In the sprawling palace of a European monarchy, Crown Prince Edel found himself at a pivotal juncture in his personal life. Having ascended to his royal responsibilities at a young age, Edel was known for his modern approach to governance and personal affairs, which often diverged from traditional practices. On this particular morning, he was deep in thought in his opulent bedroom, flanked by his two closest companions, Kariluna and Emina.
Kariluna, with her statuesque figure and striking features, exuded the elegance of a runway model, her beauty comparable to a vibrant rose in full bloom. Emina, on the other hand, possessed a softer, more nurturing presence, her femininity underscored by her gentle demeanor and considerate nature. Both women had been under Edel's care for four years, and their radiance was a testament to his affection and care.
"Your Highness, you didn't go to work today?" Emina inquired, noticing that Edel was still beside her rather than attending to his royal duties.
Edel, momentarily distracted by the sight of Emina's bare shoulders and the gentle undulations of her form as she moved, quickly composed himself. He had important matters to discuss, and it was crucial to maintain focus.
"I have something to tell you and Kariluna," Edel said, his tone more serious than usual.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Emina gently nudged Kariluna awake. The latter turned towards Edel, her expression mirroring Emina's concern.
As Edel faced the two women, he couldn't help but notice their strategic lack of attire, a tactic they had employed more frequently since learning of his upcoming engagement. Their playful seductions, ranging from suggestive poses to more direct physical provocations, were attempts to sway his decision about their future.
"This time it's mainly about your placement," Edel began, trying to ignore the distracting sensations as one maid caressed his arm while the other pressed her thigh against him. Despite their provocations, he continued, "I've thought of two options. The first is to provide you both with a sum of money that will ensure you are comfortable for life. I can also help you find a good family to marry into, and you will no longer be associated with the royal family or its affairs."
The room fell silent as the maids processed his words. Their playful antics ceased, and they exchanged glances, clearly not enthused by the prospect of such a conventional and final separation.
"What about the second option?" Kariluna asked, her voice steady but curious.
Edel took a deep breath before explaining, "The second option is for you both to move out of the palace, but to a manor I will secure for you. You will assume new identities as widows from Romania. I will ensure you have everything you need to live comfortably, but you must be available when I need you, and inform me if you wish to associate with other men."
It was clear to both women that the second option was more in line with what they desired, allowing them to maintain their connection with Edel while living independently. Their previous efforts to influence his decision seemed to have been successful.
"Your Highness, we choose the second proposal," Emina responded confidently, her decision echoed in Kariluna's nod of agreement.
Following their intimate encounter, Kariluna rested her head on Edel's shoulder, a sign of their deep bond. "When do you plan to arrange for us to move out?" she asked softly.
Edel, refreshed by a glass of water Emina handed him—a small but significant gesture of her thoughtfulness—replied, "I plan to arrange it for August. I will find a suitable location in Constanta where you can fully enjoy life. You have both been incredibly loyal, and it's only right that you enjoy the fruits of your dedication."
"It is our honor to serve Your Highness," they both said in unison, their voices filled with genuine affection.
The arrangement was indeed more favorable than many others would have received under similar circumstances. If not for their personal connection with the future king, they might have ended up in far less desirable situations. Both women knew this, and they were grateful for the security and continued closeness the arrangement provided.
As noon approached, Edel realized he had to attend to his official duties, though Kariluna's plea for him to stay a bit longer was tempting. "Your Highness, could you perhaps stay with us today, just this once?" she implored, pulling him closer.
Deciding to indulge in this rare request, Edel agreed to spend the day with them. The day passed in leisure and affection, with both maids ensuring Edel was well-fed and content. Their attentiveness and the intimate connection they shared made it a day to remember, reinforcing the unique bond they had formed over the years.
This day, marked by closeness and mutual care, underscored the unconventional yet profound relationships that had developed within the walls of the palace, relationships that would soon adapt to new circumstances while retaining their core affections.
"Is there anything the chief guard requires of me?" Edel inquired, settling into his chair behind the desk.
"Your Royal Highness, Chief of Staff Puleshan is here," replied the chief guard to the crown prince.
Upon hearing that it was the chief of staff who had come, Edel directed Carust, "Please let the chief of staff in."
Moments later, Chief of the General Staff Puleshan entered the room, his posture erect. His military uniform was meticulously arranged, and he carried a document in his hand.
"I am at your service, Your Highness," Puleshan greeted, maintaining a respectful demeanor despite his high rank.
