The Heptarchy and Queendom

[Eboracum]

To Her Divine Majesty Queen Natalya of Lodja

As your southern neighbour I believe we have neglected our relationship with you since your reign began following loyalist forces noble victory in your civil war. As such I would like to dispatch my son, Crown Prince Henrik, for meetings regarding opening cross border trade and oppurtunties for co-operation in various mutually agreeable fields. It is my hope this visit will both help my son develop his diplomatic skills while simulatniously building relations between our nations.

Best Regards

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Lucius III

[Libby]

Rakalin was the most southern city in Lodja. If you went any further West you began climbing into the mountain range known as the Yeval Range and there only pretty little villages and hamlets existed. The city was just 15km from the border with Eboricum yet it had over the years had very little to do with its southern neighbour. The Sheiff of Rakalin was Borislav Nadjinik, in the grand scheme of Lodjain politics he was a mid placed noble but today he would be front and centre of the event about to take place. The Queen and her vast entourage had arrived the day before and of course the Sheriff had taken great delighted in making sure the Queen had a pleasant evening. While it had not quiet been a ball there had been a gathering of the local nobility and the wine had flowed. Natalya and her Ladies in Waiting had though excused themselves early and while they could hear in the Sheriffs estate house courtyard the revelries continue until the early hours they had long curled up to ensure they were fresh for the morning.

Jasmina had ensured the Sheriffs staff had prepared the Queen's pale blue dress with silver stitching and then laid out three selections of jewels for the Queen's approval and after helping her put her hair up helped fasten the selected set. Once the Queen was looking magnificent the Ladies ensured they were similarly attired in dressed almost identical to the Queens but with no stitching and a slightly darker blue. The five Ladies then made their way outside to the Palace courtyard once they had been told that the guests were in bound to the meeting. The Queen watched as just before their arrival Lubos Kubik arrived having ensured an honour guard had marked the Crown Princes crossing into the Queendom. "So far everything is going to plan" the large ex-general stated as the Crown Princes motorcade arrived.

Nadjinik opened the door of the Crown Princes car and bowed to welcome the visiting royal. "Crown Prince Henrik I'm honoured to be able to introduce you to my Queen, the Guardian of Sessifet, Her Divine Majesty Queen Natalya."

The Queen stepped forward with a smile. "Your Highness I'm happy that your father has sent you and I agree with him it has been far too long. Would you care to come inside." The Queen stepped to stand beside Henrik and in a manouver pre-planned Svetlana manouvered the other side of him. Natalya continued speaking. "While you are here my Lady in Waiting Svetlana will act as your guide, PA and anything else you need. She will take very good care of you." The youngest lady in waiting smiled up at the Prince.

"Its an honour to serve you" She said giving a little walking bob of a bow of respect.

[Eboracum]

King Vespasien V of Montverde had been only too happy to allow the young Prince to stay the evening before his trip to Lodja. The small northern Kingdom sat in a wonderful river valley, the steep hillsides crowded with vine terraces. The Crown Prince had stayed at a Palace that straddled the river and Vespasien had been keen to showcase his finest foods and the wonders of his more than well stocked wine cellar. The King of Montverde was aware that in around a months time Crown Prince Henrik would begin taking on more and more official duties and of course there would be the matter of him beginning to be expected to settle down and start producing the Emperor legitimate grand-children. Vespasien had ensured his twin daughters, 19 year old Astride and Naomie, had meet the future Imperial leader during the banquet in his honour and he was hopeful at least one of them had made a lasting impression.

In the morning the Crown Prince had risen, gone for a brief run, showered and then donning a smart blue checkerboard patten suit boarded the waiting car. The escort from his father Imperial Guard had ensured that there was no hold up and the speed hour long trip to the border passed without incident allowing Henrik to cast his eyes once more over the papers he'd been given by his father to ensure that he made no diplomatic faux pas. As they reached the border he asked that the car stop and exiting it he saw Lubos Kubik waiting. Leaving behind his Imperial escort he walked over the border with his hand already extending towards the Lodjain hopefully showing that he was entering the nation with friendship. "Duke Lubos. Nice to meet you." He stepped back. "I believe that I'll no longer need them so I'm all yours. Perhaps you'd like to share a car." He lead the Lord of the Conclave to his own black armoured Car As they sat he leaned on the arm rest talking to the former General. "What advice would you give a man meeting your Queen. I'm new to all this and could use whatever advice you have." He poured them each a glass of orange juice from the fridge in the arm of the seat.

Upon arriving at the Sheriffs estate in Rakalin he did his best to merge in his head the words his father had given him with those of the Lodjain Lord. It was his father's voice which was loudest however having conditioned him at a young age to do what the Empire instructed. "The deal itself is unimportant. The experience is why you are there. Represent the Empire and don't disappoint me." He knew disappointment could be an issue for his father as it often lead to some kind of reprisal, be it as a child getting the belt across your backside or now the removal of various privileges or the public shaming at meetings of court. "Sheriff you're house is beautiful. I'm grateful you're allowing us to use it for these talks. Both yourself and King Vespasien should meet to discuss more local matters, I know he wants to be a good neighbour." As the Sheriff introduced the Queen he had fully intended to seem in awe of her beauty hoping it would appeal to the Lodjain mindset of beauty being significant. The truth was it was not an act he found it hard not to marvel at her deep blue eyes and instantly wondered what it would be like to kiss those lips but instead he bowed deeply and forgot the well rehearsed lines that he had practied. "I am thrilled my father sent me. The photos in my briefing pack though don't do your beauty justice I can clearly see why Sessifet selected you as Queen." He felt a lump in his throat. "I'm sorry I don't mean to offend" he offered realising that he may have just committed his first diplomatic error. As he was introduced to Svetlana he gave her a small bow, she may have been ranked lower than him but she served a Queen and it wouldn't hurt to get in her good books. "For now I have everything a man could need" Henrik. He reached into his pocket and removed several envelopes each one bearing the name of either the Queen or one of the Ladies. His father had thought ahead. "I have for each of you an invitation to our Winter Solstice festival. My father hopes our talks can begin a new stage of friendship between the Empire and Queendom and he would be thrilled to have you come visit so he can thank you for your hospitality you're granting me. He also hopes when you come you will wear the gift inside." Each envelope contained a fancy invitation card and then attached to them a pair of earring. Gold with blue sapphire for the Queen and silver with rubies for the Ladies in Waiting. "So what happens now, this is my first attempt at diplomacy and I just pray I've not messed up."

