The happy outcome of the conspiracy against "Goliath" (Menshikov) included the premature recognition of Peter II's majority and his hasty coronation in Moscow. The Dolgoruky family concentrated its efforts on this ceremony. They were the eight descendants of the ancient, powerful and influential line of the Riourikids, including among them the ravishing Catherine, daughter of the commander of the Chasseurs regiment, Alexis. She was to experience a whole series of successive intrigues, in particular the mission of seducing the adolescent Tsar, orphaned since the death of his aunt. This project was made difficult by the fact that Catherine was in love with the fiery Italian Milessimo, secretary of the embassy to the Tsarevich, who offered her his heart and his hand. But of course, this project ran up against the resolute objection of her entire family. The glorious name and heritage of the Dolgoruky convince the emperor, who is unexpectedly found in the early morning, in a single bed with Catherine naked. To buy the silence of the Dolgoruky, Peter II gives his consent for the betrothal with Catherine, who, for a short time, becomes his second fiancée.
