Natasha's Dream Read online

  She extended her good leg and searched for solid ground. Her toes touched the sand. Certain she would be in her home within a few minutes, relief surged briefly. Then, the wet surface tugged on her feet, pulling them under. Her legs were devoured with the velocity of quicksand. Overcome by panic, she gathered her strength to scream for help. Will would hear her, he had to. With the water level at her shoulders, she bellowed, “Help.” She didn’t hear her own scream. Nothing.

  Again, she attempted to scream. She heard nothing. Mute, no words passed her lips. The only sound was the soft crunch of waves as the water hit the eroding wall and staircase. It didn’t make any sense. Why can’t I yell for help? Desperate for anything to support her weight, she turned toward the decaying wall. The railing and staircase were gone. “No-o-o,” she attempted to scream. Her heart pounded. Tears flowed from her eyes like a torrential rainfall.

  Did I drift away from our home? Where am I? Exasperated, she turned her head and looked at the water. Constable miraculously appeared by her side. In despair, she reached for the dog. Her hand touched the wet fur. Constable’s nose sank below the surface.

  “No-o-o,” she cried.

  “Constable!” It was her worst nightmare. The dog continued to sink deeper and deeper into the water. Convinced they would die, she clenched her eyes shut and covered them with her hands. She began praying. Dear God. Please, allow our bodies to remain close to home. Once Will mourns our death, give him the strength to move on with his life. To remarry and have the family he wants. To forgive me for allowing this to happen. Let him know how much I love him.

  Unable to hold her breath any longer, she accepted her fate. She exhaled and then gasped. She waited stoically for the salt water to enter her mouth and swamp her lungs. Instead of choking or gagging, oxygen filled her lungs. Her feet touched cold, solid ground. Mystified, confused, she spread her fingers and peeked.

  The small room was dimly lit. She lowered her hands and clenched them into fists against her mouth. Her eyes scanned the gloomy surroundings. To her right was the shadow of a man. Panic spiralled in her chest. She struggled to breathe. Oh my God. Where the hell am I?

  Afraid to look at him, she kept her attention straight ahead. The light of a single oil lamp revealed period furniture and two more people. A young man with dark-brown hair, wearing trousers with suspenders and a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves pulled up to his elbows was slumped on a wing chair. His head was lowered, and a slight sobbing sound came from his direction.

  Close beside him, a young woman with long dark-brown hair and a long but simple dress was sitting upright on the edge of a twin-sized bed. The woman used her fingers to wipe the tears from her cheeks. A quick glance showed a second small bed, two wardrobe dressers, and two secretary-style desks, antique compared to the style Keeghan was accustomed to. Where on earth am I?

  Constable’s nose touched her thigh. Keeghan lowered her hand to rub her head. The dog’s hair wasn’t wet, but dry. Only moments earlier the dog had been drowning by her side. How was it possible she was dry? She touched her own yoga pants. Dry. Her ponytail was dry. How is it possible? What happened to me? Am I dead and in heaven? If so, she didn’t like it. Heaven was supposed to be a wonderful place.

  “Welcome,” the gentleman beside her whispered. “I hoped you would arrive earlier. Pay attention to the young couple.”

  The man spoke as if she were a long-lost friend. She had no idea who he was or how she arrived at this place.

  “Earlier? Where am I?” Keeghan screeched.

  My voice! My voice is back!

  “Shh,” the gentleman whispered.

  “I won’t be quiet! Answer me,” Keeghan demanded, fighting back tears.

  “Shh, listen,” the gentleman repeated.

  She turned her attention back to the young man in front of her who continued to stare at the floor.

  “Stewart,” the woman whispered. “I….”

  The young couple seemed oblivious to Keeghan’s presence. The gentleman beside her wasn’t. He must have some answers. He must have the ability to help her and Constable find their way home.

  “Who are these people? Who are you? Where am I? I want to go home!”

  “Allow me to escort you outside,” he whispered. By his tone, he was not pleased.

  “Who are you?”

