The Duchess @alexandrabelmont-blog - Tumblr Blog

mbelmcnt

The queen was many thing, but a fool she wasn’t. When the duchess smiled again, it was a trained smile, the same Maeve knew intimately as well. It was the smile of girls who were raised to want the world on a platter, and she believes if she were of any different temperament, that she might’ve enjoyed in those trained smiles; enjoyed in giving them. But, she was’t raised to be greedy, and she wasn’t raised to be false in her affections. Yet she smiled, honestly if a little sadly, and bowed her head in acceptance.

“I am pleased to hear your reassurance. Many would like to see us at each other’s throats, I’m afraid. I’m of different sentiment. I feel us women should watch each other’s backs, in stead of attacking it.”

It was getting hard for Alexandra to even pretend she despises the queen. Maeve seemed to be to kind for her own good, and maybe that’s what she was. Alexandra was of much more manipulative sentiment, but it was all thanks to her upbringing. Her sister was much kinder, as she wasn’t expected to wear the crown of Albion. “I agree, your majesty. Women should stick with one another, but I fear it’s our nurture that we must go against each other. But, I am glad we are not enemies.” At least not yet. If her father continues with his pressure, she will have to play a different hand, and it’s not something that sits lightly with her.

#maeve

duchesselaynevalois

Why were people always so bloody touchy? The quiet warning that came out of the other duchess’ mouth fell on deaf ears, but it said one thing to Elayne, and that was that she needed to rein in her madness. She couldn’t be so openly cold, at least not in front of this duchess. Some other would probably be more appreciative of her views. “Ah, well, to each their own.” She waved it off dismissively, not wanting to further pursue that part of the conversation.

Ouch. The jab was quiet, and she received it with an eyebrow risen, but she understood it loud and clear. That was rude. But, the girl was a noble and she didn’t like arguing with nobility. Maybe she had a royal brother, someone who could give her the crown. The arch of her eyebrows was exchanged with a sour smile, that even she knew looked fake. Oh, well. As she mentioned chaos, Elayne chuckled. “Where’s the harm in a little chaos? It’s refreshing and it’s welcome.”

Alexandra was a well composed woman. She was poised, and she was well mannered, as all women her rank were. It was true that she didn’t quite enjoy a prolonged company of queen Maeve, but it made her feel a smidgen of guilt, but in this moment she was close to praying to God to deliver her the queen, just so she could be rid of the falsely pleasant duchess. She let the comment slide, unwilling to pursue any sort of conversation with her.

The sour smile that the duchess offered Alexandra, made the Belmont duchess feel apprehensive. Women her rank we normally much better in covering their emotions, but this duchess seemed different. “Take care, duchess. There’s a difference between a little chaos and an open rebellion, and neither does any good. Chaos is permissible in small children, and painter’s studio, not the lives of the people governing kingdoms.”

#elayne

duchesselaynevalois

It was amusing to see how careful nobility was when discussing peasants. As if they could hurt them. As if they’d dare strike a revolution. Revolutions always harmed more those who started them, then those for whom the revolution was against. Elayne delighted in seeing people squirm, delighted to make her brother madder than a hatter, and if she had it in her to feel remorse now, she would’ve felt guilty. She hasn’t felt guilty in a long time now. “Aren’t thoughts normally dangerous?” Her retort was quick and sharp.

Amused grin played on her lips only a moment before she laughed. “What problems? If they tried any, they’d hang. Where I come from, such vile acts of rebellion are treated accordingly. It’s a free world, isn’t it? Why should we keep our thoughts hidden?”

Alexandra was rarely taken aback by others. While she knew noblemen, and women, were egoistical in varying degrees, this she didn’t really expects. The duchess of Valois seemed profoundly unfased by anything she did and she seemed to not care even the slightest about the people in her kingdom. It horrified the duchess who was, while not openly affectionate, quite fond of people and mindful of their existence. “They are, but if they aren’t voiced than no one is aware of them, and it should stay like that.” She quietly warned.

Alex lost her ability to speak for a moment, but her face was a cold mask of feigned disinterest. “I see. Well, your grace, then it’s a good thing no one thinks of such things, because then you’d have no subjects.” It was a quiet jab before she continued. “It is free, but the freedom is acquired in regard of other people’s liberty, too. If everyone voiced their thought, there’d be much chaos. It’s better this way.”

