#and lottie loves her friends but she doesn’t like her entire life as the princess that much. god i have so many thoughts in my head

[merevide]

thinking. about a lottienat the little mermaid au.

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

🖊🖊🖊 (lol go wild I just want to hear ypu talking about your babies 🥺)

okay sooo have Honey La Bouff the love of my life one of my favourite ocs of all time

Honey loves baking, it’s her favourite form of stress relief and baking for people is her love language. She learned to bake with her Auntie Tia (Tiana) and can often be found working in the dorm kitchen while something is baking in the oven. She also loves to cook, and often makes her favourite foods from her home in New Orleans when she’s had a bad day, some of her favourites to make are pies and tarts, homemade lemonade and sweet tea, and paella, and her favourites to eat are sweet tea, strawberries, and beignets.  She also works at Tiana’s restaurant (sometimes in the kitchen but mostly as a waitress) whenever she can, especially during school breaks but also sometimes on weekends, and she’s learned a lot of bartending in the process

Although her entire vibe is very very preppy, Honey is also very outdoorsy! She loves gardening, hiking, and camping, especially the Unfairytale Kids’ annual camping trip. She’s still all peppy and preppy, but she can rough it better than anyone ever expects.

Honey has known Ben and Chad for very literally her entire life. She’s the youngest of the three, and both of them were brought by their mothers to visit the hospital the day they were born (Ella and Belle are Lottie’s closest friends other than Tiana)

Honey is extremely smart but deliberately acts like a bit of a ditz. It allows her to scheme away (and sneak lots of papers onto Ben’s desk that he’ll sign without paying attention) and be a bit of a political mastermind because no one thinks that she’s remotely smart (in her fic, Chad acts like a tool for the same reason)

Honey has a polaroid camera and she takes it with her everywhere. She’s obsessed with it, honestly. She has a photo wall in she and Jane’s dorm, another at home, and a photo album. She also constantly takes pictures on her phone and has a polaroid printer to go with it, and every Christmas each of her friends gets a personalized scrapbook of the entire year.

Honey knows a lot about a lot of topics, but I think one of her most underrated specialties is in decorum/niceties!  Honey knows all of the proper language and how to address people, she knows the right words to say and how to always soothe ruffled feathers, and she knows how to charm everyone — even people she doesn’t like!

Honey and Chad throw a masquerade ball every year for Halloween!  It started off as just an Auradon Prep thing but now it’s an event for the entire United States Of Auradon and it’s one of the biggest events of the year!  Now that it’s on a bigger scale, Charlotte helps them (because of her job she has a lot of connections), but Honey and Chad still organize the entire thing!  They also organize all of the Auradon Christmas events and go way over the top every year

In Descendants 3, after she’s gotten engaged to Ben and Chad, Uma calls her princess and Honey immediately goes “I’m not a princess” (princess has been a mocking nickname that Audrey’s used for years to remind her that she’s below the “real royals” at Auradon Prep, and Uma also used in in Descendants 2), at which point Carlos reminds her that she’s now engaged to two princes so she is basically a princess and Honey’s response is “oh, right.  I forgot about that” and Lawson never lets her live it down

Honey’s obviously extremely close with Ben and Chad, but at school she spends most of her time with her other best friends because a lot of the people in Ben and Chad’s circle look down on Honey because of her mother

Her other best friends are what I like to call the Unfairytale Kids, which is comprised of Lonnie, Jane, Doug, Aziz, and Honey, and eventually Lawson!  They’re the students at Auradon Prep who don’t really fit in for various reasons. Lonnie’s parents aren’t royalty, Jane isn’t human, Doug is half dwarf, Aziz’s dad was a street rat, Honey’s mom was a sidekick, and Lawson’s dad was also a sidekick (and a villain, but his dad being a sidekick means he doesn't even fit with the VKs either), so they tend to be dismissed by the royals at the school, and formed their own group with each other instead!  Chad is a royal obviously so isn’t a full member but is considered an honorary member since his mom was a servant before she was a princess

Honey is absolutely a southern belle at heart and she's very proud of it

Has a slight accent but it comes out when she’s tired or using southern slang

Calls her boyfriends "handsome", “dearest”, sometimes “stud” when she’s fucking with them, and of course “prince charming” for chad, turns them both into blushing messes

They retaliate by coming up with nicknames for her

Ben calls her Darlin, Chad calls her Sunshine, they both sometimes use Beautiful, Sweetheart, and Precious

Do not call her princess (unless you’re her boyfriends or Jay) 

She loves flowers and always has fresh flowers in her room, also pessed flowers in books of poetry 100% of the time

Bath bomb queen

She was voted to be cheer captain but stepped down when Audrey threw a hissy fit because she just can’t deal with Audrey ever

She loves milkshakes

Gives amazing hugs

Definitely has a vintage convertible and it’s definitely pink (Her favourite colours are pastel pink and baby blue)

Her middle name is Tiana after her Auntie Tia

pre-relationship, Chad and Honey often argued about whether or not to tell Ben that Audrey bullies Honey – Honey doesn’t want to because she just wants Ben to be happy, Chad thinks that’s kind of stupid and that he should definitely know

They have the same argument about whether or not to tell him that Mal tried to give him a magical roofie (which Honey stole and ate herself because “seriously, you’re about to be the king you can’t just eat sketchy food from people you barely know”)

[evermorehqs]

CATCHING MY BREATH, STARING OUT AN OPEN WINDOW

Charlotte ‘Lottie’ La Bouff is based on Lottie from The Princess and The Frog. She is a 30 year old human, influencer, and uses she/her pronouns. She has no powers. Charlotte is portrayed by Juno Temple and she is taken.

CATCHING MY DEATH, AND I COULDN’T BE SURE

You should never judge a book by its cover, because on paper Charlotte seems as shallow as a kiddie pool and as interesting as a rock. Always overlooked by her over feminine appearance, always underestimated as a ‘dumb blonde’. People only ever saw the product, the La Bouff painted perfect heiress, with money to burn and parties to host. Rich, spoiled and ditzy, never thinking for herself. However on closer inspection, had people bothered to look past the false persona, to take the time to get to know her, they would meet the real Lottie. The loyal best friend of over twenty years, the hopeless romantic yearning to be swept off her feet, the intelligent and strategic entrepreneur that knew more than she let on. The woman who deep down, still wishes on stars and dandelions for a happy ending. It is true that Lottie would cross oceans and mountains for the people she cares about, and for her entire life was always giving away parts of herself to anyone who needed it. As resilient as she lets on to be, there is an unguarded heart beneath her bimbo exterior, aching to truly love someone, to give them every single ounce of herself --- her real self --- that she has. Charlotte is no fool, she knows there can’t be such a thing as ‘love at first sight’, but that doesn’t stop her from holding out hope that one day things will be different. That someday, sooner rather than later, she won't have to hide behind the expectation set for her. That one day she can be as soft and free as her heart desires, and live her own happily ever after.

I HAD A FEELING SO PECULIAR

❀ Hans Westergaard: Cute as a button but dumb as a doorknob, poor guy doesn’t know his ear from his elbow. But it's okay, Lottie is always willing to clear up her schedule for a prince in need. ❀ Drizella Tremaine: You should never ever befriend someone you cannot trust, but when Drizella and Lottie have so much in common maybe she can throw caution to the wind just this once? ❀ Antoine Lewis: Look like a flower but sting like a bee, Lottie is not to be messed with at the best of times! But thankfully Antoine at the Rage Cage can keep a secret about unladylike outbursts.

THIS PAIN WOULD BE FOR EVERMORE

[carmichealroyals]

Transcript under the cut (click pics for HQ!)

Beginning //  Previous // Next

Transcript note: * indicates typo in picture.

[???] Tell us a story, Mama! [???] Pleeeease? We promise we’ll go to bed right after!  [???] Alright, alright. Settle in, then. Cuddle close. This story... this story doesn’t come from a book. This one is special -- it comes from the heart. 

[???] It is about a princess -- much like you, dear -- who, when she was young, made mistakes. A LOT of them. What they were aren’t important, but they happened because she was blind to a truth she had denied for a long time, which hurt her and many of her friends. After her biggest mistake, the princess promised herself that she would never be like that again, that she would always be honest with the most important person in her life: herself.

[???] Years passed, and the princess kept her promise. As she got older, attended university, and began taking on more responsibilities as the future Queen, the princess became beloved by the people of her kingdom through her honesty, her kindness, and her loyalty to her loved ones. She even fell in love, and the princess felt as though her path in life could not be clearer. 

[???] But the universe has a funny way of working sometimes. Sometimes, people you never thought you would see again come back into your life, along with all the feelings you once associated with them. That is what happened to the princess, one fateful night...

[???] Well, Your Royal Highness? Does it *live up to your lofty expectations in-person?  [Charlotte] I think so. The King *will have to give final approval, but the texture of the raised paint is exquisite. [???] I thought you were in law school, not a graduate curation student. [Charlotte] A girl can have her hobbies, Nathaniel. Even Crown Princesses. 

[Nathaniel] Of course. How could I ever forget that you always find something to fill your free time, which is already on the scant side? [Charlotte] Law school isn’t exactly a cakewalk, Nate. Even for those who’ve been reading the Constitution since they could read.  [Nathaniel] I’m not saying it is. What I am saying is that it’s a miracle I get to see you some days, between your studies and your duties... which is why I like to make the most of when I do get to see you. 

[Charlotte] Speaking of... thank you for taking me to this show, Nathaniel. Peter has been more insufferable than usual, and with Peggy away... [Nathaniel] It’s my pleasure, darling. You wait there -- I’m going to fetch drinks for myself and the priceless work of art beside me. [Charlotte] *rolling her eyes* Nathaniel Knox, what will I do with you--

[???] ... you know I never like doing that. It’s far too presumptuous. What if they aren’t planning on buying anything because they haven’t got the money? Then I look classist and I’ve made a fool of myself in public.  [???] Angie, I love you, but you’ve got to get out of *your own head. They’ve been eyeing that piece for thirty minutes -- they want to buy it. Just go over there and charm them. It worked on me, didn’t it?

[Angie] Yes, but you and I both know that you were after something entirely different. Fine. You win. I’ll be right back. [Charlotte] Andre...?

[Charlotte] Andre Hargrove? [Andre] Yeah--

[Andre] ...Charlotte... [Nathaniel] Lottie! There you are! The line at the bar was almost to the door, so I figured we’d-- Lottie?

[Nathaniel] Are you alright, darling? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. [Charlotte] I’m fine... just tired, that’s all. Can you take me home? I’ll make a call about reserving a piece in the morning.  [Nathaniel] Of course, my love. Shall we? 

[Angie] Good news! They’re buying the piece - you were right, yes, okay, no need to-- why aren’t you gloating? Hello? Earth to Andre? [Andre] Look there. Redhead in the green dress. [Angie] ...wait, is that...? [Andre] I’d know that face anywhere. Not just because she’s in the newspaper once a week. 

[Angie] You’d think I’d know if the Crown Princess walked into my gallery... there’s no security detail. [Andre] Probably incognito. They’re always there. [Angie] ...how long has it been? Not since... her birthday senior year, right? [Andre] The Carmicheals always knew how to throw one hell of a party. A shame it turned into a living hell for everyone there. [Angie] Six years... wow...

[???] The last time the princess had seen her friend, she had treated him terribly. They were both young then, but the way she had treated him, in her mind, had been inexcusable. Since then, they had both grown up, and while she had thought he would forget about her... she had never forgot about him. Now that she had seen him again, she was desperate to tell him how sorry she was, to know him as he was now... but how to do that without bringing up their past together? 

[???] More importantly, how could she do that without harming the person she was in love with? The greatest thing in this world, children, is loving someone and being loved in return. The princess had that. So did her old friend. And so, the princess walked away, as impossible as it was for her to do. 

[Nathaniel] Did you know that man back there, with the gallery owner? [Charlotte] I knew someone like him, once. But I don’t think it’s the same person. A trick of the light, that’s all. 

[Angie] Just think... the Crown Princess, buying from my gallery! [Andre] Seems to be your lucky night, babe.  [Angie] All thanks to you, future husband. I love you. [Andre] I love you more, Angelica Abbott. 

[sulietsexual]

what are your thoughts on yellowjackets?

anonymous asked: what’s your opinion on yellowjackets?

