Natalya's POV
The plane ride was long, but their private jet flew faster than normal planes, so the normally 17 hour flight was cut to only seven hours, and they arrived at Washington DC at exactly 3 pm, but, due to the time difference it felt like 11 pm to the Russians. Fortunately they had all fallen asleep on the flight so they had gotten two hours of sleep which was not a lot, but still better than no sleep at all.
Once their jet landed, they saw soldiers standing along a red carpet with red carpet poles behind them. The next thing they noticed, was a hoarde of paparazzi. Russia had paparazzi too, of course, but one of the laws stated that the privacy of celebrities and the Royal Family was to be respected. The law first originated during Empress Rowena's reign when she realized that life would be easier for both her family, and the celebrities of Russia if their privacy was protected by the law.
Natalya's face immediately took on a blank, impassive look. She hated it when people asked questions about her personal life, and whenever she visited a foreign country those kinds of questions were always asked.
Anastasia gave her a sympathetic, strained smile. She hated being asked personal questions as well.
Empress Yekaterina winced. "Well," she sighed, "let's get this over with."
The family descended down the steps of the jet, and paparazzi began snapping photos of them and asking a barrage of questions.
"Grand Duchess Natalya! How does it feel to be in America for the first time?"
"Empress Yekaterina, do you have any doubts about leaving your children with your bitterest enemies?"
"Grand Duchess Anastasia, are you upset that you're not the Tsesarevna?"
"Grand Duke Grisha, do you find any of the Princesses attractive?"
"Emperor Alian, do you have any issues with the current agreement?"
"Grand Duchess Yelena, will you stay here in America if you choose to wed one of the princes?"
"Grand Duke Kuzma, what are your thoughts on your situation?"
The family ignored the tons of questions thrown at them. More than ever, Natalya saw why her great grandmother made probing into the privacy of the royal family illegal.
Then, the cheers got even louder as the Rogers family began walking down the Red carpet. The two royal families met in the middle.
"Czarina Yekaterina, Czar Alian." King Joseph said curtly, "Good to see you've arrived safely."
This guy is such a bad actor. Natalya thought. A ferret could act more sincere.
Alian smiled. It wasn't the most real or friendliest of his smiles but it was a smile that clearly said he wanted to try to be on at least civil terms with the monarchs of America. "It's a relief to see you and your family in good health as well."
Queen Sarah was a bit more geniune in her greeting. "It is magnificent to finally meet you. I have heard so many great things about how Russia has flourished more than ever under your leadership. Young Natalya certainly has some big steps to fill."
Yekaterina smiled kindly at the Queen. "Thank you. Tales of your exemplary rule have reached my ears as well."
"I'm sure they're not as spectacular as the stories you have to your own name."
"Nonsense. As much as I would love to continue conversing, we are very tired from out flight. Would you kindly show us the way to your vehicle so that we may adjourn to your palace?"
"Oh but of course!" Sarah agreed, "Joseph, please alert the driver that we'll be leaving. Right this way"
Yekaterina turned to the Head Servant they had brought with them. "Dmitry, could you get our bags?"
Dmitry, having worked for the Romanovs a while knew that the Empress meant that he should tell the other servants to help him- nodded and went to inform the other servants of the plan.
The first of the servants came out quickly and presented a pet carrier to Grand Duchess Natalya who opened it and pulled out a well-groomed blue grey kitten with orange eyes.
"Thank you, Oleiana." Natalya said, smiling brightly.
"Of course, your highness."
The Romanovs got in the cars while servants stored their luggage.
There was a car for the adults and one for the children. Natalya sat in between her siblings with Chusi on her lap. For a minute or two, she was able to enjoy thr silence.
When the six Rogers children joined them, however, it was anything but silent.
Princess Rebecca asked the first question.
"How was your trip?"
"It was good. Grisha replied."
"Is Russia really as cold as everyone says?" Katie asked.
Natalya blinked. She rarely ever got questions about Russia. "Yes. It is very cold there. Depending on the region, the temperatures can vary, but as a whole, Russia is a very cold country."
"It is so cool how the Russian winter is a natural defense." Katie said in wonderment. "I can't wait to go."
"I'll be sure to show you my favorite things to do when you go." Natalya promised.
"On the subject of activities..." Wanda said. "This is your first time in America." She said, gesturing toward the Russian royals. "What are dome things you would like to do while you're here?"
The five siblings looked at each other.
"Well..." Natalya said, I've always wanted to see the Smithsonian museums."
Anastasia thought for a moment. "I really want to see Luray Caverns."
"Everglade National Park sounds like it would be fun to see." Grisha said.
"I really want to see Yosemite." Kuzma commented.
"I've heard Universal is really fun." Yelena said.
Steve smiled. "We'll be sure to let Mother and Father know that those are to be at the top of the priority list."
Natalya smiled at him. "Thanks." Maybe this won't be so bad. She thought as they drove towards the White House. Maybe, just maybe this crazy idea could actually work.
I am so sorry for being absent for so long. I had no clue how to finish this chapter. I will be updating a change to chapter 2 shortly after I publish this chapter. That change will be pretty major.
