Sunlight was pouring through the clouds, illuminating her room through her window. The view from her window was amazing. He walked towards it, but saw her bed on the way and collapsed with exhaustion on it. “Hope you don’t mind, but unlike you I didn’t get to sleep in late today.” “Don’t worry about it.” She took off her outer coat and was wearing a beautiful turquoise blue dress underneath. Standing by the fire place in her room, she placed the platter of strawberries on the small table just next to the chair she was on, and picked one up. Lathering it thickly in the sauce Andrei had made, she carried it to Alexandre and forced him to sit up.
Holding one hand over his eyes, she opened his mouth and put the strawberry in. “Chew it, savour it!” she ordered him. He laughed, and almost choked on the strawberry. “Please tell me that you’re not choking again?” she laughed and he shook his head. Finishing the strawberry, he rose form the bed and walked to the tray.
“You Serbians hide the best the world has to offer, and hardly ever share it!” He picked up another strawberry, and ate it straight without the sauce. She laughed, and sat down in the chair by the fire. He went and stood by her, eventually sitting on the floor beside her. There was only one chair in the room. Antonya felt guilty, her mother having taught her how to be a good host, and she sat on the floor with him.
“What? You can’t sit on the floor! Oh no! No!” He was shocked that she would do such a thing, but she didn’t care. If anything, it was warmer here on the floor by the fire. “Alexandre, you’re my guest! It’s rude for me to sit on a chair and for you to have to stand or sit on the floor. That is disgraceful! If you sit on the chair, then I will be happy, but if you sit on the floor then I will do so too. Plus, it’s warmer here.”
She smiled, and Alexandre fought so hard the urge to just wrap his arms around her and hold her tight. How beautiful she was! Especially with that smile on her face. She noticed his staring at her, but was glad he was doing so. She felt so different around Alexandre, but it was a good different. He talked to her, and she felt safe with him. She wanted to tell him everything that had happened, how much of a failure she was, and without realising it a troubled look crossed her face. She frowned, and walked to the window to stare out at the sky. Why couldn’t one day pas without her being truly happy anymore? Why couldn’t there be one day where she could enjoy life without one moment of sadness?
Alexandre saw the frown cross the princess’ face, but didn’t know what to do. Why was she sad? Had he done something? She rose and walked to the window, leaning against it staring out to the sky. “I tried, Alexandre, I’m sorry!” she whispered, bursting into tears. It was as if the sun shared her pain, for it disappeared from the sky, and Alexandre’s heart was shattered to see her like this. She undid her hair in anger, and it fell softly against her face. Her hazel eyes were glassy with tears, her cheeks moist in their wake.
He stood from where he was, and wrapping his arms around her, he moved her towards the fire, away from the cold window. They sat down on the floor again, and he reached for her hand. Holding it tightly, he drew her closer to him and held her close. They sat in silence for ages, watching the fire burn. “Antonya, why are you crying? Why do you think you’ve failed and need to apologise?” he softly questioned her. Fresh tears began to fall from her eyes, and she told him everything.
Alexandre had no idea of everything that had happened to her, and he held her tightly. “Why don’t you reject me” she asked, turning around to look in his eyes “like everyone else? They all turn away from me. Though they make out not to show that they don’t like me, I can always tell. Why aren’t you walking away, muttering under your breath like everyone else?”
He was taken aback by this. “I…well it’s because…I…umm…” he stuttered “It’s because…” unable to find the words to say it with, he lifted her chin and kissed her softly. “Antonya, I love you” he whispered in her ear, holding her face in his hands. She was frozen, not knowing what to do or say. He began to get nervous, thinking that she would reject him, but her arms wrapped around his neck, and she pulled his head down to hers.
“Alexandre, I love you too.” She whispered, and kissed him. Her soft lips pressed against his, and softly she kissed him, until he couldn’t bear it any longer, and kissed her more passionately. He pulled her in closer to him, and felt her heart racing against his chest. He broke free from her kiss and began to stroke her cheek. She rested her head against his chest and felt his heart beat – steady and strong, like him. He ran his hands though her hair and she kissed his knuckles. “Alexandre” she exhaled, and he kissed her. “Antonya, oh, Antonya! Don’t you dare let anyone else tell you what you should be like. I promise I won’t be like that. I love you Antonya. I love you!”
He let go of her, and leaned back against the chair. She stood, and picked up a strawberry. With tears falling from her eyes, she walked to the window, and ate it. The sun shone brightly again, and he stood and lay on her bed watching her. The sun lit up her wonderful hazel eyes, and a soft breeze blew her hair gently away from her face. The light on her pale face was soft, and her gown followed her fragile figure gently, the blue accentuating her dark hair and light eyes. She was like an angel, with her soft cheeks and innocent eyes. She sat on the window, and lifted the strawberry to her mouth. Her sweet tender lips hugged the strawberry as she went to bite it.
He leaned back on her pillows, and closed his eyes, overcome with love for her. Her eyes wandered over to him, and she got down from her window ledge. How peacefully he lay there. She walked over and softly kissed his cheek. His skin was gently tanned, his dark brown hair soft and messy, yet so becoming. His arms were so strong. She stood back and walked to her window. He lay there, in his white shirt and long brown fur coat, black pants and tall black leather boots that came up over his pants. Boots on her bed! Oh well, she thought. He opened his eyes, and she turned to look out the window once more.
He walked over, lifted her up and threw her on the bed. Throwing of his coat he jumped on top of her, and started laughing. Antonya had no idea what he was going to do, but she didn’t care. She loved him. He lay down on top of her and began kissing her again. “Antonya, you’re mine. As long as I am alive I will have you, I will love you, no matter what. I don’t care!” he yelled, and he kissed her fervently. She pushed her fingers through his hair and pulled him in closer. His hands ran down her body, and tears began to fall from his eyes. He lay beside her, and buried his head in her chest. She stroked his head and he cried.
“Antonya, I don’t want to leave you, ever. If I go somewhere, if I do something, I want to feel your touch, know your presence there with me. I love you Antonya.”
12.5.09
6
King Vladan was taken aback by the fact that his young Princess Antonya actually wanted to leave Serbia for a while. He thought that Velibor and Antonya would be inseparable. Queen Ann, seated next to him, smiled at this news, yet said nothing more.
Marco had entered the room wondering what on earth his brother could possibly want now. At times he got seriously annoyed with Vladan, his older brother though he be. Hopefully he would allow this to come to pass, for the way Antonya sounded she really needed a break, and it would do Vladan no harm to let her go a while. But would he let her go all the way home to Moscow with him?
Vladan stood as his brother entered the room, and greeted him with a smile. “Join me in a drink brother!” he exclaimed, passing a glass of wine to Marco. Marco was surprised to see his brother so happy. “Marco, my dear brother, I am so happy this night! I light has shone in my darkness, and I think I know now what to do!” He winked at his wife, and then sat down.
Marco was rather amused by this, seeing his brother enjoying himself, yet acting formal at the same time. “What causes you so much joy this evening Vladan? One might think that there was excess wine in the palace and you were responsible for it’s disposal!” They all laughed, Marco draining his glass and holding it out so a maid could pour more for him. “Such humor brother! Would you be the next court jester for me? I’m starting to miss the old one, though he got out of hand occasionally…” His voice drifted off, and the smile slowly began to recede from his face.
Marco saw this as the perfect opportunity to ask Vladan about Antonya. “Vladan, you know I promised you a solution, or at least a proposal, remember, for Antonya?” The king looked at him for a while, lost, then his face lit up. “Oh, yes! I remember!...come to think of it, isn’t that why we asked for his presence here with us Ann? I think it was…”
Hopefully this is going to be a positive conversation then, thought Marco. His brother was a professional at taking a good moment and ruining it sourly. “Marco,” Vladan said, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Ann and I were discussing life earlier today, when she brought to my mind an wonderful idea, although you are yet to agree with me.” He paused and sipped from his glass. Marco stood and moved to stand closer to the fire, while Ann reached out to support her husband. “Oh, my brother, she loves you, truly she does, like a best friend, an older brother. You’re her idol. If she’s not talking about Velibor its always about you. Often she has expressed her desire to travel to Russia with you and visit Moscow for a while…”
“Vladan!” Marco cut in “this is the solution I have for you! Oh my, I never thought I’d here you even talk of such a thing. Hopefully this is what you meant, but getting back on track.” He paused for a breath, suddenly excited at what his brother could have been suggesting. “I followed Antonya to her room after she stormed out of dinner tonight, and we were talking for a while. She told me about the jester, but then moved on to Velibor. According to her, things are not all too well with them at the moment, and she begged me to take her with me to Moscow, even if it were only for a few weeks she said. I would really love to bring Antonya to Moscow!”
Queen Ann’s eyes were shining so bright, and the king stood and began to pace, but this time with a spring in his step. They were overjoyed to hear that Antonya had said this of her own accord. Just at that moment, Antonya walked into the library.
“Ah, my beautiful daughter! We were just talking about you. Please, sit here! Of all the things I’ve ever said to you that have made you come to hate me, surely this will change your heart to me!” The king was smiling, and gestured to the seat next to Marco. Antonya looked at her father strangely. Marco sat down next to her, and she whispered in his ear. “Has father been drinking a lot of wine Marco?” He laughed and shook his head.
“Darling, your uncle, father and I have been discussing what to do you. I don’t mean that in a bad way dear, but it seems to me that what you need most is a break from your father and I, and to get out and see the world.” She motioned for the maid to bring a glass for Antonya. “True, Antonya, and I am so sorry that I haven’t been able to be the best father to you.” The king rose and kissed his daughter’s forehead.
Marco stood up, and moved once again by the fire. “Antonya, I have told your parents of your desire to travel with me to Moscow. They know just how much you wish to come with me, and all too well how much I wish to take my little niece home with me.” Antonya’s face lit up brightly, and she was sitting on the edge of her chair in anticipation. “Unfortunately, they said I can’t have you forever.” Casting her eyes downwards, she sat back in the chair feeling even more defeated. I should have never come, she thought to herself.
“Ha, Marco! You’re crazy my little brother! I swear you claim my daughter loves you, but she does not even understand what you meant! You have broken her heart!” He laughed, but stopped abruptly after seeing Antonya’s eyes declaring murder in his direction. “Oh my sweet, we were just joking! Your mother and I have decided to allow you to travel to Moscow with your uncle. Provided he wants you, and you behave.”
Antonya looked at Marco, and watched him as he returned to his seat next to her. HE put an arm around her shoulders and laughed. She punched his leg, and jumped up to hug her parents. Queen Ann stood to meet her daughter, and tears began to fall from her eyes having finally seen her daughter enjoy something honestly for once. The king stood too, but expected only a peck on the cheek. Surprisingly, Antonya threw her arms around her father, and held him tight. “I’m sorry father, and please don’t think that I hate you! It’s just at times that I don’t like you, or disagree with what you say. But mother says I have your temper anyway. She laughed and moved away from her parents.
“My daughter, I think it’s time you headed off to bed. You’ll have a big day tomorrow, and we must go and get some new gowns for you to wear in Moscow. Your uncle is here for one more week, and then you will leave together.”
Antonya kissed them all lightly, and ran to her room. Finally! She breathed out, as she collapsed on her bed. A trip to Moscow!
