#collab : nexility

[armoricaroyalty]

Between 2016 and 2018, Andre spent more time abroad than he had in the preceding decade. Almost overnight, the infamous recluse had been transformed into a social butterfly and his diary was suddenly full of international engagements: regional conferences, global summits, casual two-day visits to allies and neighbors. He kept a low profile, traveling without fanfare and without media accompaniment. He flew privately and stayed alone in expensive hotels and ordered room service for two. The palace offered no official explanation for the sudden and remarkable shift in the King's priorities, and the veteran royal correspondents knew exactly how to read the silence: say nothing. At a loss, the columnists and commentators and uncredentialed royal "experts" used their platforms in newspapers and morning shows to steer the national conversation toward the upcoming wedding and the frothy controversy of Rosalind's Tatler interview. Vivi's pregnancy had been the last major scandal. They weren't quite ready for another.

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

author's note. I hope everyone missed these two as much as @nexility-sims and I did. The Ionian Union is @funkyllama's setting, thank you for letting me use your story as a backdrop for an illicit extramarital hookup.

Transcript under the cut.

Bergstraße, the Ionian Union // February 2018

Andre and Leonor are in bed together, asleep. Her sleep is disturbed by dreams; an empty beach in Armorica, gulls reeling overhead. She awakes with a start. LEONOR | [ gasping ] ANDRE | Leo? What's wrong? LEONOR | ...I had a bad dream. ANDRE | A nightmare? What about? LEONOR | I dreamed I was alone. ANDRE | Leo...it's okay. I'm right here. LEONOR | I know. Just a bad dream. ANDRE | [ yawning ] I dreamed we bought a house in Nakawe. LEONOR | Nakawe? What about the farm in Tartosa? ANDRE | I'll go there first [ yawns ] Just until the press lose interest... LEONOR | But that could take years. ANDRE | ...well, I was hoping you'd come visit? LEONOR | Just to visit? Not to stay? ANDRE | I didn't know if you'd want to. LEONOR | [ laughs disbelievingly ] ANDRE | Don't laugh! I didn't want to presume, you have your work, your family... LEONOR | [ softly ] You could be part of it, someday. ANDRE | ...would they accept me? LEONOR | Of course they will. They might not approve, but- ANDRE | -they won't cast us out. Unlike... LEONOR | ... ANDRE | ... LEONOR | ...anyway, if you're moving to Uspana, you'll have to start dressing better. ANDRE | Really? What's wrong with my clothes? LEONOR | Tsk. You mix neutrals. Our press will eat you alive. ANDRE | Oh? Are you offering to dress me? LEONOR | [ laughs ] No, I'm telling you to hire a better stylist. ANDRE | Romy Anderson has served the House of St. Fleur loyally for over 30 years. LEONOR | His eyesight's clearly failing, perhaps it's time for him to retire- ANDRE | [ laughs ] You're so bad. LEONOR | Only honest. ANDRE | I love you. LEONOR | I love you, too.

[empiredesimparte]

Cannes Film Festival's Douzaine begins! The French program Canal comments the opening of the festival on the Croisette

Reporter Emma: Welcome to Canal! As you have seen on our pictures, this year, His Majesty himself cut the ribbon and will inaugurate the festival. This had not happened for almost 100 years in Francesim!

Presenter Robert: Is the Emperor accompanied? I don't think I know that Reporter Emma: Yes Robert, I can confirm that the Emperor is not alone. He is accompanied by a young woman, I heard around me that she is a childhood friend of His Majesty. I must say that there is a lot of effervescence at the moment in Cannes!

Presenter Robert: We have just received information from the imperial palace Emma! Apparently it would be about his fiancée, His Majesty makes an official announcement! Presenter Thierry: It's wonderful and completely unexpected ! The edition of this year is decidedly unique! Presenter Robert: Indeed, that makes pleasure to see our young Emperor close to the French, and accompanied !

Presenter Thierry: The press release adds that it's Mademoiselle Charlotte de Mortemart, a childhood friend of the Emperor as you said Emma Journalist Emma: Gentlemen, look, Mademoiselle Charlotte is presenting her ring to the cameras of the whole world! Presenter Robert: Congratulations to the young lovebirds!

Journalist Emma: There is obviously a royal trend this year: Prince Henri of Pierreland is here as an actor! His Imperial Highness is accompanied by Chiara, who is his partner in the opening film Pierre the Great, a biopic on the Emperor. Note that this is the first time that the festival hosts a production of the Simflix platform.

Presenter Thierry: Princess Maria-Aisha, apparently came to attend the first steps of actor of her brother!

Presenter Robert: Our neighbors from Iona are also present at the festival, the royal princess came to support the Ionian artists!

Journalist Emma: I also saw the famous princess Leonor of Uspana, look at the pictures! She presents herself in a very classy black dress.

