#regency!kaiser

[heich0e]

regency au kaiser doesn't let you wear corsets at home because they take too long to rip off. instead, he insists you dress in sheer shifts and lacy little chemises that barely cover you, and confines you to one wing of the house where only the female staff can attend to you. your windows overlook the gardens, but you can't even spend your days staring out at the carefully manicured rows, because it's full of nothing but roses—and all you think of when you look at them is michael, and the sharp prick of thorns.

[yukinohiko]

This is a second part to my Regency AU of Kaiser’s Blue Flower:

Something more about Marquess Kaiser and his growing fascination with you.

He manages to get his name on one of your dance cards at a hostess’s gala, one of the many, though he monopolizes you under the diamond chandelier, waltzing you into a stupor. He smells like roses; your reflection drowns in the pupil of his oceanic gaze.

“Tell me, why would you not want to be kept by a marquess?” he breathes in your ear.

“Dignity. Decorum. Is that enough,” you ask as he spins you, “or should I go on?”

“As long as you wish.” He twirls you too many times to count, his hand clasping yours securely, until your vision grows blurry with the violin songs surrounding you.

“I don’t wish,” you manage to say, trying to get your bearings. “I have other callers waiting for me —”

“None of whom have intervened.” He swings you once, and your heart jumps to your throat. But it isn’t reckless — your body is swept lightly in his arms into a delicate dip. “Do you know why, my dear?”

“I do not.”

You focus your gaze somewhere behind his shoulder. It is too intimidating, you think, to meet those slitted eyes directly — catlike, lidded. Nor the curve of his rose-pink mouth.

However, he holds no inhibitions like yours. One of his hands cradles your nape, the other around your lower back, just at the hem of where your bodice expands into the chiffon skirt. You can feel the press of each of his fingertips, almost like a brand on your body.

“Because,” he whispers, flush against your cheek, “you are in the arms of a marquess.”

[lavendermin]

I do think regency era Kaiser would be a freak in that he would have lockets and jewelry made for you with locks of his hair and vice versa. Is really into accessories for you that are tokens of love that really bonds you to him and marks you as his. Custom garters with intricate blue rose designs that only he and estate maids who aid with your dressing would be able to see

[lazysublimeengineer]

the viscount who loves his princess - I

Summary: “A new romance has bloomed in one enchanting night? Princess Senju and Viscount Mikey share a special night together under the radiant garden of the Palace.” Takeomi read loudly on the first page of broadside that morning.

Senju could only heave a deep breath before sipping the cup of Earl Grey slowly to her lips.

“You’ve been seeing Viscount Mikey without any chaperone? Lady Whistledown is having a field day with your scandals.” Haruchiyo snorted as he prepared a cup of coffee for himself.

“You know how Lady Whistledown is. So, stop believing her stories for a moment. It’s quite exaggerated sometimes. Besides, I am not going out with that fool! Hell freezes over that happens!” She exclaimed indignantly.

A chance encounter between the Viscount and the Princess which caused a rumor mill circulating in their town.

(A/N: This was supposed to be a sequel from that Doramitsu regency fic I’ve written a long time ago. But plot bunnies came out of me and decided that “oh hey wait a second. Why don’t we make a multichaptered crossover regency period fic series between Tokyo Revengers and Blue Lock in the world Bridgerton?” And here you go. This is the second part of this series with Maisenju as the main pairing. Takes place after the events of the first series of this fic, “sweet liaisons.” I don’t own anything from this franchise. Respective ownership belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura for this wonderful manga and Julia Quinn for this romantic book and series.)

“Senju! Are you done yet? You’re going to be late for the special occasion arranged by the Queen herself. It’s not a good image for a lady to be tardy.” Her older brother, Takeomi,   admonished her from downstairs while Senju struggled adjusting the straps of her corset inside her room.

“Give me a few minutes! This dress is bollocks! Why do I even have to wear this ridiculous thing in the first place?!” Senju exclaimed indignantly as she finally laced the straps successfully around her torso but not before holding her damn breath for a few minutes.

Jesus Christ.

Why do women like her must suffer from these societal expectations in the first place?

“It’s not that hard to put on the corset if you listen carefully to what the teacher has been teaching to you before!” Takeomi replied in exasperation. “Also, Haru get the carriage ready so that we won’t be late this evening!” He added.

“I’m on it!” Haruchiyo’s voice rang from the background.

Senju tuned them out and focused on putting the gown next to her body.

“If you’re not down here yet within a minute, I’ll go up there to see what’s the problem!” Takeomi’s annoying voice rang out again.

“Hold your horses! I’m done already!” Senju yelled back in exasperation.

With a one, last inspection on her frame and face in the mirror, she quickly went out and closed the door behind her and walked downstairs.

“Finally!” Takeomi exclaimed before he inspected her critically from head to toe.

“Not bad. Although next time try it with your hair down in curls. That seemed to be the thing these days.” He commented.

Senju rolled her eyes. “Oh hush. I tried my best in making a French braid for this occasion. The least you can do is take notice of them naturally.” She replied in a grumpy voice as she walked diligently inside the carriage.

They finally reached the palace wherein several guests and royal families were already present and going inside.

Senju grew nervous.

Even if she was naturally born confident and used to be under the scrutiny of other people, this was still different because she was facing the Queen at this event.

Her Majesty will choose tonight who will be crowned as the Diamond girl this year.

Senju had no patience for events like this. She’d rather go to the forest and hunt some wild boars or practice fencing while she’s at it.

But alas, if there were advantages in being born in an upper-class, royal family there were disadvantages as well.

Especially if she’s the only female sibling of the Akashi family and a princess, nonetheless.

The responsibility fell on her to carry their name in the social class and mingle herself with the ladies in the same social stratum and earn herself a status befitting of a princess and marry off an earl or duke for that matter.

Just the mere thought of those weighted responsibilities solely put upon her made her want to throw a fit and leave this place. But she kept her composure and calm.

‘This is just for tonight. Tomorrow you can do whatever you like.’ She chanted at herself as she took a deep breath and got ready.

“Okay remember what we’ve taught and practice beforehand.” Takeomi reminded her when he helped her in getting out of the carriage.

“Yes, my dear brother. You have reminded me of these several times already that I’ve lost count.” She deadpanned.

“This is for your own good and so that you won’t be making any mistakes.” The muffled voice of her other sibling, Haruchiyo said from behind her.

“Oh please. You’re the last person I should hear of this from you.” Senju groused.

“Stop with these childish acts you two.” Takeomi admonished them and Senju kept her mouth shut but not without a small pout gracing her features.

Nevertheless, upon arriving inside the palace, she quickly schooled her features into a pleasant smile and moved with a ladylike grace even though she felt her muscles stiffened at the strict movements of her body.

“Oh my. Princess Senju fancy seeing you here. You look lovely as always.” The light and feminine voice of Hina caught her attention and she beamed at her.

“You look breathtakingly beautiful as well, Lady Hina.” Senju complimented her in a sincere manner. It’s true that Hina was one of the loveliest ladies in their town. And one of the most graceful and dignified as well.

With her alabaster skin, slender frame, beautiful ginger locks and a beatific smile, who wouldn’t fall for her beauty and charms? It’s probably a normal day for her tending to her suitors who visited her abode every day.

Moreover, she wouldn’t be surprised if she earned the Diamond girl status from Her Majesty tonight.

“Oh, shush you... You still got a silver tongue beneath your mischievous nature.” Hina chuckled softly under her breath.

