She was eagerly waiting for even a small message from him. For the last two weeks he had not found any free time for her, absorbed in training for the team finals and business matters. He did call, yes, but it's not much compared to what it was. She herself did not complain about boredom either, the multitude of tasks made the days pass tolerably. As the chilly Moscow evenings began, excruciating pain crept into her heart, as if she were dying from the inside. She knew it was important to him, they defended the title after all. The last few months have brought them many amazing moments together. She enjoyed them. However, she was worried that due to all these duties he would miss an important thing that he had promised not only her. Time was running out inexorably.

~~~*~~~

She slept all the way on his shoulder. She wore a dark blouse again, high-waisted shorts, opaque tights, and sneakers. This time, she had not forgotten a long chain with a droplet weighing it down on it. She woke up shortly before they arrived at the stadium in Istanbul. She shook her blonde mane slightly, mostly thrown to one side of her head, sleepily rubbing her eyes. She stretched, yawning mightily. They were the last to leave the car. The other three were incredibly fascinated, especially by the beauty of the surroundings. He was a bit more cautious, with a few plans at the back of his head to complete. He put his arm around her, his other hand holding a sports bag slung over her back. She looked at him with a hint of sadness that she tried hard to conceal. He knew where she had come from. He wanted her to forget about this separation as soon as possible. He did not forget, he remembered, he counted on appreciating his efforts.

- I'll give you Constantinople. I promise. - he replied, pulling her tighter. - Happy birthday.

She grabbed the leather flaps of his sweatshirt, pulling him gently toward her.

- Focus on the fight, Robert. - she whispered with a slight smile, then kissed him subtly. - This is more important now.

She struck him by how much she allowed him to forget about her, to pursue something that was more important to him. Sometimes he was worried, and sometimes the behavior was downright sweet to the point that he wanted to press her against him by saying "there is nothing more important than you." This time he let her believe he was more interested in this championship. She watched the game closely. Challengers They were talented for the title, but lacked experience, which dominated the result of the match, but it did not change the fact that the two matches ended in a draw overall, just like in Sofia. Robert's fight was to decide whether they would return home with the shield or the shield. He deliberately left himself for the end. He walked proudly to the arena, he was not going to lose. His opponent looked haggard, but Nadia had warned him not to underestimate the skinny eyeglass. She was right. He turned out to be clever, sneaky and strong, just like his inconspicuous beast that looks like a huge mutant mouse. Nevertheless, Gryffolion triumphed. In addition, the new version of the disk was perfect. It was designed to emphasize its virtues and support moments when it might weaken.

- Majestics defend the European title! - the announcers howled.

- Robert's beautiful fight turned out to be a nail in the coffin of the defiant! Our master, as always in form, ruthless and effective! - the judge shouted. - Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the end of emotions! Robert, I give you the floor.

He caught a questioning glance. He hoped to surprise her. He thought for a long time about what he should say, finally found the right words, but as always, her honey-colored eyes made everything stuck in his throat. He swallowed, took a deep breath.

- We owe the victory to hard training, a huge amount of self-denial and faith in winning. he began, coming off the battlefield and going to his team's bench. - But we would not be here, if not for a person very important to me. I dedicate this victory to her. To the person who gave me hope for a better tomorrow with the sunrise.

He turned to her. She was in total shock, covering her mouth with her hands, staring at him with wide eyes. She certainly knew what he was referring to and what he was leading to. Memories of Livorno were etched in his memory forever, as one of the most beautiful days of his life. He still remembered the first time he had tasted sweet lips mixed with salty tears of joy. He came closer, kneeling in front of her with a beautiful disc of white gold decorated with a row of tiny rubies, in a red satin lined box. He saw tiny drops of tears running down her fair face.

- Nadezhda Ingrid Koroliov ... will you become my wife?

The hall fell silent, expecting her reaction in tension. Not only them. Team friends also looked surprised. He didn't say anything to them either. She dropped to her knees, bringing hers closer to his face.

- Yes!

- GOD SAKE! SHE AGREED! - the judge roared. - We have the first Beyblade championship couple!

All viewers roared joyfully, congratulating the young. He wasn't listening to them. The only thing that mattered was that she said "yes" a second time. He slid the ring gently onto the ring finger of her small hand. He felt the slim arms entwine her neck, hugged her tightly against him and kissed her.

