⚠️⚠️I am so sorry for completely missing this chapter! But there is lots of crucial information in this chapter. But it's extremely dark!!!⚠️⚠️

───── ❝ Chapter Twenty-Four ❞ ─────

The meeting with Thomas Seymour proved both useful and useless. While they had gained a valuable member and ally, the information Thomas had provided on England was already known to them from Narcisse. As Thomas settled into his modest quarters, his mind raced with the day's events. He had taken a huge risk in reaching out to Dimitri and The Children of Red Dawn. If discovered, he could be executed for treason. And yet, he felt confident he had made the right choice. Thomas believed that together they could achieve great things and finally give England the strong leadership it deserved.

His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door. One of Dimitri's men entered, giving Thomas a curt nod. "The boss wants to see you," he grunted. Thomas straightened his tunic and followed the man upstairs to Dimitri's study.

Upon entering, Thomas was struck by the dramatic contrast to his Spartan room. Rich tapestries lined the walls and a roaring fire crackled in the large stone fireplace. Dimitri sat regally behind a heavy oak desk, regarding Thomas pensively.

"Please, sit," Dimitri said, motioning to the chair opposite him. Thomas sat down, feeling suddenly nervous under Dimitri's intense gaze. Several moments of silence passed before Dimitri finally spoke again.

"I wanted to welcome you to our cause, Thomas, personally. Yours is an...interesting case. Not many men of your status seek us out."

Thomas cleared his throat. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, my lord. I want what is best for England, but our current rulers are leading us to ruin."

Dimitri nodded slowly. "A noble goal indeed...tell me, Thomas, what do you hope to achieve by joining us?"

Emboldened, Thomas leaned forward in his chair. "Change. With your help, I will finally get the power and position I deserve in court. No more bowing and scraping to the likes of Cromwell and Rich. Together we can reshape England as we see fit."

A small smile played on Dimitri's lips. "Careful Thomas, ambition can be a dangerous thing...guard it closely so it does not consume you."

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After his final meeting of the night, Dimitri decided it was time to say hello to someone he had chosen not to see for a few years now.

As he made his way through the dimly lit tunnels, memories flooded his mind of all that had transpired between him and Adieya when she was but a young girl under his control. He recalled the innocence in her eyes during their first encounter, when she still viewed him as her beloved uncle. How swiftly that innocence vanished, replaced by fear and submission. Dimitri scowled, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Adieya may have grown stronger, but she still belonged to him. He would remind her of that fact tonight.

Upon reaching her chamber door, Dimitri melted into the shadows, allowing the darkness to conceal his presence. He waited and watched as Adieya readied herself for bed, sensing the exact moment she detected another soul in the room. A smug smile tugged at his lips when she called out cautiously.

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Just as Adieya was getting ready for bed, something cold and angry crossed over her back, a warning. One that Adieya picked up on and acknowledged. From childhood, she became aware and thankful for some of the body's internal senses. Without them, she might not have survived.

Adieya looked around her bedchamber warily. The fire in the hearth had died down to glowing embers, leaving the room dim. Shadows gathered in the corners, concealing any number of hidden dangers. Years of dealing with threats against her life, both visible and invisible, had honed Adieya's instincts to a razor's edge. She felt the intruder's presence like a splash of ice water down her spine - sharp, shocking, unmistakable.

"Come out, whoever is there. I will not hurt you," she called firmly into the darkness. She kept her voice steady through long practice, belying the hammering of her heart. Fear would not rule her, not in her chambers.

Dimitri Romanov emerged from the shadows. "I'm sure you won't hurt me," he purred. His handsome features twisted into a cruel smirk as he relished how she stiffened at his voice's sound. A voice she had hoped never to hear again. "Hello, Little Rose... did you miss me?" He smirked.

As Adieya whirled around with a gasp, Dimitri noted she still possessed her captivating beauty. While her face showed surprise, her body language exuded strength rather than the meekness she once displayed around him. Interesting. Dimitri would take pleasure in shattering that newfound confidence.

"How did you get in here!" shifting as if preparing to call for help. But Dimitri had already implemented precautions. In three swift strides, he closed the distance between them, clamping a gloved hand over her mouth. His other arm snaked around her shoulders like an iron bar, pinning her against his chest. She struggled fruitlessly as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Awe Little Rose, calling for them is of no use. I had my men distract them for a moment to slip in. No, no one is dead. I have no wish for bloodshed tonight." He then moved his hand away from her mouth, confident that she would not yell for someone.

"You lie," Adieya spat. "Any wish coming from your mouth holds empty promises." She scoffed. "There is always bloodshed where you walk. But very well, I shall humor you. Why are you here? What evil purpose draws you from the shadows this night? I'm no use to you as I'm not that girl anymore."

