classiqals

[classiqals]

" Ah, is that why we are here, to make friends? " Maceon countered, the light smile still in place; as was common for the French folk, a cavalier bunch, to take on the trouble with a laugh && a not much concern. Yet they prevailed; and Maceon, along with them, secret identity shockingly intact despite the revelations that had come surging from every which way. " Thailand put up the call for arms, and we responded. Should people differ with our methods... pppft - " He waved a hand, nonchalantly.

Though his interest piqued at Hisashi's reaction to his subtle nudge towards the former Spanish royals, giving no visible reaction, but finding himself pleased by it within.

A short laugh burst from the navigator. " Europe never tends to be boring, does it? There is always a new family on the rise, a new scheme to unearth, a new contender to support. If anyone, why not the Bonaparte's, I suppose. " A gentle plug - though, really, was Maceon saying it for himself... or his brothers? " Is it... strange to you, at all, how relatively untouched most of Europe has been by these tragedies? I mean, yes, the late King of Germany, but... " He left it open, curious what the other would offer the theory.

Hisashi had found this entire affair thrilling, who needed to destabilize monarchy when they were already eating each other. "You would think they could come up with something more specific than simply declaring a whole nation in trouble, but they did not have much time to be creative." His laugh is empty, "Take charge attitude - what a diplomatic word for it. Perhaps we were rather... aggressive in our searches, but I see the reasoning behind it. It is much harder to know what is missing from a trashed room. We could announce our findings before any of the other nations knew what we had found."

"Still, probably not the best way to make new friends in the playground."

Hisashi's eyes narrow at the mention of the Bonapartes. "Now that could be fun. Why not?! I have not been French for long, but perhaps my favorite part is just how hungry we all are for change. No need to let Europe become too boring."

#;; interactions > maceon b.

[classiqals]

when his wife did not return his gaze, thanin's frown deepened - it felt like he'd been transported into the past, when their marriage was new, and every day felt a new challenge. long gone were the easy days, when talk came without such effort, and a smile wasn't so difficult to win. looking at her now, something panged painfully in his heart, the unhappiness... a look that only haunted thanin, bringing up the insecurity from before. germany was an easy target; and he'd trusted that advice given to him. " if you trust her, then as do i. " finally, thanin offered up, but it was a band-aid solution after the damage had been caused. " even so, an ally funded by another is no true ally, though as far as friends go... japan is not the worst we could do with. " another family, marked by deep tragedy, loss, and grief. his fingers came to his temples, a headache forming as he thought of all the death that had circled throughout asia and beyond. " what a mess... " the king mumbled with a sigh, considering the possible outcomes with japan and china at arms, and germany thrown in the middle. " if emperor kaito and king elias look to cause waves with china, then i would prefer we stay out of that business, but princess eleanor would need a sponsor. discreetly. " now, he was thinking aloud. " you understand that now is no time for secrets, in any court. it was not intended as a direct attack... germany has chosen to align with scotland, and scotland is no friend to france, as you know. "

aranya  had  tricked  herself  into  once  believing they'd moved past the pervasive silence that'd marred the early days of their marriage, draining nearly every drop of optimism she'd clung to when fairytale ideals were proven false. it'd returned with a cruel vengeance. like an old friend, it'd taken up residence in the space their children's voices and laughter had once lived. her heart ached. years of a marriage, all she'd gained was more heartache; all she'd lost . . . everything, grief whispered. lips pursed. she shook her head but didn't look at him.   ❝ eleanor isn't a statistic in some book. i know her character. no matter what familial strife exists within the hatzfeld family, she would never . . . ❞   do what those assassins did to our family. like always, her throat tightened, preventing the words from escaping.   ❝ she's not a murderer. ❞   aranya wouldn't believe it - couldn't. the world was cruel but surely not so cruel to have her greatest sorrow be caused by a dear friend.

#;; interactions > thanin c.

