Peterhof Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
Tsar Alexander waited just inside the palace front doors for the French Countess to arrive. Alexander has briefly met her before while touring Europe with his parents only a few months ago and really only new she was a year above him and easily one of the prettiest royals in Europe. So much so he found himself nervous now as he waited for her to arrive from the airport in the limousine he had sent to pick her up.
Ariane was stunned by the opulent interior of the limousine. When she had stepped onto the runway she had expected something nice, she was meeting the Tsar after all. Still, being as she was only a countess she had only seen limousines from time to time. Despite being the niece of the King of France, she was not incredibly wealthy. Albeit she was far better off than any of the commoners, especially in Normandy. Ariane felt along the handle of the door. She would be meeting with the Tsar. She hadn’t stopped to think about it beforehand when her father had informed her of who she was to meet. Now a well of nervousness had built up inside her.
As the limousine pulled up to the front doors of the palace, she looked towards those waiting to greet her. Her eyes fell upon the figure of a man who looked to be about her age. Something about his appearance put her fears to rest. She took a breath and a man opened the door for her, helping her out. She realized with more clarity that she had met him before, once when he was touring the continent.
Alexander couldn’t help but contain his smile as Ariane stepped from the limo. Clearly a testimony to French and European beauty and womanhood, he couldn’t help but be immediately enthralled by her. Trying to maintain his composure, Alexander smiled as she neared him before taking her hand and planting a kiss on it saying “Bonjour ma dame. Puis-je dire que vous êtes vraiment la plus belle chose que j'ai jamais vue.” Switching from French to Russian he said “I understand you speak my language? Impressive in my opinion. Now what would you like to do first”
Ariane was surprised by the use of her native language by the Tsar. She imagined that he knew more than just French and Russian though, he would have had the best tutors in Eastern Europe to teach him. She contained her surprise as best she could, trying to put on an air of confidence in front of someone like Alexander. “Je suis honore…” she began, then came up with something else. “Je suis surpris que quelqu'un d'aussi charmant que vous avez remarqué quelqu'un comme moi.” She thought back to her lessons with Sabine Dubos, her old Russian tutor. She decided against venturing forwards with Russian, not feeling confident with the language despite being fluent.
She was suddenly prompted by Alexander to speak Russian. Inwardly she would have groaned, but thought on her feet for the words. “I was taught by one of the best Russian tutors in Western Europe. He was a member of your fathers government, if i remember correctly.” She realized suddenly that she was trailing off. “Well, what do Tsar’s usually do in their free time?”
Alexander smiled saying “Il faudrait être aveugle pour ne pas vous remarquer.” Getting lost in her beauty for a moment he quickly snapped back to reality and said “Well it depends, my father…” Pausing momentarily as a wave of sadness visibly hit him. “My father liked to spend time with us or playing golf. I prefer going out and meeting the people or playing some sport. However we can do whatever you like. Be it a game of football (soccer) or a walk around the gardens.”
Noticing that they had been standing on the steps he added in “But regardless of what you decide let’s go inside first.” Walking next to her, he led her inside the front doors of the grand Peterhof Palace and turned to her to see her reaction. While not the biggest palace in Russia or even Saint Petersburg, Peterhof was built as a direct competitor to Versailles so it was definitely one that brought out a sense of wonder and grandeur.
Ariane offered a gracious smile as she was led into the palace by the Czar. Soccer didn’t really appeal to her, though her little brother adored it. Walking around the garden was something she could enjoy, but nothing really compared to riding horses. She had stole off to the stables a lot when she was a girl, earning her the ire of the stable master. She looked towards Alexander, who had been gracious and she noticed the smile spread across his face. Her mother had once told her that the father of respect was confidence. She realized that she was still trying to shake off some of the nervousness that had built up inside of her over the meeting.
As they walked through the front doors of the Peterhof Palace, she became aware of a distinct familiarity, yet also a bit of exoticness to it. Something about the palace reminded her of the Royal Palace in Versailles, but the architecture and designs of the buildings interior were identifiably Slavic. For one reason or another, she couldn’t help but be impressed by it. Wasn’t this exactly the sort of Palace that she had so ambitiously wanted to live in? She glanced at Alexander, wondering if he was offering her courtesy or if he was attracted to her. Judging by the smile plastered across his face, it was the latter.
She didn’t feel nervous after meeting with and rejecting the sons of Dukes and Counts across Europe and the America’s. Whether her feelings were amplified by mutual attraction or the grandeur of the Peterhof Palace and all she had seen since landing at the airport, she didn’t know. “I would like to go on a walk so we can talk.” Hopefully her directness would make her look more confident than she felt. Confidence was attractive, isn’t it? She wondered faintly if he would be accompanied by guards as Kings so often were. She decided not to mention it.
