DUQUE DE BARCELONA

the second born, gifted wings meant for adventure. he pursues the best, revels decadence. he knows life bred in loyalty. blood remains thicker than water. but beyond such a revelation, he is prideful as he is selfish. there must be a bigger world outside of the country he calls home. in golden ink, his name is imprinted upon maroon brocade, tomas trastamara

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

maryofpoland‌:

closed for: @tomcsofbcrcelonc​

location: the polish apartments, castelgrande castle

mary needed to get her ducks in a row, personally as well as politically. the children were safe but her kingdom was now at risk and she would be damned if she gave up her crown after all she had sacrificed. in recent weeks she had foregone some of her english style gowns, opting instead for more eastern european fashions. while her style had previously been a composite of two cultures there could be no mistaking where her loyalties lied. england was in her blood but she had spilled far more of it for poland. she had given them a future king and brought stability to the realm. sending for the duke of barcelona was simply one of many tasks she had to complete without becoming overwhelmed and when he was announced she rose to her aching feet and her expression shifted to a reserved but elegant smile, ever the friendly monarch. 

“your grace, i hope you are well. in light of recent events, i think it best that we proceed with your marriage to the princess adelaide swiftly.” mary spoke in clipped spanish, spine straight and emerald eyes tired as she cut to the point. surely, she had aged five years overnight. “there are warmongers in our midst and poland cannot be left susceptible. i do not seek a mere nominal alliance with spain and i hope that has been made clear.” it pained mary that her people may yet be subjected to further death and destruction but her efforts to maintain a semblance of peace could only go so far when it seemed as if most were still thirsting for battle. conflict was likely an inevitability and she would have to adapt and prepare lest she found herself caught in the crosshairs. “however, if you do object to a union with my dear sister then i advise you to speak now.”

tomas had expected there to be panic from poland given the recent turn of events. though by the visage of the polish queen, it seemed as she had managed to keep her head held high - composed and dutiful. and for that, tomas could respect it. he gently bit his own tongue, a reminder that he was being summoned by another country’s royal and not by his own brother. in a time like this, he was not seeking for trouble. 

“swiftly?” he arched a brow. and then came the rationale. the curtness of her words were appreciated but tomas felt hollowed. his stance on marriage was still ... at a standstill. but he understood the circumstances and if adelaide had spoken to her privately of their personal affairs, surely they’d be sworn to each other immediately. he sighed, she was still thoughtful - giving him a choice in the matter alone. but he wondered if her husband would agree to her approach. if she so desired, she could demand marriage upon him, could she not? “I do not mean to appear caustic or selfish but perhaps I am,” each word drawn out from his mouth slowly. “I am unsure of marriage your highness. it is no fault upon princess adelaide, it is merely my own desires that point to another trajectory in life.” his fingers were clenched in anticipation of what would follow next in her response. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

vitcrias‌:

“ i am not! ” vitória exclaims, pushing herself up indignantly. tomas is only goading her, and she can tell from his face he knows it’s working. “ i am simply a lady, ” she asserts in a haughty tone before dissolving into laughter, unable to even take herself seriously. if she’d her way, she’d spend her days riding and reading, basking in the sun’s warmth without concern for political machinations or court games. “ well, if i fall, i’m blaming you, ” she huffs as she stands up and reaches for the heaviest branches, leveraging herself as she climbs up. “ if only it wasn’t just pretend. now, tell me, how are you? has your time in switzerland served you well, at least? ”

tomas couldn’t help but scoff, a laugh falling from his lips shortly after. he watched her as she had changed his mind, a part of him proud that his teasing had been successful. “I hold no responsibility for your person your highness,” he said lightly with a grin on his face. so much had happened in switzerland that he didn’t know where to start. “well,” he paused. “where should I begin?” 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

princejingyan‌:

“I am glad you approve.” His answer would not have changed if the other had not, but it was still better that they stood in agreement, in the spirit of togetherness that King Diebold was trying to foster. Truly, he wasn’t sure there could be peace, but he would not have it said that China didn’t try. Besides, the Duke was certainly amiable, and Jingyan was content to follow him, to observe the Spaniard in his ways and learn more about the type of man that he was. 

