heir forgotten

ALBERT HABSBURG-BABENBURG, 37, Archduke of Austria.

[crwnlessalbert]

thirdconsort‌:

branimira     was     enjoying     the     new     year,     and     enjoying     being     as     west     into     europe     as     she     ever     had     been.     she     never     thought     she     would     be     going     into     a     new     year     with     a     son,     or     as     a     wife.     it     was     odd     how     things     worked     out.     she     rocked     her     child     as     she     walked     the     halls     of     the palazzo     she     and     her     family     were     staying     in. 

she     paused     as kasım     became     to     fuss. “oh,     dear     boy,”     she     hushed     to     him     softly.     she     thought     her     thumb     up     brushing     over     his     cheek     softly.

Albert had hesitantly approached the Ottoman estate in an attempt to seek out some conversation and smooth over relations. While things had always been strained and tense, especially with the development slowly brewing, Albert had done his best to quietly open new channels of aid. It was slow going and he had yet to seek an audience with the Ottoman Sultan without ensuring he had a positive relationship within. Such an attempt to forge such a connection was his reason for arriving without the typical fanfare but the loud fussing of a child had him pausing. It had been too long since he’d seen the joy of children scampering about in Austria and a conflict of emotions slips over his face as he approaches until he schools his features back to normal. He comes over after a moment and offers the woman a flash of a smile in an attempt to show his well meaning intentions before crouching down in front of the boy. “Hello there. Is someone having a rough day?” 

[crwnlessalbert]

hello miss chloe!! your secret santa here. how are the holidays going? do you celebrate and, if so, what are you most excited for this christmas? talk soon!!

Ooh hello!!

I do celebrate Christmas for the idea of a family holiday with a big focus on being to celebrate giving to others. So far so good, the only thing I’m excited for is paying off bills and having enough time to read books.

[crwnlessalbert]

POINT DIVIDER | 04/12/19 - 17/12/19

GIF CHAT / PARA REPLIES: 7 posts x 10 = 70 points EDITS / GRAPHICS : 0 posts x 10 = 0 points MEME RESPONSES : 0 responses x 5 = 0 points SELF - PARAGRAPHS : 0 posts x 20 = 0 points

Overall Points: 70 Total Points: 190

[crwnlessalbert]

@crarabraganza​

Albert knew this day would come as soon as the time allowed, monarchs and nobles alike scrambling over one another to be at the next dinner or ball to speak in private. Countries, while not at war, were expediting their efforts to secure alliances for the betterment of their people and the monarchy upon which they stood. Battle lines were being drawn and those that had the means to align with another were rapidly seeking to draw concrete plans for future endeavors. Ever since his first talk with Alexandrina, Princess of Viana, he had counted down the days until the Portugese monarchs would seek him out. Her letter had arrived by a page finding him by the stables and he scarcely had enough time to freshen up and change before joining the Queen of Portugal at her estate. 

The provided estate is elaborately decorated, a mix of both Portguese decorations and Florentine architecture. He pauses for a moment to soak in the sight before continuing on, following the guards provided to join the Queen in her drawing room. They announce his presence as he steps through the doors and he bows deeply to her, offering a smile as a gesture of goodwill. “Apologies for my tardiness, Your Majesty. I thank you for your invitation and hospitality, though one has to wonder whether this is purely a social call.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

oftrastamara‌:

He had little reason to trust her and vice versa but risk was a part of the game and she had come to realize that she and her family had nothing left to lose. Part her felt pride, thinking of the match herself instead of having it fed to her by her parents or well-meaning aunt. Others sometimes saw she and Albert as defeated or foolish enough to lose their own birthright but what Drina saw was resilience, something only few people truly possessed.  

“But a crown you plan to wear, no?” Her body angled towards his, though her quiet words were unlikely to be overheard above the din. There could be no guarantee that Albert would become Emperor but with Alexandrina by his side and her blood connection to the pope, she could very well attempt to have him named Apollonia’s heir. Then, of course, there were her plans for a private army but those outside of her family could not yet be privy to such sensitive information. She was not naive enough to show her hand in that regard. 

