Perla di Napoli

“Strange, isn’t it? Just sitting near the water and chasing some birds. The silly, little dog. I guess that you are right. I can not leave him wondering here. Who knows what might happen to him”

♔|♱     “Well I have never personally had a dog, but he looks quite taken with you. I’m sure someone will come forward if he belongs to them, who wouldn’t miss such a sweet dog? I certainly haven’t seen him around court.”

❝ A concept much easier to propose rather than carry out. The past has the claws of a lion, once it has you it will not let you go. ❞

♔|♱     “No one should ever expect you to forget your past or to give it up, after all the past makes us who we are, but it does not have to confine your future. Prince Leon, you are the least deserving of people to feel such profound sadness. I pray that you, as well as your daughter, find only the greatest of happiness in the future because it quite honestly breaks my heart to see otherwise.”

❝ If there is so much insistence on learning from the past, why is there so much EMPHASIS on looking to the future? Surely we cannot do both at the same time?❞

♔|♱      “Perhaps learning from the past to secure a better and happier future would be a suitable compromise?”

“Look who I’ve found, running around and playing outside of the castle. Isn’t he just the most adorable creature you have ever seen? I wonder who his owner is though. He was outside all by himself”

♔|♱   “By himself? But he looks so friendly, surely he belongs to someone here. It looks as though he has chosen to stay with you until they find him.”

philophobia

— The stony expression from the other blonde sent Beonne’s hands fluttering further, this time in apology. “No!” came her adamant objection. “I suppose I mean, well, the sort of fun only certain people, um, well, men really, can provide?” 

♔|♱      While Ana was simply teasing the English woman she had not expected her to be referring to men. Her expression quickly softened, her brow arching, while casting her gaze aside for barely a moment. “My lady...” She breathed, clearly feeling embarrassed by the subject. Indeed she had but she was not to say that aloud. “Kisses are not my main priority. You have someone in mind?”

“I thank you. I intend to get to know my fellow monarchs, as well as enjoy myself while I am here.” He pursed his lips, thinking that HE ought not be the one to tell her this, but forging boldly ahead nonetheless. “I should also like to seek a bride here at this royal summit. For that, I believe your father’s council and mine have been in talks.”  He paused in both speech and movement to look at her. “Have you not been informed, Your Higness?” It was most unusual that a potential husband should inform her of their possible alliance. He didn’t HAVE to tell her, of course…. but he also didn’t have to lie. It was her father’s own fault, if he had not informed her. 

♔|♱      “For it certainly would be a great shame if you did not find some enjoyment here, but I am sure you will.” Ana’s smile remained in place, at least until the English King continued on the matter of marriage. Pausing in her tracks she turned to face him once more with a slightly creased brow. “No, I had not...” Of course she hadn’t, her father was far too concerned with his own advances to think of hers and the council would feel no obligation to inform her on their possible matches for she had no say. “Forgive me, your grace, but you may be mistaken. If my father’s council have spoken of marriage they certainly have not consulted the King himself, he has much more important matters on his mind than matching his daughter. Again, I do apologise if you have been misled.”

—- “I would but lounging in bed is so,” Beonne’s hands flapped in exasperation. “Boring!” Glancing to the princess, thoughts of another night surfaced and she felt her face begin to heat. Huffing, she continued. “It would be nice if someone here were any fun.”

♔|♱     “Should I take that to offence, my lady?” Ana held a stern expression while a smile threatened to tug at the corners of her lips.