Chapter 16: A new type of Dance

Minka awoke in the hotel room to find that somewhere in the middle of the night, Gleb had slipped her into her nightgown. She sighed as she stretched, yawning. Her hair still in the braid. She found that Gleb was awake, making sure that Minka was starting to get up. "Sleep well, princess?" he teased. "Will you shut up?" Minka grumbled. Gleb chuckled, "You better not be this ill-tempered at the ballet tonight."

"I just woke up, Gleb. I'm going to be hateful," Minka smiled. "Alright, fair enough. I hope you slept well because you aren't getting out of this easily today." Minka groaned as she untied the ribbon and started to part the braid. "You'll look beautiful tonight, I swear it. By the way, Dmitry found your uniform while he was trying to find your shirt." Minka's heart seemed to stop. "What?"

"He seemed to be a bit surprised that you had one. It sort of made him feel a bit more assured that you could protect yourself when I explained it to him. I found him questioning your morals when he saw it, but I quickly let him know why you had it. He seemed to believe it," Gleb assured as he sat down beside Minka, once again combing through her hair. Minka sighed heavily before mumbling, "Thank you."

"No problem. I'll do anything to protect you, even if I have to lie for you." "Well... you didn't lie, technically speaking." "This time," Gleb mumbled. Once he finished combing Minka's hair, he kissed her cheek. "Why don't you calm down, hm? And then, I'll find some way to fix your hair." Minka chuckled. "Alright. Nothing stupid or too fancy, alright?" "Alright."

Minka twiddled her thumbs. She took deep breaths, counting to ten. She found herself remembering the Romanov family even more as soon as she met Anya. Everything soon clicked. The pale eyes, the way she was frightened of loud noises that sounded like gunshots, the resemblance to the Tsar and Tsarina. Anya was Anastasia. Minka let her mind wander as she had the final memory of Anastasia and the Romanov family, a memory that was calming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1911, Peterhof~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Minkalina, can you help me? I don't think I've got this right." Anastasia turned around, revealing a few unbuttoned buttons. "Of course," Minka chuckled. She unbuttoned them, then buttoned it again. "There you go." "Thank you, Minkalina."

Minka smiled at Anastasia, "I never thought I'd be saying this, but I consider you as a little sister. One that I never had." Anastasia smiled, "Now I know why papa is saying you might be a Romanov. You're just like us. You're kind, but strong at the same time. You look out for us." Minka looked down, "It sounds better than my real last name." "What is it, Minkalina?" Anastasia pondered. "It's 'Vaganov'."

"Vaganov? Where have I heard that name?" Anastasia murmured, brows furrowed in thought. "A Count? No... Countess? No, that's not it either. I'll have to ask Papa, I can't remember," Anastasia giggled. Minka chuckled. "I better go find Alexei. Want to come with me?" Anastasia nodded.

Minka walked through the halls of Peterhof. She was in search of the young hemophiliac. Minka knew what Alexei thought of her privately. He thought of her as a member of the family as well. Minka smiled. She finally felt as though she belonged somewhere. She finally felt loved. It took her a while to warm up to the family. The girl was fifteen, she was brought in when she was ten. "Minka, are you okay?" a child's voice pondered. She nearly jumped, it was Alexei, "You scared me."

Alexei giggled. "Sorry." "You don't sound like you're sorry," Minka laughed. Alexei grinned innocently. "Where have you been?" "In Papa's study." "What were you doing in there?" "Reading," Alexei responded, stepping closer to Minka. "Minkalina, do you love me?" He looked up at her. "Why, of course I do, my little Tsarevich!" She crouched down and kissed his cheek. Alexei giggled once again and wrapped his arms around Minka's neck. "I love you too." He looked up at Anastasia. "You remind me of Anastasia, then there's times you'll remind me of Mama. Does that make any sense?"

"As much sense as me being a doppelganger," Minka chuckled. "Minka, do you ever think you'll change your middle name? Viktoriya is pretty, but even still, you look like one of us. I was wondering if papa was going to rename you at some point," Alexei smiled sweetly. Minka sighed, "Alexei, he didn't want me to get confused. I'm keeping the middle name of Viktoriya. It's a part of home." "And where is home?" the child pondered. Minka smiled, "Ufa, you were there last year. I had to make sure my father who doesn't act like a father wouldn't hurt you." Alexei giggled, "But I think the middle name of Nikolaevna would suit you." Minka shook her head, "Then you're taking Ufa out of the servant." "But isn't Ufa dying of famine?" Alexei wondered. Minka, knowing Alexei was right, nodded. "So why would you want to hold onto that? Here you'll be safe and fed," Alexei pointed out. Minka sighed, looking at Anastasia for help, only to find that she had left to get their papa. Minka sat down on the floor, defeated.

