The Rose and the Fleurs-de-lys

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE WISSEMANDIE PRELUDE​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, June 2012

This year, of twenty-twelve, was proving a most significant one in Montel history. One situation which seemed to possess the potential of being of importance to those of the Montel Successor States and Great Engellex was the Radilo Situation, a Montel colony within the West of the Himyari continent.

Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès, the Comte de Toulouse, anticipated the future of Radilo with excitement when those of Mormant considered the far away territory that had been the jewel within the rather dull Montel Imperial Crown, and he often did ask himself, now that he possessed a notable position within the Court of Mormant, he was the First Officer of the Crown and Grand Chamberlain of Wissemandie, and the King of Wissemandie – though he was yet to be coronated – was the Queen-Empress’s brother, why he should not regain this territory for his new Sovereign and have his son and heir elevated to the highest office of that quite developed territory. His greatest rival for this endeavour was the Duc de Fontaine-Harcourt, the future King of Montelimar, whom originally had the most legitimate claim to succeed the sovereignty of that scrap of Himyari land; but Wissemandie with Great Engellex behind it, the Comte de Toulouse thought, had the best opportunity to claim that realm. George, the brother of Charlotte and King of Wissemandie, was not inclined to support his chief courtier in this endeavour. The Duc de Fontaine-Harcourt and Comes Burdagalensis, Valery Giscard Pompidou, the Premier Minister of Mormant, had been invited to submit candidates to lead the political recovery of the realm, which was a private arrangement between the Courts of the Engello-Montel Empire – a term only Charlotte and George used. In Dulwich the highest representatives at the Conferences agreed to cede the territory to Engellexic sovereignty with joint initiatives in administration, civil society and economy.

He was also uncertain what effect the highest Radiloean positions would have on the Comte de Toulouse. He would naturally become more influential in Mormant, and in Dulwich, George knew, the Engellexic Establishment would be watching affairs closely. Naturally he was eager for strong relations with Great Engellex and hoped to use this natural advantage to form a relationship between Mormant and Dulwich that would promote his kingdom in the Order of Precedence within the Engello-Montel Empire. His sister, the Queen-Empress, would dispatch her chief strategist, surprisingly this was the Duke of Nonsuch – the Whig Peer, to Mormant to issue advice to her younger brother. The advice was rather simple and not of the usual character of complicated intrigue; the Ministers of Mormant, including Valery Giscard Pompidou, shall receive economic and dynastic opportunity – a bribe – for electing a lowly peer with experience in civil service as the Wissemandien candidate. Charlotte knew her brother would resent tainting the first years of his reign with less democratic methods of rule, though, she was sure he understood the delicacy of restoring political stability within the Montel States where the peers of those realms scrambled to reassert themselves and their dynasties.

In Dulwich, George was still set-up within the apartments of Bartholomew House – where the Duc de Fontaine-Harcourt also was established, it was necessary still as government and royal properties had yet to be satisfactorily restored within Mormant and Valmy. The future stability of Wissemandie, and Montelimar, depended on the success of Charlotte’s brother, and their father, Prince Frederick of Schaumburg, held a great ball at Hountton House to celebrate his spectacular rise. While the balance of his sister’s, the Queen-Empress’s, power over the Engello-Montel lot was to be assured by his support as King of Wissemandie, Charlotte and Prince Frederick noticed, as George’s behaviour was under great observation – more so than before the war by far, that the young king could not resist the charms of Countess Holland, a young and frivolous beauty. Despite the condemnation in the eyes of his immediate family, the scoff of the Engellexic Court, and disdain from the Montel enclave, George continued to dance the evening away with the Engellexic rose and his infatuation became far deeper with every step.

There is nothing to be discussed, dismissed Prince Frederick. Charlotte has agreed that the Court shall ignore what took place this evening, and I – forbid you – to speak of it again, his father continued. George turned away from the window he was staring out of, I’m afraid that is not possible, he replied with a gentle defiance. Prince Frederick stumped out his cigar in frustration and sat forward, out of the swirling puff of smoke. Not possible? He barked, of course it is possible, you will do as you are instructed George. You – will – forget this evening’s embarrassment and you will stop acting like a – like a damned libertine. A sore accusation in the imperial metropolis; absolutely devastating if said publicly. A libertine? Prince Frederick rose to his feet, and, not wanting to escalate this argument anymore from fear of forcing his son to defy him, sought to reason with him. Of course she is attractive, we can all see that, if you desire her then take her to your bed; but you cannot marry her, he said sternly.

You need a wife who is strong, you will certainly need her strength, Prince Frederick reasoned. How could you possibly know what I need? George mocked. Frederick angled his standing and sharpened his posture as to make a statement to his son, there was a huge portrait of George’s late mother, Queen Georgiana, behind his father which made for quite an imposing display before his own eyes. I am talking about the needs of your new country; the needs of your sister’s empire; the needs of Europe. The success of everything depends on your marriage. George still wasn’t quite grasping the logic of his father’s argument, the Countess can learn. But Frederick was having none of it and dismissed his son’s efforts, besides, Countess Holland is Engellexic. It seemed an almost absurd thing for Prince Frederick to say in defence of his position, to deny an Engellexic lady the chance of being queen in favour of foreign blood? He questioned his father’s state of mind, again, not understanding how things are. The Council of State’s disposition was quite specific on this matter. You are to marry a Montel or Potenzan suitor. George went quiet, considering himself for a moment before asking, what if I refuse? His father smiled and told him he could not. Your Crown, the strength and power you now have is from Charlotte, it was your sister and she alone who has made you King. The young king took himself back to the window and asked what the point was, why give me power if I cannot exercise it?

You are not the King-Emperor of Great Engellex, George, you are a constitutional king of a realm that will, in the near future, be incorporated in to your sister’s empire. The point of making you king is to succeed that endeavour, Prince Frederick responded.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE MORMANT & DULWICH CIRCUMSTANCE​

Mormant, Kingdom of Wissemandie, August 2012

Charlotte’s choice of a bride for her brother was the third most influential Montel peer, Marie de Bourgogne, the only child of her parents and the head of the dukedom in her own right. Prince Frederick explained to George that the duchess was very sensible and good tempered and by marrying her he established a good foundation within Montel politics. George was slightly surprised by his sister’s choice. Even though the Plantagenets in Dulwich had been pushing for the match he had thought that Charlotte would have opted for a connection with the ruling house of Potenza. Marie was quiet, not particularly good looking at all, but was quite financially secure. The Duc de Fontaine-Harcourt penned his surprise at the proposal to Charlotte; I had not the least assumption till the day it was telegraphed, for from your hand I thought her Grace attending your Court was merely on Plantagenet account. Charlotte and the Council of State approved of the marriage because of the strong Montel connections, and was likely influence by the Plantagenets more than the Queen-Empress cared to realise. Charlotte was confident that if she could reform her brother’s life, protecting Engellexic interests in Wissemandie would be simple.

Since George returned from Dulwich in July, he had sought to impress the Comte de Toulouse and the Comes Burdagalensis, Valery Giscard Pompidou – Premier Minister of Wissemandie, and other Montel politicians with his political understanding. He now keenly followed the debates in Wissemandie, and the other Montel Successor States, never missing an opportunity to discuss their implications at private and patronage dinners. Only a short time before people had described him as a novice. Georges, his Montel name, soon enough became sufficiently well informed to have his own opinions about political debates. Georges was also perfecting the skills required to host as a sovereign; the dinners he hosted at Mormant were beginning to evolve into a useful purpose served – waverers could be kept in line and supporters rewarded. He also learned how to extract information without betraying any secrets in return, naturally the Comes Burdaganlensis sat as his side as a sort of puppet master. He absorbed the minutiae of Engello-Montel politics. To an outsider the present governing capitals of Montelimar were themselves an inchoate system of temporary factions and alliances. In reality, the Montel politicians could be divided into three strong categories. The largest, naturally due to the lack of elections, were the Court Interest; these were men and women who received patronage from Dulwich, Georges or the Duc de Fontaine-Harcourt, and could therefore be relied upon to support any direction which had the confidence of their patron. The second group was made up of career politicians, some of whom regarded politics as an end result in itself. The third and smallest category was the independents, those who owed their allegiance to no one and were simply part of the present system due to their political history before the collapse of Valmy.

This was in fact not too different from Dulwich and more so a good reflection of Engellexic supremacy reigning in Montelimar. The Commons Assembly was divided just so, where each group generally supported the Cabinet and only on very rare occasions voted with opposition; the suffrage reform being such a case. In the House of Lords, the Court Interest, known in the national press as the ‘Queen-Empress’s Friends’, accounted for well over half the peers, which made it particularly impossible for the opposition to win any debate, that the Crown sponsored, with numbers alone. In the Imperial Parliament the career politicians came with many factions and alliances, indeed, political parties accounted for far less in Engellex than in any other parliamentary democracy in Europe. Charlotte confidently believed this to be the case and played on it to strengthen her support base within the Lords and Commons often; she wasn’t alone with the perception and, in fact, passed this belief on to her protégé the Countess of Salisbury, leader of the present Salisbury Coalition. When Lady Salisbury adopted the Whig colours of blue and yellow, back in 2002, she did so out of the conviction that Charlotte had nurtured within her. It was precisely because Lady Salisbury was a fervent believer that she was able to carry off her political uniforms and lead the suffragettes at Dulwich without being ridiculed. She had become one of the Whig party’s best known advocates for reform by 2004. Charlotte, naturally, was the first to recognise her talent for propaganda, they shared a flair for the public aspect of politics, and desire for franchise expansion. The Queen-Empress encouraged Lady Salisbury, privately, to play a greater role in increasing the reform movement’s presence. As a result, in 2006, Lady Salisbury failed to appear at Nonsuch House for the Whig party conference. Society and the press remarked upon her absence enthusiastically; the capital would learn two months later that Lady Salisbury didn’t simply shun the event, but quit the party and established her own – the Salisbury Coalition.

