#royal court

[moodboard-d]

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Ambassadors

How do different kingdoms negotiate when there aren't any phones or Microsoft Teams available? How can one government let another government how they feel? How can one monarch deliver an insult or compliment to another? Ambassadors, of course.

The Role of Ambassadors

Ambassadors are representatives of a government or monarchy who live in another country and communicates with their host nation on behalf of their own country. Ambassadors are there to make sure that their country's needs are met and that their host nation remains a friend - or at least they are there to remind the host nation of why it's a good idea to be friends.

Ambassadors tend to act as eyes and ears of their government/monarch, reporting back on all the goings on in the country they have been assigned. They can tell their boss the local tea, what the political climate of their host nation, who meets with the head of state and who doesn't. The Ambassador is there to pass on messages from their master and receive messages directly from the opposing head of state.

How to Ambassador Successfully & Not Start a War

The Ambassador must at all times be respectful toward their host nation. They must abide by their customs, behave themselves, act always in a professional manner and guard the information they handle with care and their lives. Ambassadors are welcomed into the country with a private audience with the head of state, wherein their references are accepted and their role is formally acknowledged. After this, they may only approach the government or monarch by appointment or after being summoned. Their boss would communicate their wishes and words to them and it would be up to the Ambassador to pass these things along, albeit more skillfully and more diplomatically.

The Perks of Being an Ambassador

Ambassadors can live at an official residence called an embassy like today or they can reside at court. They can take their families with them if they choose and are usually paid to establish a good sized household. Ambassadors are usually rewarded with honours and titles, if they are successful in their post or after a long posting. Ambassadors can also be awarded orders and honours by their host, along with places of honour for their family if they reside within them.

Ambassadors are usually welcomed and treated with great respect (if their country is an enemy, they are still treated well in hopes that things don't esculate). Ambassadors are invited to most important gatherings, included in the celebrations at court and spend much of their time at society events (i.e. intelligence gathering). Ambassadors can also get rich on their work, they could sell out their country's secrets to their host nation or even accept bribes to pass on false information to the boss.

The Downsides of Being an Ambassador

Ambassadors do have to leave their homeland for their job, this can mean a long posting away from family and from their own people. Ambassadors can be blamed for rifts or bungled international relations. They may even be accused of taking bribes or being corrupted. Ambassadors could also face being spied on, particularly in a nation that is hostile to their nation. Ambassadors can also be the target of violence from their country's enemies or the focus of emnity by the host nation itself. Very often in times of war of political turmoil, an Ambassador can be expelled from the country. When you're the symbol of a nation and you're in reach of enemies, you are in considerable danger (though it's not recommended to kill an ambassador, it's sort of against the rules).

Who can be an Ambassador?

Ambassadors are usually found amongst the nobility or within government. They are usually chosen by:

Pedigree: The better kind of person you send would mean a bigger compliment to the people the country want to make an ally. Sending a Duke would be a great compliment while sending a simple government official might be seen as an insult. To offer somebody high-ranking is to signal you trust the nation.

Skills: Communication skills are key. Knowledge of the languages and customs of the nation are required. Any ability for espionage, good social skills and a likeabilty would be recommended too.

Political Affiliation: Ambassadors are mouthpieces for their masters. It is generally smart to chose somebody who shares or endorses your view on politics. For example, you wouldn't send an Ambassador hungry for war to a nation you want to make peace with.

Loyalty and Uncorruptability: If you're picking somebody to speak for you and handle very sensitive information, you will chose somebody loyal to you and somebody you trust not to be led astray by the other nation or spies.

[rosierslove]

So, another headcanon.

Barty and James were childhood friends, means Barty knows/knew Fleamont Potter.

Barty always told Regulus how attractive and good looking Monty is when Regulus and James started dating.

Regulus always thought Barty overacts, like can Fleamont Potter really be that hot?

And then Regulus meets Monty...he definitely understood what Barty was talking about.

He never wanted to let James go again, knowing how he will age.

[imjackdotcom]

this is crazy

[calisources]

𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒

All sentences has been taken from different media and soruces about life in the royal court, involving the introgue of succession, war, marriage, kings and queens and tournaments. Most of this are acceptable for all audience except one with some foul language. Chance names, pronouns, locations as you see fit.

