NationStates Jolt Archive

Imperial Palace of the McIntyre Line, Cadia Region, West Stevid

King Alistar McIntyre the First of the Holy Empire of Stevid and all of her subsequent territories both neighbouring and far across the globe; a gentle and warm fellow who almost seemed to put a crowded room at ease with his royal presence with perhaps a dash of nervousness here and there, he was the King after all. The King was 64 with three heirs and a loving wife Queen Georgia, he was never a very public man though which he put down to his age but the public, or the government, never bought the excuse particularly when the life expectancy in Stevid was hitting the low to mid nineties for men these days. He simply wasn’t the public speaker or performer that he predecessors had once been. But as a loving father as well as being the ruling monarch with three heirs, he always had the best interests of his family’s line of heritage and the also the future of his country at heart no matter the ruling government or the internal (or external) affairs of the Royal Family. The one thing that bothered him so much was the future of his two eldest children who could potentially rule the country one day.

The Imperial Palace of the McIntyre Line was the King and Queen’s official place of residence when not in the capital and when touring the Western countries of the Kingdom. 800 acres of rolling hills and low mountains, lush green forest and winding streams of iron rich water all fell under this particular household. The House of McIntyre had inherited from the previous family line of Kings and queens nearly a century and a half ago- the House Mosely and to this day it is a safe haven for the royals when they want to get away from the bustle of the city and official business. Within the giant Tudor style stone mansion sat the King in his study mulling over the future course of his family, there were no shortages of heirs, he had three and his brother also had two sons who could take up the role if something truly dreadful happened. No, the safety of the line was not at stake but its wellbeing was and he hated to see his eldest offspring become a King without a Queen and the same went for his next eldest too.

Prince James, the eldest of the three of the King’s offspring. At 23 he wasn’t getting any younger but still very youthful indeed. He had enjoyed a charmed life so far with an excellent education at one of the country’s best private schools before attending the prestigious Milton University for three terms achieving a First in Law & Economics. Following family tradition he joined the military at 22 and quickly established himself at Military Academy Rockingham. He came out with distinction and was soon commanding a troop of men. Now at 23 is has gain the rank of Captain and had served on the frontlines of combat against the Macabees during the Second War of Golden Succession, a fact that was kept very secret to keep him safe. James continues to serve in the Army but practises he’s favoured sport of fencing with true skill and has represent his country at an international level on several occasions. Handsome, charming and generally a nice fellow it truly baffled his father why he hadn’t gotten himself a young lady as of yet. Of course there had been one or two instances where he had attracted lady folk but these stories were never released by the Palace and were instead release to the country from the ‘Red Top’ tabloids and the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Photos of James with arms round girls were obviously just trying to get laid on the night were not common at all in his younger years but he had dabbled with a few it was true- but to his father he should be no different to other young lads of his ages and just because he is the heir to the throne doesn’t mean he shouldn’t enjoy himself. Still, James had enough self control and morals in his life not to let that part of his life take control and put a taint on what was quite simply and an excellent life. His time spent fighting the Golden Throne and time in military training meant finding a nice lady was of course difficult but not beyond his means and at 23 years old he should be holding down something special. It was not King Alistar’s place to interfere in fact he had made it a goal in life not to force something upon his children but is truly beautiful 21 year old daughter Jane was also free and was careful not to be dragged into relationships with false hope- it was time the throne had something could to tell the world, time for an era to relax safe in the knowledge that the heir could father some children one day. By God’s grace and infinite wisdom and power he, King Alistar would make sure his son would be a King and a father, he was determined to at least become a grandfather before the Lord took his soul.

He pondered this thought some more with further interest and soon he mind was racing a mile a minute, engrossed with thinking how his son could fall for someone else of royal blood but all the while furthering the interests of Stevid. He looked internationally in his mind and only one nation came to mind: Ixania. A nation with a flourishing government and monarchy, several noble Houses existed within her realms and favoured chivalry amongst most things on the noble social ladder, chivalry was a term lost in Stevid and only the noble and royal houses in Stevid adhered to it like the days of old. Ixania is an old proud nation where loyalties and devotion are highly favoured by society on a whole and a model inspiration for countries around the world. In a way she was not all that different to Stevid and finding someone suitable for young James wouldn’t be too difficult at all, maybe even Jane would find someone to make her skip a heartbeat in Ixania. It was possible and far from improbable for they Ixania had been in contact with Stevid recently and the governments had been working out the first deals that could begin the foundations of a lasting relationship. But the King knew that democracy was slow no matter how wonderful and free it was, red tape was a bastard to cope with and sometime direct intervention was the key. Foreign noble and royal blood mixing in such a way that it could lead to marriage would bolster relations with the countries so significantly that it would difficult to tear them apart especially if offspring came out of it and if the next in line to the Stevidian throne were to marry.

Yes, it was perfect and had to be arranged straight away. Empress Anastasia the Second was the ruling monarch of Ixania and would probably find someone suitable if she agreed of course, but royal courtship are a joy to behold, read and remember- the answer would probably be yes. The King grabbed a pen and some paper and wrote formal letter.

To your esteemed majesty Empress Anastasia II,

I, King Alistar of the Holy Empire of Stevid, write to you for the first time officially. While we have never met we are both of royal blood and thus we share many common practises and oaths. I do also believe that since we are the official heads of state for our countries we both have a duty to do what is right for our countries but also our duty as parents to do what is right for our children, the next generation, the heirs of the throne and our glorious countries.

The future of my country is not in doubt for I have three heirs, the eldest being James (23), Jane (21) and Paul (16). I have no doubt that my son James will make a wonderful leader for Stevid and will be true role model for other powerful or fledgling monarchies out there in this world.

However I do not write to you with tidings of common interests, nostalgia or simple friendly banter (though there is always time for that I you wish!), but rather a matter of some important to me of a personal nature and one of some delicacy. I have made it a goal in life not to force anything on my children regarding their personal private life, however James is now at the age of 23 and still does not have someone to love him for who he his, to support him and vice versa for him to support. A girlfriend to put it bluntly in a common way, I was hoping that we may collaborate in such a way as to find suitable a partner for my son and vice versa for someone you hold dear to your heart you deserves a loyal man of stature and honour.

This request may come as a shock but this isn’t simply for my benefit or my sons, neither is it simply for the best interests of my country. As I’m sure you are aware our governments are talking on and off every so often with minor success, personally I see these initial talks leading to greater ties between our two nations. But we both know how lengthy an official diplomatic process is for the stabilisation of international relations. The good old medieval days were times where alliances and family lineage were defined by royal and noble marriages, I’d like us to continue that tradition but with the drawbacks of contested sovereignty- I hereby officially declare my son, Prince James Edward McIntyre, open for marriage.

We can discuss plans further with much haste and interest if you accept my proposal. If you decline then I will not hold it against you as such a move is quite delicate and requires a steady hand. But if all goes to plan then maybe one day my son and a lovely lady of your house hold may stand together as man and wife in a House of God which will tie our two great nations together as forever friends.

Yours truly,
King Alistar I
The Holy Empire of Stevid.

The House of Schverzinski had been well known for their attempts to marry into foreign bloodlines that would help keep the family going as it had been for so many centuries and there had been a resurgence in such attempts in recent times. The Empress of Ixania, Anastasia II, was officially seeking a husband after years of virginhood and it seemed like she had caught the eye of plenty of men. There were still many princesses in the Ixanian Empire that could use a husband and one of them happened to be Princess Zaneta Schverzinski, a twenty one year old woman whose father was one of the uncles of the Empress well known for his image as a stoic baron. She was a pale skinned girl with auburn hair and light blue eyes that sparkled at times and she was well known for her slender frame and intelligence. Zaneta did not really think about marriage or even finding a husband but she would not have minded seeing men interested in her; she did not know about the King of Stevid's letter to her cousin and how it would eventually affect her and change her life forevermore.

On the day of the letter's arrival, the Empress of Ixania was sleeping in her office with her head slumped upon her crossed arms while the sun shone upon her dormant frame. It only took a little tap or two on her desk from her personal assistant for her to raise her head, rub her eyes, and take the letter into her hands with a yawn. The letter seemed to intrigue her as her eyes were fixed on every word that the King had written. She knew that there were plenty of royal girls in her family that could marry James but she recalled one girl in particular: Princess Zaneta. Zaneta was the daughter of one of Anastasia's uncles who was still remembered for his visit to Anastasia's palace where he suggested that Zaneta would be a good bride for some man. Once Her Majesty finished studying the letter, she handed it back to her assistant and told him to write up a reply to the letter in which Zaneta would be mentioned as a possible bride for James of Stevid. The letter was elequently composed and was signed with Anastasia's official signature that she developed over the years.

Your Majesty,

I recieved your amusing letter with much trepidation and irony since the subject of your letter was discussed by myself and an uncle of mine days before I recieved it. I must say that I am more than willing to see a royal marriage between our families arranged but not only for the sake of diplomatic relations but also of cultivating love between the couple. Although there are many cousins of mine who surely would be more than acceptable as brides for your humble son, I must say that Princess Zaneta would be the best choice. Zaneta is one of my beloved cousins and the daughter of Baron Valsamon Schverzinski who is one of my uncles and a close associate. Zaneta is an auburn haired woman of twenty one with light blue eyes and a slender frame (OOC: I may have to change this depending on whether I get a good picture of her or not) and who is well known for her refined etiquette and intelligence. She speaks fluent Ixanian along with having knowledge of other languages (possibly), is fond of horse riding and walks, and is interested in cultural matters. I would suggest James coming to Tzargrad to meet her at my palace so that he may get to know her better than he does at the present time. I would write more but I am bogged down by affairs of state. Please send all future letters about Zaneta to her father who shall handle the marital affairs of his own seed with efficiency and care. I shall wish James and Zaneta the best of luck and I hope to meet you one day; perhaps during the wedding of Their Highnesses if Fortune wills.

Sincerely,
Anastasia II,
The Empress of Ixania, etc.

Zaneta's father was immediately alerted about the possibility of his daughter becoming the bride of the heir to the Stevidian throne and he was amazed and quite happy with the idea. His daughter, Zaneta, was intrigued and said she would gladly meet James although she could not ensure that she would love him nor that she would accept marrying him. As she set off to the capital with her beloved father, Anastasia waited for news of James' arrival in Ixania. Things would get interesting.

Imperial Palace of the McIntyre Line, Cadia Region, West Stevid

King Alistar received Empress Anastasia’s response the very next day while reading the morning paper over a full English breakfast. An already cheery monarch turned quickly into a jubilant one albeit quietly with some decorum, he was eating breakfast after all. The Queen had been kind enough to agree to a royal marriage but had put more emphasis on the love of the future couple more so than the political implications. It suddenly dawned on the King that he hadn’t really mentioned much on the possible emotion attachment the couple would be having and he felt somewhat bad for not mentioning it quite enough himself. But he banished the thought from his mind, he knew that Anastasia probably wouldn’t hold it against him and obviously thought he meant well by recommending a certain someone for Prince James.

He finished breakfast quickly and before he left he asked the butler waiting on the dining table where the young prince was.

“Err last I saw him sire, he was somewhere on the south greens of the palace ground with a shotgun. Probably after those darned pheasants again. They’re a nuisance these days sire but it means there’s more food on the plate.”

“Thank you Charles. Oh and I’d rather not have pheasant later, it’s a far too common dish for me these days. I know we have hundreds on the palace ground but I don’t want to eat one everyday of the week!” He joked back.

A thin smile appeared for a few second’s on Charles’ face and he bowed to his King as Alistar strode out of the room in his grey suit. He quickly changed into a suede hunting jacket and light combat trousers and set off to find his eldest son. He found him precisely where Charles said he would be. Ah, ever reliable Charles- never failed to impress or serve his King. A loud shot ran out but the King did not flinch and neither did the firer recoil after the shot but several birds flew out a nearby tree and then a second round was fired. A large pheasant fell to the ground in a heap and the firer clenched his fist with victory.

“Gotcha you little bastard!” He shouted before noticing the King approaching him from the palace. “Ah dad! Didn’t see you there! You’re lucky they didn’t flock towards you or less I might’ve shot you dead!”

“Don’t lie to me James,” The King said to his son with a broad smile. “You actually wish they’d flown in front of me so you’d have a good excuse to kill me off and take the throne.” He said sarcastically.

“Caught me!”

“I hope you are feeling well James, it’s nice to get out of the bustling city for a while; away from all the work and lark like that.”

“Tell me about it.” The prince replied as he opened up the shotgun and discarded the empty round casings before shouldering the gun and carrying the dead Pheasant. “Some elements of the more dangerous city life fail to leave us completely alone in peace.” James continued and pointed to a tree line not too far away. In the distance was a man in jet black uniform, black glasses and an earpiece in his right ear but the most notable thing he was carrying was his G36 assault rifle. Written across his stab-proof vest was POLICE in a bright white and if one were to look carefully there were several more police officers scattered around the gardens all holding weapons ranging from MP5s to sturdy assault rifles purely for the protection of the Royals.

“Hmm.” The King replied in agreement. “But I doubt security will be quite so tight where you’re going.” The King continued.

“I’m going somewhere.”

