I have always been a fan of history and have always been curious of what might have been… this leads me to Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia.
Grand Duchess Anastasia was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, and Tsarina Alexandra. She was born on June 18, 1901, in Peterhof, Russia. Anastasia was a member of the Russian imperial family and was known for her playful and energetic personality. By 1918, Russia was amidst a tumultuous time during the first world war. The Romanov family, who had ruled Russia for centuries, had been overthrown by the Bolshevik government during the great war.
The Bolsheviks took the family prisoner when they took over and moved the royal family to a small house in Siberia. Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, was just 16 years old when the Bolshevik government executed her family. However, what if the story went…
As the firing squad approached, Anastasia heard shots and screams. She panicked and pushed into a closet. The Bolsheviks began to execute her family. She clawed at the back of the cabinet to escape from the bullets ripping into everything around her. To her surprise, the back sprung open, leading to a crawl space.
Anastasia had to squirm on her hands and knees into the tunnel, which was dark and cramped. She could hear the soldiers hunting for her and knew she had to act soon. She had no clue how long the tunnel was or where it would go, but she kept walking, spurred by the awareness that her life relied on it.
Anastasia noticed a glimmer of light ahead after what seemed like a lifetime. She realized she was getting near and redoubled her efforts, crawling as quickly as possible. She finally emerged from the tunnel and into the wide air. Anastasia was free.
Anastasia knew that she had to keep moving. She stumbled through the woods, looking for some sign of civilization. At last, Anastasia saw a train in the distance, and she knew that this was her chance. She ran towards it and lifted herself onto an open boxcar with all her might. Anastasia escaped the country, seeking refuge in a distant land where she could start a new life.
Years passed, and Anastasia grew into a beautiful and intelligent young woman. She never forgot her past, but she made a new life for herself, far from the turmoil and conflict of her homeland. She married a kind and gentle man, and they had two daughters whom they named Olga and Tatiana, after Anastasia’s beloved sisters. Yet, the Russian Civil War would continue due to her survival and the horror of what the Bolsheviks did.
Eventually, those who supported the Czar would win and wanted to restore the monarchy in Russia with her as the new Czaritsa. At first, Anastasia was shocked and hesitant, but they convinced her that she was the only one who could bring stability and hope to the country.
So Anastasia traveled back to Russia with her husband and kids. She was greeted with wide arms by the Russian people and given the title of Czaritsa in a formal ceremony. Her reign was prosperous and peaceful, and she reigned with wisdom and compassion. Anastasia gained popularity as a leader and represented hope for the Russian people throughout time. In 1989, when Anastasia passed peacefully in her sleep, she was with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren by her side.
In days, dignitaries worldwide would attend a grand state funeral as the Russian people would mourn her loss. Her legacy would be celebrated in tributes and memorials as she never let go of the past, but she created a new, loving, and meaningful life for herself, her family, and her people.
