A big night ahead of the Duchess, with a visit from the Sultana of Kyrenaia. Honestly at this point, this was starting to feel like a last ditch effort to finally convince the old hag, that Aurelia and Marcella were meant to be together, should be together. But a lot of complicated politics were holding it up, frankly more on the Sultanate’s end than AHSCA’s end, but it’s not as though there weren’t critics of Marcella naysaying a relationship with a foreign Princess. Marcella’s father, George was from common lineage so it made it less complicated in setting up the dynasty of AHSCA at the birth of what is now the UIS in the days after the war, but should Marcella find herself sharing the court of a foreign monarch, what would that mean for the future of the UIS. Nobody said being Duchess was easy, being given the title at such a young age by her respected and beloved mother. What would happen if either were ask to abdicate their positions? For Marcella if she did she could pass along the title to her younger sister, Gisella but Gisella was still young, hardly ready to take the throne on a whim, so that would pass along to the next highest government rank and so on and so forth. But the Nanao-Villa line had been ruling these islands for over a 100 years, what would happen if she did that? Yes, the theory was there but the practice wasn’t something she was sure she dared put to use, not with others really vying for power.
The militant junta that ruled Stillestando since the collapse of that state’s attempt at a local democracy, was all too eager to grab the throne for themselves. That would certainly plunge the nation into civil war and open the door for other nations like Stevid from coming in to pick up the pieces with a big "see, we told ya so" There was already a land rush in the Craxx archipelago by AHSCA’s neighbors so no, the UIS was too fragile for that option. Abroad, the biggest obstacle as far as Marcella was concerned was the Sultana and that lead to some very dark thoughts to cross her mind; namely having her newly christened Shadow Knights take the old duft out. An old lady could simply slip quietly in the night, who would really think anything of it? But that could have a lot of really bad blowback if it ever got back to Marcella that she ordered the assassination of a siting Monarch, even if they could make it look like no foul play was at hand.
Marcella contemplated all these thoughts as she was being prepped for this evening’s dinner at the Ducal Palace, being dressed by her handmaiden in a fancy modern gown, pink as the hair from her head, frilly as can be elaborate as can be.
“Last stich, Milady.” Her handmaiden Yoshi said to her to get her to raise her arm.
“It looks perfect already.” Marcella said flatly.
“Cheer up, Milady. Whatever happens, happens, the Goddesses will look after you as they always have. Even if this isn’t meant to be.”
“I suppose so.”
“All set. Come, I’m sure your guests will be arriving any moment.”
Marcella nodded, this was a state visit but she knew without a doubt Aurelia would come up and their relationship. Well it was now or never. Flanking her was Noir, her foreign officer, her two guards, Asuna and Sayaka, “Milady, I have everything set.” Noir said but Marcella kept her gaze forward. “I think it should be a simple meeting, just a reaffirming of terms we have laid out since your last visit to the Sultanate.”
“We’ll see.”
The walk from Marcella’s bed chamber to the office was quick but it rather felt like an eternity as Marcella’s mind raced with how to conduct herself should the worse really happen. With her two guards posted outside to await the arrivals, Noir and Marcella discussed matters a bit further.
“Of course you as the Duchess you have the final say about how foreign relations go but are you sure you’d want to go that far?”
“Well it is something I’ve been thinking about…”
A knock on the door as it was opened. Asuna announced “The Kyrenaian delegation, Milady.”
“Thank you, Asuna.”
Led by the Sultana herself, the small group entered – there was Aurelia's father and stepmother, Prince Damir and Princess Yasmin, there was Azad Safir, the Vizier responsible for foreign affairs, there were a couple of Kyrenaian Handmaidens... and there was Aurelia. For some reason, she didn't dare to look at Marcella. Once the door was closed, Marcella curtsied.
