#La Reine Arabella de Thornolie

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

La Chambre de Monseigneur L'Epin, Palais de Thornolie: 1 Juin 1850, 10:00

Monseigneur Oliver: Entrez. [Quickly Stuffs Letter Into the Drawer]

La Reine Arabella: Might your dear Maman come and wish you joyeux anniversaire?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sad Smile] How could I deny you such a request? [Stands]

La Reine Arabella: You do not sound to be in much of a receptive mood, mon cher.

Monseigneur Oliver: Pardonnez-moi, I have a lot on my mind is all.

La Reine Arabella: Well...I'm certain we can find something to distract you and make you more receptive. I will not stand to see such a frown from you today.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Chuckles] I suppose there is one thing I can think of...

La Reine Arabella: Oh?

Monseigneur Oliver: I...I asked Eleanor for her hand...and she accepted.

La Reine Arabella: Oh, Oliver! This is marvelous news! Was this the reason you left le Manoir last night when you were told otherwise?

Monseigneur Oliver: How did you-

La Reine Arabella: The staff hear and see all, mon cher. But I've not spoken of it with votre père. Now answer the question.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] I did go to see her, but not with the intention to propose...

La Reine Arabella: Quoi? What do you mean?

Monseigneur Oliver: Ernest wrote and had his letter delivered by one of the Clèrisseau footmen in a haste last night telling me Eleanor had run off-

La Reine Arabella: Quoi? She ran off?

Monseigneur Oliver: It seems that since the opera Eleanor has received several threatening letters.

La Reine Arabella: Does she know who's been sending them?

Monseigneur Oliver: Non. They've all been anonymous...she's severely distressed. I left to go find her and bring her home.

La Reine Arabella: How dreadful...I'm sure we can make inquiries to settle the matter. But I'm afraid it'll have to wait until after tonight.

Monseigneur Oliver: Merci, Maman. I only want for her to be at peace.

La Reine Arabella: En effet. But she's accepted your proposal!

Monseigneur Oliver: [Shy Smile] She has...

La Reine Arabella: That alone is cause for celebration! You have no idea how happy I am for the both of you. Though now you've made me late with my gift.

Monseigneur Oliver: Gift?

[Arabella Opens Small Ring Box]

La Reine Arabella: This belonged to ma mère. She gave this to me the day I married votre père, and said any woman who wears this ring will be brought eternal love and happiness.

Monseigneur Oliver: Maman...it's beautiful...

La Reine Arabella: I would love for you to have it.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Whispers] Merci...

La Reine Arabella: [Tears Up] Oh, look at me....I should go. There's still so much to do before the evening. Try not to worry about those letters. We will get to the bottom of it.

Monseigneur Oliver: I shall try, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: And Oliver?

Monseigneur Oliver: Oui?

La Reine Arabella: Joyeux anniversaire.

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[crownsofesha]

🎃 🍬Halloween Tag: Dress up your Sim like another Simblr's character. Pass it on! 🎃 🍬

This was just to good to pass up, I dressed up my Queen Arabella as Madame la Reine, Arabella de Thornolie from @theroyalthornoliachronicles.

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon Gretoise, Manoir de Thornwood: 31 Mai 1850, 16:45

Monseigneur Oliver: This is absurd! You move us back to le Manoir at the drop of a joyaux, yet you refuse to tell us why? I am tired of you and your secrets! Adelaide and I have a right to know what is going on!

La Reine Arabella: Oliver, s'il vous plaît. Calm down.

Monseigneur Oliver: Non. This game of shadows must end! The secrets must stop!

Le Roi Gaspard: I am doing what is required to protect this family!

Madame Adelaide: Protect us from what, Papa? Oliver is-

Le Roi Gaspard: Ça suffit!

La Reine Arabella: Gaspard-

Le Roi Gaspard: I will not stand here and be accosted at every turn by my children! I do not need to explain my actions to either of you until I deem it necessary to do so! We have returned to le Manoir for your safety, for all our safety, and that is all you need to know for now. And in order to ensure that safety, neither of you are to step foot off the grounds until I allow it!

