Chapter One: In the Dark of the Night

Dimitri

195X

The incessant knocking startled me awake from the nightmare. I sat up grateful for the interruption. I had been having these dreams of endless running never reaching my destination. It was always the same running up a hill with an epic battle raging on behind me. I was never one to run away from a fight. As a general in the Russian military, I couldn't run away from battle. I ran straight into it. But in my nightmare, there was something far more important than winning a war. That always struck me as odd and even terrifying. My purpose was to win wars in the name of my country, for my czar and the people. What could be more important than duty and honor? I never found out. I was always running up that damn hill. The sun rose over the hill illuminating and blinding me, so I was unable to see what was at the top. I heard the sound of waves nearby, so I assumed I was near the ocean.

There was no time to find out if I was right or not. The knocking came again, and this time, I sprang into action. I reached for the knife resting on my bedside table and in a couple strides I was at the door pulling it open abruptly. Christian Ozera, my most skilled and trusted soldier, stood with his dark hair disheveled and his blue eyes wide as he regarded the nasty knife in my hand. He was dressed appropriately making it look like he hadn't just been yanked out of bed like me, but I knew better. We were used to being pulled from our beds in the middle of the night, so we were always prepared. I motioned him inside and rushed to a nearby chair where I had laid out my clothing for the next day. It was a strategy I imparted on Christian to prepare him for situations like this when we needed to be clothed and ready for, well, anything. As I dressed, Christian began to fill me in.

"Arthur came by a few minutes ago to my room," he said a little out of breath. Even though we were in top shape, he must have sprinted all the way here. My quarters were in the palace near the czar as one of his most trusted advisors. I also acted as a backup ready to execute anyone who dared attempt to assassinate our ruler or his family. Christian stayed in the building near the entrance to the palace. The building housed many soldiers who would be the first to fend off an attack if one came. I assumed since Christian was summoned first, Arthur was coming in from a mission.

Arthur Schoenberg was my mentor and sort of a savior. I was on a dark path after beating up my father. To be fair, the man had it coming, for he abused my mother constantly. I couldn't put up with it any longer, so I did what I did out of love for my family. I was only thirteen. My father left and never looked back, but I was full of anger after that. Those emotions I kept locked up for my mother's sake came rushing out when I was punching the living daylights out of my father. Soon after, I was quick to resort to that anger, and I wondered if I was just like my father filled with hatred and fury. I got into many fights at school and on the streets until one day, I was taken to jail to spend one night and see if that would straighten me out. That's when Arthur found me and convinced me he could use my 'passion' for good. He told me I could save lives, and my purpose would be larger than life if I followed him. He enlisted me in the army and trained me to be deadly. He showed me how to use the rage and violence inside me against our true enemies. I owed Arthur and the czar a great deal. So sacrificing a couple of hours of sleep was nothing compared to the bigger picture. I made a vow to serve Russia and give my life up if necessary.

"Arthur didn't say much," Christian continued as I grabbed my gun and holstered it on my hip. "He told me to grab you on my way to the czar's private quarters. I assumed it was an emergency."

"They certainly don't want to discuss the weather in the dark of the night," I mumbled sheathing the knife on my belt opposite from my gun. I hardly believed we were being called to battle. So far, only Christian and I had been woken up abruptly, but I had to be prepared for anything just as Arthur had taught me. Glancing to Christian, I caught sight of his own gun at his side. He also wore the same the same type of clothing as I. Black pants, black short sleeved shirt, and combat boots. The only difference between us was the duster I threw over me. Fully clothed and armed, we moved out.

The palace was desolate with the exception of guards patrolling the halls for anyone suspicious. No one questioned us, for they knew if we were up this late, or early depending on one's perspective, we were on official business. At the door to the czar's sleeping quarters, the guards standing on each side armed to the teeth, saluted me and waved us through shutting the double doors behind us. I had never been in the czar's room before. Most of the time we met in his office, but I assumed there must not have been time to get there. Whatever this meeting was about, I was beginning to tense and found myself reaching for my gun expecting assassins to pop out of the four poster bed or jump through windows.

