#DSVGen2

[eljeebee]

Of Tea and Treachery

“How are you, ma’am?” Judith says, sipping tea.

“Oh please, Judith,” Margaux laughed, “We’re friends. Just Margaux.”

“Well, Margaux,” Judith chuckled, “how are you?”

“Doing my last royal duty as my daughter’s regent,” Margaux said. “After that, I’ll be stepping down permanently. Perhaps return to showbiz…”

“It’s been a while since your last project, no?” Judith looked away and up at the blue afternoon sky, “Of Tea and Treachery…”

She returned her gaze to Margaux, who also had her attention elsewhere. Judith and Margaux are more than co-workers–they have been in the limelight for so long, and it’s safe to assume that they are each other’s confidante in their line of work. As a friend though? People say they are, but that’s only what the public sees…

Judith sees every colleague of hers as competition–a tool to use to further her career in show business. And even if this…friend…of hers is far more superior than her when it comes to status, she still sees the Dowager Duchess as a competition and tool.

“I’m also thinking…”

Judith hummed, encouraging her friend to continue.

“Once Julie finally takes office,” Margaux continued, “I want to publicly announce my relationship with Bernie.”

“Your secretary?” Judith inquired.

Margaux nodded. Her smile was small and demure.

Judith scrutinized her, but quickly tried to soften her look when the Dowager Duchess returned her stare.

Judith asked, “And what about the royal family? Will you stay as the Dowager Duchess of your husband? If you announce your relationship with Braxton, that might mean your royal status could get revoked.”

“I mean, we’re not getting married yet,” Margaux says, “but I know my daughter wouldn’t kick me out. I know she’ll support us. Bernie had grown close to the twins, and they also look up to him.”

“Do you love him?”

“I do,” Margaux smiled, giggling a little.

“I’m happy for you, friend,” Judith curtly said.

“I want to have a private engagement party with Bernie. If possible, will you come?”

“Of course.”

“Kristine,” Judith takes a sip of her tea, “I know she’ll keep this engagement party as private as possible, but I’ll convince her to hire a photographer – courtesy of yours truly. She won’t hesitate to agree, if we tell her the pictures will only be sent to them.”

“But you’d like to keep a copy to share,” Kristine says, typing something on her phone. “Something to spread. Something to feed the media.”

“Very good, Kristine,” Judith smiled. “You’re such a reliable PA.”

Kristine only hummed.

[eljeebee]

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Homophobia

Vanderburg Twin seen Cheating from His Commoner Boyfriend

These are the words sitting in front of Dowager Duchess Margaux.

On her screen, a picture of her son, chatting with a woman on a pub probably around Foxbury. They were quite close in the photograph. She thinks they were about to hug, or had just hugged, but she could see the body language–none of them had tense shoulders, and none of them wore an awkward smile.

She rubbed her temple. What gave her a pounding headache was the tabloid’s assumptions of her son dating a commoner boyfriend–Louie Davis, the twins’ friend.

Every showbiz news network, news site–whatever–speculated that he and Louie were dating, as the paparazzi had taken quite a few pictures of them together when their friend group were out, when they were still at high school. Her private secretaries spent a lot of time giving the networks kill orders to kill every picture of the children, especially the photographs of Louie and Seamus “together”, on a reason stating that they were minors, and scared the networks that they could be sued by the parents for taking their photos without their consent. They made sure they never mentioned Mousse’s relationship status.

She even sent a peace offering to Louie’s parents, some new set of high-quality pots and pans for the father, a new handbag for the mother, and a new dress for Sidera Harper–Louie’s girlfriend.

Louie has a girlfriend, for Watcher’s sake.

Bernie entered the room, slamming the door. She could see him stressed. Obviously.

“This is why I told him to release a statement!” He almost growled. “The family never batted an eye when they said he’s gay. But I know the Queen Mother was disappointed.”

“Didn’t stop her from showing her favoritism to the twins, though,” Penny pointed out.

“Yes, Penny,” Bernie exasperatedly sighed. “But the disappointment is there. Did you see how she’s preferring Julie more than her brother?”

“Or maybe,” Penny rolled her eyes, “Julie is the Duchess so she’s more focused on her?”

