Hi there, everyone! Back with the official first chapter of this story filled with lots of headcanons and hints about how I think these national marriages work. ;)
In this chapter: Hungary and Austria both need a little push to start mending the cracks between them. Sometimes an 'independent opinion' can do wonders.
Chapter 1: Of political marriages
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1867. Two days after the coronation
"Congratulations, I guess," Czechia muttered under her breath, crossing her arms over her chest, pouting.
There was an almost touchable tension in the small meeting room where the national representations of the Empire had gathered in order to clear the new hierarchical order and the ground rules in the house.
Hungary sat beside Austria, both of their chairs the same fancy, beautifully carved plush type. The others were sitting on normal, plain chairs. Just to emphasize the differences.
Hungary recalled that she too had been sitting among the others on a simple plain chair for as long as she remembered. It's not that she complained now. There was a certain confidence her new position offered her and she proudly sat with her legs crossed, hands on the chair's wooden arms.
Austria looked as stiff and aloof as ever, silently taking in his underlings as they sat with clear aggravation on their faces around the circular table.
The nations present were Czechia, Slovakia, Croatia, and Slovenia. They have been informed of the changes in the Empire months ago, but only now were they summoned.
Fictionally, they lived in Austria's house, but in truth, most of them spent their time among their people at their own homes and only came every few months to Wien.
They couldn't say they were elated to be summoned. None of them wanted to accept the fact yet, that Hungary, who was once one of them in every way, being a simple maid for Austria, was now equal to him.
Czechia especially, who had a somewhat 'okayish' relationship with the other female nation, felt like Hungary got bloody lucky from seemingly nowhere.
Just a decade ago Hungary left Europe in search for help to push back against Austria one more time and Austria did everything to bring her back and force her on her knees again, so this abrupt, lets marry thing didn't really fit the picture.
Czechia knew, just as much as the others, that Austria was weak and that's the only reason he allowed this compromise.
Hungary, the lucky bastard, played her cards right.
Maybe she and the other ignored underlings can too.
"Okay, so does this mean we can get a little more say in the things now?" Slovakia put his hand up. He was the youngest among them. Still a kid, barely coming up to Austria's or Hungary's waist.
"No," came the instant reply from both leading nations.
Slovakia made a grimace then.
"It's not fair! Why is Hungary treated like a queen all the time and we don't!"
Hungary scoffed at that. Like a queen? That's absurd. She used to be a maid, and even then, barely acknowledged.
"You are well-kept and tended to, Szlovákia. But you are a kid still," Hungary chided him.
"Can't we get some perks, Austria? You two are strong enough now, why not grant some of our wishes too?" Czechia tried with a more diplomatic approach.
"We haven't gathered here to give out perks," Austria raised his chin, rebutting the question without an ounce of sympathy. "Ungarn and I will continue to take care of you and make sure your lands are protected and your people are fed. Be thankful instead of demanding things. Usually the participants of a wedding bring gifts and don't expect the gifts from the married."
The nations around the table grimaced in clear offense. They already gave enough. Their very lives lay in the hands of Austria and Hungary now. It was no secret that Austria kept an iron first on his underlings, but no one said Hungary was any better. She was obsessed with her lands, and although she had a harmonious relationship with Croatia, she obviously didn't know what to make of young Slovakia.
So like this, with their unsaid requests already denied, the smaller nations didn't see the reason to listen any longer.
Czechia stood from her seat, ready to go.
"If that's all, are we excused?"
Austria and Hungary exchanged a quick glance, then they nodded in unison. The small nations rose almost at the same time and quietly filtered out of the meeting room.
Austria released a troubled sigh once they were left alone. Hungary turned his way in slight concern.
"Is this not how you expected it to go?" she asked.
Austria shook his head.
"No, I expected this much. They too had their own revolutionary attempts, remember? So it's only natural they feel like they have been left out."
Hungary nodded, recalling her own struggle as she tried to fight Austria while also butting heads with the other nationalities under her rule.
"Still, I can't and won't marry every single one of them. That would be absurd," Austria crossed his arms, getting defensive. "They better get used to the new setup or else we are going to have trouble."
"I will try my best to keep my charges in line."
Austria turned his gaze her way then, slightly frowning.
"Ours, Hungary. Ours now."
Ah right, she will have to get used to that. But it was no secret she didn't like to share. Neither did he.
1867. Wien
Days of constant work went by and Hungary found herself absently wandering the halls of an all too familiar building one morning. Austria's house had been her home for many centuries now. Even before Turkey kidnapped her.
