herzoginxfmecklenburg - Tumblr blog

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

It was a curious thing to wonder about, what would happen if two rays of pure sunlight would meet one another. Would it shine ten times as bright, or would if produce a rainbow in colors so vibrant one had to almost close his eyes to withstand the beauty. It was the glass of the palace window that kept such a natural phenomenon from occurring, but nobody could deny the angelic look of the Landgravine of Leuchtenberg as she bathed in the late sunlight. - Ella had always been slightly jealous of those with blonde hair, finding it absolutely beautiful and making the face appear kinder. She had been told her mother had been a blonde, which was common in the more northern parts of the world. Unfortunately she had not been blessed, but had more of her father’s looks instead. 

Though the Duchess of Mecklenburg had not attempted to walk in utmost silence, the other German was taken aback by the gentle calling of her name by the brunette. Ella raised her hands in a surrendering fashion as the other jumped, for she had not wished to scare her. Luckily, this surprise was followed by a gentle giggle to which she herself gladly smiled along. “I did not mean to scare you, Jojo. My sincere apologies.” Even before Johanna married her half-brother she had always been around the family at their castle in Germany. Eleonora had never felt much bitterness towards the current queen, even though she quickly replaced her mother when she and her sister were mere babes. So with no bitterness for the queen, there was no bitterness for her entourage either. Part of them being her lovely sister in law. A bright and shining star, though it seemed, as Ella observed her a little more closely, that her light had slightly dimmed. “How are you, Liebest?”

[ 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 ] 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞

𝐀 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 sunset had taken over the attention of the Landgravine of Leuchtenberg, standing by one of the windows in a grand empty hallway, distracted by her thoughts and her grief as she watched the blazing sun come down over the Swiss mountains. It was beautiful, but like anything else lately, Johanna took beauty with an equal dose of pain as the blazing sunset was also something that the children she grieved would never live to see. Still, the golden haired lady stood and watched, allowing the similarly golden light to kiss the contours of her face. 

𝐒𝐇𝐄 was so pre-occupied by her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed she had been joined by another, jumping back slightly when she noticed a figure quite close to her as she gently laughed at herself for not being more aware of what was going on in the real world outside of her own mind, “– Forgive me, did you say something? I’m afraid my thoughts were somewhere else entirely,” she whispered, turning towards the person who had joined her, greeting them with a beautiful yet sorrowful smile despite doing her best to repress that pain as to not be traceable, the woman could never completely hide the grief in her eyes. 

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

ferdinandlorraine‌:

The stables had by far replaced the chambers that had once attracted his favor. Ferdinand himself still could not believe himself, his own behavior. Riding was a nice escape from the castle, the people, his own self-judgement, and who knew what else. He often rode alone, but given the invisible dangers, he was always followed in some distance by a small entourage for his own safety. It was nothing compared to that of say Leopold’s bodyguards, but at least it showed some care from his father. Although Ferdinand had no fear for himself since he did not believe his life had much inherent political value. 

He turned at the sound of a voice that automatically made him smile, “while I do tend to ride out alone, I will always welcome such lovely company! You ought to join me more often actually, it’s a nice escape.” He explained no further. There were a lot of circumstances developing that one could try escaping from, though Lorrie was certainly escaping from many things that were all together different than expected by most. 

He appeared, in behavior, much like his usual self, particularly given the setting and the company. However, his hair was in disarray, his collar unbuttoned, and overall it was clear his usual vanity in attention to detail had been abandoned. “With all that has been happening, I feel as if it has been years since we last had some time to ourselves… I’m sorry, I feel I am mostly at fault. Keeping myself away somehow. I did not meant to.”

Though their whole lives, the King’s offspring had been surrounded by castle guards, knights and whatnot, there was a different air about being followed their every step. It was for their own protection, as the recent developments in the castle had everybody on their toes. Though she was no bastard, like Matthias of Ferdinand, she was not the most important figure at the German court either. She did not even have half of the guards that followed Friedi around these days, which she knew for a fact her sister despised, or their brother Leo. But even the two that followed her at times felt like hounds breathing down her neck. It appeared Ferdinand was granted the same privilage of having his private guards, which attempted to vanish in a corner until he would go out riding. Still, they bowed upon her entrance, before her own entourage moved to take place besides them. 

