Long May They Reign

Long May She Reign

* Blood dripped from the sky. His prophecy was about to come true...
*

She woke up that morning with no clue as to what her future held. She and her sisters had just finished playing ball and were now settling down to eat. She locked eyes with Sister Helen and saw her staring back at her with wide fearful eyes. Suddenly she was frothing at the mouth and bleeding from her eyes, ears and nose. Coughing as it went on and her head dropped into her porridge.

Screams erupted and there was running.

"Protect Natalia! Take her plate away!"

"Sister, what's going on?!" Natalia screamed.

"This was an assasination attempt. You will be leaving today."

"But-", she didn't want to leave.

"You were nearly killed Natalia."

"By whom?"

"Someone with ties to the Red Room no doubt. We'll find and deal with them as needed." Hurried hoofprints sounded in the distance.

"Poor sister Helen. I didn't know-"

"That she was your taster? Ever since you stopped feeding from your mother's breast, every meal you have ever had has been tasted before it reached your lips. Natalia, your are the Tsarina of Russia."

Natalia opened her door and stepped out into the crowd of girls waiting for her. She donned the royal scarlet cloak and her golden crown. It was nervewracking and she did not know if she was even ready. So much was already expected of her now and she just needed a moment to breathe. But at this moment she could not.

"What if I am not ready? I do not feel ready."

"For what? To be Queen or to marry the future king of America?"

"Both. It has been so long Sister. What if the Americans no longer want me for their son, what if he no longer wants me? Also, I wanted to believe I would be able to go back to Russia. Even just one last time."

"It is not safe in Russia. You know that Natalia. There are rumors of you being alive and once your marriage to the prince is official, they will be coming for you. Russia will not be safe for you as long as the Bolshi's thrive. I am sorry Natalia. But your friends from Russia will be there. Girls you've known ypur entire life Natalia. You were not the only child of nobles/royals sent abroad. Your're nearly a woman and Steven is nearly a man. It's time."

"Guess that is better than nothing...", she muttered as she walked along to her carriage.

"He will love you Natalia."

"You know that is not what matters here. Not for people like us at least."

"But it matters to you so it matters. He is a nice young man Natalia. You know that."

"I do."

"Natalia!" She looked around for the little voice, her gaze settling on a little blonde girl. "Yelena!" She ran to her and grabbed her into her arms.

"Be careful Natty. There are ghosts there. At the castle. Its filled with them Natty. Lookout."

"Lena. I am sure those were just rumors little one." She was going to miss this little girl most of all. She too came from Russia after her parents were killed for mounting a rebellion against the Bolshi's. Suddenly she had an idea.

"Sister Margeret!" she grabbed Yelena's hand and ran with her over to the sister. "Yes Natalia."

"I want to take her with me."