Dimitri laughed inwardly at her show of courage. It would crumble soon enough. He slowly circled her, describing how forgotten he was to the world. When he came up behind Adieya, she flinched at his proximity, tensing further as he traced a hand over her shoulders. Pathetic, just like old times.

But suddenly his eyes hardened briefly at her insolent tone before his expression smoothed back into casual nonchalance. "Perhaps not," Dimitri mused. "But you have such hostility, Little Rose," he tutted. "Can I not simply be here to look upon your lovely face? Or must my intentions always be so devious?" he asked innocently. "I realized how much I've missed your...company."

His lips twisted into a smirk as revulsion flashed across her features, however, she continued glaring at him in stony silence, Dimitri chuckled.

"So you admit you still mean to torment me?" Adieya accused. "To what end?"

Dimitri clicked his tongue.

"Torment is such an ugly word," he chided. "I prefer to think of it as finishing what we started all those years ago - your training and education in assuming your rightful place."

At Adieya's confused expression, Dimitri chuckled darkly.

"Little Rose. Have you truly forgotten? You belong to me...just as you did back then when you would tremble so sweetly at my slightest touch. When the barest whisper from my lips would make you obey my every command."

As comprehension dawned in her eyes, Dimitri watched with satisfaction as fury and disgust warred across her face. His little rose still had some fight left in her after all. He vowed to crush it. However, when Adieya responded with only icy silence and a skeptical look, Dimitri sighed theatrically.

When she refused to answer, rage coursed through him. Did she truly believe defiance would be tolerated? Sneering he said, "Hmm, do you need a reminder of what happens when you don't give me what I ask for?" Ah, delicious fear flashed across her face at the memory. He laughed again, though this time genuine amusement laced his tone. Revenge would come, but he had another purpose tonight.

"Why am I so important to see? You have long since been exiled from court. I could just order you to be killed on sight for disobeying an order of a previous Empress. Your mother." She spat

Dimitri's eyes darken at the mention of his banishment, remembering how his own mother turned on him when he needed her most. "And yet you won't do that. You and your father ensured I was written from the history books, forgotten by all. Only allowing a close circle of people to know I still am alive and well. I led the most notorious rebellion in all of Russia. People won't care nor will they know what I look like. I too have changed since you last saw me. But that offers no answers, does it? Why are you so important to me? That's the question. I have heard that my Little Rose is off and falling for a man who just had his wife burned because she didn't give him a son. Am I correct, Little Rose?" The man asked slyly.

Adieya knew she could never lie to the man who still haunted her dreams. "No, you are correct."

Dimitri let out a cruel laugh, before leaning down to her ear, "He can not have you. Not a single piece of you is his. Not to touch, to hold, to love. No, little rose, that feeling belongs to me. No one but me gets to have you. However, if you won't entertain nostalgia, allow me to sate your curiosity instead," he offered. "I'm here to deliver a warning."

Adieya's eyes narrowed. "Regarding what?"

"Why, your dear English suitor of course," Dimitri revealed casually. "Tell me...how fares good King Henry these days?"

At Adieya's startled look, Dimitri smirked. Red hot fury blazed through Dimitri's veins. The thought of Henry's hands caressing what was his, witnessing Adieya's passion unleashed for another man...it was unthinkable. Dimitri would slaughter Henry before allowing that to happen.

"Oh yes, I know all about your little dalliance across the sea. Tell me, does he make you happy our English Rose? Have you let him pluck your precious petals?" he mocked.

Seeing rage bloom across Adieya's face, Dimitri laughed.

"I'll take that as a yes. My my, how...disappointing," he mused. "I would so hate for your dear Henry to meet an...unfortunate end. So I suggest you end things swiftly...for his own sake." No man could ever have her. She was his alone - not to touch, hold, or love. Only he would lay claim to her body and soul.

When she opened her mouth furiously to retort, Dimitri held up a hand.

"Careful, Little Rose. You know better than to fight me on this," he warned softly. "Surely you haven't forgotten what happens to those foolish enough to try. So I suggest you heed my warning...and end it."

Adieya drew herself up defiantly.

"Your threats are empty, Dimitri. I do not fear you anymore," she stated boldly.

Dimitri went very still, danger flashing ominously in his ice-blue eyes. Then he began slowly circling her like a predator rounding on wounded prey. Adieya's breath caught in her throat as he prowled, his very presence imposing and domineering as it always had been. She despised this feeling - the involuntary panic rising within at his proximity. The assurance she'd found drained away rapidly, replaced by the young girl's instinctive terror in the face of his cruelty.