  “In a moment. Madam, if you would be so kind as to follow me.”

  Apprehensive, Keeghan didn’t have an option. Constable would protect her. However she might have arrived in this room, there had to be a better, easier way home. She wanted to go home, now. She gripped the dog’s collar, turned, and followed the gentleman to the door. Once outside, he led the way through manicured grounds. The sky was a wonderful shade of blue, the grass was green, and wildflowers were in full bloom. They passed an immaculate flower garden before the gentleman stopped under a large oak tree and sat on the grass. Keeghan looked back to see a three-storey yellow stone building. There were a multitude of young men and a few women gathered around. They were dressed in the same style of clothing as the young couple she had just seen. Nothing looked at all familiar.

  “Where am I? Who are you? Why…?”

  “We are in Kassima,” the gentleman replied, his tone still very relaxed. “Neither you nor your dog will be harmed. My apologies, I have forgotten my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alexander.” He gave a slight bow.

  The name Kassima meant nothing to her. The only thing she wanted was to return to the comforts of her own home before Will returned from his golf game. Although the man was friendly enough, it was obvious he wasn’t in any hurry to assist her.

  “You have to help me. Please help me find my way home. My husband, my parents. Will’s parents … I’ll be missed.”

  “Shh. I’d like you to listen to a story. You have my assurance neither you nor your pet will be harmed or missed. Please allow me the privilege of your attention.”

  “But—”

  “Madam, I assure you, your family will not fret. Please, I must ask for your full attention.”

  Keeghan studied the gentleman. His face appeared a bit fuzzy, but his voice was compassionate. He sounded sincere. To her amazement and shock, Constable didn’t seem disturbed in the company of this stranger. She had fallen asleep, completely relaxed as this stranger rubbed her back.

  “You’re certain Will won’t worry?”

  “Indeed. Your concern is understandable. Please, I beg of you. Do sit down. I wish to begin.”

  What choice do I have? Keeghan sat beside the dog. Constable rolled onto her back, exposing her belly. “Let’s get this over with,” she demanded, stroking the dog’s chest. “I’ll listen, but I want to go home. I’ll take the short version, please.”

  Alexander relaxed on the grass.

  “The young woman you saw was formally known as Princess Natasha.”

  “Natasha? That was the name on the back of the portrait.”

  “Her father, King Harold, was a tall, proud man with a solid build, black hair, and eyes so dark they were cold in appearance. With a striking resemblance to his own father, he commanded respect every moment of the day. Natasha’s mother, Queen Anna, was a very attractive woman, taller than average with sandy-brown hair and hazel eyes. Anna was conservative. Raised in a formal regime, Anna was informed at a young age she was betrothed to Harold. It was her father’s wish, and so it was. The castle celebrated when Anna gave birth to twin boys. Harold’s attention and affection were bestowed upon them, since one would become heir to his throne. A year later, Harold and Anna were deeply grieved when she gave birth to a daughter. The children were left in the care of the castle governess to be raised and educated. Thus Anna was free to dedicate her life to her husband and social obligations. The eldest twin, Joshua, had dark-brown hair and soft hazel-coloured eyes, whereas his brother Marcus’ eyes were brown. Apart from this feature, they were identical in appearance and mannerism. Although the boys were aware they would have responsibilities in the
future, they nevertheless enjoyed their childhood and developed a close bond with their sister, Natasha, and with Nanny, their governess.

  “A strict routine of academics was followed in the late afternoon by play time. All three children loved the outdoors, particularly the river. On occasion the boys were a little rough with their sister, as boys would be, and were reprimanded by Nanny, but the young girl became a strong swimmer. The west wing of the large stone castle housed the chambers for the royal children. Nanny insisted the rooms be decorated in a style that was age appropriate. Natasha looked forward to bedtime. She would sneak into the twins’ room to play once Nanny had retired for the evening. As Natasha grew older she would visit and then return to her private quarters, lying in bed reading until she was ready to fall asleep.

