Potential behind the throne.
A Kaiserreich AAR
Neues Palais, Park Sanssouci, Potsdam, Germany
Franz viewed himself in the huge mirror, that hung on the wall, opposite of the door, through which the servant had led him.
Quickly he pulled a comb out of his jacket and nervously straightened his hair a bit.
It wasn't the first time that he had been invited to an audience with the Kaiser, but he'd probably never get used to in the presence of the mightiest man on earth.
Slowly he sat down on the large velvet couch, feeling the soft material with his fingers and smiling a bit.
"Please, Herr von Rintelen, make yourself at home."
He heard the female voice behind him, and quickly fumbled to stand up straight.
Turning around he saw a woman, dressed in the uniform of the Leibhusaren, that had entered the room through a second door, without him noticing.
"Your Imperial Highness..." he stuttered and bowed deeply.
"You were expecting to see my father, of course.
But you'll have to make do with me.
You know, why you were summoned here?" the princess asked and smiled faintly, which Franz of course couldn't see, as he was still looking at the ground.
Slowly Franz shook his head.
He was confused... what was the Kaiser's daughter doing here and why did she talk to him, as if you wanted to give him orders?
"Let's just say, von Papen doesn't like you."
He lifted his gaze from the floor to look at the princess and lifted and eyebrow, while already thinking about what von Papen was planning now, and how he going to defend himself, but the princess didn't even let him start.
"No no, it's quite alright.
He doesn't like you, and I don't like him.
You're here, because my father's chancellor is so embroiled in his conservatism, that he fail to see what has to be done.
And sadly, my father listens to him.
The world is a dangerous place, Herr von Rintelen, and you are going to help me keep Germany safe."
The princess gestured him to sit down again and started to explain her plan.
A long day full of surprises had just started for him.
Prinzessin Victoria Luise and Franz von Rintelen