[Libby]

Natalya couldn't help but give a little chuckle at the Princes compliment. "You did not cause offence" She said sweetly, "I'm grateful for your kind words" she knew that most men found her attractive in some way but it was always a nice boost to the ego to have someone say it. "The gifts are very sweet and I shall have Jasmina see if we can make a visit to your Solsitice festival. I enjoy a good party" she let go of Henrirks arm as they disappeared inside the Palace to start their discussion. In truth the Queen was not sure if they would attend the festival, there were a few cultural issues that she could think of but perhaps they could be overcome. She took time to examine the gift, it was clear whoever had given the Emperor or his son advice on what gifts to bring had done a good job, the colour scheme was a superb choice. When inside and sat down Natalya removed those earrings she herself was wearing and without need of a mirror slipped the new ones in tilting her head from side to side to give Henrik a view of them. "I like them" she beamed.

They had reached a small lounge where the group could sit and talk. Low cream coloured couches flanked three sides of a coffee table with a roaring fire place fulfilling the forth. Natalya sat on one sofa alongside Jasmina. Tonya and Zhenya sat on the other exchanging whispered exchanges while Henrik was sat on the remaining one, Svetlana next to him indicating her role in the talks. Once everyone was seating Tonya stood and poured them all some wine before taking a seat next to Zhenya. Henrik could just about hear her whisper to Zhenya "He is cute" and the pair smiled at each other.

Natalya ignored the girls apparent gossip on the Prince and continued. "Your fathers note said that you wished to discuss matters of trade and I think he said other mutually agreeable matters. Can I enquire what those things are?"

[Eboracum]

Henrik seemed to relax as Natalya approved of the gifts and seemed to be rather kind. He hoped she would attend the Solstice and perhaps more importantly the celebrations afterwards. As she tilted her head from side to side Henrik couldn't help but marvel at her beauty and did his best not to stare. He had hoped to be sat alongside the Queen but didn't complain when Svetlana joined him. As the two other girls whispered their compliment Henrik felt his cheeks burning and knew he must have blushed brightly. He accepted the win and perhaps took too much of a gulp hoping the liquid would calm his nerves slightly. He was pleased when matters turned to business, he at least was prepared for this. "The first thing is that we are aware of your high speed rail network across the continent and linking with Aosta, we'd like to get permission to expand the network into the Empire. We believe it will be useful in terms of connecting us to the wider continent. Thats the first matter. The second matter is we would like to have some involvement with TUNA however we do not want to be involved in the Water Nomad situation. We are a nation that believe our land is sacred and our people have a sacred mission in life. The Water Nomads owe alliegance to nobody and as such we do not believe their lives are compatible with being citizens of the Empire. Now that is not to say we wish them harm or wish to see them removed, we simply want to find a way that we could live side by side with them without having to grant them rights as a citizen. My father though does admire the work that TUNA has done and would like us to have some connection to it. As a founder nation you are someone I hope could help guide is in our decisions on such a matter. Finally I have a matter of importance on a personal level. You see I am approaching my reign as Consul. As such it is important I achieve two things. The first is an element of success as a politican, and the second is that I start fulfilling the Procreatio Divina, you see our faith believe that the Imperial Family are basically reincarnations of volunteers from paradise who are willing to help guide mankind. As such we are expected to produce many other "Vessels" for future voulenteers to reincarnate into. It is tradition therefore that men of the Imperial Family take consorts as well as a wife. I will marry someone from our Empire but my father is keen for me to take a consort within the next year and I believe if she was a Lodjain noble then I could claim a political success as well as a spiritual one." He could feel himself blushing again and took another sip. "I know its embarassing but I believe this is an opportunity that would be useful to myself in terms of my status at home and to you as you would have a useful asset within a neighbours household."

[Libby]

Natalya found Henrik rather amusing. His awkwardness combined with the fact he was rather handsome somehow for a moment made her consider perhaps negotiating some kind of arrangement between herself and Henrik but that would never work. While it was clear Sessifet had blessed this man it was also clear that he had turned his back on the Goddess, plus she would be no simple consort. "In terms of a railway network there are special provisions in our agreement with Aosta. There are special tax free trade zones along the route. I suspect that should you wish to be added to this then you need to be open to that. If that is the case obviously I'd support the expansion of the network to your nation." She couldn't see why Serena would be opposed to this and so figured it was safe to assume she'd offer her approval. "I believe that will be much better to discuss with Empress Serena or a representative of her government here. Perhaps we can then expand things out to other matters."

TUNA was a proud part of Lodja's overseas strategies, mainly as it had done something to help tidy up the Alucard. "I'd be delighted for us to discuss what happens regarding your connection to TUNA. Do you have some kind of idea in mind? You've said you have a wish to forge close ties but avoid the Water Nomad issue, which I might add is miniscule. In the handful of years since we included that provision Lodja has seen less than 50 families take up the provisions of it and I believe others may even have lower figures." She had no idea whether that would sway the argument but it was worth putting out there. "Could we perhaps investigate for example a trade pact between TUNA and you're father?"

Now came to the amusing bit. "As for a consort I think we may be able to find something. You should though be aware of a few things. Lodjain girls are likely to be very interested. The idea of using sexual coupling as a way of advancing through society and as could be said raising in the ranks of nobility is very Sessifetian. She conquered all other Gods using her femine wiles. Plus I think they'll find you handsome enough that it proves you've certainly been blessed by Sessifet. Perhaps even Svetlana here could be persuaded."

"I don't think he'd approve of being one of several husbands I plan on taking" Svetlana smiled at Henrik. "I mean if he did consider being one of say....five or six..." she chuckled, "Then I think we could talk business." The ladies laughed. "Honestly though I think of a few young ladies of a similar age who could be persuaded. Do they have to be willing to change faith?" She asked her mind already considering two or three girls she knew of.