⚜ Le Cabinet Noir | Cannes Film Festival, 7 Prairial An 230

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

Collaboration with @officalroyalsofpierreland, @nexility-sims and @funkyllama. Thank you everyone! <3

⚜ Traduction française

La Douzaine du festival de Cannes commence ! L'émission française Canal commente l'ouverture du festival de la Croisette

Journaliste Emma : Bienvenus en direct sur la chaîne Canal! Comme vous l'avez vu sur nos images, cette année, Sa Majesté en personne a coupé le ruban et inaugurera le festival. Cela n'était pas arrivé depuis presque 100 ans en Francesim !

Présentateur Robert : L'Empereur est accompagné ? Je ne crois pas être au courant Journaliste Emma : Oui Robert, je confirme que l'Empereur n'est pas seul. Il est accompagné d'une jeune femme, j'ai entendu autour de moi qu'il s'agissait d'une amie d'enfance de Sa Majesté. Je dois dire qu'il y a beaucoup d'effervescence actuellement à Cannes !

Présentateur Robert : Nous venons de recevoir des informations du palais impérial Emma ! Apparemment il s'agirait de sa fiancée, Sa Majesté fait une annonce officielle ! Présentateur Thierry : C'est merveilleux et complètement inattendu ! L'édition de cette année est décidément unique ! Présentateur Robert : En effet, cela fait plaisir de voir notre jeune Empereur proche des Français, et accompagné !

Présentateur Thierry : Le communiqué que nous venons de recevoir indique qu'il s'agit de Mademoiselle Charlotte de Mortemart, une amie d'enfance de l'Empereur comme vous le disiez Emma Journaliste Emma : Messieurs regardez, Mademoiselle Charlotte présente sa bague aux caméras du monde entier ! Présentateur Robert : Félicitations aux jeunes tourtereaux !

Journaliste Emma : Il y a manifestement cette année une tendance royale : le prince Henri de Pierreland est là en tant qu'acteur ! Son Altesse Impériale est accompagnée de Chiara, qui est sa partenaire dans le film d'ouverture Pierrelandais, un biopic sur l'Empereur Pierre le Grand. À noter que c'est la première fois que le festival accueille une production de la plateforme Simflix.

Présentateur Thierry : La princesse Maria-Aisha, est semble-t-il venue assister aux premiers pas d'acteur de son frère!

Présentateur Robert : Nos voisins d'Iona sont également présents au festival, la princesse royale est venue apporter son soutien aux artistes Ioniens !

Journaliste Emma : J'ai également aperçu il me semble la célèbre princesse Leonor d'Uspana, regardez les images! Elle se présente dans un robe noire très classe.

[empiredesimparte]

💏 - what are your character's views on relationships?

Hortense has a strict hierarchy when it comes to her relationships; she was brought up that way, and her religion encourages it. Her husband comes first, then her children. Then family in the general sense. This may explain why it's harder for her to form attachments with outsiders and gain perspective on her family relationships (and her shyness doesn't help). It also explains why she's so desperate to give her grandfather Louis a chance. She may have set herself the mission of “repairing her family”, without realizing it.

En français :

Hortense a une hiérarchie stricte vis-à-vis de ses relations, elle a été élevée ainsi, et c'est encouragé par sa religion. Son époux passe avant tout, puis ce sera ses enfants. Ensuite, la famille au sens général. Ce qui peut expliquer qu'elle a plus de mal à s'attacher à des personnes extérieures et avoir du recul sur ses relations familiales (et sa timidité n'arrange rien). Cela explique aussi pourquoi elle veut à tout prix laisser une chance à son grand père Louis. Elle s'est peut être donnée la mission de "réparer sa famille", sans en avoir conscience.

re: ask meme, the whole relationships category, for hortense and also oliver!

Oh boy! so for Hortense, @empiredesimparte may have to correct some things...but here are my answers!

👪 - does your character have a good relationship with their family?

Hortense: She does with certain people. Her strongest bond has to be with her mom, since I think they have similar thought processes. Her relationship with her twin is strained due to Oliver's antics while they were dating , the fact that she is going to be so far away, and Louis's decision to not tell her his plans. Her most strained relationship is with Charlotte because...they got history....

Oliver: He has a great relationship with his family! He's very close with his mom, Marie Christine and gets alot of his traits from her however he gets his protectiveness from his dad, Alexander Darrien. He's also close with his cousin Magnus, who is much more like a brother. He also admires his Aunt Katalina and often turns to her for help and advice.

👰 - what are your character's views on marriage?

Hortense: Marriage is for love, life and for children. She's been raised with a very conservative and Catholic view of marriage. However she probably wished for her fairytale, which she's gained with Oliver!

