poison & wine

she was like a rose, effortlessly beautiful, but extremely dangerous.

[elenaalvar-deactivated20200112]

[gildedstewart]

jamesvstewart‌:

    “ Only if necessary, of course. Who shall know, I have’n met the Princess, our cousin may emerge triumphant in this marriage. ” The King of Scotland appeared in high spirits regardless of the protestant threat breathing down their necks, though that could largely be put down to the shallow liquid poured into his cup by a servant, which he was quick to take a sip of. It wasn’t often James and Arabella found themselves seeing eye to eye so he found cause to smile due to that fact alone, with or without the aid of whiskey. “ But I do not imagine their union is what ye sought me to speak of, hm? If ye came seeking advice on what dress ye might wear for the ceremony I fear ye have the wrong sibling, shall I send for Meg? Or Mother, perhaps? ”

    A triumphant marriage, what a wonder that would be to behold. It was often a smart deal to marry for political gain opposed to love, for it often meant that while there was no passion, there was a semblance of peace and uniformity, so long as they worked well with one another. She wondered how James faired in his own marriage since she had not found the coveted harmony in her own. “ I did not seek you out for such trivial matters, brother. It has been some time since we last saw one another, with little opportunity again once Henry’s marriage is completed. I merely sought your own company, not mother’s or Meg’s. ” 

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

She hid her face with her own back and Julians widened eyes flickered over her, breaths unsteady as he waited in the silence. It seemed to stretch on, inpatients growing from somewhere deep within him, spreading across his chest, squeezing his racing heart. It felt as if his muscles would tremble out of his skin. He expected a stronger reaction from the fearsome woman, the woman who poisoned her own body to spite him. He was a lot of things, surely, but she pulled the first thread loose on a poorly knitted handkerchief. She had to know what she had done, that their already fragile marriage had now been poisoned with deep mistrust, that there was proof of their abilities to dismiss each other altogether.

Words almost left his mouth bubbled up in his throat but it was too tight to allow them to break free. His mind pulled words and images, flickering between them so fast he was sure to give himself whiplash until finally, she faced him once more.

Her face was troubled and the time she spent turned away made him believe it was a show, that she realized this was not a battle to be won or outwit. Julian’s fury was quite clear, prominent and strong but surely he wouldn’t smite a crying woman right? She seemed to underestimate his feelings on the matter, clearly.

“Well, I had someone else kill him, but yes.” Her following words broke his composure. Julian’s face flushed further, his mouth turning down in the corners, fists clenching by his side. “Ask you why?” He laughed humorlessly. “You had me mounting you like an animal for months! Do you have any idea-” He stopped himself with another humorless chuckle, his hand lifting to his mouth as if to stop himself from pouring out his own feelings, to keep them from spilling onto the floor. He took a step back, his head shaking. “You betrayed me wife, in ways that no explanation can forgive. Did it ever occur to you that you could simply deny me? Tell me to sleep in my own chambers?” 

    In spite of everything, the Archduchess began to laugh at her husband, cruelly and without remorse as she met his gaze with glowering eyes. “ Did ever occur to you, darling, that I have never trusted you? ” she retorted tartly, arms folded over her chest to steady her shaking body, for she was certain her heart would explode, for it beat that fast within her porcelain ribs. Almost two years ago he had made it clear to her that his business was not her own, and she vowed from that moment on to never trust him - for his agenda suited only himself and not them both. “ I wonder what reaction I might have gotten If I told you then that I would not be your broodmare...you said it yourself, you’ve been mounting me as though I am nothing more than an animal. It’s my wifely duty to further your line, I doubt you’ll have let me shun that one. ”  She ground her teeth, her face marked with judgement and disgust.

“ My deceit would not have lasted forever. I understand the value of a child and I am certain that I would be a lioness for any child that I bear. But you do not deserve one, not yet, ” she declared bitterly, placing a hand on her flat stomach. There were times when she had considered not drinking the poison so that a child might grow. But she feared the outcome, her power-hungry mind was not content with being a mother and nothing more. 

