The night had not started well. A marriage celebration had been arranged by one of Piotr’s friends in what was sure to be a crowded, rented room. Natalya had begged to be excused; she had declared firmly that she would not go. All of it was for nothing. Piotr had practically dragged her to the sleigh where Polina was waiting.
“Maybe it won’t be as bad as it normally is,” Polina said, trying to make sure that the lap robes were situated around them both without crushing their dresses entirely.
“It will be every bit as bad as it always is. Piotr will show me off to some old idiot that he wants to impress with some son or nephew that is ‘well-thought-of-by-the-nobles’. And then I will have to curtsy and be polite when all I want to do is scratch their eyes out.” Natalya felt herself being jerked back into her seat as the horses started pulling the sleigh forward.
“At least your brother wants you around. He’s trying to help you get married.” Polina buried her hands back under her own section of the lap robe and shivered.
Natalya looked at Polina coldly. “Those two states are not compatible with each other. You are basically saying that he wants me around to give me away. He never does anything that wouldn’t benefit him.”
Polina sighed. “I am just trying to say that I wouldn’t mind my family being interested in anything about me.”
“For my part, I would like Piotr to leave me alone.”
The cold wind whipping past them made both girls subside into silence until they arrived at the meeting place. They were ushered inside and divested of their furs to reveal their heavily embroidered sarafans. Natalya took Polina’s hand, and they went over to a corner where they could watch what was going on.
After a couple of minutes, a stir broke out on the other side of the room as a man walked into the gathering. Natalya and Polina looked up and in unison sighed, “Oh, my.”
The man had already divested himself of the furs that any Russian winter worth its salt required. His boots had been perfectly shined and reflected the candlelight. His shirt was crisp and white, and the dark navy of his feryaz was set off by the white clothing underneath perfectly.
“That has to be the man that Piotr was saying was an ambassador,” Natalya noted.
“I’ve heard that he is a spy,” Polina whispered, hiding the lower half of her face with her hand and aiming the words at her friend’s ear.
“Regardless, he’s a handsome devil, and I’m going to talk to him.”
“You can’t, Natasha! You haven’t been introduced.”
“Let my brother worry about that, Polina. I’m going to talk to him.” Natalya brushed past Polina and put on her most winning smile.
The crowd had just parted enough for her to maneuver over to the stranger’s side when her brother’s hand landed firmly on her shoulder. “What are you doing, Natasha?” His face had taken on a dark expression that the girl knew well.
“I’m going over to be introduced to the gentleman who just walked in.” Natalya tried to breeze past him, but the grip did not lighten.
“It is more likely that you were walking over to introduce yourself to him.” Her brother’s voice was kind, but Natalya shuddered at the expression in his eyes. “Why do you not wait for a moment like a proper young woman would?”
Natalya kept her eyes focused on the stranger, not trusting her willpower where her brother was concerned. “You wound me, brother.”
“No, I warn you. You are under my protection, and I will not have you lose face in this crowd because of a passing whim.”
“You mean that *you* would prefer not lose face in this crowd. Remove your hand from my shoulder or I will scream aloud.”
Piotr chuckled softly. “I’m sure that you would, but there is no reason for it. You would draw the attention of the young man, but you would not gain his favor. Watch and wait.”
Natalya was forced to admit the wisdom behind Piotr’s statement when, after exchanging pleasantries with the host, the handsome devil himself arrived in front of them. “Sir,” he said, bowing slightly to Piotr.
“Good evening, Mr. Comaneci. I trust your journey was a pleasant one?”
“As much as trying to travel through winter can be,” the stranger said with a smile. “I thank you for the invitation though and look forward to working with you.”
Piotr laughed. “You may not say the same when you see the extent of my skills. I was never taught much of the fine art of swordsmanship; you will find me an eager pupil, though perhaps not your best.”
“I am sure that you are underestimating yourself.” The young man’s eyes flickered to Natalya for what seemed to be the second or third time.
“Ah, I am remiss in my duties. May I present my sister, Natalya Ivanova? Natalya, this is Anatoliy Gregorivitch Comaneci.”
“I am quite enchanted to meet you, Miss Ivanova.” He bowed to her and looked her in the eyes as he straightened.
Natalya blushed slightly. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”
“If you would excuse us,” Piotr said to Natalya, “I must introduce Mr. Comaneci to the rest of our party. I believe that young Feodor is anxious to speak with you?”
Natalya managed a polite smile and nod to her brother and Anatoliy, but she turned away seething inside. “Everything on his terms,” she thought, “but not for long.”
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