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CATERINA DE MEDICI, FORMER PRINCESS OF FRANCE.

a rueful smile was brought to caterina’s face at the dismissal of the page, brown hues rolling slightly as she spoke her next words in quiet jest, “all the world over knows we share a child. what, do they think giulio was brought in through my window in milan by a stork?” it was nonsense, of course, but their transgressions and beholdence to the pope necessitated at least the image of sanctity, thus a chaperone was usually not far.

my love. the words twisted in her mouth, bringing the taste of bile to the back of her throat. who was she to resist the advances of cesare, a match that would’ve delighted her as a girl? why did every cell in her body push him away, even while the world pushed them closer and closer together? it was the thought of marriage that had ruined him, taken him from a comforting dalliance to someone she was forced to have occupy serious thoughts of her future. it was a sinful thing, to reject something she knew could make her happy, but for all her considerable courage the thought of entering the foreboding institution of marriage again scared her beyond belief.

“you— you’ve what?’ she asked, snapping out of her quiet reverie to probe him for answers, brow knotting together in worry of what her hot-headed lover may have done. “please tell me you’ve not done anything rash mi signorie.” allowing his lips to brush her knuckles, caterina’s fingers tightened around his hand, holding him for just a moment longer before letting go like she’d been shocked by the electric sparks that sometimes danced between them. “your company damages nothing.” she said, posture relaxing a bit as she heard his words, her softer, more empathetic side wishing she had an explanation for him. “do not take me for a fool, for I know what duty binds us. but it is by no fault of your own that we aren’t already wed.” she paused, heartbeat picking up as she attempted to wrangle words from her nervous tongue. loss had marked caterina, leaving her heart a hopeless squire, content to watch others ride off into war as she’d resigned herself to a life of a spinster, but then filled it back up with the love of another— the medici bank. “I suppose I do not feel worthy of a great love anymore.” she mused quietly, to herself, only realizing she’d said it aloud when cesare reacted.

.

The ambassador couldn’t help but laugh at her joke. Her innocence meant the world to him, yet Caterina’s words took some of his seriousness away. With one brow raised and with himself clearing his throat Cesare moved in his chair, Despite knowing Caterina for so long he still felt anxious close to her. Of course current events had only intensified his feelings. Alas, she was right. They’d been together for so long, the obvious, and best, choice would’ve been to marry the woman in front of him, to finally be one, not only for Giulio but for their sake, as well. Cesare stood up then, alarmed by Caterina raising her voice. “Nothing, my lady, I promise,” he murmured against her hand. He didn’t draw his hand away and let her hold onto it for as long as she desired. Any bit of intimacy between them was holy to him. “I’m not instigating a fight with the prince of France,” he almost swore in front of her, but he luckily stopped himself from doing so. With his eyebrows furrowed together Cesare watched his beloved rant like he’d never heard her before. No fault but your own. So Lorenzo was right, after all.

“I must protest,” Cesare breathed heavily now, clearly upset and unable to do anything about it. He could not think one clear thought after her accusation. “You are more,” he abruptly stopped, blinking as if to control his thoughts, “more than I can offer you in return. The moment you left Paris all of France lost its light. What used to be a magnificent city is lost of its magic because you’re gone. I would choose you over everything and everyone, my lady. This. Us.” Cesare tensed his jaw, “I will fight for you, I always will, even if it’s last thing I do. I’m here and you mustn’t be afraid of what’s to come.”

#( c: Caterina )

knightpoet

the musketeers: 28/∞

#for science #mirror

Truth serum: what do you want most in the world?

TRUTH SERUM - MY CHARACTER HAS TO ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, NO MATTER THE QUESTION

“What I want most? So, something specific? Singular, I take it?” he ponders for much longer than he should have and he might have to twist his words, so that they’d soften the blow, the truth. “I’m determined to take Milan. I won’t stop until Milan’s mine as it should’ve been from the start if it wasn’t for my brother. I want to return Milan to its former glory and use Florence as an ally to rule. I have no sympathy for my sister-in-law and my nephew. She has stood in my way for too long, I’d have her banished.”

#Anonymous

💍 - fuck, marry, kill - CHINA (gay panic for Wen)

FUCK - Yin ( @yinjianjun ), Wen ( @prince-wen ), Yanmei ( @pinyanmei ) MARRY - Xizong ( @xizcng ), Yicheng ( @crownedprxncess ) KILL - Jingfei ( @phcenixempress ) (idk man, just end me)

#crownedprxncess

☕ the italians

☕ - get coffee with, go out to dinner with, steal their food.

