beaujolais

stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires. LEON D'ANJOU count of beaujolais illegitimate son to king ferrant of france { dependent blog for crownshq }

[leondanjou]

☕ - get coffee with, go out to dinner with, steal their food (french fam)

THREE CHOICES MEME ;

GET COFFEE WITH: @adalsindaofanjou​ (to catch up on all those missed years xoxo)

GO OUT TO DINNER WITH: @queenalexandrina (he wants to wine n dine drina. does she count as fam???)

STEAL THEIR FOOD: @blanchedanjou (hopefully it’ll make her die quicker)

[leondanjou]

💫 - fight, tickle, insult. (Thomas, Marius, Alfonso)

THREE CHOICES MEME ;

FIGHT: @allfcnso (Leon would literally die so @queenalexandrina could get her country back and we all know Alfonso has grabby hands)

TICKLE: @princethomas (because why not???)

INSULT: @mariusdanjou (I was going to choose fight but this poor man has taken enough of a beating already lbr)

[leondanjou]

🦋 - the portuguese

THREE CHOICES MEME ; 

BEFRIEND: @rafaeldeourem (cause he seems a smart guy)

ADOPT: @infantacarclina (she’s cute)

IGNORE: @ofmarquessa (sh i’m allowed to say that to my own muse)

[crownshqsinspo]

virusinfected-memes​:

THREE (3) CHOICES ;

Send an emoji below + three (3) different characters / muses that my muse must pick from! Some choices are considered ns / fw.

💍 - fuck, marry, kill. we already did this one but w/e  💋 - hug, cuddle, kiss. 💫 - fight, tickle, insult. 🦋 - befriend, adopt, ignore. 🥊 - pinch, slap, punch. ✨ - summon, banish, absorb. 🗳️ - vote for, vote against, run against. ☕ - get coffee with, go out to dinner with, steal their food. 💰 - rob a bank with, hide a body with, rat out to the cops. 🚦 - be stuck in an elevator with, be stuck in traffic with, be stuck in the apocalypse with. 🎉 - hang out with, party with, ghost. 🍪 - make cookies for, make a five-course meal for, burn all their food. 🔪 - protect, attack, fight side-by-side with. 💬 - SEND IN YOUR OWN THREE OPTIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE!

[leondanjou]

MARQUESSA. 

[justanotherrpmemeblog]

My character is under a truth serum, ask them anything.

MY CHARACTER HAS TO ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, NO MATTER THE QUESTION.

[leondanjou]

MARQUESSA.

[leondanjou]

ANTOINETTE DORIA ; 

———— The peaceful sound of an excellent harpist’s fingers surrounded the woman as though it was an aura made only for her. a freedom was laced throughout her movements that is uncommon for her stature - she has no need to be the most proper princess- as there was hardly a chance of her having a suitor any longer. Marked as an eccentric figure with her head far too involved in the clouds, few gentlemen found themselves intrigued by her. It had once torn at her heart to be rejected so, but there was nothing in her now that would suggest such things. The world was too vast and life far too short for her to have allowed herself to be consumed by the male desires lingering about their court.

As she is spinning away from her latest partner, her eyes note something of great significance. Her cousin stood not far from her frame, his attention captured by another courtesan. Shock crosses over a once calm visage, a smirk forming on her face so wide she can hardly contain it. When was it last I have seen him? Before his shift in stature? She mulls, crossing the hall until she is right before him, ignoring the servant who was speaking to him. “Cousin, I did not receive word that you were attending this day… Did you not find it important to write to me? I feel slighted.” As she finishes, she throws the last of her wine towards the back of her throat. “Come, tell me of what I have missed.” It is then that she tugs gently at his sleeve, nodding her head towards one of the exits.

†

          Leon’s gaze shifted to the familiar voice that echoed from his childhood, accompanied by the all too familiar blonde locks and sharp cheek bones that he had once known, not too long ago. A wide grin appeared instantly upon the Count’s lips as his attention fully locked onto his cousin, carelessly tossing aside his previous conversation. She was much older now, much more strikingly beautiful than he remembered. He stepped forwards to meet her, pushing through the tight crowd of guests desperate to catch a glimpse of the French king himself. “Antoinette!” he beamed with excitement. “Well I thought it better to surprise you. Are you not pleased to see me?” Leon gently reasoning, her reaction being a quick reminder for just how temperamental women could be - which was likely to be one of the reasons the young Count was not yet married. One of the many reasons.

