Takes place directly after chapter 5. I had so much fun writing the vologarian royal family dynamic, definitely a very interesting writing process. Much love as always❤️ I hope you enjoy!
"I really do wonder if you'd rather spend your holiday with the Borbóns over your poor old mother" was the sentence that Alix made out as she held her phone against her ear, hands folding her clothes neatly and piling them in her overnight bag.
Alix allowed herself to laugh at her mothers comment, although it was as truthful as anything that had ever come out of her mothers mouth.
If given the choice the vologarian princess wouldn't hesitate to choose the Borbóns over her family. The Borbón's had made her feel more welcomed than her family ever had. Felipe was caring and loving, he was kind and just. Letizia was more motherly than her own mother. In an almost over coddling way. The minute Alix had stepped inside the Spanish royals home Letizia had bear hugged the girl. Alix had gone rigid, she wasn't use to this type of affection.
Excessively given, freely so to speak. Perhaps that was why she was drawn to Leonor. Leonor with her big heart and constant need for skin to skin contact.
Being with the Spanish royals had opened the green eyed girls eyes. She witnessed new concepts, a new way of life. Her family loved her, she knew that. There were hugs and kisses, laughter and joy. But not in the most recent years. Her grandfather King Cyril I passed ten years ago, her father took the throne. And suddenly the pressure was on. Her mother expected more from her children, the futures of the vologarian monarchy.
Alix could just imagine her mother. Sitting in the drawing room, a cup of dangerously scalding tea in hand, blonde honey waves looking effortlessly as she stirred her tea. The spitting image of Peter. It was funny, Alix could remember staring at her mother when she was a child, light green hues taking in every inch of her mothers features. She looked nothing like her. No hint, not one line or slope that was even the tiniest bit familiar. It use to taunt her.
Her friends in her year would ask "why do you look different?" 'You don't look anything like your mother'. Or even her father. Alix with her dark raven hair and pale cheeks, eyes that were woven with choruses of green thread. Her small freckles that littered her cheeks. All of it was so unvologaraian. So in royal that even her own grandmother had been so surprised when she first laid eyes on Alix. "Oh dear Cyril! She doesn't look a thing like you, or Catherine".
Alix could imagine her mothers pensive blonde brows, her perfectly straight teeth set in agitation as she spoke to her. Knowing her mother she always had something up her sleeve, some harsh words just waiting to come out.
"Now mama.. please" Alix spoke, "you know I love our holidays together. I also happen to be a very big Spanish admirer as of late"
She could hear her mothers "mmmph' followed by her notorious "I've noticed".
The words made the green eyed girl halt.
How Alix hated those words. Ever since infancy those words had been engrained inside her mind , replaying over and over again like a broken tape in need of repair. At first it was the little things. Forgetting her bright blue bows that went with her school uniform. The day would pass and right as Alix would sit down for daily supper, fighting Peter for the first serving of bread, amusing the servants no doubt but not her mother. Her mother would only clear her throat, a warning if anything.
She Would look down at her two children, crease those bright yellowed brows and angle her grey blue hues, speak, "children do not scrounge nor fight for food. Sit back both of you".
And both children would sit down, Peter dropping the fresh bread from his ten year old clutches and sitting down, eyes filled with annoyance, not seeming to take the reprimand with much thought.
Alix would sit straight in her chair, check her posture, lay her hands deliberately on her lap and twist her ankles together like a proper good princess.
Then came the words.
"I've noticed you've neglected your bows from your uniform Ali. If this were the first time then I would see fit to not address it but I've been told this has been going on for quite some time. Please see you remember your bows. Forgetfulness and neglect is not a sign of royalty my dear"
"I've just been noticing you've gotten awfully close with that Adelaide Adelstein. Are you sure it's just friendship on your mind?"
“Why don't you dance with Franz Adbrechtz? It will give the papers something to notice other than your clandestine interactions with the young women in the crowds today. My goodness even Peter doesn't get the crowds you do".
"I wish you would stop your fencing! Such an unladylike sport! What if your husband notices when you march out of the nursery to spar?"