She knows the place by heart. Even better than Austria himself, who can get lost anywhere if he doesn't focus. She had been his maid afterall. A servant. A simple underling. She had the experience.
In her new position though, every corner seemed new somehow.
Hungary touched a vase with nostalgic melancholy. Those times...
He had shouted at her on occasions. He critiqued the meals she cooked, the way she swept the floors, and even the way she walked. Austria had eyes only for perfection and whenever he spotted something that wasn't up to his standard, he made a fuss until it was corrected.
They were both 'teenagers' back then. Young and impulsive, quick to anger and chasing wild dreams no one would understand.
Hungary, the stubborn lady she was, made a point by proving him how well she could handle anything thrown at her. She was a fierce warrior in battle, impeccable as a maid, and even a good student in arts.
As time flew by, both of them got used to the other. She learned of his quirks, many of his bad traits and his surprisingly good ones. Hungary had learned to appreciate whatever small glimpses she could get of his rare genuine smile and pleased eyes.
But this was the point: sincerity was a rare treat from him. Austria had a very carefully crafted image afterall. He kept others at arm's distance at all times, even nations, even his marriage partners.
So in the end it didn't matter what she thought of him or saw in him, because he made no attempt to bridge the most obvious and essential gap between them: true genuine connection.
Even now, after she returned to his house, as his wife, she barely felt the change. Yes, she was treated in the same manner as him now. Yes, political matters were shared with her, she could tell her opinion, she could have a say in all affairs. But that was it.
At the end of the day, they were just two allied countries living under one roof but still sharing so little of what made them essentially themselves, that it almost hurt.
And Hungary felt ridiculous for even feeling that way. But she couldn't deny part of her wanted to open up to him more, and she wanted him to open up too.
It unnerved her how little she knew about what is going on inside his head.
On the other hand, she knew his language, his traditions, his fashion sense, she even knew what time he went to sleep, what he ate, what was his favorite dish, favorite chocolate, favorite poem, favorite song, favorite beer, she even knew what kind of underwear he was wearing.
But she knew nothing, absolutely nothing of what he really thought of her, how he saw her people or what he thought when he talked with her.
It infuriated and saddened her at the same time.
So to sooth the restlessness in her heart, she went on hunts whenever she had the time. Just riding in the mist of the forest, focusing on her bow or her rifle, working her muscles, it all eased her. She felt free.
Hungary stood beside her horse on a certain afternoon as well, preparing her tools when a figure appeared at her side.
"Frau Héderváry! I hoped I could catch you!" Sissi bounced into her view and mischievously raised an eyebrow, "Can I join you?"
Hungary blinked in surprise, taking the empress in. She was wearing a green dress, but the less fancy kind which was easier to move around in. It seemed like she was prepared to mount a horse. Even her hair was tied up neatly.
Hungary chuckled softly.
"If you wish, my Queen."
"Oh, don't call me that! Elisabeth is fine!"
"If you insist, Elisabeth. I am planning to return with a stag!" Hungary winked and swung the rifle over her shoulder. She was wearing pants, much to many gentlewoman's shock. But those who knew of her true identity didn't even notice anymore. It wasn't uncommon to see her wearing pants around the house.
"Then I shouldn't miss it!" Sissi excitedly left to bring her horse and Hungary looked after her with fondness in her eyes.
Whenever she crossed paths with Elisabeth, she realized how much they have in common. Like their hobbies, their adventurous nature and lack of interest in boring rules and etiquette. Without realizing, she grew attached to her. And she wasn't even one of her people! The fact that they could converse only in german also emphasized this.
When Sissi returned, she was already on her black mare, sitting sideways.
Hungary grinned and mounted her own fair gelding.
"Last one to reach the hunting grounds is a loser!" she exclaimed in excitement and jumped the horse to a full gallop. Her furry overcoat flew after her figure in a majestic flourish.
Sissi followed her lead with similar enthusiasm and cheer.
The two women raced through the yard, then onto the road that led towards the hunting grounds reserved for the emperor himself.
Hungary felt her heart soar.
At the brim of the forest she slowed down and let Sissi win, only to get an earful for doing such a thing because, obviously, Sissi could have won in a fair race! Hungary laughed at the empress heartily.
"Sssh, Frau Héderváry!" Sissi chided her as they entered the vast forest, "All the animals will run before we even have the chance to get close!"
"Heh, that would be an inconvenience indeed!" Hungary admitted and fell into focused silence afterwards.
