Grand Duchess Alexia of Romakov & Prince Leonardo of Gyflada

[Romakov]

This thread is dedicated to the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Leonardo of Edom to Romakov in order to meet Her Most Serene Highness Grand Duchess Alexia Marina of Romakov for a possible engagement and wedding, respectively.

[Gyflada]

Romakov Airspace
Leonardo's jet was somewhere in the Romakov Airspace. He has been travelling for 18 hours in order to come to this diplomatic event. He was somewhat skeptical; he knew that Romakov's leader wanted himself and Alexia to marry, but he wasn't so sure if they would totally get on. Although the pressure was on for him to marry - Leonardo is 27, a millionaire, royalty and has a high profile with the people of Edom. He knew that Lucca, his brother and King, wanted him to marry - but maybe to someone closer to home? Leonardo wasn't sure sure what to think.

The plane been travelling at almost 600 miles per hour, for 18 hours, travelling through roughly 14 time zones, it was therefore obvious that Leo was tired. He stood up, looked over to his assistant, Alberto, and said "I'm just going for a nap, how long until we land?". Alberto smiled, "Good luck with that, we land in 10 minutes, Sir." Leo smiled and sat back down. "I guess not then. Could someone grab me a coffee, a real strong coffee - I'm going to need it."

Leo sat on the plane, looking out the window, at the landscape below. "It's different. Very different. Not like our fields, vineyards, quaint little villages and towns. It's more, industrial." he said, he looked over to Alberto to see a disapproving face. "Not that I am complaining. I mean, I quite like industrial, but I like our industrial. We have a good balance between the both." He stopped talking, and sipped his coffee, and closed his eyes for moment, until he heard a bing. The seat belt light came on. "I guess it's time." he said, strapping himself in and handing his coffee to a flight attendant.

Romakov International Airport
The plane slowly began to drift lower through the airspace, as it began it's descent to the airport. The wheels hit the floor, and the plane slowly came to stop. Leo looked over to Alberto, "How do I look? Is my tie okay? First impressions count you, know?". Alberto smiled and walked over to Leo "Of course I know, how do you think I got this job?" he said smiling as he adjusted Leo's tie. "There, as handsome as ever, Sir.". Leo smiled and began to walk to the doors. He walked out, smiled for the Camera's for a couple of seconds, before making he way down the steps to be met by an assistant who showed him to his car.

As the door closed, Leo put his seat belt on, and took his phone off Alberto. Leo slowly put the phone to his ear, he was calling Lucca. "Hi, it's me. We've landed, we are in the car at the moment, we're heading to some palace, I think. I didn't quite catch what the lady said, to be honest. How are things over in Edom? Not having to much fun without me, are you?" he said laughing. Leo's family were extremely close, they spent every Sunday together, and most of them spent the evenings together as well. They operated like any normal family, they loved to spend time together - especially Leo and Lucca. "Alright, well I'll speak to you soon, love you man.". The call had ended.

The car began to get closer to some large gates, behind them, a large building. "This must be it, Sir." Alberto said. "Well, I guess it really, truly is time." The car stopped, and the door opened, Leo stepped out, and awaited to be greeted.

[Romakov]

At the Gates of Winterburg Palace

"The young Prince should soon arrive, Ivan. Make sure to open the gates in time, you know how long it takes." said Czar Dimitry to his guard. "Of course, your Majesty." Dimitry nodded and made his way back inside the palace.


Inside Winterburg Palace

The Czar walked down the long corridor of the west wing when he on the way, met his son, who was heading towards his chambers. "Roma, have you seen your sister?" he asked the Czarevich (17 years old), the youngest of his three sons. "Which one, papa? You're forgetting that you have 4 daughters." his youngest son cheekily pointed out. "Alexia. Have you seen her?" Dimitry asked, ignoring the cheeky remark his son made. "Oh, yeah. I just saw her a few minutes back, she was heading down the corridor with Irina to her chamber, to get dressed I think." Dimitry nodded. "Oh, and also Roma, could you please do me a favour? Your sister's new Vinok needs to be picked up from Alina. She's in the personnel's coffee room. Alexia needs appropriate traditional headwear as a Grand Duchess." he asked his son. "Sure, papa, I'll do that. Also, Nikolai was looking for you earlier." he informed his father. "If you see him again, tell him I'll see him after welcoming Prince Leonardo."

