SORELLINA

PRINCIPESSA.CATARINA. two things; stand    like    stone   — kindness in another's trouble, and courage in your own.

[sorcllina]

“alasdairofhamilton‌:

the corner of his mouth quirked up when she seemed to stumble over his question. yes, he believed his predictions about both the prince and the young woman before him were true. he thought about the day he and valentina could be together, trying to mentor young couples. he knew just how stubborn they could be. alasdair would press further, later, when everything had settled down again. “yes, i suppose i should ask him myself.”

alasdair sighed as catarina pushed him further, her questions teetering on the edge of accusations. he picked up the pipe again, taking a few puffs while she asked her questions. he wished for the slow rocking of the sea, the gentle breeze that came almost every calm night, the shine of the stars with no other light for miles and miles. he opened his eyes–not even sure when he had closed them–and carefully considered each question. “i’ll answer your first two questions at once. the world is at war already, your highness. we are all here under the guise that enough talking might solve our problems, but if we are honest with our hearts, we’re here hiding. my people are unhappy, and starving, and dying. i know this because, for the past fifteen years, i’ve worked with the men of my country. not the noblemen content to stay in their castles and hope to host the king, but those who grew up without privilege and joined the navy with no other options to make ends meet. my people are not concerned with the shallow goings-ons of court drama. they are concerned about feeding their babies and healing the sick.” alasdair scratched at his beard, now considering her last question. he looked exhausted. “i can’t say. valentina is the love of my life. not many people have shown me love in this life.”

Her lips pursed a little as he seemed to find amusement in her inability to answer how her betrothed felt, not entirely sure whether she enjoyed the sensation of feeling like he’d been looking for a particular answer...and hand been given it. “He can be found in the library most days,” she said helpfully, curious herself as to what kinds of answer Aurelio might give Alasdair. Though...she had her suspicions. If only she could be a fly on the wall for that conversation. “Unless...are you already acquainted with Prince Aurelio?”

Catarina listened intently to his responses, not having meant to be accusatory— but she could be firm with her curiosities when need be. And she’d wanted to be taken seriously. She understood his words, but still didn’t seem entirely sold on the fact that he’d, indeed, answered her question. “I understand that you know the people, and that you’ve heard and shared their desires. Does you brother not share these hopes as well? I’ll admit I don’t know him well. I don’t mean to be questioning of your judgement, but am more truly curious of how one decides whether potentially separating a country in two is more beneficial than not. Would a possible civil war not also strain you people’s livelihoods? Or do you hope and believe it would work out better in the end?” But she felt a flash of pity as she saw how tired the man looked, and wondered for a moment if she’d ever experience such a love herself. It seemed unlikely. “I respect your honesty in your answers, and offer my apologies for any wounds from the past.” She could potentially relate to a life led with lackluster love.

[sorcllina]

buonoroberto‌:

He knew she was coming. The servant did whisper to him that piece of information during his breakfast. Roberto had instructed him to do so. He wanted to get her chambers ready, a big bouquet on her bedside table, fresh linen bedsheets, the room swept and perfumed. He could only imagine how anxious his daughter was. It was a small gesture. Something that he could express his love by. He was a lover of poetry, literature and yet he failed to express his feelings to those he loved. Perhaps he got a bit better with age. A bit softer. He was never a man of hugs, his emotions bursting into flames and cooling down just as quick. He was a passionate man, perhaps. At least in his love, he was but with his children he never knew where to place them. They were supposed to succeed. They were supposed to continue the dynasty and he was a firm believer that life was hard and there was no way of spoiling them and where he failed to spoil his royal children, he spoiled his bastards. Bastards they might have been but he called them so lovingly. The freedom of no responsibilities, of not having to earn his love and he was sure that Catarina tried to win a piece of heart for herself and yet he would push her aside - life is hard, my dear - because wasn`t it better to break her heart before it did someone else?  He spread his arms as he could see her. It was his usual gesture. To welcome his guests, to feel their bodies. Were they week? Strong? Tired? All of that could be felt. He kissed her on her the cheeks, a smile on his lips but the hug was quick as if he was afraid of showing too much. It was better to pretend. To pretend he did not care, he did not grow soft. ‘Welcome, daughter.’ His voice was loud, a note to the servants o open the doors and clear the way. ‘You must be hungry.’ Comment more than a question. He led the way to the dining room. ‘There is so much to tell and I have just happened to cancel the meeting.’ Though it was a lie. There had not been any meeting for the whole morning. He did make time for her as he would always have, in his own Roberto way. 

