running up that hill.

princess florence evynwood of valrina.

[wnq-writers]

be soft. my love. because flowers don’t grow. on hard grounds.

poetofblues  (via wnq-writers)

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

Arching a brow as the words came out Katherine was about to comment on the fact that Florence shouldn’t lie to her. But before she could get a word out the girl was already changing her tune and admitting the truth. The question had Katherine curiously cocking her head to the side, causing her to smirk to herself. 

Truly for as hesitant as she had been to begin with, she knew Florence would end up being perfect.

“Humiliate you? Oh Little One, I’m not humiliating you. You do not even want to imagine what humiliating you would look like,” she started, absently brushing her fingers against the smooth skin of Florence’s knee.

Within an instant Katherine pushed her chair back, standing up on her feet and shifting her hands to Florence’s hips once more, pulling the girl towards her and picking her up in one swift movement. Holding the Princess against her Katherine stayed silent as she carried Florence through the castle and back to the young girl’s chambers.

Stopping at the edge of Florence’s new bed she shifted her hands to the girl’s hips once more, moving her swiftly to hold her down against the bed, instantly reaching for Florence’s arms with one hand and pinning her hands above her head.

“First thing you will learn. If you question me, you are not going to like the answers Little One. Second, you are mine and in being mine I am going to show you things you’ve only dreamed of.” she husked, lifting her gaze to meet Florence’s she gave her hands a forceful push against the mattress.

“You are going to flourish, discover sides of yourself you didn’t know existed and more importantly, you are going to behave and do as you are told. I told you that you have to prove yourself here and that the kindness you were shown today was not given to you offhandedly. If you wish to keep that kindness, you are going to earn it.”

Letting go of the girl Katherine reached up to lightly brush her fingers against Florence’s delicate cheek. 

“Now, go to bed. Mary will fetch you bright and early to start your training.”

Taking a few steps away Katherine gave Florence a smirk. 

“And Princess? Don’t even think about leaving this room.”

And with that comment, or rather offhanded threat. Katherine stepped out of the room, securely shutting the door behind her.

The abrupt screeching of the chair being pushed hastily away caused Florence to flinch at the sound, made only worse the way Katherine’s hands readily hoisted her up as easily as she were a feather. She tried her best to pull away from her hold, but no amount of wriggling did any good to loosen the queen’s grip around her, and no soul was close enough to hear her cries for help — or if they were, they knew better than to meddle in their queen’s affairs. 

Only when they arrived in her chambers was she let go, but solely so Katherine could pin her hands above her head and leave her utterly defenseless. Her heart beat like a battering ram in her chest, color flooding the princess’ skin as she tried in vain to catch her breath. Her pupils large, frightened, were focused on the woman above her, and she heard her words but made no move in rebuttal. Nothing she said would help her any, and the gods only knew what would happen should if Florence tried again to disobey her. 

When Katherine’s fingers brushed against her cheek, Florence squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head the other way, even if such a soft, lingering touch caused her stomach to coil with something she couldn’t quite name. As the queen stepped away from where she loomed menacingly over her, the princess stayed put in the position she had left her, afraid any sudden movement would warrant another threat. 

It was when Katherine shut the door did Florence manage to sit up, but only just, clutching her chest as sobs wracked her small frame. One hand flew over her mouth, cries muffled in her palm, and she drew her legs up and towards her, cradling herself close as if to keep all the pieces of herself together. 

She was afraid, however, that something had already been irrevocably lost the moment she caught Katherine’s eye. 

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

Taking note of the way Florence’s skin warmed under her touch Katherine arched an expectant brow. Taking in the way the girl’s breath was ragged, her skin warm to the touch, not to mention the way Florence couldn’t seem to get a single word out had Katherine smirking to herself. The Princess was nervous yes, but more so she was aroused, which was exactly what Katherine had been hoping for.

“If you truly believe that pleasure is something only a husband could give you, you are in for a lifetime of disappointment, Little One.” she stated simply, using her hold on Florence’s chin to have the girl meet her gaze once more. “Have you never imagined it? What it would feel like to give yourself over to another, allowing them to show you sides of yourself you never knew existed?” 

As she spoke Katherine let go of Florence’s chin in favor of settling her hand on the patch of skin just above Florence’s knee, noting the way the girl’s dress had ridden up slightly with the movement on to the table. 

“I believe you could be quite exquisite,”

Only when Katherine let go of the tight grip of her chin did Florence dare to look away, her head whipping quickly to the right as her breath caught somewhere in her throat. She felt those very fingers delve onto the exposed skin that shown just below her dress, and her eyes squeezed shut at the sensation of tingles running from every inch of where Katherine’s attention had taken to towards her center, which began to ache in a way that made her want to press her legs close together — or even more terrifyingly, push them even farther apart. 

