timesimmer

[timesimmer]

1310 Decade End Summary - Royal Family Edition

Here is an update of where the royal and noble families are at the end of 1319.

House Stagfield

King Philip (Gen 1) - 33 years old

Lady Edrea Ashdown (Gen 1) - 40 years old

Arthur Fitzroy (Gen 2) - 8 years old

Princess Letha (Gen 2) - 10 years old

Prince Philip (Gen 2) - 6 years old

Princess Margery (Gen 2) - 5 years old

Queen Genevieve (Gen 1) - 31 years old

Sir Nehemiah (Gen 1) - 31 years old

Prince Evrard (Gen 1) - 31 years old

Princess Fiora (Gen 1) 31 years old

House Dalriada

King Duncan (Gen 1) - 47 years old

Queen Moira (Gen 1) - 37 years old

Prince Ewan (Gen 2) - 19 years old

Princess Fiona (Gen 2) - 11 years old

Princess Alisa (Gen 2) - 7 years old

Princess Mary (Gen 2) - 5 years old

Princess Ceanna Stagfield (Gen 2) - 11 years old

House Gilbert

Earl Ronan (Gen 2) - 6 years old

Lady Annora (Gen 2) - 9 years old

House Davenport

Baron Trystrem (Gen 1) - 44 years old

Baroness Catelyn (Gen 1)- 34 years old

Lady Amelia (Gen 2)- 1 years old

Lord George (Gen 2) - 16 years old

Lady Antonia (Gen 2) - 18 years old

House Clarillot

Queen Dowager Emma (Gen 1)- 37 years old

Princess Isabella (Gen 2) - 13 years old

Princess Blanche (Gen 2) - 13 years old

Prince Louis (Gen 2) - 7 years old

King Geoffroi (Gen 2) - 16 years old

Queen Margaret (Gen 2) - 16 years old

House Brabant

Duke Pierre (Gen 1) - 25 years old

Princess Anais (Gen 1) - 25 years old

Lady Cateline (Gen 2) - 7 years old

Lady Eleanor (Gen 2) - 2 years old

House Almanzor

Queen Regent Ines (Gen 0) - 52 years old

Princess Dionora (Gen 2) - 9 years old

Princess Constance (Gen 2) - 3 years old

Deaths 1310 to 1319: (18 sims)

King Henri I: (1254 -1314) / Age: 60 years old

King Henri II: (1285 - 1315) / Age: 30 years old

Princess Marie Clarillot: (1310-1310) / Age: 0 years old

Prince Henri Clarillot: (1314- 1316) / Age: 2 years old

Prince Robert Clarillot: (1316-1316) / Age: 0 years old

Duke Charles Brabant: (1265-1318) / Age: 53 years old

Lord Richard Brabant: (1315-1315) / Age: 0 years old

Princess Elise Almanzor: (1289-1316) / Age: 27 years old

Prince Adrian Alamanzor: (1281-1316) / Age: 35 years old

Princess Carlota Alamanzor (1312-1313) /Age: 1 years old

King Mateo Alamanzor (1267-1318) / Age: 51 years old

Countess Synnove Gilbert (1265-1316) / Age: 51 years old

Earl Nolan Gilbert (1289-1315) / Age: 26 years old

Countess Eda Gilbert (1296-1315) / Age: 19 years old

Countess Cecilia Gilbert (1289-1310) / Age: 21 years old

Lady Rose Gilbert (1308-1313) / Age: 5 years old

Lady Wilmaette Stagfield (1308-1313) / Age: 5 years old

Lady Jane Stagfield (1314-1314) / Age: 0 years old

Lord Edmund Stagfield (1315-1315) / Age: 0 years old

Lady Elsa Davenport (1313-1318) / Age: 5 years old

Prince Fin Dalriada (1313-1314) / Age: 1 years old

[timesimmer]

1310 Decade End Summary

Here is an update of where my main household and side household are at the end of 1319.

Main Household - Blackburne Family at beginning of 1310.

