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Eleven - A Whole New World
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2022-12-06 06:45:42Related chapters
Happily Ever After Twelve - Not All Changes Are Bad
DPOVAs I walked in the Siberian cold, the sky was transforming from a collage of orange, yellow, and pink to an endless ocean of blue and violet. My eyes squinted as a powerful wind blew and whipped back some stray stands of my hair. My dark, long coat billowed around me as the freezing temperature chilled some of my exposed skin and caused me to shiver. Somehow, through these unfavorable weather conditions, my body retained some warmth at the mere thought of Rose.When I had ran into her in the city of Moscow, I found her to be quite an interesting, young woman. Not only was she exotically beautiful, but she'd had a fierce and caring essence about her that made her resemble light. One couldn't simply glimpse at her and walk away—once you noticed her, your eyes followed and reveled at how captivating she was, how brightly she burned. Yet, there was also something about Rose that seemed dimmer...sadder...What was her history? What had happened in her life?She was probably thinking t
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Thirteen - When Broken Things Mend
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'
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Fourteen - Defying Tradition
RPOV—One Month LaterCesarevich Dimitri's silver sword narrowly missed my head as I ducked late. I could hear the sound of pure metal swiping against air, and my heart thundered in my chest while I laboriously breathed. His dark brown eyes pierced mine, and sweat poured down both of our bodies as if we were melting. Strands of lighter hair were plastered to his face. "Focus, Rose," he demanded.Nodding, I quickly recovered and gathered my strength, gripping my sword in my hands. The ornate hilt felt warm and slippery underneath my skin, but I imagined that the blade was as cold as ice. Cesarevich Dimitri and I circled for a while, until he found an opportunity and swung at my open side; however, I saw it coming and blocked, pushing his sword back."Good," he commented, his intense gaze brightening and lean body relaxing. Then, it darkened and he fell back into the instructor's mindset. "But I know you can do more than that, Rose. Take advantage of your potential." I nodded, then conce
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Fifteen - The Sunday Bunch
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
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Sixteen - With Love Comes Misery
RPOVTense silence hung between us, poisoning the atmosphere as if it were a toxic chemical. Tasha led me down an abandoned hallway, her silver gown gliding against the marble floor in the softest fashion. As my eyes stared at her dark haired head, I couldn't help but gulp. What on earth did she want to discuss with me?"So, Rosemarie," Christian's aunt slowly began. "I've been noticing your behavior around Cesarevich Dimitri and vice versa." Instantly, my body grew cold, and my heartbeat seemed to slow. Tasha stopped walking and turned to me once we reached the end of the hallway. Her ice-blue eyes pierced mine knowingly…I was certain a hint of jealously was present.I couldn't find my voice for several moments. All the while, she simply stared with the most penetrating gaze. "What are you suggesting, Lady Ozera?" I squeaked out, knowing her answer all too well. I glanced down at my hands as time progressed; they were pale.Tasha pretended to wonder, closing the distance that separat
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Seventeen - Pursuits Of Happiness
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
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Eighteen - Rising Darkness
DPOVAfter the carriage disappeared from view, I walked back to the palace. It was no longer morning, and temperature was warmer than before. However, the sky remained cloudy and gray, and fresh, white snow fell to the cold ground. My family was waiting in the main hall, chatting as the royal staff tidied the dining room.When I reached them, my mother strolled up to me, reaching up her fingers to flick away snowflakes stuck in my hair and on my suit jacket. While she did this, I asked her in Russian, "Have you seen Tasha since I've been outside? It's been a while since she missed breakfast." Even though she wasn't a high priority in my life anymore, I still had concerns for Tasha. Our history was long, and no matter what happened, I would continue to watch out for her.My mother's dark brown eyes met mine, innocent. "No, Dimka. I haven't," she replied back in Russian. Her hands then went to straightening my hair and attire. "Do you have any idea why she hasn't been present?" she ques
