Palais Hildebrandt, Palastviertel, Viehburg
The Palastviertel, or Palace District, of Viehburg was one of the most beautiful and manicured districts within the city. For nearly four centuries, various aristocrats and archdukes built luxurious mansions to reflect the changing fashion trends, afforded with loans they could never repay. In turn, these palaces would change hands numerous times over a century, but usually kept the previous family's name as homage to their vision. The Palais Hildebrandt was build by Count Fredrick Johann von Hildebrandt in 1907, after his family profited during the industrial boom in the early 20th century. Like many other palaces within the close quartered city, an ornate marble facade presented itself to onlookers from the cobble streets. Beyond the iron rod gate, that stood at the arch of the tunnel, was the the open courtyard at the center of the house. Mostly covered in cobblestone, much like the streets beyond, there was a little grass to display a manicured garden. As the palace sore three stories high, several large windows reviled glimpses into the French Rococo-styled interior.
From one of the second story windows, a women was watching children play with a ball in the courtyard. That women, Archduchess Béla of Austrysia, could not stop staring at her four beautiful children: Marie, Caroline, Claudia and Matthias. How carefree and naive we are at that age. In the silence of the room, she could faintly hear the joyful cries of her children through the large glass window. The piano parlor, only used for lessons and entertaining guests, was generally empty most days. The silence of the parlor was only broken by the cracking of the Archduchess' knuckles every half hour or so. It was a poor, nervous tick she gained during her youth. Even though her nanny use to slap her hands out of annoyance when younger, she never changed. Barely sleeping the night before, it seemed she might have cracked her knuckles a thousand times in the last twenty-four hours. She could not sleep or eat, but only think. She could only think about how her little spark of joy was about to leave her, and, at a time coming too soon, she would barely see her at all.
It was earlier in the year that, completely off guard, Emperor Rudolf the Second called the couple to the Silberburg to discuss something. They never imagined that the Emperor, letter in hand, would approach them with such an offer, or order. The House of Aeylgarn, the ruling dynasty of Aellyria, would approach them asking to consider a marriage agreement between a child of the Aeylgarn House, and a child from the House of Talmburg, but specifically their Marie. Perhaps, a few years later, they could consider that offer, but, per the foreign court's demand, she was to be sent immediately to Aellyria, and to be raised there. Without her parents.
Marie was her first child, and she joyously wept for hours when she was born. Perhaps not the easiest one to raise, as Matthias took that title, she was still the most happy one of the bunch. Always laughing and running around. Soon, Béla thought, her laughter will be a distant memory. An echo of a memory she will barely remember, or perhaps a sound that shall haunt her dreams. She could not bare these thoughts, and wished she could just take her sweet Marie and run away. But, while this was not the life they chose, it was a decision they, her and her husband, had made. And, just as she had thought of him, he appeared. Standing nearly six feet talk, it was hard to ignore his presence. Archduke Karl of Austrysia, great-grandson of the Emperor, was not someone unaware of his situation, both to his life as a Talmburg or as a husband. While she might not think he pays attention, he heard his wive's sobbing throughout the long night. He knew, if they made this decision, she would never forgive him.
Moving closer to her, Karl placed his hands upon her shoulders and leaned his head against hers. Giving her a light kiss on the back of her head, they stood there in silence for a moment. Waiting a few moments, he finally spoke: "I know there is nothing I can say, or do, to help. Because, if there was, I beg you tell me."
In the silence of the room, he could hear her swallow. Béla wanted to speak, but she was afraid that once she began to speak a flood of emotions would pour out. Taking a deep breath, she answered, "There is only one thing I want, and you know what that is."
"I know it hurts," Karl immediately responded, "and it will for awhile. But this decision we are making does not only affect us."
Béla immediately closed her ears. She knew he was going to say. That this would be the best opportunity Marie would get, both in terms of a world-class education and being matched with a reputable husband. Still, she thought, you could say Marie would own the world, but that would not change the fact that they would take her away. Marie was their daughter, and not some pawn of politics.
Jerking her shoulders to rid of his hands, she swung around and stared at him straight in the eye. "But who is making this decision? Us? Or your family?" Whenever she said "your family" it always stung him. Perhaps it was a complicated affair, but he never saw it as an "us versus them" situation. "Our family," He said in a firm tone. "We are doing what is best for our daughter. You are allowed to be upset, to cry and even to lash out. But, I pray, you see the reason with this situation."
Before Béla could respond, a maid entered the parlor, "Your Imperial and Royal Highness's," she gave a slight bow, "Ambassador Zimbrean-Albu has called to inform us that the Aellyrian delegation will arrive in five minutes." Letting a moment pass, the Archduke turned and ordered, "Very well. Notify the other servants, gather the children and prepare to meet them downstairs in the courtyard." Not letting the conversation continue for another moment, either out of annoyance or disregard, Karl left the parlor with the maid at once. Standing still and letting out a sign, Béla followed behind.
As the cars drove through the gate, the family stood infront of the massive oak doors to the palace, along with their servants. Archduke Karl was donning a traditional blue three piece suit, along with his heirloom cuffs. His wife, who preferred a simple wardrobe, was dressed in a flowing silver colored dress with several golden bracelets. Finally, the children were dressed in their best clothes, with the young boy in a miniature suit, and the girls in floral sundresses. Specifically, Marie wore a dress decorated in purple poppies.
As the cars entered the courtyard and pulled to a stop, the courtyard was silent as they waiting for their guests to emerge.