Alexander nodded and continued to smile saying “Sure thing. I’ll have the guards leave us so we can have privacy.” After a few minutes the two found themselves standing just outside the palace and in the gardens.
Turning to Ariane, Alexander smiled as he said “So tell me about yourself. Besides being the prettiest woman in Europe and speaking Russian I’m afraid I know little about you. Something I hope to quickly remedy.”
Ariane felt satisfied that the Tsar had commanded the Guards away. She understood that they were a necessary part of Royal life, she was surprised by how quickly they obeyed Alexander though. Without hesitation, it seemed that he carried weight in court despite only just ascending to the Throne. In France it was much the same, but her cousin had told her that in Italy or Britain, such immediate obedience was unusual for new monarchs. Perhaps it was a cultural feature shared by nations like France and Russia? In any case, seeing him command them made her feel happy for whatever reason.
She looked around at the Garden, it was just as beautiful as the one in Versailles, but not quite as pretty as their estate beside the city of Paris. Something that the Royal Family tended to boast about was the beauty of that particular garden, with imports from every habitable continent. She turned her attention away from the flowers and towards Alexander. “I’ve heard that my cousin is a close second.” She was of course referring to Princess Roseline, who had about as many suitors as Ariane herself had. “My father is the Count of Normandy, but i would think you would already know that.” She thought about it for a long moment, then came to a decision. “I love horseback riding, when i was little my father used to beat me for breaking into the stables at night. He had this Arabian horse that he bought for a few hundred thousand Francs, he was my favorite.”
Alexander smiled as she spoke, finding her voice soothing and sweet like honey. Almost getting lost in it he realized she had stopped and quickly said “Next to you your cousin is a troll. I uh… I mean no disrespect but it is the truth as I see it.” Feeling slightly awkward for saying that he quickly said “I enjoy horseback riding. The freedom you feel when riding is unmeasurable. If you wanted we could go horseback riding later?”
As he said that an idea popped into his head and he pulled out his phone sending a text quickly before saying “Sorry about that. I normally don’t use my phone on a date but it was important. Anyways, tell me more about yourself.”
Ariane felt faintly offended as Alexander called her cousin a troll. Perhaps she was a bit prissy, but something about the word Troll made her angry. She bit her lip lightly, knowing that she shouldn’t correct him. Other than that single indication, she gave off nothing to suggest that she was offended by the statement. Then he looked at his phone and she felt angry. After a moment her temper cooled and she responded amiably. “ I would love to go horseback riding with you.” Better to focus on what they had in common than the Tsar’s faux pas.
She looked him over as she spoke. She would lying if she didn’t admit she was attracted to him. The sensation of attraction was something she was unfamiliar with. Generally her suitors were of high positions but all too often they were much older than her, or much younger or plainly unattractive. Tsar Alexander was attractive and she felt her heart thump in her chest. She allowed the thought of suddenly kissing him to pass from mind, remembering that she was not a dirty commoner but a member of the French nobility. She would have to act according to etiquette.
“I think the Palace is beautiful. I’ve only ever seen one that could compare to it.” She enjoyed talking about herself, but she felt faintly curious about the Tsar, of whom she herself knew very little. “I would like to know more about you. Have you ever been to Versailles?”
Alexander smiled again as she spoke, his eyes locking hers and for a moment he felt a strong urge to kiss her but he worried she might not want that.
Coming back to reality he replied “I have been once with my parents on a visit a few years ago. I don’t remember much but I loved the gardens there.” Pausing again for a moment he studied her eyes before thinking to himself Screw it.
Ensuring nobody was around he quickly leaned in for a kiss hoping he was right.
Ariane felt...confused by what had happened. She had admittedly been studying her potential suitor, wondering about where the meeting would go. She thought briefly of the horses they would be riding, wondering what sort of breeds the Tsar kept in his stables. Suddenly she felt strong lips on hers and panic seized her. It was a hot, invasive thing that she hadn’t seen coming. Immediately she gripped the shirt of the attacker. Then she stopped and came to the realization that she wanted it. Her eyes closed and she submitted to the kiss. Something about the whole situation was alluring, she felt her cheeks flush.
Leaning into the kiss, she wrapped her arms around the Tsar. They had only just met, but that only amplified the cauldron of feelings that were boiling in her. She felt simultaneously hot and drunk, though she had not had any alcohol. After what seemed like a long moment she broke from the kiss, pulling back to look into the eyes of Alexander. She was a Countess! She felt outraged and at the same time, still submitting to what had happened. Her station, all her etiquette and tutoring screamed at her to slap him, berate him and leave. What a scandal, the Tsar kissing a member of the French Nobility without her consent! She thought about it, then leaned suddenly in and kissed him for a second time.