  “When it came to academics, the three siblings were a challenge for Nanny. Natasha was able to grasp a new concept immediately whereas her brothers required her patience. The first time Natasha brought a book from the castle library into their study room, she was chastised. On another occasion, she was asked to sit and read in silence. Later that day, she heard her brothers mocking her seclusion as if she had been disciplined. Natasha glared at Nanny. She did not appreciate being teased, but feared a reprimand if she retaliated. With the constant chatter from Nanny and her brothers, reading in the study room became more of a challenge for Natasha. Unable to concentrate, she asked to be excused. Although the castle was a massive structure, Natasha couldn’t find a comfortable location where she could read in private. Staff members would enter a room, see Natasha, and bow before backing away. No matter where she was, it seemed she interrupted their daily routine. It became impossible to find a suitable room indoors where she could remain under Nanny’s supervision. Unbeknownst to the king and queen and Nanny, Natasha began to push her independence a little further than expected.”

  Alexander stopped speaking. Keeghan assumed she was going home. She was wrong.

  “Look.”

  Alexander pointed toward a large screen as it suddenly appeared, like magic, an illusion. It was about ten metres high and fifteen metres wide, similar to the type in a cinema. The same girl appeared, only she looked much younger. Keeghan scowled. Why is this girl appearing on a screen now, as if this were a movie? The previous room was dark … well, it wasn’t well-lit. It’s possible, I suppose, that I was watching a screen and wasn’t aware of that little detail. It doesn’t matter, Keegh. Pay attention and get this over with so this guy will help me find my way home. Keeghan took a deep breath and made herself comfortable. The teenager was tucked under the covers in a four-poster bed. The girl opened her eyes, pushed away the blankets, and jumped up. Using the dim lighting the night sky provided to guide her, she dashed toward the window, pushed the thick gold floral brocade curtains apart, and opened the shutters. Then she crawled back into her bed and listened to the birds.

  Chapter Two

  Natasha crawled out of bed and wandered to the window. The sun peeked through the trees. It would be a beautiful day. Taking a deep breath, she savoured the sensation of the fresh air as it entered her lungs. Natasha was still daydreaming at the window when a knock startled her. Nanny opened the door.

  “Good morning. Breakfast will be served momentarily,” Nanny informed her. The door closed behind her.

  Natasha smoothed the skirt of her plain yellow dress. She patted her wavy dark-brown hair, which was pulled back from her oval face. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Stepping into the formal dining area, she gave her rounded nose a rub. Marcus, her older brother, looked her way. His attention shifted to his twin, Joshua.

  “Nanny says those freckles are beauty marks,” Marcus reminded their brother.

  Both boys chuckled.

  Natasha sat in her designated seat across from her brothers. Cook appeared from the kitchen with a steaming bowl of oatmeal for Natasha. The empty bowls in front of the boys were removed and replaced with a plate of hot bread. Natasha was halfway through her meal when Marcus and Joshua excused themselves and left. She finished her meal in solitude. Natasha thanked Cook, and went outside. Her brothers were thirty feet from the door, croquet mallets in hand. To the right, her parents were sitting at opposite ends of a cast iron table. Her mother was sitting up straight, her back parallel to the high-backed chair. She was watching the boys. Her father was oblivious to his surroundings, reading the newspaper.

  “Good morning Father, Mother.”

  “Good morning Natasha,” her mother responded without emotion.

  Her father placed his coffee mug on the table and put the newspaper beside it. He pulled his watch from his pocket, glanced at the time.

  “Joshua, Marcus. Shall we take a stroll by the gardens?”

  Although Natasha’s name wasn’t mentioned, her father had waited for her to finish breakfast before their daily walk. As his daughter, she was expected to join them. The walk was short and brisk, as usual. The children were instructed to breathe deeply to allow oxygen to enter their lungs. Conversation did not include Natasha. Her view on any topic was not expected or appreciated. She remained silent, even when her brothers conversed with their father. Natasha discovered early in life her existence was of less consequence than her brothers. That would never change. Over the years she’d developed a thick skin, learning to accept this.

