classiqals

[classiqals]

" Oh, sister, but you must save me at least one whirl around the ballroom. What message would it send the masses, to see a family unit disjointed by the dancing shoe? " A familiar tone of light, affectionate teasing had slipped further into his voice, and Ruby would never shy away from the chance to poke fun at his brother's bride. A Queen, she may be - but expecting the youngest Prince to act as such, would be a fight better left alone unless necessary.

A pang of rare homesickness brought a lift to Ruby's heart beat, listening to her talk, the air rushing from her lungs like she belonged there. He supposed... she did. This was her world, and he'd never seen her so... happy. At peace. At home. Not that he really cared to pay much attention, not too deeply, anyway.

A small laugh escaped him. " You do have a way of making it sound quite fun. I just don't usually stick with anything that requires this much work for the pay out. " If it didn't come easily, the Prince wasn't interested. But the praise settled nicely, his chest puffing outwards, revitalized. " So - you're saying I'm a natural, are you? Let's go again, show me how fun it really can be. "

Antonia bent down, rubbing at the spot on her foot which had been crushed by Reuben's continuous missteps. She had thought these lessons unnecessary at first, but now she could understand why they hadn't wanted the foreign royals going in unprepared. Her frustration at her partner's lack of experience had been quickly improved by her joy at getting to dance again. To really dance, with speed and movement and feeling. "Forgive me if I do not dance with you tomorrow," Antonia teased, slipping into a seat next to Reuben.

"That's just what you're missing - how fun this style of dance becomes once you master it. Learning to perfect the moves so that you no longer have to think about it. Once you can do that, you and your partner can completely let go. There's nothing like it, two people who know the rules so well they can break all of them and stay in perfect lockstep." She was smiling at the image, her body wanting to move at the mere thought. "It has been a long time since I have danced like that."

Antonia offered him a kind smile in response to his question, "I do not think you'll be winning any awards for your dance moves, but you also didn't step on my feet in that last number. You should at least manage to get through without causing any serious injuries!"

[classiqals]

feathers had been ruffled with the choice of direction for the play - accusations of propaganda && narrative stealing were now ripe on the wagging lips of those who had attended, gossip a wildfire through the spanish palace. su-jin found he didn't care, not really, as long as the talk stayed exactly that. talk. but worries always seemed to grow their weight when they sat upon the shoulders of an emperor. su-jin knew where to find kaito, the young ruler who stared with such a brooding gaze out into the yonder open. eyes like his mothers. " there is a lesson to be learned here, i believe. no matter what you do, someone will find fault. " he shrugged lightly, coming to rest pale hands to the cool banister beside the other. " nothing in the play was out of line, but not everyone can appreciate the raw nature of truth. weaker minds will find discomfort in the face of it. "

𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 ›› chae joon su-jin , @classiqals where: japan's wing of the palace , after the play

when  tension  had  filled  the  air  during the play, kaito had bit the inside of his cheek to distract him from the growing instinct to either reach for his katana or take his leave. only when it wouldn't raise eyebrows did he return to the palace. calm gradually chased away the panic with each steadying breath he took while he sat on the balcony. by the time he heard footsteps approaching, kaito felt himself once more. he glanced over his shoulder at su-jin.   ❝ how else were we to portray the rebels in a play honoring those they killed? ❞   certain lines could've been altered, and if the script had been japan's alone, they would've, but the play had been a joint effort, which meant compromise from all.

[classiqals]

Of course Ruby had all ten fingers deeply rooted in the betting pool - playing sides && turning tricks, pocketing the profits, and devising a series of invisible fees that turned to a heavy clatter of coin in his satchel pinned under his clothes, to his side. A pretty penny earned already, and not a single one of the matadors had a chance to win yet. " I bet on them both, of course. " Ruby grinned, eyebrows raising as he watched the preparations with his brother. He wished, just nearly, to jump the fence && join in on the fun. " Either way, I will see a profit, but based on the pool size, red seems to be the fan favorite today. Seems a bit of an advantage, doesn't it? Red to anger the bull, to make him misbehave. " A hand came to smooth gently against the ret patterned vest Ruby himself wore, as if finding the comedic humor in such a thing.

