trip. Boring, adult stuff."

"Oh."

The next day, in the mansion's courtyard, my parents were getting ready to board a carriage. The driver was sitting. A servant was loading luggage. Christophe, my paternal grandfather, and I were watching.

My father kneeled in front of me. "Sonia, listen to your grandfather and do everything that he tells you while we're away. Also, keep up your reading and writing."

"Yes, Father."

We hugged each other. After a moment, we released each other, and he stood up.

My mother picked up a clock, kneeled in front of me, and offered it to me. "I have a present for you."

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's a clock. It also plays music. When you miss us, play it, and you won't be lonely."

My mother activated the music mechanism. A melody played. I smiled. My mother stopped the music.

I took the clock. "Thank you, Mother."

We hugged each other. After a moment, we released each other, and she stood up.

My father looked at my grandfather. "The meetings shouldn't last longer than a week, Father. Look after her."

"I will."

My father entered the carriage and helped my mother inside.

I looked on as the carriage departed.