Arkadius and Clara: A Royal Love Story

Arkadius IV, King of Batavia

Clara Sundara, Princess of Natopia

Arkadius and Clara: A Royal Love Story

This story is the background of the relationship between Arkadius IV, King of Batavia, and Clara Sundara, Princess of Natopia. They became engaged on 14 Lentemaand 1670.

First chapter: The first meeting

Finally it was time, finally it happened, finally. After decades of decline, the Batavian nation has come back to life. After years of labor there is a government, the Batavian land is restored, there is a king on the throne. While the organ is being played, in a prelude before the Batavian State Hymn is sung, the newly crowned king had the opportunity to look around. There he saw many foreign guests, the emperor of Shireroth, the emperor of Natopia and, who is sitting next to him? A pretty woman with golden blonde hair, bright red lips, pearly white teeth, ... Then the organ starts the Batavian anthem: "O beautiful Batavia". [1]

It seemed like centuries before the moment came when the guests came to congratulate the king one by one. Finally the emperor of Natopia came with the beautiful woman at his side. They were presented: "Nathan Anders Aharsi Waffel-Paine of Drak, Emperor of the Natopians, etc. etc. etc. and Clara Sundara Waffel-Paine, Princess of Natopia, Chancellor of Natopia, etc. etc.". The monarchs shook hands. "Thank you very much for your gift, this gets a prominent place in the palace. The presence of you and your beautiful sister here is certainly an invitation to engage in diplomatic relations between our countries." He saw that Clara blushed after the words 'beautiful sister', but she thought it was hidden by her curtsy before the Batavian king . No matter how long it seemed to be before Clara was introduced to him, their meeting was already over so quickly.

Second chapter: Valentine

On the day after the coronation, Arkadius saw the news, a report of the media coverage of the coronation abroad. The coronation was broadcast live in Arcadia, Beneluccas, Kasterburg, Los Liberados, Jingdao, Natopia and Shireroth. Shortly some images of the coronation flashed, including an image of the emperor of Natopia and the princess. With the remote control Arkadius had the broadcast rewind and paused the moment the princess was on the screen. 'Yes', he thought, 'what a beautiful woman'.

That afternoon ministers got a little nervous for their first meeting with the king. The agenda for the coming time was discussed, but the king was distracted at the time he looked at that agenda. He thought: "It is almost 14 Sprokkelmaand, it is almost Valentine's Day." It is the foreign minister who noticed that the king was a bit distracted while the other ministers were discussing budgets for infrastructure and repair work. At the end of the meeting, the ministers left the king's office, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs was still behind. As the doors of the office close, the men discuss foreign relations.

A few days later, Arkadius sits at the crackling fire. An empty piece of paper is lying next to him and a pencil in his hand. The fire digests some crumpled paper, which Arkadius has already thrown into the fire. Then Arkadius begins to write again: "To the lovely Clara".

A clock struck and although he was not completely satisfied, he copied the text on a new piece of paper and with his dip pen. He folds the paper and places a wax stamp on the closure. A knock on the door and opens a lackey says: "Your Majesty, Mr. Tazelaar". James Tazelaar enters the room and salutes the king. Arkadius says to him: "You know what your mission is?". "Yes, Your Majesty." "Well, here is the letter and I wish good luck".

James has a long journey ahead. But the first part is easy. The letter has been neatly put in an envelope and put in his inside pocket. By plane to Arcadia, that is the easy part of his journey. From there by boat to Natopia. Regular scheduled flights or boat connections are not yet between Batavia and Natopia, not even from Arcadia. The sea between Arcadia and Natopia was very turbulent that day, with threatening clouds. James could only keep his course, but he managed to arrive safely in Natopia.

Because James could not sail around the main continent, he had to go overland to Flaventia. This delayed him, so the letter did not arrive on time. James was very disappointed by his late arrival. At the palace of the Chancellor of Natopia arrived, it was not so easy to hand the letter to the princess.

Third chapter: We’ll meet again

She looked forward to it for weeks. The visit to Batavia. She had already read a lot about the Batavians and had great admiration about the recent revival of the Batavian kingdom. She had even practiced a few words of Batavian: "Goedemorgen" and "Dank u wel".

Completely in accordance with the safety protocol, she was not on the same plane as her brother, the emperor of Natopia. She did not like the fact that she had to travel separately, but she could spend her time with useful reading. Once in ‘s Koningenwaarde, she looked her eyes out. While the column cars were raging through the city, the newly restored buildings seemed to slip past. The pale yellow stones in the façades shone in the winter sun. In the hotel, specially designed for dignitaries, she met her brother and also the emperor of Shireroth.

