For several days, everyone was in a hurry, especially Gustav - he was rushing the entire servants, ticking off the next tasks on his list. Trim the hedge, mow and sprinkle the lawn, clean the tennis court, wash all carpets, change curtains, polish a row of armor, inspect porcelain and cutlery, prepare guest rooms, make sure baked goods, meat, bread, fruit freshness, wine quality ... through the corridors of the castle, watching over the works going on. Parents loved these annual banquets where they strengthened their business contacts. This time, his matchmaking relationship was an additional reason. They felt proud that they had found such a party for only son and wanted to boast about their success, even though neither of Robert or Nadia had officially agreed yet. He guessed, however, that the events of the banquet would become a seal on a future marriage or imminent separation. The more thought about it, he realized more and more that he could not deny them this success. He enjoyed spending time with Nadia surprisingly. She was intelligent, polite, and at the same time not as noisy as the other girls of her age whom he had even seen at competitions. She felt when he needed peace, a moment of concentration. Even her voice was incredibly soothing, low, a bit hoarse, yet charming and feminine at the same time. Whatever she was saying to him, he could feel shivers running down his spine. His innate disposition, however, prevented him from getting close to her as it should, or rather as he would like. Yes ... "would like" ... the last few weeks brought more and more this word in combination with her name, so the separation hurt even more. He glanced at himself in the armor as he passed, wondering what to change in tactics to make it good, or even better. He sighed heavily. Exceptionally had no idea. Probably the only solution he has left is complete honesty.

As usual, on the day of the banquet, everyone was running down the corridors even faster than during the preparations. Everything had to be buttoned up to the last button, there was no question of any error. Robert relaxed in the living room reading a book. He loved to spend time like that, he could collect thoughts, especially since the crowds were about to turn up, and she was among them. The first guests to come to the banquet were his friends and their parents. Time passed much faster with them, the impatient anticipation was a thing of the past.

Evening has come. By the window, Enrique, tightening red tie around peach shirt, looked as usual for lovely ladies to hang around, as Johnny watched indulgently as he buttoned up black jacket button on khaki shirt. Oliver, in a tasteful blue tailcoat with a pink shirt and a blue scarf, admired the little pieces of pastry art set on tables against the wall. Robert straightened navy blue frock coat, brushed invisible dust off beige pants, adjusted the clip on navy blue foulard on an equally dark shirt. As the heir of the family, Jurgens welcomed visitors, so he could not afford a slight deviation. Got the impression that they had greeted everyone and she was still gone. He looked around the courtyard.

- Gosh ... - Enrique muttered, standing nearby. - Robert, if you did not succeed, whisper a word about me ... seriously ...

He frowned, not knowing what the blonde was talking about. His friend pointed him slightly in the direction, and after a while he felt his whole body stiffen. She strode toward them, proudly sweeping the air around her in an inky black silk dress with sheer cut sleeves and tiny embroidery. The one he chose so carefully for her. She was treading, delicately tapping the transparent slippers sparkling with brocade with crystal heels. The gently pinned hair drew attention to the subtle jewelry, intricately wrapped around one ear and only signaled by two tiny crystals in the other. As she climbed the stairs, she cupped skirt in hand, white gold glistening on her wrist and encrusted with tiny diamonds. He barely heard Oliver whisper in his ear the comparison of the girl to Cinderella. He snorted in thought. Cinderella did not live up to her heels. Ultimately decided. He could not let "something go wrong", he intended to do everything to ensure that she stayed with him, even if he had to sacrifice his titles and good name. He shook off his lethargy moments before she stood beside him, her parents behind her. For the first time in his life, he was eaten by stress. He mechanically invited everyone in, unable to take his eyes off her. As soon as she walked by, not honoring him with a smile, he smelled a beautiful perfume again, this time as if different, smelling of one particular flower. He held his breath as the assembled guests looked at the two of them. The orchestra was ready, he knew what to do. Friends who had managed to join his parents surreptitiously showed him their thumbs. He sighed calmly, then, with full seriousness and hastily gathered dignity, turned to face the girl and took her hand gently.

- Will you honor me with dancing? - He asked.

- Even more than one ... - she muttered lightly, and he felt a warm shiver again.

He led her to the center of the room, wondering if, due to his nervousness, he had forgotten how to dance. Music began, and pressure hit his temple painfully. Everything passed when he felt a tiny hand on his shoulder and he put his own on her waist. Her fingers tightened slightly on his arm, and he immediately relaxed. They whirled on the dance floor together, and a moment later more couples joined them, headed by their parents. Nadia did not lose sight of him, she felt the next movements with concentration, responding to them nimbly. Robert looked at the honey irises. There was something about them that he had not seen before.

- You look gorgeous. - he whispered in her ear.

- You've selected the perfect dress. - she replied equally softly.

- A pretty person, everything is nice. - he concluded, smiling slightly.

She laughed. At last. For the first time he thought she was doing it beautifully. She slightly wrinkles her nose, closes her eyelids, stretches her lips. Everything had its irresistible charm. He saw something else out of the corner of his eye. Jurgens forgave his friend for a rather inappropriate joke, but as he looked around at the rest of the company, he saw something more. Instinctively, he pressed her tighter against him. She was surprised, but didn't argue. For those few minutes it felt as it should be from the start, as he always wanted ... and for some reason it didn't bother her this time.