Alix could still hear her fourteen year old self, Jade green eyes holding so much confidence and control in them as she had eyed her mother. Jaw set, Peale green eyes looking into her mothers glacial eyes.
"I believe when or if I choose a husband he will allow me the time to fence. Or I should say she will. Goodness imagine not having a wife that would allow me to fence?".
She could still see her mothers eyes. Wide and shocked that Alix would even consider saying such words. Not that her mother held any ill feelings towards others like Alix, it was just "not right for our image dear". For her image she would clarify. For the Monarchies image.
Her mothers voice brought Alix out or her buried thoughts, and the girl spoke again, stuttering as she held her phone to her.
"I'm sorry mama could you repeat that again?"
She was instantly met with her mothers rough vologarian tongue, loud and brash in her ears.
Waking her up from her peaceful spanish atmosphere where the air was warm and Leonor would cuddle her to sleep every night before departing with a soft press of lips to her cheeks.
It was as refreshing as the frozen lake outside the palace that Peter would dare her to dive in as children.
"Konzentriere dich auf Alix! Eine Prinzessin sollte immer konzentriert sein! Meine Güte, ich habe dir mein Herz ausgeschüttet und doch hast du nichts davon gehört!"
'Focus Alix! A princess should always be focused! My goodness I've been pouring out my heart out to you and yet you heard nothing!'
Her mother was usually not one to anger easily, she was a patient and a determined woman. She was clever and well thought. She would rather die than yell at her husband in fact she often gave the king the silent treatment till he would come crawling back, tail between his legs. The queen knew how to move about the board.
Alix halted her movements, her heart beating at her mothers rather loud outburst. She wanted to pry. To ask if she had another row with papa, if she was in a rather foul mood this morning but all that came out was her soft "Es tut mir zutiefst leid, Mama. Ich werde es in Zukunft versuchen" 'Deeply sorry mama. I shall try in the future'
Her mother was silent for some time, and Alix could imagine her mother. Forlorn and lonely in the big old palace. Nothing but the ticking clocks for company. She wondered why her mother had even married her father if she hadn't ever loved him. The true and abiding love that Alix had seen these past weeks with the borbons.
The small acts of compassion. The way Felipe would wait for Letizia, hold his hand out to her and kiss her hands firmly, as if he had never seen anything more beautiful.
Alix was learning a great deal about love. She was learning just how much it invaded her mind. She always served Leonor first, opening doors for her, pulling her chair out, and Leonor's favorite it seemed, sitting on the blondes lap and doing her make up.
That was love. And it hurt.. realizing her family didn't have that love.
"I'm sorry". Her mother was quick to say, her voice somewhat frantic, like she was hiding something.
Her mother always did use to stutter when she was lying. Even now the familiar way her mothers words wrapped around each other, the deceit in plain sight.
It made something fowl arise in Alix's stomach, the uncomfortable sensation of fear and anger swerving in her bowels.
"It's just I've been so lonely around here. I've-I've missed you'.
'She's lying' something in her hinted at.
Alix words were chosen carefully, well crafted. With her brows knitted and tongue between her teeth she spoke, testing her mothers deliberately false statement.
"And how can you be lonely mama when you've got
Peter with you? He's no doubt the caring son you raised".
Her mother struggled to answer, caught in the lie.
The sounds of her mothers stutters made the girls stomach plummet. In an instant the green eyed girl was on her feet, voice alert.
"Mama how can you be lonely if Peters there?".
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She hated the desperation in her voice, the way she felt like a child again begging at her mothers feet for an ounce of affection. Begging for her mothers praise and soft smiles.
"Peter is often away these days. There is nothing here to keep him tethered" was her mothers cryptic message.
Like an enigma hard at work Alix tried to decipher it.
Had Peter not gone home the minute she had asked him too? Had he gone with his friends? Back to the No good group he had been spending time with till Alix had dragged him out by his coat pocket, stating a future king had no business with those vile people of standing.
