CLAUDIA

Who:  Open 

Location: Event -  A Theatrical Extravaganza  

There was a warm smile glowing off the face of the German duke as he entered the amphitheatre. He had missed the formal grand opening and start of the winterfest. Unfortunately, his presence was demanded elsewhere. The negotiations had not officially begun but to start early and work on a well-build foundations to start from was essential. He was certain the Empress would forgive his late arrival if she knew it was only in the Empire’s best interest that he now made his mark by being fashionably late.

Straightening his wool jacket, decorated with golden embroidery on the shoulders and pockets,  Bernard tossed a coin to the carriage driver. The man tipped his head in thanks, before the carriage rode off. The air was crisp, as it often was in winter. It reminded him of the country that he lovingly called his home. Warmth however radiated from the crowd that had gathered and was now looking to find it’s seats as the performers played on. 

The duke planted his cane sturdily on the ground as he made his way over to a central point from which he could navigate. He passed jesters, jugglers and fire-eaters, who captured to attention of the crowd effortlessly. The display of grandeur was marvelous.  “One could certainly do with an extra set of eyes in an attempt to fully take in all this wonder.” The German duke mused to himself, as he requested one of the servants who held a tray of warm drinks to come over with a simple hand gesture. His mouth was dry from talking all morning and afternoon and a refreshment, perhaps with a hint of alcohol, would certainly to the trick. 

Claudia had seen much in her years and while the attempts made to entertain her were quite sincere, the Empress wasn’t quite so impressed. In fact, she had found herself wondering when the frivolous spectacles would end itself, finding more comfort in the luxuries of her quarters. But perhaps it was also the lack of company that made things ever so droll. 

A familiar voice spoke and rather naturally, the woman smiled. While Bernard’s lineage may not have shared direct blood with the Holy Roman family, the boy was nevertheless adored as if he were part of the massive clan. After all, he was a child raised by the hands of one of Claudia’s dearest sisters. 

“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.”

And how true his statement echoed. 

Claudia wasn’t a fool, a cautious quick witted woman - she always planned meticulously and studied her subjects through a looking glass itself. Her son was no different. While she had surely done a questionable job raising him, she had long been a part of his upbringing and certainly managed all aspects of his life strictly. But that was how he too would reach his divinity wouldn’t he?

Regardless, while Claudia had a certain faith in Jospeh, she was far more keen on assuring that the ruling of the German throne would be placed in proper hands. And her confidence was secured in his match with Alix - the woman carried the light of triumph almost just as Claudia had did years back in her glory days. And thus, she would see to it that it was only through her that any legacy should ever be cemented. 

“O Joseph dearest, how sweet of you,” Claudia’s words are sweet as they are lethal. “But you need not declare when an heir arrives - as I am sure Alix will be the one to share the news first.” After all, it is through her womb that any heir would ever be properly sired.” She smiled, the angles of her face sharpened, her countenance had changed within the mere minutes, there was something almost dangerous in the woman’s look that beckoned prey to fall before the predator. 

Alix had long since given up on her own mother, a woman who had done nothing but disappoint her since the day Alix had been born. It seemed to her that Joseph had been a similar disappointment to Claudia. She couldn’t blame the empress for that, but in light of their feelings, it was only natural the two would gravitate towards one another. For all intents and purposes, Claudia was more of a mother to her than her own had ever been, and she would do all she could to prove herself worthy of carrying the woman’s impressive legacy. 

“As you wish,” Alix took a seat beside the empress, a little thrill rushing through her at the compliment and the request. She was only too eager to carry out Claudia’s every request, basically hanging on her every word when the two were together. In Claudia, Alix saw all that she wanted to be, all that she could be, and she would be a fool to scorn all that she had offered her. 

At the mention of Joseph, Alix let out a distinctly French sound, somewhere between a snort and a sigh. To anybody else, she would work to present a united front, but there was no hiding the truth from Claudia when they both knew that the marriage Alix found herself in was less than harmonious. “I wish I had good news for you, but I do not. Joseph remains the same as he ever was.” She spoke bluntly, pressing her lips together. She would never take the blame for the discord between them. It was his fault, and she would go to her grave swearing it, even when her own flaws were plain for all to see. 

Claudia couldn’t have been more pleased with her daughter in law, a rarity in itself that nobody in her court ever dared to question. Perhaps it was in Claudia’s eccentrics and oddity that resulted in her strangeness. But nonetheless, the Empress had a very stubborn viewpoint of power and it’s rulership and well, in her many years of experience - she long believed in the capabilities of a woman would outweigh any mans. 