“Would somebody like me be truly welcome in Spain?” he asked, reminding Tomas for the first time that Spain and China were, by who they had chosen to ally with, enemies. Perhaps they were less loyal to the Holy Roman Empire than he had considered? Jingyan didn’t know, and it wasn’t something he wanted to poke at. He would leave that to the empress to dig around in, for it wasn’t his concern. “you have heard correct,” he confirmed. “Our empire is large and splendorous, but incredibly beautiful. It is truly the most glorious realm in all of the world. I ache for home every day I am away.” 

the prince had a point. “at least upon my behalf, I reach out a hand regardless of allegiances and alliances. I think it unjust to subjugate those of us who are merely living their lives.” he laughs, one that is almost sour, “I am not my brother who is the king.” tomas could not stand being defined by such traditional notions of worth and identity. 

“I understand that all too well myself,” he said, wishfully thinking of his home. “I have thought of spain every single day since my arrival here. switzerland has been ... amusing but the longer we all remain, it may not bode well for our fates.” he shook his head. the turn of events that had been unleashed as of the late had sent him reeling. he was grateful that spain had been spared and yet watching what the chaos had done to those around him, he could only watch and keep his mouth shut. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

lovelesslettrs‌:

“ i always appreciate it, “ not that there had ever been serious bidding to be had with her so called wins, she just enjoyed when he stated it. tomas had always been great company, even when they might have driven each other mad as children. now an adult, mariana has grown to appreciate the closeness she has kept with her siblings. 

“ well, i’m sure you two will meet sooner or later given the circumstances. he is english, explains the name. “ she was being wise, but it was easier to confirm even if it did not make a difference nor did he need it. there was still much to be discussed and plenty of questions had piled up for alonso that she had yet been able to ask. “ because you never get into trouble. “ soon, the younger of the two realizes that it was a sore subject — one she should not have prodded at, even in desperation to discuss something else. the red head swallows hard, words losing their playful innocence and gaining a seriousness to provide some kind of solace. “ we do not need to discuss it, tomas. of all people, i understand. “

“I look forward to it,” he said with a knowing raise of his brows matched with a sly smile. he was keen to learn more of the man that was being considered for mariana’s hand. the english were ... an intriguing bunch to say at the very least. and as far as spanish pride went, tomas refused for his sister to receive any short end of the stick. he laughed, “I don’t.” fully going along with what she said. 

but at the topic of marriage, he felt physically deflated. “you do not understand, by not addressing it - it has ... I will suffocate,” he sighed. “but I will not bother you with it considering it is not any of your concerns and it’s best you enjoy switzerland without your brother’s issues,” he said, slightly laughing but there is a bitterness in his tone. “if I could, I wish we could be younger once more. enjoying life as it went along where nobody told us what we could and could not do.” 

[jagellicn]

Changes | Adelaide & Tomas

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

jagellicn‌:

“I do not know what it is that I plan on doing. I just know I cannot sit idly by and watch my family fend for themselves. I am a Jagiellon. I should be doing something to help them. Would you not? If the roles were reversed and there was someone threatening your brother’s rule, threatening to strip your nieces and nephews of their birthright? Would you not be angry? Would you not want to do something to ensure it never happens?” She retorted. Truthfully speaking, she really did not know what she could do at this point. She was a princess, not a prince, and her power was severely limited.

No. It was such a simple word, but it made a soft, disturbingly relieved sigh leave her lips. She took a step towards him, her arms winding around his waist - his words brought comfort to her, and while she was still tense, she no longer felt like a living statue. She did not really know what he could do in this situation ( after all, the Jagiellons were her family, not his - they were not his problem ). For now, just having him around was enough, and so she said as much; “I want your company, if you do not mind. I do not think there’s anything else you can do in this situation. They are my problem, not yours. But, having you around makes it… easier for me to weather this storm.”

he thought of it, if he were in her position would he do the same? yes, he would there was no hesitation. but given that he was not in the position, he could not pretend that he understood. what could there be for her to do after all? perhaps the cynicism had started to uproot itself from the depths of his own experiences. what was the point? hell, even now he gritted his teeth whenever alonso spoke to him of responsibility and pride. tomas was just a piece, a chip for his bartering. life was luxurious being the brother of the king and yet, all the same it was a prison sentence like no other. “regardless of how much I want something to be, sometimes you must just let things be adelaide.” there was nothing more than that thought alone that he lived by. 

while he had expected her to seek for comfort, such moments of vulnerability and proximity felt wrong. he had lied hadn’t he? but he didn’t say a word, returning the gesture, holding her as his thoughts were whispering words of damnation. he offers her a smile, for it is all he can manage to muster. perhaps if he did it enough, he could trick himself into ease, he had done it many times before. this was no different. “I truly do not think I am worth such honors. you may seek better advice from your brother than I. but I suppose if it’s company then I am here.” he knew they were not his problems and it made it ever more difficult to fully understand her difficulties.

