Mother Knows Best (Russia x Reader)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝘁𝐞𝗿 𝐗𝐋𝐈𝐗

The woman lifted her hood, revealing striking blue eyes that seemed to hold a shared history with Russ. "You may not remember me, but I remember you," she said softly, her gaze locked onto Russ'.

His mind raced, trying to recall who this woman could be, but before he could respond, she had vanished, leaving him alone with the guards.

"I'm sorry, sir," one of the guards apologized, lowering his sword. "We didn't mean to detain you." Russ nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

Knowing there was nothing more he could do, Russ watched as the guards took Y/n away for interrogation. Guilt gnawed at him for having put Y/n in such danger, and he vowed to do whatever it took to ensure their safety.

"I won't let them harm you," Russ whispered to Y/n as they walked away, his grip on their hand tightening with determination.

The city still bustled around them as they continued their escape, but their minds were focused on reaching the palace, where Russ's grandfather, King Croat, resided. The enigmatic woman from before reappeared, her hoodie pulled over her head once more.

"Come with me," she said, her voice steady, "I'll get you into the palace."

Russ regarded her with cautious gratitude, "How can we trust you?"

The woman smirked, "Trust me or not, it's your only chance. I know more about your situation than you might think."

With little choice and desperate for any assistance, they followed the woman through the crowded streets, attracting curious glances from passersby. Y/n, feeling uneasy, tugged at Russ's hand, urging him to pay no attention to the stares.

"They're looking at you, don't you find that strange?" Y/n whispered, her voice quivering with anxiety.

Russ looked around, acknowledging the curious gazes directed their way. "I guess they're just curious about us, given the commotion earlier," he replied, trying to dismiss the unsettling feeling that clung to him.

After a brisk walk, they arrived at the castle, its black marble walls soaring into the sky, exuding an air of power and grandeur. The woman led them inside, the cool air within the castle offering a momentary respite from the tension outside, though it couldn't quell Y/n's shivering nerves.

As they ventured deeper into the palace, a sense of trepidation gripped Russ. He had no idea how this woman knew so much about them, and yet he couldn't deny the inexplicable connection he felt to her. He yearned to learn more, but for now, their primary concern was seeking refuge with his grandfather, King Croat.

The woman led them through the intricacies of the palace, her purposeful strides carrying her effortlessly through the regal halls. Every now and then, they encountered curious glances from guards and servants, but the woman's presence seemed to grant them unquestioned passage.

Finally, they arrived at the grand audience chamber, where King Croat sat upon his ornate throne, a stern expression etched on his ageing face. As Russ and Y/n approached, the woman stepped back into the shadows, her mysterious role in their lives shrouded once more.

"Grandfather," Russ began, his voice catching with emotion, "we need your help. We're in grave danger, and we seek asylum within your walls."

King Croat scrutinized them both before recognition flashed across his features. "Russ, my grandson, what has transpired that brought you to such dire straits?"

Russ recounted their harrowing escape, the encounter with the guards, and the enigmatic woman who had intervened on their behalf. King Croat listened intently, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the cloaked figure.

"An old friend, it seems," he mused, "one who holds a history with our family. You were wise to trust her, even if briefly."

The gravity of their situation weighed heavily on Y/n, and they couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious woman's involvement. King Croat, however, seemed to have knowledge of her past, leaving them even more intrigued.

As the King's guards ensured their safety within the palace walls, Russ and Y/n's minds were consumed by questions. Who was this woman, and what did she know about their past? Little did they know that their destinies were about to intertwine in ways they could never have imagined, and the mysteries of their pasts would soon be unravelled, forever changing the course of their lives.

***

The King's booming voice echoed through the grand audience chamber, summoning his granddaughter, Croatia, to join him. As she entered the regal hall, her eyes lit up at the sight of her cousin, Russ, standing beside her grandfather. They had met before, and their camaraderie was evident as they exchanged warm smiles and greeted each other with a fond embrace.

However, when Croatia's gaze fell upon Y/n, a perplexed expression clouded her face. She tilted her head slightly, trying to make sense of the uncanny familiarity she felt upon seeing this stranger. "Wait, you must be mistaken," Croatia said, her tone tinged with confusion. "Who is this, Father?"

King Croat smiled, gesturing toward Y/n. "This is Y/n, a dear friend of Russ," he replied. "They are seeking our protection and aid, as they are in dire straits."

Croatia's bewilderment lingered, but she nodded politely, not wanting to pry further into their situation. She extended a welcoming hand to Y/n, though her mind still swirled with questions.

"Nice to meet you, Y/n," Croatia said, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "You're safe here, and we'll do everything we can to help."

Y/n reciprocated the smile, grateful for the princess's kind words and the assurance of safety. "Thank you, Princess Croatia. Your hospitality means a lot to us."

As the conversation continued, Croatia's ever-observant maid, Tatjana, approached quietly. Croatia glanced at her and motioned toward Y/n, a spark of recognition in her eyes. "Tatjana, doesn't she remind you of someone?"

Tatjana's eyes widened as she took a closer look at Y/n. The resemblance was indeed striking. "You're right, Your Highness," she replied softly. "She looks quite similar to me."

Curiosity piqued, Croatia invited Tatjana to join them, introducing her as her loyal and perceptive maid. As Tatjana and Y/n stood face to face, the air was charged with intrigue and uncertainty.

"I couldn't help but notice the resemblance between you two," Croatia remarked, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Y/n, this is Tatjana, my maid. Tatjana, meet Y/n, Russ's friend."

Tatjana offered a warm smile to Y/n, her eyes curious but welcoming. "Pleasure to meet you, Y/n," she said. "Isn't it intriguing how much we look alike?"

Y/n chuckled, relieved to find a friendly face in the midst of uncertainty. "It's quite uncanny, indeed. Maybe we have some long-lost family connection," Y/n joked, trying to ease the tension.

Croatia grinned at the thought, finding the idea amusing. "Who knows? The world is full of surprises," she replied, her curiosity still burning bright. "Perhaps there's more to this resemblance than meets the eye."

As the conversation continued, the group couldn't help but be drawn into the enigmatic connection between Y/n and Tatjana. The palace walls seemed to hold secrets that were yet to be unveiled, and with each passing moment, Y/n's presence became more entwined with the lives of those within the royal court.

Little did they know that the threads of fate were weaving intricate patterns, connecting them in ways they could never have imagined. In the days to come, the mysteries surrounding Y/n and Tatjana's likeness would unravel, revealing hidden truths that would forever alter the course of their destinies and bind them together in an extraordinary journey of friendship, discovery, and adventure.