NationStates Jolt Archive

Charlette Hensley (http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/Johanna20Hehir31Aug.jpg) slept soundly in her bed; covered with the blankets as the snow fell down from the sky upon the towers of her adoptive family's ancestral castle during the night while the full moon illumined the nearby lake. As the daughter of King Adam I by his second wife, Queen Samantha, she had been raised as any royal princess would; with all the pomp and ceremony that her father recieved when he was born. Despite the joy of the people concerning her birth, her father did not take too kindly to her existence as a girl and thus sent her away to the Hensley family before having his marriage annulled by supportive members of the Church. As she slept silently, a man wearing a fur hat and elegant robes walked with several soldiers through the halls of Hensley Castle. As he walked, he would occassionally read from a scroll that he held in his hand while looking at the various paintings and enblems on the walls. This man was Reginald Bettingham, the Duke of Doncaster and a close friend of the King despite his secret opposition of the annulment. Knocking on the Princess' door, the sound awakened the sleepy Charlette before she began walking groggily towards the door. Opening it with a yawn, she noticed the Duke standing there emotionlessly. ".....Reginald?" she uttered softly in a tone marked by sleepiness and yawning. "Why are you here?"

The Duke did not smile but bowed respectfully before walking inside the room and placing his hand on Charlette's back; she could feel his glove upon her back which was covered by an exquisite silk nightgown. "Charlette....I've come here unexpectedly to tell you that your father has passed away."

Charlette did not weep nor lament when she heard the news of her father's death; she had been abandoned by him too long for her to develop any sincere feelings for him. "I am sorry to hear that, sir. I suppose that they'll find him a male successor? After all, I do know that he wanted a son. I do not deny it."

As she walked to the window, Charlette could hear the Duke speak. ".....The Commons convened a special evening session to discuss the succession. There was a long and verbally violent debate but it was generally decided by them all that you, Charlette, would become the next monarch."

Charlette clenched her fists briefly after hearing those words; constantly she had been told that she'd never be the monarch and live as the wife of some obscure nobleman or as an unmarried spinster. She turned around immediately and glared at the Duke; looking stern but speaking softly. "I suppose that you are here to take me to the capital to prepare for my coronation. That is why you are here...right, Reginald?"

Reginald adjusted his gloves as he replied to the words of his deceased liege's daughter. "That is true; I am here to take you to Newcastle where you will be coronated by the Archbishop of Eastminster in the presence of the people; myself and my wife, Duchess Victoria, included. Afterwards, you will be taken to the palace and your reign will be begin though you will need a regent for a while until everything is sorted out."

"They've retracted my father's Act of Succession?" Charlette asked calmly as the Duke began to rise from his seat. "Yes; they have. It is to be expected that his second wife will drift into obscurity or something and that your children, should you have any at all, will inherit the throne. You should know....that I opposed your father's annulment of his first marriage secretly. Just because you do not get a son does not mean that you have to ostracize your wife..."

The discussion continued for five minutes before the Duke escorted Charlette out of her bedroom and towards the limosuine that was waiting for them outside. All of this was unexpected to the teenage princess; who had resigned herself to living the life of a bastard child.

-------------------------

To: The national leaders, etc of the world's nations
From: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia

It pleases the Kingdom to announce that Her Highness, Prince Charlette of Anglia, shall be coronated as the Queen of Allemonde in the coming days in the view of the citizenry and bishops assembled. It is the Kingdom's desire to invite foreign dignitaries to this esteemed event in order to establish diplomatic relations while learning more about the world. Please respond as soon as possible to our invitation.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton

OOC: This is Ixania here with a new nation on the forums; based upon a merger of Tudor-Elizabethan England with modern technology. This coronation will eventually develop into a RP between me and Lamoni but I welcome others to come and join in this coronation. This is all modern tech.

Office of the Foreign Minister of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia

I am pleased to hear of the invitation to the coronation of Princess Charlette. I would like to personally attend the coronation, and bring along Gergory Smythe (who will act as ambassador to Anglia with official permission); and Gregory's son, Gerald. I look forward to your response in this matter.

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

Office of the Foreign Minister of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia

I am pleased to hear of the invitation to the coronation of Princess Charlette. I would like to personally attend the coronation, and bring along Gergory Smythe (who will act as ambassador to Anglia with official permission); and Gregory's son, Gerald. I look forward to your response in this matter.

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

Mr. Stinson,
It would be a pleasure to have Gregory Smythe, whom we accept as official ambassador, attend the coronation of the Princess with his son and to have you attend alongside them. When you arrive, you shall be given rooms at one of Newcastle's prestigious hotels before the coronation begins.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton,
Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia

TO: His Excellency, Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia.
FROM: Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to His Imperial Majesty Constantine XV on New Chalcedon.
RE: Coronation.

Your Excellency,

As a nation jsutly renowned for our longstanding history of liberal social policies, we would like to extend our felicitations to Her Majesty Charlette VI of Anglia, upon the auspicious event of her coronation. With the permission of the Regent, the Empire of New Chalcedon would like to send His Imperial Highness Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, the younder son of His Imperial Majesty, whose name is rendered in your language as "John". His Highness would further be honoured if he was permitted to stay as the New Chalcedonian Ambassador to Anglia subsequent to the coronation.

Yours,
Andras Lasarkis,
Secretary to His Imperial Majesty, Constantine XV of New Chalcedon.

TO: His Excellency, Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia.
FROM: Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to His Imperial Majesty Constantine XV on New Chalcedon.
RE: Coronation.

Your Excellency,

As a nation jsutly renowned for our longstanding history of liberal social policies, we would like to extend our felicitations to Her Majesty Charlette VI of Anglia, upon the auspicious event of her coronation. With the permission of the Regent, the Empire of New Chalcedon would like to send His Imperial Highness Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, the younder son of His Imperial Majesty, whose name is rendered in your language as "John". His Highness would further be honoured if he was permitted to stay as the New Chalcedonian Ambassador to Anglia subsequent to the coronation.

Yours,
Andras Lasarkis,
Secretary to His Imperial Majesty, Constantine XV of New Chalcedon.

From: Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia
To: Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to His Imperial Majesty, Constantine XV of New Chalcedon
Re: Coronation

His Highness, Prince Ioannes, is more than welcome to attend the coronation and become the New Chalcedonian ambassador to Anglia subsequent to the coronation. We look forward to seeing him arrive and the Princess wishes to thank you for your feliciations.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton,
Regent of Anglia

OOC: This is Ixania here with a new nation on the forums; based upon a merger of Tudor, Elizabethan and Victorian England with my own ideas. This coronation will eventually develop into a RP between me and Lamoni but I welcome others to come and join in this coronation.

OOC: Until I read that, I was about to congratulate you on having one of the best first posts I've ever read. Seriously, I was excited that this wasn't another one line post by some newb that read "there is a civil war against commies come help me".

If you want, I can give you an Island in my region, since we are collectively integrating our histories there. Won't be much, since you are a puppet, but it'd be nice to have a micronation or two, to influence regional politics. Plus, you'd fit right in with Boothby, Aissur, and I, since we now all have traditional monarchies.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

The United Royal Provinces of Yanitaria would like to send Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim to attend the coronation of Her Highness, Princess Charlette of Anglia, and to discuss possible relations between our two nations.

OOC: Until I read that, I was about to congratulate you on having one of the best first posts I've ever read. Seriously, I was excited that this wasn't another one line post by some newb that read "there is a civil war against commies come help me".

If you want, I can give you an Island in my region, since we are collectively integrating our histories there. Won't be much, since you are a puppet, but it'd be nice to have a micronation or two, to influence regional politics. Plus, you'd fit right in with Boothby, Aissur, and I, since we now all have traditional monarchies.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

The United Royal Provinces of Yanitaria would like to send Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim to attend the coronation of Her Highness, Princess Charlette of Anglia, and to discuss possible relations between our two nations.

OOC: Anglia is like England but with the Crown having more powers than the Parliament; basically the King/Queen would reign like Henry VIII. It would be nice to have an island in your region; thank you for the offer. The coronation of Charlette will develop into a RP between me and Lamoni that is similar to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet merged with political instability, etc.

IC: Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim is welcome to the coronation of Princess Charlette and shall be able to meet with a diplomat to discuss diplomatic relations.

bump.

bump.

OOC: It may be a good idea to move events forward a little, to keep interest. As the initiator of this thread, you must do so - other posters really can't.

OOC: when is this set exactly?

OOC: It may be a good idea to move events forward a little, to keep interest. As the initiator of this thread, you must do so - other posters really can't.

OOC: Alright then.

Newcastle had always been Anglia's capital (and largest city) since the nation's infancy; it was a cosmopolitan metropolis filled to the brim with speakeasys, cinemas and opera houses and was named for the massive castle that could be seen, in ruins, at the outskirts of the city. Most people had been informed about the manuverings in the Royal Court after the King passed away. The Regency period, still ongoing by a thread or two, had been relatively peaceful and quite dull. Nothing new ever happened...nothing significant until now. A motorcade drove into the city on the quiet streets one early morning; citizens stumbled out of their houses and condominiums to see armored vehicles driving by along with a single limosuine marked with the emblem of the Royal Family. Inside this limosuine was Reginald Bettingham, the Duke of Doncaster with the soon to be new monarch of Anglia. He looked emotionlessly out the window in deep contemplation; thinking about how this coronation would change the face of his nation. His future liege, Princess Charlette, was soundly sleeping with her head rested on a headrest. Reginald looked at her briefly before sighing softly and continuing to look out the window.

-------------

The Marble Palace in Newcastle had been the ancestral palace of the Royal Family since 1660; named for being mainly built of marble. Inside its corridors and hallways, there was plenty of commotion and activity as maids scoured around to make sure everything was ready for Her Highness' arrival. Thomas Gratwick, Earl of Fenwick, smiled at a group of maids as he walked down a corridor; his hand clutching the sword that he had around his waist. During the previous monarch's reign, Thomas Gratwick had long been known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to use any means necessary to enforce Anglian law. It was him who pushed the King to go forward with the annulment and thus he was disliked by Charlette, who always referred to him with negative references. Thomas, however, was not concerned with what the "little wench" thought of him.

As he walked, he played with his mustache while looking briefly at the maids that walked by with banners, tea and boxes. He knew why they were more active and energetic on this particular day; knowing that the wench he did not care much for was going to be crowned the next monarch. "Thomas!" The sound of a middle aged man could be heard from behind; his rugged and muscular frame covered with a black cloak. "A pleasure it is to see you again, Cholmondeley."

Richard Cholmondeley was the Lord Privy Seal; responsible for the security of the monarch's personal seal. He never was seen much around the Royal Court except for when the King needed him to put his seal on some edict but he was more so seen now than ever because of the change in government. "Do you know that Charlette is going to be the new monarch, now?' Richard said with a grin. "The bastard's now legitimate in the eyes of the Commons....ha! They would not say that to the King but now that he's dead....who cares!"

Richard laughed a little before adjusting his cloak. "Personally I don't think Charlette will be a bad ruler; she has potential, I think. I'm sure she'll make herself famous throughout the land. I believe that Bettingham is going to bring her here, isn't he?"

Thomas nodded his head. "Indeed. Reginald, that damned lawyer, he's going to bring her here. I'm not fond of him really....he's too much of a bookworm. However, I do not have any hard feelings against him other than that."

-------------------
As Charlette slept, she could see herself as a spectator in a childhood flashback....one that often tried to forget:

"This marriage was created under sin!"
"Isn't this only to get a younger woman?!"
"The King demands it!"

The King's Courtroom was the part of the Marble Palace where the King's Court was convened to discuss cases concerning the Royal Family and which were not disclosed to the public unless deemed necessary. Charlette could see herself standing behind an armed soldier, peering from behind she could see the King, her father, sitting on the throne between the seats of the robed judges while her mother stood at the bar to plead her case. Reginald...Thomas....all the other ministers were watching with mixed expressions. A judge stands with a stern expression on his face...his fists clenched. She could not make out what he said but knew it was a long insult against her mother. It lasted briefly because the King waved his hand up to silence him. The court was adjourned for several minutes; she felt like a ghost as no matter how much Charlette tried to shout to those around her, they did not hear her.

Finally, she could see the court starting up again and the verdict being read but before she could hear it she began to hear the voice of an old acquaitance. "Charlette..." Reginald said as he softly tapped her on the shoulder. "We are here at the palace. Wake up." Rubbing her eyes, Charlette walked out of the limosuine and felt her boots hit the snow on the ground; every step sounded with a crunch because of pieces of ice. "Try to be happy, Charlette.' Reginald said calmly as he led her to the front door of the Marble Palace. "You will soon be a monarch....you can reverse your father's mistakes."

Charlette looked at him briefly before walking into the palace...the childhood flashback still fresh in her mind and it haunted her everytime she would think about it.

OOC: when is this set exactly?

OOC: The 21st Century. This is modern tech but the nation still retains a pre-modern/near-feudal outlook on life (imagine Tudor England with 21st century technology)

LAF 1 was on approach to Anglia (proper flight plans had been filed by the relevant authorities) in order to be present for the coronation. It's three main passengers were looking out the windows of the opulently appointed aircraft, admiring the view of the land that they were going to visit. It looked to be a good enough place... from 30,000 feet up.

Gerald was the first one to notice that they had, in fact, landed before the jolt of the tires hitting the runway signified that they were on the ground. When the plane reached it's hangar, the three walked down the air-stairs to Anglian soil; wondering about the reception that they were about to receive.

From: Offices of the Prime Minister, Cyro, Dyelli Beybi
To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
Subject: Coronation

May it please the Regent to know that Prime Minister ap Adam of Dyelli Beybi and the Arch-Bishop of St. Guineford's wish to accept the invitation to the Coronation ceremony.

Regards Sincerely,
Commisaar Lewis,
Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Three Days Before the Coronation

Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim's private jet landed gently on the tarmac of the local airport. The trip was just in the region, so it was relatively short, and Otto was gently snoozing in the small bedroom. The jolt of the landing rocked him in the small, single person bed, just as his assistant came on over the intercom.

"Sir, we have arrived in Anglia."

The plane slowly taxied into a semi-private area, where Otto disembarked. A private limo waited for him next to the plane, and already three men were emptying the luggage from the cargo hold of the plane and putting it into the trunks of two rented sedans.

Otto watched disinterestedly from the side of the limo as they finished, and his assistant opened the car door for him. The sedans pulled up in front of and beside the limo, and the convoy set off.

The assistant, a bespectacled man in his early twenties flipped through the schedule he had set as a guard fiddled with his mp3 player, and Otto watched the town go by. It was not long before the Limo pulled up before an expensive hotel. The assistant jumped out of the limo, and jogged up to the front counter. He got the attention of the person behind it and asked in a clipped voice, "Hello, I represent Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim. I believe we made an emergency reservation this morning, and I would like to know whether or not the room is ready."

From: Offices of the Prime Minister, Cyro, Dyelli Beybi
To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
Subject: Coronation

May it please the Regent to know that Prime Minister ap Adam of Dyelli Beybi and the Arch-Bishop of St. Guineford's wish to accept the invitation to the Coronation ceremony.

Regards Sincerely,
Commisaar Lewis,
Secretary to the Prime Minister.

From: Offices of the Regent of Anglia, Anthony Thornton
To: Offices of the Prime Minister, Cyro, Dyelli Beybi
Subject: Coronation

It would be a pleasure for the Prime Minister and the Arch-Bishop to attend; perhaps a meeting between the Archbishop and the Archbishop of Anglia can be arranged.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton
Regent of Anglia

Three Days Before the Coronation

Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim's private jet landed gently on the tarmac of the local airport. The trip was just in the region, so it was relatively short, and Otto was gently snoozing in the small bedroom. The jolt of the landing rocked him in the small, single person bed, just as his assistant came on over the intercom.

"Sir, we have arrived in Anglia."

The plane slowly taxied into a semi-private area, where Otto disembarked. A private limo waited for him next to the plane, and already three men were emptying the luggage from the cargo hold of the plane and putting it into the trunks of two rented sedans.

Otto watched disinterestedly from the side of the limo as they finished, and his assistant opened the car door for him. The sedans pulled up in front of and beside the limo, and the convoy set off.

The assistant, a bespectacled man in his early twenties flipped through the schedule he had set as a guard fiddled with his mp3 player, and Otto watched the town go by. It was not long before the Limo pulled up before an expensive hotel. The assistant jumped out of the limo, and jogged up to the front counter. He got the attention of the person behind it and asked in a clipped voice, "Hello, I represent Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim. I believe we made an emergency reservation this morning, and I would like to know whether or not the room is ready."

The person behind the desk was a beautiful young Anglian woman; she had been sorting the room keys and looked at Otto with a smile and bowed once she heard who she was. "It is nice to meet you, sir. Yes; your room is ready. I have your room key right here...."

The woman turns around to grab a key with the room number and smiles. "Here you go. Just take this key to the door whose number matches this one. I hope you have an enjoyable stay here at our hotel, sir."

LAF 1 was on approach to Anglia (proper flight plans had been filed by the relevant authorities) in order to be present for the coronation. It's three main passengers were looking out the windows of the opulently appointed aircraft, admiring the view of the land that they were going to visit. It looked to be a good enough place... from 30,000 feet up.

Gerald was the first one to notice that they had, in fact, landed before the jolt of the tires hitting the runway signified that they were on the ground. When the plane reached it's hangar, the three walked down the air-stairs to Anglian soil; wondering about the reception that they were about to receive.

OOC: Long post ahead.

Reginald Bettingham stood silently at the runway with several soldiers of the Royal Guard standing around him while musicians were playing music. He had appointed himself to be the greeter of the Lamonians and went to the airport to meet them. Shaking each of their hands with a smile on his face, Reginald began to speak. "My name is Reginald Bettingham, the Duke of Doncaster and a very prominent lawyer. I'm one of the members of the Royal Court of Anglia. Please follow me."

Reginald led the group to the nearby limosuine and ordered the chauffer to take them to the Marble Palace. As the chauffer drove the limosuine into the city, Reginald pointed out various things to his guests. "The city of Newcastle is the capital of Anglia; named for a castle that was built here by Medieval English soldiers. It has been the home of Anglian kings, Grand Masters of the (exiled) Knights Templar and Archbishops of the Church for many years; centuries in fact. I myself have had my flourishing law offices in this city before I became involved in the Royal Court."

The limosuine drove past the massive and imposing medieval Cathedral of St. Francis as Reginald continued to speak with his guests. "That cathedral is where the Archbishop of Anglia usually gives his sermons and officiates at the rites. Our church worships like Catholics, according to the Tridentine Mass, but doctrine is fundamentally Protestant. I believe it was the Act of Distinction that codified the order of things in the Church."

The chauffer continued to drive towards the palace; a screen prevented him from hearing or seeing the other guests with Reginald. "The Crown here has more power than both the Commons and Lords; for if it is the will of the Crown to dissolve Parliament...then so it shall be. His Majesty, King Adam II, before he died, was quite known to dissolve Parliament whenever it disagreed with him. I was one of his ministers; as the Lord Chancellor it was my duty to make sure the courts were all kept in line and to make sure equality of law was given to all. I expect to be retained as Lord Chancellor by the Princess when she is crowned."

Finally, they reached the Marble Palace and Reginald took his guests inside to the Lobby; which was adorned with sculptures and busts. "The Princess would like all guests to wait in the Ballroom as she will meet all of you there. I hope you will enjoy your stay here. Follow me." Reginald took the guests through a corridor adorned with portraits of former monarchs such as Charlette V, John VIII and Jacques I. The ballroom, adorned to the brim in decorations was soon found by Reginald as he opened the gold adorned doors. "You can wait here for now, my friends."

As Reginald closed the doors and began walking away, he could see the silhouette of a man nearby but he already knew who it was. "Reginald....you've brought them here now, eh? Well....let's make sure they behave." Thomas Gratwick came into full view; clutching his staff tightly with one hand on his hat.

"You still dislike foreigners....don't you, Gratwick?" Reginald said calmly before beginning to walk with his old adversary. "I only dislike some of them...ones I consider to be unworthy to live here, Reginald. If those people from New Chalcedon...those who are willing to kill their monarch and even his children....dared to come here then I'd make sure they were pushed back into the sea. I loathe such people; especially those who would kill children."

Reginald sighed as he walked with Gratwick; whose inclinations to xenophobia were known by some. "Child murder is a horrid act, my friend and I'll never back down from my belief that it should be ruthlessly punished." Thomas snickered a little and Reginald could hear it. "The liberal lawyer supports ruthless punishment?"

"Even liberals have a heart." Reginald said calmly before greeting a group of maids walking by.

Otto, from behind his assistant, nodded to the lady behind the desk and mumbled the appropriate greetings with a smile, while his assistant took the key.

Before heading upstairs, the guard tapped his radio twice, and the men with the luggage started carrying bags from the sedan towards the hotel. The Lord-Duke and his entourage went up to his hotel on the eight floor to survey the view.

Otto was certainly satisfied, and continued watching the city as his assistant dialed the operator, and asked to be connected to the palace operator, citing his credentials as the assistant of Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim. Once the palace operator had been reached, he asked to be connected to the person in charge of the princess's schedule. He handed the still ringing phone to Otto, who just stared out through the window at the orange sky of the early morning.

Reginald Bettingham separated himself from Gratwick long enough to find solace in his office before he heard his secretary's footsteps, high heels were easy to hear, and he smiled as he listened to the woman explaining how the assistant of a Yanitarian Lord-Duke wanted to talk to him. Taking the phone before listening to the clatter of high heels briefly, Reginald smiled and began speaking into the phone. "This is Reginald Bettingham; Duke of Doncaster and Lord Chancellor of Anglia. I am in charge of Her Highness' schedule. What would you like to ask me?"

OOC: I hope you don't mind that I skipped over the conversations with the operators.

"Yes, I am Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim, I am sure you've been told," said Otto, in an obviously Northern Yanitarian accent. "I have arrived this morning, and I would like to invite you and the princess to lunch to discuss interactions between our kingdoms."

OOC: Don't mind at all.

"It would be a pleasure to meet you for lunch; but I must make sure with the Princess to see if she will be able to attend. I hope you had a good flight, sir; you are three days early but you should be able to enjoy yourself here in Newcastle."

"Yes, indeed, I am sure there are many things to do and see here. I'll give you my personal number, you may call me when the princess is ready."

From his vantage point, Otto spotted a museum that he felt compelled to visit, and watched as people entered and exited, while his assistant pulled wrote down his personal number for him to read. Even as he spoke the numbers on the scrap of paper, Otto found himself wondering what was inside. This was probably apparent as he paused between the fifth and sixth digit, before pulling himself back and quickly finishing.

"Yes, indeed, I am sure there are many things to do and see here. I'll give you my personal number, you may call me when the princess is ready."

From his vantage point, Otto spotted a museum that he felt compelled to visit, and watched as people entered and exited, while his assistant pulled wrote down his personal number for him to read. Even as he spoke the numbers on the scrap of paper, Otto found himself wondering what was inside. This was probably apparent as he paused between the fifth and sixth digit, before pulling himself back and quickly finishing.

"There are, indeed, many things to do and see here in Newcastle. I'll call you when Her Highness is ready to meet you."

Ten minutes later, the Lord-Duke recieved a call from Reginald. "Her Highness would like to know if it is possible to have lunch at the Marble Palace. She is interested in meeting you and frankly so am I. I can arrange for a limosuine to pick you up from the hotel."

TO: His Excellency, Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia.
FROM: Ozani Veron, Secretary of State.
RE: Coronation.

Your Excellency,

It is my pleasure to extend my felicitations to Her Majesty Charlette VI of Anglia, upon the event of her coronation. It is sad for me to inform your highness that due to previous arrangements I will be unable to attend the event, but I will make sure to compensate such a disrespect in the following months.

Truly Yours,
Cando Feren,
Grand Duke of the Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun.

"There are, indeed, many things to do and see here in Newcastle. I'll call you when Her Highness is ready to meet you."

Ten minutes later, the Lord-Duke recieved a call from Reginald. "Her Highness would like to know if it is possible to have lunch at the Marble Palace. She is interested in meeting you and frankly so am I. I can arrange for a limosuine to pick you up from the hotel."

The Lord-Duke whispered a confirmation with his assistant, and said into the phone, "Oui, have the chauffeur call my roof when he is there. See you then."

The Lamonians were properly appreciative of the short guided tour of the city, and expressed such to Duke Bettingham.

When he left the ballroom, the three looked about the room. They admired the paintings, and talked about what they thought of what they had seen so far. And, they had a full day in order to look around and take care of diplomatic business before the coronation.

"I think that the Cathedral was very impressive," Gerald said. "I have to admit that architecture is not my strong suite, but even I can tell that it was meant to let you know that it was THERE. It has presence."

