rivkaruby

[rivkaruby]

"That sounds absolutely lovely," Rivka chimed in, having been admiring flowers herself. She wanted to brighten up her chambers, and flowers seemed perfect. She'd ordered a few bunches to be delivered to the castle, and fell into step with the tsarina. "Mind if I join you? I've noticed myself being too involved in politics and not enough in pleasures, like walking through the village."

Rivka had started to feel lonely, always chasing after doors that closed to her. Her father, brother and betrothed were all busy, all the time, so she was left to her own devices.

“I guess, so far, today’s been a rather good day. A little boy from the village gave me a rose this afternoon and told me I was beautiful. That is the sweetest thing I have ever gotten in a long while.” The tsarina stated quite happily as she admired the single rose. @1642hqzstarters

[rivkaruby]

"That is a very interesting take on royal drama. In my experience it can be used for personal gain or for distraction purposes." She smiled at the woman. "Rivka Ghazi, princess of the Mughal empire. It's very nice to meet you, ma'am."

Rivka put down her glass. "It is strange to see things peaceful after such a chaotic few weeks, I must admit."

rivkaruby​:

“I suppose when one is absent of any other whim, then participating in or causing drama is the fallback hobby,” Rivka replied, looking over. “Besides, it is entertaining to those of us who are not drawn in to such….frivolities.” A cynical take, perhaps, but Rivka was not feeling particularly optimistic. “Forgive the candor, I am one too many glasses in for my tolerance.” Rivka sighed softly. She had studied the manifest of houses here, but the names ran together after a while. “Forgive me again, I cannot place your house, my lady.”

“Mm, drama is one of the more adaptable hobbies I suppose, we’re all able to take what we need or want from it.” Alessandra said with a soft chuckle. “No forgiveness is necessary. I am the Queen Mother of Italy, Renaldi.”

[rivkaruby]

"I suppose when one is absent of any other whim, then participating in or causing drama is the fallback hobby," Rivka replied, looking over. "Besides, it is entertaining to those of us who are not drawn in to such....frivolities." A cynical take, perhaps, but Rivka was not feeling particularly optimistic. "Forgive the candor, I am one too many glasses in for my tolerance." Rivka sighed softly. She had studied the manifest of houses here, but the names ran together after a while. "Forgive me again, I cannot place your house, my lady."

@1642hqzstarters​

“You know I never expected that so long cooped up in our own countries would cause so much drama once we were released.” At the moment not too much of it concerned Italy, as far as Alessandra was aware anyway. So, although she did hide it somewhat, she was enjoying her time at the moment. That was shown by the slight smile she had as she spoke and the way she sipped at her wine whilst overlooking the people.

[rivkaruby]

"Oh, do not misunderstand. There are many here I do not trust. The distrust comes with remembering that many here abandoned their eastern allies when the going got tough. I am not naive to the ways of backhanded allyship. Maybe it is optimism at this point, but I do think that there is true allyship to be had-mutually beneficial relationships, even friendships with the right people."

Rivka couldn't contain the surpise on her face. "Bring yourself to care? I understand the feeling of isolation when you are not the direct heir. I am not. However...I still care about the politics of my country. I feel as if...it would be a disservice to my people to be a princess who does not know the struggles and woes of her own people. I do not mean to be offensive, your grace. Just because it does not have to concern you does not mean you are barred from the knowledge. We are strong, smart women. We should not leave our countries to the whims of men."

"   it   does   not   feel   like   any   allyships   have   helped   the   ottoman   empire   much   in   recent   history   –   not   in   my   eyes   –   however   ,   i   am   unsure   what   my   father's   vision   for   our   home   land   is   these   days   .   i   do   not   get   involved   into   his   plans   .   "   simply   how   things   would   be   handled   in   their   family   .   she   wasn't   heir   ,   nothing   close   to   it   .   the   little   sister   who   would   ,   one   day   ,   ensure   a   useful   business   deal   –   one   that   hopefully   would   do   the   opposite   of   what   she   had   just   given   insight   to   .   "   nor   can   i   bring   myself   to   care   much   .   "   brunette   finally   admitted   too   .   the   conversation   reminded   her   why   ,   pointed   out   once   again   why   she   left   the   talks   about   politics   to   her   older   brother   .

