The Tsar's Wife

Unspoken thoughts

Alexei anxiously paced his father's office, trying to calm his growing nerves. They had just received terrifying news, and Alexei feared for his family, and for Olive. It was official, they were leaving for the War Front. And they were leaving in less than three days, for three months straight with limited contact to their family. Alexei didn't honestly want to go, but he knew he had to. They might be able to prove to the Germans Alexei was perfectly healthy and in the position to rule, putting an end to this dispute.

They had all feared war would come for months on end, but so far it hadn't. They needed to settle this conflict before it could grow to war. If Russia went to war, so many things in their lives would be affected. Alexei wouldn't be able to become Tsar with a war going on, it would lead to chaos and many lives would probably be lost, seeing how that was the whole issue at hand. Alexei felt sick, knowing he would have to leave everyone besides his father for a while. Whenever he would go with his father to the front when he was younger, he had felt so brave, like a real soldier. Now, he couldn't feel more weak.

Nicholas stepped into the room, hid eyes fixated on Alexei. Alexei snapped his head up, standing at attention. He couldn't let Nicholas know he was scared, though he was sure it was plain on his face. Nicholas slowly walked over to the desk in the middle of the room, not looking at Alexei anymore. Alexei could almost feel his father's anxiety for his family, which anyone else wouldn't notice. "Alexei, go clean up for dinner. I'll be at supper tonight. " Nicholas ordered, quite strictly. Alexei nodded, trying not to show his surprise for his father's frank order. "Yes, Father. "He said, slipping out the door.

Alexei walked through the dark hall, his eyes focused straight ahead. His head needed clearing, and any other time he would go out to the balcony or gardens, but he feared Olive would be outside, and he couldn't face her. Not now. Sadly, speak of the devil, Olive came bounding down the corridor, her face blank. Alexei thought about heading down another side hall, and waiting until she passed but he knew that would be too cruel. Olive looked up, spotting Alexei. She didn't smile, as she usually did when she saw him, but furrowed her eyebrows. Alexei hoped his feelings weren't showing on his face, he was bad at hiding his feelings, especially in front of Olive.

  "Hello, Olive." Alexei greeted as he inclined his head in a small bow. Olive looked at him as though he had said something rude, studying him slowly. "Hello,Alexei. Will you be joining us for dinner?" Olive asked, looking into his eyes. Alexei felt his heart pounding, knowing what was awaiting for them all at dinner. "Yes, Father and I both tonight. " Alexei said, swallowing and nodding the best he could. Olive nodded, biting her lip in thought. Alexei knew she was suspicious of him, she probably didn't think it was about the front either. Olive finally narrowed her eyes and nodded, straightening her shoulders. "Very well, now when are you going to stop acting like I'm a stranger? " Olive asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alexei swallowed, and knew his cheeks were burning. "I'm sorry, Love. There is just a lot going on at the moment. " Alexei said, knowing there was no use denying it. Olive could see right through him, they were close enough. Olive didn't look angry or upset now, she just looked concerned. "You can always talk to me, Alexei. I've told you this." She said, taking a tentative step forwards. Alexei nodded, although he wouldn't tell her until tonight at dinner. He wasn't scared she would tell, or at least verbally. He knew his family would be able to tell something was wrong, they always could. Alexei quickly pulled Olive close to him,embracing her in the middle of the dark hallway.

Olive gave a gasp of surprise, but then slowly held him back. "Alexei....?" She questioned, but still held him. Alexei buried his head in her fire red hair, wanting to remember the feeling as best as he could. He wouldn't get to hold her again for the next three months, which didn't sound like long but he knew he would miss her more than anything else. "I love you. "He said, still hidden. Olive loosened up a bit, and Alexei knew she was wondering what was wrong. " I love you too, but what is this all about? " She asked, a gentle but prodding tone to her voice. Alexei pulled back, and it took all his willpower not to tell her he was leaving, and he simply bit his lip. "I'll be in for supper, I have to go for now." He said quickly, and he could almost feel Olive's curiosity. "Alright... Goodbye." She said, stepping back to let Alexei pass. Alexei nodded, desperately trying not to run up to his bedroom.

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Nicholas would tell everyone the were going to leave at supper, right before they ate. Alexei took his place at the head of the table beside Nicholas, as he always did. Olive and him were separated by Maria, who sat in the middle of them. Alexei couldn't eat, but took small bites when he thought someone might have been watching, he had to look brave, even if he didn't feel it. Olive was talking with Tatiana, since Olga no longer lived with them. She visited often, though she had moved out three short days after her wedding. Anastasia was trying to steal a protesting Maria's food, which wasn't an unusual scene. The little pair always found something to scuffle over, though nothing was ever serious.

   Nicholas stood, and Alexei knew he was about to announce the grave news, and he stood with him. He sensed the questions on everyone's faces, but the look of pure terror in his mother's face stood out. She knew about the front, she always was scared Alexei would hurt himself somehow, even though he was older now. All it could take was one bump in the wrong place, one bump could end his life. "My dearly loved Family, I am afraid I have some distressing news regarding myself and Alexei." Nicholas said, his voice booming in the silent room. Alexei watched as Olive's face flashed with realization, her hand reaching up to cover a gasp. Alexei looked down, he couldn't bear to see the looks on their faces.

"We will be leaving for the War Front, for three months to meet with the Germans for political reasons. We go in three days." He said, quietly sitting down. Alexei quietly sat down, he could hear Maria crying silently beside him, as she always did. She was very close to their father, not seeing him for three months would be distressing. "Papa! You can't!" She cried, her hands covering her face. Nicholas's face was pale, Alexei knew how much this was hurting him. "I'm sorry, Maria. I have too dushka." He said, and Alexei sensed him getting close to tears.

Olive was looking down at the table, her face a deadpan. Alexei knew he would miss her every day, he missed her already and he hadn't even left yet. Tatiana and Anastasia looked dazed, their mouths hanging open in shock. They never cried, especially Anastasia. The gloomy attitude of the room was too much for him, he stood up and left, ignoring everyone's shouts and cries for him to come back.

Sorry for the short chapter!!! Plot development yay!!! Big things are coming up!! (Wink, wink). I was listening to Jack Avery's Say you won't let go while writing this, so sorry for the mushiness in the middle. The video is amazing!!! Alexei was kind of a brat, he slapped that one kid then wiped his hand! Lol. Alexei Romanov: Savage since 1904. Mental help needed, lol.