dressed to unimpress

light steps moved to the beat of the music, body swaying along to the rhythm of the song. the only thing maurizio could have possibly enjoyed  more than this was a ride out on his horse into the unknown, but alas he was doing his utmost to cause the least amount of trouble to his family whilst they were in france. a night of pleasure, dancing, and wine was just as good as it could get. the song came to an abrupt end, much to his disdain, and he thanked the companion who had joined him for the dance with a kiss to the back of her hand.

the first notes of the next song started to fill the hall once again, and the italian turned around in  search of his next dance partner. by luck he came face to face to a blonde female, and he was quick to plaster his wide grin onto his lips at the sight of her. “good evening. care to join me for the next dance?” he questioned, offering his arm to the woman in invitation.

@charofsweden·

sofia often prided herself in the idea that she could read people like an open book. and whilst some were more challenging than other, she had always been able to identify charlotte’s wild side, right from the first time she met her. there was only so much poise one could fake after all. “is that so? i am certainly grateful to know that you would put in so much effort for my visits.,” the spanish finished her sentence by resting her hand over her heart, an attempt to  show her gratitude even if the teasing smirk never left her lips. “as do i, charlotte. i will require your services while we are here, and i am more than convinced that you will do a wonderful job like always. and from my end, i will ensure that no one dares think of harming you. not under my watch.”

she wouldn’t doubt charlottes words. the two had built a friendship based on loyalty throughout the years, and whilst she would not be blinded by that, deep within her heart sofia knew that the swedish princess would protect her as well if need be. although she would never rely for that on anyone other than ander and herself. it was in his hands that she trusted her life, and no one else’s. “first and foremost, i want you to protect yourself before thinking of protecting me. is that clear? i would never forgive myself if you get in harm’s way because of me.” surely, sofia could ask charlotte to get herself into relatively dangerous situations, but she trusted that the other knew how not to get caught. 

“losing someone you love so dearly is never easy. every person reacts differently, and that was your way of dealing with the loss. your sister had responsibilities to take on, and that is just the way life goes. you don’t have to be so harsh on yourself for taking your time to grief.” it pained her, to know that charlotte had been feeling that way whilst sofia could do nothing to help. miles, fires, rebellions and disease separated them, and still the spanish princess questioned if there was more she could have done to help her friend out. “i would have never let you disappear. nothing would have stopped me from coming to sweden and finding you myself if that was the case.” 

charlotte envisioned what a home would look like if she were ever to have one of her own. it would be nothing too special, she spent most of the time outdoors anyway. there would probably be flowers and wild animals that she had brought in from outside. she laughed at the imagine of foxes and deer inside a home. though she knew that she would be castle bound for life, it was not a fun thing to think about. “oh, i will be any and everywhere during this gathering, sofia. i came prepared to be on the lookout for any secretive business.” charlotte was utter excited to start sneaking about and going in on others conversations to find out any details about the other kingdoms as she could. 

though she was not the most helpful person, when it came to those she cared about, she would put her life on the line. if charlotte saw someone she did not particularly like getting hurt? she may turn right around and walk the opposite direction. but if there was any threat to a family member or a close friend? she would not stop until they were stopped. “i do protect myself don’t you worry. in many ways, i can keep myself very safe. but if by accident a sword slipped someone who may have been speaking down on you? who will ever know.” charlotte replied nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders. oh, was she ever the person to make a joke about something so cruel. 

“that would be the last day of the world, i can assure you,” sofia informed the other with an earnest chuckle, her head shaking at even the mere thought of charlotte’s suggestions. the most she could tolerate was a short ride on a horse, and even then she would not do so merely out of fun. “if one day you do build a home in the woods, i believe i might be convinced to venture into nature and pay you a visit. seeing you would be the only reason why i would do such a thing,” she ended up admitting, even if the thought of charlotte living in the woods would make her shudder. “i know my darling. you have never failed me. i guess i can part with a bottle of wine to thank you for your efforts.”

sofia could always feel the coldness of the sharp metal against her skin, the dagger she always kept strapped to her shin for her own protection. although she knew she was always well-protected, sofia had insisted on knowing how to protect herself if the need arises - and surely, she had found someone to teach her. “don’t you worry about me. ander makes sure i can protect myself if the need ever arises,” she told the other, refusing to let her smile grow even a hint wider at the thought of him. her father had never encouraged her to learn how to wield weapons, but he was not around to tell her otherwise anymore. besides, it sofia had a knack for doing things behind people’s backs. seeing the expression on the princess’ face made sofia’s heart clench in her chest. she remembered the letters, how she wished she could hold the girl in her arms and reassure her that she would make it through it all. “i did receive them. how i wished i could be with you. i would have brought you to spain if i could, but the circumstances could never allow such a trip. you know you can talk to me about it if you need to get things off your chest.”