As she was about to respond, another familiar voice caught her attention and turned around to see the smiling face of Emma waving simply and approaching them.

“Princess Senju. Lady Hina. What a pleasant night it is to see you both here.”

“Same here Lady Emma. You’re looking lovely as always.” Senju replied smilingly. Unlike her brother, Mikey, Emma is a pleasant woman to be around and not infuriating. Senju wondered how she could tolerate her brother's impertinence daily.

“Why thank you. I do hope that my brother hasn’t been a nuisance to you lately.” Emma replied jokingly.

“Tell me about it. There hasn’t been a day when he wasn’t bothering me every time when we crossed paths around the city.” Senju replied with a small pout on her face as she took some glass of punch from the waiter who was circling around and giving them.

Emma chuckled softly under her breath. “Forgive my brother. It seems that he has a habit being like that with you.”

“Well, I would appreciate it if you can inform him that he needn’t to do that everyday.” Senju replied as she took a sip from the glass of punch.

Her eyes darted around when she heard some announcement in the middle of the stage.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It’s our pleasure to have you here on this occasion for the annual event of Her Majesty choosing our precious Diamond for this year. As you may know we have gathered some reputable candidates to be crowned for tonight.” A male announcer said and the Queen finally appeared and was sitting down on her throne.

“Oh! It’s finally starting.” Senju uttered to herself and hastily put the glass of punch from the side of the table to make her way towards the direction wherein several female candidates were lined up from the corner.

The next few moments passed in a blur with the ladies performing one by one in front of the Queen with their practiced grace and dignity in front of her.

Senju watched in awe as the ladies before her performed a graceful dance and curtsied in front of the Queen. Hina and Emma’s performance were outstanding in her eyes and they moved as if it they were born for the role itself.

Her heart pounded and her anxiety spiked as her part will be coming soon.

She finally took a deep breath when it was her turn and tried to calm down her frayed nerves.

‘You got this Senju! Your brothers are watching so you need to get it together!’ Her mind tried to cheer for her.

As soon as it was her turn, her mind and body focus on the present situation beforehand and her movements, remembering on what was taught to her by her governess. Her movements were fluid and clear as she danced elegantly to the tune of a minuet which was a stately ballroom performed under the courts.

The audience watched her in rapt attention and captivation as she moved in a slow yet elegant manner against her assigned partner.

It was already nearing perfect when she accidentally stepped on her gown and stumbled down on the ground.

‘Oh bollocks! Why did it have to be now!’ Senju’s mind raced at her mistake before she quickly stood up as if nothing happened and resumed dancing the few remaining steps and tune of the piece.

She quickly bowed when she was finished and went to the side.

“You were great out there.” Emma whispered sincerely beside her.

“I’m glad that you think so even if I may have ruined it in the end.” Senju whispered back with a wry smile on her.

“Oh hush. Everyone makes a mistake. At the very least you’re still graceful at the end.”

Senju was about to reply when the announcer’s voice chimed in at the stage once again.

“Tonight we’ve seen these wonderful ladies with their immense talents of course. But only one can prevail. And for tonight’s Diamond coronation, Her Majesty is bestowing the crown to Lady Emma Sano of the Sano family.”

Emma’s eyes grew wide for a moment before a surprise yet victorious smile broke out from her lips.

Senju quickly hugged her before she let go. “Congratulations Lady Emma! You certainly deserved it. Now go get your crown up there.”

Emma hugged her back before she pulled away. “Thank you, Princess Senju.” She murmured before she made her way up the stage and accepted the crown bestowed by the Queen on her head.

Senju gave a round of applause amongst the crowd. There was no ill-feeling of envy or regret in her bones as she knew that there were other outstanding and well deserving ladies who much deserved it rather than her.

Nevertheless, there might be a lecture waiting for her back in the household from her older brother again of not trying her best.

Oh well.

Best of luck next time.

“Ah, finally. Some peace and quiet.” Senju sighed in contentment as she sat on the grassy field filled with small flowers. She took a quick detour and a needed break from the bustling crowd inside the palace.

Her eyes gazed upwards to the sky which was filled with countless stars that made up for the brilliant darkness tonight.

“I’m getting sleepy. Hopefully, the occasion will be over soon.” Senju mumbled to herself.

“It’s a good thing that the household princess doesn’t trip or bumped into someone with that tall heel of yours.” The familiar, idle voice sang from the background which made Senju ground her teeth and faced him with an exasperated smile on her face.

“If it isn’t the infamous viscount or should I say the manchild of the Sano household.” She quipped back, looking at him from head to toe with an unimpressed look on her face.

Although she inwardly admitted that Mikey looked dashing in a velvet crimson robe which had a circular cut, a pair of shiny, coal hued boots and a nice woolen white cloth inside his robes which leant him a regal, sophisticated aura despite his miniature height and youthful, vibrant face. Nevertheless, she wouldn’t admit that outwardly to him. His ego was huge enough like an inflated balloon and she didn’t want him to get the idea that she was disgustingly smitten towards him like of those other women who was besotted and would probably throw themselves at his feet if given a chance.

Senju was better than that and had more acquired tastes thank you very much.

“And you’re the infamous princess who moves like a man and curses like a sailor.” Mikey replied playfully.

“Have you ever heard of the word assertive and adventurous? I guess not when you’re used to women who threw themselves at you.” Senju snorted. “And what brings you here by the way?”

“Me? I’m just the dignified chaperone of my sister tonight considering that Ken has already resume his duties as a duke and travelled to another land away from here. And maybe I’m the good luck charm seeing that she won tonight!” Mikey replied with an impish grin on his face.

“Oh please. Don’t think highly of yourself. Lady Emma won because of her grace and efforts and not because of you or someone else.” She scoffed lightly.

“What can I say? Being successful and victorious runs in our blood.”

“God, I’m just speechless at your conceited nature.”

It made Mikey laugh in amusement while Senju rolled her eyes and looked away.

After a while, Mikey refrained from laughing until it was quiet between the two of them but only for a moment.

“Even if you didn’t get the coveted Diamond status from the royal family tonight, you’re still great on your own.” He said quietly.

His words made Senju turn around to face him before looking away, feeling the tips of her ears growing hot.

She needed to leave this place and away from this viscount who’s making her feel strange inside.

Senju tried to get up, but it proved to be a struggle due to the weight of her gown.

Her actions were noticed by Mikey who looked at her curiously.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you.” She retorted. “It’s a lovely and peaceful night here before your presence has ruined it.” She added with a scoff before she tried to stand up again, but it was futile.

“Need some help?” He asked with a hint of amusement.

Senju glared at him before a deep sigh left her lips.

“Yes please.” She muttered as she accepted his offered hand and tried to stand up again but not before she lost her balance and toppled down.

Together they tumbled down on the grassy field with Senju laying on top of him while Mikey laid beneath her.

They looked at each other with wide eyes before Senju struggled to pull herself away from him, her cheeks burning in mortification.

And that’s how one of the maids from the palace found them in the garden under a compromising position.

‘Couldn’t this night get any better?’ She thought sardonically to herself.

The next day at the Akashi household...

“A new romance has bloomed in one enchanting night? Princess Senju and Viscount Mikey share a special night together under the radiant garden of the Palace.” Takeomi read loudly at the first page of broadside that morning.

Senju could only heaved a deep breath before sipping the cup of Earl Grey slowly to her lips.

