#august of arnas

[daisychainchoker]

Here is Young Royals fanart I made! to open this new blog :D

(formerly @daisychainchoker-moved )

[youngroyals-hc]

So do we think that if August had caught Erik making out/being intimate with someone he would've filmed it too? Nothing about the posting or the gender of the partner, but would he have done it? I want opinions

[freakingnarniadotcom]

*** new young royals episode reaction up on my patreon! ***

i live!! =D yes, i'm back FINALLY with the reaction for episode 6 of season 2 of young royals, and let me tell you, it's a fun (and LONG!) one.

WARNING: you might want to wear headphones to watch this one, and if you do, make sure you keep your volume on the low-ish side. there is much screeching, especially toward the end. xD

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ALSO, IMPORTANT: you'll hear in the video that i wanted to do a follow-up review video or maybe do a live on youtube to discuss the season with other fans. obviously i didn't get to do that, but if anyone's interested in a live video still, do let me know! i think it would be fun not just to discuss this season with you all, but also to speculate about what season 3 might bring. if that sounds fun to you, please do chime in. =)

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[hilliska]

just the different ways each of them prepares for their portrait

Will all smooth and effortless - he's done this countless times, been training for this since he was a baby, his smile is practiced but still genuine

Simon glancing off to the side as if he's trying to confirm with someone that he looks okay, and then the little careful smile

Felice all confident, just adding a lil' lipstick, she doesn't even check her hair she KNOWS she slays

Sara still with her books because no one specified where she could put them

and the August, annoyed as fuck that he's apparently supposed to clean the lint off himself, producing the fakest smile on the planet

Hillerska Skolan official portrait.

[daisychainchoker]

August/Malte for the eyes? Anybody?

[missezri]

I think this is really important, as throughout that whole conversation between August and Kristina, he is constantly trying to charm her as though Kristina is the one calling the shots. But Kristina is rather brutal to August, bringing up his father’s drug use and passing at the start of their conversation. You see it when she tells that having him be Wilhelm’s back up his face falls. She doesn’t trust him in the slightest, but her hands are tied as much as Wilhelm’s may be. I think this also points out the lie of the monarchy, Kristina really isn’t the head of the entity know as the Monarchy here. Sure she is the figure head, but she isn’t the one necessarily calling the shots. We see Jan-Olof making changes and calling the shots throughout Season 2. The only time Kristina is doing so, is in direct relation to Wilhelm. It also calls into doubt for me. just went on behind the scenes with August’s school fees being paid off, despite him being the one to leak the video. Was it really Kristina’s idea? Or was it the Royal Court making that decision to keep August quiet and in line. They hold that now over his head. It may all be about to blow up given Sara’s phone call. I feel as though some get stuck on the Kristina of Season 1 as she was the mouth piece of the Royal Court. She doesn’t have that role in Season 2. The question in Season 3 because does she stick by her words to support her son.

There’s an important detail that gets mixed up sometimes about the decision to put August next in line after Wilhelm and I think it’s a very important detail to get right: Kristina was not the one to put August next in line, it was the royal court.

She tells August about the crown’s decision and he says thank you, to which she replies something along the lines of "it’s not my idea" (in the English translation she says "Well, you should know it wasn’t my idea" and in the French translation she says with as much sass as she can, "It wasn’t my idea. Obviously." She then tells him she will stand by her son first and foremost but it is what it is.)

Why is that distinction important? Obviously, it does show that the Queen doesn’t agree with what August did (now, whether it is mostly because of the negative impact on the crown or on her son’s life is questionable, I think it’s a mix of both). Whether she actually stands by her son isn’t the point I want to focus on tho.

No, what’s important is that the Queen wasn’t the one to make that decision. We don’t know how it went, maybe she could have fought harder against the idea, but she does not have that much power to take the decision. And why is that important? Because it is exactly the type of thing Wille will have to deal with as a King. This detail of Kristina telling August —and thus us the public— that she didn’t want to put him in line for the throne but that what she wants doesn’t matter is there to show us that her hands are tied. I am sure she does have some decisional power on certain things, but still. This is an important decision that favours a criminal, and what other things like that have the court done during her reign? And before her? And if what the Queen wants doesn’t matter, which in this case is very reasonable: don’t put a criminal in line for the throne, then what Wille wants does not matter either. Because the royal court does not care.

This is the path that Wille is being led on right now. He will be in Kristina’s place once he is King. Was Kristina always so focused on the crown first family second? Was she once just like Wille, a bit rebellious and wanting what’s right, only for the royal court to mold her into what the Queen they wanted? Because if this is the case, if this is how it went for Kristina… what’s stopping anyone from trying to do this to Wille? And sure, he will have Simon by his side (they are endgame okay, thank you) but realistically, it’s important to note that Wille isn’t immune to this, and that Simon doesn’t not want that either. He loves Wilhelm but the royal court already fucked him over many times and it’s been what, 5 months? It could happen to Wille, because the royal court seems to have a lot of power. They already started with Wille.

