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the-last-tsar · 4 months

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Nicholas II and Alexandra drinking coffee together.

#tsar nicholas ii #tsarina alexandra #alix of hesse #nicholas romanov #tsar nikolay ii #tsarina aleksandra #my own #nicky and alix #tsarina #tsar

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stromuprisahat · 1 month

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For the hereditary prince has less cause and less necessity to offend; hence it happens that he will be more loved; and unless extraordinary vices cause him to be hated, it is reasonable to expect that his subjects will be naturally well disposed towards him; and in the antiquity and duration of his rule the memories and motives that make for change are lost, for one change always leaves the toothing for another.

The Prince- Chapter II (Niccolò Machiavelli)

Nikolai as a ruler is somehow reaping benefits of both.

He is a Lantsov- whether only by name or not-, therefore his ascension has tradition to back it up. His elder brother's dead and their father "too sick to rule" anyway. Both helpfully provided by the Darkling's actions.

Darkles also disrupted the line of Lantsov Tsars- although only for a few months- and while it wasn't enough to introduce the changes he might've liked, it is the first change, opening doors to Nikolai's reforms.

#Niccolò Machiavelli #The Prince #Chapter II: Concerning Hereditary Principalities #The Darkling #Nikolai Lantsov #grishanalyticritical #Seeing Grishaverse in other works #Ravka #V #quotes #books

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loiladadiani · 8 months

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"In St. Petersburg we work, but at Livadia, we live."

Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna

In 1909, Nikolay Krasnov, who was responsible for the Yousupoff Palace in Koreiz, was engaged to design a new imperial palace in Livadia (before that, there had been an imperial residence in Livadia consisting of a large and a small palace used by Alexander II and later by Alexander III, who died at the smaller residence.) When Nicholas II decided to build the new palace, he also demolished the older residence but left the small palace where his father died.

The Tsar's diary indicates that the Imperial Family discussed the design; it was decided that all four façades of the palace should look different. After 17 months of construction, the new palace was inaugurated on 11 September 1911. In November, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna celebrated her 16th birthday at Livadia.

The family was always the happiest at Livadia.

One of the Tsar's "motors" at Livadia. If you look carefully, you can see the "side of the palace" where the car is parked and the main entrance in both the contemporary colored and black and white photos.

Above is the beautiful Italian Courtyard of the palace as it stands today. If you look at pictures taken when the Romanovs used the palace, the centerpiece of the courtyard was different. Today, there is a fountain at the center. Examining the older pictures (below), you can see that there seemed to be what I can only describe as a "well" at the center of the courtyard. There was a column on each side of the well. In one of the photos below, you can see Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich; he had his own rooms at the Livadia Palace.

Nicholas II and his family were so at ease at Livadia that they also conducted some minor official functions in addition to family activities. When the family went to Livadia, they usually went as far as Yalta by sea; it is easy to infer that the official activities they conducted were related to the crew of the Standart. In addition, at the time, it was believed that mountain air and rest could cure tuberculosis, and there were several spas and sanatoria in the mountains in the area. The Empress and the girls visited the sick there (they also participated in other charitable activities.)

The Yousupov family gifted the beautiful door above to Nicholas and Alexandra. The painting next to it is from a beautiful book by Kravnov ("Fiftieth Anniversary of Yalta"), who worked on the palace's design (and on that of the Crimean summer residences of several Grand Dukes.) The window is also featured in the painting.

The "solarium" seems to have been a very popular area. Nicholas and his children preferred the outdoors, and Livadia seemed to provide the Empress with the perfect environment to get sun and fresh air in comfort regardless of her many ailments.

This is the "Moorish" courtyard of the palace. It is small, but notice the exquisite tilework on the walls. And, of course, the little balcony between the windows seemed perfect to Alexis for him to "address" his family.

The palace had a chapel so that the Romanov family could worship in privacy.

A few of the interiors of the palace. The chandelier is Murano Glass (amazing that it survived all these years.) Olga's coming-of-age celebration took place in Livadia in the formal dining room in the photograph above, dancing spilling into the flower-perfumed courtyard. That is a luxury of the type you cannot buy! The girls' rooms are currently being restored. There are pictures of the rooms as they were, but I was not sure they were from Livadia, so I did not include them.

Finally, some photos of the "Tsar's Path" (or Sunny Path), which exists to this day (it goes from Livadia Park to the city of Gaspra.) The family loved to walk this path (regardless of its name, it is not sunny but pleasantly breezy). This path is on one level so that anybody can walk it, regardless of their cardiovascular status. I have read two stories about how it "emerged," and as usual, the truth is probably in the middle. First story: The new Livadia Palace did not exist yet, but the Romanovs used the old palace and always loved coming to Livadia. Alexander III kept gaining weight, and his doctor recommended that he walk but not overdo it...so Alexander had the path leveled. The path's beginning and end differed from what they would be later. Second Story: Sandro had the path from Ay Todor toward Livadia built because Nicholas and Sandro's families always visited each other (they started calling it the Prince's Path.) Nicholas loved the idea and extended the path.

