g. stafford

there is power in a quiet spirit

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianrose​:

A Picnic | Rose & G

While Rose adored being surrounded by nature at every turn, journeying this far south meant that she and Ben did not easily meet and, deprived as she was from her closest adventuring companion, that often met that poor G was often dragged along, instead.

Today, G had agreed to go with Rose on a picnic and although Rose had promised that they would not venture too far away from the house, it soon became clear that she and her cousin both had different definitions of the phrase “too far”. 

The servants had laid out a lovely spread for them both on the lawn, with a lovely view of the lake, the house, and the gardens, but Rose said that if she could still see the window to her father’s study, that he could see them and she did not meant to spend the afternoon under his watchful and disapproving eye (especially as she worried he might mean to join them, since his interest in G’s company had not changed after they had all retired to the country). 

Rose held the picnic basket on her arm and G followed dutifully behind carrying the blankets in her’s. So far, they’d made it completely to the otherside of the lake. 

Rose had been content enough to take a moment to put the basket down and survey the area. Lifting her hand above her forehead, she took care to consider the location from every spot and although the house was still visible (if only just), it ultimately left Rose dissatisfied by the spot. “It’s still too close,” She announced. “I know a better place - if you are up for a little adventure?” 

When Rose suggested the pair plan for a picnic that day, G had wholeheartedly agreed. While most families moved to their country homes, the royal family played hosts to a select few at the estate-- among them, the Seymours. This now meant that her weekly walks with William had now turned to daily. In fact, she hardly found much time when he did not seek out her company. 

 “Too close to what, exactly?” G asked, looking around them. Despite the fact the house was still in view, there was hardly anything else around them beyond the few ducks floating along the edge of the lake. 

“I suppose we might go a bit farther...” G looked up at the sun and back to her cousin. “I shouldn’t think William would be too upset with me if I missed our walk this day...”

The thought of William spotting them across the lake and ruining their outing suddenly plagued her thoughts. 

“Lead the way!” she said with an uncharacteristic amount of eagerness to her cousin.

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevaleriancordelia​:

Fashion Advice || Cordelia + G

Cordelia laughed, “You could never be cruel, G. It is not in your nature,” She grabbed her sister’s hand and gave it a squeeze, “You are all that is good in the world.” Cordelia realized that she was, of course, bias in this but she did not think a better creature existed in all of Valeria. “But you are right - they seem to be exact opposites in almost every way. Flora is all smiles and gossip, friendly chatter and an unmatched appreciation for the finer things in life, while I’ve scarcely seen Edward appear happy in anyone’s company - save his sister - he is all sour looks and broodings. Where a lovely bouquet of freshly picked flowers is enough to brighten Flora’s day, I’m convinced there’s nothing so simple that would receive a smile from Edward Lowry in return for its existence.” 

She paused, “Has Edward been kind to you, since our engagement?” Cordelia asked. She doubted that the two had little interaction before (G was not one to seek out acquaintances, especially when it came to rather intimidating individuals such as Edward Lowry and Edward was likely to completely ignore G, if she hadn’t been the princess). 

Cordelia evaded her sister’s gaze as G described the sort of man that Cordelia would abandon her crown for. She couldn’t help but sadly smile as the realization that James met each of the descriptors. She strategically kept her focus on the kittens as they scampered about the room. “He sounds wonderful,” She replied, “Where should I find such a man? If only William had a brother,” She teased. 

“I’m glad of it,” Cordelia replied, “i wouldn’t want you to feel you should conceal such affections. You know that Margot and I would both do everything we could to make sure that you would be happy, if you ever did fall in love?” Her duty be damned. Cordelia realized that she was giving her sister exceptions, where she would never for herself. But that was part of the point, after all, marrying Edward made it less urgent that G marry William. 

“Maybe it was hard for him,” G began slowly, “He never got to be a young man... he had to raise his sister instead of galavanting about as young men often do... I suppose that might make one grow up much too quickly?” G offered. That alone did not excuse his unpleasant behavior, but G sought to at least understand why a man with so much would be so terribly sour. 

“Kind?” G repeated to Cordelia’s question. “I... well, I suppose he has been as kind as he might be to someone who is not Flora. I did come upon him assaulting a bush after one of my walks with William last week... I’m not quite sure why, but he did escort me back to the house.”

G had found herself being walked about by many unpleasant fellows as of late. 

“Perhaps such a man doesn’t exist,” G said with a sigh, fiddling with the ring on her finger as she spoke. “Or should he, I cannot imagine he would be among the men we might be able to marry. Sometimes I believe a more desirable man might not be of the nobility... but perhaps that is also because we’ve known them all our entire lives...”

At least a man outside the nobility would at the very least never bring her as ostentatious a necklace as William had given G.

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianalexander​:

Walk with Me | Alexander & Genevieve

“Hmm, yes, of course.” While Alexander eagerly dwelt upon the prospect of his own upcoming nuptials, the mention of the other brothers was less enjoyable to him. William Seymour would be tolerated: he was an irritation, but ultimately Alexander had decided that he was harmless. He was, like his future wife, silly and idiotic, but ultimately easily led. Edward Lowry, on the other hand, was scheming, ambitious, and opiniationed (not unlike his future wife). He and Cordelia would have to be removed as soon as he was King. He had plans to send them off deep into the southern parts of the country and then, if they did not resign themselves to their new lives of political and social insignificance, they would both be lost in a tragic accident, along with any brats they’d managed to produce. 

“May I say, how terribly upset we all were over the news of your father and brother’s death,” He said, reaching across the table again to take her hand for a moment. “You and your family have my deepest sympathies. I know what it is like to lose a father, of course, but cannot fathom how it much feel to lose a beloved father.” 

He did feel much the same now as he had when his own father passed. But it was much more a sense of opportunity and freedom than sadness and grief. Both deaths made way for Alexander to earn a crown and that, in both cases, greatly overshadowed any shred of regret he might have otherwise have felt. 