Eleonora’s eyes lit up when her brother greeted her with joy and excitement. It did not matter rather they spoke to one another often or not. Even if they would spend a year apart, they would naturally fall back into the same old banter when they were reunited once more. They might have been cursed with a rather unique father, but blessed with a unbreakable bond between the sibling. Or at least, so it seemed for now... Lord only know how fragile it could become when a new sister would attempt to position herself in a hierarchy  that had build over the years.  - Elle walked up to Lorrie, pressing a gentle kiss to his right cheek before answering him. “Perhaps I shall. The physicians did recommend that some sports would help rebuilding strength in my leg.” Her words were optimistic. There days she tried to push away the nagging sensation of fear that what was damaged on her body would never heal properly. “So I pray I did not lose my skill, for I would hate for you to outride me so easily.”

“I do not think anyone is at fault here, Lorrie. Please, do not place any guilt upon yourself.” She spoke to her brother lovingly. “There are many matters to catch up upon, but there was certainly more than enough that has kept us busy, has it not? - You must tell me all of the latest news, for I feel I have been stuck mostly in the written past of dusty old books rather than the present.” With her injury as well as the whole situation with Friedi on her mind, Eleonora had also taken more to seclusion than she normally would. Not because she wanted to per se, but her body and mind needed the time to recover desperately. It appeared now, at this very moment, it was the right time for both to step back out into the light again. “Shall we start by asking each other ho we have been, or would you prefer to get up on horseback first?”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

Eleonora blinked a few times as the blonde male addressed her , as if she was awoken from a slumber. Her actions rude and considered unforgivable by some for a lady of her age and standing, but yet...  It was almost as if she couldn’t help herself. He appeared to originate from hazy dream, an false reality that simply could not be. Because he reminded her so of a figure from the past, whom she had known and cared for deeply years ago. Dare she say... loved. But this man had non of his kindness and lacked the twinkle of charm and playfulness that she at times still vaguely recalled in her dreams. 

The German duchess straightened her spine and corrected the less than gracious stature in which she had held herself before. With her chin slightly lifted and a small smile put on her features to show her well-willingness. Today, this smile seemed rustier than it usually was. Though the masks of politeness that hid her true feelings often were so well executed, perfected over the years of life at court, that they could fool the unknowing at least half the time. But today, her eyes did not play along. The dark brown hues betrayed the confusion that was playing in her mind, with a slight hint of unexplained longing. Longing to know the truth of who this stranger might be, and truly if he even were a stranger. 

“My good lord, the strangest feeling had befallen me. I do not know why, but I have the feeling that we might know one another.” she spoke, perhaps almost too freely but with an ever present kindness to her melodic tune. Without even noticing, she fell back into the previous mistake of studying him. Her mind taking moments to process, before her eyes lit up slightly with recognition.  “Lord Trubetskaya...” she mumbled quiet and hesitantly, almost as if she spoke to herself or the thin air around her and not directly to him. “Alexseis”

@herzoginxfmecklenburg​!

he’d only seen little of germany in his life thus far. heard more of it as a boy, the details of which he could no longer remember for the life of him. alexeis stood a little straighter, a continuous throbbing sensation building behind his forehead. it had plagued him for a while now yet the swiss healers had assured him it was a medical condition felt by many and that he should not fear for it would go away on its own soon.

it was warm. still, a shiver ran down his spine as his shoulders sagged just the faintest bit. it had been difficult to wrap his mind around most of the political situation presented to him by the spies. alexeis felt cold, so terribly cold — something would not leave him be.

(too many things. his heart was heavy. he exhaled.)

“you’ve been looking at me a long time,” he spoke, features devoid of any emotions as he stared ahead into the nothingness. his body tensed; a natural occurrence. “have you a reason for doing so?”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

duchessfriederike‌:

herzoginxfmecklenburg‌:

