Hi everybody! This is a chapter that I made up as I went along... so hopefully it won't be too scattered! I've got so many ideas for the future but obviously I don't want to use them all at once. I decided we need to get to know some of the Selected a little better, at least, and show some of their interactions between other Selected and the Royal Family. Other than that, I knew all couldn't simply be well in Illéa, so here you go! Happy reading!
"Princess Emelie, what do you propose we do?" Lady Lambert's voice alerted me to answer, and my voice sprung into action, having already made up my mind about what could be done.
"Well, seeing as though the German Federation have been such a close ally of ours for almost a century, now, I think all we can do is stay in close contact with them, and monitor exactly what happens, as it does. We will need a team of German correspondents here in Illéa as soon as possible, and a video meeting should be held within the next two days." I state, breathing out slowly, hoping that all made sense. So often things sound brilliant in my mind, and come out garbled and confusing in spoken form.
"I agree with Emelie, but also think we should speak to the French, and the Italians, and see if they have any insight into this that may be of use to us. I'm sure they're quite as shocked as us." My father adds his input, and reshuffles the perfectly aligned papers in front of him. I don't blame him. Everyone is flustered today.
We've just received news that the German Federation, our ally, and the Russian Federation, a nation that although not neutral, has lay very low in the past century, have formed a lawful alliance. The Russian Federation was one of New Asia's first targets, and after a defeat and a rebellion, they just stopped, and opted out of the war, pulling their troops out of both their allied, and enemy nations.
It was extremely unnerving that they have so suddenly formed an alliance with the German Federation, their neighbour, after having no contact with the outside world for years. However daunting that was, though, it didn't match our fear of why the Germans had left us with no news of their sudden decision, of them, a world leader partnering with the greatly uncertain Russians. If the two are to actually join, their land mass will match that of what the New Asian settlements have. There is no doubt that the prospect of a new war, started by the threatened New Asia will now loom over us.
"I think, a rather imperative question we should have is, do we need more troops? How do we create a boost of troops so suddenly? If the possibility of a war may come, it is my expectation that we stay allied with the German/Russian Federation, and I've no doubt they will expect backup on the Russian/New Asian border." Governor General Thames expresses his thoughts, and I see my Grandfather hang his head.
"What about the Draft? I know it had its positives as well as negatives, but it's something everyone's already familiar with, and would certainly cause a raise in troop numbers." I suggest, after thinking for a moment.
"America would be so disappointed if we were to bring back the Draft. She'd seen how disastrously that can impact families. I don't know if that's the only possible way to bring an influx of troops, but I regret to say I have no other ideas." Grandfather Maxon sighs heavily upon finishing, as several Foreign Relation board members shake their heads.
"Dad, I do think the Governor General and Emelie have very valid points." My mother begins, gently. "The Draft has proved itself in the past, and it seems a very intelligent idea to have additional troops trained and ready for battle. This isn't just a matter of national security anymore, it may evolve into an international crisis. I think Mum, in this instance, would understand. We could also have someone organise a board, to which people who are drafted could plea to opt out, and the board can review the plea and decide whether or not it is appropriate. Lucas, you've worked with the military department previously, do you have an opinion on this matter?" My mother prods at Lucas, who has so far kept his mouth shut at all the meetings he's attended, as part of his practice in being King.
I know my parents are growing weary of his reluctance towards being the sole, head monarch in the future, and Palace advisors are wanting to test him, to see if he really is up to the job. I stiffen a little, not sure if Lucas is ready to give input at such a high-priority meeting. I pray he doesn't mess this up, for his, and our parents' sake.
"It seems to me that yes, the Draft did have effective results. However, it also seems that the public may become distressed if we bring back in a decade old law with such little notice, one that was so especially despised by our citizens. Sergeant?" Having given an adequate response, Lucas leans back a little, and looks to the man next to him, seemingly awaiting his input.
"Prince Lucas alerts a prime point there, your Majesty's, but I believe the public will be concerned even if we do so little as ask for more volunteers. I think we should go all in, but the board seems like an excellent idea, Queen Eadlyn." The Sergeant, whom I am unfamiliar with, gives his two-cents worth as well, which I heartily agree with.
I'm about to volunteer to arrange the board when I remember that I have a Selection going on; a spouse to find. It's the fourth day in and all I've done so far are eat meals-with the Selected and my family, not any one-on-ones, and attend meetings. I now find myself hoping that my Selected have been too busy settling in and getting to know each other and the palace, to think about my presence- or rather, the lack thereof. Still, I'm upset that I'm already having to start rejecting duties, but find that this might help someone else. I look over at Lucas, waiting until he catches my gaze. After a moment, he does, and I give him a meaningful nod. He sits a little more upright while pursing and unpursing his lips. He then clears his throat before deciding to speak.
