bleeding heart

"tell me atlas. what is heavier; the world, or its people's hearts?" Princess of Israel. Betrothed to Zhāng Cheng-en, prince of Taiwan.

[hadassahsafir-blog]

adclcides:

Adelaide tilted her head in thought as the other woman only stated fact. “That is true. I just want you to know that I’m really sorry for being insensitive.” She still stated, hoping that other got her message that she was really sorry. “Well, how do you celebrate your own holiday?” She asked, genuinely curious.

Hadassah smiled excitedly. It wasn’t very often people asked her about her heritage. “Well, there’s the menorah, of course. Some people choose to decorate their house festively, but most don’t. My family practices traditionally so we stick to just the food. We don’t have any young children in our family so we don’t play dreidel or anything else like that. It’s not nearly as exciting as Christmas. Sadly there is very little gift giving.” 

[hadassahsafir-blog]

edwardwindsor:

Edward nodded along, but paused at the mention of her betrothed. Zhãng Cheng-en? Of course it was. He took a large gulp of his water and shifted, biting his tongue on the tidbit of information he happened to have on her husband-to-be. A slip like that would cost him everything. He hummed, “I mean good-looking is always a plus, if you’re going to be forced into being with someone for the rest of your life, they might as well be easy to look at.”

Now the conversation turned to him and he produced his equally rehearsed answer. “Marcel Cholodecki of Poland,” he pronounced the name carefully, syllable by syllable. “I don’t happen to know much about him either, but he’s also attractive.” He fiddled with the stem of his water glass, laughing softly, “So we’re in the same boat.”

Hadassah’s head snapped up as the man on stage closed his speech, grinning deftly. He left the stage before yet another hopeless diplomat took the stage, fumbling with her notecards. 

“When is this stupid thing going to end?” Hadassah mumbled, eyes trained on Edward. “I mean, how many politicians do we have to listen to before one finally makes a semi-decent point.”

She twirled her fork in the pate covering her ornate plate. “Canada, huh? That’s a big adjustment,” Hadassah took a sip of her champagne. “Hope you don’t freeze your ass off.”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

adclcides:

Adelaide observed the other’s facial expressions to see if she was somehow offended. The other’s sudden change in demeanor took her by surprise, her head tilting, trying to gouge out if the other was being sarcastic. “I’m really sorry again. I just — I don’t need to explain myself, do I?” She asked, as she walked together with the princess, looking for decorations already.

Hadassah glanced at the much taller woman. “If I were offended I wouldn’t be aiding in your search for cheap Christmas lights, would I?” Shaking her head she smiled. “Besides, if I got hurt over something as arbitrary as this I’d be a horrible politician.”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

ekaterinarcmanova:

On some level Katya knew she should just leave— there was no chance for this evening to end well at this point. Being the first to cave and back down wasn’t an option, though. As with most things in her life she refused to concede and admit defeat. Certainly not to somebody like Hadassah. Instead, she twirled a lazy fingertip around the rim of her shot glass and let loose a derisive laugh.

“Like the one between Israel and Russia?” A dark head full of raven curls tipped sideways as she pointed out the long standing alliance between their countries, pressing a devilish smirk to painted lips. “Are saying your country was weak enough to be bullied into it? I mean— if that’s how we obviously conduct our business, according to you, surely that has to have been the case.”

Hadassah wanted nothing more than to throw her drink into brunette’s face. She refrained, after all, the last thing she needed was her face in the local tabloids, or God forbid, a strained alliance between Israel and Russia. While she hated Ekaterina she had to admit that the Russian-Israeli alliance was one of the most mutually beneficial ones in the world.

“What I’m saying, Katya is that it may be crucial that your country finds a more civilized way to handle its dealings. Money and poorly conceived threats only go so far, you know,” Her accented voice was clipped and she stared ahead at the rows of liquor bottles. “Don’t you have something better to do? Go ruin someone else’s night.”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

OOC

hey guys! i currently have like two current plots and i want more!! i have a connections page y’all can check out and if you’re interested in plotting you can message me or like this and i’ll message you! (i promise i don’t bite lol)

[hadassahsafir-blog]

adclcides:

Adelaide reminded herself to facepalm later on, how embarrassing. “Oh, wow, I’m so sorry, I totally forgot that not everyone spends Christmas. I’m so sorry, I did not mean to offend or anything. Hannukah, right?”

