#reign lola

[there-are-many-ways-to-smile]

"Mary's mother was the prefect person for this read. Lola didn't just betray her queen, she put her in danger and didn't seem to care."

[hiatuswhore]

Viper III

Versatility: The Princess of Conde, oh will the world ever see a woman as clever as she. Why does the expectation to be one kind of person rest on the shoulders of people—especially women. This Princess appears to be the jack of all trades, does that also include deception?

VIPER II: Rattled

IT WAS LAUGHABLE WATCHING FRANCIS AVOID YOU AT ALL COSTS. When has a king ever hid from a Princess in the confines of their own court? Still, you found yourself in the general vicinity most days.

“Humor me, Princess. Are you bored?” Sebastian questioned, standing in the corner of a meeting you likely had no business being in attendance. Your eyes locked on Mary, who swiftly looked away from your mocking gaze.

“Bored? How could one be bored when playing such an amusing game?” You challenged, narrowing your eyes with a mischievous glint. A quiet chuckle left him as you turned away once more. Your eyes back on to the raven-haired Queen, her jaw clenched as she held her composure.

“Mary is a good person. She may not deserve your kindness but your respect at the least. Is that too much to ask?” Sebastian said with his hands clasped in front of him. The smug look on your face hardened before you turned to your dear friend. “I do not mean to upset you.”

“If she is so deserving of my respect, why don’t we weigh in my dear brother Louis in this decision?” Your suggestion came with a sharp inhale from Sebastian. He had also warned Mary of your vengeful nature and fierce loyalty to your brother. You turned back to the open discussion of the religious war that now bubbled in France. The floor was open to all suggestions, and yet the men were coming up short.

“If I may? Your royal highness,” Sebastian covered his chuckle into a cough as you raised your hand. Your tone was almost taunting as you took the attention of the entire room. A silence followed before quiet murmurs made their way around the room; Francis sighed before nodding his head. “All the trouble lies in one common denominator‒you lot want a simple solution to a complex problem. So rather than attempting to isolate issues, spread them amongst solutions. Right now, people fear the arrival of a plague so let us bring people from all walks of life together. We offer food and blankets that we can spare to the needy or anyone who may need them. Right here in the main courtyard. If you fear the safety of the King and Queen Consort, we can up the guards and have you make appearances in slots.”

“What would this accomplish?” One of the privy councilmen grimaced at your brazen actions—how dare a woman use her mind? The room looked back to you for an answer which you simply smiled.

“Mind over matter is what it would accomplish. Not only do you continually build a good repertoire with your subjects, but you force them to really look at each other. Catholics and Protestants alike‒all together getting help from the crown. I’m not saying this will stop this war, but every victory, no matter how small, is a victory,” Your head held high, not a single crack appeared in your confidence. The skepticism of the room remained only in their expression. Their genuine resentment being in your idea being a good one.

“Thank you, Princess. That’ll be taken into heavy consideration. Any other ideas?” Francis said, but each that followed did nothing to rival your idea. They lacked the intricacy you offered in your plan. Finally, after another brutal thirty minutes of the men tripping themselves in attempts to one-up you, it was clear what the verdict would be. “I thank each of you for your contributions to today’s meeting. Since it was your idea, Princess, can the crown bestow the responsibility of this event onto you?”

“With pleasure,” Your smile was more prominent than necessary as Francis adjourned the meeting. Sebastian shook his head, waiting with you as the others cleared the room. Once the indiscernible murmurs of the privy council were gone, it left the throne room with a handful of you left. Mary brazenly met your gaze as Francis huffed as his mother held his ear. “I do not wish to take much of your time. Is it possible for my available resources to be listed, so I have it at my disposal?”

“I’ll make certain you have it by the end of the day, Princess,” Mary said, as she forced a smile onto her features. Your eyes caught sight of how tightly she gripped at her clasped hands‒staring at them too long, she promptly brought them to her sides.

“Very well,” You said, curtsying and doing the same not only for Francis but Catherine as well. If the following days had gone as you would have liked, then ideally, the days would have passed with a mixture of torturing Mary while organizing. Instead, your days were consumed with coordinating with the servants and kitchen staff. While those were the most manageable tasks to be dealt with, the guards proved to be an enormous headache. Sebastian made sure he would select the men that would watch over Mary and Francis, simple, right? Not in the slightest. Lord Narcisse insisted on having some of his men a part of the guard, hence him talking your ear off in the midst of your scrambling.