"Because Ufa is my home. It's where my brother and my parents are, and I love them very much. I may not like Ufa, but I do love my family who is living there," Minka explained. Alexei sat down on Minka's lap. "Your brother... Gleb, right?" "Yes, that's him," Minka chuckled. "He was the one that stole your hat!" "Yes, he was." "Do you always say 'yes'?" "Only when you're right." "Oh, okay," Alexei giggled. "What in Russia are you doing, Minkalina?" Alexandra chuckled as she approached the servant girl and her son. "Talking to Alexei," Minka grinned, looking up at the Tsarina.

"Minkalina, Niki and I were talking and we thought it best that we truly have you as a Romanov. You may do your duties, however, you are considered our child as well. After your childhood, you truly deserve it," Alexandra smiled as she took Alexei from Minka's lap, allowing her to stand. Minka sighed, "Your highness, I don't deserve anything. Just being here as a servant is enough." Alexandra looked at Minka, "Are you certain?" Minka blinked, "In all honesty, I don't know."

"Go find Anastasia. Walk, do not run," Alexandra instructed Alexei, who nodded. "What do you mean by that, Minkalina?" Alexandra put her hand on Minka's cheek. "Kindness is still sort of foreign to me," she nervously chuckled. "I've grown used to the kindness you all show, and it was sort of difficult for me to do that. To me, you show enough kindness to last me a lifetime already." "Walk with me?" Alexandra murmured. Minka agreed to it and walked alongside the Tsarina.

"I remember that night well, the night when Nicholas went out and carried you in. I remember instructing servants to keep you warm. I remember how Anastasia cried out. I remember how we were unsure if you were a boy or a girl. As soon as you recovered we knew. I wouldn't be surprised if you actually were a Romanov, but I understand that you aren't. It is a lovely thought," Alexandra smiled. Minka looked up at her, "I didn't know that you remembered that." Alexandra chuckled lightly, "One doesn't forget meeting someone like you. You are too sweet to be forgotten."

Minka flushed pink. "Um, thank you, Your Highness." Alexandra chuckled. "I... thought you wouldn't remember something like that." "I remember a lot of things, Minkalina," Alexandra spoke. "Like when Nicholas and the girls taught you how to dance, and when you fell off of Romeo because you wanted to make Anastasia happy." The Tsarina smiled at her. "You do?" Minka looked up at the Tsarina (she had been looking at the floor).

"Of course I do, and that's why you truly deserve to be a Romanov. Niki will be joining us shortly," Alexandra spoke. Minka blinked in surprise. Alexandra smiled down at the girl who had barely known kindness. "I don't feel like I..." Minka started, but her voice fell short. "It's alright if you don't know what to say. Niki and I have had to talk about this since the day you arrived," Alexandra explained to the fifteen year old girl.

Minka nervously chuckled. "Thank you, I guess." Alexandra smiled. "We've wanted to make you a Romanov for a long time now." The two stopped walking. "You do look like a Romanov, my dear." "I look like Anastasia," Minka giggled. "It's sort of fun being a doppelgänger. Well, it is until one of the guests at the ball look at you and say, 'Your Highness, what are you doing in a servant's outfit?'" Minka mocked one of the aristocratic men. Alexandra laughed. "You would figure they'd see her with her father, whirling around on the floor." "That is true," Minka laughed.

"Which is why we are considering calling you Minkalina Nikolaevna Romanov," a voice spoke. It had belonged to Nicholas. Minka jumped a bit in surprise at the voice. "Niki, you weren't supposed to frighten the girl," Alexandra remarked. Minka put her hand to her chest, panting, heart thundering faster than what it should be.

"I didn't mean to frighten you, Minkalina," Nicholas spoke, stepping closer to her. "It's alright," Minka panted. She tried to regain her composure, but couldn't seem to. "Is something wrong?" She shook her head. "I'll be alright in a moment." "Are you sure?" Alexandra queried. Minka nodded before leaning against the wall, trying to steady her breathing.

Seconds passed, slowly turning into minutes. Minka couldn't seem to calm herself. Thoughts flooded her mind. There were thoughts of her trapped in the closet, suffocating. There were thoughts of her going through hell and back. Alexandra looked to Nicholas, giving him the look that said Minka was having an emotional break down due to stress.

Minka squeezed her eyes shut, trying desperately hard to get rid of the memories. She tried thinking about something else, but that didn't work either. Her thoughts always went back to the closet and her time in Germany. Her breathing seemed to quicken, becoming sharp, short breaths. She couldn't calm herself, no matter how hard she tried.

