* 𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔲𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔲𝔰.

a paragon of royalty. @cavalryhq

[flagonsandfortunes]

And they’d called him a witch; only kings and queens could summon whole wars out of nothing, with the power of draft orders and press gangs, requisitions and iron fists. These satin-frocked bastards, playing at their bloody games. All because some rotten fool had lost his head, and a crown had rolled. 

“Slow, now,” Esker murmured, with a gentle pull on the reins; Zabetha, the mare under him and all the weaponry he was delivering, was the sturdiest draught horse the inn had to hand. A towering, broad beast, certainly - the only one in their stable who had any hope of carrying so much steel, so far, so fast. Serene as any angel, but. She’d never been to war. He could see her soft eyes widen and roll, ears pinned as the stink of the wounded and dead drifted from the sagging tents they passed. Shushing, softly, he gave a pat to her sweat-roughed neck, a stroke down the line of her mane. As they jogged towards the sturdier parts of the place, Esker unwound the heavy traveling - and hiding - scarf from around his head, shaking his hair out, glancing about the camp he’d been told to ride for. Far from the fighting, tail-end, as they said. There was livery and standards from all over the kingdoms, and soldiers of every caliber imaginable, milling across the trampled-down clearing, marching, limping. Losing. As far as he could see. As far as he’d heard. So the rebels hadn’t been lying about that much, certainly…

Clearing his throat, Esker let out a sharp whistle, turning heads. Not about to waste any damn time. “Evening, all. We’ve bushels of arms, here, fresh-forged at the Dark Destrier. Official order. Sharp edges. Pointy ends. Swords. Spearheads. Bolts. Where’s it all going to?” 

[scphronia]

“The front line,” Sophronia called back wryly. If there was one place pretty words had no use in, it was in war, especially when she was covered in more blood than she cared for — some her own, but mostly her opponents’. She shifted slightly atop her own steed — a magnificent black destrier, a birthday present from her brother two summers ago. Duchess, she’d named her, mostly to spite a distant aunt of theirs who’d scoffed at Dominic’s gift, never mind the fact that it’d been a request from the princess herself. 

“There’s a few stations for supplies further along. I’ll lead the way.” Beneath her, Duchess whickered softly as Sophronia rubbed at her neck in — encouragement? Affection? “Mind the chaos while you follow. Wouldn’t want to see your beauty there get hurt.” She gestured to Esker’s draught horse, gaze softening in appreciation. “She’s a sight for sore eyes. What’s her name?” 

[scphronia]

alright WHEW hi !! i’m back !!! hit the like button if you’d like to plot & get a thread going !!

[scphronia]

tvlbotts‌:

“TELL ME you don’t need another of my corridors to satisfy all of your belongings.” he joked. as if he wouldn’t dedicate an entire other wing of the castle to sophronia, if she asked. 

his eyes settled on the small chest in her hands, which was an exquisite piece in and of itself. delicate lettering adorned the front end of the item, a glossy sheen coating its entirety. when sophronia opened it, a fragile chess set was revealed. delicate, and breathtaking. something one could only acquire far from the four kingdoms, he thought.

“my gods.” dominic said, an incredulous laugh at his lips. “you always did have an eye for this sort of thing…” fingers ghosted over the chess set with caution, as if the king would merely look at it wrong, and shatter the whole thing. 

suddenly, he was very jealous that he hadn’t been able to accompany her overseas. “— come now, no more talk of travel. you just got home!” he said, a grin pulling at his lips. “i’ve plenty to catch you up on, at any rate.”

“JUST — ONE CORRIDOR?” there was a sly glint to her eye. "how could my things possibly only take up one corridor? fear not, brother dear. you’ll still have space to live in the castle.” 

for a moment there she worried that dominic would be displeased with her choice in gift. she’d always been the more frivolous sibling, and her taste in the finer things in life definitely raised a few eyebrows at the more military-oriented court of acacia. so for dom to react positively — she couldn’t help but smile wider in relief.

