Tillo Hertz recognised that it was unlikely that he would get to see this coronation and that annoyed him. He took a breath and then recognised that such a decision on the future of the two royal guests would be above his pay-grade but at the same time he was certain they had no motive other than self preservation of their romance. "For now Your Highnesses we shall request that you stay within the walls of this castle. You will be granted rooms and if you require anything I am sure the staff here can accommodate you." He bid them farewell for now and headed off to make a few phone calls about the situation. In truth however it was likely nothing would be able to be done until after the coronation.
OOC- I suggest we perhaps make a new thread for this part of the RP.
Back at Jundt Schloss everyone was in position for the ceremony to begin. The sound of horses hooves on the roadway outside indicated the arrival of three carriages. Before their passengers could disembark a group of men wearing all black military tunics appeared on the walls of the castle and blew a fanfare hearalding the arrival of a trio of soldiers. The Red and Black Tower flag of Altona was carried centrally between two escorts armed with large axes, this flag with the port-coulis open was the current flag of Altona showing the nation at peace. A few steps behind them a 2nd trio entered, this time the port-coulis shown as closed, the nations flag of war. Further trios entered, first the King's Heavy Cavalry, then the Army, Navy and finally Flying Corps, bringing up the rear was the flag of the Sülldorf family. The flag were arranged with the current flag of peace behind the stone throne. Three flags stood either side. A further fanfare played, this one different to the first and a lady wearing a long flowing white dress walked in. Princess Constance was accompanied by her husband Duke Klaus who was carrying their two year old son Sigmund. Constance elegantly swept her dress across the wooden
stool she gracefully lowered herself and waited as her husband and child made their way to seats further behind. Once in position Prince Lukas made his entrance hand in hand with his wife Kamille, his two elder sons and two young daughters followed them. Lukas was wearing his military uniform, his two sons in Army Cadet uniform while the girls and his wife wore white dresses similar to that of Princess Constance.
The final fanfare sounded and wearing a plain black suit but wrapped in a luxuiorusly furred red cloak the soon to be King entered. Rutger nodded respectfully to several of his friends in the crowd. The soon to be Queen Heidi entered just after him along with 12 year old Karl in a cadet uniform gripped her right hand and white dressed Matilda who was nine year old held her left. Rutger sat upon the centre throne and quickly and symbolically linked hands with his siblings in a gesture to show there was no hard feeling about the result.
The final person arriving did not come through the main gate but instead appeared from a tower of the castle. It was an old man with long grey hair covered by a black robed hood. He was a Wildhüter, a "game keeper" a priest of the faith of Sigyn. He carried a knife on his hip and a quiver of arrows on his back. The role of "Game-keeper" was to help guide the souls of the faithful to good and honourable deeds ensuring that they had enough power in the after life to avoid the hunt that would destroy their soul. He stood before the throne and addressed the crowd.
"Today we are assured that King Gottschalk has escaped the pursuit of Her Holiness Sigyn. His soul was strong and full of good deeds and no doubt now having proved his worth he rides beside the Goddess in glorious beauty. He left us not long ago with a choice of who was the guide Sigyn's folk in the temporal world and we have made the decision to recognise Prince Rutger as our new monarch. Before we crown him we must however honour his siblings." Two other "game keepers" arrived each carrying a crown of
iron. The man taking the ceremony took the first.
"Princess Constance. Do you recognise as your Lord and Sovereign your brother Rutger. Do you give him your loyalty as you should a King. Will you serve him and Altona however best you can." He held the crown forward. The Princess stood and bowed to her brother before saying loudly that she agreed to all those things. The "Game-keeper" handed a crown over which the Princess placed upon her head. The oath was repeated for Lukas who gave a salute rather than a bow.
Rutger seemed pleased and now it was his turn, a new crown appeared this one identical to the iron ones but in gold. "Rutger, your bloodline made you a candidate for the throne but your people have placed their trust in you. They have given you the rights and responsibilities of the King of Altona from now until you go to meet Sigyn. All your actions will govern whether your soul will have the power to evade her hunt and earn the right to ride alongside her or be destroyed for eternity. Your actions as King will weigh heavy in that determination. Do you accept these rights and responsibilities?"
Rutger stood. "I swear that I shall do my best to guide Altona forward and ensure all my subjects are able to save their souls. I humbly accept the responsibility of Kingship." The "Game Keeper" placed the crown on Rutger's head and then knelt before him. Rutger placed a hand on the mans head for a moment or two before helping him up and the two embraced. A hunting horn was blown from the castle's highest tower, a message to the Goddess indicating that Altona had a new King. The siblings all embraced and joined by their families posed for photographs before making their way to mingle with the crowd.
Prince Lukas made his way over to Secretary Burkhardt Kvalheim from Jugland. "I am grateful you've come." The Prince was still wearing the iron crown but had his military peaked cap tucked under his arm. "You must forgive me however, I believe you're the only non-monarchy here, may I ask why a Republic would be interested to attend our coronation.....not that I'm complaining."
Princess Constance headed towards the Cassiopeian delegation with Sigmund in tow. "Your Majesty" she bowed and had to catch her crown before it fell from her head, she was not yet used to the weight. "We're delighted you attended. I tried to persuade my father to allow me to attend your own coronation but sadly he didn't permit it. Such a shame. Perhaps we can discuss ensuring our nations can begin on better terms than we have." Meanwhile Sigmund was reaching a hand towards Lady Filippa's dog. "No Sigmund" Constance pulled him away and he looked like he was about to cry. "We have dogs at home and he plays with them all the time. I don't think he understands yours will be a working dog no?"
Rutger and his wife split up, Rutger approached the large Achkaerin delegation. "Thank you for coming" he extended a hand to the Emperor. "I understand you ride a bit?" he enquired, "Do you perhaps hunt?"
Queen Heidi was left to "Your Majesty" she was about to bow then realised that she was of equal status now to the Morelander. "Its a pleasure to meet you. May I pass on my congratulations to you and Queen Stasya on your impending arrival. You must be thrilled to have a second child arriving."