The Mountains Meet The Sea and the Desert (Closed, WA only)

[Cyretopolitania]

The Royal Seafront Estate
The Northwestern Coast of Cyretopolitania

The sun was starting to set over the mountains to the west, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, as the first guests began to arrive at the Royal Estate. Servants greeted each arrival and ushered them through the reception hall to the large open roofed courtyard was serves a ballroom.

The invitations had said the dress code was “smart casual” and Viscount Yakobas Meziani, heir to the Count of Abbat, and his sister, Contessa Virina Meziani, certainly met seemed to define that ambiguous term. He was young, athletic and sported a dark, Cyretian tan and wore tailored dark-washed jeans, a pale pink shirt and a gray sports jacket. His sister was petite but equally athletic looking and sported a coral sheath dress.

The Mezianis were greeted by Prince Agizul, their cousin, who was dressed similarly to Yakobas except in hues of pale blue. “Viri,” the Prince said, hugging the young woman and kissing her on both cheeks, “good to see you!.” He repeated the gesture with Yakobas. “And you, too, Yakob. How are you both? Yulia will be down as soon as Yuliana is settled.”

“Oh, I hope we get a chance to see Yuliana,” Virina said, “she’s so adorable.”

“Yes, she is,” Agizul grinned.

[Brasland]

Joint post with Mayagua

Princess Gisela made her entrance in the courtyard escorted by her brother Felix. She had chosen a tight-fitting red dress, while Felix sported a white shirt, burgundy pants and a white sports jacket.

“Do you see him?”, she muttered as they walked across the ballroom.

“I’ve never met him, Sela”, he said. “How could I recognize him?”

The two siblings caught eyes with their cousin Blanche, who was standing on a corner with another girl, both with a drink in their hands.

“This is my friend, Manuela Estrada”, said the princess. “Manuela, these are my cousins, Princess Gisela and Prince Felix.”

“Nice to meet you”, said the Mayaguan, curtseying.

Manuela wore a tight, short black dress, while her black curly hair fell wildly over her shoulders. She looked like a sexy little hurricane. Blanche’s dress was equally short but calypso, and her cleavage was far less revealing than Manuela’s. Unlike her friend, she had other attributes to show, as her long legs attested. Felix just gulped.

“Isn’t that Felipe over there?”, asked Blanche, turning to Gisela. “I met him and Letizia at the Emperor of Excalbia’s funeral. I know, sad occasion, but still, you are so lucky, Sela. He’s so sexy.”

“Oh, I know him, he’s stepping out with one of my friends from La Libertad”, said Manuela, who did not catch the last part of Blanche's comment. “She says he’s incredible in...”

She stopped herself as she saw Gisela’s face turning as red as her dress.

“She said so, huh?”, she said, containing her fury. “Excuse me, I think it’s time I give that f***boy a piece of my mind.”

As Gisela walked away, Manuela looked at Blanche and Felix, puzzled.

“Did I say something wrong?”, she asked.

The two Braslanders looked at each other, worried, and then turned to the Mayaguan.

“Let’s just say you triggered a nuclear war”, said the prince.

*

Sitting close to the bar, Princess Alexandra was explaining a random Cyretian countess why scotch on the rocks was better than boukha. Nearby, Don Fernando de Sajonia-Coburgo was deep in conversation with Prince Stephan. He wore a dark green jacket, with burgundy pants and a light blue shirt.

“Yes, Your Royal Highness, I’m quite familiar with Ernestrian politics”, said the young ambassador. “The Duke of Starograd is my uncle, after all. But no, I don’t think it’s similar to Brasland, save for the nepotism, of course. And don’t ask about Mayagua, it’s even worse.”

As Stephan laughed by the witty comment, Fernando saw a glimpse of Letizia of Providencia. He remembered their last encounter, in Tehua, with a mix of amusement and regret. Excusing himself to the Braslander prince, he headed in the direction of the Providencians, who were at a certain distance from the other guests. Just as he was about to introduce himself, he saw how a blonde in a red dress grabbed one of the men (Felipe?) by the arm and forcefully dragged him away. It was all very quick and shocking, and Fernando was stunned.

“He’s in trouble, right?”, he asked the Providencians. “That didn’t look good.”

[Providencia y San Andres]

The Royal Seafront Estate
The Northwestern Coast of Cyretopolitania

“No, this is not good at all,” Don Ernesto said with a frown. “Not good at all.”

“I believe,” Infanta Letizia said, her expression somewhere between a smirk and panic, “my brother is about to be… hoisted on his own petard, as they say.” Doña Elena blushed, and Letizia turned and looked at the Ambassador. “Don… Fernando, isn’t it?” She held out her hand. “It is… nice to see you again. I regret it as to come at such… an embarrassing moment for my brother.”

***

Felipe had just been about to greet Gisela when the young princess grabbed him and dragged him away.

When he regained his senses a few moments later, after the couple were outside alone, he pulled his arm free and grabbed Gisela’s shoulders.

“Have you gone mad?” He looked at her with a brow knotted in fury that quickly softened to worry. “What’s wrong, Gisela? What’s happened?”