She stepped forward and gripped his arm, closing the proximity between them. “ I wanted you to adore me, to see the value in my word so that when I did give you a son, you would not consider me a meek mother - too soft to say anything of merit. A woman has often been pushed aside, and I have to fight every day for respect. I never expected you to understand that, so I had no intention of telling you. ” 

Arabella did not care if his fury countered her own, “ You can find fault in me all you like, husband. But know that I find fault in you too. You and I could have been remarkable, but you told me to stay out of your business like I was nothing, as though I were not the daughter of a King. ” She looked at him, her hold still on his arm. There was no love to their marriage, she avoided him as much as she could, but not enough to ever arouse suspicion. “ Admit that you would have prefered a wife that was the very essence of milk and honey. ” 

[gildedstewart]

louiseborgia‌:

Louise had just managed to have a noble man inform in more detail of the happenings that had been going on in England since she had left, and it seemed to have been quiet a lot despite it being only two years since she had last traveled there. Though she this time traveled as a widow by her own choice than as a wife having to follow her husband on his travels despite having been happy to do so. “It would appear that quite a lot has happened in these past two years— makes one curios as to what may happen now.”

   There were so many strangers which once again filled the halls of Hampton Court, but she was accustomed to the sight of new faces - and their whispers of the King’s business. A polite smile was tugged onto her mouth, practised and flawless, as she indulged the woman’s musings. “ Time continues to pass and things change, it is the art of living. No one can know what the future holds, but I pray for good fortune. ” 

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

 He stopped right in front of her almost abruptly, close enough he could see the blood flow to her cheeks, her pulse on the side of her nack. It took all of his strength to hold back his own fury these past few days, the simple thought of his wife causing his brain to explode from reason, blood boiling like hot led. Now, not even his best efforts could fully contain what he was feeling.

 Anger was most prominent, the most upper layer of his emotions, the one he best dealt with but what he felt now was a whirlwind of things, things he tried to ignore even in his deepest subconscious. Beneath the blinding rage rested two things. The first embarrassment, something he worked hard to avoid at all costs. The fact it was delivered to him in a place he trusted enough not to assess for it leads to the second emotion; hurt.

 “Oh suddenly you’re out of patients? That’s ironic.” He chuckled humorlessly. “And trust me, I don’t care much for their good wishes. Though I’m glad they will remember, perhaps they can help us avoid this in the future.”

 Arabella’s assumption caused a hysteric to raise, chuckles escaping his tight smile, his eyes becoming wild with his own fury. “Oh save me the pity party, Arabella. I know you’re so innocent, you’re such a good wife, your secrets are nonexistent-”

 “Oh I know all too well who you are and you can save me that speech too.” His voice started to rise, blood rushing to his own face as he began to lose control over whatever stability he conjured up the past moments.

 Julian’s teeth clenched together and he spat his words through them. “I’m afraid you’ll have to find a new witch doctor now - though I’m not sure how easily you’ll find one willing to risk their own heart for a few gold coins.”

    She turned from him, frozen as a flash of pure horror stained her pretty features before she could regain control over the movement of her face. But she would not let him see the full weight of the effect which it had upon her. It made her want to crumple to her knees before him, to cry out tears of frustration which she had been harbouring for longer than she could recall. For the first time in her life, Arabella felt out-witted and it was a most troubling revelation, not to mention that she understood the brevity of the situation. He knew what she had been doing, there was no point in denying it. She made certain that his seed never took root, her belly did not blossom with a protruding bump. All the while she gave assurances to her husband that if it is God’s will, they shall have many sons. 

The silence stretched on, she had no words to say to him. She always loathed that he was not pliant and soft-bellied, not like so many husbands which her fellows had to live with. Her fingers continued to clench by her side, and at that moment she considered striking him across the face. But that was too rash an action for the cold and careful Archduchess. Instead, she straightened out her appearance, fingers combing down the rich orange hue of her velvety robe, which she promptly tightened over her shift so that none of the thin fabric peeked through.

Arabella turned back to him on the verge of true tears. Her gaze was glassy and her cheeks remained coloured from the fury which rippled through her veins. “ You killed him? ”  she questioned, her voice thick and biting. She did not feel anything for the man who had died, no sorrow or pity at his murder, but she cried with hatred at her husband. “ Are you not going to ask why I betrayed you? Why I poison my own body? ” A smirk painted her features then, in spite of her tears, “ ...why I will not give you the son which you heartily desire? ”

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

Julian’s heart raced as the door slammed open. With effort, he turned from his desk, a polite smile on his face as he prepared to face his wife. Her anger sent a rush through his brain, like a tidal wave threatening to scramble all his thoughts lose, disorganize them so reason would be lost. Blood pounded in his ears, the thudding making it hard to think. 

