venus

Being apart from Leah was, in truth, surprisingly difficult. Work had required it, especially with the sudden shift in the throne, and Ivy herself planning to come out with her sexuality publicly. It required planning due to her family’s religion, but thankfully, the Netherlands were much more accepting than the United States. Nevertheless, it had been difficult to dedicate time to her blooming relationship, but the second Ivy found it, she ended up flying to DC to surprise Leah.

Vulnerability had never been easy, and this certainly felt vulnerable, but Ivy was ecstatic the second Leah walked through the door. “Hi,” she said with a warm smile. “I’ve missed you so much. I’m sorry I’ve been away, work and… oh, it doesn’t matter now,” Ivy decided. Normally, she would pull Leah in for a kiss, but she kept her distance just in case. “Is it okay that I’m here or should I come back another time?”

claiming 16 points for IVANA DE GRAAF.

point breakdown :

REPLIES : [6] x [1] = [6]

STARTERS : [2] X [5] = 10

UPGRADE TO EXARCH LAST WEEK : [1] X [-30] = 30

TOTAL: 16

who ;; @ofivana

“So.” Bo plopped himself down across from the princess and gave her a smile– even if smiles never looked like a natural extension of his face muscles. It was probably customary anyway, when interrogating somebody about their past loves and scandals that he most definitely Google’d after tossing his luggage inside his room and throwing himself on his own bed.  “I just want to know you won’t hurt my sister,” the American began, drawing a finger over a rough scar on the armrest of the chair he was inhabiting. It almost looked like a knife cut– was Elise nearby? “You don’t think she’d do anything fuckin’ crazy at night, do ya? Like some Shining shit? I mean, Leah would probably protect herself with Milo but I’m really doubtful of her hand on hand combat.”

Bo was interesting to say the least, mused Ivy, as he sat down across from her and forced a smile. She hadn’t been bothered by any of his questions about her romantic history with Esme — they were expected, especially given her developing relationship with Leah. If anything, Ivy respected the fact that Bo had the audacity to ask. “I won’t hurt your sister,” Ivy replied. She hoped that was true, but in love, there were no guarantees, although she was smart enough not to mention that to Bo. “Esme?” Ivy asked before snorting. “No, I don’t think she’ll do anything crazy to Leah. Me maybe,” she said, shrugging a shoulder. “Does Leah have any… difficult exes?”

@ofivana​ | closed

Getting into fights over group chats wasn’t smart. She knew this and normally she would never be that petty or angry in them but Ivy managed to push buttons that just should never have been pushed.

But let’s talk about this somewhere else, okay?

It was a good idea and she couldn’t deny it. Ivy didn’t want to air their relationship publicly why would she want it aired in the chat?

“Hey” It was soft and quiet missing all of her usual cheer. “Let’s talk, yeah?”

Truthfully, Ivy understood why Esme was bothered by her relationship with Leah. She hadn’t been treated fairly, although Ivy hadn’t been in a place where she could realistically offer ‘fairness.’ The Netherlands was a progressive country, and certainly her people would be supportive of a relationship with a woman, but her parents were Catholic, and that Catholicism was… intense.

Nevertheless, it didn’t warrant the way Ivy had treated Esme. Their relationship had lasted years in secret, and ultimately, that had been what broke them. Ivy had sworn to never allow it to happen again.

“Hey,” Ivy replied with a small smile. “Thanks for agreeing to speak with me,” she added. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Esme, and I’m sorry I continue to.” Before Esme could answer, Ivy said, “You didn’t deserve what I did.”

STARTER: IVY DE GRAAF ( @ofivana​ )

music: insomnia by faithless

“i haven’t heard this since i was at harvard!” leah exclaimed, eyes shooting over to where people revelled in ambrosia fitzalan-howard’s carefully-crafted chaos as a smile — not even attempting to hide its flirtatiousness — spread over her face ( made easier by the drinks they’d been indulging in, clinking crystalline glasses with each other and passers-by ) and she rose from the chair: “so… will you deign to come dance with me, your royal highness?”

The Society had certainly broadened Ivy’s social circle, and occasionally, that meant attending a party that she would normally rather avoid. Amber was one of Ivy’s dearest friends, of course, but their ideas of fun were quite different. Of course, any party that the Duchess threw was lavish, with everything one could possibly want, Ivy would never deny that. As a result, she was sipping on expensive wine and munching on a few pieces of cheese when she found Poppy. “Are you enjoying the party?” Ivy asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. “It is intense, isn’t it? I found a room with several cage dancers.” It had actually been quite entertaining to watch.

