Chapter 15: A Countess, A Bolshevik, A Servant, and A Common man walk into a room... part 2

Lily looked at the girl. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would upset you," she whispered as she took note of the girl's tears. Minka wiped them away, sniffing a bit. "It's alright if you don't want to utter another word tonight. I understand. It's a shame that you went through what you did. It can't be easy." The thirty one year old nodded, then started to get up, walking out of The Neva Club. She felt a sense of assurance when she saw Gleb waiting. She didn't notice the pistol. She didn't know Gleb had reloaded it with the single bullet he originally intended to use to follow his orders. Minka sighed and walked over to him, oblivious to the footsteps approaching.

"What happened to you?" Gleb questioned. "I ran into an old... acquaintance. He definitely isn't a friend, and he never was," Minka sighed in response. "Do you need a hug?" Gleb stuffed his hands in his pockets. Minka nodded, stepping closer to him and wrapping her arms around him. "What else happened?" "I just remembered something I didn't want to remember." She shook her head. She put her head against Gleb's chest and sighed. "I don't know, I just... can't take anymore of these memories."

Two men, the two that were approaching, tapped on Minka's shoulder. "Miss," one of the men spoke, their accent familiar to her, "ve are looking for someone. Russian." Minka turned around in shock. She gulped. The two men stared at her for a while. "Are you a twin?" the doctor pondered. Minka responded, "Yes." "Get them!" the two spoke. Minka cried out in Russian, "Ostavit' nas v pokoye! My nichego ne sdelali dlya vas! (Leave us alone! We did nothing to you!)" The men smiled wickedly, "So it is you, Little Russian! And this must be your twin. You two are excellent. Perfect examples of how Russians will flock to each other. Such a shame you two won't last a day to see your beloved home."

"Run," Minka hissed to Gleb. "Are you insane?" He stared at her. "I'm not leaving you here!" "Gleb, go!" "Little Russian, where've you been hiding all these years?" one spoke, circling Minka. "Russia," Minka shrugged. "Where else? It's practically impossible to track someone down in Russia." "Little Russian, you never told us your twin was completely different!" "Leave him alone!" Minka shouted. "He's done nothing to you!" Gleb could hear the fear in her voice. Germans... 'little Russian'. Oh my God, they're two of the doctors. Gleb looked up at Minka. "Oh God," he breathed. "Finally make the connection, Russian?" "Leave him alone!" Minka shoved the one that stepped closer to Gleb.

The two laughed, "Funny, I always thought the taller one was older." Minka glared, barking an order to Gleb, "You have to run!" Gleb looked at his sister, "I'm not leaving you." "They will kill you," Minka choked. The doctors laughed again, "Not on the spot and not right away, it'll be slow and painful, Russian rat!" Minka looked at Gleb, seeing he was rummaging through his pocket. For once, I hope that idiot didn't listen to me, Minka thought to herself.

"What are you doing?" Minka murmured. "Just a second..." was Gleb's response. The taller doctor grabbed Minka's wrists and pulled her toward him. Minka tried to hold her ground, to stay where she was, but he was too strong. Her chest heaved up and down in fear. "Little Russian, I've missed you," he muttered. "Gleb, go!" Minka screamed. "I will not!" Gleb shouted. There was loud bang that made Minka jump out of her skin. She turned her head to see Gleb holding his pistol. "Gleb—" "I'll explain later," he grumbled, grabbing the barrel of the gun. The doctor's eyes widened and he started to pull Minka away.

Minka screamed, the sound alerting anyone nearby. The sounds of Russian screams rang through the streets. Please tell me that idiot brought more than one bullet. Minka looked at the doctor, hoping the sight of a Russian pistol would send him running. She was shaking. She knew she didn't like tea, but had a feeling that once this was over Gleb would drag her to the one place that made them sad to be Russian.

Gleb had no choice but to run as he dug in his pockets, trying to find another bullet that he might have put in his pocket. Nothing. Minka kept looking back at him. "Stop resisting, little Russian!" he shouted at her. "I won't!" Minka kicked him. "You little rat!" Minka screamed as loudly as she could. Gleb ran and grabbed her, pulling her out of the doctor's grasp. Minka flinched at the force of the pull, but didn't say anything. The doctor lunged at the twins and Gleb hit him with the butt of his gun. "Did you forget your other bullets?" Minka panted. "Maybe. Let's get out of here before he gets up."

Minka followed, "You may be an idiot, but you're my idiot." Gleb laughed, dragging her along, "You'll hate me for this, but I'm taking you to the one place you need right now. It makes me sad to be Russian, but we're going to the Russian Tea House and you are drinking tea. Like it or not." Minka panted still. She whined, "Gleb, my feet hurt." "I'll rub them later, princess," Gleb teased. "Don't call me that." "I'll call you whatever I want to."

"You're ridiculous, you know that?" Minka sighed. "Oh, please, I'm not ridiculous. If I remember correctly, it was me that saved your life. You're welcome," he grinned. Minka laughed. "Oh, where would I be without you?" "More than likely dead." "I love the amount of faith you have in me." "I'm just saying," he shrugged. "You, princess, nearly got yourself killed by two German giants."

Minka sighed, "I hate it when you're right." Gleb laughed, pulling his sister close to him, "I know you do. Now, I think you should have your first taste of tea. I want to see the look on your face." Minka groaned, "But I don't want to." "You need to. It'll help you relax, unless you want to drink vodka, and even I stay away from it because it was the alcohol of the Tsar," Gleb remarked. "You didn't just..." "Oh, I did, princess," Gleb chuckled, his voice in a sing-song manner.

"You of all people should know I don't drink alcohol," Minka mumbled. "I do know that. I was just saying," he shrugged. "Tea or vodka, your choice." "I'd rather suffer with that terrible stuff you drink," Minka grumbled. Gleb laughed. "It's not that bad, Minka."