Today, the main path remains, and other routes to other small towns can be hiked from it. Many of the same benches and sculptures are where they were at the time of the Romanovs.

Just one last photo. Here, you can see how close the palace is to the mountains and the sea. A beautiful big house full of fresh air and light with flowers perfuming the air. No wonder Olga liked it so much! (gcl)

#russian history #romanov dynasty #nicholas ii #otma #Empress Alexandra Feodorovna #Emperor Alexander III #Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich #Ay Todor #Nikolay Krasnov #grand duchess olga nicholayevna #Grand Duchess Tatiana Nicholayevna #Grand Duchess Maria Nicholayevna #Grand Duchess Anastasia Nicholayevna #Tsarevich Alexei

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morbidology · 11 months

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“Here lies Joy” reads an epitaph on a gravestone in Windsor. This gravestone is the final resting place of not a human, but of a dog. Joy was a cute little Spaniel that belonged to the 13-year-old son of Russia’s last monarch, Tsar Nikolai ii Romanov, Alexei.

In 1918 in Yekaterinburg, Tsar was executed along with his wife, Empress Alexandra, and his five children, including 13-year-old Alexei. So how exactly did Joy end up buried in Windor? It was widely believed that Joy had most likely met the same fate as the rest of his family but as it transpired, the execution squad took pity on Joy and allowed him to live.

According to Siberian Times, Joy was homed with Colonoel Pavel Rodzianko, who was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in Siberia. When it was time to leave, he had become so fond of Joy that he brought him back to England with him.

#History #Execution #Animals #Dogs

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mote-historie · 6 months

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Olga Alexandrovna (Russian, 1882 - 1960) aka Olga Koulikovsky Romanova, Still life with flowers in a sunny window with a view to the garden, s.d. Private collection © photo Bruun Rasmussen

Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia was the youngest child of Emperor Alexander III of Russia. Her older brother was Tsar Nicholas II. She was raised at the Gatchina Palace outside Saint Petersburg. Olga's relationship with her mother, Empress Marie, the daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark, was strained and distant from childhood. In contrast, she and her father were close. He died when she was 12, and her brother Nicholas became emperor. In 1901, she married Duke Peter Alexandrovich of Oldenburg, who was privately believed by family and friends to be homosexual. Their marriage of 15 years remained unconsummated, and Peter at first refused Olga's request for a divorce. The couple led separate lives and their marriage was eventually annulled by the Emperor in October 1916. The following month Olga married cavalry officer Nikolai Kulikovsky, with whom she had fallen in love several years before.

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allthingsromanov · 2 months

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Empress Alexandra Feodorovna with Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, 1909.

Before being known as Empress of Russia, Alexandra was formally named Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine. Her mother, Grand Duchess Alice of Hesse, had ties to the British royal family by her mother, Queen Victoria.

She also had a son named Alfred, who was the Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. He married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, whose brother Emperor Alexander III would later have a son named Nikolai II that would become Tsar decades later.

#romanov family #olga nikolaevna #tatiana nikolaevna #anastasia nikolaevna #maria nikolaevna #romanovs #history #tsar nicholas ii #empress alexandra feodorovna #alexei nikolaevich #british royal family

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rose-sophia-isabella-rogers · 8 months

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A Tide That Turned Everything: Chapter II - Reunion Through Pain and Tears

Chapter Summary: Vasily makes decision that costs him a lot. Alina is worried, because she can't find Mal anywhere. Aleksander crashes the engagement party. And you? You have to choose a side.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Fedyor Kaminsky, Alina Starkov, Nadia Zhabin, Ivan, Nikolai Lantsov, Adrik Zhabin

Word Count: 3708

A/N: WARNING: this chapter contains an implied rape. If you're sensitive about this, don't like reading about it or are under 18, please skip from: "His hands grab your arms and his fingers travel down slowly." to: "You're scared, terrified.". Enjoy! tsar - ruler, king Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089718813/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089559826/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683715/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683671/ This chapter also contains plot from fourth episode of season two.

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

Natasha and Jana are getting your measurements for a new kefta for a party. Well, the party. The engagement party of Nikolai and Alina. Because the Lantsovs have to celebrate it.

'You really don't have to do this,' you say to your friends.

'Grisha are not the only ones that miss their lives in the Little Palace,' Natasha simply says. You nod understanding. Jana opens her mouth to add something, but then her face goes white. You frown and turn around. You stiffen, seeing Vasily Lantsov in your doorway.

'Leave,' he orders your friends. They look at you, ready to defy Lantsov for you. Your heart warms up. But you can't let them get in trouble because of you.

'It's alright,' you tell them quietly. Natasha and Jana shoot you a doubtful look, but leave your room. You straighten up and look at Vasily.

