Constantine's Suggestion

"Constantine, today you'll head to the Piraeus port to meet Mr. Stanley. Remember, be enthusiastic; he's a hero now," instructed George I, lifting his head to address Constantine.

Piraeus Port, the outer port of Athens and Greece's largest, awaited Constantine's visit.

"Sure, Nina, inform Steward Capet to ready the carriage. We're headed to Piraeus," Constantine directed Nina, who stood close by.

Nina acknowledged the order and left to carry out the instructions.

Finishing the last bite of his bread, Constantine stood and addressed Queen Olga and King George, "I'll be off."

Queen Olga expressed her concern, "I worry that if Constantine's plan fails, it'll be a huge blow."

"He's no longer a child. He needs to experience certain things on his own. A little lion must face brutal trials to become a king," replied George I, engrossed in reading the newspaper without looking up.

Constantine reached the courtyard and spotted a carriage ready in the yard. The driver, seated high in the front, held a whip, and two reddish-purple horses snorted. Four well-armed knights flanked the carriage, and Butler Capet stood by the car door.

"Your Excellency, the carriage is ready," Capet informed Constantine, donned in a black tuxedo with a blue silk bowtie.

"Uncle Capet, your politeness endures," said Constantine, familiar with Capet, the royal family's longstanding housekeeper.

"Etiquette must be upheld, Your Excellency," Capet responded with a smile.

Constantine, noting Nina sitting inside the carriage in a long blue silk dress, expressed his surprise. Before he could speak, Nina gestured for silence, putting a finger to her lips, giving Constantine a pleading look.

Quickly, Constantine caught on. He closed the car door quietly and whispered, "Let's go."

Butler Capet approached the driver, advising, "Kafka, be cautious on the road."

With a reassuring nod, the coachman cracked the whip, signaling the four knights to mount their horses. The convoy slowly moved towards the manor's iron fence gate.

After passing through the opened gate, Nina, now visibly relieved, hummed a tune and gazed out of the carriage window. Tatoi Palace, nestled in the forest north of Athens, was surrounded by tall trees. Sunlight filtered through, occasionally disrupting the forest's tranquility. Several birds took flight, breaking the silence.

Looking at Nina, Constantine asked warmly, "Nina, have you ever thought about life outside the palace?"

"Yes, would life outside be very liberating?" Nina replied without turning her head, still focused on the scenery.

Seventeen-year-old Nina had completed pre-university courses under the guidance of her tutor. Smart and lively, she found palace life, with its rigid rules and formalities, out of sync with her character.

Constantine hoped Nina could become an independent woman. He suggested, "Nina, have you considered attending the University of Athens?"

Nina, not enamored with palace life, was a cheerful girl trapped in the formalities of royal living. Constantine wanted her to experience the world outside.

Thinking of Miss Avrora, Queen Olga's personal maid, who led a dreary life, Constantine shared his plan with Nina. Miss Avrora, originally dowried from Russia, managed the maids in the palace but had never married and couldn't adapt to ordinary life outside.

Despite some initial reluctance, Constantine insisted that Nina discuss her future with Miss Avrora and consider studying at the University of Athens. The conversation shifted to the monotonous and restrictive palace life, contrasting with the vibrant external world.

As the carriage neared the port, Nina, still looking outside, wondered aloud, "How much money does the Congo expedition need for results? It's quite vexing."

The bustling port grew louder, with distant whistles signaling their approach to Piraeus. Constantine pondered what news awaited from Mr. Stanley.