In theory, an open relationship should have been something functional, especially since Leah and Ivy were secretly together. Being open allowed them to have more experiences, and it eased some of the pain of distance, but the longer it went on, the more unbearable Ivy found it. Particularly now that Amelia was a strange third… presence. Ivy couldn’t hide her jealousy easily, which was evidenced when she mentioned Avery’s name in a thoughtless, petty immediate reaction.

Her feelings for Leah were continually getting deeper after each and every single tryst, and now that they were sharing a calendar, Ivy was pleased that their communication seemed to be more constant, allowing their relationship to deepen.

Naturally, as a result, Ivy believed that it was time for their relationship to become exclusive or end — although she prayed for the former. After finding a small home outside of Washington, DC, Ivy set up a beautiful date for the two of them — equipped with an outdoor hot tub, large fences and plenty of security. With wine poured and a bouquet of roses on the table, Ivy smiled at Leah and said. “I’ve missed you, but I think we need o talk.” Before Leah could reply, Ivy added, “I’d like to stop seeing other people.”

What was my muses 5 last sent texts yours?

Ivy: You looked beautiful in your press conference today. I watched all of it. Ivy: I sent you a special gift. It should arrive around 3 PM your time. Ivy: I just finished kickboxing practice for the day. It was a mediocre practice session, but fun nonetheless. Ivy: I think I may take up horse back riding. What do you think? Ivy: I’ll stay up late so we can FaceTime tonight.

What was my muses 5 last unsent texts yours.?

Ivy: I hate having to pretend that we aren’t together. It gets harder everyday. Especially at this dinner with the PM of Greece staring at me like I am a meal. Ivy: I never thought anyone like you existed. Ivy: Have you ever considered the merits of baseball? I hear it’s a great American sport. Ivy: I miss you. Meet me in Cleveland?  Ivy: Bo and Elise are great siblings.

What was my muses last snapchat to yours?

Headcanon where Leah sent her secret flowers and Ivy sent back this photo with a thank you message. Yes or yes?

What my muse saved your number as?

So if Ivy had a choice, it’d likely be Leah with a heart emoji, but since it’s still currently a secret, Ivy saved it under ‘Leontine Morgan’ and it makes her sad every single time she sees it, frankly.

What contact photo my muse has set for yours?

What ringtone my muse has set for yours?

Ivy doesn’t have any customized ringtones, but if she had to choose one, it’d be something like Bette Davis Eyes.

How many times my muse has called your this week?

Six. They call more than text since it’s less damning.

How many calls has my muse missed from yours?

None, she never misses calls if she can help it.

claiming 49 points for IVY DE DRAAF.

point breakdown :

DEVELOPMENT : [1] x [5] = [5]

REPLIES : [9] x [1] = [9]

STARTERS : [5] X [5] = 25

MILESTONE : [1] X [10] = 10

TOTAL: 49

Admittedly, Ivy was extremely choosy about the company that she kept, even within the Society. She very much enjoyed Duncan, Sarmad, Leah and Alessandra, but aside from those select few, her friendships weren’t especially deep. Truthfully, it had never bothered her — she was rarely lonely, largely due to work commitments and her desire to see the crown as her own. The Society, she expected, would one day help her, although Ivy was wary about what those favours would entail. She wasn’t naive enough to believe anything came for free.

All of those plans, however, were irrelevant for the evening. The auction had just ended, the results were rather amusing, and Ivy made her way over to her friend  with a smile. “Interesting developments,” she said casually. “I’m surprised that the initiates are being so bold as to go against your family.” Of course, Ivy couldn’t easily badmouth the Morgan’s due to her own feelings, but the statement was harmless and true. “In other news, did you see what Alice Dafont was wearing?” Ivy asked, wrinkling her nose. Alice was, unfortunately, an ambassador of France and tragically foiled one too many of Ivy’s political maneuvers.

Astrid had caused quite the stir within the Society this evening, and frankly, Ivy was curious what the young woman had made of the enter event. Judging by what Bo had said in the Morgan chat, Astrid hadn’t put him up to any of the theatrics that were pulled, but she was understandably curious about the whole ordeal.

She recognized Astrid in the crowd easily, both from prior knowledge through the Morgan’s and the auction block. Once Astrid was alone, Ivy made her way over and offered the woman a drink as a peace offering. “I’m Princess Ivana De Graaf, but you can call me Ivy,” she said, easily introducing herself. “I’m a friend of the Morgan’s also. How are you… handling the theatrics?” Ivy asked curiously. “You created quite the stir by accident, I presume, but correct me if I’m wrong.”

Evgenia was one of the Society’s members that Ivy was always pleased to see, regardless of the circumstances. Their bond and commonalties were unique, Ivy was the first to admit, but it didn’t change the fact that she was rather fond of Evgenia. Naturally, that meant when they were in a bustling crowd such as this one, Ivy always kept a close eye out for her friend… one of the few trusted confidante’s in attendance, admittedly.