Marco had entered the room wondering what on earth his brother could possibly want now. At times he got seriously annoyed with Vladan, his older brother though he be. Hopefully he would allow this to come to pass, for the way Antonya sounded she really needed a break, and it would do Vladan no harm to let her go a while. But would he let her go all the way home to Moscow with him?
Vladan stood as his brother entered the room, and greeted him with a smile. “Join me in a drink brother!” he exclaimed, passing a glass of wine to Marco. Marco was surprised to see his brother so happy. “Marco, my dear brother, I am so happy this night! I light has shone in my darkness, and I think I know now what to do!” He winked at his wife, and then sat down.
Marco was rather amused by this, seeing his brother enjoying himself, yet acting formal at the same time. “What causes you so much joy this evening Vladan? One might think that there was excess wine in the palace and you were responsible for it’s disposal!” They all laughed, Marco draining his glass and holding it out so a maid could pour more for him. “Such humor brother! Would you be the next court jester for me? I’m starting to miss the old one, though he got out of hand occasionally…” His voice drifted off, and the smile slowly began to recede from his face.
Marco saw this as the perfect opportunity to ask Vladan about Antonya. “Vladan, you know I promised you a solution, or at least a proposal, remember, for Antonya?” The king looked at him for a while, lost, then his face lit up. “Oh, yes! I remember!...come to think of it, isn’t that why we asked for his presence here with us Ann? I think it was…”
Hopefully this is going to be a positive conversation then, thought Marco. His brother was a professional at taking a good moment and ruining it sourly. “Marco,” Vladan said, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Ann and I were discussing life earlier today, when she brought to my mind an wonderful idea, although you are yet to agree with me.” He paused and sipped from his glass. Marco stood and moved to stand closer to the fire, while Ann reached out to support her husband. “Oh, my brother, she loves you, truly she does, like a best friend, an older brother. You’re her idol. If she’s not talking about Velibor its always about you. Often she has expressed her desire to travel to Russia with you and visit Moscow for a while…”
“Vladan!” Marco cut in “this is the solution I have for you! Oh my, I never thought I’d here you even talk of such a thing. Hopefully this is what you meant, but getting back on track.” He paused for a breath, suddenly excited at what his brother could have been suggesting. “I followed Antonya to her room after she stormed out of dinner tonight, and we were talking for a while. She told me about the jester, but then moved on to Velibor. According to her, things are not all too well with them at the moment, and she begged me to take her with me to Moscow, even if it were only for a few weeks she said. I would really love to bring Antonya to Moscow!”
Queen Ann’s eyes were shining so bright, and the king stood and began to pace, but this time with a spring in his step. They were overjoyed to hear that Antonya had said this of her own accord. Just at that moment, Antonya walked into the library.
“Ah, my beautiful daughter! We were just talking about you. Please, sit here! Of all the things I’ve ever said to you that have made you come to hate me, surely this will change your heart to me!” The king was smiling, and gestured to the seat next to Marco. Antonya looked at her father strangely. Marco sat down next to her, and she whispered in his ear. “Has father been drinking a lot of wine Marco?” He laughed and shook his head.
“Darling, your uncle, father and I have been discussing what to do you. I don’t mean that in a bad way dear, but it seems to me that what you need most is a break from your father and I, and to get out and see the world.” She motioned for the maid to bring a glass for Antonya. “True, Antonya, and I am so sorry that I haven’t been able to be the best father to you.” The king rose and kissed his daughter’s forehead.
Marco stood up, and moved once again by the fire. “Antonya, I have told your parents of your desire to travel with me to Moscow. They know just how much you wish to come with me, and all too well how much I wish to take my little niece home with me.” Antonya’s face lit up brightly, and she was sitting on the edge of her chair in anticipation. “Unfortunately, they said I can’t have you forever.” Casting her eyes downwards, she sat back in the chair feeling even more defeated. I should have never come, she thought to herself.
“Ha, Marco! You’re crazy my little brother! I swear you claim my daughter loves you, but she does not even understand what you meant! You have broken her heart!” He laughed, but stopped abruptly after seeing Antonya’s eyes declaring murder in his direction. “Oh my sweet, we were just joking! Your mother and I have decided to allow you to travel to Moscow with your uncle. Provided he wants you, and you behave.”
Antonya looked at Marco, and watched him as he returned to his seat next to her. HE put an arm around her shoulders and laughed. She punched his leg, and jumped up to hug her parents. Queen Ann stood to meet her daughter, and tears began to fall from her eyes having finally seen her daughter enjoy something honestly for once. The king stood too, but expected only a peck on the cheek. Surprisingly, Antonya threw her arms around her father, and held him tight. “I’m sorry father, and please don’t think that I hate you! It’s just at times that I don’t like you, or disagree with what you say. But mother says I have your temper anyway. She laughed and moved away from her parents.
“My daughter, I think it’s time you headed off to bed. You’ll have a big day tomorrow, and we must go and get some new gowns for you to wear in Moscow. Your uncle is here for one more week, and then you will leave together.”
Antonya kissed them all lightly, and ran to her room. Finally! She breathed out, as she collapsed on her bed. A trip to Moscow!
5
Princess Antonya lay back on her bed after returning to her room, pulling Alexandre’s coat tighter around her shoulders. It smelled so sweet. He was so sweet. How often had Velibor been this sweet to her? How often had he cared about her in these small details? He hardly noticed if she was cold, let alone acknowledge the fact that she was royalty. Yet here was royalty, someone at the same level as her, and he treated her more kindly than Velibor ever had.
Tears swelled up in her eyes, as she looked back on her life with Velibor, comparing every detail with the Tsar’s son. Velibor only talked to her when he felt like it, only courted with her when he wanted. He didn’t care if she wanted to talk to him, if she wanted something. How could he have been so cold and she so stubborn and blind not to see that? She cried harder, and went to sit on her window sill, despite the night’s chill. Staring out into the clear night, she remembered all the times her and Velibor had sit in the courtyard at home staring up at the stars.
“I promise that I love you, Antonya! I love you so much I cannot describe it with words…no act of love would be enough! Not even the stars in the sky, once counted could show by how much I love you!” His words returned so clearly to her, the last words he spoke before she left. And look what had happened. She left, news spread that he had filled in his time with various castle maids, then he was sent away to war, only to die within his first day there. Everyone had tried to console her, but who was she grieving for? Herself? Velibor? Anyone? Crying out to the stars, she realised that she had grieved for nothing other than the understanding of just how much of her life she had wasted with him. He never once showed that he truly loved her, yet how much had she done for him?
Suddenly, she awoke to herself and discovered she was cold. She moved back inside the room, and lay down on her bed. Still dressed and wearing Alexandre’s coat, she began to wonder. How sweet Alexandre was! She smiled to herself and began to think of him. Such a hard, masculine, pale face, yet brightened and softened by those hypnotising, angelic green eyes. Framed by untamed, dark brown hair falling softly against his face, supported by shoulders and such strong arms. He looked so small and slender from a distance, yet how strong those arms were. Hands that were calloused with hard work, yet that smooth skin that was characteristic of royalty. How she would love to have those arms around her again, those hands holding her face; to stare into those eyes, and know that she would be allowed to look into them for the rest of her life and know they would be looking right back at her lovingly.
At what time she fell asleep, she did not know, but she awoke early, lying on the bed still dressed and wearing her jacket. Something felt different about the room, and she couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Slowly she sat up, and then rose to the basin to wash her face. The water was so cold! She returned to her bed, and sat on the edge, staring out the window. Suddenly something moved behind her and she sensed it from the corner of her eye. She turned slowly, only to see none there. She stood, and walked to the window, feeling slightly disturbed.
“Aargh” came a cry from behind her, and before she could turn around someone came running towards her, knocking her to the floor, and holding her fast. The person was a tall man, and a moment of silence passed between them, before he burst out laughing. She could tell that laugh anywhere. “Cristian! I’m warning you get off me now! Please!”
“Alright, alright!” he said, jokingly. “What were you doing at dinner yesterday? Last time I talk to you, you said you didn’t want to see any of us again! You sleep for ages you know that? I’ve sat there in that chair, waiting for who knows how long, just to say hello to you my cousin. At least you’re not depressed now!” He was rushing to get all his words in before she spoke, overjoyed at the fact that his cousin was coming back to him.
Cristian lived at the castle with Marco, his mother having died in childbirth and his father at war while he was still young. Marco had adopted him. Ever since then, he and Antonya had become very close, he being two months older than her. “Wow Cristian. Great way to wake me up. I’m so impressed!” exaggerated Antonya.
“Ha ha ha, yeah, at least I was not the one who woke up in the Tsar’s son’s best jacket! Just wait until Father hears about this!” He shot back, jokingly. “If it’s a fight you are looking for cousin, you’re searching in the wrong fields.” She shot back blankly. He laughed and then walked out of the room.
She rose and went to her wardrobe, in an effort to find something nice to wear today. Sifting through her gowns one by one, she only got more frustrated with each gown she saw. Every dress had been something Velibor had liked, not her. He had picked them out, he had told her to wear them, he had purchased them even – but with whose money? She picked out a light blue gown in the end and fixed her hair quickly. After a long struggle finding her shoes, she put on her silver coat, picked up Alexandre’s coat and left her room.
She walked slowly through the corridors, taking in every detail, as if she had never seen them before. As she passed by the windows facing the central courtyard, she saw Marco in deep conversation with Alexandre, Cristian standing close by. Cristian noticed her in the window, and a mischievous smile brightened his otherwise solemn face. She scowled, and continued walking faster towards the kitchen.
The cooks were surprised to see her standing there, having never set eyes on her yet during her stay so far. Every other time it was hard to find Princess Antonya anywhere else. The first place most people came to look for her was the kitchens. The head cook smiled, and greeted Antonya with open arms. “My Princess! You’re alive! I was beginning to think that something severe must have happened to you! Usually when you stay here I have to call the guards to remove you from my kitchens, even when I was in Serbia! How are you my little darling?” His warm smile and the delicious smells coming from the cooking food behind him lifted her spirits immediately, and she returned his embrace. “Oh Andrei! It has been so long, and I have missed you so! The food has not been the same since you left us at the castle! I am good, but sooo hungry! I overslept this morning, and the first thing that came to my mind was your wonderful fresh bread straight from the oven, and the warm, sweet tea that you always made us in the morning…if you have time to feed me?”
“Oh Antonya, my princess, you have not changed a bit! Of course I will make it for you, and straight away too, although I’m afraid the milk won’t be as fresh as the morning is getting on…why did you sleep late today?” he inquired. How she missed the company of trustworthy Andrei. All the times she used to spend in the kitchen with him everyday, listening to his stories, telling him everything. He was like her grandfather. She told him without hesitation of all that had happened since he had left the castle. He left just after she had met Velibor. Antonya told of how she had loved Velibor, how her parents didn’t think good of it at all, Marco’s visit, how she ended up here at the castle; but she didn’t tell him of Alexandre. Something inside her told her it was a bad idea.
He placed a tray of bread and a pitcher and a glass for her tea next to it. She smiled, and he laughed. “Now, if I remember correctly, the only thing you would eat with your bread was strawberries from Lukas’ garden?” She laughed and nodded, feeling the joy that comes with being around someone that knows you well. “These aren’t as good as Lukas’, but I would say they are very good, princess. Try one!” He placed a bowl of glorious, red strawberries in front of her, and she picked out the biggest one. “I’ll hold you to word, Andrei! Let’s see…” and she placed the strawberry in her mouth.