Now, in August 2012, with the Salisbury Coalition holding a good number of seats in the Lords and Commons, the Cabinet was beset by a number of crises. Not only was the war in Saamiskavia dragging, and likely expansion in to Boliatur; there was renewed unrest and violent instability in parts of Wissemandie and Montelimar and a widespread fear in the imperial metropolis that the violence will entrench itself into a prolonged insurgency. More importantly there was also popular discontent at home, fuelled by Lady Salisbury and her political party, with thousands of petitions pouring in from around Great Engellex demanding democratic reform of the parliamentary system – from franchise expansion, to abolition of rotten boroughs. On 1 August 2012, the session of the House of Lords began promisingly enough. Prodded privately by the Queen-Empress, the Countess of Salisbury at last gave the maiden speech in the Lords for the need of Reform. Charlotte congratulated Lady Salisbury that evening at a private dinner in Battent Palace. The next day, Rupert Asquith, a Commons members, rose to give a speech. His allegiance to the Salisbury Coalition was clear and well known and he began, as expected, by condemning the reluctant benches of the Imperial Parliament for dismissing reform for so long. But then, with clear and precise logic he pointed out that over seven hundred thousand people had signed petitions to Parliament for change, and that the Imperial Parliament’s response cannot be to again crush it. He paused with great theatricals, holding the Commons in rapt attention, before, his voice rising to a crescendo, he urged the following resolution :- The position of the Fairer Classes has increased, is increasing, and ought to be established Here! (in Parliament). The Commons was electrified; objecting benches had their members jump from their seats waving their order papers at him in fierce opposition. The vote was held mid-day and was 309 to 293 in favour.

The vote split the two main political parties in two. Dulwich was in pandemonium and the Cabinet thrown into confusion. The Earl of Onslow, Charles Foster, who is the Home Secretary, immediately responded by the tender of his resignation as leader of the Pitts, which would cause a resignation of office and collapse of the Cabinet, Charlotte insisted that evening that he remain within the current position, but with things escalating rapidly, it will be curious just how well the Queen-Empress can manage the crisis she created.

In Mormant, the marriage of Charlotte’s brother – due to be crowned King of Wissemandie – to Marie de Bourgogne was celebrated quietly, as was the wedding that took place before it. Their father, Prince Frederick was generous in affording provisions for the wedding, and the celebrations were magnificent, though, a small affair, they were attended by all of Mormant, Valmy, and many of Dulwich, including Charlotte and Prince Frederick, their father. Despite now being married to a very influential Montel peeress, and in the full ceremony of celebration, Georges was not treading the line of his sister’s desired reform of personal habit. Whilst Marie de Bourgogne held a crowd of Engello-Montel politicos and peers, including the Queen-Empress, her husband was notably absent from the affluent bustle and social chorus of the large drawing rooms of the converted Mormant mansion-residence. Georgie, we can’t, charmed the young Madame Hardouineau, an aspiring Montel blue blood. Can we? She asked, her cheeks blooming into brilliant blushes from the rather daring grin of Georges. A moment later Marie looked beyond her admirers and well-wishers, through the dancing, to notice that her husband had indeed disappeared. He was upstairs. Shielded by the noise of music and dancing, the brother of the Queen-Empress sat attentively on the floor, at the end of the bed, quietly untying the lace of Madame Hardouineau’s footwear. Every moment of being drawn closer to finally removing the rather complicated Court shoe, he looked up, his dark brown eyes meeting hers, which were fixed in breathless anticipation. He carefully removed her shoe, his hands gently caressing her curling toes. The passing moment of exploring the sweet form of her petite foot, saw him run his hands up her leg, far and deep within the privacy of her fine garment. Her breathing became more profound as the young royal rolled down her pink silk stocking, softly kissing her porcelain skin as it became exposed. At the dismissal of her stocking, Georges rose to his knees. My dearest, Renée, he declared as his hands calmly unfastened his trousers. The young Madame gasped as she watched his rising Royal Majesty. Georgie, she pouted. Georges grinned as he drew himself upon her, locking their lips into a continuous exchange of saliva, and orchestrating what was the consummating of his marriage made in Mormant.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE DULWICH CIRCUMSTANCE​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, August 2012

Lady Salibsury’s parliamentary members continued their onslaught against the Cabinet and the opposition in the Imperial Parliament. On 4 August 2012, the Duke of Nonsuch, in reclaiming the political initiative for the Whigs from the Salisbury Coalition, moved a resolution that the constitution should be rewritten to allow for an equalisation of constituent boundaries, an elimination of rotten boroughs, and, most importantly, universal suffrage. His place was the proposals that had been drawn up and circulated around newspaper columns by various political reform groups in Great Engellex. By an unfortunate chance, while the House of Lords and the Commons Assembly were debating the Duke of Nonsuch’s proposals, Lady Cecilia Kesteven, a radical suffragette and fanatical Christian, initiated a march on the Imperial Parliament at the head of a large mob of women and men. She carried with her several petitions for reform and supremacy of Christianity, but also a firearm. Engellexic society was rarely bothered by the occasional eruptions of the lower orders; the establishment ignored them and the fracas would die down of its own accord. But this mob, intoxicated by the sins of Public Houses and whipped up by a crazed demagogue, was more dangerous that the usual over-excited rabble. The crowds blocked all the entrances to the Palace of Plantagenet while Lady Kesteven and several other suffragette notables stormed the Commons Assembly. The parliamentarians fell silent at her entrance and sat spellbound as she harangued them on the evils of Himyari and Toyou religious cults and the virtue of women’s suffrage to Engellexic civilisation. In between speeches she ran to, what appeared, random parliamentarians to threaten a duel while brandishing her firearm. Fearing for their lives, the peers of the House of Lords made a dash for the stairs and corridors of the palace, ignominiously leaving the Commoners of the Assembly to fend for themselves. Those Commoners did attempt to follow suit, when they were punched and kicked back by the outrageous petticoats of Lady Kesteven. As the Lords attempted to depart the parliamentary estate their cars were stopped by the mob and were pressured into shouting agreement in support of universal suffrage and down with the barbaric hoards of Toyou. By nightfall this protest had turned into a riot.

Thieves and looters joined in as bands of tool-wielding rioters burned down non-Christian places of worship and attacked the shops and houses of foreign merchants. At first Charlotte, the Queen-Empress did not realise the danger facing the Imperial Metropolis. She remained at Battent Palace, hosting an evening with several notables of her Cabinet and the various Royal Houses, she even joked on the sight of enraged petticoats hammering on the doors of this palace, however, Charlotte could, for she and her guests were quite assured of their security with much of the Royal Constabulary and the Royal Blue Guards locking down much of the surrounding districts around Battent Palace, quite to dismay of burning Dulwich.

By eleven of that evening, the mob was on the point of taking over several boroughs of the city. Parliamentarians and high society alike hurriedly sent their families out of the capital to their country seats, as preparations were being made to independently mount a defence of the great houses and smart streets of fashionable Dulwich. But the Lord Mayor of Dulwich was nowhere to be seen and because of this there was no other authority to mandate the use of private firearms against the rioting masses. The Duchess of Nonsuch would the next day publicly condemn the Lord Mayor for his cowardice in standing by while Dulwich burned. During the evening’s destruction the rioters sacked the offices of the former Monterrey cultural exchange organisation and burned down a 19th century mosque. Most significantly the rioters targeted the houses of prominent public figures whom oppose reform and support religious toleration; the residence of Sir Anthony Pelham-Holles was surrounded but he managed to fend them off with the aid of friends and neighbours; Baron and Baroness Holland were less fortunate and narrowly escaped being burnt to death; and the Dowager Duchess of Hampton and York watched as they looted and destroyed her treasured sculpture gallery. At last, by half-past-twelve the Royal Blue Guards and the Royal Metropolitan Constabulary of Dulwich was released from maintaining the security of West Dulwich, centred on Battent Palace, and, aided by volunteers, organised a well-armed restoration of the Queen-Empress’s Peace. The mob even attempted, at that time, to seize Embassy Street where eight historical embassies line the embankment opposite parliament but its defenders, formed mostly of officers from the Royal Blues Army Club, beat them off. The feared attack on Battent Palace never materialised, and by two o’clock only pockets of resistance remained in East Dulwich. Lady Kesteven gave herself up and was later imprisoned at Dulwich Castle, along with other notable public figures involved.

Charlotte strayed onto the balcony during the evening, as her guests had descended to the calm activity of peaceful conversation, she stared out across Dulwich as the city reverberated to the sound of gunfire and explosions.

It would be an honour indeed, spoke the Engelleaux-at-Arms to the Cantigian Ambassador, if I could propose a new decoration for gallantry in the name of her Majesty that would surpass the prestige of all other military decorations in Engellex, Cantignia, and the West March, which would be awarded equally amongst us. The Cantigian bowed his head, you’re very kind and generous, your Grace. The Duke dismissed the classic appreciation, which was always seen as nothing but diplomatic tact, and insisted, not at all, we owe much sincere gratitude for secured permanency of Engellexic race in the Implaric-Oceanic Territory to you, and much respect to Cobham for standing firm against the republican menace in Occidentalis. May I suggest that you discuss it with her Majesty? The Queen-Empress has been most keen to demonstrate admiration to those of Engellexic race for their efforts in the wars under her reign. It was then that the West Marcher Ambassador chimed into the conversation, asking the Duke if he could tell you a proposal that has been in my thoughts for some time? The Duke smiled, it would be a great honour. The West Marcher sat back and brought his hands together, as Great Engellex is moving into an age of great cultural and political supremacy, I thought it might be splendid to gather together here, in Dulwich, all the nations of Europe; it would be a grand fair of industry and culture, where each can demonstrate to all the others how well they are progressing. The Cantigian nodded, what a magnificent idea. Reaching for his cigar, the West Marcher questioned the Duke as to whether he thought anyone would object to it? Who disagreed, it is non-political, why should they? On the contrary, everybody would be delighted to welcome such a scheme!

Charlotte approached them, having entered from the chill of the balcony, she sat opposite the three and studied the conversation with enthusiasm. It can be used to promote a better understanding between the peoples of the Empire, Charlotte added, that is fine spirit you have demonstrated your Excellency. I hope I can count on your energies and powers to bring to a success! The Duke, who was Engelleaux-at-Arms, the War Secretary and Chief of the Imperial General Staff, supported his Queen-Empress, and you can count on me, Sir. You shall have the support of the entire Army. The Fair shall be splendidly opened, on an appointed day, and shall be remembered by Europe for a very long time. Charlotte nodded, it shall be a marvel.

