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If you were to ask me what did the Duchess do to deserve her wounds, and I would answer you, nothing.

I imagine prior to her wounds and Crownus’ fall, the Duchess was a much different puppet then, arguably brighter and wide eyed to the world. And heavily unaware of the growing rebellion emerging amongst the noble ranks, but when the rebellion itself fell, naturally everyone was at unease. Including the king.

So when your king calls for an audience to ease his doubts, it only takes a moment of hesitance in your gaze that he passes his judgement that you are just like the rest of the filth staining his throne.

I imagine King Crownus functions similarly to most egotistical people who wants his feathers constantly preened with praise and adoration, liking it when puppets are wrapped devotedly around his thumb, but when a good handful of members from his court rebels, his world is shaken, and he needs someone to sing his praises to assure himself his crown and people are still his.

With Duchess being one of the heads of a House, an influential one at that as well, she would be summoned at his word.

It didn't help that she was also one of the few nobility that didn't join the rebellion either, not that she disagrees with the rebellion, but moreso feared the consequences and the danger. Though her compliancy didn't save her in the end when the king's hand came upon her throat.

I truly don't think Duchess did anything wrong; it was more of a wrong place at the wrong time kind of situation. So when sharp talons clasp at her neck, the duchess felt fear.

To give clarity, Duchess has never had a violent interaction with any puppet or human up to this point, this would be the first instance where she was actively being threatened. And as far as the Duchess was concerned, she truly thought she was going to be killed. And she was so terrified at the fact that she could lose her life right then and there.

When helplessness becomes desperation, she uses her ability. Out of pure fear, she screams for help — not wanting to die here, or alone. And rightfully caught offguard, the king wanted nothing but to silence her.

I don’t think it was deliberate, I imagine it as a spur of the moment decision where Crownus blinks and tsks, saying, look what you made me do.

I can still imagine the fear and terror unraveling in her mind when she’s finally released, and all she can do is stumble back, hands clutching at her bleeding throat. Begging for her life while she coughs dark ichor, thinking still that this would be it.

When the king tells her to leave, it’s only pitiful to watch as the Duchess scramble to her feet, forced to compose herself somehow and flee back to the safety of her estate.

You can imagine the utter horror in her staff’s faces upon seeing their Duchess, I imagine it’s after that night, House Evaine became silent. The Duchess became isolated. And not many puppets leave the estate beyond what was needed.

GOSHH this was such a sad post to write. Now that we’re in the read more, we can talk general stuff!! And general stuff!! is that drawing this was a pain and writing it makes me sad </3

It usually takes a toll on me a bit to write sadder OC's like the duchess, since it usually means I really have to dig in and replicate the mindset to feel that utter helplessness and pain she must have felt in that moment. I genuinely cant overstate how horrified she felt and how much she thought that she was going to die.

Originally, I definitely planned to make the art way more... brutal in the sense? Like how I sort of wanted the transition scene is of Duchess being thrown against the dresser or a wall, and crumpling to the floor - But opted for her stumbling back instead since,, well, it was easier to draw haha

I think about her having to leave Crownus' room and making her way back to the estate, likely avoiding other puppets and clutching at her throat, ichor dripping from her mouth while holding in the urge to cough. A lot of puppets under House Evaine revere the Duchess and trust in her greatly, so when she began to isolate, they did too. I imagine after they saw her wound, they easily put two and two together and understood the monster sitting on the throne.

Puppets under House Evaine did not leave the estate unless absolutely necessary, and even then, interactions were kept at a minimum. If they needed anything, it would be sent via outside puppets. Any guards under her court stayed faithfully by the entrances. I imagine it was a huge deal since a good chunk of puppets under House Evaine specialized in the arts just like Duchess did. Artists, Dancers, Singers, many puppets applauded for their talent kept to the ornate walls of the House.

Another reason for their isolation is Duchess herself, to put it bluntly, I imagine she became heavily depressed after this, and I,, cant fault her. Healing and moving past it wasn't any easier either. Even when she finally came home and was being tended to, I just imagine the many tears falling from her face, barely able to give a coherent explanation to her court.