“—thus, amid my men are just as qualified!” He exclaimed. Nodding your head; you offered a warm smile. A huff escaped you as you scanned the corridor for your swift escape, but it only offered you useless Nobleman and‒your savior Lola Flemming.

“Lady Lola! Just who I was looking for!” You exclaimed, smiling broadly as you acted as though all his words suddenly evaded. Rambling aimlessly about several nonsensical tasks you already completed, you took her arm, matching her stride. Once out of earshot, you looked at her laughing like an old friend, but you spoke in a hushed whisper, “Nod your head and pretend I am telling you something important. Before you consider defying me in the name of your dreadful Queen, do tread lightly. I know my reputation precedes me, and I am not to be trifled with.”

It was almost unsettling how easily you could hold an innocent demeanor while threatening foes. Lola nodded her head, following your directions without protest; once you watched Narcisse huff before disappearing in the opposite direction, your smile dropped.

“Thank you for your cooperation. You’re always such a doll,” You do not allow Lola to respond. Her eyebrows pull knit as she fails to understand your eccentric behavior. In the courtyard, you beam with pride at the turnout; several Frenchmen begrudgingly stand in line together. Some parts of the line conversation strike, some good, others not so much, but still, the event ran smoothly.

“You don’t find the music to be a bit much?” Sebastian stands at your side; you both hand out blankets. Your smile was large as you received strange looks from the patrons in line. Anyone with a crown or status stands a few feet back. So you stand with the servants proudly under the eye of not only the French court but the eye of the ordinary men and women. It was no wonder you were adored.

“Why don’t you take a break,” You turn to find Mary relieving the servant to your right. As she met your gaze, a small chuckle left you; it felt near impossible not to say something.

“Afraid I’ll gain more support than I already hold?” You question while still beaming with joy as you throw spite in her direction. Even you could admit she was quickly learning your game‒or at least that’s what you wanted her to believe.

“I hurt you, and now you devote yourself to my demise. I will not fight you, Princess. That is what they expect of us, and I will have no part in it,” She says, and you openly chuckle as eyes watch you both. It appears as if two friends are sharing a chat, but a handful watched you both wearily, knowing precisely what it indeed was.

“Do as you please, Queen Mary. Whether you indulge, me or not means nothing. I am not certain of much in life, but I am certain of this,” You lean in close to her, smiling with glee as Sebastian makes up for your slacking, “You will never prevail in French Court. Not if I have anything to do with it.”

Mary just barely holds her composure as you return to handing out blankets. Many patrons linger with the blankets and food, chatting amongst the crowd. You join the crowd intermingling happily. A little girl watches you cautiously behind her mothers’ dress. You tilt your head, watching as she buries herself further behind her mother, who urges her daughter not to be rude to a Princess.

“You’re a Princess?” Her tiny voice called out, and for the first time all night, you dropped your carefully calculated pretenses. You crouch down, balancing on your feet as you match the little girl’s height.

“Why, of course, darling, takes one to know one, right?” You questioned, but she immediately corrected you, telling you of her lack of status. Your hands shoot to the diamonds around your neck, unclasping the back; you beckon the child to you. She turns, allowing you to bring the necklace around her neck, “Now all Princesses have their prized possessions. Mine is a bracelet from my beloved brother.”

“Is he here?” The little girl questioned in awe as her tiny hands inspected the heavy metal hanging around her neck. You could feel the subtle gazes and how many around you waited patiently for your response.

“No, he is off to much better things. Promise me you’ll take good care of your prized possession?” You said with her hands in your own she nodded her with vigor before you allowed her back to her mother. Her voice filled the courtyard as she gushed to her mother. You walk to your main guard William, you lean in close with your eyes on the woman and her daughter. “Follow them and make sure no one bothers. I am going to have my pager deliver to you a certain amount of coin. Make certain they get it in confidence.”

“Shall I leave them a message when I do?” Only a few knew of your heavy generosity; that list consisted of your brothers, Sebastian, Francis, and William. You smiled as you watched the young girl run in circles, her hands on the necklace to ensure its presence.

