Chapter 108

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 22nd of August 1904 ---

Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna's heart tightened. She gestured for them to sit, her mind racing. "What has happened?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna sat beside her husband, her expression mirroring his concern. "There are rumors," she said softly, "that Nicholas is planning a major offensive against the Japanese. He believes it will turn the tide of the war."

Empress Dowager Maria clenched her hands together, her knuckles turning white. "And Rasputin's death? Has it not deterred him?"

Anger started to surface on Empress Dowager Maria's mind after hearing her lady-in-waiting, Grand Duchess Elizabeth's words. Has her son not learned his lesson? Has he gone insane and have decided to engage into a bloodier war with Japan? Has he not seen the state of the empire and its people? These were the thoughts of Empress Dowager Maria while clenching her hands tightly.

For months after distancing herself from the court and with the death of Rasputin, Empress Dowager Maria hopes that her son would change and would start to think more reasonable and saner, but she was wrong. Her son became more dedicated to further escalate the war and have even decided to strike against the Japanese, further bringing the battle into a more dangerous one.

Sergei shook his head. "If anything, it has emboldened him. He sees it as a sign that he must act decisively to secure Russia's future."

"Have he lost all sense?" Empress Dowager Maria spat out, her voice trembling with controlled fury. "The empire is on the brink of collapse, and he chooses to escalate the conflict further? Have he not heard anything about the continuous unrest in the entire nation?"

Grand Duke Sergei sighed heavily; his face etched with worry. "Nicholas believes that a decisive victory will restore faith in his rule. He sees this as his only chance to save the monarchy."

"Save the monarchy?" Empress Dowager Maria repeated, her voice rising. "He is driving it to ruin! The people are suffering, and the army is stretched thin. Another offensive will break us."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth reached out, placing a calming hand on Empress Dowager Maria's arm. "We understand, Maria. We feel the same. But Nicholas is surrounded by advisors who feed his delusions. He needs to hear the truth from someone he trusts."

Empress Dowager Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "He will not listen to me," she said bitterly. "I know my son and he hasn't listened to reason in years. Especially after that rascal Rasputin arrived at court with his devilish magic and snares."

"We must try," Grand Duke Sergei urged. "For the sake of Russia, for the sake of our family. We cannot stand by and watch him destroy everything."

Empress Dowager Maria pondered more on the topic after hearing her brother-in-law's words. It had been months since she decided to remove herself from the court and stop attending or listening to arguments inside the Imperial Court of Russia. After Rasputin started to involve himself in the matters of the court, Empress Dowager Maria had become vocal about her displeasure towards the man for being a false man of God and a lowborn.

Her thoughts drifted back to the many confrontations she had endured in those opulent halls. She had fought tirelessly, her words laced with both logic and the fervent belief that Rasputin was a danger to the empire. Yet, her warnings fell on deaf ears, overshadowed by the mystic's manipulations and Nicholas's desperation to save his heir.

And despite Rasputin being dead, Empress Dowager Maria still decided to not be involved on the matters of the court as a sign of protest after her own son declared war with the Japanese. It was not because she was pro-Japanese but rather, she knew for a fact that her nation won't be able to defeat the Japanese in battle. Not just did the Japanese received support from the Butuan Empire but they are also more technologically and militarily advance that her nation, the Russian Empire.

And now, after months of staying silence and retreated at Anichkov Palace surrounded by her loyal confidant and receiving frequent visits from her allies on the court. Her own brother-in-law, Grand Duke Sergei is now convincing her to return back to court and convince her own son on not engaging with the conflict with the Japanese.

Empress Dowager Maria's mind raced as she considered Sergei's plea. The stakes were higher than ever, and the fate of the Russian Empire hung in the balance. Her son was blind to the reality around him, led astray by the sycophants and false prophets who crowded his court. She knew she had to act, but the question was how to penetrate Nicholas's stubbornness and bring him back to reason.

"I will speak to him," she said finally, her voice firm. "But we must be prepared for resistance. Nicholas will not easily abandon his course, especially with those who still whisper lies in his ear."

Grand Duke Sergei and Grand Duchess Elizabeth nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We will gather our allies," Grand Duke Sergei said. "The nobles who see the truth and understand the peril we face. Together, we can present a united front."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth added, "And perhaps we can leverage the recent successes of Japan against us. Show Nicholas that this path only leads to further ruin."

Empress Dowager Maria stood, her resolve hardening. "Then we must act swiftly. Time is not on our side, and every day that passes brings us closer to disaster."