"I'd be able to take care of the board for the Draft plea's, since I have experience in this area. It would also be a good way for me to get to know the people a little better, and to understand what some of the harder lives might be like, these days. It would be an opportunity for data collection, as well as manpower collection." Lucas finishes his request, and smiles a little, most likely remembering that glaring full-time won't make him look any better in the eyes of his possible future equerries and treasurers.
Lady Lambert looks over to my parents, at the head of the table, who both nod. She then looks to my grandfather, who looks less troubled than before, and also gives his nod. Finally, she looks to me, where I await, holding back my grin at my handiness. I nod, and she settles.
"It is in agreeance with the monarchy that Prince Lucas shall administer and supervise the board- still to be named- which will oversee the exemption of citizens from the Draft. Shall we say that the first lot will be drafted in three weeks time? That gives us plenty of time to revise the old Drafts, and perhaps alert the public." Lady Lambert finishes, looking satisfied, her expression matching many in the room.
"In three weeks, on the Saturday. This way we can remind them the night before, on The Report. I think that will be all for today. Lady Neena will arrange the video conferences with France, Italy, and the German Federation, and Prince Consort Eikko will arrange for a correspondant team to be sent from the German Federation, as well. Thank you everyone, this meeting is ajourned." My mother stands, and exits the room, my father following behind. I exit after them, with Lucas shortly on my tail.
Our parents turn left, and we continue right, walking in silence next to each other. Lucas looks like he wants to say something, but keeps halting himself. There's not really much to say, anyway. Lucas isn't one for thanking, and it's not like my nod was monumental towards his offer of aid. Finally, he breaks the awkward bout of silence.
"So I was thinking, for my birthday next week we should probably have a smaller celebration than usual. I mean, what with the whole German/Russian thing, and the Selected being here, being brand new, I mean. If there were fewer left, we could still invite Uncle Ahren and Aunt Camille, but- no offence- your Selected aren't ready for that. So we'll just do something in the morning as a family, I think. Uncle Osten's family won't be here, the kids are too young, but I'm 99% sure that Uncle Kaden's family is coming, since Mum is a terrible secret keeper. Or since I accidentally-on-purpose kept listening to a conversation after I was supposed to have left. No matter. Just wanted to let you know, I don't want you stressing with all the Selected here." Lucas finally finishes, his topic of conversation far from what I was expecting.
I swear, I can't ever get a word in when he talks, because he usually does so in one large speech at a time. Still, this doesn't bother me right now, since Uncle Kaden is coming to the palace, and with Uncle Kaden comes Verity, his daughter, and one of my closest friends. Spotting a guard about 15 feet in front of me, I suppress the urge to cry out in delight. God knows I need to act more normal and princess-like. Lucas smirks at me, winks, and turns the corner.
I skip a few steps forward before realising I have no purpose in where I'm headed at the moment. I pause, looking around. The Woman's Room is quite close to here, and I really have been meaning to see at least two people by themselves before the end of this week. I think my best bet would be to go hang around the entrance, and taking with me whoever walks out first. Or in, I guess. I'm really not sure how the Selected are spending their days, yet. I glance up at a clock on the wall, which reads quarter past three. Goodness gracious, that meeting took a long time.
"Good afternoon, your Highness," I turn towards the voice of a girl with dark skin, her corkscrew curls bouncing around her shoulders as she walks towards me.
"Hello! I was wondering if I'd catch someone out here. How has your day been, lady..." I restrain a cringe at my terrible manners. I think I'll have to use the spare time I haven't got to memorise more of these names.
"Norah, Ashwood. And I've had rather a relaxing day today, now I've finally finished unpacking and sorting out my room. I haven't had a chance to see the palace yet, though. So that's where I was going." She pauses, meeting my level gaze with her sharp eyes.
"And how do you find the other Selected? Is everyone getting along?" I keep the conversation light, not sure if I have enough dialogue prepared for a full-on date.
"They're nice, so far. Like I said, I've only just come out of my room really. But I've made one or two friends." She smiles, her eyes brightening. Good. I was afraid she would hold herself back more, but she seems more open now.
On that note, I tell Lady Norah I'll see her at dinner, and head off to the Men's Room. As I round the corner, I hear animated voices, the noise a welcome relief. Everything has seemed very stiff today. This time, two men walk out of the doors, talking casually. They begin to turn the other way before one of them- Kieran, whom I recognise by his seemingly glowing dark brown skin and thick eyebrows- looks over at me and not-so-subtly elbows his friend, who starts.
