Coronation Day

Posted on Fri Jul 3rd, 2026 @ 8:06am by Amalie Cochrane & Princess Royal Giana Orsini & Lord Khalon Price & Emperor Antonius VI & Empress Cosima Orsini & Crown Prince Paolo Orsini

Mission: Historiae Terrae Et Imperii
Location: ISS Imperator
Timeline: Date 2372-06-14 at 1400
4420 words - 8.8 OF Standard Post Measure

The forward observation deck was yet another example of lavish Terran wealth and grandeur. It was an entertainment space that had the main feature of a massive, curved window that allowed those inside to view what was before the ship’s saucer section. Black marble floors dominated the space along with crimson curtains arching over doorways to break-off rooms where more intimate conversations could be had with varying degrees of good views. As with any occasion, the whose-who of Court life was present and mingling with drinks and hoes-devores on the floor, but the thing that made this truly distinct is that it was the first time Antonious had been seen in public in the better part of a year, or at least it would be when he entered the room.

Coronation Day was a grand celebration of the day the reigning Emperor was officially crowned. Although most Emperors held the role for weeks before the coronation, it was the best and most illustrious date to mark the changing of the years. It was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the present reign and, all in all, a great day for Antonius to return to public life.

Prince Mario was mingling with some list of bland officials by the huge window as the arid view of Vulcan loomed under the gathering Home Fleet. He, his children, and their children were present, as was Claudia and her family. Even Jessica and her two sons were present, something which was a new sight for everyone present. The only notable absence was Princess Elana and her intended, but that wasn’t a surprise for the few people in the know.

While usually the conversation at such an event would be high brow and sophisticated, it seemed that most everyone was quite involved in gossiping and theorizing. The topic was of course the decree made regarding the succession, and everyone had opinions on it. Jessica and her boys were hardly being interacted with outside of the occasional brave soul, and instead were being looked at as if they were some sort of curiosities put on display. Elana had done the bare minimum and attended the signing of the proclamation, and then had immediately left the Imperator to return to Terra. Though Giana had remained, she wasn’t currently in attendance either.

Amalie stood next to Paolo, a mild frown on her pretty, youthful face. “This is… not how I thought this would be.”

The news of his nephews’ return to the succession had been annoying to Paolo, but it had been his interaction with Jessica after that which had truly inserted him. He had put his hand on her in anger and implied a threat to her life; he had hurt her, and she told him he was becoming a monster like his brother. His heart had pounded in his chest like a hammer blow. He had tried exercise, reading, study, and socialization with his friends, yet still the anger plagued him. Of course, like any young man, the anger was merely a shield.

“How did you think it would be?” He asked, pulling a glass of champagne and looking at his intended. She, at least, was a soft place for him to rest his head, though she wouldn’t understand, and he didn’t want her to know what he had done.

“It seems all they want to do is gossip or stare at Jessica and the boys.” Amalie noted while looking over to the woman who was keeping her mobile son very close to her while holding the youngest. “I thought there wouldn’t be so much of that.”

“Gossip is the food of the Court. They prefer it to bread. They also gossip about my father being dead when he was away. They were just much more careful.” Paolo responded. He glanced over at Jessica and the boys, they’re marking at what a lovely site they were, but feeling contradictory pains of guilt and anger at what it happened yesterday. “Do notice no one dares to talk to her. She’s been standing all by herself with all eyes on her, but not a single person to approach. People feel she’s been marked for death sooner or later. Either that, or to be the Empress Mother.”

“Should… we go over there?” Amalie asked innocently and looked up at Paolo who had finally grown taller than she was.

“And normalize talking to her? I think not.” Paolo said, shaking his head. “No, people should fear to be seen with them, Amalie. Some will say the throne is rightfully theirs. But it isn’t by decree of the Emperor. It belongs to me and then to our children.”

“Okay.” Amalie agreed, but it was relatively clear she felt bad about it. “Is Giana going to be attending?”

“The last I heard was that she would be here. I would find it surprising if she were so upset at Father that she decided to skip his celebration.” Paolo said, his hand going gently to her forearm to move her out of the way of a roaming crowd of lords who weren’t quite watching where they were going, which was unusual for the setting. “What do you think about the changes?”

