Sascha Pt. 04

On a personal note, I adored that blue dress you were wearing. One of the foreign commentators reported it is an original from ******** in Paris. Is that true? Do you think I could borrow it sometime? Hang on a sec, here comes Dad:

Hey Sascha, Dad here. I can't tell you how proud your mom and I are of you and the way you handled yourself today. You were amazing. Stephanie just messaged us. She tried to call you but couldn't get through...she says you're awesome, and she'll be in touch, but the softball team has a big game tomorrow, so she has a curfew tonight.

Sascha, this is Mom back at the keyboard. Take care of yourself. A horse? Please be careful. Love you, Mom and Dad

Sascha flopped back on her bed--surprised at how fast the news had spread. Pleased that her dad and mom thought she'd handled everything well. She wondered about the reactions of people she knew: high school, college, family friends. She hoped her notoriety wouldn't change things. Her computer pinged again:

Dear Sascha;

Hello from your home town. Mom and I hope that you are doing well. We just saw on the news the Douravian gov't announcement of your engagement to their crown prince. My God! Is it the same guy I met at your birthday party? The announcement said 'Prince Edwin'; but I thought his name was Robert. Tell you what, I would have slugged that bitch that insulted you. You did well to stay so calm.

Well, whoever you're engaged to, Mom and I wish you the best of luck. I hope that in the future you will still have time for your gay, commoner, friends. Wait, I'm sorry. That was a cheap shot; I didn't mean for it to sound so super snarky and catty.

Just an update about home: First, Mom got promoted at work--much to her dismay they moved her upstairs into one of the manager positions. I suspect your father had something to do with it; Second, Sally and I are still together. She is going to be class valedictorian. I'm in the middle of the pack, but already working nights in the call center at mom's (and your dad's) company. My friends at work say the atmosphere is 1000% better since your dad canned Shawna. The call center is ready to nominate your dad for sainthood. LOL.

Enough gossip. Besides, I have to get up for school later this morning. Sascha, please take care of yourself.

Always Your Friend, Carrie

P.S. (Mom says Hi) Now I'm just being nosey, ignore me if you want to; but what's the news on the gender situation?

Sascha grinned as she finished reading Carrie's note.

Dear Carrie;

Thank you for your kind note--and reminding me to stay grounded. To answer your question: Edwin is Robert and Robert is Edwin. Birth certificate royal name vs. intra-family name. I'm still working to keep it straight myself.

Robert and I are planning our wedding for December 24th, this year. You and your mom will be receiving invitations. Please save the day. King Rupert and Queen Sophia have assured me that transportation and lodging will be provided for my guests.

As to your 'gender' question: everything is progressing exceptionally well. My hormone therapy is having all the desired effects and none of the most common negative side effects, although I do seem to get a bit emotional and weepie sometimes. My gender therapist, Dr. Lawrence, has approved me for gender affirmation surgery. I have met with the surgeon in Boston, Dr. Aronofsky, and she has scheduled my surgery immediately after the end of this semester.

You didn't ask, but I imagine you're wondering, 'is she nervous?' Carrie, honestly, I'm terrified...but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I hope you and your mom are well.

Your Friend, Sascha

P.S. Do me a favor? If you see Mr. Waters, Mr. Woods, and Miss Bowers tell them I said hello and to keep an eye on the mail for their invitations to the wedding.

Sascha laughed to herself and then shut off her laptop. She'd had enough. She went back to bed and tried to relax, staring at the ornately decorated ceiling, but thinking long and hard about what Carrie had written. She got off the bed, kneeled, and clasped her hands together--something she hadn't done since she was five years old: "Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the opportunities and love with which you have favored me. Please help me to be a good person, live an honest life, and help those less fortunate than myself. Most of all, I beg you to help me be a good and true wife and friend, remaining loyal to all those who have helped me in my life. Amen."

Sascha stood, feeling calmer, and crawled back onto the bed. She had a sudden thought and clasped her hands again: "Heavenly Father? Sascha again. I know this is a lot to ask, but, if you're feeling generous, the miracle of motherhood would be sincerely appreciated. Amen." She was asleep within 30 seconds.

CHAPTER

An hour later Robert knocked on Sascha's door. Not receiving an answer, he cracked the door open and peeked inside. He stepped quietly into the room and finally spotted Sascha, fully dressed, but asleep on the bed. He noticed her hands were clasped together; he wondered if she'd been praying.

"Sascha, honey...dinner time." She didn't move.

