Prologue
The Imperial Palace was blanketed in a fresh coat of new-fallen snow. Inside, lords and ladies and noblemen of the Imperial court danced a lively waltz across the floor until trumpets announced the arrival of their leader and benefactor: Jonathan II, Tsar of all Russia.
On a throne centered on the dais sat the Tsar's mother, the Grand Duchess Phoebe Althea Buffayovna. She was chittering and gossiping with her spirited 17-year-old granddaughter, Monica - princess of all Russia who would one day take her rightful place as the new Grand Duchess on the Imperial throne.
The Grand Duchess felt a pang this winter's night of 1918, for she would be leaving in the morning, bound for a diplomatic tour of Europe. To represent the kingdom was her duty, though she would miss spending time with her beloved granddaughter.
So, to pass the time and to make the separation easier, Grand Duchess Phoebe presented young Monica with a gift.
The princess's sapphire eyes shone with excitement and wonder. "A music box?" she gasped, as a haunting melody began to play - one she instantly recognized. "It plays our lullaby!"
Phoebe chuckled. "You can play it every night before you go to sleep... and pretend that it'smesinging!" Taking her granddaughter's hands in hers, they began to sway and sing to the tune:
"Dancing bears... painted wings... hear this song and remember... Soon you'll be... home, with me... once upon a December..."
Then Phoebe handed Monica a locket. Monica studied the heart-shaped pattern, and then the imprint of that same shape on the music box.
"It's the key!" she guessed.
Phoebe beamed. "You are so smart, my granddaughter! Now, open the locket." Monica did so. "Read what it says inside."
Monica had to squint to read the inscription. "Together... in... Paris!..." She gasped. "Oh, Grandmama!"
But a reunion in Paris was not to be. Soon after leaving Russia, the Imperial Palace fell to the Bolsheviks. Tsar Jonathan and his children were captured.
It was only weeks later that the Grand Duchess would learn her family was dead, by execution.
