Eugenie Weil-Hart

[thegracioushart]

#THEGRACIOUSHART : private   and   selective   mutuals   only EUGENIE  WEIL of The   Chronicles   of   Narnia series.   Original   Character   crossover/au   friendly.   Written   by   Katy   30+   she/her.   Member   of   the   Narnia   Saga   Family RPG;   this   blog   is   a   sideblog   and   follows   back   from   thedevotedhart

Minors   DO   NOT   INTERACT

private,   selective,   highly   plot   driven,   slow   activity.   this   blog   does   not   shy   away   from   triggering   content   and   taboo   subjects.

edits   •   chapters   •   musings   •   narnian   saga   family 

AN   EXPLORATION   OF:  true  love,  fertility  problems,  birth  trauma,  survivor's  guilt,  friendship,  grief,  self-sacrifice

affiliated   with:   @thegracioustm  |  @archenlandbound  |  @thejusttm  |  @thegentletm  |  @mistresstogrief  |  @thevalianttm  |  @themagnificenttm  |  @theenchantingtm 

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[thegracioushart]

[thegentletm]

“You do indeed have a love story worthy of song,” Susan said, a gentle warmth in her voice. “I would not be surprised if, in time, some bard takes it up and turns it into a ballad. There is something in it that lingers—the sort of tale people remember.”

She glanced toward Eugenie with a quiet smile, clearly pleased by her company. “It is no small thing, what you have done. To leave behind all that you have known, and to step into something so uncertain… and yet to find not only a place here, but happiness within it.” Her expression softened. “And to be reunited, in some fashion, with those you once thought lost—yes… I imagine that must feel nothing short of extraordinary.”

At Eugenie’s answer, Susan inclined her head slightly, her gaze turning thoughtful. “No… I suppose not,” she said, more to herself than to Eugenie. “Men such as that rarely vanish into true silence. They have a way of making themselves known again, whether welcome or not.”

Her voice gentled further. “Still, I share your hope that Arlise need never look upon him again. She has endured more than enough. And she is not without those who would stand between her and any harm.” There was a quiet certainty in her tone, protective without being overt.

After a brief pause, Susan let the weight of the subject fall away, her expression lightening once more. “But we have dwelled long enough on such things.” She gestured lightly to the gardens around them, touched with autumn color. “Tell me—are you finding some comfort here, at least? In the castle, or the grounds?”

A hint of amusement touched her lips. “I should like to think Cair Paravel offers a warmer welcome than some of its inhabitants.”

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie couldn't help the soft smile that touched her lips as Queen Susan spoke of songs. "Oh, I don't think I would like to be the subject of a song." She said, flush rising to her cheeks again. The thought of being the center of attention made her want to flee to a corner.

She nodded her head as the other woman spoke of cruel men who never slipped into silence. A fact she knew quite well herself. "Yes, I hope we never see him again." She said softly, her smile slipping as she tried to keep from falling into her own dark thoughts.

It returned however, as the queen turned the conversation toward happier subjects. "Oh, it's wonderful here...more than I ever could have imagined." She said, gazing around. "I like...I like the smell of the sea air." She said, turning to look at Queen Susan. "It makes me think of my mother...she grew up in the Lone Islands."

[thegracioushart]

Status: closed except for @archenlandbound

Location: Cair Paravel Castle, Narnia

Date: October 1009, early afternoon

Eugenie sat in the drawing room of their apartments, working on her needlework. Arthur teased her about how often she was found with embroidery hoop in hand, but she didn't have the heart to tell him what she was actually doing. She had spent years with her mother, working on items for her eventual marriage trousseau....all of which seemed lost to her now after her elopement. So, she sat here every day, trying to recreate them from memory.

Besides, it was something to pass the time. Her elopement was still the subject of much gossip here at court, and she hadn't managed to make many friends. In fact, besides her husband, she was only certain of two friends...both of whom were queens. They certainly didn't have time for her to tag along everywhere.

She was pulled from her thoughts by whispering just outside the room. "Davis?" She called out to the butler. "What is it?"

Davis appeared in the doorway. "A Lady Jacquetta here to see you, Your Grace."

