Mom woke me up very early the next morning. The sun was not even up yet. The city lights still glowed dimly through my window as I looked out of it.

"Don't worry about getting dressed," my mother whispered to me as we made our way out of the dark room and into the hallway. Andrei was already waiting for me, standing perfectly still, his hands behind his back. He stood there formally, as a normal navy soldier would do. "Andrei told me that you will have a private jet. No one will see you in your pajamas. And you'll get to Saint Petersburg pretty late in the afternoon, too, since Russia is across the world. And I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to sleep on the airplane, since it'll still be relatively late by the time you reach the airport." I nodded, feeling too tired to speak. Mom smiled softly at me. "I'll walk the two of you to the vehicle."

And my mother did exactly that. The crisp, cold air stung my bare arms, as it's late October, early November. We got to the parking lot, and I was surprised when my mother dropped the two of us at the limo.

"A limo?" I asked, feeling slightly insecure. I've dreamed of riding in a limo. But, now that I'm basically royalty, I felt slightly uncomfortable riding one. Royalties are known to be riding fancy vehicles, right?

"Which other car were we going to chauffeur you in, Your Highness? A Nissan?" he asked in a thick, Russian accent. He smiled slightly, hoping that the joke would lighten me up. But it didn't. I'd honestly rather use a Nissan car than a limo. Just to attract less attention. People would probably wonder what a limo would be doing at the airport early in the morning.

Andrei mumbled to himself before getting into the car, opposite the diver who would be escorting me to the airport. Now it was just me and my mom left. The more I stood there, the colder I got. The temperature seemed to be going lower and lower by the second. I felt a sudden warmth embracing me. I realized that it was my mother, who had her arms wrapped around my hourglass figure. I nuzzled my face into the soft fabric of her night shirt. She smelled faintly of the incense that she usually used during her morning and night time prayers. She also smelled of bergamot and vanilla. God, I was going to miss her!

"Be good for me, won't you?" she whispered once she let go of the hug. "And to your grandmother?"

I tried hard to not get irritated, but I know that I would get my mother worried.

"Of course, Mother," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm and cool. "You know I will."

"And promise that you'll text me, or send me a picture whenever you reach St. Petersburg?"

"Mum, I promise that I'll do all of those things," I reassured.

My mother looked slightly guilty and very apologetic.

"Sorry. I guess that I'm just worried about you. I'm not ready for my baby to be so far away from me." She wiped a stray tear that fell from her cheek. She sighed, looking very saddened. "Twelve hours away. . . . I don't know if I'm ready."

I gave her a reassuring smile before hugging her around the middle again.

"I'll be fine, Mother. And I'll be sure to send some pics and I'll definitely text you to let you know that I'm fine and that I'm alive and well."

"Alright," my mother finally whispered. She sighed. "My little baby is all grown up."

Before I could say anything, Andrei spoke up. He'd gotten out of the car, looking a little panicked and slightly annoyed.

"Can you please hurry?" he asked in his heavy Russian accent. "We're going to be late to the airport if we don't get a move-on." He muttered something to himself, in Russian by the sounds of it, before getting back into the car. He slammed the door shut in the process, causing me and my mom to flinch.

"Looks like Andrei is getting a bit impatient," Mom chuckled, smiling slightly. "Well, it looks like you have to go." She gave me one last kiss on the forehead before letting me go. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Mom," I replied. I stared at her one last time before approaching the car. She held the door open for me and I slid into the rounded seats. I stared after my mother one last time before we turned the corner. I decided to put on my seat belt before we made it onto the highway that was right next to our apartment complex.

"You're finally done with the talking," I heard Andrei mumbling under his breath. I don't think he intended for me to hear, but I did. I just rolled my eyes but didn't say anything.

I watched the buildings of Manhattan flying past as we sped down the roads of the city. God, I was going to miss this place — the buildings, the parks, the closeness of the buildings, the shops. Everything. But I'm bound to visit sometime soon, won't I? It's not like I'll be gone forever.

Finally, we reached the airport. The chauffeur made a full turn around the building before pulling up to a white private jet. The engines were roaring, preparing itself for take-off. Some janitors were spotted here and there, making sure that the area surrounding the luxurious private jet was clean. I noticed that they all had protection gear to protect their hearing. I spotted someone smoking a cigarette while he was on break.

One of the workers spotted us immediately as we made our way towards the jet.

"Andrei!" a male called. I noticed that he, too, had a strong Russian accent. Not nearly as strong as Andrei's, but still strong enough.

