Hello everyone! I am so happy to finally be putting this out! (The title is kinda lame, but I doubt I'll think of anything better.)
This was Based on the war of Austrian Succession, mainly episodes twelve and thirteen of season three of Hetalia. I have worked so hard on this. It was originally going to be one chapter, but it was way too long. I'm finished chapter two, but not three, but I wanted to put this out because, frankly, I'm impatient.
I really wanted some interaction between Prussia and Maria Theresa. I also REALLY ship Austria and Maria Theresa, but there are so few fanfics of that.
Also, Maria Theresa's interaction with Austria may be different from their Anime relationship. They are closer, and if Austria seems like he doesn't like her it's because he's worried for her.
Anyway, this first chapter isn't much in terms of action, but it's setting up for the story. There will likely be three or four chapters. For now, please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or the War of Austrian Succession. It belongs to the brilliant Himaruya!
20 October 1740, Hofburg Palace
Even this close to death, his fingers still held the traces of warmth she held so near. The sheets were drawn up over his chest, and in his right hand he held a handkerchief which had once been white, but now was stained red with the blood the King had coughed up. His other hand held that of his daughter, whose cerulean eyes bled her grief in clear droplets, dripping down her pale cheeks, tainting them a faint rose.
"Papa..." Like an angel's whisper, soft and comforting, enveloping his ears in its gentle embrace.
"No, meine Mäuschen," he spoke quietly, his face blemished by the anguished dimples between his upturned brows. "Don't cry. It does not befit you."
She breathed shakily through her straight nose, her delicate, uncalloused fingers, clutching his rougher hand tighter. "Papa, what will I do without you?"
He squeezed her hand weakly in return. "Theresa, you know very well what you are to do," he said, his voice sounding weaker as if simply speaking drained his body. "I have been teaching you your whole life."
"I'm not ready..."
His pale lips turned down, and he raised their bound hands from the bedside, up to her face, using the back of his to brush the tears away with all the gentleness of a painter's brushstroke. "But you are." He smiled weakly. "Austria needs you. I've already decreed the Pragmatic Sanction. It's your time to succeed me."
Her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked the tears away. "I..."
But he silenced her with a single gaze. "Don't speak," he commanded. "Just listen: you must protect this land as I have. You must love it as deeply as you love yourself." He leaned closer towards her, only stopping when his body protested. "Raise it up, keep it from suffering. Protect its people."
"But..." the words felt thick in her throat, "...what if I cannot?"
His head tilted down, his eyes almost reaching out to grab her's, holding her gaze with a gentle firmness only a father could use. "You can. And you will. Everyone will support you. But in the end, you must hold this burden on your own. I believe in you-" He suddenly raised the handkerchief to his lips as a bought of violent coughing wrenched more vital fluid from his lungs.
She only stared at him at him, the tears falling anew.
He looked up at her, his red-stained lips turned up in a sad smile. "Oh, my little Nachtigall... may the Lord watch over you..."
A moment later, his hand went limp in her's, the warmth in his fingers gone... and Maria Theresa knew she was alone.
The next day was begun with the funeral ceremony. Three ceremonies. The first took place in the Palace Complex itself, in the Herzgruft of the Augustinerkirche, where the heart of Charles VI was laid to rest. Next, in the chancel of Stephansdom, where His Majesty's viscera was sealed away to rest forever more. Finally, the most important and solemn service of all, the burying of the King's body, which took place in the Kaisergruft beneath Capuchin Church. This was the most private ceremony, with only the attendance of the Emperor's immediate family, trusted advisers, the Palace servants, and the Church's Hierarchy, which included Pope Benedict XIV, the Archbishops, the Bishops, the priests, and the deacons. The only other people to attend were the National Personifications, who stood at the back, their heads lowered in respect.