“N-no. No. N-n-nev—,” she huffed a lie she could barely stutter through before the truth gave out with the next breath. “Y-yes.” Every hair stood on end, goosebumps quickly raising along her arms. “Why are you doing this?” she asked, still not daring to look at her queen. She feared if she did, what little resolve she had would crumble. “Is it not enough to have me? Must you humiliate me as well?”

And if she were braver, she would tell the queen at once to unhand her. If Florence were braver, she would have pushed herself from the table where she was pinned. If she were braver, she would have held her head high and walked right past her, brave enough to deal with the consequences, brave enough to stand up for herself. But Florence was not bred to be brave. 

She was afraid. 

What was worse was, Florence knew that Katherine could practically smell it on her.  Like a predator upon their prey, Katherine would not yield to the pathetic questions of a frightened girl. 

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

The more Katherine watched Florence the more it settled in that why should she have to go out of her way to try and please this girl, why should she have to be ‘nice’ and befriend her. The way she saw it, servant or Princess, Florence was hers. To do with as she pleased. It was not her job to treat Florence like some wounded animal and all in all, why should she take the high road? Truly she was already used to having to prove herself. This girl was not someone or rather something she needed to prove herself to, she was hers. Simple as that.

As Florence settled into the space in front of her Katherine only had to give the slightest of nudges for the girl to bump against the table, which the Queen took advantage of as she was quick to grasp Florence’s hips, lifting her up ever so slightly enough to have her sitting on the table in front of her.

“Tell me,” she started, reaching up to grasp the girl’s chin firmly between her fingers. “Have you ever pleasured yourself?”

Katherine moved too quickly for Florence to gather what she was doing until she had her precisely where she wanted her — settled atop the table with no place to move. Even if she did find a way out of her clutches, she was not sure she would get very far, especially not when Florence knew no one would dare cross their queen, not when she could very well curse them on the spot. When Katherine moved to grab a hold of her chin, Florence flinched, not in pain, but when remembering how she had done so only some time before when alone in her chambers. 

Even if she wanted to look away, Katherine ensured she could not. 

At her question, the young princess’ cheeks warmed and something else stirred just below her stomach, something she couldn’t quite place, not when her nerves were already so on edge. “N-no,” she stuttered, “no, I-I have n-never—” She tried to draw a breath, but it was shallow, ungiving. “Th-that is between man a-and wife,” Florence said. “A-and I have n-no husband,” she reminded her, eyes wide.

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

It pleased Katherine to notice that Florence seemed to decide against her previous acts of defiance once she had been called out on them. “Your promises mean nothing to me, however once I see you have had a change of heart, perhaps then I will accept your apologies,” she replied simply with a wave of her hand. Though truly it didn’t matter to her what the Princess thought or how she chose to act, naturally it would be a lot easier if the girl did as she was told and lost the bratty attitude, but only time would tell.

“Good girl,” Katherine praised simply upon hearing Florence’s agreement and acknowledgement of her place. She met the girl’s gaze, keeping their eyes locked until Florence looked back down and Katherine found herself reaching for her wine cup once more.

Taking a slow sip as the question was posed the Queen found herself on the verge of pointing out the fact that clearly Florence could see, and in stating the obvious, would have noticed there were only two chairs, their two chairs, at the dining table, that there had only been one throne in the throne room upon her arrival. She wasn’t sure if the girl was just daft or was posing her question for the sake of conversation and small talk, which was something Katherine certainly did not enjoy.

“There is no king,” she stated simply, setting her cup back down upon the table and focusing back on finishing her own plate. However as she glanced up again she noticed Mary returning to the dining hall after completing her duties, catching eyes with the older woman Katherine noticed her encouraging smile, the way she told her with just one look to keep talking. 

Sighing softly through her nose Katherine set her cutlery down on her plate, pushing it away from her and clasping her hands in front of her on the table. 

“Adelvia has been my family’s kingdom for many many years, my father’s ancestors built this kingdom from the ground up. It has always stayed that way, despite many attempts to overrule and overthrow our throne. I was the first and only daughter in my family’s blood line, making the throne rightfully mine when I came of age. However, the rest of my family were all killed before that day could come, meaning that I needed to be married to keep the throne and the kingdom that rightfully belongs to my family.” Glancing down at her hands Katherine absently tapped her fingers against her knuckles as she took a small pause before continuing. 

“Despite many attempts at my hand, there was only one who would prove useful to me and the kingdom. He was from a small kingdom, didn’t care much for the ways of war and politics, a pretty face who would allow me to keep my throne. I was fourteen when we married and he faithfully stayed by my side until he was killed seven years later. By that time, Adelvia had come to be the kingdom it is today, strong, smart, independent. And it has stayed that way under my rule ever since. So to answer your question Princess, no you will not be serving a king. Only me.”