“Just say it’s from one princess to another,” You explain, rolling your eyes as William teases your evident kindness. Too focused on the family, it took Francis three tries at your name before he grabbed your attention.

“Walk with me?” You make no attempt to hide the way you glance over at Mary. She stands with her head high as she pretends to focus on the crowd in the courtyard.

“Will your wife approve?” Francis glanced over at his wife, who met his gaze; he offered a simple nod before looking back at you. “I am King. It is only my approval that matters.”

You join him as the two of you stroll through the crowd casually. Francis commends you on a successful turnout. Of course, you are no fool as you await for the pretenses to drop, but he continues to dissect the impact of your event. “—may even prevent a war from even occurring.”

“Francis, are you reaching a point, dear?” His smile does not falter as you look at him with a raised brow. The skepticism and uncertainty in your features are fully apparent but he dotes on you without shame. “You avoid me for a decent amount of time, and now you greet me with kindness. Francis, what is it that you are doing?”

“As you know, there is a history between us. Due to that, I have been blind to what was also a great friendship. You are here and still in my corner despite all that has happened. Please accept not only my deepest sympathies but my sorrow for being an awful friend to you. Your love is dear to me (Y/n); please say you will,” Francis said as the two of you continued your walk well out of view of the others. You chuckle down at the floor as your hand brushes against his own.

“Things have really drastically changed. We’re a long way from playing King and Queen in the throne room,” You point out, the two of you stopping at the grass. The night sky and the torches from the courtyard offer a minimal view.

“Remember our wedding. We had it right about there, I believe,” Though you could not see where he pointed, you knew exactly what he spoke of. The two of you snuck past the guards and played by the tree line. You both had just attended a wedding with one of France’s allies.

“I promised to love you no matter what,” You said with your arms crossed as nostalgia held you tight. Francis looked over at you, but you did not falter with the far-off look in your eye.

“I promised to protect you. I still intend to do that (Y/n),” He said, and you lean into his side. It would be easy to just lean up and kiss him, the mixture of the stars and the light hum of the music‒it’d be perfect. Perfect was not the goal, though, and you knew this, you needed him burning for you.

“Thank you, Francis,” You whispered, drawing small patterns on his arm; you bat your lashes up at him only for a second. The silence that takes over leaves a slight tension; the energy in the air practically screams for a large display of affections, but you hold it at simple, platonic gestures before excusing yourself. Your journey back through the courtyard entailed smug looks thrown Mary’s way. If you were a writer, France was your masterpiece. You would continue to mold history into a lens that fit your narrative.

VIPER IV: Reputation

MASTERLIST

[hiatuswhore]

♕ A Bastard and A Princess II

♕ A/N: Heyyyy! I don’t have anything to say haha just hey!

♕ SUMMARY: Oh how opposites attract. In a world of Station and Crowns there is no space for opposites coming together. What in Gods name could a Princess and a bastard have in common?

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Arriving in Cordovia you could feel Sir Reginald watching you.  Typically you would stick your head outside the carriage, smiling and waving to anyone who granted you an audience.  A far-off look in your eyes, he observed your reserved expression with a skeptical stare.  He decided not to vex you any further than usual, the silence between you both carried on throughout the kingdom all the way to the throne room.

“King James,” Your announcer bowed before stepping aside as you walked into the throne.  The room filled with guards, the privy council, and your father sitting upon the throne, “I present your daughter, Princess (Y/n) of Cordovia.”

“Father,” You said, stepping forward with your hands clasped in front of you held perfect posture as his stern eyes watched you.  You curtsied before addressing your father and the council as well before curtseying.  

“The alliance?” He asked, no regard for your feelings or well-being.  You were alive and appearing well in front of him—that was enough for him.  The large shimmer of the throne room bored you as you stared at your father.  As a girl, you would try to count every little jewel-encrusted into the ceiling.  The game was rather tedious but in long diplomatic meetings as your father feared you would be his only heir he found it vital to educate you.  It was your mother whom you learned the most from.

“You must be more poise than the ladies and know more of diplomacy than the men—only then will you have true power.”

