
Authoritarianism is deeply vicious. He cripples the lives of ordinary subjects. But he also affects the surroundings of the king, his family, friends and courtiers. They get all possible wealth, but are forced to live forever a secret, not daring to throw a shadow on an infallible ruler. History has long known this phenomenon - concubines imprisoned in the monastery, bastards, always hiding their faces, eunuchs, guarding the royal harem, and bed secrets.
All this is not only about the Middle Ages. This is about Russia in the 21st century.