NationStates Jolt Archive

THIS IS A PRIVATE, R-RATED RP (JUST IN CASE). NO ONE EXCEPT FLAMAZON OR MYSELF IS ALLOWED TO POST! GO AWAY NOW!

Alexander sighed as the plane slowly landed on the tarmac. He didn't like this. He didn't like visiting other countries. He didn't like seeing new places. And he really didn't like official business. Still... "At least Marina will be here..." he said to himself, looking at a picture of her.

"My lord Grand Duke, we have landed at Flamazon International Airport..." the servant told him, passing him his sword and machine-pistol. Alexander waved him away, slipped his pistol into his boots, and put his sword into its sheathe.


The Grand Duke of the Divine Imperium walked slowly down the stairs, waving to the assembled press. His eyes were locked firmly on the gorgeous young woman who was waiting at the bottom, next to the Emperor and his ministers.

Grand Duchess or more often called Imperial Princess Marina Vladiovna, was standing very erect with every single aspect of her person being in the state of propriety. But her green eyes sparkled as she laid eyes on the young man coming down from the airplane. The Princess of Flamazon had tried to dress in one of her best gowns in order to receive Alexander. Trying not too look overly gaudy and yet elegant and refined, she had chosen a beautiful long green silk dress with slits on the sides for easier movement. Wearing her auburn hair down, the glittering tiara encrusted with emeralds sat imperiously on her head.

At the moment that Marina was intently looking at the Duke, the old babushka that had raised her from birth leaned in and whispered in her ear, "So that's the boy you dated last year? He's even more of a hunk now don't you think, dear?" Blushing, the young woman licked her lips and stepped forward to greet the visiting neighbor. Aware of the presence of the media, she limited what she could say. "Welcome to Flamazon, Alexander Roanovich I hope your trip was pleasant?"

Alexander bowed and took her hand, kissing her ring. "It was wonderful, m'lady..." he smiled up at her as he rose, and turned to wave to the crowd. "It's a pleasure being in Flamazon, on this, the greatest day in the history of our two nations! Pan Slavonia shall be realised!" he waved once more to the milling people, and then hissed to the Emperor, "My lord, crowds make me nervous. Can we please get out of here?"

He smoothed back his hair, and blew a couple of kisses to some women in the crowd, before flicking back his cape and revealing his handsome frame.

Slightly grinning, Tsar Vladimir Ivanovich Romanov nodded his head at the Grand Duke, "Of course son, of course! I've arranged for you to be staying at the Imperial Palace as my guest. Now if you just follow me..."

Alexander's antics in blowing kisses to the ladies did not go unnoticed by Marina. In a jealous rage, the Princess grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him to the limousine that was to take them to the Palace. "You will restrain yourself from blowing kisses at those lowly peasants!" Then lowering her lashes and blushing once again, she leaned in a bit closer..."I've missed you by the way..."

Alexander looked around, and saw that the media had left and the crowd was dispersing. The Grand Duke looked ahead next, and saw that the Emperor was out of sight. He then slowly leaned forward, and briefly brushed her lips with his own. "Who cares about that?" he whispered, running a hand along her arm for a second and nibbling at her ear for a second.

"You're the one I love..." and with that, he turned and, smoothing back his light brown hair and once again flicking back his cape, strode into the limousine which had been earmarked for him.

With a smile on her lips, Marina proceeded to the limousine. Waiting for a servant to open the door, she stepped in and sat in between her father and her lover.

"Alexander, I know that you must be very tired after your trip. Would you prefer to commence the negotiations for the alliance some other day? You aren't in a hurry from what your father told me and neither am I." Vladimir Ivanovich smoothed his mustache carefully, "He probably forgot to mention that I would be attending a conference in Marxinbourough, have been having problems over there...anyway. I'll be departing in two days and hope to return shortly." The gray eyes that distinguished many of the Romanovs or their relatives glanced at the Duke's own. "But due to the problem at hand, I am not quite sure when I will return..."

Alexander's own grey eyes twinkled slightly. "I see no problem with that, my lord Emperor..." he said, softly. "A week in the country is just what I'll need in order to concentrate on the task at hand." He was acutely aware of how close Marina was to him. 'Perhaps this time...' he absentmindedly rested his hand on top of Marina's, and leaned back onto the seat. "I wish you all the best in your conference, my lord."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The doors opened as the Tsar and the Grand Duke came out. For a brief and amusing moment both men offered their hands to the Grand Duchess. "Go ahead Marinushka, accompany Alexander." said Vladimir with a smile. He had noticed how the young man had held her hand on the way to the Palace, and how his daughter had done nothing to reject this demonstration of afection. Perhaps this would be a more solid alliance than that which we'll try to negotiate later on thought the ruler.

Stepping out into the driveway, Marina Romanova took Alexander's arm and walked with him to the huge double doors. Upon entering the Palace, a group of servants had assembled to take the family to the Great Room. "Would you like me to take your cloak, your Grace?" A servant asked Alexander.

