trueborn prince.

archduke albert of austria written by kat for crownshqs

[albertofaustria]

mariusdanjou​:

He knew too much of a man turned away from his beloved country, and so forth he offered the Austrian his benefit of doubt. Offering him, in place, a lifeline that was only ever offered once in a blue moon. He knew of his daughter, one made of affection rather than duty. And knew about the mother who had died to unforeseen circumstances related to childbirth, a fate many a young woman was destined for (Marius had been lucky to see Henrietta survive two labours, he knew that, and he prayed for her health more so than he had prayed for something ever before). With a slight respect and understanding, he looked to the Archduke and presented a bow of his head. “I will talk to her about it, your place is rightfully reserved of course, as a Babenberg and a true Austrian. It does not go over my head that I am simply French and not naturally stuck to the Empire’s roots…” Hoping he understood, Marius returned to his bread. 

The only thing he did not seem to know nor comprehend was Albert’s resentment to the idea of an heir — every other man jumped at the chance of having a son of his own, to pass down legend and stories befitting a joyous boy. Marius, too, took pride in Maxim — even if he did not hope for him to be as ambitious(or even as loyal) as his father. “What troubles you about such a marriage? Why does it pain you so? Any other man would wish to be married to the jewels of Portugal - what do you know that I do not?” He went to question, pausing in curiosity as he leaned in for some sort of secret.

“Indeed, you may be French, but an ally is an ally,” Albert scoffed good-naturedly, not truly holding ill will towards those of other realms, merely concerned with the fate of his own. They’d started off in similar positions, princes of great families with the potential to rise higher but where Marius had clawed his way up until France was in his power, Albert had all but folded before age ten. “It is not the princess or the Kingdom of Portugal that dissuades me,” He admitted, pausing to polish off his drink, knuckles going white as he gripped the empty cup, “I am a coward. I fear sentencing another woman to death merely so she may deliver unto me a child. I hardly know her and yet her fate may already be sealed. Do you mean to tell me such thoughts have never crossed your own mind?” Perhaps, he could not understand as he had not lived it, had not seen the life drain from a lover’s eyes, had not lowered her to the Earth alongside her stillborn son. Most men of their rank were expected to prioritize duty above all else but the prince had left his wife for the Lady Henrietta, there had to be some part of him that differed from their peers, as well. “I had a son of my own, already, and he was born asleep. No, it’s not the marriage that troubles me, it is what comes after.” His voice was quiet, half drowned by the din of the room but this was the only secret the archduke possessed, all that he kept close to the vest. 

[albertofaustria]

POINT DIVIDER // JULY 28 - AUGUST 3

+30 points

total: 255 points

[albertofaustria]

katrinkc​:

Despite shying her back to him- wrapping slick arms around bare shoulders in a fruitless attempt to will-away the alarming chill of shame and shock- Katherine struggled to focus on the rugged landscape’s beauty: tilting trees drooping over the banks. They all blurred. Raven’s hair pooled like ink around her while she waited, weightless in the water. Stealing a glance at the archduke of Austria, who moved just in the outskirts of her sight. This unforeseen exchange sloped her too inexorably, at how much had changed– to revisit traces of a naive, stubborn girl who once pined over this visitor. An affectionate, folly experience Katrinka collected with others of that era’s ilk and locked away, to unearth in bulk, like revisiting a past-life.

Finally, she emerged in a flurry, grabbing her limp chemise with a huff. Shivering into the air as she attempted to keep the under layer dry.  Wishing she could evaporate completely from this reintroduction – a pink-cheeked rainstorm – wondering what her second impression would be.

“Thank you, Albert… I need to steal some of your qualities, even after all this time. I should learn more of pity, though I fear I never will.” His name was gentle and the lack of padded castle walls and pomp surrounding them only encouraged a lack of formal address. She struggled, exasperatedly, to string together her embroidered layers while inherent pout’s tilt twisted at his question. Curiosity peaked. Rumours always abounded, and she wasn’t surprised to hear his name peppered amongst the mess of gossip that filtered from country-to-country. The potential union between the archduke and the Princess of Portugal. Reports of a little girl in his care. Instead of prodding, she turned to view him just as she managed to cover herself enough. “Are you asking for yourself…? I’m told this place creates miracles if a brave soul lingers in the water long enough. Though aching hearts may be too hard to remedy…I want to test this theory. I’ve already earned an unlikely gift, running into an old companion. Which means it’s your turn… Brave enough? The day is hot.” She gestured for him to tread to the water’s edge, adding,  “I’ve also heard that this lake reveals itself only to those who are running away from something in their day. Is this true, for you?”