GET COFFEE WITH - Lucia ( @lutorinis ) GO OUT TO DINNER WITH - Lorenzo ( @lorenzs ), Seraphina ( @sercphism ), Caterina ( @ofcxterina ), STEAL THEIR FOOD - Ferdinand ( @kingcfnaples )

#ivanrurik

When was the moment you first knew you felt something for Caterina?

@ofcxterina

This blog is accepting development anons!

Bug my character about their past! Ask them about the things you wonder about! Give them scenarios to get their brain going! Today is all about bringing out the growth hiding within my character.

“When I’d left her to resume my duties as ambassador only to find myself thinking about her throughout the day. Once I realized that she was what I’m fighting for.” @ofcxterina

#( c: Caterina )#ivanrurik #( a light to my darkness ( Caterina ))

LORENZO DE MEDICI, GRAND DUKE OF FLORENCE.

Cesare’s response was as genuine as they came, and yet—that was the very source of the problem. Lorenzo might understand, perhaps, the wish to offer Caterina the very best Cesare had to offer; she may have married and left to Paris years ago, but Lorenzo could never see his own, dearest sister as deserving of any less. But—she remained, even so, one who suffered still the discomforts of being a woman unmarried, and a mother besides. Their son may bear the name of Sforza, but was known so far as baseborn. No whispers were made near his ears, and yet, Lorenzo knew they must exist. “Precisely so! Would not you offer her your support, your everlasting promised presence beside her, when you know that this, our location, our being in Paris, will give her difficulty?”

They were cut from the same cloth, Caterina and Lorenzo; both found it burdensome to turn to others to unload their weights, whenever there were weights to carry. But even the knowledge that they did not bear their burdens alone was a gift; Lorenzo had never realised just how much he valued it until he felt now its absence. At least one Medici ought to have happiness now. “Why is it not France? I do not like this place any more than you, my friend, but can not the dislike be cut by the forming of ties hoped for?” He shook his head, though he knew he could believe that statement at least; for all that he nagged and coerced Cesare now, he knew that he had not the make to do wrong by Caterina—only, perhaps, to take too long to do what he promised.

Lorenzo smirked, shook his head. He was surely not mistaken in sensing, behind the smirk and the charade of confidence, a hint of frustration. “I am not, and you shall discover it soon enough, when the first of your rivals makes his presence known to Cat,” he said, taking a large sip of ale, before refilling Cesare’s yet again. “And I do hope you remember, Ce, that you cannot flirt me to distraction.” He leaned forward, tapping his fingers against the table. “There is one competition, at least, that you cannot hope to win.”

.

He wished for the Medicis to always remain close to him, as family. They’d been a part of his world for too long, that it had become unthinkable to see him without them by his side. Cesare knew he had to change his mind about marriage, soon, before it was too late. All he could think about the love he felt for Giulio, Caterina and Lorenzo, the undying loyalty visible in every moment of his life. When in battle his first thought belonged to Caterina, wishing her well just in case he’d die. Cesare could feel a heat rising in his stomach, pleasant, a clear indicator that now was the time to stop and not drink any more of delicious ale. Alas, the situation demanded some form of intoxication. “I’m with her every step of the way, Lorenzo. I’m afraid another betrothal and marriage, so soon after her last, will only constrict her. I hear your valid arguments and am willing to see if I can persuade her. I wish, however,” Cesare looked at his brother now, finally separating himself from the ale, “to ask for your blessing first. Do you really see me deserving of your sister?” Cesare fluctuated from narcissism to self-loathing within moments.

“Another proposal coming from within France?” the ambassador chuckled, “and here I thought my proposal might be reason enough for her to get angry. I shall give her the perfect location, too? Malicious, won’t you agree?” Cesare smirked alongside his brother, also in hopes of changing the mood. All this talk about a proposal and wedding had made him visibly exhausted. His own troubles with truly confessing his love for Caterina was an issue he’d rather not discuss with her brother and certainly not with his ex-lover. “Well,” his mind returned to the delicious ale, “It’s always worth a try. I might persuade you in others ways, so you will hold your tongue.” He grabbed his ale “To us, to our unwavering companionship.” Cesare took a sip from his ale, refraining from drinking everything at once, again. “You’re falling behind, Lorenzo. Drink.”