[classiqals]

as a lover of both nature && the sciences herself, henri had been out in the wet marshes already, fetching what she could find in a new place, and gleaning from the books in the massive library to direct her hand as she tried to concoct new herbal remedies, and understand their properties. unfortunately, her efforts for knowledge had manifested painfully, and her nose was red at the tip from the sniffles, and her throat raw. fingers busy creating smaller bundles of the mint and licorice root to hang and dry, henriette looked towards the other, and could immediately smell the beneficial steeping of the tea, and smiled beneath the sniffles. " oh, please yes, if you can truly spare it. if you were willing to share yours now, i would share mine with you later. "

with  endless  downpour  comes  the  potential  for  a  slew  of  new  afflictions  .  and  although  there's  doubt  cast  over  ethiopia  and  its  associates'  innocence  ,  isra  continues  her  solemn  duty  as  an  apothecary  .  it  is  ,  after  all  ,  just  as  she  told  emine  not  too  long  ago  ;  she  has  a  desire  to  help  ,  regardless  of  affiliation  .  she  gazes  out  the  window  ,  with  steam  from  hot  tea  swirling  about  her  ,  when  a  sniff  catches  her  attention  .  her  head  swivels  ,  eyes  landing  on  a  figure  nearby  .  "  i  have  a  blend  here  to  treat  catarrh  ,    "  the  sniffling  ,  or  a  '  cold  ,  '  as  some  are  wont  to  call  it  .  "  there  is  enough  for  one  more  cup  ,  if  you  would  like  some  .    it's  quite  an  inconvenient  ailment  to  have  ,  especially  with  the  weather  as  it  is  .  "

#;; interactions > henriette r.

[classiqals]

closed starter -> @gloriousncss (maria)

setting -> the royal docks

timeframe -> post-drop, after the rain has stopped finally

loose white shirt sticking to his back with sweat, and some of his hair plastered in similar fashion to his brow, maceon had been out at sea - yet, he often was, this time just a short run to a lower village for some errand for the french court. now back and having just docked the rhiannon, his exploration ship, he had thought to grill some fresh fish, and enjoy the glimmering sunshine emerging from the clouds. ten years since the former crown prince had lay foot in his homeland of spain, having been believed dead all this time... and much would change, in this decade, including that of the royal family that stole his legacy from out beneath him.

at first, maceon did not recognize the new crowned royal - offering up a wave, and a smile, as he settled down by an open fire to begin his meal. " the skies are perfect for a voyage today, " he began, but then found himself swallowing down his next words, and going pale. quickly, the man looked down, shaking long, unruly brunette waves in front of his eyes (everyone always said they were the window to the soul) and tried not to show much difference in his body language as the slow realization set in. his first run-in with an ortiz. how she'd grown; and how he had, too. ghosts of the past, maybe this they shared, but maceon feared in that moment for his life. he wouldn't - couldn't refer to her as a person of royalty... there would be no honorific from him, not for her. heart thundering now in his ears, maceon couldn't think of anything else to say, so remained with gaze focused on the fish and hoped she may just pay him no mind, despite the delicious smells already beginning to rise from the smoke.

#;; interactions > maceon b.

[classiqals]

closed starter -> @balteren (maximillian)

setting -> the chakri meeting room

timeframe -> probably around the time peace treaties were being signed && the council was beginning to be organized with norway && brazil

" thank you for meeting with me, viscount, " the king of thailand greeted as a valet opened the door, and ushered in their guest. a light smile, that did not nearly come close to reaching his eyes, graced the leader's face. ever since the passing of his children, something had been... off, understandably, but it was as if a ghost now sat in the large, ornate chair, and thanin but a doll in his place. france and thailand had made waves upon their arrival, and ruffled more than merely a few feathers. eyebrows raising and his fingers coming to steeple together, thanin centered himself, pulling on the face of a politician than that of a grieving father. " i had thought you may be best to seek council with, moving forward, due to your.... unique standing within the french court. you will not face any sort of repercussion for advising me, surely, my lord? "

#;; interactions > thanin c.

