Proposals for a Princess (TG to Enter)

by **Settentrionalia** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 12:29 pm

Liegalla wrote:Vysla, Liegalla

To: Prince John of Setania
From: Queen Guoda Ojeras

While we are honored by your wish to pursue the hand of my daughter, a match between you and her I am afraid is not possible, on account of the already limited number of suitors my daughter considers amongst her courtship. It is nevertheless hoped that you find happiness in your other future pursuits.

Queen Guoda had just sent off the letter to Prince John, when she was informed of the much anticipated arrival of the treasure fleet of Prince Marcus. She quickly made her way to the throne room.

The arrival of Prince Marcus’ treasure fleet was no small matter. Never before had such a large fleet ever appeared off the shores of Liegalla, and never had such treasures heron delivered to the capital. It spark a mad rush towards the convoy as it made its way to the palace has hundreds, then thousands and then tens of thousands of people rushed to catch sight of it. There was such excitement that the entire city seemed abuzzed.

Such was this excitement that the palace guards who had been tasked with finding the wayward Prince Dariano, had to be reassigned as to ensure the crowds did not turned to riot, which seemed quite the possibility. With such wealth being passed through the streets of the capital, and many having heard rumors and tales of the size of the treasure and even the distribution of the gold that had arrived, people ran and pushed and shoved in hopes of being the first.

It was in this situation that two men, Morcas and Bronas, amongst the spies of the hidden Queen Dowager Brigita spotted their quarry. What a windfall they had. Hearing the prince proclaim himself precisely who they sought for, only for it to see be drowned out as people everyone rushed to spot the treasure convoy, the two sprung into action. They came up behind Elinga and the prince swiftly, their movements hidden by the rush of people.

Bronas struck first, seizing the prince and clamping a heavy hand over his mouth as to keep him from yelling out. He wrapped a large arm around the royal and lifted him up and dashed off to a nearby alleyway.

It was much worse for Elinga. The young woman opened her mouth to cry out, only to find no sound coming out as Marcas opened her throat. She had only the time to look down at the bloodily gash before collapsing, dead before she hit the ground. So frenzied was the rush to see the treasure of Prince Marcus that none noticed Elinga, even as they trampled her body.

In the alleyway, Morcas joined his fellow roughen, and using the ropes snatched from the crabcatcher’s daughter, bound and gagged the the Meyarino royal and in the shadows of the distracted city, made their way to Vakaru Castle.

Queen Dowager Gintare all but threw open the palace gates for the envoys of Prince Marcus herself. The Queen Dowager had longed awaited the arrival of the famed treasure fleet. Eager to see the gifts of the suitor made to fill the royal coffers, and even more to get her granddaughter to Mary the wealthy prince. Prince Marcus could be a malformed hunchback, and the Queen dowager would still recommend him for her granddaughters. Wealth was what they needed.

The gates were opened and the palace safe began aiding in the unloading of the treasures as a pair of guards in the red and gold livery of House Ojeras escorted the envoys to the throne room, their audience granted. The greeting of the envoys was not as grand for the envoys of the prince as it had been for Prince Jean-Luc, Queen Guoda had no interest in walking that road again. She seated the Dragonfire Throne, her mother at her side, a bright smile on the older woman’s aged face, and that wound have to prove enough.

All righty, refused just as it was ment to be

, I hope you will find a great suitor (but you will never find someone as kind as John)

by **Mediama** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 12:39 pm

Settentrionalia wrote:
Liegalla wrote:Vysla, Liegalla

To: Prince John of Setania
From: Queen Guoda Ojeras

While we are honored by your wish to pursue the hand of my daughter, a match between you and her I am afraid is not possible, on account of the already limited number of suitors my daughter considers amongst her courtship. It is nevertheless hoped that you find happiness in your other future pursuits.

Queen Guoda had just sent off the letter to Prince John, when she was informed of the much anticipated arrival of the treasure fleet of Prince Marcus. She quickly made her way to the throne room.

The arrival of Prince Marcus’ treasure fleet was no small matter. Never before had such a large fleet ever appeared off the shores of Liegalla, and never had such treasures heron delivered to the capital. It spark a mad rush towards the convoy as it made its way to the palace has hundreds, then thousands and then tens of thousands of people rushed to catch sight of it. There was such excitement that the entire city seemed abuzzed.

Such was this excitement that the palace guards who had been tasked with finding the wayward Prince Dariano, had to be reassigned as to ensure the crowds did not turned to riot, which seemed quite the possibility. With such wealth being passed through the streets of the capital, and many having heard rumors and tales of the size of the treasure and even the distribution of the gold that had arrived, people ran and pushed and shoved in hopes of being the first.

It was in this situation that two men, Morcas and Bronas, amongst the spies of the hidden Queen Dowager Brigita spotted their quarry. What a windfall they had. Hearing the prince proclaim himself precisely who they sought for, only for it to see be drowned out as people everyone rushed to spot the treasure convoy, the two sprung into action. They came up behind Elinga and the prince swiftly, their movements hidden by the rush of people.

