The New Palace, Eschenbach, Elben
The great hall of the palace was festooned with red flowers as the Christmas season was in full swing. The aristocracy and other chief magnates of the kingdom, visiting for Christmas Court, were lined up in each side amid the pillars that held up the vaulted ceiling. A section was cordoned off for the press. A court photographer moved around unobtrusively, documenting the occasion for posterity. At the head of the hall was a throne on a dais where sat King Friedrich Maria. Around him stood his son and grandson and nearby were his unmarried daughters, granddaughters, and Princess Mireille.
Despite news reports, the king was not looking well. Earlier in the week, when the court had first gathered, whispers had quickly passed through the assemblage of how far the king had deteriorated. For today at least, he looked better, as if receiving guests from abroad offered a brief respite from his decline.
The great doors at the far end of the hall were opened and royal guardsmen stood at attention as a voice introduced the queen of Gunnland and Leader Blackthorn...
Later...
With formalities concluded, all parties retired for a time of refreshment before reassembling in private. This room of the New Palace was well appointed for Christmas hospitality. Once more, the Gunnish were ushered into the presence of the king and his heirs and the foreign minister.
The king took Julian's hands in his own and gave them a squeeze. "My dear, it is a pleasure to see you. Please, sit! And Leader Blackthorn, welcome to Elben. It is a pleasure to meet you. Plenty of chairs." The old man's command of his guest's language was excellent as he found his own chair and sat down after the lady present had done so. "I hope this not too informal for you. But this is Christmas. We will talk first and then meet formally for the cameras later."
The great hall of the palace was festooned with red flowers as the Christmas season was in full swing. The aristocracy and other chief magnates of the kingdom, visiting for Christmas Court, were lined up in each side amid the pillars that held up the vaulted ceiling. A section was cordoned off for the press. A court photographer moved around unobtrusively, documenting the occasion for posterity. At the head of the hall was a throne on a dais where sat King Friedrich Maria. Around him stood his son and grandson and nearby were his unmarried daughters, granddaughters, and Princess Mireille.
Despite news reports, the king was not looking well. Earlier in the week, when the court had first gathered, whispers had quickly passed through the assemblage of how far the king had deteriorated. For today at least, he looked better, as if receiving guests from abroad offered a brief respite from his decline.
The great doors at the far end of the hall were opened and royal guardsmen stood at attention as a voice introduced the queen of Gunnland and Leader Blackthorn...
Later...
With formalities concluded, all parties retired for a time of refreshment before reassembling in private. This room of the New Palace was well appointed for Christmas hospitality. Once more, the Gunnish were ushered into the presence of the king and his heirs and the foreign minister.
The king took Julian's hands in his own and gave them a squeeze. "My dear, it is a pleasure to see you. Please, sit! And Leader Blackthorn, welcome to Elben. It is a pleasure to meet you. Plenty of chairs." The old man's command of his guest's language was excellent as he found his own chair and sat down after the lady present had done so. "I hope this not too informal for you. But this is Christmas. We will talk first and then meet formally for the cameras later."
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