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

yours to tell

@antiquatus​

when the news of the madman had broken, tomas’s first concerns were upon the holy father himself. the time had gone by rather quickly since their last passionate meeting and the events had replayed in his mind earnestly with hasty anticipation. when the week arrived at sunday, tomas was devoutly religious - more so than he ever had been. he participated in the service, awaiting for giulio to finish his work, noting the hushed whispers that echoed around him of the circulating rumors. it unsettled tomas, worried him even.

and it is finally when they are alone together again, this time in front of the confessional booth is when tomas meets his gaze once more. inexplicable yearning lit aflame again, but controlled with patience. in his voice, there is concern. “how are you father?” he does not push nor demand - only ask and perhaps, he would receive. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

lovelesslettrs‌:

while mariana was positive that she’d learn about his endeavours from him whenever he was willing to spare that information, if not it wouldn’t have been the end of the world. tomas was always someone who could help lift some of the stress off of her shoulders, if only briefly — she was thankful. there was no simple answer to how exactly he assisted in that but mariana believed it to be that they were at two drastically different parts in their lives with seven years between them. even if certain complications were overlapping, he knew far differing things at thirty-two than she had learned at twenty-five.

“ you always give in too easily, “ and not to mention, she enjoyed winning among their little banters. in times like this, alonso and mariana had not always seen eye to eye but she understood the emphasis on compromise. her brother had never lacked compassion and not much has shifted from childhood to know — other than the fact that alonso had his own children to worry about. “ james tudor. from what i gather he and alonso have already spoken, quite a bit. please do not make me ask you to behave. “ she feels the need to shift the topic off herself, not even having spoken to teresa about much of this yet. there was all so much to take in. “ and what about you, brother? i recall you and i had once shared similar opinions on marriage and the like. “ 

“of course. because you are my sister, I shall gladly stand down,” he said with a smile. he was fond of his family members, willing to let them take their leads with himself trailing behind. it was how he had grown up with alonso at the very least. and with his two sisters, even more so.

“tudor ... james tudor. the name is unfamiliar, I do not believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting such a man by that name. an english name at that,” he said with a curiosity. he wondered what sort of agendas alonso had in regards to signing matrimony to england. though if mariana seemed pleased - he supposed he’d stand aside for now unless requested otherwise. “I behave, I do not know what you’re implying,” he shrugged, laughing at her implication. he sighed, the thought of marriage once again began to shroud his vision and weigh his shoulders down. “things may have changed but ... there is this part of me mariana, a part of me that is selfish and difficult.” the shift in his voice evident that the topic of marriage for him was beyond jokes and light jests. “I do what I have to make spain proud.” he says the words quietly. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

princejingyan‌:

Perhaps Jingyan should have been more wary of following the Duke into the unknown. Despite his affability, he was still an enemy of China, after all. still, Jingyan was armed, and confident enough that he would not be bettered that he was content to offer his friendship, or at the very least, his company, until he was proven wrong. After all, this is not the kind of opportunity he is likely to chance upon again. He doubts he will ever set foot in Switzerland once they have left, so for now, he must make the most of it. 

“I like apricots well enough, and plums too,” he answered, though in truth, he would probably eat whatever was placed in front of him. Years in the military had left his appreciative of every meal, so long as it had flavour at all. “I trust I will not be overwhelmed by the Spanish palette. I have head that it is lively,” he noted, and the scent in the air only confirmed his words. 

“delectable choices,” he said with an approving nod. surprisingly tomas had more of a sweet tooth than what others might have assumed. though he had been told to stop consuming as much as he did in his youth lest he ruin his teeth. the memories of the searing torture that hit the back of his molars served as a constant reminder to eat with control. he envied his nieces and nephews who were lucky enough to gorge upon whatever they chose. 

at his following comment tomas laughed, flattered even. “just as the people are, I do suggest visiting spain if you’re ever afforded the time. the weather and the people can bring a smile upon your face any day.” he paused, looking at the prince again. he had long been fascinated with the east and greatly desired to visit the wonders himself. perhaps the prince would be kind enough to extend an invitation or at the very least, sate some of his wonders. “what is your empire like? I have heard of unimaginable feats and exquisite artistic achievements. truly the details of your clothes reflect it.”