The thing is, I'm not really sure, tbh. I've watched the entire first season (except the finale) and cannot figure out whether or not I like the series. It has a fun and interesting premise, kind of LOST-meets-Lord-of-the-Flies, derivative but using teen girls as the protagonists makes for an intriguing twist. But I can't seem to get a hold on any of the characters, except maybe Taissa, which indicates thin characterisation to me.

Take Shauna, for example. I have spent eight episodes with her and cannot figure out her character or motivation. Why is she sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend? Why has her marriage fizzled out so much? Does she actually love her husband? Why is her relationship with her daughter so strained? Why is she so apathetic about her life? I like Melanie Lynskey as an actress, but the show really isn't giving her much to work with.

Other characters I find frustrating include Jacqui (seriously, what is her character supposed to be? The Ace? The Spoiled Princess? The Poor-Little-Rich-Girl?), Lottie (don't get me started on her "visions") and the religious chick (even her death was a little underwhelming). I'm not seeing any dynamics forming that will explain the eventual descent into cannibalism and tribe-mentality. Misty is an interesting character as a teen and her adult-self is brilliant, with Christina Ricci's unhinged performance easily being the best thing about the show, but even she can’t seem to make it endearing for me. 

Taissa is a strong character - both in past and present - and I find her storyline interesting in both timelines. I like how proactive and ruthless she is and the wolves attacking and her guilt over Van’s injury was the most I felt for a character in the whole series. I am interested in her character at least, and curious to see where we go. And then there’s Natalie, whom I like in the past timeline but not the present, as I’m not fond of Juliette Lewis as an actress. I also wish the show hadn’t copped out with her father’s death and actually had her shoot the fucker in self-defence, which would have made her guilt and characterisation that much more interesting.

I think it’s an intriguing idea to show the after-effects of the trauma of the wilderness and what the girls ended up having to do to survive, but the show seems afraid to really delve into it. Instead of seeing the slow descent into madness, we’ve had a season which just fucks about, not really giving us any decent characterisation or reasons for the madness. The adult characters obviously all still have scars but the show doesn’t really get to the heart of their trauma or really explore it. And all the tiny hints of the others’ fate (particularly Jacqui’s) are irritating rather than interesting.

Lastly, I don’t understand the weird supernatural element that suddenly appeared several episodes in with no warning. The supposed “visions” Lottle had, the weird speaking-French trance during the seance? Where the hell did that come from? Unlike, say, LOST, which hinted at supernatural from the first episode, Yellowjackets spends the first several episodes showing us a plane crash and the realistic after-effects before suddenly swerving into a weird supernatural sub-plot. It feels jarring.

Maybe the Season 1 finale will bring us some surprises. I’m convinced that Jaqui is the Antler Queen and that Shauna’s trauma and guilt is due to having to take her out, but beyond that, I honestly don’t know what to expect. The series could definitely be a lot better, so hopefully Season 2 expands the characterisation and gives us a better look into what exactly happened out in the wilderness.

-EDIT-

Okay, just ran into a spoiler showing Jaqui’s demise, and Jesus was that a disappointment. Really? She froze to death???? WTF? I was expecting something way bigger to explain Shauna’s guilt. This is what I mean by this show being afraid to get into the meat of things. That could have been so much better. 

[jovialyouthmusic]

Charlotte’s Choice

A Royal Romance AU Fanfic

26 Decorum and Debauchery

The Beaumont Bash gets going and Drake’s resolve is tested.

@ao719 @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @sleepwalkingelite @boneandfur @blackcatkita @brightpinkpeppercorn @choicescommunity @darley1101 @drakewalkerrosenberg @debramcg1106 @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @goirishsunshine @gardeningourmet @katurrade @livingthroughchoices @likethetailofacomet @mrs-nazario @mind-reader1 @ooo-barff-ooo @silviasutton1989 @speedyoperarascalparty @zaffrenotes @missevabean @mrsdrakewalkerblog @cora-nova @missameliep @tanelle83 @endlessly-searching-for-you @jlouise88 @drakenazario @annekebbphotography @tabithacarlisle @furiousherringoperatortoad @notoriouscs @classylady1234 @wickedgypsymoon @carabeth @choices-fangirl @indiana-jr @indiacater @noey718-blog

26 Decorum and Debauchery

As Charlotte left her father’s room, she saw Bastein approaching

‘How is His Majesty? he asked.

‘He’s resting, Bastien’ she replied ‘was there anything important?’ He smiled warmly.

‘Yes your Highness, good news. Walker’s name has been cleared – she was taking a friend to the clinic and was not being treated. The Press has withdrawn the article and issued an apology’ Charlotte felt a little dizzy, and put her hand out to the wall to support herself. Bastien moved swiftly to her and put his hand under her elbow. ‘Are you alright Princess? Can I help?’ She nodded, putting her hand to her chest and taking a deep breath as her heart fluttered a little.

‘Yes – I think it’s just – the relief. Thankyou so much Bastien, this really puts my mind at rest.’

‘Even if it was not my job to do this for you Princess, I would do my utmost for you’ he replied, squeezing her elbow’

Does he – does Drake know? She asked

‘Yes he does. He was concerned that he hadn’t seen you at breakfast – he and Lady Olivia are with Bradley and young Lord Maxwell in the dining room’

‘I’ll go and see them – I’m so pleased’ she beamed ‘I think you had better let my Father rest, Bastien, and he won’t be attending the Ball tonight’ The guard’s face fell

‘I’m sorry to hear that, he usually enjoys the events here – at least until the dancing starts’

‘He found the events at Valtoria very taxing’ she said sadly. ‘He just needs rest – I will take over from him.’

Charlotte hurried to the dining room to find her three friends leaving. She rushed to Drake and stopped short of hugging him, instead taking both his hands in hers and gazing at him happily.

‘I hear your name’s been cleared’ she smiled ‘I’m so pleased – for you’ as she scanned the corridor for eavesdroppers. He looked back at her and nodded his head to the dining room, speaking loudly.

‘You should come and look at the flower arrangements Princess. They’re exceptional this year’ and he pulled her inside. Brad looked at the other two and motioned for them to leave the lovers to themselves, following Drake’s lead by speaking loudly.

‘So, Lord Beaumont, I hear the gardens are at their best – would you like to give us a tour?’

In the dining room, Charlotte was raining kisses on Drake’s face and neck, and he was laughing softly, taking her face in his hands to still her and kiss her back, deeply and slowly until they tired of kissing and just held each other, leaning against the door.

‘Oh Drake’ she breathed ‘We’re so close – we should be careful’ He stroked her hair, kissing her cheek and she nuzzled into his neck. She felt the steady beat of his heart, the warm scent of woodsmoke and whiskey lulling her senses.

‘We can let go a little tonight, Charlie’ he murmured. ‘We’ll have a little private party, just the five of us, and Bastein will stand guard’

‘Poor Bas’ chuckled Charlotte ‘When does he ever get to let his hair down – does he even sleep?’ Drake laughed as well

‘Do you remember when I told Max that Bas was a vampire – ‘Bats’ien?’ Charlotte giggled

‘He told me he barely slept for a week and had nightmares of him sleeping hanging from the rafters.’ Drake thought back to their carefree years, and held her tighter.

‘I love you Charlie, my Princess’ he murmured and she nestled deeper into him, not wanting anything to separate them and wishing they could be one together.

‘I love you too Drake’ she whispered, not daring to say it louder. She pulled back and looked up to him ‘At last I have real hope’ she smiled ‘Hope that we can be together at last’

A couple of hours later, they had all changed ready for the Ball and gone down for the banquet. Charlotte sat at the top table with the Beaumont Brothers and Olivia. Brad and Drake sat with Lady Kiara and Lady Penelope. Amongst the other guests, Severus sat with Neville, Lady Madeleine and her mother Lady Adelaide. Charlotte stood before the first course was served.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, Lords and Ladies, citizens of Cordonia – I give you apologies from the King who is indisposed. I thank our hosts the Beaumonts and welcome you all to Ramsford on their behalf. We are as you know approaching the end of the social season, and coming close to the announcement of the identity of the suitor who will rule at my side as Consort when I am Queen.’ All faces were turned toward her expectantly, and she paused for a moment, looking back around the room. ‘You may have read certain Press reports that attempted to discredit two of the suitors, namely Duke Walker and Earl De Montfort. I hope that you have also read the retraction of the smears on their characters and I am happy to report that they are still very much on the list of the remaining candidates’ She caught a disparaging look from Anton and Neville at this point, but she carried on.

‘It is my pleasure to announce that there are still four candidates, and that number will remain until the final announcement.’ There was a faint round of applause at this, and she bowed her head to the room. ‘Rest assured that I have the interests of my country and all of its citizens in mind as I carefully consider my decision.’ She smiled and raised her glass ‘This is the first of many toasts – please, enjoy your meal, and may we all prosper and have compassion for our fellow Cordonians whatever their station in life’ All raised their glasses and drank, and Charlotte could at last be seated so the first course was served. Olivia leaned across to her and squeezed her hand

‘Well done Lottie, and it was a good idea of yours to keep all four in contention’

‘Well I could hardly drop Maxxie here on home ground, and there’s no telling what Anton might do if I’d dropped him’ she replied. ‘Best to keep everyone guessing right up to the last minute.’ The dinner progressed smoothly and Charlotte made sure not to drink too much as she knew what was to come – as did many others. Some of the older guests retired to their rooms after the meal, and the rest assembled in the grand entrance hall at the bottom of the grand staircase that swept upstairs, portraits of previous Beaumonts adorning the oak panelled walls. Charlotte joined the two brothers on the staircase overlooking the guests. Bertrand made a grandiose speech extolling the virtue of the Beaumont family and its long lineage and connection with the Monarchy, then handed over to Maxwell.

‘Guests and friends, I don’t have to tell you how past celebrations have lived on in legend. I hope this occasion will join them in notoriety.’ Charlotte stood behind him with a heavy lethal looking sword. She had not entirely been looking forward to this part, but at Maxwell’s signal she took a swipe at the neck of a bottle of champagne and sliced the top off neatly as Maxwell continued, the volume of his voice rising ‘Dinner was only the beginning – I welcome you all to the Annual Beaumont Bash!’

Champagne flowed out of the neck of the bottle and Maxwell held it up, throwing back his head and drinking it. At Bertrand’s signal, music erupted from the rock band in the Ballroom and a troupe of scantily clad acrobats and jugglers entered, leaping and cartwheeling and throwing balls, clubs and flaming torches high into the air. The champagne flowed and the music blared and guests and entertainers mingled. Maxwell disappeared for a moment and re-entered the ballroom leading a llama on a leash. The creature looked unsettled and spat at Neville who happened to be close, only just missing Anton who wore a look of disgust on his face. Maxwell found himself apologising and getting a member of staff to help clean Neville up, but he disappeared to his room and did not return.

Maxwell led the llama around and various guests took it in turn to ride the creature until Drake had a quiet word with him over its treatment, and he relented and took it outside. The party spilled outside into the grounds, the doors of the ballroom that led outside to the lawns thrown open so the thumping beat spread to the open air. Charlotte stood on the balcony watching, and could swear that in the dimming light she saw Maxwell now leading an Emu around. She was wary of joining in the merriment – her father had drummed into her how important deportment and public image were, and she was having a hard time breaking that conditioning.

Her guard must have been down, as she was suddenly aware that she was not alone. She turned to see that Anton had joined her, and her blood ran cold. She had almost dismissed him from her mind, and to find him so close was alarming. He nodded at the scene outside.

‘Do you approve of this debauchery?’ he asked ‘I hardly think that it is fitting for someone of your rank. Why do you condone it by your presence?’

‘It doesn’t matter if I approve or not’ she drew herself up, her regal posture asserting itself ‘I’m of Royal blood and everything I do and say is scrutinised. Do you truly know what that is like, Anton?’ He stepped back in surprise and she continued ‘I thought not. You can pass through a crowd without guards around you, without being recognised, express your opinion without being criticised or causing a scandal, even though you are of noble blood. I’m not participating, as you see. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. I can only watch while others enjoy themselves.’ She waved her hand over the scene in front of her ‘No-one is being harmed beyond having a sore head tomorrow. All over the country, people enjoy themselves in similar ways, forget their troubles, forget who they are for a short while. I don’t have that luxury.  I can never forget who I am.’ Anton’s eyes glittered

‘But it is a privilege to be who you are, and naturally there is a price to pay. I would be willing to pay the price, share your burden. I doubt the other suitors are so sympathetic’ She looked at him sharply.

‘Have you ever heard the saying that those who wish to have power are the ones who least deserve it?’