Head held high as they discussed all you had achieved alone you listened quietly.  Taking your place, standing next to your father’s throne you stood two steps below him.  Knowing your place was to be seen not heard, it was a speak when spoken to basis.  Breaking this would get you nowhere but on the bad side of your father, this was not beneficial to you.  As Sir Reginald began listing off everything you did wrong your father was reading the documents drafted by France.  Holding up his hand halting your advisor's words your chest tightened at the action.  Sir Reginal visibly shrunk as it was difficult to read his King.  Narrowing your eyes at your father in his handheld to document—you were only aware of one.

“Daughter,” His voice held not a hint of what plagued his thoughts.  Inhaling sharply you stepped forward now in front of the throne curtseying once more.

“Yes, father?” You questioned; not losing your composure at his intense gaze.  Staring back at him you mentally scolded yourself; the act of defiance was clear.  Anyone with eyes in the room could see you were challenging your father, your King.

“You acquired more grain than we initially hoped for.  King Henry Valois II and Queen Catherine De Medici send a letter with the contract regarding you,” Looking down knowing if you did not relent there would be dire consequences, you struggled to not fiddle with your fingers.  You could only imagine what they had to say and the silence in the room felt near suffocating; as the corset beneath your dress felt as though it was tightening, “Holding you to the highest regard.  They claim I should be proud of a daughter more well versed in diplomacy than most Kings.  Holding the knowledge of negotiation that could rival elders.  France looks forward to proceeding with an alliance with Cordovia.  They do hope someday these dealings will be between France and Queen (Y/n) rather than princess.”

Looking up you could not help the surprised expression on your face. Eyebrows pinched together you were sure the King and Queen of France would not miss an opportunity to slander your name.

“I shall have a letter of gratitude drafted and sent to France immediately,” You said, catching your father’s gaze he only nodded curtly.  Curtseying before taking your place near your father the meeting proceeded rather dull.  The men doing most of the talking you did not expect to get recognition for all you had done—you also never expected Henry or Catherine to be the source of your recognition.  

Returning to your chambers it was always your favorite part of returning home.  Relieved of your responsibilities for only a day as you were expected to be weary from your travels.  Walking over to your window you stared out at the courtyard missing the garden of French court.  Wondering if Sebastian was there now—looking up at your old window from the fountain missing you.

“What troubles you, Birdie?” Not looking from the window you recognized the voice as your Governess Leonora.  The nickname always brought you much nostalgia as your childhood infatuation with birds was popular.  

“Nothing worth fretting over,” You said offering a smile that did not reach your eyes, the lines beneath her own creased further as she watched you.  Joining your side, taking your hands in her own she caught your gaze.

“Anything that troubles you is worth fretting over. You’re my little bird,” Adjusting the tiara on your head she beheld you in a light greater than most—maybe even all.  Looking around the room for loose ears you eagerly closed the door before taking Leonora’s hand and sitting on the edge of your bed.

“If you wish to offer me counsel you must be tenable.  This could be pernicious to you,” You spoke in a hushed tone, looking around the room in a paranoid manner.  To anyone else, your actions would have propagated a timorous response but not Leonora.

“I will be drawn and quartered before I ever turn my back on you, Birdie. Worry not of my possible apprehension.  As dangerous as it may be, I do not fear your father or no man,” She spoke confidently, not even caring to lower her tone as she gently squeezed your hand.

“I met a man.  A kind one who cares about more than just my beauty.  He listens to me, likes my mind, and is more than I ever thought the world could offer in any man. Lacks arrogance and is patient,” You explained your hushed tone slipping as a smile crept onto your lips. Not giving Leonora a chance to speak you rambled on like a lovestruck fool, “—and so handsome.  These blue eyes that are so intense and this laugh—oh Leonora his laugh so genuine and soft-spoken.”

“Did you?” Leonora trailed cautiously but you shook your head immediately.  Knowing your virtue being taken could have dire consequences. 

“I have not so much as kissed his lips—I wish I had,” You sighed as the joy faded from your face.  The absence of his presence returning only added to your woes, “You would have liked him.”

“I’m sure I would have,” Leonora said, trying to compose yourself, the sting in your eyes burned fiercely.  The feeling of Leonora’s arms around you broke the flood gates as a sob left your lips.

“I won’t ever see him again will I?” You cried but your governess said nothing as she held you.  The only mother figure you had since your own had died.