Of course, the the freshness of her room and the bouquet of flowers had to have been her father’s doing. The sight of them had down a bit to calm her, for at least she knew he must care in some sense of the word...even if she was far from favorite. It was something...wasn’t it? After the years of meager offerings of affection from her father in comparison to his non-legitimate children, Catarina would take what she could get. “Thank you for the flowers, father. Theyre lovely,” she said politely, wondering how being herself came so naturally around anyone else but her father. She supposed it came of still wanting his approval, even after all this time. It shut her down into something that didn’t know what setting she was meant to be functioning on. 

“Always,” was her reply to his assumption of her appetite, the smallest of jokes passing through her lips, and only a sliver of the humor she usually employed around people. It wasn’t often she said no to a meal. Though he seemed as pleased as ever to see her, she couldn’t help the disappointment that shuddered through her when it came to his lack of praise over her accomplished Spanish, the words she’d learned while abroad. It seemed her attempt to impress him had fallen flat. Nevertheless, another little fleeting piece of joy wormed its way through her heart as he mentioned a meeting having been cancelled. “You needn’t have done that for me, father. Though this does give us an opportunity to speak of my betrothal, and everything else that’s come of me being gone.” 

[sorcllina]

r-windsor‌:

romeo chuckled to himself, nodding his head. “how could i have expected any less of young catarina?” he replied, accepting his defeat. “the princess of jest and merciless tricks.” though the once younger child was now a grown woman, something about her unchanging demeanor made it difficult to see her as any different. in his eyes, he still saw the eight year old girl, tugging at the end of his trousers to gain his attention.

“thank the heavens i caught on before it was too late,” he laughed. romeo broke into a grin, leaning on the stables with his hands clasped behind his back. “when will i ever claim victory against you?” memories of romeo racing against catarina, and intentionally slowing down to help her win flashed through his mind. her laughter from the satisfaction of winning against her “rival” had always brought a smile to his face, and he would often feign a dramatic death as he would fall to the ground in such theatrical manner. they were much simpler times, and as he watched catarina speak with such luminosity in her eyes, romeo began to miss the innocence of being young.

“Not so young anymore,” she reminded him with a grin. It was her curse to bear it seemed, to always be remembered as a child. She’d been the youngest of many of the royals, always younger and smaller. It was...frustrating at times to feel like she was constantly having to prove herself to them, to prove that she was indeed an adult now. But thankfully it seemed Romeo was only teasing at the moment. “Though I will accept the latter title you’ve graciously bestowed upon me.”

Then she joined in his amusement, a bright laugh falling from her. “Too late? You make it sound as if I was planning on trapping you into some perilous fate.” She smile at the memory of them in her childhood, though. Now that she was older...she was fairly certain he’d only let her win all those years ago. And while younger Catarina had been thrilled, the older Catarina thought it was endearing...though... “Perhaps we could have a rematch.” It was always difficult for Catarina to back down from any form of competition. 

[sorcllina]

whiterosesofscotland‌:

“A present for me?” The woman asked the frown that was once on her features had brightened in an upturned smile. “And I come with great news.” She added on, a playful giggle escaped from the woman’s lips as he hand delicate rubbed over her swollen stomach. “My time locked away in this horrid dark lodging will soon come to an end. And I will have my sweet Alasdair again.” Of course, Valentina was expecting the worse, but it was time to keep her head up and not show others her vulnerability. If she was going to fall, she would fall in grace and keeping her head held high until it was cut off from her shoulders. “Do tell me what is the gift you have for me.”

