If a picture is worth a thousand words, than my photos from Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo should fill a novel. This was the summer residence built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I, but embellished by their daughter, Empress Elizabeth.
Here is just a sampling.
The main entrance is on the right, where the columns protrude, seen below
Quite the entry hall
The Grand Hall
One of many interior rooms, pictures in the Amber Room were not allowed, but can be seen at the link above.
Replica of one of Elizabeth's ball gowns.
A reflection pool in the garden
The Cameron Gallery viewed from garden
The Hermitage Pavilion seen through the trees
Bonus: C is for Celebrimbor, the Elf Lord of Eregion. He forged the Three Rings of Power and after Sauron forged the One Ring to control the Three Rings, he hid the Three Rings and prepared for war.