Days he had spent pacing his chambers, attempting to sort out a solution to his problem, a proper way to punish his wife for her crimes against him. Too many times he grew frustrated, breaking pieces of his room which quickly had to be replaced. Usually, it wasn’t so difficult to be this creative but something about this particular situation had him off his wits. Emotions were higher than he ever liked them to be.

“Did you not like your gift wife? I thought that’s what we were doing.” Julian began to step closer to her, his movements too quick for the casual tone he tried to force steady, his finger motioning between the two of them as if to clarify they were meant to be a unit. “Gifting each other betrayals. I mean, at least I had the decency to gift wrap yours.” 

    When her husband took quick strides before her, she remained still, her eyes chartering over him in a frantic manner, despite the statuesque form that she had taken - she would not move, not for him. Contempt flooded her gaze and for the first time in the marriage, Arabella felt something more than the mundane, it was hot anger - the tentative peace which they had pretended to enjoy for over a year had been shattered with one singular move...a gifted heart and no explanation. 

“ Stop speaking in riddles, Husband. I do not have the patience for them or you, for that matter My poor ladies will have nightmares after seeing that heart and none of them shall pray for your good health this night. ” The way that she said the word ‘husband’ was as though it were the vilest word in the word, without respect or loved. “ It is not often that I find myself without an answer, but I admit that I do not know what it is that you are referring to, ” Arabella’s voice was low and abrupt, there was no warmth in it, no reasoning. “ Is it supposed to represent your own dead heart? ” she spat, teeth clenching while her fingers twitched restlessly at her side. Never in her life had she felt anger like it, the purpose of his actions was clear, he had meant to scare her. But why? Had she not kept up her act? In public, they were unified and that was that truly mattered.

“ Do not tempt my fury or have you forgotten who I am? ” She began to pace then, mulling over what possibly could have proked him. What had he said? Betrayal. Had he heard rumours of her relations with the Italian ambassador prior to their marriage? It was enough to make any husband angry, she was certain of that. There was also the alternative that he had discovered her secret, but her witch doctor promised discretion and she paid him handsomely. No, it could not possibly be that. She would not speak of her sins. Arabella had no intention of being lured into a trap where she revealed something which he did not know, which would surely only fuel this new-found anger. 

[karolinadeanarchive-deactivated]

“i promise you, i will let no one, not elizabeth, not any usurper, take my country from me. since i was a babe, i have been a queen. since a child, i have been alone on foreign soil. i know how to keep my life, my crown, and i will.”

[marcocaetani]

Beginnings: ArabellaxJulian: Flashback

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

Everyone took power differently. Some were handed it, some eared it through trust, others through fear. Julian was handed some, but not nearly enough. He found that trust was faulted, humans were faulting creatures. Everyone was looking out for themselves, loyalties only traveled as far as you’re ability to give to them. No fear was a much better tool. Still, without the proper power to begin with it also faltered. To get there was a game.

Jullian raised his brows in amusement at her question, the blunt dismissal of her feelings. “Alright fine, if I must go first.” He chimed, his eyes bright with wonder at her reactions. “Stay out of my way.” He allowed his gaze to flicker back and forth between hers, his eyes measuring her reaction before continuing. “There is no point in pretending I don’t have tendencies to stick my nose places it doesn’t belong. If you want in ask but try not to assume you know what I’m up to. You might find yourself in the middle of nasty situations and that's no place I want my wife.” His words were stern, threatening almost but he delivered them with a kind smile and gentle tone, his head tilting so he could smile at her from under his lashes. 

“Infront of everyone else we can keep this up.” He pointed between the two of them. “This lovebird act is likely to pay off for both of us down the road. but unless it’s business or for public affairs, I don’t expect you to coo over me.” Julian clasped his hands together. “Alright love, your turn, shoot.”