The window of the kitchen faced the central courtyard, and Alexandre was looking through it trying to figure out what the beautiful smell was. Then he saw Antonya. She was laughing and joking with the cooks. He smiled to himself, but the moment was only brief as Cristian walked by. “Friend! What are you smiling so gaily at? I almost mistook you for one of those drooling men, the ones that drool over my cousin.” “Well, well, Cristian,” hinted Alexandre cheekily “it sounds almost as though you are making out that you know things about me that I myself don’t even know yet.” “Cristian, I know a lot of things that you don’t know, and vice-versa. Why do you mock me?”
Cristian bowled over in laughter, and gestured towards Antonya, who could be seen perfectly through the window receiving a bowl of strawberries from the cook. Alexandre froze as he watched her pick out a most perfect strawberry and place it in her mouth, biting slowly and savouring the taste. His heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes and looked out the window, staring straight back at him. His heart raced faster as he watched her finish the strawberry, and was only released from this spell when she turned around to finish her meal.
“So, Alexandre…how is my younger cousin today?” he jeered again, only to be met by Alexandre’s distant eyes. “I don’t know what this is, Cristian. Why do I feel so different around her than I do when I was with any of the other women mother and father had set out for me? Why am I like this every time I see her; every time I hear her name?” He gazed out towards the distant hills, questions racing through his mind. Cristian laughed, and said “Well, when she returns your coat maybe you can ask her.” And he walked towards the gates to go to town.
Andrei and Antonya were in the kitchen, and she had decided that he was truly right about these strawberries. Having finished her breakfast, she stood and embraced Andrei again. “Andrei, if you don’t mind, may I have a bowl of these strawberries for my room? They are so juicy, sweet and delicious! I love them! They’re just like home! Maybe Lukas works here in secret too?” He laughed at her, and then took a silver platter from the pantry. “Try these princess, and see how they taste. If you like it then I’ll send up the tray soon, after I make your favourite sauce to go with them.” “It feels so good to be around childhood friends again Andrei – you, Cristian, Marco! Thankyou so much!”
She took a strawberry from the platter, and turned to face the window having heard Cristian’s mocking laughter from the courtyard outside. She was blinded by the light for a while, as the sun shone right through the window. She bit the strawberry just as her eyes adjusted, and saw Alexandre staring at her from the courtyard. She finished the strawberry and turned around for another. Andrei laughed again. “So you have met Alexandre? A fine young man, if I might say so. Are you not staying today princess?”
Without realising it, Antonya had begun walking towards the door. “I’m sorry Andrei. I’ve gotten into such a bad habit, though I’m sure you’d call it good, of not staying in the kitchen all day ever since you left to cook for Marco, and I met Velibor. I’d stay today but I must find some more clothes to wear. Everything I have I either not warm enough or too warm for Russia, and it is all getting a bit old.”
“Well then princess, when you return, there will be a beautiful platter of strawberries awaiting you in your room! Have a good day!” He waved her off with a smile, and she ran up the stairs and through the corridors to the banquet hall in search of Marco. He wasn’t there, but the servants there suggested the western courtyard, the one leading onto the orchards, as he often spent time there. She thanked them, and slowly made her way there.
As she strolled through the corridors, she walked past the southern courtyard, and felt a sudden desire to walk there. Deciding that she could talk to Marco during lunch, she walked through the first gardens in the courtyard. Seeing her window she smiled, and found the tree against which she had first seen Alexandre standing. She walked up to it, and sat on the chair just underneath it. She let her mind wander, enjoying the beautiful, tranquil environment of the garden. The leaves rustled behind her, but she didn’t think anything of it.
Suddenly two hands grabbed her shoulders, and held her in a tight embrace. She was taken by surprise, but felt no need for panic. “I knew you’d come sooner or later. I’ve been waiting in the courtyard for so long, but not once were you in your room. You have no idea how cold I was without my coat.” She didn’t need to turn around to see who this person was. That hypnotising, Russian accent and those mystifying green eyes were implanted in her brain. Realising she still held his coat in her arms, she held it out for him and he sat next to her on the bench.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Alexandre, you should have said something!” She was looking up at her window, and saw a servant place the platter of strawberries in her room. “Alexandre, do you like strawberries?” “Antonya, what did you say?” He replied, not having heard a single word she just said. “Do you like strawberries? I love them.” He pondered this thought for a while. “I don’t mind them…though I can’t say I’ve ever eaten them that much.” “Well then. I’m cold. Let’s go.” He stood, grabbed him by the hand, and ran with him to her room. She took a shortcut that she had discovered the last time she had stayed in the castle. Alexandre had never been this way before.
He ran a little slower, just behind her, in order not to get lost; though that was not the real reason. He could watch her all day. He felt so at peace with her, so calm. He felt he could be himself. Maybe it was just a thing about these Serbians, as he had felt mildly the same way with Cristian and Marco, but nothing as strong as what he felt with Antonya. How fit she was! He thought to himself, as they ran up a flight of stairs. She ran up the stairs with ease and still had energy to go, though Alexandre was beginning to tire. She noticed him falling behind, and stopped. “Wow, I guess Cristian was right about you!” he said, in between breaths, and she smiled. “Sadly,” she admitted openly “my annoying older cousin just happens to be right about a lot of things, as much as I like to disagree.” “I’m with you on that one” he said, and she reached out for his hand and walked with him the rest of the way to her room.
Tears swelled up in her eyes, as she looked back on her life with Velibor, comparing every detail with the Tsar’s son. Velibor only talked to her when he felt like it, only courted with her when he wanted. He didn’t care if she wanted to talk to him, if she wanted something. How could he have been so cold and she so stubborn and blind not to see that? She cried harder, and went to sit on her window sill, despite the night’s chill. Staring out into the clear night, she remembered all the times her and Velibor had sit in the courtyard at home staring up at the stars.
“I promise that I love you, Antonya! I love you so much I cannot describe it with words…no act of love would be enough! Not even the stars in the sky, once counted could show by how much I love you!” His words returned so clearly to her, the last words he spoke before she left. And look what had happened. She left, news spread that he had filled in his time with various castle maids, then he was sent away to war, only to die within his first day there. Everyone had tried to console her, but who was she grieving for? Herself? Velibor? Anyone? Crying out to the stars, she realised that she had grieved for nothing other than the understanding of just how much of her life she had wasted with him. He never once showed that he truly loved her, yet how much had she done for him?
Suddenly, she awoke to herself and discovered she was cold. She moved back inside the room, and lay down on her bed. Still dressed and wearing Alexandre’s coat, she began to wonder. How sweet Alexandre was! She smiled to herself and began to think of him. Such a hard, masculine, pale face, yet brightened and softened by those hypnotising, angelic green eyes. Framed by untamed, dark brown hair falling softly against his face, supported by shoulders and such strong arms. He looked so small and slender from a distance, yet how strong those arms were. Hands that were calloused with hard work, yet that smooth skin that was characteristic of royalty. How she would love to have those arms around her again, those hands holding her face; to stare into those eyes, and know that she would be allowed to look into them for the rest of her life and know they would be looking right back at her lovingly.
At what time she fell asleep, she did not know, but she awoke early, lying on the bed still dressed and wearing her jacket. Something felt different about the room, and she couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Slowly she sat up, and then rose to the basin to wash her face. The water was so cold! She returned to her bed, and sat on the edge, staring out the window. Suddenly something moved behind her and she sensed it from the corner of her eye. She turned slowly, only to see none there. She stood, and walked to the window, feeling slightly disturbed.
“Aargh” came a cry from behind her, and before she could turn around someone came running towards her, knocking her to the floor, and holding her fast. The person was a tall man, and a moment of silence passed between them, before he burst out laughing. She could tell that laugh anywhere. “Cristian! I’m warning you get off me now! Please!”
“Alright, alright!” he said, jokingly. “What were you doing at dinner yesterday? Last time I talk to you, you said you didn’t want to see any of us again! You sleep for ages you know that? I’ve sat there in that chair, waiting for who knows how long, just to say hello to you my cousin. At least you’re not depressed now!” He was rushing to get all his words in before she spoke, overjoyed at the fact that his cousin was coming back to him.
Cristian lived at the castle with Marco, his mother having died in childbirth and his father at war while he was still young. Marco had adopted him. Ever since then, he and Antonya had become very close, he being two months older than her. “Wow Cristian. Great way to wake me up. I’m so impressed!” exaggerated Antonya.
“Ha ha ha, yeah, at least I was not the one who woke up in the Tsar’s son’s best jacket! Just wait until Father hears about this!” He shot back, jokingly. “If it’s a fight you are looking for cousin, you’re searching in the wrong fields.” She shot back blankly. He laughed and then walked out of the room.
She rose and went to her wardrobe, in an effort to find something nice to wear today. Sifting through her gowns one by one, she only got more frustrated with each gown she saw. Every dress had been something Velibor had liked, not her. He had picked them out, he had told her to wear them, he had purchased them even – but with whose money? She picked out a light blue gown in the end and fixed her hair quickly. After a long struggle finding her shoes, she put on her silver coat, picked up Alexandre’s coat and left her room.
She walked slowly through the corridors, taking in every detail, as if she had never seen them before. As she passed by the windows facing the central courtyard, she saw Marco in deep conversation with Alexandre, Cristian standing close by. Cristian noticed her in the window, and a mischievous smile brightened his otherwise solemn face. She scowled, and continued walking faster towards the kitchen.
The cooks were surprised to see her standing there, having never set eyes on her yet during her stay so far. Every other time it was hard to find Princess Antonya anywhere else. The first place most people came to look for her was the kitchens. The head cook smiled, and greeted Antonya with open arms. “My Princess! You’re alive! I was beginning to think that something severe must have happened to you! Usually when you stay here I have to call the guards to remove you from my kitchens, even when I was in Serbia! How are you my little darling?” His warm smile and the delicious smells coming from the cooking food behind him lifted her spirits immediately, and she returned his embrace. “Oh Andrei! It has been so long, and I have missed you so! The food has not been the same since you left us at the castle! I am good, but sooo hungry! I overslept this morning, and the first thing that came to my mind was your wonderful fresh bread straight from the oven, and the warm, sweet tea that you always made us in the morning…if you have time to feed me?”
“Oh Antonya, my princess, you have not changed a bit! Of course I will make it for you, and straight away too, although I’m afraid the milk won’t be as fresh as the morning is getting on…why did you sleep late today?” he inquired. How she missed the company of trustworthy Andrei. All the times she used to spend in the kitchen with him everyday, listening to his stories, telling him everything. He was like her grandfather. She told him without hesitation of all that had happened since he had left the castle. He left just after she had met Velibor. Antonya told of how she had loved Velibor, how her parents didn’t think good of it at all, Marco’s visit, how she ended up here at the castle; but she didn’t tell him of Alexandre. Something inside her told her it was a bad idea.
He placed a tray of bread and a pitcher and a glass for her tea next to it. She smiled, and he laughed. “Now, if I remember correctly, the only thing you would eat with your bread was strawberries from Lukas’ garden?” She laughed and nodded, feeling the joy that comes with being around someone that knows you well. “These aren’t as good as Lukas’, but I would say they are very good, princess. Try one!” He placed a bowl of glorious, red strawberries in front of her, and she picked out the biggest one. “I’ll hold you to word, Andrei! Let’s see…” and she placed the strawberry in her mouth.