As he traced behind her, memories assaulted Adieya's mind in flickering fragments...the dull dread that preceded his vicious training sessions... the sear of knives splitting skin as punishment... cries echoing off shadowed corridors when he dragged her to his chambers at night. Her knees nearly buckled with the vividly recalled agony. Bile rose in her throat but she choked it down, glaring venomously to disguise her tremors. She would not let him demolish all the resilience she had forged this past year. Not again. Please gods, not again, not again...

"Is that so, little rose?" he purred silkily. "Then you won't mind if I visit your English lord myself? Get to know him a little better...man to man."

When Adieya paled in dismay, bile burning the back of her throat, Dimitri smiled coldly. The heady rush of her exquisite anguish paired intoxicatingly with his bloody visions. She would bend for him now, her defiant facade crumbling to dust as she resurrected the role meant for her - the yielding, whimpering plaything existing only to serve his desires, starting with severing all ties to this presumptuous English scum.

"After all, any suitor of yours should understand precisely what he's getting into, no?" he continued lightly. "I could regale dear Henry with such colorful tales from your past...when you whimpered so prettily as my little plaything."

Dimitri paused, eyeing her fragile composure with satisfaction before continuing his verbal assault.

"Or perhaps I'll save the best stories for when I have him at knifepoint...right before I carve out his heart as a gift for my favorite rose," he finished softly.

Dimitri's cruel laugh echoed through the room as he circled Adieya like a predator toying with prey. She shuddered, memories of her childhood flooding back. She remembered a young Dimitri, jealous and bitter as he watched his older brother being groomed to rule while he was ignored. The anger simmered inside him for years before erupting in violence.

First came the vicious words, then the subtle cruelties he inflicted on those around him. Finally, he started secretly recruiting allies, promising them power when he would claim the throne creating the rebellion that threatened Russia daily.

By now, Adieya stood ashen-faced and trembling before him. Dimitri watched the cord of defiance slowly unraveling within her with dark anticipation. Fear shone brightly in her amber eyes once more...that exquisite vulnerability he craved. Yes, she belonged entirely to him...mind, body, and soul. And soon enough, Dimitri vowed sinisterly, he would have every sweet inch of her again.

Striding casually forward, he was unsurprised when Adieya instantly recoiled, her body coiled tight as a spring. Dimitri merely quirked an eyebrow.

"Now now, Little Rose, there's no need for that," he purred dangerously. "Surely you must know that you cannot escape me. Not here...not ever again."

When she refused to relax, Dimitri unleashed a heavy sigh.

"Very well, we shall do this the hard way...as usual."

In one swift motion, he closed the remaining distance between them, seizing her in an unbreakable hold with one arm across her shoulders as his other hand pressed a knife to the tender skin of her back.

As she tried futilely to escape his grasp, Dimitri swiftly trapped her against him, one arm encircling her as his other hand held a knife to her back. "Where do you think you're going? We haven't finished our conversation," he sneered.

He felt a spark of dark satisfaction at having her once again under his control. Dimitri had yearned for this moment, to have his precious Little Rose within reach. She had no choice but to relax into his hold, though her eyes promised retribution. No matter, she still belonged to him.

Pinned against the solid wall of his chest, Dimitri exulted in feeling Adieya slowly relax into his hold, though the defiance still blazing in her eyes promised future retribution. No matter - he would discipline such impudence out of her soon enough. Dimitri allowed his mind to wander, conjuring vivid images of what he would do when she was his captive once more. Perhaps this time he would break her himself instead of selling her like chattel. Keep her chained in his bedchamber to serve his pleasure alone...

A small gasp escaped Adieya's lips as his arm subconsciously tightened around her, pressing her more firmly against his arousal. Dimitri paused his musings, swiftly regaining control though made no effort to release her just yet. Instead, he decided a small reminder was in order...of who truly held dominion over her body.

Slowly, he dragged the knife's tip down her spine before twisting it back up along the side curve of her breast. When the razor-sharp edge skimmed dangerously close to spilling her blood, Dimitri felt a savage thrill course through him as Adieya whimpered softly. How he wished to mark her flawless skin...brand her as the property she was.

But no...he could not afford to lose control again. There were still preparations needed before she was his completely. So with great reluctance, Dimitri stepped back, allowing Adieya to tear free of his embrace.

For now, his point was made. Chuckling at her poorly concealed desperation, he pushed her to the ground and slid back into the concealing shadows with one last lingering threat.

"Heed my warning Little Rose. I kill him if it means, I get to keep you. I may just kill Russia's heir and prince just to show him that you can take what's mine."

"Please just leave them alone, your fight is with me, not them," Adieya begged from the floor with tears running down her face.

"Very well, little rose. I'll leave them alone, for a price. You of all people should know very well how my deals work."

"What's the price then?" She asked softly, fearing his answer.

"Let me think on it, Little Rose. I'll see you again soon, Little Rose. Be sure to give my warm regards to your English lord."

