EXT. ALEXANDER PALACE -- TSARSKOE SELO -- DAY

The small neoclassic PALACE looks like an English country mansion, guarded by the IMPERIAL CONVOY.

INT. BOUDOIR -- ALEXANDER PALACE -- TSARSKOE SELO -- DAY

In Alexandra's mauve boudoir, the furniture and decorations are keyed to the shade of violet.  Alexandra takes care of her sick children lying on the cots. Alexandra feels Alexei on the forehead.

ALEXANDRA

You still have a high fever, dear.

ALEXEI

Mama, give me a bicycle.

ALEXANDRA

You know you cannot.

ALEXEI

I want to play tennis, as my sisters do.

ALEXANDRA

You know you dare not play.

ALEXEI

(crying)

Why aren't I like everyone else?

Suddenly, rifle shots bang in the near distance. Alexandra scurries to reach the windows and draws the lilac curtain.

ALEXEI (CONT'D)

What's the shooting, Mama?

ALEXANDRA

Maneuvers. Don't worry. Go to sleep, honey.

The telephone rings. She hurries to pick up the phone.

ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)

Hello, what? We're in danger? You ask me to flee the Alexander Palace? Flee as soon as possible? No, I can't. I can't flee. My kids are sick, and, and my husband is out of reach. I'm not going anywhere. Let them do what they wish.

EXT. ENTRANCE -- ALEXANDER PALACE -- TSARSKOE SELO -- NIGHT

Lanterns are lit. Riding astride the horses, the OFFICERS of the Convoy patrol along the iron fence of the palace. SOLDIERS on guard take up firing positions in dealing with a sudden attack.

Wrapped up in fur coats, Alexandra, Marie and Anna step out of the palace to send tea and refreshments to the guards. Anna sets a table for food. An officer of the Convoy puts a pair of BINOCULARS on the table and salutes Alexandra.

OFFICER OF CONVOY

Your Majesty, we're surrounded by mutinous soldiers of the Tsarskoe Selo garrison. The palace can be stormed at any moment.

ALEXANDRA

It's better not to shoot. No matter what happens, I don't want blood shed because of us.

Marie distributes food to and pours tea for the guards.

GUARD 1

It's so freezing, but now we drink tea and feel warm. Thank you, Your Highness.

MARIE

You're welcome.

GUARD 2

Thank you, Your Highness. Your tea cheers me up.

MARIE

The pleasure is mine.

Marie looks at the binoculars on the table and takes them. While walking out of the iron fence to take the air, Marie watches through the binoculars.

MARIE'S POV THROUGH THE BINOCULARS

Across the swirling snow, Victor gallops the horse along the road toward the palace. Victor sees her, halts the horse, dismounts and runs toward her.

BACK TO SCENE

Marie gets into ecstasy, beckons to and rushes toward Victor. They run faster and get closer. When they reach to each other, Victor lifts Marie up in the air and whirls with her. They embrace and kiss, laughing and leaping.

MARIE (CONT'D)

Hey, Victor, how come you're here? Is it real? Isn't it a dream?

VICTOR

Ha, I'm here. It's real. It's not a dream.

MARIE

Let's go there, behind the tree.

They scurry to a place shadowed by a huge tree and kiss passionately.

VICTOR

Marie, run away with me, right now.

MARIE

Run away with you? Escape? Elope?

VICTOR

Whatever, as long as we're together.

MARIE

How?

VICTOR

Gallop. I've got a horse.

MARIE

It's crazy.

VICTOR

Yes, you drive me crazy. I'm crazy about you. Let's be crazy together. Let's go, now, now!

MARIE

I love to, Victor, but, I'm scared.

VICTOR

(impatiently)

Scared of what? Now I'm with you. I'll take care of you. I'll protect you. Don't be scared.

MARIE

My brother and sisters are sick. They have measles. Mama is so grieving.

VICTOR

But you're in danger now. Marie, you know what? I read from newspapers, your father will be abdicated, forced by the Duma ministry and the Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. The imperial troops mutinied and even the garrison of Tsarskoe Selo rebelled. Your family is threatened by both the Provisional Government and Bolshevik revolutionaries.

MARIE

I can't quite understand what you said. But I know for sure that you worry about me because you love me.

VICTOR

Yes, I love you, so I couldn't bear with it, if, if you fall into the hands of your father's enemies.

MARIE

I don't want to leave you, but I don't want to leave my family either. How can I do?

Marie weeps herself out. Victor hugs her closely to soothe her. They are startled as someone approaches.

ANNA

(in the near distance)

Grand Duchess Marie, Your Highness, where're you? Don't go too far. Please come back.

MARIE

(to Victor softly)

Anna is looking for me. I have to go now.

VICTOR

Marie, think the matter through.

MARIE

Okay, give me time to think over.

VICTOR

I'll see you soon.

MARIE

See you soon.

Marie kisses Victor goodbye and runs toward Anna.