When he had last met Katherine, Albert was about as care-free as he would ever be and she was one of few who had experienced that unburdened version of himself. He heard her emerging from the water, redressing and in a moment he had stripped off his doublet, holding it out to her with a tentative hand, suddenly worried she’d catch a chill. An unreasonable concern considering the sun’s strength that day but nonetheless, he was the nervous type. “I suppose I am asking for myself,” He shook his head with a laugh as if he could take back his words, “My apologies, Katherine, such talk is impolite. In any case, all hearts are bruised a little.” And he was still skirting around her, keeping his distance, scared of scaring her. She was another man’s wife, a royal princess, and he was nothing but a bit of gossip that people liked to pass along so even though they were quite alone in these woods he remained wary. Guilt was a funny thing, and it plagued him far too frequently, sometimes for no reason at all, but especially when it came to the women he’d shared time with. Somehow, he’d always been left feeling that he’d done something wrong, something detrimental to both parties and the death of his beloved had only further convinced him.

“Nature is medicine, regardless of mythical properties, or so my mother would say.” He shrugged, carefully stepping out of his boots, taking her words as a dare he could not refuse. No one would call him the bravest fellow but the heat was certainly getting to his already tenuous nerves. For the first time since their meeting he allowed his eyes to find hers and they read as clever as ever, a semblance of a smile tugging at his mouth as he waded into the water, the frigid lake soaking through his shirt and breeches until he was submerged nearly to his chest. “I am always running, Katherine, you may remember. How else would I survive to see another day? How else could I have met you?” That was how it had gone on for years, Albert would keep his distance from Apollonia’s court and when he did attend, he disappeared as he’d done in his youth, riding off to some secluded spot or another to sketch and try to recapture his sanity otherwise he could not seem to catch his breath. Long ago he had given up on wishing that certain things would come easier to him, allow for some normalcy amongst the upper echelons he’d been born to. Now abroad, it was much the same. Rarely had the archduke found friends at court but the visiting grand duchess had enamored him five years prior from the moment they’d been introduced. Shirking his courtly duties had allowed him some treasured moments alone with the young woman and he could never be sorry for the privilege of her time. The same could be said now that the two of them had been skulking through the woods on their own. Perhaps, she was running from something, as well. “I think I have missed your wit. Those I accompanied to Lisbon with have proved to be painfully dull.”

[albertofaustria]

Albert of Austria - Wikipedia Challenge

[albertofaustria]

POINT DIVIDER // JULY 21 - JULY 27

+25 points

new total: 225 points

[crownshqsinspo]

virusinfected-memes​:

THREE (3) CHOICES ;

Send an emoji below + three (3) different characters / muses that my muse must pick from! Some choices are considered ns / fw.

💍 - fuck, marry, kill. we already did this one but w/e  💋 - hug, cuddle, kiss. 💫 - fight, tickle, insult. 🦋 - befriend, adopt, ignore. 🥊 - pinch, slap, punch. ✨ - summon, banish, absorb. 🗳️ - vote for, vote against, run against. ☕ - get coffee with, go out to dinner with, steal their food. 💰 - rob a bank with, hide a body with, rat out to the cops. 🚦 - be stuck in an elevator with, be stuck in traffic with, be stuck in the apocalypse with. 🎉 - hang out with, party with, ghost. 🍪 - make cookies for, make a five-course meal for, burn all their food. 🔪 - protect, attack, fight side-by-side with. 💬 - SEND IN YOUR OWN THREE OPTIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE!

[albertofaustria]

katrinkc​:

Nature knew no master, felt no remorse for its intoxicating beckons, and Katherine had no choice but to succumb to it as often as Mass, should privacy and stealth allow it. Her ladies tiptoed into this Eden upon their arrival to Lisbon, and Katherine had visited the sprawling seclusion of trees leaning into the mirrored water’s surface and lilypads floating along the lake with them. Though, she was an inherently crafty an observant creature. She studied the winding path down to the waters for moments undisturbed - without guard, or lady, or propriety alike - her cover carefully armed by a charade of telling her attendants she was to rest in her chambers, undisturbed. She waded free of fineries and troubles into the bank’s edge,  perked and plucked swan flesh near luminescent pearl from the startling contrast of cool water versus the muggy summer haze surrounding her. Solitary worship, lithe limbs glided afloat within her ritual baptismal font - a holy respite where cares grew weightless, and the princess could only marvel in such fine simplicity.  Soft-pressed Russian folksong, a climbing slide of notes near haunting in soft melody alone, weaved into the air as she idly dipped her head beneath the surface. Rising with a sigh that quelled her ambush of thoughts, halting with pursed calmness as she slicked raven hair away from her face. Floating once more, until -

