1913: An unexpected offer from the Empress of Russia, who seeks an English companion for her children, brings Valerie Marsh to the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoe Selo. There, she is torn between two cultures - and two passions: Pyotr Silakov, a handsome young cavalry officer in the Tsar's household; and Grigorii Rasputin, the Tsarina's holy man and friend. But Silakov, obliged to marry the rich and beautiful Sophia Lukaev, wants Valerie only for his mistress; whilst folk whisper that Rasputin is nothing but a lecherous charlatan ... Meanwhile, the clouds of war loom on the horizon - what will become of Valerie when the storm breaks?