#Margarita de York

[fotograrte]

Carlos "El Temerario" (Galería de las Batallas, Versalles)

Nos toca hoy examinar, gracias a este busto que se exhibe en la Galería de las Batallas del Palacio de Versalles, a una de las personas más influyentes del siglo XV francés y que además está emparentado directamente con personas que ya hemos tratado en este blog. En primer lugar, era hijo del duque Felipe III el Bueno, del que ya hablé aquí. A su vez, su única hija María casará con el Emperador…

[bvnga-aprikot]

More (semi-accurate) novel fanart

(and i say semi-accurate because obviously Diana doesn't have brown skin in the novel and Siodonna for the most part goes undescribed, but i've had this headcanon for too long so i'll use it here lol)

so! novel brainrot has been striking be hard so i decided to do more fanart and draw not just Athy and Jen but also the mothers of WMMAP, Lilian and Diana! maybe i should do another one but with Lucas, Kiel, Claude and Felix but i've run out of energy to do so TT.

[dyinggirldied]

Staying by their bed side

[lithi]

I almost have them all now ehehehehehe…..

[sharper-than-a-serpents-tooth]

love at first sight

[shxrry-blossom]

They are all so pretty!

[roseapov]

Who Made Me A Princess Christmas Special

Contains Spoilers to the story Tw: mentions of death and reincarnation This work doesn't contain and ships nor reader, it's just simply characters enjoying their time together Fluff with a slightly angst ending 1,5k+ words

The winter taken the land of springs and summers by storm, both by it's appearance and intensity. An unexpected surprise, something Obelia Empire wasn't used to, and so, the palace staff was going thorugh the chaos, having their hands full of work.

Even for a royalty like her, it would've been better to stay out of the way on the corridors, so she locked herself in the library. Seating by herself surrounded by masses of books and sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate.

She wasn't the most frequent guest in there, and yet during this afternoon she found in it solace. The library was huge, it contained many massive wooden bookshelfs with golden carvings in the symetrical order, giving the space even more impressive aura. And don't forget the books, thousands of them, most still dusted despite the cleaners hard work.

The young princess lately got interested in the traditions of the neighbouring Empires. The Imperial family were to come to the palace for the peace talks to her and her father, most likely staying for a week or so, so it was only proper for her to adequately prepare to welcome the guests.

The book that she was reading was a really thick one. Maybe she should look into their history book later? After all, so many traditions are just calling for a rich country history, knowing that could be beneficial for her.

The blond locks swayed together, with every move she made, with every turned page. While mindlessly turning pages, the underlined name of one tradition caught her attention.

"Christmas Dinner"

When she saw it, she immediately began reading the rest of the informations on the pages eagerly. It was almost the same as in Korea! She couldn't help but eventually smile at the familiarity of her world, but that smile hadn't lasted for long. After all, she never really got to spend it with her family, as she didn't had one. But the hope aroused in her once again, she has the family now!

Could she recreate that with Claude..? She wondered as her eyes lighted up with determination. From that moment forth, Athanasia knew she would do anything to get her dad to agree to make the christmas feast, no matter the cost.

When she closed the door to the library after her, she almost got swept away by a group of maids carrying some things in a rapid pace. It looks like she will still have to be careful while travelling through the corridors...

"Daddy Please! Can we make a dinner like that tradition?" And that's how it all began. Athanasia spoke with such determination, not wanting to give up no matter what. She very well knew, that her father loved her and would agree to her plans with enough persuassion.

After hearing the first words he smiled internally "Is all of this fuss about one dinner?" He sighed dramatically with a faked indifference. He absolutely loved when his daughter was coming to him for help, he knew he would agree, but he wanted to get as much out of Athanasia as he could before. A familiar teasing, one that Diana often dragged him into, left a visible mark on him.

"Y-Yes, but it's not about the dinner alone!" She was surprised over her fathers indifference, not expecting it and trying to improvise. "I.. I want to spend time with you Daddy! Like a family!" She tried to grab onto her last resort "We can also invite Jennette and-" she continued in hopes of talking through him, falling deeper into the rabbit hole, hoping he will bend to her idea with time.

That's when the Emperor stopped listening, knowing that she had already won. It warmed his heart, the knowledge that his daughter wanted to spend more time with him, others didn't mattered. He put up quite the facade, and yet his daughter wanted to spend time with him, it was more than enough to make him agree. Athanasia was the sun of his life, how could he  possibly deny her? How could anyone deny the precious princess?

He couldn't help but melt and slightly smile at his daughter's antics, even if she couldn't see it, too busy proving her point panicking. It wasn't rare to see her determined, it was one of the most common expressions she wore and yet.. This was different, she was practically glowing, and he wasn't the one to say no to his daughter, especially when she reminded him of Diana like that, she also tried her best to make him agree to her ideas, and join her in her dancing.

The Emperor wasn't playing around, more than welcoming to accept this tradition as his own, everything for his daughter's sake, and so, the preparations began. When the palace heard the news, the palace became a true mess. Everyone started tripping on eachother to prepare everything. Even a second wasted could end up tragically. If what were happening before in the palace was a chaos, then now it was way beyond chaos. No matter where you looked you would see everyone running from one side to another. Even guards went out of their way to help the rest of the servants with trying to finish everything on time.

A few days later the day had finally came. Ever since waking up, Athanasia was in high spirits, shifting excitedly on her chair, while maids were finishing her make up and hair. The princess chosen the dress for tonights dinner herself, a dress that reminded her of her life in Korea, mixing it perfectly with her new reincarnated life as a princess. Claude also seemed to be in a better mood than usual, changing his attire with magic to have a similar outfit that his daughter wore.

The specially invited guests arrived in the afternoon the day before, and were starting to get ready with the help of the servants too. The castle became more lively than ever, and everyone enjoyed this atmosphere immensely. The little chocolates and candies the princess prepared and handed together with Jennette for everyone in the castle surely helped too, making everyone even more than determinated to do their best. Lily and Felix got extra presents too, behind the scenes of course, making sure they knew they hold a special place for her in her heart, and that she would never forget what they done for her. While looking at their faces after handing them the packages, she knew that both of them got the meaning it held.

When the sky darkened and the first star appeared at the sky, the dinner began. An empty seat for an unexpected guest felt kinda useless, since no one would dare to go into the Imperial palace, just to eat the fancy dinner during the familiar reunion of the royals.

The dishes were very extravagant and absolutely delicious, even more than they usually were, or was it the atmosphere and the people she eated it with, making it better? Deep down, she knew the exact answer.

At first it was stiff, mostly cause of the two brothers there, so their daughters bravely took upon themselves the honors to start this evening on a good note. Both fathers weak for their daughters gave in, and started to relax over time, becoming more open with each passing minute, adding more and more to the conversations.

Athy stopped listening to the talks across the table and opted to stare at her half-finished plate instead. Tears started to well up in her eyes, this is what she always dreamt about. Amazing atmosphere and pleasant talks with people she were overjoyed to call her family, an unforgettable christmas by her family side, everything she always wanted.

She'll never forget it, making this memory the most important and most happy for her. With how Claude was pleased with this evening, it was almost sure that it will become the next and newest tradition of the Obelian Empire. A day meant to spend with your family, yes.. That would make for a wonderful new holiday!

Everyone got swept into this blissfull atmosphere, not letting anyone to see the newly appeared woman, that sat on the unexpected guest seat, looking at everyone merrily. Her blond locks swaying and her pink eyes that looked at everyone, shined with the tears, as she let out her most beautiful smile. She quickly wiped away her own tears, and instead started to fret over her daughter ones, her beautiful daughter shouldn't cry. Her ghostly hands tried their best to wipe away the tears, which she succesfully done. Her actions made the princess surprised, as she couldn't see the woman, but even then, she smiled and relaxed sensing a familiar presence, already having an idea of who that might be.

When the woman felt her time was coming to an end, she stood up from the table and walked towards a window. A winter in the Empire was truly a rare and unseen before sight, when her transparent body started to fade away, she saw in the window reflection her daughter looking straight into her eyes. Smiling at eachother was enough to deliver the message,

"I will always be with you two".

Masterlist / Christmas Series Special 2023 Mastelist

A work with 1,5k+ words.. I'm impressed with myself! That's truly amazing! And the first one that has 1k words and even more too! Haha! I'm happy with how it turned out, there is surely some room for improvement, but for my first try at longer and more fanfiction fic it turned out to be quite good. It is a very late fic, so I apologize for the wait, please embrace it and give it love🙏 Kisses for all of you!💋We're finally starting with moving forward with this year! Expect the rest of the Christmas Series Special soon.

[industria-adastra]

[WMMAP] - Magnum Opus: Flipping through a child's eulogy (3/5)

Prev - Next

Summary: It’s strange, trying to get used to a new puzzle piece in her incomplete picture. But Jennette is kind, and with the waves of change alongside her. So Athanasia dares to hope.

But it is not to be.

Note: Sorry this took a while but admittedly this took a lot longer than I expected. Chapter 3 ended up getting split but this is where most of the build-up is for before the anvil really drops in this now 5-parter of LP timeline Athy's moral bankruptcy arc.

-----

After the disastrous event that was her debut—By the sun and stars of Obelia she had a sister —Athanasia found herself staring, empty-eyed, up at the ceiling. She had no real idea of how she even got herself back to her room, or how and why no one seemed to stop her. If only to bombard her with invasive questions about her as the nobles had done so earlier.

But then again, they were probably all occupied with Jennette, weren't they? A new princess, who looked far lovelier than the forgotten princess in blue. Jennette Margarita, a shining new piece on the chessboard of noble politics. 

Athanasia rolls over to stare emptily at the overgrown greenery beyond the window. The glass is one of the only objects still sparkling clean compared to the rest of the dusty rooms in the palace. 