Then Dimitri melted soundlessly into the darkness, his ominous laughter echoing mockingly in his wake.

Once outside in the corridor, Dimitri paused to collect himself, his heart pounding with exhilaration and raw need. A cruel smile crept across his face as Dimitri navigated the tunnels back to the outer walls of the castle and the forest that surrounded it. His mind spun with possibilities. Having Adieya within his grasp tonight, even for that brief interlude, awoke an old hunger and stoked new flames of obsession. Seeing her lovely face transform with terror when his knife pressed against the smooth skin of her back reminded Dimitri of the exquisite control he once held over her. He yearned to reestablish that power.

Just thinking about Adieya submitting to him again was exhilarating. But he would bide his time, for now, allowing her to gain false comfort and security. Then he would strike, tearing her world apart piece by fragile piece until she had no choice but to turn to him. Yes, he would make her his once more...after he broke her spirit and ruined her precious new independence. He imagined the desperation in those enticing amber eyes when she finally realized everything and everyone else had failed her. This time, she would beg for his mercy 'Soon, my precious girl. Soon you shall be mine again.'

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Galina sprinted down the deserted corridors, her bare feet slapping loudly against the stone floor as she followed one of Adieya's guards' urgent summons. She rounded the corner and crashed right into him, nearly falling backward had he not steadied her with a strong grip. Taking a brief moment to catch her breath, Galina surveyed her friend's concerned face.

"What is it, Adrian? What's happened?" she pressed anxiously.

Adrian grabbed her hand, his hazel eyes uncharacteristically grim as he urged her into motion again.

"We must hurry. I think...I think the Empress might be in danger. Anton heard noises coming from her chambers a short while ago. Raised voices. He tried getting inside, but her doors were barred from within."

A jolt of adrenaline propelled Galina faster alongside Adrian as trepidation coursed through them both. What fresh peril was facing their beloved mistress this late at night? As the pair raced up the winding tower staircase to Adieya's room, Galina's heart clenched with each step. The gods truly were merciless, she thought bitterly. Had all her friend's suffering this past year taught her nothing of being strong?

They arrived, gasping, at Adieya's entrance. Sure enough, the heavy oak doors were sealed tight. Galina threw her petite weight against them uselessly as Adrian began pounding fists on the unyielding wood.

"Empress!" he yelled urgently. "Empress, can you hear me? Open the door!"

Only ominous silence answered. Then, just as Galina feared they would need to pursue a more forceful method of entry, the sounds of a bolt scraping back met their ears. A second later the door swung open as a pale-faced Adieya wordlessly beckoned for them to hurry inside.

The instant Galina crossed the threshold however, she froze in dismayed horror at the scene before her. Adieya's bedchamber lay in shambles, with furniture overturned and personal effects strewn haphazardly across the floor. It was as if a great storm had swept through in uncontrolled fury.

Galina's shocked gaze flew back to her mistress, desperately scouring for signs of physical injury. Aside from mussed hair and a bruised cheek, however, Adieya appeared blessedly unharmed.

It was the haunted, broken look shadowing those lovely amber eyes that told Galina her friend had sustained wounds unseen. Brittle composure barely held Adieya's fraying emotions in check as she gestured helplessly to the destruction surrounding them.

"He was here..." she whispered, the words falling like stones in the heavy silence. "Dimitri...somehow he got past all the guards unseen."

Rage darkened Adrian's face as Galina sucked in a sharp, dismayed breath. That vile devil was supposed to be dead! To her horror, Adieya gave a shattered laugh.

"Yes...he still lives. And he came to remind me that I still belong to him."

Unable to stop herself, Galina rushed forward to engulf her mistress in a fierce, comforting embrace. She felt Adieya shudder against her as the traumatic events of tonight finally crashed over her like waves. Sobs wracked the proud warrior's frame as she clung to Galina, temporarily collapsing under the brutality of Dimitri's psychological attack.

They stayed locked in that anguished embrace for some time. Galina whispered fervent reassurances while Adrian stood vigilant guard over the two most important women in his world.

Eventually, Adieya's sobs quieted to hitched breathing. Gently loosening their hug, Galina peered searchingly into her face. Behind the lingering grief and fear, steely resolve now hardened Adieya's delicate features. Reaching up with gentle fingers, Galina tenderly brushed residual tears from her friend's scarred cheek.

Adieya offered a tremulous but grateful smile. Though still shaken profoundly, the indomitable spirit Galina so admired was rising swiftly back to the forefront.

Squeezing Adieya's hands encouragingly, Galina stepped aside so Adrian could alert the other soldiers to be on guard. Moving to stand before the room's open window, she stared sightlessly into the darkened night skies. Dimitri may have landed a temporary blow, but if he thought Adieya was broken, he was sorely mistaken.