charlotte was used to these responses from royals, that was why she tried to spend time with those who already spent time in the wild. she had become close with many of the stablehands back home because of the amount of time she spent there. “i will make sure the home is too your liking. the floors will be clean when you arrive.” charlotte giggled light heartedly. as much as she would love to leave her castle forever, in doing so risked her safety more than ever. and she would never leave her sister like that. not when she needed her most. “i hope i do never fail you. i will always have your best interests at heart. i see you like family, princess.” sofia had become like a second sister to charlotte. one of the very few people who she had told her deepest, darkest secrets to. and she trusted sofia like no other. 

He wasn’t going to intervene. GoodSamaritan, he was not (rather, he kinda despised all those sermons), but herecognized the girl. A miracle, surely, considering she was dressed in men’sclothes and half her face was covered by a rather unflattering cap. Last timehe’d seen her, she very much fitted the role of princess. Taking advantage ofbeing far enough away that it wouldn’t be seen, Ander sighed exasperatedly andproceeded to lead his horse closer to the farmer and the wayward girl.

“Really my good man, all thisover a few chickens? They’re clearly fine,” he gestured at the birds, still alittle ruffled, but no worse for wear. Who cared that a chicken was inconvenienced,anyway?

“Boy tried to steal them,” the farmer seemed really put out about the whole ordeal,and his grip on the princess’ arm did not relax at all, even as he staredwarily at Ander, gimlet eyes paying particular attention to the sword pokingout of his saddlebag. With a monumental effort, he managed to not to raise adisbelieving eyebrow. He must have been older than Ander took him for, if hewas mistaking Charlotte for a boy.

“My squire wouldn’t steal,” heraised an arm, gesturing for silence, anticipating the princess would not takekindly to being called a thief, but this needed to be resolved and quickly, soAnder opened his bag and tossed a coin at the farmer who let go of the girl inorder to catch it.

“Come, boy,” he leanedacross the saddle and reached his arm to her, his lips quirking upwards inamusement as their eyes met. He hoped that since the girl was out there jumping fences, she’d have no problem riding astride for a few miles.

charlotte glared down at the tight grip on her arm, continuing to try to pull away. causing trouble with the locals was not on her to do list today. she opened her mouth to shout again before a different voice spoke before she could. her eyes quickly shifted to the third person who had joined them, whom she recognized immediately. being close friends with princess sofia from spain made her familiar with the man. the two were not too close, but this would not be the first time in history that he had helped her. she sent him a smile, but was quickly distracted again by the farmers comment. just when her mouth started to open to curse the old man out again, she saw the man on the horse’s look and decided not to open her mouth. the princess let out a huff, trying once again to pull her arm free from the man.

simon noticed her slight limp right away and moved to offer her assistance to one of the cots lining the walls, should she need it. “i am sure the rock looks much worse,” he gave her a small smile, amused by her sense of humor. often, royals could be cold and straight to the point when it came to medical issues; it was a much more pleasant experience when patients were in good spirits when they arrived. of course, her positive attitude also told him that the injury could not be bothering her too much. “please have a seat, your highness.” he walked to the pitcher and basin of water, pouring some in a bowl and grabbing some clean cloth. “does it hurt? would you like something for the pain?” 

a loud laugh reverberated along the walls of sofia’s chambers at the swedish princess’ suggestion. sofia, climbing and jumping out of a tree? that would be unheard of. “me, climbing a tree? that must be quite an entertaining thought. although we both know i would not get past the first branch.” adventure of such sorts was never one sofia sought out. even as a child, she used to hate getting mud on her shoes or be made to go into any sort of wilderness beyond the castle’s gardens. “my darling, as much as i appreciate your enthusiasm, i would much rather spend my time with you away from angry peasants and wildlife,” sofia told her, a wide smile never leaving her lips. the other never failed to entertain her, bringing to the spanish princess genuine happiness that few others managed to. feigning a roll of her eyes, sofia nodded her head slowly, suppressing a smirk from forming. “anything, hmm? i will keep that in mind.”

