Rudaslav Imperial Family's visit to Kiribati-Tarawa [Closed]

[Rudaslavia]

Westminster
Kingdom of Kiribati-Tarawa
15 January, 2015

Though an icy winter had gripped the mountainous woodlands of the Rudaslav Empire, the Imperator and his brood rested safely in the warmth of their luxurious aircraft with the escort of four Imperial military jets. Upon crossing Kiribati airspace, the jets dispersed and returned to mainland Europe as Rudaslavia's crown royals made their way closer to the nation's capital. With permission from the Kiribati government, the aircraft landed softly on Westminster's international runways.

Imperator Vladislav VII, master of the vast and age-old Skala bloodline, exited the jet encased in formal military attire. His wife, the Empress Olga, followed closely behind him alongside the heir to the Rudaslav throne: Crown Prince Vladislav. They were escorted by a well-dressed unit of 16 Imperatorska Straz agents -- the elite bodyguard regiment of the Imperial house.

They were to discuss one of the most important royal unions in modern European history. If all went as planned, the face of monarchal politics in the Eastern bloc would be altered forever.

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

Westminster
Kingdom of Kiribati-Tarawa
15 January, 2015
As the Imperial family deplaned, they were met by a group of Kiribatian officials, amongst them the Prime Minister, Catherine Willoughby. The PM stood at the foot of the air stairs dressed in a blue woman's business suit with her hands folded in front of her. She seemed oddly intimidating for a woman of her modest stature, though she did not look cold. She had a look of contemplation on her look which soon broke into a smile as she reached to shake the Emperor's hand.

"Good afternoon, your majesty," she greeted him as he stepped out of the plane, "It is a pleasure and honour to make your acquaintance at last."

[Rudaslavia]

"The pleasure," The Imperator extended his hand for a gentle shake. "Is all ours. I would like to introduce to you my family..."

He gestured towards his wife and son. "My wife, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Olga; and my son, His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Vladislav, Prince of Kirova. My daughter, the Duchess Danica, was unable to attend due her current humanitarian mission in the Ukraine."

The Crown Prince stepped forward with a respectful air of confidence. "The Empire hosts very few female politicians...especially in places of such high standing as Prime Minister." he stated. "I am awe-struck by your commanding presence, and your physical beauty that enhances it. I'm honored to have been welcomed to this country."

"Forgive my son's somewhat inappropriate charms." the Empress interrupted. "He's become renowned in Skalaburg for his liberal use of 'dramatic' compliments."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Your son is much too kind," the PM responded politely, "He clearly knows how to treat a woman, even if she be a Prime Minister. I daresay one will rarely run into trouble for giving too many compliments." Willoughby and her entourage lead the royal family into a state limousine. "This will take us to Whitehall where you will be greeted by His Majesty himself," she continued.

After they were all inside, the limousine was escorted by national police into Westminster itself (the airport is in the outskirts of the city). Once in the centre of the city, the limousine turned onto the Mall, the central boulevard leading from the Palace of Westminster (seat of Parliament) to the Palace of Whitehall (official residence of the King). Although the sky was overcast, as it usually was in Westminster, the light still shone brightly on the aptly named white palace. As the limousine approached the Palace, the gates were opened and closed after the limousine had entered. Once inside the gates, the doors of the limousine were opened by two of the Palace's valets.

Out to greet them was Lord Bainbridge, the Lord Chamberlain, who wore a red velvet and ermine robe draped over his black double-breasted suit. Peers of the realm are required to wear their red ermine robe whenever in the presence of the King (for official functions), a tradition dating back to medieval times.

"Your Imperial Majesty," the Lord Chamberlain dipped his head to the Imperator, "Welcome to Whitehall Palace. I am His Majesty's Lord Chamberlain, and as such am charged with the organisation of His Majesty's household. I, and all my of my resources, shall be at your disposal whilst you shall be His Majesty's guest."

[Rudaslavia]

"Fret not, my good sir," the Imperator respectfully replied. "We do not plan on staying long. Our business is short, but fantastically important. As you are aware, it regards matters of both family and state."