“It is no secret that I seek a beneficial marriage and while I am informally promised to another, I have told my advisors that you shall henceforth be considered a potential ally.” Yes, she would need practice in speaking on her own behalf. Simple as it seemed, she constantly feared her words would be muffled to the ears of men not inclined to listen to a woman. “That is unless you wish to be excluded from Aragonese business, of course.” She shrugged, took a sip of her wine, disguising their exchange as idle chatting to those around them.

“A crown is something to be given or earned honorably...if the people so chose,” he answered cryptically. It was complicated, speaking in tongues, especially in such a space he deemed unsafe to talk freely. He longed for a place to speak with clear intentions and no prying ears or wandering eyes that would give away their conversation. He was not nearly so skilled at manipulating nobles and alliances as Apollonia but he had no choice other than to proceed for the betterment of the people. If he had the ability to take her aside he would seek to discern her loyalty, knowing as he did of her plight and homeland, but he had to ensure it would not come across as threatening to the Empress. They struggled with the Ottoman Empire and Cordoba was an ally that could appease both sides. Yet he could not help but feel his heart reach out to the woman who stood before him, alone and without advisers, desperate for hope such as he. 

Her words had him smiling into his goblet, pleased at her forthright manner. “You honor me, Your Highness.” A quick glance around the room offered few friendly faces but his mind spun as he tried to come up with a solution to their predicament. Apollonia held no love in her heart for the Ottomans and Cordoba and the Aragonese relations to the Pope and Catholic Church would be a mighty ally with the support of the Holy Roman Empire behind it. It would be a complicated play, entrusting them as allies for supposedly Apollonia’s sake, but it would eliminate an opposing empire while also providing him with a powerful wife and support of the Pope for himself. “I take the Aragonese conflict to heart, as well as your trust. It is no easy thing to approach me here, in the heart of my people, but your courage is admirable and honorable. Perhaps we should continue this conversation on the balcony, lest prying ears seek to overhear?”

[crwnlessalbert]

francesia‌:

if albert hadn’t been only seven years her senior the populace of the roman empire would’ve guessed or plotted to expose the princess queen’s paternity. such doubt was laid upon her true father dmirtrei, since the time of her birth many had assumed the scheming empress had juggled intrigue to acquire an heir who sampled grace and nobility. many had put forward a proposition that claimed albert habsburg-babenberg was the true father of francesia; till the age dawned upon them. they had almost grown up together, yet were too different to be childhood friends or a parental relationship. albert had always acted as if he were an uncle, a shoulder to weep upon or arms to hold in consolation. yes, albert was her trusted friend and it had torn her to leave him behind when she married the king of croatia all but a year prior. but now a reunion was to be celebrated, and though she acted as a pristine china doll in the public eye, when in private she acted almost girlish. with the close of grand doors that left the new queen and empress’ adviser alone, francesia broke into a run and jumped into her almost-uncle’s arms with a glee that still held an undertone of modest sadness. “albert! it is a JOY to see you, i so feared you wouldn’t come!” ( closed starter for @crwnlessalbert​ )

The relationship between Albert and Francesia had been one of conflicting emotions yet undeniable joy. Some hushed guilty part of him had desired her to be of his blood, a true heir to his late cousin upon which he might have a family with the true name. Yet the years upon which her conception had happened showed only that she remained her mother’s daughter and even her paternity, while not his cousin’s, could be questioned. Even so he had grown to adore all of Apollonia’s children as family in name if not blood despite the Empress’ caution, for reasons he could only surmise. Too young to be considered an uncle yet too old to be considered a brother, they had settled on something in between that spoke of a deep and abiding love for one another that he cherished despite the guilt it brought. Guilt of betraying his cousin and later possible betrayal hung heavy over his heart but her light spirit at their reunion forced those thoughts from his mind. A broad smile lit his face as he quickly wrapped his arms around her, nearly spinning in place as he held her aloft. “My dear Francesia, you know I would not miss this for the world! Not even if the Pope himself called upon me.” Albert pulled back briefly to look over her face for signs of mistreatment and also to soak in the sight of her darling face. “How do you fare? Is your husband gallant and treating you well? Letters can only hold so much information and I seek the truth from your lips.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

margothastings‌:

musingmemes

a historical / fantasy / period / medieval friendly character survey.

reblog and bold your muses preference.