The two ventured deep into the maze of trees, then they left their horses by the side of the main path-line and continued on foot, rifle ready.
"So how do you feel?" Hungary asked after a while, quietly but with genuine care.
"About what?"
"Living here. You are from Bavaria, aren't you?"
"Ah..." Sissi's smile fell for a moment, then the fondness returned to her eyes, "I miss my homeland a lot. The mountains, the people. My family..."
"It just isn't the same, right?" Hungary offered an understanding smile. She knew the feeling all too well.
Sissi nodded her head, then her smile brightened.
"It's not like I hate it here! Austria has its own beauty! Too bad I can't go out more! I wish to explore the land, walk the streets, talk to the people, learn about them. I mean, how can I be a good empress without knowing their hearts? Sophia says my teachers and advisors tell me all I have to know, but I feel like that's just the surface of reality."
Hungary stopped and turned towards her in astonishment.
How can this woman voice those things? As if she was speaking Hungary's heart and wishes, like a clairvoyant.
Sissi noticed the nation's dumbfounded stare and cocked her head to the side.
"What's wrong, Frau Héderváry?"
"I...it's just that...ah, I don't know what to say," Hungary lowered her rifle and casted her eyes downwards. "You just described my feelings so well, it made me realize how much we have in common."
"R-really?" Sissi's cheeks reddened slightly. "How so? I mean, why do you feel the same? Aren't you a nation and you know your people well?"
Hungary smiled a little at that but shook her head. She doesn't understand.
"I know my people well enough, it's not that. Their feelings are mine, their wishes I know, whatever they dream of, I would try to make it reality. But I have no clue of these things when it comes to Austrians."
Sissi's eyes widened in realization.
"I became Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie, but I don't feel my supposed other half. I still can't read his people. I don't know their wishes, their dreams. I don't share their hearts," Hungary continued, her voice laced with sorrow and a sort of longing she didn't even know she had.
"I-I thought Herr Edelstein and you know each other well! You've been living together for centuries! I've even heard you are somewhat close!" Sissi gasped.
Hungary shook her head again, adjusting her hold on her rifle.
"It's more complicated than that when you are a nation. We may know each other for centuries but still learn very little of what makes the other themselves. I can hardly explain that. It always comes down to our people. What humans see as a close bond is actually just the familiarity we have developed over time. But we can barely be called friends. I don't even know how he sees me."
Sissi's expression fell, eyes filling with confusion and pity for the nation, who seemed so lost at the moment, the young empress barely recognized her.
"B-but you are married."
Hungary chuckled at that, voice chiding as if she was about to guide a misled child.
"We are not humans. It's not a human marriage. Its purpose is fundamentally different. Think of an arranged marriage. That's the closest human example I can think of."
Sissi's heart sank as she stepped up to the nation, placing a delicate hand on Hungary's shoulder.
Their eyes locked, and a silent understanding was formed between two women, only one of which had married a man she truly loved.
The silence was soon filled when small noises could be heard from the nearby distance and their attention snapped back to their original purpose of being here in the first place.
Hungary led the way and Sissi followed through the bushes, both tiptoeing with grace and caution. Soon enough they caught sight of a pair of majestic antlers moving. An unsuspecting stag was heading before them.
A perfect target. Hungary felt the adrenalin rush into her veins. But she had to get a better vision before it came down to shooting.
The nation motioned for the empress to stay back as she edged closer and slightly out of the bushes' cover. Rifle ready, target in sight, Hungary aimed at the majestic beast.
Then a snap of a twig could be heard and the stag raised its head in alarm, immediately noticing the eye of its predator and quickly made a run for it.
Hungary shot in hurry, but she missed and a few cuss words left her mouth before she stood up and looked over her shoulder.
Sissi raised her hands innocently, grinning too widely for her act to be taken seriously.
"You said you liked hunting," Hungary sighed in a teasing manner, quickly realizing what game the empress was playing.
"Yes, I do!" chirped the young woman, still acting like the snap wasn't her intentional fault. "It was such a beautiful stag! What a shame to lose it!"
Hungary stared at her blankly for a moment, then she erupted in a laugh.
"For real, does this technique of yours work on others? Because I'm not buying it!"
Sissi immediately pouted, not expecting the nation to see through her perfect act.
"Well, no man has questioned me before..."
Hungary only kept laughing harder.
"Haha, too bad I'm a woman! Not falling for it!"
Sissi acted like she was offended for a whole minute but then she dropped the facade and also giggled a bit.
She was glad she could make the Hungarian nation laugh so carefreely. It was worth it.
