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Thirty Five
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Happily Ever After Thirty Six
APOV A stout, middle-aged crewman ran into my quarters, out of breath and riddled with panic. It took me a while to realize that someone had intruded on my romantic interlude with Sydney, until she squealed and hastened in covering up her naked body. I climbed out of bed and grabbed my shirt that was on the wooden floor. "What is it that you want?" I demanded, bristling with annoyance. Whatever it was, it had better be good enough to interrupt an intimate evening with my wife. The crewman didn't respond—he was adamantly focused on Sydney's bare form, his wide eyes glazed with lust. I slapped him across the face, causing him to yelp and rub his cheek. "Don't you ever look at my wife in such a way," I growled. "Answer the question, you perverted bastard. I haven't got all night." He swiftly recovered, but words refused to leave his mouth for several moments. He was quivering all over, and a sheet of sweat broke out over his feverish flesh. I was beginning to grow insanely worried, so
Happily Ever After Thirty Seven
DPOV The rest of us stared at her with our mouths agape. I couldn't understand why they were falling behind schedule this year out of all years. The Ivashkovs and Sages always attended my family's ball… "Do you think…do you think they're dead?" Rose squeaked, her chestnut-brown eyes watering and body tensing in anticipation of terrible news. I swallowed deep and hard, resting my hand on her back out of comfort. Svetlana sighed and shook her head. "I don't know, Miss Mazur, but if they took the North Sea to get here, they could've died from the chilling temperatures and volatile waves this time of year. A lot of travelers suffer from hypothermia and—" "Go to Admiral Mikhail Tanner and tell him that he needs to send a naval fleet of rescuers. Be sure to explain the purpose of this. If he defies me in any way, tell him that I'll relieve him of his duties and make him a peasant," my mother ordered, her voice low and cold, her dark brown eyes void of any exaggeration. "It isn't certain
Happily Ever After Thirty Eight
Warning: this chapter contains sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.RPOV"Are you all right?" a concerned, feminine voice wondered.I lifted my head against my lethargic body's wishes, feeling the complaint of my stiff bones and muscles. I felt so drained and restless—I had no clue if it was morning, afternoon, or evening. A yawn suddenly erupted from my mouth, and I rubbed my eyes, dazed and confused. "What time is it? Where am I?" I managed to speak.The voice spoke again, this time informative, and I realized that it was Lissa. "It's half past noon, Rose," she told me. "Why on earth are you still in bed? You missed breakfast, and we're supposed to be having lunch."I rolled off my stomach and sat up, meeting my stepsister's gaze. Her jade-green eyes were so curious and puzzled and worried…She deserved an explanation about why I slept in so late, or more precisely, barely slept at all. An unbearably haunting voice inside my head had been pestering me for approximately 12 ho
Happily Ever After Thirty Nine
CW: Graphic depictions of physical and sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised.RPOVJanuary 9th, 1686Today is the day where my precious dreams will come true. I am going to spend a magical evening with Cesarevich Dimitri, the dearest love of my life. We will dine and wine and dance the night away, with the stars and moon as our most ethereal spectators.Even though there will be hundreds, probably thousands of guests at the annual ball, it will feel like it is only me and him. However, these experiences will only occur if I am indeed alive to live them, and according to Ms. Yeva Belikova, his clairvoyant grandmother, I am going to have to kiss the world and everyone I know goodbye.Unless I somehow change my fate.If there is a next time,Rosemarie MazurI wrote the entry early in the morning, and the dark quill and velvety journal almost felt foreign in my hands. It seemed as if I hadn't recorded my thoughts in a long time; however, it was probably just my imagination.The re
Happily Ever After Forty
DPOVMy royal dresser eased me into an ornate, pure-white jacket adorned with numerous, silver buttons that vertically ran down my torso. Black fur lined its collar and hems, while metallic patterns swirled in between. Black trousers covered my legs, tucked into equally dark, knee-length boots decorated with lighter swirls. My brown hair fell around my face, lightly brushing my shoulders, as a lavish headpiece stood a foot tall atop my skull."You look incredibly handsome, your imperial highness," my royal dresser said in Russian, his eyes glowing with pride. "The maidens will certainly admire the outfit I've put together for you tonight." I gave him a smile, my body filling with nervous excitement as I thought of Rose. I couldn't wait for her to see me tonight—I had enough faith that бабушки's vision wouldn't come true—and marvel at how much effort I'd put into looking attractive for her.Yet, most importantly, I couldn't wait to see her."They absolutely will," I agreed in Russian,
Happily Ever After Forty One
Part ThreeRPOV—One Week LaterPure-white light shone in the darkness. Mother stood before me with her arms outstretched, her hazel eyes sparkling with eternal love. Her beautiful, auburn curls floated like a cloud, and her rare smile rivaled the radiance of the sun. Everything was silent—perfectly silent—and I knew that this was it. This was where I belonged.Heaven was my new home.However, the silence suddenly broke. Voices shoved their way into my ears, meshed into a disorienting cacophony. The calmness I'd felt dissipated as my body started twitching. Mother was ripped away from me and replaced by a man, as the heavenly light transformed into something dimmer."Oh my god, she's awake. She's finally awake!" the man cheered. My vision focused after several moments, and I found him staring back at me, his chestnut-brown eyes watering with tears. My heart swelled as I realized who he was.Father.I tried to sit upright, but my gaze automatically blurred, and a stiff object that was a
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
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
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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