    Her features did not betray her emotions, her expressions were calculated, flowing naturally in reaction to his words. He spoke and she nodded, as though in agreement. There was nothing to betray the flicker of mistrust which sparked within her, something which very quickly could be stoked and grown. Stay out of his way. That alone was enough for her to know that she needed to keep her wits about her, and not fall victim to being a pretty doll, while her husband strived for more and kept her in the dark. Right there he had drawn a line in the sand, an action which she would not readily forget. They might have worked together, but Arabella saw that if she wanted to achieve her desires, she had to do it alone. She would make sure that one day he regretted saying those words to her, despite any good intentions that may have been in them. He underestimated her, of that, she could be certain. 

“ Very well, ” she responded in a well-mannered tone, offering him a polite and agreeable smile, as she took her turn to deliver demands to her soon-to-be husband. “ Never make jests at my expense, I have no patience for it. I do not care if your fellow men like to jibe at their wives and point of their flaws, I do not wish to see you following suit, ” she announced, eyes flitting over him. “ I shall never deny you your conjugal rights, but I ask that you leave once it has finished. I have no interest in sharing a bed, for I value solitude. ” It was strange to her that she could speak freely, as though they were negotiating terms of surrender to one another. Arabella picked up the jug to fill her goblet once more, before raising an eyebrow to see if he wished for her to fill up his own. “ I am a King’s daughter and while I do not expect you to follow everything that I say and any ideas that I have, I ask that you at least show me the respect of listening to them. I have a mind and I will use it. ” Once she had finished, Arabella took another sip of her wine which she was certainly enjoying. “ If you do that for me, then I will be every bit the doting wife in public that is expected of me, and in private I shall follow your wishes. ” 

[gildedstewart]

annedheilly‌:

“Quite the shame.” Anne commented, more out of politeness than anything else. It did not take much time or thought to recognize that the woman before her was one of high status, although who precisely she was evaded Anne’s knowledge at the moment. In truth, Anne had almost not noticed until she heard the birds cooing at her feet.

The Duchess tilted her head down and made a small sound, almost thoughtful. “I do hope that such a thing would not be considered an ill omen on the King’s marriage. It seems that the way the talk around court is going, the young couple will need all the well wishes they can get. It seems there is vitriol whispered in these halls, and the young Princess has scarcely arrived.” In an almost unconscious motion, Anne found her hand falling to her growing belly - an odd habit ever since the condition had become obvious, which unknowingly highlighted exactly what the woman in front of her most dreaded. “Perhaps there are more of them. We could find out.”

      " My dear cousin, King Henry, may be vexed to hear that I brought an ill omen to his marriage to Princess Christina, ” Arabella commented, watching the way the fair-haired woman’s hands drifted over her belly. The protruding extension of the woman’s figure made it glaringly clear that she was with child, a truth which did not cause her own heart to flutter with awe. She could not imagine anything worse, her future was not yet set and until her hands could fix themselves onto the chalice of power, she would continue to detest the very thought of being a broodmare. “ That Tudor blood is strong, my cousin shall weather any storm, I only hope that his betrothed is matched in that respect. ” It was a conflicting notion, she was not entirely certain that she was opposed to a Lutheran as a relative, but she could not speak of such matters before her husband’s family, the jewels of the Catholic faith. “ There is an entire banquet table full of sweets, the cook has been busy practising for the big day. ” 

[gildedstewart]

CLOSED - A Gifted Heart ( Arabella + Julian ) @julianhabsburg

    Despite the lack of affection which she felt for her husband, Arabella kept the same routine of preparing herself for his conjugal visits to her bedchambers. Her ladies would comb out her hair until it shone, she would dab lavender water onto her wrists and behind her ears, all the while stepping into a finely made nightgown which clung to her slender body. It was not for him that she made herself pretty, but for the sake of pretences. As far as the entire court was concerned, Arabella was fulfilling her duty as a wife in allowing her husband to visit her twice a week, in hopes of producing a long-awaited heir. If only they knew.  After his last visit, she found that she was almost out of the special concoction made by her witch doctor so that her belly would not quicken. It was vile tasting and caused severe headaches, she supposed that was the opium in it, but it had not failed her. Thus, she had visited his apothecary and collected the devil’s liquid.