‘I disagree’ he said, that cold glint in his eye ‘If you are not prepared for what power can do, it can pervert and destroy your fine principles.’ Charlotte had caught sight of Drake approaching, and Anton followed her gaze, turning to see what she was looking at. He smirked and bowed to her ‘Just remember that when you make your decision, your Highness’ and he turned to leave, nodding his head slightly ‘Duke Walker’

‘What was that snake saying to you?’ Drake asked, his hands clenching and unclenching, half wanting to punch him, half needing to take the Princess in his arms and unable to do either.

‘It doesn’t matter, he won’t sway my decision’ she smiled ‘how are you enjoying the party?’

‘I’d enjoy it more if you were more involved’ he said, swaying slightly, keeping his distance ‘It’s killing me not to be able to hold you’ She looked at him sadly

‘I know’ she sighed. ‘I wish I could…’ she paused, and Drake stepped forward and smiled, taking her hand and squeezing it.

‘Speaking of which, I’ve come to invite you to our own private party behind closed doors’ Her face lit up and his own heart lightened at the sight ‘Max has put his rooms aside for what he calls the exclusive Charlotte and Friends only Beaumont Bash’ he rolled his eyes at the last  part. Olivia will come and fetch you in half an hour or so. See you there?’ Charlotte nodded enthusiastically.

‘Of course, Drake’ she looked over the balcony at the commotion below – the Emu had broken free of the leash and was running amok amongst the rose bushes making for the knot garden, and Max was chasing after it, guests scattering in all directions. ‘I hope Max is in one piece to enjoy it – and the other guests’

Charlotte followed Olivia up the grand staircase and along the corridor past her own suite. Bastien stood guard and gave her a little bow as she passed, and she took his hand to squeeze it in gratitude. On opening the door, she was greeted by Maxwell, Drake, Brad and…

‘Hana!’ she cried excitedly ‘You made it!’ the two friends embraced, Hana grinning from ear to ear.

‘I’m sorry I couldn’t stay with you’ she said ‘I hear you had a bit of a time of it at Valtoria with Anton’ Charlotte groaned in answer.

‘That man was insufferable, so slick – so self-important. He even tried it on with me half an hour ago too, sneering at the ‘debauchery’’ she made air quotes with her fingers. She let her shoulders slump a little, then straightened up. ‘But now I can relax and be with my friends and not worry about being seen or overheard.’ Max stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

‘You’re like my big sis, and anything I can do to make you happy is my pleasure’ he mumbled into her shoulder, drawing back and making way for Olivia, whose hug was light and brief but nonetheless warm. Brad drew her into his arms and held her against his broad chest.

‘Charlotte, it’s been a pleasure discovering you and your friends, I never expected to be in a position like this. I value your friendship and hope I can be of service to you, for however long you need me’ Charlotte drew back, her hand still on his upper arm.

‘Oh, does that mean you’ll stay on after the Coronation?’ she asked, and he nodded

‘I will have to go back to England to sort out some business, but Olivia has offered me – shall we say ‘house space’, and of course you’d all be welcome to visit any property I may have over there’ Charlotte embraced him again, smiling. That left Drake, and she turned to him, eyes shining. In an instant they were together, moulding into each other as if they would never let go. Max nudged them after a while.

‘Hey you two lovebirds, plenty of time for that later - now we’re here to have fun. Charlotte, Olivia would like to show you something in the bedroom’ he looked at her and wagged his finger ‘Nothing naughty, just a change of clothes. But before that, just taste this’ he handed her a glass that was pink and sparkling.

‘Maxxie, what is this? she asked, letting go of Drake reluctantly ‘You know I don’t like getting drunk’ Charlotte had never been an enthusiastic drinker, as being royal she had to maintain some decorum, but her experience at the races when Bastien had walked in on the striptease show Drake and Brad were putting on had made her even more cautious. She simply couldn’t allow the risk of being seen to be out of control.

‘It’s just a little naughty’ he admitted. ‘I call it the Princesses Peril, but really it’s not as strong as cider’ She took a sip

‘Oh that’s not half bad – sweet with a hint of bitter, fizzy – it’s rather fun’ The younger man smiled at the assessment

‘The recipe’s a secret, but I guarantee you will just get a little merry, no hangover or headache’ he grinned. Olivia nodded to Charlotte and the two women disappeared into the bedroom.

It was only a short while before they emerged, and Drake caught his breath. Normally Charlotte dressed modestly with little exposed flesh, but Olivia brought her out in a scarlet sequinned dress that hugged her curves and left her arms bare, the hem flaring out into a ruffle halfway down her thighs. The scooped neckline was still not too daring, but Charlotte obviously felt a little self conscious wearing it, as she blushed furiously at her friends’ reactions. She wore her hair down from her usual updo, dark curls cascading over her shoulders. Max let out a long low wolf whistle and Brad stared, transfixed. Hana clapped her hands and jumped up and down excitedly. But the person whose reaction she sought stood rooted to the spot, mouth open.

‘Ch – Charlie, you look…’ he gasped ‘Spectacular. I never thought…’ he shook his head. ‘You – are just amazing, Princess. I’m glad you don’t dress like that in public, or I’d have a hard time not punching all the men ogling you’ Charlotte ducked her head down, feeling like a shy teenager at her first dance, looking up at him through her eyelashes. He felt as if his heart would burst with love for her, and he stepped forward to take her hand and waist.

‘Max, if you don’t play some music to dance to, I’ll be forced to take the Princess back into the bedroom and do some dancing of our own that nobody wants to see’ he grinned. Charlotte looked shocked and blushed to the roots of her hair. Max started up some music and they started to sway together.

‘Drake!’ she chided ‘How much have you had to drink?’ He put his lips close to her ear and whispered so that it sent a thrill down her spine and made her legs so weak she had to hold on to him.

‘I don’t need to drink, you intoxicate me’ he murmured. Her demure persona was fast crumbling as she felt the heat of his body. ‘You have no idea what I’d like to do to you.’ Olivia cleared her throat.

‘I think perhaps that dress was a mistake, we’re at risk of these two lovebirds disappearing to make their own private party’

‘I know, we need a drinking game – world’s most likely!’ shouted Maxwell ‘Come on you two, put each other down and we’ll play together’

‘Just wait to the end of the song’ pleaded Charlotte ‘we’ll be with you in a minute’ The two of them carried on, clinging to each other, her head on his shoulder, eyes locked. The sexual tension between them radiated outward, and Brad swallowed hard, looking over to Olivia.

Maxwell stopped the music suddenly, and Charlotte felt like a puppet whose strings had suddenly been cut so that she was in danger of falling limply to the floor without Drake’s support.

‘Right, enough of that. We came here to have fun, all six of us together, not pair off. This is the Charlotte and Friends only Beaumont Bash, you can smooch in your own time.’ Drake groaned and reluctantly pulled away from Charlotte. He was surprised when she firmly took his hand, stopping him from moving away.

‘As Queen in waiting, I hereby delay the inauguration of the festivities’ she said gravely. ‘You may indulge in sampling alcoholic beverages while I consult Duke Walker on my choice of consort’. Her eyes glittered with uncharacteristic mischief, and Drake swallowed. The others might not know that glint in her eye, but he did. He was used to her rapid switches from shy and demure to lustful and wanton, and he realised that he may be about to demonstrate to her some of the things he so desperately wanted to do. Maxwell slumped.

‘Fine, you two have some alone time’ he said in defeat ‘I’m going to turn the music up so if you feel like making some noise, we’ll be none the wiser, but you’re doing this all back to front. It goes ‘drink, play games, dance, smooch – and then the rest is up to you’ Charlotte held Drake’s hand tightly and led him to the bedroom, firmly closing the door behind them. Their bodies crashed together and their lips locked as he pressed her against the door and her arms went around his neck. Her body felt as if it were turning to water but his lips almost burned her and the pressure of his hands was urgent. They paused for breath, panting.

‘I’m sorry I – I could barely control myself’ he gasped ‘Since - your Father allowed me on the list of suitors - there’s been no-one else. I only want you, Charlie, and it’s killing me that I can’t do the things I want to. That dress was the final straw.’ She put her palm on his cheek, relishing the prickle of the slight stubble there.

‘Me too Drake, but you know why - that dratted Cordonian tradition of ensuring the royal bride is a virgin the day before her wedding. Thank goodness it’s not the day of the wedding – as soon as I’m Queen I’ll revoke it so no-one else has to suffer the way I have.’

‘So – it’s business as usual?’ he murmured, his hand smoothing over her stomach and down over her pubic mound, and the tingle she felt turned into a roaring fire. He reached lower and hiked her dress up, sensing her urgent need.

‘It’s been a while since we were together like this’ she said ‘I was glad I bought a couple of toys with me – did you miss us doing this?’ He nodded as he threw his tie to the floor and unbuttoned his shirt.

‘You have no idea. I thought of you in the shower – more than once’ he slid down her body, kissing her exposed belly as he went and hooking his fingers into the waistband of her panties, taking them down as he went. He lifted her leg to let the scrap of moist fabric drop to the floor, and hoisted her knee over his shoulder as he knelt. He looked up at her ‘I worship you Charlie, you’re my goddess’ She groaned and leant heavily against the door, feeling the heat of his breath on her thighs before his fingers gently started to explore. ‘You’re soaking wet, my Princess’ he murmured.

She threw her head back to rest on the cool timber of the door and put her hand gently on his head. She loved tangling her fingers in his hair. The one time she had been with someone else, when Brad demonstrated his oral skills, she was distracted by his short neat hair. She could gently pull on Drake’s locks to urge him on, and she loved that too. She was pretty sure she was rougher in certain passionate moments, but he never complained.

His tongue soon joined his fingers, and the heat and the tingle in her belly intensified. She couldn’t remain still, rolling her pelvis to the rhythm of his fingers. What he did didn’t matter, how it made her feel did – her orgasm was building. Their enforced abstinence of the past few days had not been satisfied by their solo efforts. They needed each other, needed to be close, and the few short moments they had stolen at Valtoria had only satisfied their basic need for comfort. The fire that burned in both of them could only be regulated when they were together.

She thought of him alone in the shower, water cascading over his broad shoulders, channelling down over his dark haired chest, to that v where his manhood lay, his belly flat, hips narrow and his buttocks firm. She pictured his member hard and long, his hand wrapped around it, stroking while he thought of her. As his fingers and tongue brought her closer to the edge, holding her there, she pictured his other hand on the wall of the shower, supporting him, shuddering as he picked up speed, his seed spurting and jumping from his member, his breath ragged. She wondered if he uttered her name as he came, wondered if the sound of the water masked that noise as it washed the evidence away.

All other thoughts were blotted from her mind as she let his name fall from her own lips, as wave after wave broke over her under his touch, his tongue, her fingers knotting in his hair. He slowed and paused and withdrew carefully to match her coming down, and supported her as she slid bonelessly down the door onto the floor. He kissed her and she tasted herself on his lips. She hugged him with her knees, pressing herself to his bare chest. He was hard as a rock and she longed to feel him inside her at last. She leaned back and reached to unbuckle his belt.

He stood and pulled her up, her legs still a little shaky. He took her hand and led her over to the bed to sit, and kicked his shoes and socks off. He stood in front of her, unzipping his trousers and letting them fall, stepping out of them. She looked up at him, pupils still large and dark. She reached out to take his hips and draw him closer, and drew his boxer shorts down.

‘That music had better be loud enough, Walker’ she smiled, licking her lips.

[hamliet]

Disney Princesses as Strong Women: Tiana’s Tenacity

Disney’s foray back into Princessland, with a pretty awesome character who has a great arc, and whose film has a really nuanced, timeless and yet also timely, message on maturing, dreams, and connection. It’s a deep film. 

The opening song “Down in New Orleans” tells us the message of the film:

The evening star is shining bright

So make a wish and hold on tight

Dreams/wishes are important, and so is holding on tight and working for your dreams. The film explores the limits of working for your dream, while also still encouraging hard work as a virtue through foiling Tiana with Naveen and Lottie, as well as a sharp foiling with Dr. Facilier. 

As per my requisite disclaimer, there is absolutely room for legitimate criticism of The Princess and the Frog, and this is not going to invalidate any valid criticism of the film or of Tiana, but rather offer a different perspective on her film and specifically on Tiana as a character. 

Let’s start with Tiana and Naveen. One of the film’s early scenes focuses on Tiana and her parents, in which her father tells her “good food... brings folks together from all walks of life.” The point of her father’s dream of opening a restaurant is to bring people together, not to open a restaurant just because. Connection is what matters. He is a man who is noted to have “never los[t] sight of what’s really important”--his family. 