[classiqals]

closed starter -> @ignisfvtuus (rohan)

setting -> the royal henhouse

timeframe -> after the rain had stopped, and norway && brazil were settled, all treaties signed

if not with the horses, than certainly the chickens.... " i thought i may find you here, " ariyan greeted their sibling, a sigh already pursed upon their lips, and a headache beginning to creep in at the corner of their temple. at least they were making themselves useful, ari supposed, taking a moment to step delicately with a grimace of a suspicious looking pile of what could be any number of unsavory things, and padded to a drier patch of grass to stand. having hardly slept the last three nights, playing a hundred roles to a hundred nobles, and trying their best to keep every loose end in check, while also wooing their betrothed and winning rostam's trust... the head truly would spin, but none of it registered on their face.

their life as brothers could be defined as any number of things, and usually, best friends was never in the vocabulary. yet, ariyan had found, when their head was heavy and their thoughts in a muddle, at times rohan could offer some sort of clarity, usually without trying. a quiet descends upon ariyan, almost to a relief of their own; so much noise lately, the clucking of chickens was better than the fussing of royals alike. " despite what a mess this whole ordeal has become, i still stand to be wed, i believe. " with no little effort of their own, constantly put into the union. " i may be in persia within the year. what will you do without me? "

#;; interactions > ariyan b.

[classiqals]

closed starter -> @proficios

setting -> in the courtyards

timeframe -> sometime post-plot drop, after the dust has settled

it had begun to feel for reuben, prior to coming to india for the investigation following his father's passing and his brother's coronation, that his time spent in germany had been far and few days between. from scotland to spain and back 'round again, he was never still for long - but could the same not be said for his begrudging friend? he'd caught sight of them just ahead, and had quickened his step on the muddy, damp path, ignoring the beginning of spring blossoms trying to peek through and kiss the sunlight streaming down from above. he wasn't much the stop and smell the roses type of prince, indeed. instead, chaos would bloom in his wake just about nearly anywhere ruby found himself. as it were, face a bit bruised and knuckles still raw from his brawl with the king just days before, ruby was worse for wear but dazzling in the grin offered. " magdalene! slow down, and wait up for me. a man may think you wish to escape him, at your speed. where are you off to this morning? "

#;; interactions > reuben h.

[classiqals]

closed starter -> @bxrnfrxmashes (menelik)

setting -> soloman apartments

timeframe -> around the arrival of the new kingdoms, post-secret spilling in the main halls, rain still pouring down outside && lightning flashing

With his frame nearly filling the arched entrance to the room, Chala smiled in greeting to his brother already waiting. He felt he'd hardly had time to check in with his siblings between long, intensive meetings, training his skills, and caring for his children; and now, with treaties to be signed, he hoped to lean on his brother for support. " Well, well. " Bakkalcha greeted, arms crossing as he surveyed their space, still debating their promise of privacy. " Of everything, being accused of being too innocent surely is not the worst that could be said of us. Even across the globe, Ethiopia stands proud in our morals, despite the cesspool of depravity here. How are you? "

#;; interactions > bakkalcha s.

[classiqals]

With a mind cloudy, hazed, and fogged, and truth swirling in fractals in mind between fiction and conviction, Tian Feng was relieved for the rain to come to an end at last. Finding peace somehow in the low music being played, he'd just been about to head to the bathhouse while awaiting his next orders (for things were... quiet, eerily so... in the wake of China's secrets being announced by none other than themselves) nearly running into the young Princess. Eyebrows rose, almost taken aback by the positive attitude. Himself included, Tian Feng hadn't come across many smiles that day, nor any of those before. " You and me both. " The Captain answered cryptically, trying on his own half-smile for size, the feeling of it nearly foreign after days of frowns. " But it is not exactly safe to be wholly lost, even here inside. "