Glancing at Mary once more and noticing her smile Katherine felt the urge to roll her eyes yet again, she didn’t understand the point of trying to bond with the Princess, after all the girl was here to work, not to befriend her. Katherine didn’t need friends, she needed loyal servants, and truly she wasn’t sure if Florence was capable of that.

With a few moments of pause Katherine scooted her chair back, leaving just enough space between the table and herself.

“Come here,” she instructed voice leaving no room for leeway or backtalk, catching Florence’s gaze once more and pointing with her index finger to the table in front of her.

Florence immediately wished she would have said nothing at all, if Katherine’s brusque response was any indication. She reached for the cup of wine to simply allow her hands something to occupy themselves with other than to twiddle at her sides, the way her father often chastised her for doing. Taking a sip, she had resigned herself to the silence of dinner when Katherine spoke once more. 

She gently set the cup back down and looked to the queen, blinking in surprise. Adelvia had been around for longer than she or her father, back before even his father and his father before him and— on it went. It had stood the test of time, and though she was well-versed in the history of Altheria, somehow it sounded different hearing it directly from the person who had lived it herself. 

And as she spoke, Florence allowed herself a moment to truly look at the queen. She caught how her gaze lowered when speaking of her family, taken from her at too ripe of an age, and how her hands fiddled unconsciously all the while, as if trying to find solace within what could only appear to be unease. The young princess’ heart squeezed unwittingly in her chest, knowing all too well the crippling weight of loss and how it lingered on one’s shoulders, like it could drag her under at any moment if not careful. Her fingers twitched where they lay on her lap, wishing to reach across the table to take her restless hand in hers, to let her know she was not alone in her grief.

But as quickly as the thought came, it left when she spoke of her departed king. How had he passed? Why would she not say? This was exactly what Florence had been told of the queen — men who came across her, men who stood in her way, they ultimately met their untimely demise. Sacrificed and strung up to dry. Would a witch know when was enough? Would she stop at nothing to get her way, even at the expense of her own husband? 

No. Katherine did not deserve her kindness.

Hearing the queen address her, it took all of her willpower to not fly from her seat and flee towards the farthest corner of the room, away from where she beckoned. But Katherine did not like her patience to be tested, that much Florence knew. And so despite her better judgement, despite every voice telling her to run while she could, she pushed back the chair from the table and stood, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. Each step closer to her felt heavier by the second, like she was trudging towards a trap Katherine carefully lay before her.

Settling into the spot between the queen and the table left little room to hide how nervous she had become, swallowing as she looked down at the skirt of her dress, knowing she was only biding her time until she met the other’s stare. And when she did, well... Florence’s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes appeared much lighter up close, a piercing green she couldn’t escape. Her hair, black as a raven’s, contrasted her pale skin that seemed akin to the first fall of snow. She appeared every bit as transcendent as the moon in the night sky. 

How could someone so beautiful be so wicked?

When she found her voice, it was only just above a whisper, saying, “Y-yes, my lady?

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

It wasn’t a new thing for Katherine to have to pretend to care as she would listen to someone else talk, but she did have to admit. Something about Florence was rather captivating, weather it was the way she spoke, or simply how she looked doing it. It was actually the first time she could remember where she had actually wanted someone to continue talking, not to mention the look in the girl’s eyes as she spoke about her garden, curious indeed.

“I am not your father, Princess. Do not assume to know how I think.” she replied simply. Her attention focusing back on the meal in front of them, she did notice how Florence had seemed ravenous towards her bread a few moments earlier, and now seemed to be projecting the bratty defiance attitude again.

“You know, if you’d rather be a brat and not eat at all that is fine by me. It is not on me if you decide to starve yourself, you will be the only one suffering in that case.”

Taking a slow sip from her cup of wine Katherine glanced back towards Florence, delicately setting the cup back on the table. “It is good that you can read, and understand history, even if it is just your own families. I would like for you to keep up with that. Here however, you will be doing work as even if you were to be a simple prized trophy of a wife for someone, you can still be a hard worker. You can shadow Mary for tomorrow and the day after, once I see what you are capable of, we shall broaden your tasks from there.”

Warmth rose to her cheeks, a flush of embarrassment that caused her to stammer, “M-my apologies.” Florence quickly reached for a piece of bread she had ripped into pieces, taking a bite so as to ease Katherine after her quip. It was true that Florence wasn’t acting like herself; those that met the young princess always commented on her timid nature, her compliant demeanor, and only just now in an act of unanticipated brashness did she give into more childish whims that were not appreciated by the queen — her queen, now. 