But Tiana’s father dies. He was a hard worker, but still, due to circumstances beyond his control, he doesn’t get to achieve his dream. Already, the film is telling us that sometimes life isn’t fair, and no matter how hard you work, sometimes the odds are still against you because of circumstances not being in your favor (given Tiana is the first black princess, I think the film offers a powerful message on privilege as well). 

Tiana’s determined to achieve her dream though, which is the same as her father’s. Her friends invite her to dance, and she refuses. Her friends then complain: "All you ever do is work!"  to which she response: “The only way to get what you want is hard work.” But we already know that this isn’t entirely true, and the film will take this on. 

Tiana’s mother warns her daughter that “your daddy may not have had this place but he had something better: love.” Tiana laughs it off, because she doesn’t have time for love. But when Lottie gives her the money for her restaurant, the leasers go against her in the end, because they get a better offer. No matter how hard she’s worked, there are still circumstances beyond her control. 

However, the message of the film sure isn’t “don’t bother at all.” Because even though Tiana’s hard work doesn’t earn her her restaurant directly like she’d planned, it does help her get it in the end. Her skills enable her to help her survive as a frog and to save Naveen and the others.

Additionally, while the film holds up love as more important than dreams, it specifically defines that as genuine connection, not just general starry-eyed romance, which Naveen exemplifies. He expects things to fall into his hands, and squanders what he has in an endless pursuit of women and fine things, whereas Tiana eschews all romance and saves every penny. Basically, they’re really good yin/yang, anima/animus characters who need to grow in each other’s direction. 

Mama Odie tells Naveen and Tiana this pretty directly, saying “you want to be human but you're blind to what you need!” She tells Naveen:

Prince Froggy is a rich little boy

You wanna be rich again

That ain't gonna make you happy now

Did it make you happy then? No!

Money ain't got no soul

Money ain't got no heart

All you need is some self-control

Make yourself a brand new start

To Tiana she advises:

Miss Froggy, might I have a word?

You's a hard one, that's what I heard

Your daddy was a loving man

Family through and through

You your daddy's daughter

What he had in him you got in you

Tiana initially interprets this as hard work, but she’s wrong. It’s specifically family/love that her daddy had, and that she has as well. 

Towards the end of the film, Naveen vows “I will do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true, because I love you.” He is willing to give up his romantic love for Tiana, the thing he focused too much on to his own detriment, for Tiana's happiness, and to work hard to help her as well. 

The notion of sacrificing you dreams recurs often in the film, and is held up as just as powerful as the notion of achieving your dreams, because nuance is a thing here. Naveen shows this, Ray shows this in that even after Tiana screams at him that Evangeline isn’t real, he dies to save them, Lottie shows this kind of love, and Tiana does as well. 

In the film’s climax, Dr. Facilier shows Tiana a vision of her dream of owning the restaurant, offering it all to her if she’ll just give up trying to help Naveen (and offering her humanity back). But Tiana sees a man dancing from behind and believes he’s Naveen--and when  she realizes the man she thinks is Naveen, whom she’s by now fallen in love with, she realizes it isn’t right. Her dream matters, because it’s her dream and it’s her daddy’s, too, but as she tells Dr. Facilier, her father “had what he needed: love!” 

As for Dr. Facilier, a defining point of his character is that he never connects with people. He sings about the friends he has “on the other side” whom as we quickly find out, are not actually his friends, but actually he’s in debt to and terrified of them. And he uses people’s dreams as weapons against them, the opposite of the sacrificial love showed by Ray, Naveen, Tiana, and Lottie. He acknowledges that dreams are often not attainable for financial reasons (the film has a really interesting commentary on class as well), and tempts Naveen by offering him money--which is exactly what tempts Tiana to kiss Naveen (he promises to pay her if she kisses him). 

In the end, Dr. Facilier, who is very much portrayed as a Faustian character, comments ‘dont blame me/blame my friends on the other side” and also remarks that “the real magic in this world is money” and says that he can't do voodoo or conjure a thing for himself. However, this isn’t exactly true, because the only person he is out for is himself. There are layers, the film suggests, and just because he can’t directly help himself doesn’t mean he’s doing a thing for other people.

In the end, Dr. Facilier is left terrified and screaming “I’m not ready at all” as the shadows drag him to hell when Tiana outsmarts him, and there is no one who can help him, because he used everyone who came to him. 

To address the other thing used to manipulate in the story (in addition to money): stories. We know the importance of stories from the film’s very first scene, with Lottie and Tiana as Tiana’s mother tells them the story of the princess and the frog. 

Lottie is very in to kissing a frog is the frog will only become a prince in the end, Tiana, however, says she would NEVEEEER ever ever kiss a frog, but as the film shows, sometimes to get what you want you do gotta work hard and even do some unpleasant things, like kiss some frogs. 

But stories, like food according to Tiana’s father, bring people together. It’s this story that help Lottie and Tiana to become friends, even though Tiana is poor and Lottie is spoiled and rich, Tiana is practical to a fault and Lottie has her head in the clouds constantly. Stories are powerful, the film tells us. 

Naveen uses this old storybook (and the promise of money) to convince Tiana to kiss him: 

Tiana first gets the money to buy her restaurant from Lottie, who gives it to her to help her bake for the prince she wants to marry. It’s the night they both think they’ll get what they want, but of course, “Prince Naveen” is no prince, and Tiana gets turned down and then becomes a frog. 

All Lottie wants, as badly as Tiana wants her restaurant, is to marry a prince. But the film directly counters both the traditional message Disney films are often accused of giving girls: find a man or you’re worthless, and also the message that anti-princess campaigners tend to espouse: you don’t need no man and wanting a man is weak/giving in to the patriarchy!  The film never condemns Lottie, though, nor does it mock her despite showing how over the top, naive, and spoiled she is. It encourages us to laugh with her, like Tiana does, but it never laughs at her. 

And in the end, she says she will kiss Naveen no matter what, even though he loves Tiana, because she loves her friend and she wants Tiana to be happy, even if that means she has to give up what she’s always dreamed of. She may not have what she wants, but she has what she needs. Like Tiana’s father, Lottie shoes us that it’s okay not to get what you want always, that it doesn’t mean your dreams or your work is worthless, since both of them are loved and love. Lottie’s kiss doesn’t work, but she tries. 

And through marrying Naveen, the spell is broken, and Tiana finds love and gets her dream. Hard work does matter, but so does love. And Naveen is gonna help her with all of it. 

Tl;dr The Princess and the Frog is a surprisingly deep film and I really liked its mature perspective on the world and on dreams. Wise as serpents, innocent as doves indeed. 

Up next: Rapunzel from Tangled!! I spent my childhood wanting Rapunzel adapted as a Disney Princess movie, and Tangled is a movie that hits very close to home, so I’m looking forward to that one. 

Snow White’s Self-Esteem

Cinderella’s Courage and Compassion

Aurora’s Autonomy

Ariel’s Adventurous Spirit

Belle’s Bravery (and Boundaries)

Jasmine’s Justice

Pocahontas’s Power the Choose Her Path

Esmeralda’s Empathy

Meg’s Mistakes

Mulan’s Masks

[bforbookslut]

Princesses, Castles, Evil Villains Oh My! in Undercover Princess by Connie Glynn - ARC Review

I have given Undercover Princess by Connie Glynn a ☆☆ rating. It is Book 1 of The Rosewood Chronicles. It is Young Adult Fantasy. Penguin publishes it. It was released November 2, 2017.

The blurb reads:

When fairy tale obsessed Lottie Pumpkin starts at the infamous Rosewood Hall, she is not expecting to share a room with the Crown Princess of Maradova, Ellie Wolf. Due to a series of lies and coincidences, 14-year-old Lottie finds herself pretending to be the princess so that Ellie can live a more normal teenage life.

Lottie is thrust into the real world of royalty - a world filled with secrets, intrigue and betrayal. She must do everything she can to help Ellie keep her secret, but with school, the looming Maradovian ball and the mysterious new boy Jamie, she'll soon discover that reality doesn't always have the happily ever after you'd expect...

A thrilling world of parties, politics and bad ass princesses, this is the first book in the brand new series THE ROSEWOOD CHRONICLES.

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Months ago, I requested an e-galley from Netgalley for Undercover Princess and was a little upset that I didn’t get a copy. So, when I got a chance to review an ARC through the Kuala Lumpur Book Appreciation Club (KLBAC) on Facebook, I jumped immediately (it’s always a race to get YA arcs cause everyone wants them). And I feel really bad that I have to rate this so low. But, my reasons are below. As always, my reviews may contain spoilers. I say may because what’s a spoiler to you may not be a spoiler for me.

Take Barbie movies, throw in some Naughtiest Girl in School, a little bit of Gossip Girl, some Harry Potter, a sprinkle of Disney’s Descendants, some good old-fashioned Disney princesses and that’s what you get with Undercover Princess. Now, here’s what you’re thinking. But Avery, the title literally says princess and look at that synopsis, how could you have been fooled? Well, folks, I was. You can always write a princess story but still be smart, unique and to use the most clichéd word on earth, interesting.

Undercover Princess was entertaining, don’t get me wrong. It really felt like I was watching Barbie Princess Charm School, but without the magic. But, like these cartoons aimed at a younger demographic, Undercover Princess was rife with clichés, hanging plots, poor world-building, uninspired villains, lazy writing and absolute cringe.

The one that thing Undercover Princess really had going for itself: the general, overarching plot. It honestly wasn’t that bad and had tons of potential to be built into something that’s really cool. It isn’t the most original plot (it reads like Monte Carlo, the Selena Gomez-starring Disney movie but with villains) but there are only so many ways you can spin a tale (pun intended, y’know cause fairytale and all). Yet, it was bogged down with clichés. Two girls who are complete polar opposites end up being roommates and one of them is the princess? #scandalous But, as it goes on, it really morphs and it takes an unexpected turn, one that I did not see coming.

Continuing on my semi-rant, Lottie is Charlotte Pumpkin, and obsessed with princesses and fairytales. She is absolutely infuriating in her naivety and innocence that she reads almost like one of the caricatures of the Japanese lolita culture. Seriously, that’s how I picture her with all pink and curls and baby doll dresses. Cringe-y. And I get that she’s 14 but come on girl, you can’t be that sensitive and crying almost all the time. But, bear with me, Lottie does go on a bit of character arc and actually becomes kinda kickass, not badass, but she does toughen up and that was nice to read.

Ellie, on the other hand, is your typical “rebel girl”. Black hair, black clothes, short cropped hair, loves angry music and dark films. Like, can you get any more stereotyped? It’s so hard to read past all these cringe. She is also good at breaking and entering (seriously, as a princess, wtf?) and gives off a strong Avril Lavigne circa Girlfriend vibe. Like, trying really hard to be badass and punk rock. But I liked her. She had spirit and she had an independence and fire that Lottie lacked.

There are a slew of other side characters that make their appearance in Undercover Princess from Ellie’s bodyguard (they’re called Partizans), Jamie who sort of has a romantic connection with Lottie, to Lottie’s best friend, Ollie and of course, the villains whom I shall not name as well as the friends that Lottie makes. But they’re all cookie cutter characters, cut from a press out book of “high school stereotypes and friends”. Absolutely bland with no defining characteristics of their own.

And, if you’re wondering about Rosewood Hall where everything takes place, wonder again. Because the worldbuilding is poor. The entire time, I kept thinking that it’s set in England (impossible cause Lottie travels and she’s from Cornwall) but apparently, it’s not. Also, where is Maradova? Is it like Genovia? The latter had a lot more worldbuilding, tbh. Rosewood Hall has a lot of descriptions but half the time, it comes across as Hogwarts crossed with Beauty and the Beast castle and it’s too magical to be real (probably what the author intended) with conveniently placed two way mirrors for eavesdropping and ooh, tunnels and secret passageways! Also, no one gets punished in this school. WHAT ARE THE POINT OF HEAD OF HOUSES AND PREFECTS???? Everyone is also exceedingly and unnaturally polite.

