Tiburan Royal Marriage

[Quènie]

Tibur,
Regno di Tiburtina,
Impero Tiburano.

The Emperor Francesco walks quickly. He is too late to receive his guests, but he has in mind that some of the Heads of State will not arrive on the the same day.

The Emperor is in front of the Gate of Augustus and he see fluttering a sun in splendour gules pierced bendwise by a spear from Auraria, the red lion on yellow and blue from Eiffelland and many other flags.

He is ready to receive them





( [MENTION=1209]Auraria[/MENTION], [MENTION=666]Belmont[/MENTION], [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION], [MENTION=2]Ommeroth[/MENTION], [MENTION=1714]Arretine Empire[/MENTION], [MENTION=1690]Venissieux[/MENTION], [MENTION=1698]coeurleon[/MENTION], [MENTION=1664]Bangala[/MENTION] and [MENTION=635]Sikandara[/MENTION])

 

[Rheinbund]

Security constraints dictated that the King and the Crown Prince could not fly in the same plane. As a result, the Eiffellandian Royal Family had arrived in three small planes: One with King Albrecht and Queen Mathilda, one with Crown-Prince Friedrich, Princess Giuliana and Prince Johann, and one with the Princes Wolfgang, Karl and Ludwig. And of course, some servants and other personnel had accompanied the Royal Family as well.

The Eiffellandian Royals always paid quite some attention to their looks, because they were aware of their position, but also because they were Eiffellandians, for whom well-kept looks were important. But Ludwig went a bit further than that. He was very precise about his looks. Not a single hair on his head was out of control, and his shirts were always crankless, even at the back, even at the end of the day. He currently served his military service at one of the destroyers of the Eiffellandian Navy, and his fellow-officers repeatedly wondered how he managed to keep his shirts uncranked and clean even on duty at wind force 9 at the Implarian Ocean—it was by far not the case that Ludwig spared himself during duty. But Ludwig also took more time than normal to get dressed, something for which his brothers teased him a bit.

When the motorcade arrived at the Imperial Palace and the doors were opened, the Royal Family stepped out of the cars to meet with the Emperor.

OOC: [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION] is governed by a Ducal Family I'd say let him be there as well

 

[Oneida]

As a sign of support for the crown, the King and Queen of Andaluz and Tartecia joined the Royal Family to see the wedding. The Vicarios refused to marry outside of Auraria, so an event like this had not occurred in over one hundred years. Having the King of Andaluz and Tartecia in the same country was a struggle, but now they were in the same room. Never has there been a hate larger than the one shared by House Vicario of Andaluz and House Cadaval of Tartecia.

“It must be painful for you,” uttered King Iago of Tartecia.

“Pardon me, Your Grace?” replied King Ricardo III of Andaluz.

Iago was a large man, standing tall and relatively husky he was a stark contrast to Ricardo in almost every conceivable way. As a northerner, Iago’s skin and hair was much lighter than that common of Andaluz or Culebria, the land of the Calderóns. Iago was much older than Ricardo and his hair and face reflected that age. Ricardo was approaching his fifties, but he held onto his youth with all his might. He was a tall (but not as tall as Iago) man, and thin as well. He had the dark eyes, bronzed skin, and black hair typical of the southern Aurarine citizen. Both were wearing suits adorned with royal insignias and other symbols of privilege. Both had a sash over their right shoulders. Ricardo’s featured green and white, the colors of House Vicario. Iago’s featured blue and white, the colors of House Cadaval.

“In only ten years, House Calderón has undone so many of the traditions of House Vicario. Marrying outside of Auraria, lessening the grip of the High Throne, allowing other languages and religions. Reldón had no children; you as his younger brother were entitled to his throne, the throne that Roberto II now sits upon. I can’t imagine what’s it like to know that you lost your family everything, a painful story.”

Ricardo smiled at the behemoth to his right, and crossed his arms.

“Not as painful as being a trophy,” he said.

“A trophy?” replied the angry giant.

