the game changed

she realized who she was

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

“Such an unfortunate thing, really. We were definitely the most eligible royals prior to this entire circus. Guess people will just have to make due with the others now,” Rikke said with a solemn tone, and ‘tsk’ to sell it. As Grace spoke about Elena, Rikke began to feel a familiar feeling starting to grow in the pit of her stomach. It was the same feeling that would grow whenever she’d spend time around Henrikke and Audrey after that one night…But this was different right? She’d barely had one conversation with Elena, and it’s not like she knew that Elena was her best friend’s fiancée at the time. There was no reason for her to feel this…this…this guilt. All Rikke could trust herself to do was nod, and agree with Grace. After all, it wasn’t like anything she said was lie either. “Oh yeah, they have all sorts of weird sayings and now with like social media being a thing, they just keep getting weirder,” She said, more than grateful for the change in topic. “All things considered, I think I lucked out in winding up in Denmark, and it’s recently come to my attention that I lose sight of that sometimes,” Rikke said, the briefest of flashbacks to her conversation with the Princess of Cuba. “If we’re talking symbiotic, you’re obviously Eddie and I’m clearly Venom,” she said with confidence. At Grace’s last words, her smile softened and she reached out a hand to latch onto her friend’s. “And you have no idea how grateful I am to have made the cut.”

“People would have been lining up to marry us. Like, who are we kidding!” Grace laughed. Of course, the princess considered herself the opposite of eligible and was sure her father did too- she was shocked that he had lined up a crown princess for her, “Maybe that’s another reason why we should just get married.” She scoffed then, “America is wild. I’ve only been once and I don’t soon want to return.” She smiled at Rikke, “Denmark is pretty solid- though, it has nothing on South Africa, but, then again, who could compete? First reason being, it birthed me.” She teased. And Grace did love her country, she just hated how her father ruled it, “I’m glad you compared me to the human and not the alien. Though, it says a lot about how you view yourself. Which we should probably talk about, but emotions are hard.” She joked, because she hoped Rikke knew that if she did need to talk about anything then she was there for her. Always. She squeezed her hand, “This... lifestyle would be a hundred times worse if I didn't have you. It’s nice knowing we have each other.” Grace didn't form strong friendships easily, which made her especially thankful for the other princess. It made it all a little bit easier. 

[hrhgrvce]

uhhh hello, i need some ~new~ plots for my girls, so if you’d like to plot w grace, alma, or ophelia (or all of them bc... they all deserve love- ophelia only sometimes, let’s be honest) please like this and i will come love you down!! 

[hrhgrvce]

@rhiannonpowys

“how much trouble do you think we’d get in if we just left?” grace asked, glancing over at her friend and lifting an eyebrow. it was a hypothetical, of course, abandoning the summit and everything expected of them would be against everything they were raised to be. it didn’t stop grace from thinking about it though, “like, if we could just leave and forget about all this, what would you do?” 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

“Gracie, I hate to break it to you, but even though you just described my perfect royal wife, I’m not sure my tastes are universal,” She said with as straight a face as she could manage. Even though she knew that Grace was probably mostly taking the piss, Rikke still stood up and put one foot up on the chair and her hands at her hips. “I have finally managed to do my country proud,” she stated solemnly, before her laughter got the best of her. She sat back down as Grace continued to speak about Elena as her betrothed. “In all fairness to her, ‘volatile’ is probably not actually the word I was thinking off, but English is my third language and it’s late right now,” she pointed out, before going silent for a moment as she got caught up in thought for a bit. “You are right though,” she said, as she focused back on Grace, “There’s definitely more there than meets the eye.” It suddenly dawned on Rikke just how much she wanted to get the chance to figure out exactly what it was that hid behind the Cuban Princess’s facade, and the fact it wasn’t instinctively just out of concern for Grace had the redhead mentally hitting the breaks and opting not to think about that further. “You say that like you wouldn’t drag me through awkwardness and secondhand embarrassment even without the wedding on the horizon. And you bet your ass that as soon as I figure out you I’m marrying, your ass is grass - as the Americans say.”