Lily must’ve cleaned it earlier. 

The garden, as beautiful as it was, was wild and overgrown. How many years had it been since someone took proper care of it? Her body curls within herself, drawing her eyes away.

A cold weight settles itself on her shoulder. Strokes her in a comforting manner with only the brush of freezing air to alert Athanasia to her mama’s movement. 

A few minutes later, that cold hand is replaced by another much warmer one.

“I…heard about it. Your debut, that is. What happened during it was…” Lily trails off, unable to find a perfect word to encapsulate this entire situation.

And then, she shakes her head, her resolve strengthening. “But you should know, Princ—No, Athanasia —that no matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side.” Her hand moved to comb through her hair, delicate fingers picking out the hidden ties within her hair. “And you know why?”

Athanasia stays silent, merely turning her head to look up at Lily.

“Because I promised, remember? And you know that, if it’s you, Athanasia, I will always, always, keep my promises to you.”

(Diana takes the moment to let her emotions be known, an all-encompassing wave that cocoons Athanasia in its warmth. Smooth like silk and gentle to the touch, it was all too easy to understand.)

And if Athanasia’s eyes start to overflow with tears, and her body begins to shake, neither Lily nor Diana makes any comment about it. They simply stay beside her. A silent comfort.

-

With the sudden reveal of Jennette—a potential new heir—everything was thrown into chaos. Both nobles and commoners gossip and whisper, wondering about the royal family. Of changes in relationships and the succession of the royal family. Since Jennette Margarita was older, would whoever married her become emperor instead? (Groups of noble boys sigh in relief, because although they could not remember what Jennette looked like in detail, they remembered a girl who was so lovely and beautiful beyond comparison. Her image buzzed in their minds like a persistent fly.)

But, most said, wouldn’t you think it’s a terribly one-sided battle?

After all, how would the second princess, the daughter of a lowborn commoner and unknown to all, even compare to the lovely Margarita girl? 

Rumours fly from the mouths of the members of the most exciting debutante of His Majesty’s age. About Jennette Margarita—now Jennette de Alger Obelia—they would say, sweet and kind and perhaps with a head sometimes up in the clouds, but ever so darling and dear, the new princess of theirs. About Athanasia de Alger Obelia, they’d sneer, gloomy and despondent, who would ever want her?

And so, and so, everyone waits with bated breath to see whether their speculations will be proven correct.

And they would be, time and time again, until one day they’d be pulled from the peak of their euphoria, down into the flames of hell and horror.

-

When they first meet, it is within the boundary of the Ruby Palace, in an overgrown field of grass and wildflowers and weeds.

Athanasia is practising her magic again, lying under the cooling shade of a large tree. Raven lies nearby, and her mother watches on with interest. The whispers and wailing in her ears have all but stopped after the trainwreck that was her debut, but still, Athanasia prefers the quiet open of this area. Better than the confining, decaying air of the Ruby Palace. Only Lily made it seem alive in there. But today she seems to be busier than usual, so Athanasia has quietly left her to her work.

Her black-blue mana weaves shapes in the air, dancing through the plants, giving energy to some, taking energy from others. It crackles and pops as it does so, staccato beats following a discordant rhythm. 

Today is a fine day.

Until, of course, there’s a sudden intrusion in the form of her newly “discovered” older sister. Athanasia immediately stops any usage of magic, wary, but puts on a polite smile in greeting. A question blooms within both her and her mother’s minds as they wonder: What would Jennette Margarita be like in relative privacy?

Unknowingly, Jennette offers a rather positive answer to that.

“Hello! You’re Athanasia, right? I’m so glad I finally got to meet you!” Jennette beams at her, lowering herself to clasp Athanasia’s hands in her own. Athanasia, in turn, fights the urge to flinch away at the suddenness of her actions. She seemed…highly forward, and almost brash in her approach. 

But, it wasn’t like this eagerness to know herself, know Athanasia as a person, from her new… sister wasn’t wanted. Athanasia wonders if she could get used to it. Get used to positive attention from a different member of her family (not from the one she truly desired it from).

Warmth blooms, just a little. But it’s there. Maybe she still could. Maybe she could.

Athanasia simply opts to listen, watching Jennette ramble on about her long-lived desire to meet her, watching her grow more and more nervous. Raven, now having surreptitiously moved over to her lap, watches Jennette carefully. 

Jennette is an open person, speaking of endless details about herself, to the point where one would think she’d never learned the meaning of the word “discreet”. Athanasia learns about Jennette’s favourite flowers (daisies), her favourite colour (blue), her favourite pastimes, and her hopes and dreams for her newly reunited family.

She doesn’t have the heart to tell her that their father, whilst a good and just man, is not one to offset his work in order to spend time with his children. So she smiles, and answers every question Jennette goes on to ask her with polite, near-perfunctory answers. 

Athanasia takes the time to take in Jennette’s features—the brief glances during her debut, marred by her despair, were not enough to form a good image of her within her mind. And Athanasia, as much as she tries, cannot fathom how this is her sister of another mother. Jennette’s hair is brown, a trait inherited from her mother, where generations of their family had been blond. The only thing she can find that even remotely reminds her of their father is Jennette’s jewel-blue eyes, and even then, they gleam with green when the sunlight passes over them.

Jennette’s features are, strangely enough, like a mirage. An aura of magic coats her skin; something lurks, trapped beneath her flesh, thick and sticky yet as flexible as water. It pulls at the light, softening her features and sharpening them at the same time, as if her creator still could not make up his mind on how he wished for her to look. Still, it always tries its best to make Jennette look as physically attractive as possible. Athanasia recognises this kind of magic, having entangled her hands within similar variations.

Black magic. Forbidden magic. Layers upon layers of it, as if it were the makeup of her sister’s existence.

Strange. Should she question Jennette about it? While she’s still chattering away at her? Athanasia mulls upon this decision, unconsciously starting to comb her fingers through Raven’s thick fur.

Unfortunately, it isn’t long before a maid calls for Jennette, pulling her away from the odd Second Princess with distrustful eyes. They do not trust her with her new sister. Evidently, they read too many melodramatic novels.  

Now that Jennette has left, her mother comes closer, having observed the entire interaction. And Athanasia sees that her gaze is cold, as they watch Jennette move further away from the Ruby Palace. 

She wonders where Jennette lives, if not in the Ruby Palace like her. (Whichever palace it was, it would be one more well-loved than hers)

“Could you feel it too, Mother?” She asks, staring at this icy version of her always-warm mother. “There’s so much magic woven within her, and it’s… different from how the mages of the Black Tower feel. I can barely even feel anything similar to my mana, the royal family’s mana, because most of it—” She pauses, and sees her mother tense, looking pointedly away.  Athanasia pretends she doesn’t see it. “Most of it feels like… Black magic. Forbidden, cursed, magic.”

It takes a while for her mother to respond.

“The Penelope I knew—or rather, the emperor told me about—was never magically inclined. Ambitious and beautiful, but with barely an ounce of usable mana to become even a low-level mage.” Her mother still doesn’t look at her. Athanasia is unsure what to make of this strange non-answer.

“So, it’s artificial then? I assume it would be before birth, as otherwise, I believe she would not be quite so… her . But whyever would Father agree to such procedures? I didn’t think he’d be the kind of person to willingly subject his family to such danger. Even if Penelope Judith must’ve asked for it. Especially since our bloodline practically guarantees some degree of usable mana compared to others.” It’s a puzzling thought for Athanasia, an uncomfortable, squirmy sort of thought. Father, the holy Emperor of Obelia, someone who’d sink his hands up to his forearms in forbidden magic? Athanasia banishes that thought as quickly as possible. 

Diana cannot bear to tell her daughter what the voices have told her, what her memories are telling her. That Penelope Judith had only lain with Claude’s brother. That Jennette was unlikely to be his daughter. That Claude knew this and yet was more welcoming to his own niece than a daughter he had with someone he had so desperately claimed to love. So she chooses her words carefully, measuring them within her mind before allowing them to fall from her lips.

“...I think, Athy, that—” Diana’s face is unsteady, a crack in the glass as she abruptly stops. “—that when it comes to people we love, we may not always know them as well as we think we do, because there are so many facets to a person.” 

Vague, vague, vague. Her mother’s answer is vague and does little to calm her with its implications. But Athanasia doesn’t want to argue. 

“I know.” That is all Athanasia says in reply, and that is all she leaves it to be.

(Hate was so easy to cultivate these days, when one’s emotions were connected to those of others.)

Such blissful ignorance is something she wants to keep her only child cradled safely within, if only so she would not be further hurt. She descends to wrap her arms around Athanasia, her only treasure, her most precious beloved child.

They sit in silence together for a little while longer. Yet, Athanasia notes, as she looks up at the darkening sky, it seems like a storm would come. And soon.

-

Jennette Margarita…no, Jennette de Alger Obelia is an enigma to her. An enigma through her very existence and how she is. How she treats everyone. 

An older half-sister she’d never met, with a personality she’d never gotten accustomed to. She is a cheerful, sunny girl in contrast to Athanasia’s dark and gloomy disposition. Forceful in her own ways like a gentle force of nature. Athanasia doesn’t think she’s a particularly bright girl, not instinctively picking up on how and why the servants and guards react like so depending on which princess they’re encountering. Jennette didn’t seem particularly well-read either, having seemingly been kept within an isolated bubble for a large part of her years. A bubble that was tailored to how her previous guardians saw fit to design. A bubble that she accepted without much thought. 

Athanasia had torn apart her own bubble a long, long time ago.

But Jennette is kind. At the very least, she treats her with the desire to become close. And perhaps, that is what draws Athanasia toward her, like a moth finding another source of light to hold onto. A little bit more affection to have and consume, another island in a sea of apathy. She isn’t sure if she’s being too greedy, coveting another pair of warm arms and a warm smile. 