"Really, tea isn't that bad?" Minka spoke in shock. Gleb nodded, "Of anything, it'll keep you calm." Minka rolled her eyes as she was dragged into the place that made her sad to be Russian. "And after, I'm taking you shopping. It seems the only thing you have packed are parts of your uniform. You have no choice in the matter," Gleb spoke. As long as he doesn't make me wear a dress... "And you are wearing a dress. I don't care how much you protest."

Minka groaned, "But Gleb, I despise dresses!" "Does it look like I care what you despise?" he questioned before entering the shop. "Well, I was hoping you did," Minka grumbled, following him inside. He chuckled. "You should know I don't. I care about you, and how you look, and how you feel. That's it."

Minka groaned. "Minka, you know you have to listen to me, even when off duty. It's your job as a notetaker to obey," Gleb spoke. Minka sighed, "Gleb, there's something I wanted to tell you... I... I don't how to put this." "You want a promotion. Minka, you know I can't do that. If I had you as a soldier, you'd be dead in minutes." Minka nodded in understanding, pretending that's what she wanted to say. "I'm glad you understand."

Gleb furrowed his brows. "Hmm... I'm thinking that's not what you wanted to tell me." "What? Why would you say that?" Minka questioned. "Because I know you. You don't want to be a Bolshevik, do you?" Minka shook her head.

"Once this is over... I promise," Gleb spoke, rubbing his sister's hand, "I know you better than my own mind." "Gleb, I do have an idea. If you want to stay here with Anya, I'll return to Russia with Dmitry and give one last message from you. You can do it as if you had died of shame, much like father. You could write a note and I could read it. I could tell the new order that the Bolshevik party is dispelled and there is no Anastasia. You just have to give that order," Minka spoke.

"How would you get back out of Russia?" Gleb inquired. "I'll figure it out," Minka assured him. "You'd return alive, wouldn't you?" His eyes filled with worry. "Yes, Gleb, I'd return alive." "It scares me... the thought of you and Dmitry going back. You do know what I did, right?" "Gave me three illegal exit visas? Yes, I figured it out after several officers showed up on the train."

"I'm an idiot," Gleb sighed, shaking his head. "Yes, but you're my idiot," Minka laughed. Gleb rose a brow, "Minka, are you laughing?" She nodded. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to hear that. I wanted you happy. Now I know you are. You're a sweet girl, that is why I will always be here for you. I want to protect you. I always have. Consider it jealousy. I couldn't stand the thought of you leaving me. When you left Ufa, I was heart broken. I wanted you to take me with you, wherever you were going. I remembered when we were just kids, before father became harsh, you were the one was protecting me, until that day you fell and got hurt. We were six ..." Gleb started as he became lost in thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1902, Ufa~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Minka, be careful!" Gleb shouted, chasing his sister. "Oh, I'm always careful!" Minka laughed, continuing to run away from her brother. Minka didn't see the crack in the pavement that had caused the street to become uneven, and she tripped over it. Minka screamed as she fell, and ended up landing flat on her face.

Gleb made a face and ran to his sister. He turned her over, seeing the blood on her cheek, lip, knees and knuckles. Minka was crying not too long after. She was hurting. Gleb took note of where their papa had been standing and thankfully it was a day where he was loving. Gleb cried out, "Papa! Help, Minka's hurt!"

Konstantin turned his head toward the children, his brows furrowed. "Dear God, Minka," he whispered, jogging over to where she was. Whimpers and cries escaped Minka's lips. Konstantin lifted Minka and carried her back to their house, Gleb right behind him. "Tell your mother, Gleb," Konstantin instructed, laying Minka on the beat up sofa they owned.

Gleb scurried off to find his mother. His mind racing as he worried for his sister. Minka felt Konstanin attempt to straighten her leg, to which she cried out in discomfort. "Shh... I know. I know, you're hurt. I'll take care of you," Konstanin cooed softly.

"Papa," Minka gasped when he did straighten her leg out. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Minka," Konstantin whispered. He smoothed her hair back and sighed. "Does your cheek hurt?" "A little," Minka sniffed. "I'll be right back, okay?" Minka nodded.

Konstanin left the room, leaving an injured Minka on the couch. Minka wanted it all to be over. She was not only hurting but she was hungry. Her stomach growled in hunger. Hunger due to a famine that was caused by the Tsar. Minka whined. She was growing hungrier and hungrier by the minute. It had been nearly a month since she had last eaten. If she weren't hurt, she would probably be on the streets, acting a starving child who needs help.

"Minka!" Gleb ran into the room. "Mama's coming. Papa's doing something, I dunno what it is, though." Minka whimpered. She looked over at Gleb and forced a smile. "Are you alright, Minka?" "I've just hurt myself a little," she forced a laugh. "I'll be alright." "You've done more than hurt yourself a little, Minka Viktoriya," Konstantin stated as he entered the room with a bowl of water and a cloth. "I'm going to clean your wounds, alright?" Minka nodded.

Minka drew a sharp breath as the cloth with water hit her knee. "Ow!" she cried out. Konstanin hushed her, going back to tending to her injured leg. "Next time, don't run on the street. I now see that it's unsafe. It'll be alright, darling," Konstanin smiled, his voice gentle. Minka blinked in surprise at her father's kindness. "Gleb, could you get your sister to calm herself? It'll be more painful if she keeps moving."

"Minka, calm down! Please?" Gleb climbed upon the sofa and sat down where Minka's feet were. He pulled Minka's tattered shoes off and set them down on the floor before rubbing Minka's feet. "Ow! Papa," she whimpered. "I know, Minka," Konstantin mumbled. "I know."

Minka continued squirming as her wounds were cleaned. "Minka, relax," Gleb sighed as he continued to rub his sister's feet. You're nothing but a child, a waif who needs protection, Gleb thought to himself. He whispered quietly, "I'll protect you." Konstanin slowly moved to the other knee, cleaning off the blood, Minka drawing sharp breaths. "Shh..."