Immediately, I began to search for escape routes just in case. Bay windows allowed the moonlight to stream in the spacious room. The walls were a soft cream color and the curtains on the four poster bed were red velvet. Several leather couches were arranged in front of the fireplace and next to the bay windows. The only way out would be the way we came or through the windows which would cause us to drop five floors. I pushed away thoughts of escape. There was no physical threat because if there was Arthur wouldn't be so calm.

The czar paced in front of his fireplace. He wore a dark, suede purple robe and his feet were bare. In his hands, he held a letter which he read intently with his brows furrowed. He didn't look up at our entrance, but Arthur did. My mentor nodded in approval at our quick arrival, attire and weapons on us. I stood next to Arthur with my hands behind my back and bowed to the czar respectfully. Behind me, Christian did the same.

"Thank you for joining us," the czar finally looked up. He was a man in his late sixties with silver hair and beard. He looked every bit like a grandfather. At first glance, one would think he was as harmless as Santa Claus, but I knew better. He could be fair but firm when needed especially when his laws were broken. The czar had no patience for disobedience; I had the scars to prove it. "Sorry for robbing you of sleep, General Belikov."

"I'm here to serve, Your Imperial Majesty," I bowed once more.

"I wouldn't have called you if it wasn't important," Arthur added turning to me. "We have received news from our spy in Turkey."

I tensed. Relations between Turkey and Russia had been strained before. At one point, we had been at war over control of the Black Sea until our czar and the king of Turkey met in Romania to discuss a treaty. The war had been brutal led by Turkey's crown prince, Ibrahim Mazur. Ibrahim quickly earned the reputation of bloodthirsty and ruthless. Those who lived to tell the tale spoke with fear and admiration seeing Ibrahim in action. That had been before my time. All I had to go on was tales from older, retired generals who bore the scars of their encounters against Prince Ibrahim. Suddenly the urgency of the meeting became clear. Despite the many years of peace between Russia and Turkey, there was always the tension. We both had powerful armies, so war between us meant possible obliteration of each other. Besides, other countries would be caught in the cross fire. We could be on the verge of another world war in which more innocent people would die.

"King Idris Mazur has passed," the czar said extending the letter out to me. "He died two days ago." He rubbed his eyes tiredly and sighed.

"Two days?" I looked up from the letter astonished. "Why are we hearing of it just now? Why isn't this public news?"

"Precisely," Arthur pursed his lips as his eyes followed the czar with concern in them. "Our spy informed us a few weeks ago King Idris had been ill, but the severity of his illness was unknown. Hell, even the fact that he was ill was kept secret. No media coverage. No public notices. Our spy kept a close eye on the situation but even he seemed to hear the news of his death late."

"Perhaps the family wanted to mourn," Christian said optimistically. "They said nothing about his illness hoping he would get better. And when he didn't, they were devastated."

"I thought so too," the czar sat down on a nearby couch and chuckled humorlessly. "Finish reading the letter, General."

I did as commanded and read out loud the last part. "Idris' son, Prince Ibrahim, has taken the throne hours after his father's passing in a secret ceremony where a priest, his closest advisor, wife, and daughter were present. News of his ascension to the throne is also being kept secret not only from the public but the council as well."

"I have no objections to a new king," the czar sighed. "We knew it would happen eventually. However, the new king is already showing signs of aggression. His father's council was not alerted of the coronation."

"Why would he need to consult with the council?" Christian frowned. "Ibrahim is the only son of Idris, correct?"

"Correct," I responded. Christian knew much of war but diplomacy wasn't in his skill set. Unlike me. I wasn't just groomed by Arthur to be a warrior. The czar took it upon himself to teach me diplomacy and act on his behalf in some missions that didn't require plunging my knife into the enemies' throats. I knew politics a little more than other generals or soldiers. "However, members of the council are given the chance to present their own candidate for the monarchy if they feel the crown prince is unfit. The nominees are put through a set of trials that test their patience, strength, and wisdom. It's the only way they keep a madman from the throne."

"Which we believe Ibrahim is," Arthur finished for me. "Most of the time, the council doesn't protest. Being the crown prince would have given Ibrahim full support of the council, but our spy informed us long ago there was some resistance to Ibrahim. It seems the council is growing tired of the Mazur line. We're unsure why but now that he's king, Mazur needs to be watched closely."

