The Last Romanovs

Ch-1:- The Groom

I let out a long-held breath as Father Yanishev pronounced us man and wife. Alicky turned to me, as classical Mozart music played. She truly looked ravishing in her sheer white gown, crowned with the traditional Romanov crown, wearing the imperial mantle. Her hands were adorned with Catherine the Great's rings, and she wore a heavy gold necklace around her neck. Her face was demurely covered with a gauzy silk veil, through which she glanced at me expectantly.

I looked back at her, nonplussed. Then, I remembered that we, the newlyweds were to lead the dance. I took her hand, and we headed out to the dance floor. Slowly, gently, we eased into a classical ballet, to general applause. Looking at Alicky, I knew that my hasty decision to marry her so soon after Father's death was not one I would regret later. People, even my own family, thought me cold-hearted and reckless, not to mention indecent, for my desperation to marry her.

They thought that I did not mourn my father, but merely sought to gather power and further the Russian Empire, our legacy. I do not know how to make them understand that God, I mourned my father, I felt his loss bite deep into my soul, and marrying Alicky, the woman I loved was my only solace from the grief shadowing me day after day, hour after hour. Alicky will be my Tsarina, govern Russia along with me, she shall be my hope, my support, my love...

I came back to Earth as a hand gently tapped on my shoulder. I looked down at Ernst, my brother-in-law, who wanted to dance with his sister. I gave in to his wish, bowing courteously, and walked across the room to ask a dance of Mother, who was waltzing with Michael. I gathered my thoughts and courage before approaching her, for she had an aura of power surrounding her, a way of making me feel like a child about to be scolded.

I went to her slowly, still, she responded to my touch instantly. As I took her in my arms, she was silent. After a few minutes of tense silence, she asked, 'Are you happy, Nikolai? With your exotic wife?' Her eyes penetrated deep into mine as I replied 'She is all I dreamed of, mother.' It was an open secret that Mother disapproved of Alexandra, I am resolute that I will change her view. She nodded curtly, as the song ended.

After that, the next few hours were a blur, as I danced and smiled and socialized, as regally as I could, among the Russian elite, all seeking favors from me, their Tsar. Alicky is a breath of fresh air, as I finally melt into her arms in the last song before the feast, for she loves me for who I am, not a glorified fantasy of Tsar Nicholas II.

I feel uncomfortable with all this idolatry, and it must have shown on my face, as Alexandra asked 'Nicky, are you all right?' I nodded, noting her use of my nickname. But, I was worried, for she seemed exhausted. 'Alicky?' I queried, 'What is the matter?' She sighed, and replied, 'Nothing. I'm just adjusting.' 'Oh.' I exhaled. 'Don't worry, you'll be fine. Once everyone realizes your agreeable nature, they'll accept you.' Alicky looked unsure, but nodded nevertheless.

I squeezed her hand reassuringly as the song faded, and we entered the dining hall for the feast. It was truly luxurious, ostentatious in every way. People thronged the hall's every nook and cranny, prostrating themselves as I entered, Alicky on my arm. I saluted them awkwardly, feeling the weight of my new office already.

Course after course of delicacies graced the long tables. I ate sparingly, occasionally feeding Alicky morsels of food, earning the Court's applause, and my mother's obvious disapproval, making Alicky blush. 'Nicky!' she whispered reprovingly, glancing at my mother, who was staring daggers at her. I raised my eyebrows, inching closer to Alicky, and pecking her on the cheek. Mother's face darkened as I winked at her.

Quite unmindful of this drama at our table, the herald called a halt to the celebrations for the day. Following tradition, I rose to make the official end-of-the-day speech 'Fellow Russians! I thank you with all my heart for being present here on this monumental day, the reincarnation of my life. It is my sincere hope that our union heralds a new era of Russian progress. Ladies and gentlemen, before we depart for our beds, I would like to propose a toast.' I paused, an expectant pause in the air, turning to Alicky, looking her directly in the eye. 'To Alexandra! '

The whole hall excitedly chorused 'Tsarina Alexandra!' Alicky rose, and curtsied gracefully. I hoped fervently that this goodwill would last, for Alicky was a very gentle and kind person, though she was terribly shy. She worried about her acceptance in Russian circles, I knew. Well, she will be fine, I thought. I shall take care of that, I promised the both of us silently.