[jagellicn]

Changes | Adelaide & Tomas

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

jagellicn‌:

What more was there for her to do? Her head was empty but there were things she considered. Dark things she did not quite wish to dwell on. She had never fought, never really battled anyone, but for her family she would go to war if she had to. The thing was, she did not quite know how to help them. She could shield Sigismund from the gossips, she already had, but if he does not start to think with the head on his shoulders, then all she had done, all she had become would be for naught. Her betrothed had a very annoying habit of reasoning with her ( when he was not trying to rile her up or sleep with her ), and adding his comforting touch threatened to truly soothe her nerves. “It is not just him I am worried about.” There was also Mary. And Agnieszka. And Wład. And, of course, the man in front of her as well.

Adelaide eyed him with a heavy sigh falling from her lips. “I thought you would know that by now.” He was not wrong and that made the whole ordeal more troublesome for her. She felt tired - felt it seeping into her bones and coiling around her spine. She felt it change her moods, her thoughts - spinning paranoia, and fear and rage, all combined into one, singular mess of emotions. But, his casual remark made her take a step back from him. “Would you like me to?” There was a quiet ring to her voice, a soft whisper of both shadow and emotion.

she was unlike himself. responsibilities far from his. obligations and expectations even further from his own desires. and thus, he had little idea on how to offer her consolation. “naturally,” he murmured. “do you plan on saving them all then? staying in poland until the woman is gone?” he asked - patience in his tone. he wanted to understand what rationale was circulating in her mind. 

he too felt himself quieting, biting his bottom lip. would he like her too? ... perhaps the truest answer deep beneath his soul was still an adamant yes. but seeing her in this state, he couldn’t do it. he couldn’t utter  such heartless words. 

so he lied. “no.” 

“I do not know how I can help in a time like this. so tell me, what do you need, what do you want adelaide?” there was little humor in his voice now. the circumstances that surrounded them continued to engulf him with a mixture of confusion. he didn’t know what to think, what to do, part of him feeling suffocation and yet another was ridden with guilt. he had to do the right thing, the good thing - for the sake of his family and for spain. he liked her that was enough wasn’t it? 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

lovelesslettrs‌:

as tragically dull as everyone believed mariana to be, she had never been ignorant nor unintelligent. she was able to pick up on subtle hints and in the case of tomas’ far more interesting business use it to her own advantage. “ mhmm, i’m sure that is all it is. “ mariana held her suspicions, keeping them quiet until he spoke up himself — at least for now. switzerland was much different from home, it held little meaning in comparison to the comfort of her own land — where they all grew up, when things were simpler and content. “ well, this isn’t home. not that it was intended to be, “

“ oh please, he is trying. is he not? “ her two brothers could not have been more different, so different in fact that she often could mistake them for having different upbringings. the age difference between them all left a gap in understanding, alonso had been less of a brother and more of a father figure for the girl growing up and that was not a memory that slipped away. mariana laughs at the accusation but it was not that he was wrong, not in the slightest — she was so uncertain to make all of it. “ he was very handsome, if that’s what you really want to know. but i hardly know him tomas, “

he nodded, glad to know that his sister wasn’t intent on poking an interest in his activities. in a way, he was content to spare her any of the details. she was still a baby in his eyes and to talk of anything scandalous would ruin her ears. “i miss it, the weather, the people - the food,” he admitted. a part of him wished to go home and return to the comforts of his lifestyle.  

“fine i’ll give you that point, you win,” he teased, a laugh bursting from the tip of his tongue. in a way alonso had been thrusted into the position of responsibility. and in contrast, tomas was given freedom ... but even now, it was limited. everything came with a limit which to him was irritating - he was not the spare. surely at this point he could make his own decisions right? “is he? what’s his name?” he had not heard of details from the potential match. perhaps he’d seek the man out himself and access how worthy the future brother in law would be ... 

