Chapter 2: Meeting Anya

It was morning in Leningrad, and once again the skies held nothing else but clouds that were grey. Minka sighed as she was out on the streets again, patrolling with her brother, who was again making promises. "I hear you comrades, the revolution hears you. Together we will forge a new Russia, one that will be the envy of all the world. The Tsar's St. Petersburg is now the people's Leningrad. Too long we've lived in a life of inequality, neighbors against each other." Minka wrote every word that was being said by Gleb. That was the one thing she was told to do. Write down what her brother was saying and then go from there.

Minka turned and saw Dmitry and Vlad at the corner of the street, near one of the barrels that had a fire inside it. Gleb stepped down and wrapped an arm around Minka's shoulders, reading what she had written down. "What?" Minka questioned, slapping his hand. "I was just reading it," Gleb mumbled, letting his arm fall back down to his side.

"Why would you want to read what you had just said? That's all that's happened so far, no trouble has been caused," Minka explained. "I'm just making sure that you are doing your job. I can't have you going against me. Imagine how that would look," Gleb told his sister. "It would look terrible on both our ends," she responded. "Exactly," Gleb spoke.

Minka rolled her eyes. "I doubt there will be any trouble with you around," she stated. "Never doubt con men, Minka," Gleb sighed. Gleb walked off, leaving Minka alone. Dmitry and Vlad approached her, smiling at her. "So that's your brother," Dmitry laughed. "The one and only Gleb Vaganov. I end up with him as my twin brother."

"Okay, so how do we do this?" Minka questioned, removing the jacket that signified she was a Bolshevik, revealing a blue longsleeve top with hints of red around the collar, a red skirt to be paired with it. "Do either of you believe in fairy tales?" Dmitry questioned. Both Minka and Vlad spoke in unison, "Once upon a time we did." "We're going to create a fairy tale the whole world will believe," Dmitry began, "Now it's risky, but not more than usual. We'll need papers, we'll need tickets, we'll need nerves of steel." Vlad sighed, counteracting what Dmitry just said, "Yes, it's risky, a lot more than usual." Dmitry sighed, "We need to cross the border with our princess and our plot. Hopefully disaster won't ensue. With luck it all goes smoothly..." Minka butted in, "And with luck we won't be shot." The three nearly sang in unison, "Who else could pull it off but the three of us?" Minka had finally been sold on the idea, "Alright, you finally reeled me in." Dmitry and Vlad smiled. "Fantastic. And they'll never suspect a thi--are you wearing blue?" Vlad questioned. "Yes, but it has hints of red," Minka responded.

"Does your brother know you're wearing blue?" Dmitry questioned. "No, he does not. And I wouldn't care if he did," Minka murmured. Vlad chuckled and pointed behind her to her brother. Minka quickly pulled her coat back on and acted as though she had simply been asking them how they were. "I need the notes from the other day," Gleb mumbled. "I'm being sent to the Yusopov Palace." Minka nodded and pulled the pad out. "Give it back when you come home." Gleb nodded and hurried off.

"Lucky for him, we've cleared the area, we won't be in the Yusapov Palace until he leaves. He only goes through empty palaces for half an hour so we can just figure out who exactly could portray our lost princess," Minka assured. Dmitry shot her a glance, "And how would you know, little miss note taker?" Minka spat, "Because I've had to follow him into empty palaces before. He leaves no stone unturned, but it doesn't take him long. It's always a relief when I know I won't be writing for hours on end. It keeps me calm." Vlad looked between the two, "Am I sensing a spark of romance?" Dmitry and Minka quickly responded, "No. No spark here."

Vlad raised a brow, but didn't say anything. She turned to see if Gleb was out of sight and ended up knocking a streetsweeper down. "Oh! I am so sorry!" She helped her to her feet. "I didn't see you there." The young woman hurriedly brushed herself off. "It's alright. No harm done."

Minka saw the girl's face, it reminded her of Anastasia's when she made the promise to take her to Ufa so many years ago. She didn't shake the memory. She held it dear, every moment she spent with the Romanov family was to be treasured. She had no idea how little the Romanovs knew of the people in Ufa, and how they thought that the famine didn't harm that many people. She remembered the age very clearly, Anastasia was only ten, Minka was fourteen, and Alexei was six. Oh, how that day changed them so much.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1910, Ufa~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       "Minka, dear, would you mind going to Anastasia's room for a while?" Alexandra questioned as she approached the teenage Minka. Minka nodded, took Alexei's hand, and led him to Anastasia's room. "Your Highness, I've been requested to come here for a while," Minka muttered when she entered the room (as a result of chasing Alexei).

    "I was wondering if we could go to Ufa with you?" Anastasia questioned. Minka sighed, "If I take you with me, you'll have to convince everyone to come along with us. Your mother, father, sisters, I already know Alexei would be up for it. He'll just have to stay close to me and you'll have to not act like royalty. There are people in Ufa who do not like you. Don't worry, you'll be with me. I will keep you safe."

      Anastasia hurriedly nodded. "Oh, I will! I'll convince Mama and Papa and Tatiana and Olga and Maria! We'll have fun!" Minka laughed at her excitement. "But remember, Anastasia, you can't act like royalty," Minka reminded her. The Grand Duchess nodded quickly. "Minka, I'm tired," Alexei whined, holding his arms out to Minka. She picked the child up and sat down in one of the chairs in the room, rocking back and forth and singing a quiet lullaby to him.