Finally, if you’re familiar with my reviews, I like to round everything off by talking about the writing style. And it’s comically childish in Undercover Princess, signalling to me that it’s definitely for and aimed towards a younger audience. Both Lottie and Ellie have only one defining feature. Lottie is constantly blushing. Like all the fucking time. The internet is filled with ways to write embarrassment other than “turning pink in the cheek”. In fact, my Pinterest feed shows me the same thing with every refresh. But no, all Lottie does is blush to the point I think she must have a stomach condition that affects her cheeks so. And don’t get me started on Ellie cause all that defines her cockiness is a side smile. Like, side smiling all the time like is there something wrong with the muscles in your face? You have to get it checked out, girl.

Finally, I’d like to point out that Ellie and Lottie’s friendship reads as more than friends to me. Like, I’m super close with my girlfriends but the lesbian-esque feels between them is so strong I wanted this book to be LGBT  but no, they’re strictly….dickly.

As we draw to a conclusion, Undercover Princess is definitely not the book for you if you’re into more mature YA, and not even the sexy kind of mature. It is more aimed towards younger readers looking for an upgrade to the usual 12-14 year old stuff. It’s got a strong plot base that I think could really be moulded into something suitable for older readers. But it’s just loaded with clichés and underdeveloped plots, poor world building and a lazy writing style. Two stars for effort and plot.

Thank you to Times Read for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This review edition may differ from the finished copy.

[a-azumi8185-blog]

♥ Read Online Undercover Princess (The Rosewood Chronicles, #1) by Connie Glynn `Review` / Download PDF Book

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[mythfan12]

Long Live the Queen

So my friend @acapellaswordsman and I were playing a game called Long Live the Queen, a difficult princess raising sim, we beat it after our second try, below the cut you’ll find a transcript of what we did so you can find out how we did it.

(warning, part of the appeal of the game is figuring out how to win so this might ruin your fun if you try to follow it, also spoilers)

