The Warmth of Russia

~7~

"I still don't understand why we are in France Ivan. Last I knew the country was staying out of the war issues completely like the US." Lily complained.

She heard him chuckle, "You'll find out soon enough. Be patient, moi podsolnechnik."

Lily shook her head, looking back at the country side of France as Ivan drive to their destination. She had to admit, it was breathtakingly beautiful, especially for autumn. Passing vineyards and small towns, it gave her a small nostalgia of England during its better seasons. The rolling greens was one thing she missed dearly.

"Almost there. You can see it now." he stated.

Lily's head snapped to the front only to gaze upon the large building. There was no way they were going there.

"This is a meeting right, we're not staying here are we?" she asked.

"Why not?"

"Ivan!" she exclaimed, "This place, if I'm correct, is practically a historical building. Hear me, historical. This was the summer home of Marie Antoinette. No one lives here."

He gave her that damn smile again, "That you know of."

Now she was just plain lost with all of this. There had to be a joke along the lines somewhere, but finding it was getting harder as he pulled up to the gorgeous building. Her eyes widened in awe, Petit Trianon was beautiful. She was half afraid to ender the vast palace, so many pieces of history laid within there.

"Fair warning, my friend is quite, how would you say, flirtatious." Ivan said opening the door for her, bags in hand.

Lily could only nod at him as she took in everything around her. This had to be a joke, they couldn't be staying here.

"Alright Ivan, where are we really staying and what business do we have?" she asked.

Ivan only smiled at her as he walked to the building. A door swung open and to her amazement, no higher up came to greet them, just a normal looking man.

"Bonjour! Bienvenue chez moi." the man yelled from the door.

"Dear god, it's a true French frog." Lily muttered under her breath.

Ivan paused, it seemed like he was holding back laughter as he turned to look at her, "You English all think the same of the French?"

"I've had my share with one and he was enough." she retorted.

Finally making their way to the door, Lily finally saw the man in full. Bright blue eyes shined down to her with a bright smile adorning his face. His blond hair was tied back, fair loose strands hugged his face as stubble graced his chin.

"You made it, glad to see you both." he said holding his hand out to them.

"Pleasure." Lily said, shaking the hand.

Ivan stood there cold, giving the man a knowing glance. The Frenchman gave a nod, realization donning on him and Lily at the same time. Russian superstition number one: never shake hands, hug, kiss, or anything through the threshold. It brings bad luck. The man stepped out of the house, hand out to Ivan which he gladly accepted then.

"Your silly superstitions are sometimes a pain in the ass, you know?" the man said.

"Da."

"So, this must be Lily then. What an honor to see such a beautiful woman. I am Francis." he said taking her hand again and placing a small peck to her knuckles.

Lily swore at that moment she heard a low growl of warning emit from Ivan. Looking over, his eyes said it all. She was shocked he didn't sucker punch the Frenchman right then and there.