Once Upon His December

Chapter 5 - Fate Worse Than Death

Kira

As I followed Sasha down the shining corridors of this palace, I couldn't help but gaze around at the lavish decor.  Everything, the walls, the floors, the ceilings were all a pristine white and gilded with gold inlay.  The large chandeliers shimmered in the sun like diamonds.  I couldn't remember seeing anything so beautiful.

Then Sasha opened the door to my room.  My eyes went wide and my mouth dropped open.  The walls were covered in a dainty pink and gold paper that stood out against the light brown parquet flooring.  A white dresser sat on one wall, a table and two chairs in front of a window and next to a door that led to a small balcony.

My absolute favorite feature was the pink bed.  Fluffy, silky pillows and bedding with curtains gathered at each of four posters tempted me to hide in my own personal sanctuary.

Sasha watched my reaction and smiled warmly when I turned back to her.  "Do you like it, dear?"

"Yes!" I nodded.  "I love it.  Thank you."

"Wonderful," Sasha clapped quietly in celebration.  "Let's get you washed and in a clean dress."

****
Nikolai

I returned to my room, promptly bathed then dressed in a clean blue tunic and black pants.  With no formal meetings or duties since we had just returned, there was no reason to wear my formal coat.  The extra weight would push on my wounds.

One curious thought plagued me.  How was Kira adjusting? Furthermore, where was her room?  Guests usually were not put in the south wing with the family.  Making my way out of my room and down the corridor, I started with the first available room.  Empty.  The next one, also empty.  Finally, the melodious ringing of her laughter met my ear.  It was behind me.  I turned back and found Kira in the room directly across from my own.

When I entered the room through it's open door, I found Kira sitting cross legged on the bed with Sasha brushing her hair.  Sasha was telling Kira about the first time I held a sword.  How stubbornly my chubby hands kept trying to hold onto the hilt but I kept dropping it.  My stubbornness won out and I was able to lift it to hit the dummy target. I was five years old.

I cleared my throat to make my presence known.  Kira and Sasha both stopped laughing.  Two pairs of wide eyes flicked to where the sound came from.  For the briefest moment, I locked eyes with Kira and saw a glimpse of the giddy imp who rubbed my nerves raw the night of the ball.  It seemed so long ago.

Sasha stood, curtsied and promptly took her leave.  Kira stared down at her hands, wringing her fingers together in nervousness.  I took slow, steady strides toward her then hesitantly sat on the edge of the bed, wiping my palms on my knees.

"How...um...do you like...your room, Kira?" I asked.  More like stammered.

She nodded demurely.  "Yes, very much.  I like pink. At least, I think I do.  Seeing the color makes me happy."

"Then you probably like it," I confirmed, no emotions on my face. 

We sat in awkward silence for a few moments.  Just as I was about to ask something else, anything else, guards stormed into the room.  I rose quickly, instinct had me standing protectively in front of Kira.   She hid behind me shaking in fear.

"What is going on?" I asked, my voice authoritative and mimicking my father's.

"We have orders to arrest the girl," one guard explained.  Jutting his chin, another guard reached for Kira who squealed and ducked further behind me.

"Why? Whose orders?" I pushed.  I scowled deeply despite my heart racing.

"The Czar's orders," the guard explained.  "She is a spy.  Now move!"