[Brasland]

Joint post with Mayagua

The Royal Seafront Estate
The Northwestern Coast of Cyretopolitania

It was only when Felipe grabbed her by the shoulders that Gisela realized what she had done. This sort of behavior was so out of character in her that she felt as if she had been possessed by anger and could not answer for her actions. Suddenly, as his eyes met hers, a deep realization settled in her mind.

“What’s wrong?”, she repeated, feeling a cold fury. “If you don’t know what just happened, you’re either an idiot or an extremely insensitive person. In any of those cases, I don’t want a husband like that. Here, take this.”

Gisela took the engagement ring out of her finger and gave it back to him. “You are free, Felipe.”

That said, she turned around, took her stilettos off and walked to the beach. She needed some time alone.

*

Fernando kissed Letizia’s hand, and then he greeted her cousins.

“Your brother has a certain reputation”, said the Mayaguan. “And she seemed very angry. I just hope he comes back alive.”

He turned to Letizia. “What have you been up to? I heard you’ve been doing wonderful things. It seems a lot has happened since we met in Tehua.”

[Jrawa]

OOC: joint post with Cyretopolitania

Perhaps sensing the awkwardness of the situation, as almost every eye followed Princess Gisela and Principe Felipe out of the hall, or perhaps on some signal from the Queen, the band began to play.

With explicit prompting from the Queen, Crown Prince John and Crown Princess Irene, Prince Agizul and Princess Yulia, and Princess Ilizibith and Prince Peter all took to the dance floor. Soon, others began to join them.

Viscount Yakobas Meziani and Viscount Albert Getz, son of the Count of Oran, approached Manuela and Blanche. Yakobas bowed and smiled. “Ladies,” may I introduce myself? I am the Viscount Yakobas of Abbat, and this is my friend Viscount Albert of Oran, originally from Jrawa, but resident here is Cyretopolitania.”

Albert smiled and bowed. “My ladies,” he said.

Across the room, Albert’s cousin, Princess Alexandra Trabelsi, granddaughter of the uncrowned, would-be King of Jrawa, stood with Yakobas’ sister, Contessa Virina Meziani, and Contessa Hannah, Princess Ilizibith’s cousin. Hannah looked over expectantly at Prince Felix.

[Brasland]

Joint post with Mayagua

Manuela had set eyes on Yakobas they moment he had appeared on the courtyard. When he approached, she smiled seductively and let him guide her to the dance floor. The music, however, was not to her liking.

“Is this what you dance around here?”, she asked, shocked. “No reggaeton? Have you heard of bachata or merengue? This is just soooo slow!”

She realized that she was sounding rude, but she really enjoyed dancing to more livelier rhythms. Then she felt Yakobas’ strong arms holding her while they danced, and she forgot about the music. Daringly, she put her head over his chest. Manuela knew what her grandmother, Princess Pilar of Mayagua, would say of her behavior, but she did not care. She was not a royal like the other guests. She could do as she pleased. A more diplomatic Blanche followed Viscount Getz, thinking of the handsome law student she was casually going out with back in New Chalcedon. Did she really like him? He was gorgeous, but so boring...

Felix got the hint from Hannah and, dutifully, approached her.

“You look nice", he said, although he was thinking of another, less polite word. "Would you like to dance?”

He leaned towards her, casually touching her arm and sensing her smell. Then, he slowly whispered into her ear: “I confess I enjoyed my sister’s outburst. He had it coming.”

[Providencia y San Andres]

Joint post with Mayagua

The Royal Seafront Estate
The Northwestern Coast of Cyretopolitania

It was only when Felipe grabbed her by the shoulders that Gisela realized what she had done. This sort of behavior was so out of character in her that she felt as if she had been possessed by anger and could not answer for her actions. Suddenly, as his eyes met hers, a deep realization settled in her mind.

“What’s wrong?”, she repeated, feeling a cold fury. “If you don’t know what just happened, you’re either an idiot or an extremely insensitive person. In any of those cases, I don’t want a husband like that. Here, take this.”

Gisela took the engagement ring out of her finger and gave it back to him. “You are free, Felipe.”

That said, she turned around, took her stilettos off and walked to the beach. She needed some time alone.

Felipe’s jaw hung open. It moved, side to side, but no words came out. He took the ring and looked down at it as Gisela walked away. For a moment, he seemed frozen, but his mind was racing. He was imagining his father’s reaction. His mother’s. The press would go wild.

The Principe’s shoulders slumped and his brows knotted. He held the ring up to his face, then shoved it in a pocket and took after Gisela running.

“Gisela! Wait! I do not want to be free! Not free of you! Wait!” He paused briefly and kicked his shoes off into the sand, then ran after the Princess.

Although she had a head start, Felipe soon caught up with her. “I do not want to you to give up on me… please!”

*

Fernando kissed Letizia’s hand, and then he greeted her cousins.

“Your brother has a certain reputation”, said the Mayaguan. “And she seemed very angry. I just hope he comes back alive.”

He turned to Letizia. “What have you been up to? I heard you’ve been doing wonderful things. It seems a lot has happened since we met in Tehua.”