“It’s a pleasure to have you here at last.” She greeted with all the politeness she could muster. Aurelia was here so that also meant she had to restrain herself from throwing herself upon her and doing god knows what, hopefully time for that later if they’d stay a while. “It’s truly an honor, won’t you please sit? I can have Yoshi bring you anything you’d like, tea, water, coffee, other beverage or food if you desire? ”
“Thank you,” The Sultana said as she, as the only one, sat down, “I believe I shall pass.”
“Very well.” Marcella said taking a seat and offering it up for the rest. “Ahem. So Milady, Sultana,” Marcella continued to conduct business, “I trust we wanted to go over the latest in our joint military cooperative. Or perhaps you’d like to discuss trade and tariffs?”
“Marcella-Khana.” The Sultana spoke. “I am afraid, that we first need to take care of another business, one more private – the issue of you and my granddaughter.”
“Milady Sultana, I know of your past feelings on this matter, as my Dear Aurelia came to me during the festival a couple years ago saying you felt as such. Our jobs are not easy as Monarchs but as Aurelia also reminded me during the past festival in September, we also have the advantage of not being subject to the whims of an electorate…”
The Sultana interrupted Marcella in the middle of the sentence; “What she did not tell you was, that we, too, cannot rule without support. And we still have our own Houses to manage. You with yours, we with ours. I know the two of you are close and I was willing to put up with it but the whispers are growing more and more out of hand. I have to put my foot down and force this to an end.” She raised a finger. “But I’m not unreasonable. The two of you can maintain a friendship, if that is, what you wish. Though only as friends.”
“Friends are friends but at this point the distance is starting to take a toll. I’d hope to potentially make Aurelia my Duchess Consort in the near future.”
The Sultana's eyebrow twitched and Aurelia swallowed hard, as Marcella continued to hopefully give her persuasive arguments to the Sultana about why a marriage would be beneficial. “Would it not strengthen the ties of our two nations to have it that way? You have a trusted friend in Greater Dienstad, as you know, home to many powerful nations.”
Oooh, that might have sounded like a threat which made Marcella choke her words a bit “In-Influential, that is. Power in influence, wealth and trade and we have you a reliable partner for security and defense—“
“My dear... the UIS is a culturally rich and beautiful place, that is for certain.”, the Sultana replied, “But powerful it is not. The UIS neither has the economic nor is the military power to command the respect you claim to have among the nations of Greater Dienstad – to my understanding, the UIS, among them, considered a poor backwater at the edge of the world.”
Noir’s eyes widened and her pupils dilated, now this was starting to feel a bit personal. Her expression changed as her mouth curved and a little fanged tooth made itself visible. Marcella continued the conversation, increasingly working to keep her temper in check.
“S-Sultana, I…” It was a bit hard to argue with, AHSCA wasn’t a superpower, it had ties to nations like Mokastana and Lamoni, but nobody could consider AHSCA much of a broker of power, hell, it’d had yet to even join GD’s regional council.
“There are other issues, Duchess. Among other things, it’s simply improper. That, in turn, causes strife within our own houses of nobility, the people themselves are torn and I’ll admit, that I wish my granddaughter happiness, but not in the arms of another woman.” The Sultana let a beat pass. “Additionally, Kyrenaia was hit hard by COVID. The Sultanate must stand strong, with faith and confidence in itself and in its leaders – it can't stand strong when divided and it can't stand strong under a Sultana, who can't even keep her own family in line.” The Sultana leaned back. “And while I could be persuaded to see more advantages in such a relationship, you are the Duchess of the UIS, Marcella, hardly of a powerful or influential nation or of a proper lineage.”
“That’s it!” Marcella jumped from her chair. “I’ve heard enough, you old hag!” Noir’s eyes went wide, for Marcella to break decorum and court manners like that, was unheard of. “If that’s the way you feel about my country, about my family, than I don’t see a future between us. If you weren’t a foreign guest of state, I’d be just as glad to have you sent to our prison island to never be heard from again, but as you are, all I can do this: You are hereby declared a persona non grata!”
The Sultana still sat, unperturbed and shook her head.