#death tw #( c: Lorenzo )

lorenzs

@bloodwrittcn @sercphism

#ajdsajdaj YES #( c: Lorenzo )#( la vita è più dolce con te (Lorenzo))

WEEK: +150 / TOTAL: 150

#I have exactly 300 points in total #whoah #you know what that means

CATERINA DE MEDICI, FORMER PRINCESS OF FRANCE.

caterina paused before turning towards the page and cesare, hearing him cut off the boy before he could get through his whole introduction. it was a deep breath and a beat that gave her the strength to turn around and greet the count, curtsying as he bowed in a rather formal way of introduction. they’d travelled separately from milan and it was the first she’d seen of him since they’d left that city, so many questions left unanswered in the dust kicked up by her carriage. he hated being at least half as much as she did, though cesare was one of the few that knew how badly the french had toyed with caterina’s mental state. not even her brother really knew how pitiful she’d been when she’d arrived in milan the first time, seeking nothing but refuge in a place she knew even french spies stood no chance.

“to speak of my thoughts on france would be to betray our hosts in their moment of grandeur.” she said with a sigh, arms crossed in front of her like they were the bandages that could keep her from harm. the people had been kinder than expected, but the memories had haunted her through every room and alleyway. in a way, a part of her had died here in paris, a part of her innocence that she could never get back. “and you? how have you fared in the belly of the beast?” their conversation was so stiff, held back by the barriers of misunderstanding. the person caterina had been when she’d first fallen into his arms had been helpless, lost, looking for someone to cling on to. but she’d grown out of that and into a whole new woman, and her mind couldn’t fathom where he’d fit into that now, or if he’d even want to.

.

He could feel his throat tighten just by the sight of her. He’d promised to do right by her to Lorenzo, to do better than just visit occasionally. After all she’d been the one to not only bear him a son but be so beautiful when he, most of the time, wasn’t at all right and just. “Thank you, your assistance isn’t needed,” the count turned around slightly to face the servant who quickly left the room. “No chaperone today, but I promise to behave.” in fact, Cesare kept his distance, for now, at least. He’d hoped to speak with her in private, however, their surroundings made it almost impossible for him to not be paranoid and expect the worst. The French certainly had their ways of filtering out information, even about a woman who had absolutely no interest in meddling with them anymore.

The count sat down in front of Caterina, bent forward and softly reached out towards her. “Moment of grandeur,” he replied with a sarcastic tone to his voice. Unless Caterina, Cesare wasn’t interested in keeping quiet - had he just challenged the prince himself to make right by his beloved. “Don’t worry, my love. I’ve challenged the beast head-on. Don’t--” he added, “don’t scold me for doing what needs to be done,” Cesare grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. Chaste, nothing that might alarm a chaperone - hopfully, possibly. Clearing his throat the count looked up towards his beloved and smirked. “Relax. I’ve not come to force you into a position you’re not ready for. I see how you’re thriving. My company would only damage everything. While I’m a good match I do see myself being far too rugged and domineering to even be worthy of you. But,” he tried to find the right words, “I shall use my strength to work towards our common goal, if you let me, my lady. Nothing would make me happier than to call you mine.”

#( c: Caterina )

LORENZO DE MEDICI, GRAND DUKE OF FLORENCE.

Lorenzo raised a brow, resisting the impulse to punch Cesare in the shoulder. He was too strong; it would only hurt his own wrist. Cesare had always been stubborn; it was likely what made him so very talented with the blade. He was a man to push… and Lorenzo was always one to push back, particularly when it came to those he knew well—those rare few whom he could call familiar, if not always familial. What made for excellent repartee between friends—and, once, better flirtation between sometimes bedmates—was not so enjoyable when it came to matters more serious. Such as this was.

“I shall tease you all I wish, brother, or you should never have cause to call me brother with true familial feeling behind it,” he snapped. It had been years since whatever first encounter had tied Cesare and Caterina thus, and yet—nothing. He had assumed initially that whatever promises were between them remained unspoken to others because of the difficulty of the annulment, but now, months hence… what was the reason for delay? What could possibly hold him back? Lorenzo could not believe it was Caterina, for had she no wish to tie herself to him, why had she remained in Milan? What might, then, push Cesare to—

Lorenzo blinked into his ale, the thought occurring to him with all the haste and genius of Archimedes, discovering density. Eureka, he thought, and said out loud: “Surely Caterina is not content to wait forever. If there is some agreement between you that there was not when we last spoke, Cesare. For I have had men approach me, some of whom I have no reason to disapprove of… and whom I have told that if Caterina agrees, he may well court her.” Now smirking, Lorenzo pressed a hand to Cesare’s shoulder as had been done to him just minutes previously, pushing his fingers into Cesare’s back. “You may well be left to pursue me.” To say nothing of his marriage.

.

