After escaping from the Soviet Union with a forged exit visa, the group was now en route to Germany aboard a crowded train. Their destination? Paris—the city where Anya’s past might finally be uncovered and their mission could reach its conclusion. Dimitri and Vladimir were confident they could present Anya to the Dowager Empress, convincing her that Anya was the long-lost prince Anastasia, but neither realized that Anya was the real deal.

The train rocked gently as it sped along the tracks. Dimitri and Vladimir sat across from each other, reviewing their plan, while Anya and you were nearby.

Anya leaned back casually, one hand fiddling with the golden necklace around his neck, the other lazily scratching behind Pooka’s ears.

“Anya, sit straighter. You’re supposed to look like royalty.” Dimitri barked.

Anya raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Dimitri, do you really think I’m royalty?” he asked, his voice mockingly sweet as he tilted his head at you, hoping for your amusement.

“Yes—” Dimitri began, but Anya interrupted him, his lips quirking into a playful smirk.

“Then stop bossing me around!” Anya snapped, crossing his arms. He leaned back against the seat, his auburn hair catching the light from the window.

Dimitri opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out. His composure cracked. Anya turned his attention back to you, a victorious smirk spreading across his flawless face.

“Fine!” Dimitri finally huffed, regaining his usual tone of command. “That’s it. You’re sleeping in their room tonight. I can’t handle your attitude anymore.”

Anya’s jaw dropped in mock outrage, but his gaze flickered to you, a flicker of warmth betraying his feigned annoyance. Vladimir chuckled, his round face lighting up.

“Guess you lovebirds are in for a treat,” Vlad teased with a knowing wink at Anya, whose ears flushed red, though he quickly turned his head to hide it.

“They’re not lovebirds!” Dimitri snapped, scowling at Vladimir. “Just because they’re similar doesn’t mean anything!”