"It is an honor to have you all here!" Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Duchess of York started her speech in place of her husband, Prince Albert of York, who was quietly standing by his wife's side, nodding his head at the crowd. It was a well-known fact that Prince Albert was not his older brother, the heir apparent, Prince Edward. He didn't possess the charm or the linguistic competence in order to be a true representative of the Crown.

Although Prince Edward had been involved in several sexual scandals over the past years since the war had finally ended, many nobles thought it wise that Prince Albert rested in the shadow of his elder brother.

As Tommy's eyes were glued on the young man who tried to make a memorable appearance, he made the decision not to underestimate him. The young Prince had promise. That was guaranteed.

Once the Duchess' speech was over, the room exploded with several appropriate claps. Although it was a very remote party, the possibility for social interactions were plenty. But the Shelbys found that it would be wise to stick to their own corner of the room for the moment. Churchill had not made an appearance as of yet and from the looks of things, neither had Arthur Bigge, the King's Private Secretary.

Michael seemed to be enjoying the time they spent there the most. His eyes wandering over the pretty young ladies of noble families who attended. Way out of his league. But Tommy admired the boy's perseverance. Perhaps, one day, he would be lucky enough to find himself a suitable wife of high upbringing and plenty of prospects.

"So? What exactly is the plan here, Tommy? I didn't bother myself getting all dressed up just to sit and drink in a corner while the rest mingle and whisper behind our backs! I didn't want to come here anyway." Ada stated and angrily arranged her dress.

"It was a fair vote, Ada, and you were the only one who was against the idea." Tommy replied, rolling his eyes as he took another swig of his drink. It certainly didn't bring him any pleasure to be surrounded by all these people. But he was nervous. He played with fire when he brought up those secret dealings to Arthur Bigge, and now he was certain that Churchill was planning to strike back. And when would the proper time be? The answer, right about now when the iron is hot. When the damn Mafia has him by the balls, holding his youngest brother hostage.

Tommy needed to think really hard of how to get their family out of this shithole. Churchill had been the company's greater supporter since the White Movement. It wouldn't do to lose him now. He needed to appease him, make him believe that the act of keeping such secret documents is one of desperation to keep his family safe. Tommy didn't believe he could handle the New York Mafia and the Crown teaming up against him.

Would these foreign invaders really be allowed to walk in and take over everything? Because Tommy realized he was the only one to see Luca Changretta for what he was. This was exactly what someone like him would do. The Prohibition era in America was profitable. Now was the time to strike in the liquor business. But what if you could expand to another country? The policemen could be bought. They would gladly work for the highest bidder.

But could the Crown afford to go against all the established gangs in London? Marie Kimber…Alfie Solomons? How about Darby Sabini? For all the help he offered Luca and his men, Tommy doubted he would be happy about this American taking advantage of his hospitality and ultimately taking over his business. The Sicilian Mafia was, after all, an organization of the highest dimension possible, never to be underestimated.

That is why the Shelbys needed allies. Powerful allies. The new Peaky recruits and Aberama Gold's lot would not cut it. He needed to talk to Alfie again. He had hoped that by revealing a secret plan to him would get the Jew on his side permanently but that had not been so. Has he already struck a deal with Luca Changretta? What about Marie Kimber? She was under his protection…but he needed more from her. And he needed to know if she had the necessary influence over the Brum Boys to help him win this war.

"The plan is, we sit quietly, and wait for the real persons of interest to appear." Tommy finally told Ada, just as John moved into his line of vision. The barmaid, Emily Wright, from what Tommy could remember, was at his side, in a pretty maxi purple flapper dress. The dress was the chosen Christmas gift from John. They had all tried to look as presentable as possible. This was, after all, a royal party.

Tommy was no fool. He saw the way John and this Emily girl were looking at one another. What could he do to stop it? Have her sent away? He would lose John forever. He knew that. He had done it to him once, when he had wanted to marry Lizzie. Now, after all that has happened, Tommy knew that he owed his brother happiness. But at the same time, they could not afford to recreate mistakes of the past. Secretive barmaids needed to be thoroughly checked, and although he had other more important things on his plate, Tommy intended to do just that, as soon as it was possible.