    "Sleep well. If all goes well, we'll be in Ufa before you even know it. You must be so tired," Minka cooed, running her fingers through his hair. "You will soon know where I grew up. It will be safe as long as I am at your side, protecting you. I know Ufa doesn't have much to offer now, but I can assure you, I will try to get what we need to survive there. There's water, a clean river. I have a friend there. I don't know if he's still living there, but if he is, I'm sure he'll let us stay with he and his family."

       Anastasia inched closer once Alexei had dozed off. "What about your brother?" she questioned quietly. "I guess I could see him while I'm there. I just... I don't want to break his heart when I leave again," Minka sighed.

    "I understand. I know that must be hard," Anastasia said to Minka. "I'll talk to Mama and Papa to see if they want to go this time. I know they might want to see what your life was like for six years. I'm curious, Peterhof and Petersburg is all that I've known. I've never been to the Volga district before," Anastasia told Minka, still continuing on with her excitement. Minka looked down at the sleeping Alexei before looking at Anastasia, "Just be prepared for the scent of decay. That's all I can say. Last I heard, it's still going through the famine." Anastasia nodded and headed off to talk to her mother and father, begging them to go to Ufa.

       Minka sat alone in the room for a few moments. She heard several squeals and then heels clicking against the marble floor as someone ran down the hallway. The swish of skirts told her it was Anastasia and her sisters. "We get to go!"

    "Just stay by my side and don't wander off. I know there may be men you want to get to know, but not all of them are kind. There are only two who are kind hearted, my brother and the friend I left behind. My friend from Ufa, Shira, will let anyone in and his family just adores you," Minka sighed. "Can we still act like royalty?" Olga inquired. "Yes, if you want to get shot," Minka spoke. "So your answer is no. I can't protect a royal family in my own home city if they're killed on the spot. And we can't risk anything terrible happening to Alexei," Minka explained.

        The three girls nodded. "And I'm hoping you have something more... common-like to change into," Minka muttered, eying the lavish gowns the Romanov sisters were wearing. "Oh! I do!" The girls started to speak excitedly. Anastasia had hurried off to the closet in the room. "Here, I got these for all of us when I went out last week," she explained before tossing one of the dresses to each of her sisters. "Is this common enough, Minka?" Minka nodded.

    "Make sure your mother and father come as well. I can't be responsible for all five of you on my own. You'll need them, and they need to see what is really happening in Ufa," Minka told the girls as she saw Alexei was starting to wake up. "What Alexei has on is common enough. Your mother and father also have to look like they are just commoners as well. It's just for a day or a week, however long I stay this time. All of you would love Shira, though. He's a sweet man, and he's... well... let's just say before I left, he had said 'Minka, when we're older, I would like you to be the one who will be at my side forever and always.'" Maria looked at Minka, "Are you saying that he asked you to marry him?" Minka nodded, face turning bright red. "Minka, who knew you would have had a..." Tatiana started, but was cut off by four other footsteps, footsteps that belonged to the Tsar and Tsarina.

       "Minka," Alexandra smiled, smoothing the skirt of her dress. "Your Highness," she nodded, since she couldn't stand and bow. "I'm hoping you can tell us how to dress?" Nicholas inquired. "Dress like the common folk in Petersburg, Your Highness." They then caught sight of Anastasia, who was twirling around in the dress she had put on. Nicholas laughed and ran over to her, picking her up and spinning her around. Alexandra walked over to Minka and pulled a chair up beside her.

        "If Shira is still alive, we will be staying with him. He's one of the few that don't mind you," Minka told Alexandra. "If you were to stay with my family nothing good would come out of it." Alexandra sighed and looked at Minka, sitting beside her, "How long is the train ride from here to Ufa?" Minka looked up and quickly responded, "Just two hours." "And yet it took you two months to walk here?" Alexandra queried, raising a brow. Minka sighed, "Ufa is a long way from Petersburg, you should know by now." Tatiana looked at Minka, "Alright, this is the fourth time you've mentioned Shira. Who is he?" Minka started to become even more red. "I'll tell you... you've finally earned the right to know. Shira is... well, he's what you royals would call a suitor. He and I, if he lives up to 1914, are sort of, a couple of sorts. He proposed when I was eight, he was eleven. I said yes," Minka explained.

       The family smiled at her. Minka turned her attention to Alexei, who stirred in his sleep. "Ufa... oh, can you believe it, Tatiana?" Olga exclaimed. The girls giggled and the Tsar raised his brows. "Well, I think it would be best if I go and find something suitable to wear," Alexandra spoke softly. "Oh, and Your Highness!" Nicholas and Alexandra turned and faced her. "Whatever you do, do not act like royalty."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    It had been a few hours, the family and their servant had arrived in Ufa, and of course, the scent of decaying animals plagued the air. Minka sighed, she had worn something that appeared to be somewhat militaristic. "This is it, Ufa," Minka spoke, used to the smell of the dying animals on the streets. "Don't worry, we'll be here for a week, you'll get used to the smell of animals dying. It's not just people," Minka sighed, then heard a voice from afar. "Minka!" the voice cried out. Minka turned, seeing the Bolshevik jacket she automatically knew who it was. It was Shira. She ran up to him, hugging him tight. "Shira!" Minka said excitedly. "Oh my gosh, how I've missed you," Minka spoke, voice muffled from herself burying her head in his chest.

