"If you want a thing done well, do it yourself."
~Napoleon Bonaparte
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The afternoon light filtered through the windows of the Amber Room, illuminating its walls of golden panels, shimmering like molten sunlight. The intricate carvings of cherubs and floral motifs seemed alive, their brilliance casting long shadows over the parquet floor. The scent of beeswax and aged amber lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of centuries of history embedded within this space.
This "Eighth Wonder of the World" was originally built by the Prussians and later transferred to Russia as a gift to cement their alliance. It was an embodiment of imperial luxury and a testament to the grandeur of the Romanov dynasty. It served no practical purpose other than reinforcing Russia's position as a major European power.
Nicholas II stood near the fireplace at the far end of the room, one hand resting on the mantlepiece carved with gilded ornaments. He was admiring this piece of architecture, or better, art. As a modern man, he really couldn't get used to this grandeur...
'Mabye I could pack this up and sell it somewhere. I bet with it's money I could build at least 100 hospitals and schools.'
Nicholas mused to himself jokingly, as he knew that what he was thinking wasn't realistic as it would give a signal of weakness to the enemies of the Romanov's. His family would never let him do it anyway.
The fire crackled faintly, its warmth diffusing into the room despite the November chill creeping through the palace corridors. A small table in the center of the room was set with crystal decanters of cognac and a porcelain dish of biscuits, though neither man seemed inclined to partake.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, clad in a sharply tailored Prussian military uniform adorned with rows of medals, strode into the room. His presence, though commanding, carried a nervous energy. Wilhelm's hawkish features softened briefly as he caught sight of his younger cousin, but his usual air of confidence soon returned.
"Nicky," Wilhelm said, extending a gloved hand. His voice carried the briskness of a man eager to set a tone of camaraderie. "I trust you are bearing up well under the circumstances."
Nicholas took his hand, his grip firm but measured. "Willie," he replied, his voice calm yet edged with formality. "Your presence here is appreciated. My father always valued the bond between our families. I hope we can preserve it."
Wilhelm nodded, his gaze flickering briefly to the amber panels. "A remarkable room," he remarked, his tone lighter now, though his eyes betrayed the calculated mind beneath. "A testament to the shared craftsmanship of our nations."
Nicholas allowed a faint smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "Indeed. It serves as a reminder of what we can achieve together when our people work in harmony." He gestured toward two chairs near the fireplace. "Shall we sit?"
The two men settled into their seats, their postures mirroring the unspoken tensions between them. Wilhelm leaning slightly forward, exuding energy, while Nicholas sat upright, composed and deliberate.
"I must speak plainly, Nicky," Wilhelm began, his tone shifting. "Your father's passing is a great loss, not only to Russia but to Europe. He was a man of steadfast principles, a stabilizing force. I hope you intend to carry on his policies."
Nicholas's gaze remained steady. "My father was a great ruler, and I will honor his legacy. But the world is changing, Willie. Russia must adapt, as must her relationships. I hope to strengthen the ties between our nations, but it must be built on mutual respect and understanding.
Then, Nicholas paused, giving Wilhelm a sense of suspense.
"Willie," Nicholas began, his tone thoughtful, "Russia finds herself at a crossroads. My father left us a strong foundation, but the challenges ahead require more than just strength. They demand innovation." He leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes fixed on Wilhelm's. "Germany has excelled in military organization and industrial growth. There's much we could learn from your expertise."
Wilhelm's brow arched, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Ah, Nicky, I see where this is going. You'd like our officers to lend their strategies to your army, and perhaps our engineers to invigorate your factories?"
Nicholas nodded, his expression resolute. "Precisely. Your General Staff has set the standard for modern warfare, and your industrial advancements are admired across Europe. With German expertise, Russia could strengthen her military and accelerate her economic progress. In return, we could open new markets for your industries and deepen our mutual understanding."
Wilhelm tapped his gloved fingers on the armrest, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the proposition.
"You paint a compelling picture, cousin. But as you know, nothing in this world is truly free." He leaned forward now, his tone shifting. "If I were to lend you German expertise, I would need assurances, tangible ones. Germany must gain something in kind."
Nicholas straightened, his face calm but his mind racing.
"What do you have in mind, Willie?"
Wilhelm's smile widened. "Our alliance is unspoken but understood. I want to see it formalized. Not necessarily as a treaty as that might alarm your French allies, but as a commitment.
Support Germany's interests where possible, and I will ensure that our resources,our officers, engineers, and investors will be at your disposal."
Nicholas frowned slightly, his fingers tightening on the armrest of his chair. "An informal understanding, then. One that respects our respective alliances but fosters closer ties." He paused, weighing his words.
"You know Russia's position. I cannot compromise our friendship with France, but I can assure you that our policies toward Germany will be those of goodwill and cooperation."
Wilhelm considered this, his face thoughtful. "And what of Poland?" he asked suddenly, his voice low but pointed.
Nicholas's eyes flashed briefly, but his composure held. "The Kingdom of Poland is a part of the Russian Empire. That is not up for negotiation."
The Kaiser held his younger cousin's gaze for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. Let us focus on what can be achieved. I will send military advisors and industrialists to assist in your endeavors, and in return, I expect Russia to stand with Germany in promoting stability in Europe."
Nicholas allowed a brief smile to cross his face. "A fair arrangement. Stability benefits us both."
Wilhelm stood, the light catching the polished medals on his uniform. "Then it's settled. I will have my staff coordinate with yours. You'll find no shortage of German ingenuity willing to assist in your empire's progress."
Nicholas rose as well, extending his hand. "Thank you, Willie. I believe this will mark the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between our nations."
Wilhelm clasped his hand firmly, his grip warm but calculated. "Indeed, Nicky. Together, we shall shape the future of Europe."
Then, they talked for until evening, finalizing the details until Wilhelm rose to his feet.
Before leaving, he turned to Nicholas and said:
"Ah, Nicky. If ever you need counsel, remember, I am but a letter, or a telegram, away."
As Wilhelm departed, his polished boots echoing through the hall, Nicholas remained in the Amber Room. He glanced at the glowing walls, their golden hues casting reflections across the polished floor. He would return to Germany with a satisfied mood, Russia's support invaluable to him and his ambitions for hegemony.
On the other side, the arrangement had been made, but Nicholas knew the path ahead would require careful navigation. Wilhelm's ambitions were as evident as the gleam in his eyes, and the promise of German expertise came with strings attached.
Nicholas was probably the only one who knew there would be a Great War never seen before and he knew he would have to choose a side soon.
Yet for now, the opportunity was too valuable to ignore. Russia's modernization could not wait, and if it required measured diplomacy, Nicholas was prepared to walk that line. He would gain the most of the benefits from both sides for now.
For his empire, for its people, and for his own survival.