As they began to outline their plan, another servant entered the garden, carrying yet another letter. This one bore the seal of the Butuan Empire. Empress Dowager Maria took it with a sense of foreboding, breaking the seal and unfolding the parchment. The message within was brief but chilling.

"It seems the Butuan Empire is not happy with the current situation in their region," she said, handing the letter to Sergei. "They are giving a warning that further escalation will see the Russian Empire losing its lands in the far east."

Grand Duke Sergei read the letter, his face growing pale. "This is more serious than we thought. We must stop Nicholas before he plunges us into a war we cannot win."

"Wait a minute," Grand Duchess Elizabeth interjected as she thoroughly scans the letter, preventing her husband and Empress Dowager Maria from taking off, "Why does the seal on this one different from the seal of Maharaja Siagu XV? Or have I been missing something in here."

Grand Duke Sergei, hearing his wife's words, decided to take a look on what his wife is saying and upon checking, it is indeed true. The seal of the emperor of Butuan, Maharaja Siagu XV is different.

"That is the seal of the regent of Butuan, Yuvraj Siagu Alexie of Butuan" Empress Dowager Marie stated before she decided to stake her stand and made her way towards the exit inside of the palace.

Her brother-in-law and the Grand Duchess followed closely behind; their faces set with determination. They moved through the opulent halls of Anichkov Palace, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The gravity of their mission weighed heavily upon them, each step bringing them closer to the confrontation they all dreaded yet knew was necessary.

A few days later, after Empress Dowager Maria were visited by Grand Duke Sergei and Grand Duchess Elizabeth, convincing her to return to the court. Empress Dowager Maria decided to visit her son, Tsar Nicholas II at the winter palace to have a talk.

Upon entering the palace, it was her daughter-in-law, Tsarina Alexandra whom decided to meet her first with her daughters, Grand Duchess Olga, Grand Duchess Tatiana, Grand Duchess Maria, and the little Grand Duchess Anastasia.

"Grandmother," Grand Duchess Olga, age 9, with grace greeted her grandmother while curtsying and kissing her cheeks showing her affection, making Empress Dowager Maria smiles in delight.

"Grandmother," Grand Duchess Tatiana; age 7, Grand Duchess Maria; age 5, and Grand Duchess Anastasia; barely at the age of 4, unitedly echoed Grand Duchess Olga's greeting making Empress Dowager Maria smiles in warmth and hug her granddaughters with affection.

"Ah, my sweet little angels." Empress Dowager Maria commented while hugging her granddaughters one-by-one, "You all have been growing into a fine young lady of the Romanov family. A true symbol of Russia's beauty and elegance."

Tsarina Alexandra watched the affectionate exchange with a mixture of warmth and apprehension. "Mother," she said, inclining her head respectfully, but before she could even continue her words, Empress Dowager Maria cut her.

"Did I ever talk to you?" Empress Dowager Maria intimidatingly replied making Tsarina Alexandra retreated a bit, "Let me savor this moment with my granddaughters and not interrupt me."

"Sister," Tsarina Alexandra called after retreating near Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

But instead of receiving a reply from her sister, Tsarina Alexandra receives a cold shoulder and intimidating stares from Grand Duchess Elizabeth herself. Grand Duke Sergie have also decided to remain in silence and snare her sister-in-law following his wife's action and Empress Dowager Maria's stand.

Despite being sisters, Grand Duchess Elizabeth have not shown any emotion of worry towards her sister, Tsarina Alexandra, after being scolded by Empress Dowager Maria.

For years before meeting Rasputin, Grand Duchess Elizabeth have been closed to her sister as both have found comfort with each other since they both came from foreign country and not from Russia. Tsarina Alexandra who always seeks advices from Grand Duchess Elizabeth regarding marriages. Even on small things that bothers her, Tsarina Alexandra will always seek the help of her older sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

But everything changes when Rasputin came into picture, Grand Duchess Elizabeth detested the man and have made it into her mission to have her little sister, Tsarina Alexandra not be influenced by Rasputin, as Yuvraj Siagu warned her few years ago. But everything did not go well with how she hope it could be, her youngest sister, Tsarina Alexandra were manipulated by Rasputin into believing him.

Tsarina Alexandra distance herself with her sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth were heartbroken feeling betrayed and abandoned by her sister, her only family by blood. She even tried to convince her sister to abandon Rasputin but she refuses, making Granc Duchess Elizabeth decided to abandon her sister also. Thus, seeing her younger sister being scolded by Empress Dowager Maria, all Grand Duchess Elizabeth could think of is how her little sister deserves the scolding.

