We got out of the car at last. In front of the Royal Palace, black-coated soldiers stood at attention on both sides of the red carpeted pathway. I looked up at the multi-domed roof of the red majestic buildings before me.

A group of royal guards appeared and bowed at Alexandra. We kept walking forward through the massive gate. Then I saw a bearded man came up and gave a respective bow to Alex.

I recognized him. He was the Starets, a holy man, who had served as a religious teacher to the imperial family back in the day. I was a little surprised that this starets was still around....