He agreeably followed her lead, allowing himself to be tugged into the much quieter halls that surrounded the grand hall. In truth Leon’s life had not changed all that much, which he was entirely pleased about. “I am still trying to keep my grandmother as far away as possible as the last thing I need is to be exiled from court a second time.” although he hoped if she did attempt it again that Philip would over rule any sour judgements she had towards his half brother. “Marius is skulking around here... Somewhere.” he carelessly waved his hand as if to wave away the topic of his uncle, someone who was merely a second thought. “Young Louis is the image of his mother, much to the Queen Mother’s distaste. And we all know how much she despises bastards.” Leon leaned in closer to utter his last comment with a knowing smirk. “But enough about this tirelessly tedious family. I hope you are well, dear cousin?”

[leondanjou]

✿ for Ada!

PRE-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP MEME ; @adalsindaofanjou

(( bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.))

FRIENDSHIP.     childhood friends  / work buddies or coworkers  /  family friends  / friends with benefits  / smoking buddies  / adventure buddies  / fake friends  /  recently friends  / party buddies  /  friendship of need  /  dying friendship  /  circumstantial friendship  /  partners in crime  /  old friendship  /  [ your muse ] is the good influence  / [ your muse ] is the bad influence  / [ my muse ] is the good influence  / [ my muse ] is the bad influence  / opposites attract  /  ride or die  /  frenemies  /  roommates or flatmates  /  penpals  /  exes to friends  /  enemies to friends  /  other .

ROMANCE.     childhood sweethearts  /  [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush  /  [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush  /  exes  /  exes to lovers  /  forbidden lovers  /  highschool sweethearts  /  secret relationship  /  opposites attract  /  long distance  /  unrequited [ from your muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from my muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from both sides ]  /  skinny love  /  friends to lovers  /  enemies to lovers  /  spurious relationship  /  power couple  /  newly entered  /  soulmates [ metaphorical ]  /  soulmates  [ literal ]  /  awkward  /  turning toxic  /  toxic love  /  cheating [ on your muse ]  /  cheating [ with your muse ]  /  other . (basically none of these since they’re siblings)

FAMILIAL.     siblings [ half ]  /  siblings [ step ]  /  [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure  /  [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse  /  [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours  /  [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse  /  guardian figure  /  legal guardian  /  adoptive child  /  foster child  /  [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing  /  [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing  /  other .

ANTAGONISTIC.     dangerous to each other  /  dangerous to others  /  unpredictable  /  rivals /  petty  /  developing into sexual or romantic tension  /  based off family matters  /  based of off circumstance  /  based of professional matters  /  based off misunderstanding or lies  /  conflict of ideology  /  betrayal  /  hero - villain dynamic  /  enemies  /  fight club  /  friends turned enemies  /  lovers turned enemies  /  exes turned enemies  /  other .

[leondanjou]

✿ pre-estab for ivan

PRE-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP MEME ; @ivanrurik

(( bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.))

FRIENDSHIP.     childhood friends  /  work buddies or coworkers  /  family friends  /  friends with benefits  /  smoking buddies  /  adventure buddies  /  fake friends  /  recently friends  /  party buddies  /  friendship of need  /  dying friendship  /  circumstantial friendship  /  partners in crime  /  old friendship  /  [ your muse ] is the good influence  /  [ your muse ] is the bad influence  /  [ my muse ] is the good influence  /  [ my muse ] is the bad influence  /  opposites attract  /  ride or die  /  frenemies  /  roommates or flatmates  /  penpals  /  exes to friends  /  enemies to friends  /  other .

