Duty and Honor
Service and Loyalty
Peace and Order
His Royal Highness, Emperor Of the Fels, King of Osseriton, and Prince Regent Of Tantorus, M. Alexander II
Alexander looked ahead at his sister, who sat just across from him in the royal carriage, he was excited for today, for today was the day of his sister's wedding. She would become Princess Maria V'trechen-Fel I. He turned away and looked out the window. For, though he was happy, he was also worried about Mike. Sure the man was in high standing with the government, and yes Mr. Harris, The Premier himself vouched for the man. But, besides all this, since the death of their Father Alexander I, Alex had kept a watchful eye over his sister to be sure she didn't get into too much trouble, as she was prone to doing. For now, with his blessing, he had accepted the fact of his sister marrying an offworlder, after all, how could he say no when he knew the feelings his dear sister harbored for this man.
He saw the crowds as they slowly passed, hearing the muffled cheers and stable trotting of the two white-maned pulgas. The beautiful creatures slowly drew the carriage towards the royal cathedral, still within the grounds of the palace, but a separate building the Royal home. As the carriage pulled to the stairs, and the crowds cheered, two imperial knights who stood at attention, approached the carriage. Alexander looked at his sister and smiled.
"Good luck, and may the force protect you on this sacred day."
Smirking through the frost-white veil, the Princess happily responded, "Thank you."
Alex looked down at his black and red jacket, adjusting the belt slightly and straightening it. The red stitching on his jacket was superb, much like the sumptuous quality of the jacket's material. Atop The Emperor's black jacket with red stitch, he had strung a black half-cloak that connected at his collar with a single golden button, much like the ones that lined the plastron on his jacket. He sat up as a band of trumpets began to play the imperial anthem. One of the Knights opened the door and shook the princess's hand, before sidestepping and holding it agape for her to step out. She sat up and hunched over, before gracefully descending the single step of the carriage and onto the ground. The knights, one on each side, saluted. Two assistants in mess jackets quickly approached, bowing, then grabbing the draped veil that followed the Princesses exquisite dress as she ascended the steps of the Royal Cathedral. The crowd cheered and her face gleamed with excitement, this was the day she had been waiting for, for too long.
Alexander reached for his cap, which matched his suit, save for a white top, and placed it upon his head, straightening it. He sat up and stepped out of the carriage as the knights saluted, the closed the door behind him. An elderly man who sat atop the carriage front bench cracked his whip and the Pulgas started forwards with and neigh. The carriage slowly started forwards and faded as it traveled down the long road away from the monumental building.
"The ceremony is to begin soon sir, we have swept the area and everything is clean,"
"Good to hear."
Alex and the knights turned away from the huddle and looked up to the stairs, waiting for the princess to finish her ascent as the crowd roared. Alexander watched her reach the highest landing and began his ascent, listening to the cheers of the crowd, and taking note of the 2 knights on either side which kept the crowds behind the velvet blockers. As he made his final approach, guards behind him, he looked upwards at the massive doors. He stepped through smoothly and was greeted by the sun gleaming through the massive stained glass opposite of the entry. He moved forward and sat in the front row next to an older woman who, even though her wrinkled smile, still showed signs of once youthful beauty.
"Mother, how are you?"
She leaned over and hugged her son tightly, a tear streaking down her face, "I am so excited for Maria. I think this may be only the second time in my life that my face has been streaked with tears of joy."
Alex smiled, "I was happy that mike came to me, he respected our traditions, and for that I'm grateful."
The woman slowly shook her head, "How have you been Alki?"
"I've been well, took a while since father died to gather my bearings, and his instruction to declare myself Emperor upon his passing didn't gain me any popularity, but I've got it figured out. I've missed you, Mom, you should come back to the palace, your room is still furnished how you left it."
"I wish I could Alki, but I can't bring myself to go sleep in that room again. Since your dad died, I couldn't think of having that massive bed to myself. I miss him, Michael was the love of my life, and going back to that room is something I can't do, it would be too hard," she wiped a tear, "Now enough of this, today is a happy day." She sniffled and smiled once more, instantly moving past the conversation that just occurred.
Alex felt bad, but smiled as well. The trumpets continued outside as more guests trickled in.