joseph

Claudia tilted her head, her lips pursed together once more, “I would think this to be an ample opportunity for the two of you to explore the Italian horizons, after all, who knows how long it’ll last,” her eyes glimmered in humor, words strung along prettily but the implications nevertheless still existent. It wouldn’t surprise her if the extended stay started creating chaos - it was bound to happen given so many countries were present, each with their own agendas. 

Her gaze flitted from her son, as if to tell him her interest with the affairs of the nobles was something that disinterested her ears. Until the information was vital enough to use as a chess piece, she’d remain indifferent. But at the mention of his duty, the woman nodded her head, content. She believed herself to have trained him well thus, she would be made no fool. Not unless he desired strict admonishment which she would be happy to deliver. 

The woman leaned back in her chair, her arms folded neatly; her statuesque posture commanding the divine attention of her title. But it was in her face that seemed to only soften ever so slightly, a look that she rarely afforded the public. This was an act of generosity and graciousness, a kindess that she chose to impart for now, as her mood was lifted in pleasant spirits. “I am still waiting for grandchildren Joseph, you know how important the family legacy is.” 

Claudia herself had no qualms in her son siring a daughter, in fact - it was in her preference he did. But with this amount of time and no child in his wife’s womb, it was certainly worrying for their notable lineage. It was the one duty that of everything, would most likely please Claudia the greatest. “It is my greatest wish,” she clasped her hands together, chin lifted. Her expression was expectant, a silent order for him to cater to her statement. 

“I can already feel the tension.” Joseph drawled, but he knew better than to continue. For now, he would survey the situation until he could offer her decent information. 

The change of her moods was often frightening, but what can one say about someone so close to divinity? Joseph had no room to utter a word anything since The Empress made no room for mistakes. Even her acts of abject relaxation appeared graceful. So, even when she ignored his information, he found himself eager to please her. However, he realized too late he should have taken the opportunity to dismiss himself. The mention of his wife was one thing, but the need for an heir was another. Joseph by no means was in a rush, not when he knew the duties of a royal. The continuous training, studying, and the cold. Not the temperature but the glances from many. The silence began to feel louder and louder as her request hung in the air.

Perhaps he had grown weak, and he gritted his teeth, hating such a part of himself. Joseph was entirely unsure if he was the problem, but he didn’t need his child to face such treatment. By no means was he built affectionate; the lack of a child between him and his wife was proof. Even carnal desires were nonexistent in a man whose entire life revolved around serving the empire. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to be a father. The thought occasionally lingered, more so when he watched his cousins receive affection. Joseph often had thought his child, regardless of gender, would receive everything: the crown, his protection, and most of all, warmth. 

And he knew that the Empress would perceive the child as perfect. That is if they were born from Alix. However, Joseph seemed to have other plans. His eyes couldn’t handle the shine in his mother’s eyes as she slowly pulled the figurative reigns she had tangled around him since his youth. Joseph wasn’t the type to ignore the request from her, so he obliged. With a swift nod, he offered the scripted smile taught to him. 

“Of course, how could I deny you such a wish?” Sweet with his words, kind to default, and his dishonest nature remained unseen. Not when he made sure to be careful when speaking with the Empress. “An heir should come soon; I will make sure that the family line remains strong.”

“ I was going to— ” she frowns, gaze swinging from the vendor to Joseph, “ Oh, I’ll just pay for the next one. ” Glancing at his offered arm, she stubbornly refuses it, instead finishing off another rice cake. It’s as delicious as she’d heard, and her plan to try something from every corner of the world is so far turning out to be a success. 

