Chapter Twelve: Fairytales and Unhappy Endings

Rose

I woke up in the middle of the night after a dream in which I relieved the kiss with Dimitri. I drifted in and out of sleep after that, for I was afraid of never wanting to wake up from that dream. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and, to the surprise of many, I rose before the sun and occupied myself with preparing for the day. For one, I needed things to do, and Lissa was busy elsewhere, or so I had been told. I planned on telling her everything I knew about Christian. She had a right to know, but I wondered if I was doing the right thing hurting her with the truth. I knew I was too late because Lissa was already in love with him, and he was in love with her. I wouldn't even be surprised if Christian was the reason Lissa wasn't by my side. Despite my woes, I saw Christian's shinning, wide, blue eyes never wavering from Lissa, and the way he hung to her every word as if she was the Messiah. He worshipped the ground upon which she walked, and I didn't have it in me to tear them apart, not that I could. Lissa was free to follow her heart where I was not. A knock at the door pulled me from somber thoughts.

"Come in," I called wrapping my robe tight around me and stepping out of my closet.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Mason bowed his head closing the door behind him. "It's time for guard change. Eddie will be here shortly. He will be with you until the afternoon."

"I would say good morning, but it's technically good night for you, I suppose." I chuckled.

"Yes," there was no visible amusement instead Mason cleared his throat. "Before I leave, I have some news you won't like, Your Highness."

"Oh no," I felt my heart drop to my stomach. Last time someone started with those words, my grandfather had fallen ill and consequently passed away days later. My mother being ill crossed my mind, and I felt tears sting my eyes.

"Oh yes," a vein on Mason's forehead pulsated whenever he was truly upset, which was very often lately. "Grant came to me last night and informed me Lissa slipped away from the party last night. He looked for her, but she was nowhere to be found. I could have sent him and others to search, but we all know Lissa. I decided Grant deserved a break and sent him to bed. Besides, if His Majesty trusts the diplomats, who am I to question the King?"

"Mase," I sighed and sat at the foot of my bed feeling lightheaded holding my breath as I expected worse news. Lissa being herself I could deal with. "I know you're unhappy, but yes, if the King trusts them, we have to trust his judgment."

"Then why do you have us spying on the spies, Rose?" Mason rubbed the back of his neck. "If you don't trust them, you must speak to the King. He will listen to you."

"No, he won't," I stood up and moved closer to him taking his hand in mine. "His Majesty has more pressing matters. I can handle our friends. I believe Dimitri, but I think there's more he's not telling me, but that is for me to worry about. Take the day off. I will stay with Eddie, and I promise I will take it easy today. I won't give him any trouble."

"What of the Russians?" Mason raised his eyebrows. "And Lissa?"

"I will keep an eye on Mr. Belikov," I sighed. Dimitri followed me to my dreams, now I had to somehow find a way to spend all day with him. But my friends were working double, and it was unfair to them. I was sure I could ask Pavel for extra security, but I hated being watched like a hawk anyway. "As for Liss, I think she's a lost cause. As you said, we know Lissa. If she wants to get away from Grant, she will. I will have a talk with her and tell her everything as soon as I can and let her decide for herself if she still wants to be involved with Christian."

Mason wasn't happy about my orders, but the fatigue was too much to fight me. Mason was definitely right about one thing: either I trusted Dimitri Belikov or I didn't. I had yet to make up my mind despite my father's letter entrusting Dimitri with me. I blushed in front of the mirror as I slipped on my sleeved, olive green full swing dress. I hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. Even after hearing his lies, I was more focused on his lips and his strong arms holding me close as he stole my first kiss. My fingertips caressed my lips, and if I closed my eyes I could almost conjure his again. My stomach felt in knots, and my palms were sweaty. I shook my head and continued getting ready. I couldn't allow myself to daydream of Dimitri and what could be.

Finally ready, I stepped out and found Eddie standing by the door like a statue. Together, Eddie and I headed to my mother's room. After imagining the worst news from Mason, I decided to check on her health. Celeste was at her door dutifully keeping Mother safe. I was denied entry; however and was told Mother was sleeping exhausted from the previous night. I headed for the dining hall to wait for our guests to arrive for breakfast promising to myself to see her before the day was over. I arrived at the dining hall as servants finished setting up the table. I was the first there but soon people started to show up. All stopped in their tracks their eyes widening for a second shocked I was up and ready. My father, Lady Tatiana, Nathan, Daniella, and Adrian joined me at the table. I was surprised to see Adrian up so early, but something told me perhaps he never went to sleep even though his clothes were impeccable except for his hair painstakingly styled messy. I saw the fatigue in his eyes, and I wondered if he had been up all night drinking again. He certainly didn't smell like it, but I knew better. Adrian was crafty, resourceful and a true master of deceit. Nathan didn't approve of his son's vices, but as long as Tatiana indulged Adrian, there was no stopping him. Brief greetings were exchanged but silenced followed. The room was unusually tense almost suffocating. It was unbearable I wished I had stayed in bed fighting forbidden dreams.

"Mr. Belikov is missing," Lady Tatiana commented after taking a sip from her tea. I knew she'd be the first to break the silence. "I hope he is well."

"I sent a servant to fetch him, but he did not respond," my father said distractedly gazing into his glass as if it held all secrets of the world. His thoughts were probably on mother. "I assume he is nursing a hangover."

"I saw him drinking Lion's Milk like water," Adrian chuckled sipping wine. I held back a disapproval look at his choice to continue drinking. His tone was boastful about his tolerance for liquor and amused Dimitri hadn't been able to handle it. As if one's manhood was defined by liquor tolerance or lack thereof.

Drunkenness would explain Dimitri's inappropriate behavior and his confession of love. Perhaps that was all his confession was a man's drunken words. He was a desperate man trying to salvage his mission, and the liquor numbed his common sense. I just couldn't believe or accept that someone, anyone, could love me. Not that I wasn't lovable, but I was certainly imperfect with a mind that couldn't decide what it wanted, and a heart with hidden desires suppressed by my status. I couldn't make anyone happy because I wasn't sure if I was happy. Dimitri had had no option but come clean and in the process tried to confuse me. Somehow, none of that felt true. Dimitri's eyes often told the truth more than his words, and I saw the honesty in them when we spoke last night. I suppressed a sigh and remained silent pushing my strawberries from one side of the plate to the other.

