The Warmth of Russia

~9~

The chill of a Russian fall day normally kept Lily buried under the blankets, however, sharing a bed with a man that doubled as a furnace made it almost unbearable waking to. Not that she fully complained. She loved being wrapped in his arms, close to his chest, listening to his beating heart.

Groggily, Lily stretched out, looking over at Ivan. He was dead asleep, his sweet face relaxed in peace and slumber. Lily couldn't stop herself, she traced his jaw with her fingers, letting them slide down his neck. A sleepy sigh came from the man, just for him to loosen his grip and roll to his back. She held back a chuckle, enjoying the sight before her. It had been about two weeks since the Paris and they had practically christened every room within the home. Most of it within their bedroom, as she looked around and saw her bra laying on the clock.

"Tire him out. Go to the room then." she heard Brie's words echo in her head.

Could she really get away with it? Slowly moving from the bed, Lily made her mind. Today was the day. Throwing clothes on, she quietly made her way to the door, praying its hinges wouldn't make a sound. To her luck, they were silent as she slipped into the hallway. The only place she could think where the key could be, was his office. Darting down the stairs, nearly tripping over Whiskey, she managed to make her way to the office. Now the real test began, where the hell was it in here. Checking as many drawers and cupboards as she could, Lily searched desperately for the damn key.

"Where in the world is that blasted thing hiding?" she mumbled to herself.

"Where's what hiding?" someone asked.

A startled yell escaped Lily, she threw her hands over her mouth hoping it wasn't loud enough to wake anyone. That and praying Ivan wasn't behind her. But as she looked, she was met by an older woman, looking to be a house maid.

"Oh, pardon me. I didn't realize Ivan hired anyone else." Lily spoke.

The woman laughed, "Only when the others aren't here."

"Right." Lily nodded, "Makes sense."

"What are you searching for dear?" the woman asked.

"Oh, a key. Knowing Ivan, it's hidden away in here somewhere." Lily replied.

"A key for what? I know where all the keys are for each room."

"Brilliant!" Lily exclaimed, "Right, the door that is constantly locked. Ivan threatens anyone that goes near it. Let's just say curiosity killed the cat."

The woman smiled and nodded over to the old nesting dolls on the shelf, "Got to think like a Russian sweetie."

Lily laughed at the thought, it was obvious really as she reached up to the nesting dolls. Whiskey pounced up, perching himself beside the dolls, "Only you cat."

"He's just watching his pride."

"That he does." Lily said opening up each doll until she had the key in hand, "Yes. Thank you so much ma'am."

"You're quite welcome dear."

"Odd, why didn't you tell me not to go into the room like everyone else did?" she asked.

"Because you are needed in there to relieve Catherine and Anastasia."

Lily whipped around to asked the woman what she knew only to find her gone. Just her and Whiskey were in the room, as if she was never there. A cold chill ran down her spin, that was the freakiest thing she had ever dealt with.

Not letting time slip any more, Lily made her way to the door. The whispers beginning as she got closer.

"Here. This way. Come here." the whispers spoke over and over.