THE UNFOLDING

We started our long drive without Leonid.

The pain and grief started to stir in.

Then...

The chauffeur caught my attention.

He is a bit chatty and lively.

He is talking about Seward, Alaska as the best place to live.

He is very proud of how they live in Seward as he said "It's where you live in the best of both worlds. The best mountain view and the vast Resurrection Bay. At your young age, I'm sure you will like to have walk-in hiking trails and enjoy fishing at the bay! " he chuckled.

He seemed a happy person.

"Mr. Miller, that's enough!" one of the secret military personnel said.

He was called by Leonid "Master Sergeant Mason Jones"

He has a very authoritative voice, he looks like the mid-fifties, pointed nose, and solid facial features.

While the other is much younger, "Specialist Mikael Magnusen" his age is like in his late 20s.

He's speaking in a refined manner, well-built body, taller than me, broad shoulders and looks charismatic.

Those thick eyebrows, high cheekbones, and....full lips.

Wait....what?!?!

What am I thinking?

Let's focus on our goal Beatrix.

Always remember, you have to be discreet.

We still have to save Lada.

I have to keep my distance from anybody.

I couldn't just trust anyone but myself.

My eyes were captured by the vast meadows and cows along the road.

I could see the slopes of the mountains.

It feels like home.

The temperature is cool but not snowing.

Few glaciers showing at the bay.

I'm reminded of the Volga River in Myshkin.

Nana and I used to walk in the riverbank during the autumn season.

We both love the autumn foliage and the crisp smell of leaves.

It's been almost two hours ride now.

I'm feeling tired.

And I'm drifted to sleep.

Mikael is looking at an angelic face beside him.

She is no ordinary girl.

Her facial expressions and body movements are refined and full of elegance.

Her voice is so sweet in the ears when I heard her saying goodbye to Leonid.

Her emerald green eyes, perfect heart-shaped lips, high cheekbones, long and dark lashes.

I hope Uncle Charles is wrong about Beatrix.

"Prince Mikael?" Mr. Miller called my attention.

"We are here".

The car was parked in an open garage, inside the big garden.

Master Jones opened the door for him.

Beatrix is still sleeping like a baby.

Poor girl, she must have been tired from all the trauma and pain.

Mikael carefully lifts Beatrix into her arms in a bridal style.

He signaled Master Jones to not interfere with him, and with "I can managed look".

And Master Jones started to walk to the front door and opened it for them.

Mr. Miller is smiling at the scene.

The Prince entered the house and moved quietly in going up the stairs to the second floor.

Until he managed to put her down in the bed successfully.

He smiled.

Beatrix felt like she's floating in the air.

Am I flying?

Am I dreaming?

Until I felt the soft cushions and silk in my back.

Oh... my bed...this the bed that I used to have in the Palace, House of Oblonsky.

Then...

A squeaking sound of shoes on the floor awakened me.

My eyes widen..when I saw... Mikael is in the door way and leaving.

I felt hot flashes all over my face.

Did he carry me up in here? Oh, That's embarrassing!

I shouldn't have slept in the car.

How will I face him next time?

To release my tensions.

I surveyed my room.

There are four casement windows in front of my bed facing the beautiful bay and another two casement windows on the right side facing the glacier topped Mountains.

On the left side of the room, I have a vanity dresser with a full bodied mirror.

And next to it is a door, surely for the shower room.

I found my handbag on top of the dresser table and the suitcase on the floor.

The sun is setting near the bay.

It's the most marvelous sight completing my day.

When...

A knocked on the door startled me.

I swiftly grabbed my handbag and check my pistol, a good thing it's still inside.

Then, I approached the door, opened it in a small portion, and checked outside.

I saw a lady in uniform.

She speaks " Your Highness, I am Olivia the housekeeper. Master Jones wants you to be ready for dinner in 30 minutes."

I opened the door widely and responded.

"Yes, I will...Thank you!"

Then, she bows down for respect and leaves.

I immediately freshen up my self.

Then I untied my hair.

My natural, long, wavy and soft silver hair, cascade beautifully.

I changed my clothes into a black linen embroidered folk dress and flat leather sandals.

Then, checked me into the full body mirror.

I'm like a twin sister of my mother.

I inherited all of my physical features from her.

Oh, I miss you, Mama...

I stopped my tears from falling and suppressed them.

I decided to wear the gold necklace tonight to keep it with me.

And swiftly move from my room, going down the stairs to the parlor.

A big fireplace hearth, made from marble is such a beauty.. with two wooden couch in red velvet color is striking.

And I turned around to survey the area.

I saw a long dining table with candle holders, fruits, and flowers in the center.

Olivia the housekeeper and another girl are busy serving food at the table.

And...

Master Jones and Specialist Magnusen are standing near the table.. waiting for me.

They bow down to pay respect along with the housekeeper and the assistant.

"Good evening... Your Highness" they greeted.

"Good evening!" I said in response.

Mikael approached me and ushered me to my seat.

"Thank you, Specialist Magnusen!" and smiled.

"You look wonderful tonight, Your Highness," he responded.

And I choked.

Coughing.

He immediately took a glass of water and helped me to drink.

And I thank him in almost a whisper.

I felt embarrassed.

My whole face is in hot flashes.

Mikael was then seated beside me.

I'm stunned.

And we eat our dinner silently.

Olivia served us seven meal course.

That I have barely eaten everything.

I am consumed by the consciousness of Mikael's presence.

He is very gentleman throughout the dinner.

And I wanted to vanish from all these attentions given to me.

After the last course.

Mikael offered me some wine.

But I refused.

I decided to go back to my room and asked permission to retire.

And they allowed me.

I say my good night.

And started to walk up the stairs and into my room.

What happened to me?

I need to relax and release my tension.

I decided to prepare my hot tub bath.

Mikael senses the consciousness of Beatrix while at dinner.

It makes him feel victorious.