Hadassah smirked. If she got offended over everytime someone mentioned Christmas she’d never get anything done. “Yeah, Chanukah. And don’t worry about it, I’m used to it. Now, what do you say we find some decorations?”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

edwardwindsor:

Edward cringed, none of this lined up with the perfect genius character he had been told the –– real –– Edward had possessed. Although he guessed that grief could color your perception of a person. He laughed, “Well, hopefully that doesn’t count as a legally binding contract or we’re both about to be bigamists.”

He nodded, his road to coming out hadn’t been terrible, mostly just a lot of confusion and experimentation. The Royal family had never been actively opposed to his sexuality, in fact they had caught on to it far before he had. “Oh, I’m sure seven year old me was heartbroken over you. So… who are you set to be stuck with by the end of the month?”

As he spoke the waiter cleared their table, refilled drinks and promptly left. Hadassah sighed dramatically. 

“Ah yes, the obligatory betrothal talk. His name is Zhāng Cheng-en,” She took a sip of her drink, resisting the urge to grimace. Just for one full day, she’d like to be able to forget about her betrothal and impending wedding. But unfortunately, it was the only topic people felt the need to discuss. “He’s very good-looking, but I don’t know much about him beyond that.” She gave a regretful smile. 

Silently, she wondered whether or not Edward knew how lucky he was. He seemed carefree and happy, no impending throne to worry about, no having to be the perfect child. She snapped out of her reverie.

“And what about you? Who’s the lucky man?”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

ekaterinarcmanova:

One of these days Katya would learn to keep her mouth firmly shut. Today wasn’t that moment, obviously, because the only thing she’d managed to do so far was entice the woman to stick around longer. Just perfect. Whatever hope she had for a nice evening went down the toilet quicker than she’d been able to swallow her shot. It was a shame, too, because she really had been enjoying herself. 

“Stop. Please. You’re hurting my feelings.” Katya mocked in a monotone voice as green hues rolled toward the ceiling. Signaling the bartender back for what would no doubt be one of many she heaved out a sigh and kept her gaze straight ahead. “Now, if by cesspool you mean one of the most prominent dynasties to ever exist then yes, I do think I might. The Winter Palace is magnificent in December. I’d invite you to see for yourself but, between you and me, I’d rather burn it to the ground than see you step foot inside those walls.”

Hadassah loved her country. And although she knew it wasn’t the smartest choice to piss off the princess of a powerhouse country she just couldn’t help it. Katya brought out the absolute worst in her. She couldn’t even remember what had started their bickering, just that they’d been at each other’s throats since the age of 12. 

“Come now, Ekaterina. Don’t you have anything better to do than ramble on about an outdated country who has to scare others into alliances? I’d hardly call that prominent,” She chuckled bitterly. “Besides, Russian winters may be suited to cold-blooded bitches like you, but I’d simply freeze.” Hadassah smirked, giving her shoulders a mock-apologetic shrug before downing the rest of her drink.

[hadassahsafir-blog]

adclcides:

“I’m feeling pretty bored. Bored to the point that I want to decorate the whole Summit with Christmas decorations. It looks so pale here, I think a bit of lights would spruce it up.”

“You know I’m Jewish, right? I don’t really know that much about Christmas, but I’m sure we can find some decorations somewhere around here...”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

willicmz:

Cheng-en’s smile was wide as he moved and carefully pulled a seat out for her. “That’s very kind of you to say.” He resettled down in the chair he’d previously occupied once again, trying not to stare too much in amazement, before he jumped up again. His expression became sheepish and he asked “I’m sorry, what would you like? I can order for us.”

He hadn’t gone into this experience expecting to be as taken with his fiancé as what he was. His breakup had been half a year ago, and his heart was still broken from it, so to find Princess Hadassah so breathtaking was startling to him. She seemed hard-working and passionate and strong and both times he’d met with her, despite both of them clearly having full days of work, she never looked less than her best. 

He admired that. A lot.

He nodded in understanding when she listed off what she wanted and then moved to the counter to order, making sure to leave a very generous tip in the tip jar. The girls were very flustered and giggly and he wondered if they recognized him as crown prince, or if they were merely in a good mood. 

Once he had their order he returned to the table, finally taking his seat again.

Hadassah gave Cheng-en her order, a chai tea latte. Normally she’d go for something a little more uplifting, like six shots of espresso. But she doubted her pounding back a shot of pure caffeine would be considered lady-like or at all enchanting.  

