Change in the Breze

4.07.2018

Altoj Palatul de Rieti
Highland Residence of the Regia


Today was not going to be an easy one. The meeting, though it was weekly felt as though it was going to be his last, and if she so desired it would be. He had failed what he had promised to deliver and now the Regia was preparing to invoke her Royal Prerogative. The matter was of serious concern and while it had come unraveled in the House like it had been considered, it still meant the ruling coalition was going to be in the deep end.You could not govern without Royal Assent and if she chose to withhold assent then it would certainly mean they couldn't govern until she agreed to give it. Such were the realities of the nation's governmental structure. The Symvoulion was packed with nine justices who were traditionalists and only two reformers. That meant that if Congress wanted to change the Royal Laws to allow them to bypass Sarandine the court would not back the move. Alphios had warned the House in a fiery speech that such a thing would occur. He warned them that their attempt to change the laws would be in vain. Then came the calls from the opposition for him to resign, then the calls from within his own party started. He was a man on his last leg and needed to salvage this before he lost it all.

Sarandine sat behind her desk, the soft light of the spring morning coming in through her windows. They were opened so as to provide a gentle breeze and keep the air from getting stuffy. The ivy outside her windows and around the balcony was blooming and rustling gently. The sweet fragrance of the valley drifted in. Some lazy clouds made their way across the sky, their shadows drifting across the plains and up the valleys to the mountains where they disappeared over the horizon. Tranquility was certainly something someone could use to describe this place as. However today was not going to live up to that. Sarandine put her pen down and pressed the button.

"Majesty, Archon Alphios Espero." He said bowing his head and showing Alphios into the room. Then the doorman stepped back out and closed the door behind him as he always did.

"Majesty," Alphios said taking a few steps forward before bowing his head. Sarandine nodded her's in response but said nothing and did not stand to shake his hand as she normally did. While she genuinely enjoyed Alphios Espero's company, he had failed on his promise to deliver to her the change of succession through Congress. There was blood in the water and she knew it. If she asked for his resignation now he would have to give it or lose the confidence of the throne, his party and ultimately the people. She remained silent and poured herself some tea, then a second cup adding the fixings she knew he liked.

Alphios was anxious and remained standing as Sarandine hadn't actually offered him a seat yet. Her pouring tea and then sliding his cup towards him was a bit of a relief. Then came the inevitable hand motion for him to take a seat in one of the large leather lounge chairs. He chose the closest to her. Then she stood so he did as well. That was certainly a power play, motioning for him to sit and then standing knowing he would have to follow or else look rude.

"I think the chairs on the balcony would be best suited for us today." She said. Her elegant but simple blue sundress fluttered a little in the breeze. Sarandine walked out the door and onto the balcony with her tea in hand. It was truly a marvelous day and one that she would likely spend the rest of either in the garden, vineyard or in the small town plaza. Retirement at times like this came to her mind but then she would always push the thought aside as no member of House Saluja had abdicated the throne and such a tradition would not start with her.

The pair sat and sipped their tea for what seemed like several minutes. Sarandine was taking in the scene while Alphios continued to fret about the topic of conversation. Placing her cup down on the small glass table next to them she then looked at her Archon.

"How are Antonia and the children?" She asked.

Alphios coughed a little, caught off guard by such a seemingly mundane question. Upon recovering he smiled thinking his wife and grown children. "Antonia is well, my eldest daughter Cassandra is expecting her second child in a few weeks." He said pulling out his family picture to show his children, wife and two grandchildren.

Sarandine took it and recalled the names of the others. Lucas, Maria, Gianni and Fiora She thought to herself. "How wonderful." With another smile she returned the picture to Alphios and watched as he gently tucked it into his wallet and then that into his pocket.

"What are the changes of the Coalition standing?" she inquired. The topic change was sudden but expected now that at least a little in the way of pleasantries had been exchanged.

"The Coalition will hold..." he hesitated a moment, "though my Archonate may not. I have formally been called upon to resign by members of my own party. I expect a leadership challenge in the coming days." He said. There was a lack of confidence in his words that was clear.

"I see." Sarandine said turning her attention back to the verdant fields beyond the balcony. "Rather than put the nation through that I ask that you tender your resignation as soon as possible. I would rather use the Royal Prerogative to push the succession change through than drag out the matter any longer along with drawing in a leadership challenge. Snap elections are not ideal at this time of general instability throughout the rest of the world." Sarandine said referring to recent Aglrinian aggressions and the response by other nations. A wider war seemed imminent and neither a spat over succession changes or a leadership challenge with the potential to topple the government was ideal.

