holy ( alone holy )

conrad habsburg, the holy roman emperor i see NOTHING but the candle in the mirror, no visions of the future, so LOST and ALONE.

[emperorholyalone]

pcntheon‌:

his nails had been long, dirt caked beneath them from clawing at the bars of his prison cell ─ he had dug them into the soft skin of his thighs, flesh absent due to days of malnutrition, eyes narrowed spiteful upwards at his captors. now, his nails were trimmed, fingers clean and flesh returning to his form slowly but still he digs his fingers into the sides of his legs, strained with effort not to wrap his hands around the emperor’s neck. it is an unwarranted violent urge, fueled by the smile extended towards him by the austrian and the words that spill from his holy mouth. sour bile fills his mouth, disgusted, disgusted and afraid ─ an anger that he has never felt before filling him and compelling him to do something reckless that would soothe the itch in his bones.  ❝ perhaps the years of darkness and cold have dulled my senses and my manners … his imperial majesty is so kind, to extend forgiveness towards a humble servant. ❞ words that are bitten out, spat out, lips curled in a smile that was more of a snarl. ❝ i had not expected to see you here, your holiness … peace isn’t quite what the holy roman empire stands for, no ? ❞ 

“You will gain them back in time, I am certain of it. In the meantime, your attempts are admirable,” he hums, the smile still on his lips. It is clear to see that the man wants to do something, and perhaps if he were a less stubborn man himself, he would call his guards closer, or leave the conversation be. There is no need for provocation now, not at the hands of peace. But there is something to seeing the hatred for his very being up close and personally, like a sort of perverse show of a dangerous animal on a leash. Knowing there is nothing for him to do, if he wants to survive now, makes it almost to easy to tempt fate. “Is it not? As I recall, our hands were forced, after the tragic murder of my older brother. I have wanted nothing more than peace since the moment the Pope blessed my mission, and here we are, arriving there at last.”

[kingthoms-blog]

Thomas was greeted with politics, business and urgent matters shortly after his arrival at the French court, along with far more guards than he was used to— due to the latest events, everyone seemed rather wary around each other; no one said anything, but he had always been good at reading people. The king wondered if it was actually safe for his family to be in the castle, and the thought of sending them back to Scotland crossed his mind for a brief moment. As soon as he got the opportunity, Thomas darted away from the nobles with the intention to go and find Ophelia and his siblings. Distracted, he tripped on something on the floor and almost fell. When he realized it was a sword, the king furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, cheeks painted red by embarrassment. “Why are there swords laying around? Is this a French thing I’m unaware of?”

[emperorholyalone]

He looked up as he heard a slight commotion to see a man nearly falling over some haphazardly discarded swords that were certainly not in their right place. Giving his own guards a hand to stay back for a moment, he approached, offering a sympathetic nod. “I do not pretend to understand the ways of the French, your majesty. Despite knowing them well, every day it seems I am surprised with a new custom of theirs, while under their roof,” he said, his lips just barely twitching towards a smile. It was easy to guess who this man was, from his nearly unintelligible accent, and the conversations Conrad had had before now.

[emperorholyalone]

scottishprince-callum‌:

“We can’t all be here for a common cause. Certainly there are those who are here just to cause chaos and mayhem among the people.” Callum could only speak for himself when it came to those matters. He wanted nothing more than to return to Scotland with all of this war business behind them. But, alas. That was a task that was easier said than done. “I am sure once my brother has officially arrived at court he will want to meet with you. To hear your thoughts on the war and all its pressing matters.”

“Yes, well, there are always those who would laugh in the face of peace. Perhaps I am foolish for being optimistic,” he hummed, raising an eyebrow. That was far from the truth, though, his own paranoia told him many were here for reasons other than peace. He only hoped that Will may hear whispers of such intentions before they were turned on him. “Of course. It would be an honor to meet with the king, indeed. I will be interested to hear his thoughts on peace. What are yours, though? That is perhaps a more appropriate question for now.”

