crowned // glories

[crownedglories]

karinaromanov‌:

her response came in an all too-knowing hum as she moved to follow him into the sitting room. of course karina knew he wouldn’t be too concerned with whether he ate or not – trivial things were easily forgotten when something heavier was on the mind. but at least today it gave her reason to come and see if she could provide insight, as she often did. “try one of the pastries, they’re warm and remarkably fresh.” she pointed out before grabbing one for herself. 

though true, it was only really a moment to delay having to answer the question at hand. her attention shifted downward, focusing on the pastry in hand for a moment as she thought it over – there were many aspects to consider, both personal and political. “i believe that given the current state of things, it’d be very wise to have an heir. people talk, especially now. it could help reaffirm their confidence in us.” the political was always easier to explain, at least for her. of course, there was the fact that she did truly want a child, to be a mother.

but it was never that simple. they’d been married for years, ever since she was of age, and they’d tried many times since. and though she’d fallen pregnant before, she was yet to carry a child to term. not only did it feel as though someone put a hole in her heart every time, but it was the only thing she couldn’t control if she succeeded or not. “but – an unsuccessful attempt could do the opposite.” she pointed out, moving her gaze to meet his. “we can’t afford anyone doubting us now.”

alexei stared at the pastries, watching without much interest as karina took one for herself. food wasn’t important to him despite knowing it should be - still, to appease her even if momentarily, he took one for himself and held it as he waited for her response. “we would be the strong unified front that russia desperately needs right now,” he responded, turning his gaze away from her and onto the pastry at hand, picking at it and frowning.

“an unsuccessful attempt would be kept out of the ears and the eyes of everyone but us and those we can trust, which admittedly is very few.“ he stated, glancing towards the window and then finally resting his gaze back onto her. “karina - i could not...“ bear to lose you as well. were the words that he wanted to express but died upon his lips.

instead, he cast aside the pastry and reached forward to take her hand into his, pulling it up to his face and pressing his cheek against her palm, his tinged reddened beard scratching at the softness of her skin. “we will prevail, maya lyubov, it is our way, it is our blood. if god shall grant us a child, we should be lucky. if not, then we will make-do.”

[crownedglories]

glitteredcrimson‌:

“have you forgotten that i still live here, brother? ” tatiana questions in russian curiously as she looks over towards him, her head tilted to side ever so slightly. at her feet sits olga, her fluffy ragdoll cat, whom followed her almost everywhere. “the guards allowed me to pass, of course. i asked nicely. and, i brought tea.” she adds, before moving to set the tray down on a nearby table. “would you sit with me? or are you busy? perhaps i could return later, if you have work to attend to.” she says and gestures to the seats by the table. she knew her brother was a busy man, of course she did, but she still had her concerns for him, especially with all that was going on recently considered. she moves to take a seat nonetheless, straightening out and dusting off her dress just seconds before her cat would jump up next to her to take a seat in her lap.

he shook his head and sighed, “how could i forget when you are always around?” he shot back, a small but pointed smile on his lips. he loved his sister, she was always there when things went wrong. she and karina were the support system that he had, and he couldn’t be angry at them for it. still, she was his sister and some forms of annoyance would always be there. “no, i... have been walking, please - come, sit.” he gestured towards a chair, awaiting for her to sit before he did - taking the tea and sipping, watching her cat before looking back to her. “you do not usually come to me to just talk, is there something wrong, tatiana?” he sat up, setting the tea down and giving her a sharp analytical look.

[crownedglories]

karinaromanov‌:

it wasn’t unheard of for karina not to see her husband for much of the earlier half of the day, often tending to separate duties. she spent hers tending closer to the people and helping to establish necessary schools and orphanage, and when she had the time, painting – something that could only be known if someone paid enough attention to see the specks of color on her fingertips. yet, when it was brought to her attention that alexei had not come out in some time, she set out to investigate.

“even if i were a guest, is that how you would greet one, alyosha?” from the lightness in her tone to the use of his nickname, no one would ever think there was something wrong in the country or tension in the palace. she, of course, knew what weighed heavily on them, but wouldn’t leave room for anyone to doubt them. true concerns were saved for private. “i heard you’d never come out to eat, so i had the food brought to you.” to the side of her, someone carrying a large plate of assorted foods carried into the room and set down before she dismissed those nearby for some privacy. once there was no one within earshot, her expression faltered just slightly. “would you like to talk?”

he smiled at the name she’d given him, instantly dropping his shoulders and feeling relief over having to not act as formal as he would to someone outside the family. and even so, someone that wasn’t his wife. “on a typical day? yes, of course.” he retorted, looking up and meeting her gaze. karina was unique to him, though she carried herself like a proud russian woman, he knew she had far more behind her than most.

her resolve and determination were things to be admired - and he was glad that the two had been paired to marry. when she spoke to him about eating, he waved a hand and made a ‘bah’ noise before turning to head back into his sitting room, allowing her and the dogs to follow. he waited for the servant to leave before turning his attention to her, his own expression faltering and his cheeks looking more gaunt than they usually were. “yes, about anything - most things, nothing.” he responded cryptically before reaching for a sliced apple. “do you believe we should try again?”

he knew without an heir that his sister would be next in line and though he was fine with it, he still felt a failure as a tsar at having not produced an heir of his own. but it was a sensitive subject for his wife and he respected it. he also sought to avoid a conversation about the state of their country.