Blackburne Family in 1319 (7 sims with one more on the way)

Selena Blackburne (Gen 1) - 37 years old

Alexander Blackburne (Gen 2) - 18 years old

Lilyana Blackburne (Gen 2) - 18 years old

Beatrice Blackburne (Gen 2)- 12 years old

Brenna Blackburne (Gen 2)- 7 years old

Lucia Blackburne (Gen 2)- 5 years old

Ingerid Blackburne (Gen 3)- 1 years old

Side Household - Blackburne (4 sims with one more on the way)

Thomas Blackburne (Gen 2): 17 years old

Una Blackburne (Gen 2): 17 years old

Katharine Blackburne (Gen 3): 2 years old

Isaac Blackburne (Gen 3): 2 years old

Side Household - Smith in 1310

Side Household - Smith/Atwood Family in 1319 (4 sims)

Elizabeth Atwood - (Gen 2): 17 years old

Kingsley Atwood - (Gen 2): 17 years old

Henry Smith - (Gen 2): 13 years old

Faran Smith - (Gen 2): 9 years old

Side Household - Hicrest in 1310

Side Household - Hicrest Family in 1319 (6 sims)

Eloise Hicrest - (Gen 2): 15 years old

Oliver Hicrest - (Gen 2): 13 years old

Elric Hicrest - (Gen 2): 9 years old

Angus Hicrest - (Gen 2): 4 years old

Side Household - Blackburne in 1310

Side Household - Ravn / Vorona Family in 1319 (7 sims)

Alaric Ravn - (Gen 1): 32 years old

Iona Ravn - (Gen 1): 21 years old

Gregory Ravn - (Gen 2): 8 years old

Philippa Ravn - (Gen 2): 7 years old

Nadya Vorona - (Gen 1): 31 years old

James Vorona - (Gen 2): 13 years old

Ameera Vorona - (Gen 2): 11 years old

Generation 1 Blackburne Siblings in 1310

Generation 1 Blackburne Siblings in 1319

Blackburne Siblings - Generation 2 (1319)

Deaths 1310 to 1319: (10 sims)

Eden Blackburne - (1255 - 1311) / Age: 56

Basil Smith - (1312 - 1312) / Age: 0

Edward Blackburne - (1282 - 1313) / Age: 31

Rowena Hicrest (nee Blackburne) - (1284 - 1315) / Age: 31

Gregory Smith - (1278 - 1315) / Age: 37

Edward Blackburne II (1309 -1317) / Age: 8

William Atwood - (1317 - 1317) / Age: 0

John Atwood - (1317 - 1318) / Age: 1

Wyat Hicrest (1278 - 1318) / Age: 40

Ornelle Smith (nee Blackburne) - (1278 - 1319) / Age: 41

[timesimmer]

1319 Royal Updates

Here are the birthdays, marriages, and deaths of the royal side households in the year 1319. This list will not include anyone from my main household or any of the Blackburne siblings, and their families (Smith, Hicrest, and Vorona/Ravn "formally Blackburne").

House Stagfield

Birthdays:

Stephen Bright - Age: 13 years old / Lifestage: Teen

Prince Evrard - Age: 31 years old / Lifestage: Teen

Duchess Fiora - Age: 31 years old / Lifestage: Adult

Queen Genevieve - Age: 31 years old / Lifestage: Adult

House Davenport

Marriages/Betrothals:

Marriage between Lord George Davenport & Lady Antonia Gilbert

House Dalriada

Birthdays:

Princess Mary - Age: 5 years old / Lifestage: Child

[timesimmer]

1319 update for the Blackburne clan and the three side households (Smith, Hicrest, and Vorona/Ravn "formally Blackburne").

Birthdays:

Ingerid Blackburne - Age: 3 months old / Lifestage: Infant

Henry Smith - Age: 13 years old / Lifestage: Teen

Oliver Hicrest - Age: 13 years old / Lifesage: Teen

Iona Ravn- Age: 21 years old / Lifestage: Young Adult

Beatrice Blackburne - 13 years old / Lifestage: Teen

Nadya Vorona- 31 years old / Lifestage: Adult

Deaths:

Ornelle Smith - Age: 41 years old / COD: Hunger

Marriages/Betrothals:

Marriage between Alaric & Iona Ravn

[timesimmer]

The church bells chimed, their melody a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Antonia's heart. As she stood looking at her reflection in the stained-glass window a haunting reminder of the life she could have had.

And then she saw him. Thomas Blackburne, his presence as unexpected as it was unwelcome. His eyes met hers, a silent plea etched upon his face. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, a bittersweet memory of a love lost and a future denied.

"Antonia," he began, his voice barely a whisper. "You shouldn't do this."

His words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the occasion. Antonia's heart ached with longing, but she knew she couldn't give in to her desires.

"Thomas," she replied, her voice steady, "this is my fate."

"No, there has to be a way." Thomas let out a long breathe before he continued. "I know that I can't ask you to leave with me. I lost that right the day I married Una. But you shouldn't do this for me or for anyone else. You should leave for yourself. He will never make you happy."