Her heart thundered in her chest as she really pondered her mothers words. "There is nothing here to keep him tethered". What of duty? What of sacrifice? What of the deep abiding love for one's country, the real personal feelings only an heir could feel for their country?
What of the deep connection between nation and future monarch?
Alix's lips suddenly felt dry, and she could feel again the deep divide between her and her family, wide and deep like the ocean, the waves pulling her farther and farther apart with each wave.
"Has he gone back to his friends mama? You know how strongly I feel about the people he associates with. They bring nothing but shame and superiority that a future king does not need influencing him!
What has papa said? If papa knew-"
Her words were halted by her mothers tired voice, soft and calm, like her mother's determination had fizzled, a dying ember with its hollowed out light.
"He does. Your father. He knows about peter's struggles and his-failings.". The next words made Alix's heart beat slightly faster.
"I'm so glad you never grew out of that fighting phase. such a stubborn little creature you were . When you were born it was a burden. You would cry and cry, would wail for your father. He would pick you up and bounce you on his knee while he wrote letters to the prime minister." A soft chuckle on the other line.
"I remember that fire in your eyes my dear. That determination. It's protected you your whole life and I pray it will not fail now. Not when we need it the most".
Alix was about to ask why, to beg her mother to unveil whatever was causing her to act brash and so unlike her but she was met with resistance. A loud knock fell upon her door and once she gave the go ahead the door opened to reveal St. John, slightly flustered, eyes not meeting the young princess.
"Your royal highness the car is waiting. The king bids you to say goodbye."
The pensive girl nodded her head, waited for the door to close before she spoke again. Trying to use words that would reach her mother. 'You've never been able to reach her, what makes you think this is any different' were her thoughts.
Her head was throbbing, a terrible pain that had been brought on by her mother no doubt, the added stress of monarchal life taking its toll.
She wanted to ask just what was wrong, what was going on between her father and Peter. The heir and king relationship was often kept private, she had no need to know of their conversations. But now, she could feel the impending doom, the uncertainty that loomed in the air.
Clearing her throat Alix spoke, "Mama I must go. I am needed on the plane if I am going to reach Cardif by midnight. Mr Cruesoe stressed upon punctuality and I would hate to disappoint the man".
Her mothers tone was clipped, almost as if she had no emotion left to give. "Yes-yes. Of course. Have a safe flight Ali. We will talk soon".
Alix tried not to scoff at her mothers words, 'soon' what did that really mean? Usually in the context of her mothers words it meant weeks upon weeks. It was usually the princess herself who would have to ring her mother. Her father on the other hand made a point to call almost every day. Wether it was a second he could spare, he made it a point to forge a deep and abiding relationship with his daughter. At least one of her parents did.
Alix didn't even bother saying goodbye. All these emotions tumbled in her chest. Words and thoughts she would never utter. Uncertainty because of Peter's rash behavior, responsibility to her parents to be the better example, because according to her parents "Peter looks up to you dear". How hilarious that was, the younger sibling taking the reins.
Usually Alix wasn't bothered with that fact. It had been the way since infancy. Alix would try new things, Peter would follow. Alix would follow out the car first and greet the guests, Peter would follow.
Now it seemed to bite and scratch. It angered the girl beyond belief. Peter was growing up now and he could no longer use her. No longer prattle behind her like a lost puppy.
"Wow.. your room looks different when it's packed" was the soft words of the girl by the door.
Alix turned, expecting to see Leonor but was met by hazel eyes and a kind smile. After a month of staying with the Spanish royals it was true. Alix's books had been packed and her things taken out. The Spanish royals had done their usual outings, dinner at a restraunt and an outing to the cinema. Leonor had begged her father to let Alix come, but there was some things that couldn't be changed. Not even by the king himself. Felipe had been gracious about it, he had even sent out his personal advisor for some books in German for Alix to read while they were gone. He even had let Alix take Jan on his evening walk on the palace grounds. It was almost addicting how the Spaniards lived. Everything was calm and peaceful. Quiet. Everything was quiet.