“I’m sure we cannot fill the void, but I’m pleased to hear you say that we might help heal it. I was just dwelling on how remarkably suited both William and Edward are for you and your sister,” He said, as though he knew them all intimately, “You will all be very happy, I’m sure.” 

G’s comment about her sister wanting an intellectual equal did not offend Alexander as he did not grasp her meaning. “Ah,” He said, taking a sip of tea, “Well, I cannot satisfy her there. Although, it does surprise me, that she should want an equal, as her husband is to be king. All the better, I suppose, that she will have an intellectual superior by her side.” He put his cup down, “Of course, I will indulge her, at times, in allowing her to win any silly domestic disputes we may have. In matters of which table setting should be used, I will always concede to her expertise.” 

G wasn’t sure she managed to keep the look of horror off her face as Alexander reached out to take her hand. Absolutely nothing about his demeanour suggested he was truly upset about the passing of her father and brother. How could he, when he had never met Nick and it had been years since her father had visited Lostaria?

Her mind drifted to the previous night when she and George had been whispering about exactly what Nick would have thought about Alexander Lambton. She was sure if the two had ever met, the man sitting across from her would not been sad about her brother’s passing. 

If Alexander Lambton knew anything about G or Cordelia, he would have immediately realized neither of their fiancees were suited for the sisters. “That is very kind of you to say...” G finally replied. “I’m sure our father put much thought into the matches...” 

That simply wasn’t true. All the Staffords knew it. Nick would have ended all the engagements had he been given the chance. 

As Alexander prattled on about how married life might be between himself and Margot, G felt her stomach sink. She couldn’t imagine her sister resigned to a life where she had to concede to the wishes of this brutish man, only allowing Margot to prevail in the most insignificant ways. 

“Will... will you not return home after your wedding?” G asked after a moment. If Margot were forced to marry him, G has hoped that she might at least be able to live mostly independently from him. Afterall, did he not have his own country to rule?

[thevalerianedward]

Chance Encounter | Edward & G

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianedward‌:

Edward had arrived at the palace only to find that Cordelia was out, suddenly, calling on her cousin.  Flinging himself out into the garden, Edward stalked about the snowy terrain, occasionally whacking at a great snow-laden shrub with his cane.  He preferred not to be reminded that his future bride was related to the greatest living enemy of witches in Valeria: Clarence Calvert, himself.  For all that he did not trust Queen Marguerite, he could acknowledge, at least, that no further oppressions had been heaped upon the witch community during her reign, but then that was hardly surprising, as she would have no real power until she was crowned, which she would not be until she was wed - an act which would, itself, diminish her personal power.

With a resulting interim government in place, to change anything - good or bad - was nigh impossible and that, by his reckoning, was a second positive to come from this turmoil.  Edward enjoyed seeing Clarence’s frustration with his hands tied this way.  He did not, however, in any way relish the thought of wedding into any branch of Clarence’s family and, thinking so, again struck at a bush with his cane.  Snow sprayed from it, clumping onto the ground as it sprinkled downward.  For a moment, it seemed to wno again, then the white flakes settled, and Edward’s eyes fastened on something else suddenly still.

It seemed, as he was striking the bush, someone had come round the corner.  Recognizing it to be none other than Cordelia’s most skittish and inoffensive sister, G, Edward cursed under his breath.

Quickly, he summoned his most charming smile and strode towards her.  Edward swept a bow.  “Forgive me, Royal Highness, I did not mean to startle you.  Please, allow me to make it up to you.  May I accompany you on your walk?”

The cold did not seem to deter William as, like he had been doing for weeks now, he appeared at the palace to spend an hour walking to and fro about the royal gardens, chattering on incessantly. G smiled and nodded but hardly listened to what he said. It was the same things over and over and, after weeks of it, she’d gone a bit numb to the prattling. 

Margot and Cordelia told her she would never have to marry William but, despite all his faults, he was far superior as a husband compared to the prospects both her sisters had before them. King Alexander looked as though he were waiting for the proper moment to murder them all in their sleep and Edward Lowry, despite appearences,  seemed like he’d rather be around anyone but the royal family. 

No, if anyone was forced into a marriage for the sake of the crown, it should be herself in G’s opinion. Even though it might mean a lifetime of listening to William prattle, at least he was so overly infatuated with her that she needn’t worry about him ever being to terrible to her. 

G’s hour of misery with William had ended and, bidding him farewell, she was making a beeline towards the castle when there was a sudden explosion of snow off the bush. G let out a bit of a exclamation and jumped backwards, never expecting such a thing. It wasn’t until the snow settled that G found herself face to face with Edward Lowry.

Should she have been more like either of her elder sisters, she might have asked the gentleman before her if the bush had offended him in such a way. Instead she stood, frozen in place, as he came towards her in a few strides, a strange grimace that might be described as a smile across his face. 

G knew she wasn’t the most interesting person to be around and of the three sisters, the last of those anyone should want to spend any time with. Both were more charming and witty than G might ever hope to be, especially when it came to small talk.

Wondering if her fate was simply to be walked about by joyless gentlemen, G forced herself to reply to Edward’s offer. She did not wish to offend him by telling him she was, in fact, on her way inside for fear he might continue his assault upon the bushes and terrify someone else.

“You are forgiven,” G answered quietly, glancing at the now snow free bush that stood next to the pair before looking back to Edward. How could someone like Edward be brother to someone like Flora, who was all smiles and laughter? 

“I should appreciate the company, thank you,” G continued, brushing a bit of snow that had settled on her shirt to the ground. “What brings you to the palace today, sir?” 

“And do you treat all bushes so terribly?” she wanted to ask.

