The Imperial Tour

[Loz]

"William, relax." Said the Emperor over the noise of the Imperial Coach.

The coach was an extravagant thing, seemingly from an age long past. It did however give Nicholas some comfort. He liked to imagine how his ancestors must have felt when they were in the same positions.

"This country, and these people are dangerous." William said. "The civil war is far from over, and here we are in train car moving through the warzone."

"It is hardly a warzone Prefect. The house of McMaster has all but beaten back the rebels, I'm sure we are in no real danger." Martin chided.

"I wish I could be so sure, maybe you should handle the security Chamberlain?" William bit back.

"Enough." Nicholas said. "This is supposed to be a goodwill tour. Lets not exhaust it all before we've even gotten there, yes?"

"Yes S...." The men began to say, but were cut off by the opening of the compartment door.

"We are flying next time." Empress Victoria said as she turned from green to white and back to green. She moved slowly over to a sofa by Nicholas and collapsed face first into a pillow. "I hate trains, I hate everything about trains." She said in a muffled voice.

"Flying would not send quite the same message love." Nicholas said sympathetically. "We're here to see the continent; no better way than this."

The Empress turned from her pillow and frowned. " I'll meet you in Mouxordia then." She grumbled.

"I'm sure you will survive." Said the Emperor as he poured her a glass of wine. "Now take this, we all need to be in top shape when we get there.

"Indeed." Echoed Martin. "we have quite the first impression to make. I can't think of an Emperor in my lifetime that traveled beyond our borders."

"I hope to set a precedent with this. I think our insular nature is what has led to our troubles in the first place. With no international goal, we just compete against each other." The Emperor said. "Hopefully this will give us all something new to think about."

Victoria sat up and took a drink. "I wish I had your optimism love. Part of me thinks that this will only be used against us. I imagine some will begin to call you the Peregrine Emperor of Peregrinum." She chuckled.

"Ah well, I imagine I've been called worse." Nicholas said. "Anyway, we have only a few hours now to the capital so I suggest we all tend to our final preparations."

"Of course Sir." William said, pulling Martin with him.

As the door closed Nicholas looked over at Victoria. "Ready to put on a show?" He asked.

"Always." She replied as she finished her wine.

 

[mcmasterdonia]

Intelligentsia would put it's best foot forward today. The first official visit since the death of Matilda II. That time it had ended with the expulsion of an Ambassador and contributed to the fall of the Democratic Union. Perhaps this time things would go more smoothly. The Meterrans were more... understanding. Those of Eastern extraction would not. In both Meterra and Kian, things were handled differently. Divine right, religious texts, and filial ties holding it all together.

The hegemonic pretensions of religious zealots and radical liberalism propagated by failing foreign powers were placing at risk the very survival of independent states of the world. These powers were acting in unison to preserve the pattern of destruction and exploitation to pillage the people of Kian and Meterra. McMasterdonia had shown that even a sword hanging over head could be halted.

The fruits of peace were more alluring than the perils of war. The House of McMaster had defeated the strongest rebellion in three centuries, and Emperor Nicholas was here to find what opportunities await him and his people.

The Chancellor welcomed the Imperial Delegation as the Train arrived at Intelligentsia Central Station, a few kilometres from the Tiyiddes Palace, the Official Residence of the Sovereign of The Kingdom of McMasterdonia. Jessica's lip curled slightly at the thought of the Queen Mother contemplating the status of an Emperor as superior to her own crown. It was widely known in aristocratic circles that Amira coveted the restoration of the Kianese Imperial Throne.

Awaiting the Emperor was a sizeable contingent of the Royal McMasterdonian Security Forces, members of the press, various Senators and aristocrats. After an exchange of pleasantries, the Emperor was escorted to the waiting convoy that would take him to meet with The Queen Mother herself. Jessica Whitwell joined him in the vehicle.

"As you can see, sir. Intelligentsia is experiencing a rebirth" Jessica said, pointing out the ongoing construction along the way.

Seemingly uninterested in small talk, the Emperor asked "How goes the war effort? I trust that it is well at hand"

Jessica nodded "It is going very well, sir." before continuing to describe the passing monuments "That was the Royal McMasterdonian Gallery. It was housed in the city Palace of the Dowager Duchess of Ceduna. It was a terribly dark, damp establishment. It will be replaced with a new and modern take on McMasterdonian Culture, a tower of great magnificence to rival the greatest galleries in Eras".