“so, go on. regale me with your tales of court.” she slipped her hand around his forearm, linking them arm in arm. “which lordling did you have to put in place this time? perhaps two?” 

[playbilled-blog]

Visit Original Link

[scphronia]

ezraigavilan‌:

The more the Princess talked, the more Ezrai gathered her intent on making sure he knew she could defend herself.  Very intent - and Ezrai suspected he wasn’t the only one who she felt she needed to convince.  He wasn’t particularly surprised by her defensive nature.  Even in Acacia, where everyone was heavily trained in knighthood and weapons and war strategy, there was still that unspoken double-standard that expected ladies - particularly noblewomen - to be both strong and delicate at the same time.

Some women accomplished this with aplomb - Queen Iris, for example, who Ezrai was recently acquainted with, in a manner of speaking.  The Queen was formidable and beautiful and she balanced the two aspects like a dagger balanced on her finger.

And then there was Princess Sophronia, who seemed to catapult between two sides of the spectrum, still trying to find that common ground where she no longer needed to prove herself, one way or another.  At least, this was what Ezrai had remembered of her as a child, in the few times he’d interacted with her.  She was so favoured by King Arthur, from what he recalled.  While her own father was branded from a family of traitors, by the same man who doted on her.

Ezrai didn’t even think King Arthur doted on Dominic as much as he did Sophronia.  Granted, Arthur’s way of coddling a child was, as with everything Arthur did, Acacian to the core. 

What a dissonance that must’ve been for the child.  And how ignorant Ezrai had been of her situation all those years ago, when the world was clearly black or white.  

Ezrai still often had trouble with seeing greys, but exile was a valuable learning tool.  Now, with Princess Sophronia grown up and still insistent of her independence, her ability to take care of herself, her offensive might, all Ezrai saw in the young woman, was grey.

With a grunt he dropped his hand onto his thigh, staring at her.  “You’re good with horses, your Highness,” Ezrai observed abruptly, patting the war horse’s neck.  The horse was as ugly as Ezrai was - old, scarred, and flat-faced - and ill-tempered to boot.  “Farrah usually likes to bite anyone who comes within two feet of her.  She’s more stubborn than a mule.”

With a sigh of his own, Ezrai dismounted from Farrah.  “ It seems she feels a kinship with you.   Like attracts like, I suppose,” he grumbled, and motioned forward at Sophronia.  

“Please, proceed Princess, and I’ll follow.  We’ll all put our feet to good use on this fine day.”

He glanced at the bandits - some dead, some injured. The air reeked of blood and urine.  “There’s a village nearby, I’m sure their elder would like to know of this new and interesting crop on their farmlands before the fruit gets too ripe.  If you’ll permit my humble advice, it would be wise to stop there first and inform them.  They’ll swoon at your Highness gracing their humble village with your presence, I’m sure.”

— Oh, to be a commoner who could speak her own mind! Or better yet, to have Ezrai to be one whose opinion didn’t matter to her at all. ( False; Sophronia always cared about how she was perceived by others. She had a reputation to maintain, after all. ) But it would be a lie if she said she didn’t feel particularly inclined to roll her eyes at Ezrai’s chivalrous words. It was the problem with knights — their constant need to be noble, even when she’d explicitly told them they didn’t have to be. 

“Please, let’s keep my name out of their mouths.” She waved her hand dismissively at Ezrai’s suggestion. “I shall let you and my entourage take full credit for my harvest. I’d prefer to be a little more incognito, and it would likely benefit the Acacian knights’ standing with the people.”

In another situation she would love to be known as the princess who’d saved the village. But she was a little weary of the attention, the constant tip-toeing around her she’d had to suffer throughout her trip. She had no doubt the villagers would love knowing that it'd been her, but it was almost just as likely that they would be flustered and falling over themselves over her arrival, and she had no intention to disrupt their lives more than necessary. 

She glanced over at Ezrai's horse once more. Handling horses was part of her strict Acacian training regiment, but she was truly interested in them beyond her education, having spent many afternoons sneaking sugar cubes and apples to her favourite horses in the stables. 

