The small town of Émeraude, in the North East alps of the Republic of Fleur. The Empress of Kodumaa was in the town in the summer as a low-key vacation, away from the cold mountains of Kodumaa and away from the political hustle and bustle of Stolitsa. She was in a small coastal town known for its wine and seafood. She was with her older adoptive daughter and Duchess of Broukova, Janna Catherine Sygvaldi and her younger biological daughter and Crown Princess, Yasna Jormin Sygvaldi I. It was midday and all of them wearing lightly coloured sundresses.
They were all dining at a small café near the harbour known only as “Le citronnier” Yasna asked while she was dining on some Quiche “Mum, while this is a nice town and all and I do like the relaxed atmosphere and sea air, why are we here?” Empress Myna smiled and chuckled “Well, this is where your father was born Yasna, his home town, its also the same town where you were conceived.”
She says while she smiled Janna simply put her knife and fork down as she was helping herself to her mini Flammekueche and said “I’m suddenly not hungry anymore.” Yasna sighed “Can you at least give me a warning before you say something like that.” She said with a scowl on her face.
The Empress merely replied to her daughter “I’m sorry dear I’m only human, with needs and your father was able to meet those needs…With a ferocious appetite, like a depraved cheetah.” Janna almost choked while sipping on champagne and coughed “Ok well there goes my appetite for the rest of the day.” Yasna just sighed and put her palm on her forehead out of frustration.
The Empress laughed some more “Oh both of you are just like him, prudish, but endearing…I wish he was still with us. I do miss him. Anyway, I am not here for nostalgia. I wish both of you to have some input in something. I’m thinking of getting us a vacation house. Outside of Kodumaa. Fleur is a nice peaceful and secular country, and I like visiting it occasionally, but whenever we come here we always have to make arrangements and accommodation. There is an estate not far from here, only 10 kilometers outside of this town. I have a meeting with the estates owner who was looking to sell. I have arranged a private meeting and inspection with the owner through his real estate agency. I want both of you to come. Afterall girls it will be your home too.”
Both of them agreed.
The next day they arrived at 12:00pm exactly. Politely waiting for the owner outside the gates as scheduled.