Before making their public appearance, Ivan had attempted to pacify his beloved wife sensing that she was wrought with anxiety and nervousness.

Heaving a sigh replete with anxiety, she readily agreed to Ivan’s suggestions. At her consent, he immediately grabbed hold of her hand and did not let go. Unknown to her, his heart gushed with mellow happiness.

What he told her afterward shocked her more than his suggestion. He said that so long as she held his hand tight, the eyes of the nobility will remain fixated on their hands that none would care to look at her.

It seemed to prove successful too. When they sat down on...