Family (Part 2)
A knock was heard at the door. Wearily Alexis stood and peeked out the window. He sighed in relief, it was only Nikolai, a good friend of the Tsar, and the only other person who knew the Imperial Family was alive. As Alexis opened the door Nikolai burst in, multiple newspapers in his hand, and yelling something that was incomprehensible. Nicholas feeling the need to intervene snatched one of the papers from his hands and yelled at him to tell them what was going on. Nikolai in response took a few deep breaths and began to speak very fast.
"The Grand Duchess Anastasia is alive! She just made a speech last week on the balcony of the old palace. The Dowager Empress confirmed it, and the news is everywhere. She says she doesn't want the throne, only for the mystery behind her 'death' to be cleared up, and to live peacefully with her husband and Grandmother in Paris." When Nikolai had finished he was panting from the lack of oxygen he had lost during his speech.
Nicholas was silent staring at the paper. Alexandra had collapsed on the floor, crying quietly, "My baby is alive, she's alive, and she's married." Olga was sitting in shock, while Maria and Tatiana smiled and began talking quickly about how their sister had found love. Alexis too was in shock, he stood open mouthed, just repeating "No, no, it can't be."
Nikolai eventually regained his breath and began to speak again, "there is more. Anastasia and her husband defeated Rasputin, everyone is grieving the Romanovs and crying about how the Romanov line is gone. Now, they have rejoiced that Anastasia is alive but the wish is for a Romanov to sit on the throne. You can come out of hiding. In fact, I have seven tickets to Paris right here. What do you say, are you ready to resume your lives?" At this everyone broke down sobbing. The relief was written all over their faces and through their cries you could hear "Yes, yes! We are ready, we're ready.
As the family calmed down, Olga asked, "When do we leave?" Nikolai smiled and said, "Tomorrow morning at dawn." "And you are sure it is safe for us now?" questioned Nicholas. "Positive," replied Nikolai. And so, the family bunked down for their last night in the cabin.
Early the next morning, the Imperial Family awoke, dressed in their warmest clothes, and left the cottage with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. The joy was impenetrable, and the air of excitement was apparent. People on the streets would stop and ask them, "Why are you so happy, what's so good about life?" The Romanovs simply shook their head and said, "it will become apparent soon, but we are some people I hear Russia has sorely missed." Many people would simply stare in confusion as the family walked away, and then resume whatever task they were doing. For the Romanovs however, the had to sit on a train for ten hours before they could be reunited with their family. The ten hour train ride to Paris felt like a lifetime to them. Eventually however, they reached their destination, Paris, France, and soon they would be reunited with Anastasia and Marie again, a day they never thought was possible until 24 hours previous.
Navigating Paris was difficult, as their french had slowly been forgotten over the years. However eventually they found a man who spoke Russian. Apparently he lived in the palace, and was happy to introduce the family to the Grand Duchess. The Romanovs could not believe their luck and began to follow this young man. "Ahem, excuse me sir-" began Nicholas. However, the young man put his hand up, "Please call me Dmitri." Nicholas nodded, "-Dmitri, may I ask why you were so willing to introduce us to the Grand Duchess?" Dmitri smiled, "well sir, I just have a feeling that you and her need to see each other, and if there is one thing Anastasia has taught me, it's that feelings are important, and you should always listen to them." he replied wistfully. Nicholas was about to say something but was cut short by Dmitri calling for a lady to come over. "Good afternoon Adelaide, would you happen to know where Anastasia is?" "Why yes, she is with the Dowager Empress in the gardens, you know how they love flowers" came Adelaide's cheerful voice. Dmitri laughed and thanked her telling the Romanovs to follow, unbeknownst to either of them that a large family reunion was about to occur.
When Dmitri reached the doors leading to the small gardens, he told the Romanovs to wait outside for a moment. However, they couldn't resist looking in at who Anastasia had become, after all they hadn't seen her since she was 8 years old. "Ahhhh, look..." whispered Maria. She was referring to Anastasia and Dmitri. Dmitri had walked in and swept Anastasia up in his arms, whispering something in her ear, Anastasia proceeded to giggle something back. It was quickly followed by a chaste kiss and Dmitri nodding towards the door. Anastasia then looked quite serious and nodded. Quickly she spun around and said something to Dmitri, before heading over a chair where Marie quickly joined her. Dmitri then began to walk towards them.
"Dmitri is her husband!" Whispered Alexandra quietly before Dmitri was within earshot. Everyone nodded, and then Tatiana looked into the distance and whispered that "they are so in love." Again everyone nodded, and then Dmitri walked in. "Please, follow me," he said smiling. "The family just stared for a moment before following, nervous if Anastasia and Marie would recognize them."
As they entered Anastasia stood, looking at them with her wide teal eyes. "Anastasia, these are the people I told you about," announced Dmitri. Anastasia looked them over, and slowly her eyes widened, her mouth turned into an 'o' and she slowly walked towards them, shaking her head no. Marie too, had stilled, eyes wider than ever. The fact that Marie had fallen silent stunned Dmitri, and now he was the only one in the dark. "Is it really you?" asked Anastasia, barely whispering. Alexandra nodded, "Yes, yes dear, oh yes," and within seconds they were all in tears. Anastasia ran into their arms, and a group hug quickly ensued. Even Marie joined in. At this point Dmitri was quite confused.