Eugenie shot to her feet, tossing the embroidery hoop onto the couch as she beelined for the door. Ever since Arlise had told her that her sisters were also alive, Eugenie had been desperate to see them... especially Jacquetta. But she had been told Jacquetta wasn't in Cair Paravel. She certainly had not expected her to come here.

Yet here she stood, in the foyer. Eugenie couldn't help the teary grin that spread across her face as she stopped in the doorway. "Quetta." She said softly. "It's really you."

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie hadn't expected someone to be right there as she rounded the corner. "Oh!" She exclaimed, almost whacking right into them. She dropped the basket of linens she was carrying, and they spilled across the floor.

"I'm sorry!" The boy exclaimed, grabbing her arms to keep her from falling. "That was my fault, I'm sorry."

"No." She replied instinctively. "It was my fault. I-" she stopped, looking up at his face. She had seen him before, though she couldn't place where...or what his name was. But he was beautiful to look at. Black, unruly curls, fair skin, a straight nose, and big brown eyes that were staring almost into her soul. "It's both of our faults." She said, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"So, it is." He said, staring at her a moment longer before he took a step back. Eugenie found her arms felt cold now where his hands had been. "I'm Percy...er, Percival."

That's where she knew him from. "You're Arlise's Percy!" She exclaimed louder than she meant to.

Percy grinned at her then, and she felt her heart flutter. "I am." His smile was infectious, as she felt her own grow.

"I'm Eugenie." She said quickly, holding out her hand.

Recognition dawned in Percy's eyes. He must have been trying to place her as well. "Ah. The famous Eugenie." He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, ever so gently. Eugenie felt her whole body shiver. What was this boy doing to her. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." He said, still holding onto her hand.

"Likewise." She said, feeling her face blush. "Arli talks about you all the time."

Percy raised an eyebrow, and she felt a stab of fear for a moment. Then, his expression turned to amusement. "Does she? All good things, I hope?"

"Oh, yes!" She said, trying to reassure him. "She makes you sound wonderful!" Why had she said that? Her face grew hot then, and she looked for an escape. She was embarrassing herself in front of the first cute boy she talked to. She looked down at the linens spilled all over the floor. "I should clean this up." She said abruptly, pulling her hand out of his and dropping to the floor.

"Let me help." He dropped down across from her and righted her basket. Why did Arli have to be right about him and his unfailing kindness?

"Please, Ser Percival, it's quite alright-"

He reached over and put his hand over hers. "Eugenie." He said softly, steadying her. She liked the sound of her name on his tongue. She just stared into his eyes for a moment. A girl could get lost in those eyes. They contained a breadth of emotion she couldn't even hope to begin to describe. After what seemed like both an eternity and an instant, Percy turned and began gathering the linens off the floor. "She talks about you too, you know?" He said.

"Does she?" Eugenie hadn't thought she was much worth mentioning.

"All the time. She's so delighted to have found you again." He put the last piece of fabric in the basket and looked at her. "Now, where are we taking this?" He asked, grabbing the basket and rising to his feet.

"Oh, I can't ask you to do that!" She started to rise as Percy held out a hand to her. She couldn't help it; she wanted to hold his hand again. So, she took it and let him help her up.

"You're not asking. I'm volunteering." He said once she was upright again.

She decided not to argue. "I'm heading to Arli's rooms." She said, almost with a sigh.

"I should have guessed." Percy gestured for her to lead the way and fell in step beside her. They walked silently for several minutes before Percy spoke up again. "So, is Arli what everyone in your village called her?" He asked, glancing at her.

"It's...it's what her sisters called her...and me, by extension."

"She never told me that." He said softly. He looked as if he were deep in thought. They walked quietly for several more minutes.

"We're practicing embroidery today." Eugenie blurted out, wanting to break the silence. Percy looked at her. "Hence, all the linens." She said, gesturing to the basket he was carrying.

"Leezy does needlework?" Percy asked, confusion spreading across his face. Leezy...what an interesting nickname.

"Well...no." Eugenie said, looking down at the ground. "Not yet, anyway. That's why we're practicing." She glanced back up at him. "Queen Susan said it was something she could try to help bond with the other ladies here...she suggested a sewing circle."

"Well, make sure you invite my sister if you do a sewing circle." Eugenie thought she saw a smirk on his face.

"Does she like to sew?" Eugenie hadn't spent much time with Philippa Hart. They didn't have much in common.

