The Perfect Sin

chapter 4

Aleksey Pov

I wanted to say something to Andor, but Dmitry beat me to it. As usual my brothers are always present, probably in order to show everyone that I am not fit to be Tsar. She converses so fluently with Dmitry, almost as if she loves him. Well, who could blame her? I know that I am not a pleasant husband, but only if she knew. No, never must she find out what I have done, do. Curse the Creator, even thinking of Katya brings me to my defeat. If only she knew what was going on in my mind, then she would be aware that I have already crumbled at her feet. Hazel eyes and curly red tinge to her hair is all that consumes me. Every other woman cannot compare yet even my own desires have not been sated. Why would the Creator bestow such a treasure to me? She deserves better.

 "If I did not know better then I would say your thoughts circle around a brown eyed Angel. Aleksey, get a hold on to yourself."

 "Dmitry, if you value your life then you will walk away."

 "I value my life, but I value Katya more."

 Suddenly my hatred for that man burns hotter than flames. How dare he imply that the war will dispose of me so that he may inherit the title and my wife! Katya will have to wait, the war between my brother and I must be solved first; either I die or he dies, but blood will be shed.

 Why did the creator not bless me with power. If I had power like the ancient beasts then my brother would be no longer here. Of course, what woman would be foolish enough to not want that man. Katya is no different, she will fall into the serpents tricks too. Sooner or later she will, but the true question is will I let her fall to her knees. A caring husband would stop Dmitry but I am not what the nobles will deem perfect.

 "Lex". A simple word that holds so much power over me. My little brother, my copy, Arkady. Thank the creator, Kad has not fallen for Dmitry and his coated words.

 "Kad, what can I do for you?"

 " Little brother, what can Alexsey and I do for you?” Arkady sighs before glancing at the object of our dispute. I know he refuses to verbally take sides even if he has mentally decided which of us he wants to take the title of Tsar and Katya.

 “Both of you need to stop. This madness can no longer divide us as brothers - if we lose each other then who will be here to protect the weak and innocent?”

 I could say that his words affected me, but then I would be telling lies. I can only remain in a room with Dimitry for so long and my limit is drawing near. I imitated Kad and left the War room too. Dmitry or Katya will take control for me. I saunter out of the room, on my way I pass eyes instead of bowing heads. Katya and her new rules; one day that women will be the end of the old traditions.

 Before long, I realize that time has passed and my bed looks inviting. Sleep is something a Tsar must do in winks and snatches, but it too is short lived. I am grateful, but there are days when I wish for the life of the simple man. I wonder what Vasily is doing right now? Does that man truly care about the humans that are under him? These endless thoughts constantly come to and fro even as I sleep. I sent a messenger bird to Vasily allowing him knowledge about the meeting at the City of Walls. If he is half the man that I think he is then he will send a mesenger bird back in reply. 

 I hear a noise in the distance, but what could it be? Most flying beast have slipped into their nests and will not be seen til morning. The rustling continues and louder it becomes. I begin to fear for my life as I create multiple possible  deaths in my mind. Will I die by arrow or is it an ancient beast such as a dragon? Slowly, I begin to move my body toward the moonlight, if I am to die then die bravely I will.  

 A flying object dives toward me and I propel my body forward in order to miss the object. I lay on the ground in silence as I plan my next move. The figure hops toward me; a messenger bird, my messenger bird.  I raise my head in order to clearly see my  messenger bird  hopping  toward me with a scroll attached to its body.  Brandt comes forth and pecks me so that it can receive its treat and be on its way. Tsar Vasily of the Ustinov House has returned my bird and my message.