Last Updated : 2022-12-06Happily Ever After Nineteen - Love Will Prevail
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
Last Updated : 2022-12-06
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Happily Ever After Fifty - Epilogue
RPOV—Three Months LaterGetting married to Cesarevich Dimitri was surreal.Our guests had traveled from all over the world to see us legalize our love and rulership, but none of them captured my attention. The only person I focused on was my fiancé. His chocolate-brown eyes held so much passion and happiness, that my heart throbbed. I could easily spend the rest of my life gazing into them.Time seemed to slow, as we recited our vows. I was almost unable to say mine, due to all the emotion bottled within me, but I managed to endure, thanks to Cesarevich Dimitri's affectionate smile and handholding. I felt bad for talking in English—there were many Russian citizens in attendance—but when my husband-to-be gave his vows in his native language, that guilt faded away.Exchanging our rings followed, and my breath hitched. Feeling the ornate, piece of jewelry getting slid onto my finger made everything seem more surreal. My heart was somersaulting inside my chest, and I couldn't keep from sm
Happily Ever After Forty Nine - Forever Bound
RPOVRhea had all her belongings transported to her father's estate, over the past month, never bothering to visit us or inquire about our wellbeing. She'd made it perfectly clear that she was no longer a part of my family, but here she was, standing in the foyer of Mazur Manor with two sets of luggage by her side—luggage that didn't seem to be hers.Lissa and Jill froze at the sight of Rhea, once she came into view. Surprise and confusion swam in their jade-green eyes. "Mother…what are you doing here?" Jill asked. She noticed the suitcases and gestured to them with a pale hand. "Why is our stuff packed? Are we supposed to be going somewhere?""Yes, darling. Both of you will be coming to live with me, in your grandfather's manor." Before her daughters could even protest, she added, "I don't want to hear it. You're not living here anymore, and that's final." Her face held the hardness of stone, while her hands were tightly clasped in front of her frilly, bright dress.Rhea was determin
Happily Ever After Forty Eight
February 20th, 1686RPOVEven though I'd been resuming my education for a month, it still felt strange being at Fairston Academy. Having a student's psyche seemed inconceivable—ridiculous, even. How could I bring myself to textbook reading and paper writing, when I'd experienced ordeals that were more life-changing and traumatic than other seventeen-year-olds' would ever be? I'd lost my mother. I'd nearly been murdered. I'd been raped. I was engaged to a prince.I'd outgrown an innocent life.All these thoughts flowed through my mind, as I walked with Lissa and Jill into the school's main building. Their sense of displacement was gone, and comfort filled their pale and slender bodies. Relaxation shone in their jade-green eyes, and for a moment, jealousy seized me.They were so fortunate to escape all the hurt I'd went through—to avoid all the suffering I was battling every day. Coming to school must've felt so normal and relieving to them. They must've felt like they had never left an
Happily Ever After Forty Seven
RPOV—One Month LaterA raindrop landed on my window.I pressed my finger to the glass that separated us, tracing its path as it clumsily slithered down. It collided with other raindrops along the way; however, that only drew it closer to its fall. Before I realized it, my finger ran out of glass to glide on, and the raindrop vanished, now replaced by its brethren that fell from the depressing sky."Wouldn't it be wonderful, if we could disappear and be forgotten as easily as raindrops?"Startled, I jerked around and found Lissa standing in the doorway of my bedchamber. I began to relax at her presence, but then I noticed that her jade-green eyes were troubled, and she wore a black dress that starkly contrasted her pale skin. Something—someone—was bothering her, and I immediately knew the cause of her distress."Can I talk to you?" my ex-stepsister asked, fidgeting with the hem of her lacy sleeve."Of course. Come sit with me." Lissa wordlessly joined me on my bed and folded her legs u
Happily Ever After Forty Six