“Well I don’t see anyone else here to receive it,” she somewhat teased. Normally she would be happy to see that a present of her’s had brought a smile to someone’s face, especially to a person in such dire straits as Valentina currently was. But her feelings were...complicated on the matter. After all— both her and Alasdair had acted in ways they weren’t meant to. But it was difficult to judge when it was acts of love that had been the wrongdoing. Nevertheless, she gave a gentle smile at Valentina’s stomach, the sight of it making her excited for a baby. At the same time...the same voice of a neglected little girl rang in the back of her head, wondering if this baby would just be yet another person her father would love more than her. Again that niggling voice made itself known, trying to tell her that perhaps it wasn’t a terrible thing if both Valentina and the babe perished. But she quickly pushed it aside. “How much longer?” she asked, uncertain when the babe was meant to come. “Don’t be too excited. It’s nothing entirely elaborate,” she disclaimed, not wanting Valentina to get her hopes too high. “But...” With that she bought out some flowers she’d picked from the garden, their blooms bright and lively. “I thought they may bring some light to your makeshift prison.” But there was something more she wanted to know. “Did you think you wouldn’t get caught?” It wasn’t particularly accusatory, as Catarina truly wondered what Valentina and Alasdair’s plan had been before everything went south.

[sorcllina]

sorcllona‌:

Evelina had always been at her sister’s side, she had always been there for advice, and to protect her sister, but that was going to be impossible soon enough. Spain and England were not far, but they were not close. They would be separated for the first time in their lives and Evelina would not be able to take care of her baby sister. They were both to be queens, however, and she knew that that is what they had been trained for. They could deal with the heartbreak of leaving one another for their duty. Evelina hoped that their distance would make their moments together even sweeter. 

She did not look up at her sister’s intrusion, rather used to the antics of Catarina by now. She hummed,“I’ve been told that gray hairs show wisdom. I am quite happy being wise and gray, rather than naive and brunette.” She looked up with a smile,“Wouldn’t you agree, Little Sister?” She placed her instrument down gently, before standing to place two kisses on the sides of her sister’s face. “Now, tell me, how do you plan on celebrating my birthday?”

Many of the reasons Evelina didn’t wish to leave her were the same as Catarina’s. They looked after one another. Evelina had helped Catarina remember what was appropriate when, and Catarina had helped Evelina come out of her shell every now and then. Even if they didn’t always take one another’s advice...she would still miss it dearly. Perhaps it came of not having a mother, the fact that they both so strongly that they were responsible for the other. They partially made up for it with this.

“Well— you’re still naive and brunette for now,” she poked back at her sister with a smile. “And thankfully you’r betrothed will know you as the young beauty you still are, rather than an aging maiden.” Hopefully that was an easy enough way to bring up the betrothal. Catarina had been rightfully shocked to find that her sister was to marry Romeo of all people. Especially after Evelina had told her of their first meeting. Catarina returned the two little kisses before saying, “Wouldn’t that ruin the surprise?” with a birth of a teasing smile.

[sorcllina]

@sorcllona​

To think that the both of them had gotten betrothed so closely together. Catarina wasn’t sure if she preferred it or not. She’d always thought of it as far off things, something far in the future that she was waiting for, but wouldn’t come for some time. Perhaps she’d thought— if one of them got married first, the other would be able to live with her until the single sister was married as well. That was another thing she hadn’t thought about. Living in an entirely different country than her sister, and the woman who’d been practically the only constant in her life. 

She’d been planning to tease her sister about her upcoming birthday, finally a quarter of a century in only a week...but now it seemed there was other news to discuss as well. Catarina found her sister in her room, fiddling with one of her instruments. It was most likely better to have this conversation in private rather than elsewhere, anyway. “So are you ready to start getting your first gray hairs soon enough?”

