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

Horses

Natalia

Although most people saw royals as a thing of the past and they were standing in the very city that had sent their Royal Family and aristocrats to the Guillotine in order to make way for progress, it was also a fact that there was still some allure and even fascination about them. The title of Grand Duke still held some weight within certain circles in Paris, which was probably why Natalia's father had been able to rent the Hippodrome de Longchamp for Dmitri to practice horse jumping before the Olympics.

The Hippodrome was close enough to their home that they could have walked there if they wished, but only Dmitri had any inclination to do so. Since arriving in Paris, he had spent most of his days at the arena, devoted entirely to his training. Natalia, however, stayed away from it like the plague. While Dmitri's love for horses was boundless, Natalia had avoided them her entire life—and not without reason.

To Natalia, horses were like oversized, unpredictable machines with an unnerving habit of breathing directly in your face. Their sheer size was intimidating enough, but their moods truly unsettled her. A horse could look serene one moment, only to snort loudly or flick its tail at you in a way that suggested it held some grudge. Then there was the smell—a mix of hay, sweat, and manure that seemed to cling to anyone who dared get close.

Beyond that, the whole culture surrounding them baffled her. Dmitri could talk about breeds and tack for hours in a way that Natalia found incomprehensible. Why spend so much time grooming an animal that would inevitably roll in the mud the second it was left unattended? And the idea of riding one—perching atop a living, breathing creature with a mind of its own—felt more like a gamble than a sport.

So, while Dmitri spent his days leaping hurdles at the Hippodrome, Natalia happily stayed away, preferring the much more refined art of finding the perfect dresses for the parties and receptions surrounding the grand event of the season in Paris.

Still, on that particular day, her father had been adamant that Natalia, Vladimir and their mother should go to the damn place to watch Dmitri's final practice before the opening ceremony that would take place in two days. Irina, whose stomach was so enormous now she could barely walk two steps without having to sit down, was able to get away. It was possibly the only good thing that had resulted from her pregnancy.

None of them was particularly excited at the prospect of getting their feet dirty with that delightful mixture of mure and manure, but they also couldn't avoid it forever, so, with reluctant sighs and tightly buttoned shoes, off they went.

The air in the Hippodrome smelled of leather and damp hay, mingled with that unmistakable barnyard aroma that no amount of distance or holding one's breath could escape. The arena itself was full of obstacles—painted poles and tall hedges arranged in neat rows—like an elaborate playground for horses and the brave (or foolish) people who rode them.

Natalia perched on the edge of her seat, trying to make sense of what was unfolding before her. The horses thundered across the arena as their hooves pounded against the dirt. The riders leaned forward, shouting commands in a language that seemed only partially human. It was all very energetic and chaotic, and Natalia couldn't quite decide whether she found it impressive or maddening.

Then there was Dmitri. Her brother was in his element, seated tall and graceful on his horse, navigating the course with an effortless precision that even Natalia couldn't ignore. He looked fluid and commanding as he soared over the jumps like he wasn't riding an unpredictable beast but rather pulling the strings on an extension of himself. As someone who could not even stand near a horse without feeling her stomach turning, she did find it somewhat impressive and clapped enthusiastically as he jumped over each obstacle.