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

The Opening Ceremony

4 May 1924

The evening of the opening ceremony arrived, and despite the fact that she didn't particularly enjoy watching or playing sports, it was impossible for Natalia not to feel the contagious energy around the city. Every street had been decorated with flags from all the nations participating, and dancing and singing were performed well into the late hours of the evening. Their neighbours at Boulogne had even insisted on throwing a street party in honour of her brother Dmitri, for which they closed the street and laid a great table. It was supposed to last only for lunch, but everyone was having such a good time that it lasted until well past dinner time.

While the street party had been a warm and friendly show of neighbouring support, the opening ceremony showed the real scale of what Dmitri was going to be a part of. When Natalia arrived at the stadium, accompanied by her parents, Vladimir and Feodor, the atmosphere was as expectant as it was chaotic while everyone settled into their seats. There was the hum of hundreds of different conversations across the stands, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional call from vendors weaving through the aisles. Flags of every imaginable colour fluttered in the evening breeze, held high by enthusiastic spectators dressed in their nation's colours.

Natalia made their way to the special tribune, reserved for the most distinguished guests of the ceremony, and took a seat next to Vladimir, who was given the task of distracting Feodor for the length of the ceremony. Her brother-in-law was feeling uneasy about leaving Irina behind for the first time since they arrived in Paris, especially because she was feeling exhausted and uncomfortable when they left the house, but Dmitri had promised that the opening ceremony was the was event - other than his own participation - that they really couldn't miss, and so now here they all were.

From where she was sitting, Natalia got a glimpse of the Prince of Wales, possibly the most anticipated guest of all. Five years after Queen Marie left Paris at her feet during the Versailles Peace Conference, it was the future King of England whom everyone wanted to see and talk to. Natalia found him rather short, but he was undeniably handsome, and something about his presence and charisma was indeed magnetic.

Just a few minutes after Natalia and her family settled in, she spotted Grand Duke Michael arriving arm-in-arm with his wife while George and Tata followed along. Although Natalia didn't find Tata's mother particularly enjoyable as a person - and even held somewhat of a grunge over way because of the dismissive way she treated Tata - she had to admit that she was one of the most beautiful and fashionable women she had ever seen. With her emerald eyes and perfectly symmetrical face, she had the power to make every head turn in her direction.

Tata's brother, George, was now almost fifteen and looked every bit like the awkward teenager that he was. His posture was still very slumped, and his face was stuck in the phase where it was trying its very hardest to develop a jawline but was reluctant about letting go of his round baby cheeks. To make matters worse, he was trying to grow a pencil moustache, and the attempt left his upper lip looking as if someone was trying to install a ragged carpet and forgot to finish the job halfway through it. Still, even if his grooming choices were questionable, there was no doubt that he was the spitting image of his father, and everyone around him hoped that he would eventually turn out as dashing as the Grand Duke.

He also happened to be in that insufferable stage where he thought he already knew everything about life and wouldn't take advice on anything. Tata often complained to Natalia that the fact that he had always been spoiled rotten by both of his parents wasn't helping her deal with him, and life at the Winter Palace was becoming a living hell.

Once Tata arrived at her side, Natalia held her for a moment and then forced Vladimir to switch seats so she could sit next to her friend.

"How's Irishka?" Tata asked as soon as she was settled.