“Years ago, the High Lords of House Vicario decided it would be nice to add Tartecia to our Empire and so we did. We even gave up Brazul,it wasn’t the trophy we wanted to carry or in all honesty the trophy that we could carry. My how we paraded after Tartecia collapsed to our might, such a prize, a prize that would last forever. The High King saw the benefit to having a trophy so he took your daughter as his wife to convince your lot that you actually are equal to the rest of us. No, he carries her like a trophy now too. So tell me, King Iago of Tartecia, how hard is it waking up knowing that no matter what you do, you’ll always be a trophy of either a Vicario or Calderón?” asked the King of Andaluz.

Francisco Calderón, eldest son of Roberto II the High King, standing at a commanding 23 years of age, could barely contain his laughter. Francisco was very much so his father’s son, playful and energetic; not one for the high and mighty scene of royalty. He looked younger than he was, an average height and weight he was not an imposing figure by any sense of the word. He had the same features as Ricardo and Roberto, practically anyone in the South of Auraria. Despite his carefree attitude on life, he did keep himself in a very fashionable, mostly because his mother would slap him until he complied.

Francisco’s eyes turned once the Giant of the North stormed off from the Andaluzi King. Then he saw something he had not expected to see. He had a hunch on this particular person and to him there was nothing to be lost. He didn’t know the name of the person, so he had to carefully maneuver around it in conversation. He nonchalantly made his way over and eventually the two made eye contact.

“Evening, Your Grace,” the young Prince said to Prince Ludwig of Eiffeland.

 

[Ionia]

OOC: Could I attend?

 

[Quènie]

The Emperor comes to meet with the King and Queen of Eiffelland, but his eye had been searching for his daughter, Princess Giuliana who married the heir to Eiffelland.

Then it goes straight into Roberto II and greets him warmly, like an old friend. Emperor laughed of something that Roberto says and continues his journey to the Two Kings.

"How are your graces? I hope you has enjoyed Tibur, it's a charming city, it's not?

The Emperor was large man and was once a renowned soldier with a good battlefield voice. In his youth he was tall, broad shouldered and muscled like a maiden's fantasy. He kept himself clean shaven. However, after some years he gained many fractures and can't stay standing for many time, then he invites all his guests to enter the Great Palace and enjoy a great dinner "à la Tiburana".

 

[Venissieux]

His Majesty High King Mathias III, the Venissian head of state, represented the four Venissian kingdoms in his steed. Normally he would be alone attending ceremonies and royal marriages, but he was accompanied by Queen Adelaide - the Queen of Libourne, who insisted on going to the wedding. While in name he is above the kings - in reality he lacks any real meaningful power and his role is largely ceremonial and representation of Venissian interests - much of which is internally conflicted. Despite Queen Adelaide's young age and inexperience in life, the High King Mathias III had to mind his manners around her presence. After all, he could be dismissed from his position with enough complaints from the Venissian kingdoms. Together they greeted the Emperor.

 

[Ionia]

The King of the Ionian Confederacy, Thales IX, attended the marriage along with the Ionian Royal Family. That included his Wife, Queen Attaleia, and their 4 children, Crown Prince Themistocles, Prince Lysimachus, Prince Attalus and Princess Tais. The Royal family moved to congratulate the Tiburan Emperor and Empress on their marriage and deliver their wishes;

"Your Imperial Majesties. Greetings; I am King Thales IX of the Ionian Confederacy and this is my family. Congratulations of your marriage. May Tiburia forever prosper under your wise rule and consul, respectively."
Said the King;

 

[Serenierre]

President Claude Auguste was a man in his late seventies and possibly the oldest president in the world. As the ceremonial head of state, since coming into office, his routine had been absorbed with hosting lavish dinners, touring the world representing the republic, and being presented with honorary doctorates from all the universities he went to. In all honesty, this was perhaps the best way for his service to his country to be recognized. In 1929, when he was the senior most general in the military, he had destroyed the efforts of the fascists to topple the republic, something which had enabled him to enter politics following his retirement, and subsequently serve as Premier for two terms.

Arriving in Tibur, this old man, who despite walking with a cane, which was more for style than anything else, was in lively spirits. The Belmontien general elections had been completed and the talks for coalition building were ongoing in Villesen. He arrived with his daughter. He met the Tiburian Emperor and others in the welcoming party with warmth and proceeded to the venue. His paths crossed with the former royal house of Belmont's head, the Duke of Brabanois. There was a polite handshake and a smile. Nothing more and the two men retreated to their own separate corners in the room - the President proceeding to the official diplomatic section and the Duke to the royal balcony.

