The Prince had spent weeks preparing for his pilgrimage across his Kingdom. A tradition of old, unchanged for centuries. Before too long he would retrieve the Sword of Kian from the Sept of Flemingovia and greet his Kingsguard, the final step before the coronation. But for now. A party.
As he adjusted his tie, he could hear the slow methodical thuds of his Grandmother approaching with his Chancellor. No doubt, with some final ounce of wisdom to impart. Or perhaps even a scolding, if he were so lucky.
Amira or as she was famously known today, “The Queen Mother” wore a dark navy gown upon which her auburn hair cascaded down, cradled in its place by a sapphire jewelled tiara. A throwback to a bygone era. The Chancellor, Jessica Whitwell, wore a long sleeve silver gown and a pair of heels that made her even more of a statuesque figure that usual.
“It is time, my Prince” Amira said as she lightly brushed her hand across Richard’s shoulder “You go out there one final time a Prince, and tomorrow you return a King.”
The trio took the short walk to the door, promptly opened by a member of the Queensguard, they stepped out upon the great balcony.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Prince Richard, who today celebrates his 18th birthday!” Amira announced to the assembled crowd “Tomorrow, Prince Richard will be declared King of the McMasterdonians. Today, let us celebrate our renewal. A chance for a new beginning.”
The Prince didn’t listen to a single word of his Grandmother’s speech - for he was busy surveying the crowd. She had to be here - he knew that much. She had promised him that she would come.
But alas, before he could find her, the Queen Mother had wrapped up her speech and abruptly shoved him towards the stares and the hundreds of awaiting guests.
Prince Nurendír Hadn't been to Kian in some time, but he was excited to be returning as a representative of his Empire. He was doubly excited to be witnessing the end of the McMasterdonian civil war, and the ascension of Richard to the throne. The Crown of Alnaria followed the goings on of other Royal Families closely, and the to see the House of McMaster survive such a trial was a great relief to the Emperor.
Isabella was a welcome sight to Nurendír and as his car drove through the streets he could not help but marvel at some of the sights. McMasterdonia was as ancient as Alnaria and the vestiges of the Kianese Empire in this city were a wonder to behold. He knew many of the other invited guests would be attending the celebration, but he had made a point to himself of staying to witnessing the coronation. As a military man and as a royal, Nurendír understood the importance of such ceremonies and the bond witnessing such a thing could bring. His goal was ultimately to befriend the young King before returning to Alnaria, as he knew all to well the struggles of being a young player in an old game. He in fact had several young Monarchs he wished to meet, including King Tobias of Prydania, and Queen Alyica of Norsia. For now however he would meet soon-to-be King Richard, and attend what should be quite the party, and that was more than enough.
Next, the Prince and the Queen Mother spotted Prince Nurendir. The Prince was eager to meet a fellow young royal - for much of his day was spent dealing with the more elderly members of his family, middle-aged bureaucrats, or military generals who cared little for the thoughts of those a third their age.
Extending his hand once again, Prince Richard greeted Prince Nurendir “Welcome to Kian and to McMasterdonia - I hope you have found our home as welcoming as it is beautiful?”
Isabella radiated. The shapes and colours were unique...far different from Craviter or Gothis. It even contrasted with the sights of Icena. Merilia and the VF had reflected their locales, but they were still grounded in the world Tobias knew.
Kian though...Kian was different. And more than just Kian. This wasn't an outpost of the old Ceretian or Syrixian empires. This was Isabella, McMasterdonia. Proper Kian. A far-off corner of the world that radiated exotic stories and fed the imagination of Tobias as a child.
The wonder of the sites he saw from the car had distracted him from why he was here. Richard's coronation. It wasn't so long ago that he was where the Prince, now King, was. A new king, an end to civil war. He hoped to meet the new monarch. There were matters to attend to of course, but above all it was a show of friendship and solidarity. A sign that he intended to support this new King and his government against the tyranny that had threatened the McMaster realm.
"A party" said to himself as he continued to catch glimpses of buildings that could very well have predated Prydania itself.
Thankfully he'd be better suited for it...literally. He'd have torn his hair out if he had to wear that red jacket/black trouser military outfit again. Blah blah blah tradition...he'd finally put his foot down. Besides. It's not like the white tie formal outfit he'd opted for was unacceptable. He was in a tailcoat for crying out loud! He wasn't a solider anyway. Best to leave the old military getup for the ceremonies back home.
"Yes, a party Toby" Rylond Jórvík responded, snapping the Prydanian King out of his thoughts.
"Hope you're up to it" the son of the Thane of Jórvík responded with a smile.
"And why wouldn't I be?" Tobias asked.
"Don't think I'm up to teaching these southerners about holding their liquor?"
"Well you're with Her Grace down in Norsia, yeah?" Rylond replied.
"Yes, and?"
"Well that means you're not going to be able to enjoy the Kianese ladies like I'll be." Rylond's grin grew, far too excited for his own good.
Tobias just chuckled.
"Just don't make too much of a scene." He wasn't too worried. Rylond wasn't nearly the frat boy he carried himself as. Regardless? He wanted him here, having convinced him to take a few days off of his E-Series prep with MM Taurínmáttur. He didn't get to spend as much time with his best friend as he'd like to these days.
