Ok so this idea was originally inspired by @glendybluebird and her Encanto Empire AU. I just loved her character designs and the idea of a Royalty AU with the cast of Encanto when it hit me! What if it was a Regency AU instead? And what if it was based on Bridgerton?! ๐คฏ
Ok so in this AU the Madrigals arenโt quite royalty but they are prominent members of the ton. Very close with the crown. Maybe a Dukedom, Iโm not sure yet.
Anyway, the story is a mix between conflicts in the movie and the drama from the show. Isabela plays a part similar to Edwina and Daphne, Dolores plays Penelope, Mirabel and Camilo are Eloise and Benedict, Luisa is Kate, and Abuela is basically Lady Danbury with a hint of Violet Bridgerton. Mariano is the Prince, with a role similar to Colin and his Grandmother is Queen Charlotte. (See where Iโm going with this?)
Alma and Queen Carlotta Guzman are old friends and determined to see their families united. So, when the three eldest granddaughters of the Madrigal household, finally come of age, Queen Carlotta has her pick of the perfect suitor for her son and declares Isabela, the Diamond of the Season. With the two of them being long term friends, everything appears to be going perfectly. But nothing is as it seems.
Ever since Dolores was young, she new that her best friend Prince Mariano Guzman was the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, he seems smitten with her cousin and their abuelaโs are determined to see them together. Despite being a wise and lovely young woman with a talent for writing and music, Dolores is often overlooked in favor of her older cousin. Compared to Isabelaโs popularity with the ton, her perfect poise, and beautiful flowers, Dolores fears that she will always be in her cousinโs shadow. However, being a wall flower does have its advantages and Dolores is keeping a powerful secret.
Isabela Madrigal has always done her best to be the perfect young lady and to please her Abuela. However, she longs for far more freedom than marriage to the crown could give her. Sheโd much rather explore and travel the world, go horseback riding and cultivate new and exotic plants than reside in the palace, throwing balls, making pretty flower arrangements and popping out babies left and right.
Although she is the younger sibling Luisa is very protective of her family and feels it is her duty to ensure their safety, security, and security within the community. She is strong, smart, intimidating and well read, often emulating their fierce and equally protective Abuela. She will do anything for her family often at her own expense and she can usually be found helping people either within the family or on their vast estate. She does not have many friends amongst the ton nor suitors so she focuses all her energy on vetting the people trying to get close to them. However, under the surface, she longs to finally let down her walls someday, to share her burdens and interests, and finally truly relax.
Meanwhile, Camilo and Mirabel, as the younger spectators of this spectacle, contemplate what they desire out of life, outside of romance, and try to solve the mystery of the tonโs unknown gossip writer. Much like Benedict and Eloise, Camilo and Mirabel are more interested in broader pursuits. Camilo would like to be a performer and work in a theater. While, Mirabel would like to start her own Modiste Shop. Iโm also thinking of aging Antonio up about 5 years because I want to give him plot relevance but Iโm not sure what that will be yet. ๐ค
Iโd for a story like this to come to life someday but this is all for now.