“You’ve been seeing Viscount Mikey without any chaperone? Lady Whistledown is having a field day with your scandals.” Haruchiyo snorted as he prepared a cup of coffee for himself.

“You know how Lady Whistledown is. So stop believing her stories for a moment. It’s quite exaggerated sometimes. Besides, I am not going out with that fool! Hell freezes over that happens!” She exclaimed indignantly.

“Language.” Takeomi warned her.

“But it was an accident! I just stumbled upon him and—.” Senju stopped midway before getting up. “It’s no use. Just don’t pay attention to those bollocks.” She grumbled as she began walking out of the house.

“Where are you going young lady?” Takeomi asked.

“Just at the market. I may need to buy something to ease my growing vexation towards this nonsense. Don’t worry I’ll be back in a moment.” Senju didn’t wait for Takeomi’s response and took her hat, putting it on and leaving the house.

“Just let her go for now big brother. Senju is growing up and she’ll grow out of that phase.” Haru said casually.

“I can’t believe I’m dealing with you two.” Takeomi replied in resignation before shaking his head and focusing back on reading the next page of his broadside.

“Oh no I’m late! I need to deliver these parcels soon to Mrs. Springfield and—.” Takemichi’s hasty murmurs to himself and running across the street were cut off when he suddenly bumped into someone, resulting in his parcels falling to the ground and him stumbling on his feet.

“Can’t you see where you’re going you fool?” An exasperated voice caught his attention, and he was met by a young man who was dressed majestically and possessed an aura that screamed of royalty and wealth.

‘Is he a member of the royal family? If he is, then I should’ve known him! But it’s the first time I’ve seen his face around here.’ Takemichi’s thoughts raced inside his head as he tried to get up and bowed respectfully at him.

“My deepest apologies Sir! It’s not my intention to ruin your day in this city. I am just in a hurry to deliver these important parcels!” There was a tinge of regret and apology in his tone, but he still didn’t raise his head for fear of disrespecting him again.

“Do you know my name boy?” The man asked haughtily.

“N-no...” Takemichi stammered. Was he supposed to know him?

The man looked at him with a cruel amusement on his eyes and a complacent smile on his lips.

“Raise your head boy.” He ordered.

Takemichi quickly complied and stared into his eyes which were startingly deep blue. He possessed an aristocratic nose and a small yet perfectly shaped pair of lips. He tried not to be distracted by the arresting features of the man and tried to focus on the present situation at hand.

“I am an Earl. An Earl you foolishly bumped into. And for me to be able to forgive you, kneel before me and kiss my shoes.” The man remarked casually as he inspected his nails in a disinterested manner.

“P-pardon sir...?” Takemichi paled as he blinked at him owlishly.

“You heard me, right? Or your line of hearing has a defect too and I must need to repeat myself?” The man replied sardonically.

Before Takemichi could reply, a familiar, casual yet firm voice rang behind him which made him turn around and met the displeased expression of Chifuyu in front of him.

“Takemichi? Is this fellow bothering you?”

“Prince Chifuyu!” Takemichi gave a quick, respectful bow before standing up straight. “This is nothing that you should be worried about—.”

“Oh? Who is this interesting lad beside you hmm? It seems that she’s gotten up at the wrong side of the bed.” Kaiser cut him off silkily and asked in his usual airy voice.

“It’s Prince Chifuyu to you.” The blond glared at him and for his impertinent words.

“Oh, my bad. My name is Earl Michael Kaiser. But you can address me as Michael if you want.” Kaiser remarked with a playful wink thrown over his direction.

“I believed it is not appropriate to address you so casually when were not even acquiantances.” Chifuyu huffed. “Also, I would appreciate it if you stop harassing my friend and let him do whatever errands he needs to do today.” He added stonily.

Kaiser raised his hands placatingly. “I seek no trouble Prince Chifuyu. In fact, I’m getting acquianted with the citizens here seeing that I may stay here for awhile.”

Chifuyu was about to retort when the rushing footsteps from the background caught his attention and saw a young man with dark blue hair and dressed in a formal whiteshirt and light brown pants.

“My Lord! Where have you been? Your Grace has been looking for you!” He exclaimed when his eyes landed on the familiar figure of the royal prince which made him bow immediately.

“Good day Prince Chifuyu! Please forgive me for not being able to greet you first when I came here.” He said in an apologetic voice.

“Calm down Yoichi. I’m sure that my absence for a few minutes will not merit any hindrance or trouble to the events at all.” Kaiser remarked idly.

“Good day to you too Sir Yoichi. Are you with the Earl Kaiser?” He asked.

“Yes. I’m one of his advisors. And we’re here because we’ve been invited by the Queen for an event in this place.” Isagi replied when his eyes landed on the familiar figure of Takemichi whose eyes lit up in recognition but both kept their silence for the meantime.

“I see. It seems that the Earl has taking into a liking of this place seeing that he was already going for a stroll around the streets.” Chifuyu remarked.

“Indeed Prince Chifuyu. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we must be going on our way now.” Isagi replied in an apologetic voice.

“Of course. Don’t let us hold you both back.” Chifuyu replied in a congenial voice before he narrowed his gaze at Kaiser to which the other male smirked at him.

“We’ll be on our way then.” Isagi gave a quick respectful bow and shot a meaningful glance at Takemichi before he pulled the Earl away going back to their carriage and left them behind.

“That Earl is something else entirely.” Chifuyu said with a frown on his face. “He didn’t hurt you or anything Takemichi?”

Takemichi shook his head. “Not really. ‘Sides it’s quite my fault for bumping into him earlier. But I do appreciate your good timing. Now, I really need to go and deliver these items to Mrs. Springfield. See you later!” He quickly bid goodbye and ran off to the other side of the street.

Chifuyu watched him go, shaking his head a little before heading back to his own carriage and going back to the castle.

(A/N: Well, that’s wrap for the first chapter. The next and last chapter may take a while to be uploaded as I’m on a hectic schedule now with work. Hopefully, you’ll be patient enough to wait as it is. Reviews are amusing so let me hear them from you.)

[cryinggirlnamedhelen]

i will fall in love with you, over and over again.

synopsis: the different alternate universe romances that the blue lock boys would have with you

ft; alexis ness, michael kaiser, itoshi rin

a/n: happy valentines day!!! i hope you guys get lots of love today. as for me, im single asf. title from “would you fall in love with me again” from epic: the musical.

alexis ness - fantasy regency era

you, the queen’s personal lady-in-waiting, is just as beautiful as you are stoic. however, when the palace’s new personal jester, alexis ness, arrives for entertainment for the king and queen and he instantly catches your eye, and from then, a strange and yet warm romance begins to bloom.

michael kaiser - victorian era

the moment you met kaiser when you were a child, you despised him. after all, he mocked you for being a noblewoman who read books. so when he, a duke, is given an arranged marriage with you, a baroness, you expect a life of misery. but perhaps he truly wasn’t as bad as you thought…

itoshi rin - edo period japan

a ronin and a geisha, a truly wonderful start to a love story. but after begging for him to smuggle you out of the brothel you worked at, knowing that you were soon to be targeted, he begrudgingly agreed. to repay your debt, you became his personal assistant of sorts. but love is always in the air.

[suguwu]

also regency au kaiser who compromises you to make sure that you have to marry him...........

