Chapter 5: The Neva Flows, The Bolsheviks Know

Gleb sighed as he tapped his index finger on the top of his desk. He glanced up from the papers he was reading when the door opened. "Hullo," he mumbled, closing the file. "Hello," she mumbled. "Is Minka here?" "No, she isn't. If it's important, feel free to wait for her. She should be getting here," Gleb said. The girl nodded and sat down. "Forgive me, you look familiar. What's your name?" "I'm Anya. You're Gleb, aren't you?" He nodded.

Minka ran in, notes in hand. "Sorry I'm late. I had to look over to make sure each punctuation mark was correct," Minka panted. Gleb eyed her, "Do not fret. Now hand them over. I want to see what you've written." Minka slowly walked over to him, flats going against the tiled floor. She snaked her arm over his shoulder and placed the pad of papers in his hand. Gleb looked up at her, "Thank you." Minka nodded, moving over to a window where she could see all of Leningrad. "You can see all the way to the Yusapov Palace and theatre," Minka started. Gleb added, "Some funny stuff is occurring over there."

"What do you mean?" Minka's brows furrowed. "Something about con men and Anastasia auditions? I don't know, I've misplaced the paper I wrote it on," Gleb sighed in frustration. Minka gathered all of the papers on his desk and took them to her smaller one, deciding to go through them. "Minka, what are you doing?" Gleb's eyes flicked over to her. "Finding the paper for you. Anya, come over here. Just bring the chair with you, he won't mind."

"But it's my chair," Gleb groaned. "Like I said before, all men in their thirties are babies," Minka chuckled. Anya suppressed a giggle. "Isn't he older than you?" Anya pondered, thrown off by the height. Minka shook her head, "Younger. Now, bring the chair and sit. You need to know the cost of what this game you're playing is." Anya sighed, "But isn't pretending harmless? It's an innocent fantasy." Minka looked at her brother as she still sorted through the papers. Gleb approached. "It's a dangerous one," he remarked. Minka nodded her head in approval. "As our mother once said back in Ufa," Minka started. Gleb joined her in completing the phrase, "A game that starts a fire is a game where nobody wins."

"But what if it didn't start a fire? No one knows who I am or what I'm doing," Anya mumbled. "Dreaming like this will get you in trouble," Gleb muttered, leaning against Minka's desk. "What...?" "Anya, listen to me, will you?" Minka started to speak. "You can still play along. It's an easy way out of the country. You said the one thing you can remember is something about Paris, so your family might be there. And... if they're not, you have a chance to start over." Gleb's eyes widened. "What? No!" "Gleb—" Minka tried to speak, but was cut off by her brother's stern voice. "Be very careful of these rumors that prevail. Be very careful what you say. I was a boy who lived the truth behind the tale... and no one got away."

Minka had to correct him, quietly going under his voice, "We were two people who lived the truth behind the tale... did the girl get away?" Gleb stared, allowing Minka to join him, "We saw the children as the soldiers closed the gates, the youngest daughter in her pride. Our father leaving on the night they met their fate. His pistol by his side..." Minka's voice stopped short. Gleb continued on, "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." Minka stared as he sang the song of the revolution, the one that was started in their home town.

"Gleb, we both know there's always a chance. A very slim one in this case, but there is a chance," Minka sighed. "Very slim? Minka, you were there with me." "I wish I wouldn't have been," Minka muttered, going back to the pile of papers. "It's not something I like to remember." Gleb opened his mouth to say something. "Don't, please. I'm tormented enough." Anya simply watched and listened as the two siblings bickered. "What do you mean by that?" Gleb inquired, clearly confused. "I'll tell you later," Minka murmured in response. "Anyway, Anya, you have to be careful. Don't let anyone know." "Basically like what you're doing?" Anya questioned. "Yes. I'll help you 'become' the Grand Duchess, only because I have to. I think this will be more of an exciting adventure than anything."

"Are you telling her what to do?" Gleb questioned his sister. Minka nodded. "Anya, you are dismissed. Minka, I want a word with you. I have a new plan. Something even better than before," Gleb spoke. Anya returned the chair to Gleb's desk and pushed it in. She left the office, not wanting to hear the new plot of Gleb. Minka huffed and still sorted through the papers that were placed on Gleb's desk. She mumbled, "Letters... articles against the Bolshevik party... more articles on Anastasia... love notes..." Gleb heard the last one. "What?" he asked, blushing madly. "I'm teasing you," Minka giggled. "So this plan?"

Gleb cleared his throat, "Oh, right. What if instead of Anya, you go as the Grand Duchess? You look exactly like her." Minka sighed, "One minute you tell me I look like Russia, the next I look like Anastasia. Please make up your mind, which is it?" "The Grand Duchess. Now, let's figure this out," Gleb spoke quickly. "What do you want me to do? I can't just leave Anya here with no hope!" "I'm not saying that—" "And besides that, I'm too tall to be Anastasia!" Gleb's eyes widened. "Oh my God, you're right." He rubbed his temples. "Well, what are we going to do?" Minka chuckled, "We're going to play the game the way we were going to do it before."

Gleb smiled, "The game of cat and mouse. When you leave for Paris, I'll tell the officers not to shoot you. I can't let you die." Minka smiled, "Aww..." Gleb looked at her, "Like I said before, you look like Russia. I'm keeping that notion. Don't worry. I'm not going to happen to you that will look bad on my end." He placed his hand on her shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "A sweet little girl brought in from danger, that is you and you have grown..." Gleb whispered to Minka, who sighed. She didn't want him to think that of her, but he did. He always had. "You play this game, you tremble like a flower, but in you there's a power, I'll see that now." Minka whispered back, "You are nothing but a man with nothing but your orders to fulfil..."

"I want you to be careful. You're my sister, I don't want you dead." Minka laughed. "I know. You're my brother, and I don't want you dead, no matter how much of a pest you are." Gleb chuckled and hugged her. He kissed her forehead and smiled at her. "Gleb, what was written on that paper?" She went back to digging through the papers. "Umm... something about Yusopov Palace and what's going on over there." Minka nodded. "Oh, look, this actually is a love note." "Stop it!" Gleb whacked the back of Minka's head. Minka laughed, pulling a sheet of paper out of the stack. "I'm kidding, it's actually the paper you were looking for." "Thank you," he mumbled. "Here's your notes."

"Thank you, just promise me you won't start singing French opera," Minka chuckled. Gleb sighed, "I don't even know French, but I do know German thanks to you." Minka giggled, "Don't complain. You know you love sounding frightening to some." Gleb huffed, "Will you stop. You may be older but that doesn't give you the right to tease me... oh wait, it does. I am doomed to be tormented by you." Minka stood to her feet, "Will you stop? I know you love it when I tease you." Gleb groaned, "I don't and you know it." Minka smiled, "I know, I know. Now, I think I spotted something. Gleb, are you blushing?"

"No, I am not," Gleb responded quickly. "Yes you are! Your cheeks are red!" Minka laughed. "Minka," he groaned, his cheeks seeming to turn a deep shade of crimson. "It is impossible to do anything with you, you... notetaker." "You're terrible at insults, Glebby," Minka sighed. "Don't call me that," he groaned. "What? Glebby? Why not? I think it's cute." Minka grinned. Gleb shot her a glare. "I love you, Glebby Konstanin Vaganov," Minka said hurriedly. "What nickname could I give you?" Gleb pondered, clicking his tongue as he thought. "Mink? Minkalina?" Minka's joyful expression disappeared. "What, don't you like it?"

Minka sighed, "The Romanovs called me Minkalina when I was taken in as their child. I don't want to hear that name again." Gleb took her in his arms, "I'm sorry, I had no idea. You'll have to forgive me, Mink." Minka sighed, "You're terrible at nicknames, too." Gleb shook his head, "I'm not going to like you at the end of this, am I?" Minka groaned, "You won't like me after a lot of things. So, tell me, who do you like?" Gleb glared at her, "It's none of your concern." Minka repeated, "Who is she?" Gleb knew she wasn't going to stop. He sighed, "Fine, it's Anya." Minka smiled, "The street sweeper." Gleb nodded.