[Eboracum]

The talk turning to his future marriages and the like made Henrik shift a little uneasily next to Svetlana. He looked at her certain she'd find no problem fulfilling her plan in regards to husbands. He though wouldn't be one of them as he was a Prince and as such would one day become an Emperor and being tied into such an arrangement would symbolise that he was not as special as the Veridas faith suggested the Imperials were. "In my homeland a consort is merely a companion to a member of the Imperial Family, they exist for two main reasons. The first is to be the partner of the royal, in an ideal world the woman who will be my wife will be someone who shares our outlook on life as its believed our family have a divine duty. That woman will not necessarily be someone to love they need to be someone suitable for producing an heir and able to make political capital for the family, which usually means some connection to one of the other six Kingdoms that make up our Empire so therefore much like my father and mother they spend very little time together unless its a matter of state. That's not to say I've had a bad childhood, I had my parents and my father's first consort, Eloise Roy, along with my various half siblings as family. It was great. The second reason for consorts is that our faith teaches us that we, that being the Imperial Family, are actually willing volunteers from paradise returned to Mundus to help guide others." Henrik thought for a moment as he considered his own faith, he was sure there was something but whether it was the fact he was a mere vessel for some pious spirit returning to Mundus he wasn't sure. "As such we're expected to produce lots of children and well.....as my father once bluntly put it that requires lots of wombs." He shrugged not approving of his fathers way of putting it despite it being right. "While it is likely I will have no choice in my wife I can choose consorts. I'm therefore choosing to use it as a way of forging a meaningful diplomatic link with someone who I hope will be as beautiful as any of you ladies. Now if she follows another faith, does so privately and does not seek to make our children follow Sessifet then that is fine with me."

"Now as for the TUNA arrangement I think a trade pact would be an excellent start. I think the Empire would also like to see some co-operation in terms of things like smuggling and piracy. As for the railway I shall, once Consul in the new year make attempts to bring Empress Serena, yourself and my father together to discuss the railway. I hope thats OK?"

[Libby]

Natalya thought Henrik was making some very valid points regarding their diplomatic side of these talks. "I think we can agree that further meetings should take place. I think however we should release a joint statement saying that when we meet with you and TUNA we are going to, as a mere failsafe, form an agreement on matters between Lodja and Eboracium. That way I can state to the Conclave that we have made some progress, you get to return home with something and that makes your father happy I hope. Then we have a foundation that we can build on when we arrange the TUNA meeting. Perhaps just a short statement saying.

Following a meeting between the Queendom of Lodja and The Heptarchy of Eboracum the two nations have agreed to work together to forge mutually co-operative ties in the future in the realms of trade, transport, security and various other endeavours. While talks are productive the two parties believe that the aims of the two nations will be best served seeking co-operation through TUNA and as such Eboracum will be seeking talks with the organisation and Lodja shall work to ensure the membership are receptive to the approach. The future of Eboracum and Lodjain relations will be strengthened either through the medium of TUNA or if needed seperately.

Both parties are delighted with the initial talks and are hopeful of a great oucome in the coming months

The Queen then handed the document she proposed to Henrik. "We will need though a few moments to discuss amongst ourselves your other matter, we need to consider what approach we take. Svetlana perhaps you can take Henrik for a tour of the estate while we organise a few things."

"Of course your Divine Majesty." Svetlana stood and extended a hand to Henrik. "If you'd care to follow me Prince" she waited for him to stand and then lead him out the room walking a few steps ahead of him still holding his hand. As they left she turned and took him along the corridors which were festooned in art and scultpure. "So Your Highness I hope you don't mind me asking but a handsome prince like yourself must literally have girls throwing themselves at you. I know in Lodja a handsome Prince would be drowning in noble girls at our balls. Yet here you are asking our Queen to play match-maker. Is there some cultural thing we don't know about that makes Eboracumian ladies blind." She asked.

Meanwhile in the room Natalya and the three remaining Ladies began scheming. "Such a shame he's not Lodjain" Natalya began. "Now assuming Svetlana hasn't taken him on a tour of her bed chambers we need to think how to handle this. I think this is a useful tool and an opportunity to get some strong foundations in our neighbours household. I mean one day he'll be Emperor and then we'd have a friend in his house....or bed. Its almost like a less organic version of Stasya and David but on this occasion we aren't going to be getting a high status noble. I mean while I'm sure they'll be many girls up for the job, a chance to basically be a royal, live a life of luxury I think the idea of eventually playing second....or even third fiddle isn't going to go down well with the bigger families. So anyone suggest anyone?"

Jasmina was perhaps the most well connected of the group in terms of the movers and shakers within Lodjain society. "The Pavlovsky family for a start. Klavdiya turned 19 this summer and is a beautiful young lady. Her father though is a drunk and gambles far too much. Rumour has it that the Forest Palace they own is going to be sold to pay off the Lord's debts."

"Keep me posted on that Palace." Natalya said, "I like that place and if we've a chance to acquire it then we can have some awesome parties there."

"I would think Klavdiya would expect that the rumours would be enough to put off the potential suitors she'd otherwise get." Jasmina was tapping away on her phone. "Apparently she had only one marriage proposal this summer season which is insane."

"Mark it as a possibility." Natalya responded as Jasmina scribbled it down.

"What about the Zaytsev family?" Tonya pitched in. "The main branch of the family went against Queen Klara but the smaller part of the family remained loyal. They've a desire to show loyalty and something like this allows them to help Queen Natalya out and then gives Henrik a family that was once well connected, it will also marginalise the main branch and mean that Yuri Zaytsev would likely become the defacto leader of that family ensuring its loyalty. I think Katjusha is single, she's 20 and I hear that she turned down the new academy because she intended to join the Army in order to try and get the family back into favour."

"Excellent prospect" Natalya said, "I think Yuri Zaytsev has also petitioned me in the past to find a suitable husband for his older daughter, this could perhaps be a way to show some support for him."

"Alyona Feofilakt" Zhenya suddenly announced. "If you remember last summer she was caught up in that scandal of her father being involved in the whale farm thing. She got a lot of hassle online and she had been engaged to one of the great-grandsons of Queen Sonya. That's been cancelled. She's kind of now in a little bit of a limbo. Her family isn't hated but isn't respected. The Feofilakts are kind of being given a wide berth in high society. Suddenly having their youngest daughter tied up with a future Emperor is going to help them."

