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

Catching Up

During dinner, Natalia and Alexei sat next to each other, catching up after their long time apart. Alexei, who had taken off his coat and seemed more relaxed, leaned in to speak quietly to her.

"So, how's life as a university student?" Natalia asked.

Alexei gave a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. "It's... more than I expected, honestly. I thought it would be easier-just attending lectures and doing the work. But it's exhausting. The workload is heavier than I imagined. And the professors, they don't exactly go easy on you just because of who you are." He gave a wry smile, though there was no bitterness in it.

Natalia tilted her head. "I can't imagine anyone daring to give the Tsar a hard time," she teased, nudging him with her elbow.

He chuckled. "Oh, they do. Trust me. It's as if they want to prove something like they're in some sort of competition to see who gives me the least special treatment." He paused, then added with a more serious tone, "But it's been good for me. Keeps me grounded."

Natalia nodded, listening closely. She could see a new kind of weight in Alexei's words that wasn't there the last time they had spoken. "Do you enjoy it, though?"

"I do," he admitted, after a brief hesitation. "I've learned so many things-politics, history, economics. But the time it takes... Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it. Especially with my uncle dragging me to every cabinet meeting now., where I actually see these things happening before my eyes, not just in theory."

"So Uncle Misha is still committed to having you involved."

Alexei smiled faintly. "More than involved. He takes me to every meeting, and talks to me about every decision. He says I need to be prepared for... well, everything. It's overwhelming sometimes, but I know he's right. And I've started attending the Duma discussions at least once a week. It's interesting to watch the debates, and see how the ministers argue over every detail. It's like a whole other world."

"Do you enjoy the politics?" Natalia asked, curious. "Or is it just... an obligation?"

Alexei paused, considering her question. "I think a bit of both. Something is fascinating about it-how everything connects, how one small decision can ripple through the entire empire. But at the same time... there are days when I feel like I'd rather be doing something simpler."

Natalia smiled sympathetically. "I can't imagine how hard that must be. But you'll get through it, Alexei. You always do."

Alexei gave her a soft look. "It helps, hearing you say that." He glanced around the table, then lowered his voice, leaning closer again. "I just wish I had more time for... other things. Like this. Being here with you, with all of you."

Natalia smiled. "Don't worry, Alexei. Tata and I will make sure you have a good time while you're in Paris."

Alexei raised an eyebrow. "Should I be excited or a little scared by that tone?"

She gave him a playful wink. "Both, maybe."

Alexei shook his head with a smile, but she could tell he was intrigued. She spent dinner feeling a bubbling excitement for the evening ahead, knowing that the real fun was yet to come.

Once it was over and the first guests began to arrive, it was easy to see that they came from all walks of life. The usual aristocratic crowd, including the Órleans family, mixed with artists and performers. Among the arrivals was Isabelle, who, as expected, made a grand entrance. She clung tightly to her new fiancé, making sure to walk directly into Feodor and Irina's line of sight.

But her calculated move didn't have the effect she likely hoped for. Feodor and Irina were engrossed in a quiet, intimate conversation, hardly noticing Isabelle's arrival. If Isabelle had imagined that Feodor would be overcome with regret or perhaps even despair, she was sorely mistaken. When Feodor finally did glance up and see her, he gave her a warm, beaming smile and, with genuine cheer, congratulated her and her fiancé, wishing them all the happiness in the world.