The next day was the coronation day. For her started that day early, to have enough time for dressing and making up. And neatly on time she accompanied her brother in the special limousine to the Cathedral of ‘s Koningenwaarde. In the hotel and in the limousine screens were available to follow the festivities elsewhere in the city and in Batavia. As they almost arrived at the cathedral, she saw that the future king came from the Huys te Vredebregt and stepped into the waiting carriage.

She and her brother stepped out and entered the cathedral. There they were neatly escorted and pointed to the reserved place. Not much later the Emperor of Shireroth moved into the bank before them. The cathedral was impressively beautifully decorated. Not only the flags and flowers on the occasion of the coronation, but also the architecture. The organ played cheerful music and the cheering swelled to the arrival of the future king.[2]

Like everyone, she stands up when the future king comes into the cathedral. When she can finally see him, she sees a decisive man, a worthy king, a handsome man. She was shocked by her thought, a handsome man ...

She enjoys the whole ceremony. The dignified music, the solemn words and the enthusiasm among the Batavians. When the crowned king has left the cathedral, the honoured guests are escorted to the Arkadiuplein. Clara knew that the square was named after Arkadius I of Batavia and the National Tattoo is held here annually. The city was full of enthusiasm about the newly crowned king. Jet fighters fly over, gunshots sound[3] over the city and the bells ring[4].

There are tribunes in the square, also for the dignitaries. And when the crowned king has arrived, beautiful music is performed. Her personal favourite is the song "This land of ours".[5] The Batavians are so happy and grateful that their country has been restored. She had already noticed that the Batavians particularly welcome the Emperor of Shireroth. When the last song sounds, she sings softly: "We'll meet again".[6]

Fourth chapter: fate

A few days later, at home in Natopia, she walked through the Imperial Chancellery and entered the central hall. There were a few servants busy in discussion, she just heard the words "Batavian agent". She asks the servants what is going on, and after some hesitation they told her that a certain James Tazelaar had arrived, a Batavian agent, with a letter to the chancellor. She thinks for a moment and decides to speak to the agent. A moment later the agent came in under the guidance of security and at her nod he introduced himself: "James, James Tazelaar. I have a letter from His Majesty the King of Batavia for you." Then the agent passes to the letter.

She hesitates a bit, but accepts the letter. She sees the seal of the Batavian king and thinks of Arkadius. Curiously, she breaks the seal, opens the letter and reads:

“To the lovely Clara,

I can remember well the first time I saw you. You sat next to brother, while my coronation took place. From all the splendour on that day, you glittered above everything. My heart melted when you blushed after my compliment about your beauty.

When I heard your name, I thought, your name is sweeter than anyone who has the same name.

Dreaming of you makes me realize, I think: I love you.

Yours, Arkadius”

Her heart begins to pound harder, turns away from the agent and the security guards. She presses the letter against her heart and thinks, How special. Since the coronation ceremony she often remembered Batavia, the music and the Batavian king. The decisive man, a handsome man. Then she walks to her desk, takes a piece of paper and writes:

“Dearest Arkadius,

I am flattered and surprised by this attention. I was quite enamored of you when I saw you at your coronation. I would be delighted to spend more time with you and see where fate may lead us.

Yours, Clara”

Fold the paper closed and put a wax stamp on the letter. This she gives to James Tazelaar and says: "Bring this letter to your king". And she orders her officials to provide the agent with travel documents to travel to Batavia via Shireroth. That same afternoon, diplomats contacted the Batavian government and organize together that scheduled flights and ferry connections be set up between Arcadia, Batavia and Natopia.

Fifth chapter: seven hours ahead

The king had just returned from Vinandy, after visiting his heritage: Château des Vinandy. James Tazelaar was brought directly to the king from Schapenheul Airport and he handed over the letter from Clara. After reading the letter he jumped up with joy, made a dance of joy and embraced a few lackeys. "She is flattered, she is flattered!"

The next day, the Foreign Minister came to the palace to discuss the state of affairs. He said that Natopian diplomats had arrived, but was actually surprised of their arrival. The king began to grinn at hearing about it and said to the minister: "I must confess to you, your king is hopelessly in love," telling the whole story of the correspondence with Clara and the journey of James Tazelaar. The minister started to shine and said: "What romantic!".

At the end of the afternoon, Arkadius began playing the piano. A footman came in hesitantly, with the earlier embrace in mind, and brought the king a document with the adapted time zones of Natopia. The king looked satisfied at the work of the Natopians. He counted the difference of time zones between Hazelwood and ‘s Koningenwaarde. [7]

Then he got up and went on a ride with one of his classic sports cars. He devised a poem on the beach at Koningenbaai. He wrote it down and returned to the palace. On the radio he heard a vocal group singing and got an idea.

