CHAPTER ONE
1873Huge crowds shouted as Prince Ivan rode back to his Palace after his morning gallop.
The first snow of winter lay on the ground, but the sun was shining and celebration hung in the air.
It was an important day.
The streets were hung with flags and in the Royal Palace grounds twenty cannon stood ready for a salute and a military band practised rousing tunes in the forecourt.
The Prince’s Army had successfully fought off the invasion of Rusitania by its neighbour, Voskia.
Now peace had been declared.
Prince Ivan had fought bravely alongside his men and he was a hero to his people of Rusitania.
Whenever he appeared in the streets, flowers were thrown, hats flung in the air and everyone cheered him.
Prince Ivan enjoyed the adulation.
As he rode in State back to his Pa