"I agree," President Stinson said. "Though, this castle is the seat of power for the entire Anglian nation. Being a politician myself, I can appreciate that. And, this is the place where your father will be coming for official visits, Gerald. You might well be seeing a lot of this place."

Charlette stood emotionlessly in front of the mirror that was in place in her room while a lady-in-waiting was making adjustments to her coronation dress which was an exquisite and extravagant white colored dress with jewels and red ribbons. As she stood there, still remembering the haunting memories of her childhood, she could hear a familiar voice...a voice that she did not want to hear. "Well, well....the bastard child becomes the monarch. How amazing."

With a sneer, Thomas walked into the room and by merely looking at the lady-in-waiting dismissed her from the room. Charlette's fist was clenched as she turned around to look at the man who helped her father banish her mother. "Charlette...don't be so angry around me. I'm hopeful we can be friends."

"I despise you and would rather see you leaving, kind sir." Charlette said sternly before she could see the point of Thomas' cane raised directly to her face. "Do not think that I am harmless, wench. I can easily dispose of you like I did with your mother. I never liked either of you."

Charlette felt like sneering and Thomas seemed to be able to sense it. "You must know that you are still a bastard in my eyes. All the judges knew that your mother was a whore. A promiscuous whore who constantly cheated on the King. Make sure you don't end up like her."

"My....my mother was not...." Charlette uttered softly but sternly. "Not what? an adulterous slut?" Thomas said with a snicker before feeling the hard slap of Charlette's hand upon his face. He backed away briefly and grinned before clutching his cane; swiftly pulling out a sword from the cane. "I can kill you right now, Your Majesty. Do not think that I will restrain myself from the act. The Commons only chose you because your stepmother hasn't born her child yet. You are the daughter of a whore....who should never have been chosen to be Queen. You'll bring this nation to its death."

Before Charlette could inquire, Thomas swiftly walked out of the room with a sneer. He never really liked Charlette or her mother and would be happy just to see them ruined in some way. Charlette looked back at the mirror and thought about her mother...thinking about her father....and about how she wished that she could revise her childhood.

From: Offices of the Foreign Service
To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
Subject: Coronation

The General-of-the-Revolution requests forgiveness for the lateness of this letter but insurgents from the last trappings of the old regime have disrupted communications. If there is still time the Major-General of the Foreign Service would be pleased to accept the invitation. If not we merely extend our firmest desire for fond relations between our countries.

From: Offices of the Regent of Anglia, Anthony Thornton
To: Offices of the Prime Minister, Cyro, Dyelli Beybi
Subject: Coronation

It would be a pleasure for the Prime Minister and the Arch-Bishop to attend; perhaps a meeting between the Archbishop and the Archbishop of Anglia can be arranged.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton
Regent of Anglia

Dyelli Beybi was an unusual country. It was in theory a constitutional monarchy, however it had elected it's Tzarina as Prime Minister (although this tended to be her title of choice). Ironically the Tzarina was a socialist... coincidentally she was also the symbolic head of the Dyellian Orthodox Church. The Archbishop of St. Guineford's was the real head of the Church... and he was also aware of the superficial similarities between his church and that of the Anglians, a similarity he hoped could lead to full communion.

The reasons of the Tzarina/Prime Minister were almost certainly personal curiosity as much as the desire to foster diplomatic relations. Was she not also a bastard child of the previous Tzar of Dyelli Beybi? She was also young... and curiosly devoid of ambition, but rather filled with a tremendous sense of duty and knowledge of her own potential as a unifying factor for the various Dyellian factions.

As was typical with the Dyellians, they arrived amid very little fanfare, the jet liner circling outside of Anglian airspace while it awaited exact instructions as to where it was to land.

OOC: Guess I'd be too late to join in... oh well.

OOC: Guess I'd be too late to join in... oh well.

OOC: You can join in.

From: Offices of the Foreign Service
To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
Subject: Coronation

The General-of-the-Revolution requests forgiveness for the lateness of this letter but insurgents from the last trappings of the old regime have disrupted communications. If there is still time the Major-General of the Foreign Service would be pleased to accept the invitation. If not we merely extend our firmest desire for fond relations between our countries.

From: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
To: Offices of the Foreign Service of Cyruum

There is still time for the Major-General to attend the coronation; he should try to get to Anglia as early as possible so as not to miss the coronation when it begins.

Abrahamic League Headquarters:

"This seems as though it could be quite a volatile situation." The Rev. Thomas Shmidt commented, looking at the declaration and a file on the country of Anglia.

"Exactly." the Archbishop Geroge Claxton said, sitting across from him. "that is why I called you here today."

"You confuse me, sir." Shmidt replied, sipping from a glass of water amd looking at a chessboard, upon which the two men were in the middle of a game. "I fail to see how the idiocy of foreign nobility has anything to do with me."

"Why, you cannot guess?" Claxton replied, moving a peice. "I wish you to go to the coronation."

"What?!" Shmidt expclaimed, nearly spitting water all over the table. "Why on earth would you send me? I'm an executioner, not a diplomat!"

"That is exactly why I want to send you. The council is of the opinion that Anglia would most benifit from having this Charlette girl upon the throne, and we wish to ensure that she is protected. Your abilities may be of use to such an end."

"I see." Shmidt replied, and smirked. "Checkmate."

"Oh?" Claxton said, looking at the board in mild suprise. "Clever."

To: His Excellency, Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia.
From: The Rt. Rev. George Claxton, Arhcbishop of Sumguaia

The Abrahamic League wishes to send the Reverend Thomas Shmidt as a representative of the League to the cornonation.

Abrahamic League Headquarters:

"This seems as though it could be quite a volatile situation." The Rev. Thomas Shmidt commented, looking at the declaration and a file on the country of Anglia.

"Exactly." the Archbishop Geroge Claxton said, sitting across from him. "that is why I called you here today."

"You confuse me, sir." Shmidt replied, sipping from a glass of water amd looking at a chessboard, upon which the two men were in the middle of a game. "I fail to see how the idiocy of foreign nobility has anything to do with me."

"Why, you cannot guess?" Claxton replied, moving a peice. "I wish you to go to the coronation."

"What?!" Shmidt expclaimed, nearly spitting water all over the table. "Why on earth would you send me? I'm an executioner, not a diplomat!"

"That is exactly why I want to send you. The council is of the opinion that Anglia would most benifit from having this Charlette girl upon the throne, and we wish to ensure that she is protected. Your abilities may be of use to such an end."

"I see." Shmidt replied, and smirked. "Checkmate."

"Oh?" Claxton said, looking at the board in mild suprise. "Clever."

To: His Excellency, Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia.
From: The Rt. Rev. George Claxton, Arhcbishop of Sumguaia

The Abrahamic League wishes to send the Reverend Thomas Shmidt as a representative of the League to the cornonation.

From: Anthony Thornton, Regent of Anglia
To: The Rt. Rev. George Claxton, Archbishop of Sumguaia

The Reverend Thomas Shmidt is welcome to attend the coronation. You may send him when you are ready to do so.

Walking out of the room in her dress, Princess Charlette decided it would be a good time to go for a walk even if all she could think about was how much she loathed the Earl of Fenwick; who she noticed was talking to a young maid. Thomas, despite his sadistic ruthlessness, had a talent for seducing women. Charlette was able to slip by him without him knowing she was there; but was noticed by Richard Cholmondeley. Immediately, he ran towards her and stopped her in her tracks. "Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have not seen you since you were that little fourteen year old girl that day."

Richard had never seen his future liege since the day of the annulment trial and was glad to know that he could see her again. He walked with Charlette towards the ballroom and often was seen adjusting his hat. "I hope you will let me stay on as the Lord Privy Seal. I am happy to be working here at the Royal Court, you know."

Charlette smiled slightly at the officer of state. "I will retain you, Cholmondeley. You do not need to worry about the future of your career as a Great Officer of State. I hope you will serve me as faithfully and as efficiently as you did my father."

Richard nodded his head. "Of course, Your Highness. I will be a faithful servant of yours until the end. I have heard that guests are arriving; such as the President of Lamoni and his two companions. They are in the ballroom on the Lord Chancellor's order."

"Thank you, Cholmondeley. I will find them and speak to them later." Charlette said before turning a corner and departing from the Lord Privy Seal; who smiled before walking onward. As she walked towards the ballroom, Charlette continued to think about her childhood. The memories tormented her mind constantly and prevented her from sleeping at night or even daydreaming of happy things. At times, she could hear the fierce sounding judge's voice replaying over and over again in her mind.

Charlette walked into the Palace Gardens and sighed as she picked up some flowers and smelled them. She had only been here briefly; when her mother was actually accepted by her father. The gentle caring voice of her loving mother could be heard in her mind; for once, Charlotte had found her solace.

***Passanger cabin, Imperial Airliner Eos***

The young man stirred in his seat. Next to him, the professional - tutor was the best term - glanced at him to see if his services were required.

Prince - no, Crown Prince now, Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos felt the appriasing look. Schooled to attention from earliest childhood, he ignored it on the surface, but felt enormous resentment underneath.

Why now? Father and I hadn't agreed on my service yet? I didn't have the chance to say...that I loved him. Damn this duty anyway - for a clipped sestertius, I'd hand it to the professional toadying corps, a.k.a. the "Imperial Diplomatic Corps". Hah! Backstabbing vipers, all of them, just like that unmitigated bastard Melepotas. Oops, can't mention that word, even in the vernacular. Her Soon-to-be Majesty is like to take it amiss, and Father wanted me to, as he put it, "establish closer relations". Oh well, at least she's apparently pretty and intelligent. And she probably has a dozen aristocratic suitors lined up. I'll just be nice for a while, and see if that makes her like me. No point rushing this...

Next to him, the "tutor", Peter, was having broadly similar thoughts. It's criminal, it is, not letting a young man grieve his father. At least I can give him a little time alone without making it obvious.

"Highness?

"Yes, Peter?"

"With Your Highness' permission, I'd like to go forward to the comms room, and inform the Anglian authorities that we're about to land. i'll be back shortly."

"Certainly, Peter".

As the man discreetly left, he could hear the youth behind him at last mourning his father in a little privacy.

***Comms room, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the comms room, he felt the plane tip sharply forward - too sharply. Mindful of the recent treachery which had ended the lives of the Empress-Dowager and her elder daughter, he rushed forward to the cockpit, expecting to find the pilot dead. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of the passenger area, and noticed that the Prince's guards were hustling him to one of the seats near an exit.

***Cockpit, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the cockpit, a pistol barked, but missed its intended target. Peter reacted with reflexes honed by long years of training and service, noting in passing that the copilot was dead in his seat. His hand struck to his right, where the sound had come from, with speed that would have shamed a striking cobra.

The pistol fell from the assassin's nerveless hand. It was the pilot.
"What the - how can anyone be that fast? It ain't possible!" the pilot-assassin said dazedly.

"Look, you have two choices. One: you land the plane safely, and get taken into custody. You might even get clemency at the trial for backing down. Two: I knock you out, and land the plane myself. I might be rougher than you on the stick, but I doubt that anyone would be hurt. Then, afterwards, I turn you over to the Varangian Guardsmen on board. Given the situation, they'd take it...amiss...when I told them you'd tried to crash the plane. And given how Anglia looks on this kind of treason, I doubt that they'll step in to protect you."

"You're bluffing - you're not a pilot!"

"Am I not? We'll see soon - now get on that stick!"

The pilot stood firm until Peter moved towards him with obvious deadly intent. Then, his resolve all at once gone, he flinched and resumed his seat. The plane began to level off, and started the approach to the designated Anglian Airport, while Peter moved the dead copilot from his seat and began talking to Ground Control, advising them to have a police presence ready.

The President, Ambassador, and his son were still in the ballroom, talking, looking at paintings, and getting refreshments from the maid.

The three weren't talking about politics, and the President in particular was grateful for that. He had enough politics to deal with even when he WASN'T dealing with it. The chance to just be a regular man for a while was just what the doctor ordered.

Is it too late to send an ambassador to attend the coronation?

Radio Communication

To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia or the superior of the fighters telling me to leave your airspace.

From: Major-General of the Foreign Service Horatio Imamu

“I was told to come quickly I came quickly however our country does not currently have any high speed diplomatic vessels and being a pilot a decided to fly my self using one of our fighter jets. Additional fuel tanks have replaced external ordnance but some arrogant cadet who sounds like he’s just out of flight school is telling me to leave before he blows me out of the sky. Do you think you could maybe call him off?”

Is it too late to send an ambassador to attend the coronation?

No; it is not too late.

OOC: So shall I RP my Lord-Duke as arriving?

OOC: So shall I RP my Lord-Duke as arriving?

OOC: Sure. I think we can get all the guests going to the ballroom now. If you want, we can also assume that the Lord-Duke had lunch with Reginald and Charlette.

Radio Communication

To: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia or the superior of the fighters telling me to leave your airspace.

From: Major-General of the Foreign Service Horatio Imamu

“I was told to come quickly I came quickly however our country does not currently have any high speed diplomatic vessels and being a pilot a decided to fly my self using one of our fighter jets. Additional fuel tanks have replaced external ordnance but some arrogant cadet who sounds like he’s just out of flight school is telling me to leave before he blows me out of the sky. Do you think you could maybe call him off?”

From: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
To: Major-General of the Foreign Service Horatio Imamu

You need not worry about being shot down; the cadet whom you said stated he would shoot you out of the sky was a cadet experiencing his first day in a work experience program and he was a bit....overzealous, shall we say, in his duties. You are free to land at the airport; the cadet is no threat to you.

***Passanger cabin, Imperial Airliner Eos***

The young man stirred in his seat. Next to him, the professional - tutor was the best term - glanced at him to see if his services were required.

Prince - no, Crown Prince now, Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos felt the appriasing look. Schooled to attention from earliest childhood, he ignored it on the surface, but felt enormous resentment underneath.

Why now? Father and I hadn't agreed on my service yet? I didn't have the chance to say...that I loved him. Damn this duty anyway - for a clipped sestertius, I'd hand it to the professional toadying corps, a.k.a. the "Imperial Diplomatic Corps". Hah! Backstabbing vipers, all of them, just like that unmitigated bastard Melepotas. Oops, can't mention that word, even in the vernacular. Her Soon-to-be Majesty is like to take it amiss, and Father wanted me to, as he put it, "establish closer relations". Oh well, at least she's apparently pretty and intelligent. And she probably has a dozen aristocratic suitors lined up. I'll just be nice for a while, and see if that makes her like me. No point rushing this...

Next to him, the "tutor", Peter, was having broadly similar thoughts. It's criminal, it is, not letting a young man grieve his father. At least I can give him a little time alone without making it obvious.

"Highness?

"Yes, Peter?"

"With Your Highness' permission, I'd like to go forward to the comms room, and inform the Anglian authorities that we're about to land. i'll be back shortly."

"Certainly, Peter".

As the man discreetly left, he could hear the youth behind him at last mourning his father in a little privacy.

***Comms room, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the comms room, he felt the plane tip sharply forward - too sharply. Mindful of the recent treachery which had ended the lives of the Empress-Dowager and her elder daughter, he rushed forward to the cockpit, expecting to find the pilot dead. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of the passenger area, and noticed that the Prince's guards were hustling him to one of the seats near an exit.

***Cockpit, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the cockpit, a pistol barked, but missed its intended target. Peter reacted with reflexes honed by long years of training and service, noting in passing that the copilot was dead in his seat. His hand struck to his right, where the sound had come from, with speed that would have shamed a striking cobra.

The pistol fell from the assassin's nerveless hand. It was the pilot.
"What the - how can anyone be that fast? It ain't possible!" the pilot-assassin said dazedly.

"Look, you have two choices. One: you land the plane safely, and get taken into custody. You might even get clemency at the trial for backing down. Two: I knock you out, and land the plane myself. I might be rougher than you on the stick, but I doubt that anyone would be hurt. Then, afterwards, I turn you over to the Varangian Guardsmen on board. Given the situation, they'd take it...amiss...when I told them you'd tried to crash the plane. And given how Anglia looks on this kind of treason, I doubt that they'll step in to protect you."

"You're bluffing - you're not a pilot!"

"Am I not? We'll see soon - now get on that stick!"

The pilot stood firm until Peter moved towards him with obvious deadly intent. Then, his resolve all at once gone, he flinched and resumed his seat. The plane began to level off, and started the approach to the designated Anglian Airport, while Peter moved the dead copilot from his seat and began talking to Ground Control, advising them to have a police presence ready.

Ground Control did not expect to hear that they should have a police prescence ready but nonetheless they organized a group of policemen and had them assemble at the runway; ready to deal with the problem when the plane landed. While the police waited to know more about why they were called, a chauffer waited by a limosuine to take the guests from New Chalcedon to the Marble Palace. The chauffer watched the policemen closely and wondered if he'd be taking any guests at all to the palace for the coronation.

Dyelli Beybi was an unusual country. It was in theory a constitutional monarchy, however it had elected it's Tzarina as Prime Minister (although this tended to be her title of choice). Ironically the Tzarina was a socialist... coincidentally she was also the symbolic head of the Dyellian Orthodox Church. The Archbishop of St. Guineford's was the real head of the Church... and he was also aware of the superficial similarities between his church and that of the Anglians, a similarity he hoped could lead to full communion.

The reasons of the Tzarina/Prime Minister were almost certainly personal curiosity as much as the desire to foster diplomatic relations. Was she not also a bastard child of the previous Tzar of Dyelli Beybi? She was also young... and curiosly devoid of ambition, but rather filled with a tremendous sense of duty and knowledge of her own potential as a unifying factor for the various Dyellian factions.

As was typical with the Dyellians, they arrived amid very little fanfare, the jet liner circling outside of Anglian airspace while it awaited exact instructions as to where it was to land.

"Please land on the main runway; your airplane will be stored at one of our terminals and you will be greeted by a chauffer who will take you to the Marble Palace."

OOC: Just so you all know; please send your guests to the ballroom as there will be a pre-coronation gala.

Sumguaia, The Holy Empire of Lord Sumguy, 10:30 PM:

A lone man ran as fast as his legs would carry him down the deserted streets of the city, tears of terror streaming down his face as he franticaly attempted to flee from an unseen assailant. From every shadow his pursuer's
eyes seemed to stare, every glint of the moon's light upon the water seemed to be the shine of the executioner's weapon. He turned into an alleyway and continued running. Suddenly, a figure appeared around the corner less than twenty feet in front of him. The man tried to change direction, and slipped in the rain, falling down. He scrambled to get up, only to find the figure right in front of him, moonlight reflecting off of a steel cross set upon a five-foot wooden handle that the figure held.

The Reverend Thomas Shmidt smiled benevelontly, looking at the man on the ground before him. "It is time to pay for your sins, Mr. Davidson. The Abrahamic League does not approve of murder."

"Get away from me, you monster!" The man who had been fleeing screamed, drawing a handgun and firing wildly in front of him.

"Still violent as ever?" said a voice in his ear, as Shmidt brought his cross next to the man's head from behind. "That's hardly the appropriate action of one who is about to be judged by the Almighty." As he spoke, short blades sprang out of the end of the cross, and one was pressed against Davidson's neck. "May God have mercy upon your soul." The preist said, and jerked the weapon towards himself. Blood sprayed out onto the street as Robert Davidson slowly died, choking as blood filled his windpipe.

Shmidt stood up, and began walking away, only to have his cellphone ring. "Yes?" he asked, answering the phone.

"Prepare to leave, you go to Anglia tomorrow." A voice on the other end said. "The plane will be waiting at 8:00 AM."

"Very well." Shmidt replied. "I shall be on it."

The Next Day, Anglia:

The small passenger aircraft taxi'ed onto a runway of the airport nearest to the location of the coronation. From the plane Rev. Shmidt emerged, dressed in a long black coat and carrying his cross. He walked to a rental car that the AL had reserved for him, and drove to a nearby hotel to drop off his luggage before hailing a taxi to the location of the coronation. Several minutes later he arrived, and stepped out of the vehicle, walking to the entrance of the building.

The Next Day, Anglia:

The small passenger aircraft taxi'ed onto a runway of the airport nearest to the location of the coronation. From the plane Rev. Shmidt emerged, dressed in a long black coat and carrying his cross. He walked to a rental car that the AL had reserved for him, and drove to a nearby hotel to drop off his luggage before hailing a taxi to the location of the coronation. Several minutes later he arrived, and stepped out of the vehicle, walking to the entrance of the building.

The emotionless guards allowed Shmidt to enter the Marble Palace when he proved that he was a guest for the coronation. Inside, Shmidt could see centuries of Anglian history as reflected in the paintings and sculptures he could see; from a painting of Templars disembarking from their ships to a large statue of King Henry the First.

As Shmidt entered, he was greeted by a middle aged but still youthful man whose clothes obviously showed he was of the nobility. "Greetings, sir. I am Reginald Bettingham; Lord Chancellor and Duke of Doncaster. You must be one of the guests. Please tell me your name as I lead you to the ballroom."

Reginald swiftly began walking and beckoned Shmidt to follow him. "The Princess is currently occupied but you will be able to meet her at the pre-coronation gala; it's just a way for us to know our guests better and for the guests to know more about us."

As they walked, a man in elegant military robes with a large seal resembling that of the Templars walked past them in silence. "The Knights Templar still exist in Anglia, sir. When they arrived here in an effort to escape persecution, King Henry III gave them the assurance of safety and thus they serve the nation in perpetual service in gratitude. The Knights Templar have a military and civilian wing. That man you just saw walking was the Grand Master. He currently serves on the House of Lords and controls the Knights Templar. In the Order, a man is chosen to be the Grand Master by a meeting of the most senior members."

When they found the ballroom, Reginald smiled at Shmidt. "The coronation gala will begin soon so you should stay here for now. I'll return with the Princess in...shall we say five to ten minutes? Enjoy yourself, sir." Reginald walked out of the ballroom and sighed before he began to look for the princess who would soon be the Queen of Anglia.

***At the Anglian Airport***

The Imperial Airliner Eos touched down fairly smoothly and the hatchway opened. After the Anglian meeting party brought a stairway to allow descent from the airliner, Peter appeared at the door. Taking a long look around, he then frogmarched the pilot-assassin ahead of him, motioning to the Anglian police to keep him in custody. "The charges are treason and attempted murder, officers. I'll give you the details later."

Looking back to the plane, he said "It's safe, Highness. Only the greeting party."

Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, now Crown Prince of New Chalcedon, started walking down the stairs. He really was almost too handsome, in the sleek, dark way that New Chalcedonians favoured. As he descended, he drew about himself the composure that marked the best of the royal traditions, and proceeded with impeccable manners to greet the Anglian party.

"Greetings. I am Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, and I believe that I haev an invitation," the young Prince finished with an imprish smile. "Forgive the irregularity of our arrival. I will try to clear all assassination attempts with Anglian authorities in future, to avoid confusion." By the end of this, the Prince was smiling broadly, with an infectious charm.

OOC: I thought that perhaps a little competition for Charlette's hand would flesh out this thread.

Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim stepped out of his limo and made his way up to the guards. His assistant handed them the invitation.

(OOC: Sorry for the one liner post, but I am not sure where to go from here).

The Lamonians noticed that more people were being shown to the ballroom. The first of them was a priest, and then the delegations from New Chalcedon and Yanitaria arrived. Due to the newfound diplomatic relations afforded to both Lamoni and Yanitaria due to an embassy exchange, President Stinson walked over to Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim.

"My Lord Duke," he said, "I am President Stinson of the Free Republic of Lamoni. It is an honor to meet you, sir."

"Yes, good to meet you too, comrade president. You obviously know me, but I am Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim, Governor of Corbournnia. Perhaps you've heard of it? Most beautiful province in the URPY. You must come and visit it some day."

The pride was apparent in the Lord-Dukes voice, but the assistant could feel a ramble begin, and he nudged Otto in the back with a finger. The Lord-Duke felt it, and immediately extended a hand to the Lamoni President. "Honor to meet you as well. Have you met the princess yet?"

OOC: The Pre-Coronation Gala will begin later today; that is, whenever I have the time to begin it.

***At the Anglian Airport***

The Imperial Airliner Eos touched down fairly smoothly and the hatchway opened. After the Anglian meeting party brought a stairway to allow descent from the airliner, Peter appeared at the door. Taking a long look around, he then frogmarched the pilot-assassin ahead of him, motioning to the Anglian police to keep him in custody. "The charges are treason and attempted murder, officers. I'll give you the details later."

The officers nodded their heads in silence before taking the man away; knowing well the penalty for treason at least in Anglia. They put the pilot-assassin in their car and sped off.

Looking back to the plane, he said "It's safe, Highness. Only the greeting party."

Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, now Crown Prince of New Chalcedon, started walking down the stairs. He really was almost too handsome, in the sleek, dark way that New Chalcedonians favoured. As he descended, he drew about himself the composure that marked the best of the royal traditions, and proceeded with impeccable manners to greet the Anglian party.

"Greetings. I am Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, and I believe that I haev an invitation," the young Prince finished with an imprish smile. "Forgive the irregularity of our arrival. I will try to clear all assassination attempts with Anglian authorities in future, to avoid confusion." By the end of this, the Prince was smiling broadly, with an infectious charm.

The head of the Anglian party smiled; it was none other than the Lord Chancellor. "Your Highness, I am Reginald Bettingham; the Lord Chancellor of Anglia and Duke of Doncaster. I am sorry to hear of the assassination attempt that just took place; Anglia expresses its sincere condolences for the suffering your family has recieved recently. Please follow me, though....I'll take you to the Princess' palace."

OOC: I thought that perhaps a little competition for Charlette's hand would flesh out this thread.

OOC: I've planned to have Charlette and Gerald (son of Lamoni's diplomat) fall in love; however I would have no problem giving Ioannes an Anglian nobleman's daughter if you would accept it.

Templars? Shmdit thought as the man left him. How very interesting, perhaps this would be a good nation for the Abrahamic League to expand into.. He began admiring some of the many paintings that lined the wall, leaning on his cross to support himself. To any observer, he looked to be a steryotipical aging and harmless clergyman.

Group Captain Richard Smith and his Co-Pilot Wing Commander Jack Bukhar wearing only Air Force Pilot Flight suits and Imperial Dragoon Combat Pistol walk into the ballroom

"Hell some rider Richard "said Jack as they look around the room
Richard who say very little when not flying just nod his head

Templars? Shmdit thought as the man left him. How very interesting, perhaps this would be a good nation for the Abrahamic League to expand into.. He began admiring some of the many paintings that lined the wall, leaning on his cross to support himself. To any observer, he looked to be a steryotipical aging and harmless clergyman.

A group of maids noticed Shmidt leaning on his cross; smiling at him briefly before they continued to find their way to the ballroom. By this time, the cooks were bringing out the food and explaining to the guests that had arrived what they were serving. Noblemen of all shapes and sizes were walking into the ballroom; some bringing their wives and children along with them. The Great Officers of State such as Gratwick and Cholmondeley were also arriving and the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, dressed in his ceremonial robes, took his position amongst them. Reginald would have been there; had he not been trying to bring Prince Ioannes over from the airport. People did not seem to ask about Charlette's whereabouts until it was told to all that she would arrive in several minutes.

Another maid found Shmidt in the hallway, looking at a painting. "Your Grace, if you are a guest for the coronation, you should follow me to the ballroom. The princess is expected to arrive soon and you would not want to be late."

OOC: Hmm... Missed this one. Is it too late to attend?

OOC: Hmm... Missed this one. Is it too late to attend?

OOC: It's not too late to send someone. The coronation has not started yet; but the pre-coronation gala will start soon; it is the Princess' way of getting to know people.

A group of maids noticed Shmidt leaning on his cross; smiling at him briefly before they continued to find their way to the ballroom. By this time, the cooks were bringing out the food and explaining to the guests that had arrived what they were serving. Noblemen of all shapes and sizes were walking into the ballroom; some bringing their wives and children along with them. The Great Officers of State such as Gratwick and Cholmondeley were also arriving and the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, dressed in his ceremonial robes, took his position amongst them. Reginald would have been there; had he not been trying to bring Prince Ioannes over from the airport. People did not seem to ask about Charlette's whereabouts until it was told to all that she would arrive in several minutes.

Another maid found Shmidt in the hallway, looking at a painting. "Your Grace, if you are a guest for the coronation, you should follow me to the ballroom. The princess is expected to arrive soon and you would not want to be late."

"Ah, yes, thank you my child." Shmidt replied, smiling, and followed the woman. Upon arriving at the ballroom, he noticedd that t was quickly being filled wiht all sorts of nobility. For a secnd his expression darkened, but returned to it's former cheerfulness momentarily. Please, let them not be spoiled, inbred brats like most nobles I have met.

"Ah, yes, thank you my child." Shmidt replied, smiling, and followed the woman. Upon arriving at the ballroom, he noticedd that t was quickly being filled wiht all sorts of nobility. For a secnd his expression darkened, but returned to it's former cheerfulness momentarily. Please, let them not be spoiled, inbred brats like most nobles I have met.

Some of the nobles noticed Shmidt and smiled at him; greeting him and welcoming him to the gala. They assumed that Shmidt was the chaplain of a guest or a guest himself and so they respected him. The Grand Master of the Knights Templar noticed Shmidt and walked towards him. "Greetings, sir. I am Edward Talbot; the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Anglia. Are you a guest or the chaplain of a guest?"

As the Grand Master spoke to Shmidt, more guests were coming into the ballroom and more food was being brought out. A group of giggling ladies of schoolgirl age could be heard as they took some of the meat rings; a common Anglian delicacy.

~~~~~ Official Communique from the Office of the Prince ~~~~~
Ruhtinalyne Palace
Halsanki, Principality of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions


To Mr Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia,

Greetings, and my apologies for the tardiness of this message. Matters of the state have held me tightly in these past few weeks, and for this reason I have been unable to contact you sooner.

On behalf of myself and the people of Northern Rangeria, we wish Her Majesty, Queen Charlette VI of Anglia, long life and prosperity. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the coronation in person, but I have authorized an emissary to attend on my behalf. Lady Sari Raikone, our beloved cousin, will attend the coronation as the representative of the Principality and House Halsar.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV of House Halsar,
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens

*****


The missive was almost prophetic, as within an hour of its arrival the Anglian radars picked up a formation approaching the country by air. A larger plane escorted by four smaller planes.

"Newcastle flight control, this is diplomatic flight Hotel Alpha Romeo Zero Five, of Northern Rangeria. Requesting permission for vertical landing."

"Yes, good to meet you too, comrade president. You obviously know me, but I am Lord-Duke Otto Arnheim, Governor of Corbournnia. Perhaps you've heard of it? Most beautiful province in the URPY. You must come and visit it some day."

The pride was apparent in the Lord-Dukes voice, but the assistant could feel a ramble begin, and he nudged Otto in the back with a finger. The Lord-Duke felt it, and immediately extended a hand to the Lamoni President. "Honor to meet you as well. Have you met the princess yet?"

President Stinson shook the pro-offered hand. "No, we have not met the Princess yet, but we are confident that she will grace us all with her presence shortly. I have, however heard of Corbournnia; but I have never been there. Perhaps I will visit there someday. I'm sure that it would make a pleasant vacation spot, among other things."

(OOC: Check your TG's, Yanitaria)

~~~~~ Official Communique from the Office of the Prince ~~~~~
Ruhtinalyne Palace
Halsanki, Principality of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions


To Mr Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia,

Greetings, and my apologies for the tardiness of this message. Matters of the state have held me tightly in these past few weeks, and for this reason I have been unable to contact you sooner.

On behalf of myself and the people of Northern Rangeria, we wish Her Majesty, Queen Charlette VI of Anglia, long life and prosperity. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the coronation in person, but I have authorized an emissary to attend on my behalf. Lady Sari Raikone, our beloved cousin, will attend the coronation as the representative of the Principality and House Halsar.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV of House Halsar,
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens

*****


The missive was almost prophetic, as within an hour of its arrival the Anglian radars picked up a formation approaching the country by air. A larger plane escorted by four smaller planes.

"Newcastle flight control, this is diplomatic flight Hotel Alpha Romeo Zero Five, of Northern Rangeria. Requesting permission for vertical landing."

"You have permission to land vertically on the runway; a chauffer is waiting to escort Lady Sari to the Marble Palace when you land."

Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos graciously accepted the escort of Lord Reginald, insisting that he be called "John", rather than the "stuffy" titles to which he was far too accustomed. As they approached the Marble Palace, he remarked "What a lovely building. It's quite rare to see such a faithful rendition of the old architectual techniques. It must have cost a fortune to build!"

After entering, his charm didn't falter - anyone who watched would think him a naturally charming and sociable young man, as indeed he was. As he entered the main gala room with his escorts, he looked around to see what there was by way of entertainment - or failing that, drink.

Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos graciously accepted the escort of Lord Reginald, insisting that he be called "John", rather than the "stuffy" titles to which he was far too accustomed. As they approached the Marble Palace, he remarked "What a lovely building. It's quite rare to see such a faithful rendition of the old architectual techniques. It must have cost a fortune to build!"

"It was built by King Edward II of Anglia; best known as the man who brought the Renaissance to Anglia. Under his reign, culture, the economy and architecture flourished. The Marble Palace has served as the home of monarchs since Edward's reign, costing much in time and finances, and was built mainly of marble that the Anglian people found here. No one lived in this land before our ancestors arrived and we were able to claim all the resources, etc for ourselves."

After entering, his charm didn't falter - anyone who watched would think him a naturally charming and sociable young man, as indeed he was. As he entered the main gala room with his escorts, he looked around to see what there was by way of entertainment - or failing that, drink.

Some of the nobleman's daughters began to look at Ioannes as he walked into the ballroom; a few went up to him to greet him after he was officially greeted by the doorman. A waiter smiled and offered him some meat rings; which are like wedding rings cooked in a batter and stuffed with meat.

(OOC: Meat rings- imagine onion rings but with meat inside)

When prime minister Karam Barras of the Norwich Islands entered the ballroom, it was possible that the entire gathering stopped completely to peer at him curiously. His skin a deep chocolate color and his smile as wide and white as a crocodile's, the head of the Norwich government very well might have appeared out of place in his dapper gray suit, which looked a tad bit excessive even for a palace made out of marble.

But despite any misgivings one may have had upon first glance, one thing was undeniable. The heavyset man looked incredibly affable. And as he strode into the center of the ballroom, flanked by an entourage of assistants and government officials alike, he proved this preconception marvelously, spreading his massive arms apart as if they were wings and beckoning towards one of the more recognizable Anglians.

“Reh-jee-nahld my friend!” exclaimed the prime minister in his rich, booming voice. “Eet 'as been too long! Come, let us speak of ould times! Dee king's passin' still weighs 'eavy on my 'eart.” The Norwicher thumped his chest with a ham-fist and frowned solemnly, as if to indicate that he and the King had some close emotional connection. This couldn't be further from the truth. Karam, although always outwardly loyal to the Anglian monarch, had always been received as a kind of a snake in the grass. Charlette would do best to remain wary.

When http://www.nndb.com/people/808/000022742/kotto1b.jpg of the Norwich Islands entered the ballroom, it was possible that the entire gathering stopped completely to peer at him curiously. His skin a deep chocolate color and his smile as wide and white as a crocodile's, the head of the Norwich government very well might have appeared out of place in his dapper gray suit, which looked a tad bit excessive even for a palace made out of marble.

The Anglian nobles and others took the time to look at the head of the Norwich Islands; it had been a long time since they had heard from the Norwich Islands, a former colony of the Anglian nation. They assumed that their new guest was that new leader that they obtained for themselves. Some of the nobles who lived during the final days of colonialism began to reminisce about those days; still remembering when the Norwich Islands broke away.

But despite any misgivings one may have had upon first glance, one thing was undeniable. The heavyset man looked incredibly affable. And as he strode into the center of the ballroom, flanked by an entourage of assistants and government officials alike, he proved this preconception marvelously, spreading his massive arms apart as if they were wings and beckoning towards one of the more recognizable Anglians.

“Reh-jee-nahld my friend!” exclaimed the prime minister in his rich, booming voice. “Eet 'as been too long! Come, let us speak of ould times! Dee king's passin' still weighs 'eavy on my 'eart.” The Norwicher thumped his chest with a ham-fist and frowned solemnly, as if to indicate that he and the King had some close emotional connection. This couldn't be further from the truth. Karam, although always outwardly loyal to the Anglian monarch, had always been received as a kind of a snake in the grass. Charlette would do best to remain wary.

Reginald heard his name recited in the prime minister's booming voice and smiled at him; welcoming him to the soon-to-be Queendom of Anglia. "The King's passing weighs heavy on many of our hearts, kind sir. However, let us not be worried too much; soon we will have a new monarch....a queen." Reginald smiled. "The princess should be here soon; in a couple of minutes or so. Until then, sir, perhaps you should partake in some delicious food and beverages."

(OOC: Charlette will arrive later today; or whenever I have the time to post her arrival)

Soon the diplomatic plane of the Principality appeared over the horizon. Instead of a small private jet or Air Force One-style flying manor, the plane that landed was a sleek VTOL-plane, bearing more similarity to a transport plane than a diplomatic jet. Still, on her hull she bore the royal coat-of-arms of House Halsar. The plane's landing engines roared as she slowly set down, her escort planes - a squadron of F-18 Hornets - landing further afield.

Once the plane had set down, the back hatch opened, allowing the Northern Rangerian delegate step out. The engines were still humming loudly, but the young woman in a knee-length skirt-and-jacket combination did not seem to mind. Her blonde hair was tied onto a large bun on the back of her head, and absent-mindedly she removed her horn-rimmed glasses. With her walked a tall young man, barely eighteen perhaps, wearing a black, uniform-like attire, giving the youth an air of formality. Both Lady Sari Raikone and her silent escort carried a hilted ceremonial blade on their hips, hers with a silver-filigreed hilt, his more befitting for a soldier.

"usstan telanth nind jal rich dalharuk d'bitchs vel'uss talinth nind alur t'yin byrren" said Jack to Richard as they stand in the shadow at the side of the room keeping out of the way so no one saw them

"here did you ever find out how Peter got on to a ship stay hiden all the way to Tar,then to a forward,steal a raven and join a air battle" Jack now asked

"nope he not saying"said Richard

Some of the nobles noticed Shmidt and smiled at him; greeting him and welcoming him to the gala. They assumed that Shmidt was the chaplain of a guest or a guest himself and so they respected him. The Grand Master of the Knights Templar noticed Shmidt and walked towards him. "Greetings, sir. I am Edward Talbot; the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Anglia. Are you a guest or the chaplain of a guest?"

As the Grand Master spoke to Shmidt, more guests were coming into the ballroom and more food was being brought out. A group of giggling ladies of schoolgirl age could be heard as they took some of the meat rings; a common Anglian delicacy.

"I am a guest, sir." Shmidt replied, extending a hand to be shaken "I am Thomas Shmidt, a priest of the Sumguaian Episcopal Church and representative of the Abrahamic League to this coronation. I am honored to make your aquaintance." He had taken on the air and appearance of one both benevolent and passive. His manner was such that it would seem to anyone who didnt know him that he was neither capable nor willing to harm even an insect. it would take a sharp an experienced observer to garner any hint of his true occupation or capabilities.

"I am a guest, sir." Shmidt replied, extending a hand to be shaken "I am Thomas Shmidt, a priest of the Sumguaian Episcopal Church and representative of the Abrahamic League to this coronation. I am honored to make your aquaintance." He had taken on the air and appearance of one both benevolent and passive. His manner was such that it would seem to anyone who didnt know him that he was neither capable nor willing to harm even an insect. it would take a sharp an experienced observer to garner any hint of his true occupation or capabilities.

"It is nice to meet you, my friend and to see you among the guests at the coronation which should begin soon. Her Highness, the Princess Charlette wanted to have this gala beforehand so she could make friends amongst the world's leaders, etc. I, of course, was invited because I play an important role in Anglia. The Knights Templar are in debt to the nation of Anglia for the help they provided us. Members of the Order from all over Europe came to Anglia but it was really an accident that we arrived. Regardless, the Anglian nation opened its doors to us."

Edward smiled. "The Knights Templar even has a seat in government, that is, I am a member of the House of Lords and all Grand Masters inherit this seat so when I die, the next Grand Master will sit in my place. The Knights are watching this coronation closely; and we are ready to devoutly serve Charlette as we did her predecessors for so many centuries."

Soon the diplomatic plane of the Principality appeared over the horizon. Instead of a small private jet or Air Force One-style flying manor, the plane that landed was a sleek VTOL-plane, bearing more similarity to a transport plane than a diplomatic jet. Still, on her hull she bore the royal coat-of-arms of House Halsar. The plane's landing engines roared as she slowly set down, her escort planes - a squadron of F-18 Hornets - landing further afield.

Once the plane had set down, the back hatch opened, allowing the Northern Rangerian delegate step out. The engines were still humming loudly, but the young woman in a knee-length skirt-and-jacket combination did not seem to mind. Her blonde hair was tied onto a large bun on the back of her head, and absent-mindedly she removed her horn-rimmed glasses. With her walked a tall young man, barely eighteen perhaps, wearing a black, uniform-like attire, giving the youth an air of formality. Both Lady Sari Raikone and her silent escort carried a hilted ceremonial blade on their hips, hers with a silver-filigreed hilt, his more befitting for a soldier.

A young man in a simple but formal suit stood by a chauffer and his limosuine as they watched Lady Sari and her escort walk out of the plane. Brushing his hair a bit with a spare comb that he carried around, the young man walked towards Lady Sari, bowed respectfully and smiled before speaking. "Welcome to the nation of Anglia, Lady Sari. You may call me Charles; I was sent here to represent Reginald Bettingham; Lord Chancellor and Duke of Doncaster and take you to the Marble Palace."

Helping Sari and her escort into the limosuine, Charles ordered the chauffer to begin driving. "Lady Sari, it is nice to know that you could attend the coronation. Her Highness, Princess Charlette, hopes that you will not mind having a brief gala before the coronation as she seeks to know her guests more."

President Stinson shook the pro-offered hand. "No, we have not met the Princess yet, but we are confident that she will grace us all with her presence shortly. I have, however heard of Corbournnia; but I have never been there. Perhaps I will visit there someday. I'm sure that it would make a pleasant vacation spot, among other things."

(OOC: Check your TG's, Yanitaria)

"Why yes, at any point you wish to visit, you must look me up. I would be glad to show you the finest areas of my province, and the finest selections of my wine cellar. Corbournnia is outside most of the prime wine growing areas, but I have personally made up for that with my collection of wines from around the provinces.

"And you must meet the princess, she is a delightful lass. I had lunch with her and Lord Chancellor Reginald Bettingham, both of whom are very genial. You should definitely look forward to meeting them."

Official Communication
To: Mr Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
From: Grand Duke Feren, Nova Lassastun

It is in great haste that I send this official communication. I have convinced my son, Cando Feren and he has decided to participate in the coronation. He will be in route from Dashie -as he is currently in the battlefront- and will arrive soon

Sincerely,
Grand Duke Feren
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Half an hour later, the plane appeared in the radar. "This is NL 03 Alpha - Charlie - Papa - Hotel Requesting permission to land" The pilot broke radio silence.

OOC: I think we can start the pre-coronation gala now.

Sitting at the garden fountain, Charlette silently contemplated the future within the confines of her mind. It had been some time since she had been told that she would become the Queen of Anglia and she felt happy that she would be; she had never expected to be the successor to her father but with his unexpected death the Commons thrusted the titles, etc that he held onto her. As she sat at the fountain, a group of soldiers led by a young man in a suit walked towards her in silence. The soldiers immediately saluted and bowed along with their leader. "Your Highness, it is time that you made your appearance at the Pre-Coronation Gala. Please follow me."

Dressed in her formal dress (http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11759950/Evening_Gown_Night_Dress_A_4143.jpg), Charlette smiled slightly as she followed the soldiers to the doors of the ballroom. Before she entered though, the young man walked inside and had an announcement made that the Princess had arrived. The doors open to reveal Princess Charlette walking silently with her soldiers into the ballroom; her eyes carefully studying the guests. She noticed the Lord Duke and gave him a smile after remembering that she had lunch with him. A few of the young men there exchanged praises about her beauty. She waved to her guests and began speaking in a refined tone that showed she was royalty.

"It is a pleasure to see all of you here on this fine day. I hope that you all can have a good time here and I hope that after this gala I can say that I have made friends and not enemies."

Thomas kept an eye on Charlette throughout the entire introduction but did not show any emotion or look that would make people think that he disliked her. After Charlette finished speaking, she took her seat at her table and was given some snacks by waiters traveling with trays on their hands.

Official Communication
To: Mr Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of the Kingdom of Anglia
From: Grand Duke Feren, Nova Lassastun

It is in great haste that I send this official communication. I have convinced my son, Cando Feren and he has decided to participate in the coronation. He will be in route from Dashie -as he is currently in the battlefront- and will arrive soon

Sincerely,
Grand Duke Feren
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Half an hour later, the plane appeared in the radar. "This is NL 03 Alpha - Charlie - Papa - Hotel Requesting permission to land" The pilot broke radio silence.

"This is Anglian Air Control; you have permission to land. Please land on the main runway; your plane will be stored in one of our terminals."

The small Learjet Model 35 soon landed in the main runway as ordered by Air Control. It took a few minutes before Cand Feren (http://nationstates.wikia.com/wiki/Image:CFeren.JPG)descended from it, waiting to be received and transported to wherever his father had sent him this time.

He was dressed with an officer black and red suit, and had the symbol of the royal guard on his shoulders. Well Well he thought Let's see where am I now...

The small Learjet Model 35 soon landed in the main runway as ordered by Air Control. It took a few minutes before Cand Feren (http://nationstates.wikia.com/wiki/Image:CFeren.JPG)descended from it, waiting to be received and transported to wherever his father had sent him this time.

He was dressed with an officer black and red suit, and had the symbol of the royal guard on his shoulders. Well Well he thought Let's see where am I now...

The greeter ran immediately towards Cand and smiled at him. "Sir, we must head to the Marble Palace; the pre-coronation gala is about to begin and we would not want you to be late in seeing the Princess arrive. A limosuine is waiting for you. Follow me."

OOC: Just say that he got to the ballroom in your next post.

Marble Palace was - by each and every standard in the world - a marvelous and beautiful place. Plain and simple. Cando moved carefully between the crowd always following the person that took him there. And although he tried, he could not slip his mind from Dashie.

Guard after guard, he passed several checkpoints. It was one of the most fantastic event in the last few years, hundreds of dignitaries from around the world would be there. And the security was tight. It made sense.

Then finally, after only a few minutes of waiting in the hall, Cando entered the main ballroom, where everyone else was. He gave a brief look around the place. His commando training made him search for possible exits, debilities in the inner security, hidden weapons ans even strange packages.

He fought to took that away. Just for one night he would have a "Normal" day. Normal... that word seemed strange to him since he was ten. He moved his attention to the noblemen and women sitting in the long table. He tried to recognize someone, but he was not a very public figure. Cando failed in that task miserably.

He buffed quietly.

It was going to be one of those nights.

Marble Palace was - by each and every standard in the world - a marvelous and beautiful place. Plain and simple. Cando moved carefully between the crowd always following the person that took him there. And although he tried, he could not slip his mind from Dashie.

Guard after guard, he passed several checkpoints. It was one of the most fantastic event in the last few years, hundreds of dignitaries from around the world would be there. And the security was tight. It made sense.

Then finally, after only a few minutes of waiting in the hall, Cando entered the main ballroom, where everyone else was. He gave a brief look around the place. His commando training made him search for possible exits, debilities in the inner security, hidden weapons ans even strange packages.

He fought to took that away. Just for one night he would have a "Normal" day. Normal... that word seemed strange to him since he was ten. He moved his attention to the noblemen and women sitting in the long table. He tried to recognize someone, but he was not a very public figure. Cando failed in that task miserably.

He buffed quietly.

It was going to be one of those nights.

OOC: Just so you know, Charlette arrived so Cand can introduce himself.

And just as natural as that, Cando saw her. Was she beautiful? Marble Palace was overshadowed by her eyes.

Her mouth, when she smiled, had white-perfect teeth. And the smile in itself was plain adorable. She acted graciously as any true royalty would. Moving her fingers while eating, she seemed to shine. Or at least that was Cando's first impression.

He walked decided until he finally stood in front of her. "My name --" He started. But then she looked at him and he realized he was speechless. A few other nobles looked at him too. This would have embarrassed others. But Cando was above it. Not because he was "better". There was no such word in his vocabulary. He did not really cared after all. He wanted to stare at her just for a few more seconds. In silence. "I'm Cando Feren... I come from Nova Lassastun" He waited a few more seconds while the woman smiled at him. "I came to express our peoples joy in your -- this -- umm-- thing." Damn it! He though

"Why yes, at any point you wish to visit, you must look me up. I would be glad to show you the finest areas of my province, and the finest selections of my wine cellar. Corbournnia is outside most of the prime wine growing areas, but I have personally made up for that with my collection of wines from around the provinces.

"And you must meet the princess, she is a delightful lass. I had lunch with her and Lord Chancellor Reginald Bettingham, both of whom are very genial. You should definitely look forward to meeting them."

