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Emelia hesitated only briefly before agreeing to share the fur blanket with him in the carriage. Tucked
together in a snug cocoon, their feet warmed by hot stones, they rode through the city toward the
Kremlin. Nikolas was amazed at the differences he saw in the ancient fortress. Although the familiar red
brick walls were there, as well as the cluster of onion-domed towers, the Grand Kremlin Palace had not
yet been built. The Tsar Bell, the largest in the world, had not yet been cast or even designed. Huge icons
hung over the gates of the steep red brick walls, in an appeal for God's grace and protection.
 It's quite amazing, Emelia remarked, following his gaze out the window.  To think of what goes on in
there&  Her face hardened for a moment.  The tsar and the government officials can sit safely behind
those walls, and with one stroke they can change the life of everyone outside. Peter wants a war, and so
thousands must die in his service. Peter wants a new city by the Baltic Sea and men like my uncle and
brothers are conscripted to work on it. So many have died, doing the tsar's will. My uncle and brothers
will probably die there too.
 You can't be certain of that.
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 Petersburg is a very dangerous place. There are accidents, disease, even wild animals. Wolves roam
the streets at night there, you know. The tsar was wrong to make my family go there against their will. He
may be a wise and great man, but I think he's also very selfish! Emelia stopped and darted a wary
glance at him, wondering at his reaction to her impulsive speech.
 That's treasonous talk, Nikolas said quietly.
 I'm sorry 
 Don't be. You may say anything you like to me, as long as no one else overhears. People are arrested
and executed for any hint of rebellion.
 Yes, I know. She stared at him curiously.  You won't punish me for saying things against the tsar?
Nikolas snorted, thinking of all the suffering he'd received at the Imperial government's hands.  Hardly.
Everyone male or female is entitled to an opinion.
 You're very strange, Emelia said, a wondering smile crossing her face.  I've never heard a man say
such a thing.
The carriage stopped at the marketplace. Many stares focused on them as they descended from the
vehicle. Nikolas held Emelia steady as her feet touched a patch of ice.  Easy, he murmured, gripping her
arms.  Watch your step, or you'll fall before I can catch you.
 Thank you, she said breathlessly, and laughed as she looked at the marketplace.  Oh, there's so much
to see!
Nikolas kept his hand at her back as they walked past the trade rows, lined with benches and stalls
overflowing with goods. Merchants clamored for their attention, calling out the merits of their wares.
 Fine leather boots!  Soft sheepskin blankets!  Holy icons for sale! Peddlers strolled by with trays of
foodstuffs hanging around their necks: small bottles of honey liquor,pirozhki stuffed with cabbage and
rice, little salted fish, and occasionally, delicacies such as lemons or apples. Customers both wealthy and
poor ate from the same trays, showing no reluctance to mingle together.
Beyond the rows were the more established shops, housing craftsmen who specialized in goldsmithing,
carpentry, and haberdashery. Stonecutters had brought their wares from Ekaterinburg: perfectly cut
buttons and charms made of vibrant emerald malachite or bright blue lapis; crystals, topaz, and amethyst
made into beads and jewelry. Other shops displayed kegs of caviar and spices, or piles of deep,
luxurious furs, including tiger and wolf pelts. Aside from a number of Chinese tea shops, there appeared
to be only a handful of foreign-owned businesses, compared with the multitude that would populate the
city in the nineteenth century.
Stopping at a lacemaker's, Nikolas drew Emelia inside. She exclaimed in delight at the tables piled with
lace of every quality, some of it as fine as spiders' webs. Hunting through the offerings, Nikolas selected a
shawl of white lace so intricate it could only have been woven at the rate of an inch per hour.
 Do you like it? he asked casually, and at Emelia's bemused nod, he flipped a coin to the lacemaker,
who waited nearby.
 For me? Emelia exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement.
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 Of course it's for you. A smile tugged at Nikolas's lips. Carefully he removed the dark cloth from her
head and draped the fine, soft lace over her hair.  Who else would I buy this for?
The lacemaker, a little old woman with hands like the twigs of a gnarled tree, nodded approvingly.  Very
beautiful. It looks like snow on your red hair.
Emelia reached up and touched the lace gently.  I've never owned anything so beautiful, she murmured.
 Even my wedding clothes were borrowed.
The shawl was carefully wrapped in a paper parcel. Next Nikolas took Emelia to a perfumery, filled
with incense, oils, and perfumes that made the air sweet. While Emelia investigated the assortment of
intriguing flasks and scent boxes, Nikolas spoke to the elderly Frenchman in the corner.  Monsieur, I'd
like to choose a scent for my wife.
The perfumer regarded Emelia with bright, dark eyes.  She is a fine-looking woman. Perhaps someday
you will allow me to mix a special perfume for her, Your Highness. In the meantime, I have an excellent
one already prepared. Rose, bergamot, and a touch of mint. Foraging in the back of the shop, he
located a flask of blue glass and removed the stopper. He proffered it to Emelia invitingly.  Your wrist,
madame.
Cautiously Emelia extended her arm, and the perfumer rubbed a tiny drop on her skin. Emelia sniffed her
wrist and looked at Nikolas with an amazed grin.  It smells just like the meadow in spring!
 I told you it was excellent, the perfumer said proudly.  I create perfumes for all the women at court.
After a few minutes of negotiations, Nikolas bought the perfume and gave it to Emelia. She received it
with an awestruck expression.
 I didn't expect you to buy presents for me, she said, cradling the flask gingerly as she followed Nikolas
from the shop.  I haven't done anything to deserve them.
 You're my wife now. You can have anything you want.
 What Ireally want&  she began, and blushed up to her hairline.
 Yes? Nikolas prompted, half-afraid of what she might say.
 I really want  Emelia tried again, but broke off nervously.
Nikolas stopped at the side of the street, his gaze searching her face. He wasn't certain why he had
bought gifts for her, or why it had seemed necessary to show her that she pleased him. She was the one
woman on earth he couldn't have. Bitterly he wondered why life wasn't simple for him as it was for other
men. He had never been able to reconcile the divided halves of himself, the part that wanted her and the
part that feared her.
 We'd better return to the estate, he finally said.  Peter and his entourage will be arriving soon.
The clothes set out for Nikolas, including a long amber velvet coat with brocade cuffs, tight velvet [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]