"It's alright, baby," Konstantin whispered, continuing to clean her other knee. Minka whined, the pain searing through her knee. "It's alright. Gleb, won't you play with your sister's hair?" Gleb nodded and slid off of the sofa before rushing to where Minka's head was. "It's okay, Minka! It's okay," Gleb uttered, running his fingers through her hair.

Minka continued to cry. Gleb smiled softly, for once he wasn't the one being treated like a baby, it was his sister. He continued to play with his sister's hair, twisting it gently. Konstanin nodded in approval as he cleaned off his daughter's cheek, "There, there, it's almost over. Your mother should be here soon." As if on cue, Viktoriya rushed to her husband, son, and daughter. "What happened?" Viktoriya queried, concern plaguing her voice. Gleb responded, "Minka fell on the street and got hurt."

"My God, Minka," Viktoriya whispered, lifting the upper half of Minka's body and sitting down, putting her head on her lap. "It's alright, my darling," Viktoriya stroked her hair. Minka flinched when Konstantin places the cloth against her knuckles. "It hurts," Minka whined, looking up at her mother. "I know, Minka, I know. It'll be alright."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Paris, Russian Tea House~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gleb chuckled, "I knew you were stubborn even then, and I knew you hated it when you were babied. Now I see why you don't like it when I try to take care of you. Minka, you're a smart girl, and now you know why I care. I don't want you to fall on the streets once again." Minka sighed, "Gleb, that was twenty five years ago. Why did you bring that up?" "So I could get back at you for telling me to run when you almost got yourself killed, princess."

"I know what those men could do," she whispered. "I escaped them once, I would have done it again." "No, you wouldn't have. You wouldn't have been able to get past them, Minka," Gleb sighed. "I would have been alright," Minka muttered. "Can I see your hand?" "What for?" "Just let me see it." Minka lifted her hand, and Gleb grabbed it. His fingertips traced the scars on it tenderly.

Gleb tsked as he traced the outlines of the aged scars. He wasn't going to believe that Minka escaped safely. "Those monsters hurt you," Gleb whispered, seething with anger. Minka gulped, "Gleb, it's not that bad." "Not that bad, Minka, you have scars on your hand. Tell me how that's not bad," Gleb sighed. Minka shook her head. "What did they do to you while you were there?" Gleb pried. Minka didn't answer, just looking down at the table. "Minka, what did they do to you?" Minka shook her head, not saying anything. She was too shaken up. Why was she going to tell him? Why did she have to? It wasn't his concern.

"Don't worry about it," Minka murmured. She looked down and sniffed. "Minka?" "I'm alright." "No, you're not," Gleb whispered. She looked up at him and sighed. "What happened to you?" "They poked me, prodded at me... I was nothing but a laboratory rat to them."

Gleb looked at his sister, seeing how she was shaking. "You need to relax. The past is over. It's done, you're safe. You have to forget what happened those years ago," he whispered, his voice calming. Minka nodded, still feeling sad to be Russian as the two were sitting in a sad excuse of a Russian Tea Shop.

He shook his head as he saw the amount of scars on her hand. She was seven. How could anyone do that to a child? "Gleb," Minka muttered, gaining his attention. "I'll get you some tea. Then, we'll go find a dress for you to wear," he smiled. "But I hate tea!" Minka hissed. "It will help you relax." "And I despise dresses." "And I really don't care," Gleb chuckled.

Pretty soon everything was clicking for Gleb. Ten years ago five children were senselessly slaughtered. Twenty four years ago his sister was senselessly experimented on. Minka's words made sense. My God, Minka made a connection before I could. She watched people die in Germany many years before she watched the Romanovs pass, Gleb thought. It all made sense. That's why she cared. "Gleb?" Minka's voice pondered, breaking the silence.

"It all makes sense," he muttered to himself. Minka's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?" He looked up at her and shook his head. "Don't worry about it." "Gleb..." "It's nothing, alright?" Minka nodded. "I'll go get some tea now. Do not move." Minka chuckled. "Like I'd leave you alone with a German giant probably trying to hunt you down," Minka remarked. "Oh, hush!"

Minka stayed put, pulling out her last sheet of paper, writing down a letter that read: To all who are concerned, I am unable to fulfil my duties as a Deputy Commissioner. Here is my final statement: There never was an Anastasia, she was a dream. A dream that only time will fade. The new order has no need for fairy tales. The case is closed. As for the exit visas, the colors blue and red are now both valid. This is one thing Minka has suggested. The borders will be able to be crossed when needed. The Bolshevik party will still remain, not as one to be feared, but now one to help Russia, our beauty. Let my spirit live on. Signed, Gleb Vaganov.

She read over it again, making sure she made no mistakes while writing it. "What are you doing, princess?" Gleb inquired. "Writing out your final wish," Minka glanced up at him. "Do I want to know what you've written?" "I think you'll approve of it. Here." She handed it to him, allowing him to read it. "Well, it does look like my handwriting." "I spent some time in Russia learning to write the way you do. I got bored and it occupied me," she shrugged. "Well, any other time I would scold you," he sighed, "but I won't this time because it's saving lives." "Glebby's in love," Minka teased him quietly. "Shut it," he gently kicked her. Minka laughed.

He sighed heavily. Minka looked down, half guilty and half worried. "Minka, you just saved lives, I'm not upset with you." Minka smiled, "I know, I was just thinking." Gleb sighed, thinking the same as his sister, striking a chord. "Minka, thank you." Tears came to Minka's eyes. "Minka, what's wrong?" Gleb questioned. "In two more days this is over. I came all this way to help those I care for and to help Anya discover who she is. If she's who we thought dead... then it's done. No more will the servant girl turned Bolshevik turned con be known in history, for I'll just be forgotten and fade much like she," Minka sniffed.

Gleb sighed and reached for Minka's hand. "Maybe it's better that way," he murmured. "You're right," she sadly chuckled. "We have two days before all of this is over." "Forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours that will hopefully go well," Gleb muttered. Minka nodded. "Is it wrong for me to be hopeful that Anya is Anastasia?" Minka queried.

