A Rude Awakening

Chapter 24

December 23, 2022

Yekaterinburg, Risen State of Rus

Olga held firm to her composure, making her best efforts to not show any sign of hesitation. If she faltered, the momentum of the rebellion would falter. If she held steady, the momentum of the rebellion would persist. This very special occasion, along with its imminent effects, would set the stage for whatever was in store for the world. Everything would change irrevocably with remnants of the old flawed system passing away. Prophecies mocked and criticized by countless people had begun to emerge. People were confused and lost at this time, and she herself would help them find their way.

For God had resurrected them and her cousin as special servants for a greater good... To lead humanity to a reconciliation with Him.

Including screwing over that creepy old madman who stood as the de-facto "President of All Russia".

Olga faced her changing mirror in her quarters, allowing the barber to braid her hair into a Slavic ponytail. Even her sisters nearby had their hair styled according to their fashion preferences. Her more fashionable sister Tatiana preferred a bob-cut similar to a Roaring Twenties flapper while the more free-spirited Anastasia had wanted to keep her "beautiful bangs". Maria had requested her hair to be braided in twin Slavic ponytails drooping on her shoulders.

Hopefully their attire and fashion styles would be presentable. They had even rehearsed their speeches privately for the past week- Since the upcoming ceremony was vital to the rebellion. Even gaining support and lifting morale would be important. They had paid the high price of death before and never again would they ignore its importance.

Only this time it was not for maintaining an earthly position of power.

"I should be done with the braiding. How does it look, Miss Olga?"

Olga turned her head left and then right to have a decent perspective. In a way, she had regained her appearance of a majestic royal woman from long ago. The dress hugged her slender figure, but it did not constrict to the point of discomfort. Her eyes, ever still the deep cornflower blue of a Romanov, shone with the fresh vigor of youth. Even the "little snub" of her nose looked great- cute. Well, at least that was what her boyfriend said, and she liked it when he did so.

The barber placed down her comb. Olga looked at the mirror, brushing away a stray strand of hair.

"It... It looks wonderful!"

"Good. Your sisters will have their hair done very soon."

She rested on the barber chair for a moment, glancing aside at her sister Tatiana. The other barber had finished his job. The sisters met their eyes and shared a smile for what would come next.

A few minutes later, the barbers allowed the four sisters to leave. They thanked the barbers and left the shop, approaching an avenue in Yekaterinburg. There were rebel soldiers and police officers scattered around the busy intersections, watching with sharp eyes. Two military helicopters flew in circles high above, watching over like omniscient guardians. What also was somewhat surprising was how traffic had already begun to return to normal as if nothing happened.

Especially considering that Russia had entered its second civil war in its history.

The Romanov sisters stepped into their armored truck. Unlike previous transports, the rebel leaders and the sisters themselves agreed to travel in armored trucks for their safety. There was always the possibility of a meddling agent from Putin lurking in the scene.

Olga sat in the dimly lit compartment with her sisters, looking up at the small slots sealed with thick bulletproof glass. They all remained silent, knowing what would come next. Anastasia checked her watch, feeling a slight disappointment in having to travel in uncomfortable compartments of trucks. Even any slight bump in the road made her sway on her seat. But she swallowed her disappointment. She remembered that before she was the most fun-loving, sociable, and sly one of her sisters. Now she had become special as well, being part of His anointed messengers.