Vladimir had known Roksana since they were children. As the only heir to Slavansk’s throne, she was crowned queen at an early age, when her parents died from the plague. That day, Vladimir made a pledge to himself—to stand behind Roksana and defend her against all threats, no matter the cost.
Long ago, in a kingdom nestled east of the sea in the foothills of the mountains, King Vladimir stood alone on the balcony off of his chambers. As the morning sun began its ascent over Chernov Palace, he marveled at the beauty of the lands that comprised Lenskaya, his kingdom. The terrain included a fertile valley with bountiful crops and a shoreline with access to ample catches. His people were prosperous.
But concern monopolized Vladimir’s thoughts. King Yuri, in the northern kingdom of Rostislav, coveted Lenskaya’s riches. The man was ferocious and not averse to hiring mercenaries to rob the kingdom of its assets. Vladimir’s own army was well trained, his soldiers fierce and loyal, but the number of men he commanded was no match for the threats that lurked beyond Lenskaya’s borders. He needed an ally that also sought to resist Yuri’s advances—a kingdom with a skilled, fully equipped army.
Vladimir looked toward the mountain east of Lenskaya. The kingdom of Slavansk occupied the valley just beyond its crest. The two sovereignties had peacefully coexisted for hundreds of years. Citizens from both kingdoms frequently traveled across the mountain to trade goods and services. The route was well established, with tradesmen safely making the journey for centuries.
Recently, the mountain passage had become perilous. Thieves attacked and looted merchant caravans. Only yesterday, a messenger arrived with news of a brutal strike that killed several men. It was a matter of time before the robbers became more brazen and pillaged outlying settlements in both kingdoms.
Vladimir thought of Slavansk’s queen, Roksana, and he was struck with a pang of fear for her safety. He’d known her since they were children. As the only heir to Slavansk’s throne, she was crowned queen at an early age, when her parents died from the plague. That day, Vladimir made a pledge to himself—to stand behind Roksana and defend her against all threats, no matter the cost to himself. Although he hadn’t admitted it to his brother Pavel, Vladimir was deeply in love with Roksana and had been for many years.
During the morning briefing with Pavel, Vladimir voiced his concerns. “The trade route to Slavansk is becoming more dangerous. This recent attack is the third assault within a fortnight. It’s in our best interest to guard the mountain passageway.”
“Agreed,” Pavel replied. “But adequately patrolling the route would put great demands on our army and weaken our defense against Yuri.”
“I’m certain Queen Roksana has the same concerns,” Vladimir said.
“Perhaps it’s time to take our alliance with Slavansk to the next level,” Pavel suggested.
Vladimir studied his brother. “How so?”
“By joining our kingdoms through marriage.”
Vladimir’s heart pounded at the thought of being Roksana’s husband—a dream he’d never dared visualize. But now, their betrothal made sense. Merging the kingdoms through a royal union would strengthen them both against their common enemies. Since their inhabitants were descendants of the Rus’ people, their heritages and cultures were similar.
As he pondered the idea, Vladimir suddenly frowned and met his brother’s gaze with a pained nod. “Is it your desire to marry Roksana?”
“Not me, Vlad.” Pavel laughed and clapped his brother’s shoulder. “I’m suggesting that you marry Roksana. You are the king. An equal match for her highness. She is young enough to bear your children, and the bond between our kingdoms will be stronger when the son of Vladimir and Roksana takes the throne to rule both Slavansk and Lenskaya.”
Vladimir breathed deeply. “Do you think she’d agree to marry me?”
“There’s only one way to find out. You must journey to Slavansk with a proposal.”
The Khovansky family had ruled the kingdom of Slavansk for generations with firmness and tenacity, as Roksana did now. She was proud of her reputation as a fair and honest ruler. Lately, however, she wondered if these traits cast her as weak. Ruffians were getting bolder. Only two days had passed since they raided a convoy of Slavansk traders as it passed over the mountain to Lenskaya. Since then, her council members reported rumors of fear among the people and a growing reluctance to leave the kingdom’s boundaries.
