In 1744, Catherine is torn from her homeland to marry the heir to the Russian throne. But his mother Elizabeth rules the Empire with an iron hand, while her son proves neither fit for the throne nor the marriage bed. At risk from enemies who influence her husband, and treated as an outsider by Elizabeth, Catherine takes a lover and bears his child. Now, with the help of Sir Charles, she must take the throne by force if she, her illegitimate son, and the Russian empire are to survive.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.