John met his brother's eyes and then leaned in and kissed Emily on the cheek, clearly making a statement. He really liked this girl. With the liquor going to his head, he was leaning into her for a more passionate kiss, when Emily stopped him, gently putting her hand on his chest and pushing him away.

"John, please. We need to be presentable." Emily whispered, just as John had leaned in to flutter kisses on her neck. Surely enough, he listened, and pulled back, a dopey smile on his face. Tommy recognized the look of a man in love. He knew John was a true romantic when it came to women. Especially when he found one that really lights his fire. And this girl was it. Perhaps she could be molded. She had been working at the Garrison for a while now. The faithful Jeremiah had kept her under his wing. So far, there had been no problems which could be pointed to her.

"Tom." Polly hissed at him, pulling him out of his thoughts, and nodding towards the entrance of the estate. Winston Churchill had been announced, and was now exchanging pleasantries with the Duke and Duchess of York. Tommy finished his drink and was prepared to go over and put his plan in motion.

But he was stopped short when another person was announced. Standing right behind Winston Churchill, the Duke and Duchess, was Tatiana herself, dressed in a beaded dark-gold dress. Her hair was styled just as it had been at the charity gala from a year before. Although she had lost plenty, it would seem the former duchess had not lost her sense of style, class or attitude expected from a member of a royal family. Although only slightly related to the Romanovs, Tatiana was a duchess through and through.

Everyone was now staring at her, and that was exactly what she had hoped to accomplish. Some women looked on with jealousy, and some even grabbed a tighter hold of their men, almost afraid to lose them. Tatiana knew the effect she had on people. She had the necessary charm and was not afraid to use it. Also, her bloodline didn't hurt either. Plenty of influential men at the party tonight were interested in speaking with someone with their…standing.

Tommy would be awestruck by her incredible appearance if anger did not consume him that very moment. Especially when he heard Ada mumbling, "Well it's about time she showed up."

Grabbing her by the elbow, Tommy hissed, "What the fuck is she doing here?"

"She insisted on coming. I prepared a dress and all and it looks like she is more than capable of maneuvering around your men. Let's not forget that she got away from the Americans without your help. You shouldn't underestimate her." Ada replied and pulled her arm back.

"She is carrying my child. Do you understand that? My bloody child!" Tommy snapped at her, his hand trembling, his icy blue eyes watching every move Tatiana made.

Sure enough, he noticed plenty of people in the room looking towards her belly. The select few people in this country where well informed that the former duchess was carrying his child, which made her an even more desirable target. And sure enough, the one person in the room Tommy certainly didn't want to her to have any contact with, made his way towards her.

"Duchess Tatiana Petrovna." Churchill spoke softly, reaching out and kissing her hand.

"Mr. Churchill. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Tatiana replied, graciously accepting his manner of greeting, and then looked at him quizzically, "I didn't think you would want to recognize me in public."

Churchill of course knew to what she was referring to and placed his hand on her back, leading her to a more secluded place to talk. "The people here tonight are the select few who know about my generous contribution to the White Movement. That includes Thomas Shelby and his family." As he told her, his head nodded towards the other side of the room, where Tommy was rooted to the spot, unsure how to proceed.

Tatiana looked up and met the eyes of her former lover. As expected, he was presenting a calm stature, but deep inside, she knew his anger would burst had it not been kept under control. He was good at that. She didn't care. If she wanted to remain a prisoner, she could have easily stayed with the Italian. At least he had some interest in her as well, not just in the baby she was carrying.

Clearing her throat, Tatiana offered the man a charming smile. "I am certain that I speak in the name of House Romanov when I say that we will be forever grateful for your help."

Chuckling, Churchill shamelessly placed his hand on her belly and stated, "And I hear that another distant representative of the House is on the way. How far along are you, my dear?"

