Chapter 167: Karl of Poland
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Chapter 167: Karl of Poland
January, 1715
January, 1715
When he had accepted the crown of Poland, Karl had not thought that there would be such a burden on his person. Poland had not been at its powerful height for years. He had expected a chance to wear a crown, do a few things and mainly just enjoy the benefits of his position. And yet, now, here he was, having to wrangle through a war and a nobility who were distrustful of him from the off. He could feel his body beginning to break, but he knew not what precisely to do about it. So, he kept on going, even when perhaps common sense said he should stop.
“Gentlemen, this war we are fighting is a disaster. The Swedes have taken Pomerania from the Prussians and we have done nothing but sit on our arses after they fought to save us from complete defeat.” Karl said. He still remembered the disaster that had been the Prussian campaign, caught fleeing with their pants by their legs. “We must find a way to end this fighting once and for all.”
Jan Saphiea, one of the few people Karl trusted spoke then. “Sire, I would recommend we appeal to the Swedes now. King Charles will no doubt feel sated. He has protected the interests of his nation and has shown that he can do as his father did. Prussia will surely be chastised as well, and they must surely be facing economic ruin with the cost of this war. My only concern is how do we convince Russia to settle down.”
“What do the Russians want?” Karl demanded. “Or rather, what does that blundering oaf, Peter want?” Karl had met Peter of Russia once, he was a blundering maniacal mad man and he had defeated the Polish army and the Swedish army numerous times, but never when King Charles had been commanding.
“Livonia, Sire.” Jan said. “That has always been their intention. Though with Sweden having finally defeated the Prussians, I think we might have a chance at turning our fortunes around.”
Atanazy Miączyński, the crown treasurer spoke then. “Sire, I have to disagree with the Hetman. We do not have the funding to keep waging these wars. Not only that, the Sejm is beginning to question the sense of this. King Charles has gotten what he wants in Pomerania, and I do not think he would really want to get involved in a proper war. Not when Great Britannia and the Dutch are knocking at his door demanding he stops.”
Karl grimaced, the Britannic ambassador had been to see him a day ago. A most strange fellow, this Thomas Pelham, he spoke in vague terms, but the meaning was clear. Should the Swedish blockade of Prussian grain exports continue, Britannia would have no choice but to declare war. Karl did not want a longer war. They had already been fighting for some time. “So, what do you suggest?”
“That we negotiate a peace. We must be the ones to put it forward. Speak with the Britannic ambassador and with the Dutch ambassador, and see if you can find common ground, Sire.” The treasurer said.
Karl often found himself bristling at being spoken to like that, but knew he had no other choice. “Very well, we shall consider it.”
The Hetman looked as if he wanted to say something, but wisely he decided to keep silent. And now, the treasurer turned to another matter. “Have you considered the marriage choices for your children, Sire?”
Karl wanted to growl, but instead he said simply. “We have decided on Maria Karolina Sobieska, for our son and heir. It is time to bring that family in from the cold.” He knew that in the future the Sobieska family would be important in settling the election matter, especially if he wanted to make his dynasty long lasting.
“A wise choice, Sire, and one that will come with a large dowry also.” The treasurer said, no doubt dreaming of the bonus he would get.
The Hetman spoke then. “Would Your Majesty, not consider Maria Zofia Siniawska for the Prince? She brings with her lands to add to the Royal Land collection and vast wealth also.”
Karl looked at the man and said. “We had considered her, but decided that it is better to bring influence for the long term than a short term probe with a family lacking the same level of power.”
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