Politics

Edel, the crown prince, was busy with a mix of duties as his wedding day drew near. He worked half-days, dedicating the rest of his time to meticulous rehearsals for the upcoming ceremony. His marriage preparations were a grand affair, involving many, but none as fervently involved as his mother, Queen Elizabeth.

While Edel was preoccupied with matrimonial preparations, a significant geopolitical event was unfolding in Morocco, capturing the attention of European powers. By late March 1911, a rebellion had erupted against the Sultan of Morocco, leading to his entrapment within the palace at Fez by early April. Seizing the opportunity under the guise of protecting European lives and assets, France prepared to dispatch troops to quell the uprising. By the end of April, French forces had established control over most of Morocco, and on June 8, Spanish troops took over Larache.

The German government, having gained from the first Moroccan crisis, viewed these developments as a direct threat to its interests. In a bold move, Germany dispatched the Leopard gunboat to Agadir, ostensibly to safeguard German trade interests. Soon after, the Bremen-class cruiser Berlin joined the Leopard, forming a small but formidable fleet at the port. Germany's actions were strategic, aimed at testing the solidity of the Anglo-French alliance and compelling France to compensate for the business losses incurred due to the disturbances in Morocco.

Britain, wary of German intentions and the proximity of the unfolding events to its vital Mediterranean base at Gibraltar, responded by deploying warships from its Mediterranean Fleet to Morocco. This show of force was intended to deter a potential Franco-German conflict over the issue and reaffirmed Britain's support for France, echoing the dynamics of the first Moroccan crisis.

When Edel received the news, the British and French navies had already encircled the small German fleet at Agadir. Having once prepared to write a historical novel about Germany, Edel was not unfamiliar with such international crises. Though he couldn't recall every detail, the general outline matched his memories from his previous life's research.

"Keep a close watch," Edel instructed Carust, his chief guard, after reviewing the intelligence reports.

"As you command, my lord," Carust replied before exiting the prince's office.

With Carust gone, Edel resumed his focus on domestic affairs. However, international events continued to escalate. On July 4, a financial crisis erupted in Germany, triggered by the sudden collapse of the Frankfurt stock market, which plummeted 30% in a single day. This financial shockwave led to massive sell-offs of German securities, causing widespread panic and a rush to exchange marks for gold, severely depleting the national bank's reserves.

In Berlin, Kaiser Wilhelm II discussed the crisis with his Prime Minister, Bernhard. The situation was dire, compounded by Germany's ongoing confrontation with Britain and France over Morocco. The Kaiser, frustrated by Britain's alignment with France and Russia against Germany, felt betrayed. He reminisced about a potential alliance with Britain, akin to the formidable partnership during the Thirty Years' War, which now seemed a distant dream.

"The situation requires delicate handling," the Kaiser instructed Bernhard. "We must extend an olive branch to Britain and France but protect our interests."

Bernhard agreed, suggesting a diplomatic approach to signal Germany's willingness to negotiate without appearing weak. On July 7, the German ambassador in Paris communicated Germany's lack of territorial ambitions in Morocco, proposing economic compensations instead.

The negotiations led to the drafting of the Fez Treaty, where Germany renounced its claims in Morocco in exchange for territories in the French Congo, much to the satisfaction of all parties involved. This resolution, however, was seen by Britain as a potential threat, prompting a stern warning from British Prime Minister David Lloyd George about protecting national interests at all costs.

Back in Romania, Edel was briefed on these developments by Carust. The crisis seemed to be nearing its conclusion, yet the intricacies of international diplomacy suggested that a resolution might not be immediate.

"What else is there?" Edel inquired, sensing Carust had more to report.

"There's an update from Italy, Your Highness," Carust disclosed, referring to an unusual surge in Italian oil purchases, which hinted at Italy's potential involvement in the crisis.

Edel pondered this new information. Italy's sudden interest in acquiring large quantities of oil suggested preparations for a military endeavor, possibly linked to its historical conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. He recalled Italy's territorial ambitions during World War II and suspected a similar scenario unfolding.

"Keep a close eye on Italy. They might be eyeing Ottoman territories," Edel concluded, his mind racing with the strategic implications of Italy's moves.

