Centurius Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 Split, it had been the capital of the Kingdom of Croatia for a long time already, as soon as his father became King it was decided that Split due to its strategic importance was a great asset for the Kingdom and it could be well defended from sea and land. Today it was home to one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe built by an old Roman Emperor and it was the seat of the King of Croatia. Named after the very first King of Croatia Tomislav is known for his hospitality and strict catholic policies. At his court noblemen from everywhere in Catholic Europe would be welcomed as if they were part of the Croatian noble family themselves. Today something very special would occur that could lead the Kingdom to a great new future, almost at the same time all ambassadors present at court would receive a letter with the seal of the King, to those European Catholic countries not yet present messengers would be send so it would reach as many people as possible. [quote]Dear noblemen, As you may know I have taken over the throne from my father a few years ago when I was 17. 5 Years have passed now and the only element that hasn't made my rule complete yet is a Queen and heir to the throne. Therefore I send you this message so you may know of my quest to find a noblewoman preferably of my age and certainly of Catholic origin. I will welcome your offers at my court, they can be send through an Ambassador of your nation. If possible all offers should be accompanied by a portrait. Your family will have a great future in the Kingdom should my choice fall on your candidate. Yours sincerely, King Tomislav of Croatia [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/CoA_of_the_Kingdom_of_Croatia.gif[/img][/center] [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned-You Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 King Afonso V reads learns of the Croatian Kings search for a Queen, noting the Croatians devote stance to promoting Catholicism and it's national prosperity he dispatched an ambassador to Croatia to offer one of his daughters hands in marriage. Princess Isabella Aviz, an 18 year old of fair complexion and health of the Kings blood was to be offered to King Tomisla. [img]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj47/Phoenix-Owned/princess_1.jpg[/img] [i]Portrait Of Princess Isabella Aviz[/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Tintagyl Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Bianca Sforza walked through the corridors of the Castello Rivaldino in Forli with an anxious heart. The fifteen year old girl had been called from her embroidery in a hurry of the guards to bring her to see her mother about urgent news that could possibly decide Bianca's fate for the rest of her life and for any young girl that was decently intelligent, she knew exactly what that meant, the possibility of marriage. Arriving up in her mother's private quarter, Bianca found the Countess only ten years her elder, staring up at a large map of Europe on the wall to the left. Her eyes focused on the Adriatic and especially the country that lay directly east from the Romagna, Croatia. "Mother, you called for me?" The Princess asked and curtsied. "Yes, I did Bianca. Guards, leave us." The two guards bowed and left the mother and daughter in the room to themselves. "Bianca, as you are aware, you are approaching an age when we must find you a suitable husband in Europe. My own marriage was around your age and consecration at the same time and we must prepare for a strong marital alliance between the surrounding states." "Of course mother, I understand. Do you have a man in mind for my arranged husband?" She said with a quiver in her voice, Bianca had heard stories of wives brutalized by their husbands and prayed that it in turn would not happen to her. "King Tomislav has gone without a wife for a great deal of time and if he desires to receive you either as a potential wife or as an ambassador, you will be sent to Split as the representative of the Romagna." Bianca curtsied again. "Your wish is my desire Mother. I will honor you." "Very good Bianca dear." Caterina approached her and kissed her on the forehead. "I would not expect any less from you. But now if you will excuse me, I must send word to the Croatians of your potential arrival." [quote] [i]Your Most Gracious Highness, Representatives of the Romagna in your Kingdom have told me that you seek a potential wife now that you have come of age to rule and still do not have one to call a Queen. It is with a joyous heart that I wish to send you might darling daughter Bianca in light of your desire. If you so see that a marriage of possible then perhaps both the people of the Romagna and Croatia can rejoice in the alliance between our two peoples. However, even if this cannot be conceived, allow her as my personal representation in your state to be treated with the same respect as though you would have treated any Lady of the Romagna. I await your reply in haste. Her Grace Under God, Caterina Sforza[/i] [/quote] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Domenico_Veneziano_004.jpg/225px-Domenico_Veneziano_004.jpg[/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurius Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 (edited) Tomislav was standing in his personal office with his closest advisor, he had just