The Empire

A Victorian story by BatsFromWesteros

[theempirebats]

Archduchess Sophia: What exactly did my mother want? I've told Eva I'm riding out.

Countess Hatháry: Am I missing something here? What letter exactly?

Archduchess Sophia: Count Kirk invited me to ride out with him. We spent a fabulous day together, right next to that old mill where...

Countess Hatháry: I beg your pardon, fenség, you did what? How did I not know this! Does Her Majesty not know anything?

Duchess Lingber: Know anything about what, Countess? Should I be concerned?

Archduchess Sophia: Nothing of importance, Duchess. Etel and I were only talking about suitable matches, as a way to entertain ourselves on this boring day. Dashing princes everywhere!

Duchess Lingber: Whatever you say, Your Imperial Highness. I am sorry to interrupt your courting plans, but Her Imperial Majesty is awaiting you in the blue salon, Their Imperial Highnesses Archduchess Josephine and Margit are over for tea.

Countess Hatháry: Quite right, that is what I wanted to say before we started talking about... princes.

Duchess Lingber: We must not keep Her Majesty and your cousins waiting.

Archduchess Sophia: I have not seen dear Margit since the wedding celebrations! We have a lot to catch up on.

Duchess Linberg: I am sure you do. All these princes, and maybe a Count? I do think your mother will be glad to hear about it as well.

Duchess Linberg: Thank you, Countess. You may go.

[theempirebats]

Will u be doing any debutante seasons like maybe the royal family hosts one?

Hi! Yes, I will! However it’s going to be different from how the brits do it.

[theempirebats]

[Cordelheim Palace]

Countess Hatháry: Császári Fennség. [curtsies] The Dowager Empress has been looking for you...

[theempirebats]

Her Imperial Highness The Archduchess Sophia

[theempirebats]

Archduchess Sophia: It is so peaceful out here... I wish we could stay like this forever.

Count Kirk: I wish that too, but He has other plans for us, Hercegnő. I say that as if we aren’t enjoying the path we were born to walk. [laughs]

Archduchess Sophia: Oh don’t be silly, I was just playing with that tought. Although I am certain I wouldn’t mind living a different lifestyle.. in peace and quiet, outside the circus.

Count Kirk: Oh dear, I am sure it would be less complicated, but that lifestyle is not for us, especially not for you. But for this little time we have together, let’s pretend it’s real. Just you and me, alone in the forest. Just like a scene in my wildest dreams...

[theempirebats]

Count Kirk: Where are we going exactly?

Archduchess Sophia: Don’t be so impatient, we are almost there!

Archduchess Sophia: See, I told you we were almost there!

Count Kirk: Sophia, I... I am so glad you showed up. I cannot express how much it means to me, how much you mean to me...

Archduchess Sophia: Drága Ottó... I couldn’t be happier.

Count Kirk: I know it’s silly and we have only known each other for a short time, but...

Archduchess Sophia: But...?

Count Kirk: I love you.

[theempirebats]

[Somewhere in the Imperial Reserve]

Count Kirk: Good afternoon, dearest Sophia. I am very sorry to have kept you waiting.... I-

Archduchess Sophia: Count Kirk. We may not be at court, but we shall not forget about the rules we must follow. You may only address me as ‘Your Imperial Highness’. And if I am not wrong, I outrank you, Sir. How dare you address me before I show any sign of interest?

Count Kirk: Your Imperial Highness, I am indeed very sorry, I thought -

Archduchess Sophia: [Laughs] Don’t be so serious, dear Otto. I was just joking. I am so glad you are here.

Archduchess Sophia: I must be honest, I did not expect a letter of invitation from you, but when I read it, I could barely keep my excitement to myself. My poor maid must have been very confused.

Count Kirk: I cannot stop thinking about you and our dance. I have been anxious to write a letter, I was afraid you would not show up or share the same feelings as I do. I wish I could have spoken to you personally, but I do not hold any court positions so you might just think of me as a dirty little peasant...

Archduchess Sophia: Oh dear, that is nonsense.. I coulnd’t be happier that you are here with me. Is there any specific reason you called for me?

Count Kirk: Well, apart from being with you, I would like to discuss our feelings and just.. talk. I fell for you the moment I saw you at the -

Archduchess Sophia: Nem, nem, nem. We can talk, but...

Archduchess Sophia: ...you will have to catch me first!

[theempirebats]

[Meanwhile in Cordelheim Palace]

Maid: Your Imperial Highness [curtsies]. I have recieved a letter from a messenger in the servants quarters addressed to you, Ma’am. I put it on your desk. I believe it is from Count Kirk?

Archduchess Sophia: Thank you, Eva.

Archduchess Sophia: Count Kirk, huh? Perhaps the dance we shared was not enough for him either.

[Archduchess Sophia reads the letter] “Édes, szeretett lelkem...”

