The agreed upon date had arrived. Tartu had not seen foreign dignitaries for some time now and the King was keen to make a good impression. He ensured that the streets leading from the airport to the
Woodside Palace that sat just outside the capital had their trees neatly pruned, the gutters swept and the store fronts made at least presentable. Truth be told it wasn't such a big job as Karlis had imagined. In the last three or four years the capital had been improved imensely from the days when it had been a bit of a wreck thanks to decades of communist occupation followed by struggles with rebuilding the nation. The King though now spent little time in the capital and at the age of 92 few could blame him. He had fought in the anti-communist resistance and then done his best to give the people more of a say in running the nation than either his grandfather had or the communists had. The nation was seemingly on a trajectory to become a monarchy in name only but until then Karlis still intended to have some input into foreign affairs as his role entitled him too.
His grand-daughter Viktoras was the Royal Matron, responsible for helping manage the families affairs and she had urged her grand-father to stay at the Palace allowing her to welcome their guests. The King had stubbonly refused and now was hobbling towards the waiting honour guard on two walking sticks. Seeing the monarch approach the Guards snapped to attention in their all black dress uniform. Their commander gave the King a smart salute and reported the men were ready for the arrival of the guests from Matthelon. "Stand easy sir" the King said doing his best to return the salute. "I wish to just say how smart I think your boys look. Thank them for their duty when you get back to barracks" he said as he pottered off towards the blue carpet that marked where the Matthelon aircraft would arrive. As if on perfect timing the King's hearing aid supported ears picked up the hum of an approaching aircraft and once it had been directed into place the Guard's band began playing the Matthelon national anthem and presented a salute as the Matthelonians descended the steps.
"President Testruvial" Karlis handed Viktoras one of this sticks and extended a hand. "Its a pleasure to meet you. We'll be travelling to the Woodside Palace where my own Prime Minister is keen to help us get things moving. I trust Mattleon is well?" He enquired as he began moving towards the waiting car. The King and President would ride in the first car while Viktoras and Jana Sirusa in the second. As they headed towards the city Karlis was keen to point out the new
central library that had replaced the Communist Workers Party Drill Hall. The pyramid structure was busy with students coming and going and outside people enjoyed the plaza. Next they passed the new
National Theatre where Karlis was a frequent attender at the opera. "We've been busy these last few years trying to make Tartu a prettier city, as you can see the city, while colourful is in need of some
TLC. I fear however I won't see the place restored to its former glory." He smiled. "How do we compare to your capital?" He enquired.
In the car behind Viktoras was more about business. "No doubt my grand-father is busy chatting away about the city." She shrugged, "I think I must warn you however that there will be a very definite agenda when talks begin. The Prime Minister I believe is keen to lessen my families power and my grand-father is likely to let his heir my uncle.....also called Karlis, do much of the talking from a royal stand-point. I love my uncle but he is sadly more convinced our family should exercise the final authority in the nation. It often can lead to difficultly with the Prime Minister and my uncle. I hope you can therefore be discreet and tell your President to be patiet. Eventually my grand-father usually steps in and finds a nice middle ground. Sadly we've elections in the summer and I believe the Prime Minister will have one eye on them. Now business aside I hope you'll enjoy your stay here. I know my grand-father encourages ambassadors to visit him often so I suspect you'll be getting plenty of invites."