“I was surprised by them, but mostly pleased.” Amalie said, moving with him without any hesitation. “Besides Jessica’s sons being put back into the succession, I was not expecting to see Giana named as sole regent in the event something happens to your father in the next few years.”

“Why is that?” He asked, nodding at a young Lord who waved at him. “She proved herself capable, and you’ve seen how much better Mother has been since the responsibility was taken from her.”

“I’m just surprised Dr. Ramsay wasn’t included. I thought he was a favorite with the Emperor and your sister… well… most say she is loved by the people but the Emperor himself finds her - well, both his daughters - an irritant and that was why the first thing he did when he woke was to settle their marriages.” Amalie explained with a sweet, innocent tone.

“And they both can be, yes. But Giana is almost thirty and Elana was..in the way.” Paolo said, frowning at Amalie. “One thing you must learn, Amalie, is that, when one stands in imperial light so close to the crown and the center of the empire, people will talk. They can’t help it. Their predictions will often be wrong and their understanding will be skewed. Besides, having a commoner hold Royal power for too long tends to remind people of Spock. And what could be worse than that?”

Amalie listened to him intently as he spoke, her attention solely on him. After he was done, she nodded slowly as if in understanding. “It is good to see your mother happier now… though I think she may speak to your father regarding my education.”

“Oh?” He asked, furrowing in a way that clearly indicated his concern. “What about? What do you think she’ll say?”

Amalie started to speak, but she didn’t get a chance as the herald at the top of the stairs announced in his booming voice, "Her Most Imperial Highness, Princess and Daughter of the Glorious Emperor Antonius, the Princess Royal, Imperial Counsellor, Lady of the Northern Dominion, and Lady-Councillor of the Empire. Giana Maria Pia Pietra Orsini and The Most Honorable Khalon Price, High Lord of Mars and Lord-Councillor of the Empire.”

Eyes moved up to the grand staircase, and a wave of surprised murmurs moved over the crowd. Giana and Khalon moved along the second level path and began to descend the stairs together with Giana’s arm in Khalon’s. She was absolutely stunning in a gold one shoulder dress that shimmered and shined like liquid on her body. The sash coming from the shoulder added an elegant, regal design to the dress. She wore delicate ruby and gold arm cuffs on each arm with matching bracelets on the wrists. Her ears sported larger ruby and gold earrings and on her finger was the showy engagement ring Khalon had given her. While she was beautiful, it was immediately obvious what had caused the ripple of murmurs; Giana had been a blonde since she was twelve years old, but as eyes moved up to her face they were greeted by a crown of shining deep brown hair styled into a half up, half down fashion with a gold and ruby clip positioned at the back to keep everything in place. She dripped with Imperial aura, and Jessica was suddenly quite forgotten in the face of this new development.

Paolo, for his part, was more annoyed at the interruption than anything else. He glanced up and noticed Giana and Khalon, his eyes moving from his sister’s fetching change to the black designer suit and gold vest of the High Lord of Mars beside him. He had always felt a bit less than easy about Lord Price, and the engagement hadn’t done anything to improve it. He had no doubt his sister was going through some identity crisis related to their father’s announcement if she was still anything like she used to be. It all came down to Father’s love for her; Paolo could hardly understand it.

“They look good together.” He said to Amalie, his hand resting on hers as they stood arm in arm.

“They do.” Amalie agreed and smiled. “Giana looks beautiful; I like her with her natural hair color more. It makes her look distinguished.”

It was no real secret that Amalie liked Giana and looked up to her, and Giana to her credit had been kind to the young empress to be and helped guide her through court life when she had been able, but obviously Giana had been busy with other things.

Jessica glanced up at the entrance while holding little Antonio. Her baby was in the hands of a servant she had brought to help her. She hardly minded having the attention drawn elsewhere. It had all been, of course, extremely awkward and she had only attended for the sake of her sons.

“I think they like the hair.” Khalon said to Giana through a charming smile as they turned and he led her down the steps.

“Maybe so. It doesn’t matter, really.” Giana replied as they moved down the stairs. She saw Jessica and her brats standing toward the edge of the room like the little pariahs they were, and she smiled. Her choice would make her suffer greatly, and there was some solace in that.

