"...I will command the Secret Police to guard the outside of Gatchina Palace and prevent Paul from escaping. Count Zubov will lead the officers into the palace before dawn under the pretext of reporting urgent military intelligence. Then they will proceed through the side entrance to Paul's bedchamber. Rest assured, we have our people stationed all along the way..."
Once Count Pahlen had finished outlining the coup plan, Zubov immediately frowned. "Wait, is His Highness the Crown Prince not taking part in the operation?"
Count Pahlen smiled. "His Highness is merely a frightened young man. He will remain in his room and wait for the abdication decree."
Remembering how Alexander usually cowered before Paul I, the others did not press the matter. If they allowed him to command the coup, he would very likely lose his nerve at the crucial moment out of fear.
Then, the dozen or so people in the room began to swear an oath, pledging to "give up their lives to save Russia's future."
South side of Gatchina Palace.
Alexander watched the soldiers of the Royal Guard cavalry regiment patrolling back and forth outside the window. There was not the slightest trace of nervousness on his face; instead, he wore a cold excitement.
He said to the attendant beside him, "Vladislav, have someone keep an eye on Count Pahlen. He may be planning something unusual soon."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Alexander let out a soft breath and muttered to himself, "May everything go well for these ambitious men."
He knew very well that Pahlen, Zubov, and the others wanted to use him, this "inexperienced and weak young man," to regain power only because his father had blocked their careers.
But was he not also using them to escape the crisis of his unstable position as Crown Prince?