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianrose​:

Rainy Days || G + Rose

“If I only need the right partner, then I think I will always be clumsy on the dance floor,” Rose teased. Oddly enough, she found herself thinking that the only person she might actually be in sync with enough to pass as a graceful dancer, would be Ben. Not that dancing was something either one of them had much interest in, nor would graceful be a would Rose would use to describe either of them, but as far as finding a partner whom she knew and trusted, she realized that Ben was atop of that list. They knew each other like the back of their own hands and Rose was certain that that must be a 

“I do,” Rose agreed, “But don’t think that, for a moment, I’ve let the storm keep me inside the entire time.” She was indoors for the worst of it - she knew better than to try to walk around in a blizzard - but as soon as the snow had finished falling, Rose had put on her old boots and had climbed down the tree outside her bedroom to explore the grounds that were now covered in a lovely blanket of snow. She never did go too far, however, because she knew her footprints would lead those who would follow them to her favorite haunts and she wished to keep all of those a secret from her father and brother. “I’m sure you’ve enjoyed being home with the kittens?” Rose asked, petting one that had curled up on her lap, “I think they’ve grown since I’ve seen them last!”

Rose shook her head, “I do not know what he means to do, but I do not trust that he truly has Valeria’s best interests at heart. If he did, he would not even entertain the prospect of allowing Alexander Lambton to one day rule it. Nor would he encourage the council to enforce that Margot take a husband in order to keep the crown. I do not know who he thinks shall benefit from Alexander Lambton’s involvement in the country or our sisters’ futures.”

Rose nodded when G spoke of the Wilsons. “You will have to come with me, sometime,” Rose said. “I know you would love it, too, once you got to know them.” 

She had brought G along to met Ben before, but she knew that her cousin had been somewhat hesitant to visit their home. G never liked to be an inconvenience to anyone and Rose knew that she would feel like one to visit the Wilsons, who would take time out of their busy days to make their home feel welcome to a princess. And even though the Wilsons were some of the most welcoming people Rose had ever met, she knew that G was never fond of meeting new people and tended to be very shy and reserved in new company. She suspected only an invitation from Ben himself, would entice G to consider accepting. Not to mention, G was much less inclined to go so far from the palace unsupervised and without alerting her sisters where she had gone to. 

“Then perhaps you are always destined to be my dance partner in the sense that we shall abandon all parties and never worry about tripping or treading on our partner’s toes,” G replied, grinning at her cousin. That, of course, would never be possible. Once she married William, she would have to play the host at all events they hosted and, knowing William, that would be many.

“They have indeed grown!” G said, holding up the one on her lap. “This one especially eats and eats... I have to stop her from eating all her brother’s food! It has been lovely to use the weather as an excuse to be at home but I suppose that will not last much longer...” G signed, looking out the window where the snow was clearly melting. “Though I will be glad for spring...”

“Perhaps it is best just to let your father be...” G said slowly. Truly, what could Rose do to stop him, whatever his plan might be? “Trust that Anna and Margot can handle themselves... They both have had plenty of practice in dealing with the men of this country over the years.”

G immediately felt anxious at the mention of visiting the Wilson’s. How out of place would she look? How silly would she feel standing amongst a family who worked so hard for everything they had while G just had the luck to be born a Stafford?

“I’m sure you’re right but... I don’t know, Rose. I would hate for anyone to notice where we’d gone... for your father to find out about the Wilson’s. He might finally figure out Ben doesn’t actually work as one of your household servants!”

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevaleriancordelia​:

Fashion Advice || Cordelia + G

“Edward? Yes, he has. Most of them are exactly to my taste, but I believe that is because he has Flora for a sister, who knows my own style as well as I do, myself. I’m rather lucky in that regard. Edward asking his sister for advice produces far better results than if William should go to Clara.” Flora had been her closest friend for as long as she could remember and, what’s more, she’d been there to aid her in preparations for nearly every important event she’d ever attended. 

Cordelia drew an arm around her sister and squeezed her shoulder affectionately, “Perhaps that is for the best. It would, as you said, be ideal if you could somehow love William but, short of that, it is better that you do not love anyone else. Because father was right … our duty must always come first.” 

For a moment, Cordelia didn’t know how to answer Genevieve’s next question. She didn’t want to lie to her sister, but she wouldn’t - couldn’t! - breathe a word about her own heart to anyone. She was terrified that she would lose her resolve if anyone should suggest to her that she might take a different path. 

“I like to think that I could,” She said, finally, as though the situation was truly only a hypothetical one, “But then, we both know I can be rather selfish at times,” She added, teasingly, “I’m sure that there would be regret whatever which way I would choose but … the crown must always win.” 

It made Cordelia’s heart break to hear her sister admit that she wasn’t certain that love actually existed in that way. Part of her wondered if it wouldn’t be better for her to go on thinking that, if she was to marry William (would that make her situation seem more bearable?), but she hated to think that G would be so cynical. “There you are wrong,” Cordelia said fiercely, “I think it must. I don’t think we are all lucky enough to find it but … G, if you do, if you ever do …” She wanted to make her promise that she hold onto it … that she doesn’t toss it aside as carelessly as Cordelia, herself, had. But how could she give her sister advice that she would refuse to take herself? Advice that, only moments ago, she had directly advised against? 

The crown must always win, yes, but couldn’t her younger sister be an exemption to the rule? 

She wanted to say so much then, but couldn’t find the words. “… you must promise to tell me,” She said, finally, her voice suddenly teasing where before it had been serious and almost desperate, “… so we can settle the debate once and for all. But with a court full of violent kings, irritable lords, and hopeless gentlemen, none of us are likely to find anyone remotely worthy of our affections.” 

“I suppose it is good luck the Flora knows you so well!” G mused. Sometimes she wondered if Clara, much like her brother, even listened to what half of Genevieve had to say. “I don’t mean to be cruel when I say this but I often find myself surprised that someone like Flora could be the sister of someone like Edward. “I shall tell him I am saving it for a special occasion,” G finally concluded. “And then perhaps I shall have the seamstress make something that will suit it...” she added with a sigh. 

G set her mind on imagining the sort of man that might make Cordelia forget all her duties to the crown. “I don’t think it would be selfish... I can only imagine he would be the smartest and bravest and most... handsome, I’m sure, man that one might ever know! I know you would never give up everything for just any man.”

G paused to think about what sort of man might make her do the same. G had always known that she would inevitably marry a man that was picked for her, however she had always hoped it might be someone who has a personality a bit more compatible with her own that William.