"Four months." Tatiana replied, her eyes gazing down at where one slimy hand was touching her. She didn't know why anger was building up inside her. Was it because a man was touching her without her permission or were her instinctive protective feelings over the unborn baby in her womb kicking in?

"Well…Mr. Shelby must certainly be eager to be a father once more."

"Indeed I am." She felt his breath on the back of her neck, and an instant relaxation took over Tatiana's body, as Churchill immediately removed his hand. Tommy's hand replaced his own, around her waist, keeping her close to him.

"Mr. Churchill, it is a pleasure to see you again, sir." Tommy tried to create a sincere approach towards the man with such great political influence. It was of the upmost necessity to appease him right now.

"Mr. Shelby, you are planning on making an honest woman out of our former duchess here, are you not? After all, a man of your reputation, breeding bastards…" Churchill trailed on, completely ignoring Tommy's greeting as a way of warning him of the status of their relationship.

Tatiana tried to keep her breathing under control as her eyes were downcast. She really hadn't thought this through. It was shameful for someone like her to keep the baby. Her family may be ruined but she still had a reputation to uphold, for the sake of her ancestors. She had created plenty of diplomatic connection across the years. People across Europe who, despite hating her father, respected him and still owed her family plenty of favors. How could she maintain these connections in her state? Unmarried and with a child in her belly. People would deem her a whore, which despite all her crazy misadventures, she was certainly not. She would be making the right decision to abort the baby. After all, Tommy would never marry her…would he?

"The plan for a wedding is certainly in the works but, as you may already know, my mind is preoccupied with other matters for the moment." Tommy responded swiftly and tightened his grip on her waist, as a warning. She had to remain silent.

"Oh, yes, I have heard." Churchill replied with a smirk. He would enjoy seeing Thomas Shelby grovel.

"Would it be possible to speak to you in private, sir?"

"Well, I was going to enjoy myself, but if you insist on talking business, I don't see any reason why not. Let's have a word, Mr. Shelby." Churchill replied and then turned to Tatiana, "My dear, it was a pleasure to meet you here tonight. All the best to you and your child."

As soon as Churchill turned away and headed up the stairs, most likely to a private office, Tatiana turned to Tommy and freed herself from his grasp.

"I am not marrying you!" she snapped, but her ragged breath suggested something else. He had that effect on her. Tatiana couldn't deny it. He was unlike any man she had ever met. That's why she wanted him.

"Not to worry, love. Marrying you is far from my to do list. I just needed to get him away from you. You weren't supposed to be here in the first place, and here's why. You cause too much of a scene. Your status, your reputation, and now carrying my child in your belly. The last thing I need is to have high government officials with their eye on you. Another thing they can hold over my head." Tommy explained in a rather quickly fashion.

Tatiana could sense that he was making an effort to keep his temper in check.

"Now I have business to take care of."

"Then go!"

"Stay with Polly and Ada. Do not talk to anyone else." He ordered and finally made his way up the stairs.

As if Tatiana would actually bother listening to him. She didn't just come here to make a point that he couldn't boss her around. She came here to forge relationships. Build connections, and maybe one day, when this whole vendetta thing was over, she could finally leave and start a new life for herself.

"Miss. Petrovna."

Tatiana turned around to see a man she recognized. Someone close to the Crown. He was the man who helped her uncle and provided them shelter at Hampton Court.

"Arthur Bigge. We have met a while back." The man introduced himself and Tatiana forced a smile for the sake of appearances. She remembered not particularly liking this man. And now this feeling of queasiness remained in his presence, since she caught a glimpse of the problems Tommy had gotten himself into.

"Yes. I remember. Hello, Mr. Bigge."

"I am quite surprised to find you here, Miss…"

"I am not a Miss. I am a duchess by blood. I prefer you remember that." Tatiana told him, not liking the tone of his voice. He was being condescending, treating her like a child. As if she had no right to be here. Why? Didn't need any reminders of their secret dealings? Tommy was right In Tatiana's mind. All politicians were filthy.