"Well, that's understandable. She's beautiful," Minka remarked. "I know that. I'm not blind, you dimwit," Gleb playfully smacked Minka's arm. "I never said you were blind, idiot," Minka retorted. "I'm not an idiot," he rolled his eyes. "That's debatable." Gleb's jaw seemed to unhinge. Minka suppressed a laugh. "You are a terrible person," he muttered. "I still love you, though." "Aww, I love you too, Glebby." "Stop it," his voice was stern. "Don't you have something to do?" "Not for another two hours. I'm meeting Dmitry by the bridge." Minka shrugged. "Oh, yes, isn't that the con man you like?" "Yes, what of it?" Minka murmured. Gleb had a boyish grin plastered on his face. "Minka's in love," he teased in a sing-song voice. "Oh, shut it!" Minka pinched his arm. "Ow! Minka, that's not fair!" "You want to talk about being fair, Glebby?" Minka glared at him. "No, I do not. I don't know what you've got in that head of yours, but I don't necessarily want to know what this one is," Gleb responded. "Smart man," Minka nodded.

She stood from her desk, revealing that from her sitting had made both her shirt and skirt wrinkle. Her hair hang loose from the poorly done bun that she attempted that morning. She sighed, thinking of Dmitry. What would he say when he learned she was a Bolshevik? Would Anya tell him? I can't let him see me like this, Minka thought, fiddling with her thumbs and starting to pick at her nails. She was getting increasingly nervous. Why did Dmitry want to meet with her under the bridge where so many had slept? What was his idea?

"What's wrong with you?" Gleb's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Nothing," she shook her head. "I think I'll go home for a while. That is, if you don't need me." "I don't need you," he mumbled. "Alright. I'll see you later, Gleb." Gleb nodded. Minka pulled on her coat and left, hurrying to the flat she shared with Gleb. It wasn't like he'd let her move farther than two blocks away anyway. No matter how much she wanted to leave, she wouldn't because of him. She didn't know why he liked having her live with him, or close to him if she ever insisted on moving out, but she had started to think about it. Closing the door, she took her coat off and sighed. "What am I to do with him?" She shook her head at the mess on the table.

"Gleb, did you have to leave a mess?" she sighed and cleaned it up. She knew Gleb would be home in an hour and she wanted to show that she could take care of herself. After she had picked up the mess, she thought it best she change into something more suitable for the meeting under the bridge, a red skirt, which she knew Gleb would appreciate, and a blue blouse, which she would hide underneath a white sweater that could barely keep a squirrel warm. She took out the poorly done bun, letting her hair fall to her shoulders. The bun had made it so it would be tangled upon its removal. She sighed, knowing Gleb would be home soon and laugh at her struggle. Minka sighed heavily, "Oh, Gleb, why do you keep me here? It's not like you need me that much anymore."

Minka decided to try to get the tangles out of her hair before Gleb returned. She raked her fingers through her hair, flinching. "Ouch," she whispered. After about ten – maybe five, she wasn't sure – minutes, she had finished and had managed to give herself a headache. "Now what?" Minka mumbled, scratching the back of her head. "Oh! God, you scared me," she chuckled when she noticed Gleb, who had just entered the flat. "Nice to see you too," he remarked sarcastically, walking over to her. "You're going to be late if you don't hurry." "I was getting ready to leave, Glebby." Minka rolled her eyes and embraced him in a hug. "I'll be back before dark, I promise." "You better be," he gave her a stern look. "I'm not a child anymore, Gleb," she giggled, hitting his shoulder. "That may be true, but you are still my sister." Minka laughed and hurried to the door. "I'll see you when I get back."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Underneath the Bridge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minka walked the streets of Leningrad, heading to the bridge. She saw Dmitry standing there and a smile crept on her face despite her wearing something that wouldn't keep a furry mammal warm. Dmitry saw Minka approach, unaware of how cold the girl was. He didn't know if the sweater she was wearing was thick or thin. As he saw Minka approach, he saw that it wouldn't keep her warm enough to last the night. "Minka, you look---" he cut himself off. He was blushing, fumbling over his words. Minka began to blush, and finished, "Let me guess, beautiful." Dmitry sighed, "I was going to say cold." She chuckled, "That, too."

Dmitry laughed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "Not that you don't look beautiful, I mean—" Minka cut him off with a laugh. "I know what you mean." "Thank God for that," he chuckled. "So... of all the places in this crummy town you could choose, you chose here. Why?"

"Because I didn't want the beauty of those places to outshine you," Dmitry chuckled. "Come on, I want to show you something, I was going to take you to the bridge so you can see all of Petersburg." Minka smiled, "It's so refreshing to hear you say Petersburg. I even get tired of saying Leningrad. It sounds so dreary, and to top it all off Lenin has been dead for three years." Dmitry chuckled, "That he has." He took Minka's hand and lead her to the center of the bridge, sitting her where she could see the whole city. Minka breathed, "It's beautiful." Dmitry let a memory occur, he spoke. "My dad would take me here and put me on his shoulders and say, 'I bet you can see all the way to Finland, Dima!'" Minka smiled, "Is that why you said your name was Dima." Dmitry nodded. "Can I tell you something?" he asked. Minka nodded, "Of course."

"I grew up on the sly... in the gutters and the streets of Petersburg. Just a kid on the fly. Getting good at getting by in Petersburg. I've bartered for a blanket, stolen for my bread. Learned to take my chances and use my head. A Russian rat is clever, clever or he ends up dead. Boils down to there are some who survive, some who don't. Some give up, some give in, me I won't. Black and blue welcome to my Petersburg." Minka raised a brow.

Dmitry continued on, "Standing here you can see from the spires and the piers of Petersburg. I'd be down on that quay, selling stolen souvenirs of Petersburg. The palaces above and alleyways below, funny when a city is all you know. How even when you hate it, something in you loves it so. That's where I learned my stuff in some rough company, there's the boy, who was me, all I've been, all I'll be. We can do what we're told. We can go where we're lead, but I learned from my father to see what's ahead. Nothing here to hold me, nothing that I owe, funny how a boy can grow! Funny how a city tells you when it's time to go! Boils down to there are some who have walls, yet to climb. You and I, on the fly, just in time. But tonight, there's a sky and quite a view. Welcome to... my Petersburg!" Minka was listening intently. "What about you? Where and how did you grow up?" Dmitry asked her. "I don't want to talk about it," Minka responded. "Why not, it's just us," Dmitry explained. "I didn't grow up in Petersburg for ten years of my life," Minka told him. "Where did you grow up?" Dmitry pondered. "I grew up in Ufa," she whispered. "Tell me about Ufa..."

"Ufa's not a lovely place at all," she sighed. "That doesn't matter. Tell me about it." "I grew up in a dump. In a shack that was called a home. We had no food to survive, but we strived to live. I was locked in a closet for a long time, Gleb never leaving the other side. Tell me, is that a way to live?" Dmitry wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "But?" "There is no but. That's the way it was for ten years of my life. You go out to the streets and they smelled of decay." "Ufa's not that bad, is it?" Dmitry questioned. "I don't know what it's like now. I haven't been there in years."

"Tell me what you remember of it, then," Dmitry spoke. Minka sighed and continued, "Everywhere, so it seemed, there was someone watching your every move and you never felt free. That's where I ran around every day, hated what I would know. That is how this child would grow! Funny how everything would tell you that it's time to go! The smell of death and decay would soon escape as I made my way to this bright new town, and no longer would I frown. Things are new... in Petersburg!" Minka finished. She took Dmitry's hands and smiled

, "Was that what you wanted." He nodded and kissed Minka's left hand.