“Of course I would tell you! Honestly you would probably realize my feelings before I even had,” G told her sister with a smile. “I can’t even imagine what sort of man that would be...” G chewed on her lip. “Hopefully he would be alright with these two,” she continued, snatching up one of the kittens as it scampered by. 

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianmarguerite​:

Mental Preparation || Margot +G

“Oh, Charles most certainly would not mind occupying your fiancé for a time.  In fact, I think he would rather enjoy it.  And I daresay William might learn a thing or two about science from the whole experience…not that I can claim he’d put the knowledge to much use, but then, I am in no position to fault anyone for that, because I am hardly a scientist, myself.  Poor Charles, where he came upon that brain of his in this family, I think I shall never know.  But he does so enjoy rattling on about it: you’d be doing Charles a kindness to give him that opportunity.”

Hearing G speak of something silly, Margot grinned.  “Always,” she replied, eyes sparkling with bemusement.  Yet, the smile faded as G spoke of their lost brother.  “Oh, G,” she murmured, taking her sister’s hand and squeezing it.  “That does rather sound like him, doesn’t it?”  As G called herself too old to pretend, she shook her head.  “No one’s too old to pretend, and that’s the thing about the dead, isn’t it?  It’s not really pretend, because they’re always still here,” she said, laying a hand over her heart.  “As long as those living still remember them, they’re never really gone: while you picture him on some grand adventure, he is.”

But this was easy advice to give from someone who knew that he was, in fact, still very much alive and, indeed, on some adventure somewhere.  Sometimes, she lied away, herself, fancying the very same thing: that he might come back.

“No,” replied Margot, shaking her head.  “I most certainly do not think he wanted to be king.  In fact, I know for a fact he didn’t want to be king: we would sometimes speak of it.  He would have done it, of course, because it was his duty, but he would have hated every moment of it.  Being monarch is almost exactly the opposite of the lifestye Nick most relished.  It would have changed him, I think, and not necessarily for the better.”  

She had spared him that, at least, but she could not say whether he would have chosen this fate.  Would he have thanked her for this?  She was not so sure, but she’d never know.  She did not know how to reverse what she’d done, if she could at all – or should.  Knowing what was right was baffling, but knowing that Valeria had to come first became a guiding light to follow.

Smiling at her sister’s words, Margot chuckled.  “I think you’re right about that.  Alexander is nothing if not his very own tinderbox.  I confess, there’s a good part of me that would love to help…encourage the fastforward of that timetable, but I do think it’ll happen on its own, and it will be best if it does.  Still, I hope he doesn’t do too much damange before that time.”

Margot recalled the look in their father’s eyes as the truth of witchcraft came to him, burning, burning, burning all love, all hope, all familiarity away till only hate was left.  “Yes,” she replied softly.  “Blind, indeed.  It is my hope that, by the end of my reign, things will be different, but now?  It is an uphill battle, indeed, and one I confess it is easy to despair of.  What do you think, G, will we succeed?  Will they ever learn?”

Laughing at her final comment, Margot shook her head merrily.  “Oh, indeed, he will, but perhaps he will prove a boon.  I believe he will simply sit there speaking till all the time is up and then, nothing having been done, I may do as I wish quite at liberty,” she joked.  The queen giggled as G compared herself to Cordelia.  “Indeed, it was a fierce expression, and I think Cordelia will be glad to find herself in such company.  But, then, who would not?”

G looked down at her hands, fiddling with the engagement ring she forced herself to wear. When William had first given it to her, she kept it in a box on her nightstand and tried to only wear it when she knew she might see him. However after forgetting to put it on a few times and causing a fuss-- including, to her horror, William bringing a jeweler to the palace with an assortment of rings for her to pick one she might like more-- she wore it at all times. 

“Is it very obvious I do not wish to marry William?” G asked her sister, finally looking up from her hands. “I mean... of course you and Cordelia know, and I am sure Rose has told both Anna and Charles... but do you think everyone else knows?” she asked. She knew William would not have picked up on it-- he picked up on little, if she were being honest. “Because I don’t wish for it to be. I would hate to think people might be gossiping about it. Even though I don’t want to marry him, I also do not wish for people to think William a fool...”

Margot always knew the right thing to say to life G’s spirit’s when it came to Nick. “It is quite nice to pretend... though if Nick were off adventuring and any word of Alexander’s presence in our home reached his ears, I would imagine Nick would travel day and night without stopping to send him back to his own country,” G told her sister. “George and I were speaking about the very thing just last night... he believes Nick would probably have given the king a black eye by now!” she attempted to suppress a grin at the thought with little success.

“I know better than to think Nick would ever abandon us to such an unhappy fate as we all currently find ourselves in, but I shall now think he has abandoned his duties to the kingdom and run off with... with perhaps a lovely barmaid he met and fell in love with but knew the council would never allow him to marry.”

“I wonder though... perhaps the fact that Nick didn’t wish to be king would have made him the correct person for the job? Alexander seems to relish in being a king and we all know how much damage he has done to his own kingdom.” 

“Shouldn’t he be on his way soon? Who is running his kingdom if he and his brother are here?” G asked, standing up and walking towards the window. She knew with the weather as temperamental as it had been lately, travel would not be possible even if they were planning to leave. She knew as well as Margot that Alexander was not planning to leave until he had secured a marriage arrangement with her sister, however. 

“Can you imagine our Uncle’s face if William was to join the council? I would imagine one look from Uncle Clarence might be one of the few things that might make William be silent!”

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevaleriangeorge​:

Intervention || George + G

To be honest, Nick would have run Alexander Lambton from his castle - the entire council be damned - had he been here to receive the King. Nicholas Stafford was known for being a scoundrel - he could out drink, gamble, and flirt with the worst of them, but he was never cruel and he would never pursue a woman when she had told him no. 

Of course, Nicholas would not have been at the mercy of the council, in the same way that Margot and her sisters now found themselves. He was a man, and that demanded a different sort of trust and respect on their parts. If they had wanted Alexander Lambton to come to Valeria and marry one of his sisters for an alliance, he would have had an easier time convincing them of a different route. 

