#alina mikelovna

[endlessly-cursed]

WWTG22, Sleigh, Skate, Go!! - The Winter Hostess

When Nadia woke up, she found her dear Jesse sleeping cutely on the small armchair, probably provided by Primrose so they wouldn’t sleep in the same bed, thus causing an scandal. She smiled and stroke his blonde hair, a complete mess and not combed. He hummed and murmured her name, and my, what a delicious sound was! 

“Jesse,” she whispered “wake up.” 

Then, she groaned when the wave of pain in her head came again and just then, her Jesse bolted uptight, clearing his throat and looking everywhere, looking for her until his blue eyes met her brown ones. He gasped and quickly wringed out the piece of cloth with mild temperature water and gently pressed it on her forehead. Nadia couldn’t help but giggle at such a cute gesture. He checked the warmth of her cheeks and massaged with the back of his hands her throat and checked her pulse “Your temperature’s quite high. Is your throat sore? I told you to be careful with the champagne...” He made a face and Nadia kissed his hand. 

“You know me well enough. I don’t tend to obey men.” 

Jesse shook his head, a small smile on his face “Those weren’t orders, my dear. They were suggestions. Look at yourself now. It wouldn’t hurt to heed advice every often.”

Nadia chuckled, then pouted “Would you come cuddle me?” 

“Only if you eat all the soup and take your medicine.” He smiled teasingly. 

Nadia chuckled “I don’t have any option, do I?” 

He laughed and so did she, ordering the servant to bring it to her. 

Primrose surveilled the activities with a close eye, hands behind her back and with an impassive expression... even though she couldn’t stop thinking about Lord Stolberg-Burke and his strong, warm hands on her, or his icy blue eyes, or-- she shook her head and respectfully curtsied to her aunt when she came, and everyone who wasn’t ice-skating followed suit. If they had announced her entrance, she did not know. A few grays had taken over her blonde hair, but she was still the beauty she always saw in the portraits. “Auntie, you look beautiful today. I hope the ball was as mother would’ve liked?” 

Alina nodded, pride on her expression “You did well, my dear. Your mother’s looking down on you, proud of your achievements. If you continue like this, you will be the best viscountess Winbourne ever had.” 

She sighed “I hope so. I--I don’t want to overshadow mother, but... I have this need to be great. Remembered. That her death was not in vain.” 

Alina placed a hand on her cheek and smiled “My dear, you are doing more than enough for her death not to be in vain. I can’t remember someone who faced a royal duke so bravely and won before you, and trust me, there have been chances.” 

They both chuckled, and Alina analysed her niece’s expression and smirked. She could fool anybody, but not her “Tell me, my dear, who is that man who has you so silent?” 

“I-- That is to say...” she sighed “I can’t hide anything from you, can I?” 

“Experience, my dear. I have been young and in love as well.” 

Primrose bit her lip and discreetly signalled to Lord Stolberg-Burke, who elegantly skated through the lake while chatting with Elian Goldcrest, who longingly looked at Henry talk with Georgia’s cousin, the Lady Hastings. She could see a little hint of jealousy in Elian’s eyes, and Malcolm did his best to interest him in another subject. 

“The Earl of Harrendale, hm? He’s handsome, a gentleman to the bone and from the peerage. Your mother would approve, and it’s certainly an improvement since--” 

“Auntie Alina.” Primrose said firmly without raising her voice “I know that he is not to your liking, but we discussed this before. Mr. Devlin won’t be slandered any further in my household.” 

Alina nodded, for one moment seeing her dear friend Victoria, whom she resembled greatly “Of course, dear. Do forgive me. With the age, your tongue becomes looser.” A minute of silence passed until she smiled “I can command Ms. Barry to sit him next to you tomorrow. That way, he’ll have to talk to you.” 

They both giggled before she directed a charming smile towards Malcolm, who flushed bright pink and nodded at her, and Primrose did her best not to giggle like a schoolgirl. Those days would soon be behind her. It was time to mature... and prove that she was a woman of age by wooing Lord Stolberg-Burke to be her husband. 

She was determined. He was the best candidate of all, and she was ready to face anything for his hand. And deep down, something told her that he felt the same feeling as her. 

“Min, I’m not here to argue.” 

He sighed. He needed to let her know, at least, that on his part, it made no sense to continue this rivarly that started on a mistake “In fact, I daresay that I am done arguing with you. I... need to get it off my chest.” 

Minerva frowned “You have been odd since yesterday.” 

He took a deep breath “Minerva, I...” I can’t stop thinking about you. You fuddle me like no other, yet I cannot have enough. I wish to stop pretending I don’t want you close to me or talking to me. I am done being your rival. I want to be yours, and nothing else than yours. Please let us bury the hatchet before I turn mad “I will not continue with this rivalry any longer. It makes no sense to me, and... it’s been a long time since I’ve been irritated by you. You do what you will, but I am done fighting.” He nodded goodbye and left, leaving a shocked Minerva. 

All she had known of Adonis was the version she antagonized, and she asked herself what it’d be of them now. What was she even thinking? Adonis was an idiot, and she didn’t need him. She had plenty of rivals to replace himm right? 

Right? 

Henry and Malcolm belongs to @gaygryffindorgal​ 

Elian Goldcrest belongs to @potionboy3​ 

Nadia Erbland belongs to @gcldensnitch​ 

Minerva Kennedy belongs to @unfortunate-arrow​ 

Cora Hastings and Georgia Coventry belongs to @camillejeaneshphm​ 

[endlessly-cursed]

Another World, Another Primrose, Chapter Two: To Have Loved and to Have Lost

A/N: September is here and I wanted to welcome it with the second chapter of Primrose’s Legacy! 

Summary: A year after the successful birth of Primrose, their parents are ready to start discussing the future of Winbourne. 