(Athanasia remembers a face as solid and cold as ice from years ago. With another member in the family, one that he clearly cared about—with the unceasing flow of new baubles and fabrics given to her—would he welcome her now? A girl who’d do her best to repay his love and attention with all her being?

She doesn’t know the answer until one fateful tea party.) 

-

Meeting her father again for the first time in years is not as much of a happy affair as Athanasia thought it’d be. 

For one, her tea sits cold on her plate, and Athanasia also finds that her appetite has long left her. There is no mention of any of her dedication to the country and her studies, nor her desire to be useful to him. No, her father simply ignores her in favour of Jennette. Watching her, though not with familiar warmth.

It’s an emotion entirely different from her mother’s, and something about it makes her feel cold. The awkward silence hangs like a sword on a thread, as Jennette nervously nibbles on her snacks. Not even her typically sunny demeanour can defrost the ice lingering in the air here.

At least Mother is here, gently squeezing her, just enough to feel her warm-cold presence. Athanasia wonders why she hasn’t shown herself to her husband, pushing away memories of derisive whispers about a low-born dancer with more grace in her pinky toe than in any of their entire beings. Her fingers fiddle with one another, now wishing she were in the royal library instead, studying to be better.

At last, Jennette takes the plunge to end the awkward atmosphere.

“F-father!” She practically shouts, “I-I’ve heard that Athanasia is quite good in her studies, so maybe there is something she could help you with?”  Sweat lightly lines the side of her head, glistening. Her hands fumble about with the polished silver utensils.

The blatant plead for them to interact is so evident, that it would have been more subtle to plunge a sword into his gut. Athanasia barely keeps her muscles from reflexively cringing. But at the very same time, a bit of hope dared to bloom. Perhaps her father simply needed a little prompting. 

And it seems like he did, because right after, he turns to her, the same look of apathy still on his face, but he is looking at her and Athanasia’s mind runs through hundreds of imaginary conversation starters.

“Is that so?” He says, deceptively light before his next words. “Athanasia…”  Pausing, he appears to be contemplating something. “...so that was your name. And what an amusingly arrogant one it is. Who’s daughter were you, to have thought you’d be able to live up to such a name?” Cold like always, he fixes the full force of his icy gaze onto her, pinning her down like a butterfly specimen to be thoroughly examined. He eased himself into a languid position on his chair as best as possible, waiting, demanding her answer.

Her mother’s arms tighten imperceptibly, just as Athanasia feels a twang of disappointment at her father’s blatant forgetting of her beautiful, wonderful mother. It clashes with the rush of emotion that sears through her veins at having her father’s full attention on her (though not because of her). 

Suddenly, a rush of noise fills her ears, phantom memories of blood and death coming back from long ago. It is vivid and hazy in her mind’s eye, overlapping multiple perspectives into one as she steadily gazes back at him. 

Yet he is always covered in blood.

Athanasia tastes blood on her tongue, blood in her throat. Feels it on her hands, soaked into her dress. She blinks and it’s gone as quickly as it appears.

(Mother doesn’t seem very happy)

She tries to keep her voice even. “Diana of Siodonna, Father. I’ve… I’ve heard that she was a beautiful dancer.” Even so, her words are spoken haltingly, chosen carefully. 

At that, she could see his eyes narrow in sudden hostility, something dark flashing across them. One of his hands moves to tightly grasp her chin, moving her face this way and that. The pressure hurt, felt as if it could fracture her delicate bones.

Yet his next words fracture her heart. 

“Diana? I’ve never even heard of that name.”

-

He wishes (demands, really) for her to refer to him as “Your Majesty”. With that, the distance between them widens ever more. Was “Father” not respectful enough for him? But she acquiesces to his request (again, more of a demand). Because he is her father. Because she loves him (and all he stood for).

She loves him like a daughter to her father and a worshipper to her idol.

But Athanasia finds that it’s becoming harder to reconcile reality with her idealised images.

And yet, she clings to thin threads of hope anyway.

-

Diana feels the rage of the others within her boil and bubble, caustic and cutting, as she notices Athanasia being brushed off again and again by Claude. Something screams deep within her, louder and louder as it becomes increasingly clear that he remembers her not. She learns to hate from others, learns to hate through circumstance and with the help of the negativity entwining with her. It’s an addicting feeling that’s all too happy to grow as she watches Claude take their daughter for granted again and again. 

Sometimes it feels as if their consciousness merges in and out. Although most of the other women hated her terribly in the end for being the favoured one of the emperor, they all could understand the feeling of being abandoned, being treated lesser by someone whom you adored. They could understand how love and like could curdle and sour into hate. 

Diana had gambled on their love, on her judgement of his character…

And it turns out that she’s fumbled the roll all along.

-

Sometimes, Athanasia thinks she hates them both—her father and Jennette.

Her father for how he underestimates her, practically pretends she doesn’t exist, the easy affection he gives so freely to Jennette even as Athanasia strove to reach his heaven-high standards. Could he not see her desire to help him? Could he not see how much work she put into her studies, no matter how she tried to convey it to him—whether it be through pathetically desperate verbal questioning about his interest, or her showing off as best as she could her ideas on how to perhaps help her Empire prosper more.

Jennette, for how easily she gains her (their) father’s affection. She fails miserably at certain subjects, stays happily within her own enclosed bubble without a care for the outside world, and yet. And yet, and yet, and yet—

(Athanasia can’t really blame her, not really. Because Jennette is kind. Because her father has more important duties than an attention-starved teenage daughter. Because the fault is probably all her own. Good with books, terrible with people, better with ghosts. What a mess .)

He couldn’t even bother to spare her a single glance. What did she lack? What did she not have? What did she need, who did she need to be so he’d gaze at her like Jennette?

Why couldn’t they be together as one happy family?

(Why couldn’t he be the father she wanted him to be?)

-

She caresses a thorny rose, admiring its beauty, lightly gliding her skin on the thorns. 

Not a second later, Athanasia pricks her skin on them.

It leaks blood, slowly, surely, before it clots.

She stares, watching. Wondering. Ruminating.

-

Ijekiel Alpheus. He is Jennette’s fiancé, and Athanasia listens for words that slip through the cracks. Jennette loves to talk about him. The girls at every tea party held in the palace love to gush about him, plying words of flattering praise on Jennette as thick as honey. It often feels over-excessive. 

Perhaps they envy her. 

(But who wouldn’t? With her perfect life and perfect personality, it is easy to love her and even easier to hate her.)

Ijekiel is Jennette’s childhood friend, their affection for one another having been fostered since day one. She wonders if he is the white-haired youth she saw on that day. He had worn his charm like a well-worn mask, gently guiding Jennette towards His Majesty. Beautiful and handsome, all soft edges and a princely demeanour.

He must be. House Alpheus is the only white-haired, gold-eyed noble family she knows of in Obelia.

-

Athanasia meets him on a summer day. A maid eagerly rushes to Jennette, telling her of her fiancé’s arrival. Her sister brightens with excitement and proceeds to drag Athanasia back to the palace to meet him. 

Her mother has opted to stay and relax with Raven back in the Ruby Palace. Lately, Mother feels tired through the threads that connect them. Athanasia briefly hopes the rest will do her well, before allowing herself to be pulled in the rush of emotions Jennette visibly emits before they enter the doors of the Emerald Palace. 

For some reason, Athanasia always thought the colour would suit Jennette well. Better green than blue.

(Better to be in any other family than—) 

When they arrive, Ijekiel has his back to them. He’s been waiting. Clothed in white and gold, Athanasia cannot help but wonder if it is an intentional choice of House Alpheus. She supposes it lends a more ethereal quality to Ijekiel, whilst also being easy to match with their hair and eyes. It certainly looks more intricate and fine than her pale blue dress. 

“Ijekiel!”

Jennette lets go of her hand to practically leap onto Ijekiel’s back, arms wrapping around him tightly as she beams. Athanasia opts to stand back, a couple of steps away, allowing space for the pair, waiting for him to turn to meet her.

The first thing she notices is that his eyes are like unpolished gold.

Yet as they finally lock eyes, jewel blue meeting dull gold, Jennette’s happy words “This is my fiance, Ijekiel…” fade into the background, and those eyes appear to sparkle as if wrapped in a Mesmer. He smiles gently and moves to place a kiss just above her hand. As he does so, his gaze feels like it’s attempting to see through her for what she is. It is a strange sparkle that has lit within his eyes.

“A pleasure to meet you, your highness.”

Something about him changes at that moment.

And it is all too strange that such a gaze would cause her to feel flushed below her clothes. Would cause her breath to hitch and a feeling of breathlessness to rush over her. Maybe she overworked herself this morning with the spells, growing flowers willy-nilly for both Lily and Mother. There’s nothing else that could explain this.

As always, Athanasia opts to ignore unwanted feelings.

(She cannot have him; a terrible choice for a first infatuation)

-

On a summer’s day, they meet again for the second time. This time, it was by complete accident. Whilst walking back to the Ruby Palace from one of the Imperial libraries, Athanasia finds herself nearly walking into Ijekiel. Thank goodness for Mother warning her just in time before they could collide.

Immediately, she reacts with a “My apologies, Lord Alpheus.” He bows in return. A beat of silence follows soon after, and as there is no reply, she continues with “Were you looking for Jennette? I believe she should be finished with her dance lessons soon…” Shifting her books to her left arm, Athanasia snaps open the pocket watch on her side. “...In about five to six minutes or so.”

“No worries, Your Highness. And, I’m not here for Jennette today. I simply felt like visiting one of the royal libraries.” Ijekiel replies, smiling. Then something appears to catch his eye, and following his gaze, Athanasia looks down to see her books. More specifically, a theorem that was published by Roitz a few years ago. Bound in dull brown and without much decoration, Athanasia wonders why it is this book that catches his attention specifically.