“You are to act as a royal ambassador to Ixania to meet Impress Anastasia II and several other members of her royal blood and other noble dignitaries.” Said the King. This wasn’t a lie, just not the whole truth. The King didn’t want his Son to believe he was forcing a relationship on him at all, traditionally royals married other royals commonly of foreign blood or nobles but this was the modern age of society and the King had moved with the times. Yes he’d arranged a marriage of sorts and would of course make subtle moves to help ensure that such a ceremony would take place, however forcing love in this day in age was almost a sin and he wanted his son to believe it was just all a coincidence before finally admitting the whole plot.

“A good will visit?” The Prince replied.

“Of a sort. Our countries are in loose diplomatic talks, royalty meeting royalty gets past an awful lot of red tape as you well know. But it gives you a chance to meet knew people who they themselves are of royal blood.”

“It makes a change from meeting the same people over and over again at fencing and shooting sessions. Fair enough then father, it is my job after all.”

“There’s a good lad! Anyway you go off back to the palace, I’m going to have a stroll around the lakes for a bit. I’ll see you later.”

The two shook hands and parted company but the King had a smile on his face that he hid from his son as they walked away. Prince James was no more than ten feet away before the King swivelled on the spot and said something the young prince never had expected his father to say.

“I hear Princess Zaneta of Ixania is a very charming young girl. You might meet her when you’re over there. She is among many there who like foreign royal princes making state visits.”

“Oh so that’s what this is about! The fact that I’m not in a relationship doesn’t mean that I…”

“I never mentioned that old boy and I was simply suggesting one such noble for you to get acquainted with whom you might actually enjoy spending some time with. I could list several other men and women from royal and noble families that you might be interested in meeting.”

“So why then did you pick her out first, a young girl just a few years younger than me?”

“Ah so you do know her! You’ve been doing your research dear fellow, but then you will also know that there are female nobles of her age swanning around Ixania and Zaneta was just one of the many. You jump to conclusions already my son… and far too quickly I might add!” He finished with a smile and began to walk away but raised his voice so that the young prince could still here him from behind. “Though it does seem you are interested in her somewhat. You’re flight leaves tomorrow James… get packing.”

23:56- Later that Evening

It was a small private jet, nothing extravagant externally because the royals weren’t as rich as everyone made them out to be. They couldn’t afford huge planes that expressed symbolism of power and that they ruled over everyone. The House of McIntyre served the people and they were the people’s royals and would try and be as simple as royal possibly could. Inside however it was much different. Cream carpet and cream leather chairs with dimmed floor lights and mini bars that were filled with a luxury selection of wines, spirits, champagnes and soft drinks… or water if one preferred.

James sat reading the evening paper while buckled up in his seat as the plane taxied forward on to the main runway at Cadia National Airport. The news that the Prince’s visit to Ixania hadn’t made the headlines but it wasn’t far from the front page. Ixania agreed swiftly to the arrangements of the Prince’s arrival and that he would stay in one of the palaces they had over there, which one it could be he didn’t know but he was sure the people there would be quite accommodating. It was strange how eager they seemed to get him over there as quickly as possible. But before he could think about it any further they were airborne and heading for Ixania, his cue to head straight to the drinks cabinet and pour himself a malt scotch before continuing to read the paper. It was a six and a half hour flight from the region of Cadia to the Prince’s destination so he had enough time to finish his drink and the paper before retiring to the sleeping cabin. He’d wake up and only be a few hours away from Ixania before he would actually set foot on terra ferma. His heart skipped a beat realising what he was doing… until now he hadn’t been nervous at all.

Zaneta Schverzinski brushed her hair with a stoic expression upon her face while her eyes were fixed upon the reflection of herself that the mirror in front of her provided while her mind was fixated on the upcoming meeting with that Stevidian prince her father told her about. He sounded like an interesting man but that did not mean she would swoon over him. She could just as easily flat out refuse him in her father's face and could easily tell the King of Stevid how she felt. Besides, there were many other women that could be chosen for James. However, Zaneta felt like it would be nice, at least, to get to know James and perhaps see if he was a good match. Love could easily come up when they least expected and she knew this to be one of life's many truths. She was dressed in an exquisite spring dress that complimented her slender frame and which did not hide the swan like neck she posessed. Underneath was a corset adorned with jewels and which was quite comfortable and not really hard to wear; she knew that corsets were usually worn by some but not all royal and noble women and possibly, though she did not know, wealthy commoners. It was well known that she had more modern undergarments lying around but some times she just perferred the corset. Looking out the clear windows of her bedroom, Zaneta could hear her father talking to her mother about the plan to get James in touch with Zaneta; she could tell they were discussing that by reading their lips. This meeting with James could turn her into a still single virgin princess or a married and deflowered woman whose husband would one day become the King of Stevid. Eventually she could hear her father calling for her in the gentle tone he reserved for his children and she ran to him with the stoic expression still upon her face. He smiled and told her that James' plane had landed at the airport. She simply nodded her head and spoke softly: "Just because you think he may be a good man for me, Father, does not mean I shall accept him. If I cannot accept him, then I shall say so."

A motorcade was waiting for James at the massive and complex airport with the chauffer leaning on the limosuine while looking at the many tourists going to foreign lands and coming back from them. It made him smile because he was thinking of taking a vacation somewhere himself in the future. When he noticed the silhouette of Prince James in the distance, the chauffer ran up to him as if he were a schoolgirl chasing some local hunk and with a quick bow, he greeted the prince. "You must be Prince James. I'm your chauffer for the day who has been appointed to take you to the palace where Her Highness is waiting for you. Follow me."

James was taken to the limosuine and, when he was inside, the chauffer commenced driving to the palace through the somewhat busy and crowded streets of Tzargrad. The chauffer explained how this was Ixania's cosmopolitan metropolis of a capital and how many people, millions and millions of people, made their living here in various ways. He then said how the Empress lived in Tzargrad as well as some but not all of her many relatives. Zaneta, the chauffer said, was a cousin of the Empress and that she was in line for the Ixanian throne. "We'll be at the palace in some time so, until then, just relax! Why don't you think about what you'll say to Zaneta?"

The Prince’s flight had been less than uneventful and he had retired to bed earlier than he would usually have done; however an hour before touch down he was more than ready to face the press, public and royal families in Ixania. He wore a black and white suit, not quite a dinner jacket, and left his hair fashionably untidy. He was here representing Stevid and himself to a certain degree and so had to have at least tried to look the part. As he was led off the plane he was greeted with the formal red carpet treatment and introduced to his driver and several personal guards before stepping into the salon car that would drive him through the capital to the palace where he would be meeting members of the royal family in Ixania.

Much to James’ pleasure the driver was quite a talkative, respectful and intelligent chap. Too many times have foreign drivers treated him with either too little or too much respect, James always preferred people to see him as one of the people, someone you could talk to at a bar without having to bow or kneel in reverence and this driver was one of those people. He pointed out city landmarks and places of interest all through their trip, noting where famous people had been and were probably going to go. Historical landmarks and buildings worth noting as well, he even seemed blissfully aware of his private engagements with the royal family whom he was about to meet… almost too much.

“Just relax and think about what you are going to say to the Princess.” The driver said much to James’ surprise.

It was the third time her name had been mentioned in such a way too, as if they knew something he didn’t. It was too much to be a coincidence, he was literally being set up and this foreign visit was the cover plan for it all.

“Dad…you bastard.” He whispered to himself. But then he thought better of the idea, perhaps he would like her but he may find it difficult looking at the way his hands was being forced at the moment. He suddenly jerked to life out of his trance as is he’d just woken up from a deep sleep.

“Sire?” The driver asked again.

“Oh… err… I think a simple hello will be enough to break the ice.”

“Usually a good place to start sire!” The driver joked.

The Prince became remarkably uncomfortable both physically and mentally despite the words of his driver telling him to just relax. But how could he, this was no longer just a formal engagement between two nations, in fact it never really was in the grand scheme of things! He had no problems with women, he was big headed enough to crack some witty jokes, charming enough to get a casual smile. But this was different, this girl he would be meeting was not like those at the expensive clubs in the West End of Stevid Capita, no trendy wine bar slut or ‘go lucky’ girl, this young lady was one of royalty. Royal blood was revered in this country and they respected and upheld honour, chivalry and loyalty most highly. The girl was probably a virgin but used her beauty as a natural way of hooking men I to find a match, this worried him further and now even more pressure was being heaped on him to make a good impression to not only her but to the entire family.

“Yes…” Said James finally. “Polite hellos, good decorum, just being myself. The overall fate of my visit is in God’s hands now.”

The saloon car reached the palace walls and it was a short drive up to the main entrance. He seen a fair few reporters taking snap shots at the car, he was royalty after all but not overly important to Ixania but if the driver knew about both family’s wishes for the young prince and princess then the press surely had inkling too.
The car stopped and the driver came along side and opened James’ door, the heir’s heart pounded furiously but his face and cool demeanour belied his true feelings for the given situation, this was the most nervous he had been in all his life. More so than his first swim, more than when he had his first stag lined up down the barrel of his rifle- nothing compared to this moment and deep down he still wasn’t quite sure why.

He did not know whether the people he was supposed to be meeting would be waiting just inside the door, or in a great hall or just in a spacious living room but if they were anything like his family they would put on just enough effort to look the part and show they really were royalty- he expected a grand living room but anything could happen now. He took in a deep breath through his nose and motioned to his driver.

“Lead on old boy, I eagerly anticipate seeing your country’s royal family. I’d like to get the difficultly of saying hello out of the way as soon as possible.”

The driver smiled back and guided him up the stone stairs to the main entrance…

OOC: Since you've taken the liberty of RPing as the chauffer and what not, I'll just continue from where you left off.

The driver simply nodded his head and walked with James into the mansion which looked like any typical palace would with all its adornments and signs of royal power and prestige. There were portraits of Zaneta's family on the walls as well as pictures of other people who must have been relatives. The driver led James into one of the many rooms, it looked rather like a sitting room, and on one of the chairs happened to be the Empress of Ixania's Uncle Valsamon who looked rather stoic upon seeing James in person for the first time. He calmly rose from his seat and, after a brief silence, gave James a powerfully firm handshake with a smile upon his rugged face. "I must say it is a pleasure to meet you, James. I am Valsamon Schverzinski, a prince and baron of the Ixanian Empire. I'm glad that you came. Please take a seat. The Princess shall be here soon to greet you."

Valsamon seemed to be quite the outgoing man despite his royal status and he didn't seem to be any bit snobbish because of his ancestry but rather acted like one of those jolly old commoners you would find in a tavern or inn. He wore a tuxedo which was rather simple but still very expensive and he seemed to have his eyes fixated on James. "Why don't you tell me about yourself, James? It would be nice to learn about my possible future son in law and what better way to do so then to speak to you rather than your father whom has been in touch with my niece recently."

While Valsamon tried to get some information out of his royal guest, Zaneta was finishing with the final touches to her appearance in her chambers with assistance from her caring mother who was quite happy to see that her child, one of several, would find a good man to settle down with. Zaneta chose a light red dress with green designs to wear for the meeting while she decided to let her hair down and around her neck she wore a necklace that had a ruby red heart attached to it; the ruby having been cut in the shape of a heart. Zaneta looked confidently at the mirror while her mother worked on combing her child's hair like she had done before for so many years. "You look lovely, Zaneta, and I do hope you'll find a good man in that Stevidian prince. God knows how marriages can end up without a good man!"

Zaneta sighed. "Even if I do find Prince James to be a good man, it does not mean that I will accept marrying him and becoming his husband but I will nonetheless give it a chance. If I love him, then I love him. If I do not love him, then I do not. I won't marry him just because people want me to."

Her mother smiled. "You were always independent, Zaneta, but please do try to give this a chance. You may find James to be your soulmate. Don't you remember the stories I've told you about me and your father?"

OOC: I'm fast forwarding just a bit here; I decided to have Zaneta introduced in this post instead of after several. We can say that the first half of the post was some Q&A with Zaneta's father.

Zaneta flipped through the pages of her memory to the days when her mother would tell her about how she met Valsamon Schverzinski at one of those palace parties and how he became enamoured with her to the point of madness and how she had no choice but to let her heart accept him in the end. She remembered how her mother told the stories with such passion and happiness. Once all was said and done, Zaneta walked with her mother towards the sitting room where Valsamon and James were. Valsamon was about to ask James more questions when he was cut off by the footsteps of his beloved child. Zaneta entered the room with an innocent stride while her eyes were immediately fixed upon James as her mind began to record the image of him. She felt like he certainly was a handsome man but she wasn't all about looks. It wouldn't be easy for him to get her hand. That was already decided long before he even came because Zaneta was one of those girls who were not so easy to court merely by showing off how handsome you were.

Zaneta's pearl white teeth showed as she smiled at James while her father proudly announced that she was his beloved Zaneta. Out of her mouth came words in a refined tone of voice that suggested she had gone through plenty of etiquette classes. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I was told much about you and Stevid. Shall we take our leave of my parents and go on a walk? I have plenty of questions for you."

Zaneta adjusted her heart necklace for a moment before speaking again. "I would not mind showing you myself around the palace. The gardens here are very lovely and always a pleasure to see. Also, you may call me Zaneta. There is no need for formalities."