Whatever faux pas had been committed, she was OK with it. If any of her other suitors had done something like that, there would have been hell to pay but she was in bliss for a moment. Her heart raced and she broke the kiss for the second time, looking at Alexander expectantly, though unsure as to what she wanted.
Alexander felt a surge of emotions the first time but then a flicker of fear when she pulled away before that was suddenly replaced by a wave of emotions as she returned for a second time.
Looking into her eyes, Alexander held her close before giving another kiss and saying with a big smile “I think we might’ve just broke every convention and rule about royal’s dating.” Continuing to look into her eyes he felt a passion burning inside him telling him this was the one.
Ariane laughed, her cheeks still burning hot and her eyes suddenly focused on the man before her. If they were caught, the scandal would anything but fun. Something about what had happened was funny though, the tension probably. The Tsar had kissed her! They weren’t even married! Her father would beat her, or hug her. It depended on how he felt at the time, but she wouldn’t let him know about this particular act.
“I don’t know what to say, i’ve never kissed a man before.” She was being honest, she had been saving such a kiss for her husband. She had relented so easily that she felt as though she were betraying something, her family maybe? But it felt so good that the guilt was washed out. “I…” she felt her eyes drop to the ground as she thought about what had happened. Had she wanted it? She thought that she did, but what if Alexander wasn’t interested in marrying her? She felt a wave of fear and anxiety but kept it contained. As her eyes returned to the man she froze. His expression was complex and she felt much like a deer in headlights. She wondered if she should kiss him again. What was he thinking? Questions raced through her mind. She steadied herself by gripping his shirt.
Alexander felt a million thoughts race through his mind before one settled there. Looking into her eyes, he felt a big smile form on his face as he knew.
Giving her another quick kiss he said “Ariane we just met and this might seem crazy and probably breaks a thousand rules about Royal dating but honestly I don’t care. Ariane…. Ariane I think…. No, Ariane, I know I love you. I know it’s sudden and so quick but I just know. I probably sound like a madman don’t I.”
Ariane smiled nervously, unsure of how to feel. The speed at which everything was happening was dizzying. They had just met properly only half an hour ago, possibly even in less time than that. What did she even want? Could she marry a man so soon? Her mother had been courted by her father for six months, and they had countless dates before she even felt attracted to him. Somehow she felt this situation was different however. Her father would be elated that she would be getting married to the Tsar, surely he thought it was unlikely that Alexander would become a suitor of hers.
She nodded and allowed her smile to remain. “Your crazy, but i...i feel the same about you.” She gulped quietly, how would she explain this to her family? The Country? What would be reported by the press? How did Alexander know he loved her when they had only just met? Despite every question that raced through her head, she came to a single question. “Alexander...i can’t do this unless i know that…” she trailed, hoping that he understood that she was referring to marriage. Naturally she needed an indication that this would lead to a union. She couldn’t imagine the guilt if she went through with kissing him and being turned away. She wasn’t a prostitute.
Alexander smiled and nodded understandingly saying “I know and neither could I.” Thinking for a moment he dropped to one knee saying “Ariane Bonaparte, I do not have a ring on me at this moment and I have yet to ask your father as tradition goes but…. will you….. would you marry me and make me the happiest man on this planet? I swear to you as Emperor of all Russias that my feelings for you are true or may God almighty strike me down and turn this Empire into dust.”
Looking Into her eyes he eagerly waited for her response while he also planned out the fastest way to contact her father.
Ariane couldn’t blush harder than after Alexander's proposal. The tradition of asking for her father’s hand was important, though she felt that he would understand given who was making the proposition. Her father would enjoy the perks of being the father in law of the Tsar of Russia, in itself the honor would be immense. He would understand, she felt. She looked at the kneeling man, wondering exactly how she had gotten to this point. So much so quickly, she was still basing her actions of her emotions, which was unlike her.
She felt a tear well up in her eye. She couldn’t start crying, how embarrassing that would be. She reached down towards Alexander, speaking as she did so. “You will have to ask my father but...yes. I will marry you. Alexander, Tsar of Russia…” She felt a tear roll down her cheek. So, she had begun to cry. Joy? She thought that it must be joy, she didn’t feel sad, perhaps a speck anxious still but with the promise of marriage made, everything would be legitimate and good. She quietly pushed a strand of her hair back into place, smiling and feeling very strange. The whole meeting, it hadn’t even been regarding a potential match between the two. At least that’s what father had told her before leaving. She looked off towards the wall of the palace. “What now…” she wondered aloud, obviously still recovering.