Minka chuckled and blushed. "So... now what?" Dmitry shrugged, "Who said we had to do anything?" Both of them laughed. "Well, you have a good point," she mumbled. Dmitry chuckled, rubbing her hand. "I'm sorry if I hurt you the other day." Minka's brows furrowed for a second. "Oh! No, I think I did more damage than you did, Dima." "How?" he questioned. "On the way home, I tripped over a stick or a stone or something and slid down a hill," she laughed. "Gleb made me go to the doctor. The good news is that my shoulder is no longer jammed. The bad news is that he babied me because of it." Dmitry laughed, as did Minka. "I mean I guess it's nice to know someone cares. He's always been there for me," she shrugged. "Now, I can't help but wonder how Vlad Popov became your partner in crime," Minka spoke, wanting to change the subject.

"Long story short, I saved him from a firing squad," Dmitry told her. Minka blinked, "You saved Count Popov." Dmitry nodded, "Yes, now why don't you sit down. I can't just leave you standing here." Minka sighed and sat down on the ground, not caring if she was unable to see the view. She just looked up at the night sky. "You were right, there is a lovely view," she spoke. Dmitry smiled at her, "But not as lovely as you." Minka's face flushed pink. He sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Yes, tonight, there's a sky, but you're the view..." Dmitry told her.

Minka chuckled. "You're very sweet," she smiled. Dmitry chuckled as well. "I don't know about that." "You're also very handsome," Minka remarked. "Thank you," he laughed. "It's not very often I get a compliment like that." "I find that hard to believe, Dima." She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs.

She didn't realize how late it was getting. Night had drawn in and she didn't realize how long it had been since she had left. "Are you cold?" Dmitry asked. Minka nodded and looked to him. He wrapped his arms around Minka, keeping her close. "I'll keep you warm until sunrise," Dmitry whispered, causing Minka to blush. "Oh, just think, all this can be yours when you will see... everything we can be... standing here... sitting near... in Petersburg," he cooed.

Minka had started to doze off, her head placed on Dmitry's shoulder. Her eyes had closed, and she was nearly asleep when she heard a strained yell. She couldn't make out what the person was saying, but it sounded like Gleb. "Oh no," she whispered. "I forgot I promised Gleb I'd be home in two hours." Minka looked up at Dmitry, who furrowed his brows in confusion. "It's been longer than two hours." "Oh," he mumbled. "Well, it looks as though he's heading this way." "Might as well get up. At the pace he's going, he'll be here in ten seconds." "I would say five seconds," Dmitry remarked, raising a brow. Minka laughed and stood up.

Minka yawned, she was growing tired. She looked at Dmitry, hoping he would hold her until Gleb approached. "Tired?" Dmitry asked. Minka nodded. "Then sit, I'll hold you until he gets here," Dmitry spoke. Minka sat, feeling Dmitry hold her close. "Don't tell me, does he act like a mother hen?" he wondered. Minka sighed. "He does?" Dmitry gulped.

"Eh, he's a pretty poor example of a mother hen, but he acts like one," she yawned. Dmitry chuckled. "I'm sure he'd love to know he's a poor example of a mother hen." "I call him mother all the time," Minka giggled. "I tease him, he teases me, it's an endless cycle." "Minka Viktoriya Vaganov," Minka looked up at Gleb, and forced a smile. "Yes?" He gave her a stern look. "I'm coming, I'm coming," she spoke as she yawned. Dmitry watched, somewhat amused and somewhat frightened. Gleb was intimidating. He helped Minka to her feet and shook his head. "Gleb, why are you wearing your uniform?" Minka questioned. "Unimportant. Get going," he smacked the back of her head. "It's nearly ten o'clock, and you're sitting on the bridge. Unbelievable."

"Ow! I'm surprised I don't have brain damage from you smacking the back of my head," Minka whined. "Shut up. You are in so much trouble when we get home," Gleb scolded. Minka sighed, "Yes mother." Dmitry chuckled a bit. "If my sister didn't like you, you would be a dead man," Gleb warned and grabbed his sister's arm, dragging her home. Minka protested each time she took five steps, endlessly complaining.

Gleb slammed the door to the flat when they returned. "I sat here, for two hours. You never came back. My first thought was that you had somehow managed to get yourself killed!" Gleb shouted. Minka flinched. "You had me worried sick! And, when I do find you, you're sitting on the bridge with Dmitry, who is a con man, mind you, and you act as though you haven't got a care in the world!" Minka had backed away until her back was pressed against the wall. She hated when Gleb was angry with her. No, he's beyond angry, she thought. "What were you thinking?!"

Minka's chest rose and fell, the thin sweater revealing a blue tint underneath. She spoke up, "You told me to get close to him, which I did?" Gleb stared at her, "You don't care how worried I was! I thought you were dead! I was tempted to send a search party out for you! You think what father did to the Romanovs was bad? I'm not going to let a day pass where I don't mention this! You will regret the day you decided to disobey me. You're nothing but a child, a child whom I have to protect. You're close to Russia herself, do you think I'd let her shrivel up and die? You're innocent, I sigh, and then I see your eyes, filled to the brim with stubbornness and pride, and you're standing still...still... Still!"

"I do care! I just lost track of the time," Minka exclaimed. "I didn't mean to worry you, Gleb." Gleb pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself down. "Go change, Minka," he sighed. Minka nodded and hurried to his room, where she changed into the nightgown she owned. Gleb had taken his coat off, revealing the long sleeve shirt he had on beneath it. When Minka returned, she could still see the anger in his eyes. "Gleb—" "It would be best if you didn't say anything."

Minka said no words and sat on the floor, her back turned to him. The twins sat in silence. Gleb wasn't happy with his sister, yet he still loved her. He thought to himself, If she's not going to listen to me, then I won't listen to her. She has proven herself to be a baby. And if a baby she will act like, then a baby she will be treated as. Gleb got a smile on his face. This would be the only way Gleb could get revenge on his sister for all the years she's teased him, and since he told Minka not to speak, he knew she couldn't protest.

Minka tried her best to hide the fact she was crying yet again. She heard the door to Gleb's room shut and she sighed. Minka put her head against the wall and sniffed, wiping her tears away. She stayed silent, listening to Gleb hum. Minka shifted until she was comfortable, but ended up laying on the floor and closing her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

Gleb fell asleep as well, dreaming of how he could get revenge on his sister, deciding to stick with treating her like a baby. It was the easiest as he knew how she behaved. He knew her mannerisms, knew her stubbornness. A smile came to his face. He sighed, waiting for the morning to come so it could begin. The only two thoughts he had were those of Anya, how he found her to be sweet and innocent, and his sister, the one he grew up with.

When Minka awoke the next morning, her neck was stiff. "Oh," she mumbled, sitting up and rubbing the back of her neck. She stood up, yawning. "I wonder if Gleb's still mad at me," she sighed, shaking her head. She went to the kitchen, where she got a glass of water. She turned her head when the door to Gleb's room opened. "Good morning, Gleb."

Gleb had a smirk on his face. It was time to get his revenge. "You managed to get a glass of water without my help. You have no idea how proud of you I am," Gleb spoke in a teasing tone. Minka put her head down. She knew his idea of getting back at her last night and she wasn't amused. It made her feel like she wasn't capable of caring for herself. She felt his hand go to her head, patting it. She was hating this. "Gleb, will you stop it?" she whined. Gleb shook his head.

