#Book Matrimonial ads

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What makes a marriage advertisement in newspaper useful? We tell you!

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From Print to Partner: How Newspaper Matrimonial Ads Connect Hearts

[kingorqueenofnarnia]

Narnia Headcanons

Queen Susan the Gentle

Never married, but so renowned was her beauty that she received countless courting offers from kingdoms all over the Mainland and even the archipelagos beyond the Lone Islands. Got sick of it within a year, and stopped going out of Narnia on account of matrimonial alliances after the Rabadash fiasco.

Personally took in Aravis Tarkheena as an apprentice after the battle at Archenland, and a few years down the line, officiated her wedding to Shasta on the couple's request.

The Narnians gave her many epithets. A few of them are thus: Queen Susan the Fierce, Susan the Eagle-Eyed, the Peacemaker Queen, Defender of the People, etc. In Narnia, she was respected for her intelligence and for being a fierce warrior and archer.

Surrounding nations gave her the following titles: Queen Susan the Divine, the Celestial Beauty, the Heavenly Queen, and so forth. Outside, Susan was famous for her beauty and not much else. It chafed, to not be known for her intelligence or strength. She disliked her foreign titles for their shallowness.

She and the others adopted Peter's tradition of adding a braid every time a battle/duel was won. She would also regularly add flowers to her hair, unlike Peter who only let Lucy braid flowers into his hair on special occasions. She chose the flowers carefully depending on their meaning and how it related to each battle. When they fell out of Narnia, Susan had eighteen braids and types of flowers in her hair.

Detested war, and very rarely rode out to battle— only when there was no other way and she was absolutely required on the battlefield would she don armour and command the archers. She was just as good a strategist as her siblings, and won every battle that she led.

War paint was worn both in court and on the battlefield. In court, her war paint was her makeup— rouge cheeks, rosy lips, black kohl, pearls woven into her hair, shimmery dust on her eyelids and cheekbones. On the battlefield, she caked gold dust on her lips, eyelids and cheekbones till she shone like the sun. She was often called the Radiant Archer.

An athletic nerd; the exact opposite of Peter. She adored being outdoors with a bow and a quiver and sword-wielding with her siblings, but she would rather be in the library with her head in the books or in the throne room attending to the problems of the people.

Her favourite subjects were Literature, Governance and Economics. She had a head for Logic, and would often be found debating these subjects with Ed in their free time. She was a logical creature and rarely gave into emotions when making decisions, which made her well suited to settling internal disputes.

Chess with her sister was her favourite passtime. Lucy was an imaginative strategist and playing her was always a herculean challenge, and Susan quite enjoyed spending hours on the other side of the board from Lucy. Playing Peter was a delightful time, of course, but she liked to spend time with Lucy.

[incorrect-koh-posts]

In your research, have you ever run across any reliable descriptions of Agnes de Courtenay, her brother Joscelin, or Sybilla?

I am sorry to disappoint you, dear anon, but - quite frankly: no. To my knowledge, no first-hand accounts of what they looked or behaved like survive. The problem is that neither William of Tyre nor Ernoul describe women in their texts; the only woman whose appearance William briefly comments on is Theodora Komnena, the Byzantine betrothed of Baldwin III.

As far as I've read, William only mentions Agnes of Courtenay in the context of the annulment of her marriage to Amalric; as one of Amalric's chief character flaws the chronicler mentions that the king was a philanderer who "is said to have abandoned himself without restraint to the sins of the flesh and to have seduced married women" (A History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea, Book XIX), which, by extension, implies Agnes to be the 'betrayed wife' in the way she is so often depicted in modern fiction. William actually goes on to throw quite a bit of shade on her in his recounting of these events, emphasising her two incestous marriages:

"After the death of his brother, however, when Amaury claimed the kingdom devolving upon him by hereditary right, he was forced to put away his wife [...], for it was claimed that they were within the fourth degree of blood relationship, a fact which was later solemnly attested in the face of the church by relatives common to both. An annulment [...] was pronounced, therefore, and the marriage dissolved [...]. Amaury remained unmarried for a time, but Agnes at once united herself in the bonds of matrimony with the noble and illustrious man, Hugh d'Ibelin, son of the older Balian. [...] After Hugh's death and while Amaury was still living, Agnes entered into the same bonds of affection with Renaud of Sidon, son of Gerard. This alliance is said to have been not less illegal than her former relation to King Amaury. For Gerard, the father of Renaud, a blood relation of both as he certainly was, established by his sworn statement the consanguinity of these two [...]. A second annulment consequently followed [...]." (Book XIX)

Ernoul, too, goes on to slander Agnes in his Chronique, accusing her of being an "immoral woman" - which, as Helen J. Nicholson writes, was very likely a result of later political rivalries and "complaints about Agnes's influence over her son" (35).