'How can I help you, moi tsarevich?' you ask. Vasily glances at retreating Jana and Natasha.

'You know, I remember when not so long ago you were wearing clothes like them as well,' Vasily says and looks at you. 'Simple serving girl, a nobody. Look at you now. A powerful Tidemaker and General Kirigan's pet.'

You clench your teeth and fists. You force yourself to exhale and calm down. It will do you no good to insult him.

'I am no one's pet,' you say, your voice even, which surprises you. Vasily scoffs and starts walking around the room.

'No one trusts you, you know,' he says. 'Except for the Sun Summoner but she can't change everyone's opinion on you. Do you know why it is like that?'

'Enlighten me, moi tsarevich,' you say, forcing yourself to keep calm.

'Because years ago, you refused to spy General Kirigan for me,' Vasily says. Your heart speeds up a bit. You remember that. How scared you were, standing in front of him in his chambers. And how Grisha were using you after that, because he allowed them to. But you're no longer that scared servant anymore.

'I doubt it would change a thing,' you say. 'General Kirigan told me nothing that would help you stop him from what he did. I had no idea about his plans of expanding the Fold. In fact, in the last months, we have drifted apart.'

'And that hurts you, doesn't it?' Vasily asks with a sly smirk.

'I admit, I thought we were friends,' you answer. 'Clearly, I was wrong. A mistake that almost cost me my life.'

'Oh, come on,' Vasily chuckles. 'Everyone knows you've been fucking him! You've been his personal whore!'

You manage not to flinch. But anger boils inside you.

'I was not,' you deny. Vasily walks closer to you. It takes everything inside you not to recoil in disgust.

'I find hard to believe,' he says, touching your cheek, 'that General Kirigan would just walk past your beauty with indifference.'

'He looked for more than beauty in women,' you say and take a step back. 'Now, if you don't mind, I would ask you to leave. Please.'

'The Sun Summoner can't help you,' Vasily says. 'But I can keep you safe here. All I ask…'

His hands grab your arms and his fingers travel down slowly. You tense.

'… is a bit attention from you whenever I ask,' he finishes, grinning lecherously. Oh, hell no.

'I think I'll manage without your… protection,' you answer. 'Now, please, leave.'

'It's funny that you think you have a choice in the matter,' Vasily says. As if on cue, the door opens and few of his loyal soldiers walk in. Your heart stops. You recognise them.

You curse yourself. You were stupid. You allowed Vasily to get so close that he now holds your arms. You can't summon.

'I believe you know each other,' the prince says, as his men surround you. 'I've been told you had quite fun together.'

'It says a lot about you if you consider torture fun,' you growl.

'Well, they did want something more,' Vasily says. 'But you escaped, hurting them badly.'

'I did what I did to survive,' you say. 'I'm not proud of it but I don't regret it.'

Vasily slaps you. You don't even flinch. His men hurt you much more.

'Don't worry, they will make up for lost time,' he says. 'And remember during that, that it will hurt less, maybe even will be pleasurable for you, when you agree to my terms.'

'When.' He's stupid to assume you will break. Well, he doesn't know you.

'You will regret this,' you say, your voice low. Vasily sneers at you.

'It's your word against mine and my soldiers,' he says. 'Who do you think everyone will believe? And one word from me and you're going to be executed for treason.'

You glare at him. His men take your arms and he steps away. He cups your face and your teeth want to bite his hand off.

'As much as I'd like to join you, I want you to come to me for this,' he says. 'I'll enjoy your humiliation.'

'You will never see it,' you vow to him. Vasily smirks at you, turns and leaves. At once you try to struggle. You manage to free one arm, but you are thrusted on your bed on your stomach. Your hand lands under you.

You feel something metal with it. You grasp it and feel it. You squeeze it tightly. It's your necklace. You hold on to it, make it your anchor.

A soldier grabs your arm and pulls it from under you. You rip off the necklace and hold it. You feel hands on your body and shiver. You close your eyes tightly.

You're scared, terrified. Maybe that's why you do it, even though you haven't done it in weeks. You were telling yourself you would never do it again.

'Aleksander…' you whisper, your voice broken and filled with pain, '… please, come for me… take me home…'

The party is much bigger than you thought. You're pretty sure Vasily has invited the whole Caryeva, from where his… friends are. Which is not good. Because at the moment you want to hide somewhere and cry, as you have been ever since…

No. None of that. You have to be brave. For Alina. And so people wouldn't think you are a traitor after all.

'Hey,' says the woman herself, coming to you dressed in an army uniform. 'Have you seen Mal?'

'It's good to see you, too,' you say, amused. Alina smiles at you apologetically.

'Sorry,' she says. 'It's just-'

'You're worried,' you finish and look around. 'To be honest, I haven't seen him in a while… I'll ask around.

'Thank you,' Alina says, grateful. You nod at her. She frowns suddenly.