A nervous inhale, a choke on water, a clumsy flail of chest and arms and quick-jolt shock from the unwarranted company as form bobbed around to view the voice she’d remembered, clear as day. He could have presented himself ten years from now, and his voice wouldn’t have dusted over in her memory him. Blurred view, frenzied from her incoherent rush to conceal herself, caught view of Albert and imagined him standing on the banks of Moscow’s river Moskva. Before fate had shown him true love in the form of a countess, and robbed him blind of it. Before Katrinka shed her very self and emerged Katherine, princess of Wales, mother, wife.  Hand immediately covered up her chest as she sank until her chin skimmed the surface, dark-jetted brows crinkling, pushing a defiant smile to fight back a raw and horrified blush, a tentative nod. “I’ve been told many creatures come to drink and cool off by this lake! Healing abilities in the water. Though I’d expect a wild boar, I didn’t expect to find a wild Babenberg. How amusing it would’ve been to see you, were the tables turned-” She forced a laugh, though it came out wavering chortle. “And they - if you refer to the English - call me many more dreadful, suitable things, which I’m sure you have heard. Now kindly turn around, and you can meet Katherine property - once you place my garments closer to the edge, and turn around.” She implored, aware his eyes were glued to the ground before his feet, but hesitant to sprint, stubbornly sinking lower and turning away from him. “What have you heard of her, this Katherine? What have you surmised of the English bride?” 

Never graceful as a swan, the archduke made his way down closer to the water’s edge, stumbling on a tree root here and there, the clear voice of the princess growing louder as their proximity increased. Eyes cast up high towards the tree tops, limbs of bright foliage stretching to the heavens in a tableau that he would have to sketch when a free moment presented itself. Hands grasped for luxurious garments and he swiftly placed them within her reach, then turning his back and walking some paces from the water’s edge, clearing his throat as he tried to find his words once more. 

“I have never once been described as wild, Your Grace. Not in any regard.” A nervous laugh swallowed and restrained, “The princess they speak of is a stranger to me but as I am sure you know, the English only speak highly of the English.” Sardonic contempt crept in beside his words for while she did not require his defense, ugly whispers had deemed the Prince of Wales’ chosen match a detriment to the kingdom’s interests. The woman he had known was a powerful ally, deserving of appreciation and popularity as opposed to suspicion. In any case, Albert often thought these things of nearly everyone who had ever deemed him worthy of their time or kindness. For a moment, he said nothing at all, still facing the forest as he leaned against one of the solid rocks and worked to slow his breathing which often became irregular when faced with the unexpected. 

“Perhaps, they are unwilling to learn the truth of this Katherine and for that, I pity the lot of them.” Briefly, the nervousness gave way to conviction and he muttered his stance with seriousness but then ears perked at the sound of a songbird up above and his brow unfurled. “Tell me, Princess, what say you of this lake’s healing abilities? Could it mend an ailing heart?”

[apolloniacolonna]

@albertofaustria​

The day had turned to brilliant purples, splashed across the sky in haphazard array like a child’s finger painting.  The Empress tilted her head upward, gaze studying the tangerine hue that made backdrop to violet, like a plum ripe to bursting - or a bruise welting across swollen flesh.  She smiled strangely, felt strangely.  It unsettled her to think of young Albert where he was - contending with those around him, powerhouses who could as easily pluck him up as a weapon against her as she had snatched up Marius.  

Yet, for all that he was a political thorn in her side, he was also a child she had known - a family member to her own daughter. She remembered the lisp of her early speech, the brilliancy of his bright eyes, still so large in his child’s head, the impossibly soft brush of his baby-smooth skin.  She supposed she ought to have assassinated him long ago, but for all that she was, she did not eagerly agree to that, in fact, she fought against it.  She often thought her heart was foolish but, ignore it as she did, that was a bridge too far even for Apollonia when he had never done a single thing to merit harm or anger.  Still, she fully intended to ensure he did not marry: she had Magda’s interests too protect before Albert’s.