"But we will not be degrading our children to mere political tools." Olga added. "Royalty, yes. But certainly not political tools."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Quite right," Lord Bainbridge responded politely, not quite knowing how to respond to the Empress's comment, "This way, if you please." Lord Bainbridge led the Imperial family and the Prime Minister into the palace. "Welcome to Whitehall," the Lord Chamberlain said as he led them into the grand entry hall, "Whitehall was built in 1723 by King James VII of Kiribati-Tarawa to replace the former King Edward Palace, which burned in a fire in 1702. The project, which nearly bankrupted the Crown, was the most expensive building project ever undertaken by the Kiribatian Crown, as no expense was spared in making the Palace absolutely perfect. Five different plans were rejected before the final plan, designed by Kiribatian architect Jeremy Walton, was approved. The Palace features 800 rooms composed of 50 Royal and guest bedchambers, 20 state rooms, 200 staff bedrooms, 100 full bathrooms, 150 offices, 80 maintenance and service rooms, 50 ballrooms, and 150 other rooms, which include dining rooms, kitchens, the Throne Room, the Privy Council Chamber, a number of drawing rooms, and various other miscellaneous rooms. Most of the Palace grounds are occupied by the vast gardens, which their majesties use for many state functions, most notably the Queen's annual garden party, held yearly in June. Whitehall's current official occupant is His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, though other members of the Royal Family spend much time at Whitehall."

[Rudaslavia]

"Yes, a very 'Western-style' layout." the Imperator observed, analyzing the structure of the chambers' walls and ceilings. "Quite the masterpiece, in context of this cultural region."

"But not quite Versailles." Olga insisted. "It differs from French architecture in its own unique way."

"I find it nearly as delightful as its residents." said the Crown Prince, focusing more on Bainbridge and the Prime Minister than the tour of the palace.

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Versailles is indeed a testament to the abilities of man," Bainbridge remarked, "Kiribati's kings have always had to be a bit frugal, lest Parliament cut off their funding, as happened when they built Whitehall. It's always been a tricky sort of dance between the monarchy and Parliament, though it only resulted in one civil war. The monarchy won, but Kiribati was never the same again." Bainbridge led the royals through the entry hall, down another corridor and into the Green Room. "This is one of my own favourite rooms here in the Palace," Bainbridge explained, "No less than five treaties have been signed in this room, each of which have changed the course of world events. No doubt His Majesty wishes to add to that tally during your majesty's visit." Bainbridge then led them out of the Green Room, down yet another hallway, and through an ornate doorway, flanked by two palace guards. They entered an ornately decorated drawing room. The room was largely empty, save for the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Norfolk, and some servants.

"The Lord Chamberlain," the Lord Royal Secretary, whose job it was to announce anyone entering the room, announced loudly as Bainbridge entered, followed by the imperial family, "The Emperor and Empress of Rudaslavia, the Crown Prince of Rudaslavia, and the Prime Minister." Upon entering, Bainbridge and the Prime Minister bowed from the neck towards the King.

"Very good, my lord," the King, dressed in a dark blue suit, nodded towards the Lord Chamberlain, who quickly departed from the room. He then turned to the Emperor. "Very good of you to make it, old chap," the King greeted the Imperator warmly, as though he were greeting an old friend, and extended his hand to shake, "You must be positively famished. We have plenty of refreshments at your disposal."

Meanwhile, the Queen went over to the Empress and greeted her by dipping her head slightly. "Welcome to Whitehall, Your Majesty."

[Rudaslavia]

"Your generosity knows no bounds," the Imperator chuckled, firmly shaking the King's hand. "I am honored to be a guest in this country. Different from my domains of ice and snow, but beautiful nonetheless. Your welcoming party has been a charm - a testament to the pure hearts of Kiribati's royal family."

"Ah, Majesty," the Empress responded, granting the Queen a courteous bow. "The Queen of Kiribati! How nice to make your acquaintance again!" She gestured towards the Crown Prince. "Allow me to formally introduce my son, His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince Vladislav."