'Are you alright?' she asks. You frown.

'Why wouldn't I be?' you ask.

'It's just… you seem a bit… sad,' Alina answers. 'And you look a bit… rattled.'

You tense. Your friend looks at you with worry.

'Did something happen?' she asks. You stare at her. You could tell her about Vasily. She would believe you. You know she despises him. But what good would that do? He still could just declare you traitor and order your execution. So, you force a smile.

'I'm just tired,' you insist. 'And maybe a bit stressed about how everyone is not trusting me.'

'Right,' Alina says, nodding. 'If I can do anything-'

'You're already doing enough,' you assure her with a smile and step away. You walk through the ballroom, asking about your mutual friend.

'Have you seen Mal?' you ask Natasha and Jana. They shake their heads. Jana sighs.

'Sadly, no,' she says. 'And believe me, I've been looking. This tracker is so handsome and charming. I wouldn't mind showing him my room.'

'When you say room…' Natasha says slowly, wincing.

'I obviously mean our room,' Jana says and smirks. 'Natasha, you dirty girl!'

'You're the dirty one and you know it,' Nat says.

'Could you two focus for a moment, please,' you ask, albeit a bit amused. 'It's not like him to be so late.'

'We'll ask around,' Natasha promises. 'I'm sure one of the servants must have seen him.'

'Thank you,' you say, nodding your head.

'I'll start right away,' Jana chirps and quickly rushes away. You chuckle. Natasha rolls her eyes, but then looks at you with worry.

'[Y/N]… I know you're insisting you're alright,' she says quietly. 'But it's clear you're not. What's wrong?'

'Nothing,' you lie, forcing a smile on your face. Natasha doesn't believe you.

'What happened with Prince Vasily after we left?' she asks. You tense.

'Nothing happened with Prince Vasily,' you insist. And technically you're not lying. Nothing happened with him.

'You're not alone, [Y/N],' Natasha says, taking your hand. 'Remember that. We're still your friends.'

'Thank you,' you say, smiling. You pull your hand away. You have to go or you'll start crying in the middle of the party.

'I have to look for Mal,' you say and turn to walk away. You search for your friend and ask about him. Until a certain voice calls:

'A toast!'

People quiet down. You turn and see Vasily walking up to the podium. You shiver involuntarily. You glare at him, as he raises his glass.

'I'd like to share some words about my brother… Nikolai,' Vasily says, pointing with his hand at Nikolai and smiling in a not nice way. 'Yes, yes, we all know he's pretentious...'

He chuckles. You want to vomit. Or splash him. Or better yet, treat him with a Cut. Seriously, when you think about what he did to you, you feel your fingers tingling. You can feel your power gathering at your fingertips…

'... condescending, a man of the people,' Vasily goes on. 'But he has some hidden qualities, too. His intended should-'

He's interrupted by two shadow things falling from the glass ceiling dome. Your eyes go wide. People around you scream and panic. Shadow things take humanoid forms. But when soldiers shoot at them, nothing happens. They grab soldiers and throw them like they're dolls.

People hide. Near the doors, behind tables. You choose a table. Unfortunately, it's the one near the podium. You and Vasily look at each other at the same time. And you don't like what you see in his gaze.

'He won't allow to hurt his whore,' he growls and makes a run for you. You gasp when he grabs your arm… But he barely grasps it, when one of the creatures grabs him and raises him in the air.

Vasily screams. But not for long. Because the creature tears him apart. You watch it all with shock. You barely hear the Queen's scream. But you see that when Alina uses her powers on the creatures, it doesn't work as well.

'[Y/N]!' Natasha and Jana exclaim, somehow managing to sneak to you. Just then one creature grabs the King. He's killed as well.

'Nikolai and the Queen are next,' Jana guesses, her face pale. And yes, the creatures turn to the prince, who's holding his mother protectively. But Nadia and Adrik manage to stop them with their powers. Even if only for a moment, it's enough for the party to evacuate.

'Come on!' Natasha shouts, grabbing you with Jana. They pull you out of the room, clearly deciding to protect you.

Alina runs with Adrik, Tamar and Nadia. But suddenly she stops, seeing Kirigan. She leaves her friends and follows him. They face each other on a corridor. She attacks him but he suddenly disappears. She turns, stunned, but hears his voice behind her:

'It's good to see you, Alina.'

She turns around and gasps. He's standing not far away.

'You're not real,' she says.

'The Sea Whip has made you stronger,' he says. 'I always told you, you were meant for more. Power suits you.'

'Stay away from me,' Alina says, seething. Aleksander smiles slightly.

'Believe it or not, but I'm not here for you,' he says. 'At least not today.'

Alina frowns. She has thought he's… sort of in love with her. So, naturally, she assumed he's here to kill his enemies and kidnap her. Was she wrong?

'Then what for?' she demands. 'To kill my friends?'