Of Joscelin III of Courtenay, Agnes' brother and Sibylla's uncle, likewise no description survives. William of Tyre spent quite some ink detailing the deeds of Joscelin's grandfather and father, praising the character of the former but noting about the latter that he "was far inferior to his father in character [...]: a lazy, idle man, given over to low and dissolute pleasures, one who spurned good ways and followed base pursuits" (Book XVII). This Joscelin II (who died in captivity in Aleppo in the late 1150s) was the man who lost the County of Edessa first to the Muslim forces of Zengi 1144, then again to Zengi's son Nur ad-Din in 1146. Thus, Joscelin III, being Count of Edessa only by title, had effectively no lands to rule over and from which to gain income. But he came south to the Kingdom of Jerusalem after Agnes had married Amalric, and the king granted him some land and income around Acre (Nicholson 34). Like Raymond III of Tripoli, Joscelin was captured by Nur ad-Din during the Battle of Harim in 1164, and only released in 1176, and went on to marry a sister of Stephanie of Milly (who was the wife of Reynald of Châtillon). He also became the guardian of Baldwin V in 1185 while Raymond served as the boy's regent.

As for Sibylla, I shall give you Helen J. Nicholson's two cents on the situation because she writes about her far more succintly than I could:

"Unlike her father King Amaury of Jerusalem, her younger brother King Baldwin IV, or her cousin King Henry II of England, no contemporary who saw her described Sybil's physical appearance, so we do not know whether she was (like her father) tall, overweight, with an attractive face, bright eyes, an aquiline nose and yellow hair, or (like her little brother) simply attractive for her age, or (like her cousin) of above medium height, strongly built, with freckles and blue-grey eyes. We also do not know whether she shared any of her father's or brother's personality traits: whether (like her father) she spoke with a slight speech impediment, had a sharp mind and was able to accurately recall what she had heard, enjoyed hearing about history and was always ready to argue a point, or (like her brother) was good at riding, with a tenacious memory and a sharp mind, loving conversation, thrifty, but with a stammer. Sybil's contemporaries scarcely ever ascribed any emotion to her: only her tears of submission when she was humbling herself before Saladin to request the release of her husband Guy after the surrender of Jerusalem early in October 1187, and her tears of joy when she met Guy after Saladin released him in early summer 1188. Such tears were an appropriate emotion for a loving wife. [...]

The difficulty of establishing women's actual deeds and authority from contemporary narrative accounts, which insisted that respectable women should not hold authority of take an active role in society except in certain limited roles (typically as devoted wife or mother), is familiar to all historians who have attempted to study the history of women. The narrative commentaries on Sybil's career present modern readers with the additional problem that their gendered expectations were further filtered through the distorting lens of the complex political situation in the kingdom of Jerusalem. Those commentators who wrote after Saladin's victory at Hattin on 4 July 1187 and his capture of Jerusalem on 2 October 1187 also sought to assign blame or credit for these events and adjusted their accounts accordingly." (8ff.)

Works Cited:

Helen J. Nicholson: Sybil, Queen of Jerusalem, 1186-1190. Routledge, 2022.

Emily Atwater Babcock & A.C. Krey (translators): A History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea by William, Archbishop of Tyre. Colombia University Press, 1943.

[houseofsnarry]

💚 HoS Members’ Recs: Self Rec ❤️

photo source

*Sorry for the repost! In the process of fixing a mistake, I accidentally deleted the original post. This mod and Tumblr are not on good terms right now. lol BUT! We added one more fic and it's a doozy! Check it out! And hopefully there are no more mistakes. *crossing fingers

- Scarlet It's NaNoWriMo! While we are busy creating new fics and art and rec lists and everything under the sun for our fav ship, what about some self-recs? Here are some of our fav Snarry works made by us! As we look forward to accomplishing our goals, we got to give appreciation to the works we've done in the past. <3

Art

🎨 Little Christmas story - @flymetosnarryland (AO3) with a snippet on Tumblr

🎨 Severus in red + Under the Influence Harry - @ofnightsndsongs (AO3)

Choose Your Own Adventure

�� What Comes Next (And How to Like It) - @likelightinglass (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 28.6k

A choose your own adventure fic! You are Severus Snape. You survived against all odds, and now it's time to take life into your own hands. What will you do with this gift of a second chance, and how will you find your happy ending? Your happy ending is pretty much always Harry Potter, but there's so many fun ways to get there.