RPOVCesarevich Dimitri led me to the royal palace greenhouse. The wintry air chilled my bare skin and bones, once we were outside; however, our linked bodies generated so much warmth, that the cold no longer crossed my mind. Silence surrounded us, as we walked, yet there was no need for conversation.Simply being in each other's presence was comforting enough.When we reached the delicate, glass building, he opened the frosted door and stepped aside to allow me entrance. I smiled at his gentlemanliness and strolled into the greenhouse, immediately graced with the euphoric fragrance of flowers. Cesarevich Dimitri grabbed my hand, after he entered, and took me further into the beautiful structure.As soon as we came across one of the larger, manmade lakes, he stopped a few feet away from it and clasped our hands. His chocolate-brown eyes bore into mine so deeply; I almost lost myself in their bottomless beauty. "My dearest Roza, I have something very important to tell you," he started,
Happily Ever After Forty Five
January 19th, 1686RPOVThe pale, morning sky greeted us while we waited in Red Square. Its fluffy, grey clouds released crystal-white snowflakes that fell to the earth with grace, but their beauty failed to maintain our attention. As we stood underneath the descending ice, our gazes locked on the empty stage before us. Hearts pounded incessantly and breathing seemed impossible.I gripped Father's hand with all the force I had, trying to keep my tattered emotions at bay. Even though Czar Aleksandr and Tasha were about to be vanquished, I couldn't help but picture how their executions were going to unfold. I'd never witnessed a death sentence before, and I was worried these ones were going to be awfully gruesome. Sleep had frequently abandoned me, last night, and I'd been a slave to my imagination, ever since.Hopefully, peace could save me.Surprisingly, Father wasn't bothered by my painful squeezing. I supposed he was too consumed by his emotions to notice, but I decided to loosen my
Happily Ever After Forty Four
RPOV The ominous, black walls of the dungeon glistened with moisture, filling the air with an unsettling dampness. Drops of water fell from the uneven ceiling, and my feet stepped in murky puddles, shielded by the thick boots that protected them. A powerful chill ran down my spine, unraveling my nerves as I marched to Tasha and Czar Aleksandr's cells with Yeva and Cesarevich Dimitri. A few prisoners stared at us, while we hurried to our destination. It was impossible to ignore their sunken eyes and sallow skin, and I peered into a passing cell, nearly fainting at what I saw. A grime-covered man was slouched in a stony corner, and maggots eagerly consumed his flesh, as he lifelessly gazed ahead. He was dead—deader than anything I'd ever seen—and I shuddered violently. What had he done to deserve this? When we reached the criminals, Czarina Olena, my family, and a few guards already stood before them. Everyone glared at Tasha and Czar Aleksandr with hurt and anger, but the only one w
Happily Ever After Forty Three
January 18th, 1686RPOVAs I sat inside the palace greenhouse, fragrant aromas filled my senses. I'd asked Dr. Olendzki if I could go outside and get some fresh air; being confined to a chamber, let alone a bed, had been like being a prisoner. Everyone had the freedom to roam about, but it seemed as if that had been prohibited for me. Luckily, Dr. Olendzki had allowed me to venture around; I would've lost my mind, if she hadn't.My fingers stroked a vibrant, red tulip that rose from the ground. It was a mirror image of the tulip Cesarevich Dimitri had given me on our first, official date. That night had been one of the most wonderful times of my life. The food, conversation, setting, kiss—everything had felt magical, as if I'd been experiencing a dream.A smile pulled at my lips, and I plucked the flower from most of its stem, putting it into my loose, dark locks. Since I had no idea where the original tulip was—I couldn't believe I'd lost that precious gift—I believed a replacement w
Happily Ever After Forty Two
January 17th, 1686RPOVRhea stood at my bedside, penetrating me with her jade-green stare. I was incredibly surprised to see her here—I'd expected her to be halfway to England by now—even though she'd said she'd return. Countless emotions captured her wickedly beautiful face, but I couldn't place them. Did it pain her to see me like this? Was she internally dancing with joy and victory?"What are you doing here?" I asked, feeling confused. I sat up in bed, slightly wincing at the pain that shot through my body. Dr. Olendzki had been giving me effective pain relievers—they made me feel so fantastic—and the pain was nicely fading away each passing day.Rhea had the audacity to roll her eyes. My blood sizzled. "I told you that I was going to come back," she snapped, bristling with irritation. "You seriously forgot?" I couldn't believe this woman didn't have the consideration to be patient with me, after my grisly attack. If she was going to continue being rude, then she needed to get th