“Felipe,” Letizia said, “cares about little more than Felipe.” She sighed. “But I do hope he can… salvage this. It would be very distressing to Mother and Father…”

The Infanta looked at Fernando and smiled. “Are you keeping tabs on me, Don Fernando?” She batted her eyes. “I am flattered. But, yes, I have tried to have more… substance. And make some good use of my position - funding charities and seeing more of the world.” She laughed. “To my surprise, I have learned that I do not need to become a prim and proper Excalbian or Pantocratorian to do so; I can still have fun.” She paused and looked carefully at the Mayaguan. “And what is new with you?”

[Excalbia]

Baroness Inga Krumins stood unobtrusively on the far side of the ballroom. In her early fifties, the Baroness wore her blonde hair up in a severe bun and was dressed in a knee-length blue-gray dress, a gray shrug and flats. She seemed to almost fade into the background. In that way she was exactly the kind of person who rose to the senior ranks of career staff at the Imperial Household Agency. She came from an impeccable background as the heir of an ancient upper highland barony, maintained the highest level of discretion in her personal conduct, was coolly efficient in her duties, and almost never attracted attention.

Inga had not set out to have a career in the IHA. She had only wanted to avoid the loss of freedom and autonomy that came with marriage in her class and her generation, even in enlightened Excalbia. She had initially accepted an appointment to the Imperial Estate at Valmiera to appease her father’s desire that she “do something.” Her competence quickly moved her onto the career track, and her discretion and spotless character put her on the path to the senior ranks.

Now, her career had culminated in being placed in charge of the Crown Princess’ traveling party. Of course, Inga understood her real charge: chaperoning a 16-year old girl and her friend on her first solo trip abroad. At least it was officially a private trip and was to an old ally. That made the logistics and security details easier, and allowed her to focus on her responsibility to the Crown Princess.

Some distance away, but within sight of the Baroness, Elizabeth, the Crown Princess of Excalbia, stood with her best friend, Marie-Jeanne d'André, the illegitimate daughter of the Despot of New Constantinople. The young princess smiled as she watched the dancers and small groups of men and women chatting.

“Isn’t this exciting, MJ?” Elizabeth asked her friend. “I still can’t believe that Mother and Father gave their permission for us to come alone.” She nodded her head towards the Baroness. “Well, except for Old Inga.” Then she moved her eyes to the opposite side of the hall where her nominal secretary, Lady Elsa Rumina, stood like a slightly younger version of the Baroness. “And Elsa.” She turned back to her friend. “But we’re still mostly on our own!”

[Jrawa]

Joint post with Mayagua

A more diplomatic Blanche followed Viscount Getz, thinking of the handsome law student she was casually going out with back in New Chalcedon. Did she really like him? He was gorgeous, but so boring...

Albert led Blanche on to the dance floor. He was a good, if not particularly creative dance partner. As they moved with the music, he said, “So, tell me about yourself. You’re a Braslander, no? I’ve been skiing in your mountains. They’re quite lovely. As are you.”

[Cyretopolitania]

Joint post with Mayagua

Manuela had set eyes on Yakobas they moment he had appeared on the courtyard. When he approached, she smiled seductively and let him guide her to the dance floor. The music, however, was not to her liking.

“Is this what you dance around here?”, she asked, shocked. “No reggaeton? Have you heard of bachata or merengue? This is just soooo slow!”

She realized that she was sounding rude, but she really enjoyed dancing to more livelier rhythms. Then she felt Yakobas’ strong arms holding her while they danced, and she forgot about the music. Daringly, she put her head over his chest. Manuela knew what her grandmother, Princess Pilar of Mayagua, would say of her behavior, but she did not care. She was not a royal like the other guests. She could do as she pleased. A more diplomatic Blanche followed Viscount Getz, thinking of the handsome law student she was casually going out with back in New Chalcedon. Did she really like him? He was gorgeous, but so boring...

Felix got the hint from Hannah and, dutifully, approached her.

“You look nice", he said, although he was thinking of another, less polite word. "Would you like to dance?”

He leaned towards her, casually touching her arm and sensing her smell. Then, he slowly whispered into her ear: “I confess I enjoyed my sister’s outburst. He had it coming.”

Yakobas was just about to reply to Manuela’s comment about the music - it would get livelier; it usually did - when she put her head on his chest. He abandoned all thoughts of a reply and simply smiled, moving with the music.

* * *

Hannah smiled as Felix approached. “And you look very handsome,” she said. She held out her hand. “Of course.”

She blushed slightly as he leaned over to whisper to her. “Oh, I have not doubt,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I’ve heard stories about Felipe. Lizi said he got drunk at Uncle David’s wake in the Citadel. Shameful, really.”

[Brasland]

Felipe’s jaw hung open. It moved, side to side, but no words came out. He took the ring and looked down at it as Gisela walked away. For a moment, he seemed frozen, but his mind was racing. He was imagining his father’s reaction. His mother’s. The press would go wild.

The Principe’s shoulders slumped and his brows knotted. He held the ring up to his face, then shoved it in a pocket and took after Gisela running.

“Gisela! Wait! I do not want to be free! Not free of you! Wait!” He paused briefly and kicked his shoes off into the sand, then ran after the Princess.

Although she had a head start, Felipe soon caught up with her. “I do not want to you to give up on me… please!”