"Or he is rather preoccupied," Adrian continued in a whisper turning to face me as Lady Tatiana continued her conversation with my father.

I had a feeling Adrian wanted my attention and had something to say, but I was preoccupied with my own gloomy thoughts and trying to listen to Tatiana attempting to drive a wedge between the King and Dimitri.

"Oh, my," Tatiana feigned surprise. "You would think a man with such an important role would refrain from such behavior. Is this going to be a problem as he carries out his duty to unify us with Russia in friendship?"

"I seem to remember Stan Alto drinking quite a bit as well," my father said with a sigh putting his glass down on the table with more than enough force causing the table to shake a little. His Majesty was in a foul mood. "The man is entitled to some fun."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Tatiana nodded fervently setting aside her own breakfast and interlacing her hands on the table. "However, I wonder if, in his youth, he will be able to handle such balance. Our relationship with Russia has always been precarious. I simply wonder if he is the right man for the job. There is…"

"If my father was murdered tonight," I sent a silent prayer such would never happen before I continued. "If the witches or anyone else came to take his life, who would ascend the throne?"

"You, of course, Your Highness," Lady Tatiana didn't hesitate to respond but seemed annoyed at my intrusion. "You will have the Ivashkovs to support your claim. Just as we would have supported His Majesty's ascension if given the chance. Of course, first, you must wed Adrian, Your Highness. But it is all hypothetical. Nothing will…"

"So would you say my youth is an asset or a liability?" I stood up and walked to my father's side putting my hand on his shoulder. He laid his hand on top of mine, and I knew he was on my side, so I continued. "Does not matter, I suppose. I have the right name and possess noble blood. I cannot help wonder, what do I have to offer? Without Adrian, I cannot take the throne, so my claim and my blood are not enough. I am neither wise nor experienced. How can I rule a country without those qualities? Adrian is supposed to help me lead, but I fear, in our youth, will we be able to lead a country through these dark times? We are much younger than D- Mr. Belikov, and our future role is much more complicated than his. Yet, his position is due to his intelligence and his merits. He has no noble name, blood, or riches. All he is, he has accomplished on his own. You, and many others, have such faith in Adrian and me; do we not owe the same to our Russian friends? I think we owe Mr. Belikov a little faith as he has already done much for His Majesty. As long as Mr. Belikov possesses His Majesty's grace, the Russians are our comrades."

I didn't wait for a response from anyone in the room. I kissed my father's head, excused myself from breakfast, and headed for the library where I waited for Kirova to start my lessons. I could no longer stand Tatiana attempting to soil Dimitri's name and insinuating he was a drunk. As I walked away, I couldn't help ask myself, did I believe everything I said? Did we owe Dimitri anything? Dimitri had lied and cheated his way through the palace yet somehow my father forgave him, and I still defended him. Many times, Dimitri and I were alone; he could have hurt me. If he had wanted to undermine our rule, he could have done so already. Instead, he was my biggest supporter. He provided me with words of comfort and encouragement to be a great queen. Why couldn't I forgive him then?

I roamed the library looking for something to read to pass the time, but even when I found a book interesting enough to pique me, my mind still wandered. I couldn't seem to stop thinking of Dimitri. I had more important matters than a man, who was leaving soon one day. I had a divided country and no way of mending it without bloodshed. I had Adrian to worry about and his happiness. I had an ill mother and a stressed father. Still, Dimitri found his way in. Was this love? Was love thinking of that person constantly? Love seemed a nuisance. How could I get anything done when he wouldn't let me be?

Kirova showed up punctually and was very surprised to see me already in the library. Even more surprised was my lack of smart ass comments and disruptive behavior. We finished school lessons and were moving to etiquette when Adrian made his way into the library. Kirova fawned and fumbled offering to fetch refreshments, which we declined, for us and instead offered alone time. Eager to report to Lady Tatiana my behavior, Kirova ended our lessons early leaving Adrian and me alone with Eddie dutifully watching from the doorway.

"You upset Auntie Tatiana," Adrian said lying down on the table with his head on my books. "Must you make this harder than it has to be?"

"Make what harder?" I ran my fingers through his hair messing up his style but accomplishing my intention of getting him to move.

"Us becoming family," he sat up and sighed trying to fix his hair to its original glory. "She will be your auntie and there has to be love and respect. As for your smart mouth…"

"I am the Crown Princess," I forcefully stacked my books one on top of the other hating myself a little for using my title to get my way, but I had no patience for Tatiana or Adrian, at least not at the moment. "She should love and respect me, no matter what. Smartmouth and all."

"Really? You are going with that?" Adrian shook his head and pulled out a cigarette. "Why not just admit you can't stand hearing the truth about your Russian?"

I stopped fumbling with my stuff and turned to glare at Adrian. "First, he's not my Russian, and he never will be." I prayed my voice didn't waver admitting the sad truth. My chest felt tight and my cheeks warm. I took a deep breath before continuing and was proud when I kept the emotion out of my voice. "Second, what truth is that exactly? We know who he is, Lady Tatiana doesn't. Auntie Tatiana's only problem is that she is prejudiced against commoners, and she can't stand anyone else whispering in the King's ear. She's always wanted to be first. Only a blind man can't see how close His Majesty and Dimitri have become."

"Wow," Adrian pulled his cigarette from his mouth. "You really don't want to hear it. It's really low for you to criticize my family for wanting the best for you. We have always supported the Mazurs and at the first sight of a nice ass, you're willing to damage a friendship as old as time?"

"Are you threatening me?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you jealous?"

"Are you naïve? Are you so blind you can't see we're only looking out of for you and your family? For the country?" Adrian sighed throwing his hands up and pacing about the room with the unlit cigarette still between his middle and index finger. For a while, he muttered to himself, and I ignored him.

