Page 21 of 95 FirstFirst ... 192021222371 ... LastLast
Results 201 to 210 of 941

Thread: The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God [M - Hannelorian x DuchessLivilla]

  1. #201
    The Grey Lady
    Hannelorian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    New England
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all the things.
    Posts
    2,255
    Mentioned
    23 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    201

    Default

    When the Duke laid his hand on Arabella's stomach she closed her eyes, and rested her hand upon his. Within moments he would feel the baby kick, something with always seemed to make the Duchess chuckle. Arabella intended to be a fully present parent, and to do much of the parenting herself. Assuming she would be offered such a luxury. It was hard to tell these days, everything seemed a blur. But for a few moments she had allowed herself to forget the King's advances, and simply enjoy the moment with her husband. "I think..." Arabella began before pausing, opening her eyes and watching the love of her life. "I feel... it is a girl." Of course, she had no way of knowing this, only a feeling which could be dead wrong.

    Arabella swallowed hard, not really knowing what she would do, if this were the case, but... who did and why worry about what you can't stop or change? "We will love her. No matter what." That she knew was true, both Richard and herself would love this child more than anything in the world.

    -

    Arthur looked at his new wife, as the music began, her took her hand into his own and indulged his wife as she pleased. "A waltz, if that is what your heart desires, you shall have it." He was beaming brightly, he paid little mind to the others around them and simply took up the position. The couples around them would part, making way for the Prince and Princess of Wales, all watching with eyes wide and bright. Tonight, Alexandra was the envy of the world.
    Thanks to Hayabusa/Ryoku for the set.

  2. #202
    Member
    DuchessLivilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Scotland
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Historical 1x1, Sci-fi, Horror, AU
    Posts
    583
    Mentioned
    10 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    39

    Default

    Alexandra and Arthur danced together, twirling to the music as if they were the only people in the ballroom. They only had eyes for one another. "I keep waiting to wake up," she confessed, blushing, "And yet the dream continues. I think I may have to accept this is my reality now!"

    She reached up and brushed a lock of Arthur's dark hair back from his cheek with a smile. "I have a gift for you too, for our wedding...It's not much, compared to the Dowager's and my sister's gift but it comes from the heart."

    -

    Richard smiled. "As you say, boy or girl, it shall be loved. At least...for her sake, if it is a girl, she shall pose no threat to the King." He sighed. His daughter, if and when Bella married the King, would be no threat to land or titles and therefore, please God, should escape any issue from His Majesty. A boy would, in a way, save Bella from some things, but the boy would also be a Duke and would complicate the King's plans of married...

    Children die easily. It would not be hard, nor out of the question, for the King to rid his hoped for bride of any tethers to her previous life, such as a son and heir.
    "Ye mustn't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is a good thing, my girl, but it will kill you in time." - Granny Weatherwax

  3. #203
    The Grey Lady
    Hannelorian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    New England
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all the things.
    Posts
    2,255
    Mentioned
    23 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    201

    Default

    Arabella settled into her fate in these moments. The moment her husband died, her life would descend into the depths of hell. Her only mission would be to protect her child, in any and every way she could. There was a smile and nod, she simply looked at her husband and with all the weight of her love she sighed, this time deeper. Her dark eyes affixed upon him. "I hope the Prince looks at Alexandra the way I look at you." Looking around her, the Duchess slowly brought herself to stand, extending her hand to the Duke. "Dance with me, and then let us retire."

    Arabella used dance, in the loosest possible definition. All she longed for was the feeling of her husband's arms around her as the two swayed together in time. Knowing Richard was far too unwell for an actual waltz. For just a moment, she wanted to return to what was. "Just like our wedding day. You and me." Arabella let her smile fade into something softer, a look of tender concern.

    -

    The Prince moved effortlessly with his bride. Dancing was a skill that had come naturally to him. "You should wake up." He commented before elaboration. "Wake up to realize it isn't a dream, and all the tomorrows when you wake, you'll still be here with me. Now and forever." The Prince was confident and self assured, he longed for his bride to simply revel in their happiness.

    "Any gift you give me, would be greater than what anyone else had ever done. From you it comes with love, not an agenda, no sides, no stake. Just love." Arthur was genuinely curious as to what she had gotten him. No matter, he knew it would be grand, it was sure to be.
    Thanks to Hayabusa/Ryoku for the set.

  4. #204
    Member
    DuchessLivilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Scotland
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Historical 1x1, Sci-fi, Horror, AU
    Posts
    583
    Mentioned
    10 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    39

    Default

    Alexandra smiled, she seemed to be unable to stop doing that. Maybe this was why love matches were so frowned upon! All she could think of was Arthur and her, she forgot everything else when they were together, even God and her sister. She could well understand why preachers spoke against it! If ladies married for love, how many would be on their knees on sundays, begging for forgiveness?