"Interesting I didn't know she'd had her engagement broke off." Natalya watched as Jasmina wrote a few things down. "Its 10am. I say we've realistically 8 hours before dinner tonight with Henrik. Lets see if we can't get at least one of them here to meet him and get the ball rolling. Jasmina thats over to you."

"No problem" Jasmina exited and began making the phone calls. It didn't take her long to track down all three girls and get their responses, all of them knew this was a golden opportunity not just for their families but for the Queendom. Beside Jasmina has done a great job on promoting Henrik and all the girls seemed rather intrigued.


4pm

Svetlana has finished her walk around the Palace with Henrik and now returned him to see the Queen who once Henrik was sat comfortably dismissed all the Ladies in Waiting. "While you've been away we've been rather busy." She giggled a little. "We've made some phone calls and we have three good candidates for your proposal of being consort. Now of course they could easily say no and I will not order them to do it, I don't think morally that would be acceptable nor is it what you want. I have however arranged for them to join us for dinner. We've Klavdiya Pavlovsky, she's 19 and while exceptionally beautiful there is an issue, her father is in debt and I think Klavdiya would see being consort as a way of wiping that shame from her family. Next we have Katjusha Zaytsev, she's 20 and a very sweet girl. Her family were torn a little apart during our civil war. The family want back in the royal good books and I think she would see this as a duty that could help her do that and ensure her famil honour is restored. Finally we have Alyona Feofilakt, was very highly regarded both in terms of beauty and family connections. Her engagement was cancelled to a Prince by descent after her father was caught up in some conspiracy. Now while each of these girls has families less than pristine they are the ones that we think you'll find beautiful enough to want to share your bed but also likely to agree to be a consort rather than wife and to do so in quick time. Is there any that you wish us to introduce you to first?"

[Eboracum]

Henrik looked over the statement and was satisfied. It did though just need one small addition. "I hope Your Divine Majesty will not mind if I slightly change the statement. My father believes manners are important. I therefore would like to include in the statement that the Heptarchy wish to thank you for your hospitality and support."

As the Queen turned her attention to the Crown-Princes own matter he was only too happy to follow Svetlana. He had found all four of the Ladies in Waiting, as well as the Queen, beautiful but he was especially drawn towards her pretty face, perhaps it was due to the attention she had been giving him. He found it difficult to begin to explain to her his situation with "the ladies" but after a pause of a few seconds he began. "Things in our two nations have some similarities. We both believe the person sitting on the throne has a special purpose assigned by a higher power. The nation looks to that person both to be a guide through navigating this world but also through being an example for others. While your Queen is expected to be the embodiment of beauty and grace, to be what could be described as the persona of a Goddess where....erm.....intermacy." He tried to be as diplomatic as he could, "Is seen as a form of praise in the Heptarchy things are different. There my father is expected to be Gods messenger to Mundus, and that means I am in training to be that. Our faith teaches us discipline and devotion to Veridas is to be placed above all......except that is if your a member of the Imperial Family. You see it is believed we are actually simply vessels for brave voulenteers from paradise returning to Mundus to help guide the uneducated, that comes with a few perks. My father believes as Crown Prince I have two duties, the first to learn everything I can from him and the second to father as many children as I can. He himself has 12 children and yet desires more. I love all my siblings, and half siblings as though they are no different. In the past though this makes relationships difficult. Are girls wanting to be with me because they liked me, or because they liked the idea of being the lover of a Crown-Prince. When I was in the Air Force there was a young lady I was in a relationship with for three months. She was called Tamzin and was a helicopter pilot. We kept things secret as best we could but my security detail eventually told my father who had her fully background checked and the fact her father was not a regular attender of Temple was enough for him to transfer her away. He was not willing to risk me fathering a child with someone potentially not devout. Otherwise there has been the odd......dalliance....but nothing more."

The time came to head back but in truth Henrik wished he could have spent a little longer with Svetlana. When reunited with the Queen and the others he was surprised by the speed the Lodjains had acted. "I'm amazed at the speed you can handle this, I thank you for giving my request such attention." He was surprised a little that in just a few hours he would potentially be meeting them. He listened to what the Queen said and then looked at their photos. He was nervous for what he had to say, "I appreciate that you have gone to this effort. I believe that Alyona is the most beautiful of the three but all are a credit to your Goddess." He was no believer but it would not do to insult the Queen, especially as what would come next might. "However my concern about all three is how they would be perceived back home. There will naturally be the religious barrier to overcome but in the past that hasn't been neccessarily and issue." He thought back to a time when often Consorts had been slave girls the Emperor or his sons had taken a liking to and come from all across Mundus. Times though had changed in many ways. "The 21st Century means a consort is almost to be treated like a 2nd wife. They have influence and are considered a reflection of my father. Take for example his youngest consort Astrid Traver, she is the patron of many sporting charities, Clara Girard supports various literacy programmes across the Empire. They have good standing and my problem is....I apologise but I can think of no kind way of putting this.....all three of these girls are in some manner broken. Alyona from a matter of beauty I'd be proud to have on my arm. But a father in prison is not going to go down well, nor would a family with traitors to their monarch or someone who likely I'd be paying the debts for." Henrik was about to take a gamble. "I will of course be happy to meet Alyona, any man would be crazy to pass up a chance to at least investigate whether they are someone you would like to be with, but I hold out a little hope as I explained. I did do some research before coming here so perhaps I can make a suggestion." He took a deep breath. "I would be an exceptionally happy man is Svetlana could be my consort. I must admit she was someone I knew little about before coming here and not someone our civil service had told me about, which only shows their failings. She is beautiful, charming and I know the people of the Heptarchy would fall in love with her. The name I was also given was Sabina Volkov. Do you think these would be possibilities to meet as well?"

[Libby]

Naturally Natalya was only too happy to add the wording that the Crown-Prince requested as after all it showed the Lodjains in a light that was positive and who didn't want people thinking well of their own nation.  "Of course we can amned this however you think works best. I've no arguements and we can have our two nations press offices release the statement as soon as you're ready to depart."