Madame Adelaide: You cannot do that!

Le Roi Gaspard: I can, and I will, and I will not suffer any more of your retaliations! Now leave!

La Reine Arabella: Gaspard!

Madame Adelaide: Papa!

La Reine Arabella: Now!

Madame Adelaide: Ugh! [Storms off]

Monseigneur Oliver: There will come a day...when I have children of my own, and my own heir, you can rest assure I will never keep them in the dark.

Monseigneur Oliver: I refuse to be the coward you have shown yourself to be. [Leaves]

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Finally. Some peace and quiet.

La Reine Arabella: You could have handled that better.

Le Roi Gaspard: Oliver is becoming more and more impertinent.

La Reine Arabella: Can you honestly blame him? He has a right to know. They both do.

Le Roi Gaspard: I am aware, Arabella.

La Reine Arabella: Are you? You're driving a wedge between you and your children, Gaspard. If you cannot rectify the situation soon you may very well lose them both. I do not have to convey my feelings of the matter-

Le Roi Gaspard: Non. You do not.

La Reine Arabella: And I have followed along with your judgements, but I have followed along for as long as I am able. It is time. You must tell them. Solve the problem before the situation becomes irreparable.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] I will tell Oliver after the masquerade.

La Reine Arabella: And Adelaide?

Le Roi Gaspard: ...

La Reine Arabella: You will tell them both. I will allow you to wait until after the masquerade, but if they are not made aware of their ancestry by then I will not hesitate to do it for you.

Le Roi Gaspard: Very well.

La Reine Arabella: Now. I need to go over the final details for tomorrow with the staff before we prepare to leave in the morning. I suggest you take some time and reflect on your current situation.

Le Roi Gaspard: All I want to do is protect them Arabella, is that truly so terrible?

La Reine Arabella: I know you do, but keeping this from them is not the way to go about it.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon d’Épitoise, Palais de Thornolie: 28 Mai 1850, 21:15

Duc de Clèrisseau: I think we haven't a choice, Gaspard. We must start making preparations for your safety, before the CDS realise we know of their correspondence.

La Reine Arabella: Henri is right. We must act.

Le Roi Gaspard: And what is it you suggest we do?

Duc de Clèrisseau: I believe the first step is to have you all return to Manoir de Thornolie. Le Palais is too public of a spot now that it's finished, and could easily be a target.

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: With la Masquerade only a few days away though, they cannot stay away from le Palais forever.

La Reine Arabella: We'll make it work.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Very well. I'll make the arrangements to leave first thing tomorrow morning. Arabella can stay behind to finish her preparations for la Masquerade and then arrive after.

La Reine Arabella: I suggest you take Oliver and Adelaide with you. We cannot risk their safety.

Le Roi Gaspard: En effet. Perhaps it'll be wise to keep them from leaving the Manoir as well.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Quite right.

La Reine Arabella: Did Connier have anything else to report while he was here?

Duc de Clèrisseau: Unfortunately not. His man is still on the lookout to unearth more information on the death of the messenger.

Le Roi Gaspard: I really hoped we were passed this.

La Reine Arabella: Once la Masquerade is over and Oliver is engaged, we must pull all our focus toward the matter. We simply cannot relive the terror inflicted upon us by the CDS all those years ago.

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Arabella is right. If Connier is correct in assuming this letter is indeed correspondence between members of the CDS we must do all we can to extinguish their efforts...especially when we have no idea what they are planning.

Le Roi Gaspard: One can only imagine...

Madame Adelaide: Those two really are perfect for each other...

Marquis de Clèrisseau: ...