'Only the Lantsovs,' Aleksander answers. 'But my creations are somewhat unpredictable. Not unlike you.'

'Get out of my head,' Alina says through gritted teeth.

'I have no intention of hurting you,' Aleksander assures her. 'You must know that by now.'

'Forgive me if I don't take you at your word,' Alina scoffs.

'I was always honest with you about things that mattered.'

'Like creating the Fold?'

'Your obsession with the Fold is naive. Destroying it won't solve Ravka's problems. They've hated us and hunted us long before the Fold existed. I was there.'

'You don't want me to tear down the Fold, because if I do, I'll destroy the only thing you have left.'

Aleksander's lips twitch upward. Your face shows up in his head. He still has you. He must believe it. So, he shakes his head.

'The Fold is not the only thing I have left,' he says. Alina frowns, trying to figure out what else he can have left. He doesn't have her. He must know that. He's not that stupid. His mother stood up to him, so he can't also mean Baghra. His loyal Grisha? Ravka? His shadow monsters? She doesn't know. And she doesn't have time to just stand here and try to figure it out.

'Then I'll come after everything else you have left, too,' she says and glares at him. 'Like you have come after what I have.'

Aleksander's look darkens. Alina almost shivers. She does take a step back. But Kirigan takes a step forward and looms over her.

'You will find the moment you hurt her is the moment I tear out your heart and shatter your bones,' he snarls. 'If you dare destroy her as you have threatened, then they'll find nothing left of you.'

Alina stares at him, shocked, her face white. She thought Aleksander is obsessed with her, wants her as his partner, his equal. But what he said… makes her thinks there's someone else. But… who can it be?

'Who?' she asks. Kirigan stares at her. He shakes his head.

'You won't come near her,' he says. 'I've already broken my promise to her. I won't let anyone else hurt her. Especially you.'

Alina is really confused. She doesn't even hear Adrik, who's showed up behind her. Aleksander leans down to her ear.

'I'll see you soon,' he whispers and he's gone. Adrik startles Alina. She turns back, but there's no sight of Aleksander. As if he was never there. Alina shivers. Both from what happened and from what he said. She fears what he meant. And wonders who he is after.

Nikolai sends his mother to a safe place and then returns to make sure everyone else gets out. He saves some of the staff and decides to follow others with his guards. But after they turn a few corners, they're forced to stop. Because at the end of the corridor stands no other than General Kirigan himself.

He stares calmly at Nikolay. Guards put themselves in front of their prince. Their new king.

'Where is she?' Kirigan asks.

'You will not get Alina,' Nikolay says strongly. Aleksander tilts his head slightly.

'I am not here for Miss Starkov,' he declares. 'Not today.'

They're puzzled. Nikolay tries to think who he can have in mind… and them remembers the stories how he went above and beyond to save one person. You.

'[Y/N] [L/N],' Nikolay says. 'You're here for her. But you won't get her.'

'Give her back to me,' Aleksander says, the look in his eyes darkening. 'And I'll let you go today.'

'Why would she go with you?' a servant behind Nikolay asks, anger in his voice. 'So she could suffer because of you again?'

Aleksander's eyes land on him. Ah. What was it? Tommy. The stableboy that has a crush on you. Honestly, Kirigan would be more than happy to kill him. But he knows you would never forgive him murdering your friend.

'On the contrary, I'm here to make sure she never suffers again,' he says.

'Then leave her alone!' Tommy spats, ignoring how others try to hush him. 'Ever since she met you, she's been kidnapped all the time, tortured and Saints know what else! She got nothing but pain for her loyalty to you!'

Aleksander narrows his eyes. Anger burns in him. Shadows form around him menacingly.

'I advise you to choose your next words very carefully,' he hisses.

'Just kill me right away,' Tommy snarls. 'I know you want to. I saw how you've always looked at me.'

'I want to, I admit,' Aleksander says and shakes his head. 'But you're her friend. She would never forgive me that.'

Tommy is actually taken aback. He opens his mouth, but Nikolai stops him with his hand. He motions with his head at Tommy.

'He's right,' the prince says. 'Leave her alone. She doesn't want to have anything to do with you.'

'If that's the case, then why did she call for me and asked me to take her?' Aleksander asks. Nikolai and others stare at him, stunned. Tommy can't believe it. He opens his mouth-

A scream gets their attention. Aleksander tenses. He knows that scream. He looks behind his adversaries and sees you, held by one of Vasily's soldiers. Next to you are shocked Jana and Natasha.

'Are you mad?!' Jana yells. 'Let her go!'

'His whore for our tsar[1] and tsarevich!' the one that holds you barks.

'How dare you?!' Natasha asks, outraged. 'Release her at once!'

The soldier opens his mouth to answer her… but one of the creatures grabs him and throws him out of the window. Natasha and Jana scream. You stare at the monster with wide eyes.