“Is that…?”

Athanasia is quick to reply with her own query. “Lord Alpheus, do you recognise this?”

“Yes, is that not Roitz’s book on the intricacies and differences between black magic and forbidden magic? I have read it before on a whim. However, there’s not much I can do with such information, seeing as I am not a mage. Although,” he looks back up into her eyes, “speaking of mages, I do not suppose it is much of a surprise that Your Highness reads such things.” 

Her own blue eyes stray away from his intense gaze. “If I may, Lord Alpheus… I don’t believe that is quite true, mage or not, it is always good to know more. Especially with matters concerning magic. Knowing the differences could perhaps help one determine how best to solve problems concerning magic, or even identify signs that may appear with black magic usage. Sometimes, knowing can make all the difference in things. Please, do not presume that something is useless to you because you have yet to think of a use for it.” And somehow, without realising, her gaze shifts as she speaks, staring down at the sparkling gold of his irises.

It takes a while for him to speak, and Athanasia thinks he looks almost pleasantly surprised, were it not for the rapid change into his normal, genial smile that leaves her wondering if she’s hallucinating from years spent with the supernatural. 

“...Yes, you’re right, of course.” Ijekiel’s head subtly shifts to look beyond the marble pillars of the hallway. “There are things I feel thankful for now, even if I grew to despise them in the past.” He’s looking back at her, and Athanasia feels as if Ijekiel isn’t exactly talking about books and knowledge. Unexpectedly, she feels herself flush, red hot on her cheeks. His gaze always feels all too intense whenever she’s caught in it.

At this, his smile seems to grow a little more genuine, before he leaves with a light bow and a, “If I may excuse myself, Your Highness.” 

The faint scent of wildflowers follows him.

Athanasia thinks, staring at the place where he was, that it’s not the end of their meetings, mostly due to their respective statuses as future in-laws. Although as she looks at her Mother’s amused gaze, Athanasia hopes that by the next meeting, she could at least stop feeling so strangely flustered every time she meets Ijekiel.

-

Her mother shows her little reprieve after that encounter. As it turns out, Athanasia appears to have found a new muse to draw. Sitting beneath the old tree with Raven and her mother once more, Athanasia allows her mind to wander in content silence. Thus she pays little attention to the wildflowers unfurling next to her, nor the fact that Ijekiel’s features are starting to form upon the paper. 

Unfortunately for her, Diana—her mother—is a rather keen-eyed woman. And thus, her sparkling pink eyes zero onto the familiar handsome sketched features with a speed rivalling the Arlantan hawks. As she does so, her lips softly curl into a teasing grin at her new discovery.

“My, my, Athy, who’s this?” Leaning in, Diana peers at her daughter with that very grin, as Athanasai practically leapt out of her skin. Raven, deciding he’d rather be an observer rather than a participant, takes this time to move over to a warm patch in the field.

“Ma‒a! You nearly gave me a heart attack! Couldn’t you have warned me somehow before you decided to comment on my artwork?” Athanasia exasperatedly said, slowly calming down her racing heart.

“Weell, my darling daughter,” Diana begins to say, pinching at one of Athanasia’s cheeks, “I’m simply ever so curious as to this mysterious handsome individual you’ve started to draw. Who, by the way, looks ever so similar to one heir to House Alpheus.” Her cheshire grin grows ever wider as Athanasia slowly realises the implication, relishing the deep lobster red suffusing her pale complexion. 

“That’s a coincidence,” she explains tartly, wishing the ground would swallow her up whole, were it not that the lack of air would kill her. “Besides, it’s not a crush or anything of the sort that you’re implying, Mama.” Athanasia spits out the word ‘crush’ as if it were something diseased.

“I never said it was a crush.”

“That—! Well, you most certainly implied that I have a crush on Ijekiel!”

“Did I? I only wished to know who you were drawing, Athy,” Diana replies, looking like the cat who got both the cream and the canary. “But now that you mention it… Do you have a crush on him, Athy?”

“I do not have a crush.” Athanasia pouts, crossing her arms, “And Mother, you should remember that this is Jennette’s fiancé we are discussing. Any feeling of the amorous kind should not, and will not, exist.” Her voice is hard at that reminder. However, who was truly being reminded here?

At that, Diana’s expression softens into a sympathetic look. 

“Oh Athy, it’s perfectly alright and normal for you to get a crush at this age.” Diana places a comforting hand on Athanasia’s hunched shoulders, coaxing her daughter to look at her. “I know you care very much about Jennette, but you’re not betraying her or anything like that by getting a crush on her fiancé. Besides, you’re not acting on those feelings, and that’s all that really matters, Athy.” Her fingers gently comb through her daughter’s golden tresses.

It’s a nice, normal thing for her daughter to get a crush. 

She thinks, sadly, that Claude would have been a rather endearingly protective father.

-

Athanasia thinks they run into each other quite a lot, enough that she can no longer truly call it a continuing series of accidental encounters. It’s one too many times with too short breaks in between for her to call it such. At some point, she’s starting to wonder if “accidental” is intentional. But with both her desire to ignore most thoughts about fair-haired, handsome Ijekiel and to prove to her mother that this was most certainly not some crush on her sister’s betrothed, Athanasia kicks such thoughts into the abyss of her subconscious.

So obviously, the next time she carries a thick romance novel out of the library to read in the comfort of her room, Athanasia has to be nearly bowled over by Ijekiel as she rounds the corner back to the Ruby Palace.

She stumbles back in shock the moment they collide, thankfully managing not to trip over her feet. Ijekiel appears to be completely unphased, the only sign of collision being his slightly shifted clothing. Athanasia envies that calmness—just a bit.

Just seconds after their collision, Ijekiel smiles, moving to lightly bow towards her, his right hand clasped over his breast. 

“Your Highness, what a happy coincidence.” As he straightens up, Ijekiel’s eyes roam over the book Athanasia is perhaps not-so-subtly trying to obscure. “May I presume you were coming back from the library?”

“Y— Yes, Lord Alpheus. I was. And may I presume in return that you were on the way to meet Jennette? May I recommend that the next time you come visit her, you start from the left, instead of the right? It takes a longer time to get to the Emerald Palace if you go this way, Lord Alpheus.” Her fingers curl tighter around her novel, desperate to not let Ijekiel see the embossed blurb, lest he guesses the contents of it. (He need not know just how passionately the main couple express their feelings for each other, and he most definitely need not know in what specific manner they normally do so) 

Suddenly, it feels as if they are far too close for comfort.

(She can’t quite understand why she’s unwilling to let him know about this, wanting to keep the image of a refined, scholarly princess in his eyes)

He takes a step closer, and for a scant second, Athanasia’s breath catches in her throat. It’s still a perfectly acceptable distance, she mentally reassures herself. It’d do her no good to have her mind so scrambled by such a little thing as the decreased distance from her future in-law.

(Her very handsome, future brother-in-law, her mind supplies in a rather unhelpful fashion. Athanasia wonders if there was a spell to get your mind to shut up when it made unnecessary comments about other people.)

Smiling, Ijekiel makes the world stand still with just a few words. 

“Actually, Your Highness, I was looking for you.” 

“What?” It’s only by the grace of all those years spent holding back that allows Athanasia at least a semi-dignified response to his reply. She blinks and very nearly stutters on her next words. “You… You were looking for me?”

Suddenly he’s far, far too close, and Athanasia nearly leaps out of her skin with surprise, blooming red on her cheeks. Her arms loosen their death grip on her novel, allowing Ijekiel a clear view of her guilty pleasure. So unfortunately for Athanasia, within those few seconds of embarrassment for her, Ijekiel quickly sees what she’s not so subtly attempting to hide from him.

“Oh? That…” He smiles gently like always. But this time, there is a musical lilt to his tone, a subtle quirk to his lips. 

Much like a cat who caught the canary.

Athanasia does her very best to ignore both that damnable smile and the airy weight of her mother’s arms settling comfortably around her.

“Is there something you’d like to say, Lord Alpheus?” She knows her tone is just a tinge too sharp, too snappy in its execution.  Athanasia stoutly refuses to believe such reactions could be, in any way, related to her feelings towards the Alpheus heir. Just like how, right now, she is stoutly ignoring her dearly beloved mother’s giggles. 

Underlying those words is a challenge to him; daring him to say even a single unneeded and unwanted comment about her choice of literature. Her eyes narrow slightly as she stares up at him. Curse his older age and thus his taller height. It is much, much harder to channel an ice statue when one is forced to a lower vantage point.

“Oh, nothing, really.” Or so Ijekiel says, even when the corners of his mouth curve none too subtly, right in front of her. “It’s just…”

And really, some form of luck must be on his side today. Because at that very moment, a gust of wind has the audacity to simply blow past right behind her, allowing Ijekiel the perfect opportunity to further invade her space. Which he does, leaning in to gently tuck away locks of hair from her ear, giving unrestricted access for him to whisper, ever so softly…

“You enjoy such a charming spread of genres, Your Highness,” his breath tickles her ear, and Athanasia hopes to all the holy powers that be that Ijekiel won’t see the brick red she’s surely become. “I myself am also rather fond of reading. So perhaps you’d be able to give me a good recommendation that we might both enjoy together?” At that, Ijekiel leans back, and his golden gaze fixed on her face, waiting for her reply.

“I—” Athanasia’s first attempt at a response falls flat, leading to seconds of hanging silence before her mind formulates a proper answer. “I would be willing to compile a list for you.” Athanasia pauses, before hastily adding, “ And Jenette.” 

“Right.” Gone is the light tone previously in Ijekiel’s voice. Jenette’s name is a clear reminder to both of them.

Again, a silence casts its shadow over the two. But there was a reason why Ijekiel was so beloved by the upper crust’s women. A reason why Jenette was so clearly smitten with him.