"It was a magnificent building already, I had wanted to see it for many years." said the Empress "What of the Prince Richard? What does he think of this rebuilding?"

"I would not speak for the Prince, ma'am." Jessica continued "He has a keen eye for development and architecture. You may ask him yourself this evening"

As the small talk continued, the Emperor observed the great changes enveloping Intelligentsia. It was no longer a city at war with itself, but an old city at war with renewal and change. Before long, the convoy was ushered through the imposing gates of the Tiyiddes. The Queen Mother awaiting keenly in the Throne Room.

The Imperial Delegation was officially greeted by 100 saluting Royal Guards leading up to the entrance of the Throne Room. The Emperor walked solemnly through and into the throne room, where the Queen Mother greeted him.

"Your Imperial Majesty" Queen Amira said in Umbiral, the native language of Nicholas "It is wonderful to welcome you here to McMasterdonia".

The assembled crowd applauds politely as Amira and Nicholas stand for some photos before withdrawing to the private audience chamber.

"Mercanti, you speak it, yes?" barked Amira at Nicholas "It is the language of Emperors, after all. How could you not?"

"I do speak it, yes." Nicholas replied "Not as confidently as my native tongue, but enough to get by"

"You are an Emperor. You need not concern yourself with a lack of self confidence. What man would dare correct you?" Amira said.

Amira poured a cup of tea for Nicholas and handed it to him. Saying nothing, she gestured to an attendant who opened a door.

"Very few foreigners are allowed to meet my Grandson" Amira said. "Nicholas, may I present my grandson, His Royal Highness Prince Richard."

Richard bowed politely to Nicholas before shaking his hand abruptly. "It is an honour to meet you, Your Imperial Majesty" Richard said in Umbiral.

"It is nice to finally meet you, Your Highness. I have heard of your intelligence and nobility from afar and I, like many have great faith in your ability to lead when the time comes" Nicholas said, as he sat down for tea.

The two conversed at great length in Umbiral about the state of the economy, the war, and Richard's plans for the McMasterdonia of the future. Before long, Amira began to grow tired of the ceaseless conversation and interrupted "Enough of this chit-chat" she said "It is time for us to go out and see the city. We will take our visitors to see the new Stock Exchange before paying our respects to the wounded veterans at the Prince Alexander Hospital."

 

[Loz]

Following their tour of the Capital, Nicholas and Victoria had been returned to Tiyiddes Palace to prepare for the State Dinner. Nicholas could not help but be impressed with the city's resilience. As he put on his dress uniform his thoughts turned to Amira, and Richard. In some ways he admired Amira's fire. She was old, and had lost the luxury of patience in the war. Nicholas could understand that. Nicholas was however concerned over the Queen Mother's control over Richard. The man would need to come into his own soon.

As he began to get lost in his thoughts, Victoria abruptly brought him back-"I'm amazed that uniform still fits...Your Imperial Majesty." She chuckled.

"It's a bit tight." He laughed. "and I think when it comes to titles we are staunchly the odd ones out. Maybe I'll have to have some created when we get home."

"I'm sure the senate would love that." Victoria said. "Anyway, its time to go."

---

The Imperial Couple was resplendent. Awash in red and gold, Nicholas had prepared for this moment almost more than he had prepared for the arrival. While being toured through this unfamiliar city he was at a disadvantage. But here in the heart of intrigue he and Victoria were in their element.

As they entered, they were received once more by the Prince and Queen Mother. Mindful of the Queen Mother's earlier quip Nicholas very deliberately greeted them in Umbrial. As they turned to enter the dining room, a swift elbow to his ribs from Victoria was enough to say "We'll speak Mercanti in their house."

As drinks, and the first course came out Nicholas opened the conversation. "Our tour of the city was wonderful." Nicholas said in Richard's direction.

"I'm glad." Richard said. "We appreciate greatly you coming to Prince Alexander's. I think that was a nice surprise.

