𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐒

oh,     the     bravery     it     takes     to     burn     the     way     you     do     !

[cvcelia]

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[dearemma]

[cvcelia]

*         𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃     𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑         /         @archdvchess           𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍     /     foyer, the grand duke johan and grand duchess cecelia's estate  

    the clicks of her shoes against the floor echoed throughout the hall. she was nearly stomping, but lightened her steps to maintain composure. she threw open the doors to the foyer to find leopoldine, and plastered on a diplomatic smile.     "    your brother just informed me that you were arriving today, so forgive me, a room will not be prepared for you until later in the day. perhaps after supper.     "         she was politely enraged, but did not want to engage with her husband further, especially not on this matter. her sister-in-law would probably now tell the world of her admittedly loose control over her estate, and her reputation would be tarnished.     "     my apologies for that, and also for johan's inability to greet you, he's apparently been unavoidably detained in his study until sundown, or until he tires of work, whichever comes first.     "     cecelia smiled again, more relaxed this time.     "     i have tea coming, it's a brilliant apple brew from the ottoman empire! i hear the sultan speaks highly of it.   "

[cvcelia]

*         𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃     𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑         /         @alixmarie           𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍     /     gardens, the archduke and duchess' villa  

   '   take your leave,   '   they told her,   '   the men are speaking.   '   it left a bad taste on her tongue, but the girl listened. following orders with a grimace and a nod. she was not sure who's mouth the venomous words lept from, and the absent look on her husband's face did nothing to satisfy the question. johan was a polite man, not one to stir up trouble, especially in a meeting with his cousin, the crown prince. especially not in the crown prince's own home. they were only to be here for the day, but the day seemed to stretch as she paces their garden, admiring the greenery.     trying to push down the twinge of jealously that bubbled up upon viewing the size of their hedges, cecelia nearly glared at the carnations in her view. she'd have to remember to request carnations in her own garden, for they would complement the curtains on the window overlooking it. and, obviously, she would wear a matching gown for garden parties, or else a crime would have been commited. a quick sweep around the garden revealed the woman of the house, archduchess alix, appearing from one of the garden's entrances.     "   alix! what a lovely suprise! i was, apparently incorrectly, informed you were away for the day.   "   being raised by advisors, cecelia always felt anxiety when addressing the other nobles to casually, but the archduchess was her cousin-in-law, so it was only appropriate this way, right?

[cvcelia]

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