King Nikolai's Reception Room

I had received word that the young Queen of Russia had agreed to meet with me to discuss peace talks after years of war with her nation. I was informed that they were close to arriving and I had prepared to receive her in my reception room.

I finally reached the shores of Ukraine. A carriage brought me to a beautiful palace. A servant came and escorted me to King Nikolai's reception room. The servant knocked at the door and was announced.

I had been informed that the Russian Queen was here and I ask the servant to let her in. As the door opened, I was a little surprised as I was expecting to see Queen Valentina, but instead her sister was hear.

"Good day your highness, welcome to the Ukraine, please do come in and sit down. Please forgive me for asking, but I was expecting to meet with Queen Valentina. I say to her as tea was poured for us.

I curtsey and I proceeded to take a seat as our tea was being served.

. Good day your Majesty I thank you for receiving me. You have a beautiful palace.  I know that you were expecting my sister.  She sends her regret that she is unable to see you but she had an accident about three years ago.   Now it is hard for her to travel by riding a horse. It is to difficult for her.  So she asked me to come in her stead.  I hope that this will not deter you from making peace for our respective countries. My sister and I believe that our countries have been at war for far to long and that it would be a benefit if there is peace between us..

I smiled at the young Princess as she entered and took her seat.

"Princess Alexandra, I thank you for your compliments about my palace. I was unaware that Queen Valentina had suffered an accident, I am sorry that it affects her. Your arrival here will take nothing away from our talks. You are right, your father had a war going with us and I am not trying to be rude or offend when I say this, but having a new Russian monarch I can only hope that peace comes from it. Now if I may present to you the peace document, with all the information I have put together for the peace, if you would care to give me your thoughts? I say showing her the document as I poured some tea for us both.

I was given the document and I read it completely.

. Your Majesty I am not offended it is true our countries have been at war for far to long and it is time for it to end.  My sister and I believe that war is an ugly affair.  It only takes away from the people we care about.  Damaging everything around us.  Is it possible if I can take a few days to think about this my sister would want to read this. It will be her decision for I can not agree or not. Your Majesty my I ask you something. Forgive my impertinence I do not wish to be rude. For peace what would you agree to.  Would you agree to these terms . Would you think it to be fair.

"Princess Alexandra, hearing you say that you and your sister would like for peace, is if great importance to me. Of course, I have no objection to you taking the few days that you need to discuss it with the Queen. After all her signature and approval is vital when it comes to the document signing. I would ask this of Queen Valentina, apart from what is stated in the document, I would very much like it if she would open the trade routes to Asia for my ships, as there is good trade in cotton and silk there. Your father blocked these routes to my ships and that greatly affects my trade deals. I would also ask of her to have the Russian soldiers in the border town called back. These I would ask, if she can agree to them, Princess. I say with no hesitation.

I thought for a moment as I listened to Princess Alexandra as she laid out Russia's terms.

"Princess, I can agree to the release of the Russian generals back to Ukraine, the problem regarding the looters was not my doing and find it hard to accept responsibilty for that. If she will agree to my terms as well, I shall consider her request. I might suggest, that as recompensation for what happened, the leader of the looters, whom I had imprisoned after realising he had done this to Russia, that he return with you to Russia, to face your Queen. If it must be done, then I will send a healthy sum of coin to Russia to cover the Church rebuild as we are a Catholic nation too. The artefacts however, I will not claim for. I do hope you are not offended by this.

. Your Majesty I understand your thoughts on this subject.  You have not offended me in any way.  I know that Queen Valentina will be happy to hear about the Russian generals.   I realize that you are concerned about the religious buildings being a Catholic nation your self.  Giving to us their leader will be suggested to her.  I will mention to her if she would rather have the coins that you suggested.  I do understand that the artifacts you may not be able to help with.  Perhaps your prisoner can provide us with the information of what he has done with them.  I believe that she would like to hear this.  She can except your terms but the issue of the buildings is her worry due to the financial drain to our country.  I will message her about this right away and see if she agrees with this.

. Your Majesty I have heard from my sister.  She will have some soldiers ordered to leave but she thinks that some should stay to protect the towns.  She understands that it scared the towns people so they will be placed back as to not scare them any further.  Yes some of the artifacts are quite prescious to us.  Irreplaceable objects.  I am glad that you will allow me to question him and take him back to Russia.  Also Valentina asks that he will help with building the church but she asks that you pay for the building of the church.  She will agree to the peace of our two countries.  I am honored to have been able to propose these terms for peace. I hope that you will consider and also agree with these terms. I appreciate your kindness and grace towards me while I am in your country in Queen Valentina's stead.  I will await your decision.  Thank you.. I curtsey and I leave the room.

I listened to the young Princess.

"Princess Alexandra, I can now understand as to why Queen Valentina has placed soldiers in the border towns. I am happy she is calling some back. The prisoner, whom I have here will be released to you in the morning and I can see now that Russia is going to punish the looter. As it is a Catholic building, I will provide the funds needed for it, however Russia must cover the materials. I have decided that I agree to these terms, however one final problem has arisen, the treaty needs to bear my signature and that of Queen Valentina to be valid, yet she is not here.

"I am pleased to hear and also to see that things have gone smoothly between us. There has been too much conflict and now we need a rest to that. If you require anything further from me whilst you are here, please do ask me. I am happy for it to be sent to your sister for her signature.

I am going to a cell to interview the leader of the men that looted and destroyed our church. After quite some time he has finally given me the missing artifacts. Now Valentina must send the signed treaty document back to Ukraine and I can return with the looters to Russia. There Valentina can pass judgement.

I smiled at the young Princess.

"I am pleased to hear that you were able to get your items back. The prisoner is free to leave with you and good news too, I have just received the signed document from your sister. I do hope that you will visit again and I thank you for your kind wishes towards my son. I hope that you and your sister finds suitable husbands.