"Tell me about her," she said as she began to walk in the direction of her entourage. "After all, if she resembles me enough to be my sister, I should know more about her, should I not?" 

[archvillainofromance]

[scphronia]

@ezraigavilan

[scphronia]

Featuring:

i. BROTHER ii. KING & QUEEN iii. FATHER I HAVE NEVER KNOWN iv. THE ONLY ONE I TRULY LOVED v. THE SERVANT vi. THE WHITE KNIGHT vii. SISTER-IN-LAW viii. ACACIA

Am I super late? Yes. But has this been sitting in my drafts for a week? Also yes so here you go!

i. BROTHER ;

the weight of the crown is heavy upon dominic’s shoulders, but she will always be here for the only person she truly calls family.

Dust by Oh Wonder 

When people try to get you down Remember that I'm here for you No one else can wear your crown It's yours, just yours

ii. KING & QUEEN ;

the luckiest girl in the kingdom, they call her. to be raised by the man who ordered for the death of her father. but that’s the safest place she could ever be, right?

Birthright by Sleeping At Last

She was raised by wolves In the warmth of their fur Surrounded by fangs She knew that she was secure

iii. FATHER I HAVE NEVER KNOWN ;

she doesn’t remember him, much. but sometimes she wonders. makes up stories about what he would be like, cobbled together like ill-fitting puzzle pieces from people who would dare mention gaheris in the palace.

Mountains by Radical Face

My father seemed a mountain then With a voice that could shake the seas My mother's ghost hung across his shoulders And he said she was still watching over me

iv. THE ONLY ONE I TRULY LOVED ;

for a girl full of falsehoods and pretence there was one, once, that she loved. their downfall was of her own making. she regrets it to this day.

Hardest of Hearts by Florence & The Machine

Darling heart, I loved you from the start But you'll never know what a fool I've been Darling heart, I loved you from the start But that's no excuse for the state I'm in

v. THE SERVANT ;

through rain and shine they have been by her side. seen how royalty changes a person.

Gold by Imagine Dragons

First comes the blessing of all that you've dreamed But then comes the curses of diamonds and rings Only at first did it have its appeal But now you can't tell the false from the real

vi. THE WHITE KNIGHT ;

and they would defend her with every breath, whether she be deserving or not.

I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons

And I'll kneel down Wait for now I'll kneel down Know my ground And I will wait, I will wait for you

vii. SISTER-IN-LAW ;

this new queen — maybe she needs a reminder of whose turf she’s on.

Smile by Maisie Peters

It's my party, my body, my business It's my town and my ground and my hit-list It's my world and you're just living in it Did I, did I, did I finish?

viii. ACACIA ;

home.

Stay, I Pray You by Anastasia (musical)

How to break the tie? We have shed our tears and shed our sorrows Though the scars remain and tears will never dry I'll bless my homeland till I die

[scphronia]

ok uh SO life just got rly busy for a hot two seconds there but once i get off work tmr i will be on to plot + reply to everyone !! <33

[scphronia]

tvlbotts‌:

his attention flickered briefly back to the party — chattering dukes no doubt regarding the newly returned princess, bards striking up their music at sophronia’s entrance, the wide variety of food finally being dug into. it was something; a get together if the king ever saw one. he knew he had to pull something together to suit her return. it was far better than the normally quiet castle.

“it’s nice to have you back, soph.” he said through a smile. “acacia missed you DEARLY, as i’m sure you’ll come to find. — though i personally was getting used to how quiet the castle has been.”

a smirk corked his features at that. he’d never say it directly, but the king had longed for the princess’ usual antics, in her absence. though he’d spent most of his time in his study these days, the rare moments he found himself stalking the halls, it seemed eerily still. lacking. it was clear, then, who really ran the castle. she’d just returned by way of the edenian sea.

“tell me you brought back more than just the amulet. i’m eager to see it all.”

