When the Emperor of Norica-Onogur dies without issue, a junior prince of Nordmærk is enthroned subject to certain conditions, including marriage. Aye, there’s the rub.
His Imperial Majesty Franz Leopold, ruler of Norica-Onogur, has died, leaving a testament nominating the exiled third son of the king of Nordmærk as successor. The governing powers of the empire are shocked and dismayed, but tradition requires obedience to the deceased monarch's wishes. Lord Nicolai of Bohemia, nearest in descent to the throne, must be shunted aside.
Regardless of the damaged feelings of others, all should look rosy to the new ruler — gaining power, prestige, glory and wealth merely by agreeing to become a Roman Catholic and learn a new language. If Paris was well worth a Mass to Henry IV, leader of the Huguenots, should Vindobon be worth any less to the scapegrace Karl Kristian I?
But there are additional minor requirements. After enthronement as King of Norica, and before becoming emperor, he must wed royalty from one of the nations of the Empire, by preference Princess Madalina Anna of Onogur, a task before which a doughtier man than himself might quail. He must abandon his child by a previous marriage. Most arduous of all, he must conquer the independence and hot temper which had brought about his exile from Nordmærk while in his teens.