"We need to form an alliance with him immediately," the czar stood back up and moved to stand before me. "General, I need you to go to Turkey and show him our good intentions. We must try to keep the peace. War between us could mean total annihilation of our countries. I fear this time, Ibrahim won't be keen to sit down and forge peace like his father."

"Why don't we just help his people overthrow him?" Christian asked.

"Better the devil you know than the devil you don't," I sighed. "Ibrahim may have gone against his council, but hopefully, we can reason with him. Perhaps the friendship we had with his father will be in our favor."

"Yes," the czar placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed appreciatively. "Ibrahim can't keep the news of Idris' passing a secret forever. I have sent a letter offering condolences and congratulations to the new king and his family. I expect a response soon. In the meantime, let's discuss our strategy."

We spent the rest of the night and well into the morning discussing our approach to the precarious situation in Turkey. Once the details were worked out and Christian and I had our orders, it was a matter of waiting a response from Ibrahim. Our plans depended on his actions. If he acted peacefully, Christian and I would hopefully receive an invitation to the late king's memorial, or we would talk ourselves into one. If Ibrahim acted aggressively, we would look into aiding a coup d'état, which was the last thing the czar wanted to meddle in other countries.

The czar and Arthur gave us the rest of the day off to get our things in order to pack in case we had to depart immediately. I always kept several suitcases ready under my bed with clothing and weapons. If we were to go on a diplomatic visit, I wouldn't bring my weapons. The czar made it clear we couldn't show signs of aggression. If, while on our stay in Turkey, we needed to defend ourselves, our spy would aid us. He had infiltrated the king's castle and had been given a high ranking position in the royal guard. With nothing else to do but wait, I decided to visit my family to say goodbye. I had every intention to return to Russia in one piece, but I had to see them before departing. I didn't know how long I would stay out of the country this time. Diplomacy took longer than brutal war sometimes. I had to earn the new king's trust by any means necessary.

The car took me through familiar roads. We left behind the grandeur of the czar's palace and the busy city surrounding it until we were in the country. Baia, my hometown, was located a couple of hours away from the czar's palace. The town was small and close knitted. My family had lived here for years enjoying the serenity of the countryside where everyone knew each other and cared for one another. I knew one day, upon my retirement, I would permanently move to Baia perhaps with a family of my own. For now, my mother, three sisters, and grandmother were enough. The car came to a stop outside a familiar two story house made of grey veneer and slanted roofs. It wasn't much, but it was home, and a very welcomed sight. I had spent too long in the city among tall buildings and exquisite intricate architecture. I enjoyed the city but there was a peaceful and comforting feel to the simplicity of Baia. Perhaps it was the warmth of home and love radiating from the house, but I found myself saddened about the path I had taken, a path that gave me purpose but tore me away from my loved ones.

As if conjuring them with my thoughts, though I knew they had simply seen me step out of the car, my family rushed outside to greet me. Paul, Karolina's son and my nephew, was the first one to leap into my arms. I hugged him tightly as he gleefully called my name over and over.

"Dimitri!" Karolina, my older sister, smiled brightly. In her arms, she carried my niece, Zoya. "It's good to see you, little brother."

She teased though I towered over all my family. I rolled my eyes instead of indulging in a battle of wits and extended my free arm to the baby in her arms. Paul and Zoya played with my hair while the rest of my family came out to greet me. All three of them smiled widely and enveloped me in warm hugs. They all stepped aside as my mother approached me though.

"Dimka!" She kissed my cheeks and looked me up and down in that motherly way that told me she was judging how well fed I was, and if I still possessed all my limbs. "You look a little thin, darling. Are they feeding you in that palace?"

"Leave the boy alone, Olena," my grandmother, Yeva, was the last one to come out of the house. She held onto a cane, but I knew better. She didn't really need it. Babushka was a lot sturdier than she let on. "He's busy saving the world."

"Hardly," I chuckled as I moved closer to Babushka to embrace her. "I'm only doing my duty."

"One day, you'll have to choose between duty and your heart," she said whispering in my ear as I leaned down to wrap my arms around her. "Sometimes those aren't the same thing."