“Well, not everyone can have as much taste as you and I, I guess.” Grace chuckled, winking at Rikke. She tilted her head slightly, a shrug rolling off her shoulders, “Yeah, maybe not volatile as much as, maybe, uninhibited? I don’t know. But she’s interesting, and, so far, I like that.” The South African had expected to detest her betrothed, so the fact that she could even stand her at all was a relief- though, it made it harder to resist the whole forced betrothal/marriage thing that she had worked so hard to rebel against her whole life, “She’s enigmatic in a way, which makes her more interesting.” And Elena was sort of an enigma to Grace, but she wasn’t opposed to figuring the puzzle out while she was forced to be in London, it at least gave her something to do. She laughed then, raising an eyebrow, “Wow, is that a saying they say? Americans are fucking weird. I thank whatever powers that be that I wasn’t born there.” She grinned, “But I will gladly always drag you through the awkwardness I encounter, that’s why you became friends with me, I’m sure. I keep in interesting. And I’m willing to do the same for you. It’s symbiotic.” She shrugged again, “Plus, not to mention, there are not many royals I feel like I can actually trust. So, congrats, you are on a very exclusive list, my friend.” 

[hrhgrvce]

elenaism

“hm,” elena hummed, smug grin tugging at her lips, “seems pretty soft to me. don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul except for each and every one of my cats…multiple times. they’re the ones that blabber, not me.” elena mimed sealing her lips with a  key, the action cut-off as she broke out into a fit of laughter. what grace had said was funny, elena had come to learn the woman could be witty in the best sort of ways, but the irony of it got at her more. “how funny, I had plans to do the same to you and the entirety of south africa, but I’d be a kind ruler.” and of that, she wasn’t joking, despite the grin that said otherwise. this union was good for one thing in her mind, leaving grace to the curb and taking her country for whatever it was worth. but, she wasn’t thinking about that now, she didn’t want to think about that now. “excellent for ogling. you haven’t lived if you haven’t ogled twenty feet up in the air on a tiny, teetering wooden platform I’ve always said.” understandably, many people didn’t like the crow’s nest. but elena figured since grace had come with her this far, she’d be willing to go up a very tall ladder to a mostly-anti-climatic payoff. “that’s wonderful because I forgot to pack my sexy nurse outfit. can’t play nurse without that—” she teased with a smirk, going about the boat to prep it for leaving the dock. there were sails to unfurl, anchors to pull up, wind to catch, but she did it by herself with ease. large ships required a crew for good reason, but coasting out on to still bay waters would be fine with just the two of them. “first mate? well, aren’t you moving quickly. buy a girl dinner first,” she smiled, realizing the joke didn’t quite work if they were to be married soon. “I’ve got it under control, partner,” elena waved a hand in the air, using the other to pull out the eyepatch she’d kept in her jacket pocket and snapping it back on to her head. “arg, me first-mate, are ye ready to sail?” she smiled, “maybe I should demote you to fourth-mate, I’m not hearing the enthusiasm I expect as captain of this vessel.”

“oh, so is that how we want this to go? i go over to cuba and overthrow your government and then you go to south africa to overthrow mine? our marriage could start the next world war.” grace joked, leaning against the railing of the ship. she glanced up again, “yeah? you have a lot of experience with crow’s nests? that sounds like a useless but incredibly amusing pastime.” she wasn’t afraid of heights and, of course, had a kind of death wish half of the time, so she was willing to go up into the crow’s nest if it would entertain them- they had made it this far, “it sounds very titanic-y, are you going to yell about how you’re the ‘king of world’ and all that?” she chuckled at her own joke, then laughed at elena’s, “you’re really into costumes. the imagery is quite amusing, i must admit.” of course, she had come to her room fully decked out in pirate gear, but the nurse outfit vision was an intriguing one. grace watched the other princess as she started to prepare their ship to sail, unsure of just how she knew how to do all of it, but entertained nonetheless, “partner? wow, and you say i’m the one moving quickly?” she teased, pushing herself off of the railing to hopefully be of some sort of help to elena. or, at least, to make herself look useful. she grinned as elena put the eye patch back in its rightful position, “you’re just trying to demote me to fourth-mate because you think it’ll goad me into doing my pirate voice too, but you will not be so lucky. i’ll just have to show you my enthusiasm with my dedication to the most important woman in my life.” she replied sarcastically, “and our boat-stealing mission of course. i think i’ve proven my dedication by coming this far. also, i think this heist is now an international security problem. if we get caught we can display our mugshots at our wedding!” 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