“Perhaps we could read the book you have now together, Your Highness? Just to help you gain an early start in compiling that list, of course.”

Athanasia hopes to high heaven that this wasn’t the reason why he was so liked.

“Absolutely not!” Athanasia’s face is red with embarrassment, heat practically radiating off her cheeks. There was no way she was going to let Ijekiel Alpheus of all people know that the studious Second Princess of Obelia liked steamy romance novels. (Even if it was highly likely he already knew what exactly she was holding in her arms)

It’s clear that her sudden outburst of honesty surprises and amuses the Alpheus heir. Frankly, he isn’t doing much to conceal the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, nor the tug at his lips. At that, Athanasia’s lips twitch in displeasure. Why on earth she’d been so fascinated with him lately must’ve been due to the amount of work she’d been giving herself recently. (That was not to say she didn’t notice how that twinkle made the gold in his eyes shine like stars, enthralling in the way beauty always was)

“My, Your Highness, I’m surprised that someone with your work ethic would be so quick to turn down an offer to increase task efficiency.” He teases her, knowing full well why there was no way she would read this book with him.

Athanasia returns his tease with frosty politeness, hoping he’ll drop the matter and leave her alone to read in the sanctity of her room in peace. “I’m simply worried it would detract from time you should spend with Jennette, Lord Alpheus. Moreover, as both a girl and her sister, I’m quite sure a perfect list will still be made with only my input.”

(Her mother is no help at all, only watching and offering not a single piece of advice)

“Ah, but perhaps you have forgotten, Your Highness, that I have taken care of Jennette in the past. Would it not be more helpful to have my input to supplement yours?”

“That…”

“...Is it because of my presence?”

“No.” The blurted answer is quick enough that it shocks both of them. It’s honesty towards a question that should never be asked. Despite this, Athanasia continues to blush, eyes only pretending to look straight at Ijekiel. “...I simply think that you would not be interested in such reading material.” She later tacks on lamely.

But for some reason, it’s enough to gain a wondrous smile from him—In fact, Athanasia suspects he might just be beaming. Her heart beats uncomfortably in her chest.

“I see,” is all he says at first. “But Your Highness, I trust that whatever you read has its own value, whether it be for one purpose or another.” With that, he bows, ready to take his leave. “If you are not ready to show me such literature, I’ll at least help with the list for Jenette. So if I may, Your Highness, I’ll get on to that promptly.” Up he rises, and Athanasia can’t help but stare at his now retreating back.

What an immensely forward thing to say.

All of a sudden, not even ten paces away from her, Ijekiel stills. As he speaks, he does not face her. “And, just one more matter, Your Highness. If it’s not too presumptuous… Might I say that red is a lovely colour on you?”

But for Athanasia, it’s much more preferred this way. After all, who knows what expression he had whilst saying so? Nor did she desire for him to see that lovely colour on her again.

-

“Your Highness, I’ve recently read through Galera’s thesis on the nature of time. May we discuss it together?”

Ijekiel had almost certainly planned on this, seeing as there was no one near them for perhaps miles around, and also for the fact that they were conversing in a clearly abandoned garden that no one in their right mind would enter. 

It’s no matter if she’s caught off guard, as Athanasia has long since gotten used to reacting to unexpected variables on the spot. “Lord Alpheus, you must understand that I have yet to read that particular article. Furthermore, I do firmly believe that you would have a much more enlightening conversation with someone from the Black Tower.”

However, the sound of her mother snickering from behind is very much not helpful.

“But Your Highness, I find that I would much prefer conversing with you. You’ve shown to be capable of viewing a wide range of perspectives that I feel are quite uncommon.” At that, Athanasia involuntarily flushes, remembering their previous meeting. “It’s no matter if you haven’t read it yet, as I’ve also brought it with me. How about we go over it together?”

“I…” There is an expectant, honest wish in his eyes, and Athanasia can’t help but look away.

Her mother gently caresses her from behind, giving a silent nudge to accept his offer. “You’ll be family soon,” she whispers in her ear. “It’ll be good to get along when it happens… And above all else, Athy… It’s alright to savour moments of fleeting happiness.”

Fleeting. Right.

This time, she meets his eyes. 

“I don’t suppose you have anything for the next few hours?”

And his smile is as dazzling as the sun.

-

Jerk, was, perhaps, not a word Athanasia thought she’d ever use to refer to Ijekiel. But sometimes it feels as if he’s purposefully trying to ruffle her feathers.  There is simply something about the way this— this young lord reacts to her polished politeness, the way he engages with her, the way he pokes and prods (in a manner he possibly believes is subtle but is truly more like a slap to her face).

(For goodness sake, she’s not some beloved romance novel protagonist) 

It is hard to do so when the Alpheus heir keeps on challenging her like so.

(And they dance around and around, three steps forward and two steps back)

-

By their fourth and later meetings, Athanasia finds that many conversations with Ijekiel often slip into a subtle battle of knowledge, wisdom and wit between them. They talk around each other in circles, debating and discussing. They prod each other for opinions as politely and bluntly as can be (it was likely Ijekiel took at least some pleasure in watching her flounder—he’d already admitted it before). Sometimes though, it feels as if they’re speaking two entirely different conversations to each other. The only clue Athanasia has as to what Ijekiel does not say is exactly that: what he does not tell her explicitly.

More often than not, Jennette cannot get much of a foot within the proverbial door of their rapid-fire conversations. More often than not, Athanasia has to remember to pull back, to introduce topics that Jennette can give her opinion on. And she feels guilty, looking at how nervous Jennette is at giving opinions on things she can barely understand. Because Jennette’s fiancé is the only person remotely near her age that she could interact with on such a level, the only person around willing and able to interact with on such an academic level, Athanasia clings to him—to that connection to another being who might truly enjoy her company—through such conversations. She wills herself to ignore their countless other conversations that don’t involve an exchange of knowledge; pushes away the way he teaches her to dance in a pair; shuts out the times they sit together in comfortable silence, Raven as their feet and her mother humming by her side.

(Because for all she reads, all she understands and absorbs, her father hates the sound of her voice, hates the audible reminders of her existence. What Athanasia learns from those numerous, painfully awkward tea times is that Jennette is persistent in making them get along, and their father is persistent in pretending she does not exist—knowledge does not matter if no one wishes to appreciate it. The unread and discarded proposals Athanasia sends to him via a third party time and time again only serve to hammer in this unwanted truth.

And Ijekiel wanted more than her knowledge. Was it truly a wonder that she’d wish to stay with just him, if only for a few seconds more?)

She should not.

(Ijekiel is her sister’s beloved fiancé. Jennette is her beloved older sister, and she is the apple of their father’s eye.)

She does anyway.

As another prompting question about Archimedes V comes from Ijekiel yet again, Athanasia cannot help herself, allowing her to be swept away by the currents to another place—perhaps the edge of a waterfall.

(She’s not acting on her feelings if she’s answering his questions and thus engaging with, and subsequently bonding with her future brother-in-law… Right?

It’s not a question Athanasia truly wishes to answer.)

-

The next few years go by like the clouds drifting across the skies, and she and Ijekiel only become closer. Her mother gives no protest to any of it, even telling her that it is  “only a small bit of happiness, which wouldn’t hurt”. Within her embrace, cocooned in her warmth, Athanasia can find no argument against such a sentiment.

One day—a day she will consider a very long time ago—under the gentle shade of a tree, surrounded by nothing but wildflowers, Ijekiel confesses a secret to her and her alone.  

“Did you know, Princess, that when we truly first met, I thought you to be an angel?” Ijekiel smiles, looking up at the unclouded sky, away from her and her seeking eyes. “You should know that you’re very beautiful, Princess. It was almost inhumanely so, to me… Until I got to know you better, of course.” He chuckles, as if remembering a particularly humorous memory. “You became less like an angel—less of an idea in my head—and more like my friend, Athanasia. And yet, knowing you as you are now, I find myself preferring this tangible version of you, rather than the shallow idea I had before.” 

It feels as if it’s something she shouldn’t have known. Something that shouldn’t be said. And yet, she made no move to interrupt him at all.  

Ijekiel looks back at her now. As the sun’s rays bounce off his white hair, Athanasia privately thinks that, between the both of them, she is not the one with the angelic beauty. She watches, entranced, as his hand nears her own. 

His first touch is warm.

Slowly, he brings her hand to his lips, his golden eyes gazing at her behind lowered lashes as he does so. And just as Athanasia thinks he will kiss the air above her hand in greeting (but what for, she dares not continue that line of thought), he gently turns her hand to expose the insides of her pale wrists. 

“Athanasia… I’m truly glad you were born.”

And so there is where his lips ever so lightly press, a butterfly-like kiss. 

It’s a golden memory that Athanasia would take to her grave. Even if she immediately yanks her hand away, watching as the sun’s rays disappear. Watching the understanding dawn upon his face.

(Ah, she’s already flown too close to the sun)

-

Not too long after that incident, Ijekiel gifts her a blue songbird—a bluebird, to be more specific.

“Consider it a symbol of our friendship,” he says. Nothing about his expressions betrays anything, save for the way he doesn’t meet her eyes, the way his smile is so picturesque. But their roles have been set, their paths already paved, and there’s no other direction but forward. 

So Athanasia gives a fairytale-like smile in return, and focuses only on the merits of his gift.  

It’s a pretty bluebird, and she’s sure Raven will love it too. Her mother is already cooing in her ear about how cute it is, and how generous it is for Ijekiel to give such a gift. Athanasia never told her what happened on that sunny day. And she never will.

“He must treasure your friendship very much, Athy. And, oh my, don’t you think the bluebird looks a little like him? Maybe it’ll stop you from sulking every time you can’t immediately discuss a book with him.”

Athanasia ignores her comments in favour of concentrating on Ijekiel.