Gisela rolled her eyes.

“Oh, grow up, Felipe!”, she said, dismissively.

But then the princess saw the fear in his eyes, and she bit her lip. She realized that he felt the heavy pressure of his position in a way she could not understand. He would inherit a throne, while she could choose what to do with her life. Feeling a sudden pity, she came close to him, putting her hand on one of his cheeks.

“Pipe, we both know you’re not ready for marriage”, she said, firm but gentle. “Please, make yourself a favor and enjoy your freedom. Have fun and make mistakes while you can... and don’t worry about your family and the press, we can tell them any excuse you want.”

She gave him one last kiss. “I wish you the best.”

Albert led Blanche on to the dance floor. He was a good, if not particularly creative dance partner. As they moved with the music, he said, “So, tell me about yourself. You’re a Braslander, no? I’ve been skiing in your mountains. They’re quite lovely. As are you.”

Again, Blanche gave the Jrawan a diplomatic smile.

“If that’s your best line, Albert”, she warned, half teasing and half serious. “You’ll have to work harder.”

However, he was not a bad dancer at all, so she decided to give him a chance.

“Yes, my family is from Brasland”, she explained. “But I’ve spent all my life in New Chalcedon. I’m the closest thing you’ll find to a princess in exile… who’s not exiled. What about you, where do you come from and what do you do?”

Hannah smiled as Felix approached. “And you look very handsome,” she said. She held out her hand. “Of course.”

She blushed slightly as he leaned over to whisper to her. “Oh, I have not doubt,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I’ve heard stories about Felipe. Lizi said he got drunk at Uncle David’s wake in the Citadel. Shameful, really.”

As Hannah told him about Felipe’s antics, Felix frowned.

“Of course he would”, he said. “That a******.”

He spun her on the dance floor with the ease of someone who knew his moves. Then he gently pulled her close to him, maybe closer than protocol would have advised. “So tell me, don't you get bored living this cocooned life?”

[Mayagua]

“Felipe,” Letizia said, “cares about little more than Felipe.” She sighed. “But I do hope he can… salvage this. It would be very distressing to Mother and Father…”

The Infanta looked at Fernando and smiled. “Are you keeping tabs on me, Don Fernando?” She batted her eyes. “I am flattered. But, yes, I have tried to have more… substance. And make some good use of my position - funding charities and seeing more of the world.” She laughed. “To my surprise, I have learned that I do not need to become a prim and proper Excalbian or Pantocratorian to do so; I can still have fun.” She paused and looked carefully at the Mayaguan. “And what is new with you?”

Fernando noticed that there was something different about Letizia. He could not put words on it, but it was clear to him.

“It would be hard to miss you, Letty, when you and Tariq were all across the papers”, he said, giving her a gentle smile. “I’m glad you’re travelling and helping others; you are too smart to waste yourself like… well.”

He did not mention Felipe, but he was sure they all understood. When she asked about his life, he wondered whether there was ever anything new about him. He felt he was always the same, even though circumstances around changed. Nevertheless, he had to give an answer.

“Well, I’m now playing to be an ambassador”, he said, and then added. “… in Markund. Have you been there? It’s quite cold at this time of the year, but the people are welcoming. Maybe you should visit some day.”

Fernando realized he was nervous, as if he wanted Letizia to approve. Of what, he did not know, but the feeling puzzled him.

[Cyretopolitania]

As Hannah told him about Felipe’s antics, Felix frowned.

“Of course he would”, he said. “That a******.”

He spun her on the dance floor with the ease of someone who knew his moves. Then he gently pulled her close to him, maybe closer than protocol would have advised. “So tell me, don't you get bored living this cocooned life?”

Hannah smiled at Felix’s bold move. Not so different from his brother after all, she thought. “Yes,” she said, “it… can be a bit boring. But I do get to travel… less so after Lizi’s married, but I’ve seen many places. I hope,” she paused, “I hope to travel more. And on my own. See more of the world than palaces, castles and posh clubs.” She laughed. “That sounds terrible doesn’t it? What do they say? ‘First world problems?’”

She paused and enjoyed the dance for a moment, feeling the rhythm of the music and the movements of Felix’s body. “So, what is it that you aspire to do?

[Jrawa]

Again, Blanche gave the Jrawan a diplomatic smile.

“If that’s your best line, Albert”, she warned, half teasing and half serious. “You’ll have to work harder.”

However, he was not a bad dancer at all, so she decided to give him a chance.

“Yes, my family is from Brasland”, she explained. “But I’ve spent all my life in New Chalcedon. I’m the closest thing you’ll find to a princess in exile… who’s not exiled. What about you, where do you come from and what do you do?”

Albert blushed slightly at Blanche’s comment, but he still smiled. “That’s interesting,” he said. “I am here with my cousin, who is a princess in exile. Alexandra is the granddaughter of our rightful King.” He nodded his head in the princess’ direction. “As for me, part of my family still lives in Jrawa and still owns our family estate in Oran. However, in the Republic,” his voice betrayed his antipathy, “we are denied our rightful titles. However, we have found a welcoming second home here in Cyretopolitania. My father, the Count of Oran, lives here most of the time. As I do when I’m not traveling for the family business.” He shrugged. “Unfortunately, without our titles in Jrawa, our family relies on its businesses - shipping mostly - to sustain it. As soon as I graduated from university in Jefferson I went to work. I have no set position, but am trying to learn every aspect of the company.”