“I imagine he would have given him a black eye by now,” George said, his voice soft but teasing. Although, they both knew that Nick’s temper had more than once gotten the better of him and one time he had half strangled Oscar Allen in a fountain after they had both gotten drunk at a party and Oscar had said something that rubbed Nick the wrong way. 

He couldn’t imagine what Nick would have wanted to do to Alexander. 

“Or rather, our illustrious guest would hope that that’s all he would have to show for a disagreement with your brother.” The way he had looked her sister and cousin both would have infuriated him. 

“Even if your brother had selected a bride, I believe he would still have a room full of young ladies still vying for his affections. He could make a girl fall in love with him just by flashing one of his smiles.” What no one knew was that he hadn’t taken his flirtings seriously for sometime. He’d given his heart away and George knew a room full of the prettiest, wealthiest Valerian women wouldn’t make him think twice, as long as he had Nora’s heart. 

“He was loved very much, your brother.” 

George nodded, the subject turning towards her uncle and the king. The relationship that had formed between them, did concern George - no good could come of Clarence Calvert’s plottings. Had George not cared so much what happened to the Stafford girls, he would relish an opponent such as Clarance to make the game a bit more interesting, but, as it was, he was dangerous and he did not trust him.

“Yes. I suppose your uncle considers it to be a wise move - if he is to become our next king. If I were a smarter man, I would be doing the same.” He lowered his voice, so no one else might hear what else he was to say, “As it is, I’m more than content for him to form whatever friendship he cares to with him. That means the rest of us have to converse with him less.” 

“I think you’re correct about that,” G replied in response to his comment regarding a black eye on the King. None of this would be happening if Nick were here, of course, but something about imagining his reaction to his family’s current predicament did make her smile. “I certainly do not think their meeting would do much for diplomatic relations between our countries,” G continued, taking a small sip from the glass in her hand. 

“Nick would pick the only one who wasn’t looking his way, I think. Just for the challenge,” G commented. She, of course, knew nothing about the housemaid Nick had fallen in love with, had no idea that there was someone else who might be feeling just as much, if not more, pain at his loss than she and her sisters were. G was so completely sure she knew her brother better than most but in reality there were so many things she did not. 

“You’re the smartest man here,” G assured George. Why else would both Nick and Margot have George as their closest advisor? “Rose seems to think Uncle Clarence wishes for the King to marry Anna-- she’s so completely set upon the idea nothing I said could convince her otherwise. It doesn’t make much sense since the council is pushing the marriage between he and Margot... Anna’s lovely of course but the marriage wouldn’t make the same politic ties...” G mused, half talking to George and half trying to make sense of it in her own mind.  

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianrose​:

Rainy Days || G + Rose

“I am an expert,” Rose said. “In fact, I gather that you wouldn’t be able to find someone who can climb trees as well as I can,” She added, teasingly. “Ben is - I will admit - stronger than I am and that certainly helps, but I can infinitely more agile and I think that that is a more important trait when you get closer to the top.” 

She took a bite of the lemon tart and continued before she had completely finished (something her father would most likely disown her for, had he been there to witness it. Perhaps she could try it next time they all sat down to dinner together, she thought). “Hmmm, no, you shouldn’t worry about me falling down and breaking my neck from climbing a tree. I will not be defeated so easily! I am much more likely to fall and break my neck the next time your sister hosts a ball and I’m forced to dance with anyone besides Charles. He’s the only one who can truly anticipate my clumsiness on the dance floor. I have a truly remarkable sense of grace when it comes to climbing trees, but when it comes to dancing, I don’t think I know the meaning of the word.” 

She laughed at that, but the laughter died almost immediately after G brought up her father. “Yes, I do. He’s done some truly terrible things in the past - all of which I believe I could forgive. But if he lets Anna or Margot marry Alexander Lambton, I will never forgive him. Ever. The man does not deserve to be in the same room as either of them, let alone be allowed to speak to them. My father’s best trait has always been his love for Anna - no matter whatever else he did or said to me, he has always known that Anna is and has always been worthy of all of the love in the world. I know I have not always been the best daughter - especially to Clarence Calvert who has such exacting specifications when it comes to everything in his life - but Anna has. And then, after everything, he still wants to encourage a relationship between herself and the worst man I have ever met in my entire life! I cannot forgive it. I will not.” 

Rose moved closer to her cousin: G had always been trusting than Rose and if her father had a less innocent motive than what G suspected, Rose would not be surprised. “I’m told you look a good deal like your mother. Father has said that on more than one occasion, so perhaps that is all it is - but you mustn’t trust him, G. No matter what he says, don’t trust him.” 

Rose relaxed some at the mention of the Wilsons. Sometimes, she felt as though she was more a part of their family, than her own. If it wasn’t for Anna and Charles, she probably would have run away to live with them, long ago. “No, I haven’t. Knowing Ben, he probably had half a mind to try to brave the storm to come see me - gods know that he gets bored even faster than I do - but luckily his siblings are always there to talk some sense into him.” 

“I will have to take your word for it,” G said with a grin as she stirred milk into her tea. G had never climbed a tree and had no plans to do so. 

“Rose, I don’t think you give yourself enough credit! You are a fine dancer and much more graceful that you think,” G assured her. “You just need to find the right partner. I wouldn’t know from experience, but I do believe from my observations that it is clear when a couple is completely in sync as they dance. I would say it is a rare occurrence.”

William was not the right partner for her, that was clear each time she forced herself to accept his requests to dance. 

“Thankfully this storm has given us a reprieve from the parties until it clears. I know how you hate being stuck at home though,” G looked down at her tea and back up to her cousin. 

“You think your father wishes for Alexander to wed Anna?” she asked, furrowing her brow. She had seen her older cousin speaking with the King at length but she only assumed Anna was receiving their foreign guests in a way that both G herself and Cordelia could not. G loved her sister but knew that her wit and charm did not sit with with gentlemen of Alexander’s temperament. “I mean... he has sat on the council for years, helped Valeria prosper... you really believe he would allow Alexander Lambton to sit the throne alongside Margot? Or marry into his family?”

