facing dangers

[ophclial]

leopoldvonkleist

“aw, you mean you don’t love me? my heart is broken, truly,” placing both hands over his chest - dramatically - leo made the most absurd yet pained face he could manage. but soon the hurt expression turned into an unamused frown. “i don’t know in which world you have lived but most marriages lack both love and affection. they are just routine and commodity. which, i assume, we are more than capable of doing.” were they agreeing on something? it seemed impossible but yet it had happened. “i guess you only remember what you want to remember. no one in this reality would call you an angel, ophelia. don’t be delusional.” he shook his head, softly. “good thing we are both the future rulers of our countries and won’t have to see each other much. i suppose our best option is to have twins so we can keep one each and never have to interact again.” 

“i’m sure it is.” ophelia deadpanned, crossing her arms over her chest, “more than capable is right.” agreeing with leo was a weird feeling, but a welcome one in this scenario. as long as the terms of their marriage was agreed upon then everything would be ok, right? she had to at least tell herself that it would be, “we know how this goes. i guess i just didn't expect us to be paired together.” which was true enough, she didn't expect to be married off to a country that people actually cared about- it was a pleasant surprise honestly. she scoffed then, “ok, maybe not an angel- that may be a stretch- but we were friends. kind of.” she shrugged one shoulder. she grimaced, “don’t remind me about that part. the heir conversation can be had later.” though, she had to admit, a combination of their genes would most likely produce stunning children, “interesting that that is the thing you’re most interested in bringing up.” the princess teased with a raise of her eyebrow. 

[ophclial]

thatangustia

“What are you trying to say…?”

Ophelia looked, arching an eyebrow, “Well, I was on the phone, but what I’m saying is that if you need something done then you’ve got to do it yourself.” She huffed, hanging up from her call. 

[ophclial]

leopoldvonkleist

“not till we tie the knot,” he pointed out. again. he seemed to be doing that a lot in their conversation. it wasn’t even on purpose. or at least not completely. he just felt the need to correct her.  "that’s funny. it almost sounds like you want to have a real marriage.“ he was pretty sure out of the marriages born at the summit only a small percent would care to know what was going on with their partner. perhaps it was his mistake but he had assumed theirs wouldn’t fall into that category. "my endless will to annoy you. i’m quite resilient when it comes to being an asshole.” leo raised an eyebrow. “you were a brat. i remember it like it was yesterday.”

“an actual marriage would require love and affection- or whatever- so, no, i just want a mutually beneficial marriage.” in actuality, as long as it benefitted her then it was fine, but, again, that would maybe be a little selfish of her to say aloud, “and since i’m assuming you aren’t in love with me i’m sure we can make this kind of marriage work.” ophelia needed to know what was going on with leo for her own sake, to ensure that she could get all she needed from being married to a crown prince. she scoffed, “i guess you have a terrible- or selective- memory then because i was a perfect angel.” she quipped, “you on the other hand? just trouble. and annoying. so, i guess i do underestimate your potential annoyance- guess i thought you’d grow out of it.” 

[ophclial]

leopoldvonkleist

leo raised an eyebrow mockingly. that was a terrible excuse and there was no way she believed otherwise. “would it, though?” there were a million arguments he could use; like the fact that no one would know, that there wasn’t really any obligation for her to actually care or that when you don’t care about someone their presence, or lack of, is barely registered. but he remained quiet, instead silently smirking at her. “you underestimate me.” perhaps their stubbornness was the only thing they had in common but it clearly was a trait they both shared. “so you’re still the bratty, opinionated little girl I used to know? interesting.”

“yes, it would.” ophelia insisted, “we’re a duo now. at least, in the eyes of the monarchies.” she shrugged, “i should know what’s going on with you.” the real irony was that she had no idea was was going on with leo and hadn't in quite a few years, but, whatever. the princess lifted an eyebrow, truly intrigued, “what do i underestimate about you?” she narrowed her eyes then, “opinionated? yes. but bratty? i object fully to that assertion.” she wrinkled her nose, “i was not a brat.” though, admittedly, she kind of was and some would say she still was. now, though, it was usually ‘bitchy’ or ‘demanding’ that was thrown around- both of which she could often be. 

[ophclial]

hrhmykienav

It was Mykie’s turn to let out a wry chuckle at the suggestion of wedding planning. “Uh…no,” she replied before adding, “But I would be more than up for helping you find the perfect wedding planner, which will at least alleviate some of the stress from that direction. As for note having time to relax, I can wholeheartedly agree that it does seem that way sometimes…well…most of the time, but relaxing, decompressing, and re-finding your center are all things that you need to make time for. Bottling stress is like shaking up a bottle of soda and then having a mentos mint drop in it. Except, you never know when the mint will drop or if it will be something significant or something as simple as realizing your walk down the aisle was just one step short of an even number. Do you really want to breakdown in front of all your guests and have to explain?”