"Mikhail," Andrei replied. He had a big grin on his face. They greeted each other as I stood there, off to the side. They spoke quietly to each other for a few seconds before Andrei finally motioned for me to come forward. I gave a tight smile before approaching them.

"Mikhail, do you remember me telling you about Princess Anastasia II?" Andrei asked.

The guy, Mikhail, gasped. He looked shocked.

"So this is our lost princess, isn't it?" I nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed. How many people did Andrei talk to about me? Not everyone in the world needed to know who I truly was. Not just yet, at the least. Mikhail finally got over his shock and stuck his hand out for me to take. He had a big, boyish grin on his face. "So lovely to finally meet our princess. Forgive me if I sound so shocked. I never thought that we'd have another Russian heir. All we know is that Tsarina Nadia is our current queen."

"You know my grandmother?" I asked, before I could stop myself.

"Of course I know your grandmother!" Mikhail exclaimed, looking shocked. "Everyone in Russia knows who your grandmother is, Stacey. Even the other royals out there."

I nodded, feeling too stunned to speak. I listened to Andrei and Mikhail as they spoke in fluent Russian. I got distracted and noticed that the sun started to peek over the horizon. The yellow half of the circle started to poke out. Hints of pinks, reds, and oranges were beginning to appear as well. Finally, Andrei spoke.

"Well, Mikhail. It looks like the two of us are ready to take off. We've got a long flight ahead of us. We want to get to Russia before it gets dark."

"Oh, that won't be for a long time, sir," Mikhail said with a light chuckle. "Well, come aboard. It's about time we left. We don't want to be late."

We climbed the stairs that led to the aircraft. Once we'd boarded the plane, the door closed behind us. I got settled into my chair and began to dread the long hours of flying ahead.

Once the plane had taken off, I glanced down the window, wanting to say goodbye to the city that I loved most. When the city was out of sight, I settled back into my chair. I immediately thought about my mom. I wondered how she was handling my departure. Did she even sleep at all? What will my classmates say whenever they realize that I haven't shown up for class for the rest of the year? Most importantly, how will they react whenever they find out that I'm related to the Romanovs?

I fell asleep at some point, only waking up to eat lunch and dinner on the airplane. Nothing much.

Finally, we've arrived at the Russian airport. We landed on the concrete runway where the planes would either land or take off. We waited for a few more moments so that the plane could get to a full stop. Once the plane came to a halt, we were allowed to get off. Once we got outside, the wind from the cold October air and the roaring propellers whipped my long dark red/brown hair into my face.

And, of course, there was another limo waiting for me. How many limos will I be riding in one day? Four? Five? I hoped not!

"Welcome, Your Royal Highness," another Russian guard greeted me. He bowed low once he'd opened the door. I smiled awkwardly at him, nodding a "thank you" in his direction. I then got in. The chauffeur closed the door firmly behind me. Andrei went to sit on the other side of the driver's seat. The duo talked quite quickly in Russian. I didn't even understand a word that they were saying. But I didn't mind. I preferred the silence.

I leaned against the window frame, thinking about everything that had happened in the past few hours. I would have been up by now in America, getting up for my regular day at school. Mom would be making breakfast with whatever she could find. She always made sure that I had plenty to eat, especially before school. I'd be meeting up with my friends at Lincoln High School, which was located within the Manhattan metroplex. What would they say when they realized that I wasn't going to show up? Would they think that I'm sick? Would my Mom have to explain everything to them if they wonder why I haven't shown up to school in such a long time?

I distracted myself from my thoughts as I stared at the high, towering buildings that loomed above me. I felt so small, being right next to the large towers.

And, before long, we approached the Catherine Palace. My blood began to race with either excitement or nerves. There were more guards, butlers, and servants waiting for my arrival. Outside stood an elderly woman. She wore a gold gown that reached her ankles. She wore silver heels. She had a dainty tiara adorned on the top of her head. Her white hair was incredibly short, yet curly. She kinda reminded me of Queen Elizabeth II of England. Then I had to remind myself that all the royals around the world were related to each other, in some small way.

Andrei opened the limo door for me so that I could get out. Once I'd gotten out of the car, Grandmother Sofia clapped both of her hands to her mouth. I felt awkward standing there in my night clothes. I realized that I hadn't changed at all in the past twelve-to-thirteen hours. Why didn't I think to bring a change of clothes so that I could change into them on the way here?

"Anastasia? Is that really you?" Grandmother Nadia breathed as she eyed me.