Maria Theresa watched numbly, clothed all in mournful black with a veil shrouding her grief from onlookers. Charles VI's body was covered in the Imperial flag and carried by the King's most trusted up to the elegantly carved tomb in which he was placed to remain forever. No prayers were spoken. The entire ceremony was conducted in utter silence. Next to her, her younger sister, Maria Anna, cried soundlessly, dabbing her eyes beneath the veil she wore. Theresa wanted more than anything to reach out and comfort her, but monarchs must not show emotion in public.
Finally, only once the tomb was closed, did Pope Benedict XVI stand before it, lowering himself to kneel on the ground, his long red robes gathering on the floor around him. He spoke a prayer in Latin, appealing to the Lord for the King's safe passage to His side in eternal life.
"Amen," he finished somberly.
"Amen," Theresa echoed back with the attendance.
And with the closing prayer, the Queen-to-be felt her uncertainty grow tenfold.
22 November 1940
Maria Theresa stood stiff as a board, despite the words of the servants advising her to relax as they dressed and prepared her for the ceremony. They had put her into a long, draping dress with loose oversleeves and a pale blue bodice with a modest neckline that exposed the skin right above her collarbone, but nothing below. Upon the neckline were sewn the Edelweiss, freshly picked and in prime bloom, three of them, pure white, truly fit for a queen. The last thing to be added to the ensemble was a red cape, draped across her shoulders, so long it dragged on the floor.
Finally, she was prepared. Physically, not mentally. They had gone through a rehearsal earlier, but she still found herself at a loss for what to do. Austria never thought it necessary to have an official ceremony to crown the monarch, but Hungary insisted. And since women were deemed unfit to rule in Hungary, Maria Theresa would be crowned as the King instead. And it would all take place in St. Martin's Cathedral in Pressburg.
She thought of Austria. He had said nothing to her after the funeral, choosing only to greet her with a gaze or a nod when he saw her. She knew he didn't approve of her accession to the throne. She had known the Nation since she was a small child, and he likely still saw her as such. Perhaps he thought she wasn't ready. And maybe she wasn't. The Holy Roman Empire was facing turmoil and bankruptcy. Her father had spent more time negotiating alliances and securing signatures for the Pragmatic Sanction. He had clearly foreseen her accession, as the Sanction was meant to make her rule legal. She appreciated his efforts, but over time, their army had dwindled without his attention. They were already broke over the excessive wars with the Ottomans and aiding in the War of Polish Succession, and now all those problems would be thrown upon her shoulders. But she could not leave her kingdom orphaned.
The final ties fastened, the final hairs placed, she was ready, and not a minute later, she heard a knock on the door. When it was opened, she locked gazes with the purple-eyed man whom she adored and respected unquestioningly.
Austria bowed his head. "They are ready for you."
Maria Theresa drew in a breath, feeling her bodice tighten at the expanding of her lungs. It was time.
Maria Theresa's chest remained tight as she approached the doors to the chapel, escorted on all sides but her front by the servants who had dressed her. Inside, the entire kingdom would be waiting, ready to bear witness to the coronation. In an instant, she realized she had forgotten everything from the rehearsals. But a single glance from her beloved National Personification, and she knew: everything would be fine.
The servants opened the doors to the chapel, and Maria Theresa couldn't help the widening of her eyes. The Chapel was glorious, walls lined with red rolls of fabric, the Naves where the congregation sat carved of wood a deep brown, gilded chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The chapel was illuminated by the lancet windows embedded in the walls, the stained glass casting in golden light that reached every inch of the room, reflecting off the shining marble of the Rood screen that separated the Naves from the Sanctuary, clearly carved with such care by hands of much experience.
Theresa had to force herself not to stare. As she entered, her dress making a slight rustling sound as it dragged on the carpet, the only sound in the silent room. The Naves were full, but no heads turned as she entered. All gazes remained fixed on the front of the Chapel as she walked toward the Presbytery where the Archbishop of Esztergom and the Count Palatine stood before the altar, on which laid the very relic she would have bestowed upon her today under the watchful eye of God, Himself. And as if symbolize that, the Reredos behind the Altar glinted the gilded light back at her, the depiction of the Virgin Mary smiling upon the approaching monarch, ready to fulfill her duty as the intermediary to God.
