#v.worldbuilding

[housekonig]

The Royal Archives | Journal Entries: Queen Violet Pt. II

[Then Princess of Belen photographed at one of her private residences]

15 May 184X

Dear Lady L., How I aches for the gentleness of Armorica as I find myself trapped in the intricate web of courtly and royal obligations. Since the wedding's conclusion, the solemn duty of court has begun, ushering in a world of politics that is both captivating and treacherous. My experiences at court have been far from gracious. Despite my rank as the Crown Princess, there are those who refuse to acknowledge my presence, dismissively averting their gazes as I pass by. Many of the ladies, whose apartments I ought to be welcomed into as a matter of decorum, conveniently overlook extending invitations. It is a disheartening situation, for my education, my age, and my political acumen seem to breed jealousy and spite among them. The Duchess of [REDACTED], Lady [REDACTED], and the Duchess of [REDACTED] are among the main culprits in this disdainful display.

[Left: The Prince and Princess of Belen pose in front of Langston House with staff c. 186X; The Prince and Princess of Belen (standing) pose with The King and Queen of Vernick (seated), King Chandler XVII and Queen Victoria]

In such circumstances, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support of my husband, my handsome Willy. He stands as a pillar of strength and support. Seeing my struggles, he endeavors to improve my condition in any way he can. He delights in showering me with jewels, a small respite from the trials I face. He is truly my rock, granting me a level of independence rarely afforded to ladies of my station. He ensures that I have agency over managing part of my dowry and affairs. This only serves to further fuel the disdain of the ladies at court, who despise any woman that dares to defy the norms of royal court. The challenges I face in this foreign land are abundant, stretching far beyond the mere discomfort of unfamiliarity. I am grappling with the language barrier, feeling like a solitary island amidst a vast sea of foreign words, striving to grasp the intricacies of conversations that swirl around me. The language barrier leaves me feeling like a solitary island amidst a sea of foreign words, struggling to grasp the nuance of conversations. The food here is bland, colorless, and unappetizing, confounding my taste buds with its lackluster flavors. Each meal is a reminder of the culinary delights I have left behind in Armorica. But perhaps the greatest challenge of all lies in the isolation I feel within the gilded walls of court. Though my ladies-in-waiting provide a semblance of companionship within the confines of my apartments, their kindness is often veiled, hidden from the prying eyes of their Vernick born friends and family. In these moments, I am acutely aware that I am but a guest in their world, a seemingly perpetual outsider despite my elevated status and father's patronage. This is but the beginning of my journey in Vernick, a path that seems daunting and treacherous. However, I will not allow the challenges faced at court to dim my spirit. Within me resides the resilient heart of a princess, determined to carve a place of belonging against all odds. With my Willy steadfastly by my side, I know that I can face any challenge with unwavering resolve. He is my guiding light, finding ways to sprinkle joy into the tapestry of my existence. Yours in service, VK

@armoricaroyalty

[housekonig]

The Royal Archives | Journal Entries: Queen Violet Pt. 1

[Then Princess of Belen, Violet König, nee Blythe photographed in the throne room at Chandler's Keep in 184X the day after her wedding.]

In the late 18th century, a wave of economic prosperity swept across the kingdom, transforming previously unknown industrial families into household names. Foreign heiresses subsequently emerged on the marriage market, seeking nobility, titles, and prestige to complement their fathers' already substantial fortunes. And yet, of all the wealthy Armorican brides, it was Violet Blythe who truly whose fortune captured both the heart and treasury of the then King and Queen of Vernick. Violet would go on to defy and redefine societal norms during her time as Crown Princess and eventually as Queen. Violet Blythe was born into an Armorican family of whale industry barons, with a fortune that seemed to increase with every passing season. She was known for her beauty, her shrewd wit, musical genius, and her fierce determination to live life on her own terms. It was this unyielding spirit (and her father's business connections) that led her to reject suitors of equal wealth, choosing instead to offer her hand in marriage to the Prince of Vernick. Despite decades of hostility from the royal court, Violet proved her worth. She navigated political waters with ease, winning over the skeptics with her principles,intelligence, and commitment to Vernick. Over time, she became a force in the transformation of the kingdom, taking on projects that helped expand public education, improve roads, and using her dowry to expand and maintain royal palace, while earning her respect from the nobility.

[Left: The Prince and Princess of Belen on their wedding day in 184X in the Keep's Throne Room; Right: Princess Violet in full-regalia following her investitures as a Princess of Vernick]

However, Violet's path was never easy. She was greeted with suspicion and disdain from certain quarters, who resented the intrusion of a foreigner into their court. As the years wore on, she also faced increasing isolation, living in a kingdom that refused to welcome anyone outside of their own traditions. But Violet refused to be broken. She leveraged her wealth to build institutions of education at a time when women's schooling was not yet widely accepted. She also invested in palaces and cultural events, hoping to expose the people of Vernick to the beauty of Armorican arts and culture. Violet Blythe's journey is one of resilience, determination, and ultimate triumph. She defied societal expectations and rose to become one of the most powerful women in the kingdom, all while using her wealth and influence to fortify and preserve a fragile kingdom on the edge of the continent. Truly, she is a woman worth remembering.