Dimitry continued his way down the corridor while his son made his way to pick up his sister's new flower crown. Once Dimitry arrived at Alexia's chambers, he knocked thrice before entering. Entering the chambers, he saw his youngest daughter, Irina, picking out shoes for her older sister, who stood next to her in an elegant dark blue dress with a silver necklace laced with diamonds, a piece his own mother used to own before passing it on to her granddaughter. "You look beautiful, Alexia." he told his daughter. Alexia turned around and smiled at her father. She was hoping for her meeting with the young prince to go well. Ever since she coincidentially saw him while travelling with her cousin Princess Maria of Lérida to Gyflada, she quite liked him. And the stories her cousin had told her about the young prince and his family fascinated Alexia. Thank you, papa. But what are you doing here?" she asked. "I just wanted to check up on you to tell you to get ready, the prince will be here soon. But it seems like it is no longer necessary." he told her, smiling. "I'll await you in the entrance hall together with your mother and your brother Nikolai." he said, as he left his daughter's chambers.

At the Gates of WInterburg Palace

An elegant black limousine drove up in front of the Palace's gates. Ivan, the guard, had opened the gates on time, so that the gates opened fully just as the limousine arrived.

Entrance Hall of Winterburg Palace

The Czar, his wife Czarina Juliana, his oldest son Nikolai, succesor to the throne of Romakov, and his daughter Alexia stood ready in the hall, waiting for the Prince to enter. Sergej, a butler, opened the door, as the black limousine pulled up in front of the Palace's entrance.

[Gyflada]

Entrance Hall of Winterburg Palace

As the door opened, Leonardo looked over to Alberto "Well, this is it." he said. Leonardo handed Alberto his phone, and stepped out of his black limo.. Leonardo had opted for a comfortable grey patterned suit.. As he stepped out, he adjusted his suit jacket and did up two buttons. He had a quick look around the outside of the Palace that encompassed him. He noticed some of the staff looking out the windows at him, he simply smiled before Alberto moved round to him. "Ready?"[/b] Alberto said? Leo nodded, and they walked.

As they walked up the steps, the guards saluted him. Leo was used to it, Alberto, however was not. Being a foreign dignitary, guards often salute as a sign of respect. Alberto was simply an assistant and different usually get to go through the grand entrances. Leo walked into the entrance hall, and bowed his head, as a sign of respect to the Czar. As Leo rose up once more, he extended a welcome [i]"Honor ad maiestatem vestram. It is an honour to meet your, Your Majesty.". Leo wanted to show off his skills somewhat, whilst he knew Latin wasn't the official language of Romakov, it was good to show he could speak foreign languages, and whilst Latin was the official language of Edom, most people spoke English.

[Romakov]

Entrance Hall of the Winterburg Palace

As the young Prince entered, Dimitry eyed him, while he bowed infront of him. He was dressed nicely, a suit which is of his own liking. Dimitry couldn't help but see the little smile which formed on his daughter's face when she saw the young Prince enter. She was happy to finally officially meet the man she just saw once during her vacations in Gyflada, the one her cousin told her lots about.

The Prince greeted the Czar in Latin, which quite impressed Dimitry. "Здравствуйте! Це приємно зустрітися з вами, молодий принц.
Zdravstvuyte! Tse pryyemno zustritysya z vamy, molodyy prynts. — Hello! It is a pleasure to meet you, young Prince." the Czar greeted Prince Leonardo in Ukrainian, one of the two official languages and one of the three national languages of Romakov. He smiled warmly at the Prince, who by then was looking at his daughter, whether it was unconsciously or purposely, nobody knows, but he also saw his daughter looking at the Prince, both maintaining eye contact.

It was then that Czarevich Nikolai, the oldest son of the Czar and Czarina, interrupted them stretching out his hand to Leonardo. It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Leonardo. Nikolai smiled while shaking the Prince's hand. Nikolai then went on to introduce his mother, the Czarina and finally his siter to the Prince.

"Why don't you join us in the coffee room for a little cake with tea or coffee?" the Czar offered. While on their way to the coffee room, Dimitry talked to Leonardo. "You'll eventually meet my other children too, they'l join us for dinner. Overall they're eight children. I'm convinced they will be fond of you, Prince Leonardo." the Czar explained as they reached the coffee room.

[Gyflada]

Leonardo firmly shook the hand of the Czar, with a welcoming smile. His first impressions of the the family were good, they were polite, friendly and seemed to be very welcoming.

Leonardo moved along and shook the hand of the Nikolai. He hand a firm grip, which Leonardo always saw as a good characteristic of a man. "The pleasure's all mine, Nikolai. After greeting the Czarina, he moved on to meet young Alexia. Leonardo took hold of her hand, bowed down, and gave her hand the gentlest of kisses, before looking back up with a warm smile.