Lord George, a man of privilege and arrogance, approached them, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice laced with contempt.

"I was just saying goodbye to an old friend," Thomas replied, his voice calm.

George scoffed. "A peasant like you, befriending a lady of my station? Preposterous!"

With a swift movement, George shoved Thomas aside, his anger palpable. Thomas, though taken aback, remained composed. He knew that a confrontation would only worsen the situation. He gave one last look at Antonia, looking for her answer. All she could do was shake her head. His head hung low, Thomas turned and walked away.

As the ceremony proceeded, Antonia felt a growing sense of despair. She exchanged vows with George, her voice devoid of emotion. The kiss he forced upon her was a hollow gesture, a stark contrast to the tender moments she had shared with Thomas.

As she walked down the aisle, her future stretching out before her, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had made a terrible mistake. The love she had once felt for Thomas had been a fleeting flame, extinguished by the harsh realities of life.

[timesimmer]

TW: Hallucinations and Delusions, Starvation, Death

Ornelle stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the empty horizon. The voices of the departed swirled around her, a cacophony of memories and longing. She could hear the laughter of her daughter, Eden, the comforting voice of her husband, Gregory, and the familiar tones of her siblings, Edward and Rowena. In her mind, they were all there, alive and vibrant.

Her mental state had deteriorated significantly since Henry's birthday. The once vibrant woman had become a mere shadow of her former self. She neglected her duties, her appetite waning, and her body weakening with each passing day.

As she stood there, lost in her reverie, she heard Gregory's voice, clear and distinct. She turned, her eyes widening in disbelief. There he was, his red hair glowing in the ethereal light. A surge of joy and relief washed over her as she reached out to him. But before she could touch him, her strength gave way, and she collapsed to the floor.

Elizabeth, alarmed by the sudden noise, rushed to her mother's side. Ornelle lay motionless, her face pale and still. Desperate, Elizabeth called for help, but it was too late. Her mother, the woman who had given her life meaning, was gone.

Elizabeth and Kingsley, two young souls barely out of their own adolescence, were now burdened with the responsibility of raising Henry and Faran. The future, once uncertain, now seemed bleak and daunting.

[timesimmer]

Nadya stared into the darkness, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Another year had passed, another year of running, hiding, and protecting her children. The constant fear, the endless vigilance, had taken a toll on her. Her body ached, her spirit weary. She longed for a peaceful existence, a life where she didn't have to look over her shoulder, where her children could live without the constant threat of exposure.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence. "Mother," James said, his voice echoing in the darkness. Nadya whirled around, startled. His eyes, a deep, unnatural red, held a strange intensity.

"What is it, James?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"It's time," he said, his voice low. "It's time for you to join us."

Nadya was taken aback. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"You made us what we are," he explained. "You gave us this power. But you're aging, Mother. You're mortal."

Nadya knew he was right. The potion she had created had not only saved their lives but had also altered their very nature. They had become something more, something less human.

"Creating that potion was a desperate act," she said, shaking her head. "I doubt I could do it again."

James's eyes narrowed. "There must be another way," he insisted. "A way to extend your life, to make you like us."

Nadya sighed. "Aging is a natural part of life, James. It's something we all must face."

But James was determined. "We can't let you leave us," he said, his voice rising. "You made us what we are. You owe us."

Nadya calmed him down, reassuring him that she would never abandon him or Ameera. She promised to find a way to ensure their future, a future free from fear and persecution.

As James walked away, a dark thought crossed his mind. Perhaps there was another way, a way to ensure their survival, a way to conquer death itself. And he knew he would stop at nothing to achieve it.

[timesimmer]

The night was still and quiet, the moon casting an ethereal glow over the Blackburne farm. Lilyana and Alexander, their day filled with the demands of family and farm life, stole a moment of peace under the starlit sky.

"It's so beautiful," Lilyana whispered, her eyes fixed on the celestial expanse.

Alexander wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "It is," he agreed, his voice soft. "Just like you."

They stood there for a long moment, simply enjoying each other's company. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.

"Are you happy, Alexander?" Lilyana asked, her voice barely audible.

"More than you can imagine," he replied, his heart full. "I can't imagine a life without you and Ingerid."

Lilyana smiled, her eyes sparkling with love. "What about another one?" she ventured, her voice barely a whisper.

Alexander's head snapped up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Another?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Lilyana nodded, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I think... I think I might be with child," she confessed.

Alexander's heart soared. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his joy overwhelming. "Another child?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "We're going to be parents again?"

