Whilst Felix recovered from the attempted assassination, the celebration for Syrnat began in earnest. A week of celebrations were announced and with Balduin money ensuring an endless supply of drink, food and whatever else the people needed the entire city was awash with festivities. The entire country in fact, with the victorious restorationists naturally leading the celebrations. Felix meanwhile began overseeing the rejuvenation of the capital city and country. Avelina and Karina had joined him at this point. The palace was already beginning to take on an unmistakably Balduin feel to it with both women heavily involved in the renovation. Leaving them to it Felix gathered his closest military and political personal about him to make his plans. While the people and restorationists celebrated he eagerly went about establishing his own regime. In that week alone when the partying was at its height Felix had already drawn up a new constitution and system of government. He changed the title of President to King, First lady to Queen and included many caveats which granted said King total power in specified situations. All of this went largely unheeded by the locals. They had little time or need to worry about such things at that moment. People signed and happily agreed to whatever was put before them. They had defeated Terio. There was no dictator now, only a Leader who was willing to die for them. Of course they trusted him.
So it was with some surprise then that Felix appeared before the camera for an nationwide announcement. During it he informed the people there would be no further elections and he would be taking it upon himself to fill up the necessary positions of power as he saw fit. Felix had by now placed his men strategically across the three cities of power. All barracks and armouries of the old Communist army were already under strict Balduin militia protection. (All in all there were about 6,000 private soldiers on Syrnat by this point.)
The equipment Felix had so readily handed out suddenly grew scarce. Only Balduin soldiers patrolled the streets. Ten days after his last appearance Felix appeared once more before the cameras to outline his new vision for Syrnat. He spoke at length, all words well crafted and political. I need not tell you all of it, nor the entire list of new laws and directives given by Felix, but I shall leave you with those most notable.
That is;
-Extreme rules were introduced on crime, including the return of the death penalty. (Something even Terio had not openly legalised. When questioned about the potential for fatal misjudgement Felix declared that the odds of a misjudgement were strong enough for the death penalty to be warranted. Believing that it was better for a hundred evil people to be properly punished than it was for one person to be unfairly.)
Punishment for Rape, murder, child abuse had been moved up to a death penalty.
Speeding, stealing, fraud and assault were to be given minimum one year prison sentences in work labour camps. Secondary offenders were given the death penalty.
-Many strict laws were introduced on drugs, here was an area Felix took particular interest in. Secretly he planned to make Syrnat a hub for the illicit trade. A safe stopping point between Asia and Europe whilst also facilitating the growth of drugs within Syrnat itself. This would be done through government funding under the guise of Organised crime high up in the mountainous regions. Cannabis, opium and ecstasy were to be three of the most important exports for the island.
The Public meanwhile, apart from Felix’s inner circle and more trusted governors were absolutely forbidden to engage with drugs. They faced a minimum one year labour camp sentence and ten year sentence for secondary offenders. Death for third. Anyone found dealing was sentenced to death immediately.
-There was to be a complete pause on migrants unless proof of qualification could be ratified. Only doctors, engineers, technicians and a limited number of further high level professions would henceforth be permitted into the Country.
-All new residents could only marry if it was with a native, they would also be compelled to complete a full exam on Syrnat’s language, culture and history after a year of residency.
-Unlike the restorationists had originally conceived, the return of private property was not made entirely available. Each business or landowner was required to submit a report of their possession to one of the city offices where a decision would be made whether it could continue or would need to be taken into the new Order’s hands. Overnight all of the government land and factories had been granted to Felix. He now had free reign over who owned what and where.
-Any unemployed or without land to farm must report to the local government office. There to be directed towards one of several conglomerates newly formed on the island for work in factories, construction or on farms. (Felix was adamant that no able body would be left without work. He was quite particular about it and had rather specific ideas about how and why crime/unrest occurred in a state. His belief centred around the idea that it was the idle man who caused problems. Through work one had purpose, identity and an income. Without it one searched for those same commodities through other means. Mayhaps it was not the passion or dream for that man, but so long as things were good it was far more difficult for him to strive for better. Why risk a decent life against an ideal one if the odds are so high. Failure at achieving an ideal life could mean losing that same decent life. Could be the difference between a comfortable family life and a non-existent one. Few men would be willing to take such a risk. It is only when a man has nothing that he is ready to risk everything. For he risks nothing to achieve everything.