Alexander sighed, and removed his cloak, dropping it onto the outstretched hands. He nodded his thanks, and then turned all his attention to Marina. "So, Marina Vladiovna..." he started, taking a few steps closer but remaining a polite distance. Then he stopped, and on one heel, spun around to face the emperor. "My lord Emperor! Oh, my apologies... my note!" he patted his shirt and pockets desperately for a few moments, before finally finding the bill from the Divine Foreign Office authorising him as special representative to Flamazon.

The whole group present including the Romanovs and their servants stopped what they were doing to look at the Duke. "What are you looking for Sash...Alexander Roanovich?" Marina and the rest of the company continued to stare.

In that same moment, two girls came running down the staircase. Natalya and Tatiana, the two other princesses smiled and curtsied to their father and then to the Grand Duke. "How do you do your Grace?" said Natalya the more mature 14 year old. Tanya, the 8 year old little Princess blurted out, "Are you really a duck?! Marina told me you were the most handsome du-" Struggling to take her eldest sisters hand from covering her mouth, the child stuck her tongue out. Retracting her hand Marina carried her sister and took her to Petra, their nanny. Whispering she said, "Nana, please take her away to her chambers!"

"Natushka, come here dear help me with your sister..." as her nana and sister walked away, Marina turned around still blushing when she saw her father's questioning look and smiled at the Duke. "Don't mind them please Alexander Roanovich, they're only children..."

Alexander's face was mottled with red, though from embarassment or from fury no one could say. His expression paled, and he coughed. "Quite... they are adorable at that age..." he said, unfolding the paper.

The Grand Duke then slapped his hand over his heart and sank to the ground, kneeling before the Emperor. "My lord Tsar, I am honoured to present to you my papers to you... I trust they are all in order?"

The Emperor roared with laughter and grasped Alexander by the shoulder. "Rise Alexander! If you prepared them, then there is no doubt to whether they are in order!" Marina softly giggled as her father tossed the papers asside. "I trust you dear boy, now would you please sit down? You've tasted Flamazonian Vodka before haven't you?!"

Marina sat down next to her father and winked at Alexander playfully. "Pyotr, would you please bring us some vodka?" Taking the goblets and pouring the vodka in them, Marina gave one to her father and one to the Duke taking the opportunity to brush her hand against his. Finally plopping down, she raised her glass and turned towards the men. "I propose a toast gentlemen..." Sparkling eyes penetrating Alexander's gaze she continued, "to Roania and Flamazon and the alliance that will soon develop!"

"Hear hear," Alexander murmured, hitting their goblets with his own and then drinking the vodka in one solid gulp. After it was refilled, he rose to his own feet. "And now, I would propose a toast to someone whose beauty and elegance should be an inspiration to all..." he smiled at Marina's warning look, and continued with, "Marina Vladiovna Romanova. To your health!"

Smiling Marina couldn't help but blush. "Thank you Alexander, you're very kind." Turning to look at her father Marina asked, "Now, if I may ask father...what type of alliance are our nations forming? You know I can't resist politics!"

The Emperor stretched slightly and smiled. "A military and trade pact... nothing much..." the aged man rubbed his brow. "You know, mutual defence... no tariffs... all very boring..." he shrugged. "We can debate it further when I return..." Vladimir rose to his feet and smiled again. "I suppose I can trust the two of you alone?" he asked, softly. "There's some business I need to take care of."

Alexander nodded sharply. "Of course, my Tsar..." he said, bowing from the waist as he left. Once the young man was sure Vladimir had gone... he slowly slid over next to Marina and kissed her cheek, wrapping an arm around her. "So... why don't you show me around, Marina Vladiovna?"

Turning her face to him and nibbling his bottom lip she grabbed his hand and stood up. "Come let's go take a walk..." lifting up her skirts, the Princess lead him outside...

Alexander ran to catch up with her. Once they were suitably in private, he put a hand on her waist and met her lips with his, kissing her firmly. He felt her soft body press urgently against him, and wrapped the arm around her, smiling warmly at her. "You know I love you..." he murmured once they had a moment, stroking back her hair.

"I love you too..." she whispered, leaning in towards his hand. She closed her eyes and pulled back. "Shh... we can talk in the garden..." she took his arm again, and led him through the palace...

The young woman led him to a private courtyard at the heart of the grounds. There was a fountain completely sorrounded by flowers and a little marble bench in front of it. The frangrance of the flowers, the clear night and her scent all intertwined at once. "Sit down Alexander..." Marina smiled and sat on his lap, "we've got a lot of things to talk about don't we?"

The young woman led him to a private courtyard at the heart of the grounds. There was a fountain completely sorrounded by flowers and a little marble bench in front of it. The frangrance of the flowers, the clear night and her scent all intertwined at once. "Sit down Alexander..." Marina smiled and sat on his lap, "we've got a lot of things to talk about don't we?"

"Mmm..." he replied, drawing her in and kissing her. "We do..." his lips slowly found hers, and they joined together once more. They sat like that for a while, and then his hand slowly ran up under her blouse and along her side, rubbing it along her waist carefully.

