October 1907
Nicholas stepped into their private chambers with a quiet exhale, the weight of the day still resting on his shoulders. The cheers of the crowd lingered faintly in his ears, like an echo that refused to fade, even though many hours had passed since the shooting competition had ended.
Beside him, his wife, Alexandra Feodorovna, wasted no time. She moved at once toward her vanity table and gestured for her maid to assist with her gown. Even as she walked, her hands were already reaching for the fastenings.
"It is far too tight," she murmured as her maid worked deftly behind her. A moment later, the fastenings were undone, and the gown loosened at last.
She let out a quiet sigh of relief as she was able to breathe normally again. Then she looked at her husband and said, "I swear, this will be the last time I wear something like this. From now on, I shall wear looser gowns, ones that are comfortable and presentable at the same time."
Nicholas chuckled as he took his seat at the table in their room. "You may wear whatever you wish, my love," he replied. "You would look beautiful in any gown anyway, I am certain of it."
Alexandra narrowed her eyes at her husband as she let the maids continue their work. "You are really certain? You would not look at any other woman besides your wife, hmm?"
"Ahem…" Nicholas cleared his throat as he hastily searched for a proper answer. "Of course, I am certain. When have I ever done otherwise?"
Sensing the danger of the moment, he quickly changed the subject. "In any case, I have decided to allow Alexei to sit in on the ministers' meetings starting next year. What do you think of it, my love?"
At that, Alexandra's eyes widened. She quickly dismissed the maids attending to her once they had finished changing her clothes. When they were gone and confirmed that the two of them were finally alone, she moved swiftly toward her husband.
"When did you decide that on your own?" she asked. "I thought you meant to involve him in such meetings only when he turned fifteen or sixteen. What has changed?"
Nicholas secretly sighed in relief that he had managed to steer his wife away from the topic he had unwittingly walked into. And at the same time, speak of the decision he had made the moment he witnessed the success of the competition his son had organized earlier that day. Of course, he knew it had not been entirely his son's doing that made the event successful. Still, it had been Alexei who conceived the general idea, and from that idea the competition had taken shape in the first place.
Seeing his son bask in the glory of victory earlier stirred something within him, something he had never experienced, and perhaps never could have. To be applauded and admired by soldiers not out of duty, but because they genuinely respected and approved of one's talent… that was something Nicholas knew he had never possessed.
He had been obeyed, certainly, respected, even. But admiration born of ability, something earned rather than inherited, was different. Perhaps it was simply in human nature to long for what one did not have, even when nearly everything had been handed to him by virtue of birth. Still, he could not help but wonder what it might have been like to possess such talent, any talent that could earn him genuine praise.
And as he watched his son stand before the soldiers, accepted so naturally by officers and enlisted men alike, Nicholas realized he no longer needed to wonder what it might have been like to possess such talent himself as he had brought into the world a son who possessed it in abundance. A quiet pride rose within him. He might not have possessed the kind of talent that could earn genuine respect and admiration from the people, but his son did, and for him, that was enough.
That was one of the reasons he had decided to allow his son to sit in on the ministers' meetings next year, to see whether Alexei possessed something exceptional beyond sports and writing.
There was also another reason. His Prime Minister and several ministers had urged him to begin educating his son early, in case anything were to happen to him. Nicholas had been outraged when they first suggested it. Yet, upon reflection, he knew they were right, though he would never admit as much to their faces. Still, the reason he would give, should they ask, would be different. He would say it was because of his son's achievements and evident talents. That alone, he would insist.
"Nicholas!"
He was pulled from his thoughts when his wife shook his arm and called out to him. He offered her a small smile. "I'm sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I suppose I drifted off for a moment, I am rather tired."
He drew a breath before continuing, "In any case, I made the decision while watching our son win the competition and bask in the limelight earlier." He smiled at her more warmly. "I think we should begin preparing him for the throne sooner rather than later. Our son is a genius, after all, none of us can deny that. The sooner he understands what will be expected of him, the better."