She honestly should’ve known better than to think that Ophelia would let her off easy. “I know the basics that I’ve been able to gather from the internet and such,” she began, and it wasn’t entirely a lie. Her recon had been a bit more intense, but details, schmetails. “Her name is Nadiya Chernigov, and she’s the older Princess of the Ukraine.” Mykie nodded in understanding as Ophelia spoke. “Yes, well when it’s been that long, it can definitely feel like you’re meeting a stranger all over again, and that’s if you weren’t left feeling they were a stranger even then. But, it can be a positive. Clean slate, if you will. And in then end you can just rest easy that least you didn’t somehow wind up betrothed to a possible relative.”

Ophelia gave her a slight nod of understanding, flashing a soft smile, “Very fair, we all have enough planning to do, I guess? The point of planning so meticulously is so that I don’t breakdown in front of my guest. What an embarrassment that would be!” She grimaced at the thought. Everything would be perfect or else- that was how she felt about it. She needed everything to be worthy of her and of her family. She lifted an eyebrow then, asking, “Is that why you’re down here baking away? To relieve stress?” 

“Googling your betrothed?” She tilted her head to the side, “I’m sure that would bring up a number of interesting things. I mean, have you ever tried googling yourself? It’s appalling the amount of creepy information some royal fanatics have.” Ophelia shivered- half-sarcastic, half-serious. She shrugged, “Yes, that’s not a bad way to look at it. I just wish he was more on the same page as me. He’s always been very good at knocking me off my game.” Which, of course, was very uncharacteristic for the princess. Ophelia was always on her game. 

[ophclial]

clavdines

Claude’s lips twitched, cocking an eyebrow as she stared at the other princess. “Afraid of a little lizard? He won’t do anything to you, I promise. Very tame,” she assured. “Also, y’know, a chameleon. You’ve seen Tangled right?”

Ophelia held her hands out in front of her, “Tame? Hardly. Animals are very hard to domesticate. And reptiles are disgusting creatures.” The princess wasn’t afraid of much, but she had a slight aversion to reptiles. She furrowed her brow then, “Tangled? No, what's that? Can’t say I’ve seen it.” 

[juliawvicker]

[ophclial]

hrhmykienav

There was an underlying tone with which the statement was made, that so clearly resounded in the woman’s almost defeated body-language, that let Mykie know this wasn’t just another cry for pity -like it may come across on the surface. Her friend was actually treading water, and this may very well be the first time she’d said as much to anyone else. “I think fair few of us are on a similar boat, but it certainly doesn’t help to isolate yourself and only vent when someone caps on your cookie taste,” she said, a hint of humor easing back into the conversation. “Much like the principal of a nail of beds, the best way to minimize damage is to distribute the weight. There will likely not be a single other royal that shares your exact situation -here or home- but I’m at least willing to try and keep you from giving yourself an aneurysm.” It also, of course, helped to have someone else’s problems to focus on when one was an expert at avoiding their own.

The Argentine Princess gave a small shrug, “One midnight snack at a time, I suppose. I’ve yet to actually meet my betrothed, but I suppose all in due time.” Blue-eyes widened slightly at the mention of her old-friend. “Oh wow, Leo? It’s been a good while since I’ve gotten to chat with him, but it could be worse,” Mykie pointed before dialing it back a bit at the mention of Ophelia having known him from before. “…well, that didn’t sound ominous at all…”

Ophelia let out a half-hearted chuckle at Mykie’s joke, “Well, I still stand by my cookie choice, but that’s a problem for another day.” She sat down in a nearby chair, resting her chin in her palm, “Any stress relief would be appreciated at this time. Though, I suppose I don’t really have time to relax. There’s so much to be done, too many preparations to be made. Want to be my co-wedding planner?” She teased, lifting a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at the other princess. 

“Do you know of them, at least? What they’re like at all?” She asked, actually curious as to who Mykie had been stuck with. She nodded, letting out a breath and sparing her a slight grin, “Yes, well, we were friends as children.” And Ophelia had been as confused by him then as she was now- he threw off in a way that was not easy for many to achieve, “But it’s been years since we’ve even been in the same room. Though, I suppose you are right, I could have been matched with someone from a much smaller country. Or someone unattractive. It could be far worse.” 

[ophclial]

leopoldvonkleist

leo stared right into her eyes for a long minute, deciding right then and there to make a game out of seeing how long it took the princess to call off the marriage. then, after making eye contact for way long than necessary, a move to try to inconvenience her, he finally spoke. “not wanting to do something is good enough reason to me.” the declaration was followed by a careless shrug. “and yet you seem to have noticed my absence plenty.” his words pronunciated with the cockiest, most infuriating tone he could muster. “don’t worry, sweetheart, being married to me is going to be a ride,” the wink that followed was only to add effect but he was hoping to get a roll of eyes out of her.