The living room was large and elegant and James felt immediately at home, a good sign since it put him at ease and helped him relax a little more. It was much like his father’s back in Cadia and in Stevid Capita and also like his own reception room in his place of personal residence in the far North of the country in Castle Ashby. Zaneta’s farther was a charming chap and very easy to talk to as well, to a lesser extent he reminded James of himself- an outgoing and sociable man who could win a group over with a smile. I’m sure he liked that in James as much as James liked that streak in him. A little Q&A followed where the young prince spoke of his farther to Valsomon and also a few of his aspirations and hobbies. He was quick to mention his patriotism, military career, his loyalty to the crown and those close to him but was particularly proud of his fencing career as well. It was a family tradition, his whole family were avid fencers and James himself was at a national level in Stevid. The uncle to the Empress seemed interested enough not to interrogate the prince to such an extent to make him feel uncomfortable. Whether this was because James was the heir to the throne of the entire Holy Empire of Stevid or just his nature, James was unsure. It mattered not because the true purpose of his visit walked through the door that instant.

A tall slender girl clothed in an elegant red dress and an astonishing ruby heart necklace walked into the room with an older woman whom James presumed was the girl’s mother. Zaneta’s hair came down to her neck and she confidently smiled and walked into the room, whatever fear or nervous she may or may not have been harbouring was not at all evident on the first appearance. James rose from the chair with Valsomon and turned to Zaneta, his mouth remained closed but his jaw dropped a fraction as he took in the young woman’s beauty. Instinctively through royal protocol that had been drilled into him from when he was able to walk properly, he bowed to Zaneta and her mother as he did with her father. Valsomon proudly introduced his daughter as she walked closer to James, he beamed as James took her hand and softly kissed it- another tradition drilled into him and whether or not Zaneta saw it as overly charming or a pathetic way to hit on a girl was open to interpretation. He cared little; it was how he greeted other women on most formal and informal circumstances. He wouldn’t have done this anywhere more public but seeing as the girl’s parents were present he decided to put on a good impression.

“Charmed.” He said with a distinctive traditional English accent rolling out of him.

He smiled and raised an eyebrow as Zaneta began to speak. Her posture was perfect and she spoke with much decorum and politeness that she could play a good role in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. He cocked his head mimicking another bow in reply when she had finished.

“I’d like that a lot and I am honoured my name and my family’s has been mentioned through these halls not to mention my country. I trust these words put me and my country in good light too?”

Before they left he turned top Valsomon and firmed shook his hand. James had taken to him quickly and was sure they’d get on very well in the future if God willed it to be so.

“It was a pleasure meeting you sir, a huge pleasure and if things work out the way it is to be intended then I am sure that we will get to know each other much more.” James said with a smile and he bowed again.

“Ma’am.” He continued, bowing to Zaneta’s mother before leaving the room in her daughter’s care.

It was awkward at first but Zaneta seemed at ease which in turn put him at ease too. However, almost contradictory, her calmness almost nerved him further. She was talking everything in her stride and wasn’t at all bother, at least to the eye and ear anyway, that she was being set up with some foreigner by people whose motives and methods were beyond her control. But he broke the silence first, it wouldn’t have lasted long anyway and he decided to view her in a way he would do a normal person. Just another girl for now, just so as they could keep talking.

“Certainly is a remarkable palace you have Zaneta, truly marvellous indeed. We have similar sorts back in Stevid particularly in the eastern region of Cadia and the northern region of Staunton. Magnificent, and to think of all the people who have walked here as well, famous and not quite so famous!”[i] He stopped and remembered his first action and word to Zaneta back in the waiting room. [i]“I hope I didn’t come across as too forward or overly formal with the whole kissing our hand thing… you see it his sort of a traditional thing in Stevid, I was brought up with some strict tutors on royal etiquette and lark like that… err… but yes, just something I do…”

He stammered again but composed himself further. “I’d love a guided tour like you suggested!” He said turning on the charm in his voice a little. “One must admire the workmanship that has gone into this palace and its ground. I’m not making small talk either when I say I’m really looking forward to seeing this place and the palace gardens… I’m sure we’ll enjoy the time together. But yes, questions. Fire away! ‘Tis always good to become more accustomed to someone, I myself am interested in you too. We’ve much to talk about!”

He finished with a smile and made a bold move. From what he heard and learnt from several dignitaries in Stevid who had previously visited Ixania and from his driver, the royal family here were quite the traditional and Zaneta’s why of speaking and way of movement made that fact more self evident. He took her by the arm but allowed her to lead. Quite traditional and still common in the general public not least in royal circles and perhaps it was his instinct that told him to do or that he was good and judging someone. In either case he was sure she would not complain, it was a good way to break the ice as well. He rolled over this whole idea of arranged courtship in his head and so far it didn’t seem all that bad. On the contrary, it was pretty darned excellent so far.

Valsomon proudly introduced his daughter as she walked closer to James, he beamed as James took her hand and softly kissed it- another tradition drilled into him and whether or not Zaneta saw it as overly charming or a pathetic way to hit on a girl was open to interpretation. He cared little; it was how he greeted other women on most formal and informal circumstances. He wouldn’t have done this anywhere more public but seeing as the girl’s parents were present he decided to put on a good impression.

“Charmed.” He said with a distinctive traditional English accent rolling out of him.

As the young prince in front of her took her hand to kiss it as many men usually have done when it came to greeting members of the fairer sex, Zaneta did not seem all amused about it but rather simply content. It just made James look like one of those traditionalistic princes one would hear about, that is, the princes who refused to adopt modern ideas and stick with ye old etiquette. When she heard his greeting in that English accent of his, she simply smiled but kept her silence. It seemed to her watching parents that the two would get along quite nicely if Fortune willed. They both knew that Zaneta may end up rejecting James but they hoped that they would at least have a friendship if not romance.

He smiled and raised an eyebrow as Zaneta began to speak. Her posture was perfect and she spoke with much decorum and politeness that she could play a good role in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. He cocked his head mimicking another bow in reply when she had finished.

“I’d like that a lot and I am honoured my name and my family’s has been mentioned through these halls not to mention my country. I trust these words put me and my country in good light too?”

Zaneta smiled. "We have no reason to put you or your nation in any bad light nor withdraw it from our good graces so you need not worry about that, James. Many of us seem quite interested in learning more about Stevid. I would like to learn more about it myself."

Before they left he turned top Valsomon and firmed shook his hand. James had taken to him quickly and was sure they’d get on very well in the future if God willed it to be so.

“It was a pleasure meeting you sir, a huge pleasure and if things work out the way it is to be intended then I am sure that we will get to know each other much more.” James said with a smile and he bowed again.

Valsamon smirked. "One can only hope that Fortune will smile upon you two but I can't tell what Fortune will do; it's always portraying itself as an invisible enigma that all men try to seek."

“Certainly is a remarkable palace you have Zaneta, truly marvellous indeed. We have similar sorts back in Stevid particularly in the eastern region of Cadia and the northern region of Staunton. Magnificent, and to think of all the people who have walked here as well, famous and not quite so famous!”[i] He stopped and remembered his first action and word to Zaneta back in the waiting room. [i]“I hope I didn’t come across as too forward or overly formal with the whole kissing our hand thing… you see it his sort of a traditional thing in Stevid, I was brought up with some strict tutors on royal etiquette and lark like that… err… but yes, just something I do…”

Zaneta simply giggled as James began to stop talking about the kissing of her hand. "This is just one of the many palaces that one can find in the Ixanian Empire and to me it really is just merely one of many but nonetheless I do thank you for the compliment. Many people have, indeed, walked through these halls from the common butler to the ladies of the court. As for that kissing of my hand, I really don't mind it at all. We royalty have such traditional and regal ways of greeting one another stuck in our heads as a result of our childhood tutors. I can easily remember my own etiquette classes where I had to learn about how to act like a true royal although I'm really just a normal human being if you get down to it. We all are. We all have the same blood, the same organs, the same nature."

He stammered again but composed himself further. “I’d love a guided tour like you suggested!” He said turning on the charm in his voice a little. “One must admire the workmanship that has gone into this palace and its ground. I’m not making small talk either when I say I’m really looking forward to seeing this place and the palace gardens… I’m sure we’ll enjoy the time together. But yes, questions. Fire away! ‘Tis always good to become more accustomed to someone, I myself am interested in you too. We’ve much to talk about!”

Zaneta giggled again. "Then we shall embark upon the guided tour of my family's beloved palace! The worksmanship really is quite good but that is to be expected because usually the best of the best in the ranks of architects are responsible for the construction of palaces and so forth. The same can be said for the gardens and I am sure we'll have a good time together; as for questions I'd like to ask, first of all, what is the Kingdom of Stevid like? What are the people like? What are their beliefs concerning the Divine? What are their customs?"

He finished with a smile and made a bold move. From what he heard and learnt from several dignitaries in Stevid who had previously visited Ixania and from his driver, the royal family here were quite the traditional and Zaneta’s why of speaking and way of movement made that fact more self evident. He took her by the arm but allowed her to lead. Quite traditional and still common in the general public not least in royal circles and perhaps it was his instinct that told him to do or that he was good and judging someone. In either case he was sure she would not complain, it was a good way to break the ice as well. He rolled over this whole idea of arranged courtship in his head and so far it didn’t seem all that bad. On the contrary, it was pretty darned excellent so far.

Zaneta noticed that James had taken her arm but she did not seem to mind at all about it because it wasn't like he was going to try anything further than that and, if he did, it would have ended this meeting with a quick slap and the possibility that James' family may get a bad reputation. They eventually reached the palace gardens which looked absolutely marvelous and well kept with the plants showing off their full colors while fountains went on with their natural routine. Zaneta felt the water spray upon her a little as she walked with James past a fountain and eventually they came upon one of the sets of plants. "When I was younger, I would often walk down these gardens and smell the lovely air and contemplate the splendour of nature. It's a good way, I think, to pass the time. Don't you think so too?"

bumped.

OOC: Sorry I haven't posted, there is a post ready but I've got in from work and thou needst sleep. I'll put it up at lunchtime tomorrow when I get home from work.

James was beginning to enjoy himself a little more now that they were talking a lot more and the stress of the fist meet was wearing off. Her inquisitive nature began to shine through instantly. She was certainly interested in him and was making every effort to get some tactile information on the young man.

“Stevid and me? Well where to start? I’m sure you know some of the basics of my country as well as some of the more obvious ones like that we are a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The real gem of what Stevid is all about is its ambition and the determined nature of its people. We are an Empire of foreign territories, a huge Holy Empire- with God watching over us as we extend our influence via peaceful means but defend it, unfortunately, with ruthless aggression. Our religion and imperialist policies have led us into conflict far too many times and the effects are visible for yourself if you were to visit, particular along the coast.” James stated as they walked through the first of the palace gardens. “Our defence budget is huge and our military production lines are constantly pumping out more units and armaments but particularly naval vessels. They range for mere minnows of vessel to giant megaliths of destruction and carnage. Seeing as most of our imperial territories are over seas and the fact Stevid is an island nation we have to cater more to our sea defences than anything else.”

He stopped for a breather but noticed that he did have Zaneta’s full attention, she did seem genuinely interested, and for the life of him he had no idea why he thought she didn’t care but whatever the reason was he was dead wrong. She asked about Stevid and he was duly answering. He smiled and continued.

“But the core of Stevid’s power lies not in its military, neither does it lie in its political prowess or economic might. It lays in our faith… our religion. Our dedication and love for God and his saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is the single major driving force in Stevid, Catholicism being the single most dominant sect with our borders.” He said with pride that beamed out of him like a radiant light. He turned from her and looked over the palace grounds casting his memory back to his homeland. “You should see it Zaneta! Huge monoliths, these gargantuan Gothic style cathedrals are dotted all over Stevid. Almost every town village and city in the country has a place of Christian worship. St. Malleus in the Stevidian Wastelands is boasted to be the biggest cathedral in Greater Dienstad and maybe even the large in the whole world it is so huge! And so great is our faith in God that it has brought out the best, but sometimes the worst, out of my country… during the Second War of Golden Succession between the Haven Pact, of which Stevid was a part of, and the Golden Throne and her allies, there were stories of Stevidian battalions fighting and beating impossible odds and gaining the victory simply by putting their faith in God…” He said. James let it sink in a tad before continuing quickly.
“I’m sure you know that I am a Captain in the Stevidian Army. I saw action in Guffingford, Safehaven and Holy Panooly. Not to mention peacekeeping duties in The North Hanover Island Chain Dependency as well as standard tours of duty to our colonies a far. I’m not your standard heir to the throne whose safety is always put first to ensure the line of succession. I’m an out going fellow, I’ve seen my fair share of things on my tours. The joy on the faces of foreign children and parents when we hop off our boats when landing on the shore of a hurricane devastated islands and we’re the relief aid… to the terror in a civilian’s eyes in the middle of an urban war zone. I’m a much more mature and understanding person since the last war. More loyal to my subjects and to my family as well as my God. More often now I’m told that I’m perfect to take over my father’s role as monarch of the Holy Empire.”

He stopped talking and they chatted a little more, dabbing into each others life experiences every so often while they took in the beauty of the gardens. Zaneta timely remarked on the garden they were in. James smiled back at her.

