GOING CANDID WITH DUCHESS RILEY OF VALTORIA
word limit:1331 words
This is an exclusive interview given by Riley to Ana De Luca. This is set in book3 of The Royal Romance. The interview was broadcasted at prime time 9:00 pm Cordonian time. Ana De Luca here will be A Riley will be R during this live interview.
A: Good evening Cordonians, welcome to our exclusive, candid, unabashed interview with our future Queen, Duchess Riley of Valtoria. Welcome to our show Your Majesty. So, finally the mystery women gets demystified.
R (smiling): Good evening to all Cordonians and Ana. It’s my pleasure to be here and resolve any other mysteries surrounding me. Cordonians need to know about their leaders.
A: Wow, your majesty, isn’t it supposed to be the Ruler of Cordonia?
R (chuckling): Ana, I believe we are in 21st century, yes we are rulers but I believe in leading my people and not ruling them. Gone are those days, when kings had an absolute control over their citizens. Citizens know their rights as well as their duties. I don’t know what happens in North Korea. But for sure in Cordonia, King Liam and I believe our people are our strength. We are always there for our people.
A: That’s gracious of King Liam and you. By the way, Congratulations that your wedding date is set. We all are excited about this royal event. So, how are you feeling your Majesty?
R (smiling): Ana, I have multiple feelings about this big day. So, even words may not be able to suffice my feelings.
A: Ohk, Your Majesty I wouldn’t delve about your feelings. So, your story is a perfect example of a Disney Princess. But, well no story is perfect as we all know. Nobles are quite unsatisfied about this match as you were a commoner and commoners are displeased as you got everything served on a platter. What is your take over this issue? We have our sources and we got to know that nobles are terrified due to assassination attempt and not pleased with King Liam’s decision of choosing you as queen. Many of them aren’t going to attend your wedding.
R (pensive): Hmmm, Ana what a thoughtful question. In marriage two people vow to become one. Whatever one has, is shared with each other. My past identity as commoner affects King Liam and King Liam’s identity reflects me. So, we both try to balance this. I try to be with nobles and see through their issues about taxes business policies, etc and their perception of commoners and King Liam tries to be close to commoners. We require both commoners and nobility for our country. So, instead of mulling over this issue of acceptance it’s better that we care about Cordonia. Any wedding match has these issues, the couple maneuvers these subtle issues and as King and Queen we support both nobility and commoners. Previously it was all about nobility, now commoners also get a voice, which embarks a new change a new era. Changing perceptions of people about you will not take place in a single day, be it a noble or a commoner. It would take years to show all of them. I believe your actions speak louder than your words.
A: But doesn’t it hurt you?
R: Sometimes, Yes, it does. But I do have to be strong if I all things are hung in my head I won’t be able to deliver my duties. For, the time being, my duties for all Cordonians is my utmost priority.
A: I appreciate your thoughts a lot. Clearly you maybe one of those leaders who really care about all their citizens. Changing the topic, what is your take over the assassination attempt, it was clearly aimed at throne, especially you. The new video that resurfaced recently are you scared?
R (smiling): I think King Liam and I had a clear stand on 5 Kingdoms Festival announcement. Neither are we shaken nor the Cordonians should be scared. We need support of commoners and nobles. These miscreants are operating by concealing their identities. They are just taking the advantages of change in authority. But, we will ensure that this transition remains subtle.
A: I am convinced that my country is in safe hands, I hope all Cordonians will soon agree with me. What economic changes are King Liam and you planning for Cordonians?
R: About economics, yes our country’s strength is Cordonian Ruby exports. But in worse times we do need to have other ways of economic activities expansion. I really can’t elaborate it now on national TV and it is King Liam and Ministry of Developments role to issue official statements. But, yes we are looking and trying to envisage multiple plans.Development of tourism and service sector activities changes in infrastructure schooling health care , etc is soon going to be our priority.
A: Really, your Majesty you are really going Candid here. We also want to know about your take about King Liam’s suitors, I mean some gossip time. What is the equation between you and Countess Madeleine? Your take about Lady Penelope, Kiara and Hana? Are there any hard feelings between you and Countess Madeleine? You jilted her at the last moment of her engagement tour so…
R (smiling): I am glad that you asked so. No, I don’t have any harsh emotions against Countess Madeleine. She was a very strong competitor and would have been a good leader too. See, you really don’t just need all authority to make a change. She is a valuable member of King Liam’s court and I respect her a lot. The amount of level headedness she has will always guide us. She has worked hard throughout her life for courtly roles. I am really indebted to her for all the help she provides King Liam and his court.As of Lady Kiara, I pray for her speedy recovery from injuries she suffered that unfateful night. She has a command over so many languages and will have an equivalent role in our court as she had in Madeleine’s court. Lady Penelope, a remarkable courageous animal lover. There’s a saying if you want to know a person’s behavior see how he/she treats people (below their rank)/animals. Her profound love for animals is amazing. It is not only our duty to take care of people but also take care of flora fauna and our heritage. She is also an asset for us. Lady Hana an epitome of friendship, courage and support. A friend who you can call at night 3:00 AM.A friend who brings out the best in you.
A: I expected you to have some grudges the way you were treated by some ladies but you are so positive about all them. What about Lady Olivia? You are very close to Maxwell and King Liam’s commoner friend Drake. What are your views about them?
R(chuckling): Lady Olivia is the best person to hang out with. She is going to be mad at me for saying this publicly but she is an integral part of my life. Her sarcasm is the best. Maxwell Percival Beaumont is the sole reason why I am sitting here right now in front of all of you. You could actually call him the court’s jester. The person who cheers his friend. He has this magic of making harsh times into fun times. Drake Walker, A person whose courage is infinite. He is grounded and will do anything for King Liam and me. I owe him my life. He saved me twice. He is trying his best to be the voice of commoners amongst nobility. Despite being a commoner he is nobler than many nobles present at court.
A: It was nice knowing you Your Majesty. Somehow our time is binded so, we have to end this wonderful interview here. I am sure we are lucky that we are in safe hands. Thank you Majesty taking out time for this interview. It is first time any Future Queen has gone candid. Cordonians will be pleased to know about their mystery Queen. Signing off Cordonians for tonight and keep watching CBC. Good night.