Alphios hesitated. He had spoken at length with Antonia the night before and briefly in the morning before coming to Rieti to see Sarandine. His wife had said the same things though framed them with more familial tones. "Yes... yes that would be best." He stated lowering his head. This was a rather dull and sad way to end twelve years as Archon. He had hoped to squeeze out the last three of his third term but that seemed a monumental task at this point.

"Who will your recommendation for Archon be?" Sarandine inquired, though she thought she had an idea of the names on his shortlist. Sure there would still be a day or two of vetting before he formally announced his resignation and his candidate for replacement but that would only be time spent choosing the right person for the job.

"Councilor Lauris, Councilor Adimari or Councilor di Seva will likely be who the formal recommendation falls to. All three are more than qualified and none are too close to the top to be tainted by this resignation. Deputy Tusso would have made a great Archon and she could always sometime from now run and win but for now she's too close and there have been calls for her to quit government altogether because of this. I hope she doesn't." He added.

"They are all good candidates. A shame about Tusso, I rather enjoyed her passion." Sarandine added mulling over which of the three she hoped would win the position. Councilor Laris was a smart man though he was a bit old being in his sixties. Might not be the best person to handle a potential military conflict, though if it was just economics he would be the chief. Councilor Admiari was a solid choice, she was experienced, in her fifties and had the backing of the military due to her twenty years in the navy. Councilor di Seva had the backing of the youth with her age being only thirty eight. Lacking in governmental experience she made up for it with charisma, vigor and her work ethic which was arguably unchallenged for first place among government Councilors.

"Monday I will invoke Royal Prerogative to institute the necessary succession changes. Ilian will be named Crown Prince while his father, my son, Prince Lucan will be stripped of his position in the line and his position in the Royal House. He will lose all titles and forfeit all wealth and land he holds through those titles. I know it won't be popular but it is necessary for the long term survival of this House." Sarandine said filling her cup again with more tea and offering some to Alphios.

"No thank you." He said in reference to the offer for more tea. "While I continue to, as Archon, suggest you work with my successor to push it through Congress. I as a private citizen understand your choice and recommend your course of action at this time. Decisive action is important and with the Senate and the Court backing you it will hold up. Lucan likely won't go quietly though." Alphios said with a little chuckle and Sarandine laughed a hearty laugh at the thought of her son.

The pair enjoyed another few cups of tea, a small snack of fruits, cheeses and bread. Afterwards Alphios departed for Delphino where he would continue to handle the matter of naming a successor from among his own party while Sarandine did in fact spend the rest of her day in the garden. Ilian joined her and Agamon could be seen walking through the vineyard. It was a passion of his and Sarandine had learned quite a lot of viticulture from her husband over the decades.

4.12.2018

Altoj Palatul de Rieti
Highland Residence of the Regia


The day was bright and beautiful. Sarandine was expecting the new Archon this morning, well the Archon-to-be, it was not yet official. She still had to confirm Council Adimari to become Archon Adimari. It was a foregone conclusion though and the fact that Sarandine was pleased with the outcome of the inner party election was clear. She had spoken to and spent time with Councilor Adimari on multiple occasions and sized her up to be a woman fit to lead the nation at this time of great importance. It was also well known that Adimari supported Sarandine's effort to remove Prince Lucan from the line of succession and from the Royal House so another ally in the Archonatus would be well received.

A breeze kicked up and Sarandine's white dress and matching sun hat fluttered gentle. She waited on the steps of the Palatul de Rieti, her home in the Leverian Highlands that was well within sight of Lake Astos. It was customary for her to wait and receive her guests inside where it was more comfortable but Sarandine hated the idea of squandering such a beautiful day and had already made up her mind that upon Councilor Adimari's arrival, they would take a walk rather than sit in her office or the sun room and discuss matters. Getting out like this was Sarandine's favorite thing and she would constantly do it in the Capital and out here at Rieti she did it even more. "Constantly on the move eh baba?" Her grandfather would playfully ask her when she was younger and when he was alive. A deep breath and moment was all she had to compose herself before the black GmkVII[note]The GmkVII stands for Giaguaro mark VII which is a car usually used to ferry governmental Councilors. [/note][/note] pulled up and the door opened.

"Majesty," Adeline Adimari said stepping out of the car in her white pant suit and flats. Her red hair blew in the wind but not to the point that it messed up her style. She stood tall before bowing to Sarandine who smiled at the gesture.

