THE PLOY

Mikael's eyes glow in victory.

Who would have thought that the Universe would turned the table for him.

"Mikael! where's Stefan? Uncle Charles asked impatiently.

"I'm sorry Uncle but he has an urgent travel today. He had already given us the orders to take care of your stay here. I will make sure that Princess Lada will enjoy the tour in Seward. Don't worry.. Your Majesty! I will take care of everything for you....

and Princess Lada" I closely look in her eyes.

Is she frightened? that's interesting.

I smiled my best genuine smile.

Lada and Beatrix is of the same age.

But Lada is red hair and Beatrix's hair is soft silver.

Beatrix exudes elegance and refined character while Lada is shy and gauche.

In whatever difference they may have, Uncle Charles judgement on things always rule.

And I followed.

All my life, I am just a shadow.

A follower and second in line.

And I will never be the successor of the Dothinghelm throne.

Not unless...

If Stefan will have a Morganatic marriage, he will not be able to succeed the throne.

Uncle Charles had been eyeing Stefan to marry the Heiress of Oblonsky.

As we had discussed.

"Mikael...I'm truly hoping that Stefan will marry Lada. The House of Oblonsky had been restored and it's ready to have the Heiress back. It's quiet important to have a Prince within our kin to seat on the throne and Stefan is the first born of the House of Dothinghelm and he surely be a great Tsar of Oblonsky." he said with finality.

I carried the suitcase of Lada up to the second floor, of which the previous room of Beatrix.

Lada surely needs to learn more about being a noblewoman.

"Your Highness...please take a rest and I'll see you later at dinner." then I reached for her right hand and kissed it for respect.

I could see her face blushing.

Then I bow down before leaving.

Mikael left me in the room with my heart beating restlessly and my face.. in hot flashes.

How could a man affect me like this?

I'm reminding myself.. Mikael is a Prince.

A gentleman. A nobleman.

I'm overwhelmed by the attention of which I haven't had before.

Never in my wildest dreams that I will experience this grandness.

The abundance of everything.

I look around the room, a blush of periwinkle color and lavender...brings calmness to my eyes. And the majestic views of every window opening the vast ocean and the other side, the mountain slopes.

I breath in.

I quickly freshen up and changed clothes to my comfortable jeans and multicolored shirt.

Then, I take a nap.

A knocked on the door awakened me.

I rushed to the door and opened it.

"Your Highness! My name is Jillian, I'm the maidservant. Your Uncle Charles ordered you to come down for dinner." she bow down and left.

I fixed myself and put on my leather sandals.

And started to walk down the stairs.

Then, I saw Mikael at the bottom.. waiting for me.

He escorted me to the dining area where Uncle Charles waited on the table.

And we are served with sumptuous and luxurious meal.

I'm satiated.

Then, Uncle Charles said "Lada, Mikael will help you learn about finesse and poise while we are here in Seward. Once we're back in Sweden, you will have more profound education."

I nodded and said "Thank you Uncle Charles!"

I felt like I'm unfitted to be here.

However, this is my last rope of hope.

I promised myself that soon I will be able to meet my Aunt Galina again.

If this is the way...then so be it.

I haven't been into higher education due to the reason that Aunt Galina's financial situation cannot provide me enough to be in school.

And being here, pretending to be a Heiress will be a gateway to my education.

"Lada? " Uncle Charles awakened me from my reverie.

"Yes, Uncle Charles?" I responded.

"Don't worry so much...you will learn everything that you need. You will have the best tutors to help you."

"Thank you Uncle Charles!" I cheerfully said.

We're done with dinner and ready to retire.

I bid good night to everyone.

I'm seated on a backless chair infront of the dresser, wearing my sleep wear and brushing my hair.

Then, I took my journal to write my daily diary.

I wrote.

December 26, 1980

Seward , Alaska

Dear Diary,

The stormy waves just ceased but unfolding new challenges that I have to endure.

I truly wanted to go home to Myshkin.

I missed my aunt so much.

Since, I am now tied to the situation. I will rewrite my future as I will submerged into this deceptive journey as a Heiress.

Who would have thought? Someone who has nothing becomes a Princess?

Lada

The next day, is cold but not snowy.

Mikael offered me for a tour to Seward's famous Resurrection Bay.

I've worn jeans, a white shirt and a long sheepskin coat with hood.

Then ...a pair of cowboy boots.

He introduced me with Peter the holster.

Peter thought me on how to ride a horse.

And Mikael was there checking on me.

"Your Highness... Be sure to position your back properly, stop slouching!" he ordered.

"I'm sorry.. I just felt like...I'm falling.."

Then...

I started falling down due to imbalance.

Lucky enough.. Mikael was there.. catching me before I reached the ground.

And Mikael is on the ground...while I'm on top of him.

I smell his musky scent which lingers on my nose.

His eye colors...expressed words of which I couldn't fathom.

I feel his sturdy body below me.

And I'm embarrassed.

I jump off immediately to disengaged with him.

"I'm sorry." My face is red all over.

Peter reached out for him to stand again.

Mikael asked "Your Highness...are you ok?" not even bothering with the tear on his arm from small rocks.

"I'm fine Your Highness..thank you for saving me. And your arms...let's treat it." I responded.

We go inside the mansion to put some treatment on his right arm.

"Thank you..Your Highness!" then he kiss my hands.

I couldn't stop my self to admire him.

Mikael is a perfect gentleman than Stefan.

Stefan is a bit insensitive when we first meet.

They are opposites.

"Your Highness! Let's go back outside. We will ride together with Winter. I will show you the bay." he said eagerly.

And I nodded.

Mikael helped me to saddle up then he seated on my back.

We are so close.

I shivered.

"Are you feeling cold.. Your Highness?" he whispered in my ear.

His warm breathing near me..bring sparks into my soul.

"I'm fine..just a bit cold.. but I can manage..Thank you!" I stammered.

Then, Mikael moved Winter into quick pace.

Coldness is just normal for me but the warmth inside my body...that I couldn't explain.

I tried my best to focus on the view.

The majestic beauty of the bay from afar..and the surrounding cliffs and the flowing snow is magical!

A feel like a Damsel in distress...in a Kingdom of love and happiness.

Mikael halted the horse on the sea shore.

The waves peacefully welcomed us.

And the sun waved good bye.

It just stayed a short time..up in the sky.

Then, colors burst in pink and azure over the horizon.

And my heart yield with great pleasure.

My body is shaking unconsciously.

Mikael hugged me tight while holding the lead rope.

"Cheer up My Princess...just relax and let's enjoy!" he said in delighted manner.

He descent from Winter and helped me to go down.

We walked the shoreline. Mikael removed his shoes enjoying the little waves while holding Winter.

I mimic him. I removed my boots and feeling the coldness of the sand and the waves touching it.

We are like kids enjoying the moment of serenity and freedom. Just pure happiness!

No pretentions. No illusions.

Then..Mikael stopped and approached me.

"My Princess, I hope we will spend more time together like this" he reached my hand...put it near in his heart and raise it to his lips with a subtle kiss.

And drown into his docility.

We went back to the Mansion with extreme cheerfulness.

And Mikael changed my mindset and perception.