That evening, almost nine hundred people were killed or seriously wounded, with several areas of East Dulwich in ruins, and the beginning of the arrival of Europe’s first Great Exhibition set in motion.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE DULWICH CIRCUMSTANCE II​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, August 2012

The immediate aftermath of the Dulwich Riots saw the total collapse of support for political reform and franchise extension in the Imperial Parliament, despite the Queen-Empress endeavouring to persuade parliamentary grandees with the use of her imperial office. The backbenches of the Pitt and Whig parties united in their blame upon the Salisbury Coalition for irresponsibly fomenting discontent amongst the Lower Orders. Sir Anthony Pelham-Holles, appreciating a moment retaliation, seized the political advantage in the Commons Assembly and orchestrated a severe backbench rebellion to Cabinet legislation, forcing Charlotte to acknowledge the need of an election. The Duke of Rothermere thought a great deal about the political situation. Nonsuch had told him that an election would be taking place very soon. The Pitts were holding on by the skin of their teeth and in fact it was only the Queen-Empress’s favour which kept them in. Nonsuch was, Rothermere realised, referring to the rebellion lead by Pelham-Holles, but Nonsuch could not talk of this in detail to the Engelleaux-at-Arms because it put the leadership and stability of the Pitt party in a very bad light. An election before long and Nonsuch or Salisbury as the new Engelleaux-at-Arms seemed an excellent prospect to the Queen-Empress. It saddened her, though, to realise that what seemed so desirable to her, for the benefit of the country, was a betrayal of her beloved Pitts.

She believed that she should try to influence the Duke of Rothermere a little, he was the leader of the Pitts, subtly attempt to make him realise that the party’s opposition to reform was unworthy of the party; and she decided to make the attempt as they sat at tea together for their weekly meeting. Charlotte enjoyed presiding over the tea pot, she felt it brings her closer to her millions of Crown Subjects. She liked to pour out the tea, and did it just so. It was wonderful, she told him, how she insisted ambassadors to her Court take up the Engellexic tea-drinking custom. It was so civilised.

He smiled at her from across the table and said to her :- You look tired, ma’am. You must not have so many late nights. She was pleased by his concern but hated to hear that she looked tired , which reminded her of the urgent hours of the Engello-Montel War. But she did not wish to be reminded; moreover he was referring obliquely to her love of dancing which she insisted should take place whenever possible and she often danced into the early hours when hosting a dinner. So she felt a little reserved on the whole, at that moment. She could see that the Duke of Rothermere was a little worried. That dreadful Lady Salisbury he said, a great thorn in the side of proper governing. Well, your Grace, she is the leader of an Opposition party. One does expect you to have some differences of opinion, she remarked to the duke. Opposition indeed, and that’s where I hope she’ll remain, ma’am, although she would certainly love to be the holder of this Great Office (referring to the Engelleaux-at-Arms office). Charlotte trained her eyes on the flow of tea and biscuits as the duke spoke, not wanting to express her frustration through the contact of their eyes, she has a wonderful record, your Grace. Record, he barked, what do you mean, ma’am, a wonderful record! She paused being a delicate Engellexic hostess and considered his words with a careful observation of the duke, she has done much good in service to her constituents, she said calmly. Rothermere scoffed in bewilderment, this is nonsense ma’am. As much as she respected this old vanguard of the Imperial Parliament, Charlotte felt a quickening of anger in her blood at his growing lack of regard for his Queen-Empress and her aptitude for politics. Nonsense, your Grace? Can you seriously believe that? Your Grace and Nonsuch are oblivious to the demands of the electorate :- they will vote for reform and whom is leading the advocacy for that? Rothermere was humbled, and quietly sipped from his cup of tea.

Charlotte was in her own right a political grandee, and due to her election to the throne, the most influential and powerful; because of that she will be seeing her assistance politely demanded from many quarters: in addition to the silent patronage of policies by the party that has her favour, she will not doubt be under pressures from either the Pitts or the Whigs to persuade smaller parties to align their interests with one of the two main. Lord Roberts, a young son of some lady who is a member of Charlotte’s father’s Set, wanted to become a politician, but his lack of an enthusiastic father and independent wealth made it impossible for him to contest a seat on his own cognizance. His arrogance prevented him from making a direct application to the grandees of both political parties. It suited him far better to approach his target by a more circuitous route, and for this reason he pressed Charlotte’s father, Prince Frederick, to help him. Although Charlotte believed it was beneath the majesty of her position, she directed arrangements through one of her lowly courtiers, under her sway, for him to stand in one of the Cavendish-Bentincke constituencies. He would be duly elected when the election takes place.

Away from the election that everyone knew was coming, Charlotte had become very excited at the prospect of this Great Exposition to be constructed in her Imperial Metropolis. This, the Marquis of Bath said, will be a great boon to our industries, it will provide much work for many people and I can see nothing but good coming from this. The exposition will require a great deal of work to be done, and many in Dulwich believed that the whole of Europe would be talking of it and it would be remembered as the greatest spectacle as yet to have been staged. The Queen-Empress had caught the enthusiasm for the exposition very early on and gave much time in her evenings to listen to the Royal Commissioners talk of the various developments and projects.

There is one other matter, your Excellency, said Charlotte to the West Marcher Ambassador before she departed the Exposition Set, I am shortly to complete the appointment of the Commission for the Great Exposition and I can think of no other more suitable as its chairman than yourself, your Excellency. The West Marcher bowed deeply to the Queen-Empress, if my duties permit I should be delighted to accept. Charlotte smiled, thank you. I should also desire to appoint you, your Excellency, said added, turning to the Cantigian Ambassador, also, as a Royal Commissioner. I believe your contributions will serve to produce quite a true demonstration of Imperial Engellexia. The Cantigian Ambassador bowed, too, you are an indulgent Sovereign, ma’am. Feeling satisfied that her imperial project was due to be carried forward so carefully, yet swiftly, she resigned from her hosting and gracefully glided out of the palace drawing room.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE HOUSE OF INGELGER-ORMONDE​

Lewes-Bassett, Kingdom of Walssex-Battent, Empire of Great Engellex, August 1952

Sir Peregrine Howard returned from Dulwich where he had signed an agreement with the Royal Commissioners of the Great Exposition, and Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès the Comte de Toulouse. He was triumphant. The King and Queen of Walssex-Battent had satisfactorily overseen the affairs of their House. Peregrine considered the strong possibility of being in receipt of the gratitude of Queen Lavinia especially, which, he hoped, would take a practical form, for his family was growing in size and ambition. His family were not of blue blood, but Sir Peregrine was the cleverest man in Lewes-Bassett; he had proved especially successful through what were difficult years for him in the royal metropolis. Originally he had served the Lord Lieutenant of Burleigh Arches, but later transferred his allegiance to the Lord Lieutenant of Arundel, establishing name and influence at the Court of the royal capital; and when the Lord Lieutenancy had ceased to belong to the Dukes of Rushmonden, with the death of the tenth duke, he was employed into the service of managing the Crown Prince and First Lord of the Admiralty’s estate in the Kingdom; it was seven years later that Sir Peregrine ascended to the honourable service to Queen Lavinia of Walssex-Battent. And because he was both calm and bold and never hesitated to set forth what he believed would be the best policy for the kingdom and house, he continued successful; and Lavinia – more than any of his previous employers – appreciated his qualities. So now he came to her Court to receive the Queen’s most grateful thanks.

It was August and the Parliament at Lewes-Bassett had closed its doors for the social season, and due to this, the Court had gone to Wapping Palace for the duration f this season. So to Wapping came Peregrine, for it was necessary to discuss with the King and Queen the arrangements of the Great Exposition agreement. He was quite pleased, as they would be. The war in the south was technically over, with the conflict was becoming less so, and the House of Ingelger-Ormonde was committed to seeing its interests sufficiently expanded in the new Engellexic vassals. Personally, in respect of his own interests, Peregrine believed that, once the Great Exposition had taken place, the management of their affairs would be easier, for when the Queen-Empress opens the exposition, more so the now agreed Ingelger-Ormonde Quays to be built, and the dignified persons of Europe pass through it, the House will be secured of its superior position in the Empire. He would also steady their growing Montel interests through the developing partnership with the Comte de Toulouse and his House of Sieyès and, in view of their mutual displeasure at the House of Angevin which has Montel and Engellexic interests, there was safety in Sieyès’ friendship. He was therefore feeling very satisfied when he was shown into the royal apartments. He knelt before the Queen, as the King was out stalking, but even as he did so he was aware that all was not well. She looked unflatteringly older and there were signs of strain on her features. She failed to express her gratitude on his clever manoeuvrings in the arrangement of the two agreements, which was the least she would usually have done. He told her that the Comte de Toulouse had been with him in Dulwich and was hopeful of an invitation to visit Wapping Palace to discuss matters greater.

There is too much haste concerning some of these arrangements, she responded sharply. Her faithful servant was shocked, too much haste, your Majesty? You will forgive me if I say that the Royal Commissioners, especially, have shown the utmost patience in the desires of your House, ma’am. Tired, she turned away from, I am in no mood to discuss the Royal Commissioners. Peregrine bowed his head as to not attract her sincere displeasure, but endeavoured to convey the need for discussions, your Majesty, if you fail to approve of these arrangements, the Royal Commissioners cannot guarantee you the precedence for the Dulwich docklands. Lavinia scoffed at him, should I have a care, Sir? The guarantees of theirs are of little importance to me or the House. He couldn’t quite understand why the Queen was in such an objectionable state, having so enthusiastically formed the scheme which he carried to Dulwich, Ma’am, they are of the utmost importance to the House of Ingelger-Ormonde. She slammed her palm against a table. Are we vassals of Charlotte's? Do not presume to judge the interests of the House, she scorned. Peregrine knew, from the Queen’s familiar use of the Queen-Empress’s name that some sort of tense business had taken place between the Queen and the Queen-Empress whilst he was in Dulwich, likely through the Crown Prince who was at Charlotte’s side every day. The Great Exposition agreement would guarantee to the House of Ingelger-Ormonde the sole privilege of the right to build its own exhibition within the Dulwich docklands, the Ingelger-Ormonde Quays, where they could demonstrate the prominence of the House through ruling the Kingdom of Walssex-Battent – and the proud maritime and industrial metropolis of Hammersmith. The House, and the kingdom, have much maritime heritage, and presently the Crown Prince is the First Lord of the Admiralty; however, Charlotte was the head of the House of Cavendish-Bentincke, whose Estate included one of the most successful liner companies in Europe and, most importantly, financed the Queen-Empress’s personal fleet. It was quite apparent that the Queen-Empress demanded the privilege for her own House.