He once again reflected on their circumstances, finding his attraction to her returning in full force. He just wished she would... but when she was ready...

Marina ran her hands through his hair and buried his head in her bosom. Meanwhile she softly nibbled on his ear and then sought his warm lips again. "I don't want you to leave me..." She prevented a small moan by biting her lips as she felt his hand start to move up to her stomach, giving her a delicious chill. "Alexander...wait...wha-"

Alexander smiled and rubbed a bit further up her waist, lightly along the side of her breasts. He pulled back from her and smiled happily. "I'm never going to leave you, Marinushka..." he murmured, kissing her cheek.

There was a moment of comfortable silence, and then Alexander asked... "Are you ready?" he didn't say what for, he didn't say anything else. He just whispered it, waiting for her to respond.

He knew it was a sign of how much he cared for her that he'd still be hers even if she told him no every day for the rest of their lives...

Marina was actually quite surprised...she had never seen Alexander act this way before. His unexpected tenderness left a smile on her face. Yet there was that question about whether she was ready..."I don't know Alex..." Looking up to him with her emerald eyes she put her hand on his chest, "You know I want to but there could be consequences you know..."

Snuggling back closer to him she closed her eyes. "Let's just wait a little more ok? I just want to be sure...but you know I love you right?"

Marina was actually quite surprised...she had never seen Alexander act this way before. His unexpected tenderness left a smile on her face. Yet there was that question about whether she was ready..."I don't know Alex..." Looking up to him with her emerald eyes she put her hand on his chest, "You know I want to but there could be consequences you know..."

Snuggling back closer to him she closed her eyes. "Let's just wait a little more ok? I just want to be sure...but you know I love you right?"

"Of course..." Alexander replied, running a hand along her side again. "And I love you... and always will..." he cradled her in next to him, and smiled down at her happy face. "And you know... whenever and whatever you want... I'm right here for you..." there was silence for a while, both of them comfortable. Alexander whispered once again, "will I see you tonight?"

She blushed slightly..."of course, I get so cold at night, at least for warmth we could... Do you want to go now? It's getting chilly out here."

Seeing his slight nod, they both walked back to the palace. Giggling, she led him through a secret passageway that led to his room. "Look, if you want, take this way from over here behind the bush..." Leading him to the right she explained. "If you take a right you get to your room. But be careful all the rooms are connected differently. If you take a left here, you can go visit me in my room." Opening a secret door, they finally entered into his room...

Alexander nodded, and looked around appreciatively. His bags lay on the floor next to a large oak desk, and some of his clothes had already been sorted before the night bell had rang. He closed the passage behind them, and dipped her to the ground for a kiss. She closed her eyes at the sensation, a feeling which only increased when she felt his hands undo her dress.

She smiled as the silk fell to the floor, and then slowly she undid his shirt buttons and his belt, removing his pants and shirt. Marina pulled back, and smiled up at him a bit self-consciously. "I'll just go and change..." she stepped back through the passage way.

Alexander nodded once she was gone, and found one of his greem silk pyjama pants, pulling them on. 'Well, it's something to enjoy before the treaty-arrangements tomorrow...' he thought. There was the sound of the passageway opening again, and he turned around, looking her up and down. She was dressed in tight dark blue silk pyjamas, and... two of her buttons were open.

She stepped forward and felt his hand climb up her side. "Well... I have you to myself tonight at least..." she whispered...

Alexander chuckled, "You'll have me tonight and many other nights, don't worry." Laughing she pushed him unto the bed and covering themselves with the sheets, she initiated a wrestling contest. Ending all tangled up, Marina threw her arms around his neck kissing him tenderly and trapped his legs with her own, pulling him closer.

Whispering more softly now, she continued, "Alex, you know how my father said he was leaving in two days? How about you and I head out too? We could go to Altostratus and stay at my dacha." Biting his neck, the princess continued torturing him with pleasure.

The strong man put his arms around her rolling her on the bed till he was on top and mumbled his response in between the kisses. "Anything you want, hopefully this time I won't be punished by being kept outside though right?" Marina laughed joyfully, "If you'll remember well, you didn't stay outside all night. I let you into the bed later on didn't I?" Cuddling and kissing they spent the night until finally too tired, they slept in each others arms.

Alexander and Marina both woke up at about the same time. She was embarassed to find his hands loosely cupped around her breasts, but also strangely happy. Still, there was a way to act... she firmly removed his hands. 'If he wants to touch them so much, then he can tell me at the dacha.' she grumbled to herself, lightly slapping him awake.

Alexander blinked as he came to, staring directly into his beloved's eyes. He slowly rose up, moving her onto his lap and then kissing her firmly. "Interesting way to wake up..." he whispered. The two of them drew close once more, and stayed like that for a few seconds before Marina finally decided she needed to get dressed.

"We'll see each other tonight," she promised. "And, if you can get a spare moment, during the day too..." Marina kissed him again, stood up, and, walked slowly through the passage-way.