Madame Adelaide: [Sighs] I don't see why you are so adamant to deny it.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: They'll never survive it. They'll grow to hate each other-

Madame Adelaide: I see...so you have no faith in either of them.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Don't be absurd, Addy. You know as well as I-

Madame Adelaide: What I know is you are a man scared of commitment . You shun others who search for it because the very idea of pairing yourself with another is somehow abhorrent to you. But just because you shun the idea, does not give you the right to deprive others of it. Especially your own sister.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Madame Adelaide: Is that so? Then tell me this, Ernest. How many times are you going to call on Mademoiselle Fleury and not offer her a proposal? How many times must she endure such indecisive behaviour? It's cruel, Ernest.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: ...

Madame Adelaide: I thought so. Leave them alone, Ernest.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Prix de Thornolie: 25 May 1850, 13:00

Comte de Montavin: I may have agreed to go along with announcing this engagement, but I did not agree to the arrangement where you expect me to wed in two days time! Surely this is unnecessary!

La Reine Arabella: All plans have already been settled, Gaston. You knew the price to pay for your...carelessness. You lost your chances of a more leisurely engagement when you put the reputation of this family at risk.

Comte de Montavin: You know as well as I if ma mère were alive she would not approve-

La Reine Arabella: Ma sœur would be ashamed. Ashamed to see the man her son grew up to become. You know nothing of what ta mère would or would not approve, so if I were you I would heed my next few words very carefully: If you wish to do anything to make ta mère proud, then I suggest you accept the fate you've bestowed upon yourself and do the noble thing. Preferably without any more fuss. [Walks Away]

Mademoiselle Giselle: Any luck?

Comte de Montavin: ...

Mademoiselle Giselle: Gaston?

Comte de Montavin: Non...we've run out of time.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon Fréluire, Palais de Thornolie: 18 May 1850, 15:30

Monseigneur Oliver: Why did it have to be Mademoiselle Aubert?

La Reine Arabella: You must be seen actively pursuing a match. Eleanor has rejected your invitation, and because you cannot show up unaccompanied I had no choice but to make the invitation.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Scoffs] But Aubert? You could have issued an invitation to practically anyone else, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: Perhaps-

Monseigneur Oliver: You do realise she and I have already agreed not to pursue a match?

La Reine Arabella: That may be, but-Adelaide, is something the matter?

Madame Adelaide: I...I'm afraid not. I feel a bit unwell. Pardonnez-moi...[Leaves]

La Reine Arabella: Adelaide-

Monseigneur Oliver: Let her go. She's suffered an emotional week.

La Reine Arabella: What do you mean?

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm not at liberty to say.

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] The two of you and your secrets...I'll go check on her. Meanwhile, do try and not to look so heartbroken. While I cannot do much regarding Eleanor's rejection at present, I have invited her and the rest of their family for tea tomorrow so that we may discover the root of the problem. So please try and be patient. [Leaves]

Le Roi Gaspard: She speaks wise words, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: I've already made my decision.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Your heart may have made a decision, but have you-

Monseigneur Oliver: The decision is made, both by heart and reason.

Le Roi Gaspard: Then explain it me. Why her?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] I've known Eleanor for almost my entire life, Papa. There is nothing about her I do not know, and that includes all the things she doesn't wish to put on display for anyone. She possesses the greatest strength of character, a keen mind...a true queen in every sense of the word. She is steadfast in her resolutions. She is gentle in her presentations. But...

Le Roi Gaspard: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: I need her to see it...

Le Roi Gaspard: Hmm...

Monseigneur Oliver: Papa?

Le Roi Gaspard: See that she does.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Le Roi Gaspard: You've given me a great deal to think about. Thornolia will need all of those qualities, and more, in her next Madame la Reine in order to secure and maintain her future. Without someone as strong as the mademoiselle you described...you will not be able to face what lies ahead. Excusez-moi. [Leaves]

Monseigneur Oliver: What lies ahead? What do you mean? Papa?

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais de Thornolie, 05 Mai 1850, 09:45

La Reine Arabella: I am not surprised to see you looking in such a state. 

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] Maman...

La Reine Arabella: Do you have a moment? 

Monseigneur Oliver: I have several, though I imagine I will not particularly appreciate your topic of converstation. 

