Chapter 73 Conversation with the Dowager Empress

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 8th of April 1897 ---

Since the passing of her late husband, Tsar Alexander III of Russia, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna has chosen to reside in Catherine Palace, seeking solace in her life. Additionally, she occasionally travels to Denmark and the United Kingdom to visit her sister and brother, finding comfort in their company. Freed from the responsibilities of being the Tsarina of Russia, she now enjoys a more leisurely existence.

Despite this newfound freedom, Maria Feodorovna maintains close contact with her son, Nicholas II, the current Tsar of Russia, and his entire family. This connection has grown stronger, particularly since the birth of her first granddaughter, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia, whom she adores dearly. Despite any disappointment felt by the nobility regarding the birth of Tsarina Alexandra and Tsar Nicholas II's first child, Maria Feodorovna holds her granddaughter in high esteem, affectionately referring to her as "Солнышко" (Solnyshko/Sunshine) from the moment she first laid eyes on her.

Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna understands that only a male child of her son can inherit the throne of Russia, but she is not rushing to pressure her son and daughter-in-law into producing an heir to the throne. In her mind, the current emperor and empress are still in their youth, with plenty of time to produce a male heir. Moreover, Tsarina Alexandra, her daughter-in-law, is currently pregnant with another child, a prospect that excites her as a grandmother.

In recent days, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna has been quite busy. She has been frequenting the Winter Palace, located a few kilometers away from her residence at the Catherine Palace, to visit the emperor and empress. These visits serve the purpose of checking on her daughter-in-law and spending time with her granddaughter.

Only recently, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna made the decision to indulge in some rest and savor the fresh spring days at Catherine Palace, her beloved retreat. This explains why, despite the early days of April, she chose to take a leisurely stroll through the palace gardens, eager to witness the blossoming flowers and lush grass.

Accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting and a few palace guards, all stationed to ensure her safety, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna walked with an air of tranquility, much to the delight and satisfaction of those around her. They had observed her unwavering dedication in recent days, where she had seemingly disregarded her own well-being, instead focusing entirely on her son and daughter-in-law, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child, as well as her granddaughter.

Her commitment had been evident even during the harsh winter months, when she tirelessly extended aid to the common folk in the villages surrounding Saint Petersburg. Even the peasants in the capital had been generously provided with alms and warm clothing, endearing the Dowager Empress not only to the nobility and the government but also to the people of Russia. It could be said that Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna's popularity surpassed even that of the emperor himself.

In the eyes of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna's ladies-in-waiting and palace guards, her mere presence in the empire is sufficient to stabilize both the monarchy and the populace.

As Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna indulges in the simple pleasure of gathering flowers and admiring the garden, meticulously tended to by the Imperial Gardeners, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna approaches her, gracefully curtseying before presenting a letter.

"Your Imperial Majesty," respectfully acknowledges Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna from behind the Dowager Empress.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia, born Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine, is the wife of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, brother of the late emperor and uncle to the current one. Additionally, she is the elder sister of the current Tsarina of Russia, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia.

She married Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia in 1884 and converted to Russian Orthodoxy prior to their union. Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia became one of the ladies-in-waiting of the Dowager Empress just a few weeks after her marriage to Grand Duke Sergei.

It was Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, then Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, who welcomed Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna to Russia. Both found comfort in each other's company as they were both foreigners in the empire. This forged a strong bond between them. Additionally, their relationship deepened further when Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna's younger sister, Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine, married Tsarevich Nicholas, the current emperor and son of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, making them family by marriage.

Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna also had the idea of appointing Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna as her lady-in-waiting, thereby fostering a closer relationship between them. This closeness is evident, as among the eight ladies-in-waiting of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, only the Grand Duchess herself possesses a deeper understanding of the Dowager Empress compared to the others.

"What is it, Elizabeth?" Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna inquired, her hands delicately arranging freshly plucked flowers upon her right hand.

A smile formed on the face of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna as she delicately plucked some flowers in the garden, finding peace and contentment in their presence.

"A letter has arrived for you, Your Imperial Majesty," Grand Duchess Elizabeth replied calmly, handing the letter to Dowager Empress Maria, who accepted it gently. After observing the seal on the envelope, she proceeded to open it.