Alexandra couldn't help but look on helplessly as Minka struggled to calm herself. The Tsarina turned to Nicholas, uttering, "You have to calm her." Minka continued crying. Her breathing was irregular. It skipped every so often.

"Shh, shh, it's alright," Nicholas spoke softly, his voice nearly a whisper. He pulled her into his arms, allowing the girl to cry into his chest. "Shh, Minkalina, shh." He rubbed her back and tried to comfort her. Her breathing continued to grow worse. "Oh God, it's getting worse," he mumbled. He turned to Alexandra. "I'll go send one of the servants for the doctor." Nicholas lifted Minka and hurried to her room. Minka continued to cry after he set her down on her bed. "Calm down, Minkalina. It's alright, you're safe now."

Minka tried to keep her breath steady. She tried to make her mind go to different places. Everything was getting muddled and Minka, growing overwhelmed, went unconscious. Her breathing was still ragged as her eyes closed.

Nicholas laid her back, her head resting on the pillow. He smoothed the child's hair back. "Is she alright, Niki?" Alexandra entered the room hurriedly. "No," he sighed. "She's unconscious." The Tsar And Tsarina never left the room. Minka started to writhe around, much like she had when she was in Germany. She started to whimper.

"Shh... shh... it's okay. You're safe. You aren't in Germany anymore. You'll be okay," Nicholas whispered. He sighed and tried his best to keep the girl calm. Quietly he began to sing the Romanov lullaby, hoping to give the girl some hope. "Niki, isn't that---" Alexandra began, but cut herself off as she saw it wasn't working.

"Let me go!" Minka cried out. Nicholas wasn't sure as to what he was supposed to do. "Let me go! I want to go home!" "Minkalina, shh, it's alright." Minka whined, her breathing still irregular. "What do I do?" Nicholas looked to Alexandra.

Alexandra remained wordless. There was a struggle for words. "Niki, didn't you tell me she was hurt in Germany?" Alexandra pondered. Nicholas nodded. "What if she's remembering what happened to her? What if she's having terrible memories of the events? If that's the case, we have to wake her up," Alexandra whispered.

Nicholas looked at Minka. "And if she won't wake up?" Nicholas mumbled. "We'll worry about that if it happens," Alexandra responded. Nicholas gently shook Minka's shoulder. "Minkalina, wake up!" He sighed when she didn't. He tried shaking her shoulder a little harder. "Minkalina!" Minka's eyes shot open.

Her head went back to the Tsar's chest as she cried. Nicholas, surprised at the action, held her close. "Shh... shh..." he whispered, rubbing her back. Alexandra sighed and sat down near the two. Minka continued to try and steady her breath, failing with every attempt.

"It's alright, Minkalina," he cooed softly. Minka whimpered like a child as she tried to steady her breathing. "Shh..." Minka couldn't seem to control anything at that moment. Her eyes were flooded with tears, her breathing was still irregular, her emotions overwhelmed her. "It's alright, Minka, I promise," Nicholas whispered.

Alexandra sighed, seeing how the girl was trembling. "Niki, I think she should rest," Alexandra spoke, seeing how Minka was rather tired. Minka tried desperately to keep herself awake. "Minkalina, you need to rest. You collapsed earlier," Nicholas whispered. "But I don't want to..." Minka protested.

"But you need to, my darling." "I don't want to close my eyes again," she mumbled, fighting to keep herself awake. "I know, Minkalina, but you need to rest," Nicholas whispered. Minka didn't say anything. She was too busy trying to keep herself awake. "It's alright, Minkalina. You're safe here. Why don't you rest now, hm?"

Minka's eyes grew heavy. Her eyes closed once again. Nicholas smiled, putting the girl's head down on the pillow. "The doctor should be here shortly. We'll soon know what caused her to get that way. She'll soon be able to breathe. I hope," he whispered, looking at Alexandra.

Alexandra nodded, "I hope so." Nicholas sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing Minka's scarred hand. Though she wasn't breathing correctly, Minka seemed to be at peace. His thumb traced each scar on her hand. Nicholas shook his head.

Alexandra took note of that and her brow raised, "Niki, what happened to her hand?" Nicholas explained everything that happened to the child. He told Alexandra that Minka went through something no child should. Alexandra shook her head. "How could anyone do that?" she wondered. "I don't know. It surprised me when I learned. The poor girl," Nicholas sighed.

"Your Highness," one of the servants hastily bowed. "The doctor's here. Do you want me to send him up?" "Yes," Alexandra spoke quietly. She nodded. A moment later, the doctor entered the room. He set his bag down and opened it. "What's the problem?" he queried.