[jagellicn]

Changes | Adelaide & Tomas

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

jagellicn‌:

Well… no. She have not met her yet, but she knew women like her. She had no desire to meet her, to get to know her, to sympathise - no. No, she was a threat to her brother, she was a threat to so many people she loved. Looking at him, Adelaide frowned in question. Misunderstood? “Misunderstood? She literally said the throne is rightfully hers. What is there to misunderstand? She is my eldest brother’s daughter. Technically, her claim is… based. But, the law clearly states there must be a male heir to the throne. This should not change anything, but I fear she too will go to great lengths to take it by force. What happens then?” She did not expect an answer - at this point, she was merely rambling, a paranoid mind thinking of the worst case scenarios. “I - “ She paused, taken aback by his comment, and what followed next. His embrace elevated some of the tension, but she still felt like she was chiselled out of solid stone - it was so cold inside her head, the ice in her heart coursing through her veins. “I know.” She softly breathed out, a heavy exhale carrying another bit of her tension out of her body.

What will be left of her? Just bones, but that would be the only thing left of all of them. She had given and given, and given everything, because it meant her family would be safe and well - she had utterly spent herself, weaving a web of lies around her person just to keep the tongues away from Sigismund ( now, it will be needed more than ever - now with that… woman staking her claim ). “Tomas - “ she began to say, but he surprised her again, and the frown returned, but this time it softened. “Tomas, you are enough to me.” And he was - in all this time they have spent in each other’s company, he had proved to be someone she could trust, someone she could rely on ( once she learned how to let herself rely on someone else ). He was a constant - a safe harbour. He checked for her temperature and she sighed. “I am fine. I will sleep when I am dead.” Her words came out as a soft breath, but her arms found a way around his waist. “But… thank you. For worrying.”

“I don’t know, I don’t know adelaide.” he was honest. 

he knew that there was no way in persuading her otherwise and he could only stand there feeling incompetent and useless. “you are the princess of poland by birthright, what more is there for you to do?” he cupped her face in his hands. “you are not king, you can not shelter your brother. is a grown man and he must learn to cope.” surely the words were harsh but it was true. “as terrible as the circumstance is, I do not think you should be taxing your body over it,” he murmured quietly, his hands dropping from her face, fingers brushing through his own hair. 

“am i?” he said with a small smile. the new found discoveries that laid through all of the countries had left him feeling ... strangely tired. from a mad man in italy to the arrival of a new royal princess, for once he was fondly content that spain had been spared from harm’s way. he would continue to pray to God for his countrie’s divine protection. “you’re going to drop dead if you don’t sleep,” he humored her lightly. “such thoughts are not good for anyone. in time, I’m assured that poland will resolve the issues. unless you’d still like to request for sigimund to cut off the betrothal,” he said casually - almost like a tease. a part of him wondered what would befall him if she really did ... 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

vitcrias‌:

“ oh, i’d love to, but in these skirts? ” she gestures to her burgundy gown, a laugh spilling from her lips. tomas had a way of putting her at ease, and she gladly welcomed his company where they seemed caught in a moment untouched by the calamity so characteristic of bellinzona. “ i’ll surely fall! i’m no longer ten, climbing up trees and running where i please. ” she instead plucks an apricot from their basket, taking a bite before falling back on the grass, hair splaying across the ground. “ here, i have a view, too. ” she points to the sky above. “ funny, no? if i close my eyes and listen only to the breeze and birds chirping, i can pretend nothing is wrong. that it’s only a lovely spring day, and everything here is not unraveling again. ”

“don’t tell me you’re afraid,” he taunted. he fully believed the portuguese princess capable of hitching up her skirts and climbing. “I didn’t think you’d fuss over your skirts when such delectable fruits are in season.” he was being cheeky - challenging her to the dare of climbing up. he believed in her, it only took her own courage to commit to it. “but the view is better up here,” he remarked shaking his head with disapproval for the fact that she had chosen to settle on the grass. “but it is nice, pretending that all is well, isn’t it?” he was wistful. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

princejingyan‌:

The corner of Jingyan’s mouth quirked upwards. He knew little of Spain. They were so far on the other side of the world, and they were the enemy, but he had known when he agreed to travel here that he would soon be confronted with such a situation. He had prepared for it, had resolved to treat them at the very least with respect. But thankfully, the duke made it easy to be friendly. He wasn’t certain how simple such an act would be when faced with someone he found aggravating. 

If he said he wasn’t curious, he would be lying. He had often heard that Western cuisine was far different to what he was used to, but a sweet was a sweet, and always delicious. His life of war had given him new-found appreciation for such things. “In the spirit of unity, it would be rude not to indulge, wouldn’t it?” he asked with a sloping grin as he rose to his feet. “And what would be the point of picking all that fruit if we do not enjoy it?” 

