WWI (continuation)

A carriage passes by Vienna's busy street. Despite the war looming over the head of its inhabitants, no one seemed to be care yet. People in fine clothes, went about their daily business. Street vendors and craftsmen in their shops are working as usual. Restaurant gardens, are filled with people reading newspapers or discussing the same.

Next scene: Inside the carriage, SAH observes these scenes in silence. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Austria's voice is heard. "I guess. Everything seems the same" she quietly replies.

Austria smiles and nods: "Yes...I suppose it becomes difficult to appreciate the allure of something you grew so accustomed to."

His companion doesn't reply. Her hands are free and she has her day-off suit. Austria is dressed in his outdoor best with a fancy walk cane in his hand.

He continues: "Anyway, the reason you are here now is because I wanted to talk to you about something important. As you know, the mobilisation has started and...Well, I realise you might have some issues with it."

"You're damn right I do! You can't send my people to fight with their homeland. Was it really that necessary?!" she snaps at him. Austria plays it cool: "I understand you are attached to...that kingdom but I cannot allow the assassination to go unpunished."

SAH turns her head and smirks at the fact that he will never know the impact she had on the whole situation. Austria says calmly: "I must say, I am slightly disappointed with you. After all the time we spent together, I assumed you at least grew fond of our empire. After all, it is your home." She gulps looking through the window.

"If I may be frank, I always considered you an integral part. Even before you became a sole representative of your people..." he says.

"Is that before or after you cut me out and snatched me away?" she says serious.

"Oh please!" Austria blurs "Stop with the 'we are one' nonsense. You two are nothing alike. You are hard-working and reliable, unlike...that 'thing' who has no control either of the military or the people. They run around doing whatever they want like uncultured beasts! It's a mad house!"

SAH keeps her composure and inhales deeply.

"You belong here. With our cause. With us!" he continues observing her reactions.

He sighs slightly offended: "Perhaps, I was wrong to give you such freedoms. You practised your religion. You were allowed to keep your traditions and develop your culture in your own language. Those are not small things, mind you."

"My people did that. They keep their culture wherever they go" she replies.

"Don't be so naive! Do you think a Serb living in Ukraine or America would stubbornly hold on to it forever? It is forgotten within a generation or so. Most people, including 'your' people, adapt to new circumstances easily. If they already decided to leave home for a land far away, why wouldn't they leave their old habits behind? Most of my own citizens of Serbian decent would tell you the same. They like the comfort and prosperity they have here. Otherwise, they would have already left" he continues persistent.

SAH sighs. Austria says: "As I said, I understand that it is a difficult situation for you... Shall we go back to the palace?"

She nods.

Next scene: In her old room, SAH, finally alone, slowly moves towards the bed. Looking at the windows, she exhales irritated after noticing they are covered in metal bars. "So much about considering me an integral part of the empire" she whispers sarcastically. Sitting on the bed, she ponders what to do next. "I can't believe it...does he actually thinks he can manipulate me in such a way?! Does he think that I don't know how he favours others and turns them against my people?...Still, he is right about one thing. There is no unity in the community. Some are content with the life they have and scoff at the idea of the unified Slav state and others who desire it are scattered into small groups who all want different things. What should I do? Should I stay? Escape? Fight? Who would join me?"

Falling on the bed exhausted, she concludes: "Perhaps, it is best to stay here and watch how things unwind... I can always send money and supplies. It's the least I can do." The scene ends with her falling asleep.