Re: Blood and Iron

Time had a way of flying by without one truly realizing the scope of its passing. It had already been close to three years since Bruno had managed to alter the course of history and bring an end to the Great War.

In addition to this, his expert political maneuvering following the interwar fallout, especially in the Balkans also was beginning to age like fine wine. The Habsburgs had perfectly integrated into the German Reich, and in doing so, became the unofficial second pillar of the Nation.

It was because of this that Bruno had his eyes on the House of Habsburg, in particular one of its daughters, in blood at least, as the fiancee for his second son Josef. Though the boy was not even yet ten years of age, the woman Bruno had in mind was rapidly approaching adulthood, and he needed to seal this agreement quickly.

Bruno’s children spanned a noticeable age gap. Early in his marriage to Heidi, before the demands of his military career consumed him entirely, they had three children in quick succession: Eva, Erwin, and Elsa.

It wasn’t until around 1910 that a second wave of children began arriving, more methodically timed between deployments and political upheaval. Josef, Heinrich, and Wilhelm were the eldest of this younger group, three sons who would follow Erwin in the line of succession.

Finally, during the years leading up to and throughout the Great War, two more daughters were born: Anna and Erika. The youngest of the entire brood, Erika, was now only about four years old.

It was because of this large and well-positioned family that Bruno’s next plan was so bold. Frankly speaking, he had been waiting for Franz Joseph to kick the bucket before proposing it. Only now, after giving the House of Habsburg proper time to mourn, did Bruno arrange a quiet meeting with its new head, Archduke Karl.

Bruno had for the first time since the funeral travelled from Innsbruck to Vienna, a trip that by train was far less tiresome than the one from Berlin. And upon arriving he met with the new Archduke of Austria in the Hofburg.

Particularly in the same office where Bruno had once struck the deal that sealed the fate of his family. However, Karl was already proving to be far more receptive than his late uncle. And for good reason.

He understood what Franz Joseph could not: that Bruno’s offer, however heavy-handed, had saved Austria from complete ruin. The Archduchy had been absorbed into the Reich, and the Habsburgs had lost their sovereign imperial status. But compared to the chaos engulfing Hungary and the Balkans, it had been a soft landing.

So, unlike other members of his family, Karl didn’t glare at Bruno with the disdain his predecessor had. On the contrary, he looked… relieved.

“I must say,” Karl began, pouring tea, “I didn’t expect you to reach out after everything that’s happened between you and my house. But I’m glad you did. I have a proposal to make, and, well… It may sound unreasonable at first. But I’m hoping your reputation for pragmatism means you’ll hear me out.”

Bruno arched a brow. This was unexpected. He had come with a proposal of his own, but if Karl had business first, he would allow it. With a slight smile, he gestured for the Archduke to continue.

“How very interesting,” Bruno said. “By all means. I’m intrigued.”

He took a sip of tea, half expecting a request for mineral rights in Tyrol or territorial concessions. But nothing could have prepared him for what Karl said next.

“I’d like to propose a betrothal,” Karl said evenly. “Between your second son, Josef… and my cousin, Sophie von Hohenberg.”

Bruno nearly choked on his drink.

After forcing himself not to erupt in coughing, he slowly composed himself. Karl continued, perhaps fearing Bruno was about to reject the offer outright.

“I know there’s an age gap,” Karl added quickly. “But it’s not so dissimilar to the one between your eldest son Erwin and his Russian bride. And you must understand, Sophie is an orphan now, after that… unpleasantness in Sarajevo.”

Bruno nodded silently.

“Our family’s done what we can,” Karl went on. “But there are factions both in Austria and across Germany who would target her and her brothers, either to make a point or exploit their name. She needs powerful protection. And you… You’re feared, Bruno. No one dares touch what’s yours.”

Karl paused, choosing his next words carefully.

“She’s not of the main line, I know. Her parents’ marriage wasn’t dynastic. But the blood is still there. If this betrothal were accepted, it would secure her future, and draw our houses closer for the next generation.”

Bruno sat quietly, feigning deep thought. In truth, this had been his plan all along. But the fact that Karl had proposed it first was both amusing… and convenient.

After a long enough pause to be polite, just enough to let the tension build, he nodded.

“I accept your offer, Karl. When Josef reaches the appropriate age, he will marry Sophie von Hohenberg. She will have my name’s protection, and with it, the unity you seek. Do you want it in writing? Or will a gentleman’s word suffice?”

Karl blinked in surprise. He had expected resistance. What he got instead was a swift, decisive agreement. The kind that only raised more questions.

Why would Bruno von Zehntner, now one of the most powerful men in Europe, so easily marry off his second son to a girl born of a morganatic union? A girl legally barred from succession?

The answer, Karl realized, was the same reason he feared him. Bruno always knew what he was doing. And he never moved without purpose.

And so the agreement was sealed. Quietly. Strategically. The House of Habsburg and the House of Zehntner were now bound together, just as Bruno had envisioned with the Romanovs… and the Hohenzollerns.

A new age was coming. And it had Bruno’s fingerprints all over it.

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