Fanfic

📚 B.R.E.D - Elffaw Rated E, Word Count 5.3k

“You have been summoned here today,” he said, each word crisp and clear, “to partake in a physical examination required by the Ministry itself; in other words, you will be B.R.E.D.”

📚 Certain Dark Things - @liladiurne (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 50.3k

“You want me. I know you do.” I was too worn-out by then to even deny it. In the light of day, with only the summer wind and the cicadas to hear, it didn’t seem necessary to hide it. “It doesn’t matter, Harry. This can never happen.” He stared at me some more, and I did my best not to falter under those shimmering eyes. “I won’t tell anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he assured me.“ I know you wouldn’t,” I added, insisting on the conditional. I didn’t like the way he’d spoken as if it had already happened. As if I had already lost. Perhaps I already had. In which Severus takes a trip to Italy, thinking he'll have a quiet time at the Malfoys' villa, but Harry has other plans. Written for prompt #182: AU. Harry never lived with the Dursleys. He was adopted by the reformed Malfoys as an infant. He is secretly in love with his adopted father's best friend, Severus Snape.

📚 Contempt - @danpuff-ao3 (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 20k

Harry hates Snape, and he always will. (He will, won’t he?)

📚 Courting Day - wendymarlowe Rated M, Word Count 42.8k

It's Courting Day: seventh- and eighth-year students get the chance to declare their intentions to formally woo each other. The only way for Harry to avoid being a matrimonial target is to put in a declaration of his own. Surely if he picks someone who would never in a million years accept his suit, he'll escape unscathed...

📚 dream a little dream of me - @dandelionstars (AO3) with art by @acydpop (AO3) Rated T, Word Count 4.6k

While Severus was not a strong enough Seer to receive complete soulmate dreams, unfortunately, he had just enough power to catch fleeting moments of his soulmate. These flashes of intense joy were more of a curse than a blessing. Despair was suffocating when his hopes were dashed again and again like carved crystal, inevitably shattered on the floor. A Snarry Soulmate AU

📚 For I Have Found Salvation - @lumosatnight (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 7.1k

Severus is a priest, and Harry is the parishioner who may just make him break his vows of celibacy.

📚 Harry Potter’s Avada Kedavra Wedding - whythehellnothavefun Rated M, Word Count 11.4k

(From The Book of Terms And Their Definitions, page 101) Avada Kedavra Wedding: noun, informal, see also: Avada Kedavra Marriage An enforced or hurried wedding, due to one member being pregnant or under blackmail, potentially to gain access to another’s vault(s) and/or properties. (See also: Muggle Oxford English Dictionary, shotgun wedding/shotgun marriage)

📚 Invisible String - @givereadersahug (AO3) Rated G, Word Count 3.7k

The first time Harry saw Snape's black eyes — him truly acknowledging Snape's existence beyond him being his mean professor — it was the night after Harry killed Professor Quirrell. He was dreaming, and in his dreams, he was screaming. Harry dreams of Severus over the years.

📚 On the Origins of Dementors - DarkTony Rated G, Word Count 2.6k

Amidst the pages of tomes that now remain unread,there a story, a fable, a legend goes of a man made of misery…

📚 Sir Saisir - @coconutice22 (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 27k

Some things that glitter are gold. Twenty years after defeating Lord Voldemort, Severus has a meet-cute at a, ahem, private members' club.

📚 The Beat of Their Own Drum - @aeternumregina (AO3) Rated M, Word Count 2.4k

Harry sees Snape dancing at a bar, and is instantly enthralled by this new, carefree person who barely seems to resemble his old teacher.

📚 The Way Death Clutches At Life - @tax-onomic (AO3) Rated E, Word Count 7k

Death is permanent, unless it is not.

📚 This is not my beautiful wife - Klari Rated M, Word Count 35.9k

What happened after Harry smashed up Dumbledore’s office? With Sirius dead and his plans to run away from the Wizarding World on hold, Harry is on the edge— literally, and Severus manages to learn rather a lot about him at the top of the Astronomy Tower.

📚 Wish not for a soul that is full of sin - @serenaew (AO3) Rated T, Word Count 4.7k

After all, a flighty soul could not return to the water, or to the earth, as they maintained all life eventually should. (What one did not have, they believed, could not be broken.) Prologue to the merman!Snape, amnesia AU no one asked for.