She didn't exactly had anyone to talk about this to, I imagine it took awhile for her voice to heal, so while she was already in a dark space, the silence made it worse. I imagine she basically shut down, when the first few nights the servants would hear the Duchess weeping, it bled to silence. And stretched on for weeks after that, the Duchess never leaving her room. The closer staff that served her could only do so much.

THIS PART WOUNDS ME Since I do think Duchess was loved, VERY much so by members of her house. Each and every one of them fretting for her being but never close enough to truly aid her. I think another factor as well on why she was terrified of dying is the thought of dying alone. I didn't exactly give her parents, that's still a tentative thought until I get more lore information on the puppets themselves! But I don't think she'd have many close friends. Allies at best, like the Duke or Countess, but in her fear ridden mind, she'd be too worn and apprehensive at the thought of anyone visiting her. WHICH imo isn't really good, vulnerable times like these where you're hurting MEANS you need people with you, those you can trust. I think The Duchess allows this as well since she's incredibly self reliant on herself, being a head of a house probably makes her believe while everyone may rely on her, she on the other hand, has no one else to turn to.

House Evaine's isolation would likely continue in the course of 3-4 years, it would only be after Crownus' fall that the Duchess would make her reappearance to the nobility again. And not a good one.

I imagine the reason she is the way she was now is due to well, trauma from the event. AND IT'S BEEN MANY YEARS </3 She'd be out of practice. While I do think most of the aristocracy respected and liked the Duchess, having an absence that long will leave a stain on your reputation. And she isn't eager to learn of what everyone may think of her now.

I think she genuinely did try to readjust herself back into the noble society. But as you can imagine, I don't believe it goes too well. With Crownus gone, I see the general nobility loose and unrestrained now. Jestyn may be the figure head, and while they can pretend to obey his command, they won't see him as the highest authority around. So it's become a every man for themself where a lot of them acted on their interests.

I can just imagine Duchess letting herself join a gathering ONCE and a nearby lord would say, "You don't exactly sing much anymore, do you?" and it'd likely set her off. She had to grow thicker skin amongst the crowd.

Duchess probably wouldn't have come back if it weren't for the fact she did it to protect her title. As much as she'd want to hide, in those years of her isolation with the members of house Evaine, she learned to care about them SO much. Downright protective. Believing them puppets under her care (Literally. Reminder, puppets under House Evaine wouldn't leave the estate either just because the Duchess didn't also.) but when a Head of a house is inactive for too long, she worries of losing her role.

It's because of the less agreeable nobility that she's become irritated, defensive, cautious and cold.

MMM what else can I say,, I think another reason she isolated herself so heavily and for that long is because she'd see herself as damaged. You know how at one point barbie would say, "I'm just like you now. Ugly and unwanted." WELL I MEAN ITS NOT TO THAT DEGREE

But she would've felt like something was taken from her that night. Fear and helplessness aside, I imagine that was downright humiliating as well. Never before did the Duchess feel so small. And I think part of it too is with the way the Duchess is now, she'd feel,, so wrong and off about herself because she's no longer the same. I mention before the Duchess prior to everything was very sweet, innocent and bright eyed. But after what Crownus had done, she'd see her innocence taken away and that she is now tainted. There'd be some level of self hatred in that regard when it comes to her own identity.

UGH GETTING SAD AGAIN </3 she truly didn't deserve and shouldn't see herself in such a light.

MMM WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY,, im lowkey getting a bit tired writing </3 MMM I recall wanting to add in another panel. One when Crownus allowed her to leave, and she would stumble down the hall, she bumps into Knighter, and their gazes share in surprise. The knight's eyes finding her wound, and when the seconds pass, she brushes past him and he does nothing. UGH MAKING ME SAD AGAIN

I feel sad over the idea of those knowing what had been done and not doing anything. Simply another injustice that's been turned a blind eye. It'd be why the puppets under her estate wouldn't go out either, they'd know and understand in her fear and would be scared to be the next target.

Just looking at the ones where she's bleeding out and crying makes me sad TT I've been wanting to post and make this for a long while since it explains a lot of the Duchess' past! And at least make it more understandable on why she is the way she is now,,,

This was a long one!! If you don't see me for a bit, I'm still tentatively on break!! and also mayhaps,, preparing for artfight and among other things,, I find The Duchess one of my more underrated characters. But I get most saddest for her. Enjoy!

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