He gave Blanche a smile and added, “I hope I didn’t talk too much. So,” his smile broadened, “what does a close-to-being-a-princess-in-exile do these days?”

[Providencia y San Andres]

Fernando noticed that there was something different about Letizia. He could not put words on it, but it was clear to him.

“It would be hard to miss you, Letty, when you and Tariq were all across the papers”, he said, giving her a gentle smile. “I’m glad you’re travelling and helping others; you are too smart to waste yourself like… well.”

He did not mention Felipe, but he was sure they all understood. When she asked about his life, he wondered whether there was ever anything new about him. He felt he was always the same, even though circumstances around changed. Nevertheless, he had to give an answer.

“Well, I’m now playing to be an ambassador”, he said, and then added. “… in Markund. Have you been there? It’s quite cold at this time of the year, but the people are welcoming. Maybe you should visit some day.”

Fernando realized he was nervous, as if he wanted Letizia to approve. Of what, he did not know, but the feeling puzzled him.

Letizia smiled while looking at Fernando from the corner of her eyes. “I’ve heard many… interesting things about Markund. But with the… protection of an Ambassador perhaps I would chance a visit.” She extended her hand. “Would you like to ask me to dance, Señor Embajador?”

[Providencia y San Andres]

Gisela rolled her eyes.

“Oh, grow up, Felipe!”, she said, dismissively.

But then the princess saw the fear in his eyes, and she bit her lip. She realized that he felt the heavy pressure of his position in a way she could not understand. He would inherit a throne, while she could choose what to do with her life. Feeling a sudden pity, she came close to him, putting her hand on one of his cheeks.

“Pipe, we both know you’re not ready for marriage”, she said, firm but gentle. “Please, make yourself a favor and enjoy your freedom. Have fun and make mistakes while you can... and don’t worry about your family and the press, we can tell them any excuse you want.”

She gave him one last kiss. “I wish you the best.”

Felipe trembled at Gisela’s kiss. “I fear I will never be ready,” he muttered. “Not for anything.” He looked at his… he hated the thought… former fiancee. “I… I do not want this to be the end. But… but you deserve better,” he said, his eyes drifting down. “Much, much better…”

The Principe dropped to the sand, sitting on his knees. “I… I am worthless,” he said. “Worthless.” He took the ring and held it up to Gisela. “Please, keep it. If not for our engagement, for a memory… of what might have been.” He dropped further into the sand, half sitting, half laying down and sobbed.

[Brasland]

Felipe trembled at Gisela’s kiss. “I fear I will never be ready,” he muttered. “Not for anything.” He looked at his… he hated the thought… former fiancee. “I… I do not want this to be the end. But… but you deserve better,” he said, his eyes drifting down. “Much, much better…”

The Principe dropped to the sand, sitting on his knees. “I… I am worthless,” he said. “Worthless.” He took the ring and held it up to Gisela. “Please, keep it. If not for our engagement, for a memory… of what might have been.” He dropped further into the sand, half sitting, half laying down and sobbed.

Gisela rejected the ring as Felipe extended his hand. When he began to sob she knew she could not leave him alone. The princess kneeled down next to him, letting him cry on her shoulder. Damn, she thought. A hot guy with a secret vulnerable spot.

“Come on, Pipe”, she said, her arm around his back. “You’re not worthless…, maybe too spoiled… but definitely not worthless.”

As he calmed, Gisela leaned back to look at him. “You can turn your life around, you know? Look at Letizia. She’s changed so much.”

She helped him to stand up. “You don’t need a wife to become a better person, Pipe. It’s the other way around. If you ever want to create a solid, loving family, you need to improve yourself first.”

The princess sighed. He looked like a wounded puppy in need of someone to take care of him. Men could be so simple… and yet so complex.

Hannah smiled at Felix’s bold move. Not so different from his brother after all, she thought. “Yes,” she said, “it… can be a bit boring. But I do get to travel… less so after Lizi’s married, but I’ve seen many places. I hope,” she paused, “I hope to travel more. And on my own. See more of the world than palaces, castles and posh clubs.” She laughed. “That sounds terrible doesn’t it? What do they say? ‘First world problems?’”

She paused and enjoyed the dance for a moment, feeling the rhythm of the music and the movements of Felix’s body. “So, what is it that you aspire to do?

Felix laughed as Hannah mentioned posh clubs.

“I’d like to go backpacking in Tehua and Mayagua”, he said. “Maybe that’s the sort of travelling you’re thinking about?”

He showed off some of his moves, mostly to make her laugh… but also to look good.

“I need to figure that out”, he explained after she asked about his plans. “Peter will inherit all the responsibilities… and most of the money, so I will have the freedom and the pressure to make my own life. Maybe start my own business? Consulting? Work for an international organization? I don’t know yet. I prefer to enjoy the moment… and the company.”

He looked into her eyes, really liking what he was seeing.