“ But they are not around to hear me, are they? ” she counters. “ You talk so prettily I think you might have even convinced yourself you like my company. ” Joseph wears an impressive mask, his unwavering composure that of a consummate politician. What would it take to make a dent? If he insists on staying, perhaps she’ll amuse herself by finding out how. Now that he’s stated his position, there’s no getting rid of him so easily—they share a stubbornness found in both the Osman and Habsburg lines. “ I do, actually, find your company quite dreadful, ” she continues flippantly, giving him a smile as saccharine as his tone, its edges sharp. “ But if you insist, then we might as well use this as an opportunity to get to know each other better. We are family, after all. ”

We wouldn’t want you to disappoint the family again. He must have thought his comment would sting, but it brushes past her like wind through her fingers. What expectations did she have to meet when no one thought her responsible enough to uphold them? What was the point in pleasing others—in speaking this way, acting that way—when no one took her seriously enough for it to matter? She is not Murad, the responsibility of an empire of his shoulders. She is not Mihrimah, eager to prove her strength. 

No, Atike wears defiance like a second skin, disappointment her shadow. She’s grown comfortable with it, has come to expect it in the shake of a head or a derisive scoff— Ah, there goes Atike again. When will she learn? Perhaps the only rebuke she’ll truly listen to comes from Ismihan; Atike can still remember the small knot of guilt in her stomach when her brother’s wife caught her drinking. 

Joseph could only wish to have such influence over her. 

She cocks her head, tone droll. “ Surely someone as intelligent as you could come up with something more original? ” 

The ache in his arm felt heavy, and he decided not to push her any further. After all, she had no intent on allowing him to escort. Instead, he assumed the posture of a knight. Arms folded behind him, and his stance straight. Odd considering his title, but he had entered the military at a young age, and the impression remained deeply rooted in him. Even now, as he watched her, there wasn’t a hint of familial warmth. The two were at odds, perhaps the worst pairing. More so when she began to jeer at him, her appearance beginning to blur with the color red, but he took a deep breath. The threads of anger beginning to subside into dull annoyance.

“I wonder who is responsible for your insolence, such spiteful words,” Joseph dryly commented before he saw such a sweet smile. The image of his wife and the Empress came to mind. They conjured up such sharp edges on their faces when they found him annoying. But he couldn’t help it; she was beginning to relieve the tension he kept so hard to hide. “Although maybe you enjoy my company, look at you. Entertaining me, your family would be proud.” 

The words used to chip away at him were child’s play. Had Atike dug with more harsh words, then she would have won. After all, his fiery temper hardly a secret, much to the dismay of those from the Empire. For it was easy to get a rise out of the prince. If she so much compared him to the Empress, then she could rid him from her presence. Or even questioned Joseph’s capabilities as the heir to the throne, then the Ottomans would have a mess at their hands. But neither of them would go that far, would they? 

Joseph had no time to deduce her intentions, instead, keeping her close to him. He’d rather face the rage of Atike than The Empress. So, Joseph smiled, this time more sincere. Despite his age, that didn’t mean he was far from being petty. 

Nothing said lavish like the furniture that Claudia had personally requested to be brought with her to her trip to Italy. If it weren’t for the request of dignitaries and her advisors, Claudia would’ve easily dismissed the notion of stepping foot onto the Vatican’s territory. She remembered the last time the Germans had been intertwined with the Italians and it certainly had not ended prettily. A part of her was humored at the memories, the nostalgic scent of bloodshed and war - oh how lovely it all was in her youth. Still, even so - the thoughts served as a reminder of the unsavory possibilities. She was hardly interested in repeating yet another mistake of the past - not on her legacy. 

At the announcing arrival of her son, Claudia tossed aside the garment that one of the maids had proposed for yet another costume fitting for her treasured monkey. She waved her hand, as if to signal him to skip through the formalities as in the moment, she didn’t have the need for it - a rarity as she was often demanded the most flawless execution of decorum. She tapped her fingers on her seat, awaiting for the attendants to take their leave as her gaze rested upon her son. Oh how damning it was to see his face - a reminder of both her dead father and husband. Still, in the deepest cavity of her heart, beyond the iron that kept it closed, there was always love for him even if it was never quite pronounced in the proper way. Claudia never truly ever had a talent at motherhood. Commanding a battalion was far easier than raising a son. 