Discord || Recs Lists

[knightinink]

Tell me your domestic Dip thoughts!!

Oh I most certainly will, & it’s a perfectly lovely thing to write about before bed! ☺️

-They are in their late 20s-early 30s, married in “unholy matrimony”, as Damien likes to call it.

-Their mornings usually start with Pip waking up first, as he’s more of an early riser than Damien, but he never leaves the bed too quickly. He likes seeing Damien so peaceful while he’s asleep, so he just continues to lay where he was on the demon’s chest, absentmindedly tousling Damien’s black mane of hair until he slowly rouses from his rest. Coming to & cracking an eye open, he’ll return the tired smile coming from the blond, & will pull him closer for a good morning hug. Pip, in turn, will press a kiss to wherever he can reach from where he’s laying, whether it be the demon’s chin or his lower jaw or his lips; regardless, Damien’s getting a good morning kiss.

-Damien does more of the cooking between the two of them (since he has control over fire & thus their gas oven, as well as being the one who “knows what spices are”). Pip doesn’t mind, usually being the one to set the table as well as ready the tea & coffee, & he likes Damien’s cooking better than his own anyway. They’ll either have dinner at the table or on the couch, depending on whatever mood they’re in at that point. The fancy-ness of the meal doesn’t matter either; they’ve eaten beef wellington on the couch while in their pajamas, & it was the best damn dinner they’ve ever had.

-Damien likes to show affection physically rather than verbally. So, throughout the day, while in passing, he’ll bump his shoulder gently with Pip’s, give his shoulder a squeeze, give a quick peck to his cheek, brush their fingers together, things like that. One of his all-time favorite ways of saying “I love you” is to squeeze Pip’s hand(s) three times, one squeeze for each word. When they’re seated on the couch or in bed, Damien will often hold Pip from behind, an arm around his waist, & will rest his chin on the Brit’s head or nuzzle his face into the crook of Pip’s neck.

-Because Pip’s still dealing with his insecurities about his body & his dislike of looking at himself in a mirror, Damien will often brush his hair for him, & he’s learned a bit on how to style hair from doing this. Who knew there was more than just “flip it back & run a hand through it”? They also LOVE to thread their fingers through each other’s hair, it’s a calming & grounding thing for the both of them. Pip has grown his hair out, maybe to the middle of his back or so, all because a 16-year-old Damien said “You should grow your hair out”. It’s also relaxing for him to have Damien brush it or run his fingers through it; sometimes he’ll even get a scalp massage, & he absolutely melts.

-If they’ve got wings, then that’s an amazing spot for a massage that really loosens tension within them. Whether they’re black & leathery or grey & feathery, they both love it. When they were a bit younger, they helped each other out in spots they couldn’t reach, whether it be through molting or new pin feathers growing in that needed to be preened. (Giving this nice attention to their wings is also a sure fire way to relax the other into a nap!)

-One of Pip’s many hobbies is reading, & he has an entire room he calls “the den” filled wall-to-wall with books, a rocking chair, & a fireplace that is always burning. When Damien comes looking for him, he’ll take up his own chair & ask Pip to read to him, since he loves his voice so much & loves hearing his beloved speak, words dripping with honey. (His accent is also a nice added bonus!)

That’s all I’ll do for now, I fell asleep for a few minutes while writing this, haha. I’ll have more for you all tomorrow, as soft, domestic Dip is some of my favorite. 🥰🥰🥰

[birbleafs]