“Please forgive me for my behavior tonight, your majesty. I fear I am simply tired from such a long trip,” Florence said, “I promise I will do better.” And much as it pained her to make such promises to someone who surely did not deserve them, Florence never had to be told twice of her place. Katherine knew as much as well; even if destined to inherit the throne of Valrina, she would always answer to someone, be it her father, her future husband, or her people. A world in which she spoke for herself was as unlikely as her ever seeing her home once more. 

After being told of what would be expected of her in the coming days, Florence nodded simply. “I will do as you wish. I am here to serve you, my queen,” she told her, glancing up at her tentatively, as if to catch the other’s gaze would pierce through what little strength she had left to endure the rest of the day. All she wished was to retire to her chambers in a bed that did not feel like hers, in a place she did not know, with strange people she had only just met that day. Her heart ached for any ounce of familiarity she could hold onto. 

“If I may,” she spoke, knowing to do so was already teetering the fine line Katherine had set, “am I also to be tending to the king? Or am I only to be yours?” She quickly amended her speech, adding, “—your handmaiden, of course.”

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn​:

NEW BEGINNINGS →

As the Queen went off on her own Mary stayed put, knowing a certain young guest was bound to make an appearance sooner or later. And just as she had suspected the young Princess was catching up with her and introducing herself. As they easily fell into step with each other Mary couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped her at the carefully formed question. 

“The Queen is definitely one of a kind, I have been her handmaiden since she was a child. She carries a lot of burden’s with her, after all as I’m sure you also understand, being a woman is not always the most rewarding or safest thing to be in this world. But being a woman in power is almost unheard of. She needs to be tough.” she explained, her voice soft spoken as she gave Florence the kindest of smiles.

“Now, I would never make excuses for her as her actions are her own. But she is not all bad and just between you and me.” taking a glance around them to make sure none of the guards were near by Mary leaned a little closer, lowering her voice. “The Queen was rather nervous about your arrival today, and she is not one to get nervous.” she whispered, of course there was more she could have said but she knew she couldn’t give anything away, plus she did want Florence to feel comfortable here. Even if there was only so much she could do compared to what the Queen herself actually did. 

“I will commend you as well for the dress you chose, it was the Queen’s favourite out of the ones created.”

Leading Florence the rest of the way to the dining hall and making sure to inform her about certain places they passed along the way she opened the door for the young girl, giving her an encouraging smile as she gave a small nod towards the queen before retreating and going back to her duties.

Glancing up from the parchment she was looking over Katherine let her gaze wash over Florence. Truly she looked a vision and she was glad the girl had listened to her instructions.

“Sit down, Princess.”

she commented, giving a slight nod to the only other chair at the table, the one that was placed close to her own. Though her gaze quickly turned back to the parchment in her hands, signalling one of the soldiers over she shared a few words with him about arrangements. “This would never work, in fact it would be disastrous. If they are coming from the east, who’s to say they wouldn’t go north and get the upper hand? Do not assume your enemies will do as you wish them to and go south. Revise it again.” she said simply, handing him back the parchment before her gaze landed back on Florence. 

Though she knew the customs and traditions, especially the one about not eating until the King or Queen did, Katherine gave a small gesture to the table. It wasn’t overflowing with a feast, just enough that would work for the two of them. A goose, some fresh baked bread, fruits, and a few vegetables. “Eat, you do not need to wait for me here.” she stated simply before glancing back down for a moment. “Please.” she added in, this whole politeness thing was already turning out to be quite difficult. 

She waited a few moments to see what the Princess would actually do before putting a small helping on to her own plate. She stayed silent for a few minutes, focusing on eating and not seeing the need for pointless chitchat. But Mary’s words were ringing in the back of her head.

“Did your days in Valrina consist of you working? Did you have duties or…things you enjoyed doing?”

Florence did not believe kindness would be fruitful across Adelvia’s borders — much less within this castle — but Mary exuded a warmth she wanted to bask in, a warmth she wanted to keep close to in the futile hope that she could somehow survive a lifetime in the clutches of Katherine. But alas, Florence was no longer a child who could hide behind her mother’s skirt, and Mary was merely another at Katherine’s mercy. There was no one to hide behind now.

Still, as much of a liking as she had taken to Mary, her words were quite difficult to believe. The queen? Nervous? What ever did she have to be nervous about when it was Florence who bore the sentence for an agreement she did not consent? A crease settled in between her brows, unconsciously smoothing her hands over the very dress deemed the queen’s favorite. She did not bear utter another word throughout the short-lived tour of the castle that led her directly to the dining hall, where her queen awaited her arrival. She gave a backward glance to Mary, willing her to stay, but as quickly as she came, she retreated elsewhere, leaving Florence and Katherine on their own. 