Rikke could do very little to suppress the laughter that was brought about by her friend’s claim. “Oh really?! Do tell, G. What are those amazing attributes that would make you such a wonderful wife?” she asked, already delighted by the idea of the traits without even having heard them yet. “It’s one for the books, G! I managed to work my name into it, you have to admit it’s no easy feat,” she countered. One might think she was keeping points…and one might be right. At the question of what she thought about the Cuban Princess, Rikke gave a small shrug. “I mean, she definitely brings the word ‘volatile’ to mind, but I can’t say I’ve managed to suss out exactly why, what the level of volatility is, or if it’s a bad thing or a not so bad thing,” Rikke replied in earnest. She scoffed at the comment and just said, “Of course I’d be right there with you on the hate-train, but it’d still be hella awkward to have to promise to see, hear, and acknowledge -or however the hell vows go- someone you hate. And you know I’m not good with second-hand embarrassment.”

Grace poked her tongue out at Rikke, “I do! I’m funny and not a complete idiot and I’ll never try to overthrow your country- I’m the perfect royal wife. Unproblematic and cute.” She teased, “Plus, I know the best ways to avoid the press.” The princess chuckled, “Listen, I was born with a name perfect for puns, so I don’t have to try so hard. It’s admirable, how hard you try. The pride of Denmark!” Grace observed her friend carefully then, lifting an eyebrow and giving her a single nod, “I mean... not totally off-base. From what I’ve seen, not so bad, but there’s still a lot to know about her.” And that was truth, Grace didn't know enough about Elena to predict what their future was going to be. Even if she found the Cuban princess to be the best person she’d ever known- the complete love of her life, or whatever dramatic stuff romance novels preached- she still wasn't too keen on the whole forced marriage thing, “If our wedding even happens I will be sure to drag you through every step of awkwardness and second-hand embarrassment. It’s your duty as my friend.” She grinned sarcastically, “And I will, of course, do the same for you.” 

[hrhgrvce]

eddarosdottir

“And, in my own opinion, throwing a party that’s better than this one is way more important than who we’re supposed to be marrying,” Edda huffed. She could think of a million things that she cared more about than getting married. “Of course I’d give you free drinks. What else are friends for?” She asked. “Ugh, I think I’d actually die in that weather. I can’t stand the heat in the slightest,” She admitted with the shake of her head. “We’ve got plenty of jackets you could borrow, though. Even if you’d look ridiculous with three or four of them layered on you.”

“You’re right.” Grace chuckled, “A party would be much more fun than our forced marriages. Plus, if our party is not associated with actual royal bullshit? So much more fun.” She grinned then, “I knew I liked you for a reason.” She rose an eyebrow, “Then you’d really hate South Africa. It’s hot. I don’t think I even own a real jacket. I’ll look like a fish out of water. All I know are tank tops and other summer-wear. I’d look like a tiny marshmallow, I think.” The princess laughed at the unfamiliar mental image of herself layered in coats and other winter-wear. 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

“Yeah, well so does the idea of marrying someone that was chosen for you, and yet here we are,” Rikke pointed out. If Rikke were to be honest, her hang-up with this whole arrangement was less about how it affected her and more so how it affected just about every-single person she deeply cared for. But there would be time enough to dwell on that later. “I can’t tell if that’s sarcasm or not, but it honestly sounds like the dream to me,” she quipped back. Grace was one of the only people she wasn’t related too that knew her well enough - the other having been Henrik. “You know, I’m so experienced at third-wheeling, some folks call me Trikke.” Puns on her name were rare, she’d be damned if she didn’t take it. “Oh, I think I met her…kind of. I’m glad to hear you don’t hate her, it’d be kind of difficult to stand as your Best WoMan of Honor while you try to read vows towards a hated fiend.”

