Spring is in full bloom at the Palais, and while it is no less splendid than years prior, the younger Count Nikiforov cannot help but think the parterres seem a touch drab in comparison to last year.
Too early in the year for the tuberoses, Victor strolls with his usual companion among fragrant jasmine. The late morning constitutional has led them to the Bassin de Latone, and his friend, the Junker Giacometti, prattles on about some pretty thing he’s set his sights on for a weekend or two of hedonism. It is the same as ever, and Victor only half-listens before ceasing entirely.
“— And that is when I and the Phra Ong Chao decided to…Vitya?” Christophe asks. His left eyebrow quirks with the same curiosity filling his tone, but only until he looks across the grounds to see what caught Victor’s eye. “Ah, yes. They only arrived late last evening.”
Christophe, of course, speaks of the Katsuki-no-miya, Yuuri-shinnō, and his sixty-person entourage. They have arrived from the far East at the behest of the Sun King himself, with the prince here in his father’s stead in some sort of cultural exchange.
The prince moves across the grounds in robes the same shades as sapphires. He walks astride the King, not behind, as he proudly conducts the tour of the incredible grounds with ease. An austere woman follows at a respectful pace in gray and violet. She and the prince both have wide fabric belts in contrasting colors tied at their waists, and the prince’s ebony hair is styled similarly to his companion’s, though hers is vastly more complex.
“He’s quite comely up close,” Christophe continues with a wicked grin. “Though he seems a touch aloof in humor. Perhaps if I treat him to a little wine, a little of my solitary attention—“
Victor gives him a startled look. “No,” he manages, his eyes immediately locking back onto the prince. “Not…not this one, Christophe.”
Before Christophe can inquire further, Victor takes a few steps towards the prince. He disappears, perhaps to the orangerie, or perhaps…
Well, such a visitor will surely remain for a while.
We can release our @borntomakearthistoryzine pieces today! I was honored with the amazing @claramarla as a collab partner for this book! Forbidden love affairs at Versailles ooh la la!
⚜️ Le soleil es près de moi on AO3
(will reblog this later once Clara also posts her art)
vaporwave
kianamaiart
kaledo-art
turnnoffyourmind
andulkaphoto
discoholicmusic
jbbartram-illu