TW: Swearing, miscarriage 

Characters that appear: Duchess Coventry @camillejeaneshphm Duchess of Alderly @gaygryffindorgal Lady Brokenshire @cursebreakerfarrier 

Taglist: @nicos-oc-hell @slytherindisaster @camillejeaneshphm @catohphm @hphmmatthewluther @thatravenpuffwitch

July, 1882

Primrose had turned just one year, and her parents, alongside the peerage, celebrated the little lady’s birthday. She giggled and played with other children as the adults sat on the different lawns made for them and chatted over business and gossip. Victoria sat with a polite smile as she listened to Princess Louise of Alderly chat about her recent soiree with the Prince and Princess of Wales, though she found partying all day with no sense or care rather childish and very immature, though she reckoned that as a princess and duchess, she could afford to do so. She too could send nannies for her Primrose, but felt wrong to be away from her. She even baffled her peers by breastfeeding her baby herself, though now she had a feeding bottle and had grown into an adorable baby girl who could beguile anyone with those rosy baby cheeks. She could spot her dear husband hearing to the latest business of the Duke of Alderly and could read his face very well: he was deciding whether to excuse himself or just hurl himself into the sun to stop hearing such things. She hid her giggled by pretending to sip her champagne and continue listening to Louise.

While chatting with the Duchess Coventry, she spotted Lady Brokenshire rather lonely, absently petting her adorable cat. She then looked at her ton “Ladies, do you mind if we include Lady Brokenshire?”

“I suppose it’d be rather rude to leave the poor woman excluded.” Louise conceded.

“Yes, do bring her in! I’ve been looking for an excuse to ask her something!”

“Lady Brokenshire! I say, Lady Brokenshire!” She called out, commanding both Lady Brokenshire and the cat’s attention “Do join us here, please!”

Her dear Vincent took the hint and signaled Lord Brokenshire to join the men as well. She sat with them and they welcomed her with a glass of champagne with a small cherry on it and delicious scones and pastries “Do be welcome, my lady!” Victoria smiled. She had met the lady at her time at Hogwarts, and she was aware they all talked about the famous heiress of the ancient house Somerset. Evelyn noticed that none knew of her particular education and a subtle signal of her silence was enough agreement “If I remember correctly, you have a daughter of Prim’s age, don’t you?”

Evelyn smiled at the topic of her baby daughter “Oh yes! My Lillian resembles her father greatly and grows bigger by the day! I’m afraid that if I blink again, she’ll be ready for school!”

Louise smiled “Oh, will you send her to the Paulinas? Please say yes! My girl could use a roomie!”

“We are… still debating school, but I will keep your offer in mind, lady…?”

“Duchess Louise of Alderly.” She replied, her haughty nature showing off like a peacock showing off its wings.

Evelyn’s eyes went wide and quickly offered a curtsy “Do forgive me, Your Grace.”

“Oh, don’t worry!” Victoria quickly jumped in “The lady is learning, but she makes a quick study, duchess! She will be familiar with the territory in no time!” She smiled as she beckoned her servant for a strong champagne for the duchess to compensate.

“I hope so, Lady Brokenshire.”

She nodded and gave a thankful glance to Victoria, who smiled at her and whispered “Worry not, for what I saw in class… we will soon laugh at this!”

The Duchess Coventry pursed her lips “Whatever it is you two are whispering about? I do hate being left out.”

“We were wondering where did you got such a lovely silk, Your Grace.” Evelyn quickly responded “I was thinking of getting one for my sister-in-law. She loves fashion.”

The duchess smiled “You could’ve just asked me, dear! I have this tailor in France…” she kept talking about it and Victoria winked at her for her quick learning. Most noblewomen were won over alcohol, flattery and pretty things. The higher you got, at least.

A while later, the topic shifted to matrimony and a rather tipsy Princess Louise said rather loudly “My dear Thomas and I have been discussing potential betrotheds for our only son and we have thought of your Primrose.” Everyone froze for a minute “Wouldn’t they make the most handsome couple when older?”

Victoria tried to contain her excitement and smiled politely “We’d be honored, Your Grace. You know our doors are open to you, and Henry is the most delightful baby. I’m sure no other man would be more deserving of her than him.”

She smiled and looked at her husband, who didn’t look amused. However could he not be? He was a prince, and was part of her royal family. Any girl would be lucky to be part of them! She knew that they’d have an interesting chat later, she could tell it.

After the party, as both changed into nightwear, Victoria finished to brush her hair and looked at her husband “I couldn’t help but see your expression when the Duchess mentioned a potential proposal,” despite her husband sighing heavily and pinching the bridge of his nose, she didn’t budge “and I think it’d be beneficial to our little girl.”

“She doesn’t have enough age to have a saying in this. She can’t even think yet! And you want to set her with a bloody Hanover.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with it.” She held her head high and her husband finally faced her.

“Can’t we wait until she’s at least sound of mind, hm?”

“They would’ve picked some princess already then!”

“Let them! I am not selling my daughter to the bloody royals!”

Victoria got up and went towards him “This is my house, my estate, and my child too! I bore her for nine months, I gave birth to her and kept her alive, so it’s fair that I get a saying in this!”

“She is a fucking child, Victoria! They both are! They do not even know what marriage means! How can we hurl them into it, eh?”

“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me, Vincent! I am more than your wife; I am your viscountess!”

He got closer and whispered “Who benefits from this, hm? Your ambition?”

“Our future son!” He froze, and she took a deep breath “I am with child, and the most gifted seer told me it’d be a boy with golden hair and would bring a golden age to Winbourne.”

“How long, Victoria?”

“Two months. I wanted to be sure.”

He closed his eyes and sighed, pacing around “I understand your motives, but she’s too young. She can barely make a sentence, let alone understand wifely duties, Vic. Please, tell the Alderlies that you’re flattered, but that she deserves to have a childhood.”

“This is how nobility spends their childhoods. Ensuring their dynasties and persevering the lines with auspicious marriages, cunning and deceit. That is our childhood.” She looked at her husband square in the eye, facing off.