Bernie exhaled. His heated glare targeted the ceiling, “Look,” he looked back at her, “the family is giving me shit right now–excuse me, Your Grace–they don’t like the cheating allegations. They can leave the boy be and be gay than see him as a cheater. He is considered his father’s spitting image, and they would hate it if he’s painted as an adulterer!”

Penny scoffed, “What, you’d rather have the family be homophobic than give you shit about a cheating scandal?” “What? No!” Bernie let out a noise of frustration. “Look at Prince Gerard and Mr. Simon, since when did the family release their disappointment?”

“Obviously not publicly. Prince Gerard and his husband stepping down from royal duties, retiring from his senior royal work, and moving to Starlight Shores is very telling. And don’t reason with me with Milo and Ramon Perez. The family doesn’t mind them– don’t care even –they’re distant relatives of the household. They’re far away from the throne, Bernie. As long as it’s not the main family, not from the line of King Pierce, they’re fine with it, because it doesn’t steal the show, doesn’t steal the limelight, doesn’t tamper royal values.”

Penny pointed a finger to Bernie. If he was near, Margaux knew the younger secretary would shove him with it, “That’s how homophobic they are.”

“Enough, you two!” Margaux raised her voice. “Let’s not put the blame on my son here.”

“That’s not what I – ”

She held her hand as she stood up from her seat. Bernie closed his mouth.

“What we’re going to do is fix this. You will drive to Foxbury, get my twins, their friends, including this girl, and we will debrief them. From there, we will ask Mousse to release a statement, which includes clarification on why he never spoke before–force him if need be, and then we will have Julie release a statement that shows support,” she motioned to Penny, “which includes a picture of their friend group, with Louie and Sidera together– take note of this –and my son and this girl sitting beside each other. Stage them to be as intimate as possible, have him sling an arm around her waist–anything. That will shut them up.”

“Excellent idea, my lady.”

“And if this doesn’t work?”

“Then we face the wrath of the Queen Mother.”

Seamus spared a quick glance to Bea, who stood beside him, helping him with his presentation.

Lou? He recalled the conversation he and Louie had. How did you know you…liked…Sid?

Louie had whipped his head to face him so fast Seamus had almost laughed. Dude…

He had sighed. I don’t know Louie. I thought of Bea as a friend, but I’m starting to see something more. I can no longer see her as a friend. Every night I think about her, her voice, her laughs, the way she speaks. The way she smartly answers our professors, the way she handles her fans inside the campus, telling them to move their asses away and not disturb her education…I always look forward to seeing her, Lou, but I’m also nervous when I’m about to see her. I was never the one to look conscious about my appearance because everyone finds me handsome anyway –

– Woooow. You sounded like a prick there. Louie had laughed at him.

Seamus had chuckled at this, and then continued, When I’m with her, I always find myself worrying about how I look. Do I look good? I’ve asked the girls about it. Julie always says yes, and Sid just gave me a thumbs up. My confidence spikes–until I see her.

Yeah, and you buy the magazine that has her at the cover, Louie had teased him by adding another thing that he’s so embarrassed to admit.

Seamus remembered giving him a look. He also remembered Louie stuck his tongue out to tease him more.

Anyway, his friend had patted him on the back firmly. You’ve fallen in love, my boy.

And back to the present. This is why she’s here. He invited her under the pretense of asking her help. Honestly, he can breeze through this presentation with how inspired he is.

He’s going to confess to Bea. Right here. Right now.

“Bea– ”

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

He tried not to click his tongue. Smiling at Bea, he said, “I’ll get it.”

As soon as he opened the door, in came Louie, pushing Seamus back into his room, and kicking the door closed. He looks worried.

“Nobody freak out,” Louie said, but it looked like he said that for himself.

Worry etched on Bea’s face. “What’s going on?”

“Girl, I said, don’t freak out!” Louie let out a sound that made Seamus almost laugh.

“No one’s freaking out but you, Lou. What’s up?” Seamus chuckled.

“There’s…” Louie gulped. “There’s paparazzi outside our door!”

