Once they had finished, Maria excused herself and slipped out to the hall to thank Ivan in person. He was standing at his post by the top of the second staircase.

“You are very clever for remembering my birthday,” she said. “You’ve made this day special, something I never dreamed would be possible here. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Ivan took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Maria glanced over her shoulder to make sure none of the family had followed, but all the doors were closed and there was no sound from Avdeyev’s office.

Ivan was still holding her hand and suddenly he pulled her in a swift movement toward a tiny alcove by the kitchen doorway. They huddled inside, bodies pressed together, and Maria trembled. Ivan looped one arm around her waist then stroked her cheek with his finger before leaning forward to touch his lips to hers.

“A birthday kiss,” he whispered, “for the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

Maria gazed at the soft lips that had brushed hers, and couldn’t help tilting her head for more. Ivan held her tightly now, his lips exploring hers, and she closed her eyes feeling giddy with excitement. It was the most delicious sensation she had ever experienced, quite different from a parent’s kiss, and she wanted it to go on forever.

“Skorokhodov!” a harsh voice barked, and suddenly he was yanked away. Avdeyev and Medvedev were glaring at them.

“Go to your room!” Avdeyev snapped at Maria, and she scurried into the kitchen, terrified by his tone. She glanced back just before the door swung closed and saw Ivan being frog-marched down the stairs, one arm pulled up behind his back.

Chapter 4

Ekaterinburg, June 1918

MARIA LAY IN BED, HER HEART POUNDING. WHAT would happen to Ivan? It wasn’t fair if he was punished. No harm had been done, and it was as much her fault as his. She hoped Avdeyev would not tell her parents about the scene he had witnessed. They would be horrified by her lack of modesty. Perhaps she would visit his office in the morning and beseech him to excuse their behavior, promising it would not happen again. But she was scared of the commissar and knew she would not have the courage. Besides, she very much wished it would happen again.

Avdeyev came into the dining room while the family was eating breakfast next morning. Maria blushed scarlet as he glared around the table.

“I thought I had made it clear there must be no consorting with the guards. It is a blatant breach of the rules and there will be consequences. The guard known as Ivan Skorokhodov has been relieved of his duty. Meanwhile, we will be watching you more closely, and no further breaches will be tolerated.”