roses / cherry blossoms / orchids / tulips

winter / summer / autumn / spring

thunderstorms / sunshine / snow

indoors / outdoors

meat / fruit / sweets

extravagance / traditionalism / minimalism

god fearing / non god fearing

cats / dogs / horses / birds

sunrise / sunset

day time / night time

fire / earth / water / wind

reading / writing

rising early / sleeping late

wine / ale / neither

fur / silk / satin / lace

rubies / pearls / sapphires

horse back / walking / carriages

love / power

having company / being alone

lakes / rivers / oceans

knife / sword / bow / poison

gold / silver

[crwnlessalbert]

joanofasturias‌:

closed  to  @crwnlessalbert  .

joan  was  often  acknowledged  by  a  multitude  of  differing  monikers,  many  of  which  strayed  from  the  meaning  of  her  true  name.  from  the  recognized,  albeit  powerless  title  of  the  princess  of  asturias  to  the  street  cries  of  beggars  as  they  hailed  the  princess  de  guise  and  the  cruel  jeers  of  la  madre  de  ninguno,  she  took  to  assuming  each  role  that  was  pushed  upon  her  with  quick  ease,  contorting  the  facades  of  her  pliant  personality  to  fit  with  the  expectations  of  the  masses.  yet  the  archduke  of  austria  knew  her  from  a  time  where  sister  had  been  the  only  title  that  had  mattered,  the  cream - white  robes  of  a  postulant  exchanged  for  the  sombre  colours  of  mourning  as  house  de  guise  buried  both  mother  and  father  within  the  span  of  a  few  months  in  between.  he  had  come  to  them  as  an  ambassador  of  the  empress  apollonia,  to  extend  condolences  and  rekindle  the  bonds  between  the  holy  roman  empire  and  their  guise  compatriots  and  the  young  jeanne  marguerite  had  been  eager  to  question  him  of  the  catholic  monarchy  and  softly  debating  upon  controversial  topics  championed  by  the  holy  father,  her  faith  still  burning,  flame - bright,  in  the  soul.  

such  spirited  belief  had  since  died  within  her  but  not  without,  mocking  whispers  of  infertility  now  exchanged  with  near - blasphemous  murmurs  comparing  her  to  the  holy  mother  herself,  glowing  in  pale  white  and  blue  as  her  smooth  palm  cradled  the  swell  of  her  belly  softly,  floating  through  a  sea  of  protection  within  the  portuguese  residences.  it  is  among  these  guards,  bragança  and  guise  emblems  printed  boldly  upon  their  coats,  that  she  was  found,  an  elaborately  decorated  bible  balanced  upon  her  lap  as  she  hailed  the  austrian  man  with  a  gentle  wave,  cheeks  lifting  as  a  wide,  enthusiastic  smile  pulls  at  her  features  sweetly.  ❝  imperial  highness  …  ❞  she  makes  to  stand,  holding  the  tome  (  hefty  in  both  weight  and  teaching  )  against  her  midsection  as  she  curtsies  to  the  best  of  her  ability,  flanked  in  motion  by  the  low  bows  of  her  men.  ❝  i  must  thank  you  for  agreeing  to  meet  me  and  apologize  for  the  tardiness  of  my  response.  i  fear  that  my  condition  leaves  little  room  for  travel  but  your  words  sounded  pressing  upon  paper.  please,  sit  with  me.  ❞  graciously,  she  gestures  towards  the  stone  bench,  cool  beneath  her  perched  figure  as  she  moves  to  ease  the  ache  in  her  feet.  the  words  are  perfected,  clear  manners  dictating  a  sense  of  business  rather  than  personal  interest  that  would  deceive  anyone  who  dared  to  look  on  or  eavesdrop.  one  hand  moves  to  dismiss  the  guards  to  a  generous  distance  from  the  pair,  close  enough  that  protection  was  not  lacking  yet  far  enough  that  their  conversation  would  not  be  heard.  ❝  what  do  you  think  ?  far  more  courteous  than  that  challenging  girl - sprite  you  met  all  those  years  ago,  no  ?  i  hope  you  will  not  find  me  too  changed,  however.  ❞

Albert had extended a humble greeting and inquiry to join the Princess for afternoon tea and conversation and had been all too pleased when she accepted. He had long since attempted to mend relations with the ousted family of Aragon and had several smaller ties to those in the nation itself, one of which being the holy Joan herself. Empress Apollonia would likely want to speak to him about her own intentions for alliances for the Holy Roman Empire but even he could not know what she desired. His desire for alliances went beyond his own hidden agenda, seeking only friends for the moment and later allies for the whole of Austria itself. His selfish wants sometimes overlapped with the good of the nation but even he could not deny that this visit was purely for him and his weary soul. Joan herself is a picture of grace and beauty, a vision of Mother Mary herself, clad in blue and white with the soft swell of her belly hidden behind a Bible as she curtsies. He follows suit, bowing at the waist as a gesture of both reference to her title and also respect towards one he considers friendly. 