"Not at all. She hates it." He laughed.

Why had he said to invite her to something she hated? That didn't make sense..."Oh." She said flatly. "You're teasing."

Percy looked down at her. "My sister? Yes. You? Never." He playfully bumped her arm with his. She couldn't help but smile again. He really was good at making someone feel better. They reached the doors to Arlise's rooms. Percy nodded to the guard, who had to know both of them by now. Eugenie tried to reach for the door handle, but Percy darted around her to reach it first. She shot him a look which he returned with a definite smirk. A mischievous smirk, yet Eugenie couldn't help but think he still looked adorable.

She strode into the room and dropped into a polite curtsy towards Arlise. "Your Highness," she said, standing back up. "I seem to have collected a stray." She motioned towards Percy, who she noted did not show any sort of deference towards his princess. Interesting.

"Don't worry. I'm not staying." He said, plunking the basket down on a side table. He leaned over and kissed Arlise on the cheek. "Leezy." He said softly, before turning his attention back to her. "Lady Eugenie." He said, dropping into a bow as he grabbed her hand and lightly kissed it again. She felt her face flush. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He rose and gave her a wink before turning and striding from the room.

Eugenie was sure her face was bright red by now, as she watched him go. Slowly, she turned back to look at Arlise again. "Is...is he like that with everyone?"

[thegracioustm]

Arlise startled at the violent crash, her heart lurching into her throat as porcelain shattered across the stone like cannon fire. For half a breath she turned sharply, instinctively guarded — the princess mask snapping into place out of habit — and then it fell apart just as quickly.

The world tilted.

Glass glittered at Eugenie’s feet, but Arlise only saw the girl behind it. The same eyes. The same trembling mouth. Five years collapsed in on themselves, dragging her back to mud roads and shared ribbons and whispered promises behind the mill.

Genie.

For a moment she couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Couldn’t decide whether to run forward or run away.

They weren’t supposed to recognize her. No one from the village was supposed to still remember her face. The Naerion's would call this a risk, a breach, a liability.

But Genie wasn’t a risk.

She was home.

“       Genie…   ” The name left her like something fragile and breaking, her composure splintering as surely as the dishes on the floor. Her hands trembled as she gathered her skirts and stepped carefully through the shards, uncaring if the silk snagged. “       Oh my stars… it’s really you.   ”

Her voice wavered — relief, disbelief, guilt twisting together painfully in her chest. Genie had mourned her. The whole village had. They had believed Arlise dead, and Arlise had let them.

“       I thought—I thought I’d never see you again," she whispered, eyes shining. And then, softer, aching with everything unsaid: “       You remembered me.   ”

Only then did the enormity of it hit her, and a breathless laugh broke through the tears threatening behind her eyes.

“       You're here. At Cair Paravel. How—how did you get here?   ”

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie reached out a hesitant hand, her fingertips nearly touching Arlise's cheek. She changed her mind at the last minute, and instead lightly grasped a lock of her hair. "You're real." She whispered, staring at her old friend in awe and quite a bit of shock.

She moved suddenly then, pulling the other woman into a tight hug. "Oh, Arli." She said, tears beginning to stream down her face. "I missed you. I missed you so much."

She couldn't believe it. All this time, she had believed Arlise to be dead. But if she was alive, did that mean Jacquetta and Meadow might be alive too? Where were they then? And how had they survived? How had Arlise-

"Nevermind how I got here." She said, pulling back. She kept her hands on Arlise's arms, almost as if she was worried her friend would slip away again if she let go. "How are you here?" She lowered her voice. "And how are you a princess now?"

[thegentletm]

Susan listened as they walked, the autumn sun warming her face and the back of her neck. She let Eugenie’s words settle, turning them over slowly. She had long known Arthur as reckless, as a magnet for trouble—and for drawing Edmund into it. But this version of him, seen through Eugenie’s eyes, was gentler. More deliberate.

“Then perhaps,” Susan said with a small smile, “it is time I look at him anew.” She glanced at Eugenie. “It seems only fair, to see a man as he is when he is loved.”

Her expression softened further. “And as for your choice…” She shook her head lightly. “There is nothing childish in it. Wanting someone—choosing your own happiness—takes a great deal of courage.”