"Hey," Sissi called to Hungary on their way back, but with no prey to show off. Neither one of them minded, though.
"Hm?"
"I can't speak in Herr Edelstein's place, but I'm pretty sure he likes you Frau Héderváry."
"You think?" Hungary was baffled by the sudden notion. She wasn't expecting Sissi to think so much on the subject.
And the thought of Austria liking her in any way certainly got her hopes up.
"Well, he wouldn't go to all this trouble to keep you by his side, if it wasn't worth the effort!" Sissi pointed out.
"Well, yes, but it's beneficial to him..."
"Ah, shush, Frau Héderváry! No uninterested man pursues a woman for centuries like this!"
"Y-you are mistaken, he pursues a lot of things and people beside me..."
"But not with such a look in his eyes!"
Hungary stopped her horse, staring after Sissi in sheer disbelief.
"What look?"
Sissi glanced back and gave a mischievous wink.
"If you want to know, search those eyes once in a while!"
"H-hey, that's pretty vague...!" Hungary started her horse again, face heating up and thoughts getting all the more messy.
"Okay, I'll give you a hint," Sissi chuckled and raised a finger as if emphasizing the importance of what she was about to say:
"Show him or do something that catches him off-guard. Something that is important to you. And then watch his eyes. I'm pretty sure you'll see it!"
"But see what?" Hungary whined.
Sissi said no more, she only smiled.
Austria sat at his piano and just blankly stared at the sheet in front of him. It wasn't like the paper was empty. No, the piece was quite readable and he wasn't demented so reading it shouldn't be a problem.
He just didn't have focus.
Austria kept thinking back on the past few months. Such a long time, and nothing has changed yet! It was infuriating.
People on both sides of the Empire were still wary, hesitant to trust the other and still badmouthing the other on certain occasions. It turned really bad around October for obvious reasons.
Austria watched this almost helplessly. He had no idea how to proceed. Hungary was...almost the same as she used to be. Smiling more than at the beginning of the year, talking more like old times, but he could still feel the walls.
So many, many walls between them.
They were Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia now and yet he could not feel the other half of what the title implied. He knew it was a stretch to think he could somehow gain access to the heart of her people, yet here he was, wondering about how to get it anyway.
He wanted to know what her people wanted, what they thought. He wished to know how she saw him now.
"No music today? You seem even more worn out than me, Herr Edelstein," a male voice came from behind him and Austria looked up to see Joseph walk into the music room, stretching his arms.
There were no other people around, just the lonely nation, so it was fine to even yawn a bit.
Austria still looked at his emperor in a reprimanding manner.
"Don't you have a tower of paperwork to do?" he shot back, straightening his posture.
"Oh, I do. But my eyes can't take it anymore. I needed a walk."
"What does walking even have to do with your eyes?"
Joseph stared back at Austria with a deadpan expression.
"You can be quite sharp with the tongue, Herr Edelstein."
"I've got it polished, thank you," Austria replied, pleased with himself.
Secretly he enjoyed making people look like they were complete fools for even breathing in a less civilized way. It was amusing.
Joseph chuckled with mirth and walked up to the piano.
"Before you ask, no, Sissi is not around here," Austria said quickly. "She left to go hunt, if I heard correctly."
"Oh, not a surprise," Joseph shrugged, then his smile pulled into a smirk. "I'm certain she is accompanied by Frau Héderváry. She had been trying to get a hold of her for a while."
Austria showed no emotion at the mention of Hungary, he only nodded his head slightly.
"Yes, I guess they found a shared interest."
Silence settled between the two men and Joseph kept his appraising gaze on his nation, much to Austria's annoyance.
"What are you staring at me for? It's rude," the nation spoke up, looking away with a small pout.
"How are things going?" Joseph put an elbow on the piano and leaned against the instrument in a more laid back way than the etiquette would have allowed.
Austria tried to pretend he heard and saw nothing.
"As they should be."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"Well, aren't you nosy today, Your Majesty?"
"I can't help but be curious. And whose job is it to check on you two, if not mine anyway?" Joseph put a hand on his heart. "I want to know how things are going, because I would like to see how my Empire is doing. Now it's more than just you. Ungarn is also a part of this. So it's only natural I ask about her."
"She is fine," Austria whined, wishing the conversation to be over already before it even began.
But he knew he couldn't avoid it for eternity. Problems were apparent. Marriage didn't magically solve everything afterall.
