For Solomeya Saburova—the daughter of the Coriel voivode—the news that the Sovereign of All Rus wished to marry his son, the young prince Vasily, seemed impressive. But an even greater surprise was her father’s decision to send her to Moscow for a viewing of potential brides for the prince. Of course, she was accompanied by the elderly aunt, Yevdokiya, and two servants. The company was faithful, though not especially interesting. The cheerful and spirited young man Kuydeyar, who met them on the road and offered to guard Solomeya during the journey, immediately won her heart. The boyar fell in love with the girl with all his soul, hoping that soon he would become her husband. After all, it is clear as day that among numerous noble beauties arriving at court, it is simply easy to get lost—and even more difficult to get a chance to catch the Great Prince’s eye.
But Solomeya’s daring act in the presence of Vasily and his retinue turned her entire life upside down—making the event fateful not only for her…