“well, it would be quite rude if i didn't notice your absence, don’t you think? we are to be married after all.” ophelia gave him a half-shrug and a smug smile, trying to be a picture of nonchalance. her excuse was bad, but it was an excuse nonetheless and she had to roll with it now. following his next statement, ophelia did roll her eyes, still trying to be wholly unimpressed with the prince’s words- though, it worried her, “you’re not going to fuck this up for me.” she said it with a laugh, but she was serious, “it may be a wild ride, but you know i’ll do whatever it takes for my country. for my family.” for me, but that might sound too selfish, “and you know i’m not going to make it easy on you. i haven't changed completely since we were young.” she chuckled quietly, tipping her chin up slightly. 

[ophclial]

chenyu-lan

“Used to,” Yu Lan cleared her throat. It had been a while since she’d been with Ophelia, and while plenty of those memories were happy, she could also remember exactly why they were no longer together. “I can see why they wouldn’t use their own rooms, especially if they’re with someone that they shouldn’t be with, but I don’t see why they can’t use one of the other hundreds of rooms here,” She rolled her eyes. “Let’s face it, not everyone here is the brightest.”

“I guess that was a pretty long time ago, hm?” She nodded once, eyes flicking over the other woman, trying to read her emotions and body language. Ophelia shrugged then, “I mean, sure, but how much trouble will they really get in if it’s someone they’re not supposed to be with? They’ll still be forced into a marriage- unless they’re not royals, then I’m even more intrigued.” She agreed with a scoff, “With parents who can pay for the best education a person can get, you’d think the people here would be at least a little bit smarter.” 

[ophclial]

clavdines

Holding her arm out, Claude displayed the chameleon. “I am 95% sure this is someone’s pet because I don’t think these guys are a native species but at the same time… Who brings a pet and is it stealing if I keep it?” She paused, then added, “I mean, I won’t – I don’t know how to take care of them – but I’m human and it’s tempting.”

Ophelia lurched back at the sight of the creature on Claude’s arm, holding a hand to her chest, “I- Who would own such a pet?” She took yet another step away, “Better you than me. I would just let... it out to run around the grounds without a second thought.” She grimaced as she glanced yet again at the lizard. 

[ophclial]

hrhmykienav

“…I think this stopped being about the cookie about two snarks back,” Mykie pointed out. She didn’t feel one had to be a shrink to figure that one out, but it certainly didn’t hurt that she technically was one. “You’d likely be correct, but can’t forget that the vast majority of the palace’s current inhabitants are strangers in a new land, with quite the task at hand. Losing sleep over it wouldn’t be held against them, as it wouldn’t be held against you,” she said with a knowing look. Mykie allowed the Princess of Montenegro to vent, watching as her body language seemed to relax a little with each word she voiced aloud. “All very valid concerns, and ones you’ll find are probably shared by quite a few around here, not the least of which, might be your betrothed themselves,” She pointed out, her treat long-forgotten. “Have you been given a name?”

Ophelia tipped her chin up for a moment, looking affronted, but, quickly, the facade dropped and she let out a sigh, “It’s just so hard being me.” A sentence that could easily be taken as sarcasm, but, in Ophelia’s case, it was not, “There’s just a lot of pressure.” Of course, everyone was under pressure, “There’s too much to be done with these weddings and we’re here distracted from the things we need to do at home. It’s just a lot.” She ran a hair through her hair, “I never sleep that much anyway... How are you dealing with all of this?” She asked, finding herself shocked that she actually cared about Mykie’s answer. She let out a breath then, “Leo Von Kleist. We’ve known one another for a long time- well, we knew each other a long time ago. It’s been a long time since we’ve spent much time together.” 

[ophclial]

chenyu-lan

“I think that is one thing we can agree on,” Yu Lan noted after a short glance in Ophelia’s direction. She hadn’t initially realized it was her, even though she perhaps should have recognized Ophelia’s familiar presence sooner. “At least find a better spot. I’m sure there’s an unused bedroom somewhere.”

Ophelia nodded once, “We used to agree on a lot of things. If I remember correctly, at least.” She shrugged, no use going too deep into the past, but she couldn't resist just a little revisiting. She leaned against the wall, “You would think, there are about a million rooms here- or they could just use their own room? Seems like a pretty simple solution. Either we’re geniuses or the people in there are just stupid.” She joked. 