When the Crown-Prince returned things did not go as the Queen had hoped. Natalya was slightly surprised with where they now found themselves. "I'm sorry if you feel this is a slight." Natalya said after an awkward pause. "The problem we have is two fold. First most girls without some kind of ulterior motive won't be willing to be callled a Consort. Remember here women may take multiple husbands. Being tied as a consort means no influential marriage and as such they have potential problems within their own family heritage. You are asking these girls to give a lot up. However I suspect if you meet Alyona you will be won over. Now as for Svetlana and Sabina.....well Svetlana can speak for herself. I will however be willing to put this to Sabina."

Svetlana had stood quietly by, she placed a hand gently on Henrik's arm. "I am flattered you would want me as your consort. My duty is however to the Queen and to my family. I'm going to one day inherit the Schnoor family estates and titles and I can't risk that." She was disappointed a little she liked Henrik. "I am still however committed to making your stay here as successful as possible......and as happy" she added hoping to have not caused too much offence.

"For now" Natalya resumed her control of the discussion. "We will make arrangements for you to meet Alyona and also in the coming days Sabina, if she agrees."


Several hours later the guests had arrived for a state banquet. Jasmina had hastily expanded the guest lists and the household kitchen had cursed her name but dutifully complied. A series of long tables had been arranged. The head table of course was made up of the various great names of the Queendom with Henrik sat between the Queen and Svetlana.The head table had from it three long tables running at right angles and Alyona had been strategically placed to be sat just in front of Henrik. Prior to the dinner starting Jasmina had briefed the young lady who had reacted with both nerves and excitement. As the dinner got under way with a starter of Pelmeni, dumplings filled with meat which for a luxurious touch, had a a drizzle of truffle butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. As had been pre-arranged by Jasmina the young girl had been missed out in terms of being served wine and an equally well briefed Henrik was able to step in as the chivalrous gentleman, if he elected to of course.

[Eboracum]

Henrik understood the predicament of Natalya but it wouldn't really help him out much. He would of course go through with the plan the Queen had put before him as after all it may work out ok. He was still a little disappointed that Svetlana had rejected his approach but he understood that it would be unlikely to have succeeded. As people gathered for the dinner he was pleased to be sat next to Svetlana. He suspected he probably only had a few hours left in her company. He had been told that the girl who would be sat almost directly in front of him would be Alyona and when he saw her he had to consider perhaps he had been a little hasty. She looked more beautiful than the picture he had been shown and while she was not enough to make him forget Svetlana next to him it did make him think that perhaps with some media management perhaps his future subjects could accept her. It would, at least for now, be worth investigating whether there was any spark.

As arranged the wine waiter missed Alyona out and Henrik, seemingly being a true gentleman, intervened. "Excuse me.....I believe you're Alyona Feofilakt. I notice your glass is empty. Can I pour you some." The Crown-Prince stood and picked up a bottle out of one of the ice buckets on the head table. Immediately several waiting staff moved forward to pour for the Crown-Prince who with a hand gesture stopped their advance. He carefully leaned over and poured wine into her glass before replacing the bottle. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Henrik, Crown-Prince of Eboracum. I know I have my local guide here." he gestured to Svetlana. "But this is my first time at such a Lodjain gathering, tell me what should I expect?"

[Libby]

Alyona had been rather out of the loop of Lodjain social affairs for a while. At one point she had been destined to have married into a royal line descended from Queen Sonya but then her father had, at least in Alyona's opinion, gone insane. He'd got in with a group who had sought to exploit the marine life of the islands of Lodja and imprisoned beluga whales to farm them for various meat markets. It was a project that was fool-hardy even before it was discovered by the military who mistook it for a terrorist HQ. Now her father sat in a Gaia prison cell serving 10 years for various crimes. That had been enough to see Alyona's carefully crafted social standing fall apart and now for the last 18 months she'd been basically an outsider to the high society balls and banquets of Lodja. She had even been surprised when the call to attend this had been received and then a little excited when given a brief outline of what the Queen and Ladies in Waiting had been planning. She cast her eyes over the foreign Prince. He was certainly handsome and she was flattered that such a man had shown interest in her. Alyona though was still unsure whether she was willing to be the mans consort just because he was a Prince. "Thank you Your Highness" she said as the Prince poured her some wine. She was though unsure what she could tell him that Svetlana couldn't. "I would imagine that we'll have a lovely dinner and then they'll be dancing, lots of dancing until the sun comes up. I would though expect Prince Henrik you'll be doing a lot of dancing." She turned and looked down the long row of tables, there were already many young women glancing at the Eboracum heir. "I think you've grabbed the attention of many of the young ladies." She figured that she should perhaps take her best shot at this point, "I wonder if I can persuade you to give me at least one dance....I can maybe teach you some Lodjain steps....as  a thank you for your kindness?"

[Eboracum]

Henrik had learned a little dance in his youth. His father had insisted as it was a skill that he claimed showed a nation was civilised and that the mastery of body and mind working in harmony helped other skills. Henrik personally thought it was a bit nonsense but nether the less had been a diligent student as anytime it appeared he would not be he had meet his fathers belt. While he was no expert he was confident that he'd be able to cruise round some Lodjain ballroom without embarrassing himself. "Had I known the Lodjain party scene was so energetic I'd have slept on the flight over." he smiled, "As for the kindness it was non at all, I'm always happy to share wine and conversation. I will though be delighted to accept your offer of some Lodjain dancing. As for saving you a dance I'd be thrilled, however I believe I'd be expecting to find a rush to fill your dance card. I find it hard to see why you're here alone." He thought for a moment on the brief series of notes he'd been given by Svetlana on Alyona and wondered if he had perhaps said something now likely to upset her. "Do you even have dance cards? I mean are they an actual thing?" He asked trying to turn the conversation back to something a little less formal. "I've read in the media about your summer ball season so I suppose Lodja is likely to be the experts on such matters."

[Libby]

Alyona chuckled at Henrik's attempt at humour. It must be awkward being the only person in the room who knew nobody. As he asked the Lodjain balls and the issues around them Alyona did her best to avoid blurting out that she had not really been a big attender this past season because of her families situation. "We do have them" she reached down to the clutch purse under her seat. She removed a small little white card with numbers one to ten on them. "They generally only work for the first ten dances and then it becomes a little free for all" She explained showing the Prince the card that she knew every woman in the room would have. Hers was held in a small silver case that gripped the card and opened out, there was a pencil slotted into the spine. "We have the balls every summer as a celebration of the Goddess' favourite time of year and as a kind of right of passage. They mark that a girl is now ready to be married and a chance to explore the market......I beg your pardon." She realised she had perhaps spoke in a way a foreigner wouldn't quiet understand. "You see a Lodjain girl can have multiple husbands, as the Goddess did. The dances are a chance for her to meet lots of young men and determine which, if any, she has an interest in that may go further. Back in the past, I mean around 100 years ago, fathers would then arrange their daughters first marriage and she'd take it from there. The practice kind of died out a little except for among the wealthiest families, those most religious and those with good connections. You see we're emerging from a period of our faith not having really embraced fully what it should mean, now under Her Divine Majesty, many traditions are returning." She explained.