As the Czar ended the formalities of welcoming, Leonardo walked down the corridors, in the middle, with the Czar to one side, and Nikolai at the other. "Some coffee would be great. It was a long journey to get here!" Leo said with a smile on his face. Leo's face had the look of shock when Dimitry told him that he has seven children. "I am sure that we will get along just fine, Your Majesty. It seems to be the way with most young people I meet." As they continued to walk to the coffee room, Leo looked to Nikolai, "So, you're the heir to the Throne of Romakov? It must be pretty hectic for you. At the moment I am the Heir to Throne of Edom. My brother's children aren't old enough to be heir's yet. We have an ancient tradition, the children of the King may not become Heir's to Throne, until they are 16 years old. He eldest is 6, so it falls to me for the next 10 years!" Leo gave a laugh. "So, are you married, engaged, seeing someone Nikolai?"

As they entered the Coffee Room, Leo sat down, this time, flanked by Alexia and Nikolai.

[Romakov]

"So, are you married, engaged, seeing someone Nikolai?" asked Prince Leonardo. "I am indeed. I'm actually just freshly married to Princess María Vittoria of Alcaicería. We married in Alcaicería four days ago." answered Nikolai.

As they all sat in the coffee room, the Czar as well as Alexia conversed intensely with the Prince. Alexia has found her liking to be stronger, the Prince's personality being charming to her. "I should tell you, young Prince, that my daughter has seen you once at a charity event in Gyflada, when she visited the country on vacations with her cousin, Princess Maria of Lérida. She already developed a liking for you back then. It's great that both of you get to meet officially now." the Czar told him.

After 2 hours of conversing and having coffee and cake, Alexia excused herself to her chambers, looking at Leonardo for a few seconds sending him a smile, in order to get ready for dinner. Nikolai accompanied Leonardo to his chambers, Sergej, a butler, showing Alberto his chambers. On the way, Nikolai and Leonardo came across Nikolai's sister Grand Duchess Martyna Amalia, the oldest child of all, who introduced herself to the Prince. She was on her way to the Entrance Hall, along with her two other brothers, Czarevich Roma and Czarevich Alexei, who also introduced themselves to Prince Leonardo. By then, Leonardo already met 5 of the seven children of the Czar.

Once they arrived at Leonardo's chambers, Nikolai telling Leonardo to feel like he's at home. He excused himself then, in order to pick up his newly wed wife from the airport, who stayed behind in Alcaiceria for a while, in order to pack her belongings to move to Romakov. Soon Nikoli and the Princess, now Grand Duchess of Romakov, will move into their own, separate palace.

[Gyflada]

Leo thanks Nikolai and walked into his room, there was a maid who was unpacking his belongings. She curtsied and carried on unpacking. Edward undid his tie and then looked at his phone. He picked it up and called Lucca. "Ciao Lucca. Il suo Leonardo. Le cose stanno andando caffè bene qui, abbiamo avuto e sono ora nelle mie stanze. Tutti si sta preparando per la cena. Abbiamo avuto una grande conversazione sulla beneficenza e aiutare quelli in condizioni di povertà. Alexia mi ha mai visto prima, ci credereste ?! Lei mi ha visto in un evento di beneficenza. Mi piace Nikolai. Penso che andare d'accordo, stavo pensando di invitarlo oltre a un certo punto. Forse potremmo andare tutti a cena fuori e ai vigneti. Potrebbe essere interessati ad essere il socio fondatore della mia carità con me, vedremo. Arrivederci!" Leo was careful about speaking in front of palace staff, he knew that words could have a funny way of getting out to the public.

After putting the phone down, the maid had left, and Leo changed into this tux. He sat down on the chair in the room, and wondered what would be for their dinner. Leonardo was always interested in foreign cultures, and cuisine was a favorite of his.

Hello Lucca

Its Leonardo. Things are going well here, we have had coffee and I am now in my chambers. Everyone is getting ready for dinner. We had a great conversation about charities and helping those in poverty. Alexia has seen me before, would you believe?! She saw me at a charity event.

I like Nikolai. I think we will get on well, I was thinking of inviting him over at some point. Maybe we could all go out for dinner and to the vineyards. He could be interested in being the founding partner of my charity with me, we will see.

Bye for now!

