───── ❝ Chapter Twenty-Two ❞ ─────

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the worn map spread on the tavern table. Narcisse traced his finger along the palace's perimeter, his voice barely above a whisper. The scent of stale ale and wood smoke hung heavy in the air, mingling with the conspirators' nervous sweat.

"The guard rotation changes here, at the stroke of midnight," he murmured, tapping a spot on the parchment. "That's our window."

A dozen hooded figures leaned in, their breath visible in the chilly air of the St. Petersburg night. Among them, a gruff voice spoke up. "And what of the Empress? Our spies say she's rarely alone."

Narcisse's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with malice. "Leave Adieya to me. I know exactly how to break her."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The tavern creaked and groaned around them, as if the very building sensed the weight of their conspiracy.

"Remember," Narcisse continued, his voice taking on a fervent edge, "we fight not just for power, but for the true Romanov line. For years, we've waited in the shadows, building our strength. The Red Dawn has been dismissed as a failed rebellion, but tonight..." He clenched his fist. "Tonight, we prove that our flame still burns."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. Narcisse nodded, satisfied, then turned to a cloaked figure who had just slipped into the tavern. "Report," he commanded.

The figure bowed low. "It's confirmed, sir. He awaits your signal in the north."

Excitement crackled through the air like lightning. Narcisse's eyes blazed with triumph. "Excellent. The pieces are in place. The Red Dawn rises, my friends. And with it, the true Romanov line will reclaim the throne."

The conspirators raised their cups in a silent toast, the candlelight glinting off the red dawn emblem pinned to their cloaks. Outside, the wind howled, carrying with it the promise of a storm - and change.

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As dawn broke over St. Petersburg, the conspirators' whispers faded into the awakening bustle of the city. Unaware of the shadows gathering at the edges of her empire, Empress Adieya rose to face another day of rebuilding a nation scarred by war.

The day had started just as any other. Adieya and her council met in the morning to go over the remaining laws and actions yet to be voted on before she would see to the complaints from her people. There weren't many, as most were still settling back into their lives, but a few matters were being brought up for future consideration.

As Adieya made her way to her audience chambers, she couldn't shake a feeling of unease. Perhaps it was the lingering chill in the air or the way the palace shadows seemed deeper than usual. Shaking off her disquiet, she squared her shoulders. There was work to be done, and her people needed her strength now more than ever.

"How did it go today?" Charles asked.

Adieya sighed and collapsed dramatically into a chair. "Exhausting as always. But the people's resilience amazes me - we've been through so much, yet hope remains."

Her friends nodded somberly.

"Well, let's not dwell on the heavy for now," Mary said, holding up a bottle of imported French wine. "I say we celebrate our victory over the Ottomans and enjoy this rare vintage, courtesy of the Merovingian vineyards."

Adieya grinned. "I'll drink to that!" She gratefully accepted a glass from Mary and they all clinked their drinks together.

For the next hour, they chatted lightly about fond memories of better times, retold amusing stories from their youth, and speculated over the latest court gossip. Their laughter echoed through the halls, momentarily dispelling the lingering gloom left by the war. Adieya cherished these glimpses of normalcy with her most trusted companions. The burdens of leadership seemed lighter when borne with friends.

After hearing from the people, a small lunch was prepared. Adieya was able to catch up with Charles, Edward, Galina, and Mary in her audience chambers as they ate their lunch in peace. Galina got up and left to grab another pitcher of wine for the group when someone grabbed her from behind causing her to scream.

Everyone around who heard her scream rushed to see the commotion but stopped in their tracks when Adieya's blood turned to ice as she saw Narcisse holding Galina hostage, a knife pressed against her friend's throat. Time seemed to slow, each heartbeat thundering in her ears. Not him again. Narcisse had haunted her since childhood, constantly scheming and grasping for power.

They shared a complex history as cousins - Narcisse's father had once been a contender for the throne until Adieya's father exposed his plot to overthrow the empire and allied himself with the dangerous Children of the Red Dawn, helping orchestrate attacks across Russia meant to destabilize Adieya's rule. Narcisse had never forgiven their family, becoming obsessed with vengeance. She thought after crushing the Red Dawn rebellion last year, Narcisse had given up. She had underestimated her nemesis once more.

"Ah, just who I wanted to see," Narcisse said as the group of friends rushed out of Adieya's chamber door.

Adieya took a step forward, her hand outstretched. "Galina-"

"Don't you dare, Adieya," Narcisse snarled, pressing the knife harder. A thin line of red appeared on Galina's neck, and Adieya felt her stomach lurch.