Ten years of shadows, but no longer. Light up the darkness, Majesty.

You don't know a woman until you've met her in court.

A queen keeps a court that is spoken about. A goddess keeps a court that is never forgotten.

And you, lady? Are you a woman of conscience or of ambition?

That's a question rarely asked here at court.

Court games aren't fair. They don't judge men by their worth, and they aren't about what's just.

We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would make us believe .

Either you break the law, or the law breaks you.

There is no playacting in this court. If you stay your hand, they will cut it off.

Power does not pardon, power punishes.

Listen! The court jester's cap and bells. The King is coming!

He was a man with a vision- and an extraordinary vision it was.

The cat who lived in the Palace had been awarded the head-dress of nobility and was called Lady Myobu.

In every reign there comes one night of greatest blackness, when a King must send away his court of flatterers and servants, and sit alone in the dark with the beast called truth.

It is important to refuse to be intimidated.

They all come innocent in court.

Is that how you get propositioned at the court? 'Mylady, would you be so kind as to allow me to put my manhood in your vagina'?

They used to say that, in a battle between the lion and the tiger, the winner was the monkey, who watched from a distance.

Men love those creatures that need to be taken care of.

 If you want to tame a lioness you need to become a lion, not a goat. 

 A doe is easier to keep.

The woman did not care for empty compliments; to get such a woman, one needed to put forth effort.

I’m a terrible prince. I should put my kingdom first and everything else second, but your first. I want you by my side every second . . .

Once a King in Narnia, always a King in Narnia.

She calls herself the Queen of Narnia thought she has no right to be queen at all.

Plenty of people have told me you are not my father.

It is necessary for a prince to have the people friendly.”

Royalty is not a right, Captain. The willingness of the people to follow a ruler is what gives her power.

Here, in this place, by this people, I have been chosen. 

These men are tired of being told whom to follow. Now they have a choice, and they use that choice to call me Princess.

I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. 

A prince ought also to show himself a patron of ability, and to honour the proficient in every art.

You should never have been only a little girl, you should have always been a crown princess.

You knew you would be sending me away?

A born king is a very rare being.

The world will need to know that I’m the last royal left. Their queen.

There’s royalty in me, but stronger than that there is adventure.

My life is the Crown and yours is politics, and I will not trade one prison for another.

Dignity is trained into royal children before they can toddle.

The first year of marriage is not always easy, especially within the Royal Family.

The real intelligence in the royal family comes through my parents .

The interpretation of dreams is the royal road to a knowledge of the unconscious activities of the mind.

The royal road to a man's heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.

The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known.

The winner will marry the prince.

You want to marry my daughter? Prove yourself worthy.

That is acceptable. A king is a martyr to their ideals.

f I rule the nation as king, I cannot ask to live as a person.

A wise king never seeks out war, but... he must always be ready for it.

All men need something greater than themselves to look up to and worship. They must be able to touch the divine here on earth

I am the First Imperial Princess of the Misurugi Empire! 

You can tell she's a princess, she doesn't need a crown.

You, sir, are the most uncharming prince I have ever met! In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain.

No one ever told her "no." 

 In no time at flat, she'll get herself established as his official mistress, with her own rooms at the palace.

These men are my bodyguards, their lives forfeit to the guarantee of my physical safety. Of their loyalty to me, there shall be no question nor doubt.

Some balls are held for charity And some for fancy dress, But when they're held for pleasure They're the balls that I like best.

Be careful of what women with gowns plan, specially in a ballroom. 

The art of husband seeking is something every woman has been trained since birth.

Many wives and consorts, of course.

Who is to rule when I am gone? You are a princess. I have no son.

Men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne.

Did I not mention there was another?

A king must always have an heir and a spare.

He was born to be a king... He rules men just by breathing. When he walks into a room, he commands it. People love him.

Two knights off to rescue a princess. Sounds like a great song.

As the king's brother, you should've been first in line!

 I was first in line. Until the little hairball was born.

That "hairball" is my son, and your future king.

My parents were... rather traditional. They wanted the heir and the spare, and I was left in the cold.