"Princess Emelie! I didn't know you'd be here," says the startled one, his tanned, long features reacting to my presence. He sounds guilty, which makes me laugh, considering how it looks he's done absolutely nothing wrong.
Kieran glances at him warily before looking back to me. "How has your day been? We were told you were attending an unexpected meeting. Can't say I'd want to be disturbed from my life being forced to go to meetings all the time!" He grins, obviously not realising what he's just said. I frown, and ask the other gentleman- Andrew! There, I remembered a second one. I really should've, too, with his shock of long curly hair a distinctive feature unique to him- if he'll excuse us.
"Sir Kieran, I'm afraid it seems you don't quite understand exactly what you're here for. Yes, you're competing for my heart, but also for the role and title of Prince Consort, whom I assure you will be living nothing like a regular life. Unexpected meetings are a common occurrence around here." I pause, to see if he has a response, before changing my mind. He should've realised before arriving, before entering, even, that this was a serious job. It was nice to know that not everyone was here for just the crown, but I really couldn't let this slide.
"Thank you for your participation, Sir Kieran, but I'll be sending you home today. I'll alert your butlers to settle arrangements for you. Goodbye." I offer him a small smile, and he nods in reply, his mouth hanging in an "o" shape, looking ruffled.
I still feel weird about eliminating people, especially so early. Seven people gone in four days seems like an awful lot. I'll have to ask my mother more about her Selection, to see if I'm getting it right. I'm still wary of her Selection advice, though, since she never wanted a Selection, and my Dad wasn't even supposed to be an option. Pity there are no translators this time!
I wait until Sir Kieran turns the corner until I sigh and walk away. Obviously too unprepared for any one-on-ones, I make my way to Maja's room and stay until dinner time. If we'd had longer, we would've gone riding- one of my absolute most favourite things to do, and Maja's almost an expert- but instead we sat on her balcony, overlooking the gardens, talking about what life must be like for the Selected.
"I'd die, Emelie. If I was a regular person, and got to enter a draw to see if a prince would fall in love with me... what an opportunity!" I giggle at Maja's comment.
"You're a princess, Maja. In this universe, you've got as much opportunity as you're willing to take." I note, with a content look on my face.
"I know. I think I'd like to think of a project that would help people. Like the Russians, even. If there is a war, like you explained before, I think they'd need help. I don't know how I would do it though. It may all just be pipe dreams, right now." Her light voice is calming to my ears. Maja is full of aspirations and determination, as young and innocent as she seems. I don't think anyone has really realised that yet, especially the press, who constantly see her as a small child, still whimsical and hung up on fairytales. Sometimes she's seen as inconvenient, or simply not as worthy of attention, in the press's eyes, and it frustrates me.
I remember the first time I had a bad statement let out about me; a reporter had pronounced Maja's name literally as Ma-juh, when he should have known without a doubt that it's pronounced "M-eye-uh". Sure, it's an uncommon name, being Finnish, but as a royal, giving up her time to talk to strangers, they should at least give the the courtesy of having her name said properly. Later that week, the same newspaper said that I was easily annoyed, and had "quite the temper", after having told off one of their top reporters for said incident. They had then blamed it on my teenage and female hormones, which left me in a real mood, not associating with any press for a month.
I look at Maja now, and spot her peering into a mirror at herself. I'm about to call out to her when a maid walks swiftly up to me, passing a note.
Rakkaani,
Not at dinner tonight, conference with Italian Royals. Will update you this evening, no need for you to skip dinner, though.
~ M F
From my parents. So, it would be another late night. Despite that, I am contented just knowing the Italians have gotten back to us so soon. Surely they'll have advantageous information, bordering the German Federation. I breathe in and out, slowly, trying to relax a little.
"Let's go, Maja. Dinner will be ready very shortly. We can make our way over together; no need to get changed." I smile and take her arm, bending down a bit so our elbows line up. I try to clear my mind of work and politics, and have at least an hour of freedom before I must start all over again. Maja's voice breaks into my thoughts, helping to distract me from th wear and tear I may or may not experience for the rest of my life. Either way, peace may be difficult to come by, so I plan on getting of much of it now as I can, before the soon and anticipated upheaval of my life, also known as falling in love.
Yay! Another chapter. As you can probably see now, Emelie is a hopeless romantic, but also a fierce businesswoman which can sometimes translate into her daily life. I hope you're enjoying this as much as I am, and it's only just the beginning!
~Jade Maulana