A finely embroidered burnt orange robe was placed over her shoulders, one of the many luxuries which she enjoyed from her wealth, but it was also efficient in keeping the cold from her bones which she waited. Arabella sat down with a full goblet of wine and huffed, it was taking longer than normal for him to arrive. She turned when her one of her ladies moved to answer the knock on her door. It was not her husband as she had expected, but a page with what looked like a gilded jewellery box. “ A gift for her grace, ” the page announced, placing the finely made box onto the clothed table. Arabella sighed wondering what trinket she had been gifted, she could tell that her ladies were more curious than she - they loved to stare at her jewels, to covet what she had. 

The Archduchess made her way over to the table, eyebrows raised as her petite fingers gripped the lid and opened. All around her gasps escaped the mouths of her ladies, but it was not in awe - it was horror. Her gaze was frozen, she could not speak or move, she only stared. Inside the box was no mere trinket, not another sapphire to adorn her neck, it a human heart, bloody and nauseatingly real. At once she threw down the lid, bile rising in her throat as she turned away with tears of horror in her eyes. Her own heart beat loudly in her chest, she could feel the blood pumping in her ears and her a moment she thought she might faint. But no, Arabella was made of stronger stuff, and at once her mind began to mull over the most important question: who had sent it? 

There was only one explanation. At once she stormed from her chambers, not caring if anyone saw her wearing her bedclothes. She marched down the hallway to the hallway, throwing open his chamber door, not allowing the servant to do his job, and threw her arms down on the table. “ Tell me, husband, have you lost your wits? ” she spat, poison pooling from every word which she spoke. Her dark eyes were watery, features creased in anger, and her body trembled from the myriad of emotions which swept over her. “ Explain yourself. Where did you get that heart from? What in God’s name possessed you to send it to me, your wife? ” 

[marcocaetani]

Beginnings: ArabellaxJulian: Flashback

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

Tart wine found it’s way down his throat, warmth spreading across his torso as he inhaled half the goblet in a single swig. He let it settle as she spoke, his back turned to her as he listened, eyes hard on the wall as if he could turn off his sense of vision and heighten his other senses. While she didn’t confirm her intentions she didn’t deny his accusation. This told him more than she may have wanted it to. Woman of emotion were irrational. They lashed out impulsively and to be accused of feeling nothing when they did rose voices and tempers. Arabella was far too calm to want more than Julian was suggesting. The corner of his lip rose as he turned around. 

“Yes, well those men don’t have you for a wife.” He said the words as if they were of admiration. “I’d be foolish to ask you to.” He eyed her a moment before continuing. “You’d pretend I’m sure, but I don’t see why that’s necessary. This doesn’t have to be painful.” Julian had a feeling he was telling a lie. What he felt was it didn’t have to be that painful. Arabella’s reputation was positive unless you asked the right people. She was as stubborn as he was. Best case scenario they stayed out of each other’s way.

    It was almost enough for Arabella to feel a glimmer of respect, or at the very least she was slightly impressed by his assessment of her character, for most perceived her to be something else entirely. Admittedly, she had not prepared herself thoroughly for that occurrence, since she had pre-conceived that he would be like-minded to any other man which held power - she wondered how much he craved. After all, his brother was the Pope’s golden child, what did the lesser brother want? Arabella made a mental note to uncover all of her husband’s secrets, with the hope of guarding her own. For being so young, she had already committed cardinal sins which Almighty God would cast his judgement upon when her time came. 

“ So what does our arrangement entail, your grace? What will be expected of me as your wife? ” she enquired with a raised bow as she continued to drink from her goblet, she knew that soon a refill would be required, but she had always had a high tolerance for it. “ Prior to this meeting, I anticipated needing to be humble and penitent, perhaps you can enlighten me? ” Arabella did not wish to give too much away, she had no means to trust him and he was a man, they were always disappointing. Naturally, she deducted, he would want heirs - but she was in no mood for childbirth yet. She would make certain that her witch doctor supplied her with a concoction of opium, mandrake root and Queen Anne’s Lace so that she could manage that situation until she was ready. 