“A shame really, I apologize on his behalf,” Claudia murmured, shaking her head in disappointment at whatever nonsense that went between the couple. While it was unfair to put fault in her son for everything he ever did, she couldn’t help it - she had always set the bar quite high for him and expected nothing less of it. And she herself never saw any reason as to why he wouldn’t be pleased with his wife when Alix was walking perfection. 

There was little resemblance between The Holy Roman Empress and the Haseki Sultan. Nothing to indicate that they were half-sisters, at least. Claudia was tall and fair, whereas his mother was almost the complete opposite. His mother said Claudia took after her Austrian relatives, whereas Fahriye, and Murad himself, favoured the old King Maximillian. Murad’s own memories of the man were fond, but he knew his mother’s were less so. He had never asked Claudia her thoughts. 

“You named your monkey Max?” he raised a brow at her. If he wondered about her relationship to her father, that in itself, perhaps, said it all. “I suppose we all have our own tributes to the man. You’ll be telling me you’ve an ostrich named Ferdinand next.” It hardly seemed proper to name the creatures in one’s menagerie after dead relatives, but perhaps that was simply how things were done if you were a Catholic. He made a note to look it up later, or perhaps laugh with Ismihan about it when he got around to telling her. 

“Fahriye is well,” it is a gentle correction, but a correction nonetheless. “I am sure she will be eager to see you.” He wasn’t sure how true that statement was. “Only good fortune, I’m afraid. I am sure she informed you of Atike’s upcoming wedding? And Mirimah too is doing well.” He regards her thoughtfully, wondering if peace within the Ottoman Empire pleases or disappoints her. “And what of my cousins? Have they been behaving themselves?” 

“Well, yes, it was a bit of a joke you see,” she flicked her palm in the air as if she were attempting to conjure an image. “though despite his namesake, he’s been a wonderful pet,” she smiled, it had been in complete irony that Claudia found some form of fondness for her monkey. “Perhaps,” she remarked amused for just a bit, content that her nephew carried such humor. 

Claudia nearly scoffed at the name. To the ottomans her sister would be Fahriye but her elder sister would always be german blooded first - Friederike always. “Ah yes I’ve heard from letters, if it were to be held in Italy, I would be glad to be of attendance if that shall be permitted.” Despite the courtesy of her tone, it was none the more clear that the Empress expected an invitation regardless. She would not be snubbed of an invite for one of her favorite nieces wedding day. “How is the groom? Does she like him?” There’s a lightness in her tone. 

Closed Starter for @empressxclaudia​

Location: Claudia’s Quarters

The anger from her latest spat with Joseph still clung to Alix. This was marriage, she supposed, a never-ending push and pull that neither could ever win, no matter how hard Alix tried. None of her lofty expectations had been met, and part of that was her own doing, though she would never say that out loud. Instead, she bore her teeth and threw venom his way, as though that would miraculously make everything better.You’d think she’d have learned by now that it would only ever make everything worse. 

No matter how dysfunctional things were with Joseph, there was always Claudia. A childhood hero turned mother, it was worth every argument to have grown as close to her as Alix had. She made her way to her side now, dropping into an elegant curtsey. Even with their familiarity, Alix never forgot her manners. “Imperial Majesty,” she greeted, before rising and pressing a quick kiss to either cheek. “I have sent for some food before we go to the fair. I don’t think I have the patience for it on an empty stomach.” 

While Claudia’s dreams to have her own daughter was never fulfilled, she found joy in the relationship she shared with her son’s wife. Darling Alix, gifted in intellect, beauty and wit - the woman was perfection. Perhaps Claudia’s faith within her own son was at times questionable, but with Alix, there was a certain guarantee of hope. Perhaps her blatant favoritism was a reflection of the potential she saw in the blue eyed blonde; a stark reminder of her own youthful spirit. 

“How kind of you Alix, please, come and do accompany me for awhile - it has been a tiresome journey has it not?” In the presence of the Crown Princess, Claudia was the model image of a saint. Her adoration was known through out her own court given that she spent much of her day about her daughter in law’s wellbeing. A drastic contrast compared to her affections with her own son. 

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.” 

The silence stretched between them, and he didn’t want to loiter too long or give her time to pry. Instead, he decided to comment on the information he had gathered. Joseph often kept to himself, allowing him to walk along the darkness to hear tidbits of secrets. However, it was merely from the maids that worked in the estate. “I heard there is some unrest amongst the local nobility.” 

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.” 