'[Y/N]…' Jana whimpers when the creature turns to you. 'Come on…'

But you stay put. Because the monster doesn't attack you. It just stares at you… and only now you notice it stands between you and other soldiers of Vasily.

Just then, you have that familiar feeling you always have whenever certain someone is looking at you. You turn your head to the left. You barely see Nikolay, Tommy and others. Your eyes are glued to Kirigan's anxious and desperate face. Tears well up in your eyes.

'Aleksander…' you whisper. Natasha grabs your arm. You look at her. She stares at you anxiously.

'[Y/N], don't,' she pleads. 'I know you love him. But he's not the man you thought he was. He… he's a monster. Don't forget all the people he killed.'

You turn your face back to Aleksander. You look at him long and hard, but all you see is a man broken by years of tragedy and pain, forced to do the unspeakable. Not the monster everyone says he is.

'I'm sorry,' you say and turn to your friends, sorrow in your eyes. 'I'm so, so sorry.'

'No-' Jana starts. You free yourself from Natasha's grasp and bolt toward Aleksander. You see relief instantly lighting up his face. You speed up.

But another soldier runs at you. However, he suddenly grasps his chest and falls on his knees, groaning. You stop and turn your head. Fedyor smiles at you.

'Go, we've got you covered,' he says. You see Ivan hurrying to you, his face covered in scars. You smile at them both and run again to Aleksander.

He uses his powers to create an aisle between Nikolay's men. You hear their screams but can't see them in the darkness. You hope they're okay as you run past them… and straight into Aleksander's open arms.

He embraces you tightly and you hide your face in his chest. Instantly, the familiar feeling of safeness fills you. You feel you're about to cry from relief. You pull away and look up at him after a moment.

'You're alive,' you whisper, cupping his cheek. 'And here. You're actually here. How? How did you-?'

'You called,' he says simply, mirroring your move. 'I promised you to always come. It's one promise I never intend to break. Not again. You're going to be okay now. You're home.'

A sob leaves your lips. Aleksander quickly silences it with a kiss. You sigh into his mouth and kiss him back. You finally feel whole again. Something wet falls on your cheeks. Tears. But not yours. Aleksander's.

'[Y/N]!' you suddenly hear. You pull away and turn. Tommy looks at you with a heartbroken expression. You haven't even noticed the shadows are gone. Nikolai and his men are also looking at you, shocked.

'I'm sorry,' you say, looking at Tommy. You apologise for choosing the opposite side. For not loving him like he loves you.

'I really am,' you say, this time looking at Nikolai. You have taken a liking to him. He was different than his family. Good. He could be a good king. But you can't fight against Aleksander.

'For tsar and tsarevich!' you hear. You turn and your eyes go wide. Behind Aleksander, a few soldiers prepare to shoot him. You know they won't kill him. But they also were in your room then. They also- And now they want to kill Kirigan.

Your eyes narrow in anger. You push surprised Aleksander to the side. The men are about to fire but you're quicker. You form ice shards in front of you and send them at the men, letting out a yell. They fall on the ground, groaning and screaming.

Behind you, Nikolay, his soldiers, Tommy, Natasha and Jana stare at you, shocked. Fedyor and Ivan, who join you and Kirigan, aren't at all surprised. They know you won't stop at anything to keep Aleksander save. The man himself look at you with surprise, but also with awe.

So that's what you are.

'Let's go,' Aleksander says, grasping your hand. You shoot one last apologetic glance at your friends and follow your lover. Fedyor and Ivan follow you. And you leave. Your previous life, your friends… and maybe even your morals a bit.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could.

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49965037/chapters/126310537

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ykzzr · 10 months

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On April 24, 1865 Tsesarevich Nicholas died. Eldest son of Tsar Alexander II and older brother of Tsar Alexander III, who was supposed to be Nicholas II..

In 1860, during the races in Tsarskoye Selo, Niksa fell from his horse and received a severe bruise in his back. But not wanting to seem weak and pampered, he says that he does not hurt at all. No one knows that this episode will be fatal in the fate of the young heir to the throne.

Time passes, but the pain in the back doesn’t go away and only intensifies every day. Dr. Shestov, assigned to the heir, assures that this is just rheumatism, not paying attention to the abscess on the back at the site of the bruise. Niksa is treated with baths, warming, massages and straightening, the pain from which is so strong that the heir screams and cries.

The prescribed treatment gave no improvement and Niksa suffered from headaches, weakness and back pain, Everyone seems to see Nicholas' deteriorating condition except his father, Alexander II who is sure this is just rheumatism, and his son is simply exaggerating his pain.

There was no remedy in the spas of Europe, and after participating in the Berlin maneuvers of 1864, in which Nikolai had to ride a horse, he could no longer move independently and straighten his back.