“You are most welcome, Your Highness, but do not apologize. You carry a most treasured gift and I would not seek to rush you on my account.” At her insistence he sits, keeping a carefully guarded expression in the presence of others to keep his intentions hidden. It is only once they are gone that he does not deny himself an amused grin, all too impressed with her courteous manners and self assured behavior. “You have mastered the elegance of a woman grown into her role, Joan. A picture of grace.” True, it is far from the woman he remembers clad in white who spoke with a gentle hush as rosary dangled from her fingers. Yet she wears this new persona well and he is all too grateful that the bits he remembers still shine through in this delicate yet fierce individual. “I do appreciate your presence all the same. I admit, my soul rests heavy and I could think of no better person than one such as yourself who wore the cloth as elegantly as a gown. Pray tell, does the teachings of the Bible tell what a man must do to alleviate one’s guilt? Man may be folly in the eyes of our Lord but I cannot help but feel I am letting our Holy Father look upon me as a man unworthy.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

joannaofportugal‌:

if she had known that she had just been compared to none other than the holy roman emperor she would’ve treated the stranger with more dignity, with more refinement - as for joanna flattery was the weakest of her points, her ego almost begging to be stroked as she steadies her footing. though small in stature she makes up for the lack of inches by holding herself with pride - her chin pointed up towards the high, stone ceiling as they converse as adults do. “though i regret to inform you i am no close confidante i am overwhelmingly pleased to announce that you are in the presence of only ONE portugal jewel… my name is joanna de braganza, daughter of crara and cristiano…” she stops for praise, posed like a statue before her frame falls almost into a slouch. her german was rusty against her tongue, a word missing here and there though it doesn’t stop her from acting his better - despite his famous family name. “habsburg-babenberg… ah, the holy roman empire, of course. are you empress apollonia’s brother?” 

Joanna’s demeanor changes as she seeks to make herself appear taller, a hint of her royal heritage creeping in as she rights herself. The soft rounding of her face and delicate features hint at her youth, as does her haughty pride. It is a worthy pride, being of such a distinguished family, and her lack of years only endears her to him as he can remember his own sister being the same when she was old enough to understand. Her royal lineage is well known and even his lessons had imparted the importance of the Portuguese and their trading ports and even their familial attachments to the deposed rulers of Aragon. Still, she displays such personality even in her rusty attempts at his language so for her sake he seeks to switch to Portuguese to ease her discomfort. 

“It is my....” he pauses, searching for the word, “pleasure to meet you, Princess.” Albert nearly winces at how shoddy his fluency is in her native tongue, his lack of recent practice made evident despite his brave attempts to soldier on. Instead, he hides his shame by bowing at the waist to appease her, somewhat dramatic in his speech but only lightly teasing. “It is an honor. But no, unfortunately I am not related to the Empress by blood by only through marriage. Her first husband was my cousin, Maximilian.” He seeks to smooth over the syllables by smiling broadly at her, wanting to keep the mood light-hearted. 

[crwnlessalbert]

aulariademedici‌:

Aularia was quickly enveloped in the green foliage of the labyrinth. Through the entrance she ducked to her right, following the passage past a turn on her left, until it ended at the corner of the maze, forcing her to take the second left turn. She peered over her shoulder as she rounded the corner, pausing to see if Albert had followed, but she continued on quickly as a pair of giggling girls entered the maze. She looked around quickly, finding a soft pink bushel of flowers that matched the one she had put in her hair. Plucking a couple, she took one and placed it in the corner of the hedges before continuing on. The princess made several more turns through the foliage, dropping flowers where she turned to give the Archduke a path to follow.

