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

Out of the Classroom

Vladimir's eyes followed Natalia and Alexei as they glided gracefully across the dancefloor, their laughter and animated conversation filling the room. According to societal expectations and traditional protocol, Alexei should have been dancing with his sister Anastasia. But instead, he had boldly approached Natalia, whisking her away from Dmitri Alexandrovich's grasp and leading her into a lively dance.

He couldn't help but notice the curious glances from those around them, including Anastasia herself, who observed from a nearby corner with a mix of surprise and interest in her gaze. The air was thick with tension and unspoken questions, adding an electric energy to the already vibrant atmosphere of the ballroom.

It was strange that he had not seen it before when it seemed so blatantly obvious now. Perhaps it was because they were all so young when Grand Duke Michael approached Vladimir and his father with the idea of introducing Irina and Natalia to him. At the time, he had thought their influence would benefit him - two young Princesses who had grown up outside of Russia, exposed to a different world yet still rooted in Russian culture and with a deep understanding of the social rules surrounding the Imperial Family. They could show Alexei a different perspective while respecting and understanding his position as Tsar. It had seemed ideal at the time.

Vladimir did the math quickly. Alexei had been thirteen, Natalia not yet twelve. It was innocent enough when they had first thought of it, but he now realized that no one had thought of the long-term consequences of their proximity.

"Are you not planning on dancing tonight, Monsieur le Professeur?"

Vladimir turned to find Tata standing behind him. She wore emerald green, a gown that clung to her figure with a modern audacity. Its shimmering fabric caught the soft glow of the chandeliers, casting a verdant sheen upon her skin. The daring cut flattered her curves, and she carried the ensemble with an effortless confidence. Her dark hair and eyes contrasted sharply against the vibrant colour. For a moment, Vladimir couldn't believe this was the same girl he had spent the last year tutoring. He had to shake himself back to reality before responding to her presence.

"In a moment, Tata," he replied, his voice a touch formal. His mind was still grappling with the complexities of his situation.

"You look rather dashing tonight, if I may say so," she murmured, her voice, smooth and melodic, carrying a hint of amusement as she spoke. Her lips curved into a subtle smile, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that made his heart race. A flicker of something unspoken passed between them, but Vladimir dismissed it as his own imagination running wild.

He cleared his throat, the sound echoing through the quiet evening air. Struggling to find words to respond, he shifted his weight and avoided her gaze. It didn't seem appropriate to return the compliment, given his position as her tutor. "Thank you," he finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

They watched the couples swirling around the dancefloor for a little while, in a electricity-filled silence. To Vladimir's relief, Alexei and Natalia had already moved on to different partners. He was now happily spinning around with his sister Anastasia, while Natalia had caught the eye of one of the Vorontsov-Dashkov brothers.

"It's a beautiful evening, isn't it?" she remarked, breaking the silence between them.

"Yes, splendid," he agreed, trying to appear casual despite the fact that his heart was racing. There was something different about her tonight, something that stirred unfamiliar feelings within him.

He had known her for so many years since she had been little more than a child, that his mind was struggling with the fact that she had suddenly become a woman. A very attractive woman, if he had to be honest, much like her mother. She was not as tall as others her age, but she had a way of carrying herself that made her stand out. It was a quiet strength Vladimir knew she had inherited from the frequent clashes with her mother and governesses, a fire that burned deep within her that was impossible to contain.

It was the Russian soul she had in her, Vladimir had thought many times. There were glimpses of it in the high society circles he walked on, but he had never seen it as clearly as when he looked at Tata's eyes. After all, she had been born in a traditional Moscow family, not in the glittering palaces of Saint Petersburg. She might lack some confidence in her intellectual abilities, but she had plenty of it in herself and she showed it with increasing clarity

"You're staring, Vladimir," she purred, her voice low and seductive. "Is there something you want to say?"

A thrill ran through him at the sound of her voice, sending shivers down his spine. Her words were a direct challenge, daring him to reveal his thoughts and desires.

He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "Why are you acting so peculiar tonight, Tata?" he asked, trying to maintain a semblance of composure.

She shrugged indifferently, taking a step closer. The delicate scent of her floral perfume enveloped him, making him feel dizzy and lightheaded. "It's just a little game," she said with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "We don't have to be so formal here. After all, this isn't a classroom."

Her words had an intoxicating effect on him, stirring up a mix of curiosity and desire. He felt like he was on the edge of something unknown yet enticing.

"Tata," he started, his voice coming out rougher than intended. "I must remind you that even outside of the classroom, certain boundaries should still be respected."

A sly smile tugged at her lips, her eyes challenging him. She stepped even closer now, her lips brushing against his ear as she spoke, causing his breath to hitch in his throat. "Are you going to scold me, Vladimir?" she purred seductively.

Vladimir was overcome with desire so intense it bordered on pain. A floodgate had opened within him, unleashing a torrent of longing that he hadn't felt in years. His body betrayed him with uncontrollable reactions - shallow breaths, racing pulse, and an all-consuming heat that left him burning with need. For a blissful moment, he forgot where he was - in the middle of a grand ballroom - and who she was - Tata, his sister's friend and his pupil.

His mind raced, struggling to process the overwhelming rush of emotions coursing through him. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless. His throat felt parched, his tongue thick and heavy. He was completely captivated.

Tata seemed to relish in his disorientation. A playful spark danced in her eyes as she took a step back, creating a safe distance between them. "Oh, and by the way, you can call me Natalia," she said with a coy smile. "Tata sounds a bit childish, don't you think?"

With that, she turned and sauntered away, leaving Vladimir standing alone in the middle of the ballroom, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions. He watched her retreating figure, feeling both relieved and disappointed. For now, he was safe from temptation, but the fire she had ignited within him still burned strong.