The window of the kitchen faced the central courtyard, and Alexandre was looking through it trying to figure out what the beautiful smell was. Then he saw Antonya. She was laughing and joking with the cooks. He smiled to himself, but the moment was only brief as Cristian walked by. “Friend! What are you smiling so gaily at? I almost mistook you for one of those drooling men, the ones that drool over my cousin.” “Well, well, Cristian,” hinted Alexandre cheekily “it sounds almost as though you are making out that you know things about me that I myself don’t even know yet.” “Cristian, I know a lot of things that you don’t know, and vice-versa. Why do you mock me?”
Cristian bowled over in laughter, and gestured towards Antonya, who could be seen perfectly through the window receiving a bowl of strawberries from the cook. Alexandre froze as he watched her pick out a most perfect strawberry and place it in her mouth, biting slowly and savouring the taste. His heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes and looked out the window, staring straight back at him. His heart raced faster as he watched her finish the strawberry, and was only released from this spell when she turned around to finish her meal.
“So, Alexandre…how is my younger cousin today?” he jeered again, only to be met by Alexandre’s distant eyes. “I don’t know what this is, Cristian. Why do I feel so different around her than I do when I was with any of the other women mother and father had set out for me? Why am I like this every time I see her; every time I hear her name?” He gazed out towards the distant hills, questions racing through his mind. Cristian laughed, and said “Well, when she returns your coat maybe you can ask her.” And he walked towards the gates to go to town.
Andrei and Antonya were in the kitchen, and she had decided that he was truly right about these strawberries. Having finished her breakfast, she stood and embraced Andrei again. “Andrei, if you don’t mind, may I have a bowl of these strawberries for my room? They are so juicy, sweet and delicious! I love them! They’re just like home! Maybe Lukas works here in secret too?” He laughed at her, and then took a silver platter from the pantry. “Try these princess, and see how they taste. If you like it then I’ll send up the tray soon, after I make your favourite sauce to go with them.” “It feels so good to be around childhood friends again Andrei – you, Cristian, Marco! Thankyou so much!”
She took a strawberry from the platter, and turned to face the window having heard Cristian’s mocking laughter from the courtyard outside. She was blinded by the light for a while, as the sun shone right through the window. She bit the strawberry just as her eyes adjusted, and saw Alexandre staring at her from the courtyard. She finished the strawberry and turned around for another. Andrei laughed again. “So you have met Alexandre? A fine young man, if I might say so. Are you not staying today princess?”
Without realising it, Antonya had begun walking towards the door. “I’m sorry Andrei. I’ve gotten into such a bad habit, though I’m sure you’d call it good, of not staying in the kitchen all day ever since you left to cook for Marco, and I met Velibor. I’d stay today but I must find some more clothes to wear. Everything I have I either not warm enough or too warm for Russia, and it is all getting a bit old.”
“Well then princess, when you return, there will be a beautiful platter of strawberries awaiting you in your room! Have a good day!” He waved her off with a smile, and she ran up the stairs and through the corridors to the banquet hall in search of Marco. He wasn’t there, but the servants there suggested the western courtyard, the one leading onto the orchards, as he often spent time there. She thanked them, and slowly made her way there.
As she strolled through the corridors, she walked past the southern courtyard, and felt a sudden desire to walk there. Deciding that she could talk to Marco during lunch, she walked through the first gardens in the courtyard. Seeing her window she smiled, and found the tree against which she had first seen Alexandre standing. She walked up to it, and sat on the chair just underneath it. She let her mind wander, enjoying the beautiful, tranquil environment of the garden. The leaves rustled behind her, but she didn’t think anything of it.
Suddenly two hands grabbed her shoulders, and held her in a tight embrace. She was taken by surprise, but felt no need for panic. “I knew you’d come sooner or later. I’ve been waiting in the courtyard for so long, but not once were you in your room. You have no idea how cold I was without my coat.” She didn’t need to turn around to see who this person was. That hypnotising, Russian accent and those mystifying green eyes were implanted in her brain. Realising she still held his coat in her arms, she held it out for him and he sat next to her on the bench.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Alexandre, you should have said something!” She was looking up at her window, and saw a servant place the platter of strawberries in her room. “Alexandre, do you like strawberries?” “Antonya, what did you say?” He replied, not having heard a single word she just said. “Do you like strawberries? I love them.” He pondered this thought for a while. “I don’t mind them…though I can’t say I’ve ever eaten them that much.” “Well then. I’m cold. Let’s go.” He stood, grabbed him by the hand, and ran with him to her room. She took a shortcut that she had discovered the last time she had stayed in the castle. Alexandre had never been this way before.
He ran a little slower, just behind her, in order not to get lost; though that was not the real reason. He could watch her all day. He felt so at peace with her, so calm. He felt he could be himself. Maybe it was just a thing about these Serbians, as he had felt mildly the same way with Cristian and Marco, but nothing as strong as what he felt with Antonya. How fit she was! He thought to himself, as they ran up a flight of stairs. She ran up the stairs with ease and still had energy to go, though Alexandre was beginning to tire. She noticed him falling behind, and stopped. “Wow, I guess Cristian was right about you!” he said, in between breaths, and she smiled. “Sadly,” she admitted openly “my annoying older cousin just happens to be right about a lot of things, as much as I like to disagree.” “I’m with you on that one” he said, and she reached out for his hand and walked with him the rest of the way to her room.
4
Marco left the throne room, and Vladan stood up and began pacing. What have I done to cause all this? He paced and paced, until Queen Ann entered the room. Vladan didn’t hear her enter, as she sat on her throne, next to his. He felt her presence in the room then, and went to join her.
“What has happened to make you so distressed? You know I worry about you so much when you’re like this, Vladan. The servants that were attending for you sent for me straight away when they saw you pacing around in that manner. They care for your wellbeing too.” She lay her hand on his arm, and his eyes met hers.
“My love, I’m not sure I can do this. I have just put everything into Marco’s hands – you know how much Antonya adores him. He arrived not long ago, and came bursting in to see me. How grateful I was of his arrival. Then Antonya stormed in, and now he believes just what I mean about her. He promised to do something, but I am beginning to regret this decision. What kind of father am I that I have to turn to my younger brother for help?” Lines of worry creased his forehead, and his eyes began to swell with tears. She reached up and stroked his face.
“Darling let us walk and talk about these things that trouble you, for sitting here will only satisfy the eyes of prying hearts. Come.” She drew him out of his throne, and winding her arm through his, she led him down the corridors to the library. A fire was on in the room, and no one but a few servants tidying the books were present. She dismissed them, and led her husband to the chair closest to the fire.
“Vladan, do you remember when we first met? No one approved of our love, and I’m not sure many people still do. By blood you had right to the throne, but by blood I had right to nothing. Yet we had love for each other, and that seemed to hide away the problems of the world. I’m beginning to think that maybe, we should just let Antonya have Velibor, as much of an ignorant man as we find him. She will learn her lesson sooner or later.”
“But Ann think of the fate of the whole country if their desired marriage comes to pass! How could I let my beloved, beautiful daughter, and in turn my wonderful Serbia fall into the arms of such an arrogant, insolent young boy? I am ageing and must soon leave the kingdom to someone, but of whoever I leave it to I vow it WILL NOT BE HIM! I couldn’t bear it.” He stood, and made to start pacing again, but she grabbed him by the arm and stopped him.
“Well I’m sorry your highness,” she cut him off “but I love you, much the same as I love my daughter. I think we should let her do this. He’s going to end up going into the army sooner or later anyway.” She had tears in her eyes, having seen the amount of stress all of this was causing her husband, and how the stress was slowly ruining him. “My dear,” she softly called “maybe what we should do is ask Marco to take Antonya with him?” her voice raised slightly, being suddenly inspired by this new train of thought. “We can see just how strong her love is for Velibor, how genuine and just how much he loves her in return, and it will give you a break from all these pressing matters. Yes, my love, I see how much pain all this nonsense is causing you.”
“Sometimes, I wonder where I would be without my beautiful wife!” He exclaimed, a new light on his face. He leaned in and kissed his wife on the cheek, having sat back down next to her. Silence filled the room as he thought about this idea. “Yes, Ann, I think it will work. Hasn’t she always begged to be allowed to stay with Marco for a few months at the least? Well, I still have some considering to do, but I much fancy your idea. I love you so much Ann. How long shall we send her away for? Maybe two weeks – long enough to test her love and his, but not long enough for her to totally torture all of Russia, and ruin our allies with Russia.”
“Oh Vladan, sometimes you amaze me profoundly. But we’ll have to see about this. When shall we break it to her, about our choice?”
“Let me talk to Marco first, and then my wonderful Ann, we shall see how life fares from there.” Immediately he stood from the room, with an air of new-founded joy surrounding him. He smiled at her, and then walked out. Ann sat in her chair for a little longer, then too exited the room to go into the courtyard.
That night in the banquet hall, Marco and Antonya entered, but Velibor was nowhere to be seen. Vladan was slightly shocked by this, but nonetheless continued with the night. A beautiful feast was served in honour of Marco arriving. As the meal began to come to a close, Velibor was no to be seen anywhere in the room. Noticing how his daughter seemed slightly wounded by this, Vladan decided to address the court.
“Who has seen Velibor the knight today? He has not graced us with his presence this feast?” He commented gently, not intending to make accusations of any sort. A few of the ladies laughed, and the general spiked up. “Perhaps he has decided, your royal highness, that the army holds great proposition for him!” The hall roared with laughter, but died down quite quickly after seeing the king’s face. He was not amused. “And who are you to be joking so luridly, General? For surely if he’s packing his bags then shouldn’t you be too? A king always keeps his promises!” The halls laughter grew even louder, much the same as the general’s face went bright red. Antonya and Marco hadn’t heard a single word of this, but Ann had taken note of everything.
“Maybe, my dear husband, and for you too general, the subject should be changed should consequences arise from this conversation that none desire.” “Yes your highness” mimicked the king and the general in unison. Vladan thought this was quite funny, but decided against that move quite quickly. “Oh, Ann, I was just trying to fill in for the jester that seems to have not shown up today. What happened to our jester?” Vladan called to one of the butlers standing near-by. He smiled at the king and answered “You had him fired, your Highness, if you recall.” “Oh, yes, I see. Thankyou.”
Antonya had heard the last part of the conversation, and stormed angrily out of the hall. Marco followed her, determined to discover the reasons for her anger (she had been short-tempered all day). Eventually he found her, sitting in her room crying softly on the bed. “Oh, Marco, I truly thought father meant it when he said he would try not to bring up these matters again.” “What matters?” soothed Marco. “The jester was fired because he insulted Velibor and I. I thought it was just honest fun, but Velibor as truly offended. Vel thought he was suggesting that he was just using me to become the next king, in a story he told. I thought it was just honest fun, for he jokes about everyone. Velibor got angry at me when I said I wasn’t offended at all, and it was from that point on that mum and dad have disliked him. I admit it was irrational of him.”