“Nature is just that… nature. Perfect escapism from, well, anything! The sound of birds, a water fall or stream, heck even a lawnmower, sometimes makes me remember what I am. A human being, in times of stress I too find myself wondering through the gardens at my father’s place or at Castle Ashby. It works, I think things over in my mind with the calmness of the day, seeking either God’s help for something or simply just to unwind.” After this there was a silence, short but certainly not an awkward silence. They both took in the scenery and both seemed to enjoy it. “But when needs must and the stress is too much then nothing beats a little bit of controlled anger eh? It’s not as bad as it sounds Zaneta! You see I really enjoy the sport of fencing, fashionable sword fighting is so underrated these days and it is such a flamboyant and mesmerising sport. It’s a great way to release your anger and tension in a controlled fashion and it doesn’t hurt anyone either. Currently I’m at a national level as is my sister, Jane, and we both want to reach international competitions within the next few years.”
“Look, my father is a bit sensitive about intruding on my personal life which is why he did this but never gave me the whole story. Back home everyone was making subtle hints about me meeting you but I never really half clicked until I was on the plane here, by the time the guy who drove me here had said the same thing I was sure the purpose of my visit was simply to see you. Nearly nineteen hours ago I was under the impression this was still an official visit! So please forgive when I say that I know little about your country and yourself too. Though I guess it helps a little because it still leaves us something to talk about. You also get to brag and sell yourself a bit with sounding self-centred and big headed to other people!” He winked a little too obviously in a jokey fashion, he was more relaxed now than he had been so far. “But in all seriousness, I’d love to learn more about you my dear lady and your country. This country’s name stretches a far and I’d be lying to you if I said I’d never heard of it before, but I actually know little about it… but more importantly… I know little about you and wish to be enlightened just that little bit more.”

“Stevid and me? Well where to start? I’m sure you know some of the basics of my country as well as some of the more obvious ones like that we are a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The real gem of what Stevid is all about is its ambition and the determined nature of its people. We are an Empire of foreign territories, a huge Holy Empire- with God watching over us as we extend our influence via peaceful means but defend it, unfortunately, with ruthless aggression. Our religion and imperialist policies have led us into conflict far too many times and the effects are visible for yourself if you were to visit, particular along the coast.” James stated as they walked through the first of the palace gardens. “Our defence budget is huge and our military production lines are constantly pumping out more units and armaments but particularly naval vessels. They range for mere minnows of vessel to giant megaliths of destruction and carnage. Seeing as most of our imperial territories are over seas and the fact Stevid is an island nation we have to cater more to our sea defences than anything else.”

Zaneta attentively and silently listened to James as he told her all about the nation of Stevid which she only faintly heard about in conversations with people that she happened to meet. One good thing, so far, about meeting James was that he had a lot of information to bestow upon her and he was willing to do that. "From what you have told me so far, James, I must say your nation sounds lovely and rather interesting to my ears. The Ixanian Empire does differ from Stevid in several aspects such as the fact that Ixania is an absolute monarchy for one. We do, like Stevid, have overseas colonies which provide our nation with much income and prestige. Ixania never gets into any wars which I think is a rather good thing because no one should have to die when diplomacy could be used to end a war before even a single shot is fired but we do try to spend enough money on our armed forces regardless of our beliefs. My cousin, the Empress of Ixania, tries her best to keep Ixania strong and free, fortis et liber, and we can only hope that she does that well. The Ixanian people are a determined and kindhearted people who are more than willing to defend themselves as all peoples around the world are."

He stopped for a breather but noticed that he did have Zaneta’s full attention, she did seem genuinely interested, and for the life of him he had no idea why he thought she didn’t care but whatever the reason was he was dead wrong. She asked about Stevid and he was duly answering. He smiled and continued.

“But the core of Stevid’s power lies not in its military, neither does it lie in its political prowess or economic might. It lays in our faith… our religion. Our dedication and love for God and his saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is the single major driving force in Stevid, Catholicism being the single most dominant sect with our borders.” He said with pride that beamed out of him like a radiant light. He turned from her and looked over the palace grounds casting his memory back to his homeland. “You should see it Zaneta! Huge monoliths, these gargantuan Gothic style cathedrals are dotted all over Stevid. Almost every town village and city in the country has a place of Christian worship. St. Malleus in the Stevidian Wastelands is boasted to be the biggest cathedral in Greater Dienstad and maybe even the large in the whole world it is so huge! And so great is our faith in God that it has brought out the best, but sometimes the worst, out of my country… during the Second War of Golden Succession between the Haven Pact, of which Stevid was a part of, and the Golden Throne and her allies, there were stories of Stevidian battalions fighting and beating impossible odds and gaining the victory simply by putting their faith in God…” He said. James let it sink in a tad before continuing quickly.

"...Catholicism is really not found much in the Ixanian Empire because the dominant denominations are the Ixanian Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church of Ixania although the Ixanian Empire is officially tolerant of all faiths. I would love to visit Stevid when the opportunity presents itself and see all the cathedrals and other landmarks. There are many cathedrals and so forth all over the Ixanian Empire including medieval Orthodox cathedrals built during the ages long past but still loved by many people. We also have many landmarks and heritage sites all over the place as well. As for faith in God, I would not question that. If the people want to believe in Him, then let it be. They have a right to believe in whatever they want."

“I’m sure you know that I am a Captain in the Stevidian Army. I saw action in Guffingford, Safehaven and Holy Panooly. Not to mention peacekeeping duties in The North Hanover Island Chain Dependency as well as standard tours of duty to our colonies a far. I’m not your standard heir to the throne whose safety is always put first to ensure the line of succession. I’m an out going fellow, I’ve seen my fair share of things on my tours. The joy on the faces of foreign children and parents when we hop off our boats when landing on the shore of a hurricane devastated islands and we’re the relief aid… to the terror in a civilian’s eyes in the middle of an urban war zone. I’m a much more mature and understanding person since the last war. More loyal to my subjects and to my family as well as my God. More often now I’m told that I’m perfect to take over my father’s role as monarch of the Holy Empire.”

Zaneta smiled. "I have never fought in the Armed Forces nor even done anything within the Armed Forces during peacetime because I don't really think a military career is right for me. I do always make sure to support our soldiers whenever they go to the colonies because they may, Fortune forbid, need to die for our sakes. I would like to listen your war stories if you have any to tell me and I must say I myself am in the line of succession to the Ixanian throne but I don't think I'll be the Empress because there are people ahead of me and they have children...."

"If I marry him....I would be the Queen Consort of Stevid....but I shouldn't want to marry him just because of that. No!" Zaneta thought to herself for a quick moment.

Zaneta smiled warmly at James. "....I do hope that Ixania gets more successful leaders and that Anastasia, my dear cousin, reigns with a lot of wisdom and virtue. The best ruler is he or she who cultivates virtue, rejects vice, and reigns for the people's sake."

“Nature is just that… nature. Perfect escapism from, well, anything! The sound of birds, a water fall or stream, heck even a lawnmower, sometimes makes me remember what I am. A human being, in times of stress I too find myself wondering through the gardens at my father’s place or at Castle Ashby. It works, I think things over in my mind with the calmness of the day, seeking either God’s help for something or simply just to unwind.” After this there was a silence, short but certainly not an awkward silence. They both took in the scenery and both seemed to enjoy it. “But when needs must and the stress is too much then nothing beats a little bit of controlled anger eh? It’s not as bad as it sounds Zaneta! You see I really enjoy the sport of fencing, fashionable sword fighting is so underrated these days and it is such a flamboyant and mesmerising sport. It’s a great way to release your anger and tension in a controlled fashion and it doesn’t hurt anyone either. Currently I’m at a national level as is my sister, Jane, and we both want to reach international competitions within the next few years.”

Zaneta nodded her head. "...Nature is the unfolding essence of life that lays itself out before the eyes of the human race and which has always been there for us even if we put it under our feet with disregard. I do recall hearing that the Empress' oldest brother has been well known for his mastery of fencing and I think you could meet him sometime and perhaps challenge him to a duel. I have seen him perform and he is, indeed, a master of his craft. When it comes to competitions and the like, I devote my attention primarily to equestrian sports although I have done other things in my life. Anastasia, for example, devotes her time to hobbies like astronomy, horse riding and possibly even gymnastics although I don't know if she still does that. My siblings, two brothers and a sister, all have their own hobbies and the like as well and I would love for you to meet them all sometime when they are around. I'm the youngest of the pack and they always protect me. There are many sword fighting schools in the Ixanian Empire and I have heard much about them and their masters who teach the masses whenever they wish to learn."


[QUOTE]“Look, my father is a bit sensitive about intruding on my personal life which is why he did this but never gave me the whole story. Back home everyone was making subtle hints about me meeting you but I never really half clicked until I was on the plane here, by the time the guy who drove me here had said the same thing I was sure the purpose of my visit was simply to see you. Nearly nineteen hours ago I was under the impression this was still an official visit! So please forgive when I say that I know little about your country and yourself too. Though I guess it helps a little because it still leaves us something to talk about. You also get to brag and sell yourself a bit with sounding self-centred and big headed to other people!” He winked a little too obviously in a jokey fashion, he was more relaxed now than he had been so far. “But in all seriousness, I’d love to learn more about you my dear lady and your country. This country’s name stretches a far and I’d be lying to you if I said I’d never heard of it before, but I actually know little about it… but more importantly… I know little about you and wish to be enlightened just that little bit more.”

Zaneta looked at James rather seriously for a moment. "....I never expected that I would be called upon in an arranged marriage with a foreign royal myself and I rather felt I would have married one out of my own choosing or married some nobleman's son. I would not mind giving you a chance though because I see something pleasant in you. The Ixanian Empire is one of those nations that is well known around the world for its friendliness to other nations regardless of ideology and for our emphasis on neutrality and the just war theory as interpreted by Her Majesty's Government of which I am a loyal subject. As for myself, you should know my name by now and you should know my age but as for more personal things....my hobbies include equestrian sports and walks along trails along with spending time with friends and you can say that I really just like to have fun and learn about the world around me. I try to be a good and upright royal not prone to snobbishness and I try to be a good friend to people that I know in my life. Sometimes I spend time with my parents and with the Empress of Ixania whenever she is not busy with matters of state. If you have any questions then please do ask me them and I shall try my best to give you good answers."

"From what you have told me so far, James, I must say your nation sounds lovely and rather interesting to my ears. The Ixanian Empire does differ from Stevid in several aspects such as the fact that Ixania is an absolute monarchy for one. We do, like Stevid, have overseas colonies which provide our nation with much income and prestige. Ixania never gets into any wars which I think is a rather good thing because no one should have to die when diplomacy could be used to end a war before even a single shot is fired but we do try to spend enough money on our armed forces regardless of our beliefs. My cousin, the Empress of Ixania, tries her best to keep Ixania strong and free, fortis et liber, and we can only hope that she does that well. The Ixanian people are a determined and kind-hearted people who are more than willing to defend themselves as all peoples around the world are."

“Ixania is a noble role model for any absolute monarchy to follow. Too many countries these days have corrupt monarchies simply because they believe that being of noble blood allows them authority over everyone and everything. My family believe that no man or woman is higher than God, and seeing as we are all God’s children we are in unity together in his eyes. It is on that principle and method of thinking that Stevid is based on a free society, we the Royal Family are the official rulers of our country but in fact we are nothing more than figureheads while the Stevidian government dictates policy. But Ixania is different. Corruption is naught here, your monarchy looks after its subjects- I admire that.
“I’d be a fool to consider that a peaceful country like yours doesn’t have the means to protect itself. Such a lovely country with such a strong message of freedom, faith and loyalty surely has a strong patriotic streak within its population. But I’m guessing military parades are quite so common here as they are in the Holy Empire. Stevid likes to strut its military hardware around a little too much, there is usually a precession somewhere in the country every week or so.”

"...Catholicism is really not found much in the Ixanian Empire because the dominant denominations are the Ixanian Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church of Ixania although the Ixanian Empire is officially tolerant of all faiths. I would love to visit Stevid when the opportunity presents itself and see all the cathedrals and other landmarks. There are many cathedrals and so forth all over the Ixanian Empire including medieval Orthodox cathedrals built during the ages long past but still loved by many people. We also have many landmarks and heritage sites all over the place as well. As for faith in God, I would not question that. If the people want to believe in Him, then let it be. They have a right to believe in whatever they want."

“Ah, so you are an agnostic then. I guess it’s better than being an atheist full stop. If someone is open to the concept of religion then it is a darn sight better than rejecting it all together. Religion brings the best out of people most of the time, but sometimes the worst. But lets face it, from the second century onwards to the high era of human social and mechanical development religion was the single driving force in the world, it created civilisations and thus without religion we would be the human race we know today. Cathedrals brought new methods of building that are still used today. Religion strengthens a culture in ways one can not imagine! But I, and Stevid, tolerate all faiths. We didn’t used to not too long ago but that chequered patch in our history has been over come. But I would very much like to see your cathedrals here in Ixania, not just because of their religious value but because the methods used to build them make the buildings so beautiful I can look at them all day… I’m sort of a fan of Gothic architecture.