“Well, Albert,” began the Empress as they strolled towards their horses.  “You must tell me of your goals, today.“  She paused, lips pressing into what was almost a smile.  “Do you mean to deal the killing blow, yourself?  Or leave that to others?”

[albertofaustria]

Most believed his relationship with the empress to be more complex than it was in reality. He’d simply had the misfortune of being a child when his cousin died making it all too easy for another to take power. If he were someone else, in another dominion, a regency could have been put in place but his cousin had married an ambitious woman. Still, he wondered how she felt about it, fact being her origin story was inextricably linked to him, the Archduke of Austria, a boy of only five years old. As his mother would lament, to steal from a child was not true strength but Albert had kept his head down to save his neck, coming to court when summoned, never engaging in the alleged treachery he was often assumed to be party to. However, he’d awoken from his grief and realized that he was now thirty years old and there was no point in saving his own life if he could not live it properly. Had his loyalty earned him nothing? The land Apollonia laid claim to was steeped in his family’s blood, possessed a history in which she and her Colonna kin played no part. If he could not rule then he at least wished to be a voice for his people but with each passing year more and more foreign influence washed through his lands, the empress going so far as to choose a Spanish king as the probable heir, her own son seemingly disinterested. In his young mind it had reeked of desperation, how far she was willing to go to deny him his birthright but he had reconciled to it at an early age. Despite his loyalty he could never respect her, not truly.

Albert did not care for a hunt even at the best of times but to go off into the woods with the untrustworthy empress made it even less so. The horses had not yet been readied when she greeted him with thinly veiled suspicion and the archduke took a deep breath, placidly polite expression unwavering as she called him by his Christian name, so familiar it made his skin crawl. “Many know I have never cared to spill blood by my own hand, Highness. My only goal is to be gracious to Lord Lancaster for extending an invitation.” He did not look at her, only into the innocent eyes of his horse, dark pools that reminded him of his daughter who he’d much rather be with. She deserved a mother, he thought, yet another attempt to accept his fate with the Portuguese princess and be rid of his apprehension. “As for the killing blow, that shall be left to His Grace, the Duke of York as I believe we hunt in his honor this day. Have you found Lisbon to be a pleasant city, Empress? My lady-mother always spoke fondly of her homeland and I am inclined to agree.”

[albertofaustria]

POINT DIVIDER // JULY 14 - JULY 20

+75 points

total: 200 points

[albertofaustria]

closed for: @katrinkc​

Albert had been traipsing through the wood for nearly an hour, wishing to learn his way about the unfamiliar terrain in preparation for the imminent hunting party. The hunt was a social obligation, certainly not his favored pastime, but it had consequences for those who fumbled whether it be embarrassment or something more fatal and he wished to avoid both. The sun was high in the sky, beating down upon the man and his horse when he came out of his own thoughts and realized it was time that he water his steed as there was a lake up ahead. The bank blocked his view along with a series of boulders that jutted out from the landscape and it wasn’t until he had tied the reins to a tree that he saw her down below, a woman bathing, illuminated by the light reflecting off the surface. At first, all he saw was a glimpse of long brunette hair and an elegant neck but then her profile came into view and he swiftly averted his eyes.

“They call you Katherine now, do they not?” Albert inquired, dark pupils dilated as he stared at the grass beneath his feet. Fair enough he had known her before but his gaze had been invited then. “A pretty name for the future Queen of England. Do you find it suits you?” The archduke had been with very few women before his affair with Countess Ursula became all-consuming. It had been five years of love and tragedy and love again, taking the form of their daughter. They were a family split in two. Albert and their daughter walked among the living while Ursula and their son were at eternal rest. He was still just coming out of a bereaved stupor. Before all of it, there’d been a girl called Katrinka. Katherine had been sharper than he, emboldened with Russian blood and she had briefly infatuated him. Back then he’d been so reticent, never one to speak if he did not truly have something to say but he’d spoken with her, told her how much he admired her but then they parted ways and that was it. In the least, the intervening years had jaded him some and each day he was less careful with his words. “I apologize, I did not intend for us to meet again this way.”

[albertofaustria]

ON BEHALF OF THE EARL OF LANCASTER, WILLIAM NEVILLE, you are hereby invited to a hunt which will be held on july 18th, 1458 at the palácio de queluz. this event is in honor of the duke of york, john neville, to celebrate his day of birth. william neville and the english court request your presence and extend their warmest welcome.  