The Crown Prince bowed and kissed the Queen's hand in old, conservative fashion. "Your Majesty," he greeted. "I'm humbled. I now see the source of the Kiribatian princesses' beauty."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Your son is much too kind," the Queen told the Empress, clearly charmed, "It is very good to have you here. And allow me to introduce my son, the Prince of Norfolk, and his wife, the Princess." The Prince of Norfolk (the heir-apparent) gave Vladislav a firm handshake before turning to the Empress and kissing her hand politely.

"It is a pleasure to host you in our country," the Prince said, "This is my wife, Annabella."

"Bonjour," the Princess of Norfolk bowed her head in respect. She had a thick francophonic (French-sounding) accent of her native country of Leasath, "It is a pleasure to host you in our country."

"I'm glad to hear that old Bainsey is still as much a charmer as he once was," the King replied, "He's worked at the Palace for around thirty years now, good man he is. Now if I may offer you some champagne... it is a bit a early, but I think we can indulge ourselves just this once, yes?" The King signalled to one of the footmen who brought over a tray of two champagne glasses. The King lifted one off the tray and held up it. "To our good health and to our countries," he toasted, "May they be forever prosperous."

[Rudaslavia]

The Imperator kindly held up his glass, clinking it against the King's. "Aye, may they forever be prosperous!" he responded. He drank very little, keeping aware of the important discussion ahead. "Now," he began. "I would hate to rush...but my mind has grown restless in matters of international relations. I do believe we should begin the negotiations of our children's potential union before any celebrations are held."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Always a man of business, I see," the King remarked, "Very well." The King took a sip of his champagne. "Now, before we begin, I believe it would be dishonest to keep you under the impression that simply because our children get married, Rudaslavia and Kiribati would become allies," the King explained, "I do not run my country, you see. Its foreign policy is decided by my Government, specifically the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. Now, that being said, what do you propose?"

[Rudaslavia]

"We simply propose a marriage to establish a 'reset' of relations." Imperator Vladislav informed the King. "Tensions between the Holy Pacific Lorraine and the Russo-Rudaslav Pact remain somewhat high, and I fear that further political negotiations will not be possible unless a form to neutrality is created between the two opposing factions. A marriage would achieve this perfectly, and may even serve to forge a common ground between our peoples -- the Rudaslavs and the Kiribatians."

"We believe that, because of her wider array of experience in the Empire and within our culture, the Duchess of Cambridge is the best possible candidate for His Imperial Highness." the Empress stated. "The terms are far more liberal than previously required during her engagement to our deceased Duke of Lamir. I believe my husband listed them in his letters."

The Imperator nodded. "And I shall repeat them again. With her union to the Crown Prince, Her Highness would be obligated by my reformed law to vow complete and utter allegiance and loyalty to the Imperial Crown of Rudaslavia and the Imperial government and to accept a Slavic name of Her Highness's choice -- in addition to her given birth name, of course. These conditions have been formally reviewed, processed, and approved by the Imperial Parliament in the absence of the Prime Minister."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"I cannot promise that a marriage would 'reset' relations in any way," the King explained, "I do not dictate this country's foreign policy; I daresay a good quarter of the population does not even know my name and half couldn't care less who married who and why. If you wish to discuss foreign policy, I must defer to my Prime Minister, the lovely Ms. Willoughby." The King was all very jolly while discussing the matter. "Now, I cannot pretend that the idea of 'terms' for a marriage does not bother me. I believe that marriage ought to be based on love, and that to have 'terms' is disconcerting to me."

[Rudaslavia]

"These 'terms' are the basis of Rudaslav marital law, regardless of the love which the two partners share." the Imperator retorted. "They are beyond reasonable, especially compared to those previously enforced by Cardinal Vesela. The requirements are basic; as a Rudaslav Empress, the Duchess must be nothing but wholeheartedly loyal to her new country. And, as the Empire remains an absolute monarchy, it is important for the common people to be connected to their regal figureheads through common culture -- in this case, Her Highness's name. She will maintain the name in which she was given at birth, but will be addressed by her Rudaslav subjects with her Slavic identity."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Well, culture gap, I suppose," the King continued, "And should she find that she is no longer happy with her marriage, would she be able to file for divorce, if she should see fit?"