"You and your hopes that a princess is alive. I can't blame you for wanting Anastasia to be alive. You told me how close you two were. Anastasia was your best friend. I can't blame you at all. It isn't wrong. Deep down, I hope she is to. When I saw her in that cellar, my heart nearly broke. She was a frightened girl. I saw a bit of you in her, and her in you. I see why you were loved by the Romanovs. I never thought I'd say this, but I loved the princess ever since I laid my eyes on her," Gleb admitted. Minka widened her eyes. "You and... what... and your orders and... what?" she stammered.

Gleb chuckled. "If it is her, I've loved her for ten years, Minka. I don't think it's wrong for you to hope she really is Anastasia, because I do too." Minka smiled. "Y-you never told me this," she giggled. "Well... I never really wanted to admit it to myself, I suppose." "Aww, Glebby," Minka grabbed his hand. "I... thank you, Minka." "Why are you thanking me?"

"Your letter saved me from doing something I'd regret. Remember, after this, you're getting a dress. Tomorrow I have full control of how you appear. Then the day after, I confront Anya. Perhaps I'll propose to her," Gleb smiled, patting his sister's head with the hand that was free. "Aww, Glebby is in love with a princess," Minka giggled. "We don't even know if she is Anastasia, and even if she is a real princess, I can still tease you and call you 'princess'," Gleb pointed out.

"That's true," Minka laughed. "You know... you may be a pest and an idiot, but I'm glad you're my twin brother." Gleb chuckled. "I'm glad you're my twin sister, even though you're annoying and a dimwit." Minka pretended to be offended. "I didn't say you were annoying." "You implied it." "Alright, that's fair," she laughed.

Gleb smiled, "You know I love hearing you laugh." Minka smiled, "And I love just being with you and talking before we either go our separate ways or stay with each other." Gleb looked at her, gazing into her eyes, gentle despite her being a bit of a hot head. "For a firecracker, you can be tame when you want to be," Gleb joked. "And for someone locked in the past you seem to look ahead when you want to," Minka remarked. "We don't talk about that," Gleb sighed.

"Gleb?" "Don't worry about it." At that moment, a man set their tea down in front of them. "Drink your tea." "Gleb—" "Just drink the tea, Minka," he chuckled. Minka sighed and picked the cup up, taking a sip of the warm liquid. As much as she enjoyed the warmth, she hated the taste. Her face contorted to an expression of disgust. Gleb snickered.

"Something wrong, princess?" Gleb snickered. Minka was desperately trying to keep it down. She was locked in disgust. At least the Romanovs came up with a substitute because Anastasia didn't like the taste either. With us it was just water and lemon, Minka thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1909, Peterhof~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ew," Anastasia whispered after taking a sip of tea. Minka giggled, "I told you it was terrible." Alexei sipped his tea, ignoring the two girls. "You were right. It's awful! I'll ask Mama if we have anything else."

Minka nodded, still curious how the five year old Tsarevich was able to handle the taste of tea. The thirteen year old servant sighed, thinking about something. Her family and how they would never force her to drink something she didn't like. They would always listen to her, well Gleb and Viktoriya did. She was not entirely sure why she didn't like the taste of tea, but she just knew she didn't like it. Tatiana and Olga were giggling as they went to tell their father, letting him know the current situation and how Minka was just not in favor of tea.

"I don't know how they drink it," Anastasia grumbled once they had left. "Me either," Minka chuckled. They heard several footsteps in the hallway, then heard the Tsar's laughter echoing off the walls. He entered the room, looking at the two girls with a brow raised. "So the two of you don't like tea?" They shook their heads.

Minka put her head down, hiding the face of disgust. "I can't say I blame you. Some people are just sensitive to the taste," the Tsar chuckled. Minka looked at Anastasia. "You two are so alike," he remarked. "If it weren't the fact that Minka was older, I would think she was your twin." Minka stifled a laugh, explaining how she already had a twin, a brother who was always protective of her.

Nicholas chuckled. "I'll have one of the servants bring you some water with lemon. You might like that." The girls nodded. Minka lifted her head and looked at Alexei, who looked at her curiously. "What's your twin brother like?" Alexei inquired. "Well, he might be as tall as me," Minka began, "and he's four hours younger than me. His name is Gleb. He doesn't look like me at all. Gleb's kind. He's loving and protective, like every other brother, I presume. You would like him." "Really?" Alexei grinned. Minka nodded. "As would you," she looked at the Romanov sisters. "One of you would probably favor him more," she laughed.

"Any illnesses or known blood related problems?" Maria pondered. "No, my entire family line has no trace of hemophilia whatsoever," Minka responded. All of the Romanov girls looked down, knowing that their dear Alexei had the blood disorder and they all carried it. "Is something wrong?" Minka pondered. "Minkalina, there's something you should know," Alexandra spoke, looking at the servant.

"What is it, Your Highness?" Minka turned to face Alexandra. "Alexei... darling, won't you go find your father?" Alexei nodded and hurried out of the room. "Alexei has hemophilia, Minkalina." "Oh my God," Minka whispered. "So... he could die just by tripping and falling?" Alexandra nodded. "Oh God," Minka mumbled.

Alexandra nodded, "That's why you're here, to keep him out of harm's way." Minka started to speak, "You do realize you just sent him to get his father... and he's running. That's not the best mix for a child who has..." Alexandra felt a twinge of worry, "Minka, you may go." Minka nodded and hurried after Alexei. She became closer to the child with every step. When she saw Alexei was about to trip, she scooped him up, holding him in her arms. "Don't do that ever again, I was worried sick," Minka spoke, her tone was authoritative, yet gentle at the same time.