@classiqals | Ruby and Elias, The Matador Contest

"Red or black?" He asks his brother with a curious hum, chin tilted at the matadors priming for a bullfight. Every one with a color, to make betting easier - and more fun. Of course, as King, Elias doesn't partake in betting. What would it do to his image as Germany's benevolent King? Ruby, on the other hand... "Or did you bet they'll both get run over by a bull?" Which may be the safer bet, but when it comes to his younger brother, Elias knows better than to expect anything but the unexpected.

[classiqals]

a boisterous, carefree laugh ripped free from the reckless lungs of the young prince, blue eyes brightening at the chance to tease && sympathize with another in such a station above him. perhaps other royals would be more keen to know one's place, to keep a tight lip when in the presence of someone who wore a true crown... but manners rarely showed face when it came to the brood of hatzfeld brothers. ruby, perhaps, the worst of them all when it came to elevating his banter to match heaven's greatest heights. " and in one fell swoop, you have crushed every one of my greatest hopes and dreams. " the prince lamented with a dramatized sigh, the smile never wavering even as his eyes took on a faraway look of glazed disappointment.

toes curled to soothe the ache pinched between the stiff leather of his shoes, and ruby wished to kick them from his feet and truly be free to gallop like a wild horse across the shine of the waxy floor. he barely restrained himself.

" do you think they shall throw us from the heart of the party, should we fail to improve our talents by the end of the lesson? i'd wager plenty would pay to see a sight such as that, us dragged out from the elbows, kicking && screaming as our heels click out of time to the music. "

Tongue to cheek; Teeth to lip; The sultan's brave attempts to stifle his inner amusement are lost to foul language and very clear frustration as it etches itself in the lines of the younger monarch's face. He too believed this to be nonsensical despite the enjoyment he often found in pursuit of culture. Halil laughs, a hearty, warm laugh that is both concessive, truthful, and playful all in the same breath. "I am pained, truly, physically and mentally, to say that you, Prince Reuben of Germany, are hereby banned from ever partaking in musical events held within the Turkish palace until you rid yourself of your horse-like gallop and replace it with talent." A grin. "Many will soon join you on such a list, myself included. I do not believe that you, nor I were made for such finesse, I'm afraid."

[classiqals]

mischief was a familiar sparkle in the glint of pale eyes, and isaac smirked as her weight found home settled beside him. existing in their own corners of power carved from the marble of royalty, every secret was protected by their own blood. and isaac knew each had their unique role to play. even so- it did nothing to dampen the spirit of an older brother, finally reunited with the sister he so loved to antagonize with love. " missed you? " the strageist breathed out, eyebrows raising as if considering the notion for the first time. " why- were we apart for long? felt like a vacation. " he teased, though there was deceit in his words, the sentiment behind the jest speaking volumes to their absence && it's toll it had taken. his knee bumped to hers in a quiet, subtle pass for connection.

𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 ›› isaac mackenzie , @classiqals where: a sitting room in real alcázar

between  the  ongoing  events  and  exploring  the city, the sitting room was quiet, devoid of other souls besides the two scots. a blessing that meant there was no one to pretend for. no need for her to find a seat as far from her own kin as possible.   ❝ brother. ❞   voice was quieter than normal, new walls could have ears, but was soft with warmth. a grin tugged at her lips.   ❝ tell me, how terribly have you missed me? ❞   god knew she'd missed him and the rest of their family; it'd been difficult to not immediately seek them out when the northern scottish delegation had arrived, but beloved rebellion was more important. once they were fully victorious, all would return to normal.

[classiqals]

Their steps always seemed to meet when they might be better off not - glances found in darkened halls with shadows of doubt, always toeing the line between where they should be versus where they were. Two vessels that haunted Japan's halls, and orbited around the young Emperor. Su-Jin had been all but raised on the island, a fixture of the palace like a pillar itself, and always watching.