Just then the dinner arrived and the conversation became difficult with plates and cutlery rattling as a lamb leg steak and vegetables were served up. "She's a sweet girl" Svetlana said eager to ensure the success of their evening. "You know what she was talking about in terms of traditions?" She asked and then answered before he could. "In Lodja we are a people devoted to great beauty. Its the ultimate gift from Sessifet, a sign we are loved. We cultivate it in everything, art, music, poetry, our style even" She gave the folds of her pale blue dress a flap. "We believe therefore someone beautiful like yourself is marked by the Goddess. That means it is peoples duty to celebrate that beauty." She placed a hand on his leg "If you'd been a Lodjain noble you'd have no need for picking from a list. Remember we don't see monogamy the same way many nations do. Even if you choose to pursue Alyona as a consort you can always recast your net and you'll find it likely to be full." She left her hand on his thigh a moment as she waited for a steward to place some carrot on her plate. She thanked him and picked up her cutlery to begin eating.

Between breaks in the meal Alyona did her best to engage with Henrik again and as the last of the cheese-board was cleared away the Queen stood. "I am delighted that you have all been able to attend. We had not expected the Crown-Prince's stay to extend to more than a day but we are so happy that it did." She gave Henrik a smile as the room gave a polite round of applause. "Today we have reached several agreements about a future path his homeland and ours will take and I am excited about where they go. We intend for them to be underwritten by the existing bodies such as TUNA that we are proud to be a member of however should that fail the Crown-Prince has my promise that we shall have just as strong a friendship. Crown-Prince Henrik is tonight our honoured guest and I hope that you will all make him welcome. It is my hope that while he arrived in Lodja as a continental neighbour he will leave as our friend and that is down to you all." There was another polite round of applause. "I believe that ballroom next door is ready. Perhaps if I could ask His Highness for the first dance of the evening." Jasmina rather ceremoniously brought out the Queen's own dance card, the vast majority already filled in with the family of their host and various ministers. There was of course the first dance empty and Jasmina waited for the inevitable acceptance as to do otherwise could cause a rather awkward political incident. The Queen made her way down one side of the room and into the ballroom where a small band awaited. Seeing the Queen they stood, bowed, and then resumed their seats giving their instruments a final little test. Satisfied they began to play. Several guests who had not been at the dinner were already in the ballroom and as the music played began to play. A gaggle of girls thrust their dance cards towards Henrik as he followed the Queen, Alyona among them. The Queen waited though patiently knowing that the band was playing a tune they could easily loop just in case such a delay had happened.

[Eboracum]

Henrik was amazed at the formality of the dance cards, something he thought was merely a metaphor. He was of course aware of the Lodjain's bizarre stance on polygamy and understood now a little more why the Queen had said there may be some barriers for Henrik to overcome in terms of culture. "Well its a nice tradition" He told Alyona as he took the card from her and wrote his name down on the 2nd dance, "If I may be bold perhaps we can see if my dance has improved by the what you called it ....a free for all." He handed the card back. "I hope that's not been to forward" he said. He resisted the urge to take hold of Svetlana's hand torn between simply grasping it or removing it from his leg. In truth he rather enjoyed it. The food was great and with Svetlana and Alyona giving him attention he felt rather flattered.

When Natalya stood and spoke the Crown-Prince motioned that he would like to speak and with an appropriate pause he stood. "I would like to publically give my thanks to Her Majesty for her hospitality. I have been made to feel exceptionally welcome in this beautiful nation and I hope that this is the first of many visits. I am keen that my father's ambition of a close friendship between ourselves and Lodja is achieved and in my year as Consul rest assured I will be doing everything in my power to see that the plan myself and Queen Natalya have outlined is brought into reality. I already feel like I have made so many friends today and I hope to meet as many of you as possible. Thank you" He sat down and then as the group made their way into the ballroom followed the Queen. Henrik was shocked to find that he had to leave the Queen waiting as he negotiated his way through the crowd. He was unsure how to deal with the situation, he recalled Alyona had said that people only arranged their first ten dances and he already had two in hand. He was considering what would be the polite and political way of dealing with things. Many of the Lodjain women did appear rather pretty but if he began accepting just on the grounds of the prettiest would it offend someone? Not knowing who was who meant he also ran a risk of upsetting someone with genuine influence. "Can I ask" he turned to Svetlana, "When I arrived you said you'd act as my PA or anything else I needed, can I ask for you to handle this?" He hoped that would turn the crowd towards the Lady in Waiting and he could meet with the Queen.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting Your Majesty" he said finally reaching the dancefloor. "I hope that I'm up to the standard you deserve." He said offering his hand towards the Queen to begin the dancing. He respectfully held her right hand with his left and placed a hand delicately in the middle of her back. He took a deep breath and began dancing once he'd picked up the pattern of the music a little nervous about the watching crowd.

[Libby]

Svetlana dutifully turned and halted the mass of young women keen to be seen with a Crown-Prince. For many of them this was like a bonus of the summer balls, like a special edition and none of them wanted to miss out. Svetlana had half expected this as she was a seasoned veteran of the scene and so she removed one of the small cards from her own little holder and began adding names to it for Henrik. First there was the Queen who as host was obviously the first, there was then Alyona who was the focus of their current diplomatic efforts. She then filled the remaining eight spots with the names of all four Ladies in Waiting first, then the wife of their host  Borislav Nadjinik, his 16 year old daughter, a random girl who Svetlana took the name of because she had an ugly necklace on and then finally her own name again. "That will be everyone" she held an apologetic hand up as she moved into the hall. She slipped the card into Henrik's hand discreetly and then stood back to watch as the Queen and Henrik began to dance. Natalya was a good dancer and seemed to enjoy their turn around the dancefloor. As the music stopped their was an almost seamless swapping of partners and Alyona took the Queen's place. As was usually the case the musicians played a few bars of the next tune while partners got sorted and then with a triple tap of their conductors wand it was a signal they were about to begin.

