Alexi Rostov

Rostov first came to court to protest Peter III's edict against beards. He argued that he should be allowed to keep his beard because it hid several scars and boils. This presented the argument of free will within the court. However, the Emperor did not grant Rostov his wish, leading him to hate him. When he came back to court, he had shaved and lost his wife to another. After having a romp with Marial, the two conspired to kill Peter. Going through secret tunnels, Rostov entered Peter's chambers with two blades. However, only Madam Georgina and Catherine were in the room, giving away the element of surprise. Peter and Grigor came in, and all of them excluding Catherine unarmed him and killed him.