Yet, never had he shaken the explorative gaze of the woman. Lips twitched in a smile as he extended out the olive branch. " All yours. " he nodded slowly, pulling a second from the folds of his fabrics to light for himself. " It's been a little difficult to enjoy the performance, when so many seem keen to take offense. Do you think- this would reflect poorly on the nation's motivations? " The question was posed lightly, easily, like it was a mere informal topic to discuss. What would it matter to him, anyhow - Su-Jin was there on behalf of Korea, the watchful eye in the corner, the listening ear to remember has yet to state any side, at least with his own two lips.

It's one thing to read prose on a page. Another to hear it said, loud and unabashed. She was wary every since her eyes first caught the page, glamorizing monarchies and belittling the 'little people' as one actor put so crudely. But she is nothing if not loyal, and Midori doesn't blink when she hears the gasps of dismay. Insead, she laughs it off; because that's what she does. Low-brow, bastard of a royal. Midori plays the part, and through her dazzle and seemingly down-to-earth ways, she spies what others cannot.

Except for Su-Jin. A black box that, no matter how she twists and turns, is just as befuddling as her first glance at him. "I do it all." She says with a boast, nodding at the cigarette between his fingers. "Care to share?" Midori's eyes drop from the cigarette, to his fingers. An enigma. A mystery. She cannot say for certain, but the instinctive wariness always gives her pause. As if he is watching her, every bit as she is watching him.

[classiqals]

open starter -> capped @ 3!! CLOSED NOW!!

setting -> mandatory dance lessons before the ball

any gender, kingdom, nobility status, etc!!

teeth grit molar to molar as ruby disdainfully blotted at his own brow, eager to hide the sheen of sweat that had formed in beads under the unruly brunette waves of hair that had grown more wild between twirls. he'd never realized how vigorous latin dance could truly be. nothing compared to germany's own slower, more methodical ballroom steps.

" oh for fuck sake - i don't understand the importance of being perfect, aren't balls meant to be fun? " the young prince huffed as he collapsed unceremoniously onto a corner bench with his assigned dance partner of the hour - surely a soul who now nursed aching, crushed toes from his tomfoolery. he'd thought this would be a thrill && a half - but had found quite quickly, this was more like work than enjoyment. even so, ruby flashed a shining grin to his partner, offering a sheepish shrug in unspoken apology. " what do you think - have i gotten the hang of it yet, at all? "

[classiqals]

open starter -> capped @ 3!!

setting -> outside of the propaganda play, intermission

any gender, kingdom, nobility status, etc!!

there as a subtle form of security, though dressed as the nobility he wore proudly, su-jin's ears were pricked for any sound of alarm - but had heard more than he'd bargained for in being so alert. whispers of disgruntled, unsettled nerves had swept the theater. those who had sympathized with the revolutionaries && made apologies for the tyranny of the rebellion... they found controversy with the direction taken in a play meant to honor the fallen. he bristled, a burning sigh coiled in his chest, until finally the fresh breath of air just outside the playhouse was met with relief. eyes flickered shut - but only for a moment. footsteps approached, there in the darkness of the shadows.

another, seeking reprieve from the controversy? the growing tension between the theater seats? exhaling long && slow, collecting himself with a cool, icy dedication, su-jin began to light a long cigarette and take a drag. eyes fall on the other figure, cautious, paranoid, curious... unsure. for an assassin, you could never be too careful, after all. " do you smoke? "

[classiqals]

REVAMPED BLOG. EVERYTHING UNDER THIS POST CAN BE IGNORED.

[classiqals]

" Our similarities continue to grow stronger. " Lips turned upwards in a sort of sinister smirk - Haspira, too, had little regard for the new, imposing rule. How better to keep them all like sitting ducks, gathered together && frightened in the night, awaiting the next tragedy, the next scandal. " History teaches no one anything, it would seem. This time, I choose not to abide by their impositions. Why are you rushing - what is the worst they can do, imprison us? " As if it they wouldn't if they desired, anyway, fault or not.

who: @classiqals, @espionisms, @umitvar // not a group thread

where: the palace entrance

It was quickly coming up on 10pm. Arshiya had signed herself out of the palace, needing fresh air and a ride, a chance to think. She had not intended to stay out so late, but the threat that she had to return had made it hard to.