"I've gotten quite use to the Spanish way of life. It will be hard getting back to my life. The life of a vologarian" Alix spoke as she hoisted her bags over her shoulder. Being vologarian was a privilege but it was also a stoic way of life. Vologarian's were known for their honest blunt behavior, and their stoic attitudes.
Sofia rolled her eyes as a bag fell, moving to help the girl as they both walked out side by side and out onto the driveway of the Prince's pavilion.
Sofia laughed, "you were only here for a month! I hardly think that qualifies you as a Spaniard Ali".
At the nickname Alix smiled, her dimples showing as she did. "I want to thank you and your family for all that you have done for me. My family holidays are often...cut short. They seem far gone now. it's been such a long while since my parents and Peter did a holiday like this"
Sofia quirked her brows, helping Alix put her baggage in the vologarian royal car, which was a brand that Sofa had never heard of before.
"Didn't you stay in skatchen over summer holiday?"
Alix scoffed, her words turning sour. "Oh yes. My mother stayed for a day and left for Paris.
Apparently there was a engagement she forgot she had booked on her agenda. My father stayed as long as he could, but that was only a week and Peter.. Peter's been difficult lately. So you can indeed see why I valued my time here with you. . Your family has been nothing but kind. I wish I could repay you".
Sofia's lips lifted into her infamous smirk, "oh trust me after having you here for a month Leonor is one minute away from pulling you out of the car and hiding you in her cupboard"
At that remark Alix couldn't help but chuckle. While it was true that the eldest Borbón wasn't quite happy that Alix was leaving, "leaving her" in her words exactly. once the words had been said Leonor had put on her brave face and accepted the truth.
They would see each other in just two short weeks.
"Leaving me in the wind are you?" At the all too familiar voice Alix turned, finding Leonor with her soft smile and pouty eyes.
Sofia only shook her head, "I'll give you two love birds some privacy."
Once Sofia had made her way inside Leonor moved to wrap her arms around the green eyed girl from behind. Strong lithe arms woven tightly around the green eyed girl.
Leonor's soft breathe tickled her ear.
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"I'll only be gone a short while. Nothing to get upset about Nor" Alix spoke, moving out of the girls grip to brush some baby hairs out of Leonor's eyes, the soft strands feeling like silk underneath her fingertips.
The blonde chuckled, eyes moving down to Alix fingers which were woven with hers.
A deep expression pulled over Leonor's features. Her eyes holding so much thought in them.
"I understand we all have roles to play. I have mine.
Since infancy. You have yours." At this Leonor's eyes peered into Alix's.
"But I've never felt this way before. I've never loved anyone as I have you. Is it bad to want to feel selfish?
Even just for a second? Is it bad that I want to pluck you away from your family and give you a home with me? One where you won't have to go days on end without company other than servants? Without people to care for you? Is it bad that I want you near me every second?"
Leonor was close now, deep grey eyes watching Alix through her golden lashes, bodies suddenly pressed close together. Eyes trailing down to eye Alix's lips, not even bothering to hide the hooded way her eyes drunk her in.
The way Leonor had spoke, the yearning to have Alix near. It made her stomach flutter and her cheeks blush. It made her heart race. "careful now Leonor.
If you make that ask again I might actually take it as a proposal" came the almost shy yet confident voice of the volograd princess.
The words seemed to go out of one ear and into the other. Leonor's blue fractal hues still remained devoted to Alix's eyes, her soft green hues that were full of life and beauty. Leonor without thought moved to trace her soft fingers over Alix's cheeks, feeling the way the girls jawline felt against her fingers. Over her jaw and down to her neck, and Leonor didn't miss the way Alix's eyes fluttered and closed. Leaning into the girl's soft touch. So trusting and safe.
It was then that St. John came strutting round the car, ear piece in and looking very bit the loyal guard she had known since childhood.
Leonor pulled away her fingers, body still pressed against the girl, hands still clinging to the girls fingers, eyes almost looking scowl full at St. John, as if he had any control over her schedule. It was almost cute at how much Leonor pouted, how she clung to Alix, hands over her waist to pull her closer, yet so sweet and gentle.