Maria Theresa stopped before the Presbytery and waited, the silence pressing upon her ears. The Archbishop turned and took from the altar the cushion upon which the crown of Austria rested, then he handed it to the Count Palatine, who stepped forth and lifted the crown to the air, showing it to all the people in attendance.
"Do the people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire accept the elect as their king?" He asked, his voice projecting, bouncing off the vaulted ceiling until it reached every corner of the Chapel.
This was it, Theresa thought. This was when she would be rejected by her people because she was not ready.
But to her surprise, the people replied: "Agreed, so be it, long live the King!"
The Count stepped aside, allowing Theresa to step before the Archbishop. "Your Grace," he said, "in the name of the Church, please proceed with the coronation."
There was no further exchange between them. The Archbishop looked at Theresa, his eyes searching her's, and Theresa wiped her face of expression as she waited for him to speak.
"Do you, Maria Theresa, agree to protect the Holy Faith?" He asked.
Theresa knew how she was meant to answer. "I will."
"Do you, Maria Theresa, agree to protect the Holy Church?"
"I will."
"And finally, do you, Maria Theresa, agree to protect the Kingdom."
"I will."
The Archbishop nodded once. "Please speak the Oath to the Austro-Hungarian Empire."
Theresa took a deep breath, feeling all the eyes in the room upon her back as she spoke. "I, Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina of the House of Hapsburg, grant and promise in the sight of God and of the angels, I will protect the Holy Faith, I will protect the Holy Church, and I will protect the Kingdom."
She'd spoken the Oath. Now she was bound to whatever duties would befall her, whether the ceremony was conducted or not. She copied his movements as the Archbishop folded his hands and bowed his head, a rustling echoing through the Chapel as the congregation did the same. And the Archbishop said the prayer.
"Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things, Commander of angels, King of kings and Lord of lords. Hear our humble prayers and multiply Your blessings upon Your servant, whom in prayerful devotion we consecrate our king;" His voice cut cleanly through the silence. "May he please You in all things and always walk without offense in the way of justice."
Walk without offense... how could she do that as a woman, who rightfully did not deserve God's Blessing?
"May he nourish and teach, defend and instruct Your Church and people and as a powerful King administer a vigorous regimen against all visible and invisible powers and, with your aid, restore their souls to the concord of true faith and peace;"
Theresa felt the doubt seep deeper into her thoughts. Could she do all that was asked of her? Protect against all things and restore the souls of the faithless?
"That, supported by the ready obedience and glorified by the due love of these, his people, he may by Your mercy ascend to the position of his forefathers and, defended by the helmet of Your protection, covered with Your invincible shield and completely clothed with heavenly armour, he may in total victoriously triumph and by his power intimidate the unfaithful and bring peace to those who fight for You, through our Lord, who by the vigor of His Cross has destroyed Hell, overcame the Devil, ascended into Heaven, in whom subsists all power, kingship and victory, who is the glory of the humble and the life and salvation of his people, he who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen."
She remembered the next part from the rehearsal. Theresa stepped forth and knelt down before prostrating herself before the altar, the velvet carpet soft against her skin. While the Archbishop prepared the next part of the ceremony, the Quire began to sing, in Latin, the Litany of Saints.
Supplicatio ad Deum,
Kýrie, eléison.
Christe, eléison.
Kýrie, eléison.
Pater de cælis, Deus.
Miserére nobis.
Fili, Redémptor mundi, Deus.
Miserére nobis.
Spíritus Sancte, Deus.
Miserére nobis.
Sancta Trínitas, unus Deus.
Miserére nobis.