        "Minka, listen to me, it's all differ—" Shira was cut off when Minka saw someone behind him who called her name. Shira watched as her face brightened and she ran toward the boy. "Gleb!" Her arms fling around him, and he kissed her forehead. "Where have you been, Minka?" Gleb whispered. "Working. Come on," she muttered excitedly. Gleb laughed at her excitement and followed her back to where Shira and the Romanovs were standing.

    "Gleb, you don't have to worry. I know what will happen if they stay more than a week, and I know what father is going to do. The uprising in Ufa starts tonight, and yes, I know father will want me there to use me as an example for who knows what and who knows why," Minka sighed. "They're just commoners, like us, you don't have to worry, Gleb Vaganov," Shira told the boy who one day dreamed of being Deputy Commissioner. "They'll stay at Minka's side if they know what's good for them," Shira continued, voice stern. "And one day, we will overthrow the Romanovs and together we can forge a new Russia, one that will have equality. The Russia your sister embodies now. A Russia where there is hope for us." Minka gulped, this wasn't the Shira she had known, he had changed.

        She glanced quickly at the family who glanced at her as well. "Very well. Welcome to Ufa," Gleb nodded. "It's not the best of places, but it's home." Minka forced a chuckle. Gleb turned her around and took the cap off of her head, grinning as he held it high above his head. "Gleb! Give it back!" She jumped for it, much to Alexei's delight. He giggled as the two siblings bickered over Minka's cap. "Gleb Konstanin Vaganov! Give it back!" He backed away slowly and laughed. "Why don't you come get it?"

    Minka groaned, and started to run. "Consider it a leap for the new Russia," Gleb stated, unaware of the footsteps that were approaching behind him. Minka still ran up to Gleb and jumped, managing to grab the hat out of her brother's hand. "And this is how you plan on starting the new Russia, joking around?" their father spoke sternly, looming over the two twins. "I would've expected this from you, Minka Viktoriya, though I wouldn't have expected that from you, Gleb. Stop with the games and take this seriously. The Neva flows, a new wind blows, and soon it will be spring, the leaves unfold, the Tsar will lie cold. Be careful what a dream will bring. A revolution is a simple thing!" their father said in a voice that could intimidate anyone.

       Minka gulped, as did Gleb. "It was a joke, Father," Gleb murmured, hanging his head. Konstanin shook his head and whacked the back of Gleb's head. "The revolution is no joke, Gleb!" He then turned his attention to Minka. "Where have you been?" Minka hung her head and muttered, "Working." She felt intimidated by her father. She always had. Their father wasn't a loving person, but they knew he loved them to some degree.

    "Let me guess, I'm needed again," Minka sighed, knowing that every time she came home her father needed her to use as a note taker for everything he said. "Yes, the only time you aren't useless is when you're taking notes. I hear in four years someone else will be in power. Someone named Vladimir Lenin, he will need someone like you. Every time I say something, you listen. And once all of this is done, I want you to turn this into him. It is your job while you are here. I would've had Gleb do it, but he's so caught up on his dream of being Deputy Commissioner that I would rather have someone who is dedicated. Don't mess this up and you eat, mess up even the tiniest punctuation mark and you're back in that closet begging for scraps," Konstanin spoke, intimidating his daughter.

       "Yes, Father," Minka whispered. She didn't dare to look up at him. He gave a firm nod, turned on his heel, and left. The Vaganov twins didn't move until their father was out of sight. "Minka," Alexei murmured. She turned and faced him. He walked up to her, fear present in his eyes. He didn't understand anything that had happened, but he knew it scared her. She chuckled and picked him up, kissing his pale cheek. "What's all that mean?" Minka ruffled his hair and murmured, "Do not worry about it, my darling. I've got to do something while I'm here, that is all." Gleb raised a brow. "I'd worry about it," he muttered under his breath. Minka firmly punched his arm. "Ow! Sorry."

    "Temper, Minka, temper," Shira warned, then looked to the Romanov family. "You really want to know what that is about? I would fear for your life. There is nothing good about what Konstanin had just said. He is the harshest person you will meet. One time, he got into a fight with a man and punched him until he bled, he didn't even care that the man had hemophilia, which I know may plague your boy. I would be careful. Do not make eye contact with anyone. It is no longer safe here in Ufa. It's a cold, cruel, state we live in now, and I'd rather you not mention how pleasant things may be, because here they are not," said Shira, growing more and more frightening by the moment. "And Minka, we are no longer together. Since you do not like to listen, you are learning a lesson. Our courtship is over." Minka's heart had sank, "But---" she started. Shira cut her off, "No buts. I'm serious. It's over and done," and stormed off. Minka softly said to herself, voice near singing, "One day you will learn and you will burn like my heart burns... you could've been my angel and rescued me." Tears fell from her eyes. Her heart felt like it had shattered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Leningrad~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       "Minka," Dmitry snapped his fingers in front of her face. She blinked and shook her head. "I'm sorry," she murmured, "I don't know what came over me."

    "He's leaving the Yusapov Palace," Vlad whispered. "Now's our chance to go." Minka saw her brother was leaving and smiled. "Oh, thank the Ts---" she cut herself off when she saw him pass, "Uh. Lenin, thank Lenin that we have equality." Gleb saw how his sister was fumbling. He chuckled, "How cute, you fumbled. I remember that day when I saw you on these streets twelve years ago. You could barely speak. It was quite humorous to watch and listen to."