After a few quiet steps, she spoke again, more carefully this time. “Your father—was he, by chance, acquainted with Cason Riordan?” The question was gentle, deliberate. “I ask only because of the village. You need not answer if it is uncomfortable.”

Then, as Eugenie flushed and apologized, Susan let out a quiet, amused breath. “Please do not apologize. I enjoy a good love story.” Her smile turned knowing. “Aslan knows I am no stranger to devotion myself. I am just as enthralled with my husband, Rhett.”

She gave Eugenie a fond look. “If anything, your honesty does you credit.”

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie felt herself blush more deeply. "Still, it is not...polite. And my mother raised me to always be polite." She smiled softly at her own little joke. "I had not thought that I would have a great love story, like the fairy tales...but I suppose I have, haven't I?" Her smile grew. "A daring escape in the night, a hurried wedding performed in front of strangers, and suddenly, I'm living in a castle and taking an afternoon stroll with a queen."

She squeezed the Queen's arm gently. "Maybe I am living a fairy tale, and this is my happily ever after." She giggled, before her face grew more serious. "Who would have thought...after everything..." Her face trailed off as she thought of her childhood.

"As to your other question, ma'am, Cason Riordan was not welcome in our home...but he and my father were both known to frequent the village tavern." She sighed heavily. "But as to what you're really asking, I don't know where he is. After what happened with his girls, everyone thought he had killed them, the same as their mother. And especially after that day with Arlise...the...the spectacle...no one would associate with him anymore. No one wanted to be around a man who would do that...to his own daughter..."

She looked down at the ground, trying not to remember that day. "He left the village, and no one knows where he went. Everyone just said, good riddance, and left it at that." She looked back up at the Queen. "I didn't even know Arlise was alive until Arthur brought me here...let alone a...a queen."

[thegentletm]

Susan listened in silence, her expression unreadable at first, though her grip on Eugenie’s arm tightened ever so slightly as the story unfolded. The image of wolves at the door, of a girl standing guard before a cupboard with nothing but courage and perfume—it settled heavily in her chest.

“Yes… I remember Arthur from the war,” Susan said at last, her voice quieter than before. “I did not know him well, but I remember him.” She exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting toward the garden path ahead. “I confess, you have taken me rather by surprise.”

She glanced back to Eugenie, a small, thoughtful smile touching her lips. “My own experience of Arthur has always been of a… chaotic nature. He and my brother Edmund are quite alike in that regard. Together, they have an unfortunate talent for trouble.” She allowed herself a light laugh. “Though I suppose I cannot deny that some of it has been rather impressive.”

Her expression softened further. “Still, I would not have guessed him capable of such tenderness. Nor such loyalty.”

When Eugenie spoke of fleeing her home, Susan slowed their pace and gently reached out, resting her hand over Eugenie’s arm—not to stop her, but to steady her.

“If I may ask,” she said carefully, “was there truly no other choice? Were your family so opposed to the match?” There was no judgment in her tone, only concern. “You need not answer if it pains you.”

She squeezed Eugenie’s arm lightly. “And please, do not burden yourself with guilt over courtly gossip. The court thrives on scandal, but it never starves for long. Once something new catches their attention, your marriage will be yesterday’s whisper. In time, they will welcome you.”

And yet—

Dancing Lawn.

The name echoed in Susan’s mind, fitting suddenly into place. A memory stirred, sharp and unmistakable. Arlise had spoken of it once. Of that village. Of a girl who was her friend.

Eugenie.

Susan’s brow furrowed, confusion giving way to realization. Her steps faltered for the briefest moment.

“I—” she began, then stopped herself.

No. Not now.

She smoothed her expression, schooling it back into calm composure, though her heart had begun to race. Some truths were not hers to reveal—not yet. Not without care.

She looked at Eugenie again, studying her anew, with something like awe and sorrow mingled together.

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie smiled at how the queen described Arthur. "I will not deny that he can bring a...certain amount of chaos. After all, we did meet from him bringing chaos right into my kitchen." She laughed lightly.

"But Arthur is also tender, and kind, and loyal, and honorable." She sighed. "He didn't want an elopement. He wanted to do things the proper way, with an engagement and grand wedding...but I didn't care about any of that. I just...I just wanted him."