So this detail is really important yes to show that Kristina stands by her son (although she does loads of questionable things, I have never doubted she loves her son but I have doubted that she stands by Wille first and foremost. we will see next season whether that’s true but it is interesting that she says it when Wille isn’t there to hear it. it makes me think she will try (succeeding is another thing entirely) to stand by him). But most importantly, this detail is there to show us the inner workings of the royal court, of the role and power the Queen/King holds, and show us how it will be for Wille. Of course, Jan-Olof is at the head of the royal court and putting someone with more humanity in that role would probably make the royal court more human, thus changing the monarchy, but yeah. I think it’s interesting and important! Kristina says word for words that it wasn’t her decision and it bugs me a bit when people forget that because it’s important in so many ways that the decision comes from the court.

[youngroyals-hc]

Wishlist: Felice gets some real good dicking down in S3 cos lord knows does the queen deserve it after all the bullshit she's been through

[freakingnarniadotcom]

*** new young royals episode reaction up on my patreon! ***

hey, all! i am so, SO sorry this took so long, but yay, i finally got my reaction for young royals season 2 episode 5 done!! this is my favorite episode of the season so you know i had the time of my life reacting to it! :D

as always, make sure you're subscribed to my patreon, as the rest of the reactions for S2 will be shared EXCLUSIVELY there.

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[daisychainchoker]

I adore Augusts character so much. He does some despicable things, but the turmoil through his eyes? The Drama? Manifique.

Just look at the dark academia styling. This man is so isolated and so tragic. It’s dignified, but it’s gloomy.

But specifically look in that first shot there, the visual metaphor. He is carrying so much weight physically and emotionally. He has to readjust them here, the first hint that he is slipping, else everything else he is carrying will tumble down. The frame is closed off, he’s backlit, it’s shadowy. The boy is struggling. This one shot communicates so much of the pressure he is under.

I will never get over this show. I will never get over this character. It’s all so good. It hurts it’s so good.

[blushingbuddie]

thinking about august and how when he finally got everything he wanted he realized it wasn't what he wanted or needed at all and that the reality of being royalty is a very lonely isolated thing where people you thought of as friends aren't even hiding the fact that your priviliged position works in favour for them and that it's more to do with convenience than anything else and that by gaining the one thing you've always wished for you most likely will lose everything and everyone you dreamt of

[lover-praxis]

august horn of arnas, king of fucking around and finding out

[ineffablebookgirl]

Yes and

I think part of what Wille and the narrative will need to grapple with is the ways that Erik was part of the old way, complicit in / literally the backbone of the power structures that hold up August and his shitty actions. We can't know how Erik would have responded to August posting the video of Wille, but we also don't know what Erik *did* know about August's shitty behavior. Wille is replacing Erik in more ways than one. He is a different Crown Prince than Erik, and he will be a different King than Erik would have been.

On another note, thia makes me think about how I never see people talking about the fact that August is mourning too. Erik was his best friend, and he lost him too. Not saying that excuses any of hos horrific actions. Just interesting that I haven't thought about that component of August's motivations.

You know what’s absolutely gutting? Erik died without know what an awful person August was. “You can trust August, he’s like a brother.” He said that with full confidence in his words- he said that in order to comfort his little brother. And I bet all Wille wants to do now is be able to tell him what August did to him- how August ruined not only his public image, but took away the one person who made him feel safe (aside Erik, who’s yknow- dead) but he can’t. And that just breaks my heart all over for Wille

[rhetorical-conscience]

Hell is realizing that if Wilhelm marries Simon, Sara and August will be related.

[othervee]

Finale thoughts!

Interesting to find out that Hillerska has had multiple warnings over several years and still didn't pull their heads in. Clearly they thought they were invincible.

Vincent and Nils stepping up to the plate when they see August's genuine distress, the way Vincent is stroking his arm. There's real friendship and love to be found, but you only see it when you're honest. Similarly, their reactions when they find out that August is backup. August receiving the posioned chalice. What else can he do now, though? He's lost Arnas, or at least part of it. He has to do the military service; he's in the position Wille has been in.

Haha, the housemaster having a drink with the boys. What else is he going to do?

Loved the scene with Felice dragging Wille to the party. Her facial expressions, she's so cute. Wille negotiating with Malin shows a level of maturity, but the male bodyguard is SO not impressed as he follows them to the palace, LOL.

LOVE that Simon brought Rosh and Ayub to the white party. And Ayub reassuring Rosh, after Stella shows herself for who she is. She's chosen the Hillerska way, all the way.

