The Warmth of Russia

~6~

The morning sun crept into the room, illuminating the space to life. He could feel it's ray's dance on his skin. Small giggles broke the slumbering silence as a smile crossed his sleepy face. She always was the first to wake him, making her way to his side and poking his head. Sure enough, there was the finger he waited for.

"Ivan?" The voice sang out. "Ivan, it's time to wake up."

"Net." He murmured against the blankets.

"Now that's not how you talk to a Czar." She said, jumping up on him.

In a flash, he captured the young princess within the blanket, holding her in place.

"And this is not how to wake a country." He played along.

Fits of giggles and protest came from the young girl as he held her there. He smiled at the game she always played, he could never grow tired of her wild spirit and mind. She loved to make people smile, especially him.

"Alright Ivan, no more. I'm sorry." She said trying to free herself.

Ivan laughed, finally letting her go. She escaped the blanket and gave him that smiled he adored.

"Ivan?"

"Da?"

"Would you like to know something?"

"Of course,"

"You are the greatest man in this country, the perfect country anyone can imagine, and I am so happy to know and love you like I do."

Ivan stared wide eyed at the young girl, he was speechless to her words.

"So, will you always protect us?" She asked, "I know you love us just the same."

His heart leapt for joy at that moment, to hear her say that filled him with the greatest happiness anyone could've granted him.

"I will always protect you, Anastasia."

Ivan's eyes flew open as his breaths came short. The memory plaguing his mind. He broke that promise to her, the beautiful princess he loved so dearly. The last time he saw her flashed in his head, the little princess he watched grow up was becoming a beautiful woman by the day, one he loved more than words could ever describe.

A small moan caught his attention, glancing over he saw Lily next to him. Ah yes, now he remembered. Ivan rested himself upon one arm as he watched her sleep.

"Ty krasivaya." He whispered as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, placing a gentle peck to her temple.

"Ivan." She whispered in her sleep, a Russian accent lacing his name.

Odd, was she getting so used to the place that she was developing the accent?

"Ivan, please don't hate me, I'll be your greatest queen." She sighed out.

Ivan sat straight up, his mind whirling with memories.

"Catherine?" He whispered.

She was the only one that ever said that to him. She pulled him out of his hidden shell and had him open his heart. Her death nearly broke him, but she told him to press on, that another ruler would fill his heart like she did.

But if Lily was speaking like Catherine and having constant nightmares, the could she be...he made a mental note to call about this.

Ivan looked down at the sleeping woman, her hair fanned out around her like a golden halo, peace rested upon her features. He could help himself, leaning down, he kissed the corner of her lips. How soft they were. He placed a full kiss to her lips, savoring the hint of tea that lingered upon them.