[sorcllina]

asturiasespana‌:

He had never understood her reaction. Had she hated the idea of him kissing her so much, he would have much rathered her say no than run away from him. Was he so disgusting to her that she could not wait to say no? She had been so hasty in her retreat that she had tripped and he had never known the Princess to be that ungraceful. He simply could not wrap his head around the idea that Catarina thought him so repulsive and now she was to marry him. He didn’t want to get married in general and now he was marrying a woman who didn’t even want to kiss him. How was he ever supposed to have sex now? How was he supposed to have heirs?

His eyes narrowed at her, he had been open with her about his activities and his frequent visiting of women’s bedchambers, but he hadn’t expected her to use it in conversation like this. “Having a wife would make my preference for frequent bedroom activities easier, if she was as interested as I am. You see my issue now, since I don’t see you being quite as eager as others in that regard.” Perhaps that was harsh and a bit crude, but he was honest with Catarina as often as he could be. “I didn’t imagine it would be someone I knew.”

It had been the exact opposite of what he thought. Catarina had been frigthened by how much she’d wanted to kiss him. She had a few kisses before, though they were mostly carefully stolen ones in dark and shadowed hallways while royal parties fizzled out, but they’d been...a bit confusing more than anything. They’d felt nice enough, but she didn’t entirely understand what all the fuss was all about. Though...that may have had something to do with the fact that she’d gone through with them due more to curiosity than desire. 

As his eyes narrowed, her lips pursed— the simple action already making her feel defensive. Then his words were out and she had her confirmation. She was the problem. “So if it was one of the girls who threw themselves at you and begged you for your company between their sheets,” she bit out. “Then you’d be fine?” It was obvious her temper had been sparked. “Of course I wasn’t as eager. Do you think I wanted any prospect of me finding a fiance dashed by some foolish night? You wouldn't understand,” she began, her annoyance mounting. “You’ve gotten to do whatever you like in the bedroom without consequence because your parts go out rather than in.” Someone he knew. Perhaps it did have more to do with her, as she’d suspected. “I didn’t either, but you can’t just shut down and ignore me, Aurelio. It’s going to happen whether you approve of it or not.” Which was why she’d been trying to make the best of their situation by having this conversation. Apparently...it was a futile effort. 

[sorcllina]

r-windsor‌:

though he was saddened by the thought of his dear friend passing away, he knew that maiden had left her mark on many people. a wave of memories seeped through his head, and as he revisited each one, a slight smile started to rest on his lips. the way little thomas and his lisp would call her printhess, or the way young cat-

romeo furrowed his brows, his eyes snapping to the back of the lady’s head. her extraordinarily bright eyes, her ease with maiden, and her distinct playfulness- it seemed that young catarina had still not grown out of her little pranks. 

romeo held his hands behind his back, suppressing a laugh from escaping his lips. “such an old age for a young soul, but at least we may be content that her spirit never dulled.” romeo stepped up next to the girl, still considerably shorter than he, and the side of his lips perked upwards. “as i am glad that yours hasn’t after all of these years, cat.”

Catarina wasn’t sure what had caused the change in Romeo’s expression, as she was still rather taken with her concern about Maiden. Catarina had never been good at letting go. In fact she’d cried for days when she’d had to leave England in her youth, though she’d done it in the privacy of her room. That had been the time of trying to gain her father’s approval and attention through being more ‘proper’. Of course...it hadn’t worked. 

The confusion was plain in her eyes as she could tell Romeo was trying his best not to let a chuckle get the best of him. Did he find the end of a life...funny? She knew that couldn’t be the right answer. But his amusement was clear as he finally and correctly identified her. A small smile traced her lips, still not entirely able to enjoy the revelation as she was busy thinking about Maiden. “So you figured it out.” A bit of mirth entered her voice. “I was wondering how long it would take you, and whether I should finally take pity on you.”

