"Brother look! I see it, the Grand Kremlin Palace," Tiffania cheerfully tugged at Alexander's sleeves as she urged him to look to where she was pointing.
Alexander blinked and casually looked at where she was pointing. Indeed, they have arrived. How many times has it been since he had ever visited that grand palace in Moskva? A lot, actually. It was a beautiful sight, the sheer white and golden stone walls, decorated with all manner of beautiful and unique sculptures from old masters, is just sublime enough to steal the breath away from his very being. The town surrounding it on every side was bustling with life. And then there were people, everywhere. It was hard for anyone not born in Moskva to miss the presence of such an impressive place.
Well, he did see this palace from his original world but he never had the chance to actually step onto the soil of Moscow due to his allegiance to the United States. Simply put, he was persona non grata in the Russian Federation. But now, all of it changed, he owns every grand palace in the Ruthenian Empire as well as its lands.
"I don't know how long it has been since I last visited this palace," Tiffania sighed dreamily as her eyes were still fixed on the majestic structure. "Probably ten years ago, was it?"
Alexander let out a huff, "Who knows, my memories before my comatose were fuzzy, so I can't remember the details. Still, I can feel that we've been here together, with mother and father and sister Natalya,"
The atmosphere inside the vehicle turned melancholic at the mention of their parents, they both lost them at the hands of the Black Hands who guise themselves as revolutionaries during the tumultuous times of the Empire. Although they have already moved on from their loss, it still pains their hearts whenever the name of their parents are mentioned. So, they tried their best to keep it lowkey. As for their big sister, Natalya, she is happily living her life with her husband and children in the Kingdom of Norway. The last time they saw her was five years ago, specifically on his coronation day. They are still keeping in touch with one another via telephone but that's it.
The sound of the door opening snapped the two of them from their reverie. Alexander was the first to exit the vehicle, and he took a quick scan of what was around him. The snowflakes danced lazily in the air while the rays of the setting sun cast shadows on everything. Everything looks peaceful and the air tastes fresh which gives him an immense sense of tranquility. After relishing the scenery for some more seconds, he turned back to find Tiffania and offered a hand to help her. She gladly accepted, and soon they set foot on the cold, icy steps leading to the grand, white building before them.
The two-meter-tall door opened upon their approach, allowing them to enter the huge, empty foyer that greeted them. Intricate golden patterns lined the walls and the beams, truly the symbol of Ruthenia's immense wealth and power.
Heavy footsteps were heard from the right hallway, which Alexander cursory glance and saw a man in his mid-twenties approach him. "Sir Alexander!"
It was Philip Ainsworth, director of the Imperial Dynamic Systems Electronic Division.
"Philip, I didn't expect you would greet me here in the palace," Alexander and Philip casually shook hands while exchanging pleasantries.
The young Ainsworth chuckled lightly and nodded his head in reply to his question, "To be honest, sir, I couldn't contain my excitement to see you again," he said and noticed a dazzling woman standing by him.
His eyes widened in recognition. He immediately knelt in front of her and offered his utmost respect. "Your Imperial Highness! It's a great honor to have finally gotten acquainted with your presence."
"Who is this, brother?" Tiffania looked up to Alexander questioningly but her tone lacked disdain which one would often expect from an exalted princess like her, instead, it sounded genuinely curious.
Alexander smiled, "This is Philip, he is the director of the Imperial Dynamics System Electronics Division. Everything from television, video cassette recorder, cameras, and computers, he is the one responsible for it all."
Philip smiled proudly upon Alexander's brief introduction of his background. "Ahh, so it was you who helped my brother make televisions, right?"
"Yes, that's me, Your Imperial Highness," Philip replied courteously.
Tiffania smiled, amused by Philip's behavior. This is an interesting revelation. I now grant you to raise your head."
"No, you may now stand, Philip," Alexander overrode Tiffania's order before the latter even uttered another word.
Philip stood up and looked at them with a pleasing smile on his face, "I am aware that you have come from St. Petersburg via the Sapsan train. You must be tired from your journey. May I suggest that you both take a break for two or three hours and then proceed to the headquarters of the Imperial Dynamic System?"
"That's actually the plan, Philip," Alexander answered before turning his attention towards his younger sister, "We'll take a rest first."
"I don't mind, brother. It's best that we refresh our minds before seeing the new products of your company. After all, I might ask a lot of questions regarding how it works."
"Fine." Alexander placed his hand gently on Tiffania's back as he led her forward. "Let's go and head to our room."
Alexander, Tiffania, Philip, and the Imperial Guards accompanying them proceeded toward their rooms located on the second floor of the palace. When they reached the second floor, where their rooms are located, they were welcomed with a beautiful spacious suite decorated with all sorts of paintings and furniture. It is similar to the opulent bedrooms they have in the Winter Palace. Tiffania flitted across the room to admire the artwork displayed on the wall before sitting on the bed. Whereas Alexander decided to stay at the door and talk to Philip.
"Are things prepared for later?"
"I can say with full confidence that everything is ready, sir. Her Imperial Highness would definitely love what we have prepared." Philip gave a reassuring grin.
Alexander hummed as his eyes slowly moved toward Tiffania. "This would be my gift for you, Tiffania,"
