[vclentincs]

ennioeste​:

vclentincs​:

“If you think it’ll help you, I could come with you. I— you and Isa have done a lot for me already.” He wasn’t sure what use he would be but he felt like he needed to offer. “I am honestly a bit lost. I feel like my training is only half-way through. I think I need to schedule a meeting with Giovanni and somehow successfully survive it. Everything about this feels so personal. As if he’s punishing us, or me, for… I don’t know! Not kissing the ground he stands on.”

The Spanish princess ponders his suggestion for only a few seconds before shaking her head. With the little acquaintance he had with the Hungarian, it was best that she handle this on her own. “Don’t worry about it. I won’t subject you to that kind of torture.” The quip was meant to be taken lightly but the small interaction would be hell on Earth for Valentina. Her eyes rolled the moment his name was uttered. “If you’re any harder on yourself I think you’ll have a brain aneurysm. Your training is going just fine, at a normal pace given the impromptu circumstances. As for the prince, I’m not sure. It’s not a bad idea but something tells me arrogance will rear its ugly head.” The woman pauses to watch his reaction. “Maybe ask Ettore. He’s full of ideas.”

[lcvcntc]

“What did you want to talk about?” He had a feeling but he’d rather not voice any of his guesses in case he’d give the Spanish ideas. “I ordered us coffee, should be here any minute now.” ( @vclentincs​ )

[vclentincs]

“I’m sure by now you know all about the situation with Italy and San Marino.” Admittedly, there aren’t many things she admires about the crown prince but his detest for small talk was an exception. It was one of the few things they had in common. “What’s your stance on the current events ? I know you don’t actually have a horse in this race but it would be good to know that we can count on Hungary, should anything happen again.”

[ennioeste]

“You’re meeting the Hungarian, right?” He wasn’t sure how he had gotten so lucky to have the three Bourbon-Anjou sisters helping him. A normal person would have felt invincible knowing the Spanish were behind him. If only Ennio wasn’t feeling so hollow. “He’s not an easy man to handle, I hear.” ( @vclentincs​ )

[vclentincs]

She’s quiet for a beat, taking a sip of her tea to ponder over the question. She felt an obligation to Ennio to get things right. After all, it was her idea to lend a helping hand in the first place. “I suppose so, yes.” Valentina had a laundry list of things she’d rather do — of which included scooping her eyes out with a spoon. But alas, whether it was being a wife, a sister, a mentor or an heir, her job was never done. “I think I’ll fare alright. I can’t remember the last time I spoke to him and not at him. You could always tag along and help plead your case.”

[vclentincs]

stevanovic​:

vclentincs​:

-

for the most part, peter had been proud of his attention to detail when it came to valentina. the last time he had seen her… well, no — when they had last been happy together, he would’ve sworn up and down that he knew her better than anyone else. but his thoughts were quickly contradicted by the spaniard herself, that one faithful night that had become the last time peter would’ve been able to call valentina his. and of course, out of every breakup he’d dealt with, his very unfortunate track record considered — this woman standing in front of her, pale as a ghost, had definitely hurt the most, because he didn’t have control over the situation. it had been his fault, without him knowing so. and still, seeing her there, he wanted to make sure she was alright… there was no point in holding anything against the girl. and god, she looked beautiful — she always did. his eyes quickly darted from the very apparent wedding band ( which he knew about, it was just a burning wish to perhaps NOT find it there that evening ) and back to her features. 

he expected hostility. after all, every mistake he’d ever made had made out to slap him in the face simultaneously, it was almost puzzling to receive such a calm request. “of course,” the words left him before he could even think. of what? it didn’t matter, he simply hadn’t thought. “that’s quite accurate, actually. you found the words i’d been looking for, for a few weeks now.” a light chuckle fell from his lips, and his smile widened. “but are you sure there’s nothing else? you looked like you’d seen a ghost for a moment there.”