"Hey Sascha, time to eat." Sascha grunted but didn't open her eyes.

Robert plopped heavily onto the edge of the bed. Sascha cracked one eye and looked at him, "What?"

"Dinner time."

"Not hungry...what are we having?" She opened her other eye and rolled toward Robert and propped herself onto one elbow.

"What would you say if I told you ramen noodles?"

"I'd say you're lying to me...and not doing it very well."

"Okay." Robert grinned, "You got me. It's green salad, grilled chicken breast, baked potato, and steamed vegetables. Nothing fancy."

Sascha pushed herself up and rolled her legs over the bed's edge. "Actually, that sounds good. Can I have five minutes to freshen up?" She slipped off the bed and hustled to the bathroom. She stripped off the blue dress, and then stuck her head out the door, "Robert, is it okay to wear jeans?"

"It is. This is just family, not a state function."

"Great." Sascha stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to the wardrobe. She hung the dress in the wardrobe and then grabbed jeans and a pink blouse off hangars and headed back to clean up. Robert admired Sascha's retreating backside, and gave a silent wolf-whistle--he thought

"Thank you!" Sascha tossed him a smile over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door with a little extra wiggle.

CHAPTER 6

Dinner was a noisy affair. Everyone congratulated Sascha and Robert on their appearance at the assembly. The children, especially the younger ones, happily recounted Sascha's dealings with the annoying assembly member and putting their own spin on events. Sascha discovered that Mrs. Waszlewski was a frequent, vocal, and longtime critic of the Devereaux family in general, and King Rupert in particular.

When dinner ended, the king detailed David and Matteo to clean up--for tonight, and every night in the foreseeable future. Robert invited Sascha to join him, "There is something I want to show you down on the second level."

"What?"

"Oh...Just something for you to think about."

They reached the second floor, passing by the top of the grand staircase they'd descended earlier. Instead of turning right and going down the stairs, they turned left and passed through an elaborately carved, dark-wood door. The corridor behind the door wasn't very long but was decorated from one end to the other with old portraits of elegantly dressed men and women. The corridor dead-ended and had a single wooden door on either side. Thick velvet ropes on brass stands blocked each door. A sign reading 'No Public Admittance' hung on each rope.

"We offer public tours to help defray the chateau's operating costs. But some areas are private. Come on." He unhooked the rope on the left-hand door and held it open for Sascha. They entered a much longer corridor; again, like other corridors, it was plushly carpeted and had walls hung with paintings. At the end of the corridor, they turned left and Sascha found herself in a large--and completely bare--room. Sascha noted a glistening, parquet style, hardwood floor, light-blue walls with white designs, and subtle lighting hidden in the ceilings.

Sascha glanced at Robert and raised an eyebrow.

"Let's go this way." Robert led Sascha off to the right to continue the tour. In all Sascha visited 11 rooms--large empty rooms, three full baths, and, she thought to herself "...a kitchen fit for a king." She laughed at her own pun.

"Okay, Robert...Honey, this is nice...empty, but nice...what is it? And you mentioned there was something I need to think about?"

"Did I say that?" Robert grinned. "This is the residence reserved for the Crown Prince of Douravia and his Princess. At some point in our lives when we return here, it will be our privilege and responsibility to decorate and furnish it."

Sascha gaped and turned in a circle. "The whole thing? All this?"

"That's right."

"Oh my." Sascha paused, and then brightened, "Robert? In Paris, Queen Sophia mentioned she originally came to Chateau Devereaux as an interior designer. I love her design of my bedroom upstairs. Are we allowed to ask her to help?"

"Absolutely. In fact, I suspect she'll be extremely insulted if we don't."

"Perfect. So, Your Highness, now that I know where I am, would you show me around again, and tell me what we're looking at...Please? We can skip the kitchen and bathrooms...I know what those are for." She grinned as she grabbed Robert's hand, "Where is our bedroom?"

"I thought you'd never ask...come with me." The future king led his future queen back down the central corridor, where they came to a set of gold-inlaid doors.

"I remember this. This was the room with the large picture windows looking out at the mountains, right?" Sascha remarked. "It's so big and empty I heard my voice echo."

"Do you have any ideas yet?"

"Hmm? Do you think we could arrange our bed so we wake up with a view of the mountains? And perhaps do the place with an antique vibe?"

"I like it. I was thinking about a large oriental carpet--sound okay?"

"Nice. I like your mother's color schemes. I think we should trust her." Sascha realized they were standing in the dead center of the room and Robert had his arm around her shoulder. It felt good and she leaned closer to him. "I don't see any closets or storage space."

