Morning Glory-Francis (Reign)

Chapter Seventy-Two

The return to the palace after the ceremony brought another wave of gifts waiting for us there on a table in our chambers. Anya and I both sighed upon seeing them, knowing it would be important to open them all in order to properly thank the givers should we meet them tonight at the festivities.

Still despite the chore ahead of us, Anya pulled off the overdress of her elaborate get up before sitting in a chair and pulling the first package towards her. Untying my cape and laying it over a chair, I sat down and joined her.

The task took a few hours but once it was all done, I dragged myself over to bed, desperate for even a few moments of sleep before facing the crowds again.

After dinner we would be headed to a celebration being held in the middle of the city. Then the next day Anya and I would be off again. Touring a few more of the cities of Russia-really just a publicity parade of the new Tsar-before we would be going back to France.

The bed dipped down next to me as Anya dropped onto the mattress as well. She rolled over until she was nestled into my side, and my arm naturally fell around her waist to hold her close to me.

"Congratulations." She whispered next to my ear. "Tsar of Russia, it's a big accomplishment."

"Thank you," I smiled before pressing a kiss on her cheek. "How much time before we have to go?"

"About an hour."

"That's enough time for a short nap."

"For you maybe." Anya laughed sitting up. "Elisaveta and Natasha will be here in a few minutes. I, apparently can't wear the same gown."

"Why? You already look stunning."

"I don't know." Anya sighed again, and climbed off the bed, walking through the doorway out of our bedroom into the other chamber where Natasha and Elisa would help her dress. Faintly I could hear a knock sound on the door and then the voices of Anya's friends as they greeted each other.

I must have drifted off because the next thing I knew, Anya was shaking me awake.
"Come on, my love. It's almost time to go." With a groan, I let Anya pull me up to sitting, and relaxed as I felt her fingers combing out my hair and smoothing it down. My smile slipped away though when I felt her set the crown atop my head.

"I can see why you don't like to wear these." I mumbled as I stood, taking in Anya's new appearance. Her imperial gown had been exchanged for one just as grand, though less overstated. It was a dark regal purple, with golden accents along her wrists, neckline and waist. Another golden tiara sat on her head.

"Anya," Anfisa came around the corner, and we both looked up at her. "We best be going." She said before bowing her head and leaving us alone again.

"Do we have to go?" I looked down at my wife again.

"I'm afraid it's a little late to back out now."

Hand in hand we made our way to the front courtyard where a carriage was waiting for us. A footman opened the door, and I held Anya's hand for her to climb inside before I followed. The streets of Moscow looked different in the setting sun, but still just as awe inspiring.

Soon enough, we arrived at a large chateau, the home of one of the more prominent nobles of the court, who was obviously making a bid for the favor of the crown. It seemed that everyone else had already arrived, and the main entrance hall was packed with guests as Anya and I entered, flanked by guards.

Anfisa, Darek, and Aleks had come along, both dressed to socialize. Behind them was Feliks who had taken it upon himself to join his soldiers. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Natasha had drifted off to talk to him. Anya noticed it too, and we shared a small smile. She had filled me in on how smitten the two were with each other.

"Welcome Your Majesties, I thank you for gracing my celebration with your presence." A man with his wife on his arm greeted us dramatically, as the rest of the congregation watched.

"Thank you for receiving us with such welcome, Lord Febrasky," Anya took the lead, smiling at our hosts. "And thank you for the lovely gift you had delivered to the palace."

I guess I had not prepared for this as well as Anya had, because I had no recollection of any gift from a Lord Febrasky.

"Please, Your Majesties, have some wine and enjoy the festivities." Lord Febrasky gestured farther into the building. Anya smiled at me and squeezed my arm before detaching herself and walking off with Lady Febrasky. Leaving me alone.

"Congratulations Your Majesty." Lord Febrasky said as the two of us began to slowly circle the party. Somewhere some musicians began to play. "On both your marriage and your coronation. How do you find Russia?"

"It's a beautiful country. I'm glad that you and your people have taken so kindly to my presence here." I answered plainly, hoping not to offend.

"I don't think there is anything you could do to make yourself unwelcome here." Febrasky said. "Everyone has seen how the Tsaritsa as lit up since you arrived. It's the happiest her people have seen her since the attack on her family."

"I had heard how much her people love her, but I didn't realize just how much it was until I saw it for myself."

"And we are your people now too, Your Majesty. If it makes our Angel Queen happy, then you will always be welcome here."

"Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa has wanted to create peace for so long. The war took quite a toll on her, but it makes me hopeful to see how devoted her country is to her. I can assure you," I looked Febrasky directly in the eye, "that she returns that devotion, and I will do my best to devote myself to this beautiful land as well."

"Can I give you some advice, Your Majesty, as a husband to another man, rather than a man to his king?" Febrasky asked, taking two goblets of wine from a table and handing one to me.

"Of course, friend. Speak plainly." I took the goblet.

"Devote yourself to your wife before your country. Because if you make the Tsaritsa unhappy, I can guarantee the people of Russia will call for your head. If she doesn't demand it first." I considered what he said for a moment.

"I have no intention of ever doing that. I wanted her as my wife before I wanted her country." Febrasky smiled.

"Then to the Tsaritsa, and her new Tsar." He raised his glass. I clinked mine against his before taking a long drink.