[amarathcrne-deactivated20181202]

     in her few days of exploring the grounds of the castle, a tower on the far side of the palace had caught her attention. she had visited it a few times, each time it had been empty of people. in so, the polish princess had claimed the area, bringing with her a small canvas and some paint. she had set up in the window, the canvas on her lap, the smallest beginnings of the nature outside appearing on it. hearing footsteps, alina looked up, eyes moving to the figure appearing at the top of the stairs. “oh. i didn’t think anyone bothered to come up here. the dust on the coach and table seemed evidence enough.”

[emperorholyalone]

Perhaps it wasn’t appropriate to head into the depths of the palace of his own accord without guards accompanying him, but he grew tired of the constant company, something that he did not have to worry of nearly as much while back in his own palace. Despite the worry from the poisoning, the growing paranoia, he needed a moment to himself, and so he wandered through the corridors, until he found a quiet tower. He was surprised, however, to find it occupied.  “Forgive me for the intrusion, my lady, I am only just finding it. I see it has become your studio,” Conrad remarked, with a deep nod of the head.

[emperorholyalone]

khatrimother‌:

chandrabha had been touched by the war just like everybody else. yet, it seemed that the grieving process had been much shorter for her. perhaps because she has mourned quite enough for the loss of a lover, a father, a mother, and friends. One thing was certain though, chandrabha had learned to lean on her faith and her own son to move on and look forward for the days to come. the peace it will bring as the probability of war lessens (or at least, she would hope lessen). the woman smiled softly at him, knowing how difficult it could be. “very true, yet it feels far better when the peace is achieved than it sounds like.” she remarked, knowing the immense blessing of being at peace with oneself and the situations that has occurred. To forgive and move onward. She has yet to experience such peace about being abandoned by her lover but it will be sure to come one day. “Thank you.” she replied. “It is quite a ways. I am under the employment of the Duke of Richmond. My father was a successful merchant who mainly dealt with any international trade until he wanted to settle down in England.” she explained, knowing it didn’t necessarily explain how she ended up in the employment of the Duke of Richmond. If he didn’t truly have questions, she would have been more than happy to explain. 

Conrad hummed in agreement, letting his thoughts wander for a moment to the very peace they spoke of. If only it were so easy to let go of the hesitance, the skepticism of intention, and accept such peace, both personally and politically. At least the worry served a purpose politically, keeping himself and his family safe, perhaps, but at what cost to himself? “I cannot wait for the day I am able to experience such peace myself,” he said with a small laugh. “An interesting life, indeed, I would think. Do you find it an agreeable position? It is not often I hear of someone with roots so far ending up in the employment of England of their own will,” he remarked, raising an eyebrow. There was nothing to say that those suspicions were true, but he was curious to know if it was something she had chosen or had been forced into. The English had a way of taking that at times verged on cruel even to him. 

[emperorholyalone]

tuscanaurora‌:

aurora talked too much about her feelings. that was the problem. once she started, feelings went everywhere, whether she wanted them to or not. now, here she was, ranting about her life, spilling all of her feelings to the emperor of her empire. it probably wasn’t a very good idea at all and she knew it could end badly, but in that instant, that moment, she trusted him. the blonde liked to believe that everyone had good in them, whether or not they did. she preferred the world as a wonderful place and would do anything in her power to keep it that way, even if it meant she fell in the process.

laughing lightly, she looked down at her dress. it was completely covered in mud and in fact, there were quite a few pieces of leaves stuck to it. “today, i was climbing one of the big trees. i can see everything from up there. and i can see the people who need help the most. the kids, you know, the kids of the staff, they need friends and i want to be there, and not, wearing a dress and going places looking all nice, you know…” aurora ranted, looking directly at him, saying everything directly to him. “running around, playing games, being with the people, that’s what i really want.” at the mention of paris again, she felt strange, possibly just out of sorts. france was beautiful, that was for sure, but she wasn’t sure what she was doing there. “i need to just find what i am to do, you know? maybe i am supposed to help someone? i wish i knew.” she felt like she was insane, like she was losing her mind. all her parents wishes were becoming more and more important and she really wasn’t sure she liked it.