Oliver: Marriage is a bond of love that exists for all time between equals. He admires the give and take he's seen in his parents marriage as well as his aunts and uncles where everyone plays to their strengths and he hopes to emulate that with Hortense, once her confidence has been built up.

💏 - what are your character's views on relationships?

Hortense: I gotta leave this one for @empiredesimparte

Oliver: He views relationships as something that are serious, especially at this stage in life. He's very cautious with those he lets into his life, and especially into his and Hortense's shared life.

💗 - which relationship in your character's life is the healthiest?

Hortense: Definitely her relationship with Oliver. Oliver gives her options, freedoms, and opportunities that she would never have in the Francesim bubble. He constantly shows her a different way of being and thinking that are very different than hers, showing her that her true self was locked away.

Oliver: Hortense for sure! She makes him strive to be better, to be more empathetic, and to see the best in others. She also challenges him and reminds him that he has been fortunate to be raised the way he was.

💔 - which relationship in your character's life is the most unhealthy?

Hortense: Probably her relationship with her twin Louis. They were very codependent right up until Louis became emperor and got married. Once he was Emperor, his views dictated Hortense's life, such as not letting her read the old Louis's book and delaying her own wedding. This control, Louis's own hypocrisy (in Hortense's view) due to his pre-marital activities with Charlotte, and him telling Oliver his big secret and asking him for advice instead of her left them in a fragile place.

Oliver: Probably his relationship with his dad. At times there is more of a King to subject, boss to employee dynamic with them that Oliver chafes under because sometimes his dad doesn't understand Oliver's reasons for things, like buying a French Chateau.

👩🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏾 - does your character have many close friends? do they make friends easily?

Hortense: Of her own? Not really. Her friend group mainly comprised of Louis's friends and now Oliver's friends. Though she has a close friendship with Lady Evie, it was very much bridged by their connection to Oliver. She finds it difficult to make friends due to her isolated upbringing and has a level of trepidation that people won't like her.

Oliver: he has many close friends from childhood! his circle of trust is small however, it is tight because those that break the trust are immediately gone from his life. He does find it difficult to make friends since he doesn't want to be used for his title and future power.

[funkyllama]

i would like to create a mega portrait like these, but the thing is that my sims have nothing going for them. like, i have an idea for where to place it, but i'd have to create some fake ass event.

@officalroyalsofpierreland @empiredesimparte @nexility-sims (¬ revealed collab partners) let me use your sims to accomplish this goal i BEG u

[bridgeportbritt]

BridgeportBritt's Reading List - March

Okay as I mentioned yesterday, I've had this idea of posting what stories I'm reading. One to help keep me accountable because I really want to catch up on all my stories eventually (Currently caught up on 17/45 omg lol) and also to shine a light on other amazing storytellers. We'll see how this goes!

Recently Caught Up (In the last few weeks)

@the-lancasters (just finished this one!)

@warwickroyals (took me a minute to catch up but it's green!)

@nexility-sims (beautiful story!)

@cinamun (stay stressing me out but I'm caught up again!)

@trentonsimblr (thanks also to @ardeney-sims for making the collab easy to catch up on!)

@ladybugsimblr (caught up finally after I went back to posts I missed!)

@storiesbyjes2g (one of the few stories I try to keep up with daily but eventually end up spamming lol)

@trumpets0ng (a pace I can keep up with! lol)

@armoricaroyalty (just had a few posts to read up on)

@covingtons (just a few posts here as well!)

In Progress This Week

@rebouks - 13/54 pages of Somnium (So Good! Can't wait to catch up because I have so many comments to spam lol)

@xldkx 31/55 pages of Papercuts (These characters are keeping me hooked lol)

@digital-deluxe - Started Erudition and Public Enemies this week finally! I've been wanting to read this one for a while and I'm caught up on @atreanroyals!

What's Next

In Progress - @ellemant, @theroyalthornoliachronicles, @simgerale (So behind on all of these but I know I'm somewhere in the middle lol)

Not started - @shesthespinstersimmer, @aristocraticvision, @theroyalthrones, @renaldiroyals, @mysimsloveaffair, @sirianasims, @lynzishell, @madebysimblr (Excited to start all of these soon!)

This is not the full list of stories I'm reading, but the ones I've recently read or have up on my list next. For reference, I keep a spreadsheet and its color-coded green for caught up, yellow for in progress, and red for not started yet. Let's see how much progress you girl can make in a week, shall we?

[budgie2budgie]

OC question of the day!

If you could make a character real, which of your OCs would be:

your bestie

your spouse/partner

your secret lover!

your friendly rival

your enemy!

BONUS: do this for other people’s OCs too!