#elayne

mbelmcnt

The smile was returned even if it looked forced, but the smile itself was enough for the queen to slightly relax. They were always court and civil with each other, and while it wasn’t friendship, it was pure animosity either. It was a sad thought, that a woman should go against a woman, but they were brought up in a world where everyone was everyone’s enemy, woman or man, it made little matter in the case.

As the duchess’ smile grew more honest, Maeve relaxed more, her own smile dancing on her lips regardless of how shortly Alexandra’s smile remained on her own lips. “I thank you, duchess. I would not like to see us as enemies and I wish you’d know that. I hope your sister’s presence at court will assure you of it.” She retorted with the same soft smile on her lips. But, what she said before was true; she did need more ladies by her side. Constance was a dear friend, true and honest, and perhaps she’d accept being her spy but she also needed more women who would just help her take her mind off things, and when her crown becomes too heavy and days too glum. Besides, she needed more opinions on who to take as a husband.

Alexandra was flattered by the queen’s honesty. She didn’t see her as an enemy, at least not the type against whom she’d go to war. But, they weren’t friends, and they never will be. Their families made sure of that since the dawn of time - her father craved the Albion crown for her, her husband craved the crown for himself, and Maeve Belmont was in that case vastly outnumbered. She would’ve felt sorry for her, but she wasn’t the type to feel sympathy in such a conflict and she doubted the feeling would be different if the roles were reversed and Maeve the one wanting the throne.

“We are not enemies, your majesty.” Alexandra politely replied with a smile she was all too trained to wear. No, they weren’t enemies, but they weren’t friends either, and it was a thing that not even her sister’s presence at court could change.

#maeve

healinghandmaiden

The Valkyries and Amazons that Eir called sisters were as varied as any human family. Some, of course, were closer to Eir than others, but no matter what, there was a bond that would never be broken. Even when Elyris had left, the bond remained. It was love, their kind capable of deep love and passion, despite rarely having romantic bonds. Perhaps that was why the other kinds of bonds were so strong. “Even if I don’t agree with my sisters on all things, I always understand their choices. I’d like to think they understand mine.”

Eir considered her words carefully. “The fairies are bound to complete honesty, unable to tell a lie, and yet that does not mean they tell the truth. I think it is in the nature of all things to wish for privacy. Many people think unkind things but choose not to say them, do they not? Having their thoughts heard, they’d never have the choice, with every ugly emotion on display, no matter how fleeting. People would be hurt.”

Alexandra agreed with the other, giving her a simple nod. Sisters were true joy, but some sisterly relationships weren’t good. She’s heard about sister turning against sister, she’s heard of jealousy, envy and malice between sisters, but thankfully, she and her sibling were far from that. They argued over small things, and would reconcile almost immediately, never being angry with each other for more than a minute. Maybe it was because her sister was always sickly, ill and of weak health, and Alexandra never wanted to agitate her enough to bring the illness back.

Alex listened intently with her head tilted. Her sister would’ve loved all the tales of magic, but she always took them with a dash of distance. But, what the woman said was correct; not being able to read minds is more beneficial than not. “You’re right, of course. I was just wondering. I think it’s a blessing that we can’t know what the others think. Who would want to know it, anyway?”

#erica

duchesselaynevalois

Elayne had a gift of sorts; she could always find like-minded people. Sometimes, they were as mad as she was, sometimes even more, but most of the time they wanted the same thing. More power. She craved the heaviness of a golden and iron crown atop her head, craved a kingdom and craved her own people. Whether or not she really wanted more people in her life was not really up for a debate, as her selfishness never allowed her to feel for others. One of the reasons why she wouldn’t be a good queen. But, that doesn’t stop her from wanting to be one.

When a woman spoke about something as meaningless as other people’s lives, Elayne couldn’t stop a bemused snort from leaving her lips. “And why should I, my lady? Why should we think of it? They’re only here for us to rule them, other than that’s not of any interest to me.”

Alexandra was a woman of firm morals, so when she heard the words that left the duchess’ lips, she had to put all her might in forcing neutrality on her face, when inside she was shocked. The woman that trekked towards her radiated coldness, the amount that Alex once believed she held, but unlike this blonde, she wasn’t as nearly as cold, or cruel, as she thought she were. “While there is truth to your words, my lady, I find that thought rather dangerous.” She carefully replied.

“If any of the subjects were to overhear such words, I am certain we would face many problems along the way. Such thought, regardless of the state of correction, should best be left unspoken.” Her words were quiet, even if she didn’t fear spying ears. She always knew how to deal with those, and a little bribery went a long way.

