Chapter 40 The Two Crown Princes (2)

Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austrian Empire

What is Constantinople to the eyes of the Tsar and the Russian Empire? For hundreds of years, Russian Tsars had always dreamed of ruling the once center of the Byzantine Empire and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Even during the time before the Ottomans have captured Constantinople, they already want to control this glorious ancient city and its surrounding regions. They even name the city Tsargrad and eyeing for centuries to rule the city and become the center of Russian rule. They even launched attacks and invasions against the Byzantine to capture and gain the city. Having such a great ancient city under their rule would make their influence and power soar higher than they had ever been.

After the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Ottoman Turks, the Russians feel that it is their duty to reclaim the lands of the Byzantine as a successor to the once mighty empire in the eastern Mediterranean. The Russians have waged war against the Ottomans for centuries and are slowly advancing to the Mediterranean. The Russians believed that it is their manifest destiny to save their fellow Orthodox and Slavic people that is under the yoke of the Muslim Ottoman Turks.

But the Russo-Prussian war of 1832 changed everything. After being decisively defeated by the Prussian and its allies, almost all their gains in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Caucasus have been swept away. Their hopes are dashed as they were forced to give up large swathes of land to the Ottomans in return for peace and truce. A lot of European powers have seen the expansion of the Russians towards the Mediterranean as a threat to their interests in the region.

The dreams of controlling the Black sea and the straight to the Mediterranean are destroyed by the sanctions and terms that the Kingdom of Prussia, now the German Empire, and its allies towards Russia. The humiliation and dishonor that Russian Empire felt that day is very strong that until now the scars and pain still remains in the hearts of most Russians. After fighting and bleeding for Europe in the fight against Napoleonic France, the Russians were stabbed in the back by the countries that the Russians liberated from the yoke of the French, fostering a furious and revenge sentiment across the entire Russian Empire.

Even after the war, the Ottomans wage small wars and conflicts against the weakened Russians and slowly gained land through this conflict. The Russians are constricted to demilitarization and limited military size imposed by other European powers. The standing army limit of 800,000 is not enough to protect the vast lands and territories the Russian Empire possessed.

That's why the offer of the Austrian Crown Prince Justinian to Russian Grand Prince Aleksandr seems too good to be true. Regaining territories lost and having Constantinople and the surrounding lands without directly participating in the war seems very suspicious and he thinks there are a lot of hidden motives. But this is also an opportunity for him as a future Tsar of the Russian Empire.

"I know you are thinking that my offer is very suspicious Brother Aleksandr but for me, I think it is a logical one. I want you to share our burden in facing the protest by other powers when we would gain large swathes of land in Anatolia and the Middle East. I also want to have your help in moving the Slavic people from our newly gained territory to yours. I want to smoothly and peacefully assimilate the regions to the Austrian Empire."

Crown Prince sounds very genuine in his offer that the Russian Grand Prince is moved. The Grand Prince taps his finger to the table thinking if Russia can able to stand together with Austria against the protests from other European powers that would definitely occur if both countries would swallow large swathes of land from the Ottomans.

"If you are really sincere in your offer Brother Justinian, then I think Russia would accept… for I also thought that your plan is reasonable and would benefit our two nations. I think that I can convince my father but how about you? Even though you have large support and influence but you are still young and it would be your grandfather, His Majesty the Emperor, who would decide and I think he won't accept such a deal."

Crown Prince Justinian looks towards the window in the parlor. It is already night and the Moon and the stars are in the skies. The night skies seem peaceful and serene, Crown Prince Justinian thought.

Grand Prince Aleksandr also follows where the Austrian Crown Prince is looking. He is waiting for what would the response of the Austrian Crown Prince.

"Brother Aleksandr… how much do you love your country?"

"More than my life Brother Justinian…"

"How about your family? Do you value your country more than your family?"

"Yes… I value my country more than my family. To fight for my country is the noblest thing to do."

Grand Prince Aleksandr was stunned by the questions that seems unrelated to what they had just talked about. But still, the Grand Prince gave the Crown Prince his honest and truthful answers. For the Grand Prince, the honor and dignity of the state are greater than each individual, and as a ruler, he must show as an exemplary model to his subordinates and people.

"Why are you asking Brother Justinian? Is something bothering you?"

"No… nothing Brother Aleksandr. I just asked… In answer to your question, before I ask you for a secret meeting here, I had just talked with my grandfather the emperor and he granted me full authority and power to negotiate with you secretly. He wants us to be already in agreement before the next negotiations so that it would be easier and we can already agree to the terms and make it official."

"Oh… so that's it. Don't worry I'll send a telegraphic message to my father the Tsar regards to your offer. I'm pretty sure that he would accept such a wonderful deal so don't worry about it, Brother Justinian."

The Grand Prince senses that there is something behind those questions and the somber expression the Crown Prince had just a while ago. But as long as it won't affect him and Russia directly and cause harm, then he won't pursue what the Crown Prince is thinking.

"There are some things that I would to add Brother Aleksandr but I want it to be just between us and we would not mention it to the others in the meeting."

Crown Prince Justinian's expression become more somber and solemn that the Russian Grand Prince realized that this would be more grave and important than the other terms he offered.

"Please enlighten me, Brother Justinian."

** ** **

The secret meeting between Austrian Crown Prince Justinian and Russian Grand Prince Aleksandr has just ended. The Russian Grand Prince and his aide have already left the palace and go back to the Russian Embassy where would they stay for the duration of their stay.

Crown Prince Justinian is now continuing to read and sign the documents that his position asks him to. He wants to finish at least the majority of his workload before Christmas so he can spend some time with his family and acquaintances. The Christmas party that the Imperial family would host is also approaching so he needs to finish his work quickly especially related to the event.

Seeing the pile of documents that is on the table of the Crown Prince, Count Karl approaches the Austrian Crown Prince so that he can help with his liege. As the right hand of the Crown Prince and his most trusted aide, he must show to his liege, the Crown Prince, that he is doing a great job and lessening the burdens that the Crown Prince is carrying.

"Your Imperial Highness, how is the meeting? Did it go well?"

Count Karl is curious whether the meeting is successful. He knows that there is a high chance that the Russians would accept but he is still curious as to whether the Russians have accepted such an enticing offer.

"Yes, Count Karl. The Grand Prince agrees to our offers including the ones that would not be included in the treaty. He assures that with the offers I give to Russia, they would surely accept the deal."

"Oh… that's good news Your Imperial Highness. We should celebrate that our plans and preparation are slowly but surely on the right track."

"It is still early Count Karl. After the official signing of the negotiations, we would have such a celebration. We should enjoy sometimes the fruit of our effort and sacrifice to make what we are doing worthwhile and fruitful."

"That's right Your Imperial Highness. We could have a small party celebration somewhere in the city together with the other men who worked hard all this time. It would increase the morale of our men Your Imperial Highness."

"How about four days after Christmas? That would be a day after the treaty would be signed with the Russians."

"Okay, Your Imperial Highness. That would be a good date to have such a celebration. I would announce it to the men tomorrow so that they could prepare for the event."

"Good…"

Crown Prince Justinian feels satisfied with the events that happened today. With the Russians and French firmly joined and the British are also slowly joining Austria's side. The future of Austria is slowly becoming better and better even in the face of incoming calamity. He is now optimistic that Austria can weather and survive any incoming invasion and threat that would come.