When the last resonances of the song finally faded, Theresa heard someone kneel on her right side. She felt him take her right arm and gently pull up the sleeve, then he began to speak the prayer as he anointed her forearm with oil
"God, the Son of God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the Father was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, may He Himself by this present infusion of holy anointing pour upon your head the blessing of the Spirit Paraclete to penetrate into the innermost of your heart so that you receive by this visible and material oil invisible gifts..."
The Archbishop's hands were removed from her forearm, though the warm oil remained. Theresa had to force herself to remain still as the back of her dress was pulled down, only enough to reveal her shoulders. The Archbishop next applied the oil to the pale skin between her shoulders as he finished the prayer.
"...And finally having performed the just government of this temporal kingdom, you may merit to reign eternally with Him who alone is the sinless King of Kings, who lives and is glorified with the God the Father in the unity of God the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen."
Maria Theresa once again rose to her feet, the feeling of the oil strange on her skin, but she paid it no mind. Next the Church conducted the Gradual and the Alleluia, before the final part of the ceremony began: the investing. First brought forth was the Sword of St. Stephen. The Archbishop held it in both hands as he approached Theresa.
"Accept this sword through the hands of bishops," he said, "who unworthy, yet consecrated by the authority of the Holy Apostles, impart it to you by divine ordinance for the defense of the faith of the holy Church." He placed the sword gently in Theresa's outstretched arms. "May you be glorious in the triumph of justice and reign forever with the Savior of the world, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, forever and ever. Amen."
Theresa stared at the sword for only an instant, but in that singular moment, she could see her reflected in the gilded blade the image of a resilient young woman who was almost the Queen of Hungary. She breathed deeply, steeling her will as she gripped the blade and thrice brandished the sword.
The Archbishop then turned to the Count Palatine, who held out the cushion on which rested the Holy Crown. The Archbishop took the crown, holding it delicately by his fingertips as he turned back to Maria Theresa and placed upon her head the crown her father had worn only a little more than a month ago. Theresa released a breath she didn't realize she had been holding in as the cushioned crown settled upon her hair, adding yet another weight to her shoulders.
Next brought forth were the Scepter and the Orb. The Scepter was taken first, in the Archbishop's left hand, and Theresa's right wrist was taken. The Archbishop made eye-contact with her as he spoke the formula.
"Accept the Rod of virtue and equity. Learn to respect the pious and to intimidate the proud; guide the straying; lend a hand to the fallen; repress the proud and raise the humble, that our Lord Jesus Christ may open to you the door, and let he who is the Key of David and the Scepter of the House of Israel, be your helper;" he then pressed the Scepter into her palm, and her hand closed around it Jesus Christ, our Lord."
Then, in her left hand, the Archbishop placed the Orb, then he stepped back and Theresa turned to face her subjects as the Archbishop said the prayer to enthrone her. At once, her throat closed up. All eyes sat upon her, not a single gaze averted or distracted. She was the sole focus of the entire Chapel as the Bishop said the final part of the formula, but Theresa could barely hear his words over the pounding of her heart. Breathe, she told herself. It's almost over.
And finally, the people rose to their feet as the final prayer was spoken. All Theresa had to do now was wait.
"Inerrant God, King of Kings, Protector of the innocent and Vanquisher of sin," he said, raising his head to the ceiling as if he was looking up at the Lord, Himself, "we pray to You on this holy day to bless our people and our king, to bestow upon him Your divine power, and that he may protect Your Holy Faith, and serve as a vessel of Your awesome sovereignty as Father of Heaven. In Your Name, we pray. Amen."
Then, all at once, the people spoke, their voices joining as they had at the beginning of the ceremony. "Life, health, happiness, victory!"
And thus, the ceremony concluded.
The last part of the ceremony was conducted outside, at an artificial hill that had been constructed out of soil taken from all parts of the kingdom. Maria Theresa, in full regalia, rode on horseback to the top of the hill, and once there, drew the royal sword and pointed it to all four corners of the kingdom, swearing to protect it and all its people. And down below, the nobles and subjects alike joined to hail their new sovereign, crying "hurray" three times to pay homage.