“you are quite right,” he said with a click of his tongue, a lopsided smile quick to appear on his face once more - pleased to see that the prince was willing to be adventurous and curious. he had braced himself early on to be rejected by the offer but he was pleasantly surprised. he had made a wonderful point - everyone was here for peace weren’t they? 

“follow my way then, I shall lead you to the spanish kitchens. do you have a preference in fruits? us spanish love to over indulge in every flavor,” he said as the two walked side by side, a grin still on his face. the closer they walked, the stronger the scent wafted. “have you ever smelled such a scent before?” he asked with curiosity. he hoped the pastries would be to the man’s palette. 

[jagellicn]

Changes | Adelaide & Tomas

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

jagellicn‌:

What of her place as princess? She was still a princess, yes, but how could she think about it now? With her brother’s future, his… crown hanging by a thread, she could not focus on herself. And as a potential bride of Spain. His words did little to reassure her, especially as he mentioned Mary. Yes, Mary was a queen and a capable one, and that was the point. In this moment, Adelaide was too caught up with her paranoia, drowning in her fear for her brother, her family ( Agnieszka and poor Wład… this cannot be easy for them - she must be there for them ). “What will you have me do? Run from my family, run away to Spain? Leave them to that… bitch to destroy them and pick them apart?” She asked, her gaze fixed upon his. “Am I still your fiancee?” A quiet question - “What if your brother decides he wants to make you Poland’s next king, Tomas?”

It was a possibility. She would not put it past anyone to act that way. That… thing was the legitimate daughter to her late brother. But, maybe they should not worry. Maybe the chauvinism will save her brother, and save her family - after all, the lost Jagiellon is a princess, not a prince. “She is a queen. This is her duty, but I cannot leave them alone. I have done everything, everything I could to keep my family safe, I went to lengths no one else had ever gone to. I need to protect them. Sigi, Mary, Nieszka, Wład… they are my responsibility as well. I will not let a power hungry outsider jeopardise everything I have worked so hard to protect. I cannot.” There was desperation in her voice and she hated herself for it. She hated herself for allowing her betrothed to see her like this - this… anguish, this fear and cold, freezing rage. “I am sorry.”

tomas is quiet, unsure of how to provide a resolution to a problem that had never been mentioned by his tutors or even his own brother. “have you met her?” he says the words softly. “perhaps she isn’t as terrible, she may be misunderstood.” surely justification wouldn’t make her happy but it was the best of what he could offer. “I only mean to offer you somewhere to be happy,” he is confused - not understanding what was insulting of the idea. at the ridiculousness of her next proposition, he almost laughs. “why would my brother ever do that? I am not a man fit to rule nor do I wish to be stuck as that woman’s foot soldier. your brother is still king is he not? she can not stake claims like this so easily and turn the country over. there is certainly issues that need to be resolved but, breathe adelaide,” he brought his arms around her in an attempt to soothe her nerves. 

“and look at it what it has done to you,” he said quietly. the reputation she had constructed had been masterful in duping all. it had nearly thrown her chances of securing a good future, a promising one. “you can not keep sacrificing yourself adelaide. what will be left of you if you do?” what of us - words lodged in the back of his throat. “I do not have much to offer but truthfully, I’d be damned to go through any other engagement.” he attempted to make light of the situation. “have you slept? you look fatigued,” he brought a palm to her forehead in an attempt to check her temperature. the color of her cheeks had paled naturally from its usual glow. surely the news had taken a physical toll on her worries. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

lovelesslettrs‌:

“ i suppose you have a point, “ the girl nods in agreement, knowing no matter their families or personal devotion to god — tomas was not always going to follow and that was fine. if she spent all her time worrying about what trouble he stuck his nose into she was sure there would never be a peaceful day in her life. “ something has changed your mind? or someone? “ and after all, she was still his little sister, it was her job to pry. 

to an extent, she was given a choice but no matter her devotion a covenant was far less appealing than it initially had been. it was not a life she sought out nor one she was striving for now. “ oh you must give him some credit, he’s been patient. it’s more than others would be generous enough to give, “ optimism was not her strong suit but she understood alonso was making it painless as possible. after all, james was nice. “ it is all certainly something. “

he chuckled, ever so quick to pick up on his words - this was why mariana was so fun. he crossed his arms, “perhaps both ... I’ve met plenty of people here in switzerland. old friends, new faces, they’ve all been quite a delight to meet,” he sighed. meet was an understatement. “things are changing in the most unexpected way and it makes me miss spain more,” he wasn’t lying. back at home everything was easier. he did as he pleased and there were little consequences. 