As Empress Dowager Maria finished her moment with her granddaughters, she turned her attention back to Tsarina Alexandra. The younger woman stood awkwardly, her expression a mix of defiance and hurt. Empress Dowager Maria's sharp gaze softened slightly as she addressed her daughter-in-law again, this time with a hint of restraint, not wanting to spoil her granddaughters' emotions.

"Alexandra," she said, her tone more measured, "I need to speak with Nicholas immediately. Where is he?"

Tsarina Alexandra straightened, masking her discomfort. "He is in his study office, Mother. I will take you to him."

Empress Dowager Maria nodded, gesturing for Grand Duke Sergei and Grand Duchess Elizabeth to follow. As they made their way through the grand corridors of the Winter Palace, the air was thick with tension. The opulence of their surroundings contrasted starkly with the gravity of their purpose.

Reaching the doors to Tsar Nicholas's study, Tsarina Alexandra paused, turning to her mother-in-law. "He has been under a great deal of pressure," she said quietly, her eyes pleading for understanding.

Empress Dowager Maria's expression remained stern. "We are all under pressure, Tsarina Alexandra. But decisions must be made with a clear mind, not clouded by desperation and false prophecies. Both of you have been deceived by a man who claimed to be a man of God, refuses to listen to my council and even decided to abandon your own sister," taking a glance at Grand Duchess Elizabeth with pity, "Now, you even decided to supported my idiotic son into waging war with the Japanese. A wrong move to do so as that country is far more superior than us. Yet, you both were being delusional into believing the prophecy of that Rasputin, of having the empire in its glorious state the moment we defeated the Japanese.

So, do not even try me to take pity and be soft towards my son as he has done nothing but destruction towards this nation that his own father and ancestors have made glorious."

With that, Tsarina Alexandra opened the door, and they stepped inside. Tsar Nicholas II was seated at his desk, papers strewn around him, his face etched with lines of stress. He looked up, surprise flashing across his features as he saw his mother, uncle, and sister-in-law.

"Mother," he said, standing to greet her. "This is unexpected."

Empress Dowager Maria did not waste any time. "Nicholas, we need to talk," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "About the war, about Rasputin, and about the future of Russia."

Tsar Nicholas's expression hardened. "Mother, I know you have always been against this war, but—"

"But nothing, Nicholas!" Empress Dowager Maria interrupted; her eyes blazing. "You are leading our empire to destruction. The people are suffering, our resources are dwindling, and now you plan a major offensive against the Japanese? Have you completely lost sight of reality?"

Tsar Nicholas's jaw tightened; his frustration evident. "I am doing what I believe is necessary to save Russia."

"Save Russia?" Empress Dowager Maria repeated, her voice rising. "By plunging us deeper into a war we cannot win? By ignoring the counsel of those who truly have the empire's best interests at heart?"

Grand Duke Sergei stepped forward, his voice calm but insistent. "Nicholas, listen to us. The nobles are growing restless. They see the folly in this path. You must reconsider."

Tsar Nicholas looked from his mother to his uncle, then to Grand Duchess Elizabeth, who nodded in agreement. He felt the weight of their collective concern pressing down on him, but he also felt the burden of his own convictions.

"Rasputin may be gone," Tsar Nicholas said slowly, "but his words still resonate with me. He believed in a strong, decisive action to restore our nation's faith."

"And what has that belief brought us?" Grand Duchess Elizabeth countered. "More bloodshed, more suffering. This is not the way to restore faith, Nicholas. This is the way to ruin."

"This is not a way to ruin!" Tsar Nicholas shouted in full rage, "I am the Tsar of the mighty empire of Russia! I am destined to lead the nation into glory as being prophesied by Rasputin! The Japanese will be defeated by this offensive our army will-."

*SLAP!*

"You are a fraud!" Empress Dowager Maria exclaimed with great anger after slapping her own son with full force, making Tsar Nicholas to have a red hand mark on his face.

Tsarina Alexandra seeing the situation, along with Grand Duke Sergei and Grand Duchess Elizabeth shows an expression of shock and disbelief as no one has ever laid a hand of the tsar. Tsarina Alexandra wanted to go to her husband side to protect him but Grand Duchess Elizabeth prevented Tsarina Alexandra with full force, not allowing her sister to disturb the conversation between mother and son.

The amount of fear and disbelief the three of them have experienced upon seeing the situation made them to retreat back strategically.