A few days later the vocal group came to audience and the king addressed them. They went on a journey, along with flowers and with a letter. They went to Natopia, on the first direct scheduled flight to Lindström.

My dearest Clara,

My heart was so delighted to receive a letter from you. My lackeys did not know what they were experiencing when I was dancing with joy and embracing them with gladness. To express my joy, I started to play the piano and I write you a poem:

Your dainty lips are red,
with ruby's crimson overspread;
Your teeth are like a string of pearls;
Down your neck your clustering curls,
in gold hue vie with the sun, so bright,
and over your features dances light.

The twinkling stars enthroned above
are sisters to my dearest love.
We men should count it joy complete
to lay our service at her feet.
But oh what rapture is her kiss!
A forecast 'tis of heavenly bliss!

After my daily work, I drive to the beach to see the sunset in the west. Thinking of you, who lives seven hours ahead. In many ways I explore Micras, by sailboat, by plane and by classic car. This way I hope to also explore your country. Tasting the local cuisine and learning from the local traditions.

So, my beloved, my heart desires to meet you. To get to know you better. What are the things that you prefer to do? What music does your ear enjoy? And what do you like to eat?

Yours, Arkadius

On the balcony of the palace the princess is listening [8], while a servant brings the flowers and letter to her. Although the Chancellor would never admit this to her staff, she was quite flattered by this show of affection and courtship. She wrote a handwritten letter to the Batavian king, thanking him for the gifts, and after applying a deep red lipstick, signed it with a kiss.

Sixth chapter: A diptych

Gardens of Avalon

A few days later, the Chancellor arrived in Arcadia. She met with the king of Arcadia, Gustavus des Vinandy. The meeting mainly concerned business components, such as the trade rates, now that both countries operate direct scheduled flights and boat connections. After a light lunch, where she discovered that the king of Arcadia was a friendly man, Clara went for a walk in the Paradise Gardens of Avalon.

When she looked through the beautiful flowers and trees at the palace, she saw a man walking there. The man did not see her, but was busy talking to others. That man, she thought, that man. [9]

Suddenly she awakens from her thoughts, she is startled when she notices that the brown eyes of that man stare at her, that man Arkadius. Arkadius has to laugh a little while Clara blushes. "May I" while Arkadius reaches out his hand, she takes his hand and lets her guide her to the pavilion in the middle of the garden. All kinds of fruit and treats are available there. Although Clara recognizes a lot, she is not familiar with the various prepared dishes. At first a bit rough, but the two of them started to talk better.

As they got to know each other better, Clara had various delicacies tasted from Arkadius. The lovers walked through the gardens, but after a while Arkadius discovered concern on Clara's face. "What is it, my love?" Clara opened her mouth, but hesitated. "My love ..." she put her hand on his cheek and a tear escaped from her eye. "You have conquered my heart ... can you also conquer the hearts of my people?" Arkadius rubbed the tear from Clara's cheek and said: "Everything, all that I should do, I will do. My love". Then they kiss each other.

A fitting palace

With a construction helmet on, the king stands on the edge of a construction pit. Noises from machines, hammers and saws rise from the construction site. The king holds up a large drawing, on which a map of a large palace is drawn. "What room is the mirror room?", the king asks the architect next to him. "Room 724 on the drawing, here," the architect points to the drawing. "The rooms are only numbered, because we do not have 1441 names for all rooms". "Clear," says the king.

The construction site is located to the north-west of the city 's Koningenwaarde, where a new palace is being built. A palace suitable for a princess. A future queen. "What is this?", The king asks the architect. "That," the architect replies, "is the zoo, your majesty." The king thinks for a moment and says: “Delete that, a butterfly garden is beautiful, but a zoo with elephants, peacocks and lions, that gives too much noise. I have this palace built to be able to escape from the noise of the city. Then no new noise has to come here."

"I hope she likes it," says the king. The architect hesitates to answer and searches for words. The king turns and looks at the hesitant architect. Laughing, the king says: "Don't worry, she was enthusiastic about the impressions of the palace." After a while the architect had found his confidence again and asked the king: "How is the palace called, your majesty?" The king thinks for a moment, thinking of his loved one and said "Blanckenhof". [10]

Seventh Chapter: Thief of hearts

She drifts back and forth on the quay, the court ladies remind her of calmness. "He really comes, you don't have to be so nervous in the sight of everyone here," the court ladies waiting whisper to her. But she ignores those words and stares at the horizon. Then a ship appears there. A sailing ship with the sails full in the wind. Clara made a little joy dance, when she also recognized the flags on the ship. "He comes!".