La Reine Arabella: I do hope you understand how lucky you are no one caught wind of your horrifying display yesterday. You not only embarrassed this family, but you humilated Eleanor, even going so far as potentially ruining her chances for a suitable match. 

Monseigneur Oliver: Eleanor already has a suitable match. 

La Reine Arabella: Judging by your behaviour yesterday you would be lucky if she ever forgave you. 

Monseigneur Oliver: I don���t see how you could possibly understand-

La Reine Arabella: [Scoffs] Jealousy? Mon chéri, I am more acquainted with that emotion than you will ever know. I have your father to thank for that. 

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi? 

La Reine Arabella: Oliver, if you continue to act and behave this way you will lose her. Not to mention I raised you better than this. If you so much as act in such a manner again-

Monseigneur Oliver: Wait...did you insinuate Eleanor is the one?

La Reine Arabella: [Laughs] Mon chéri, I have known for years. 

Monseigneur Oliver: If that were true, why do you and Papa continue to insist I endure this monotony of a saison? 

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] I’m afraid the title you bear demands a great deal of sacrifice. While your father and I have granted you the freedom to make this decision for yourself, you must learn to both understand and accept that this particular choice will affect not just you, but the entire country. The people deserve to know their future roi considers them in all his deliberations, to know he will think of them and their well-being as well as his own. Eleanor already understands that. Why else would she ask you to endure this arrangement? 

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi? You know of our arrangement? 

La Reine Arabella: [Stands] Of course I know, a mother knows all...Eleanor is the right choice, Oliver. I see it. Others see it-

Monseigneur Oliver: Then you have yet to read today’s Chronicle. 

La Reine Arabella: Other’s who truly know you see it, mon chéri. But regardless, in order to possess such a match you must not only maintain your promises to us all, but you must also learn to be worthy of such a rare jewel. As of now, you are not. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

 Palais de Thornolie: 28 Mai 1850, 20:45

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: What a relief for you the wedding was a success.

La Reine Arabella: En effet. In all honesty I'm more relieved word of their indiscretions never got out. We were quite lucky.

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: When will they return?

La Reine Arabella: Friday.

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Just in time for la mascarade.

La Reine Arabella: Oui. Oliver was rather insistent upon it, though, I'm certain Gaston is just as favorable.

Madame Adelaide: [Whispers to Eleanor] Are you alright? You've not said a single word all evening.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: ...

Madame Adelaide: Eleanor? I-

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Adelaide, have you enjoyed watching the festivities of la saison?

Madame Adelaide: Oh, well, it's certainly has been...an education, Madame.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Mutters] This is absurd.

La Reine Arabella: Oliver?

Monseigneur Oliver: Are we really going to sit here and ignore the elephant in the room?

Le Roi Gaspard: Watch your tone.

Monseigneur Oliver: Why should I?

Le Roi Gaspard: We are in the presence of guests, and you will show some respect.

Monseigner Oliver: That may be, but with each passing day, you are making it more and more abundantly clear they are aware of everything you're trying to keep hidden.

Le Roi Gaspard: This is neither the time or the place to-

Monseigneur Oliver: Then when is the time? Honestly, what could possibly have been in that letter and has you all walking on eggshells? What secrets does it possess that have you making decisions with regard to the people it may affect?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Stands] Do you honestly think I would allow a letter to force my hand? No letter holds that much power over-

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Whispers] Careful, Gaspard.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Je vous prie de m'excuser.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Eleanor?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Pardonnez-moi....I need some...

Monseigneur Oliver: Are you alright?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: [Stands] I...I need some air. [Leaves]

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Coronation Portraits, 1811

Monsieur le Roi, Gaspard Phillipe Reynaud de Thornolie

Madame la Reine, Arabella Catherine Lucienne de Thornolie

Credit: @batsfromwesteros

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon d’Épitoise, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:00

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: [Mutters] I can see what you mean....

La Reine Arabella: I cannot fathom what could have transpired between them after the opera...she looks so crestfallen...

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Oliver seems so as well...Her behaviour has been truly worrying, Arabella. Especially-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Your Maman is staring at me...