She studied the queen as she spoke about Eugenie's choices and sighed again. "My father is..." She tried to find a way to explain it delicately. "He is not a kind man. You can ask Arlie-I mean, Queen Arlise. We grew up together." She paused a moment. Arlise was alive. She was alive and a queen of Narnia. She still could scarcely believe it, though she supposed it couldn't be too absurd. After all, she herself was now a duchess.

"Anyway, my father is also a very stubborn man. Once he decides how he wants something, that is how it shall be. And he decided I was too old to still be a maid, and that I would marry his friend." She nearly sneered at the word. "A lecherous oaf with a gambling addiction. I couldn't do it. I simply couldn't. My mother and I tried to talk some sense into him, but he wouldn't listen. So, when Arthur came for one of his regular visits..." Her voice trailed off, remembering the night in the barn nearly two weeks ago now.

"I admit, I did not leave Arthur much choice." She almost smiled again. "I told him if he did not take me from there, I would set off on my own...through the woods...in the dark." The smile did creep onto her face then. "I knew he would never allow it. He told me we would have to wed...for my reputation." Her smile grew. "He would have taken me anyway, even if I'd said no...but I wouldn't have said no."

Her face flushed red as she realized what she was saying and who she was saying it to. "My apologies, Your Majesty. You must think me childish, gushing like a school girl over her crush."

[thegentletm]

Susan’s expression softened as they walked, the autumn sun warming her face as well. Eugenie’s answer had not been what she expected — not at all. She had braced herself for a hurried romance, for infatuation mistaken for fate. Instead, she heard certainty. Devotion.

It gave her pause.

“I am very glad to hear that,” Susan said sincerely. “Truly.” A faint smile touched her lips. It seemed she owed Arthur an apology, at least in her own thoughts.

She glanced at Eugenie again, her curiosity now unguarded. “I did not realize you had known one another for so long.” There was no accusation in her tone now, only interest. “How and where did the two of you meet?”

They continued along the garden path, gravel crunching softly beneath their steps. After a moment, Susan added, more conversationally, “I come from a place called Finchley. It was… very different from Cair Paravel.”

Her smile turned a little wistful. “Sometimes I miss it.”

[thegracioushart]

"We met during the war, ma'am." Eugenie answered, smiling softly to herself. "I'm sure you've heard the story that His Grace was part of a group that came from Archenland to help." She glanced towards Queen Susan.

"Well, they were hunted by the Witch's Wolves. And one night, there was a desperate knocking at our door. It was a soldier...a boy, seeking shelter. My mother decided to hide him, though my father was against it." She could remember that night so vividly. The desperation, the fear...the resolve.

"We hid him in a cupboard. My mother started frying up the smelliest foods she could think of, to mask his scent. The wolves came into the house to look. I stood right in front of the cupboard, soaked in perfume, hoping they wouldn't find him..." She shivered at the thought. She remembered the screams as others had been found, they and their accomplices all dragged off in the night to the Witch's castle.

"But they didn't find him." She continued. "And he always remembered us, even after the battles were won and the witch defeated. Even after Your Majesties granted him his dukedom." Her smile returned. "He always came to visit. And as I got older, we would write." The bundle of Arthur's letters had been one of the few things she had grabbed from her room before she'd fled home with Arthur.

She stopped next to a bed of dahlias. "My mother used to grow these. She had a special greenhouse she grew her flowers in...even in the coldest of the long winter." She knelt down to smell them, reminiscing on times now lost to her.

"When I asked Arthur to steal me away from Dancing Lawn, I knew I would have to give up a lot." She said softly, blinking back tears as she looked at the flowers and thought of her mother. "I was prepared for it. It was the cost of taking my own happiness." Gently, she pulled out her handkerchief and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

She looked up at the queen. "I had not expected our marriage to cause such a scandal." She sighed. "We have been so quietly in love for so long, I...I had not thought anyone would notice us at all." She rose to her feet, and rewrapped her shawl. "I hope..." She didn't know if she should continue, but there was something about Queen Susan's countenance that made her want to bear her soul. "I hope I have not made things more difficult for Artie by insisting he steal me from my father."