       "Hush," Minka muttered, her cheeks flushed red. Gleb laughed and handed her the pad of paper. Minka shoved it in her pocket and looked up at him. "Oh, Minka, can you do something for me?" Gleb questioned. "I suppose," she shrugged in response. "Stay out of trouble, please. I'm going to trust you for a few hours."

    "You can count on me," Minka smiled, then watched him leave. She fiddled with her thumbs in her pocket. Vlad looked at her, "What was he talking about when he said you were cute when you fumbled over your words?" Minka stared at Vlad, never really wanting to say what happened, but she did eventually tell him. It was almost as though she had a second chance to prove herself. How hard could it be?

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

       Gleb wandered the streets of Leningrad, thankful for the new world he would be able to live in, one where everyone was equal. He saw his sister Minka and hurried up to her.

    Minka was nearly frozen, she had been on the streets for a year with no warmth and the only food she had were scraps that people were giving her. It had been a full year without employ. She was just as thin as she had been so many years ago. Her fingers and nose had become red, the start of frostbite. She wanted to desperately to say something, but she couldn't. "Minka, what's wrong?" Gleb pried. Minka tried to say something, but couldn't. She was struggling to even stand. What she had eaten wasn't enough for her to be considered living, more like surviving.

      "I-I, um, have nothing," she fumbled over her words. "How long have you been out here?" He places his hand on her reddened cheek. "A year maybe?" she whispered. Gleb sighed and caught her as she fell forward. "Minka!" She tried to stand upright again, swaying as she did so. Gleb kept his arms around her and picked her up, deciding to take her to his new home, a small flat.

    "You're ice cold," Gleb sighed as he entered the door. Minka wanted to protest, but knew that she couldn't. "And you are so close to having frostbite. I am so glad that I found you when I did. You see, I was hoping that you would come with me tomorrow. I have to meet with Lenin, our new leader, and I since you are here, I was thinking I could convince him to allow you to be at my side as a notetaker." Minka sighed, "I suppose."

       "It would be better than starving, Minka," he mumbled. Minka looked at him. "I hate it when you're right," she sighed. Gleb chuckled and carried her to his room, placing her on his bed. "I'll be right back," he spoke softly. Minka glanced around the room, noticing how empty it seemed to be. He returned a moment later with a plate of bread and cheese. "Eat, Minka." She glanced up at him and sighed, "Yes, Mother." He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Minka, I'm not Mother and you know it." Minka bit into the bread. "You're right. You're too kind to be Mother."

    "I'll see if I can get you warmed up," Gleb spoke, feeling his sister's frozen face and hands. Minka started to protest, "You don't have---" Gleb looked at his sister, "Yes, I do. You are frozen." Minka groaned and went back to eating, taking small bites. She didn't want to seem like she was weak, but when it came to what was happening, it was hard to hide. "I want you to get better," Gleb smiled softly as he watched his sister eat what was in front of her.

       Minka smiled at him. "You're too kind to be a Bolshevik, Gleb," she weakly punched his arm. Gleb laughed. He brushed her tangled hair back and kissed her forehead. "Sit down, Gleb." He sat down beside her. She placed her head on his shoulder and sighed. "I've missed you, Konstanin," she teased him. "I've missed you as well, Viktoriya."

    Minka shivered in his arms, and if she could blush, she would. The only thing stopping her from blushing was how frozen she was. It was one of the moments she wanted to hold dear. A cough escaped her lips. Gleb wrapped his arms around her even tighter. "I don't want to forget this moment," Minka choked out. Gleb smiled down at her, "And you won't. You'll stay with me. I don't want to lose you again."

       "When did you become so soft?" Minka mumbled. Gleb laughed. "I'm not that soft. I'm being kind to my sister that I haven't seen in years," he murmured and tapped her nose gently. She shivered and tried to get closer to Gleb. "What?" he laughed. "You're warm," Minka mumbled. He chuckled. Minka hated that it felt like her skin was tingling. "What's the matter?" Gleb inquired. "My skin feels tingly," she murmured. Gleb rubbed her exposed arm and sighed.

    "Gleb, will you stop?" Minka whined. Gleb shook his head, "I'm not letting you go. I refuse to stop. I don't want anything to happen to you." He sighed, shaking his head, "I'm begging you not to ask. If you get hurt I'll die of shame. I believe taking you in is a proud and vital task and in the Vaganov name the Neva flows a new wind blows, and soon it will be spring." Minka looked at him, raising a brow and tilting her head, her eyes meeting his, "What are you talking about?"

     "Do not worry about it," he mumbled. Minka stayed silent for a few moments, then spoke, "Gleb Konstanin Vaganov, what are you talking about?" Gleb glanced down at her and sighed. Minka stared up at him, demanding an answer.

    "Just lay down, you are practically frozen," Gleb told his sister. Minka blinked, "Again, what are you talking about?" Gleb refused to answer and took the plate with bread and cheese from his sister. "I need to keep you warm for now. You aren't too far along," Gleb told his sister and pulled his arms away from her. "'Not too far along'? Gleb, what are you talking

about?" Minka asked him. "I'll also get warm water, you just lay down," he sighed.

       "What on earth are you talking about?" Minka muttered. "Don't worry about it." His voice was harsher than he intended it to be. He saw the hurt flash through her eyes and sighed again. "I'll explain later, alright? Right now, I'm focused on getting you warm." Minka nodded as Gleb left the room.