Alexander closed it after her, and started to search for some clothes... when he was suitably attired in a warm business suit, he left through the door, deciding to rely on trial and error until he could find the dining room. Where, hopefully, he would be able to get a bite to eat.

Sneaking quietly throught the secret passageway, Princess Marina made her way to her chambers. Sliding the door back in its place she turned around to an unexpected sight, her sister was rummaging through her things! "Natalya! What are you doing in here?!"

Smiling and twirling a loose strand of hair, the younger duchess looked into her older sister's eyes and returned the question. "Maybe I should ask you what you're doing here since you weren't last night...?" Astonished, Marina Vladiovna gulped and moved towards the child, grabbing her from the shoulder she yelled, "What do you care?! Snot-nosed..."

Natalya smiled up at her older sister winningly. "I'm just wondering... I mean, you weren't in here last night..." she took a step forward. "He is handsome, isn't he?" the young woman asked, staring at a pair of bracelets on the dressing table. "I wish, you know... that I had someone like him around..."

Marina wasn't stupid she knew that if she wanted Natalya to keep quiet she would need to be...extra friendly. Hugging her little sister and kissing her on the cheek, she changed her tactic. "Natushka...do you like those bracelets? I don't really need them anymore if you want them you may keep them..." Grinning from ear to ear, the Grand Duchess picked up the bracelets from the table and placed them in front of her sister's eyes. "Do you want them dearie?"

Natalya took the bracelets from her sister's hand, and ran forward to hug her. "You know I love you, Marinuska..." the young woman said happily, "and if he makes you happy, well..." she smiled. "He is a very handsome duck." she smiled up at Marina. "What's it like to be with him?"

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the palace, said handsome duck was growing more and more angry as he seemed no closer to finding the dining room than before. Urge... to kill... rising...

Marina hugged her sister back and took her to sit on the bed. Still smiling she said, "What a question Natushka! Well..." blushing more and more red the Princess continued, "it's quite nice. I feel warm, protected...comfortable when I'm with him. Do you know what I mean?" Letting go of her sister's hand, the Grand Duchess stood up and paced the room making hand movements at the same time. "You're still too young to understand...but someday, pretty soon you'll be going through the same thing."

"Now sweetie, go to your room and get ready. We'll be going to breakfast pretty soon and I have to bathe and get dressed."

Slowly a small little hand appeared, peeking to see if the duck had left his room. Walking very quietly, the little princess went down the stairs slowly. Turning on a corner, her small head crashed head-on with Alexander's stomach... "Good morning Grand Duck!" said the child smiling up at the tall man. "Did you sleep well? I heard some strange noises coming from your room last night...was someone hitting you?" With wide eyes, Tanya awaited a response.

After Alexander's eyes had uncrossed, and he had recovered his breath, he smiled down at the little girl. "Quack?" At her level, unamused gaze (that only a small child could give) he coughed. "Um... I was tossing and turning. And a book fell on my head." the Grand Duke leaned down and faced Tanya eye to eye. He held up one of his hands, and, after babbling some mumbo-jumbo, reached into the child's tiny ear and pulled forth a small teddy-bear. I was going to give it to Marina, but she'll understand... "Here you are, Tanya Vladiovna... that's yours if you don't tell anybody about the noises."

Tanya's eyes went even wider and she bounced onto Alexander's neck, hugging him as tight as she could. "Thank you Duck! It's sooo cute...I'm going to sleep with my little bear tonight!" Kissing him on the cheek, the young girl ran off across the palace to tell her nana what the duck had given her.

Tanya's eyes went even wider and she bounced onto Alexander's neck, hugging him as tight as she could. "Thank you Duck! It's sooo cute...I'm going to sleep with my little bear tonight!" Kissing him on the cheek, the young girl ran off across the palace to tell her nana what the duck had given her.

Alexander watched her run off, and smiled slightly. It was nice to be around a little girl... the Grand Duke stood back up, and started to walk back towards the dining room. As he did, he tilted his head sideways. Was that the emperor he heard?

At that precise moment, the Tsar decended from the staircase. He walked up to Alexander and patted him heartily on the shoulder, "How are you my boy?! Did you sleep well? Upon my orders, the servants made sure your chambers would be comfortable."

Alexander turned bright red. "Yeah... um... it was comfortable... but... um... I had to toss and turn a bit... the mattress was too soft..." the Grand Duke coughed. "Um... how was your night, my lord?"

The Grand Duke wondered if he was over-dressed in his business suit.

Tsar Vladimir eyed Alexander for a bit thoughtfully and then turned around. "Nikolai!!!" he bellowed, "come here at once!" A tall man of about middle age, blue eyes and greying hair came running into the great room.

Out of breath and slightly panting however, the man was able to keep himself straight. "Yes, m'lord?"

Vladimir Ivanovich Romanov whispered something in his ear...

Alexander rose to his full height, puffed out his chest, and brushed some lint off his suit. "My Lord Tsar... I certainly hope that you will not be forcing your servants to spend too much time on this matter?" the Grand Duke enquired, frowning slightly. "As well, as chief dignitary of the Divine Imperium, I can not allow my rooms to be cleaned by anyone who has not been vetted by the embassy..."