I frowned but said nothing otherwise. I learned not to indulge Babushka or she'd read my palm all day. I didn't like knowing the future. Part of life was being surprised and somehow I felt like if I knew what was happening, my choices would be influenced by that knowledge. I didn't like feeling dominated by something like fate or destiny. All thoughts of destiny and honor were soon forgotten when Viktoria, my younger sister, and Paul squealed happily. They soon forgot all about me rushing towards my driver and began harassing him with questions about the car. Electricity and cars were common in the big cities, but in small towns like Baia, electricity wasn't available to all. One of the perks of being in the Russian military, I was able to provide for my family some comforts. They had electricity in our home now but a car wasn't something I could yet afford. I wanted to fix the house first and expand it so the kids would have more room. I could have brought them all with me to the city, but I didn't want to risk my enemies coming after them. They were safer in a small town like this were a stranger would stick out like a sore thumb, and I would be alerted immediately. Besides, Karolina was more than capable of taking care of the family.

The novelty of the Rolls Royce was nothing compared to my presence, so I asked my driver to give the kids a ride around town. I had to speak to the women in my life about matters that children shouldn't listen to. Besides, I think they would appreciate riding in the Phantom more than listening to me talk. With approval from mama and Karolina, my driver took the kids while the adults went inside to converse.

Mama offered me a glass of vodka which I refused. I didn't know how long until we received news of King Mazur, so I couldn't be inebriated. Instead, I accepted a mug of black coffee. Sitting at the table hearing the latest news of the town and the family brought me memories of the good old days. Of course that also reminded me that the good old days were sometimes clouded by the darkness my father brought with him. But it felt good to be surrounded by warmth from the fireplace and the love of my family. I enjoyed the familiar smells of bread baking, Sonya's garden in the back, and Babushka's famous concoctions. It was all part of home, part of who I had once been.

"What brings you here?" Mama asked claiming my attention. She could tell I was no longer listening to the gossip of our neighbors buying yet another cow. "Not that we don't miss you, but I thought you couldn't get away from the czar?"

"About that," I shifted and finished the rest of my coffee. "I'll be going away for… I don't know how long. My newest mission is taking me to Turkey."

"Is this about the death of King Idris?" Babushka raised her eyebrow at me as if daring me to deny it.

"How did you know?" It was a dumb question. My grandmother was skilled at knowing things.

"We heard it on the radio," Karolina answered. "Just a few minutes before you arrived. There is a memorial happening right now. It's a shock for the citizens of Turkey as well to the world. No one knew the king was ill."

"That's the problem," I began cautiously. My line of work didn't allow sharing information freely with my family or anyone who didn't have clearance. It wasn't that I didn't trust them, but I didn't want to put them in danger in case they were questioned about my missions. "The new king is nothing like Idris, may he rest in peace. I must go reinforce the peace between our countries. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so I wanted to come by and say goodbye."

"Oh, Dimka," mama got up from her seat and embraced me. "I wish you didn't have to go. I haven't seen much of you since… Since you left with Arthur seven years ago. You're always somewhere dangerous."

"He's fine," Babushka waved her hand in the air dismissing mama's worries. In Babushka's eyes though, I saw something. Or I thought I did. There it was a second, a flicker of worry like I may be fine now but she wasn't sure about tomorrow. I tried not to dwell on it too much instead worked on reassuring my family I would be fine.

"I will come see you as soon as I return," I promised getting to my feet and embracing each of my sisters, who fought back tears. "I must go now. If the memorial is happening now, I have to be at the palace for more updates."

"Please, be careful!" Mama begged as she hugged me tightly. "And you need a haircut." She chuckled running her hands through my shoulder length hair. "Oh and give Christian my love."

I nodded and turned to Babushka.

"Can I talk to you, Dimitri?"

"What is it, Babushka?" We stepped to the side as the car pulled around and the kids hopped out with Viktoria, my youngest sibling, holding Zoya.

"Remember what I said," she whispered putting her hand on my shoulder and looking deeply into my eyes. "Your duty and what's in your heart isn't always the same thing. At some point, you'll have to start listening to what your heart tells you."

"I do," I frowned. How could my duty and what's in my heart not be the same thing? I believed in my heart on always doing the right thing. If I didn't, I'd be like my father.

Babushka shook her head. "I saw it on the cards. You'll be tested, and I just want you to know that as long as you follow your heart, you'll be just fine. And don't worry about us. We'll be fine."