[Romakov]

Roma took a last look into the mirror. He made sure that his tuxedo looked good on him. After checking on his tuxedo, Roma made his way to Leonardo's chambers. He would accompany him to the dining hall. Once he arrived at Leonardo's chambers, he knocked on the door three times before entering.

"Good evening, Prince Leonardo." the usually cheeky boy said while smiling. "Are you ready to walk to the dining hall with me?" he asked. The Prince agreed, and Roma accompanied him to the dining hall. While walking down the corridor, he and the Prince had a small conversation. "I'm actually the second youngest of all. I'm seventeen. The youngest child is my sister Irina, she's sixteen. Irina and I are actually the only two of the children that weren't born in the 80's but the 90's.". The young Czarevich told the Prince and laughed shyly. "Now that my oldest brother Nikolai is married, the next one is Alexei. He's already engaged to Crown Princess Maria Theresia of Lichtenau and they'll marry soon. I'm not in a relationship, but I do kind of have a liking for someone. She's a princess too." Roma told Leonardo.

As they arrived at the dining room, Roma took his place between Alexia and Nikolai, Leonardo was seated next to Alexia. Opposite sat Natalia, Irina, Alexei and Martyna. For dinner, there were "Königsberger Klopse", a Prussian specialty widely eaten throughout Romakov. Apart from the "Königsberger Klopse" there was also Salmon fresh from the oven and Argentinian steak to choose from. During dinner, everyone conversed, the Grand Duchesses Irina, Natalia and Czarevich Alexei introduced themselves to Leonardo.

After dinner, Alexia and Leonardo went for a walk through the Palace Gardens, conversing and getting tok now each other more. Alexia found the Prince very charming, he was smart, a gentleman and she found him very good looking. Later they sat down on a bench in the rose garden, continuing their conversation.

[Gyflada]

OOC: I'm just going to go back, slightly. I'd like to ask some questions to various peoples in the dinning room

As Roma walked into Leonardo's room, Leo was just putting some eau de toilette, more specifically his favorite one: Paco Rabanne - 1 Million. He then turned to Roma, smiled and nodded "Yes, all ready!"[/b] he said. As they walked down to the dinning hall, Leonardo listened intently to the young prince. [i]"You know, I remember when I was your age. Never give up your cheekiness, energy or intellect, otherwise you become boring - and it's far more fun to be interesting!" he said, smiling. "So, who do you have your eye on?" Leo said, giving Roma a cheeky and friendly nudge whilst smiling. Leonardo always liked to be around people such as Roma - he liked to be a mentor, someone they could look up to, although Leo had a particular 'soft spot' for Roma, that Alberto could see in his eye. At the dinner, Leonardo opted to have the Salmon. It was his favourite fish, and he hadn't had it for sometime.

In the garden, Leonardo listened with great intent to the stories that Alexia told him. They laughed, smiled and got on well. As they sat down on the bench, Leonardo wanted to ask Alexia about when she first saw him. "So, your father said that you've seen me before, in Edom. When was that? I should have been told if there was a beautiful Princess in town." he said with a smile.

Finally, before they departed for the night, Leonardo motioned for Alberto to come over. With him, he brought a box. "I got this for you, Alexia. It was taken from the Royal Vault, gifted to you, by me." he said, as he opened the box, and revealed the tiara.

In his Chamber, Leonardo spoke to Alberto about Roma. He couldn't get him off his mind. "He's a .. cheeky .. fun person. He reminds me, of... me. Alberto, go to his Chamber, and tell him that if he wants to talk, about anything, he is more than welcome to. I'd love to get to know him more, to guide him, mentor him. Don't tell him that though - it should be natural, not forced." he said.

[Romakov]

Alexia was happier than ever. The tiara was beautiful. She loved it. It suited her in every way, matched exactly with her taste. She loved how Leonardo guessed her taste right. The toara went very well with a beautiful necklace which she inherited from her maternal grandmother Princess Anastasia Letizia de Trastámara y zu Schönau (factbook: Princess Anastasia Letizia), who was her favourite grandmother, and the prettiest Princess she knew. She was an idol to her.

Meanwhile, Roma was sitting on his bed, taking off his tuxedo. He just put on his silk pyjama top, as Alberto, Leonardo's assisstant, entered his chambers. He told Roma, that he could feel free to join the Prince at any time to talk about any matters, saying the Prince offered to be available to Roma anytime. Roma gave Alberto a warm smile and said: "I'll make sure to do so, in fact, I might even join him in a few minutes. Thanks a lot for the offer, I really appreciate it." Roma was smiling, happily. He liked Leonardo, a lot. He was more than happy about the idea of his older sister getting married to the relatively young Prince. Roma thought that he, in the future he'll probably be like Leonardo himself, they have similar personalities. He got ready, and in his silk pyjama, he made his way to Leonardo's chamber.