#elayne

mbelmcnt

The queen offered the duchess a gentle smile. She had hoped with all her heart, that the blonde duchess could be swayed in friendship and kindness, do abandon the idea of Albion’s crown. She hoped that Alexandra had enough sway with her cousin Belmont to influence his claim to the throne, if only she could find a way to get the woman to her side. She wasn’t that familiar with her ruling father, but she had the idea that he was the one pinning his daughter for the crown. After all, every noble girl, duchess or princess out there was always bred into reaching for the crown. Families fought each other for dominance and if she hadn’t been the queen, she would’ve loathed her life. But, she was suo jure the monarch of Albion and she’ll die first than to let anyone take her claim from her; even her cousin.

As the duchess seemed swayed by the proposal, Maeve’s honest smile widened, tight lipped, but polite and gentle. She bowed her head in acceptance as nodding was not deemed fit for royals. “Of course, duchess, it will be my pleasure. I shall write to your sister promptly and, please, do not hesitate to vouch for my account. I shall very much like to meet dear grand duchess. If she is anything like her sister, then she is a truly formidable woman, the one I should like to have on my side.” The queen flattered, politely, but conveying her message and her offer of friendship.

Alexandra didn’t fail to notice the smile that the queen offered her. There was honesty in that smile, kindness that wasn’t fit for a ruler, but instead of mocking her for it, she had to admit that she rather admired her for the bravery of being thus, and being a queen, at the same time. She returned the smile, forcing herself to look forced, polite and respectful at the same time. After all, should the queen ever change her mind, and decide to harden her heart, she could easily put an end to all of Alex’s efforts, and those of her husband the duke.

The flattery that left the queen’s lips, was welcome, and it seemed honest enough, so Alexandra offered her one of her rare, honest smiles. It was brief, but not so brief as to be imperceptible. “Thank you, your majesty. I should send my sister a letter by the end of this week, once I venture again to town, and I’ll put a good word for you.” Convincing her sister to join her will be easy, it’s her father that needs convincing. She knew her sister’s title as a grand duchess of Bjarmia was, to an extent, more restrictive than a normal duchess’, but if she provides her father with more information on Albion’s court, he will grant her wish for her sister to join her. After all, she was good at manipulating people to her ends, she was raised to do so. Telling her father that it’ll be good to have another Jovanović to spy on the queen, will surely help him make up his mind, andact in Alexandra’s favour.

#maeve

mbelmcnt

The queen noticed the twitch of surprise on duchess Belmont’s face before she regained composure. If it were any other occasion, Maeve would’ve been offended by the sheer lack of knowledge about her character. She was genuinely a nice person even with the crown weighing down on her head and she cared about all of her subjects. But, she simply smiled to duchess Alexandra and nodded as she spoke. “I am pleased to hear they are all well. Please, when you do speak to your family, and when you return to my cousin, send them my warm regards.” She politely added.

A short moment of silence passed between them before Alexandra interrupted it and Maeve felt a knowing smile spread on her lips. She didn’t have any siblings, but she could sympathise. Once, long ago, when the weight of the crown was still on her father’s head she was friendly with her cousin. They were never awfully close, but they did behave around each other in a more familial way. She disliked the silent between them and she understood how duchess Belmont was feeling. Then a thought crossed her mind and in her desire to do good, she proposed; “If it’d please you, duchess, I could write to your sister to join me at court as one of my ladies in waiting? It will bring her closer to you and I will have another mind to help me with council. If your father agrees to let her go, of course.”

Alexandra often didn’t know what to think about her majesty. They were woman against woman in the battle for the crown of Albion, but if it weren’t the occasion, if her father hadn’t expected for Alex to wear the crown, she reckons she would’ve been great friends with queen Maeve. She seemed to be truly kind, and she knew it was something to be used against her, something to report back to her father in Bjarmia, but she wondered if it’d be too unfair of her, to betray another woman like that, pinning for her kindness to be shown as weakness. She allowed herself a polite smile, as she nodded. “Of course, I’ll relay the message, your majesty.”

It was, apparently, a day of surprises, because Alexandra’s eyebrows shot upwards once more, only this time she veiled them in dignity, and polite curiosity, instead of shock and surprise. “That is an excellent thought, your majesty.” Alex didn’t dare to hope. After all, it all depended on whether or not their father would let her sister, the grand duchess, to join her at Maeve’s court. He might be determined to make her into another spy, or he’ll be too concerned about her health to let her go. “If it wouldn’t be too much of a task, I think it’d be best if you wrote to her. Of course, my sister and I exchange letters often, so I can also vouch for your account in subtly mentioning it to her, if it’d please you?”