"Don't worry about me, you do your King thing, with all the other important people. I'll make due" the Thane's son chuckled.
Tobias nodded back, continuing to watch the scenes of Isabella pass him by as his car approached the Castle.
While the Queen Mother and the Prince Richard were distracted mingling within the party, Whitwell went to the entrance of the Castle to greet the guests as they arrived. Pausing for just a moment, she lit a cigarette and took three drags before hastily discarding it in the nearby garden. The Queen Mother would not approve of anyone smoking.
Jessica saw young King Tobias escort his vehicle outside the castle gates. Now that was a King - the kind of King she hoped that Richard would become.
“Your Majesty” Jessica called “Welcome to McMasterdonia!”
Maria gazed out the window of the state car as they rounded the final corner headed to Isabella Castle, trying to tune out the endless prattling of her unappointed private secretary Diana. For the entirety of the trip here (motorcade from the palace to the airport through throngs of onlookers and paparazzi, three hour flight from Rethel to Intelligentsia, and again a motorcade ride) this woman had talked and talked about the impression Maria must make. The importance of it all. Proper diplomatic decorum, and so on and so on.
"Remember, Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is not attending today, so it's upon you to represent...."
"The Prime Minister." For her entire life, as long as she could remember. Her mother had time and again reminded her it was the Queen's job to drive her vision for the nation forward. And it was the duty of the ministers to help. "Remember, we're the ones who the people look to to lead them," she would say. Then there was the accident. (Or so it was reported.) And since then every few months there was another pretender in the palace telling her brother precisely what he intended to do and how it was her brother's duty to assent without question! Until he just gave up, of course.
And now here she was. Her Majesty Maria the Second riding in a state car to see her old bothersome cousin, His Majesty King Richard. How so much had changed. Likely, neither of them knew just what their places were in these new lives they had entered. Maria certainly didn't.
The motorcade slowed to a halt. They had arrived. As a uniformed officer of the Royal Guard made his way out of the rear vehicle and prepared to open the door. Diana made one final admonition, "Your Majesty, since what happened to your mother, the crown has been declining. You're the last chance to save this institution. Please do not take this lightly."
As the queen got out of the vehicle she locked eyes with Count Gregor -- her father. She shuddered. She had not seen him for more than two years. How would she even address him? Nervously, but without thinking, she made her way towards the only person in this room she was actually knew.
The Count Gregor, now an old man who had aged terribly as a result of the McMasterdonian Civil War, was very eager to see his daughter - the now Queen. The Count thought highly of his daughter when she was a child. She was bolder, stronger, more assertive than her brother. However as she had aged, with no purpose, her time had filled with trivial pursuits of beauty, fame and notoriety on the internet.
Still there was hope for Queen Maria - for the Kingdom of Plembobria and for the future of McMasterdonia. The two royal houses had long been interwoven, with Richard arguably the strongest successor to the childless Maria. Likewise, Maria had a strong claim to Richard’s throne should he follow recent history and leave the throne before his time should have come. This posed an interesting problem, but of course, the Count and the Queen Mother had the solution. Richard and Maria were both young. They could produce a strong heir if the match was agreeable. If it was agreeable. The Count was not likely to force his daughter to marry someone she did not wish to do so. However, he was certain Amira would be far less forgiving of the young King’s desires.
“My Queen” Count Gregor said as he bowed politely before his daughter. “There is much we must discuss - we need to strengthen your throne and the future.”
“We have not seen each other in two years and already you are exercising control over my life” Maria retorted “You forget your place, Father, I am the Queen now and will not be controlled”.
The Count shook his head. She had not changed at all. “This is not about my control. Richard is young, malleable, a very suitable match for you and is currently the likely heir to your throne. You are a strong and beautiful woman. You must marry Richard. Solidify your rule and your position in history.”
Maria could not hide her shock at the suggestion “Marry my cousin? Are you mad? Imagine the scandal this will cause on fluttr”.
“Such scandals are beneath you. The hardest battle has already been won, Amira has consented to the match. You must simply now make your move for Richard. This will give you more power and authority than you can possibly imagine.”
“Let us discuss this after the ceremony. I will hear no more of it for now” Maria responded.
Perched atop a high hill surrounded by verdant trees and ancient ruins the likes of which rivalled such ancient cities as Kazagham and Akshak lay Isabella Castle, ancient seat of the House of McMaster, one of the world's greatest houses alongside the likes of the Severyns, Kjellse-Tageses, and, of course, his own. Rajesh breathed in the crisp southern air surrounding the imposing structure as he was escorted to the gates of the castle, flanked by three Sentinels.
The Emperor pondered his surroundings. Ancient gardens held trees and bushes old and new, amongst statues sculpted by those whose hands likely had not touched them in hundreds or even thousands of years. Tan-colored buildings rose up within the castle complex, topped with barreled roofs and ringed with exquisite glass windows. This was undoubtedly a summer palace, and one to rival even the likes of Gharmi Sampat.