“I’m concerned about the attacks on our trade route,” Roksana said to her chief advisor, Tatiana, as they sat at the desk in her palace’s council chamber. “Our people are wary, and I understand why. But their lives will become bleak if we halt our interactions with Lenskaya. Wheat farmers and woodcutters need buyers for their products. And we rely on the salted fish and fruits supplied by our neighbor.”
“My queen, another may share your unease,” Tatiana said, handing Roksana a sealed parchment. “A messenger delivered this today from King Vladimir.”
Roksana broke the seal and opened the correspondence. “He plans to visit and requests I hold a private council with him. He doesn’t state the subject of our meeting, but I’m certain he wishes to discuss the hold-ups on the mountain passage.” Roksana’s eyes clouded with anxiety as she peered at Tatiana. “I pray his entourage makes the crossing without harm.”
“Don’t worry, my queen.” Tatiana grasped her hand. “The royal guards will ensure his safety. When does he arrive?”
“Tomorrow.”
Tatiana nodded and stood. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
Roksana reached for the pitcher on her desk and poured two glasses of ale. She handed one to Tatiana. “You know I trust Vladimir with my life.”
“You love him,” Tatiana said, grinning. “I see it when you speak of him.”
Roksana sighed, blushing. “I can’t hide anything from you and your magic. But it’s Pavel who concerns me. He seems more driven lately, as though he’s vying for additional power.”
“He’s taken a mistress named Karina,” Tatiana replied. “She’s reputed to be a powerful influencer. Some say she’s a witch.”
Roksana sipped her ale. “Then when we meet with them tomorrow, it would be prudent for you to use everything at your disposal to ensure our guests aren’t hiding secrets.”
Vladimir’s safe arrival at Khovansky Palace flooded Roksana with relief. However, she was eager to be done with the pomp and ceremony of his reception and get down to business. When the time was appropriate, Roksana immediately extracted the king away from the crowd.
“Vladimir, I look forward to our meeting,” she said, taking his arm and walking to the council chamber. “Tatiana is joining us. Will Pavel be present as well?”
“He will, although—” Vladimir hesitated and turned to face her. “I’d like to talk to you privately at some point.”
“Of course.”
In the council chamber, after they exchanged the usual pleasantries, Vladimir spoke first. “I came today because I’m concerned about the mountain passage connecting our kingdoms. As you know, the marauders are becoming more aggressive.”
“Yes. The increased number of attacks disturbs us,” Roksana replied. “They’re disrupting commerce between our people.”
“I’m prepared to utilize my army to guarantee safe passage,” Vladimir said, “but the soldiers I allocate to the trade route may not be enough. There is another concern I must also address.”
Roksana raised her brows and glanced at Tatiana, who stood by the wall behind Vladimir. “Which is?”
“King Yuri. I fear he’s planning to invade Lenskaya. Roksana, I assume he poses a threat to Slavansk as well?”
She studied the king, noting the lines of fatigue that creased his face. Roksana knew that, like her, the death of both his parents thrust Vladimir into his leadership role at an early age. Although he was a strong and equitable ruler, she wondered if he was driven by passion or obligation. Roksana had accepted the crown as her legacy, but the lust to rule didn’t burn in her veins. It was her duty.
“I’ve heard rumors of his desire to accumulate wealth and power,” she replied. “However, he covets the coastal lands of the sea, doesn’t he? It’s Lenskaya locked in his crosshairs, not Slavansk.”
“True,” Vladimir said flatly. “But what happens to Slavansk if Yuri takes Lenskaya as his own? Both of our kingdoms are at risk from this scheming tyrant as well as the outlaws in the mountains. I come today with a proposal.”
“I’m interested to hear your bid, Vladimir.” Roksana shifted her eyes toward Tatiana, who gave a slight nod in return.