“…So be it.” He picked his pillow and left. Victoria shouted behind him

“You think me selfish and cold, but when we’re surrounded by riches and with our problems and lives solved, you’ll thank me, I assure you!”

She huffed, hurling the brush and trying not to cry. He’d not have it. Not this time.

Six months later

One more month, Victoria thought. One month, and she’d have the son and heir she had promised to her father on his deathbed. She had to. What else was a woman to do in this man-led world? Sure, the times were indeed changing and the authorities were being questioned, even the fairer sex’s role was questioned, but Victoria was in too deep into the lifestyle to think about it. Perhaps her perspicacious daughter, who was proving to be witty and with a sense of humor from a young age, could change the pattern. Only time would tell. Who knows, perhaps in a future ladies wouldn’t take their husbands’ names! Though she suspected the Tories wouldn’t allow it. She had always been wary of them.

She was strolling the grounds with Alina, chatting and watching Primrose play with Ms. Barry when she felt a jolting pain on her stomach and gasped for air “Mama hurt?” Asked Primrose.

“Emma,” she breathed “take her out. Now!” Emma nodded and picked the curious girl and took her out of there despite her complaints. Another jolt of pain came towards her, and she gasped for air. The blood on her leg made her realise. She grabbed Alina by the arm “I’m losing my baby. I’m losing my boy.”

“Not if I have a saying on it. You!” She called to the butler “Fetch the doctor now! At once!”

He nodded and ran off as quickly as he could, and Alina took her to a small room and stayed with her, attending her every need. She also dismissed Vincent, saying that his presence would only make worse the ordeal after months arguing “She is my wife, and that is my child, I have a right to—,”

“After everything you’ve put her through while with child you have a right to shut your stupid mouth and obey me! You seem to forget that I am a Viscountess as well.”

“A Dowager—,”

“Who can feed you to the dogs and pluck out your heart if I wish to do so. Now, do Vicky a favour and be with your daughter and leave women’s business to the actual women.”

“But—,”

“Guard! Take him to his daughter, at once.”

The man hesitated “But, madam, protocol says—,”

“Don’t you dare tell me the protocol of my home! Out with you both! If I see another male here, I will personally feed them to the dogs!” She shouted, scaring everyone, her Ukrainian accent showing.

Every male in their presence left, afraid that she might try make her threats true. She huffed and went back to Victoria, whose condition had worsened. The midwife and doctor came in, she was in excruciating pain and certain that the baby wouldn’t survive.

“Madam, what do we do?” The doctor asked. And she knew well what he was asking.

He was asking her who lived and who died. And she knew who’d live and who’d die, “The Viscountess must survive this. Too many Somersets have died already.” He nodded and started to get to it with the midwife. “I need some air,” She knew what came next, she needn’t watch.

She took a deep breath and fidgeted with the ring that her late husband had once given her, a promise to grow old and make Winbourne everyone’s home. It seemed like another life. She wondered if he had lived and the two of them had another son. Perhaps nothing of this sort would’ve happened. Perhaps she’d be the one negotiating with the Alderlies for an engagement and Vincent and Victoria would’ve settled elsewhere.

But God had decided their destiny long ago and there was no coming back. Winbourne needed a male heir to survive, and it was all up to Victoria. She had thought to remarry, but there were no elder males with a solid claim. Only Vic remained, and the male line had been wiped out by war and sickness. Only the women had survived.

It couldn’t be so bad that a woman ran Winbourne by birth-right. The Queen had done an exceptional job, as had Anne I, Mary I and II, Elizabeth I… Why couldn’t the same rule apply to the nobility? If someone could raise a strong leader, that someone was Victoria. And she’d be sure to tell her.

That day was clear that Victoria’s third pregnancy wouldn’t come to term. Bells chimed in mourning for the lost son, and Victoria wept in helplessness and shame, and Vincent tried to have himself sorted.

Little Primrose observed as the tiny coffin was taken away. She couldn’t understand what was happening, she was too young. She was too damn young for this. Who was to tell her that nature had decided she wouldn’t have a brother?

Victoria later told her husband “We can’t lay such responsibility on her. It is too much for her.”

“Do you think a woman can’t be a viscountess?”

“I think that our daughter deserves a low-key and tranquil life, away from vipers who are waiting to end our line just because she’s a woman. She doesn’t deserve this burden. We must have a son, Vincent, or else this life may very well kill her. If someone must die the next time, let it be me.”

“Let us hope then that nobody has to make such a decision.”

He watched thoughtfully the stars, wondering if looking at these lines and dots full of light had any answer to this. He knew his girl was a though nut, but outside was ruthless and unkind to beautiful ladies with such power. She needed someone who wouldn’t get in the way of her claim and were able to protect her. And Henry wasn’t the one she needed to survive.

Even if he lost his family forever, he’d make of his daughter untouchable to others that nobody would doubt her claim or throw out hundreds of years of history. Not if he had a saying about it. He had loved three children. He had lost two. Whoever dared to touch a single hair of his living heir, would have him on their way.

[endlessly-cursed]

Another World, Another Primrose, Chapter One: Heavy Is the Head...

Summary: The fate of Winbourne Estate changes overnight. 

TW: Angst, child death, miscarriage 

Taglist: @nicos-oc-hell @slytherindisaster @camillejeaneshphm @catohphm @hphmmatthewluther @thatravenpuffwitch

December, 1878

The messenger ran with all of his might, the urgent letter from the Lieutenant in his hand, the pressure so high it could almost burn his hand.

‘Reach Victoria Somerset’ he has said ‘she must be the first to read it. Be quick.’

The tall, imposing building of Winbourne came before him, and he sprinted like he had never done before as the valet received him, sweating like a pig for slaughter, entirely red and hardly breathing “Goodness me, boy! What brings you here with such hurry?” The old man cried.

“Letter… Viscount… Somerset… Victoria…urgent… dead!!”