"I have never fought in the Armed Forces nor even done anything within the Armed Forces during peacetime because I don't really think a military career is right for me. I do always make sure to support our soldiers whenever they go to the colonies because they may, Fortune forbid, need to die for our sakes. I would like to listen your war stories if you have any to tell me and I must say I myself am in the line of succession to the Ixanian throne but I don't think I'll be the Empress because there are people ahead of me and they have children...."
"....I do hope that Ixania gets more successful leaders and that Anastasia, my dear cousin, reigns with a lot of wisdom and virtue. The best ruler is he or she who cultivates virtue, rejects vice, and reigns for the people's sake."

“War stories? I have a few to tell, not many though and they can get a little long-winded so I won’t really go into it much right now. There was a time a very long time ago during the Holy Panooly Civil War when I was only eighteen years old. A mere lieutenant back then, me and my unit were seconded to the First Infantry Battalion of the now legendary 24th Foot. We had to fight our way through the rebel city of Volta… suffice to say it was a harrowing and bloody experience to say the least.
“Succession to any throne should never be a highly held aspiration because of the linage that royal families take. I’m lucky to be next in line but I don’t really look forward to being the King of Stevid, it could so easily have been my sister if God wished it… it could still be my sister, I can not predict the winds of fate and so one can not rule out that I’m either killed or incapacitated in such a way that I can not take the throne. No matter what happens in my life and who it happens with… I’m sure my country will live on in harmony no matter its ruler.
“I’m sure the same goes for your country, I fail to believe that Anastasia will do anything to run your country into the ground and neither will I believe any of the heirs will either. The great thing about the heirs is that they take after their parents and usually rule with the same virtues and honours that the ruling monarchs did before them.

"...Nature is the unfolding essence of life that lays itself out before the eyes of the human race and which has always been there for us even if we put it under our feet with disregard. I do recall hearing that the Empress' oldest brother has been well known for his mastery of fencing and I think you could meet him sometime and perhaps challenge him to a duel. I have seen him perform and he is, indeed, a master of his craft. When it comes to competitions and the like, I devote my attention primarily to equestrian sports although I have done other things in my life. Anastasia, for example, devotes her time to hobbies like astronomy, horse riding and possibly even gymnastics although I don't know if she still does that. My siblings, two brothers and a sister, all have their own hobbies and the like as well and I would love for you to meet them all sometime when they are around. I'm the youngest of the pack and they always protect me. There are many sword fighting schools in the Ixanian Empire and I have heard much about them and their masters who teach the masses whenever they wish to learn."

“Horses… it seems a tradition in royal and noble families to engage a lot of their spare time with those animals. I lack any skill to do anything but ride them! But it is good to know that Anastasia’s brother can handle a sword, should be a close run thing, I don’t want to brag but I’m not terrible with either a foil or epee blade. Should be interesting and I’m sure the fellow himself will be a pleasure to meet too. And if you and I progress further together than just civil meetings I may be persuaded to look a prestigious fencing club here to harness my skills a little more.” He hinted a little towards a future He envisioned for only a few seconds but quickly continued. “I’d also love to meet the rest of your family as well. Father and your mother are the most charming individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting for a very long time, and I’m not saying that just to flatter you or them. Seriously, they are a lovely people. It sounds like our two families have a lot in common with one another.

"....I never expected that I would be called upon in an arranged marriage with a foreign royal myself and I rather felt I would have married one out of my own choosing or married some nobleman's son. I would not mind giving you a chance though because I see something pleasant in you. The Ixanian Empire is one of those nations that is well known around the world for its friendliness to other nations regardless of ideology and for our emphasis on neutrality and the just war theory as interpreted by Her Majesty's Government of which I am a loyal subject. As for myself, you should know my name by now and you should know my age but as for more personal things....my hobbies include equestrian sports and walks along trails along with spending time with friends and you can say that I really just like to have fun and learn about the world around me. I try to be a good and upright royal not prone to snobbishness and I try to be a good friend to people that I know in my life. Sometimes I spend time with my parents and with the Empress of Ixania whenever she is not busy with matters of state. If you have any questions then please do ask me them and I shall try my best to give you good answers."


“Well questions seem to me like a too formal thing, I like picking up points about someone through a conversation rather than a Q&A. Makes it far more like a casual talk than Prime Minister’s question time in that chicken battery they call the House of Commons! It’s good you value family before all less, family keeps you together and defend you no matter what happens in your life, they are the rock and foundations of ones life and even mental attitude. Family can help you through the direst times and enjoy your most glorious moments with which reflect well with the national ideology and identity you referred to.
“I agree with you. Although this has been arranged to a certain degree, I believe that I am in control of my own life. God has laid out a path for me and I am destined to follow it even though I do not know the path… sounds strange but he guides me on the right path the whole time and the decisions I make are ones he allows me to make. My destiny is written by God and my life is dedicated to finding out what course it takes through making my own decisions, it isn’t written in the stars and nor is it decided by my father or mother. If marriage is where this will lead to, or to put a finer point on it- where I believe it may lead to, then I’ll make every effort to explore the options of reaching that goal in life. But if it isn’t in our interests to get married then there is no harm in turning away from the fact. We are individuals in control of our own lives and only we can control what we want in life.”

“Ixania is a noble role model for any absolute monarchy to follow. Too many countries these days have corrupt monarchies simply because they believe that being of noble blood allows them authority over everyone and everything. My family believe that no man or woman is higher than God, and seeing as we are all God’s children we are in unity together in his eyes. It is on that principle and method of thinking that Stevid is based on a free society, we the Royal Family are the official rulers of our country but in fact we are nothing more than figureheads while the Stevidian government dictates policy. But Ixania is different. Corruption is naught here, your monarchy looks after its subjects- I admire that.
“I’d be a fool to consider that a peaceful country like yours doesn’t have the means to protect itself. Such a lovely country with such a strong message of freedom, faith and loyalty surely has a strong patriotic streak within its population. But I’m guessing military parades are quite so common here as they are in the Holy Empire. Stevid likes to strut its military hardware around a little too much, there is usually a precession somewhere in the country every week or so.”

Zaneta smiled. "....My cousin would be thrilled to hear you say such words about the Ixanian Empire since she has often told me how her goal in life is to make the Empire into a wonderful place to live and how she wants to die with it being strong and prosperous. We do have some military parades here, yes, but we don't go around sending our soldiers to places but rather emphasize their use in self-defense and internal affairs. The Ixanian Empire has been an absolute monarchy for many centuries with plenty of administrators and leaders advocating enlightened and responsible government. As it is said, the leader is more important then the government style which he or she uses to govern a nation. We are all mortal humans despite being royalty or what not and I don't think I'm superior to anyone because of my royal blood; sometimes royalty can be inferior in ways to commoners even if they are superior in social status. We have a lot of patriotism here; many people wear Ixanian Pride shirts to express their love of being Ixanian."

“Ah, so you are an agnostic then. I guess it’s better than being an atheist full stop. If someone is open to the concept of religion then it is a darn sight better than rejecting it all together. Religion brings the best out of people most of the time, but sometimes the worst. But lets face it, from the second century onwards to the high era of human social and mechanical development religion was the single driving force in the world, it created civilisations and thus without religion we would be the human race we know today. Cathedrals brought new methods of building that are still used today. Religion strengthens a culture in ways one can not imagine! But I, and Stevid, tolerate all faiths. We didn’t used to not too long ago but that chequered patch in our history has been over come. But I would very much like to see your cathedrals here in Ixania, not just because of their religious value but because the methods used to build them make the buildings so beautiful I can look at them all day… I’m sort of a fan of Gothic architecture.

"....I don't really know if there is a God per se even though I was blessed at birth by priests of the Orthodox Church and the like. There are many members of my family who are devout members of the Church and go to Church every Sunday with all the icons and incense going around. I respect all religions with deep toleration but I cannot say I am a member of any of them. Religion is, to me, a two edged sword which can enlighten the masses while sending them straight into the abyss. Yes, your possible bride to be is an agnostic but I hope it won't cause any problems should I end up being your wife. God knows how many people in this world are unable to accept people's differences."


[i]“War stories? I have a few to tell, not many though and they can get a little long-winded so I won’t really go into it much right now. There was a time a very long time ago during the Holy Panooly Civil War when I was only eighteen years old. A mere lieutenant back then, me and my unit were seconded to the First Infantry Battalion of the now legendary 24th Foot. We had to fight our way through the rebel city of Volta… suffice to say it was a harrowing and bloody experience to say the least.

"....I am sure it must have been bloody as are all wars and battles but the shedding of blood in war can be sanctioned if it is not the blood of the innocents shed in the streets. I've learned that many Ixanians consider the just war theory to be the ideal policy when it comes to foreign affairs and that many of them consider fighting for Ixania to be the greatest war one can fight. I personally believe in the just war theory but I do feel war should always be a last resort."

“Succession to any throne should never be a highly held aspiration because of the linage that royal families take. I’m lucky to be next in line but I don’t really look forward to being the King of Stevid, it could so easily have been my sister if God wished it… it could still be my sister, I can not predict the winds of fate and so one can not rule out that I’m either killed or incapacitated in such a way that I can not take the throne. No matter what happens in my life and who it happens with… I’m sure my country will live on in harmony no matter its ruler.

Zaneta smiled. "....As long as Stevid is blessed with wise and modest men and women who know how to adequately rule the land and keep the people content....so shall the nation prosper and endure the challenges that are ahead. I may end up the Empress one day but I do not mind if I am not...it may be considered compensation if I end up the Queen Consort of Stevid should our marriage end up being official. To be honest, James, I do like you."

“I’m sure the same goes for your country, I fail to believe that Anastasia will do anything to run your country into the ground and neither will I believe any of the heirs will either. The great thing about the heirs is that they take after their parents and usually rule with the same virtues and honours that the ruling monarchs did before them.

"...Anastasia the Second has been considered by many to be an excellent ruler so far when it comes to politics and I am sure she will teach her heirs all there is to know about ruling from the throne. She has no heirs yet but I am sure she will since many men have offered to take her down the aisle. It's often said my family has a beauty gene and that I am considered one of the lucky ones to have it...."

[i]“Horses… it seems a tradition in royal and noble families to engage a lot of their spare time with those animals. I lack any skill to do anything but ride them! But it is good to know that Anastasia’s brother can handle a sword, should be a close run thing, I don’t want to brag but I’m not terrible with either a foil or epee blade. Should be interesting and I’m sure the fellow himself will be a pleasure to meet too. And if you and I progress further together than just civil meetings I may be persuaded to look a prestigious fencing club here to harness my skills a little more.”[i] He hinted a little towards a future He envisioned for only a few seconds but quickly continued. [i]“I’d also love to meet the rest of your family as well. Father and your mother are the most charming individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting for a very long time, and I’m not saying that just to flatter you or them. Seriously, they are a lovely people. It sounds like our two families have a lot in common with one another.

"...Perhaps, then, we can entertain ourselves with a little horse riding session? I think that Alexander is currently living with the Empress Dowager due to being underage since he's younger than both of us but yet mature enough to be considered an adult in the frame of a teenager; and I must say I'm glad that you think highly of my parents. I love them very much and I'm thankful to have such good and decent people to have raised me since I came into this world many years ago. Not every child is lucky, unfortunately, to have such parents...."


“Well questions seem to me like a too formal thing, I like picking up points about someone through a conversation rather than a Q&A. Makes it far more like a casual talk than Prime Minister’s question time in that chicken battery they call the House of Commons! It’s good you value family before all less, family keeps you together and defend you no matter what happens in your life, they are the rock and foundations of ones life and even mental attitude. Family can help you through the direst times and enjoy your most glorious moments with which reflect well with the national ideology and identity you referred to.

"...The Ixanian Empire does have a House of Representatives or some group like that where the people can voice their concerns to Her Majesty and her ministers. The ties that bind us to our families can become very useful in the most dire situations but it is at times hard to repair those ties when they become rusty and broken. I would not mind having my own family one day but it must be only with the person I love, my one true love, because a marriage and by extension family without love is nothing."

“I agree with you. Although this has been arranged to a certain degree, I believe that I am in control of my own life. God has laid out a path for me and I am destined to follow it even though I do not know the path… sounds strange but he guides me on the right path the whole time and the decisions I make are ones he allows me to make. My destiny is written by God and my life is dedicated to finding out what course it takes through making my own decisions, it isn’t written in the stars and nor is it decided by my father or mother. If marriage is where this will lead to, or to put a finer point on it- where I believe it may lead to, then I’ll make every effort to explore the options of reaching that goal in life. But if it isn’t in our interests to get married then there is no harm in turning away from the fact. We are individuals in control of our own lives and only we can control what we want in life.”

Zaneta nodded her head. "...I will probably find someone to marry if I don't end up walking down the aisle of a Stevidian church but to be honest I think you are quite a handsome figure who I would love to be friends with if things go downhill between us. What do you think of me so far, James? Do you find me beautiful? Do you think a marriage between us would work out? I think, to be honest, that we may be able to get our hands on one. James, are you hungry or thirsty? I think we should get ourselves a snack or two, no? Even us royalty needs the energy from food and the like to keep on going; it is like the fuel we put in cars."

Zaneta smiled. "...I think that we should go out later tonight to see the city together and try to know each other more and perhaps find the love that would make us both want to get married. James, if you don't want to marry me at all, I don't really mind....at least, at the moment I do not."