They jogged down the stairs, and when the paparazzi noticed them through the glass windows of their door, they pounded, demanding them to step outside. It was locked, luckily, and Seamus is sure they wouldn’t break the window–no one really liked to pay property damage.

“Juls,” Louie said to his phone, “lock your front door. Do not go out. Your brother and I will handle this.”

Seamus heard him. What his sister said, he doesn’t know, as Louie had immediately dropped the call.

“What should we do?” his friend asked. “Should we call Mr. Braxton?”

Seamus thought for a moment. He’d hate to have Bernie here. He’s going to give him one hell of a lecture. You should’ve released a statement a long time ago!

“I’ll go out and talk,” he finally said. “Just a quick announcement…”

“I’ll go with you,” Louie firmly nodded.

“Then I’ll go as well,” Bea added.

“Are you sure?” Louie asked, worried. “I think it’s safe for you to stay inside.”

Bea looked at Seamus. He sighed and gave her a small smile. “Okay, but if it gets too much, Louie will bring you inside, alright?”

“Lord Seamus! Is it true you’re cheating with your boyfriend?”

“Mr. Davis, how do you feel that he’s cheating with that girl right beside you?”

“Seriously? I have a girlfriend!” Louie scowled.

Seamus whispered back to him, “That’s the first and last reaction you’ll give them. Let me handle this.”

Louie shared a glance with Bea. She nodded at him, before looking down at her feet to avoid the paparazzi. Louie rubbed the back of his neck.

Seamus saw his sister and Sid watching through the windows of their door. He knows what she’s thinking. Don’t. He looked away.

“I’m here to confirm one thing,” Seamus started, and the commotion stopped. The journalists waited. He continued, “Bea and I…” he glanced at her. I’ll have to confess this way. I’m sorry.

“We’re dating. The cheating allegations are not true–never is, never was. No relationship before Bea. My sister and I are dear friends of Louie, and his girlfriend, Ms. Harper. I have been silent to the media for many years, even when you assumed my orientation, as I believed that leaving you be is enough, and not engaging with your behavior will keep my family safe. As I’m seeing right now, it’s not. You’re putting my friends at risk. Now, I suggest you leave, before we call the campus security.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the journalists started speaking over each other. A cacophony of more questions. Seamus turned on his heel, pulling Bea with him, and on cue, Louie followed suit, shielding them as they went back inside. He elbowed some journalists away, then quickly closed the door behind him, locking it.

“I’ll call Bernie,” Seamus said, exhaling. “Call security, please.”

Louie nodded.

Seamus looked at Bea. He doesn’t know what to make of her expression. He understood why she was angry. She should be. He should’ve confessed to her first before publicizing that they’re dating.

“We’ll talk after this,” Bea finally said.

There goes my confession.

I've asked some friends to beta read the first part of the update, namely Margaux and her conversation with her private secretaries, so I'd like to thank: @systsim, @novac2281, @plasmadaze, @authorspirit, and @changingplumbob. Thank you for your feedback 🩷

[eljeebee]

“Well, that’s that,” Margaux exhaled. She stood beside Bernie, who sat on his chair. They were reading something from the monitor–the “breaking news” about her son’s relationship with a Beatrice Valderama.

“The family’s quick as well, voicing their support,” Bernie nodded. He let out a sigh of relief. That means less work, he thought.

He stood up from his chair, and was about to lead Margaux out of the office when she said, “What about us, Bernie? Are we ever going public?”

He looked at her, stunned. His thoughts drifted to Penny’s advice. The young secretary asked him not to engage with Her Grace’s advances. Normally, he can hold himself well, even if he had to love her at an arm’s length, but now that Julie is close to taking office…

“You know we can’t…” He started but she cut him off.

“Julie had established herself as the Duchess now, that means we have freedom without jeopardizing my children,” Margaux smiled, pulling him close to her.

“I know that my dear Margaret,” Bernie sighed, his hands finding themselves on her lower back, “But you’re still regent. We don’t have that freedom yet until your daughter comes back. And even if so, would your children accept us? Would they stand for us? You know yourself that your relationship with the family is fragile enough. What keeps you connected with them is through your children – the children of Prince Seamus.”

“My children will understand,” Margaux said firmly.

