#stcrryncghts

[dxncingxnmyown]

@stcrryncghts | Alina and Frederick, The Family Apartments

The granules of sand trickle down the hourglass at a mocking pace. Each second stretching into self-perceived hours, while Frederick's fingers tamp beneath the table. There's an obligation to the court to remain as he is, wrapped in conversation of next steps and political maneuvers to retaliate. But his mind is in another place altogether. It's in his family apartments, modest and demure as it may be. The meeting comes to a halt, and Frederick makes haste. One foot after another, polite to those who pass but abrupt to those who deigned to speak to France's royal advisor. The man of two and thirty did not consider himself a faint heart, or an anxious mind. His repute for taking things too easily is well known. Yet there's something about his marriage to Alina that is humbling in its force. A man of his ease and ego, brought down to size at the prospect of her in trouble.

Rationally, he knows she is well. He knows Emilie is safe in hand. He ensured as much, before allowing himself to be pulled away to an urgent meeting. But what of their home? What of their things? Did the De Medici's find her, swarthing around the Palace like a constant threat of their heads? He puts a hand on the apartment door, pushing forward without announcement. "Alina," Frederick calls out, his typically booming voice softened in the aftermath - if only for their daughter. He stops at the presicipe of the apartments, regarding the mess left by the renegades. "What is the state of thing, my love?"

[dxncingxnmyown]

@stcrryncghts | Frederick and Alina, The Evening the Masked Ball

The evening begins with bated breath and a tentative calm. By all accounts, organizing a Masked Ball for the world's most influential royals is no easy task. Yet that is coupled with the extra attention the robbery brings. Many look to the Bourbon's for leadership, and Frederick is sure to convey that all is in control by the night's fruition. Yet there is his own personal motivation, for ensuring a successful ball... One that comes with the news of his growing family, and the very real presence of the De Medici's. After making his proper rounds about the room - taking pause to speak to the King, the staff, and the rest of the contingent. He is quick to return to Alina's side, with the urgency of a soon-to-be father worried for his wife's well-being. "My love, please." He urges on, grasping her hand and gesturing to the seat beside him. "You should be taking it easy. Let one of the servers fetch you a drink or dessert." It is overbearing, perhaps, but given Alina's last pregnancy was filled with plenty of stressors. He is all but determined to make this one go smoothly. "Have you eaten? I can bring you a plate, if you would sit."

[dxncingxnmyown]

@stcrryncghts | Hyacinth and Araminta, Late Evening at The Windsor's Private Chambers

"May we speak?" Her enclosed fist raps on Hyacinth's bedroom doors, gentle but with purpose. It is too reminiscent to their evenings at Windsor Castle, with the elder sister routinely checking in each sibling's room before bedtime. Their mother is a marvel, but since her husband's death, there has been an unspoken shift in maternal responsibility. One woman cannot carry a family like theirs alone, and Araminta has spent most of her life filling in those gaps. Such traditions might be tiresome or even infantilizing for someone like Hyacinth. But until her sister is out of English Court and settled into Austria, she is determined to be as present as she was before. "Has the maid combed your hair yet?" Araminta steps in, her own brown hairs loose and falling against her nightgown. Without waiting, she reaches for Hyacinth's comb, standing behind her sister's seated form. "Would you like to tell me of yours and Rhysand's recent chat?"

[dxncingxnmyown]

@stcrryncghts | Alina and Frederick, Early Morning at The Wolfenbuttel's Apartments

It is a series of late nights and early mornings for the advisor to the French King. An already challenging role is made more so by the recent attack, and the lingering taste on the tongues of guests and spectators alike is difficult to cleanse. It makes being present for the women of his life hard. If he is so fortunate, he can sneak Alina a kiss goodnight and a few words in the early morning. Even more fortunate if he can arrive early enough to play with Emilie before bed. But after days of burning the candle at both ends, Frederick draws a line in the sand. Today, he gets at least one morning with his family. Before Alina can stir awake, Frederick manages to come to his feet and pick Emilie up from her bassinet. The King is generous with his advisor, and several French maids are ready and available. But both Alina or Frederick were present figures in their daughter's life. He is happy to hold her in his arms, soothing her to a calm. "She has just settled down." Frederick answers softly, as he hears Alina's footsteps approach towards their living quarters. He is just pouring a spot of tea for Alina, mixed just as she likes it. "I managed to take the early morning off. It has been too long since I have been in your company. I fear I am missing everything at home." He says, a modicum of doubt that fails to be flippant. Frederick is relaxed by nature, but his busy schedule comes with the distance placed on both their families. It's a sacrifice he makes readily, though it does not come without repercussions. "Did you sleep well, love?"