[tcmpestas]

𝒕𝒄𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒔 . a dependent roleplay blog for 1642hqz penned by jasmine.

amara katharina windsor nee jönsson , princess of england and formerly princess of switzerland ( bruna marquezine ) . henryk aleksander bolesław , crown prince of poland ( jack lowden ) . lucien césar bourbon , prince of france and duke of orléans ( michiel huisman ) . divya ghazi , princess of the mughal empire ( naomi scott ) . clara magnussen , princess of denmark ( teresa palmer ) .

[vampire-lestats]

Persuasion (2022) dir. Carrie Cracknell

[chrrispine]

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005)

[thoroughfxre]

maxim had acted upon impulse - really, he'd just briefly heard that the lady of york was sick and started on his way to them. it was instinct, a natural protectiveness he's harbored over nilani for years now. he had to see they were alive, at least, too many images flooding his mind of their shared plague days and the things they've seen, nightmares he's had of this exact scenario, nilani falling ill with plague, only leading to death, and -

well, it wasn't something he truly dwelled on. dreams were dreams, they never really came true - even if it affected his sleep. it only took the first person to remind him of what's truly at stake, that anything he could catch would likely transfer to the newborn he is with daily, that it was unsafe for him, for maxim to keep his distance. he was never usually stern unless it came to those he cared for -- he'd done the same when auggie had gotten the plague, demanded they were seen to by only the best, demanded to know what kind of treatment they were getting. he demanded the same for nilani, watching from afar with a bottom lip worrying between his teeth and arms folded across his chest defensively. it's with a distant sense of self that he finds his way back, finding amara almost subconsciously, feet carrying him without a second thought. he sits next to her haphazardly, a hand wiping across a sweaty brow and a heavy sigh falling from his lips. he glances over to aurelia, an instinctual thing to be sure she's okay (which she is, aside from the puffiness of her crying face, and it instantly eases his nerves), before turning to amara to do the same thing, a hand pressing to the side of her head to tilt so he could examine her -- also fine. he pulls away, can feel himself pulling away at her question, hands now placed in his lap. "i was in the camp. i didn't leave, don't worry. how are you doing?"

[tcmpestas]

her ladies had told her the same after she had awoken from a nap with aurelia without her husband in sight and immediately inquired into his whereabouts. the explanation had been met with concern and his identical response only heightened it, neglecting to tell her where exactly he had gone and why. as he examined her she didn’t soften, resisting the desire to lean into his touch. when he pulled away, however, she frowned. “why?” amara asked, a sharpness to her tone rarely if ever used with her husband these days. her head felt heavy and her eyes burned with fatigue. what little sleep she had gotten had left her even more exhausted. how could anyone lower their guard and sleep peacefully amid all this chaos? especially with a helpless newborn. “i was resting with aurelia. you left the tent and no one could tell me why. of course i was worried. how would you feel in my place?” she had half a mind to snap at him upon the next question, but then she heard the accusations bleeding through, the unintentional acerbity of her words. she was in a sour mood, but she knew his brief departure was not the real cause of it. amara sighed and blinked hard. “i’m sorry. i’m scared; i know we’re not safe here. i was such a fool to think this would be a good idea. i wish we’d never left switzerland, or that we’d just gone to england instead.” her hope that portugal would be an exciting chapter in their lives had been crushed with the news of sickness and unrest. amara no longer wanted to be optimistic, she wanted to be informed and prepared. “i know about nilani. i will send one of our attendants to the ottoman camp for news on their health every day until they are recovered, alright? they... they’re strong. we mustn’t forget how strong they are.”

[histxries]

closed starter for @tcmpestas [rivka & divya]

Princess Rivka Ghazi, in all her wonder and readiness to travel, was not fond of the bland countryside they were currently traveling in. Green hills aside, she leaned on the window, looking out. "This is...not what I imagined when traveling, Divya," she comments dryly, looking at her half sister. Rivka never cared which of their parents were her blood, she embraced all of her slibilngs, half or whole.

"What do you think? Do you think we'll see something interesting soon?" She knew she was being annoying, but she didn't care. She only wondered what her betrothed was doing in his carriage, if he was thinking what she was or not.