“Our kingdoms may be able to fend off our enemies independently. But to do so, each of us would need to split our army between guarding the mountain pass and fighting off Yuri. There’s a strong possibility that neither Slavansk nor Lenskaya alone has adequate resources to protect our domains on both fronts. Therefore, I propose an alliance between us. One that unites our kingdoms.”
“A union between our kingdoms,” Roksana repeated with interest. “Are you advocating a confederacy?”
“Not exactly.”
Roksana studied Vladimir’s face as he paused and grasped her hand. She’d known him her entire life. Vladimir consistently approached her with courtesy and respect, but he was reserved, operating from behind a wall that masked his emotions. Although he hid his true feelings from her, she knew he cared about her. But today, Roksana saw something in his expression she hadn’t noticed before—compassion maybe, or vulnerability—and it ignited her curiosity. She smiled, a tentative upturn of her lips, as she waited for him to continue.
“Roksana, I suggest a different type of union. One between you and me. Our kingdoms are allies, and you and I have been friends since childhood. I admire you… I always have. Our ruling styles are very compatible, and—” He stopped, and a blush colored his cheeks. “Neither of us is betrothed.”
“What do you envision, then?” Roksana asked. Her stomach twisted into a knot.
“Roksana, I’m asking you to marry me.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Then he raised his eyes and gazed into hers. Pavel appeared at Vladimir’s side and handed him a small box. Vladimir presented it to Roksana. Tucked inside was an engagement ring—a large, pink, heart-shaped sapphire. Roksana inhaled. It was stunning. She couldn’t imagine any other ring could be more beautiful. But marriage? To Vladimir? His proposal was completely unexpected; it left her speechless.
“Our marriage would unify our kingdoms,” he continued, still grasping her hand. “We would rule jointly as husband and wife. And our children would inherit our thrones.”
But do you love me? she thought. “This is very sudden,” Roksana replied, her heart racing. “I’m sure you’re tired from your journey and would welcome a rest.” She paused and glanced at Tatiana, who tilted her head in affirmation. “Shall we meet privately in the garden, just you and I, for afternoon refreshments?”
“Of course, Roksana. I look forward to seeing you then.”
Tatiana led the king and his entourage to their guest quarters, then returned to the council chamber where Roksana waited for her.
“What did you sense, Tatiana? Is his heart true?”
“My queen, Vladimir feels intense affection for you. He loves you, and happiness would result from marriage to him. The problem is Pavel. Your uneasiness toward him is warranted.”
“Why is that?”
“The quest for power rules his heart. He plans to dethrone his brother and take his place as king. And he’s confident that he’ll accomplish this.”
“Could you detect his plan?”
“No,” Tatiana replied. “But I have a strategy to uncover it.”
Roksana leaned closer to her advisor. “As much as I desire to know what Pavel is planning, I’m reluctant to deceive Vladimir. He’s a good man, and I want to accept his proposal.” She sighed and stood. “But if his brother poses a threat to his throne, both Vladimir and I need to know. For our own safety, as well as the security of our kingdoms.”
Tatiana rose from her chair and took Roksana’s hand in hers. “I’ll be discreet. Once I’ve determined his plan, I’ll return to you immediately and we can advise the king.”
“Thank you,” Roksana said as she pulled her advisor into an embrace. “Go then and do your magic.”
As Roksana watched, Tatiana shifted into a ball of glowing light and drifted out of the council room.
In the guest chamber, Karina sat at the vanity, brushing her hair. A glow near the window, as bright as the afternoon sun, illuminated her blond strands, making them shine as though they were threads spun of gold. Pavel lounged on the richly embroidered divan. He reached for the glass of vodka on the ornate table beside him and downed the liquid in the crystal tumbler. Karina smiled, watching in the mirror as he finished the drink with the elixir she’d slipped in it. Pavel’s fondness for spirits and his penchant for a lover’s touch made it simple for her to maintain his enchantment.
