Chapter Seventy-Seven

The second semester for the twins wasn't nearly as eventful as the first.

In order to graduate alongside her sister the newly engaged Anastasia was forced to take a heavy course load, 18 hours as opposed to 6 for Alexandra. This seriously cut down on her partying time.

As expected, Anastasia's engagement was the talk of the campus.



Their public displays of affection were everywhere. Even Patrick was impressed with that one.



They took in a movie at the newly opened Le Cinema Plumbob.



Meanwhile, Alexandra was glad to see her friend Sasha again. So much so that she issued her a trivia challenge.
"What?" Sasha asked in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me."
"How many Vanderburgs are buried in the royal plot...besides my dad, of course?"
"I've read a lot about your family, Alex, but this...this is insane..."



"Answer the question," Alexandra replied with a smug grin.



"I bet you don't know the answer."



"Ten?"
"You're real close, very good, it's twelve."



"Now for a real challenge, can you name all the Vanderburgs in the cemetery. You know three of them already, Renauld, Rudolph and Eloise. Can you name the rest?"
"You expect me to remember all those Dutch and German names?"
Alexandra laughed. "Well at least you know what language they are."
"Y'all got those crazy names like Wolfgang and Joost and Romijn."
"You got three of them," Alexandra smiled. "You're doing good. Keep going."



"Ah, this is no use! I can't remember all that! My brain is broken!"
"It's okay, I didn't expect you to. There's Gustav, his wife Marta, their daughter Christina, his brother Lars, Lars' son Karl, and Karl's wife Marieke. You did well, tho, Sasha, really, don't beat yourself up."



The next day, Alexandra delivered her senior thesis. Her professor nodded his head in approval.



At the same time, however, Anastasia met with her professor and major adviser.
"You got engaged over winter break," began Dr. Noetal, "congratulations!"
"Thank you, Dr. Noetal."
"Anastasia, I'm looking over your records, and you have a custom major in architectural design. The university requires you to declare a minor."
Anastasia shook her head. "Why?"
"It's a fine arts degree. We want our students to be well rounded."
"I see."
"Well, you have several choices. You can combine it with another program in this department or opt for something completely different."
"Such as?"
"Well, Anastasia, the best option for picking a minor is something that dovetails with your background and interests. Since you have a diplomatic background as a member of the royal family, I suggest perhaps coursework in political theory and public policy, so a minor in political science might be an option for you. That would give your major a practical application in, say, city planning. It's just something to think about."