"   your   words   are   reasonable   .   though   ,   is   there   not   a   difference   between   allies   and   being   one   to   sell   or   buy   information   ?   a   formal   deal   does   not   equal   allyship   ,   it   appears   .   "   the   cup   of   tea   is   finished   though   the   princess   does   not   intend   to   lean   back   .   "   you   might   feel   like   it   is   secrecy   why   some   of   refuse   to   share   information   or   support   .   has   it   appeared   to   you   that   those   countries   are   the   ones   who   feel   like   they   cannot   trust   ?   it   might   be   a   mutual   problem   .   one   that   goes   both   ways   .   after   all   ,   it   is   an   individual   decision   .   one   must   not   expect   their   own   behavior   from   others   –   this   i   have   learned   throughout   my   young   life   .   "

[rivkaruby]

"I can understand that. I am interested, and getting frustrated if I am to be honest. I am not used to secrecy like this. My sister and I are very interested in politics, and our family did not shy away from letting us engage in the goings on of our kingdom. That changed when we came here. Closed doors, guards, everyone pretending like they aren't trying to save their own countries...it's tedious and tiring, to be candid. I want to know more than just that things are "good"," she answered the last with air quotes.

"So it seems you were just lucky enough for me to come over here," she replied, her tone teasing as her eyes met his. "I don't usually enjoy the stiffness of western dancing, but I can make an exception." She offered her hand with a slight bow. "By all means, change your pace, your grace."

Ignacio chuckled softly, “Ah, well, I suppose you could say that I am more of a people watcher myself. I find it fascinating to observe the behavior of others in social situations. It can tell you a great deal about a person, their intentions, and their true character.”

He took a sip of his own champagne, savoring the taste before continuing. “As for sweeping someone off their feet, I must confess, I have not been in the mood for such pursuits lately. My mind has been occupied with other matters, but perhaps tonight will bring a change of pace.”

He turned to face Rivka fully, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers. “Speaking of matters, I couldn’t help but notice your interest in the summit. As it so happens, I have a proposal that could benefit both of our countries. Would you care to discuss it further over a dance?” He offered his hand with a smile, his interest piqued by the possibility of a potential partnership with Rivka’s kingdom. He knew Spain needed allies.

[rivkaruby]

"I do wish I had gotten to know her better; I just greeted her in passing, but she seemed like a lovely woman, and a credit to her country. It is a shame she will not be here to eventually see the summit come of something, but we can celebrate that her killer was caught." Rivka sipped the champagne, looking fully at the Duke now, smiling a little. "Thank you, your grace. I like to embrace the style of my kingdom when I can. I assimilate in normal company, it's just easier, but the freedom of movement that comes with wearing the silks and lace of my country is a breath of fresh air. Not to mention....the colors tend to stick out, and that helps." She smirked, watching the crowd again.

"I am surprised to see you standing off to the side while so many are dancing, Duke. With so many people to charm, I thought you'd have swept someone off of their feet. Unless you're looking for someone who shares your liking of people watching."

Ignacio looked at Rivka, taking in her green and red outfit with interest. He had to admit, he hadn’t seen many people dress like her at these parties, and it was refreshing. He smiled at her introduction, impressed by her straightforwardness and lack of pageantry.