                   without a doubt the prince makes her nervous. though it had been years since their tryst came to an abrupt end, she could still point out all the reasons peter reminded her of home. the steadfast and pristine ability to pick up on even the slightest mood switch and his irrevocable adoration for her being the most notable. oh how things had changed. the love that once lie between them was like fine wine —  intensely warming, haunting aroma and deeply intoxicating. she could drink him dry in seconds. but the bands on her fingers reminded her that she made the conscious decision to come out of that drunken daze. looking at him now only reminded her of succumbing to her vices. out of all her bad habits, peter was her favorite. valentina always had a propensity for pretending and with time she was able to perfect that skill. so it was natural that her face remained stoic until she forced a grin to match his. this would be challenging but she was more than happy to occupy herself with something unrelated to politics. ignoring his question, she asked, “ your cousin tells me you’re betrothed. and here i thought you weren’t the type. i bet you’re elated. ” 

placing her hand gingerly on his bicep, she began leading him with no destination in mind. for several paces she sauntered in silence. she wondered if he could see right through her feigned nonchalance. he knew her well enough to know that while she was poised, there was also a side to the princess that was pure fury. “ well, you ARE my ghost but that’s besides the point, ” she stole a glance in his direction briefly before continuing, “i ran into barbie not long after we arrived. just my luck.” it was her luck indeed that left her to brave the storm of running into two old friends in such a short time span. it was beginning to give her whiplash. “ that’s all, really. i’m not ecstatic to be here.”

[vclentincs]

barbiebraganca​:

vclentincs​:

valentina was exhibit a of the first reason barbara had decided against leaving her room since they’d arrived in argentina. running into people was already something she had no mind for atthe moment, running into that kind of people would make the small thread of patience she still had rip in half. “ darling, if you’re trying to offend me, at least do it properly. my daughter could come up with something better and she can only say a couple of words. ” barbara almost wished she were indeed a dragon, in that case the woman in front of her could easily be resumed to a pile of ashes and she could go back worrying about her and her son’s plans for the day. daniel, at the perception of the tension in the room, clutched harder to his mother’s side. “ your nineties disney show inspired lines will hardly get to me but, if you’d like, i can send daniel to get some of his little friends so they can make a ‘ooh, burn’ chorus whenever you say something. ”

if there was anyone she was less than thrilled to see, it was barbie. there was a rich history between the pair that valentina was keen on forgetting. once upon a time, they were inseparable. twin flames almost. she was there to see it all; heartbreaks, wild nights, and anxiety inducing balls. that was until their saccharine sandbox friendship bursted into flames. now there was nothing left besides bitter animosity. “ so you’re both incapable of spewing anything besides insults. narcissistic genetics, i suppose. ” the woman nods before she’s looking around desperately for someone to save her from this conversation. there were really no words to describe her level of anger and disappointment. even if there were, she would be better off explaining this ordeal in therapy than she would with the other princess. “ amazing parenting tactics. teaching your children to treat others like minions and toys instead of people. if those values are reflected at all in your queenship then may god bless the people of spain. the only thing worst than a dragon is a tyrant. por qué no los dos ? ”

[vclentincs]

ennioeste​:

vclentincs​:

What he most liked about the Spanish family was their genuine nature. Passion, compassion and sincerity. Many people claimed to be what the Bourbon-Anjous really were. He smiled into her hair and let her presence have a calming effect. “Well, I-” He what? They what? She had asked a very simple question and he had no idea where to start. “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next. I was never supposed to be the heir. My thing was helping, doing what needed to be done. Do the boring work that’s important but never the main event. I can look through bills but I can’t do whatever it’s that you do. What Emilio do- did.”

If there was anything the Estes had in common, it would be perseverance. Even in a time of calamity they were always thinking ahead. Some might argue that was just how they were wired as royals but Valentina knew avoidance when she saw it. He would rather worry about the future than take a moment for himself to process it all. Though it was admirable, the princess wouldn’t allow him to do it all on his own. She lingered in the embrace. “It takes time and practice. Maybe even a bit of patience too but it’s not impossible. I’ll always be here to help you. You’re already a step ahead of the rest of them from what I’ve seen.” She knew more than a handful of royals who didn’t know the first thing to do in a position of power. “Just breathe. You don’t have to think about all of that right now. You’re allowed to mourn a while longer.”