received word from both Ambassadors. He had expected several offers would come but Portugal and Romagna for crying out loud. Both were countries Croatia was growing towards and having to chose between the 2 could become a problem. "Miso what can I do? Portugal is one of the most powerful nations in the world but an entire sea away, Romagna is quite strong and just over the Adriatic. Both are beautiful but my god Bianca is still a child. How can I even consider pulling her away from her own development?" At that moment he looked through the window outside where his younger brother was talking with some servants. "Perhaps, Miso how do you think they will react if I offer Luka to Bianca and myself marry Isabella. It'd preserve the honor of Romagna and might just be better for Bianca too" Tomislav said. This was what he liked about Miso, he would always listen before saying anything. "That sounds very good your majesty, I am sure the young Prince will appreciate it too". "Please tell a guard to get him here, I want him to agree first" Tomislav said as he took 2 pieces of paper, one for Portugal and one for Romagna. [quote]King Alfonso V, It brings me great honor to accept your offer of your beautiful daughter. I have discussed it over with my advisors to work out the political consequences and I feel this change will do both our houses very good. I am ready to receive Isabelle as soon as you feel fit to send her. I hope this message finds you in good health and hope to speak to you soon in person. King Tomislav II of Croatia [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/CoA_of_the_Kingdom_of_Croatia.gif[/img][/center] [/quote] [quote]Caterina Sforza, While I appreciate your offer I can not accept it at this moment due to moral concerns in regards to the age of your beautiful daughter. I however am willing to offer a more fitting counter offer for Bianca. Luka of Croatia current Duke of Zagreb and Prince to the throne of Croatia is around the age of your daughter and of course still not married. It would do me an honor to see them come together so we can still have our great families unite and our people become friends. Of course should you accept your daughter will be elevated to Princess of Croatia and Duchess of Zagreb. King Tomislav II of Croatia [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/CoA_of_the_Kingdom_of_Croatia.gif[/img][/center][/quote] Just as he had finished the second letter Luka came in who immediately bowed. "You wanted to speak to me your majesty?" He said looking at his older brother. "Yes Luka, as you know I have been seeking a Queen, I have found one but in my quest I have found something you may like" He said as he showed the portrait of Bianca to Luka. "She is from Romagna in Italy, only a bit younger than you and as you can see beautiful. With your permission I will give a letter on your behalf to the Ambassador of Romagna at court. So what do you say brother?" Tomislav asked, his brother was quick to approve and thus the 2 letters were handed over to fitting Ambassadors. Edited April 19, 2010 by Centurius Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Tintagyl Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Bianca sat alone at the stern of the Galliase gripping a jasmine flower tightly in her hands as she looked out towards the shimmering Adriatic Sea behind her. Days ago, she had said good-bye to her mother and her ladies of waiting and had been taken to Ravenna where a ship was moored to transport her and her protector, Giaccomo Feo, one of Caterina's lieutenants, to the Croatian capital of Split. Along with Feo, Bianca was able to take a small entourage of young ladies with her, all aged the same, fifteen and sixteen as her courtiers, dressers, and assistants. Though at the moment the only thing she desired was to be alone, alone with the sea and to contemplate what was to happen once she arrived in Croatia. One the outside, Bianca had tried to create a demeanor of bravery, but deep down she was terrified to have a new home, even one so close to the Romagna. She worried that the Prince she had been promised to, Luka, would be a brutal man, or worse that she would be passed off as a child bearer while the Prince took Mistress after Mistress. Squeezing the jasmine tightly she threw the flower into rippling water, the juices staining her hands when she heard the sound of footsteps from behind her. "Lady Bianca? I do not mean to disturb you." It was a young girl's voice, one of Bianca's ladies in waiting, Alessandra Gallo. "But Signore Feo has sent me to tell you that we will be docking in Split in a few hours and that you should prepare your things for the departure. He says we will be proceeding directly to the Royal Palace so that you should wear your best dress to make a good impression for Romagna and Lady Sforza." "Yes, I already know what is expected of me, thank you Alessandra for reminding me the tenth time today." Alessandra frowned at the ground and walked next to the Italian Princess. "My apologies Bianca, I didn't mean to be a bother." Bianca smiled and shook her head. "You aren't a bother Alessandra, its just the anxiety of the whole trip is getting to me. Two weeks ago I was resting peacefully in Forli and now I'm sailing across the Adriatic to be with a young man I've never seen before in my life." "Such is the world we live in Lady Bianca, your mother was married at fifteen or even fourteen?" "Yes, this