It broke G’s heart to hear Rose talk of her relationship with her father, despite the fact it was very clear to anyone that Clarence Calvert preferred his eldest daughter above all others. 

“These past few weeks... they have been tiring and stressful,” G said, reaching out to grab Rose’s hand. She offered her cousin the weakest of smiles. “I’m not saying you’re wrong but... perhaps after some rest and relaxation, it might not seem so bleak and terrible as you might believe it to be? Regardless,” she added quickly, not wanting Rose to think she did not take her seriously.  “Believe me that I approach every meeting with your father with the upmost caution. I know I can come to you should anything seem suspicious,” G assured her. 

“I think its so lovely that you have a family like the Wilson’s with which to spend time,” G replied, turning their conversation to happier thoughts. “I know their lives are not easy at times but there is a certain appeal to living outside the bustle of the city, to spend your days working and not having to worry about what dress to wear or who you should have to sit by at dinner that evening.”

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevaleriangeorge​:

Intervention || George + G

George laughed, “Ah, yes. His Royal Highness was never a fan of his, was he?” Nicholas and William never got on well, at all, despite William’s better efforts. He was not so silly that he did not know that he must be on good term’s with his future king: however, he did not realize that he often served to annoy, and not befriend, Nicholas Stafford. And Nick was never one to sugar coat things - if he disliked you, you would be the first to know.

It was not long before William just took to avoiding G’s brother whenever he could. Any attempts by Will to prove to Nicholas that he was worthy of any kind of relationship beyond a civil and formal acknowledgement of the other’s presence, were stopped in their tracks immediately. George was certain, that if Nicholas was still here, that no such considerations regarding G’s marriage to William, would have ever taken place. 

“I would like to think that I’m not so intimidating as your brother, but perhaps it works out to my favor, in this department.”

His eyes were said as he spoke of Nicholas. Although he knew he was alive and well, he wished that there was some scenario where Nick would still be here, with his family - George knew how much it hurt all of them to be without him - but he feared for Margot’s safety, considering Nick’s views, and he knew that it was for the best for them all to remain as they were. 

“I - “ He paused, the words suddenly lost in his throat, “I miss your brother very much,” He said softly, “But I know it is nothing to the grief you must feel.” He managed a little smile then, “There’s nothing he would hate more than to have us feeling sad over him at a party.”

George gave G a warm smile as she admitted to him that she was, in fact, eager to delay any conversation with William Seymour. “You know I could never think ill of you, whatever you do.” And he meant it. There wasn’t much G could do that George wouldn’t be able to forgive her for. She could do no wrong as far as George was concerned. 

“Bored? How could one be bored when we are surrounded by company such as this?” Sarcasm was heavy in his voice as his eyes darted towards where Clarence Calvert was conversing with Alexander Lambton. 

G smiled slightly as George spoke of Nick, remembering past interactions between her brother and her fiancee, most vividly the night Nick had come bursting into her room smelling of cigars and alcohol to announce that William had made it known to all the gentlemen at the club that he had all intentions of courting the youngest Stafford daughter. Nick had immediately collapsed on the foot of G’s bed as he erupted into laughter loud enough that both Margot and Cordelia had come to see what all the commotion was about.  

“As all my sisters as witnesses, let it be known that I shall never allow you to marry William Seymour,” Nick had announced after rolling off the edge of the bed, staring up at his sisters from the floor. 

G didn’t respond that she missed Nick as well. She knew it was written over her face any time he was mentioned. But George was correct-- Nick would be appalled to hear that anyone was feeling sad about him at a party-- even a party such as this. 

“Imagine if Nick were to meet our distinguished guest,” G said, her voice barely above a whisper as the corner of her mouth turned up slightly. Of course if Nick were here, there would be no reason for Alexander Lambton to intrude upon their lives. 

“I wonder...” G mused, looking around the room. “If Nick were here and king instead of Margot, would we be having a party full of young ladies all hoping for his attention?” Nick had never said much about marriage, but that was not something most men, let alone the king of Valeria, needed to worry about. 

G’s eyes followed George’s to her uncle and the foreign king before quickly turning her eyes back to the drink in her hand. “My uncle seems to have formed a friendship with the king,” she said quietly to George. G was quiet, G was reserved... but she was also observant, probably much more so than any of those who did not know her well might realize. 

[thevalerianwars]

GENEVIEVE STAFFORD - TAKEN BY KATE Age: 20 Portrayal: Alexis Bledel Alliance/Occupation: Loyalist/Princess Relationships: Marguerite Stafford, Cordelia Stafford (sisters), Nicholas Stafford (brother), Clarence Calvert (uncle), Rose Calvert (cousin/best friend), Clara Seymour (best friend), William Seymour (fiancé), Howard Calvert, Anna Calvert, Charles Calvert (cousins), Caroline Moreland (lady-in-waiting), John Craven (interest)

beth march vibes! 

super sweet and kind but quiet and shy!!! 

has severe social anxiety!!!!!!! 

would rather die than talk to you!!!! 

only feels comfortable around her siblings and her two best friends 

knows that the alliance with william seymour is her duty but tbh marrying him (or anyone) terrifies her!!!!!!!!!!!! 

wishes she was braver like her sisters

doesn’t realize the strength she does has!!!! 

thinks she’s worthless a lot of the time :/ 

super talented!!!! with the piano and drawing and singing (altho she doesn’t like to sing for anYONE) 

needs a self confidence boost!! 

likes animals more than people

has two kittens who she adores <333

loves the idea of exploring but is all too aware of the dangers that lurk outside of the castle walls and is happy to live vicariously through all of rose’s adventures 

her uncle scares her!!!

definitely tends to turn the other way when she sees him coming if she can help it

he’s been v nice to her lately, but she is still terrified!!!!! 

still mourning the death of her father and brother 

her brother’s death, especially

[phabblebabbles]

TRUE LOVE - GENEVIEVE STAFFORD

Genevieve wants to believe in true love, but due to the fact that she’s never had any sort of example of a close and loving relationship between married persons, she doesn’t think its the sort of thing that happens often, if ever. That, along with the situation she and her sisters find themselves in, has all but squashed the idea of being in a loving romantic relationship. She believes its possible for someone, but for people in her position, it is terribly unlikely that your one true love is also an acceptable match. 

