THE GRIEF
Nana is dead.
Lada is kidnapped.
Captain Viktor, the captain of the yacht is luckily alive.
He helped me through the remaining hours of our voyage.
We are now closed to the port of Moscow.
I changed clothes.
Since the suitcase is still in the cabin.
I checked the contents of it.
Nana prepared everything for me.
I hugged the suitcase tight.
It reminded me of how loving and caring my Nana is.
My tears dried up.
My heart aches, too much pain, too much grief.
I felt something hard in the suitcase pocket.
I opened the small outside front pocket.
A small velvet black pouch is inside.
With a hand stitched name on it "Beatrix".
Then, I pull out the content.
A gold necklace with a gold locket cage egg pendant with a bullet inside.
And a small piece of folded paper comes with it.
It reads...
To my beloved Princess Beatrix,
Keep it safe.
Give it to your Uncle Charles.
Love,
Nana.
Tears started to fall again.
My eyes are puffy and swollen.
My head is aching.
O how cruel they are!
They killed my family.
They killed my Nana.
They kidnapped my only friend, Lada.
I will make sure, they will pay for it!
I returned the necklace into the pouch with the message and put it in my leather hand bag.
I lay down in bed and rested to nap.
Then, the yacht blown it's horn.
I'm awaken from a nightmare.
I heard voices from above.
Then a knock on the door of the cabin, forced me to stand and open the doors.
I saw...
"Leonid!?!?!"
I run to hugged him and cried.
"What happened? I have been here waiting past the hours of your supposed arrival Princess. Where's your Nana?"
I cried narrating the happenings.
Leonid was shocked and stunned by the news.
His heart is broken.
He cried hopelessly.
Then he said "I'm so sorry... I was not there to protect all of you. O my loving Irina. Her death will never be forgotten."
He hugged me tight with tears in eyes.
And he continued " Our Princess, as scheduled, I will bring you to Alaska for your safety, as instructed by your Nana. We will change to a different boat. Are you ready?"
I nodded in response.
I took my hand bag, a wool coat and a new winter head scarf.
Then Leonid took the suitcase for us to move to another boat.
We are very cautious and mindful as we walk through the port.
Leonid is very vigilant.
We avoid crossing through crowded area.
Concealing ourselves from people will protect us.
We walk swiftly.
Leonid brought with him his firearm, securely in a gun holder on his waistline.
He even give a small pistol to keep in my hand bag, for me to be able defend myself.
Leonid never failed to educate me and Nana on how to use a gun and self defense.
I have my own tutor for my studies in language, arts, music and business.
All throughout the years of my concealment.
Education is always on top priority.
Leonid stopped and talked to a man in sailors uniform.
The ship's name printed in front "MARVEL"
I surveyed the people in the boat.
They are all carefree and full of merriment.
A joyful music is filling the air.
Then, Leonid called me to move and step into the stairs.
And I silently followed him.
"We will travel two days to Alaska." Leonid said, while a crew carried the suitcase.
I'm distracted by the crowd around us.
We are walking through the alley and going into our private cabin.
We passed through a big banquet hall with dining tables.
I'm amazed by the it's elegance.
I am stunned by a painting in the wall.
It reminded me of our family's last picture.
"Amelia? " Leonid called.
"Yes, I'm coming." I responded.