“All is going as we planned,” he said as he walked to her side and leaned down to kiss her neck. “Vladimir has always loved Roksana. Convincing him to propose marriage wasn’t challenging at all.”
“I’ve collected everything required for the spell,” she replied. “A lock of his hair, a lock of yours, and the vodka with the interchange potion. The switch will leave you both weakened. But I’ll brew a rejuvenating tea for you.”
“It’ll be glorious.” Pavel nuzzled her neck. “Vladimir will be gone, and I’ll be king of Lenskaya. And once you switch with Roksana, you’ll be queen. Then we’ll marry and have it all, my love. The riches and power of both kingdoms.”
“Paying your men to ambush the merchants on the trade route was brilliant,” Karina murmured. “Vladimir never suspected.” She played to Pavel’s ego, although the entire plan—staging the robberies and switching identities with the royal couple—was her idea.
Karina stood and led Pavel back to the divan. “You’ll switch with Vladimir first,” she whispered as she nibbled on his earlobe. “While I dispose of the king, you’ll distract Roksana.” Karina pressed her lips against Pavel’s. “Once I’ve switched with Roksana, we’ll kill her and get rid of her body.” Then she laid Pavel back against the embroidered cushions and kissed him deeply. Neither one of them noticed that the glow in the window darted away.
In the palace garden, Tatiana mulled over the scene in Pavel’s chambers. Their wretched plot and the note of triumph in their voices clawed at her mind and caused her to seethe with anger. King Vladimir must be warned, but would he believe his brother capable of such betrayal? Tatiana could barely accept it herself.
As Roksana’s fairy guardian, Tatiana had accompanied her on many outings with Vladimir and Pavel, so she’d known the brothers for most of their lives. Both were men of principle and integrity, although she’d sensed that Pavel was envious of his brother. The only explanation Tatiana could accept was that Karina detected Pavel’s weakness and put a spell on him. If the witch had the power to transfer the souls of Pavel and Vladimir into each other’s bodies, it was conceivable that she could maintain a bewitching spell over Pavel.
Tatiana needed a countermeasure. The sun was getting lower in the sky, and Roksana would soon meet Vladimir in the garden. As the queen’s advisor, Tatiana usually knew exactly what to do, but this circumstance filled her heart with terror. She had to stop Karina and Pavel before they murdered Vladimir and Roksana.
It was time to join her queen. With her eyes closed, Tatiana inhaled deeply and focused on the warmth and light of the afternoon sun. Her temperature rose within her chest; heat radiated throughout her entire body, igniting her fingers and toes. She imagined pulling all portions of her body inward, as though she were collapsing onto herself, condensing her human form until she existed only as the energy generated from her life force—a glowing orb.
Tatiana found Roksana resting in her suite. She alighted near the couch where Roksana reclined and shifted back into human form.
“Tatiana. What have you learned?”
Sitting on the floor, the fairy stroked Roksana’s smooth brow with her fingertip and vowed to protect her queen against Karina and Pavel, regardless of the price.
“Karina and Pavel have devised a vile scheme against you and Vladimir,” the fairy replied, then described their plan to Roksana. “But I promise I will not let them harm you or the king.”
In a far corner of the palace garden, Vladimir spied the cozy gazebo surrounded by azaleas laden with pink blooms. He spread the thick quilt, arranged the cushions, then unfolded the cloth covering the contents of the picnic basket—a bottle of wine and an assortment of meats and cheeses.
Vladimir wanted this meeting with Roksana to be perfect. He’d never told her how he felt, and today he would bare his heart and profess his love. Vladimir smiled at the thought of a life together with her.
“I thought I’d find you here, brother.”
A scowl crossed Vladimir’s face as he watched Pavel and Karina approach the gazebo. Although he strived to be civil toward Pavel’s courtesan, he didn’t trust Karina. Despite her beauty and charm, Vladimir was certain something dark lurked beneath her carefully groomed façade. He worried about Pavel, who could be easily manipulated by a siren such as her.