[harpval]

❈Blue Blood❈

Kaiser and F!Reader, Regency/Bridgerton AU.

synopsis: With the death of the late marquess, Kaiser finds himself falling into his father's role. Kaiser is many things, but responsible is not one of them. He must take on this season alone. He needs an escape, a sate haven, something to tide him over so he survives the season. That would be you, unfortunately.

disclaimer/content(overall): Abuse, alcohol consumption, semi-violent, PTSD, flashbacks, suggestive, slow burn.

prev: prologue next: A Moment of Weakness

Pilot. Sorrows, Prayers.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━━━ ✧ ₊˚₊

For centuries, women of society have felt the pressure of marriage upon their gentle shoulders, a weight equivalent to that of a ticking grandfather clock. It is uncommon to hear that a man must succumb to those same pressures.

The Marquess finds himself in a precarious situation, which is the struggle women are promised from the moment they are born. Marriage is a duty they must uphold. With no siblings, the boy finds himself in need of a Marchioness, as it would be in his best interest to produce an heir in hopes of continuing the lineage.

There is little we know about him but from this author’s keen eye, there is no mistaking that he is this season's most eligible bachelor. Will this be the season he finally succumbs to the duty of matrimony? As I am certain he knows as well as I, that it would be in his best interest to find himself a bride.

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers

“A man, let alone one as powerful as the Marquess–could never imagine what it is to be a woman.” You stifle a laugh, passing the gossip column over to your sister, Lucia. She receives it with a cock of her brow, eyes skimming the page.

“An unforgiving woman she is.” For someone who is not so often impressed, you see the smile that cracks your sister’s usually stoic expression. “She threw him to the wolves, and after the death of his father?” you two exchange glances, stifling a small giggle. Your eldest brother, Victor, crosses the room, ever so nosy as he leans over the back of the couch.

“This nonsense will cause your brains to wither away.” He snatches the paper and hurries off, reading it himself like the gossip he denies himself to be. You shoot up and hurry after him, a scoff escaping you.

“You mean to tell me you’re not intrigued by the gossip column? You seem quite interested.” You stand at his side, gazing down at the paper. His thumb was placed beneath the section of the Marquess. He clicks his tongue, shaking his head.

“Extinguish your interest, sister.”

“Interest was never ignited.” You quip. He smirks and looks over at you and Lucia. He was protective of you and your sisters. Any potential suitor you or Lucia had mentioned he immediately became acquainted with or did a deep dive into his history.

“Lord Kaiser is not a man neither of you wish to associate yourselves with.” He says as he smacks the paper with the back of his hand and sets it down. In most cases, your brother is correct. However, Lucia challenges this and leans against the armrest of the sofa.

“And if I did?” Her tone laced with defiance and mockery, green eyes flitting between both you and your brother. You remain silently amused.

“You would be a danger to yourself.” He leans forward, towering over your sister as if to appear fearsome. Though, he was joking. Lucia, unfazed grins.

“I do enjoy a bit of danger, I think the Marquess is quite handsome.”

“He’s like a venomous snake, arming himself with pretty colors to lure in his prey.” His tone lowers and he speaks slowly, extending his arm out slowly as if to mimic the movements of a snake. You stifle a laugh at his ridiculousness. “So he can poison you, and ruin you for the rest of your days. A man who preys on the naive.” Victor shifts his attention to you, snapping his fingers.

“And just like that, no longer will I be able to protect you.”

“Oh please,” You roll your eyes, a laugh falling past your lips. He grins, but the twitch in his brow betrays his bubbling frustrations.

“If either of you knows what is good for you, you will follow my lead through this season.” To this you and Lucia exchange glances. Unspoken words traversing through your eye contact, she sneers at your brother before leaning back against the sofa.

“Oh he is hardly a danger at all,” your mother enters the room with a hearty laugh, shaking her head. Lucia greets her with a smile, rising before hugging her.

“Good afternoon, mother.” You and Victor say in unison. She regards you both with a smile and gratitude. She carries herself with confidence, catching the attention of every room she enters. She is a force to be reckoned with, and a hell of an example to live up to. Capturing the affections of a Noble in her very first season.

“The first ball of the season is in just a few hours. Girls, your dresses have arrived and are waiting for you upstairs, go on and get ready we must make haste,” she places her hands on her hips, her gentle tone shifting to a commanding one as she turns to your brother. “Victor do not deter them. They are my daughters, I have more than enough faith in the fact they will conquer this season.”

Lucia, unfazed, exits the room with a small bow. You watch the interaction between your mother and Victor, your movements slow as you make your way toward the door. Your brother’s voice is strained.

“I want what’s best for them. That is all.”

–

Lucia sits on the other side of the room, her hair being pinned up meticulously. She’s the spitting image of your mother, both her and your brother Laurence. Who is nowhere to be found, as per usual. Lainie sits at your feet while the maids fit your dress to your body, accentuating your best features and flattering your flaws. You watch in the mirror as Lainie toys with the fabric of your dress, seven-year-old fingers feeling over the fabric and tracing each embellishment at the bottom.

“This color does nothing for your skin!” She huffs out. “It washes you out. Madame Delacroix should have picked a fabric suited for your skin tone.” Your lip quirks into a smirk as you eye your youngest sister.

“Does it now?”

“The tulle is most unnecessary!” She says matter of factly, a tiny stomp of her foot against the wooden floor. You exchange glances with one of the Lady’s maids, a girl named Lenore with bright red hair and entrancing brown eyes. She stifled a giggle when she met your gaze. Each woman diligently gets you ready, securing the fabric to your body like a glove as well as lifting your hair from your neck, similarly exposing the curve to Lucia and your Mother. Because in your mother’s eyes, the neck is the utmost alluring part of a lady.

As you’re finishing up Laurence comes stumbling into the room, his hair disheveled and his movements languid. Lucia’s gaze sharpens at the sight.

“You’re lucky we’ve already been dressed!” She quips. Lainie hides behind you, clinging to the fabric of your gown as she peers up at Laurence with a glare, mimicking Lucia’s gaze. Though is just as intimidated by her as well. You cast a gaze of pure disappointment onto your brother. He waves his hand dismissively, the smell of booze filling your senses.

“You’re going to drink yourself into an early grave, Laurence.” You scold him and he frowns.

“That’s no way to greet your favorite brother!”

“My favorite brother is my younger one.” Lucia sneers. Laurence has to think for a moment, his mouth agape as he squints are your sister. He whines like a little girl.

“You haven’t got a younger brother!” Which sparks a back and forth. You and Lainie watch, entertained and annoyed. She follows you as you instruct Lenore to fix your brother up before your mother sees and loses her cool.

You exit into the hall, walking as Lainie follows close by like a little duckling. A hand holding onto the fabric of the dress she disliked so much.

“I can’t wait for your wedding.” Lainie chirps. You smile softly, looking down at her. She’s beaming up at you with a smile, a pep in her step as the two of you approach the threshold of your home. The color scheme light with two sets of stairs leading to the upper level of your estate. A footman waiting beside the door for your family.

“Are you still excited to be my flower girl?” You ask and she giggles, nodding. She was a starry-eyed little girl and attached to your hip at all times.

“Do you have an eye on any gentleman?” She asked. You shook her head with a small laugh.

“I will after tonight. I’ll tell you all about it.” You kneel, smoothing out your gown to avoid creasing as you hold both of her hands. She had a few missing teeth, but that did not dull her smile.

–

The ball is held at the estate of the Duke. You know little of the Duke and Duchess, other than they have two sons and a young daughter. Only one of their sons resides with them, the other is overseas. It is rumored that he left to avoid the inevitable faith of becoming the duke after his father. The family is speculated to be distant, their youngest son not often seen with them. Only their daughter is seen with them, her name is Nora. It would only make sense for them to host the first ball of the season, to make things appear as if they are well.

