It was a strange feeling. It had been years it had been since I had strolled through Berun. In another life, I was born here, recruited into and rose through the ranks of the Imperial army.
However, today I do not walk Berun as an orphan, nor a proud military woman, but as part of the Russ royal family. It finally truly hit me just how different this life was to my second.
Taking the hand of the officer who would be in charge of protecting me and my mother, I began gingerly walking down the stairs to the ground floor.
"Thank you very much," I turned around to wait for my mother to follow, taking her hand when she got to flat ground.
We followed the officer in charge of our security out of the station, only to view a sight to behold. Before us, flanked by a column of soldiers on each side, was the Kaiser himself, dressed in ceremonial attire.
As we approached, both mother and I bowed slightly, the Kaiser bowed back, leading to an awkward silence.
Until the Kaiser began to laugh, "Long time no see your Royal Highness! I'm sure your parents will be thrilled to hear about your visit. Is this your youngest daughter? I envy you, to have each one be more beautiful than the last".
What is this, where was the rivalry between the royal families? Were they not enemies?
"I don't know how I did it, we have definitely been blessed by God. But how about your children, where are they?"
The two started walking to the ceremonial car. Without thinking too much, I followed them automatically. My mind was too preoccupied on the idea that this was supposed to be a tense visit, due to the enmity between the two countries.
But surely that wasn't right! The two of them were basically acting as if they were lifelong friends! What was Being X thinking?
"Oh, my boys are doing great, the eldest is 18 years old already. Soon to complete his studies at the academy. But for some reason, he wants to enter the Imperial army as an officer until he inherits the throne, can you believe it? At his age I was avoiding anything to do with the army as much as possible despite my father's threats, and he's jumping in head first!"
Mother laughed lightly, "I still remember the controversy you caused at court when you said you refused to participate in the ceremony for the rank of general of the Imperial army."
"Good times, definitely," laughed the Kaiser as he opened the door for us, "Everything was easier back then, you were not allied with the wretched Franks and not yet engaged to Nicolas."
Sitting down I could see how mother gradually lost her shyness and gave way to a side of her I had never seen, one who actively interacted with an individual outside of the Russ Imperial Family.
"It's just politics, we don't have much of a say."
Hearing this, the Kaiser laughed and continued, "Yes of course, because of you we only had to give up Wallonia to De Gaulle's offensive. If we had continued the war we would be in a totally different situation."
De Gaulle's Offensive? What was that about? I've never heard of such a thing before!
"Perhaps, but it was no great loss, considering that the population was already mostly Francois in all but nationality and they didn't even bother to enter the Imperial integration program."
The Kaiser raised his voice, "It's not the territorial loss that bothers me, it was the fact that we gave in. That was what the world saw, they did not see us choose not to escalate the war. The world thinks we are weak and even now it affects our international treaties! Even the Mandarin are making fun of us!"
Sighing at his own statement, the Kaiser turned to face me directly, "Well, let's stop talking about politics, it's upsetting and I have to deal with enough of it with my ministers. Let's talk about your daughter instead. I've heard that little Tatiana can speak Deutsch, is that correct?
I spoke up in "Yes Your Majesty, I even know how to write it."
The Kaiser seemed to be rejuvenated, "And she even speaks it with a Germanic accent! You don't know how glad I am that you haven't lost the imperial touch, your family will definitely be proud."
"She's apparently quite a genius, professors all over Russ have been testing her for two years and say her knowledge is superior to that of any university student in a few subjects."
Laughing, the Kaiser commented, "Russ intellectuals aren't even fit to be used as cannon fodder! I wouldn't trust what any of those useless people say. Let's test her here, see if she's up to Imperial Standards!"
"Awfully sure of this, aren't you. Fine then! Let's take a bet!"
You can't just bet on me like I'm a race horse! I should have a say in this!
"If I'm right, you'll make an official visit to Russ with your family, by next year!" said my mother as she made a smug face I've never seen before.
Just why would you want that to be your prize for victory?
"If I'm right, Tatiana will study in Berun until she comes of age."
A stay in Berun, until I'm sixteen? That's an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
Wait, I can't just fail the test. If I fail it I'll lose my entire reputation, which will close many of my opportunities and throw away my title as a child genius.
Even good things don't go my way!
"Tatiana?" asked the Kaiser, trying to get my attention, "Don't take this the wrong way, I don't deny that you're probably smart, but I won't trust anything those apes from Russ say."
"I don't mind, but you shouldn't underestimate my teachers! They're very smart!"
He let out a hearty laugh, as if he thought I was joking, "Sure, let's just say I believe you."
My uncle provided a wing of his palace for us to live in as guests, these 2 weeks in Berun were not only for goodwill but also for politics. Mother and I will attend a military parade, and not only that, we will tour all of Berun, including the military academy.
Was this a demonstration of power to the Russian royal family? Was this common when visiting royalty? I wasn't sure. All I could think about was that I was going to be examined by the intellectuals of Berun.
This could be my chance to live outside the Russ Empire, but is it really beneficial?
I would lose the only thing that would give me value after running away, my status as a genius. The moment I lose it, I will be subjected to the tide, treated as a mere Russ immigrant, with no money, no status and no education. It will be a waste of two years of effort. I had to think about this more.
Still deep in thought, I unconsciously walked into the Palace gardens. I was so engrossed that I collided with someone.
"Oh, excuse me. Are you alright… wait. Tanya?" came a voice, breaking me out of my confusion. How did they know that name?
Looking directly at the person I had bumped into, I saw someone I recognised.
Is that Romel?
Comment if u like! Thx to Dualwing creator of Shackled to a Corpse for helping me review and edit the chapter.
Also i appreciate any critics and recommendations for the story!