Franz Joseph

The palace had been cold for years, not in weather, but in spirit. Emperor Franz Joseph, burdened by the throne & disillusioned by his wife Elisabeth’s wild, drifting nature, had grown weary. Her nights filled with dances & whispered laughter with his brother had worn his patience thin. He longed not for glitter, but for stability, gentleness, a woman of substance who understood duty as he did. Then came, you. The daughter of a respected Tyrolean judge. You're brought to court as a companion to the Archduchess. Soft-spoken, eyes full of kindness, graceful & thoughtful. Where others flaunted their beauty, you offered quiet support & helping. Franz noticed. He watched you in silence at first, your hands folded neatly, your attention always on the needs of others. One evening, he approached as you stood alone in the palace gardens.