ROMANCE.     childhood sweethearts  /  [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush  /  [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush  /  exes  /  exes to lovers  /  forbidden lovers  /  highschool sweethearts  /  secret relationship  /  opposites attract  /  long distance  /  unrequited [ from your muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from my muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from both sides ]  /  skinny love  /  friends to lovers  /  enemies to lovers  /  spurious relationship  /  power couple  /  newly entered  /  soulmates [ metaphorical ]  /  soulmates  [ literal ]  /  awkward  /  turning toxic  /  toxic love  /  cheating [ on your muse ]  /  cheating [ with your muse ]  /  other . (i’m sorry leon is het, although he could be persuaded *wink wink nudge nudge* )

FAMILIAL.     siblings [ half ]  /  siblings [ step ]  /  [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure  /  [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse  /  [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours  /  [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse  /  guardian figure  /  legal guardian  /  adoptive child  /  foster child  /  [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing  /  [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing  /  other .

ANTAGONISTIC.     dangerous to each other  /  dangerous to others  /  unpredictable  /  rivals  /  petty  /  developing into sexual or romantic tension  /  based off family matters  /  based of off circumstance  /  based of professional matters  /  based off misunderstanding or lies  /  conflict of ideology  /  betrayal  /  hero - villain dynamic  /  enemies  /  fight club  /  friends turned enemies  /  lovers turned enemies  /  exes turned enemies  /  other .

[eviefyres]

PRE-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP MEME 0.2

over a year ago, i made this meme & since then, it’s blown up. so, over a year later — i thought i would make a new one. so here it is, after several requests & a pile of brains,  THE PRE-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP MEME 0.2

send me a  ✿  and i’ll fill out the template below. bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.

FRIENDSHIP.     childhood friends  /  work buddies or coworkers  /  family friends  /  friends with benefits  /  smoking buddies  /  adventure buddies  /  fake friends  /  recently friends  /  party buddies  /  friendship of need  /  dying friendship  /  circumstantial friendship  /  partners in crime  /  old friendship  /  [ your muse ] is the good influence  /  [ your muse ] is the bad influence  /  [ my muse ] is the good influence  /  [ my muse ] is the bad influence  /  opposites attract  /  ride or die  /  frenemies  /  roommates or flatmates  /  penpals  /  exes to friends  /  enemies to friends  /  other .

ROMANCE.     childhood sweethearts  /  [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush  /  [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush  /  exes  /  exes to lovers  /  forbidden lovers  /  highschool sweethearts  /  secret relationship  /  opposites attract  /  long distance  /  unrequited [ from your muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from my muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from both sides ]  /  skinny love  /  friends to lovers  /  enemies to lovers  /  spurious relationship  /  power couple  /  newly entered  /  soulmates [ metaphorical ]  /  soulmates  [ literal ]  /  awkward  /  turning toxic  /  toxic love  /  cheating [ on your muse ]  /  cheating [ with your muse ]  /  other .

FAMILIAL.     siblings [ half ]  /  siblings [ step ]  /  [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure  /  [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse  /  [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours  /  [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse  /  guardian figure  /  legal guardian  /  adoptive child  /  foster child  /  [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing  /  [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing  /  other .

ANTAGONISTIC.     dangerous to each other  /  dangerous to others  /  unpredictable  /  rivals  /  petty  /  developing into sexual or romantic tension  /  based off family matters  /  based of off circumstance  /  based of professional matters  /  based off misunderstanding or lies  /  conflict of ideology  /  betrayal  /  hero - villain dynamic  /  enemies  /  fight club  /  friends turned enemies  /  lovers turned enemies  /  exes turned enemies  /  other .

[leondanjou]

MARQUESSA.

[leondanjou]

LUCREZIA DE VIDAURE ; 

She watched him carefully, her eyes dark and observant; like a mature cat watching its prey scatter to and fro, thinking she couldn’t catch it. For his eyes kept straying around her, dancing around as not to focus on the immediate danger. In truth, Lucrezia liked it this way. 