Marco sat there, looking out into the darkened courtyard, thoughts drifting in and out of his head. Just then one of the butler’s entered the room, and addressed Marco. “Sire, the King has requested your presence in the Library, when you are ready. We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” “My apologies,” laughed Marco, at the thought of them running around trying to find him. “Please inform the King that I will be with him soon.” The butler left the room hastily.
Antonya noticed how Marco had been thinking, and pleaded “Please Marco, will you let me return with you to Moscow? I want so bad to leave this place. I love Velibor, but things are starting to get out of hand. I can’t take it much longer, and I know I’m causing father so much pain, but I don’t know what to do! Please!”
“I tell you what” he said tenderly, reaching over and cupping her face in his hands “I will go now and see what you’re father wants, and I might, just might, ask him if I can take you back home with me for a while. How about that?” A smile lit up the princess’ beautiful face, and Marco laughed.
“But promise me you’ll smile in the meantime?” She nodded, and he walked out of the room.
“What has happened to make you so distressed? You know I worry about you so much when you’re like this, Vladan. The servants that were attending for you sent for me straight away when they saw you pacing around in that manner. They care for your wellbeing too.” She lay her hand on his arm, and his eyes met hers.
“My love, I’m not sure I can do this. I have just put everything into Marco’s hands – you know how much Antonya adores him. He arrived not long ago, and came bursting in to see me. How grateful I was of his arrival. Then Antonya stormed in, and now he believes just what I mean about her. He promised to do something, but I am beginning to regret this decision. What kind of father am I that I have to turn to my younger brother for help?” Lines of worry creased his forehead, and his eyes began to swell with tears. She reached up and stroked his face.
“Darling let us walk and talk about these things that trouble you, for sitting here will only satisfy the eyes of prying hearts. Come.” She drew him out of his throne, and winding her arm through his, she led him down the corridors to the library. A fire was on in the room, and no one but a few servants tidying the books were present. She dismissed them, and led her husband to the chair closest to the fire.
“Vladan, do you remember when we first met? No one approved of our love, and I’m not sure many people still do. By blood you had right to the throne, but by blood I had right to nothing. Yet we had love for each other, and that seemed to hide away the problems of the world. I’m beginning to think that maybe, we should just let Antonya have Velibor, as much of an ignorant man as we find him. She will learn her lesson sooner or later.”
“But Ann think of the fate of the whole country if their desired marriage comes to pass! How could I let my beloved, beautiful daughter, and in turn my wonderful Serbia fall into the arms of such an arrogant, insolent young boy? I am ageing and must soon leave the kingdom to someone, but of whoever I leave it to I vow it WILL NOT BE HIM! I couldn’t bear it.” He stood, and made to start pacing again, but she grabbed him by the arm and stopped him.
“Well I’m sorry your highness,” she cut him off “but I love you, much the same as I love my daughter. I think we should let her do this. He’s going to end up going into the army sooner or later anyway.” She had tears in her eyes, having seen the amount of stress all of this was causing her husband, and how the stress was slowly ruining him. “My dear,” she softly called “maybe what we should do is ask Marco to take Antonya with him?” her voice raised slightly, being suddenly inspired by this new train of thought. “We can see just how strong her love is for Velibor, how genuine and just how much he loves her in return, and it will give you a break from all these pressing matters. Yes, my love, I see how much pain all this nonsense is causing you.”
“Sometimes, I wonder where I would be without my beautiful wife!” He exclaimed, a new light on his face. He leaned in and kissed his wife on the cheek, having sat back down next to her. Silence filled the room as he thought about this idea. “Yes, Ann, I think it will work. Hasn’t she always begged to be allowed to stay with Marco for a few months at the least? Well, I still have some considering to do, but I much fancy your idea. I love you so much Ann. How long shall we send her away for? Maybe two weeks – long enough to test her love and his, but not long enough for her to totally torture all of Russia, and ruin our allies with Russia.”
“Oh Vladan, sometimes you amaze me profoundly. But we’ll have to see about this. When shall we break it to her, about our choice?”
“Let me talk to Marco first, and then my wonderful Ann, we shall see how life fares from there.” Immediately he stood from the room, with an air of new-founded joy surrounding him. He smiled at her, and then walked out. Ann sat in her chair for a little longer, then too exited the room to go into the courtyard.
That night in the banquet hall, Marco and Antonya entered, but Velibor was nowhere to be seen. Vladan was slightly shocked by this, but nonetheless continued with the night. A beautiful feast was served in honour of Marco arriving. As the meal began to come to a close, Velibor was no to be seen anywhere in the room. Noticing how his daughter seemed slightly wounded by this, Vladan decided to address the court.
“Who has seen Velibor the knight today? He has not graced us with his presence this feast?” He commented gently, not intending to make accusations of any sort. A few of the ladies laughed, and the general spiked up. “Perhaps he has decided, your royal highness, that the army holds great proposition for him!” The hall roared with laughter, but died down quite quickly after seeing the king’s face. He was not amused. “And who are you to be joking so luridly, General? For surely if he’s packing his bags then shouldn’t you be too? A king always keeps his promises!” The halls laughter grew even louder, much the same as the general’s face went bright red. Antonya and Marco hadn’t heard a single word of this, but Ann had taken note of everything.
“Maybe, my dear husband, and for you too general, the subject should be changed should consequences arise from this conversation that none desire.” “Yes your highness” mimicked the king and the general in unison. Vladan thought this was quite funny, but decided against that move quite quickly. “Oh, Ann, I was just trying to fill in for the jester that seems to have not shown up today. What happened to our jester?” Vladan called to one of the butlers standing near-by. He smiled at the king and answered “You had him fired, your Highness, if you recall.” “Oh, yes, I see. Thankyou.”
Antonya had heard the last part of the conversation, and stormed angrily out of the hall. Marco followed her, determined to discover the reasons for her anger (she had been short-tempered all day). Eventually he found her, sitting in her room crying softly on the bed. “Oh, Marco, I truly thought father meant it when he said he would try not to bring up these matters again.” “What matters?” soothed Marco. “The jester was fired because he insulted Velibor and I. I thought it was just honest fun, but Velibor as truly offended. Vel thought he was suggesting that he was just using me to become the next king, in a story he told. I thought it was just honest fun, for he jokes about everyone. Velibor got angry at me when I said I wasn’t offended at all, and it was from that point on that mum and dad have disliked him. I admit it was irrational of him.”
Marco sat there, looking out into the darkened courtyard, thoughts drifting in and out of his head. Just then one of the butler’s entered the room, and addressed Marco. “Sire, the King has requested your presence in the Library, when you are ready. We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” “My apologies,” laughed Marco, at the thought of them running around trying to find him. “Please inform the King that I will be with him soon.” The butler left the room hastily.
Antonya noticed how Marco had been thinking, and pleaded “Please Marco, will you let me return with you to Moscow? I want so bad to leave this place. I love Velibor, but things are starting to get out of hand. I can’t take it much longer, and I know I’m causing father so much pain, but I don’t know what to do! Please!”
“I tell you what” he said tenderly, reaching over and cupping her face in his hands “I will go now and see what you’re father wants, and I might, just might, ask him if I can take you back home with me for a while. How about that?” A smile lit up the princess’ beautiful face, and Marco laughed.
“But promise me you’ll smile in the meantime?” She nodded, and he walked out of the room.
3
She was dressed as a princess should be, and walked to the window once more to glance up at the sky. What reassurance can be found there, she thought to herself; there’s nothing but grey clouds and drops of rain. A knock was on the door, and she called for them to enter. Her maids-in-waiting, five of them, were at the door. They had heard of the Princess’ desire to dine with everyone tonight, and came to see if she was okay. The looks of shock across there faces as Antonya greeted each in turn were priceless. I shall remember this, she thought to herself; gone are those faces of pity, replaced with self-pity that I have returned. None of them are truly glad I’m back. Oh well.
The maids-in-waiting escorted her to the dining hall, where a marvellous feast was being held. So much she had missed out on, for today the Tsar and his family were dining with her Uncle Marco. She greeted everyone with a radiant smile, and made a vocal, sincere apology to all. She was seated in a place of honour next to her uncle, and the son of the Tsar who was still yet to enter the banquet. Next to her uncle sat the Tsar and his wife. How beautiful she was! They each greeted her and kissed her, and then they were seated. As everyone began to eat, the Tsar’s son took his seat, but she didn’t notice him. She leant into her uncle and apologised to him for her disgraceful presence. “Marco, I don’t know where to start! I’m so sorry that I haven’t come out of that room for a whole week, and instead of being here to greet your guests with you like a good niece should, I’ve disgraced you with my selfishness, and hence here I am today…’ But he dismissed it, interrupting her moment of recollection, “My dear niece, I know what it is like to grieve, and I tell you that it is nothing unearthly that you have been doing! Do not apologise! It is only natural that you would be upset, and I am just ever grateful that you chose to keep your bad moods confined, and that you chose not to take you life in defeat, but stand up and fight in your realisation of the fact that you are better, you can do better! I love you Antonya! Now enjoy this beautiful food, have some wine and please, have a wonderful night my star!”
She turned to her plate, and began to put food on it. Whilst in the middle of eating, the Tsar’s son began to cough. She hadn’t noticed him yet, but when it became apparent that he was choking, she immediately gave him wine. “Drink! Drink! Quickly, and don’t just drink a little bit! Would you rather wake with a swollen head tomorrow and live a thousand years; or die today for the sake of keeping sanity? Drink!” The Tsar’s wife rushed from her seat to be by her son, and the Tsar looked on, bemused. “My, my! Your Highness what a sense of humour you have!” Marco and the Tsar were laughing, same as with almost everyone in the banquet hall that had heard her. Realising that her son was fine, his mother composed herself and took up her seat next to her husband. Seeing the empty glass next to him, Antonya refilled the son’s glass, and in turn filled up her own. Finally finding his voice, he decided to speak. “Thanks so much, talk about a life-saver!” He laughed nervously, and began to eat. She looked at him, puzzled as to why he looked familiar. That messy, yet in it’s own way neat, dark brown hair. Where had she seen it before?
The Tsar’s son took a sip from his glass, and noticed the princess staring at him. “Are you…..” he broke off. Could it be? He was so sure it was her, the beautiful girl from the window, with those mysterious hazel eyes…it was her! The princess looked at him as he began to speak, but heard nothing as her whole attention turned to those eyes. It was him. It was the young man from the courtyard. Those deep, dreamy, almost hypnotising green eyes. “I…you…you’re….” she was lost for words.
“You’re the girl that was sitting in the window this morning, and you stared at me for ages. How come I’ve never seen you around here before?” He rushed, trying to cover up for the awkward moment. “I’m Princess Antonya of Serbia, staying with my uncle Marco for three months. I’ve been here for two weeks, though I’ve been in my room for almost the whole time. What’s you’re story?”
“I’m Alexandre. My father is the Tsar of Russia. I’ve pretty much grown up here in this castle. My parents just love it here. The southern courtyard, the one that your window faces, is my favourite courtyard. It’s so quite there, and that’s where I found you, I guess.”
“Wow. Well I sure am glad I met you. I owe you so much, for you helped me understand just how much dishonour I was causing to my uncle and Serbia. Staying in my room for two whole weeks when I am a guest here, and not even having the courage to stay for the entire welcoming feast that was held in my honour.”
“That truly is a story, but you are not in debt to me. The least you could do is accept my friendship…so that next time you see me in the courtyard or I see you in your room, you will have the heart to converse with me and much the same with you!”