[tcmpestas]

“then you failed to do your research, sweet sister.” soft hands reached forward to clasp rivka’s in her own, giving them a gentle shake as if to inject some enthusiasm into her sister. she looked out of the window again and tilted her head in mock contemplation. “see that tree with dark green foliage over there? that one is my favourite tree so far.” a solemn proclamation before giggles streamed freely from her lips. for a long time, divya had lost her smile, know for her cheerful nature and lilting laughter that would usually echo in her wake. grief had taken so much from the ghazis. for many months following the deaths of their siblings and her mother, divya had felt as if her very soul had been carried away with them. it had begun to be easier, though, day by day. at least when her guilt for being allowed to live and enjoy things such as the glistening waters and bustling ports of portugal didn’t get in the way of healing. “certainly, once we finally get to see the portuguese coast with our own eyes. i do not know how much longer that will be, but i fear it the answer would frustrate you too much.” she teased, knowing fully well it would frustrate her all the same.

[ofdxngers-deactivated20230807]

☆ﾟ*·ﾟWHILE STOPPED FOR a break, Julian checked in with his Queen before stepping off towards the water for a small refresher. He knew she'd be okay, as he'd entrusted her safety with another guard. Stretching his legs, he leaned forward, reaching for some water, splashing water all over his face. Turning to face the voice next to him he smiled softly at the sight of Amara. "She's quite alright, Miss. I've entrusted her protection with another guard. I can see her from here as well," Julian explained, taking a small glance back towards Caroline just to ensure her safety. "A little water splash was needed." His eyes drifted down towards the little princess in her arms. "If there's anything I can do for her, please do let me know." Julian tried his best to keep his face straight, and not make any faces about the heat. "Yes miss, from Norway. I came with the Queen," he explained, before continuing. "I think I'm more equipped for the cold and I do miss the snow. These uniforms do not always do well in the heat, but I will be quite alright." He quite enjoyed the ability to get to know the rest of the family in a calming environment. "Are you ready to see a new country?"

[tcmpestas]

she followed the trajectory of his gaze until it settled on the queen, nodding in response. “i’m glad you are so vigilant. queen caroline has been nothing but kind and generous to me. i appreciate her very much.” with getting to know and cherish caroline and beatrice, she felt she had gained something truly invaluable she had missed her entire life: motherly guidance. the same kind of affectionate and nurturing presence she embodied for her daughter. “i don’t suppose you know how to persuade her to go to sleep, do you?” she said in jest when he offered to help her with aurelia. with a faint smile, the princess listened to the guard’s tales of his homeland. while her preference had always been sunshine and clear skies, there was something wistful about a landscape blanketed in snow. it reminded her of switzerland, her home. “neither do skirts. someone ought to try wearing both in this heat and then inform us which is worse.” a wry smile before pondering his question, contemplating how much truth her answer should contain. “i was looking forward to portugal upon our departure, but i must admit unforeseen circumstances have dampened my enthusiasm. notwithstanding, i have faith in king sebastian. he is a friend of prince maxim, so he is also a friend of mine.” it was not something she wished to dwell on, though. she suspected the guard would remind her she was safe with him and it would bring her little relief. “may i ask you a personal question?” an attempt to change the subject, but she was curious to hear his thoughts. “you say you left norway with the queen, that means you’ve served the english crown for many years now. duty aside, what would you say feels more like home to you, norway or england?”

[behindfairytales]

Jack Lowden in Mary Queen of Scots (2018) as Lord Darnley

[letsbelonelytogetherr]

This is what I want: I want to grab my brother's hand and run back through time, losing years like coats falling from our shoulders.

— Jandy Nelson, I'll Give You the Sun

[f4rgd]

CLOSED STARTER - henryk & marius. @tcmpestas

" henryk? " space worked between the siblings until it didn't. if something had happened to lena no matter the circumstances marius would have wanted the comfort of his brother and the rest of his siblings, he chose to believe it would be the same when positions were reversed. after he'd found layla, the king had made a quick exit knowing that she was safe and receiving the best care and up until now he'd not attempted to approach his brother knowing he would likely want to be near layla - marius still had his daughters health to think about. but the king could only stay away for so long and finally he'd made his way to his brothers tent to find him. " how is she? "

layla hadn't looked well and he'd hoped she'd recover quickly but whatever it was making everybody sick seemed to want to cling onto those it infected. approaching his brother, his hands raised to rest on his cheeks, thumbs under his chin to tilt his head up so he could meet his gaze. henryk looked broken and it broke his heart. " - and how is my little brother? " a weak smile appeared on his lips, his eyes filled with a tenderness that no one had seen in months. perhaps his daughter was the only one who had. " she will be okay, i'm sure of it. "