As Carust left to carry out the orders, Edel reflected on the complex web of alliances and conflicts shaping the world. The resolution of the Moroccan crisis through the Fez Treaty marked a significant reshaping of colonial territories but also highlighted the volatile nature of international relations, where economic interests and national pride were perpetually at stake.

On the morning of September 10th, the Austro-Hungarian delegation, led by Crown Prince Ferdinand, boarded a special train reserved for the royal family, setting off from Vienna towards Bucharest. The delegation's journey was of great significance, symbolizing the strengthening ties between Austria-Hungary and Romania. Prime Minister Bretianu, along with other Romanian officials, was prepared to welcome the delegation with high honors, reflecting the importance Romania now held in the eyes of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Princess Sophie Marie, a central figure in the delegation, sat in her luxuriously appointed private compartment, her eyes filled with curiosity as she gazed out at the passing landscape. Her maid, Anna, stood by her side, equally engaged in observing the new surroundings.

"Princess, look, we have arrived in Bucharest," Anna remarked with the excitement of a chirping sparrow.

Sophie Marie, slightly annoyed yet amused, replied, "I see that, Anna. Must you keep up a constant chatter throughout the journey?"

Anna, undeterred, giggled and teased, "But, Your Highness, I heard you talking in your sleep last night. You were murmuring how much Edel misses you."

Blushing at the mention of Crown Prince Edel, Sophie Marie playfully threatened to chase Anna around the compartment. However, their playful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Quickly, Sophie Marie composed herself with Anna's help, transforming back into the dignified princess she was expected to be.

"Please come in," Sophie Marie called out.

An Austro-Hungarian royal guard entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Royal Highness, we have arrived in Bucharest. Crown Prince Ferdinand and Grand Duke Otto Franz are awaiting your presence outside."

Acknowledging the guard, Sophie Marie followed him out of the compartment, where she found Prince Ferdinand and her father, Grand Duke Otto Franz, dressed in their finest, awaiting her arrival. After exchanging pleasantries, her father inquired why she had taken so long to prepare.

"I was attending to my attire and makeup," Sophie Marie responded, careful not to mention her earlier playful scuffle with Anna.

Her Uncle Ferdinand, seeing the need to move things along, gently urged, "Let us proceed, Otto. The Prime Minister is waiting."

At the platform, Prime Minister Bretianu was indeed waiting. As Grand Duke Ferdinand disembarked, Bretianu stepped forward with a bow. "Your Royal Highness, welcome to Bucharest."

Ferdinand, masking his private reservations about the Prime Minister's alliances with Britain and France, greeted Bretianu warmly. "Thank you, Prime Minister. This visit marks an important step in strengthening our nations' bonds, especially with the upcoming union between my niece and your crown prince."

Prime Minister Bretianu agreed, "Indeed, Your Highness. Our countries' relations have never been better." He then turned to greet Sophie Marie, complimenting her arrival as a joyous occasion for the Romanian people.

Sophie Marie, poised and gracious, responded, "Thank you, Prime Minister. I hold great affection for the Romanian people as well."

The formalities continued as they made their way to Bloor Palace, where the delegation would stay. The streets were lined with the Romanian Guard and enthusiastic citizens waving at the procession, eager to catch a glimpse of the princess who was soon to marry their crown prince.

In the fourth carriage, Sophie Marie and Anna continued their observations of Bucharest. Anna commented on the similarities between Vienna and Bucharest, sparking a light-hearted exchange about Anna's ceaseless chatter and resulting thirst.

Sophie Marie laughed heartily at Anna's antics, her joy uncontained even as they arrived at Bloor Palace. Her father, noticing her holding her stomach, expressed concern, but she reassured him it was merely laughter-induced.

Bloor Palace, a splendid residence built by King Carol I in 1881, featured 89 rooms and exquisite decorations, including fountains, statues, and a famous angel statue by Romania's renowned painter Teodor Aman. The palace had hosted many dignitaries, and now it welcomed the Austro-Hungarian delegation.

Once settled, Anna inquired about their next steps. Exhausted from the journey, Sophie Marie decided they should rest, reflecting on the upcoming wedding rehearsals and the significant days ahead. The delegation's arrival in Romania was not just a ceremonial visit but a pivotal moment in the diplomatic and personal histories of both nations, filled with expectations, excitement, and the promise of new beginnings.