“ i doubt they would have done anything less for something this important . ” zhijun says with a wary smile . everything appears immaculate , as one would expect from the royal family , but all flawless facades crack eventually . it’s not how , rather when . admittedly the mere thought of this aftermath already gives him a migraine ; it was one thing when the two sides were more actively fighting , it’ll be a completely different battle whenever the bianchi’s plan of unification falls . still , zhijun quietly sighs with a slight head shake . “ i have my suspicions about this , however i am more than fine with sitting back and watching it unfold . ”
Savi’s brow curved upward. "Yes, it is important, isn’t it?” And of course, it wasn’t the engagement. No, the engagement could have been anything. This party was about so much more than that. Savi grinned at her companion, trying her best to put on a face of carelessness. One that she figured Zhijun would see through. When Savi spoke again, her voice was hushed. “I feel as if I have seen enough war to know how a conflict as emotional as this can end. I am not sure I like watching it. But... I suppose you’re right. it technically is none of our concern.” Savitri sighed, trying to relieve herself of the burden of these thoughts. “So tell me, what are engagements like for you? Do you throw celebrations like this?”
The night would present many challenges, she assumed already before the celebration even started. Both sides were to act civil amongst one another, but just how long could they? It was almost like a test, at least, for Nadya it was. She needed to know that what they were doing was working no matter the cost, or she would have to attempt to take matters into her own hands to give their promise of peace a subtle nudge forward. Looking through the crowd, the Princess spotted the other familiar woman and maneuvered gracefully closer until she had approached her. “I should hope not.” She remarked with a prideful smile. Regardless of the motives and uncertainty that lied ahead, it was indeed a beautifully thought-out celebration. “I inserted myself in as much of the planning as I possibly could. To ensure our name would not be tied to a dreary party.” She quipped.
“Nadya.” Savitri beamed, glad to see a friendly face so early into the night. She knew many of the nobles at this point in her stay in the city, but much was still so unfamiliar. “Of course you did. You've done a lovely job, I should have assumed it was you from the start.” She spoke with a small, short bow of her head towards the princess. “What are we drinking tonight? Only the finest Florentine wines, I”m sure.” Savi’s gaze skated over the growing crowd, noting the skeptical faces among the smiling. She’ll play along for as long as necessary, and she wouldn’t admit to her nerves about the night. Still, there were indeed smiling faces, and Savi was hopeful. “I thank you for your invitation tonight, it is an honor to be your guest, Nadya.”
There was a night of gossip ahead of her, Savi knew that much, and she had been preparing as well as she could. She had properly been debriefed on the proposal and instructed not to make any controversial remarks to either side of this conflict. She was there to support the decree and hopefully, just hopefully, she wouldn’t see a fight by the end of the night. Savi had heard enough of the rivalry to know that it wasn’t impossible. “They truly did not spare any expense in the throwing of this celebration, did they?” She spoke, her voice light. The scene before her was quite extravagant, especially in comparison to what she had seen thus far out of Florence. A distraction, it seemed. Savi was willing to bet it was.
ANTONY: What bad habits do you need to break?
BEATRICE: What is the achievement you’re most proud of?
BENVOLIO: What comes to mind when you think of peace?
BIANCA: What do you want most in life?
CELIA: Do you want to fall in love?
CIRCE: Would you rather be loved or feared?
CLAUDIUS: What is the worst thing you’ve ever done?
CORDELIA: Do you consider yourself a good person?
CRESSIDA: What makes you feel trapped?
DESDEMONA: Do you believe that the truth will set you free?
EDGAR: Do you want to make your family proud?
EDMUND: Do you ever wish you’d been born someone else? If so, who?
GERTRUDE: Would you (or have you) ever cheated on a significant other?
HAMLET: Do you prefer to think things through thoroughly or act on impulse?
HECATE: Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
HELENUS: Do you believe in God?
HIPPOLYTA: What is your biggest regret?
HORATIO: Who do you love most?
JULIET: What is your favorite luxury?
LADY MACBETH: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
MACBETH: Have you ever killed anyone? Would you?