[tcmpestas]

he had waited until layla was asleep to let go of her hand and slip out of her tent, but he felt like a coward for even daring to leave her sickbed. it wasn’t far from his tent, and his feet would fly into action the moment she was awake again. strange to think that a few days ago, this arrangement had been a tantalising source of vexation. neither could slip into the other’s makeshift sleeping quarters unnoticed as much as they wanted to and yet when he lay awake thinking of the soft, silky feel of her hair or the way her pillows had taken on her scent back in the ottoman wing of the swiss palace, he relished the way butterflies in his stomach rendered him restless. the first crack of light that sent the birds a-singing and henryk was giddy to seize the day with her.

it was dread that robbed him of sleep now, terror gripping him by the throat he had somehow managed to choke down up until now. if layla was afraid of dying, the thought of her death petrifying him all the same would likely heighten her fear. he had to be strong for her, and when zosia had approached him, he tried to be strong for zosia, too. wars fought together and toughness attested countless times, in henryk’s eyes zosia would always be the little sister he had vowed to protect from the moment they had toddled side by side.

he didn’t realise how much he needed his big brother until he entered his tent unbidden, their differences far from being smoothed down, but what did it matter now? petty grievances in comparison to sickness and upheaval. “she’s weak. feverish, fatigued. she’s asleep at present.” a factual response, as if that would distract from the way henryk was sat on the ground and had coiled himself into a crouch. mussed hair, ashen pallor to his visage. a picture of misery.

he flinched when hands came to cradle his cheeks and tipped his gaze upwards. a fleeting moment where he wanted to grip marius by the shoulders and shove him away, appalled by the tenderness in his gaze. a part of his mind read it as an insult, taking pity on him surely confirming what a sorry sight he was. “we were— we had plans to ride together and then she... it should be me. whatever illness this is, it should have taken a hold of me, not layla. she doesn’t deserve it.” voice hoarse and wavering, he placed his hands on his brother’s shoulders but rather than pushing him away, he grabbed fistfuls of fabric and clung to him. strain turned to sorrow, dark and limitless, and his frame sagged as a sob wrenched through him. “i can’t watch her die, pavel. i can’t bury her, i won’t.”

[f4rgd]

the duke hadn't expected amara to trust him enough to handle her daughter in truth, he could only imagine how difficult it might be to have her leave her arms but he considered it a great privilege. " there will be no need for that will there, little princess? " letting her settle in his arms as he watched looking for any sign of distress. he'd held very few babies and certainly never considered himself a natural, but she brought a smile to his face despite the tension he felt inside him. he gently stroked the back of the childs hand in an attempt to sooth her, his eyes drifting back to his friend when he sensed the distress in her voice. " amara, breathe. take deep breaths. the duchess will be fine, she is strong and while i do not know her well i'm sure she would not want you to worry so much. " he realised it was easier said than done, in fact he knew, he had lost his own father to the plague, he'd watched him suffer and he'd never had his chance to say goodbye. the plague had robbed him of the only family he'd had left. now he watched friends suffer the same, but he hoped not the same fate.

" nilani will be receiving the best possible care i'm sure, if you'd like i can check on her? but it's important you stay away, you're clearly exhausted, you would not fight it off again easily if you were to become sick again. " nathaniel watched his friend, sympathy in his eyes. he felt for her, he wished he could do more and he wished he could heal the duchess back to health but he could only offer her comfort. he looked to aurelia again and smiled. " - and we would not want that would we, little one? we are all going to be just fine, " his head lifted again so his eyes could meet amara's. " eat. it will help. "

[tcmpestas]

it was true, amara trusted only a chosen few with aurelia. she was extremely attached to her daughter and felt a surge of anxiety rise up at the mere thought of her babe being held by people she didn’t trust completely. royal mother she may be, but she had also been a terrified mother for many months, unsure of their future before her secret wedding took place. two months had passed since her birthing ordeal and amara was beginning to accept that no one would ever truly understand what she had endured, not even maxim, not in its entirety and that was alright. there was life after suffering and fear and narrowly avoided tragedy, a brighter life in which new friendships could be formed and trust could be built.