[ficlet] fusion perversions

Series: Genshin Impact Characters/Pairing: Kavetham Rating: Gen Summary: Kaveh and Haitham discuss the unholy matrimony of bizarre food combinations. A/N: A short writing practice based on Liz's tweet-prompt: "Haitham was the kind of gremlin in uni who would buy a whole pack of instant fried noodles and then proceed to 'improve' them with the wildest combinations (like yakisoba with strawberry jam)." Can also be read on AO3. ※※※ If anything, Kaveh should have known better; should have foreseen even this. He’s been best friends with Haitham for the longest time, after all. And while he loathes to admit it truthfully in the presence of others, he and Haitham do know each other best—even if he can never claim to fully comprehend the logic and sensibility (or lack thereof) behind the demented inner workings of the man’s prodigious intellect. "Pineapple on pizza?” Kaveh scoffs, repulsed by the very idea. “Hmph, you truly are a heathen sometimes.” "Pineapple glazed ham is a perfectly serviceable taste for Christmas,” Haitham counters evenly, seemingly unruffled. “So, what makes this combination suddenly unacceptable when it's on pizza?" "That's different! This is like you baking that leftover clam chowder into a crisp in the oven and calling Shepherd's pie!!" "I read the recipe for that in a book once—it's called Fisherman's pie, actually." “Ugh, just stop. That’s not what Fisherman’s pie is supposed to look like…” Kaveh trails off, thinking back to that time he’d forced Haitham into Burger King for dinner as punishment for forgetting to wash the dishes that week. Haitham had sulkily chewed away at his burnt burger when he had abruptly decided that French fries went quite well with their vanilla sundae shake… Kaveh coughs into a fist then, shaking off the ugly memory of Haitham wolfing down fries dipped in vanilla sundae. “A-Anyway! You’re hereby banned from further cooking duties for the month. You can take out the trash instead!” The next day, he returns home to see Haitham lounging comfortably on the sofa with a book in one hand (normal) and a pair of chopsticks in another hand (… weird, but okay, Haitham didn’t seem to dislike the Chinese takeouts Kaveh had brought home the last couple of times, so). Haitham glances up from his reading when he hears Kaveh shrugging off his coat, never taking his eyes off Kaveh’s questioning look as he slowly lifts his hand. Kaveh scowls at what looks like a freaking potato chip perfectly balanced between Haitham’s chopsticks, only to frown harder when his roommate reaches towards the coffee table to scoop up—Is that… salsa? Oh god, that is salsa, what the actual fuc—some store-bought salsa from an opened jar. “Salsa and Ruffles potato chips?” Kaveh looks like he’s ready to have an aneurysm, veins bulging almost comically at his temples. “Really? No, really?! Salsa and Ruffles potato chips?!” Haitham only shrugs nonchalantly, dipping another potato chip into the salsa jar with his chopsticks. “We ran out of tortillas. I think the chips would have gone well with some guacamole too, but I’d already finished the last avocado with toast this morning.” “Salsa and Ruffles potato chips.” Kaveh is still pinching the bridge of his nose as he processes this latest fusion perversion. He flops down beside his roommate on the sofa, crinkling his nose in distaste. “Next thing I know you’d be eating cornflakes with orange juice.” Haitham’s expression turns contemplative, before he brightens and opens his mouth. “What about with apple jui—” “No,” Kaveh snaps tersely, even as he begrudgingly chomps down on the salsa-dipped chip that Haitham presses to his lips with the chopsticks. “Absolutely not.” Haitham’s smirk is barely discernible as he hums softly with amusement. (Thankfully, they had bacon, eggs and toast the next morning like normal people; Kaveh could almost forgive Haitham for accidentally adding salt into his yogurt fruit cup.)

—End— ______ - This was written a couple of weeks back. I just edited and brushed it up for posting. I always find it amusing how Haitham is both stoic and yet low-key calculated feral when he chooses to be lol. Something Wrong (affectionate, derogatory) with this man ❤︎‬

[wishesofeternity]

“Tudor historians ... write at length about Margaret (of York)’s involvement in the plots against Henry VII. They presented all attempts to overthrow Henry as part of her own malicious and obsessive vendetta against him. Polydore Vergil expressed the general view most succinctly when he stated that Margaret, ‘pursued Henry with insatiable hatred and with fiery wrath never desisted from employing every scheme which might harm him as a representative of the hostile faction.’

Edward Hall, who followed Polydore Vergil very closely, elaborated on this and added several fearsome phrases for ‘this diabolicall duches.’ Margaret was ‘lyke a dogge revertynge to her olde vomyte’ and ‘lyke a spyder that dayly weaueth when hys calle is tarne’. Hall examined the dowager’s motives in a paragraph which has been echoed by many later historians:

This lady Margaret although she knewe the familye and stocke of the house of Yorke to be in maner distroyed & vtterly defaced by her brother kyng Richard, yet not being saciate nor content with the long hatred & continual malice of her parentes which subuerted and ouerthrew almost the progeny and lignage of kyng Henry the vi and the house of Lancaster, nor yet remembryng the newe affinitie & strong alliaunce that was lately concluded, by the whiche the heyres of bothe the houses and progenies were vnited & conioyned together in lawfull matrimony, lyke one forgetryng bothe God & charite, inflamed with malice diabolicall instinction, inuented & practiced all mischiefes, displeasures and damages that she could deuyse against the kyng of England. And farther in her fury and frantyke moode (accordyng to the saiyng of the wise man, there is no malice equiualent nor aboue the malice of a woman) she wrought all the wayes possible how to sucke his bloud and copasse his destruccion as the principal head of her aduerse parte & contrary faccion, as though he should be a dewe sacrifice or an host immolated for the mutuall murder & shamefull homicide comitted and perpetrated by her brother and progeny.