“Smile Joseph dearest, they’ll think you already despise Italy with that look on your face,” she chided. 

At his suggestion, she almost burst out in laughter. “Oh heavens no. Alix shall accompany me at the carnival. For you, I’d like you to properly receive and entertain any dignitaries that may come before us.” Perhaps it sounded like an honor but Claudia’s words were always coated and layered with multiple meanings. The request itself meant Joseph was to play as the inbetween, intercepting messages of importance while dismissing those who were irksome enough to seek an audience with her. It was a job that would keep him occupied while also forcing him to maintain his reputation as the Crown Prince. A test of sorts that Claudia would be keenly watching from the background. After all, all her soldiers, attendants and maids acted as an extension of her eyes and ears - nothing went over the Holy Roman Empress’s head. 

“Now tell me, how is your sweet wife? Has she taken well to the Italian climate?” She rested her hand against her chin. 

One after another, her words were never of praises. But Joseph had steeled himself, his resolve not once faltering. He accepted the small judgments she made and tried to comply to a certain degree. There were plenty of masks to wear when one was born in the limelight of a royal. So he chose the face that he often wore around dignitaries. A softening of his expression made him seem a few years younger, lips that curved ever so slightly, but his eyes shined dully. Only a handful of people could ever see past his facade, and The Empress was one of them. 

However, at the mention of his wife, even Joseph couldn’t help but find his mouth twitch. The slightest tick implied their relationship had better days but not today. He wouldn’t say things were stale, but by no means was their marriage anything more than what was on paper. Alix was never an easy woman to get along with, perhaps because, like everyone else around him ( including himself ), she bore the weight of worship for the Empress. But there wasn’t a need for him to express private matters to her. She already had a deep-set involvement with most of his affairs; there wasn’t a need for more.

“Alix? She’s fine, I was busy with paperwork, so I haven’t checked. However, I am sure she will adjust better by your side, Empress.” Joseph knew better than to keep a short answer. Instead, he left the answer vague and implied Alix’s favor of her. Perhaps it was because he was her son or raised to observe his surroundings, but Joseph knew that the answer would appease her while lifting his wife in a higher position. Much to his disappointment, but regardless, he was now obtaining some recognition when she gave him a new responsibility to be aware of. “But I will take heed and make sure to do my duties.” 

Atike hadn’t known what to expect of Rome; what knowledge she had of European kingdoms was limited to her visits to the Holy Roman Empire and hearsay. She certainly didn’t expect the splendor of the Winter Carnival, but when guests came from around the globe, she supposed one must dress to impress. As she flits from stall to stall, her enthusiasm is soured only by the presence of exemplary, responsible, crown prince Joseph, and after she takes a platter of sweet rice cakes from a vendor, she turns to face him. 

“ If you’re here, you might as well have some, ” she says, a blithe countenance quickly replaced by petulant irritation as she huffs out a sigh. “ But must you take everything so seriously? ” It must grow dull catering to every request, yet here he is, dutifully watching over his wayward cousin because someone asked him to. Perhaps they thought he might temper her, keep her in line where so many failed, but her mind’s already turning with ways to get rid of him. Should she lose him in the ice maze? Annoy him so much that he’ll tire of her antics and leave her alone? 

She opts for honesty first. “ You could just leave. No one would fault you for it. Really, they’d just blame me instead. ” She shrugs with the nonchalance of a girl used to being a tutor’s nightmare, and waves her free hand vaguely. “ Surely you have more pressing matters to attend to than follow your favorite cousin around. ” 

The lies she weaves were beautiful, as expected of the cousin favored by all. She shines brighter than most, her shallow laughter akin to bells. But she continued to remain unruly. A force to be reckoned with that not a single soul could dismiss. Joseph watched her with an impassioned gaze, and perhaps if he were closer to her, he’d bend to her will. But that wasn’t the case between the two. His mother had always kept close ties to their extended family, but Joseph remained in the dark. There wasn’t a single time he could account for an intimate relationship outside of his immediate circle.  