Reaching one of the round clearings, Aularia stopped, bowing her head in the premise of prayer before the statue that adorned the clearing. She paused for a couple of minutes, giving Albert a chance to catch up as she peeked up frequently to see if he had come. After several minutes, she began to wonder if perhaps he had changed his mind and left her alone on this little chase. However, just as she was considering giving up, she saw him step into view from a different one of the four entrances to the clearing than that which she had expected him to appear through. When he looked up to see her, a smile popped up on her cheeks instantly and she took an unconscious step towards him.

But a moment later, the same gaggle of ladies that had entered behind Aularia came in through yet another opening, causing her features to drop as suddenly as they had risen. The princess realized at once that she had picked a place that was still far too public. Thinking quickly, she began walking backwards towards the exit to the left of where she had entered, meeting Albert’s eyes again, with a sparkle in them. Follow me, they insisted. And as she passed the archway to the clearance, she flitted off to the left down the corridor, breaking their gaze.

She whisped through the foliage, her skirts ruffling behind her. As she reached another branch to her right, she looked back. This time, seeing a flash of Albert’s robes coming through the arch, she continued on, darting around the corner. She played this game several more times, following the maze before pausing just long enough and swishing out of sight again. She came to an area that lead her in a spiral before giving her a dead end option of right or left. She turned left and found that it turned right again at the end to a tiny alcove that held a small fountain embedded in the bushes, surrounded by none other than vines of Edelweiss. Perhaps the Archduke had not known that the claims he made as a cloak for his calling card to her were in fact the truth, or perhaps he had. Aularia did not know, but the sight left her breathless by more than just her traipse through the maze. This spot was perfect, she thought as she took it in. It was deep in the maze, off of most of the main paths, and the small fountain spilling with white flowers filled the small space with an intimate magic…

Albert spotted her at the same moment she saw him, stepping forward to join her before pausing at the sight of the giggling ladies. Then they were off again, following a twisting and winding path that spread before them with a never ending row of hedges. The architecture was truly impressive to his untrained eye and he could only imagine the upkeep it would cause as blossoms and roses bloomed ever present in between hedges. A flash of a statue here and there showed pockets of open spaces in the midst of everything with benches scattered throughout. It wasn’t a very large maze but whilst in the midst of it it felt grander than any palace. Even as he trailed behind Aularia he stopped once in a while to look around and take in the majesty of the place, just barely tall enough to see the tops of the hedges. 

When they finally reconvened in an open area he spotted the flowers as well, a ghost of a smile on his face. There was much he wanted to say but they were both entirely out of breath from the near frantic run she had taken on and his hurried pace to match it. He didn’t even know where to begin lest he break composure and let his emotions spill forth in an undignified manner. “Did you really need to run through half the maze? I appreciate the early run but by God, woman, you nearly whipped around every corner.” Albert paused to catch his breath, far used to the stamina required by such an activity but usually with far less robes involved. “It seems we are finally alone. I have so many questions...”

[apolloniacolonna]

ｔｈｅ ｈｏｌｙ ｒｏｍａｎ ｅｍｐｉｒｅ ｉｓ ｎｅｉｔｈｅｒ ｈｏｌｙ， ｎｏｒ ｒｏｍａｎ， ｎｏｒ ａｎ ｅｍｐｉｒｅ．

[crwnlessalbert]

oftrastamara‌:

It all felt rather foreign to Alexandrina, especially attending on her own. She was so used to the guiding hands of her mother and aunt and while she cherished them, perhaps they had steered her wrong over the years without meaning to. It was imperative that she begin to set her own course and as she gazed into the fair face of the Archduke, she felt ever-elusive optimism settle within her. 

“A surprise? Then I must confess, while I hold the utmost respect for Her Imperial Highness the Empress, it was you whom I was hoping to see.” In the past, her male relatives had always spoken on her behalf, always out in the open and in an official setting but this, she lacked experience in. “Your reputation is rather intriguing. A senior member of the Imperial family, well-respected for putting aside the succession controversy for the benefit of your realm and yet, there is no Archduchess of Austria?” Perhaps, she was too bold. Her mother might call it unladylike or even wanton but clarity was necessary when it came to the business of potential allies and she wanted her interest to be known from the start. “But as you said, expectations can weigh heavy.”

