These charming girls were as close as sisters get. They were always together, though sometimes separated by "big pair" (Olga and Tatiana) and "little pair" (Marie and Anastasia). "OTMA," an acronym of their names, was their collective autograph for gifts and letters.

Nicholas and Alexandra both led very simple, restricted childhoods and that carried over into their own family life. The children led a closely guarded lifestyle and generally did not interact with other children outside family and servants. Being so sheltered from the aristocratic society of St. Petersburg forced the girls to rely on each other for friendship, trust, and support (Massie 50)

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