The scene between Wille and August in the clubroom. He didn't know it, but that was the closure he needed. THat they both needed. They've made peace, they can even develop a familial relationship again into the future, but right now this is as close to peace as they can have at this stage.

Nils, you giant dork. And also... They're shocked he didn't say anything earlier,  but would things have been different if he had?

No Royal house, no Prince, no socialist, no drama. No before. No later. Only now. As the previous song said, back to basics. Back to the pure connection they have with each other.

The lake scene. So beautiful.

Simon's Song! Did Felice initiate that, do we think? A few of the choir were smiling at Simon. Nice to see they all (or most of them) wanted that and not the musty old version.

Oh, Kristina, that really is too little too late, but I'm glad you came through in the end.

The little token the Queen and Duke put around August's neck is a frog prince. The symbolism would be a sledgehammer if the direction or script drew attention to that, but they don't.

In the car, Wille beginning to feel the panic attack happening, the constriction of the collar around his neck, and realising what that means. This is an unhealthy system and if he stays in it, this will be his life. The constriction, the desperation, literally struggling to breathe. Echoing Simon's words to him, "I've seen how it makes you feel". Being calm because he's no longer coming from a place of despair, a place where he has no control. And Kristina knows it. It was important for Wille to tell his parents he loves them. He's coming to terms and making peace with everyone.

That closing scene, oh my god. The montage was cheesy as fuck and I am here for it. The dialogue and the execution were not cheesy. They established the important things. Wille is doing this for his sake, not for Simon's. For the first time in his life he is making an informed, calm, active choice.

Simon's FACE. OMG. The shock, barely daring to believe it, but knowing when Wille says 'For my own sake' that this is it. It's real. And then! The tears, the gasping, the incredulous joy! Omar is a natural who stepped it up even more this season, and I do hope he continues to take on acting roles because he is amazing.

Wille's FACE. The joy but more importantly the PEACE.  His entire being, his posture, his aura changes and he radiates rightness. Edvin is incredible.

Also? They both look so, SO beautiful in this episode. This closing sequence, but really the entire episode.

Heading off into the sun, in white, whooping and cheering, Felice with her legs up on the dashboard, free.

And now I want LOADS of future fic about The Adventures of Wille, Simon, Sara och Felice. Tack, Lisa, for leaving it so open for us to do that!

[lord-aldhelm]

August 25, 2023 Portrait of Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) on the set of The Last Kingdom. Photograph by James Northcote.

[raincitygirl76]

Plot Hole?

I just rewatched the first few scenes of YR 3.01, and something really BIZARRE just occurred to me. Now I’m wondering if the reason Arnas was never mentioned in S3 is because August didn’t have to sell it after all.

In the scene between Linda, Simon and their lawyer, the lawyer says August and Rickard are offering a settlement of 1.2 million kronor in return for the NDA. Simon says all he cares about is Wille says August will have to sell Arnas to fund the settlement. But 1.2 million Swedish kronor (SEK) is only $109,690.12 US dollars!!!!!

In 2.05, August overpaid for an expensive thoroughbred for Sara, and all he had to liquidate was one of his dad’s paintings. In order to pay off Simon, all he has to do is sell another painting or two. Even if he also has to pay 1.2 million SEK to Wilhelm, he still wouldn’t have to sell Arnas. 

I’m not suggesting Wille lied to Simon. But Wille is extremely sheltered and has no concept of money. If the royal court told him August would have to sell Arnas to fund the settlement of 1.2 million SEK, Wille would believe them and pass that information along to Simon. 

1.2 million SEK equals, using November 19, 2024 exchange rates:

$109,690.12 US dollars

$153,303.84 Canadian dollars

103,685.64 Euros

86,542.20 British pounds

16,924,920.00 Japanese yen

793,453.08 Chinese yuan

$168,140.40 Australian dollars

2,215,560.00 Mexican pesos

632,849.40 Brazilian real

1,980,818.40 South African rand

It’s not a lot of money, for someone like August who has an entire country estate filled with sellable art objects. Even if Arnas is heavily mortgaged.

Also, this seems like a plot hole, unless Linda and Simon’s lawyer is supposed to be deeply incompetent (or secretly working for Rickard or the royal court, and therefore corrupt). Simon was the victim of a major crime, a crime which, if he went to the police and press over it, would inevitably result in August receiving public opprobrium.

August is already a legal adult, so it could be publicly reported on that he was the prime suspect in a child p*rn case involving his own cousin. And if the prosecution won, August wouldn't just be facing public opprobrium, he'd be looking at a sex offender registry.

There’s no way Simon’s silence can be bought with less than 10 million SEK (nearly $1 million USD). The lawyer would probably ask for more than 10 million SEK in exchange for an NDA, knowing August has major assets he can liquidate to stay out of prison. You’d think even a deeply incompetent lawyer would recognize a big payday when he sees one.