"Sorry, Minkalina," Alexei spoke. "Don't run like that again, alright?" He nodded. "What's going on?" Alexei and Minka lifted their heads as the Tsar approached them. "He nearly tripped," Minka spoke. Nicholas nodded. "I was looking for you, Papa. Mama told me to find you," Alexei grinned. Nicholas chuckled and ruffled Alexei's hair. "Well, why don't we head back then, hm?" Minka nodded. "Are you going to put me down, Minkalina?" Alexei asked. "No, I am not." "Okay."

Alexei would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy Minka holding him. He enjoyed how she was being gentle with him. He looked up at her and smiled, "Thank you for catching me." Minka wanted to tap his nose, but didn't. She responded, "It was no trouble."

"You literally came out of nowhere," Alexei giggled. "Well, I've gotten pretty good at chasing little children," Minka joked, smiling at Alexei. "Mainly you, because you wander off when my back is turned." Alexei smiles innocently. "You always find me, though." "Because you can't get very far on your short little legs."

Alexei giggled, then looked at Minka's hand, seeing the scars. "What happened?" Alexei asked, curiosity getting to him. Minka sighed, "I don't wish to talk about it. It's nothing good. It's painful for me to think about it, I don't want to worry you anymore. You are too innocent to know what happened. It's a rather long story. Es ist jetzt in Ordnung, Alexei. Es ist in Ordnung, es ist vorbei, es ist vorbei. Es ist alles in der Vergangenheit(It's alright now, Alexei. It's fine, it's done, it's over. It's all in the past)." Alexei rose a brow, not understanding the other language that Minka had used.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's alright, Alexei. It's fine, it's done, it's over. It's all in the past." Minka spoke in their native language. "Oh," he mumbled. "So, instead, let's talk about you and how you always wander off." Alexei giggled. Nicholas chuckled, "Well, he is a little boy, no matter the disease he has. He knows how to sneak off when he wants to." "Indeed he does," Minka nodded in agreement.

Alexei eyed the servant and turned to his father, "What language was she speaking earlier, papa?" Nicholas didn't want to tell the boy why Minka spoke German, he didn't want to say the name of the language. He felt sorrow for the girl. Minka turned to the Tsar, "It's alright. We can wait until he's old enough to understand."

Nicholas nodded. "We'll tell you later, alright?" Alexei nodded. "Minkalina! Minkalina, come on!" Anastasia exclaimed. Minka laughed. "We know who Anastasia's best friend is, don't we, Alexei?" Nicholas teased. Alexei nodded, "Minkalina." "That's right. How did you and Anastasia get so close?" he chuckled. "I honestly don't know, Your Highness," Minka smiled, "but I enjoy being friends with the Grand Duchess."

Minka, arms growing tired, set Alexei down. She made sure he was walking and not running. Anastasia continued to wait for Minka, smiling softly. Minka smiled at her best friend, telling her that no matter what, they would meet again in the future if she were ever to leave Peterhof.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Streets of Paris~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Minka... never mind," Gleb shook his head. "No, no, no," Minka said, "what is it?" "I'm thinking you should get a red dress." "Why red?" Minka questioned. "Well, red makes your eyes sparkle. You look beautiful in red, too." "You're sweet," she chuckled. "I try to be," he laughed. "How's Dmitry?" "Good. I'm surprised you actually used his name," Minka laughed. "Well, I'm trying to be more than the deputy commissioner of Leningrad. I'm not anymore." "You're still deputy commissioner as of right now. In two days you won't be, but you are right now."

"I hate when you're right," Gleb grumbled. Minka grinned, "Now you sound like me." Gleb gently whacked the back of Minka's head. "Why did you do that?" she whined. "I needed to, for old time's sake," he chuckled. Minka sighed, unaware that they would be seeing Dmitry, Anya, and Vlad as soon as they stepped in. Gleb turned his head away, getting a new color idea for his sister, "I may have another suggestion, perhaps black mixed in with red." Minka glared at him, "Why?" Gleb sighed, "Just a suggestion. It might compliment your eyes."

"Alright, we can try it, I suppose," Minka shrugged. Gleb stuffed his hands in his pockets, awkwardly following his sister to the dresses that were red and colors mixed with red. "Gleb, help," Minka mumbled, eyes wide at the selection of dresses that was in front of her. "You're the girl!" Gleb hissed. "You'll have to tell me if you like it or not." "I can do that." Minka laughed, "I know you can do that." "Minka," Vlad approached her. "Vladimir Popov," Minka grinned. "Thank God you're here. Those two are hopeless." Minka laughed. "Dmitry was raised in the streets, Anya doesn't remember anything, what did you expect?" "A lot more than I should have."

"I wish I could help you, but I'm struggling, too. My brother is playing dress police and I am struggling to find one that he would approve of," Minka spoke helplessly. Vlad looked at her, "I thought you would like dresses. You are a girl, aren't you?" Minka nodded, "But remember, I've only known shirts and skirts for twenty five years. The last time I wore a dress, I was six and it was chosen by my father." Vlad sighed. "You all are hopeless."

"You're pointing out the obvious," Minka laughed. "Vlad, what are you do—oh," Dmitry muttered. "What are you doing here?" "Gleb's playing dress police. I'm trying to find one he approves of," Minka responded. "Red?" "He suggested it, I went with it," she shrugged. She pulled out a strapless red dress, looking at it. "He might not approve of this one, but I like it," she laughed. "Really?" Dmitry chuckled. "You really don't know anything about Gleb. He's protective and loving and a bit annoying." "I could see the protective part," Dmitry murmured.

"Don't you have to look for a suit, Dima?" Gleb pondered, shooing Dmitry away so he wouldn't see any dress Minka had chosen. "Only Minka can call me that," Dmitry fired back. Minka, trying to break the tension, stepped between the two and joked, "Ladies, ladies, please, you're both pretty." "But I'm prettier, right?" Dmitry questioned. "Yes, Dima, you're very pretty," Minka laughed.

