Princess Sophia of England

Perhaps the princess had been quick in her assumptions of Edgar O’Connor, she had first seen him as a playful disaster, spurned on by the words of others around her advising caution. His charm was something the princess’s close ladies had found intimidating, if only for how effective it was but Sophia did not see that. Within Edgar, there was something kindred, something familiar she felt with him but she could not discern what it was, or if it was entirely real. “I would hope that you find your time better occupied than those who dream of nothing but permanent companionship and of your sweet words, it would be such a waste for a mind like yours.” Humor was something that was a rarity among those who had planned on courting or spending time with the princess, her title to them, meant that they had to always be serious, to be refined and composed at all times and such a thing would tire out Sophia out quite quickly, even if they had honied words like Edgar O’Connor, but she had yet to meet anyone that could match his humorous side. “My mother holds such things in high regard as well, if she had her way, I would be married to the old king of Prussia half a world away because it is convenient to her and it would be another title to add to my name. I know that my title opens doors for me that others can only dream of, but I want it to do more than that, in truth I want to be remembered as something more and I know that makes me appear quite selfish.” The words were what the princess needed to hear for so long, that she was more than just a title and duchy, but it was easier to hear them, then to believe them. But Edgar’s words did hit the princess in ways she had not anticipated and her normally composed self faltered for a moment or two before the princess had recovered. “If you were to become my husband, and there is no offer of such a thing yet, you rank would outrank that of your brother, there would be times he would have to bow to you, and that is not always a difficult thing. Courting me is no easy process either, my affection is not so freely given as others, but once earned, you will have it entirely, without reservations or doubts. Most are not ready for such a thing or the scrutiny that would surely follow marrying into my family, or even courting one of us.” The princess took a lemon tart with laughter ringing through,  such serious talk did not normally evoke such a response, but the princess was thankful for Edgar’s humor, even if it was a deflection at times, it was a welcomed thing. Once the lemon tart was between them, the princess took it, halving it and offering part of it to Edgar O’Connor. “Shall we toast to difficult roads and strong companions then, I fear if not it would bring terrible luck and I am not willing to risk such a thing.” 

Everyone who had ever worked for the royal household seemed to be averse to fun or any chance of enjoyment, all except one man but such a person had ruined the princess beyond any repair, but thoughts of him were best left in the past. It was what Sophia told herself every time memories of him and the heartbreak crept into her mind, invading her so effortlessly and cruelly as his deception. “If you wanted to bring your daughter I would have arranged it so, I know she is young but even she should experience all of this. When I was around her age all I wanted was to see the pretty dresses and people dancing.” The princess was quite surprised at how skilled Oskar was on the dance floor, he moved almost effortlessly, better than most gentlemen some would say, therefore Sophia would not be surprised if more ladies or gentleman would ask for a dance or two. “Are you enjoying yourself, Mr Ludeker, you speak of your daughter but this event is also for you to enjoy even if you resist it so.”

There was much to be said about Lady Whistledown, the anonymous writer had tapped into something uncanny, something no one could have anticipated in terms of enjoyment and that was the commentary on the common-folk. Those who had a hand in society, but before the princess’s decree, could only watch for a far and now they were mentioned just as much as those who deemed themselves their betters. “I take it from your reaction that this is not a welcomed proposal or else you would be sporting a new ring upon your finger? Such decisions should not be taken lightly, a marriage is almost impossible to undo and if there are doubts, you must not ignore them for long.” Divorce was certainly an option in only the most dire situations but such a thing was still unheard of, and for a princess like Sophia, divorce was not a thing that should ever be considered or else it would bring more shame upon her family, more shame than the princess had already brought. “You have had quite the proposal, an almost ruined dress and a former lover. Your problems may be of your own doing but that does not mean you have to suffer such things in silence or consumed in the loneliness of it all. A friend who ruins a dress intentionally is no friend at all, as for your lover, you owe them nothing if you deem it so.” Such things were easily managed when those so afflicted by such dramas understood their own power and control within it. If a friendship was souring, the woman could either rise above it and end it or outmaneuver them, but such things could also apply to her romantic entanglements.

It had felt too long since Arthur had said such words of encouragement, but even the princess could not argue with her appraisal as a flawed gem, almost broken in comparison to the shine of her brothers and yet she still remained adrift amidst their success. It was not a position that neither herself or mother had planned on, Sophia was either to marry well within England, or if the dowager queen had her way, she would be shipped away to the farthest country to be out of sight and out of mind. “I am seven and twenty Arthur, you have your wife and son and Nic will probably have a child soon and I am left with nothing but dwindling prospects. How am I supposed to be patient when the world around me moves on and I remain still?” As far as the princess could tell, there were no prospects to come her way and there was no one else to truly blame, two failed engagements, her prospects were probably scared, happy to run off in the other direction. Soon enough, the only role left for the princess of England to play would be that of a doting spinster aunt, and Solomon was a light in her life, but she wanted more, something for herself. “I am beholden to you and our mother, I can not manage my own lodgings or money and if I need to go to the modiste or a walk, it must always be chaperoned. Does any of that ring true of this freedom you speak of?”