nathaniel reassured the older panicked princess and successfully settled the younger princess, and in doing so, amara’s breath slowed until the weight upon her chest lifted again. “thank you.” she muttered, swatting away a single tear before smiling at them both. “you’re right. nilani is strong, and she is in good hands.” amara didn’t know ezrak well, but she knew this: he loved nilani and he would protect her as she would. “only if you feel comfortable doing so. you’re right, i have no choice but to keep my distance to protect myself and aurelia. but you mustn’t risk your own health either.” she nodded when he reminded her to eat and slowly resumed. watching aurelia in nathaniel’s arms, the way her big blue eyes widened and she beamed at him, amara’s smile grew, eyes soft with affection. “she’s endlessly curious; it’s so very endearing. it’s as if she already wants to ask us a great many questions about the world and everything in it.”

[109560]

lachlan   wasn’t   half   as   bothered   by   the   journey   as   most   of   the   people   were   .   in   fact   ,   he   was   almost   relieved   that   they   were   moving   on   .   glad   for   a   change   of   scenery   ,   even   gladder   to   have   …   a   task   .   something   that   would   occupy   his   mind   beyond   the   situation   with   mei-ling   .   their   last   conversation   still   lingered   on   his   mind   and   had   almost   felt   as   if   they   had   taken   back   a   step   ,   moved   from   cloud   nine   that   he   usually   felt   around   her   to   perhaps   cloud   eight   .   half   helpless   hanging   in   the   air   between   will   they   and   won’t   they   .   so   ,   focussing   on   the   trip   provided   some   distraction   over   trying   to   figure   out   where   he   had   gone   wrong   and   what   could   be   done   differently   should   they   meet   again   .

the   sun   burned   hot   and   lachlan   sought   the   shadows   when   they   stopped   for   a   break   .   he   wasn’t   the   only   one   doing   so   .   amara   and   little   aurelia   seemingly   enjoying   the   same   where   they   sat   in   the   grass   .   with   a   slight   sunburn   on   his   face   ,   lachlan   kneels   down   in   the   grass   with   them   .   “   i   more   so   seek   some   relief   from   the   sun   .   “   a   slight   redness   had   settled   on   his   face   and   arms   already   ,   summer   burning   away   at   pale   skin   .   “   but   perhaps   counting   some   butterflies   will   help   me   cool   down   as   well   .   aye   ,   the   heat   is   a   lot   for   her   ,   is   it   ?   that’s   why   she’s   …   you   know   .   “   the   crown   prince   makes   a   crying   face   ,   gaze   on   aurelia   as   if   he   hoped   to   cheer   her   up   with   the   grimace   .   

[tcmpestas]

she welcomed lachlan’s company despite her lingering fatigue, moving so they had enough space on the blanket laid out on the grass. her gentlewomen had formed a circle around the windsor princesses, but amara told them to go ahead and stretch their legs if they wished to. what instantly caught her attention when she glanced at the stuart was how red his visage was. “oh, my goodness. the scottish sun does not quite compare, does it?” she reached forward to press her index finger against the sunburnt skin of his forehead, holding her laughter only as long as it took for the colour to return. so three, four seconds at most. “you could borrow a parasol, or better yet, wear a bonnet like aurelia.” she taunted. “i try my best to protect her from the sun, yes. time will tell, but she may have inherited maxim’s predisposition to burn.” lachlan’s grimace made her chuckle before she looked to aurelia who appeared to be calming down, pressing a kiss atop her white bonnet. “i’m not quite sure myself what is bothering her. she has hated every second of travelling so far. i suspect it is a combination of missing the comfort of her nursery, the heat, and sore gums. counting butterflies would be a wonderful distraction.”  

[sangetfer]

When one questioned where Zosia had learned to be so stealthy beyond crediting an existence with a neglectful father who either found her a being that could not be cared for beyond the nuisance to him her existence was - Henryk was her reason. An elder twin, a little girl only longed so deeply to make herself a little ghost and a tiny shadow to follow behind them to see the world often denied to her hiding in places a small body could fit to spy and such Henryk was that inspiration. He was fiendishly good at it once often sneaking sweet things for little heathen children nuns often shouted at to stop giggling in mass - a girl idolized him. She idolized both older brothers in the same way she loved her own twin, always watching and observing a little sister protectively. Zosia because of the currently frazzled and overraught individual knew how to keep hidden. Frankly, Zosia if she wanted, could've stood beside her brother for the longest while with barely a breath and he would never know as if she could command the light to hide shadows and bend around her. Henryk only knew and became aware of her presence because she had dropped her careful gate and chose no longer to be a specter hanging on the edge of this reality they were forced to live with.