“Thank you,” she says in turn, smiling, “I’ll take good care of…”

“It’s a boy.”

“Him. I’ll take good care of him.”

They both watch the little bluebird hop around, gazing at its new surroundings with curiosity. 

“Do you already have a name for him?”

“Not really, I was thinking that it’d be better to give you the honour of doing so,” Ijekiel replies, before cheekily adding, “Even with your dubious naming skills.”

Athanasia’s cheeks colour, before she hastily gets out, “My naming skills are not dubious. The names I give are perfectly suited and reasonable.”

“Hahaha, alright alright, I concede—what are you going to name him then?”

“Well,” and at that, Athanasia places her hands firmly on her hips, “I was thinking of Bluey. It’s a name that suits his colouration, and it’s also a very cute name.” 

“Alright, Bluey it is then.”

“Hey, what kind of answer was that?” But they’re both grinning, and they both know that Ijekiel won’t legitimately protest against the name, no matter how much of an “opinion” he has about her naming skills. 

Athanasia hopes that he’ll treasure this memory as much as she does, forevermore.

-

On a day like any other, Athanasia opens the doors to her room to find her beloved Bluey dead in his cage. His feathers lie scattered in a bloody mess, and it’s clear that this was someone’s handiwork. Even so, it doesn’t feel real. Any moment now, Bluey will hop around and chirp and sing, delighted to see her again.

Athanasia cradles him with shaking hands, making no move to stop Raven from sniffing around the crime scene. There's a gasp from behind. Mother? 

“Oh, Athy…” When a warm, heavy weight meets her shoulder, Athanasia knows that it's someone else.

Lily.

“How could anyone do this?” She laments, voicing out unsaid thoughts. “This isn't right. I must go see the Emperor. He should do something about this.” At that, Lily rises to storm out the door, only to be caught by the skirts with a single hand.

“No.” Athanasia’s tone is firm, resolute. “He won't— He doesn't need to be bothered by such small issues.” The words are like razors in her mouth. “I’ll solve this issue myself.”

“But Athy—”

“No.” A princess’ words are final. “But,” and here is where her voice softens, weakens, “could you stay by my side tonight?”

“Of course.” Lily’s hands are gentle on her hair, but still, Athanasia can't bring herself to look at her. “You didn't even need to ask. I’ve promised you before that I’ll always be by your side, Athy.”

-

At night, soothed to sleep by her nanny’s lullaby, and her mother's smell of roses, Athanasia dreams. She dreams of the flowers she’d made, dreams of how vegetation would translate to flesh, blood and bone. She dreams of sinew, muscle and thread. She dreams of a pulsating heart in her hands, too big to be useful for now, but that is what magic is for—to make the impossible become possible.

She dreams of her mother, unconditionally forgiving.

( Everything will be alright, Athy. You don't have to do it alone. Just leave it to Mama, ok? )

She dreams of a world, where all wrongs are made right.

-

When she wakes, it’s as if she’s been possessed. With a firm stride, she moves to crack open the book that started it all. With a loud thump, it lies open on a new number, page one-thousand-twenty. It’s a page Athanasia has never seen before. But written across its pages is exactly the guidance she needs. Her fingers run through the crimson-streaked pages, feeling the bone-like indents of the letters. Perhaps it’s simply her imagination, but Athanasia likes to think that, at that moment, she’d also felt a pulse. 

The smell of decay hangs in the air. Against Lily’s protests, she’d placed Bluey back into his cage instead of disturbing him any further. 

If she could conjure new life, then surely, Athanasia could also bring back the old? Her eyes scan the procedures, the needed ingredients to channel intent out of precaution. A nail drags across the paper, and she mentally takes note of every single detail. 

“Did you find something interesting, Athy?” Her mother’s arms curl around her neck, heavy as a noose. 

“Yes.” She replies, turning to gaze at her slumbering bluebird. “I think I’ll need some thread, Mama.”

-

Perhaps it’s a trick of her mind, but Athanasia feels as if there are fewer staff members in the Ruby Palace, as barebones are the structure of the staff here already. But since she relies mostly on herself and Lily, Athanasia doesn’t pay too much mind to it. 

There are other more important matters to turn to, such as Bluey’s recovery. He still needs the stitches, or else he’d fall back asleep within a blink of an eye. 

She strokes his soft feathery head, before the crash of breaking plates forces her attention elsewhere. Her hand stills. A lone maid stares at them, eyes wide, mouth slack. Honestly, it’s a confusing reaction to have. Furthermore, didn’t she know that such loud noises could disturb Bluey’s recovery? 

“Hey,” the informality tastes foreign, but welcome. “Come here.”

The impertinent maid doesn’t move.

“Come here. That’s an order.”

Hesitant, and awkward. Her etiquette lessons come to mind—a princess should not have to speak the same order twice. The chair screeches from the force of her pushing back, and in one, two, three and four strides, she’s caught that shaking arm and dragged the maid into her room.

The doors shut and lock with a finality. 

[stalpra-and-100-fandoms]

Little Voices in My Head | Who Made Me A Princess

[Part 1]

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Before I begin, I want to say two things: Hi, it's been a while. I hope you all are alright. And this story doesn't take place in the canon setting of WMMAP. It takes place in the world of Emperor's Treasured Son, an amazing fanfic written by Celena Noelle. Please read that before proceeding. My story will be diverging from it from chapter 15 onwards.

Also unrelated but the fancy dividers will look weird on mobile, so, if it happens to bother you, please read on pc/laptop.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Even after so many years, Claude was somehow still distant towards Athanasia. At times, it even felt like he was being cold to her. Athanaris tried to talk to him about it, but Claude refused to address the matter.

However, Athan could almost understand. Claude, being as protective as he is, didn't like how his son took hits for both Diana and Athanasia.

Nevertheless, he tried to bring it up whenever he could, once mentioning that Athy was as much his child as he was. At this, Claude only stared at him blankly. "Father, please don't tell me you don't consider her your daughter!" "Athan, I think it's time for your lessons." "Father!" "There now, you don't want to be late."

Powerless in this situation, Athanaris left the room, huffing.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Athanasia, on the other hand, was trying to brave it through and prayed that she'll be alright. Knowing how "The Lovely Princess" ended, she was scared that the plot was just recovering itself after 7 years worth of filler. (counting from when she was 5)

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

The last straw fell on a completely unremarkable afternoon. The emperor and his children were in his study when he noticed that someone was waiting outside the room. Claude opened the door with magic and said with venom, "I will not have anyone eavesdropping in on my precious break time. Leave. Don't show your face unless I summon you." Athan was absently listening while reading a book and Athy was looking at the door while all this transpired. But as soon as she turned her head back, she saw the emperor looking at her as well.

Only then did it occur to her that those words might apply to her as well.

"Oh my goodness," she started, causing her brother to raise his head, "I completely forgot about my books by the window. I need to get them," Athan offered to help but she politely declined and sped out of the room.

Athan realised that for the first time, in all the years he's known her, Athy's emotions were natural and honest. And she was honestly frightened. He glanced toward his father to get a clue but all he saw was a nonchalant face looking at the door.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Athanasia ran to her chambers and dropped onto her bed, clutching her pillows and heaving slightly. Surely this means nothing, right? Maybe Papa's in a bad mood today. He just needs to have some peace of mind. After all, he hates nosy people-

She then recalled the startling lack of maids on her way to the Emerald Palace. Am I already being neglec- no, no, no, slapping herself a bit, she decided to ask Lily who was in the next room to hers.

"I heard that Alpheus House requested an audience with His Majesty. They brought a young lady with them this one which is why some of the maids were- Your Highness, are you alright?" The girl had turned pale even before Lillian could finish.

Gripping the back of a chair, she implored in a faint voice, "Lily, can you tell me her name?" Unsure still, Lily replied hesitantly, "I believe they introduced her as Jeanette Marga- Athanasia!"

The princess had collapsed in the chair.

Athanasia could only think of one sentence and it was forming in her mind at a painfully slow pace. ‌ Yep, the plot is recovering itself ‌

"Athy, can you hear me?" "Yeah Lily, I'm okay," Athy said as she got up, "I'll be in my room, so please don't worry," "Are you-" "I'm fine, I'm fine," the girl said a little firmly.

She was not.

She stood shaking against her mirror, pressing her hands on her chest in an attempt to calm down.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Some time had passed and seeing that no one called for her, Athanasia changed into a plain tartan dress and slipped into a whipcord jacket.

She teleported herself to the market. Despite the blazing sun, Athy still felt a bit cold and figured some shaved ice will bring her back to reality. The honeyed shaved ice was just forming in front of her eyes when a pair of hands pulled her away into an alley.

Her eyes were quick to adjust and the kidnapper seemed to be a mix of the emperor and the Royal Magician. A strong left parting divided his black hair and framed his pale face.

The similarities between him and Claude were uncanny. It was as if their sculpture had run out of ideas and drew inspiration from both his works.

Surely the man was beautiful if he bore any resemblance to her father but right then he looked psychotic.

His black irises were constricted beyond the natural limit and he was gasping to himself, "What are you doing? I have nothing to do with this girl, only my brother," His voice began to burn with fear, "Why are you doing this? This doesn't serve your purpose,"

As scared as she was, Athy tried to understand the situation, "Sir, who are yo-"

A cloud of red dust blinded her and she felt it crawl all across her body, through her bones and right to her fingertips. She couldn't feel her legs anymore ad her throat began to burn.

Her shaking body slumped against barrels of who-knows-what. It'd be easier to sleep than to go through all this, she thought. Then, perhaps, fortunately, sleep was coming her way.

*SPLOSH*

"Hey, can you hear me?" Dropping the beer barrel, the man shook Athy's shoulders until they were this much away from coming off. "Answer me!" She snapped out of it and pushed the man to make him stop. She took in his changed appearance. Structurally, he didn't change at all but now it looked like someone painted with the royal palate. His hair was now a glittering blonde, his cheeks were tinted and his eyes were bejewelled.