Albert blushed slightly at Blanche’s comment, but he still smiled. “That’s interesting,” he said. “I am here with my cousin, who is a princess in exile. Alexandra is the granddaughter of our rightful King.” He nodded his head in the princess’ direction. “As for me, part of my family still lives in Jrawa and still owns our family estate in Oran. However, in the Republic,” his voice betrayed his antipathy, “we are denied our rightful titles. However, we have found a welcoming second home here in Cyretopolitania. My father, the Count of Oran, lives here most of the time. As I do when I’m not traveling for the family business.” He shrugged. “Unfortunately, without our titles in Jrawa, our family relies on its businesses - shipping mostly - to sustain it. As soon as I graduated from university in Jefferson I went to work. I have no set position, but am trying to learn every aspect of the company.”

He gave Blanche a smile and added, “I hope I didn’t talk too much. So,” his smile broadened, “what does a close-to-being-a-princess-in-exile do these days?”

Blanche returned the smile.

“That was very informative”, she said, teasing him. “And very interesting.”

She cleared her throat.

“As for me, I go to college in New Chalcedon. My mother has some businesses there, and some day I’ll take over, I guess. My siblings… well, let’s say their line of work is different. But please, keep telling me about Jrawa. What’s it like? And why is the government so hostile to your family?”

[Mayagua]

Letizia smiled while looking at Fernando from the corner of her eyes. “I’ve heard many… interesting things about Markund. But with the… protection of an Ambassador perhaps I would chance a visit.” She extended her hand. “Would you like to ask me to dance, Señor Embajador?”

Fernando put his glass aside. He leaned over and took Letizia’s hand.

“It would be my pleasure, Señorita”, he said.

He guided her – not that she needed guidance, certainly – to the dance floor, where he felt a bit clumsy, but tried to save face by making her spin around. If royalty were a school, Letizia would be the most popular girl, and he knew that she knew it. She was smart, wild, confident and beautiful, while he was solid, stable and consistent. Wait, he thought, those are synonyms. Would that be enough? Wait again, was he thinking of her as… a potential girlfriend? Was he overthinking? This was just a dance. Get out of your head, Fer, he told himself. He followed his own advice and put his hand on her hips, trying to feel the music and not think of how he, the Mayaguan Ambassador to Brasland, felt so nervous around Letizia of Providencia.

[Providencia y San Andres]

Gisela rejected the ring as Felipe extended his hand. When he began to sob she knew she could not leave him alone. The princess kneeled down next to him, letting him cry on her shoulder. Damn, she thought. A hot guy with a secret vulnerable spot.

“Come on, Pipe”, she said, her arm around his back. “You’re not worthless…, maybe too spoiled… but definitely not worthless.”

As he calmed, Gisela leaned back to look at him. “You can turn your life around, you know? Look at Letizia. She’s changed so much.”

She helped him to stand up. “You don’t need a wife to become a better person, Pipe. It’s the other way around. If you ever want to create a solid, loving family, you need to improve yourself first.”

The princess sighed. He looked like a wounded puppy in need of someone to take care of him. Men could be so simple… and yet so complex.

“Yes,” Felipe said, standing awkwardly next to Gisela, “you are right, of course. I… have to fix myself before I am worthy of a woman like you.” He held the ring in his hand, then quickly stuffed it in his jacket pocket, resisting the urge to throw it into the ocean.

The future king looked at the princess. “Letty is… stronger than I am.” He paused. “In truth, any of my sisters would be a better monarch…”

Felipe drew in a deep breath, then looked at Gisela and smiled. “Thank you, my love. Now I know what I must do. Thank you.” He took her hand. “I know… we are finished. But,” he swallowed hard, “I will always love you. You must never forget that. I am just sorry that I did not show you how much I really love you.”

Fernando put his glass aside. He leaned over and took Letizia’s hand.

“It would be my pleasure, Señorita”, he said.

He guided her – not that she needed guidance, certainly – to the dance floor, where he felt a bit clumsy, but tried to save face by making her spin around. If royalty were a school, Letizia would be the most popular girl, and he knew that she knew it. She was smart, wild, confident and beautiful, while he was solid, stable and consistent. Wait, he thought, those are synonyms. Would that be enough? Wait again, was he thinking of her as… a potential girlfriend? Was he overthinking? This was just a dance. Get out of your head, Fer, he told himself. He followed his own advice and put his hand on her hips, trying to feel the music and not think of how he, the Mayaguan Ambassador to Brasland, felt so nervous around Letizia of Providencia.

Letizia smiled as she noticed the effect she was having on Fernando. She may have made the conscious decision to be a kinder, more considerate person, but she still enjoyed knowing that she could make herself the focus of attention when she wanted.

The Infanta found the Ambassador a decent dancer, better than she had expected. She smiled at him and whispered, “You are quite good, Señor Embajador.” She paused. “As a dancer, I mean, of course.” She leaned close to the Mayaguan and enjoyed the dance.

[Pantocratoria]

Baroness Inga Krumins stood unobtrusively on the far side of the ballroom. In her early fifties, the Baroness wore her blonde hair up in a severe bun and was dressed in a knee-length blue-gray dress, a gray shrug and flats. She seemed to almost fade into the background. In that way she was exactly the kind of person who rose to the senior ranks of career staff at the Imperial Household Agency. She came from an impeccable background as the heir of an ancient upper highland barony, maintained the highest level of discretion in her personal conduct, was coolly efficient in her duties, and almost never attracted attention.