Peregrine bowed stiffly, then retired.

Lavinia had sent for Cardinal Manning to attend her that evening also, and commanded that it should be a completely private audience. I pray you be seated, your Excellency, she said. I am deeply disturbed, and I wish you to give me your considered opinion on the matter I shall put before you. Manning waited respectfully; he assumed the matter was connected to the Wantage Declaration against the new Pope. Myself and his Majesty the King, she began, are deeply concerned regarding the behaviour of some quarters of the Empire (Wantage). They declare that though there are many men and women who declare themselves of the true Capitoline Church, they cannot hold true to their faith that the deity indeed determined the outcome of the elections. They even accuse the Sistine Chapel as being corrupted by the ministers of Augsburg. Some in his Majesty’s own Court have quietly suggested that the Kingdom do as the Grand Duchy did. What is your opinion of this, your Excellency? The Cardinal was thoughtful for a moment. Then he said, we have seperatists in our midst, your Majesty. I am deeply opposed to the separation from the Capitoline. It shall warp the teachings and destroy the peace of our communities. Lavinia nodded, you are quite right. But should I and his Majesty accept the calls to investigate possible corruptions within the institutions that operate under and within the Capitoline Church? The Cardinal paused and sat back, can we be sure, your Majesty, that these sudden and urgent desires to set up some sort of investigatory apparatus against the Capitoline Church in the Empire does not come from Dulwich? The Queen smiled faintly, it is as though you speak my thoughts aloud, she said, while ensuring Charlotte’s name was not spoken aloud. May I remind you of the little controversies taking place now? He asked her. There is no need to remind me, she answered, I am aware of them, well aware.

Lavinia’s thoughts went to what he referred to, the political disturbances in the imperial metropolis which continue to ripple and churn with increasing escalation, soon enough, the Cabinet will fall; The Queen suspected the Queen-Empress was behind it with the determination to achieve her political reforms, those that oppose it are largely of the land-owning parts of society or those who following the Capitoline teachings. As Lavinia now considered how the affairs and ambitions of her Court and House were seemingly blocked at every turn by the Queen-Empress – political reforms and the Great Exposition – she was angry and clenched her nails tensely into the upholstery of the antique chair she was sat on. With the Cardinal’s help the King and Queen of Walssex-Battent may be successful in proposing a formation of a council, to examine the conduct of the Capitoline Church in the Empire, and finally end the outrageous accusations of corruption. Manning considered that this could be of more serious benefit, with the Papacy alarmed that this council could expose in all its blatancyas the corrupt institution that it is, may give way to Manning, and bestow the additional number of Cardinals that Manning feels owed to the Engellexic Church.

Lavinia looked with grateful affection at Cardinal Manning, who had been thinking on the same lines and who saw the issues at stake as clearly as she herself, for quite some time. I know your Majesty will agree with me that we must be continually watchful of the power of Dulwich. Here in Walssex-Battent your Majesty is supreme. It is my urgent desire that you should remain so. The Queen nodded, you are quite right, as usual, she answered. But I am disturbed that some of my subjects should revile the Capitoline teachings and others would use them as would a game of cards.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE HOUSE OF ANGEVIN​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, August 1952

Inside Grandon-Kendal House in Dulwich where a meeting had been held between certain members of and associated with the House of Angevin to discuss being out manoeuvred and subsequent losses in the Kingdom of Wissemandie, owing to the efforts of Sir Peregrine Howard, it had grown quite heated and the meeting had broken up with acrimony on all sides, chiefly between Lord Evelyn Angevin and the Duchess of Grandon-Kendal. Lord Evelyn, the younger brother to the Duke of Grandon-Kendal, was blamed by his sister-in-law the Duchess, Rosamund, or the disastrous loss of opportunity between the Angevins and the now Engellexic vassal of Wissemandie and Rosamund was quite of the opinion that such a man who had brought such lack of fortunate to his House should be dismissed from touching its coffers. Both were of quite an overbearing nature. Both considered themselves of great importance to the House. Lord Evelyn Angevin had the support of Prince Frederick of Schaumburg and through him the Queen-Empress. Moreover he was direct descendent of one of the most historical houses in Engellex.In his youth he had achieved an honourable service within the Royal Engellexic Navy, but had tried to become acquainted with financial instruction as to benefit the House of Angevin and, by natural extension, himself. Was it his fault that both the House of Ingelger-Ormonde and the House of Sieyes conspired against Angevin expansion of its Anjou and Touraine interests in Wissemandie? He was beginning to believe that those were right who thought lines of battle were being drawn in Dulwich over religion, as well as on position toward reform. The Duchess of Grandon-Kendal was watching him intently as though making a study of him.

Rosamund, thought Lord Evelyn with such familiarity. Who does she think she is? Of very little importance before she had had her first stroke of luck in marrying my brother. Baron Carew’s only child had been married, by the folly of love, to the heir, to my brother, and inherits my parent’s vast lands, estate and titles! Strangely enough the Duchess and Lord Evelyn were related through some quite distant connection. There entwined branches sprang from many trees. The Duke and Duchess of Grandon-Kendal’s eldest daughter, Lady Cecily, had married Lord Edward Plantagenet, and could see the Duchess of Grandon-Kendal permitting Lord Edward to come to their estate more and more. The real enemy, Lord Evelyn believed, was Lord Edward Plantagenet. Yes, Lord Edward was determined, at least will by consequence, to destroy the alliance between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Angevin. Lord Evelyn knew where Lord Edward’s thoughts were moving. He saw himself as the more appropriate heir to his father’s Ducal coronet, that of the Duchy of Middlesex, rather than his eldest brother the Earl of Ruislip. Should Lord Edward attempt any manoeuvrings against his brother, the angry eyes of Dulwich and the Empire generally will be turned upon the House of Angevin for tolerating him. As Rosamund, the Duchess, and Lord Evelyn walked out of Grandon-Kendal House into the gardens of the embankment for a breath of fresh air the scent of the roses was everywhere. Rosamund oversaw the creation of some of the grandest rose gardens in Europe throughout the Angevin Estate.

Rosamund approached Lord Evelyn and there was no mistaking the hostility in her voice. Lord Evelyn, she said, you should count yourself exceedingly fortunate that you are permitted to walk freely in these gardens. Lord Evelyn considered her words with confusion, I understand you not, your Grace. Rosamund smiled, ours is a sad House these days. How long ago is it since the streets of the might imperial metropolis were ringing with triumphant bells and there were processions there to celebrate the coronation of Angevin monarchs? Lord Evelyn stopped walking and spoke with a good deal of severity, you would know that, your Grace, as well as I and I cannot think why you should ask such a question of me. Observing a few of the members of their House arriving in the gardens, Rosamund retorted, of whom else should I ask it, since you are quite certainly the author of our great troubles? In frustration he grabbed her arm, you go too far! A little shocked, and releasing herself the Duchess stepped back, I will go as far as I consider seemly! The other members approached the two, sensing a growing excitement within their exchanges. Rosamund looked him steadily in the eyes. Lord Evelyn, she said, I can see your enterprise quite plainly. There was no mistaking her meaning. He felt an uneasiness creeping over him, I am loyal to my brother and my House. The Duchess smiled coldly, I am of the opinion, Lord Evelyn, that you do not hold this House so close to your heart as you would profess. He turned from her in rage, so you are for the Plantagenets, are you, your Grace? You have decided to play the benefactor of seditious schemes within the House of Plantagenet. Rosamuind coolly dismissed him, it is not of my scheming, but when there are those who concern themselves with grand enterprises it is the duty of all to support what they certainly believe, and feel, is right. He was alarmed. The family was against him. Unfairly they blamed him for the lack of success with the affairs of the Angevin Estate. Suddenly he turned to face the others of his family, I am for Angevin and his Grace, the Duke, my brother.

At Battent Palace Charlotte’s father, Prince Frederick of Schaumburg, discussed the matter of the Ingelger-Ormonde Quays with the Chairman of the Royal Commissioners for the Great Exposition who, discreet and astute, grasped the situation immediately and agreed with the Prince that there was only one way of dealing with it and that was as the Prince had proposed to him for the Great Exposition. Should the ruling Houses insist on participation and representation at the Exposition then the Royal Commissioners must acquiesce and make suitable adjustments to the designs, and if the Queen-Empress refused to agree it would lead, without doubt, to a scandal and serious embarrassment. We must remember, said the Prince, that her Majesty, Queen Lavinia, was deeply humiliated by the Queen-Empress’s objection to the Ingelger-Ormonde proposal, and if she were a ruthless and vindictive lady she might insist on retaliation. The chairman disagreed, I do not believe her Majesty to be of such unkindness, he said. Does your Highness desire of me to approach the Royal Commissioners with this proposal, as to have it presented to her Majesty the Queen-Empress as a natural development for the benefit of the Exposition? Prince Frederick nodded, that is what I wish.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS​

THE GREAT EXPOSITION I​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, September 1952

His Excellency, Sir Aurelian Fawkes, had been the West Marcher ambassador to Great Engellex for a mere seven years, which wasn’t particularly long by imperial standards, before he found himself abruptly thrust into the task of overseeing the great task of delivering for the Queen-Empress the Great Exposition that was to be seen in the ancient and most imperial metropolis of Dulwich, complete with all the projects of decoration, engineering, design, construction, and pageantry. Charlotte, the Queen-Empress, had thrown herself into this project also with her customary eagerness. One of her first steps, which had only recently been completed, was to appoint a Royal Commission, which shall, itself, appoint various committees for the various fields that will bring together the magnificent completion of the exposition, and publish reports for the benefit of the Imperial Parliament. One of the reports, submitted before the House of Lords, was a completed proposal for the centre piece of, what is now termed in popular press, Charlotte’s City, the Empire Palace; a grand and central building where the excellence and superiority of Engellexic culture shall be demonstrated and displayed for all Europe. As the Empire Palace was to become a permanent and prominent feature of South Dulwich, part of the report called for the interior of the building to be decorated with large fresco paintings depicting significant events in Engellexic history – from the Unification of Great Engellex in 1690, the opening of the first parliaments of Cantignia and West March, to the Victory over Montelimar and the European Defence Federation.Of course such things will be debated by the Imperial Parliament, though, Charlotte has assured the Royal Commissioners of there not being any delay with their proposals; but to ensure the approval of parliamentarians, they had experts brought in from the Georgian College of Design, the Royal Academy of Dulwich, Queen’s College of Art, and the Plantagenet Fine Arts Society, and several other organisations concerned with the arts in Great Engellex. Given Charlotte’s personal preferences, it came as no surprise that the design they settled on was the contemporary Engellexic baroque, which was also a leading favourite amongst the Court. The Queen-Empress supported the view that Great Engellex, a country determined to claim its place amongst leaders of industry, should also place itself at the forefront of innovation and refined taste in the arts.