    Minka waited patiently for Gleb to return. She was trying to hard to fight her impatience as she lay down, doing as her brother asked. "What does he mean he would die of shame?" she wondered. "Why is he so bent on keeping me warm?" More questions filled her mind as she began to play with her ice cold fingers, unaware of what was happening. She couldn't feel the cold or rawness of her skin that was coming close to having ice crystals on it, fortunately for her she was brought inside before it became worse.

       Gleb entered the room, muttering, "Sorry I took so long." Minka glanced over at him and smiled. "You really weren't gone that long," she chuckled. "Hush, Minka. Your condition is serious," he scolded her gently. "What condition?" Minka murmured. She had to admit, the bed was soft and warm, and it made her sleepy. "Don't worry about it right now," he mumbled.  "Once I get you warmed up, I'll explain everything, I promise."

    "Gleb, tell me now," Minka pleaded, not wanting to let him help until he told her. Gleb glared at his sister, "I told you, I'm not telling you until you get warmed up and that is final!" Minka gulped, she didn't like it when her brother rose his voice, yet understood. He was being serious at this point. "Minka, I'm sorry. I just can't have you hurting more than you are. You may be older, but I happen to be the wiser," Gleb sighed, setting the bowl of warm water down for a moment and removed his sister's hands from underneath the covers and sheets. "Don't hate me for this. It's necessary for your recovery," he sighed, then picked up the bowl of water once again.

       "Hate you? How could I—ouch! Never mind," Minka grumbled after the warm water was poured onto her skin. It felt as though her skin was on fire, and she hated it. "I'm sorry, Minka," he mumbled. Gleb grabbed a cloth and dipped it in the water, then placed it on her face. "Gleb, it feels like my skin is on fire," Minka whined. "I know. I know it does and I'm sorry, but it has to be done. I don't want to lose you."

    "Lose me? What are you talking about?" Minka inquired, looking at her twin who had surpassed her in height. "Hush and just let me do what needs to be done," Gleb told her sternly. "While you are here, you are my responsibility." Minka sighed and nearly hissed in pain as her hands were put back in the warm water. "Don't complain, you'll thank me later." Minka muttered, "Or not." Gleb stared at her, "Stop complaining."

       "I'm not complaining." Gleb gave her a look and said, "Yes, you are. Now stop." Minka huffed and turned her head to where she could see the small window in the room. "How is Father and Mother?" Minka decided to change the subject, not wanting to anger Gleb.

    "They are well, in fact I have never seen father more proud of me, being a Bolshevik much like him. He may have something kind to say to you for once. I know how he hated you so, but now it's time for you to prove that you can help us in forging a new Russia, or completing it rather. The Tsar still lives, and we each have a role to play," Gleb told his sister. He took the cloth off her face, "There, you look better already. You look warmer, as well as starting to appear fed."

       "Father? Say something kind to me? You hope for miracles, Gleb," she chuckled. Gleb shook his head and slowly lifted her hands out of the bowl and sighed. "Can you feel your legs?" She furrowed her brows. "I... guess. I mean, they're tingling, if that's what you want to know." Gleb sighed, "I'll be right back. I need more water."

    "Gleb, don't go. My legs are the only things that feel like they can move, even with them being a bit cold," Minka stammered. "I really want you to stay with me for now. I want to see you for longer than what I am." She blinked away her tears and sniffed, wanting him to stay at her side. She yawned sleepily, "I'm so sleepy." Gleb looked at her, "Get some rest. I shall see you in the morning. I want you with me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Leningrad~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Gleb shook his head and chuckled. He loved his sister with all of his heart. She was the only person he loved other than his mother. Other than that, he loved his home land. He knew Minka had good intentions with everything she had ever done, and so he was always on her side. He never knew what she had done or who she was employed by the years she was gone, but he always stood up for her when her name came up in discussion.

    He had remembered when she had met Lenin all those years ago. He remembered how shy she had seemed, how quiet and uneager she was to speak and chuckled at the thought. "My sister shook her head, even when she was asked. Did she feel an ounce of pain? Everything she did through these years were proud and vital tasks, and no troublemaker got away. The Neva Flows, a new wind blows, and soon it will be spring. The leaves unfold, the Tsar lies cold, a revolution is a simple thing. She is everything that Russia means to me..." Gleb softly sang to himself, hoping no one would hear. "A simple note taker with a Bolshevik brother, it was her positivity that kept me going," Gleb whispered. "Our world stopped turning, and we were no longer afraid..." he sighed. "She acts just like a child, she's a waif who needs protection, she needs me even more than she will know. She wants what she can get, is that a fair depiction. I can't stop her fixation on romance. Is she innocent or vile, or is there a childish act of will?" He chuckled at the thought.

        He wasn't paying attention to where he was going, and he lifted his head when he heard someone scream after a truck backfired. A young street sweeper was on the ground, her broom inches away from where she was. "It was a truck backfiring, Comrade, that's all it was," he spoke as he walked over to her. He picked up the broom, then helped her to her feet. "Those days are over, neighbor again neighbor. There's nothing to be afraid of anymore." Gleb couldn't deny that the girl was beautiful. "You're shaking," Gleb murmured. "There's a tea shop just steps from here, let me—"

    "No, but thank you," the young woman said to him. Gleb lifted her chin, "What's your hurry?" She looked at him and said to him, "I can't lose this job. They're not easy to come by." She walked away and didn't look black. Gleb, feeling flustered, spoke up, hoping she would hear him, "I--I'm here every day!" He was unaware of what his sister was up to, nor did he know where she was. He didn't know about his sister being involved with a con, nor did he know what she was wearing beneath her jacket, other than a red skirt, which made him smile a bit. All he knew at this point was that he wanted to get to know the frightened little street sweeper.