When they got to the base of the stairs, Princess Claudia and her husband, Prince Navi Anand, were the first there. Claudia smiled in a way that actually seemed quite genuine. She had always had a soft spot for Giana, though she kept her distance.

“Dear neice, you look ravishing.” She said, drawing near and kissing Giana on both cheeks. More than any family love, the pull of Court gossip had drawn her in. She leaned in and did the same with Khalon.

“And Lord Khalon. You’re as strapping as ever. The two of you have the entire room drooling.”

“You’re too kind, Your Imperial Highness. And you look beautiful this afternoon.” Khalon said in return, giving a controlled and devilishly handsome half smile.

“Oh, gods.” Claudia said, turning to Giana and grinning. “I do hope he proves to be as talented in bed as he is at lying to old women.”

“Giana. Khalon.” Navi said, stepping up next to them. “Your dress is gorgeous.”

“Thank you, uncle.” Giana smiled at him though it was thin. Thankfully for her aunt, Navi had fallen in line with family interests quite quickly after it had become apparent Giana wouldn’t tolerate those who would disrupt the empire anymore than her father would have.

She turned her attention back to Claudia, and the smile became more relaxed and mildly amused. “I hope more so, since he isn’t lying to you.”

“You two are certainly a pair.” Claudia said with a smile, rolling her eyes. She pulled her champagne glass to her lips and took a quick draw. “The succession has just gotten longer and more complicated we hear. Right behind you.”

“Yes… a fact hard to miss since it is being screamed from the rafters of every building in the Empire, hm?” Giana glanced over toward Jessica then back to her aunt.

“So…I assume something must be done? They are the children of a traitorous monster, after all.” Claudia said, her face indicating nothing more than pleasantries being exchanged.

“Your Highness, they’re only boys.” Khalon said with a knowing expression. His meaning was quite the opposite of what others might have meant.

“Come now, aunt, we should simply be grateful to celebrate the day. Any other matters can be discussed later. Besides, Jessica looks like she is having a wonderful time, don’t you think? Her decision has brought her all the attention she could want.” Giana smiled, but it was without kindness.

“The girl’s miserable.” Claudia commented, overtly looking at Jessica and making eye contact with her. “Antonius told me it was his idea.”

“Hard to believe.” Navi said, crossing his arms and smiling.

“It doesn’t matter. The effect is the same.” Khalon said, waving to a Lord and his wife who had angled toward them.

“Even if it was, she was the one who said yes and turned her back on the life I provided for her and her sons to grab at power once again using those little children as pawns. It’s quite disgusting, really, but the gods are just and know who are the truly worthy.” Giana squeezed Khalon’s arm and spoke to her aunt and uncle again. “Enjoy the party, I’m sure we will speak more later.”

“What made you think she had a choice..ouch!” Navi hissed, looking at his cool-eyed wife with a scowl. She had pinched him.

“You’re wasting your air, Man. Come now. And keep your mouth shut.” Claudia said, placing her arm in Navi’s and turning away from Giana and Khalon.

Khalon watched as they moved away, his brown eyes taking in every step they took. It was a thought he’d had as well. Many in Court may almost believe Jessica’s claim to be innocent and to have not had a choice. He didn’t care what the truth was. It was irrelevant.

“Let’s make our rounds.” Giana prompted him when he remained still, opting to do that instead of dragging him forward on her own.

A few more minutes passed before the herald returned, but this time on the ground floor, and a host of trumpeters from the Imperial Guard band surrounded the balcony on all sides. They played a piercing fanfare that told everyone exactly what was next.

“Her Most Imperial Majesty, Mother of the Fatherland, Consort to the Glorious Emperor Antonius, Lady of the Terrans, Mother of the Heir to the Empire. All hail Cosima Idalia Anello Orsini Italica.”

Cosima exited in a stunning dress with a wide gloriously blue skirt with gold and white frills. Her hat was large and matched it. The calmness, grace, and effort that had characterized her time as Empress was finally shining through again. She greeted Paolo first, who bowed to her, and then Giana.

