Yours, forever - The love story of Russia's last Tsar and Tsarina.

Deception

I  

In the late afternoon, as the sun was setting, princess Alix arrived at the Winter Palace, where she was with her family, from the tea offered by her sister Elizabeth. The brooch was pinned on her mint green dress, at the height of her left shoulder.

  On the way to her bedroom she met her father, Grand Duke Louis, in one of the corridors and he couldn't help but notice the shine of the jewel on his daughter's dress. He approached the girl and examined the small diamond flower in wonder:

-- Alix, what a beautiful brooch my daughter, where did you get it? Someone gave it to you isn't?

Looking at her beloved father, tenderly Alix answered with innocence:

-- It is a gift from the Tsarevich dad, he gave it to me today during the party. It belonged to his mother.

  Suddenly Louis ' expression changed from admiration to concern. In a more serious tone of voice he asked his daughter:

-- Tsarevich Nicholas gave it to you?

Alix confirmed with a smile and a nod. 

-- It was very kind of him don't you think dad?

  Louis took a deep breath. He took his youngest daughter's hand and led her into her bedroom. There, he asked her to sit down. Alix sat in a chair and Louis asked her to pay attention on him:

-- Alix, please pay close attention, you are still too young to understand many things but I think it's time for me to explain something to you.

  Sitting in her chair Alix did not take her eyes off her father who was standing in front of her. She was curious to know what he would say to her.

-- Alix, my daughter, when a man gives an expensive gift to a woman, especially one that is a family heirloom, it means something more profound. It means that he desires a piece of her heart, that his intentions are serious.

Alix's eyes widened in astonishment. 

-- But... I thought it was just a kind gesture.

Louis took her hands with father's affection and concern:

-- Daughter, Nicholas is a great boy but some gifts can lead to complications. You need to return this brooch. I know you acted innocently and that you liked the gift but you have to return it. It's important to know for sure what a person wants from you before accepting gifts okay? You are still too young to receive marriage proposals.

  At that moment looking at the brooch Alix's conscience weighed down, her heart was sinking with sadness at having to return such a beautiful gift and for knowing that this act would bring disappointment to Nicholas.

  Louis made Alix get up and embraced her in a very affectionately way; after, he held her face with both hands and with a slight smile said:

-- I do this for your protection my daughter and, moreover, I still want you close to me for a long time.

-- I understand father, I will give it back to him as soon as possible.

II

  The Grand Ducal Family of Hesse was preparing suitcases to leave Russia in two days and before leaving Tsar Alexander III went with his family to say goodbye to Louis and his children. Upon seeing Nicholas, Alix asked to speak to him alone. He took her to a large room of the Winter Palace: