The Paleys (1921-1927) - An Alternate Romanov Story

The Academy

Petrograd, October 1921

Vladimir

The first month of Alexei's stay at the Corps des Pages had come and gone with hardly any incidents. Of course, there were some dissident voices, mostly from the eldest teachers of the academy and from the most traditional aristocratic families, who disagreed with Alexei's special status. Equality, they argued, was the bedrock of the academy, the very lesson their sons were sent here to learn. Alexei's special treatment, in their eyes, was a clear violation of this principle.

As an old student and now a teacher, Vladimir could see and even understand their point, although he wasn't sure the lesson about equality had been as well learnt as it should have been in some of those same families.

But this was the country's best and most prestigious military academy, and Alexei was the Tsar of Russia. Wouldn't they want him to have the best education possible? And if he had a severe condition that prevented him from participating in all the activities, a condition that he could not control, then why couldn't they bend the rules for just a few months? Couldn't the prestige of having a Tsar among their ranks be enough to outweigh such anxieties?

That was the talk Vladimir had with every concerned parent and student who approached him over the first weeks of Alexei's enrollment and he hoped it would be enough to avoid further issues. He knew what life was like in the dorm rooms, he had experienced the hazing first-hand, and it was part of the process. But while a kick in the shins would be harmless for most students, it could prove fatal to Alexei.

Although it was true that Grand Duke Michael had asked him specifically to keep an eye on Alexei, Vladimir was also doing it for himself. He was Irina and Natalia's best friend, Olga's brother, and he'd found the young man deeply likeable in the short time they'd been at the academy.

His personality was an interesting mixture. On the one hand, he had been sheltered all his life, so he retained a touch of naivety that was rare for a young man of seventeen and made him instantly likeable. But, on the other, having suffered unimaginable pain due to his illness, there was a level of empathy for others beyond his years. He could not bear to see a colleague in distress, he always went out of his way to make things easier for others, sometimes at the cost of his comfort. Of course, there were still some rough edges about him that needed polishing. His education had been neglected and he didn't like learning. Vladimir had noticed that during his classes. Vladimir had once teased him about his soul leaving the room when a topic failed to enthral him. But these were minor flaws, easily rectified. If fate allowed, Alexei could be a great ruler.

Since he had also accepted the post of French tutor to George and Tata, Vladimir made the journey from the Vorontsvov Palace, where the Corps des Pages were headquartered, to the Winter Palace, where Grand Duke Michael was now spending most of the time, at least four times a week. At first, he felt bad, almost like a spy, when the Grand Duke bombarded him with questions about Alexei, but, as the weeks progressed, he realized that it all came down to the genuine concern of an uncle.

Grand Duke Michael wanted to give Alexei space, he understood how important that was, he wanted him to be as independent as his condition allowed him, but he could not fully release him into the world, not when he was the Tsar and certainly not when a haemophilia attack could strike at any moment.

On that day, as he was escorted through the corridors, up to the Grand Duke's study for his usual meeting, he crossed paths with another Grand Duke. Kyrill Vladimirovich was walking in the opposite direction and stopped momentarily to greet him on his way out. Vladimir had always had a cordial relationship with Kyrill. He and his father had shared some years in exile and Vladimir had even received his name in honour of Kyrill's father, his uncle Vladimir Alexandrovich. Still, since their return to Russia, the two families had drifted apart.

Although Grand Duke Kyrill and his brothers had participated enthusiastically in the Grand Ducal Coup, over the years they had slowly drifted away. He and his brothers were now openly criticizing Alexei's right to rule, citing his illness and loyalty to his parents as reasons to exclude him entirely.

Entering the Grand Duke's study, Vladimir found him massaging his temples. "Another delightful encounter?" he inquired lightly.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, the Grand Duke, sat upright in his chair. "The usual. He says he only comes in the interest of the rest of the family and the country to see how the business of government is being conducted, but I think he's really just making sure Alexei is still alive and I'm not working on some secret decree to make my son George heir. As if I'd ever burden him with such a responsibility..."

Grand Duke Michael checked himself. Though lauded for his leadership, it was no secret that he disliked the role and was eager to leave it, but saying it out loud too often when Alexei's position was not entirely secure could have its consequences.

"Moving on... how's Alexei doing this week?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Good," Vladimir replied enthusiastically. "I saw him at the training field very early today. As he can't participate in physical activities, he's in charge of more menial tasks, like taking the equipment out of storage and setting it on the field. This morning he was carrying wooden riffles and distributing them among his colleagues. He also gives them water, tends to their injuries, those sorts of things. I've also suggested to the instructor that it might be a good idea to have him clean the horse stables at the end of the day. It's not a pleasant task, but it's also not dangerous for him. It can help balance the perception of the others."

Grand Duke Michael nodded approvingly. "Cleaning the stables does sound like a good idea. Just make sure someone is always around and that there are no sharp objects in sight." He paused for a moment and then looked back at him once again. "What about the other cadets? Are they being welcoming or is there still some friction?"

Vladimir considered the question for a brief moment. "Well... there is no open hostility, which I think it's a positive thing all in itself, but... I wouldn't say they're welcoming. I was not expecting them to be so, in all honesty. It's not easy for them either. They've been attending the academy since they were eleven, they are a tight, united group and it's difficult to let a stranger, notwithstanding who that stranger is, into the fold and, on top of that, accept the fact that he gets special treatment. But Alexei is proving to be humble and understanding enough that they are not resenting him and that's more than I was hoping for."

Michael sighed, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "We can't let them isolate him, Vladimir. Keep an eye on things and let me know if anything changes."

Vladimir nodded slowly, although, deep inside, he knew that it was hopeless trying to force a different outcome. He could observe, and report what he saw, but he felt that intervening would do more harm than good. Alexei seemed to have things under control and had more strength and character than most people gave him credit for.

A knock on the door startled them both. Vladimir saw Tata's head peek through the opening. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought Uncle Misha was alone."

Grand Duke Michael rose, a warm smile gracing his lips. "No worries, Tata. Come in, come in. I was just finishing up with Vladimir here." He clasped Vladimir's hand in a firm grip. "I'm afraid I've kept you from your other duties. Tata has been quite eager for her French lesson, hasn't she?"

Tata's cheeks flushed crimson, a familiar reaction whenever her lessons were mentioned. The mood in the room shifted subtly. Vladimir couldn't pinpoint it, but a sense of unspoken understanding hung between Michael and his stepdaughter, leaving him feeling like an outsider peering into a closed world.

"Indeed," Vladimir replied, forcing a neutral tone. "Shall we take our leave, Your Highness?"

With a curt nod, Grand Duke Michael walked them to the door. Tata scurried past him, casting another nervous glance back at Vladimir before disappearing down the hallway.

Vladimir lingered for a moment, the unspoken tension hanging heavy. "We'll keep in touch," he finally said, a tight smile on his lips.