The last home of the heir was a villa in Nice, where he is being moved on the advice of European doctors. Even a board of eminent physicians find it difficult to diagnose Nexa, only when he appeared to vomit. Doctors finally make the correct diagnosis “tuberculous meningitis”.

Niksa died at the age of 21, after four hours of pain. He passed away and was surrounded at that moment by his parents, brothers, and his bride, the Danish Princess Dagmar, who didn’t leave him until his last breath.

The death of the beloved Tsesarevich becomes a tragedy not only for the dynasty, but for the whole country, which passionately loved the heir to the throne.

After the death of Niska, his younger brother, Grand Duke Alexander, became Tsesarevich, and the next emperor of the Russian Empire will be Alexander III, and he will be the husband of the Danish princess Dagmar, who will be Empress Maria Feodorovna.

Alexander III will name his first son Nicholas, in honor of his beloved brother. It is this son who will become Emperor Nicholas II - the last Russian emperor.

It is difficult to say whether Nicholas Alexandrovich's life could have been longer and happier if he had been diagnosed in time and received adequate treatment. This disease was not really studied at that time, moreover, it was a very rare disease.

“Nicholas had a great future, and he was probably going to be the most educated monarch not only in Russia but also in Europe.” -Boris Chicherin

Dear Niksa on his deathbed.

#tsesarevich nicholas #Nicholas alexandrovich #Alexander ii #alexander iii #empress maria feodorovna #1860s #1865 #romanovs #russian empire

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romanov-ramblings · 10 months

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Photographic views of the apartments of the Governor's Mansion in Mogilev - Stavka, or GHQ (General Headquarters) during the Great War - when His Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II was in residence. Spartan at first, the Emperor made use of what he was given. The first two photographs show the state rooms where social functions were held. The Reception Hall was not only used for functions but also for showing moving pictures - as evidenced by the screen infront of the corner firestove. The second photograph depicts the State Dining-Room where His Majesty would entertain visiting officials, and the like. What furniture that you see in the photographs such as his working-study (third, first row) and his more private apartment - the bed-room had furniture from around the mansion brought in. The camp-bed naturally travelled with His Majesty where ever he went. The second photograph, second row shows a corner of the bed-room where the Tsar's dressing-table can be seen, and then the last photograph shows the Tsesarevich Alexei's own camp-bed next to his father's. Alexei's camp-bed specifically came from Tsarskoe Selo and would travel back home with him when he would return. These photographic views, which are illustration plates come from the publication entitled: "Его Императорское Величество государь император Николай Александрович в действующей армии." "His Imperial Majesty Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich in the army." Edited by Dmitry N. Dubensky, and published in 1916, this, like many other war-time publications featured stories and articles about the war effort, and photographs and illustrations of the Tsar and Tsesarevich, as well as, other members of the Imperial Family - used to boost morale of the men who were fighting on the front lines. It is an interesting glimpse into the world of Russia during this period - the Great War. ______________________________ Photographs: 1. Reception Hall at Mogilev, Stavka. 2. State Dining-Room at Mogilev, Stavka. 3. Working-Study of His Majesty. 4. Bed-Room of His Majesty. 5. Bed-Room of His Majesty. 6. Bed-Room of His Majesty. Source: http://elib.shpl.ru/ru/nodes/13680-iyul-1915-fevral-1916-g-1916 ______________________________ Please enjoy the information, as well as, the photographs! Also, if you’d like to share and/or re-post these photographs elsewhere PLEASE credit The State Public Historical Library or Государственная публичная историческая библиотека, accordingly. Thank-you!

#tsar nicholas ii #tsesarevich alexei nikolaevich #alexei nikolaevich #romanov dynasty #great war #russian empire #wartime publications #obscure russian books #state public historical library #military life #mogilev #stavka #general headquarters #imperial russia #romanov

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the-last-tsar · 4 months

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Tsar Nicholas II being followed by his officers.

#tsar nicholas ii #tsar nikolay ii #nicholas romanov #my own #tsar

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lionhearteddame · 9 months

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Tsarevich Nicholas ”Nixa” Alexandrovich, eldest son of Tsar Alexander II and heir to the Russian throne, 1843-1865.

Nixa resembled his mother, Empress Maria, more than his father both in character and appearance according to Count Sergey Dmitrievich Sheremetev, as in his memoir wrote;

”[…] Their characters were similar. Nikolai Alexandrovich looked much more like his mother, and much less that of the sovereign. He disagreed with his father in many ways and they often didn’t understand each other.”

Nixa was engaged and set to marry Princess Dagmar of Denmark but tragically passed away in France 1865 from illness. Dagmar later married in his brother Alexander, who became Alexander III.

#Tsarevich Nixa #Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich #Royal History #Russian Royalty #Romanov Family #He is my favourite Romanov ;’(#Dagmar of Denmark #Alexander II

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best-romanov-monarch · 4 months

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Semifinals, Match 1

It's just... So fucking poetic that one of the most reactionary tsars (yes, even by the standards of 17th century Russia) goes toe-to-toe with one of the most progressive ones (well, by the standards of 19th century Russia anyway, like this dude's immediate predecessor and successor were Nikolai I. and Alexander III.).