Finally she is going to see her lover again, finally she can hug him again. Every day they write letters to each other, every day Clara receives flowers. Every day Clara is informed about Batavia and her king. Clara also has regular language lessons.

When the ship docked, she saw him standing. They were both so happy to see each other again, that he jumped on the quay and they embraced each other. "What have I missed you," said Clara. "Oh dear, how glad I am to see you," replied Arkadius. All the dignity of their two functions had been forgotten for a moment as they kissed each other. They laughed together when reality slowly returned. The people around them, the cameras. Realizing that their kiss can now be seen all over Micras, their love for each other is now public.

Together they walked to the harbour building, where they were just outside of the cameras. They could talk to each other for a moment. A security guard came in and reported that the car was ready. They smiled at each other and went outside again. An inflowed crowd cheered when they saw the couple in love come out of the harbour building. The cabriolet with driver could barely make it through the crowd who enthusiastically wanted to congratulate the couple around the car.

When the car finally arrived at the imperial palace, the couple in love were received by the emperor. The emperor was very happy to meet the king of Batavia and greeted him warmly. "Welcome to Natopia!" Said the emperor, after which he greeted his sister. Then they all walked to the sitting room, where a television was on and images of the kiss on the quay were repeated. Clara had to blush, but Nathan said: "And so the king of Batavia has conquered the hearts of the Natopians." Arkadius had to grin, but was speechless. "He is guilty of two offenses," it sounded from the corner of the room. The Emperor of Shireroth approached Arkadius, "one for stealing the heart of Clara and two for stealing the hearts of Natopia." Vidar stopped just before Arkadius's nose and they looked at each other. "You are right," replied Arkadius, "what are you going to do about it?" Vidar started to laugh, after which everyone in the room started to laugh.

At dinner the foursome toast to love. After dinner, Arkadius soon found a piano and started playing on it. Clara thought to tease Arkadius a little, and placed her hands in front of Arkadius's eyes. But when she saw that Arkadius had no music for him and so he could keep playing, which he did. Then she started tickling him, but that didn't bother him either. She put her hands to her side while her brother stood behind her watching what she will do next. Vidar poured whiskey and was surprised that the piano sounds now sounded irregular, he turned around and started to laugh. Clara kissed Arkadius and that distracted him from his piano playing. With a smile on her face, she takes a seat next to Arkadius and together they start playing. [11]

Eighth chapter: Volare

The next morning Clara saw from her office that Arkadius was running in the gardens. A silver-gray convertible came around the corner, with Arkadius catching the unmistakable sound of the V8 engine. The car stopped at the bottom of the palace stairs, where Clara saw her brother descending the stairs. The driver gave the keys to the emperor, while Arkadius arrived at the car.

"What a beautiful car!" Arkadius told Nathan. "Yes, indeed, it is a beautiful car," Nathan responded. Clara came out when the men were admiring the V8 engine just under the hood. Nathan saw his sister descend the stairs and said to Arkadius: "Today you are leaving with this car". He waved the keys, but threw the keys towards Clara. She caught the keys, while Arkadius understood that he would not get behind the wheel. "Yes, today I'm going to show you around in Natopia, but ...", Clara said with a raised finger, "I'm driving."

After Arkadius had freshened up, the necessary things had been loaded into the car and Clara was sitting behind the wheel waiting for Arkadius with a thatched sun hat. Arkadius stepped in, tried to be as casual as possible, but was actually a little nervous because he wasn't behind the wheel himself. Clara grinned and hit the gas pedal. The gravel jumped behind the car and into the turns when Clara sent the car off the palace grounds. Together they were wearing sunglasses, hoping they would not be recognized. Clara enjoyed driving and managed to steer the car nicely over the winding roads. While Arkadius visibly enjoyed the beautiful landscape, the warm sunshine and the beautiful woman next to him. [12]

The couple drank tea with a view of Borders Bay, took a walk between the ruins of Dracoheim and had a picnic in an open space in Hazelfire Forrest. In the old town of Oakham, the couple visited the market, testing each other for taste. "Do you like this?" Clara asked, holding a red dress in front of her. Arkadius lets the fabric slip through his hands, "the golden motifs are really beautiful". Clara smiled approvingly and thought, "I won't let you go." Arkadius saw the twinkle in her eyes and knew for sure, this woman will be my queen.