Zaneta smiled. "....My cousin would be thrilled to hear you say such words about the Ixanian Empire since she has often told me how her goal in life is to make the Empire into a wonderful place to live and how she wants to die with it being strong and prosperous. We do have some military parades here, yes, but we don't go around sending our soldiers to places but rather emphasize their use in self-defense and internal affairs. The Ixanian Empire has been an absolute monarchy for many centuries with plenty of administrators and leaders advocating enlightened and responsible government. As it is said, the leader is more important then the government style which he or she uses to govern a nation. We are all mortal humans despite being royalty or what not and I don't think I'm superior to anyone because of my royal blood; sometimes royalty can be inferior in ways to commoners even if they are superior in social status. We have a lot of patriotism here; many people wear Ixanian Pride shirts to express their love of being Ixanian."

“It’s nice to hear you say that just because you have royal blood you still don’t feel as if you are better than the plebs that work beneath you on the social ladder. The Stevidian monarchy follows and adopts those same virtues, apart from the huge palaces and houses and massive estates! But your cousin the Queen does rule over one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. Stevid is a green and pleasant land but only to an extent. A massive swathe of ash and dust cuts through Stevid along the latitude line. (OOC: or longitude- whichever is the horizontal one) “It’s called the Stevidian Wastelands and the semi active volcano makes sure that the ash continues to fall… but also the majority of Stevid’s industry is there. The uranium mining sector thrives here and belches out toxic fumes, the coal and gas power plants are located en mass here as well and also, to the amazement of everyone, the biggest cathedral in the region- maybe the world- was built there as well. St. Malleus Cathedral symbolises the struggle Christians go through in life and so pilgrims have to really suffer to visit it, by foot anyway.
“However aside from the wastelands Stevid is remarkably beautiful. Rubet Island, the largest western island on the map of Stevid, is just as lovely and there are no wastelands there to speak of. But it is safe to stay, Ixania is probably more beautiful than my own country. Besides, my own military have massive, truly massive, areas of land for them to exercise in. That also includes the parts of the wastelands too. So we blow our own country up on occasions too as well as have military parades… we’re not violent but our military is one of the best in the world and has a lot of show for it- it needs to be in tip top condition.”

"....I don't really know if there is a God per se even though I was blessed at birth by priests of the Orthodox Church and the like. There are many members of my family who are devout members of the Church and go to Church every Sunday with all the icons and incense going around. I respect all religions with deep toleration but I cannot say I am a member of any of them. Religion is, to me, a two edged sword which can enlighten the masses while sending them straight into the abyss. Yes, your possible bride to be is an agnostic but I hope it won't cause any problems should I end up being your wife. God knows how many people in this world are unable to accept people's differences."

“I wish what could be said for you could be said for the majority of Stevid. When it comes to religion we are an arrogant bunch, even myself- I’d be a hypocrite and a liar if I said I wasn’t arrogant. We are tolerant to all faiths but certainly suspicious of some more than others. The Jews are widely welcomed, Christ was a Jew after all. Muslims are viewed with a lot of suspicion but only because of the actions of terrorists who ‘profess’ they are following the word of God- but we respect them greatly because the majority of them are peaceful and also Mohammad was a prophet of God. Satanists are viewed with outright contempt but only because we are a deeply Christian country… it’s a shame we view them in such a way but they are the complete opposite to Christianity. Other factions of Christianity are respected too, Orthodox and Anglican for example are respected but not held as high as Catholicism which dominates at least 75% of the country. But brand new sects that have broken away from the Vatican II are viewed almost with hostility. Vatican I was a time when our God was a vengeful rather than a forgiving- it is this belief Stevid holds close to heart. One could say we miss the days of the old Church but sects broke away them because they didn’t agree with the Pope’s methods back then. However all Catholics follow the new Vatican which is far more peaceful and new breakaway sects have no real reason for disowning a great Pope like the current one. The Church has split so often so many times that we need unity and not separation and yet to this day new sects appear because they disagree with a single line from he Book of Matthew or something pathetic like that. It divides the Church while other religions mock us because of it. It personally upsets me to see the mighty Catholic Church cave in on itself sometimes.

"....I am sure it must have been bloody as are all wars and battles but the shedding of blood in war can be sanctioned if it is not the blood of the innocents shed in the streets. I've learned that many Ixanians consider the just war theory to be the ideal policy when it comes to foreign affairs and that many of them consider fighting for Ixania to be the greatest war one can fight. I personally believe in the just war theory but I do feel war should always be a last resort."

Likewise but I believe that war in the conventional sense is the second from last resort. Thermonuclear war, I categorise, as a separate sort of war altogether. The threat of nuclear weapons terrifies me and my government too. We know when big gets too big and our biggest bomb is 30 megatons and we only have a handful of those devices. We have thousands and thousands of nuclear weapons but 30Mt is enough to end the world if used enough. Stevid has only used her nuclear weapons twice. Most recently against the Golden Throne in the War of Golden Succession, ironically it ended the war but was only 2Mt and we only launched one device… that was all that was needed. The Empire itself has fired nuclear weapons. The Holy Empire unilaterally agreed to wipe the Steppe Empire of the map and Adaptus Astrates represented us there. The Steppe Empire were enfilades especially when 99% of their population joined the military to wage a bloody war against religions and neighbouring nations, eradication was deemed to be the ‘only’ choice by the government. It was a symbolic point as well… it showed that we were not afraid to the use the arsenal. I agree in the nuclear deterrent but I’m glad I’m not in control of when it is used, those weapons scare me to the bone.

Zaneta smiled. "....As long as Stevid is blessed with wise and modest men and women who know how to adequately rule the land and keep the people content....so shall the nation prosper and endure the challenges that are ahead. I may end up the Empress one day but I do not mind if I am not...it may be considered compensation if I end up the Queen Consort of Stevid should our marriage end up being official. To be honest, James, I do like you."

James was taken aback by this somewhat but he replied and with a big smile. “It sounds like you are warming to the idea of this arrangement thing… I’m… actually very relieved you were so forward there. No offence but women are notoriously hard to read mentally and I can’t say I’m fantastic at reading women. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like you, physically: my jaw literally dropped and I tried to cover it up as best I could. Personally: you are exceptionally charming and gifted with speech that does your education justice. Very pleasant to be around and you put me at ease when I was nervous about an hour ago very quickly. For that I am grateful.

"...I will probably find someone to marry if I don't end up walking down the aisle of a Stevidian church but to be honest I think you are quite a handsome figure who I would love to be friends with if things go downhill between us. What do you think of me so far, James? Do you find me beautiful? Do you think a marriage between us would work out? I think, to be honest, that we may be able to get our hands on one. James, are you hungry or thirsty? I think we should get ourselves a snack or two, no? Even us royalty needs the energy from food and the like to keep on going; it is like the fuel we put in cars."

Zaneta smiled. "...I think that we should go out later tonight to see the city together and try to know each other more and perhaps find the love that would make us both want to get married. James, if you don't want to marry me at all, I don't really mind....at least, at the moment I do not."


“Even if it isn’t me I don’t doubt someone will come along. It would be a sin for you to live out your life without someone, you do deserve someone. If what I think about you interests you so then you needn’t need me to say that you beauty is quite frankly astounding to behold! If it came to marriage I would make it work, one doesn’t rush into those decisions and I will never make a vow like that without holding up to the commitment of ‘Until death parts us’. I can assure you that even through the most difficult of times the relationship would hold together and grow from strength to strength. I wouldn’t marry you just for the sake of getting married and so you have my assurance, my 100% guarantee, that if fate leads us down that course my loyalty to you would not be questioned.
“I’m glad you mentioned food, I’m famished and I’d love to fill up… Also, so long as you are on the ‘tour’ of the city then I’m up for that, the royal need to let their hair down at least some times- marriage should be the issue between us when we’re out. Too much pressure from everyone, let’s try and get to know each other that little bit better first. My sister Jane will love you, she’s the outgoing party, live life to the full because you won’t live forever sort of person. I’m sure my family will impress you as yours have impressed me!”

OOC: An IC post will be coming soon. I apologize in advance for my lateness. :tongue:

OOC: Quite alright.

OOC: Quite alright.

OOC: Still sorry for the lateness. I'll get a post up tonight or this week. I've just been busy with non-NS related things.

OOC: LOL no worries, this is the first time i've logged on in nearly 3 days anyway!

“It’s nice to hear you say that just because you have royal blood you still don’t feel as if you are better than the plebs that work beneath you on the social ladder. The Stevidian monarchy follows and adopts those same virtues, apart from the huge palaces and houses and massive estates! But your cousin the Queen does rule over one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. Stevid is a green and pleasant land but only to an extent. A massive swathe of ash and dust cuts through Stevid along the latitude line.[/i] (OOC: or longitude- whichever is the horizontal one) “It’s called the Stevidian Wastelands and the semi active volcano makes sure that the ash continues to fall… but also the majority of Stevid’s industry is there. The uranium mining sector thrives here and belches out toxic fumes, the coal and gas power plants are located en mass here as well and also, to the amazement of everyone, the biggest cathedral in the region- maybe the world- was built there as well. St. Malleus Cathedral symbolises the struggle Christians go through in life and so pilgrims have to really suffer to visit it, by foot anyway.

"...All royal families regardless of wealth and palaces are made of the same flesh and blood as even the lowest of vagrants and must not forget this lest they fall into tyranny and so forth. The House of Schverzinski has enjoyed the support and the respect of the masses for many years and Ixania has many landmarks and buildings of various sizes and architectural styles. There are many Orthodox churches and chapels as well as those under the Lutheran denomination and so forth. There are many things to see in Ixania and perhaps you will be able to see more in the future. In fact, we may see some landmarks today if you would like."

“However aside from the wastelands Stevid is remarkably beautiful. Rubet Island, the largest western island on the map of Stevid, is just as lovely and there are no wastelands there to speak of. But it is safe to stay, Ixania is probably more beautiful than my own country. Besides, my own military have massive, truly massive, areas of land for them to exercise in. That also includes the parts of the wastelands too. So we blow our own country up on occasions too as well as have military parades… we’re not violent but our military is one of the best in the world and has a lot of show for it- it needs to be in tip top condition.”

"...The Ixanian Empire has plenty of military parades despite our emphasis on the just war theory and our belief that war must always be a last resort. I have seen some of the parades and I hope that our armies will be able to defend our land to the fullest although I sincerely hope we won't be dragged into a war which will require that. If that happens, though, I shall pledge my utmost support to those people who suffer and die for our sakes."

“I wish what could be said for you could be said for the majority of Stevid. When it comes to religion we are an arrogant bunch, even myself- I’d be a hypocrite and a liar if I said I wasn’t arrogant. We are tolerant to all faiths but certainly suspicious of some more than others. The Jews are widely welcomed, Christ was a Jew after all. Muslims are viewed with a lot of suspicion but only because of the actions of terrorists who ‘profess’ they are following the word of God- but we respect them greatly because the majority of them are peaceful and also Mohammad was a prophet of God. Satanists are viewed with outright contempt but only because we are a deeply Christian country… it’s a shame we view them in such a way but they are the complete opposite to Christianity. Other factions of Christianity are respected too, Orthodox and Anglican for example are respected but not held as high as Catholicism which dominates at least 75% of the country. But brand new sects that have broken away from the Vatican II are viewed almost with hostility. Vatican I was a time when our God was a vengeful rather than a forgiving- it is this belief Stevid holds close to heart. One could say we miss the days of the old Church but sects broke away them because they didn’t agree with the Pope’s methods back then. However all Catholics follow the new Vatican which is far more peaceful and new breakaway sects have no real reason for disowning a great Pope like the current one. The Church has split so often so many times that we need unity and not separation and yet to this day new sects appear because they disagree with a single line from he Book of Matthew or something pathetic like that. It divides the Church while other religions mock us because of it. It personally upsets me to see the mighty Catholic Church cave in on itself sometimes.

"The Ixanian Empire is a predominantly Christian but religiously tolerant nation that has opened its arms to people who are not of the Orthodox majority for many years and this tolerance extends to the colonies that Her Majesty's Government reigns over such as Ixanian Belkaros which, truth be told, has a unique history revolving around a foreign monarch's marriage proposal for my cousin, the Empress. She rejected the proposal but she was able to keep the gift. There may be Catholics in Ixania and I do not think that Catholic missionaries would be rejected save by only a few individuals but we are always bound to see prejudice and the like within the confines of people's minds. The Orthodox Church, I believe, has its own television channel with which they extoll the virtues of the Ixanian Orthodox Church and teach people about its rich heritage; I do believe, as well, that there is a Lutheran equivalent. Religion is not important to some in Ixania but many people can say with pleasure that they are tolerant towards it. There are only some religions that may not be accepted such as cults, for example, and the reasons for this must be obvious to you."

