Chapter I

St. Petersburg, 1894

"God save the Tzar!"

The chant echoed three times through the large church, as the many counts, duchesses and aristocrats from every corner of the Empire stood and bowed to their new Tzar, Nicholas the II. And standing there to, shouting almost as loud as the rest was Ivan, dressed in his best Imperial uniform. As the new Tsar descended with his procession out the church, Ivan couldn't help but blush a bit. This man was going to bring great change!

Ivan could remember as if it were yesterday, how the late Tsar Alexander III had introduced them. At first Russia was doubtful. Nicholas was much more shy than his brothers, and certainly not as boisterous as his bear of a father! But over time Ivan could tell that the boy was growing into a fine young gentleman. Surely he would bring pride to the House of Romanov!

Ivan blinked a few time returning to the present, bowing low as the Tsar walked past where he was sat. For a brief moment they made eye contact, and Russia was almost certain the young man had winked at him! The nation stifled a chuckle, realizing that Nicholas was indeed the only person present who knew what Ivan really was.

Ivan's usual Cheshire cat grin grew wider, as he watched the grand, golden robed Tsar exit through the doors and was escorted into an even grander carriage.

After the Tsar and his entourage had left, the lesser royals began filing to their own carriages, to quickly dash to the Royal Palace were a grand ball would be held.

As Ivan began to enter his own carriage he heard someone shout from behind him, "Count Braginski!"

Ivan turned around to see a rather large, and merry looking royal approach him. The man had a bushy red beard, and bald shiny head. He was in all appearances the traditional Russian aristocrat, except he wore a sharp tuxedo. It was quite in contrast to the younger Ivan's traditional Cossack uniform.

He smiled and replied in surprise, "Constantin! How are you my friend?"

"I've been better! My carriage driver is drunk and I can't find another one." He cocked a bushy eyebrow at Ivan, "Could I trouble you for a ride to the Palace?"

"Of course. Hop in!"

And with that the two were speeding through the icy streets of St. Petersburg. They chatted the whole way about the city, and of course how retched the winter had been that year. Although Constantin complained more than Ivan. Ivan liked the cold himself, appreciating it's numbing nature.

After a long moment, the two men gradually went silent, staring out their respective windows. Occasionally Constantin would point out a certain landmark but it was nothing new to Ivan, even though he acted as if it was. He was there when most of these building went up!

They were at least fifteen minutes away from the palace when Constantin suddenly said, "Terrible shame what happened on Khodinka field."

Ivan raised a pale eyebrow at the man. "What happened on Khodinka field?"

Constantin looked disbelievingly at Ivan. "What, you didn't hear? At least 1300 dead!"

Ivan furrowed his brow, his mouth hanging open in shock for a moment. It was unusual for him to not know what was going on. "How?"

Constantin shook his large head and said, "A tragic thing. They where passing out bread to celebrate the Tzar's coronation, and the crowd became so large that a riot broke out and some were trampled to death."

Ivan felt a knot form in his stomach. "Oh dear."

"That's not the worst of it!" continued Constantin, though Ivan couldn't see how it could be worse. "The peasants are unhappy that the coronation date wasn't changed due to it!"

Ivan balked at this revelation, releasing a small chuckle. Oh those peasants. Had they no since of tradition? Of course the Tsar was sorry for the tragedy, but really? Like they were going to change over 300 years of tradition for a few over-zealous peasants.

Finally they arrived at the palace and Ivan removed his cloak, as did Constantin. They were then led by a well dressed butler to the grand ball room.

"Count Braginski and Count Constantin!" he announced to the other guests.

"Ivan!" shouted Nicholas, who was seated in an immaculate, gold throne next to his wife Alexandra. Where as the young Tsar seemed jovial, the Tsarina seemed the exact opposite. She had a shy look on her fair features, he gloved hands resting on her lap. She seemed very out of place in this large room, with these colorful royals!

Ivan noticed her only for a moment, as he and Constantine approached the beckoning Tsar. They bowed low, and Nicholas returned the bow with a slight nod. "My dear Ivan I'm so glad you came. And Contantin! I haven't seen you since we took that trip to the Black Sea."

"A pleasure as always your majesty," replied the plump man bowing once again.

As Constantin sat and talked with Nicholas, Ivan continued to stare at Alexandra. She could since he was staring, for she turned and their eyes met. Ivan quickly looked at the floor, acting as if he was totally enthralled by it. The Tsarina giggled softly, covering her mouth. She then leaned over and whispered something into Nicholas' ear. The man looked at Ivan and grinned saying, "Well Ivan, I hate to interrupt your admiring the floor, but if you would honor me and my wife with your conversation we'd be delighted!"

They all laughed at this, and Ivan even had to chuckle. He had had many other Tsars before, no reason to be so afraid of this one. As they talked on and on, Ivan would occasionally drink a glass of wine, or watch the many people dance. He even joined a few! He hadn't felt this happy in a long time. Indeed, he couldn't remember having a leader as kind hearted, or friendly as Nicholas. Ivan knew deep in his heart of hearts that under Nicky they would truley be destined for great things!

(I may not continue this story right off the bat, so tell me what you guys think and I'll judge from your reviews whether or not to continue.)