The subject of marriage should’ve been left to his own devices. Though he very much desired to marry Lorenzo’s sister, Cesare had hoped for less pressure from his friend. To be commanded by others never sit well with the count, considering his lovely sister-in-law had done so in the past, commands which he had to follow without question. With Lorenzo, however, he’d hoped for another way. Cesare tensed his jaw at the other’s threat. “Will you believe me if I said I have my reasons? Your sister’s Florence’s true gem and and an undoubtedly treasure, nothing I could afford to lose,” he looked away now “I’d much rather give her all the time she needs to properly adjust to any changes. With the annulment and new surroundings I suspect your sister has much worse ahead of her than my waiting proposal.” a true statement. Despite his confidence and narcissism Cesare knew he had blood on his hands. And Caterina? A true beauty, unmatched even, just blooming into an independent, strong woman. Who was he to insert himself into her world like this? Despite his own wishes, the wishes of her brother? Would another arranged marriage break her for good?

Cesare could feel the tension inside of him leave for just a moment. A chuckled accompanied the sudden relaxation. “I don’t have much to report. In fact, I haven’t seen your sister in quite some time considering my role as ambassador keeps me quite busy. There’s a time, and place, for Caterina and myself. That is, with all due respect, not France.” he murmured while hiding his lips behind his cup of ale. The French shouldn’t feel offended, as they usually did so quickly, by his words. His attention, however, returned quickly towards his brother, whose hand he could feel against his neck, pressing now. “Give me time. I will do right by her,” Cesare announced before trying to take a sip from his ale, only to choke on it. He coughed several times and let his cup fall against the table. “Now you are teasing me.” and he hated that it worked, “but I must disappoint you, dear brother, it’s not working.” He now leaned further towards the grand duke, one corner of his lips curled upward into a smirk. “Why are you rushing? We’re both young and time shall bring us together once again. Or are you trying to bind me to your noble house - so desperately? Of course, as you know, always have known - nothing would please me more than be a part of you.”

#( c: Lorenzo )#two iDIOTS

tenmytruelove

You would die for her…why? Because I love her!

#on brand!!!!!!!!!!#BRUH #( a light to my darkness ( Caterina ))#( c: Caterina )#violence tw

✿

send me a ✿ and i’ll fill out the template below. bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.

FRIENDSHIP. childhood friends / work buddies or coworkers / family friends / friends with benefits / smoking buddies / adventure buddies / fake friends / recently friends / party buddies / friendship of need / dying friendship / circumstantial friendship / partners in crime / old friendship / [ your muse ] is the good influence / [ your muse ] is the bad influence / [ my muse ] is the good influence / [ my muse ] is the bad influence / opposites attract / ride or die / frenemies / roommates or flatmates / penpals / exes to friends / enemies to friends / other .

ROMANCE. childhood sweethearts / [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush / [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush / exes / exes to lovers / forbidden lovers / highschool sweethearts / secret relationship / opposites attract / long distance / unrequited [ from your muses side ] / unrequited [ from my muses side ] / unrequited [ from both sides ] / skinny love / friends to lovers / enemies to lovers / spurious relationship / power couple / newly entered / soulmates [ metaphorical ] / soulmates [ literal ] / awkward / turning toxic / toxic love / cheating [ on your muse ] / cheating [ with your muse ] / other .

FAMILIAL. siblings [ half ] / siblings [ step ] / [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure / [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse / [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours / [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse / guardian figure / legal guardian / adoptive child / foster child / [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing / [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing / other .

ANTAGONISTIC. dangerous to each other / dangerous to others / unpredictable / rivals / petty / developing into sexual or romantic tension / based off family matters / based of off circumstance / based of professional matters / based off misunderstanding or lies / conflict of ideology / betrayal / hero - villain dynamic / enemies / fight club / friends turned enemies / lovers turned enemies / exes turned enemies / other .

#( c: Seraphina )#sercphism

✿

send me a ✿ and i’ll fill out the template below. bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.

FRIENDSHIP. childhood friends / work buddies or coworkers / family friends / friends with benefits / smoking buddies / adventure buddies / fake friends / recently friends / party buddies / friendship of need / dying friendship / circumstantial friendship / partners in crime / old friendship / [ your muse ] is the good influence / [ your muse ] is the bad influence / [ my muse ] is the good influence / [ my muse ] is the bad influence / opposites attract / ride or die / frenemies / roommates or flatmates / penpals / exes to friends / enemies to friends / other .

ROMANCE. childhood sweethearts / [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush / [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush / exes / exes to lovers / forbidden lovers / highschool sweethearts / secret relationship / opposites attract / long distance / unrequited [ from your muses side ] / unrequited [ from my muses side ] / unrequited [ from both sides ] / skinny love / friends to lovers / enemies to lovers / spurious relationship / power couple / newly entered / soulmates [ metaphorical ] / soulmates [ literal ] / awkward / turning toxic / toxic love / cheating [ on your muse ] / cheating [ with your muse ] / other .