  She took advantage of her solitude to consider the conversation she wished to have with Nanny. They had a wonderful relationship. Natasha couldn’t remember a time in her life without Nanny. A mentor, she would scold and lecture, but she was also their friend. Her mother and father weren’t aware of the fact, but she and the twins held a special place for Nanny in their hearts. She was their momma and their poppa, the woman who read bedtime stories and tucked them in when they were young. As the young princess grew older, they discussed novels at length — aspects they enjoyed, the writer’s intent. Natasha enjoyed her time with Nanny.

  Once they returned, she followed her brothers into the castle study. The room’s décor was plain, with a large window which overlooked the grounds, and a desk for each of the children. A large desk for Nanny’s use and a wing chair sat beside a large bookcase. The moment Natasha saw Nanny at her desk her face brightened, determined to get her wish. Always impeccably dressed, Nanny’s hair was tied back in a tight schoolteacher’s bun. Her plain ivory-coloured dress was without a single crease.

  “Pardon my intrusion.”

  Nanny tilted her head, her warm brown eyes peering over her spectacles.

  “You must allow me the privilege of studying outdoors today,” Natasha requested.

  Nanny placed the pen in the blotter.

  “I am ahead of my studies and promise to complete all my assignments.” Natasha eyed Nanny, pleading for approval.

  “Good heavens, child. Your request is quite shocking. I regret I do not feel your brothers are capable of studying with such diversions. They will not concentrate outdoors.”

  Natasha’s gaze shifted to the floor. Her mind raced for a rational reason which would allow a day of freedom. For solitude.

  “I would prefer time on my own, as a reward. I have excelled in all my assignments.”

  Nanny’s eyebrows rose.

  “Child, that does present a problem.”

  Discouraged, the notion of another day inside was more than Natasha could bear. She clasped her hands in front of her chest.

  “Please, dear Nanny. I beg of you.”

  Nanny took a deep breath, placed her palms together and brought her fingers to her chin.

  “I will not tolerate disobedience,” she conceded, emphasizing each word in warning. She crossed her arms on her chest. “You must keep to the garden, near the castle, and stay within sight. I expect you to return immediately when you are called upon. I trust you will not disappoint me, nor betray my trust.”

  Ecstatic, Natasha wanted to run into Nanny’s arms and hug her, but decorum dictated she keep her distance.

  “Never,” she assured her. “You are most ki
nd.”

  Natasha accepted two books from Nanny along with the instructions on which chapters she was expected to read. With the blanket from the wing chair under her arm, she dashed toward the door. Her brothers watched, less than pleased.

  * * *

  Situated on two hundred acres, the castle boasted a multitude of manicured flower gardens. Trees and bushes surrounded the gated property. A ten-foot stone wall marked the property line, keeping intruders out. The river and the cleared entrance offered the only passage to the outside world.

  With her blanket spread under a large oak tree, Natasha sat down, leaned against the trunk, and glanced around. The grass was green and soft. Flowers perfumed the air. Birds, squirrels, and chipmunks chattered happily.

  The morning progressed. Natasha saw Nanny appear at the window on a few occasions. This didn’t bother her. With her attention on her studies, she enjoyed the peace of the day, proud of her brilliant idea. By mid-morning her stomach began to gurgle. Not wishing to wait until the noon meal was served, Natasha wandered into the kitchen to request a snack.

  That evening Nanny joined Natasha in her chamber for a review of her work and a visit. Natasha informed Nanny she was honoured to have received preferential treatment. When Nanny departed for the evening, Natasha retrieved one of her new thick notebooks, and opened the first page.

  Dear Diary,

  I had the most enjoyable day of my entire life….

  * * *

  The next day, Nanny sent Natasha outside with snacks and new assignments. She joined her brothers for lunch, then returned outdoors. That evening, Natasha wandered into the boys’ room for a visit. Joshua and Marcus informed her that, to their mutual dismay, Nanny had become more relentless with their studies. The twins were envious of the privacy their scholar of a sister had been granted.