"Our daughter," Nicholas whispered. He had never called Minka his child before, but now it seemed appropriate. "She can't breathe properly," he spoke. There was concern in his voice as he smoothed Minka's hair back. "She's been having nightmares and all of a sudden she just started to have irregular breaths. I knew she was scared of some things, but I never meant to startle her."

The man nodded. He walked over to Minka and lifted her arm, checking her pulse. "Her pulse is a little too quick," he mumbled. He grabbed his stethoscope and placed it to Minka's chest. The cold metal made Minka stir. "Her heart is beating too fast. It seems like something that has to do with anxiety."

Alexandra looked down. "Anxiety?" she pondered. The word felt strange to her. It was hard for her to process. Nicholas eyed the doctor. "Are you saying our daughter has gone mad?" Nicholas inquired.

"Not at all. What I'm saying is that the anxiety has caused something that even the slightest scare can send her into an attack like the one she had. If something...tragic, for lack of a better term, happened to her, it's caused something to change in her," the doctor explained. He caught sight of Minka's hand. "The twin experiments?" Nicholas nodded.

"The twin experiments?" Alexandra pondered. The doctor nodded. "It was rather barbaric. The girl was nothing more than a laboratory rat. She was poked and prodded. There was a test that was done, numerous ones to be exact. Doctors in Germany believed that twins had the secret to immortality. The test that was done on Minka was the test to see how long it would take her to heal. Doctors sliced her hand in three places. Minka, not wanting to die in Germany, escaped. Her hand bleeding, she went back to Russia on foot," the doctor explained. Alexandra put a hand to her mouth, holding in a gasp.

"How could you do that to a child?" Nicholas whispered. The doctor continued to examine Minka, just to make sure she hadn't made herself ill. "I've wondered the same thing for years," he sighed. "Not a lot of foreigners survived. You're lucky to have her here with you." "So I've been told," Nicholas mumbled.

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

Gleb looked at his sister. "Are you remembering the past?" he inquired. Minka looked down as she slid out of the bed. She nodded. "You always had roots in the past yet your eyes were always looking ahead. I admire that," Gleb smiled, patting her head. Minka sighed, "One more day and it's over." Gleb sighed, "One more day until I see Anya as the Grand Duchess you say she is."

Minka looked back at Gleb. "This will work," she murmured. "I know it will." "I have no doubt of that. I want you to be careful while you're in Russia, do you understand me?" Minka nodded. "Gleb... do you think she's Anastasia?" "I do," he nodded. "From what you've told me, Anya is Anastasia." Minka grabbed her shirt and skirt. "How much do you love her?"

"I love her more than Russia herself," Gleb whispered. Minka smiled, "Gleb's in love." Gleb chuckled, "You're playful as a child, no longer a waif who needs protection. We both show affection. I see it now." Minka giggled as though she were a girl in school once again. "If Anya says yes, and she and I stay in Paris, I will miss your laughter." "Gleb, you know Dmitry and I will return when we can. I just have to deliver your last wish and then we'll return."

"Yes, but who knows how long you'll be stuck there," Gleb pointed out. "A week at most," Minka murmured. "Turn around so I can change, Glebby." He chuckled and turned toward the window, his back to his sister. "You know, Gleb, I wasn't worried about returning to Russia until you said that. You make me stress." Minka buttoned her shirt, then pulled her skirt on. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry."

Minka sighed, "I'm going to go check on Vlad, Anya, and Dima, alright?" Gleb nodded, "Just be back in this room by one. I know you, you take hours to get ready." Minka chuckled as she headed for the door, "I will be, I promise." She opened the door to the hotel room that she and her brother shared, stepped out, then closed it, heading over to the room of three, but could fit four. She knocked on the door.

Dmitry pulled the door open. "Minka," he smiled. "Come in." Minka walked inside the room, and waved at Anya and Vlad. "What brings you here?" "I'm free until one," she shrugged. Dmitry sat down, the pulled Minka down beside him. "Minka, why didn't you tell us?" he inquired. "I was afraid to," Minka whispered, knowing what he was talking about. "You could have just told us, Minka. We wouldn't have viewed you any differently," Vlad spoke up. Minka glanced at the three of them. "I'm sorry."

Anya looked at the three. She spoke, "Dmitry, didn't you say earlier that you were alright with the uniform? You said it made you feel assured that she could take care of herself." Minka flushed bright red. "You did say that, Dmitry," Vlad smiled. Aww, Dima thinks I can take care of him as well as myself, Minka thought, smiling to herself.