He was truly interested in hearing what she had been doing to end up like this. It was still a surprise, though, to hear her answer. To see the people who need the most help. It was such a genuine, unselfish sort of answer, the sort of thing he was unused to being given, due to his position. It brought a soft, uncharacteristic smile to his lips as he listened to her. “That is very thoughtful of you, indeed,” he said with a nod. A thought came to him, nearly fully formed, something that might perhaps help both of them. “Perhaps, if you are in search of that sort of solace, you might be interested in watching over my children, from time to time. They have their nurses here, of course, and the tutor, but a child needs to play. My son, especially, seems to forget that. Have you ever met a five year old who thinks himself forty? That is my Frederick.”

Nodding the smile slipped slightly from his face. He knew that feeling well, and it was not one that he wished on any. The weight of responsibility but the feeling that there was something else perhaps that should have been there for you. It was difficult, nearly impossible, given the way they all had their duties. “You will find it, it takes time. Your instincts are good, though, it seems. We always need more kindness in this world, especially just now.”

[emperorholyalone]

ofthestarshine‌:

“It is rather hard to adjust, that I agree with. It took me a long time to get used to being in France and not back home” he said and shrugged, clasping his hands together as he watched the other man. He was always on his guard, never letting his walls down for anyone. That was what had kept him safe for so long. “Sometimes it’s good to not be peaceful. Especially after a war” Tao mused out loud and tilted his head to the side.

Austria was different enough from Paris, he could scarcely think of traveling half the world to be here. Here they all were, though, and they would need to adjust sooner than later if they wanted what they came for. “There is never quite the same comfort staying in someone else’s home, is there?” he mused. “I suppose that is true enough. But we are here for peace, are we not? And yet, that is much easier said than done, and still that is without considering personal peace.”

[emperorholyalone]

scottishprince-callum‌:

Callum had never had the pleasure to meet the previous emperor before his passing. But, there had been many a whisper that had traveled through his own court about the man. Nothing he truly wished to believe until he’d met the man himself. “I am sorry for your loss. You must miss him terribly.” Leaning back in his seat, Callum let a bit of a smirk taint his lips. “And how has that business been? Having those that so openly oppose you running around your court?” 

“Thank you. Time does not dull that sort of ache, but we must continue forward, yes?” Conrad nodded. He was not certain he would ever move forward from his brother’s death, still forever searching for the people who had ordered his murder, and the hand who committed the act, but that was not talk for peace, when a war had been started for it. “Intriguing. There are always naysayers, but we are here for a common cause, at least, now. Some hold their tongues better than others, but no one has been bold enough to cross a true line. Not yet.”

[emperorholyalone]

rcsettes‌:

the look on his eyes – – marguerite was not a stranger to such look . perhaps she’d been given more looks rather than what should be given to woman of her station , but marguerite found that she cared little for that ; if one started to drown in matters of sensitivity , they’d get nowhere in life . “  well then , unfortunate for us both perhaps  ” her voice was steady as it was rich , like concentrated honey right from the combs .

“  it seems you’re a bit lost – –  ” she took her time getting off the chaise  ,  wrapping her robe around her lithe body . blue eyes looked as if they could drown you , but she wasn’t playing that game anymore . it’s dangerous . ( but she liked dangerous, didn’t she? or was it all in past tense ? ) .  “  do you need anything i can help with , your majesty ? ”

Conrad hummed as she spoke, her voice silken and sweet. She was not the first woman he had met who had that effect, and she certainly would not be the last, but that did not stop his amusement in the moment. It was something strikingly different from the way most treated him upon seeing him in the halls, or the like, after all. A refreshing change in banter, if only for a moment of open admiration.

He did not look away, after all, less in ignorance of modesty’s sake, and more for his own authority. She did not seem shy, in any case, even as she rose from the chaise. “I was in search of my own wife, actually, but it seems I have turned a wrong corner somewhere along the way.”