Madame Adelaide: I think she's concerned...did you truly reject Oliver's invitation?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: As I wrote to him, I-

Madame Adelaide: Don't attempt to lie to me, Eleanor. I know you. Why did you really reject him?

Duc de Clèrisseau: Do you truly have to look so annoyed?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Scoffs] You of all people should not be asking me that.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] You're never going to let this go, are you?

Le Roi Gaspard: Perhaps when you finally decide to tell me the full story.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Are you even going to speak with her?

Monseigneur Oliver: She's made it clear she doesn't wish to spend her time with me.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: I'm not sure it's that simple, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Steward: Monsieur le Comte de Connier, Majestés.

Le Roi Gaspard: Morel? This is certainly a surprise.

Comte de Connier: Je vous prie de m'excuser. I do not wish to intrude on your personal time, but I'm afraid the matter is rather urgent.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Morel...You're not suggesting-

Comte de Connier: I'm afraid the time is finally upon us.

Le Roi Gaspard: You're absolutely certain?

Comte de Connier: My man followed a person of interest carrying a lettter heading to the docks a few days ago.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: What is so-

Duc de Clèrisseau: Silence, Ernest.

Le Roi Gaspard: Did he make it aboard the ship?

Comte de Connier: My man attempted to stop him, but was unsuccessful.

Monseigneur Oliver: I don't follow. What is so important about stopping a man with a letter?

Madame Adelaide: Surely someone carrying something as simple as a letter is harmless, is it not?

La Reine Arabella: Hush. Monsieur, was your man successful in uncovering any further information?

Comte de Connier: Not at present, Madame. If my suspicions are correct, the time we feared is fast approaching.

Le Roi Gaspard: Messier, please escort le Duc et le Comte to my study. It seems we have much to discuss.

Steward: Oui, Majesté.

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm coming with you.

Le Roi Gaspard: Non.

Monseigneur Oliver: Have I not be forced to spend hours on end with you in order to be prepared for my role as the future Monsieur le Roi? Surely I should be involved if-

Le Roi Gaspard: That may be true, Oliver, but today is not that day. Madames et mademoiselles, pardonnez-moi. [Leaves]

[Heavy Silence]

La Reine Arabella: [Stands] Oliver-

[Oliver Storms Off]

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais de Thornolie: 17 May 1850, 13:45

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bon, and there's still no update from Parlement?

Duc de Clèrisseau: They should be starting the voting process in the coming weeks.

La Reine Arabella: Ah! Henri!

Duc de Clèrisseau: Arabella, bonne journée.

La Reine Arabella: I'm so glad to have caught you. Perhaps you may be able to assist me in unearthing a rather curious situation.

Duc de Clèrisseau: I shall endeavour to do my best.

La Reine Arabella: Are you aware Eleanor has rejected Oliver's invitation to join him at the Prix de Thornolie?

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] Oui...I am aware.

La Reine Arabella: Do you not find it...rather odd? At the opera everything appeared quite settled between them.

Duc de Clèrisseau: En effet...truth be told, Arabella, Eleanor has been acting peculiar ever since that night. She's withdrawn, jumpy, and any time a letter is handed to her in my presence she goes deathly pale. Charlotte and I are growing more concerned by the day. Something is clearly amiss.

La Reine Arabella: Oliver has been utterly beside himself since she sent word rejecting him...[sighs] but I suppose until we can uncover what is happening I will have to arrange for another to accompany him....Perhaps...Mademoiselle Aubert?

Le Roi Gaspard: Aubert? You cannot be serious, Arabella. You truly think it wise?

La Reine Arabella: You know as well as I Oliver must be seen making an effort, regardless if his heart has made its decision. Not to mention the Chronicle has spoken often enough regarding the two of them in recent weeks...

Duc de Clèrisseau: Perhaps...we can do something in the meantime? To reconcile whatever has happened between our two children?

Le Roi Gaspard: Honestly, is this truly necessary?

