Deus Nos Ducit Ad Astra Per Aspera

As the the train made its way to London, Anastasia was seen sitting on as she gazed out the window while dwelling in her thoughts.

"Anastasia, tell me, how was the war you lead?" Anastasia was snapped back to reality as she looked at King George.

"I would say it was horrible. War is never good. And the one against the Japanese was horrendous. They would charge against our lines with no self preservation as they screamed in the name of their Emporor."

Anastasia had flashbacks of the war. It wasn't a good sight to behold. Men running at your lines as they got torn asunder leaving nothing behind. The land was drenched in blood as the trees burned admist the warfare.

George recognizing the severity of his question apologized to Anastasia.

"Apologies Anastasia, I shouldn't have asked something like that."

Anastasia looked at her Uncle and smiled.

"Don't worry Uncle, someday I have to overcome the sight of death and become clear minded admist times of turmoil."

George smiled back as he called a waitress.

"One cup of tea for me and..." "Water please"

"A cup of water for her."

As they waited, Nicolas who was drinking coffee spoke in.

"George, who will be attending?"

George looked at his cousin who was sipping his coffee. "Besides you two, some British Nobility and foreign ones."

As they talked the waitress returned with their requests. "Your Majesty, your Highness, your beverages."

As they took their drinks and thanked the waitress, they started to drink.

"We will arrive in a while so get comfortable."

Anastasia nodded at George and rested on her seat.

-Later at London-

As the train stopped at the station the King of Britain and his Royal Guards were seen with the Russian Emporor and his daughter with their Guards.

As they drove across the city to the Buckingham Palace Anastasia asked George.

"Uncle, how would a trade with Russia be of interest to you."

George looked at his niece and raised his brow. "Britain already trades with Russia."

"I mean more trade, like a treaty to increase relations and partnership through economic means."

George thought of her idea for a while as he answered.

"Anastasia, as you know, I don't have absolute power as Monarch in Britain unlike your father in Russia. So I have to talk to Parliament about that."

"Well I hope they will agree."

Anastasia looked dejected at his answer but understood that her Uncle isn't the absolute power in Britain.

George saw that look and assured her.

"Don't worry, I'll see what I can do."

"Well, I'll see if you live up to it."

Anastasia smiled as she peeked outside the car.

-Later-

As they arrived at the Palace and exited the the cars Nicolas spoke to his cousin.

"We are early aren't we?"

George nodded as he said.

"Indeed, you two arrived earlier than everyone else. You have some time for yourselfs before the rest arrive."

As they waited and had some conversations, the guests started to come.

From Princes of Princepalities to the humble knights arrived.

"So many people of power."

Anastasia looked surprised at how many came to this Ball.

"Indeed it is."

Nicolas nodded his head in agreement.

"Let's see how everything plays out."

Nicolas said as he approached the crowd.

Anastasia though as she looked at everyone that came.

'I hope nothing bad will happen while we're here' She thought as she saw the people coming in.

The Ball is about to begin.