Vladimir and Nikolai stopped talking immediately. The Tsar stormed around to face the youth, his face a purplish red. "Excuse me? I was instructing Nikolai to have your mattress changed. Do you have any objections?!"

Alexander deflated rapidly, almost shrinking. "Not... not as such my lord... his lordship is most wise..." he genuflected rapidly. "Please, forgive my impudence. It was a long trip yesterday, and I am tired..."

Vladimir sighed, the red finally draining from his face. "Be sure that it gets done Nikolai." Walking towards the dining room, he gestured to Alexander. "Well come along, breakfast is about to be served..."

Alexander hurried after him, his face pale. "Yes, my lord..." he was grateful that him and Marina hadn't done anything now... that would be difficult to explain. At breakfast, he took the seat indicated for him and tried to keep his head down... Still, he had to ask. "Most Gracious Lord... when would we begin the meetings of the day?"

The Romanov Tsar glanced over at the Grand Duke, "I've actually received news from Marxinborough, the situation is worse than I had thought." He ate a spoonful of soup and continued, "I'm leaving tonight. If you remember what I told you yesterday about taking a tour of the Empire, you may do so. If you will, you may also request anyone here to be a guide for your travels." Smiling he returned to his xleb, "Don't worry m'boy, once I return we will immediately begin our meeting."

Alexander looked over at Marina, and one of his eyes flickered in a wink. "As you wish, my lord Tsar... it will be inconvenient, but I am sure that I will find a guide..."

~~

Later that day...
~~

Alexander smiled as he and Marina were finally alone in her locked room. With a simple movement, he lifted her up and put her onto his lap. "So... when should we leave then," he whispered, gently nibbling at her ear.

The young princess giggled toppling over him on her bed. "Well dearest...you do know that I can get in huge trouble if anyone were to tell my father that we left the palace alone right?" Flashing her white smile and stretching out she sighed. "I'll see what I can do to try and sneak away. But..." She reached over to the duke and kissed him gently. "for the meantime pay some peasant around here to be a guide...then once you've apparently left the palace tomorrow morning, ditch him." Slowly she inched closer to Alexander and began to tickle his sides...

Alexander returned the favour in a few seconds, lightly spinning her over and pinning her down with a strong hand. "You know I love you..." he whispered, kissing her lips, and then tracing down her face and to her neck. He softly stroked a hand along her side and over her breasts, but then paused. "Um... what's the problem in Marxinborough?" he enquired, lifting her back up and cradling her in his arms for a second.

Marina cuddled against his chest and frowned. "Father doesn't like to talk to me much about that. But...as far as I know from my sources," looking up at her lover she winked "there's a group of so called revolutionaries who are demanding independence from the Empire. They've tried many times before and every single time our armies have crushed them. However, the thing has become much more serious now." Softly stroking his arm she closed her eyes. "There's a man named Yuri Konstantinovich Rimovskiy, they tell me he's quite dangerous and a formidable 'general' for these rebels. Frankly, I don't know why but I get the sense that something has been deliberately kept from my knowledge. If only I could know.."

"Dangerous?" Alexander asked, getting a glint in his eye. "Beloved..." he murmured, "I promise you... you're in no danger from him or anyone else..." he put an arm back around her breasts and pulled her in closer, listening to her gasp of surprise and pleasure. "Not while I'm here..."

The Divine Imperium had had independence movements in the past. But they all petered out. Some things are too horrendous to imagine. And for most citizens of the DI, independence was one of them.

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

Marina ran into her nana's bedroom, wailing and falling to her knees. The old woman surprised, held the Princess's head, "What's wrong dearest?! Why are you crying...?"

Sobbing uncontrollably Grand Duchess Marina Vladiovna buried her face in her nana's lap. "Nana! I've just received a telegram from Anna. She says that Irina is very sick and she might not make it this time!"

"What?! Oh no! The poor dyevochka...don't worry, I'll-" But Marina quickly cut her off. "No, nana I want to go and see her until she gets better! Don't you worry about a thing! Can you just make sure that my things are packed immediately? I leave first thing in the morning!" Petra looked down smiling, "Yes, Marinushka of course..." lifting up her chin and looking her in the eyes she whispered, "whatever is meant to happen will happen, don't worry so much."

Alexander smirked, checking his pocket watch and clapping his hands. "I grow weary of these pleasures, peasant!" he proclaimed. "Bring me my hat and cloak!" down the stairs, several rowdy toughs were just beginning to wake up, several dozen dollars poorer.

Once his hat and cloak were firmly in place, he led his tour guide out the stairs. Where, by a pre-arranged symbol, several more toughs grabbed the peasant. "Right then, sir... you're in the navy now!" they dragged him off, kicking and screaming.

Alexander waved politely. "Don't worry, I can find my way!" the Grand Duke started down the street, whistling. He raised an eyebrow when he saw a familiar figure walking down the street, and, lowering his hat down over his eyes, he walked into step beside Marina. "Pleasant day for a stroll?"