Alyona appeared having sat out the first dance and was pleased to see Henrik. "You dance well" she said as she took hold of his hand. "You can hold me a little closer, I'm not going to break" she said taking a small step closer in. The music began and she allowed the Crown-Prince to guide her around as it had been clear Henrik would need little if any guidance in how to dance. "I'm rather enjoying this" she said about half way through. "Do you get events like this in Eboracum often?" She asked trying to learn a little. "I hear you're about to get an important job and a fancy home or something. Is that right?" She was disappointed that no sooner had he responded than the music began to come to an end and the whole partner shuffle began again.

This time it was Svetlana who appeared. "You finding her nice?" she asked as she took hold of his hand. She stepped even closer to him than Alyona had their bodies now pushed against each other she ensured the Crown-Prince couldn't loosen their stance even taking had hand and putting it much lower than he had intended. "The room you've been given tonight is next door to mine" she said as they began to dance, "If you need anything.....anything at all I'm able to sort things for you" she said and discreetly slipped a key into his pocket. "Just let yourself in and let me know what you need." She whispered into his ear as the dance came to an end. There was then a procession of other girls until he'd fulfilled his obligations and the two joined up again. "So should I arrange for Alyona to perhaps come visit your new home or has some other lady caught your eye." She asked him as they rejoined, Svetlana trying to get closer than even previously. The formal part of the dance was done now and Svetlana gave the guest a choice, "Your not obliged to anyone but it would be rude to slip away just now, you can grab a drink in the bar area" she pointed through the doors, "You could maybe find Alyona or just carry on dancing. I'd be happy to dance with you." She waited for his decision.

[Eboracum]

Henrik was thrilled that Alyona seemed to be enjoying his company. He was still getting to know her but he believed that with time he would get to like her. "We don't really go for the level of formality or organisation that you have here but we do the occasional ball, they're usually for weddings or when its the solstice's but I think you have us well beat when it comes to practice." He explained. "I'm becoming one of our nations two Consuls. Each January the Empire gets two, this year it will be me and my father so we basically get to run the Empire, or more  honestly he does and I get to help if and when he lets me. It'll be a good experience though as I'll be more involved with the day to day business of the Empire. In addition I get the whole of one of the two wings of the Royal Palace as a kind of personal domain. I'll have my own staff, my own kitchen even. I hope you'll come and see." The music stopped before they could really conclude that statement and before he knew it Svetlana had appeared.

"She seems nice" He responded to Svetlana's question about Alyona. "Not as wonderful as you though" he added enjoying holding her close. It took his mind, which was unaccustomed to Lodjain morality, a moment or two to work out what Svetlana meant by giving him they key but as the metaphorical light bulb came on above his head he found himself subconsciously touching the key every few minutes checking that it was still there and pondering what to do. His mind gymanastics meant very few of the other girls got his full attention as his eyes kept scanning the dance floor looking first for Svetlana and then Alyona. He was pleased when the beautiful Lady in Waiting rejoined him and this time he himself was a little more daring letting his hand slide a little lower than her waist as they danced. "What I would like to do is take you for my consort" He smiled, "But we've already been over that. So I must settle for trying to see if I can convince Alyona to take the role." He paused for a moment, "I do though hope you'll let me come and thank you for your help later tonight." He smiled at her and held the key up. He wanted to kiss her but thought better of it and so making a show of politeness he bowed to Svetlana making sure he said his thank you's loud enough for other guests to hear and having spotted Alyona across the ballroom made his way over. "Hello Alyona" He said as he approached her. "I wonder if perhaps you'd like to get a drink with me?" He enquired.

[Libby]

Svetlana was pleased that she appeared to have won herself a place in Henrik's affection, it would potentially be something useful to her or her family going forward. "As an heir to the title Duchess I'm unable to just be a consort for a foreign prince......doesn't mean we can't do consort things occasionally. As for visiting I'm sure a tour of your new palace wing would be fun. I'll talk with the Queen about me being allowed next time I have a long weekend, she doesn't generally stop us doing as we wish on our downtime just so long as we don't bring her into disrepute. Hanging out with a neighbouring Prince is certainly going to be something she approves of. I will though see you later." She left him as he made his way to find Alyona.

Alyona was not sure whether she would see Henrik again that night. He had of course been receiving quiet a bit of attention but when she saw him approaching she felt a sense of relief. When he asked her to join him for a drink of course she agreed. She offered him her arm and the two made their way through to where drinks were being served. Alyona helped herself to a glass of wine while waiting for Henrik to get his and once both had beverages made their way towards a quiet corner. Alyona found a seat and settled down hoping, at least for now, they could be alone. "I'm going to have to start with a confession." She thought Henrik probably knew. "I was told that there was a chance that you'd want to spend time with me as you're looking for a consort of some kind, I'm not sure on the exact truth in that but I want you to know I've genuinely enjoyed spending time with you tonight."

[Eboracum]

Henrik found himself a gin and tonic as he followed Alyona towards the quiet corner. He held her seat for her and then took a seat opposite. He had been made aware that Alyona had been given some kind of briefing but was not aware of the extent of that briefing. He took a sip of his drink and then figured he might as well just tell her everything. "In Eboricum the Imperial Family have what I guess you'd consider extra privileges. Our faith tells us that my soul is one that belongs to a being that has volunteered to forgoe their place in paradise, what I some faiths would call heaven, in order to come here and do the work of our God Veridus in guiding mankind to find their own paths to paradise. The problem is most of us are not going to be deemed to have lived a good enough life to enter paradise so we are reborn on Mundus. The Imperials though are the volunteers who have in the past achieved paradise and now are willing to give up their place there for the short term in order to help others. If the Imperial Family is small that means less physical forms for the volunteers to be born into. That means the Emperor, and his sons, are expected to have many children. I am the middle child of twelve that my father has. This is where the idea of consorts come in the more women in a mans life the more children." He stopped realising that the explanation may be slightly insulting or concerning for Alyona.