[emperorholyalone]

wilhelmpatroklus‌:

sunwrecthed‌:

          as will’s face passes hers sofia presses a nimble kiss to his temple, soft smile warm on her lips at the sight of both the men she loves in one place. it has been too long - has felt as though time slowed down while waiting for will to be able to slip into their chambers discretely. it is an arrangement that would be seen in poor light by others, and while sofia wholly understands why secrecy is needed it does not mean she enjoys having to spend nights curled up with one less lover than usual. “i’ve missed you, darling,” she murmurs to will, alongside a tender, “thank you,” as he loosens the bodice. a laugh leaves her lungs at the thought of judith in the same attire her mother dons now, all tightly laced and bejeweled.           “i would not be surprised if our little rascal does not cause quite the stir in the courts with her dressing choices upon becoming a young woman,” sofia would not discourage it, made clear in the light amusement in her tone as she presses a kiss to the corner of conrad’s mouth in thanks for the assistance with the blouse. skirts and corset still remain, though she can take care of the former on her own far easier than the laces of the latter. “as much as i do wish i could say you could never bore me, whatever grim talks filled your day would at least put a damper on things.” there is little severity in sofia, though she does look at conrad a little longer as though seeking the affirmation of his well-being in his gaze. “what of yours, then, will? i do hope it was well enough.”

A fond smile traces across his lips as the talk of their youngest continues. He’d loved both children just the same, having helped raise the both of them since infancy. Judith though always tugged a little harder on his heartstrings, being so much like himself when he was her age. “I should hope so”, he chuckles warmly, “I’d hate for her to lose her rebellious spirit with age.”

When she asks him about his own day, Will looks up to Conrad, his gaze a questioning one, hidden behind Sofia’s back and mass of curls. They had not decided whether or not Sofia would be in on the plan the two of them had settled on. She would no doubt be against it, but certainly she would have to understand the reasons why? Not wanting to worry her any more than she already was about this entire affair, he decides to keep his answer vague for now. 

“Just been helping Conrad, much more boring than your day I’m sure,” he replies, wrapping his arms around her for a moment as he plants a kiss to the side of her neck. The crosshatch of ribbons that make up her corset look for more daunting than those of her bodice, so instead of doing the task himself he hands it off to his other lover. Taking Sofia’s hand he turns her around to face him.

There is something warm and comforting that has always filled his heart upon seeing his two lovers together, and now it feels magnified, in a way, because of the distance they have had to keep for the safety of their family. What matters, though, is that they are all here now, and they can breathe, he can watch with a fond smile as the two exchange kisses, mirrored when she presses a kiss to the corner of his own mouth. The smile only slips slightly as she looks at him sternly for the briefest of moments, and he nods slightly, a silent shrug, the unspoken, all is well, if not tedious. He does not wish to taint the happiness with such serious topics, and it seems Will agrees, as his eyes meet his when Sofia turns the question on him.

Eventually, he knows they will have to tell her of their plan, but now did not seem the time to worry her more, with everything else so fresh and new. Now is the time for a gentle peace and familiarity that is hard to find in a place so foreign. “I could not put forward such a peaceful front, if not for Will at my shoulder, although I do fear talk of peace is perhaps even more boring for him than I,” he says with a small laugh, before settling to work on the corset’s ribbons. “But I promise both of you to make up for the tedium I am subjecting you to.”

[emperorholyalone]

wilhelmpatroklus‌:

“It seems as though everyone is on edge,” he replies, moving the cloth down the expanse of Conrad’s arm as he brushes a soft kiss against the side of his neck. “Like they’re waiting to see who will be the first to reveal any motive other than peace.” On one hand it may be beneficial to be the first to take advantage of this situation, should no one else be doing it. But would it be worth risking the potential peace they could have should everyone else want it as well? 

Peace never lasted, any peasant would tell you as much. Every male in his family, from his grandfather to his youngest brother had to answer the call to fight for their ruler. He wanted to be optimistic about these talks, but feared where it would leave the ones he loved most- which currently was the very man in front of him, and the woman and two small children on the other end of the castle. 

“But I do want to, and it wouldn’t be just for you” he replies, leaning up enough to catch Conrad’s gaze. The plan was risky- incredibly risky. That didn’t matter though when it was his family’s safety that was at risk. “If someone is plotting something we don’t know about, then Sofia and the children will be in danger too.” 

He tilts his head instinctually in response to the feeling of Will’s lips on his neck, savoring the feeling, and the warmth of the cloth running over his arm. “Perhaps it is strange, but I would that someone might slip and make their mistake soon. I would rather know who it is against the peace now, then we can truly move forward,” he mutters, although he is not certain the forward would be into peace.