"Just because she looks fine doesn't mean she is," Joseph corrected. "I haven't seen you two interact outside political affairs and before you say 'that's fine too', I keep a close eye on you, and let me tell you, you don't look fine. I can't tell if Frau Héderváry is any better, but just having one part of the Empire this distraught is bad enough."
Austria stared at the young emperor in shock. He had underestimated the man's insight greatly.
"So," Joseph continued, gesturing towards the nation with an exaggerated smile, "Tell me what's wrong and see if we can fix it."
Austria casted his gaze down, staring at his beloved instrument instead. He won't admit defeat! Things weren't that bad! The Empire was running, the government was doing its job, Hungarians were at peace - well, most of the time — so worrying this much was a bit excessive, right?
"I'm listening," Joseph tapped a finger on the surface of the piano, making an expectant face.
Austria grimaced and sighed in resign.
"It's a nation-thing."
"Yes?"
"Well, lets just say I hoped I would get a better understanding of Ungarn after we got married. But her people are still out of my reach. I can't access them as I do with my own."
"Wouldn't accessing them be impossible for a different nation, anyway?" Joseph raised an eyebrow in a perplexed manner. "You know that. Why would you even think you could do such a thing?"
"It would be crucial for the Empire's stability," Austria shrugged. "If her people accepted me as well, they wouldn't revolt against you anymore."
Joseph stared at his nation in disbelief.
"That sounds reasonable, but still. You know that's not possible. That would require total assimilation, but that road has never led anywhere before. Besides, you two are a dual monarchy not a union."
"I know," Austria looked at the man as if he was offended by getting lectured on his own kind by a mortal human.
"I never asked you to go that far, Herr Edelstein."
"I don't intend to go that far," Austria waved a hand dismissively, "I know I can't assimilate the Hungarians. I don't wish for that to happen. Her unique characteristics are what make her so important to the Empire."
"But you find these characteristics threatening and scary at the same time," Joseph pointed out with understanding in his gaze.
Austria frowned, troubled and conflicted.
"You know how strong she is."
"She sure has charisma. She is the first person you spot in a room full of people. She just stands out," Joseph admitted.
Austria actually smiled at the remark. He knew the feeling all too well.
"She is just so different..." he sighed eventually. "So unlike us. Not germanic origin, not even slavic to be compared to her neighbors. She is...so foreign."
Joseph pushed himself away from the piano and put a hand on Austria's shoulder as if to comfort and instruct him at the same time.
"Then the solution is pretty simple. Get to know her better."
"That's what I've been doing for longer than anyone in this house!" Austria scoffed in an offended manner.
This wasn't even real advice!
"I mean, know her better by spending time with her outside the Empire's frames."
"W-what is that even supposed to mean?!"
"Herr Edelstein, please don't play dumb. You know what I mean."
Austria pouted and turned away, so Joseph chuckled and excused himself as he left the room to walk a little bit before he would return to his neverending work.
The worst part was that Austria knew what his emperor meant, he was just clueless about what to do and how to do it.
Sharing his culture with Hungary has never led to much good before afterall. If he initiates something like that again, she might think he wants to force new things on her this time too. That would only push her farther away.
So he could only continue to stare at his piano, battling with reasons and feelings, and still not ready to make the first step into the dangerous unknown.
I know, I know, they interact with humans so much but when will they interact with each other?! Well, dear reader, from the next chapter onward! Let the biggest Aushun shippers in history get these two together for real! (And I mean the emperor and the empress here obviously, haha. XD)
...
End notes:
-Nations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Austria and Hungary were both an ass when it came to dealing with underlings, Austrians tried to germanize Hungarians and Hungarians tried to Magyarize/Hungarize(?) other ethnic groups on their territory
-Austria's earlier attempts at germanizing Hungary: that's a thing, ja, with all the intended cultural influence and the official law which said "you will speak german or else!" among many other things
-political atmosphere of the new Empire's start: the newly constructed political machine has started out fairly well and did its job so politicians were (mostly) pleased on both sides, but there were arguments of course
-social atmosphere of the new Empire's start: there was a bumpy start, as not all people trusted the Habsburgs immediately - Franz Joseph was seen as a murderer because of what happened in Arad (hence why Hungarians were more agitated during October) - also Austrians weren't convinced either to trust their lives with Hungarian people
-bridging the gap: it all comes down to shared effort on both sides, but we must emphasize Sissi's role here - we Hungarians tend to be very grateful for any sign of love shown for our land and culture (we love those who love us with equal passion as we hate those who have hurt us deeply - it's a very emotional thing)