[gildedstewart]

jamesvstewart‌:

    “ Wont you join me for a dram of uisge-beatha? ” The King of Scotland raised his empty cup toward and his verbal invitation towards the other before a servant poured a small amount of the caramel coloured drink and then proceeded to pour a second for James’ guest. It should be no secret that a Catholic King would have difficulty condoning the marriage of his cousin to a Protestant woman but he would make every effort to be somewhat civil for the sake of peace between England and Scotland as well as keeping his own Mother from feeling the need to scold him for his bitterness. “ What better drink to celebrate the impending union of two souls than the water of life? Come, let us toast to them and wish them happiness, health and many rooms separating their chambers in the years to come. ” 

    When Arabella left her chambers that morning, she had done so with the intention of finding her brother and was pleased to discover that her efforts were not in vain - or particularly taxing. There he was offering up whisky freely, and she found herself almost amused by it.  “ Thank you, James, ” she said replied, taking the cup from the servant with no intention of drinking the strong amber hued liquid. It was far too bitter a taste, but it had already been poured and it felt a little late to decline. “ Oh brother, you paint marriage so beautifully, ” Arabella remarked in amusement, a knowing smirk tucked in the corners of her mouth. Her own marriage was much the same, there was no affection, only duty.

[marcocaetani]

Beginnings: ArabellaxJulian: Flashback

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

There was an amusement that came with watching her. Most times, it was like a game. Being cunning enough to read properly and planning strategies around it. Arabella was new to him, exciting and not entirely predictable yet. He enjoyed anticipating her reactions, measuring her up to his predictions, seeing how well he could dissect her with his mind. It caused a thrill to rise in his chest at getting her alone, the hairs on his arms standing on end at the thought breaking the veil of formality they always carried around each other. He wondered if she’d break hers in response to his exposure; if she would trust him enough to be honest in return. From what he knew, he imagined she would. He counted on it.

Julian nodded in thanks at the offering, turning the cup in his hand for a moment before allowing his arm to go limp, cup danging between narrow fingers at his side. As the door shut behind her handmaidens Julian’s eyes filled with an awe. For a moment, it could be questioned if he felt a love for her. The expression that smothered his face was that of infatuation. 

“You are a lovely creature to look at.” He cooed, his glass finding the table as he moved closer to her, the back of his hand reaching to caress the hair that framed her face, skin barely touching the strands that rested there. He dropped his hand, his expression lingering as he continued. “And luckily for you, I understand your affections - or well- lack thereof.” He sighed casually, his face slowly returning to that of a more relaxed state. “I share them. Love is an emotion I carry no interest in. Weaknesses are unwelcome and so you will find we may have more in common than you originally hoped. “ 

With a quick, polite smile Julian turned to double back for his goblet of wine. “I hoped we could discuss the matter. I’m sure you have some ground rules, as do I,” 

     In the months which preceded her meeting Julian, she had talked with many members of his family and spoke of the excitement which she felt from such a match. Her devoted expressions were embellished and her words polished, everything glittered and yet behind the gilt visage, something rotten festered. “ I thank you for the compliment, your grace, ” she said with a coy smile, the expression matching her sweetened features. It had always been easy to fool those around her, for the smoke of her gentle face - nothing so malevolent could come from a face so pure. Lies fed the Princess’ tale. 

Her fingers plucked a sweetmeat from the silver tray which was situated on the same table which housed the jug of wine, and her own goblet. She popped it into her mouth with a sigh, she always held a penchant for sweet tasting things, perhaps to balance the bitterness which surged through every inch of her own body. When her betrothed spoke of his intentions, Arabella did not speak, she only listened. It was a surprise to her that he was being so open, although she could not take his word as absolute - she would be a fool to trust anyone but herself. 

“ You surprise me, ”  she commented, allowing the admittance of her feelings if only to appear as though she were accommodating to his wishes.  “ There are plenty of men that have no intention of handing over their heart when they are wed, yet they command that their wives cut out their own and deliver it to them. Do you not wish for me to burn to be with you? ” she enquired, brow raised as she took another sip of the strong red wine.  