Gleb rolled his eyes. "Now shoo, Dima." "You're ridiculous," Gleb mumbled. "This was your idea," Minka shrugged. He grumbled under his breath. "I can still hear you, you know." "I do know that and I really don't care." "Help me out, Gleb," Minka sighed, turning her attention back to the dresses. "Start with the ones that catch your eye. For Lenin's sake, it's not that hard."

"You're really bad at this, you know that right?" Minka... er... Kayleigh uttered, forgetting her line. Quickly Kayleigh went back into character, improvising. "How am I supposed to know which one's catch my eye? It's harder than you think, Gleb. Remember, I struggle picking out a skirt that fits me, let alone a dress," Minka groaned as she began looking for one that Gleb would approve of.

Gleb laughed, shaking his head. "You should know what you like, Minka." "Well, I'm terrible at this kind of thing. You know that," Minka groaned. "I do know that," Gleb chuckled. "I'm only here to help, not choose it for you. Look through them and find one that you like. It's not like you're trying to sneak across the Russian border."

"Uh... about that," Minka spoke embarrassed. "You what?" Gleb scolded. "It was 1918, the guilt was eating me alive. I needed a change, but when I saw you approaching I ran and pretended I was on border patrol," Minka laughed nervously. Gleb pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself. "Just look through the dresses. I'll play dress police later."

"And you say I'm ill-tempered," Minka grumbled under her breath, searching through the dresses. "Do you like this one?" Minka pulled out a strapless red dress. "Hold it against you." Minka did as she was told. "That's a nice dress. I don't know if I want my sister in it, though." "Gleb, I'm thirty-one years old," Minka sighed. "Look, it's nice, and I like it, but look through the other ones too."

Minka groaned, still looking through them. Gleb shook his head, "Minka, you're a lady, not a floozy in a theatre. Please tell me you like one that covers you up a bit more." Minka sighed, "Gleb, you aren't helping." Gleb glared at her, "Like I said prior to this, I care about how you look and this means I am in charge of what dress you get in the end."

Minka huffed and started to go through the dresses again. She found one that had sleeves that covered her shoulders. "What about this one?" Minka pulled it out and held it against her. He nodded slightly. "Is that a yes?"

"Minka, that is a resounding yes," Gleb spoke. "I approve of it, I'm certain anyone would. It would look wonderful on you." He brushed his sister's hair over her shoulders so he could pick apart something other than how his sister was dressed. He sighed and shook his head. "What?" Minka pondered, raising her brow.

"We're going to have to do something with your hair," he mumbled. "Gleb," Minka groaned. "You know it's true. You can't wear such a pretty dress without fixing your hair." "I can do whatever I want," Minka grumbled. "Actually, I'm in control of your appearance tomorrow night. This dress, we're going to fix your hair, and we have to get you some shoes." "Gleb—" "Minka, trust me. Dmitry will love it."

Minka grumbled, "Why did I get myself into this?" Gleb chuckled, ruffling his sister's hair, making it a bit more knotted than it already was. "Gleb," Minka sighed in irritation. "If it's going to work out the way it should, it seems you'll be stuck with me all day tomorrow so everything is just right. You have to impress Dmitry, and I have to impress someone who is possibly the Grand Duchess. No arguing or fighting against me," Gleb told Minka. "Understood?" "Yes, mother."

"Stop calling me mother," he murmured. "Whatever you say, common man." Gleb glared at her and she grinned innocently. "I didn't call you mother." "You are going to get it when we get back to the hotel." "That's not very nice, Glebby," Minka chuckled. "You're really not worried about it, are you?" "No, no I am not. Because you won't be mean to me tonight," Minka laughed. "And why wouldn't I?"

Minka turned on the innocent voice that she knew she had, "Because you're my brother and you wouldn't do anything to upset me." "Who said I was going to upset you? I was just going to... well, wait until we get back to the hotel," Gleb chuckled, getting the perfect idea in his head. If she was going to call him mother, he would start acting like mother. He remembered how every night before Minka went to sleep, their mother would spend countless hours trying to rid who knows how many day old knots. He grinned at the thought, as well as internally snickering at how his sister would complain.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Minka questioned. "No reason. Come on, let's get the dress fitted and such, and then we'll go find you some shoes to go with it," Gleb spoke, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Minka nodded, following Gleb. I wonder what he's up to...

Minka went through with the fitting, hearing the remarks of the women who were measuring her. Remarks like "Are you sure she's Russian?" and "She's rather tall for a Russian girl" made her skin crawl. Gleb quickly hushed them. Minka nodded a thank you, keeping her head up so they would get accurate measurements.

They were soon finished and Minka heaved a sigh of relief. Gleb paid for the dress and they left. "Gleb," Minka yawned, "how much more?" "You've got to get shoes." Minka nodded. "I'm tired." "I know you are. You've had an eventful day. You went to The Neva Club, was threatened and attacked by German giants, drank tea, went dress shopping, and now you've got to get shoes." "Speaking of which, I hated the tea." "I know," he chuckled.

Minka sighed heavily as she was continuously dragged around Paris by her brother. She was trying to get out of shopping, for she didn't enjoy that Gleb was policing everything she wore, or what was on her feet. She shook her head, remembering that he was like that in Russia as well. "I take it boots are not an option," Minka sighed. "No boots. Flats only," Gleb spoke, eyeing his sister.

"It seems heels are the style, though," Minka pointed out. "You are tall enough," Gleb sighed. "I was just saying," Minka shrugged. "Get whatever idea you've got in your head out of it. Flats, Minka." "Alright," she smiled at him. "Why would you want to wear heels anyway?" He asked as he followed her inside a shop. "I dunno, just to say I wore them?" "That's not a good reason to get yourself killed."

"Good point," Minka sighed as she started the search for flats. It was increasingly difficult as there were barely any to be seen. She started to feel discouraged. Gleb gave in, helping the search come to a close when he found flats that would contrast, the color black. He handed them over to Minka, "Put them on. You're going to wear them tomorrow."