"What's your name?" he pointedly asked. "Wha-" "Do you remember your name?" "Ath-Athanasia" "Thank god," he looked personally relieved until he realised the implication of that sort of a name.

He stared at her for a solid minute before sighing dramatically, "Of course, you had to be a princess," Athy was incredibly confused. He continued, "You know, if you were a normal girl I would've told you to lock yourself at home and stay out of trouble. But your home is the Royal Palace and that's where the trouble lies, especially that man-"

"I'm sorry but who are you?"

"You shouldn't interrupt your elders, and of all people, not me," the man puffed out, leaving Athanasia in disbelief. Being raised by Claude, she didn't know the different ways a man can act. "I, for one, actually know what just happened and two, I'm your uncle, so you should respect me all the more-"

"Pardon?"

"Hmm?" the man paused his monologue to the wandering princess who has spaced out.

"You are who?" was all she could muster.

He airily replied, "Anastacius De Alger Obelia, older brother of Claude De Alger Obelia, and uncle of you," checking off fingers as he gave each title. Seeing how she didn't give any reaction, he bent down and promptly began poking her head, "Does that ring a bell? Helloo?"

Little did he know that she was going through a variation of this. (the screaming bit). "But you were killed by Papa years ago!" she screeched out. "Ah, yes that," he said, itching his jaw, "that didn't happen due to a few complications of mine."

Seriously? This guy is talking about his miraculous survival as if it's something unfortunate, thought Athanasia, If it were me, I think I would be a little more grateful for it.

"Anyway, I think it's time for you to go back, it's getting late," Anastacius said, standing up and smoothing his shirt. He held out a chivalrous hand for the princess to hold, which she gladly accepted.

Before she let herself get too used to holding his hand, Athanasia swept it away and occupied it in adjusting her jacket which reeked of beer.

"I guess I'll be leaving then," she said, tilting her head up to look at him one last time.

His eyebrows were knitted upwards and he wore a small smile, afraid to keep it in full display lest it is misinterpreted. For some reason, the concern engraved in his eyes was almost suffocating to Athy.

"Good luck," was all he said. With a slight nod of his head, he gave her the leeway to desert him.

Athanasia couldn't think of a response better than "Thank you?" and swiftly teleported back to the palace, stunning the supposedly-dead royal in the process.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

She directly teleported to her bathroom, rinsing her beer-soaked clothes to avoid fueling the imaginations of her ladies in waiting.

After a hasty bath, she emerged considerably more flushed than how she entered. The sun is already down, Athanasia thought, I was too careless. I don't think I was caught missing, though. Even if I am caught, I don't want to be caught by my family members, especially by-

"Athanasia"

The addressee stopped dead in her tracks as she snapped her head to the right, to the horrifying sight of a glaring emperor in one of the many randomly placed balconies of the Emerald Palace. She was so shaken that, perhaps out of a survival instinct, she grabbed the folds of her shirt and did a shaky courtesy.

Claude made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a sigh before closing the distance between them considerably.

"Where were you this entire time?"

At this moment, Athanasia knew she had screwed up. After all, it had been too whimsical to think that no one would come looking for her, even if it was just the Royal Magician wanting to bug her.

"I-I was," the gears of her brain working at lightning speed, "in the Western Rose Garden!"

The raised eyebrows which she didn't notice abruptly dropped before Claude began smoothing them out, "The one which hasn't been maintained at all?" he asked her incredulously "It seemed very adventurous!" Athanasia chirped up, regaining her fail-proof cute persona.

"You don't seem to have any scratches from your adventure," he asked, scrutinising her appearance.

Aagh, why are you so perceptive??

"I made sure to be ex-tra careful!" she shot back, praying to God that she seemed convincing.

Also, for some reason, Athy couldn't bring herself to call him Papa like she always does. Today doesn't feel like a good day, she thought.

Claude was still kneading his eyebrows as he regarded her answer, "Don't run off like this again. Make sure to inform someone," he walked past her wordlessly

Athy was rather touched by Claude's words, that's kind, coming from him. Feeling warm and fuzzy inside, Athanasia skipped to her room, making a mental note to greet him first thing the next morning. "Papa would like that," she said to herself.

A voice spoke behind her ear, "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, Athanasia,"

Athy spun around to see an empty corridor.

‌‌ ‌Huh? Who was that?

‌

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨˚̣̣̣͙✧- ⚜ -✧˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Thanks for reading!

Tagging: @gruviyasharuto, @darkhumanpiekid, @nova-darling, @akhlys-san

And in case you like this, please consider joining my writing taglist.

[aisururuby]

Crossover wmmap au with Trash/Lout of the count's family, The Twins new life, and The Adventures of a Demon King's Daughter.

Athanasia, Cale, Arienne, Arhen and Irene/rin are all aware that they're reincarnated/reborn and act their actual age when together.

Lucas, Jennette, and Jason are made aware that the others are reincarnated/reborn but doesn't treat them any different.

Athanasia gets adopted by her and Jennette's aunt while Jennette gets adopted by their uncle when she was four after a scheme athy, Lucas, and cale pulled together.

Rin's and the twins' dad get along well with Athanasia's and Jennette's aunt and uncle but really dislike Claude.

Lily falls in love with athy and Jennette uncle, and adopts Jennette after they marry (so anutie lily for athy!)together to find the fact Jennette isn't really their child. Oc has green jeweled eyes but says Jennette got the eye color from the former emperor.

Jennette does finds out about Anastacius being her dad but stays with the family she already has. (Sorry Anastacius fans but i could honestly care less for man)

Athanasia and Arhen end up together (got head cannons for these two) basically childhood friends to lovers

Jennette has her own love interest.

*cough* school arc *cough* athy, Jennette, Lucas and cale go to a boarding school not in Arlanta though. Though it was too cliche plus in season one Lucas mentioned a few countries other than just Arlanta.

Athanasia actually meets Diana's family during early childhood after her aunt managed to locate them to inform them about Diana's death. She gets to learn about her mother's culture.

[shintervenciones]

INTERVENCIÓN: Capítulo 1

James se coloca en el centro del lugar, rodeado de residentes que conversan entre sí. Con una determinación palpable, levanta un megáfono y lo ajusta para dar las descripciones de los lobos.

LOBO 1: De treinta años, nacido en Safe Haven. El hijo del medio, actualmente reside con sus dos hermanos. Tiene un perro de mascota, el béisbol es su deporte favorito y le encantan las películas de miedo.

LOBO 2: Nació en Seúl, tiene 34 años. Su libro favorito es "El Huésped" de Hwang Sokyong. Ha visitado más de 30 países. Tiene una hija. Le encantan los gatos, tiene dos de mascota. Suele llevar lentes, en especial para trabajar. Le gustan las plantas y su cuidado. Su peor hábito es el tabaco.

LOBO 3: Nació en Safe Haven y tiene 28 años. Nunca viajó a ningún sitio fuera del pueblo. Es autodidacta y apasionada por su trabajo. Por las noches le gusta salir a caminar y mirar las estrellas. Tiene un talento oculto para el dibujo técnico.

LOBO 4: Nació en Safe Haven, 29 años. Lo que más ama en este mundo es a su gato y pintar. Su cantante favorita es Mitski. Adora la naturaleza, sus flores favoritas son las gerberas o las margaritas. Tiene dos pies izquierdos y no hay nadie quien la calle.

LOBO 5: Forastero. Nació en Corea del sur, 29 años. Su cantante favorita es Adele. Es alérgico al polen. Tiene una perrita que comparte custodia con su hermana de raza Dachshund. Tiene una cicatriz en su antebrazo.

LOBO 6: Nació en Nueva york, pero al comenzar la escuela media se mudó a Seúl para continuar con sus estudios. Forastero. De pequeño soñaba con salvar vidas, pero ahora se conforma con acabar con los proyectos de arte con los que experimenta. Suele cargar consigo un bolsillo donde se hace notar un básico kit para emergencias y muestras de plantas del día. El volverse útil se ha hecho un hábito después de tanto tiempo detrás de un mostrador y otro más, es el poder encontrarlo a primera hora de la mañana trotando por la ciudad mientras deja por ahí semillas para aves. Depende del día anterior si lleva puesta música en sus audífonos o no, pero siempre los lleva puestos.

LOBO 7: Forastera. 29 años. Le fascinan los días soleados. Sus daylist van desde el rock de los 80's hasta pop Billboard, aunque en el fondo nunca superó su fase MCR. Es muy escéptica y desconfiada, siempre va a cuestionar todo. Colecciona novelas de misterio y ciencia ficción. Su padre es chef profesional, así que tiene buen paladar. No le gustan los gatos (es alérgica a ellos).

LOBO 8: Forastero, 34 años. Le gusta leer y ver series norteamericanas. Tiene mala visión por lo que siempre usa lentes de contacto. Parece alguien duro en un inicio, pero en realidad le gusta conocer gente y hacer amistades. De pequeño quería ser deportista olímpico.

Les recordamos que los personajes deben conseguir información y no se acepta que se busque fuera de personaje. Es decir que los usuarios no pueden intervenir para ganar sin haber hecho la investigación en sus conversaciones.

[kamas-corner]

Mis Poetas

I]

De Rubén aprendí la peregrina alquimia del diamante y la madera, de Cernuda el olvido y la quimera, de Vallejo los húmeros, la espina.

De Neruda la fronda y la sentina, de Manrique verdura de las eras, de Garcilaso la égloga tercera, de Juan Ramón la esencia y la rutina.

De Federico el Nueva York gitano, del pastorcico el rayo que no cesa, de Blas el ángel fieramente humano,

de Borges el enigma en letra impresa, de Machado la biblia del pagano, de Espronceda la epístola a Teresa.