The Duchess of Mecklenburg eagerly pulled her beloved sister into a tight hug, as the other mimicked her own gesture of outstretching her arms to welcome the warmth. Oh, how Nell had missed the closeness to her sister. Perhaps it was the bond between twins, tied together from the moment they grew in the womb, that made it feel as if she had lost a limb the moment they strayed from each other’s side for too long. It filled her both with joy and anxiety. The latter rising from the idea that if it felt so unnatural already, how it would feel if they would spend years apart. It was a thought she did not wish to entertain now. The thought was one to ponder over in the night, when she was feeling restless. Not when they were united now at last. - A smile, as radiant as the sun itself, beamed off her face as the other brunette pressed a kiss to her cheek. Her closeness comforting, natural and energizing at the same time. “Do not let your dear husband hear such a bold claim. Surely he will be slightly saddened by the idea that he has to share your precious time and attention with me.” she chuckled, as she released her sister from her tight embrace and moved to hook their arms. Like they had always done, like it should be. It seemed that time had washed away their silly feud for now, or perhaps that it had put a pressure on them to forget. For the time they could spend together before they would be separated was uncertain. 

“I’m counting on you here to find us the prefect spot for a private conversation, where we can get away for a moment. I’ve got a few ideas in mind, but you were always the expert when it came to finding the best secluded hiding spots. Perhaps it is time to give up your title, but I have a feeling you might excel at it.”

It had seemed like an age separated their last conversation, and even longer since they had spoken without a strain between them. She had hoped to make it up with Nell before her wedding, the idea of marrying without her sister’s approval horrifying. But there simply had not been time. Everything had happened so swiftly, and yet Friedi could not help but feel a little guilty about the lack of effort from her end. She felt Nell’s absence keenly. and her twin was never far from her mind when they were apart. It was the longest they had ever gone without speaking, but a drop in the ocean compared to what they now faced. Perhaps that was the reason she had let it linger so long, knowing that she was preparing for the inevitable by doing so, but seeing her now, it was impossible to retain the distance. In fact, she clung to her, almost prepared to never let go of her again. “Oh, he will have to get used to it.” She waved away Nell’s teasing, resting her head on the other’s shoulders. “Besides, it will do us good for me to be distracted. He shall be sick of me by the time we leave Switzerland.” She laughed loudly, before raising her head and tugging Nell forward with her, inviting the other to fall into step with her. 

“I wish I could take the credit for where we are going, but I’m afraid it belongs with Lorrie, for he discovered this particular spot. It is quite concealed, though. We could sleep under the stars and nobody would find us we emerge tomorrow.” As ever, her fantastical side emerged with Nell. “Tell me, did you enjoy the wedding?” 

As Kiki’s head rested on her shoulder, the other twin placed a gentle kiss upon her crown before resting her forehead against her soft hair. They might not have been identical, but in height there was little difference. Eleonora recalled the endless discussions about her being just a small bit taller than her sister, and Kiki refusing to believe so. Blaming it on her shoes, or downright cheating by standing slightly on her toes. A bold claim, which may or may not have been true half of the times she was accused of it. The discussions seemed silly now and even if they still were a thing it was clear who had won the game of ‘tallest sister’. It was neither them or Dottie. It was a new German princess - “He shall never be sick of you, Kiki. Such thing is simply impossible. And if he does, he is not worthy of your time nor presence. Let it be known.” Friedi raised her head off Nell’s shoulder and broke the moment of peace and togetherness as she invited her to come along. A tug at her arm and an invitation to fall in step were eagerly accepted, for she had waited too long for another one of their adventures together. 

“Of course I enjoyed the wedding, meine liebe schwester. I understand that you only had eyes for your new husband, but I almost would have expected the radiance of the smiles of me and Dot to reach you at some point during the ceremony. - I was... am so proud of you, Kiki. Switzerland and it’s guests have never seen such a beautiful bride as yourself.” It had been an unique experience to watch her sister be wedded, speak her vows before countless people convert in faith. Not that she had expected the latter to be much of a discussion point. Friedi had never been the most faithful, and Ella doubt if she would ever be. Her sister did not need the Lord most of the time when she had so much faith in her own self. The stinging pain of being the one left behind had faded for the most part, as had the fear of losing her that had almost completely paralyzed her before. There was no way back now, only acceptance could be a solution to her aching heart. And to enjoy the time that they could now spend together.   

“I will not tell Lorrie that you took a small amount of credit for showing me this secluded hiding place. The two of you were always more of the rebellious kind. I could have expected as much.” Ella chuckled, as she found that her feet already turned at the right passageways to reach the garden. Her mind and senses used to the corridors of their Swiss home by now. - Normally, the eldest might have rejected such ‘foolishness’ by laughing it away. If they were at their home, in Germany, she had feared the talk of the court ever since she was old enough to notice it. But now, with so little time to spare together, she accepted her sister’s wild invitation with a twinkle in her eyes. “We should slip past the laundresses and grab a blanket or two. It’s not cold at night, but it’s nice to cover up slightly is it not?” The clothes she wore today were all but practical for such adventure but she did not care. 

