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“I want Lena to stay here. My mother wanted me to come pick her up, but I’ll tell her that Lena is going to stay another night. However, she will notice when Lena doesn't go to school tomorrow. That bastard has been calling the house nonstop since Lena missed school.”
Yana studied the raven-haired beauty.
“I know you'll protect her.”
Yulia's head shot up and looked at Yana.
She knew about their past, their present and their future. She knew!
Yana quietly left the room, leaving Yulia to wonder just who Yana was.
Imperial Russia~ 1790's
Glittering gowns dipped and swayed as the lively music played. Gold gilded chandeliers twinkled with bright crystals shooting reflections onto the painted walls. Princess Lena stood watching in utter boredom. Her cousin was the Tsar and so it was mandatory that she attended. Her wealth of red waves was pulled high upon her head in elaborate curls and knots, small strands of milky white pears looped through the bright curls, setting her apart from the rest of the royal family who wore gaudy tiaras. Lena took another step in the elegant white dress, the full belled skirt covered with pure white silk embroidered with small gold flowers that were trimmed in jewels. The tight corset was pulled tight, cinching her waist almost until it hurt to breathe, pushing the thrust of her breasts forward for every man to leer at. God, how she hated these things! Her family called her eccentric because she disliked the court and preferred being in Odessa with her horses and large library where she could wear breeches and men’s Cossacks shirts. Lost in her thought, she didn't notice the slow murmur that moved through the crowds, that rumbled to a small roar as heads turned and watched.
Yulia Volkova was in every man's, and even some women’s, dream; the most beautiful courtesan ever created. Her small stature did nothing if not make her unique. Her dark beauty was known throughout all of Russia.
Her startling blue eyes stared straight ahead, her graceful neck held high as she swirled into the middle of the ball. Late. Her dress was a deep sapphire blue, the low cut bodice revealing her bare shoulders and daring low cut V over her breasts. The little bit of fabric that did cover the top of her body was dripping in diamonds. Her long hair was worn unfashionably straight but, actually, seemed to suit her. The front of it pulled back to the crown of her head with a small diamond clip, falling in a straight long sheet of black glossy locks. Her eyes traveled around the room, slowly as if appraising the people there. Many felt inferior to the beauty, even though Yulia had no title whatsoever. Her simple refined elegance and ice freezing blue eyes demanded that she be treated with respect. Her eyes fell on the lovely red head, seeing only the girl’s profile as she looked longingly out the window into the gardens. Yulia watched, mesmerized by the young girl who made her heart nearly stop in her chest. She was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. She was total opposite to what Yulia was.....
Lena was sick of this. She walked through the dancers and out on the huge terrace leading down to the gardens. She was not supposed to be here; her chaperone would have a fit. But she had to escape from this stifling life, if only for a few moments. She lifted up the heavy cumbersome skirts and ran lightly down the stairs. Up above, the dark haired woman moved through the door, following the other girl at a slower pace. Lena pressed into the darkness, leaning heavily against the tree. Eyes closed, her head tilted to the stars, wishing she could escape her body. She heard a rustle and her eyes snapped open, a woman stood inches from her.
“Who are you?” Lena asked.
Yulia was captured by the beautiful goddess, her mouth still parted in question as Yulia stepped closer and bent her head, her small hand cupping the base of Lena’s head, her fingers entwining in the dark glossy curls. She saw a spark of excitement fill the younger girl’s eyes as Yulia lowered her head, her mouth brushing Lena's…
Once.
Twice.
Three times...before her full lush mouth met on contact with Lena's. Yulia was a dark seductress who captured any who looked at her and Yulia wanted to corrupt this innocent maiden forever and make Lena's hers alone. Her hands locked around the girl’s waist, pulling her roughly to her. A smile lit inside Yulia's mind as the auburn haired girl ran her fingers through Yulia's hair, her touch so soft it made Yulia moan. Lena's gentle hand brushed Yulia's cheek, and Yulia's kiss softened. And for the first time in her life, Yulia Volkova, the seductress of all of Moscow, believed in love and found it in Princess Lena.
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