"Are you sure they'll look good with the dress?" Minka seemed uncertain. "Yes. Black looks good with everything, don't you know that? Now put them on." Minka did as he said. "Do they fit?" "Yes." "Good." Minka took them off again, slipping her other shoes on. "We can go back to the hotel after this, if you want. Unless you want to get something to eat first." "Can we get something and take it back?" Minka mumbled. "If you want," Gleb shrugged. "You really don't care, do you?" Minka picked the flats up, then put her free hand on her hip. "No, I do not. Now let's go."

Minka had used her own money to pay for the flats. Gleb took her hand shortly after and led her back to the hotel, grinning. "Gleb, what are you thinking?" she inquired. "I'm not telling you," Gleb responded as he continued to guide her through the Parisian streets, bringing her back to the hotel and into their room.

"If it involves me, don't you think I have the right to know?" Minka inquired. "No," Gleb responded. "Sit down." "What for?" "Just do it, Minka." Minka sat down on the bed she had slept in the night before. Gleb shrugged his suit jacket off, set it on his bed, and sat behind her on her bed. "What are you doing?" Minka questioned. "Don't worry about it," Gleb laughed, pulling his comb out of his pocket.

"I am worried about it, Gleb," Minka grumbled as she crossed her arms. Gleb didn't speak, he just pushed most of his sister's hair over her shoulder, like mother had done in the past. "Gleb, what in Russia are you doing?" Minka questioned, squirming before he even started. Gleb sighed and held Minka's head in his hands, "Stay still, would you?"

"What are you doing?" He didn't respond. Instead, he started to comb her hair. "Gleb," Minka groaned. "Hush, Minka," Gleb mumbled. He gently tugged when he hit a knot, trying to get the comb to go through it. "Ow!" Minka exclaimed. "That hurts, Gleb!" "Sorry," Gleb uttered, finally getting the comb to untangle the knot.

Minka groaned, not entirely happy with what Gleb was doing. She was getting tired. All she wanted to do was to go to sleep. "Not with knots, you aren't. Imagine how uncomfortable that would be, and we have a long day tomorrow. I am not putting up with you whining tomorrow, so I'm doing it now," Gleb sighed as he continued to attempt removing the knots that were in his sister's hair.

"Gleb, I just want to sleep," she sighed. "Not yet, Minka. We're getting these knots out of your hair, and then we'll braid it to keep it from getting knots again." Minka groaned. "But Gleb—" "No buts, Minka. Now hush and let me finish this." While Gleb was combing her hair, Minka sneezed, which caused him to unintentionally pull her hair. "I am so sorry," he spoke, tossing the section he had brushed over her other shoulder. "It's alright. That was my fault."

Gleb continued to comb out the tangles, which seemed to take him longer than usual. He sighed, "You really need to take pride in your appearance, Minka." Minka groaned, "As long as you don't start acting like you did when I was in your office in 1915 and I was an utter mess, we'll be fine." Gleb laughed, remembering that day, and how he picked apart his sister's appearance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1915, Leningrad: Gleb's Office~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minka huffed a sigh as she closed the door to Gleb's office, hurrying over to her desk. "What happened to you?" Gleb questioned. "One, it's windy, two, I was running, and three, this is all I've got that I won't freeze in." "Minka, you look like you've been through a war."

Minka slumped down, losing her straightened posture. "Very funny, Gleb," Minka sighed. Gleb heaved a sigh and went up behind her, forcing her to sit up. "Sit up straight. General Gorlinsky is coming in and I can't have my sister looking like she's been to hell and back," Gleb instructed. Minka sighed, putting her her hand on her cheek. "You are desperate right now. You look adorable when you seem helpless," he chuckled.

"Gleb," Minka sighed. "I'm just saying. General Gorlinsky is coming and if I were to judge you by your appearance, I'd think you were homeless." "Thank you for the kind words," Minka spoke sarcastically. "You know I wouldn't hurt you intentionally. I'm just saying." "I know," Minka mumbled.

Gleb grinned, seeing how his sister was going to make a poor impression on General Gorlinsky. "Minka, you need to start thinking about who will be present. Normally I would just ask you to shove your hair in your cap, but since it's General Gorlinsky that would be disrespectful. I can't brush it on such short notice. He'll be here in an hour. I've brushed it before. It takes two hours. You have knots stuck in the ends," Gleb informed, picking apart how she looked.

"Gleb, it's been a bad day, please don't make it worse." Minka took her coat off and pulled her notepad and pen out of the pockets before hanging it up. She sat down at her desk and opened the pad, reading over what she had written. "What's on your shirt?" Gleb inquired. Minka looked down. "Um... dirt, maybe?"

Gleb sighed, handing her one of his old coats that no longer fit him. "Put this on," Gleb instructed. Minka nodded, doing as told. "There, that hides the dirt, but not how you don't bother to take a brush to your hair when it's windy. I don't have one with me, and I can't brush it in an hour, as I stated earlier. There is no other option," he sighed, knowing Minka would protest to having the tangles being cut out, but they were just stuck at the ends.

"What do you expect me to do?" Minka sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know. I mean, you could cut them out—" "No." "—but you wouldn't agree to that. You can't wear your cap because that will be considered disrespectful." "Why?" Minka mumbled. "General Gorlinsky. My higher up," Gleb mumbled. "Unless you are out in the streets or something, caps are unacceptable." "Can I put it on and pretend I'm leaving in a moment, and that I've lost what I'm looking for?"

Gleb shook his head, "General Gorlinsky is a smart man. He'll see through your lies." "And why can't you try to brush it out?" Minka sighed. Gleb rolled his eyes, "Because, like I said earlier, it's too thick to brush in under an hour. You'll have to agree to the one thing you don't like."