    "Her Grace, the Dowager, helped me," she admitted, smiling. "As I had little connections to the outside world...even before I came to her house, I was never allowed to go into town like other ladies, even with an escort. The further I could go was the parks...And I imagine, had I been allowed to go to boutiques and such, my dear sister would never have allowed me to charge anything to the Duke or her account. Nor make my own, as the funds for such would have had to come from Richard. I confess, I would not know what to pay nor what money looks like!"

    She laughed softly at her own ignorance. "But I hope you like it. After I was caught and the letters read, I...I realised how precious they were to me. Alice, I thank God for Alice every day, and not just for this matter. She managed to hide the majority of them and saved them. I imagine Bella burnt the three she found..." Alex bit her lip and looked pained briefly before it passed. "So, when they were returned to me, the others, I wanted to preserve them. Just as I have kept and will keep, your miniature on my person at all times."

    Alexandra smiled shyly and raised her wrist so he could see where the miniature of his portrait, looking so handsome in his uniform, was now -instead of the ribbon it had been strung on- displayed on a delicate golden chain about her wrist. She glanced at the Dowager, who sat watching, beaming as proudly as if she had been Alex's mother. At the bride's nod, the Duchess nodded to her servant who vanished, only to appear a few moments later with a box, containing the gift for the Prince.

    Once the dance finished, Alex went over to fetch it, and brought it to her husband, with a smile. She held the box as he removed the lid. Inside, beautifully bound in light blue leather, stamped with the combined As of their initials and bearing the date of that first ball...when all this began, was a book. Inside, mounted with great care on the thick pages, were their letters; his and hers.

    Alexandra blushed and said softly, "I confess, I am told the Duchess has contacts with the servants of the Royal household. Your comptroller, when told of my plan, took my letters to you to add to this book. I beg you, do not be angry with him for it."

    -

    Richard chuckled as they danced. "Then, I fear, I moved more easily, though no less stiffly. Dance was never my forte...I regret it now. We should have danced more. I should have held more balls for you, my love...Looking back, I should have done much I did not..."
    "Ye mustn't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is a good thing, my girl, but it will kill you in time." - Granny Weatherwax

  5. #205
    The Grey Lady
    Hannelorian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    New England
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all the things.
    Posts
    2,255
    Mentioned
    23 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    201

    Default

    Arabella laughed when the Duke brought up the subject of dance. "Can I tell you a secret?" Arabella asked rather coyly, the smile on her face, the happiest she had felt in some time. "I never liked dancing." The Duchess felt free, free to finally say the thing she had longed to. The things she had never shared, even with her husband. But now, as he was dying, she felt the need to be honest, well, mostly. "I liked being with you. I liked the time we spent together. And of course, everyone watching us." Arabella listening to how she sounded was quick to clarify. "Everyone could see, just how happy we are. But honestly..."

    The profound joy that Arabella felt was naturally accompanied by a profound sadness. The two emotions were bookends, and the truth of her emotional state lay somewhere in between. "If I could ask just one thing..." She continued and felt the movement between the two of them. Gently swaying but both in perfect time to one another. "Let's dismiss the servants until the baby is to be born... Let us just be... together. I will care for you as I meant to. No distractions, no nothing. Just us. Just the way our vows read. In sickness and in health."

    --

    "You needn't use such careful honorifics now. You are the Princess of Wales. You outrank them all." Arthur commented with a knowing grin. His lips curled back, the corners of his mouth in such a delicate twist. It was clear, to any and all, that he took great pride in his wife, and in her standing as well. After such treatment it seemed only fitting that they should have to bow and curtsy to her.

    When the portrait was revealed, the Prince looked away, his face flushing quite red, contrasting severely with his rather dark tresses. But that wasn't it, it was the presentation of the book of their letters that truly floored him. "Why on God's green Earth would I be angry?" His question was genuine, he never wanted Alexandra to fear a response out of anger from him. For he would always do his best to ensure she felt supported and loved. "Darling this is a most wonderful gift." Arthur carefully lifted the book from the box, he took his time, running his hands along the spine and cover. It was as if he was getting to know every inch of the object, for every last inch was treasured.

    With his hands he began to thumb delicately through the crisp pages, his face would perk up as he cast his eyes across certain words or phrases, little jokes that had been between the two. A flood of memories came back, all of them capped with feeling immensely relieved upon reading or writing a letter in their exchange.

    "A keepsake, the very start of what will be many volumes of letters, of diary entries... of our precious moments captured. We can relive our feelings, experience our love at any time... and eventually this too shall pass into history, and the people will see, and they will feel....Nothing but love. Perhaps curiosity, in the words of the gospels, and interpretations... but two people genuinely enjoying the thoughts of one another."