Tentatively, Florence’s gaze turned towards the queen across the expansive dining table that only had enough chairs to seat two — one for Katherine and one for... “Sit down, Princess.” Her. It was for her. 

She did as she was told; she had already been on the receiving end of the queen’s temper once for the night. If she dared to push her luck any further, she was not sure she would make it through the night at all. Faintly, the memory of how Katherine’s fingers gripped her face ghosted over the spot, and Florence brushed her hand against her chin, as if to bat the feeling away. Then, she settled her hands on her lap as she stared straight ahead, pretending she wasn’t hanging onto every word Katherine said to the other. 

Strategizing over supper was not new to the princess; countless times her father’s meetings would run well into the night, forcing his advisors and head of military to accompany him in the dining hall, but that would often mean Florence was to dine elsewhere. “Such things a woman should not have to worry herself with,” he would say, and she was nothing if not obedient, biting her tongue on all that she wished to say. 

Minding the queen’s gesture towards the display of food, it dawned on her then that she hadn’t had a meal in quite some time. It became difficult to stomach the idea of eating anything once her father had told her of what was to become of her fate. A pang of hunger struck through her stomach, and if she were any other, she would’ve lurched herself onto the nearest platter to make up for days of fasting, but she withstood her ground. Or at least she meant to, until Katherine added in a softer, “please.”

Well, it would be outright rude to say no, would it not? Perhaps she could feign the queen, evil and wicked as she, had an ounce of goodwill just this once. 

Almost too quickly she reached for the bread. Still warm from the oven, she brought it to her lips, the smell of fresh yeast enveloping her senses until she all but salivated at the mouth. When she took a bite, she swore she could almost taste the salvation she so prayed for to any god who would hear her. It took her back to when she was younger, much younger, and far more meddlesome than either her mother or father could handle, finding her way into places she ought to have stayed away from, like the kitchen. Even as small as she was, each of the cooks welcomed her readily; and on days they would bake bread, they would teach her how to knead the dough, just like they would teach their own child. 

She adored them... and she would never see them again. 

The thought soured the sweet taste of the bread, and she swallowed roughly, ripping smaller pieces from the bread she still held, allowing them to fall on the plate before her. The queen’s question pulled her from her reverie, but even the thought of remembering what she liked to do in her home of Valrina made her chest ache with a sadness she could only just bare. 

“My father did not like me to lift a finger, if he could help it,” she said once she found her voice. “I did little, but I did manage to keep busy with what I could. I would ride my horse on days when the sky was particularly beautiful. I would read anything I could find. It was mostly dreary tales of wars fought long ago given it is all my father seemed to keep around, but I liked to think it at least prepared me for when I would be queen.”

She spoke as if to anyone else, as if not to her captor but to a friend, a faraway look in her eye as she recounted her time there. “Mostly, I tended to my garden. Every new seed I planted blossomed into something beautiful, though it required care and patience. It was my favorite pastime. I fear now that I am gone, it will—”

Florence glanced over at Katherine, and suddenly she guarded herself once more, saying, “Well, my father never liked me tending to it, anyway. Unbefitting of a princess to ‘play with the dirt.’ I am sure you would agree with him.” She dropped the rest of the bread on the plate and lamented saying anything at all. 

[katherineblackbourn]

NEW BEGINNINGS →

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn‌:

Katherine made sure to keep a watchful eye on the young Princess, observing how she took in the room and the clothing. Of course she knew her polite response was practiced and perfected over the years, it was only when that hint of anger reached the young girl’s voice did Katherine find herself smirking ever so slightly once more.

True it was a valid question and the princess was completely in her right to ask. However the part that actually struck her was the ‘finally’ in the Princess’ sentence. 

With a soft chuckle she elegantly made her way closer to the girl once more, swiftly reaching up to grip her chin once more, definitely harder than the time before.

“You see Princess, that is where you are wrong. I did not finally get the upper-hand. The reason your father gave you up was because he knew his kingdom was no match for any of the others. And he came to me for protection because what you may not know, Little One. I have rule over numerous kingdoms in Atheria. Your father’s kingdom just barely scratches the surface.” she stated simply, not once breaking the forced eye contact between them as her fingers tightened against Florence’s jaw. “While your anger is expected. Perhaps you should direct it at the person who considered you so easy to give up. Who used you as a bargaining chip. Because believe me, you do not want to match wits with me Princess. I am offering you a chance to prove yourself. Yes, you are mine. You will do as I ask, when I ask it. Whether that be handmaiden tasks, tasks within the court, or anything else I shall request.”

Letting go of Florence she narrowed her gaze at her. “Your father did not bargain for you to be treated kindly. All of this is my doing. If you would rather be treated as a slave or as just another throwaway I can arrange for that. What happens to you here is in your hands Princess.”