Marina smiled and rouged a bit when she saw the duke. "Very much so good sir! And where may I ask are you going?"

"Why, anywhere is good!" Alexander offered her his hand, and the two of them walked back down the street, and around a corner. Then the two of them broke into a run.



Once they were sure that no one was around, Alexander smiled and pressed her against a wall, his hands gripping her waist loosely as he leaned forward and kissed her soundly. "So, what's the plan?"

Marina's eyes reopened and she grinned up at Alexander. "Well, father said you could go and travel...and that you could take anyone here to guide you..." she took a strand of hair and twisted and curled it, "Why not take the best guide of all?" Slightly brushing her lips against his ear the princess whispered softly, "How about you...me...and a far-away dacha out in the wild?"

His eyes widened as her lips softly slid over his ear. "Ahhh..." he coughed. "Sure!" a bit too enthusiastically, but he was distracted. The young man looked back, and, with a slight smile, whispered, "close your eyes..."

He leaned forward and pressed her against the wall, kissing her passionately, one of his hands stroking back her hair and the other looping around her waist tightly. The policeman didn't pay them any notice, instead walking back down the street and turning the corner.

Alexander didn't pull back, though...

Out of breath, the young woman tried to stop him and herself but she decided to enjoy his kisses for a few moments more but there were things that needed to be done. "uhh- stop...Alexander-" biting his lower lip and then gently pushing him away the princess continued to struggle. "That's enough Alexander, I have to-" *kiss* "...go and get my things ready."

"If you insist..." he replied, pulling back. "I don't know if this is safe... I mean... what if something happens? Or a servant tells?" he finally released her, his hand snaking up and around her breast first.

Marina smiled and tapped his nose. "Don't you worry about that, I'll take care of it." *wink* "Now, I'll need you to go to the abandoned cabin at Korzhakov pass. Leave the palace sometime in the evening and wait for me there. I'll leave first thing in the morning, that way it won't look at all suspicious. What do you think?"

Alexander winked and leaned forward for a quick kiss once more, his hand sliding along her frame. "As you wish..."

~~

Whistling as he worked, Alexander loaded the car with some of his suitcases. Behind him, one of the servants checked the map. "The pass is just an hour's drive out of the city, sir..."

"Excellent..." he gently lay a selection of scabbarded blades on the seat behind him. 'I can get some practice in...' he thought to himself, just wishing that he was able to do so in his normal fashion here...

~~

Within an hour, the Grand Duke was en-route.

"Nana, where is my brush?!" Pacing up and down the room in exasperation, Grand Duchess Marina Vladiovna waited for some last minute things to be packed.

A small wrinkled woman stuck her head out the bathroom. "Well, maybe if you left things in their proper places, they'd be easier to find don't you think?" "But nana, I know I left it there!" She wimpered. Glancing at the younger girl entering her room, Marina rushed to take the brush in Natalya's hand.

"Hey! I was brushing my hair with that!" exclaimed the girl. Smiling wickedly, Marina looked her straight in the eyes, "But it so happens that it belongs to me, little cectra." Walking over to the bed, she placed the brush carefully inside one of the suitcases and went to the door. "Roma!!! Roma I need you to take my suitcases down to the car, come up here please!" Kissing her the old babushka on the forehead and after smacking her sister on the head Marina smiled, a special gleam in her eyes. "Well, I'm off!..." realizing that she was acting too happy to convince them that she was going to visit her sick cousin, she forced herself to spill a few tears. "Don't worry about me, Nana...I'll be back soon. And take care of Tanya while i'm gone Natushka." Following Roma down the staircase, the Princess left the Grand Palace.

Alexander had his feet up at the cabin, as he watched the sunrise. Flickering through his heads was very little to do with the beautiful surroundings, which to him seemed emininently burnable, and a-lot to do with Marina. 'Beautiful woman... powerful... she loves me, I love her...' his thoughts then drifted on to the Flamazonian army, which would make excellent auxillaries for his conquest of the rest of Slavdom. 'I'll be Tsar, marry Marina, and then... conquer the known worl...' "OW!" he looked up, white dots flickering in his gaze as he felt his temper suddenly break free of the bounds which he struggled daily to keep it in.

A 15 year old boy was standing there, another rock in his hands. "Sir, this is private property! It belongs to my father, the EEEEEK!" it took Alexander less than five seconds to go from a sitting position to a position where he held the boy up by the neck.

"You impudent little worm!" Alexander roared, shaking him firmly. "I'll have your head!" he hurled the boy across the road and into the thicket, collapsing back down. 'No... no.... got to keep cool...' he put a hand to his brow, trying to wrestle his anger back in.

He knew that if he actually killed the child, he'd be unable to stop himself from going after any one else near by. The Grand Duke shuddered as he finally managed to get his rage back, and the red mist left him. That had been too close.

"Where should I put this m'lady?" Asked the handsome youth, the cook's son.

