Buckingham Palace, Britannia Empire.
On the same day when Alexander announced to Sevastian his plan to unveil a classified project of launching sputnik into space. Diana Rosemary Edinburgh received a letter of notification from the Prime Minister of the Britannia Empire.
It read: [Your Royal Highness, urgent news has been reported by the Ruthenian Embassy inviting all head-of-states, including the reigning monarchs to watch a Ruthenian announcement on the television that will be broadcast at three o'clock in the afternoon.]
Diana folded the letter she just read and set aside her cup of tea. She took a sip, pondering what Ruthenia is going to share with the world.
Considering what was happening in the Far East right now where the Han Dynasty announced its abdication and initiated peace talks with the Nationalists and Communist Party, this month wasn't the perfect time to announce something.
For her, it felt forced and sudden, which made her interest in it grow even more. Is the Ruthenian Empire going to shock the world again with its new revolutionary technology? She doesn't know.
The only way for her to find out is to watch television.
Looking at the clock mounted on the wall, there are two hours left before the broadcast begins. This gives her plenty of time to talk with her father about her crown ceremony that will be held on the first day of April.
***
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Deutschland Empire, Berlin. Kaiser Wilhelm and Prime Minister Erik Jan Hanussen received the same letter from the Ruthenian Embassy.
"What does my nephew want to say now?" Kaiser Wilhelm threw the letter to the table with his deformed hand.
"Mein Kaiser, I've contacted other legations in Europe as well as the United States. They said to me that they also received a letter from their respective Ruthenian Embassies, all saying the same thing in the letter," Erik said.
"Really? With all the efforts, it must be a very important announcement that the Ruthenian asked all great powers to watch the television."
"I agree, Mein Kaiser. Well, we will learn of their intention once the broadcast starts," Erik replied.
***
Back at the Ruthenia Empire.
Citizens of the Ruthenia Empire congregated in front of the Palace Square of the Winter Palace. They were offered food and drinks as they waited for the Emperor to show himself from the balcony where he would give his speech.
Cameras from the Ruthenian Broadcasting Agency set up their cameras and journalists from around the world staying in St. Petersburg were also invited to witness what would be a historic moment not only for the Ruthenia Empire but for the world.
Not only that, Ambassadors from each nation that has diplomatic ties with the Ruthenia Empire arrived as well.
Inside the Winter Palace, Alexander was having his suit groomed by manservants. His eyes were looking out of the window, seeing people continuing to flood Palace Square.
"Sevastian, how many people do we expect to come to the Palace Square?" Alexander asked.
"We are expecting five to seven thousand people attending the speech, Your Majesty. The other would probably watch from their homes via television."
"Is the security that we employed enough to control the crowds? I don't want the tragedy that occurred during my father's coronation to happen here, do you understand?" Alexander glanced over his shoulder after saying that in a serious tone.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we will ensure the integrity of the event as well as the safety of the people coming to see your presence," Sevastian bowed reverently.
"Just make sure of it," Alexander returned his gaze to the window and watched the people arriving at the Palace Square.
Sevastian bowed once more to reassure the Emperor before excusing himself. Just as he exited the door, he bumped into someone.
"Ouch…"
Sevastian's eyes widened in fear the moment he identified the person he just bumped into.
"Oh my god…Your Imperial Majesty? Are you okay? I'm sorry for coming out the door all of a sudden…" he stammered as he offered his hand to help her up.
"I'm okay, I should be the one apologizing for standing right behind the door," Sophie took his hand and had Sevastian pull her up.
Beads of sweat trickled down his temples as his face turned pale. He just bumped into a very important person that is carrying the child of the Emperor. If complications were to arise from this encounter, he can kiss his life goodbye.
"What's the matter there?" A voice reverberated inside the room. Sevastian jolted in shock to notice the owner of the voice. It belonged to no other, Alexander Romanoff.
He must have heard Her Imperial Highness fall.
Sophie noticed the grim expression on Sevastian's face, Feeling guilty and responsible for endangering her and the child inside her.
"Nothing my dear, I just come here to see you before you make a speech in front of the crowds and the television," Sophie stepped inside the room and whispered to Sevastian just as she passed him by. "You may go now".
Sevastian quickly fled the room before Alexander could learn the situation.
Fortunately for him, Alexander overlooked it and instead focused on the woman who was walking over to him right now.
"Please leave us be," Alexander ordered the manservant grooming his suit.
The manservant nodded in acknowledgment before leaving the two alone.
The manservant closed the door behind him, giving the royal couple complete privacy.
Alexander's eyes shifted to the oval-shaped bump in her belly. His hands reached out to it and caressed it softly. "I can't wait to meet your little one.." he cooed, smiling brightly while stroking her belly.
Sophie's heart softened seeing his loving gesture for her unborn child. She placed a hand over Alexander's and enveloped it gently with hers.
"In four months, our baby will be born. I can't wait to find out if our second child will be a boy or a girl," Sophie said.
"There is a way for us to know the sex of the child while it's still inside you know," Alexander said. "Do you want to give it a try?" Alexander suggested. If Sophie wants it, then he wouldn't mind building an ultrasound machine.
"Really? How certain is that?" Sophie asked.
"One hundred percent," Alexander replied confidently. "So you want to try?"
Sophie hummed in thought. Moments after, she gave a reply. "No, I think it would be best if we wait for it."
"Fine then," Alexander removed his hand from her belly and placed it on her face. "Before I go and make a speech that will shock the world, can you do me a favor?"
"What is it?" Sophie asked.
"Can you kiss me?" He asked in a gentle manner that was almost pleading. Sophie smiled at his request.
And so she leaned down to press a soft peck against Alexander's lips. He pulled away after hearing a soft moan escaping from her mouth and stared at her affectionately, making Sophie feel shy under his stare.
She's really cute, Alexander thought.
"Well Sophie, I must get going. I'll see you later."
"Do your best out there," Sophie cheered.