The valet looked into the house and yelled “Emma! Go fetch the poor boy a chair and a bottle of beer! He’s about to catch his death like the poor Marathon.”

The blonde girl nodded before rushing into the house and coming a few minutes later with said things and the father made her listen; she was the only surviving child and the next housekeeper of Winbourne. The sooner she learned the ways, the better.

The boy, no less than seventeen, the man reckoned, chugged enthusiastically the fresh beer and sat on the chair, catching his breath until he could finally utter the words “I have a… letter… from the… lieutenant where the… viscount is in. It is… urgent. Must reach… Victoria Somerset.”

Father and daughter looked at one another before she nodded “I shall do it. May I take the letter, good sir?” The man nodded as she left.

She crossed expertly the imposing halls full of paintings, statues, portraits and marble stones, fully knowing that Miss Victoria Somerset would be taking her tea with her sister-in-law, the Viscountess Alina. She knocked the door and a few seconds later she came into the room, where Victoria and Alina were giggling and commenting on something when they noticed the blonde woman’s presence.

“Ahem, my lady, ma’am, sorry for the interruption, but a letter from the viscount’s lieutenant has come. It is urgent and addressed to you, ma’am.”

Victoria frowned but picked the letter and skimmed through the content… until she took a deep inhale and dropped on her knees, tears prickling in her eyes “No, no, no… not George…”

Emma’s heart beat fast at the sight as the Viscountess picked the letter and in the middle of it, her eyes went wide and her free hand went to her growing belly as she screamed bloody murder “Oh, my beloved!” The both cried as the letter went forgotten on the floor.

Emma did not need to read it. She knew by now what happened, judging by their reaction: Viscount George was dead, and the future of the estate rested on that poor unborn child in the womb of the now Dowager Viscountess Alina.

The unfortunate Viscount George had enlisted two months ago in the second Anglo-Afghan war, thinking that he could earn some prestige, and now, he was dead, leaving the fate of the viscountcy to an unborn child.

She walked through the halls back to the doors, where her father and messenger awaited impatiently “He’s gone, father,” she sobbed “the viscount is gone.”

March 1879

The Dowager Viscountess had gone into labour a few hours ago, and Victoria paced around with her new husband, Vincent Gray. The pressure was everywhere.

A few months ago, in January, they had buried her beloved brother, and now Alina was giving birth in a stressful situation, with the biggest pressure on her shoulders. She had always heard the phrase ‘heavy is the head that wears the crown’ but never thought of its meaning until this very moment. She touched her belly, yet to grow, looking for comfort in her son. Yes, she was aware that it was an early pregnancy, but her motherly gut told her it was a boy, a spare should this baby meet the final fate. She prayed it didn’t.

Her husband cut off her pacing and sat her gently on his lap, kissing her temple and rubbing her back “Easy, my love. Being on your feet for so long cannot be good for the baby.”

She sighed, nodding at him as she rested her head on his shoulder “I should be there with her, not here pacing like a caged lion.”

“Alina is in good hands. You’ll see, the sun shall rise and a new viscount shall be born, and everything will be alright. And in a few months… we’ll welcome our own child.”

She smiled widely at the thought and kissed him softly, revelling in his soft lips as the world, pressures and everything faded away with the feeling of his lips against her.

The accoucheur came out of the room to announce that they could see the head and that it’d be born in a few minutes. Both their heads perked up and looked at each other. This was it. The destiny of Winbourne would be decided right now.

Victoria got up and rushed to her beloved sister-in-law and watched expectant as the last push was made and… no cries. The world stopped as the midwife picked the baby, and tried to reanimate him, to no avail. The baby would not wake up.

“Vic…” Alina said, on the verge of a breakdown “why is my son not moving?”

Victoria shook her head “I do not know.”

The midwife looked at the viscountess “I am sorry, madam. He is dead.”

“No…no no no no… no!” She looked at the midwife “You… you killed him! You killed my baby! Guards!” She cried.

The men, however, instead of seizing the midwife, seized Alina, who screamed and cried, blaming everyone she could. Victoria snatched the baby from her and gave her the promised payment “Leave. I’ll take care of my nephew. Go!”

As Victoria left the doctors to take care of Alina, she told Vincent what happened and he nodded, fully knowing what to do.

Nightfall came upon Winbourne, who dressed in black for the deceased viscounts and the widow, who still asked to see her son. A nun came with the baby, who handed him to her. The woman chuckled at the feeling of the ‘warmth’ of her baby, rocking him and singing him what Victoria could identify as a famous Ukrainian lullaby. Hours passed, and Alina would not let go of the baby, much less when he had been illegally baptised as Octavian.

Victoria decided to act “Alina… allow me to relieve you. He needs his sleep, and his crib is a tad far.”

She nodded eagerly, the clear delusion from her eyes shining. She then covered the boy as she handed it to the mortician, who prepared his body. A funeral was made without Alina, and buried him in the pantheon. A statue was being made and soon would be put in his painfully tiny coffin.

Vincent looked at his wife and curtsied “It seems like Winbourne is now yours… my lady.”

Victoria shook her head “But at what cost, Vince? George and Octavian’s premature deaths, Alina’s pain… however would I be happy at the expense of those I love?”

He hugged her from the behind “I never said you should be happy. I said that you should be ready.”

Five months later…

Victoria found herself sleeping peacefully when she felt an excruciating pain. She moaned and sizzled, looking for the source… when her hands found her stomach… and couldn’t feel her baby’s kicks. She gasped before her hand felt something warm and liquid… she got up to see blood where she had been sleeping.

“Vincent… VINCENT!” She called her husband, screaming and crying, pure terror on her eyes.

Vincent and Emma came running to see the disaster. Vincent knelt before his wife and tried to placate the pain, but Emma knew it was too late for the baby. She quickly sent a boy to fetch the doctor in the village and pay him handsomely should he be in the middle of something.

