It's the one thing I honestly always found so interesting abt hetalia AUs
And I've been musing my own take on it that I may draw this someday, perhaps, we'll see
The general idea I had that turns it around from the 'established' designs are:
🔶️ Kingdom of Diamonds 🔶️ would be more Iberian kingdom, 14th - 15th century esque vibes + the united Spanish and Austrian Habsburg branches = Antonio being the king and Roderich is his queen tee hee. The Italians would be part of the court as princes, direct heirs, and the other cast in this group would hold roles as Jack, or Ace. Portugal could be Jack, ngl
♥️ Kingdom of Hearts ♥️ is a toss up for me. I'm torn between Turkiye | Sadiq being the sultan, making it a sultanate kingdom and more Turkish — Ottoman empire vibes, and with Hungary | Erzsi being the imperial consort.
Or, alternatively, a more German kingdom. The central to German side of the Holy Roman empire, mayhaps? But the Ottoman Empire inspiration idea is a good one and design wise makes for such an interesting concept to tackle.
♣️ Kingdom of Clubs ♣️ naturally takes the imperial Russia inspiration. With Ivan as king, and ... I have not decided who will be queen ... Lmfao. Prussia? I'm no fan of RusPru but in this fantasy-verse, the kingdom could very well have allied with this version of Prussia and chop-chop Gilbert, you're male consort now!
♠️ Kingdom of Spades ♠️ is the loose canon here. I like Alfred as king, a young, foolish king. But I like better applying the FACE family into this royalty setting that makes up the English - French side of their monarchical elements, thus establishing Kingdom of Spades to have those aspects in their aesthetic. Alfred would be heir apparent, to King Arthur and his consort, Francis, with Matthew as the second prince.
🔶️ King and Queen of Diamonds : Antonio & Roderich
♥️ King (sultan) & Queen (sultana consort) of Hearts : Sadiq and Erzsèbet
♣️ King and Queen of Clubs : Ivan & Gilbert
♠️ King & Queen of Spades : Arthur & Francis
The Jacks and Aces will be decided later. Just know that I've been absolutely brainstorming this and just 💜💜💜
Maybe expect a design concept in 3 business months lmfao