"Councilor Adimari, congratulations on your success and if you don't mind I'd like to walk the grounds rather than meet upstairs." Sarandine said smiling. A nod from Adimari was all she needed and the pair were off. There was no need for armed guards to follow since the entire valley had look outs and then scattered around the Regia's personal property were look out points and roaming guards. Privacy was something that Sarandine valued and the Rieti Palace offered it. Though it was still second only to her Hotel.

"Thank you your majesty," Adimari said as they began their way down the road and then off on a gravel path that skirted the vineyards. "The weather here is beautiful this time of year, the grapes surely love it." She said somewhat as a statement and partially from experience.

"If I'm not mistaken you actually grew up across the lake in Tivoli?[note]Tivoli is a small community of about 15,000 people on the eastern shores of Lake Astos in the State of Essertine. Mostly agriculture with a focus on viticulture. (Wines)[/note]" Sarandine inquired.

"Yes your majesty, small community. Wines are our specialty." Adimari said beaming with a smile that the Regia actually knew of the town she was from. Then again a dossier could easily have been provided prior to the Councilor's arrival and while that could have been the case it didn't diminish the thought in her mind.

"You'll have to spend some time with my husband Agamon then. Viticulture is something he's grown passionate about since he retired from the Oceanographic society. I'm sure the two of you would get along swimmingly." Sarandine said, almost with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

The pair walked for a half hour making seemingly idle but meaningful chatter without any real direction for their walk or their conversation. It seemed to change depending on the breeze itself. That changed though when the topic turned to international affairs and the ongoing situations revolving around the recent expansion and aggression exhibited by Aglrinia.

"What are you going to do Adeline?" Sarandine asked finally breaking the formality of using the other's last name and now moving into more friendly territory with first name basis. It was something she preferred with her Archons as it gave an heir of familiarity and while her grandfather had always insisted on being called 'majesty' and then referring to his Archons by their last name, it was not something Sarandine had liked and so she had gone with a different way when she ascended the throne.

"Well majesty I am going to recommend to the High Command that we call up the reserves to active duty for the time being, a three month period to start. I will also be making a call to the general public for volunteers at this time to boost our military numbers by a little bit. The threat is present and very real and its time the people of our nation see it." Adeline said with a firm expression, confidence in her voice.

"I see..." Sarandine said stopping the walk momentarily and looking towards the lake in the distance. The thought of war coming to this most peaceful of places was painful to consider. The confidence exuded by Adeline was admirable and something that the nation truly needed at this time. "You have my support for this endeavor and I think I should return to the capital with my family." Sarandine stated.

"Majesty I think that would be splendid. Though if you wished to remain here I would support that decision against any detractor." Adeline said with a bit of sly smile knowing the Regia was more than capable of handling that kind of attention.

"We'll return in a couple days, it'll give use some time to rap up our things here and for us to be in the capital for your announcement dealing with the military, which for the record I support wholeheartedly." Sarandine said.

The pair continued their walk for another two hours, taking brief breaks to catch their breaths and relax in the shade of a tree every now and then. Sarandine and Adeline appeared to be bonding quite well and when all was said and done, Adeline was invited to remain at Rieti for the dinner the town was hosting in the main square for Sarandine and Agamon's wedding anniversary. Indeed she stayed and the the media was quick to note just how close of a working relationship the new Archon was forming with the Regia and how that would only bring good things for the nation in the future.

5.16.2018

Hotel Adriano, Adriano Isle
Special Residence of Sarandine III


The sun was out, and the waves were gentle against the shore. Sarandine enjoyed the isle more than almost any other place. Here she was the hostess rather than the Regia and that gave her a sense of grounding. She had decreed that when on the island she was to be addressed merely as “Sarandine” and titles such as “Majesty, Your Highness” and the likes were banned. No crowns, sometimes a tiara but never a gaudy one that she would otherwise wear to dinner gatherings or state functions. She was the hostess and her job were to look after her guests. It was always amusing whenever a guest arrived at the hotel for the first time and realized that Sarandine was present. It was a small island not far off land in the lake. Her guards were not on the island but on the mainland nearby. It was safe here, least it had always been, and she believed it would remain so. There was a vetting process to being able to book, at the government’s insistence, but otherwise nothing really to keep people off.

