#espionisms

[thenxghtwemxt]

@espionisms | Julian and Araminta, The Medici's Bed Chambers Aboard NRP Sagres

Try as she may to keep Julian at arm's length, proximity and life together makes it near impossible. That, and the overwhelming sense of calm he presents amidst the ego and storm of Araminta's own ways. After arriving back from another whispered fight with her lover, she settles at the edge of their bed. A comfortable silence as she thinks, and thinks, until she finally says it. "Should I be worried about Dante?" It is odd, surely, to discuss her relationships problems with her husband. But Araminta's closeness to Julian grows, despite her best intentions. "I am afraid this voyage may bring out the worst in us both." His broodiness, her stubbornness. Turning to look at Julian, those stark eyes and gentle demeanor, Araminta confuses her whimper for a sigh. Fingers smoothing out the hair from his face. "I apologize for this continued... Awkwardness."

[umitvar]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: DAWIT'S HALL, MAIN ROOM 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌: NOI JIRAYU CHAROENSUK 𝐓𝐎: ALISTAIR WOLFF ( @espionisms )

it is an odd hour into the night. luckily for noi, it seems as if many people have been tired out by the first day ceremonies and gone to rest. therefore, it is simply the perfect time to walk around and get used to the palace. after walking through the gardens and some of the menagerie, he is more excited about the next location, ( which also has nothing to do with his clandestine doings ). unsurprisingly so, it is dawit's hall, somewhere he has heard about many times in his travels from other performers who could not stop singing praises about the halls. noi is unsure if it has to do with the atmosphere that comes when it's crowded with life, or if it has anything to do with the architecture itself. assuming the first of two options, he sets to find out. having stopped at his rooms before walking there, his treasured phin is hung across his frame. while he isn't donning his usual performing attire, it's still one of his nicer robes. a thin, almost sheer, black material that hangs off his shoulders, the long flowy fabric of his trousers, which look akin to a skirt, sweeps the floor as he walks. what he doesn't expect to see as he wanders through the main room is another face — and a much too familiar one at that. his steps cut short, and despite the power he usually has over his expressions, something falters in his gaze, and he isn't sure if he should smile or frown. what are the chances, really? could this be called fate? "alistair." the pause stretches, and only when he has his attention on him that he continues. "what... brings you here? thinking of performing yourself?" teasing, much easier than thinking about everything that's going on in his head. "i could probably put in a good word to the academy for you."

[bourgeoning]

she's  been avoiding  the  main  hall  ,  ever  since  the  portraits  had  been  hung  .  too  many  eyes  weighing  down  on  her  ,  suffocating  .  but  knowing  this  can't  last  forever  ,  and  as  activity  around  the  palace  meets  a  lull  in the night ,  suzume  finally  goes  to  try  meeting  their  gaze  .  which  proves  successful  ,  at  first  ,  but  as  she  trails  over  to  the  young  chakris  ,  there's  a  familiar  ,  deeply - detested  sting  on  the  inner  corners  of  her  eyes  .  by  the  time  she  reaches  the  emperor  and  empress  (  she  assumes  )  ,  their  portraits  are  but  blurry  outlines  .  she  turns  on  her  heel  ,  rushing  out  of  the  room  with  so  little  awareness  that  she  nearly  collides  with  @classiqals  @espionisms  @balteren  @bxrnfrxmashes  in  the  process  .  no  one  was  supposed  to  be  here  .  she  shoots  them  a  withering  look  ,  but  in  that  very  moment  ,  the  first  tear  rolls  down  her  face  .  immediately  ,  she  turns  her  head  with  a  sniff  ,  swiping  at  her  cheek  . " excuse me . "

[thenxghtwemxt]

@espionisms | Oriana and Antonio, On Brazil's Vessel

"Is this wise?" It's an innocuous question, asked over Brazilian hot chocolate. Dark brows furrowed under the bright sun, as husband and wife settled in their private veranda. "All these people, in our home..." Antonio's eyes linger on the wheels of Oriana's seat. A reminder of the last attack, made in their homeland, within their own home. "Now we invite the unknown; the Russians, the criminals..." And a closer look at his own involvement in the matter.

