#sim:benjamin

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Green Tea Room, Charleston Palace, fall

Benjamin: May I have a moment? Victoria: Ah of course. What’s on your mind?

Benjamin: I’ve been meaning to ask about something for a while. About us. Victoria: Well if there’s something you’d want to say then speak. Benjamin: You don’t love me anymore now do you?  Victoria: What kind of a question is that? Benjamin:  I’ve noticed you’ve grown more distant over the last years. You barely talk to me and we haven't had time for ourselves since Mary-Helene’s wedding. Victoria: I’ve just been so busy with work. You know that.

Benjamin: Viccan… Please be honest with me. Victoria: I do love you. But just … sigh. We were so young back when we got married. And then came the kids and my duties and... I never had the time to stop and think about it you know. And now that kids have grown and we’re here it just... Benjamin: It’s not the same anymore. Victoria: Benjamin I.. Benjamin: I understand it. I really do. For me you are the only one. You have been since the beginning. But as you said, we were young back then, so I can’t blame you for your feelings changing.

Benjamin: I know divorce isn’t an option, nor would I want that. I’ll move to separate quarters. I’ve already settled everything for it. And if you want another to be with you privately, I’ll accept it. No matter what I will stand by your side until the end. But know I won’t ask anything of you anymore. Victoria: You don’t have to. We can figure out a way to make this work. Benjamin: I won’t force you to stay with me out of duty. You deserve happiness same as I and I can respect that your happiness might not be with me. Victoria: *Sigh* You really were the best one for me. Benjamin: So I’ve heard.

Victoria: So this is it then... Benjamin: Indeed. Goodbye Victoria. Victoria: Goodbye Benjamin.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Hey, remember the voice claim challenge? Well I FINALLY finished mine. The reason it took me so long was cause I really took my time finding the most fitting matches for each of them. I had clear images in my head of what they sounded like but actually finding real people with those kind of voices (not to mention of ones that had footage of them speaking clearly!) was kind of a challenge. But I did it! Better late than never right? Now since it’s been a while I can’t remember whether anyone tagged me or not but I do remember Daria @thedevilliers being excited to hear these so here you go. And if you did tag me thank you! Sorry it took so long.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Outside the palace, May, 6:53am

Victoria: Has the prime minister been reached? Security: Yes Your Majesty, she’s on her way already. Victoria: Excellent. What of the..

Victoria: Ah, you’re here. I thought you... Benjamin: Of course I am here. 

Benjamin: I promised I would be by your side come what may. Victoria: I..... Thank you.  Security: Your Majesty we need to get going. Victoria: Of course.

Security: This is Bravo 6, we are ready to move with Condor and Camelia. Victoria: *Sigh* Will we be able to fix this. Benjamin: We will. You always find a way. Victoria: I just hope you’re right this time.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Charleston Palace, May, 6.45 am

Henrik: Oh Father. You’re up early. Benjamin: And it seems you are too. Couldn’t sleep? Henrik: Um yeah. Just a bit stressed that’s all. What about you?  Benjamin: Your mother was asked to attend an emergency meeting. The situation with Salix has grown worse. They’re apparently threatening us with war.

Henrik: Well shit... But wait why are you coming from the west wing then? Aren’t your and mother’s quarters at the east side? Benjamin: We have separate quarters. Your mother and I....*sigh* We’re not together anymore. Henrik: I...I don’t know what to say. I mean you looked so happy together just last week at the gala...

Benjamin: It’s an act. Divorce isn’t really an option as you know so we made this arrangement. It’s worked for us this far. Henrik: What? How long have you been separated then? Benjamin: For 2 years.

Henrik: Unbelievable... So even back at my wedding then... You just faked it all for camera’s and... Benjamin: You must understand that your mother and I are in a difficult situation. We can’t just go and.. Henrik: But you could’ve told me. I am your son. Her heir! Why did you keep this from me? Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Or did you just want to wait until mom was too sick to bear the crown? Benjamin: We just didn’t want to hurt you.

Henrik: But you did anyway. *Sigh* When will the people in this family stop lying to each other. Benjamin: I don’t know Hen. I’m sorry. I must go now. Henrik: Of course. I’ll see you later.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Victoria’s office, Charleston Palace, early fall

Benjamin: I think he deserves a say in this matter.

Victoria: Of course he does, but unfortunately that can’t be granted. *Sigh* Look they are the first gay couple within the royal house. They need to set a good example, that this works. No matter how supportive people are now there’s no guarantee that will last. Not to mention all those who oppose them. The parliament is already at my back asking questions about their relationships seriousness and how is the crown going to secure heirs.  I don’t want to force Henrik to marry but it’s quite clear I don’t have a choice. The crown must survive.