“Do you believe the duke’s son should make an appearance tonight?” Lucia looks to you as if you have the answer. You shake your head.

“No, and if you do not wish to waste your time I would steer clear of that man at all costs. You wish to succumb to the same judgment of his family?” You feel your lips quirk into a smirk, and Lucia sneers.

Your carriage pulls up to the front of the estate, circling a grand fountain with doves soaking in the lower half. Victor assists your mother out of the carriage, and Laurence assists Lucia. Victor takes your hand, helping you step down before waving off the footman.

Both of you stare up at the grand estate, thoroughly impressed by the architecture. Victor grins and hooks his arm through yours, taking you towards the entrance with confident strides.

“Remember, tonight is about making your name known. You may not be the diamond, but you can leave your mark.” He speaks triumphantly, as if leaving your mark was a simple feat.

“Yes, I’ll have every Lord of the Ton swooning.” you turn to your brother with a raised brow. He scoffs.

“Of course you will. We look alike, yes?” to which you take offense, a scoff escaping you. You bite back any clever insult that wishes to claw its way through your throat, knowing full and well you can handle yourself.

Everyone is dressed in their best, presumably aiming to start this season strong. You may as well brand your hip like a horse and race through the season–since people such as Lady Whistledown enjoy watching you closely.

The room is decked in dangling lights that cast an ambery glow about the room, if you look at it from a certain angle there are hints of purple that pass through the prismatic shards. Along the room are potted plants, set high above with dangling lilac-colored plants that hang low, teasing the top of one's hair if you were tall enough.

“Compensating, are we?” Lucia, ever the gossip whispers in your ear as she passes by you with Laurence. A smirk on her lips before she disappears into the crowd. You stifle a laugh, amused. Victor can only shake his head. He leans down low, having caught onto the various gentlemen who have been eyeing you up since you entered.

“The first men to approach you are the ones you weed out. You use them as stepping stones to appear more desirable.” to this you scoff.

“It can’t possibly be that strategic,” you say, keeping your voice low. A pleasant smile is on your lips as you meet the eyes of a few interested gentlemen.

“But it is, sister,” He grins and surveys the room with calculating eyes “Nothing that comes easy is worth keeping.” He rises to his full height as if to guard you as you two turn about the room, his words ringing in your ear.

And the show begins. You earn a few names on your dance card, none that are truly worth remembering in your brother’s eyes. There is a man with gold hair, green eyes, and a thick accent. Lord Luna, is a wealthy man of high status. He approached you first. He did not strike you as desperate, he was friendly and warm and only seemed to pick out girls of high standing.

The second is a man with blonde hair and a mole just beneath his eye. He annoyed you with old and overused lines. You didn’t bother to remember his name.

By the time you’re finished greeting potential suitors your feet hurt from dancing, unable to recall which one stepped on your foot. You return to the crowd beside your brother Laurence, who has indulged in the booze brought by other marriage-weary gentlemen. He’s propped up against one of the rims of the potted plants, a thin leaf pinched between his upper lip and the underside of his nose as if it were facial hair. You grin, standing beside him.

“Surely there is more to interest you than the liquor.” You pry. He sighs dramatically, slinging an arm across your shoulders.

“Worry not, I shall secure you the most pleasant of sisters-in-law.” He gestures to the room, his gaze landing on the town snob. Porsha. She’s a pretty young woman, compensating for her snake-like tendencies by layering herself in the finest silks and jewels. She treats her lady’s maids like dirt, so you’ve heard from Lenore.

“In that case, I shall supply you with the finest of Russian vodka–” To this, his eyes light up. He snickers.

The two of you look up as you feel the energy in the room shift, a powerful force of energy crossing the threshold of the duke’s estate. Skin the color of sand, tawny, and matte with the finest of powders. A bold lip and hair that reached for the sky with intricate designs and elaborate jewels hanging from it. You’re left in awe of the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, a shock to your system, one that hits the rest of the room like a desert storm.

“The first ball of the season?” your brother’s booze-laced breath hit your ear. You wrinkle your nose and shrug, sharing the same confusion.

“It’s unlike Her Majesty to make an appearance so soon.” Your questions are answered when behind her trails a tall man with blonde hair–styled in a fashion you have never quite seen. Longer towards the back, framing his neck before flowing over the collar of his attire. The richest of blues decorate his suit, accompanied by a high black neckline, and black gloves. It is not uncommon for gentlemen to wear gloves, but typically they are white gloves. There is no white in his attire, the dark blues he adorns contrasting his milky skin and blonde hair.

“The new Marquess,” Laurence lowers his voice. While the Marquess walks with his chin held high there is a drag in his step, the only thing missing from this picture is the ball and chain he carries with him.

“That’s him?” You look to your brother whose gaze is glued to the man who had entered the room. Laurence was younger than Victor, to your knowledge he has never seen the marquess. The queen makes her rounds, the room settling back into the comfortable conversation as she approaches only the most noble of families to introduce him to.

“He must be lonely.” You observe. His back turned in your direction as he engaged in forced conversation with the duke and duchess’s daughter. Must be a family thing to always look dejected from conversation.

“A man like himself is never lonely,” your brother pats your arm, turning you around so the marquess is out of your view, the two of you begin to walk about the room. He greets friends of his with drunken grins before pulling you far from them.

“Whatever do you mean?” you ask, dropping your smile for a moment to ask what he was insinuating. His lips set into a line and he sighs.

“He strikes me as what people like to call a Rake.” Your brother grins as if he has not been described as that before. You have little knowledge of the full extent of the word and you’re no longer hellbent on trying to figure it out, leaving men like your brother to their affairs.

“Right. He seems hardly interested in any of these women,” You say as your brother’s steps slow. He takes a drink from a platter and downs it in one swig before setting the empty cup back down. He continues to lead you around the room, pointing at different men.

“As do they.” he points to another man, one you recognize from Lady Whistledown’s scandal sheets. He was described as a rake as well, some man with a weird-looking ponytail. “They are not interested in these women. They know there would be hell to pay if they tried.”

“Tried what?” you inquire and your brother flashes a devilish grin.

“Laurence,” a sharp voice cuts between you and your brother, one that could only belong to your mother. You both turn to meet her gaze, a pleasant smile accompanied by a stare as cold as ice. “I hope you’re not engaging in improper conversation.” She lowers her voice as she stops behind you two. His hand flies to his chest and he gasps, his balance a little off as he wobbles, using you as a support. You scoff.

“Never, I would never taint a lady such as my dear baby sister!” He coos and shakes his head. Your mother’s jaw tenses, the muscles there flexing. The first and only warning sign you two are to receive before you suffer at her hand. He straightens up swiftly, his arm hooking through you properly, and you lower your gaze.

“He was just telling me about some of the suitors,”

“I see.” your mother says, shooing your drunken brother away–he dramatically leans against the wall as she hooks her arm through yours. “Well, you’ve been asked for so you shouldn’t worry your pretty head about any of those men for now.”

“Asked for?” Your interest is piqued as your mother re-routes you the way you came, bringing you to a brighter part of the room.

“By Her Highness.” Your heart hammers against your ribcage at your mother’s words as she leads you closer, the Queens elaborate hair within your view, her back turned so you have a mere few seconds to collect yourself. You must remind yourself that you are of noble standing, though are the lowest of noble ranks. You square your shoulders, trying to soothe the knot in your stomach with a few deep breaths and fanning yourself with your gloved hands.