[phabblebabbles]

John Craven/Genevieve Stafford - modern

John is that friend of her sister’s that has always been nice to G, even back in their elementary school days. He would always say hi to her, even when she was a lowly freshman and he an upperclassman.

John has a new music suggestions for G at least once a month and has introduced her to most of her favorite bands.

He also gives her books he finishes that he thinks she might like.

John and Cordelia took G to a concert for her birthday one year and honestly it was the best night of her life.

(Nick was supposed to go, too, but he had a bit too much to drink and ended up passed out before they made it to the concert.)

G has, at least once, been looking at John’s social media and accidentally “liked” a post from 2+ years previous. Even though she immediately “unlikes” it, she freaks out and won’t look at him for days.

He is usually the first person (besides her siblings) to “like” her Instagram photos of her cats. <3

She often contemplates sending him memes but inevitably decides against it, figuring he would find them childish.

[thevaleriangenevieve]

Intervention || George + G

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevaleriangeorge‌:

There were very few people with whom George cared to intimidate (it wouldn’t do, to tarnish his reputation of being both approachable and down to earth), but when it had come to William Seymour, he made an exception. He was, as far as George could tell, rather silly and a little self-centered (this stemming more from the inability to consider multiple factors at once versus true selfishness). And so George doubted that any opinion William Seymour may develop of him would carry any real weight, especially when so many others would contradict it. 

He did believe that William thought he was desperately in love with G, but George knew that that was not the case. He loved the idea of her. G was quiet and shy and so she’d always let him spend most of their interactions talking of himself, which kept William from learning much, at all, about her. George supposed his heart might be in the right place, but at the end of the day, G did not care for him and that was more than enough for George. 

He would go to whatever length necessary to ensure that the marriage never took place. 

Spotting William Seymour entering the room, George took the glass he had originally poured for Cordelia and made his way briskly to G’s side, instead. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed as William reconsider and join his cousin instead. The last time George had spoken with William, he had been civil but stern, well aware that some of what he said had even sounded threatening.He was pleased to see that William had no desire to relive that conversation. 

“If Your Royal Highness is referring to the sudden redirection of Mr. Seymour … I don’t think I could have had much effect upon him,” He replied, although he gave her a mischievous smile. 

He shook his head, “In all honesty, I do not know what it is I’ve done to make him skittish around me. While I don’t like to think that I wouldn’t be able to get on with your husband, it does seem to have at least one advantage: it does appear that you are not entirely against another few moments before you must greet him?” 

G smiled at George and his assurances that he had not meant to intervene between herself and William, if only temporarily. G knew better; George, like both her sisters, was very skilled at knowing just the right moment to suddenly appear in order to help set G’s mind at ease.

"You've done nothing, of course! I think I may have pinpointed the... issue my fiancee seems to have," G told him quietly. "I do believe that William associates you with my dear brother in a way and, though he won't admit it, I think William knows that Nick was not particularly fond of him. I suppose he just assumes you might think the same."

"That and you use words far beyond his vocabulary," G thought to herself but left those words unsaid.

"I know I can trust you not to tell anyone I prefer a few moments to prepare myself to speak with William before I am... inundated with conversation. And I know you won't think me too terrible for it."

"And now I must ask you a question," G leaned towards George so that no one else might overhear.

"Are you as tired of all these grand affairs as I find I am?" she whispered.

[thevaleriangenevieve]

Mental Preparation || Margot +G

[thevaleriangenevieve]

thevalerianmarguerite‌:

“Then,” said Margot, softly.  “You must imagine that it is only Cordelia and you and I, dancing through a hall filled to the brim with stuffed dress forms, rather than people.  And when you dance, it is merely us practicing, like so,” she added, taking one of her sister’s hands and settling it on her own shoulder and entwining the other hand with her own.  “We shall be grand and gay merely for the great fun of it, hm?  And, if you stay for an hour or two after supper, you may then excuse yourself for some complaint of the head and leave early…” she paused.  “Unless, of course, you are enjoying yourself, in which case, as your queen, I must insist you stay longer,” she added, teasingly.

She paused.  “It will, after all, be a perfectly wonderful opportunity to see all our cousins and friends.  After all, William can be easily got rid of.  Just tell Charles he’s asked a scientific question and William won’t be able to escape for quite some time,” she added with a mischievous grin.  “And you’ll have made Charles very happy, to boot.”

Laughing, Margot nodded.  “I daresay he would have,” she agreed, laughing yet a touch sad.  “But, then, if Nick were here, then he would be King and Alexander would therefore not be here at all.”  Margot could not keep the note of bitterness from her voice as she sank into a nearby divan.  Their brother would not have made a wise, frugal, or competent king, Margot was certain, but he couldn’t have been worse than Alexander.  Maybe, after all, Margot had doomed Valeria when she’d superseded her brother’s claim by faking his death.  

Resting her head against the back of the divan, she gazed unseeingly towards the ceiling, then looked back towards her sister.  “In truth, G, I’d be greatly entertained to have seen the two of them attempt an interaction.  It could hardly have gone well, unless they’d met at billiards or some sport.  Nick knew how to have fun, didn’t he?”  She closed her eyes.  “I miss him everyday.”

Shaking herself, Margot stood again, forced a smile.  “But I’m not here to feel sorry for myself!  I am here to throw a truly legendary ball, hm?” she added, turning to the mirror so she could more readily straighten out any damage she might have done her bustle in sitting before the entire ensemble was complete.

Margot bit her lip.  “In truth, dear one,” she shook her head.  “I don’t know.  I don’t have a plan, really, beyond…I hope that he shall throw a great tantrum in front of the entire Council and country so that everyone shall realize he is not the sort of fellow we wish to rule in Valeria.  But I can only nudge him along in that, unfortunately.  He must, in a sense, choose the moment, himself, as it is his actions which must be against him.”  