St. John, ever the loyal man simply bowed politely to Leonor, "your royal highness". Before turning to Alix, not missing the way Leonor seemed to nuzzle closer, almost as if she was dreading the words, dreading when they would have to finally part.
"King Cyril has asked that we delay the trip to cardif.
It's urgent and Mr Cruesoe has already been notified. Your father is expecting you soon. We must depart"
Confusion settled in the pit of Alix's stomach. Her father wanted her home. For what? Her father almost never required a private audience?
It was only Leonor's soft determined voice that halted the chaos in her chest, "I'm sure it's nothing"
Saying goodbye to Leonor wasn't easy, she clung tight and hard. She dug her body close and seemed to hold on for far too long. She kissed her cheeks, her forehead, acting like a petulant child who was about to lose her favorite toy. It was almost amusing how different Leonor seemed when it came to her.
If Alix had her pick she would stay by Leonor's side.
Do anything the girl asked of her. How could that happen? That suddenly this person felt more like home than her own country? Her own family?
Letting go, leonor moved without warning, tugging Alix by her cheeks and pressing her lips against hers in a soft yet haste kiss, lithe fingers moving to graze the baby hairs of Alix's neck.
It made Alix dizzy and blood rise to her pale cheeks.
It made her knees weak and her fingers move to cup the girls jaw.
It was only till a soft clearing of the throat was heard and both girls flew off each other, Sofia stood behind them, hazel eyes only rolling her eyes in jest.
Amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Well looks like I cannot leave you two alone anymore" she joked.
Leonor shook her head, her eyes looking dazed and sheepish at being caught by her younger sister.
Alix eyed her watch on her wrist, "it's about that time. Father will be in an ill temper if I do not get there on time. Sofia, wonderful to have spent some time with you. Perhaps we can play a match of football...one where I win preferably" the joke seemed to make the infanta laugh because she pulled Alix into a hug, short and sweet.
“I believe that can be arranged. Although I don't believe I'll let you win"
Alix only swatted Sofia's shoulder, laughing when the girl playfully pushed her off.
Queen Letizia was next, taking the girl into a soft hug. The sort of motherly affection that Alix hadn't felt in years. It was comforting and seemed to quell most of her nerves.
"We were overjoyed to have you with us Alix. We hope we will have many coming years with you"
Alix smiled at that, blushing at the implication yet bowing her head in respect.
"I as well your majesty".
Felipe was the last to say goodbye, his tall stature loomed over hers, but his face was warm and held so much softness. His eyes were analytical as he peered at the girl, almost knowingly.
"If you ever need anything my dear, remember my door is always open."
Alix could feel the words hit her, and she smiled, gratitude in her words. "I cannot begin to thank you your majesty for your kindness and hospitality. I shall bear that in mind sir"
Turning Alix was met with the sight of Leonor. Her eyes were glossy yet she held a stoic face. Her small smile was enough to convince the green eyed girl that was separation was going to be equally felt between them both.
Alix's touch was soft as she clung to Leonor's fingers, brushing them with her fingers before bringing them to her lips.
"I shall see you in two weeks meine Leibe"
Leonor's cheeks blushed at the nickname and she smiled, bringing Alix into one final embrace.
Just the feel of Leonor's arms around her was enough to calm Alix's racing heart.
"Hurry back" the blonde uttered.
"You won't even notice me gone" were the words Alix spoke before she made her way into the car, waving one last time at the family who had won her heart.
As soon as the car door shut Alix could feel the atmosphere change. The way her eyes changed from those soft green hues to cold almost stoic eyes. Her posture changing and her hands on her lap.
"We should be reaching Volograd in four short hours your royal highness" St. John spoke as he sat across from the girl.
Four short hours. So much time. and yet so little.
❤️-🇪🇸
AAAAAH OMGGG THIS IS SO GOOD!!!
Like I literally feel for Alix. Having a familial environment just right out of her reach 😭
Thank you really for this amazing work and SORRY that this took SO long to answer!!
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