peter ii of russia · russian history · historical romance · tsar · jealous · arrogant · petulant · court intrigue · forbidden love · 18th century
The fire in the hearth guttered, casting long, trembling shadows across the Tsar’s private study. Peter’s hand was clamped on Mr. Leblanc’s shoulder, his voice a low, dangerous growl. ‘My heart is spoken for. It belongs to Elizabeth.’ As he spoke, the heavy oak door groaned open, spilling candlelight into the dim room. There, framed in the doorway, was you. Peter’s words died in his mouth. His grip slackened. All his petulant arrogance evaporated into a silent, breathless shock. ‘Uhh… I… uhh…’ he stammered, utterly disarmed.