“Ah, Princess Rivka, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Ignacio took a sip of his drink before continuing. “Ignacio Falcó, Duke of Castamar at your service. And don’t worry, you haven’t caused any missteps. I’m not a regular attendee of these events. I find them to be quite tedious at times, but duty calls.” He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. “But I must say, seeing you here has made the evening more enjoyable. Your outfit is quite striking, and I’m glad to see someone embracing who they are”

He took a moment to observe the other guests mingling around them, some deep in conversation, others sipping drinks and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres. “As for the party, I have to agree with you. It’s quite lovely, isn’t it? There’s a sense of authenticity and joy in the air that’s rare to find at these events. I think it’s because of the memory of Princess Clara, she had a way of bringing people together.”

[rivkaruby]

"Not particularly," Rivka admitted, taking another glass, probably one more than she should have. Too many drinks could equal loose lips, and she had to be careful. "This is one of the more genuine balls I've seen, so it's better than the stuffy dinners we're all expected to pretend aren't just ways to distract us from the matters at hand." She glanced over. "Pardon me, I should probably make this my last glass of the night."

Rivka tried to place the woman next to her, but it was too tiring to think. "Forgive me if I cannot place you, my lady. I am Rivka Ghazi, princess of the Mughal empire. I'm sure if I hadn't been a million places at once, I would be able to."

Open Starter! @1642hqzstarters

Location: Ballroom in the Swiss Palace in the Evening

Lucille adored balls. The pomp and circumstance, the lavishness of them, it was all right up her alley. She had done her duty of dispelling the rumors about her son and the Italian Princess... but she still had yet to speak with Laurie about the issue at hand.

"Enjoying the ball?" She asked another guest with a smile, a smile that faded behind her glass as she took a sip of champagne.

[rivkaruby]

closed starter for @crownedcrls

location: ballroom during the event

~~

Rivka had been desperate for someone she already knew. She hadn't seen Chala yet, who she usually flocked to if not her own siblings and father, and it had suprised her. Then again, he was probably busying himself like always. She'd said her own name so many times it sounded bitter on her tongue, and she needed the relief of not having to introduce herself. Solace came in the form of Mei, and Rivka nearly flew to her side. "If I have to introduce myself again, I shall scream," she blurted out, taking a long sip from her glass. "Though I must say, it is nice to feel as though I'm at a genuine celebration and not a business dinner like before."

She sighed, smiling at the closest thing she had to a best friend so far. "How are you faring tonight, Mei? Hopefully you've been able to relax a little bit at least? Goodness knows we all need it."

[rivkaruby]

"Well, I can say I've never seen someone reading during a ball, that's for sure. I can admire the resolve to do what you want to do when surrounded by people; I think my feet shall fall off from all the introductions I've done so far tonight." She sat down next to the woman, letting out a sigh. "What's one more introduction, though. Rivka Ghazi, princess of the Mughal empire. Forgive me if I don't recognize you, my lady, nor the book you're reading. I enjoy books, but never find the time to sit down and read them."

Open Starter! @1642hqzstarters

Location: The Ballroom of the Swiss Palace during The Ball in the evening

Margarethe was sitting down at a nearby table in her elaborate floral gown... reading a book she had brought along with her. She hadn't managed to put it down since she had picked it up, and it was a long book indeed, nearly 800 or more pages, the book itself weighed 8 pounds and she had previously had her servant carry it for her. Her eyes scanned each and every word on each page, slowly taking in The Works of Joseph B. Hall.

She looked up at someone who had approached her, a friendly smile appearing on her face, though she didn't put the book down.

"I hope you are indeed enjoying the lovely ball." She said.

[rivkaruby]

"Oh, excuse me. I did not mean to cause a misstep if I did so." Rivka stopped apologizing for taking up space a long time ago, but would acknowledge if she had caused it. Refilling her glass, she glanced over at the gentleman and bowed a little bit. "I'm sorry, I don't think I've seen you around the castle. That's surprising, I seem to be everywhere nowadays. Rivka Ghazi, princess of the Mughal empire." Her introduction was short and sweet. Pageantry wasn't something she enjoyed, even if she was proud of the title she held.