Felix believed that if he gave the people enough to live a steady life that it would be enough to keep them worrying too much about his own actions. Counted on it in fact. Fortunately Terio’s mismanagement of the island had made his task that much easier. Now, a job, income and home were valued above almost all else. Through his investment and finances Felix could easily offer such things.
-Any tourists who wished to visit the Country must agree to stay at pre-approved locations specially created for them. They must show proof of having $10,000 in their account before visiting and any trips/sightseeing activities were to be announced to officials beforehand. Felix followed the mantra, ‘the wealthier the better’ when it came to tourists. He believed, and I found myself agreeing, that generally speaking it was those of lesser income who really sought out the real land to which they were exploring. Seeing not just the pretty, well formed districts designed for foreigners but the reality in which the natives actually lived in. Such measures as the required proof of funds was a means to discourage such adventurers. And to similarly encourage those affluent holidaymakers who were content to lap in luxury so long as they could claim adventure when choosing to visit the island.
But even for those who were permitted, all were also required to hand over their phone/camera laptop before exiting the Country for a mandatory check.
This was all done in the name of safety, with the Communist insurgents still present Felix claimed all of this was to ensure any tourist visiting was both safe and well treated.
-The people of Syrnat could travel but only under certain stipulations. They were permitted to freely travel outside the Country for up to a year. After that however should they fail to return then all of their former possessions and titles were relinquished and given back to the State.
All drastic measures, all with significant and long term implications.
Undoubtedly, there would have been some that would have certainly questioned or even spoke out against Felix’s new laws but there were many number of reasons why they didn’t. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly of those native islanders that Felix had taken on for his Governors they were all carefully chosen because of their susceptibility to bribes. In other words those easiest to control. Men who were content to follow orders from above so long as they were giving their own orders to those below. Rarely is there a shortage of such men.
Secondly though his measures and new order seemed in some ways extreme it was also considered reasonable by many, particularly given the already significant influx of jobs being made available. No one could accuse Felix of not spending heavily on his new dominion. To his credit he was already heavily investing in the island, though this was of course motivated by the reality that he knew what he put in now would return to him and the Family ten fold in the future. A whole island of resources was now his to use and sell as he saw fit.
Thirdly, there were actually some restorationist leaders who did display unease. Two in fact even voiced their complaints to Felix. Unfortunately for them they did it privately, still seeing him as a comrade in arms of sorts. That was foolish. When they were both then allegedly killed by the exiled government forces no one considered any possible connection between their deaths and the new King. While the country rebuilt itself with Balduin money the exiled government forces had gone into hiding. Or so it was claimed. In reality they’d been given a few old mountain hideouts and money from Felix to remain something of a threat, one he could call upon when needed should any voices of dissent grow too loud.
So it was that his new Kingdom began rather smoothly, everything seemed in order. Syrnat was already taking on a distinctly Balduin feel to it, especially in the cities where the militia presence was greatest. It was left to those former restorationists to keep watch over the countryside and so long as the funding continued there seemed little chance of them allowing any dissenters to cause problems for their paymaster.
It was outside Syrnat that was the concern for now. Not from Felix, he was fully devoted to setting Syrnat in his image. Instead the worrying came from Avelina and Karina. The two had
rekindled their bond somewhat during their time in Bali. Left in a relatively small sized villa they were in many ways forced into conversing and engaging in conversation with each other. Whether Felix designed it that way or not is unsure, though it would have been well in his nature.
It was about two weeks into his new reign that Karina, with Avelina’s approval formally requested Felix’s presence for a meeting. He’d been so deep in the running of his new Kingdom that it was the only way she could properly address her concerns with him. Thankfully Avelina shared those same concerns and happily agreed to the idea. Felix was far more likely to pay attention if they both spoke together.
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“You think he will listen?” Karina handed Avelina a glass of wine. They waited on Felix together in the Royal Council Chambers.
Her aunt took it and rolled her eyes, “Felix listening? Not two words that go well together.”
