As time progressed, Anastasia began to acclimate to her environment, experiencing a sense of relief in her interactions with individuals who treated her with respect and kindness. She was engaged in her role at the counter designated for women and children, distributing food and clothing to those in need.
"Your Majesty, it would be prudent for you to take a moment to rest, as you have been standing for an extended period," suggested Lady Charlet, the daughter of Prime Minister Duke Alfred Thornton, as she positioned a chair near Anastasia.
"I appreciate your concern, Lady Charlet, but I am quite well. The others are likely more fatigued than I am," Anastasia responded with a cheerful demeanor. Lady Charlet and the other women observed her with concern, noting her noticeably thin appearance.
"Have you been involved in volunteer work for some time? The contributions of all the ladies have been commendable," the queen inquired while surveying the other volunteers.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Since the age of ten, my father has taken me to charity events, instilling in me the significance of aiding others. The young ladies from esteemed families participate occasionally," Charlet recounted, reflecting on her childhood. Anastasia found herself connecting with the ladies, in contrast to her previous anxieties regarding her reputation. As a queen lacking power, she had anticipated indifference from others; however, the young women did not disregard or ridicule her as many nobles had, perhaps due to their youth or the inability to express disdain in the presence of others.
"Your Majesty..." a small voice emerged from the front of the table where the volunteers were stationed. Anastasia turned her attention to the line, where an elderly woman stood at the forefront, gesturing to indicate that someone else was present. Lowering herself to the front, Anastasia sought the source of the voice and discovered a small child with wide eyes. She retrieved a bundle of clothing and approached the child, crouching to present the package. The child smiled shyly and lowered his gaze.
"What is your name, child?" Anastasia inquired, smiling at the endearing figure before her.
The child looked up, nervously biting his lower lip.
"My name is Anastasia, and what is yours?"
"Da... Dave..." he stammered.
"That is a lovely name. Did you come with your parents, Dave?" she asked gently.
"No... with grandma," he replied, his voice trembling as he clutched the package to his small frame. Anastasia glanced back at the elderly woman standing nearby. The child's frail physique served as a poignant reminder of their impoverished circumstances, eliciting a deep sense of empathy within her. After a moment, Anastasia rose and returned to her seat. As time passed swiftly the sun shone brightly overhead and the line started to get short compared to the morning.
Anastasia closed the door to the resting room and sat on the small bed. She requested access to a restroom, citing her fatigue. The priest escorted her to the rear of the church, where a modest residence designated for the priest's accommodation was located. Four guards were stationed outside the room for security purposes.
Upon surveying her surroundings, Anastasia noticed an additional door, which she opened to reveal a corridor with beds intended for other priests. She proceeded to the end of the corridor and opened another door that led to the back exit. Observing a few individuals walking outside, she promptly closed the door and returned to the single bedroom.
After a brief interval, a woman emerged from the back door, clad in tattered clothing and draped in a cloak. She hurriedly crossed the back garden and made her way onto the road. The woman sprinted down the narrow path and entered a small alley, disappearing into the darkness.
The old shop door creaked open, revealing a vintage establishment devoid of customers. The woman surveyed the interior, anticipating the presence of the proprietor, yet found no one in sight. She rang a bell positioned at the front counter, prompting an elderly woman to emerge in response to the sound.
"What are you looking for customer?" the elderly woman inquired in a somber tone. The visitor placed a small coin pouch before the older woman, expecting a transaction.
"What do you desire?" the elderly woman reiterated. The customer removed her cloak, revealing her identity.
"I require a response," she declared assertively. The elderly woman, identifying her guest, responded with a sardonic smile.
"That is contingent upon your inquiry, my queen," she replied. Anastasia glared at the shopkeeper, her indignation evident in her expression.
"Only provide me with the truth; I know, you are the person I encountered on the ship. Before that, we met in this establishment, where I exchanged currency before commencing my journey. You were present when the ship was attacked and submerged in the sea. Why, then, are both of us alive? How did I return to the palace unscathed?"
"I do not understand your words, Your Majesty; you must be confusing me with someone else, or perhaps you have experienced a troubling dream that has distorted your perception of reality," the old woman retorted.
"Do not attempt to mislead me; I saw you on the ship," Anastasia spat, her anger palpable. The elderly woman's expression shifted to one of seriousness, disapproving of the queen's tone. She closed her eyes and began to speak.
"Your fate is crueller than death; you will navigate both the past and the future for your survival, yet you will be inexorably drawn back to the past and ultimately consumed by flames," she prophesied as if witnessing the unfolding of Anastasia's future.
Upon hearing this, Anastasia felt a burning sensation in her throat, her breath faltering as she met the old woman's gaze, causing her to stagger backwards in weakness. The elderly woman observed her distress with curiosity, while Anastasia, gripped by fear, straightened her posture and grasped the edge of the counter for support.
"Please, tell me, what has happened. Where are my maid and Luther? They have vanished as if they never existed! Why am I still alive? I was engulfed in flames aboard that ship; how is it that I am still breathing and present in the palace?" Anastasia implored; her confusion evident.
"You have many questions, Your Majesty, but I can't answer your questions," the old woman replied. casting a glance outside the shop for several moments she continued, "Time will reveal the answers to your inquiries; therefore, you must return. Remaining here any longer will expose you," she cautioned before turning to retreat into the shop.
Anastasia remained rooted in place, overwhelmed by a profound hopelessness and trepidation regarding her future.