 

[Rheinbund]

“Whow, normally a royal wedding ends with fireworks, but this wedding begins with fireworks,” Prince Johann smirked to his brothers after having witnessed the encounter of the two Aurarian Kings. He didn’t understand Spanish, but he saw enough non-verbal signs to understand that the two Aurarian Kings were not exchanging compliments. The other Princes giggled shortly, but Queen Mathilda considered it better to step in. She already knew her second son.
“Johann, a bit careful please,” she said. “You can never know if they understand German or not.”

After having greeted the Emperor, the Eiffellandian Royal Family followed him to the dining room of the Great Palace.

Prince Ludwig was about to turn 21. He was a quiet guy, but his brains never halted. At secondary school, he was always in the organising committee of a party or a charity event. Now he was serving in the Eiffellandian Navy as a Lieutenant. Also there he was a quiet officer, but in spite of that he had his sailors under control. His team quietly did everything needed in a very fast and efficient way, mainly because of him. He was 1.81 meters tall and was tendinous.

Ludwig had noticed the Aurarian Prince. He didn’t know who he was, either, but he wanted to know him better. So also he mingled himself in such a way that the two would meet.

“Good evening,” Ludwig greeted back, and smiled.

 

[Serenierre]

Seeing them from a distance, President Auguste approached the [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION]er royals, he had during the course of his active career served as the military attache with the embassy and had fond memories of Trier. Speaking in his crisp, albeit slightly rusty, German, he extended his hand forward to shake the hand of one of the young princes before bowing courteously in front of Queen Mathilde. The gesture was more out of respect for a lady than any reverence for royalty. "What a pleasure it is to meet you all, Your Highnesses," he said smiling. This was an entirely unofficial gesture on the Belmontien president's part. The last official visit that had been arranged between representatives of either country had taken place a few years ago. And while relations were not frosty, they were uncomfortably cool, perhaps some Gallic charm would allow opportunities for further interaction for the new government.

He spoke with them for a few moments before he was joined by The Duke of Brabanois - the pretender to the Belmontien throne - President Auguste had been cornered by the sneaky bugger. He very well could not leave just as he was conversing with the Eiffellander royals. He nodded politely towards the Duke.

It was the Duke who spoke up, "I see the realm held an election," he chuckled, "So when will you lot allow me to vote?"

"If you stop living in the past... I can arrange something this very day," he smiled at the banter. In all honesty, he had met the Duke a few times over the course of his tenure and had found him charming enough. But for official reasons he could not be too nice. That would be just inappropriate.

"Anyways, I see the Florians have done well," he said nonchalantly as he sipped his champagne.

President Auguste looked up at him and smiled politely, not engaging with the man for a moment. Everyone knew that the Parti de Florians was quite monarchist, despite their social democratic leanings, "Yes, yes they have."

"Forming the next government I hear!"

"I wouldn't know," he lied.

"Well, I believe they are. Perhaps I'll get to visit my great grandfather's palaces again," the Duke said much to President Auguste's annoyance. The old royal palace in Villesen had been converted into the Parliament House and it would be even more inappropriate for a royal to visit that shrine of the republic. Excusing himself, President Auguste disengaged from the small group. He walked through the room, meeting different people from various countries, greeting the Emperor of Sikandara and the Kings from Auraria as he went back to where his daughter was busy talking to a friend she had bumped into.

 

[Coeurleon]

The 18-year-old Queen of Cœurléon was nervous about the wedding. This would be not only her first foreign trip since acceding her grandfather's throne but, as her stately grandmother the Queen Dowager Joséphine mentioned, the first chance for Marie-Joséphine to get a glimpse of one of the leading candidates for her hand in marriage. Since the announcement of the engagement courtiers and ministers bustled back and forth from the Palais de Sainte-Elisabeth, instructing her on royal protocol ('do not curtsy, even to the Emperor) and etiquette ('present a bouquet of flowers to the Empress, kiss her cheeks twice). The Queen's ministers advised her never to discuss the politics of the day with any foreign dignitary, and to make nice gestures to Prince Luigi. She may have looked calm on the outside but, in truth, she had no idea what to anticipate. Back in Cœurléon, papers speculated how her meeting with Prince Luigi of Tiburtina would take place as the Foreign Office hustled and bustled for this visit, debating whether this would be seen as a State Visit, Royal Visit or simply a Private Visit. It took nearly the entire Cabinet to determine that the queen should go in a personal capacity, though the Cœurlois Ambassador to Tibur would be with her throughout the visit. Her grandmother was nearly prepared to cancel to the trip due to a cold, however, decided it best to layer herself 'with multiple furs'.

