Meeting Alix happened almost by chance, and neither could ignore each other without being rude.
"How have you been, Nicky?"
The last time they met was in St. Petersburg. Compared to two years ago, Princess Alix was now cheerful, talkative, and gentle, likely because her grandmother, Queen Victoria, doted on her.
"I'm well. I came to England because..."
"Because Nicky has a fiancée, Alix."
The person who interrupted Nicholas was another young prince, George Frederick Ernest Albert, the future George V. He and Nicholas looked so alike they could be twins since George's mother was the sister of Nicholas's mother, Maria Feodorovna.
George, three years older than Nicholas, was his cousin, so let's just call him Cousin George.
The relationship between these two went back further than when Nicholas met Princess Alix at the age of ten. Almost every year, Empress Maria brought her family to spend holidays in Denmark with her sister, Queen Alexandra, making these two cousins practically grow up together.
"How have you been, George?"
"Couldn't be better, always 'studying'."
George's troubled expression revealed that his education was as loose as Nicholas's had been, with home tutors. But George had not been the initial heir to the throne; his older brother Eddy, who was also Nicholas's fiancée Elena's first love, was.
After Prince Eddy's sudden death from pneumonia in 1892, the responsibility of inheriting the crown abruptly fell upon this 27-year-old easygoing youth.
In past letters to Nicholas, George often talked about hunting and collecting stamps, but after 1892, he had to undergo rigorous adult education to make up for his prior gaps. Consequently, his letters began to frequently lament the difficulties of learning foreign languages and the complexities of British maritime law.
George, the academic struggler, had much in common with his predecessor, particularly in their shared fear and confusion about inheriting the throne.
"I'm almost the same; my father has me taking on more official duties."
"That's troublesome."
George didn't realize his dear cousin had a different soul now and still showed sympathy from a fellow sufferer's perspective.
"Fiancée? When did that happen?"
Princess Alix ignored Prince George's brotherly commiseration and only focused on the word "fiancée."
"It happened this year... My parents wish for me to marry Princess Elena of Orléans. We've spent some time together, and it's been pleasant."
Though Nicholas spoke calmly, Princess Alix felt particularly conflicted.
Human emotions are such that when Nicholas had fervently pursued Alix before, she had been worried about backward Russia and had unwavering faith. But now that Nicholas had learned to let go, she felt both relieved and lost.
"I'm glad you've found someone who loves you and cares for you."
Nevertheless, Princess Alix gave Nicholas her blessing.
"Receiving your blessing makes me equally joyful."
If only Princess Alix didn't have the hemophilia gene, Nicholas thought privately, maybe then I would continue to pursue her.
However, there was no changing the situation. Alex, plagued by frequent sciatica, had gone to bed early, leaving only the enthusiastic George to showcase his stamp collection to Nikolai.
"You've been studying German recently, haven't you? Why not talk more with your cousin Wilhelm?"
Nikolai's suggestion made George roll his eyes.
"Oh, heavens! How could I willingly approach Willy?"
George had no interest in international affairs or political topics. To him, these matters were less enticing than hunting pheasants in the countryside.
"I'd rather not talk to him at all. He's too annoying! I want to stay far away from him."
"…"
Nikolai wanted to express his agreement but kept silent, nodding instead.
"By the way, Nicky, there's something else."
After chatting for a while, as best friends do, George brought up something significant to him.
"Go on."
"I'm getting married next year, and you absolutely must come."
George took Nikolai's hand, and Nikolai noted how Europeans of this era liked to hold hands when speaking earnestly.
"Of course, I'll definitely come. When I get married... it will probably be within the next two or three years, and you must come too."
"Naturally."
After this, Nikolai stayed at Windsor Castle for a few more days, went hunting with his cousin George, and welcomed his fiancée and father-in-law, the Count of Paris.
"Will you... will you be my wife?"
In a serious atmosphere, Nikolai nervously held Princess Elena's hand.
"I will."
Princess Elena, with a slight blush, answered softly.
Long before Nikolai arrived in England, the Count of Paris had prepared Elena for this moment, so everything fell into place smoothly.
However, a formal ceremony was still necessary. In the presence of Queen Maria, the Count of Paris, and their family members at Windsor Castle, Elena officially became Nikolai's fiancée.
"My dear Nicky! I'm so thrilled. It's such a pity Sasha can't see this! I'm tempted to run and tell your father."
Queen Maria was especially happy, kissing Nikolai's face repeatedly.
"I hope you can marry soon, Sasha would have wanted that too."
She had also prepared a beautiful Fabergé jeweled egg and several pieces of jewelry for her beloved daughter-in-law.
"Do you prefer sapphires or emeralds? These diamonds are all my favorite styles."
"I like them all. Thank you, Queen Maria."
"Just call me Minnie."
Nikolai felt relieved, at least the relationship between his mother and his fiancée seemed harmonious, saving him a lot of trouble.
After this, Nikolai and Elena left Windsor Castle and visited Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a royal residence of his uncle, the Prince of Wales, Bertie.
The future Edward VII was a hefty playboy who redefined elegant living for the upper class. His interests included beautiful women, cigars, gourmet food, high-end tailored clothing, luxury handcrafted automobiles, and yachts.
These hobbies were all expensive luxuries, so guests at Bertie's estate were rarely aristocrats, who were economically declining, but mostly wealthy industrialists, especially bankers and Jewish magnates.
"Don't fool around with Bertie, especially avoid his Jewish friends."
Queen Minnie was particularly worried that Nikolai would be led astray by the playboy Bertie.
However, Nikolai felt right at home here, surrounded by the "decadence" of capitalism.