It cannot be easy being the youngest prince. To have others expect nothing from you, yet still shake their heads in disapproval.

 If my uncle attacks King's Landing I'll ride out to meet him.

You are in need of serious princess lessons.

 You're the new ruler of Mechanicsburg. You need to act like it.

Every princess needs a battle axe. Here. Use this one until we find you something more impressive.

You know what they used to write on cannons? The last argument of kings. I guess you could say magic is the last argument of queens.

A tournament has been arranged in your name, so you must attend and make yourself presentable.

They hope to find me a husband here. They said I am already a woman bled.

[calc1fers]

evan: i hate my dad

barty: i hate my dad too

evan: ...

barty: do you wanna run away with me and become wanted criminals?

evan: yeah sounds solid 👍

barty: ok bet let's leave in five

[ashiyn]

im gonna miss these silly drama kids

[illustratus]

Church interior with sauntering Court Society by Ludwig Kohl

[anna-neko]

This might be the first non-fandom non-nerdy actual proper CLASSIC full court Hina Matsuri display I've ever encountered?

its beautiful

[herlittlel0ve]

Head Canon that Barty Crouch Jr calls Regulus Black a cumslut and Regulus Black calls Barty Crouch Jr a cocksucker

[resident-gay-bitch]

sirius being dramatic when finding out about jegulus + very side wolfstar and rosekiller

Sirius strode into the apartment without warning, tossed his keys onto the table with a loud clunk, and took a dramatic bow with a wolffish grin.

“So, what do you think?”

“Of what?” Regulus asked, deadpanning him, “Your dramatic entrance? You’re not a vampire, Sirius- also I told you that key was for emergencies only.”

“This is an emergency.” Sirius glared at him, straightening up, “I need compliments.”

“Oh, how out of character for you.” Regulus said sarcastically, stirring his tea with his spoon at the table.

Sirius flipped him off.

“Please, tell me your thoughts.” Sirius grinned, showing off his new look and flourishing his hair, “Honest opinions only, unless they’re mean. If they’re mean, just tell me I’m pretty instead.”

“You’re pretty.” Dorcas smirked, and Sirius flipped her off.

Sirius had gone on an impulsive whim this morning after a quiet breakfast with Remus had revealed he quite likes the edgy punk look. And whilst Sirius is well aware how much Remus adores his long hair and pretty rebel boy demeanour, mixining it up for a few months could only mean a bit of fun.

Besides, if the way Remus’ brain seemed to short circuit that time Sirius came home with a septum and a nose piercing meant anything, Sirius is sure the other man would absolutely melt now.

He’d gotten himself an eyebrow and lip piercing today, as well as an extra three in his ear. It was a painful feat, and Sirius will not admit that he cried and had to be given a lollipop like a child, but he did it.

He also cut his hair short, just below the base of his skull, short wavy locks that no longer frame his face like they once did. And underneath, he’s died it electric blue.

He chopped one of his old metal band tees through the middle for a rough crop, and put Remus’ too big black ripped jeans on, letting them sit low on the waist with a studded belt to keep from pantsing himself. He’s never really been one for having his briefs stuck up out of his pants, but he happens to be wearing dark blue ones today, and they match.

“I think you look lovely, Sirius.” Pandora smiled over her tea, sitting at the table by Regulus. Out of Regulus’ entire group of friends, Sirius likes her the best. She’s always the nicest to him. “Very punk rock.”

“Thank you, Pandora.” Sirius smiled.

“I think you look stupid.” Regulus said, because of course he did.

“Thank you, Reggie.” Sirius smiled.

“I think you look like me.” Barty said, leaning up against the kitchen counter, one foot on the cabinets behind him for stability.

Sirius furrowed his brow and looked Barty over. And… fuck, yeah, he did. Barty was also wearing a messily cropped shirt, briefs that stuck out of the hem of his low baggy sweats, but he usually wears jeans like these when he’s out and about. And his hair is almost identical to Sirius’, however there’s green in it rather than blue. And the piercings, he’s got loads of them, skin smothered with tattoos too.

“You stealing my look, Black?” Barty grinned.