 Archduchess Sophia: Oh Otto... [sighs]

Archduchess Sophia: Eva, prepare my riding habit and send a note to the stables to get my horse ready. I am riding out in the afternoon. Please, keep this letter a secret.

Maid: Of course, Ma’am.

[theempirebats]

[Somewhere in Windenburg - The Emperor’s study]

[Knocking on the door]

Emperor Ferdinand: Who is it?

Dowager Duchess Newcrest: Your Majesty. [Curtsies] 

Emperor Ferdinand: Duchess Newcrest! How may I help you?

D.D. Newcrest: I hope I am not interrupting anything, Sir. I’ve come to discuss what the Dowager Empress told me, I am sure she enlightened you as well.

Emperor Ferdinand: Of course. Come on in.

D.D. Newcrest: Your Majesty, The Dowager has made me aware of the political situation that is developing within the Diet. She also told me that you might be required to return to the capital.

Emperor Ferdinand: Yes, that is correct. However, I will only go back to the capital if I must. The Privy Council is ready to come to Gödberg if the situation worsens.

D.D. Newcrest: While I am personally prepared for any possible scenarios, I do have my concerns, Sir... What if the situation worsens? The Palace in Gödberg is not safe and the 4th Hussars, plust the palace guards, are not enough to protect us in case the situatins gets out of hand. I will make the ladies aware, but I must know Your Majesty’s plans first. Her Majesty’s safety is my primary concern.

Emperor Ferdinand: Please take a seat, Duchess. We have a lot to discuss...

[theempirebats]

[Somewhere in Windenburg - The Empress’ saloon carriage]

Lady Anastasia: Lady Clara, as you know, Lady Anna has a certain behaviour. She has been very interested in your conversation with the Dowager. Would you mind sharing what you have been talking about?

Lady Maria: Anastasia! One does not ask another about their private conversation! Arcátlanság! 

Lady Clara: It is okay, Lady Maria, we did not discuss state secrets. The Dowager asked me to pay special attention to Her Majesty, she has challenging times ahead, she said.

Lady Anastasia: Please excuse my prying, but what does the Dowager mean by “challenging times”? The Honeymoon? One must spend a lot of time with the husband, but that cannot be that bad when he is the emperor?!

Lady Maria: Lady Anastasia... please.

Lady Clara: I’m afraid she did not go into details. But I do trust her, she would not say such things if she did not mean it.

Empress Ludovika: What serious things? Are you talking about my mother-in-law?

Ladies: Felséges Asszony. [the ladies curtsy]

Empress Ludovika: So, what were you three discussing if I may ask?

Lady Maria: We were asking Lady Clara about her co-

Lady Anastasia: We were asking Lady Clara if she knew where the Dowager Duchess is, Ma’am. We thought she is with Your Majesty.

Empress Ludovika: Yes indeed, she was. Lady Anna and the Duchess helped me get changed, then she asked for my permission to leave. I believe she is now talking with His Majesty. [Giggles] Thank the Watcher, I thought there was something with the Dowager Empress.

[theempirebats]

The Imperial Couple is off to Gödberg!

[theempirebats]

[Imperial Waiting Room - Windenburg Central Station]

Duchess Mathilde: Your Imperial Majesties [Curtsies]

Empress Ludovika: Mama! Papa! What a pleasant surprise!

Lady Anna: What do you think they’re talking about? It’s going to be a long journey, they’ll have plenty of time discuss to whatever it is, I’m sure it could wait...

Lady Anastasia: You know the Dowager...

Lady Anna: No, in fact I do not. We are not the peasants working on her estates, we take orders from Her Majesty not Her Dowagerness.

Lady Maria: Calm down, Anna. She simply wants what’s best for her, as do we, is that not so?

Lady Anna: You’re right. I’m sorry. I just think something is... well, nevermind.

...

Emperor Ferdinand: Are you sure there’s nothing we can do?

Duke Ernest: We have two options. You can either dissolve the diet, although that would make things worse, or we can grant them what they want. Which does not help our case either.

Emperor Ferdinand: You are right, Duke. And what about the Bank? Doesn’t seem like they are trying to help us...

Duke Ernest: I’m afraid the bank prioritizes its own interests. Which if you think about it, Sir, is only logical. If the Bank falls our economy is close to follow. They are currently printing money to see if it changes anything… Let’s hope for the best.

Emperor Ferdinand: Printing money? I cannott see anything good coming from that…

Duchess Mathilde: You will have a lovely time in Gödberg, darling. When I was a child, my parents visited dear Ferdinand’s grandparents there every Spring. It is truly a magnificent place.

Empress Ludovika: Thank you so much, Mama. I am looking forward to spending more time with His Majesty… and I do think I will enjoy my time there.

[theempirebats]

[Windenburg Central Station]

[theempirebats]

I absolutely love your story! But the gray color of your font against the white background makes it so hard to read the text and it's giving me a headache. Would you be willing to make your post text a bit darker and easier to read?