Pass the game along (anonymously or not)

bestie: tareq, never a dull moment partner: warren, he's such a daddy! secret lover: karlotta (dominate me lol) friendly rival: ruthie, it's a dance/neven thing (jealousy) enemy: rupert, well, more like a hate/love

BONUS!

bestie: karlie by @xldkx unfiltered and loyal. i need that partner: neven, always neven, and i more or less stole him from @thesimsblues and called it a "collab" 😈 secret lover: xander by @trumpets0ng. i've always had a soft spot for a sad eye friendly rival: hm could be.. leonor by @nexility-sims because she has one of the hottest sim dudes on my dash right now! enemy: uhh, i have to pass on that one

[armoricaroyalty]

I am screaming and crying, etc. etc.

𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡   |   BREIZH, ARMORICA 2008

❧  happy birthday, beloved friend @armoricaroyalty ! this post is so late, but it's done, and i'm happy to share it. i'll save the huge mushy note and just say i'm so grateful to have spent all this time building the best expanded crossover universe ever, to which "collabs" doesn't do justice—that, plus all the friendship stuff, too :^)

‎‎‎‎‎❛ Elise, in a restaurant she had never been to, wearing a dress she had never worn, waiting for someone she hadn’t seen in years, was uncomfortable. She maintained a good façade, however. Pretending her confidence was unshaken had become a skill. The doubt crept in as she pushed herself into ill-fitting molds—ones that, even after all this time, she couldn’t break herself enough to suit. At her best, she didn’t want to. The pressure got to her other times. She had felt it like an unwanted touch as she stood in front of a mirror and regarded the assistant who dressed her with wary eyes. Before instructing them to pull a dress to pair with heels and jewelry, she had swallowed her pride. She could imagine, even if she didn’t know what Leonor may wear to a luncheon, how it would feel to sit across from her. She wanted to be secure and able to enjoy herself, and the price was this particular kind of discomfort.

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 & 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭 ↓

Yet, once they embraced and began to talk, it dissipated. They had both changed over the years, although Leonor especially. She wasn’t the round-faced young woman—just a girl, really, barely out of her teenage awkwardness—Elise remembered. Still, they were transported from their table for two and back to the summer house. Some of the memories were still fond ones. They had talked and laughed many times before, whether as they had breakfast in the kitchen or as they watched Roz carefully collect shells on the beach. Leonor remembered the good times, too. Though this was the first time she requested to meet, Elise had received bouquets on the occasions she was in Armorica, either on her own diplomatic business or accompanying her husband. She knew Elise liked white roses. The note, always a thick card from Breizh’s premier florist, would bear only a signature.

She hadn’t needed Leonor to say anything, but it meant something now that she did.

TRANSCRIPT:

{Indistinct conversation, light music}

[S] May I bring you something else while you wait, Your Majesty? [E] “Ma’am,” please. And, no, thank you. I think that’s her now.

[L] What a treat!

[E] How long has it been? Almost a decade? [L] Since the wedding.

[E] So, tell me everything. How are you? [L] {Exhales heavily}

[L] I haven’t slept more than five hours in as many years, and I can count the days off on my hands, but I love every minute of it.

[E] It must be interesting work then. [R] Rarely boring.

[E] I enjoy having so much time with my children, really, but … I do wish I had more time for the kinds of things you do. [L] “Armorica’s Mother of the Year, Every Year.” Modiste.

[E] Women can have it all now, can’t they? [L] They can. You can. You’re a queen, Elise. You can have whatever you want. [E] It’s not that simple.

[L] It is. [E] There are expectations, and other people are involved in— [L] I’m sorry, Elise, but I know you. You’re confident, capable, and very smart. You should be able to do more than tote around babies and smile for family photos. It’s their loss if you can’t.

[E] I knew what I signed up for when I married in. I’m happy. Do I wish I could do more interesting and important work? Well, not that the children aren’t interesting and important, but… [L] {Laughs} I know what you mean. And, you know—

[S] Ma’am? Your Highness? May I send your requests to the chef? [E] Oh … We didn’t even look at the menu! [S] It’s prix fixe today, but I have been instructed to assure you we can prepare anything you desire, within reason.

[E] I’ll have what she’s having. [L] {Chuckles} To start, have Abelardo make us turkey stew. He’ll know which. [S] | I’ll tell him, Your Highness.

[E] Now, I have to ask: how is it, having your own little one? She’s getting big now, right? What’s she like? [L] {Laughs} She’s five—what is there to say?

[L] I stopped taking to her to work when the breastfeeding stopped … Three years ago? Dan and I try, but I’ve heard her call the nanny “mama” by accident more than I care to admit. We went to a dance recital before the trip. She already works so hard. It’s precious. [E] Precious is right! Sounds like she takes after her mother.

[E] I remember when mine were that age. You know what Rosalind was like! Freddy? Completely different, and Jacques—

{Elise continues talking}

{Elise, talking}

[E] —and, of course, Roz being Roz, she told Freddy— [L] I have a proposal for you.

