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Revenge Is the Raging Fire That Consumes the Arsonist
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2024-10-29 19:42:56As expected, her father came to her chambers late in the afternoon, after Ursa had finished up her tea and snacks. She had planned to have a walk in the gardens before dinner, but her father made sure to ruin any hope of that.
“What did you just pull in court?” he snapped. “Do you know what Lord Volkov just brought to me? This is the afternoon paper with all of the details of this morning’s court news! And in the political section, what do I find? ‘Empress Romanova Vasil Adds Last Minute Romanov Tradition to New Year’s Banquet: Explosive Cultural Precedent!’” he read.
Ursa flicked her wrist that was code to Cecily and Emery to vacate the room. “It’s as you read, Father.” Ursa calmly put down the book she was in the middle of reading on the coffee table. Ursa knew that he would come to confr
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Where Loyalties Lie I'm Replacing You And You're Scared
The arrival of the snow signaled for court to be adjourned for the rest of the year. As the officials funneled into the great hall outside the throne room, Orlov stopped Ursa on her own way out.“Your Majesty, would you spare a minute for me?” Ursa nodded and followed Orlov out, leaving Ivan to be swarmed by officials who wanted to run something by him last minute. Orlov guided her to the Emperor’s study, where they both sat opposite each other on the sofas. Ursa folded her hands neatly in front of her, waiting for Orlov to make the first move. She was sure he was about to criticize another aspect of the banquet, but she would not prompt him.“You’re a cunning woman, Your Majesty.”“What?” That was not quite what Ursa expected him to say.
Where Loyalties Lie I Know Who You Are I
Ivan watched from his window as the people of the capital funneled to the large square in the center of the city that stood right in front of the large terrace that was used to make important addresses to the people. Right at that moment, Ursa should be on her way to make her entrance, which Ivan will follow soon after. He had Ursa prepare the opening remarks much to Orlov’s dismay. The two had met alone while Ivan was busy and now they refused to speak to each other, leaving Ivan at a loss. Neither refused to speak about the meeting, so there was no way Ivan could mediate.It was an unusual position for him to be in, seeing as Orlov was usually the one to mediate any spats Ivan found himself tangled in, or Ursa if that particular spat was with Orlov.The door closed gently from behind Ivan, signaling the arrival of Orlov. He had sent a message earl
Where Loyalties Lie I Know Who You Are II
No.It wasn’t possible.Yes, Ursa and her brother had their disagreements-- far too many in the past week-- but not even he would actively try to kill her? Wouldn’t her father have stopped him? Was she not still a necessary pawn in his futile Jex game?All of these thoughts coursed through her head like a rushing stream as she fell from the high terrace and onto the cold, hard pavement below.How could he have done it during her speech? Did he really just kill so many people? Ursa’s heart hurt so much, so much more than any real physical pain she felt, if she could feel at all. Her entire body went numb, unable to feel the numerous cuts, burns, bruises, and punctures that littered her limbs, nor the blunt force trauma that her head was
Where Loyalties Lie From the Wreckage
Both Orlov and Ivan knew the terrible truth. That this was an act of terrorism on behalf of the Romanov people, brought forth by the lost prince of the Romanovs himself. Now they were stuck between a rock and a hard place.If they exposed the crime for what it was, Ursa’s reputation would nose-dive. There would be calls for her to be deposed, exiled, or worse, executed. Not only that, but the ethnic tensions that Ursa had begun working to repair would be in shambles once more-- and perhaps be irreparable. The division between the Romanovs and the Vasils would be too great to fix, and the other smaller groups in the Empire would surely pick a side, and Orlov feared that it would not be theirs.This moment could very well be the twilight of this fledgling empi
Where Loyalties Lie Some Things Change... And Others Don't
Ursa’s recovery was slow and steady. Physically she was alright after she woke up ten days later. Ivan was overjoyed and enveloped her in a massive hug, smothering her in his scent. Cecily and Emery were right behind him with tears in their eyes. They had been praying every night for her speedy recovery. Orlov always lingered by the door of her room, but never entered. His right to visit her was lost the moment he left her on that balcony to die. Ursa was not allowed in court for the time being. She spent her time in the library, her nose in a book, or in the gardens, covered in layers upon layers of coats as she played in the snow with Cecily and Emery, acting like children. At night she would think about Mikhail and his whereabouts. Ivan wouldn’t tell her much. Not about who was responsible, o