***​

Tibur

The 18-year-old Queen stepped out of the car at the entrance to the Palace. It was not the first the press of Tiburtina had caught a glimpse of the young monarch. But it was the first time she had stepped on their soil. And the photographers went wild. Her auburn hair was kept neatly in a bun. Her dress by Marie-Christienne Dior reflected the 'New Look' the designer's house was known for. An eggwhite jacket and mid-calf dress fitted her perfectly, accentuating the Queen's small waistline. Adding white gloves to her look, she looked in every way the fairytale princess. Carrying a small bouquet of flowers, following her was her grandmother. Her fashion was a stark contrast to that of her granddaughter, a clear reminder of the old days where necklines were high and no skin was exposed below the face - at least, for a woman of her age. Despite the weather the Queen Dowager wore a fur caplet and paired it with her tiara and diamonds. It was no mistaken she was a representative of the old guard of her country.

 

[Rheinbund]

Princess Giuliana was happy to see her father again. He had visited her in Trier 6 weeks ago, after the birth of the Princesses Mathilde and Charlotte. Her father had been as happy as a child upon seeing his grandchildren. Now he informed for his grandchildren again.
“They are doing fine, thank you,” Giuliana replied. Then she told about Philipp’s minor mischiefs and smart remarks for a 3 year old, and how caring he was to his little sisters.
When the Emperor asked if they were here as well, she said smilingly: “No, the girls cannot travel by plane yet, so they are in Trier now. And Philipp is there as well. But don’t worry, you will see them back at Wolfgang’s wedding. Or you can come earlier if you want to.”
“Indeed, you will be welcome,” Prince Friedrich said.

King Albrecht and Queen Mathilda knew the Emperor as a warm-hearted person. They always liked to talk to him, and they already knew that he had done everything he could to make this a wonderful wedding party. They greeted him heartily, asked about his well-being and told that they really liked the weather. They also informed him about the Emeriti King and Queen. Unfortunately, they couldn’t come, because they couldn’t travel any more.

The King and Queen had met the Belmontien President Auguste a few times, during the latter’s stay in Trier but also later on, when the King had ascended to the Throne. The Royal Family also wanted the relations between Belmont and Eiffelland to become better. They did not know why they had been a bit strained. The King decided to discuss it with the Chancellor, whom he would meet next Monday.

The King and Queen didn’t like the way the Duc de Brabanois broke in into the conversion with the President, but they didn’t show him that. They had a bit difficulty to understand the Duke. In the past, things had gone a bit differently in Belmont than in Eiffelland: Belmont had kicked the Royals out, and Eiffelland had turned itself into a Constitutional Monarchy. The Chancellor was the most powerful man in Eiffelland, not the King (although he had quite a lot of influence, and could veto laws or ministers (although he could not use that power too often)).
But nevertheless, the Eiffellandian Royals had a nice chat with the Duke.

When the Duke went away to see other people, Prince Johann moved his hand to his chin as if he was thinking about a problem, produced an enormous grin on his face, moved his hand away, and said: “The two Aurarian Kings, President Auguste and the Duc de Baranois, this can become a fun-evening, but in a different way than most people have in mind.”

Meanwhile, the King and Queen went to the Sikandaran King to greet him.

Meanwhile, Prince Ludwig and Crown-Prince Francisco had a nice conversation about many subjects.

OOC: Now I see that there was something I had to react on earlier. Sorry Tiburtina.
[MENTION=1681]Tiburtina[/MENTION] [MENTION=1209]Auraria[/MENTION] [MENTION=666]Belmont[/MENTION] [MENTION=635]Sikandara[/MENTION]

 

[Quènie]

They were all seated in the small Hall of the Palace.
After a long conversation with High King Mathias of Venissieux, the Emperor turns to the King of [MENTION=1678]Ionia[/MENTION].