Giana greeted her mother with a curtsy. The hat was an odd choice, but she was sure the older women of the Empire would be suddenly wearing them all over the place. Thankfully, for now, Giana controlled much of the fashion choices of the young.

Another trumpet fanfare pierced the air in the hall. Camera orbs swooped in to capture the scene for the masses too ordinary to attend in person.

“His Most Imperial Majesty, Father of the Fatherland, Overlord of Vulcan, Tellar Prime, and Murates, Lord of Azati Prime, Axanar, and Dralax, Rex Andor, Rightful Dominus of Qo’noS and Cardassia, Lord of the Terrans, Rex Stellarum. All hail Antonius, Angelus Iosephus Orsini Augustus Italicus.”

Antonius entered to immediate thunderous applause. He wore an elaborate robe of red and gold that made it seem as if the man was floating. As the crowd was watching him move in slowly, they couldn’t even see his cane. He paused without giving a special greeting to anyone, but instead regarded the group. A microphone was lowered near him quite subtly as he prepared to speak.

“Royals, Great Lords, esteemed guests…We have come to the eighth year of our reign. Amidst reform and great expansion of Our Empire, we have endured treachery after treachery and come out stronger than ever before. We are pleased to join you in person again after so long away, and We resolve to bring a swift end to this war and a restoration of the Terran Empire to its former glory.”

That got a round of applause from the gathered crowd. No matter what faction they sympathized with the most, all were patriots and Terrans were pulling for their State in the battle of worlds.

“The ships of the Home Fleet have gathered here above Vulcan for a parade in honor of Our reign. Let us turn our eyes to the future together, and prepare for the greatness that awaits this glorious Empire.”

There was more cheering and Antonius made his way to his raised chair sitting on a white marble platform. As soon as he was seated, he gave the signal, and the parade began with grand explosions and fanfare out of the huge window.

“This is amazing.” Amalie practically cooed as they watched the parade of ships and fireworks begin. She leaned into Paolo a bit, and there was a bright smile on her young, beautiful face.

“It is quite spectacular.” He said, watching a saber class ship weave between the military vessels around it like it was nothing. His arm moved to hers and caressed her gently. Being around her always made his problems seem smaller. She had that effect.

As they stood there, Paolo would be able to hear a group of women sharing a brief, subdued giggle. If he were to look over, he would see the small group of attractive young ladies standing together watching the parade and talking amongst each other. Among them stood the familiar face of Thora Nielsen dressed in a very fetching deep purple gown that accentuated her lovely feminine figure. She broke her engagement with her friends to look around, and smiled at Paolo when she caught his eye.

Paolo glanced in the direction of the giggles and he observed the gaggle of girls standing together watching the same glorious display that held Amalie’s full attention. They were all gorgeous, so his gaze lingered longer than it would have otherwise, and eventually Thora caught his eye. He saw her smile and immediately responded with one of his own. She was the only one who really dared to look at him, let alone talk to him.

Thora lifted her hand and gave him a discreet little wave, but instead of tempting fate, she quickly reengaged herself with the other women she was standing with.

“Do you think she’s going to get him to sleep with her?” Giana asked Khalon quietly from where they were standing. She didn’t really care about the parade at this point, so she had been watching those around them and had noticed the exchange between her brother and the little honeypot they had set out for him to trip and fall dick first into instead of something more problematic.

“She knows what she’s doing. But I don’t know for sure.” Khalon said. “The problem was never to control his first choice…Amalie already serves that purpose. The object is to control his backup plan. Contessa isn’t anywhere near him now and he’s not looking for her.”

Across the room, Paolo looked back at the girl, his eyes traveling more boldly than before, just as he shifted his eyes away again as if by force.

“He likes her. At least..what he sees of her.”

“Is it odd part of me hopes he doesn’t do it?” She asked, turning her head to look at Khalon again. “Perhaps it’s what’s left of the romantic in me.”

“Wanting your baby brother to keep his eyes on his fiancé is normal, I’d say.” Khalon said with a grin. “But, considering he’s surrounded by ambitious women with balloon tits and his intended is a perfect little angel…I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

Giana made a sound that signaled some level of disdain, but it wasn’t immediately apparent exactly what it was aimed toward. She looked back out to the parade, no fascination or joy on her face. “We should leave as soon as it is appropriate.”