"Yes, Grandmother," I replied. "I believe so."

I was surprised when she came over and hugged me.

"It's been so long," she said. "I thought that I'd never see you again, my granddaughter."

I still felt awkward by the fact that this stranger, who claimed to be my grandmother, was hugging me. Hesitantly, I hugged her back. She finally let me go and examined my entire body. She took my hands in hers.

"Let me look at you." She paused, examining every inch of me. She smiled. "You look like your father, dear," she commented. "Especially in the face. And I see that you have your mother's hair as well."

I smiled. I didn't know what to say.

"Erm. . . . thanks," I replied. I gave her a slightly embarrassed smile.

"Well, would you like for me to take you inside so that you can see your ancestral family home?"

I nodded, eager. I'd always wanted to visit the Catherine Palace, and now, my dreams have come true! And better yet, I am a princess. Or, in Russian terms, a Grand Duchess.

Grandmother led me inside and motioned for the servants, butlers, and maids to continue what they were doing. The butler took off the coat that I wore from Manhattan. It was the only piece of clothing that I brought that smelled like home.

I was led into the main hallway. The floors seemed to be made of polished wood. It was a little slick underneath my feet. I had to keep a firm balance as I walked. Several glittering chandeliers dotted the ceiling with twentieth-century-styled architecture.

"We have been preparing all day and night, waiting for your arrival," my grandmother explained. "We wanted to make sure that you were at home, and that you were comfortable."

I smiled at her.

"It is comfortable, for a palace," I admitted, grinning at her. Grandmother just laughed.

"I like your sense of humor, dear," she announced. She motioned to one of the servants to come over. She hurried towards us. She had a serious expression on her face.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness?" she said.

"Ksenia, please take Anastasia to her room, please."

Ksenia bowed.

"I will do that right now, Your Highness," she abruptly replied. The maid motioned for me to follow her. As we walked, I got a good look at her. She had pale skin and frizzy brunette hair. I couldn't see what her face looked like, as she was not facing my direction. But I could see some freckles dotting her face here and there. Some in little clusters.

"I hope that you'll find the palace comfortable here, My Lady?" she suddenly spoke. Like Andrei, she had a strong Russian accent that was very noticeable. But at least I could understand her English.

"I haven't been here for long, but I have to say, the palace looks much more comfortable than I thought."

I'd honestly thought that the castle would be overwhelming.

"We like to keep it that way. We also like to preserve some of the history from the Russian royals from the olden days."

That explained why some of the stuff looked a bit old and outdated.

She led me down a few more corridors before we entered a large chamber.

"This will be your headquarters, My Lady," she announced.

"It's just Stacey, Miss Ksenia," I insisted. "I'm not ready to be called a princess just yet."

The serious look on Ksenia's face faded. A slight smile formed on her lips.

"Are you sure, Miss? Your grandmother would want you to be called Your Royal Highness, or anything along the fancier terms."

"Maybe in the future. In a year, perhaps."

"I'll respect that, My Lady." She bowed low. "Your grandmother will be expecting you for dinner in an hour or so. You can do whatever you want in this room." She bowed herself out, closing the door shut behind her. I am now left in silence. It was oddly a little too quiet. The workers must be on the other side of the palace.

I had the time to do whatever I needed to do. And, soon enough, Ksenia came back, announcing that it was time for dinner. And, to my surprise, it was just me and grandmother who were having dinner together. The other servants were tending to their other chores. No visitors were in today.

After eating in silence for a little bit, grandmother finally spoke.

"So, I have already signed you up for your new school. You'll be going there tomorrow."

I looked up at her, my fork halfway to my mouth.

"What school is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Well, it's a bit difficult to explain. But, basically, all of the countries in Europe go to one school."

I gawked at her, full of disbelief.

"How is that even possible?"

Grandmother smiled, amused by my reaction. I suppose that she expected me to react that way. She leaned in towards me, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Magic."

Before I could stop myself, I burst out laughing.

"Ha! Magic isn't real!"

"In the royalty world, it is," Grandmother replied, speaking in a firm voice that surprised me. "You'll see."

"Alright, then. What's the school called?" I challenged.

"It's called Arcadia Prep on a private island called Enchantia."

"How will I get there?"

The corners of grandmother's lips jerked to a slight smile.

"You'll see. Andrei will definitely take you, so you won't get lost, dear."

I still didn't fully believe my grandmother. Is this all a joke? It better be. There's no such thing as magic, is there?