Princess Marina Vladiovna rolled her emerald green eyes and turned to look at him. "How many times must I tell you Roma, you need not address me that way. You're not that older than me and I consider you a friend. I'm pretty much sick of you calling me 'm'lady'...it really does get annoying y'know?" Seeing her friend blush at her outburst, Marina secretly smiled and got into the car while the luggage was placed in the trunk.

"Where to m'lady?"

Looking out the window, she half-whispered, "to the abandoned cabin..."

"What?! But it's not safe m'lady! You can'-"

Turning in a rage, Grand Duchess Marina slammed her fist down hard on the seat. "I was not asking for your opinion, I was giving an order. An order which you are expected to obey...now, I will not repeat this again, take me to the cabin." Pulling her coat closer to her body, the young woman continued to look out the window and hoped that her prince would be waiting for her.

Alexander had his hat low over his eyes as he waited. Where is Marina? he thought to himself as he sat on an old chair in the cabin. The Grand Duke soon heard a car coming up the road and frowned in concentration. Then he sunk beneath the window sill, making sure he could not be seen.

Marina smiled at Roma when she saw the cabin. "Let me off here, Roma..."

As soon as Alexander heard the voice, he relaxed his deathgrip on his blade and strode outside. "Your Grace..." he bowed to Marina, giving Roma a brief look of pure disinterest.

The servant frowned. "Wait a second... you're the Roanian Grand Duke!" he looked between the two royals. "What's going on here?" then his expression soured further. "I get it..."

Marina noticed Alexander's hand instantly go to the hilt of his sword. "Roma, please... don't tell anyone..." she took her counterpart's hand down. "Yes, it is exactly what it looks like. But... but..." she smiled a bit.

Roma looked down. "Marina... I... I understand..." he smiled. "You have my word." the servant looked between the two again. "Have fun and be careful..."

Alexander opened his mouth, and then shut it when Roma rounded on him. "And you! If you don't take good care of her, I'll...I'll... I'll do something!" the Grand Duke decided to let Marina talk, though he went an interesting colour when she hugged her friend and kissed his cheeks.

Still, Roma was on his way soon, and Alexander smiled. "Where to, Marina?"

Marina cuddled up to Alexander's chest and sighed. "Well...we had agreed on going to my dacha in Altostratus right?" She turned up to look at him and smiled. "I figure we have about a week or two at the most. But the thing is that if we take the major roads, people will recognize us so we should just ride in through the backway." Letting go of Alexander and starting to walk towards a small path she said, "We have to go pick up the horses, they're waiting at an old stable about a mile ahead. Let's get going dear!"

Alexander inwardly groaned at the thought of walking a mile to ride horses. Still, for love he'd do many things. "Come on, Marina... I'll race you!"

...


"..." Alexander sighed. He was aching in places he didn't know he had. "...I do not like horses..."

"Awww..." Marina rode past him, easily. "We're almost there..."

Giggling, Marina dismounted and leaned against the dacha waiting for Alexander. Watching him coming closer she crossed her arms and smirked, "Glad you could make it finally, thought I would have to wait for you for ages!"

Alexander sighed when he reached the dacha, pulled his feet out of the stirrups, and then rolled off the horse and onto the ground, where he lay. Marina laughed for a few minutes, but then noticed he didn't seem to be moving. "Sasha?" the horses backed away.

"Uhhhh..."

"Sasha!" the young woman ran to her lover's side and knelt down, checking his pulse. "Are you okay?" she smiled when his expression flickered. "Oh, good..." Marina helped him to his feet. "...Another thing I'm better at than you! Yes!" she punched the air, aware that it was undignified but wanting to hide her relief.

Alexander grunted and moved very rapidly, first dipkissing her and then moving in one fluid motion to carrying her in his arms. "Come on, Marinuska..." he murmured, holding her to his chest.

She gasped and leaned against his pectorals, feeling very safe there. Alexander, however, did not. Something about the atmosphere made him want to keep Marina very close to him, for her own safety.

Reaching up to kiss him slightly she snuggled in closer until he finally plopped her down on the bed. Getting up quickly, Marina held Alexander's hand and smiled. "We're finally here! hehe" she laughed nervously. "This little dacha is as simple as dachas can possibly get. I'll warn you, there's no running water or any of that modern good stuff but we do have a very charming little well in the back if I may say...oh! and lanterns and candles for when it gets the dark. Since we usually bring the horses up here with us we have a barn near and-

Alexander looked faintly disturbed at the idea of lacking running water, but managed to hide it. "...it's very nice..." he murmured a couple of times, before finally getting tired of her babbling and moving to kiss her quiet. He winced when he did, a pain shooting down his back.

"What's wrong?"

"...I...seem to have strained a muscle..." Alexander muttered, embarassed.

"Hmm..." she murmured "maybe you did get hurt from falling." Leading him back to the bed she made him life down and then proceeded to climb on top of him rubbing her hands vigorously.

"And what are you going to do?"