Likewise but I believe that war in the conventional sense is the second from last resort. Thermonuclear war, I categorise, as a separate sort of war altogether. The threat of nuclear weapons terrifies me and my government too. We know when big gets too big and our biggest bomb is 30 megatons and we only have a handful of those devices. We have thousands and thousands of nuclear weapons but 30Mt is enough to end the world if used enough. Stevid has only used her nuclear weapons twice. Most recently against the Golden Throne in the War of Golden Succession, ironically it ended the war but was only 2Mt and we only launched one device… that was all that was needed. The Empire itself has fired nuclear weapons. The Holy Empire unilaterally agreed to wipe the Steppe Empire of the map and Adaptus Astrates represented us there. The Steppe Empire were enfilades especially when 99% of their population joined the military to wage a bloody war against religions and neighbouring nations, eradication was deemed to be the ‘only’ choice by the government. It was a symbolic point as well… it showed that we were not afraid to the use the arsenal. I agree in the nuclear deterrent but I’m glad I’m not in control of when it is used, those weapons scare me to the bone.

"...The Ixanian Empire does have an arsenal of nuclear weapons but we have never had to use them in conflicts against other nations and I am more than sure that nuclear weapons can scare many people to the core with their awesome power which can essentially exterminate all life on Earth if used recklessly and without concern or politically rational thought, that is, thinking about politics (and by extension, military matters) rationally so that the best policies are made. I must admit that I am skeptical of your claim that ninety nine percent of the Steppe Empire's population joined the military to wage a bloody war against external forces and religions but I am sure many would be skeptical of such a claim."

James was taken aback by this somewhat but he replied and with a big smile. “It sounds like you are warming to the idea of this arrangement thing… I’m… actually very relieved you were so forward there. No offence but women are notoriously hard to read mentally and I can’t say I’m fantastic at reading women. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like you, physically: my jaw literally dropped and I tried to cover it up as best I could. Personally: you are exceptionally charming and gifted with speech that does your education justice. Very pleasant to be around and you put me at ease when I was nervous about an hour ago very quickly. For that I am grateful.

Zaneta smiled. "....I'm flattered by your compliments and I must thank you for them although I am sure you aren't the only man who will give me such lovely words. I must say, to be honest, that I don't know if I will want to go through the marriage but I think that, if we do, that you would be a good husband. You not only look very handsome but you act very modestly and I sense you are filled with virtue. Perhaps, in fact, we may get to know each other a lot more than we do now...."


“Even if it isn’t me I don’t doubt someone will come along. It would be a sin for you to live out your life without someone, you do deserve someone. If what I think about you interests you so then you needn’t need me to say that you beauty is quite frankly astounding to behold! If it came to marriage I would make it work, one doesn’t rush into those decisions and I will never make a vow like that without holding up to the commitment of ‘Until death parts us’. I can assure you that even through the most difficult of times the relationship would hold together and grow from strength to strength. I wouldn’t marry you just for the sake of getting married and so you have my assurance, my 100% guarantee, that if fate leads us down that course my loyalty to you would not be questioned.

"....It is a common truth of life that marriages can only survive with both partners committed to making it survive and with both partners madly in love with each other with rejections reserved for all others who may come to them. Your words make you more appealing to me as a possible husband, James, and I'm beginning to be quite fond of you already but don't think it's love just yet."

“I’m glad you mentioned food, I’m famished and I’d love to fill up… Also, so long as you are on the ‘tour’ of the city then I’m up for that, the royal need to let their hair down at least some times- marriage should be the issue between us when we’re out. Too much pressure from everyone, let’s try and get to know each other that little bit better first. My sister Jane will love you, she’s the outgoing party, live life to the full because you won’t live forever sort of person. I’m sure my family will impress you as yours have impressed me!”

"We shall, I believe, enjoy some food and drink here at the Palace and then we shall go on a tour of the city so you can learn more about the Ixanian Empire. I would, indeed, love to meet Jane and other members of your family and I am sure that she could visit Ixania one day; perhaps we can arrange a visit for her, James."

OOC: Will James be staying in Ixania for more than one day? I think that we could have James and Zaneta get attached to each other more and more over the next several days. ;)

bumped.

Bumped.

OOC: Sorry for the delay. I hope to get a post up in a few hours.

“I’d love Jane to come here soon actually if our relationship goes that little bit further and maybe we can arrange something with her over the coming weeks I guess. I’m in no rush to get home and so I’ll be here for at least a week or maybe two depending how much we get on and how homesick I get! But she is a lovely girl, modest and much like you in some ways- I’m sure you’ll both get on but also I’m doubly sure you’ll get on with the rest of my family.
“As for the landmarks around the country, I’d very much love to see one of the cathedrals you have here. Albeit not a Catholic one it makes no difference to me so long as it is an epic house of God. I’m very in tune with my religion and respect all those faiths that construct huge monolithic structures to show their love of their God. It is awe inspiring to see such buildings.
“Still, I’m all for getting to know each other a lot better and I’m not at all taken aback by you not falling in love- we have just met. Love at first sight is very rare if at all possible in most cases. You have to build on something from the ground up to make it happen which is exactly what I intend to do here and now with you, ‘tis the reason why I’m here in the first even if I didn’t realise it until a few hours ago.
“Zaneta, you must come to Stevid sometime and my own green and pleasant land. I’ve never really had the golden opportunity to fully sell my country to somebody else in such a way, we’re a straight and true bunch of people on those little islands but the international respect and even reverence we get from other countries is astounding. Stevid’s British routes and its own national identities make me more and more proud to be Stevidian and a descendent of the colonist who first landed there all those centuries ago. But being able to guide a dear girl who I am falling for ever so quickly,” A small dashing smile spread across James’ face. “around my country and houses and really show off what my own country has to offer makes my pride swell even more. A marriage could tie our countries together for centuries to come, assuming that’s the course the Lord has planned for us, and I like to think that I, that we, are the in the midst of the very beginnings of history. A quite spectacular history that is still, ironically, the future… I’m babbling a bit now, but the realisation has just hit me at just how important this could all be or how unimportant it could be. These are the crossroads in our lives and we’ve got to make a decision on which way to turn and yet there are so many different directions, so many possibilities, that we can take either together or separately.”

James paused momentarily.

“Come!” He said with a broad smile. “Let’s enjoy that meal and then enjoy the city as you suggested!”

“I’d love Jane to come here soon actually if our relationship goes that little bit further and maybe we can arrange something with her over the coming weeks I guess. I’m in no rush to get home and so I’ll be here for at least a week or maybe two depending how much we get on and how homesick I get! But she is a lovely girl, modest and much like you in some ways- I’m sure you’ll both get on but also I’m doubly sure you’ll get on with the rest of my family.

"....Jane would be able to come out here regardless of what happens between us, James, and I am sure that she would like it here but it depends on what she wants to see and do. I would hope that we can all get along rather than devolve into needless rivalries. You know, James, I do like you. I am, in fact, quite enamoured with you. It may grow into love, yes, but not at the moment. Do you have any girls back in Stevid that you like?"

Zaneta felt a bit flustered but it didn't show; she knew fully well that she was finding James to be more and more nice and civil and, in her mind, she considered marrying him more and more. If she did marry him, though, would he stay like this?

“As for the landmarks around the country, I’d very much love to see one of the cathedrals you have here. Albeit not a Catholic one it makes no difference to me so long as it is an epic house of God. I’m very in tune with my religion and respect all those faiths that construct huge monolithic structures to show their love of their God. It is awe inspiring to see such buildings.

"....I believe that the massive churches were built by the faithful in the hopes that God would take note of their piety in the form of their architectural pursuits. I do not mind if we visit some together because most people can go and see them anytime, at least, I think they can. I am sure that you wouldn't be barred from any of them due to your Catholicism either, James, because Ixania is a tolerant place."

“Still, I’m all for getting to know each other a lot better and I’m not at all taken aback by you not falling in love- we have just met. Love at first sight is very rare if at all possible in most cases. You have to build on something from the ground up to make it happen which is exactly what I intend to do here and now with you, ‘tis the reason why I’m here in the first even if I didn’t realise it until a few hours ago.

"....I never thought I would have been meeting a man I may one day call my loving husband but, then again, life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you are going to get. I really am feeling like calling you a friend or something, at least, close to that rank. You really are a nice man, it seems. I hope, James, you always stay that way around me and, perhaps, the love we seek could become visible."

“Zaneta, you must come to Stevid sometime and my own green and pleasant land. I’ve never really had the golden opportunity to fully sell my country to somebody else in such a way, we’re a straight and true bunch of people on those little islands but the international respect and even reverence we get from other countries is astounding.

"....I do recall hearing plenty of stories about the Stevidian Empire's dealings with the Ryou Black Islands and those nations with which the Ryou feud so constantly with. I would really much love to visit Stevid in the future and I am sure you could be my tour guide."

Stevid’s British routes and its own national identities make me more and more proud to be Stevidian and a descendent of the colonist who first landed there all those centuries ago. But being able to guide a dear girl who I am falling for ever so quickly,”[/i] A small dashing smile spread across James’ face. “around my country and houses and really show off what my own country has to offer makes my pride swell even more.

"He's falling for me quickly? Really?!"

Zaneta smiled. "....I.....I think that it is nice to see you take pride in being a Stevidian as do many here who take pride for being an Ixanian. There are people who wear Ixanian Pride shirts and the like whenever they go out for whatever purpose that is on their mind. I am proud to live in Ixanian and to be an Ixanian citizen for in this nation have we found much to be thankful for over the centuries."

A marriage could tie our countries together for centuries to come, assuming that’s the course the Lord has planned for us, and I like to think that I, that we, are the in the midst of the very beginnings of history. A quite spectacular history that is still, ironically, the future… I’m babbling a bit now, but the realisation has just hit me at just how important this could all be or how unimportant it could be. These are the crossroads in our lives and we’ve got to make a decision on which way to turn and yet there are so many different directions, so many possibilities, that we can take either together or separately.”

"....A marriage would tie our two nations together very closely as would the subsequent developments one often associates with the matrimonial acts. There are many paths which both of us could take, separately or together, and I hope that we each find the best path to take."

Zaneta was walking quite close to James as if wanting to hold his hand although she didn't feel like she wanted to hold it. She was feeling a strange connection to this foreign prince. Was it the beginning of love?


James paused momentarily.

[i]“Come!” He said with a broad smile. “Let’s enjoy that meal and then enjoy the city as you suggested!”

"....We must head back into the palace then! Follow me, James!"

Zaneta giggled as she rushed into the palace with James at her side as they were schoolchildren rushing to get to school before they were reprimanded for being late. They got to what looked like a dining room and the people there, such as the butler, got the hint that a meal was to be prepared for the royal couple. Zaneta reached for her chair but was quite slow in doing so, that is, as if inviting James to help her get on it. Was she doing this all on purpose or unwittingly?

“Surprise me good sir!” Said James to the waiter in good spirit. “If the chef falls short on ideas then tell to whisk me up something traditional from these parts. I don’t know what this lovely lady here wants and I’m not going to rush an order on her behalf, but get us both something delightful eh?” He finished after beckoning to Zaneta.

He did notice her slowly move towards the chair and he saw his cue to act. He moved the chair out for her and allowed her to sit of her own accord before drawing a chair up for him. He frowned to himself; this girl was unpredictable in a sense, at one minute she was quite polite and very ‘upper class’ to use a better word before turning into a playful girl and throwing away the bonds of tradition before sinking back into that polite girl once at this dinner table. It didn’t bother him at all; one did have to keep up appearances to other people when the occasion called for it. At least when they were alone they could let their hair down and say whatever they liked however they liked without scrutiny by anyone else, but if someone else were present at the time then decorum would have to take priority in certain cases. It was why he did help Zaneta into her seat, the dinner butlers and servants would have been most amused by the lack of respect shown by James if he hadn’t done so, at least that’s what he presumed anyway.

“I’ll take you up on those offers those Zaneta, Jane would really enjoy this place and I’m sure news of me meeting you has reached her already. If I know her she’ll be just dying to see you- I’ll get in touch with her as soon as possible. Also about that little tour around the city, you mentioned some decent places to visit in particular the cathedral you were on about. Sounds like an interesting place but I hope we could arrange it so that we may be able to do it alone… for discretional purposes I mean.” He finished the sentence with a small blush.

Do it alone he thought to himself. That came out a little awkward.

“Err… yes. I mean I like a little publicity every now and again as much as the next person but this is about me and you.” His heart skipped a beat and seized to opportunity and took her by the hand she had laid on the table and looked directly at her. [i]“Just me and you- no one else. The last thing I want is someone pointing and whispering about us, jumping the gun and conclusions, phoning the press and swamping the whole area with journalists and the paparazzi. Not quite the romantic scene I have in mind!”/[i]

He cast his mind back over the past few hours, especially in the garden. He didn’t want to say just in case he got the wrong reaction that she hadn’t felt the same way in the garden. Call it human intuition or something else but he had felt the distinct impression in the garden that there was a definite connection between them in the garden. She had deliberately moved to his side a little too closely in the garden for him to ignore, he didn’t know quite what to do at first but he took and held her hand seconds later. It was almost subconscious, neither of them seemed to notice it until they had let go of each other to run up the stairs back into the palace. It wasn’t awkward, he just smiled at her and she did the same. Whether it was just a growing attachment between the two or just the fact that they were just getting to know each other a little better, James had no idea. He hadn’t left her in the dark though and had expressed definite attraction to the young lady and likewise she had been quite forward with words as well. He felt as if something had to be done to move things forward still, a little tour around the city seemed perfect but God knows what he would have to do come night time. Dinner and maybe just hit the hay or was Zaneta the loud nightlife sort of girl? She didn’t come across as the ‘West end’, stupidly expensive nightclubbing sort of girl like his sister Jane was. Jane was getting into the papers almost every month with her outgoing eccentricity, pictures of drinking and clubbing didn’t put her in bad light but made the public hope that she really didn’t become Queen- she was second in the line and guessed that James was probably going to have children that she didn’t need to look after herself has much as she did.