She didn't hate parties; in fact, she enjoyed celebrations greatly. What she didn't enjoy was having to put on a pretense of regency and awkwardness that came with being surrounded by royalty. Rivka had allowed herself to dress in a way that made her comfortable; a green silk tunic under a red robe, fastened at the waist with a simple gold brooch. She hadn't wanted to don too many ornaments, lest she draw attention away from the focus of the party, the danish family, but she did allow gold hoops braided into her hair, and her usual ruby pendant around her neck. Her shoes were green and gold trimmed to match her outfit, and the robe was stitched with gold ornaments on the sleeves and hems.

"Are you enjoying the party? This is the most authentic and joyful party I've seen in this ballroom so far, if I'm to be honest."

As guests arrived at the ball, they donned the same masks they had worn at previous functions. Among the crowd was the Duke of Castamar, who drifted through the room with ease, sipping champagne and observing the unfolding events. He had no particular agenda and was simply enjoying the atmosphere. Behind the scenes, seduction, intrigue, and scandal were brewing, and the Duke wondered if he would be caught up in any particular scenario. As Ignacio made his way to the bar for another glass of champagne, he accidentally bumped into someone. “Oh, pardon me, my apologies,” he said with a charming smile. @1642hqzstarters​

[rivkaruby]

"it is quite alright," she chuckled. "Rivka Ghazi, princess of the Mughal Empire. It is a pleasure to meet you, your grace. You are a breath of fresh air to the dowdy others who refuse to leave the castle and would rather waste away in the dark than come out and actually get sunlight on their skin."

Rivka looked around at the gardens. "I must be honest, the manicured nature of the gardens is interesting to me. What are they like in Russia? In our empire, the gardens are a mix of both tame and wild. Native flowers and trimmed topiaries combined." She smiled. "My favorite parts are the marigolds, of course. Their bright colors practically rival the sun."

"oh, i'm sorry!” katya exclaimed, “yekaterina romanova, grand princess of russia. and i’m afraid i must ask for your name also.”

she could tell she was blushing at least a little, the warmth spreading across her cheeks at the realisation of her slip in propriety. perhaps the whole situation was getting to her more than she’d first thought.

instead, katya turned to survey that gardens as they passed through them. she’s always had some affinity for this style of carefully tended garden, but russia rarely had the weather to maintain such luxuries. she was happy to take her time wandering between the hedges and flowers.

[rivkaruby]

"You are right...I will still worry, at this point it feels in my nature to worry and fuss. However...I will worry less about acceptance, and more about doing what's right by our people, by your family. Our families." She smiled, leaning in and hugging him again. "Thank you for your counsel, Chala. You're wise beyond your years, as always. Thank you for seeing me so late, as well. I realize I just kind of burst into your chambers, I'm lucky the queen wasn't here," Rivka chuckled, smiling at him again and standing.

"I'm afraid I have exhausted myself with my worry. I will see myself out. Thank you again, brother." She hugged him one more time, then made her way to the door and to the corridor. It was strange to call anyone but her own flesh brother, but that's how the family felt to her; all siblings. It gave her a renewed sense of vigor, and while she was tired at this hour, her mind was anything but exhausted.

rivkaruby​

“It’s not that I don’t want the betrothal to be happy, or that I’m working against it. I know how important it is to us, and how much it means to everyone. I’m just…I’m not Revati. She was so skilled at being a queen, and she spent so long preparing herself for everything. Everyone loved her and she had the temperament of a lamb while still compelling everyone to look at her when she needed it. I’m the opposite. She was the lamb to my lion. What if I’m not as good as she is at..being married, at being queen? What if no one likes me, what if your brother doesn’t like me? Or your people?”

These were fears that very few knew, but she felt comfortable unloading them here. Chala did feel like a brother to her, like her own. “I don’t want to fail you, my father, my siblings…anyone.”