"I know," is all I said even though I kept thinking of her words as the car pulled away and the figures of my family faded in the distance until I could no longer see them. What did Babushka mean I'll be tested? My loyalty and duty? My heart? How? Were Christian and I in danger? There was no point in mulling over my grandmother's words. I knew she was wise and had insight, and if I had asked, she might have elaborated a bit more on her cryptic words. But I also didn't want to go on my mission second guessing my choices. I had to stay sharp.

When I arrived back at the palace, there was still no news from Turkey. I didn't think much of it. If the memorial was ongoing, King Ibrahim wouldn't have time to respond. I was concerned that we missed the memorial of King Idris. This was our chance to show our good faith. Surely, there would be other ways to prove to Turkey that Russia was a friend. In the television, we watched the memorial. We saw King Ibrahim standing tall showing no grief while by his side was his wife with her hand interlaced through his arm and a tissue wiping away her tears in her other. A woman wearing a black veil stood a few steps behind the royal couple. I could only guess that was Ibrahim's daughter.

Several days later, just as we were losing hope that we could resolve this peacefully, a letter came from the king. Though we had missed the memorial, King Abe, as he insisted we call him, invited us to the eighteenth birthday celebration of his only daughter, Princess Rosemarie.

Her name rolled off my tongue pleasantly, and our spy informed us the princess was gorgeous though a force to be reckoned with that we just had to see for ourselves. I was now more than ever looking forward to our trip to Turkey. So we left as soon as we received the letter.

"Princess Rosemarie will be in need of a husband soon. If I didn't have all daughters," the czar said as he accompanied us to the car the day of our departure. "I would suggest a proposal. Nothing brings two countries together like marriage."

"Perhaps you should propose, Your Imperial Highness," Arthur said next to us. "You have been alone for far too long."

The czar scoffed. "Offering to marry an eighteen year old princess will surely lead us to war, my friend." He turned to me slapping my back in good faith. "Perhaps our general will take one for the country. A high ranking general is a good catch."

"Not good enough for a princess," I said dryly. "She would be better off marrying nobility."

"Spoken like a true diplomat," the czar nodded. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll succeed one way or another. Do us proud, General." He turned to Christian waiting by the car. "Lieutenant General Ozera, stick to General Belikov and be sure to learn as much as possible. I expect great things from you both."

"Thank you, Your Imperial Highness," Christian and I said in unison bowing before getting in the car and setting out on our mission.

The car swayed in the rocky road. Pebbles ricochet from the wheels and a cloud of dust was left behind in our wake. Thick and giant trees lined the road on both sides letting sunlight stream in through the branches casting random shadows on our path. A gentle breeze through the open windows brought in the scent of plums, tulips, and mint. I stopped writing on my journal to admire the scenery and take in what Istanbul had to offer. We had been traveling for days and finally were getting closer to the end of this tiresome journey. Next to me, Christian sat up abruptly woken by the bumpy road. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his muscles in the cramped space.

"Are we there yet?" Christian asked for the hundredth time.

I sighed. Though Christian was my top soldier and the only person I trusted to accompany me in this mission, sometimes I forgot his young age. He was eighteen with a body count higher than other youths his age but still very immature in some ways. As soon as he realized how annoyed his question got after the first five times, he made it his mission to ask it often. I couldn't blame him; I supposed he had to find a way to entertain himself. I had my journals and novels to keep me busy while he had, well, nothing. He was used to constant action and movement. Sitting for long periods of time, waiting, wasn't his strongest suit. Again, it was something that he couldn't help with his young age but hoped he would learn during our trip.

"As a matter of fact, yes," I put away my journal. "While you were sleeping the driver informed us we'd be there in the next hour."

"I just wish these roads weren't so bumpy," Christian complained when we hit another nasty hole and he hit his head on the roof. "If the country is so rich, how come his roads are so terrible?"

"We're not on a main road," I said.

"Why not?"

"The king thought it would be best if we didn't announce we have been invited to the princess celebration. Apparently, he hasn't invited politicians from other countries." I pursed my lips.

"Is he trying to piss of the rest of the world? He's going to make it look like we're conspiring."

"I know," I sighed. "He claims he wants to deal with each country separately. It makes some sense not to deal with everything at once. Besides, it is the princess' birthday. I assume he doesn't want to turn her celebration into work."