[gildedstewart]

      Birds dropped near her feet to nibble at the sweet pastry which she’d spitefully crumbled in her grasp, the moment the lady who had gifted it to her turned away. The russet-haired maid had observed the flatness of Arabella’s stomach and suggested the dessert as a way to increase her chances of pregnancy. Although, it was likely only to give her a round waist from enjoying too many sweet treats.  Hot fury had burned behind her polite mask, and she had taken the pastry with a small smile. But as she stood with her hands sticky from the residue to the crumbled pastry, she could not help the irritation which washed its way through her body. It only made her want to delay even longer. People ceased to respect her until she delivered a child, and she refused to do such a thing until she had their respect. She was more than just a broodmare for her husband’s bloodline. 

The sound of footsteps caused her to turn, a relaxed expression painted on her petite features as she offered an apology, “ I had the misfortune of dropping a pastry I was gifted,” she explained, glancing down at the stone floor. She ought not to owe an explanation, but people had a terrible habit of judging, something which she herself was not opposed to doing. “ I do believe it may have been a sample for one of the wedding desserts, ”  she added, hoping to divert attention back to the most riveting gossip at court, her cousin’s marriage. 

[marcocaetani]

Beginnings: ArabellaxJulian: Flashback

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

Julian held his smile as he looked her over. She was pretty; pretty enough to convert men into anything she wanted. Still, he smiled at her knowing as their eyes met they both surely must realize the others held nothing there, no lust, certainly no love. If it weren’t for the power this brought them both, the union would surely be hell. Even with its advantages, it was doomed to be a marriage lacking any loyalty or mercy. He knew enough about them both to be sure of that.

Ideally, one of them would be submissive. Ah, but both Julian and Arabella were strong-willed, wielded by their own iron fists the pair would bow to no one, certainly not each other, not when their will would be compromised in the process. He wondered how much of this she knew about him. It was no matter, he would find out in moments time either way.

“I’m glad to know we have something in common.” He waved his hand toward the goblets as if to accept her offer. As his smile widened he took a look around the room, glancing at the other faces that resided there, his gaze more meaningful as it turned back to his betrothed. “I was hoping to steal a moment with you.” He hoped it sounded more romantic to their audience than concerning. “If you’ll allow me, of course.” He added with a small nod, a sign of respect that would likely burst into flames in the near future, disintegrating as they became equals, partners

.

      It was their first time together in a less formal setting, meaning it was the perfect time for her to get the measure of the man that she was to marry. Rumours had reached her ears of his character, but she liked to make her own judgements on if an individual was worthy of her respect. With silent instruction, she darted her eyes from her ladies maid to the empty wine goblet, the request clear. She gave him an indulgent smile, before resuming her seating position beside the crackling fire. “ Ladies, you are dismissed. I shall send for you when I am ready to retire, ” she announced, watching as the fair-haired lady Bess poured out the goblets and sat them on the table in front of her, along with the wine jug. 

“ We are alone now, your Grace, ” she commented when the sound of her chamber door clicking back into place echoed around the room. “ You are free to speak openly. ” If she could have accomplished her ambitious plots without the aid of marriage, Arabella certainly would have avoided matrimony altogether. Of course, she was not content to simply be the Archduchess of Austria for the rest of her life, so that meant ensuring that her husband was either like-minded or weakminded enough that she could pull at his strings, as though he were a toy for her to control. 

She glanced up at him to examine him subtly, her eyes barely flickering as she drifted her gaze. He was handsome enough, and she ought to be grateful that he was not a haggard oath that she was to be marrying since that would make for a very poor bedfellow, but she felt no hunger for him. The part of her which felt desire and love had been locked away, buried her cold words to her former lover. “ I do hope that our union will prove to be mutually beneficial, ” she declared, taking a long sip of her wine. 

[gildedstewart]

margetudor‌:

     She had attended several weddings over the years, including three of her own.  Preparing for the wedding of a King, not to mention her nephew, was no small feat.  Margaret wanted everything to be perfect for his marriage and she would do everything within her power to see it through, including the smallest of decorations.  So here she sat, observing the decorators as they prepared one of the rooms.  “More banners over there,” she gestured to the far corner.  “You were hired to prepare for the wedding of the King, not a stingy earl’s funeral.”  Although her voice lacked its usual sharpness because of exhaustion from her travels, she made sure she was no less intimidating.  

