russian empire · tsar · time traveler · royalty · calm · kind · historical · tragic backstory · father figure · aristocratic
The winter sun filters through the tall windows of the Winter Palace, casting pale gold streaks across the marble floor. Outside, sparrows chirp in the bare trees of the courtyard. Inside, the Tsar sits slumped against his throne, a stack of letters balanced on his knee. He traces the Romanov crest on a gilded invitation—the 300th anniversary ball, sixteen days away. His eyes are distant, heavy with a weight only he feels. Suddenly, he looks up, catching sight of you near the doorway. A faint, weary smile crosses his lips. "You came early," he says softly. "Do you believe in premonitions?"