"Let. Her. Go." Adieya's voice was low, dangerous. She could feel her friends tense behind her, ready to spring into action at her command. But any sudden move could mean Galina's death.

Narcisse's grip on Galina tightened, eliciting a whimper of pain. "All in good time, my dear Empress," he smirked. "Although, you never know if my knife was to just, slip." He enunciated the word as he lightly sliced Galina's neck, causing a bit more blood to drip and slide down her shoulder.

Narcisse's grip on Galina tightened, eliciting a whimper of pain. Adieya's mind raced, evaluating options, and remembering her training. 'Stay calm,' she told herself. 'He wants you to panic.'

Rage boiled up inside Adieya, but she kept her voice steady. "Let her go, Narcisse. Your fight is with me."

"My dear Empress," Narcisse smirked. "First, you will surrender the throne, then we shall see where my mercy lies."

She met Galina's terrified gaze, trying to convey reassurance. Then she turned back to Narcisse, her voice steady despite the rage boiling inside her. "Never. I know your traitorous father taught you many things. You know as well as I do, Narcisse, that your claim to the throne is baseless. You are a traitor to the people of Russia."

Narcisse's eyes blazed with a hatred born from years of perceived injustice. He remembered the stories his father told him, of how they were the true heirs, how Adieya's father had stolen their birthright.

"You speak of treason," he spat, "but the real treason was committed years ago when your father took what was rightfully ours. I am simply reclaiming what should have been mine all along."

For a moment, Adieya thought he might slit Galina's throat in fury. But he restrained himself.

"But... it seems we are at an impasse. Perhaps this will help change your mind." Narcisse whistled loudly. On cue, a dozen Red Dawn followers emerged from the shadows to surround them, heavily armed and their cloaks bearing the emblem of the Red Dawn.

Adieya paled but stood her ground. "What do you want, Narcisse?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"You know what I want. It's a trade for a trade. Your abdication for her life." Narcisse responded with a raised eyebrow.

Adieya's mind raced, evaluating options. She straightened up and looked Narcisse directly in the eyes. "I can and will only offer you exile with safe passage out of Russia. That is the most mercy I can grant a traitor."

Narcisse scoffed. "Please. We both know you don't have the stomach to sacrifice your friend." He pressed the knife deeper into Galina's neck, eliciting a whimper.

Adieya trembled with fury but refused to show weakness. "Try me," she said coldly.

They stared each other down in a battle of wills for a long moment. Finally, Narcisse glanced away uneasily. Adieya had called his bluff - he wasn't ready to murder Galina in cold blood. Not yet, anyway.

As Narcisse held Galina hostage, a storm raged outside. Lightning flashed, briefly illuminating the room in harsh white light, throwing twisted shadows across Narcisse's face. Thunder rolled, almost drowning out his words.

"You see," Narcisse sneered, "even the heavens rage against your rule."

Adieya stood her ground, even as rain lashed against the windows like nature itself was trying to break in. "No, Narcisse," she said firmly. "The storm will pass. As will you."

Sensing his hesitation, Adieya pressed her advantage. "I'll give you one last chance. Release her and I'll let you leave Russia unharmed."

With a snarl, Narcisse shoved Galina away from him. "Fine! But you think you hold the power here! And yet you do nothing to end us," he spat as he motioned his men to retreat.

Adieya let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her legs nearly buckled in relief.

Charles and Edward rushed to comfort the shaking, sobbing Galina. Meanwhile, Mary helped steady Adieya.

"Thank God you both made it out of that alive," Mary breathed.

Adieya nodded, still processing how close they'd come to tragedy. She knew Narcisse would not stop until he got what he wanted - but at least her friend was safe for now. That was all that mattered.

"I should be Emperor of Russia, that crown on your head is mine!" Narcisse responded with crazed eyes. His temper was deteriorating fast.

"It was never going to be yours, it belonged to my brother and when he died it went down the line to the next female... me. Even to get a chance at the crown, you have many to go through. You're too far down the line... cousin."

With a raise of her eyebrow and a flick of her wrist, a shot rang out, hitting Narcisse in the low back, and entering near his mid-lung. The impact and psychological recognition of pain suddenly caused him to fall, letting go of Galina. Edward rushed to her side to bring her to safety and quietly asked for a physician to be brought to Adieya's chambers. Edward rushed inside the royal audience chambers laid Galina on the furniture and whispered soothing words to her, claiming her from the shock and bringing her back to reality.

Narcisse snarled, "Lines of succession can be... redrawn."

Mary gasped. Edward tensed, ready to spring. The air crackled with tension.