“It’s beautiful here,” Vladimir replied. “I want my rendezvous with Roksana to be perfect. More than anything, I want her to accept my proposal.”
“She will, Vlad. And for luck, I’m here to offer a toast.” Pavel opened a bag with a decanter of vodka and two glasses. He poured a shot for himself and one for Vladimir.
Vladimir frowned. “Forgive my candor, Pavel, but I wish for Roksana’s company only.”
“One drink, and then you’ll have your privacy.” Pavel handed a glass to Vladimir and touched it with his own. “Let’s drink to love!”
Vladimir lifted his glass and drank, as did Pavel.
“Now, brother,” Pavel continued, “we’ll part ways. But not as you expected. It’s my time to wield power as king. And you, Vlad, will become the second son.”
“What are you talking about?”
As Vladimir stepped closer to his brother, Pavel nodded to Karina, and she rushed forward to grip the king’s shoulders, digging her fingers deep into his flesh. As Vladimir tried to push her arms away, searing pain stabbed at his gut and he doubled over in agony. His limbs felt heavy and his skin ached, as though it were being rearranged over his bones. The gazebo disappeared as blackness blanketed his eyesight. Minutes later, Vladimir’s cramp subsided. He stood upright, although steadiness eluded him. His vision cleared, and the figure standing in front of him came into focus.
Vladimir gasped as he stared into his own face.
“Who are you?” he shouted. “Why do you look like me?”
“Pavel, what’s wrong? I’m your brother, King Vladimir.”
“What? No!”
“Pavel, you’re ill,” Karina cooed as she roughly seized the king’s arm. “Someone must have tainted the vodka. I’ll lead you back to your chamber.”
“Let go of me! You’re mistaken! I’m Vladimir!” He shook his arm, trying to extract himself from Karina’s grasp. But she was stronger. With unrestrained contempt, Karina punched the upper ridge of his cheekbone, causing him to stumble. Then she grabbed his arm and pulled him into the woods.
Vladimir peered at her, stunned. “What are you doing?”
“Shut up,” she snapped. “You may think you’re king, but your face says otherwise.”
Roksana strolled through the garden, making her way toward the gazebo tucked into the eastern corner. Growing up, it was their meeting spot—hers and Vladimir’s—and she was certain Vladimir would instinctively know she wanted to meet here. As she turned the corner, she saw him. He sat on a satin quilt strewn with large, thick cushions. A charcuterie board, laden with meats and cheese, lay on the quilt. He saw her approaching and stood to greet her.
“Roksana.” He bowed and kissed her hand. “I found this gazebo and thought it would be perfect to ensure our privacy.”
Surely Vladimir remembered our meeting place, she thought as she settled against a cushion. “I knew I’d find you here. It’s a special place, after all.”
“Yes, it’s absolutely beautiful. As are you.” He took her hand and smiled, but Roksana noticed the warmth and friendliness she’d always seen in his eyes were missing. Am I too late? Have Karina and Pavel initiated their plan?
She smiled at the man in front of her and focused on pretending nothing was amiss. Although Tatiana was nearby, she wished her fairy advisor was here, sitting next to her, helping her stay strong.
“What a magnificent spread,” she said as he poured her a glass of wine. Roksana took a sip, noting it was the same French wine she and Vladimir shared during their last meeting. “The wine is delicious. What’s it called?”
“My dearest, I wish I could answer. I asked your steward to select one of your favorites. This is what he brought.”
He isn’t Vladimir. I’m sure of it. It was obvious that Vladimir, not this imposter, selected the items for their picnic. The brothers must have just switched identities. Roksana breathed deeply, willing away the panic rising in her throat. She couldn’t let Pavel suspect she knew of his plan.
“He selected well,” she said, praying Vladimir was still alive.