La Reine Arabella: Oui...a wonderful idea, Henri. I shall arrange for an afternoon tea in two days time. I'll go and make the arrangements now and have an invitation ready for you before you leave. We shall get to the bottom of this. I'm certain of it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Merci, Madame.

La Reine Arabella: Oh, and Gaspard? Do try not to look so sour-faced. It's never suited you.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

La Chambre de la Madame Royale, Palais de Thornolie: 18 May 1850, 15:40

La Reine Arabella: Oh, ma chérie!

Madame Adelaide: [Sniffs] Leave me be, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: I will do no such thing, not when you're in such a state. Come here...

Madame Adelaide: This is all your fault! You and Papa! Forcing me to stay in Oliver's shadow when all of us know he's already made up his mind! Now Jonathan is married and-

La Reine Arabella: Jonathan? Le Marquis de Tourac?

Madame Adelaide: Oui, Maman! He promised to wait for me, yet what does he do days latter? He receives a special license to marry Mademoiselle Robin! He betrayed me, Maman!

La Reine Arabella: Hush...it's all going to be alright, chérie.

Madame Adelaide: How can you possibly say that?

La Reine Arabella: Because no mondamoiseau who truly loved you would make such vows only to sever them later.

Madame Adelaide: It's not as if it matters anymore...he's gone.

La Reine Arabella: Shh, Ma chérie, I know you feel as if your heart is breaking, and I truly am sorry to have played such a part in your heartache. But trust me when I say this will pass. Your heart will heal, and when it does, someone far more worthy of it will come along. Someone worth waiting for.

Madame Adelaide: I was such a fool. I truly believed he loved me, Maman. [Sobs]

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Gaspard with Oliver and Adelaide - 1832

Watercolour by Madame la Reine, Arabella de Thornolie

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais Théâtre de Thornolie: 11 May 1850, 19:30

Le Roi Gaspard: Premier Ministre! I am so grateful you were able to accept my invitation on such short notice. 

Premier Ministre: How could we refuse such an invitation? It was an honour, Majesté. 

La Reine Arabella: Madame de Avery, I hope you’ll allow me to express my congratulations. You and Monseiur de Corruy must be overjoyed by the news. 

Madame de Corruy: Merci, Majesté. We are simply elated. 

Premier Ministre: We are of course hoping for a boy. It would round up our family quite nicely, and give our little Daisy a nice companion. 

La Reine Arabella: En effet...I’m sure she will enjoy the company. Le Monseigneur et Madame Royale were near inseparable during their youth. 

Madame de Corruy: Lucky for you, it appears they still are. 

Monseigneur Oliver: [Whispers] Smile, s'il vous plaît. I hate to see you so upset. 

Madame Adelaide: [Whispers] I assure you, I am quite well. 

Monseigneur Oliver: Adelaide-

Duchesse de Liroux: Votre Altesse Royales. 

Monseigneur Oliver: Madame la Duchesse. Mademoiselle Aubert. I trust you are looking forward to the evening ahead? 

Duchesse de Liroux: Oui, Monseigneur. My daughter has spoken of nothing else all afternoon. 

Monseigneur Oliver: I had no idea you were such a fan of the opera, Mademoiselle. I would never have guessed it. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: It is...a recent enjoyment of mine, Monseigneur. 

Monseigneur Oliver: I see...

Madame Adelaide: I thank you for accepting my invitation, Mademoiselle Aubert. It will be nice to have some company in the family box aside from my cousin and uncle. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: It is an honour to offer you my company, Madame. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Pardonnez-moi, Madame. Did you say you are not joining the rest of your family in the royal box? 

Madame Adelaide: Oh, non. There are a limited number of seats, and it was always decided I would sit with my extended family in the box adjacent. I hope that does not upset you, Mademoiselle. I assure you the view is just as lovely.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Of course not, Madame. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Monseigneur, I was hoping-

Monseigneur Oliver: If you’ll excuse me, Madame, I must be off to wait for my guest. Do enjoy your evening. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salle de Bal, Palais de Thornolie: 27 April 1850, 12:30

La Reine Arabella: The orchestra shall be placed here. We should have the footmen move the piano and replace it with chairs for them. 

