The Last Romanovs

Ch-2:- The Queen

First of all, this chapter is dedicated to sweetladyjane2012 (FictionPress) for her supportive feedback.

Secondly, I have no intention of writing smut at all. So, if smut is your forte, I'm sorry! Actually, I don't know anything about that stuff, because I'm 15 right now, and it would be weird.

So, back to the story...

Alexandra Point of View

As we left for our beds, I felt my earlier anxiety return. There was a mixture of dread and anticipation at the pit of my stomach. I felt very relieved when Nicky forbade the bedding ceremony, citing his love for me as a reason. Anyway, it would have been very awkward for the Russian nobility to strip the royal couple of their garments, and Nicky's request was met with no protests at all.

But, now that the time was here, I felt very unsure and ungainly to perform the 'wifely duty' expected of me. What if Nicky did not feel satisfied with me? His mother was already quite angry at me, though I know not why. I tried so hard to be graceful, ladylike, really, I did, but I'm very hesitant to speak, I think she did not like that.

Fresh dread flowed through me as a very unwelcome thought struck. What if Tsarina Maria sent me away? I agonized over countless possibilities, each grimmer than the last, when I remembered the person who stood over me like a shield. Nicky. Of course, my Nicky would be there for me...

I suddenly laughed, remembering his outrageous behavior earlier at the feast. Nicky turned to me, a smile on his face. 'Something funny?' he asked playfully. I laughed harder as he raised his eyebrows comically. 'That's just ridiculous, Nicholas!' I gasped out, lost in mirth. He looked puzzled.

Suddenly, his face split into a grin. 'Oh, that? Mother won't be pleased, but I'm the Tsar, after all.' At his cavalier attitude, Alix (for I was still Alix in my mind, that light, carefree, girl I tried to bury deep, tried oh so hard to change) resurfaced in me, and I welcomed her, throwing my head back in joy.

In the blink of an eye, my worries vanished, as I felt Nicky's hand holding mine, laughing along. He came to an abrupt halt, opening a door. On a plaque at the door, it was written 'Nikolai Romanov' in gold lettering, and I understood. It was Nicky's bedchamber.

Smiling nervously, I entered behind him. I was shocked, to say the least. The room was austere, having minimal furnishing, with one exception. Next to the pallet cot, there was a huge, lavish bed, obviously new. It was meticulously carved, draped with the finest linen. Needless to say, it stuck out like a sore thumb in the spare, spartan chamber. Nicky looked bashfully at me, 'I had the bed made for you, Alicky.' he explained. I was still wordless with surprise.

As I stood, his face turned uncertain. Finally, I found words and inquired 'Were you not the Tsarevich of Russia?' Confused, he replied 'Of course I was.' Then , awareness dawned on him. 'Ah, right.' He swept his hand to encircle the room. 'My father believed that I should live like the common people do. I quite agreed with him, despite my being his first-born son.' Suddenly, he chuckled. 'You should see my brother's room. He has it worse.'

I understood, and was touched by Nicky's unspoken gesture of affection. 'Nicky' I breathed. 'You are absolutely marvelous.' I melted into his arms as he gently hugged me, cupping my cheeks with a feather light touch. We fell together on the bed, locked in a loving embrace.

I woke to the feel of Nicky gently tucking a coverlet on me, as he quietly left our bedchamber. I opened my eyes to the soft light of early morning.'Nicky!' I called softly, as he walked away from me. He turned, smiling lightly. ' What is the matter?' I asked, for it was the crack of dawn. 'Good morning Alicky.' he replied. 'It's nothing special. I have to sit through a session of the Royal Council.' Coming to me, he kissed me passionately, smirked, and left. I curled up in the bed and shut my eyes. Nicky would definitely take my help when needed, I thought.

Some time later, a knock at my door aroused me from sleep. I slipped a delicate silk wrap around my shoulders and opened the door. A tall, dark-haired young man looked at me diffidently and bowed. It was Michael Alexandrovich, Nicky's younger brother.

Nicholas has requested your presence at the Great Hall for breakfast, Tsarina.' He looked at me again, clad in my nightgown and the silk wrap. 'I will send for your handmaidens.' Impulsively, I put my hand on his arm. He all but jerked back, shocked. 'I'm Alexandra, or sister, whichever you prefer, Michael.' He smiled. 'I'm Misha, sestra.' Sister. I grinned back at him, as he went to call the maids.

Soon after, the handmaidens entered, and attired me most splendidly in a rich gown of velvet and ermine. Michael returned, escorting me to the Hall.

As soon as I entered, Nicky stood. 'Misha, Alicky.' he acknowledged us. 'I just thought that you would like to meet our family over breakfast, Alicky' he stated simply. I nodded, taking my seat at the head of the table next to Nicky.

As he introduced each member of his family to me, I remembered my courtesies, and made small talk with them. My mother-in-law looked reprovingly at me, and I flinched. Instantly, Nicky smiled gently at me, squeezing my hand. I sighed, trying to make sense of the contradiction that was the Romanov family.