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE ON A HORSE

Did I make the horse portraits the theme of this round just to show off this masterpiece? Well, I am not NOT saying that... Anyway, Alexei I. Mikhailovich everyone.

Our verdict: Alexander II. Nikolaevich looks good on a horse! His face is just far enough that you cannot see his dumb moustache!

***

#main bracket #alexei i #alexander ii #history #russia

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stromuprisahat · 4 months

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(I only read TGT once so if I get any details wrong here, feel free to correct me. Same for the historical reference I'm discussing here). I never understood why Nikolai was considered to be a better character than the Darkling when it came to helping the Grisha. I know Leigh Bardugo presents him as the "nicer" option but Nikolai always kind of reminded me of Tsar Nicholas II, who, from what I remember learning in school, was considered to be a nice man who clearly loved his children, but a rather incompetent ruler. He didn't always make good decisions which made relations with the government worse, and increased hardships for civilians and soldiers. He also was really detached and out of touch with the plight of the Russian people and I believe some of his policies ended up alienating people from ethnic minority groups. I brought him up, because Nikolai is also kind of like this, he's not an exact parallel obviously but like, it's kind of there. The only reason really that he's considered effective in the books is because Leigh can't really write politics that well. Like, even the way the nobility would behave is something she didn't really write well, as well as how the public would react to the things that happen in the story. Idk. Did this make any sense? What do you think?

Absolutely.

I can't speak about the historical Nikolai- I've read very little about him, and it's been years-, but while book!Nikolai's ideas aren't bad per se, he's been greatly helped by gross simplification of politics and LB's clear favour.

Nobles are either supportive, or stupid and gullible.

Inclusion of Grisha works 100%. Sure, the soldiers for Nikolai's elite inventors would he handpicked, but either there is no longer hatred for Grisha among the First Army, or the Tsar's too high to see it.

The only peasants we meet are enlightened enough to immediately understand and ADMIT they're faring better (Read the link. OP's no longer on tumblr, but her posts are based on actual Russian history and literature.), which is... well, have you ever MET any real people, Leigh? RoW was published during fucking covid of all possible times! Huge chunk of population will rather die, than accept the unknown!

Making Nikolai visibly think with his cock leads to no trouble. No one's calling him weak, no one suddenly remembers rumors about Grisha girls "being able to put a spell on a man", Zoya's desired and respected, instead of being viewed as seductress or outright Witch Whore.

And one more about Grisha- there have been pogroms barely a few years back. First Army was slaughtering Second only because they've figured they're to blame for the Fold moving (and don't forget the only survivors aside from Malina were the Darkling's people). Am I to believe a new Tsar ascending with THREE Grisha publicly backing him up won't cause decent upheaval?

Sure, Kolya's nice, but he's too nice. Somewhere on his way from Sturmhond to Tsar Nikolai, he forgot how to cut fingers even though it might make him sick. And the situation should look accordingly.

#reply #Grishaverse #Nikolai Lantsov #grishanalyticritical #King of Scars duology #Ravka #Second pseudoArmy #First Army #Zoya Nazyalensky #Grisha triumvirate #anti Leigh Bardugo

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loiladadiani · 8 months

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Photographs: 1. Empress Maria Feodorovna holding her great-grandaughter Princess Irina Felixovna Yusupova (Bebe); sitting net to her are her granddaughter Princess Irina Alexandrovna and her daughter, Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna; 2. Beautiful photo of Xenia with her grandaughter Bebe; 3. Bebe and her father, Prince Felix Yusupov; 4. Bebe and her paternal grandmother, Princess Zenaida Yusupova; 5. Princess Irina Felixovna Yusupova (Bebe)

Princess Irina Felixovna Yusupova (Bebe) (1915 - 1983)

Irina Felixovna (Bebe), was the only daughter of Princess Irina Alexandrovna, niece of Tsar Nicholas II, and Prince Felix Yousupov. She was born on May 21, 1915. She lived with Felix's parents until the age of nine. Later, Felix would say that his daughter was difficult to control because she was raised by nannies, and his mother Zenaida spoilt her. Most people said that Irina Felixovna was difficult to control because she had a personality very similar to that of her father. Bebe was closer to her father than to her mother.

Princess Irina Felixovna married Count Nikolai Dmitrievich Sheremetev. They had one daughter, Countess Xenia Nikolaevna Sheremeteva. Bebe died in 1983 in France where she is buried alongside her paternal grandparents and her parents.

#russian history #imperial russia #romanov family #Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna #Empress Maria Feodorovna #Princess Irina Alexandrovna #Princess Zenaida Yusupova #Princess Irina Felixovna #Bebe #Prince Felix Yusupov

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