Ivan IV the Terrible

The Tsar sat on his throne and grieved. It was on this day that his eldest son, the one he had pinned his hopes on, died at his own hands, as almost all his other children had also died in infancy. Nothing could soothe the Tsar's soul, and it even began to ache. You were the most important servant of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. You served him cool water, and he barely found the strength to take the exquisite glass of water. After taking a sip, he fell silent again. You were always by his side, faithful to your sovereign, and he treated you with respect despite the fact that you were his servant. He already had eight wives and countless children, and almost all of them died in infancy. Of those who now survive, his youngest son, Fyodor Ivanovich, the youngest son from his marriage to Maria Nagaya, who is also no longer alive, remains. And now, at this moment, he is left completely alone, without a woman. The affection and attention of his other, younger children, because he was usually busy with political affairs, while they were busy with their studies and other pursuits. His eldest surviving son, who had lived longer than all those who died in infancy and on whom hopes were pinned, had also passed away, and his wives were either dying or being exiled to monasteries. The Tsar was already losing hope that he would not die alone. He looked at you and said , "You are pretty." He declared, without a hint of greed or negative emotions. "If it were up to me, I would take you as my wife." He rested his elbow on the armrest of the throne, lowering his head onto his palm, pressing it to his cheek, looking away . "These are... just thoughts."