“Alright then. Sounds fair enough to me.”
Conversation ceased form there, as entertainers came to the court. As they ate and drank, dancers danced and musicians serenaded them. The banquet came to a close, and many people sat there talking and drinking more wine as the tables were emptied, and people began to dance. Alexandre stood, and addressed the princess. “Your Highness, may I have the honour of a dance with you?” She laughed at his formality, but noticed he was sincere. “It would be an honour truly too great for me, yet I accept.” He offered her his hand, and she took it gladly. Together they danced and danced the night away. Marco was truly pleased at this sight, and the Tsar was delighted to his son finally courting a young girl of class.
“You know, Marco my friend, it has been such a struggle to get Alexandre to find a girl that he likes, let alone he find one for himself. Who knows where this alliance may take us?” Marco laughed at the Tsar’s remarks. “Oh truly, my great friend, what an alliance it would be! But I wouldn’t place high bets on an early horse just yet. My dear niece is quite unpredictable at times, though I wouldn’t put it past her. She is such a beautiful young woman now, isn’t she? I think the last time you may have seen her here in my presence would have been six years ago, maybe.”
“We saw her two years ago didn’t we Ann, my love? When we went to visit King Vladan on his celebration of 25 years as King of Serbia?”
“Yes, sweet, I think so. But wasn’t she courting with that young man Velibor? What has become of him?” Putting his words carefully (the tsar’s wife was renowned for her talk), Marco explained of how Vladan did not approve of Velibor, who was a soldier. He in turn ended up getting taken to the battlefield three days after Antonya had travelled to Moscow, and died within her first week of being here. “Oh my, that must be why we are only now being acquainted with her. The poor darling, she must be so heart broken. At least she is smiling now. Though from what I remember Velibor was a very ‘up-front’ man, in a polite way of putting it Marco.”
“I don’t know, Ann, for I never actually met him in person. But my brother is not known for doing things without reason – there is always a good reason and lots of thought behind everything he does.”
“I do agree Marco. By the way, how is that war going that Serbia are currently fighting? Last I heard you held the upper hand quite well.”
“My good friend I would not be the best to ask me about those affairs much, but from what I hear, defences fell for a bit a few weeks ago, but Serbia regained control. The last time Vladan mentioned it, the war is expected to finish by the end of the year, should they continue to be victorious.”
Antonya and Alexandre had since moved outside after their dancing, to cool down and walk a little. They ended up in the rose courtyard, on the east side of the castle. Alexandre motioned for Antonya to sit on the bench, and he sat next to her.
“Well, your Highness you are truly a spectacular dancer. I might engage in the endeavour to have your hand in the dances every night if you’ll allow me to!”
“Oh Alexandre I haven’t had such fun since, o since, I don’t even know!” She smiled at him, and he looked into her eyes. He stood for a moment, and walked behind her.
“Will you walk with me you Highness?” he wished that tonight would go forever, and they could run away together, but what if they got away and she turned out like every other girl his father had tried to give him? She stood, and sliding her arm around his, he led her through the courtyard.
“Alexandre, please, stop calling me your Highness. I have a name.” He turned and faced her. “But what am I supposed to call you? Princess?” she rolled her eyes. “ALEXANDRE! We’re friends are we not? Then what are titles between friends? Who cares if I’m the princess and you’re the Tsar’s son. I’m Antonya okay?” He laughed, and grabbed her hand. Shocked, he drew her close and put his coat over her shoulders. “Antonya,” he whispered in her ear “is that better? And why didn’t you tell me you were cold? Let’s head back so you can warm up, I feel so bad! What if you get sick?” He wrapped his arms around her tightly and softly scolded her. “When I have friends I like them to be warm and not sick, okay?” she laughed, and her smile lit up her whole face. As they came closer to the castle he released her from his hug, but would not allow her to return the coat.
“Beautiful Antonya, how do you think I would feel if you got sick all because I decided to take my coat back from you? Wear it, your Highness, and I shall return for it tomorrow.”
The maids-in-waiting escorted her to the dining hall, where a marvellous feast was being held. So much she had missed out on, for today the Tsar and his family were dining with her Uncle Marco. She greeted everyone with a radiant smile, and made a vocal, sincere apology to all. She was seated in a place of honour next to her uncle, and the son of the Tsar who was still yet to enter the banquet. Next to her uncle sat the Tsar and his wife. How beautiful she was! They each greeted her and kissed her, and then they were seated. As everyone began to eat, the Tsar’s son took his seat, but she didn’t notice him. She leant into her uncle and apologised to him for her disgraceful presence. “Marco, I don’t know where to start! I’m so sorry that I haven’t come out of that room for a whole week, and instead of being here to greet your guests with you like a good niece should, I’ve disgraced you with my selfishness, and hence here I am today…’ But he dismissed it, interrupting her moment of recollection, “My dear niece, I know what it is like to grieve, and I tell you that it is nothing unearthly that you have been doing! Do not apologise! It is only natural that you would be upset, and I am just ever grateful that you chose to keep your bad moods confined, and that you chose not to take you life in defeat, but stand up and fight in your realisation of the fact that you are better, you can do better! I love you Antonya! Now enjoy this beautiful food, have some wine and please, have a wonderful night my star!”
She turned to her plate, and began to put food on it. Whilst in the middle of eating, the Tsar’s son began to cough. She hadn’t noticed him yet, but when it became apparent that he was choking, she immediately gave him wine. “Drink! Drink! Quickly, and don’t just drink a little bit! Would you rather wake with a swollen head tomorrow and live a thousand years; or die today for the sake of keeping sanity? Drink!” The Tsar’s wife rushed from her seat to be by her son, and the Tsar looked on, bemused. “My, my! Your Highness what a sense of humour you have!” Marco and the Tsar were laughing, same as with almost everyone in the banquet hall that had heard her. Realising that her son was fine, his mother composed herself and took up her seat next to her husband. Seeing the empty glass next to him, Antonya refilled the son’s glass, and in turn filled up her own. Finally finding his voice, he decided to speak. “Thanks so much, talk about a life-saver!” He laughed nervously, and began to eat. She looked at him, puzzled as to why he looked familiar. That messy, yet in it’s own way neat, dark brown hair. Where had she seen it before?
The Tsar’s son took a sip from his glass, and noticed the princess staring at him. “Are you…..” he broke off. Could it be? He was so sure it was her, the beautiful girl from the window, with those mysterious hazel eyes…it was her! The princess looked at him as he began to speak, but heard nothing as her whole attention turned to those eyes. It was him. It was the young man from the courtyard. Those deep, dreamy, almost hypnotising green eyes. “I…you…you’re….” she was lost for words.
“You’re the girl that was sitting in the window this morning, and you stared at me for ages. How come I’ve never seen you around here before?” He rushed, trying to cover up for the awkward moment. “I’m Princess Antonya of Serbia, staying with my uncle Marco for three months. I’ve been here for two weeks, though I’ve been in my room for almost the whole time. What’s you’re story?”
“I’m Alexandre. My father is the Tsar of Russia. I’ve pretty much grown up here in this castle. My parents just love it here. The southern courtyard, the one that your window faces, is my favourite courtyard. It’s so quite there, and that’s where I found you, I guess.”
“Wow. Well I sure am glad I met you. I owe you so much, for you helped me understand just how much dishonour I was causing to my uncle and Serbia. Staying in my room for two whole weeks when I am a guest here, and not even having the courage to stay for the entire welcoming feast that was held in my honour.”
“That truly is a story, but you are not in debt to me. The least you could do is accept my friendship…so that next time you see me in the courtyard or I see you in your room, you will have the heart to converse with me and much the same with you!”
“Alright then. Sounds fair enough to me.”
Conversation ceased form there, as entertainers came to the court. As they ate and drank, dancers danced and musicians serenaded them. The banquet came to a close, and many people sat there talking and drinking more wine as the tables were emptied, and people began to dance. Alexandre stood, and addressed the princess. “Your Highness, may I have the honour of a dance with you?” She laughed at his formality, but noticed he was sincere. “It would be an honour truly too great for me, yet I accept.” He offered her his hand, and she took it gladly. Together they danced and danced the night away. Marco was truly pleased at this sight, and the Tsar was delighted to his son finally courting a young girl of class.
“You know, Marco my friend, it has been such a struggle to get Alexandre to find a girl that he likes, let alone he find one for himself. Who knows where this alliance may take us?” Marco laughed at the Tsar’s remarks. “Oh truly, my great friend, what an alliance it would be! But I wouldn’t place high bets on an early horse just yet. My dear niece is quite unpredictable at times, though I wouldn’t put it past her. She is such a beautiful young woman now, isn’t she? I think the last time you may have seen her here in my presence would have been six years ago, maybe.”
“We saw her two years ago didn’t we Ann, my love? When we went to visit King Vladan on his celebration of 25 years as King of Serbia?”
“Yes, sweet, I think so. But wasn’t she courting with that young man Velibor? What has become of him?” Putting his words carefully (the tsar’s wife was renowned for her talk), Marco explained of how Vladan did not approve of Velibor, who was a soldier. He in turn ended up getting taken to the battlefield three days after Antonya had travelled to Moscow, and died within her first week of being here. “Oh my, that must be why we are only now being acquainted with her. The poor darling, she must be so heart broken. At least she is smiling now. Though from what I remember Velibor was a very ‘up-front’ man, in a polite way of putting it Marco.”
“I don’t know, Ann, for I never actually met him in person. But my brother is not known for doing things without reason – there is always a good reason and lots of thought behind everything he does.”
“I do agree Marco. By the way, how is that war going that Serbia are currently fighting? Last I heard you held the upper hand quite well.”
“My good friend I would not be the best to ask me about those affairs much, but from what I hear, defences fell for a bit a few weeks ago, but Serbia regained control. The last time Vladan mentioned it, the war is expected to finish by the end of the year, should they continue to be victorious.”
Antonya and Alexandre had since moved outside after their dancing, to cool down and walk a little. They ended up in the rose courtyard, on the east side of the castle. Alexandre motioned for Antonya to sit on the bench, and he sat next to her.
“Well, your Highness you are truly a spectacular dancer. I might engage in the endeavour to have your hand in the dances every night if you’ll allow me to!”
“Oh Alexandre I haven’t had such fun since, o since, I don’t even know!” She smiled at him, and he looked into her eyes. He stood for a moment, and walked behind her.
“Will you walk with me you Highness?” he wished that tonight would go forever, and they could run away together, but what if they got away and she turned out like every other girl his father had tried to give him? She stood, and sliding her arm around his, he led her through the courtyard.
“Alexandre, please, stop calling me your Highness. I have a name.” He turned and faced her. “But what am I supposed to call you? Princess?” she rolled her eyes. “ALEXANDRE! We’re friends are we not? Then what are titles between friends? Who cares if I’m the princess and you’re the Tsar’s son. I’m Antonya okay?” He laughed, and grabbed her hand. Shocked, he drew her close and put his coat over her shoulders. “Antonya,” he whispered in her ear “is that better? And why didn’t you tell me you were cold? Let’s head back so you can warm up, I feel so bad! What if you get sick?” He wrapped his arms around her tightly and softly scolded her. “When I have friends I like them to be warm and not sick, okay?” she laughed, and her smile lit up her whole face. As they came closer to the castle he released her from his hug, but would not allow her to return the coat.