Even with the daily tests on his carefully constructed expressions, preying eyes ensuring his every minute discrepancy would be monitored. A noble could never show their true feelings on their face for those that would seek to exploit it would know every move to make. Days of remaining stone-faced in front of the Empress, screaming on the inside as his life shattered before him and yet no one could see. She had rested a hand upon his shoulder during the funeral for his family, claws digging in even though, and had whispered in his ear to hide his tears before the world could see them and think him weak. Yet his lessons fail him as she continues to speak, surprise briefly coloring his features before he schools his expression into one of amusement. “Do my ears deceive me? A bold move to call upon me yet I am your willing audience.” 

The more she spoke, the less he believed, his gaze following his cousin in shrewd calculation as he tried to assess whether she had put the lady up to it. Albert didn’t have the luxury to hope and yet it had been brought before him despite his prayers having gone long unanswered. A probing question that long burned in his heart, a flicker of a flame that had been extinguished all too hastily before. His suspicions would not be put to rest but he sought to give her the benefit of the doubt for her boldness was offset by the hesitation that showed in the way her breath hitched. “There is none so far, Your Highness, not even hidden in the folds of my sleeve. Perhaps if the right woman of noble birth and iron will were seeking a match, I would put forth my hand.” Albert caught her eye as he spoke before turning to refill his goblet, pitching his voice so only she could catch it. “Not as heavy as a crown upon ones’ head.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

POINT DIVIDER | 11/26/19 - 12/03/19

GIF CHAT / PARA REPLIES: 10 posts x 10 = 120 points EDITS / GRAPHICS : 0 posts x 10 = 0 points MEME RESPONSES : 0 responses x 5 = 0 points SELF - PARAGRAPHS : 0 posts x 20 = 0 points

Overall Points: 120 Total Points: 120

[crwnlessalbert]

apolloniacolonna‌:

@apolloniacolonna​

Apollonia smiled softly at his words, almost thoughtfully.  When first she had arrived in Aachen, Apollonia’s own feelings about the imperial court had been not dissimilar.  Those days, she’d been unsure just what to expected from her future, but it had not occurred to her that the child introduced to her as little Albert might one day be a sworn enemy.  Perhaps, she considered now, that had been her own innocence and arrogance, entwined.  She’d foreseen a gilded future, cast in rosy hues, enshrined by a nimbus of gleaming light where anything she wished was possible.  The path she’d tread had proven far more treacherous and often pitted her against the man that little boy had grown into, but, ultimately, she liked to think, this was a far more interesting outcome.  She’d not been built to hide behind a man, regnant in all but name.

“Do you mean to supply that crack?” she inquired, affably, half-teasingly.  Night’s arrival put the Empress in a nostalgic frame of mind, one which colored her thoughts, but also brought forward the affection she’d felt for the boy Albert had once been.  Still, his presence here was anything but a jibe, as she also saw all too clearly: but one misstep with him and she could easily loose both crown and head, dooming her children along with her.  

Hearing his final words, she nodded softly, continuing to close the distance between them, a serious expression overtaking her expression.  “Are you uneasy?” she inquired.  “Take heart,” she added.  “So far only women and children have provided targets to the assassins lurking in the Florentine shadows and Franjo has already undertaken to sure up our security.”  Lord knew the Austrian security were already familiar enough with shunting off would-be assassins.  Apollonia pushed away the thought that always played in the back of his head: guilty by intent or not, she could never seem to quite forgive Albert for the loss of her child.  Plucking the thorn from her mind, she formed a smile she did not feel, her eyes finding his pointedly.  “We are all perfectly safe.”

The corner of his mouth lifted in the ghost of a smile that could be mistaken for a smirk, the amusement gone as quickly as it had arrived. “Only if you bid it of me.” For that was the crux of their position. The folly of their unfortunate choosing and that of fate which had both entwined and ensnared them in a web branching far beyond their reach. She was his Empress in both name and title but not by his own heart yet their willingness to put Austria in a position of security had them share common ground. Some days it nearly drove him mad and into his cups securely in the comfort of his chambers, desperate to forget the guilt over his betrayal to her simply by accepting the notion of moving against her. She was his last remaining line to his family, to a cousin long dead and a surrogate mother and sister in the absence of others. 