"Anytime that I am in Yanitaria, I shall look you up."

Sitting at the garden fountain, Charlette silently contemplated the future within the confines of her mind. It had been some time since she had been told that she would become the Queen of Anglia and she felt happy that she would be; she had never expected to be the successor to her father but with his unexpected death the Commons thrusted the titles, etc that he held onto her. As she sat at the fountain, a group of soldiers led by a young man in a suit walked towards her in silence. The soldiers immediately saluted and bowed along with their leader. "Your Highness, it is time that you made your appearance at the Pre-Coronation Gala. Please follow me."

Dressed in her formal dress, Charlette smiled slightly as she followed the soldiers to the doors of the ballroom. Before she entered though, the young man walked inside and had an announcement made that the Princess had arrived. The doors open to reveal Princess Charlette walking silently with her soldiers into the ballroom; her eyes carefully studying the guests. She noticed the Lord Duke and gave him a smile after remembering that she had lunch with him. A few of the young men there exchanged praises about her beauty. She waved to her guests and began speaking in a refined tone that showed she was royalty.

"It is a pleasure to see all of you here on this fine day. I hope that you all can have a good time here and I hope that after this gala I can say that I have made friends and not enemies."

Thomas kept an eye on Charlette throughout the entire introduction but did not show any emotion or look that would make people think that he disliked her. After Charlette finished speaking, she took her seat at her table and was given some snacks by waiters traveling with trays on their hands.

Gerald was blown away when he saw Charlette for the first time. She had to be the most beautiful woman that he'd ever seen; and in that moment, he knew that he had to meet her in person.

Her voice sounded musical when she spoke about it being a pleasure for all of them to be there, and Gerald could feel himself falling off of the precipice of sanity, and into the sea of love.

A young man in a simple but formal suit stood by a chauffer and his limosuine as they watched Lady Sari and her escort walk out of the plane. Brushing his hair a bit with a spare comb that he carried around, the young man walked towards Lady Sari, bowed respectfully and smiled before speaking. "Welcome to the nation of Anglia, Lady Sari. You may call me Charles; I was sent here to represent Reginald Bettingham; Lord Chancellor and Duke of Doncaster and take you to the Marble Palace."

Helping Sari and her escort into the limosuine, Charles ordered the chauffer to begin driving. "Lady Sari, it is nice to know that you could attend the coronation. Her Highness, Princess Charlette, hopes that you will not mind having a brief gala before the coronation as she seeks to know her guests more."

The young noblewoman and her escort were practically Spartan in their response, simply nodding to Charles and stepping into the limousine. There was something almost militaristic of the woman, and even the young man - apparently her aide - seemed a few years older simply because of his attire and sternness.

"Of course we will not mind", Lady Sari said in a calm, melodious voice, a hint of a smile gracing her lips momentarily.

And just as natural as that, Cando saw her. Was she beautiful? Marble Palace was overshadowed by her eyes.

Her mouth, when she smiled, had white-perfect teeth. And the smile in itself was plain adorable. She acted graciously as any true royalty would. Moving her fingers while eating, she seemed to shine. Or at least that was Cando's first impression.

He walked decided until he finally stood in front of her. "My name --" He started. But then she looked at him and he realized he was speechless. A few other nobles looked at him too. This would have embarrassed others. But Cando was above it. Not because he was "better". There was no such word in his vocabulary. He did not really cared after all. He wanted to stare at her just for a few more seconds. In silence. "I'm Cando Feren... I come from Nova Lassastun" He waited a few more seconds while the woman smiled at him. "I came to express our peoples joy in your -- this -- umm-- thing." Damn it! He though

Charlette noticed that Cando was nervous as he spoke to her but she did not think any less of him because of it. Keeping a smile on her face while members of the Anglian nobility watched, Charlette spoke in the refined tone of voice Cando had only heard moments ago. "It is nice to meet you, Cando and I am sure you mean that you have come to express your people's joy in my coronation. Thank you for taking the time to attend."

Charlette studied him briefly before speaking again. "Feel free to talk to the people here, Mr. Feren. You will find that Anglian nobles are not all stuck up like some people may generally think of nobility. Also, feel free to partake in authentic Anglian food and drink."

Gerald was blown away when he saw Charlette for the first time. She had to be the most beautiful woman that he'd ever seen; and in that moment, he knew that he had to meet her in person.

Her voice sounded musical when she spoke about it being a pleasure for all of them to be there, and Gerald could feel himself falling off of the precipice of sanity, and into the sea of love.

Charlette noticed Gerald in the distance and gave him a smile before being surrounded by giggling ladies of the court and tooken away by their laughter and questions.

"It is nice to meet you, my friend and to see you among the guests at the coronation which should begin soon. Her Highness, the Princess Charlette wanted to have this gala beforehand so she could make friends amongst the world's leaders, etc. I, of course, was invited because I play an important role in Anglia. The Knights Templar are in debt to the nation of Anglia for the help they provided us. Members of the Order from all over Europe came to Anglia but it was really an accident that we arrived. Regardless, the Anglian nation opened its doors to us."

Edward smiled. "The Knights Templar even has a seat in government, that is, I am a member of the House of Lords and all Grand Masters inherit this seat so when I die, the next Grand Master will sit in my place. The Knights are watching this coronation closely; and we are ready to devoutly serve Charlette as we did her predecessors for so many centuries."

"Interesting." Shmidt replied, smiling. "We must at some point discuss future relations between the Abrahamic League and your order, as I beleive cooperation between our organizations would be very benificial to both." As he spoke, he noticed Charlette arrive.

"So that is the soon-to-be Queen?" He asked Edward after she had spoken, somewhat impressed. Well, she doesn't seem to be a typical spoiled narcissistic royal at least.

"Interesting." Shmidt replied, smiling. "We must at some point discuss future relations between the Abrahamic League and your order, as I beleive cooperation between our organizations would be very benificial to both." As he spoke, he noticed Charlette arrive.

"So that is the soon-to-be Queen?" He asked Edward after she had spoken, somewhat impressed. Well, she doesn't seem to be a typical spoiled narcissistic royal at least.

"The Abrahamic League? I am sure that it was named for Abraham; the patriarch of the world's three major religions? Tell me, has it suffered any form of persecution?"

Edward noticed Charlette, greeted her, and then looked at Shmidt. "Yes; that is Princess Charlette of the House of Parker. In the order of succession, she will be known as Queen Charlette VI according to those who like to give roman numerals to the consorts although it is not normally done. Anywho, feel free to introduce yourself to her. I think she will not mind talking to a man of the cloth."

The young noblewoman and her escort were practically Spartan in their response, simply nodding to Charles and stepping into the limousine. There was something almost militaristic of the woman, and even the young man - apparently her aide - seemed a few years older simply because of his attire and sternness.

"Of course we will not mind", Lady Sari said in a calm, melodious voice, a hint of a smile gracing her lips momentarily.

OOC: Feel free to post Sari and her aide in the ballroom in your next post.

Charles nodded his head before ordering the chauffer to take them to the Marble Palace. He did sense that the guests were Spartan in their response and thought that Sari could be one of those army girls; girls interested in the military. When they reached the Marble Palace, he swiftly took them inside and was alerted by a maid that the Princess had just arrived. "We should hurry, my lady." Charles said politely. "We would not want to be late."

"pff not into dancing so i'am happy by what we are wearing is keeping women away from us"said Jack

"not into dancing myself"said Richard as he looks at a up link from his plane on his PDA

"what does our plane have to say"asked Jack

"that the airport been busy"said Richard

Cando nodded and smiled back to her. HE would have liked to say something else. Something more. But the Soon-to-be-Queen was surrounded by giggling court ladies and taken away.

He had noticed that Princess Charlette was very charming and not what he expected. A spoiled little girl.

He looked around yet again. Nobles, ladies, ambassadors, kings and queens. Everyone was there. Enjoying.

Cando took a snack from a waiter, and decided to enjoy what was left of the night. He would have tried to speak a few more words with Princess Charlette, but with the amount of people there, odds were against him.

OOC: Feel free to post Sari and her aide in the ballroom in your next post.

Charles nodded his head before ordering the chauffer to take them to the Marble Palace. He did sense that the guests were Spartan in their response and thought that Sari could be one of those army girls; girls interested in the military. When they reached the Marble Palace, he swiftly took them inside and was alerted by a maid that the Princess had just arrived. "We should hurry, my lady." Charles said politely. "We would not want to be late."

"That would indeed be unfortunate", was Lady Raikone's swift but politely-toned answer. She was already striding up the staircase, her dark blue eyes scanning her environment and apparently taking polite note of the grandeur of the palace. It was not the time nor the place for sightseeing, however, and the twenty-year-old aide had to pick up his pace to catch up with his twenty-four-year-old superior.

For those nearest to the doors in the ballroom, the arrival of the Northern Rangerian delegate may have come as a breath of fresh air. Despite her rather formal appearance, Lady Sari Raikone, Prince Mikhail IV's cousin, was still a beauty. She did not flaunt it, but her self-confidence shone through like a beacon. For some this confidence and the Lady's almost military bearing might be almost intimidating - not to mention that she and her aide both bore ceremonial daggers on their sides, clearly wearing them with the same ease as one would wear a tie or cuff-links.

"The Abrahamic League? I am sure that it was named for Abraham; the patriarch of the world's three major religions? Tell me, has it suffered any form of persecution?"

Edward noticed Charlette, greeted her, and then looked at Shmidt. "Yes; that is Princess Charlette of the House of Parker. In the order of succession, she will be known as Queen Charlette VI according to those who like to give roman numerals to the consorts although it is not normally done. Anywho, feel free to introduce yourself to her. I think she will not mind talking to a man of the cloth."

"You are correct sir," Shmidt replied, smiling, "it was indeed named for Abraham. The League is made up of beleivers of the various denominations of Islam, Judaeism, and Christianity, for the purpose of serving God through seeking the benefit of mankind as a whole. As far as political ideaology goes, we are democratic in nature, to a near libertarian extent. We are proponents of religious tolerance, free speech, free press, seperation of church and state, the right of man to bear arms, and the right of humandkind to choose their leaders, as we beleive that only through freedom will mannking be able to effectively serve one another and our Lord the almighty God. We currently number at more than 170 million, and operate in nations throughout the Hegemony. We operate both civilian and military wings, in a similar fashion to your organization."

"As For persecution," Shmidt continued. "we have experienced our share, though we have been in existence for a mere twenty years. Religious worship was outlawed at one point within the Holy Empire, and many clergyman and loyal practitioners of all faiths were subject to brutality at the hands of the government. It even got to the point where any clergyman found to be actively practicing was executed immediately without trial. It was the Abrahamic League that led the revolution agaisnt the tyrants that had been ruling our nation, and it was we that created the Holy Empire as it is today."

Shmidt smiled. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss? If not, then I shall take my leave and introduce myself to the princess."

Comfortably seated, Cando talked to a general -or maybe a captain as rank denominations were different from his own nation- for quite a good time.

"Nice country you have here" He added at one point.

"Well it was... but now this" The man gave a hars glance to Charlette

"I am sorry?" Cando added, but was interrupted by the general.

"Well you see... she is not really fit for the this duty... I mean she is all young and brave but she lacks the experience... and then you have the 'issue'"

"Issue?" Cando replied instantaneously "What issue?"

"You do no know that Charlette is the daughter of a very bad relationship the king had." The man answered.

Cando stood in silence.

"All in all. She is a charm.. hope that's enough to keep the people happy, excuse me" The General said before leaving.

Cando was somehow amazed. But could not really pin point why. He just felt that way. More people kept coming in. An he noticed that most of the women there were beautiful without comparision. He grinned. It had been a long time since he had a party like this.

OOC what the hell are you doing Nova Lassastun, have you got permission to RP what Queen Charlette VI people think and say

(OOC: WoW! just doing a minor chit chat, I don't really see any problem with it as I a) was only briefing the character and b) did not made any important changes. This is a minor NPC 'thug' shall we call, whose giving information that everyone else knows. But again, if Charlette thinks that I overstepped then I will go ahead and edit the post, that's all)

OOC your Godmodding by saying what Queen Charlette VI people think and say no matter if it's a NPC,this still not your Nation

Comfortably seated, Cando talked to a general -or maybe a captain as rank denominations were different from his own nation- for quite a good time.

"Nice country you have here" He added at one point.

"Well it was... but now this" The man gave a hars glance to Charlette

"I am sorry?" Cando added, but was interrupted by the general.

"Well you see... she is not really fit for the this duty... I mean she is all young and brave but she lacks the experience... and then you have the 'issue'"

"Issue?" Cando replied instantaneously "What issue?"

"You do no know that Charlette is the daughter of a very bad relationship the king had." The man answered.

Cando stood in silence.

"All in all. She is a charm.. hope that's enough to keep the people happy, excuse me" The General said before leaving.

Cando was somehow amazed. But could not really pin point why. He just felt that way. More people kept coming in. An he noticed that most of the women there were beautiful without comparision. He grinned. It had been a long time since he had a party like this.

OOC: as a note, it is generally considered bad RP form to control other's characters in any way. While it is not in this case harmful to the RP, most people wont like you doinng that and I advise against it.

And Isa, give the guy a break, he's relatively new and should be given some slack in these matters. Rudeness doesnt help anyone become a better RP'er.

(OOC: Ok, sorry about it. I though that NPCs were kinda a grey. I promise I will go ahead and edit that post as soon as I can. Again, please accept my apologizes)

(OOC: Ok, sorry about it. I though that NPCs were kinda a grey. I promise I will go ahead and edit that post as soon as I can. Again, please accept my apologizes)

OOC: another note: there is no such thing as an NPC in NS. If the character exists, a player controls them.

"You are correct sir," Shmidt replied, smiling, "it was indeed named for Abraham. The League is made up of beleivers of the various denominations of Islam, Judaeism, and Christianity, for the purpose of serving God through seeking the benefit of mankind as a whole. As far as political ideaology goes, we are democratic in nature, to a near libertarian extent. We are proponents of religious tolerance, free speech, free press, seperation of church and state, the right of man to bear arms, and the right of humandkind to choose their leaders, as we beleive that only through freedom will mannking be able to effectively serve one another and our Lord the almighty God. We currently number at more than 170 million, and operate in nations throughout the Hegemony. We operate both civilian and military wings, in a similar fashion to your organization."

"That is an interesting organization, my friend. The Knights Templar is only open to Christians at the moment because of our connections to the Church which would make it hard for a Muslim or Jew, although we respect them both, to be members. We have, in our history, waged war against the followers of Islam in the name of the Cross but we do not do so anymore."

"As For persecution," Shmidt continued. "we have experienced our share, though we have been in existence for a mere twenty years. Religious worship was outlawed at one point within the Holy Empire, and many clergyman and loyal practitioners of all faiths were subject to brutality at the hands of the government. It even got to the point where any clergyman found to be actively practicing was executed immediately without trial. It was the Abrahamic League that led the revolution agaisnt the tyrants that had been ruling our nation, and it was we that created the Holy Empire as it is today."

"A French King and one of the Popes of Rome sentenced our order to death because of alleged crimes that our ancestors in the Order committed but luckily we had enough connections to help us smuggle ourselves out of Europe. Our ancestors accidentally landed in Anglia but at the end of their lives they had no regrets. They were ready to fight for the nation which gave them shelter. As Grand Master, I lead the Knights Templar in swearing loyalty to every monarch that reigns here in Anglia and I also help maintain Templar castles and meeting houses."

Shmidt smiled. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss? If not, then I shall take my leave and introduce myself to the princess."

"There is nothing at the moment; feel free to introduce yourself to the Princess."

OOC: Isa, I concur with Lord Sumguy; give him a break. He's new and did not know. Everyone is free to talk to Anglian nobles, etc but I think it is best if I control them.

The ballroom was simple but yet extravagant; with tables of all sorts surrounding a square dance floor filled with men and women dancing in modern or medieval style clothes. The giggling schoolgirls, obviously daughters of the nobles, were studying the foreign guests with an interest and it was not uncommon to see Prince Ioannes, for example, getting some comments along with a smile from a pretty lady. As the gala continued, people were making jokes, telling stories and playing chess at the tables. Everyone was having a good time. Charlette was busy playing chess with her adoptive father, George Hensley, who was high up in the ranks of the nobility. A peaceful and quiet man, he had sympathized with Charlette's mother and was able to secure an adoption. Charlette, therefore, loved him in the style of a father. "The bishop's dead, Charlette." George said slyly as he picked up one of her bishops. "The knight avenges the servant of God." said Charlette as she knocked down one of her stepfather's pieces; a rook.

Reginald was dancing with his wife, Victoria to the medieval music being played on the mandolins and others also took to the dance floor. Reginald's children were all running around and enjoying themselves. If the foreign guests listened, they could hear Charlette talking to her stepfather but the conversation was mainly about chess. George, a fanatic chess player, was one of the best in the nation and had won many championships; he even beat Charlette's biological father, who happened to be a childhood friend. George's family was gathered around one of the tables; the mother politely asking her young son not to play with his food. Even the brothers and sisters of Charlette's biological father made an appearance; all of them had watched their sibling's annulment of his marriage closely and it was on the mind of their parents, Charlette's grandparents (paternal), during their lives. Their father was dead but the mother, an elderly woman, could be seen at one of the tables; thinking solemnly about her dead son and his actions.

"I shall do so. It was a pleasure to speak with you, sir." Shmidt said, nodding his head in respect, and walking away from the Templar. He made his way to the group of people around the princess and her father, and watched the game with interest, being an avid chess player himself. He stood, leaning on his cross again to support himself.

"why is it the booze in other nations taste shit"said Jack as he look at the glass he just finish

"don't ask me i drink bottled water when oversea"said Richard as he watched all the nobles go past them

Iohannes looked around. He knew that he had been unusually quiet, but this was an informal occasion...almost an informal state occasion. He smiled at the ridiculous thought. An informal state occasion. What's next, a dry ocean?

Hearing snatches of the conversation, he deduced that it was about chess. This was fortunate - he could quietly insert himself into the conversation, as he was a decent player, although more versed in theory than practice - his attack plans tended to crumble on him halfway through.

Approaching the area via several short conversations, Iohannes began to quietly watch the chess game. He had suffered enough times from people who offered advice that he decided not to do so. If Charlette wanted to talk with him, she could do so. If not, he would put no pressure on her - just get her used to his presence.

As a crowd drew around the developing chess game, and as Prime Minister Karam Barras' entourage wandered curiously, partaking in light conversation with the native Anglians, the Norwich leader reached inside his suit jacket and withdrew a long, hand-rolled cigar, his head turning in each direction for sign of protest.

Not noticing any objections about the motion but still wary of lighting up a stogey in the middle of a royal ballroom, Karam grasped Iohannes' shoulder firmly, not by any means intending to hurt him but at the same time demonstrating his natural strength. At 6'3 and close to two-hundred-and-eighty-pounds, the Norwich Islander could certainly be considered menacing despite the perpetually disarming smile he wore on his face. Yet he meant no ill will. He simply had a question.

"Eex-cuze me, friend, but do yah know eef we kin smoke in 'eah? I dun' mean to be so crass, but I do tink dee occasion calls for eet." The sharply dressed, dark-skinned politician watched the eyes of Iohannes intently. There was definitely something unsettling about Mr. Barras, although one might have trouble putting their finger on exactly what. Perhaps the prime minister felt he was leaving the wrong kind of impression; he quickly followed his inquiry with an introduction.

"By dee by, I am Prim' Ministah Karam Barras of dee Norwich Islands, a...well, a formah colony of Anglia, eef yah will," he said, mustering the friendliest tone he could offer. His eyes briefly strayed off their path and down to the thick, gold rings that adorned his fat fingers. He certainly looked the part of somebody important.

Gerald was now walking toward where the other women had taken Princess Charlette, wanting to introduce himself. However, when he approached them, he couldn't get past the women who were watching the Princess play chess. They were all around the Princess, so he tried getting her attention through non-verbal means.

Gerald was now walking toward where the other women had taken Princess Charlette, wanting to introduce himself. However, when he approached them, he couldn't get past the women who were watching the Princess play chess. They were all around the Princess, so he tried getting her attention through non-verbal means.

"That man is trying to get my attention. I'll talk to him after this game ends."

Charlette smiled as she continued to play chess with her stepfather while the crowd continued to silently watch them. She was able over time to eliminate much of her opponent's pieces but knew that she suffered casualties as well. Despite her losses, they did not dissuade her from dreaming of victory over one of Anglia's chess masters. She picked up her rook and moved it closer to George's king with a grin on her face. "The end of the King is near; soon he shall fall."

George silently studied the chess board briefly for a moment; thinking of some way to prevent Charlette from disposing of his remaining pieces. She may have been his stepdaughter but he would not go easy on her. A few members of the crowd were uttering words and the schoolgirls were silently cheering for Charlette. George and Charlette were completely focused on their game; there was nothing that could really turn them away from it.

"Do you think that you will win, Charlette?" George began to say calmly. "Do you think that you will take down my King?" As he spoke, George delivered a devastating move that eliminated Charlette's rook, her last, and which trapped her queen completely. Charlette grinned as she raised her head up from the chess board. "I do not think I will win...I know I will."

Gerald saw that Princess Charlette had noticed him, and waited to watch the game. She looked magnificent when she concentrated, he thought.

Iohannes watched the game avidly - as an exercise in tactical finesse, it was exceptional. He was growing to admire this bold young woman, and began to agree with the logic his father had used in sending him here. His diplomatic skills and charm would complement her tactical mind well - if she was interested.

She would be worthy to be an Empress. It's not as if Michael will sire any children, leaving me the Crown Prince. I must observe her closely.....he thought. He fiddled a bit with his wristband, until the Imperial fire opal was fully revealed - the mark of rank for a Prince of the Blood. This should draw her eye....

At least, he hoped, he would gain a friend. They had been thin on the ground lately - the Imperial family had a well-deserved reputation for having tongues so sharp that they were trained to kill (although they never snapped at those who couldn't snap back), and there was the whole palace coup to make people even more nervous about getting close to an Imperial.

Iohannes watched the game avidly - as an exercise in tactical finesse, it was exceptional. He was growing to admire this bold young woman, and began to agree with the logic his father had used in sending him here. His diplomatic skills and charm would complement her tactical mind well - if she was interested.

She would be worthy to be an Empress. It's not as if Michael will sire any children, leaving me the Crown Prince. I must observe her closely.....he thought. He fiddled a bit with his wristband, until the Imperial fire opal was fully revealed - the mark of rank for a Prince of the Blood. This should draw her eye....

At least, he hoped, he would gain a friend. They had been thin on the ground lately - the Imperial family had a well-deserved reputation for having tongues so sharp that they were trained to kill (although they never snapped at those who couldn't snap back), and there was the whole palace coup to make people even more nervous about getting close to an Imperial.

The chess game continued under the silent observations of the crowd; as Charlette and George picked off each other's chess pieces one by one as time passed. Charlette, whose eyes were often completely focused upon the chess board, did notice Iohannes' fire opal wristband and smiled slightly; thinking she could ask him about it afterwards although she assumed it was a sign of his royal heritage. More and more minutes passed until it looked like there was going to be a victory for George. Charlette, looking at the pieces she had left, began to doubt her chances for victory but was determined to see how she'd go down at least. George, noticing the battle of tactical logic was going in his favor, decided that he would crush the soon to be Queen once and for all. He picked up his queen, which he had luckily safeguarded with success, and thrusted it forward to block Charlette's king piece which had lost its last opening. George grinned but spoke solemnly. "Checkmate."

The crowd cheered and Charlette conceded defeat as the good sport she was; thanking George for playing chess with her. After she stood from her seat, she walked up to Gerald and smiled. "I saw that you were trying to get my attention. Is there something you wanted to ask?"

OOC: After Gerald, Charlette will talk to Iohannes.

"That would indeed be unfortunate", was Lady Raikone's swift but politely-toned answer. She was already striding up the staircase, her dark blue eyes scanning her environment and apparently taking polite note of the grandeur of the palace. It was not the time nor the place for sightseeing, however, and the twenty-year-old aide had to pick up his pace to catch up with his twenty-four-year-old superior.

For those nearest to the doors in the ballroom, the arrival of the Northern Rangerian delegate may have come as a breath of fresh air. Despite her rather formal appearance, Lady Sari Raikone, Prince Mikhail IV's cousin, was still a beauty. She did not flaunt it, but her self-confidence shone through like a beacon. For some this confidence and the Lady's almost military bearing might be almost intimidating - not to mention that she and her aide both bore ceremonial daggers on their sides, clearly wearing them with the same ease as one would wear a tie or cuff-links.