[vclentincs]

ettoreeste​:

vclentincs​:

╰   *   ⁽   𝐟𝐭.   ——    :   𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞.   ╱   @ettoreeste​    ⁾

ettore’s exhaustion was immeasurable, even moreso than usual, and his focus was near extinct. he wouldn’t have been able to make this move without valentina, wouldn’t be able to face his family unless he knew he could turn around and have her be there. some would call him weak, but he never admitted to being the strongest of the bunch. his maze of thought is interrupted by the one person he’s never uneasy around, a faint smile gracing his otherwise monotonous features. “tesora.” his hand rose under the bag, determining how much they had to enjoy from the weight of it. “we’ll sit out on the balcony and have these with coffee, i know we have plenty to discuss.” an emotionless approach to the tragedy life handed them. “tell me, how are your sisters?”

anyone in ettore’s position would be completely shattered by this loss. he had all the right in the world to break down and still, he remained as cool and unstirred as stone. valentina put in her best efforts to be empathetic. if the roles were reversed, she couldn’t be sure that she could remain as steadfast as her husband. perhaps that was one of the many reasons she valued him so much. his emotions never got the better of him. she nodded then, letting her smile disappear along with any intentions she had to stay off the topic of siblings. she shrugged as she opened the door to their suite. “a little dramatic, well-meaning but intrusive. the same as they’ve always been. i’m a little surprised they aren’t here right now. when we were younger—” the princess stopped short of her sentence. she didn’t need to rub it in his face that their family was so tight-knit. at least they use to be. the woman ripped off a corner of the pastry and devoured it in a single bite. “i couldn’t wait.” she admitted, leaning against the countertop adjacent to the coffee bar. “how was your day?” 

[catherinestuart]

“dear god, i never thought i’d be this happy to be wearing a jacket.” the weather was a cool 12 degrees, and normally catherine would’ve not bothered with outerwear at all in scotland but her tailored light jacket had been begging for a spin. “don’t judge me, we’ve had a year long summer in the program, with a brief interlude for christmas and new years in america and russia.” they were seated pretty in one of the bar patios that littered the city, the sun just about to set. a small claim of relaxation in the midst of work, catherine thought that it was worth leaving her desk in order to spend some much needed time with an old friend. “you know- peter is here… and engaged, strangely enough. i never thought the day will come.” ( @vclentincs​ )

[vclentincs]

she hadn’t expected the mar del plata to feel so much like home. even under such tragic circumstances, the climate and the good company definitely didn’t hurt. the weather was average for spain but that didn’t stop her from also pairing a jacket with her persimmon dress. “leave it to catherine to transform mar del plata into a runway.” her eyes rolled but her tone remained playful. she was grateful to even be invited. drinking martinis on the sun deck was just the escape she was looking for. catherine surely wasn’t the type to pester the spanish princess with a dozen questions. for the first time since her arrival, she could finally exhale. she takes a sip from the glass balancing between her fingers before nearly choking at just the mention of peter. the brunette clears her throat, fighting to subside the cough threatening her windpipe. “oh? you don’t say.” as if she hadn’t already heard. “yawn. i’m sure she’ll make a lovely bride. i’m more interested in hearing about theo. i can already hear the bells.”

[vclentincs]

who are you closest and least closest to in the hotel

“naturally i’m close with my family. then there’s catherine and theo. i don’t think it’s hard to tell who i couldn’t care less about.”

[vclentincs]

fmk: ettore, peter, leon

“i would obviously marry my husband. let’s just say i wouldn’t kill leon.”

[vclentincs]

what is your fondest memory?

“i’d have to say my twenty-first birthday or the evening before my wedding. honestly i have far too many to count, especially with my sisters. ”

[vclentincs]

are you happy with your life?

“as much as i can be, given the circumstances.”