[Gyflada]

Leonardo sat on his bed, in his pajamas, watching a TV programme about poverty in Romakov, and how the authorities were trying to decrease levels of poverty, when Roma walked in. Leo smiled. "Roma! Hey, come in. I was just watching this documentary on poverty in Romakov. Boring, I know! How're you?" Leo wanted their conversation to be as naturally as possible, he wanted Roma to trust him. Leo believed that trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships, and he wanted Roma and himself to have a good relationship. "Alberto, grab me a coco would you?" he said, "Would you like anything Roma?"

[Romakov]

Roma was sightly shy entering the room, he always was with new people, but his cheekiness would always show soon after. He is the favourite child of his aunt Anna Katarina of Romakov, his father's sister. She was just as cheeky as him when she was 17. Roma entered and sat down next to Leonardo, who was watching a programme on poverty in Romakov. Romakov was quite good in terms of wealth balance. There weren't too many poors, however, it was still a fair number. His father, though, did a very good job together with the government in eliminating poverty across the country.

"You know what? I heard papa saying, that he will organize a ball for tomorrow. He already sent out the invites. Noble families from Germany, Spain, Romakov and many other nations will attend it. I know that Count Ivan Nikolayevich Kulikovsky confirmed, he's a very famous man in Romakov. Also Duchess Katarina Maria Preobrazhenskaya and Prince Piotr Aleksandrovich and many others. It's dedicated to your visit to Romakov. And of course there will be one, shall you and my sister get engaged. I'd actually like that, you know? You would be a cool brother-in-law. I mean, I love Niko and Alexei, but they hardly have time to hang out, you know, because Niko is successor to the throne and Alexei keeps travelling to Lichtenau to see his fiancée the Princess. I can't wait for their wedding, it'll be great! I mean, since Niko will become Czar here, Alexei cannot become Czar of Romakov. But because his fiancée is the only child of the Prince of Lichtenau, he'll become Prince of Lichtenau by marriage and rule the country alongside Maria Theresia. So he'll also leave. And if you marry Alix, that'show we nickname Alexia by the way, she'll move to Edom with you. And then it'll be my turn to marry."

Roma was excited, he had a long converstaion with Leonardo, about various things.

[Gyflada]

Leo turned off the TV, and listened to Roma, "A ball? That's interesting. I would have brought more clothes if I knew that!" he said laughing. Leo felt, strangely, proud. Hearing Roma say that he would be a 'cool' brother-in-law really made Leo feel wanted. "You know, if I do marry Alix, we will probably spend quite a bit of our time here. I mean, I couldn't just go and leave my favourite cheeky brother-in-law now, could I?" he said with a smile.

Leo thought for a moment, and then decided he would ask Roma something that would either make or break their friendship. "Roma, I'm not going to lie to you. I need your help. I'm going to propose to Alix. We have a great relationship, and we get on like a house on fire, but I don't have a ring yet, and I really want to get her one. Tomorrow, during the day, would you help me pick one out in the store? We can go together, and you could show me your beautiful capital city too." Leo stopped for air, before continuing, "There is also something else that I wanted to ask you, Roma. If your sister says yes, would you be my best man?" he said with a smile.

[Romakov]

Roma was very happy about Leonardo's offer. "Of course! I'll take you to the Kandinsky Jewelry in the wealthiest quarter of the town. They have produced jewelry for our dynasty for about 100 years now. Many of our crown jewels come from Kandinsky. They work a lot with diamonds, a lot. Like literally, a lot. And yes! I'd definitely be your best man! I'm so excited for it already!" Roma said happily.

"You know, Alix loves blue diamonds. She loves platinum, silver or white gold. Best would be a silver or white gold ring with white diamonds and a larger blue diamond. You have to know, she inherited our grandmother's taste, our mother's mother. She way her favourite grandmother, and she was the most beautiful of all. Also, I have a few questions. You know how we are all Russian Orthodox, right? What about converting? It's hard for us Orthodox to convert, but one of you two will have to convert to the other one's religion. Who will convert? Did you already discuss it with papa?" Roma asked excitedly.

Roma couldn't wait for the proposal. He loved the idea of the marriage between his sister and Leonardo. "By the way, have you ever wondered about my name?" Roma asked, continuing the coversation with Leonardo.