The Royal Commission was determined to transplant the distinctly Engellexic civilisation to the worthy metropolises of Europe.

Until the start of construction, the Royal Commission had erected a temporary pavilion, formed of very fine and grand tents, in the South Dulwich common, where the Empire Palace shall be erected, decorated by prints and models of what shall be built and installed for the Empire Palace. The central pentagonal room of the pavilion had placed within its core a very large model of the building, it was rather imposing as it was surrounded by the various flags and heraldry of the Empire and illuminated by a huge glass chandelier. Early in August a competition was announced to select the best designs for the various art installations of the exposition. An exhibition of its own, comprising some five hundred drawings and other art pieces of the works submitted was held, attracing up to fifty thousand visitors a day. The daily mob scene the Dulwich Museum of Art, a rather modest gallery compared to other European galleries, was a source of great satisfaction to the Queen-Empress and her Royal Commission, for the crowds were largely formed of ordinary people, many of humble status who insisted on bringing their entire families into the museum with them. The Chairman of the Royal Commission, Sir Aurelian Fawkes, with the underprivileged masses of the Empire in mind, had persuaded the other Commissioners to prepare a more affordable edition of catalogue that could be purchased for that exhibition, not surprisingly it was the first time such an effort had been made, to Charlotte’s gratification they observed how it was in fact the lower orders who preferred the more expensive edition, carrying it diligently with them as they inspected and scrutinised the works that adorned the walls of the gallery halls.

In selecting the themes to be represented, the distinguished artist and Court Painters Sir Thomas W. Banbury, who was also one of those commissioned to decorate the walls of the Empire Palace, recommended to the Royal Commission that Engellexic history should be the prominent feature, in doing so he also personally recommended that the central hall of the building should demonstrate the gallantry and romance of the men who fought for Gloriana and Empire in the Great Continental War of 1951. The Chairman agreed, and believed it would add to the statement of the giant globe of Europe, created within the marble floor of the hall, that was centred on the imperial metropolis, with the worthy cities of Cobham and Vesper sitting triumphantly over the Occident and the Orient. Should anyone believe the Great Exposition was anything but political, they would be sorely wrong. This was a mighty swing against republicanism for the monarchist cause, the opening move, if you will, of the cold war that is forming between the capital of Monarchy and the bastion of Republicanism.

Wonderfully for Charlotte, while her guests arrived at Battent Palace in their beautifully crafted motor vehicles for an evening of dining and ballroom dancing in honour of the Great Exposition, a fundraiser, the Queen-Empress could see the sophisticated mind of Sir Aurelian Fawkes bubbling with meticulous plans for the exposition. He, and the Royal Commission, have already published plans which envisaged the construction of a small district within South Dulwich formed of all the exhibits, Charlotte’s City, rather than a single building incorporating all within. The exposition itself is divided into several parts :- culture and civilisation; sports; industry; and European progress. For Charlotte, there four categories would combine to offer Europe a celebration of all that is noble and illustrious in the endeavour of the Empire, from the productions on which Engellexic industry is employed to the taste and skill displayed in the application of Engellexic civilisation. At that evening’s occasion the Chairman would announce to her Majesty’s guests that the opening ceremony for the Great Exposition will take place a year from now. Within that year they will be fully engaged in raising the remaining funding, obtaining the full approval of the site, designing the other buildings, dispatching invitations across Europe, negotiating with exhibitorirs, organising the product and culture displays, founding the rules in which the Empire’s and Europe’s athletes shall compete, and dealing with a multitude of lesser tasks, from setting the dreaded entry fees and providing accommodation for visitors from outside Dulwich and abroad, to expanding the necessary sewer and drainage for the benefit of all the facilities to be installed. The execution of the Great Exposition was to be an achievement in itself.

It was certainly a superb moment to conceive the Great Exposition, the first of such in European history, in celebration of Engellexic grandeur. Industry was performing excellently, as the swift movement of goods across the Empire and Europe was a proud reality, with further opening of railways lines and the supremacy of Engellexic liner companies. On the Continent, the European Defence Federation had been dealt a crushing blow on the battlefields, and ensuing peace negotiations took the Empire to a position of dominance over Preuti and strong challenger in Borussia, while it has become one of two powers in Saamiskavia. Charlotte reigned supreme among Europe’s monarchs, and as a tribute to her magnificence was elevated to Queen-Empress. But before the Chairman could proudly declare this to Charlotte’s assembled guests he, and other senior commissioners, were called to an adjoining drawing room for a quick meeting. The meeting between Sir Aurelian Fawkes, the Marquis of Bath, and two other commissioners, was for the much needed appointment of someone to a role with the responsibility of marketing the exposition around the Empire and Europe. He will be dispatched on a European tour to persuade foreign governments to promote their countries’ goods and cultures in Dulwich. It was decided the Queen-Empress’s father, Prince Frederick of Schaumburg, shall be appointed to the role, at a remuneration of considerable numbers per year. Returning to dinner, the Chairman laid before his exalted audience his inspirational vision of civilisation, enterprise and progress, speaking in terms that heralded a new Crowning Era: the rapidly vanishing distances between Great Engellex and its imperial desires, the increasing trade with other nations, and the refinement and exportation of ones imperial civilisation. My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, he concluded, the Great Exposition shall endeavour to provide us all with the honest and vibrant depiction, we crave, of the point of progress at which her Majesty’s Empire has arrived in its great task of civilisation, and a new starting point from which all nations shall be invited to observe each other’s progress and achievements with that superb feeling of mutual admiration.

That night, the Great Exposition became a reinforced reality, and was praised to the high skies by all those in attendance, the Chairman of the Royal Commission’s visionary undertaking was lauded as a tribute to Engellexic ingenuity and courage, Battent Palace repeated reverberated with cries of hear, hear!; and when the cigars were extinguished, the last drops of champagne drained and the smart motor vehicles summoned to the gates of the palace, the Royal Commission and the Queen-Empress found themselves left in a situation of urgency :- urgent to ensure that everything was just so.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS
BORDEAUX AND DULWICH
​

Bordeaux, Kingdom of Wissemandie, October 1952

A reception was held in the capital of Wissemandie, Bordeaux, within the lofty drawing-rooms of what is now designated as the royal palace. General Sir Herbert Daley, the Viscount Dowes, marched up the cold staircase of the building and presented himself at the appointed location, among courtiers and other Engellexic officers of local responsibility. The king, that is Charlotte’s brother George, received the general with a closely orchestrated inspection in the middle of the rather large room. Lord Dowes silently absorbed the intolerable demonstration of his Queen-Empress’s brother’s new found authority, which was exercised in the true fashion of Montel royalty the general regarded. Then, as though he spent much time carefully forming his words, the king asked calmly, are you liberty to inform on when they commenced their hostile campaign? Lord Dowes was not entirely certain if the king meant when it appeared a campaign of insurgency had begun in Wissemandie, or whether he desired to know when the Siege of Porcheux was commenced; to suggest Porcheux, a city just south of Wissemandie’s largest metropolis, was under siege was dismissed as gross hysteria by Dulwich but Charlotte’s brother entertained such assertions. Lord Dowes answered that the campaign of attacks in Porcheux, suspected of being the work of nationalists, were first observed at the beginning of September. And the battle of Porcheux? What time was that? The king then asked further, referring to the most destructive episode of Montel nationalism in the city, but certainly not worthy of such naming, at least, in Engellexic eyes. I cannot inform your Majesty at what precise time the nationalist offensives began, however, the eleventh (Walssex-Battent) division first responded at five-seventeen in the morning of October the sixth. The king described his lack of gratitude in a muttering of various mild obscenities as he departed the drawing-room.

Lord Dowes withdrew, after the king, to a smaller adjoining drawing-room and was immediately surrounded on all sides by a mindless babble of courtiers, as he so described it later. Everywhere he saw bold, suspicious eyes observing him, and heard a cool clattering of voice, in the Montel dialect, around him; but through the bustle of the cold Montel courtiers, the unwelcome Engellexic general felt the warmth of a familiar voice approaching him. It was the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sir Louis Phélypeaux, a gentleman that Dulwich somewhat placed within the Wissemandie Government. Phélypeaux came up and welcomed him to, what is called, the First Metropolis of Wissemandie, the city of Bordeaux, and immediately declared his intention to host a gathering of a political-military circle in Lord Dowes’ honour that evening, which Lord Dowes gracefully accepted.

It was early evening when Lord Dowes attended the gathering in his honour by Louis Phélypeaux. It was a rather opulent occasion, not unlike Montel character but more of an Engellexic encouragement in this war-torn country, near enough one hundred guests were present, of political and military background. Arriving, Lord Dowes was immediately drawn pale by the striking whiff of tobacco, champagne, and fine fragrances, it was certainly an attack on the senses of man who just stepped inside from a frozen autumn night. The lord was drawn into what must have been a state drawing-room, it was quite impressive though on a somewhat provincial scale, by the

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. He observed a scene of glistening champagne glasses, lounging ladies in a casual state of conversation, and gentlemen sat around tables for cards. He was immediately identified by Sir Louis Phélypeaux, Lord Dowes, he exclaimed before an exchange of an awkward mixture of Engellexic and Montel etiquette, I do believe I have heard that her Majesty’s Government has deemed Media and Boliatur as nothing more than private estates for the communist-PD aristocracy? Quite right, indeed, where will those revolutionaries stop? If you mean this still doesn’t mean possible war, then you are no longer a friend of mine, he said with a grin. Phélypeaux led Lord Dowes deeper within the bustle. What do you make of it? They first supply Boliatur against a truly European effort, and now they are condemning the Danes for liberating an island of people shackled to Miroslavl? Is there no end to it, the world has gone mad. The lord nodded, first of all monsieur, I need not ask how you are? The Montel exaggerated a mocked sense of embarrassment, Lord Dowes, he said, how can one be when their whole moral sense has been absolutely outraged? Please, allow me to introduce you to Madame Marlène Phélypeaux, he proposed as he directed them both to his wife. How are you Madame Phélypeaux? Lord Dowes asked, taking her gloved hand to kiss. She smiled, how very gracious of you to ask, Lord Dowes, I am very well. And you, my Lord? Dowes sighed, the affairs of State and security are a little pressing on everyone at this time. The lady curtsied and the two man continued walking.