"Of course." Nicholas said. "I am a veteran of an insurrection myself, and I relish any chance to help those who have seen the horrors I have."

"And what horrors are those?" Amira chimed in. "I'm afraid the policies of your forebears have kept many of us quite in the dark on the goings on of the Empire."

"Yes." Said Nicholas. "It is deeply regretful that previous Emperors were so distrustful of the outside world. I fear it may have set us back considerably in the field of diplomacy. As for horror, I'm not sure you all want to hear war stories at dinner."

"No, please" Richard interjected. "If you are willing of course."

Nicholas nodded. "I suppose I could give a brief synopsis. Nicholas felt Victoria's hand on his leg. "Don't overdo it." She whispered softly in Umbrial. Nicholas nodded and put his hand on hers.

"Four years ago my father ended the second Brusken rebellion. I had the honor of serving as an...artillery officer?" Nicholas said. "I believe that would be the translation."

"Yes, perfect." Said Richard.

"Thank you." Nicholas replied. "Now, my unit was dispatched in support of the siege of the Brusken capital of Brukren. No easy task for artillery, given the mountainous terrain of Brusk, however the Legati were adamant that fire support be available. One mission near the end of the war we set up in a valley about 16 kilometers from the capital city in order to cover the advance. We never worked harder than that day. We ran fire mission after fire mission. In all the bustle we did not notice an enemy mortar observer set up on the opposite ridge." Nicholas stopped for a long drink. "Well I'm sure you imagine what happened next." Nicholas raised his glass towards William who had posted himself near a window in the far corner of the room. "Without my Praetorian I'm not sure I would have walked out of there."

Amira spoke in response first. "Quite an experience for such young in age. I pray you never face such an experience Richard."

"Yes." Said Richard. "I pray for long, and happy days of peace."

As Nicholas washed down the story with the rest of drink, Amira turned to Victoria. "Did you see any service Victoria? Or do Women not serve in Peregrinum?"

"We do, and I served with Ordnance. My unit was ammunition support for forward artillery." Victoria said in her characteristically perfect Mercanti. "That's how we met in fact."

"Some good out of tragedy then, I hope we can say the same for this rebellion." Amira remarked.

"I have no doubt that this nation, and the House of McMaster will rise stronger than ever." Victoria said. "And please know you are always welcome to visit us in Peregrinum."

Nicholas nodded in agreement. "Let this be the start of a long and fruitful friendship" He said as he raised a glass."

"Of course." Said Richard as he raised his own. "Ah, the second course!"

---

 

[mcmasterdonia]

The second course of the evening was a generous serving of duck confit with asparagus and roasted potatoes. A signature dish of the royal family. Before the Prince could yet accept the invitation to Peregrinum, Amira interrupted to answer in his place.

"The foremost duty of a new King is to serve his people. He can only do so with the proper protection and security of his own person. McMasterdonia is an old Kingdom, far older than even the Kianese Empire." she said "It's longevity is thanks to the selflessness of its rulers. It would be very unbecoming for a new King to depart his people for a foreign holiday so soon after his coronation."

"After what happened with my late Mother" began Prince Richard before Amira interrupted to say "May Flemingovia Bless Her Soul". Amira raised her glass in the late Queen's honour, with Richard, Victoria and Nicholas promptly following suit before Prince Richard could continue.

"Therefore, a state visit so soon into my reign would be, perhaps, unsettling for the people... not to mention my Grandmother" Richard said with a wink. "Perhaps in a few years time we can revisit the idea".

Nicholas nodded his head slightly before continuing, "Of course, we can arrange a time that is suitable for you, your highness". The slight awkwardness of the conversation ensued a slight break in the chat with the group focused upon their meal and drink. Victoria sensing an opportunity, turned the conversation to Richard once more.

"I believe you will be turning 18 later this year?" Victoria asked "You are so young. Will you have the opportunity to study alongside your duties as King?"

"It is tradition for all Princes and Princesses of the House to study at the Royal Academy in New Intelligentsia" Amira replied "There they undertake vigorous military training in the Navy, Air force or Army as they so choose. The Queen Matilda II was trained as an air force pilot, The Princes Alexander and Albert were trained in the paramilitary of the Army, with Princess Magdalena trained in the Navy. May Flemingovia Bless Their Souls" Amira concluded as she raised her glass once more to which the group followed suit.