    The Prince leaned in to kiss his wife gently, and to hold her in his arms, eternally grateful.

    "I must confess to but one thing." The Prince began as he ran his thumb between his neck and his collar, fishing for a thin silver chain that ran long, the length of his chest. "The first time we sat along the river and chatted, then as friends... I had an artist set across on the opposite embankment. He made a portrait of you... just for me. Even if our time amounted to nothing I couldn't stand not having something of you." The Prince drew the chain up and out, letting what was clearly a locket rest in his palms and he opened it, to reveal the portrait of Alexandra in miniature. It rested above his heart, and reminded him of the moment he knew.
    Thanks to Hayabusa/Ryoku for the set.

  6. #206
    Member
    DuchessLivilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Scotland
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Historical 1x1, Sci-fi, Horror, AU
    Posts
    583
    Mentioned
    10 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    39

    Default

    At the mention of rank, Alex blushed and chewed her lip slightly. For so many years, ever since she had 'come out' in society, she had been the lowest ranking lady of note at court. Not just because she was unmarried and untitled, though that didn't help but because of her sister's popularity and her campaign to ruin what little reputation her sister had. It was so ingrained in her that Alexandra suddenly wondered how on earth she was going to break the habit of curtsying first! How embarrassing it would be if, at their first court appearance or function, the Princess of Wales, before the lady of note before her could drop a curtsy and greet her, that Her Royal Highness did it first!

    She would make a show of herself, much to the pleasure of the King. She resolved to, when she was alone with Alice, practice and practice until she no longer felt the pull to drop a curtsy the second a lady approached her. "Bella would be pleased," she thought, with a small smile. "Her training had an effect at least!"

    "Well, he did go among your private things to find them," she said softly. "But had he asked, it would have spoilt the surprise," she smiled. Much like a child, Alex loved a surprise. She had had so few pleasant ones in her life that she clung to those she had, and would have, for both herself and others. "You might have been angry at him, or me, or the Duchess, or all of us," she added, blushing.

    When the Prince kissed her -the most joyful thing she had ever felt, she swore- and then revealed the locket with a beautiful portrait of herself, Alexandra touched it gently and looked up at him. She smiled and stretched up to kiss him again, not caring one jot for propriety. They were, as she must keep telling herself, married and in their own home; if she wished to kiss her husband, she would!

    "It's beautiful," she said softly, looking back down at it with tears in her eyes. She had never been so happy. Surely being this happy was a sin? If so, she would happily damn herself for it. "It seems we are romantic fools for portraits," she giggled. "If that is the case, and this makes you as happy as yours makes me, I shall, if you command, sit for a portrait every day until I die, to please you! Perhaps, as with our letters, we shall make a museum to our love."

    -


    Richard laughed, "Really? Well, it seems I can still be surprised! You dance so well, I assumed, as did everyone else, you had a passion for it!"

    The Duke smiled gently and stroked her hair as she spoke her next desire. "If that is what you wish...Of course, I agree. Mrs Lyle and cook can do the chores, and the rest can have a leave of absence. Naturally Dr Moore must visit still though, I will not put you at risk so near your time in over working."
    "Ye mustn't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is a good thing, my girl, but it will kill you in time." - Granny Weatherwax

  7. #207
    The Grey Lady
    Hannelorian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    New England
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all the things.
    Posts
    2,255
    Mentioned
    23 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    201

    Default

    "I'm the best." Arabella remarked while smiling gently. "I only had passion for you, it's always been you." Arabella looked away for a moment and allowed herself to get lost. The sound of the music hitting her ears, the feeling of Richard's arms about her. This the only thing she had truly wanted.

    As the waltz ended, so did Arabella's time among the celebrants. She had quietly found an unassuming moment, and congratulated her sister one final time. The Duchess had not forgotten to curtsy first, and use the appropriate title and stylings. As always, Arabella was insistent on following protocol. The Duchess understood this would be the last time the two would be together for some time. Arabella had settled on calling on her sister when the time came for the birth. There was no one else she would want more in her greatest hour of need.

    --

    Before the Duchess exchanged parting pleasantries, the Prince had remained very much in love. "You could never do anything to anger me. And if something had occurred I would simply have us talk about it until the matter was resolved. There is no need for any unpleasantness." The Prince was wide eyed, sincere. He recalled his father fighting mercilessly with his mother. The late Queen was known to have quite the temper, and that did not match well with his father's far greater temper.

    "But of course we will have to commission our portraits. One of which will be the our official portrait." The official portraits of the Prince and Princess would be distributed throughout the Kingdom and hung on wall across their great nation. There were few honors greater.
    Thanks to Hayabusa/Ryoku for the set.