Suddenly, Adieya walked closer to watch the notorious man, her cousin. In a loud voice, she spoke, "Your revolution ends here, The Children of Red Dawn die with you!"

Narcisse started to cough up blood but the closer you are to death the easier it is to endure a psychotic break. Instead of a pained plead for mercy all Narcisse did was start to laugh, "Oh how wrong you are, we shall survive even after my death."

Adieya leaned down close to him, "Then I will personally hunt every single one of you down until no one alive will remember you. You will be forgotten, written out of history, a failed revolution that tried to take the crown away from its rightful place."

Narcisse laughed again even as the pain was overcoming him, "You think I'm the last of those in power. Ha. He's alive you know. We've all heard the stories." he taunted.

Knowing exactly what her cousin was talking about she froze everything from her early childhood years rushing back to her. Flashes of a dark room. Rough hands grabbing her. The smell of liquor and body odor. A sadistic voice whispering in her ear. Adieya trembled, fighting to stay grounded in the present. She would not let these repressed memories control her.

The smirk and manic look on his face only widened when he saw the confused looks around the court. But once he saw the terror in Adieya's eyes he laughed once more, knowing he could easily ruin her reputation, "She's never told you, has she? Your empress has kept secrets from you. All of you. She is tainted, used.

The Boleyn family was the last to have her, but not the first. The night my father killed his nephew your empress was taken by another man and his loyal guards. She knew who it was, she still fears him, you can see it in her eyes. Look at your precious ruler now, frozen by the mere passing mention of his name. You see, the rumors are all true, they did have help from the inside that night. Our uncle, let them in. We are lost to the whispers because her father abandoned us. My father took his retribution that night, and now so have I, but Dimitri. Dimitri Romanov still lives." He hissed as the pain overwhelmed him and the life in his eye disappeared. Even as he lay frozen as Death took him, the smirk never left his face as if he was content with the damage he had done.

Adieya stood frozen, lost in memories and voices she had pushed away since four years old. Her breathing became heightened and quicker as the thoughts raced around her mind overtaking her as people whispered around her. Narcisse's words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Dimitri, alive? It couldn't be.

Adieya's mind reeled, memories she'd long suppressed flooding back. The sound of his laugh, the smell of his cologne, the feel of his hand... No. She couldn't go there.

But if it was true, if Dimitri lived, what did that mean for her? For Russia? The foundations of her world, already shaken, now seemed to crumble entirely.

Charles walked forward, reaching out his hand for her to grab, trying to get to her and bring her back down to reality, but instead, something inside her broke. With a cry she took out a hidden knife from her dress and stabbed and slashed at Narcisse's body, not caring if he was dead.

The pain of remembering was worse than ever living through the experiences of trauma. Every memory returned worse than before, every sick feeling of shame and hatred, and others boiled over the top. The rough stone floor beneath her knees dug into her skin...The stale air, full of sweat and liquor and things no child should know...Rough hands holding her down while she screamed and begged for her parents who would never come...

Adieya hacked at Narcisse's corpse in anguish, tears streaming down her face. She felt trapped in that small, dark room years ago, utterly alone and terrified.

It wasn't until she felt Charles' steadying hand on her shoulder that the haze began to lift. She blinked hard, gasping for air. Looking down at the bloodied form beneath her, she recoiled in horror. What had she done?

"Shh, it's alright," Charles soothed, gently prying the knife from her white-knuckled grip. "Just breathe. You're safe now."

Mary rushed over with a wet cloth to clean the blood from her hands and dress. Edward wrapped a comforting arm around Adieya's shoulders. Surrounded by her loyal friends, the dark memories slowly released their grip on her mind.

To others, it would look as if she had gone insane, but everyone knew the healing journey was long and hard.

After the adrenaline wore off, Adieya dropped to the floor in tears, blood all over her clothes and hands. The guards rushed to the hall and ushered away the people of the court. It wasn't fear or damage control that motivated them; instead, they simply asked the onlookers to give the ruler space and allow her time to process the events without prying eyes.

It was a simple explanation, causing most to assume what Narcisse said was true because of her reaction to his words. But the people had faith in their ruler. She was kind and gentle to her people, a characteristic many were grateful for. When a ruler takes time and energy to help the people, the people return that kindness later on.

Because of this, no one in the castle thought her weak or grew angry at the Empress for keeping that part of her story hidden. They knew what she had endured with the Boleyn family was horrible, a story that she was forced to tell for their deaths to happen. A story that was hard to tell, and for anyone telling it, there would always be places where they would have to stop and collect themselves.