Bronas struck first, seizing the prince and clamping a heavy hand over his mouth as to keep him from yelling out. He wrapped a large arm around the royal and lifted him up and dashed off to a nearby alleyway.

It was much worse for Elinga. The young woman opened her mouth to cry out, only to find no sound coming out as Marcas opened her throat. She had only the time to look down at the bloodily gash before collapsing, dead before she hit the ground. So frenzied was the rush to see the treasure of Prince Marcus that none noticed Elinga, even as they trampled her body.

In the alleyway, Morcas joined his fellow roughen, and using the ropes snatched from the crabcatcher’s daughter, bound and gagged the the Meyarino royal and in the shadows of the distracted city, made their way to Vakaru Castle.

Queen Dowager Gintare all but threw open the palace gates for the envoys of Prince Marcus herself. The Queen Dowager had longed awaited the arrival of the famed treasure fleet. Eager to see the gifts of the suitor made to fill the royal coffers, and even more to get her granddaughter to Mary the wealthy prince. Prince Marcus could be a malformed hunchback, and the Queen dowager would still recommend him for her granddaughters. Wealth was what they needed.

The gates were opened and the palace safe began aiding in the unloading of the treasures as a pair of guards in the red and gold livery of House Ojeras escorted the envoys to the throne room, their audience granted. The greeting of the envoys was not as grand for the envoys of the prince as it had been for Prince Jean-Luc, Queen Guoda had no interest in walking that road again. She seated the Dragonfire Throne, her mother at her side, a bright smile on the older woman’s aged face, and that wound have to prove enough.

All righty, refused just as it was ment to be , I hope you will find a great suitor (but you will never find someone as kind as John)

(OOC): A raise you a Jane to your John.

by **Liegalla** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 2:52 pm

Zieda had slowed as she listened to Catherine, stiffening as she realized somewhere in the conversation they had misstepped. Her purple eyes were wide with surprise, more confused that this was the course of the conversation. And then, shimmering below there lay fire, the fire that ran in the blood of every Ojeras. Zieda lookec to her hand in Catherine’s. That was nice. And she had caught her calling her love. And yet she couldn’t appreciate either as she heard Catherine’s words in her ears. She was at a lost for words as she tried to speak.

It was Catherine’s comments on her sister that struck the princess like shard of ice to her bosom, even if the princess hasn’t meant it to. She didn’t know. How could she? Zieda had seen common men stand by and let crimes happen, had stood there and heard her sisters’ screams and done nothing. That was the only sample of her subjects Zieda needed. How could the common people be trusted with anything if they would not do anything then? But Zieda couldn’t say any of that.

She wanted to scream and rage, and tear into Catherine and the Queen’s words like a dragon ripping into its prey. She wanted to inform them that she would not be made some figurehead of charm to gently influence matters. She wanted to tell him how her father had only been able to open up their country because he had obliterated Rzhev and delivered those who would oppose him or the monarchy to the noose in town squares.

The princess, Zieda, was not aware of course that it had been largely against her father’s Will that he had been made to bring about such devastation. But to Zieda, she saw a clear pattern in her life. For there to be any good, one had to be willing to destroy and take matters into their own hand. Nothing else, as far as she saw, would work. Better to control everything and command as she saw fit, for she knew best. Was that not her role as queen? To know best?

So too did Zieda wish to cry. Catherine had all but said she expected Zieda to fail— the princess being entirely unaware of the true economic state her own people were in— and that hurt her. And fear of the idea of the entire monarchy coming down around her. Zieda had always lived with the prism of the monarchy, and she loathed the talk of her existing outside of it. It had enraged her with Queen Anabel and here too that rage return, if less so.

But Zieda could say none of that. She had been taught too well by her grandmother the Queen Mother on how to diplomatically say things. After all, Zieda was heir to the Dragonfire Throne. She could do as she pleased, regardless of what anyone else said. She could and would, or at least fully intended to, pick and choose what she liked and did not like for improvements. Strengthening the military surely didn’t mean having to give the commoners a voice. Nor would it, if she had her way.

The princess took a breath a small smile reappeared on her face and she gently squeezed Catherine’s hand. “I shall take that under advisement,” said Zieda, speaking as she had heard the Queen Mother speak when she had no intention of doing as told. “And will do what is best for Liegalla.”

by **Liegalla** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:07 pm

To: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa
From: Princess Zieda Ojeras

Do forgive my delayed reply. I am always pleased to bring a smile to someone’s face. Particularly a handsome one. Though I know before I was hesitant in meeting before, I believe now I find myself more open to the matter. I am still slow to closeness, but meeting is quite the possibility Perhaps you may join me on my visit in Mediama, though I’d need to first ask our hosts on the matter.

by **Mediama** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:31 pm

Catherine could only frown, not only because Zieda had lied to her (She had enough lessons with her mother herself and enough poker games to tell), but because it was clear she struck a chord with the Liegallan princess, and she had elected to hide it instead of confronting it.