A few minutes of pause and silence settled over the entire garden as Dowager Empress Maria read the contents of the letter with solemnity. Her actions not only puzzled the ladies-in-waiting, who were positioned further away from her and the Grand Duchess, but also caused concern among the palace guards, who wondered why the Dowager Empress had suddenly stopped moving.

Unlike the others, who were confused and curious, Grand Duchess Elizabeth knew precisely why the Dowager Empress had halted her activity and focused on reading the letter. It wasn't the beauty of the envelope that had captured the Dowager Empress's attention; rather, it was the sender of the letter.

The letter arrived from a close confidante of Dowager Empress Maria herself, a friend who stood quite distant from the rest of the Empress's circle. This friend, to whom Dowager Empress Maria had extended her patronage since their initial encounter, was none other than Grand Duchess Elizabeth's labeled figure of peculiarity and sanctity, yet the one in whom both she and Dowager Empress Maria of Russia placed their utmost trust.

Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie, a mere child in his early years—an age typically deemed infantile or juvenile by adults of the time. Nevertheless, Dowager Empress Maria managed to forge a bond with the young prince. The memory of how her mistress, Dowager Empress Maria, and the Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie of Butuan first crossed paths remained vivid in the mind of Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

The two of them first met two years ago, in February of 1895, when Dowager Empress Maria decided to embark on a tour of the countries in the Far East and Southeast. She desired to observe the people and the governance of their monarchs. Accompanying the Dowager Empress at that time were her ladies-in-waiting and a contingent of guards tasked with ensuring her safety.

Upon their arrival in Butuan and subsequent lodging in the Imperial Complex, both Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Dowager Empress Maria resolved to visit the Temple of St. Felipe, situated just a few steps away from the palace gardens. Despite their devout adherence to the Russian Orthodox Church, Empress Dowager Maria couldn't resist her curiosity about the Temple of Butuan. Hence, she decided to explore it alongside her trusted lady-in-waiting, Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

By this time, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu and his courtiers were also en route to the temple of St. Felipe for prayer. This occurrence intrigued the Grand Duchess and Dowager Empress of Russia, as it was exceptionally rare to witness such devotion to religion in a child. This fascination led the Grand Duchess and Dowager Empress to form a favorable impression of Siagu Alexie himself. Additionally, they observed how the Imperial Crown Prince wielded full authority over his courtiers despite his tender age.

However, one incident left Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Dowager Empress Maria puzzled and shocked. It was Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's casual revelation that Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Tsarina Feodorovna would welcome a daughter on November 3, 1895. This revelation confounded both Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Dowager Empress Maria, as there had been no indication from Tsarina Feodorovna that she was expecting.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia vividly recalls how Dowager Empress Maria of Russia persistently queried Imperial Crown Prince Siagu about his statement. Yet, instead of a direct response, the young crown prince merely smiled at Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Dowager Empress Maria. Dowager Empress Maria's visit, accompanied by her entire entourage, concluded with her unable to elicit a satisfactory explanation from the imperial crown prince himself.

Months after the Dowager Empress Maria of Russia and her entire entourage returned to Saint Petersburg, both she and Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia had already forgotten the words spoken by the child imperial crown prince during their time in Butuan. They dismissed it as mere childish babble.

However, a sudden announcement from Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Feodorovna reached the ears of the Dowager Empress Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth. The announcement revealed the news of the empress bearing a child, sparking excitement in both the Dowager Empress and the Grand Duchess. They had witnessed the pressure faced by the couple regarding the task of producing an heir.

This news also triggered memories of the words spoken by the young crown prince of Butuan. It prompted them to reconsider and take the child's words more seriously, although skepticism still lingered as not all the information provided by Imperial Crown Prince Siagu of Butuan had come to fruition.

On November 3rd, as Imperial Crown Prince Siagu had foretold, Tsarina Feodorovna of Russia gave birth to a healthy baby girl. This occasion sparked a grand celebration within the family, despite the newborn being a girl. However, amidst the Romanov family's jubilation, both Dowager Empress Maria of Russia and Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia were gripped by anxiety, for the prophecy spoken by the young imperial crown prince of Butuan was coming to fruition.