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

do you think you are replaceable?

It was a question that had played through her mind for many years. One she had been overcome with even, when she had been bedridden for weeks after the attack. Was she replaceable? Would it matter if she vanished and another took her place at the German court? Would her father even care, or any other people at court apart from her sibling? At times she truly doubt it. Germany would find another willing puppet, for that was all she truly was in the end. A woman who danced to another man’s tune, and spoke at times only in the words that others wished to her. A heavy sigh escaped from her lips as her gaze turned icy and distant. A emotionless, short laugh sounded in agreement to the statement even before she had said any words. “Yes, I am replaceable.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

What is one thing you would change about yourself?

“I believe I would wish to be a bit bolder, like my sister(s). They connect with others so easily, while I find it more difficult sometimes to stray from the things that are known to me. - But if we are talking about my physique, I would wish away every single one of these scars on my body. I wish I did not have to look at them any longer.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

Now your sister is married, do you have your eye on any suitors?

“The possibilities of marriage are still an uncertainty..” Eleonora responded calmly, as she practiced to keep a cool facade that was hard to read. For a while, Friedi’s marriage preparations had posed as a distraction but she could have expected the attention of court to return to her the moment the dust had settled. After all, she was a lady long of age. Some whispered that if she would not marry soon, the chances would be slim she would ever find herself a man at all. Who would desire such an old maiden, without wondering what could possibly be the matter with her? “England, Russia and Portugal perhaps have potential suitors but with all that has befallen us, my priorities did not lie with finding myself the best match. - And naturally, my father will have a final say in the matter as well.” if he could find himself in the right mind to even care for her at all. 

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

herzoginxfmecklenburg‌:

post  count  this  week  (   21/03 to 23/05 )  :  n.  of  replies  (  7 ) points  count  :  7 + 1 bonus point  = 8 points  in total point  allocation  :  Physical +4, influence+2, luck +1, wealth +1 

health  total  :  86 /  150.

New count:  

influence : 12

intelligence : 21

wealth : 13

luck : 20

physical : 20

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

@duchessfriederike

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

ofleuchtenberg‌:

Matthias still remembered the day that their father had commanded them to convert. Commanded wasn’t the right word, no it was suggested but those who knew the king knew there was never a choice when it came to the king’s wishes. Still, he agreed, Matthias was the most obedient son after all but whatever reservations he had, Matthias knew it was best to keep them inside his head. 

With Friedi now married, Matthias felt it was only a matter of time for his other sisters to join her in a matrimonial alliance of their father’s wishes. It was the way of the world but that didn’t mean that Matthias wouldn’t miss having them all around. “I would rather talk to you Ella,” Matthias playfully nudged his little sister. It was a heavy burden being the child of a king but Matthias had always tried to make his sisters happy. Sometimes he succeeded but mostly, he felt as if he had failed them all.  “You look as if you have the fate of the world resting upon your shoulders, let me share your burdens meine geschätzte Schwester.”

As the eldest daughter of the German King, even if only by a minute or two, Eleonora had always felt a certain pressure on resting on her shoulders. A heavy weight of never being quite good enough. First and foremost, for not being born a boy. Second, of not meeting her father’s expectations time and time again. And now, with her sister married off in a possibly fruitful marriage to a new ally, the Duchess had felt at times like she had failed once again. Too damaged and too old to be desirable for any suitor of status. She was certain Matthias would understand part of her pain, as he too was of the same lineage but still not quite his father’s son as he was expected to be. Still without child and cast aside when the ‘true heir’ was born. - Oh how she cared for him, like she did for all her brothers, and appreciated his care for her and the others. Her efforts to make her smile where always met with the desired result, as it did now. As he nudged her playfully, it sparked a smile to play on the edges of her rosy lips. 