“Beautiful Antonya, how do you think I would feel if you got sick all because I decided to take my coat back from you? Wear it, your Highness, and I shall return for it tomorrow.”
7.5.09
2
Marco was well renowned in Moscow as one of the richest traders. He was a Serbian by blood, brother to the king of Serbia. He lived in Moscow in one of the biggest castles ever built and on one of the largest pieces of land. The castle housed over fifty people, and then servants quarters. It was set in the most scenic part of Moscow, at the crest of a small hill, looking down on the town. Marco loved the peace and tranquillity it provided, but none-the-less nothing was like his beautiful homeland Serbia, and the castle that his brother now lived in. Every year he returned home twice, to the arms of his family, friends and beloved niece Princess Antonya.
On his last visit to Serbia, his brother had asked a favour of him. King Vladan had a deep love for his daughter, but lately she had gotten out of hand and felt he was soon going to run out of patience with her. Luckily Marco showed up, as Antonya and Marco were like best friends.
“Marco, my dear brother, you know that my daughter Antonya loves you dearly.” The king approached his brother during his last stay. “And quite so, my dear Vladan,” he replied, “for I love my little niece with all my heart, as I view her as one of my own children, or at least until I settle down and have children of my own. What have you to say about her?”
Vladan was stuck here, not knowing what words to say. He looked his brother in the eyes, and decided an honest talk would be the best one, so he presented it to Marco straight out. “You’ve heard no doubt of her Velibor, yes?” Marco seemed taken aback by this question. Many times had he spent with the young princess conversing and joking around, and for many of those conversations had she sought her uncle’s advice on her parents’ issue with Velibor. “Yes” he replied, reluctant to hear the rest of the King’s words. “Then I guess she’s also told you countless times of how my wife and I clearly disagree with her choice, and find him to be a most unsuitable suitor for our daughter.” “Truly, my brother,” Marco answered, “and I agree with you on most of your points. She complains often to me of how you don’t seem to love her in your dislike of this young man.”
The king let out a long sigh of relief. Many times had his younger brother been the cause of turmoil in the royal family, with many thanks to the not so good advice he offered Antonya. “I’m so relieved to hear that brother. As you may well know, Velibor is part of the Serbian army, and as we currently are at war, he is required to go and fight. The only thing holding us back from sending him is the fact that I couldn’t bear to have my little princess have her heart broken over this man if and when he should die, should the war be a cause of his death.”
Marco could tell straight away where this was heading, and knew he wasn’t going to like the result one bit. “I see, but you must understand that your daughter will have to experience some pain herself in order to learn the lesson that these experiences serve.” How Marco disapproved of his brother’s discipline on the princess.
Taken aback by this response, the king began to get agitated. “Wise words Marco,” he said coldly, “but she needs a break. We need to move her out of the castle, let her see a bit of the world…” “And let her know that there are other pleasures out there?” Marco interrupted, “other than Velibor? Honestly Vladan, what are you suggesting?” Marco began to raise his voice. “It sounds much to me like you are trying to force these two apart! You should be congratulating your daughter, and supporting her. Maybe this young man is wrong for her, but the only way she will learn in a situation like this is from experience! Did father hide you too away from the world like your doing to Antonya?” He paused for a second, expecting an answer, but Vladan just sat there with his head in his hands, speechless. What could he say to Marco? “No Marco.” Vladan replied, admitted an air of defeat. “But you have to understand, please. I may not be the best father in her eyes or yours, and I accept that. But I’m trying you know? I’m losing patience with her, myself, with everything. I cannot sleep at night because she has torn my heart apart in me trying to be a good father. What can I do? I’m asking for your advice, and if this is the advice you have to offer, then how will you help put this into actions?”
Marco was taken aback at his older brother’s cry of help. He stood in front of him, motionless, wondering what to do. How could he help him? Maybe to give him a break to think, but how would he do that?
Just before Marco could reply, Antonya came bursting into the room. In a flight of anger, she stormed right up to her father, not noticing her uncle, stared at him.
“Speaking of the devil” joked Marco “we were just talking about you!”
“Oh uncle! I had no idea you were here! When did you arrive?” A brief smile crossed her face and then glimpsing movement behind her, she remembered her father and all trace of happiness was gone. “You must excuse us, uncle, but I have a very IMPORTANT matter to discuss with my father. If you’ll allow us.” “Why of course my dear. I’ll talk to you later then. Goodbye brother and we’ll finish our conversation soon.” Marco walked calmly to the back of the room, but did not exit it. Vladan noticed this, and decided to make the most of this opportunity.
As soon as her uncle was a fair distance away from her and her father, Antonya began her questioning. “How could you father! How could you do this to me and Velibor? WHY?!” Marco took a sharp breath, having never seen this side of her. Vladan knew this was coming though, and replied blatantly “What have I done to so offend you so this time daughter?” Antonya stood before him in disbelief. After everything, and now he says this? “You said yes to the general to send Velibor to the war! You and mother promised me that you would never do this to me! I LOVE HIM FATHER!! Don’t you understand? The one man that makes me truly happy, and you are willing to send him off to be killed? WHY?!”
“SILENCE!” screamed Vladan. He had had enough. “Firstly, you do NOT under no circumstances have the right to just storm in here and interrupt me, especially when I am deep in conversation with someone. You owe a very sincere apology to your uncle, and I accept it to happen formally at the dinner feast tonight. IN MY PRESENCE. Secondly, I am your father. You do not have the right to just walk in here and yell at me. Am I one of the servants that serve you? No I most certainly am not. I am older than you, and of your own flesh and blood. If you wish to raise an issue with me you will speak to me calmly and formally, without accusation for something you cannot prove I authorised. Do you understand?”
“Yes father, but…” Antonya began, but the king cut her off. “Antonya, from where did you here that I gave the general the right to inform Velibor he would be joining the war – and for God’s sakes answer me calmly.”
Antonya looked at him, and decided not to fight. Maybe co-operation will at least gain her a little more time with Velibor. “Well,” she began “as is my daily practice, I went out for lunch with Velibor and then he took me for a walk in the castle gardens. We were talking generally, when he turned around and said to me that the general had told him he had better start packing cause the front line needs filling up. He was crying father!”
Pleased with his daughter’s approach to a civilised conversation, Vladan explained everything. “The General and I were having a discussion yesterday about the battlefront, and how it fares, and he said that quite a few more soldiers were required on the battlefront. We began drafting out soldiers from the castle, and young men that we knew would do fine, when the general mentioned your Velibor. I told him that I have given my word, and he said that it was disgraceful that this young man, who is a fully trained soldier up for possible promotion in the armed forces (apart from the fact that he is yet to take part in a battle) is not out there fighting, yet we are sending farm boys with no training whatsoever. So I told him – and take note of this Antonya, I did not promise him – should it come to my attention that the need for more soldiers on the battlefield becomes desperate, then I will order Velibor to fight – when it is so decided that the general must be present at the battle, then will Velibor attend. Until then Velibor is a matter of mine, not the general’s, and he will not speak of him again.
The general was merely issuing a warning in his own style and tone. Do not take it to heart, for we are on the upper hand in the battle at the moment.”
“FATHER HOW COULD YOU? You know the general HATES Velibor and yet you are happy to satisfy him in this way? FATHER! WHAT KIND OF FATHER ARE YOU ANYWAY? You love your kingdom’s fate more than the heart of your own daughter. I hate you father. I do.”
Antonya stormed out of the room, and tears fell from Vladan’s aging, hazel eyes. How much older he looked like this thought Marco. “See what I say brother? She cares of nothing but her own heart and her own fate, whereas I am stuck with the fate of this country, the heart of my ill wife, and then to put strawberries on the cake I have her too. I can’t do this. Not all of it. Not all together! …. And yes, Marco, I noticed that you didn’t leave the room, and I am truly glad for your presence.”
Marco was in shock. His once innocent, pure niece! How much she had changed, and how she was hurting her father, without even noticing! He came out from behind the pillars he was hiding behind, and walked up to his brother. “Vladan, I know some of this is my fault, and I vow that by the end of my stay I will have a proposal for you that will help. I am still yet to think about it, but I have 3 weeks left here, before business requires me to be back in Moscow. I promise you brother I will think of something!”
Vladan stood and hugged his brother. Such hope his words bought, and Marco was always a man of his word. Hopefully the proposition would serve everyone well, including Antonya. “Marco, my brother, I would be lost at times if it weren’t for you. Maybe one day you will move back to the castle with us? Who knows, but I trust you brother. Do what you feel necessary.”
On his last visit to Serbia, his brother had asked a favour of him. King Vladan had a deep love for his daughter, but lately she had gotten out of hand and felt he was soon going to run out of patience with her. Luckily Marco showed up, as Antonya and Marco were like best friends.
“Marco, my dear brother, you know that my daughter Antonya loves you dearly.” The king approached his brother during his last stay. “And quite so, my dear Vladan,” he replied, “for I love my little niece with all my heart, as I view her as one of my own children, or at least until I settle down and have children of my own. What have you to say about her?”
Vladan was stuck here, not knowing what words to say. He looked his brother in the eyes, and decided an honest talk would be the best one, so he presented it to Marco straight out. “You’ve heard no doubt of her Velibor, yes?” Marco seemed taken aback by this question. Many times had he spent with the young princess conversing and joking around, and for many of those conversations had she sought her uncle’s advice on her parents’ issue with Velibor. “Yes” he replied, reluctant to hear the rest of the King’s words. “Then I guess she’s also told you countless times of how my wife and I clearly disagree with her choice, and find him to be a most unsuitable suitor for our daughter.” “Truly, my brother,” Marco answered, “and I agree with you on most of your points. She complains often to me of how you don’t seem to love her in your dislike of this young man.”
The king let out a long sigh of relief. Many times had his younger brother been the cause of turmoil in the royal family, with many thanks to the not so good advice he offered Antonya. “I’m so relieved to hear that brother. As you may well know, Velibor is part of the Serbian army, and as we currently are at war, he is required to go and fight. The only thing holding us back from sending him is the fact that I couldn’t bear to have my little princess have her heart broken over this man if and when he should die, should the war be a cause of his death.”
Marco could tell straight away where this was heading, and knew he wasn’t going to like the result one bit. “I see, but you must understand that your daughter will have to experience some pain herself in order to learn the lesson that these experiences serve.” How Marco disapproved of his brother’s discipline on the princess.
Taken aback by this response, the king began to get agitated. “Wise words Marco,” he said coldly, “but she needs a break. We need to move her out of the castle, let her see a bit of the world…” “And let her know that there are other pleasures out there?” Marco interrupted, “other than Velibor? Honestly Vladan, what are you suggesting?” Marco began to raise his voice. “It sounds much to me like you are trying to force these two apart! You should be congratulating your daughter, and supporting her. Maybe this young man is wrong for her, but the only way she will learn in a situation like this is from experience! Did father hide you too away from the world like your doing to Antonya?” He paused for a second, expecting an answer, but Vladan just sat there with his head in his hands, speechless. What could he say to Marco? “No Marco.” Vladan replied, admitted an air of defeat. “But you have to understand, please. I may not be the best father in her eyes or yours, and I accept that. But I’m trying you know? I’m losing patience with her, myself, with everything. I cannot sleep at night because she has torn my heart apart in me trying to be a good father. What can I do? I’m asking for your advice, and if this is the advice you have to offer, then how will you help put this into actions?”