In this extract Hall elevated Henry by comparing him with the sacrificial Lamb of God, and relegated Margaret firmly to the role of the devil’s agent.

Another major analogy for the Dowager, which became entrenched in the history books, originated with Bernard André, the blind tutor of Prince Arthur, Henry VII’s eldest son. As befitted a classical scholar he portrayed Margaret as the goddess Juno, notorious for her implacable desire for revenge, ceaselessly attacking the noble Henry who was cast in the role of Hercules. In the ‘Twelve Triumphs of Henry VII’, an epic poem also ascribed to André, Margaret was also compared to Menalippe, the Queen of the Amazons, another of Hercules’ enemies, and also to one of the heads of the monster Geryon, the other two heads being those of Philip and Maximilian. Here at least there was a recognition of how closely Margaret worked with the rulers of Burgundy.

...More recent English historians have echoed the Tudor line with considerable regularity. Even the charitable Hume considered that the Dowager’s behaviour towards Henry showed ‘a spirit of faction who entrenched somewhat the probity which shone forth in other parts of her character’. For Professor Mackie, Margaret was ‘always ready to play the kindly aunt to Henry’s enemies’. Writers in other fields have picked up this general verdict. The art historian, Professor Wilenski, suggested that Dirk Bouts portrayed Margaret as the wicked queen in his great dyptich ‘The Judgment of Otho’ because she was ‘rancourous and given to political intrigue’.

The source for all these opinions on the Dowager’s character was no less a person than Henry VII himself. He expressed his attitude towards Margaret with great conviction in a letter written to Sir Gilbert Talbot in 1493:

"not forgetting the great malice that the Lady Margaret of Burgundy beareth continually against us, as she showed lately in sending hither a feigned boy surmising him to have been the son of the Duke of Clarence … And forseeing now the perseverance of the same her malice, by the untrue contriving eftsoon of another feigned lad called Perkin Warbeck … wherethrough she intendeth by promising unto the Flemings and other of the Archduke’s obeissance to whom she laboureth daily to take her way, and by her promise to certain aliens, captains of strange nations, to have duchies, counties, baronies, and other lands, within this our royaume to induce them thereby to land here."

The King repeated his opinions in his instructions to his ambassador to France, who was told to inform the French King that the Dowager was misleading Maximilian and was wholly responsible for the past and for the threatened invasions of England. Although Henry had, by this date, very valid reasons for regarding Burgundy as a source of danger, his motives for accusing the Dowager rather than Maximilian were entirely diplomatic and totally ignored the fact that Margaret and Maximilian worked very closely together in their attempts to dethrone Henry.

Henry VII had an exaggerated notion of Margaret’s political influence, although he was not the first to respect and fear her authority. Louis XI of France had emphasised her role in diplomatic affairs and from the moment of her marriage to Duke Charles, the French King had regarded her as an active agent of the Anglo-Burgundian alliance. After 1477, Louis recognised the Dowager as one of the most vigorous opponents of France [...].

- Christine Weightman, “Margaret of York: the Diabolical Duchess”

[catsafarithewriter]

This snippet is entirely @tcrmommabear 's fault, for throwing a fake-marriage idea at me and then expecting me not to write something for it. Will I continue this? No clue. But you're welcome, shelbs!

x

The Cat Kingdom didn't have work visas, per say.

What it did have, however, was a mercurial monarch who could change the laws of the land on a whim, which was almost just as bad.

Not all of the proclamations that came from the palace were bad. Most, in fact, were just sort of odd. (It seemed bizarre to outlaw wearing pink on a Monday in a land that had never subscribed to the notion of weekdays, and Haru had felt quite sure she'd never fall foul of the treasonous crime of stealing from the castle fish pond.)

"But surely, there must be something I can do," she stressed to the hassled palace advisor who looked like he quite regretted coming into work today. "A form I can fill out, or someone I can appeal to, or... I don't know, a quest," she offered desperately. "You can't just kick me out of the kingdom because I'm not a Cat."

The advisor pushed the bridge of his glasses back up, in a gesture that somehow felt faintly apologetic. "Unfortunately, his Majesty has declared that no non-Cat shall reside in the kingdom unless bound to a feline by family or matrimony."