"We'll have to mention that to mother. I agree that we'll need lots of closet space." He glanced around, "I think there's plenty of room for construction. It shouldn't be a problem."

"Robert? I'm curious--just nosy I guess." Sascha hesitated, "Does the chateau have a secure room like the one in your apartment in Boston?"

"Not that I know about--unless father has been building in secret when I'm not around. Let's see...I showed you the emergency tunnel to the stables. So, there are a couple more like that spread out around the place. Are you ready to keep going?" Sascha nodded and they passed from one room to another, this one with brightly decorated walls and ceiling.

"What's this?" Sascha asked.

"Historically, it's been the nursery; however, we can change it."

"No!" Sascha practically shouted and grabbed Robert's hand. "I know it sounds crazy, but I know, in here..." Sascha tapped her chest, "...that somehow, some way, you and I are going to have children and will need a nursery."

"I hope you're right. Now...let me show you the room that has been, traditionally, the future queen's private study. He led her to a room just down the hall from the nursery. It was not particularly large; about the size of her bedroom back home in Plum River. Like the other rooms, it was bare of furnishings. Sascha strolled over to the windows and glanced outside. "Is that a garden out there?"

Robert joined her. "Ah yes. Sometimes I'm forgetful. That was my great-great-great-grandmother Vincenza's formal garden. It was designed by some famous horticulturist she'd met in Italy. In the summer it is really quite stunning. More than a few of our paying tourists come just for the gardens. So, Sascha, how do you like this room?"

She nodded, "I like the dark blue and gold. It needs a couple comfy chairs, a nice desk, maybe a few pictures, plenty of bookshelves...oh, and of course a good computer hook-up. Yes...I can see myself starting my work in here." She grinned at Robert, "I think we can make this look a lot nicer than my dining room table in Boston, don't you?"

"Infinitely. Are you ready to go back upstairs?"

Sascha nodded and accepted his offered arm. When they reached her room, she invited Robert to join her inside. He checked his watch, "Sorry Sascha, my father asked me to meet him in about 10 minutes. Then I have a conference call with the Boston Consulate. When I finish, I'll stop and say goodnight...if that's alright?"

"I'd like that." Sascha tipped her head up for his kiss.

Sascha woke to a light knock on her door. "Come in?"

Robert stuck his head in the door, "Good morning. Do you still want to try a horseback ride?"

"Yeah. Sure. Come on in while I dress. Jeans okay?"

"Wear a warm sweater too. It's still chilly."

"Okay. Ah, what time is it?"

"05:30."

"So early?"

"Remember we have to leave for Boston this evening; plus, you and I have an interview, just before lunch, with Clara Rosenqvist, a local celebrity reporter."

"A reporter?" Sascha gasped.

"Relax Sweetheart. Clara is one of Mama's best, and oldest, friends. She'll be...gentle and respectful. Mama' asked me to tell you she'll help you prepare."

They walked downstairs together. The chateau was unusually quiet at the early hour. They slipped outside via a rear door and walked past Vincenza's Garden on their way to the stables. They propped open the stable doors. "Wake up everybody!" Robert shouted. In seconds Winnie, Freya, and Razor stuck their heads out to see what was up. Nio's door stayed empty.

"I'll ride Razor, you'll be on Winifred." Robert smiled, "She's the gentlest and easiest to ride."

"Nio! Where are you?" Sascha yelled. The giant black head immediately popped out of the stall, his eyes and ears alert. Sascha strolled over and rubbed the big horse's cheek. He gave her shoulder a gentle nudge with his muzzle--almost knocking her over. Robert walked over to join Sascha. Nio gave Robert an evil look, snorted, tossed his head, and banged on the stall door.

Robert stepped back and Nio immediately turned to Sascha and tossed his head. Sascha thought that if a horse could laugh, that's what Nio had just done. "Robert? I think Nio will let me ride him."

"No Sascha, he's too unpredictable and dangerous."

"Aww! He's just a big, misunderstood softy. He wouldn't hurt me." She vigorously rubbed the big horse's ears and neck, "Would you Nio?" Nio dropped his head and let Sascha wrap her arms around his neck. Nio raised his head--lifting Sascha off the ground. "Hey! Put me down!"

Nio lowered his head, let Sascha back to her feet, and then danced around his stall. "Okay, bigshot, are you going to let me ride you?" Sascha called across the stall. Nio danced in place, swishing his tail.