“And what better way to celebrate what I hope will be a joyous occasion for us.” The man took her hand and grasped it. Not Vladimir’s firm, confident grip, but the hold of someone who was malleable and compliant; someone who was the victim of bewitchment.
“Roksana, will you be my wife and make me the happiest man in the world?” As he spoke, the fake Vladimir moved his lips to form a fraudulent smile. Roksana suppressed a shudder.
“Yes, I will,” she said. “It makes sense to align ourselves against King Yuri. Our countries will be stronger and safer if we govern them together.”
The imposter kissed her hand again and jumped to his feet. “Wonderful! I’m forever indebted to you.” Beaming, he started toward the palace. “Roksana, this alliance will benefit us all. I’ll go now and talk to my council so we can start drawing up the terms of our agreement.”
Roksana remained in the gazebo, willing herself to stay calm. Soon the familiar, glowing sphere appeared and touched down on the quilt next to Roksana. Moments later, Tatiana emerged from a dazzling burst of light.
“Tatiana, how do I proceed?” Roksana wept as she grieved for her king. “Can we save Vladimir?”
The fairy hugged the queen and wiped away her tears. “Karina took Vladimir into the forest. I’m sure he’s still alive, but severely weakened by the spell. I may be able to rescue him, but I must hurry.”
Tatiana knew Roksana would be devastated if Vladimir succumbed to Karina’s villainy. The tears streaming down the queen’s cheeks revealed the depth of her love for him.
“I have an old friend to call on,” Tatiana said. “We’ll need her help.” The fairy paused and pulled Roksana into an embrace. “Can you still love Vladimir if he wears Pavel’s face for the rest of his days?” she asked.
Roksana pulled back from Tatiana’s arms and gazed earnestly at her. “I love Vladimir’s soul, even if it lies within the body of his brother. It matters not whether he is king.”
“Very well. I shall return as soon as I can.” The fairy closed her eyes and once more transformed into a luminous orb.
Darkness was fast approaching. Tatiana raced southward, passed the foothills of the mountains, and flew up to the caves carved into the cliffs. There, she listened for the soft, melodic voice of the creature who lived there.
“Are you looking for me?” The sweet sound wrapped Tatiana in comfort and guided her to a specific cavern. Upon arrival, Tatiana assumed her human form, then sat near the mouth of the cave. From the shadows, a mighty creature emerged. It blinked several times at the waning sunlight, then perched near the fairy.
“It’s been a long time, Tatiana.” The beast spoke softly. “Why have you come?”
“Zmeya, I have an offering.”
“Tell me.”
“A witch.”
Tatiana recounted Karina’s scheme to take over Slavansk and Lenskaya. The great beast nodded its large, horned head as the fairy shared her plan to safeguard Roksana and Vladimir.
“She is evil, this witch.” Zmeya laughed, and the fire in her breath heated the air. “I expect she’ll be an entertaining addition to my collection. Before I accept your offering, you must tell me your wish.”
“That Karina cannot practice magic. Or leave your lair. Until the end of her days.”
The creature unfolded her mighty wings. “I accept… with pleasure.”
Tatiana stood and bowed to Zmeya. “Karina has snatched Vladimir and plans to end his life. She’s taken him to the forest east of Khovansky Palace. We must find her before it’s too late to save him.”
“Go,” Zmeya said. “I will follow.”
With a flash of light, Tatiana shifted into a glowing sphere. She led the winged beast down the mountains and over the forest canopy, then darted just below the leafy cover to appeal to the forest sprites for help.
“My fairy brethren,” she whispered into the breeze, “King Vladimir may die at the hand of a witch. She abducted him and plans to use the forest to cloak his murder. Please help me find them.”
