Whilst Alexander was giving vent to his grief, Nikita was doing something totally different.
The young Siamese Muscateer was at someone's House, standing by a servant- like bed whilst on it sat a portly cat, clad in a filthy nightshirt. The atmosphere was grim around them. Nikita had her jaw set as she held out her paw.
The cat on the bed, Shakovno, was fiddling with something on his lap, looking up at Nikita but never catching her eye. Finally he spoke.
"I want to be payed big, you know. These passes are hard to get... Especially as your friend seems to be wanted" the filthy cat lowered his voice. "If anyone finds out... I could be killed" there was slight fear in his eyes, his paws fiddled almost tremblingly with the book on his lap. A candle flickered in the dim light.
Nikita clenched her paw, making sure that Shakovno did not see. Her tone was serious, her eyes fixed upon shakovno's constantly moving ones.
"I understand your predicament and I value your kindness" she spoke skilfully, winning over the other cats trust. "You are a faithful friend Shakovno and I honour you for that. But now, in times of difficulty I come asking you for one favour. A pass for my friend Michael" her paws curled in a fist, tight with hope and fear, fear in case he did not give over the pass. What would happen then?
Still staring at each other, with the candle flickering its silhouette on the white walls, Shakovno lifted up the book of papers from his lap and slowly passed them to Nikita. The exchange was done is silence.
A few moments passed.
Nikita held the papers as tight as possible, her claws gripping them lest they disappear. So much were they worth to her. So much were they worth to her friend Michael.
Still holding the papers, the Siamese cat removed two large golden- bronze coins, laying them one at a time on the table, the noise reverberating around the small room. Silence reigned for a short time once more.
"That is the full price, thank you" nodded Shakovno, a small smile playing on his lips. "What do you need the pass for any ways, why is your friend leaving Ruscatia? Young ones nowadays have no loyalty to their motherland"
Nikita looked up, her jaw set in hidden anger as she heard what Shakovno said. Her voice, however was controlled but cool when she spoke. "He is going away for his health. And again I'm grateful for all you've done for us"
Shakovno nodded, self importance rising in his chest. " well, yes" he said, keeping his voice low. "I knew your father, a grand duke his is. Of course I felt duty bound to do you your favour"
My father forgot his duty for a heir, he forgot his honour Nikita almost gritted out scathingly but kept her wrath at bay and put all her will towards thanking the old cat pleasantly.
She stared deep into his eyes, unblinking but putting all of her soul towards making him believe all she said. "Thank you with all my heart Shakovno. My friends and I will never forget your help and compassion towards us"
Adding to the two coins, she placed on the table a healthy bottle of wine. That caught Shakovno's eye and he nodded approvingly, his paw reaching out for it slowly. "Well, if that's all... Maybe you should be on your way?" He asked, shuffling with his eyes glued on the drink.
Nikita stood up and performed a small bow, her paws still clenched over the papers. "Again thank you" she mewed formally, before leaving the room and allowing Shakovno to fulfil his dreams of best red wine.

Just checked and I've got eight likes! Not bad at all... For my books that is. More coming soon for all readers and muscateers!