"I'll be back in a minute," she mumbled, pushing past him. Gleb did everything he could to keep from laughing. "Oh, Minka, you forgot your water!" "I left it there for a reason, you idiot! I'll be right back." She closed the door to his room and grabbed a green shirt and a black skirt. She dressed quickly and grabbed her boots, pulling them on. He's going to be annoying today. She grabbed her coat and walked out of the room, hurrying back to the counter and downing the water. "I've got to go. I'll see you later," Minka murmured as she pulled her coat on. "No, no, no! I'm coming with you to make sure you get there safely." Minka groaned and turned to face him. "Why are you doing this?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Gleb asked his sister. "It's because I love you," he smiled. Minka groaned and sighed. "Why must you do this?" she pondered. Gleb put his hand on Minka's shoulder, "Because you need protection. After all you've been through, you need a push in the right direction." He playfully ruffled Minka's hair, much to her displeasure. "And looks like you won't be leaving until you look decent. Your clothing is fine, your teeth are brushed, but you haven't brushed this rats nest you call hair." Minka groaned.

"Do you want me to do it for you?" Gleb questioned, walking to his room and grabbing the brush his sister had bought years ago. "No, I do not," Minka took the brush from him and ran it through her hair. She then pulled a piece of ribbon out of a drawer and tied her hair back with it. "Let's go, Gleb." "Hold on, you're wearing boots again," he said. He enjoyed treating Minka like a baby. "I am fine. Now go!" "Mind your temper," he grinned before opening the door. "Ladies first."

Minka walked past him, boots hitting the ground as she lightly stepped. She sighed, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Gleb shut the door behind him and put his hands on her shoulders, "I don't know what you're talking about." Minka sighed, "You're babying me." "No, I'm not," Gleb retorted. Minka felt Gleb guide her through the apartments, letting her go first. He smiled at her, leading her to the Yusapov Palace, knowing where it was as he had gone there many times. "Be safe, alright," Gleb spoke, patting her head, only to have Minka swat it away before she walked inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yusapov Palace~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minka huffed in annoyance one she was inside the palace. "What's your brother doing here?" Dmitry questioned, staring at Minka with wide eyes. "He's babying me," she rolled her eyes. "I think he's trying to get back at me." "So... what happened last night after you left?" It was then she noticed the others had yet to arrive. "He yelled at me, I yelled at him, he yelled at me again. I fell asleep on the floor."

"That must've hurt your neck," Dmitry spoke, grabbing a chair for her to sit. "It did," Minka sighed, craning her stiff neck. "Don't. There's only thing to help that. I've had stiff necks when I was sleeping on the floor. One of my former partners in crime had to rub my neck to loosen the muscles," Dmitry told her. Minka blinked at his words, "And you know this how?" Dmitry sighed, "I did it for you when you were crying the day after you were brought in the palace. You complained of a sore neck. Let me take care of it for you."

Minka reluctantly sat down, allowing Dmitry to rub her neck. "Vlad said he's going to be ten minutes late," Anya said as she entered the room. "What are you doing?" "Her neck is stiff. This is the best way to loosen the muscles," Dmitry responded, continuing to rub Minka's neck.

Anya stared at the two. "So how stiff is her neck?" Anya asked, curiosity in her eyes. Dmitry sighed as he started to rub a bit more forcefully, "Very. She slept on the floor." Minka winced as the force of Dmitry's hand continued to work through the tight muscles. "Sorry," Dmitry whispered as he went a lot softer, tilting her head to the other side, rubbing it even more, trying not to hurt her. "Believe me, if you had a strict man as your brother, you would want this as well," Dmitry chuckled.

"You mean Gleb? I ran into him at the gate," Anya chuckled. "He seemed pleased with himself." "Because he's babying me," Minka groaned. "I lost track of time last night and he was angry with me. His revenge is babying me because he knows I hate it." Both Anya and Dmitry laughed. "I don't find it very funny." "Well, of course you don't. He's your younger brother," Anya pointed out. Dmitry chuckled, "She's right."

Minka tried to lift her head, only to have Dmitry keep it tilted. "No moving this until it's loose. With how tight it is, it seems as though we'll be at this for fifteen minutes," Dmitry sighed. Minka started, "But---" Anya saw how Dmitry was getting protective of Minka, caring for her. "No buts, when Vlad gets here, I'll let him take over," Dmitry whispered in Minka's ear. Minka wanted to smack him, but instead she spoke, "You're just as bad as my brother." Dmitry chuckled, "No, I'm better. I don't yell at you for being late." Minka laughed, "Good point."

Anya smiled and went to the other side of the room, shedding her coat. "Minka, do you want your coat on?" Anya questioned. "No, but I can't move right now," Minka muttered in response. Dmitry chuckled. Minka would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy Dmitry rubbing her neck. It did feel good. A few minutes later, Vlad ran into the room. "I apologize, I was—what are you doing?" "Her neck is stiff. Do you want to take over? Five more minutes and she should be alright. Her muscles are tight." Dmitry mumbled. "What did you do, sleep on the floor?" Vlad inquired, taking his hat and coat off. "Yes," Minka sighed.

Vlad sighed, "Let the girl take her coat off first, then I'll take over." Dmitry stared at Vlad, "How about I take it off for her? Isn't that how a gentleman does it, Vlad?" Vlad nodded, "Yes, that is how it's done if you wish to act like a gentleman." Dmitry smiled, taking Minka's coat off and putting it on the back of the chair. Vlad walked over, seeing the disappointment on Minka's face when Dmitry had stopped. "Don't be disappointed. I know you like Dmitry, but I know what he was doing," Vlad explained.

"Dmitry, in my pocket is a journal. Give it to Anya, would you?" Vlad grinned, rubbing Minka's neck. Minka laughed when Dmitry put Vlad's hat on his head and picked his coat up off of the floor. "Here you go, Anya," Dmitry handed the journal to her. Vlad seemed to keep notice of how many times Dmitry glanced at Minka, which happened to be every few seconds. "I believe Dmitry's in love," he whispered, causing Minka to blush. Vlad laughed heartily. "Does that mean you're in love as well?" "Vlad, just because you talk to someone doesn't mean anything," Minka muttered. "I never said it did. Ouch! Dmitry, you big oaf!"

Minka sighed as Vlad ceased rubbing her neck. She got up and went over to Dmitry. Anya looked at Minka, "What are you doing?" Minka sighed and smiled, "Well, should we tell her how we grew?" Dmitry nodded. "We grew up, far away, but our hearts never gave way in Russia, just two kids, in all the same. Living in two different parts of Russia. Who knew what would bring us together in our homeland that we had. We've lived different lives, miles and miles away, and now here we stay, but there's no catch. A mouse and rat are clever, clever or they get snatched. Turns out that there are some who will flee, some who scream, us we won't. And that night, there was a sky..." Minka and Dmitry started. Dmitry took a strand of Minka's hair, "She was the view..." The two joined once again, "This is us... in our Russia..."

Anya and Vlad glanced at each other, then at the two that had moved away from them. "Impressive," Vlad nodded. Minka laughed, shaking her head. "Uh... thank you?" Anya and Vlad walked over to them, Anya reading the journal. "There are a lot of Queen Victoria's," she noted. The other three laughed. "I don't think the family tree is our biggest concern, but it is something you need to know. Everything you need to know is in that book." "So, shall we do the walk again?" Anya questioned. "I don't know if it's right or not. I tried to remember, I really did, but I think I put my shoulders too far back."

"Anya, you did it perfectly. I promise," Minka told the girl. Anya smiled. "But there is another concern. Dining, Anya. You have to know how the Romanovs ate," Vlad told the girl. Minka groaned, "Vlad, I'll teach her when she goes out to dinner tonight. Gleb wanted to have a night in Leningrad with me, but said I could bring a friend, so I'm taking Anya." Dmitry frowned, "What, you're not taking me?" Minka chuckled and shook her head, "After last night, I don't think that Gleb will want to cross you again." Anya snickered. "Anya, that isn't very lady like," Vlad scolded. Anya sighed, "Sorry, I just thought it was funny." Minka looked at Anya. She sighed, "A lot of things are funny, Anya, but my brother not wanting Dmitry to be seen with me isn't." Anya looked up, then processed what Minka just said, "Is there a specific color I should be wearing?" Minka nodded, "The preferred colors are either black, white, green, or red. Anything that isn't blue, really."

