The ringing phone woke her. She was somewhere warm and comfortable. Stasi looked around, recognized her surroundings as a hospital room, found the phone next to her bed and answered it.
“Juliet?”
“Uh.” Stasi’s sleepy mind churned into gear. “Yes.” And what was Thad’s code name again? “Is this Regis?”
“It is. I had to call and tell you how proud I am of what you did yesterday.”
Stasi tried to think of what, out of all the things she’d done the day before, he might be proud of. Killed a man? Nearly gave away his hiding place?
“You kept our family’s stake in the throne.”
Oh, yes, that. Maybe she had done something to be proud of after all. She found her voice. “Thank you. And I’m proud of you, too.”
“For what?” Thad sounded sincerely surprised. “Running away?”
“For refusing to be a part of something unethical.”
“I kick myself sometimes. I should have stayed to protect you.”
“You made the right choice. And you didn’t leave me alone. You left your friend—what’s his code name?”
“Romeo.”
Stasi squeezed her eyes shut tight. Yes. She should have guessed it.
“You don’t mind that I gave the two of you coordinating names, do you?”
“He minds.”
Thad laughed. “That’s half the fun of it. He always denied how he felt for you, but it was always there, just the same. I knew I could trust you to him.”
Stasi’s heart squeezed.
“Is everything all right?” Thad asked.
“I don’t know if he feels what you think he feels.”
Thad laughed again. “Give him some time. I’ll be watching the papers for an announcement.”
Before Stasi could object and say there would never be an announcement, Thad continued.
“I should go. Give my love to the family.”
Stasi fumbled through a goodbye and hung up the phone, staring at it a long minute before deciding to get on with her day. She spotted a familiar bag on the chair across the room and found it contained her travel things that Theresa always kept packed for her. The small en suite bathroom had a shower, and Stasi quickly freshened up before dressing.
When she came back into her room, she startled at the sight of Kirk sitting in the lone chair.
“Have you been here long?”
“Just arrived. Thought I’d wait.”
Stasi froze midway across the room, unsure whether to throw herself into his arms or casually take her place perched on the bed opposite him.
He must have sensed her uncertainty, because he stood and took a step closer to her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m feeling better. How did everything turn out? Did the body get retrieved?”
“Yes.”
“He was dead?”
“Quite dead.” Kirk took another step closer. “It was for the best. Viktor shot your father yesterday.”
“What? When?”
“It happened at the Hall of Justice just as we were leaving.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s here at the hospital. He came through surgery just fine, but he’s still in a coma. They say that’s the best thing for him, so his body can focus on repairing itself.”
“Oh, Kirk.” Stasi closed the last space between them and found herself in the comfort of his arms. “My poor father. I know he made some wrong choices, but I believe he was trying to make up for them.”
“That’s the way I understand it. If he hadn’t taken that bullet, you may never have gotten out of the Hall of Justice alive.”
Stasi rested her cheek on Kirk’s chest, holding him tight as she absorbed the sacrifice her father had made to protect her. “Now what’s going to happen to the monarchy?”
“You and your sister signed the covenant. So did David Bardici.”
“But I thought he was implicated in the conspiracy with the insurgents?”
“Until we have direct evidence to charge him, he remains eligible to be a part of the ruling council. But the good news is, since both you and your sister signed the agreement, you have majority representation. You accomplished what needed to happen. Perhaps Alexander will find his way back, and then he can sign the covenant, as well. In the meantime, your family can move back into the palace.”
“Are you and your parents moving back to the cottage?”
“Actually—” his expression sobered “—I’ve been trying to convince them to move back to Georgia with me.”
Stasi pulled away and looked him in the face, surprised. “You’re moving to America? For how long?”
“It would be a permanent move.”
She felt as though all the breath had been stolen from her weakened lungs. “Why? Is it because of the upheaval in Lydia?”
“No. In fact, if I’m needed here, I could stay until your family reclaims the throne. But then I need to get away.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Your Highness.” Kirk reverted to using her formal title, and took a step back from her. “I need to distance myself from you. My interactions with you were inappropriate. You’re a princess. I’m nothing—”
“You aren’t nothing,” Stasi cut him off. “You saved my life. I owe you everything. Lydia owes you—”
“It doesn’t matter. I need to go.” He took a step toward the door.
With a little leap, Stasi cleared the space between them, got her arms around his shoulders and kissed him.
For a half second he froze, as though he wanted to resist, but then he gave in to her kiss, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up, returning her kisses with increasing affection.
Then he pulled away like a drowning man gasping for breath. “This is why I must leave.”
“I love you,” Stasi whispered.
“I shouldn’t.” He shook his head sorrowfully and ran his fingers through her hair. “I shouldn’t love you.”
“But you do?”
“More and more every day. I love you, Stasi. I’ve got to go, for your sake and mine.”
As Kirk spoke, Queen Elaine stepped through the open door and cleared her throat.
Kirk dropped his arms and stepped away from Stasi.
“Oh, Mother!” Stasi took a second to regain her composure, then recalled the items still tucked into her travel bag. “The crown jewels.” She scooped them up and presented them to her mother. “They’re rightfully yours.”
“I sent them to you. They’re yours now.”
Before Stasi could object, the queen turned to Kirk. “As a token of our family’s thanks for all you’ve done for Stasi, I present you with this.” She held out a ring, its large central diamond surrounded by teardrop amethysts, so that it looked like a flower in bloom. “The ring of the crown jewels. Although it should stay with the rest of the set.” She gave them both a meaningful look.