"oh, surely you jest!” at her brother’s teasing words sophronia shoved him gently in mock offence, knowing there was no real heat behind his words. “admit it, court has been UNBEARABLY dull without me to distract you from politics!” 

politics was important, that much she knew. she’d gotten the same style of education as dominic had, so she was well aware of how it worked despite how much she hated its occasional dullness. ( she’d always thought it was much easier to dismiss an advisor than endlessly argue with one. ) still, dom had the tendency to throw himself into his work, and oftentimes she found herself fearing for his life when he spent far too long in his study. 

“count yourself lucky that i didn’t bring my entire collection to the welcome party. you’d struggle to find anywhere to stand.” with that, she gestured to one of her ladies-in-waiting; one of them approached, holding out a small wooden chest. with a click, the box opened to reveal a set of miniature chess. “you know i couldn’t pass up the delicate craftsmanship — and they’ll be wonderful for travel.” 

[scphronia]

ezraigavilan‌:

Ezrai cursed loudly, momentarily dazed by the strike to his head.  He didn’t pause to check for blood though, instead wheeling his horse around to continue the fight.  However, the Princess - because that was who she was, Princess Sophronia, all grown up - had dispatched the brigands herself.

He grunted then, watching her flashy display with her sword, the smirk on her lips that didn’t reach her large dark eyes, and the blood spatter on her travelling clothes. He took it all in, and then slowly trot Farrah forward towards her.  If the horse happened to step on some of the fallen bandits, Ezrai couldn’t fault her.  The vicious old warhorse had been cheated a good fight and needed recompense.  The bandits squealed under heavy hooves.  

“Well, yes, that is indeed what knights do, your Highness,” Ezrai replied mildly, watching her closely.  “It’s part of our training and code, as you well know.”  He didn’t dismount though, instead bowing to her from where he was perched.  

“It’s nevertheless a great honour to see you again, Princess Sophronia. Despite these circumstances…” he looked around at the number of bandits who’d been felled.

“…or perhaps these were exactly the right circumstances.  Your training, it was never for naught,” he murmured to himself, suddenly remembering the happy child with the run of the castle.  Now the strong woman standing before him.

She looked so much like Lord Gaheris.

Ezrai then tapped at his head.  His fingers came away with blood, but it wasn’t too much.  “It seems however that your horse has disappeared.  I assume you travelling with companions?”  He hadn’t seen any knights, no other indication of an Acacian entourage.  An interesting situation, a Princess by herself.  Ezrai knew Acacian guards - and Acacian ladies in waiting - would never abandon their Princess, unless they were ordered to do so.  

Princess Sophonia had wanted to do this alone, it seemed.

“You understand I’m honour-bound to escort you back to your entourage, your Highness.  As…capable as you surely are at handling yourself, it would be wrong to leave a Princess alone on the road, and on foot no less. If you please–”

Ezrai extended a hand, offering to pull the Princess up onto Farrah.  

“Oh, I would never seek to trouble your lovely steed.” And a lovely steed he did have; Sophronia could tell through sight alone that the warhorse was well-bred. She reached out to give Ezrai’s horse a gentle stroke. “Hello, beautiful,” she murmured affectionately before pulling away to address him once more. “I suppose I should thank the two of you for the assist.” 

To tell the truth she’d gotten tired of riding on horseback some time ago. Travelling long distances often entailed stretches of time where it was nothing but her entourage, their horses, sometimes a carriage, and woods for miles and miles. And after so many days, the Acacian princess just wanted some time to herself. But she knew there was no way to convince the knight to leave her now that he’d witnessed her bandit encounter, and she didn’t particularly feel quite like pulling rank to get people to leave her alone again. Particularly with the way Ezrai insisted; he was almost certainly one of those type of knights, and Sophronia knew when to pick her battles. This would be one she would be the first to give up in impatience; better to let the other man think he’d won now.  

“Though, I am a daughter of Acacia raised by the last king. You’ve seen me train; you know I’m more than capable of defending myself.” She would make one final attempt at defending her skills before conceding to him. “But...”

