章 421: The Call to Arms

March 16th, 1822. One o'clock in the morning.

In Moscow, the Terem Palace, the residence of the Russian Tsars, was unusually quiet. Tsar Paul I, accompanied by his confidant, Alexei, moved quickly through the halls. They were escorted by the Russian Imperial Guards, who were taking them to a secure location within the palace. 

Moments later, the Imperial Guards halted in their steps and the leader turned around and faced the Emperor.

"Your Imperial Majesty," he said, extending his hand to the door on his left. "This is the chamber we've prepared for your safety."

Tsar Paul nodded and entered the room, a small, unassuming space that contrasted with the usual grandeur of the palace. Alexei followed, casting a quick glance around the room. It was sparsely furnished, containing only a desk, a chair, and a narrow bed. Maps and documents were spread across the desk.