"I know she can take care of herself. She went after men taller and stronger than her with a stick," Dmitry spoke. They all laughed. "After that she and her brother somehow got themselves thrown in a cell, but she can take care of herself." "He insulted me after General Gorlinsky told both of us not to insult the other or we'd end up in a cell for two days," Minka laughed. "The Vaganov twins seem to always be insulting each other," Anya mumbled. "Not always. Usually," Minka murmured.

Vlad laughed, "Even when on duty you two are Double Trouble." Minka sighed, "Please don't use that name. Gorlinsky always uses it and it annoys us." Dmitry chuckled, "I think it's cute. There's two of you, and you can be trouble. Double Trouble, it makes sense." Minka sighed. Anya widened her eyes and blushed. She had no idea Gleb could tease someone or have a bit of humor.

"It's not cute when he plays fashion police," Minka groaned. "Oh, when was this?" Anya spoke up. "Last night," Minka mumbled, scratching the top of her head. "What happened after you sent Dmitry away?" Vlad chuckled. "Well, I chose a strapless dress, right? No sleeves or anything. I couldn't get it because he didn't like it. He would kill me if I told you which dress I got, but I'll tell you that it's red."

"What else happened?" Vlad inquired. "Let's see, first there was dress shopping, which you knew. He forced me to buy flats. He dragged me back to the hotel room. He combed out the tangles. He braided it. Of course, he did one thing I didn't like. He decided he would cut my hair," Minka groaned. "Brother or dictator?" Dmitry joked. "Shut up," Minka grumbled. "I'm kidding."

"I mean really I shouldn't be complaining. That idiot saved my life," Minka mumbled. Vlad and Dmitry raised their brows. "What do you mean by that?" Anya questioned. "Two German giants—I mean doctors from... you know... showed up. They tried to take us, one had grabbed me and Gleb had his pistol. He shot one and knocked the other unconscious. They were going to kill us, and that idiot saved our skins."

Dmitry heard 'German' and quickly pulled Minka into a warm embrace. He fiddled with her hair. He couldn't help but sway her slightly. "I'm so glad you're safe," he spoke, putting his chin on her head. "You must've been frightened," he said smoothly. "I was," Minka murmured, her lip quivering.

"I thought he emptied the pistol," Vlad spoke. "I'm glad he didn't listen. His stubbornness ended up saving us." Minka picked at her fingernails. "Even though he won't admit it, I think he was frightened," Minka muttered. "Exactly how tall were these men?" Dmitry asked. "Taller than Gleb. He refers to them as 'German giants'." "Gleb is how tall?" Anya queried with wide eyes. "Six foot," Minka responded. "Yes, they're definitely giants, then." "Anya's like five foot four, of course they're giants to her," Dmitry chuckled. "Oh, leave Anya alone," Minka rolled her eyes.

"Vlad, how tall is Minka?" Anya inquired. Minka sighed. "She fits right into Dmitry's chin," Anya spoke. Vlad sighed, remembering how Minka was feeling discouraged last night when searching for a dress. "I'll just say this. Minka is taller than average. Most people from Russia thought she was German when they saw her. I remember when I asked the Tsar if I could take her out for a walk when she was around sixteen. She was already five foot four at that age. Anastasia was just four foot three. I think you should get the picture," the Count spoke.

Anya nodded. "Was your brother upset last night?" Dmitry murmured. "Sort of. I told him about the time I tried to sneak across the border," Minka admitted. "When was this?" Dmitry laughed. "1918," she muttered. "Guilt was eating at me and I needed a change, so I tried to sneak across the border. Gleb came along and I pretended to be border control." "Dmitry, what time is it?" Anya questioned.

"It's almost one, princess," Dmitry smiled. Minka pulled away. She sighed and headed back to the room she and Gleb shared. Anya sighed. "We all need to get ready for tonight," Vlad smiled. "Dmitry, you will just adore how Minka looks," Vlad teased. Dmitry blushed. "Don't spoil it for him, Vlad," Minka warned. "I won't Bolshevik Princess," Vlad chuckled. "It's better than it just being princess," Minka sighed as she left the room.

Minka slipped inside Gleb's room, closing the door behind her. "You're early," he mumbled, glancing up at her. "I thought I'd save three minutes of your time by showing up on time," Minka grinned sarcastically. Gleb laughed. "You're right. You saved me a lot of time. Sit down, we've got to figure out what to do with your hair." Minka sat down beside him.

Gleb smiled at his sister. "You have to know, whatever we do with it, it'll look nice. You have to trust me," he whispered, moving his sister's hair to one shoulder. "This will do, we just have to figure out how to make it compliment the dress." Minka sighed, "Thank you, Gleb." Gleb smiled softly, "You know I would never lie to you."

