Vlad Dracula

Mircea the Elder (grandfather)

Vlad Dracul (father)

Stephen the Great (cousin)

Michael the Brave (great-great-great-nephew)

“I’m Rebecca Nash, with continuing live coronation coverage. This morning, the heir to Weston’s throne was crowned as His Royal Highness, the Sovereign Prince Stephen III during a private ceremony at St. George’s Cathedral which drew royalty and aristocrats from across the continent.”

“I’m Scott Dearborn, and Prince Stephen’s processional has concluded, arriving at the National Assembly Hall in downtown Weston, where the sovereign is scheduled to address the people in his first official address as monarch. Authorities are estimating more than 200,000 Westonians crowded city streets during the processional, and the excitement has been palpable. Kristin Delacourt is at the National Assembly Hall, bringing us live coverage of Prince Stephen’s address.”

“Kristin, how is the mood there?”

“Well, Scott, there’s a holiday feeling across the city today, combined with a sense of pride in Weston’s history and – especially – in the monarchy. The crowd here at Weston’s National Assembly Hall, where the nation’s legislative body is gathering for the Prince’s address, is festive, to say the least. Everyone is so excited to hear of the prince’s plans for Weston and his agenda moving forward. He’ll be appearing on the balcony right up there.”

“The prince is already there, I assume?”

“Yes. His carriage arrived about 20 minutes ago at the back door of the Assembly Hall, and the crowd is waiting for Prince Stephen to appear on the balcony right up there to address the people. In fact, I think that roar means the prince is coming out now. We have cameras in the building across the plaza to give us a better view as the address begins.”

“There is the new monarch, joined by his mother, the dowager princess of Weston, and Weston’s prime minister, David Darnley, so it looks as if we’re about ready to begin. The prince is stepping to the podium now.”

“People of Weston. My people. I greet you today, not as your new ruler, but as your servant. Just as my family has served the people of Weston faithfully for nearly 280 years, I have taken an oath to put your needs before my own and to devote all of my life to the benefit of Weston, as a nation and as a people.”

“There is much work to be done. While our lovely capital city continues to offer one of the highest standards of living in the developed world, it is time to ensure that all Westonians share the same rights and benefits as our residents here. My father, God rest his soul, was working toward this goal at his death, and I promise to continue pursuing it with all of the passion I can muster.”

“To help residents in our outlying communities, like Grenville Bay, enjoy the same privileged lifestyle we have here in Weston will require not only a commitment from our National Assembly, but also help from our neighbors, both here in Oceana and around the globe.”

“To obtain this assistance, I will be travelling to the United States to meet with the president to help build greater awareness of our needs and negotiate increased trade and investment. It is my hope that these investments will help remedy the scourge of unemployment and restlessness that has gripped these communities.”

“But that is only a beginning. We must also undo the terrible environmental damage that previous exploitation has done to places like Grenville Bay so that, as the economy recovers, life can flourish there as it has not for generations. To that end, I will also appear before the United Nations to request assistance with the technologies needed to repair the damage and make our nation a model of clean energy, industry and living.”

“The crown will continue to serve those less fortunate by taking on additional patronages, as it is my belief that royal privilege comes with a responsibility to lift up those in need of help, so that we can all pursue our dreams with equal opportunity and boundless possibilities.”

“To you, today, I promise to do everything within my power to make Weston a more beautiful, bountiful and tolerant nation, so that, upon my death, I will have left our nation better than I found it. I can think of no better contribution a monarch can make to his people, his nation and the world.”

“I must add that I have deeply appreciated the support and the warm reception all of you have granted me. I am truly touched by the affection I have felt in such abundance throughout the day, and I shall strive to earn its continuation throughout my reign. Thank you.”

“That was the Sovereign Prince Stephen III, addressing the people as he assumes the crown of Weston and begins what promises to be a remarkable reign.”

“Absolutely, Kristin. I think we’re all impressed by not only Prince Stephen’s passion, but also the detailed plans he already seems to have in place for improvements across the country.”

“We’ll be back after these messages to talk with several members of the Weston National Assembly, as well as representatives from several of the nation’s great noble families, about their impressions of Prince Stephen’s address.”

“Plus we’ll be hearing from our society reporter, Willa Daley, about preparations for tonight’s coronation ball, Rebecca. I’m Scott Dearborn, with Rebecca Nash, bringing you ongoing coverage of the coronation of Prince Stephen III. We’ll be right back.”

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Continent of Oceana | History of Weston

“Welcome back, Weston! This is WBN, and we’re bringing you live coverage of the coronation of our new Sovereign Prince, Stephen III. I’m Rebecca Nash ….”

“And I’m Scott Dearborn, and we’re going live to Ryan Lively in Granger Park, where Prince Stephen’s procession has just arrived. How is it there, Ryan?”

“It’s a closely packed crowd as far as the eye can see, Scott, and the cheering is almost deafening as Prince Stephen’s coach approaches, accompanied by more than 100 members of the Prince’s Crown Brigade.”

“We can definitely hear the crowd, Ryan. How many people are there?”