[Gyflada]

Leonardo smiled and laughed. He loved the excitement of Roma. He was like a puppy. "That sounds great Roma! I definitely picked the right guy for the job! Leonardo paused, and thought. Roma was right. Leo hadn't thought about the religious aspect. "You know, I haven't actually thought about that. You see the issue I have, is that Edom is practices a version of Roman Catholicism. The Monarch is the expected to be a follower of the faith, and as the current Heir, I am not sure I could convert. I think that is something I need to talk to your father about." Leonardo pondered for a moment, it could be possible.

Leo looked at Roma, and sipped his Coco. "Now, I have another question for you. I've spoken to your father and he has agreed to allow you to come back to Edom with me, for a little while, if you'd like to. I would love to show you some of the work I do, especially the work I do for the charity, and with young people. Unfortunately, Alix will have to stay here for the time being, because of my schedule. I wouldn't have the time to talk both of you through everything, and I know your father is keen for you to find your path. What do you think Ruru?" Leo's laughed and looked at Roma. Why did he just call him Ruru? Leo thought it was quite a good nickname, actually.

"Your name. Yes, I have wondered. It's a very intriguing name.. could you tell me more about it?" Leo said, taking a bucket size tub of icecream out of the mini-fridge and sticking two spoons in.

[Romakov]

"Of course! I've always wanted to go to Edom! Since Alix and cousin Maria were there they told us a lot about it. They said the landscape is beautiful, and the huge sunflower fields and the beaches are beautiful!" Roma said excitedly. "Oh well, my name? My mama chose it. Well my dad did too. Originally I was supposed to be called Roman, but my parents thought Roma would suit me better, because Roman sounds more like an older man. I don't know. All I know is that I actually like my name." Roma said smiling cheekily. He was 17, but sometimes he really did act like a puppy. Also his appearance reminded one of a puppy. "You know what, I have many people tell me I look like a puppy though I'm seventeen. It's funny, girls find it cute. Now where I mentioned girls, I have to tell you who I like. It's Princess María Ángeles Corazón de la Luz of Rocasolano (factbook: Princess María Ángeles Corazón de la Luz of Rocasolano)." the young Czarevich told him. "If I get engaged to her one day, I'll become Prince of Rocasolano. And I was going to ask you, may I invite her to come with me to Edom? I'd really like to spend time with her alone, you know what I mean? Like you, me and her, because then nobody else will know us and won't annoy me with asking me questions." Roma explained.

[Gyflada]

Leo smiled with joy as the young prince agreed to flew over to Edom with him. "Excellent!" he said. Leo listened carefuly as Roma told him about his name. Leo liked Roma's name too, it was an original name, not like his. "I have to be honest Roma, I think that is a really romantic idea. Does your father know of this princess?" Leo wanted to be careful. He didn't want this to end up ruining their friendship, or the little bit of respect that Roma's father had for Leo, which was generally unusual - a King having some respect for a Prince, of a foreign land.

Leo thought for a moment. "I'll have to talk to some people about this. If I were and I say were, would I be the best brother-in-law?" Leo said cheekily. "There is nothing I want more than to see you happy, Roma. If this were to go ahead, you know that she would have to fly over separately, and probably a couple of hours after us. I'd also have to find here somewhere to stay, and get you there without people seeing." Leo said. "You see, your family know you will be Edom, my family will know you will be in Edom, in fact, every world leader will know you will be in Edom. The world is an evil place, Roma. Not because of it's physical existence, but because of our existence. Every country has spies, agents, from foreign lands, gathering intelligence they can use against each other. I wouldn't want your beautifully romantic idea to cause an international incident.." Leo said.

[Romakov]

"Oh no, it's fine. My family knows about my liking for the Princess, my father even agreed to an engagement, when the time is right. And she is a close friend of our family, she'll be visiting us in two days. Thing is, when I turn 18, I will get engaged to her, but apparently 17 is too young. I don't think so, but whatever. It'd be great to spend time with her in Edom, or in the vinyards.." the young Czarevich smiled cheekily while telling the Prince. "And yes, you would be the best brother-in-law." Roma laughed. "By he way, Natalia and Irina are going for shopping now. If you want, we can take the same limousine with them to the Kandinsky Jewelry to buy the ring for Alix." Roma offered the Prince. "Also, I brought you photographs of old rings that our family once used to own, which we have lost though long time ago, when a branch of our family from a different country was exiled because of a revolution. this ring I would use as the wedding ring, the Kandinsky Jewelry can make an exact copy of it. Then I would use this one as the engagement ring. Those rings got lost during the revolution, in Allemanië, where my great-grandfather's cousin ruled as King. When Alix saw the photos of these rings she fell in love with them, sad about the loss. So you can go to Kandinsky Jewelry with me, and they'll make exact copies of these rings!" Roma told Leonardo excitedly.