For Dowager Empress Maria of Russia and Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia, this event solidified their faith in the words of the young imperial crown prince.

This explains why Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia understands fully why her mistress, Dowager Empress Maria of Russia, is so absorbed in the letter she is currently reading.

After a few moments of preparation, Dowager Empress Maria of Russia let out a gentle sigh before passing a letter from Grand Duchess Elizabeth herself, accompanied by a smile.

"It seems my son will once again need to endeavor in producing the future heir to the imperial throne of Russia," Dowager Empress Maria of Russia remarked. This conveyed to Grand Duchess Elizabeth the intentions of the Dowager Empress.

A few weeks prior, before the conflict between Butuan and Japan erupted, Dowager Empress Maria had dispatched a letter directly to Imperial Crown Prince Siagu, inquiring about the child currently carried by the Tsarina of Russia. She sought to learn its gender, as the court was growing increasingly impatient for the emperor and empress to conceive a daughter.

Since the birth of the first child of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Feodorovna, Dowager Empress Maria of Russia consistently sent letters to the young crown prince of Butuan, seeking to understand his identity and how he came to possess such information. Instead of providing a direct response, the young crown prince replied with only two words: "Бог знает" (God knows). This enigmatic reply led Dowager Empress Maria of Russia and Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia to place their trust in the future with the young crown prince.

In light of Dowager Empress Maria's and Grand Duchess Elizabeth's reflections, it appears that the young crown prince's words suggest the birth of a girl.

"The court and the nobility may not view this favorably," Grand Duchess Elizabeth remarked with a sympathetic smile as she once again received the letter.

"They surely will not be. But do they ever consider refraining from imposing unnecessary pressure on them again, or I will become their adversary," Dowager Empress Maria stated firmly before resuming her walk. She was followed by Grand Duchess Elizabeth only after instructing her courtiers to remain behind.

"Are you not disappointed that the child will be a girl once more, Your Imperial Majesty? The empress may be my younger sister, but I cannot deny feeling disappointed that she will again give birth to a daughter," Grand Duchess Elizabeth expressed, her tone tinged with disappointment and confusion as to why her mistress, Dowager Empress Maria of Russia, was not reacting similarly.

Knowing the gender of the baby in advance couldn't have been the reason for her mistress's reaction, as it was when Grand Duchess Olga was born. Her mistress, Dowager Empress Maria, had been quite explicit about her disappointment when her daughter-in-law delivered a baby girl instead of a baby boy. However, now that she knew the gender of the upcoming child, Dowager Empress Maria didn't just react with disappointment; instead, she reacted by protecting her daughter-in-law, who was also the sister of Grand Duchess Elizabeth herself.

It took Dowager Empress Maria a few moments to respond to the words of Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

"Who dares to claim I am not disappointed?" Dowager Empress Maria stated with solemnity before continuing, "Indeed, I am profoundly disappointed, for it seems it will once again be a girl. A child who will be unable to ascend the throne of Imperial Russia. A child who will, yet again, be labeled a disappointment by the nobility and the court.

Those fools and worthless individuals. It vexes me endlessly to hear their constant expressions of disappointment and their fervent wishes for a male heir. As if one could dictate the gender of a child."

This declaration left the trailing Grand Duchess visibly taken aback before she humbly sought forgiveness.

"I beg your pardon for entertaining such thoughts, Your Imperial Majesty," Grand Duchess Elizabeth stated, met with a stern gaze from her mistress, who now regarded her after they had paused near the children's house adjacent to the Alexander Palace.

"I understand that both you and Sergei are experiencing the same challenge, Elizabeth. It's been years since your union with Sergei, yet you haven't been able to have a child. I sense that there's pressure from the family for you and Sergei to have offspring, as the absence of a child in your union could potentially impact the stability and future of the dynasty and our nation," remarked Dowager Empress Maria with a mix of sympathy and firmness, while Grand Duchess Elizabeth displayed discomfort and guilt.

In the years following the marriage of Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Grand Duke Sergei, Elizabeth has struggled to conceive or bear children. The pressure from both the nobility and the Romanov family itself has led Elizabeth to question her purpose in life. This has driven her to seek solace through prayer within the churches of the Russian Orthodoxy.