She also wished to close his mouth, for his thoughts on his father’s canonisation uniting the world’s kingdoms was enough to make the Aragonese bite back bile. But she was not one to talk — for didn’t she only think positive things of the late King and Queen of Aragon? With distaste, she smiled and bowed her head at the mere mention of his father. Despite being his illegitimate son, it seemed that Leon would thrive beneath the rule of Philip. It was indeed a blessing that he had missed the reign of the exiled Uncle, otherwise Leon wouldn’t have been so lucky. 

Another sip of wine brought Lucrezia’s smile back, leaving her with room to decipher his answers and wandering eye. She wondered — did he think she was as pure as freshly fallen snow? Or like the maidens who came to the Queen for experience at court? With anther sip, she hummed and tucked her head to one side. “You must be good, for your brother and for the Queen — you represent a Dynasty larger than yourself.”

†

          “Must you always be so serious?” he almost huffed like a scorned child and despite his previous promises of remaining sober this evening, he too raised his chalice to his lips to find a moment of solace to himself. “I represent a new age of this Dynasty. As does my brother, the King.” his words lingered like thick rings of smoke before dancing upwards and dissipating into disappearance although their weight could still be felt. Leon and Philip’s storyline had been forced upon them by their grandmother as she tirelessly fought for Philip’s grand rising. Although the Queen Mother had gotten all that she had hoped for - and then some, as the two boys grew to be as thick as thieves. Leon’s relationship with his brother was enviable and he was certain that it made Blanche’s lips twist into a thin evil line at their closeness.

“Come, Lady Lucrezia,  you eyes are always watching, your ears always listening.” the Count moved to stand beside her to survey the scene before them. “Pray tell what you have deduced in this one evening alone. Your observations never disappoint.”

[leondanjou]

BLANCHE D’ANJOU ; 

The Queen Mother looked at the bastard that was her grandson by rights. It was lucky for him that his father did provide France with a male heir from his marriage. Or Blanche could not imagine the things she would need to do to prevent bastardy blood to creep its way onto the Anjou throne. For all she knew, this half-Anjou boy was already in line to steal the throne from Philip… just like all those who had tried, were trying, and would be so. His response only stiffened the old queen’s upper lip and made her left eye lid twitch.

Yet that was all the irritation she allowed him to see. “God rest his soul indeed.” He was correct; such courtesy was Ferrant’s. So was the charming smile and the brightness in the eyes. The sight brought anger and perhaps, pain. After all she was Ferrant’s mother; any visage of him brought a jolt of pain to the chest. “It is always a welcoming sight when sons take after their fathers. But as a woman, I find more joy when children exhibit a likeness to their mothers as well. It is heartwarming that Philip takes after this father and his mother, the late Queen of France. Don’t you think that makes him all the more fitting as our King?”

†

          And so they began their dance, to and fro, constantly belittling the other just so they appeared one inch taller and could walk away with a knowing smirk that they had won. Usually Leon would appease his grandmother, offering soft agreeable comments as the alternative required far too much energy than the Count could muster. But tonight, oh tonight he was dancing among the stars, and not even the Queen Mother could draw him back down to Earth.

“Oh I could not agree more, Your Majesty.” his smile was sweet like honey, his words laden with enough sugar to rot one’s teeth. “Philip will be remembered as one of the finest King’s France has seen, that I am sure of. He is walking the path laid before him by his lineage. Although-” Leon’s tone changed ever so delicately, “what of those who were not born with prosperity thrust upon them? Those who have no path to follow, and must forge their own. I find they are the people I find most interesting.”

[leondanjou]

MARIUS D’ANJOU ; 

STATUS: closed to @leondanjou​​ LOCATION: beneath the celebrations held by the Seine river bank TIMESTAMP: The Opening Celebrations, February 1459

Marius sulked behind his stoic glare, his lust leading to only the bedchamber he could rest in whilst holding the children he would one day lose. Maxim & Marie-Therese had lost their mother, the one person who could provide the emotional needs that infants desire — Marius had never learned how to let go of duty. He blamed his mother and father, for drumming into him was the fact that the Dynasty of Anjou came before all else. 

This was where his distaste of Leon began, how could he like him after all? He was the bastard son of Ferrant, a brother who was now canonised by, what he guessed, was the sole hand of his mother. Marius could not remember Ferrant as pious, tender or even as a good King — he only remembered the performances, the bullying, the acts of hatred that bore between the heir and the spare. 