Half an hour later, the doctor rushed to the Viscountess’s side, who was crying and screaming for her baby to be saved, and he worked hard to save the Viscountess, but the baby was no longer there.

“I am sorry, my lady,” he declared “you have miscarried your child.”

She stopped short before she started screaming and wailing as the doctor left, Vincent trying to console his wife, ignoring his own tears.

The bells of the church tolled for yet another loss in the Somerset-Grays.

The people of the viscountcy wondered to themselves: how many more had to die before peace finally arrived at such a tragic household?

At last, the miracle occurred on the 18th of July, 1881; Viscountess Victoria gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. She chuckled as she held the pale baby, who cried and fussed, but she minded little. She was so perfect…

Vincent barged into the room eagerly, and held gently his baby daughter, and declared that he already loved her “Don’t you mind that she’s a girl?” She asked.

“We are both young, and by Merlin’s grace, a boy will follow. For now, let us enjoy this little miracle.”

A few days later, checking on to her health, they rode on their most portentous carriage with the baby on her arms, sleeping cutely on her father’s arms, who had quickly become smitten with her.

“I think we should name her like the Queen and Princess of Wales.” Victoria declared.

Vincent sighed “Just because we name all of our children like the royals doesn’t mean that we will quickly earn their favour, Vic.”

Emma quickly said “Perhaps Charlotte Adelaide, like the previous queens?”

Vincent shook his head “I am not naming my child after a royal of that nasty family!”

Emma suggested again in a timid voice “Perhaps Eugenie like the French empress...?”

“Too foreign.” Victoria scoffed.

“I think she should be named after our mothers.” Vincent suggested.

The argument quickly picked up pace until the point where no one heard the other, just speaking. The carriage stopped short, sending a wave to everyone and Vincent held his daughter tightly in his chest. She started fussing and moving her arms towards the window “Easy, girl, we’re almost there.”

Emma seemed to take the hint as she looked outside… to see a field full of pink primroses “I think she’s chosen her name.”

“What nonsense, Emma!”

She signalled the field “I mean it! Look where she’s pointing!”

They both looked at the baby, then where she was signalling, cooing and beaming. Indeed, that was a handsome field of pink primroses. Vincent chuckled and Victoria smiled widely at her baby daughter “Look at you, my darling, settling the discourse at only a week old! You’ll make an excellent viscountess should mama not have a boy.”

“Primrose… a fitting name for the handsomest baby of Leeds.”

When they finally reached the church after those painstakingly slow cattle went on their ways, they registered her as Primrose Sabrina Gray, firstborn daughter of Vincent Gray and Viscountess Victoria Gray.

On their way back, many representants of the vast lands of the viscountcy had awaited the couple to give them ceremonial gifts: cakes, baby clothes, toys, lullabies composed by a local composer, jewellery, among other things.

Outside the walls of Winbourne, they celebrated the baby’s birth and the end of the days where death reigned on the building. Fireworks were thrown, songs were sung, poems were composed and even letters from their betters came to congratulate them.

One letter from the Duke of Alderly, though, stood out among them;

Esteemed Viscountess Gray

I hope this letter finds you well, and I would like to begin to congratulate you on the birth of your baby daughter.

As you can notice, my son and heir was born three days ago, and after much talk, my wife and I would like to extend to you the offer to baptise our children together at Westminster Abbey as a sign of an alliance of our houses.

An immediate reply is required.

King regards,

Prince Thomas of Hanover, Duke of Alderly.

Victoria, of course, was overjoyed and replied soon thanking him for such a generous offer and that she’d visit him whenever he wished for both babies to meet and start preparing. Her daughter, baptised among royalty! Oh, how quickly she’d gain a place! Would the queen remember her? She hoped so. Oh, and a reintroduction was in order! So many things to do…

Heavy was the head that indeed wore the crown.

[endlessly-cursed]

𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 + 𝒇𝒂𝒗 𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒔

Victoria Somerset + Alina Mikelovna (sisters in law)

Alexandra Fersen (neé Somerset) + Vincent Somerset

Philip Somerset ( @camillejeaneshphm ) + Gia Somerset II

Charles Somerset + Taty Somerset

[endlessly-cursed]

𝘼𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙈𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙣𝙖

"𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚."

BASICS

Name: Alina Maria Mikelovna 

Birthday: 23rd of May, 1854

Zodiac sign: Gemini 

Weight: 52kg

Height: 1.50m 

Religion: Russian Orthodox Church, converted to English Anglicanism 

Eye colour: Blue 

Hair colour: Blonde 

Faceclaim: Anna Sagaidachnaya

gif credit to @kacperd2000​ 

FAMILY 

Mother: Genya Mikelovna, neé Doroshenka 

Born of a wealthy Siberian family, she was sent to modern Ukraine to marry well and have children and succeeded. Her beauty, poise and grace helped her thrive 

Father: Nikolai Mikelov 

A serious, aloof and older man than Genya, he did appreciate his wife, but had only married her for her status, beauty and ability to produce a male heir. He was at first dissapointed that his firstborn was a daughter, but came to love her on his own terms and gave Genya a chance to give him a male heir. Their son, Andrei, was born, and their duties ended. 

Other relatives: Andrei Mikelov, younger brother 

Andrei grew up spoiled and as the only son and heir, and had everything handed to him because of the fact that he was a man. He was the one who suggested to send Alina to the wealthy and growing British empire and married a Russian Princess. 

Friends: tbd 

Significant Other: George Andrew Somerset IV 

Alina first heard of Lord George when she was sixteen, when her father announced she had been betrothed to him, and she was angry at first, but the more they corresponded, the more she liked him, At eighteen, she set sail from modern day Ukraine to England, where her betrothed would pick her up and take her to Winbourne to make her his wife with her mother and lady’s maid as witnesses on the bride’s side. 