       Gleb shook his head and hurried past the people who stared at him. He bit his lip as he passed by the Neva river, thinking of how some were unfortunate and slept underneath the bridge, even in the winter. Gleb went to his office, where he watched several different people hurry to get to their homes. He sat down, picking up a pen, determined to work on the case he was given, but instead twirled the pen around on the desk. He couldn't shake the street sweeper from his mind. She caught his attention. He sighed in frustration after trying to focus on the case and failing. He stuck his hands in his pockets to pull out the single item he had found in the Yusopov palace, an old journal that belonged to the Count. He groaned when he remembered laying it on the mantle, intending to grab it on his way out. He had forgotten it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Minka was sitting in on the Anastasia auditions, getting fed up with three girls who had appeared, one of which was chewing something that Minka had recognized. Tobacco. She groaned, displeased by this. "Where did you find these three?" Minka asked, looking at Dmitry. Dmitry shrugged, "Beats me, I just know them. I would like you to meet Paulina, Marfa, and Dunya." Minka nervously waved and then looked at Vlad. "Why?" Minka questioned. "I asked him the same thing," Vlad chuckled.

       "Alright, Marfa, we'll start with you. Introduce yourself as the Grand Duchess Anastasia," Dmitry instructed. The girl stepped up and did as he said. Minka gave Vlad an uneasy look, to which he did the same. "Uh... if I may, Marfa, try being more... elegant," Dmitry spoke up, seeing the look on Minka's face.

    Minka decided to take the next one, "Paulina, will you please show a little more grace and charm as you introduce yourself?" Paulina did as she was asked, only adding a bit of a catty tone to her voice. Minka groaned in displeasure, "Alright, next please." She was getting fed up with these three, they weren't embodying her dear friend at all. She remembered something from when she had taken Anastasia to Ufa with her and someone had begun to frisk her. "Might I try something. Only my dear friend would recognize these words. I took her to Ufa and she was grabbed by someone unkind. I had to protect her and I had become intimidating when I needed her back, safe from harm," Minka spoke. Vlad nodded. "If any of you are Anastasia, you would know how to respond to these words," Minka took a breath. "You will leave her alone, you will go. You will step down or I swear you will know such sorrow, grief you can't believe,  screams of anguish and strife and in your torment you will cry to end your life. As her friend, it is I, you will beg me then to die, beg me to cease such unholy things, pain and woe if you do not let her go."

        Paulina, Marfa, and Dunya all stumbled over their words, looking at one another. They shrugged, huffed, then one by one, stomped their left foot. Dmitry raised his brows. Vlad struggled to contain his amusement. "Then none of you are Anastasia," Minka forced a smile. She then stood, making her way over to the girls. "Such a shame, too. The three of you are pretty." She could feel Dmitry and Vlad watching her every move. She was positioned where all three of them could stare at her easily. Minka then leaned forward and gently blew on their faces. They scurried off, leaving the three alone again. "Dmitry, you could at least find someone who can act," Minka sighed as she sat down again.

    "Perhaps someone who doesn't chew tobacco as well," Vlad added in, referring to Dunya, who mentioned that she wasn't chewing gum. "What I want to know is what possessed you to blow on their faces?" Dmitry asked Minka. Minka looked at him, "Just a little thing to show that I am not someone to be messed with." She heard a set of running footsteps entering the palace. It was the street sweeper, she huffed, "Are you Dmitry?" Minka could tell that the girl was staring at the con. Minka's eyes widened as she recognized the face. "If you're looking for him, you've come to the right place," Minka said to her.

       Minka gently elbowed Vlad, leaned closer, and whispered, "We found her." Vlad's brows furrowed. Dmitry pinched Minka and hissed in her ear, "What are you thinking?!" Minka whispered, "That's her." Dmitry raised a brow and stood up, sauntering over to the young street sweeper. "Would it be wrong to ask why you're looking for me?" Dmitry questioned.

    "I heard you had a way out of Russia," the street sweeper spoke. Minka looked at the street sweeper again, "Don't we all wish we had ways out of Russia. With these strict rules--" she got up and took the jacket of the Bolshevik party off to reveal the blue top with hints of red once again, "--a way out would be lovely." The street sweeper looked at the three, only recognizing two faces, Vlad's and Minka's. "I know your faces," the woman spoke, stumbling back. "My God, what else do you remember?" Minka asked, helping her sit down. The street sweeper spoke, voice as soft as a song, "They said I was found at the side of a road, tracks all around, it had recently snowed. In the darkness and cold, with the wind in the trees, a girl with no name and no memories but these. Rain against a window, sheets upon a bed, terrifying nurses whispering overhead, 'Call the child Anya'," the woman started, "'Give the child a hat.'," she gestured to the top of her head. "I don't know a thing before that..." Minka stared at the woman. Could this be the child she loved so many years ago?

       "Dmitry, get her a glass of water," Minka demanded, crouching down in front of the girl. "Anya, was it?" Anya nodded, her brows slightly furrowed. "Have you ever thought that you could be... I don't know, royalty?" Anya chuckled, "No, not really." Minka stood and grabbed a chair, pulling it up beside Anya. "Do you remember anything else? Something that might relate to your past in your dreams or something?" Minka was desperately hoping Anya was the child she had loved so many years ago. "I've seen flashes of fire, heard the echo of screams," Anya's voice grew louder as she thought about it. Minka glanced back at Vlad, whose eyes widened. "My God," Minka whispered. Dmitry returned with the water and handed it to Anya. "Thank you," she mumbled.