Weeks turned to Months as you got back into the complacent routine within Cordovian court.  Sending a letter back to France for Henry and Catherine you heard nothing from them—until you did.  In your private chambers as Leonora brushed your hair as you read through the letter. Skimming through it absent-mindedly you paused as your eyes glazed over a sentence.  Eyebrows pulling together as Leonora scolded you for moving she stopped as she saw your face.  Asking the servants for the room Leonora waited until she heard their retreating footsteps to ask you what it was.

“I never saw a letter or was even told of one that Henry or Catherine drafted for my Father about me.  This response to my letter of thanks is odd.  Here it says Princess (Y/n) I truly enjoyed your time here at French court.  Please behold the advice I gave you for your journeys. If you choose to dawdle proceed with caution as the woods can be very dangerous,” Continuing to read it aloud your heart was hammering fiercely as realization struck, “It is much safer near the castle, yours truly the Monarchy of France.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong Birdie but it sounds like common royal dialect to me,” Leonora said, placing the brush on the dresser as she glanced over your shoulder at the document. Shaking your head as a smile crept on your lips.

“I think it’s Sebastian.  I know not of what the first letter says but it probably had little hidden messages in it only I would understand,” You explained going on to explain your first interaction with Sebastian you missed the perplexed look on Leonora’s face.  Rambling about how you had to proceed carefully so it appeared a letter for Catherine and Henry but also so Sebastian knew you were aware it was him.

“And if it’s not him dear,” Leonora said, halting your excitement the ebullience did not leave you.

“It had to be.  Only he would be so brazen and only he would know of what this letter holds.  I spent no time with Catherine or Henry.  There was a time he mocked them by saying the Monarchy of France. It is him of that I am sure,” You said smiling up at Leonora a soft sigh left your lips.  Her worry about not just your safety but your feelings was endearing.  Taking your hand smiling she said nothing further; allowing you to think of how you wanted to proceed in comfortable silence.   Having it drafted before final meal as everyone ate and muttered amongst themselves you sat quietly.  Enjoying the porridge and bread you were humming a tune your mother sang to you as a babe. 

“Daughter,” Your father addressed you, breaking you from your thoughts the room became silent as attention was brought to you.  Nibbling on some bread you swallowed it down promptly before looking up your father.

“Yes, Father?” You asked realizing your typical calculating expression was drawing the attention of many.  

“You seem rather happy. Is there an occasion?” He asked, shaking your head politely there was no use in dropping your smile.  Suddenly dropping your smile would draw more attention than you wanted.

“No particular reason father. Just thinking of mother I guess,” You lied right through your teeth.  Looking at you his expression did not change,  being the spitting image of your mother he had to have been feeling something—she was his wife.  Beckoning over his pager he whispered something to him before sending him off.  Watching the exchange everyone had turned their attention back to their own conversation, but you watched your father closely.   Humming quietly you sipped your wine as you returned to your peaceful daze.   After dinner, your nightly routine passed in a haze not even Leonora could get you to focus.  Laying in bed Leonora pulled the blanket up to your chest and watched as you snuggled into your blanket.

“Goodnight Birdie,” She whispered as your eyes closed a long yawn left your lips.

“Night Mom. Love you,” You muttered, freezing for a second she smiled down at you before leaning forward and kissing your forehead.  

As days once again turned to weeks your joy faded; the exhaust of hoping each day would bring a response you were once again complacent.  Sitting in your study it was your regular time for studies; reading up on your Latin the first knock at the door made you pause.  Ignoring it knowing your father had ordered for no one to bother you doing this time, you were sure you had simply heard wrong—until it happened again.  Placing your book down you walked over opening it to find your fathers’ pager, Stuart.

“By the order of your father King James I of Cordovia.  There are guests arriving and tonight there will be a feast.  The King wants you to your chambers immediately, your servants and Governess have been directed on their tasks,” Nodding curtly you closed the door and your entire expression fell.  Anytime this happened your father orchestrated every little detail about you.  What to wear and what to talk about as well as whom to talk to.