You’re staying the whole evening I hope? Phélypeaux asked as they both accepted a glass of champagne from a passing footman. No, monsieur, I’m sorry. There is a summoning from the Duke of Rothermere in Dulwich that I must attend, he replied. Phélypeaux nodded an acceptance, now, tell me, I insist on being the first here to know. What has been decided with regard to the Sylvanian armaments and the European dispatch? Dowes was silent with thought, let’s see, what is there to tell? Well, it has been decided Sylvania is aspiring to be an aggressor, and that we must hope the republic can be dissuaded from such a course. Agderike – It was then that Phélypeaux protested, don’t speak to me of Agderike. Agderike doesn’t act with responsibility, and never has. The country is betraying us with its neutrality, while suckling on the tit of Preuti-Borussian economic power. It would seem Engellex alone will save Europe, and crush the abomination of what is revolutionary-incestuous creations! Lord Dowes raised a ‘brow, you’re so eloquent, monsieur, you have me feel inept. May I impose on you for a cup of tea before I go?

Lord Dowes arrived in Dulwich particularly late on that evening, the Ministry of War was a dim light in a mostly sleeping area of Dulwich where the imperial ministries were located. The ministry was occupied by the other leading generals of the armies occupying the Montel Successor States, the Imperial Chiefs of Staff, and, of course, the War Secretary and Chief of the ICS – the Duke of Rothermere. Earlier that day the Queen-Empress had attended a cabinet meeting that drew focus upon occupation efforts in former Montelimar, a government delegation for the Grand Duchy of Wantage was also present. The cabinet meeting had decided to ignore the advice from some senior figures within the Imperial Chiefs of Staff for a wide and concerted effort for the Engellexic Army to advance immediately and mount a strong offensive against the insurgents. The cabinet wanted to focus on preventing a second wave of refugees leaving the occupied realms by ensuring that the army was supporting the efforts to distribute the much needed foodstuffs from Engellex, and secure the vital infrastructure, such as the power, sanitation, and transportation networks. Additionally, it was seen as a possibility of negatively influencing troop morale if they launched such a campaign during the present months. The meeting had just began to take place when General Sir Herbert Daley, the Viscount Dowes, walked in. He observed how the other staff appeared to be labouring under a dark spell cast by the disappointing cabinet meeting earlier in the day. The opinions arguing delay, in agreement with the cabinet, were certainly a minority within the Engellexic Army, their arguments refuted by strong evidence of the advantages that will be gained from an offensive; it was then surprise to Lord Dowes that the main business of the meeting was to co-ordinate a strategy whereby the objectives of the cabinet could be met while the army tended to the matter of the insurgents, which it believed was quite commanding urgency; well, not necessarily a strategy, more so an agreement that the staff believe in such a direction and that their armies have the capability - in the event that the Duke of Rothermere is summoned to attend her Majesty.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS
APPEARING TO DO SOMETHING :-
TO AVOID A CRISIS​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, October 1952

The Queen-Empress, with the diligence which belonged to her, had mastered all the details of the statements of concerned Lords before they were discussed in the Imperial Cabinet, and yet she found that her assistance was hardly needed in the absolute preparation. Had they allowed her she would have done it all herself. But it was assumed that Charlotte would not trouble herself with such work, and she perceived that she was not to be included due to earlier objections concerning such problems. Nothing of the moment was settled without a reference to the Queen-Empress, however. She required that everything should be explained as it went on, down to how many and which buildings had been destroyed and damaged by the insurgents in eastern Wissemandie, Flanders-Hainaut, and of course elsewhere in the Successor States; but Charlotte knew that she was not to be doing it herself, and that the Council of State, the Imperial Parliament, and the new administrations of these states will want some say on the matter. Nor did she dare to ask the Ministers what would be the fate of the House of Lords debate about Montelimar. To devote all one’s time and mind and industry to a measure, that is post-war occupation and re-construction which one knows will fall to some severe criticism by those not truly satisfied with the efforts and results, is received with the greatest disappointment. Work under such circumstances is always very grievous, but such is often the fate of statesmen and royalty. Charlotte often was curious as to whether her brother laboured under such situations, though she saw the King of Wissemandie almost weekly. In truth her brother and the other royals of the Successor States never dared to tell her exactly what they thought, which was very curious a result as it was the opposite of what she intended to be the result of the constitutional set-up of this part of Preuti-Borussia. It was known, however, at the time that her brother was painfully anxious as to the fate of the stability of his crown, the parliament of Wissemandie and its government, because of insurgency being unfortunately experienced. It seemed to be but the other day that everybody connected with the king and the political classes of Wissemandie was living in fear lest the Second Metropolis of the kingdom should come under an equally destructive attack as the one to its south. Such threats in that direction had always been conveyed to Charlotte through the various bureaucratic channels between Bordeaux and Dulwich; but a king cannot whisper to the Queen-Empress without them being carried to the Imperial Parliament, as has been.

Everybody came up to town (Dulwich). The Prince of Plantagenet, Charles Edward Archibald the Duke of Middlesex, sat amongst the backbenchers of the Lords with his statement to the House and his son and heir, Charles William the Earl of Ruislip. The Queen-Empress was also in attendance at the House, taking her place upon the throne. Indeed, the state of things was so abnormal that there could hardly be said to be any normality in the that days sitting. A stranger to the House, not knowing the condition of affairs, would have observed that the chamber was inadequately designed as so many number a peers were without a seat, or even a place to stand with many forming a gentle bustle around the entrances of the chamber. Unlike the Commons Assembly, the House of Lords enjoyed relative calm and peace, some attribute this to the fact that the majority of the peers are excessively old, but the Queen-Empress was also there and so commanding an even more exceptional degree of civility and dignity from the Peers. But it wasn't too long before the Prince of Plantagenet was given way to make his statement, and so, he did rise to speak. Supported by a finely crafted cane, the very old peer mustered the greatest form of energy and confidence that his age now permitted, enough so, to take advantage of his height, and top hat, to tower over his fellow peers and deliver his words of importance. I do believe it would be for the convenience of this House if I state, very briefly, the motives which have actuated myself and those other noble Lords in having this debate held so urgently, this very evening. He said with a strained voice and a sweeping observation of the House, before turning his direction away from the throne, almost in defiance, to continue with his address. I regret that I have come here at a time when dissension has arisen between Great Engellex and the people of Montelimar. When I learnt about it I was very greatly surprised, I knew nothing about the occupational situation which has allowed it. The House of Lords was not informed, and as such, I took no part in the deliberations on the occupational schemes to be employed.. the Duke of Nonsuch made a scribble on the side of some papers, detailing the words of the Prince and how careless they were. The Duke of Rothermere instead caught Charlotte’s stern eye, as they too made a sweeping observation, and slowly shook his head, demonstrating that he was not happy with the conduct and manners of the Prince toward the Queen-Empress.

We have had no opportunity of considering the security in the Successor States of Montelimar for nearly five months, and, except on three special occasions, when we were dealing with special subjects respecting estimates we have had no debate at all on Montel subjects within those five months. I maintain that it is not desirable when events of the moment are taking place in any part of the Empire or Europe for which her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet have full or partial responsibility for administration, that there should be no discussion in this House, the Prince Continued. I say that for two reasons. In the first instance, it gives an impression, which I know from my own experience is often much resented in the Empire, of apathy towards constitutional responsibilities. I am fully aware that questions can be submitted in this House for answering, but owing to whatever rules and procedure which govern the form of accountability, a partial impression of the situation is only ever received by the noble Lords of this House. Obviously, his Majesty the King of Wissemandie, his Majesty’s Prime Minister, and the government are going through a very difficult and trying time. There is a good deal of violence and attempts of destruction. There may be some who may think that a debate at this period may embarrass them by showing differences of opinion in this Parliament, he said turning to the Dukes of Rothermere and Nonsuch. While many of my noble Lords may say that her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet have not been sufficiently firm in repressing unrest, once again turning his observation to a particular individual, this time the Queen-Empress, I believe that the result of the debate will be to show!.. he said with an almost bark, that this House of Lords will generally support the Imperial Cabinet when it truly decides to take on law and order, but only if they are informed!

The Queen-Empress, who sat magnificently upon the throne in a billowing, blue satin evening dress with golden embroidery, held out her right hand, to the Countess of Holland, the Mistress of the Robes. God grant that the noble Lords truly study calmly the splendid endeavour of the Empire and appreciate the improvement we have made in so short a time, after all the trials sent to us. Preuti-Borussia has been improved by our virtues, she said softly to the Countess. Charlotte was initially well disposed toward the Prince of Plantagenet, but she saw his actions as a mere manoeuvre in the interest of dynastic politics which she had observed with increasing frustration since the vision of the Great Exposition was announced; this wasn’t about the insurgency, it was a reminder that the House of Cavendish-Bentincke did not rule above the supremacy of Parliament. Charlotte privately came to such a conclusion as she was aware of the frustrations of the Plantagenets at being undermined by the Ingelgers in the Montel States; and because it was a private understanding, the Queen-Empress could not convey such belief as part of her defence of her Imperial Cabinet, it would be intolerably improper. Charlotte called upon the Countess again, this time instructing her to pass a note to the Lord Speaker, informing him that she wishes to speak immediately after the Prince. But that would be quite a while away, as they all would soon recognise, the Prince’s statement was an essayed form of words stretching for almost two hours.