“Margaret, please,” Bernie pleaded, “You don’t know that. Your children can make their own decisions, so who’s to say they’ll support us? They love their father so much, and you’re the only person left that reminds them of him. If they find out that you’ve moved on, you’ll have one thread left as a connection – the wife of the late prince, which you’ll lose eventually.”

“They wouldn’t do that to their own mother,” Margaux’s voice sounded strained.

“They wouldn’t, but the family will,”Bernie emphasized.

Margaux pushed him from her, and Bernie tried to embrace her back, but his hands hung empty. “Why are you being so difficult, Bernie? Don’t you love me–”

“–Your Grace, I’ve just received a call from Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Judith Ward is waiting for tea,” Penny barged in, not looking away from her phone.

Bernie stepped back, and Margaux said, “I’ll freshen up for a bit, please tell Judith I’ll be there.”

When Margaux had left, Bernie stared at the empty space beside him. His heart squeezed painfully. His attention was on Penny when she asked, “You look constipated. You alright, sir?”

“I’m alright…”

[eljeebee]

Click.

[eljeebee]

“My, my, Lord Mousse,” Bea chuckled, “did you really have to wear a suit?”

“Well, I was taught to be presentable, Ms. Valderama.”

Bea giggled. “You’re such a princely dork.”

Seamus texted Bea, his new friend, to meet with her at the pub. Exams and presentations stressed him out, and although his sister and his friends are there to keep his mind off things, he still craves something else – someone else.

He likes Bea. He’s not ashamed to admit that he likes her. But as a friend, of course. Most women he meets, they often stick to him like geckos, trying to really get to know him. He knows the type of people they are – those are the people that want to be with him, marry him for the title and the money. He thinks that even though he’s not the heir to throne, the prospect of being called a royal attracts them – which also attracts them to him. So, he distanced himself away from potential women that he can marry, to the point that the tabloids speculated that he’s gay, because he doesn’t like to be with a woman.

That’s quite a reach. Still, he never gave a reaction, even when Bernie coaxed him to release a statement. Let them think what they want, he had said, I have no time for them.

Bea is different. She never forced herself on him. She just happened to sit beside him in class. He loves the way she confidently answers the professors had asked, the way she brings herself with confidence, and to top it all off, she’s a model. Seamus found himself buying the Simallure magazine that had her as the cover girl.

He really likes her.

“Do you see that star?”

“Mmm.”

“Come closer.”

Bea leaned in.

“That star guided me to be with you.”

Bea laughed out loud, a hand tapping on his thigh. “What was that Mousse? That’s so cheesy!”

He watched her laugh, his stomach flipping.

[eljeebee]

Del Sol Vanderburgs | Generation 2

Tag: DSVGen2

[eljeebee]

Who’s that girl? Part 1

Julie had just left the commons. She was there to return the book she borrowed and paid her respects to the tomb by the tree, which was placed in honor of a beloved servo. On her way back to the housing, she found someone familiar…

“Well, well, well…”

“Louie, has my brother told you anything about a girl?”

“Ah Watcher!”

A hand on his chest, he took quite a deep breath. “Hoooo! Julie, you scared me! Have you been here waiting for your brother???”

“No, but I’m waiting for you, Lou. So, is Mousse telling you about some girl?”

Louie sat beside her, “No…he hasn’t mentioned anyone…yet. Why?”

“I found him walking with another girl. See, we both know he rarely speaks to other girls, especially to someone he’s not acquainted with. If you ask me, I think the only girls he’ll gladly talk with are with Mummy, or Penny, or me, or even Sid. He never speaks to another girl first, but even then, he likes to keep chatting short.”

“Maybe the girl struck a conversation with him?”

“No, he looked quite happy. I know my brother. He won’t smile to girls trying to do small talk with him.”

“You want me to investigate, don’t you?”

Julie smirked, “You just read my mind, Lou.”

“See ya later, Julie,” Louie said as Julie turned on her heel. “I’ll pass the secret info to Sid, duchess ma’am!”

Julie let out a laugh.

“Julie! I just got back from class! Spill some royal tea!”

“You won’t believe what I saw. My brother’s talking…with a girl! And not just talking…he’s smiling, Sid. Smiling!”

