October 19, 1927, St. Petersburg, Ruthenia Empire, Winter Palace.
Alexander was watching from an open door of the bedroom of Christina, leaning as he observed a psychologist check her sisters for possible psychological damage that they'd get from the attempted assassination.
The doctor asked a series of questions that would help him diagnose His Majestys' sisters properly and determine whether there were any underlying mental issues or trauma that his sisters could not talk about, especially to him.
As it turns out, they seemed pretty okay as Christina answered all the doctor's questions in a calm, steady, and carefree tone.
"Look doctor, I'm really okay. Though I admit it was a terrifying experience to be confronted by death, my brother's invention, the car we were riding at that time, protected us. You got to believe me, doctor."
The doctor looked her in the eyes to see whether she was telling the truth or not and as it turns out, she wasn't. Her words were genuine and sounded more like an afterthought than anything else. She was probably just trying to convince herself that she was okay, even though her heart felt like lead within her chest. The thought of losing their life that time could still subconsciously affect their minds.
"Well, Your Imperial Highness, I still have to observe you in the coming days to make sure that what you are saying right now to convince yourself is indeed what you're feeling or not."
The doctor said, as he wrote everything down on paper. He glanced at her little sisters, Christina and Tiffania who turned silent after their turn. They smiled softly at the doctor, indicating that they are also okay.
But for a psychologist like him, based on his research and countless hours of study, there's no way a human being wouldn't change after experiencing a traumatic incident. It would have a lot of impact on them and changes in behavior could last up to several weeks if not months before they would go back to normal through rehabilitation.
The best thing he can do is to not push them further as it may stress them out which could affect the doctor-patient relationship badly.
"Well, if something happens, I'll just be in the guest room. Feel free to contact and approach me if any of you have concerns," the doctor said as he packed his things.
"Yes thank you Doctor," Christina said politely.
After finishing his work, the doctor left their room, heading towards the door where Alexander idly
stood.
"So, what's their condition? Will they be okay?" Alexander inquired, looking concerned.
"Nothing serious, Your Majesty. I just have to observe them more in the following days or weeks to make sure that there won't be psychological damage. For now, the best remedy is for you to join them, Your Majesty. During the questioning phase, they all mentioned your name for protecting them and that it wasn't your fault," the doctor sighed softly.
"I protect them?"
"Well, it turns out sir that your Bukavac, which they credited with inventing it, has indeed saved their life from death. For them, the car was a symbol of your protection, your presence in their lives and a part of your family," the doctor stated matter of factly.
Alexander stayed silent after hearing his own name spoken and didn't respond for a moment until he finally spoke up again. "Human emotions are sometimes confusing, don't you agree doctor?"
"It may be confusing but it is fun to study it," the doctor chuckled a bit. "Anyways, Your Majesty. I'll be taking my leave now. I have told them what to do in case of an emergency so you don't have to worry."
"Okay, thank you for your time, doctor." Alexander nodded slightly, bidding the man goodbye.
Once the doctor left, Alexander's gaze flickered into the room where he saw his sisters looking at him with curiosity.
He took a few steps into the bedroom where he sat down in the middle next to Christina and Tiffania and put his arm around both of their shoulders gently.
Their cheeks reddened from the tender touch of their brother while their hearts felt like balloons that were held inside with ease. Seconds after, they rested their heads on Alexander's shoulder, allowing him to hold them close as if they were his most precious treasure.
Meanwhile, Anastasia kind of felt being left out, she pouted and climbed the bed and crawl her way behind Alexander like a kitten. Then, she laid her head behind his back and wrapped her arms around his torso.
"Now this is weird," Alexander said inwardly, thinking that this might not be a good idea due to how close they were. Nevertheless, he let himself drown in the sensation of belonging, the feeling of warmth that was enveloped around him and the comfort that came from their presence.
He is glad that he could feel this sensation again. If things had turned differently, where the worst case scenario happened, he would never experience this sensation.
Well, now that they are safe by his side and inside this palace, Alexander could now heave a sigh of relief.
Seconds later, he broke the silence.
"Well, guys, I guess I won't mess up in the future. Should you wish to go to another country, I would make sure that you will be safe and not experience what you just experienced in Yamato."
But surprisingly, Christina responded. "No, I don't want to go anymore, I will just stay here."
"Me too," Tiffania followed her. "I'd rather spend the rest of my life with you brother..."
"Me too, brother," Anastasia whispered into the back of his neck, sending shivers down his spine and tickling the hairs on top of his back.
Alexander gulped. This is bad, they were indeed traumatized from the assassination attempt during their trip in Yamato.
"I understand your fears my dear sisters, but it would be detrimental for you should you live that way. I will guide and help you overcome that fear so that you will have a life of your own, not dependent on me."
"But brother…there are a lot of bad guys out there…" Anastasia mumbled in his ear, "I'm scared. Our mother and father were killed by a terrorist, we almost lost you. And then...we...almost lost our lives from the hands of an unknown militia. The world is not safe anymore...not for us."
"Anastasia has a point brother," Tiffania supported. "Our only safe haven is this palace and this country."
"Brother, you don't have to worry about our safety anymore as we will just stay here in the palace..." Christina said in a lovely voice but lace with a sad undertone.
Their thinking is not right. Yes, the world may not be safe for hem but he can make it safer. Alexander has invested so much financials and assets on tracking down the people who could've threatened them, the Black Hands. Forcing them into hiding for the last four years. To think that the Black Hand is not only the threat but those who also harbor hatred towards the royal family and the Ruthenia Empire.
Looks like he has to adopt stricter measures to make sure this won't happen again.
"It's okay to feel that way for now, my sisters. Don't worry, there will be a time in the future where you won't worry about safety anymore."