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ˏˋ°•*⁀➷      

Though not his own flesh & blood, Revati had left a small gap in his heart, too, mainly out of mourning & respect to his friends && allies. Nodding slowly, Chala understood what she meant. For so long, he too did not feel worthy to be Ethiopia's leader. He held their trust from his birth, and it had taken years for him to truly feel he deserved what love his people gave him. "That is how I know you will be good. These are questions from someone who will earn the respect & the love. The people... for your name, for your beauty, for what you represent, they already love you. You be yourself & show them their faith is rightly placed by making decisions with your best judgement."

In that moment, Chala felt he was gazing into a mirror; a younger version of himself, sitting off && alone with his father, the future of holding the King title seeming far away & all too close at the same time. His heart bled for her. He knew these feelings so well, and moved to lightly touch her hand. "You will fail," he told her truthfully, voice quiet, but eyes kind. These moments reminded him that the past had not entirely hardened him. Darkness had left light in his soul yet. "My father told me not to make my goal to be above failure, for as humans, we never are. Only the Gods can achieve perfection, but... it is in the way we handle our failures that define our success."

[rivkaruby]

Rivka tilted her head. The sultana was the first person she'd met who had an opposing view as her, and it struck her interest. "I would counter that watching out for ourselves is one thing that hurt so many countries. I am not blind to the fact that many others tiptoe and skirt around those of us from the Mughal empire and Ethiopia. They are aware that we suffered much, and everyone else who formally called themselves allies all but abandoned us, save a few allies that were established beforehand." She intentionally did not divulge her allyship with Mei and the Ming Dynasty. Layla seemed to be pretty neutral, but Rivka knew being careful with information was important. Ethiopia and the Mughals were not shy about their allyship, but Mei needed secrecy.

She leaned back, sipping her tea. "I cannot say what I would contribute if I can't know how far along they are. All I know for sure is that I want to know why many countries decided to close themselves off and refuse mutual aid to others. We believe in a time of turmoil that working together is the most beneficial. Secrecy only feeds doubt, and doubt aids in deceit. There is a difference between being careful with how information is given and completely shutting out anyone that could have something you don't. Even those who do not wish to ally have needs, don't you agree?"

sultana   watches   her   company   take   a   seat   and   listens   to   her   .   since   they   had   not   yet   crossed   paths   she   couldn't   be   sure   what   rivka's   opinion   on   the   summit   was   however   ,   soon   revealed   that   they   stood   on   different   sides   for   this   once   .   "   oh   ,   dear   princess   ,   i   will   admit   that   i   believe   we   all   need   to   watch   out   for   ourselves   .   those   who   we   experience   as   allies   are   those   with   the   most   power   to   overthrow   us   .   "   the   cup   is   picked   up   to   sip   on   the   tea   for   a   small   pause   between   words   .

"   it   is   interesting   to   hear   that   you   are   included   in   the   decisions   over   your   kingdom   so   openly   .   i   have   not   experienced   this   before   .   "   always   shut   out   when   the   leaders   of   her   own   home   started   talking   ,   kept   as   a   secret   weapon   well   hidden   away   ...   for   now   .   "   what   is   it   that   you   would   like   to   contribute   to   their   conversation   ?   i   cannot   admit   to   know   much   about   politics   .   not   as   much   as   you   perhaps   .   "   small   compliment   followed   by   a   polite   smile   .

[rivkaruby]

"At this point it almost feels useless, but...those blasted guards are too good at their jobs. I'm sure they have been ordered to keep everything under lock and key, which is understandable, but you'd think if I told them I'm the princess of the Mughal empire, I'd be allowed in. Why on earth do they keep royals from their own discussions? It seems like you'd be able to come in as long as you have permission, no? Are the customs really that different here?" She took the handkerchief, dotting her forehead gently.

She knew her father's relationship with her and their politics was different; most people don't allow their children to ask as many questions as she did. However, all the secrecy was frustrating to her, and suspicious.