[crownedglories]

closed starter for @hail-halvdan​

to be in this meeting with the king of norway was not exactly how alexei had planned for it to go. he didn’t hate the man, he respected him and admired his iron will and ability to control as many kingdoms as he did - but he also felt the sense of resentment and anger-fueled fear that made him wish that russia could live once again; free.

still, he knew far better than to argue those points and that diplomacy would be much more achieved than anything else. entering the king’s hall, alexei, in his traditional russian wear, greeted the king and offered a smile. “it is kind of you to invite me to norway, i appreciate it. the country is lovely.” he offered, glancing around and gesturing towards the state. “shall we talk?”

[crownedglories]

closed starter for @whiterosesofscotland​

alexei had made his way through the royal palace of norway, taking his time to assess the land the area - and fitting the time between with business that pertained to himself and to russia. he was initially upset over the puppet-state that russia had become, and to some degree he still was - but he reminded himself that the safety of his people, his family, his wife, and hisself were vastly more important.

upon heading to his next appointment, he entered the room promptly on time and gave a small smile the queen consort of scotland. “ah, i see your majesty was early - perhaps next time i shall be even earlier,” he opened - smiling still to show that he was merely attempting a light-hearted joke.

he had to take a moment to collect himself, to school his features - it wasn’t that he was usually showing his emotions on his sleeve, but more-so that he showed nothing - and in the climates of the south, being cold wasn’t well received. “have you been in norway long?”

[crownedglories]

he spent most days in recent times patrolling up and down the halls of his palace. his mind wasn’t something that would remain quiet despite the fact that he tried to keep it shut. he was a tsar, a king, a man of his country - and one that had become a puppet to another. he hated it, an unbridled rage wanted to boil up and spill out of him because of it. but given the whispering of the servants in the halls and the eyes that saw more than they should; he remained under good temperament - the one thing he was solidly known for.

hearing his dogs - his faithful borzois - start to stand after hours of watching him pace, he turned his head to look at their current point of interest. with a brow raised and a stiffing of his spine, alexei cleared his throat and began to approach the intruder of his halls. “i wasn’t aware i was receiving guests today, who allowed you through?”

[crownedglories]

while i get myself off the ground, please don’t hesitate to hit me up for plotting and/or a starter ❤

also if anyone knows where i can get my hands on the hollowed crown so i can gif it, i’ll appreciate it and you.

[crownedglories]

( BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH, HE/HIM, CIS MALE ) HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Allow me to introduce ALEXEI ROMANOV of RUSSIA. The 39 year old TSAR is known to be PRAGMATIC and CONSIDERATE, but rumors about court claim HE can be EMOTIONALLY DISTANT and ABRUPT when crossed. Only time will tell where their interests belong.

hello! i’m b and i will be your tsar of russia, alexei. i’m always down to plot and write, so please don’t hesitate to hit me up here or on the discord <3

THE BASICS

Name: alexei romanov

Age: thirty-nine (39)

General physical description: tall, 6′1, thin but healthy,some toning. pale.

Hometown: moscow

Type of home: palace

Relationship status: married

Current family: (only going to post the ones that are taken and will update!) karina romanova (wife)

Family background (parents, previous marriages, etc.): the tsardom of russia, he has only ever been married to karina.

Friends: i’d be happy to plot for this!

Other close relationships: ^^ as above

Relationship with men: rougher, hedged, colder

Relationship with women: awkward, quiet, sometimes sweet

Job: tsar of russia

Dress style: sensible, muted colors, furs, perfectly tailored.

A BRIEF LOOK

Religion: norse paganism, at least on the surface

Attitude to religion: indifferent, he wavers between ‘i am a god’ and ‘only god can help us now’.

Favorite pastimes: riding, walking the palace with his dogs, dancing

Hobbies: collecting art, he enjoys it and tries to fill the walls with it

Favorite foods: he’s quite fond of fruits, finds them both beautiful to look at and to eat.

PERSONALITY

Strongest positive personality trait: pragmatism for sure. despite being snappy and blunt, he’s very good at keeping his head level and making decisions.

Strongest negative personality trait: being emotionally distant. alexei doesn’t always realize it, and sometimes he comes off as straight up cold.

Sense of humor: sardonic and dry

Temper: level, but if he’s feeling cornered he will spiral and lash out

Consideration for others: he always takes in account of his people, his family, and those working at the palace before he takes in account of himself.

How other people see him: a good tsar/king, careful, sometimes cold but willing to stand firm.

Opinion of himself: callous, misunderstood, overlooked

Other traits, especially those to be brought out in story: he’s weaker than his wife when it comes to mental resolve. he listens to her input and conveys it to others when they will not listen. he has always admitted that he would rather she be ruler than him, but only ever in admittance in private to her. (i have plotted this out with k!)

AN ENDING

Ambitions: for russia to be its own ruling country again and to restore its glory.

Philosophy of life: speak when it is necessary, not to fill the air.

Most important thing to know about this character: he’s quiet and calculating and he can seem like a pushover; he’s not.

HEADCANONS

he was most certainly a child of his mother. he respected his father and learned what he could from him, but it was his mother who taught him how to live in the world of royalty.

to be added!