[L] Dan and I were considering inviting you and Andre to dinner sometime this week. Do you think he would be interested? [E] Um—dinner? [L] I’d like to invite Roz, too.

[E] Well, I’m not sure. It is last minute, and they both have such full schedules all the time. I could suggest it to him and see, but— [L] Elise, it’s fine.

[L] It was an idea. I can see them another time. I’m just pleased that you were available so last minute. [E] I’m glad, too.

[L] I mean it, really. We haven’t had a proper conversation in a very long time, and I’m grateful you wanted to spend time with me. [E] Thank you for asking me out. Usually it’s just the flowers.

[L] I respect and care for you, Elise. [E] That’s very sweet … [L] I always have, and I always will. I didn’t always show it—quite the opposite—but it’s important to me that you know that.

[E] I believe you. I do.

[L] Oh, do you smell that? Chili, achiote … [E] Sounds spicy. [L] {Snickers}

[L] I had an idea while we were splitting that poached pear. [E] Did you? [L] An interesting and important opportunity for you. [E] Leonor… [L] | Leave it all to me. I insist.

[E] Thank you. [L] My pleasure.

[trentonsimblr]

Happy December! What was your favourite moments of 2022 on simblr? They can be from your blog or someone else’s <3

Ayanna! I am FINALLY getting around to answering this.

So I'll start with favorite things from my blog:

My Payton lookbook Challenge

I learned how to make deco sims!

My women's day post

Everly's Fashion show

My mother's day post

My Ryland Flashback

The KBE Next Top Model Collab with @bridgeportbritt

There's a bunch of other posts that I'm proud of/are my favorite but I don't want to make this post too long.

Onto other blogs!

Finding awesome new simblr stories to follow: @theroyalthrones, @houseoflennoxx, @crownsofesha, @olympianroyals, @the-lancasters, @arendelleroyals1, @albanyroyals, @royalmedani and many more that I either followed last year and/or have finally caught up on their stories.

I know it's been mentioned 5011 times but @thegrimalldis wedding fake out was :chef kiss:

FINALLY catching up on your story! I hate Shelby and I feel for Philip. I just want happiness for him.

Connecting more and making plotting chaos with peeps

@ardeney-sims side story that was meant to be a few posts but turned into a masterpiece

@whitmoreroyals returning to her modern story

@armoricaroyalty, @nexility-sims, @funkyllama, @digital-deluxe, @sosa-royals for just existing (I mean your stories are well thought out and the esthetics are amazing)

@thevalencianroyals story making it's return!

For anyone that I missed (and I know I have), you are also a favorite part of 2022. This community has grown so much and has become such an encouraging and positive group that I am so happy to be apart of.

Cheers to 2023 being even better!

[warwickroyals]

Back at you! Happy December! What were your favourite moments of 2022 on simblr? They can be from your blog or someone else’s <3

What a good question! Here are just a few of my favourite things from 2022. Let's do one for each month!

January - This Render I made of Nick/Coraline

February - The Black Girl Magic render I did with sims from @thebaillieroyals, @bridgeportbritt, @renaldiroyals @royalhouseofcarrington and @ardeney-sims!

March - The royal discord server's portrait collab, I had so much fun being able to submit and portrait and see all the hard work that went into it

April - @thegrimalldis's story quiz where I managed to score really, really high + the entire Eleanor wedding fakeout!

May - Seeing people's take on the Met Gala theme, especially @nexility-sims

June - Getting back into making and releasing CC

July - Red Reckonding Mina teaser + @melonsloth's Ayanna Set

August - Finishing Phillip's solo arc after 9 months + @funkyllama's The Way We Were

September - Starting the third chapter of my story after so much personal anticipation

October - The entire atmosphere of this post, ever fun to work on!

November - You, @trentonsimblr, sending asks to me and so many others in the community

December - Making more CC, reaching my two years milestone, and seeing @thevalencianroyals's story posts on my dash again!

I can't believe what an eventful year it has been! I can't wait to see what 2023 brings. I also discovered so many amazing stories from @the-lancasters @theroyalthrones @houseoflennoxx and so many more. So thank, you all <3

[cassimopeia]

Constansa Ximenes ✨

The second part of my collab with @nexility-sims–for Part III, the Duke and Duchess of Montferriz's only child and a friend for Bea.

Constansa Ximenes is a headstrong young lady with a fierce temper, sharp wit, and quick tongue. As the only child of the Duke of Monferriz and his wealthy foreign wife, she's eager to use her family's newfound funds to cement her social status, but the rumors of her family’s recent monetary misfortunes keep her from the innermost circle. What she dreams of most is marrying for love, a rebellion against her parents' cordial but passionless partnership. If you dig deep beneath her icy exterior, you might just find her soft, all-too-caring heart.

