Kalistani Major History

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Empress is Married
ODEN executive Victor Martin may become Emperor Victor I
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 18, 5474


Empress Nicolette I and her new husband Victor Martin tie the knot at Imperial Residence

Court watchers who have been growing increasingly anxious over the single status of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette are breathing a collective sigh of relief today, after the Empress was married over the weekend at the Ananto Residence in Eveari. Months of speculation were ended when reporters, government officials and friends of the Empress were hastily assembled the Imperial Palace to witness a grand spectacle that Kalistan has not been a part of for more than a century. At the lowkey Brethrenist ceremony, Her Imperial Highness married Victor Martin, the Director of International Sales for ODEN-K. Martin was the top contender among Crown Watchers, and the union was not seen as a surprise by many. "We were more surprised that the two decided to get married now," said social columnist Maggie Reynolds, of La Moda. "Their courtship is less than 6 months old, and while the two have been in public several times, we all expected there to be a much longer dating period."

Victor Martin, ODEN-K Chief of International Sales, in 5473

The timing of the wedding did have some members of the Empress' immediate family scratching their heads. But baby rumors were quickly put to rest by Veronica Ananto, the Empress' mother. "When Nicolette came to me and asked me what I thought about her getting married, I was of course immediately surprised, because I assumed that many days of her being single were still in front of her. But she said she is ready to start her family, and now, with the threat of war steadily decreasing, is a better time than there has been in years. The Empress is not with child, she assured me. These two just decided that it was time for her to think about the future of the family." The Empress turns 43 this year and has been under a lot of pressure to produce an heir, so that may have added to her decision to marry Martin.

The ceremony, which in Brethrenist fashion is usually silent and has traditionally been reserved for friends, family and members of the Couple's Meeting, was held at the Imperial Palace in Eveari. Martin, who is not Brethrenist, was nonetheless welcomed by the Meeting, who spent a week with the couple before the ceremony to ensure that they both had Clearness about what they planned to do. "We don't talk about the discussions in our clearness committees," said Eveari Meeting Clerk Alice Duarte. "But the Committee recommended to the Meeting that they endorse this marriage and take this couple up as a long standing concern for the Meeting. Which is to say, the committee felt convinced that Nicolette and Victor were clear about their decisions, and we as a community should do what we can to support it." Following that recommendation, the Eveari Meeting passed a minute to support the couple and the ceremony began. There was about thirty minutes of silence, as is customary at a Brethrenist Wedding, and most members of the meeting, as well as Nicolette's mother all expressed their joy at the match, and welcomed Victor to the family. The the couple exchanged their rings and made their promises to one another, and then the meeting signed the very ornate Brethrenist Marriage Certificate, and the Empress was married. Following the Meeting for Marriage, the doors were thrown open and reporters and community members were invited in for the celebration of the marriage.

Her Imperial Majesty receives a small present from her young cousin Tommy before the wedding

Martin, who remains a commoner until he is crowned Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan later this year, will be named Count of Dahriel later this week, and will assume formal titles following his coronation. "The tradition in Kalistan has thus far required that both Emperor and Empress be co-rulers of Kalistan," said Reynolds. "But it is unclear whether Nicolette will keep to that tradition. While Martin is expected to become Emperor Victor I Ananto, it is also possible that he may become Prince Consort. There is nothing in the National Law that addresses this, so it is likely that the National Assembly will acquiesce to whatever Her Imperial Majesty wishes to do in this matter."

Her Imperial Majesty Nicolette and new husband Count Victor Martin, pose for wedding photos

When asked if any foreign dignitaries attended the nuptuals, Reynolds answered "None were invited. This was family, friends and residents of Eveari. Her Imperial Majesty's office kept everything on a very short leash.
Our managing editor in Kaliburg didn't even make it here, because it happened very quickly. Luckily, I've been camped out in Eveari for 10 months now. So, when I got the call that it was happening, I rushed to the Palace and luckily got let in." Reynolds was asked if she thought there would be kids soon. "The Empress spoke at the wedding and assured everyone that she and Victor will not waste any time getting their family going, and the married couple slipped out early from the celebration which lasted late into the night," said Reynolds. "All I can say was she looked beautiful, he looked dashing, and I can't wait to cover the royal births."