Then again, she might as well have torn down everything that Zieda had ever known, even if it was clear that those around her had also seen the writing on the wall.

She turned to her mother and the Queen Mother, "My apologies mother, but may we have some time for ourselves?" Queen Williams II nodded.

Catherine shifted to the end of the limo, and patted for Zieda to sit next to her, so they had a bit more leeway to speak freely.

by **Liegalla** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:55 pm

Zieda looked to her grandmother. Part of her was tempted to remain where she was, and she half thought of saying something cold and sharp. But she decided against it. Catherine was her friend and their politics, as their background and nations could be different and still coexist. Queen Mother Jurgita remained silent, a rarity in her life. She too was curious as to what kind of person and ruler her granddaughter showed hints of being.

Princess Zieda shifted, sliding into the seat next to Catherine. “You are upset with me,” Zieda said softly as she looked to Catherine.

by **Mediama** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 5:17 pm

The RAF pilot shook her head, “More like worried for you dear. It’s clear I struck a nerve when I mentioned your sister, and the world at large. I get it, even if I was adopted, if anyone laid a hand on my little sisters, you bet my RAF training is going to kick in, and they aren’t leaving alive.”

She patted her lap in an offer to lay down, regardless of what she did: hold hands, take up the offer or no, she would react accordingly, and hold her delicately as she softly said, “Friends don’t give up on one another when they fight, nor do they leave their friends hurt. I know the weight of the crown can be tremendous, especially in a time like this. But that is the reason why we have people to confide in. To vent those problems and perhaps even solve them, two heads are better than one.”

She would continue to softly stroke to settle Zieda’s nerves. “At the end of the day, no matter what our politics, or where we come from, we’re still people who need help from time to time, people who care for the wellbeing of their loved ones… people who hurt.”

A beat of pause as she let Zieda settle in. “If there’s anything you want to say to me, to get off your chest, I’m here right now, and not a word will leave here or my lips. It doesn’t have to be now, it can be later, but just know I’ll always be here to be a shoulder to cry on. Like we said in our letters, to the next meal, to the next day, closest gator to the boat.”

by **The Meyarines** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 8:40 pm

Vysla, Liegalla

Dariano let out a muffled scream as he found himself, once again, held hostage and tied up. The attack had come so quickly, he had had barely enough to understand what was going on in the street around him before he found himself being swept off of his feet and struggling against his captors. He struggled against his restraints, cursing through the gag.

by **Liegalla** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:53 am

The fire that had been growing in Zieda’schest started to flicker and cool as the princess, as she was want to do, swung back from fiery temper beneath her mask back towards soothing calm. She slipped her hand into Catherine’s and rested her head on Catherine’s shoulder, her head scarf shift and causing a few of her silvery kick to fall free, their near white coloring stark against the Mediaman princess’ uniform. Zieda closed her eyes, taking a breath, and then released it slowly, opening her eyes once more.

“I am glad,” Zieda said softly so that only Catherine could hear. “I do not seek to offend, nor set the bond that connects us ablaze, but there are times when I must remember that I will one day be queen, a concept that still remains new to me, and when I think of that, I know that I must uphold the institution that my family has created. The nation we forged. And change, unfettered will strike a blow at that foundation. It is better to do so from the top down than to let chaos destroy everything from the bottom up.”

“You have so much…” Zieda searched for the right word, gesturing her free hand vaguely “… In how you speak and think and act. It is odd. Not necessarily in a bad way. But it is different. It is very, un-Liegallan.”

After a brief pause the princess chuckled. “I believe this was our first fight.”

As the princess chuckled, the Queen Mother looked away from her granddaughter to Queen Williams, the older woman’s face a stony visage. “It seems”, Queen Mother Jurgita said with the cold observation of a researcher watching a firing test, “that they grow closer by the moment, your daughter and my granddaughter. Fast friends, don’t you think?” The Queen Mother looked to the Mediaman monarch, her eyes looking to study the mother’s response.

To: Prince Elasher of Yeris
From: Queen Guoda Ojeras

I hope that this letter finds you in good health. I do believe that the hosting of a tournament could prove an excellent avenue fort further fostering diplomatic relations between our nations, and it sounds like a great deal of fun. It pleases me to hear you and my daughter already discussing such cooperative and important topics and ideas.

While familiar, at least in knowing of them, with some of the events, I am afraid I am not as familiar with the events of Hargah or Glima. Would you perhaps be so kind as to further elaborate, so I may have a better understanding and aid in my selection of a good place for this event to take place.