[armoricaroyalty]

The climate summit had been a reasonable pretext to meet with Leonor, but with the talks concluded, Andre didn't have an excuse to remain in Bergstraße. He was still the King and there were things which had to be attended to at home, appointments that couldn't be rescheduled, but that final, glorious morning belonged to Leonor alone. Walking beside her, her hand in his, Andre was suddenly overcome by a wave of sentimentality. He could still remember their first meeting with perfect clarity: it had been unseasonably hot for June in Armorica, and all his thoughts were consumed with anxiety about the impending flight. He had been standing hunched, staring at the ground with head bent under the blistering sun, stewing in misery as the scorching heat of the tarmac radiated upward through his thin-soled shoes. When he looked up, there she was: Leonor Reyes, a stranger in a strange land. He shook her hand, which had seemed the only thing to do, and he saw in her eyes a reflection of himself: a shambling smile that did nothing to conceal the grief floating just beneath the surface. It had frightened him. She had frightened him. He had never imagined that they would ever be here, hand-in-hand, poised on the brink of a new life together. Another few months—a year at the most—and that new life would be theirs.

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

Transcript below the cut.

Bergstraße, the Ionian Union // February 2018

PHOTOGRAPHER | [ offscreen ] It's definitely her EARPIECE | How can you be sure? PHOTOGRAPHER | [ scoffs ] I lived in Uspana for 5 years, I recognize the royal family. PHOTOGRAPHER | It's Princess Leonor EARPIECE | And it's just her? PHOTOGRAPHER | No. She's with a man. EARPIECE | So? She's had an open marriage for years. EARPIECE | A new boyfriend is only news if it's someone people recognize. PHOTOGRAPHER | ... PHOTOGRAPHER | ...yeah, I got no idea who this guy is. EARPIECE | No? Must be some finance guy or something, then. PHOTOGRAPHER | Probably. [ sighs ] Another eccentric billionaire with a philanthropy habit. PHOTOGRAPHER | He actually looks kinda familiar...but I don't know if I've seen him somewhere or if he's just got one of those faces. EARPIECE | If he's a finance guy, he's probably been in Fortune or something. PHOTOGRAPHER | [ chuckles ] If this guy's been anywhere, it's an L.L. Bean catalog. EARPIECE | [ laughs ] No accounting for taste, huh? PHOTOGRAPHER | Yeah...but the billionaire catalog model and the married princess? It could sell. EARPIECE | It could, if Mr. Mystery turns out to be someone. PHOTOGRAPHER | [ offscreen ] All we have to do is put a name to the face.

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

Transcript under the cut.

Crown Museum of Uspanian Art and Culture // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

VIVI | ...I kind of hate them. Does that make me terrible? JULIÁN | Prince Frederick and Lady Emily? Why? VIVI | They're so perfect together. JULIÁN | ...are they? VIVI | Well, I think so. Opposites attract, right? JULIÁN | I think there's something to be said for shared interests. VIVI | Like what? Music and fashion? JULIÁN | Music, fashion, long walks on the beach...you look lovely, by the way. VIVI | Stop. You're ridiculous. JULIÁN | Beautiful, I'll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it. VIVI | Shh! What if someone overhears you? VIVI | ...we should find somewhere we can speak privately. [Makin' out in the coat check room] VIVI | [moans softly] JULIÁN | [softly] Mmm...we should get out of here. JULIÁN | [breathily] I want you in my bed. I want to get my mouth on you. I want— VIVI | [gasps] W-wait— JULIÁN | Are you okay? VIVI | I'm sorry. You've been amazing, but I can't do this. VIVI | My husband— JULIÁN | He's not here, beautiful. He can't hurt you. VIVI | I know. VIVI | I'm sorry. You've been amazing, but...I just can't. VIVI | I really want to, but... JULIÁN | I get it. You're a good girl. VIVI | I'm sorry. JULIÁN | You apologize too much. You've done nothing wrong. But if you ever change your mind... JULIÁN | ...I'll be right here, waiting.

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

Transcript under the cut.

