Our Royal Interview with Prince Klaus

Firstly, The Parliament House just wanted to thank Prince Klaus for showing up to grace us with his royal presence for this majestic interview...

[ph] If we had to ask members of your palace to describe you in less than ten words, what would they say?

[pk] Lord Crestwood would say just, perhaps? Willful, stubborn. . . he often says I’m foolish because of my ideals about love. Adelais would say I’m kind, playful and good. I’ve heard from time to time that my people think I’m brave but . . . ‘too young to rule.’ As for Aurelia, I hope that she thinks I’m kind and understanding. . . One day, I’d like her to know how I feel about her.

[ph] If you only had one more day to spend with Aurelia, how would you spend your time with her?

[pk] I would want to treat her with a beautifully, romantic day – though, I’m sure she’d insist that I not bother with such things. I would start our day as we normally do – in the dining room. And after sharing her favorite foods, I’d invite her to a boat ride. And after I make a complete fool of myself as I did once, I would take her to my mother’s cottage again and we would swim and toast bread in the fireplace. I think it would be rather un-gentlemanlike to share the rest of what I would plan. . . but I would show and tell Aurelia just how strong my feelings are for her.

[ph] Who do you consider family?

[pk] My mother passed away when I was a child, and my father only just recently departed from this world. But I suppose I still consider them a part of my family. I have Adelais, one of my loyal servants. When I was younger, she acted as a nursery maid. And then there’s also Lord Crestwood. While he’s my close advisor, he’s also my most trusted friend. Of course, there is also Aurelia now. . . whom I admire and have grown to love deeply.

[ph] What are some struggles you face while being a future King?

[pk] Listening to the right sort of people is definitely a struggle any Royal has to face. Listening to the right sort of advice. Many people around you are trying to benefit themselves and not the King … or their country. I struggle keeping the balance of their own personal gain, and doing right by Saarland der Licht. It’s hard to do the things that one . . . simply doesn’t wish to do. Such as arranged marriages – I for one, would much rather marry for love. . . marry by choice. But not all decisions can be about what I wish. Sometimes, it’s about the greater good of my country and my people.

[ph] What are some of the things you do for fun?

[pk] I enjoy taking strolls in the gardens at the palace. My mother planted many beautiful flowers, and I like to admire them from time to time. I also enjoy taking boat rides and swims; there’s a river that flows just underneath the palace, and it can be a nice, quiet place to relax and disappear. I also enjoy visiting my mother’s cottage from her childhood. It acts much as an escape for me. When I can, I take a pint of ale with Lord Crestwood and play a game of cards or two. He takes pride in beating me at something.

[ph] What is most important to you in life?

[pk] I suppose it would be cliché to say love is the most important thing to me in life. Doing the right thing; making the right decisions. As a Prince. . . as a King, my sole purpose is to tend to my lands, take care of my people and at times, make rather hard decisions. I want history to remember me as a good and kind, but just King. I want my family to remember me as a loving man – husband… friend.

[ph] What are your feelings on arranged marriages?

[pk] Lord Crestwood would tell you that while I support the arrangement he made with Foix de Lille, I was far from being happy from it. I’ve seen my mother wither away from her unhappiness. . . the way that my father treated her was unfair and hardly husbandly. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned, but even as a royal prince, I’ve often hoped to be one of the lucky men in the world. . . and marry for love. I understand the importance of fair trades and dealings, and as I’ve said before – doing what is right for Saarland der Licht. But I also wish to remain true to my heart. If I had a say in my own marriage, I would look to a beautiful woman in my palace. . . who hides underneath an odd fur cloak, but smiles as bright as the sun.

[ph] What do you consider to be your strengths & weaknesses?

[pk] While I’m rather good at listening to other’s problems, I lack the skills of expressing mine and listening to my own advice. It is easy to tell others what I think and what I think I’d do if I were in a similar situation – but when I am, it seems all coherent thoughts dash out the window. Another weakness of mine is stubbornness; Adelais will tell you that I’m too stubborn for my own good. I believe the success of my kingdom rests upon my shoulders, and to uphold such a responsibility, a King must have many strengths: bravery, a good and just mind and heart, a keen spirit, a good sense of himself and clear goals. Determination and motivation to fulfill those goals… and good people to surround himself with. More often than not, a King is nothing without the love of his people. . . and a good Queen to stand by his side.

[ph] Who are some of your biggest influences?

[pk] Lord Crestwood has always been a huge influence in my life, despite our social division of rank. He has always been the stronger, better version of what a ruler should look like. He received a proper education, and spent more time with my father than I did. He acts much like an older brother to me, and a true friend. He advises me in almost all things – and I base many of my decisions on what he tells me to do.

[ph] What were some of the reasons you liked Aurelia staying with you, in Saarland der Licht?

[pk] She brought a new warmth to Saarland der Licht that I haven’t felt since. . . well, to be honest, since my mother was alive. She made me smile every morning that I saw her enter a room. . . and the more she revealed herself to me, the more I felt drawn to her. There’s something about her. . . She brought life back to the palace, and I never wanted to lose that. Even Lord Crestwood (after an odd time) began to smile. I suppose I liked that she didn’t tolerate Adelais’ bossiness. Did you know I caught Aurelia climbing down from her window with linen-rope? All to escape Adelais? She’s a fiery one. . . and I like that.

[ph] How did you feel when you found out Aurelia was the Princess of Tränen?

[pk] I suppose you’ll have to read the book to find out that answer… that would reveal a bit too much.

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