“You certainly have a bit of fire.”, she said and rose, “As ruler of a sovereign nation, it is of course your prerogative to demand that of us, but I thought better of you, Young Duchess.” She looked Marcella up and down. “You have a lot to learn still – among other things to keep your temper in check.” Exhaling, she added: “We will make our departure now. I’m sorry it had to end like this.”
The doors opened. “Asuna, Sayaka, see to it the delegation are returned to their ship and see to it they depart the UIS safely.”
“Yes Milady. Follow us please.” Asuna urged them to come along.
The Sultana bowed her head lightly, as did the others, but Marcella was glad, that she did not see into Aurelia's eyes – if she did, she would have seen shock and anger and fright and utter, simple hate. Fighting back tears and frustration, once they were out of the room, Marcella couldn’t help but kick the desk. Hard to believe she was the descendant of a woman who was so feared in this part of the world that she could do anything. But times changed, Marcella, AHSCA they were specs in a sea of competing superpowers. Truth was, AHSCA probably need Kyrenaia more than the vice versa.
“I suppose that could have gone better.” Noir shook her head in disappointment.
“Noir…”
“Uh, yes Milady?”
“Draft up the papers. We are ending our relationship with the Sultanate. The embassy will be closed, their military base vacated and remaining envoys sent home.”
“As you wish.”
“Further…”
“Uh, yes?”
“Get a network going. Shadow Knights, I want them to begin ops there.”
“Milady—“
“Just to keep tabs on them, nothing more.”
“Yes Milady.”
Noir was left to do her thing, while Marcella simply watched the rain fall from her window. It was over. Just like that, hard to believe. Aurelia was someone special, there’d never be a girl quite like her, but if that’s what it was, that’s what it was. Hours passed. Night fell by the light of the alcohol lamp on her desk she looked over the original deal they hashed out years ago. Next to her was the official documents that would make this happen.
By Decree of Her Royal Highness, Duchess Marcella Villa
The UIS and the Sultanate of Kyrenaia hereby terminate diplomatic relationships and military alliances going forward. AHSCA’s Embassy in the Sultanate shall be closed effective immediately and all diplomatic and security staff shall be returned home. Vice versa, The Sultanate’s embassy in AHSCA shall also be shuttered upon the same conditions along with the military station on Aurora Island and all staff therein shall also be returned home.
With a heavy heart, she signed the papers with one swift stroke of her pen. Admittedly now, it was starting to get to her, she was feeling stupid, foolish, childish but what else could she do, no way they'd take her back now after her outburst. Sitting alone again with the faint dim lantern light burning on her desk a soft knock at her door. "Your mother, Milady"
"Mama...?"
Her mother Shino. Right now, she could hardly face a lecture from her but Shino's eyes weren't of contempt or disappointment for her daughter, just sympathy and empathy. "So, you lost your temper with the Sultana."
"I did. I know the papers will be all over me in the morning. But what difference does it make. If they want let them have my crown or whatever else. Doesn't matter anymore."
"My dear, I love you dearly, don't you think you're being dramatic for a girl?"
"It's not just that. It's my outburst. I can't believe I let my self get so worked up like that. I do love Aurelia but I also thought I could maintain my composure always even in the face of pressure. What good am I as a Duchess? Even if things change, I'm not cut out for this. Imagine me negotiating something more important."
"Oh my dear, you come from a long line of emotional silly women who are all just overly romantic and sentimental for their own good. Me, your grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother before were all the same. We have deceptively short fuses to us at times and we fly off the handle at inopportune times. You'll pick yourself up and work through this. I wish I could say a fairy tale ending was in the cards for you, that the Sultana will change her mind but I do not know about that. It may never change or come to pass even with time. In time Aurelia may even be married off to someone else out of necessity."
"I know." Marcella didn't want to admit it, but it was likely. "But how can I get over her? She was my first love..."
"Firsts are always special. I know."