Benjamin: Victoria, he’s our son, not a chess piece. We cannot choose his life for him for the sake of others.

Victoria: What would you rather have me do then?! We are in the middle of a crisis Benjamin!. Viz threatening us with a trade ban for “publicly celebrating unnatural habits among our court” is complicated enough on it’s own. Salix contacting us with a claim, backed by very heavy evidence, that our secret agents assassinated the imperial family makes it a living hell. Not to mention I now have to lead not one but two investigations to our security while trying to keep the peace with two countries. Both the parliament and the CSF want the situation to be kept under the radar and quite frankly so do I. So I have to give the people something to focus on and this is the best I got. I’m quite literally being pressured on all fronts to make this look good, to sell it as the love story of a century, so we don’t ruin our economy and relations with the rest of the world too or worse be thrown into war.

Benjamin: *Sigh* When are going to stop arguing about our children's futures..?

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Charleston Palace grounds, mid spring

Marissa: Okay then, are you sure you packed everything? You do have your passport with you right?

Adelaide: Yes I have everything. Gloria made sure.

Benjamin: Well it seems I need to give her a raise. You sure you’ll be fine travelling on your own sugar plum? Adelaide: Yeah, though I’m hardly alone with Sven and Gloria by my side. Benjamin: Hehe now that’s true.

Marissa: Oh darling I’m so proud of you. Do your best to have fun okay? And maybe try and learn the language. Benjamin: And do be on your best behavior with your aunt okay? Adelaide: I promise papa. Marissa: I can’t believe you’re this big already. Oh I’m going to cry.

Adelaide: Oh please don’t Grandmaman. I’ll call you as many times as you want. Marissa: I’ll hold you to that dear.

Marissa: Sigh, now when did they all grow so big. Benjamin: I was thinking the same thing. At least we have the boys at the house still. Marissa: For how long I wonder.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

The Saint August Cathedral, early fall

Henrik sits alone in the cathedral, the faint sound of organ music playing in the background.

Benjamin: In a need of a little prayer? Henrik: Dad? How did you know where I was? Benjamin: Alex told me.

Henrik: Ah, figures. Benjamin: So, do you care to tell me what’s on your mind?

Henrik: I’m just...wondering if I’m a good person. Benjamin: So you came to church? Henrik: Well yeah.. This is where we’re thought to live a life following Her guidance and Her values. And.. I just wonder if I’m okay as I am.

Benjamin: Look son, I’ve been there since the moment you were born so I can tell you that all your life you have been a kind, selfless and honest boy. And the man I now see in front of me is still all those things. Henrik: Well you’re my father of course you think that. Benjamin: I spoke from the heart son. Plus I’ve heard no complains from The Church either.

Henrik: So.. you think I’m okay? In Her eyes too I mean? Benjamin: Well considering you’re here, I’d say She thinks you’re doing just alright.

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Benjamin’s office, Charleston Palace, spring

Mary-Helene: “Hey dad. Do you have a moment?” Benjamin: “Hey dear. Something on your mind?” Mary-Helene: “Do you ever regret marrying mom?” Benjamin: “No, she is quite literally the love of my life. I wouldn’t change it for anything.” Upon seeing the look on Mary-Helene’s face Benjamin continues quickly. Benjamin (coughs): “But if you’re asking whether or not I regret becoming royalty well.. that’s a bit more complicated.”

Mary-Helene: “What do you miss the most?” Benjamin: “The freedom to choose.” Mary-Helene: “Choose how?” Benjamin: “Well before this I was the president's son and pretty much raised around politics and campaigns so politics wasn’t anything new. Sure people had expectations for me to go into politics, I mean I showed a good head for it but ultimately it was just one choice among others. I could’ve just as easily become a doctor or a marine biologist or heck even a singer or something.”

Mary-Helene: "Having heard you sing I’m glad you didn’t choose that last one.” Benjamin: “Hahaha yeah, probably for the best. Anyway what I’m saying is that as a royal you only really have a few options for your life. And while your mom and I have done our best to give you as many opportunities as we can it’s still always limited. There are just certain expectations and rules that can’t be broken. And I know how suffocating that must feel.”

Mary-Helene: “*Sigh* I just sometimes feel like an animal in a display cage. And I keep wondering if I can keep going with it.”

Benjamin: “She’d hate to let you go. She really does love you though I understand it might be hard to see from time to time. But she would you if you’d ask. She won’t force this life on you if you don’t want it.” Mary-Helene: “I...I’ll think about that. Thanks dad.”

Benjamin: “Hey. Just promise me one thing; really think this through. Ask yourself what it is that you want in life. And whatever you choose, know that you’re always a part of this family.”