"What brings you here today, General?" Edel asked, his interest in military affairs evident, especially concerning the parts of the army that were of paramount importance to him.
"This visit is primarily to present to Your Royal Highness our newly prepared army training plan," Puleshan explained, handing the document over to the crown prince.
Edel began to review the training plan. Puleshan's proposal suggested a significant increase in the training volume for each division, including field armed marches, military shooting training, medical rescue operations, and maintenance training for newly acquired transport vehicles. The focus was notably heightened in these areas. Particularly, the three worst-performing divisions, reorganized last year, were set for targeted and intensified training. Puleshan had allocated 13 million rounds for rifles and machine guns for these divisions, along with 9,000 training rounds and an additional 600 tons of various other munitions. His commitment was clear: he intended to rigorously drill these lagging divisions into shape.
After a cursory review, Edel felt that Chief of Staff Puleshan had devoted considerable attention to this training plan, enhancing training based on each division's weaknesses. Although Edel was not deeply versed in military strategy, his ongoing involvement in military reorganization over the past years allowed him to grasp the overarching intent behind these changes.
"Very well done," Edel commended Puleshan after skimming through the document.
"The inspection last year was appalling; this time, we must demonstrate substantial improvement," Puleshan elaborated.
Edel was well aware of the previous year's shortcomings. The military likely sought to regain its prestige, though this would necessitate government collaboration. He directly addressed the most pressing issue: funding.
"How much funding do you intend to allocate to this training program?" Edel asked.
Puleshan appeared somewhat uneasy as he responded, "For this training plan, our General Staff Department has estimated a need for 35 million lei. With adequate funding, we can rectify the issues that stemmed from last year's financial constraints."
Edel sensed the underlying issue was indeed financial, given Puleshan's emphasis. Therefore, the crown prince knew he needed to align with the chief of staff on this matter.
"What is the current shortfall?" Edel inquired.
"There is still a deficit of 15 million lei," Puleshan hurriedly replied.
Puzzled, Edel questioned, "I recall that the military budget at the start of this year was 94 million lei. With no significant expenditures on armaments this year, how is it insufficient?"
Puleshan then detailed the specific expenses: "Your Highness, although this year's military budget has been reduced due to decreased reorganization costs, the naval expenditure has increased by 6 million lei. Additionally, ordnance replenishment costs 13 million lei, and to compensate for last year's training deficiencies, we've increased the training budget by 17 million lei over the previous year. In reality, our funds are stretched thin."
Understanding the situation better, Edel realized that the fluctuating military budget in recent years had led to the current predicament. The government had slightly tightened its purse strings, and now Puleshan sought the crown prince's influence to secure the necessary military funding.
"I am aware of the situation. Tomorrow, I will draft a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to consider your difficulties," Edel decided after some thought, intending to mediate without overstepping his boundaries.
This decision was a calculated move. With the new Prime Minister Bretianu recently in office, it was crucial for Edel to exercise his influence judiciously. Overreaching could destabilize the delicate balance of power among the Romanian nobility and political families, potentially uniting them in opposition to the royal directives.
Upon hearing the crown prince's decision, Puleshan understood this to be the limit of royal intervention for now. The military would need to more carefully prepare its budget proposals in future to secure the necessary funds.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern for the military. We will serve as the kingdom's sharp edge, safeguarding Romania's interests," Puleshan assured, conveying the military's commitment.
"General Puleshan, I trust you will help me sharpen this blade so that its brilliance may be evident to all," Edel responded, offering both encouragement and a subtle reminder of his expectations.
Satisfied, Puleshan departed, and Edel, aware that his words were more of a directive than mere encouragement, summoned a guard.
"Take this training report to the Prime Minister; he will know what to do with it," Edel instructed, handing over the document.
"As you wish, my lord," the guard replied, taking the document to execute the crown prince's orders.
At the Prime Minister's office, Bretianu examined the training plan delivered by the guard. He recognized the crown prince's intent in showing him the military's ambitious project, which demanded a significant portion of the fiscal budget. The Prime Minister paced his office, contemplating the implications of denying a direct request from the crown prince, especially when the government's coffers were currently adequate to cover the expense.
After deliberating, Bretianu drafted an approval for an additional 15 million lei for the military, directing his staff to process it through the Ministry of Finance. As the staff member left with the signed document, Bretianu lamented the postponed investments in healthcare and education, resolving to staunchly oppose such unforeseen allocations in the following year.