Minka chuckled. "I'm sure you've lied to me at some point, Gleb." "Only when I had to, Minka." Minka put her head on his shoulder and sighed, "Do you think it'll go well?" "It might, then again, it might not. No one really knows. If Anya is Anastasia, the Dowager Empress would certainly know, wouldn't she?" Minka nodded. "The Dowager has been hurt, Gleb. First, her family died. Then there were rumors... rumors that gave her hope. She's seen so many imposters." "And you might have found the real Grand Duchess."

Minka sighed, thinking about that night she spoke to the Dowager for hours. She heard the Dowager Empress mention a place known as Cleveland. "Gleb, one of the imposters was from Cleveland," Minka sighed. "Where is Cleveland?" Gleb pondered. "I don't know, but it sounds like a dreadful place." The two Vaganov twins chuckled. "That it does," Gleb laughed.

"You need to get ready, my dear," Gleb chuckled. "Do I have to?" Minka groaned. "Yes. Now go change. It'll take us forever to get your hair right." Minka laughed and grabbed the bag the dress was in. She set it on her bed and pulled it out. "Dmitry will love it," Gleb spoke quietly. Minka's cheeks flushed pink. "Shut up," she giggled, looking for something to throw at Gleb. He laughed. "You know I'm right."

"I know you are, you idiot," Minka sighed. "Can you please turn around so I can change?" Minka inquired. Gleb nodded, "Of course princess." "Stop teasing me." Gleb laughed and turned around. Minka took her shirt and skirt off, exchanging them for the red dress. She almost smiled. Gleb was right. She had the feeling that Dmitry would like the dress. Shortly after she slipped the black flats on. "I hate when you're right," she grumbled quietly. "You can turn around, Gleb."

"You look like a princess," Gleb smiled. "Shut up and help me," Minka laughed. "Help you become a princess?" Gleb joked. "No, help me with my hair." She gently hit his arm. "Alright, alright, you don't have to hit me." Minka raised a brow. "Very seldom do you have to hit me," he corrected. "That's better."

"Take note, I may look like a bit like our mother, but I have a temper and I don't like it when you call me princess," Minka grumbled. Gleb chuckled, "I know. I know, Minka. Now, will you act like the lady that you are?" Minka groaned as she sat on the bed. "Thank you."

She crossed her arms and sighed. "Sit up straight." Minka straightened her posture. "Let's see... what if we pinned it on this side and around the back of your head?" Minka looked up at Gleb. "As long as it doesn't look stupid." "It won't look stupid," he rolled his eyes. "You've got to hold still, though."

Minka rolled her eyes. "Ladies don't roll their eyes, Minka," Gleb scolded. She started to fidget. "Minka, hold still, please. You're making this impossible. I don't want to mess up," Gleb sighed as he went behind his sister. Minka sighed, still fidgeting. "You're just like a child," he sighed. Minka groaned as she grew fed up with her brother. "I love you, too Minka." Minka sighed, "I didn't say anything." "And I don't care, now sit still."

Minka sat still for what felt like hours. When Gleb finally finished, he sighed in relief. "You have so much hair," he laughed. "I know," Minka chuckled. Gleb walked around to where he faced her. "You look beautiful, Mink." Minka blushed and looked down. "Um... thank you," she stammered. Gleb chuckled and kissed her forehead. Minka smiled at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Russian Ballet~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minka was outside with Gleb. The two looked in. Minka saw Dmitry in a black suit, Anya in a blue dress. Minka's jaw dropped. Gleb was awestruck when he saw Anya. It was then he saw how Minka was right. Anya was Anastasia. My Anastasia, the girl who I loved, even when I thought she was dead. I saw her in the Ipatiev House thirteen years ago, she was lovely then, she's even lovelier now, Gleb thought. Minka sighed, her mind also wandering, Dima, I never thought I'd see you in a suit again.

The two glanced at each other before entering. Vlad raised a brow and smiled when he saw them. "Oh my God, Minkalina, you look beautiful!" Anya hurried to Minka. That caught Dmitry's attention. He looked up and saw her. My God, she's beautiful. Minka was too busy talking to Anya to notice that Gleb had left her side.

Minka didn't notice Dmitry staring. "I must say, red suits you," Vlad remarked. "I see why you didn't come with us. I would've asked you to wear blue and requested that you wear heels. Seeing you now, I can tell you don't need them." Minka's cheeks flushed red, "Count Popov, you are too kind." "It's the least I could say," Vlad chuckled. "No, the least you could say is nothing," Minka chuckled. She felt a tap on her shoulder. She knew it well. Dmitry.

