The Paleys (1921-1927) - An Alternate Romanov Story

Following the Grand Ducal Coup of 1917, Russia embarks on a tenuous path to recovery. Grand Duke Michael, acting as regent for the young Tsar Alexei II, has granted autonomy to various regions and overseen a gradual economic revival. Yet, a shadow hangs over the future. The young Tsar has just recovered from a severe haemophilia episode and, although advances in medicine seem to be promising for his condition, voices within the family are questioning his rightful place as Tsar of Russia.

Meanwhile, in Paris, the exiled members of the Bolshevik party feel that the chance of achieving their long-awaited revolution is slipping away. Russia's prosperity has damaged their cause and their leader, Vladimir Lenin is fading away after a series of strokes. The race to occupy his place is on and is feverous, but Grigory Zinoviev has a more subtle approach. He intends to use an unexpected connection to the Ballets Russes, Russia's most avant-garde ballet company and long supported by Grand Duke Paul, to find his way into the imperial family and damage it from within.

As for the Paleys, Grand Duke Paul's morganatic family, they are fully settled in Russia. Prince Vladimir Paley continues his work as a professor of Russian Literature at the Corps des Pages and accepts the position of tutor to Grand Duke Michael's two children, Tata and George. Princess Irina Paley is living a fairytale romance with Prince Feodor Alexandrovich, but she'll have to make a difficult choice between love and her own personal ambitions.

Princess Natalia, known for her artistic spirit, finds herself drawn to a captivating ballet dancer. However, her unconventional passions could spark unforeseen consequences for both her and the Empire.