Joseph allowed her to prattle on before he shook his head—  a refusal to her unreasonable request. Joseph knew that if he abandoned the duty that The Empress placed on his shoulders, he could imagine the lecture he would get. So he stood there, his back rigid, but his expression remained cordial. There wasn’t a hint of his emotions that squirmed inside of him. Instead, he offered an arm to her after Joseph handed the vendor a golden coin.

“Cousin.” The word felt foreign to his mouth; after all, he was used to calling such people by their title. But he knew Atike wouldn’t be fond of such formalities. “Our parents would be hurt to hear such words from you. Maybe I enjoy our time together, although my company must be dreadful for you to request my leave.”

Formalities occurred, the usual greetings and announcements that Joseph had grown accustomed to since his youth. Each country separated as they listened to the activities for the day. However, regardless of his thorough training, Joseph’s gaze wandered towards the surroundings. With the snow drifting down as the stalls glittered with rare items, the exchange of culture felt unique in a sense that differed significantly from their empire. The land around them seemed far warmer. After minutes had passed, the countries that had gathered were allowed to intermingle with one another. Joseph knew the duties placed on his shoulders without having to sense his mother’s glare. A man of character and stature, he gave his wife a few parting words and a chaste kiss on her cheeks. After all, their marriage had to seem perfect before he went to speak with his cousins.

They were easier to talk to than the foreign countries he had yet to interact with personally. The Empress had kept it that way with her rule, making Joseph feel less of an heir and more of a shadow. Regardless, he didn’t need to adhere too strictly to decorum. His family from the Ottoman Empire had always been more welcoming. But these were memories from over a decade ago, so he could only guess how true they held. Firstly, he greeted the Sultan and the wives. His movements felt natural as he followed the customs of their empire from what he remembered. Their faces felt easier to read compared to those back home. Once he reached his cousins, he looked at them with a welcoming smile. The pressure to earn their good graces sat on his shoulders, the reminder ringing in his head due to his mother’s influence.

“Sehzade Murad,” Joseph said once he reached the heir apparent, his cousin was in a similar position. There was a pause between them before he continued, “If I can take the liberty, would you care to offer me your time. There is much I want to discuss with my cousin.”

One last glance at the mirror reflected the sight of a prestigious man with no softness etched onto his face. Instead, hard lines were evident, and shadows danced beneath his eyes. However, none of that mattered since the Empress called for him. The attendant that had come along to deliver the message looked pensive, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He was about to open his mouth, but Joseph raised a hand. The move alone made the man turn silent. Joseph had no time as the crown prince to waste, so he trudged along. He was already in a sour mood because of his wife’s nagging. So he could only wonder what the woman who gave birth to him had to say.

Those attending Joseph knew better than to think of him as cruel. In all realities, he was a good prince worthy of his achievements. However, his deep-set rage left a relatively low image on him. Thankfully, they wouldn’t have to deal with him much longer. They escorted him to the Empress, walking along with the palace that remained etched with Italian history. Exquisite art hung the walls, and the floors shined. The maids that were assigned here kept their distance, knowing better than to make the royals angry. In a matter of minutes, they reached the room that held his mother; Joseph took one last breath. His palms smoothed over his clothes before he straightened his posture. The guard outside the door waited before announcing the arrival of the crown prince. 

“Archduke Joseph, the Crown Prince of Anhalt, has arrived, Your Majesty.”

The doors opened and revealed a room that befitted the glory of the Empress. Luxurious furniture and goods all seemed to pale as Joseph noticed his mother, the Empress watched him, and he could only deduce that her gaze felt cold. But he never let their lack of familial attachment affect him. Instead, he placed a hand on his chest and expressed his respect. Joseph had learned at a young age; the Empress expected proper decorum from him more than anyone else.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head, lifting his head after a few seconds. Straightening his posture, he gave a glare towards the attendants, expecting them to leave. And slowly, they each did until only the supposed mother and son were left alone. “I’ve received your invitation. Did you want me to escort you to the carnival?”