He paused briefly before adding, "My Prime Minister and several ministers also believe it would be wise to begin educating him in matters of governance, not only in the military training he is receiving now. Besides, our son is relatively free at the moment. I believe he has reduced most of his hands-on training, keeping only what he does with the Okhrana and in finance. What do you think about my decision, my love?"
Alexandra took a deep breath, looking at her husband intently. It would have been a lie to say she was not angry that he had made such a decision about their son without her consent, but she mastered her emotions. She gave a small nod and asked, "Is that the only reason for your decision, Nicholas?"
"Of course. What else could there be?" Nicholas looked at his wife, puzzled.
Alexandra did not answer immediately. Instead, she quietly considered her husband's decision and concluded that it would not harm their son. In fact, it would help him become more adept at ruling in the future. With that in mind, she chose not to press the matter further, despite her earlier irritation.
She offered him a faint smile before replying, "Very well, then. I think it is a good decision. Just do not give him too much work at first. Let him simply listen when he begins, at least for a few months, so he may become familiar with how things are done."
Nicholas raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. That had been easier than expected. He had thought he would need to say more to convince her, but it seemed she understood the matter well enough. After a moment, he took her hand, smiled warmly, and said, "Of course. I will make sure our son is comfortable during the meetings. Thank you for understanding, my love."
Alexandra returned his smile and gave a small nod. "It is nothing. Just make sure to tell me first before making decisions concerning our son in the future."
Nicholas nodded in return. "Yes, of course. I am sorry. I decided on it rather impulsively and did not think to discuss it with you. Next time, I will be sure to seek your opinion first before deciding anything."
He glanced at the clock on the wall, then turned back to his wife. "Now, I should go and change in the other room. I would like to be in something more comfortable too. I am certain Boris is already waiting for me there."
With that, he began to rise from his seat, only for his wife to reach out and stop him.
"Where are you going, husband? We are not finished yet." Alexandra might have let her husband off regarding his rash decision about their son, but she was not about to let him go so easily without getting something in return.
She had been considering how to raise the matter of his mother, who had been traveling across Europe in search of a suitable bride for their son, as though it were her decision to make. She could not let the moment pass, now that she knew she might be able to persuade her husband to agree with her, especially after she had so readily forgiven him earlier.
The matter of her son's marriage should be left to her and her husband alone, not to distant relatives, nor to his parents. That was why she needed to make it clear to her husband that the decision belonged to them, and to them alone. No one else, not even his mother, should have any say in it.
The Dowager Empress had already sent a telegram announcing that she would arrive before Alexei's birthday next month, and that she would be bringing with her a list of suitable princesses from across Europe. She had been traveling for nearly a year now, and it seemed she had taken her time, determined to make her journey, and her search for a beautiful bride, worthwhile.
Alexandra knew she had to make her stance clear to her husband before his mother, the Dowager Empress, could step in and dictate their son's marriage. She held Nicholas in place and gently but firmly guided him back into his seat before speaking. "Regarding your mother's return, with a list of potential brides for Alexei…"
Nicholas, who had been bracing himself for whatever his wife was about to say, given how serious she had been when she made him sit down, let out a quiet sigh of relief he had not realized he was holding. He did not know why, but he had felt as though he had done something wrong earlier, even if he could not name it. Fortunately, it had only been a feeling. From her first words, he already understood what his wife was concerned about.
He took her hand again, looked her straight in the eye, and smiled with quiet confidence. "I know what you are worried about. I will not let anyone decide Alexei's marriage except you, and, of course, our son himself." He shook his head slightly, his tone firm. "Not even my mother. I promise you that."
Relief washed over Alexandra at once. It felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her chest, and she could not help the slight tears that gathered in her eyes as she looked at her husband. She guided his hand to her heart, then leaned in to kiss him, which he returned just as eagerly. After a deep, breathless moment, she pulled back and said softly, "Thank you, husband. I am glad you understand."
Nicholas smiled at her warmly. "Of course I do. I hope that sets your mind at ease."