“As always, you are too kind, lieber Bruder. To postpone your coverstation with God to listen to my troubles..” Ella smiled still, though it had clearly faltered a little. Her eyes glowed with solemnity, as she directed her gaze towards the cross once more. “Matti, be honest with me, please. Have I failed in my duty of being a good daughter? And in my duty of protecting Friedi? - The time I was bedridden has given me time to reflect upon my actions and I fear I might have failed to live up to the image of who I was supposed to be.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

duchessfriederike‌:

Though content with her new role in life, Friedi couldn’t help but long for life to return to normal. Of course, things would never be normal, ever again. Her place in the world had shifted, and there was no going back to where she had been before. Exciting though that may be, a part of it made her a little sad. She loved Germany, even though Germany did not much love her, and the idea of never returning was easier to swallow if she did not think about it too much, and tried to get into the swing of her new normal. For the moment, she retained her chambers in part of the castle that the Germans made their own. Though they had been there only a few short months, with everything changing so dramatically, it made it easier that there was still something a little familiar, even if it were only the rooms that had been hers since January. Sooner than they knew, they would all go their own way, and she would not be returning with the rest of her siblings, and there would be a new home, new rooms, a new everything to get used to. Not for the first time, she was glad for the gradual alterations to her life. How did women do it, when they were forced to make the change all in one go? 

Unfortunately, her chambers were a lot less quiet than they had been, once. When they had first arrived, the only visitors she looked forward to were her siblings, or her friends from afar that she had not seen for too long. Since her engagement, her rooms had steadily been filling with visitors looking to bestow their congratulations, and now she was married, they were practically full to bursting. She had always been a lively sort, and fond of company, but she also possessed a temper like no other. One of the ladies had annoyed her, and in Germany, she would not hesitate to tell them so, but she was a new woman now. She wasn’t even Friederike anymore, not really. And so, she excused herself, paying little attention to the retinue that trailed after her. 

Friedi had always thought that she and her twin were of the same mind. They couldn’t be more different in personality, but it was in compliment with one another. Switzerland had tested that theory, but if there was ever any proof to the truth of it, it was Nell, standing before her almost the moment she had left her rooms. Her relief at the sight of her was so great that she forgot her previous annoyance, and stretched out her arms to draw her sister into a tight hug. “Nell!” she exclaimed, pulling away slightly and pressing a fond kiss to her cheek and laughing at the jest at her expense. “Please. There is nothing so important that I will not make time for you. I would be honoured to join you, as long as we can find a little privacy out there to enjoy it.” 

The Duchess of Mecklenburg eagerly pulled her beloved sister into a tight hug, as the other mimicked her own gesture of outstretching her arms to welcome the warmth. Oh, how Nell had missed the closeness to her sister. Perhaps it was the bond between twins, tied together from the moment they grew in the womb, that made it feel as if she had lost a limb the moment they strayed from each other’s side for too long. It filled her both with joy and anxiety. The latter rising from the idea that if it felt so unnatural already, how it would feel if they would spend years apart. It was a thought she did not wish to entertain now. The thought was one to ponder over in the night, when she was feeling restless. Not when they were united now at last. - A smile, as radiant as the sun itself, beamed off her face as the other brunette pressed a kiss to her cheek. Her closeness comforting, natural and energizing at the same time. “Do not let your dear husband hear such a bold claim. Surely he will be slightly saddened by the idea that he has to share your precious time and attention with me.” she chuckled, as she released her sister from her tight embrace and moved to hook their arms. Like they had always done, like it should be. It seemed that time had washed away their silly feud for now, or perhaps that it had put a pressure on them to forget. For the time they could spend together before they would be separated was uncertain. 

“I’m counting on you here to find us the prefect spot for a private conversation, where we can get away for a moment. I’ve got a few ideas in mind, but you were always the expert when it came to finding the best secluded hiding spots. Perhaps it is time to give up your title, but I have a feeling you might excel at it.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

They will forever be mayor Elsa & Anna vibes; - @duchessfriederike

I’m going with you. Anna, no. Excuse me, I climbed the North Mountain, survived a frozen heart and saved you from my ex-boyfriend. So, you know, I’m coming.