In times of disturbance in the Empire, it is obvious that you must have a mixture of firmness with conciliation if you are to deal with it properly; there is no difference, from what I can see with regard to the Successor States, in fact, I believe it more so of importance if we are to deal with the kind of political fever that has so far been seen and certainly to be seen in this part of Europe. Her Majesty’s servicemen need to persuade local gatherings to disperse where necessary, and, if not, they have to disperse them by appropriate force. They must use their firearms only when the lives of civilians, soldiers, and the constabulary are in danger and they must use them then with discretion, causing as few casualties as possible. They must never allow the mob to get the upper hand, as has been seen, he said with a stern squinting of the eyes at the Duke of Rothermere, who was War Secretary and Field Marshal of the Engellexic Army. These are the maxims of a thoroughly grand occupation. To carry them out requires that which her Majesty most fortunately possesses, and that is one of the most courageous, loyal, well-disciplined armies in Europe. We should all frankly admit, he said with a rather professor-like disposition to the House, that few of us possess the exactly matched ingredients of firmness and restraint in the face of abuse, violence, and destruction which the Engellexic Army has in all pervasive quantities. Unfortunately the bold attempt to humble the House was a cause for angered grunting and whisperings, and not a quiet chuckling that the Prince expected. Their record of the past two years, the Great Continental War, is unequalled in Europe, but do compare it to their record of the last few months, it would seem they have exceeded it honourably. When you consider to observe the situations to which they are subjected, the rural abductions, the urban ambushes, the destruction to infrastructure, and, of course, those notable executions of young Engellexic men, the knowledge of which has been quietly carried to this Parliament, we cannot but pay a tribute to their unrivalled loyalty.

There is another matter in which, unless the Imperial Cabinet is careful, too great a strain will be put upon the army, and that is in allowing the nationalist and socialist organisations to attempt to usurp the place of the royalist and the republican political forces in those States. These people have already in several places added to the troubles. The grossest intimidation of peaceful, honourable civilians –forcing tea rooms, galleries, bakeries to close, and many more other local institutions which serve Engellexic communities in the south long before the war of last year. It is, in itself, a very bad thing when any government in any country is not able to prevent intimidation; and, as the head of a family which great interest, from hundreds of years, in Montelimar, I think that there is a very grave danger of the most serious trouble arising between the different political forces in the countries, unless steps are taken by the army to disperse the anarchists, the fascists, and the communists. I know it is exceedingly difficult for the Cabinet to undertake that sort thing, but I hope they it will make it clear from now that, as far as we are in a position to do so, Great Engellex will not tolerate extremist aspirations in the Successor States.

I would like her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet to inform the House, more specifically, what is going on in regard to the occupation of the regions east of Bordeaux and west of Valmy, which is a very important area of our post-war occupation. I would also appreciate I acknowledgement of interest by many of the noble Lords, from the Cabinet, in respect the reconstruction efforts of roads, the railways, electricity-generation-stations, and hospitals. I hope that the programme, commenced during the war, is being successfully carried forward.

To be continued..

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS
APPEARING TO DO SOMETHING :-
TO AVOID A CRISIS II​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, October 1952

Lord Speaker, permit me to express my sense of rejoice that it was the intention of his Royal Highness the Prince of Plantagenet, who indeed had just spoke so eloquently, to offer no opposition to any and all endeavour of my Government to maintain the right to liberty and security within the occupied Successor States, inasmuch as I am hereby relieved from the necessity of arguing the subject at length with his Royal Highness. But, Charlotte began, leaving the throne at the front of the House of Lords and rising to the Royal Dispatch Box, some remarks of so much asperity and bitterness – conceived, indeed, in a spirit quite unsuited to this occasion – had fallen from his Royal Highness, that it was quite impossible for myself to permit the Prince of Plantagenet to pass his address without I making a few observations in reply. His Royal Highness had asserted, that there was a culpable neglect on the part of my Cabinet, Charlotte paused to allow a sudden riotuous declaration of treason from her government benches against the Prince to simmer down, that it had shown a reluctance to use the ordinary powers of Engellexic law to repress disturbance – and that those powers, exerted in due time, and with proper energy, would have effected the pacification of the Montel States. This charge his Royal Highness has quite pronounced utterly without foundation! Without intending any offence, the Prince of Plantagenet would still boldly deny, that on the part of either the Engellexic or Montel governments, had there been any want of energy or firmness. It was true, as his Royal Highness was aware, and admitted so, that the present application for additional security measures for the Imperial General Staff had been so long delayed, as to render harsher measures necessary than might have been originally employed. But, admitting this, I implore the House to permit me to state the cause of this delay. It was because the myself and my Cabinet hoped that, considering the time and circumstances of the Montel States, the powers of the Engellexic Common Law, wielded with the energy which I contend had been displayed in its application, would have repressed disturbances. And I still do maintain, that it was better, situated as affairs are, to bear with even certain evils, than prematurely exert powers to which they had even now recourse with the strongest regret and reluctance.

The Queen-Empress stood defiantly amongst her Peers to acknowledge the hear, hears of the supportive benches, Whigs and Pitts, to her statement that for a considerable period, there did appear a prospect of preserving order without appealing to this Imperial Parliament for greater powers.

A sanguine hope had been entertained by myself, that a prospect existed of repressing outrage and restoring general tranquillity by the ordinary powers of law. For a time this flattering prospect continued; but at length it became totally clouded, and has, indeed, given place to a scene of disturbance, disorder, and murder, that imperiously demanded the powers to which your Lordships’ sanction was now required. But his Royal Highness had charged the Cabinet with looking for the support of those persons who this Empire was at war against only the year last. From more cries of treason against the Prince, the Queen-Empress declared stubbornly that the charge will be met with an absolute and flat denial, which produced a sudden chorus of cheers. In language as respectful to the House of Lords as was also befitting the most prestigious monarch in Europe, the Queen-Empress asserted that the fact was not so;- the Cabinet never was influenced by any such sinister motive! The Queen-Empress withdrew from the Royal Dispatch Box and returned to the throne; a thunderous repetition of Long Live the Queen crushed the sober halls of the majestic heart of the Empire. Whether from personal amusement or genuine desire to attend to her other responsibilities, Charlotte refused to usher in a return of propriety in the House, supporting the Lord Speaker, rather she allowed her political rival, the Prince of Plantagenet, to endure a continued disgrace whilst she tended to the continued writing of a statement she personally prepared for her brother; the King of Wissemandie was due in several days to address a gathering of political and industrious persons in Bordeaux – the address shall be supplied by his sister.

.. In this Kingdom of Wissemandie, with very few exceptions, the Kings Peace has been preserved; and it will be your anxious but grateful duty to promote, by all practicable means, habits of industry and good order amongst the labouring classes of this Realm.

On my part, I shall be ready to co-operate to the utmost of my power in obviating all just causes of complaint, and in promoting all well-considered measures of national improvement. But it is my painful duty to observe that the disturbances in the East, to which I have directly appealed to the Empire of Great Engellex, have stubbornly increased. A spirit of insubordination and violence has risen to the most fearful height, rendering life and property insecure in some quarters, defying the authority of the law, and threatening the most fatal consequences if not promptly and effectually repressed.

I feel confident that to your loyalty and patriotism I shall not resort in vain for assistance in these afflicting circumstances, and that you will be ready to adopt such measures of salutary precaution, and to intrust to me such additional powers, as may be found necessary for controlling and punishing the disturbers of the Kings Peace, and for preserving and strengthening the foundations of the Parliament of Wissemandie which, with your support, and under the blessings of Divine Providence, I am determined to maintain, by all measures in my power, as indissolubly connected with the peace, security, welfare, and liberty of my people ..​

[[A delayed part two to the post above.]]

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS
THE QUEEN-EMPRESS BOUNTY​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, Decemberr 1952

Ever since Viscount Keppels War of 1832, the Christmas season was one in which the Royal Engellexic Navy enjoyed with an extended period of leave for much of the Service, to the frustrations and envy of the Army and Air Force; it was a cost effective measure deemed appropriate and sometimes necessary by the Treasury for what was the Empire’s least important branch of the armed forces. The Admiralty hoped to renew such a tradition following the conclusion of the Great Continental War of 1951. For the Christmas season of 1952, however, those traditional luxuries were cancelled for a mobilisation of the Royal Engellexic Navy and the Royal Engellexic Air Force.

On 15 December 1952, the Kingdom of Danmark delivered to the Kingdom of Agderike and Fey a letter. Later in the evening, December 15, the First Lord of Aldwych d’Evercy House, the Duke of Nonsuch, received the text in Dulwich; it was described that evening, during an urgent meeting of the Cabinet at Battent Palace, to be the most offensive and menacing document ever addressed between States during the Queen-Empresses reign. Along with demands that would practically strip Agderike of its national sovereignty, short of full annexation, it comprised one-thousand-two-hundred-forty-seven pages of instructions. The morning of 16 December, when the Duke of Nonsuch informed the Council of State, members listened dutifully but to most the crisis seemed far away and un-interesting. The Queen-Empress determined that the Empire would maintain its neutrality and remain a mere spectator to the Agderike Succession. Nevertheless, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Crown Prince of Walssex-Battent, was concerned. When no steps were to be taken to form a policy in response to a possible escalation of the crisis, he reminded the Imperial Cabinet that if nothing was to be done, and the crisis escalated into a conflict, the Empire would have a war across the border with no available fleet of appropriate strength – due to the Christmas season leave. However, as the Duke of Nonsuch participated in answering questions from the Parliamentary Press Corps, a twice-weekly activity for the First Lord of Aldwych d’Evercy House, he learned from a question submitted by The Imperial Telegraph that there were expectations amongst those of the PPC that the Danes were to escalate the crisis into a war; in the afternoon the Duke of Nonsuch was informed by a rather humiliated Permanent Secretary, who expected a severe dressing-down or even a forced resignation, that Danmark desired to handle the succession affair directly within Kristiania, and had ordered the mobilisation of a fleet for the capital of Agderike. In this context, dispersing and demobilising entire squadrons of the Royal Engellexic Navy from late December and through to the end of January suggested to be a grandly foolish idea. Nonsuch decided to return to Battent Palace immediately for a urgent audience with the Queen-Empress, who later, after Nonsuch departed, telephoned the First Lord of the Admiralty and instructed him to do what was necessary to ensure the navy was in a position to respond to anything.