[vclentincs]

[vclentincs]

isvbclv​:

majestyfm​:

“ AN UNDERSTATEMENT. i love it. ” her tone was dry. there was nothing to be made fun of about the situation. it went against isabela’s very nature to stay grim and serious. it was deeply unsettling. “ i guess we’ll have to see and wait. ” she was quiet for a beat. “ this is typical savoy behaviour ! they don’t care about consequences. all they are capable of is death and destruction, and still people lick their boots. it DISGUSTS me. ” for once, it wasn’t an exaggeration. her chest felt like it might burst open from the hate, frustration and resentment she harbored for the family. “ if the situation doesn’t call down soon, we’ll have to pouring money into san marino. hopefully the rest of the alliance will have our backs. ”

the princess darted her eyes at the other but a grin THREATENED the corners of her lips. sarcasm was adjacent to a love language between the sisters. at times it could be a nuisance, but isabela’s inability to delve into serious discussions was a life saver in this moment. “ i’ll work on it, ” valentina countered. it was the same sentiment she’d been preaching since the beginning of their relationship. somehow, she’d made it her responsibility to push the brothers closer. apparently it was too little, too late. “ which only leads me to my next question. you know i love you and you’re my FAVORITE middle sister, right ?” she cooed. it would take a hell of a lot of kissing up to get isabela to agree to what she was about to propose. “ i need your help . can you please talk to levente about this whole san marino fiasco ? i don’t want to commit if i can’t be sure that at least one nation will stand behind us and you know i’d rather GOUGE my eyes out than speak to the prince of hungary for a second longer than i’m required to .” 

[princessalicf]

𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 ; @vclentincs​

spanish as beautiful as it is, it’s not one of the languages alice has mastered (to her own embarrassment) and had just proved that trying to buy craftwork from one of the local stores by the beach. “val, my dear” she greets, spotting the spanish princess. “wish i could have caught you early and spare myself and oliver from making a complete fool of ourselves.”

[vclentincs]

it was hardly the right time to go on a beach excursion. she wasn’t the type to run away from her problems or duties. if anything, she braved every challenge head on as gracefully and seamlessly as possible. yet the current circumstances in san marino were more troubling than her mind was ready to cope with. so she found herself by the sand, consumed in the pages of a novel. valentina peered over at the princess beneath her sunglasses with a bright smile. “i’m sure it wasn’t as horrid as you may think. surely you’ve learned something from me over the years.” she proposed as she flipped the book onto her stomach. “what was it this time? one of those keychains with your name engraved?”

[ennioeste]

He knew he should have been happy to have Ettore around. He had felt relief at best, a bit of appreciation. But when he had learnt of Valentina’s arrival, he had felt joy. Valentina would have answers for him, she would offer him advice, she’d guide him, he was sure of it. His white T had a small stain on the chest and his jeans were wrinkly. They had been lifted off the floor some minutes ago. “Valentina, hello.” ( @majestyfm​ )

[vclentincs]

She didn’t bother getting settled in her room before she was off to see Ennio. Valentina prided herself on being the one with all the answers. Her dogmatic attitude had gotten her a long way. But for once in her life, she knew nothing. As soon as he answered the door her arms were around him like a vice grip. “I’m so sorry, Ennio.” she apologized into his shoulder. She pulls away after a few moments to assess the man in front of her. “How can I help?”

[barbiebraganca-a-deactivated202]

it had been the first time barbie left her hotel room since arriving in argentina and it had obviously been because of her kids. daniel had begged her to take him horse riding and barbie didn’t have the heart to tell the boy ’maybe some other day’ ( again ) and the last thing she wanted to do was ask vaughn to do it. it was an activity she loved doing with him so there she was, asking in the reception how to get to the nearest equestrianism school was when she heard her boy starting a conversation with someone. “ dani, stay with mamma. ” // @vclentincs​

[vclentincs]

valentina sauntered through the lobby, paying little to no attention to her surroundings. for several days, her thoughts nearly consumed her. the tragic loss of her brother-in-law meant that things would never be the same for a plethora of reasons. her main focus now was to console her husband in any way possible. that included ( but was not limited to ) exploring the nearby city to retrieve a few pastries. it wasn’t much, but it showed that she cared without pressing the issue further. the plain paper bag holding all her pastries simply slipped through her fingertips and hit the ground without managing to spill its contents. a small child knelt to pick it up and she thanked the boy for his kindness almost robotically. it was the voice of someone that brought her back into reality. she watched as the boy reluctantly made his way to the blonde. “princess barbara of portugal. i’d say i was delighted to see you again but...” the woman let her voice trail off before shaking her head. “i was assured they didn’t let the dragons out until after dark yet here you are.”