"Why do you think no one has really seen the princess? Our spy says she's very beautiful. Why would he hide her then?" Christian looked out the window probably daydreaming about princesses.

"I don't know. Our spy also said she's a force to be reckoned with. She might be the one who doesn't want to be flaunted like a piece of meat. I can't say I know what princesses think. I've only met the czar's daughters a few times, and that was when I was part of the royal guard."

"Well, I just hope we get to see her or at least meet other beautiful ladies," Christian smiled gleefully and turned to look out the window to continue his daydreaming.

I couldn't allow myself the luxury of dreaming of love. I was by no means a virgin or prude; I just didn't have the time. My duty was to my country and its ruler. To the people I fought for. I wasn't here to fall in love. I was here on a mission which I planned on completing successfully. I just hoped Christian felt the same. We couldn't have any distractions.

I pointed ahead at the bridge we were about to cross, and the castle's towers peeking through the tall trees. The Mazur castle sat on the coast of the Golden Horn. From here, I couldn't tell how far the grounds extended, but if the grandeur of the castle was any indication of the Mazur's wealth, I assumed they were huge. We came to a stop in front of large gates with towers on each side. Two men stood guard on each tower. One of the men approached our window. The man was slim with blond hair. They all wore red clothing with a golden insignia, the king's mark, on the left side near the heart.

"Identification," the man said simply extending his hand out to me.

I pulled out the letter we received from King Abe with his insignia, a snake with its mouth open exposing its fangs and coiled around a sword, out of my duster and handed it to the guard. While that should have been enough, the guard didn't look convinced and turned to his colleagues nodding. I tensed at what would come next.

"Step out," the guard commanded as his colleagues surrounded us.

I nodded to Christian, and we exited the car. The guards worked in silence as they searched the car for any weapons or anything they deemed dangerous for the king and his family. Christian turned to spare a look of annoyance half expecting me to say or do something. I refrained though I definitely felt like a criminal. But it was all politics. If I was in the guards' place, I'd probably do the same to ensure the safety of my monarch.

"We must search you now," the guard who had approached our car said. He had remained motionless while his companions did the dirty work. I assumed he was the commander of this group. His eyes never wavered from me almost daring me to step out of line as he searched my duster. I didn't flinch or move a muscle as he did his job.

Once satisfied that they weren't going to find anything dangerous, the guards waved us through. The gates slowly opened inwards exposing a winding paved road lined by more thick and tall trees.

Eventually, the thick trees were left behind giving us a full view of the castle with its white façade and silver towers against the backdrop of clear skies and sinking Sun in the horizon. In the distance, I heard the waves crashing giving me a sense of déjà vu which I quickly shook away. The car came to a stop in front of a fountain in the shape of an angel and a staircase leading up the wooden double doors of the castle. A group of guards lined up against the building and surrounded a lovely young lady. She stood with her hands gracefully intertwined in front of her. Her pale blonde hair cascaded softly down to her chest, and she wore a pale pink gown with flowers sown into the skirt. Next to me, I heard Christian catch his breath. Before I had a chance to say anything, Christian was out of the car and standing awkwardly in front of the young lady. In his inexperience, he had no idea how to address her. I shook my head and joined him. I would need to have a talk with him later.

"Greetings, I'm Dimitri Belikov," I bowed my head respectfully. I knew this wasn't the princess; there was no way the king would send his daughter to meet us. Besides, this young girl bore no resemblance to the king. However, I knew she was important by the expensive fabric of her dress. "This is my companion, Christian Ozera."

"Pleased to meet you," the young girl curtsied to both of us. "I'm Lady Lissa Dragomir. You may call me Lissa though. I'm not royalty. I'm the princess' companion and now, I'll be your guide and liaison to the king and royal family. His Majesty apologizes he can't welcome you to Turkey in person. He's currently in a meeting and will introduce himself and his family at dinner tonight. In the meantime, I would be happy to show you around or lead you to your chambers, so you may rest."

Throughout her speech, Christian remained mesmerized. He must have forgotten all about his anxiousness to meet the princess. I forced back a chuckle. It was comical really. I half expected him to start drooling. Regardless if he was acting amusing, I had to have a talk with Christian. But for now, the thought of going up to our rooms and be locked up until dinner was unbearable. I was able to stand the long journey better than Christian but another second cooped up, and I would have lost my mind too. Besides, a tour might provide more Intel on the Mazur monarchy.