MALCOLM: What does honor mean to you?
MEDEA: Do you have any quirks?
MERCUTIO: Is there anyone you would die for?
MIRANDA: Is happiness a choice?
OBERON: Does reputation matter to you?
OPHELIA: Is there anything you regret not doing?
ORSINO: If you could have any material thing in the world, what would it be?
PARIS: If you had the chance to rule the world, would you?
PORTIA: When did you lose your innocence?
PUCK: Do you consider yourself a mischievous person?
ROMEO: How far would you go for love?
ROSALIND: What does your ideal day entail?
ROSALINE: Which people from your past haunt you?
SEBASTIAN: Is violence ever the answer?
TITANIA: Do you believe in magic?
TYBALT: If you could kill one person without consequences, who would it be?
VIOLA: How skilled of a liar are you?
VOLUMNIA: Describe the biggest sacrifice you’ve made.
her skirts were bunched up in her hands as she ran away from the squealing children. “you’ll never catch me!” she called out with laughter, face flushed with excitement and humor. gianetta loved children more than anything in this world, and she was more than happy to play with them. dark locks blew in in the wind as she looked back at her companions. gianetta continued running until someone came into view. she stopped, chest rising and falling with inhalation. “my apologies. what can i do for you?” she smiled as some of the children clutched her skirts. “go on, dears” the lady murmured to them softly, ushering them away.
savitri had convinced her ladies to let her dress down for the day under the proposal that a walk could dirty or damage her finer silks. Although the fabrics they did choose were not as unassuming as she was looking for, they were indeed a bit more fit for their definition of a rougher day. Savi, always looking for sparks of joy in everyday life, was drawn to the sound of laughter and little haste-filled footsteps. She certainly didn’t mean to stop them. “Oh no, please! Don’t stop on my behalf.” Savi spoke, her grin wide. “Seeing you all play was lovely. I did not mean to interrupt.”
“Perhaps some time we can arrange for them to accompany each other. I am certain my ladies would not mind at all.” Nadya proposed the idea as it came to her. Visiting monarchs traveling to their great city was always a treat, especially for her. Though the Giordano’s and the Lombardi’s grotesque acts against each rivaling side complicated matters and brought to question the influence her family had on the very people who they ruled over. She had done her best over the years to conceal or dress up what she could, but it was no easy task. So she was not truly that surprised when Savitri brought it up in the midst of the controversy. “Ah. If there is one thing people love to do more at the markets than spend substantial amounts of money, it is plant seeds of gossip and watch them grow.” She feigned innocent ignorance, linking their arms together while they walked. “What all did you hear? If you do not mind sharing.”
“I do think they would enjoy that. Only one of them is truly conversational in Italian, but the others have been improving well. Perhaps some deeper exposure would benefit them.” Despite Savi’s dislike of their overbearing natures, she was fiercely protective of them herself. But Savi trusted Nadya, as much as she could, and she imagined her ladies were just as pleasant. “That is one thing that all of humanity has in common. People worship drama like a god. They feed off of drama. Not class nor language matter. That, and money. The nature of the market, as you say.” Savi grinned, her eyes wandering across the scenery. “I heard of a rather controversial betrothal.” Part of Savi’s job here was the understand the climate she was entering. To come to know the inner workings of the Florentine society, why it ticks the way it does. If there was one thing she certainly had come to see, it was that there was a delicate balance to the daily lives of the people, and it did feel like it was hanging by a thread.
while the crown prince’s impeccable reputation of being attentive in politics precedes him , his social skills leave much to be desired elsewhere . and that much is evident right now as he silently slips away from gossiping gentry , just this once wanting a conversation that didn’t revolve around the familial squabbles of florence . or better yet , have no conversation at all . zhijun’s a listener — an observer — but when asked for his opinion , his assessment was too impersonal and stirred up some level of offense with these particular italians . a soft sigh escapes his lips as he finally relaxes , far enough away from the group to do so .