“Yeah, Im very attracted to him right now.” Evan, who had his head resting on Barty’s shoulder, smiled, “You should go blue, Barty. Its hot.”

“Hey.” Barty nudged him in the side and Sirius blushed.

“Well, thank you Evan, however, I am happily committed.” Sirius smiled, taking another little bow, “I suppose I take that as a compliment too, Crouch?”

“Obviously.” Crouch snickered, “I feel honoured that the Sirius Black is trying to look more like little old me-“

“That was an accident.” Sirius pressed, pointing at him, “I just wanted to look cool for Remus.”

“So you think I look cool?” Barty laughed delightfully.

“That’ll work.” Dorcas grinned, “Remember when Remus and Barry shagged-“

“I don’t need a reminder of that!” Sirius shouted as the same time that Barty said, “Cas, I told you to stop bringing that up around Evan.”

“Oh, so she can bring it up when I’m not around, huh?” Evan asked with a snake like grin, “Do you like to reminisce when I’m not there, Barty? Are you unfaithful?”

“Never, dove.” Barty kissed Evans forehead and sent an evil glare Dorcas’ way, “Dorcas just likes to stir the pot.”

Dorcas and Pandora giggled to themselves.

“Okay, enough about you lot, more about me.” Sirius interrupted, “On a scale of one to ten, how much do you think Remus will want to shag me when I get home? Ten being a lot-“

Sirius’ speech was interrupted by someone else letting themselves in through the front door and striding into the house.

“Love, I broke my glasses again, can you please fix them?” Sirius recognised that voice instantly, it was his best friends voice afterall. James walked right past Sirius in the entry way and leant in and smacked a kiss right on Regulus’ lips, “Missed you.” James muttered again, “I know it’s only been three hours, but I always miss you.”

Sirius is feeling a lot of confusion right now.

Regulus sends him a panicked glance over James’ shoulder, and then awkwardly looks up at James with pink cheeks. Sirius takes in the sudden tension in the room, at the way Pandora is sending Sirius a pleading look, at the way Dorcas is biting her lip in anticipation and looking between everyone, at the way Barty is clearly trying his best not to burst out with laughter, and the way that Evan is jabbing an elbow into his side and looking remorseful.

Suddenly Sirius is no longer confused. He feels more betrayed than anything.

James is fucking shagging his baby brother, isn’t he?

“Oh, Barty, by the way-“ James starts but he interrupts himself midway through, “I swear you were just-“ James turns and points in Sirius’ direction, and then spins back to Barty, “Why are there two of you?”

Barty bursts out laughing, “There’s only one of me, Potter.”

James swings back and forth, looking between them for a moment. And Sirius remembers how genuinely blind James is without his glasses. He usually can’t tell Remus and Peter apart when without them, their hair too similar in colour. So Sirius decides to help him out.

“James.” Sirius prompts when James’ back is to him, and he watches the way the other man immediately stiffens, “Are you snagging my brother?”

Regulus stands and slides James’ glasses onto his face before solemnly petting him on the cheek and sighing, “You’ve been wanting to tell him somehow.”

James slowly turns around, “Oh, Sirius, hi! Didn’t see you there, wow, new look. Very punk, Remus is sure to love it- hey, why don’t we go show Remus now? Yeah, let’s go right there and not talk about anything else-“

“James.” Sirius prompts again, glaring at him, “Are you, or are you not, shagging my brother.”

“Uhm, well… shagging’s quite a vile word, don’t you think? I prefer… love making-“

Behind him, Regulus groaned and began to bang his head on the cupboard whilst all of his friends lit up with laughter.

“Love making?” Sirius gasped, “James, that’s disgusting.”

“Well, it’s not really, it’s quite lovely.”

Sirius pretends to gag, “How long?”

“Erm… bit of an odd question considering it’s your brother.” James shrugged, “But, usually at least an hour-“

“No!” Sirius gasped, slapping his hands down over his ears, which hurt due to the new piercings. “I meant you two! How long have you been shagging?”

“Oh.” James turned bright red, “Yeah, I suppose that’s more logical. Uhm, maybe… like… mhgh…”

“I’m sorry?” Sirius asked, “Mind not mumbling?”

