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

Goodbye

Natalia entered the drawing room, the warmth inside wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. It was already dark outside, and the faint snowfall, visible through the large windows, seemed to soften the edges of the world beyond. Inside, the room was bathed in the soft glow of the candlelight, casting a gentle, golden hue over the polished wood floors. The air was filled with the scent of burning wood from the fireplace, mingling with the faint aroma of pine from the evergreen branches arranged on the mantel.

Her steps were hesitant as she approached Alexei, who stood by the fireplace, engaged in deep conversation with Vladimir. The fire's glow highlighted the healthy colour in his cheeks and the broadness of his shoulders under the green uniform of a Colonel of the Guards. The uniform, bestowed upon him on his eighteenth birthday, suited him perfectly now, accentuating his regained strength and maturity. Natalia's heart swelled with a mix of pride and relief at the sight of him looking so much fuller and healthier than before.

It had been two years since his last haemophilia attack, and while most people celebrated this milestone with optimism, those close to Alexei, like Natalia, knew better than to fully relax. As Alexei turned and caught sight of her, his expression softened instantly, and a warm, heartening smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled with life, a sight that filled Natalia with a quiet hope. 

When he reached her, Alexei pulled her into a familiar embrace, and she could feel the solid warmth of his body through the thick fabric of his uniform. It was a reassuring reminder of his improved condition. "I told you that you didn't need to come."

Alexei's teasing smile widened, his voice light and playful as he responded, "And since when do you tell me what to do?"

Alexei's playful tone was met with a raised eyebrow from Natalia, who couldn't help but roll her eyes at his confidence. "You think very highly of yourself, don't you?" she asked with a hint of amusement in her voice.

A mischievous grin played across Alexei's lips as he shrugged. "I just know you too well," he replied, causing Natalia to shake her head in mock exasperation.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of Vladimir clearing his throat from the other side of the room. Both Alexei and Natalia turned to look at him, their annoyance palpable. They had forgotten he was there at all.

"Maybe you'd like to stay for dinner, Alexei?" Vladimir piped up, stepping closer to them. "I'm sure my parents would be delighted to see you."

Alexei nodded graciously. "That sounds like a lovely idea if I'm not too much of a nuisance."

"Not in the least," Vladimir reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, do you want me to show you that first edition of Pushkin's poems I discovered last week? It's quite impressive."

While Vladimir seemed excited by the prospect, Natalia looked less than thrilled at the thought of being left alone with her brother and Alexei. She shot him a disapproving frown, but before she could speak up, Alexei interjected with a slightly terrified expression on his face.

"I appreciate the offer," he started tentatively, "but I think I'll pass on the library tour."

Natalia couldn't hold back a small smile at his discomfort. "I don't blame you," she chimed in. "Why don't we take a walk outside instead?"

The idea of stepping out into the crisp night air appealed to her, offering a brief escape from the confines of the room. She could almost feel the cold, invigorating air on her skin, a welcome contrast to the warm, heavy atmosphere inside. Without giving Vladimir a chance to object or persuade them otherwise, Natalia smoothly took Alexei's arm, her grip firm yet light, and began to guide him toward the door.