Marco was taken aback at his older brother’s cry of help. He stood in front of him, motionless, wondering what to do. How could he help him? Maybe to give him a break to think, but how would he do that?
Just before Marco could reply, Antonya came bursting into the room. In a flight of anger, she stormed right up to her father, not noticing her uncle, stared at him.
“Speaking of the devil” joked Marco “we were just talking about you!”
“Oh uncle! I had no idea you were here! When did you arrive?” A brief smile crossed her face and then glimpsing movement behind her, she remembered her father and all trace of happiness was gone. “You must excuse us, uncle, but I have a very IMPORTANT matter to discuss with my father. If you’ll allow us.” “Why of course my dear. I’ll talk to you later then. Goodbye brother and we’ll finish our conversation soon.” Marco walked calmly to the back of the room, but did not exit it. Vladan noticed this, and decided to make the most of this opportunity.
As soon as her uncle was a fair distance away from her and her father, Antonya began her questioning. “How could you father! How could you do this to me and Velibor? WHY?!” Marco took a sharp breath, having never seen this side of her. Vladan knew this was coming though, and replied blatantly “What have I done to so offend you so this time daughter?” Antonya stood before him in disbelief. After everything, and now he says this? “You said yes to the general to send Velibor to the war! You and mother promised me that you would never do this to me! I LOVE HIM FATHER!! Don’t you understand? The one man that makes me truly happy, and you are willing to send him off to be killed? WHY?!”
“SILENCE!” screamed Vladan. He had had enough. “Firstly, you do NOT under no circumstances have the right to just storm in here and interrupt me, especially when I am deep in conversation with someone. You owe a very sincere apology to your uncle, and I accept it to happen formally at the dinner feast tonight. IN MY PRESENCE. Secondly, I am your father. You do not have the right to just walk in here and yell at me. Am I one of the servants that serve you? No I most certainly am not. I am older than you, and of your own flesh and blood. If you wish to raise an issue with me you will speak to me calmly and formally, without accusation for something you cannot prove I authorised. Do you understand?”
“Yes father, but…” Antonya began, but the king cut her off. “Antonya, from where did you here that I gave the general the right to inform Velibor he would be joining the war – and for God’s sakes answer me calmly.”
Antonya looked at him, and decided not to fight. Maybe co-operation will at least gain her a little more time with Velibor. “Well,” she began “as is my daily practice, I went out for lunch with Velibor and then he took me for a walk in the castle gardens. We were talking generally, when he turned around and said to me that the general had told him he had better start packing cause the front line needs filling up. He was crying father!”
Pleased with his daughter’s approach to a civilised conversation, Vladan explained everything. “The General and I were having a discussion yesterday about the battlefront, and how it fares, and he said that quite a few more soldiers were required on the battlefront. We began drafting out soldiers from the castle, and young men that we knew would do fine, when the general mentioned your Velibor. I told him that I have given my word, and he said that it was disgraceful that this young man, who is a fully trained soldier up for possible promotion in the armed forces (apart from the fact that he is yet to take part in a battle) is not out there fighting, yet we are sending farm boys with no training whatsoever. So I told him – and take note of this Antonya, I did not promise him – should it come to my attention that the need for more soldiers on the battlefield becomes desperate, then I will order Velibor to fight – when it is so decided that the general must be present at the battle, then will Velibor attend. Until then Velibor is a matter of mine, not the general’s, and he will not speak of him again.
The general was merely issuing a warning in his own style and tone. Do not take it to heart, for we are on the upper hand in the battle at the moment.”
“FATHER HOW COULD YOU? You know the general HATES Velibor and yet you are happy to satisfy him in this way? FATHER! WHAT KIND OF FATHER ARE YOU ANYWAY? You love your kingdom’s fate more than the heart of your own daughter. I hate you father. I do.”
Antonya stormed out of the room, and tears fell from Vladan’s aging, hazel eyes. How much older he looked like this thought Marco. “See what I say brother? She cares of nothing but her own heart and her own fate, whereas I am stuck with the fate of this country, the heart of my ill wife, and then to put strawberries on the cake I have her too. I can’t do this. Not all of it. Not all together! …. And yes, Marco, I noticed that you didn’t leave the room, and I am truly glad for your presence.”
Marco was in shock. His once innocent, pure niece! How much she had changed, and how she was hurting her father, without even noticing! He came out from behind the pillars he was hiding behind, and walked up to his brother. “Vladan, I know some of this is my fault, and I vow that by the end of my stay I will have a proposal for you that will help. I am still yet to think about it, but I have 3 weeks left here, before business requires me to be back in Moscow. I promise you brother I will think of something!”
Vladan stood and hugged his brother. Such hope his words bought, and Marco was always a man of his word. Hopefully the proposition would serve everyone well, including Antonya. “Marco, my brother, I would be lost at times if it weren’t for you. Maybe one day you will move back to the castle with us? Who knows, but I trust you brother. Do what you feel necessary.”
1
The rain was pouring heavily outside and had been doing so ceaselessly since a day ago. Occasionally it would get a bit lighter, and during these moments sun would shine through the shower, making the most beautiful display of light. It happened just then, and that’s when he saw her; sitting on the ledge of her window, head leaning against the window’s side, gazing up into the sky thoughtfully. Her long, brown hair cascaded gently down her shoulders, framing her troubled face, with its mysterious hazel eyes. He loved every bit of what he saw, but who was she? He had lived here almost his entire life, yet never once glanced upon such a wondrous sight.
She sat at her window looking up to the sky, wondering why life treated her so cruel. Her parents had never approved of her beloved Velibor, but to go this far was in the extremes. Did they dislike him that much? She had been sent away from home, to visit her Uncle’s family for 3 months. They lived in Moscow. She had to admit, this castle was truly beautiful, but she didn’t belong here. Her heart was not here with her, but rather with Velibor; and hence she found nothing pleasing. Every smile and happy face she encountered only enhanced the pain – each one unearthing memories that felt like a thousand knives being stabbed into her heart. She had been here for two weeks, and only a week after she had arrived had her Uncle informed her of Velibor’s death. She had not been outside since.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she noticed a young man standing in the courtyard below, watching her with curious green eyes. Such deep, dreamy, almost hypnotising green eyes, she thought to herself. But there was a tinge of sadness in them. That tinge of sadness made her think immediately of Velibor. His dark brown hair fell about his face in such an untamed fashion, and his pale face only served to accentuate his eyes. Such nerve that he had to just stand there, staring at her. But she enjoyed his somewhat distant company, for his face held no immediate judgement upon seeing her. He didn’t seem pitiful like all the maids-in-waiting that her Father had sent to accompany her. Come to think of it, she hardly ever saw them.
Who knows how long they remained, just watching each other. She was grateful for his constant, yet distant companionship. It was almost as though he was healing her pain. She smiled at him, and it felt so good. Then she disappeared from sight.
His heart was racing. Truly she was amazing, but even more so beautiful when she smiled! How he loved that smile. He vowed everyday to return to the same spot. Then he caught hold of himself and remembered where he was.
She dressed up, and then called for one of her maids to enter. They came reluctantly, as they always did, but today she surprised them with her smile.
‘Please will you inform my Uncle that I wish to dine with him tonight? I wish to apologise for my appalling behaviour…’
‘Anything else your Highness?’
‘Maybe you could help me decide what to do with my hair? It’s been a week, and already I’ve forgotten how to do it!’
‘Oh, yes certainly your Majesty!’
The maid smiled and a sudden wave of relief filled the princess to see that look of pity gone from her face. Her hair was quickly done, and beautifully too, and then the maid walked to the door, calling to the princess before she left.
‘Is there anything else I can do for you my Princess?’
‘Oh, not really, but you could escort me to dinner…I’ve forgotten where it is that we usually eat.’
‘Your Highness, sometimes you truly are the most humorous princess I’ve served.’
‘Thankyou, I’ll take that kindly.’
She was the Princess of Serbia. Something about the way the young man had looked at her before had reminded her of how she should be, as if his almost angelic face had awaken her to the reality of life. She must move on. And so she did.
She sat at her window looking up to the sky, wondering why life treated her so cruel. Her parents had never approved of her beloved Velibor, but to go this far was in the extremes. Did they dislike him that much? She had been sent away from home, to visit her Uncle’s family for 3 months. They lived in Moscow. She had to admit, this castle was truly beautiful, but she didn’t belong here. Her heart was not here with her, but rather with Velibor; and hence she found nothing pleasing. Every smile and happy face she encountered only enhanced the pain – each one unearthing memories that felt like a thousand knives being stabbed into her heart. She had been here for two weeks, and only a week after she had arrived had her Uncle informed her of Velibor’s death. She had not been outside since.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she noticed a young man standing in the courtyard below, watching her with curious green eyes. Such deep, dreamy, almost hypnotising green eyes, she thought to herself. But there was a tinge of sadness in them. That tinge of sadness made her think immediately of Velibor. His dark brown hair fell about his face in such an untamed fashion, and his pale face only served to accentuate his eyes. Such nerve that he had to just stand there, staring at her. But she enjoyed his somewhat distant company, for his face held no immediate judgement upon seeing her. He didn’t seem pitiful like all the maids-in-waiting that her Father had sent to accompany her. Come to think of it, she hardly ever saw them.
Who knows how long they remained, just watching each other. She was grateful for his constant, yet distant companionship. It was almost as though he was healing her pain. She smiled at him, and it felt so good. Then she disappeared from sight.
His heart was racing. Truly she was amazing, but even more so beautiful when she smiled! How he loved that smile. He vowed everyday to return to the same spot. Then he caught hold of himself and remembered where he was.
She dressed up, and then called for one of her maids to enter. They came reluctantly, as they always did, but today she surprised them with her smile.
‘Please will you inform my Uncle that I wish to dine with him tonight? I wish to apologise for my appalling behaviour…’
‘Anything else your Highness?’
‘Maybe you could help me decide what to do with my hair? It’s been a week, and already I’ve forgotten how to do it!’
‘Oh, yes certainly your Majesty!’
The maid smiled and a sudden wave of relief filled the princess to see that look of pity gone from her face. Her hair was quickly done, and beautifully too, and then the maid walked to the door, calling to the princess before she left.
‘Is there anything else I can do for you my Princess?’
‘Oh, not really, but you could escort me to dinner…I’ve forgotten where it is that we usually eat.’
‘Your Highness, sometimes you truly are the most humorous princess I’ve served.’
‘Thankyou, I’ll take that kindly.’
She was the Princess of Serbia. Something about the way the young man had looked at her before had reminded her of how she should be, as if his almost angelic face had awaken her to the reality of life. She must move on. And so she did.
Thus is Love
It is a story set back in time - based on things that you could say were true; its up to you how you perceive things to have been. Dedicated to an old friend and her deep, almost undefying love of that man who caused her so much pain. Is love really worth this much?
Are you sure that it was love to begin with? Who has ever defined love, so we may have a sure answer to dictate in black or white these matters of the heart... that someone wise may do so, we can only hope.
Enjoy.
Are you sure that it was love to begin with? Who has ever defined love, so we may have a sure answer to dictate in black or white these matters of the heart... that someone wise may do so, we can only hope.
Enjoy.
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