TSAR'S DAUGHTER MARIE（18）

EXT. IRTYSH RIVER -- DAY

The wind howls. The sleet freezes. To cross the frozen river, the horses wade out into the churning water. The cart with Marie and Alexandra crashes through the melting ice floes. Marie falls into the icy water and struggles to get out of it. Alexandra is horrified and shaken with emotion.

ALEXANDRA

(hysterically)

Help, help, my daughter is falling down. Oh, my God, help.

Victor rushes into the swiftly flowing water and approaches Marie whose face can be seen floating.  They reach for each other. Victor holds Marie in his arms and supports her to get out of the water.

Nicholas, Alexandra and their retainers appear relieved when they see Marie being carried safely out of the water.

Vasily keenly observes while Victor risks his life to rescue Marie. Then he leads the soldiers to exam the carts.

VASILY

Hey, come on, guys, let's pull the carts out of the mud. A wheel has been damaged. Fix it, right away.

Victor carries Marie in his arms and wades through the water. Marie shivers and rests her head on Victor's shoulder. They murmur to each other.

VICTOR

You're safe now, Marie.

MARIE

Victor, I'm so scared.

VICTOR

Don't be scared. As long as I'm here, I'll protect you.

MARIE

I feel better now you're with me.

VICTOR

From now on, I'll never leave you alone. I'll follow you all the way.

EXT. SHABBY HOUSES -- VILLAGE OF IEVLEVO -- NIGHT

The soldiers and the prisoners stop in front of some shabby houses.

VASILY

We'll spend the night at this village and continue our journey at dawn.

INT. SHABBY HOUSES -- VILLAGE OF IEVLEVO -- NIGHT

Nicholas and Alexandra sleep on the camp beds. Marie lies on a mattress. A soft WHISTLE sounds.  Marie gets up, puts on her fur coat and tiptoes past her sleeping parents.

EXT. VILLAGE OF IEVLEVO -- NIGHT

Moon hangs in the sky. Victor and Marie kiss and hug under a huge tree behind the houses.

Vasily patrols and follows Victor. Concealing himself behind a corner of the house, Vasily observes the couple and listens to their conversation.

MARIE

Do you know where we're taken?

VICTOR

As to what I know, you're taken to Tyumen, and from there, to Moscow. But I plan to escape with you as soon as there is an opportunity.

MARIE

Escape? To where?

VICTOR

Anywhere, very far from here, as far as possible, to Vladivostok, to Japan, to China, to somewhere nobody can find us.

MARIE

How can we live there?

VICTOR

Don't worry about living. I've got relatives in Harbin.

MARIE

Harbin?

VICTOR

Yes, a city in China. My relatives do fur business there. They can help us.

EXT. VILLAGE OF IEVLEVO -- DAWN

The carts drive into the water flowing swiftly over the floating ice. The ladies scream in fears.

ALEXANDRA

No, I can't go in this way.

VASILY

Go on. You have no choice.

ALEXANDRA

No. I said no, I mean it. My daughter almost died in the water yesterday. I refuse to ride on water again.

VASILY

Okay, comrades, bring some planks here to make a bridge.

Some soldiers lay the planks down across the heaving ice and gesture Alexandra to go. Alexandra looks perplexed. Victor approaches Alexandra and stretches out his hand toward her.

VICTOR

(gallantly)

May I have the honor to assist Your Majesty?

Alexandra glances at Victor contemptuously. She reluctantly leans on the arm of Victor and crosses the water over the planks. Nicholas and Marie, hand in hand, follow Alexandra. As Alexandra slips and almost falls, Victor supports and steadies her with his strong arms.

VICTOR (CONT'D)

Mind your steps, Your Majesty.

ALEXANDRA

Thanks.

Victor looks at Marie over his shoulder and makes a face. Marie grins with delight.