I wasn't going to say anything especially not tell him that he was right. The Ivashkovs, regardless of their ulterior motives to better themselves, had always been on our side. The friendship started long ago through a deal: jewels for titles. Even though the Mazurs were always wealthy, free jewels in exchange for nobility titles and a seat at the King's table, was a small price to pay. Or so it seemed. I always knew Tatiana wanted control of the monarchy, and soon she would get her wish. I didn't agree with her disdain for the common people. A ruler with such a dislike for people would surely cause trouble. I knew she would do what was necessary to take care of the country, no doubt, but she would start by protecting people like her: the nobles and the wealthy. I often kept such thoughts to myself because Adrian was my best friend. We had been since infancy, but I couldn't hide any longer my distrust of his aunt as one of our advisors. Maybe it was my foul mood or newfound confidence in my future role as Queen, but I was going to let my smart mouth do the talking. If I couldn't speak freely with Adrian, how could our marriage function? How could we lead if we weren't on the same page?

"You didn't tell me everything," he finally said sitting next to me. "What did Dimitri say? What happened last night? You've changed. You're certainly more irritable."

"More irritable? Are you implying I am always moderately irritable?" I scoffed and avoided his eyes. I wondered if he would hear the guilt in my voice because certainly, he would see it written all over my face. The truth I hid from him. For someone who demanded honesty, I wasn't one to reciprocate. But there was no need to hurt Adrian. Soon, Dimitri would be nothing but a memory. Nothing but a whisper in the wind.

"Rose," he pressed his finger under my chin and tilted it, so I would look at him. "What happened?"

"Nothing," I pulled away and sighed. "I just trusted him. I shouldn't have, I know. We said way too many times we were going to be careful. By 'we', I mean me. I kept telling Lissa to be careful, and I was the careless one. I trusted him blindly, and I see now. I am naïve. That doesn't mean your aunt is right. She can't speak ill of someone just because they weren't born with a golden spoon in their mouths."

"Have you thought maybe she distrusts him because she feels he's hiding something? Which he is. We found out the truth by chance; it wasn't easy. What will she find if she keeps digging? Perhaps, you shouldn't tempt her to. If she feels threatened, she can be terrifying and dangerous." He put the cigarette back in his mouth and searched for his lighter. "And no. That's not a threat. It's a warning or advice. Take it or leave it, but you can't go around making enemies of your friends."

"Dimitri is under the protection of the King, and by definition, he's a friend too," I reminded him pulling the cigarette from his mouth. "Are you trying to kill us?"

Adrian rolled his eyes. "Lucky for you, I lost my lighter." Suddenly his face brightened. He was such a rollercoaster of emotions. One second, serious and confrontational. The next, lighthearted and mischievous. I had a hard time keeping up as his friend; I couldn't imagine what it would be like spending the rest of my life with him. At least he would keep me guessing and interested. "It must have been last night. I spent a lot of time with Natalie…"

"Oh, Adrian," I sighed and shook my head. "Please tell me you didn't…"

"Didn't what? Deflower little Natalie?" Adrian put his hand on his chest and feigned innocence. "I would never! Seriously, I wouldn't. She's like a little sister. No, I didn't but someone might have. I took her for a walk because she was too drunk and needed air, so we started talking about life. You know future profession, marriage, plans, and whatnot."

"That sounds like a very short conversation," I chuckled humorlessly. "Your future is already planned, or I should say our future is planned."

"You make it sound like I'll be a nightmare," he said pretending to smoke his unlit cigarette.

"Oh, I know you will be. You disrespected your future Queen and wife calling her naïve and yelling." I tsked and wiggled my finger disapprovingly at him. "You are supposed to adore me."

"I do," he set his cigarette on the table and turned to me. His face was deadly serious as he sometimes could be. His deep emerald eyes were soft as they roamed my face settling on my lips. That signature mischievous grin was long gone replaced by intense scrutiny. A thought floated through my mind then, did Adrian care for me more than a friend? When he licked his lips, I thought he might kiss me but instead simply caressed my cheek with his thumb. "I adore you, Rose. My Little Princess, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I did not mean to disrespect you, and if you deem necessary, tie me up to the bed and punish me."

"Oh, hush," I smacked his hand away playfully yet seriously. I felt uncomfortable being so close to him like this. There was no way Adrian cared for me more than friends. He grew up with me and has seen me through every embarrassing phase. Besides, why would he want me? In his travels, he has met many women, all more experienced than I could ever be or more interesting. But even though he didn't care for me romantically, I still owed him faithfulness and respect.

"I was only trying to spice things up between us," he countered. "When was the last time we actually argued?"

"I don't recall," I said truthfully trying to remember a time he and I fought over something or someone. "You've always been on my side."

"I'll always be on your side, Rose," he took my hand and kissed it. "You can count on me to kiss your ass. Oh, speaking of kissing ass, would you like to look over my speech for your birthday celebration?"

Things returned to normal between Adrian and me. Any sign of strife disappeared with our light banter. Out of his pocket, he pulled a wrinkled paper with many ink stains and sentences scratched through as he tried to compose a worthy speech for my birthday ball coming soon. Eventually, Adrian grew tired and could no longer stay still waiting for my reaction to his speech and decided to wander the library. I took longer than usual to read his speech as I kept smiling and laughing at it. Adrian certainly had a way to make me happy, but it wasn't like when I looked up and saw Dimitri with roses in his hand.

My heart skipped a beat seeing Dimitri looking genuinely sorry and trying so hard to mend our broken friendship. When he told me the reason he couldn't be honest, because of the safety of his family, I felt like a selfish bitch. I had been a spoiled brat not once considering there might have been noble reasons behind his actions. And when he said he wasn't a good man, all my anger flew out the window. I had to step away to fight the tears threatening to erupt. I made him feel like he wasn't good and honest. His life had been much harder than mine of that I was sure, and I wanted to comfort him as he had done for me many times. I knew I shouldn't. I couldn't let him into my heart. It wasn't fair to him, Adrian or me. Dimitri loved me, and while I felt the same way, I couldn't give him any sort of hope that anything could happen between us. The kiss never happened, all we could be was friends and allies, and we both had to find a way to accept such.