Kirk’s eyes widened.
Queen Elaine cleared her throat. “Thaddeus always said you were the only man he’d ever trust with his sister. The king and I agree.” Then she leaned closer to Kirk and whispered, “The ring is just the right size for Stasi’s left ring finger.”
Kirk shook his head. “I don’t deserve—”
“Hush.” Elaine pressed the ring into his hand. “I’ll have none of that. You are a noble man. Your character defines who you are, not some title. You saved my daughter’s life. All of Lydia owes you.”
Looking back and forth between the queen and Stasi, Kirk looked as though he fought an inner battle. As a smile spread across his face, Stasi couldn’t help smiling back.
Dropping to one knee, Kirk looked up at Stasi with as much fear in his eyes
as she’d seen there at any time on their adventures of the last week. “Anastasia?”
“Yes?”
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
He slid the ring onto her finger and she took his hand, pulling him back up to standing and into her arms. Then he kissed her until she forgot the troubles of the last week and the long journey ahead of them, and thought only of her joy at their future together.
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
On July 17, 1918, the royal family of Russia was murdered by forces of the Bolshevik secret police. Their fourth and youngest daughter, Anastasia, was rumored to have survived the attacks, and myths about her continued existence persisted in various forms until the positive identification of the remains of the last of the family members in 2007.
Hers was a tragic story. The tales of her possible survival captured the imagination of generations of people who wished the story could have had a happy ending. We cannot go back in time and change the way things were, but in writing this book, her family was often on my mind. In order to escape, Anastasia would have needed help from faithful friends.
Ultimately, that is what this book is about: the power of friendship and forgiveness. I hope you’ve enjoyed the story of Anastasia and her family. Please look for the forthcoming books in the Reclaiming the Crown series, which pick up the story with Stasi’s older brothers, Alexander and Thaddeus.
God’s blessings on your journey,
Rachelle McCalla
Questions for Discussion
Kirk has a reputation for being the most hated man in Lydia. As the story goes on, we learn the truth about the events that led to him being labeled this way. Have you ever assumed someone was guilty, only to later learn they were more honorable than you thought? What does this teach you about your ability to judge guilt and innocence?
When the motorcade is ambushed and Stasi believes her parents have been killed, she regrets not having hugged them goodbye. Have you ever lost a loved one suddenly? Do you treat your loved ones differently knowing they could be taken from you unexpectedly at any time?
Kirk is attacked and beaten, but refuses to tell his torturers anything about where Stasi has gone. Consider these words from 1 Peter 2:19–24. Does Kirk’s experience give you any insights into Christ’s suffering on your behalf?
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Stasi feels awkward binding up Kirk’s injuries because doing so requires her to get close to him. But in spite of her discomfort getting close to a man she feels attracted to, she does her best to secure the bindings to prevent further injury. Do you think her behavior is appropriate under the circumstances? How do her feelings complicate the issue?
Kirk is used to being strong and doing what needs to be done. Because of his injuries, he has to let Stasi sail his boat. Likewise, though Stasi has thus far been protected by Kirk, in sailing his boat, she must go beyond her comfort zone. Who do you most identify with in this scene? Do you need to allow others to help you more? Or do you need to step up and help?
Though Stasi hasn’t spoken to Kirk in six years, he and his family risk their lives to help her. Have you ever received help you felt you didn’t deserve? Do you find it easier to be the person who gives help, or the person who receives help? How can you respond to the generosity of others with grace?
Growing up, Kirk’s parents told him repeatedly that Stasi was out of his league. How did their words influence his relationship with Stasi? How did their influence change over the course of time? Do you feel their words were helpful or hurtful? Why?
When they reach Georgia, Stasi longs to belong there and live a simpler life. Do you have roots in more than one place? How can you honor both? Do you feel Stasi’s choices respect her heritage as both a country girl from Georgia and a princess?
Both Kirk and Stasi try to leave the other behind for their own safety. What does this tell you about the depth of their affection for one another? Have you ever had to distance yourself from someone you loved? How did things turn out for you?
Stasi’s grandmother says, “There’s nothing more important than our faith. If we keep tight hold of that, no enemy can touch us. Not really.” What do you think she means by this statement? Do you agree with her words? How does her perspective give you courage when facing trials of your own?
King Philip made choices that contributed to the insurgent uprising, but in the end, he took a bullet for Stasi in an effort to make things right again. How do you feel about his character? Have you ever made a mistake and wished there was a way to make up for it? Did his sacrifice change anything?
Inside the locket, Stasi finds an inscription of Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Why do you feel this verse was chosen for the inside of the locket? How does its use here match its use in the Bible? How is it different?
In order to prevail against their enemies, Kirk and Stasi had to make many decisions about who they could trust, often with little time to deliberate the pros and cons. What basis did they use for making these judgments? How do you make split-second decisions about trusting others?
Even though Prince Thaddeus is not able to be with his family, he contributes to their protection through Kirk and through his inventions, which help Stasi and Kirk overcome their attackers and reach the safety of the mainland. How do you support and protect your family when you can’t be with them?
Stasi and Kirk both had feelings for each other from a young age, even though they refused to act on those feelings until they were much older. How do you feel about their choices? Are they better or worse off for staying apart so long? Does their story give you any insights into your relationships or those of your loved ones? If so, what?
ISBN: 9781459221260
Copyright © 2012 by Rachelle McCalla
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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