entire affair strikes near her own heart and our relations with Croatia and most likely Portugal depend on this." Bianca looked back out towards the sea. "Even Cesare and Ottaviano do not have this kind of responsibility. They can go out on their own and search for a wife to increase mother's power." "You always did worry too much, I'm sure that the Prince..." "Luka." "Right, Prince Luka will be handsome and treat you as splendid as any Lady of Court. How could he not treat such a beautiful young lady like yourself any less Bianca? You have your mother's complexion and her strength as well." "And my father?" Alessandra laughed. "I didn't believe that Lord Giralomo had any desirable qualities." And both girls broke into a storm of laughter as in the distance, the capital of Split began to rise from the fog. Bianca was taken in carriage from the harbor at Split through the city towards the Royal Palace, a caravan of carriages filled with Bianca's luggage, her ladies in waiting, and she alone in the last carriage of the caravan, one that was also flanked by five Italian Dragoons, muskets hung over their shoulders as they rode through Split on horseback, the Banner of the House Sforza raised proudly over their heads. The Princess' head was glued towards the window of the carriage, looking out at the people who stared up at the arrival of the Italian Princess and she waved back to them from the window nervously. This was Split, not the Duchy of Croatia that she would be inheriting, nevertheless, they were all to become her people as Princess of Croatia. She marveled at the architecture, the stone buildings and paved streets of the capital as they arrived at the broad walls of the Royal Palace and the Guards allowed the Italian Entourage inside for Bianca's appearance at the Royal Court. From the courtyard, she and Feo were escorted inside, while the Dragoons, since armed were detained, and the ladies in waiting were scattered to another part of the palace. Bianca's body was racked with anxiety as they neared the throne room of King Tomislav and as the passageways opened to the Great Hall where he held court, she took a deep breath as the Herald announced their arrival. "Presenting to His Majesty Tomislav of Croatia, the Princess of Romagna, Bianca Sforza, daughter of Caterina Sforza, Countess of Romagna and her protector, Giaccomo Feo." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurius Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Luka had been nervous for around a week already, waiting for this day to come. He had heard great and magnificent stories about the Princess of Romagna and the place as a whole. Some even made him doubt himself if he was even worthy of such a wife. He was a charming young man, perhaps a bit too nervous for his own good. Priding himself in his quest for knowledge he preferred a good book over say a party. Nevertheless he would show everything he got today. He had put on his naval uniform that was given to him when he became an Admiral of the Navy. He had never been on a boat before that moment but that didn't matter. As Duke of the smaller and more rural Zagreb he wasn't used to the palace in Split anymore which through its marvels and wonders seemed even bigger than it really was. "Your highness, the Princess of Romagna can arrive any time" A guard said that entered his room, at that point he took a last look to see if everything was in order before he left for Court where his brother the King was probably waiting already. To imagine he would marry before his brother, perhaps it would be the first time in his life his brother could be in his shadow. (Court) [i]"Presenting to His Majesty Tomislav of Croatia, the Princess of Romagna, Bianca Sforza, daughter of Caterina Sforza, Countess of Romagna and her protector, Giaccomo Feo."[/i] When the Princess came in Tomislav immediately left his throne and walked towards her as he bowed. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Croatia Princess Bianca Sforza, if I may introduce you to your future husband. My brother Luka, Prince of Croatia, Duke of Zagreb and Admiral of the Royal Navy" Luka walked forward and bowed for the Princess. "May I kiss your hand princess?" he asked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Tintagyl Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 He was handsome and he was cordial as he walked over to her and bowed with a smile on his face. [i]"May I kiss your hand princess?"[/i] Feo turned and nodded his head to the shy girl. "Go on, he is your future husband after all, there is no need for cold feet now. Do as your mother would do." Bianca took of the lace glove on her hand and extended her dainty fingertips towards the Duke and nodded her head. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Duke Luka. You may kiss my hand." She let him do so, but once he was finished she leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "Your Grace, I am afraid I know nothing about your court, you, or your country. Please forgive me for my nervousness, but I am decently homesick right now. Though I would love to be able to get to know you more, especially if we have been tied together because of our parents and family. But your eyes." She said looking into his eyes deeply, her own bright blue eyes cutting into him. "I can tell you are a young man of noble heart and I only pray that it stays with you through our marriage. I know to many men of Italy without that honor and what has become of their wives and I fear daily of the same fate befalling my own person. But please." Bianca smiled. "I would love to see Croatia through your eyes." She gently ran her hand over his cheek and smiled. "And my future home." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurius Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Luka smiled at the words of the Princess. "Majesty with your permission I would like to show the Princess the palace gardens" Luka asked as he bowed for the King which nodded a bit surprised by the sudden urge of his brother to leave court. As soon as Luka and the Princess were outside of court he opened his mouth again. "Believe me every time I visit court I'm just as nervous. Princess, I can promise you I will not be like those Italian men and I can promise you I will defend your honor whenever required to do so. I am also certain you will grow to love this country and see it as your own home. I will also gladly learn you how Croatian courts work, I do not think they are that different from Romagna" As soon as he had said that they were outside the main complex of the Palace and an enormous area filled with trees, plants and even small lakes. The Palace gardens were maintained by a Palace staff all the time to make sure everything was just perfect. "I always go to this place to rest when I am here, get away from the leeches inside the palace" He said looking at his future wife, he hesitated a bit but finally decided to say the second line he had said in his mind for almost an hour already. "Princess, when I saw the portrait your mother send me I knew you were beautiful but the portrait can not even hope to equal the person shown on it. I promise you with all my heart your life will be perfect and without any concerns so help me the holy god" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Tintagyl Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Bianca walked out with Luka into the gardens and took a deep breath of the fresh air that graced her nose and looked in wonder at the absolute beauty of the gardens around her. Trees swayed in the darkening skies of Split, while the birds still in the gardens sang sweet songs to the two children as they walked the paths. She listened to him talk, that he would teach her everything she needed to know about Croatia, everything she would have to do to become a lady of the Croatian Court and his wife. He was a kind heart and she was happy that he had been the one chosen for her, it seemed, at least at the moment that everything would be okay. Not only that, but he had a way with flattery, especially at her beauty, which though she had been complimented on before, his words seemed to ring truer than others. "And I will do what I can to honor you as well Your Grace, whether it be loyalty or to protect your very estate." The tales of her mother's own rides to fight the invaders of the Romagna were still fresh in the young girl's mind. "But you do me too much honor with your words. I thank you." She kissed him on his cheek and smiled, blush rising in her face. "I must ask, is there a date planned for our marriage that we are both the age for legal consecration or does His Majesty have a different route to be planned for us?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acca Dacca Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 The Queen's adivsor wrote to King Tomislav II of Croatia. The young advisor opened the letter too late for the Queen to recieve and reply. In her sted, he sent this letter: [code]We in the Kingdom of Sicily send our congrats for finding a faithful companion and we wish you the best of luck in the future. I only hoped that a relation may dwell between our two kingdoms as I am also without a companion. However, I wish to meet with you on a more formal note and to consider national relations. If this is something that the Croatians are interested in, than gladly accept this offer of a trade route to the shores of Italy. My trade boats will be at your shores when you recieve this letter, and I do hope you send some back. Sincerely, Queen Joan II[/code] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurius Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 As he was kissed on his cheek the normal philosophical face changed for a nervous one. The blush appearing on his face making him unable to hide his feelings. "I believe the idea is that we should marry by the end of this week and that you will be elevated and granted your new titles at the beginning of the next week. While the latter happens in Zagreb chances are likely the King will request us at court and thus we will remain living here. I assume you want to keep your own household or do you want a new Croatian one?" He asked genuinely interested and with a bit higher voice than normal, while his initial nerves had faded new ones came, for the first time in his live he knew the meaning of love. It was as if the sky itself changed for the better, as if the birds started to sing just for them. "The King was a fool to chose Isabella over you but I sure am happy he did" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned-You Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 King Alfonso V receives the Croatian response with delight. He then calls for his young Isabella and gives her the news that her offer of marriage has been accepted by King Tomislav II. She was a strong women, and quite ambitious, she saw the Croatian King as a man in a rising Kingdom and she felt it was nothing fit for a women of her stature to sit upon it's throne as Queen. She departed Lisbon and arrived in the Croatian Kingdom to meet the King a week later. "Greetings my King, my husband, my love." Were the first words she spoke to the King. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Tintagyl Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 "If possible I would like employ both houses to my stead, some of my best friends are in my court and I would hate to see them sent back to the Romagna and our friendship ended. I am already homesick, they remind me of Forli and it is not something that I want to forget. Perhaps we could see it as the true union of our marriage that I can employ both ladies and servants of my own culture and those of yours as well." He continued to flatter her to blushing. "Please, Luka, you're fine." Bianca chuckled. "There's no need to exalt me so much even before our marriage, even if it is in just a week. The peasants get to know each other in a years time, we have but days. I guess it either makes us foolish, or special, I will let time decide that. But for now, I believe I've made a very good friend." She took his hand, swinging it side to side and smiling. "We have our whole lives ahead of us and the whole world to see, I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to start." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurius Posted April 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2010 [quote name='Acca Dacca' date='19 April 2010 - 07:50 PM' timestamp='1271699409' post='2266477'] The Queen's adivsor wrote to King Tomislav II of Croatia. The young advisor opened the letter too late for the Queen to recieve and reply. In her sted, he sent this letter: [code]We in the Kingdom of Sicily send our congrats for finding a faithful companion and we wish you the best of luck in the future. I only hoped that a relation may dwell between our two kingdoms as I am also without a companion. However, I wish to meet with you on a more formal note and to consider national relations. If this is something that the Croatians are interested in, than gladly accept this offer of a trade route to the shores of Italy. My trade boats will be at your shores when you recieve this letter, and I do hope you send some back. Sincerely, Queen Joan II[/code] [/quote] [quote]Dear Queen Joan II, I thank you for your congratulations and would like to see our countries come closer, I will be sure to board your ship with a few diplomats and guards over the course of the next few days. King Tomislav II of Croatia [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/CoA_of_the_Kingdom_of_Croatia.gif[/img][/center] [/quote] [quote name='Owned-You' date='20 April 2010 - 12:52 AM' timestamp='1271717504' post='2266899'] King Alfonso V receives the Croatian response with delight. He then calls for his young Isabella and gives her the news that her offer of marriage has been accepted by King Tomislav II. She was a strong women, and quite ambitious, she saw the Croatian King as a man in a rising Kingdom and she felt it was nothing fit for a women of her stature to sit upon it's throne as Queen. She departed Lisbon and arrived in the Croatian Kingdom to meet the King a week later. "Greetings my King, my husband, my love." Were the first words she spoke to the King. [/quote] "Welcome to Croatia my queen" Tomislav said as he came closer. "May I kiss you Princess?" he asked. [quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='20 April 2010 - 01:01 AM' timestamp='1271718045' post='2266917'] "If possible I would like employ both houses to my stead, some of my best friends are in my court and I would hate to see them sent back to the Romagna and our friendship ended. I am already homesick, they remind me of Forli and it is not something that I want to forget. Perhaps we could see it as the true union of our marriage that I can employ both ladies and servants of my own culture and those of yours as well." He continued to flatter her to blushing. "Please, Luka, you're fine." Bianca chuckled. "There's no need to exalt me so much even before our marriage, even if it is in just a week. The peasants get to know each other in a years time, we have but days. I guess it either makes us foolish, or special, I will let time decide that. But for now, I believe I've made a very good friend." She took his hand, swinging it side to side and smiling. "We have our whole lives ahead of us and the whole world to see, I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to start." [/quote] Luka smiled as they walked down the path at the end would be even more beauty with several animals playing around a pond surrounded by trees and flowers. "Please close your eyes" He said as he took something from a pocket in his uniform and put it around the neck of the young Princess. It was a necklace filled with pearls and diamonds. "I hope you like it" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned-You Posted April 20, 2010 Report Share Posted April 20, 2010 Isabella blushed as King Tomislav asked her for a kiss, she responded gleefully. "Yes my love, I have only been dreaming of your lips from the onset of my journey from Spain." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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