FAMILIAL. siblings [ half ] / siblings [ step ] / [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure / [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse / [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours / [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse / guardian figure / legal guardian / adoptive child / foster child / [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing / [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing / other .

ANTAGONISTIC. dangerous to each other / dangerous to others / unpredictable / rivals / petty / developing into sexual or romantic tension / based off family matters / based of off circumstance / based of professional matters / based off misunderstanding or lies / conflict of ideology / betrayal / hero - villain dynamic / enemies / fight club / friends turned enemies / lovers turned enemies / exes turned enemies / other .

#( c: Lorenzo )#lorenzs

A - Alone time

A - Alone time (how do they get off when they’re all by themselves? do they watch porn, is it all in their imagination, do they jerk off, do they use toys?)

He’s just by himself and enjoys the thought of Caterina (or her brother). Any Medici, apparently.

#nsfw #mhhh #crownedprxncess

LORENZO DE MEDICI, GRAND DUKE OF FLORENCE.

Lorenzo rolled his eyes as he took his seat, leaning back. “It is not that I underestimate you, I assure you—” a few of their experiences from youth had, if nothing else, taught Lorenzo not to believe he could outpace Cesare, nor hope to maintain sobriety when he was past it, if not by abstaining himself; and of course, he had no wish to abstain. “It is that I intend to debate with you until we are both quite unwinded.” He watched, leaning on the table, as the ale he had brought disappeared in mere moments. He refilled Cesare’s drink for him, shaking his head.

“Well, you are fortunate then that you have a friend in me and my throne of gold,” he snorted, shaking his head and eyeing his ale as though any moment now it would harden, solidify, until he held a cup of pure, solid… gold. What was it that had put the thought into his head? It was so difficult to remove. “Seraphina is well,” he said, stiffer than he should prefer. And the good news is that she has not disappeared entirely! Yet. But he was not particularly interested in having a conversation about that, and so Lorenzo took a great gulp of his drink, and turned back to Cesare. “And how is your—” he twisted his face downward for a moment, looking around as though pretending to think, before finishing, “oh, yes. She is not your wife. How very odd.”

.

Cesare exhaled sharply at the reaffirmation of his strength. Yet it didn’t sound as pleasant coming from a trusted friend, no, brother. He fondly remembered the various times they’d been together in harmony, unwinding much differently than they did right now. He had to remind himself that their shared brotherly bond remained more important, that the past couldn’t be repeated and old demons had to be laid to rest for good. He loved this man like a brother, always would, but not always had. He watched his brother lean forward to fill up Cesare’s cup. “I’ve got no other plans but to sit here with you, brother.” The music and laughter around them gave Cesare a sense of privacy he needed to be so open with the grand duke of Florence. A bad habit, perhaps, considering he very much preferred to see him in private, behind closed doors. Politics and the fate of Italy shouldn’t be a matter discussed in public.

He watched the man beside him stiffen, get uncomfortable almost. A mere question could change his brother’s mood in way he hadn’t seen before. So there was some previously unknown tension between them. He preferred for his brother to be happy, so Cesare’s mood changed as well. He thought about the possible consequences of Lorenzo being unsure about himself or the path he was heading. The count furrowed his brows together at the grand duke’s words. The fingers around his cup began to tighten, grab it more tightly. “Don’t tease me, Lorenzo. Ask me again and I shall take longer to pursue her. You have to thank God for your marriage or else I would’ve pursued you now out of sheer jest.”

#( c: Lorenzo )#homoerotic subtext

closed starter for @katrinkc (Katherine Plantagenet)

The Russians had always amazed him. Despite their kingdom’s freezing temperatures and, literally, unorthodox customs, they brought forth some of the most cunning and interesting people Cesare had ever met. The same applied to the princess of Wales, whose roots ran deep within Russia’s royalty. He’d asked her entourage for an audience, just to see her, just to witness any changes for himself. Did she like England? He wondered if the alliance between England and Russia still existed and, if it did, how this would influence Milan’s influence within Italy.

“Your highness,” he greeted Katherine with a smile and with himself bowing. “Cesare Sforza, count of Pavia, ambassador of Milan,” he waited just a moment so his name didn’t get lost with his next words, “as such it’s my duty and wish to inquire about foreign relationships and leaders from far and wide.” he kept his hands in front of his belly so he would look less intimidating. Milan had to look strong, but submissive, at times, especially to someone whose influence might be vital. “Much importantly - I’ve come to inquire about your well-being. Getting used to new surroundings is never easy, ma’am, and if there’s something I could do to help you only need to ask.”

#( c: Katherine )

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