[sorcllina]

asturiasespana‌:

Aurelio had attempted to seduce Catarina. He had wanted her, he had wanted to take her purity from her, he wanted to be her first. However, she had rejected him. He remembered it vividly. He had been so close to brushing his lips against her’s in that library and she had ducked away, she had dodged him. He had had women reject him before, he would not pretend that that did not happen, but he had never been friends with those woman. He hadn’t enjoyed their conversation and company, but he cared for Catarina’s. He would never admit it, but in a way, he had been hurt.

If this had been a different conversation or had taken place months ago, maybe he would have teased her. She always told him to stop something, but he couldn’t stop this. He didn’t know how to deal with this, he didn’t even understand how he was truly feeling. “I don’t know what you want me to do, Princess. I have never wanted to get married.”

Catarina remembered the day in the library. Perhaps she even remembered it a little too well. It had begun innocent enough, with them searching for books that could help bolster her learning of Spanish, and him suggesting some of his favorites. Then he’d reached over her and become suddenly all too close. Her face had heated quickly, and her gaze had lingered on his lips— curiosity beginning to get the better of her. She’d looked up from her pounding heart to find him growing even nearer...and panicked. She wasn’t supposed to be kissing people, least of all crown princes that had a penchant for anything that walked and had legs to spread. But more than that...she’d been scared. What if she was bad at it? What if it ended up he didn’t like kissing her? What if they had kissed and he found it was less than he expected? So she’d fled and tripped on her way out. 

And now they were in another library, though the tables had very much turned. His admission didn’t particularly surprise her, but the little pang of pain that came with it did. Then again, at least he hadn’t said he didn’t want to marry her specifically. “Because of your...ah-” She’d never been good at talking about this. “-preferred frequent bedroom activities?” A little frown came over her lips as she carefully added on. “You must have known it would come one day, though?”

[sorcllina]

alasdairofhamilton‌:

alasdair was sat out on a balcony, feet resting on the railing. he took slow puffs from a pipe in his hand, watching the ocean come in and out. how he missed the sea. life out there was hard, but at least it was simple. he barely looked over when he heard the princess announce herself. he did set down his pipe and feet, though. after another long moment, alasdair finally tore his gaze away from the blue and looked to the young girl before him. “ah, yes. prince alasdair stuart, of scotland. duke of hamilton. lord high admiral of the scottish navy.” he half bowed in his seat, too tired to get up and do much more. 

before he would answer her question, he posed a few of his own. “i’ve heard you are betrothed to the crown prince of spain. congratulations. how has the news gone over with you and your intended?” he had heard the rumors, of course. the petulant prince of spain throwing a fit that he was forced into an engagement. of course, at that age, alasdair would have… no, did the same. he considered her question, finally, shrugging his shoulders. “yes, for valentina and the babe. but that’s not a very strong argument in front of an entire court of royals, is it? i’m doing it because i don’t believe james is fit to be king. he hasn’t taken the proper steps to benefit scotland and the others gathered here in sardinia. he’s paralyzed by fear and emotion, and my country is suffering for it.”

Perhaps the only good things about returning home so far was her proximity to the sea again, and her proximity to the horses she’d had to leave behind while in Spain. She’d missed both dearly, along with the gardens. But she’d also enjoyed getting to acquaint herself with the flora of Spain as well as some of the...people— he betrothed having been included. Of course, she hadn’t known he was to be her affianced at the time. For a moment, Catarina’s determination faltered as Alasdair mentioned her betrothal allowed just as she’d been thinking of it, surprise lighting her features. “I- yes, thank you.” Why did Alasdair care of anything to do with how her betrothal was going? “It’s been...” She paused, trying to find the words that she could used to describe what was occurring without revealing too much. Catarina didn’t want to look vulnerable when she was trying to be serious. “Of course I’m excited to have been matched with a country that I already learned much of while studying there. As for my betrothed, perhaps he’d be better suited to answer how he’s feeling.”