Alexander couldn’t help but smile as he stood back up and studied his now soon to be wife’s face before gently wiping away her tears and saying “I will talk with your father and gain his permission. Then the public is notified, a bunch of governmental stuff happens since our wedding will be a public holiday, planning etc.” Pausing for a moment he kissed her again before saying “For now, it’s just you and I. Now I was going to surprise you later but I feel like I should just tell you now. When I was on my phone it was for you. Your Arabian horse story gave me an idea so as we speak I have people searching all over for the best Arabian horse. So when they find it I was wondering if you still wanted to go on that ride? And in the meantime we could go inside and I could call your father. How does that sound?”
Ariane felt better as he wiped away her tears, though that did little to stop them. Luckily she wasn’t wearing makeup, mainly because of the haste her father had sent her to Russia in. She never did understand that man. She felt warmth radiating off of her soon to be husband, looking at him tenderly as he kissed her. The passion was overpowering and she leaned into it blissfully. She listened as he explained to her what would happen. The engagement of the Tsar and the Countess of Normandy would cause a stir, not just in Europe but perhaps throughout all the monarchies in the West. Hopefully there wouldn’t be backlash. They had indeed broken every single conventional rule in dating between Royals. Typically there would be some form of press coverage regarding dates between potential pairings, the whole situation would come as a shock.
“You..that’s what you were doing?” She was surprised by how sweet the Tsar was. None of her suitors had ever done anything like that for her. The best attempt had been done by the Duke of Savoy, when he had rented a private yacht but even that was done preemptively. Alexander was charming, she realized that he could easily have almost any woman he wanted, probably. She felt both privileged and honored. Having been kissed multiple times by him, she wanted to return the favor. She leaned in and kissed him with a fiery purpose, pushing her body against him lightly. “You’re charming, Alexander. Thank you, no one has ever done something like this for me.” She felt joy rise up from inside her. She felt comfortable suddenly, and that itself was blissful.
Alexander smiled at her kiss. Thinking about what was next he said “I love you.” Not knowing what else to say he held her close for a few moments before saying “Shall we call your father and make this official?”
As he said that he retrieved his phone from his pocket saying “I’m sure I have his number. If not we can go inside and do it.”
Ariene nodded, wondering further what her mother would think of everything. Her father would be overjoyed but her mother didn’t have the same calculating thought processes as her father. She would probably be concerned, she would try to make sure that Ariana actually wanted to go through with it. Then she would accept that she did and would be supportive. That is, if she thought Alexander was worth it. Her mother gave her too much credit, she was lucky that the night was going the way it was.
“We should call my father. He’s usually in his study at this time, we won’t be disturbing him.”
Alexander nodded and gave her one last kiss before pulling out his phone and finding the number. Calling it he felt a wave of anxiety and nausea hit him. What if this went wrong and he said no? Part of Alexander said he didn’t care and would marry Ariane regardless even if he had to defend himself publicly for it.
Pushing those thoughts from his mind he sat and waited for the father to answer.
The phone rang once, twice and a third time before the call went through. The voice that made its way through the phone was gruff and particularly angry. Ariana wondered if her father had been fighting with her mother again. She doubted he knew who was calling, it would have probably been registered as a unknown number on her father’s old phone. The last thing she wanted was for her father to embarrass her. Then again, even embarrassment would be alright if it meant that he still accepted the marriage.
“Yes? Who's there? What do you want at this hour?”
Alexander cleared his throat before saying “This is Alexander Romanov. Tsar of all Russias. I hope I’m not interrupting anything sir. However something important has come up. I…. I wish to marry your daughter Ariane. I seek your permission and blessing to do so sir.”
Alexander looked nervously at Ariane. This wasn’t something one practiced or did often, hopefully, so he had hoped he had done well. The look he gave Ariane was clearly one of nervousness as he waited an answer.
She wished that she could look confident but her father was someone she didn’t feel she was strong enough to stand up to. It was a childish weakness probably, but her father was someone who tended to command respect out of Dukes, though he had never talked out of line with a Tsar. She wondered how he would react if things didn’t go well and her and Alexander were forced to marry without his permission. It would be a scandal, especially in France. Still, she was in Russia and her family couldn’t stop them from eloping, short of a war.
“Hmm.” She heard the voice over the phone go quiet. She knew he was thinking, probably stroking his beard like he did. “You wish to marry Ariane? She has a strong will like her mother, i don’t know if i can force her to it. I trust that you haven’t proposed yet, as is customary. Where is my daughter? I would like to speak with her.”
