A year has passed since Tomi’s death, and Alexeev is slowly learning how to live with the loss of the man who meant so much to him. Although his memories of Tomi remain with him, life brings an unexpected new chapter when he falls in love with Timur, a handsome young man fifteen years his junior.

While Alexeev begins to build a new relationship, those closest to him are also moving forward. Pavel, Tomi’s ward and heir, finds love of his own and prepares to begin a new life through marriage.

The Tsar unexpectedly rescinds Alexeev’s retirement, drawing him back into the service he thought he had left behind. Then comes an even more frightening development: orders are issued for his arrest.