"I've reached the age at which my father believes I should be taking on direct Imperial duties. That means speaking in my role as Consul, it means undertaking foreign visits like this and it gives me control over my own household. Eventually my father will likely arrange a marriage with a noble girl for me but I actually get to select my own consorts." He sighed for a moment, "I'm sad to say I don't believe my father truly deeply loved my mother.....there was respect and fondness but no love. Its Lady Astrid that I believe my father is most in love with and as such she's been very influential in the time that my father has been with her. Its my hope that the concept of consorts may actually become a diplomatic tool and as such I asked Queen Natalya if she could help me. She suggested you and this brings us to this moment. Now I know we've known each other only a few hours but I believe there could be something between us, I'd like to explore that if you would?"

[Libby]

Alyona had only a vague idea about the concept before Henrik had explained. "Its an idea similar to how things work here, only the gender dynamic is reversed, here a woman may take multiple husbands to ensure that her family build strong bonds with other families that share the same interests or influence. I don't believe in your religious take on the world and I would never turn my back on Sessifet." She wasn't overly religious but she did know that being seen to turn her back on the Goddess would be perhaps the final nail in her families collective metaphorical coffin. "If that rules me out then I must accept that." She shrugged her shoulders. "I hope that it doesn't, I have no idea if you're someone that I'll fall in love with but I think you're potentially someone I will enjoy spending time with and I do find you attractive. For a Lodjain that could well be enough. I'm also hopeful of one day having a family but I would like them to know both cultures if we had them. Now if you still want to explore things what would be the next steps?"

[Eboracum]

OOC - Thanks to Libby giving me the green light to basically conclude things and editing this

Henrik was pleased that Alyona seemed at least a willing to give this a go. "While you could follow your own faith the situation would require any children we produce to be taught my faith. They'd be expected to undertake divine duties of some sort when they got older. They would though be educated in many cultures across Mundus so I'm sure we can find a way for them to experience their Lodjain half." Henrik waved over a member of the staff and asked for another glass of wine. "If you'd be willing then I'd like to invite you to come to visit my home. Spend a few days with me and meet some of the family. At the end of the visit we could decide what to do next. I'm due to inherit the western part of the Palace and that usually involves a short ceremony so perhaps you'd agree to come to that?"   

"I'd be delighted" Alyona responded. She understood that her ambitions in Lodja of an influential marriage could be considered dead in the water however now she was potentially looking at the chance of starting a new life in a new nation. She was excited, she didn't know whether it was simply the prospect of the arrangement or a combination of being with Henrik and a few glasses of wine. The two continued chatting until such a time as many of the guests had begun to depart. It was getting late and so Henrik thought that he should go and find the Queen and thank her once again for her help. Henrik first though escorted Alyona to the car that was waiting to take her home. He kissed her cheek and then held the door for her as she boarded the vehicle. "I'll see you in a few weeks. Thank you for such an enjoyable evening" he said before closing the door. Several other guests were leaving and recognising the Prince wished to give their best wishes, conscious of needing to find Natalya before she retired for the evening he was as curteous as time permitted. He strolled the ballroom and rooms attached to it for a while and then found the Queen still dancing. She was accompanied now only by Jasmina who herself was dancing with Lord Lubos Kubik, the Lord of the Conclave. Seeing Henrik the Queen excused herself from the young nobleman she was dancing with and gestured for Henrik to take his place.

"How did it go with Alyona?" She enquired as they began twirling to the music.

"Very well" Henrik smiled "If you'd allow her I've invited her to come and stay a few days at my new palace wing to see if we'll take things any further. I'm rather hopeful."

"You don't need my permission" Natalya confessed, "If she wants to visit you then of course she can. I'd be very happy to see a Lodjain as part of your household so if my approval is required then consider it given." Henrik was rather pleased that the visit would go ahead with her approval. He finished the dance and thanked the Queen for the evening and her help once more. Now it was time for keeping his promise to Svetlana. He found his way back to his room and fished into his blazer pocket thankful the key was still there. Nervously he pushed the key into the lock and twisted before pushing the door open expecting to find Svetlana sleeping. She was in bed a laptop open on the night stand showing a TV show. The door opening made her shut the lid and turn to face the door.

"I was beginning to think you'd lost the key" Svetlana said as she slid her legs from under the covers.

"I'd have just had to break the door down." He said as he placed the key on a sideboard close to the door.

"So how may I help you" Svetlana was now coming over to him as Henrik marvelled at her nakedness. "Perhaps I can take your blazer." she was next to him now and took the clothing and simply threw it across the room before stepping into his embrace.


The next morning Henrik quietly left Svetlana's room to head next door to his own. As he turned from shutting the door trying to leave Svetlana sleeping. "Good morning Prince Henrik" a slightly giggling Jasmina said as she saw the Prince's discreet attempts. "I trust you were taken care of?" She had a broad grin across her face.

"Erm...yes thank you" Henrik responded before heading into his own room, showering and changing before heading down to say goodbye to the Queen.

"Your Divine Majesty" he bowed deeply to her as he stood beside the car ready to take him back to the airport and home. "I'm grateful that you've done so much to help me and that we've made the first steps of friendship between our nations. I hope that soon you and your household" He found himself looking past the Queen at Svetlana who was smiling back at him, "will come and visit us, we've several major events happening this year and we would be honoured to host you." With that he bowed once more and then departed with a final look back at Svetlana.


Back in Eboracum Emperor Lucius looked at the statement that had been written between the Queendom and the Heptarchy. "Your not a complete failure" the Emperor tossed the paper Henrik had given him on the desk. "I'd dispatched you to build relations with Lodja and what I see is a piece of paper with nothing that's actually changed between us, we still have no trade link, we still have no formal agreements just a flimsy promise to do stuff via TUNA. What son would happen if I didn't want to join TUNA. You've put us on a path now. Fortunately its not too rocky a road so we shall do our best to enjoy the ride." Lucius picked up the folder he'd been handed "Alyona" he said the name, "Pretty enough girl. I'm glad you didn't fully commit to making her a consort. We need to see just what we're dealing with but even having a bit of eye candy in your bed can have political impacts. Two weeks time I'll determine whether you can have your plaything" He concluded referring to when Henrik would inherit his part of the Palace.

"