Some of the Anglian nobles, etc greeted Lady Sari and her aide and a few of the men thought she looked beautiful despite having an almost military bearing which did a lot to improve her image in the eyes of the officers attending the gala. One of them, a young man with charm and appealing looks, walked towards Lady Sari and smiled. "May I have this dance?" The officer said after bowing respectfully; he stood there silently and wondered if she would accept him or not.

The chess game continued under the silent observations of the crowd; as Charlette and George picked off each other's chess pieces one by one as time passed. Charlette, whose eyes were often completely focused upon the chess board, did notice Iohannes' fire opal wristband and smiled slightly; thinking she could ask him about it afterwards although she assumed it was a sign of his royal heritage. More and more minutes passed until it looked like there was going to be a victory for George. Charlette, looking at the pieces she had left, began to doubt her chances for victory but was determined to see how she'd go down at least. George, noticing the battle of tactical logic was going in his favor, decided that he would crush the soon to be Queen once and for all. He picked up his queen, which he had luckily safeguarded with success, and thrusted it forward to block Charlette's king piece which had lost its last opening. George grinned but spoke solemnly. "Checkmate."

The crowd cheered and Charlette conceded defeat as the good sport she was; thanking George for playing chess with her. After she stood from her seat, she walked up to Gerald and smiled. "I saw that you were trying to get my attention. Is there something you wanted to ask?"

OOC: After Gerald, Charlette will talk to Iohannes.

"That was a fascinating game of Chess, your highness. My name is Gerald Smythe, from the Free Republic of Lamoni. I'm the son of the Lamonian ambassador to Anglia. Would the Princess and future Queen of Anglia favor this humble boy from another land with a dance?"

Some of the Anglian nobles, etc greeted Lady Sari and her aide and a few of the men thought she looked beautiful despite having an almost military bearing which did a lot to improve her image in the eyes of the officers attending the gala. One of them, a young man with charm and appealing looks, walked towards Lady Sari and smiled. "May I have this dance?" The officer said after bowing respectfully; he stood there silently and wondered if she would accept him or not.

The gaze of the Northern Rangerian noblewoman turned to the officer, and for a moment it looked like she would merely stare him down. Instead, her lips curved into a small smile.

"Certainly", she merely said, offering her hand for this new cavalier.

As Charlette left the chess table, Shmidt approached George. "Greetings to you sir," He said. "I am the reverend Thomas Shmidt, representative from the Abrahamic League. Wouldyou perhaps be willing to humor me with a game of chess?"

"That was a fascinating game of Chess, your highness. My name is Gerald Smythe, from the Free Republic of Lamoni. I'm the son of the Lamonian ambassador to Anglia. Would the Princess and future Queen of Anglia favor this humble boy from another land with a dance?"

"It is nice to meet you, sir. I think that it would not be a problem for me to dance with you. Sure. Follow me to the dance floor, Gerald."

As Charlette left the chess table, Shmidt approached George. "Greetings to you sir," He said. "I am the reverend Thomas Shmidt, representative from the Abrahamic League. Wouldyou perhaps be willing to humor me with a game of chess?"

"It is nice to meet you, sir; please take a seat so we can play a good game of chess."

The gaze of the Northern Rangerian noblewoman turned to the officer, and for a moment it looked like she would merely stare him down. Instead, her lips curved into a small smile.

"Certainly", she merely said, offering her hand for this new cavalier.

"Excellent...she accepted."

The officer took Lady Sari's hand and led her to the dance floor and helped her get into the kind of dancing that others around them were doing. The officer smiled; occassionally studying her. "Lady Sari? That is your name, right?"

"Excellent...she accepted."

The officer took Lady Sari's hand and led her to the dance floor and helped her get into the kind of dancing that others around them were doing. The officer smiled; occassionally studying her. "Lady Sari? That is your name, right?"

The Northern Rangerian noblewoman smiled mischievously. "I do believe you have me at a disadvantage, then, milord. You know my name but I do not know yours. And until then, Lady Raikone will suffice", she added with a wicked smirk.

Lady Raikone's assistant kept a close eye on his ward, but at the same time approached one of the waiters and picked up a glass of wine. He stuck to the walls, watching and observing...

"It is nice to meet you, sir. I think that it would not be a problem for me to dance with you. Sure. Follow me to the dance floor, Gerald."

As Princess Charlette led him to the dance floor, Gerald felt the eyes of a lot of people on him. Though, he didn't really care; seeing as he was about to dance with the prettiest woman in the room.

When they made it to the dance floor, Gerald grasped Charlette in a dance hold, and waited for her to signal that she was ready.

As Princess Charlette led him to the dance floor, Gerald felt the eyes of a lot of people on him. Though, he didn't really care; seeing as he was about to dance with the prettiest woman in the room.

When they made it to the dance floor, Gerald grasped Charlette in a dance hold, and waited for her to signal that she was ready.

Charlette smiled at George as she prepared to begin dancing. "I'm ready to begin dancing now, sir. Have you ever danced before?"

"Yes, my father had me take dancing lessons during my school years. I didn't understand the need to learn all those complicated moves at first, but they have turned out to have their uses."

Nodding to the musicians, Gerald started to Ballroom Dance with the Princess.

"It is nice to meet you, sir; please take a seat so we can play a good game of chess."

"Exellent." Shmidt said, sitting down. "Hopefully I wont be too little of a challenge for you. Would you prefer to be white or black?"

"I realize you hate parties, Holy Emperor, but this could be good for the country!" Argued the Rathani Minister of Diplomacy, Octavius Lepidus. "You had best get used to formal parties, it's part of being an Emperor." He added.

"Trust me, Octavius.. I know. I've been attending Imperial parties since the day I was born." Holy Emperor Severus responded as he looked at his unrelenting subordinate. "You do realize the invitation is pretty old though, right?" He added.

"Well, there's no harm in trying." Octavius responded.

"If you say so." The Holy Emperor said as he leaned his head against the back of his chair.

"Then what's the problem?" Octavius asked. "You might even have some fun for a change." He added.

The young Emperor glared at Octavius and sighed. "Fine, tell them I'm coming... But this had better work out as you say." He grumbled. "But I still say we should just schedule a time to talk about business and make up an excuse for missing the party..." He added.

Octavius smirked. "Most men in their twenties would jump at the chance to go to a party.. I have three children, all of which are about your age and I've never heard of them discussing business at a PARTY." He remarked.

"Octavius, just deliever the damn message." The Holy Emperor grumbled as he shooed Octavius away

"Of course, Highness." Octavius said as he bowed.

***

To: The Kingdom of Anglia

From: Minister of Diplomacy Octavius Lepidus, on behalf of Holy Emperor Lucius Severus

We apologize for our late response but, in the spirit of international friendship, Holy Emperor Severus would like to attend the coronation, if it is not too late.

If this is RSVP came too late, the Holy Emperor hereby requests that the Queen of Anglia meet with him on a later date to discuss possible cooperation between our two countries.

With our humblest apologies for our tardiness,

Minister Octavius Lepidus

Prinec Iohannes quietly walked over to the head musician during a lull in the music, and requested a certain folk dance with which he was extremely familiar to be the music for the next dance. As he made this request, he looked irresistably like a cute puppy, beseeching it's owner to please, please let it go explore!

(OOC: If asked why, he will respond honestly: he intends to dance with Princess Charlette, and wants to start with a dance that he knows, so as to start on a relaxed footing.)

"Exellent." Shmidt said, sitting down. "Hopefully I wont be too little of a challenge for you. Would you prefer to be white or black?"

"I think I will be white for our game, sir."

"Yes, my father had me take dancing lessons during my school years. I didn't understand the need to learn all those complicated moves at first, but they have turned out to have their uses."

Nodding to the musicians, Gerald started to Ballroom Dance with the Princess.

As Charlette danced with Gerald, she smiled at him. "It is good to see you can remember how to dance, Gerald. I learned to dance during my childhood; my caretakers taught me how. I'm glad to know that I can dance well; especially in a situation like this."

Prinec Iohannes quietly walked over to the head musician during a lull in the music, and requested a certain folk dance with which he was extremely familiar to be the music for the next dance. As he made this request, he looked irresistably like a cute puppy, beseeching it's owner to please, please let it go explore!

(OOC: If asked why, he will respond honestly: he intends to dance with Princess Charlette, and wants to start with a dance that he knows, so as to start on a relaxed footing.)

OOC: Well, he can dance with her after she is done with Gerald. I want to make sure she gets to be with everyone.

"

To: The Kingdom of Anglia

From: Minister of Diplomacy Octavius Lepidus, on behalf of Holy Emperor Lucius Severus

We apologize for our late response but, in the spirit of international friendship, Holy Emperor Severus would like to attend the coronation, if it is not too late.

If this is RSVP came too late, the Holy Emperor hereby requests that the Queen of Anglia meet with him on a later date to discuss possible cooperation between our two countries.

With our humblest apologies for our tardiness,

Minister Octavius Lepidus

From: Anthony Thornton, Interim Regent of Anglia
To: Minister Octavius Lepidus

It is still possible for the Holy Emperor Severus to attend the coronation of Princess Charlette as the Queen of Anglia and it is also possible for her to meet with him on a later date to discuss possible cooperation between our two nations. Forgive me for the shortness of my reply but I am currently busy with other matters.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton

To: The Kingdom of Anglia

From: Her Majesty the Queen

Princess Charlette we must ask you to forgive us as we have not shown you common British respect and manners. As Queen of the Second United Kingdom we would like to ask if we can be invited to your coronation. But we shall also bring along our brother Prince Robert, Duke of Newcastle to meet with you. We do believe that a marraige between both you and our brother can be a greeting thing for both our countries. We await your reply but we must ask that we can bring you a gift for your coronation. We would like to bring a diamond crown belonging to our great-great grandfather, King Albert II for your Her Majesty's royal head.

We shall continue to wait for your reply,

Hannah Regina

"I think I will be white for our game, sir."

"Very well." Shmidt said. "I suppose it is your move then." As he spoke, he recognized the man from one of thefiles he had been shown while on the plane. "You are the princess' father, correct?"

Holy Emperor Lucius Severus peered out the window as his plane began its final desent into the Newcastle airport. He was dressed in a white military class-A uniform with numerous decorations showing his position as the Holy Emperor. He was a fairly handsome young man in his early twenties, standing at about 6'5" and weighing about 180 pounds. His raven black hair was slicked back in its usual fashion and his dark brown eyes seemed somewhat dreery and tired.

"Highness, we've arrived." One of the Imperial guards said to him as he snapped to attention and saluted the Holy Emperor.

"Good, let's get this over with." Holy Emperor Severus grumbled to himself as he rose from his seat and put his hat on.

As he left the plane, the usual fanfare took place with Holy Imperial Guards holding Holy Imperial chi rho circle (http://www.abhus.com/admin/images/chi_rho.JPG) standards and a band playing the Rathani National Anthem preceeding him. As Lucius reached the welcoming committee, he tried his best to seem like he wanted to be there. In reality, Lucius was entirely about business with little patience for pleasantries (much to the irritation of his mother and sisters). Though most Rathani citizens saw him as somewhat distant and cold, few argued that he effectively ruled the Holy Empire.

After a short car ride, Holy Emperor Lucius Severus entered the ballroom. As he looked at all the guests, he couldn't help but frown a bit.

Business or pleasure, Octavius? He thought to himself as he remembered his Minister of Diplomacy's words. After a deep breath and a slight grumble, Lucius began to walk around and mingle a bit.

To: The Kingdom of Anglia

From: Her Majesty the Queen

Princess Charlette we must ask you to forgive us as we have not shown you common British respect and manners. As Queen of the Second United Kingdom we would like to ask if we can be invited to your coronation. But we shall also bring along our brother Prince Robert, Duke of Newcastle to meet with you. We do believe that a marraige between both you and our brother can be a greeting thing for both our countries. We await your reply but we must ask that we can bring you a gift for your coronation. We would like to bring a diamond crown belonging to our great-great grandfather, King Albert II for your Her Majesty's royal head.

We shall continue to wait for your reply,

Hannah Regina

To: Queen Hannah of the Second United Kingdom
From: Queen Charlette VI of Anglia

It is a pleasure to hear that a nation of British heritage wishes to open relations with Anglia; itself founded by shipwrecked medieval Englishmen and members of the Knights Templar who sought solace from persecution. I would enjoy meeting both you and your brother; though I have not really considered marriage just yet. I accept your gift with a joyful heart and hope that our nations can be close friends since we have plenty in common primarily in terms of our heritages.

Signed,
Charlette VI,
Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands

"Very well." Shmidt said. "I suppose it is your move then." As he spoke, he recognized the man from one of thefiles he had been shown while on the plane. "You are the princess' father, correct?"

George sighed. "I am the Princess' stepfather after the unfortunate annulment of her parents' marriage sometime ago. The whole affair was mainly kept within the confines of the Royal Court and never really reached the public. Her soon-to-be Majesty does not really want to talk about it as she is still saddened by the whole affair."

Holy Emperor Lucius Severus peered out the window as his plane began its final desent into the Newcastle airport. He was dressed in a white military class-A uniform with numerous decorations showing his position as the Holy Emperor. He was a fairly handsome young man in his early twenties, standing at about 6'5" and weighing about 180 pounds. His raven black hair was slicked back in its usual fashion and his dark brown eyes seemed somewhat dreery and tired.

"Highness, we've arrived." One of the Imperial guards said to him as he snapped to attention and saluted the Holy Emperor.

"Good, let's get this over with." Holy Emperor Severus grumbled to himself as he rose from his seat and put his hat on.

As he left the plane, the usual fanfare took place with Holy Imperial Guards holding Holy Imperial chi rho circle (http://www.abhus.com/admin/images/chi_rho.JPG) standards and a band playing the Rathani National Anthem preceeding him. As Lucius reached the welcoming committee, he tried his best to seem like he wanted to be there. In reality, Lucius was entirely about business with little patience for pleasantries (much to the irritation of his mother and sisters). Though most Rathani citizens saw him as somewhat distant and cold, few argued that he effectively ruled the Holy Empire.

After a short car ride, Holy Emperor Lucius Severus entered the ballroom. As he looked at all the guests, he couldn't help but frown a bit.

Business or pleasure, Octavius? He thought to himself as he remembered his Minister of Diplomacy's words. After a deep breath and a slight grumble, Lucius began to walk around and mingle a bit.

Anthony Thornton had been invested with the full powers of the Crown as the Interim Regent of Anglia; but he was now attending the coronation that would see him forsaking those powers to a princess once declared a bastard by her own father. Anthony had been seen mingling with other guests as the high class gentleman who dressed in an expensive but informal suit. With a smile, he walked up to Lucius Severus, bowed respectfully, and greeted him by extending his hand. "Greetings, my friend. Welcome to the Kingdom of Anglia. I am Anthony Thornton, the Interim Regent of Anglia who will soon be....unemployed."

Anthony smiled. "I have the full powers of the Crown while the Princess prepares to take the throne; until then it is my responsibility to make sure this nation runs through a smooth course."

so far no one neared Richard and Jack or did they care if any one did,so being free with no one need talking to they start to sing a song in Russian

"Vstavay, strana ogromnaya,
Vstavay na smertnyy boy!
S fashistskoy siloy tyomnoyu,
S prokliatoyu ordoy.

Pripev:
Pust' yarost' blagorodnaya
Vskipaet, kak volna
Idyot voyna narodnaya,"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Dionysus777/RotoviaSeal.gif

COMMONWEALTH OF ROTOVIA
OFFICE OF THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN

IMPERIAL COMMUNIQUE

With consult to the Privy Council, under command of King; we do offer the following statement.

TO: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
FROM: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
SUBJECT: Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

His Imperial Eminency, His Most Royal Highness, Rt Hon, Emperor Dionysus Bacchus III, King of Athens, King of Sparta, King in all the Commonwealth, Archduke of Carthage, Archduke of Roix, Lord of all Lands, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera does offer his congratulation to Her Royal Highness Queen Charlette.

His Imperial Eminency will be unable to attend due to domestic commitments, however, on the eve of this most joyous occasions would offer Her Royal Majesty use of the title Countess of Acroix.


[signed]
Lord* Alexandra DuVoutte
Baroness of Trent, and of Hathington
First Baroness of the Privy Council
Acting Lord Chamberlain

*The English title "Lord" is used in place of the Rotovian title "L'Ord" (meaning "my master") which is considered gender neutral. Some Rotovian nobles may make use of the title "Lady" to distinguish gender for foreigners, but it is not a common practice.

As Charlette danced with Gerald, she smiled at him. "It is good to see you can remember how to dance, Gerald. I learned to dance during my childhood; my caretakers taught me how. I'm glad to know that I can dance well; especially in a situation like this."

"I suspect that you will be seeing a lot of these official dances, Princess Charlette." Gerald dipped Charlette as the dance required. He knew that the dance was about to end, but it didn't take Einstein to figure out that he was attracted to her.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Dionysus777/RotoviaSeal.gif

COMMONWEALTH OF ROTOVIA
OFFICE OF THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN

IMPERIAL COMMUNIQUE

With consult to the Privy Council, under command of King; we do offer the following statement.

TO: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
FROM: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
SUBJECT: Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

His Imperial Eminency, His Most Royal Highness, Rt Hon, Emperor Dionysus Bacchus III, King of Athens, King of Sparta, King in all the Commonwealth, Archduke of Carthage, Archduke of Roix, Lord of all Lands, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera does offer his congratulation to Her Royal Highness Queen Charlette.

His Imperial Eminency will be unable to attend due to domestic commitments, however, on the eve of this most joyous occasions would offer Her Royal Majesty use of the title Countess of Acroix.


[signed]
Lord* Alexandra DuVoutte
Baroness of Trent, and of Hathington
First Baroness of the Privy Council
Acting Lord Chamberlain

*The English title "Lord" is used in place of the Rotovian title "L'Ord" (meaning "my master") which is considered gender neutral. Some Rotovian nobles may make use of the title "Lady" to distinguish gender for foreigners, but it is not a common practice.

TO: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
FROM: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
SUBJECT: Re; Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

Her Majesty, Queen Charlette VI of Anglia and the Norwich Islands thanks the Emperor of Rotovia for his message and for the gift of the title of the Countess of Acroix. She understands that he will not be able to attend but is glad to see that he took the time to write a letter at least; she also would like to know whether or not the title she humbly accepts from him comes with land in Rotovia; regardless of whether it does or not she accepts it as a generous gift.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton

"I suspect that you will be seeing a lot of these official dances, Princess Charlette." Gerald dipped Charlette as the dance required. He knew that the dance was about to end, but it didn't take Einstein to figure out that he was attracted to her.

Charlette could sense Gerald's feelings about her but she decided to refrain from speaking about them at the moment. "I probably will be seeing plenty of these official dances...along with state visits and the like."

Anthony Thornton had been invested with the full powers of the Crown as the Interim Regent of Anglia; but he was now attending the coronation that would see him forsaking those powers to a princess once declared a bastard by her own father. Anthony had been seen mingling with other guests as the high class gentleman who dressed in an expensive but informal suit. With a smile, he walked up to Lucius Severus, bowed respectfully, and greeted him by extending his hand. "Greetings, my friend. Welcome to the Kingdom of Anglia. I am Anthony Thornton, the Interim Regent of Anglia who will soon be....unemployed."

Anthony smiled. "I have the full powers of the Crown while the Princess prepares to take the throne; until then it is my responsibility to make sure this nation runs through a smooth course."

Lucius looked at Anthony's hand for a few seconds and shook it firmly. "Greetings then, Interim Regent Thornton, I am Holy Emperor Lucius Severus of the Holy Empire of Rathanan." He said in a somewhat interested tone. "Pity that you will soon be unemployed, I'm afraid politics tends to work that way sometimes." He added as he eyed the crowd around the chess game. "If you don't mind my asking, if there was an heir apparent, why did your country place you in charge as a regent?" He asked politely. "I know when my father died of cancer I was confirmed by the Church Council and made Holy Emperor as soon as humanly possible." He added as he led Anthony to a table and sat down with him. "I suppose what I'm getting at is, I would like to know something about your future Queen... My government didn't have much on her." He stated. "I suppose my own personal interest in how other governments work is why I ask.." He mentioned with a grin.

Charlette could sense Gerald's feelings about her but she decided to refrain from speaking about them at the moment. "I probably will be seeing plenty of these official dances...along with state visits and the like."

"So what do you do when the strain of these official events gets to be too much? Personally, I like to listen to music, get in some batting practice for the sport known as baseball, lift weights, and go for walks when I feel that the stress is getting to be too much."

Lucius looked at Anthony's hand for a few seconds and shook it firmly. "Greetings then, Interim Regent Thornton, I am Holy Emperor Lucius Severus of the Holy Empire of Rathanan." He said in a somewhat interested tone. "Pity that you will soon be unemployed, I'm afraid politics tends to work that way sometimes." He added as he eyed the crowd around the chess game. "If you don't mind my asking, if there was an heir apparent, why did your country place you in charge as a regent?" He asked politely. "I know when my father died of cancer I was confirmed by the Church Council and made Holy Emperor as soon as humanly possible." He added as he led Anthony to a table and sat down with him. "I suppose what I'm getting at is, I would like to know something about your future Queen... My government didn't have much on her." He stated. "I suppose my own personal interest in how other governments work is why I ask.." He mentioned with a grin.

"I was chosen to be the regent during Her Highness' period of preparation; all heirs to the throne of Anglia must wait until such periods are finished before they can ascend to the throne. As for being unemployed, I am sure that the Queen-to-be will retain me in some post in the Kingdom; or Queendom as it ought to be known for the duration of her reign. Queen Charlette is the successor of King Adam II and is a member of the House of Parker which has reigned since 1812. Paternally, she descends from Matthew and Isabelle Parker (nee Hauteville) who took power after the Controversy of the Barren Womb."

Anthony smiled. "I do not mean to give you a history lesson but gave you some basic information. Feel free to talk to the Queen-to-be when she is available. You will find that she is a lovely woman to talk to with plenty of charm and grace."

"So what do you do when the strain of these official events gets to be too much? Personally, I like to listen to music, get in some batting practice for the sport known as baseball, lift weights, and go for walks when I feel that the stress is getting to be too much."

"When the strain of royal life gets to be too much for me; I also listen to music, go for walks in the Palace Garden and have tea and crumpets with my friends. Recently the strain has been much because I was chosen, unexpectedly, to be the next Queen and all. I am fated to continue the dynasty of Matthew and Isabelle Parker (nee Hauteville); the first members of the House of Parker (which has reigned since 1812) to reign."

"When the strain of royal life gets to be too much for me; I also listen to music, go for walks in the Palace Garden and have tea and crumpets with my friends. Recently the strain has been much because I was chosen, unexpectedly, to be the next Queen and all. I am fated to continue the dynasty of Matthew and Isabelle Parker (nee Hauteville); the first members of the House of Parker (which has reigned since 1812) to reign."

OOC: QC VI, feel free to move on when you wish

IC: "What sort of music do you listen to, Princess?"

"is what we wearing that scary "asked Richard to Jack
"must be or they snoobs as we not wearing a suit like them"said Jack
"pfff"answered Richard

Queen Hannah and her younger Prince Robert sat at the same sit in the airplane that was taking them to meet Princess Charlette who would become Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands. Robert quietly read a newspaper while Hannah looked out the window, most people would have thought that brother and sister had something to talk about but it was quiet on board.

Their plane landed and they both got out awaiting any sort of government official to arrive.

To: The Kingdom of the Norwich Isles.
From: Imperial Office of Foreign Affairs,

The Emperor sends his personal congratulations to the young Ms. Charlette VI on her ascent to the Throne and title of queen. Though His Imperial Highness the Lord God Emperor is busy with domestic affairs, his son His Imperial highness the Lord Crown Prince would like to attend in his place.

Lithian Head Diplomat
Alison Domini

To: The Kingdom of the Norwich Isles.
From: Imperial Office of Foreign Affairs,

The Emperor sends his personal congratulations to the young Ms. Charlette VI on her ascent to the Throne and title of queen. Though His Imperial Highness the Lord God Emperor is busy with domestic affairs, his son His Imperial highness the Lord Crown Prince would like to attend in his place.

Lithian Head Diplomat
Alison Domini

From: The Kingdom of Anglia
To: Imperial Office of Foreign Affairs

Her Highness, Princess Charlette, welcomes the Lord Crown Prince with open arms and hopes to see him at her coronation; she thanks the Emperor for sending his personal congratulations and understands his inability to attend.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton

"I was chosen to be the regent during Her Highness' period of preparation; all heirs to the throne of Anglia must wait until such periods are finished before they can ascend to the throne. As for being unemployed, I am sure that the Queen-to-be will retain me in some post in the Kingdom; or Queendom as it ought to be known for the duration of her reign. Queen Charlette is the successor of King Adam II and is a member of the House of Parker which has reigned since 1812. Paternally, she descends from Matthew and Isabelle Parker (nee Hauteville) who took power after the Controversy of the Barren Womb."

