The Gathering Storm

by Robin Bridges

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

 

  I woke up in someone's warm, strong arms with my head pounding. The grand duke? I had the tiniest happy feeling inside. Then I looked up and was immediately disappointed. And frightened.

  It was the crown prince Danilo. I had not known he was back in St.

  Petersburg. "What am I going to do with you, Katerina Alexandrovna?" he said, a menacing smile on his face. "I leave you alone briefly and you are off gall ivanting in another man's carriage. "

  "What did you do to me?" I tried to sit up and look around but the crown prince held me fast. The only thing I could see was that I was now in a different carriage. Even the horses' hooves sounded different on the street.

  Were we still in St. Petersburg? "You must let me go. "

  "Must I, my love?" He stroked my hair. He laughed when I flinched. "We are leaving for Cetinje tonight, for my birthday celebration. Your mother has already been notified and has been invited to join us. She believes you are leaving on the train with my sisters. Your father has already given me your passport papers. "

  "You cannot do this. " I tried to struggle, but it was no use. The pain in the back of my head throbbed. I wondered if the grand duke could hear my thoughts. Your Imperial Highness? George? I was desperately trying to stay conscious. But the pain in my head was so intense my eyes closed again.