Vainglorious: Braxton's Century, #0.5

By JR STRAYVE JR

If you think Henry VIII was tyrannical… you haven't met the czar.

Growing up the grand duchess, Ekaterina's life was more gilded cage than glitz In this alternative history timeline. She had no choice but to follow her father, the czar's, every command or become "forever indisposed" like her mother was. This included marrying the womanizing and power-hungry Prince Gregor.

Determined to rule her own life, Ekaterina must go through great lengths to try and save herself. Can she find a way to thwart the powerful men attempting to control her, or will her dream lead to an even bigger nightmare?

A prequel to Braxton's Century Volume I, set in the fabulously glittering Russian court of the early 1880s, Vainglorious's look into Grand Duchess Ekaterina life enlightens readers as to why she'll later be so closely drawn to Prince Braxton.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ADZ PRESS
• Release date: May 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735546797

JR STRAYVE JR

J.R. Strayve, Jr. was born to a nomadic military family, attending nine schools before entering college. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, he raised a family. It is here that he discovered his talent for “spinning tales,” regaling his young children with spontaneous bedtime stories. His passion for history spoke to him. He spoke back and wrote the epic alternative historical series, Braxton’s Century. Book 1 was published in January 2021. Book 2 Will be published in the summer of 2021 with books 3 & 4 to follow. He is currently co-authoring a sure-to-be best-seller blockbuster non-fiction detailing a Whistleblower exposé. His first novel was and remains controversial: First Spouse of the United States, published in March 2019. A sequel is soon to follow. A short story, The Lieutenant & The Vintner is available now..

Book preview

The Grand Duchess Ekaterina, a perfectly coiffed, elegantly dressed dowager in her 73rd year, did not look a day over 50. She commanded admiring looks from men and women alike. Her luxurious, deep auburn hair, tucked neatly under the latest Paris hat, crowned a figure envied by women decades younger. Her famous Romanov aquamarine eyes captivated everyone. She had never trained as a ballerina, but nevertheless, her fluid movements rivaled any in the Bolshoi.

It was in the mid-1870s the grand duchess, plagued by health issues she preferred to keep secret, was in London to consult with the finest doctors in the world. She was a guest at Renaissance House. The magnificent chateau, set in a one-hundred-acre park in the middle of London, was home to the Prince and Princess of Wales, Richard and Mercedes.

In her youth, then Countess Mercedes had come to love Ekaterina, a close friend of her mother, the Italian Duchess de Chiacontella. Mercedes also cherished the grand duchess’s much younger sons, Peter and Maxim. Decades had passed since they had spent an idyllic interlude together in the Duchy of Chiacontella.

Now, all was not well. When had it ever been?

SIX TO SEVEN DECADES earlier, the grand duchess had been raised in St. Peterburg in the palace of her father, Czar Ivan. She lived a life of imperial luxury in the loving care of her mother this idyllic existence was juxtaposed with the misery her father inflicted upon both mother and daughter. The ensuing challenges she experienced during her childhood prepared her for what lay ahead.

MOTHER, WHY IS FATHER so unkind to you? He hardly notices me, but he is mean to you. The eight-year-old grand duchess sat on a swing in the park of the Alexander Palace, their sanctuary away from the czar 30 miles from St. Petersburg in Tsasrskoe Selo.

Her mother sat nearby on a white, wrought-iron bench, admiring her daughter.

The little Ekaterina swung gently back and forth. She was dressed in white, her yellow chiffon summer blouse and skirt floating about her, lift- ed gently by the soft breeze. A wide-brimmed white bonnet was secured under her chin by a silk, pink- and yellow-striped ribbon. The chapeau capped her rich auburn hair hanging loose about her shoulders.

Darling daughter, it pains me so to have you witness your father’s behavior. Please do not concern yourself. We are safe here, far from your father. He is many miles away.

Ekaterina gazed at her mother, thinking, she is so pretty, an angel; why does father not love her?

The imperial family lived a tumultuous existence, overwhelmed by the czar, a cruel, insensitive and egocentric man. He cared for no one. If he had a modicum of kindness in his heart that modicum was reserved for the beautiful and enchanting Ekaterina. Yet the only hint of favor she experienced was his tendency not to embarrass or berate her in public as he often did her mother.

Father is always accusing you of not being a worthy wife and czarina. I do not understand. You are loving and kind to me, as you are to everyone. Why does he say such things?

Perhaps because I have not given you a little brother.

I do not mind, Mother. Though it would be nice to have someone to play with.

The czarina laughed. Yes, my dear, that would be quite lovely. She sat silently for a moment, her head bowed. I am afraid the doctor has told me I will have no more children.

Ekaterina dropped her feet to the luxurious green grass, compelling the swing to come to a stop. She jumped out of the seat and skipped a few steps to sit beside her mother.

Why are you crying, Mother? I am happy with just you. I do not need a baby brother.

The czarina wiped a tear from her own face and reached out to her little girl, lifting her onto her lap.

"It will be fine, my