*smile* "Fix the problem of course!" Marina began to lift up his shirt and gently and slowly massage his shoulders and neck. "And by the feel of it sweetie, it's going to take a lot of work...your muscles are really tense!" She heard Alexander grunt a little once she got to a knotted spot right beneath the shoulder blade and kneaded it until she felt it loosen and then proceeded downwards all along his spine.

Alexander groaned as he felt the stress expelled from him. "Yes...that's much better..." he whispered, feeling her knead his tired muscles. "I feel I should return the favour..." he smiled and rose to his feet, helping her lie down.

She blushed, but also gasped in happiness when his hands worked her own shoulders. A thin smile appeared on her face as she drifted off in his gentle hands. Then his hand 'slipped' to her breast, and she was startled up to wakefullness. "Sasha!" she laughed, biting back a moan.

"Sorry..."

Princess Marina grinned. "Of course you did."

Quickly flipping around, she crawled toward Alexander all the while smiling wickedly. "I think maybe you deserve to be grounded for what you did mister.."

Slowly pinning him to the wall, she brushed her lips slightly on his forehead and teased him mercilessly tempting him but drawing back everytime he tried to kiss her.

Alexander reached for her and caught her, kissing her finally. "You're not done with your massage, Marina..."

Marina closed her eyes, feeling his hands work along her side. She smiled a bit to herself as he slowly lifted the fabric up, rubbing as he did. When he reached her arms, she moved slightly, letting him roll it up further.

Alexander stopped. "Marina?"

"Come on, Sasha..." she murmured, stretching again and letting him remove her shirt completely. "mmmmm..." the young woman rolled over and up, sitting against the wall and allowing him a clear look, flexing and turning a bit, showing her bra carefully.. She smiled when he also undid his shirt and removed it, then reached for her.

She turned toward him, letting him fumble for a moment with the clasp and sliding it off. "I love you" she whispered, leaning up and kissing him, feeling his arms grip her bare waist.

Alexander blushed. She smiled, but turned pink when his hands slid up to her breast. She moaned when he rubbed for a few minutes, letting him press and squeeze, but then pulled away. "That's enough...ooh..." he returned for a second before helping her out of her shoes and pants.

The young woman pulled his hands away and undressed him, until he was in his boxers. "That's enough..." she sent him outside to change.

***
When he came back in, she was already asleep. He peeled back the covers and blinked at her bare-breasted form, before sliding in and holding her to him. The Grand Duke looked at Marina and smiled. "I love you..."

She didn't say anything, but smiled in her dreams and pressed closer to him.

"Da, Drekavac eto ochen xorosho hehehe..." The old toothless man grinned as the shadows of the candlelight danced on his wrinkled weathered face.

A tall well-muscled man lurked in the shadows and nodded slightly. "Ya znayu Vanya, ya znayu. Now, I want you to keep Pyotr hot on her trail...the dyevochka is practically alone and I want to make that our advantage. Can you imagine what the possibilities are? The Tsar out in Marxinborough, Grand Duchess Marina out in the wild alone with a foreigner and the Palace with the young princesses."

"So when are we going to strike?" whispered Vanya. "Kogda?!"

Drekavac put his hand on his chin and remained silent. Muttering a few minutes later, "When the time is right..."

Marina and Alexander woke up, both blushing when they saw her state of dress. He brushed a hand along her breast for a moment, enjoying the warmth. She pressed against him for a moment, smiling, before pulling up and going outside to stretch.

Alexander nearly had a fit, but then he realized no one else was around to see her. Completing his own stretches, he walked out to join her, putting an arm around her waist and watching the sunrise. "I love you, Marina..."

She rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you too..."

Snuggling up against his chest she threw her arms around him and stood there for a moment just holding Alexander. "Well, lets go get dressed now. I want to show you around. It's actually very beautiful around here."

Alexander stared blankly murmuring something incomprehensible. The young duchess winked at him. "Don't worry...we'll go exploring on foot."

Striding towards the house, running back and picking up Marina effortlessly in his arms, he took her inside.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slightly out of breath Marina hiked up a steep mound of dirt and rubble and grabbed her companion's hand for support. "So how are you liking it so far, Alex?" She smiled. "Ahhhh!!!" The woman's foot had gotten caught in a small hole, bending her ankle painfully and making her land hard and fast on her backside, landing with a tough "uff".

Alexander stared back in amazement and turned around, running to grab her. "Marina?! Are you okay?" he helped her to her feet, swinging her up and into his arms.

She coloured. "I'm fine, Sasha!"

"No you're not."

"Don't be silly! I'm perfectly fi-!" Struggling to get out of his arms she managed to loosen his grasp, in the process, staggering to the ground once again. Extending her arms to push up position, she looked at Alexander. "Er...oook...maybe not."

The Grand Duke rushed to grab a hold of Marina, "All right! Up you go Princess!" He smiled at the look of her blushing a bright crimson. "And by the way...there's no need to blush like that hehe." *wink*

"Uh right, I was just...I oh never mind! Thanks Alex-" She tilted her head up to him and smiled warmly.