“Very well, Sir Knight,” she sighed, leaning into the image of the long-suffering princess with more weight than strictly necessary. “Your knights and your honour. I shall escort you to my entourage. But I do believe—” she just couldn’t resist the temptation of pushing at his buttons just a bit more— “that the Code also proclaims that knights shall respect the honour of women. Indulge me just this once, and allow me to walk the rest of the way? I have missed the feeling of grass and dirt beneath my feet.”

[leadyfm]

@scphronia​

IT WAS UNLIKE THE ACACIAN COURT — to be so done up. flowers hung from the bannisters, every lord and lady ( even ones dominic was sure he’d never seen before ) assembled and dressed to the nines. sophronia was set to come back that evening, and most everyone was eager for her return. not the least of which was dominic, who had spent the better part of the day ensuring everything was in its proper order.

it was the best homecoming party the king could throw in haste, though knowing his dear sister it would no doubt fall just the smallest bit short of her usual tastes.

enter, the princess of acacia — followed by the usual ensemble of ladies in her wake. she looked refreshed, happy. dominic was glad to see it. 

he fiddled with the amulet around his neck, which still smelled vaguely of the salty ocean air. 

“soph,” he beamed, moving to embrace her. “i missed you.”

[scphronia]

SHE LOVED TRAVELLING SO — but sophronia loved her brother more, and all the beautiful sights in the world could not stop her from returning home to acacia. ( luckily she could afford to bring half of those beautiful sights home with her; perks of being a princess. ) “i missed you too, dom.”

matching dominic’s smile and forgoing a curtsey, she flung herself into her brother’s embrace with as much grace as she could muster, taking a moment to soak in his presence, the familiar ambience of court, the gentle music greeting her ears. 

finally, she drew away, hands on dominic’s shoulders as she cast an appreciative gaze over his attire for the evening. “you are wearing my amulet ! ”  she gushed. “oh, i knew it’d match you perfectly. you’ve outdone yourself with the welcoming party, truly.” there was no pretence in her words — parties were typically her forte, not dominic’s, and the fact that he’d put so much effort in her homecoming party was very sweet. “i always knew i could count on you.” 

[taisirifrezi-deactivated2021060]

@scphronia​

As a once-exiled knight now back in Acacia on strict probation,  there was no order too minor for Ezrai to take on for the Crown.  Some of the orders were merely fetch-and-carry from one of the tradelands back to Acacia, but even when the newest of Acacian Kingsguard rejected it,  Ezrai volunteered.  He had to start from the bottom to gain any sort of respect and traction among his new, younger peers.  He understood what that meant.

So he was returning from Aura, carrying some carafe of specialty brandy intended for some soon-arriving guest of the Queen’s.  The esteemed guest had requested the Queen dispatch a knight to fetch it before their arrival, and the brandy was admittedly very expensive.  It made sense for someone well-armoured to fetch the drink, but it was still a rather frivolous task.  

Still, duty was duty.

He rode briskly along the main road back to Acacia, the carafe safely stowed in a saddle bag.  Between Ezrai’s Acacian armour and the ugliness of his warhorse, he knew he’d be safe from any attacks, unless they were desperate.  But desperate attacks were always easy to dispel.

What he didn’t expect though, was to happen upon an attack apparently already taking place, west of the road in a small glen.  Mildly curious, Ezrai slowed to inspect the nature of the skirmish, his sharp eyes quickly determining two things:

One - the attackers, a group of bandits, seemed to greatly out number their opponent.

Two - The opponent seemed to bear the Acacian colours, and also seemed to be a woman.

Ezrai’s knightly gallantry kicked in, and he steered his warhorse towards the skirmish, drawing his sword as he galloped into the fray.  He took one of the bandits by surprise with a knock on the head with the hilt of his sword, and swung at another one to fell him.

“Pardon me, Lady, I believe you may be in need of–”  Ezrai started to say, when he saw the Acacian woman’s face.  His mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Your–!” he started to say, but was summarily cut short by a projectile straight to his head.

[scphronia]

Sophronia should have known that her streak of good luck wouldn’t have continued throughout her travels. Something would inevitably go wrong — such was the law of things, and she was only grateful that she’d sent her precious cargo ahead of her, along with most of her entourage.