Anthony smiled. "I do not mean to give you a history lesson but gave you some basic information. Feel free to talk to the Queen-to-be when she is available. You will find that she is a lovely woman to talk to with plenty of charm and grace."

Lucius nodded as he took a class of champagne from a waiter and took a sip of it. "Interesting." He said. "In my country, the Church Council as a whole mostly assumes power while the confirmation process goes through, but they are required by Rathani Canon Law to confirm a Holy Emperor. If they don't, the Inquisition, which is an arm of the Church and the Holy Imperial Throne at the same time, is required to arrest the Council and appoint new priests to the positions." He explained as he took another sip of champagne. "That being said, line of Holy Emperors is only semi-dynastic, the Church does not have to confirm the child of a past Holy Emperor simply on the basis of blood, but it mostly happens that way." He added. "We've had relatively the same system since Saint Alexander broke away from the Roman Empire and founded the Holy Empire in 400 A.D.." He stated indifferently. "There, now we've both given a brief history lesson." He added with a smile.

"I, myself, came into power at the age of seventeen." Lucius said. "I was confirmed by narrow margins by the Church because my father and grandfather were both rather unpopular leaders." He added with a shrug. "But since the Holy Empire is reaching a new golden age, I think it's safe to say that my time as leader has been mostly successful." He said, taking another sip of his champagne.

Queen Hannah and her younger Prince Robert sat at the same sit in the airplane that was taking them to meet Princess Charlette who would become Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands. Robert quietly read a newspaper while Hannah looked out the window, most people would have thought that brother and sister had something to talk about but it was quiet on board.

Their plane landed and they both got out awaiting any sort of government official to arrive.

Reginald Bettingham walked towards Queen Hannah and Prince Robert; bowing respectfully to them with a smile upon his face before introducing himself. "Greetings. I am Reginald Bettingham; the Duke of Doncaster and Lord Chancellor of Anglia. Please follow me."

Reginald helped the new guests into the limosuine and ordered the chauffer to proceed driving. "Tell me more about yourselves; you should know that as British people you will be liked by many here. To many Anglians, England is the abode of our ancestors....we descend from medieval Englishmen who were stranded on this bountiful land."

Lucius nodded as he took a class of champagne from a waiter and took a sip of it. "Interesting." He said. "In my country, the Church Council as a whole mostly assumes power while the confirmation process goes through, but they are required by Rathani Canon Law to confirm a Holy Emperor. If they don't, the Inquisition, which is an arm of the Church and the Holy Imperial Throne at the same time, is required to arrest the Council and appoint new priests to the positions." He explained as he took another sip of champagne. "That being said, line of Holy Emperors is only semi-dynastic, the Church does not have to confirm the child of a past Holy Emperor simply on the basis of blood, but it mostly happens that way." He added. "We've had relatively the same system since Saint Alexander broke away from the Roman Empire and founded the Holy Empire in 400 A.D.." He stated indifferently. "There, now we've both given a brief history lesson." He added with a smile.

"The House of Parker currently reigns over Anglia; having begun its control over the nation in 1812 when the Controversy of the Barren Womb propelled a nobleman named Matthew Parker into power. Matthew led this nation into a golden age of culture with the company of his wife, Isabelle Hauteville, and had plenty of children which both Commons and Lords relished because his predecessor's problems when it came to children were not liked. His predecessor refused to divorce his barren wife for the sake of continuing his dynasty and thus the controversy was born."

"I, myself, came into power at the age of seventeen." Lucius said. "I was confirmed by narrow margins by the Church because my father and grandfather were both rather unpopular leaders." He added with a shrug. "But since the Holy Empire is reaching a new golden age, I think it's safe to say that my time as leader has been mostly successful." He said, taking another sip of his champagne.

"It is nice to hear that your nation is reaching a new golden age; I can remember reading about Anglian golden ages when I was a mere schoolboy. It is also nice to see that you were able to attend this gala; perhaps you'll be able to talk to the Queen-to-be."

TO: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
FROM: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
SUBJECT: Re; Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

Her Majesty, Queen Charlette VI of Anglia and the Norwich Islands thanks the Emperor of Rotovia for his message and for the gift of the title of the Countess of Acroix. She understands that he will not be able to attend but is glad to see that he took the time to write a letter at least; she also would like to know whether or not the title she humbly accepts from him comes with land in Rotovia; regardless of whether it does or not she accepts it as a generous gift.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Dionysus777/RotoviaSeal.gif

COMMONWEALTH OF ROTOVIA
OFFICE OF THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN

IMPERIAL COMMUNIQUE

With consult to the Privy Council, under command of King; we do offer the following statement.

TO: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
FROM: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

Attn: Anthony Thornton

His Imperial Eminency shall issue letters patent for the creation of the office of Countess of the Earldom of Acroix. The Earldom (gender-neutral term for a holding of three counties) is vested with 4,508,912 acres of land, and an annual income of $4,000,000.00 USD. The Earldom (and income derived) is exempt from taxation.


[signed]
Lord Alexandra DuVoutte
Baroness of Trent, and of Hathington
First Baroness of the Privy Council
Acting Lord Chamberlain

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Dionysus777/RotoviaSeal.gif

COMMONWEALTH OF ROTOVIA
OFFICE OF THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN

IMPERIAL COMMUNIQUE

With consult to the Privy Council, under command of King; we do offer the following statement.

TO: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
FROM: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Royal Ascention
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

Attn: Anthony Thornton

His Imperial Eminency shall issue letters patent for the creation of the office of Countess of the Earldom of Acroix. The Earldom (gender-neutral term for a holding of three counties) is vested with 4,508,912 acres of land, and an annual income of $4,000,000.00 USD. The Earldom (and income derived) is exempt from taxation.


[signed]
Lord Alexandra DuVoutte
Baroness of Trent, and of Hathington
First Baroness of the Privy Council
Acting Lord Chamberlain

TO: The Lord Chamberlain, Commonwealth of Rotovia
FROM: Office of HRH Charlette VI, Queen of Anglia and the Norwich Islands
SUBJECT: Titles
CLASSIFICATION: Diplomatic communique, no digital encryption applied

Attn: Lady Alexandra DuVoutte

Her Highness, Princess Charlette, thanks you for providing her with information concerning the gift that she has recieved from the monarch of the Rotovian Commonwealth. She has affixed the title of Countess of Acroix to her list of titles and hopes to visit her newly recieved lands in the future.

Signed,
Anthony Thornton

The Northern Rangerian noblewoman smiled mischievously. "I do believe you have me at a disadvantage, then, milord. You know my name but I do not know yours. And until then, Lady Raikone will suffice", she added with a wicked smirk.

Lady Raikone's assistant kept a close eye on his ward, but at the same time approached one of the waiters and picked up a glass of wine. He stuck to the walls, watching and observing...

"My name is Anselm Le Pelletier; an officer in the Anglian Armed Forces. I must say that despite your Spartan appearance; it is not hard to find some beauty."

Anselm smiled as they continued to dance together. "You should tell me more about yourself, milady."

OOC: QC VI, feel free to move on when you wish

IC: "What sort of music do you listen to, Princess?"

"Different kinds; from classical to more modern genres. I've even listened to grunge music."

As Charlette spoke with Gerald, she could hear someone, in a feminine voice, speaking words in the Italian language. Swiftly turning her head, she noticed her cousin Elizabeth walking into the ballroom, dressed in a very expensive formal dress and speaking in Italian to people who obviously looked like they admired her. After all, Elizabeth (or Elisabetta; La Rosa Inglese) was well known as the princess who took up acting and modeling and who had plenty of fans and admirers but never a lover. "Elizabeth!" Charlette said as she embraced her older cousin with joy. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Charlette." Elizabeth said in a refined voice before her eyes set upon Gerald; as if examining his very soul. "You were dancing with this man, it seems. Well, how is he?"

"He is quite the good dancer, Elizabeth. Perhaps we'll see you dancing today with a lucky man." Charlette said with a small grin; knowing Elizabeth's reputation. "Maybe and maybe not, Charlette." Elizabeth spoke some loving words in Italian to her cousin before walking away; noticing the drink table. She passed the two men (Richard and Jack) sitting alone together and gave them both a small smile before recieving a drink. She leaned against a wall and occassionally sipped from her glass of wine.

Charlette's attention turned back to Gerald. "It was nice meeting you, kind sir, but I must find the young man with the fire opal." She swiftly left the Lamonian behind to find the Prince of New Chalcedon.

"The House of Parker currently reigns over Anglia; having begun its control over the nation in 1812 when the Controversy of the Barren Womb propelled a nobleman named Matthew Parker into power. Matthew led this nation into a golden age of culture with the company of his wife, Isabelle Hauteville, and had plenty of children which both Commons and Lords relished because his predecessor's problems when it came to children were not liked. His predecessor refused to divorce his barren wife for the sake of continuing his dynasty and thus the controversy was born."



"It is nice to hear that your nation is reaching a new golden age; I can remember reading about Anglian golden ages when I was a mere schoolboy. It is also nice to see that you were able to attend this gala; perhaps you'll be able to talk to the Queen-to-be."

"I myself am still single and I'm thinking about keeping it that way." Lucius said idly. "History shows that its never a good idea to allow dynasties to run for too long." He added. "Aside from that, the Church tends to halt a dynasty after the third or fourth generation" He stated. "But seeing as I'm only twenty-one years old, it seems a bit premature to discuss who's going to take my place." He added with a smirk.

"As for talking with your Queen-to-be, I would be honored." Lucius said as he finished off his champagne. "With the heavy economic growth of my country, I was hoping that our nations could gain some mutual benefit in the market." He stated. "Of course, this is mostly for the Queen-to-be to decide, but I think Rathanan and Anglia could do well as trading partners." He offered. "I'm not here to talk about business, of course, but it's something to think about." He added with a smile.

"I myself am still single and I'm thinking about keeping it that way." Lucius said idly. "History shows that its never a good idea to allow dynasties to run for too long." He added. "Aside from that, the Church tends to halt a dynasty after the third or fourth generation" He stated. "But seeing as I'm only twenty-one years old, it seems a bit premature to discuss who's going to take my place." He added with a smirk.

"You are choosing to remain single? Well, it's your choice; although you could also pick an Anglian woman to be your bride one day. Perhaps you could tell me more about this Church you keep mentioning; I'd like to learn more about it."

"As for talking with your Queen-to-be, I would be honored." Lucius said as he finished off his champagne. "With the heavy economic growth of my country, I was hoping that our nations could gain some mutual benefit in the market." He stated. "Of course, this is mostly for the Queen-to-be to decide, but I think Rathanan and Anglia could do well as trading partners." He offered. "I'm not here to talk about business, of course, but it's something to think about." He added with a smile.

"I am sure that the Queen-to-be, Princess Charlette, would enjoy talking to you and would love to conduct diplomatic negotiations. She probably is busy with other guests right now but I am sure she will talk to you when she can."

George sighed. "I am the Princess' stepfather after the unfortunate annulment of her parents' marriage sometime ago. The whole affair was mainly kept within the confines of the Royal Court and never really reached the public. Her soon-to-be Majesty does not really want to talk about it as she is still saddened by the whole affair."

"I see" Shmidt replied, waiting for George to move. "I will keep that in mind should I happen to speak with her."

"I see" Shmidt replied, waiting for George to move. "I will keep that in mind should I happen to speak with her."

George smiled slightly as he made his move. "I am sure she will move on from it eventually but with this coronation and all...some people thought that the child of her biological father's second wife, who is nine months pregnant, would inherit the throne."

She passed the two men (Richard and Jack) sitting alone together and gave them both a small smile before recieving a drink. She leaned against a wall and occassionally sipped from her glass of wine.
"she was smiling at you"said Jack to Richard
"what"said Richard as he lifed his head from his PDA
"her she just smiled at you" Jack said as he nod his head toward Elizabeth
" she did not"Richard said back to Jack
"yes she did"
"no she did not"
"look Richard time to move on with the lose of you mate enough time has pass for you to date again and don't make me tell David"said Jack

Reginald Bettingham walked towards Queen Hannah and Prince Robert; bowing respectfully to them with a smile upon his face before introducing himself. "Greetings. I am Reginald Bettingham; the Duke of Doncaster and Lord Chancellor of Anglia. Please follow me."

Reginald helped the new guests into the limosuine and ordered the chauffer to proceed driving. "Tell me more about yourselves; you should know that as British people you will be liked by many here. To many Anglians, England is the abode of our ancestors....we descend from medieval Englishmen who were stranded on this bountiful land."

"The Second United Kingdom is a nice area to spend time but I don't like spending my time their.

"The Second United Kingdom is a nice area to spend time but I don't like spending my time their.

"Why does Her Majesty not like spending her time in her homeland?"

"I wasn't born their really. I was born in one of our colonies, Australia and I have a good Australian accent. But I do love the country I am currently ruling over right now".

The car stopped and Robert quickly jumped right out the car and heading into the ballroom. Hannah took her time walking up the steps to the doors one foot at a time.

Robert looked all over the place until he found a woman alone and by herself drinking some wine. Robert walked over too her and introduced himself to her,

"Hello I'm Prince Robert, Duke of Newcastle from the Second United Kingdom. What is your name?"

I wasn't born their really. I was born in one of our colonies, Australia and I have a good Australian accent. But I do love the country I am currently ruling over right now".

"You were born in one of the colonies of your nation? That is quite interesting, Your Majesty. By the way, I expect that you merely being the Queen of the Second United Kingdom will make you....popular among Anglians."

The car stopped and Robert quickly jumped right out the car and heading into the ballroom. Hannah took her time walking up the steps to the doors one foot at a time.

Robert looked all over the place until he found a woman alone and by herself drinking some wine. Robert walked over too her and introduced himself to her,

"Hello I'm Prince Robert, Duke of Newcastle from the Second United Kingdom. What is your name?"

The woman revealed her shiny pearl white teeth in a smile. "It is nice to meet you, sir. I am Princess Elizabeth of the Kingdom of Anglia; a daughter of the Duke of New Gloucester."

Lord Duke Arnheim waved at Reginald, and mouth "once you have a moment."

"i don't think we can have dealings with this nation "said Jack to Richard
"look clau karliiken from uk2"said Richard

President Stinson and the Lamonian ambassador to Anglia had been making small talk with various of the Anglian nobles, and were now talking amongst themselves as they made their way to the drink table.

The President got himself some wine, while the ambassador made due with water. It would not do for the Lamonian diplomatic representative to Anglia to be roaring drunk in public, after all.

In the meantime, Gerald watched Princess Charlette as she walked to find the man with the fancy jewelry. He was frankly attracted to the soon to be queen, and he sensed that she knew it.

Lord Duke Arnheim waved at Reginald, and mouth "once you have a moment."

Reginald found the Lord Duke and smiled. "What do you want from the Lord Chancellor, my friend?"

Charlette explored the ballroom in an attempt to find Prince Iohannes while the noblemen of the nation watched with curious interest. One of the Queen's childhood friends, Alice le Poitevin, could be seen madly waving to Charlette; who noticed her and gave her a friendly embrace. After all, Alice was one of the people who made life away from her father bearable. Speaking in some sort of accent, Alice often brushed back her golden brown hair or adjusted the necklace she wore. "I'm happy that you will be Queen, Charlette. Just remember to keep me as a lady in waiting."

Charlette nodded affirmatively. "Of course, I would. You have always been a good friend of mine and I am sure you would be good at my side during my reign." Such words only made Alice's face light up with joy and excitement. "I will faithfully serve you, Your Highness. By the way, I saw that you were dancing with that Smythe fellow."

Charlette smiled. "Gerald? He's a good dancer and quite the nice man to talk to. He's nice like the Lord Duke of Yanitaria and the like. Do you know if any other guests have arrived?" Alice silently examined the contents of her memory before speaking. "A British Queen and Prince along with some man calling himself a Holy Emperor have arrived."

"Queen Hannah and Prince Robert? You know...she proposed that I marry Prince Robert but I'm not ready for marriage. Maybe Elizabeth or another cousin would marry him but not me; I'm just not ready but perhaps I will be one day."

Finally, after a while, Charlette found Prince Iohannes. As she walked towards him, Alice extended her hand and beckoned him almost a bit seductively; though it was not her intention to seduce men during this celebration of her friend's ascension to the throne. "Her Highness requests a meeting with you, kind sir." Alice said with a smile to the Chalcedonian prince. "I am sure you could entertain her with one."

"i don't think we can have dealings with this nation "said Jack to Richard
"look clau karliiken from uk2"said Richard

While Alice kept a close eye on the Queen-to-be; she caught a glimpse of the two men who she heard singing earlier and studied them briefly before sending her full attention to Charlette. "No one seems to like them....although they could just introduce themselves to people."

"I'm sure we can forgive an archbishop for being late."

Robert Guildersleeve walked into the ballroom; dressed in simple robes that reflected his status as the leader of the Anglian Church. A golden cross necklace hanged around his neck while he carried a service book in his hands which he would use for the coronation later tonight. He looked old and frail but was actually quite vigorous and healthy; having officiated as so many ceremonies of the Church including the funerals of Charlette's true parents. Robert caught a glimpse of Shmidt; making a mental note to have a chat with the clergyman whenever he could. He noticed Charlette talking to the Prince of New Chalcedon and thus did not want to interrupt her. Robert was open to talking to anyone, local or foreign, who would approach him and he simply flipped through the pages of his service book; rehearsing the coronation in his mind. After all, he had to place the crown on Charlette's head and had to ask the Lord above to give her strength. It was his job to be a medium of sorts to the divine; and he knew that ever since he was a mere seminary student who seemed to love theodicy and tough theological questions.

OOC: If anyone wishes to talk to Guildersleeve, know that he's the Archbishop of Anglia and thus an important man. LS, perhaps Shmidt could talk to him? I've brought him in now because the coronation will start soon.

While Alice kept a close eye on the Queen-to-be; she caught a glimpse of the two men who she heard singing earlier and studied them briefly before sending her full attention to Charlette. "No one seems to like them....although they could just introduce themselves to people."

what she did not know Imperials Don't introduce themselves to people,you want to know who they are you asked an then they may tell,other wise they not saying who they are or sticking their nose in by going on and on about who they and what they do

"You were born in one of the colonies of your nation? That is quite interesting, Your Majesty. By the way, I expect that you merely being the Queen of the Second United Kingdom will make you....popular among Anglians."



The woman revealed her shiny pearl white teeth in a smile. "It is nice to meet you, sir. I am Princess Elizabeth of the Kingdom of Anglia; a daughter of the Duke of New Gloucester."

"Hello Princess Elizabeth; it's very nice to meet you. What do you do for fun in your country?"

"Hello Princess Elizabeth; it's very nice to meet you. What do you do for fun in your country?"

"Whenever I am not acting in a movie or posing in photo shoots, I often sit down with my friends for some tea and biscuits, enjoy a nice walk through the trail near my mansion, or listen to the chirping of the birds. There are many things I like to do for fun but those are just some. At times, I may visit one of my cousins and see how they are doing. I came here because Charlette, the soon to be Queen of Anglia, is one of my cousins and I want to support her."

Elizabeth smiled. "It is nice to be talking to a British man here; Anglians adore the British as if they were made of solid gold. If you do not know, we all descend from medieval Englishmen and thus treat Britain, primarily England, as our ancestral homeland."

She sipped from her glass of wine and looked at Robert. "What does my British acquaintance do for fun in his nation?"

Holy Emperor Severus grabbed a cup of champagne when he noticed his cell phone was buzzing. As he checked the number, he groaned and moved towards a less populated area in the ballroom.

"What is it, Octavius?" Severus asked, slightly annoyed.

"Oh, I'm just curious as to how things are going over there." Octavius, the Rathani Minister of Diplomacy, answered.

"As well as a party of this nature can go, I suppose." The Holy Emperor said as he took a sip of champagne. "How about you? You better not be at your vacation home while I'm stuck here." He added with a low growl.

"Well, now that you mention it my wife and I were planning on heading down there tomorrow, but I assure you Highness that everything is in order in Saint Alexander City at the moment." Octavius responded after a pause.

"Everything in order in Saint Alexander, huh? That will be a first during my rule." Severus said with a sigh. "In either case, have a good time at your lake house... I suppose I can't blame you for wanting to go." He added.

"Well, you should be having fun yourself right now... It's a coronation, not a summit." Octavius responded. "Anyway, goodbye."

"Yes, goodbye." Severus concluded as he snapped his cellphone shut and sipped more of his champagne. As he looked around at the guests, he noticed Robert Guildersleeve and shrugged. "I guess the coronation is happening soon."

Reginald found the Lord Duke and smiled. "What do you want from the Lord Chancellor, my friend?"

"When you have a bit of time, I would like to go over our preliminary diplomatic discussions. For instance, Yanitaria still doesn't recognize your nation as a real state, and we have issues and deals we would like to put on the table."

"Whenever I am not acting in a movie or posing in photo shoots, I often sit down with my friends for some tea and biscuits, enjoy a nice walk through the trail near my mansion, or listen to the chirping of the birds. There are many things I like to do for fun but those are just some. At times, I may visit one of my cousins and see how they are doing. I came here because Charlette, the soon to be Queen of Anglia, is one of my cousins and I want to support her."

Elizabeth smiled. "It is nice to be talking to a British man here; Anglians adore the British as if they were made of solid gold. If you do not know, we all descend from medieval Englishmen and thus treat Britain, primarily England, as our ancestral homeland."

She sipped from her glass of wine and looked at Robert. "What does my British acquaintance do for fun in his nation?"

"I go out horse racing, play polo, Go hunting with my sister and nephew and niece sometimes. I find the city live boring and I'd rather be in the country looking after crops and farm animals. I'm a very modern royal and I really hate calling myself a Prince or a royal really".

Iohannes shared a smile with Lady Alice.

"If a Queen-to-be wants a few moments with this younger son, who is he to say no?" They shared a look that expressed gentle mockery of the overblown court ritual and politesse.

Iohannes walked gracefully through the crowd, adroitly avoiding a drunken minor Lord. After reaching Charlette, he flourished a full court bow and asked, in a tone of overdone servility and with a whimsical smile playing about his lips, "Would Her Exalted, Royal, Serene etc. Highness perchance care to favour this wretched outlander with a smile and a dance?"

His laughing eyes bespoke advance knowledge of her reply. After all, he knew that he could make her smile.

Richard needing the restroom walk up to the nearest person who happen to be Alice that he guess knew where it was

"sorry for butting in but could you tell me where a restromm is"he asked her

Iohannes shared a smile with Lady Alice.

"If a Queen-to-be wants a few moments with this younger son, who is he to say no?" They shared a look that expressed gentle mockery of the overblown court ritual and politesse.

Lady Alice studied Iohannes after she recieved a smile from him; he looked nice enough to her.

"The Queen-to-be is quite interested in a few moments with this younger son; she is hopeful that he will not mind having some at all."

Iohannes walked gracefully through the crowd, adroitly avoiding a drunken minor Lord. After reaching Charlette, he flourished a full court bow and asked, in a tone of overdone servility and with a whimsical smile playing about his lips, "Would Her Exalted, Royal, Serene etc. Highness perchance care to favour this wretched outlander with a smile and a dance?"

His laughing eyes bespoke advance knowledge of her reply. After all, he knew that he could make her smile.

Responding in a satirical tone of voice, Charlette smiled. "Her Exalted, Royal, Serene etc. Highness would not mind giving this wretched outlander a smile and a dance. He should escort Her Highness to the dance floor and perhaps show me any dance experience he has collected for himself throughout his life."

Richard needing the restroom walk up to the nearest person who happen to be Alice that he guess knew where it was

"sorry for butting in but could you tell me where a restromm is"he asked her

Alice pointed in the direction of the restroom and smiled. "You should go down the hall a bit and find a room labeled as the men's restroom."

Alice pointed in the direction of the restroom and smiled. "You should go down the hall a bit and find a room labeled as the men's restroom."

"could you just show me as i think it be best not have a lose fighter pilot walking about" Richard said to her

"could you just show me as i think it be best not have a lose fighter pilot walking about" Richard said to her

Alice nodded her head and began walking with Richard to the men's restroom; it only took some time to get there. "Here you are, sir. This is the men's restroom. I'll be going back to the ballroom now but if you need any more help then I guess I could provide it for you."

Alice began to walk away while fondling the necklace she wore around her neck; wondering how her soon to be liege was doing.