To see Leon was heart-wrenching, for he himself had bastards; even if he believed that both of his children were legitimate in the eyes of god and love. Tensing his jaw, met beneath the guise of celebration and diplomacy, Marius approached his nephew — looking down his nose onwards at him instead. “I’m surprised to see you here… I thought you’d be lost in a tavern somewhere.”

†

          As a young boy, Leon yearned for those familial connections to which he had been banned from by his grandmother. All he longed for was to be held by his mother, to be praised by his father and to be running amuck through the palace halls with his brother and sister. Although the Paris he returned to was a stark contrast to the fantasy he had built for himself in his imagination. Instead the palace possessed dark shadows that leered over him like a hunger stricken beast, impatiently awaiting the perfect moment to go in for the kill. Marius was amongst those shadows that Leon had been so fearful of.

“As am I surprised to see you here.” although Leon knew that death waited for no man, it would take life as quickly as it was given. “May I offer you my most deep and sincere sympathy for your loss. Know that those we love never truly leave us. There are some things that even death cannot touch.” Leon held his gaze with Marius’ in this fleeting moment of sincerity, but breaking it to catch the eye of a beautiful creature. “The tales of a tavern pale in comparison to the importance this night holds. Besides, there are many here who would surely miss my absence and I would not wish to disappoint them.” 

[leondanjou]

ALEXANDRINA D’ANJOU ; 

alexandrina was grateful that leon could so easily disengage from the well-liquored throngs of guests. she supposed his status as an illegitimate son of royal blood afforded him many privileges without the pressures currently bearing down on the king and queen and for that she envied him. earning the respect and favor of the french had been an uphill battle for the queen consort but she had spent time at prince marius’s court as a girl with her exiled family and making a home in a foreign land was nothing new to her. at first, some whispered that the marriage alliance was useless and that a french-born bride would have better served the image of ascendancy, resulting in a polarized welcome for the new queen leaving her grateful to anyone who showed her respect and kindness in those early days. once a dauphin was born she would remember and show favor to those courtiers who accepted their queen without hesitation, prepared to lavish lands and position upon her supporters. others left her feeling perpetually on edge for she knew well enough how to spot grasping figures. many of the inner circle perhaps wished philip was still a boy, easily controlled, a figurehead for their own agenda instead of a grown man, anointed by god to rule. as such, she preferred those who she knew for certain were loyal to their sovereign king

“the pleasantries are easily handled, but indeed the grand hall itself has become rather stifling,” she murmured as they swiftly trekked down the vast eastern corridor of the palace leading to the painstakingly planned gardens, “and we really must corral the little creature before he tramples my violets or crosses paths with a guest but i shall acquiesce and leave traipsing through the greenery to you, monsieur. come now, fresh air will give us the strength to carry on.” as they stepped out onto the grounds her lungs filled with sweetly scented night air and for a solitary instant she forgot her mission, her responsibilities and all the unpleasant side effects of queenship but of course, the sound of rustling in the neat rows of shrubbery brought her back to reality. “do you hear it?”

†

          The Queen was his sun and despite her magnetising beauty, Leon dared not look too long for there were no doubt spies within the French court. Spies of another country or his own kin, it mattered not. Because gossip flowed through the veins of every man, woman, and servant of the royal court and its worth was more than that of gold. Any lingering gaze could be pulled like a loose thread and unravelled into an unhealthy rumour, and tied into a noose. Leon could not- no, would not do that to Alexandrina. The Queen was his sun, giving new life to everything around her, including the Count himself.

“Although dare I say that I believe the poor Duke of Nemours appears to have fallen in a large vat of wine and has the legs of a new born babe.” his tone was lavished in amusement although he suddenly halted, extending his arm in front of the Queen to stop her gait. He stopped to listen - although he could swear he felt the delicate textures of Alexandrina’s corset as she exhaled and Leon tirelessly fought against his heart wishing to take flight. “Do not move-” 

The Count reappeared only moments later, appearing to have been involved in quite the scuffle with the shrubbery as it now haphazardly adorned his head like a crown. “I must inform you that he did extend to me his deepest apologies for disrupting the Queen on her night of pageantry. He assured me it will not happen again.” Leon gently contorted the pup’s limbs like a puppeteer to give Alexandrina the most dignified bow. “Come, let us return him to his dwellings and Your Majesty to some warmth.” 