Grand Duke Sergei on the other hand smiles inwardly, thinking that the slap of Empress Dowager Maria will surely bring his own nephew back to reality and be able to think straight. For years, Grand Duke Sergei have endured so much problem after Rasputin influences his nephew, Tsar Nicholas II in any aspect of decision he made. The moment the man told something regarding certain things, his nephew will idiotically follow suit not thinking about any consequences.

Grand Duke Sergei have seen how people in Moscow and near regions being ravage in poverty and famine after mishandling by local officials and administrators. The harsh winters that Russia experienced almost all year round did not help the dissatisfaction of the people. This made Grand Duke Sergei felt pity and compassion towards the common people of Russia. For years, since knowing from his wife about Yuvraj Siagu's connection with the Lord, Grand Duke Sergei have devoted his life into alleviating the way of living of his people in Moscow and the people that needed help.

It was the years that Rasputin haven't entered the court of Russia, the only hindrance at that time was Grand Duke Sergei's own brothers and the conservative nobles of the empire. But despite the issue internally with his family and in noble circle, Grand Duke Sergei decided to further devote himself into helping the commoners and their living standard. Making Moscow one of the most least poverty-stricken area in Russia, causing an influx of people wanting to settle in Moscow due to great living standard that almost rivals its Western Countries counterparts.

This development alone made Grand Duke Sergei the second most popular member of the Romanov family in Moscow. Even his own wife, Grand Duchess Elizabeth became well-loved by the people after devoting herself in the service of the church. It was also because of his sister-in-law, Empress Dowager Maria that made him opened his eyes towards the living standard of the common people and take pity on them.

But all of the efforts and progress made by Grand Duke Sergei in improving the living of the people of Moscow were threatened the moment Rasputin enters the court. Influencing the court and his nephew on the decision to be made for the people of Russia. It was chaos, in Grand Duke Sergei's opinion as he witnessed the Russian people became discontent with his nephew's rule and threatening the stability of the Russian Empire and the rule of the Romanov.

Grand Duke Sergei saw minor uprising against the government arises in many areas in the empire, brutally suppressed by the military under the influenced of Rasputin. Majority of the nobles whom supported his sister-in-law, Empress Dowager Maria grew discontent and resented Rasputin, causing the court to be divided into two sides, those who opposes Rasputin and those who supported Rasputin and Tsar Nicholas II.

But with the death of Rasputin few months ago, Grand Duke Sergei thought that his nephew would finally wake up and regain his sanity but he was wrong to think so. Instead of regaining his sanity, his nephew instead became more convinced that defeating the Japanese would bring salvation for the entire Russian Empire, as per prophesied by Rasputin. But Grand Duke Sergei believes that this is nothing but a hoax and lunacy.

Thus, with the confrontation between Empress Dowager Maria and tsar Nicholas II, Grand Duke Sergei hopes that his nephew will finally regain his sanity.

Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna's slap echoed through the room, the sound hanging in the air as Tsar Nicholas II stood in stunned silence. His cheek stung, not just from the physical blow but from the raw truth behind it. The room was thick with tension, the gravity of the moment pressing down on everyone present.

For years of being the Tsar of Russia, Tsar Nicholas II have never been hit by anyone for fear of being punished for hurting the monarch of the Great Russian Empire. He has experienced great amount of pressure the moment he assumed the throne of Tsar of Russia after the death of his father. As he was not expected to rule Russia for being the second son, he grew to be a bit frail and soft causing nobles to look down on him.

His own family and mother put heavy pressure on him to do great while in the throne forcing him to do things that he thought were not good and is not worthy for someone with status as him, as his uncle Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia would always say to him. As the monarch, being with the peasantry would be a disgusting and infuriating situation, thus, Tsar Nicholas II never really bother with the peasantry and have instead focuses more on expanding the military.

But despite this, he never felt completed and have instead been feeling lost like a puppet without a puppeteer. Not to mention that he was losing ground on the imperial court as his own mother and uncle, Grand Duke Sergei, started to get more popular than he himself. Feeling a bit jealous, he decided to distance himself with his own mother and uncle and have instead draw closer to his wife and Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia.

But everything changes when Rasputin came into picture. Tsar Nicholas II trusted the man so much that he willingly listens to the mystic's advices and decisions to be made. Nicholas even decided to banish his own mother after refusing to accept Rasputin at court and have even decided to put restriction on Moscow after seeing the improvement of the lives of the common people, which he views to be an abomination and the destruction of the established system of hierarchy of the empire.