Royals Through Time 3: The Russians

Part Seven- Telling the Truth

All four girls that did not live in Russia were confused by the revelation of the Equestrian. He, or rather, she, had curly dark brown hair, and dark eyes. Myah smiled at her friends' faces: "May I introduce you to Valeriya Marstovich, my good friend and my heir." The most comical of the four faces Valeriya saw was Sarah's. Her eyebrows had shot up, her jaw had slid sideways slightly and dropped, and her eyes were huge. Lunden was the first to step forward and nod politely in greeting, Sarah not far behind. The others followed, and Valeriya smiled. "Hello, Lunden. Sarah. Averia. Gracina." She bowed deeply to each as she said their names. Gracina was the first to ask the question: "How do you know our names?". Valeriya had a secretive sparkle in her eyes now: "I know because it is my job to know. You see, my absence was not because of kidnapping, but of a business trip of sorts." That didn't help the confusion of all five Royals. So Valeriya continued. "I am the Equestrian, but the Equestrian is one of six Friends. These six, like you, have branched across time and nationalities in order to save and to help. Your job is to help each other and the world. Ours is go help you." Each girl looked around at her friends with an excited smile. Finally, someone in their own country they could talk to! But Valeriya wasn't done: "I am the Equestrian, Friend of Russia. And I believe you've met another..." Lunden hurriedly thought back to when they had saved her own kingdom..."Gregory, the blacksmith that warned the guards?" Valeriya nodded. "And soon the four others, I hope. I wish I could stay longer, but I have to get home by sunrise." The girls were suddenly aware that the shadows were growing less dark. And there they were in the streets. Five Royals. In their nightgowns. But wait...didn't Valeriya say there were six Friends? Why six? There were only five of them. Or were there?
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There was celebration at the return of Valeriya that morning. The Royals came stumbling out of their rooms to trumpets and faked surprise at Valeriya's being found quite well. According to the guards, she had been found in her own bed, having no recollection of where she had been. Unfortunately, this put her sanity in an unfavorable light, and Myah knew that Valeriya had surrendered the throne by not saying anything. But Myah also knew Valeriya didn't care. During the celebration, she was her normal self, and so were the others. Except Gracina. Her distant, dreamy look had returned, and Myah was going to ask just who was making her like that. But right now, there was something she had to do. She had a sneaking suspicion what was causing Lord Zakhar's neglect of his duties as well. So she called him aside: "Lord Zakhar, are you or are you not in love with the Countess Kristina?" He looked shocked and bowed quickly. "You are wise, Czarina. Yes, the Countess and I have fallen for each other." Myah then raised her head a little higher than normal. "And yet you so abused her position as to try to poison me in her house." The flash of fear and guilt in his eyes was enough to tell Myah she was right. "Do not be afraid. I am not going to have you executed. Indeed, you may enjoy your punishment. Since you and the Countess are so deeply in love, you shall join her in the hunting lodge in Siberia. Should I expect to hear of your marriage within the year?" The lord's face lit, and he nodded. Myah pointed the way to where three guards awaited to take him to Siberia, and he went gladly. That was done. Now for Gracina. She sat down in the chair beside the Egyptian girl, looking only slightly out of place as a Russian noblewoman. "So...who are you thinking about?" Gracina smiled at Myah. "Well..." "Spill. Now. " Gracia rolled her eyes a little. "Fine. His name is Amet. He's one of my guards." Myah grinned. "Thought so."
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But even while being "interrogated" by Myah, Gracina's thoughts were on the sixth Friend. If there was one for each Royal, then they had yet to find their last member.

This is a picture of Valeriya Marstovich.