Sitting up slightly, finally opening his eyes to look back at Will, a frown furrows his brow. There’s no denying that Will is correct about the danger. Despite the illusion of peace, that would not change how some felt about what his empire has done, and it is not just his own life he has to think about, but the lives of his family. He wants no harm to come to Will, no unnecessary danger being put on his shoulders, but his words ring true. 

“I know. And I cannot even bear the thought of any harm coming to Sofia or the children,” he sighs. There seems only one choice, given how his own paranoia has been acting.  “Alright, I accept your offer, but we must be even more careful than we already are. I will not have you in unnecessary danger in our name. The moment you hear something, you will tell me; do not take the burden of what to do on your shoulders alone.”

[emperorholyalone]

shroudofgold‌:

THE QUEEN’S SURPRISE WAS EVIDENT          from the way her brow furrowed to how quickly her postured change.         She knew this man - exchanged words with the him many times over both in parchment and through countrymen of their own though she could have never recognized him by him voice much less sight - he was nothing of the portrait she has seen.           How peculiar that feeling was.           To believe in something for so long only to have in change with a couple of words and a hard glance.         Nevertheless, it changed nothing else.         His was the blood her father followed in war and she would not be the one to break faith.

❛   I never believed our first meeting, if at all, with his imperial highness in France of all places, blooms in hand.   ❜     Meeting upon land foreign to them both meant she was spared a bent knee but formalities still dictated a slight dip of her head.         ❛   Maria Leonor of Castile.   ❜

There were many people in Paris now that he had spent years corresponding with through letter, and diplomats, many first impressions to solidify, and this was not the way to make certain an image of power. However, Conrad knew how loyal the queen’s family had always been to his own, and he hardly thought seeing something that made him a little more human would change that. And so he gave her a nod, and a slight smile.

“Nor did I. Though, I did not expect any to find me sneaking amongst the flowers. You must forgive me for my moment of humanity,” he admitted. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, your grace. Your portraits do not do your presence justice.”

[emperorholyalone]

khatrimother‌:

chandrabha would have been absolutely flattered if someone thought of her as a noble. of course, she was a beautiful woman, and such beauty was hard to find among the staff. just like her mother would say often, they deserved a man from any rank INCLUDING nobility. yet, chandrabha had humbled herself to never compare herself to such people. they had a hard job, and such dedication to the crown of their country would be something she couldn’t fathom. “oh really? i understand where that could come from but i feel as if peace is certain to come if one is truly open to seek it.” she remarked, knowing that her own peace came when she was truly ready to let go and not worry about anything. when her son was asleep, the day’s work is done, and she is ready to say her nightly prayers. she nodded, her head bowing as she agreed. “alright then.” she paused, hearing the title. emperor? what was the title she would call him? certainly she might mess up in this situation. “it’s a pleasure, your imperial highness. my name is chandrabha khatri. i’ve travelled from england, but my parents were from the karnata empire.”

Her words were meant to speak on personal peace, but it was difficult not to take them about the peace they were all here to confirm and celebrate. If they were all not truly open to it, how would they truly find that peace at all? It was clear, already, in his mind, that not everyone was open to the peace they had declared. In all honesty, he was not completely open to it, given that justice had still not been dealt, in his mind, for its beginning, with his brother’s murderer still unknown. Conrad was well aware he needed to do better, but how to be open after so long at war was difficult to know. “Perhaps I must work on being open to seeking it, then. Although, that is easier said than done,” he hummed. “A beautiful name, my lady. The pleasure is mine. From the Karnata Empire, to England; that is quite a ways. Are you in the employment of the English, then?”

[emperorholyalone]

sunwrecthed‌:

          “well, that is what you have me for, is it not?” she nudges his side with a smile and a laugh, resting her other hand atop their entwined ones. “you frighten them and i charm them. an unstoppable pairing.” voice is warm and soft despite her blasé words, tilting her head to lean dark curls against his shoulder. sofia has always been a tactile person, preferring to hold hands and lean rather than the stiff sort of affair that had colored their early relationship. this is better by scores. “that he does. he wishes to be a miniature version of his father, it seems,” she smiles as well, tilting her head to look at him from the corner of her eye. “we do not do things in halves. it would be an anomaly if our children were to.”