"So... this would work?" She twirled around. "Yes," Minka nodded. "And exactly what happened last night with Dmitry and your brother?" Vlad inquired. "It's a long story," Minka sighed. "I've got time, she's got time, so what happened?" "Dmitry?" Minka turned to him. "Are you sure you want me to tell it? To me, your brother looked like a monster." Minka and Anya both snickered at that. Vlad shot them both a look. "Yes, I want you to tell it. Because what it looked like to me isn't what it looked like to you at all."

Dmitry heaved a sigh. "I kept her past what I can only call a curfew. She was supposed to be home by eight, I kept her until ten. She began to grow tired. I held her close, and her brother approached us. I had never heard a tone that was intimidating. I never thought she was scared of him until I saw her eyes. She began shaking. I'm a thirty year old man, just one year younger than he, and even I was scared. The man is a Deputy Commissioner and when he sees Minka happy, he gets this expression on his face and you just know he's going to yell. When I let go of Minka, I saw him grab her arm, God only knows if she has bruises from how tight his grip was."

"Do you have bruises?" Vlad asked. "I have bruises from falling the other day, so if I do, I can't tell," Minka shrugged. "Roll your sleeve up," Dmitry mumbled. "It's fine, he didn't hurt me." Minka pushed her sleeve up to her elbow. There were two bruises, one from when she fell and the other from Gleb. "He didn't hurt you?!" Dmitry exclaimed. "That looks like he hurt you." "He didn't. His grip is nothing compared to what Father's was," Minka uttered. "Gleb tries not to hurt me. He knows what Father did, he hated what Father did. He tries not to be like Father. The most he does when he gets mad is yell."

Dmitry looked at Minka and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, taking her hands. "Minka, where did that bruise come from?" Dmitry asked, referring to the bruise that was in the exact same place Gleb held onto. Minka didn't respond, she was too scared to. "Minka Viktoriya, please tell me. I won't laugh at you," Dmitry assured. Minka smiled when she heard the calming tone. It was a tone she knew Gleb would never use unless he was trying to be gentle and impress someone. Minka still didn't say a word. She didn't want to. If Dmitry knew he wouldn't ever let her leave the Yusapov Palace and theatre. A tear fell down her face. "It doesn't matter, just don't let go," Minka choked. Dmitry heard the tone in Minka's voice, his own trembling as he uttered the words, "I won't."

Minka sniffed and clung to the fabric of Dmitry's shirt. "Minka, tell me what's wrong," he whispered. "I'm alright, Dmitry. Just... please don't let go." "I'm not going to," Dmitry murmured. "I promise." She tried to blink the tears away, but ultimately failed in the end. "Minka, tell me what happened." She shook her head. "Minka... please?" "No," she mumbled. "Why not?" Dmitry tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Because it's not important. We need to focus on helping Anya."

Dmitry sighed, "Alright, but after an hour, you need to tell me where that bruise came from." Minka sighed and pulled her sleeve down, approaching Anya, now seeing that she had small patches of dirt on her face, dust and tangles in her hair. "Let's save the edicate lessons for another day. I feel as though to be a Grand Duchess she needs to look presentable." Anya blinked, "What are you talking about?" Vlad knew what Minka had meant and spoke, "What she means, Anya, is that to be the Grand Duchess you need to take pride in how you look. You have dirt on your face and dust and mats in your hair, Anya." Anya was in complete and utter shock, "Why should it matter how I appear?" Minka sighed, "Because you have dinner with my brother tonight, and if you are Anastasia, we can't have you being a mess."

"Oh," Anya mumbled. "So, we need to figure something out," Minka sighed. "I might be able to sneak you in an hour early to clean you up. As of right now, let's get the tangles out of your hair. Vlad, Dmitry, do you know of a comb that was left in the palace?" "There might be one somewhere," Vlad shrugged. "We'll go see."

Minka took Anya's hand, grabbing the girl's coat and helping Anya put it on. "Thank you," Anya smiled. Minka stared at her, "No time for thank you's. Come on. We have to go look. I remember when my little Anastasia would have me brush her hair, she loved it. I would sing to her in German." Anya looked at Minka, "What about when you were ill?" Minka felt a smile creep on her face, "Anastasia would attempt to brush mine. I could tell she enjoyed it. It made her smile, and I didn't want to disappoint her. How could I let her down and make her cry? She was seven, I was eleven. She was such a sweet little girl." Minka took Anya to the streets of Leningrad and started to walk to Peterhof, the memory of what she had just said stirring in her mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1907, Peterhof Palace~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Minkalina, can I brush your hair?" Anastasia appeared beside Minka, who had just woken up from a nap. Minka blinked in surprise and nodded. Anastasia grinned and ran to grab a hairbrush, giving Minka time to sit up and rub her eyes before she appeared again. "Scoot up! Scoot up!" Minka chuckled at the Grand Duchess's excitement and did as she asked.

"Why must you be so excited?" Minka choked out. Anastasia looked at Minka, sitting down behind the girl who was four years older than her, "Because you're my friend and I want to take care of you. You're sweating. I want to make this more comfortable for you." Minka shook her head. "That doesn't answer my question," Minka chuckled. Anastasia spoke, "Because I wanted to take care of you."

"But I'm supposed to take care of you," Minka spoke before coughing. "With a cough like that you're not," Anastasia remarked, running the brush through Minka's hair. "Besides, Mama and Papa told me I could keep you company because you are not to leave this room until you're better." Minka sighed. "Anastasia—" "Hush, Minka! Just let me brush your hair!"

"Why did I get myself into this?" Minka grumbled. Anastasia smirked, "Because you decided to sleep outside when you went to Ufa last week. I didn't know you were ill until Mama and Papa told me, and now that I know, I am not letting you leave my sight and I won't leave you behind." Minka flinched as Anastasia hit a stubborn area with several tangles. "Sorry, I'll try to be gentle. If I can't I don't know what I can do," Anastasia whispered, trying to keep Minka calm.

"It's alright," Minka whispered. "Just try to be gentle. I've got a headache." As Anastasia went to run the brush through Minka's hair again, Minka sneezed and caused Anastasia to accidentally pull her hair. "Oh! I am so sorry! And gesundheit," Anastasia muttered, starting to run the brush through her hair again. "It's alright," Minka murmured.

Minka sighed as Anastasia continued to brush through the sweaty mess that was known as hair. "Do you want me to get Papa? You look like you're sweating and becoming overwhelmed," Anastasia said worriedly, ceasing to brush the servant's hair. Minka shook her head, unaware that Anastasia was circling to face her. Anastasia placed the back of her hand on Minka's forehead, she drew it back quickly. "You're burning, I'll get papa." Anastasia cried out, "Papa!"

"What is it, my Princess?" Nicholas walked into the room. "Minkalina's burning up," Anastasia responded. "Why didn't you say something, Minka?" Nicholas sighed, taking his glove off and pressing his hand to her forehead. "I thought I could sleep it off," Minka murmured. She sneezed again. "Gesundheit," he mumbled. "Thank you." Minka sniffed. Nicholas nodded and removed his hand from her forehead. "You're burning up, Minka. I'll get you a cold cloth to lay on your forehead. I want you to lay down and rest, understood?" Minka nodded. "Good. Anastasia can keep brushing your hair until I return." The girls giggled, Anastasia saying, "Thank you, Papa!"

"But what about---" Minka started to protest. Nicholas shook his head, "No. You aren't to do any of your duties at all. You need rest." Minka laid herself down, head meeting the pillow. "You are just a child. You need rest. We brought you in three months ago. When we let you go to Ufa for the first time, we had no idea you would fall ill." Minka sighed, starting to close her eyes, growing tired. "Please get better," Anastasia pleaded, going back to brushing Minka's hair.

"I will," Minka chuckled. "It takes more than an illness to kill me." Both Anastasia and the Tsar chuckled. "I'll be right back," Nicholas spoke. "Anastasia, don't let her move from that spot." "I won't, Papa. I promise," Anastasia spoke. Minka closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of having her hair brushed.