With a small smile, almost feigning a sad one, Bigge amused himself by giving her what she wanted. But he also wanted to put her in her place. So, in a small voice, he made the following revelation, "Of course, Duchess Tatiana Petrovna. I admit that acknowledging the station you so deserve due to your relation to the Romanovs has proven to be quite difficult in these times. The White Movement was a failed operation and as such, our government has concluded that keeping ties with the remaining members of your family would no longer be acceptable. That is why I wouldn't advise that you continue to make your presence known to high ranking officials of our great country, even with your current…predicament."

He made a point by gesturing towards her showing belly. "I'm afraid that being in such close connection to the great Thomas Shelby will not offer you the protection you might need, if the same perpetrators choose to pursue you…"

"I'm sorry?"

"I am sure you heard of the tragic deaths that have befallen your aunt and uncle."

Tatiana's blood ran cold at his words. The look on her face could only be described as one of contempt. She may have cheated her aunt and uncle, taken the family jewels and run off to start a new life for herself, but she never wished them dead. Why would she? They had taken care of her after her parents died.

"Oh, do forgive me, Duchess. I see you have not been informed." Bigge immediately rambled but all Tatiana could think of was chocking this poor excuse of a man. What was he trying to do? Frighten her? Get her to leave the country?

"The Bolsheviks were of course responsible for the assassination."

"And I am sure the British Secret Service had no idea something like this would happen in their own country." Tatiana accused.

Beautiful music filled the room, as the party continued. Plenty of guests around who had no idea of the tensions brewing in the background.

"What a lovely pendant." Bigge remarked as he touched the diamond necklace around her neck. This was the present Tatiana had received for Christmas, and in honor of her birthday, from Tommy. It was a standard gift, not of any significance. A way for him to show to the world what he can afford for the mother of his child, but also used as a way to try to make her forget about the family jewels she lost to that thief she thought loved her. Tatiana thought the necklace beautiful and appreciated it nonetheless. But Bigge was getting on her last nerve.

"Do not change the subject, sir." she told him and he immediately pulled his hand back as if burned. But he warned her nonetheless, "Be very careful, Duchess."

After exchanging glares, Bigge finally left.

She could forget her education and upper standing, and just punch this old man to the ground for threatening her. But the news of the deaths of the remaining members of her family shook her to her core. The reality of her situation was extremely cruel. She was all alone. And she hated being this helpless. It's like she was trapped in a cage, with no escape. And she was made to fly.

"Cigar, Mr. Shelby?" Churchill asked, in a rather friendly tone, as soon as the door closed behind them.

"No, thank you, sir." Tommy responded. He was more than capable of standing up to this high official without the need of a smoke to calm his nerves. It was a show of strength on his part to refuse a cigar from him, and Churchill knew it.

"You sure attract some very beautiful women in your business, Mr. Shelby. Classy as well. I can understand how a man of your talents, of your ambitions, would only want the best. A royal duchess carrying your child…it's no small thing. A child like that, with the blood of the House of Romanov, could one day be greater than you. And since the duchess is now officially the only remaining distant relative of this once great royal family, should the fates someday decide in your favor, your child could rule Russia."

Tommy eyed him carefully, his mouth partly open. Over his dead body would he allow a child of his to return to that country. His ambitions lied here and here alone.

"Tatiana is a remarkable woman." he finally replied, while eying the way Churchill lit his cigar. He stored away the information that Tatiana was now the only one left of that family, but did not question it further. There was no point. That was not the reason they were here.

"Yes. Although, I imagine someone like her wouldn't be too pleased to give birth to a bastard. You better move fast on that wedding."

Tommy's counterattack came swiftly. "There is a Legitimacy Act being put in place to my knowledge. It will soon be approved by Parliament. It offers a selective group of people in this country the possibility to legitimize children outside of marriages."

