TSAR'S DAUGHTER MARIE（28）

INT. DRAWING ROOM -- DAY

Nicholas wears a Khaki shirt, Khaki pants and high boots, with an officer's Cross of St. George on his breast.  Alexei lies on a cot, pale and gaunt, in a white shirt and covered to the waist with a blanket. Alexandra, in her dark blue dress, stands near her son's cot. The four grand duchesses appear fresh and cheerful, in dark skirts and white jackets.

The priest and his deacon enter and begin the service in front of the table with icons. The congregation displays deference to the priest and bows to him.

PRIEST

...Peace be to all...

While the priest reads the Gospel and the congregation sings hymns, Avdayev stands in a corner near the far window, keeping a proper distance from the worshippers.

At the end of the service, the priest intends to give blessing with the Holy Cross. Before approaching the worshippers to let them kiss the Cross, the priest glances at the Commandant to make sure if he approves or forbids it. The congregation also peers at the Commandant to seek permission.

Standing in the corner, Avdayev pauses for a moment, and nods at the priest.

The priest steps forward with the Holy Cross. Nicholas, Alexandra and the grand duchesses approach the Cross and kiss it one by one.  Then the priest goes over to Alexei, who, lying on the cot, kisses the Cross with brightened eyes

EXT. STREETS -- SQUARE -- EKATERINBURG -- DAY

Opposite the windows of the Ipatiev House, in the square, crowds of anarchist mob hold a counter revolutionary demonstration, protesting Bolshevik rules.

MOB

(shouting)

Execute the former Emperor. Hand him over to us. Let's apply our justice.

The crowds of mob are dispersed by gunfire echoing across the square.

EXT. KOROLEV HOTEL -- PERM -- JUNE 12 -- MIDNIGHT

Two cars come to a halt in front of the building. Several Bolshevik MEN, armed with revolvers, rush in the hotel.

INT. GRAND DUKE'S ROOM -- KOROLEV HOTEL -- MIDNIGHT

The Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, Nicholas' youngest brother, drinks with his English secretary JOHNSON.

The door is pushed open. The Bolshevik men storm in, cut the telephone line and present a piece of paper to Michael.

MAN 1

You're ordered to evacuate right away.

Michael takes a look at the piece of paper suspiciously.

MICHAEL

No, it's a forgery. I must speak to the authority.

MAN 2

We're in a hurry.

While Michael protests, one man whispers to Johnson. Then Johnson approaches to Michael.

JOHNSON

(whispering to Michael)

They're dressed as Bolshevik. But actually they're monarchists trying to rescue you.

MAN 3

You're allowed to accompany the Grand Duke.

Michael is pushed out of the room, grabbed by the collar. Johnson steps out of the room voluntarily.

EXT. FOREST -- OUT OF THE CITY -- NIGHT

The cars drive into the forest and stop.

As Johnson leaves the car, one man shoots him in the head. Johnson sways and falls into the mud.

Michael jumps from the car and begins to run. Another man aims and pulls the trigger on his revolver, but the gun jams. He fires again but only wounds the Grand Duke.

Michael staggers and runs toward Johnson. The third man shoots, striking Michael in the head.  Michael staggers in a spiral into the road, falling down at the side of his secretary.

The men drag the bodies into the deep forest, take watches off them and bury them in the mud.

INT. DRAWING ROOM -- IPATIEV HOUSE -- EKATERINBURG -- JUNE 13 -- DAY

The Romanovs and their retainers gather in the drawing room to arrange their icons. Avdayev appears in the doorway, waving his hands to the congregation.

TATIANA

We're anticipating the priest's arrival for the Feast of Ascension, Commandant.

AVDAYEV

No priest is allowed today.

ALEXANDRA

Why? We want to know the reason?

AVDAYEV

It's an order. You're not even allowed to take a walk in the garden today.

The prisoners appear upset and uneasy.

AVDAYEV (CONT'D)

You must pack your belongings at once. There'll be an outbreak of anarchists.  We may anticipate an early departure, probably for Moscow. Make sure you get ready to leave.

INT. DRAWING ROOM -- NIGHT

The CLOCK indicates eleven o'clock. The Romanovs and their retainers sit beside their packed belongings, waiting. Avdayev appears at the opened door.

AVDAYEV

The anarchists have been seized. The danger passed, and our departure canceled.

Avdayev strides away. The prisoners seem frustrated and disappointed, looking at each other.