She nodded, putting a hand to her neck.  “Yes,” she agreed.  “Most likely, he will simply leave in a tiff and perhaps place a trade embargo on us, which, I think he will find, will put a greater strain on his nation’s economy than on our own.  But, in any case, there is also the possibility, however remote, that if things go poorly between our two nations, war might erupt.  We must be very careful, it is true.”  Reaching out, Margot took G’s hand in her own.  “You know that I would never take the risk of war lightly, however unlikely that outcome may seem.  I truly believe that to wed Alexander would be paramount to handing him Valeria.  If he were my husband, the council would abide by his decisions, rather than mine, as my lord and master.  He is not fit king, G.  The very fact that I am not certain he would not declare war if I refused or embarrassed him is proof of that.  Can you imagine, if he ruled us, the constant fear that his caprice might send our young men to fight and die for no cause, whatever?  It is better for Valeria that, if it comes to it, we fight for our freedom than that we live under his boot.”

Swallowing hard, Margot shook her head.  “It seems not.  I had quite the time trying to change their minds.  This seems the only way to do it.  That, or empty promises, ‘I shall wed him later, later, always later,’ are my only options, and one can only string a King along for so long.”  

A wry smile settled across Margot’s features.  “Because we poor females cannot be trusted to do any thinking, my Council has informed me…couched in much kinder terms, of course.  But have no fear, I will not force either you or Cordelia to wed.  Edward is horrid and William is a dandy bore and neither of them, I am convinced, will make either of you happy.  However, because Papa betrothed you both and ratified the engagements with the Council before his death, I cannot break them.  I’d need the Council’s approval.  So, we shall set to working on those as soon as we’ve got rid of Alexander, hm?  Though, if you’ve any ideas for either in the mean time, I’d be thrilled to hear them!”

‘Wouldn’t things be much easier for all of us if Nick were still here?’  Margot felt as though she’d had the wind knocked out of her.  Quickly, she snatched up her earrings and dove into putting them on, latching on her bracelet, anything for something to do.  Her throat was tight.  I sent him away, she thought.  I sent away G’s best hope for happiness and I did not even know it.  If Nick had asked the Council to break off G’s engagement (which Margot felt sure he would - he adored his baby sister), Margot had no doubt they would oblige him as he was a man, and therefore could be trusted to think tactically.  Margot almost laughed as she clasped her necklace.  How ridiculous!  Anyone who took even a few moments to get to know them knew that Margot was the logical figure and Nick lived only for pleasure.  It was a topic she and her brother had, in fact, laughed over openly before.  Foolish, foolish days!

Turning back to her sister, Margot nodded.  “Yes,” she said.  “It would be easier but we were not born to take the easy path.  We will fight and we will succeed.  I may not be wholly ratified, but it is I, and not they, who wear the crown.  I will save us.”

Margot’s grin turned bemused and she put a finger to her lip.  “You are quite right, G.  I went too far.”  A frown creased her brow.  “G, the mere fact that he is not the worst of men by no means makes him an ideal husband!  I think we may agree there is a great deal between the two.  No, it is better for you both that you do not wed.  William can marry someone who better suits him and you, if you wish to wed, may choose your own husband…from the rich and prestigious, that is.  I doubt as the Council should approve much of a beggar…but even that, if you truly loved him, I feel certain we could navigate,” she added, reaching out to clasp her sister’s hand.  “We will find a way.”

G smiled as she and Margot pretended to dance for a few moments, wishing all times could be like these, like they were young again and their worse trouble was whether or not their father might come and put a stop to all their fun. “Perhaps I will have a grand time,” she told Margot, almost as if she was trying to convince herself it was possible. Even though Margot gave her permission to go, she would stay. That’s what she was meant to do. “And I know it is a bit unkind to send poor Charles to occupy William for a time but...” G paused and revealed a rather uncharacteristic grin, “I do not think Charles would mind."

  “Do you want to hear something silly?” G asked her sister. “Sometimes I’ve actually managed to convince myself Nick’s still alive somewhere... He’s hiding out or on some elaborate adventure and he’ll come waltzing in one morning to breakfast like he hasn’t even been away,” G looked down at her hands and sighed. “I know I’m much too old for make believe but..” she looked back up to Margot. “Sometimes its nice to pretend.”

Of course all three of the Stafford sisters had been devestated by the loss of their brother but G felt as if she couldn’t move past it in the same way Coredlia and Margot had managed. Of course they would never truly recover from losing a loved one, but G felt as if there was no finality to Nick’s death, even though she’d stood with the rest of the family at his funeral. Perhaps it was because Nick had been so young and full of life that she couldn’t imagine him gone for the rest of time. 

Nick had by no means been a perfect gentleman, yet G had adored everything about her only brother for as long as she might remember. He had been the best at making her laugh at parties, narrating conversations between guests quietly in her ear and making her forget, for a moment, how terribly uncomfortable she found herself at public events. He'd even been the one to bestow her two beloved kittens upon her; it was one of the final acts of brotherly affection before he'd disappeared off the earth.

"Margot," G asked after a moment of thought. "Do you think Nick even wanted to be king?"

"Do you even want to be a queen?" she wanted to ask her eldest sister but held her tongue.

"I know you'd never do anything to harm Valeria... especially if it were to upset and terribly embarrass King Alexander. It seems as if he may managed to do it all on his own... Perhaps all you will have to do is wait. I can't imagine the council wishes to deal with him as king for very long. I wish we could make them see," G furrowed her brow at the whole thought of the council ignoring Margot simply because she was a woman. 

"Its as if all men are... are... are utterly blind at times, don't you think? Perhaps William will find himself a seat on the council... it seems as if he will fit in very well." G's eyes went wide at her comment though, rather than becoming overly embarrassed at what she'd said in confidence to her sister, she couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"I am starting to sound a bit like Cordelia, don't you think?"

[victoriansuggestion]

startle a young woman by making her a solemn and abrupt offer of marriage

[victoriansuggestion]

be courted by a ridiculous man