He had been thinking about it for a while now. He wanted Tatiana to have the child, yes. He wanted that child. And no child of his would be born a bastard. But marriage, no. Not that the girl would accept anyway. He knew perfectly well that she was not the type. And after Grace, he knew he was not ready to go through that again. He refused to marry for the sake of an unborn child again.

"And you believe you qualify?"

"I am still honored through an OBE…am I not, sir?"

The atmosphere in the room changed, and as Churchill took the final smoke of his cigar, he leaned closer to Tommy, responding menacingly, "Not if you do not return that letter you're not."

"Mr. Churchill, sir, I ask you to understand that this letter is all that stands between my family's safety and the gallows."

"Mr. Shelby, I have always admired you, for your service to our country during the war, but also for your service towards me in the past year. You completed your task faithfully. Granted, the White Movement itself wasn't a success but that no longer concerns us. I have rewarded you and your business has thrived with my help. I do not believe I have given you any reason to defy me."

"You understand the trouble that I currently find myself in. I need some sense of security. Some way to ensure that the Crown will continue to support me despite the attack from foreign invaders. This way, we can keep our beneficial friendship. You keep my secrets and I keep yours." Tommy insisted, his tone rather soft, not resorting to pleading. Of course not. But still, close enough.

A moment of silence continued in the room. Tommy could read people very well. Churchill might let it go for now. But what he has over his head is great, and the politician will not stand down lightly and accept this fate. He would do something. Perhaps not now. But someday. Tommy realized that there was no way out of this. There was no way he could hand over that document to him now. Perhaps when the vendetta would end, perhaps then.

He couldn't deny that the whole situation made him nervous. Churchill patted him on the back and said, "I understand perfectly." Before heading to the door.

"It is getting late, so I'll be heading out. Give my best to your duchess, Mr. Shelby. I wish all the best for her…and the child."

Without another word, Tommy let the man leave.

Polly was left in charge of keeping the lot in line, seeing as how Tommy had made himself scarce with Winston Churchill of all people. Taking care to smile at any passing face, Polly knew that she and Tommy would have plenty to discuss when the night was over. It would seem that the only ones not quite charmed by the festivities were her and Ada.

As soon as the proper music had begun and couples started making their way to the small dance floor, Arthur saw it fit to ask Marie for a dance, to Linda's fury. Polly couldn't deny that they made an excellent match. Marie was smarter than Linda, and kinder as well. Perhaps the proper woman to keep Arthur in check was swaying in his arms in this exact moment.

Marie had been hesitant when Arthur had approached her and asked her for a dance. One of the reasons being that Linda was right there, watching them. Marie Kimber, despite being the leader of an influential gang, was a respectable woman, not at all the kind to put a dent in one's marriage, regardless of the situation. But the pearls around her neck were what persuaded her to take Arthur's hand. Those were her Christmas gift. Arthur had taken them from the old apartment and had them mended.

He realized those pearls meant a lot when Luca Changretta's men destroyed the place and nearly had Marie killed. Marie, ever appreciative of the gesture of a tough gangster, was radiating happiness, Polly observed. Much like John.

In the presence of the barmaid, John had not stopped drinking and goofing off.

"John, take it easy, will you?" Ada grabbed the glass from his hand. He had drunk enough.

"Right." John mumbled and leaned against the wall, where Polly, Ada, Linda and Tatiana were now standing. Emily was now having quite a bit of fun, as opposed to the beginning of the night when she had felt so out of place. John loved seeing her so relaxed. She was in the proper mood for what he was about to do.

"So, you've broken it off with Esme for good, I take it?" Polly asked.

"Esme is gone. That divorce lawyer I contacted in London will do his work. It was never gonna work. The Lees are trouble."

"Tommy agrees with that, at least."

"I don't give a fuck what Tommy thinks. He's not gonna tell me who I can have for a wife. I'll make my own choice this time." John replied, very determined, while he was watching Emily. His response almost made Polly choke on her own drink.

"Wife?" she asked and that got Ada's attention too.

