Arranged: A Future Decided

Hurry Home

October 18th, Sierre, Switzerland

No one on the slopes really expected an earthquake that day, even if the Italian peninsula had been quite active the day before. And the slopes were packed; with Sierre having an unusually early start to their ski season, people from all over Europe had flocked there for the fall break. By 11 am the slopes were packed, and the weather was wonderful. Everything was picturesque until it started. It happened suddenly as well, with everything shaking. Anyone on the slopes was immediately knocked off their feet, collapsing in the snow. In less than a minute, it was over, people climbing to their feet, shaking themselves off, and asking if others around them were okay. 

Then the worst part happened. Starting as a rumble from the top of the mountains, it quickly became deafening as the snow and rock built up, and the avalanche grew in strength. People screamed, skiers trying to get down the slopes even though it was futile to try and outrun the avalanche. In just three minutes, it was over; the avalanche had come to rest shoved up against the main lodges, windows caved in under the weight. 

Cambridge, UK

Nikolai had been at home, carefully making a grocery list so he could head to the shops before Eva got up. He was occasionally glancing at his phone until he heard it buzz. He picked it up, seeing a BBC article which he quickly pulled up. He felt sick to his stomach when he read the title, '6.2 Magnitude Earthquake hits Sierre Switzerland, followed by catastrophic avalanche'. His aunt and uncle, along with his cousins, were in Sierre to ski over the fall break. 

He ran his hand through his hair, staring down at his phone as he read through the article. It had happened just a few minutes ago, and based on it already being ten am in Cambridge, the slopes would be packed in Sierre. The chances that his family hadn't been caught in the avalanche weren't good. 

Without even thinking, he went and put his shoes on, heading out towards the University. Eva, he had to find and talk to Eva. With his phone in hand, he hurried along the street, making his way the few blocks to the campus. He saw someone farther down the street, jogging towards him. He quickly realized it was Eva, running towards him.

"You saw the news?" Nikolai asked quickly when they got to each other, his eyes shining with tears as he tried to hold himself together.

"Obviously, all our phones in that class went off. Have you heard anything yet?" She gasped out, holding onto his arms as she tried to catch her breath from running all that way.

He shook his head, trying to take a deep breath. Eva gently rubbed his back, getting him to sit down on a wall to breathe. 

"Breathe, min elskede," She told him gently, guiding him through deep breaths, "I have to go back to the university to get my books and such. We won't know anything for some time, so we'll go get my things, then go home to pack."

Nikolai nodded, sniffling as he wrapped his arms around Eva tightly. He took her hand, clinging to it for dear life as they began to walk. She was right, and he knew her she was right. Nobody would know anything for a few hours still, at least. They headed to the university, Eva returning to the classroom she had been in and gathering her things.

"I'm so sorry, professor. My in-laws were skiing in Sienne," She started to explain before the professor cut her off, telling her to go and be with her spouse. 

The walk back home was quiet and anxious. Nobody likes the feeling of waiting for something to happen. Eva set her things down before heading to their bedroom, taking out their suitcases and beginning to pack. Neither of them knew how long they would be gone. 

"Jeg elsker dig, på godt og ondt," Eva murmured, touching her husband's cheek before pulling him in close to her. 

They loved each other deeply; they would get through everything together. It wasn't long before they were done packing, Nikolai calling for a taxi as Eva went next door to ask the neighbors to look after the house while they were away. When Eva returned, the car was already waiting, Nikolai, helping to load their bags. They got in, asking the driver to bring them to the London City Airport. Meanwhile, Eva called ahead, asking for her family's jet to be ready to fly to Copenhagen as soon as they arrived. 

"I had a feeling, last night, that something wasn't right. I don't know if it was because of the earthquakes in Italia or what," Eva said softly as they drove, turning her head to Nikolai.

"Probably a combination," He murmured softly before his phone rang, "Hej mum, ja, we're already on our way to London."

"Good," Alexandra said softly on the other side of the phone, "Please, hurry home, and be safe." 

It all felt like too much. 

Copenhagen, Denmark, two hours later

Nikolai and Eva hurried up the steps into Amalienborg, quickly being brought in and shown to where the rest of the family was. The Queen, Nikolai's father,  step-mother, and mother were all waiting there along with the Prime Minister and the Queen's chief advisor. 

"Do we know anything yet?" Nikolai breathed once they got in the door, and based on the look on everyone's faces, not much was known yet. 

"Not much. Crown Princess Mary has been found; she's been taken to Sierre Hospital, she's in pretty bad shape," The Prime Minister stated.

"Where was she found...?" Eva asked, her voice soft.

"She was down at the bottom of the mountains by the chalet; she's going into surgery as we speak. We haven't found anyone else yet, but we know they weren't in the chalets," The PM relayed, everyone nodding solemnly. 

Chances that the others would be found alive weren't good at all. Nikolai looked at his wife, wrapping their arms around each other and just holding one another. It was cruel that their lives could change so drastically in just a few minutes. 

Well, there you have it, folks. Angst for days because why the hell not. Let me know what you think about the story and what's going to happen. Please drop a vote, and as always, my lovelies, I will see you in the next chapter!