Part TwoRPOVThe sky was as grey as a murky lake. Rich, fresh dew permeated the morning air and surrounding greenery. While the damp, early coolness felt calming, I wished there was more sunshine this time of year; dark days never brightened my mood.I wore a thick, dark gown with long sleeves and a comfortable petticoat. My luscious, wavy hair sat in a neat bun, and a feathered hat rested atop my head. My feet were covered in heeled, black boots while my hands hid inside a pair of matching gloves. I'd decided to not wear adornments today, for there was going to be a lot of traveling. When people traveled, there were thieves ready to snatch."Rose, how did you get dressed and ready so quickly? It took me about three hours preparing for this journey," Lissa exclaimed, exiting the manor and walking over to me. She was dressed in a warm, vibrant gown that illuminated her pale skin. Her platinum-blond hair was half loose, and she wore lots of jewelry.My eyes rolled. "Oh, Lissa. You're a

RPOV"How was the outing?" Lissa wondered, coming over to stand beside me. She wore a flowing, pale blue gown that emphasized her porcelain skin and had long, lacy sleeves. Her slender waist was smaller due to a corset, and white gloves covered her delicate hands. Straight, platinum-blond hair fell down her back like a waterfall. As always, Lissa was angelically beautiful.Yet, it countered her expectant stare, her desire to know my answer. My heart was palpitating underneath my ribcage—its beat filled my ears as sweat gathered on my forehead and in my shirt. How could I possibly tell her that Cesarevich Dimitri taught me swordsmanship? She wouldn't approve. It was against everything we were taught..."Rose." I looked up from my hands, meeting Lissa's curious and concerned jade-green gaze. "What's the matter? Why can't you just answer my question?" A soft laugh escaped her, but it quickly ceased, for she fell serious. Lissa drew closer to me. Her voice was barely a whisper. "You didn'

RPOVThe Russian royal palace was ornately beautiful—colorful, patterned architecture starkly contrasted against the gray, cloudy sky. Similar to the Protestant Church of Fairston Academy, its structure seemed formidably majestic with all its sharp angles, smooth curves, looming height, and enormous area.My family and I arrived at the wrought, iron gate, where stoic guards stopped our bumbling carriage from proceeding. I could hear their robotic, heavily accented voices demand, "State your business," to the coachmen. After the coachmen explained our presence, the guards wordlessly opened the gate, which uttered a low creak. The horses' hooves clopped along the ground as the carriage rolled forward.As we rode to the palace on the long pathway, Lissa clutched my arm. Her slender body emanated excitement. "I can't believe we're actually going to have brunch with the royal family of Russia! Isn't this wonderful?" she gushed, her pale skin turning happily red.Jill smiled, her pretty, wh

RPOVThe wintry, cold morning brought a poignant feeling upon me—white, fresh snow was falling to the earth in sheets, and the dark trees were extremely bare, their gnarly branches resembling a witch's claws. Weather like this made me feel dead and hollow, as if I was a ghost lurking within a human form. The Russian children playing outside, laughing and running without a care, couldn't even uplift my spirits.Why had Mother's demise occurred during this season? It was supposed to be a time of happiness, reunion, and love. However, every time winter arrived, I couldn't help but think of sadness, emptiness, and pain.I recalled Father advising me to always hold the positive memories close to my heart, but how could I when the negative ones dominated my thoughts? That had been my excuse, and quite naturally, he grew so tired of hearing those words that he had ceased trying to fix me.For the most part, I did mend myself. Yet, that small voice inside my head, hidden deep within my consci

January 6th, 1686DPOVThe ballroom was nicely coming together. It was early afternoon, and event planners were bumbling throughout the majestic room, making sure that everything was in place for my family's annual ball. I could honestly say that I looked forward to this every year—I took joy in reuniting with people I hadn't seen in a while and meeting wonderful maidens from all over the world.A small woman in a sophisticated dress came up to me, a notebook and quill clutched in her aging hands. She had graying, polished hair tied into a tight bun, and her eyes darted anxiously. "We're making significant progress, your excellency, but I'm not certain if we'll finish in time," she swiftly began in Russian.I surveyed the area, taking in the exquisitely clean, marble floors; silver chairs neatly positioned at round tables covered with pure white tablecloths and adorned with wintry centerpieces; light drapes against the commodious, glass windows; an open dance floor; crystal chandelier