But there was no time to further discuss the subject, as Tommy descended at that particular moment. Winston Churchill was nowhere to be seen, and Tommy's expression was grim. So was Tatiana's, from the looks of things.

As soon as Tommy came down the stairs, he took his place beside Tatiana, in a protective stance. Looking around the room, it was the first time he noticed some familiar faces. For one thing, Alfie Solomons had been invited. The Duke and Duchess of York themselves seemed surprised by this, convincing Tommy that neither one of them knew of what this night was all about. Alfie was of course, out of his Jewish garbs, wearing a respectable suit, easy to blend in this selective crowd.

And there was another face. One he hadn't seen in a long time. May Carleton.

What was even more surprising was seeing Alfie and May in deep conversation. Since when did they know one another?

"Tommy?" Tatiana asked softly, her eyes wandering over to the two people who captured all his attention.

"Come." was all he told her, gently pushing her forward to meet the two people.

Tatiana knew Alfie, of course, from a rather uncomfortable situation. But who was the woman?

"Tommy." May caught his attention, and Tatiana could see her eyes glowing.

"May. Alfie." He greeted them both. Alfie nodded, "Hello, mate. I see you have the pretty lady. Nice work."

"I stopped by your office, looking for you. Lizzie wasn't too responsive." May told him.

"I see. It has been a while. You know Alfie here?"

"We just met, actually. Didn't realize we would have so much to talk about." May told him and gave the Jew a small smile.

"Alfie…a word, if you please."

"Hm? Ah, yeah. Sure, sure." Alfie mumbled and the two men both excused themselves, leaving the ladies to finally face one other, and talk a little more openly.

May's eyes wandered over to Tatiana's belly. The mood was certainly not very pleasant.

"Mr. Solomons has just told me that there's a Russian Duchess pregnant with Tommy Shelby's baby. Quite fascinating situations, he generally finds himself in."

"Well, he is the kind of man who spends his time with the right kind of women."

"I know. A while back he spent a lot of time with me."

"Oh?" Tatiana gave her a cold smile and cocked her head to her side. "And then what happened? He left you, I presume."

May sighed and raised her shoulders in a seemingly defeated manner. "His heart belonged to someone else. Tragic what happened to her, his wife. She was very beautiful and smart…and lucky to have gotten him. I could not compete with her then, but now…"

"Now he is more interested in the Jew than he is in you." Tatiana didn't know what had gotten into her, or she was lying to herself. It happened around Tommy. Despite their anger, their fights, she felt possessive, maybe even a little protective.

May smiled but didn't respond to that remark. It was clear that the two women wouldn't become friends.

"It was nice to meet you." Tatiana held her head up high and walked away.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Tommy and Alfie in deep conversation. She would have wanted to go over there, find out what they were talking about. But from Tommy's mood, she guessed he wouldn't want to be interrupted.

In any case, something far more interesting was happening in the far corner, where the Shelbys and their dates were standing. Tommy's brother was holding a ring and from the shocked looks belonging to Polly, Arthur, Michael and Ada, it looked like he was proposing.

The girl was comely. That was Tatiana's point of view. A pretty thing with a doll-like face. Young and innocent, caught up in a world of crime. How could she refuse if someone like John Shelby wanted her? Turning her head, Tatiana saw that Tommy was noticing the scene for the first time.

"Oh God." Emily whispered and covered her mouth with one hand, while John held the other.

"Em, you know it's done with Esme. I'll be a free man soon. And when that happens…"

"John, now is really not the time." Ada hissed, looking around and noticing that a lot of people were now paying attention to them.

"Marry me, Em." John ignored his sister's warnings, looking deeply into the girl's eyes. He had always been so sincere in his actions when it came to women he loved. Polly and Ada would make fun but at the same time, feel sorry for him.

Emily had dropped her hand from her face, but her expression was only that of sorrow.

"No."

N/A: Thanks for reading! Next chapter: The consequences of this night. Things will soon take a turn for Emilia Changretta.