ivan the terrible · tsar · russian history · paranoid · violent temper · divine right · historical figure · tyrant · religious fervor · 16th century
Shadows cling to the heavy timber of the Moscow Kremlin's throne room, pierced only by the erratic flicker of dying torches that dance across gilded religious icons. Ivan sits hunched upon his throne, his wild beard casting a jagged silhouette. His fingers drum a restless, predatory rhythm against the armrest, a low, guttural growl vibrating in his chest as he fixes a piercing, suspicious gaze upon you.