He was bursting with happiness and energy, sparkling with Nadia among the guests at his castle. He shared the happy news with his parents already on the way from Istanbul, and they set off the machine prepared by him before leaving so that they would have a day of rest and a free opportunity to celebrate their engagement the next evening. Her father, mother with Tatiana, Dmitri and children, as well as the families of their friends and many others arrived. They both chose a tasteful black, he with a lilac shirt, she with ruby iridescent roses on a gothic dress cut into an inverted heart at the neckline, wearing red pumps. Everyone congratulated, congratulated you, wished you happiness and a sea of love. When they welcomed everyone, she stepped back a bit, being pulled out by the little ones, mainly Olga and Pietra, wanting to play with their aunt. He admired her that she could always find a bit of strength and attention to devote to the little ones, although he preferred her to be with him. This is their first celebration together. He watched her out of the corner of his eye all the time. Up to a point everything was fine, but then she suddenly fell shakily into the chair behind her, fading with each passing moment. She rested her head heavily in her arms. He got to her at the last moment. She fell right into his arms, losing consciousness. The whole hall fell silent, Olga and Pietr looked at him with fear in their eyes. Fortunately, the little blonde's body hasn't lost enough tension that he can't pick her up and carry her to the bedroom. He did not even notice that one of the guests, whom he recognized as a family friend, was chasing him. They put her on a mattress, after examination, the doctor found extreme exhaustion. He was furious. He did not believe that despite her terrible exhaustion, she could be dragged around the world, used by her family and she took care of a whole lot of children. He couldn't let it go on. He decided to keep her, especially since in this state there was no way she would return to Moscow. He was almost leaving when he heard a murmur from the bed. She turned on her side to face him, floating on wobbly shoulders. In a few steps he was with her, making it impossible to get up.

-Let me go. - she said firmly.

- Why do you load up in so many things at once? - he asked in a tone that could not stand, then added a little more gently. - Why didn't you tell me? And why are you interested in other people's children ?!

- Haven't you seen quite clearly what my family is doing yet? Children without love DIE, especially the smallest ones, Robert. Me and Tatiana live mainly because Svieta took care of us, that's why I value her so much, I owe her the fact that I am alive. It was she who hugged us, dressed our torn knees, kissed us on the forehead, not our parents. Possibly my father got interested from time to time, but never even hugged him. - she explained with tears in her eyes, resting her forehead on her hands. - Tiana doesn't know it, doesn't remember ... I guess ... unlike me. I'm sick of looking at the corpses in golden cradles that I dream about almost every night.

- You can't save any life if you lose your own. - he replied sharply, standing up. - Lie down and rest. I will be back soon.

He was as agitated as ever, but he had to control himself. He was not going to win anything in anger, but he wasn't about to haggle either. The door handle has fallen. He won't let her take her away. Not in that state, and not for what undoubtedly awaited her. As soon as he crossed the threshold of the room, both pairs of parents and three friends ran up to him. He also noticed scared twins hidden behind his grandparents. It was evident that the event had upset everyone.

- What about Nadia? - asked Mrs. Koroliov with fear in her voice.

- What even happened? - Oliver added nervously.

- Calm down. - he ordered firmly. - She collapsed from exhaustion, is overworked. She needs to rest well, otherwise he will not be able to stand on his feet.

- She never complained. - Enrique sighed, frightened.

- As soon as we get home ... - the girl's father began.

- It is not possible. I will not let her out of the room like this, let alone to Moscow. - he replied firmly but still calmly. - Nadia is staying here.

- You're right, son. - Mr Jurgens decided.

- I think so too. - his worried wife added. - It is not known how she would have survived the flight.

- But Robert ... - Ivetta said.

- It's settled. I will not risk her health and life. - cut off the conversation. - Go on, I have to take care of my fiancée.

He thought they would pose more. They kind of failed him. However, he was glad that he had achieved his goal. He did not want to imprison her, he hoped he would forgive him for the little disposition of her life. He was aware that if he left her with a choice, the girl would bow to her parents' jurisdiction. He couldn't allow it. She was too important to him. He met Gustav at the door with a jug of clean water and two glasses. An indispensable man! He took the tray from him, thanked him, then slowly opened the door. She wasn't asleep. She sat propped up on huge cushions, her head dangling, and beside her, partially on the floor, a silver snake lay, its head tucked at her feet, peering calmly from under a narrowed eyelid. She looked at him as he put the dishes on the cupboard next to the bed and sat down next to her. He looked at her face, she was visibly exhausted, all wet. He wanted to wipe the tears with the back of his hand, but she pulled away.

- It shouldn't have happened ... you shouldn't have seen it ... - she whispered, sniffling. - ...I shouldn't have agreed to marry ... I'm just giving you problems...

He didn't want to hear it. It hurt even though he knew it wasn't her, but her utter weariness and shock. He took off his jacket, removed a leather belt from his pants, and tossed them on the floor, next to his boots. Completely ignoring the reptile lying next to her, he slipped under the covers, resting his head near her hips. He slid his arm over her legs.

- Lie down and rest, Nadia. - he muttered. - We'll talk tomorrow.

- But I ... - she sighed.

- Please.

She looked at him fearful and crying. He reached a hand to her face, lightly brushed her bright cheek. She loosened the little bun she had made of a section of her hair, and blonde locks fell on her shoulders. She slipped obediently beside him, turning her back. Eventually he could hug her, hug her, kiss the skin on the back of her neck.

- I will not let you go ... - he whispered, feeling that she was falling asleep.