"He doesn't look very cooperative." Robert suggested.

"Ah, he's just being a guy--you know, he has to show off--before he gives in." Nio stayed at the rear of the stall. "Okay, maybe you're right," Sascha said loudly, making sure Nio could hear, "Let's go saddle Winnie."

Nio snorted and trotted over to the stall door and stuck out his head. Sascha turned to Robert and grinned, "See? He's just a guy--with four legs. Sascha grabbed Nio's halter and looked him in the eye, "Listen. I'm going over there..." She pointed to Razor's enclosure, "...and learn how to put on a saddle. You be good. I'll be right back. Behave yourself!" Nio tossed his head again. This time Sascha let go in time to avoid being lifted.

"So Sascha?" Robert asked as they crossed the stable toward Razor, "Do you really think he understood?"

Sascha pondered for a second and then smiled, "He's a guy. Even if he didn't understand the words, by my voice he knew that I meant business."

Robert shook his head, "Come on, I'll show you how to put on the saddle and bridle."

Robert showed Sascha all the steps, and helpful hints, to correctly saddle a horse. She put on, and took off, Razor's gear three times until Robert was satisfied. "Okay. I've shown you everything let's get Nio ready. Sascha, are you sure about this?" Sascha grinned and nodded. "If he hurts you, I'll...never mind. Let's get his gear." They went to the tack room and gathered the bridle, saddle pad, and saddle marked for Nio. "Don't forget to drape the girth over the saddle to keep it out of the way," Robert reminded her. She insisted on carrying the saddle herself.

Nio stared at her as she set the saddle on the holding rack and grabbed the bridle from Robert. "Okay. Remember press the bit gently against his teeth until he opens his mouth for you." 'or bites your hand off' he muttered quietly to himself.

Of course Nio resisted--just for pride--before allowing Sascha to slide the bit between his teeth. She got his ears settled in place and buckled the strap. "There. All set." She turned to Robert, "And he didn't even bite my hand off!"

"You heard that?"

Sascha grinned and nodded, "Now the saddle, right?" She handed the loose reins to Robert before opening Nio's stall and entering. Sascha stood in wonder beside the giant. "My God! I knew he was big, but until I got next to him, I didn't understand just how big." Sascha's eyes were almost level with Nio's shoulder.

"He is very large. 17.5 hands tall, a little over 600 kilos. Ready to try and saddle him?"

"Right." Sascha settled the saddle pad in place. Robert made her move it a couple inches further forward, "Remember when you adjust the pad or saddle's position always slide it in the direction the hair is growing. Horses don't like things sliding in the wrong direction. Lift the pad before you adjust it. That's it. Good. Now place the saddle--just an inch or so behind the pad." Nio ignored Sascha. But he kept a wary eye on Robert.

"Okay, go ahead and pull down the stirrups and toss the cinch over. Good. Now the tricky part. Keep one hand on Nio's belly so he knows where you are, then reach under him and grab the cinch and buckle it up...tight."

Sascha pulled hard on the middle buckle on the cinch strap. Robert started laughing. "What?" Sascha demanded.

"Nio's holding his breath so you can't get the cinch tight. Get the left-hand buckle ready; then, just before you tighten it, give him a whack on the belly and tighten it up quick." Sascha did as instructed and pulled the cinch two holes tighter. Nio turned and gave her a sad shake of the head.

"Get over it big guy, you tried to cheat." Sascha rubbed the big black neck and took the reins from Robert. "Anything else?" She asked Robert. He jogged back to the tack room and came back with a riding helmet for Sascha.

"Okay, let's lead the horses outside. We'll start in the indoor riding ring. Ready?" Sascha nodded. "Excellent. First, always mount from the left. Put your left foot in the stirrup, bounce a couple times to build momentum, and then hoist yourself up...like this." Sascha watched intently as he effortlessly took his place on top of Razor.

Sascha looped the reins around Nio's neck, "Okay big guy, let's do this." She lifted her foot, "Ah Robert. I may have a problem. I can't reach the stirrup with my foot."

"Oh. One second. I'll come over and give you a leg up."

"No! Wait. I have to do this. Give me a second." She took a long look at the saddle and patted Nio again, "Don't move Nio or I'll be really upset with you." She left the reins on his neck, and stepped back. She took a couple running steps and jumped. Sascha landed laying across the saddle. She searched around with her foot and finally caught hold of the stirrup and maneuvered herself onto the saddle. She looked at Robert and saw him laughing.