“Your Majesty,” Your mother’s words bring you back down from the heavens and your arm lowers. You follow suit as your mother bows before the queen, making sure your movements mimic that of swans, as your mother has always taught you. Your head moves after your body in a gentle sway as you rise back up.

The queen’s footman swiftly assists her as she turns, making sure no one steps on the long train of her gown. She certainly stands out, her dress out of fashion. Georgian era? Your eyes flit back up to meet her gaze, a brow quirked as she looked down at you through her nose.

“You have already met Lucia, and I am pleased for you to meet my eldest daughter …”

“Lord Kaiser, this is the young lady I was telling you about,” I beg your finest of pardons? You’re quite aware the queen has withheld the title of diamond, leaving every young lady susceptible to the affections of any worthy gentlemen. The queen is ever so meticulous in her decisions.

He takes your gloved hand into his, the white fabric of yours contrasting the black fabric of his. He places his lips against your knuckles, before slowly raising his head. He was a man who carried himself with faux pride, evident in his soulless blue gaze. His nose is sharp.

“Charmed,” he says as if his voice was being wrung from his vocal box like a damp rag. You almost feel insulted if not for the fact you were trying to escape the cage that was this interaction.

Your mother and the queen exchange glances. And for a fleeting moment, there is a flash of embarrassment in the queen’s eyes. This interaction gained you nothing but the reminder she too can succumb to the feelings those of society can. You feel quite bad for her, the only other solution for her is to put the boy on a leash and lead him around the room like a misbehaving canine. His presence irritates you, such a waste of a handsome face.

The queen leads him off with a silent exit, almost defeated demeanor before she recomposes herself. You and your mother watch in awe, stifling your smirks. A rare sight for a woman as perfect as your mother. She hooks her arm through yours and leans into your ear as you two continue to walk about the room.

“Goodness, Her Majesty has her work cut out for her,” Your mother’s voice exudes amusement. You look over your shoulder, gaze lingering on the back of his head as your smirk unveils itself as your mother’s words. A bratty Marquess being quite the entertainment.

“Sorrows, Prayers.” You thicken your accent and look at your mother who feigns a gasp. The two of you giggling to yourselves as you parade the room.

Your mother dubs the first night of the season a success, though no thanks to your brother Laurence who has indulged in the duke’s family's generous supply of booze. You and your sister triumphantly examine each other’s dance cards, enough names boosting your confidence to take on this season.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━━━ ✧ ₊˚₊

a/n:

Slow burn. 😛 very much so. I’ll make it worth it tho. I went back and re-edit a lot of things so I apologize if there’s any typing errors.

I’m also a student so be patient w me 😛

Tags:

@syleepy

[royalty-nobility]

Archduke Ferdinand II (1529-1595), Knee Piece in Eagle Armor

Artist: Francesco Terzio (Italian, 1523-1591)

Date: c. 1550

Medium: Oil painting

Collection: Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Austria

Description

The knee-length portrait shows Archduke Ferdinand II in the so-called ‘Eagle Garniture’, one of the most expensive ensembles of plate-armour made during that period. Ferdinand is depicted at the height of his regency in Bohemia. He wears his trademark ‘Bohemian hat’, a head-covering made of felt and silver wire. On the table beside him lie a mantled helmet with a red plume, a gauntlet and a red sash. These military accoutrements probably allude to Ferdinand’s military command in Hungary against the Ottoman army in 1556, where he was responsible for the organisation of supplies of food and munitions for the royal fortress of Szigetvár.

When Archduke Ferdinand II was appointed regent of Bohemia in 1547, his exceptional position as supreme representative of the House of Austria demanded a display of magnificence at court. This also included operating an armoury, which produced not only military equipment but also suits of plate-armour and accoutrements for courtly tournaments. Armourers who worked for Ferdinand included the Nuremberg-born Wolf Keser (also Kheser), Melchior Pfeiffer and Wolfgang Kaiser. One Francesco Ligozzi (also Ligotza) is also mentioned as a ‘harnischmaister’ (master harnesser).

The Court Armoury was kept very busy supplying equipment for the numerous tournaments that Ferdinand hosted, notably those in 1556, 1559 and 1560. New suits of armour were also made for the Hungarian campaign of 1556. The Prague harnesses are typified by their elegant lines, compact, rounded shape and high waist. Other remarkable features include the burgonets made in two pieces, a striking motif of scales on the gorgets with powerful corded edges and the lames (overlapping plates) of the pauldrons (shoulder-guards) divided into two sections.

[webuiltthiscity]

Upcoming Shows - Oct. 2024

Oct. 3 - Glen Hansard at the Fillmore

Oct. 4 - Jack White at the Great American Music Hall

Oct. 6 - English Teacher at the Rickshaw Stop

Oct. 6 - Sego at the Kilowatt

Oct. 7 - Patti Smith at Henry J. Kaiser Center in Oakland

Oct. 8 - Phosphorescent at August Hall

Oct. 8-9 The Sisters of Mercy at the Masonic

Oct. 9 - Tegan and Sara at the Swedish American Hall

Oct. 10 - Blonde Redhead at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Oct. 10 - Soul Asylum at the Regency Grand Ballroom

Oct. 10-11 PJ Harvey at the Masonic

Oct. 12 - Cola at the Bottom of the Hill

Oct. 13 - Cassandra Jenkins at the Rickshaw Stop

Oct. 14 - Sunset Rubdown at the Independent

Oct. 15 - Hinds at The Chapel

Oct. 15-16 - Sunny Day Real Estate at August Hall

Oct. 18 - Nada Surf at the Great American Music Hall

Oct. 19 - Shannon and the Clams at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Oct. 20 - Stars at The Chapel

Oct. 21-23 - Julien Baker at Bimbo’s

Oct. 21 - The Bug Club at the Kilowatt

Oct. 22 - Clem Snide at the Ivy Room in Albany

Oct. 27 - Jerry Paper at the Rickshaw Stop

Nov. 3-4 - Aimee Mann at the Fillmore

Nov. 3 - Black Lips at the Rickshaw Stop

Nov. 5 - Modest Mouse at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Nov. 6 - Jason Lytle at the Chapel

Nov. 6 - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard at the Regency Grand Ballroom

Nov. 7 - The The at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Nov. 7 - La Luz at the Great American Music Hall

Nov. 11 - Iguana Death Cult at the Kilowatt

Nov. 12 - Matthew Sweet at the Chapel

Nov. 12 - Washed Out at the Regency Grand Ballroom

Nov. 15 - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at the Fillmore

Nov. 21 - Husbands at the Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley

Nov. 22 - Fake Fruit at the Chapel

Dec. 6-7 - The Dandy Warhols at Bimbo’s

Dec. 10-14 - Social Distortion at the Fillmore

Dec. 10 - The Toasters at the Ivy Room in Albany

Dec. 11-14 - Jonathan Richman at the Ivy Room in Albany

Dec. 12 - Allegra Krieger at the Bottom of the Hill

Dec. 13 - Wishy at the Bottom of the Hill

Dec. 16-17 - X at the Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley

Dec. 30-31 - Primus at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Jan. 15-16 Frank Black at the Fillmore