"But in the end you got to be with papa."
"I did but he wasn't my first."
"Huh?" Marcella looked up at her mother, this was news to her. For as long as she's known her parents it always seemed like by all the graces of Heaven they were destined to be together.
"You remember Schala."
"The former Queen of Stillestando, yeah..."
"Believe it or not, she was my first."
"Mama..."
"This was before the war, going back to when we were both young monarchs of our respective islands. It was a big reason why I wanted to push to unify the islands as a monarchy. To be honest, I really thought she'd be given the title but--"
"But she was killed in the war."
"Mmmm not quite."
"Not quite?"
"Things were so unsettled after the war and given Stillestando was more or less the triggering point for everything, she decided it was best to quietly abdicate."
"I don't understand though, why?"
"My dear, that's getting off topic here, you can find her and ask her yourself some time for now let me continue. Schala was my first love, I wanted to be with her. And well like you, I was in the same predicament. Mother, that is your grandmother, would not have it. Given I was the only daughter, abdicating was out of the question for me, and when she died and I was thrusted into the throne for Aurora but of course by that time she also had married herself."
"You never thought of it? Neither of you?"
"Sure we did but, we were duty bound. So we tried to change from within. Unify the islands as a nation instead of the conquering your ancestor Tamura did. Of course you know where that went."
"But after the war, why not get with her?"
"You know how unstable things were, we were a new nation. As a prisoner I was made leader in abstentia. People looked to me as their symbol, their unifying figure. I couldn't imagine throwing that off after so much suffering and anguish so I quietly accepted it's just how things were. To better secure the nation, people felt I should have a partner, a husband ideally so I could begin a dynasty to continue the Nanao line. But I decided instead I'd make it more interesting. So I put out an open marriage call and you know the rest."
"Does...Does papa know this?"
"I don't know to be honest. I rather hope he doesn't. I don't want him thinking I settled. I love him, dearly, with all my heart. Wit him, I got you, and your sister, my two beautiful daughters. A man that I rely on and hold. I'm a coward obviously. Afraid of something as silly as thunder and haunted by my time as a captive. Through the nightmares, through the fear, he's always been there for me. That's what it means to have someone you love. That's what I'm getting at. Schala is-was-a lovely woman, I would have liked to have been with her but I have no regrets about ending up with George. Aurelia is a lovely woman, it'd make me happy to see you two together as a couple. But don't feel like there won't be another special someone out there for you as well. Just as I found the same joy and happiness with your papa, you might find it with someone else as well. Or fortunes will change and you will be with Aurelia. Either way, wait and see what Heaven brings upon you, my dear."
"Mmmm."
"I'm going on home."
"Right. Good night."
"Good night. Think about what I said."
She was left alone again with her thoughts before long it was time to put herself to bed. Well what was done was done, all that can be done was let the fallout settle then consider if it was worth picking up the pieces. Aurelia was special but her mother had a good point, if not Aurelia there could be someone else out there for her, not a replacement of course. Well her pride wouldn't let her face the Sultana right now but maybe at least she could apologize to Aurelia. But chances are her mail would be censored if she did, she really didn't know so she got a little clever with it, disgusing it as a piece of fan mail. Aurelia did have her admirers among young women in the UIS so with enough clever visuals, the envelop read,
Princess Aurelia Fan Club of AHSCA
but inside the contents were:
Dear Aurelia,
I'm really sorry about the way things went with your grandmother's visit to the UIS. I really do feel foolish about my outburst and about maybe jumping the gun by ending things. You are important to me, I suspect you always will be but I guess the Heavens will not bless us so to be together. Mother told me a rather long story that I don't want to get into here that put things into perspective for me, I hope things will be the same with you. Whatever happens in the future, happens. For now, I think it is best to let the dust settle and put this behind us. I'm sorry, really sorry that I'm such a little hot head.
All my love,
Marcella
Maybe she should have coded it but for now she did just let it act as a mini Trojan horse.