[thegentletm]

“I should be the one offering thanks,” Susan replied gently. “Many find my company… daunting. They grow anxious over saying the wrong thing, or become far too eager to please. It will be refreshing to have honest company for a change.”

She offered Eugenie a warm smile before politely averting her gaze as the young woman was attended by her maid. When Eugenie declared herself ready, Susan inclined her head and turned toward the corridor leading to the gardens. She extended her arm in quiet invitation, allowing Eugenie to accept it if she wished — a gesture of courtesy, and perhaps something more.

As they began to walk, Susan allowed a comfortable silence to settle between them for a few steps before speaking again.

“Tell me, Eugenie… are you happy in your marriage?”

Her tone was calm and sincere, free of judgment. She glanced toward her companion, her expression open but observant.

“I have known Arthur for several years,” she continued, “though not closely. He and my brother Edmund share a stronger friendship.” She paused briefly, choosing her next words with care. “I find first impressions can be… incomplete. I would value your perspective.”

Susan kept her gaze forward once more as they walked, her posture relaxed but attentive. She could not help but wonder how Arthur had come to win the devotion of such a gentle-seeming young woman — and whether that devotion was well placed.

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie leaned her head back as they walked through the gardens, letting the autumn sun fall on her face. The air was different here from home. Less woody, and permeated by saltwater. She liked it.

She looked down as the queen spoke again. "I am the happiest I have ever been." She said bluntly. "Arthur saved me. He..." She felt her face begin to flush. She did not know the queen. She shouldn't be sharing such intimate details.

She looked down at her toes for a moment as she regained her composure. "His Grace and I have known each other for many years now. Since we were teens. This marriage is what I have prayed for, Your Majesty."

[thegracioushart]

"I am well, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking." Eugenie straightened up and glanced at Queen Susan, before averting her gaze again. One should not stare at a queen. One should not stare in general. It was rude.

"Cair Paravel is..." She gazed up at the ceiling, taking in her surroundings once again. She still couldn't believe this was where Artie lived...where she would live now. "It's...it's much grander than home."

She felt a wave of sadness at the thought of home. They'd had a letter from her father this morning. He'd disowned her. Forbid her from seeing Mama again. Her eyes pricked as if she might cry. No, she musn't. Not in front of the queen. She quietly sucked in a breath and plastered on a serene smile. "I fear it shall take me some more time to adjust."

She had to say something else...steer the conversation from herself, as Mama had taught her to do. She may have grown up in tiny Dancing Lawn, but Mama was a lady of the Lone Islands, and she had raised her only daughter to be a lady as well. "And how is your day, ma'am? A beautiful autumn day to be had." She gestured out the window.

[thegentletm]

“Yes,” Susan said, smiling warmly as she folded her hands before her. “Cair Paravel can be… intimidating at first.”

Her gaze drifted briefly to the high arches above them. “When I first arrived, I was quite blinded by youthful wonder. My siblings and I filled these halls with games and laughter.” The memories welled up, warm and bright—but Susan gently set them aside. Now was not the time to linger in the past.

“It is far grander than the home I knew before,” she continued more quietly. “Though I scarcely remember it now. Those days feel almost like a dream—hazy at the edges.” She let out a light laugh, knowing that if she did not, she might find herself once more pacing these corridors, lost in old thoughts.

She looked back to Eugenie, her expression softening. “Still, I have no doubt that once you grow acquainted with the castle—and begin to make friends—you will feel at home here.”

Something in her chest warmed unexpectedly. There was a gentleness about Eugenie that tugged at her, a faint sense of familiarity she could not explain. “I will tell you a secret,” she added, lowering her voice slightly. “If you treat these walls—this castle—as a friend, it does help. Silly though that may sound.”

Susan could see that Eugenie was trying to guide the conversation away from herself, though the sadness lingered just beneath the surface. She chose not to press it.

“It is a beautiful day, yes,” she said, following her gesture toward the window. “A perfect one for a stroll in the gardens.” She inclined her head politely. “Would you care to join me?”

[thegracioushart]

Eugenie felt her smile grow, genuine this time. "I would like that very much, ma'am." She said. This was the first offer she'd had to spend time with someone, and she truly was delighted. "It is kind of you to ask."

She turned, scooping up her embroidery hoop and handing it to her maid, who stepped out of the shadows. Genie didn't know the girl well; Arthur had just hired her. She seemed capable enough. The maid handed Genie her silk shawl.