Neither had been raised with loving-kindness; a mother too far gone and a father cruel and wicked with a talent for pitting them against one another. Comforting was not a skill they were well versed in. What one knew they had to teach themself of kindness and light - of care. "You will have to kill me first, Henryka if you want me not to care about you. You are not fine, so if you wish to continue to lie to me and tell me what I can do I can see that you're lying beside your future wife with a lump on your head and being treated yourself. I know my brother is breaking when I see it and do not attempt to pretend you are alright. Father is dead and has ceased drawing his poisonous breaths for many years now. We are allowed to feel things - to be breaking. Listen," Zosia stated firmly in a tone that commanded the moment but a face that expressed worry and concern. The woman he loved was ill and with no explanation, and they both had survived countless horrors that would send even hardened nerves running. They watched death and now, when it was possible, it could rob him once again of happiness Henryk just like their father, just like Marius, would attempt to bottle it and show it far away. Zosia would break that bottle.

Stepping forward, a hand moved to hold out to him. "You are my concern, brother. You are no good to her if you are not kind to yourself. You are allowed to worry. She is the love of your life, and none of us know what is going on but you will not make her better if she recovers, and you have thrown yourself into the abyss to make her sick again but with worry over you." Zosia whispered loudly before the tone softened. "She will be your bride, your wife. She will be a boleslaw and we have the great misfortune of being too stubborn to go so easily. She loves you enough that if not for anything else, she'll fight for another day with you. It is not fine, but we will be alright. You need to breathe in and out. In and out - if not for me but for her."

[tcmpestas]

“i’m not breaking!” he bellowed out, a little too quickly, a little too desperate to be believed. he hadn’t meant to yell at his sister whom he loved and adored enough to have given his own life for her ten times over when they had stood on the same battlefield, but it was too late now, wasn’t it? he couldn’t shoulder guilt atop of everything else that was already weighing him down. it would be sure to crush him. “i’m not breaking. why should i be breaking? there is nothing wrong with me, i’m not even showing symptoms. layla is and she needs me.”

in his tired, panic-stricken mind prone to working itself to complete exhaustion, henryk had a difficult time even keeping up with everything she said to him. yes, of course he would acknowledge what she said was reasonable were it another sibling in his place. but how could he take the time to show himself kindness and feel as zosia suggested when his world around him was collapsing? when he was needed, the very best parts of him, his strength and resilience, the protection he offered? how could he falter now?

“don’t be ridiculous, this has nothing to do with father.” he said brusquely, dismissively, waved her hand away. as if everything there was to say on that matter had been said with one sentence. “my worrying won’t fix anything! don’t you understand that? your efforts are wasted, you’d better save your strength for the ones that have fallen ill or helping lena settle judyta. i can’t afford to waste my time with breathing exercises. i can’t… i didn’t ask for this. i know you care for me as i care for you but i didn’t ask for your help. i don’t need it, zosia.”

[veryapocalyptic]

𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀 𝐈𝐒𝐍'𝐓 as irritated as she was, with Marius anymore. She was avoiding him to cool off her head. Unfortunately, the lack of sleep was making her more stressed, and she hasn’t felt in desire to talk to anyone, which seems as if she is still very much angry with her husband. She tried to find a new governess, but they either hardly handle the job so they fire themselves, or isn’t suitable enough for her little Judyta. Some days, her little daughter sucks all her energy. Either way, this period she avoided him was good because her husband could think of his mistakes. They have a long journey to Portugal.