#maeve

mbelmcnt

The queen was sad that it had to be this way between them. She didn’t hate her cousin, nor she disliked his wife. If it weren’t for the bad taste that their desire for the throne left in everyone’s mouth, she reckons the three of them could be quite the force to drive their kingdom towards glory and steady wealth. Alas, the things were as they were, and she couldn’t cry about them; queen ought not to show a weakness, more so since they are female, and everyone already thinks that females are more prone to emotional fits. Rubbish.

Her smile was honest, if a little regretful that she can’t trust duchess Belmont. “Quite well myself, thank you duchess Belmont.” She was pleased to hear they are well, she bore them no ill will and neither she wished them harm. “How is your family in Bjarmia? I pray your sister remains in good health.” Maeve politely inquired after a moment, choosing to prolong their meeting. It’d do neither of them good to not be civil to each other, and it wouldn’t to good for Maeve’s reputation if she bolted after a few short words.

Alexandra was taken aback by the queen’s question. Normally, when they were in privacy of the castle, or if they met by accident in Albion, they would share a few court words, and part ways. It was an even shorter meeting, when her husband was with them. She often tried to avoid any sort of public conflict, so she’d drag her duke away from his cousin, before either could say more than a “good day cousin”. So, the queen’s interest in her family, made Alex’s eyebrow twitch in surprise on reflex, this time ill concealed. “My sister fares well, thank you. The rest of the family, too.”

She wanted to say more, but she didn’t think it’d be proper, and it’d give Maeve an opportunity to blackmail her, or manipulate her, although she knew the queen wasn’t of the sort. If she wanted to harm her, and her husband, she would’ve found the way so far, so that’s the only reason why she decided to say: “I do miss her terribly, my sister. She writes to me often, as I to her, but I long to embrace her.”

#maeve

mbelmcnt

The queen has decided to exercise. The exercise was, of course, merely a walk in the garden of Atlantis. It was different than the one back home in Albion, more vivid and colourful, as if the water had more potent properties. The shrubbery was lovely, roses in full bloom and small field flowers grew in absent minded patches on the grass. All in all, it was breathtaking in the simplest of ways. She was fond of nature, the green being her favourite colour, and she liked seeing flowers in full bloom.

Maeve’s attention was diverted from the flowers and towards duchess Belmont, who spoke to her. The queen blinked, finding that she was too captured by the nature to even notice the woman, and smiled inclining her head in greeting. “I’ve thought about it in many occasions, your grace. Every person is an individual, but every individual is part of the collective consciousness.” Her words were polite but brief. She didn’t know how to behave around her cousin’s wife, not when her cousin yearned for her crown too much. “How do you fare, duchess? How is my dear cousin?”

If it were another time, place and occasion, Alexandra would’ve been great friends with the queen. If it weren’t for her father’s pressure, for her life-long grooming in becoming a queen, she would’ve liked her, maybe even council her. If she weren’t a hypocrite, she would’ve admitted that Maeve hadn’t done a bad job reigning the kingdom. But, she was too far in her ambition to be queen, and her husband was too inclined to the throne, though she had an idea that, if she were to back down and influence him, he would’ve easily backed away. In this moment, she would’ve liked knowing the queen’s thoughts.

“Your majesty.” The bow of her head was low and respectful. “I’m quite alright, thank you, and so is my husband. We are in good health. And how do you fare, your majesty?” Alex politely inquired, smile gracing her lips as she observed the queen. It was a shame they were brought up to be silent enemies; she would’ve liked having a friend. With her sister so far away, she is feeling very lonely. Had it not been for her husband, she would’ve gone mad.

#maeve

healinghandmaiden

Despite the fact she had no business amongst the royalty and nobles that had come to Atlantis, as she was supposed to be nothing but a barmaid, Eir had still wandered up to the gardens where she knew she might find out more about the players involved. She wanted to understand people, that meant talking to them. Wandering about, she admired the beauty while looking for people, thinking of ways to introduce herself to them.

The problem was solved for her.

The soft voice of a woman was enough of an invitation for Eir to join her at the bench, settling down next to her. “Indeed, I think of it often.” That was her very purpose in Atlantis. “I find myself often not understanding others, how they act, how they feel. My sisters, I understand them, but that is different.”