( victoria & open! ) Location: Corridors just outside the Art and Music Hall Time: Early afternoon, the day after the rainstorms

Freedom. Though Victoria wouldn't necessarily call it that, as it felt too much of a betrayal to her loving mamma and pappa, who kept her so close to their hearts... but oh how much better this felt to be in a palace where corridors turned into outside pathways. Who could even imagine? She certainly tried to as she stared into the starry nights from her bedroom window until this very day. She had to slow herself down, panting like a puppy, her feet trying to keep up with her racing heart. "I just got lost in this palace..." she pressed her lips together, holding back a squeal inside her throat, though her eyes looked as though they might burst into fireworks, "What a wonderful thing to be able to get lost in a palace. I'm not even sure I want to be found!"

#ya know i couldnt recall if youve ever written with my tian feng character anywhere so here you go #;; interactions > tian feng z.

[classiqals]

though at first, it felt easy to take offense at the laugh, henriette decided to be a good sport instead, and decided it was better than another arrest slapped upon her, and wagered a weak smile in return. " well surely you agree that destroyed pottery is a better bargain to be had than setting ablaze, unintentionally of course, a palace as beautiful as lal qila. unfortunately, i find myself dreadfully awake despite the hour, and if i were to be honest, quite embarrassed. " this seemed to be the standard way of being, however, since her arrival and thus onwards. at times, henri found herself wondering why she was there at all; what purpose did she serve?

" is the library always shuttered up like this in the night? " curiously, henriette turned her gaze back to the foreboding large, locked doors. still unwilling to give up her quest of some form of mental stimulation, she turned gaze back to the commander and offered up a sweet smile, hopefully playing some into the ditzy princess personna she'd accidentally stumbled into. may as well let it be a benefit, than purely only a blow to her pride. " maybe you could help me? i was hoping to lay hands on something by daniel dafoe. robinson crusoe was such a thrilling experience, i admit i've all but learnt it by heart. "

the hour is late. four bodies sit around a table, discussing privacy and policy. their shoulders are tense, eyes strained from over-work; they had been there for hours, he supposed, over-looking every detail of strategy and plot. the commander's intuition was screaming at him, disallowing his rest - he had a feeling that what had transpired since the memoriam was only the beginning of what was to come and unfortunately for him, the burden of protecting those who now called the red fort their home fell on his shoulders. the sudden bang of a locked door being tugged on startles his heart, however, outwardly, his face remains unchanged except for the way in which curiosity sewed brows together in the middle of his forehead. cautioning his soldiers, abdullah quietly moves through the library, exiting from a staff door instead of the main ones. dark eyes perch upon a princess in the moonlight, the features of her face illuminated by a single candle in her grasp. there is a chuckle on his lips when henri startles, a wide grin spreading when french hits the air. commotion amuses him, it's clear on his expression even in the darkness between them. even so, cruelty was meant for men, all thoughts of being rude on scottish premise fall away but suspicion remains. "do you walk in your sleep, your grace? or is wandering a foreign castle in the middle of the night to destroy pottery something of a hobby for you?"

#;; introduction > henriette r.

[classiqals]

Ten years now, Henri had been addressed as your highness, but it never seemed to settle quite with comfort upon strong, broad shoulders. She'd given up hope that it ever would; but at least, her arrest seemed to be no longer a threat, and she relaxed slightly into the wind. " I think the horses here are just fussy, and I prefer to ride without all the bells and whistles, but the stable hand refused to let me out without a saddle and bit. Claimed I may injure myself to ride bare, all alone. " The huff was impossible to miss, and her eyes flashed with irritation - not at them, but the situation at hand.

