The Romanov Diary

Chapter twenty

May 24, 1918

The four Russian princesses are gathered around the table in the dining room as the sun rises and shines upon Siberia. They barely slept last night. They had so much to catch up on and the feelings of relief and happiness kept them awake. They continue to chat as they wait for breakfast to come. Alexandra, Nicholas and Alexei enter the room. The three of them share a bedroom, just like they did in Tobolsk and so do the girls.

Alexandra stumbles in with a stick in her right hand for support, holding Nicholas' arm with her left. Alexei can't walk on his own at all anymore, so Nicholas carries him inside and puts him down on the chair next to Maria. Alexandra sits between Nicholas and Alexei and Nicholas sits next to Anastasia. This is the happiest they've been in a long while.

Even though their freedom is very limited and they have to follow strict rules, they have each other. The Ipatiev House is much different from the Governor's House. The soldiers have to follow them around everywhere, even escort them to the bathrooms. The only times they are out of sights are in their bedroom, but soldiers can stumble inside to make sure they aren't up to something at any time. They're also allowed to frequently search their rooms, take food from their plates and the soldiers often sexualize the beautiful girls by standing so close to them in the hallways that the girls have to press themselves against the wall to move past them, not to mention the looks the soldiers give them.

Ella and Ophelia walk in with breakfast, escorted by Theo and Ivan. Milo's already in the room watching over the family. As Theo walks in and stands against the wall, Milo looks at his friend. But he doesn't meet his gaze, because Theo's attention lies elsewhere. Milo follows his eyes, leading to Maria. They look at each other and blush with a far more sensual expression than they had in Tobolsk.

Did something happen between them over these past few weeks together?

Alexandra seems to notice this as well, because she nudges Maria's foot with hers to get her attention. Theo looks away and sees Milo. He smiles awkwardly, but Milo doesn't smile back. Ella and Ophelia leave the room and the family starts to eat after praying.

"Girls, I just want to say how proud I am of you. I was worried that our absence would make it difficult for you, but after hearing how well you handled the situation, I'm very proud to be your father." Nicholas says and looks at his daughters.

Tatiana straightens her back, looking like a real princess at her seat. Olga smiles, but her thoughts about the future haven't left her mind. Anastasia and Maria look at each other, happy to be reunited.

"Remember the rules and we will be fine. This will all be over soon." Alexandra smiles.

Anastasia looks at the windows, longing for a sight of the outside world.

"Will we get to leave the house for any services in the church?" Olga asks and takes a sip of her tea.

Nicholas takes a deep breath. "No dear, we won't. We can under no circumstances leave the house."

"But that's so unfair! The least thing they can do is to let us visit church."

"Olga, calm down." Alexandra raises her voice. "This won't last forever."

"Mama, I don't like our new guards. I want the old ones back." Alexei complains.

"I want to see through the windows!" Anastasia too whines about their new rules.

Alexandra and Nicholas go through the house rules once more as Maria joins the argument, wanting more hours outside. Tatiana sits quietly, staying outside of the discussion. As much as they've missed each other, being crumbled into a much smaller house than they're used to and being forced to stay in isolation sometimes makes them cross each other's borders and nerves.