sofia liked to think that she could be fearless, but she was not stupid. she knew that fear kept her on her toes, kept her alarmed and ready should the unexpected strikes. “i am glad to hear that. many would try to take advantage of a person in such a situation, and i can never let that happen to you.” it was a silent promise, but sofia knew that while they were in the same place she would do everything in her power to ensure charlotte’s safety. “it is a tragedy. yet the ones i did receive, i held onto them so dearly. every new letter meant that you had survived.” sofia reached out to the princess seated next to her, resting her hand on  top of the other’s before giving it a gentle squeeze. “i am sorry about your brother,” she said in earnest, lips pressed into a thin line after she spoke. misfortune had hit both of their families after all, but the thought of losing a sibling was too unbearable for her. she had liked her sister-in-law, certainly, but losing one’s own blood was a different story after all.  

charlotte had imagined on a countless amount of times what it would be like to engage some of the other royals she knew into the activities that she partook in. every time she laughed. she had yet to meet another royal who was quite as a risk taker and as reckless as she was. but the princess did not mind it much, she did love her alone time. “you never know, princess. there may be a day where your mind may change and the outside world will call to you.” the girl’s voice rose as she spoke, her arms spreading out to her sides. she laughed as her hands fell back into her lap. “nature calls to me everyday. some days i believe i should just build my own home in the woods and run away forever.” charlotte said only half jokingly. though the girl knows that she never would, the thought was appealing. the swedish princess returned the smirk back at the other. “do not act like i would not do anything at the drop of a hat for you, sofia. it is not difficult to persuade me.” charlotte let out a soft giggle, shrugging her shoulders.

sofia couldn’t have expected any other answer from the swedish princess. the other had a sense of adventure far too great, and a love for nature that could almost be admirable. surely, sofia enjoyed the smell of fresh flowers and admiring the scenery, but there was no way she would allow any dirt to stain her clothing. getting her hands dirty was not a thing she particularly enjoyed. “i would rather not imagine those smells,” she was quick to note, giggling softly at charlotte’s gesture. “i have accustomed myself to new surroundings by finding out where i can get my wine from. i consider that to be enough exploring for one day.” she watched with a smile as the other drank the liquid, picking up her own cup after it was refilled. “i might be convinced to part with one bottle if you ask nicely,” she promised, taking a small sip herself before gesturing for the servant to leave them alone.

“many people claim so, my dear. after the third or fourth cup their bodies start swaying, the laughs get much louder, and their mouths start emitting words that were always meant to be untold. although i would much rather you get intoxicated here than anywhere else.” at least sofia knew charlotte would be safe here if it ever got to that point. but outside that door, no princess would want to let the effects of alcohol on her show. “we really do. i fear too many of our letters fell victim to the flames outside our walls. besides, the last couple of months have been especially hectic, i must admit. and whilst that is true, i want to know how you’ve been doing. surely the past is behind us, but that doesn’t mean you and i don’t need to talk about it as well.”

charlotte had always seen herself at being a bit on a ‘one of a kind’. she had never met any other royals who had quite the attitude and strive for adventure that she has. the girl was especially different from her older sister, who was now the queen, and anyone with eyes could notice it. charlotte had never felt the need that she should attempt to fit in. though her family might have always told her differently, but it was not like she really cared for their opinions. “sofia, i believe that you need a bit more adventure in your life. if you ever feel the need to climb and jump out of a tree, or dive into the nearest lake, take a trip to a nearby settlement, my time will always be free for you.” charlotte stood out of her seat quickly and bowed exaggeratedly to the other princess. she laughed loudly, throwing her head back, before dropping back into the seat and hurrying to take another drink of her wine. she clasped her hands together, a pleading look in her eyes. “oh, please please dear princess let me have some of your precious wine? i will do anything.” and charlotte would not hesitate to do just about anything. 

sometimes when catherina looked at charlotte she still saw the child she had been; five years younger than herself and still learning to talk and walk and run. “you shall be eighty and not yet grown,” she said, unable to bite back her words. at this point she doubted at this point that charlotte would ever lose her youthful energy. she had been middle aged at five; never a girl to run freely through gardens or fuss over gowns.