  8. #208
    Member
    DuchessLivilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Scotland
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Historical 1x1, Sci-fi, Horror, AU
    Posts
    583
    Mentioned
    10 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    39

    Default

    Alexandra was dealing with this stunning idea -one that she had quite forgotten was a thing- when Bella came to take her leave. She blushed when her sister curtsied to her and called her 'Your Royal Highness'. It sounded...wrong, almost. She knew better though than to tell Bella that she need not be so formal; her sister loved protocol and such things and it would be an insult to the Duchess if Alex told her so.

    She took her sister's hand and smiled. "Goodnight, sister. Thank you, so much, for everything...Please, write to me as often as you can, and if you need anything, just ask and it is yours!"

    The new Princess watched as the Duke and Duchess took their leave; eager to return home to their comforts. She did not begrudge them it at all...both had good reason to cleave to what they knew. After they had gone, she turned back to Arthur and said, laughing softly, "I had forgotten about the official one...I thought His Majesty might refuse such things, for me, anyway."
    "Ye mustn't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is a good thing, my girl, but it will kill you in time." - Granny Weatherwax

  9. #209
    The Grey Lady
    Hannelorian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    New England
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all the things.
    Posts
    2,255
    Mentioned
    23 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    201

    Default

    The Duchess was relieved to have the event behind her. No longer was it an issue of her sister marrying, or outranking her, but simply because in her present state she longed to be alone and out of any spotlight. In just a few weeks she would welcome her child into the world, and she had a great deal she wished to accomplish before then. Home would be a welcome sight. The estate as she knew it, as she loved it, as she had decorated it. It was her domain, and it was where she would spend her time with her husband, what little of it she had left.

    --

    The Prince and his bride danced the night away and greeted their guests. Arthur rather enjoyed that the event itself was smaller, it seemed manageable and only those they truly wished in attendance had come. It wasn't a spectacle but a true celebration of his love for Alexandra, and hers for him.

    "He may refuse yet, but even so, it will be worth it to have you about the house. Both walking about, and with your image on the walls watching, guarding over all who shall pass." When the guests began to leave, it left the two of them alone, save for Alice of course, and the remainder of the servants. Alice had been shown to her room, which she shared with another maid. It was simple but clean and did the trick. She had more space in the Duchess and Dowager's estates, but given this was the city it understandable.

    This would leave nothing but time for the two of them, on the night of their wedding. Arthur had to admit that he found himself nervous. Much as everyone else, he had a general idea of how things should go, but many specifics were kept from him. He also admitted having largely not listened to his father when he spoke of his various conquests.
    Thanks to Hayabusa/Ryoku for the set.

  10. #210
    Member
    DuchessLivilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Scotland
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Historical 1x1, Sci-fi, Horror, AU
    Posts
    583
    Mentioned
    10 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    39

    Default

    Alexandra and Arthur parted, briefly, each going to their own rooms to change from their wedding clothes into nightwear. She would then await him in her room. It was thought more fitting for a husband to visit his wife's bed, rather than she his...as a husband may have shared, or plan to share, his own with mistresses and such. The wife's bed was seen as just for the making of children, rather than the pleasure that the husband's may be used for.

    Naturally, unlike her husband who had had many years to make his house a home for himself, her room was not to her style of decor -though Arthur had promised she could, as soon as she wished, change it however she pleased- but still, it was to be the room she was to, truly, become Arthur's wife. She blushed at the thought and stood still as her maids, and Alice, undressed her -a rather time consuming task given the layers to her dress- and chatted happily about the days and weeks to come in her new life.

    She didn't dare ask about what was to come that night, for fear of being thought foolish. Then again, her maids were young and happy and rather naive...Ironic, she thought, given her own naivety! They likely didn't know either! She suppose it didn't really matter. She would find out soon enough.

    And why should she be worried? It was not a stranger. Arthur...it was Arthur, her own dear heart, who was to come to her room, and bed. He would never harm her, she was sure of it.

    Finally, she stood in a soft nightgown, with tiny red roses embroidered about the neck to symbolise love. Blushing, she climbed into bed and sat, the covers about her, hands folded neatly, as her maids doused all but the candles by the bed, and closed the curtains, making the room cozy and darker. They, including Alice, smiled and curtsied, before leaving her alone.

    Alex sat still, biting her lip and listening for the tread of feet outside her bedroom door. She did not have to wait long, and assumed that Alice or another maid, had told Arthur's servants that she was ready. A knock came at the door and she blushed then called out, "Come in..."

    All her fears left her when Arthur entered and closed the door. His smile, almost shy and bashful, made her smile back. He wore a nightgown too, slightly shorter than her own. She blushed again. He looked so handsome in the candle-light, his dark hair brushing his collar...
    "Ye mustn't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is a good thing, my girl, but it will kill you in time." - Granny Weatherwax

Page 21 of 95 FirstFirst ... 192021222371 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •