Pride and Prejudice and Republicans
It was a solemn ceremony on the eastern shores of Long Island. Due to security concerns and the deaths of countless of the bereaved, it was very small, with no more than a dozen or so individuals, with plenty more security to protect them.
In the middle of the cemetery lay a humble (by royal standards) casket, a fine oak with some silver engraving. Lord Isaac was not in attendance of today's ceremony; while it would have been proper for the Minister of Culture to be near, he was recovering from minor injuries after an assassination attempt. As one of the two last surviving members of the Royal Cabinet, furthermore, his safety was of utmost concern. Especially considering Stavros, the close aide and companion of the prior ruler, was in critical condition and his survival chances were very low. The man was due to receive royal recognition of his bravery; he had courageously attempted to protect his goddaughter from the assassins sent against her.
Except for one other person's, anyone. A young brunette, barely even 21, was flanked by two guards who completely overshadowed him physically. He seemed cold and distant, though as a priest began to speak, he looked up, staring right at the engraving.
"Taylor I of America; b. Dec. 13, 2989 d. 3015 r. 3010-3015
A proud woman with a fiery passion"
Justin had never really related with Taylor. He was her second cousin, and they played once or twice he could remember. His father, Grand Duke of Connecticut, had never really related much with Timothy I during his life either, outside of state dinners; in fact, cold as it sounded, he was more sorrowful over said father's demise than Taylor's.
Why, it was a complete accident that Justin was due to be coronated as Justin I shortly after this funeral; the Arlington Republicans had been ruthless in their pursuing of the greatest purge of royalty since the Russian Revolution. Regardless, he was not just some prince anymore. He was expected to take the reins of the monarchy and provide leadership. Having spent most of his life in theater and cultural pursuits, he wasn't really cut out to be a politician. He'd only spent the last two years being groomed for any sort of political position, and even that was as a mere aide, not a sovereign. But the Fates were kind - or cruel - enough to spare his life, while nearly all he called family were dead elsewhere.
Justin had rehearsed his speech with the help of his tutor Gideon, and as the new sovereign, he was expected to give a final testament to the deceased monarch before her burial.
"I will admit that I was not very close to the central politics of this great nation, and my memories of interacting with Taylor and her father are very faint. However, my personal connections are not important other than my succession to the throne.
What is more important is this brazen attack on the principles of peace, democracy and tradition. The Arlington Republicans have shown themselves to not be a political movement, but a bunch of bloodthirsty cowards, sneaking into the homes of our nation's leaders and slitting their throats while they slept peacefully. The Republicans advocate for a government by the People and for the People; however, they have forsaken to look at the monarchy's immense popularity with the masses. They have twice killed the sovereigns of America, and have shed countless amounts of blood, both royal and non, in pursuit of their insane ambitions.
Well no more. After my coronation mere hours from now, I shall seek to bring each and every one of these scoundrels to justice. Though my Cabinet is few and many of our finest men and women now rest with God, I shall not forget the well-being of all who remain alive on this cruel, cold world. The People themselves have rejected the radicalism of the Republican movement, and I am certain they shall stand with us in pursuit of peace, democracy and justice.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei!"
The crowd echoed Justin I's words, small as it was.
Later on, as he was beckoned to leave the funeral by Gideon - it was very awkward being called "Your Majesty" by him - Justin knelt beneath the tombstone that Taylor's name had been inscribed upon. His fingers clutching the moist grass and cold soil, he whispered, as if in the hope the eternally resting girl could hear him.
"I am sorry that I was not able to spend more time with you before this. I am sorry that this happened to you and all who you and I held so dear; I promise when this is all over I will bury you next to your father."
Standing up, Justin adjusted his tie and walked a few steps, before turning around. His voice no longer a whisper, he spoke, "...I am sorry for those who are responsible."
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The American Empire, feeling domestic issues take precedent over a foreign war, hereby offers peace to the Soviet Union.