Given time to process and heal from tonight's attack, Galina knew her beloved mistress would only emerge stronger and more determined to defeat the demons of her past once and for all.

Turning back to where Adrian spoke urgently with Adieya now, Galina sent up a small prayer of gratitude for her friend's safety. Then she steeled her own resolve. Their fight was not over yet. But together, nothing would ever conquer Adieya's indomitable spirit or the power found in sisterhood. Galina swore it on her very life.

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A little while later Galina had gone to notify Adieya's other ladies about the situation, leaving Adieya reading on her bed. After a few moments, Adieya let out a shaky sigh getting up the courage to stand up, before collapsing into tears on the floor. The man who haunted her dreams was alive, the interaction was proof.

Adieya collapsed to her knees as the full weight of reality fell onto her shoulders. She couldn't stop the carefully suppressed panic from flooding through her any longer. Her breath came in ragged gasps that hitched on the edge of sobs. Her hands shook violently as the confrontation replayed in her mind like a nightmare she couldn't wake from.

Dimitri's sudden reappearance had cracked the formidable walls she had built around her most painful memories. His threats against Henry brought back visceral flashes of the torment she had endured during her captivity. The violation and humiliation she had thought safely buried now threatened to consume her.

Her hands still trembled slightly as she clutched a cup of tea. Dimitri's words echoed in her mind, a poisonous whisper she couldn't shake. "You belong to me..." She closed her eyes, fighting back the tide of memories threatening to overwhelm her. No. She wouldn't let him win. Not again. With a deep breath, she stood, squaring her shoulders. It was time to act.

'No. I will not let him win,' Adieya told herself fiercely, clawing her way back from the dark precipice of her psyche. She focused on steadying her breathing, using techniques Galina had taught her. In for four counts, hold for four counts, out for four counts. Repeat.

Piece by piece, she rebuilt her inner defenses. She was safe here now. Dimitri had caught her off-guard this time, but she refused to show such weakness again. She would be ready for him.

As the tears dried on her face from a second smaller breakdown, she crawled to the window, unable to pull herself to a standing position. Once the window was opened she pulled away a small piece of brick that held a small lantern inside a compartment. With tears streaming down her cheeks once again she lit one of the few matches inside the container and lit the candle, pushing to the edge of the windowsill.

The candle was a silent signal beckoning her most trusted advisors, silently saying that she needed an emergency meeting in her audience chambers. It did not matter what her councilmen were doing, they knew that once they saw the candle they needed to go. Within seconds about fifteen candles were lit inside their windows across the castle, signaling the receiving of the message.

No less than ten minutes had passed until her council was all in the audience chamber, and within those ten minutes, Galina had returned to help her get dressed into a light evening gown.

Galina had seen the dried tear tracks on Adieya's face but had chosen not to comment on them knowing anything that she wanted to say would be said in the meeting.

Once the council members had all come into the room she had the guards search the room, for any person or thing looking to spy on the meeting. It was an odd request but the council members and guards honored her request and looked around, securing the entire room. She then requested the doors be locked sealing them inside while the key remained with her, only allowing eight guards to stay inside. The other four were to remain stationed outside her chambers. Galina then passed out a few candles for them to hold. Then by pulling away a large mirror, the councilmen were led down a secret passage.

Most of her council had not been down inside the passage and held curious looks in their eyes, wondering if the caution and secrecy were necessary. But those who had once upon a time walked down the passage knew that the reason for this meeting was important and needed every piece of their attention. These meetings were only called in a time of great crisis, and to have one at this hour meant something big had happened. Once everyone was inside four of the eight remaining guards stayed behind in the room, two stood by the door protecting it from the inside, while the other two stood near the mirror, keeping its secret but able to watch the hidden passage if an intruder did enter the audience chambers.

Inside the chamber was a table with chairs. Each council member took a chair as Adieya motioned the remaining four guards to stand by the door and near the corners of the room. "For you who do not know this room is a council secret. It requires your silence the moment you leave this hidden room. Do you understand?"

With a chorus of yes's Adieya continued, "As my dead cousin made everyone aware my uncle, Dimitri Romanov is alive. Not only is he alive, but he... he visited the castle tonight. In my chambers." Gasps echoed around the room before Adieya silenced them with a movement of her hand.

The weight of Dimitri's survival settled heavily on the shoulders of those gathered. Each council member grappled internally with the implications - the lies, the secrets, the years of hiding the truth from the Russian people. What did it say about their leadership? Their integrity? There were no easy answers and the mood in the room turned solemn.

Adieya herself felt the burden of her next words. She hesitated, looking each council member in the eye, before proceeding.

"I do not wish to give details quite yet of all that occurred while I was held captive by him but do know he is a dangerous man. It is a close secret of the crown that Dimitri is the top leader of The Children of Red Dawn, a group that he had created in his teen years. My family has done much to keep him away from the history book, especially with his... interests."

