March 3, 1931, Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire.
The renowned Tsar Nicholas II was now at the ripe old age of 63; his political career, like his age, had entered the twilight years.
There is no need to speak further of the war that was already on the brink of failure. For Nicholas II, the most fatal issue was that from this moment on, the imperial succession had been cut off.
As March arrived, Crown Prince Aleksei announced his critical illness. After enduring a long battle, the crown prince, who suffered from hemophilia, finally succumbed in his struggle against the disease.
For Nicholas II, this was the cruelest blow. Even if he could win the war, his throne had already lost its line of succession.
Because Nicholas II's brother had married an indiscreet widow, the Tsar's position could only be passed down to Aleksei.
But after Aleksei's critical illness, the only remaining hopeful heir was his sole daughter, Princess Svyana.