But thankfully the conversation had shifted back to the original reason she’d approached him. Catarina listened carefully, weighing his words in her mind and trying to discern whether he was being truthful or not. “Suffering how?” she asked, wanting to find some clarification. “And you believe...possibly starting a civil war won’t also cause suffering?” It was a bit strange, to hear such pointed words coming form her generally joyful and joking lips. “Would you have done it even if there wasn’t a child involved?” 

[sorcllina]

@alasdairofhamilton​

With all the rumors swirling around the palace, and Valentina now awaiting her death along with her unborn baby, Catarina knew there was really only one person who could give her answers. So she had gone straight to the source of it all, not hesitating to learn from others where she might find the Scottish prince that had made his claim to the throne. She carried herself with chin held high as she sought him out, not one to be cowed by a higher ranking royal when there was something important to be discussed.

As she finally found him, she walked over in long and confident strides, her mouth set in a stubborn line that said she most likely wouldn’t be leaving without answers...even if she wasn’t entirely certain what questions she was meant to be asking. Nevertheless, she performed a customary curtsy and introduced herself. “Princess Catarina from Italy. I believe we’ve seen each other from afar a few times, at least.” She’d only just arrived back from Spain with her betrothal hot on her heels, and hadn’t yet gotten the time to met Alasdair in a more formal setting just yet. She’d probably been laughing or smiling for the few times they’d made eye contact across a room, but now she was simply serious, trying her best to appear an adult rather than the child most people saw when they looked her way. “So you’ve made your claim to the throne— for Valentina and the babe?”

[sorcllina]

r-windsor‌:

romeo perked his brows up, examining the woman’s behavior. it confused him how familiar this stranger was- had he come across her before? he rarely forgot important faces. on the contrary, perhaps she was no one, and romeo was merely losing his mind. he shook his head of such thoughts, and walked up next to her.

“you seem to bond with maiden quite a bit, my lady,” he commented, though it was posed as more of a question. “she’s aged poorly over the years- not as affectionate as during her younger days.” he then looked sideways at the lady, starting to gain suspicion in her intimate encounter with the horse. 

clearing his throat, romeo stepped back from maiden’s stall. “my stableboy, matt, said he fears maiden has become too old,” he replied. “i had an errand close to the stables so i reckoned i could see for myself what age has done to her.” romeo pursed his lips, looking at his fondest horse in the eye. “maiden has blessed more people with laughter than i ever have. she was one of my training horses when i taught horse-riding back in england. saying goodbyes are never easy, but i’ve got a feeling this will be one of my hardest.”

The raised looked of his brown only caused her grins to grow wider, and the mischievious sparkle of her eyes to grow brighter. She didn’t blame him for not recognizing her. After all, she was much changed from the child he had known, at least in appearance, though her core features still rang true. 

“Perhaps our souls are old friends,” Or perhaps they were actual old friends, Catarina thought to herself as she continued on with her ambiguous ruse. But as Romeo mentioned the age of the horse, an instant frown tugged at Catarina’s lips, worry coloring her eyes. “I’m sure she still has some golden pasture years left in her?” she asked, wanting the answer to certainly be yes. The thought that the horse she learned to ride on might be lost, and so soon after a re-acquaintance, made her heart sink.

Her concern washed away her attempts to tease Romeo for the moment,  forgetting that she was still trying to be some mystery woman, and perhaps revealing a bit too much of her hand. “She can’t be more than...” Doing some quick math in her head with her own age, she realized that Romeo had to be right, which only dampened her spirits more. “She’s going on 26 now?” 

[sorcllina]

hmelenora‌:

“Tomorrow we continue the discussion of treaties and I expect you will be more engaged,” Kristina said to her brother, putting the last of her papers back in the box, it was clear the young king had no plan to focus on governance today. It didn’t bother her too much as the tutor was due to arrive with her other brother and her brother soon so the three boys could begin their daily studies. 

She left the office and headed for one of the sitting rooms for a drink. “Pity the poor soul who makes their living in teaching. Other people’s children are tiresome.” 