II]

De Ángel González la palabra breve, la risa generosa de cantina, de Jaime Gil la cita clandestina, la margarita que a volar se atreve.

De San Juan de la Cruz el vuelo leve, de Lope una aventura en cada esquina, de Bécquer las oscuras golondrinas, de Campoamor la tarde cuando llueve.

De Sor Juana el amor a contrapelo, de Gelman la orfandad y el desconsuelo, de Violeta la décima inocente,

de Góngora lo oscuro cristalino, de Quevedo el ardid luciferino, de García Montero el pan urgente.

-Joaquín Sabina

[princesssarisa]

Opera on YouTube 3

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)

Mario Lanfrachi studio film, 1965 (Sesto Bruscantini, Valeria Mariconda, Ugo Benelli; conducted by Alberto Zedda; no subtitles)

Jean-Pierre Ponnelle studio film, 1974 (Hermann Prey, Teresa Berganza, Luigi Alva; conducted by Claudio Abbado; English subtitles)

New York City Opera, 1976 (Alan Titus, Beverly Sills, Henry Price; conducted by Sarah Caldwell; English subtitles)

Arena Sferisterio, 1980 (Leo Nucci, Marilyn Horne, Ernesto Palacio; conducted by Nicola Rescingo; no subtitles)

Teatro Real de Madrid, 2005 (Pietro Spagnoli, Maria Bayo, Juan Diego Flórez; conducted by Gianluigi Gelmetti; Arabic subtitles)

Teatro la Fenice, 2008 (Roberto Frontali, Rinat Shaham, Francesco Meli; conducted by Antonino Fogliani; Italian subtitles)

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 2009 (Pietro Spagnoli, Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Flórez; conducted by Antonio Pappano; English subtitles)

Vienna State Opera, 2019 (Rafael Fingerlos, Margarita Gritskova, Juan Diego Flórez; conducted by Evelino Pidó; English subtitles)

Arena di Verona, 2022 (Leo Nucci, Nino Machaidze, Dmitry Korchak; conducted by Daniel Oren; English subtitles)

Garsington Opera, 2023 (Johannes Kamler, Katie Bray, Andrew Stenson; conducted by Douglas Boyd; English subtitles)

Rigoletto

Wolfgang Nagel studio film, 1977 (Rolando Panerai, Franco Bonisolli, Margherita Rinaldi; conducted by Francesco Molinari-Pradelli; Japanese subtitles)

Metropolitan Opera, 1977 (Cornell MacNeil, Plácido Domingo, Ileana Cotrubas; conducted by James Levine; no subtitles)

Metropolitan Opera, 1981 (Cornell MacNeil, Luciano Pavarotti, Christiane Eda-Pierre; conducted by James Levine; no subtitles)

Jean-Pierre Ponnelle film, 1982 (Ingvar Wixell, Luciano Pavarotti, Edita Gruberova; conducted by Riccardo Chailly, English subtitles)

English National Opera, 1982 (John Rawnsley, Arthur Davies, Marie McLaughlin; conducted by Mark Elder, sung in English)

La Monnaie, Brussels, 1999 (Anthony Michaels-Moore, Marcelo Álvarez, Elizabeth Futral; conducted by Vladimir Jurowski; no subtitles)

Arena di Verona, 2001 (Leo Nucci, Aquiles Machado, Inva Mula; conducted by Marcello Viotti; Italian subtitles)

Zürich Opera house, 2006 (Leo Nucci, Piotr Beczala, Elena Mosuc; conducted by Nello Santi; no subtitles)

Paris Opera, 2016 (Quinn Kelsey, Michael Fabiano, Olga Peretyatko; conducted by Nicola Luisotti; English subtitles)

Teatro Massimo, 2018 (George Petean, Ivan Ayon Rivas, Grazia Schiavo; conducted by Stefano Ranzani; English subtitles)

Così Fan Tutte

Vaclav Kaslik studio film, 1969 (Gundula Janowitz, Christa Ludwig, Luigi Alva, Hermann Prey; conducted by Karl Böhm; English subtitles)

Jean-Pierre Ponnelle studio film, 1988 (Edita Gruberova, Delores Ziegler, Luis Lima, Ferruccio Furlanetto; conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt; English subtitles) – Act I, Act II

Teatro alla Scala, 1989 (Daniela Dessì, Delores Ziegler, Josef Kundlak, Alessandro Corbelli; conducted by Riccardo Muti; Italian subtitles) – Act I, Act II

Théâtre du Châtelet, 1992 (Amanda Roocroft, Rosa Mannion, Rainer Trost, Rodney Gilfry; conducted by John Eliot Gardiner; English subtitles)

Vienna State Opera, 1996 (Barbara Frittoli, Angelika Kirschlager, Michael Schade, Bo Skovhus; conducted by Riccardo Muti; English and Italian subtitles)

Teatro Comunale di Ferrara, 2000 (Melanie Diener, Anna Caterina Antonacci, Charles Workman, Nicola Ulivieri; conducted by Claudio Abbado; no subtitles)

Zürich Opera House, 2000 (Cecilia Bartoli, Liliana Nikiteanu, Roberto Saccá, Oliver Widmer; conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt; no subtitles) – Act I, Act II

Opera Lyon, 2007 (Maria Bengtsson, Tove Dahlberg, Daniel Behle, Vito Priante; conducted by Stefano Montanari; French subtitles)

Salzburg Festival, 2009 (Miah Persson, Isabel Leonard, Topi Lehtipuu, Florian Boesch; conducted by Adam Fischer; English subtitles)

Zürich Opera House, 2009 (Malin Hartelius, Anna Bonitatibus, Javier Camarena, Ruben Drole; conducted by Frans Welser-Möst; English subtitles)

Aïda

San Francisco Opera, 1981 (Margaret Price, Luciano Pavarotti; conducted by Luis Garcia Navarro; no subtitles)

Metropolitan Opera, 1985 (Leontyne Price, James McCracken; conducted by James Levine; English subtitles) – Act I, Act II, Act III, Act IV

Teatro alla Scala, 1986 (Maria Chiara, Luciano Pavarotti; conducted by Lorin Maazel; English subtitles)

Metropolitan Opera, 1989 (Aprile Millo, Plácido Domingo; conducted by James Levine; English subtitles)

Teatro Comunale di Busseto, 2001 (Adina Aaron, Scott Piper; conducted by Massimiliano Stefaneli; Italian subtitles)

St. Margarethen Opera Festival, 2004 (Eszter Szümegi, Konstantin Andreev; conducted by Ernst Marzendorfer; English subtitles)

Metropolitan Opera, 2012 (Liudmyla Monastyrska, Roberto Alagna; conducted by Fabio Luisi; Russian subtitles)

Tbisili State Opera, 2017 (Maqvala Aspanidze, Franco Tenelli; conducted by Marco Boemi; Russian subtitles)

Teatro Colón, 2018 (Latonia Moore, Riccardo Massi; conducted by Carlos Vieu; Spanish subtitles)

Teatro la Fenice, 2019 (Roberta Mantegna, Francesco Meli; conducted by Riccardo Frizza; French subtitles)

[dyinggirldied]

Worry for Athy

[theaftermath-rpg]

CONOCE AL PERSONAJE: 10.

Leigh Ackerman.

1. Frase que te defina.

«I have stability (the ability to stab)».

2. 5 cosas sin las que no podrías vivir.

-Mi familia, son los que evitan que pierda la cabeza. -Las batallitas de la doctora Sato. Ahora está muy lejos, pero espero que la cuiden o tendrán que vérselas conmigo. -Los K-dramas malos. -Las margaritas. -Y por culpa de Sullivan: las hamburguesas (poco hechas) del Fickle Pickle Burger.

3. La canción de la que nunca te cansas.

Savage Daughters – Alexia Evellyn

4. ¿Qué haces cuando estás ansioso para calmarte?

Si no soy consciente de que estoy ansiosa, lo más probable es que le grite y lo pague con quien menos culpa tiene. Si soy consciente, busco distracciones. En el búnker no me dejaban, pero aquí en York no miran más que su ombligo, así que me voy a volar.

5. ¿Cuál es la lección más valiosa que has aprendido este último año de tu vida?

Que hay amigos y aliados incluso donde no te los esperas. No todo es blanco o negro y no todo el mundo piensa igual.

6. Dale un consejo a tu yo de 18 años.

No pierdas la esperanza. Aunque aún no lo parezca, todo va a mejorar. Toda esta lucha va a merecer la pena.

7. Si pudieras extinguir una quimera para siempre, ¿cuál sería? ¿Y por qué el Blop?

Y por qué querría extinguir una quimera, lol, si no me han hecho nada, los obsesionados con matarlas a todas horas sois vosotros. Te cambio las quimeras por cualquier miembro de la Corporación Ikigai.

8. Si se te presentara el genio de la lámpara, ¿qué tres deseos le pedirías?

Fácil: la destrucción de Ikigai, recuperar a mi familia (menos mi abuelo, ese se puede morir) y no depender del suero de arroz.

9. ¿Hay alguien a quien admires profundamente? De ser así, ¿quién es y por qué?

Mi hermano Logan. Es un ejemplo de resiliencia y tenacidad y, aunque a veces pueda dar otra impresión, siente todo con mucha intensidad y se preocupa muchísimo por los que quiere. Me duele mucho que la mayoría de la gente se quede solo con el exterior y se niegue a conocerlo.

10. Dinos una cosa sobre ti que la gente asume erróneamente que te define o que tienes.

Que soy demasiado “guerrillera”. En realidad, si otras fueran las circunstancias, me habría gustado asentarme en algún lugar, formar una familia y olvidarme de todos estos problemas en lugar de tener que luchar constantemente para sobrevivir.

[sharper-than-a-serpents-tooth]

begging on their knees