God be with you.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 12:26 pm

To: Princess Zieda Ojeras
From: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa

Your invitation is an honor Princess, though I have great desire to see you, if it’s something of a state matter, I do not wish to intrude on something I wasn’t originally privy to. I’d love to see you in your own home or vice versa I would happily host you here, if your time permits and God allows.

by **Mediama** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:59 pm

Catherine softly smiled as she gingerly stroked Zieda's hair, partially out of comfort at this point as the Liegallan princess calmed herself down. As she did so, she marveled at the beauty of her hair, fell in love with how peaceful she became.

Regardless, she promised to be the shoulder to cry on, to be the one to vent one's frustrations to. And so she listened, she didn't talk any further, but listened, as Zieda shared her aspirations and plans, and her culture shock with Mediaman values.

It was odd, having someone describe, even if they couldn't put a finger on it, the qualities of the Mediaman compared to another country. She could understand the confusion herself. Their monarchy was the odd one out when it came to monarchies, the fact that they held democratic values to such a high regard, stemming from the times when Mediama was merely just a British frontier with little support from the motherland, led to a more toned down aura of independence toned down compared to their American neighbors, and a more outspoken demeanor.

They kept to British traditions sure, but they were wild and free, brave and kind and ready to take on the world if they had to.

One could say they had a bit of naïveté to them.

Still, Catherine thought, it may be best for Zieda to find out on her own, as she travels across the country.

She softly giggled along with Zieda as she mentioned they had their first fight, "It appears so love, it appears so. And it speaks volumes that we're still together like this despite it."

Queen Williams did not share the same level of concern as the Queen Mother had, though she faced the Liegallan elder with a tempered smile, "Perhaps, they have had correspondence with each other for nearly a month now."

She thought carefully in her further response. Based on cultural surveys, it was widely known that Liegalla was a conservative nation with Catholic leanings. And while the current church in Liegalla was rule by a more liberal papacy, the bar set was pretty low compared to the previous regime. For all she knew, they may not fully agree with the Vatican's statements on matters such as this.

Then there was the potential political fallout if Zieda fell for Catherine. They were looking for someone to court Zieda for a reason, specifically a man, they needed an heir to continue the family line.

Truth be told, the queen did not have a stance against homosexuality, Gay marriage was legalized under the previous monarach's rule under thunderous applause, hers included. And they did have solutions for such concerns through either adoption, or if they were really set on someone with Ojeras blood, surrogacy. Though even that may be controversial for the Liegallan royalty, ahead of the time for the time being.

She decided to take a page from her daughter's book and go for a more direct approach.

"Though I suppose you have concerns that they may be developing something more intimate?"

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by **Liegalla** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 6:32 pm

Vakaru Castle, Liegalla

Morcas and Bronas carried Prince Dariano into the great hall of Vakaru Castle. The old castle’s great hall was a rectangular stone double height chamber with ornately craved black wooden arched rafters. Stain glass windows heigh above let light gently flitter into the dark room. Below, back at eye level century old tapestries meant to tell the story of how Vytautas the Great unified the divided realms into one kingdom.

Queen Dowager Brigita stood in the chamber, drapped in a dress of dark blood red and black, her eyes brightening as the prince was deposited in front of her. The Queen Dowager stepped up to Dariano, lifting his chin so she could get a good look of him.

“You are a pretty one,” Brigita said smoothly with clear admiration. Her husband had been a rough and strong man, like a lumberjack, though sooner to cut a man in half than a tree. This young man was more like a muse for a renaissance sculptor. She gave a nod to Morcas. “See to it that our guest is cleaned and dressed.” Brigita looked over the young man as if he were a dish about to prepared for a feast.

Morcas nodded and lifted the royal like he was a sack of potatoes and throwing him over his shoulder and taking him up to one of the rooms that had housed numerous dowagers and widows. Servants— of the same stock who had remained steadfast loyal to Vytautas IV and thus found the softer hand of his widow all the more enjoyable— were summoned to bath and dress the royal. Morcus set the prince down and removed the gag and untied him, and locked the chamber doors behind him as two guards took up post.

Brigita may not be above kidnapping a prince, but she wasn’t going to treat him like a common prisoner. Better to glide his cage and line it with cushions. It kept him in better condition and thus more valuable.

The queen dowager turned to Bronas. “Let us inform our dear Meyarino visitors of our latest valuable accusation.”

To: Jayas Wynters
From: Queen Dowager Brigita Ojeras

I believe I have found something of value of yours that you have lost. If you wish it returned to you, come to Vakaru Castle after sunset, alone. Do be sure to come alone. And keeping this between ourselves. It would be a terrible shame if I… misplaced or broke such a precious pretty thing.

Bronas saw to it that the letter, handed off to a carrier who was willing to accept a bit of cash and uninterested in asking questions delivered to missive to Wynters on the Meyarino yacht. With the message of it being for his eyes only.

by **Nishikaigan** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:00 pm

Upon receiving the letter from Princess Zieda, Matsu would immediately begin writing a letter back to her, aiming to both fully win her over and to outline his intentions to repair his nation's damaged reputation amongst the Liegallan people.