[Rudaslavia]

"Officially, no." Empress Olga told the King. "The Catholic Church does not permit the practice of 'divorce,' but the marriage could certainly be annulled if a proper cause is brought to the attention of Vatican authorities."

"The Imperial Crown holds much influence over the Pope's activities and inner circle." the Imperator added. "Should an annulment be necessary for Her Highness's happiness and well-being, arrangements will likely be made for her needs to be satisfied."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"This is not exactly reassuring," the King said, "After all, we are not Catholics; we couldn't care less what the Pope or the Vatican says. I don't mean to degrade the sacrament of marriage, indeed it is one most holy, and I do not believe that divorce ought to be taken lightly, but ultimately it must be the decision of the married person to decide whether or not they wish to terminate their marriage. I do not intend to sound crude, but it rather seems that my daughter would be a slave to her husband, trapped in a marriage and in a foreign country. In Kiribati, she has rights, and I fear that to marry your son would be to waive those rights. Perhaps you can assure me that this is not the case."

[Rudaslavia]

"The abilities of a Rudaslav Empress are more de facto than official." Imperator Vladislav stated. "While there are not any legal rights written, there are not any limitations on her capabilities either. She will, however, be prohibited from participating in politics unless her personal influence over the Imperator allows her to have a pull in Imperial legislation. Otherwise, she may do as she wishes."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"I was not actually asking about her powers as Empress, but rather her legal rights," the King explained, "What are the legal rights of women in Rudaslavia?"

[Rudaslavia]

"For a member of the Imperial Family," the Empress replied. "A woman's rights are limitless...sans her inability to participate in politics. The peasantry is not blessed with such a luxury, but Her Highness is far from the rankings of serfs!"

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Well apparently there are limits, dear chap," the King replied, "She can't get divorced unless the Vatican approves. Could she leave the country without permission and not return? Could she speak ill of the Prime Minister or other governmental officials? Would she be given a fair trial if she should violate the laws of your country? Surely you must understand why I am wary, what with all the allegations of human rights abuses in your country. Surely you would think of the same things for your daughter."

[Rudaslavia]

"My daughter was born and raised in my country," Imperator Vladislav retorted. "And she spoke and continues to speak according to her own will. Aye, she may leave the country without permission. Aye, she may speak of any politician or clergyman as she sees fit. Aye, a fair trial would be given in the case of her law-breaking. But all of these rights will only apply if she holds the bests interests of the Empire in her heart. Duchess Danica adores our nation. I am quite confident that Her Highness, the Duchess Sophia, will adore it as well...despite her rather unfavorable experiences in the past."

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

"Well that is up to her to decide," the King replied, taking a sip of his champagne, "And, while we speak of her, I now realise how very presumptuous I've been as of late -" The King was cut off by the Lord Royal Secretary.

"Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge!" the Lord Royal Secretary announced as the Duchess of Cambridge, decked out in a grey woman's business suit and a black pillbox hat entered the room.

"Am I late, father?" she asked, "I had an engagement at the University - it a ran rather long, I'm afraid."

"Not to worry, dear sister, the Rudaslavians only arrived an hour ago," the Prince of Norfolk replied sarcastically.

"Oh, dear, I'm terribly sorry," she said as she turned to the Rudaslavian Emperor, "Majesty, I do believe we've met. Always a pleasure."

[Rudaslavia]

"Please," the Imperator kindly dismissed with a chuckle. "Sit. No need for such formalities."

"Highness," the Crown Prince greeted with kind formality, bowing and kissing the Duchess's hand. "I am blessed to set eyes upon you once more."

"Your charms are too aggressive, Vlad." the Empress said to her son, grinning with a hidden sense of pride. "Do not intimidate the poor girl."