“Around 7,000 are lining the boulevard here in the park, but Weston police are estimating that there are nearly 200,000 people crowding the processional route from end to end. Spirits are high, and … wait, the prince’s carriage is coming up now.”

“There is Prince Stephen III, waving to the crowds from the royal coach. While I understand His Royal Highness’ security detail pressured him to drive the route by car, the prince insisted that he go by coach, which, while more traditional, also offers a better view of the new monarch. The people here certainly seem to like it (raising voice). As you can hear, the crowd is absolutely going wild!”

“Prince Stephen certainly seems to be enjoying the attention of his people, looking a bit more relaxed than he did during the coronation.”

“Absolutely, Rebecca.”

“What else are you seeing, Ryan?”

“Immediately following the Prince’s coach is another open coach, in which the dowager princess is waving to the crowds. I haven’t seen her look so pleased since before Prince Nicholas passed. And as beloved as she is to the people, she’s definitely getting a warm reception here!”

The procession is accompanied by an impressive array of royal guards, both on foot and on horseback. Such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime sight for many of us! I don’t remember ever seeing such a display of pageantry!”

“The procession will proceed through the arts district and into downtown Weston, where it will stop at the National Assembly Hall. There, Prince Stephen is scheduled to make his first formal remarks as monarch.”

“I know we’re all very curious as to what he’ll have to say, Ryan. Since Prince Stephen has rarely spoken in public, there’s a big question in everyone’s mind whether he will have the presence needed to rule Weston as his father did. Prince Nicholas was such a force of nature and a beloved sovereign to the people of Weston, so he has big shoes to fill!”

“You’re right, Rebecca, but we certainly don’t have long to wait. We’ll be right back with more coverage of coronation day – including Prince Stephen’s upcoming speech at the National Assembly – right here on WBN.”

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“Welcome back. I’m Rebecca Nash .…”

“And I’m Scott Dearborn, bringing you highlights of the coronation ceremony, which has now concluded at St. George’s Cathedral. Weston now has a new ruler. Crowned as the Sovereign Prince of Weston, Stephen III, the prince represents the fourteenth generation of the Marchand family to rule Weston since claiming the throne from the Fitzroy family in 1741.”

“The crowning was not televised, Scott, per Westonian royal tradition. However, it’s my understanding that Prince Stephen had hoped to change that. Let’s go live to Kristin Delacourt at St. George’s Cathedral to learn more.”

“Thank you, Rebecca. And yes, Prince Stephen had planned on forsaking tradition to televise the coronation for the first time. However, his mother, the dowager princess, along several powerful members of the aristocracy and the National Assembly, objected to changing tradition at this time. While he was disappointed, many believe that Prince Stephen didn’t want to start his reign with a public debate on the subject, and gave in to their demands. He did ask for – and achieve – a compromise, however, and authorized still photography during the ceremony.”

“Oh, look! Prince Stephen has emerged from the cathedral! The newly crowned prince is all smiles as he is greeted by his people. He will now board his royal coach for a procession through the streets of Weston. We’ll bring you ongoing coverage of that procession coming up, but first, let’s look at some of the beautiful images we were able to capture during the coronation itself.”

“Prince Stephen entered the cathedral alone, clad in a traditional royal cloak of deep blue velvet lined with ermine. The moment was solemn, and I’m sure the prince was deep in thought about the responsibilities he was about to assume on behalf of our people and nation.”

“The Crown of State was placed upon his head by Archbishop Thomas Anscom, who has been the royal family’s friend, advisor and confessor for many years. Taking his oath, Prince Stephen swore to uphold the sovereignty and laws of Weston and serve for the benefit of its people for all his remaining days on earth.”

“Archbishop Anscom then took to the pulpit, speaking eloquently of the prince’s abilities and his unfailing dedication to Weston. He ended with a traditional prayer to bless Prince Stephen’s reign and bring continued peace and prosperity to our nation.”

“There was a question for many as to what name Stephen would claim for his rule, given that Stephen II was known as something of a tyrant during his rule from 1806-1827. While Stephen, of course, is the prince’s given name, he had the option of choosing another for his reign, is that correct, Kristin?”

“Yes, Scott, he certainly did have that option – and many guessed that he would choose to rule as Michael V in honor of his father. However, Stephen intends to be a progressive monarch, so it’s no surprise that he would ignore any superstition regarding his regnant name and choose to remain Stephen.”

“The Dowager Princess, of course, was in attendance, as were representatives of all of Oceana’s kingdoms, including the Emperor and Empress of Torenth. Here is a shot of them during Archbishop Anscom’s remarks. On the far right, you’ll also see Weston’s prime minister, David Darnley.”

“And Stephen himself?”

“On the throne, Rebecca, where I must say he looked a bit uncomfortable.”

“Indeed he did, but it’s not surprising with thousands of eyes on him and such high expectations for his reign. Thank you, Kristin, we’ll see you a little later for  coverage of Prince Stephen’s address at the National Assembly. Right now, we’re going to break for a message from our sponsors, but we’ll be right back with live coverage of Prince Stephen’s procession through Weston.”

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