To: Princess Zieda of Liegalla,
From: Duke Matsu of Montana.

It's certainly nice to hear from you again! I hope you've been doing well sense our last exchange of letters. My vacation was certainly an enjoyable one as you can tell from the pictures I've attached to this letter, I most certainly hope that the next vacation I end up taking could be with you, but I guess I'm getting a bit ahead of myself with that train of thought.

Also, I completely understand your grandmother's fears and the general attitude of the Liegallan people towards me and my nation, seeing as it was my older sister's hot-headedness that nearly led to a needless war between our two nations. But rest assured that I am willing to do whatever it may take to repair my national and personal reputation amongst the Liegallan people.

________________________________________________________________________________________
And with his reply made, Matsu attached several random photos he had taken while on vacation, along with another box of the finest Nishi chocolates he could get.

by **Liegalla** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:10 am

To: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa
From: Princess Zieda Ojeras

Very well, Lord High Baron. Let us schedule you a visit to Vysla upon the completion of my visit in Mediama and my return back to Liegalla. I suppose I shall need to improve my skills in being a host to those who visit my home.

by **Liegalla** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:11 am

Queen Mother Jurgita chuckled, looked back to the two princesses.

“You think me old, cold and set in my ways,” the Queen Mother said. “I shall give you the first two, I am cold, and I am certainly old. But one does not get to my age by being a blind fool to reality.”

The queen mother sat back in her seat. “I grew up in the reign of the Reveler, you know. Vytautas II, now that was a merry monarch. He threw the most excellent of parties and bacchanals. And he was so handsome, and a magnificent lover with a relentless appetite, though I never get the chance to make it into his bed before he died.”

Jurgita smiled as she thought back to the days of her youth, when she had been the tall red head daughter of a minor lord at the court of the young king. Vytautas II had been the favorite grandchild of Vytautas the Great, and he’d had seized the throne upon the death of his elderly uncles. Though once possessed of the power had spent it only to fulfill his own desires. He spent lavishly and often, gave gifts and titles and lands, and opened up the palace.

Jurgita had been a teenager, skirting and dancing on the edges of the ballrooms and festivals, on the cusp of adulthood in those final days before the somber reign of King Edgaras. The idea that she may one day become queen had been a thought nonexistent in her mind.

“He, the Reveler, had a favorite, Sir Audrius Marozas, a lad with the most beautiful gold curls, who would seat in his lap and feed him grapes and poured his wine for him. Yes, it is, in the eyes of many sun, but when is king you can oft do far more than others. I recall seeing them together one night in the palace courtyard,” the queen mother said in a low wistful voice. He had always thought Vytautas II the most handsome of Ojeras kings, no matter what her stepson’s nickname might be. “There was such affection their embrace.” She let out a small sigh. “And when Reveler died… oh how we all wept. And none harder than Sir Audrius. I do believe that was the first time I saw true heartbreak. Indeed, when he died a year later, I do believe it was from that.”

The Queen Mother shook her head. She recalled attending the funeral of King Vytautas II, it had been the first time she had spoke with the man who would become her husband. Prince Jouzas had been there with his wife, Princess Kunigunda, whose own father had been the Reveler. She had cried. He had looked on. Jurgita had curtsied and given her condolences. She had no way of knowing how far she and he would both rise in the years to come.

“The Reveler never married, and left behind no true born sons to carry his name or line. Where are his descendants? His legacy? Confined to a chapter of parties in the history books. And then, twenty years later, as queen, I watched my stepson grow up. He took a liking to girls, maids and serving girls, and they took an even greater liking to him. A pity for us all. At least when a prince fools around with a stable boy there was no need to concern oneself with bastards. But he fell in love with a common girl, and the expected result came of it. A common bastard. But a young father can be so affectionate. He he loved her and their child dearly.

I admit I didn’t think much of it. He was not my own, it need not concern me. And his father thought it no harm. Let him love who he loved, it mattered not. He would do his duty and marry a good well bred Ojeras cousin. And he did. And had that been the end of it, how things might be different. But he couldn’t separate his love from his duty. And has his natural son grew, he favored him more and more. He was a child born out of love. How could he not? And that favor did not stop after my husband died and he ascended the throne.

I am my father’s favor, his eldest, thought that bastard, now a man grown. Why shouldn’t I be king? I am sure such justifications were in his mind when he poisoned his father and slit his younger brother’s throat, and took my daughter as his bride.”

The Queen Mother let out a cold humorless laugh. “There is a reason marriage is not designed around love, no matter what people these days say. It is not a tool to unite people’s hearts. It is a way of cementing deals, preserving and acquiring wealth and power, securing trade agreements and forging alliances.”