" No, I am fine, just a bit bruised, mayhaps... " Henriette answered, deciding against confessing the nasty scrape to her knee, hidden well and easily beneath the skirts, even when hiked up above the tredge of mud at her feet. Pushing unruly curls from her face, she blinked at them, unable to deny her own curiosity, nor her hope that they'd escort her back. While she was sure she'd find her way... a deep, not-so-distance thundering rumbled through the treeline, promising the storm would be upon them quickly. " Are you out on patrol? Perhaps you could swing me up there with you, and get me back safely, before my family nor my spouse would worry for my wellbeing? It has been hours now. " Looking down at herself, and her unkempt mess of presentation, a frown appeared. " And maybe we make it discreet upon arrival, until I can freshen up. "

But this was typical behavior of the Princess; she was prone to disappearances, and though she blinked wide doe-like eyes, Henriette knew well that no one was worried yet, and likely wouldn't hold any until the rain was well and pouring down. " I would be most grateful, um, Officer... ? "

The sun had had already set. The night would soon engulfed their surroundings in a suffocating darkness if not for the lanterns at the side of the road casting their golden light. Cailean had never minded the darkness before; they had spent nights out in the Highlands by themself, with only the silver of the moon and the stars to bring them comfort while the sound of wild animals scurrying around them kept them awake. “Tha a h-uile dad ceart gu leòr, mo ghràidh.” Everything is fine, my dear. They whispered in the ear of their horse to calm him down when they noticed a strange, shadowed figure walking down the road ahead of them. 

From a distance, it seemed like the figure had been dragged down to hell and back again. When they got closer to it, they realised it was a girl, and she only looked wilder up close. Her feet were bare and dirty; her clothes, while perhaps they were once immaculate, were now filthy after what Cailean assumed was a tumble. They slowed down and eventually came to a halt before her. Their horse, whose fear of anything slightly unusual, was already backing away from her, breathing heavily. Cailean jumped off the horse with a quiet sigh, caressing his neck, hoping it would be enough to calm him down before leading it towards the girl. They parted their lips, ready to question what must have happened to her if she believed they were here to detain her when she confessed her title.

Their mouth snapped shut before decades of training made them bow down their head. “Your Highness, what happened to you? Did your horse abandon you for another rider?” Their gaze scanned her for injuries, and their brows furrowed in worry. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

#;; introduction > henriette r.

[classiqals]

Having entered the room with a mind to go to his desk and pull forth documents, Thanin stopped short when presented with someone else in the room - his wife, he may have expected. His staff, certainly. But this fellow? When he made deals with the French, he hadn't quite meant for them to share such... intimacy within their spaces, and a frown was quick to appear on the King's features. In silence, Thanin stands with an accusatory gaze, until further explanation is given.

Something inside shifts a bit, and there was an unpleasant little twist in his chest that was previously unknown. " Queen Aranya. " He answered quietly at first, the frown deepening at the familiarity that had apparently already been established. Certain words stuck like tack in his mind; eagerness, usual appointments... and the imagination ran. Stiffening his shoulders and lifting his chin to put more stature to his slender frame, Thanin cleared his throat, and rose his eyebrows expectantly. " You understand the Queen is a busy woman and has many duties to perform for her Kingdom. Impromptu tea - " This was said with such fervent distaste, it almost sounded like a foul word leaving Thanin's pursed lips. " Is rarely in the cards for royalty, especially of the devoted kind such as my wife. " Now, he held his gaze, trying not to appear as small as he suddenly felt. " Maybe I will let her know you stopped by to call on her. Maybe not. Is there anything I can assist you with, aside from... tea, my Lord? "

@classiqals | Thanin and Santiago, A Few Days After The Rainstorm, The Sitting Room of the Chakri Apartments

Rare are the moments when Santiago burdens the Thai Queen with his own problems. Given the unexplainable loss of the last year, Santiago finds his own qualms falling short. Why gripe about his slippery intended, or the slowness of France to adhere to change? Instead, he joins her for tea. Talking of everything and nothing, a friends are wrought to do. Rather than sending his valet (still strange to have one, but the government insisted), he awaits at the Chakri's sitting room. A last minute change of plans, and a feeble hope that Aranya is available now rather than tomorrow for tea. When the apartment doors open, he's peering up from the book in hand. A warm, friendly smile in tow. "I know, I know, it is not Thursday. But call it eagerness rather than poor planning on my valet's part." Santiago teases, only to look up and come face-to-face with... Well, her husband.