She believed that her prayers were answered by God through the child crown prince of Butuan, after he demonstrated the accuracy of his predictions. Elizabeth came to believe that this child was indeed a gift from God, as his ability to foresee the future seemed divine.

Unbeknownst to the Grand Duchess, the Imperial Crown Prince of Butuan's knowledge regarding the future child of her sister stemmed from his fascination with the Russian monarchy.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth attempted to correspond with the child, inquiring about her prospects of bearing children for her husband. She asked if Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie of Butuan could intercede through prayer on her behalf, seeking divine assistance in conceiving a child. However, instead of receiving the direct response she desired, the young crown prince replied with, "Ваша верность и благочестие пред Господом будут вознаграждены." (Your faithfulness and piety to the Lord shall be rewarded.) She interpreted this as a sign to continue her devout adherence to Russian Orthodoxy.

However, despite these sentiments originating from the 'child of God', Grand Duchess Elizabeth still feels burdened by pressure and guilt due to her inability to conceive a child for her beloved husband. She yearned to experience motherhood, to nurture a child within the realms of aristocracy and nobility. She envisioned a child who would proudly carry her husband's name and continue the legacy of the esteemed Romanov dynasty. Yet, reality often diverges from the pages of fantasy novels.

"That is indeed the truth, Your Imperial Majesty. The weight of familial and societal expectations regarding my childless marriage to Sergei is undeniable. However, I have sought solace in the church, fervently entreating our Lord to hear my prayers. A single child would suffice to perpetuate my husband's lineage—that is all I have beseeched for," Grand Duchess Elizabeth conveyed with a strained smile, breaking her silence after a moment of contemplation, directed toward the Dowager Empress.

"*Sigh* Keep praying, my child. Someday, the Lord will hear your plea.

Nevertheless, while I am somewhat disappointed with your sister's performance in bearing a child, I find solace in the fact that another girl will be joining our family. Through the words of little Siagu, I have learned to accept reality and am grateful that our family lineage will continue through a female descendant.

Although a male child would have been preferable, the likelihood of one being born this year or in the years to come seems quite low." Dowager Empress Maria stated, directing her gaze towards the children's house in the middle of the island pond.

The Empress Dowager's words caught Grand Duchess Elizabeth off guard, as she had assumed that the letters only contained information about her younger sister, Tsarina Feodorovna, giving birth to a girl. However, she was mistaken. Apparently, the letter also contained another piece of information from the future.

Realizing that Grand Duchess Elizabeth hadn't spoken, Dowager Empress Maria turned her attention back to her trusted lady-in-waiting, only to find her staring with a somewhat shocked expression. Interpreting this expression, Dowager Empress Maria spoke.

"Yes... The letter also indicates that the child your sister will bear in the next few years will be a girl before finally having a boy... The dynasty may face instability in the coming years if this prediction proves true," Dowager Empress Maria said, her tone tinged with lament, while Grand Duchess Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

A few minutes of silence ensued as both delved deeper into their thoughts regarding the future of the imperial family and the Russian Empire, especially with the ongoing war between Butuan and Japan. Though the war had little direct impact on the Russian Empire, it sparked speculation about how the empire would navigate these circumstances.

Dowager Empress Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth were well aware that the conflict between Japan and Butuan would inevitably yield a victor and a vanquished. The likelihood of Butuan emerging victorious appeared significantly higher than that of Japan. Consequently, the Defense Minister of Russia expressed discontent with this anticipated outcome.

Some even proposed to Tsar Nicholas II that Russia should engage in war with Japan, seizing the opportunity to acquire territory. However, Dowager Empress Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth regarded this suggestion as sheer folly, foreseeing probable disapproval from Germany. Moreover, provoking Butuan would be akin to stirring a slumbering lion; any move to involve Russia in the conflict could strain the existing relationship and alliance between the two nations.

It took several days of explanation by Dowager Empress Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth to persuade Tsar Nicholas II and Grand Duke Sergei. Eventually, they came to understand that Russia's participation in the war between Butuan and Japan would bring more harm than benefit. Consequently, the Russian Empire declared its neutrality and impartiality in the conflict.