Violet was created by @armoricaroyalty

[housekonig]

Queen Maxima-Edwina's Sapphire Wedding Parure

(I HAD to try @royaltysimblr's new set! It's gorgeous!!!)

Queen Maxima Edwina (not pictured here) was the consort to HM King Richard II of Vernick. Married in 183x, Queen Maxima's in-laws commissioned the set from the royal jeweler as a gift to their new daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, it would be nearly 50 years before Queen Estephany would wear and popularize the set. War and international division rendered tiaras and the likes "poor taste due to the strife," a historian would later write.

The parure was a favorite of Queen Estephany, Queen Maxima's grandson's consort, and after popularizing the set, future queens and duchesses would wear it on and after their wedding day. See the tiara throughout the years below (images have descriptions and character info).

[housekonig]

(HQ Version)

[housekonig]

Return to the Old...a little

the most recent round of asks by @crownsofesha has me missing when the community wasn't just BTS. so i want to start some old schools collabs again, random media post, and lore & world building.

im thinking of doing the following and invite others to continue/join in if interested!

journal entries from previous monarchs

important laws/events

histories of jewels and royal residences

fun facts

historic updates

my goal is to do the first today, with an entry from Queen Violet.

[housekonig]

I've already scheduled my next post for today ( yay!). And since the upcoming post will feature some new characters, I thought now would be a great time to share the character page. It's broken into Royal, non-royal, and staff characters and will change and grow as the story progresses. Feel free to ask any questions and continue enjoying (if you are) the story.

You can view it here on mobile and desktop (more functional on the desktop).

[housekonig]

TOUR OF THE PALACE! TOUR OF THE PALACE! TOUR OF THE PALACE !🙏🥹

It’s coming! I promise. I’m trying to think of the best way since some parts are just rooms built and used as sets for the story. I aim to put together a booklet or pdf and try to use videos where I can. I want it to do it well AND have history to present.

[housekonig]

Who was the shortest-reigning leader in your world? Is there any reason why their reign was so short?

King William (Wilehm) II of Vernick (1809-1810) is Vernick's shortest-reigning monarch. His predecessors had lengthy reigns, so he was pretty old when he ascended to the throne, and the stress, plus a life of excess, was too much for his body, in addition to him not wanting to be king.

He did make history, though. After his death, Vernick adopted a less grand ascension ceremony, replacing the expensive centuries-old coronation with the simpler ascension (real-world Denmark) they practice today. With William's coronation the year before, the government didn't want to fund a state funeral and another coronation for his heir, King Edward V of Vernick.

Thanks for the ask!!

[housekonig]

3, 16, & 29 for royal simblr worldbuilding!

3. If your monarch died with no legitimate heirs and no chosen successor, who would become the next monarch?

Since their entire myth is based on the founding descendants still ruling, they'd look to their next closest kin. Or anyone with a legitimate enough claim. If none are found, they'd vote on the next eligible noble family.

16. How popular and well-respected is your monarch and the institution of monarchy?

The institution is very respected. Vernickians can be pretty strong nativist, so their monarchy is the bedrock of that culture - even when they critiquing the system. For Nora, they love and adore her because ties the only Queen many generations have known. I will say things are starting to change, as they live longer lives and become bigger and more expensive.

29. How actively do members of the royal family participate in parenting? Are royal children raised by their parents, by extended family, or by staff?

They're fairly active-especially as time has gone on. They still rely on nannies and help because of their schedules. But compared to Victorian era royals they are very active. It's a little different for children in the main line of succession, as ty do receive a more formalized education that even the government has a say in. For examples, future monarchs are strongly discouraged from attending schools outside of the kingdom.

Thanks for the ask!

[housekonig]

8, 9, 20, and 21!

8. How are members of your royal family styled (e.g., His Royal Highness, Her Royal Majesty,  etc.)

Their system is similar to the BRF. So the monarch is his/her/their Royal Majesty and everyone else is styled his or her Royal Highness.

9. How formal is your royal family in public? How formal is your royal family in private?

Publicly they're extremely formal. It's almost religious. Privately it varies. Depending on the people. For example, even in private they curtsy to the Queen. But two of her children call her "Mom" and her heir says ma'am. For them, the formality in private is needed to justify everything else.

20. Do members of your royal family marry for love, or are they expected to enter into arranged marriages?

Although marrying for love has become more popular and the norm, the way class and wealth work, they in essence do end up in marriages to people of a certain class and background. And in a world of republics and democracies, a Royal to Royal wedding is even more coveted and desired but they'd never say that out lead.

21. Can members of your royal family marry whomever they wish, or are they required to get approval from the monarch or other governing bodies?

Permission is required for the first 7 members in the line of succession legally. Informally, all family members tend to ask out of respect and in protection of the crown and their family.

Thanks! This was fun.

[housekonig]

SCENE CORRECTION: The name here says Olivia but after thought and realization we have have some current and future royal Olivia's I went with a different name. I think one more post will say Olivia but afterwards, expect Gwen.