if only he found his long awaited solitude , instead of a familiar figure . a familiar figure who is the exact opposite of the respite he thinks he needs — savitri . his posture reverts quickly , any relaxation soon takes the backseat , replaced with his typical cool nature . however his narrowed stare isn’t as standoffish as it could be when he decides to fully embrace her presence . “ your highness . ” a simple and brief greeting as he nods in acknowledgement , yet it feels heavy on his tongue ; the pause that comes after is almost awkward . “ savitri , ” zhijun addresses her again , this time more quietly . more casually , as if correcting himself in some way . they’re not particularly close , though her persistence in befriending him might be starting to count for something , maybe . “ if i didn’t know any better , i would guess you’re … running off on another adventure ? or … whatever you called it last time , when i said it was more abandoning your responsibilities . ” not that he could say that to her now , because currently in a way that’s what he’s doing . but , zhijun makes no move to mention that .
Savitiri cared little about the personal conflicts of the city of Florence. If she ever thought her own people were dramatic, the opinion was far lost in her time here. Perhaps she simply did not understand the feud between these two houses, but she did understand an unwanted betrothal. For that, she felt sympathy. But these nobles, they spoke too much of the affairs of others. And how was Savi, someone so far removed from these people, supposed to discuss it as if it were an issue of her own? Savi had retreated to her quarters earlier than normal, for once preferring the overbearing presence of her ladies to that of her hosts. But Savitri had slipped out, taking up position on a bench overlooking the city, arms resting atop the short wall behind it.
She wasn’t intending on having company this evening, but Zhijun’s presence was always welcome. Savi perked up at his greeting, her grin widening, always finding amusement in his formalities. It wasn’t as if she herself was often constricted to the use of them, but something about Zhijun in particular addressing her as your highness gave her a laugh. Perhaps it was her own nature with him, flirting with the line of formality and informality. She was glad for his correction, almost an assurance that her efforts to befriend him weren’t falling flat. Savi bowed her head to him, smile warm. “Who says you know better? Perhaps I am. If you are asking because you have interest in an excursion, I might have some ideas. Come, sit.” He was right, though. She wasn’t previously looking to escape her life this evening, only her ladies. Savi knew she hadn’t evaded their gaze entirely. Not yet, anyway. “My only responsibility that I dare to abandon in favor of exploration is sleep. That is, so far. All other adventures fall under time that is my own.” she spoke, as if her time ever truly belonged to her. She knew it didn’t, and she was willing to bet he knew it just as well. There was always something to attend to, whether it was a gathering or meeting, or whatever her ladies decided to throw at her. Letters to be written, plans to be made, packages from home to be received and picked through—there was always something. “What are you abandoning?”
RAVEN HAIR SHINES IN THE SUN and cascades down freely. clara doesn’t frequent the markets as much as she used to, she’s forgotten the feeling of being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. dressed in an unassuming, simple green dress she blends right into the scene, save for her small, ornate earrings that would raise suspicion the moment anyone took a close look at them. she knows that if anyone in her household were aware that she was out unaccompanied, no less at the markets, they would have nothing short of a fit but she can’t help but relish in the feel of subtle rebellion. she reaches out to pick up a jewelled ring, eyeing the emerald cut for a moment. she notices a glint in the corner of her eye and turns to glance at a ruby pendant in the hands of another, “ that’s nice, ” she comments absentmindedly.
The Florentine markets were intriguing to Savitri since her first visit to the city. Her interest was rarely about what she could buy, although she loved noting the available goods that she wouldn't mind owning. No, her interest lied in the observation of everyday life. People moving about, almost as if in an intricate, never ending dance. That, and the jewelry. There was little that surpassed in beauty the jewels she had brought with her—she did consider that it could simply be preference— but Savi enjoyed looking regardless. At the sound of a voice directed at her, Savitri turned. She feared one of her guards, surely scouring the markets to find her at this very moment, had caught her. But the young girl, simply, innocently, commenting on the jewels in her hand, was a pleasant surprise. "Isn't it? Are you interested?" Savi smiled at the stranger, holding the pendant in her direction, eyes already wandering to the next piece.