"Oh, it's an honor to have Your Majesty here, I particularly always had interest in Ionia's History and culture!"

The Emperor was concerned about the situation of the Duke and the President of Belmont, but had already ensured their places in the cerimonies...
at the End of the Dinner the Emperor was go to meet his his daughter:

" I'll do everything to go to see my grandchildren in Trier! "

 

[Ionia]

"The feeling is mutual. It seems both of our ancient countries have managed pretty well considering we're surrounded by those we once called barbarians." said the King in a joking manner;

 

[Quènie]

Tibur,
Regno di Tiburtina,
Impero Tiburano.

Crowds of 500,000 people filled the streets of Tibur to catch a glimpse of Prince Imperial Prince and Princess Débora on their wedding day.

The Royal wedding has several guests as the High King of Auraria and His Family, the King of Eiffelland and his family, the High King of Venissieux and the Queen of Libourne, the President of Belmont, the Queen of Cœurléon and her Grandmother, the King of Ionia and his Family, the Crown Prince of Bangala and his sister, the President of Ommeroth and his wife, the Prince of the Arretine Empire, the Emperor of Sikandara and his family, the King of Dietsland and his family, the King of Argyll and his family and many other royals.

Princess Débora, arrived almost on time for the ceremony after making the journey from Vicci in the Center of Tibur with her father, the High King.

The Cardinal of Tibur Roberto Runciatto led the traditional Tiburan Catholic service, but he was assisted by clergymen from many denominations.

The bride's nerves showed briefly when she mixed up the Imperial Prince's names - calling him José, rather than Giussepe.

Afterwards Giuseppe and Débora enjoyed a wedding party with 498 guests.

A "just married" sign was attached in Tiburan and Aurarian to the landau by Princes Filipe of Tiburtina and Prince Francisco of Auraria raised smiles as the married couple were driven over the Center of Tibur to get the ship to Lira Isla in north of the country to begin their honeymoon.

 

[Rheinbund]

"Your Imperial Majesty, we want to thank you for your hospitality," King Albrecht said. "We enjoyed the party very much. Please hand my compliments to your cooks, because the dinner was excellent. It may be good to know to you that the Tiburan kitchen is gaining more and more popularity in Eiffelland, and with reason. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Eiffelland at Prince Wolfgang's wedding."
"Giuseppe and Débora are such a lovely couple," Princess Giuliana added.

"Filipe, you forgot the rattle," Prince Johann grinned. "That sign is really not enough. An enormously noisy rattle should have been attached to the landau as well."
"But wouldn't that scare off the horses?" Prince Ludwig asked.
"Hmmh, minor detail," Johann grinned.
"Well, maybe Ludwig is right, that could become quite a bumpy ride when those horses would stampede," Prince Wolfgang said. "But a couple of garlands would have been good."

Afterwards Giuseppe and Débora enjoyed a wedding party with 498 guests.

OOC: A nice way to say that there were 500 people at the party

 

[Coeurleon]

The Queen Dowager nudged her granddaughter on several times, telling her to smile at Prince Luigi. Admittedly, the young Queen was smitten by his charming looks and personality. She hesitated for the chance to speak to him.

"Damn, protocol!" her grandmother was heard saying under her breath by one of the palace valets.

[MENTION=1681]Tiburtina[/MENTION]

OOC: I also went back and reworked the original post I made.

 

[Oneida]

The party was a lavish affair. The High King was only slightly touched by intoxication, he had dropped the formalities of royalty and had begun conversing like a commoner, but still careful to not disagree the name of the Aurarine Aristocracy.

King Ricardo was standing with his wife, Pamela.

“How much longer must we stay?” Queen Pamela asked.

“I don’t know, my love, these affairs are a necessary evil,” Ricardo replied.

After a slight awkward silence, his wife looked at him and said “It should have been you.”

“Hush,” King Ricardo commanded “those days are done.”

The King walked off, trying to find a bathroom. He wanted to try his hardest to avoid conversation – the only thing he feared more than conversing was conversing with royals (or even worse, democrats).

Nevertheless, he found himself in a crowd and forced to speak. He hated small talk, but he was skilled at it. Eventually he found himself face to face with the Aurarine High King.