James pulled a wry face and shook his head. Sirius cocked an eyebrow, which also hurt.

Regulus groaned and leant over James, shoulder, “Six and a half month-“

“What!” Sirius shrieked, “You’ve been fucking m’y brother for six and a half months and haven’t told me?!”

“I don’t need to tell you all my personal business, Sirius.” Regulus said.

“Yeah, but, James does.” Sirius points at him.

“It’s true, I do.” James agreed, “Which is why I’m so sorry, Pads. I didn’t want to keep it from you, it’s just, we thought we should at first because I know you scared away the last two guys Reggie was involved with. And then… and then I just felt bad for lying and so I kept lying and… and now we’re here.”

Sirius shook his head at James, “I’m so disappointed in you.” He squinted his eyes, “Just fooling around with my brother like that-“

“We’re not fooling around, Sirius.” James defended, “We never were.”

“I don’t understand.” Sirius shook his head, “Are you shagging or not?”

James snickered, “Look, I didn’t even know I had a crush on Reggie till he kissed me one day, and then I immediately realised I liked him and… and well, we started going out. The shagging didn’t start till after then.”

Sirius took a little step back, looking them both over.

“It’s genuine, Sirius.” James smiled, putting his arm around Regulus’ shoulders, “I just didn’t- I was too scared… I was worried you wouldn’t approve of me for him.” James shrugged, “But we’re not just shagging… I love him.”

Sirius was taken aback, stuck silent for a moment. James loved him? Regulus was gazing up at James with flushed cheeks and a a smile he’d never seen his brother wear before, and it seemed like Regulus loved him back.

Sirius burst out crying.

James immediately rushed to his aid, making them both sit at the table, two chairs pulled out to face eachother. Regulus groaned and went to put on a new pot of tea.

James took Sirius’ hands, shushing him and looking terribly guilty, “I- I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Sirius. Is there something I can do to make it up to you? Is… Is there something I can do to make me worthy of him? I can’t lose- I can’t lose either of you, I’m so sorry, Sirius.”

Sirius sobbed so hard he couldn’t even speak. He shook his head to try and communicate with James, but the message did not go across clearly.

James had started to cry too, “I’m sorry, Sirius. I’m so sorry, I should have- I know I shouldn’t have lied, especially not for so long. But I was so worried- worried about this. I can’t-“ James sobbed so hard he started hyperventilating, “I don’t want to loose- loose-“

“Okay.” Pandora muttered, getting in between them, “Look at me, let’s take some deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. With me now, come on, in through the nose… out through the mouth.”

Sirius and James sat there for a moment, following pandoras instructions. James’ glasses were cracked and foggy, and Sirius was dreading having to reapply his eyeliner for a second time today.

Regulus set some teacups down on the table and poured them each some midnight blue coloured tea, “Dora’s recipe. Supposed to calm you.”

“I’m sorry.” James muttered after taking a big sip of tea, “I don’t know what to do, Pads. I can’t lose you both.”

Sirius took a few sips himself, taking a moment to compose himself, “You’re not going too.” He smiled, his eyes begging to water again, “I’m sorry I freaked you out.”

“What?” James asked, taken aback, his voice sounded hoarse.

Sirius set his cup down with shaky hands and burst into more tears, but he smiled through them, and they weren’t nearly as heavy as before, “You love him?!”

James sent a nervous glance over at Regulus and tentatively nodded, “As much as I love you- but, differently, of course.”

That only made Sirius cry harder. He tried to talk again, but all that came out was incoherent nonsense.

“Sirius, stop wailing and just talk for Godricks sake.” Regulus scoffed, “Or you can fucking get out of my house.”

Sirius took a deep breath and sniffled, “I’m sorry… I just… you love him! Reggie deserves to be loved.”

“Oh.” James muttered, poking his glasses up his nose. Across the table, Regulus went silent. James smiled and nodded, “Yeah, of course he does.”

“And you deserve to be loved.” Sirius mumbles.

James snickers, “Well, I hope I do.”

“And… and you have such a big heart, and love people so… so… in the best way.”

James smiled and nodded.

“And Reggie-“ Sirius sobbed more, “He struggles- but he really loves who he loves with his whole heart.”