For the First Lord of the Admiralty, the instruction came at the eleventh hour. The core of the Royal Engellexic Navy, the destroyer squadrons, were to demobilise in three days. Already. Two 1943 Expedition Fleet Carriers, HEMS Belleisle and HEMS Victorious, had been detached from the Second and Third Fleets and were on their way to Weybourne for refits. Twenty destroyers, including eleven E-Class Destroyers, most of the twenty-one frigates, and half of the submarines were at their home ports without full crews, some warships with half. Still, the Admiralty was able to halt the dispersal before it went any further, and the First Lord relayed instruction to begin immediately re-calling the personnel of the navy and re-assembling fleets.

The First Lord of the Admiralty was preparing for a violent confrontation with the Danish, but the majority of the Imperial Cabinet, and the Council of State still saw no great urgency beyond being prepared. Sunday, December 16, brought the danger closer. Frescania, the most important regional partner to Great Engellex, categorically rejected the position and assertions of the Royal Council of State and warned against any intervention, quite alike the concerns raised by the First Lord. In Dulwich, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the Duke of Rothermere, deliberated with his Staff on what possible cautionary steps should be taken to ensure the Successor States remained vigilant and prepared for any and all eventualities, but stopped short of mobilising forces in southern Montelimar near the Danish border, rather to maintain force numbers as they are and launch reconnaissance operations through the Royal Engellexic Air Force. Later that evening the Imperial Cabinet and the Queen-Empress observed an address from the House of Lords; the Peers of the Realm decided to address them with a decision that the Empire of Great Engellex cannot allow the Danish monarchy to threaten the seeds of parliamentary sovereignty, and with a majority approving the address, there wasn’t much that could be done; in the Council of State the Queen-Empress and the Imperial Cabinet found itself in a minority by an unholy alliance of the Peers and Catholic monarchs and ministers from Walssex-Battent to Wantage.

The First Fleet must be assembled in a place of safety; the Admiralty had a vague idea of whereabouts of the Danish Fleet and worried about the vulnerability of the squadrons in the Bantyric Naval Base to surprise attack by Danish destroyers. The Third Lord of the Admiralty’s, Vice Admiral Sir Maurice Mansergh, larger purpose was to ensure that the First Fleet, to be designated the Solent Station Fleet, should sail and be at its blockade station before Danmark could decide whether Great Engellex would become an enemy. At six o’clock on the morning of December 17, the First Lord of the Admiralty proposed the step to the Queen-Empress and the Imperial Cabinet, and found them whole-heartedly in favour of it. It was decided that the warships would leave their home ports for assembly of the Solent Station Fleet north-east of the Bimbeck Islands at one o’clock in the afternoon, as to allow them to pass through the Solent toward Agderike during the hours of darkness in the early hours of December 19, at high speed, and without lights. At 23:00 on the evening of December 17, the order flashed from the radio masts in Dulwich to the signal mast of HEMS Agamemnon :- Wednesday December 19, the Solent Station Fleet is to leave assembly position for the blockade co-ordinates. Destination is to be kept secret except to commanding officers. The Third Lord was to send the fleet under his second in command, Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Francis Fremantle, so that he could travel himself to Hammersmith and Weybourne in order to inspect those warships placed in dry dock for refits.

As the Third Lord boarded a train at Peterloo for Hammersmith on 19 December, the Solent Station Fleet was slowly moving out from assembly position.

 

[Great Engellex]

THE ROSE AND THE FLEURS-DE-LYS
ANGER OF THE FAT EMPIRE​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, January 12 1953

This is absolutely intolerable! Exclaimed the First Lord of Aldwych d’Evercy House, the Duke of Nonsuch, as he threw down hard copies of the Danish statement. Nonsuch was sitting within the privacy of the yellow drawing-room of Battent Palace with the Queen-Empress, Charlotte, and her father, Prince Friedrich of Schaumburg. Intolerable, he barked once more; Prince Friedrich continued to pace around the room, puffing smoke like a steam locomotive. Having taken a read of the Dulwich Evening Dispatch, the Duke rose from his seat and approached Charlotte, waving the ink-stained rag around :- are we to meet the demands of Parliament? Can we meet what Parliament is now demanding? Are we in a position to meet it? We cannot have war, ma’am! Their bloody foreign minister is bringing us to the brink of war. A most grand style of diplomacy, he continued, with a dusty huff of sarcasm. Do you really believe there is an agreement between Danmark and Ivernia? Charlotte asked, smoothing over the anger of Nonsuch with dignified calm. He turned back to the Queen-Empress with more grace, and less tension, and informed her that they agreed something, what it is I am not in a position to say, as Christiansborg has intrigued the other kingdoms not to confide in us. Charlotte sipped some tea, with her pinkie held resolutely straight in quiet anger.

Her father, Prince Friedrich stepped forward, suggesting Dulwich turn to Augsburg, he is himself, after all, a Wieser. Telegram the Emperor, my dear, and implore him to intercede in Christiansborg. It is the only way at times like these, monarch must speak to monarch, it is so much easier. Charlotte nodded, yes.. but, no – she said, sitting her tea on the table and rising from her chair. Nonsuch interjected with his pessimism, you may telegram him, ma’am, but I greatly doubt there will be much good from it. Prince Friedrich sat down, putting his pipe to rest, I believe there exists a strong possibility of there being some good. I am sure Augsburg equally disapproves of these Danish adventures around Europe. Nonsuch disagreed, he may, but his ministers won’t. They will see this as a grand effort to bring the balance of power back in favour of Borussian capitals. Prince Friedrich, who dismissed Nonsuch with a swift wave of the hand, argued that the Emperor is the strongest voice in Augsburg, and if he can be persuaded – He is not the strongest voice in Wiese, barked the frustrated Duke, he is only the oldest! Charlotte stood, detached from them, observing their outbursts with her calm anger. I do not think it right, your Grace, declared Prince Friedrich as he stood, to refer to the Emperor of Wiese in that manner! Nonsuch scoffed at the prince, I speak what I must, your Royal Highness, this is certainly no time to mince together words of formality, as we might, in the next couple of days, be at war with Danmark!

How do I answer this appeal for appropriate action from parliament? Asked the Queen-Empress coldly. At this stage, ma’am, we must allow to be seen that the Empire will go to war to defend its honour, replied Nonsuch. An empty gesture I hope it will turn out to be, added Prince Friedrich. The Duke of Nonsuch placed the papers he had upon a writing-table in the drawing-room before proceeding to bow before his sovereign, as he left her presence for the more-so tense atmosphere of Nonsuch House – where many of the Imperial Cabinet are arriving for discussions over brandy.

I told you, my dear, these partnerships with Frescania will do the Empire no good, suggested Prince Friedrich. The Danish would never dare to behave like this, Freddy, unless there did, indeed, exist some enterprise to challenge me – consider it so, they have deployed the First Jutish Fleet as a direct challenge of my navy. Monarch to monarch, I agree, Charlotte said to her father, I will immediately write a statement to the King of Danmark. Prince Friedrich sighed in defeat as he watched Charlotte march by. And do inform the Council of State to convene, I will need their approval, of course, the Queen-Empress commanded.

The Queen-Empress departed Battent Palace at eleven that evening, to be driven to the Admiralty; she had, just prior to her departure, been informed by telephone with the Duke of Rothermere, who was present at Nonsuch House, that there was the strongest possibility that the Imperial Cabinet would advise the Queen-Empress to conform to the feelings of parliament, and insist on a Danish submission; at eleven-forty-two, Rothermere advised the Queen-Empress that Dulwich cannot appreciate the position, as explained by the Danish Prime Minister, and advised that a severing of diplomatic relations was seen as urgently necessary – Rothermere, as War Secretary and Chief of the Imperial General Staff, ordered the mobilisation of the Royal Engellexic Air Force. Charlotte was also informed that the Second Lord of the Admiralty was returning from Glanarought to Dulwich, in anticipation of the departure of the, now designated, Saamiskavian Fleet , which will be concentrating around the Svea Strait from Glanarought, and comprising HEMS Tonnant and HEMS Leviathan, with five destroyers, five frigates, and seven submarines. Within hours, the Queen-Empress would be delivering a statement essentially of imprisonment to his Danish Majesty, should he personally not extend sincere apologies to her Majesty and Empire.

At twelve-fifteen, the Duke of Nonsuch, with the countersignatures of the First Lord of the Admiralty and Chief of the Air Staff, and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, telegraphed a dispatch to the capitals of Frescania and Sylvania :- The Royal Engellexic Navy and the Royal Engellexic Air Force are preparing for all eventualities with the Kingdom of Danmark. The Solent Station Fleet is assembled and operating around the Solent. The warships of the Saamiskavian Fleet are fully manned, and have coaled, for departure to the Svea Strait at 12:35. The First Fleet is fully manned and coaled, completed with ammunition and supplies, and will be beginning assembly at the Hessex Bight, off-Hammersmith, in the following three hours. The airmen of Bimbeck Command, and the Home Command, are either at or en route to their stations to assume air superiority operations within the hour. Fighter Command either is or will be shortly commanding the skies of the Empire. Airmen of Saamiskavian Command are awaiting notification from the Saamiskavian Fleet in order to commence operations of air superiority over the Svea Strait. Special measures of precaution have been adopted; all dockyards, magazines, oil tanks, and coal stores, being put under guard. Repairs of warships in dockyard hands are being speeded up. Outwardly, complete calm is preserved in order not to cause anxiety by alarming reports of mass mobilisation of the Royal Engellexic Air Force.

Access to Engellexic ports by Danish military, civilian, and mercantiles vessels has been halted, to be extended to the whole western-seaboard of Preuti by 04:00 fourteenth January. Similar actions will be extended toward the Mezhist Union by 02:00.

The Empire of Great Engellex was preparing for war. At 06:00, Sunday, January 13, the danger of such a possibility was brought closer. The Queen-Empress personally wrote a statement of address to the King of Danmark, categorically rejecting further political and economic relations, and refusing to negotiate any departure of the Danish Fleet in the Gothic Sea until Dulwich has received a formal and personal apology from the Danish King over the conduct of the Kingdom and, most especially, Mr. Westerveld.

[[OOC: The statement of address to the King will be posted later to-day.]]