"We would love a tour of the majestic grounds. Besides, I think we could use the walk to stretch." I offered her a small smile.

"I thought you might say that," Lissa grinned and turned to the nearest guard. "Take their luggage to their chambers, please." She turned back to us. "Shall we begin?"

We followed her up the steps and through the double doors and into a massive foyer where a giant chandelier hung from the high ceiling shinning like droplets of water. On the walls were exquisite paintings of sceneries, angelic faces, and important Mazur figures. A double stairwell lead up to the living quarters while past the stairs was a glass window leading to the back gardens. Lissa showed us a couple of rooms, at least ones she was allowed to show us, like the dining hall, where servants were hard at work setting up for dinner, a ball room, also being set up for the princess' party in a few days, and the throne room. Each room was more exquisite than the last with loveseats made out of velvet, fine Italian leather couches, grand pianos, and furniture crafted skillfully from shiny African black wood or agar wood.

By the time we reached the gardens, I didn't expect anything would blow my mind quite like the castle. Clearly the Mazurs were wealthy and powerful but that was no surprise. Despite the treaty that ended the war over the Black Sea, the czar surrendered most of the control to it just to end the war. The Mazurs got the best of the deal and thus controlled most of the trade.

The castle's garden was exquisite in its own way. A ring of tulips of every color surrounded yet another fountain which was a contrast to the delicate flowers surrounding it. The fountain was a woman naked with snakes covering her exposed private parts.

"Tulips are our most popular flower," Lissa explained to Christian, who managed to charm her into forgetting all about me. I didn't really mind. I had more time to observe without having to strike conversation. In a way, it was helpful for Christian to begin learning what I did. The czar had mentioned that upon Arthur's retirement, I would be up for position of Army General, the highest position and above mine. That was only if I didn't screw up this mission. If I became Army General, then perhaps Christian could jump up and take over mine.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear my companions when they disappeared. Last I heard was Lissa telling Christian the rose gardens were hers and the princess' personal favorites. I assumed our next destination was the rose gardens, so I continued walking searching for roses. That's when I heard it: the familiar sound of something cutting through the air like an arrow or a sword. I followed the sound since I had no idea where I was going anyway. Besides, the scent of roses intensified telling me I was hopefully getting closer to my group. Voices also became louder as I stepped under a tunnel surrounded by roses. I followed the path until I stepped out into a gazebo also covered in roses of all colors. But all those flowers faded. I didn't see the pond shinning under the last rays of sunlight or the pink, white, red, orange or yellow roses growing around it. All I saw as her.

I recalled how amusing Christian had been as he became mesmerized by Lissa. Now, it was happening to me. I was enraptured by the beauty with the crossbow. Behind her was a pillar covered in roses adding softness to her fierce expression as she focused on the target ahead. Her hair was dark under the sinking Sun and pulled back in a low bun. She wore a black, floor length dress that hugged her curves. I could have stood there and watched her all day for the rest of my life and never grow tired. I could have watched the way she licked her lips, her eyebrows creasing meeting in the middle, and her eyes were filled with fire. I hadn't realized I had moved closer, and it was such a surprise she hadn't seen me yet. I almost kept going until I saw a man standing behind the dummy that served for her practice.

He had short red hair, and he smiled at her like she was the reason he drew breath. Unconsciously, I fisted my hands at my side when he stood behind her touching her shoulder gently with one hand while the other adjusted her aim.

"A little higher," he said close to her ear. "Relax. You're too tense."

"I am relaxed," the woman said through her teeth and rolling her eyes. "Tell me again, and I will shot this arrow through your leg, Mason."

Mason, who wore a red uniform, chuckled and stepped back. "With your aim, you would end up hitting my shoulder."

"Do you want to find out?" A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Not at all," Mason said amusement fading from his features. "Now, breathe and release."

