The Rise of German empire

The atmosphere in the banquet hall grew electric as Crown Prince Oscar approached the two young women seated in the corner. Conversations around the room quieted, replaced by a wave of curious whispers that rippled through the aristocratic gathering.

"Who are they?" a noblewoman murmured, her fan snapping shut in anticipation.

"Those are Princess Helmchud and Princess Gundlinde of Bavaria," another replied, her tone tinged with envy. "Daughters of King Ludwig III."

This revelation sparked waves of murmured speculation. Among the German Empire's noble families, the Bavarian royal lineage was particularly esteemed. Their history stretched back centuries, predating even the rise of the Prussian Hohenzollerns. It was a connection steeped in tradition, power, and prestige.

For many, it was inconceivable that the crown prince's attention would settle elsewhere—especially not on someone of lesser rank. Yet, as Oscar's gaze remained fixed on the two princesses, jealousy simmered among the noblewomen.

Princess Helmchud, the elder of the two sisters, was the first to notice Oscar's approach. Her heart leapt, and she immediately straightened her posture, adjusting her dress with practiced ease.

"This is it," she thought, her mind racing with possibilities. "He's coming to speak with me."

She couldn't entirely blame him for his interest. Helmchud knew she possessed a natural elegance and maturity that set her apart from others her age. At twenty-two, she had blossomed into a striking young woman, with a sharp wit to match.

"Gundlinde," she whispered sharply to her sister, who had been picking at her plate. "Put that down. The crown prince is approaching. Don't embarrass yourself."

Gundlinde, the younger of the two, glanced up in surprise, her cheeks flushed as she quickly obeyed. Though only seventeen, Gundlinde carried a different charm. Her delicate features and shy demeanor gave her an almost ethereal quality, like a porcelain doll brought to life.

As Oscar stopped before them, Helmchud greeted him with a flawless curtsy and a radiant smile. "Your Highness," she said, her voice melodic and inviting.

"Your Highness," Gundlinde echoed softly, her voice barely audible.

Oscar's gaze, however, lingered on Gundlinde. His expression softened, his eyes glinting with a warmth that surprised even himself. He offered a polite nod to Helmchud before turning his full attention to her sister.

"Lady Gundlinde," he began, his tone low and smooth, "may I have the honor of knowing your name?"

The question struck Helmchud like a blow. Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief. Surely, this was a mistake?

Gundlinde hesitated, glancing uncertainly at her sister before meeting Oscar's gaze. "My name is Gundlinde, Your Highness," she said softly, her cheeks reddening.

Oscar nodded approvingly. "Princess Gundlinde, would you honor me with a dance?"

The world seemed to stand still. Gundlinde hesitated, unsure if she had heard correctly. Her eyes flickered to Helmchud for reassurance, but her sister's expression was unreadable—a mix of shock and forced composure.

Finally, she placed her delicate hand in Oscar's. "It would be my honor, Your Highness," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

As Oscar led her to the dance floor, the hum of whispered speculation in the room grew louder.

"Did he just pick Gundlinde?"

"She's only seventeen—practically a child!"

"The union of Prussia and Bavaria... What a brilliant move."

The orchestra struck up a lively waltz, and the pair began to move across the polished floor. At first, Gundlinde's steps were hesitant, but Oscar's steady guidance put her at ease. Her natural grace soon emerged, and together, they wove a captivating display that left the room enthralled.

Helmchud, meanwhile, watched from the sidelines, her stomach churning with a mix of anger and humiliation.

"This can't be happening," she thought, her fingers curling tightly around the edges of her fan. "Why her? She's just a child!"

She couldn't deny that Gundlinde's beauty outshone her own in some ways. But Gundlinde was young, inexperienced—surely no match for the demands of royal life.

Yet, as the waltz continued, it became increasingly clear that Oscar's interest was genuine. His attentiveness to Gundlinde left no doubt in anyone's mind: the crown prince had made his choice.

At a nearby table, Count Tirpitz and Prince Heinrich observed the scene with satisfaction.

"It seems His Highness has decided," Tirpitz remarked, sipping his wine.

Prince Heinrich nodded. "A wise choice. The union of our houses will strengthen the empire, especially with Bavaria's influence in the south."

When the dance ended, Oscar bowed deeply to Gundlinde, earning him a shy smile in return. The room erupted in applause, though the polite clapping of some noblewomen barely hid their disappointment.

Escorting Gundlinde back to her seat, Oscar's voice was warm as he spoke. "Thank you, Princess. I hope we may have the chance to speak again later this evening."

Gundlinde nodded, her cheeks still flushed. "The pleasure was mine, Your Highness."

As he stepped away, Helmchud seized her opportunity. She rose gracefully from her chair, her smile perfectly measured. "Your Highness," she said, her tone laced with charm, "I hope you're enjoying the evening."

Oscar paused, offering her a polite smile. "Indeed, Princess Helmchud. Bavaria has much to be proud of."

Though courteous, his words carried none of the warmth he had shown Gundlinde. Helmchud felt her confidence waver as she watched him walk away, a sinking realization settling in her chest.

The rest of the evening unfolded with a mixture of celebration and subdued rivalry. For Oscar, it was the start of a promising connection; for Gundlinde, a night that would forever change her life.

But for Helmchud and the other noblewomen, it was a bitter reminder of the unpredictability of fate—and the power of a single moment to upend even the best-laid plans.