Cheng-en returned and she gave him a smile. The genuine one that she hadn’t spent years trying to perfect. 

“You didn’t have to pay, you know. I can afford a cup of coffee,” she teased, laying her hands on the table in front of her. “Although it was very kind of you.” 

She eyed their bodyguards thoughtfully. Combined there were six of them, seated in very positions around the room. Hadassah sighed internally. Everyone in the room was staring at them and for once in her life, she wished she wasn’t royalty. If they were both normal this meeting would be a lot easier. Clearing her throat she brings her attention back to the man seated across from her. 

“I figured since we’re betrothed we might as well get to know each other. I’ve prepared a list of questions I wanted to ask you if you don’t mind?”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

cpfreja:

“Oh, that’s not silly at all. I think everyone wants to love the person they’re going to marry and have a family with. I know I do. I can understand why we’d be doubting whether or not we’ll fall in love with our betrothed; we haven’t let the relationship progress as any normal relationship would. Most relationships take years to get to the point to where they feel like marriage is the next step and we’re doing it in months, if that. It’s all so fast.”

Hadassah nodded, deep in thought. “I wish this betrothal business would end with us. It kills me to think that more than likely our own children will have to go through this very same ordeal.” She sighed, drumming her fingers on the countertop. “And Freja, if you’re unsure of your fiancée just ask her to coffee. People always seem more genuine in cafes. Maybe it’s the lighting.”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

ekaterinarcmanova:

At this point Katya couldn’t even remember why she had such a problem with the Israeli princess— it’d just always been that way. Knowing her it probably stemmed from something insignificant, but if one thing was clear it was that the feeling was absolutely mutual. Giving the other woman a sideways glance she took note of her hasty movements and couldn’t help but smirk. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving so soon?” Or do. In reality nothing would please her more. The faster Hadassah left the quicker she’d be able to get back to actually enjoying her night.

Life wasn’t so merciful, though, because in the next moment the brunette made what Katya could only assume was meant to be a veiled insult toward both her and her country. Playing nice for appearances sake suddenly seemed like an impossible feat. “Mhmm,” she hummed before quickly tipping back her shot, “you might want to take a page from our book, too, and relax. I’ve heard brittle bitch causes premature wrinkles.”

Hadassah stared at Katya appraisingly, a smirk growing on her face. She had planned to leave, but upon seeing the other woman’s anticipation at her actions settled back into her seat. The thought of ruining her own night along with Katya’s was enough to make her smile. Almost. She stared ahead, all forms of niceties thrown out the window at the brunette’s comment.

“And I’ve heard narcissism is all the rage these days,” she sang, finishing her drink. “Why don’t you just crawl back into whatever dirty cesspool you slithered out of?” 

[hadassahsafir-blog]

edwardwindsor:

Edward breathed out a sigh of relief, trying not to let it show too much. At least he wouldn’t have to keep up the charade. “Sorry,” he replied, sheepishly, “Not a clue. He blushed at her questioning and took another sip of water, “Did I really say that?” 

Someone from the other side of the table trying to listen to the speeches, shot him a glare, and he resorted to whispering. “Although you are still ‘sooo pretty’ as I so eloquently put it, I’m afraid my tastes have changed. I’m betrothed, obviously, and to a prince. Maybe that can explain my memory loss.” He grinned. A waiter came by with the first course, a tiny bite-size appetizer that probably cost a fortune on its own. 

Hadassah smiled thankfully at the waiter, accepting the appetizer with grace. She eyes the dish, noting with distaste the red cabbage. She hated red cabbage. Hiding her grimace she picks up her fork. 

“Yes, you did say it. You used to run around the palace naked shouting about how you were never gonna marry anyone else but me!” Hadassah laughed, taking a small bite of the dish before her. Quickly, she swallows her bite. “And you had this contract, this little piece of paper with crayon on it. You made me sign it, made me promise that when you turned twenty I’d come back for you.” She snorted, taking a sip of her champagne. “I was your Prince Charming.”

She took another bite as she listened to him speak.  “Well, I’m glad you’ve discovered yourself. And I’m certainly glad you’re over me. I’m very hard to get over, usually takes men years.” 

