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.