Sid smirked. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Julie smirked back. “Potential girlfriend?”

“Potential girlfriend.”

They giggled.

“Want me to ask Lou about it tonight?”

“Why not? So you’ll have another reason to do your nightly…escapades.”

Sid giggled.

Text message gimp template by @creativexspirit

[eljeebee]

“Juliette and Seamus II have come of age. King Renauld awarded Juliette her father’s title, the Duchy of Bristlecone. We wish both Duchess Juliette and Lord Seamus a happy birthday.

Duchess Julie and Lord Seamus are ready to take on their royal duties as members of the royal family. For now, however, tertiary education is their priority. Duchess Julie appointed her mother, the Dowager Duchess Margaux, as her regent. We wish Julie and Seamus the best.

As it is known that they will be attending Foxbury Institute, we ask everyone to refrain from disturbing their classes.

#HiddenSpringsRoyal #HiddenSpringsRoyalUpdates”

Template by @cilkey

[eljeebee]

Trigger Warning for the Next Update:

There will be a conversation held between characters that mentions homophobia. I have appropriately tagged the post with the correct TW tags and also mentioned the TW on top of the post, but I am still putting this warning 30 minutes before just in case.

I do not condone such actions nor support those, and what I've written, what the characters had said, does not reflect my beliefs and principles. I also consulted my friends during the drafting stage to know if I have constructed the conversation in an appropriate way.

[eljeebee]

Meanwhile in Britechester...

Seamus invites Bea in the local pub...

Find out later at 7 PM, August 30, GMT +8!

[eljeebee]

Assistant Private Secretary

Birthday: Spring

Traits: Active, Genius, Bookworm, Art Lover, Professional, Quick Learner

Love Interest: Perlas of St. Taz

Residence: Ponderosa, Hidden Springs (Hometown) | Chateau Brown, The Pinnacles, Del Sol Valley

Occupation: Assistant Private Secretary of Duchess Seamus I

Education: Master of Communications, Catarina Vanderburg University | Art History, University of Britechester

Penrose is a woman who has bold ideas when it comes to her career. Unfortunately for her, the Hidden Springs royal family are traditionalists to the bone. Still, she loves her job, and loves the challenges that comes along with it. What she doesn't love? Her boss getting intimate with the bigger boss.

Penrose is for the the drama, because let's be real, every royal family has their own type of drama: from marrying cousins to love affairs that can result to losing their reputation. But this? With how fragile Duchess Margaux's reputation to the family, it's enough for her to resign.

Still, she's going to stay for both Lady Julie and Lord Seamus II. Especially, when she knows the lady is starting to suspect Bernard and Margaux's relationship.

If shit goes down, her plan B is to return to her lover, Perlas, to Sulani.

Tags:

#Del Sol Vanderburgs | #DSVGen2 | #penrose walters

[eljeebee]

Lord Seamus II

Birthday: Spring

Place of Birth: Hidden Springs

Traits: Materialistic, Perfectionist, Active, Responsible, Quick Learner, Business Savvy

Parents: Prince Seamus I (†), Duchess Margaux

Siblings: Juliette Vanderburg (Twin Sister)

Residence: Vanderburg Palace, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Bristlecone Estate, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Chateau Brown, The Pinnacles, Del Sol Valley

Occupation: Foxbury Institute Student

Education: Early High School Graduate

The youngest of the twins, Seamus II is the rock of his mother and twin sister. He can come off as cold or moody, but it is a defense mechanism that he puts up to protect his family and himself from others, especially to the harsh words of the media, and especially from the royal family themselves directed to his mother.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Seamus actually has the biggest suspicion to his mother and Bernard's relationship. Every time he tries to confront the private secretary, however, Bernard always end the conversation with the latter saying that he is only taking care of a friend.

He tries to turn a blind eye. Believing that her sister is oblivious, he thinks it's best to ignore it...but for how long?

