Dimitri:

I couldn't truly believe I was escorting Anya to dinner. Her arm was wrapped in mine and I felt light headed, like I had when I had spun her around on the deck that one sunset…or more accurately, she had spun me around. It was my wildest dream coming true. Ever since I was ten I had found myself attracted to the Grandduchess. She was good and she was kind and she was young and lively. Well, she had been back then and she still was now. The only difference now she was actually mine.

I held out her chair for her as we sat down in the fancy dining room. She hadn't yet changed out of her long, now torn golden attire and she realized a second too late as she whispered, "Dimitri…do you think I should have changed? I might stand out." I swallowed and grimaced, "I guess so, but we're here now. I doubt anyone is going to know you're the princess."

I was eyeing our waiter, who happened to be the same guy who had come and knocked on the door to tell us dinner would be served. He seemed to be listening to our conversation and hanging around unnecessarily. It really irked me! I grimaced as he came and placed the menus before us, "My name is Edward and I'll be your waiter for today. The special tonight's lady and gents, is the pork and the grilled chicken as well as the pulled pork option." I nodded and said curtly and Anya said sweetly, "Thanks Ed!" I refrained from showing any kind of annoyance, but Anya picked it up immediately as she asked, "Hey! What's wrong with you? Every time he's around you get all twitchy! He's just being nice." I rolled my eyes, "Not what I would call it," I mumbled, staring at the menu but not really seeing the words.
She sighed and grumbled, "Jealous much!" under her breath. I glanced up then irritably, "I am not jealous!" She smirked and replied, "Your current reaction tells me otherwise." This girl seemed to know me too well already! Damnit I was letting my guard down. I inhaled deeply and replied, "I'm fine." Edward had suddenly reappeared at our side and he asked, "Would Madamoiselle like a glass of champagne?" Anya frowned, "What is champagne?" I answered her question before Edward could get a word in, "It's alcohol, Anya. I'm not sure you'd like it." So sweetly innocent! How did I even deserve her?
I watched as she shrugged, "There's always a time for something new. Can I half a glass, please?" Edward smiled, "Of course, madame," he said and he filled it slightly more than half a glass. He turned to me then stiffly, "And you Sir?" I shook my head, "I'm fine, thank you." Anya held up her glass and I held up my water glass, "To our new beginning!" she exclaimed cheerfully and we clinked glasses together. I smiled and nodded in agreement, "To our new beginning!" and we toasted.

Dowager Empress Marie:

Anastasia and Dimitri had not even yet touched down in Italy and there was chaos crossing the headlines! A newspaper title read, "Anastasia Romonav, alive and well?" I sighed. The whole article depicted a portrait of her and Dimitri on a ship having dinner. I shook my head in disgust as I read the article over my morning tea. My poor granddaughter had not chosen this life…so I wondered how on earth the paparazzi had found out about her! In every image, her and Dimitri seemed completely unaware that they were being captured on camera.

Sophie was shaking her head and exclaiming, "No no no no! Ziz iz just not possible! How on earth did zey figure this out?" She sighed heavily and I shook my head in frustration, "I wish I knew! It's not fair to them!" Vladmir shook his head sadly too, "Poor Dimitri! Poor Anya! Did you manage to speak to them Dowager Empress?" I nodded and sighed, "I managed to find out what cruise ship they are on and I got the number to their room."

The other two nodded and continued breakfast as I went and dialed Anya's bedroom number. Dimitri picked up on the third ring, "Hello? Dimitri speaking." I smiled, "Hello Dimitri. It's Marie." He was silent for a minute before saying, "Hello your highness. I trust you'd like to speak with Anya?" I paused for a second before replying, "Dimitri, I'd actually like to speak with you first. In our tabloids they're busy posting pictures and articles about Anya. About how she is the Princess Anastasia." He was silent for a moment and I said quickly and sternly, "I truly hope that this has nothing to do with you." Dimitri responded firmly, "No your highness. I would never dream of causing Anya so much trouble!"

I nodded, completely believing him, "Good. I want to believe you're telling me the truth Dimitri. I want what's best for my granddaughter, and clearly that's you." He sounded pleased with this, "Thank you, your highness. I'm trying to take good care of her. I'll keep an eye out for any photographers while we're travelling. I'll do whatever I can to protect her." I nodded, satisfied with his answer, "Thanks Dimitri. I trust you. Maybe don't tell Anya yet. I don't want her to worry." Dimitri fully agreed, "Yes your majesty. Thanks for making us aware."

We then said goodbye and I hung up. I breathed deeply for a moment. It helped calm my nerves. I knew Dimitri had good intentions for my granddaughter, and she deserved nothing but the best. I just hoped he wouldn't prove me wrong.