It meant that she was left with only a handful of escorts. Which was really how she preferred to travel, but without a large entourage she couldn’t guarantee that her inevitable collection of souvenirs would make it back to Acacia safely. Regardless all two of her remaining companions were people she trusted with her life, and she herself was no defenceless withering maiden. 

Not for the first time, though, Sophronia found herself grateful for Arthur’s harsh education. If anything he’d made sure she was an excellent swordswoman before his unexpected passing, a skill that had come in handy, with this time being no different. A pack of bandits were no match for her and her ever-dependable longsword, its weight familiar in her hands as she whirled her way through her opponents. She’d been doing just fine ( if she said so herself, she was a fighter who could hold her own ) when a rider on horseback so rudely interrupted her little dance. She was about to berate him for the unnecessary help when—

She choked back a laugh when his face became target practice. 

Oh, that face. She knew it, had never expected to see it again. Nothing was quite so formative to your childhood years like being constantly reminded of the fact that your deceased father had been a traitor. 

And whilst the Eagle Knight recovered from his undoubtedly grievous injury, she took the time to dispatch the remaining bandits with three clean blows. 

“I don’t recall asking for assistance.” There was a perfectly cordial smile on her face as she extended a hand in greeting, but her words were laced with steel. “But I suppose you knights do love to save distressed damsels.” She sheathed her sword in a particularly flashy motion. “What brings you to these parts?” 

[scphronia]

i got carried away when i thought to myself that fabulous.mp3 would be a song on the sophronia playlist so . this is not strictly the task but i had to share her (trashy?) pop mixtape. enjoy! 

[leadyfm]

@scphronia

TO: THE TREASURE OF ACACIA

FROM: YOUR DEAREST BROTHER

dearest sister,

the days have truly snuck up on me. i realized only this morning that you’re set to come back home at dawn tomorrow. i guess time flies even when one is not having fun.

how was your trip? did the sailors treat you well? i look forward to hearing every detail of your travels the moment you come home.

the knights have told my council that you are safe, and moderately well behaved thus far. i have to say i’m surprised, though i take it to mean you’re enjoying yourself simply taking in the sights. and likely purchasing most of them.

i hope you’re well. write me when you can.

love,

king dominic talbott

[scphronia]

TO: THE SUN OF ACACIA

FROM: YOUR DEAREST SISTER

dearest brother,

has my absence truly been so distressing for you? fear not, my poor brother — i shall be gracing you with my presence once more, and you shall have no choice but to listen to me relay every detail of my adventures.

my travels were smooth, as always. we didn’t run into a single storm on our way — as the sailors liked to say, lady luck must be watching over me. they were nothing but courteous towards me, and i do believe me being on my best behaviour had everything to do with it.

i must say i’m rather offended that i am considered only moderately well-behaved when you know i am always well-behaved. regardless, you are correct — the sights i have seen are truly one of a kind, and i am saddened by the fact that you cannot travel so easily with me now that you are king. 

with this letter is an amulet i purchased from a local craftsman. please wear it when you greet me upon my return, and i shall gladly show you the other trinkets i have collected on my journey.

with my utmost affections,

princess sophronia talbott

[scphronia]

( LAURA HARRIER, CIS FEMALE ) — ON YOUR KNEES, that’s ( SOPHRONIA TALBOTT )! You really don’t recognize them? They’re ( 23 ), ( ACACIA'S ) BELOVED ( PRINCESS ). Ring a bell? Usually ( SHE ) is/are known to be quite ( + GENEROUS ) and ( - FRIVOLOUS ). But if need be, simply call them the ( FORTUNE'S FAVOURITE ). Now keep your head down, they’re looking this way!

Hello !! I’m Juno, I’m 18+, my timezone is GMT and I am so excited to bring Sophronia here! Feel free to hit me up for plots or like this post and I’ll DM you! 

sophronia’s story !