[hadassahsafir-blog]

edwardwindsor:

Edward stared at her, wide-eyed, confusion evident on his face. ‘I have never seen this woman in my life’ he thought. She had to know him somehow and her last declaration connected the dots in his head. He hadn’t ever met her before, Edward – the real, dead Edward – had known her. He gave her a tight smile, trying not grit his teeth. The first few years he had had countless meetings like this, struggling through conversations without any context on how he was supposed to know these people. There was only so much that dead Edward’s Lord of the Bedchamber forcing him to go over cue cards of connections could do. It wasn’t like Charles had known all of Edward’s whereabouts. 

And clearly he’d forgotten about this one. He played it off, “Hadassah! I thought I recognized you! You- you’ve grown!” One of his hands tightened anxiously under the tablecloth while the other reached for his water glass. He looked away from her and took a sip of water, trying to obscure any possible giveaway on his face. Shifting the subject, he went back to flattery, “And don’t humble yourself, you’re stunning. Much better to look at than the stuffy, old man on the stage.”

Hadassah stared at the man before her. He was older, maybe in his early twenties? Yes, that’d be right. He was six when she was sixteen, which would make him.... twenty-four. 

His skin was paler than she remembered, but his hair was that same auburn color she’d always loved. Looking at him brought back vivid memories of a simpler time when her biggest problems involved having to make sure Edward went to bed on time. 

Hadassah snapped out of her reverie and noted the vague, lost look in his eyes. She smiled despite herself, placing her hand over his on the table. 

“You don’t remember me, do you?” She squeezed his hand once before turning to take a sip of her water. “I’m very offended, Edward. Do you tell all your babysitters you’re gonna marry them?  Or just the ones you think are ‘soooo pretty’?” 

[hadassahsafir-blog]

tatianavalentinov:

“do you?” tatiana asked, eyebrow tilted in amusement. “what distractions are you looking for then?” as she asked her question, tatiana gave the other woman a brief once-over, wondering exactly what difference hadassah saw in the two of them. tatiana gave a brief nod of her head in response to her name and title, then broke out into a mischievous grin. “not yet, but i’m sure something will soon.”

Hadassah stared at Tatiana, mind racing. What was she looking for? She’d told herself she wanted peace and quiet, but if that had been the case she wouldn’t be here, in the middle of rowdy drunks and handsy dancers. 

“I’m looking for... a little fun without repercussions.” She replied truthfully, fighting back a smile. “And be sure to let me know if you find anything interesting in here. They all look like drunks with poor dancing abilities to me.”

[hadassahsafir-blog]

ekaterinarcmanova:

All good things must come to an end— it was something Katya had come to believe over the years, but she’d been hoping it wouldn’t come true quite so soon that evening. The music was loud enough to vibrate the floor beneath her feet, the center of the room was packed with people dancing far too inappropriately for their station, and there was a bar stocked to the brim with the world’s finest liquor… for the first time in a very long time she was having fun. Or at least she was up until she headed back for her next round and stumbled upon a familiar, not to mention unwelcome, face.

“I’d think that’d be quite obvious, Hadassah.” The princess drawled out with a subtle roll of her eyes, not even trying very hard to pretend like they were happy to see each other. “I’m getting a drink.” Then, fighting back a heavy sigh, she mumbled low beneath her breath, “Lord knows I’ll need to keep them coming if you’re here tonight.”

The universe was out to get her, Hadassah was sure of it. Why else would Katya be here? Why else would it ruin her perfectly fine night with the sight of her face? The sound of her heavily accented voice causes her to bristle, and she bites back the shudder she feels threatening to surface. Settling back into her seat, Hadassah let the disgust show on her face. She gestured to the bartender before digging around in her purse. She needed to get out of here. And fast.

“Always a pleasure, Katya.” She gives the other brunette a sickeningly sweet smile. “I’m so glad to see you’re representing Russia’s favorite pastime.” 

[hadassahsafir-blog]

cpfreja:

“If my betrothed was physically attractive, politically active, and intelligent, then I really would have everything.” Freja laughed, though there was a hint of bitterness in that laughter. “But I’m so happy for you, that your betrothed seems is a wonderful match for you. I think most of us here wish we could meet the person we’re marrying on our own terms, but this is how it’s done, you know?” She shrugged and finished off the rest of her beer, placing it down on the bar so the bartender could dispose of it.

“My mother and father betrothed to one another. They seem happy. My father adores her, but I can’t help but wonder that if they weren’t forced, would they have chosen each other?” Hadassah shrugged, downing the rest of her drink before signaling to the barkeep for her bill. “I want my future children to look at their mom and dad and know without a doubt that we’re in love. It’s silly, right? To want to believe I’ll fall in love with him?”