Even in a hundred years, the story would never become easier but instead would show the brave survival of the Russian ruler. No one blamed her for not telling anyone about Dimitri, her second uncle written out of history and memory for his tyranny, or the abuse she endured from him, instead, they felt sorry for her. It wasn't pity, just sadness, pure sadness. Sadness as her entire childhood was spent enduring abuse from those around her, forcing her to lose trust in every single person around her.

They now understood why she had refused and deflected any of their questions about marrying anyone. Even when Kings of other nations had asked for her hand, she had outright refused them confusing the rulers. But even with the confusion and questions, Adieya was always able to give a perfect answer that would not offend them. Now they saw the powerful ruler she came to be despite all odds, the war she had helped them win, her relationship with Henry Tudor, and her strength when people called her weak and underestimated her because she was a woman. They saw the fearless Empress of Russia and they believed in her more than they had ever had.

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In the aftermath of Narcisse's attack, Adieya called her friends to her private study. It was thick with tension as Charles paced the room, Edward stood guard by the door, and Mary pored over intelligence reports.

Charles approached the desk, his face set with determination. "We need to act quickly, Dieya. Counterintelligence, public outreach, military preparedness - we need to tackle this on all fronts."

Adieya nodded, her mind racing with plans and contingencies. "Agreed. Mary, I need you to draft a series of proclamations. Remind the people of the progress we've made and the stability we've achieved. Edward, increase security but discreetly - we can't appear weak or paranoid."

As her friends nodded and began to move with purpose, Adieya turned to the window, gazing out at the city she'd sworn to protect.

She squared her shoulders. She'd faced threats before and had overcome odds that would have broken a lesser ruler. This was just another storm to weather, another test to pass. And she would pass it, for her people, for Russia, for the future she believed in.

Adieya stood from her chair and paced her chambers, the events of the day replaying in her mind. Narcisse's words echoed, taunting her. "Dimitri still lives."

Mary stepped forward, a stack of papers in her hand. "I've drafted several statements, Dieya. We can denounce Narcisse as a traitor, reaffirm your commitment to Russia's progress-"

"No," Adieya interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "No more half-truths, no more shadows."

Edward cleared his throat. "Adieya, with all due respect, revealing everything could be dangerous. The people-"

"The people deserve the truth," Adieya said, moving to the window. Outside, she could see the sprawling expanse of St. Petersburg, her beloved city, her cherished Russia. "For too long, I've let the fear of my past control me. I've hidden behind walls of secrecy, thinking I was protecting myself, protecting Russia. But in doing so, I've given power to those who would use my secrets against me."

She turned back to her advisors, her eyes blazing with determination. "It's time to take that power back."

Charles stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Dieya, are you sure? Once this is done, it can't be undone."

Adieya felt a wave of affection for her old friend. How many times had he stood by her side, supporting her through the darkest moments of her reign?

"I'm sure, Lyes," she said softly. "I've spent my entire life running from my past. It's time I faced it head-on. Let Narcisse, let Dimitri, let the whole world know the truth. Let them see that I am not ashamed, that I am not broken. I am Adieya Romanov, Empress of Russia, survivor and protector of her people."

She saw the mix of worry and pride in her advisors' eyes. Mary was the first to nod. "Very well, Dieya. I'll begin preparations for a public address."

As her advisors left to carry out her orders, Adieya turned back to the mirror. The woman who looked back at her now stood taller, her eyes shining with resolve. The ghosts of her past no longer loomed so large. For the first time in years, she felt truly free.

Could she bear to show the world her scars? And if she didn't, could she bear to keep living behind this mask?

A few days later once Adieya had recovered some of her strength, she called for an assembly in the public square. A massive crowd gathered, murmuring curiously about their Empress' urgent summons.

As Adieya prepared for her public address, her hands trembled slightly. For so long, she had buried her past, believing that to be strong meant to be silent. But now, as she looked out at the crowd gathering below, she realized that true strength lay in vulnerability.

She closed her eyes, memories washing over her...

The dark room, the smell of liquor and sweat. Rough hands grabbed her, a voice whispering threats in her ear. She had been so small, so helpless...

But she wasn't that little girl anymore.

She thought of all the people who had suffered in silence, who felt alone in their pain as she once had. By speaking out, she could give them hope, and show them that survival was possible.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the balcony. The crowd's murmur faded to silence. In that moment, she felt the weight of her past, of her crown, of her people's expectations. But for the first time, that weight didn't feel like a burden. It felt like strength.