Lilyana nodded, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. They stood there, holding each other, the weight of their future child a heavy and beautiful burden. As they gazed up at the moonlit sky, they dreamed of the life that awaited them, a life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future.

[timesimmer]

A wave of anger washed over King Philip as he read the letter. Genevieve and Nehemiah, those two traitors, had dared to flee to Caledonia. He should have eliminated them when he had the chance. Now, they posed a threat to his carefully laid plans. He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.

“Gather my council,” he commanded, his voice low and menacing.

As his councilors gathered around the table, Philip shared the news of Genevieve’s betrayal. A murmur of concern rippled through the room.

“Tristian,” Philip said, turning to his trusted knight, “what other news do you bring?”

Tristian hesitated, knowing the news he was about to deliver would not be well-received. “There are whispers among the nobility, Your Majesty. Some are growing restless, questioning your recent decisions, particularly the favor you’ve shown to the Earl of Ashdown and his family.”

Philip scoffed. “Let them question. As long as they remain loyal, their petty grievances mean nothing.”

He turned his attention to Earl Hugh Ashdown, who sat beside him, his expression impassive. “Hugh, you and your family have been loyal servants of the crown. You have been a great advisor and friend to me. And your lovely daughter, Lady Edrea gave us Arthur, my first born son. Why don't you and some other men show these ungrateful nobles what their lives will be like if they continue to murmur."

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Ashdown replied, his voice smooth.

As the meeting drew to a close, Prince Evrard, Philip’s younger brother, requested a private audience. Once they were alone, Evrard confessed his growing desperation. His wife, Duchess Fiora, had been unable to bear him any more children, and his existing offspring had all passed away.

“I have a proposal, brother,” Evrard began, his voice barely a whisper. “One of my bastard sons... I could legitimize him, make him my heir.”

Philip chuckled, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “You, with your brood of bastards? That’s a laughable idea, Evrard.”

Evrard persisted, his voice rising. “Arthur, the king’s bastard, can flaunt his royal lineage, but I’m denied the same privilege? It’s unjust!”

Philip leaned forward, his eyes cold. “Arthur’s mother is a noblewoman, Evrard. Your children were born of whores. They will never bear the Stagfield name.”

Evrard's face contorted with anger and disbelief. He protested, his voice rising. But Philip, unmoved, continued.

“I’ve considered your predicament,” Philip said, his tone rough. “Arthur could be your heir. He’s been raised in the court, trained as a noble. And with him as your heir, I could arrange a marriage with one of the Gilbert daughters.”

Evrard stared at his brother, shock and disbelief etched on his face. With a final, dismissive gesture, Philip sealed Evrard's fate. The decision was made, and there was no room for appeal. As Evrard sat there, his heart heavy with betrayal, he realized the true nature of the man he called brother.

[timesimmer]

The Blackburne farm, once a place of quiet solitude, was now a bustling hub of activity. The arrival of Lilyana and Alexander's daughter, Ingerid, had brought a new wave of joy and chaos to the household. Selena, the matriarch of the family, found herself juggling the demands of being a grandmother, a mother to her youngest, and farm life with newfound vigor.

As September dawned, the farm was bathed in the golden hues of autumn. The air was crisp, the sky clear, and the harvest was plentiful. To celebrate Beatrice's thirteenth birthday, Selena had baked a special honey cake, a recipe passed down through generations.

"Happy birthday, my dear," Selena said, placing the cake before her daughter.

Beatrice's eyes lit up with excitement. "It's beautiful, Mother," she exclaimed.

"Would you like to call your siblings to join us?" Selena asked.

Beatrice shook her head. "No, Mother. I'd like to spend some time with you. They can join us later."

Selena smiled, her heart warmed by her daughter's request. They sat together, sharing slices of cake and quiet conversation. Beatrice spoke of her hopes and dreams, her voice filled with youthful idealism. Selena listened attentively, offering advice and encouragement.

In the next room, Lilyana was soothing a crying Ingerid. The sound of the baby's cries mingled with the soft murmur of their voices, creating a comforting symphony. As Selena watched Lilyana, she couldn't help but smile. She had seen this scene countless times before, her own children growing up and starting families of their own.

A pang of sadness washed over Beatrice as she listened to the sounds of her niece. The thought of motherhood, of having children of her own, filled her with a sense of dread. She had always envisioned a different future for herself, a life of adventure and freedom. The idea of settling down and raising a family seemed suffocating, a burden too heavy to bear.

