♔ trois || fool unmade

[ensorceler]

[Elizabeth Tudor]

Elizabeth, you are no child, and so I will not treat you as such. You have married a King of England, and if this is true, I will meet him at once.

[/Elizabeth Tudor]

[ She's already had her shrieking fit off camera, so by now she's become more composed and willing to socialize again. Sort of. She dictates the following with tight-lipped composure; ]

I find it difficult to grasp the notion that none noticed by absence. Truly, I am horrified still at what transgressed, having had to depend on a strange but noble woman for escort, only to return and find none the wiser.

This must cease. This... This mockery of a castle is nothing more than a small child dressing itself up in empty purpose. Any fey who might try such nonsense on me again will rue it. Think you that I am the weaker for not having my lord husband at my side? That is a dangerous mistake to make.

If none other will hold court here, then I will take up that role as Regent, and breathe purpose into the very walls. Any who have or would swear fealty to England, I would have a renewal of your vows. If you do not already know the name Anne Boleyn, you will know it soon, and know it well.

Comments

[heloise]

We are unaccustomed to queens in the Apennine. Pray tell, what power would you claim?

[ensorceler]

[ An Italian? Hmph.

Well, she's being amiable enough so far. It's not like they're all enemies. ]

Every king or queen needs their council to help decide on such matters. This is not a rash proclamation, and not one I expect to carry out over night.

[ Meaning she has no idea, shut up. ]

[heloise]

[ Worse, Spaniard. Actually, both! ]

Would you be convening a council soon then? Of those most wise here?

[ensorceler]

[ That's like a combination of everything she hates! Wrapped in the cutest package ever to prance.

She tries not to scoff, but it's hard. ]

The most 'wise', or so proclaimed, seem more intent on proving my efforts useless than actually offering any assistance. The blatant disrespect is impossible to ignore.

[heloise]

Most of them are used to a different kind of government, much like the Republic of Florence.

[ She still doesn't understand democracy. ]

[ensorceler]

And considering that Republic is now dead, their arguments fall even flatter.

[heloise]

Would you call it thus? Dead? The Medicis might disagree.

[ensorceler]

I trust the information I've been given.

[ She tries not to sound doubtful there. Screw you, Cromwell. Then again, she remembers so many are from different... 'times'... ]

What is your year, if you do not mind sharing, Lady?

[heloise]

It was 1498 last I was home.

[ensorceler]

[ Oh, for once she's the one in the future! She's not sure if that gives her more power or just more problems. Having to explain everything... Well, at least it's a short history between their years. ]

Many things were very different during that time, yet you seem to understand my intent better than others.

[ She just wants to help these rude, rude people. Maybe some less than others, now... ]

[heloise]

[ But English people (so are every peoples not Italian) are backwards, so Lucrezia feels she is still more contemporary. ]

It is often more beneficial to suspect the best of others. A leader bears great responsibility for the happiness of her people. That is the burden you mean to take, is it not?

[ensorceler]

Only as Regent, of course. I am but a woman. Were my beloved husband here, I know this would be his wish. He would be surprised to find nobody has attempted such before.

[heloise]

Even so, would it be our happiness you and your husband seek?

[ensorceler]

I am certain in time he could come to love these people as his own, as would I. [ Lies and untruths. ] But mine own desire would of course be to send all of us to our right places and times. To release the magic's hold over our wills and our destinies. Would that not bring joy to all?

[heloise]

Would you do so only if we named you Regent?

[ensorceler]

It is difficult to fight for a people who will not support your efforts. [ But it would not be her first time, either! ] Regardless, I will not hide among the shadows and do nothing.

[heloise]

So you would do it regardless.

[ensorceler]

Of course. But would the people want me to have the greatest chance of success, they must offer their loyalty and their assistance. This is the only way to fight the anarchy that this castle has become intent on sowing.

[heloise]

But you would never be so unkind as to take it by force. Loyalty must be freely given, surely.

[ensorceler]

Again, I am but a woman, despite my title. What force could I offer without an army?

[ Not really an answer, but it's as good as you're going to get. ]

I wish for peace above all else.

[heloise]

That is a relief.

We want the same then, above all.

[ensorceler]

The path to peace is not always an smooth one, though.

[heloise]

[ She hums. ]

I must admit I know too little of peace to say.

[ensorceler]

[ Time to recall some history lessons. And yeah, that sounds about right. Depending, of course... ]

What is your name, child? You sound of noble birth.

[heloise]

Nobility is an amorphous concept.

Lucrezia Borgia.