Adieya shuddered remembering her uncle's cruelty, his penchant for violence and torture. The council remained silent, faces grim.

"Lyes, I am sending you to England tonight with a letter of my arrival two weeks after yours. We must warn him of the danger he is in now that Dimitri knows of him, he will not stop until he has me once again."

Charles' jaw clenched with anger and determination. "You are brave Dieya, I will go if it means I save my friend's life," he vowed.

Mary reached over and squeezed his hand gently. She knew how much Charles cared for his English friend. Turning to Adieya, she asked, "Dieya, may I go with Lyes?"

Adieya managed a small smile. She was touched by their loyalty. "If you wish, Lily, I will not stop you."

The bond between the three ran deep, forged over years of friendship. Adieya drew strength from their support now when she needed it most. There was still much explanation owed, details of her captivity she eventually shared. But for now, having her most trusted council members beside her was enough.

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The pale light of dawn was just beginning to creep over the horizon as Adieya stood at her chamber window, watching the bustling activity in the courtyard below. Her ladies scurried about, loading trunks onto carriages under Galina's watchful eye. In mere hours, they would depart for England.

Adieya's hand unconsciously drifted to her cheek, where the ghost of Dimitri's touch still lingered. The memory of his visit sent a shiver down her spine, but she steeled herself against the fear. She had made her decision, and there was no turning back now.

A soft knock at the door drew her attention. "Enter," she called, turning from the window.

Mary stepped inside, concern etched on her face. "Are you certain about this, Dieya? We could delay the journey if you need more time."

Adieya managed a small smile for her friend. "No, we must go now. Every moment we delay gives Dimitri more time to act." She moved to her dressing table, fingering the delicate gold necklace Henry had gifted her years ago. "Besides, I... I need to see him."

Mary nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Lyes has gone ahead to warn Henry of our arrival. He'll ensure everything is prepared."

"Good," Adieya murmured, clasping the necklace around her throat. It felt like armor against the uncertainties that lay ahead. "And Jane?"

"Settled comfortably in Leo's manor, as arranged. She understands the necessity of her staying behind."

Adieya turned to face her friend fully. "Thank you, Lily. For everything. I couldn't do this without you."

Mary crossed the room and embraced her tightly. "We face this together, always."

As they broke apart, Galina appeared in the doorway. "My lady, it's time."

Taking a deep breath, Adieya squared her shoulders. The vulnerable woman who had crumpled in fear at Dimitri's threats was gone, replaced by the steel-spined Empress of Russia. Whatever challenges lay ahead in England, she would face them head-on.

"Then let us depart," she declared, striding purposefully from the room.

The journey to England would be long, but with each mile that passed beneath the carriage wheels, Adieya felt her resolve strengthen. Dimitri had sought to intimidate her, to keep her away from Henry. Instead, he had only cemented her determination to fight.

As the Russian coastline faded into the distance, Adieya's thoughts turned to Henry. Would he understand the danger she was bringing to his shores? Would he still look at her the same way, knowing what she had endured?

Only time will tell. But as the ship set sail for English waters, Adieya allowed herself a moment of hope. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it with Henry by her side. And together, perhaps they stood a chance against the storm that was coming.

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Two months went by quickly and the day of Adieya's arrival came. When Henry first received Charles's letter, he was skeptical, remembering the cold look in Adieya's eyes the last time they met. Unfortunately, Charles refused to give any more information on why she was returning to England, stating the less who knew before her arrival the better. Charles also assured him that, while Edward and Mary would accompany Adieya, Jane would be staying in one of Edward's manors in Russia.

Henry paced his chambers, torn between hope and wariness. Could Adieya have changed her mind about him? Did he dare let himself believe they might have a second chance? He had never stopped loving her, despite everything. That one brief encounter years ago has haunted his dreams since. And now here she was, returning without explanation. It left him unsettled not knowing what to expect.

As soon as they were told of Adieya's arrival, Charles and Mary sent a message to Henry telling him that Adieya's carriage had been spotted and would be at the castle within minutes and that the carriage would arrive around the back to lessen the knowledge of her arrival. Henry immediately got up and rushed into a secret passageway that led to the back of the castle. He arrived just as the first carriage pulled up. Once it stopped, Henry held his breath, waiting to see the woman he could not forget or fall out of love with. But he was disappointed to find the carriage only held her ladies with Galina and Tatianna leading them. Henry waited by the hidden door watching as the Russian Empress's servants made their way closer, speaking hushed words in the native language.

As the group got closer they bowed to Henry before continuing on their way with Tatianna leading them to get into Adieya's chambers to set up the last bits for the Empress. Galina stopped and spoke in English, "She has missed you much, but she has also gone through a lot since you last saw her. Be her light this time, as you have a second chance few will ever have, both in love and trust."