     The decorators followed her instructions immediately and she rose to attend to other neglected sections of the room.  “Is this the dessert table?”  She frowned and straightened a crease in the tablecloth of a spacious side table.  “Pitiful, it needs at least twice as many cakes.”  As she debated on exactly how many, she caught a glimpse of someone by the door out of the corner of her eye.  “Ah, have the bakers already arrived with more?”  She asked well before she turned to see who was actually entering the room.

      The imminent union of her cousin Henry, to the Princess of Denmark had left her with the assurance that she would see many familiar faces, as she boarded the ship which would take her from her marital home. Truthfully, Arabella was most looking forward to seeing her mother. So when she finally spotted the Dowager Queen, she stood silent for a moment and observed the older woman ordering around the servants, commanding the room as she always had done. Margaret Tudor was made from a fierce spirit, it was admirable and as a young girl, Arabella had coveted it. Of course, she was now clutching for power within her own right.

She pressed a hand to the embroidery on her lavender bodice, to staunch a ripple of laughter which threatened to spill from her berry lips. Her steps forward were graceful and deliberate, her usual cluster of ladies no one where to be found since she had instructed them to prepare her rooms while she sought out her dearest mother. “ I have no news of the baker, mother. But I hope my presence is just as sweet, ”  she responded with an amused tone, relying very little on falsehoods since she was more genuinely happy to see Margaret Tudor. “ Has my cousin, King Henry, chosen the smart option and allowed you to have your way when it comes to planning his wedding? ” 

[marcocaetani]

Beginnings: ArabellaxJulian: Flashback

[gildedstewart]

julianhabsburg‌:

@gildedstewart

Gears had been turning for days, Julian’s mind turning and probing at possibilities and concepts as he paced his chambers, long, brash fingers pressing hard against his jaw. Arabella wasn’t a particularly blunt creature but when it came to the matter of affections she held back no thoughts. Where her words failed in carrying the message her actions spoke. To an extent, Julian agreed with her. Affections were weaknesses, people could so easily be used against you, become a bargaining chip. Still, if she could learn to care for him this task would become increasingly easier. He had come to terms with the fact this would not be the case.

Pretending to love her could have it’s advantaged, sure. Trickery, playing ignorance was a strategy but it was one Julian carried to much pride to stoop to. Ignoring the fact the two would likely only tolerate each other with time was another option but one that seemed nothing but a dead end. In his hand of cards, only one seemed suitable. It was risky in itself but it seemed to suit them most. 

Julian followed after the servant with his hands clasped behind his back, his mouth twisted up on one side into a formal, crooked smile. He made no move to look about her chambers, no glances of curiosity. He believed firmly in eye contact, attention. How well others held up to it said a lot about them, he was inquisitive as to how she would hold up her end. 

“Lovely evening is it not?”

      The idle prattle of her ladies maid provided limited entertainment as the young Princess sat beside the stone hearth, fingers clasped gracefully over her lap. Arabella occasionally responded with the occasional polite word, to fool the fair-haired lady into thinking they’d forged a companionship, which would make it harder for the girl to be bought as a spy in the future - should the need ever arise for an enemy to want to know the innermost secrets of the Scottish woman who had already fouled her heart. A petite book rested on her knee, the pages unopened, even with her fingers twitching around the spine. She had hoped to relax for the evening, but for some reason, she was left on edge. Her pending marriage had more than a little to do with it, but she feigned excitement. 

The Archduke’s arrival was not expected, but she rose with immaculate grace when he was announced by one of her senior ladies. A smile was plastered onto her lips, perfected from years of practice, her expression intent on conveying the warmth which her heart did not feel. Arabella had little time for affection, she had felt a twinge of love in her life only once and it had made her feel out of control, she was not prepared to relinquish her senses again to a base desire. If played right a marriage could be far more advantageous if both parties worked together and were not influenced by unnecessary emotions. She could ensure the greatness of them both if he would allow her to. 

“ Indeed it is, Your Grace, ”  Arabella responded lightly, despite her disinterest. “ I confess that I am surprised by your visit. What compels you to come here? ” Her stature remained relaxed, to show that she was not trying to interrogate him. Naturally, she was curious about what expectations he had of her, but she could guess. “ Would you care for a goblet of wine? I have rich taste, so forgive me if it is a little too strong. ”