She nodded, her expression gentler now.
As he held her, Nicholas could not help but recall his mother's letter. She had written to him with unusual care, even asking that he reassure Alexandra and ease any concerns she might have. She had been quite clear, she had no intention of usurping Alexandra's place or taking away her right to decide their son's future bride. She merely wished to help, to gather and present suitable candidates from across Europe. And, as she had admitted rather candidly, it had also given her a reason to travel again after so many years. He had been rather puzzled as to why his mother had written about it, but it seemed that mystery had now been solved.
Nicholas allowed himself a faint, inward smile. He had not needed to say any of that aloud; it seemed his mother's warning had already earned him a measure of favor in his wife's eyes. He could not help but wonder, with quiet amusement, what reward might await him later that night.
Thank you, Mother, he thought to himself.
—-----
Alexei sat quietly in his room near the hearth, the newly won trophy resting on the table before him. At either side of Alexei's chair lay his wolves, Trevor and Katya, resting but the occasional twitch of their ears was a warning that they are ever listening in their surroundings. Opposite him sat Sednev and Nagorny, both shifting in their seats from time to time and occasionally glancing at the clock on the wall.
He remained still, gazing at the trophy before him and wondering how much it might be worth a hundred years from now. He might not have known much about art and antiques in his first life, but he had at least heard of their value, often reaching millions, especially when the piece was old and crafted by someone renowned.
The base of the trophy was solid and weighty, adorned with intricate engravings that commemorated the shooting competition that had just taken place, with the "1st" standing prominently among them. The cup itself rose elegantly, its curves refined, its surface etched with patterns of rifles that clearly indicated the nature of the competition it represented. Even the handles were crafted with care, more ornamental than functional, meant to be admired, not to be merely held by the champion.
He had gone out of his way for this. He had commissioned the House of Fabergé to design and create it, sparing no expense to ensure it would stand above any ordinary prize. Of course, he had not been able to secure the direct involvement of Peter Carl Fabergé himself. A mere competition trophy, no matter how grand, was not something the famed master would personally attend to. Still, his craftsmen had been more than sufficient.
Alexei's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. It was beautiful, not merely because of the gold, gemstones, and other costly materials, nor even because of the craftsmanship, but because of what it represented. It was the first trophy of the shooting competition, one meant to endure for hundreds of years, or so he hoped. If the empire still stood a decade from now… if he and his family were still alive. He cut the thought short and shook his head, dismissing it at once before turning his gaze toward Sednev.
"What time is it?" he asked. Since the clock faced them, he preferred to ask rather than turn around to look at it, and his pocket watch was still on the table far from his reach.
Sednev looked up from admiring the trophy and glanced at the clock before replying, "It's nine in the evening, Your Highness. Still early, I think."
Alexei nodded, then turned his attention back to the trophy, taking in its details while his interest still held, knowing full well it would likely fade by tomorrow.
He had already begun bringing Sednev and Nagorny along on his nightly excursions into the city a month earlier, and tonight would be no different.
At first, they had been frightened, shocked even, that he had been slipping out of the palace at night. But Alexei had quickly made them understand the situation. He had held them in place and made it clear that if they exposed him, their positions, and their futures would be at risk. Because in truth, their fates were already tied to his. If it were ever discovered that he had managed to slip past their watch and wander the city alone, the Tsar's wrath would fall upon them just as heavily, if not more so, than upon him.
It had taken him a few days after his revelation to convince them to become his accomplices in his nightly excursions. They needed time to process the idea that their Tsarevich had been doing such things behind their backs, and to decide whether they should report it to the Tsar. In the end, after some persuasion and a few not-so-subtle threats, they relented.
Alexei wasted no time then in having them accompany him as he wandered through the city in disguise. Of course, he had not yet told them about his little organization in the city. That would have to be revealed gradually; too much at once might overwhelm them. Besides, he still needed to test their loyalty, to see whether they would truly keep this from the Tsar and anyone else. One step at a time, that was how he intended to proceed.