Arriving at your chambers it was a frenzy,  being rushed into a bath as some scrubbed at your body others brushed away at your hair.  Leonora was busy helping the servants with the gown and tiara you would be wearing.  When the water finally became cold they rushed you from the bath.  Your skin stinging as you stepped out you had no time to whine about it as you were being pulled in every direction.  Two of your servants worked adamantly on your hair as Leonora helped get you into your undergarments.  The gown your father chose was nothing less of stunning—where had he been hiding this dress? That is all you could wonder as you looked at the intricate detail of every inch. The heart top was far from the traditional standard of dresses for women, pulling up you stared down taking in every finite detail.  Looking closely at it you could tell it every little piece was hand sewn.   The dress being a misleading light pink—beige even as the top was decorated with flowers, nothing too gaudy but just intricate enough to hold attention.  The midsection of the dress continued the flowery pattern heavily working perfectly to make an easy on the eye border separating the top and the bottom of the dress.  Beneath said border laid a netted flow that continued on into another beautifully crafted pattern of flowers.  Feeling the back tighten slightly you glanced back on for Leonora to hold up the mirror revealing a corset-style back.

Leonora pulled you about the room as hands poked and prodded you nonstop.  Once the heels were put onto your feet there was no time for questions as she walked you through the hall reminding you of basic etiquette.   You nodded along not paying her much attention as you took note of the flowery hall.  Every inch of the castle appeared decorated in some fashion.  Outsider the grand hall doors your pager awaited your arrival.

“Remember chin up.  Keep an eye on your dancing cards and smile,” Leonora said lifting your chin with her finger she backed away just in time.  The sound of the horns followed by the double doors being opened signaled your arrival.  

“Presenting Princess (Y/n) Cardena Castillo of Cordovia!” Stepping into the hall several eyes landed on you as the musicians halted.  You smiled brightly as a servant brought over your dancing cards.   Once you took your place by your father he kissed both your cheeks.  He complimented your appearance and you thanked him as you looked over your dancing cards.  It was apparent your father had overlooked and approved only the men he deemed worthy.  Kings, Princes, high-end landowners, and to appease alliances representatives of multiple places.  It would be a long night of parading yourself around men to boost their egos and interest in the well-being of your fathers’ kingdom.  You were aware you are your father’s puppet and when he pulls strings for you to dance, then you must. 

The first to ask for your hand was Lord Oliver, he owned many different places across Cordovia.   Older by six summers it felt rather odd as you both moved about and he chatted about his belongings.

“That sounds quite lovely,” You said despite not having an inkling of what he had been rambling about.  This went on for several minutes as he allowed no chance to speak, only speaking of himself and his accomplishments alone.

“You know Princess I have been taken with you since your first diplomatic meeting.  You pouted angrily having no interest.  I was ten and you were—” As he spun you by your hand you jerked back visibly uncomfortable.

“The age of four,” You trailed, fixing your face the song ended just in time. Thanking him quickly you soon retreated into the crowd but could hear him calling for you.  You refused to glance back as he walked after you.  The song changing meant it was time for another dance but you wanted nothing more of it after the first.  

“Princess,” Oliver called out to you, well in hearing range but you continued through the sea of people.  Your heart was racing beyond your chest and you felt near tears.  As you walked blindly to a destination that was no longer near Lord Oliver.  The feeling of a hand grabbing your waist then your free hand made you flinch back.

“I believe this French ambassador was approved for a dance with the Princess.”  At the sound of his voice you looked up and his smile fell.  He asked if you were alright but as Lord Oliver called out to you before appearing at your side he concluded the man was the source of your discomfort.  

“Sebastian De Poitiers. French ambassador.” Sebastian said, stepping in between you and Oliver.  You only looked down wanting to be far from the strange man.  Oliver introduced himself by adding of Cordovia as if it meant something. “Well, I believe just like you I have been approved by the King to have a dance with the princess.  Of course, we do not want to subjugate the beautiful lady by making her seem improper.” 

“Improper how? Ambassador of France.” It was evident that Oliver was mocking Sebastian.  Still, he placated a smile onto his face. 

“She can only entertain each of us for an appropriate amount of time. We are just mere men with titles. She is the Princess. Now if you’ll excuse us Lord Oliver of Cordovia.” Sebastian mocked as he took your hand.  When you both turned away you giggled quietly as Sebastian laughed out loud.

“What are you doing here?” You asked as you made it to the middle of the dance floor.  He bowed as you curtsied.

