The Minister was shown into the Praesul's office, who smiled as he entered.
"Minister Philonexus II, a pleasure you could make it."The Minister smiled, before taking his seat. Both Alexus and Lucia turned around separately and gave the Philonexus a nod of recognition, before becoming once more immersed in what the Praesul was saying.
"Welcome all to the official reading of the last will and testament of Dux-Imperator Marcus IV. Whilst certainly the specifics outlined in these documents must still be carried out, I ask all of you to appreciate that this was written some years ago."
A murmur of recognition swept the room.
"Right then let us begin... Whilst the full contents of this testament are long and tedious, Marcus wished to only keep you for a short while. As such he wrote a personal letter to you all which outlined his wishes. The remainder of the legal jargen which detail the changes he has ordered will be surveyed by your legal advisers and forwarded to you."The Praesul pressed a button on his intercom and within a few seconds two aides had entered from either side of the room. One carried a wooden box, the other an electronic key card. Once the Praesul had both of these he swiped the card along the reader on the box before typing in his overide code. At once the lock clicked open, and the Praesul retrieved a sealed scroll from within. This he unrolled, and with a glance around the room began to read.
In the event of my untimely passing or incapacitation, the above persons are to be summoned to hear the following document. This testament outlines the hopes and the regrets of my reign. It also contains my last executive order as Lord Imperator of this great country, should it not already have been carried out. This is an honour given to all rulers of Collatica, though whether it should is another question entirely.
I have never understood such legal formalities, but I must request that all those present sign this declaration, which confirms that you have read and understood my last testament, and are all bound to see it's contents run true as they were intended.
The Praesul looked up, as all those present signed the legally binding declaration. Alexus couldn't stop his fingers trembling as he did so, making his signature quite illegible.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this testament. I like any other man take no pleasure in talking of my death. Nonetheless it is a journey we all must take, and I only ask that in the times after my reign that all those present ensure the continued preservation of our culture and traditions. However this should not be misinterpreted, follow this course of conservation with such moral conduct that the people are given the voice to which they are entitled.
To my wife. All these years you have only looked out for the best interests of myself, my office and our family. Often defending it with such an aggression only I find myself understanding in court. Yet now our time of rule is over, we must trust in the abilities of our children to rule this country with the commitment and maturity it deserves.
To my two children. I am aware that you lead very different lives, with very different ideals. It is easy to see why some of my advisers are already wary of the events which will pass immediately after my death, some even go as far to suggest civil war. This cannot happen. Our great country, which we serve, is not a thing to be squabbled over so violently and in such absolutes. You must learn to compromise.
Now for the formalities. Below are my two final executive orders which all are bound to obey. One is relatively simple, the other will take some adjustment to the entire infrastructure under which we work.
I. It is with great anticipation and excitement that I reveal the confirmation of my heir. Dux-Princeps Alexus Draconia is to be no more. In the true style of the Kings of Collatica he is to be crowned Imperator and Head of State in all of it's capacities. Henceforth, upon his corronation he is to be known as Dux-Imperator Alexus IV. Congratulations.
II. I was once hailed as the Imperator who would give power and sovereignty to the people of Collatica. At the time I was foolish enough to think it a realistic dream. I see now that the people nor the infrastructure of our governments are able to bear such a load. However for the love and commitment the people have given me in my reign, I can at least give them half of what was promised to them. Henceforth, all appointments to the Imperial cabinets (national and local) must be confirmed by a simple majority vote of the Democratic Tribunes (national and local). However other than this I will push for no further changes to the internal workings of our institutions. The Imperator will retain his veto over the Tribune through the cabinet, as well as national sovereignty. I leave it to my able children to guide our nation into the future with a steady hand.
May fate smile upon you. Good luck.
Signed,
His Imperial Majesty, Dux-Imperator Marcus IV.
September 2003
The Praesul laid the scroll down onto his desk, allowing a moment for his audience to collect their thoughts. For the first time in years
Dux-Servia had allowed a tear to slide down her cheek. Lucia looked quite shocked, whilst Alexus stared straight through him. It was only the Minister who seemed to be observing the reactions of the family, as the Praesul was.
Suddenly Alexus left his seat. He strode purposefully over to his sister, and took her in an embrace they had not experienced for quite some years. The two then shook hands, and resolved to work together to follow through with their father's final wish as a dying man. Their mother, Servia, was the only one in the room who seemed displeased at the day's outcome.
