Castle of Pillnitz, August 27, 1791
"Everyone be quiet!" Hungary's voice rang out over the din of the countries' panicked chatter, silencing the other voices in the room immediately. It was an odd collection of nations, all things considered, but the matter at hand was very critical in the eyes of all of them. The revolution in France.
"Yeah, shut up and listen," chimed Prussia a few moments later, lounging in the chair beside Elizaveta, boots on the table. His posture was entirely contradictory to the tension in the air but the tight lines around his mouth revealed he was just as concerned. Elizaveta shot an irritated glare in Gilbert's direction, as he'd been one of the belligerents in the first place, but settled into her seat as Roderich stood, clearing his throat. Of the two of them, she knew he was a far better orator; best leave it to him to direct the meeting.
"Gentlemen. As you know, we are exceedingly concerned with the matters occurring within the French borders. This defiance of the natural order of rule is troubling to all present, as I can see from your faces. However, we must discuss the action we will take. As you know, the queen is the sister to our leader," he gestured at Hungary and himself, encompassing the Holy Roman Empire and the Hapsburg rule with the simple wave of his hand, "And therefore her safety is a matter we take most gravely."
His eyes skimmed across every face at the table, pausing for a long moment on Francis's. It was surprising that he'd shown up, but Louis XVI was the reason for this meeting in the first place, and so it only made sense that he was here. Beside him, Arthur was scowling fiercely, an expression that seemed at home on his features. Gilbert, Elizaveta, and Roderich, who had called the meeting in the first place were present as well, of course.
"Leopold II and Frederick William II have drafted a document that will hopefully ensure the safety of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and we felt that it would be providential to make sure that you agreed its necessity."
"You bloody idiots think that a piece of paper will really protect them?" England said lowly, reflecting the opinion of his prime minister. The words certainly explained the expression on his face. Though, the recent bitterness between he and America might explain that as well; France had allied with Alfred against him and part of him did want to take some form of retaliation.
Francis seemed uncomfortable, fidgeting in his chair. There was a pause, as Roderich glanced at him, watching for a moment before speaking again. "This is a formality to assure the people that have fled the Revolution that we will not let it go unnoticed, that is all."
"So what happens when those bloodthirsty bastards actually get wind of this? I can tell you now they'll take it the wrong way. They're masters at overreaction in case you haven't noticed." England snapped, volume of his voice raising significantly.
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it..." Austria's face seemed troubled at this concept, mulling it over in his mind.
"I tell you what, they act, and they aren't afraid to shed blood, and I don't want to be involved."
The argument escalated swiftly, and nobody noticed as Francis slipped from the room, his face an unpleasant shade of gray, worry creasing his normally gay features.
Despite the arguments, though, the document was passed, and the First Coalition was formed. By the end of the night, the four remaining nations sitting in the room were quiet, words scarce in the expanse across the table.
"So this is how it's going to be, is it?" England said quietly, spinning the glass of wine on the table before him, the last of the dinner the servants had brought them hours ago just now being cleared.
"We have no choice, Arthur, you should see this. Don't you realize what will happen if we all turn a blind eye?" Roderich's tone was grave, sitting back in his chair with his fingers steepled before him.
"Not to mention, we can take advantage of it," Prussia added with a grin.
"If we ignore it, then the same thing may happen to us." Elizaveta spoke in an unusually grave tone, her gaze unwavering on England's face.
"Oh bloody hell," England muttered, rubbing his temple.
Historical notes: In 1791, Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II, brother to French Queen Marie Antoinette, and Prussian King Frederick William II, along with refugee French nobles gathered because of the radical turn the Revolution was taking. The Declaration of Pillnitz was Leopold's way of avoiding direct action while still taking a stand against the Revolution. However, French radicals took it the opposite, which led to war with Austria.