[umitvar]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: SPAIN'S PALACE, FEW DAYS BEFORE BEFORE MASKED MARKETPLACE FESTIVAL 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌: PRINCE FELIX EMILIANO ORTIZ 𝐓𝐎: QUEEN MARIAM ORTIZ ( @espionisms )

felix has a goal in mind, and when he does — he can be exceedingly stubborn about it. truth be told, he doesn't know if he needs to be this pent up, ready for a negative answer that he will try to convince otherwise. maybe, mariam will be much more amicable to his whims, though he does not have high hopes. he had been told by many people that he would need to behave in ethiopia particularly well — and although what he is going to ask doesn't fall under misbehaving, he still isn't sure. nonetheless, slipping through his own guards situated at the door, the young prince leaves his quarters, heading to his oldest sister's. evading these guards would be a bit more of a challenge, if not the moment they see him, they simply step to the side. there is no need for further convincing to let him in. which is- good. it means she doesn't have any important meetings, or doesn't want to be bothered. maybe this is all a very good sign, as he pushes the door open, and walks inside with a grin. "hermana —" a singsong voice, he plops down on the sofa next to her, pulling his legs underneath himself, leaning against the back of the couch. "how have you been? anything exciting planned for the next few days?" his tone is sweet in a way his sister will be able to read him very easily, though felix does not mind. "i was wondering something... you know what's coming up right? can we go? together?" doesn't know if there are any particular tensions that would prevent them from going, all he knows that he heard it's going to be fun, and well, he wants to go. "please?"

[umitvar]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: NORWAY'S PALACE 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌: PRINCESS ANETTE OLDENBURG 𝐓𝐎: KAROLINA MACKENZIE ( @espionisms )

after endless conversations and the trip to the simien mountain trails, anette feels completely spent. although this would be impossible to detect to anyone but the closest to her, the moment she steps inside her private quarters ( which consists of a bedroom, a living room, a study, and a bathroom, which she finds more than sufficient ) , she slumps. the ends of her dress are muddy, the soles of her feet are hurting — and she would be complaining if that wasn't completely against who she is. seeing karolina there, however, puts something very close to a smile on her face, and she walks towards them, whilst reaching up to her own hair to take off one of the hairpieces that's been bugging her all day. "karolina, dear." her voice is soft, unlike the guarded and closed-off tone she had been using all day long. in a way, this feels similar to taking her shoes off after a long day. seeing them again, having to put up fewer pretenses than usual. "how was your day?" she turns the chair next to the beauty table, so it is looking at karolina, instead of the mirror. sitting down on it, continues to take the hairpieces off, those that she can reach easily. "have you visited someplace interesting? met anyone new or old?" when the lady in waiting makes their way towards anette, she leans back, eyes looking up, meeting theirs. and if her guard is lower than she ever lets it be, she knows they won't point it out. "i would love to hear what you did." and she honestly would, even if her stories wouldn't have anything in particular that has to do with useful information, she is still eager to listen.

[umitvar]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: AFTER THE BREAKFAST 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌: PRINCE NABIL BADI 𝐓𝐎: ORIANA DE ALCÂNTARA , NÉE DIAZ ( @espionisms )

breakfast has gone considerably well. despite the undeniable tension, and many attempts not to step on any toes, ( at the end of the day, the biggest egos of their time are stuck in the same room ), nabil thinks it all went much nicer than he feared. he even managed to catch up to a few friends he hadn't spoken in a while, and of course, met and had a pleasant conversation with his fair share of royals. from the corner of the room, he sees his friend's face, though with how crowded it is, it becomes difficult to find the right time to approach her in the beginning. it is only when most of the breakfast is done that he walks between the tables, and walks to her side. "queen oriana —" the egyptian prince starts, a genuine, wide smile on his face. they have been writing letters to each other very often, yet there is always something special about meeting one another face to face. "it has been so long since we've seen each other in person." his tone is fonder than he lets on. maybe for the first time this day, there is no need to put a façade of pleasantries on, for it is how he genuinely feels about seeing his dear friend. "how have you been?"

[thenxghtwemxt]

@espionisms | Giuliana and Angelo, The Qing-Tolentino Apartments

"Surely you are jesting." Angelo states, forcing a laugh so that he may not sneer at his beloved sister. Or, more accurately, at the jade-encrusted walking staff with a lionhead intricately designed onto its handle. A marvelous piece, if Angelo was not the quick and expedient naval powerhouse he prided his reputation on. No thought spared to his knee; still blasted from the war. Or to his left leg; still slow and limping when he stands for too long. Meeting the fire in Giuliana's eyes, he straightens his spine. "I am the Emperor, Giuls." He does not tire of reminding himself of that. Even without his leg as it once was. He is still the Emperor of the grandest dynasty in Asia. "I will not look weak."