ILL-FATED JOURNEY™

Chapter 11

"This is the summer castle! I repeated numbly to Kateya. The guests were gone and we (meaning the

Prince and I) were supposed to leave on a honeymoon but I was given (no doubt a lie) a talk about

how it was unnecessary and spending time in the winter castle will allow me to know my new homes

which was more important.

I barely knew this one. I wasnt allowed past the stables. For my safety, I was told. Yes, there were

wolves and apparently bears but I knew the real reason. It was the same reason I was never given a

tour. What sort of wife didnt know the layout of her own home? I live on one wing and wasnt

allowed to be found on any others. Ive never been to the battlements and I only knew it existed

because I read the history of the castle and heard servants talking about it.

Now I find out theres a second castle! No wonder I barely saw him for months at a time, he had

another castle. I was packed up into a helicopter which my husband flew to St. Petersburg.

This is Mikhailosky Castle. He informed me through the radio.

It was square shaped and surrounded by a wide river on two sides with an inner court yard and green

roof. It looked larger than the summer castle in size but smaller in land space. He explained that they

usually stayed there in the summer and went to the winter castle in the winter but with tourism, they

changed it. So now we were staying there in the winter, so it was now the winter castle.

The helicopter landed, and I waited for him to come and escort me off but instead he ran towards the

castle and spoke to a man who came out in a helmet and flight suit. The man nodded and came and

let me out. Your Highness. He greeted with an incline of his head then pointed towards the castle

you may follow the prince inside.

This wasnt protocol, but I did as he said and followed in. As soon as I entered the door, a team was

waiting for me. They covered their initial shock then bowed respectfully Your Highness. They

intoned, then a man stepped forward and introduced himself. My name is Gregory; Your Highness

and I am the Steward of Mikhailosky Castle. This is Mila he said continuing the introductions she is

your ladies maid. Leia is the Housekeeper; address your questions to either one of us. You will learn

the rest as you go along but for now, Mila and Leia will take you to your chambers.

They bowed once more, and Gregory left. Leia said, Follow me if you please, Your Highness.

Did they have to say that all the time? I wondered as I followed her though the castle. She pointed out

rooms as she passed promising a proper tour tomorrow until we came to a massive gold double

door. The way she pushed it open I had a feeling the door was unused or maybe even real gold. Mila

helped her and soon they got it open. Sorry about the delay, Your Highness. The room hasnt been