The Romanov Diary

Chapter seventeen

April 28, 1918

Nicholas, Alexandra and Maria sit in a small compartment on a train taking them to their new destination. Everything happened so fast. They hardly had time to pack or give a proper goodbye to the rest of the family. They were hoping to be taken to Moscow for a trial, but their prayers aren't enough. After the boat ride they bordered the train. No tears, no weeping, no anger. They were silent through most of the journey. Nicholas, just like Tatiana, usually keeps his feelings to himself and his personal thoughts are a place with very hard access. But Alexandra and Maria are different. They might have stayed quiet, but their faces and eyes speak for themselves. They're terrified.

The train picks up normal citizens on its way through Siberia, and the three imperial family members are not allowed to leave their part of the train. 100 guards followed them, making sure they behave. The journey is icing cold, utterly boring and they all worry for their family back at Tobolsk.

Ophelia travels together with the former czar and czarina and their daughter, while Theo stumbles around the unsteady wagons with the other soldiers. Ophelia tries to ease their inner pain as much as she can by calming them, bringing in tea with honey and distracting them from their thoughts. But as much as she wants them to stay calm, she too worries about her life, and her friends. She didn't get the chance to say goodbye to Milo and Ella, and neither did Theo.

When the train finally slows down and stops after a three days long journey, reality strikes them and brings them back from their haunting thoughts. Maria peaks out through the curtains and looks at the world outside.

They're not in Moscow.

Nicholas takes a deep and heavy breath and stands up. Without his imperial badgers on his uniform, he looks like an ordinary soldier, which sort of is what he is now. Alexandra's black dress would be rather fitting for a funeral, for it spreads melancholy and darkness around her. Maria, Nicholas and Alexandra are being led out by Theo and the other soldiers. Theo sneaks in a comforting smile to the ex-emperor and sees his fear on those blue eyes. Maria is on the verge of years again.

The sun shines upon their faces and touches their skin. It kisses them everywhere, from their stretch marks to the thinnest hair on their heads. The aura in this new city is much different from the hospitality and czar-friendly Tobolsk. The few people walking past them seem uninterested, and those who car spits on the ground by their feet.

A car waits for them by the station, ready to take them to their new home.

Their new prison.

Ophelia steps outside together with two soldiers. Bolsheviks are standing around the station, telling them what to do. These are not as friendly as those who followed them from Tobolsk. They are all advised to step inside the cars and after a few minutes, the wheels begin to roll and the train station disappears behind them. The drive feels much longer than it is. They've come to a completely new city and they have no idea where they are. Alexandra turns to her husband and looks into his Romanov eyes.

"Nicky, where are we?"

"I don't know." Nicholas says quietly and takes his wife's and daughter's hands.

Maria sits to Nicholas' right in the backseat, looking out the window. Once again, she sees a Russia that she has been longing for to see for her whole life. Ordinary people, horses, markets and children come to view. And even though the grand duchess is terrified, the sight of a normal and calm city brings her inner peace. This place is a lot bigger than Tobolsk, and it must be one of the bigger cities in the country.

She misses her siblings dearly, but she knows that following her parents was the right decision. They would go insane without any contact with their children, and her simple presence could perhaps help. Especially Alexandra, who's a very nervous and stressed woman, would not bear to live without her children. So Maria will try her best to calm her parents down. She just hopes this is temporary, and that her siblings will join them soon.