As she gazed out the window, she pondered the path that lay ahead. Would she follow in the footsteps of her mother and sister-in-law, embracing the roles of wife and mother? Or would she forge her own path, independent and free? The answer, she knew, would shape the course of her life.

[timesimmer]

The late spring sun dappled through the ancient timbers of the Ravn family's temple. Alaric stood at the altar, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through him. He had been nervous before marrying Nadya, but it had been a different kind of fear. This time, it wasn't about being a good husband; it was about making the right choice for his children. Gregory and Philippa had grown so close to Iona, and he hoped that nothing would change their bond.

A hush fell over the temple as Iona began her walk down the aisle. She smiled at Gregory and Philippa, who beamed back at her. As she approached Alaric, he was struck by her beauty. Her eyes sparkled with love and excitement.

The ceremony was a traditional Viking wedding, filled with ancient rituals and heartfelt vows. As they exchanged rings and sealed their union with a kiss, Alaric felt a spark ignite within him. He had to restrain himself from pulling her closer, lost in the moment.

As they walked away, hand in hand, Alaric couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. He had found love again, a love that was pure and genuine. With Iona by his side, he knew that he and his children could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[timesimmer]

Ornelle forced herself to focus on the task at hand. Henry's birthday was approaching, and she couldn't let her grief consume her entirely. She began to prepare a small honey cake, a simple treat that her son adored. As she worked, a familiar voice echoed in her mind, a comforting sound that seemed to come from the distant past. It was Gregory, her beloved husband, his laughter as warm as the hearth fire.

Her thoughts drifted to her siblings, Edward and Rowena. Their untimely deaths had left a gaping hole in her heart. She could almost hear Rowena's infectious laughter and Edward's gentle teasing. A part of her longed to join them, to escape the pain of this world. But reason prevailed, and she pushed the thought aside.

Her mind wandered to Alaric, her youngest brother. Lost and alone, he was a constant source of worry. If only she knew where he was, she could bring him home, reunite the family.

With trembling hands, she finished the cake, a testament to her perseverance. When Henry returned home, he thanked her with a grateful smile. Ornelle returned a weak smile, her gaze fixed on a point in the distance, as if listening to a conversation only she could hear.

Henry watched his mother with a mixture of concern and hope. He wished he could take away her pain, to restore the warmth and joy that once filled their home. As he grew older, he hoped to become a source of strength for her, to shoulder some of the burdens she carried. Perhaps then, she would return to the woman he remembered, the woman who was always there for him.

[timesimmer]

The winter wind howled outside the Hicrest cottage, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life. Inside, a warm glow emanated from the hearth, casting long shadows on the rough-hewn walls.

Eloise, now a young woman of fifteen, moved with a quiet determination. She had taken on the role of caretaker for her younger brothers, Oliver, Elric, and Angus. Their stepmother, Antonia, provided little more than a roof over their heads and was now more concerned with the child she was carrying.

Oliver, now thirteen, sat by the fire, his eyes fixed on the honey cake Eloise had baked for his birthday. It was a simple gesture, but it held a profound meaning. The cake, with its golden crust and sweet aroma, was a reminder of their mother, Rowena, and the love she had shared with them.

Eloise watched him, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. She remembered the days when their parents were alive, when laughter filled the cottage and hope was a tangible thing. Now, their future was uncertain, a path shrouded in mist.

"Thank you, Eloise," Oliver said, his voice filled with gratitude. "It's almost as good as Mama's."

Eloise's heart ached. "I know, Oliver. I know." She paused, her gaze distant. "You'll be thirteen soon. It's time you start thinking about contributing to our household."

Oliver nodded, his expression serious. "I'll find work. I promise."

As the day wore on, a sense of quiet peace settled over the cottage. Despite the hardships they faced, the Hicrest children clung to hope, their bond as siblings their greatest strength.

[timesimmer]

1318 Royal Updates

Here are the birthdays, marriages, and deaths of the royal side households in the year 1318. This list will not include anyone from my main household or any of the Blackburne siblings, and their families (Smith, Hicrest, and Blackburne).

House of Brabant

Birthdays:

Lady Eleanor - Age: 1.5 years old / Lifestage: Toddler

House of Gilbert

Birthdays:

Earl Ronan - Age: 5 years old / Lifestage: Child

House of Almanzor

Birthdays:

Queen Ines - Age: 51 years old / Lifestage: Elder

Deaths:

King Mateo I - Age: 51 years old / COD: Illness

House of Dalriada

Birthdays:

Prince Ewan - Age: 13 years old / Lifstage: Teen

House Davenport

Birthdays:

Lady Amelia - Age: 3 months old / Lifestage: Infant

Deaths:

Lady Elsa - Age: 5 years old / COD: Tuberculosis

[timesimmer]

1318 update for the Blackburne clan and the side households (Smith, Hicrest, and Blackburne).