Henry's throat tightened with emotion. "I thank her and you for this second chance," he managed. "It will not go to waste."

Galina studied him for a long moment as if gauging his sincerity before nodding. "See that it doesn't," she said gravely, before continuing forward.

Minutes later another carriage pulled up. Galina had wanted to give her friend some privacy with the English King so she had not returned to help a hand emerge from the carriage first and then the body of the woman Henry was most desperate to see.

Adieya stepped gingerly from the carriage, the ghost of her ordeal still haunting her movements. But when she saw Henry waiting there, hope flickered in her eyes. Time had not erased the connection between them it seemed. He still took her breath away.

The dress she wore was a simplistic light blue off-the-shoulder dress. Making a small sleeve was a sheer piece of fabric that made a cape. Around the bodice was a gold and silver mixed-designed belt. Finally, the skirt had a thigh-high slit but for once had no other design to it. It was simple. Perfect. As the carriage drove away Adieya adjusted her skirt, she hadn't seen Henry slowly walking toward her. She looked up hearing the crunching footsteps on the ground and smiled. Rushing forward picking up her skirts she met him in the middle wrapping her arms around him. Henry laughed and pulled away from the hug to tilt her chin up with one finger before leaning down to kiss her lips. When they pulled away the two laughed in their embrace. Together once again.

Relief rushed through Henry as he held her close. The icy wall he'd seen in her gaze before was gone, replaced by the warm affection he remembered. They still had much to discuss, wounds that needed healing. But this was a promising start.

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That night, at a banquet held in her honor, Adieya dressed with special care in an elaborate Russian-style gown heavily embroidered with silver and gold thread. An intricate headdress of silver wires, beads, and crystals completed the outfit and made her seem to shine as she greeted the various Ladies and Lords. Henry beamed at her when she entered on the arm of Charles, both proud and possessive. As she charmed the English nobles, he found himself unable to take his eyes off her. Never had he envisioned someone so effortlessly regal yet warm ruling by his side when he imagined his future Queen. But now the image seemed to slip into place without conscious thought.

Once she made her way up the dais and to the throne that sat beside him, he leaned over, "How was your journey over?"

"It was well," Adieya said with a smile. "Tatianna insisted we take the southern route, avoiding major thoroughfares since we had an...additional passenger."

She was referring to Mary, who had insisted on accompanying her to ensure her safe arrival. Adieya expected Henry to question why his daughter had returned, after disappearing with Edward when he was still married to Jane. But Henry merely chuckled.

"Ah yes, Mary has always been rather hot-headed. Well, England shall be merrier for her presence.

During dinner, Adieya sought to draw Henry into the various conversations around them, knowing he sometimes grew bored of endless political chatter. She skillfully directed some ladies near them to bring up the latest fashions and trends popular at the Russian court, knowing Henry's interest in culture. His eyes lit up as he asked questions and she was happy to see him engaged. Other guests nearby leaned in, just as fascinated to get an insider's glimpse into the exotic, powerful, and secretive nation to the East.

As the evening wore on, the wine and ale flowed freely. Musicians played a lively song and there were calls for the honored guest to lead the dancing. Laughing, Adieya let Henry pull her to her feet and sweep her into the intricate steps of a court galliard. The dance required close contact between partners and they took full advantage, fingers tangling, gazes locking. Adieya's crystal-beaded skirt swirled dramatically around them as Henry led her through the rapid spins and changes of direction. Their audience clapped along, enchanted by the sparkling foreign Empress in the arms of their handsome golden King.

"They cannot take their eyes off you," Henry murmured, a possessive glint in his eyes.

"Only because I am with you, Henricus," Adieya replied lightly. "Any woman at your side draws admiration."

The dance ended with the other couples clapping enthusiastically. Flushed with exertion and happiness, Adieya sank into a graceful curtsy as Henry bowed before escorting her from the floor. It was getting late and she was pleasantly exhausted from the evening's entertainments. As Henry walked her back to her chambers, she leaned contentedly on his arm. No matter what storms tomorrow brought with Dimitri, she would have tonight to cherish.

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The next day, around sun high time, Adieya walked into Henry's audience chamber with a smile on her face. She truly missed him, no time passing could change that.

Henry was utterly engrossed in reading a sheaf of dispatches when a brief rap sounded at his study door. Without glancing up, he called for the visitor to enter. A familiar subtle floral scent announced it could only be one person. When she walked in Henry turned in his chair with a rare smile gracing his face, setting down the documents he was reading for the upcoming council meeting. "Dia, I was just about to finish up before heading to lunch. What can I do for you?"

