Dethroned

Prologue

Prologue:

Her first memories were of her Papa twirling her around the ballroom, her skirt billowing out as he spun faster and faster. Eventually, they toppled over onto the ballroom floor, both of them grinned like fools.   

"That was fun Papa!"  

"It was wasn't it?"  

"Will you dance with me again Papa?"

Papa smiled at her but shook his head, “Time for your etiquette lessons."  

"But Papa...."  

"No ‘buts’ Anastasia off you go."  

"Yes Papa."  

"That's my favorite daughter."  

"But Papa, I am your ONLY daughter!" she giggled.

He seemed to hesitate but then lifted her up in a hug, "That doesn't change the way I love you."  

_______________

"Belle! Where are you? Papa's back!"

An excited squeal came from the attic above, and suddenly the trapdoor was thrown open and a young girl jumped down. She grinned at her cousin Ivan," What are we waiting for then?" she dashed past him down the stairs her long hair flying behind her.

“Uncle Max!!!" she hollered as she ran out the front door into her Uncle's waiting arms.

“How is little Belle today?"

"Little?! Uncle! I am not little! I am nine years old!" she scolded him.

He chuckled," Well compared to the monsters I saw on my trip, you are like a mouse."

Belle giggled and made a face," I'm a big mouse then!"

"Belle... Why are you not wearing one of your dresses?"

"I've told you before Uncle Max, I can't climb in a dress!"

He chuckled at her remark," What were you climbing?"

“I climbed up into the attic, I saw old armor up there!"

"Did you now?"

Belle nodded enthusiastically, then her face went serious," Uncle Max, could you teach me how to fight?"

Max seemed to think about that for a while," Now why would a sweet girl like you want to learn how to fight?"

“I want to become a knight like you and dedicate my life to my country, just like you," she replied matter of factly.

Max smiled," Alright then Isobelle, I will teach you all I know."