She wrapped the shawl around her shoulders and smiled again at Queen Susan. "I am ready at your leisure, ma'am." Even a decade since eternal winter, Eugenie was still easily susceptible to a chill. Mama called her delicate. No, she didn't want to think about Mama today. She was sure to weep.

[thegracioushart]

Status: Closed to @thegentletm Location: Cair Paravel Castle; The Golden Age Time: October of 1009; midmorning

Eugenie sat in a small window alcove, working on her embroidery hoop. She supposed it was for the best that she was quite used to being alone, since she didn't seem to have made a single acquaintance here at court in the five days since she had arrived. She could see the members of the court gawk at her as they passed by, whispering behind their hands; but none approached.

Genie had not expected her arrival as Arthur's bride to be such a scandal. In truth, she hadn't expected anyone to take notice of her at all. But there must not have been much else to gossip about at court at the time. She sighed and looked up, staring out the window at the autumn leaves.

She took a moment to compose herself. She could endure this. She could endure anything if it meant she could stay with her Arthur. She turned back to watch the corridor and nearly jumped out of her skin. A woman was standing there watching her. Not just any woman though.

"Your Majesty!" Genie exclaimed, casting aside her hoop as she jumped to her feet. She dropped into a deep curtsy, as Mama had taught her.

[thegentletm]

Susan often found herself wandering the castle corridors when she needed solitude—when her thoughts grew too loud and demanded space to settle. Today was no exception. As she walked, her mind kept circling back to the whispers she had overheard about their unexpected new arrival.

Arthur’s sudden appearance with a bride on his arm had certainly stirred the court. While Susan could not claim to know him particularly well, she knew enough of him through Edmund to find the situation troubling. Arthur had always struck her as reckless, far too fond of spontaneity and far too careless with the consequences of it. She did not approve of his influence on her younger brother—and this only confirmed her misgivings.

Still, it was not Arthur who lingered in her thoughts.

It was his bride.

Eugenie.

Susan was certain she had heard the name before—certain enough that it unsettled her. Since the girl’s arrival, Susan had turned it over in her mind again and again, searching through old memories and half-forgotten conversations, but the source stubbornly refused to reveal itself.

So distracted was she that she scarcely noticed where her feet had carried her—until she saw her.

Eugenie sat alone in a window alcove, bathed in pale autumn light. She looked… sad. Not nervous, not overwhelmed, as one might expect of a new bride at court, but quietly, deeply sad. The sight gave Susan pause. She stopped without quite meaning to, studying her for a moment longer than was polite.

When Eugenie finally looked up and caught her staring, Susan felt a brief flush of embarrassment. She smoothed it away at once—she was a queen, after all.

“Eugenie,” she said evenly as the young woman rose from her curtsy. “How are you finding Cair Paravel? I trust you are settling in nicely.”

[thegracioushart]

"I am well, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking." Eugenie straightened up and glanced at Queen Susan, before averting her gaze again. One should not stare at a queen. One should not stare in general. It was rude.

"Cair Paravel is..." She gazed up at the ceiling, taking in her surroundings once again. She still couldn't believe this was where Artie lived...where she would live now. "It's...it's much grander than home."

She felt a wave of sadness at the thought of home. They'd had a letter from her father this morning. He'd disowned her. Forbid her from seeing Mama again. Her eyes pricked as if she might cry. No, she musn't. Not in front of the queen. She quietly sucked in a breath and plastered on a serene smile. "I fear it shall take me some more time to adjust."

She had to say something else...steer the conversation from herself, as Mama had taught her to do. She may have grown up in tiny Dancing Lawn, but Mama was a lady of the Lone Islands, and she had raised her only daughter to be a lady as well. "And how is your day, ma'am? A beautiful autumn day to be had." She gestured out the window.

[thegracioushart]

Status: Closed to @thegentletm

Location: Cair Paravel Castle; The Golden Age

Time: October of 1009; midmorning

Eugenie sat in a small window alcove, working on her embroidery hoop. She supposed it was for the best that she was quite used to being alone, since she didn't seem to have made a single acquaintance here at court in the five days since she had arrived. She could see the members of the court gawk at her as they passed by, whispering behind their hands; but none approached.