— The story starts before Sophronia is born, with the tyrant king Arthur and his beloved general Gaheris. Gaheris came from a distinguished noble family, well-liked by the people of Acacia, with a reputation for his kindly nature. But when someone from Gaheris’ extended family is accused of treason, Arthur dealt with the traitor’s family harshly, and had no choice but to get rid of Gaheris too. He left behind a daughter, his wife having passed in childbirth.

— With no home and no family, a one-year-old Sophronia is taken in by the royal family of Acacia. She is spoilt and pampered and treated with all the best a one year old could deserve. She grows up under the attention and care of Arthur, surprisingly doting of a father towards her, his wife, her manner of care more from a distance, and Dominic, who soon becomes her beloved brother.

— They call her Fortune’s Favourite, so lucky to be the king’s ward. So lucky to grow up royalty. So lucky to have everything she could ever want and more. And she is, isn’t she? And so she plays the part well, the charming princess, a sheltered rose at court. Bright eyes, bright smile, bright laughter, paired with glittering words, glittering jewellery, glittering palaces. (Where does the act stop and where does the girl start?)  

— Still the palace is large and lonely — where can you sleep well in the house of the king who made your father disappear? She finds solace in Dominic, her only refuge, the only one who understands what she’s going through under Arthur’s harsh tutorage. He teaches her swordfighting when she’s too afraid to look for Arthur’s guidance, and she lets him appear weak, for once, in this kingdom where only the strong survive.  

— And then Arthur dies, and Dominic becomes king. He lets her indulge in the finer things in life, everything that Arthur wouldn’t let her have. And sure, it’s like she can finally breathe after twenty years of Arthur’s rule, but where does she go from here? 

personality !

generous, kind, charming — sophronia is virtually loved by all, the perfect image of poise and elegance, exactly what royalty should be like. she gives her attention (and money) lavishly and lovingly. 

frivolous, fanciful, oblivious — she has a tendency to be excessive and carefree in her actions. it’s not that she does this on purpose, but it’s just as likely that you tell her this is how she’s seen as and she would have no idea.

wanted connections !

ONE — A close servant who's served Sophronia for quite some time now. They're familiar with every aspect of the princess's life, being one of her close confidantes, knowing who's in her favour today and who isn't tomorrow, how she truly feels about how she became the king's ward through her father's death, and how thankful she is that she hasn't been forced into a marriage — yet. But they also see her uglier sides — the occasional tendency for petulance and entitlement. They're not exactly sure how they feel about her behind the glittering jewellery and excitable demeanour she exudes at royal parties, but then again, who can really be sure what the real Sophronia is like? 

TWO — Every good story has a princess and her white knight. They're not exactly royal, but they've been in love with her for so long now that they're more or less blind to her faults. They'll eat up every scrap of attention she gives them — which is, a lot, but she has this wonderful talent of making you feel like you're the only person in the world. Funnily enough, that's also how she enjoys being treated. But you know — could you ever accuse Sophronia of something as horrible as leading them on? Or does the princess really have feelings for them in return — assuming anything she could ever feel for anyone is real? 

THREE — Court gossip travels fast and Sophronia's disdain for them is no different. For a lady who's usually seen as the shining example of courtesy, she somehow can't hold back in their presence, exchanging words with double meanings to express how she really feels. Rumour has it that they used to be friends, but for whatever reason they're now engaged in a never-ending feud, culminating in the form of Sophronia's lavish parties. 

[elisabethhewer]

“Found scratched into the back of a chair: I recognise the DIVINITY within me. This is a year of unmaking. Of finding and then losing ourselves. Of learning not to look at ourselves head-on. If you just peek out of the corner of your eye, there is so much more to be interested in. So much less to be ashamed of. Here it comes: A February full of almosts, a springtime of never-weres. The year unrolling before us and the unready staccato of our pulses at our necks. Little gods inside us and each other’s taste on our tongues. Your hand around mine like a fact, like it’s not the most impossible thing I could imagine. I recognise the DIVINITY within me. I burn it too.”

— Elisabeth Hewer, Knives, insp

[fylauraharrier]