Thrown off from his thoughts by her approach he simply eyed her, his own expression shuttering closed to be as neutral as possible. His heart always got the best of him and her presence was similar to touching a candle that burned and blackened his skin. Corrupting and full of pain yet the awe that accompanied the power it held. “I’m sure he is taking due course with security,” he remarked dryly. No doubt he would let slip an assassin in his own direction to take out the threat that remained. It would be a neat solution to his existence and the threat he posed to her reign while absolving her of the sin. 

The ease at which his own sister and mother had fallen ill so shortly after her arrival in Austria had only inflamed his own suspicions that she was not above eliminating all that remained of his line. His own cousin too, so quickly after her crowning and consummated marriage. A shadow passed over his face but he righted himself as he was all too aware of her searching eyes. “That is not why I have come, though it is at the forefront of my thoughts. If we are to provide a united front I seek your council and thoughts on the courts around us and your feelings on our allies. We are on a shifting battle board and I seek to know our moves ahead.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

meleksvltan‌:

open  starter . 

                           THE  INVITATION  HAD  BEEN  DISTRIBUTED  to  all  the  royal  and  noble  houses  and  whilst  not  one  to  usually  involve  herself  with  politics,  melek  thought  it  prudent  to  at  least  attempt  in  forging  some  form  of  friendship  with  their  european  counterparts.  it  had  all  been  arranged  with  meticulous  detail,  her  schedule  now  full  with  luncheons  and  suppers  that  would  keep  her  occupied  for  weeks  !!  trailed  by  her  ladies,  she  walked  with  her  companion  out  into  the  spectacular  gardens,  ❛  i  hope  you  do  not  mind  dining  outside,  the  day  is  such  a  fine  one  and  with  winter  soon  to  be  upon  us  i  fear  we  shall  not  have  many  left  until  the  spring.  ❜  set  amongst  the  sculptured  gardens,  the  servants  had  organised  quite  the  delectable  selection,  dishes  from  her  own  homeland  and  that  of  her  companions,  all  laid  out  upon  a  low  table.   ❛  please,  make  yourself  comfortable.  ❜

With his own position so precarious within his own household, both secured and yet guarded, Albert eagerly snatched up the attempt to make amends with the Otttoman Empire. It was in his best personal interests to seek friendships of the Empire, regardless of their situation regarding Apollonia, and the rumors surrounding Melek had offered nothing but that describing a kind and gentle woman. It was a welcome reprieve from the ever expanding calculations of court and so many nobles shoved into one singular political landmine. He quickly joined the lovely lady in her walk towards their luncheon spot, finding himself in agreement as the heat of the sun waned ever higher in the sky. 

“I understand all too well, Austria is of temperate climate but the winters can get fierce without warning. I find myself appreciative of Florence and its blessings these last few days.”  A servant returns with a tray laden with breads and cheeses and meats, teas balancing precariously on the edge, and a multitude of cookies shaped like flowers and creatures, beautifully decorated with pale yellow icing and shiny green fondant and elegant swirls of melted chocolate. He eagerly took a delicate looking concoction and bit into it, eyes closing briefly to appreciate the faint buttery flavor. “I thank you for your invitation, I have long since sought to properly interact with your household without precious political conversation.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

joannaofportugal‌:

@joannaofportugal​

visiting her dear friend friederike brought happiness into joanna’s long days within florence’s city walls — but the princess of austria was often confined to the duties her mother bestowed upon her, leaving joanna to roam the architecture of the holy roman empire’s residence that had been built with impact from the empress herself. though her eye was not made to settle on details she could not help but stare at the flora, the courtyards or the pretty murals that lay as decoration and storytelling in one sweep from artists’ brushes. taking care not to stand too close in fear that the paint had yet to settle, joanna finds herself soon lost within winding halls, hands picking at the front of her skirts to help carry herself with fast steps, the block heel tapping against cobblestone before she rounds a corner and knocks into an imposing figure. “bleugh! mente onde você pisa!” she splutters, an unseemly act for the young princess of the golden coast before she adjusts her posture and stands straight, her shoulders pushed back as her eyes adjust to square up the stranger who stood as strong and tall as a catalan bull. “my sincere apologies, i was not looking where i was going.” ( closed starter for @crwnlessalbert​ )

Albert had been locked inside a room listening to the chattering of servants as they bustled around the halls, quill dipping listlessly in his hand. The hours stretched thin as the light outside his window grew to a blinding brilliant array of golds that weaved patterns into the stone. It was a steady warmth that crawled up each stone, higher than the last, each passing hour basking him in its rays until his tunic felt hot to the touch. Eventually his letters could no longer distract him from the beauty that shone from outside so he carefully put away his things and strode out to the courtyards to catch a glimpse of the splendor of the day. The clicking sound of heels draws his attention and he quickly jogs forward to catch Apollonia, startling when he bumps into a figure much smaller in comparison. 