“Ok, well, fair point.” Grace muttered, letting out a quiet sigh. She thought the betrothals were medieval and antiquated and she wasn't afraid to let everyone in her life know that’s what she thought. Though, it was a reality of being royal- which was never something she had asked for either, obviously. She chuckled, grinning, “I’m serious- mostly. We wouldn’t have a country to run so we could pretty much do whatever we wanted. And, of course, not worry about marrying virtual strangers. I’d be an amazing wife.” The South African teased. She shook her head then, “Wow, so punny of you. You proud of that one?” Though, truth be told, Grace had found it amusing. She tilted her head slightly, “What’d you think of her when you kind of met her?” She raised an eyebrow. Rikke’s opinion was one that was important to her, “Wouldn’t my Best WoMan of Honor to hate my future wife either.” 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

“Because I’m charming and irresponsible,” Rikke replied without missing a beat. “I mean, irresistible…no I don’t.” It was an easy kind of confidence that one could only ever feel comfortable indulging around people that knew you well enough to understand you meant none of it. Or at least that was the case with the redhead. “You’ve flung worse things at me before, and yet here we are. Ours is truly a match for the ages. Oh how cruel the fates that we may not just become grouchy old maids together,” she said, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. “Hell yeah I’m mad!” she said, “Trespassing onto historical landmarks - er, watermarks, are the kinds of things I’ve been working our entire friendship up to. It also sounds like your ‘betrothal bonding’ broke more than just the ice. What are they like?”

“Hmmm, yeah, seems fake to me.” Grace teased, smiling. She had never doubted her friendship with Rikke. They got along too well, she was comfortable with the other princess in a way that she seldom found in others, “If only we had been forced into a betrothal and then we could just grow old and complain together.” Then she rolled her eyes fondly, amused at the other woman’s dramatics, “Fine, next time I go to steal a boat I will give you a call beforehand and you can third-wheel. I’m sure you have many skills that could prove useful.” She tilted her head slightly, “Well, I’m betrothed to Elena- of Cuba. I like her more than I expected to if I’m being honest. I thought I would hate her. And I don’t. Not at all, really.” 

[bills-skarsgards]

A Night Out With Zoë Kravitz | British Vogue and YSL Beauty

[hrhgrvce]

eddarosdottir

“Then that’s what we’ll have to do. Get better music, better drinks, better food even, and throw a killer after party,” She noted. Edda figured that between her and Grace, they could definitely put together a pretty decent party. “I’m trying not to think about it too much,” She sighed, though the Valentine’s Day ball was making it more difficult. “Oh, it’s definitely worth it just for the vodka. And then me, of course. I’m the second reason why you should come for a visit,” She added a wink. “Eh, the weather isn’t bad, but I’m sure it’s a lot different than South Africa. I think the highest temperature on record is only, like, thirty degrees? Which is fine by me, because I don’t think I could ever deal with anything hotter than that.”

Grace nodded, “Yeah, that makes sense. There are far more pressing matters in the world than who we’re all supposed to marry anyway.” She chuckled, though she knew the summit was important to a lot of people. She smiled then, “You and vodka? How could I ever resist! The perfect combination. Especially if you’ll give me free drinks.” She lifted her eyebrows, “We never get much lower than, like, twenty throughout most of the country- ever. The cold? Don’t have a lot of experience with it. Hopefully you have a coat I can borrow or something.” The princess joked, nudging the other with her elbow gently. 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

“Okay, well, in my defense I’m not trying to break into your room…I’ve succeeded in doing so,” she clarified, as if this somehow made anything better. “Besides, I was already outside so it would’ve just been more hassle to try and go all the way back in to use a door.” It was sound logic, really. Finding purchase on the nearest chair, she flipped it slightly so that she was left straddling the seat and her arms were resting on the back of the chair. “So, back to my initial reason for being here: How dare you steal a boat without me? That’s rude, man.”