Tags:

#Del Sol Vanderburgs | #DSVGen2 | #seamus vanderburg II

[eljeebee]

Lady Julie

Birthday: Spring

Place of Birth: Hidden Springs

Traits: Bookworm, Cat Lover, Good, Responsible, Business Savvy, Alluring

Parents: Prince Seamus I (†), Duchess Margaux

Siblings: Seamus Vanderburg II (Twin Brother)

Residence: Vanderburg Palace, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Bristlecone Estate, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Chateau Brown, The Pinnacles, Del Sol Valley

Occupation: Heir Apparent to the Duchy of Bristlecone | Foxbury Institute Student

Education: Early High School Graduate

The heir to the Duchy, Lady Julie is a cheerful daughter of Duchess Margaux and Prince Seamus I. She tries her best making sure her mother will never return to her "dark moments". She considers Bernard Braxton as her role model, and often seeks his advice when it comes to her royal duty. However, she starts to doubt the private secretary when he found him doing something intimate with her mother.

In any case, when she becomes the duchess, and when she finally has more power than him and her mother, she'll get to the bottom of that. Another goal for her is to fix her mother and the Queen Mother's relationship.

All she wanted is to have her mother be accepted to the family.

Tags:

#Del Sol Vanderburgs | #DSVGen2 | #juliette vanderburg

[eljeebee]

Private Secretary

Birthday: Winter

Traits: Family Oriented, Perfectionist, Loyal, Neat, The Knowledge, Alluring

Love Interest: Duchess Margaux

Residence: Alder, Hidden Springs (Hometown) | Chateau Brown, The Pinnacles, Del Sol Valley

Occupation: Private Secretary of Duchess Seamus I

Education: PhD in Political Science, Catarina Vanderburg University

A trusted advisor to Duchess Margaux. He was a dear friend to the late Prince Seamus I, and became closer to Margaux when she married the prince. He was there from the start of their marriage, and is still with her even after the death of his friend.

Though his open minded views and modern opinions are sometimes met with scrunched noses and shaking heads among the royal family, he is among the most respected staff within the household. So much so that the royal family had no say when he hired Penrose Walters, who was notorious to the royal family for pushing them to be more modern, to be his assistant.

Bernard promised Prince Seamus I that he'll take care of the latter's family. He still is, and in fact, he is in love with Duchess Margaux.

Tags:

#Del Sol Vanderburgs | #DSVGen2 | #bernard braxton

[eljeebee]

The Duchess Seamus I

Full Name: Margaret Brown-Vanderburg

Birthday: Fall

Traits: Materialistic, Perfectionist, Overachiever, Snob, Neat, Shrewd, The Knowledge, Business Savvy

Spouse: Prince Seamus I (†)

Love Interest: Bernard Braxton

Issue: Lady Juliette of Bristlecone, Lord Seamus II of Bristlecone

Residence: Vanderburg Palace, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Bristlecone Estate, Hidden Springs (Occasionally) | Chateau Brown, The Pinnacles, Del Sol Valley

Occupation: 5 Star Actress | Former Duchy of Bristlecone Regent

Education: Theatre Arts, Del Sol Valley State University

Duchess Margaux, also known as Margaux Brown, is a renowned actress hailing from Del Sol Valley. Her first breakthrough as an actress was when she played Liliana of The Bard in a Plumbob Pictures production. From theatre, she moved to film. Her first project was in Starlight Shores, and then in Hidden Springs, where she met her then-husband Prince Seamus I. They started dating, and was made official when the Vanderburg Palace released an announcement of their engagement.

Their marriage received flak, stating that it was a budget version of King Sebastian and Queen Anna, who was also an actress. The difference is that Margaux was a foreigner, while Queen Anna was a Bridgeport-based Hidden Springs native. Margaux's marriage with Prince Seamus I stood firm, and they bore twin children, whom the Queen Mother adores. This adoration limitedly extended to her, however, and this limited adoration vanished when the Seamus I died. This resulted in her becoming emotionally unstable, and because of this, she moved herself and the children away from Hidden Springs, and only agreed to let her children return to the monarchy once they are of age.

Margaux assigned a regent for the duchy, before moving to Bridgeport, and then back to her hometown, Del Sol Valley, with two private secretaries in tow.

Though her children are her strength, she finds herself relying on another man's strength, again.

Tags:

#Del Sol Vanderburgs | #DSVGen2 | #duchess margaux