Anastasia stopped after a while, seeing that Minka was asleep. She smiled and sang softly. She didn't know that her nana was there, watching. It was the second time the Dowager Empress, formerly the Dagmar of Denmark, had seen Minka, but never before seeing the servant as an ill child. Softly, Anastasia sang the only lullaby she knew, the Romanov lullaby, "Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember. Things my heart used to know, things it yearns to remember... and a song someone sings... Once upon a December."

The Dowager smiled. "Anastasia, come along. Let's let her sleep." Anastasia slid off of the bed and padded over to her nana. "Nana," she whispered excitedly. The Dowager picked her up and carried her down the hall. "When she wakes up, you can go back. Let her sleep, alright?" Anastasia nodded. "Why don't we play with one of your sisters, hm?" "Alright," Anastasia grinned. "What about Tatiana?" "Is Tatiana too old to play?" The old woman raised a brow. "No," Anastasia laughed. "Alright, we'll play with Tatiana if she wants to."

Minka was stirring in her sleep. Fever had fully set in, causing her great pain. She tried to repress it, not letting it show, but it couldn't hide. Anastasia could hear the cries, "Nana. I just remembered, I promised I wouldn't let Minka leave her spot. She gets fussy when she's ill from what mama told me, and Papa knows it, he's seen it. We found out last time." The Dowager looked at Anastasia, "You didn't tell me this, Anastasia." Anastasia looked back to Minka's room, hearing weak footsteps go on the floor. Anastasia sighed, knowing that if Minka didn't rest, her father, Nicholas, wasn't going to be happy about it.

Anastasia ran back to Minka's room and grabbed Minka's arms. "No! Back to bed, Minkalina!" Minka started to protest, but the Dowager appeared behind Anastasia. "Back to bed, Minka. You're ill and you need to rest." "Yes, Your Majesty," Minka grumbled, walking back over to the bed, leaning heavily on Anastasia. Anastasia climbed up on the bed beside Minka and sighed. "Papa would've killed me," Anastasia mumbled. Minka chuckled. "Lay down, Anastasia." Anastasia giggled and shimmied beneath the covers beside Minka. Anastasia propped herself up on one arm, facing Minka. "Oh, I feel awful," Minka groaned.

Anastasia felt concerned for the girl. She placed the back of her hand on Minka's forehead, gasping. "Don't worry, papa will be here soon," Anastasia assured. Minka didn't respond, but instead was flung into a coughing fit. "That doesn't sound pleasant," Anastasia remarked. Minka groaned, "It feels worse than it sounds." Anastasia looked at Minka, then heard the Tsar's footsteps, knowing it was he alone who wanted to help Minka.

"Sorry it took so long. The Counts are in a tizzy," he chuckled. The Dowager rolled her eyes. "I'll go take care of them." The three left in the room laughed. "Those poor Counts don't stand a chance!" Anastasia exclaimed. "You're right, darling." He walked over to where Minka laid and placed the cloth on her forehead. "I have a doctor coming. He should be here soon." He ran his thumb across Minka's cheek. "That's not necessary, Your Highness," Minka whispered. "It is. I heard that coughing fit, and you're burning up."

"Her fever's gotten worse," Anastasia spoke in concern. Minka blinked, sapphire eyes that once had life in them had dulled. Minka protested, "I'll be alright. It's a little coughing fit and a fever, how bad could it be?" Nicholas sighed, "Minka, this is serious. You need medical attention and you are getting it, like it or not." Minka groaned, "I'm more of the not."

"I promise it's just to get you the proper medication you need. Alright?" Minka nodded. "Get some rest, Minka." Anastasia twisted a lock of Minka's hair between her fingers. "But Your Highness—" "No buts," Nicholas spoke sternly. "You will get medical care and that is the end of it." "Yes, Your Highness."

"Would you feel better if I held your hand?" Anastasia asked, hand smoothing down Minka's hair. Minka nodded. "As long as you stay out of the doctor's way, alright?" Nicholas told Anastasia. Anastasia nodded, "I will, papa." Minka sighed. This wasn't going to be a fun night. Minka felt a tight knot in her stomach, she heard footsteps coming down the halls and knew what it meant.

"Your Highness," the doctor nodded as he entered the room. "Hello," Nicholas nodded. "I assume the one with the cloth on her head is ill?" He eyed Minka and Anastasia. "Indeed." Anastasia rubbed Minka's hand, trying to calm her down, for she had started to fidget. He set his medical bag down and opened it, pulling out a stethoscope. Minka, who had never really seen any medical instrument before, was afraid. "Darling, this won't hurt you. It's to listen to your heartbeat," the doctor explained.

Minka, who still was a bit afraid, calmed down. She didn't really have a choice. She knew better than to let her emotions get the better of her. The doctor placed the stethoscope on Minka's chest, listening to her heart. He shook his head and sighed, "It's beating, but far too fast. Possibly from stress, maybe something else. Has she been working a lot?" Anastasia spoke, "She's been helping take care of my little brother." The doctor nodded, "I see now, a child with hemophilia can be stressful." Nicholas nodded. "She just came back from Ufa yesterday, could that have something to do with it?" the Tsar pondered. "Ufa is still going through famine, and the only food they have is dying on the streets, so it's possible," the doctor spoke.

Anastasia continued to rub Minka's hand, watching the doctor. He then pulled a thermometer out of his bag. He took Minka's temperature, then said, "High fever. Could be from staying in Ufa. Where did she stay while she was there?" "The streets," Nicholas responded quietly. He nodded. Minka turned her head and looked at Anastasia. "It's alright, Minkalina," she smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1927, Abandoned Peterhof Palace~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minka walked the halls of Peterhof, Anya in tow. "I haven't been here in so long," Minka breathed. Anya looked at her, "What do you mean?" Minka sighed, "The last time I was here was in 1914, the last day of my employ." Anya stared at the former servant, "So you were out of a job?" Minka nodded, "Yes. For a year, then I was put to work as a note taker for the Deputy Commissioner, my brother, Gleb Vaganov." Anya blinked, "Did he know?" Minka shook her head.

"Does he know now?" Anya stepped beside her. "Unfortunately," Minka grumbled. "Let's start in Anastasia's room. She always had a hairbrush in her room." Minka took Anya's hand and led her up the stairs, turning to the right. "It's right here," Minka spoke once they got to the fourth door. "Was it always this creepy here?" Anya questioned, entering the room. "No. It used to be magnificent," Minka sighed. "Looks like a lot changes in thirteen years."

Minka looked around the room, searching for the brush that she used to untangle the Grand Duchess's hair. She looked in the drawer and there it was, the brush made of silver and thick fibers that went through the locks with ease. "Anya, I found it," Minka said excitedly. Anya chuckled, hearing the tone, unaware of the footsteps that were approaching. The sound of boots against the floor echoed. A bang at the door. "Fu---" Minka began, then realized Anya was there. "I mean, drat. I should've known that they would be here today." Anya was surprised, "Who?" Minka looked at her, "The Bolsheviks, the very people who I'm employed under."

Anya's eyes widened. "What?!" "Shh!" Minka turned her head toward the open door. "Gleb didn't tell me they were coming here today." The footsteps came closer. Minka counted the sound of the boots. At least three Bolsheviks. Splendid. "I told you it was Minka and her friend," Gleb stated as he and two other Bolsheviks entered the room. "They're always exploring the old palaces." He turned his attention to the girls. "You two nearly got yourselves killed. They thought you were intruders and insisted on hiding and shooting at you." "I didn't know you were going to be here, otherwise I wouldn't have come," Minka mumbled. "I didn't tell you?" His brows furrowed. Minka shook her head.