It wasn't easy when Dimitri had such a way of comforting me with his words or giving me the strength to be better. He had such faith in me and my ability to be a great Queen when I was still trying to find myself. How could someone who barely knew me to have such faith in me? How did he know with certainty I wasn't going to run my country to the ground? And why did I find myself believing him with such ease? Was it my eagerness to be good? No. Something had changed between us, and I could hear the honesty in his voice. There were no more pretenses and lies. We were getting to really know each other, and while it was nice, it was also dangerous.

I was in danger of falling more in love with him because hearing him speak of his passion to travel made me realize we had more in common than I thought. We both wanted to do so much more with our lives, but we were caught in our duty to serve others. I could listen to him talk all day. His accent made me feel warm like hot chocolate on a snowy day. His eyes were like northern lights when he spoke of cities of lights and exotic food. I could picture myself in Budapest with him by my side sight-seeing and enjoying a meal at the restaurant across the river. If our wings could fly, I knew where we'd go and never come back. I had the feeling Dimitri thought the same way as he almost promised to meet me in Budapest one day. I knew it was too good to be true though. It was just a dream, a dangerous one, and we needed to come down from the clouds.

"Speaking of Budapest, did you know that's where magic was first discovered?" Dimitri cleared his throat changing the conversation. I was rather grateful for the change. We were steering into troubling waters if we continued talking of dreams and wings. It was best to get back to business.

"I heard but don't know the full story," I admitted shamefully. For being a future leader, I wasn't very knowledgeable. "To be fair, that's not my fault. When my grandfather ruled, he limited all talk of witches and magic. I guess he was uncomfortable. Do you know how it happened?"

Dimitri pressed his lips together in deep thought. "Stories travel fast, Your Highness, and on the way, they get distorted and modified. It's hard to tell which is true. I can only tell you the version I grew up with."

"I would love to hear it," I stood up from my seat. "Do you mind if we walk a bit? I'm tired of sitting."

"Not at all," he followed me as we took a stroll through the library. His prominent figure took much of the space, so our hands brushed up against each other frequently as we moved past bookshelves filled to the brim. "My grandmother told us the tale a couple of times in our childhood before speaking of witches became too dangerous…" He trailed off giving me the impression he was choosing his words carefully afraid to say too much. I didn't comment wondering if anyone in his family practiced magic and saying so would put them in danger. I did want to know everything about him, but I wasn't going to push him into lying to save his loved ones. I wanted him to feel comfortable speaking to me, and I hoped one day he'd feel safe enough to confide in me as I did in him.

"I can picture little Dimitri sitting by the fire late at night listening to fairytales," I teased trying to save him from saying more than he wanted. I interlaced my hands in front of me to keep our limbs from brushing against each other. Earlier, when he shook my hand, there was a shock that ran from my fingertips to my toes, and I wondered if he felt it. I wanted him to but at the same time, I didn't. This was the kind of thing I had to spare him from.

Dimitri chuckled as his eyes seemed far away possibly deep in thought of home, family, and fond memories of his grandmother. In his voice, I could hear the love he had for her, and I knew we both were close to our grandparents. Yet another thing we had in common.

"It's not what you think," he shook his head the smile slowly fading as his tone grew serious. "It isn't a fairytale, and there's certainly not a happy ending, as you know. Though the story has been passed down many times in the past twenty years, I'm certain there's some truth to all versions. The one I grew up with, well, sounds more unbelievable than anything. My Babushka has never been one to tell us fairytales about princesses and frogs."

"Your grandmother sounds like a strong and sensible woman," I said quietly unable to trust my voice when I was more and more aware of the space between us getting smaller as we continued. I couldn't remember the bookshelves being this big or space between them so small. Maybe it was us and the tension between us as big as the ocean. There wasn't nearly enough room for all those pent up feelings.

"She is," Dimitri smiled once more, and I wanted to see him smile for the rest of my life. He looked young and untroubled. It wasn't a polite smile he often put in front of my father or Natalie. This was genuine, and it was blinding. "I think she would like you. You're both fighters."

"I hope to one day meet her," I stopped to lean against a bookshelf and turned to look at him. "One day, I will invite you and your family to stay in the palace. Hopefully, my country will be in less turmoil, and we can sightsee. There's so much I have to show you!" I reached for his arm excitedly and without thought.

"We would like that very much," Dimitri whispered patting my hand on his arm. The smile slowly faded, and I removed my hand.

"I think we're easily distracted," I chuckled tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and feeling incredibly awkward. "Please proceed."

"Yes," he cleared his throat and began the tale in a whisper. I had to lean forward a little to hear him, and as he continued it was as if what he was about to tell me was a great secret only meant for me. "We have to go back to the beginning of Time when the Heavens, the Earth, the Oceans, and Magic were created. Tales speak of a being as old as Life itself and the most powerful witch that ever walked the Earth. They say this being created Moon phases, seasons, and other extraordinary phenomena. She also saved Humans from extinction in a time without medicine or science there was only magic. She graciously granted a select few the gift of magic passed down by blood, generation after generation. With her guidance, witches and humans lived and prospered for centuries. As gratitude, the witches gave this being the title of Queen of Witches, or as she is known in Russia, Baba Yaga.

"Baba Yaga guided witches for a long time until the carelessness of a few of her witches led humans to discover the magic. Humans weren't ready to discover there was something as powerful as their God, so they reacted with fear and hatred for the very thing that had kept them alive for so long without even knowing. They resorted to witch hunts, to accusing innocents, and sentencing many to burn or be drowned. Baba Yaga advised her witches to hide their abilities and be careful when practicing in front of non-magical folk. However, every few years, humans needing a scapegoat for their tragedies accused women, men, and children of witchcraft though more often than not those poor souls were ordinary humans. Baba Yaga didn't know what to do. If she intervened for a few witches foolish enough to be caught, things could get worse, for the humans would be more afraid and resort to more violence. It was like a hornets' nest, the more you poked it the angrier the hornets got.

