Chapter I: Diplomatic Offensive.
Austria 1492
And so it happened.
Emperor Maximilian's sisters were sent to Hungary and Bohemia to marry their Kings.
When the Machiavellian Emperor heard that both Kings had accepted to marry his sisters, he called in the Chancellor.
"Her Kanzler, our plans are succeding!"
"But sire, those are only marriages!
That doesn't mean these Kings will surrender their nation to your enlightened rule!"
"You may be right, Kanzler. But maybe you are not.
I am going to my sister's marriage in Prague.
Until I am back, you are in charge of the State. I trust you, do not abuse your power."
"No your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty."
October 8 1492, Prague
The marriage, as always when organized by the House of Habsburg, was splendid.
The Bohemian King himself congratulated the Emperor for the fine marriage he had arranged in the Bohemian Capital.
"Your Imperial Majesty,..."
"You may call me Maximilian, if you like..."
"Thank you... Maximilian. I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that your daughter has married my son.
If I'm not mistaken, I think they are even in love!"
"Yes, my dear friend, and if there would be no danger of invasion, they might even be perfectly happy!"
"How do you mean?"
"Well... the largest Kingdom on this earth lies just to the east of Bohemia and slightly to the south we have the ever-expanding heretics!"
"You are right, but what can I do to ensure the happiness of my son? Oh my God, we're doomed!!"
"Not exactly my friend, the Archduchy of Austria and the rest of the Holy Roman Empire will protect you.
Sign this and Bohemia becomes a vassal to Austria.
Ignore it... and learn to speak Turkish..."
"I have sworn an oath to protect the Sovereignity of my Kingdom and..."
"...and of course you will receive an annual salary from the Austrian Treasury for being our Governor..."
"This is the hardest decision in my life, but I am sure that I will make the right decision... hmm..."
He signs.
"Excellent! Now let's enjoy the pary, shall we?"
Pest, October 16, 1492
The marriage was at least as beautiful as the one in Prague, and afterwards the King and the Emperor started talking...
The King of Hungary had drunk slightly too much wine, but Emperor Maximilian was as clean as always.
"Well my dear friend, aren't you happy for your son?"
"Of course I am, your Majesty."
"Call me Maximilian, and why do you look so troubled? Is it the heathen Turks that are ready to crush Hungary?"
"Yes... I fear them for me, my people and the happiness of my son..."
"Well then I can help you..."
"No, we shall not be vassalized to any nation. We thank you for the proposal but it is best that you leave now. Hungarians are not as stupid and naive as Bohemians."
The Emperor looks shocked.
"Well then you should not expect any help. GUARDS! We're leaving!"
Vienna, January 17, 1493
"Your Majesty, we do not want a full-scale war! Hungarian armies are stronger then ours!"
"Don't worry, there is not going to be a war."
"But your troops..."
"Yes, my troops have been stationned at the borders of Hungary and we have asked Bohemia to do the same."
"What are you doing??"
"You will see, Kanzler..."
An envoy with the coat of arms of the Habsburgs enters.
"Your Majesty, your sister sends us this letter."
Dear Brother,
My silly husband still refuses to join Austria.
Soon I will kill him...
But there is good news too.
Riots have been reported in all major cities, it appears that the people don't want war and want the my husband to do what you tell him.
I believe that he will soon collapse under the pressure and sign the treaty. There is only one last thing necessary... the Turks...
I know you cannot bribe them but still, it would help.
Your sister,
Magdalena."
"Well, that's good news, isn't it?
Call in my guards, we're going to Pest."
Pest, January 28, 1493
Rebels are storming the Royal Palace and speakers hold speeches against the King on every corner of the street, good citizens plunder stores and soldiers kill innocent civilians.
Chaos has struck Pest.
When a letter of warning arrives from the great Turkish Sultan, the King of Hungary runs outside his Palace, but quickly runs back insider when he sees the angry mob ready to lynch him.
Suddenly everyone stops fighting, talking, plundering, storming and screaming.
The Imperial coach of the Holy Roman Emperor has arrived.
Maximilian steps out of the coach and greets the people.
He enters the Palace and sees a coward, hidden behind a seat.
It appeared to be the King who had defied the Power of Austria.
"My dear friend, I have brought a piece of paper with me."
The King signs. None of his former pride was left and Magdalena did what she had to do. She took up the fallen sword of the King and decapitated him in one single hit.
It was clear she had been practicing.
"Let's go outside, a new Queen is needed." she smiles.