"Fine," Minka grumbled. "Get over here." Gleb pulled the top drawer of his desk open. Minka huffed and stood, walking over to the chairs in front of his desk. "Pull one of them around here." Minka did as she was told. "Sit." "I'm not a dog." "I know," Gleb murmured. "Now, don't move. If you move, I'll mess it up." "That's not reassuring." "It assures me that you won't move." Minka closed her eyes as Gleb pulled her hair back, letting it flow down her back. "Hold still, alright?" "Yes," Minka mumbled.

Minka forced her eyes to close even tighter. Why did I let Gleb do this? she thought. She clenched her fists. Gleb sighed, "I love how much faith you have in me right now. It really is assuring." Minka still kept her eyes tight, her teeth clenched. She knew she would hate this. "I hate you, you know." Gleb sighed, "I love you, too." "I didn't say I loved you." "I don't care."

"Don't move." He began to cut it. Why did I let him do this? More importantly, how can I get him back? "Done." Minka could tell it had been cut, and she hated it. "Are you going to say something?" "I hate it and I hate you." "Love you too, Minka." "I didn't say that I loved you," she grumbled, standing and putting the chair back in its rightful place. "I'm going to pretend you did," Gleb shrugged, putting the hair he had cut in the wastebasket. "How much did you cut?"

Gleb nervously chuckled. "Gleb, how much did you cut?" Minka repeated. Gleb didn't respond, instead saying, "It suits you." Minka glared, "Gleb Konstanin Vaganov, how much did you cut off?" Nervously, Gleb responded, "Almost thirteen centimeters." Minka was furious, "What?" Gleb gulped, he knew his sister and he couldn't believe that she was getting furious over how much he cut. "Minka, it doesn't look that bad," he assured. "I'll get you back," Minka growled as she sat back down at her desk.

Gleb put the scissors back in his desk. "It doesn't look bad. It actually looks good on you." "I liked it the length it was!" Minka exclaimed. "Minka—" "You didn't tell me it would be thirteen centimeters!" "I didn't tell you because you would have refused." "So you'd rather get killed?" Minka glared at him. "No. I'd rather have you look presentable." "My hair," Minka groaned. "It will grow back. What's the issue?"

"It's my hair, Gleb," Minka sighed. "I'd rather have you look presentable and miserable than happy and a mess," Gleb muttered. Minka groaned, slumping down. "Minka, sit up straight," Gleb scolded, to which Minka altered her position, back against the chair. "Good girl," he smiled. "I'm not a dog."

"I never said you were," Gleb sighed. Minka shot him a glare. "Would you stop glaring at me?" "No." "Why?" "Because it took me years to get my hair that length, Gleb Konstantin Vaganov. Years," Minka glared at him. "You're not going to yell, are you?" Gleb mumbled. "I don't know yet," Minka grumbled, closing her notepad. Gleb stood up and walked over to his sister, looking at the back of the coat. He wiped the hair off of it. "What are you doing?"

"You have hair on your coat, I was just getting it off," Gleb assured. Minka grumbled. "Grow up, won't you?" Gleb sighed, "Be glad I cut it. You looked like a child otherwise." "But I like looking like a child," Minka whined. "I don't care," Gleb sighed as he heard the footsteps of General Gorlinsky. "He's coming, behave."

Minka grumbled under her breath, opening the top drawer of her desk. She pulled out the notepad that was blank and opened it. She picked up her pen and started writing, using her notes she had jotted down. Gorlinsky entered the office, walking over to Gleb. "Deputy Commissioner Vaganov, how are you?" "I'm well, Sir. How are you?" "Fine. How are you, Miss?" Minka could tell he was just being polite. "I've been better," Minka muttered. Gleb gently hit her.

"Deputy Commissioner, you know it isn't polite to hit a lady," Gorlinsky remarked. "Sorry, Sir. She's just in a foul mood today." Gorlinsky nodded. "I wonder what happened to set her off," Gorlinsky spoke. Minka was suppressing a growl, writing down what was expected, which was a report on a criminal that was seen on the streets. "Minka," Gleb scolded. Minka glared at him, still irritable. "Minka, what happened?" Gorlinsky inquired. Minka had finally lost her temper, "If you should know, this idiot thought it was a good idea to cut thirteen centimeters of my hair and not tell me ahead of time. The last time someone did that, it was father in one of his moods and he cut it all off! It took me years to grow it this long, years, and he cut off what hope I had!" Gleb eyed her, "Minka, calm down." "I'm not going to calm down you idiot."

"I'm not Father and you know it," he sighed. "Why did you cut her hair?" Gorlinsky looked at Gleb. "It was knotted," Gleb mumbled. "Thirteen centimeters," Minka grumbled. "Let's move over here, shall we?" Gleb walked over to his desk, where Minka sent him a glare.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Hotel Room~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gleb chuckled, "I mean, I will cut the split ends." Minka glared at him as she felt him start to braid it. "Sit still, Minka. Don't be so stubborn. I'm not cutting it short. It's just eight centimeters. You need to calm down," Gleb scolded. Minka grumbled, "If it were up to me you wouldn't be doing that at all." "Yet you have no choice in the matter," Gleb smiled.

"I wish I did," Minka grumbled. "I know you do. Now, hold still and let me braid it." "If I do that you'll cut it." "I'm going to cut the split ends, Minka. It won't be much shorter than what it is now." Minka sighed and sat still. She felt Gleb tie it with a ribbon and closed her eyes. "Do not move, Minka."

Minka sighed, wondering why she was putting herself through this. She started to think, What if Dmitry hates it? What if he finds me repulsive? What if he doesn't look at me? What if... her thoughts were cut short by the feeling of her hair being put in between the blades of scissors. She gulped.

Gleb was silent for a second. There was a quiet snip and Minka flinched. "There," Gleb murmured. "I'm going to kill you one of these days," Minka grumbled. Gleb laughed. "Minka, you won't kill me." "Why?" "You love me too much." "I hate it when you're right. Can I sleep now, Mother?" Gleb nodded, standing up. "You're not going to change?" Gleb raised a brow. "Does it really matter?" "Well, I suppose not. Sleep well, Minka."