Once Upon His December

Chapter 7 - Distance

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.