"Sorry I didn't make you aware that we would be here. Run along, you two," Gleb told the two girls. Minka and Anya stood up and left, heading back to the Yusapov Palace and theatre. The brush that Minka had taken was still in her hand. "Anya, you are not going to regret this," Minka smiled. Anya sighed, "Why are you being so nice?" Minka grinned, "Because my brother likes you, end of story."

"Your brother... likes me?" Anya blinked in surprise. "But—" "Be thankful he does," Minka laughed. "Now, sit down." Anya sat down, Minka moving to where she stood behind her. "Minka, do you really think I'm Anastasia?" Anya asked. "Yes, I do," Minka mumbled, running the brush through Anya's tangled hair. "I don't look like a Grand Duchess, though." "Just wait until we get you cleaned up. Then you'll see you look exactly like her."

Anya sighed, feeling the tug of the brush through her hair. "Ow!" she whined. Minka went a bit more gentle, "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." Anya continued to feel the brush go through the mats and tangles, wincing. "Stay still," Minka grumbled, seeing how Anya was getting figety. "Stubborn as always, your highness," Minka sighed as she continued to get the dust filled tangles out. Anya chuckled, "That tone sounds so familiar, I've heard it before. A girl... about fifteen, she used it with me when I was eleven. I never thought I'd hear it again." Minka blinked, How did Anya know that?

"Minka?" Anya turned to face her. "What's the matter?" "How did you know that?" Minka whispered. "I don't know. It just came to me," Anya shrugged. "Why?" "I... I knew it. Anya, listen to me, I was the girl." Anya's brows furrowed as she thought. "So... you're saying I really am Anastasia?" Minka nodded. "Oh my God." "Just... don't tell my brother. He will kill both of us and the boys if he finds out," Minka said hurriedly, going back to brushing Anya's hair. "I won't. Speaking of the boys, where'd they go?" "That is an excellent question that I can't answer," Minka murmured.

Minka removed the brush from Anya's hair moments later. She smiled, "There we are, that should feel a lot better. You no longer have to worry about one thing." Anya didn't understand what Minka was talking about. She raised a brow, then heard a voice. It was Dmitry. Minka sighed, knowing that Dmitry would love seeing how she attempted to clean the dust and dirt from Anya's hair. "You did a good job, Vlad would love to see this," Dmitry smiled. Minka chuckled, "I'm sure he would."

Anya stood up, walking over to the window. "What happened at Peterhof?" Dmitry inquired. "Gleb forgot to mention the Bolsheviks were going to be there today. The two that were with him thought it was a good idea to hide and shoot at us, but Gleb insisted on searching the place." "Be thankful your brother was there," Dmitry mumbled. "I am." "Now, it's been well over an hour. What happened to your arm?"

Minka was wordless, she didn't want to tell him. She kept her mouth shut. "Minka, what is it?" Minka still said no words. She couldn't tell him. If he found out, he would never let her go home. "Minka?" Anya asked. "I can't tell you," Minka whispered. "Do you want to talk about it privately?" Dmitry pondered. Minka nodded. Dmitry gently took Minka's hand and led her to a far part of the room, keeping her close to him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a protective manner, waiting for an answer from her.

"Minka, tell me, please," Dmitry whispered. Minka stared up at him. "I... It's really embarrassing," she lied. "Tell me the truth, Minka." Surely he doesn't know I'm lying, Minka thought. "It just happened," she shrugged. "I banged it on the counter this morning." Dmitry gave her a look. "We both know that's not the truth." Minka sighed, "He didn't mean to. He doesn't even know it's there." "Minka—" "Gleb would never hurt me on purpose," she muttered. "Embarrass me? Yeah, but he would never intentionally hurt me."

"Minka... I don't want you going back to him. I want you to stay here with me. I can keep you safe. I can make sure you're fed. I don't want you to get hurt even more. I know I don't have a lot, but I have enough. Vlad and I would love having you. You're the first person we have ever had help us," Dmitry spoke softly. Minka shook her head, "Gleb would never allow it." Dmitry sighed, "But you can't stay there. What if he loses his temper again?" Minka had tears in her eyes. She didn't want to seem like she was ungrateful for everything that Gleb had done for her for the past twelve years. "Oh, Minka, you don't have to be scared."

Minka sniffed, "You don't understand." "Then help me understand," Dmitry murmured. "He won't allow it, Dima. If I ever wanted to move out, it would have to be no more than two blocks away." Dmitry sighed. "Just... stay here tonight. Please? We can figure something out." Minka looked up at him. "But... what about Gleb?"

"What about him? He hurt you, Minka," Dmitry sighed. Minka twiddled her thumbs, "But he and I have our tradition that we always do. Our night in Leningrad. Dmitry, it's January twenty fourth." Dmitry glared at her, "So? What's so important about January twenty fourth?" Minka sighed, "It's the day Lenin passed. Gleb and I have been doing this for the past two years. We do this to remember." Dmitry groaned, "I can't believe you do that every year. Do you pray before you eat, too?" Minka nodded, "Well, we have no choice. We have to do this. Every person who is a Bolshevik does it, Dmitry."

Dmitry huffed a sigh. "So... do your tradition thing and come back. Tell him you're staying with Anya or something." "Alright. If it'll get you to stop worrying, I'll figure something out," Minka sighed. "Good. I'm worried about you, Minka." "I know," she mumbled. Minka stared at the floor. Dmitry wrapped his arms around her gently, holding her close to him. "Minka, I don't want you to get hurt," he whispered. "I know," Minka murmured. "I know. It's just... I don't think it's fair to Gleb. He doesn't even know he gave me a bruise."

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

Minka had snuck Anya into the flat that Gleb and Minka were residing in. "Alright, your hair is brushed, we just need to get the dirt off your face. You'll thank me for this, Anya. You won't regret it. I promise, you'll be glad I'm doing it. I care for you, and my brother likes you. I want him to be pleased with you. Please pretend to be on our side. When he asks you what you think of Leningrad, you have to say you like it. No protesting please," Minka sighed.

Anya nodded and followed Minka to the washroom. "I'll go get a chair. Stay there." Minka left and grabbed a chair before going back to the washroom. She closed and locked the door, telling Anya to sit down. "This seems like a bit much," Anya murmured. "Anya, this is nothing compared to what it could be," Minka laughed. "It can get worse?" Anya's eyes widened. Minka nodded. "Indeed it could. You could have to take a bath, then get your hair styled in this ridiculous way, then have to put powder and such on, then have to step into a ridiculous looking ballgown and manage to wear heels, too." "I think I'll stick with this," Anya mumbled. Minka chuckled.

"So why did you want me to go with you? I mean isn't it something just you and Gleb do?" Anya wondered. Minka sighed as she started to clean the dirt off of Anya's face, "Yes, but he said I could bring someone along this time." Anya looked up at Minka, "Then why didn't you bring Dmitry?" Minka sighed once again, "We went over this. My brother doesn't like Dmitry because he kept me out past my curfew. He'll appreciate that I brought you. Now stop it. I'm taking you with me and that's final." "Yeesh, who would've thought that a note taker could be so authoritative?" Anya chuckled. "A lot of people. Even General Gorlinsky saw I could be intimidating when he and I first crossed paths."

Anya laughed, allowing Minka to scrub her face clean. "Dmitry seems to love your brother," Anya joked. "That's a lie and you know it," Minka laughed, shaking her head. "It wouldn't have been as bad for Dmitry if Gleb wasn't wearing his uniform when he dragged me off." "I don't know. Your brother can be intimidating, with or without the uniform," Anya pointed out. "You're right, as much as I hate to admit it." The girls laughed and Minka sat the cloth behind her. "There! Look at you now," Minka smiled. "As beautiful as a queen." "You're very sweet," Anya chuckled. "Thank you." She hugged Minka. "My pleasure." "Minka, are you here?" Gleb's voice echoed through the flat. Minka's eyes widened. "Minka?"