"Baba Yaga retreated to the deep dark woods where she could be found if you dared to seek her, living in her small wooden cottage which stood upon a pair of chicken legs. Witches from all over the world sought her aid in spells, and humans heard the tale of Baba Yaga. Despite their fear, humans have always been curious creatures by nature. Curious and greedy. They also sought Baba Yaga's guidance and powerful magic. They begged for love potions and healing spells. They wanted wealth and beauty. Baba Yaga granted such, for they gave her magic a purpose. Against her better judgment, Baba Yaga opened her door to those willing to pay the price for her magic. Many say Baba Yaga was evil, for she let her people suffer for years. Others say she was good as she did her best to protect witches, and still find kindness in her heart to help the very creatures that often hurt her people. Baba Yaga wasn't just one thing. She couldn't be. A being as old as her, as powerful as her, knew things weren't black and white, so she was both. She was good and evil. Her intentions for granting eternal love to a desperate human were noble and cruel. You would never get exactly what you wanted, but she always did. Baba Yaga always had the upper hand. Until she didn't.

"In the 1620s in Wurzburg, Germany, the greatest witch hunt took place. Despite her efforts to keep magic hidden, humans couldn't and wouldn't leave them alone. More than 900 people, including children, were accused of witchcraft and executed. When Baba Yaga saw the beheadings, the burnings, the drowning and the death of precious magic, she couldn't accept it any longer. She cast a spell that worked like a veil over the human eye and made them unable to see things magical. Witches became a fairytale, a scary story to tell children so they would behave. Witches and magic became a myth, and Baba Yaga could finally rest as she faded into the darkness. No longer did she serve humans, and unless there was a good reason to help, she let witches fend for themselves.

"Twenty years ago, a normal day of December very cold and snowy in Budapest. People went about their business. Adults off to work. Children off to school. Some would say the day was too ordinary, almost suffocating like everything and everyone was trying too hard to be normal and calm. Suddenly, the Sun dimmed, and slowly the day got darker. People stopped in their tracks and looked at the Heavens. A Solar Eclipse unforeseen by scientists and meteorologists. Everyone was baffled as total darkness in the middle of the day interrupted the very ordinary day. The Heavens then shook, the Earth trembled, and the veil Baba Yaga cast was torn. Witches often draw magic from their surroundings, from Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Spirit. But using their magic leaves them drained. It is said Baba Yaga drew her power from children devouring their souls for immortality, the flesh gave her strength, and their bones made potent potions. But on that day, many saw witches drawing power from the Solar Eclipse, recharging their power from daily tasks and spells. However, witches didn't count on Baba Yaga's spell breaking, and at that moment, as the sky was darkened, humans saw again."

I was speechless and had goosebumps by the time Dimitri finished his story. He was silent allowing me to process what I heard. Even in tales, whether made-up or not, humans had treated witches with fear and hatred. The more I heard about the tragic past of witches, the more ashamed I felt being human and even worse being part of the problem. I couldn't believe my own family had refused to stop the suffering of an entire group of people. If we had done something sooner, so many lives could have been spared. The witches wouldn't hold a grudge against the Mazurs, or better yet against all humans.

"What did people see that day? Did they see sparkles in the sky?" I chuckled nervously rubbing my arms.

Dimitri hesitated and then when he spoke he did so slowly. Again, he seemed like he was choosing his words carefully. "They saw magic. Some will say they did see sparkles in the sky, others say they saw devils with horns and golden glowing eyes. I'm afraid I can't say what they saw, Your Highness. It's also said you can feel the magic around you like a tingling sensation almost like goosebumps." As he said so, he shrugged his duster off and threw it over me seeing the goosebumps on my own flesh.

"Why or how was the spell broken that day? I'm sure there have been many Solar Eclipses in the past." I pulled the duster closer around me reveling in his scent and warmth. It was like being hugged by Dimitri. I prayed my cheeks weren't red thinking of his arms around me, and if they were, I hoped he assumed it was from the warmth of his duster.

"I don't know," Dimitri shrugged. "My Babushka said it was because that day Baba Yaga perished. Her time was up and her death brought the eclipse as a last gift to her witches. A phenomenon like eclipses is said to be revered by witches it's when magic is most palpable in the air."

"You think Baba Yaga really existed then?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation and surer than anything. "Everything and everyone needs a leader. Something to believe in and follow. Animals require an alpha, humans require leaders, and witches, well, needed a queen to guide them even if they didn't always listen."

"I've never heard of Baba Yaga or the Queen of Witches. I just never imagined they would have a leader. Why do you think we haven't heard of her here in Turkey?"

"You have. Baba Yaga goes by many names. She has become a legend sometimes used to scare children into eating their dinner. If they don't, Baba Yaga will eat them instead. Adults need lessons too. Be careful what you wish for or Baba Yaga will take your firstborn child." Dimitri chuckled.

"You're thinking of Rumpelstiltskin." I frowned. "He spun straw into gold in exchange for a woman's firstborn child unless she could guess his name."

Dimitri leaned against the bookshelf next to me and crossed his arms. "Fairytales vary by country, beliefs, religion, language and time. They are all different yet the same. They are inspired by something, in this case, Baba Yaga, which can either be real and spawning many stories. Or she can be another version of let's say, Rumpelstiltskin or the Fairy Godmother."

"No!" I gasped. "Is Baba Yaga in your version of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty?"

"Yes," Dimitri chuckled. "In our version, Cinderella traded her sister's souls for beauty and a prince. My Babushka made sure we always learned something from fairytales."

I chewed on my lower lip processing the cultural and historical lesson. I wished to hear more of his culture, his country, and his family, but the purpose of the lesson was to find a solution to the growing strife between witches and my government. I tried my best to focus on that, but it was hard when Dimitri standing next to me radiated warmth. I could picture us sitting by the fireplace, hot chocolate, and his alluring accent whispering fairytales, unhappy, and happy endings. It wasn't the time for fantasies not then, not ever.

"You think there's a new leader? A new Queen, or King, of witches?" I asked turning to look at him and found him already staring at me.

