The fact those Latvians want no part of any of it troubles
you. Surely they are as solidly grounded in the Revolution as you are. Why,
then, does their refusal to involve themselves disturb you so deeply?
Perhaps it's because you've recently caught sight of the Tsar and his family in the garden, easily interacting with one another. Strangely enough, they've reminded you of your own family just outside the city.
Now, though, the royal family is not in the garden. It’s being led into the small room, behind the closed double doors, where the rest of you stand waiting. You can hear them speaking in there. The Tsarina asks for chairs for she and her husband to sit on. You're surprised she didn't ask for one for the boy, who is clearly sick.
Yurovsky enters the room a moment later and tells you all to be ready. You feel the Belgian revolver you’ve been given weigh heavily in your hand. You can still hear the royal family talking. They are unarmed.
You stare at Yurovsky for a moment. He's a man who has truly struggled for the Revolution, a man who has literally sacrificed his freedom for it on numerous occasions. If such a man feels it is just to kill the royal family, then who is someone like you, a lowly soldier from Yekaterinburg, to question it?
Then again, those Latvians certainly struck you as dedicated to the Revolution – and they stepped away. You're uncertain. The Tsar's supporters are said to be closing in. If any member of the family should be rescued, even one of the daughters, the enemies of the Revolution might remain inspired.
And then what might happen?
Yurovsky opens the double doors and leads all of you out. You find the family, along with their remaining staff, bunched before a wall. The Tsar and Tsarina are seated. The young boy sits on the Tsar's lap. The daughters are gathered among the others.
You wonder what reason there is for the staff members to die. You also note the princesses look about the same age as your own daughters.
The order is given.
“What?” asks the Tsar, clearly stunned.
You wonder whether or not to fire along with the others.
The Tsarina and one of the girls attempt to bless themselves.
The room erupts in thunder.
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