"You know, I actually talked to papa today, he said that it'll be okay for Alix to become Catholic, since she won't be ruling in Romakov anyway. But he said the marriage would take place in one of our local Roman Catholic Churches. I swear, it is the most beautiful Catholic church in the country, the most beautiful one I have ever seen!" Roma said with excitement. The 17 year-old was a teenager, almost a grown-up, but he yet had the excitement of a child. Roma yawned. "I don't know about you, but I'm as tired as a dog." Roma said, and laughed loudly.

[Gyflada]

Leo thought for a moment, "Of course you can bring her, Roma." he said with a smile on his face. "I'd like to share the limo, very much. It would be a good time to get to know Natalia and Irina a little bit more." Leo said. Leo yawned slightly, "Yes, I am quite tired. All the travelling has taken it out of my, and it's 11:15pm! Leo said looking at his watch.

"Before you go, I have something for you, well, a couple of things, actually." Leo walked over to a wooden brown chest, and opened it up. He took a couple of things out, and then walked over to the bed. "Now, I was going to give you these tomorrow. I have some bits for everyone, but I thought I'd give you yours now" Leo said smiling. "Now, if you could kneel down for a couple of seconds."

Once Roma has kneeled down, Leo took a sword from a velvet cloth. Taking the sword, Leo placed it on Roma's left shoulder, then right shoulder, and rested the tip of the blade on the ground, and smiled as he said "Arise, Sir Roma.". Leo had just Knighted Roma, the highest order of chivalry and one of the most prestigious honours that could be bestowed upon anyone in Edom. On the bed, laid the ceremonial insignia of the knighthood. "The other gift, is this sword." Leo said. He smiled, rubbed Roma on the head a joking fashion, and bid a good night.

[Romakov]

Roma beamed with happiness. His eyes were full of happiness. He was very grateful of such a valuable gift. "Thank you so much, Leonardo!" the young Czarevich thanked the Prince excitedly. Roma blushed slightly, happy and excited about the gift, and the gesture of the Prince rubbing his hair, which reminded him of his childhood. He beamed with happiness when he left the chambers. "Finally I'll have the chance to spend time with Princess María Ángeles." he whispered to himself. He really liked the Princess, and he was happy hat Leonardo permitted him to bring her with him to Edom.

At the breakfast table

"How did you sleep, young Prince?" the Czar asked Leonardo with a friendly smile. "Do you have any special plans today?" he asked. "Actually, papa, I'll take him to the city today." Roma answered, smiling. He and Leonardo exchanged a look, Roma winked at him, only the two of them knowing why they will go to the city. Alexia just looked at Roma, and then at Leonardo, not understanding. She raised an eyebrow at her younger brother. "Ничего (nothing)." the young Czarevich replied cheekily.

Nikolai whispered something to Alexei, they both grinning cheekily at Roma. Roma gave them a questioning look. What were they thinking? "So, papa," Nikolai said slowly, Alexei still grinning, "when is Princess María Ángeles arriving?" Nikolai asked, his eyes never leaving Roma, who by now was red as a tomato.

Just as the Czar was about to answer, Roma quickly blurted out: "Papa, may I get ready to go to the city? I'm done with eating." he asked. His father nodded. Roma took the chance and left before anything else could be said. He hear his brothers laughing in the background. It wasn't annoying to him, he found it quite funny himself, but he didn't want to sit in oresence of his entire family blushing because of his brothers mocking him for liking the Princess.

Roma got ready happily, excited to get the ring with Leonardo. Irina knocked on his door and entered, followed by Natalia. "Hey Romi! Are you ready? The limousine is on it's was to the Entrance hall." Natalia said. Irina and Natalia sat next to Roma. "Yeah, sure. Leonardo said he'll meet me here in my chambers and then we can go." Roma said. He conversed with his sisters until Leonardo arrived.

[Gyflada]

Leonardo sat quite happily eating his breakfast, he finished his mouthful before answering the Czar, "I slept extremely well thank you. All of that travelling knocked me for six!" he said laughing.