Dimitri frowned and seemed deep in thought. "I can't say I know the workings of the witches' hierarchy. If Baba Yaga truly perished, I can't say I know if she had an heiress or heir. I do know that every coven has a leader since Baba Yaga went into hiding."

"You think we need to find the leader of the coven and come to an agreement with them? We could present a treaty to my father." I started to pace in front of him as I gathered my thoughts.

"So you believe Baba Yaga is real, too?" I felt his eyes on me but I dared not look afraid of what emotion I might find in his eyes.

"Of course and I think she was very powerful and tried very hard to protect her people. Maybe one day we'll learn the true story but at least we know for sure, her unhappy ending is because of humans. Somehow, I have to make things right. We can't let anyone suffer. All those children killed in Germany… I can't let that happen here."

Dimitri inhaled sharply. "You are incredible. You are compassionate and kind willing to forgive those who have harmed you. We can certainly look for the coven leader here. It will take time, however. They don't like to advertise that kind of knowledge. But if that is what Your Highness wants to do…"

I remained silent and leaned against the bookshelf next to him again. I looked up at the cathedral ceiling and prayed for guidance. I didn't acknowledge his praise because I wasn't sure I deserved it. I wanted to avoid bloodshed, and find a deal that would make both the council and witches happy. I tried to put myself in my father's shoes, but I knew he was ready to wage war. I wondered if he had simply amused me by giving me a task, or if he wanted to piss off the Council one more time before he made his choice, whichever it might be. I couldn't think like my grandfather because he was apathetic. He wanted the witches and humans to resolve their problems without him.

"I'm not sure," I admitted pitifully. "There's no precedent on how to resolve issues with witches. No one in the history of our government has ever cared enough to do anything."

"History is important, Rose," Dimitri turned to me and tilted my chin to look at him with his index finger. We were so close I could taste his lips again and feel the heat from his body even while I wore his duster. "Learn from your predecessor's mistakes and make your own path. One day, you will be history; one day, a future Queen will look to you for guidance. Don't be your grandfather or your father, Rose. Be you."

"I don't think that's a good idea," I whispered swallowing hard not only nervous at our proximity but this moment. The moment that will change, or not, my country and the way people saw me as future Queen. "I'm afraid of making a mistake, too. I feel awful for the witches always treated as peripheral; they've been persecuted and marginalized for centuries, and I meant when I said I cannot allow all to pay the price for the errors of a few. My grandfather is still dead, and they have threatened us. How can I look past revenge and pain to make a suitable unbiased decision? You said I was kind and compassionate, but I'm not so sure I am…"

My voice trembled, and my eyes burned. Dimitri said something under his breath before he wrapped his arms around me crushing me to his chest. The shock didn't last long, and I found myself enveloping his torso with my arms and burying my face on his shirt. The tears weren't far behind, and I felt the moisture on his shirt from them. He whispered softly against my hair and kissed it as his right hand rubbed my back and his left was pressed on my lower back. A voice in the back of my mind said to move, to step away from his embrace. It reminded me of Adrian and who I was, but I found it was easy to tell the voice to shut the hell up. I was just Rose, and he was just Dimitri. He was comforting me for the loss of my grandfather. But I was reminded of the reason I lost him in the first place.

"I don't want to be hateful," I whimpered and looked up at him. "But I want to make them pay. My grandfather didn't deserve to die like that. I think he was as lost as me unsure of how to fix this mess. He didn't know what I know now. It wasn't just the witches' fault."

"I know," Dimitri kissed my head again and rested his cheek on top of it wrapping his arms tighter as if he was trying to hold me together. In a way, he was. My knees were weak, and I felt the air thinning around me maybe it was the sobs, maybe it was the pressure of doing the right thing, or maybe it was my hatred for those who hurt my family. Either way, being in his arms I felt there was a chance of being whole again, of being free of pain and only feeling love. "I wish I could take away your pain. I wish I could carry it for you and only give you joy. You deserve the world, Roza."

"Tell me what to do," I gripped his shirt with both of my hands. "Please."

"I can't," his voice was strained like he was in pain as well. "This is your choice, but I will support you no matter what you decide."

I sniffled and stepped back to look into his eyes. His words might say one thing, but I knew his eyes wouldn't hide what he truly meant. "If I decided not to fight for the witches, if I decided to let Lord Dashkov kill them all, you would support me?"

Dimitri shook his head slowly and with his right thumb wiped my tears away. "You won't do that. I told you, Rose. You are kind, and you won't let justice die. You may feel suffocated by the pain of losing your grandfather. I can't imagine what I'd do if I lost Babushka, and I can't say I'd be the bigger person and promise kindness to those who harmed her. But you are not me. You are your own person, and your soul is pure."

"What's the point of a pure soul if I'll be walked all over? I'll be stepped on the rest of my life?" I threw my hands up in the air frustrated. Tears continued to flow, but they were angry tears more than pained. "As soon as I marry Adrian, I lose who I am. My reign ends the day I become Rosemarie Ivashkov and with it ends the Mazur name, you think the Ivashkovs will let me rule? I will be nothing but a pawn. I am nothing but a pawn, just the stepping stone to the crown. All my efforts would have been for nothing."

"I won't let that happen," Dimitri growled fisting his hands at his sides and standing taller and tense.

"What can you do for me, Dimitri?" I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and waited for his answer. Nothing came. "That's what I thought. I know you mean well, but…"

Dimitri closed the distance between us and grabbed my face gently with both of his hands. "Run away with me. Let's go to Budapest as we dream of. We can get lost in the crowds and start over. You won't have to carry this burden any longer. I will make you happy, Roza. I swear it."

I heard it in his voice: the brutal honesty I so begged him for. He would do it. He would take me away and never look back. He'd make me his wife, and he would father my children. Oh, Dimitri would be a wonderful father to little princesses and princes. I believed him, and I wanted what he promised. But this wasn't a fairytale, and I wasn't meant for a happy ending. I was reminded so abruptly.