Jan. 20 - Alan Sparhawk at the Great American Music Hall

Jan. 25 - Windows95man at August Hall

Jan. 25-26 - Ani DiFranco at the Fillmore

Feb. 8 - Cursive at August Hall

Feb. 14 - Guster at the Fox Theater in Oakland

Feb. 17-18 - MJ Lenderman at the Independent

Feb. 28 - Soccer Mommy at the Fillmore

Mar. 17 - Pom Pom Squad at the Rickshaw Stop Mar. 28 - Franz Ferdinand at the Warfield

April 4 - Rubblebucket at August Hall

May 14 - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

May 23 - Gang of Four at the Chapel

[distilinfo]

Innovative Alliance: 8 Payers Elevate Value-Based Care

Eight major healthcare payers in Washington state, including UnitedHealthcare, Regence BlueShield, and Kaiser Permanente Washington, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote value-based care models. This pivotal agreement marks a shift from traditional fee-for-service models to a more collaborative, quality-focused approach to primary care. The pact emphasizes alternative payment models that incentivize quality over quantity, aiming to ensure coordinated and effective patient care. The payers involved are committed to streamlining onboarding processes for providers, developing specific payment frameworks with quality incentives, and fostering alignment among payers and providers. This transition to value-based care will require primary care providers to adapt to new payment structures, invest in technology and training, and focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This initiative is expected to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider satisfaction, and create a more sustainable healthcare system, setting a precedent for other states to follow. For more details, visit Distilinfo Healthplan.

Read more: https://distilinfo.com/healthplan/8-payers-boost-value-based-care/

Discover the latest payers’ news updates with a single click. Follow DistilINFO HealthPlan and stay ahead with updates. Join our community today!

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The History of the Title of Queen

By: Jone Johnson Lewis, 18 November 2019

In English, the word for a female ruler is "queen," but that's also the word for the spouse of a male ruler.

Where did the title come from, and what are some variations on the title in common usage?

In English, the word “queen” apparently developed simply as a designation of the king's wife, from the word for wife, cwen.

It is a cognate with the Greek root gyne (as in gynecology, misogyny) meaning woman or wife, and with the Sanskrit janis meaning woman.

Among the Anglo-Saxon rulers of pre-Norman England, the historical record does not always even record the name of the king’s wife, as her position was not considered one requiring a title (and some of those kings had multiple wives, perhaps at the same time; monogamy was not universal at the time).

The position gradually evolves towards the current sense, with the word “queen.”

The first time a woman in England was crowned—with a coronation ceremony—as queen was in the 10th century CE:

The queen Aelfthryth or Elfrida, wife of King Edgar "the Peaceable," stepmother of Edward "the Martyr," and mother of King Ethelred (Aethelred) II "the Unready" or "Poorly Counseled."

English is unusual in having a word for female rulers that is rooted in a woman-oriented word.

In many languages, the word for a woman ruler is derived from a word for male rulers:

Roman Augusta (for women related to the emperor); emperors were titled Augustus.

Spanish reina; king is rey

French reine; king is roi

German for king and queen: König und Königin

German for emperor and empress: Kaiser und Kaiserin

Polish is król i królowa

Croatian is kralj i kraljica

Finnish is kuningas ja kuningatar

Scandinavian languages use a different word for king and queen, but the word for queen is derived from a word meaning “master”:

Swedish kung och drottning, Danish or Norwegian konge og dronning, Icelandic konungur og drottning

Hindi uses rājā and rānī; rānī derives from Sanskrit rājñī which is in turn derived from rājan for king, as is rājā

A queen consort is the wife of a reigning king.

The tradition of a separate coronation of a queen consort developed slowly and was unevenly applied.

Marie de Medici, for instance, was queen consort of King Henry IV of France.

There were only queens consort, no reigning queens of France, as French law assumed Salic Law for the sake of the royal title.

The first queen consort in England that we can find to have been crowned in a formal ceremony and coronation, Aelfthryth, lived in the 10th century CE.

Henry VIII infamously had six wives. Only the first two had formal coronations as queen, but the others were known as queens during the time their marriages endured.

Ancient Egypt didn't use a variation on the male rulership term, pharaoh, for queens consort.

They were called the Great Wife, or God's Wife.

In Egyptian theology, Pharaohs were considered incarnations of the gods.

A regent is someone who governs when the sovereign or monarch is unable to do so, due to being a minor, being absent from the country, or a disability.

Some queen consorts were briefly rulers in the stead of their husbands, sons or even grandsons, as regents for their male relative.

However, the power was supposed to return to the males when the minor child reached his majority or when the absent male returned.

The king's wife was often a choice for a regent, as she could be trusted to have the interests of her husband or son as a priority, and be less likely than one of many nobles to turn on the absent or minor or disabled king.

Isabella of France, English queen consort of Edward II and mother of Edward III, is infamous in history for having deposed her husband, later having him murdered, and then trying to hold on to the regency for her son even after he reached his majority.

The Wars of the Roses arguably began with disputes around the regency for Henry IV, whose mental condition kept him from ruling for some time.

Margaret of Anjou, his queen consort, played a very active and controversial role during Henry's periods described as insanity.

Although France did not recognize the right of a woman to inherit a royal title as queen, many French queens served as regents, including Louise of Savoy.

A queen regnant is a woman who rules in her own right, rather than exercising power as a wife of a king or even a regent.

Through most of history, succession was agnatic (through male heirs) with primogeniture being a common practice, where the eldest was first in succession (occasional systems where younger sons were preferred have also existed).

In the 12th century, Norman King Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, faced an unexpected dilemma near the end of his life:

His only surviving legitimate son died when his ship capsized en route from the continent to the island.

William had his nobles swear support for his daughter’s right to rule in her own right: Empress Matilda, already widowed from her first marriage to the Holy Roman Emperor.

When Henry I died, many of the nobles supported her cousin Stephen instead, and a civil war ensued, with Matilda never being formally crowned as queen regnant.

In the 16th century, consider the effect of such rules on Henry VIII and his multiple marriages, probably largely inspired by trying to get a male heir when he and his first wife Catherine of Aragon had only a living daughter, no sons.

On the death of Henry VIII’s son, King Edward VI, Protestant supporters tried to install the 16-year-old Lady Jane Grey as queen.

Edward had been persuaded by his advisors to name her as his successor, contrary to his father’s preference that Henry’s two daughters would be given preference in succession, even though his marriages to their mothers had been annulled and the daughters declared, at various times, to be illegitimate.

However, that effort was abortive, and after just nine days, Henry’s elder daughter, Mary, was declared queen as Mary I, England’s first queen regnant.

Other women, through Queen Elizabeth II, have been queen's regnant in England and Great Britain.

Some European legal traditions prohibited women from inheriting lands, titles and offices.

This tradition, known as Salic Law, was followed in France, and there were no queens regnant in France’s history.

Spain followed Salic Law at times, leading to a 19th-century conflict over whether Isabella II could reign.

In the early 12th century, Urraca of Leon and Castile ruled in her own right. Later, Queen Isabella ruled Leon and Castile in her own right and Aragon as co-ruler with Ferdinand.

Isabella’s daughter, Juana, was the only remaining heir at Isabella’s death. She became the queen of Leon and Castile, while Ferdinand continued to rule Aragon until his death.

In the 19th century, Queen Victoria's firstborn was a daughter. Victoria did later have a son who then moved ahead of his sister in the royal queue.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, several royal houses of Europe have removed the male-preference rule from their succession rules.

A dowager is a widow holding a title or property that was her late husband's.

The root word is also found in the word "endow."