“I received your letter.  Not long after your father sent word of this event.  As you know you made quite the good impression on my father.” As your hand hovered near his you narrowed your eyes at him.  He only laughed as you took little offense to his jest. 

“The letter was quite clever of you. Bold to assume I even held any interest hearing or seeing you again,” Once the words left your mouth you watched as he snapped his head to look at your face.  The grin on your lips held the mischief he missed dearly. Arriving toward the end of the dance where you’re supposed to be spun he instead brought his arm around your waist.  Your foreheads were near touching as he lifted you from the floor and slowly spun you both around.  All your lessons left you as he brought you back to the floor.  You stared into his eyes enamored by all you wanted. As he bowed you curtsied and before you could leave him he kissed the back of your hand. 

“A Bastard and a Princess.  Quite a story in the making,” Sebastian said, releasing your hand as he excused himself your breath hitched in your throat.  You forced a content smile onto your lips as the rest of the night you only received stolen glances from the blue-eyed man.   Even as you entertained advantageous others your eyes continually found Sebastian within the sea of faces.  Your father beckoning you over was when you finally reached a break in your dancing cards.  No man would dare approached you while you consorted with your father.  The action could be viewed as rude and if the King was offended that could mean arrest and likely hanging.   Your father handing you a cup of wine as he smiled happily.  As he seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself you tried your best to reveal your feet were aching and you craved your bed. 

“William Beaugard I was wondering where you disappeared to,” Your father exclaimed, pulling you from your thoughts as you sip your cup.  The name was within your dancing cards.  He was unlike all the men you had danced with all night.  Maybe a year or two above you in age he towered over you.  His height was the first thing you noticed, slightly taller than Sebastian.  The next thing to come into focus was his striking blue eyes in contrast to the honey brown curls.  His eyes were locked on yours and despite your affections for Sebastian, William was notably intriguing.

“King William Beaugard of Acria,” He said, bowing before you, you curtsied. Your father began explaining how he knew William’s father who had recently fell ill and died.  The two bantered happily, it was rather odd seeing anyone make your father act like anything besides a stern and arrogant old man.  “If the Princess is willing, may I have this dance?”

“Of course she is!” Your father answered for you as you smiled cordially.  William chuckled at your father before saying only if the lady is sure.  Though he was giving you a choice you were aware you did not actually have one.  Taking his hand he walked to you the center of the floor as the music began.

“You are quite a beauty Princess (Y/n),” William said, his hand did not linger dangerously low on your hip like the other men.  The close proximity of your chest did not bring alleged accidental bumping of his chest onto yours.  Much like you had with the others you muttered a thank you with a smile that did not reach your eyes.  “Not to make you uncomfortable Princess but I have watched you most of the night.  As I chatted with your father and others I could tell you are not enjoying yourself.”

“This event is quite lovely,” William chuckled at the formalities.  He raised an eyebrow at you as he noted he would say this at his fathers’ event when he had nothing of proper etiquette to say.  “I think you are more than just beautiful Princess.  Rather intelligent allowing these men to think you just a pretty face.  You speak little but listen often. You dance because your father says so.”

“Well, King of Acria.  If you know so much tell me why take this dance if you were aware I had no interest in it?” You challenged, spinning you around once you were facing him again he pulled you into him swiftly.  He chuckled once more as you looked at him confused. 

“I like you, Princess. Unlike every royal daughter and high born heir, I have met you are quite something.  Look around Princess,” He spun you around pulling your back into him as he brought his lips just below your ear.  The action felt improper yet you did not stop him as he made you face the sea of watchful eyes, “Your father invited all these men here.  Pretentious Kings, bratty Prince’s, wealth-seeking landowners, and opportunistic representatives.  All to dance with you. He is parading you around why?”

You pushed off of him turning around but he brought his arms around you again returning to the dance.  Glaring up at him, he chuckled as he apologized, “To keep his alliances happy.”

“Princess you’re smarter than that.  The men are watching you and the ladies are fighting to take our attention off of you.  No man has requested your hand because your father has not shown any interest in marrying you off yet.  Even my father wondered when the proposals were allowed to come in for you,” William explained, watching as the tight pull of your eyebrows relaxed.  No longer glaring at the handsome young King his words made you feel outside of your skin.  The dress, the pre-approved dancing cards, the men talking about all of their accomplishments and titles. 