Genie had not expected her arrival as Arthur's bride to be such a scandal. In truth, she hadn't expected anyone to take notice of her at all. But there must not have been much else to gossip about at court at the time. She sighed and looked up, staring out the window at the autumn leaves.

She took a moment to compose herself. She could endure this. She could endure anything if it meant she could stay with her Arthur. She turned back to watch the corridor and nearly jumped out of her skin. A woman was standing there watching her. Not just any woman though.

"Your Majesty!" Genie exclaimed, casting aside her hoop as she jumped to her feet. She dropped into a deep curtsy, as Mama had taught her.

[thegracioushart]

Status: closed except for @thegracioustm

Location: Cair Paravel, Narnia

Date: spring 1008

The tray slipped from Eugenie's fingers, falling to the floor with a metallic crash, the glass dishes shattering. She paid it no mind, her hands covering her mouth as she gasped. A ghost stood in front of her. A ghost of flesh and blood.

Eugenie could remember that day vividly. Arlise screaming as her father dragged her back to her house by her hair, blood streaming down her face. Papa locking them in the house so she and Mama didn't go help. And then...nothing. Nobody saw any of the Riordan sisters again after that day. The whole village whispered Cason had killed them, as he had killed his wife.

But now, five years later, here Arlise stood; alive and well, and a princess. "It's you. It's really you." Genie whispered, blinking back tears. "You're alive."

[thegracioushart]

Status: closed except for @thegracioustm

Location: Cair Paravel, Narnia

Date: May, 1010

Eugenie practically squealed with delight as she raced into Arlise's rooms. She knew she wasn't behaving like a mature lady of 21, but today she didn't care. Today she felt like a giddy teenager. Today might be one of the happiest days of her life, after last night of course.

"Arli, look!" She exclaimed, holding out her hand with her brand new engagement ring on her finger. "We went to watch the meteor shower last night, and he proposed!" She actually jumped up and down in her excitement, in sharing this joy with her best friend. "It all feels like a dream, Arlise...and if it is a dream, don't wake me up!"

[thegracioushart]

Status: closed except for @thegracioustm

Location: Cair Paravel, Narnia

Date: spring 1008

The tray slipped from Eugenie's fingers, falling to the floor with a metallic crash, the glass dishes shattering. She paid it no mind, her hands covering her mouth as she gasped. A ghost stood in front of her. A ghost of flesh and blood.

Eugenie could remember that day vividly. Arlise screaming as her father dragged her back to her house by her hair, blood streaming down her face. Papa locking them in the house so she and Mama didn't go help. And then...nothing. Nobody saw any of the Riordan sisters again after that day. The whole village whispered Cason had killed them, as he had killed his wife.

But now, five years later, here Arlise stood; alive and well, and a princess. "It's you. It's really you." Genie whispered, blinking back tears. "You're alive."

[archenlandbound]

"I understand." Jacquetta frowned slightly. The twins had already gotten a stern talking to about what not to expect, and one of those things was expecting to get to play all night long. No after dark all hallows eve treats for the girls with their friends - at least not at their own home. "My mama said as much to us." Jacquetta exchanged a knowing glance with her twin that said far more than others could ever understand. "But just you being here - it's swell fun! Thank you so much for coming to play with us, and bake soul cakes with us! No one ever comes over. It's like a birthday treat! Except... it's not our birthday of course."

[thegracioustm]

Arlise squeezed Genie's hand tightly. "Thank you for coming, even if you can only stay until dark. Make sure to thank your mama for us, won't you?" Arlise frowned slightly, the more she thought about Genie's mother. "I'm sure this time of year is not easy for your family. My mama had us out for a walk to get our energy levels down earlier this week and we saw your mama at the cemetery. Mama told us to hush until we were out of ear shot, so our shouts and laughter would not disturb her. Maybe you can take some soul cakes home to her from us!"

[thegracioushart]

Genie gave her a small smile. "I think she'd like that. She doesn't even want to bake any this year." She looked down at the floor. "I'm not supposed to say but Mama and Father have been fighting again...over having another baby." She blinked back the tears and shook her head. "But we should get started if we want to make any before I have to leave." She put on her best smile, the one she used at school when the teacher asked how she was.