Catarina walked out of the meeting directly behind Kristina, having sat near the woman she so admired for the majority of it. She’d paid apt attention, always rather invested in the going ons of countries and the like. Truly, she wanted to do her best when it came to this summit, though it was moreso for herself and her own future than anyone else. However...if her father finally took notice of her for it, she supposed that wouldn’t hurt either.

Nevertheless, she brought over a glass for Kristina— bringing her drink of choice. “I hope you’re not talking about me,” she teased a little. “Does this mean you’re dashing all your dreams of becoming a governess?”

[sorcllina]

reinaespana‌:

Reina was simply sitting and reading, minding her own business for once in her damn life, when her quiet moment was interrupted — as she heard the door open it was like a switch flipped on inside of her, and she was instantly fuming. It wasn’t that her intruder was necessarily doing anything that deserved her irritation, but Reina cherished her alone time and truth be told, having to entertain someone was the absolute last thing she wanted to do at that given moment. So, of course, when she looked up at her company it was with a scowl, her chagrin so blatantly portrayed on her features that it’d be impossible to miss. Her husband would have told her to mind herself in the presence of people who could be important but Reina had never been good at that, and he wasn’t there at the moment to reprimand her for it. “May I help you with something?” Her question was by no means pleasant, it was biting and said with obvious impatience. Containing her spite was by no means Reina’s strong suit. “You are aware that it’s rude to startle a lady, yes?” Much less a queen, but Reina didn’t elaborate.

Catarina had noticed the change in Reina’s attitude towards her ever since the...announcement, but she wasn’t entirely sure what it meant. Why would the queen be upset? Shouldn’t she be pleased she’s found a match for her son? Unless she didn’t approve of Catarina...But still— hadn’t the Queen known about the betrothal beforehand? Why would her bitterness only take hold now? Nevertheless, she heard the poor soul that was currently being made Reina’s latest victim and dipped in through the door after them, placing a hand on their shoulder to guide them back towards the door. “I believe the room you’re looking for is actually one more door down.” She knew the palace could be confusing with its size as the new royals tried to learn their way around. Thankfully, the intruder left without qualms, most likely too scared of Reina to say anything else. Then it was Catarina’s turn to face the imposing woman, as she  reminded herself to have the best posture she could muster, trying to be as polite as possible. After all...this was her future mother-in-law now. “I think they’re quite aware now.” There was the smallest hint of a joke to it, though she was barely toeing the line, playing it safe.

[sorcllina]

asturiasespana‌:

Aurelio had planned on pushing getting married as far away as possible and that had been easier when he wasn’t betrothed. He had enjoyed his time with Catarina, she was fun to tease and she had been good company, but he had never imagined her as his wife, let alone future Queen. Of course, he had wanted to get under her skirts and explore her in a way no one else ever had, however, it was much easier to want to do that with someone he wasn’t about to be married to. It changed things, it changed how he saw her. She wasn’t friend anymore, she was to be his wife. 

Avoiding her had been an easy decision to make. He didn’t want to speak to her, just like he didn’t want to speak to his parents. He wasn’t that surprised when he saw her in the library and was even less surprised that she came straight to him. He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow,“I suppose you want to make things right before we become man and wife. Be like what, Princess? I’m being perfectly normal.”

Catarina had always know she was going to be married off one day. However, she hadn’t entirely expected it to be this soon. It had always seemed far away, but now here it was knocking down her door. Before, she’d been looking forward to finally getting a chance to hopefully spread her wings a little, and throw herself into another country. But perhaps she’d forgotten that there would also be another actual person thrown into a mix. She’d always assumed it would be someone she barely knew, and only briefly met, which added another element of uncertainty when it turned out to be the man that had been teaching her Spanish for the last year, and the man she’d befriended. She didn’t want to lose that, not when she’d grown...rather fond of his company.