Grace wrinkled her nose, teasing, “Why are we friends again? You’re lucky I don’t scare too easily or else that fire poker would’ve been flung at you.” She gestured toward the fireplace before leaning back on her elbows. The South African let out a laugh as she looked at the other princess, “Wait, are you mad? Wow, upset I have a new partner-in-crime, huh?” She joked, “It was betrothal bonding, I guess.” Grace shrugged, “It definitely broke the ice, that’s for sure.” 

[hrhgrvce]

hrhrikkeholstein

In all honesty, Rikke hadn’t even bothered to read Grace’s response to her question about the boat. It seemed like one of those stories that had to be told in-person, and the ear-lashing the redhead was planning to give her best mate was definitely an in-person type thing. It was child’s play to geo-locate the other’s phone, and a total piece of cake to get to the younger princess’s room. As she made her way in, she said “I cannot believe- Hey, listen, no- Hey stop screaming, it’s just me!” Closing the window behind her, the redhead just waited before adding, “You should get that reinforced by the way, it slid up like butter. Some weirdo could crawl in…well, some other weirdo.”

@hrhgrvce

Grace hopped up from her bed as soon as the window started to creak open, letting out a scream and getting ready to try her best to fend off whoever was trying to enter her room, but upon realizing who exactly it was, she dropped her shoulders, shouting, “Rikke?! What the fuck! What is it with everyone trying to break into my room lately?” She shook her head at her friend, lifting an eyebrow, “Well, let’s just be glad you’re one of the only weirdos I know that would try and come in through my window. Is there any particular reason why you couldn’t just slip in through the door?” She gestured over her shoulder, “It’s easier and you’re less likely to get yourself killed.” She deadpanned, sitting down on her bed again. 

[hrhgrvce]

nataliexwindsor

“Okay i lied.” she rolled her eyes as she exhaled. “I’m sick of having all these strangers in my home now.” a sigh left her lips as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. “It’s getting crowded.”

Grace raised her eyebrows, sparing a glance in Natalie’s direction, “Trust me, if I wasn’t being forced to be here right now then I wouldn’t be.” She crossed her legs, leaning back in her seat, “I’ll, at least, be out of your hair as soon as I’m able.” 

[hrhgrvce]

TEXT 📩 Grace

Rikke:You know me better than most people, except maybe my siblings. Would you really trust me with any possible responsibilities in shaping a tiny human thing?

Rikke: But back to this boat thing. Do share

Grace: oh, no, i definitely wouldn't, but it would be fun to watch

Grace: guess i shouldn't wish that upon a child though??

Grace: but ok, the boat thing, yes

Grace: elena- from cuba, who i'm betrothed to- and i, we went out and broke onto a boat

Grace: like a ship, historical replica type boat

[hrhgrvce]

TEXT 📩 Grace

Rikke: You've had a headstart! What have you been doing? As the Americans say, did you drink the kool-aid?

Rikke: Then if they want them so bad, they can go about popping them out themselves. WE LIVE IN MODERN TIMES GRACE!

Grace: i have not drank the kool-aid, as hard as they try to force it down our throats

Grace: i've mostly been bored

Grace: though i did help steal a boat, that was pretty fun

Grace: WELL OK... a very fair point, though somehow i feel like you'd still be expected to perform SOME parental duties

Grace: i'm a little rusty w relationships, but i'm assuming that's usually how marriages work

[hrhgrvce]

TEXT 📩 Grace

Rikke: If you tell me you've found a way to not be here, I will bequeath you my firstborn child that we know I'm probably not having

Grace: STILL working on it

Grace: if i found a way out of here you would be the first to know, scout's honor

Grace: also, you say that now, but what if your ~betrothed~ wants MANY children?

Grace: have to produce heirs to the throne and all that bullshit