It was breathtaking when I walked in. Floors that seemed to belong in the heavens! Food that could feed millions and women and men dressed in the finest attire. So many people floated across the floor in a current waltz and tall guards stood at every window and door. That's when I saw him. Papa! I wanted to fling my arms around him and give him a hug but there were two risks for that. A. he would get in serious trouble. B. I would ruin my dress. (Yeah I know it doesn't seem that important but Katya would KILL me if I ruined this dress!!)
"Want to dance?" Andrey asked me smiling. I nodded curtsyed and took his hand to the dance floor. I smiled remembering the first time I had danced with him. This time was different. Better. This time I was no longer in denial of loving him.
We twirled around the floor in a effortless waltz. The hem of my skirt just brushing the floor. I was grateful for my flat satin slippers rather then shoes with heels like some girls had! Their feet would be blistered in the first hour!
"Would you like to dance?" A tall man with shaggy blond hair asked me. I just shook my head.
"No I am with someone." I gripped Andrey's arm tighter and smiled brightly. The man looked upset and just left with a grunt.
"You alright?" Andrey asked from talking with Igorek.
"Yes of course. Just don't want to dance with some guard." I leaned in closer resting my head on his arm. I was so tired! I closed my eyes for just a moment when I heard a wonderfully familiar voice.
"Ah is my girl too tired to talk to me?" His voice was deep and seemed to float through the air. He had dark brown hair that didn't want to sit straight. Bright green eyes danced merrily.
"Papa!" i sprung up to my feet wrapping my arms around him in a hug,
"Oh Annika my darling little girl." When I released my hold on him he stood back looking at me.
"My so tall! You have become quite a ballerina nyet?" He asked smiling.
"Yes Papa I have. Thank you." Silent tears floated down my eyes. I had missed him so much!
"So beautiful too. This young man is lucky." He said looking at Andrey.
"Yes sir I am VERY lucky." Andrey said wrapping his arm around me.
"Ack! I have to go back now my darling. I love you so. I will see Katya before the night. You enjoy yourself...both of you." He said nodding at Andrey.
"Yes Papa." I kissed his cheek one time before he left and danced with Andrey after that.
After dancing for a while I was exhausted. We sat down in a small group and just sat and watched. Me slowly falling asleep on Andrey's shoulder. It was such a magical sight I could hardly believe it.
"Are you tired?" Andrey asked looking at me.
"Nyet....not....yet." I sounded like a child when they are let up too late. Always no two more minutes. All the while they are falling asleep in their mothers laps.
"Alright." He said chuckling.
"Isn't it beautiful Andrey?" I asked.
"Yes you are."
"Andrey! I was talking the ball not me!"
"I know."
I laughed and kissed his cheek happily.
The night wore with me dancing a bit more and again falling asleep. I remember walking out of the palace so happy it consumed my whole being. It was almost as if I was the sun. So much light that it flows onto the world below.
Andrey carried me to the carriage and we rode home. I fell asleep my head on his lap happier then ever.
I would never believe then that in a couple short years there would be no more balls. There would be no more laughter,happiness would fade.