Of course, she is trying to seem like a happy family, due to the new allies traveling with them. She was happy for Henryk, he seems happy with this new alliance and to be someone he loves. She was trying to smooth the back of Judyta, that was crying, in one of the big pauses, her ears aching from the potential of the little lungs her one-month-old baby has. She began to sing a lullaby in Polish to her daughter, and she turns and sees her brother-in-law near.   ❛ Hello Henryk, how can I help you? ❜ She says softly between Judyta cries

@tcmpestas 💜 Henryk.​

[tcmpestas]

he had always admired lena, but to think she was travelling with a small child for the second time now, an unfaltering source of comfort for judyta despite the difficult days and nights, left him in awe of her strength even more. henryk should hope he and layla could leave peace summits behind them once they welcomed their first child into the world, but he knew deep down it was unlikely. he was no king, but a crown prince had duties, too, and their world was far from peaceful. “i should be asking you that question.” he smiled, listening to her gentle croon. “would you like me to hold her for a bit? i don’t doubt anyone knows better how to soothe her than her mother, but i thought you might like a moment to yourself. a bite to eat.” henryk offered. “are you excited for portugal?” he wouldn’t blame her if she would rather return to poland. their destination was exciting for some, and full of uncertainty for others. “it’s been a while since i last travelled to southern europe. i always liked it. good music, good food, good weather. even if the sun has never liked me very much.”

[cftragedy]

@tcmpestas

Ezrak, admittedly, didn't know Henryk very well. He'd never gone out of his way to get to know him during his brief time in the Ottoman Empire, regarding him as a fleeting little crush Layla would forget all about when another caught her eye. But that had decidedly not been what happened, and so his entire opinion of the Polish prince was formed around a miasma of heartache and anger in equal measures, Layla now his only point of reference. Admittedly, he had been so consumed with his own predicaments, he had hardly noticed the shift between the two of them, and the betrothal had caught him off guard. He was suspicious. Why wouldn't he be? As much as he was perfectly capable of forming his own opinions, of course he'd heard the whispers about the king. Neither point exactly put him at ease.

He had done well, in his own opinion, when Layla had informed him she would be travelling with Henryk rather than with her family. He understood, really. Had he by now announced a securing of Nilani's hand, he would have invited her to do the same, but. Having already been caught in...less than a scrupulous position, he was reluctant to ask, reluctant to make her look bad. So he wasn't even a little envious. And he was fine with the longest stretch of time the twins had ever been separated without either of them being home safe. And he was not bothered that this was a man he barely knew, who his sister had ranted and raved at length about, sweeping the other half of his own soul so completely off her feet. So there was no reason to feel relief when the two groups decided to travel together in the end. This was the perfect chance, anyway. What kind of future brother in law would he be if he didn't...get to know him?

"Prince Henryk," Ezrak approached him now after pacing at the stop, muscles protesting at the time spent in the carriage. "I hope we have not at all inconvenienced you with the insistence to travel together. You must understand, I'm sure, that Layla is dear to us. I myself have never lived a day of my life without her, if not in person then knowing she resides somewhere safely. Knowing of her safety is, save for my duties to the Empire, the singular most important aspect of my life. So I hope you understand the precaution. Not-- of course, not to say you've given us reason to distrust you or your intentions. But. It would be in your best interest to continue to give us no such reasons." He keeps his tone casual, light, like he's talking to Henryk about the weather rather than all but threatening him.

[tcmpestas]

how long had it been since he had last had to clench his fists to stop himself from crumbling? eyes steadfastly turned to the ground, ready to trudge along come what may. he had made his way home once before, hadn’t he? despite everything he had seen, everyone he had lost, faces etched into his memory reemerging time and time again and forcing him to drink to drown them out during his worst nights. faces so young, full of life and light and opportunity. faces that were familiar while it was the living who were obscure. it had been layla’s presence that had shone light unto his path again, and so henryk did what he knew best: he soldiered on. he fetched fresh water for when she was awake again and made his way back to her tent, made his way home.

it was ezrak whose path he hadn’t expected to cross, not out here, at least. someone must have told him by now, no? but then the polish crown prince listened to his poorly disguised threats and realised he knew nothing of his twin falling ill.

“i’m glad to hear you care so deeply for your sister. i know the sentiment well.” he hated the way his voice sounded. raspy, an unmistakable tremble to it, as if he’d cried. he had cried. but how would his tears help anyone? “there is, at present, a more concerning matter. the french villages we passed were full of starving, sick people and the sickness they carried has reached the camps. layla and i had planned to ride this morning but she grew so faint in my arms, i carried her to her tent. she is… she is strong, but in need of my help and protection. i ask that you let me tend to her while she is weak and her fever persists. i have tended to the sick and wounded before, i know how to care for her.”