[leondanjou]

december 6th - december 15th ; 175. TOTAL ; 175.

bonus for applying for a male as first muse = 100 starter (15) = 1 replies (10) = 6

[leondanjou]

ISABELLA SFORZA ; 

❇

Isabella heard the count’s words, processing them, letting them tell her all they had to expose. “You know the French people better than I do, so I don’t doubt you are right. Perhaps they just need time to get used to the idea. Change and new realities can be scary for some,” the Italian commented, nodding her head with a polite smile on her lips. As far as Isabella was concerned, a King that needed his subjects to tell others how great he was, was no great King at all. At least, that was what her father had always taught her –– self proclaimed glory is no glory at all, let your actions speak for your greatness. Isabella would not say anything to break that image, of course, for some thoughts are better kept only inside one’s mind. 

“I doubt this beautiful city will disappoint me. Do you happen to know of anyone that would be free to show me Paris as it ought to be seen?” Her words hung between them; though her sentence had been carefully crafted, it was also deliberate invitation. Who better to show her the city she ought to live in for the next weeks, perhaps months, other than a Parisian himself? It also helped that he was the late King’s son and the current King’s brother. Who better to show her the workings of court, as well?

Her smile grew into an amused, wider one. “Very much to my liking, Messere, though the celebrations thrown back in Milan pale in comparison, at least in size. I do like the dancing and the music,” Isabella began, looking back at the dancing bodies, the chatter almost inaudible. Then, she looked at Leon again, “I could not have wished for a better welcome into Paris. You do seem to be in your element, if I may be so direct.”

†

          “I am certain there are many French noblemen chomping at the bit to have you upon their arm for all of Paris to gaze upon in zealous of such a rare and exotic beauty.” Leon quipped with quiet smirk that could only be detected by one studying his features in close proximity. Naturally when speaking to others his words would always be laced with an intricate design of flattery but he hardly had to try when conversing with Isabella. Or any beautiful woman, for that matter. “Or are you seeking a more personal tour? Of that I can certainly arrange for you.”

“I was told stories of this palace as a child and I dreamt of it every night.” Leon’s gaze fluttered between the guests, as if quickly analysing their expressions and postures for any unrest or unease. “I was told that it gives birth to such beauty that it might steal the breath of any man, and seduce the heart of any woman. I have not been able to breathe for years, and I do hope that you surrender your heart. To surrender is to feel, and to feel is to live, and feeling alive is the rarest thing in the world.” although now his eyes rested upon Isabella’s, and in this sweet moment he noticed the way she blinked was akin to the dance of a butterfly’s wing; soft yet certain.

“Lady Isabella,” Leon raised an open palm, “would you like to dance?”

[leondanjou]

LUCREZIA DE VIDAURE ; 

The evening had seemed long and uneasy on the head that was Lucrezia’s - acting as the head lady in waiting to the Queen of the host Kingdom was rough to allow anyone to slope their shoulders. And yet, she continued, ploughing herself a new path as she went from group to group of courtiers. Many countries seemed to be there; from the familiar paths of Iberia to the exotic Ming Empire! Almost breathless with both expectation and duty, Lucrezia decided to approach Leon instead — the count and bastard son of the late Ferrant. 

It wasn’t that she didn’t like him, but she watched him nonetheless. Her devotion to the Queen meant that any other soul was a potential threat to her place in France (after all, the new King’s very bastard was enough to shake the foundation in which Alexandrina had built for many lonely years). With a slight grimace daring to appear beneath her visage, Lucrezia turned and bowed her head slightly for the Count. 