Haru paused to digest this statement. "I have to marry a Cat to stay here?"

"I don't suppose you already have a feline beau?" the advisor asked, in what was probably meant to be a helpful tone.

Haru flashbacked to her ex, who wasn't just human, but was also the reason she'd upped sticks and relocated to the Cat Kingdom. "I am tragically single," she deadpanned.

"Then I'm afraid I can't help you." The advisor hesitated, and then added in a tone which almost sounded genuine, "Such decrees rarely last long. After a month, he'll have forgotten all about it and we'll quietly repeal it."

Haru looked up from where she'd had her head slumped against the desk. "I can't just leave my job for a month," she grumbled. "I have bills to pay."

The advisor regarded her, his circular-rimmed spectacles giving him an almost owl-like appearance. "If you do fall in a sudden whirlwind romance, you'll need to book the wedding sooner rather than later," he said. "For obvious reasons, they're getting booked up pretty quickly."

"I'm not going to get married just so I can keep my job!"

The advisor gave her a wan smile. "People have married for less."

[releasemyad1]

Mathrubhumi Matrimonials: Uniting Hearts in God’s Own Country

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Find Your Perfect Match: Book Anandabazar Patrika Patro Patri Ads

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Classified Chronicles: The Impact of Matrimonial Ads in Anandabazar Patrika

[a-skirmish-of-wit-and-lit]

Book Review: To Woo and To Wed (The Regency Vows #5)

To Woo and To Wed is the fifth and final book of The Regency Vows set. With nods to Jane Austen's Persuasion, and with many years of meddling, separation, and pining in the mix, I thought this was a delightful conclusion to the beloved series.

Seven years ago, Lady Sophie Fitzwilliam and The Marquess of Weston met and fell in love. They were almost engaged when West was in a curricle riding accident which resulted in the death of his friend, sustained him a life-altering leg injury, and caused the woman he loved to rush off and marry someone else without an explanation. They have interacted little since.

However, all that changes when her sister, Alexandra, also a widow, wishes to marry again but won't until Sophie has found matrimonial bliss of her own. Sophie is unnerved by this, afraid that she is holding her sister back. So in order to get her down the aisle, she hatches a scheme with West: they will fake a betrothal and call things off once Alexandra is happily settled.

Of course, nothing is that simple, and before long, old feelings as well as past revelations come rushing to the surface, showing Sophie and West that maybe love can blossom between them for a second time.

I've been looking forward to Sophie and West's story since the beginning and this was everything I could have wanted for them. Whether it was forced proximity, second chance romance, interfering parents, or fake engagements, there were a bevy of tropes to entice and enthrall me. Granted, the miscommunication between Sophie and West could be frustrating at times, but the reasons for it always made sense and added to the charm of the novel. It provided depth to the love they both carried for one another and, ultimately, could not conquer. While I'm saddened to see this series come to a close, I'm looking forward to seeing what Martha Waters creates in the future!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

3.5/5 stars

**Follow me on Goodreads

[ritzmediaworldrmw]

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Discover the Most Remarkable Baggi for marriage in Delhi!

Introduction

Indian weddings are a vibrant tapestry of culture, and one of the most enchanting elements is the baggi for marriage in Delhi. This traditional horse-drawn carriage enhances the wedding procession and symbolizes the illustrious heritage and grandeur synonymous with Indian celebrations. In Delhi, where weddings are honored with exceptional fervor, baggis significantly enhance the entire experience.

The Tradition of the Baggi

Historical Significance of Baggis

With deep historical ties to Indian culture, baggis have often featured in royal parades and festivities. Traditionally utilized by the aristocracy, these carriages symbolize prestige and elegance during matrimonial occasions.

Symbolism in Weddings

In the context of Indian weddings, a baggi symbolizes the groom's journey to the bride's residence, representing not just a journey in space but a significant transition into a new life. It encapsulates joy, celebration, and the commencement of a new chapter.

Delhi’s Affection for Lavish Baggis

Why Baggis are Preferred in Delhi

The capital's enthusiasm for luxurious baggis arises from its cultural diversity and penchant for spectacular celebrations. The visual appeal and cultural importance render them a highly desired choice for numerous couples.

Cultural and Visual Appeal

The intricate designs and vivid embellishments of baggis resonate with the splendor typical of Delhi weddings, serving as a focal point during the baraat, captivating guests and creating memorable experiences.