Making her way back towards the door she took one glance back over at Florence. “I expect you to be cleaned up, changed and in the dining hall for dinner. Do not keep me waiting.” 

Without a final look Katherine shut the door behind her and made her way down the hallway, slowly pushing her breath out of her nose.

Perhaps Mary was wrong, this nice approach didn’t seem to be working wonders either. But she knew she needed to build the girl’s trust, which was seeming to be more difficult than she had thought.

With a sudden intake of breath, Katherine moved towards Florence, and she nearly backed herself onto the edge of the bed, holding her stance only just as her fingernails dug into the palms of her hands. The tight grip on her chin made her wince, but they hurt no more than the queen’s words, if only because they reflected the confusion and pain she felt upon finding out her father had forfeited the rest of her days in exchange for Valrina’s safety — she knew his kingdom was above all else, but even her? Even the only piece of his flesh and blood left on this mortal ground? Unshed tears stung her eyes, and when Katherine’s grip finally slackened, Florence briskly turned her head away from her, so she wouldn’t see the way her bottom lip quivered. 

Once left on her own, she fell back against the edge of the bed and clasped a hand tightly around her mouth, drowning the cries she wished for no one to hear but the gods that still watched over her, the ones she prayed would protect her leading up to her arrival in Adelvia. Her father had left her, her kingdom was forever out of reach, and she would be left to cater to a wicked queen for all her days. Would the gods still even hear her prays from here?

But she had no time to wallow; nighttime would prove an appropriate time to pity her circumstance, and if the queen was as adamant as she appeared, she wouldn’t want to keep her waiting. Florence certainly didn’t want to face any punishment for arriving late to supper, so she gathered the dress she would wear and made her way towards the chamber in which she could bathe and prepare her nerves plentifully if she were to face the queen again in only some time. 

Her steps were heavy, lethargic with the weight of such a burden she carried, of the uncertainty that still settled in the pit of her stomach. She had no appetite and knew she would likely only appear to eat for the queen’s sake — if she offered her anything to eat at all. For all she knew, she’d only have her there to greedily feast in front of her, reminding her that her own lap of luxury was now far behind her. It wasn’t as if she ever needed much, but she would admit to herself that she would miss seeing the freshest flowers plucked that morning to serve as the centerpiece of the table back in Valrina, the flowers she spent so long caring for and nurturing.

Would anyone watch her garden while she was gone, or would it be left to rot alongside her memory?

After she was bathed and dressed in a clean set of clothes, Florence made her way towards the dining hall, but happened first upon another woman on her way there. “Pardon me,” she spoke up, curtsying as she addressed her, “My name is Florence. I’m the queen’s...er, guest from Valrina.” Pressing on, she asked, “You wouldn’t happen to be Her Majesty’s handmaiden, would you? Mary?” And when the other nodded, she was quick to say, “May we walk together towards the dining hall? The queen mentioned I could ask you of any questions I may have regarding my, um, adjustment. So if I am not a bother, I would like to ask you some things that are on my mind.” 

When the other fell into step beside her, Florence took that as her moment to begin. “Has the queen always been so...” And she tried to find a word so as to not offend the other woman, but her vocabulary was falling short the longer she thought, so she went with the first on her mind, “intimidating?”

[katherineblackbourn]

NEW BEGINNINGS →

[florenceofvalrina]

katherineblackbourn‌:

Tilting her head curiously to the side Katherine had to admit, she was already impressed. Whether this young Princess was actually submissive by nature or if she was just good at doing what she was told, either way she was pleased. So far at least.

“You can keep your name. For now,” she mused. “And believe me, I could not care less about your father or his idea of this whole thing. You are part of the Adelvia court now and though you will be treated with respect here under my command, you will still prove your worth here. Understood?” she asked, making sure to truly drive home that this wasn’t just a free ride. 

Sure, the fact that Florence was her own personal plaything, meant that the girl was entirely protected. But the princess didn’t need to know that. After all, privilege leads to brattyness and Katherine wanted the Princess to know that she was walking on thin ice at all times.

“If you’d follow me, I’ll show you to your chamber and where you can get washed up before dinner.” she said simply, offering the girl a friendly smile before gesturing with her hand in the direction they’d be going.

Soon enough she had lead Florence through the castle, up the stairs and into her new chamber.

“These are your chambers,” she explained once they were inside the doorway. It definitely wasn’t anything glamorous, a room that just fit a single bed, small night table and a few simple candles. “Your room is directly attached to my own, the entrance is there.” she added in, taking a moment to show Florence the connecting door between the two rooms, that on a first glance would have just looked like part of the wall.