Maria Theresa stood atop the hill, looking out across the kingdom. Her kingdom, which she swore, not only to the people but to herself, that she would protect with her life.
I realize now the Austro-Hungarian Empire didn't exist right now, but in the anime it said Theresa was crowned as Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary, so, honest mistake.
I loved making this story. I chose to modify Maria Theresa's personality a bit, as well as her relationship with Austria. The anime showed her to be so sure of herself, and very positive and determined. I showed her as, well, not really ready for the responsibilities thrust upon her, and still determined, but more because she has no choice. By the way, at this time, Maria Theresa was only twenty-three.
I didn't have time to mention it because it didn't fit comfortably in the story, but Charles VI died after returning to Vienna from a hunting trip across the Hungarian borders. He was poisoned by eating Death Cap mushrooms.
Kaisergruft is German for Imperial Crypt, a place beneath Capuchin Church where Austrian monarchs were buried. Herzgruft is German for Hearts Crypt, where the hearts of monarchs were buried.
Jesus Christ, this took a lot of research just for the coronation ceremony. The whole ceremony was enormously long, and I had to cut down some parts so I wouldn't end up with large blocks of text. Look on Wikipedia, and you'll find a lot of prayers and long speeches. Here are all the major parts I left out.
- "who caused your faithful servant Abraham to triumph over his enemies, gave many victories to Moses and Joshua, the leaders of your people, exalted your humble servant David to the eminence of kingship, enriched Solomon with the ineffable gifts of wisdom and peace"
- " that he, being strengthened with the faith of Abraham, endowed with the meekness of Moses, armed with the courage of Joshua, exalted with the humility of David and distinguished with the wisdom of Solomon,"
- "who brings the captive out of prison, where he sits in darkness and the shadow of death, that in all things you may imitate him, of whom the Prophet David said, "Your seat, O God, endures forever; a rod of righteousness is the rod of your kingdom. Your justice and hate iniquity, therefore, God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows,"
- "Gird yourself with your sword upon your thigh, O most mighty one, that by it you may exercise equity, powerfully destroying the growth of iniquity and protect the holy Church of God and his faithful people. Pursue false Christians, no less than the unfaithful, help and defend widows and orphans, restore those things which have fallen into decay and maintain those things thus restored, avenge injustice and confirm good dispositions, that doing this, you..."
- "Let your hand be strengthened and your right hand be exalted. Let justice and judgment be the foundations of your throne and mercy and truth go before your face. Alleluia. Ps. Have mercy on me,... Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Let your hand be strengthened,..."
And the final part, where she turned to the congregation, to cut it down, I entirely removed the formula. But for those who wonder, it was: "Be steadfast and hold fast to that place of which you have become heir by succession from your forefathers, now delegated to you by the authority of Almighty God and transmitted to you by us and all the bishops and servants of God. May you be able to reign with Jesus Christ, our Lord, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen."
I hated that first prayer since the last part was too long to break up. It was all one sentence, so I couldn't separate it.
All of the prayers and hymns would have been done in Latin. I've put it in English because I don't want to put translation, and I don't trust myself to accurately translate English to Latin. A lot of the prayers in the ceremony weren't listed on the wiki page, and I couldn't find them on the internet, so I either skipped them or made up a prayer. The prayer I could not find was called "Inerrant God" so I made it up. Here is the prayer I made up
"Inerrant God, King of Kings, Protector of the innocent and Vanquisher of sin, we pray to You on this holy day to bless our people and our king, to bestow upon him Your divine power, and that he may protect Your Holy Faith, and serve as a vessel of Your awesome sovereignty as Father of Heaven. In Your Name, we pray. Amen."
Forgive me. I'm not Catholic. I'm Christian, but I did a lot of research into this. I'm sorry for any inaccuracies.