Housekeeper: Oui, Madame.

La Reine Arabella: Let us make sure they are well provided for. They’ll need food when they arrive, of course. I will not allow them to be famished. 

Housekeeper: Oui, Majesté. 

La Reine Arabella: And offer them wine as well. Ah, Gaspard, what a surprise! Do you find it suitable for tonight’s soirée? 

Le Roi Gaspard: Your keen eye has certainly turned the room into quite the dazzing display...

La Reine Arabella: Merci, Roselyne, that is all. 

Housekeeper: Majesté. [Leaves] 

La Reine Arabella: It appears you are still sulking. 

Le Roi Gaspard: Don’t be ridiculous. 

La Reine Arabella: If you believe your defensive response will do anything to disaude my opinion, then you are sorely mistaken. 

Le Roi Gaspard: ...

La Reine Arabella: I cannot understand why this bothers you so. I see no reason to believe Oliver has any intention of making a hasty decision. You know as well as I that even as a boy he was always meticulous in his choices. 

Le Roi Gaspard: Perhaps, but this is the first time he’s faced with a decision which will affect more than those closest to him. If he makes the wrong choice, the country could very well suffer.

La Reine Arabella: You should have more faith in your son. 

Le Roi Gaspard: Hmm...

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] What is this really about, Gaspard? 

Le Roi Gaspard: Quoi? 

La Reine Arabella: You heard me. What is it you’re truly afraid of? 

Le Roi Gaspard: Arabella-

La Reine Arabella: Non. Out with it.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] It’s only...do you really believe her to be the best fit? 

La Reine Arabella: I always knew you could be blind, but never to the extent where you couldn’t see what’s right before your eyes. 

Le Roi Gaspard: How-

La Reine Arabella: If you came here to ask my honest opinion, then I will give it: If Oliver’s decision at the end of this season is what we expect, than I believe her to be the perfect choice. And if you were only to open your eyes to the world around you and pay attention, you would see it. 

Le Roi Gaspard: My concern is not with her character, Arabella, but of her shy and timid nature. I’m afraid Oliver may be too lovestruck to see how much of a problem that could create. 

La Reine Arabella: You seem to forget...not all love matches are doomed to fail. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Le Grand Apartment De La Reine, Palais de Thornolie: 25 April 1850, 22: 30

Le Roi Gaspard: You would think by now he would learn. Honestly...

La Reine Arabella: I take it things did not go well this afternoon? 

Le Roi Gaspard: I simply cannot fathom why he continues to carry on about her. He agreed to our stipulations, yet now he’s insistent on breaking it. He’s not taking any of this seriously. 

La Reine Arabella: Au contraire, by my understanding Oliver has done nothing but take this seriously. 

Le Roi Gaspard: It’s all a facade. In the eyes of the public he is the pinnacle of obedient, acting just as he is expected. But as soon as we were behind closed doors he was off reading another one of her letters. 

La Reine Arabella: First, may I remind she does in fact have a name. Second, I would appreciate if you did not take your frustrations out on her when she has done nothing wrong. 

Le Roi Gaspard: She’s a distraction-

La Reine Arabella: Eleanor deserves far more credit than you currently afford her. 

Le Roi Gaspard: [Scoffs] I find that incredibly unlikely. 

La Reine Arabella: Then you are a fool. Instead of accusing her of distracting him, you should be thanking her. 

Le Roi Gaspard: Quoi? 

La Reine Arabella: Eleanor is the only reason Oliver agreed to our arrangement in the first place. So again, I would appreciate if you did not blame her. Especially when Oliver’s behaviour is not the true souce of what troubles you. 

Le Roi Gaspard: Do not-

La Reine Arabella: They will unearth the truth eventually, Gaspard. If you continue this path you’re on you will lose them. Is that what you want? 

Le Roi Gaspard: I think I’ll sleep alone this evening. Bonne nuit. 

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