    Minka became protective of Anya and held her, "Shh... shh... you're alright now. You're safe with us. It's most likely a nightmare, I get them too, but I think of the good things. I think of the two children who came up to me, Anastasia and Alexei, both of which seemed to be attached to my hip. I think of the innocent times, the days where I knew I could count on someone, and they could count on me. I remember my best friends, those two would never leave my side. I loved them so much, and when I saw the article my heart was filled with dread. I couldn't imagine what their nana, our nana, was feeling. Her heart must've been breaking. I thought they were dead for ten years, and now seeing the papers with the rumor that Anastasia may be alive, my heart can finally be at ease and I think of the woman she might be now. Most likely afraid of anything that sounds like gunfire, for example a backfiring truck or a heavy book hitting the floor."

       As if on cue, Vlad dropped a heavy book on the floor, the loud noise echoing through the room. Anya screamed and dropped the glass of water. Dmitry's eyes widened as Minka pulled Anya closer to her. "Shh, it's alright," Minka whispered. "It was only a book, Anya." Anya clung to Minka's shirt and tried to calm herself down. "I-I'm so sorry," Anya mumbled.

    "Those days are over now, I promise. Do you want me to tell you about Anastasia when she was a child?" Minka inquired. Anya nodded. "Just stay in my arms and I'll tell you the story. Anastasia was six at the time of this point, she was unwell, but it's still a fond memory," Minka began and sighed as she rocked Anya in her arms. "She was so sweet. I remember I was the one who was taking care of her. I was ordered to care for her by her father, of course, and it was while I was still recovering from anemia, yet I didn't care. Anastasia was the most of my concern. If I weren't anemic, I would've been a servant at that point, but since I was, I was just another child. I was always at her side, so I had taken it upon myself to help her recover."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1906: Peterhof Palace: Anya's Forgotten Memory~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      "Minka, don't go," Anastasia grabbed ten-year-old Minka's arm as she stood to fetch some warm water. "I'll be back in a moment, I promise." Minka assured the child. Anastasia nodded and released her arm. Minka left the room, returning a moment later with a bowl filled with warm water in her hands. "Your Highness, I need you to lay still for a moment, alright? It might be a little warm." She dipped a cloth in the water and wrung it out, placing it on Anastasia's forehead.

    "But I want to ride Romeo," Anastasia whined. Minka looked at her, "You won't be doing anything today. I'll ride him if you want him to be exercised, and you can watch through the window. Your health matters the most to me. If you would like, I could let your father know." Anastasia coughed, but smiled at the warmth on her forehead and the kindness Minka was showing. "Minka," Anastasia started, "I want papa." Minka nodded, "I'll get him. I promise."

       Minka left the room, hurrying down the hall in search for the Tsar. "Excuse me, Sir, have you seen the Tsar? Anastasia wants him," Minka hurriedly explained to a man she stopped in the hall. "Yes, he's in the third room on the right," he nodded. "Thank you, Sir!"

    Minka continued to run and entered the third room. She saw the Tsar, the one who brought her in just two days ago. Minka panted, her breath ragged. "I'm sorry to burst in on you, but your daughter wants you. She is in her room. I checked her forehead earlier. She's burning up." She had her hands on her knees, still trying to catch her breath. "She has a fever," Minka said with urgency.

      The Tsar nodded and hurried to his daughter's room. "Papa!" Anastasia smiled when she saw him. "Anastasia, my love," he smiled, kissing her cheek. "Papa, Minka said she could ride Romeo so he's exercised and I could watch! Isn't that great?" Anastasia exclaimed. The Tsar nodded. "Minka, Minka, come closer!" Minka slowly approached Anastasia's bedside. "What is it, Your Highness?" Minka questioned. "Can you ride him now?" Minka nodded, "Of course, Your Highness. I'll go now."

    Minka, knowing how important it was to be able to see while riding, took the ribbon she hid in her pocket, the ribbon that reminded her of home, and used it to tie her hair back. "First things first, I have to be able to see," Minka explained, then headed off to find the stable where Romeo was being held. She made so many promises, many of which she wanted to keep. No matter what state the girl was in, she always kept her word. She knew Anastasia always sang of horses prancing through a silver storm, now she would see it. One line of a Romanov lullaby was about to come true. Minka sang softly, "Someone holds her safe and warm, a horse soon prances through silver storms..."

       Minka saddled Romeo and mounted the horse. She gently flicked the reins and led him out to the courtyard. "Anastasia wants to see you," she murmured to the creature. "Not that you understand, but I feel it would be best if I told you." She gulped after glancing up and seeing the Tsar and Anastasia in the window of her room. "Oh, this is going to be bad," she whispered to herself. As Romeo trotted out to the courtyard, Minka slipped and fell off of the horse. Minka, in her panic, grabbed ahold of the horse's neck and pulled herself back to her feet. She chuckled, "Let's try again, shall we?"

    Anastasia, who was looking through the window, looked to her father after seeing Minka's spill. She was concerned. She croaked out, "Papa, I don't think she should try again. She looks like she's hurt." Anastasia had used, what only could be described as, pleading eyes. "And wasn't it your idea that she would be treated like a member of our family until she was well again. She's still suffering and yet she's out there in the cold," Anastasia sobbed, making the illness even worse.

