Once the colonel was satisfied, the girls were handed back their bags, and ushered outside to an old, run—down carriage, pulled by an even older looking fabricated bear.
"In here," grunted the Colonel, opening the door.
Inside, the carriage smelled of mold, and the canvas-covered seats were torn all over, revealing straw stuffing. The Colonel slammed the door shut as soon as the girls were all seated inside, and Maria noticed that the windows had been covered with black paint.
"We are going to our deaths," said Olga, crossing herself.
"Don't talk that way. They don't have any reason to murder us," scolded Tatiana.
"Did they have any reason to murder papa and Alexei?" asked Anastasia, not looking up from the floor of the carriage.
"In their twisted minds, they did."
The girls hardly spoke to each other as the carriage traveled over the bumpy roads, each lost in their own thoughts. For the week, they traveled night and day, and were let out twice a day to stretch their legs. Each time, Maria asked where they were being taken, but her only reply was to be handed a basket of hard bread and old cheese.
Finally, they were released at a decrepit railway station, which had obviously been shelled in the Great War, which had ended five years ago, in 1918. Maria was surprised how quickly time had passed. When her papa had abdicated, and the family imprisoned, she had been seventeen, and still very much a girl. Now, at twenty-two, she felt three decades older, instead of just three years.
"This is your final stop," announced the Colonel, walking up from his own (much nicer) carriage and bear.
It seemed an odd place to be executed.
"Where are we?" asked Maria, surveying the area. A small town was visible in the early—morning sunlight, and the tracks by the station were new. Obviously, wherever they were (probably some Clanker country, she had never seen railroads in Russia) had rebuilt.
"Adrspach, Austria—Hungary," said Colonel. Maria was surprised. She had not expected the Colonel to tell her anything.
"Austria—Hungary? But that means…"
"You are never to return to Russia. If you do, you will be executed without a trial. You will remain with whichever royal relatives decide to take you in. You, nor any of your offspring, shall ever claim the throne of Russia. These are the terms of your release."
"Of course we shall comply. Where are we going?" asked Tatiana eagerly.
"Your relatives are still squabbling about who is to take responsibility for you. Until that time, you are to stay with Archduke Aleksandar of Austria—Este."
"Archduke Aleksandar? But isn't he the Emperor? Our papa said the pope…"
"It does not matter. Your train has arrived."
Sure enough, a sleek, black locomotive, with ten bright red cars behind it, had slid into the station, belching out smoke and steam. A man in an Austrian army uniform jumped out of the last car, followed by several soldiers, and strode over towards where the girls were standing with their captors.
"I am here to relieve you, Colonel Yarovsky," said the officer, clicking his heels and saluting. He was tall, with yellow hair and an intriguing moustache. His uniform was covered with ribbons and medals, and his boots were the glossiest black Maria had ever seen.
"I am relieved, Captain von Werther," said the brute of a Colonel returning the salute.
"May my men take your bags, ladies?" asked the Captain, turning to Maria and her sisters.
"Yes, thank you," said Olga, who suddenly seemed worlds better than just moments before.
The Austrian soldiers took each of the girl's carpetbags, carrying them with ease towards the last car.
"Ladies, may I request that you come with me?" said von Werther, turning towards to train. "We are on a tight schedule."
The girls nodded, impressed and relieved by his politeness. They followed him to the train, not bothering to look back.
The last two cars of the train had "First Class Reserve" emblazoned in gold letters over the doors. As soon as von Werther had handed each of the girls in, Maria took in what was around her. Soft, plush couches and matching armchairs spotted the car, and there was a small water closet. Black shades were pulled down over the windows. Maria could see everything outside, but she was confident that no one could see her, should they try and peer inside.
"This is your car for our journey to Prague," said von Werther, lurching forward as the train began to moved. "I am Captain von Werther, and I am your imperial highnesses' escort. I trust, of course, that you are the four Grand Duchesses?"
"Yes, we are," said Tatiana.
"Then, may I ask you your mother's full maiden name?"
"Alix Victoria Helena Louise Beatrice, Princess of Hesse—Darmstadt," snapped Tatiana.
Maria wished Tatiana hadn't been so snappish. The Captain was just doing his job, and her was so polite and handsome, just like the soldiers who used to guard Maria and her family before the revolution.
Von Werther smiled. "Just a formality, I assure you. I wouldn't want to bring four imposters to Konopischt!"
"Konopischt? What's Konopischt?" asked Anastasia.
"It's where Archduke Aleksanadar lives," said Maria.
"I see you have already been informed of your destination. Now, I will leave you highnesses to your breakfasts. I also must request that you wear the dresses provided for you," said von Werther, gesturing to garment boxes laid out on a sofa.
"Of course," said Maria, flashing an angelic smile at von Werther. She hadn't flirted in so long.
Von Werther blushed, and then left the car with "My men and I are in the next car up. We will be taking on passengers, but none of them will see you."
Maria loved men in uniform. I hope everyone enjoys this fic!
Leviathan Series (c) Scott Westerfeld.