Inga had not set out to have a career in the IHA. She had only wanted to avoid the loss of freedom and autonomy that came with marriage in her class and her generation, even in enlightened Excalbia. She had initially accepted an appointment to the Imperial Estate at Valmiera to appease her father’s desire that she “do something.” Her competence quickly moved her onto the career track, and her discretion and spotless character put her on the path to the senior ranks.

Now, her career had culminated in being placed in charge of the Crown Princess’ traveling party. Of course, Inga understood her real charge: chaperoning a 16-year old girl and her friend on her first solo trip abroad. At least it was officially a private trip and was to an old ally. That made the logistics and security details easier, and allowed her to focus on her responsibility to the Crown Princess.

Some distance away, but within sight of the Baroness, Elizabeth, the Crown Princess of Excalbia, stood with her best friend, Marie-Jeanne d'André, the illegitimate daughter of the Despot of New Constantinople. The young princess smiled as she watched the dancers and small groups of men and women chatting.

“Isn’t this exciting, MJ?” Elizabeth asked her friend. “I still can’t believe that Mother and Father gave their permission for us to come alone.” She nodded her head towards the Baroness. “Well, except for Old Inga.” Then she moved her eyes to the opposite side of the hall where her nominal secretary, Lady Elsa Rumina, stood like a slightly younger version of the Baroness. “And Elsa.” She turned back to her friend. “But we’re still mostly on our own!”

"They're harmless compared to the Sisters of Perpetual Chastity at St Columba's." Marie-Jeanne joked in response.

Marie-Jeanne d'André was excited too, and felt very grown-up and perhaps a little out of her depth. She was dressed in a deep red satin party dress which ended several inches above the knee. The colour of the satin contrasted her long, dark hair in a way her mother had described as "very becoming" when she had seen the selfie she had taken for her while getting ready. The dress was positively as short as she could convince her mother to allow her to buy but also positively modest compared to some of the guests. It was high-necked and sleeveless, an age-appropriate neckline which did not invite what would be unflattering comparisons to the cleavage of some of the other guests. She was unused to wearing high heels, but had practiced sufficiently that she wouldn't make a fool of herself dancing, if indeed she had the opportunity to dance. She hoped she did. Sixteen was certainly old enough to be asked to dance by a young gentleman, she judged.

"So, if someone of unsuitable rank impertinently asks you to dance, I suppose I shall have to take the bullet for you, Elizabeth." Marie-Jeanne suggested playfully.

[Brasland]

“Yes,” Felipe said, standing awkwardly next to Gisela, “you are right, of course. I… have to fix myself before I am worthy of a woman like you.” He held the ring in his hand, then quickly stuffed it in his jacket pocket, resisting the urge to throw it into the ocean.

The future king looked at the princess. “Letty is… stronger than I am.” He paused. “In truth, any of my sisters would be a better monarch…”

Felipe drew in a deep breath, then looked at Gisela and smiled. “Thank you, my love. Now I know what I must do. Thank you.” He took her hand. “I know… we are finished. But,” he swallowed hard, “I will always love you. You must never forget that. I am just sorry that I did not show you how much I really love you.”

Gisela could not decide whether Felipe was sad, angry, sarcastic… or all of the above. She said nothing, for she did not believe his declaration of love. Anyway, it was irrelevant now, as she had taken her decision.

“Goodbye, Felipe”, she said, and walked away, feeling relieved and at peace with herself.

[Jrawa]

Blanche returned the smile.

“That was very informative”, she said, teasing him. “And very interesting.”

She cleared her throat.

“As for me, I go to college in New Chalcedon. My mother has some businesses there, and some day I’ll take over, I guess. My siblings… well, let’s say their line of work is different. But please, keep telling me about Jrawa. What’s it like? And why is the government so hostile to your family?”

“What do you study?” Albert asked.

Then, he said, “Well, the answer to your question starts with the so-called revolution, when the traitors in his own government forced King Gersem V to abdicate in 1853. At first, it was only the Royal Family that was forced to flee. Then, it was the king’s supporters. Finally, the republicans abolished the aristocracy as well.”

Even as he continued to dance, Albert wrapped up his little history lesson with a little family history. “My great-great-great-great grandfather was the King’s second son, and was, of course, forced into exile. We only retained our estate and business in Jrawa because his father-in-law, the then-Count of Oran, transferred the deeds to a trusted employee, who was a commoner. My great-great-great grandfather was, then, able to buy them back, once things had settled down a bit. So, we have part of our ancestral lands, but our noble titles are not recognized in the Republic. And we’re still regarded with some suspicion. ‘Delusional royalists and pretenders,’ they say.”

He looked at Blanche and smiled. “But enough about me…”

[Brasland]

“What do you study?” Albert asked.

Then, he said, “Well, the answer to your question starts with the so-called revolution, when the traitors in his own government forced King Gersem V to abdicate in 1853. At first, it was only the Royal Family that was forced to flee. Then, it was the king’s supporters. Finally, the republicans abolished the aristocracy as well.”