Among the British peerage, a dowager continues to use the female form of her late husband's title so long as the present male title-holder does not have a wife.

When the present male title-holder marries, his wife assumes the female form of his title and the title used by the dowager is the female title prepended with Dowager ("Dowager Countess of ...") or by using her first name before the title ("Jane, Countess of ...").

The title "Dowager Princess of Wales" or "Princess Dowager of Wales" was given to Catherine of Aragon when Henry VIII arranged to annul their marriage.

This title refers to Catherine's previous marriage to Henry's older brother, Arthur, who was still Prince of Wales at his death, widowing Catherine.

At the time of the marriage of Catherine and Henry, it was alleged that Arthur and Catherine had not consummated their marriage due to their youth, freeing Henry and Catherine to avoid the church prohibition on marriage to one's brother's widow.

At the time Henry wanted to obtain an annulment of the marriage, he alleged that Arthur and Catherine's marriage had been valid, providing grounds for the annulment.

A dowager queen whose son or daughter is currently ruling is called a Queen Mother.

Several recent British queens have been called Queen Mother.

Queen Mary of Teck, mother of Edward VIII and George VI, was popular and known for her intelligence.

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who did not know when she married that her brother-in-law would be pressured to abdicate and that she would become queen, was widowed when George VI died in 1952.

As the mother of the reigning Queen Elizabeth II, she was known as Queen Mum until her death 50 years later in 2002.

When the first Tudor king, Henry VII, was crowned, his mother, Margaret Beaufort, acted much as if she were the Queen Mother, though because she had never been a queen herself, the title Queen Mother was not official.

Some queen mothers were also regents for their sons if the son was not yet of age to take on the monarchy, or when their sons were out of the country and unable to rule directly.

[heich0e]

on the eighth (or is it ninth? they all seem to blur together) night of you and kaiser's honeymoon—if you can really call it that—when kaiser is lulling you to sleep by petting your hair with your head on his thigh, and your hands are twisted into angry fists in the sheets of your marital bed, he lovingly murmurs something to the effect of "oh, my little wife. you'll be so much happier once you stop this sulking."

and you have a vivid flashback to that exact moment a year later, sitting in the rose garden with michael's head in your lap, now, while you read to him from the newest book he brought home to you as a gift from town. the intrusive thought startles you so terribly that you lose your place on the page. an unplaceable ache throbs in your chest, like a phantom pain, as the memory comes flooding back.

and you realize he was right.

[yukinohiko]

Results are in! Kaiser won my Regency AU poll — incoming soon, Marquess (Markgraf) Kaiser fic

[drosera-nepenthes]

The Cumberland Wedding

The wedding of Princess Alexandra of Cumberland to the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, which takes place at Gotlinden next Wednesday, is an event of more than family interest; for the position of the bride's father is a disturbing element to the German Empire, of which the bridegroom's sovereignty forms part. The Duchess of Cumberland, who is Queen Alexandra's sister, was married in 1878, a few months after the death of the King of Hanover, whose Kingdom was united to the Prussian Crown after the war of 1866. Since then the Hanoverian succession has been disputed , the victory in 1871, when the King of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor at Versailles, making the position of the possessors all the stronger. The Duke of Cumberland, the only son of the ex-King, has also a claim in respect of the revenues of the Duchies of Brunswick and Luneburg, which he claims. Last year, it was hoped that a rapproachement would take place, as the Duke and Duchess were staying at Copenhagen with King Christian, the Duchess's father, when the German Emperor was expected to spend a couple of days there; but a few days before the Kaiser was to arrive, the Duke and Duchess left the Danish Court and returned to Gmunden, their beautiful home in Upper Austria. Rumour also had it that a marriage would be arranged between the Crown Prince of Prussia and one of the Cumberland Princesses, of whom there are two unmarried, Princess Alexandra, born in 1882, and Princess Olga, born 1884; the eldest, Princess Marie, was married four years ago to Prince Max of Baden. The Duke's elder son, Prince George, who is twenty-four, holds a commission in an Austrian regiment; and it may be that the reconciliation between the German Sovereign and the Cumberlands will come through his marriage. The Duke fo Cumberland is a great-grandson of George III, and as the son of a sovereign ranks as a Royal Highness; he is entitled to sit in the House of Lords, his dignities being Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale and Earl of Armagh, conferred in 1799 on his grandfather. His mother, the ex-Queen of Hanover, who lives principally at Gmunden, was born the same year as Queen Victoria and is the eldest daughter of the late Duke of Saxe-Altenburg.

The bridegroom of next week, H.R.H. The Grand Duke of Meckelnburg-Schwerin, who, liked the bride, can only count twenty-four years, was but fifteen years old when he succeeded his father; and as the income of the Duchy was carefully tended during his minory by the Regency of his uncle, Duke John, he is to be counted among the wealthy German Princes. One of his sisters is married to Prince Christian of Denmark, eldest son of the Crown Prince, and cousin of Princess Alexandra of Cumberland; the other, the Duchess Cecilie, is in her eighteenth year. His mother, a Russian Grand Duchess, is a sister of that Grand Duke Michael who has practically settled in England, and whose beautiful wife (a morganatic alliance) is known as the Countess Torby. Another connection with Russia is that the Duchess Marie, the bridegroom's aunt, is the wife of the Grand Duke Vladimir (the Tsar's uncle and eventual heir), whose son, the Grand Duke Cyril, recently came near to death at Port Arthur. The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin's marriage is a matter of considerable interest to his six hundred thousand subjects, as the next heir is a Catholic, and the reigning family has long been Lutheran. Rostock, principal town of the Grand Duchy, boasts a University of which the Grand Duke is Chancellor.

Black and White, June 4, 1904

[kontextmaschine]

Finally picked my ObamaCare for the year. First year I realized I'm not really choosing between Regence, Moda, Providence, BridgeSpan, PacificSource and Kaiser Permanente and their branded hospitals but rather the Choice, Beacon, RealValue, Connect, Navigator, OHSU, Alliance, Legacy, and Kaiser provider networks with insurer frontends

Every now and then Eurotrash is like "why didn't you silly Amerimutts think of incorporating health care as a public service?!"

There've been several attempts to establish it, ObamaCare and "HillaryCare" just in my lifetime. Ronald Reagan dropped a spoken word album against one in 1961!

The thing is we never had a Prussian model of national welfare (the VA comes pretty close tho!) and we never had a united party in a strong enough position as Clement Attlee's Labour founding the NHS after WWII

Doctors, who as a pillar of local communities as practice-owning professionals, up there with lawyers and ministers as the postgraduate-educated, heavily Republican elite outside of major cities, didn't want to be employees or civil servants!

Of course since then insurers and I guess these middleman networks climbed upstream of them, to the point I hear the chance for doctors to be salaried, clock in-and-out at regular hours employees of like ZoomCare is now more appealing.

And everyone assumes their country as the default others are on teleological path towards so then they're like "Ah, now nothings stopping you!" But like, these corps took the bag from doctors after doctors defended it from Congress, why would you assume Congress can take the bag from them?

…

Also, gentry takes capital gains, not income, so I qualify for some nice subsidies and cost-sharing, that feels a little weird.

[suguwu]

BEE THAT KAISER POST…. I’m going to lose it

sljdkfljsdf az this made me cackle!!! he's just so good for a manipulative regency au to me!!! i really think he's soooo unbothered by the ton—he knows how to play the game better than anyone, really—but the second he realizes there's a chance of losing you he just. rigs the game.