"My people," she began, her voice clear and strong. "I come before you today not just as your Empress, but as a survivor. I'm sure you have heard disturbing rumors about revelations that came to light recently. I stand before you today to tell you plainly - yes, much of what you were told is true."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Adieya raised a hand for silence before continuing.

"When I was a young child and as I grew, I endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of my uncle, the exiled and traitorous Dimitri Romanov." Adieya's voice was steady, but those closest saw her hands trembling. "He and his vile allies stole my innocence through horrific means."

The crowd gasped and shouted in anger and shock. Adieya let their reactions wash over her. She would not hide from her past any longer.

"For many years I was haunted by memories of what was done to me. There were times when the pain and shame threatened to break my spirit." Adieya paused, breathing deeply to maintain control.

"But ultimately, I refused to let evil destroy me. With help from true friends and my inner resolve, I found the strength to take back my power and embrace my destiny to rule Russia. My past will always be part of me, but it does not define me."

Adieya gripped the balcony railing tightly, knuckles white. Her voice rang out clear and proud: "I am Adieya Romanov, rightful Empress of Russia. I have survived the flames of hell and emerged stronger. None can stand against me now. The future of this empire is bright, and I will lead our people into the light! Though marred by ugliness, I am not yet broken. I choose to let light, not darkness, write the closing chapters of my life. With courage and love, I know we can build a future unstained by the sins of history."

A hesitant clap began, then swelled to resounding cheers. Adieya's honesty and resilience had stirred their hearts. She smiled through joyful tears - the light had prevailed.

As the crowd's cheers faded, Adieya retreated from the balcony, her friends closing protectively around her. In the privacy of her chambers, she finally allowed herself to slump into a chair, the weight of the day crashing down on her.

"You did well," Charles said softly, squeezing her shoulder.

Adieya managed a weak smile. "Did I? Or have I just painted an even larger target on my back?"

Mary frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Narcisse might be dead, but his words... If Dimitri truly lives, if the Red Dawn still has support..." Adieya trailed off, the implications hanging heavy in the air.

As they walked through the palace halls, Adieya noticed a group of workers repairing a section of wall still scarred by cannon fire. The sight transported her back to the dark days of the siege when the very fate of Russia hung in the balance.

They had emerged victorious but at a terrible cost. Entire villages were razed, farmlands salted, and a generation of young men lost to the insatiable appetite of war. And now, just as they were beginning to rebuild, this new threat emerges from within.

Into this cauldron of hope and resentment, progress and tradition, stepped the Red Dawn. And now, possibly, Dimitri. A symbol of the past that some desperately wanted to resurrect. The war might be over, but the battle for Russia's soul was just beginning. And she would fight it with every breath in her body.

Later that night, Charles stood alone on the palace ramparts, his hands clenched tight on the stone walls. He should have seen this coming. He was supposed to be Adieya's advisor, her protector. And he had failed her.

"You'll catch a chill out here," Adieya's voice came from behind him.

Charles turned, surprised. "Dieya, you should be resting."

Adieya moved to stand beside him, her eyes on the city below. "As should you. It's been a long day for all of us."

"I'm sorry," Charles blurted out. "I should have anticipated Narcisse's move. I should have—"

"Stop," Adieya said gently. "You can't predict everything, Lyes. None of us can. What matters is how we face the challenges when they come."

Adieya stood at the window, her reflection ghostly in the glass. As they stood there in companionable silence, Charles felt some of his guilt begin to ebb. They had faced this trial together, and together they would face whatever came next.

"If Dimitri truly lives," she said softly, "everything changes."

Charles stepped closer. "We don't know if Narcisse was telling the truth-"

"But we can't assume he was lying," Adieya cut in. She turned to face her old friend, her eyes haunted. "If Dimitri is out there, he's a threat not just to me, but to everything we've built. The reforms, the progress... he'd tear it all down. What if he's out there, plotting, gathering support..."

"Then we'll face him," Charles said firmly. "You've overcome so much already."

Adieya's laugh was bitter. "Have I? Or have I just been hiding, pretending the past couldn't touch me?" She moved to her desk, running her fingers over a stack of reform bills waiting for her signature. "Everything we've built... it could all come crashing down."

"We won't let that happen," Charles said firmly.

Adieya's laugh was bitter. "Won't we?" She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "And part of me... God help me, Charles, part of me is still that terrified little girl."

Charles reached out, squeezing her shoulder. "You're not that girl anymore. You're the Empress of Russia. And you're not alone."

Adieya covered his hand with her own, drawing strength from his presence. "No," she agreed. "I'm not alone. And perhaps... perhaps that makes all the difference."

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