Half an hour later however, Dmitri was brought into the loop. After a long process of hugs and "I never thought I would see you again?" and "How have you been?" and sobs. Anastasia stood up and walked over to Dmitri. "Dmitri, this is my mother Empress Alexandra, my father Tsar Nicholas, my three sisters, Grand Duchess Olga, Tatiana and Maria, and my brother, Tsarevich Alexis." said Anastasia confidently. "Everyone, this is Dmitri, my husband." Dmitri stood in complete shock. He simply gazed at everyone, and then at Anastasia, and then back again. Meanwhile Alexandra had burst into a fresh round of tears, murmuring, "my baby is married."
After the initial shock had worn off there was much to talk about. For hours the family talked about the last ten years, and what everyone's future plans were. Which brought Tatiana to ask a very interesting question. "Soooo, Anastasia... thought about children yet?" she asked with raised eyebrows and a smirk. Anastasia and Dmitri blushed and Anastasia leaned into Dmitri more, if that was even possible. "Well, um you see... actually" started Anastasia. However, she wasn't sure how to phrase the next sentence, but luckily for her Dmitri caught on rather quickly. His eyebrows shot up and his mouth opened wide. His mouth tried to form words but failed until eventually he managed to squeak out, "You're... you're pregnant?" Anastasia weakly nodded and watched Dmitri carefully, while everyone else had mixed reactions. All three of Anastasia's sisters began giggling and whispering among themselves, Alexandra began crying again, Nicholas just stared in shock at the unfolding scene, while Alexis watched quite disinterested. Marie had left the room to fetch some tea.
"Are, are you sure?" whispered Dmitri looking into Anastasia's eyes. Anastasia nodded, "The doctor confirmed it today." Dmitri smiled, Anastasia smiled back, and they stayed that way until Alexis yelled out. "Oh come on, enough with the mushy gushy stuff. Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Anastasia shook her head, pretending to be annoyed. "It's not just something you blurt out Alexis, and I hadn't even told Dmitri yet." Shot back Anastasia. Alexis just shrugged. A moment later Marie walked back into the room.
"Did I miss much?" she asked as she walked in. Tatiana giggled, "Only that Anastasia is pregnant Grandmama" answered Maria. No one but Anastasia expected her response. "Oh, I know that dear," and she winked at Anastasia, who simply smiled back. Dmitri practically glared at Anastasia, and smiling mischievously she leaned up and kissed him. The kiss, so full of passion they forgot they were surrounded by people quickly deepened, leaving the rest of the family smiling madly, especially Alexis. Slowly the two lovebirds broke apart and stared at each other, all of Dmitri's anger had suddenly disappeared, and slowly they reorientated themselves with the world. However, realizing what had happened their cheeks quickly grew red, and they avoided eye contact with basically everyone. "It's okay dear, nothing we haven't seen before" laughed Alexandra with a wink. This only left Anastasia and Dmitri blushing even more.
Just then, Sophie came barging in looking for Vladimir. Everyone looked up quickly, slightly started, and was met with Sophie standing in the doorway, with her eyes wide and hips swaying, surveying the scene. A second later a shriek could be heard throughout the castle. Vladimir scared for Sophie came running in and Sophie fell into his arms, Vlad too stood stock still trying to take everything in. And so, the story had to replay itself again, so Sophie and Vladimir could find out how the Imperial Family had survived.
Hi everyone. Sorry if this chapter was too rushed. I feel like it needed more detail. Anyways who would like to see a chapter on Anastasia and Dmitri welcoming their child? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a review.
BONUS SCENE
Marie stood in the gardens, taking in the peacefulness of the French countryside, when she heard a knock at the door. Opening it revealed a distraught Anastasia. "My dear, whatever is the matter?" asked Marie, gently guiding her over to a bench. After they had been seated and Anastasia had sat in silence for a few minutes she whispered, "I'm not sure what to say." Marie smiled, "Tell me what is in your heart child" Anastasia looked at her wearily, "Grandmama I, I just don't know what to do." "About what dear?" asked Marie gently. "Well, I think, I think I might be... well you know..." said Anastasia quietly, looking down at her stomach. Marie smiled, nodding with understanding. "Are you not happy by the news?" she questioned. Anastasia shook her head, "No no I am delighted but-" "but you are afraid to tell Dmitri?" finished Marie. Anastasia nodded. "Oh Grandmama, what do I do?" she asked. Marie smiled again, "For now you take care of yourself, and you wait for the right moment. Trust me, just be patient and the truth will come out in the perfect way." Anastasia nodded, and chuckled a little. "Oh Grandmama! I'm going to be a mother! Imagine, me!" she laughed. Marie laughed too, "Yes, you. Oh my Anastasia, you really are grown up now aren't you." she said wistfully, and Anastasia smiled. An hour passed with the two of them enjoying each others company in the gardens before Dmitri walked in effectively ruining the moment by announcing they had some very important visitors.