Karina scoffed as she sat down on one of the five Venetian chairs she’d brought in for the Royal Council room. She was a little surprised herself at how much she enjoyed her new role as the lead decorator of the palace. Felix seemed to trust her with everything and if she did ever ask for his opinion he gladly handed over the decision to her. She was certainly glad of that fact for she had clear plans in mind. She had taken a great deal of inspiration from the Palacio Real de Madrid but was intent on making her own stamp on the building. Her palace would be greater than any before.
As for Avelina, she was more interested in the laws and public opinion of their new subjects to bother with the palace. Felix was equally content for Avelina to take control of a great deal of the day to day running of their Kingdom.
“We will have to make him listen Karina.”
“That will be fun. Have you mentioned it to him at all?”
“In passing, mostly he is worried only about the coronation next week. He can’t decide what to wear.”
Karina frowned and grinned slightly, “He admitted that to you.”
Avelina laughed, “No he would never. It is only conjecture, though I know him well enough.”
“To be honest I will be glad to have it over with. Even now it still feels strange to have people address me as Princess.”
“Queen feels no less strange. Though…. I’ll confess, it is rather growing on me.”
Karina raised a brow as she regarded her aunt over her glass, “Me too,” she whispered conspiratorially.
“Hello Dearest sister. Lovely Avelina.” Felix burst into the room with his customary flourish, “How are we on this fine Syrnaty evening. All is well I hope.”
Avelina was getting up to pour another glass of wine when Felix entered. She smiled seeing him as he strode in confidently. Things must have been going well with his new parliament from the look of him.
Felix went over and quickly embraced Karina despite her protests. She hastily brushed him off to reach for her glass as Felix came across and kissed Avelina lightly before taking a glass of his own.
Avelina was pleasantly surprised and happy not to see Karina scowling or frowning at her and Felix’s kiss. She really was getting used to them.
Felix poured himself a glass before sitting himself down at the head of the round table where a contingent of maps and documents lay strewn out across.
“You know you don't have to go to such formal procedures if you wish to speak with me sister? Requesting a meeting seems a bit peculiar no? Even if I am King you don’t have to see me as anything other than your Brother you know.”
“Right yes, King Felix. Believe me, that is no problem for me. Yet you run around the city so much I have no other way to do so.”
“A King is busy, hardly surprising.” Felix took Avelina’s hand and guided her down to the seat beside him.
“Now then, don’t keep me waiting. You said there was something you wished to discuss. The word used was urgently if I recall.”
“It is urgent. And I am not alone in thinking so. Avelina agrees.”
“Does she?” Felix turned to regard his Queen with raised brows.
“She does,” Avelina stared back at him, “We have to talk about the future.”
“What of it? I am a little focused on the present for the moment.”
“Well focus too much on it and there won’t be a future,” Karina placed a finger to her lips.
“You have planned so much, and even I can admit so well until this point Felix-”
“Is that a compliment? From you Karina?” Felix placed a hand on Avelina’s knee and sat up straight. He lifted up his cup squinting, “Just how strong is this?”
“Ah haha, yes funny Brother. But you have only planned well until this point. There are things to consider going forward. Important things.”
“Such as what exactly?”
“Such as the Concilium Felix.” Avelina interjected. “We’ll face some threats on the island. But nothing that will compare to them. They have the power to ruin us if they so wish it. Just as they have ruined so many before.”
“Yes, I am well aware of the history. I have read it, studied it. Trust me, they won’t care. Why would they? We are not encroaching onto them?”
“Not yet. But there has been rumours abound that you intend to show the coronation internationally as well as nationally. What message does that send? Have you thought of what the others will say Felix? How they might react to your new intentions for Balduins.”
Felix pulled his hand away from Avelina’s, “What message does that send? It sends a message that House Balduin has done well for itself, away from any of the other Bloodlines and their own interests.”
“You think that is how they will see it?” Avelina asked. “Your sister is right Felix, such moves as you suggest would leave us exposed not only to the public, but to those who would really hurt us. They would see our act as a rebellion of its own.”
“Let them.”
“Felix, do not be brash.” Karina seemed to be almost distraught by her Brother’s words. “There is a gathering at the end of next month Brother. Perhaps it would be best to announce our intentions there first before revealing ourselves so openly on a global stage?”
