Catherine and the Black Emperor

91. Princess Courland

11 month.

The case of Bart Ryan continues to unfold, with more and more hunters being arrested, making Peter increasingly uneasy and fearful day by day.

12 month.

The case is closed.

"The hunters have been released, and you, Your Grace, are innocent. However, after interrogation, Bartley confessed to everything. He actually attempted to assassinate the Queen, set fire to the palace, and also wanted to take the opportunity to put you, Your Grace, on the throne."

Hearing the news brought by Ekaterina, Peter felt a chill of fear.

Especially after hearing that the madman had said he wanted to help her take over, she was terrified.

He knew perfectly well what Ivan VI's situation was like!

He doesn't want to become a second Ivan VI!

"The Queen was merciful and exiled him to the Schlüsselburg fortress, sparing his life."

Peter gritted his teeth: "This kind of person deserves to be torn to pieces!"

Ekaterina looked at him: "But this kind of person is loyal to you and devoted to you."

"He's not loyal to me at all; he wants me to die with him! He wants me to become emperor so he can keep his wealth and power. That idiot is a complete schemer!" Peter cursed.

Ekaterina did not speak again.

She had never met Bart Ryan and didn't know his true thoughts, but according to Sergei, Bart Ryan was already a mid-level officer in the legion and had a bright future ahead of him, expected to be promoted to major this year, and also had a lover.

Would such a person give up the good things they have to pursue unattainable wealth and glory?

If it were her, she wouldn't do it.

1752 October.

Just over ten days later, Peter had completely put Yakov's case out of his mind and reverted to being the unbridled Grand Duke he always was.

Besides dogs and the violin, he also developed a fondness for playing cards.

They were really playing poker.

2 month.

Sergei learned that Elizabeth had summoned back Duke Byron, who had been exiled to Siberia during the regency of Empress Anna, the mother of Ivan VI, and who was also a former lover and minister of Empress Anna.

"The Queen did not want Byron to be reinstated, nor did she want to see him; otherwise, she would not have summoned him back at this time."

Vadim offered his views at a meeting of the secret committee.

Indeed, if it weren't for restoring the confidence of the courtiers, Elizabeth would have at most ended Byron's exile, but would never have allowed him to appear in St. Petersburg.

Sergei explained the situation: "The Empress intends for Prince Byron to stay in St. Petersburg for six months, after which he and his family will settle in Yaroslavl on the Volga River."

"So there are two things to do: first, to investigate whether the Duke of Byron had any contact with dangerous individuals during his exile; and second, to ensure that the Duke of Byron would not participate in any conspiracies or establish contact with any diplomatic envoys while in St. Petersburg."

Everyone nodded.

End of the meeting.

3 month.

Sergei received a message from Gemma.

"A new member has joined the Grand Duke's poker game; she is the princess of Courland, the daughter of the Protestant Duke Ernest John Byron."

Sergei recalled the princess's appearance—he had seen her in the throne room when Elizabeth received Duke Byron.

The 25-year-old girl was plain-looking, short, and a little hunchbacked.

But the other person had beautiful chestnut hair and a pair of "eloquent" eyes, and Sergei concluded that the other person must be exceptionally intelligent.

This is true.

From the secret report, he learned that the woman was neglected by her parents, who always abused her. Taking advantage of this, she recently sought help from the mayor's wife—he had visited her home once before.

When Lady Market learned that the girl's parents forbade her to convert to Orthodox Christianity, she brought her to the Queen. Elizabeth encouraged her and became her godmother when she converted to Orthodox Christianity.

"She is now a lady-in-waiting to Grand Duke Peter, a position proposed by the Grand Duke himself."

Sergei listened to the report and realized that Peter probably had designs on this Princess Courland.

Peter's thoughts never needed much investigation; they were almost written all over his face.

4 month.

Sergei and Catherine watched Peter and Princess Courland running across the meadow ahead.

"Her intelligence made the servants forget her physical imperfections," Catherine said casually.

Sergei couldn't help but chuckle: "If we're talking about popularity, could she possibly surpass His Highness?"

Ekaterina smiled slightly.

That's right, she doesn't care about any of that. She doesn't even care about Peter anymore, so why would she care about this Princess Courland?

Sergei, observing her expression, knew that Catherine had already noticed the ambiguous relationship between Peter and Princess Courland.

Peter's inferiority complex led him to have a natural attraction to women who were not considered beautiful. This, combined with Princess Courland's intelligence and another important factor—Princess Courland was also German—made him more attractive to women who were not conventionally beautiful.

Therefore, it's not surprising that the two of them could "develop" to this point.

5 month.

As Peter spent more time with Princess Courland, he became increasingly daring, and some of his actions became undisguised.

During his meals, he would have a servant bring a bottle of red wine to the princess.

He would get his hands on a grenadier's hat or uniform strap and have it presented to the princess for her to admire.

Almost every morning when he wakes up, he asks where the princess is.

Catherine chose to turn a blind eye and let things develop as they would.

"Her attitude toward me was impeccable. She never forgot her place in front of me for a moment. As for her relationship with Peter..." Ekaterina smiled.

She did this hoping that Elizabeth would see it.

It's not my fault that I can't get pregnant.

Your nephew has never even touched my hand. When we go out, whether we're holding hands or dancing, he wears gloves and throws them away after each use. What more do you want from me?

Sergei was pleased with this, but he also knew it wouldn't work, because Elizabeth would just ignore it too.

But he did not dampen Ekaterina's enthusiasm.

6 month.

The group headed to Royal Village. The weather was so hot that all the snow had melted away, and the carriages kicked up clouds of dust along the way.

In the idyllic countryside of Huangcun, everyone was having so much fun they completely forgot about the world.

To prevent Ekaterina from being alone, which would spoil her mood, Peter brought Sergei along. He had now completely cut off contact with Naryshkin.

Peter and Princess Courland go hunting on horseback.

Ekaterina sat reading in the sunlight, while Sergei admired her fully grown body, her long, flowing hair cascading down her back, her figure graceful, and her waist slender.

Sunlight fell on her profile, perfectly highlighting her rounded and three-dimensional features.

"Duke, I caught you peeking!"

Ekaterina turned around, her sweet smile full of slyness.