A quiet hum answered Tatiana’s plea. The trees began to sway, gracefully shifting and turning their branches until a clearing formed to expose Karina and Vladimir. The king lay on the ground, and Karina stood over him with a dagger in her hand. As the witch raised her arm to plunge the knife into his heart, Tatiana—a radiant globe of burning fury—attacked her. The fairy’s bright burst of energy blinded Karina and swept the dagger out of her hand.
Karina roared in anger, but her howls went unheard as the clearing resounded with the thunderous rumble of a hundred beating wings. Dozens of black-feathered birds rushed toward the witch. The creatures blindly ravaged Karina as they hurtled past her. Beaks pecked her face, and talons ripped at her hair. Karina cowered, screaming, as she crossed her arms in front of her head. Then, without warning, the forest fell into an eerie silence as a shadow darkened the entire clearing. With grace and agility that belied her immense size, Zmeya swooped down and skillfully grabbed Karina with her clawed feet. The beast then carried Karina up to the mountain lair where she would spend the rest of her days.
When Tatiana returned to the gazebo, Roksana lay asleep on the cushions. The fairy roused her queen with an embrace, knowing Karina’s spell would test Roksana’s love for Vladimir.
“He is safe?” Roksana asked upon opening her eyes and sitting.
“Yes, my queen, and Karina is no longer a threat to Slavansk or Lenskaya. But there is more.”
“More?”
“With Karina gone, Pavel’s bewitchment will cease.” Tatiana took Roksana’s hand and frowned. “But her spell that switched the brothers’ physical bodies cannot be reversed. Even attempting it could bring great harm to them.”
“What are you saying?”
“The only way to unite the two kingdoms is for Queen Roksana to marry King Vladimir. To rule the two kingdoms as one, you must marry the imposter.”
Taking a breath, Roksana asked softly, “And what of Vladimir?”
“He’s free to make his own choices… but he will always wear Pavel’s face.”
“Is that my only option then?” Roksana voice broke into a sob. “I must marry Pavel as though he’s king?”
“Yes… unless,” the fairy paused, “you give up your identity as queen.”
Roksana stared at Tatiana, stunned. “How is that even possible?”
Citizens of Lenskaya and Slavansk crowded the streets to celebrate Queen Roksana’s and King Vladimir’s one-year wedding anniversary. Attacks along the mountain passage had ceased, trade flourished, and the two kingdoms integrated their armies to form one of the largest military forces east of the sea, which pressured King Yuri to look elsewhere for lands to conquer.
At an estate hidden deep within Slavansk’s eastern forest, a husband and wife sat in a gazebo nestled in the corner of their garden. Azalea bushes, brimming with pink and white blooms, encircled the structure’s perimeter. A luxurious satin quilt and soft cushions covered its wooden floorboards. The husband opened a bottle of French wine and poured a glass for his wife. Between them lay a charcuterie board topped with an assortment of meats and cheeses. He smiled at her and lifted his glass.
“Happy anniversary to the king and queen,” he said, and touched his glass to hers. “Do you miss her much?”
“Tatiana?” Roksana selected a piece of cheese and bit into it. “I think about her. And yes, I miss her. But more than anything I’m grateful to her for allowing me to have this life… with you.”
Vladimir leaned in to nuzzle Roksana’s neck. “I’m grateful, too. And I’m certain Pavel is happy. Even before Karina bewitched him, he longed to be the brother sitting on the throne. And now he is.”
Roksana laughed and kissed her husband. “I wonder if he realizes he married Tatiana instead of me. Tatiana told me he hasn’t breathed a word of the switch to her, but he still mourns Pavel’s disappearance and desperately misses his brother.” “He does, I’m sure,” Vladimir said. “I doubt Pavel had a true appreciation for the challenges he’d face as king. And without his trusted advisor, he carries that burden alone. Even so, I won’t expose the truth.” Vladimir pulled Roksana into his arms. He held her close as he brushed his lips against her cheek and whispered, “I’d never do anything to risk our happily ever after.”
The End
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By Lori Matsourani
Copyright 2021