Regulus embarrassedly buried his head in his hands and Barty gave him a playful shove.

“Out of everyone in the world, I approve of you both the most for eachother.” Sirius sobbed, “And it just makes me so happy that you love eachother!”

There was a moment of silence before James started laughing in that way he does when he really adores something. He reached out and grabbed Sirius’ hands, squeezing them tight.

“It makes me so fucking happy that you approve.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Sirius sniffled, “You’re my best friend, and he’s my brother. You’re my two favorite people, it only makes sense that you love eachother.”

“Do you mean that?” Regulus asked across the table.

“Of course.” Sirius nodded, reaching over to pet Reggie’s elbow, “And when you get married James will be my brother in law-“

“I bloody know!” James grinned, slapping his knee, “How good will that be?”

Sirius grabbed onto him excitedly.

After a moment, James smiled and wiped at the black smudge from Sirius’ tears, “This new look got anything to do with Remus’ thing for punks?”

Sirius smiled sheepishly, “Do you think he’ll like it?”

“He liked it enough when you got those nose piercings, he’ll probably pass out seing you like this.”

Sirius chuckled.

“Come on, let’s clean you up and get you back home to him.”

Sirius smiled and nodded, “Thanks, Prongs.”

When Sirius got home, Remus did in fact malfunction. He couldn’t talk proper words for two whole minuets before he pointed to their room and muttered, “Bed, now.” And Sirius could never say no to his Moony.

★ ★ ★

Wow I wrote this at a regular hour in the day, hats off to me. This was inspired by @gaybubblehead and my texts about how they hc sirius goes through a phase where he looks just like Barty in terms of style and stuff and I honestly agree he would do that. I mean they came up with the entire idea of this basically and told me I should write it, and for once I actually delivered. lol

So this one’s for you my dude <3

It was silly, I started this with barely any direction and just let the story write its self. I should be writing my Christmas fic butttttt no.

[moodboard-d]

[gods-graveyard]

Barty Crouch Junior who was born left handed like his mother, but his father forced him to use his right since it was more "proper"

Barty crying out of frustration struggling to cast spells with the same efficiency and precision as his peers.

Barty who meets Evan. One of the first people who doesn't see him as his father.

Who doesn't label him as weak- Who shows him true power.

Barty who when he confesses to being left handed, like its something shameful- Evan calls him an idiot, and looks at Barty with pride.

Barty, who by the time he graduates is a skilled and dangerous duelist with both hands.

Evan is shrouded in darkness, but he shines brighter than anyone on the so called light side. And to Barty? Evan is his guiding light he would follow to the abyss.

(Side note going along canon-

Barty who kills his father whilst casting with his left hand.

A fuck you- and an honor to the boy who shone, not like the sun, but like an inferno that he would gladly be burned alive in)

[rosierslove]

Whoever you ship with Barty Crouch Jr, Barty is always like "Don't blame me, love made me crazy"

And I'm a sucker for it.

[theroyalhouseofwindenburg]

The Black Death: Part 4

A year has passed since David succumbed to the relentless grip of the plague. Windenburg now stands on the precipice of despair, desperately in need of assistance. More than half of its once-thriving population has perished, leaving behind haunting echoes of life. The streets are eerily silent, with the only signs of movement being the body collectors, the last living presence in a city now dominated by decay and suffering. Westsimster, once a bustling metropolis, now lies almost empty—a haunting testament to the devastating toll exacted by the merciless plague.

Within the walls of Windenburg Castle, a grim atmosphere hung heavy. King Wilhelm, seated in his office, brooded with frustration. The once-thriving farms that supplied the kingdom with grain and livestock now lay in ruin, consumed by the merciless flames of the plague. The farmers, along with their families, had succumbed to the same cruel fate. Realizing the gravity of the situation and driven by the need for a drastic solution, King Wilhelm summoned his trusted advisor, Sir Oliver Coles, to enforce his command.