The Passionflower // Armorican State Visit - Day 4

JULIÁN | …I’m not going to kiss and tell. I’m a gentleman. GERMÁN | Bullshit. And come on, man. I’m not asking for the play-by-play just…y’know. Are you going to see her again? JULIÁN | Uh...maybe?  JULIÁN | [sighs] I had fun, but... GERMÁN | But? JULIÁN | So how do I measure up? VIVI | To my husband? JULIÁN | [laughs] No, I’m confident I’m a better lover than him. JULIÁN | But am I the best you’ve ever had? Flatter me, beautiful, I'm very sensitive. VIVI | [chuckles] Fine. VIVI | You're the best I've ever had. [chuckles] Best of two. JULIÁN | Wait— JULIÁN | How was I supposed to know she was a virgin? GERMÁN | She’s got a child, doesn't she. JULIÁN | Fine. The nearest thing to a virgin. JULIÁN | [sighs] I feel like a dirty old man. GERMÁN | [laughs] Hey man. If the shoe fits… ROSALIND | He’s really milking it, isn’t he? MARY | Oh come on. It was your idea. You told him to do this. ROSALIND | I told him to propose, not to shove it down everyone’s throats. MARY | I think you’re jealous. ROSALIND | Of course I'm jealous! He stole my ring! MARY | Stole? You gave it to him. ROSALIND |I had to! The engagement would have been obvious as a diversion if he’d gone out and bought a ring from some Uspanian jeweler. ROSALIND | [sighs unhappily] I wanted to see you wearing it. MARY | …maybe it’s for the best. MARY | Don’t get me wrong. It’s a beautiful ring, but. Ah. It’s not really to my taste. ROSALIND | … ROSALIND | Well, we’ll have to pick out something together then, won’t we? [ROSALIND’s phone vibrates.] ROSALIND | Hold on...oh no. Shit. MARY | What is it? MARY | Let me see! ... Oh no. Shit. ROSALIND | I'll speak to my father. We need to change our flight. EMILY | ...this trip has been incredible. Honestly, it still feels a little unreal. VIVI | Yeah? EMILY | Yeah. And...I've been meaning to ask you. How did you adjust? EMILY | I mean, with your background, it must have been a struggle. Like, I'm used to the lifestyle, but no one really knows what to expect, do they? VIVI | [sighs] EMILY | Do you have any advice for me, since we're going to be sisters and all? VIVI | No. EMILY | Uh...no? VIVI | What do you want me to say? EMILY | I just thought that you might— VIVI | Figure it out. I did. VIVI | ...even with my background. EMILY | What? Oh, Vivi, I didn't mean it like that— VIVI | Whatever. It's fine. EMILY | I'm sorry...Please don't be angry with me. I want us to be close. VIVI | I said it's fine. VIVI | [sighs] I can't wait for all this to be over. I want to go home.

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

author's note: transcript under the cut!

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 2

FREDERICK | I'm bad at this kind of thing. So I guess I'll just say it... EMILY | [softly] Frederick... FREDERICK | You make me a better man. I can't imagine life without you. EMILY | I love you— EMILY | [gasps] Ohmygod— FREDERICK | Let me finish! Lady Emily Chandra... FREDERICK | ...will you marry me? EMILY | Yes, yes, yes— EMILY | It's perfect. FREDERICK | It was my great-grandmother's...

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

[flashbulbs, reporters calling out] JOURNALIST | How did you know she was the one? JOURNALIST | Can you comment on your sister's relationship? JOURNALIST | Did you ask her father's permission? JOURNALIST | When's the wedding? JOURNALIST | Will the Layes be in the wedding party? JOURNALIST | How did the King react when you told him? JOURNALIST | When will the Palace comment on the Crown Princess's rumored relationship?

Crown Museum of Uspanian Culture and Arts // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

JOURNALIST | [offscreen] ...of course, this is an exciting time for the royal family! How did you feel when you heard that Prince Frederick had proposed to Lady Emily? VIVI | Oh, I was thrilled, of course. Lady Emily was in my year at Elton, and she's always been such a sweet girl. I'm thrilled she'll be joining the family. JOURNALIST | And the Crown Princess's relationship? Were you aware that she was seeing Mary Yokoyama or aware of the accusations against her? VIVI | ...oh, well. I don't want to comment on that. I wouldn't want to steal Freddy and Emily's spotlight! They just got engaged! VIVI | [offscreen] It's their moment! VIVI | [offscreen] They've earned it.

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

author's note: Toddlers, huh?

transcript under the cut!

Nakawe // Armorican State Visit - Day 2

VIVI | What is this place, exactly? JULIAN | It's a vacant building, owned by...some crown agency or something. I don't know. They're going to redevelop it into low-income housing. VIVI | ...are we allowed to be here? JULIAN | [offscreen] Who's going to stop us? C'mon! VIVI | How am I supposed to climb this ladder? I'm wearing ballet flats! JULIAN | [offscreen] Better than heels! VIVI | [grumbling] This has better be worth it...