Where Loyalties Lie Aisha's Scheming
The Vasil princess proved to be a thorn in Ursa’s side. She was already on edge from the events of the past couple weeks, not to mention being edged out of court by her husband and his stupid advisor-- really, Ivan was far too forgiving.Ursa wasn’t.She didn’t forgive Orlov, and she didn’t forgive the little Vasil princess for all of her slights toward Ursa and the Romanovs. She had simply had enough from everyone else, and she was not about to continue to take it from some ignorant little girl who had not been back in her home country in years.And yet, Princess Aisha thought she was being furtive, hiding around pillars and corners of the hallway, or camping out on the large tree right outside of Ursa’s chambers. At dinner time, the princess would sneak glances at Ur
Where Loyalties Lie When Ursa's Boredom Gets The Best Of Her
In reality, Ursa wanted to return to her chambers to brag about how well their plan went. Of course, there were other benefits to returning to her chambers for a little-- she’d avoid talking to Aisha, and she could prepare better for Phase II. Ideally, the bratty princess would be following Ursa, but Ursa had a feeling Aisha would be spooked out by the potion, still unsure of its ‘effects.’ Emery was more than happy to listen to Ursa’s re-enactments, but Cecily began to feel an odd sense of guilt. “She’s still young. Don’t you think this is a bit harsh?” “When did you turn into a baby, Cecily? Some people need the shit scared out of them to learn a lesson,” Emery pointed out. “... Don’t lie, you’re just as bored as me,” Ursa chuckled. This was the m
Where Loyalties Lie A Classic Game of War
War usually started out slow, waiting for the cards and the die rolls to allow the ‘generals’ to shape their board into a more maneuverable pattern. However, Ursa’s moves were quick and fierce, her movements speedy, barely allowing Orlov and Aisha to register what she moved and what she didn’t. Her rolls were quick, and even the way she picked up the cards were like lightning. The only thing that slowed her down was when she took extra seconds to show the cards to Ivan and quietly ask for his input. They would shortly discuss their next move before she put it into place. Orlov was no slowpoke either-- after all, he had managed to beat a three time champion (his father) at least once or twice. But like his father before him, Orlov was a methodical player, instead choosing cautious moves and slower pieces to slowly terrorize his opponent.
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Where Loyalties Lie The Ghosts of Wruclas
Aisha spent the entire next day pouring over other material Ursa had pulled from the library and pacing outside of Ursa’s wing. Earlier that morning, she had stopped in to update the Empress on what she and Ivan had found, but the handmaiden Emery firmly stood her ground, chasing away any and all visitors, no matter how important they were.She was like a guard dog, really, the way she looked like she’d bite someone’s head off if they got even remotely close to the doors of Ursa’s apartment. Aisha had wanted to fight Emery on this, but she also knew how much Ivan had been stressing Ursa’s physical recovery from the chaos that occurred at the New Year’s Celebration, so Aisha slinked away back into the library quietly until lunch time, where she and Emery rehashed their earlier arguments. Inside the most heavily guarded doors, an empress laid in her bed with the covers half off, only covering her freezing toes. The rest of her sweated out a non-existent fever, while Cecily dabbed a col
Where Loyalties Lie Sibling Crime
The Poplov townhouse was located in the upper echelons of Ichares. The streets were clean, the houses were opulent and luxurious, the architecture a crude copy of the palace. It was not hard to break into the house, seeing as there were so many windows and not enough guards-- though this criticism could be shared with the palace.Ivan noted this.Aisha and Ivan were both dressed in black clothing-- Ivan in a black poet shirt and tight dark trousers, while Aisha wore a skin tight turtleneck with matching trousers. At present, they sat in a tree, watching the windows as light passed through the dark hallways, a maid checking the corridors.Aisha bounced her leg anxiously, causing the branch to sway with her. Ivan sent her a withering glare, instantly freezing any movement from her leg. They had been sittin
Where Loyalties Lie The Duel
Aisha juggled her broadsword in her hand while her other hand held her dagger tightly. She stared at her brother, only the light from the torches around the arena illuminating his lean frame. Ivan shrugged off his coat and kicked it to the side, his signature sword appearing out of thin air.“How--” Aisha gawked, staring at her own swords that came from the weapons room.“Magic?” Ivan smirked, spinning his sword with his wrist as he got into position. Aisha made sure to note down to have him teach her that trick before getting into her own starting position.Neither of them moved, circling each other. Aisha’s left foot shifted and then she was off, launching herself high into the air, raising her swords up into a crossing motion. She landed on the blunt side of Ivan’s
