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

A New Start

The morning after the soirée, Irina did not leave her room. Each family member took turns knocking on her door. Natalia was the first, right after they had arrived, and she was followed shortly by Maria. Early in the morning, her mother tried her luck, apologizing for pressuring her to accept Feodor's proposal the year before. Even her father came knocking shortly before lunch, speaking to her patiently about how heartache was an inevitable part of life. He assured her that the worst part—discovering Feodor's engagement—was already over, and that from now on, things would only improve.

Irina listened carefully and was tempted to open the door at times, but she couldn't summon the strength to leave her bed. She knew heartache well. She had felt it when Feodor left for the Crimea, and when she was forced to refuse his proposal despite her deep desire to be with him. But this time, it was different. Before, there had been hope; it was all a matter of time. If he waited for her, if she completed her education, then maybe, just maybe, they could be together. But the finality of his engagement to someone else was unbearable. She knew her father must understand; after all, he had endured much worse when he lost his first wife. Perhaps that was why he eventually went away and left her alone with her thoughts.

She would get over it eventually—of that, she was sure. She just didn't know when.

As the day waned, Irina cried herself into a deep sleep. When she finally awoke, she felt a slight relief in her chest, though her head still felt heavy. Looking to her side, she saw Natalia, sleeping in a chair next to her bed. A tray with a pot of cold tea and some biscuits sat on her nightstand. Her sister must have brought them earlier. Irina smiled faintly and reached out to hold her sister's hand. Natalia immediately opened her eyes and sat up straight.

"Feeling better?" she asked, a worried expression on her face.

Irina shrugged and reached for a biscuit, attempting to smile. "Not yet. But I will be. I promise."

Natalia moved from the chair to sit beside Irina on the bed. They held each other tightly, sitting in silence for a while.

"This is why I'll never fall in love," Natalia declared. "Everyone just suffers for no reason. If I ever see Feodor again, I swear I'll punch him. Papa said he wouldn't punish me if I did."

Irina smiled and brushed a lock of hair out of her sister's face. "You will fall in love, Natasha. And you will love every bit of it. At least I did... until now."

Natalia squeezed her even tighter when she saw another tear escape down her sister's cheek. "It doesn't matter. I just want to find Feodor and hurt him. And Isabelle too. I'd tie them to a post and set them on fire for making you feel like this. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my days in Siberia for it."

Irina laughed for the first time in days. Only Natalia could have made her feel better in such a moment.

"Thank you, Natasha. But, although that image does sound tempting, I'd rather you stay here with me. Siberia is too far away, and it's awfully cold this time of year. Or so I've heard."

They concluded that a life sentence in Siberia wouldn't be the best outcome, but they found amusement in imagining various dark fates for Feodor and Isabelle. It was a silly game, but it distracted Irina from her despair. They played for what felt like hours until they heard what sounded like a fight downstairs.

The sisters exchanged confused glances. They could have sworn they heard their father's voice echoing through the corridors, but since he hardly ever raised his voice, it was hard to tell.

"Something is going on downstairs," Natalia finally said. "Stay here. I'll check and let you know."

Irina nodded as Natalia disappeared behind the bedroom door. She waited, but her sister didn't return. The loud voices continued, and Irina grew increasingly worried. What if something serious was happening to her family? In an instant, she threw on her robe over her nightgown and ran toward the stairs. The scene below froze her in place.