 “there are rules and regulations in place for a reason, lotta.” she gave a shake of her head. a sigh left her mouth as she watched her younger sister, not making a comment about wrinkling her sheets. “you cannot get by on charm alone here.” 

charlotte decided that the best way to get to know her new environment, would be to immerse herself into it. she had spent a bit of time rooting through her trunks to find the perfect outfit. the decision involved a pair of her brother's riding trousers that she may have borrowed without permission, a white blouse, and a jacket on top. the girl had pushed her hair up into a cap on top of her head. the princess was in a foreign court, so the chances of the townspeople recognizing her would be much smaller than if she were home. after deciding that she had the perfect disguise, the girl snuck her way out of the palace, hoping that she was not seen. 

it was quite simple for her to sneak around any guards that were in her path, as she had perfected her sneaking abilities. as she arrived into the village area right outside the castle, she immediately wanted to start up a conversation with anyone she saw. well, that was until events went sour. ever the clumsy girl, charlotte backed up into a pin that was full of chickens. the princess let out a loud yelp as the chickens wildly started rushing about the area. feathers and dust filled the air around her as a voice started to shout. charlotte hopped back up as quickly as possible and maneuvered her way back over the small fence. her trousers caught on the wood and she pulled them with haste, a strip of the fabric pulling away, as the man who must have owned the chickens came to her and started to berate the princess. she cursed to herself before scoffing at the man. "listen, old man, it was surly an accident. your chickens just got in my way!" she shouted back at the man, as he held her in place by the sleeve of her overcoat. 

oh, she was so happy. for a moment she forgot all about her wretched brother and their familial difficulties, as her thoughts were filled with love she felt for charlotte. it was overwhelming – as if she had locked her deepest and truest feelings away for years and they were now escaping from their prison. “ you clearly haven’t looked in the mirror, my love. you’re the breathtaking one. so beautiful. gorgeous. “ she could shower the other with compliments till the end of times. after all, she would have to make up for all the lost years. the quick kiss made isabel blush violently, a look that clashed terribly with her auburn hair. “ never. we will grow old together and be happy. “ she proclaimed, once more clasping charlotte’s hands between hers. “ oh, how i have missed you. i’ve read your letters over and over again, i was beginning to be afraid that the ink would disappear! “

she finished at the desk, moving back to the trunk to pull out more books. there might be an abundance of books in the french library, but she had brought her own to read as well- while she could read french and latin well enough, which most of the ones available would be written in, there was something to be said for reading in swedish; books written by the thinkers of her own kingdom. 

“they should be possible at all times. you’d get in far less trouble if you thought so.” she gave her sister a pointed look, eyebrows raised. charlotte was a free spirit, and catherina could never understand it. when they had been children, she had often prayed that her sister would learn to calm, to become what she thought a proper princess should be- most often after catherina had been dragged into a scolding of charlotte’s making. “i just wish for people to look at you with the respect you deserve, as a princess of sweden.” 

charlotte was a gem. truly, there was no other appropriate word sofia could use to describe her. she could have as many servants listening in for her, acting as her eyes and ears in courts all over, but how many of her informants could be a princess? they were different in so many ways, and yet the bond they had formed throughout the years was one greatly cherished by the spanish princess. surely, she was making a gain out of the friendship, but she had taken a genuine liking to the swede. how could she not? 

confidence was clearly something charlotte did not lack, and a sense of pride swelled within sofia at the thought. it was a great thing for a woman to own her confidence and flaunt it. that was one thing the two did have in common. “without a doubt my dear.” eyebrows quirked at the mention of dirt, an amused smile settling on her lips. “and what was it that you were doing to get dirt on your dress?” she questioned with a soft chuckle, index finger motioning towards the servant to serve her guest. “they were overwhelming for all of us. now they’re behind us. we cannot dwell on the hardships and get stuck thinking about what was lost.” she watched as the other sat down, realizing just how relieved she was to see charlotte left unscathed by the whole ordeal. “if you are an emotional drunk, i will restrict your intake to one cup.” 

charlotte was grateful that the weather in france was pleasant. she refused to stay cooped up inside all day, so the weather being nice was a plus. and even if it was sweltering outside, or if there were heavy rainfalls, she would still find a way to end up out in it. the girl let out a laugh and pursed her lips. “sofia do you really believe that i could arrive in a new place and not immediately go explore? the flora and fauna were calling my name. the different smells in the air, though some are horrid,” she faked a gagging gesture, “are all apart of getting yourself accustomed to new surroundings.” charlotte knew she could ramble on forever so she stopped herself to take a breath. she gasped in happiness when her drink was served and was quick to take a long swig. the princess moaned loudly, licking her lips. “oh this is good. might have to sneak a bottle all for myself.” charlotte winked at the other.