Birthdays:

Lucia Blackburne - Age: 5 years old / Lifestage: Child

James Vorona (formally Blackburne) - Age: 13 / Lifestage: Teen

Alaric Blackburne - Age: 31 years old / Lifestage: Adult

Ingerid Blackburne - Age: 0 years old / Lifestage: Newborn

Katharine Blackburne - Age: 1.5 years old / Lifestage: Toddler

Isaac Blackburne - Age: 1.5 years old / Lifestage: Toddler

Deaths:

John Atwood - Age: 1.5 years old / COD: Malnutrition

Wyat Hicrest - Age: 40 years old / COD: Exhaustion

Marriages/Betrothals:

Alaric Blackburne betrothed to Iona Ravn

[timesimmer]

The sun shone brightly upon the kingdom of Valois, illuminating the grand cathedral where a momentous occasion was about to unfold. Inside, Lady Margaret Brabant, soon to be queen, was surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting as they helped her into her wedding gown. A masterpiece of gold and silver threads, the gown shimmered in the soft light, reflecting the excitement in Margaret's heart. She had dreamed of this day since she was a child, a vision of love and royalty. Now, as she stood on the precipice of her destiny, reality surpassed even her wildest dreams.

At the altar, King Geoffroi awaited his bride. His heart pounded with anticipation as he heard the church doors creak open. A hush fell over the congregation as Margaret emerged, a vision of grace and beauty. Her gown flowed behind her, a train of shimmering fabric. Geoffroi's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. He was struck by her ethereal beauty, a sight that took his breath away.

The ceremony proceeded, a solemn yet joyous occasion. The officiant's words echoed through the cathedral, sealing the union between the young king and queen. As they exchanged vows, their voices trembled with emotion. When the final words were spoken, and the officiant declared them husband and wife, Geoffroi leaned in and kissed Margaret. A spark ignited between them, a promise of a love that would endure for eternity.

As they turned to face the congregation, they were no longer just a young couple in love. They were King Geoffroi I and Queen Margaret, the rulers of Valois. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the union of two hearts and the dawn of a new era for the kingdom.

[timesimmer]

The cobblestone streets of Mistpeak, once bustling with life, now seemed hushed and somber. Genevieve and Nehemiah moved through the crowds, their hearts heavy with the weight of their mission. Nehemiah, with his reputation as a skilled warrior and diplomat, managed to gain the trust of a few guards, convincing them of their urgent need to speak with King Duncan.

As they entered the grand hall, a hush fell over the room. King Duncan, a man of formidable presence, sat upon his throne, his gaze fixed upon the intruders. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he saw Genevieve.

"Genevieve," he murmured, his voice filled with surprise.

"Your Majesty," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "We must speak, in private."

Duncan nodded, dismissing the guards. As they were left alone, Genevieve explained their desperate situation, revealing Philip's true intentions. Duncan, however, remained skeptical. The treaty between Aethelmark and Caledonia was a delicate matter, and the betrothal of Ceanna to his son, Ewan, was a crucial part of that alliance.

Genevieve, sensing his doubt, explained that Philip was a master of deception. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals of taking over Caledonia, even if it meant sacrificing Ceanna. She offered her support, her wealth, and the loyalty of many in Aethelmark, promising to help Duncan remove Philip from the throne and to make her son Philip king.

As she spoke, Duncan's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Nehemiah. A realization dawned upon him, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. The resemblance between Nehemiah and young Ceanna was undeniable. Genevieve nodded, confirming his suspicions. She reassured him that Ceanna was still of royal blood due to Genevieve's long ancestry.

At that moment, the doors swung open, and Ceanna entered the room. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw her mother. They embraced, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Ceanna's gaze then turned to Nehemiah, and a look of wonder passed over her face. It was the first time she had seen him since she was a child, and yet, a strange familiarity drew her to him.

Duncan, watching the tender reunion, smiled. Ceanna had brought joy to his court, and he had grown fond of her. He agreed to join forces with Genevieve, pledging his support to their cause. As he began to write letters to his allies, a new alliance was forged, a dangerous game of thrones was set in motion, and the fate of two kingdoms hung in the balance.