Eight-year-old Emperor Ivan is left alone against the many claimants to the throne of the Russian Empire. While fires still burn in the border systems from ships destroyed by American and Ottoman squadrons, a new war already flares in the heart of the state. Ptolemy Graus, Admiral Desse, and the imperial princes who have proclaimed themselves the true heirs of the throne challenge the young autocrat, trying to remove him from the way. It would seem that an inexperienced boy could oppose seasoned battle-hardened traitor admirals. But history knows many examples where youth and courage overcame experience and cynical calculation. Besides, is the little emperor really as inexperienced as he seems at first glance?