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

@holstcin​

“I can still hardly believe that Friedi is married” Eleonora spoke suddenly, her voice calm and musing, as she gazed out over the lake where she and her sister had found a spot in the shade. They had occupied themselves with pleasantries, which in Ella’s case was a book on astrology which she had found in one of the Swiss libraries. The last few days had been perfect spring weather and to stay indoors would be an absolute waste. - Friedi’s wedding, as well as recent events, had reminded her that time with her family was precious. It could end with the snap of God’s finger. Or that of their own father, for that matter. Hence why she had invited her youngest sister for an outing, to spend the lovely afternoon together rather than on her own. 

“You must tell me, Dottie, have met anyone at the wedding who had caught your attention? Unions such as these usually breed new possibilities and unique matches. - And even if you have not, I am certain vater will be in a good mood for a while, don’t you think? He got what he wanted. One of his daughters married to a powerful ally.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

@duchessfriederike​

It was quite the foreign feeling, the fact that she needed to think before entering her sister’s chambers. That there was a fair chance that she would not find her alone, but instead with a man the duchess barely knew. A foreigner, from a far away country, who had now become her brother-in-law. The wedding still played on every time she closed her eyes. The pride she felt as she watched her sister enjoy herself, blossoming into the woman she was always meant to be. Envy and pain no longer had a place on that special evening, but eagerly returned to claw at her heart when she opened her eyes the day after. Her head heavy from drinking and her body sore from the dancing most of the night. She had given them a day of two to settle, certain that her sister did not wish for the disturbance of her twin now that she was a newly wedded wife. So Nell was patient, spend her days on other matters that could keep her mind occupied while she gave her sister space. But on the third day, she could not wait any longer. 

She caught her sister in the hallway of the Castelgrande castle. Never would she admit that had casually waited there for perhaps more than half an hour, in hopes that she would pass. Uncertain to go to Kiki’s new rooms as she still found herself getting accustomed to the new reality. But the eldest did not waste a single moment as her twin approached with ladies-in-waiting in tow. Pushing herself up from the wall she had been gently leaning against and making her way towards her sister. Reaching out her hands in an automatic reflex, as a gentle smile graced her features. “There she is, her highness” Nell spoke lovingly, with a hint of tease, as she bowed down before her sister. Putting her days of practice after her injury to good use. “I am certain you have countless matters to attend to, but I wondered if I could perhaps tempt you with the offer of a stroll in the gardens. - I’ve heard it is the ideal time to see it all in full bloom now.”

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

@ferdinandlorraine​

As to be expected, she found her older sibling at the stables. She found it to be too early to waste time away drinking and as the alcohol had been flowing richly at their sister’s wedding, she was almost certain most had had more than enough to last themselves a headache for at least a week. And better way to bid good riddance to the ache that made the head feel heavy than an early afternoon ride? She was eager herself to get back on her horse as well, after her injury had proven to be completely healed to a point where the physician deemed her fit enough to get back up on horseback. An activity she had sorely missed, as well as her favorite horse which she had brought along on the journey. 

“I hope you did not have your mind set on riding out alone, liebster Bruder, for I had truly hoped to join you on this spring day.” she called out to her brother, being in his presence alone enough to make her smile. The duchess was almost certain he would not deny her the pleasure, only if there was something to hide perhaps. But there was little the German children hid from one another, or at least so she still believed. Fractures seemed mended, and though there was still the matter of the long lost daughter that had joined in their midst, she refused to let it ruin her day. At least for now. 

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

When their father the King had proposed the conversion in religion, Eleonora had only doubted a single moment before following orders given. It was not in her nature to defy and even though religion had always been important in her life, she did not feel as if she now had to stray from it. She was still true to her God, only obeyed and followed is guidance in a different way. After all, she did believe that her Lord had been the hand guiding the power the King of Germany wielded. He would not allow the shift of power if it were not god given. 

Since the whole event unfolded and all the lies and schemes were revealed, Ella had mostly kept to herself. The remaining tension between her and her twin sister had lead to a form of self isolation, as she tried to place the pieces of the puzzle that had now been fully reshaped. It seemed that even the order of succession was an uncertainty, and the duchess could not help but to feel a slight sting at the thought of everything they knew lost. As if losing her sister , both in through marriage as well as due to a foolish argument, was not enough. - So she had gotten herself dressed soberly and made her way to one of the chapels in Montobello Castle. The person she found there was not expected, but a welcome sight either way. “Please finish your prayers, brother. I do not wish to rush you” she spoke quietly within the walls of the sanctuary, as she folded her hands infront of her. Patient, as her eyes studied the cross that was at the center of the chapel. Ornate and decorated with delicate engravings. It was a sign of peace, unity and purity, as it had proven to be on their sister’s wedding day. God had protected them, even when her sister had accepted another religion to follow. All she could hope for was that it was a sign that the time of fear and terror had ended with the marriage of the two. 