After the auction, Ivy finally spotted Evgenia among the Society’s members and Ivy made her way over to her friend. “Good evening,” she greeted pleasantly. “I’m afraid I didn’t win either of the art pieces I placed bids on, but a bidding war wasn’t quite what I had planned for tonight,” Ivy said with a chuckle. She had no interest in angering members of the Society — unlike Bo Morgan, apparently. “I’d rather make friends than enemies,” Ivy added truthfully. “What do you make of tonight’s drama so far?”

every moment that ivy lingered pleasantly beside the earl of devon, leah could feel her teeth aggravating her lip almost unconsciously. as though she were distant from her own body, unable to control this tiny impulse. she could feel every tiny step made toward her by the other woman, every slight closing of the gap. it did occur to her, perhaps, that not speaking to one another at all at society events versus their clear rapport in the societal chats was perhaps just as suspicious as if they were flirting with each other to people’s faces. but never mind — the method was chosen — as ivy made a pointed remark to the romanian (maybe? could be moldovan, or andorran, or from chad? the flags were all very similar) count and vanished in the direction of the bathroom.

she knew, of course, that if she disappeared immediately in that direction, it would raise even further suspicion. so she waited for the crowd to shift, for both sarmad villiers and the romanian (?) count to glide away, for the people closest to be different than those when the princess disappeared. which didn’t take very long at fast-moving parties such as this one, where the too-loud atmosphere — one of many reasons she hadn’t confessed to as why she didn’t like such things — buzzed, incessant, around the louvre. 

once she was satisfied, she drained her glass of wine and followed ivy’s path, closing the door behind her, locking it, and leaning against it with a slight smirk. “subtle as always.”

There was never a doubt in Ivy’s mind that Leah would follow behind her once it was safe to do so. Perhaps there should have been, but with desire as strong as theirs, Ivy hadn’t been concerned. As Elise had mentioned in the past, they were not fantastic at sneaking around, weren’t as subtle as was required, but currently, Ivy wasn’t bothered. She had had three glasses of champagne and she had made the mistake of repeatedly gazing at Leah as she had been biting her lip, looking in Ivy’s own direction. Certainly no one could blame her for (perhaps carelessly) mentioning a place where they could have a moment of privacy, away from the Society’s prying eyes.

When the door opened moments later and Leah emerged, Ivy couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. “Are we getting better or worse at this?” She asked, sounding every bit as amused as she was. The concern was real, and likely something Ivy would dwell on at a later date, but for now, she simply wanted to enjoy Leah’s presence. “You look incredible,” Ivy stated as she wrapped her arms around Leah’s neck and moving closer to her. “It’s not the most romantic location, but I’m happy you followed me, Snoepje.” Against Leah’s ear, Ivy whispered, “How are you enjoying the party so far?”

@ofivana​ | closed starter

The location was beautiful, the art even more so. She expected nothing less from the Society when throwing an event. A charity auction, this year she decided to not participate in the event but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be participating in other event. Causing a little trouble and asking questions is what she is good at and upon seeing Ivy just across the room she figured she could do both. She grabbed two glasses of champagne off a tray as she made her way over to her. 

“Princess Ivana!” Amelia grinned as she approached her, offering her the glass of champagne. “You look lovely tonight”

Of course Ivy knew who Amelia Ward was. She wasn’t a particularly polarizing figure, but she was a formidable opponent, both intellectually and strategically. One didn’t rise to power — and position — easily and Amelia had certainly done both. That side, however, Ivy did respect Amelia very much and was pleased to see the woman approach her with two glasses of champagne. “Amelia Ward,” she greeted with a charming smile. “No one looks more stunning than you do. How are you enjoying the evening? Doing any bidding or simply enjoying the festivities?” Ivy asked, before accepting the champagne with a polite ‘thank you.’

Sarmad was a breath of fresh air during the charity auction. Although Ivy had always enjoyed social events, especially ones among the Society members, the distance from Leah was tolling. Some of the conversation with the wilder members, ones Ivy didn’t believe fit the Society well, was also tolling, although she was far too classy to state that opinion.

With her arm linked through Sarmad’s, Ivy smiled at her friend as Brennan of Romania (was it Romania? Ivy hadn’t been paying close attention to the man that had been telling Sarmad and Ivy a frankly disgusting story about a prostitute he’d hired) took his leave. “If I had to endure one more of Brennan’s stories, I think I would have died,” Ivy stated with a dramatic sigh. “Without you, Sarmad, I don’t think I could have survived all these years of small talk.” Before he could reply, Ivy glanced in Leah’s direction before returning her attention to her friend. “How many people do you think believe we’re a couple?” Ivy asked, amused.