As Roma left the breakfast room, Leo couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed for the young man. He remembered what it was like to have the fun taken out of him. Leonardo wiped his mouth, and turned to the rest of the table "Roma's an interesting young man. He reminds me of myself when I was his age. I spoke to him last night, and he has agreed to come to Edom with me, we are leaving tomorrow." Leo took a sip of his drink. "I'm quite excited. I already have the arrangements planned. When we land, I will introduce him to my brother, King Lucca, his husband and their children. Following that, we will attend a local secondary school, and partake in a Latin class." Leo said with a smile. "I have arranged for the Princess María Ángeles to arrive in the evening, and have planned a romantic meal for them on the southern terrace of my palace - Palais De Beaumont. Princess María will then stay at the Majestic Hotel Venta Silurum, before flying out the next day. Myself and Roma will then continue our expedition around Edom. I expect he will be back within a week." Leo said.

Leo took one last sip of his juice before excusing himself, and going to get dressed. Leo decided to wear some casual clothes for this expedition to the city. He went up to Roma's chambers where he met the Princesses and the young prince.

[Romakov]

The doors of Roma's chambers opened and revealed the Prince. "Hey!" it came from the two Grand Duchesses. Prince Leonardo answered with a friendly smile. "Are you ready to go?" Roma asked. Leonardo nodded, smiling. "Wooh! Let's go then!" Roma got up and clapped his hands. He was indeed a very lively teenager. His sisters laughed at their brother's excitement and followed him and Leonardo out of the chambers.

In the limousine

"So yes, I'm the youngest of all and Roma here is the second youngest. And Natalia is the third youngest." Irina explained. She liked Leonardo, she saw a lot of her own sister's personality in him. He and Alexia were similar, she thought. Natalia and Irina talked to Leonardo about the Ivanov Royal family, and how they ruled Romakov for 599 years already. They also talked about the big ball planned in order to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Ivanov rule in Romakov.

"So where are you two actually heading?" Roma asked his sisters curiously. "Different jewelries and clothing stores, Romi." Natalia answered. "Why? Is there a new set of tiaras out or something"? their brother asked. "No, Roma. We're getting gifts for Nikolai and María Vittoria. You know that as his wife she'll move in, right? We want to welcome her with gifts. Oh, and by the way, when you two get the rings, don't forget that Alix loves blue diamonds." Natalia replied. "How do you know that we're getting the rings? I never told anyone." a confused Roma asked his sisters. "Oh, come on, Roma. You're my little brother, you're easy to read for me." Natalia explained.

"Whatever, Naty. he told his sister.

[Gyflada]

Sorry for the late response, been working on a 4,000 word research report for University.

Leo sat in the limo and listened to Irina explain the birth order of her family. Leo was always interested in finding out information about other families. "I see." Leo said. "Well, in my family, our Mother and Father have passed away, so my elder brother, Lucca is Monarch. Then there is me, and my younger sister Amelia, then, finally, our youngest brother, Angelo." Leonardo said.

As the girls revealed their knowledge of Roma and Leo's secret, Leo's face dropped. "Okay, you caught us!" said Leo with a cheeky grin, "But, you mustn't tell anyone. This really is a huge secret!" he said. The limo stopped outside a small courtyard, and the young princes and princesses stepped out the car.

[Romakov]

"Here we are, Leonardo." Roma smiled. "So, you girls will meet us back here in an hour?" Roma suggested. They agreed, and departed for the stores they wanted to visit. Roma walked a little up the street, Leonardo walking by his side. W"So, how was breakfast for you? Did you like it?" Roma asked the Prince. As they talked, Leonardo asked Roma a few questions about him and his brothers. Then, they arrived at the Kandinsky Jewelry, where they entered and looked around for a few seconds, before approaching the salesman with the two photos which Roma had brought. "Hello, Igor!" Roma greeted the man. The man bowed infront of Roma, and greeted him. "Welcome, your Highness Czarevich Roma."

"This is Prince Leonardo of Edom, he and I are here to buy an engagement ring and a wedding ring." Roma explained. The salesman again bowed, this time infront of Leonardo. "Welcome, your Highness." The salesman walked back to his spot, signalling for the Czarevich and the Prince to follow him. "How shall the rings look then? Do you have any special ones in mind?" Igor asked. "Yes, I brought these two photos. They were once rings owned by our family, before the revolution in Allemanie. Could you make exact copied of these rings? And how long would it take?" Roma asked.

"The longest, two days. I'll have it ready in two days for you to pick up." Igor looked up at the Czarevih and the Prince and smiled.

"Great!" Roma cried out excitedly. He looked at Leonardo, smiling.