The wedding was celebrated three weeks later, and during that time, they had breakfast, tea time and supper together and instantly fell in love, and he truly proposed to her during their engagement ball and she accepted, tearing up of emotioon. They were wed in June 1875. They travelled for their honeymoon a year and a half, and came back in November 1876, and in December they started to try for a child. In late 1877, Alina fell pregnant and George was overjoyed. He invited the Mikelovs to celebrate and soon boasted of his future heir. 

But, when George went to war and died in late 1878, leaving a heavily pregnant Alina on her own with the future of Winbourne on their unbornchild’s shoulders. Tragically, she lost the baby during birth and Alina was heartbroken. They illegally baptised the baby as Octavian and buried him beside his father. 

Alina never remarried and remained a Dowager Viscountess for the rest of her life. 

PERSONALITY

Overall personality: Alina is calm and sweet, with an easygoing and kind personality, but with a proud and haughty side when she has to assess her authority as the Dowager Viscountess and often remind everyone who she is. 

Positive traits: Calm, sweet, kind and easygoing, with an amazing sense of humour 

Negative traits: Proud, haughty and a bit entitled 

Guilty pleasure: Strong alcohol 

HOMETOWN(S) 

Odessa, Ukraine (birth-18 years of age) 

Alina grew up in modern day Ukraine, in the city of Odessa, into a wealthy family and had everything a Russian girl would want and had many suitors until at the age of sixteen she was betrothed to Lord George Somerset IV, the future Viscount of Winbourne. Two months after her 18th birthday, she set sail to England to marry her fiancé 

Winbourne Estate, Leeds, England (18-death) 

Alina arrived a young bride who spoke little and basic English, often relying on her new lady’s maid and fiancé, who she didn’t see much, which saddened her. After the wedding and the honeymoon, she became pregnant, but due to complications in life and the birth, the baby boy was stillborn and that broke her. Due to no other Somerset men alive, she never remarried, refusing to cry yet another husband and remained an active and supportive Dowager, earning the love of her people who were once her responsability and threw herself to charity and help raise her niece and the new heir, Primrose Gray. 

She passed away in 1925, shortly after the birthday of her grand-niece Lenore, and was buried in the family crypt besides her son and husband. She was deeply mourned by her people. 

BACKSTORY: 

Alina Maria Mikelovna grew up in modern day Ukraine, born of Genya and Nikolai Mikelov and had a younger brother who inherited the land and wealth of the family. 

At sixteen she was betrothed to Lord George Somerset, future heir of the viscountcy of Winbourne and married him in June 1876. The people were drawn to her foreign beauty and grace and poise and the young couple was soon adored, and she was a very charitable Viscountess. Sadly, her husband went to war in mid-1878 with a heavily pregnant Alina and died a few months later, leaving the estate in a inheriting crisis. Sadly, her son followed and Victoria, Alina’s sister-in-law, inherited Winbourne as the only living child of William and Helene Somerset apart from the Bartons, the family who owned the Duchy of Burlingham through Olympia’s marriage to the duke in the 1840s. 

She never remarried and remained the most charitable of the Winbourne ladies until her death in 1925. 

MISC

She has more alcohol tolerance than anyone on Winbourne due to her being raised in a Slavic household 

Her first love was her father’s valet, but never moved on from heavy kisses and secret touches 

In England, she was the belle of every ball with her charm, poise, beauty and wit 

She, like her husband, are muggleborns and only heard of the wizarding world when Victoria told her 

After that, she and Victoria became like sisters 

She always saw Primrose as the daughter she would’ve loved to have 

She always wrote at 20:35 pm on her diary daily and only missed her last day 

Because she passed away on her sleep after a long, fulfilled life 

She always wore black on her clothing and dedicated George and Octavian’s birthdays to stay home and cry them in private, only allowing her lifelong lady’s maid, Maud 

She became a surrogate grandmother to Primrose’s children and they eventually called her Granny Alina 

She never once forgot her roots and always spoke proudly of Ukraine and against the Russians, though she did feel bad for the royal family’s demise, but never once forgot what they represented for Ukraine 

She was key in Primrose’s incredible fashion sense and gifted her her favourite silks made in Ukraine and taught her the language 

She also spoke against the USSR and never believed in Lenin, and always had a bad gut about it 

Her main charity was towards widows and parentless children, in rememberance of her deceased husband and son 

Her brother’s descendants built her a bust statue on her honour

She was nearly named Olga for Olga of Kyiv 

[endlessly-cursed]

𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝟏𝟖𝟏𝟗 𝒕𝒐 𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟏

Helene Somerset neé Greengrass, b. 1819

The infamous grandmother of Primrose Gray, she was from the prolific family of the Greengrass but was found out to be a squib and sent away, where she met the dazzling Viscount Somerset, whom he quickly fell in love for her eloquence, handsome looks and elegant Manners, and the two of them courted for seven years and married on 1848 and had the following year their firstborn, George. They doted on him quickly, though he was a difficult child, and in 1853 had a child whom she miscarried, but in 1856 she fell pregnant again with her only daughter Victoria, whom she doted on, for she always dreamed of having a daughter, for she'd belong to her and not the estate and country. She arranged her son's marriage when he was 26 and seemed to have a prosperous future...

Alina Mikelovna, b. 1858

A woman of Ukranian descendance, she was sent with her mother to marry well, and in her debut season she fell in love with the tall, dark, handsome George Somerset and the two of them married in summer 1879. Though during that period, Europe was at war and George was sent away to serve the country abroad, leaving Alina at the mercy of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, whom she barely knew and carrying his child. Weeks before her due date, a tragic note came: her husband had perished heroically, defending a fellow solider. Alina was distraught and her depression and paralysing fear of childbirth resulted in the child's death hours after his birth. With George's death, Victoria was now Viscountess.

The two of them became good friends and she was a Maid of Honour on her wedding to the charming Mr. Gray and godmother to Primrose. She never remarried, refusing to cry another husband in a warring continent and remained a respectable and cheery Dowager Viscountess till her death in 1906 of old age, being Primrose's favourite aunt.