"Oh." He shrugs, lowering his book. As a revolutionist, he does not stand to bow or call King Thanin "his highness." Choosing instead to remain comfortably in place. Someone had to keep the Queen company, right?

"Good afternoon." Santiago utters cordially, closing his book. "I thought you were Aranya." He says, clearly familiar. "I've come for tea. Impromptu tea, anyway, since our usual appointments are on Thursdays."

#;; interactions > thanin c.

[classiqals]

#;; mirror > thanin c.

[classiqals]

having but only just entered the office, ariyan halted, and met the empress' gaze evenly. though rage was a wildfire in their chest, no sign of such showed on the blank expression offered, and the advisor took slow steps into the room. she would be trying to deny the truth to herself; of this, they had already guessed, but ari knew even for her, the doubt would linger in secret. " all of our years together... " they began, coming closer. " and you would think of me to come with sticks and stones? now, of all times? " disappointment now was offered forth, and a sigh heaved from weary shoulders as ari sank into a chair. " personal opinion aside- " for all knew well their feelings towards indira and eesha. " i would not gloat, nor would i advise you to listen to words said by an enemy in anger. they aim to weaken us, and it is our job to prevent that from happening. " swallowing down a wash of pride, and once more shoving their ambition into a bottle deep down, ariyan bowed their head low. " my empress. how may i be of service to you in this time? "

closed starter ›› @classiqals ( ariyan! )

where: rashmi / ariyan's private tactical office.

when: later during the rainstorm.

vitriol had been poorly disguised. to rashmi's face, nothing but respect was struck down like a sceptre of power. but she had moved beyond the need for blunted staves. she had yet to don her sword, to carry it with her; she was conscious of their request to appear sensitive. & how her turmoil grew, hearing the rumours whispered. ( she didn't believe a lick of it. she couldn't. she confided in them both. they were to hire a taster. surely it would not come from — the food she had been fed by their own hands, surely not. ) wishing not to be rattled when ariyan appeared, rashmi perched on the edge of the chair. adorned in crimson & gold silks of her saree, the chains of her crown & holy nose ring barely moving. statuesque. "rarely do i silence you before you have a chance to speak." cold as iron. "but i must warn you, ariyan. if i hear any word uttered from your mouth that sounds far too close to i knew this would happen or i told you so, the waters around your ankles will deepen to your waist."

#;; interactions > ariyan b.

[classiqals]

Unknown to the French court, Maceon had been branded untrustworthy twice over in the dramatic revelations in the main hall. A Bonaparte in hiding; a dead man walking; and a loyal Frenchman in one. Oh, how the tongues would wag should his secrets surface, and he raised an amused brow in return to the jest. " So it would seem. " He answered neutrally, wondering just how long this little act of his would, and his true name would be put forth on the grand stage, and who would stand by his side after. Perhaps it would be wise to put further effort into making friends. " Clearly the Mughals are struggling in their investigation, casting a wide net in hopes something - anything will land. I do not believe they quite enjoyed our take-charge nature, though they seemed to have learned something from it. Careful - we may have created monsters in our French aggression. " Another waggle of eyebrows, to perpetuate the joke. " They probably think France would back a Bonaparte resurrection. "

who: @classiqals Hisashi & Maceon where: the French quarters

There was something inately enjoyable about watching the chaos unfold, seeing so many people scramble as their deepest, darkest secrets were revealed. Even so the chaos had not made the French and Thai visitors popular. Hisashi was spending most of his time in the French quarters, staying out of the way. It had left him desperate for people to talk to.