Antoni was walking around the palace grounds. He was getting to know the place he would call home for the mean time. Home such a foreign concept to him. The prince arrived at the most terrible timing, or so he was told. However, that did not stop him from exploring the corridors by himself. Toni would admit he was taken back by the princess’s sudden remark. “On the contrary, I believe princess should brake composure all the time.” He said in a joking manner, trying to ease the waters. He reached out his inner pocket for a hanker shift and offered it to her. “May I know what happen? Whom do we need to speak to?”

[rivkaruby]

"Thank you," she sighed, her rage quelled by the concern. She took the handkerchief, chuckling at the remark. "That would be funny to see indeed, guards walking around with rocks in their boots trying to keep composure." She sighed, leaning back.

"Maybe it's useless," Rivka finally sighed. "Everyone else seems content not being able to listen to what's going on. Maybe I should too. Everything here is under lock and key, I suppose for good reason, but it is disheartening."

"No, I've seen princesses break their composure before. Dramatically." When the other had stormed into the room Jadwiga had been taken enough by surprise that she'd simply froze. Book in hand and sat by the fire all her attention had been taken away from her reading and instead to the woman in the chair. She hadn't wanted to say anything, hadn't wanted to disturb an emotional moment but she also hadn't known what to do. Rivka had broken that impasse of indecision at least.

"I was just concerned." She held her book with one hand as she fiddled for a moment with her other before pulling out a handkerchief. She'd taken to always carrying at least two with her since becoming a mother. They were always coming in useful. Leaning forwards, she held it out as an offering for Rivka to take if she so wanted. "Whoever upset you so should receive a pebble in their shoe each day until they're sorry."

[rivkaruby]

She hadn't realized how lucky she was to already have a betrothal set up. not have to worry about finding someone or navigating the politics of it all. "It wouldn't hurt to have some extra security in a husband. Find someone willing to stand back a little and just let you work your magic while keeping people off your back. Surely there are enough men here who would like to say they were betrothed to an empress." Rivka nudged her gently and smiled. "Or if you're even luckier, someone will see how amazing you are and fall in love with you."

"Agreed. I wonder how close they are to finding any suspects," she queried between sips of wine. "They definitely want to try and shift things back to normal, that's for sure."

"I have to work on finding more myself. Perhaps even a husband." The words were heavy, at one point she'd been set to marry Yeong-Gi. But that was before he was banished. Their betrothal had simply been one of convinence, something to help secure her throne in the eyes of those who would doubt. Even if he wasn't banished anymore, he wasn't an option. It would all but hand her crown to another. "I've not even thought about marriage in years and now I might have to find one here."

She felt for her father, and understood him. "We're all tired here, I don't blame your father for being tired. I have the same weight of the country and my family but I don't have children to worry about." Mei-Ling had never been happier to not have children. One day perhaps she would like to be a mother, but not here. "Until we find out the cause of Princess Clara's death I fear everyone will remain on edge."

[rivkaruby]

There it was. A little crack. Not a big one, but enough. "I cannot imagine," she replied softly. "The stress you must be feeling, the fear...I'm sorry, Phillipa. Genuinely, I am. I do not know how I would be able to conduct myself in your place. You are doing a much better job than I."

That was more than true. Rivka would be all over the place if she were in Phillipa's place and she knew it. "In the mean time, I can assure you-honestly-that I'm a safe person to talk to about things. I am not here for status or higher reachings. I'm already betrothed. I'm simply here to help piece my country back together."

The held back sigh is what Rivka picked up on. Almost like...she couldn't be sure, but almost like she hadn't wanted Rivka to ask. "Well, that's wonderful, your grace. I'm glad she's well. However...how are you," she asked again, this time emphasizing her words more carefully.

She knew all too well how hard it was to hold yourself together when circumstances differ from how you feel, and she found herself not only wanting to find out something from the princess, but also to almost help her unload some of that burden. It was heavier than a crown sometimes, and both of them had to know that.