Long May They Reign

Snakes in the Garden

Maria, Pepper and Laura stood listening to some woman drone on and on about how they were here simply for Natalia.

"You are here to council her, prepare her and account for her. For the princess Margaret's wedding you must ensure that you and Natalia are acquainted with all the visiting diginitaries and royalty."

The girls got ready for sightseeing around the palace. They haven't been here since before the revolution when they were still unaware od the danger that lurked on the shadows awaiting them.

"Surely it's changed since then! And maybe we can see the archery field!" Laura said.

"Only you Laura. Nat? Are you coming?"

"Um I'll catch up with you guys."

*

Her dog had run into the forest. It was dark and rainy and the second he entered she had lost him.

"Sterling!"

She had decided to go after him.

"Nat! Don't go in there. In fact stay away from the woods at all times unless you are with a party. Do you hear me."

"But-"

"I will find your dog Nat. Just promise to never go into those woods alone."

"I promise James."

"Okay then. I will see you later. If he doesn't come back before then I'll look for him."

"Thanks." And with that he left.

She headed back into the castle for her chambers. Admiring the beaut of the multi colored rocks in her bathroom, she heard a creaking noise that sounded like it was coming from inside the walls.

Strange... she thought. She made her way over and felt over them for any sign of a door or latch. Instead she found a changing screen. And she reach her hand up to touch it and the shadow of another hand appeared. It met hers and she quickly pulled back. But it was gone just as quickly as it came.

"Taste of love and sorrow. But don't drink the wine. Don't." the raspy voice came out of nowhere and disappeared with the hand but she followed the shadow.

"Who are you?" But no answer came. In fact, the shadow was gone when she walked around the screen. She did find a secret passage. One of the many throughout the palace. Steven and their friends used to play in them when they were younger.

Fireworks lit the sky up as celebration for the arrival of the Tsarina and Princess Margaret's wedding.

The wedding...

Peggy and James were married and had just completed their first dance as husband and wife.

Natalia was handed a glass of wine and as she held it to her lips the words whispered by the raspy voice of a shadow echoed in her mind- Don't drink the wine...

She set it down and smiled up at the boy who had brought it to her.

Looking around for her friends she found them at the side of the ballroom and asked for Maria to dance.