Her laugh is musical, full of such warmth and joy, he scarcely likes to think of a time before he had realized just how beautiful it was, a time before her hand on his, her head resting on his shoulder, brought him such comfort. “Unstoppable, indeed. I am blessed that God saw fit to grant me a wife so charming, to keep me human,” he laughs lightly, squeezing her hand. Physical affection was not something he had known much of until Sofia, but he had learned quickly just how much it could offer, and now the feeling of Sofia or Will’s skin pressed against his was the most comforting he could find. “I would not wish that on anyone. Perhaps being around the other children will cure him of me,” Conrad grins. “It would. And I would not have it any other way. I am grateful for our odd bunch.” 

[emperorholyalone]

scottishprince-callum‌:

Looking around him for a moment, Callum weighed his options in his mind. Not that he had too many. It would be rude to not indulge the emperor in his own home. To be fair, he hadn’t really taken note of who it was until the other had pointed it out. Shifting his cloak, Callum took the seat opposite the Emperor. “It must be because you are intimidating. Or perhaps they just don’t wish to lose their tongue if they say something that does not agree with you.” 

At times, Conrad cannot help but wish that he was not emperor, if only so that people might act themselves around him. That thought had been on the forefront of his mind more and more since coming to Paris, around so many unknown nobles. “Ah, you see, that would be their mistake. I am much more amicable than whispers make me out to be, but that well kept secret may be ruined, now that I am meeting so many of my opposed in person. My brother was the one in the business of taking tongues,” he said with a nod.

[emperorholyalone]

cmprcss-aili‌:

The empress of course didn’t take notice of the surprise, as saying first names was just something she did, it felt more human than titles for her. “You must, you’ll find it to be a little different than here, but it grows on you.” She nodded, agreeing with the peace talk. “Oh absolutely! I’ve never met so many people, and they’re all great in their on ways.”

He could not tell if her words were genuine or not, but he thought they were. Perhaps he could learn a thing or two from her, approaching the whole situation with wonder and awe, instead of suspicion and bitterness. Easier said than done, though. “Perhaps our next trip will see my family visiting your empire,” he suggested. “That is certainly a way to view it all. I am glad you are enjoying the visit. I find myself envying your optimism.”

[emperorholyalone]

helcnes‌:

HIDING HER LAUGHTER  behind one open hand, demure and sweet, she glanced at the ground until she found something to say.  “my mother would be most displeased to see me speaking so informally with you, your imperial majesty.”  she murmured. her mother and father had never been her favorite conversational topic – she’d never seen them in the same room growing up, and had never seen either of them express aught but disappointment in her.  “and my father would order me back home, or back to bohemia in shame.”

“in some ways i am envious of the french, your grace,” she said, shifting slightly to face him whilst she spoke,  “to be drunk on luxury and unawares of the conflicts of my life ?  sounds pleasureable beyond reason.”  too much pleasure ruined any woman, it’s true, but she couldn’t help but daydream nonetheless. oh, how sometimes she longed to avoid the duties of a married woman——

“does his grace wish i left him in peace?”  she asked, curiously, and with no small amount of genuine compassion for him — she couldn’t truly understand his feelings, or his responsibilities, but she could imagine its toll, and its heaviness.  “or his grace could pretend i am a rose, he so wishes. i am at your service, after all.”

“Do not think on what your parents would or would not do with you now, do you see them amongst the flowers? I speak only to you,” he said softly, voice as close to gentle as he could give someone who was not his own family. He could understand that hint of hesitance in her voice, the way her words became quieter when speaking on her parents. He had rarely felt any real love from his own parents, too focused on the first son, and once he became something more than a spare, they had been long gone. There was no use lingering on the disappointments, though. “You are in Paris, my lady; perhaps it is your chance to do as the French do. We are free from conflict, for now, what better time to be drunk on luxury? I will not tell your parents that, either.”

The smile falls slightly from his face, considering her question. It sounds genuine, and not just the typical false politeness he is used to from most. And do he gives her a real answer. “No, silence does not suit me. I came seeking it, but perhaps what I sought was a rose. I am not even certain what troubles to share. It is dangerous to offer weakness.”