The banners of Hungary flew proudly over the palace in Budapest while King Pál Esterházy de Galántha walked side by side with his generals.
The Carpathian Kingdom had provided a rather sizable amount of support to the Central Powers during the Second World War. And their gains had not been small as a result of emerging on the winning side.
Spread across the table as the King approached was a map of Europe, up to date with the latest changes in borders following the end of the Second World War.
Greater Hungary had emerged from the chaos of the early twentieth century not as a minor player, but as a significant force of regional stability.
As the King traced his fingers over the map, and their latest gains in lands that had once been disputed between them and Romania. He could not help but exhale solemnly.
His face was not filled with pride or triumph, but with concern.