She did as told and released the arrow. Her lips parted in a brilliant satisfied smile which reassured me that she had hit her mark. I didn't get to find out before a body slammed into me. There was no harm as I hardly budged despite my distraction. My attacker tumbled to the ground while another came at me. This time I was prepared, so I grabbed hold of his fist with one hand while the other gripped his forearm, and I flipped him over where he joined his partner on the ground. My first assailant was on his feet soon enough, and he charged valiantly only to be met by my knee on his stomach. Neither one of them stayed down for long and I had to admire their dedication and belief that they could bring me down. They were in for a rude awakening.

"Enough!" The woman shouted stopping a couple of feet away from us with her bow still in her hand. The men quickly dropped to their knees with their fisted right hand over their hearts and heads bowed low. Upon closer inspection, I saw the red uniform on the men and connected the dots. However, I was too late. These men were members of the royal guard as was Mason, who stood protectively near the woman. He had a knife in each hand and looked ready to leap the remaining distance and slit my throat which at this point might have been well deserved as I had just been caught spying on…

"Your Highness!" Lissa exclaimed descending the stairs of the gazebo where I just came from. "I am so sorry. I told them the rose gardens were out of limits for now."

So that's what she had said about the gardens. Now, I had no moral ground to have a chat with Christian about etiquette considering I just shattered it. In an attempt to amend my indiscretion, I bowed down to the princess.

"My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I got lost in your beautiful gardens and sought assistance." I straightened up.

"Who are you?" The princess asked.

"That's…" Lissa intervened probably hoping to also salvage this unorthodox introduction.

"I asked him, Lissa," her voice softened when she spoke to Lissa. But when the princess turned to me her brown eyes were hard and piercing as if she could look into my very soul. I couldn't help trembling not of fear but awe that her eyes had this effect on me. "Who are you?"

"I'm Dimitri Belikov," I said recovering from the trance I found myself in watching her lips form words. "Your Highness." I added hastily. There really was no way I could chastise Christian after this debacle. "And this is my companion, Christian Ozera. We're here on behalf of the czar of Russia. Your father, King Abe, has been gracious enough to invite us into your palace. Am I safe to assume you're Princess Rosemarie?"

"Your assumption is correct," she handed the bow to Mason and closed the distance between us more. Her hips swayed delicately like a lioness ready to pounce on her victim. "What on earth possessed you to attack my guards?"

"To be fair, Your Highness, they attacked me first," I replied straightening up and quickly regretted the action. I could tell she was small even from a distance, but standing so close to me, I towered over her by a whole foot. I didn't think looking down on a princess would help my mission to bring peace to our countries.

"You were spying on the princess," Mason, who followed the princess like a shadow, narrowed his eyes on me. He had put one of his knives away but kept one out just in case. "They had every right to apprehend you. You shouldn't even be addressing the princess without a proper introduction from the King."

"I know," I said through gritted teeth wishing I could snap this boy's neck. "As I said, I got lost, so I simply walked and stumbled upon you, Your Highness. My apologies."

Her eyes, deep brown though in the light I could see flecks of gold, looked over me, assessing me. She nodded as if coming to her own conclusion about me before turning around and walking back to where she was practicing shooting.

"Dismissed," she commanded as she took back the bow from Mason.

For a second, I thought she was talking to me, but the guards, who remained on their knees throughout the conversation, quickly stood up and bowed before returning to their posts under the gazebo. It's then I realized how foolish I had behaved. I had allowed the beauty of a princess to blind me. The guards must have moved stealthily behind me, much good it did them. Nonetheless I had put myself in danger. Unsure of what to do, Christian turned to me, but I was at a loss. Clearly, I learned nothing from Alberta on etiquette. It was a surprise I hadn't managed to completely screw this up and our heads were no longer attached to our shoulders. Just as I was about to walk away, considering the princess returned to shooting arrows at the dummy, she began to speak.

"So tell me, Dimitri Belikov," she turned to spare me a look arching one eyebrow and a seductive smile parting her full, red lips. "How was your trip?"


AN: Hello, everyone. I think I am back? I hope this time I can stick with this story if not, I'm giving up. For now, this is the remake of Breath of Life. As I said when I published BOL, I imagined this story would be inspired by Anastasia (were you able to spot the Easter egg from the movie? It might be too obvious to be an Easter egg. But I enjoyed it.) Do let me know your thoughts, I will try to update as often as possible. Thank you for your patience and I do hope I don't disappoint this time.