“Your Grace, best wishes upon you and your beautiful daughter,” Ricardo said.

“Oh come now, drop the formalities. For once enjoy yourself, lighten up,” the High King ordered “Also, have you seen my damned son?”

“No, Roberto, I haven’t seen him since the ceremonies actually,” Ricardo answered.

“Well, if you see the bloody boy, tell him to come find me,” Roberto asked. Ricardo nodded.

Ricardo walked a bit away from the party to a room he thought would be the bathroom. When he opened it, what he found could not have been farther from what he sought. The first thing he noticed was the sash of House Calderón lying on the floor, as if thrown from the body. Following the sash came boots, socks, a jacket, trousers, and eventually the unmentionables. Even stranger than that, Ricardo’s eyes saw two sets of clothes. Ricardo’s eyes followed the trail to see what caused them. Sure enough, he found it.

There were the naked bodies of Prince Ludwig of Eiffeland and Crown-Prince Francisco of Auraria, mingled together in such a way that left little to the imagination. The two young princes stared at Ricardo in complete shock, as if time had frozen. Ricardo still stood at the door, holding the knob. After an awkward silence, the King smiled.

“Young Lords, please don’t allow me to stop you. The world offers these occasions rarely, enjoy them,” he said, closing the door.

Before he left, he opened it once more.

“Oh, and by the way, Señor Francisco, your father is looking for you. I’ll do what I can to keep him from this particular area.”

A few hours later.

As the party began to wrap up, Francisco approached Ricardo, fully dressed, with hair slightly less orderly than before – nothing noticeable.

“Can we talk?” Francisco asked, shyly.

“You shame of shame, boy,” Ricardo laughed “Talk about what?”

“Don’t,” the red faced boy pleaded.

“Most men prefer the company of women, fewer prefer the company of cock, and even fewer yet prefer both or neither. To me, sex is pleasure, the church and crown has made it business. Such a pity,” Ricardo told him.

“I’ve been doomed to hell,” Francisco uttered.

“Aye, that you have,” Ricado said “So, you might as well enjoy yourself while you’re here. Life is hard enough as it is, especially for your lot.”

Ricardo patted the boy on his back, and smiled once more.

“Did you enjoy it, at least?” Ricardo asked, Francisco blushed and smiled.

“Ah, that’s all I need. Perhaps one day I’ll share my stories with you,” Ricardo said, walking away “Oh and no worries, you’re not alone in this world, and your secret is safe.”

 

[Quènie]

Tibur,
Regno di Tiburtina,
Impero Tiburano.

The Emperor had passed by Ricardo and Francisco, but was too nervous...
He had just out from a meeting, was exhausted and not wants hear the name of that Gonfaloniere.

But Luigi was waiting for him

"Father, I need to talk to you now!" said Luigi

"What is now Feli... no ... Luigi?" replied the Emperor

"I want to talk with the Coeurleois Queen alone! I want to talk to her without my Mother or her Grandma with us ..." shouted Luigi.

"Luigi... Coeurleon has many protocols!"said the Emperor

Luigi went to the other room breathing fire.
The Emperor did not need more problems, then he joined High King Roberto...

 

[Rheinbund]

Ludwig was still flabbergasted. He never thought that he would dare to do this during a royal party. Afterwards, yes, but during? Nevertheless, he had enjoyed it. Hopefully Francisco would come to the wedding of Ludwig's brother Wolfgang as well. And then Ludwig would make sure that they wouldn't be caught, and that they would do it at a more romantic place than a bathroom.

The Eiffellandian royals were good at one thing: Acting as if nothing had happened. And that was what Ludwig was doing during the rest of the party. He considered it better not to go after Francisco again this night, because he already saw that the latter needed some moments for himself to think some things through. However, he wouldn't avoid it if Francisco would want to talk to him again. His family hadn't missed him during the night. A party like this was not only a party, but also a place for networking. And that was what the Eiffellandian King and Queen did, as well as the Crown-Prince and Princess Giuliana. Prince Wolfgang was conversing with the Ducal House of Bourgogne, especially his fiancée. And the Princes Johann and Karl ... were networking in their own special ways with the daughters of Tiburtine Ducal houses.