And it was clear to everyone who understood politics at least a little that all of these things were behind one of Serge's direct heirs. Of course, you've heard of this man... This is Count Arthur Volginn. Yes, yes, my friend... It looks like he's never said that he has plans for discord and a change of power in his heart. But it is true. He's been eager to rule since he was a young man. But this man is smart... He is very clever, and no one has ever caught him in high treason.
- So it's all because of him? - exclaimed Andri. He really remembered the Count well, a pleasant and kind elderly man.
- You can say so.
- But why did the Emperor not exile him to the Cold Land? Like those students who tried to make a mutiny? - Andrew was wonderful at teaching history, and he knew very well how any attempt to harm the Tsar would end.
- He could not, my boy. Formally, the Count is clean. Until now. And also very rich and influential. Such measures would have entailed a lot of undesirable consequences.
- But this is stupid! It is... It is... - Andrew couldn't find a word - it's like keeping a snake in his pocket!
- What can I do... in the world of adult games have their own rules.
Andri sighed. You can't argue here.
- And where was Aleksandr taken? - He asked.
- I do not know, - my father answered very seriously. - And nobody knows, except the person to whom our heir was entrusted.
- But why wasn't he crowned? Now he should be Emperor, shouldn't he?
- That's right. The crown must pass to Alexander and no one else. But now the riots are so serious that it is better for your friend to disappear for a while at all. I am sure it will take no more than a few days... Maybe weeks... and the criminals will be captured. Then a new Emperor will come out to the people, who I'm sure will be glad to meet both ordinary people and the nobility. Alexander will become a good ruler, quiet time will reign in the country.
- So, - Andri looked closely at his father, trying to understand whether he is telling the truth or just trying to calm him down - Alexander must hide so that he was not killed too?
- That's exactly how it is. And since the city is not safe at all, all of you and your mother are also going to another place in the near future.
- Where to?!
Here it is! Now, at last, it will become known which way their father wants to send them!
- You will go to White Lake.
The White Lake... Andri was there a long time ago. This small village was not very close...
- By train? - He specified.
My father nodded.
- Most likely.
- And when?
- I think, within a couple of days. Or maybe earlier.
Andri sighed.
- Dad... And you?
- And me. Where am I going without you? - Suddenly my father said, but then he added: - Only a little later.
A terrible rumble sounded, it seemed, right in the room. Lisa woke up and opened her eyes scared. Her heart was beating so hard that it seemed like she was about to pop out.
She swallowed carefully and listened.
Quietly...
I guess I just dream...
Lisa took a deep breath of relief and closed her eyelids again.
And at that moment, there were loud shots fired on the street. Lisa immediately realized that she had heard them. She ate and pulled the blanket up to her nose. She wasn't so scared, so much so uncomfortable.
- Lisa... - She heard her sister's cautious voice. - Are you awake, too?
- No... I wasn't... - Lisa answered quietly.
- Do you want to come to me?
She wanted to. Silently slipped out from under the blankets, ran over the room on tiptoes and dived under Vlad's side.
- Do you think," Lisa whispered, "these are bandits?
- I don't know... - Vlada hugged her tightly with her nose in her sister's curls. - I don't know...
It was quiet for a while in the street, and then shots were fired one by one, screaming, knocking of forged heels on the paving stones.
- It was as if the war... - Lisa whispered. She was unbelievably happy to be at home in a warm bed. That she was separated from the terrible street by the strong walls of the house.
It was as if Vlad had heard her thoughts.
- I hope the doors to the front door are locked," she said.
And the noise and riots in the street were not subsiding, on the contrary, becoming only louder and louder, until the girls finally clearly understood the repeated shouting "Down with the Emperor! Giving power to the people!
Continuation in the next part of 26.