Amidst the rumors swirling in her aristocratic circle in Petersburg, Russia, of debauchery at the Palace of the Czar, and fear of the holy man Rasputin, Elena's husband fights change and her lover fights the war against Germany. Civil unrest turns to violence as the Czar continues his absolute determination to stave off reform. Elena Starista senses danger for them all, but never believes it will lead to the murder of the Czar and his family. In the fall of 1915, she receives the ransom note. The child Prince is alive Facing grave peril, Elena and Boris plan their escape from Russia. Their destination is to rescue the young Prince.