Victoria Somerset, b. 1856

The youngest daughter of Geoffrey Somerset and Helene Greengrass, she grew up at the shadow of her perfect brother and thus had liberty to marry whomever she wanted, for no man at court pleased her well enough. She received her Hogwarts letter and was the first woman to attend, and in there she thrived, being one of the most brilliant witches of her time. She fell in love with Vincent Gray and the two of them courted and married a year after her dear brother died and the two of them had Primrose after a miscarriage the year before. For several years she miscarried another children and gave birth to stillborn sons, and her doctor advised her against having any more children if she wanted to live. She was happy to dote on her daughter and trusted her to carry on the legacy. She proposed many suitors for her, but none charmed her. She died of old age in 1910, the same year as the king.

Olympia Somerset, b. 1823

Ofttimes forgotten, she is the aunt of Victoria and one of the most influential women of her time, for she had a rich education in the ancient languages, arithmetic, geography, modern languages, oratory, dance, music and many others, making her one of the best educated women at court. Her reputation was such, the duke of Burlingham asked permission to her father the viscount to court her and eventually marry her, which the family gladly accepted. The Queen herself attended her wedding and throught the years she gave her former latter Winbourne prestige by talking them up at every gathering, making the queen intrigued in her family. It is thanks to her that the Somersets were so popular and loved at court.

[endlessly-cursed]

Blind

A/N: This small blurb has been on my mind for a while and have decided to write it. Both Rex and Eli belong to @cursebreakerfarrier​ ofc 

The 1882 luncheon was going swiftly, and Victoria Gray (formerly Somserset) watched as the day went by. Her baby daughter was away in her aunt’s, the Duchess Olympia, estate, away from prying eyes, for they suspected that she could have Scarlet Fever. Of course, her beloved husband had followed, refusing to leave his daughter behind, and she had to be a host of the whole event. 

“It is less noisy without Primrose and Olympia’s boys, isn’t it?” Alina asked. Victoria looked at her sister-in-law, the Dowager Viscountess, dressed in black and blue, and with her pale blue eyes observing the guests. Her gaze was particularly on one brown-haired man who was feeding a sandwich to his own baby daughter, Lillian, if Victoria recalled well. 

“He is rather handsome, is it not?” Victoria inquired, her blue eyes set on him. 

“Da, he is. But I think his friend Dr. Cairncross is far more handsome. That incredible dark hair and those green eyes...” 

Victoria smirked “You do realise he is happily married, right?” 

Alina giggled “Oh, cut me some slack! It is just harmless staring! Besides, you can’t truly blame me, can you, Vic?” 

She looked at Dr. Cairncross, who was smiling at the small shenanigans of his baby daughter, who was giggling. She chuckled, remembering for a moment her own baby daughter, who was now away. She sighed. She missed her dearly, but having her here with guests could’ve been highly dangerous. She was safe in Burlingham. It broke her heart, but it was for the best. 

Her attention shifted to the new Lord Brokenshire, who was approaching them. He bowed respectfully to them “Ladies. I wanted to tell you what a delightful luncheon this is, and if it was alright to ask the recipe of these lemon scones. My children can’t have enough!” 

Victoria smiled “Those are my daughter’s favourite as well! Do me the honour to escort me to the kitchens, where my cook shall gladly answer your questions?” 

He nodded “I’d be honoured. I shall fetch my wife. A moment, please.” 

Alina raised an eyebrow, and Victoria giggled “What? He asked, and it gives me an excuse to stare him some more!”

“Your husband would have something to say about that!” She chided. 

She smirked “As you said, it is but a harmless staring. I love my Vincent with all that I am, but if a man is handsome, he is handsome, and he knows that. I am not blind, and neither are you, Al!” 

They giggled before recomposing themselves the moment Lord and Lady Brokenshire came into scene. She smiled at them and started walking as Alina took over the watching over the guests... it couldn’t hurt to stare at the becoming Dr. Cairncross some more! 

[endlessly-cursed]

Primrose Gray’s Legacy: Another World, Another Primrose, BOOK ONE Masterlist

Chapter One: Heavy Is the Head... 

Chapter Two: To Have Loved and To Have Lost 

Chapter Three: A New Age (On the works) 

Chapter Four: The First of September TBD 

Chapter Five: The Arrangement TBD 

Chapter Six: Feels Like Magic TBD 

Chapter Seven: Kissed TBD 

Chapter Eight: Know Your History TBD 

Chapter Nine: Sharpen Your Wit TBD 

Chapter Ten: Yule at Hogwarts TBD

Chapter Eleven: First Loss TBD 

Chapter Twelve: Too Young For This TBD 

Chapter Thirteen: All Eyes on You TBD 

Chapter Fourteen: One Last Name TBD 

Chapter Fifteen: In the End TBD 

[endlessly-cursed]

𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 (𝟏𝟖𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒚, 𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟏)

featuring Laurent Yaxley (@slytherindisaster ) and Nadia Erbland (@gcldensnitch )

Lady Primrose Gray was never meant to be viscountess. It all led to the death of Viscount George Somerset and months later of his infant son Octavian what led to Victoria Somerset and her recent husband Vincent Gray to be the Viscountess and her Lord. The moment Primrose was born they took no chances and, on their way to baptise her to their local church, they saw a whole meadow of primroses and decided to name her Primrose.

She grew up as the one heiress of the estate, having a stellar education in mathematics, humanistics, arts, science, politics, fencing, shooting, archery, languages, history and many others, making the most educated Lady of Winbourne.

At eleven, her Hogwarts letter arrived and she was sent there, where she was quickly loved by the community and was one of the best students and also brought with her Parisian, Bavarian, Russian and Ukranian fashion, alongside the English one (all inspired by the French fashion, Empress Sissi of Austria, Empress Dagmar and later Alexandra of Russia and her own aunt Alina Mikelovna) dazzling the wizarding world with her fashion, even given a certain group of Slytherin pureblood socialites a run for their money.