Adieya perched on the edge of his desk, fingers fidgeting nervously with her skirt. "Lunch unfortunately will have to wait, there is much that needs to be said." She met his gaze. "Not about our last meeting, just...what has happened since."

Henry nodded solemnly. He could see shadows in her eyes that had not been there before. Taking her hand, he gave it a reassuring squeeze. "If you have found another, I completely understand and will—"

Adieya laughed softly, touched by his sincerity. "No Henricus, I have not found another, nor was that the way I was going with this conversation."

Henry flushed slightly. "Oh, I apologize then, but please enlighten me on what occurred..." he trailed off with a frown as he noticed the lingering tension in Adieya's bearing. Her smile seemed forced and didn't reach her shadowed eyes. Gently tilting her chin so their gazes met fully, Henry could see echoes of old anguish stirring behind her neutral expression. His concern deepened - she was clearly unsettled by something.

"What's happened?" Henry pressed gently. "You know you can tell me anything, Dia."

Adieya let out a resigned breath at the use of his special nickname for her. She should have known there was no hiding distress from Henry's perceptiveness where she was concerned. Best to tell him outright rather than dance around it. She was trusting him with knowledge few foreigners possessed. Would he understand? Or would it change how he saw her?

"I am trusting you with this information, few foreigners to Russia know anything about what I am about to say."

"I understand. I knew something happened, but Charles' missive was vague regarding the reason for your return..." He nodded motioning her to sit in the chair next to him, allowing her space to say what she wanted but also so she felt safe.

Beneath her courtier's mask, the carefully reconstructed walls around her emotions trembled. But Henry's steady warmth kept them intact. Haltingly at first, then with growing confidence, Adieya told him everything. "The night my brother was killed, he wasn't killed by some random man. My father had two estranged brothers, estranged as a threat to Russia. My grandmother exiled both of them when they were in their twenties. The man who killed my brother was our uncle, my father's first youngest sibling, Damyon Romanov. He later took the name of his wife Valor to separate himself from the Romanov family while he was in hiding. But my father's youngest sibling, Dimitri Romanov, was a power-hungry man, and knowing he would never get the crown angered him. They were exiled after the discovery of the group they created with their friends. The Children of Red Dawn."

Henry's eyes widened at this information, understanding why all of this was kept in the dark for so long as many people could and would try and use this information to their advantage.

"Yes, my uncles formed the rebellion that threatens my country daily. While Damyon has been dead for years and his son, Narcisse was also recently killed, it was revealed just before he died that Dimitri lives on to this day." His hands clenched at the details of her captivity. But not once did she see judgment or disgust. Only empathy.

When she finished, Henry bowed his head, eyes closing as he absorbed it all. "Did she know?" he eventually asked, his voice tight.

Adieya knew exactly who he meant. Eleanor. "We are almost certain she did, she was too deep into the ranks to not know. So far we have been able to find that she had been giving information to the Red Dawn for years both with and without her family's knowledge."

Henry nodded once more, motioning for her to continue.

"Where everything comes to play is the night I was kidnapped. That night I was blindfolded to make sure I didn't see anything I wasn't supposed to see. But one unmistakable thing was the man's laugh when I was sold to him. His laugh was the same cruel laugh of the man who had tried to come back to court when my father took the throne. It was my uncle."

Henry saw red with rage at hearing her uncle's betrayal, "He will not touch you again," Henry bit out, his body thrumming with barely suppressed fury. "I swear it on my life."

Adieya gave his hand a comforting squeeze this time. "It's okay now. I am safe and healing..." She hesitated. "Without what happened to me during my captivity I would not be the person I am today. I have grown through the pain and sorrow. But there is still more to this story... Just under three months or so ago, Dimitri was somehow able to get into my chambers. At the end of our conversation, he warned me, well more like threatened. He threatened your life if I did not stay away."

"You had a conversation with him! Dia, why are you here if he threatened my life, why would you not stay away? Why-"

"Because he would do it anyway no matter if I did stay away, any promise made by him is an empty one. He promised me many things when I was young, but they were never fulfilled. He put a target on your back without you knowing, without my warning you never would have known that he is coming for your life and will stop at nothing to take it if it means he gets to see my pain all over again."

"He is a monster, a sick monster." Tears started to form in the corners of his eyes as he brought their clasped hand to his lips. "I can't lose you, Dia, you mean too much to me."

Taking her face gently in both hands, Henry held her gaze. "We fight this together," he said fiercely. "He has marked me as a target, so it is no longer just your fight."

Adieya covered her hands with his own. "And so we shall," she agreed solemnly.

They stayed that way awhile longer, drawing strength from one another. Eventually, Henry pulled Adieya into his lap, holding her close as if to shield her from future harm. There was much planning ahead, but for now, they simply took comfort in each other. The bond between them would be their most potent weapon against the darkness ahead.

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