She turned around. "Yes, Dima?" Minka smiled at him. "Y-you look, um, beautiful," Dmitry stumbled over his words. "Thank you. You look handsome." "I've made a fool of myself, haven't I?" he whispered. "No, you haven't."

"Why don't you two recreate the night you shared?" Vlad suggested, unaware that Gleb would be watching. Minka smiled at Dmitry, "Do you want to?" Dmitry took her left hand in his, right hand on her waist. Minka moved her hand to his shoulder. "I think that is a yes. Anya, why don't we find our seats," Vlad spoke and led Anya away. Gleb watched as his sister was in the con man's arms. He sighed, trying to collect himself.

"It's one, two, three, and suddenly I see it at a glance. She's radiant, confident, and born to take this chance. I taught her well. I planned it all. I just forgot... romance. Gleb, how could you do this? How will we get through this? I never should have let them... dance..." Gleb mumbled to himself.

Minka pulled away from Dmitry as they stopped. Minka turned on her heel and went to go find her seat with Gleb. "Dima, how did you not know? How did you let your heart show... at least she and I could dance..." Dmitry spoke to himself as he walked to find his seat.

Minka sat down beside Gleb, wringing her hands anxiously. "Don't be so nervous. It'll all work out, you'll see." Gleb whispered. Minka shot him an uncertain glance. She could see Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad from where they were sitting.

Anya saw the Dowager Empress from her seat. She spoke to herself nervously, "Can this be the evening? Can this be the place? Am I only dreaming looking at her face? Everything I've wanted suddenly so clear! My past and and my future so near..." Gleb and Dmitry took note of how the girls beside them were holding onto their hands tightly. They muttered, "Next to me this frightened girl holding tight as the dancers whirl. Keep your nerve and see this through, it's what you've come to do..."

The Dowager glanced at Anya. "See that girl, could it be? Don't be ridiculous! I refuse to dream. I refuse to hope. I must stop believing I will ever find her," she sighed, closing her eyes. Gleb looked at Anya, sighing. "She's near at hand yet here I stand, my heart and mind at war. The times must change... the world must change. And love is not what revolution's for."

Gleb and Dmitry, though far away from each other, had a similar thought, "Someone holds her safe and warm. Someone rescues her from her storm. Simple things, but one thing's clear. It's fate that's brought us here." Minka's mind raced as she spoke under the two, "I would hold her safe and warm. Her illness was a frightening storm. Simple things, but one thing's clear. Confusion has brought me here."

Anya and the Dowager Empress murmured, "Painted wings, silver snow, whirling like a ballet. Things my heart used to know... Find a way Anastasia!" Dmitry glanced over at Anya. He was as hopeful as she was that she truly was the Grand Duchess.

Dmitry spoke, "Home, love, fam'ly. She will have all of it! I will help her find a way... Anastasia!" Gleb, seeing the similarities, felt his heart skip a beat, "Simple things. Simple things, and whatever I have to do, I'll do. Simple how simple men find a way, Anastasia!" Minka, knowing that Anya was her best friend, reverted to her thoughts as a servant girl. She smiled, feeling accomplished, "Servant girls know the truth. I have seen her grow... you'll find your way Anastasia!"

Minka's eyes flicked back to the stage when the audience started to clap. It's over. She and Gleb stood and walked to the lobby, where Dmitry and Vlad were standing. "How'd you get here so quick?" Minka chuckled. "We had to hurry. Lily said if we didn't, the Dowager would more than likely leave," Dmitry explained. He glanced at Gleb, who stood behind Minka. "Something wrong, Dima?" Minka murmured.

"Not at all," Dmitry lied smoothly. Gleb, recognizing Dmitry as the man who tried to get out of Leningrad many times, glared. Gleb shook his head and decided to throw Minka under the bus as a Bolshevik. "You would dare lie to a Bolshevik note taker," Gleb hissed.

"Gleb," Minka scolded, "stop it. He's not doing anything. Most people tried to get out of Russia many times while we were there. Besides that, you know what you told me to do." Gleb grumbled under his breath. "I wish I didn't." "If you didn't, you'd do something you'd regret." "I hate it when you're right."

Dmitry looked between the two. His hand reached out to Minka's. "Minka, just so you know, I don't think of you any different. You're still that girl I saw in Petersburg. I still care for you. I don't want you to feel as though I don't want to be seen near you, because I do." Minka smiled. "Do you want a life with me?" he asked. Minka blinked and nearly stumbled. "I'll have to think for a bit."