Week 0 Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We're almost home. Your room is just the way you left it. Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I know it's hard to leave your school and all your friends, but I've arranged the best possible tutors for every subject. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll have to work hard this year to prepare yourself before your fifteenth birthday, but I know you can do it. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll learn quickly and you'll make a wonderful queen. It's what your mother would have wanted. Elodie, Crown Princess: This is not what Mother would have wanted! Elodie, Crown Princess: She wouldn't have wanted to die and leave me. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No. She wouldn't. But sometimes bad things happen. We have to pick up and carry on. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All of Nova depends on us. On you. Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh* Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I will be here to guide you until your coronation, but the decisions you make are ultimately up to you. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Come. Your maids are waiting. Welcome to Long Live The Queen! If this is your first time playing, you should read this brief introduction to how the game works. Menu: [Tell me more] [I've played this before] Player chose: I've played this before Week 1 (Studied Decoration in the morning.) (Studied Decoration in the afternoon.) Elodie, Crown Princess: What's all that noise outside? Who's here? Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! It's my cousins! And my aunt and uncle. Lucille, Countess of Nix: Darling. We were so terribly sorry to hear about your mother Fidelia. Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you. Laurent, Duke of Merva: You look well, niece. Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie! Elodie, Crown Princess: Hi, Lottie. I haven't seen you in ages! Will you be staying long? Charlotte, Lady Merva: Yup! Mummy said we'd be here all month. Elodie, Crown Princess: Maybe we'll have some time to talk later. Charlotte, Lady Merva: I love this room! It's so much bigger than mine back home. Elodie, Crown Princess: You should visit more often. It's awful that the only time I get to see you is... Elodie, Crown Princess: ... something like this. Elodie, Crown Princess: I know your brother and sister are still too young, but why haven't you come to school? Charlotte, Lady Merva: My mother worries about me. She doesn't think anywhere but home is safe. Elodie, Crown Princess: I understand. I'm probably not going to be allowed to leave this castle until my birthday. Elodie, Crown Princess: But at least we can have fun together here! Week 2 (Studied Reflexes in the morning.) (Studied Reflexes in the afternoon.) You may now play Sports on the weekends. Elodie, Crown Princess: What's that commotion outside? Father? What's going on? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I have come to pay my respects in honor of your mother. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have no respect or honor. It's because of you and your powers that my wife is dead! Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I am a Lumen, as was she, and like every Lumen I am willing to give my life if necessary to protect our domain. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your line has been traitors for two hundred years. I won't have you corrupting my daughter. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is for the Crown Princess to decide. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Elodie, your mother trusted me, and I have much to teach you. Menu: [Send her away] [Arrest her] [Let her stay] Player chose: Arrest her Elodie, Crown Princess: You are a traitor to the crown and I ought to have you executed. Elodie, Crown Princess: GUARDS! Arrest her! Elodie, Crown Princess: Throw her into the castle dungeons and let her rot! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Well. I suppose she won't be a problem anymore. You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys.  It's childish, but you feel a bit better. Week 3 (Studied Reflexes in the morning.) (Studied Flexibility in the afternoon.) Charlotte, Lady Merva: He loves me, he loves me not... Elodie, Crown Princess: Lottie, do you have a boyfriend? Charlotte, Lady Merva: Not really. I just like to play with the flowers. Elodie, Crown Princess: Me too. You gather your skirts and prepare to sit down, when all of a sudden, a hissing noise alerts you to a hidden danger - a snake! Elodie, Crown Princess: Charlotte, don't move! With your quick reflexes, you grab a forked stick and manage to flip the snake away from you and your cousin. Charlotte, Lady Merva: EEEEEK! Elodie, Crown Princess: Get away, you horrible thing! You stomp loudly on the ground, and the snake slithers off into the distance. Lucille, Countess of Nix: What is going on out here? Charlotte, Lady Merva: Mummy, there was a snake! Lucille, Countess of Nix: What was a snake doing in the royal gardens? This is completely unacceptable. You could have been killed! Charlotte, Lady Merva: Elodie scared it off. Lucille, Countess of Nix: That's not good enough. I can't have my daughter remaining in such a dangerous place! We are returning home to Merva at once. Charlotte, Lady Merva: Awww.... You venture into the depths of the castle dungeons. The Duchess of Ursul is there, in her cell, sitting perfectly straight on the bench against the wall and looking your direction as if she'd been expecting you. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Caution is wise for one in your position. Hasty judgments can lead to trouble. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Are you ready to listen now? Menu: [Hear her out] [Taunt her] Player chose: Hear her out Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you want to say? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is the responsibility of the king or queen of Nova to handle magical energies to protect the domain. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is what a Lumen does - what your mother did, and what I do. Elodie, Crown Princess: My father said it was your fault she died! Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What he said was that she died by magic. Being a Lumen is never safe. We pay a high price for our powers. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: But without a Lumen queen, this entire domain is at risk. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Release me, and I will teach you what you need to know to keep your responsibilities. Menu: [Free her] [Refuse] Player chose: Free her Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't have any choice, do I? Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine. I'll have the guards release you. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Come to me in my rooms as soon as you can to begin your training. Week 4 (Studied Decoration in the morning.) (Studied Voice in the afternoon.) Elodie, Crown Princess: The castle seems quieter with Charlotte and Emry and Zahra and their parents gone. Elodie, Crown Princess: It's certainly not empty, though. It seems like we get more servants every day. Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it you wanted to teach me? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: First, I need to know if you have your mother's crystal. Elodie, Crown Princess: What crystal? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The source of power for any Lumen is a particular magical crystal. Once you've bonded with it, it becomes a part of you as long as you live. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The Royal Crystal has been passed down from ruler to ruler for generations. It belongs to you, now - except that the King may be keeping it from you. Elodie, Crown Princess: Do you have a crystal? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Of course. She holds out her hands. Light flickers above her bosom, and then, with a shower of sparkles, something takes shape. You reach out to touch it, and it dissolves away into nothing. Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It belongs to me. No one can take it from me until I die. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You need to find the crystal that belongs to you. Week 5 (Studied Instrument in the morning.) (Studied Voice in the afternoon.) One of the maids approaches for your attention. Alice: My lady, couriers have arrived from the Duke of Sedna. Elodie, Crown Princess: We have a Duke of Sedna? Alice: ... No, my Lady. The duchy of Sedna is in Talasse. Alice: They have brought you a letter, and a gift. Elodie, Crown Princess: 'Condolences on the death of', 'deeply regret', 'best wishes'... Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! What a beautiful necklace! Elodie, Crown Princess: Something sparkly will make me feel better. Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future. Week 6 (Studied Presence in the morning.) (Studied Accounting in the afternoon.) As you are walking, you spot a familiar figure in the palace gardens. Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's the Duchess of Ursul! Maybe I should go and say hello.) Then you notice that seated beside her is a woman in the robes of a priestess. They are very close together, their hands gently touching as they speak. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Looks like she's busy!) You turn and walk in a different direction, so as not to disturb them. At that moment, you notice something unusual. It looks like someone just left the palace grounds by going over the hedge. Was that a servant? A thief? Or... an assassin? Menu: [Climb up to look over the hedge] [Call the guards] [Run and hide] Player chose: Run and hide You rush back to the safety of your stone tower. Better safe than sorry! Elodie, Crown Princess: How do I find my Lumen crystal? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your father probably knows what happened to it. Elodie, Crown Princess: What if he destroyed it? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: They can't be destroyed. He could throw it away, but then someone else might find it. No, he'll keep it safe. Elodie, Crown Princess: But if it's mine, it wouldn't matter if someone else found it. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It's attuned to you, but you haven't bonded with it yet. If it found a compatible host, someone who was like you in some way, it could bond to them. Week 7 (Studied Presence in the morning.) (Studied Instrument in the afternoon.) You have unlocked a new outfit! As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen. You swiftly step aside and let her pass. Elodie, Crown Princess: Dad, what happened to Mom's Lumen crystal? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It's in a safe place. Elodie, Crown Princess: Can I have it? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No. Elodie, Crown Princess: But it's mine! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Meddling with magic killed your mother. I don't want that to happen to you. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Once you're crowned Queen, I can't stop you from doing anything you want, but for now you are still a child. (Put on the art outfit.) Week 8 (Studied Presence in the morning.) (Studied Divination in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a man here to see you. He wishes Crown funding for a project of his. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember, the treasury is not unlimited. If you choose to invest, you will have less money to work with later. Man: Your Royal Highness, I have a plan to print books using metal letters which can be moved and reused. Man: I need to borrow 875 lassi to assemble the metal and a factory to mold and cast the type. Man: With this system, we will be able to create new books in a fraction of the time it takes now, and make copies to send all over the world. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know much about factories or trade. Would that really be worthwhile?) Elodie, Crown Princess: We are not interested. A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders. Week 9 (Studied Composure in the morning.) (Studied Divination in the afternoon.) Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back. Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: However, I must call for your aid. The Ixionite occupation of the county of Imbrium has gone on for too long. Now is the time to push back. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I know there's been some problems with Ixion, but I don't know the details. I guess they're occupying southern Maree.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything about the military. I don't want to fight.) Elodie, Crown Princess: There must be a peaceful way to settle this. I will send for diplomats from Ixion and try to come to some arrangement. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Thank you, Your Highness. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, if I may ask... That necklace you're wearing. Where did it come from? Elodie, Crown Princess: It was a gift from the Duke of Sedna. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Then, you have made arrangements with him? Elodie, Crown Princess: Um... What sort of arrangements? Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, that is a courting gift. The man wishes to gain your hand in marriage. Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh. I didn't realise. Elodie, Crown Princess: My father says I can't have the crystal until I'm Queen, so we'll just have to wait. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: There may not be time to wait. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: This world is filled with dangers, and you will need the powers of a Lumen to fight them. You can't begin training until you have bonded with your crystal. Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what else am I supposed to do about it? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The crystal is probably held under guard in the Royal Treasury. You are the princess; you should be able to find a way inside. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Otherwise we might have to take drastic action. Menu: [I'll wait until I'm older] [I'll try to find a way] [What drastic action?] Player chose: I'll try to find a way Elodie, Crown Princess: All right. I will try to get into the treasury. Week 10 (Studied Composure in the morning.) (Studied Divination in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The representative from Ixion is here. Be careful - no one wants to give up prizes that they have won. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: You have the full support of my sister and myself, Your Highness. Brin, Duchess of Hellas, Countess of Dysnomia: Hmph. Let's get this over with. Diplomat from Ixion: Your Royal Highness, thank you for granting me this audience. I am sure we can come to an amicable agreement. Diplomat from Ixion: Let bygones be bygones, no? We will forget about your unprovoked attacks on us, and you will transfer the rights to this little province. Diplomat from Ixion: We can be good neighbors again, without any lives being lost. Menu: [Surrender Province] [Offer him money if Ixion withdraws] [Bluff / Intimidate] [Execute him] Player chose: Offer him money if Ixion withdraws Elodie, Crown Princess: That is not acceptable. All the land north of the river belongs to us. Elodie, Crown Princess: We are willing to offer some payment in exchange for the inconvenience you have suffered, but nothing more. Diplomat: I believe we could settle the matter for eight thousand golden lassi. Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's an awful lot of money...) Menu: [Agree] [Refuse] Player chose: Agree Elodie, Crown Princess: Very well. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Negotiating like this is stressful!) You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition! Week 11 (Studied Elegance in the morning.) (Studied Lore in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There are reports that a keythong has been sighted leaving the Old Forest. Elodie, Crown Princess: What's a keythong? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A beast with the body of an enormous golden cat, a sharp beak, and spikes on its back. Elodie, Crown Princess: Eek! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Several disappearances in southern Caloris are already thought to be the work of this creature. Elodie, Crown Princess: What do we do? Should we send hunters? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The traditional policy on stray beasts is to hope that they return to the forest and stay there. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Hunters are no match for such creatures. You would only make it angry and waste more lives. Elodie, Crown Princess: So... we just let it eat people? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Everyone dies in the end. Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Also, there is a letter for you. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Talarist, the Duke of Sedna, will be arriving next week for an official visit.) You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 12 (Studied Elegance in the morning.) You have unlocked a new outfit! (Studied Lore in the afternoon.) Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Ah, Your Highness. What a pleasure it is to meet you in person at last. Your description did not do you justice. Elodie, Crown Princess: *giggle* Elodie, Crown Princess: *giggle* Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know how to deal with handsome older men paying me compliments!) Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I was so pleased to hear that you had accepted my humble offering. A jewel for a jewel - but you are the more precious. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I was so pleased to hear that you had accepted my humble offering. A jewel for a jewel - but you are the more precious. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I hope that this is only the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. A union between us would bring stability to both our peoples. Elodie, Crown Princess: (He really does want to marry me!) Menu: [Accept his offer] [Politely decline] Player chose: Accept his offer Elodie, Crown Princess: I would be honored! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elodie! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your Grace, are you not aware that my daughter has only fourteen summers? Elodie, Crown Princess: It's my decision. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: A betrothal only, of course. There is no need for hurry. You have your coronation to plan for, after all. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: If I might be of service in any way, please, send for me. I will be happy to offer my protection or advice. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ... You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. (Put on the royal_demeanour outfit.) Week 13 (Studied Presence in the morning.) (Studied Meditation in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A woman has been convicted of attempted murder and requests the mercy of the Crown. Kevan, Earl of Io: Your Highness! This slattern dares to beg pardon, when she admits that she tried to poison my sister under her own roof! Elodie, Crown Princess: Which sister? Kevan, Earl of Io: Corisande, the Duchess of Mead. Elodie, Crown Princess: Is she all right? Kevan, Earl of Io: She is unharmed. We caught the culprit in the kitchens before anyone could eat her foul spew. Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what do you have to say for yourself? Condemned Woman: It's justice, it is! Them devils killed me brother, and broke me mam's heart. Condemned Woman: Lied to her, they did, when she went to see why he'd not come back. Said he'd gone for a soldier, when he never would! Condemned Woman: He weren't the only one neither. I waited ten years for my chance to get my own back. That's justice! Kevan, Earl of Io: You see? She's completely unrepentant! Hang her and be done with it. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know what this is all about. Either way, murder is a serious crime, but...) Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her] Player chose: Imprison her Elodie, Crown Princess: You have tried to murder a noble of my domain, and I have no reason to believe you wouldn't do it again. Elodie, Crown Princess: You will be imprisoned for the rest of your life. Condemned Woman: Ye'll not have me! All of a sudden, she breaks loose from her guards and rushes at you! In your Court dress, you are unarmed - you grope for a weapon and find only a heavy golden ornament which you hurl in her direction. Your missile flies wide of its mark. Before you have a chance to do anything else, your personal guards step into action, cutting the woman down before she can endanger you. Her lifeless body lies bleeding on your carpet. Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Clean that up. You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck. (Put on the art outfit.) Week 14 (Studied Meditation in the morning.) You have unlocked a new outfit! (Studied Divination in the afternoon.) As you are walking one day in the gardens, you hear a strange sound and look up to see an owl flying overhead. A single dry leaf flutters in its talons. Elodie, Crown Princess: (An owl in daylight and a dead leaf - Someone important will die in the next few months.) When you return to the castle, your father is waiting for you. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She wishes Crown funding for a project. Woman: Thank you for seeing me, Your Royal Highness. I... I come to you on behalf of the people. Woman: I wish to build a hospital where any citizen afflicted with disease can be brought for treatment. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Putting all the sick people together? Wouldn't that make them die even faster?) Elodie, Crown Princess: We are not interested. You order the guards to stand aside and walk forward with your head held high. None of them dares to deny you access to your own treasury. The glitter is dazzling, but some sixth sense draws you towards one little locked box in particular. This is what you need. This is the crystal that will make you a Lumen. You tuck the box into your pocket. You can show it to your mentor later and get instructions on what to do next. (Put on the faith outfit.) Week 15 (Studied Elegance in the morning.) (Studied Lore in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember that the Festival of the Good Lady is approaching. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There will be public celebrations for the commoners, followed by a grand gala for the nobility. Elodie, Crown Princess: (A grand ball... There will be dancing.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you would be expected to lead the procession and take part in the ceremonial planting, possibly give a speech. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: However, since you are not yet crowned, it is not required, and it may not be safe to expose you to the public. Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, not safe? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Outside of the castle, you are less well protected. If anyone means you harm... Think on it now, decide later. Elodie, Crown Princess: Will the Duke of Sedna attend the gala? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It is a traditional Novan event. Inviting your fiancé might be seen as a statement. Menu: [Invite Talarist] [Don't] Player chose: Invite Talarist Elodie, Crown Princess: If I'm going to marry him, it's a statement I ought to send. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a letter for you as well. Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's from Briony! I went to school with her, but she's a couple years older than me. Her mother is the Duchess of Mead.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's complaining that her mother still won't let her come home for the holidays.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (Apparently her uncle Kevan has been acting strangely lately and shouting at shadows.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!) Elodie, Crown Princess: I got it! Elodie, Crown Princess: What do I do now? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Pick up the crystal with your bare hands. Press it against your chest, over your heart, and say "Illuminate!" Menu: [Do it] [Don't do it] Player chose: Do it Elodie, Crown Princess: Okay... Here we go... Illuminate! You feel dizzy, and both larger and lighter than you were before. The crystal has disappeared from view, but you know where it is. Elodie, Crown Princess: Wow. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The priestess here is a friend of mine. I will come to your lessons in the faith and train you to use your powers. Week 16 (Studied Court Manners in the morning.) (Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Today is the procession and planting for the Festival of the Good Lady. Will you be leading the parade? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If you have any concerns about your safety, please, stay here. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The people will recover from disappointment; if we lose you, there is no recovery. Menu: [I will lead the parade] [I will parade and make a speech] [I would rather not go] Player chose: I will lead the parade Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm not afraid. I'm going to be the best parade-leader ever! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My little girl. You prepare your best gown for the occasion, then walk slowly through the town with your attendants. It would not be appropriate for you to wear a sword, but you do walk with a sturdy golden scepter that's taller than you are. At the end of the route, you help the priestesses turn over the earth for the new tree to be planted. Then the new life is blessed, and all the attendants join in song. The procession regroups to return to the castle. You sneak out of the castle to have a little fun. You enjoy your freedom, but your father won't like it if he finds out. Week 17 (Studied Sense Magic in the morning.) (Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Are you ready for the grand ball? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All the nobles in the domain are here to see you - to see their queen. Elodie, Crown Princess: (gulp!) You finish dressing and descend the stairs to make a grand entrance. All around, the rich and powerful pause in their activities to gaze upon you, the ruler of them all. You let your eyes rest upon each in turn as you have been taught, impressing upon them that you are not a child, but a Queen. Your father waits for you at the bottom of the stairs and offers you his arm. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The first dance is for us. He guides you gently around the dance floor, never rushing you. It's fun to dance with your father, but the look in his eyes is so sad. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I believe the next turn is mine. He bows gracefully and offers you his hand, then leans close to whisper a quick question. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Do you know how to dance? Nod or shake your head. Menu: [Nod yes] [Shake your head] [Step on his foot] Player chose: Shake your head You shake your head slightly, your hair swaying. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Watch me. I'll go slowly. Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. Especially when the man in front of you is the one you have agreed to marry. His touch is gentle, his every move carefully signaled to be sure that you don't miss the beat. Is this what your marriage will be like? Between the dances, there is time for the guests to mingle, chat, and sample tiny bites of exquisite food. You notice that Fabian, the elderly Earl of Titan, is not looking entirely well. Could this have something to do with the omen the owl brought you of death and disruption? Fabian is the father of, and regent for, Adair, the Young Lord of Elath. The boy is only twelve, years too young to assume his full title. Tragedy has been a common visitor to the Elath line; his mother Cayleigh died in childbirth, and her mother and sister died when Cayleigh herself was a very young girl. If Fabian dies before Adair is of age, there will be a succession crisis in Elath. Menu: [Talk to him] [Say nothing] Player chose: Talk to him Elodie, Crown Princess: Lord Fabian, can we talk? You don't look so good, and I'm worried about what will happen to Adair if you die. He stares at you, and you realise that you've spoken too bluntly for politeness. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: Some of my family would claim that I have already lived forever, and could continue to do so. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: But the mornings do grow colder. I hope to see Adair become a man, but I know that it may not happen. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: I know she's no blood of his, but I say, leave the boy with Arisse and her brood in Lillah. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: Her youngest three are near enough to Adair's siblings, Adele especially. She dotes on him. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: My other children are too old, Adair's never known them. And his grandfather... Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: Well. He and I will never settle it who should have known better, and it's too late now. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: Still, I would never trust him with Cayleigh's son. He pats your hand. Fabian, Duke-Regent of Elath, Earl of Titan: Good little girl, you are, for thinking of me. What will come will come. Adair comes running up to his father. Adair, Young Lord of Elath: Dad! I got punch on my shoes. You leave them to deal with that problem. During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out through the room. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might have your attention? Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess. Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Her words of wisdom guide us through our difficulties. Everyone applauds politely. As the gala continues, you take the opportunity to observe nobles that you rarely see. There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than you and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon. Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields. No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season. Her parents are here, dancing together - the Duke-Consort clutching his Duchess possessively tight. Strange that there's no sign of your cousins, though. Shouldn't they be here? Your aunt and uncle are here, of course. It would be scandalous if they hadn't come, Merva being so close by. It's nice to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, isn't it? As the evening grows late, your personal guest draws you aside for a private conversation. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: You have my most fulsome thanks for the invitation to this event. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: However, you might wish to spend more time with the scribes before corresponding in writing with other nobles. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Some may not appreciate your unique sense of phrasing. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Wonderful. I sounded like an idiot.) Talarist, Duke of Sedna: It is always the greatest of pleasures for me to be in your presence. Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I look forward to the day when we will no longer have to part. Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future. Week 18 (Studied Public Speaking in the morning.) (Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.) Your skill in Court Manners is now 50.  You may not increase this skill until your other Conversation skills are 25 or higher. You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain. You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion. Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: You are too kind, Joslyn. Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go. She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp. How dare she make a move on your father? Menu: [Shame her with silent scorn] [Insult her with false flattery] [Trip her as she passes] Player chose: Shame her with silent scorn You meet her eyes and imagine your mother's disapproving presence behind you. Her color pales, and she releases her grip on your father's arm, mumbling an apology before hurrying out of the room. You have defeated her. Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the path that you have set us on. Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your acts have made everyone think about preparations for the future. Caloris needs an heir. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My brother, your uncle Armand, is looking for a wife as well. One of us, at least, must produce more children. Elodie, Crown Princess: But... Mama... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Nothing can ever replace your mother. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: But we all have to do things that we don't want to do. Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners. Elodie, Crown Princess: There haven't been any problems so far. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I am paying attention to what's around me!) You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 19 (Studied Sense Magic in the morning.) (Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It is the time of year to decide any necessary adjustments to the royal budget. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The majority of the money we receive is already spoken for, but there is always some room for discretion. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I really don't understand all of these numbers. Maybe I should leave them alone.) Menu: [Raise taxes] [Keep them the same] [Lower taxes] Player chose: Keep them the same Elodie, Crown Princess: I think they're fine as they are. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish. You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 20 (Studied Resist Magic in the morning.) (Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.) You have unlocked a new outfit! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A man has been convicted of the murder-by-strangling of his wife. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He does not deny the act, but requests a pardon that he might be set free. Elodie, Crown Princess: If you admit you killed your wife, why do you think I'm going to set you free? Condemned Man: Save me, Your Majesty! Wasn't my fault. Demons made me do it. Condemned Man: Everyone knows the power of magical beasties! They used me, they twisted my fingers into chains... Condemned Man: My wife found me screaming, she tried to shake me, and the chains wrapped around her... Condemned Man: I need the priestesses to bless me and make me clean again! Elodie, Crown Princess: (I do feel some kind of magic around him. Is it possible that he's telling the truth?) Elodie, Crown Princess: (Julianna might be able to tell even if I can't. Her Lumen power is stronger than mine.) Menu: [Summon Julianna] [Pardon him] [Imprison him] [Execute him] Player chose: Summon Julianna Elodie, Crown Princess: I wish to consult with my advisor. Please send for the Duchess of Ursul. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ... As you wish. Condemned Man: Your Majesty, can you not see the truth for yourself? It is your mercy that I beg, not the powers of a witch! Condemned Man: Does she control this castle, as well, with the demons that she summons? Several onlookers gasp. Menu: [Change your mind] [Wait for Julianna] Player chose: Wait for Julianna Elodie, Crown Princess: I rule this castle, and I expect to be obeyed. Condemned Man: ... Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your Highness, I stand ready to serve - Without warning, the Duchess of Ursul draws her sword! Elodie, Crown Princess: What? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elodie! Get down! The man raises his hands, which begin to glow. The demon's power - or his own? Before he can act, Julianna slashes her sword through the air. A wave of energy sweeps away from her blade, striking the man's upraised arms and shredding his skin. He howls, and his fingertips elongate, forming golden chains that float through the air. You marshal up your own powers and join Julianna in combat. The battle is messy, but brief. Soon the condemned man lies motionless on the ground before you. After a moment, an orange crystal materialises next to his body. Elodie, Crown Princess: I guess I'll have to take that for safe keeping. Elodie, Crown Princess: This is why magic is important! This is why the crown requires the power of a Lumen, to protect Nova from threats that cannot be ignored! Elodie, Crown Princess: And why the crown requires good Lumens like the Duchess of Ursul, to train and guide us, so that we will be ready to defend you! You suspect that only etiquette prevents the assembled court from applauding. A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders. (Put on the lumen outfit.) Week 21 (Studied Wield Magic in the morning.) (Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.) Alice: My lady, there is a letter for you. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who sent this? It isn't signed...) It appears to be a poem, describing you in a manner that is entirely inappropriate for a Queen. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I *what*? With a *squid*?) Menu: [That's hilarious!] [That's terrible!] Player chose: That's terrible! Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who writes this garbage?!?) Just then, an incredibly unlucky breeze swirls between the windows of your tower bedroom, tugging the paper out of your hands and off into the sky. You stick your head out the window to discover the 'poem' caught and fluttering on the roof nearby. You can almost reach it. Menu: [Climb out and grab it] [Ignore it] Player chose: Ignore it What's the worst that can happen? It blows off and someone reads it and laughs at you? That's better than breaking your neck. Besides, if you're lucky it will rain and wash the words away. Elodie, Crown Princess: If you attack an enemy Lumen, and you win, and they leave behind a crystal... Elodie, Crown Princess: Is it possible to combine that crystal with mine to make it stronger? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Each Lumen can hold only one crystal. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The only way to combine their magic is if a living wielder chooses to join its power to another. Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh. Elodie, Crown Princess: So I should destroy other crystals, to stop anyone from using them against me. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is the traditional policy - but it is a lie. Lumen crystals cannot be destroyed. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Rulers claim otherwise to discourage thieves from seeking dangerous treasures. Elodie, Crown Princess: What am I supposed to do with a crystal, then? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Guard it, or hide it, or give it into other hands to wield. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: But if the last holder of the crystal was an enemy, the resonance of the crystal will work against you. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It will be attuned to a personality as foolish or violent or scheming as the Lumen you defeated. Elodie, Crown Princess: So anyone taking the crystal would probably become a new enemy. That's useless! Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: A weak-willed candidate might be acceptable to the crystal and yet still controllable. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You could then steer that Lumen away from dangerous paths, making an ally and changing the crystal's resonance. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is, however, a dangerous endeavor and one that requires your complete attention. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Not really a project I can work on while I'm so busy studying for my coronation.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (Well, it's only one crystal. That's not too much trouble.) Week 22 (Studied Strategy in the morning.) (Studied Strategy in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I regret to inform you that Fabian, the Earl of Titan and Duke-Regent of Elath, has passed away. Elodie, Crown Princess: I expected that was coming. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: With the control of Elath in doubt, it falls to the crown to make decisions. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Young Lord Adair will not reach his fifteenth birthday for over two years. He requires a regent. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: His stepmother, Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has petitioned that the boy be left in her care. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This would, however, leave her in personal control of two neighboring duchies, which is generally forbidden. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Almost the entire eastern border.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything really bad about her, though...) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The boy does have a living grandfather, the Earl of Ishtar. Or you might appoint an unrelated noble to act in his stead. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I talked to the late Regent at the gala about what he wanted for his son's future.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (He said that Adair should stay with either his stepmother or his stepsister Adele.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (Adele would be a less politically dangerous choice.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (He also said definitely not to give Adair to his grandfather.) Menu: [Leave him with Arisse] [Send him to his grandfather] [Send him to your uncle] [Make his stepsister Adele regent] Player chose: Make his stepsister Adele regent Elodie, Crown Princess: Let him stay with his family, but instead of Arisse, give the regency to Adair's stepsister Adele. Elodie, Crown Princess: They've grown up together, and she's old enough for the responsibility. Elodie, Crown Princess: She doesn't have a title of her own and is more likely to be loyal to Elath's interests. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A clever compromise. Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you. You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 23 (Studied Wield Magic in the morning.) (Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.) You have nothing more to learn about Wield Magic. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She is a musician and wishes Crown patronage. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Which means money.) Sabine: Your Royal Highness! If you accept me as a member of your court I will immortalise you in word and song. Sabine: I have dabbled in musical styles from many countries, and can entertain your guests and lighten your evenings. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Immortalise me in words? I wonder if she wrote that filthy poem?) The musician sings a little ditty to demonstrate her skills with the lute. Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's okay, but nothing special.) Menu: [Accept her as Court Musician] [Reject her] Player chose: Reject her Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you, but we are not interested. You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck. Week 24 (Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.) (Studied Internal Affairs in the afternoon.) You receive a letter from Young Lord Adair. It's a bit messy and hard to read, but he seems to be thanking you for letting him stay with the family he knows. You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 25 (Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.) (Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.) Staring up into the sky out your window, you notice a strange flash of light. Elodie, Crown Princess: (A falling star... Pretty!) You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 26 (Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.) (Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.) Elodie, Crown Princess: What a beautiful day! Elodie, Crown Princess: It's nice to stop and breathe sometimes. You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 27 (Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.) (Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.) Alice: My lady, there are letters for you. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Another letter from Briony. Why does she keep writing me? We were never even friends.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (She says she's bored and lonely and she's looking forward to seeing me at Gwenelle's birthday party.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's right! Gwenelle is about to turn fifteen! She'll be Duchess of Sudbury for real now.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (This other letter must be my invitation to her birthday celebration next week.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (Gwenelle and I were friends at school, and this will be a big event, but it's also a long way to travel.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (A lot of things can happen on the road.) Menu: [Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party] [Send your regrets] Player chose: Send your regrets Elodie, Crown Princess: (I'd better stay here.) A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders. Week 28 (Studied Ciphering in the morning.) You have unlocked a new outfit! (Studied Lore in the afternoon.) Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh* Elodie, Crown Princess: (All of my friends are at Gwenelle's party and I don't get to go.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (I sent Gwenelle a letter saying that I couldn't come, but it was her mother the Countess who replied.) Elodie, Crown Princess: (I think she's insulted that I didn't consider the event important enough to attend.) Elodie, Crown Princess: Pssst! I need to talk to you! Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What is it? Elodie, Crown Princess: That priestess, Selene... She's a Lumen! I can sense it! Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I know. Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, you know? If you knew that, why didn't you tell me? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You didn't need to know. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your job is managing the domain. Some of us have other duties. Our missions have been passed down for centuries, little princess. Elodie, Crown Princess: Where did she get a crystal? All the Lumens in the domain were supposed to have been wiped out two hundred years ago! Elodie, Crown Princess: Except for your ancestor. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: We are here to train you. You don't need to know any more than that. Menu: [Order her to explain] [Let it go] Player chose: Order her to explain Elodie, Crown Princess: Your duty is to me and to Nova. Renegade Lumens pose a threat to the entire domain. Elodie, Crown Princess: If there is a secret cabal of magic-users, I need to know about it. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: There is no cabal. Selene and yourself and I are the only Lumens that I know. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Two hundred years ago, my ancestor accepted public disgrace so that one trained Lumen would survive when all others perished. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: We have borne that shame ever since, to preserve the training and lore, for the future of Nova. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Do not tell me of my duty, Princess. I am sworn not to queens, but to Nova. Queens die. The magic must not. (Put on the intrigue outfit.) Week 29 (Studied Strategy in the morning.) You may now tour the Barracks on the weekends. (Studied Divination in the afternoon.) Alice: The Duchess of Lillah has sent you a gift. Elodie, Crown Princess: What's this? It's a cushion, finely embroidered with the design of a running horse. It's well done, and clearly required hours and hours of needlework, but it's also fairly useless. Elodie, Crown Princess: That's nice... I guess. Menu: [Keep it] [Give it to Alice] Player chose: Keep it Elodie, Crown Princess: Find a chair or sofa to set it on. You pay your respects to your mother's tomb, and wonder if the same fate is waiting for you. Week 30 (Studied Logistics in the morning.) (Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.) Alice: The Duchess of Mead is here to see you, my lady. Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Hello, Elodie. I'm sorry to trouble you, but - have you seen Briony? Elodie, Crown Princess: No, not since I left school. She shakes her head. Corisande, Duchess of Mead: She's gone missing. She's not at school where she should be. I know she was unhappy, but I never expected... Elodie, Crown Princess: She wrote me a letter saying that she was bored and looking for adventure, but that's all I know. Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Oh, dear. Corisande, Duchess of Mead: I hope she hasn't done anything too foolish. My poor little lamb... I have to go look for her. You are impressed by the discipline of the Novan troops, but the responsibility for their lives weighs heavily on your shoulders. There are approximately ten battalions under your direct command. Week 31 (Studied Logistics in the morning.) (Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.) You have unlocked a new outfit! As you are walking through the great hall, a freak gust of wind suddenly blows out all the candles in the room. Elodie, Crown Princess: (An omen of war and danger...) There's no sign of where the danger might be coming from, so there's nothing you can do about it. Perhaps it's nothing. You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition! (Put on the military outfit.) Week 32 (Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.) (Studied Logistics in the afternoon.) Elodie, Crown Princess: Things have been so unsettled lately... Everyone's on edge. We need something cheerful. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could hold a tournament. Elodie, Crown Princess: What a good idea! Elodie, Crown Princess: Knights, jousting, musicians... all sorts of competitions. Everyone loves a contest. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What will you offer as prizes to the winners? Menu: [Status and praise] [Employment] [Gold] Player chose: Employment Elodie, Crown Princess: The winners will have the option of taking up royal appointments. Elodie, Crown Princess: It's a recruitment drive! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well. I will draft the announcements. You leave him to his work. As you move through the hall, your eye falls upon a vase of flowers. Pretty, but apparently not getting enough water. The leaves on one blossom have shriveled. Elodie, Crown Princess: (A leaf killed by a secret weakness... A hidden threat.) You continue up the stairs to your room, where a maid is waiting for you. Alice: My lady, a gift has arrived from Kigal. Elodie, Crown Princess: From the Duke? Alice: No, my lady. A merchant house, I believe. It was sent with a shipment down the Cavalla River. You tear open the brightly colored paper, to find: Elodie, Crown Princess: Chocolates! There is a little card with the box - 'With Our Compliments, The House of Kraellat'. Elodie, Crown Princess: (There's something suspicious about this.) Menu: [Eat candy now] [Save it for later] [Test for poison] Player chose: Test for poison The gift doesn't appear to be enchanted, at least. You can't think of any safe way to test the chocolate, and you don't want to leave it lying around where it might present a danger to others. Eventually you mash the candies together into an unappetising paste and bury the box in the palace garden. Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's a waste, if they weren't really poisoned... My candy...) You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 33 (Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.) (Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.) This is the week of the general tournament. Nobles and commoners alike have turned out to compete against each other. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The people will be pleased if you participate in their games. However, it would expose you to danger. What event do you wish to take part in? Menu: [Mounted Parade] [Jousting] [Fencing] [Archery] [Music] [Falconry] [None] Player chose: Mounted Parade You choose to lead the parade mounted on a brilliant white horse. You don't actually know how to ride, but the horse is well-trained, so all you need to do is sit up straight, look regal, and don't fall off. All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. As near-Queen, you place flower garlands around their necks. All of a sudden, a man approaches the winner's platform. It's Kevan, the Earl of Io. In one hand, he carries an armored gauntlet. In the other, a sword. Kevan, Earl of Io: My family's blood is on your hands! Elodie, Crown Princess: (What is he talking about?) He casts the metal glove to the ground with a clatter and raises his sword, pointing it at you. Kevan, Earl of Io: I challenge you, Elodie! A life for a life! He's challenging you to a duel? Doesn't he know you could burn him to a crisp just by waving your hand? Menu: [Accept] [Refuse] [Kill him with magic] Player chose: Kill him with magic Without a further word, you direct the full force of your magical wrath at the Earl of Io. There is a horrible scream, and the smell of burning flesh. Elodie, Crown Princess: I decline. Kevan's sword falls to the ground beside his gauntlet. He won't be needing either anymore. You are impressed by the discipline of the Novan troops, but the responsibility for their lives weighs heavily on your shoulders. There are approximately ten battalions, one company, and one platoon under your direct command. (Put on the lumen outfit.) Week 34 (Studied Strategy in the morning.) (Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.) Alice: My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent. Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, I'm coming. You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Ships have been sighted on approach from Shanjia. Not tradeships - this is a warfleet. Elodie, Crown Princess: What? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Within a week they will be in Novan waters. Within two they could reach the capital. Elodie, Crown Princess: Then we will fight to defend ourselves. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You can try to use the treasury funds to hire additional soldiers, but it may be difficult on short notice. Menu: [Recruit soldiers] [Don't] Player chose: Recruit soldiers Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, we'll do that. Elodie, Crown Princess: What about Talasse? Can we call on any troops from Sedna? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Send a message, but even if he agrees, it will take time for his soldiers to mobilise. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You will need to draw up a naval strategy for our ships to carry out. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could choose to act as admiral and lead the fleet in person, but the danger to you would be very great. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Unless you think your personal skills will make the difference, I would strongly advise against it. Menu: [Direct the fleet] [Stay in the capital] Player chose: Direct the fleet Elodie, Crown Princess: The risk is mine to take. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have your mother's heart. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is one more thing. I hesitate to ask, but... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: An invasion... Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the sort of disaster for which a Lumen's power may be worth the cost. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If the fleet could be destroyed before they reached our waters, many lives would be saved. Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know any magic that could sink a whole fleet!) Elodie, Crown Princess: I... I'll have to talk to my mentor. You find the Duchess of Ursul in her guest quarters. Elodie, Crown Princess: A fleet from Shanjia is attacking us. Is it possible to sink them all with magic? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is easy enough to attack one soldier, one ship, as a demonstration. But to obliterate an entire fleet... Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You would need an immense amount of power spread over a large area, more than any one Lumen could control. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If you tried to raise that much power yourself, you would die. Not could. Would. Elodie, Crown Princess: So it's hopeless. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Not necessarily. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The most dangerous power of Imperial Nova was that of Lumens acting in concert. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If the need is great and the will is true, one Lumen may choose to give command of her power to another. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Three, perhaps four people working together might have the strength to destroy a fleet. Elodie, Crown Princess: You, me, and Selene. Will that be enough? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It might. Are you willing to take the risk? Such power has its price. Menu: [Yes] [No] Player chose: Yes Elodie, Crown Princess: This is what I was born for. I say we do it. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Then we will begin the preparations. You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition! (Put on the military outfit.) Week 35 (Studied Resist Magic in the morning.) You have nothing more to learn about Resist Magic. (Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.) You have nothing more to learn about Sense Magic. Danger on the high seas! You and your two fellow Lumens join hands to focus your powers. Your magical training has paid off by allowing you to stage this attempt at a safe distance from the invading vessels of war. Far in the distance, you hear the roar of the ocean you have charmed as it buckles beneath the incoming ships, opening up a maw of void into which they tumble helplessly. Then, as they fall, the water rushes back in around them, washing over decks and pummelling hulls. Even from so far away, you can see the disturbance you have made rippling through the water. Some of the Shanjians may survive, but their threat as an invasion has ended. You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck. Week 36 (Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.) (Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.) Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The magical storms you summoned created giant waves which swept inland as well as out. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Damage has been reported along the shoreline from Mazomba down to northern Maree. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The beaches are covered with wrack and the bodies of animals, and many fishers and cocklers are missing. Elodie, Crown Princess: Are you blaming me? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Of course not. Many more lives would have been lost if the fleet had landed. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What worries me is that these reports are increasing, even long after the events of the battle. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: More than that, an observatory in Caloris has seen strange shapes in the sea to the west. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Something worse than a simple storm may have been unleashed. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Does that mean... a sea monster?) You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition! Week 37 (Studied Flattery in the morning.) (Studied Flattery in the afternoon.) You have unlocked a new outfit! In the grand hall, your father is waiting for you. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Our fears have been realised. A kraken has risen. Elodie, Crown Princess: A kraken? Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: An enormous tentacled sea monster which can dive and surface at will. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It is fast, voracious, and apparently unkillable. Any ship that ventures into its range is at risk. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This could destroy Nova's shipping. Elodie, Crown Princess: What can we do? Do we just wait and hope it goes away? Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: No. Quite unexpectedly, the priestess strides into the room. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What are you doing here? Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: I came to bring the records of the circle, so that you would know what you face. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Left alone, the beast will feed until the seas run red, and only then will it sleep. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It would cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Elodie, Crown Princess: ! Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: There are only two ways to end its threat. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Lumen spellweaving can freeze a kraken in its tracks, holding it motionless - but only for a short time. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: If the spell is renewed every moon giving the beast no time between castings to move freely... Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It should eventually sleep. Elodie, Crown Princess: How long would that take? Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Approximately seven years. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Years!) Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: But if at any point the spell cast is too weak, or is not renewed in time, it would break loose. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: And the treasury would be drained keeping up such a routine. What is the other way? Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It is well-known that eldritch beasts can be driven out by... sacrifice. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The life-force of a Lumen or potential Lumen on the cusp of adulthood, would be the ideal choice. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No! You will not take my daughter! Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You see, Elodie! This is why I told you to reject them! They are all witches! Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Even without her mother's crystal, she would still have been a potential Lumen. Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Keeping her ignorant would not have kept her safe. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I will not allow this! Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The choice belongs to the Queen. Elodie, Crown Princess: (Me.) Menu: [Sacrifice yourself] [Try to seal it] Player chose: Try to seal it Elodie, Crown Princess: We'll have to do our best to seal the kraken away, no matter how long it takes. Elodie, Crown Princess: After all, isn't that what our magic is for? To defend the world from darkness? Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: I will teach you the necessary spells. You must arrange the transportation. Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well. You are impressed by the discipline of the Novan troops, but the responsibility for their lives weighs heavily on your shoulders. (Put on the conversation outfit.): (Put on the lumen outfit.) Week 38 (Studied Meditation in the morning.) (Studied Meditation in the afternoon.) Time has slipped by you so quickly. Only two weeks remain before your birthday celebration, and your official coronation as Queen. Have you done enough to build a stable Nova? The first of your soon-to-be-regular voyages has now set out with Selene on board. She appears to have some special affinity with sea water which makes her the best choice to guide a vessel while it hunts for the elusive beast. After all, you have to find it before you can enchant it. It is traditional for the palace to provide entertainment and refreshment for the common people when a new monarch is crowned. It is a rare opportunity for the poor of the land to dine like nobles. Unfortunately, the Royal Treasury has been stretched too far in recent times to support a great feast. Perhaps next year. Elodie, Crown Princess: There's something I don't understand. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What is it? Elodie, Crown Princess: Magical powers are connected to Lumen crystals, right? Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is correct. Elodie, Crown Princess: But I can make myself glow by concentrating the right way, and it doesn't feel like it uses the crystal at all. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Let me see. You concentrate, and your skin begins to glimmer. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You're right. It's not proper magic. It's something else. Elodie, Crown Princess: Is that bad? She holds her hands above your shoulders, moving slowly down along your arms. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I sense no danger. Ignore it. It's a distraction. Menu: [Drop the subject] [Keep pushing] Player chose: Keep pushing Elodie, Crown Princess: There are a million magical secrets I don't know, but I'm trying to learn. Elodie, Crown Princess: This one affects me personally! I need to know what's causing it. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Very well. If I had to guess, I suspect it has something to do with your mother's powers. Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: She was already a Lumen when she bore you. Some small trickle of that energy may have passed into you. Elodie, Crown Princess: So the daughter of an active Lumen might have strange powers... Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is hardly a power. It's a quirk. It's not worth wasting time on. (Put on the conversation outfit.) Week 39 (Studied Public Speaking in the morning.) (Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.) The castle is buzzing with preparations for your upcoming coronation. Ministers press you with details for your favorite colors and flowers and so on. You are happy to collaborate with the designers to ensure you are shown off to the best possible effect. You are still so young, after all. Good design will help a lot in making you look like a Queen. Others are more interested in the subject of your marriage. It can't take place until you are of age, of course, and considering all the preparations (and the need to recover from the coronation) not for much longer than that. Still, it doesn't stop people from buzzing around full of ideas and suggestions. You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart. Week 40 (Studied Public Speaking in the morning.) (Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.) At this time last year, you were celebrating your fourteenth birthday. You were in the school gardens, surrounded by your friends. A teacher brought you tea and cakes, while a wealthy merchant's son wove a crown of flowers for your head. It didn't matter so much that you were a princess then. Your title was something for the future. Many of your peers would be Duchesses or Earls or the like, someday, but not then. You were children. Your parents could not attend on the actual day, but they did send wonderful gifts, some for you, and some for you to share. And a week later, they came for a visit, and your mother took you with her through the countryside in a splendid carriage. It was the last time you would ever see her. You wonder if, wherever she is, she can see you now. You are fifteen years old, a legal adult. You have worked and studied and suffered and prepared, and now the time has come. You kneel before the priestess, barely hearing her words as she recites the blessings. She calls upon the gods to deliver peace, wisdom, and prosperity to you, and through you, to all of Nova. And then she calls upon you, for your oath of rulership. Priestess of the First Circle: Will you guide and govern and protect your people to the best of your ability, according to law and custom? Elodie, Crown Princess: I will. Priestess of the First Circle: Will you to the best of your power uphold the ideals of love, honor, justice, and mercy? Elodie, Crown Princess: I will. Priestess of the First Circle: Lords and Ladies assembled: I present to you your undoubted Queen, who has sworn you her loyalty. Priestess of the First Circle: You who have come to give homage, will you do the same? One at a time, the head of each duchy approaches your throne and kneels to swear his or her service to you and your heirs. Priestess of the First Circle: People of Nova, I give you Elodie, daughter of Fidelia, your true sovereign. What say you all? People: LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! Elodie, Queen of Nova: (Thank you! I will!) The following year, Elodie and Talarist were married in a ceremony that threatened to rival her coronation for pomp and splendour. Talarist brought with him a gift of fine white horses, and encouraged his young wife to amuse herself while he enjoyed his new place in Novan politics. He was clearly in no hurry to provide an heir to the throne. Once his daughter was secure on her throne, Joslyn returned to his birthplace to focus on his duties as Duke of Caloris. He was pursued by many women, but showed little interest in remarrying, directing them instead to his brother, the Duke of Mazomba. The Queen and her trusted Lumens sailed out every week to check on the condition of the kraken and reinforce the seals. It was inevitable that others would discover their secret and blame them for it. After all, the old Novan capital had been rendered uninhabitable by monstrous Lumen experiments. A tentacled beast from the deep was just more of the same. The Novan people were not the only ones to notice the increased naval traffic and the frequent absences of the young Lumen Queen. Pirates from Orcus stepped up their raids in the area, hoping to take Elodie hostage and ransom her for a fortune. The Queen was forced to engage an even larger naval escort to make her regular trips to the binding site, and the Novan economy struggled under the burden. And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...