“And on the other side of your room is Mary’s room. She is the one you will go to with any questions you may have. She has been my handmaiden for many years and will teach you the ropes of what you will be doing. After all, part of your duties is to cater to my any and every desire.”

Making her way closer to the doorway once more Katherine absently gestured towards the bed. “You will find there are dresses already created for you, they were made just for you and will fit. If you walk down this corridor you will find a chamber to your right at the end, it is there that you may bathe and prepare for dinner.” 

Flicking her gaze up to meet Florence’s Katherine couldn’t help the slight smirk the graced her lips, one eyebrow moving into a perfect arch. “I trust you need no assistance with such a task, Princess.” 

It took all her strength not to wince at how nonchalantly the queen dismissed her father, because if he were so dispensable, if he were such a non-factor, then who was to say that Florence meant anything at all? Who was to say she was not as easy to toss aside like soiled linens? Try as the queen did to assure she had a place in her court, Florence still was far from convinced, though she nodded if only because she could not bear yet raising her concerns. 

She did her best to reciprocate the queen’s smile, but her worsening nerves made it appear more of a grimace, and she allowed herself a moment to breathe once the other turned away from her and lead her to her chamber. As they walked through the castle, guards and servants would stop in their tracks to bow to their queen and curiously look upon her guest. Florence noticed how they tensed happening upon their presence, though be it because of learned decorum or because of something more sinister — perhaps a genuine fear for Her Majesty — she did not know. 

When they arrived to what would be Florence’s newest chamber, she kept her lips drawn in a thin line, though not for any amount of displeasure. If anything, she was relishing in gratitude at not being made to take up residence in the dungeon or some dark cellar, where she’d have only the rats as company. After all, what could she expect from a queen as seemingly wicked as she? 

“Your generosity is much appreciated, Your Majesty,” she said, stepping closer to the dresses upon the bed, running a hand over the fabric. “I don’t know how to begin to show my gratitude,” Florence continued, hoping any ounce of flattery would sway the queen in her good graces. “But if I may — and I hope you do not misinterpret my curiosity as anything but — what are your intentions with me?” she asked the question that had been at the forefront of her mind since learning of the deal her and her father made. “Am I to be another handmaiden? To answer upon your every beck and call?”

And for a moment, her anger and frustration and melancholy, much as she tried to resist, surfaced, “Or am I to be your slave? Like some token you parade around to show you have finally have gotten the upper-hand on another kingdom in Altheria?”

And perhaps she should’ve kept her silenced her tongue and dug her fingers into the palms of her hands and stayed perfectly complacent the way she had been taught to be since she could speak, but she had to know of her fate. She could not bear the thought of going forward without anticipating what would come next, when at any moment the witch could strike her down where she stood without a second thought. What did she gain from this arrangement? What could she possibly want with her? Why not toss her in the dungeon? Why make her think she was of any value here in Adelvia, with custom-made dresses and a bed all for herself? It made no sense, and that was what drove Florence mad. 

[katherineblackbourn]

NEW BEGINNINGS →

It wasn’t like in all of her years Katherine had ever had to deal with, well brats. But she was pretty positive her newest guest was going to be quite the brat when she arrived. She hoped she would be proven wrong, but past encounters with Princesses’ seemed to show that she was in the right in this case. Though, the Queen supposed she couldn’t blame her if that was the case, but at the same time, trade offs were basically how the world they lived in worked, especially in the hierarchy, and truly if anyone was going to take the Princess away from her dreadful father, well why not her? After all she had a kingdom of loyal subjects  (even if the majority of them currently feared her), an entire palace all to herself and given that her army and her own abilities were top notch, she truly wanted for nothing.

So if accepting a brat into her castle for the rest of the Princesses’ days was something she had to do to get her foot into the kingdom of Valrina, and to get the dreadful king on his knees. Well she’d gladly do it.

And she’d be lying if the idea of getting to mold and shape the Princess into exactly how she wanted her didn’t excite a certain spark within her.

“Your Majesty…Apologies for the intrusion but the serving girls are just wondering if you’d like the Princess’s things in your chambers as well.”

Slowly arching a perfectly shaped brow the Queen took a few slow steps closer to the obviously nervous subject. “Why would she share my Chambers with me? Even when my Husband was alive we had separate Chambers-”

“I…We just thought because she-”

“Because she is also a woman? The Princess will be designated to my handmaiden’s chamber. And though she may not be a Princess anymore the moment she steps foot in this castle, she is to still be treated with respect, just like any other guest because that is what she is to the rest of you. But I believe you have a job to finish doing before she arrives and bothering me with such useless questions is just wasting both of our time.”

Watching with a highly amused smirk as the Servant bowed then scrambled away the Queen rolled her eyes to herself. Perhaps her own staff would be more of an issue than the Princess.