Rosewood Hall // Residence of the Duke and Duchess of Laye

HUGO | JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! ELISE | Hugo Michael Rowan. What do you think you're doing, young man? HUGO | I'm jumping, Grandma! Watch me jump! ELISE | This isn't a playground. No jumping on the couch, you could fall and get hurt. HUGO | Mama lets me! ELISE | [offscreen, skeptically] Your mother lets you jump on the furniture? I don't think so. It's not nice to tell lies, Huey. JACQUES | No, he's telling the truth. ELISE | [offscreen] What? Vivi lets him roughhouse inside and climb on the furniture? JACQUES | She never says no to him. JACQUES | She's so permissive, she's turning him into a little monster. ELISE | [offscreen] Jacques, that's unhelpful. JACQUES | [offscreen] It's true! Every time I try to set limits, she undermines me. ELISE | [offscreen] The two of you need to get on the same page. JACQUES | Ma, I've tried. Vivi is completely unreasonable. ELISE | Jacques, I think that you need to go back to the counselor. Both of you. JACQUES | Not this again— ELISE | [offscreen] I think she could help you with your communication skills. JACQUES | [offscreen] Can she help Vivi with her listening skills? JACQUES | [offscreen] You don't get it! She's always starting fights, and she just pokes and pokes and pokes until I snap at her, and then she cries and acts like she's the victim. I'm always walking on eggshells around her. ELISE | [offscreen] JJ, I hear you, but she is your wife. Be reasonable. What are you going to do, if you're not willing to work through this with her? JACQUES | [offscreen] ...I don't know. JACQUES | Honestly, Mom? I'm so scared of losing her. She's beautiful and smart and everybody loves her. She could go anywhere, do anything, be with anyone...why would a girl like that settle for me? ELISE | Oh honey...don't put yourself down, any woman would be— HUGO | Grandma! Daddy! Look! I climbed up all by myself! ELISE | [gasps] ELISE | [offscreen] Get down from there! HUGO | Watch me, Grandma! Watch me jump! JACQUES | [offscreen] HUGO, NO!

Nakawe

VIVI | Wow... JULIAN | Well? Was it worth the climb? VIVI | Maybe... VIVI | I need to know what else you have planned for me. JULIAN | Mmm...whatever you want, beautiful. VIVI | Ah~ VIVI | It's my husband. JULIAN | Ah. VIVI | I've been ignoring him...I'm sorry, I should pick up. VIVI | [offscreen] Stitches?!? Jacques, you're supposed to be watching him— VIVI | ... I'm not even in the country, how could it be my fault— VIVI | [offscreen] That's not fair ... no you're just being mean! VIVI | We were supposed to be here together! ... Jacques, please— VIVI | [exhales unsteadily] JULIAN | Hey...are you alright? VIVI | [gasps] VIVI | [crying] JULIAN | Hey...it's okay. It's going to be okay. VIVI | [whsipering] Can I tell you something? JULIAN | [whsipering] Yeah. VIVI | [whsipering] Sometimes, I hate him.

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Next

author's note: don't say I never did anything for ya

Transcript below the cut.

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 1

There is a quartet playing a waltz. IDK enough about waltz music to pick an appropriate song, use your imagination. EMILY | You know...this is how we met. FRECERICK | I remember. It was New Year's Eve, your brother's wedding. EMILY | Mhm. We danced in the greenhouse... FREDERICK | That's right. You were hiding because you hate crowds. EMILY | I was not! And anyway, you were sneaking out— FREDERICK | Was I? [laughs] Saints alive, I was such a shit back then. EMILY | [laughs] I think everyone would agree that you're much improved. FREDERICK | All thanks to you, darling. Vivi watches Freddy and Emily being cute and has sad girl hours.

ARNAUT | Tomorrow should be uneventful. Just the soccer match, limited press. JULIÁN | Oh, is that all? I'd hoped for a little more? LORRAINE | You were briefed on this, Julián. The time to object was weeks ago. JULIÁN | I would have, but— hey, is that who I think it is? ARNAUT | [sighs] Here she comes. LORRAINE | [whispering] Behave yourself. JULIÁN | [whispering] You worry too much, Auntie! VIVI | Julián, would you dance the next dance with me? JULIÁN | I'd be honored, Your Highness. LORRAINE | [whispering] I thought you were going to speak with him. ARNAUT | [whispering] I did. But when has he ever listened?

JULIÁN | I hope you're enjoying yourself tonight, Your Highness. VIVI | I am. Your entire family has been very welcoming. JULIÁN | I'm glad. It breaks my heart to see a beautiful woman looking so sad. VIVI | Why are you doing this? JULIÁN | Doing what? VIVI | Flirting with me. You know I'm married...nothing can come of this. JULIÁN | Does it have to come to something? JULIÁN | [whispering] What's wrong with just enjoying ourselves, here and now? VIVI | [full-bodied horny shiver] VIVI | [whispering] My husband... JULIÁN | I won't tell him if you don't. VIVI | Anyway...I suppose I should thank you. JULIÁN | Oh? What for? VIVI | It's silly! It's just...oh, I don't know. VIVI | ...I guess I'm just to used to being looked at that I forgot how good it feels to be seen.