if the plague had taught europe one thing, it was the vitality of medicine and prayer. the second did not really hold weight with simon, but the first was his calling. working with the ill had been the only thing he had ever known, and he was glad to be doing it here in france as well. of course, he was here for the english court, but that hadn’t stopped him from poking around the french’s infirmary. he was lucky their physician didn’t mind the extra pair of hands. arranging a few of his own herbs on a shelf that he had taken over, simon heard someone enter. “are you alright?” he asked, turning to look at the other. “how may i be of assistance?”

her fantasies and dreams could never compare to this – the reality of seeing charlotte after so many years of distance, she could barely comprehend her luck. pure happiness was coursing through her veins as she could do nothing more than stare at the other’s face. years had been kind to charlotte; isabel remembered her as a vivacious young woman, but now her features had found their maturity. as charlotte’s hand rose to touch her face, it was as if an electric current rushed through her. “ it’s been so long. “ her own palm met charlotte’s and she could only marvel at the sensation of having her darling there in flesh. “ you are more beautiful, though i do not know how that is possible, for you have always been the most beautiful woman in existence. “ she whispered, wiping the tears away from the corners of charlotte’s eyes. “ five years, lotte. i am never leaving you again, never! “

catherina stood next to the desk, carefully organizing the things upon it to her liking. she cared little for how her clothing or shoes or jewels were organized (she paid such little attention to them anyway, it was doubtful she would realize if her entire wardrobe were switched for another’s); but her books and writing supplies were near sacred, carefully lined in rows she understood. 

watching charlotte, catherina once again felt as if she had been middle aged since girlhood, while her sister would be a child and carefree forever. “who is it that you deem trustworthy, then, lotta?” catherina asked. she held most at a distance, always had, even more so in recent times. her body jumped against her will at the shout her sister made. “things such as that are just what i’m talking about,” she sighed. “etiquette and manners are of the most import- moreso than ever.”

charlotte watched her sister’s movements and sighed softly to herself. she knew the pressures the elder of the two was under. everything had happened so fast and now her sister was queen. charlotte’s way of handling grief was always to escape, just run and hide and hope to not be found. she realized she may have done a bit too much of that and wasn’t there for her sister as much as she should have been. 

there was something about the swedish princess that immediately drew sofia to her from the first moment they met. surely, back then the spanish princess was only interested in the words that charlotte spoke. but throughout the years, she had grown to care for the other as though she was her own blood. charlotte had been an important informant, and a loyal friend. sofia trusted her, and she knew that the trust was mutual. a laugh left the older woman’s lips as the other was quick to embrace her. she returned the hug, glad to be holding the other close again, and to know that she was well despite everything that happened.

her eyebrows quickly perked at the comment, although she would never be offended. she had gotten used to charlotte’s character after all. “oh, have i? i thought i was meant to be an ageless creature,” she replied with a chuckle before nodding. “i will take that as a compliment.”sofia gently let go of charlotte, eyes taking in the young woman before her. how she had changed since the last time they saw each other. she had been merely a girl back then, but now she has blossomed into a lovely young woman. “i can see the years have been very kind to you too. what a beautiful woman you’ve become. come, we have so much to discuss,” she announced, returning to her seat before motioning for charlotte to join her. “would you care for some wine? the french red is truly marvelous.”

charlotte remembers just being a young girl the first time that she had met the princess from spain. the swede had heard some vital information from members of another court that had been visiting, and she had to tell someone. there was a difference between a secret and something that should just be kept confidential. secrets, charlotte could keep. but confidential information that could be detrimental to a person or family? it deserved to be told. ever since that first moment they spoke, charlotte and sofia had become close and the swedish princess cherished the friendship. she was grateful to see a face she had missed so much. 

it should not have surprised anyone that isabel was idly strolling through the empty corridors. a simple change in scenery wasn’t enough to soothe her after five years of seclusion – she yearned to find newness and beauty from her surroundings. and yes, perhaps her head was filled with fanciful thoughts of meeting her beloved there. as isabel admired the extravagance around her, deep in her thoughts, she almost didn’t notice the person who was in her path. only when they were almost face to face, isabel startled out of her reverie. “ oh, i’m terribly sorry, i … “ her words cut abruptly as she truly looked at the woman in front of her. even though years had passed, charlotte’s beautiful features had never left her mind. while they had been just girls all those years ago, there was now a full-grown woman in front of her. “ charlotte? “ the tone of her voice was terribly hopeful and her eyes brightened in a way they hadn’t done so in years. “ is it really you? “  // @charofsweden​