"Another big fat gala." he thought to himself. Of course, this wasn't a problem for him- he was very much a fan of conversing with people from all across the globe. Through politics, his beloved historical studies came to life, and he was able to write history of his own. His name would be in history books read by millions. And so he continued to think.
Earlier this same year he had visited the Vestrugat to attend a wedding, and had made some important conversations. Now, he was here, in McMasterdonia, attending a coronation that would finally bookend the McMasterdonian Civil War, and ensure that Krevt wasn't the only strong and stable Imperial ally on the Kianese continent. In just a month he would celebrate perhaps the gala of his life- the two thousand year anniversary of the Empire, coinciding with the annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
However, as the Emperor continued into the castle complex to where the others were, he did not do so alone. With him and his Sentinels was Princess Indira, his niece; the daughter of his younger brother, Prince Rahul. She was not important politically, but she was there nonetheless, because there was someone very important at the gala she had come to see.
While the arrival of the Emperor and his entourage was a sight to behold, the young Prince had only eyes for the Princess Indira. He thought of her often and of the short periods of time they had been able to spend together during. While Richard was not able to reach her immediately before the ceremony, he had dispatched his cousin, Princess Fatima to provide her with a small gift.
Princess Fatima greeted the Emperor and his entourage with a curtsy and thanked them for attending. “The Prince has requested an audience to discuss a matter of state, after the ceremony, once he is King” the Princess said.
Princess Fatima handed the Princess Indira a small box, inside it was a beautiful necklace of sapphires that was handcrafted by artisans in Ghavaria.
Overhead on the terrace, the Prince was watching Princess Fatima when he was disturbed by his Grandmother. “Who are you staring at” she asked accusingly.
“My future Queen. Grandmother, I have been meaning to discuss this with you. Once I am King, I intend to ask for Princess Indira’s hand in marriage. I truly love -”
“That cannot happen” interrupted Amira angrily. “Such a match would not be possible. You must marry as is requested of you, not for personal feelings. It is not for you to decide.”
“I have already decided. I will not be swayed on this topic.”
“It cannot happen. You will lose the support of the family if you go ahead with this. Such support is crucial for your rule to be stable and accepted.” Amira said forcefully.
“I will ask the Senate to recall the powers afforded to the wider royal family. It is archaic and limiting on my ability to rule successfully” Richard replied
“That is simply not ---”
“It is my decision. I have no need for their counsel or control. I will hear no more of this until after the coronation.”
The Coronation
The party was over and the guests had returned to their lodgings to rest.
The next day, all began to pour into the Hall of Kian, where the ceremony was to take place. Adorned with statues of all of the greatest Kianese Emperors, Empresses and notable historial figures of the ancient family.
With the guests had been greeted, assembled, and seated where they were supposed to be. It was time for the ceremony to begin. The bells of the great tower of the Castle began to ring, the signal for all guests to rise as the King entered the hall.
The Archbishop of Isabella, the Chancellor, and the Queen Mother entered from the three sides of the northern section of the hall.
As they entered, Richard approached the throne, before turning to face all four sides of the assembled crowds - representing the North, East, South, and West of his vast territories and peoples.
The Archbishop called out across the crowd:
“My Lords, I here present to you, Richard, Prince of McMasterdonia, to be proclaimed today, your undoubted King and Sovereign. My Prince, declare your sovereign name before the assembled peoples.”
“Darius” called the Prince, his final act before being declared the King.
“The people assembled signify their willingness and joy, by acclamation, as their King and Sovereign”
“Long live King Darius” the crowd called out, repeating it three times.
As the shouts died down, the new King sat in his throne for the first time.
“Sir, is your majesty willing to take the Oath?” the Archbishop called
“I am” Darius replied.
“Will you promise and swear to reign over the Kingdom of McMasterdonia, its people, territories, possessions, for as long as you shall live?
“I will”
“Will you exercise your power with justice, mercy, and law in your heart in all matters?”
“I will”
“Will you maintain the Laws of Flemingovia and the true interpretation of Flemingovianism?
Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the Kingdom the Church of Flemingovia as established by law?
Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the precedence given to the Archbishopric of Isabella in matters of Flemingovianism?”
“All this I promise to do” King Darius replied.
The new King then rises out of the throne and is provided with the Sword of Kian, used by Emperor Kian I in his battles across Meterra and Kian in the establishment of the Empire, the orb of Isabella, and declares “The things I have promised, I will perform, so help me Flemingovia”. The King then kisses the book of flemingovia and signs the oath before returning to the Throne.
The people assembled then rise, while the Archbishop stands before the Altar and takes the crown into his hands, he reverently places it upon the King’s head. With this complete, the audience again chanted three times “Long live the King”.
With the ceremony completed, the now King Darius descends from his throne crowned and carrying the sword of Kian and the orb of Isabella. The King passes by the altar before turning through the middle of the assembled guests, and exiting through the south door onto the grand porch.
The new King is proclaimed “King of the McMasterdonians” before the hundreds of thousands of residents who had stayed out overnight to wait for the coronation and were now peering up towards the great porch.
“Long live the King!”
![Midir [Mondari]](/data/avatars/m/5021/5021626.jpg?1538375103){kind=avatar}