In a sinister turn of desperation, King Wilhelm, confronted by the grim realities of the plague in Windenburg, resolves to hoard the meager medical supplies and resources within the castle walls. Disregarding the anguished pleas of his suffering subjects, he instructs Oliver to summon the guards and seize any remedies, tonics, and herbs meant for the common folk. Defying the Jacoban Church, Wilhelm orders the immediate closure of local apothecaries and medicinal dispensaries. A disbelieving Oliver looks to Wilhelm and exclaims, "Your Grace, you can't possibly be serious... stripping the people of their last resources will surely lead to their demise. Moreover, closing the apothecaries will anger the church; without their support, we may be in grave danger." Enraged, Wilhelm rises from his desk, slamming his fists down violently, demanding compliance, "The only thing the people in this slum of a country have brought me is agony and dread. Let the Watcher do his job and rule out the unworthy!" he shouted.

By seizing control of the limited supplies, Wilhelm selfishly secures his own survival, leaving the remainder of Windenburg to plunge into an abyss of despair. The duty of a king, sworn to protect and serve his people, morphs into a grotesque exhibition of selfishness. Consumed by paranoia, Wilhelm places his well-being above the lives of those he vowed to govern with compassion, tarnishing the very essence of his regal responsibilities.

Upon exiting the room, Oliver senses an impending danger and an unsettling fear that King Wilhelm is descending into madness. Driven by concern, he chooses to seek out the Queen in the east wing of the castle. In this secluded area, Queen Cordelia resides with her sons, Prince Wilhelm and Prince Alvin, as well as her step-daughter Augusta, their refuge from the growing chaos that has engulfed the kingdom.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through the halls, prompting Cordelia and Lady Philippa, her newly appointed governess, to answer. To her surprise, it was Oliver, bearing urgent news. In a desperate plea, Oliver details the King's alarming intentions to Cordelia, imploring her to intervene and divert him from this perilous course of action. Cordelia, consumed by anger, reacts vehemently to her husband's callous plans. Unable to fathom such cruelty, she instructs Oliver to convey to the King that she and the children are departing for Bagley, seeking refuge in her brother King Henry's hunting lodge. Windenburg Castle, once a haven, has become a breeding ground for peril, and Cordelia is determined to shield her family from its encroaching darkness.

Cordelia, Augusta, and Lady Philippa ascended the stairs, seeking refuge in the upper chambers. There, Lady Philippa diligently packed their belongings, a task undertaken with urgency. Despite the impending wrath of her husband, Cordelia couldn't endure the relentless suffering any longer, determined to seek solace for herself and her children beyond the castle walls.

Within minutes, King Wilhelm arrived with his two guards, effectively blocking the stairway, a furious expression etched onto his face. "I'll have your head before I let you take my sons anywhere!" He shouted, his voice echoing through the stone corridors. Cordelia met her husband's gaze with a mix of defiance and rage. "Your kingship mirrors your parenting—absent, callous, and utterly devoid of any genuine care. Our marriage is but a charade, a reflection of your egotism and disregard for the family you've torn apart. Your rule brings nothing but suffering, and your skills as a king are as feeble as your ability to be a father. You've become the embodiment of a king without a kingdom, a ruler without a realm, and a husband without a heart." Cordelia's searing words threw Wilhelm over the top. In a fit of unbridled anger, he lunged at her, striking her hard in the face and knocking her to the floor. He then seized the pearl necklace around her neck, the one he had once made for her, and tightened his grip, choking her. "Your actions have just cost you your son!" Wilhelm bellowed before finally releasing his grip.

Augusta swiftly came to her stepmother's aid. "Guards! Collect Prince Alvin and take him to the west wing," Wilhelm commanded, his tone authoritative and cold. As he was about to exit the room, Augusta, unable to contain her disdain, muttered "Tyrant" under her breath. Wilhelm turned sharply towards her. "Augusta, much like your mother, your treasonous tongue might have consequences. It seems the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree," he declared, his voice laced with menace. Augusta, fueled by a mix of anger and despair, could no longer contain her emotions. In a fit of frustration, she confronted King Wilhelm,

"Your crown sits upon a heartless head! The plague has claimed more than our people; it's revealed the rot within your soul. A ruler who abandons his own kingdom to a fate worse than death. You're no king; you're a puppet in regal attire, dancing on the strings of your own incompetence," Augusta boldly declared. King Wilhelm, consumed by rage, violently seized Augusta and threw her against the hard stone wall, knocking down furniture in the process. Despite the physical assault, Augusta met his gaze defiantly. "You can hurt me all you want, but you will always be who you are. My mother's blood stains your hands, and no amount of power can wash away the darkness that shrouds your soul. You are not a king; you are a tyrant, a betrayer of the very realm you claim to rule."