Felix brows knitted close together. “Mayhaps it would. But they already know of all and everything I have done and plan to do. If they were against it they would have said it. They would have made it clear that my plans were against their own.”
“You are sure of that?”
“Yes Karina, I am sure of that. Do not doubt me so. It pains me.”
Avelina took a hold of Felix’s hand once more. “We don’t doubt you. We just worry. If there is no word from them yet then it seems likely you are right. Syrnat is not a land they would likely have ever heard of before you put your name to it. But it is always best to be cautious dealing with the Concilium Felix. You know that, why not offer them some brief word on what it is you will do. An acknowledgement to them.”
Felix ran his fingers through his hair and threw his head back.
“That would be an admission of weakness and guilt. Two things we must never show when dealing with them.”
“It is hardly a weakness,” Karina frowned over at her Brother.
“It is to them. Look, What is important is that we realise our Family’s potential. We maintained this secrecy of ours for so long because had we not then we would have been torn down long ago. The people too well educated and too many for us to reveal ourselves. They did not have the power to see us for what we were perhaps, but they had enough to make us wary and hidden from view. They had enough to realise that they might be better off without us, free to rule themselves. At least in theory. But what if they weren’t powerful? What if we kept the people under us content enough to keep their peace, but limited enough so that they never consider an alternative. This is what we have, a new start, a chance to establish a whole nation in our image. We are merely showing the way for the others to follow. This is the future.”
They sat in silence for some time before Felix finally got back to his feet. He downed his cup before spinning around dramatically to face both of them.
“I apologise for my lack of awareness. Ever since you have arrived I’ll admit I have been rather preoccupied. You won’t have to arrange such formal meetings like this. Either of you.”
Felix spoke to both but his words seemed mostly for karina, whatever happened during the day Avelina was always with Felix at night. Though they didn’t seem to do much talking during those moments.
“We will speak often, and freely. But as for the coronation, it will go ahead as planned. Once it’s done the name Balduin will be one heard in every State Capital around the world.”
“Yes, but for better or worse?” His sister asked.
“Well, that’s half the fun.” Felix smiled almost manically at her, “We will just have to wait and find out. But…we spend all day worrying and fretting about this and that. Our time together should not be so burdensome. We have an entire Kingdom to explore. Which is why…” Felix clapped and pointed his fingers at both. “I have arranged a safari.”
“A safari?” Karina paused with her cup to her mouth. “You really want us to go on a safari?”
“Yes I do. I’ve already begun plans for an all island tour. Syrnat will soon have the widest and greatest variety of animals in the wild in any one place. Come on sister. Don’t worry, Renal is coming too.”
“So?”
“So. It will be fun. Avelin? You approve, don't you?”
“How long is it?”
“An hour or so, maybe two. We’ll just do the beginning.”
“Closer to an hour would be better. But why not, it will be good to get out of the palace for a while. What do you think Karina, you won’t leave me to go on this alone.”
“An hour or so?”
“At most.” Felix placed a hand on his heart.
Karina had never shared her Brother’s admittedly fervent love for animals. The look on her face suggested she would have preferred to be doing a great many things instead of a safari. Shaking her head she managed a thin smile.
“Very well, safari it is then.”
The safari they attended on that day was a hastily arranged tour of the island’s wildlife closest to Linar, a far cry from what Felix would eventually create. In time he would develop the island into a network of sanctuaries and habitats fit for all manners of ecosystems. As I said the young man was then and always passionate about animals. His choice of pet was a rather fine illustration of that.
Within a week of taking over as King he had found himself a young jaguar cub. One he named Ares. I must stress, as Felix repeatedly did, that this cub was not taken from its family and home by him. He would never do such a thing. It had instead been rescued from one of the many now outlawed circuses on the island. This animal loving side of Felix was one of his better points, where he showed his most compassion and care. Often I feel like he valued animals a great deal more than humans.
I suppose he might sound almost heroic at this point for enacting such a worthy transformation of animal rights on Syrnat.
However I must include that upon saving the cub and hearing of its origins Felix had everyone in said circus killed, including those who had very little idea of cruelty to the animals and were more concerned with the wages they offered. A tad extreme perhaps, though as King I suppose he could be.