Alice nodded her head and began walking with Richard to the men's restroom; it only took some time to get there. "Here you are, sir. This is the men's restroom. I'll be going back to the ballroom now but if you need any more help then I guess I could provide it for you."

Alice began to walk away while fondling the necklace she wore around her neck; wondering how her soon to be liege was doing.

minute later Richard pop his head out

"ma-am could please came back here" he calls out to Alice

President Stinson noticed the Archbishop standing around by himself, and decided to talk to him, leaving the ambassador to schmooze with anyone that he could find.

"Archbishop, I am Andrew Stinson, President of Lamoni. How do you do this day?"

---

As for the ambassador, he was hoping to talk with Lady Alice, but he feared that one of the people at the door of the men's restroom had gotten her attention first. He tried catching her eye, but he couldn't tell if she had noticed or not.

---

Gerald wasn't quite sure what to do at the moment. There were few enough people near his own age present at the gathering; and if there were any, they'd probably not talk to him. So he aimlessly wandered the room until he found himself standing next to his father.

"Excellent!"

Iohannes escorted Princess Charlette onto the floor, and the band struck a tune that signalled a traditional polka.

The young man seemed more interested in dancing (he was very good, at least with the polka) and letting Charlette have a little peace during the dance, but his attitude made it clear that if she wanted a conversation, he was happy to engage in one. The fire opal on his wrist glittered as they moved, drawing attention from nearby people. unlike ordinary fire opals, this one flashed through many colours as the light struck it differently.

(OOC: That's right: the fire opal is NOT irredescent as most gem-quality opals are....except this one is, apparently. If Charlette wants to talk, she can go ahead. If she wants a few moments' peace, she's got it.)

minute later Richard pop his head out

"ma-am could please came back here" he calls out to Alice

Alice walked back to Richard. "What do you need, sir?"

President Stinson noticed the Archbishop standing around by himself, and decided to talk to him, leaving the ambassador to schmooze with anyone that he could find.

"Archbishop, I am Andrew Stinson, President of Lamoni. How do you do this day?"

"I am Robert Guildersleeve; Archbishop of Anglia as you already know. I am quite good on this day; how has this day been for you, sir?"

---

As for the ambassador, he was hoping to talk with Lady Alice, but he feared that one of the people at the door of the men's restroom had gotten her attention first. He tried catching her eye, but he couldn't tell if she had noticed or not.

Lady Alice did notice that the ambassador from Lamoni was hoping to talk with her but decided that she would talk to him after she was finished with Richard the Imperial.

---

Gerald wasn't quite sure what to do at the moment. There were few enough people near his own age present at the gathering; and if there were any, they'd probably not talk to him. So he aimlessly wandered the room until he found himself standing next to his father.

OOC: There are people his age there and some would talk to him.

Excellent!"

Iohannes escorted Princess Charlette onto the floor, and the band struck a tune that signalled a traditional polka.

Most of the dancers took part in the polka; while some watched Iohannes dance with Charlette, thinking that they both were good dancers who could adapt to the polka.

The young man seemed more interested in dancing (he was very good, at least with the polka) and letting Charlette have a little peace during the dance, but his attitude made it clear that if she wanted a conversation, he was happy to engage in one. The fire opal on his wrist glittered as they moved, drawing attention from nearby people. unlike ordinary fire opals, this one flashed through many colours as the light struck it differently.

(OOC: That's right: the fire opal is NOT irredescent as most gem-quality opals are....except this one is, apparently. If Charlette wants to talk, she can go ahead. If she wants a few moments' peace, she's got it.)

After they finished dancing to the polka music for a while, Charlette smiled at Iohannes and beckoned him to her. "I was hoping to talk to you, Iohannes. If you would not mind having a conversation with me...shall we take our seats at a table? I want to know more about you since you tried to catch my attention when I was playing chess."

As Lucius looked for something to do, he finished his current glass of champagne and decided to make his way over to the Archbishop and President Stinson.

"Christus Victor, Father." Lucius greeted the Archbishop. "I am Holy Emperor Lucius Severus of Rathanan." He said as he offered to shake the Archbishop's hand. "It is pleasing to me that this country holds fast to the Faith." He added with a smile.

He then turned to President Stinson and offered to shake his hand. "Greetings, whom do I have the pleasure of meeting this fine day?" He asked with a smirk.

Alice walked back to Richard. "What do you need, sir?"

"well i'am trying to answer the call,but i broken the zipper only some way down from my neck line"said Richard holding up what was left of the zipper opener

"an i don't have a paper clip on me to try and open in and to close it"

"well i'am trying to answer the call,but i broken the zipper only some way down from my neck line"said Richard holding up what was left of the zipper opener

"an i don't have a paper clip on me to try and open in and to close it"

"I do not know how I would be able to fix it but I think I could try to find a tailor; there was one here who helped Her Highness with her dress."

"I go out horse racing, play polo, Go hunting with my sister and nephew and niece sometimes. I find the city live boring and I'd rather be in the country looking after crops and farm animals. I'm a very modern royal and I really hate calling myself a Prince or a royal really".

"Although I don't mind city life; I do like the country as it lets me get away from the masses who are just dying to see me. I may be royalty but I do not have a superiority complex; I'm a mortal woman like all the other women of Anglia."

"Although I don't mind city life; I do like the country as it lets me get away from the masses who are just dying to see me. I may be royalty but I do not have a superiority complex; I'm a mortal woman like all the other women of Anglia."

"It's good to hear from someone on this issue. I've always had a perfect live but I just don't want it".

"I do not know how I would be able to fix it but I think I could try to find a tailor; there was one here who helped Her Highness with her dress."

"go find rush please as thie is the worst time this could happen"

"It's good to hear from someone on this issue. I've always had a perfect live but I just don't want it".

"I have not minded living the life of royalty but I don't think I'm better than people because of it. People, I think, know me a lot more because of my career. As an actress and model with plenty of men writing how they'd love to go out with me and the usual stuff.....your name is constantly on people's lips."

"go find rush please as thie is the worst time this could happen"

Alice nodded her head before running to find the tailor. After a few minutes, Alice arrived with the tailor who had been carrying materials with him. He smiled slightly before speaking to Richard. "I will need you to take off that part of your outfit so I can fix it. I have some spare clothes here that should be suitable for you."

"I have not minded living the life of royalty but I don't think I'm better than people because of it. People, I think, know me a lot more because of my career. As an actress and model with plenty of men writing how they'd love to go out with me and the usual stuff.....your name is constantly on people's lips."

"Ah; I know what you mean. My name has been on the news and the papers alot this past week forcing me to marry, settle down and have children. I don't think that's a bad thing but I'll do it when I'm ready to."

"Ah; I know what you mean. My name has been on the news and the papers alot this past week forcing me to marry, settle down and have children. I don't think that's a bad thing but I'll do it when I'm ready to."

"No one has forced me to marry and settle down to have children but I've decided that I'll do all of that later; besides...I have not found the right man to share my life yet and hopefully I'll find a man who loves me....not my wealth or my looks. I don't want to be a trophy wife."

Elizabeth smiled. "However I doubt that I'll ever become one. I have also been thinking of traveling, you know. Perhaps, one day, I could visit your nation and see what it has to offer."

Alice nodded her head before running to find the tailor. After a few minutes, Alice arrived with the tailor who had been carrying materials with him. He smiled slightly before speaking to Richard. "I will need you to take off that part of your outfit so I can fix it. I have some spare clothes here that should be suitable for you."

'you think i'am naked or in my under wear in this suit , well i'am not we wear BDUs under our fight suits,think you very much, all i need from you is to get the dam zipper working so i can you the restroom"

Richard knew he sound rude but he need to go and was not in the mood to mess around

'you think i'am naked or in my under wear in this suit , well i'am not we wear BDUs under our fight suits,think you very much, all i need from you is to get the dam zipper working so i can you the restroom"

"Then give me the suit so I can fix it; and I never said you'd be naked or whatever under that suit." Alice passed Richard's suit to the tailor who swiftly began to work on it. Alice watched the tailor closely; after all this tailor was a professional who had been working for many years. After some time, the zipper was successfully repaired. "Here you go, sir. All fixed and ready for use again."

The tailor smiled before she walked out of the restroom. Alice, thinking that Richard would want privacy, walked out to find the Lamonian Ambassador who had been trying to catch her eye.

"Then give me the suit so I can fix it; and I never said you'd be naked or whatever under that suit." Alice passed Richard's suit to the tailor who swiftly began to work on it. Alice watched the tailor closely; after all this tailor was a professional who had been working for many years. After some time, the zipper was successfully repaired. "Here you go, sir. All fixed and ready for use again."

The tailor smiled before she walked out of the restroom. Alice, thinking that Richard would want privacy, walked out to find the Lamonian Ambassador who had been trying to catch her eye.

Richard did say think you to both before they left and he made a note to say sorry to Alice when she was free

"No one has forced me to marry and settle down to have children but I've decided that I'll do all of that later; besides...I have not found the right man to share my life yet and hopefully I'll find a man who loves me....not my wealth or my looks. I don't want to be a trophy wife."

Elizabeth smiled. "However I doubt that I'll ever become one. I have also been thinking of traveling, you know. Perhaps, one day, I could visit your nation and see what it has to offer."

"I hope you do visit. It is very nice this time of season so I do hope you come".

George smiled slightly as he made his move. "I am sure she will move on from it eventually but with this coronation and all...some people thought that the child of her biological father's second wife, who is nine months pregnant, would inherit the throne."

"Interesting." Shmidt replied, moving a peice. His face brightened slightly as Queen hannah entered the hall. "Ah, the Hegemon's wife is here, I didn't know she would be making an appearence." He looked puzzled for a moment as he stared at the man who had entered beside her, before a look of hatred overcame his features.

"Murderer." Shmidt whispered to himself in his native language, watching Prince Robert talk to a young woman. He closed his eyes for a moment, obviously troubled by the man's presence. Suffer not the wicked to freely spread the taint of their malice over the earth.

After a moment, Shmidt stood up. "I am terribly sorry," He said to George, "but I am afraid I must attend to a somewhat urgent matter immediately. It was a pleasure to meet you sir, and I regret that we could not complete our game." He picked up his cross, and began to walk towards Hannah, his expression becoming placid once more.

Most of the dancers took part in the polka; while some watched Iohannes dance with Charlette, thinking that they both were good dancers who could adapt to the polka.



After they finished dancing to the polka music for a while, Charlette smiled at Iohannes and beckoned him to her. "I was hoping to talk to you, Iohannes. If you would not mind having a conversation with me...shall we take our seats at a table? I want to know more about you since you tried to catch my attention when I was playing chess."

"That I did, Charlette. I was hoping to speak with you of a few things. It must have been difficult for you, in the middle of all this. I hope that Lady Alice is high in your favour, because if she's not, then she's simply insolent." These words were said with a fond smile, taking the sting from them - apparently, Lady Alice had made quite an impression of Iohannes.

"Oh, and call me John, or Jonno. That "Iohannes" thing is a formal name. It's a leftover of the ancient days - we have formal and informal names. It's quite annoying at times, but it's what makes us us."

That I did, Charlette. I was hoping to speak with you of a few things. It must have been difficult for you, in the middle of all this. I hope that Lady Alice is high in your favour, because if she's not, then she's simply insolent." These words were said with a fond smile, taking the sting from them - apparently, Lady Alice had made quite an impression of Iohannes.

"What things do you wish to speak to me about? I have approached this day with calmness, John and as for Lady Alice, she is high in my favour as she has been a faithful and trustworthy friend of mine for quite some time. I do not expect insolence from her at all."

"Oh, and call me John, or Jonno. That "Iohannes" thing is a formal name. It's a leftover of the ancient days - we have formal and informal names. It's quite annoying at times, but it's what makes us us."

"You may call me Charlette if you wish; after all we are not different from each other just because of our titles."

"Interesting." Shmidt replied, moving a peice. His face brightened slightly as Queen hannah entered the hall. "Ah, the Hegemon's wife is here, I didn't know she would be making an appearence." He looked puzzled for a moment as he stared at the man who had entered beside her, before a look of hatred overcame his features.

"Murderer." Shmidt whispered to himself in his native language, watching Prince Robert talk to a young woman. He closed his eyes for a moment, obviously troubled by the man's presence. Suffer not the wicked to freely spread the taint of their malice over the earth.

After a moment, Shmidt stood up. "I am terribly sorry," He said to George, "but I am afraid I must attend to a somewhat urgent matter immediately. It was a pleasure to meet you sir, and I regret that we could not complete our game." He picked up his cross, and began to walk towards Hannah, his expression becoming placid once more.

George did not mind Shmidt unexpectedly leaving although he was a bit saddened that he was unable to finish his game. He did notice the arrival of Hannah and Prince Robert talking to one of Charlette's cousins but did not think either were that bad. To pass the time, George decided to talk to his friends who were congregating at one of the tables in the ballroom.

OOC: Ixania said Otto could talk to Reginald, so I'll just continue.

The Lord-Duke Continued, "now, you'll have to understand that most of this is not my decision, and that I am simply given parameters in which to negotiate. That said, Yanitaria is definitely looking to negotiate here. Yanitaria wishes to expand it's exportation of agricultural products, and certain commodities.

"A few of Yanitaria's major exports include weapons, various grains and vegetables, as well as many types of fruit and coffee. Also, some of our more controversial exports include wine and marijuana. Of the wines, Yanitaria is unmatched in the region, and strives to be the best in the world. We also create many pieces of software, and several types of civilian aircraft.

"Also, Yanitarian businesses are always looking to expand, and it could bring valuable Marque Royales to your coffers, and into the hands of your citizens."

"I am Robert Guildersleeve; Archbishop of Anglia as you already know. I am quite good on this day; how has this day been for you, sir?"

"I am President Stinson of Lamoni, Archbishop. What is it like running the Anglian Church?"

---

Ambassador Gregory Smythe saw Alice looking around for someone, thought that it might be him, and waved her over.

"Hello my lady, I am Ambassador Gregory Smythe from Lamoni. How are you this fine day?"

---

Gerald thought about remaining with his father, but saw a good looking woman walking towards him. She was blonde, and looked to perhaps be in her thirties. Either way, he kept an eye on her.

"I am President Stinson of Lamoni, Archbishop. What is it like running the Anglian Church?"

"It is both challenging and rewarding at the same time, my friend. While it is rewarding to lead people on a moral path it is challenging to keep everyone happy."

---

Ambassador Gregory Smythe saw Alice looking around for someone, thought that it might be him, and waved her over.

"Hello my lady, I am Ambassador Gregory Smythe from Lamoni. How are you this fine day?"

"I am Alice le Poitevin from Anglia; it is nice to meet you, sir. I am good on this fine day. How about you?"

---

Gerald thought about remaining with his father, but saw a good looking woman walking towards him. She was blonde, and looked to perhaps be in her thirties. Either way, he kept an eye on her.

"Interested in a dance, young man?"

The woman was standing in front of him with a smile on her face; she wore a dress which exposed some cleavage but for the most part was modest. "My name is Vivienne Mercier. What is your name?"

"I wanted to speak of our nations. Anglia is a relatively young nation, new to the wider world. My brother the Emperor is interested in finding friends, and has therefore decided to offer Anglia a sign of goodwill and a gift. I'm not sure whether the technology I bring is the gift and I'm the goodwill, or I'm the gift and the technology the goodwill."

"But, if it helps, I can appear at the coronation dressed in a pretty gold bow...."

The smirk on John's face was wide enough to give a good impression of the Cheshire cat, and then he continued, with all trace of levity gone:

"In all seriousness, Charlette, I've been extremely struck by what I've seen of you thus far. Your intellect, poise, compassion and diplomatic skill would qualify you eminently to be a Queen - or an Empress. I'm not expecting an answer - I'm not even asking a question. But I would like you to consider the thought. Many of the people here," John glanced at Thomas Gratwick,"held you in low esteem because your mother was an inconvenient marriage for your late father. Many of them scorned you, derided you, and would deny you if they could. There are those who have stayed true, and I hold them in great respect for it."

"But such things matter little in the Empire. My mother was a courtesan before she married my father, and it barely raised an eyebrow. Those who attempted to murder my brother were motivated ideologically, not by some fear of so-called "low birth".

"I want you to consider leaving Anglia, and coming to New Chalcedon, to become Crown Princess, and in the fullness of time, Empress. It's an equal rule - you won't be expected to be a "decorative consort". You would be a great power, in a huge nation, full of people who would very quickly come to respect you - not because your father was a King, but because you are a talented, caring, skilled person. And even if you say no to this - and I'm not asking for an answer now - I would like us to be friends. To put it bluntly, I like you. You have a degree of mettle that I have rarely seen, and have managed to remain a good and caring person, despite growing up a lonely girl in a hostile court. The Empire would be vastly enriched by your presence, and so would I. And you can rely upon this - I will always be honest with you."

"Just a thought, Your Highness."

With that, Iohannes bowed deeply to Charlette - she got the impression that the bow was utterly sincere in its indication of deep respect - and moved back into the crowd, looking for Reginald. A few moments later, he appeared to be just the slightly bored, decorative young noble that he had appeared to be at first, with no indication to onlookers of the glittering vision he had conjured for the young woman.

I wanted to speak of our nations. Anglia is a relatively young nation, new to the wider world. My brother the Emperor is interested in finding friends, and has therefore decided to offer Anglia a sign of goodwill and a gift. I'm not sure whether the technology I bring is the gift and I'm the goodwill, or I'm the gift and the technology the goodwill."

"But, if it helps, I can appear at the coronation dressed in a pretty gold bow...."

"I would not mind having our nations become friends; in fact I welcome it. It is always nice to have friends in this wartorn world."

The smirk on John's face was wide enough to give a good impression of the Cheshire cat, and then he continued, with all trace of levity gone:

"In all seriousness, Charlette, I've been extremely struck by what I've seen of you thus far. Your intellect, poise, compassion and diplomatic skill would qualify you eminently to be a Queen - or an Empress. I'm not expecting an answer - I'm not even asking a question. But I would like you to consider the thought. Many of the people here," John glanced at Thomas Gratwick,"held you in low esteem because your mother was an inconvenient marriage for your late father. Many of them scorned you, derided you, and would deny you if they could. There are those who have stayed true, and I hold them in great respect for it."

Charlette was amazed to hear that John knew the story about her parents and that people scorned and derided her. She did not, however, wish to speak of it so she stayed silent; a bit saddened that more people now knew of her horrid childhood.

"But such things matter little in the Empire. My mother was a courtesan before she married my father, and it barely raised an eyebrow. Those who attempted to murder my brother were motivated ideologically, not by some fear of so-called "low birth".

"I want you to consider leaving Anglia, and coming to New Chalcedon, to become Crown Princess, and in the fullness of time, Empress. It's an equal rule - you won't be expected to be a "decorative consort". You would be a great power, in a huge nation, full of people who would very quickly come to respect you - not because your father was a King, but because you are a talented, caring, skilled person. And even if you say no to this - and I'm not asking for an answer now - I would like us to be friends. To put it bluntly, I like you. You have a degree of mettle that I have rarely seen, and have managed to remain a good and caring person, despite growing up a lonely girl in a hostile court. The Empire would be vastly enriched by your presence, and so would I. And you can rely upon this - I will always be honest with you."

"Crown Princess? Empress? He wants me to marry him?"

The silent Queen-to-be of Anglia looked at John with a sense of amazement and shock; not expecting to be asked to go with him to New Chalcedon in order to marry him, become a Crown Princess, and then be the first Empress of Anglian stock to reign. Although it was nice to hear that John still wanted to be friends and the compliments that he had given her, she still felt saddened by what he was saying.

"Just a thought, Your Highness."

With that, Iohannes bowed deeply to Charlette - she got the impression that the bow was utterly sincere in its indication of deep respect - and moved back into the crowd, looking for Reginald. A few moments later, he appeared to be just the slightly bored, decorative young noble that he had appeared to be at first, with no indication to onlookers of the glittering vision he had conjured for the young woman.

Before Charlette could reply to John, he slipped away into the crowd. Charlette recited key words of his speech in her mind before she took her seat at a nearby table; feeling distressed but hiding it so she would not let people see that she was. Reminiscing about her parents' marital problems was a horrid action in her mind and it made her feel like weeping....lamenting for the tormenting screams, arguments and shouting.

"Interesting." Shmidt replied, moving a peice. His face brightened slightly as Queen hannah entered the hall. "Ah, the Hegemon's wife is here, I didn't know she would be making an appearence." He looked puzzled for a moment as he stared at the man who had entered beside her, before a look of hatred overcame his features.

"Murderer." Shmidt whispered to himself in his native language, watching Prince Robert talk to a young woman. He closed his eyes for a moment, obviously troubled by the man's presence. Suffer not the wicked to freely spread the taint of their malice over the earth.

After a moment, Shmidt stood up. "I am terribly sorry," He said to George, "but I am afraid I must attend to a somewhat urgent matter immediately. It was a pleasure to meet you sir, and I regret that we could not complete our game." He picked up his cross, and began to walk towards Hannah, his expression becoming placid once more.

Hannah's face was very pale from the cancer treatment she was getting. She was happy to see Shmidt coming too her but she was too weak to greet him.

OOC: Ixania said Otto could talk to Reginald, so I'll just continue.

The Lord-Duke Continued, "now, you'll have to understand that most of this is not my decision, and that I am simply given parameters in which to negotiate. That said, Yanitaria is definitely looking to negotiate here. Yanitaria wishes to expand it's exportation of agricultural products, and certain commodities.

"A few of Yanitaria's major exports include weapons, various grains and vegetables, as well as many types of fruit and coffee. Also, some of our more controversial exports include wine and marijuana. Of the wines, Yanitaria is unmatched in the region, and strives to be the best in the world. We also create many pieces of software, and several types of civilian aircraft.

"Also, Yanitarian businesses are always looking to expand, and it could bring valuable Marque Royales to your coffers, and into the hands of your citizens."

OOC: Ixania and Anglia are one in the same.

"I think that trade between our nations along with further linking of our economies would be acceptable to the Anglian nation but I think, Lord Duke, that you should wait for a while so the Queen, when she is coronated, can form her government. That way, there will be an economic minister of some sort to discuss trade, etc with you."

OOC: To all involved in this thread, the coronation will begin soon.

OOC: Ixania and Anglia are one in the same.

"I think that trade between our nations along with further linking of our economies would be acceptable to the Anglian nation but I think, Lord Duke, that you should wait for a while so the Queen, when she is coronated, can form her government. That way, there will be an economic minister of some sort to discuss trade, etc with you."

OOC: I know, I was just noting it for anyone else who happened to be watching.

IC: "Of course."

Hannah's face was very pale from the cancer treatment she was getting. She was happy to see Shmidt coming too her but she was too weak to greet him.

once within a few feet of the Queen, Shmidt stopped, bowing low to her. "If it is not an inconvenience to your majesty" he said in Sumguaian, "I wish to speak with you briefly when you have a spare moment."

"It is both challenging and rewarding at the same time, my friend. While it is rewarding to lead people on a moral path it is challenging to keep everyone happy."

"I can completely understand that. It is the same in politics. You try to keep everyone happy, but there are so many different interests on any issue that it is all but impossible."

---

"I am Alice le Poitevin from Anglia; it is nice to meet you, sir. I am good on this fine day. How about you?"

"I am fine as well, Alice. I understand that you might be an actress or model?"

---

"Interested in a dance, young man?"

The woman was standing in front of him with a smile on her face; she wore a dress which exposed some cleavage but for the most part was modest. "My name is Vivienne Mercier. What is your name?"

"My name is Gerald Smythe, Vivienne. I am the son of the Lamonian ambassador to Anglia. And yes, i'll do you the honor of a dance." Gerald offered his hand to Vivienne, and escorted her to the dance floor for the purpose.

once within a few feet of the Queen, Shmidt stopped, bowing low to her. "If it is not an inconvenience to your majesty" he said in Sumguaian, "I wish to speak with you briefly when you have a spare moment."

Barely able to asnwer him Hannah used all her will power to sound out the words and to start talking with Shmidt.

"Yes please go ahead. What do you need to talk to me about?"

"I wish to speak of your brother, madam. More specifically, I wish to know why he is here, and not in prison or on death row." Shmidt replied. As he observed the Queen's state, an expression of concern came over his features. "Oh dear, you must forgive me ma'am, I had entirely forgotten about the weakened state you would be in due to the treatment of your cancer. I think you should sit down before this conversation continues, or perhaps we may speak of such matters another time when you are feeling stronger."

"I can completely understand that. It is the same in politics. You try to keep everyone happy, but there are so many different interests on any issue that it is all but impossible."

Guildersleeve smiled. "So many different views and beliefs on one issue can spark schism but luckily the Church of Anglia has remained united for centuries."