Hi! Thank you so much and I'm so sorry for the inconvenience!! I just changed the text to black, I hope it's better now! ♥

[theempirebats]

Ludovika: The weather is so pleasant, the Lord must be smiling down on us. Don't you think, Ferdinand?

Ferdinand: Yes, indeed, my love. I pray he blesses us with an heir soon.

Ludovika: [to herself] Ah, not you too...

Ferdinand: Did I say something bad?

Ludovika: Oh, no, not at all, do not worry, dear. How long is the journey to Gödberg again?

Ferdinand: We will reach the station soon. We should be there by sunset. It is a very long and tiring journey, so we have nothing planned after our arrival. I hope you don't mind. We'll have plenty of time to get to known the town.

Ludovika: Sounds wonderful.

[People cheering]

Lady Anna: I'm so excited to see Gödberg! I've heard it's beautiful.

Lady Maria: Didn't you grow up next to it?

Lady Anna: Well, my father does have an estate close to Gödberg. However, I grew up in the capital with my dear Mama.

Lady Maria: Oh... Are your parents...

Lady Anna: [laughs] No, but my Papa was away for business most of my childhood. And also, my Mama cannot stand the Countess in Gödberg. She almost shoved her away during communion once.

Lady Anastasia: I'm excited too! Although not because of Gödberg... I have never travelled by train before. It is so... horrifying. All that steam and iron...

Lady Anna: Trust me, dear, it's faster and more comfortable than carriages.

Lady Anastasia: Maybe, but horse-drawn carriages certainly did not kill my dearest uncle... Rest in Peace Uncle Otto.

Lady Clara: I feel like we have a lot to discuss in the hours to come...

[People cheering]

[theempirebats]

[Cordelheim Palace]

.Empress Ludovika: Good morning, Mama.

Ladies: Good morning, Your Imperial Majesty.

Dowager Empress Maria: Good morning, my dear. I do hope you are ready for the journey. The railway line is quite new around Gödberg, let us hope everything goes according to plan!

Empress Ludovika: Indeed, Mama. I am absolutely delighted to visit Gödberg and spend my time there, among all the lovely people I have heard about. But now I must say goodbye.

Dowager Empress Maria: Take care, my child. A great responsibility lies on your shoulders, the realm needs an heir.

Emperor Ferdinand: Goodbye, my dearest sister. I will miss you dearly. I have ordered fresh flowers for your apartment until we are back. I do hope Mama will be kind to you and share her tasks with you, I know how much you enjoy other's company.

Archduchess Sophia: Thank you, Ferdinand. I will make sure to take care of the court and Karl until you are back. I wish you a lovely honeymoon, brother.

Lady Clara: [whispers] The Dowager was not very nice to the empress. She has enough trouble with the court spending their honeymoon with her. They only just got married, I think the heir can wait.

Lady Anna: [Whispers] I agree with you but be quiet, we don't want the Duchess to hear this, or we will get into serious trouble.

Dowager Newcrest: Anything troubling you, ladies?

Lady Anna: No, Ma'am, I was just telling Lady Clara how beautiful Her Majesty is in this dress.

Dowager Empress Maria: I will be looking forward to your reports, Duchess. Do not disappoint me.

Dowager Newcrest: Of course, Your Majesty.

Dowager Empress: Be good, Ferdinand. I will be taking care of everything while you are away. It is time the diet knows its place.

Emperor Ferdinand: ... Goodbye, Mama.

Empress Ludovika: Oh Ferdinand, this is going to be the happiest two weeks of my life!

[theempirebats]

[Cordelheim Palace - The Empress’ Apartments]

Ladies + Maid: Good morning, Your Majesty. [Curtsy]

Empress Ludovika: Good morning... I am.. quite surprised to see you here, I did not expect anyone today.

Lady Clara: Your Majesty, everything is set for your departure. Most of your clothing has already been sent to the station. The Dowager of Newcrest will meet us shortly. May I add, it is truly an honour to accompany Your Majesties to Gödberg.

Empress Ludovika: Oh, I thought it's just The Emperor and... doesn't matter, please help me get dressed, we shall not be late.

Maid: Of course, Ma'am.

Empress Ludovika: Is... anyone else coming with us? I thought our honeymoon is a private.. you know, a private thing.

Lady Maria: Yes. Frankly, half of the court Ma'am. Both yours and His Majesty's households and offices are coming, including the servants, although not all of them. We are all coming with you as well, to help you with your upcoming engagements.

Empress Ludovika: Engagements? Oh well, I guess it is time to wake up from the fairy tale and get back to the real world... But, the Dowager Empress is not coming, is she?

Lady Anna: No, Ma'am. Her Majesty is staying here with Their Imperial Highnesses. We shall meet them in the entrance hall soon, so Your Majesties can say goodbye.

Empress Ludovika: Very well, let's not keep them waiting.