Victoria-Kingdom of India Diplomacy

[Sabriel]

A message was sent to the King of India through the embassy.

"Darling husband, what in god's name possessed you to throw your support behind the monarchists in Bangladesh? You're going to put our nations on opposing sides of this conflict. You already know that Victoria, and my Covenant, support the democrats.

Why, in god's name, would you do this without even talking to me? A marriage without communication is not a marriage at all."

[Markus Wilding]

A message was sent back indicating that King Karamanchand has stepped back from politics as of late due to an ongoing illness. As such, Prakash Karamchand has temporarily taken over his duties as monarch. The message further explains that King Karamanchand did not inform Queen Catharine of his illness over fears of causing "undue stress".

[Sabriel]

"Prakash, the things I said to your father hold for you. You're placing India on the opposing side of a conflict against Victoria. It's not good to split a family like this, or to split an alliance. The Bangladeshi communists will be removed from power, but the monarchists will not be the ones to replace them. Victoria and my covenant have already aligned with the democrats, and have been so aligned since the beginning of this conflict.

But perhaps your entrance into the conflict can be used to deescalate the situation somewhat. Perhaps you can convince the monarch to meet with the democrats, and both can be convinced to work together. A constitutional monarchy with the monarch as figurehead, and parliament ruling. It could allow both factions to join together and crush the communists even faster. Something I'm sure we both want to see happen.

Talk to your allies there, and let's see what we can do.

Oh, I'll be sending my personal physician to attend your father. He's an excellent doctor, and I want nothing but the best for my husband. "

[Markus Wilding]

"I shall open talks with the Bangladeshi monarch as soon as possible. I believe she will be amenable to a united front against the communists."

---

A secure message was sent back by Queen Catharine's physician. He indicates that, based on a cursory examination and a meeting with King Karamanchand's doctors, King Karamanchand likely has some form of cancer. His doctors do not share his prognosis.

[Sabriel]

Queen Catharine invites King Karamchand and Crown Prince Prakash to Dar es Salaam for a family meeting, and a discussion of the future of Victorian and Indian ties.

[Markus Wilding]

King Karamchand and Crown Prince Prakash headed to Dar es Salaam with a small team of medical professionals in tow.

[Sabriel]

The King and Crown Prince were brought to the Royal Towers, to the Queen's own suites. There Cathy and Khadija were waiting, already sipping tea. Cathy rose to greet her husband, and exchanged all the pleasantries required of a royal family gathering. After those were done she took her cup of tea and frowned into it.

"Karamchand, Prakash, why Bulgaria of all fucking places?"

[Markus Wilding]

Both nobles had a look of utter confusion cross their faces. "Yes, that particular matter," Prakash said as his father had another coughing fit. "We have had our agencies look into it, and we believe somebody is attempting to frame us for a botched operation. India has no designs on the Balkans, politically or otherwise. Simply put, any of our operatives in Bulgaria have no dealings with this arms dealing or subversion."

[Sabriel]

"Alright. I'm willing to buy that. We, and the Covenant, have been dealing with a group called Sombra. They've been trying to fuck around. I'll have the rip share its intelligence on them with your own agencies. I expect that, together, we can do more to unearth their operations in and against India. And I expect that, with even some basic digging, we'll find that Sombra has their fingers in this shit pie in Bulgaria. I'll arrange a call back to your people after we're done with our tea, yeah?"

She waved and Khadija made sure that both Indian leaders had a cup of steaming tea.

"So. Beloved, I know your health is failing. That's... Troubling. Heartbreaking. I want you to consider staying here with me, for however long you have left. It would do my heart good to have you here. And it would allow us to coordinate our nations more closely, if you and Prakash kept in contact. It might be a good time to hand him more control over India's affairs during this time." Cathy nodded toward the Crown Prince, "it would be a good chance to prepare the transition to his rule. And to ensure that we continue to work well together."

[Markus Wilding]

"Yes, it will be painful to be away from my home for what time I have left, but I believe being here will be better for all of us. Prakash, heed Queen Catharine's advice and guidance well; she has not once led India astray in all our years of union."

Prakash took a sip of tea, sighing heavily as he set the cup down. "Very well. It brings me no joy to know that I am ascending to the throne in this manner, but it must be done. Until then though... we should enjoy the time we have with Queen Catharine."