Now, they would do it again. They were merely waiting for the night to deepen before slipping out through his window. And they did not have to wait long. After two hours of idle conversation, Alexei rose to his feet. "Let's go."
At his words, Nagorny and Sednev exchanged a glance and let out quiet sighs before rising to their feet, waiting for their Tsarevich to move first. Beside Alexei, Trevor and Katya rose in unison as well, stretching lazily.
Seeing that they were all ready, Alexei walked toward the slightly open window. He paused to check the grounds outside for any roaming guards, and when he found none, he looked back and gave a small nod before slipping through. His wolves followed without hesitation, while Sednev and Nagorny came after them, close behind.
Once they were outside the palace grounds, Alexei looked down at his wolves, who gazed back at him, waiting for instructions. He had already given them free rein to hunt whenever they were beyond the walls, and tonight would be no different. They knew the paths out of the city and into the wild, and he had made certain they remembered where to meet him when it was time to return. They did not possess human minds, of course, but they understood his simpler commands well enough.
He reached down and petted them both, taking a moment before withdrawing his hand.
"Go," he said quietly. "And try not to get too dirty."
The wolves bared their teeth in what almost seemed like acknowledgment before turning and bounding off toward the outskirts of the city, vanishing swiftly into the night.
He would have liked to have them accompany him on his nightly excursions in the city, but they were simply too eye-catching. He had no doubt they would draw unwanted attention, a complete contradiction to his desire to travel incognito.
Alexei turned to his companions and said, "We'll take the usual route, then make a detour toward the noble's district. I want to check something there."
Without waiting for a reply, he moved on. His companions fell into step at once, flanking him on either side in a protective formation. He did not truly need their protection, but he allowed it, just for their peace of mind.
They moved along the wide streets outside the palace, keeping to the shadows where the light did not fully reach. Before long, the palace walls fell behind them, replaced by the closely set buildings where the empire's affluent and influential resided.
But Alexei paid them little mind. For now, he simply wanted the cool night air, to let his companions grow accustomed to these nightly excursions, and to check on the house of someone he intended to meet in secret in the future.
For a time, they simply walked and talked occasionally. Alexei let his gaze drift across the streets, taking in the details, the state of the roads, how many people were still awake at this hour, and the businesses that remained open.These information might not be useful to him now, but the time would come when it would be.
After a few hours of walking through the city with his companions, Alexei had seen enough and turned toward the noble district. It did not take long for them to arrive.
When they reached the house of the person he intended to meet in the future, he paused and searched for a place from which he could observe it unnoticed. He soon found one, a large tree across the street that offered a clear view of the estate beyond its walls.
Without hesitation, he moved toward it and began to climb, much to the chagrin of Sednev and Nagorny, who had no choice but to follow after him.
Once Alexei had secured a good vantage point, he settled onto one of the sturdy branches. Sednev and Nagorny joined him shortly after, each finding their own place among the branches as they looked out over the house below.
It did not take long before Nagorny could no longer contain his curiosity and finally asked, "Whose house are we watching, Your Highness?"
But before Alexei could answer, it was Sednev who spoke first. "I believe this is Count Witte's residence. I have been here before to deliver something from the Tsar. Am I correct, Your Highness?"
Alexei gave a small nod. "It is indeed his house. Do not ask questions just yet about why we are observing it. You will understand soon enough, when we can enter without being noticed by the operatives doing the same as we are."
He gestured subtly toward two men not far from them, walking along the street like ordinary passersby. Yet, with closer scrutiny, their true purpose became clear. From time to time, their gazes drifted toward the house, its walls and its gates. They moved back and forth at intervals, as though merely pacing, but in truth, they were watching, just as Alexei and his companions were. It seemed he was not the only one interested in the man inside.
Fortunately, he had no plans to meet the man just yet for he intended to observe first before acting. And it seemed he had to deal with these men first.
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A/N: Please don't forget to rate and review the story after reading. And if you want to read ahead. You know where to look.