Now that all three of the women who could normally be found at her side were away from her following their own designated tasks of the day, Nadya was half alone for a few hours. The royal guards in tow a few steps behind her aside. She sought out another person away from the crowds and with a curl of her lips, she claimed the empty space beside them. “Would you do me a kind favor and walk with me?” She lightly proposed. “My handmaidens are wonderful company, but even they deserve time to themselves.” She pretended that they had that choice. They were her closest friends though they were also her eyes and ears in the city, which she found more important lately. “How are you?” She added.
“It would be my pleasure to walk with you, Nadya.” Savitri smiled gently at the other, turning to move with her. She had known Nadya for longer than most of her Florentine friends. They were around the same age, and upon her first visit to the city, they were encouraged to socialize. Savi admired her ambition, her tactfulness, but she also did not mind her company. “Of course. Although they often insist on your presence, I try to release my ladies of their duties when possible. They deserve to explore the city.” Not to mention, she get’s a few more moments of peace. “I am alright, thank you for asking. Curious, though, about what is going on in the city. I heard many whispers while at the market this morning. I suppose I do not fully understand the conflict, Nadya.”
⇢ Introducing SAVITRI DEVI, the 29 year old CIS-FEMALE, MAHARAJKUMARI (king's daughter) from the VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE (South India). SHE is known for being DIPLOMATIC, REBELLIOUS, GUILEFUL, and CHARMING. SAVITRI bears an uncanny resemblance to DEEPIKA PADUKONE and has been in Florence for TWO MONTHS.
I have no self control, yall
Basics
Name: Maharajkumari Savitri Devi
Title: Maharajkumari (essentially princess. just says the equivalent of princess while she’s in Florence. That, or she doesn’t tell at all)
Nicknames: Savi
Age: twenty-nine
Place of Birth: Vijayanagara, Vijayanagara Empire
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Bisexual
Height: 5'9
Personality/Attributes
Hobbies: music, writing, chess playing, dance, spending time in markets,
Education: Savitri has been educated in many languages, reading and writing, numbers, as well as all sorts of diplomatic and political concepts. She was taught what it meant to lead and rule, to deal with war and national affairs, in the case that she was to do so someday. She even learned sword work and various fighting techniques.
Languages: Telugu, Sanskrit, Italian, English
Biography
With her father just recently becoming king, Savitri’s position in the world was changing. She wasn’t heir apparent, but she was just as much use in their political game as her brother. Savitri’s father was interested in increasing diplomatic relations. For reasons of trade and alliances, sure, but the king was a man of great wealth. Her whole family was. And he wanted others to know of their wealth, their sublime culture, and their power. He didn’t have ambitions of conquering the foreign nations he was trying to call friends, it was not that kind of power, but he wanted them to know of their empire and see what they did possess. Savitri’s presence in Italy was a gratuitous display of their empire. He wanted to send the best of them, the most beautiful and the most tactful. She was graceful, delicate yet firm in conversation. Her intelligence was to be an example of the nation’s scholarly aptitude, and her beauty, a sign of their status.
But Savitri didn’t agree to this trip for diplomatic reasons alone. She wanted an adventure. She wanted to meet people far different from her own, and to have a bit of freedom to present herself exactly as she chooses. While she certainly has to stick to a standard, one strictly enforced by her guards and ladies that traveled with her, she found that there was a bit more room for who she wanted to be in her time away from her father. Savitri longed for freedom that her position could not give her. She was eternally grateful for those that she did have, but someone was missing. Not long after her arrival in Florence, Savitri began to evade her ladies and guards. She would go out into the market alone, or as alone as she could be, trying to escape their gaze, seeking out company that they might deem suspicious. As time went on, Savitri started escaping in the evenings, looking for more vibrant scenes than those of the court.
This isn’t the first time Savi has been to Florence. Her first time in the city was 13 years ago, when her family made their early attempts at building relations with Italy. She has been a few times since, but never without another member of her family. so THATS something to consider with possible plotting??? hmmm???
idk i have a lot more but this is what u get for now love yall
also i haven’t rly decided how she feels about everything going on?? she probably doesn’t feel much but like her thoughts??? we’ll see
