Kira
It was another few days before I saw Nikolai again. He stayed mainly in his rooms studying or having papers brought to him that his father wanted him to read. I couldn't understand why he disappeared for random, long lengths of time.
It confused me that Nikolai wasn't around. Had I done something wrong? I didn't ask to dance with him nor did I ask for that kiss. Why had he kissed my forehead? That was very strange. What confused her even more, was that Theodore wasn't around as much either. Lada went on a last minute trip with her parents, temporarily leaving court. I was again alone.
Now back to my regular chores and duties, days melted together. They didn't have the same light to them as when I had joined lessons with the siblings. I had been excelling and learned so much. It also made my life feel like there was more of a purpose to it than keeping things clean, pruned, brushed or cooked. The odd feeling of familiarity when having those lessons made me think and feel I was meant for more than this current life of a servant.
But it was just my childish imagination.
As I strolled down the corridor with an empty basket on my arm, I headed to the vegetable garden. I heard the tinkling from an instrument I hadn't ever heard before in a room I hadn't yet been. Curious, I followed the melodious sound. The younger brother, Vladimir, hunched over a rectangular instrument with skinny rectangles at the front. He was pushing a few at a time with his fingers, resulting in the attractive sound.
Quietly, I tiptoed into the room. I was enchanted with his actions and the sounds he was making. The music called to me. My heartbeat sped in response to the music and I wanted, needed more. Vladimir, the younger son of Anya and Andrei, peered up. He offered a soft smile at me but didn't stop playing. He simply tilted his head in a gesture for me to come in farther. I continued forward, cautiously sitting on the bench beside him.
"Do you play, Kira?" he asked. He had a smile that lit up his face. It was warm, friendly and welcoming.
I shook my head but watched his fingers deftly move in genuine fascination.
"Do you like music?" he inquired further.
"I do," I answered shyly. A small smile of my own tugged at my lips. "It makes me happy again."
"Again?" his handsome brows furrowed. "Are you not happy here?"
"Oh yes, of course!" I responded immediately. I did not want anyone thinking I wasn't or I might get put back in the dungeon.
"Kira," his light blue eyes sparkled. They were similar in intensity to Nikolai's except the color. Vlad's also had a playful sparkle of mischief. "You can trust me."
"May I speak freely, Your Grace?" I asked.
"Yes," he nodded. "And it's Vlad, when no one is around."
That smile again. I nodded then glanced at the open door to make sure no one was there. I still lowered my voice just in case.
"I feel like I was meant for something...bigger than this," I confessed.
"Perhaps you are, Kira," Vlad replied. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't born into this life." His fingers danced over the keys softly to cover their conversation. "I would be happy as a craftsman or musician. More free to make my own choices. I'm glad I do not have the heavy political responsibilities that Nikolai does."
At the mention of his name, my cheeks unconsciously flushed. I cast my eyes down. Vlad must have noticed because his smile grew. His fingers slowed to a different melody.
YOU ARE READING
Once Upon His December
Historical FictionNikolai has been ordered to kill the young daughter of a kingdom his father, the Czar of Odessa, wants to possess. She is an annoying, dirty cheeked imp in his opinion. Yet he is unable to commit the act. Follow Nikolai and Kira on their journey. A...