*** this is a member-hosted event purchased by elle; your character, albert babenberg, is invited to participate. an event announcement will be posted to the crowns circular soon with further details. please let us know if you have any questions  !

[albertofaustria]

mariusdanjou​:

He tapped his fingers impatiently against the table, his eyes hovering over the other’s shoulder as they spoke of potential brides. Frustrated, his nostrils flared and his mind wandered instead to what else he could’ve been doing with his time. Apollonia may have been ambitious and well known for her cut-throat attitude (something he found respect in, rather than foul thoughts), but he did not think that she’d nurture her time only to scorn the Archduke’s future. With a small grimace, visible for just a moment, Marius lowered his head to meet Albert’s gaze. “You talk as if this is all you worry about, but if I see it fit for movement I may question her Majesty… But I offer no promise,” with a wave of his hand, he went instead to the wine, nursing a goblet within his grasp before taking an enthusiastic sip. 

His smile was slight when displayed behind the small covering of facial hair; the crusade was a cause Apollonia was devoted to, there was no way that Marius nor any other could dissuade her. That, he knew for certain, as he lowered his cup against the table. “And what would you have her do?” His question, though rhetoric, allowed him to find some interest in what answer may come from Albert’s throat. Did he seek revenge for her absence? Did he seek the throne for himself? After all, Albert had a mighty claim for his blood had carved the very crown itself — certainly, Marius related to that above all else. Finding guilty daring to bleed into his veins, Marius shook his head and replaced his goblet with bread instead — tearing apart a slice as he mused on the predicament. “I, too, think you should have a seat at the table.. I will bring it forth. Perhaps you should consider this marriage as a way to ascend though, Albert. With a male heir you may find people will follow you…”

Albert held his tongue, not trusting his words with the disgraced prince, not when his judgement was clouded by a foul mood. He was many things, inexperienced among them, but he was not foolish enough to give the empress and her French hound reason to suspect him. After all, it was not he who was a usurper. Perhaps, that was what she’d seen in Marius, a kindred soul but to Albert he was just another unknown entity. With a crusade, he questioned whether the reward would ever outweigh the risk, the blood spilled or land lost. Had the French coup truly been worth the outcome, a royal banished from his own home for overreaching? Albert’s own reserved nature was loath to such brashness. 

“If you were to speak on my behalf I would be most grateful. I’d like to be of use to Her Majesty whilst we are in Lisbon.” And it was true but his jaw clenched regardless, his relatively reasonable ego bruised by the notion that even the French had a say in Austrian affairs. If his beautiful countess were still alive she’d urge him to take control of his own destiny even if it meant swallowing a bitter tonic to get there. “The match is appropriate, I suppose. Portugal is my mother’s land, after all, and we share blood with many of the nobles. If this world were different I would give everything I have to my daughter.” He was still so new to fatherhood that the idea of another woman putting her life at risk to bear his progeny made him physically ill and he swiftly took a gulp of his drink. “It’s all a dangerous business, isn’t it, but you’re right, of course, an heir would undoubtedly bolster my status.”

[albertofaustria]

Archduke Albert of Austria + Countess Ursula Bellegarde - A Timeline

Trigger Warning: Death and Miscarriage

1452 - Albert meets a young widow, Countess Ursula. She is iridescent and every woman he has known pales in comparison. 

1453 - The pair begin an affair after meeting again at court. Albert falls deeply in love for the first and thus far only time. With her, he doesn’t trip over his words or say the wrong thing. He isn’t shy or guarded or embarrassed. He has often feared for his life but in her arms, it’s as if he’s untouchable, protected by unadulterated happiness. 

1454 - Albert asks Ursula to marry him in secret, without the permission needed from the Holy Roman Empress. He has long ago accepted his fate as a political pawn and is resigned to his future until she comes into his life and changes him for the better. She refuses him, fearing scandal and the loss of her late husband’s property. He would have suffered any wrath to be hers but their respective situations prevented this from becoming reality. The decision is something he will come to deeply regret.

1455 - The countess falls pregnant and dies shortly after giving birth to twins, one of which, a boy, is stillborn. Albert is distraught and hands his newborn daughter off to his mother Duchess Katalina of Bavaria. For the first year of her life, he visits her nursery on only a handful of occasions, selfishly caught up in his own grief. Even in her earliest days, she resembles her mother. He regrets that she did not die his wife and knows he and their affair are to blame for her demise. Albert crumples for the first time in his life and slogs through a state of mourning. Withdrawn, unpleasant, distracted.