"Have you heard the news, mon ami? Apparently non of us Frenchmen can be trusted. It seems rather cruel of the Mughal empire to question the loyalties of everyone under the French flag, but I suppose '

#;; interactions > maceon b.

[classiqals]

in truth, the confession came with little surprise to the advisor. perhaps rostam was unaware of the treachery already at play, and they wavered on how much to say in return, silent for a moment after the words were dropped. this felt like an important crossroads for the pair- ariyan was drawn to the regent && crown sultan for this reason, this allure of power they held. distrust already breeding in his heart only played a positive hand for ari to manipulate, but part of them wondered if it were even wise to do so. maybe not every connection the advisor made had to be one of deceit, mistrust, and theft. " i fear i risk your anger with what i am about to confess, but i believe we have opened a door here that can not be shut now. i... was already aware of your... distrust in your own family, the rulers in turkey. there was a revelation in the interviews of such things, and i was able to piece together the rest on my own. you being aware- this is a very good thing. you are a smart man. "

and there, lied an ounce of truth, and ariyan slowed, turning their tone quite serious. " you were right to remain as the regent in persia, regardless of what intention your brother had tied to it. perhaps you stand to unite the middle east yet; if you can shine light on the deceit in your home court, you may find yourself on a path to ascension. " a gentle prod, from neutral moral ground, more of a discovery mission than anything. " is this something you desire? "

with every step, rostam wishes to retreat from his thoughts. they were angry, troublesome things in which he had tried his best to ignore for months before the invitation from the sharmas found its way into his hands. now, under the same roof, in a different stage of grief and wishing for nothing more but the head of his older brother and served justice for his husband, he was tired of being dishonest about his suspicions. for only a moment, he hesitates as he washes dark eyes over their face. "you, more than anyone should know what my family is capable of. we have been raised since birth believing that we would reign with heroism and power over the middle east." his tone is dark yet quiet, even with ari's assurances. "many believe that i wed the late sultan to create peace between our nations where there was once war and distrust - untrue, of course. khan and i wed for love. however, i can not see who benefits from my husband's death more than the place of my birth. my older brother knew that, if i believed there to be a murderer among the persian court, i would not have allowed arshiya to rule for her safety and therefore..." he chews the skin of his lower lip. "turkey would hold leadership in two empires." he admits. "and i unknowingly fell into his trap."

#;; interactions > ariyan b.

[classiqals]

Curious, Maceon's head tilted slightly, eyes roaming his sister's face and trying to find recognition. Together, they'd ran - and he'd gone to sea some time after, and she'd been the bride of a wedding. Ten years since they once sat pampered upon thrones... now he wondered if any trace of who they were remained in them yet. " It sounds to me as if the Ortiz have overstayed their welcome in our home. " Even now, after all this time... Maceon could not let go of what he had meant to become. " If our brothers aim to make a play for the throne, who are we to stand in their way? Perhaps this has always been their plan - they stayed to fight, while we chose to run. Consequences come for us all, Jackie. I am living proof of that. "

A most undignified, rueful grin occupies her face. Maceon cannot die. None of them can. Its taken years in France for Jacqueline to understand the true power in her family. It was never their wits or intelligence that kept them on the throne. It was an abject refusal to die. Looking upon her brother; so unlike the Crown Prince she once knew, and still. He is there. "You could never be truly dead. None of us can." A blessing and a curse. "I think that Damian's ambitions know no end. I think that Marcus' bitterness borders on obsession. I think they've suffered in way we cannot understand, and suffering... It can make traitors of us all." Somewhere in her words of seeming-wisdom, it shifts. Away from her brothers, and towards the pair of them. "We should concern ourselves with retaliation. The Ortiz's proved they are capable of many things to secure their reign." A tremor of worry, so unlike the even-keeled warrior she's known to be, show by the quiver of her bottom lip. "I won't leave them to suffer once more."

#;; interactions > maceon b.