As she was finally waved through by a guard, she noticed another making their way in. "Are you also rushing to get back before lock-in?' she asked, voice bitter, "I thought we had left the curfews behind in previous nations. Why is it our hosts keep insisting on having us locked up like criminals, or misbehaving children?"

[classiqals]

keenly aware how essential it was for china to remain in the best possible standing with hong kong, tian feng had of course responded promptly to the invitation. now that a betrothal with the viceregal had been arranged, and the details of the marriage alliance in negotiations, it was time for the commander to dress his best and adorn a smile.

he'd never actually met a father of a person he was courting - if you could call the political match courting, at all. was he to be a soldier, a patriot, or merely, a man with intent to marry into the family? the latter, probably, felt most appropriate, even if tian feng hadn't the slightest idea of what such role entailed. " of course, it is my honor. the tea is delicious. " he smiled in like fashion, sipping gently, and keeping his back straight like the man of military he was. " china is - i am... very much looking forward to this opportunity. from all i have come to experience, your family is quite lovely. "

closed starter: tian feng zhang / @classiqals

"i appreciate you taking the time to meet with me." haiyan smiled at the commander, gently pushing a teacup toward him. while the betrothal between tian feng and meilin should sprout celebration, dread churned in haiyan's gut. it wasn't fully because of tian feng, but what it meant to draw the emperor's attention in this way. of how meilin could be in more danger than either haiyan or daiyu ever expected.

still, haiyan's smile remained courteous, bright. "i do hope we get along. i aim for it, really. not just for the sake of my daughter, but for when you're welcomed into the fold of our family."

[classiqals]

lips had barely parted before the commander was shut down - but he didn't protest the audacity of the prince. instead, tian feng gave an amused chuckle. " you find yourself lucky to have run into me, then. another fifteen minutes, and it would be captain chen, and he knows no end to the lecturing. " a subtle glance around, but from his faith in intuition, the only threat this royal posed was to himself. " got any more where that came from? " he nodded to the wine glass.

open starter ›› ft. stefan haztfeld. where: a sitting room away from the german apartments. status: capping at 3 replies.

the  clock  had  ticked  past  the  curfew hour but the hatzfeld prince, with his feet kicked up on the table and a half empty glass of wine held loosely in his hand, showed no sign of returning to his chambers. if his older sibling decided to lecture him about disobeying brazil's orders - well, stefan hoped he'd still be hungover enough to not fully absorb any of those words. the door to the room opened, but he didn't spare whoever entered a glance. he only took another drink of wine.   ❝ if you've come to lecture then do know i'm not listening. ❞   they should spend their time lecturing people who'd done far worse than broken a meaningless curfew.

[classiqals]

in light of recent turmoil, safiye pulled a genuine smile in response. " i have heard rumors you carry the best secret blend of herbal tea for calming the jitteriest of nerves. " her eyebrows rose, as she gave emphasis to the hearsay. her other hand comes up, to reveal a small bundle of spices && herbs that the priestess had brought herself. " i do not come empty-handed. trade? "

she  falls  back  into  the  rhythm  with  ease  ;  contrasting  chaos  with  calm  ,  for  others'  benefit  .  in  spite  of  a  continuously  pounding  heart  ,  and  fear  gnawing  at  her  stomach  .  nails  rapping  against  the  table  ,  isra  replays  the  bedlam  in  the  grand  jury  hall  ,  hoping  to  achieve  any  sort  of  understanding  of  the  tangled  mess  left  in  its  wake  .  but  the  memory  ebbs  into  the  background  when  she  hears  approaching  footsteps  .  reflexively  ,  she  sits  up  ,  offering  a  warm  smile  to  @classiqals  @flcralhaze  @umitvar  @verenduss  @monarhrh    @whispcrings  , "  how  can  i  help  ?  don't  be  shy  now  .  "  almost  a  joke  ,  or  ,  rather  ,  an  attempt  at  bringing  levity  .

[classiqals]

open starter -> capping at 3!!

setting -> a diplomatic meeting of any kind!! or perhaps a meeting between friends - enemies - is it a set up? your choice

it did not take exceptional observational skills to recognize that overnight, the general opinion towards turkey && persia (both where they now called home) had worsened. skepticism was high, and while ariyan had anticipated finding things sticky with their connections to the mughal empire - the blow to both their reign with rostam, and their hopes, had been enough to nearly shaken the regent.

nearly.

but of course - ariyan had rallied, and they breezed through the doors of the meeting room with ease, and took a seat. the confidence oozed, even if some may argue that they held no reason to attend to a meeting of the blueblooded. " clearly things are not going well. it is time to look further into the future. representing persia, i hope we both can find some gain from this conversation. "

[classiqals]

open starter -> capping at 3!!

a curfew meant little to the lost prince, who had decided that rather be trapped in a castle - he would take to the seas. (this, a fancy way of saying, maceon would be sleeping on his boat.)

" i would not judge if you chose against the offer, but should you rather not feel like a caged rat under scrutiny, i have a dozen sleeping cabins on the Rhiannon and only three are claimed. make me your best offer. " maceon teased, a small glint in his eye, despite the dire circumstances the tribunal had become.

[classiqals]

open starter -> accepting replies (capping at 3!)

justice had not been served. in all the chaos that had befallen the shambles of a pre-tribunal, not once did the crimes against thailand seem to hold any sort of importance... yet again. thanin could not deny the lingering sense of irritation - frustration that built and simmered and threatened to spoil && poison the heart. perhaps this was for the best, the king tried to encourage himself bleakly, sat by a window since the curfew hour had already passed. eyes gazed outside, feeling trapped, feeling a little bit afraid.

no matter where anyone went, it seemed, chaos followed. hard to think home was any safer - where his people he doubted him, whispered of revolutions, barely slated. all he could hope to do was watch && learn, and not make any mistakes. his anger, his loss, was not important than the survival of his kingdom. eyes rose from where they peered out the foggy pane into the lawn below, and a clipped greeting was given to the other in the library. " more crowded here, than usual, in the evenings now, with the doors locked tight. "

[classiqals]

" yes... curious thing, that, really. did we just luck out by some odd chance, or was it something deeper? " none of the situation added up, and isaak was not surprised when things elevated from bad to worse almost overnight. of course it had; they had every ingredient for a disaster waiting. " will we not? " an eyebrow raised, and it was isaak, poking suspiciously. he was never sure if nikolai still felt he was tied to the throne; for awhile, isaak had assumed it would be his. but the prodigal son returned, and isaak next in line again. at least, it would seem, some of their ambitions remained the same.

nose wrinkled to hear how quickly they were to be married off - even if isaak had suggested it. " well, well, how grand. are you pleased? "

the  curse  of  a  mind  that  could not forget, no matter how small a moment or passing a remark, was that nikolai could still see the expression isaak had once looked at him with. if he share all of the secrets he hid, would the look now on his brother's face vanish? nik almost shook his head. even if it would help mend what he'd broke, he couldn't.   ❝ yet we were apprehended the criminals they could not. ❞   a quiet reminder. for all its struggles, russia had found strengths too.   ❝ again i ask, why do we want an ally who looks down on us? with the right steps forward, we will not be small forever. ❞   a rare streak of passion wrapped around the final sentence. the tsarina might be content with how things were, but nikolai saw the status quo's failing.   ❝ it matters to me. ❞   he softly uttered, gaze holding isaak's, before clearing his throat.   ❝ the tsarina must think similarly. she has arranged a match for me - a woman from thailand with close ties to the king. ❞