1456 - Albert moves his daughter, also called Ursula, into his household and begins to acquaint himself with fatherhood. She reminds him of her mother with a perpetual pout and fair ringlets that have slowly begun to darken as she grows older. However, her eyes are deep and warm as his own. She is the new love of his life and he would give anything to protect her. Still, his heart remains raw and he seeks intimacy for the first time since his lover’s death though in the aftermath all he feels is guilt.

1457 - Albert returns to all things he loved before meeting Ursula. He breeds dogs, rides horses, reads literature, and writes poems. He sketches flowers, animals, people. He gets to know and bond with his daughter, discovering that she is his reason to heal and live a better life. 

1458 - He is formally betrothed to the Princess of Portugal and arrives in Lisbon to serve the Holy Roman Empire. He tries not to dwell on a life that might have been as he knows he has little choice. His mother frequently reminds him that he requires a legitimate heir and he begins to reconcile himself to the idea of marriage. Cursed to be a romantic, he fears a loveless union as people so often disappoint one another. All he can do for his lost paramour now is raise their daughter with grace and work to rise in the world.

[albertofaustria]

ofivna​:

the way ivana’s face lit up at the sight of the archduke’s young daughter was indescribable. there was something about children that made ivana the happiest just like how being a mother made her. maybe it was her maternal instincts kicking in, wanting to hug every child she meets. though she had to show some restraint having only met the archduke and his daughter just now. “i am happy to hear my performance was pleasing. it has been a while since i’ve played the harp my —uh— duties have been rather demanding as of late,” ivana explained sheepishly. when the last time she ran her fingers through the harp? she doesn’t quite remember. 

“no, i don’t believe so, your grace,” the croatian princess agreed with a small chuckle. but of course she already knew who he was prior to this small encounter of theirs but never had the chance to meet him in person. “ i don’t have my ladies to introduce me. i apologize how informal this may sound. my name is ivana, princess of croatia.” eight years married to nicoleto and she’s still not used to her title. she’s come a long way from just being lady ivana. “i hope you don’t find me impertinent for asking but is lady ursula your daughter, your grace?” smiling green eyes glancing at the young girl in his arms. “you see, i have a son, his name is lucca. he is about lady ursula’s age, maybe a little bit older. he would be most happy to meet another child here.”

“Aye, she is all mine, thanks be to God,” He smiled as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, still so shy and not used to being around other people. In Austria she only knew the safety of her nursery, the secluded nature of her grandmother’s estate and it wasn’t until that very moment with the Princess Ivana that he realized he valued such safe-guards and feared for his daughter due to the circumstances of her birth. Although her late-mother had always refused marriage he knew it was he who truly bore the responsibility for her illegitimacy and he would spend the rest of his life making it up to her. “Yes, well, while she certainly would enjoy a playmate I must confess my worries for she does not have the...protection of a noble title.” Albert cleared his throat, nerves stifling his words as he tried to lay out all the facts. Never could he call his child a bastard, much less in her very presence but God forbid he was accused of deception and his precious jewel was shunned or sneered at. “We would not wish to offend Your Graces or young Lucca and so I share for the sake of clarity.” While the archduke was somewhat used to feeling like an outsider and consequently he would do anything to prevent the same fate from befalling those he loved. “However, I dare to add that your beautiful performance seems to have thus far been the peak of Ursula’s time in Lisbon and we are both honored to have been your audience, isn’t that so?” Setting her down once more, she curled her little hand into his and nodded resolutely, keeping her words to herself. She was like him in that way, carefully choosing who to trust, introverted and sweet. 

[albertofaustria]

POINT DIVIDER / JUNE 29 - JULY 13

+ 40 points

total: 125 points

[albertofaustria]

mariusdanjou​:

Marius knew well enough that Apollonia did not look to Albert, the Archduke, as the next successor. But then, neither had she looked toward her own son — so perhaps miracles were due their turn, as he met with Albert with solemn expression and crossed arms. Sat side-by-side, Marius rolled his tongue and slowly untangled himself to instead take to his goblet of aged wine. “Ja, and it is most unsettling,” Marius murmured, his darkened eyes lurking across the heads of strangers, foes and friends as he tried to seek the well known crown of his nephew — the King that didn’t hold his trust but merely his heart (but what good was the heart? 