[soracities]

Pádraig Ó Tuama, from "The Pedagogy of Conflict" [transcript in ALT]

[f4rgd]

though nathaniel had never been in any kind of rush to have a family of his own, aurelia's cries were perhaps enough to put him off for some time. with that being said the object of his affections now made it even more unlikely for the duke. though the screams were justified when she was stuck in carriage with so many people. he couldn't help but feel sympathy towards the little family, his eyes locking with amara's on occasion to give her a small smile in return. " you're more than welcome. " he rested his head back, a silent laugh leaving his lips as he watched the small princess kick away the blanket in question. " she may, this carriage should stop immediately. " he grinned as he paused, his next words spoken cautiously. " i do not wish to overstep but if you need a rest be it here or when take a break and i am happy to stay close by and take care of her. i promise she will be safe. "

[tcmpestas]

“she will come to appreciate the gift too, once it is no longer so stifling hot. —we have a sea breeze to look forward to, my darling.” a hand smoothed over aurelia’s blonde hair. the humidity had made it curlier. “it appears the king of france forgot to invite us in his urgency to depart.” an attempted jest, but her words held no levity. constant unease buzzed in her head; worried about her daughter’s safety, nilani’s health, the wrath of sick, hungry villagers. the dark circles under her eyes spoke for themselves. “you aren’t overstepping. yes, you may hold her in the crook of your arm, or on your shoulder. if she fusses again, there is also the colic hold, as prince kristijan, my sister philippa’s betrothed, taught me. but we shall assume there will be no need.” carefully, she entrusted aurelia into his arms. a moment of silence rested between them as she reached for a snack. amara nibbled on dried fruit and looked out of the window, but moments later, she found herself swallowing thickly, too distraught to eat. “it is difficult to think of anything but the duchess of york.” the confession spilled from her lips as she brought a hand to her chest, inhaling deeply. her bodice was loose enough to allow for quick feedings and to not add to her discomfort on the road, but it felt too constricting now. she was no stranger to this sudden rush of panic, had experienced it often during her pregnancy. she knew to breathe through it, but god, it was the most wretched feeling every time. “i had it. the plague, when it scourged switzerland and eventually found its way into the palace. i’m told this isn’t the same, but i remember… i pray she isn’t in too much pain and recovers swiftly.”

[svnshone]

"Two months, that's right. It must have slipped my mind how soon after your marriage was announced she was born." They did not think they could ever forgive the announcement- the brushing under the rug of the pain her family had suffered within the Swiss palace. As if cutting the head off a hydra was what killed it. Find the hand but not the head. The weapon but not the one who wielded it. An assassin but not the purse that hired him. Your sister is gone but look, a ball, a wedding and a child! All is well. "When my daughter was the age of yours she was at home, in her nursery. She was not dragged around the continent until months later." Dagmar had not wished to remain in Denmark alone- and there was no chance she would have left her daughter behind. "It was only for the betterment of our kingdom that we made our way to your home- and now we move again." She wondered if Portugal would be up to the task Switzerland had failed- as unlikely as it seemed. This mess seemed to continue with no end in sight.

[tcmpestas]

amara rarely reflected upon the night her marriage was announced. in that ballroom, she may as well have been stripped naked. her vulnerability, the child in her womb she had hidden away under skirts and in private chambers for months, exposed for all the world to see. in spite of those who would shame and mock her, she had found her strength in motherhood, and the danish queen pointing out the obvious drew no ire from her. why should it? she and aurelia were rightful princesses of england; no snide remark would change that. but if it was an apology the danish thought amara might issue, they were sorely mistaken. amara had nothing to be sorry for. she hadn’t asked for a public announcement, or for her pregnant belly to command more attention than their dead sister. not even for the sake of diplomacy would she show someone kindness who openly displayed nothing but resentment and derision towards her. “i doubt anything slips your mind, your majesty, but allow me to jog your memory. her birth also coincided with miss falk joining the english court.” she said with a wry smile. “we all have obligations. my husband and i are to attend the portuguese summit as royals, but as parents, our daughter is under our constant watch. and with all due respect, i did not invite you into my home. i did not decree that the summit shall take place elsewhere. i wear no crown and make no such decisions.”