“and this is why he’s so proud of himself, you spoil with too many generous compliments sister dearest,” he teased. where alonso said left, tomas enjoyed going right. if up was down, down was up - it was difficult not to want to rile up their elder brother’s nerves. at least for tomas it was. “we’re siblings mari, now tell me - what was certainly something? was it his face that impressed or the physique?” he said with a laugh. he’d have to keep an eye out for whichever man was to be wedded to her lest he did something irrational as he tended to do on a normal basis. 

[jagellicn]

Changes | Adelaide & Tomas

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

jagellicn‌:

She was numb. For what seemed like hours, she was a statue - monotone, motionless as she stared out of the window. There was nothing going on inside her head, nothing that she could pinpoint, nothing she could make sense of. Another niece. A more… entitled niece. Her dead brother’s daughter. How - how was this possible? How was it possible? Who was responsible for this - for such dread which engulfed Poland? Her rage came in a soft crescendo. This… Helen, she claimed and had proof that she was, technically, more based to rule than Sigismund. Oh no. No no no no no no. Over her dead body. She destroyed herself to keep her brother safe and now this… this bitch comes along out of nowhere. She found herself so trapped in her rage that she did not stop to think that the bitch was her niece. She did not care. She could not just waltz in, laying claim to her brother’s throne, ripping her niece of her status, her nephew of his crown. No. No, it will not stand.

But, from the haze of her anger, from the red she had seen instead, his face fluttered in her mind. While Spain was free of such things, she still wondered about the welfare of her betrothed - if he would still be one. Growling, Adelaide peeled herself from the window, turning on her heel and ignoring the guards stationed in front of her chambers, as she set to seek out Tomas. She needed to talk to him. She would talk to Mary and Agnieszka, and Sig after. Right now, she really needed to see him. Adda strode to where she knew his chambers were located - she had the nous to pause in front of his guards, her voice steady ( but the steadiness was an illusion - hanging by a thread ) as she requested to see him. She was admitted in after less than a heartbeat. Her gaze immediately found him, but she waited for the guards to close the door before she spoke. “I take it you heard. About her.” She did not expect her voice to sound so enraged, so bitter… so hollow. “She will not take his throne. She will never depose him. I have to - I will protect him.” At this point, she was rambling, talking to herself.

@tomcsofbcrcelonc​

the news had been shocking, the turn of events that started stacking upon more and more bodies left tomas feeling blindsided. but despite it all, he had been beyond grateful that spain had been spared from both the devastation and the trouble which had seeped into most of the countries. he had heard the new arrival of a lost polish princess, surprised and likewise in disbelief. his mind had thought of adelaide’s wellbeing immediately. 

her arrival had been an expected one. and he too awaited for the guards to shut the door before watching her. he could tell from her composure alone that she was tense. he understood entirely, after all, an unknown woman was now claiming seat to the polish throne. regardless of what others had said, witnesses had verified the royal seal. such details were undeniable and jeopardized poland’s fragility. he nodded his head, voice neutral as he looked to avoid provocation for once, “I have.” 

he had heard she was pretty. though of course such things would not be shared with his bethrothal, especially at a sensitive time like this. the devotion she had was admirable but a part of tomas was selfish. things had changed since they last spoken. “your devotion to your brother is good but what of your place as princess ... and as a potential bride of spain?” he entertained casually. surely she wouldn’t leave him in favor of her aged brother. he was a grown man. “I’m sure mary can help your brother as it is her duty to serve as wife, is it not?” he offered, knowing that the attempt to placate was a weak one. he knew little of polish royalty. 

[tomcsofbcrcelonc]

post count this week (march. 15th - march 21st ) : n. of replies ( 22 ) + n. of tasks ( 0 ) points gained: 22 points (in-character replies)  + 4  bonus points (per five replies) = 26 points. points allocation: maxed out / 26 bonus. health total: 150/150

purchase date : march 22nd. item : fourth character slot ─ 25 point deduction from health total + sections. points deducted : -5 influence, -5 intelligence, -5 wealth, -5 luck, -5 physical. health total : 125 / 150.