His own had got himself into so much trouble it was not worth repeating). Stretching out of the tired ache, he turned to his side and neither smiled or warmed, but merely stared with an absent expression. Was he to babysit the Archduke? Was he to act as companion or friend? Apollonia had not offered him an instruction, which only left Marius frustrated. “I hear the daughters of Portugal boast beauty and humility, it is a fine match and Her Imperial Majesty seeks a companion if she is to launch her crusade,” mirroring the words of many an adviser as he gestured with a loose, uncontrolled hand. “Do you have other wishes, sir?” 

“Beauty and humility would be all that matters if the match were arranged by another,” Albert shrugged, shooting a warning glare over his shoulder as one of the men jostled past, “For all I know she’ll be sending me into the lion’s den. By way of my birth she shall always suspect me of unsavory machinations though I have always been a loyal servant of the crown.” His issues with Apollonia were complicated, almost familial, and he could not expect the French advisor to understand much less care but once he was in his cups he could talk more in one night than he usually did in an entire week hence why he usually abstained.

“Never mind all that, I simply may not be the marrying kind. Such alliances may fail as often as they succeed.” Despite the tone of nonchalance he spoke from a place of fear more than anything, his heart scarred by death of Countess Ursula, the mother of his daughter. If anyone was known for their disastrous marriage it was the Prince of France and Albert was at least grateful that his own failings were not nearly as well-known. “As for the crusade, if the empress valued my advice I would tell her it is a path not worth pursuing.” But of course, Albert was not a trusted advisor and remaining passive as she went head to head with the mighty Ottomans and Córdobans could very well lead to her undoing. It was a quest merely for the sake of one and the Archduke thought all things should serve a purpose. “My only wish is to have a seat at the table as I am a true born Austrian, never mind my title.” Colonnas and Anscarids, Italians and Castilians influenced his people every day and dared to spill Austrian blood. While not an ambitious man he had beliefs of his own, primarily that his people be better represented.

[albertofaustria]

ofivna​:

status: open ! location: palácio da correio-mor

the princess was beyond delighted to have found a harp in the palace that the holy roman empire was being housed in. before leaving croatia, she thought about bringing her treasured instrument to lisbon with her just in case she needed a distract but decided against it at the last minute. the thought that there were many things to do, many people to see, not to mention she had her son along with her made her decide against it. if anything, she could just find someone to build one for her should the need— or itch rather— to play arises. 

ivana’s fingers seemed to have mind of its own, plucking and picking at the carefully tuned strings with great finesse. music filled and reverberated throughout the room. in a way, ivana was enveloped by the music, completely lost in it. the room she was in overlooked the gardens, adding to the ambiance. momentarily, it gave her comfort; a sense of familiarity in a foreign land. she lost track how much long she’s been playing. time had truly caught up with her, fingers starting to hurt from all the plucking, stopping after a couple of pieces. the princess took her time to catching her breath, only to be surprised. 

“forgive me,” ivana bowed her head apologetically. “i was not aware i had an audience else i would have played something less melancholic,” she bashfully added. “i haven’t played in quite a while so the pieces you’ve heard might have not been the best. i apologize.”

albert had felt guilty, bringing his daughter to lisbon but he was determined to make up for lost time after visiting her so rarely in her first year of life. leaving her back in austria with his mother had not felt right but luckily ursula was a strong little thing and had survived the journey, now eager to explore the correio mor, her new home, for the time being, a palace that surely seemed otherworldly to the rambunctious three-year-old. they were walking the halls when the melodious notes of a harp found her ear and she tore off, following the sound of the music with a delighted squeal, blonde curls looking so much like her mother’s as she bounced away. “mein liebes!” he called, chasing after her, suddenly panicked that she would be lost in the grand palace, finally finding her frozen in a doorway just around the corner. satisfied that she was unharmed he watched as she stood frozen in place, enamored by the young woman skillfully playing the harp. she was the princess of croatia or so he’d been told during the opening celebrations, the wife of the ambitious nicoleto.

“please, we are the ones who must ask forgiveness. we hardly meant to intrude.” he replied, unable to contain a smile as he scooped his daughter into his arms, “lady ursula is not a critical audience, i assure you, and we both thought your performance was beautiful, didn’t we darling?” the archduke laughed, pressing a kiss to her cheek, the music putting him in an uncharacteristically jovial mood. “my apologies, i don’t believe we have been properly introduced, i am albert, archduke of austria.”