Once Upon His December

Chapter 17 - Kolyadki - Carols

Nikolai

Many changes had occurred since I was in the palace last Christmas.  Kira was no longer a simple maid.  No, she had become a well known, sought after soprano.  She had also grown up and fully become a woman.  Even from high up in the royal box I had been able to see she had matured.  Beautifully.

The whole palace had also been rewired for the new electric light.  On each sconce, instead of a candle, was now a light bulb.  My school had been updated for awhile now but Father had refused for so long.  Mother finally had it done.

I paced through the halls as early morning broke through the windows.  I went to my mother's drawing room.  If my father had been as ill as she had written to explain, then I would have to leave soon to go to the village in my father's stead.

"Mother?" I called. After knocking on the door, I pushed it open. It might be too early for her to be awake and in there.

"Nik?" Anya replied back.  Standing and hurrying across the room to me, she wrapped her arms tightly around her now full grown son.  I towered above her. "Oh, you made it!"

"I did," I smiled, resting my cheek against my mother's head.  "Has Father gone out already?"

"Yes, dear.  He refused to stay behind," she explained.

I grunted my response.  Her letters had spoken of Father's raving fits and unjust decisions of late.  We both shared silent worry at him going to the village.

It was a Christmas tradition for the Czar to dress as a peasant.  He would then go throughout the village Christmas morning giving coins to the homeless and hungry. 

He would also go to the prison, hear petitions, possibly pardoning a few and letting them go free.  Was Andrei well enough to make just choices?  I didn't know.

"I'll go bathe and get ready for the kolyadki then," I announced, placing a kiss on top of my mother's head.

"You will join this year, then?" Anya asked.  Her eyes sparkling with hope.  I nodded stoically but quirked an eyebrow at my mother's growing smirk.  "I think the singers will be happy to have you."

I did return to my room.  I tilted my head down to each servant, quietly bidding them a Happy Christmas as they passed.  In my bathroom, I found another change.  The new tub donned a faucet.  It seemed my mother had updated to coveted indoor plumbing as well. 

After my bath, I dressed in my Christmas caftan.  Double breasted, bright red coat with gold buttons down the center.  White trousers and black shoes completed the outfit.  I combed his hair back, shakily trying to tame the unruly ash brown waves but failed. What was wrong with me?  Was I...nervous?

I had one very important task to complete before joining the kolyadki group who would be leaving shortly.  I knew where Kira's room had been relocated.  Afterall, I had chosen it. My mother wrote to me and divulged the news Kira approved of her new lodgings.  I quickly made my way to the east wing.

Once at her door, my heart raced and beat loudly in my ears.  This would be the first gift I would deliver in person and there was a very specific reason why.  The conversation had to be with my father first.  I had time, though.  This other question I planned to ask at the New Year's celebration. A soft knock was given no reply.  I knocked louder and still no reply. 

Another musician, not recognizing me, floated by in her formal dress and called me, "Kira is already rehearsing for her solo performances tonight."

I let out a groan of frustration and turned the doorknob, pleased it was unlocked.  Confirming the information just given me, the room was empty.  So, I continued my annual tradition and placed the green velvet box on her nightstand accompanied by a handwritten note.  With a heavy sigh full of, was it longing?  I left the room to go greet my brother.