"Your Highness," Eddie bowed his head averting his eyes from me and Dimitri. At the sound of Eddie's voice, Dimitri and I jumped away. I had forgotten my guard and that was foolish. If Eddie heard the entire conversation with Dimitri, others could have as well. Eddie would never tell a soul my secrets, but I couldn't say the same about other people. "I apologize for the interruption. Lady Natalie wishes to have a word with you."

I groaned. "I don't have time for her right now. Tell her I'm busy."

"As you wish, Your Highness, but I am afraid she insists. She is in hysterics and has requested an urgent audience with you." Eddie cleared his throat. "She said something about being a matter of life or death."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I knew all about Natalie's life or death situations. Usually, they weren't. Usually, it was about Camille Conta spreading nasty rumors behind my back, and like always, I listened to Natalie because I was a gracious host and princess, and my family needed the support of the Dashkovs. So I took a deep breath, stood taller, and wiped my tears away.

"Tell her to meet me in the tulip garden in five," I told Eddie as I shrugged off Dimitri's duster and handed it back to him. "Thank you for your company, Dimitri, and thank you for the story. I will consider your advice, and we can meet again to continue our task."

With that, I turned to leave, but Dimitri wasn't ready to go back to reality. He reached for my wrist clasping it in his right hand gently yet with enough force to keep me still though he didn't need much force. I was reluctant to leave him and our own world. I didn't want to play princess or hear Natalie complain about Camille. I wanted to stay with him and listen to stories all day long. I wanted to stay in his arms, never move, and let the world fall apart around me. I wanted to run away with him and forget my name, my blood, and my place. I could be ordinary, and I could be happily ever after. But this wasn't the end of my story, it was the beginning. The pages kept flipping chapter after chapter of duty and loyalty to my family and my country. As for Dimitri, he wasn't my prince charming. He was a part of my character development; he was the one to teach me first love and heartbreak. His story and mine were tangled for a short while, but he would soon continue his own story. I just prayed his ended happily. One of ours had to.

"Rose," he called my name softly and tenderly. "I have one more thing to talk to you about…"

"What is it?" I turned to him when his tone was no longer soft. Something was bothering him.

Dimitri opened and closed his mouth several times. "Just wanted to remind you about our training session later. Sunset in the rose garden?"

"Great and once again, thank you. You have been very helpful." I bowed my head respectfully and turned to leave. Before I rounded a corner, I spared a glance behind me. He stood with his duster in his hands watching me leave him. "Are you sure that's all you wanted to say?"

A second ago, he looked lost and detached almost lost in his own world even as his eyes followed my every move. Then, his lips parted in a sad smile. "You don't want to hear what I have to say, Your Highness. Besides, I rather not spend the rest of my life in a dungeon for crossing the line as I have already done again."

I sighed and left him. I couldn't push Dimitri to tell me what was truly on his mind. I promised myself not to push him harder especially knowing the reason behind his secrets. I couldn't hate him for loving his family enough to hide who he was from the world, from me. Even though he loved me, Dimitri owed me nothing. Even if it took time, I knew Dimitri would one day forget about me. One day, he would be standing in the kitchen surrounded by his family, and I would cross his mind like a fond memory but there would be no feelings. He would find his love had faded. However, as I made my way to Natalie, I couldn't help think something was bothering Dimitri. Something important, yet he refused to share perhaps not to burden me considering how I had fallen apart in front of him. I hoped he would reconsider and come to me if he needed help. It was the least I could do after everything he was doing for me.

Dimitri shouldn't have held me. Hell, he shouldn't have seen me fall apart so easily. If I was going to show vulnerability, I should have shown it with my close friends or my future fiancé, not the man I was forbidden to love. But no one understood me the way Dimitri did, and certainly, no one else brought peace to my heart. Even if his words and promises to run away unsettled me because I believed if he was pushed enough, he would throw me over his shoulder and carry me away.

The thought brought heat to my cheeks and actually caused me to smile. I could imagine him laughing as he carried me over the threshold of our home in Budapest with me wearing a white dress, and him in a suit and his beloved duster over it. Tears burned my eyes again only this time I couldn't and wouldn't let them flow. No one could witness my turmoil. I was supposed to be grace and strength personified. My mother always showed such traits even when incredibly ill, so I could do the same though my heart was tearing itself apart. I shook my head and took a moment to take deep and even breaths before reaching my destination.

The sun was high in the sky I thought it was almost foolish of me to invite Natalie out there; we would surely burn to death. Before I could change my mind about the meeting place, Natalie seemed to appear out of thin air and throw her arms around me as she sobbed. I was worried to see her in such a state. Had Camille finally done it and broken poor Natalie? I never liked Camille, and I certainly wouldn't feel too uncomfortable putting her in her place for doing whatever she did to Natalie to leave the poor girl in hysterics. I wrapped my arms around Natalie and patted her back gently.

"There, there," I felt inadequate. I didn't know how to comfort her. Perhaps I could also get lessons from Dimitri on how to make someone feel better. "What happened?"

"Y-y-your Highness," Natalie stepped back to curtsy and wiped her tears away with her palms. "I am so sorry to assault you so, but I-I… Oh, Rose."

I frowned. This wasn't Camille. Something serious had happened. Natalie never called me by name. She was too proper to do so. I was always 'Your Highness' or 'Princess.' If she was this upset to forget her manners, something worse than Camille happened. The only thing I could think that would upset Natalie this much was a tragedy in her family.

"Is Lord Dashkov alright?" I asked her pushing her wild locks out of her face. Looking at her then, I saw bags under her eyes, sweaty skin, wrinkled clothing from the previous night, and eyes red. Something told me she had a rough night.

"Yes," Natalie whimpered and buried her face in her hands. "Though not for long!"

"What do you mean?" I gripped her wrists prying them off her face. "Natalie, talk to me. Is your father ill? Did something happen?"

"I happened!" Natalie wailed. "I am a shame. I am an embarrassment. When he hears what I have done, he will hate me! He will disown me and worse he will have a heart attack and die because of me!"