"I am allowed to study alongside my military training" Richard said "I intend to study foreign languages and law. This is to follow in my Mother's footsteps and to prepare me to be King".

"A very wise academic path" spoke Nicholas "I, like many others internationally, deeply admired your Mother. It was a tremendous loss for the world, and even more so for you. We can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the both of you."

"Thank you" Amira replied. "The Queen Matilda II was true to her namesake. A revolutionary warrior Queen for which the people were not yet ready." After toasting her once more, Amira briefly discussed her daughter's short reign, subsequent assassination and it's relation to the current war.

"I was born in a Kingdom that no longer exists, to a House that no longer rules" Amira said. "I have seen, over my lifetime, many a great Monarchy brought down by the inability of their rulers to separate personal indulgences from their duty as Sovereign. Richard will be pressured to make those same mistakes."

"I am sure Richard will be a very wise King" Victoria said with a smile.

"Ah. Wisdom. As elusive as always. When the eldest and most senior councillors of the Royal House insist upon retribution, is that wisdom?" Amira asked "In this Kingdom, personal indulgences and grievances are frequently in conflict with duty. The Queen Matilda II saw this and attempted to thwart it and was destroyed in the process. Wisdom may have it's place, but it is duty that must always prevail."+

As timely as always, it was at this moment that the third and final course for the evening was brought in. It was a tall dark chocolate torte, layered with raspberry jam and topped with fresh raspberries. The attendants placed the desserts in front of the guests and served a small helping of whipped cream, offering coffee or tea to those who wanted it.

As the attendants drew away from the table once more, Richard continued the conversation "I will not falter from my duty. I shall certainly rely upon my Grandmother's advice even when I am King, to ensure that I do not stray from this path of righteousness."

Placing his fork back upon the table, Nicholas spoke in Amira's direction "Do you see this as your duty? To serve as the Richard's principal adviser post coronation?"

"My duty will be to serve the new King. It shall be for the King alone to decide what form that shall take. Nevertheless, my personal duty to the preservation of this House and of this Kingdom will remain and I shall assist as best I can. Until then, my duty as regent is to see the rebels executed and Sutherland returned to the Kingdom. We cannot allow this Kingdom to be split in two." Amira concluded. "Our negotiations on this front will not fail".

"I have every faith in Flemingovia and in my Grandmother, that these matters will be resolved before my coronation" Richard said "My reign will be be focused on peace and rebuilding."

 

[Loz]

Nicholas was quiet as the joint Imperial, Royal delegation approached the ancient seat of Isabella. He had enjoyed his time in the capital, and wanted nothing more than to explore the centuries of history at the Palace of McMaster. Despite all his wants however, Nicholas was playing the game today. Victoria would be touring the grounds with Queen Mother Amira and Prince Richard, while Nicholas met privately with the Councillors of the house. The dissatisfaction of the councilors was no secret to the Frumentarii, and no secret to the nobles of south Meterra. Nicholas's mission today was to intercept that dissatisfaction. The everyman was concerned about McMasterdonia breaking apart in this war. Nicholas knew that the Royal family would defeat the Patriarchate, but he needed to be sure that they would not destroy themselves in the process.

The Palace was everything Nicholas imagined it would be. Ancient and proud, a gem in the isles. The entourage entered the hall of Kian, and were received by the Princess Farah. Nicholas and Victoria stood uncomfortably as cold pleasantries were exchanged between the Princess and the Queen Mother. Much to the relief of the Imperial couple Richard salvage the moment by pointing some of his favorite parts of the Hall, and the associated history. When the Prince was finished, the Princess was ready. Nicholas gave Victoria a quick nod and followed.

Down a poorly lit hallway. Up a couple of steps. Through a door and into a tower. Then finally into a room. As Nicholas entered, two men stood at a small table. A third sat at the head, nearly a statue in his old age. Nicholas knew him immediately as Demetrius, the eldest of the councilors.

"Your Majesty, may I present Prince Demetrius, Prince Cyrus, and Prince Alexander." Princess Farah said.

"It is a pleasure gentlemen, please be seated. Its not my business to make men stand in their own home." Nicholas said confidently.