“There is but two times I shall ever be interested in what occurs in my granddaughter’s bed. On the night she is wed, beds and consummates her marriage, and the day on which she gives birth to a true born heir to House Ojeras and the Dragonfire Throne. Outside of that I do not care what she does in her bed or with whom.”

The Queen Mother looked to Queen Williams III.

“I have concerns that if they do develop something more intimate, neither she nor your daughter will be prepared to reality of things, and either Zieda will choose duty and your princess will not know the difference in matters of the heart and state and be left heartbroken, or Zieda will be distracted from her role as the future of our nation and open a wound from which there come forth only death and destruction.”

Queen Mother Jurgita looked back to the young women. “If it comes to it, I will be sure to reacquaint them with reality. My granddaughter requires a royal consort, a husband, a father to heirs. Not a great love. That does not mean she can not have both. Only that she must understand how to go about it.”

by **Amarian Union** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 5:05 pm

FROM: Her Majesty, Empress Lana Yuuki of the Amarian Union
TO: Liegalla Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On behalf of the Amarian Union and its proud people, I wish to extend to you a request to open diplomatic ties with Liegalla. Though I must admit it does appear to come at an inconvenient time as your Princess seeks a hand in marriage, I could not wait to write this correspondence personally. There’s much we can learn from Liegalla and there’s much we can contribute; not just a friendship between our nations but also, possibly, a bond that will help our nations flourish. If such a request is considered, I wish to visit your beautiful nation with a diplomatic envoy to show our sincerity in such diplomatic pursuits.

Sincerely, Empress Lana Yuuki.

The Empress had observed the foreign news reports of the goings on in Liegalla; the pursuit of a suitor for the beautiful Princess intrigued her. She herself went through a search for love, though despite her best efforts, it was not meant to be when she went on that journey. Lana watched Amarian and foreign news channels on the large screen TV in her Private Chambers as she sat at her desk. The young leader of twenty four years of age had led the nation no longer than six years after her mother stepped down from power; this wasn’t her first major diplomatic effort while she sat in power but this was to be the first where she personally decided to lead these efforts. Prior to this, she had let diplomats be her voice, other faces that mouthed the words that the Empress herself had crafted. Now, it all came down to her.

The Empress stood herself up from her desk as she walked across the cold black-tiled floors towards the TV; at five foot six, the Empress wasn’t the imposing figure of power one came to expect when in control of a nation, but nevertheless, she served… and the intriguing story of finding love for the Princess in Liegalla captured her attention even more. She couldn’t take her gray eyes off the screen. She admired the beauty of the Princess but also related to her… The prospect of visiting the nation was creating excitement within her, curiosity fueled by a sense of discovery. This was, after all, her first adventure outside the Amarian Union.

“This shall be an interesting adventure…” She said aloud to herself with a soft, high-pitched voice. Her excitement to possibly traveling beyond the borders of the Amarian Union was only rising as she thought of the experience. The Empress only had to wait to see if that excitement was to be satiated with an overseas visit… or not.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 11:00 pm

To: Princess Zieda Ojeras
From: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa

It’d be an honor and a privilege to be your guest, Princess. ~~I’m told by my father I make good target practice.~~ I guess I need some practice myself, on foreign royalty. Although I know etiquete, I might be too familiar with my royal cousin. I hope your visit goes well.

by **Mediama** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 3:17 am

It was an interesting surprise hearing the Queen Mother's take on this whole hypothetical. Just as much as it surprised her that the Royal Family had its own skeletons in the closest, both in the political and rainbow sense. Though the latter is to be expected given the nature of people. And yet at the same time it posed to be complicated as well. From what she could tell, the Queen Mother supported the idea of polyamory, quite daring for a seemingly conservative nation, but as she said, there was some leeway for royalty.

But if it was any indication from what she told her of the rise of her stepson, the very man who had been recently assassinated, such a love was a difficult thing to manage.

Such an arrangement would solve some of the political issues. As an elected monarchy, Mediama did not have the same level of urgency to find a hereditary heir to the throne, such political dynasties were only viable if the monarch the princess had descended from was historically a good, competent leader, and the Mediaman people had thought as much. This very system left Catherine open to marry whoever she wished without having to have a worry to find an heir.

The Queen Mother's idea of balancing love and duty also meant that the best this relationship could do is tighten the bonds between both respective nations. But also mean that both princesses would be happy while Zieda fulfilled her duty as queen and bore and heir. Catherine could also breathe a sigh of relief with possibly keeping her air force career depending on what could be negotiated, especially if Zieda's official crown prince takes on the bulk of royal duties as Zieda's husband.

This however, also meant that if the time ever came, and the offspring of Zieda's union became just as ambitious as the previous Liegallan monarch, Catherine might be sucked into the treacherous waters of Liegallan politics, through attempted assasination.

Such actions would be considered an act of war.

It was certainly a lot to consider. But it was a more pleasant response than she expected.