If Claudia could count on any niece for the task, Elizabeth was the perfect one. Regardless of time or place, it was never too early or late to make preparations for yet another lavish wardrobe. Of course her own fittings were far more casual but the duty on hand today was for someone quite special. She eyed the rolls of fabrics that had been brought before her. Some were elaborate in design while others were simplistic but stunning in their color. 

Claudia waved her hand, dismissing one for another, squinting her eyes as she brought the teacup up to her lips, sipping slowly as she examined the materials. Nothing sparked her interest and naturally the wrinkle between her brows deepened further in frustration. She would only ever permit the very best for her dearest monkey after all. “This simply won’t do,” she rested the back of her hand against her forehead, in all methods of dramatics. Who knew it’d be so difficult to pick out the proper fabrics to make clothes for a pet. 

It wasn’t long before the arrival of the Duchess was announced. Immediately, Claudia sat upright once more, her posture elegant in practiced fashion. “Thank goodness you’re here, come, sit and join me for some tea dear. I simply can’t choose.” she beckoned. 

“What do you think, this one or that one? I would gladly purchase both but I just don’t think it looks right together.” Alone the fabrics were beautiful but she was all at a loss for what to do with it combined. Perhaps Liza’s taste for the finer things would come to use. 

Closed starter for : @empressxclaudia​

Location : The Winter Carnival

There was one Winter in Austria, many years ago, that Murad had been so cold he could barely stand it. He had spent his time there sulking by the fire, waiting for the feeling to return to his fingers and toes. He hadn’t been much more than a teenager then, but he had never forgotten it. He had thought it would be impossible to ever be so chilled to the bone, but he had been wrong. If possible, he was even colder now, jaw clenched tightly to keep from chattering, and utterly, thoroughly fed up. 

It wasn’t all bad, though. Miserable as the weather was, he was actually quite enjoying himself. He had been watching the sculptors do their work for a while now, and found himself quite entranced.  They were in the midst of carving statues of the various rulers in attendance. His mother and father, Emperor Jingyan and Empress Yekaterina in their youth. He stopped by one of Claudia, peering up into her icy face, and then the woman was there herself in the flesh. 

“Quite the likeness,” Murad noted, nodding at the sculptor before him. “It doesn’t quite capture you fully, but it is close. Not like my mother’s. I’m not certain who that sculpture is supposed to be of, but it is not her.”

One slender hand rested on her waist as Claudia kept her sharp icy eyes pointed at the head and hand of sculptor. Poor guy, it wasn’t easy being watched like a hawk by the formidable Holy Roman Empress. She restrained the bemused smile that threatened to stretch across her aged visage. A part of her intimidation always gave her a bit of a kick. If it weren’t for the voice that spoke up, Claudia wouldn’t have released the artist from his torment. 

She turned, glancing over at her nephew. God, the more her gaze was fixated upon the boy, the more she saw resemblances of her family’s undeniable physical traits. If she were holding a drink, Claudia would have certainly spat. 

“You think so?” She laughed, one arm supporting her elbow as she glanced over at the image again. It was beautiful but it still was far from perfection. She pursued her lips, “it’s missing something... Ah, yes. You can’t have a sculpture without Max included. And before you interrupt my dearest nephew, I speak of my monkey not your grandfather,” tsking at the last word. The name had been given to her pet out of mockery and yet unbeknownst to even herself, she had grown rather fond of the animal - alas, the name had stuck and she had no other choice but to submit to it. 

trigger warning: mention of weapon?

Claudia had always long adored all her nieces, favoring and spoiling them as much as she could much to the chagrin of her other siblings that would’ve lectured her at any chance. Regardless, she never heeded the complaints doing whatever she wished however she wished - finding that her methods surely would build more confidence in the younger girls. Something which she herself had exuded in her prime - an important trait often overlooked for a woman. In this regard, she cared little in insulting the men of her family, finding that it shaped for a better sense of control and hubris check; one which both her grandfather and father severely lacked. 

Atike reminded Claudia much of herself and of her elder sister back when she had yet to wed into the Ottoman Empire. She was often humored by the girl’s temperament, one which came to terrorize Friederike as she grew much to Claudia’s delight. 

“Now you hold it like this,” Claudia demonstrated. 

It was in the Holy Roman Empress’s belief that any and every girl should be capable at wielding a dagger. She rotated the weapon in her wrist before thrusting forward on the dummy that she had summoned for practice. Despite her age, she still had the vigor and energy that kept her head clear and heart pumping. 

starter for @empressxclaudia​ !!

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?”

A presumptuous guess, but little did he know that it was a wrong one.

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.