Within her coming to Hogwarts, she was betrothed to Mr. William Devlin, Lord Carlisle's ward, and their engagement lasted until a few months shy of their 18th birthday.

A year later she started formally courting Mr. Laurent Yaxley, her life-long friend and crush, and married in a lavish wedding in 1903, which would result in five children, the oldest one the heir to the estate, Vincent Laurent Yaxley.

She went on to be Minister of Magic at 53 after many jobs and did an outstanding work, changing matters concerning women, poverty and pureblood supremacy, among others.

In 1955 she lost her husband Laurent of natural causes– he had been a heavy smoker and drinker, though he never had those habits near his children – and she followed three years later in 1958.

[catohphm]

Another masterfully written addition to Prim's saga! Her witnessing the little coffin be taken away is a somber but really good touch. It reminds us that this is set in a time when medicine was still early on, and even the most affluent families had to work with that fact. I think the scene also has a strong impact later on as Prim grows up and begins exploring new friends at Hogwarts?

Another World, Another Primrose, Chapter Two: To Have Loved and to Have Lost

A/N: September is here and I wanted to welcome it with the second chapter of Primrose’s Legacy! 

Summary: A year after the successful birth of Primrose, their parents are ready to start discussing the future of Winbourne. 

TW: Swearing, miscarriage 

Characters that appear: Duchess Coventry @camillejeaneshphm Duchess of Alderly @gaygryffindorgal Lady Brokenshire @cursebreakerfarrier 

Taglist: @nicos-oc-hell @slytherindisaster @camillejeaneshphm @catohphm @hphmmatthewluther @thatravenpuffwitch

July, 1882

Primrose had turned just one year, and her parents, alongside the peerage, celebrated the little lady’s birthday. She giggled and played with other children as the adults sat on the different lawns made for them and chatted over business and gossip. Victoria sat with a polite smile as she listened to Princess Louise of Alderly chat about her recent soiree with the Prince and Princess of Wales, though she found partying all day with no sense or care rather childish and very immature, though she reckoned that as a princess and duchess, she could afford to do so. She too could send nannies for her Primrose, but felt wrong to be away from her. She even baffled her peers by breastfeeding her baby herself, though now she had a feeding bottle and had grown into an adorable baby girl who could beguile anyone with those rosy baby cheeks. She could spot her dear husband hearing to the latest business of the Duke of Alderly and could read his face very well: he was deciding whether to excuse himself or just hurl himself into the sun to stop hearing such things. She hid her giggled by pretending to sip her champagne and continue listening to Louise.

While chatting with the Duchess Coventry, she spotted Lady Brokenshire rather lonely, absently petting her adorable cat. She then looked at her ton “Ladies, do you mind if we include Lady Brokenshire?”

“I suppose it’d be rather rude to leave the poor woman excluded.” Louise conceded.

“Yes, do bring her in! I’ve been looking for an excuse to ask her something!”

“Lady Brokenshire! I say, Lady Brokenshire!” She called out, commanding both Lady Brokenshire and the cat’s attention “Do join us here, please!”

Her dear Vincent took the hint and signaled Lord Brokenshire to join the men as well. She sat with them and they welcomed her with a glass of champagne with a small cherry on it and delicious scones and pastries “Do be welcome, my lady!” Victoria smiled. She had met the lady at her time at Hogwarts, and she was aware they all talked about the famous heiress of the ancient house Somerset. Evelyn noticed that none knew of her particular education and a subtle signal of her silence was enough agreement “If I remember correctly, you have a daughter of Prim’s age, don’t you?”

Evelyn smiled at the topic of her baby daughter “Oh yes! My Lillian resembles her father greatly and grows bigger by the day! I’m afraid that if I blink again, she’ll be ready for school!”

Louise smiled “Oh, will you send her to the Paulinas? Please say yes! My girl could use a roomie!”

“We are… still debating school, but I will keep your offer in mind, lady…?”

“Duchess Louise of Alderly.” She replied, her haughty nature showing off like a peacock showing off its wings.

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[catohphm]

Awww, the first vibe I got from this was angst to fluff!

I love how you detailed the birth of Prim and why her birth meant so much to her family!

Her birth mean the end of a period of desperate misfortunes for the family.

I understand more why Prim was held in high esteem and fame within her family and the influence it has when she gets older. Great story Noe!

Another World, Another Primrose, Chapter One: Heavy Is the Head…

Summary: The fate of Winbourne Estate changes overnight. 

TW: Angst, child death, miscarriage 

Taglist: @nicos-oc-hell @slytherindisaster @camillejeaneshphm @catohphm @hphmmatthewluther @thatravenpuffwitch

December, 1878

The messenger ran with all of his might, the urgent letter from the Lieutenant in his hand, the pressure so high it could almost burn his hand.

‘Reach Victoria Somerset’ he has said ‘she must be the first to read it. Be quick.’

The tall, imposing building of Winbourne came before him, and he sprinted like he had never done before as the valet received him, sweating like a pig for slaughter, entirely red and hardly breathing “Goodness me, boy! What brings you here with such hurry?” The old man cried.

“Letter… Viscount… Somerset… Victoria…urgent… dead!!”

The valet looked into the house and yelled “Emma! Go fetch the poor boy a chair and a bottle of beer! He’s about to catch his death like the poor Marathon.”

The blonde girl nodded before rushing into the house and coming a few minutes later with said things and the father made her listen; she was the only surviving child and the next housekeeper of Winbourne. The sooner she learned the ways, the better.

The boy, no less than seventeen, the man reckoned, chugged enthusiastically the fresh beer and sat on the chair, catching his breath until he could finally utter the words “I have a… letter… from the… lieutenant where the… viscount is in. It is… urgent. Must reach… Victoria Somerset.”

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