[ophclial]

hrhmykienav

At the statement that she was incapable of thinking of a better way for a cookie to present itself, all Mykie could do was offer her a sympathetic look. “You poor, deprived child,” she said, before focusing on making her own sandwich. It was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic or not, mostly because Mykie wasn’t even sure herself. Taking the time to set down her utensils and even wiping her hands on a proper hand towel, Mykie looked back up at Ophelia before waving her hands to gesture around them. “Castle full of people in the exact same boat, and yet you and I are the only ones in this kitchen at this time of night- day- whatever. I’m no Stephen Hawking, but by basic math rules I’m pretty sure that means at least a couple of people are okay with it,” she pointed out.

There was little to no chance she’d bring up her own views on it unless absolutely pressed.

“I was not deprived. It’s not my fault that you don’t have enough taste to appreciate the flavor and nuance of an oatmeal raisin cookie. Uncultured.” Ophelia replied. It wasn’t like her to wax poetic about cookies, but there she was, having a nearly pointless argument about them. She set her hands on the table in front of her, letting out a breath, “Well, I’d argue that most people are asleep at this time. Beauty rest or whatever.” She shrugged, she didn’t need beauty rest.  Then she tilted her head to the side, “I mean, I’m ok with it. Don’t get me wrong, I get the tradition and everything. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. There’s just a lot to take into consideration- especially when it comes to planning a wedding to someone you may not know that well.” 

[ophclial]

dantesal

“true,” he thought about it. “but I think all the attention that would bring would go right up to your head, and your ego can’t take anymore inflating; you’ll burst!” he chuckled, taking the bottle and placing it aside. “let me get glasses and a cocktail mixer first! you really have no patience, huh?” he laughed again, bouncing around his room to grab the items—what ever wasn’t in opehelia’s bizarrely large bag—and a jar of fresh olives for good measure. “just dreadful,” he explained as he started on the drink, “all these other royals are just so boring. I’m always telling them ‘be more like ophelia’ and they always say ‘who?’” he started shaking the mixer, prepping the olives in the glasses. “i’ve got my betrothal,” he said finally, pouring the liquid and handing a freshly shaken martini to his friend. “have you got yours?”

“when it comes to a good martini? no, i have absolutely no patience. and i shouldn't have to. there should be a martini at the ready for me at all times.” she teased, settling herself into a chair and crossing her legs. ophelia scoffed as dante continued, “’who?’ well, then you must have talked to royals with absolutely no taste at all. anyone who’s anyone knows who i am.” at least, she thought so. the princess raised her eyebrows in interest then, “oh, do tell? who’d you get matched with? someone cute? someone powerful? hopefully someone powerful.” she chuckled, “i’ve gotten mine, yes. crown prince leo. of germany. i’ve known him a long time. we’ll see how it goes.” she sighed, taking the martini gratefully and taking a long sip, “hm, you didn’t fuck it up- no complaints from me tonight. at least, about this.”  

[ophclial]

chenyu-lan

“Why do you think this door is locked?” Yu Lan asked. She’d thought this was the way to one of the balconies, which was why she couldn’t understand why the handle wouldn’t turn. She tried once, twice, then three more times before she pressed her ear against the wooden door. Not even a second later did she quickly pull away, eyes wide with astonishment. “Okay, okay, that door is locked for a very good reason. Don’t people have their rooms to do that sort of thing?”

Ophelia looked up at the sound of a familiar voice, she stopped, tilting her head slightly as she regarded Yu Lan, “I... don’t know.” She wasn’t entirely sure how she was supposed to handle the other woman and their past relationship now, but she was never one to break a bond completely- you never knew when you’d need someone for something, “You would think so, but since I got here I’ve noticed countless royals- who are adults- doing idiotic things. It’s embarrassing.” 

[ophclial]

leopoldvonkleist

in all honesty leo had not been expecting his first encounter with his childhood friend, now betrothed, to start with a question that sounded a lot like a reproach. but all in all and knowing ophelia, or at least the ophelia he remembered, it was not that surprising. yes, he was fully aware that his decision to not attend the ball was going to be frowned upon amongst some of the most traditional royals. yes, he still didn’t care about their opinions. although, he supposed, he should keep ophelia’s opinion in mind. “no, i did not want to attend,” a shrug followed his words and then a grin. “why, did you miss me?"

ophelia lifted an eyebrow at leo’s reply, not bothering to stop the sarcasm dripping from her words, “wow, very solid reasoning! seems like a fine decision.” she blinked as he continued, losing her sarcastic facade for just a moment before she scoffed, “i didn’t need to miss you, there were plenty people around to entertain.” admittedly, the princess had been quite perturbed at being dateless to the ball- and she did sort of miss the prince, it had been awhile since they’d seen one another, but she was absolutely not trying to admit that, “not following through on royal duties just because you didn’t want to attend seems a little irresponsible.” she paused, “our betrothal is clearly off to a great start.”