“My lord, how do you find yourself this evening?” She asked with grace, keeping her hands empty and far away from the temptation of wine. It was a work night and later she would have to group together the other ladies who would be far too in over their heads with the amount of men to make it an easy job. “I hope you are not causing too much  trouble…” 

†

          “Lady Lucrezia.” despite his wonderment at greeting such an exotic selection of new guests to the French court, Leon still found relief at a familiar face. It meant he did not have to carefully structure the intricacy of pleasantries and perform the  over exuberant rubbing of egos, and for this he finally exhaled softly, his posture adjusting in a way that was barely noticeable but made all the difference to the Count. “It is magnifique, is it not?” Leon’s eyes glistened with the reflection of the brightly lit candelabrum with shadows of their fellow courtiers dancing upon his cheeks. “I am not so naïve to believe that they are all here in celebration of my father.” he leaned towards Lucrezia to utter his confession. “But to see such unity is inspiring. Even the Pope himself could not achieve such unanimity among nations.” this was a night to truly be proud of his French heritage.

“Oh I hardly cause trouble, Lucrezia. I simply lend a helping hand to those who perhaps wish to explore the forbidden fruits of our mortal world.” he could not help but smirk at his words, taking a gentle sip from his chalice of rich French wine. “After all, what is the use of all this merriment if we cannot indulge in the fruits of our labour?” Leon was well aware of the hidden reputations beheld by the army of ladies-in-waiting to the Queen and he knew Lucrezia would gasp at the horror of half the stories he could tell.

[leondanjou]

ISABELLA SFORZA ; 

❇

Iacoppo had taught his daughter the importance of duty, the importance of knowing those around you and their relationships with others — both of the personal and business nature. And, whilst on French ground, Isabella couldn’t help but think back to what the crown prince had done to someone she now considered a friend, a part of her family. Although there was no stake for her in that failed relationship, Isabella knew better than to trust a nation that had been so miserably represented. And so, it was her duty to stand beside the family that the Sforza name was so closely connected to — both out of duty and out of honor.

It was a small surprise, to hear her name uttered with such confidence by someone that she had never met before. No doubt, the man beside the one she spoke to had leaned towards him to tell him exactly who she was. Isabella mirrored the man’s bow, giving him the same respect he had given her. No doubt a frech man, Isabella wasn’t one to hold grudges towards someone for no reason and, as far as she was concerned, the Count had nothing to do with what was done to Caterina.

The moment he introduced himself, Isabella knew who she was speaking to — the late King’s bastard. Isabella noted the way he introduced himself. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Messere D’Anjou.” A polite smile adorned her words. No matter how proficient Isabella was in other languages, some form of her Italian roots would always slip through. “Your hope is the same as mine. Hopefully, the uproar in the streets will keep itself contained.” Isabella was not known to hold back words she wanted to say; though she was known to deliver them in the most graceful manner. “My journey, though long and tiresome, was made safely. Though I will not be going on any other long outing any time soon.” Too much time inside a carriage had taken its toll on the Sforza heiress. “Are celebrations in French court always so… monumental?” 

†

          Leon was aware that the foreign guests to the French court would be quick to judge a bastard, forming an opinion without truly knowing him. And so he was eager to make an impression before they even had the opportunity to listen to the rumours of his reputation. He had spent weeks, maybe months, studying the guests who were to attend the French festivities because if he were to make any sort of impression at all, he hoped it would be a good one.

“Patience is a virtue and they just need time,” or persuasion, Leon thought to himself, “to remember the greatness of our late King. He truly was a saint amongst us mere mortals. They will soon be shouting his name in an uproar of celebration.” the Count certainly was not naive, he was aware of the French people’s plight, but the Eurasian nobles and monarchs were here for a grand show, not to listen to the French whittle away about their worries.  

“I am pleased to hear you will not be leaving court as quickly as you arrived. There is much to see within the city of Paris and its surroundings that I am sure will satisfy you.” he leaned in with a quiet smirk pulling upon the corners of his lips, his eyes possessing a lingering gaze. Leon’s smirk smoothly shifted into a wide grin at her question because the velocity of their celebrations was one thing he adored about France. “Always.” the French court was almost like the forbidden fruit, visitors often felt insatiable after their departure. “Tell me, my Lady, is it not to your liking?”