Alexandra greeted her new acquaintance with a nod of her head, as the woman settled on the bench, and sitting beside her. Her words brought a melancholic smile to her face, her nod now in agreement, rather than greeting. “It’s easy to understand one’s sister, at least in some things.” The mention of sisters made her miss hers, terribly, and she wondered briefly if their father would let the grand duchess accompany him for the signing of the treaty. He should, though, because one of her terms when she was deciding to spy on queen Belmont and Albion, was an opportunity to bring her sister closer to her, maybe even grant her to stay with her and her husband.

“I find it fascinating. The thoughts of another being. We can never know what someone’s thinking, and as annoying as it is sometimes, it’s a relief to know no one can truly know someone’s thoughts. Do you think the world would be a better place if we could all read each other’s minds? That way we’d always know the truth and no one could lie to us, but then neither could we lie, and sometimes lies serve to shield innocence.”

#erica

ccacalan

So pale, like a moon shining during a dark night, he wondered how long would it take her to speak to him. Women and gardens, that combination always led to some sinful adventures. There was something about roses that made people kiss and something about daisies made women remember their girlhood. He liked those gardens, if he would miss anything about this land, it would be the colours of the gardens. He did not even mean to speak to her, he was simply there, watching for spies, murderers, potential trouble makers and his own imagination was a quite fair company to him but it was perhaps his unintentional stare that brought her attention. She spoke words that he could not understand so instead he paid attention to her mannerism, her way of standing a tiny bit too straight, her high-pitched noble voice and her head. She was confident, brave and yet there was something unnatural in her tone as if everything she was saying was a theatre play or wasn`t it? He bowed to her words and greeted her ‘My lady’ anyway. It was surely the proper way to do it. It was pointless to hide his accent now. He was sure she had very observing eyes too.

Alexandra was surprised, once she paid closer attention to the man in her proximity. He wasn’t of her part of the world, neither Bjarmia, her homeland, nor Albion, her new home, her husband’s home, and, what it should have been, her kingdom. She was of the calculating sort, at least she had to be, or her father would be disappointed; he already was, by the fact that her husband was overlooked in his right to ascend the throne.

She gave the man a nod, acknowledging his presence, and thinking of a way to interact with him. Surely, this place provided translations for everyone who hadn’t spoken the other’s language. Maybe it hadn’t kicked in yet, in their cases. She waited a moment, before asking; “You can’t understand me, can you?”

#acalan

Alexandra has decided to mingle with the commoners. Well, not just the commoners, but everyone, the entire court of Atlantis, and anyone else who might want her company. It was a strategic thing to do, to gather sympathies for her cause, for the only thing she was taught how to do. She was meant to be a queen, and by the God, she will be one. She didn’t really have anything against the current queen, aside from the fact that she held her husband’s crown, and thus stole her own.

She sat on an ivory bench in the gardens, her ocean blue eyes scanning her surroundings, watching as people traipsed by, following their own thoughts and lives. Few moments passed when a person came closer to her. “It’s fascinating how everyone has a life of their own. Do you ever think about it? How every person is their own people.” Alex spoke, polite smile gracing her lips.

#bflas.starter

dailywomen

I have this joke that I’m literally going to be 35, married, and pregnant and people are still going to say, ‘Oh my god, you grew up so fast! I can’t believe it!’ And yeah, sometimes when you’re 21 years old and people are still saying that, you just want to rip your hair out. But I’m OK with it. I know who I am.

#face

peaceorwar-rp-blog

Albion’s Court is looking for Duchess Alexandra Belmont of Bjarmia. She is aged 25 and is human.

She was meant to be Queen. The daughter of a ruler, her arranged marriage was meant to mean something. But her husband was passed over for a woman, making the distance between her and her family for nothing. The people whisper, she knows that, and some whisper that her husband should be king, but some also whisper that a foreigner should not wear a crown.

Her opinion on the treaty is neutral, but she will bear her husband a son and be the Queen she knows she should be.

Connections:

Tsar Jovanović: she was never close to her father, but she does respect him as a ruler. As such, she’s been secretly sending home information about Albion to him since getting married.

Duke Belmont: her husband is a decent enough man, she knows that, but love was never really important to her. It is her duty to stand by him now, and she’ll make sure she does it well. However, she does hold some affection towards him, she just doesn’t show it.

Grand Duchess Jovanović: her sister is her only true soft spot. She remembers sitting by her bed to make sure she made it through the night, and she’s worried about her every day since leaving to be married.

Suggested fcs include: Dakota Fanning

#bio

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

The Duchess