[center][h1]Serene Empire of Tara[/h1][/center]

[u][b]Empress Liliana Dies: Nation in Mourning: [/b][/u]
The nation was plunged into mourning as the Imperial Palace announced the death of the young Empress Liliana. The Empress, long known for her delicate health, struggled in the last year in a bout with a recurring illness and kept out of the public eye. Imperial Chancellor Montclaire has announced a one month period of national mourning. Prince Fredrick, Duke of Everux, and Viscount of Retz has been recalled from his post in Settumese Tara as Imperial Governor to assume the Opal Throne. Chancellor Montclaire called for 'national unity' and for the country to unite behind Prince Fredrick in this time of 'continential turmoil'. The Prince, first cousin of the Empress, has been serving in Settumese Tara for the last three years. 

[u][b]Intervention Possible? [/b][/u]
The specter of possible Taran intervention was raised by Foreign Secretary Gabriel De Marin who condemned the growing chaos on the continent. In a recent comments to the Daily Star, the Foreign Secretary condemned '' Tyro-Antari aggression in all its forms against a sovereign state. '' The public comments are the strongest yet and when asked on possible Taran intervention, the Foreign Secretary could would only say that the '' government was evaluating all of its options in ending the fighting as swiftly as possible. '' The Foreign Secretary is expected to travel to Violette as soon as next week. 

[u][b]War in Settumu: [/b][/u]
The Meung invasion of Xiang has caused a massive spillover of fighting into the nation of Dun Nam. Large pockets have fallen under the sway of Xiang Warlords who have occupied several large towns. Meung Imperial troops have launched an offensive to evict them from the town of Can Tho. The fighting has raised the possible fear of spillover into Taran territory. General Alessandri, commander of all Colonial forces in Settumu Tara has warned that he will not tolerate any incursions into Taran territory. Hundreds of additional troops are expected to be dispatched to the border. Prince Fredrick prior to his departure has promised '' additional resources and manpower '' for the colony. Deputy Governor Francis Ballard has been named acting governor in Price Fredrick's stead.

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[i][b]Aboard the HMS Victory [/b][/i]

Three years have ago, Fredrick Valois, first Cousin of the Empress and next in line to the Imperial Throne had been a popular officer in the Imperial Army and known somewhat as a dandy at court. He had friends in high places and with his Royal Blood that made the Prince dangerous to an Empress in a fragile state of health. Thus, the young Lieutenant Colonel had found himself drummed out of the Army on a 'medical discharge' and sent as far away from Tara as possible. 

Settumu Tara was about as far away as Chancellor Montclaire could send him without putting him in the grave, though Fredrick had his suspicouns that Montclaire would've liked nothing better. Officially, it had been a promotion, an opportunity for the Duke to show his mettle. In reality, his presence was one primary for propaganda purposes, a royal face for the camera. He spent his days meeting with locals, colonists, and shaking many a soldiers hand. The actual power had been concentrated in the hands of Deputy Governor Ballard and General Alessandri, leaving the 'Governor' with few actual decisions to make on a day to day basis. 

A second, more severe bout, of ill health for his cousin had dramatically changed things for the Prince. He had known of his cousin's health for weeks and how close she was to deaths door. Montclaire had no choice but to send for him, even elements of his own party clashing with him. The arrival of the Cruiser HMS Victory to bear him home should have felt like freedom. Instead, in the confines of his cabin, the Prince soon to be Emperor of Tara felt as if he had exchanged one prison for another.

He was returning to a nation that had lost its Empress, a massive war on the continent who's death toll had begun to spiral into the tens of thousands, and a rabid political base that was eager to spread Taran influence throughout the 'uncivilized world'. The Prince struggled to light another cigar, his head pounding from a hangover. He had drunk himself into a stupor the past three nights with the ships officers and the rocking of the sea was not helping him keep his dinner down. 

In some small way, he wanted this purgatory to go on forever.

But he knew that it would not.

Duty beckoned after all.

With a groan, the Prince pushed himself from sweat stained bedsheets, like a soldier prepared to storm the breach once more.