“Make ourselves scarce…often a wise move.” He said, giving her arm an affectionate squeeze. “A few more minutes and then we can go find a more agreeable activity.”

Across the room, Paolo’s arm tightened around Amalie’s — clearly he was trying to control himself. It was a virtue he found in short supply, suddenly.

“You see that big ship there? The one with the long neck? That’s a Glalaxy Class Dreadnaught. Truly one of our most majestic warships,” he commented, pointing out past the window for her benefit. “A year ago, one of them went missing, the ISS Terror, and we still haven’t found her. Perhaps you’ve seen it on the news.”

“I have.” Amalie nodded, her pretty eyes on the ship floating past them in an almost lazy manner. “There were two others that also went missing around the same time, weren’t there?”

“Yes. The Gladius and the Vengeance. It was the strangest thing, and no one seems to be able to explain it.” Paolo said, leaning on the conversation to engage with his intended and did his best to ignore Thora. “The Foreign Department reached out to the other races of the quadrant. It seems the Republic and the Klingons each had one ship go missing. No one really knows where they are…or if they’re all together.”

“I would hope that our people are together, but if we haven’t heard from them certainly they are all dead by now? Didn’t you have a cousin on one of those ships?” She asked curiously.

“We don’t know their circumstances, but yes, it’s possible some terrible force has killed them; enslaved them. One can’t know.” Paolo answered soberly. His mind went to the cousin he had never known, gone from their lives before he was more than a mere babe. “Cousin Lyra was onboard, and many other significant people. The former Lord of Russia, his wife, and children, the son of the Lord of the European Dominion. Even Lord Khalon’s sister was on the Gladius.”

Amalie’s brows raised slightly. “The whole ruling Russian family? Why in the name of the gods did they all go on one ship? That seems incredibly dangerous and foolish.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Paolo said with a grin. He didn’t know what the answer was to her question, but he didn’t show it with a shrug. “His uncle was there to pick up the pieces. The Petrov’s have a long history in the Empire.”

“There are rumors the son is a psychopath… was… well, either way… had you ever met him?” She asked, turning her head to look at Paolo more directly.

“I’ve seen Andrei at Court a few times in the past, but our age difference had us moving in different social circles,” Paolo answered, having finally succeeded in getting the other girl off his mind. Amalie was curious and kind, the sort of person he’d always appreciated. Despite the fact he seemed to be going through some hormonal and emotional change she wasn’t experiencing, he didn’t want his mind on anyone else — not really. “Giuseppe did hate his guts, though. That was always fun.”

A smile appeared on her face, playful in a way. “Well, if Giuseppe hated him perhaps he wasn’t all that bad then, hm? At the very least my estimation of him has gone up.”

“I suppose I would have to agree with you about that. Anything that bothered GIuseppe tended to make the rest of us practically giddy, as far as this family goes,” Paolo said with a half smile as an Akira Class ship did a barrel roll in the great procession of the Home Fleet. “There is something I envy him for now that I never seriously considered when I was a child – his military service. If my Father proves healthy, I think I should like to give it a try. What do you think of that?”

“I think it is noble to serve the Empire in such a way and it could only benefit you to have that experience, but wouldn’t you need to wait at least a year? I thought the youngest they allow is sixteen and even that needs to be given with special dispensation.” Amalie glanced up at him again curiously.

“Yes, most likely,” he said in a frictionless, easy way. “But it would mean I would be away quite a lot. I wouldn’t be able to spend so much time with you. I really would like to know how you would feel about all that.”

“I wouldn’t like that part, but it is important you do what you feel you need to do to be the best man and future emperor you can be. If you think military service would help that purpose, then I support it. You wouldn’t have to be gone so long, really.” She smiled at him sweetly and reached toward his hand but stopped herself.

“Sorry.”

Paolo glanced at her for a few silent seconds. The rules suggested that holding hands was too intimate an act for them in public, but the rules weren’t landing with him in the way that they always used to. He grabbed her hand gently with his own and grinned.

“I could never stay far away from you.”

END