Even as he continued to dance, Albert wrapped up his little history lesson with a little family history. “My great-great-great-great grandfather was the King’s second son, and was, of course, forced into exile. We only retained our estate and business in Jrawa because his father-in-law, the then-Count of Oran, transferred the deeds to a trusted employee, who was a commoner. My great-great-great grandfather was, then, able to buy them back, once things had settled down a bit. So, we have part of our ancestral lands, but our noble titles are not recognized in the Republic. And we’re still regarded with some suspicion. ‘Delusional royalists and pretenders,’ they say.”

He looked at Blanche and smiled. “But enough about me…”

“I’m a Business student”, she said with a sniff. “I wasn’t sure of what to do, so my mother suggested I studied something that would be useful for me in the future. I think she was right, although it’s not a very inspiring thing to study.”

As he narrated the history of Jrawa, so clearly intertwined with his family’s, she listened, captivated.

“It’s fascinating”, said Blanche when he finished. “I confess I know very little about Jrawa. It sounds like an interesting place to travel.”

She then reassessed her comment. “Although, if they are so hostile to people like you, I doubt they will welcome someone like me.”

The princess moved easily but without drawing attention to herself, unlike her cousin Felix. She responded to Albert’s movements, feeling very at ease in his company. What was the name of the law student? Right now, she could not remember…

[Mayagua]

Letizia smiled as she noticed the effect she was having on Fernando. She may have made the conscious decision to be a kinder, more considerate person, but she still enjoyed knowing that she could make herself the focus of attention when she wanted.

The Infanta found the Ambassador a decent dancer, better than she had expected. She smiled at him and whispered, “You are quite good, Señor Embajador.” She paused. “As a dancer, I mean, of course.” She leaned close to the Mayaguan and enjoyed the dance.

After a couple of hours, Fernando proposed to go outside to get some fresh air. He took two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and offered one to the Infanta. As the magical Cyretian night unfolded in front of their eyes, Fernando leaned against a marble pillar. He looked up, first to the stars, and then his eyes met Letizia's.

“Do you have any idea of how beautiful you are, Letty?”, he asked, as she was bathed by moonlight.

[Providencia y San Andres]

Gisela could not decide whether Felipe was sad, angry, sarcastic… or all of the above. She said nothing, for she did not believe his declaration of love. Anyway, it was irrelevant now, as she had taken her decision.

“Goodbye, Felipe”, she said, and walked away, feeling relieved and at peace with herself.

Felipe watched Gisela walk away. He stood in silence for a long time. Then, slowly, he began walking back towards the estate. He picked up his shoes and continued up from the beach until he spotted a young Cyretopolitanian servant carrying a bucket of ice.

“Excuse me,” Felipe said, stepping into the light and startling the man.

“Sir?” The man asked in heavily accented English as he set his heavy bucket on the path.

“Can you find the Infanta Letizia, my sister, and give her a message?”

“Sir?”

Feliped frowned. “Do you have paper and a pen?”

The servant nodded and pulled a small pad and pencil from his jacket pocket, and handed them to the Principe.

Felipe took it and scribbled a note. He tore the page out and gave it and the notepad back to the servant. “Here, give this to my sister, Infanta Letizia.”

The servant took the note and nodded. “Yes, sir. Infanta Letizia. I will ask at the house for her.”

“Yes, very good,” Felipe said. Then he reached into his pocket and retrieved Gisela’s engagement ring. He handed it to the servant. “Here, for your troubles.”

The servant took the ring and stared at it with widening eyes. “Sir?”

“It is yours. Thank you.”

With that, Felipe walked around the house towards the driveway. He found the Embassy car that had brought him to the Estate and knocked on the window, waking up the driver.

“Your Highness?” The driver looked up with a confused expression.

“Let me in.”

“Of course!” The driver leapt from the car and opened the rear door for Felipe.

“Take me back to Cyretia.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The driver bowed as the Principe entered the car. “But, sir, to where in the city?”

“Do you know a good, high-end, discrete brothel?”

The driver jerked his head in shock. “Sir?”

“Do you?”

“Uh, no, sir. I’m sorry sir…”

“Hmm.” Felipe sat back in the car. “Then, take me to the airport.”

“Yes, sir.” The driver closed the door and quickly got into the car.

After a couple of hours, Fernando proposed to go outside to get some fresh air. He took two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and offered one to the Infanta. As the magical Cyretian night unfolded in front of their eyes, Fernando leaned against a marble pillar. He looked up, first to the moon, and then his eyes met Letizia's.

“Do you have any idea of how beautiful you are, Letty?”, he asked.

“I have been told that I am,” Letizia said with a playful smile. She looked at Fernando, then up at the moon. “You are… far more charming than I remember.”

The Infanta sat on the edge of the ornamental railing. She looked up at Fernando, and her expression softened. “I… I… actually, I should thank you,” she said softly. “It was your… challenge that made me… chart a new course. I do not know why, but your words… they stung. I suppose because I knew them to be true. I was… squandering my opportunities. I now longer want to squander… anything.”

She sipped her champagne and looked expectantly at the Ambassador.