       Nicholas nodded, "Indeed it was. My dear, stop crying, I'll go fetch her." Nicholas carried her over to the bed and laid her down before rushing down to the courtyard. "Minka!" Nicholas shouted. Minka turned to face him, her eyes wide. He approached her and took the horses reins, looking down at the child. "Minka, go back inside. You are not well." Minka shook her head, saying, "I am fine, Your Highness." He looked down at her and said, "You are not. Now go inside, Minka."

    Minka struggled to stand, and as she did it felt like knives were stabbing her ankle, which had twisted a bit. She ignored it and limped inside. Once she headed inside the Peterhof palace she could see the expression on Alexei's face, the worry. She knew he had been watching. She could hear him say something, mentioning that she was hurt. Oh, how she didn't like it when others were made aware of her pain. She swallowed it, fighting through it.

       Minka limped up to Anastasia's room, then sat down in the chair beside her bed. "Are you hurt?" Anastasia asked, her eyes wide and concerned. "No," Minka lied. "You need to sleep." Anastasia nodded and closed her eyes. "Let me see your ankle, Minka." She whipped around in her chair at the sound of the Tsar's voice. "It's fine, really," she insisted. "Minka," his voice was stern. Minka reluctantly allowed him to look at her ankle. "Did you twist it?" Minka murmured, "A little. It's alright, though. It'll get better in a few days, Your Highness."

    "That is a lie, Minka, your ankle is nearly swollen," the Tsar sighed. "Why didn't you tell us you weren't the best at riding horses?" Minka sighed, "I was scared. I didn't want you to think I was a failure of a servant." The Tsar looked at her, "You aren't. You're only a servant when you've recovered, you're still getting better, and now that time may be extended. You have to be careful." "Fine," Minka grumbled.

        "Come on, Minka, let's go get some ice for your ankle," he sighed, lifting her as he had two days prior. The only difference was that she was conscious.

Minka wrapped her arms around the Tsar's neck and glanced at each person they passed in the hall, whether they were a Count, Countess, or servant. "Nicholas! Alexandra wants to speak with you," the man Minka had talked to earlier spoke up. "Thank you, Vlad." Vlad nodded and continued to walk down the hall. "Do you mind if we stop here for a moment?" Minka shook her head. "Alright. I promise we'll get the ice in just a moment."

        Minka remained patient as Alexandra approached Nicholas. "I see you've met our newest servant. Niki, I would like for you to meet Minka. She walked all the way here from Ufa," Alexandra spoke. "I think it's kind of you to want her to be treated like our family until her recovery, as well as I think it was responsible of her to tell you of Anastasia being ill." Minka slowly was growing more and more embarrassed. Why? Just why?

       "She is a responsible young lady," Nicholas agreed. "I was taking her to get some ice for her ankle. She slipped off of Romeo and twisted it." Nicholas turned to where Alexandra could see Minka's ankle. Minka had turned a bright red. "Oh, dear! Alexei mentioned you had fallen, but I didn't think it was that serious," Alexandra exclaimed. "I'm alright, Your Highness," Minka spoke quickly. "What did you want, dearest?" Nicholas asked.

      "I wanted to know if you would let Minka stay. Even though you just met her, I was hoping she would be staying with us and assist us in caring for our three year old, Alexei," Alexandra said to Nicholas. "If she can't or you don't want her here, I understand. It's your decision, Niki. If she is to stay, I would like you to properly introduce her to Count Popov." Minka became even more red in the face, growing more embarrassed.

       "We will discuss it later, Alexandra. It seems we are embarrassing her," Nicholas chuckled. Alexandra quietly laughed and nodded. "I'll come find you as soon as I can." With that, the Tsar continued walking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Yusapov Palace~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Minka smiled at Anya as she saw the girl was falling asleep in her arms. "Rest now, you have a long day ahead of you," Minka smiled and set the girl in a chair, quickly grabbing the jacket that was part of her uniform. "We all do," she added, heading out the door and starting to slip on her jacket, unaware that the three girls that were dismissed were going to report her, hopefully with failure.

A/N: This is the first chapter that I have ended in this fanfiction. Songs that are included in this chapter are "Rumor in St. Petersburg", "The Neva Flows (2)" or "The Spark of Revolution", "Faye Considers Edgar's Proposal" and "Annabel's Lament" merged into one to create "The Heartbreak of Minka", "The Neva Flows (3)" or "Gleb's Caring Heart", "Still (2)" to be known as "Conflicting Feelings of a Bolshevik", "The Big Tent Show" which can now be called "Minka's Protection", "In My Dreams", and "Once Upon a December (1)" which can be referenced as "Minka's Promise." Ideas for this chapter were a collaboration between girlmeetsmusic and I. A collaborative effort between two writers has made this story become something that I once only dreamed of. On mobile devices we have reached 130 pages for both of these chapters combined. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite stories, even with how little has been written with my other stories in the same fan fiction genre with the same show as it's inspiration and parent. This one is closest to the show, only with the addition of Minka and now Shira, who may be mentioned in future chapters, but not in a positive light. So now for some questions for you, the readers, what parts of the two chapters did you like the most? Do you like the Glanya and Dmitrinka moments? Do you think there should be more? And their father, what are your thoughts on him? Put your answers in the comments below.