"My brother's home. Now hush. I have to go out and talk to him. He tells me what we're doing every time we do this," Minka explained and stepped out of the washroom. She smiled softly at Gleb. "You know what today is, correct?" Gleb ponderded. "January twenty fourth. I know, I am aware," Minka responded. "And you know what happened today?" Gleb pried. Minka nodded, a tear coming to her eye as she remembered it well. "I know... shh..." Gleb spoke in a gentle tone. "You remember that day well. I won't mention it ever again."

"Didn't you say you were bringing a friend tonight?" Minka nodded. "Good. Do I want to know who it is?" Gleb inquired, raising a brow. "It's not Dmitry, if that's what you're asking." "Thank God," Gleb mumbled. Minka shot him a disapproving look. "Sorry." "No you are not." "You're right," Gleb chuckled. "I don't like him." "It wasn't his fault," Minka groaned. "It was mine. We were talking and I lost track of time. I'm sorry, alright? Now, what did you want?"

"Who are you bringing with you?" Gleb asked her. Minka grinned from ear to ear, "I'm bringing Anya. I invited her in, so she'll be with us tonight." A blush formed on Gleb's face. It was clear. He was in love with Anya. "Glebby, you're blushing," Minka chuckled. Gleb glared at her, "I am not. And don't call me 'Glebby'." Minka laughed, "Why not?" Gleb groaned, "Stop being a pest. You don't know it, but I am also bringing someone with me." Minka blinked, "Who?" "General Gorlinsky," Gleb responded. "I have to get on his good side."

Minka groaned, "Seriously?" "Yes, seriously. Best behavior, understood?" "Yes," Minka sighed. "Now shoo, you little pest." "I didn't know you thought of yourself in that way, Glebby," Minka teased, punching his shoulder. "You know that I wasn't talking about me. Now, Minka, I have to—" It was at that moment he saw her sleeve was rolled up, revealing the bruises on her arm. "—what happened?!"

Minka shrugged, "I don't know." Gleb eyed her, lifting her arm gently, "You don't know how you got these bruises?" Minka nodded. "I'm sure you do. You are telling me how they got here, understood?" Gleb spoke in a stern tone. Minka sighed, "I fell and I must've landed on my arm." Gleb sighed, "You really have proven yourself to be a clutz, haven't you." He chuckled as Minka slid her arm out of his grasp and pulled down her sleeve. "Shut up," she groaned. Gleb chuckled lightly, "I don't think I will."

"Gleb," Minka groaned. "You know I'm kidding. Get ready, Viktoriya. We both have people to impress tonight." Minka laughed. "You mean you have people to impress." "Shut it," Gleb smacked the back of her head gently. "It's a wonder I don't have a dent," Minka grumbled, heading back to the washroom. "Stop whining." "I'm not whining, I'm speaking the truth." Minka grinned innocently from where she was standing. "Bye now!" She slipped into the washroom and closed the door, struggling to contain her giggles. Anya raised a brow, an amused smirk on her face.

"I just wanted to say thank you for wanting to help me," Anya smiled. Minka smiled back. "It was no trouble. Now, you look presentable, but I still have to get ready. You can stay and watch if you like. It may bring back a memory. Who knows, Anya?" she whispered. Anya kept the smirk on her face, "Since you helped me, can I help you?" Minka sighed, taken aback. "But the Grand Duchess only helped me when I was ill," Minka spoke. Anya responded, "I want to do it now. Please, let me." Minka heard the eager tone in Anya's voice. "Fine," Minka grumbled.

"Sit down," Anya grinned. Minka sighed and sat down in the chair. "Oh, don't be so grumpy, Minkalina!" "Minkalina?" Minka whispered. "Yes, Minkalina, now let me brush your hair." Minka nodded and untied the ribbon, letting her hair fall out of the ponytail it was in.

Anya smiled. "Minkalina, you look lovely already. Are you sure you aren't the Grand Duchess?" she giggled. Minka sighed, "Anya, the last time I saw Anastasia she was five foot four, she didn't get any taller. I'm five foot eight, I could never be the Grand Duchess." Anya grinned, "And you think that I could be? I'm just a street sweeper." Minka shook her head, "I've seen funnier things." Anya sighed as Minka kept moving her head. "Will you sit still?" Anya complained as she tried to keep Minka's head still.

Minka huffed and crossed her arms. Anya giggled, running the brush through Minka's hair. "Can I braid it?" Anya asked, setting the brush down. "If you want to," Minka shrugged. "Alright, but you've got to sit still!" "I will, I promise." "Good." Minka sat still while Anya braided her hair. "Ribbon?" Minka handed the ribbon to Anya. "And... there you go!" "Thank you," Minka laughed. "Oh, no. We've got to find a way to sneak you out." Anya chuckled, "Well, where's Gleb? Do it while he's in his room." "Not a bad idea," Minka nodded.

Minka stepped out, noticing Gleb was turning to go to his room to get ready for the night that was about to occur. Minka looked at Anya and took her hand, "I want you to wait outside the apartment. Gleb and I will meet you outside. I have no idea where General Gorlinsky is going to be meeting with us, but I know that you'll have wait. Gleb doesn't make haste when trying to impress someone. Gorlinsky is his higher up and Gleb is my higher up. I'm on the bottom of that chain." Minka led Anya outside, helping her keep warm by putting a thick sweater on the streetsweeper. "There. I'll be back when Gleb is ready to leave," Minka smiled, heading back inside, slipping through the door and waited patiently for Gleb to finish. She was growing impatient. Why was this so tedious?

"Glebby, are you ready yet?" Minka yelled. "No, I am not. Leave me alone for five minutes," Gleb responded. Minka laughed. "But I haven't bothered you!" "Who said it was you? I had to deal with the town gossips again." "Oh," Minka mumbled. "Yes, 'oh.'" Minka went to get a glass of water. "You do realize this is important, correct?" "Yes, but it's nice to have five minutes to myself!" "You can have five minutes to yourself when you get back. Now hurry up!"

"If I hurry will you stop being a pest?" Gleb groaned. Minka smirked, "Maybe." Gleb sighed, "Why do I feel like you're not going to leave me alone when this is over?" Minka chuckled, "Because I'm your sister, it's my job to tease you." Gleb huffed, "No, you're job is to be a note taker and write what I tell you." Minka groaned, "But that's no fun." Gleb stepped out of his room, wearing black slacks, a white dress suit, a black vest, and dress shoes that could identify him as a good and loyal Russian. "It's not my job to be fun, it's my job to keep Russia safe, and it's your job to write down who isn't being a good and loyal comrade."

Minka huffed and walked over to him. "Let's go, Konstanin." Gleb laughed and pulled the door open, allowing her to walk out first. Minka stood by Anya, who raised a brow. Gleb closed and locked the door, then turned on his heel. "Oh my God, I didn't know you were standing there," he sighed when he saw Anya. "That's not a good impression." The girls laughed. "Glebby, you're blushing again." 

A/N: This is probably one of the longest chapters, totaling at 39 pages on Google Docs. We had Glanya and Dmitrinka in this chapter. Speaking of this chapter, it is the end of me not ending chapters. Starting with Chapter 6, you will see something new. The songs in this chapter are as follows

"The Neva Flows"

"My Petersburg"

"The Vaganovs' Ufa"

"Our Russia"

"Still (5)" known as "Gleb's Temper"

And "Once Upon A December (Prologue version)"

I hope you enjoy this chapter. I sure did. Girlmeetsmusic and I are working very hard to make the story mimic the musical, but with new twists. Comment below with your favorite chapter so far. And if you're ready for the page count, here it is. Up to chapter 4, on mobile devices, this fan fiction is 262 pages. Oh wow. That's a lot for just four chapters. It'll get longer as the story goes on. By chapter six, we will see the moments we've all been waiting for. "Stay I pray You", "We'll Go From There", "Still", and "Journey to the Past". Chapter seven will also include an original song for Minka that I am currently working on. Enjoy