Modern Trends in Wedding Baggis

Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Style

Contemporary baggis adeptly merge traditional patterns with modern aesthetics, infusing contemporary aspects while preserving their cultural significance.

Customized Baggis for Distinct Themes

Couples today can personalize their baggis to mirror their wedding themes, integrating distinctive touches that set their celebrations apart.

Types of Wedding Baggis in Delhi

Traditional Horse-Drawn Baggis: The quintessential choice that reflects tradition.

LED-Embellished Baggis: These contemporary creations illuminate the evening with dynamic LED displays.

Royal Chariot-Inspired Models: For those desiring to infuse a sense of royalty into their wedding.

Vintage-Style Baggis: Ideal for couples appreciating nostalgia and timeless elegance.

Customization Options for Wedding Baggis

Theme-Based Decor

Baggis can be embellished with decorations that align with the overall wedding theme, incorporating colors and motifs.

Floral Embellishments

Fresh flowers can enhance the allure of the baggi, adding a natural touch to its magnificence.

Personalized Elements such as Initials or Symbols

Couples can customize their baggis with initials or specific symbols that hold personal significance.

Selecting the Ideal Baggi for Your Special Day

Factors to Consider

When selecting a baggi, factors such as size, design, and alignment with your wedding theme should be taken into account.

Harmonizing the Baggi with Your Wedding Theme

Ensure that the baggi complements other elements of your wedding decor for a unified appearance.

Prominent Vendors for Wedding Baggis in Delhi

Top-Rated Providers

Master Band: An established provider since 1955, renowned for outstanding service and variety in offerings, including baggis.

Shiv Mohan Band: A nationally recognized band since 1963, supplying extravagant baggis alongside musical services.

Hari Om Band Pvt Ltd.: Provides beautifully decorated wedding horses and chariots customized to meet client specifications.

Distinctive Services

Numerous vendors offer supplementary services such as lighting, dhol players, and floral arrangements to enhance your experience.

Affordable Baggi Options

Stunning Designs at Budget-Friendly Rates

There are various vendors providing cost-effective options without compromising quality or visual appeal.

Cost-Effective Rental Tips

Make early bookings to secure better rates, and consider off-peak seasons for possible discounts.

Luxurious Baggi Experiences in Upscale Weddings

Characteristics of High-End Baggis

Luxury baggis are typically equipped with plush seating, detailed embellishments, and premium services that enhance the wedding experience.

Notable Instances in Celebrity Weddings

Numerous celebrities have chosen exquisite baggis for their weddings, setting trends that inspire countless couples.

The Impact of Accessories on Enhancing Baggis

Utilization of Lighting and Decorative Elements

Strategically positioned lighting can elevate a standard baggi into a breathtaking centerpiece in nighttime festivities.

Horses Adorned in Regal Garments

Dressing horses in luxurious attire contributes an additional layer of sophistication to the procession.

Safety and Comfort in Wedding Baggis

Ensuring a Pleasant Ride

Selecting well-maintained baggis ensures comfort for both the groom and guests during transit.

Safety Protocols for the Groom and Guests

Vendors should implement safety measures such as proper harnessing and trained handlers to ensure all passengers' safety during the journey.

Booking a Wedding Baggi in Delhi

Steps for a Seamless Booking Process

Conduct research on vendors via online sources or referrals.

Discuss your needs and budget.

Visit showrooms if feasible to examine options firsthand.

Confirm booking arrangements well ahead of your wedding date.

Online vs. Offline Options

Numerous vendors now provide online booking systems that streamline the process, allowing for convenient browsing of available options. 

Memorable Wedding Entries with a Baggi

Ideas for Dramatic and Awe-Inspiring Entrances

Incorporating live music or dance performances during your entrance can create a truly unforgettable experience. 

Real-Life Examples

Numerous couples have garnered attention for their extravagant entries featuring beautifully adorned baggis that left their guests in awe. 

Conclusion

The enduring allure of baggis continues to enchant guests at weddings in Delhi. Their combination of tradition, luxury, and personalization makes them a vital component of any grand celebration. As you prepare for your special day, consider how a stunning baggi can elevate your wedding experience and foster cherished memories. 

FAQs

1. What is a baggi?

Ans: A baggi is a traditional horse-drawn carriage utilized in Indian weddings.

2. How much does it cost to rent a baggi?

Ans: Costs may vary depending on design, the vendor's reputation, and the additional services provided.

3. Can I customize my baggi?

Ans: Yes! Many vendors offer options for customization to align with your wedding theme.