Where Loyalties Lie Respect, A One Way Street
Ursa gave a shallow wave to the guards stationed outside of Ivan’s study as Aisha trailed behind her with a tray of food. The guards instantly bowed and one stuck their head in to announce her presence. Ivan was hunched over his desk, staring intently at a particular piece of paper as his quill moved on its own-- most likely enchanted by Ivan, writing furiously. “Ivan.” He looked up, surprised to see the two women. “What are you two doing here?” Ursa gave him a funny look. “Our arrival was just announced. Didn’t you hear?” Ivan didn’t respond, choosing to just lounge back in his chair. The quill fell back and landed unceremoniously onto the paper. “We brought you dinner.” Aisha set the tray onto t
Where Loyalties Lie Poplov's Numbered Days
“Your Majesty, Lord Volkov is here to see you,” one of the guards from outside said, peeking his head slightly into the office. Ivan only waved his hand as an indication for the other man to come in. It was the middle of the afternoon, a few hours after the morning’s court session had ended and he finished his meeting with his advisors (without Orlov, he thought bitterly), but Ivan felt so very unproductive.He had sat there while everyone talked at him, only nodding or shaking his head, sometimes yelling at people who got a little too presumptuous. It wasn’t that Ivan didn’t understand the things being said in court-- after so many years of attending, it would be quite stupid for him not to have an idea of how these things worked. But Orlov made it easier for Ivan, always taking a load off of the heavy weights that already pushed Ivan to his knees.
Where Loyalties Lie The Tetsi Trial
“The prosecution would like to call its first witness up to the stand: Yuri Tetsi!” Orlov announced, and waited for the Young Tetsi to make his way to the stand. Ivan sat in his throne in his usual posture, his hand holding his face as he leaned into the side of his throne. Yuri Tetsi clambered up to the stand and took a seat, his hands nervously shaking. Once Young Tetsi looked ready, Orlov began laying the foundation of his questioning, asking simple questions about Young Tetsi himself before delving into the real case. “You claim to have recorded evidence of secret plots against the Empress?” asked Orlov. “I do. My own father, as well as Lord Haschoff, Lady Salisterova, Lord Grieschkov, and Lord Telbor all had conversations with each other and others about a few things. At first, they conversed abo
Where Loyalties Lie Big Reputation Brings Bigger Enemies
Ursa returned to her chambers after a quiet dinner with just Ivan and Aisha. It was a nice and gentle dinner, where the only mention of Orlov was Aisha excitedly announcing she would be helping. Otherwise, the dinner was the perfect glimpse of a life without Orlov constantly breathing down Ivan’s shoulder, and Ursa enjoyed it. But even Ursa could admit, a piece of Ivan was with Orlov in his home, eating dinner alone. Ivan would smile and joke with them, but his gaze was far off, not even in the room. It burned Ursa. It burned Ursa even more to know that a part of her also felt deeply while staring at the empty chair next to Aisha. Once upon a time, Ursa thought that she and the prime minister were friends. Friendly rivals, intellectual equals, and respected colleagues. She missed the mirage.
Where Loyalties Lie A Handmaiden's Tale I / The Princess
Ursa’s lunch didn’t end up being as peaceful as planned, as the second Vasil barged in on her meal. “Sister, I hear you’re heading the Orlov Investigation!” Ursa put down the little bite sized sandwich Cecily had prepared for her as Aisha made herself at home in the chair across from her. “You heard correctly.” “I want to help.” “No.” “Please?” “This is a delicate political matter, Aisha. My apologies if I don’t think you’re quite ready for such a complex matter.” Aisha slid down her seat, crossing her arms. “I can handle it. I’ll be covert. No one has to know we’re working together.” Ursa smirked as she put he
Where Loyalties Lie She Who Does Not Break So Easily
Ursa dropped a bag of coins into the maid’s hand, and the small girl scurried out of the library. After more than half a year at the palace, Ursa learned who could be bought and who could be swayed to join her cause-- her cause being keeping her in the loop of things she otherwise wouldn’t be. That just happened to be any and all court matters, seeing as Ivan specifically kept her out of political matters. “You’re still recovering, Ursa! I can’t have you getting all stressed about these matters when your health is so fragile!” But her health has been ‘fragile’ for a little more than a month and a half. Physically, Ursa was already back in her original form, and more than capable of delving back into court. But the most work Ivan had even let her see had only been the preparations for the upcoming annual Royal Hunting Trip, renamed to the Imperial