"I understand those worries, just as I have mentioned that very same understanding to Queen Guoda. I can assure you that Catherine has been taught and understands the trials and tribulations that come with being royalty. It is true that there may be heartbreak, but she's learned to pick herself up and carry on.

As for the latter concern, I have less of a say that could be of any reassurance. Though I believe that there should be some level of affection and actual love in a marriage, I would have to agree that such an outcome would have severe political consequences. Consequences that may not be properly addressed without the introduction of more revolutionary ideas that Liegalla may not be ready to embrace just yet.

I am already pleasantly surprised of your stances in this matter regardless of our differences in how we view marriage. And did not realize that the late Vytautas II had such leanings.

Such an arrangement as you had described also seems the most sensible, though your aforementioned recollection of the rise of your stepson brings up a concerning point everyone must consider: The emotions of everyone involved.

While it is true that many of Zieda's suitors are seeking her for power, just as many are seeking her out for romantic pursuits, a certain Prince Darino comes to mind. As you have said, such a balance needs to be set in affections between Zieda's husband, and Catherine, or at the very least, everyone involved is content with the other. This very complexity is the reason why some Mediamans here do not agree with polyamory or polygamy, despite its legalization.

The other concern also arises from your recollections: If this saying I have been hearing of Ojeras blood is to be believed, who's to say that Zieda's son doesn't become ambitious enough to enact the same thing to Zieda, her husband, and to Catherine? Such an act would be considered an act of war to Mediama, let alone to the respective nation of Zieda's husband.

Such a warning or no, if this does escalate into something more, there will have to be some caution thrown to the wind."

She turned to face the two princess, "But one does have to admit, they have so far both proven to be a great comfort to one another, have they not?"

As the respective queens continued their discussion on the logistics of such a courtship, Catherine had been continuing to soothe and comfort Zieda, enjoying the smooth movements of the car as they continued to drive through the vast forests towards the bridge to Victoria Island. She gave the Liegallan princess time to relax, and collect her thoughts, as she waited for her to say something.

In the meantime, she decided to take out some ear buds, connect them to her phone, and handed one to Zieda, and placed the other in her own ear, she looked through UTube, to a fitting song for the two of them, and began to play it for them to help pass the time and to give Zieda a way to change topics if she wanted to.

by **The Meyarines** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 6:14 am

Prince Dariano cursed as he, freed from his bondage, raced to try to escape, only for his fists to land against the wood of the lock door that sealed him in the makeshift prison of his in Vakaru Castle. He let his hand drop, sliding down the door longingly. This was madness. For Dariano didn’t understand why he had been taken here nor who it was the woman who was apparently holding him hostage as her unwilling ‘guest’.

Dariano turned, looking to servants who had been sent to see him made presentable. The prince ran a hand through his curly hair and let out a resigned sigh. At least this captor of his knew how to show some respect to a prince. He huffed and let himself be bathed, cleaned and dressed, and having done so he furiously paced his cushioned cage.

Jayas Wynters meanwhile was stunned as the mysterious letter was placed into his hand. Even more so when he read it. He had expected it to be a missive from Queen Guoda, perhaps finding the foolish prince. Only this came from a different queen, though it seemed into her grasp that the prince had fallen into. Wynters only barely recalled the name of Brigita, the widow of the late King of Liegalla.

If she were the wife of a tyrant, what might she be capable of herself? Certainly the kidnapping of a prince, son of a foreign head of state, was not a line she had any qualms with crossing. Nor ransoming. Wynters cursed. What had that foolish Prince Dariano gotten himself into? He was not a man Wynters thought well equipped to handle the world of plots and schemes that he seem to be dragging Wynters into.

Wynters considered alerting Queen Guoda. Or trying to free the prince from the black castle. But obviously the Queen dowager had spies and informants of her own. Certainly in the palace. How else might she have known the prince was not seated aboard the royal yacht, as would make the greater sense to the outside world and in fact had been lost in the foreign capital? Nor did Wynters have the forces to launch an attack on a fortress.

The crew of the royal yacht may be capable of a mutiny, but that had been against a vain princeling, not a castle likely armed with guards and with their goal to save locked behind its walls. Wynters chuckled darkly. Dariano was more damsel than savior in these things. But no, force would not aid him. For there was also the matter that Wynters had not informed the King of the Meyarines of the Prince’s excursion into the city.

King Jayas couldn’t be allowed to know of the truth of the situation. At best he might see Wynters’ head on s platter for losing his son. At worse, it might spark a war. A most ironic prospect of it was Dariano’s kidnapping that sparked such a conflict when it was Dariano’s pursuing of Zieda, the Helen of Vysla.

