The central figure of the story is Tsarevich Alexander, who was raised by Empress Catherine II. She believed that her grandson would follow a liberal path. Alexander watches with admiration as Napoleon rules, hoping that Russia will also have a republican system of government. After the death of his grandmother, during the reign of Paul, Alexander does not give up hope for reforms. But after some time, the story takes an unexpected turn, causing Alexander to become disillusioned with his former ideals...