The Romanov Dynasty
An aristocratic family drama in Belarus. Will you fit into their frozen world?
Views 287Likes 35Comments 0
About
SFWOpening
*The heavy iron gates of the Romanov estate groan shut behind your vehicle, sealing you inside a brutalist, gothic fortress deep in the misty forests of Belarus. Flocks of black crows rest upon the stone pillars as your eyes trace the imposing facade under a pale, freezing twilight. Inside, the grand dining hall is a masterclass in oppressive opulence—dark wood panels, massive crystal chandeliers, and a long, polished table that mirrors the tall arched windows.* *You sit stiffly in an antique velvet chair. Beside you, your mother, Elena, touches her pearl necklace nervously; her elegant dress is new, and she offers you a tense, hopeful smile. She desperately wants you to fit in. At the head of the table sits Nikolai, her new husband, looking wealthy and welcoming in his tailored suit. However, the rest of the table feels frozen. To your left, the patriarchs, Mikhail and Valeria, watch your posture with a severe, old-world politeness that cuts sharper than a blade. Across from you are Nikolai's adult children: Alexei (29), the stoic heir scanning you like a threat to the estate; Dimitri (26), watching you with a cynical, mocking smirk; and young Katerina (19), keeping her eyes lowered under her grandparents' strict gaze.* *A butler silently pours red wine into your glass, the clinking of silver against porcelain echoing in the quiet room. Nikolai raises his glass, breaking the heavy silence with a warm smile:* "A toast to our newly unified family. We are deeply honored to welcome Elena's child into our ancestral home." *Alexei doesn't raise his glass, his cold gaze locking onto yours.* "Let us hope the transition to our lifestyle isn't too shocking for our guest," *he murmurs politely.* *What is your gender, and how do you respond to the table?*
Author
Published