“My father would tell me if he was trying to marry me off.” You said, but even William could see you were not certain.   Glancing at your father, he stood with his advisors and they watched both you and William.  They spoke amongst themselves as they watched the two of you.

“Would he?” William asked, backing away from him you did not care if others noticed.  Your eyes were burning as you bit back the urge to cry, William sighed as he could see the glossiness in your eyes.  

“Why are you telling me all this?” You asked, there was still time left in the song but not much.  William was more than aware he would not have much time with you beyond the dance.  He made no attempt to force you to continue dancing with him, apologizing he warned you after tonight would come marriage proposals.  Your father would almost certainly not allow you to choose, “Only with your approval will I ask for your hand.  I think you and I can help each other, there are worst proposals to be trapped in.  Not speaking ill of my fellow man but Lord Oliver has a rather odd infatuation with you.”

“I-” As the music stopped the two of you still stood in the middle of the floor conversing.  William watched you with a patient stare, as you scanned the room for an escape but your feet did not move.  Running from William would not save you from the reality that was coming rather fast.

“Do not make haste on my account.  Think about it.  If you want me to propose, remove the necklace from your neck at any point in the night and keep it off.  Continue to wear it and I will not ask but heed my warning Princess.  You will be betrothed soon and if it is to me we can help each other.” William said, bowing one final time excused himself leaving you dumbfounded.  Looking around the room you met Sebastian’s eye, glancing at the side door you looked back at him before heading for it.  Only a few moments passed before he met you on the balcony,  pacing back and forth he watched you quietly.

“What troubles your heart?” Looking at him, he appeared taken back for the sharp expression he saw you display to your foes was now turned on him.  The faint icy feel in the air only added to your stare.  

“Did you know?” You asked but Sebastian only stared at you oblivious to what you were referencing to venomously.  No matter his confused expression you did not yield your tense stare.  You were uncomfortable with many things but to be made of fool of angered you so. “You knew not of my father’s ploy for my hand?” 

Sebastian paused as he glanced back toward the inside of the castle.  All the men that he had bumped elbows with.  The masculinity contest they were putting on for your father all began to make sense.  He looked back at you knew longer confused, seeing the anger in your eyes the clouds of tears lingered on, “I would never keep something like that from you.  You’re upset and you cannot bite your thumb at your father so you do so to I, why?” 

“I have no inkling to wed.  I am a trophy.  A rise in station or political power to those men.  I wish to choose my own life but as a woman, it is not my own to control. Why?” You asked.  Once you had asked your mother the exact question, looking up at her with your eyes that sparkled with youth.  You had not understood her words then and you still could not now, life will be harder as a woman no matter your status nothing will be your own. Roll with the path that was chosen for you but make it your own. 

“I’m so sorry (Y/n),” Is all Sebastian said, wanting to hug you he feared jeopardizing your reputation.  He said he would leave first so no one took notice of the isolated nature of your meeting.  You were unsure of what questioning Sebastian would do for your situation but it was clear you just wanted to know.  Your necklace felt heavier as you looked down at it, reaching for the clasp you stopped.  The march back into the great hall weighed heavily on you as you reentered the party.  Your necklace in hand as you join your father in goodbye’s you stared at William.  When it was time to make his departure as you curtsied.   The lack of choices only gave you one, William Alexander Monté Beaugard.  King of Acria, your future husband. 

[marys-ladies-own-my-heart]

all of lola’s looks 20/? — Reign 1x06 ‘Chosen’

[marys-ladies-own-my-heart]

all of lola’s looks 17/? — Reign 1x05 ‘A Chill in the Air’  

[abundanceofmemories]

Am I the only one who does not understand what Lola sees in Narcisse. He has almost no redeeming qualities, and was introduced to us as a one of the worst characters. He does like 100 bad things and 1 good thing and suddenly Lola is in love with him. Their relationship just really creeps me out because he looks like a 50 year old man while Lola looks 18 and I just get that really creepy predator vibe from him.

[imakemywings]

Lady Lola, Reign + Character Tropes

[dirtygossiprumors]

do not seek before i plan to give.

lady "boss b*tch" lola

bow down.