Alexander flashed Ariane a mischievous and cheeky smile as her father mentioned proposal. Collecting himself he said “Of course not sir. And she is in the next room. I’ll bring you to her.” Covering the phone he waited what felt an appropriate time before handing her the phone.
Ariane quickly grasped the phone, nearly dropping it in her mirth. She shared Alexander’s smile as her father brought up the proposal. It was funny but if she laughed it would have blown the ruse. She took the phone and lifted it to speak. “Hello?”
“Ariane, dear is that you?”
“Yes father, what is it?” She smiled anxiously at Alexander.
“Alexander has asked me for permission to take your hand in marriage. I told him i couldn’t force you into it. The last thing i need is for you to throw the poor man into a pile of mud like the did with the count of Caen. Are you interested in him or is this a waste of my time?” Naturally he didn’t understand that he was on speaker and that Alexander could hear everything that was said. She had to hold back laughter as she remember the Count of Caen, who looked more like a horse than a man. She remembered that day fondly. “He’s charming father. Did you know that he’s bringing an Arabian horse to the stables just for me?” She expressed some happiness in her voice, which was genuine. “Well, i’ll let your mother know then. Put the Tsar back on the phone, and please hurry.”
Taking the phone, Alexander smiled and gave Ariane a wink before saying “Hello, this is Alexander.”
“I don’t know how you did it, but she is interested in you. You have my permission to ask for her hand. I would advise that you hurry though.” Perhaps her father did care for her, she thought as she watched her father and Alexander speak.
Alexander held back excitement as he said “Thank you sir. Will do. Take care.”
Hanging up, Alexander put his phone away before grabbing Ariane and kissing her as he lifted her up and held her bridal style saying “Stay right here.” Setting her down he rushed off and returned minutes later holding something.
Getting on one knee again he said “Let’s do this right.” Pulling out a golden ring with several diamonds and one large one, Alexander said “This ring belonged to my great great great however many great grandmother, Catherine. With it I ask for your hand in marriage. Will you, Adriane Bonaparte marry me?”
“Yes, Yes!” She said enthusiastically, not even trying to hold in the joy bursting from inside of her. All the kissing, today was the first time she had ever even been so personal with a man, and she was accepting a proposal. She would accept the ring, and before long she would be married to the dashing young man before her. The thought filled her with a new sensation, pride. She looked down at the ring offered by Alexander, surprised that it was not just a beautiful piece of jewelry, but had one belonged to a great queen of Russia. Such a proposal was beyond special. Doubtlessly she would be expected to tell this story to the press, she would have to leave out Alexander's first proposal, lest her father retract his acceptance.
She felt a incredible urge to hug Alexander, a overwhelming feeling that she somehow suppressed.
Sliding the ring onto her hand, Alexander stood and kissed her for several moments before breaking and saying “I love you so much. Are you ready for this? You are the future Empress of Russia. There will be a lot of press and I can only protect you from them so much.”
Ariane knew that there was only one correct answer after all that had happened. She couldn’t suddenly back out after he had spoken with her father and offered her a ring and marriage. Well, perhaps she still could but she was infatuated with her future partner. She could only nod and agree, the press would be a necessary evil to contend with after tonight. She had dealt with only small numbers of them before, and once on a occasion where she joined the rest of the Royal Family in Versailles during a local football tournament. She would have to touch up her Russian though, while she could speak it fluently, she knew that it would be best that she get rid of any french accentuations when she spoke, so as to better identify with the people of Russia, particularly the Nobility. She looked towards Alexander with incredible happiness. Surely there would be issues in the future, especially since they didn’t know each other that well. She would have to take them as they came. “I’m ready for that responsibility. We should head inside, its getting cold and i need to compose myself.” She felt slightly subconscious as to her happy, tear-stained cheeks.
Alexander smiled and gave her one more kiss before saying “You look so beautiful right now.” Then he picked her up bridal style and let out laughter as he carried her inside before setting her down and saying “Will you stay here or return to France?”
She thought about it for a moment then quickly came to a decision. “I’m going to stay here. My family will probably book a flight out as soon as the news breaks. I should be here when it does, with you.” They were inside and the Palace would still have people meandering about. Carelessly she stepped forwards and laid her head against her fiance’s chest. “I’m going to stay here with you” she said conclusively.
Smiling Alexander said “I won’t let them fly commercial. A plane will be sent first thing and bring them here.” Pausing for a moment he stroked her hair as he said “And I’ll be here with you.” Giving her a kiss on top of her head he smiled as he thought about the future.