Ella was about to agree, when he door opened and Georgy came back in, flanked by two guards. He smiled warmly, inquired as to their comfort, and then he took a seat by the fire.
"My people are tearing themselves apart," he began. "They are upset because the Tsar began a war which was not needed, and they have lost faith in him. The Grand Duke desires the throne, but I do not know if the people will support him. There is a dinner tomorrow evening in his honor. We will dress you and have you added to the guest list, and you will listen for us. We need to know if the talk of the Mad Monk being alive is true, if he once again has Alexandra's ear. We must know if the Tsarevich is truly ailing as they say. If the Grand Duke makes seems to favor any of the ladies present, we need to know that as well." He paused, and he smiled warmly at the collected group. "We know you are not from here. Report back to us, and we will help you to return to your land of stories and books." He stood, and he walked toward the door, not letting any of the others interject. "The young girl will accompany me to the palace; it will assure your cooperation." Another smile as he pulled open the door. "I do not condone violence, my new friends. Not even against witches and Beasts." He gave them a knowing look, and then he bowed low. "The servants will show you to your rooms, and remain with you - to see to your needs."
Ella waited until the door closed, and then she walked over to the window and looked out, not wanting Nicolas and Tegan to see how worried all that made her. By the time she turned around, she'd calmed somewhat, though vines were climbing just along the corners of the room. "We'll do what he says, and we'll be just fine," she told the others, trying to sound very mature and very grown up.