“By God!” He quickly reaches out to steady the woman only to remember himself and snatches his hand back just as fast for propriety’s sake. The woman is smaller than he’s used to seeing with a riot of fiery red curls artfully placed around her face, delicate in every way yet her curses hint otherwise. “No, by all means, the apology lies with me. I should have been more aware of my surroundings, I had thought you were someone else of my household.” Albert offers her a somewhat sheepish smile in recompense before remembering his manners and bowing slightly to her. “Forgive me, I am Albert Habsburg-Babenburg. I recognize your face somewhat but your name has slipped my memory.” 

[crwnlessalbert]

oftrastamara‌:

no one could know of her intentions, not when all of europe thought her promised to henry of wales. it would appear duplicitous and aragon could not afford more enemies but alexandrina needed an advantageous match and soon, which england did not seem prepared to provide. other options had to be considered, for the sake of her family. the archduke was not set to be a king as harry was but he did have a claim to austria and royal blood flowing through his veins. both he and drina had lost what rightfully belonged to them but unlike her, he retained his power and that had the possibility to align with her ambitions.

soliciting an invitation to dine at the temporary residence of the austrians had been simple as she’d developed a reputation for charm and diplomacy during her time in florence, coming out her shell due to necessity. meekness was not going to save her kingdom. more effort than usual had been put into her appearance for nearly everyone she came across complimented her beauty and even if she did not always agree, her mother had taught her that beauty was a power to be wielded, a notion that frankly had always sounded sinful to alexandrina but vanity was inherently part of the royal class. she donned a gown of forest green, a shade she usually avoided because she believed it accentuated her dark hair and eyes but she chose is now for its association with growth, harmony, and fertility. the infanta was not practiced in appearing desirable and as she sat through a meal with strangers, she wondered if she might only be making a fool of herself, considering a new betrothal to a man who likely had better offers. 

dinner had come to an end and all had been ushered to another hall for drinks and discussion where drina sipped her wine and finally found an opportunity to speak directly to his royal highness the archduke. “it was most gracious of your highness to allow me to dine here, this evening.” she began, “and while my family is paramount in my life, a night away is certainly not unwelcome.” @crwnlessalbert​

Albert was grateful for the query of having a guest join his family for dinner for few dared join the Austrian household when both Empress and Archduke were present. Those that did sought only to test their bonds or seek amusement at the frost atmosphere that emanated from them in times of strife. However, their appearance in a foreign court had them both far more civil than otherwise would be, for the sake of their country to be a picture of unity. They had certainly been civil enough for the sake of their guest but the undercurrent of tension remained for reasons he could likely guess. 

He knew of the woman across from him only in name and not appearance due to his studies of history and the political events. Alexandrina of Aragon, Princess of Viana, Queen of Nothing. He held their plight close to his heart for he too understood what it was like to have one’s claim cease and have everyone fighting you at every turn. She was all but betrothed to England itself and yet he could not fault her for seeking out potential friendly faces if his assumptions were correct. 

When they adjourned he remained mingled with the rest of the household, watching her slow approach with a keen eye. She was truly stunning in a gown of deep green and eyes that acted as hooks to his gaze, drawing his eyes to follow. A woman of beauty and standard who sought company and had the weight of expectations heaped upon her fragile back. His sympathies turned his smile kind when she joined him, dipping his head in respect. “Your Highness is too kind, all are welcome to join us. It did not come without surprise at your query but you are an honored guest all the same.” Albert took a quick sip of wine for courage before setting his goblet aside to not have an excuse to fiddle with it. “Would that I share your sentiments, I am pleased to have a guest for some change in conversation. We all seek freedom from our families and their expectations some nights, ‘tis a mercy to be granted it.”