***

Settling herself on her throne the moment word of the Princess’ arrival was announced, Katherine made sure her servants had everything in place, after all she was a gracious host though her arrogance over getting the leg up on the King was obvious, sure she would protect Valrina and stay true to her word, but not before she had a little fun. And she knew no one from the offending kingdom would dare to say anything, after all they had their orders and the moment the ‘transaction’ of sorts began the Queen’s confidence was rising and her head seemed to be held up even higher.

When the lavish throne room doors opened and she was greeted to the sight of Valrina colours, her gaze instantly landed on the young girl with the group. Taking the moment as they entered to size her up Katherine had to admit, she liked what she saw.

Standing up she raised a hand, signalling for the group to stop. 

“Your job here is done gentlemen. You’ve delivered the Princess without issue and you are now dismissed.”

The statement was simple but commanding and she noticed the way a few of the knights hesitated, probably the ones who were quite fond themselves of the young Princess, but soon the group left and Katherine took a few steps closer to be only feet from the young girl. 

“Welcome, I felt it was only fitting that I show you around myself. I trust your journey here wasn’t too tiring?” she started, offering the Princess a small, slight smile. “Let’s get one thing out of the way shall we-”

Pausing for a moment in front of the girl Katherine absently crossed her arms over her chest as she took a moment to circle the Princess, glancing her over and smirking once she came to a full stop in front of her once more. “The rules here are simple. You respect me, you respect my rules. My word is the only word that matters, if you behave you will be rewarded, if you listen you will be rewarded. You may be a guest here right now, but you will need to earn your place in this court. Understood?”

Reaching up she lightly pressed her fingertips under the Princess’ chin, getting them to have a moment of eye contact before she moved her hand away.

“I trust you have a name Princess, would you like to tell me what it is or shall I give you a new one?”

[florenceofvalrina]

Tears stained the handkerchief the young princess clutched in her white-knuckled grip throughout the entire journey from Valrina to Adelvia. Her fingertips traced the lavender letters in its corner, the ones bearing her initials of which her lady-in-waiting Bridget had stitched herself as a present to her on the eve of her twenty-second birthday. Such a seemingly frivolous celebration that appeared would be her last — Florence knew this carriage ride was not a march towards her untimely demise, but it could very well have been with how sick to her stomach she was the entire journey there. 

Half a mind she had to beg to anyone who would listen to pull the carriage aside and leave her on the side of a road someplace. She could venture into the nearest town and take on a new name, a new life. She could fade into anonymity amongst the townspeople and be perfectly content being just as mundane as anyone else if it meant she could still have a semblance of her freedom. 

But her mother’s voice spoke to her anytime she would work up the nerve to simply jump from the moving carriage and hope the ground was forgiving enough to break her fall. Protect your father, she would say. You are stronger than he and I could ever dream to be. When I am gone, be his strength. And perhaps any other time Florence could merely dismiss the words as being the tired ramblings of a sick woman — if they had not been her last. And so she swallowed back every instinct she had and stayed perfectly put. Not even a word could she utter to those who escorted her for fear of being unable to choke back the ball at the base of her throat that was threatening to become a permanent fixture. 

When they finally neared the queen’s castle, Florence did her best to quiet the memories of the stories she was told of this very queen and her kingdom. The ones that swore to anyone who would listen that the queen was responsible for a rivaling kingdom’s shortage of crops during the harvesting season after reciting one of her incantations over the corpse of a slaughtered lamb, or of how at night she lured young men onto her grounds to reap their very souls from their bodies to feed to her own cavalry to make them that much stronger, damning her victims to an eternity in the lowest depths of Hell. How her father could ever make a deal with the Devil was beyond her, but for Valrina, well... even she was capable of doing most anything. 

Once the carriage halted to a stop, there was nothing more she could do but stand with her head held high — or rather, that was her intent until she was left on her own in the throne room, standing directly across from the queen who appeared every bit as differently as she could have ever imagined. She was younger, much younger, and her eyes were so striking she could make out just about every detail even from across the room and even better yet as the queen sauntered over to her. Those eyes bore into her and suddenly Florence felt as every bit exposed as if she had only worn her undergarments. Her hands pressed to her stomach if only to keep them from trembling at her sides, and she nodded silently, only to find her voice a moment later. “I-I am at your service, your majesty.” 

“Florence. My given name is Florence. It was a name my mother had chosen,” she said, but the mention of her mother was sour to the tongue, as if uttering it aloud in the presence of the queen was blasphemous. Where the queen’s fingers touched, nerves were sent down her spine, suppressing the urge to shudder. “But you may call me as you wish. Please trust that I will do my utmost best to uphold my father’s end of this... arrangement.”

[wonderstruckheart]