So Wynters, dressing in black, and a Kevlar vest and a hood and cloak, he ordered the yacht to leave the city harbor and to said north into the bay as sun set. He ordered the lights of the yacht snuffed out, leaving it a shadow on the dark waters as he lowered a smaller dingy into the bay and rowed to the shore near Vakaru Castle. Tucking away the small boat, Wynters, alone made his way to the gates of the castle, seeking an audience with the Queen Dowage under the cover of night.

by **Liegalla** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:03 pm

To: Duke Matsu of Montana
From: Princess Zieda Ojeras

I have been doing well since last we exchanged letters. I am glad the trip was quite enjoyable. I would be quite interested in your ideas if repairing the views of the Liegallan people to that if the Nishi, consider the faught history of the recent path and the tenuous peace we have between our states.

To: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa
From: Princess Zieda Ojeras

It shall be a pleasure I am sure to have you as my guest, we may practice together.

To: Empress Lana Yuuki
From: Queen Guoda Ojeras

It is a great honor to write to you, Your Majesty. It is indeed a time of great interest and the many played one must juggle when dealing with the state of sovereignty. The forming of a new bond between our nations could serve us both well. A visit could be arranged, though it would have to wait till my daughter’s return from Mediama.

by **Awesome Imperium** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:23 am

The Captain-Prefect entered the palace in with a long line of attendants following him, his holding platters filled with gold, jewels, weapons, dresses, jewelry, and delectable masterfully created chocolates. these were all to be presented before the Royal Family with the Armorials & Vexillia of the Prince being presented including his Military Standard as Colonel of the Iron & Rose Guards Regiments and a Colonel in the Imperial Navy Marines and a Brigadier in the Army. His coat of arms were also present on flags beside his Personal Standard which was topped with a Golden Eagle to convey his Imperial Status, one above the Gentry, Ducal Aristocracy, and Royalty.

"Greetings to their Liegallan Majesties, may I ask if the Princess, Zeida is present?"

He had in his hands, the letter from the prince with the a Wax Seal being placed on it, bearing the Armorial of the Prince.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:51 am

To:
Her Royal Highness, Princess Zieda Ojeras of Liegalla.
From:
Prinzessin Maja, Herrin von Flecksche.

Mein liebes Drachenmädchen,
we both are creatures of duty - you will have your Kingdom, I have my company and my Duchy. We have responsibilities, to the people we rule, but also to ourselves. As you are Christian, you also see a responsibility to follow the commandments of your God - I can not give you any advice in regards to that, I am neither a Christian nor a theologician.
I can only give you one advice, something I have from a distant aunt of mine, who was, as the two of us are, in the 1930s and 1940s, when being like we are in public was a reason for great concerns for life and limb. Sadly, Prinzessin Leni-Nela passes away in 2016, at 105. She told me, that one must be brave in the face of overwhelming change - not without fear, but with the will to overcome said fear and to grow. Change, no matter which direction, is growth, according to her.
You are braver then you give yourself credit for.

Trousers are comfortable and easy to wear. ; )
When we meet, and I take you out for a ride, I will tell and explain to you anything you might want to know, in those regards, but I am afraid, that when we go out for the ride, you'll have to wear a similar dress. Motorcycle clothes protect the wearer when they fall (and believe me, from time to time, everyone falls, even me) and I do not want to risk even a modest scratch on you.
Dragons might breathe fire, but they also have scales - humans like the two of us don't have that luxury, I'm afraid.

With a gentle hug,
Prinzessin Maja,
Herrin von Flecksche.

by **Liegalla** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 12:06 pm

Queen Mother Jurgita nodded her head slightly as she looked at her granddaughter as Princess Zieda smile, gently listening to music Catherine had playing for her. It was a sweet song and it made Zieda’s chest grown warm and twisted her insides like a series of knots. She grinned as she looked out the window to the racing view of forests that spread out before them. It caused Zieda to sit up get a better view.

“Wow,” Princess Zieda said. “I’ve never seen anything like that before. So many trees… I’ve never seen so many. Your country is so beautiful

Liegalla was a largely flat nation made up wide expanses of grasslands and plains. It had been this vast flatness along with its abundance of freshwater that had made the kingdom such an agricultural base in production. Only in the north of the realm were there any sizable forests, even the king’s wood outside of Vysla was a small and artificially planted collection.

“Vytautas IV was a bastard,” Queen Mother Jurgita said dismissively. “Bastards are by nature wicked. My great-grandson, when Zieda delivers him, will be true born and the rightful heir. It will not be in his nature, nor will he need to ever scheme for the throne.” Indeed, though Jurgita did not say this, there were some who felt Zieda need only produce a son and that child would supersede her as King Juozas II’s heir.

“I shall admire any comfort given to my granddaughter,” said the Queen Mother. She looked to Queen Williams, “and will cut out any threat to her.”

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:02 pm

To: Princess Zieda Ojeras
From: Lord High Baron Damiano di Predosa

I await your return Princess so that I may visit you. And may your current visit to Mediama be fruitful.

Proposals for a Princess (TG to Enter)

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