---



"I am fine as well, Alice. I understand that you might be an actress or model?"

Alice blushed. "Oh no, sir! I'm not an actress nor a model. I know that Elizabeth, one of the Queen's cousins, is an actress and a model but I'm just a simple girl who is a friend of the Queen."

---



"My name is Gerald Smythe, Vivienne. I am the son of the Lamonian ambassador to Anglia. And yes, i'll do you the honor of a dance." Gerald offered his hand to Vivienne, and escorted her to the dance floor for the purpose.

Vivienne began dancing with Gerald and noticed that he was quite the good dancer. Charlette, sitting at her table, did notice Gerald dancing with her but smiled; happy to see he was having a good time. However, he would not be able to dance with Vivienne for long.

After some time had passed, Charlette ordered an announcer to tell the guests that the coronation would begin before she left the ballroom after speaking quietly with Reginald. As she walked out of the ballroom, her mind was completely focused on the words of Prince Iohannes; how he asked for her to be his wife and live in New Chalcedon. The prospect of being Empress appealed to a part of her but another part of her wanted to stay in Anglia and not forsake the throne which she may have been denied. Reginald noticed Charlette was in deep contemplation but did not disturb her as he led her to the massive and imposing St. Edward's Cathedral which was in the distance of the Marble Palace. In the ballroom, meanwhile, Guildersleeve asked the Lamonian President to forgive him for his need to leave as the announcer, a young man in his twenties or so, began telling the guests that they would need to be taken to St. Edward's Cathedral for the coronation.

The cathedral had been built in 1660; in honor of St. Edward the Confessor, who was the patron saint of the Anglian monarchy in a modernized medieval gothic style with its steeples looming over the parishoners who came here to either worship or see the Archbishop speak on a variety of topics from benevolence to the poor to the need for religious tolerance. After all, the conservative Guildersleeve was a bit of a liberal at heart. A long line of limosuines, taking the guests to the cathedral, was forming from the Marble Palace while citizens were celebrating in their own ways with flags adorning buildings and portraits of Matthew and Isabelle Parker being hung in community centers to celebrate the continuation of such an honored dynasty. Charlette sat in her own armored limosuine; alone in quiet solace since Reginald decided to go with his wife and children. She could mainly only think about Iohannes' words but Gerald also came into her mind; he was quite the handsome man. As she thought to herself, she looked outside to see citizens all joyful and happy as they prepared to go to the Cathedral to see the coronation; one of the legacies of medieval English culture. Alice le Poitevin rode in the limosuine behind Charlette; thinking about that Lamonian who thought she was an actress or a model. Thornton was riding with her; talking to her to pass the time. He thought that she was a lovely and attractive woman and wondered if he'd have a chance with the Queen's future Mistress of the Robes. When the limosuines arrived at the Cathedral, all the guests could see the giant gold-decorated doors opened and, if they looked inside, they could see the massive and exquisitely decorated altar with a throne installed in the front; a painting of a Christ-like figure surrounded by angels loomed behind the throne to give the Queen-to-be the sense that God would be keeping an eye on her. Guests were led to the pews to take their seats after being given a little booklet which explained the coronation ceremony in simple terms which were easy to understand. Alice, Anthony, Reginald and his family all sat in the front while Thomas Gratwick, who had a particular dislike for the "royal wench" sat some ways behind the others; busy daydreaming about some unknown thing. Guildersleeve walked into one of the many doors in the cathedral; ready to don the liturgical robes that he always wore in church services while Charlette was escorted to a secret location; probably to prepare herself for the coronation. Vivienne Mercier kept an eye on Gerald as she walked into the cathedral; at one time even winking at him before swiftly taking her seat. A group of ladies began dressing Charlette in her coronation dress; which was quite simple but also extravagant; as it was adorned with gold, jewels and all sorts of things. A reticella lace collar was put around her neck while her golden-brown hair was let down. Every minute was spent making Charlette beautiful for the coronation and the ladies often gave her their best wishes as they worked. Citizens of all classes and ages were coming into the cathedral to see their new Queen crowned and even Phillippa Sainte-d'Aignaux, the second wife of Charlette's biological father made an appearance in a special formal maternity dress as she was over seven months pregnant at the time but yet, in a sense of reconciliation, appeared at the coronation of her stepdaughter.

OOC: The coronation is beginning; sorry if I missed any posts but I'm hoping to start the coronation now. Just assume your guests are at the Cathedral and feel free to talk, etc until I post Charlette's arrival, etc.

Lady Sari Raikone was feeling admittedly irritated by the time the coronation was about to begin. While she knew the importance of being polite and above all diplomatic, she had been close to punching the Anglian officer who had asked her to dance. The man had been like a bad rash, never coming off no matter what she did. She had lost her chance of meeting the other representatives because one up-start did not get the hint.

God have mercy on him, if he tried to get within an arm's reach of her again.

Lady Sari Raikone was feeling admittedly irritated by the time the coronation was about to begin. While she knew the importance of being polite and above all diplomatic, she had been close to punching the Anglian officer who had asked her to dance. The man had been like a bad rash, never coming off no matter what she did. She had lost her chance of meeting the other representatives because one up-start did not get the hint.

God have mercy on him, if he tried to get within an arm's reach of her again.

OOC: She thinks that of him? Well, I guess I won't be posting the officer trying to know her better....

OOC: She thinks that of him? Well, I guess I won't be posting the officer trying to know her better....

OOC: Nah, she's just pissed off because the dance never seemed to end...

EDIT: Damn, I missed the post where the cavalier actually said something. My bad, time to do some editing...

OOC: Nah, she's just pissed off because the dance never seemed to end...

OOC: Ah. Well, he would have ended the dance so they could talk, etc. Anywho, you can post Lady Sari arriving at the Cathedral.

Perhaps it was the calm of the great cathedral that cooled her temper, or perhaps the fact that she realized she should have made the officer realized she was not too interested, but nonetheless Lady Sari had regained her composure by the time she arrived with the rest of the delegates to the great church.

She looked calmly around herself, noticing faces both familiar and foreign. The New Chalcedonian prince caught her eye momentarily, but this was certainly not the place for chit-chat. To herself she wondered slightly why cousin Mikhail had even asked her to represent the Principality in here. She was not much of a representative, and these kind of events - even "informal" ones, like the Queen-to-Be had declared - felt stifling to her.

God, she needed a cigarette...

In one of the side aisles, Lady Raikone's black-garbed aide kept a quiet look-out, scanning the area calmly. He stopped one of the palace servants.

"Excuse me", the young man said, keeping his voice down, lest it boom loudly in the spacious cathedral. "But where is the aides' section?"

Richard and Jack take one look at cathedral

"Vith that no way i'am setting foot in it"said Jack
"if we know it be in a place like that we would left hours ago"said Richard not caring who every it was nextto him heard

Richard and Jack take one look at cathedral

"Vith that no way i'am setting foot in it"said Jack
"if we know it be in a place like that we would left hours ago"said Richard not caring who every it was nextto him heard

Princess Elizabeth, the Queen's cousin, overheard Richard's comment and decided that before she would follow Prince Robert into the cathedral that she would speak to him. "Excuse me, sir, but why do you not want to step into the Cathedral? After all, the coronation will take place there."

"Excuse me", the young man said, keeping his voice down, lest it boom loudly in the spacious cathedral. "But where is the aides' section?"

The palace servant smiled. "You can sit whereever you want, sir. There is no aides' section in this cathedral. Feel free to sit with whoever you want to."

Princess Elizabeth, the Queen's cousin, overheard Richard's comment and decided that before she would follow Prince Robert into the cathedral that she would speak to him. "Excuse me, sir, but why do you not want to step into the Cathedral? After all, the coronation will take place there."

"we bistaste religion being pushed into our faces"

"we bistaste religion being pushed into our faces"

"That is not going to happen; it is just a custom for the Archbishop to crown the new King or Queen of Anglia. This is not just a way for anyone to preach to you or, in your words, push religion into your faces."

Holy Emperor Severus entered the cathedral in the traditional Rathani way, taking a knee, making the sign of the cross, then proceeding to a pew. As he sat in his seat, he couldn't help but grin, remembering back to his own coronation many years ago...

...Tiberius Lucius Severus, you have been confirmed and ordained by the Council of the Holy Church of Rathanan to serve as the Holy Emperor. As the Holy Emperor, you are God's chosen insturment in Rathanan and you shall lead this country with truth, wisdom, courage, justice, and faithfulness at your right hand.

Now, Tiberius Lucius Severus, do you renounce the devil in all his works and all his ways? If so, say "I do."

I do.

Do you intend to faithfully serve your country and people, putting their best interests before yours and defending them from all harm and danger at all times? If so, say "I do so intend, with the help of God."

I do so intend with the help of God.

Then by the powers vested in me by Almighty God, the Holy Church of Rathanan, and the Rule of Saint Alexander I hereby name you, Tiberius Lucius Severus, Holy Emperor of Rathanan, Amen.

Severus chuckled slightly, it seemed like only yesterday when it was actually four years ago.

"Time flies when you're having fun." He mumbled to himself as he reverted his attention to the matter at hand.

"That is not going to happen; it is just a custom for the Archbishop to crown the new King or Queen of Anglia. This is not just a way for anyone to preach to you or, in your words, push religion into your faces."

Richard looked at the woman before turning to Jack

"what"
"Peter been shot down returning from a bomber escort mission"said Jack
Richard face change as he takes in the news

"Richard he ok he land in a area where our own troops are, but it the area where David and his troops are cut off from the main line"said Jack

Crown Prince Iohannes entered the Cathedral warily, seating himself towards the front, and off to one side. Both he and his aide seemed considerably more serious than they had at the gala, although that could have just been the change of social pace required.

OOC: He suspects that someone will do something to interrupt this, and has taken certain steps just in case.

President Stinson thanked Archbishop Guildersleeve, and accepted his apologetic departure. He hoped that he might get another chance to speak to the man at some point. He looked to see the ambassador talking to a noblewoman, and her face was blushing. Curious, he walked over to them, and heard the ambassador reply, "I am very sorry for the mistake, madam. Though I should say that you look good enough to make even Lamonian actresses take pause."

In the meantime, Gerald was dancing with Vivienne. He could tell that she was having a good time dancing with him, but his mind was still on Charlette... at least as much of it as wasn't required to prevent a misstep either diplomatically, or dance wise. He also didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings; that would have diplomatic effects as well.

He half noticed Charlette smiling, but he was more than a little busy dancing at the time, so he couldn't be entirely certain. When the announcer made his announcement, Gerald wasn't sure how much more time that he'd have to dance, so he thanked Vivienne for her fine dancing skills, and told her that he had to make the trip with his father and the President.

When he reached the place where he saw both his father and the President, he noticed a strikingly attractive woman heading for another group of people, and he thought that he saw a smile on her face, but he wasn't at the right angle to know for certain. He could also tell that she might have been blushing recently. Gerald asked his father about what had happened with the woman, but was merely told that the three of them had to make it to the limo so that they could get to the coronation.

During the limo ride to the coronation, Gerald thought of Charlette, his father was still thinking of his encounter with Alice, and neither of them even thought to ask about what the President was thinking about. The limo was armored, but none of the three thought that they had any serious enemies in Anglia as yet. Standard procedure took precedence, however, and they all understood that.

When they got out of the limo at the cathedral, all three of them were amazed at it's sheer size, but they had to get inside before the mass of people started pushing them in with their bodies. The inside was simply... resplendent. There was no other word for it as they looked around while taking their seats. Gerald even saw Vivienne making her entrance, and Vivienne winked at him when she saw that he'd noticed her presence. Gerald smiled in reply, and waited for the coronation to start.

President Stinson thanked Archbishop Guildersleeve, and accepted his apologetic departure. He hoped that he might get another chance to speak to the man at some point. He looked to see the ambassador talking to a noblewoman, and her face was blushing. Curious, he walked over to them, and heard the ambassador reply, "I am very sorry for the mistake, madam. Though I should say that you look good enough to make even Lamonian actresses take pause."

Alice began to blush even more at those words. "You are a kind gentleman, sir. I must thank you for your compliment. Personally I have tried acting but that was mostly in my schoolgirl days and it was on the stage not in film."

In the meantime, Gerald was dancing with Vivienne. He could tell that she was having a good time dancing with him, but his mind was still on Charlette... at least as much of it as wasn't required to prevent a misstep either diplomatically, or dance wise. He also didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings; that would have diplomatic effects as well.

He half noticed Charlette smiling, but he was more than a little busy dancing at the time, so he couldn't be entirely certain. When the announcer made his announcement, Gerald wasn't sure how much more time that he'd have to dance, so he thanked Vivienne for her fine dancing skills, and told her that he had to make the trip with his father and the President.

"You danced well, Gerald. I must say that you are quite the handsome man." Vivienne said with a smile before walking away with a group of other women; most likely her friends. She did, however, turn around to wink a little at Gerald; Vivienne had a reputation for being quite the flirter although she never seemed to have any man to call her own.

When he reached the place where he saw both his father and the President, he noticed a strikingly attractive woman heading for another group of people, and he thought that he saw a smile on her face, but he wasn't at the right angle to know for certain. He could also tell that she might have been blushing recently. Gerald asked his father about what had happened with the woman, but was merely told that the three of them had to make it to the limo so that they could get to the coronation.

During the limo ride to the coronation, Gerald thought of Charlette, his father was still thinking of his encounter with Alice, and neither of them even thought to ask about what the President was thinking about. The limo was armored, but none of the three thought that they had any serious enemies in Anglia as yet. Standard procedure took precedence, however, and they all understood that.

When they got out of the limo at the cathedral, all three of them were amazed at it's sheer size, but they had to get inside before the mass of people started pushing them in with their bodies. The inside was simply... resplendent. There was no other word for it as they looked around while taking their seats. Gerald even saw Vivienne making her entrance, and Vivienne winked at him when she saw that he'd noticed her presence. Gerald smiled in reply, and waited for the coronation to start.

As the guests were taking their positions in the many pews of the cathedral, a young woman dressed in the attire of a bridesmaid ran past Gerald's father quite swiftly with some items in her hands; her face marked with an expression that looked like she was a bit nervous about something. She did, however, look quite attractive with her red-brown hair tied in a bun and what some men would call appealing measurements. If Gerald noticed, he could see young people dressed in white robes assembling near the altar while being led by a middle aged man and they were all carrying binders and papers; these people formed the National Choir which usually performed at special events such as coronations and royal weddings and many people who were members of small town choirs and the like would die for a chance to get onto the NC.

OOC: I may start the coronation today but I do not have the time to do so now.

"I wish to speak of your brother, madam. More specifically, I wish to know why he is here, and not in prison or on death row." Shmidt replied. As he observed the Queen's state, an expression of concern came over his features. "Oh dear, you must forgive me ma'am, I had entirely forgotten about the weakened state you would be in due to the treatment of your cancer. I think you should sit down before this conversation continues, or perhaps we may speak of such matters another time when you are feeling stronger."

"Some other time we can talk about these things right now I'm just up to it".

Alice began to blush even more at those words. "You are a kind gentleman, sir. I must thank you for your compliment. Personally I have tried acting but that was mostly in my schoolgirl days and it was on the stage not in film."

"I am sure that you did well there, Alice. What plays did you participate in?"

"You danced well, Gerald. I must say that you are quite the handsome man." Vivienne said with a smile before walking away with a group of other women; most likely her friends. She did, however, turn around to wink a little at Gerald; Vivienne had a reputation for being quite the flirter although she never seemed to have any man to call her own.

"Thank you, Vivienne." Gerald caught the wink, and wondered whether Vivienne might actually be attracted to him. He knew that college women loved him, but he wasn't entirely certain if a more mature woman would feel the same way. Either way, it stirred something within him that made him feel good.

As the guests were taking their positions in the many pews of the cathedral, a young woman dressed in the attire of a bridesmaid ran past Gerald's father quite swiftly with some items in her hands; her face marked with an expression that looked like she was a bit nervous about something. She did, however, look quite attractive with her red-brown hair tied in a bun and what some men would call appealing measurements. If Gerald noticed, he could see young people dressed in white robes assembling near the altar while being led by a middle aged man and they were all carrying binders and papers; these people formed the National Anglian Choir which usually performed at special events such as coronations and royal weddings and many people who were members of small town choirs and the like would die for a chance to get onto the NAC.

Gregory didn't fail to notice the good looking woman, and a smile crossed his face as she ran by.

While his father was distracted by the good looking woman running by, Gerald saw and noticed the young people who were dressed in white robes. He didn't know what their function was as yet, but he assumed that they were probably either some sort of Choir, or maybe some form of ceremonial guard or something of the like.

"Some other time we can talk about these things right now I'm just up to it".

"Of course." Shmidt replied. "My apologies for bothering you, ma'am." He paused, as a man announced that the coronation would be beginning soon. "Well, I guess we'd better go then. Do you need any assistance in getting to the cathdral, your majesty?"*

*OOC: As a side note, Shmidt would normally refuse to ever refer to a noble by their title. For him to refer the the queen in such a manner means that he respects her a great deal.

"Yes I do if you don't mind?"

"Well, alright then." Shmidt said. "You can lean on me if you wish, ma'am. Im not quite as old and infirm as I appear."

Hannah laughed at his comment and used her cane to get up and got herself to lean on Shmidt.

"I am sure that you did well there, Alice. What plays did you participate in?"

"Several, sir. My first play was of the romance genre and it was quite saddening to perform in because the plot was so touching....and this beared on me since I played the lead female role."

"Thank you, Vivienne." Gerald caught the wink, and wondered whether Vivienne might actually be attracted to him. He knew that college women loved him, but he wasn't entirely certain if a more mature woman would feel the same way. Either way, it stirred something within him that made him feel good.



Gregory didn't fail to notice the good looking woman, and a smile crossed his face as she ran by.

While his father was distracted by the good looking woman running by, Gerald saw and noticed the young people who were dressed in white robes. He didn't know what their function was as yet, but he assumed that they were probably either some sort of Choir, or maybe some form of ceremonial guard or something of the like.

The woman noticed Gregory briefly but was unable to talk to him because she had a job to do and did not want to be late. As people took their seats and as the choir's members assembled around the throne that was placed near the altar, the Queen-to-be was all alone in a part of the cathedral to contemplate her impending coronation. She had not expected to be here at all; she had resigned herself to a simple life as the adopted daughter of a nobleman and she felt that, had the Commons not named her the successor to her biological father, that she would have married some nobleman's son and well, she thought, the rest is history.

OOC: The coronation will begin either tonight or tomorrow; depending on whether I have time or not.

The tap of high heels against the marble floor was the only thing that announced Lady Sari Raikone's approach towards the seats that Prince Iohannes and his aide had occupied.

"Excuse me", she said, looking at the prince straight in the eyes, seemingly trying to get a 'feel' of this blue-blood. "Is this seat taken?" she then asked, pointing at the seat next to the prince.

At the side aisle, her dark-clad aide nodded and let the servant go on his way. He stuck to the sides, coming to stand at the foot of one of the pillars that separated the side aisles from the main aisle. He looked around, tapping the pommel of his ceremonial dagger nervously.

"I am sure that you did well there, Alice. What plays did you participate in?"

"Plays of various kinds such as romances and histories."


"Thank you, Vivienne." Gerald caught the wink, and wondered whether Vivienne might actually be attracted to him. He knew that college women loved him, but he wasn't entirely certain if a more mature woman would feel the same way. Either way, it stirred something within him that made him feel good.

Vivienne did feel attracted to Gerald but she did not love him; she just felt that he was quite attractive but knew that was as far as it went in her mind. She took her seat at one of the many pews and waited for the coronation to begin.



Gregory didn't fail to notice the good looking woman, and a smile crossed his face as she ran by.

While his father was distracted by the good looking woman running by, Gerald saw and noticed the young people who were dressed in white robes. He didn't know what their function was as yet, but he assumed that they were probably either some sort of Choir, or maybe some form of ceremonial guard or something of the like.

The woman did notice Gregory briefly but was unable to talk to him at that moment because she was needed elsewhere. As time passed, Charlette was dressed in her coronation dress and calmly waiting for the coronation to start. She never thought that she would be the Queen of Anglia and had resigned herself to the fate of being a simple adopted daughter of one of the many landowners of Anglia. However, she was now mentally preparing herself to become Queen of Anglia and she would make sure that she would serve her people to the best of her ability.

----------------
OOC: http://www.oremus.org/liturgy/coronation/cor1953b.html is the model for Charlette's coronation but some parts have been omitted. This part of the post is quite long and goes through the coronation; feel free to post your guests' reactions, etc.

The choir began to sing in their angelic voices as a group of people including the Archbishop of Anglia and some senior bishops of the Church were taking their positions and preparing themselves for what was to come next. As the choir was singing, the guests could see a figure emerging from the west door of the Cathedral. Charlette, who was quite emotionless as she walked towards the throne awaiting her, kept an eye on all the guests that she could see; especially Gerald and Iohannes. She bowed respectfully before the altar before taking her seat on the throne while the choir sung the following Psalm.

"I was glad when they said unto me:
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates:
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city:
that is at unity in itself.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls:
and plenteousness within thy palaces."

Reginald, Thomas and the other Officers of State could be seen taking their respective positions while Guildersleeve, dressed in his liturgical robes, began speaking solemnly to the audience in front of him; his eyes fixed on the people.

"I present onto thee your Queen, Charlette VI, and as ye come here on this day to pay homage to Her Majesty, art thou willing to accept her as thy Sovereign?"

Trumpets began to sound throughout the cathedral while every Anglian in the building began to shout praises for the new Queen including the traditional words: God Save Queen Charlette! They all cheered violently and so happily that the whole cathedral echoed with their unanimous declaration of their support. Charlette wiped a tear from her eye as she listened to the people; this was never supposed to occur in her eyes. After time passed, Guildersleeve solemnly approached Charlette and began to administer the oath.

Archbishop: Dost thou, Charlette, declare that thou shall govern the Kingdom of Anglia and the Norwich Islands with wisdom and respect for those whom thou shalt govern?

Queen: I shall.

Archbishop: Dost thou promise to uphold the equality of all before the law, the values of tolerance and mutual respect, and to respect the wishes and desires of the people throughout thy reign?

Queen: I shall.

OOC: Just going to fast forward here; read the link I provided to see the presentation of the Crown Jewels.

After time passed with all of the coronation's rituals and rites, the Crown Jewels were brought forth to the Queen who sat calmly in her throne; each item seemed to have a prayer or some words which needed to be said before the coronation could continue. A robe of gold was put onto the Queen by ladies in waiting led by Alice le Poitevin (Thornton smiled when he saw her) and was given an orb to hold in her right hand while a scepter was placed in her left. An ornate ring was placed on her hand and all of the Crown Jewels were eventually presented. Finally, after a while, the Archbishop took the Crown and began speaking solemnly as he slowly lowered the Crown to Charlette's head. When the crown was fitted onto her head, the Anglians in the crowd erupted in semi-violent jubilation. "God save Queen Charlette!"

Celebratory gunfire was heard by the guests and the cousins of Charlette and others were adorning themselves with their royal attire. Prominent people in the Royal Court were bowing before Charlette to pay homage and swear loyalty to her; including Reginald and Thomas. After some more words, rituals and bows, Queen Charlette VI of Anglia and the Norwich Islands and the new Countess of Acroix, adorned with robes and jewels, was silently escorted out of the Cathedral and sent away to the Marble Palace while foreign guests were told after the choir finished singing the Te Deum that they could stay in Anglia for a bit or leave. Charlette could only think about Gerald, Iohannes, and the coronation. She was now the Queen; though she never expected that she ever would be.

Finis.

OOC: I only posted some highlights of the coronation but you should all assume that your guests went through the entirety of it.

Richard and Jack left before the coronation started leaving behind a Sonic Boom as they fly over head in thier Fighter heading for the front lines

ooc no point staying if what we talked about not good to happen

The tap of high heels against the marble floor was the only thing that announced Lady Sari Raikone's approach towards the seats that Prince Iohannes and his aide had occupied.

"Excuse me", she said, looking at the prince straight in the eyes, seemingly trying to get a 'feel' of this blue-blood. "Is this seat taken?" she then asked, pointing at the seat next to the prince.

At the side aisle, her dark-clad aide nodded and let the servant go on his way. He stuck to the sides, coming to stand at the foot of one of the pillars that separated the side aisles from the main aisle. He looked around, tapping the pommel of his ceremonial dagger nervously.


The "tutor", Peter, gave Lady Raikone a professional once-over. After receiving some unseen signal, the young prince replied with cool courtesy, returning her look for look. "No, my Lady, these seats aren't taken yet." He was clearly tense, almost as if he expected somthing to go wrong....