Vlad thought Gleb was going to kill Dmitry, so he dragged him outside. "I wonder why he's dragging my brother," Minka mumbled. "Probably because he was going to kill me," Dmitry chuckled. "You're probably right," Minka looked down at her feet, her cheeks tinted red. "Do you think he'll kill me if I say yes?" Minka looked up at him. "You haven't had time to think," Dmitry spoke.

"I know, but what if I say yes," Minka sighed. "Then you'd make me the happiest man alive," Dmitry chuckled. "It would be even better if Lily said yes to Vlad," Minka joked. "That it would." As if on cue, Lily had come to get Anya, bringing her to the Dowager. "I hope this works well," Minka sighed. Dmitry hushed the girl, thoughts rushing through his mind. "What are they saying. Wonder how long they'll be." Minka looked at him, "Why should you worry?" she pondered. Dmitry responded, "Worrying's not like me."

"It'll be alright," Minka spoke. The two were silent for a moment, nothing but Dmitry's pacing echoing off the walls. He stopped. "Nothing to do but pace and stew and wait till the girl walks in..." he mumbled. "Why panic now? With everything to win." Minka listened closely. "Nothing but silence... this could be bad," she uttered. "But no, let's assume it's good."

"Thought it was foolproof," Minka remarked. "Nothing is foolproof!" Dmitry added. "Whoa!" "Better knock on wood," the two spoke in unison. "Girl gets a family, boy gets rich," Dmitry started. "And a fairy tale gets a spin," Minka added. "I wonder if your paths will cross the way they did when she was eight and you were ten." "We said this was goodbye, but even so you never know, you never know," Dmitry sighed.

Minka glanced back toward the door, tapping her foot anxiously. "Do you really think it's going well, Dmitry?" She glanced up at him. "Maybe, there's a chance it isn't, but I think it is." "What happens if it isn't going well?" "We work harder than before. Anya is Anastasia. I know it."

Dmitry paced again, "I should be glad that we're breaking free, but nothing is what it was. I didn't know she mattered to me, but now I can see she does. Common man and princess get their wish. Fairy tale comes true. Funny, one small part I never knew, with everything to win, I didn't know I'd lose..." His voice faltered as he heard Anya's voice in his mind saying 'Home, love, family'. Dmitry sighed, "is you..." Minka got up from her seat and walked over to Dmitry, she put her hand on his shoulder. She spoke, "Home, love, family. I never wanted any of it until I met you."

"Minka?" His brows furrowed. "I've thought about it," she smiled at him. "Yes, Dmitry. The answer is yes." Dmitry smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You're not playing a cruel joke, are you?" Dmitry murmured. "No."

Anya stormed out, furious. "Do you know what she said. She said 'Get this con out of my sight.' I should've never trusted you three!" Anya yelled. Minka looked at her, "Your highness, I---" "Shut it. I don't want to hear another word from you. You tricked me into believing I was a princess." "Your highness, you are Anastasia. I told her. I knew you were. Only Anastasia would call me Minkalina. Only Anastasia would yell at me like that." "She's been hurt, and you made it worse!" Anya growled, leaving and heading back to the hotel.

"What do we do?" Dmitry whispered. "Nothing. Let her go. Give her time to calm down a little," Minka's voice trembled as she spoke. "How long do you think that will take?" Dmitry murmured. "An hour, maybe two, if we're lucky." She looked over and saw Lily. "What happened in there?"

"I'm sorry. The Dowager couldn't handle it. Her heart has already been broken. She now believes that Anastasia has passed away. I didn't want to tell you this last night, but it seems that I had to. It's been hard for her," Lily explained. Minka sighed in defeat.

"The thing is, Lily, that was her," Minka whispered. "I... don't know what to do anymore. I failed." Minka pulled at a loose strand of hair. "Gleb is going to kill me, Anya hates me... Why did I get myself into this mess?" "Because you thought it was the right thing to do," Dmitry whispered.

"Lily, may I speak with the Dowager?" Minka inquired. Lily glanced at Minka and slowly nodded. "Just be warned. The Dowager isn't in a particularly good mood," Lily spoke. Minka nodded and looked to Dmitry, "I'll be back shortly." "Don't take too long," Dmitry whispered, tucking the loose strand behind her ear and kissing her cheek. Minka blushed and walked away, going to talk to the Dowager. "Nana..." Minka breathed.

"Minkalina," she glanced at her. "What are you doing here?" "I'm here to talk to you." Minka sat down in the seat beside the Dowager. "About?" "Anya." "The con?" the Dowager widened her eyes. "She's not a con, Nana. She's the real Anastasia. Give her a chance, please?" The Dowager sighed and rubbed her temples. "I'm too old for this," she mumbled before taking a deep breath. "Alright. I'll talk to her. Where is she?" "Back at the hotel."