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𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
The fur coat that tightly hugged her slim body was clearly foreign. It's obnoxiously wide shape, long length and geometric patterns were eye-catching and unlike any worn by the women of England. It was fitting for the Russian beauty that wore it, her hair styled as equally over the top for the purpose of her outing and her makeup flawlessly dark and enticing. The rhythmic swish of the navy lining that floated around her ankles was lost under the deafening silence as she walked, confident in herself.
Anastasiya held a familiar twist to her crimson lips as she walked across the lengthy driveway. The night sky was painted an inky black, lurking above her and the stars gave little light to spare, her face in turn being cast into shadows. Even the trees that lined the path were tense in their towering figures.
She reached the step of the house quickly and stood by the modest door, gazing up at the house in front. It was rather underwhelming, in comparison to what she had been used to seeing in Russia, despite its vast size. Outside, it appeared more like a public centre or hospital, its windows bearing a resemblance to the ones she had seen on the ride through Birmingham, blocky and unattractive.
Anastasiya leaned against the stone lion that stood by the door way. They came in a pair that she recognised: they had once stood prominently by the grand doors of her own home in Russia. The eyes that were once a stark white where now chapped and beady, the black eyes staring into her, as if daring her to knock.
She had began to feel as if the house was empty as her light knocks were left to the wind. Her nimble hand snaked around her own waist, pulling in her coat tighter around her body, waiting for her calls to be answered. It was a few moments before a small figure appeared at the door, unlocking it and letting the cold light of the hallway spill into the darkness of the doorway, illuminating Ana's face.
The girl was young and dressed in a simple, dull blue dress and her mousy, brown hair was covered modestly. Her petite lips rounded in a gasp as her eyes fluttered to fall on Ana's own.
"Oh, Miss, sorry for your wait, come straight in." The young girl widened the door, allowing her to step into the house. She nodded a thanks, her eyes trailing the garish decorations that decked the walls rudely. The house was over the top and ugly- it was perfect for the likes of the grand duke and duchess, who's appearances were something similar.
"Anastasiya." Her name was uttered from the end of the hallway and followed by clicking footsteps. Ana looked away from the stairway and to the woman that now stood in front of her with a sarcastic smile.
"Tatiana." She greeted back, her expression equally as distasteful, with her lip curled and eyebrow raised.
"I see your still wearing those ugly coats." Tatiana said, looking her up and down with a pointed glare. Ana met the hard gaze with a derisive laugh.
"And I see you're still as childish as ever." Ana removed the coat from around her shoulders and placed it on the stair banister, shaking her head as the maid hurried to remove it. The young girl stepped back flustered, and instead took her hat that rested in her hands.
"You aren't in Russia." Tatiana stated, eyeing up the girls movements.
"Obviously not."
"Mama thought I was best suited being in England with you at the moment, with the revolution and everything." Ana began, while stepping around the hallway, glancing over the historic paintings and sculptures once more.
"Much to my disappointment." She stopped in front of Tatiana as she said this, eyes lingering on her dark ones. She made a small gesture outwards with her arms and smiled lazily. "And here I am."
"You were lucky to flee. I hear the reds are giving you more bother." She said, after gaining no reply from Tatiana. "Not for much longer."
"No, not for any longer." Tatiana agreed, stepping forward to stop her from moving anymore. Her movement was hostile and sly, perhaps a bid to intimidate the younger girl.
But any signs of intimidation was lost as she asked, "Come with me to meet Mr Shelby tomorrow."
Anastasiya raised her brows, curious as to who the man was. "Think of it as family bonding.", Tatiana persuaded.
After a moment, Ana turned and replied with a cheeky smile. "It would be a pleasure, sister."