open starter location: montebello castle chapel

The chapel in Montebello castle was one that Matthias rarely visited. There was so much that had happened, from the murders to the resurrection of his sister… it all seemed unbelievable. Although once a catholic, a chapel had been a place where Matthias had spent a lot of time in during his youth. At times he thought he was destined for the church, more so when Ferdinand came a long but now his faith was strained.   When he knelt in the chapel, instinctively Matthias’s hands almost made the sign of the cross but he caught himself just in time.  He had no idea what to pray for. Should he pray for the souls that had been murdered or for the sister he had once thought gone. Matthias could barely remember her, he was no older than four years of age when she had passed, or so they all thought. His prayers were disturbed by someone intruding on his solitude. “If you must speak to me then it can wait till after I have spoken to god, unless the issue is a pressing one?” He didn’t look up from his clasped hands, waiting for the person to speak. 

[herzoginxfmecklenburg]

duchessfriederike‌:

@herzoginxfmecklenburg​

“Nell?” Friedi called out tentatively. They weren’t still fighting, not really, but things weren’t the same between the two of them. They had bigger things to deal with now than their own petty squabbles, but Friederike felt a definite strain when she thought of her twin sister. She let herself into Nell’s rooms now without knocking, as she usually did, but there was hesitation on her face, an uncertainty about whether that would be tolerated, or if she would be ordered from the room. After all, the day of her wedding was drawing near, and once again, she had not included Eleonora. She hadn’t intended to do it, but things had moved so quickly that there had hardly seemed time, especially with this new sister rising from the dead. 

“Did you receive your invitation?” She asked, taking a seat before her sister could tell her not to. She reached for Nell’s hands, and took them in her own.  “I just hope everything goes to plan. They say the eclipse was a bad omen, and things so rarely go well here.” Her nerves were apparent, and there was nobody who could soothe her like Nell could - though whether she would remained to be seen. 

According to the doctors, Eleonora was considered a fully healed patient. But in the light of recent events and the whirlwind of events that followed one another, the German duchess was uncertain of this. Perhaps in body she had healed, yes, but in soul it felt as if everything had torn it’s tears that refused to even begin to heal. One of the tears that still felt like a bleeding wound came from the place where it felt her twin sister had been ripped from. They no longer fought, but their relationship was by no means the same as it always had been. With the wedding approaching in a matter of days, she only focused on accepting her loss and making ready to present a dutiful presence at her sister union ceremony. The joy of the faire that had been the start of their journey almost seemed to be a part of her life that didn’t truly belong to her own memories. There were few things she regretted in life, or refused to accept and move on from, but she damned the day she set foot into the carriage that had brought her to this damned place. 

The calling of her name on the other side of the heavy door to her chambers stirred a mixture of feelings in the pit of her stomach. It was as if her sister had been waiting on the other side of the door for the perfect time to enter, just when Ella was picking out the jewelry suitable to wear to a wedding. She parted her lips to grand her entrance but it was not needed. Friedi entered before she even answered. As she should, as they had always done. 

Eleonora laid down the necklace she had been holding in her hands before turning to face her sister, who had taken a seat close to her. “Of course, I did, Kiki. And even if the scribe had forgotten mine, I will shamelessly take the seat of whatever important governor Father has invited” she chuckled, but the amusement did not quite reach her eyes. Perhaps it was because she had actually feared not receiving in invitation, as her sister possibly still thought that she was not happy for her. 

The duchess gently squeezed her sister’s hand, als Nell took it in her own. Perhaps she did not feel as much excitement as she had expected, to see her sister get married to a person she actually liked, but she would never wish ill on her wedding. No, she deserved for it to be a beautiful day in her life. “So I have heard from many a priest and adviser alike, but do you not think that we already quite had our fair share of dreadful events? I do not know why this country attracts only misery, but I am certain that on your wedding day is not cursed. - How could it be, when it’s an union that may not only brings peace but also happiness to the couple. God will certainly smile down at such a rare and delightful sight.”