Wilhelm yanked Augusta up from the ground, pressing her forcefully against the wall with an intensity of loathing in his eyes. "You are nothing, an incessant stain from the moment you entered this world. A mistake I regret not correcting sooner. I should have fed you to the wolves when your mother died. The only reason you survived is because of Cordelia's misguided pity."

He then turned to his guards, his voice echoing through the chamber, "Seize her!" he yelled, The guards promptly approached Augusta, binding her wrists as commanded. With a malicious tone, Wilhelm declared, "Let's see how grateful you feel after a few nights in the dungeon." Wilhelm then ordered his son, Prince Wilhelm, to follow him out as well. The young boy stood from his seat in a rage after witnessing the brutal argument. "I'm not going anywhere with you!" the boy shouted at his father.

"You're no father to us, just a king in title. Your crown is a mere disguise for the monster within. Mother deserves better, and so do we. You're not a protector; you're the source of our torment. the kingdom crumbles not from external enemies, but from the decay within your own heart," the boy boldly declared. "Your insolence knows no bounds, child. You speak of torment, yet fail to recognize the privilege and protection my rule affords. Your Mother was well aware of the implications of this marriage, and you, in your naivety, dare to question a king. The kingdom flourishes under my guidance, and your accusations are but the pitiful cries of ungrateful offspring." Wilhelm shouted

In that moment, Cordelia threw herself at her husband's feet. "Please, Wilhelm," she begged, "Don't take my children away from me; they're all I have." Wilhelm looked down at his groveling wife in disgust, pushing her away, In swift motion, Wilhelm advanced toward his son, seizing him tightly, and headed for the door amidst the boy's desperate screams and pleas to be released. As Wilhelm left the chamber, the guard inquired, "Your Grace, Should I leave the door open or board it up?" Walking away, Wilhelm coldly commanded, "board the doors up; let her starve." The young prince's terror-filled screams echoed through the corridor upon hearing his father's heartless words.

Beneath the castle, in the dimly lit corridors leading to the dungeon, Augusta was led to her cell by one of Wilhelm's guards. As he placed her on the bed, he removed the binding from her wrists and, to her surprise, closed the heavy door behind him. With a swift motion, he took off his helmet, revealing an expression marked by the shadows of loyalty and conflict. "What your father did to you was wrong," he declared bluntly, the weight of the truth evident in his words. After a moment's pause, he added solemnly, "I want to help you. There are others who share our concerns about the king's reign." Augusta, astonished by this unexpected ally, found herself cautiously hopeful for the first time in the midst of the kingdom's turmoil.

In the dimly lit confines of the dungeon, Augusta and the guard had a conversation that stretched on for what felt like an eternity. They delved into the depths of the suffering inflicted by Wilhelm's almost 30 year reign over Windenburg. They crafted a plan to liberate Windenburg from his oppressive rule. The guard, his voice laced with determination, spoke earnestly to Augusta, "We cannot let the tyranny endure any longer. Wilhelm's reign has left a trail of suffering, and it's time to bring an end to it. I will gather a group of like-minded guards who share our concerns. Together, we'll expose his cruelty, collect evidence, and seek support from disillusioned nobles and the Jacoban Church."

As they strategized, Augusta felt a glimmer of hope in the face of the kingdom's despair. The guard continued, "Our coordinated effort will reveal Wilhelm's misdeeds, hopefully sparking a revolt within the castle. The people deserve better, and we shall strive to restore Windenburg to its former glory." With a resolute promise, he turned to Augusta, "I will return for you, and together, we will ensure that Wilhelm's days of tyranny are numbered." The dungeon, once a symbol of despair, became the birthplace of a rebellion.

[classic-art-favourites]

Ballroom Scene at a Court in Brussels by Frans Francken the Younger and Paul Vredeman de Vries, 1610.