Whether this was the case with Zaneta too was another manner. They weren’t all different, Jane had the same mannerisms and decorum when with visitors and guests but when not on royal duty see was your average out going young girl. Only time would tell, and as the meal arrived he couldn’t help but think that maybe he and Zaneta could make something wonderful work.

“Surprise me good sir!” Said James to the waiter in good spirit. “If the chef falls short on ideas then tell to whisk me up something traditional from these parts. I don’t know what this lovely lady here wants and I’m not going to rush an order on her behalf, but get us both something delightful eh?” He finished after beckoning to Zaneta.

Zaneta giggled. There was something about James that made him all the more interesting and all the more fun to be with but was that merely a foreshadowing of love? He looked like a man she would have no problems spending her life with. "....You may surprise me as well, waiter!"

“I’ll take you up on those offers those Zaneta, Jane would really enjoy this place and I’m sure news of me meeting you has reached her already. If I know her she’ll be just dying to see you- I’ll get in touch with her as soon as possible. Also about that little tour around the city, you mentioned some decent places to visit in particular the cathedral you were on about. Sounds like an interesting place but I hope we could arrange it so that we may be able to do it alone… for discretional purposes I mean.” He finished the sentence with a small blush.

Zaneta smiled. ".....It depends on what Jane likes and wants to see in terms of whether she will like it here or not but I am pretty sure she will enjoy herself here in Ixania. As for the tour around the city, we'll get started on it after we are finished here with our lunch. We'll be using a limosuine for it and we'll go around from place to place. As for doing it alone......we can do that. We'll just the security guards at a good enough distance. As for the cathedral, we'll visit it."

Do it alone he thought to himself. That came out a little awkward.

"...Do it alone? Is he planning to try something?" Zaneta thought.

“Err… yes. I mean I like a little publicity every now and again as much as the next person but this is about me and you.” His heart skipped a beat and seized to opportunity and took her by the hand she had laid on the table and looked directly at her. [i]“Just me and you- no one else. The last thing I want is someone pointing and whispering about us, jumping the gun and conclusions, phoning the press and swamping the whole area with journalists and the paparazzi. Not quite the romantic scene I have in mind!”/[i]

Zaneta did not expect him to launch his hand forth to claim hers but she didn't withdraw her hand from him but simply smiled as she silently listened to him speak. He was sounding more and more good to her and he didn't pose any danger, it seemed, but she knew he could just be acting for the sake of making it look like he was not a malevolent person. She doubted that was the case, though. ".....We can go alone, James, and be free from the people who would publicize us being together for all the souls of the land to see. Do not worry about it. We will make sure only the security guards, at least, can see us and, if they do, that they will not be in our immediate vicinity so we can have some....romance."

She grinned. James was becoming quite the interesting prince in her mind.

He cast his mind back over the past few hours, especially in the garden. He didn’t want to say just in case he got the wrong reaction that she hadn’t felt the same way in the garden. Call it human intuition or something else but he had felt the distinct impression in the garden that there was a definite connection between them in the garden. She had deliberately moved to his side a little too closely in the garden for him to ignore, he didn’t know quite what to do at first but he took and held her hand seconds later. It was almost subconscious, neither of them seemed to notice it until they had let go of each other to run up the stairs back into the palace. It wasn’t awkward, he just smiled at her and she did the same. Whether it was just a growing attachment between the two or just the fact that they were just getting to know each other a little better, James had no idea. He hadn’t left her in the dark though and had expressed definite attraction to the young lady and likewise she had been quite forward with words as well. He felt as if something had to be done to move things forward still, a little tour around the city seemed perfect but God knows what he would have to do come night time. Dinner and maybe just hit the hay or was Zaneta the loud nightlife sort of girl? She didn’t come across as the ‘West end’, stupidly expensive nightclubbing sort of girl like his sister Jane was. Jane was getting into the papers almost every month with her outgoing eccentricity, pictures of drinking and clubbing didn’t put her in bad light but made the public hope that she really didn’t become Queen- she was second in the line and guessed that James was probably going to have children that she didn’t need to look after herself has much as she did.

There were boys and men that Zaneta had taken a fancy towards during her life on Earth but such fancies were mere childhood infatuations that were commonplace among girls during those tender years of life. She knew that this marriage was backed by both governments and that her cousin, the Empress, had given her official support to it. The stamp of approval that was held in the soft and dainty hands of the Empress was plunged upon it. Zaneta didn't mind any of this nor did she care about the politics behind the marriage for, indeed, marriage should only be about the mutual reciprocation of love and trust. Zaneta contemplated the nature of this prince, James of Stevid, who had been thrown before her in the hopes of being her husband. What sort of man was he? This would be answered during his visit. She didn't mind living with him in Stevid but that would depend on whether or not she felt him to be good enough for marriage. Needless to say, she would still want to retain him as a good friend regardless of what happened. Lunch was eventually served and Zaneta, ever so polite, ate her meal with calmness and dignity rather than rabidly and making a mess of the place. Those years of learning how to properly eat and drink, as people referred to etiquette classes, paid off in the presence of the Stevidian prince. Zaneta could still remember those classes of hers. "....James, I must tell you that we may venture out into the city tonight if that is something you would be interested in doing; I do not have any contempt for the nightlife. No, I'm not some party girl though. I do know that I have to keep some standard of living that will give the people an impression that the Imperial Family is proper and well kept. God knows how the tabloids can ruin a family like ours!"

Zaneta brushed her hand across her face before continuing to speak. "....I am, though, a fun loving girl who can be quite energetic when the situation demands it of me. I am not just some boring and dull lady who you would not want to be around for more than five minutes. Even us royals, in my opinion, can enjoy life. Is there anything you want to see in the city specfically? Churches? Museums? Statues?"

When the meal arrived James was quick to eat it down and let is decorum relax ever so slightly and still made every effort to engage Zaneta with conversation. His awkward use of words minutes before seemed to have gone unnoticed and if they didn’t then the young girl was doing a good job at cover up the fact she’d noticed. Still, they were both getting on exceptionally well it seemed that only good could come out of the following days of his stay in Ixania.

“Well so long as your content with the security we could visit one of the Cathedrals but I’m not over interested in them, I’m in my twenties- lurking around churches is relaxing but not ‘fun’ to say the least really. I’m sure there are some decent parks for us to wonder through although the palace gardens here are quite the sight anyway. So I guess we could make a move after luncheon then?”

Zaneta was quick to agree and once they’d eaten the food she gave word to the drivers to arrange a car for them to use and for precautions to be made with security personnel for wherever they were going to go.
James was really enjoying this and he found hard not express this, he almost always now had a smile on his face- enjoying company this much didn’t seem normal to him but then again Zaneta was open to the concept of actually having a meaningful relationship even though this whole thing had been drawn up by the two monarchies of the countries involved. But he put that to one side, despite the personal and political implications of it all he was still really enjoying his visit more so being with Zaneta.

“So as for tonight,” He continued as they waited for word that the car was ready. “You know this country like the back of your hand and I’m sure you know the city better most people here in the palace. You have any suggestions at all… because I honestly don’t mind where we go and that’s not my bad laid back attitude streak rearing its ugly head. It’s actually that even if we spend all night at a club, or watching the stars at night or simply staying here in the palace, it doesn’t really phase me at all because what I really want is to just be with you…”

He broke the deep eye contact they had had for so long and with a slight blush broke the silence that had only descended for a few seconds.

“I guess that was a little forward even for me and I don’t want to push home an assumption of clinginess on my part. It’s just that I do think there’s a real connection between us that has grown and grown since I arrived here today.” He stopped and stared deep in Zaneta and his eyes narrowed as if probing her further. “And… you feel the same way… don’t you. I don’t pretend I can read minds it’s just human intuition I guess. Everything that has happened and has been said has been quite frankly amazing to say the least. I guess fairytales do happen in real life and if fairytales are anything to go by they have very happy endings.

He stood and walked to a nearby window that overlooked the palace gardens, a small robin with a health red crest landed on the windowsill on the other side of the glass and happily chirped away loudly. A smile drifted over his face and he turned back to Zaneta who had only just begun to get up to walk over to him.

“Your country mimics your own beauty Zaneta. I can tell you that with the utmost confidence now. I can’t really express the enjoyment I now get from being around you and it’s only been one day. Perhaps the pressure from both our countries for us to get on is helping these feels manifest a little more quickly, if it is then I’m truly grateful that your cousin is wholly in favour of us possibly being together.”

James took one step closer to Zaneta before the room’s door openly swiftly and the palace’s head butler appeared.

“Your Highnesses,” He said with a bow. “The car is prepared and the driver will go wherever you ask him to go. Security precautions will be relayed to the appropriate services in the vicinity of your destinations.”

James looked back towards Zaneta and stepped quite close to her and offered his arm to her.

“Shall we?” He said with a cheeky smile.

OOC: IC post coming soon.

OOC: No rush, I'm keeping busy :P

“Well so long as your content with the security we could visit one of the Cathedrals but I’m not over interested in them, I’m in my twenties- lurking around churches is relaxing but not ‘fun’ to say the least really. I’m sure there are some decent parks for us to wonder through although the palace gardens here are quite the sight anyway. So I guess we could make a move after luncheon then?”

Zaneta smiled while fondling the necklace that she wore around her neck. "Although it would be quite lovely to be entirely alone during one of our outings to a cathedral or any place whatsoever in my homeland, I've got to say that security is nonetheless going to be needed. That's the problem, James. You never know when you'll need their help in a world where the paparazzi and possible threats may ambush people of royal stock. It's all for the best. Besides, if things go well, we'll be able to enjoy plenty of time alone together."

“So as for tonight,” He continued as they waited for word that the car was ready. “You know this country like the back of your hand and I’m sure you know the city better most people here in the palace. You have any suggestions at all… because I honestly don’t mind where we go and that’s not my bad laid back attitude streak rearing its ugly head. It’s actually that even if we spend all night at a club, or watching the stars at night or simply staying here in the palace, it doesn’t really phase me at all because what I really want is to just be with you…”

Zaneta was quite amused with the ending words of James' statement which made her wonder if he was falling in love rather than simply relying on a mere tender appreciation. She had to admit that she was feeling quite attached to him, possibly foreshadowing an eventual love, and she felt that he was a good man she should try to learn more about. She giggled, so as not to make it seem like she was nervous, and then calmly replied: "I don't think the people in this palace are inept in knowing about the capital of their own nation! I'm pretty much thinking we could spend a night simply exploring the city and seeing the sights such as theatres and museums for example. I'm quite touched by your desire to just be with me, regardless of venue, and I'm quite willing to tell you that I'm beginning to feel quite fond of you. I think this marriage thing could work out quite well. You look and act like a man that many women would love."

“I guess that was a little forward even for me and I don’t want to push home an assumption of clinginess on my part. It’s just that I do think there’s a real connection between us that has grown and grown since I arrived here today.” He stopped and stared deep in Zaneta and his eyes narrowed as if probing her further. “And… you feel the same way… don’t you. I don’t pretend I can read minds it’s just human intuition I guess. Everything that has happened and has been said has been quite frankly amazing to say the least. I guess fairytales do happen in real life and if fairytales are anything to go by they have very happy endings.

Zaneta smiled. "Life is like a pendulum that never stays still. It's entirely possible that I may come to one day hate your guts or that I may adore you to the point of worshipping you so to speak. So far, I find you to be a pretty good person to be around. You sound sweet, you have an aura of benevolence around you, and you are not just in this for sex or anything like that. You are, so far, a good man."

He stood and walked to a nearby window that overlooked the palace gardens, a small robin with a health red crest landed on the windowsill on the other side of the glass and happily chirped away loudly. A smile drifted over his face and he turned back to Zaneta who had only just begun to get up to walk over to him.

“Your country mimics your own beauty Zaneta. I can tell you that with the utmost confidence now. I can’t really express the enjoyment I now get from being around you and it’s only been one day. Perhaps the pressure from both our countries for us to get on is helping these feels manifest a little more quickly, if it is then I’m truly grateful that your cousin is wholly in favour of us possibly being together.”

"You may be the first person who has compared the beauty of my nation to my own and that's quite the lovely compliment. I must say that I've enjoyed being with you and, indeed, I'm quite hopeful things will work out. My cousin seems to have been able to find a good man for me although, truth be told, I'm the one who really will be deciding whether or not you'll be calling me your wife. Even if that never happens, I will not mind being around you as a friend."

James took one step closer to Zaneta before the room’s door openly swiftly and the palace’s head butler appeared.

“Your Highnesses,” He said with a bow. “The car is prepared and the driver will go wherever you ask him to go. Security precautions will be relayed to the appropriate services in the vicinity of your destinations.”

James looked back towards Zaneta and stepped quite close to her and offered his arm to her.

“Shall we?” He said with a cheeky smile.

Zaneta smiled. "Yes, my dear friend, let us go forth."