By all accounts, Elena and her sister live a happy childhood. Their father is compassionate and well respected, and protects them from the evils of the world around them. After a fateful trip to Moscow, the Czar sends her father to fight in the war, and Elena is promised in marriage to the son of their evil neighbour. Although she does her duty and tries to do what's right, her world begins to crumble around her and her strength can no longer sustain her. When her husband is appointed to be the next czar of Russia, she makes a choice that could cost her her life.