As the two Princes took their seats, Demetrius gave a low groan. Unsure of what to make of it, Nicholas replied with a slow nod towards the elderly Prince.

"Care for drink?" Said Prince Alexander as he beckoned to a servant.

"Certainly." Replied Nicholas. He was happy for the drink, but the presence of the servant made him uncomfortable. He had been told this would be a private affair. He had even left William in the Hall of Kian. Nicholas was careful however not to show his displeasure on his face. In the great game these three were experienced players, and that was no doubt their first move.

"Thank you." Said the Emperor as the girl handed him a glass. Nicholas drank long and slow, waiting for one of them to make the first move. As he drank it became clear they were waiting for him. Waiting for the boy to prove his worth.

"Princess Farah, gentlemen. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, I have no doubt that in this troubled time you have much to attend to." He paused briefly, but decided to continue. "As I am sure you have no doubt discovered through some means, the purpose of this visit was no simple tour of good will. It was to see if the House of McMaster would survive this war. I tell you this bluntly as I believe it to be your concern as well." Nicholas took another long drink before continuing. "Prince Richard must be kept safe, and while he is in the clutches of Amira he is not safe. He thinks his enemy is the Patriarch, but he does not realize that while Amira holds the reigns, all her enemies are his. I tried to invite him to the Empire, but the Queen mother would have none of it. So I ask you as Councillors of McMaster, will you keep him safe? Will you protect the blood of royalty?

 

[mcmasterdonia]

The Councillors sat in quiet silence for a few moments after Nicholas had finished berating them about their responsibilities.

"Are you familiar with the history and purpose of this city and Castle, Your Majesty?" asked Princess Farah.
"I understand that it serves to preserve the history and culture of the Royal Family, as their traditional home" Nicholas replied.
"Yes that is true, but it represents so much more than that." Farah replied as she stood up and beckoned Nicholas to stand beside her at a window. There she enlightened Nicholas on the full extent of Isabella's history as she pointed out several landmarks.

The city of Isabella had been the seat of the House of McMaster since before even the Kingdom existed. Originally, the McMasterdonians were tribal elders who established a small settlement built into the mountain side, to protect it from the winds of the great sea. Over time it would become a Keep, a city, and then the great fortress that stood today. It was from this fortress base that the House would extend it's influence across Kian and Meterra, eventually dominating the other great Houses and establishing it's supremacy. Once the roots of the House were firmly planted in every corner of the Kingdom, the city grew to serve one purpose - to preserve and protect the Princes and Princesses of the blood against any and all threats, including those from the intrigue of the Sovereign's court. Heirs, children, and unmarried descendants would be sent to the Castle for their protection.

"Only the Council and a monarch of the blood anointed by the extended family may hold any influence here. This is why Amira was not able to bludgeon her way into this meeting. We will preserve the line of the House. Even if she sends an army to the gates, we will persevere. This Castle survived a 17 year siege during the War of the Prides, all to prevent the traitorous Ferdinand to butcher the future of the House. We must stand against Amira as she attempts to do the same." Farah concluded.

"Your message is well received, Your Majesty" Princess Cyrus chimed into the conversation. "You're not the first of our allies to express this concern. The cub will not stray far from the Lioness, no matter what the we may desire for him. We have tried to break this bond, but it is proving quite difficult."

"You must persist, for if not, I fear all may be lost" Nicholas replied.

"We hear you, Your Majesty." Prince Alexander replied "Believe us. It is what you have outlined that motivates us. We will do our duty to protect the line. The Queen Regent is not one of us, she has no right to dictate the policy of the Crown."

"Nevertheless, if she refuses to relinquish her grasp on Richard peacefully, drastic action may prove necessary. Once we step down that path, there is no easy way to turn back. The cost of inaction now is the further decline of McMasterdonian values. War with Gunrei but peace with Sutherland? Why is Amira treating with one extremist but is gripped in all out war with another? We must preserve McMasterdonian integrity - political, territorial, and cultural. That is our first responsibility once the future of the crown is secure."

As silence once more permeated the room, it was clear that the meeting had come to a close and the Emperor was taken back out to the main hall to conclude his visit to McMasterdonia.