“Stop that,” she insisted, a bit of a frown pulling her lips downwards. It wasn’t the first time she’d told him to quit whatever he was doing. In fact, she’d probably done it countless times over the last year, but those had more often been much lighter than this conversation. “You’re being the farthest thing from normal. I understand if you’re upset after the announcement, but don’t do...” Unable to find the right word, she simply motioned to the whole of him. “This.” Was he upset with her, maybe? She wasn’t entirely sure what to think. 

[sorcllina]

r-windsor‌:

romeo glanced at the other, taking in her physical features. though he was not usually tempted by women, something about this one’s shining, brown hair and bright green eyes made the back of his neck twitch. had he seen her from somewhere? 

“could be, my lady,” he replied, swinging the reins onto the horse’s saddle. “there was a girl i had once met during my younger days who went by matt. though now that i revisit the memory, it may have been madeline.” he turned back to the stranger, slightly lowering his head in a half-assed bow. “i am romeo windsor,” he replied. “and this is my fair maiden.”

One of the first things Catarina had done after arriving back was saddle the horse she’d had to leave behind during her long absence in Spain. Socks, her buckskin gelding, had always hated long boat journeys, and though she knew she’d miss him dearly...the young woman didn’t want to put him through unnecessary stress. Taking her childhood horse out for a ride was also the obvious answer after the unexpected announcement of her betrothal had sent her mind to whirring. Brisk winds and the sound of hooves on the ground always helped to calm her. 

But now that she was closer, she finally managed to put a pin in why the other man had looked familiar. If his features hadn’t tipped her off, the horse certainly would have. There was absolutely no way she’d forget the first horse she’d rally ridden, or the man that had taught her. Nor the man she’d trailed after like a shadow during her time in England. “Hello, Maiden,” she greeted warmly, reaching into her pocket for a sugar cube to offer the mare. But she laughed at his apparent mix up with Matthew and Madeline. “I’m not so sure Madeleine would want to be mixed up with a Matthew either,” she continued to tease lightly. “She’s indeed quite fair though.” Showering compliments onto horses was something she often tended to do. Coyly, Catarins didn’t offer her own name in return after Romeo introduced himself, wondering how long it might take him to realize exactly who she was. “And what brought you out here at this hour?”

[sorcllina]

r-windsor‌:

the forest was as quiet as ever, the only noise coming from romeo’s heavy steps through the dry leaves. the lake was beginning to freeze over, and romeo’s horse, maiden, was having a hard time following the frustrated man through the cold. having rode the horse for an hour and walked for four, romeo was exasperated and wanted nothing but to find warmth.

“she’s in season,” romeo huffed, his warm breath emitting a cloud of fog in the cold air. “the mares usually do fine regardless, but this one has always been a bit of a hare-brain.” romeo undid the reins he had secured in his hands and swung it over his shoulder to whoever had walked up behind him, presumably his stableboy. “take this back to the barn, will you?”

when he heard the reins hit the ground, he turned around, his brows raising as he saw the person before him. “my apologies, i thought you were matthew,” he mumbled, picking the reins off the ground. “is there something you need from me to have traveled all this way?”

Having just arrived back from Spain to her home country, Catarina was having a rather relaxing time reacquainting herself with the grounds of the palace, taking her own favorite mare out for a ride. She’d missed the horse dearly, rather taken with most anything that had to do with riding or the four-legged animals. 

Then, from afar, she’d spotted a man and his own steed on the horizon. It only took her a moment to decide that she’d like to go and say hello, though she couldn’t quite tell if she already knew him or not from this distance. As she grew closer, she dismounted, taking careful steps towards him. She wasn’t entirely paying attention when he first spoke, still to settle her own mare as she came to a stop. 

Then she heard the thud of the reins on the ground and let out a surprised “Oh,” and she herself went to get them, though it seemed he had beaten her to it. Nevertheless, she straightened with a bit of a teasing grin. “Do I look like I could be a Matthew?’ she joked lightly. “I was just saying hello to the places I’ve missed while away. And yourself?”