"Natalie," I sighed leading her towards a nearby bench where we sat. I allowed her to rest her head on my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around her. "You couldn't have done anything to cause such a reaction from your father. You're such a good person. You're kind and respectful. In fact, Her Majesty wouldn't mind if I were a little more like you."

"You would not say that if you knew," Natalie pouted calming down slightly or at least enough that I didn't need to struggle to understand her words. "I was bad. I was a very bad girl last night."

"How so?"

"I will tell you," she sniffled and wiped her nose with the sleeve of her dress. "But you cannot tell a soul and you have to promise you will not be mad."

"Cross my heart," I promised touching my left side where my heart should be.

"Last night, when you and Dimitri disappeared, I was left with Adrian. He is always very kind to me and kept me company all night." Natalie's cheeks and neck slowly turned redder as she continued, and I feared the worst. I didn't like Adrian's name was coming up not when I had asked him if he had deflowered Natalie. Had he? I hoped not. I wasn't jealous; I just knew he'd be in trouble for such an action. "We talked a bit and drank for the rest of the night. Anyway, I was feeling dizzy, so he took me to get some air and… And… We talked more and one thing leads to another and you came up… I told him you were a virgin, I am so sorry for telling him such, and because of that so was I. I wanted to be like you, and he said 'no, Natalie, you have to be your own person. What do you want more in this world?' So I told him… I told him I wanted… I wanted Dimitri Belikov…"

The jealousy monster reared its ugly head as Natalie continued her tale. The more I heard of her throwing herself at Dimitri, the angrier and more jealous I felt. I no longer held her or tried to comfort her. I remained silent as she sobbed and whimpered her words becoming harder to understand. I stared off into space and reminded myself to breathe. No use would come of yelling at Natalie; she was naïve and thought Dimitri had been flirting with her, I did warn him so. But the jealousy monster was angered and wanted me to reach over and wrap my hands around Natalie's scrawny little neck and choke the life out of her.

The thought was like a bucket of cold water. I stood up abruptly and paced in front of Natalie. I couldn't be like this. There was no reason to be so jealous almost murderous. Dimitri wasn't a possession, and even if he was, he certainly couldn't belong to me.

"You are mad, are you not, Your Highness?" Natalie sniffled and wiped her nose with the skirt of her dress. "I knew you would be. I had nowhere to turn, no one to talk to that might understand. I… I… I tarnished my reputation! Lord knows what Mr. Belikov must think of me, and the Dashkovs. I have brought shame…"

"Natalie, stop!" I inhaled sharply, turned to her, and sat back down on the bench. "Stop. I'm not upset. I just… I can't believe you thought this would end well. Dimitri is a diplomat; he's here for a little while, why did you think a relationship would work?"

"I was not looking for a relationship," Natalie looked down at her hand fumbling with her dress. "I was thinking more… I was thinking of one night."

"What?" I closed my eyes and tried to wrap my head around Natalie, sweet innocent Natalie, acting this way. "Why..."

"Adrian said I needed to be more assertive and take what I want," Natalie said sheepishly. "I just wanted Mr. Belikov. I mean, I am certain he is a great and kind man, but come on," she chuckled. "He is no noble. You think my father will allow me to marry him?"

"So what is the problem?" I stood up and paced again. I had to do something other than find Adrian and slap him for manipulating Natalie. Either that or shake some humility into her. Was everyone this prejudiced against commoners? No wonder her father wanted to eradicate witches if this was how he raised Natalie.

"Well, I was hoping you would talk to Mr. Belikov," Natalie stood up and took my hand in hers kissing it. "Please, Princess. You and he seem to be really close. I cannot imagine what he will tell His Majesty and my father of my behavior last night. Please convince him not to tell!"

"What makes you think he will say anything?" I patted her hand. "Dimitri is a gentleman."

"Of course," Natalie bit her lower lip and looked disappointed. "I am sure you are right. I… I am so sorry to bother you, Your Highness. You have much to worry, and I am so stupid…"

"Stop," I sighed and gave her a brief hug. The jealousy monster hadn't completely forgiven her, but I couldn't let this incident slide. "I will speak to Dimitri." Natalie squealed. "But you must do something for me. Keep this between us. Do not tell Camille or anyone else. Otherwise, what is the point of talking to Dimitri? And for the love of God, don't drink with Adrian ever again."

"Yes, Your Highness," Natalie threw her arms around me and hugged me. "Anything for you. Thank you, thank you!"

Natalie left me. She had to go back home but first I allowed her to borrow some clothes from me. I couldn't let her go to her father looking so disheveled. I sat back down on the bench with Eddie keeping his distance but his eyes focused on me never wavering. I rubbed my face with both hands suddenly the lack of sleep catching up to me and needing a serious nap. But there was much to be done. I had to find Adrian and Dimitri. One had to be put in his place, and the other needed a pedestal. Adrian had tried to tell me something all day long about Natalie. He had deliberately tried to get Dimitri thrown out of the country by manipulating Natalie's infatuation. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know that Adrian. As for Dimitri, he was putting with so much shit from my family and those around us. The man had to be a saint not to run away or punch something, someone. I had to make things right. I motioned Eddie forward with my hand.

"Eddie," I stood up and straightened out my skirt. "Please find Adrian and Dimitri. Bring them to the drawing-room. I don't care what they're doing or if they refuse, you bring them to me."

"Yes, Your Highness," Eddie stepped aside letting me walk first.

"No, Eddie," the next words came through my teeth, and I felt like a spoiled brat. "Now."

Eddie didn't even bow or said anything else. Very few times my friends saw me truly angry. They always said it was terrifying, and I assumed so when Eddie left me unguarded to carry out my instructions. I felt exposed and lonely, and I realized how I took for granted the continuous company. Maybe it was my anger or fear of being alone, but I stomped all the way to the drawing-room all the while people avoiding me or moving out of my way. I guess I was terrifying, and that would come in handy when speaking to Adrian and Dimitri. Things had to change around here. I would make sure of it.

AN: I apologize for how long this chapter is. Yikes. I just couldn't find a stopping point. I might start splitting into parts one and two if the chapters continue to get longer. Thanks for reading!