Another day and yet she was simply wearing her pale blue dress that fell to her knees and matching two-inch heels. The pastel colors were her favorites by far and were ones that she had almost made a trend of multiple times over the last thirty-one years. Retirement from public life seemed impossible and at this time in world affairs it would leave Ilian in a rather unfortunate situation. The courts had resolved the succession matter in the preceding days and had finally sided with Sarandine on expelling Lucan from the Royal House and removing him as Crown Prince of the Realm. He had been formally and rather publicly rebuffed by the courts, the crown and the people. His opinion rating was in the garbage, much like him. Sarandine had gone so far as to use Royal Prerogative to exile her own son from the nation. While this ruffled feathers in Government and in Congress, she cared little for their opinions on how she dealt with family matters like this. His destination was unknown, and she cared little as to where he would seek refuge. He had not a cent to his name, lost custody of his children and his wife had divorced him. He was alone in the world and penniless, in a way Sarandine hoped this taught him a lesson and would help him in the end but then again, she doubted he would ever learn.

A dinging came from the front desk and Sarandine put her book down on the table and smoothed the dress out as she walked in through the back door and put on a smile. “Welcome to the Ho- “she stopped what she was saying when she saw who was there. “Agamon?” She said with a grin.

“I heard a beautiful woman runs this place? Surely the stories are true as I lay eyes upon you.” He said as he pulled out the white lilies from behind his back and offered them to his wife. “I also heard you love lilies. White for the beauty on the island.” A kiss on the cheek and the pair laughed.

“You sky fox. Weren’t you supposed to be abroad gauging the ongoing situation?” She said about a Government request to send the Consort abroad to talk with other nations on behalf of Delfina. He wasn’t due back for another two weeks. Yet here he stood which held many things in one. For one Sarandine was thrilled he was back on at Adriano. On the other hand, it meant that something was either wrong or the trip had been called off for any number of reasons. “Ended early?” She inquired. Government talk was taboo on the island, but this prompted an exception.

“Indeed. Security issues with the ongoing Aglrinian campaign on their continent.” Agamon said with a bit of a gloomy look. He had served his time in the Reserves like all other adult Delfine citizens, but it still wasn’t something he was fond of. War was a nasty business and one he was glad Sarandine and now Archon Adimari had been quick to avoid as best as possible. Sure, preparations had been underway for months to ready the nation in the event of action being taken against them. Nothing had occurred and so far, Delfina was just in a holding pattern. Rumors were that there were internal issues for Aglrinia in the conquered lands and that was music to the ears of the people. Hopefully it meant the war was coming to an end and peace would return to Auratus. Gods above knew that was what the Delfine wanted, and none more than Sarandine. War was something her reign had been able to stave off but if it came it would be a lousy end to it all.

“I see. Well thankfully you’re home and safe.” Sarandine said. The pair then walked out to the small gazebo in the garden where she had been reading and sat. Agamon’s seaplane sat connected to the dock and bobbed ever so gently. The bright pastel blue plane with its red wing tips and tail stuck out from the other seaplanes present. It was a motley assortment of craft and nearly two dozen sat around the island at either of the two docks. The hotel’s bar would play host to a rather rowdy scene come evening and that’s how Sarandine liked it. Rowdy was a nice departure from the formality of the Palaces. Even at Rieti not far from the island it was more formal. That was her summer court and pe Stanci was her main court. The Solar Throne demanded formality, the legacy of the other sovereigns also demanded it. Sarandine had hoped to never become Regia. She was not destined to it in her mind. Her father had only one child and that was Sarandine, his untimely death meant she had succeeded her grandfather rather than him. Perhaps things would have been different, and she could have renounced the throne in favor of one of her own children.

Even over the decades she had considered abdication though it never really seemed like a good time. Now with a war raging in the world and the threat of it coming to Delfina’s halls meant that it was yet again simply not the time. It would be inappropriate for her to simply drop that situation in the lap of someone as young and relatively inexperienced as Ilian. He had performed spectacularly during the State Visit of the King of Maittar in the previous month but hosting Royals from abroad was still less stressful than overseeing and guiding the ship of state. The various States were always seemingly bickering and one of the main tasks of a Delfine Sovereign was to play arbiter in those matters. All in the hope of preserving the realm and preventing any kind of secession crisis.

The thoughts of family rushed into her mind and Sarandine felt a small tingle in her chest. It however didn’t subside and began to feel ever more painful. “Agame” Sarandine said, though she quickly grew confused as she couldn’t form the right words. “Agem… Mon… Ag…” She said before she realized her left arm was numb and her shoulder was in pain. By this point Agamon had grown alarmed and disappeared into the lobby to press the button beneath the front desk. It was a button that alerted her guards on the mainland that there was a dire situation. Two presses meant urgent and medical emergency.

“Lexia darling, you’re going to be okay I promise. You will be oka…” Was all Sarandine heard as she passed out clutching her chest. The pain was too much, and things happened quickly. The helicopter arrived before the guards did by boat. It wasn’t long before they were airborne and making their way to the nearest hospital.