- Nadia, I have to tell you something ... for a long time. - he muttered with uncertainty unlike himself, moving closer to her ear again.

- Maybe wait a little more? - she asked, smiling straight at him. - Focus on the present moment.

After the dance was over, they had a bit of time to greet each of the guests individually, to talk, politely ask what impression the banquet in his family home made. She hadn't changed, everything she said was still intelligent, funny, always there. He admired all the good looks and charm she exuded. At the same time, she was so charming that he felt as if she was instinctively improving contacts with those people with whom the Jurgens had problems. Robert didn't know how she did it, but was immensely grateful to her for it, which he didn't have the opportunity to convey in private, due to the great interest in the couple. He heard comments from guests, both openly and behind their backs. Oddly enough, they were all in agreement: they fit together, both dignified, beautiful and intelligent. As they approached their friends' families, he caught Oliver's inquiring gaze. Boulanger was still waiting for the results of their conversation. He didn't even know how badly Robert wanted to fulfill his ultimatum, and Nadia successfully dodged, though he kept her in his arms all the time and saw her give him the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen.

After the banquet was over, he changed into comfortable, maroon trousers and a white flannel shirt. He no longer dreamed of anything else but a moment of relaxation with a book to calm his mind and be able to go to sleep afterwards. Well, maybe something else that was incredibly strange to him, but he wasn't feeding on illusions, it was too early. Everyone has been lying in bed for a long time, or simply didn't poke their noses out of the guest rooms. He was sure he would be alone. Opened the living room door quietly and stepped inside. The warm glow of the flames from the merrily firing fireplace spread throughout the room. He searched for the hard leather cover he had left on one of the shelves, then slowly walked over to the sofa to drop onto it. Before he did so, he noticed a tiny person leaning against the huge cushions on the wide back. She looked cute, drowning in an oversized pink sweater that fell from one shoulder. Long, slim legs in gray overknees adorned with black ribbons intertwined above the knee, protruded from a mattress, protruding from under the voluminous outfit. She was wearing an identical set when he came to Moscow for the first time, but then it didn't arouse any bigger, warmer feelings. She was playing with the end of a thick, loose braid. On the back of her tiny hand, he saw a silver serpent's head. However, she had it with her. Nadia looked at him, blushing slightly.

- You do not sleep? - he was surprised.

- I could not fall asleep ... probably too much experiences for one evening. - She replied calmly, smiling slightly.

- Can I sit next to you?

- You're at home, you don't have to ask me for permission. - she laughed.

He put the book down on the table. Robert sat down as close as possible, resting his back on the armrest. Before thought about what to do, he pulled her close to him. Again she didn't argue. He sank his arms into the warm material on her belly. Looked at the cover in her hands.

- Freud?

- I was interested in the title, "Clarifying Dreams" - she explained. - I know a little bit about his theory of psychoanalysis, and I was curious to know exactly what he thought about what was happening outside of our consciousness when we were asleep.

- And what did you find out? - he continued.

- Nothing so far, just started. I'll tell you when I'm finished.

She continued reading. The sight attracted him. He pressed her closer to him. He wasn't sure if he was wasting the last few hours or, on the contrary, saving what remained of their relationship. He just felt a great need for close contact with her after a long separation. Instead of pushing him away, she let him do so, wrapping her free arm around his hands. It seemed as if nothing had happened, as if there had been no conversation with Oliver and no argument between them. On the contrary, as if everything was fine! He didn't understand how, after what he had done for her, she could naturally put up with whatever he was doing. Just as he didn't understand the words that swirled in his mind, eager to see the light of day. Maybe she just actually gave him another chance? If so, he wasn't going to let her go.

- During the banquet ... they watched us ... - he muttered.

- Does it surprise you? Master Jurgens officially showed up with his "future wife" for the first time!

- That's not the point. - He shook his head, resting his chin on her bare shoulder. - I saw all those jealous looks.

- I don't think I understand where the problem is. Jealousy was, is and will be.

- I feel bad about it. I do not want...

- What? - she asked, looking at him with concern.

However, she knew how to extract information from him. That look made him admit everything. Almost.

- That cold distance between us.

- Let it go into oblivion then, Robert. - she sighed, and the way she spoke his name made him feel a warm shiver once again that evening.

- What is this perfume? - he asked finally, moving closer to her neck. She shivered as felt his breath. - Beautiful smell...

- Rose oil from the flowers you sent. - she replied softly. - Don't send me bouquets, I prefer growing plants, not dead ones.

She leaned back more comfortably, turning her side and nestling against his shirt. He felt an incredibly pleasant feeling. He felt the moment was right.

- Nadia ... I had something ... - he began, but stopped.

Didn't even notice how quickly she fell asleep. She was breathing steadily, smiling slightly in her sleep. She did it again, once again she wouldn't let him finish. Suddenly he felt terribly tired. Embraced her gently, pulled down a little to prop his head on the soft padding. After a moment he closed his eyes.