There were many things that the princess of England had been accused of being and serious was not amongst those, but still such an evaluation fascinated her, especially when they had all heard rumors of the French court. How scandalous and rambunctious it all was, and still there was nothing of the sorts within Genevieve or so it seemed. Both of them were princesses, both miles away from the throne that their male relatives would sit upon and yet they both knew how to wear the political masks well, albeit a little too well. “It is not me that requires the apology, it is my mother and she will be in a sour mood for the rest of the season if she does not get that or her own way.” But such a thing was not something the princess of England was averse to, even if it had ruined her own plans for the day which was to ready herself for the ball and ensure the right shade of purple was picked for all her accessories. It did not seem like much to do, but as a princess, the expectations were set higher than most and Sophia had always achieved them, she would not let another stop her. “I have and he is charm itself and he has made plans for a private meeting between him and myself, quite scandalous but only you know so if I find it in Lady Whistledown, I will know who to blame. As for the man, he is dashing, no one can deny it but no one thinks he has anything remotely serious in his entire being.”

Most had cast the Barnett’s aside following their financial ruin and even the princess protested when Elizabeth was made to be her lady, but overtime the princess had found there was an endearing quality about the family that she simply could not ignore and such a thing was only proven with this event. The level of detail was beyond compare and now all of society could see what Sophia had, that the Barnett’s had an unmeasured worth. “I think you will find it is your expert work that has made me glow as much, Miss Thanvi, and I hear there is a la measure in London who is equally as skilled. I do like to wonder what magic you both could create if you worked together.” There were many beautiful jewels on display this night, some opting for a bold statement to attract others but it did not suit them personally and then there was Kaira, the orange colouring made Kaira radiate with such beauty is would be impossible for others to ignore, that paired with a dress so expertly designed and crafted, there would hardly be anyone who could not resist the dressmaker. “What do you think of the Ruby Confessional, I have yet to brave it but I do wish I could hear all that is said within it!”

Had it not been for his charm, the princess knew that Edgar O’Connor would have been branded a rake, any respectable lady in his orbit would have been tarnished by that reputation and yet he had somehow avoided such a face. There was no doubt in Sophia’s mind that Edgar’s dashing smile was also a contributing factor, as well as an ease that he carried himself with that most would covet for themselves, as well as pursuing him. But Sophia was not so easy to fall for such tricks and charms, she had been burned by such a thing before and so caution was best, no matter how easily her resolve with this was melting with each smile. “I applaud you, Mr O’Connor, you evaded my question almost expertly but I am used to royal courts and endless social seasons to be blinded by your pleasing smile. I am not some simpering debutante who can be easily won with pretty words, even if this gesture is indeed a grand one.” There was no interruption to come from the princess as the O’Connor heir spoke of flowers and she could see how easily Edgar could win most over with his words, they were sweet and sentimental without seemingly wanting to please. There was something incredibly honest about his words, even if his gaze did linger too long especially to a princess. If Edgar had no true intentions of courting her, Sophia was impressed by his skills to hide such a fact. Comparing a princess of England to a lilac and not the cliche English rose that the Marquess had sent to the princess on Edgar’s behalf. “Are you familiar with Greek myths, Mr O’Connor? It is said that Pan was in love with Syringa, a nymph, so much so he chased her through the forest and she turned herself into a lilac shrub to hide from him, he was utterly obsessed with her. Is that also part of your reasoning, should I run and hide?” Nothing in the princesses’s words were harsh, she spoke as if her words were a challenge, wanting to see if the O’Connor heir could meet such a thing, but like Syringa, it was still unclear if Edgar could be trusted or if this was some ruse to gain a princess to quell on brother while he lived the life he wanted. Sophia was many things, but she refused to be an easy acquisition to anyone, especially if it was some battle within a family, not when she had enough to contend within her own. “Most see a princess forgotten when they look at me, someone to be pitied as she stands still as time moves on without her. My greatest ambition is ruination and if such a thing helps to benefit those not born into the lives we take for granted, I refuse to feel ashamed of it but I am also aware of my own limitations.” The former king had ensured his daughter had a sharp mind, she was born to rule be it countries or societies and while such a thing had been on pause after two failed engagements, Sophia still knew her worth and what she could offer the world. She was determined to be remembered but such a thing required she knew all aspects of herself, the ones she was proud of and the parts she hid from the world but somehow, speaking to Edgar about it, Sophia did not feel anything but calm. Not ashamed, or prideful, she was determined, and he was the first to hear of her plans, not the charitable excuse she gave out to the world. “To meet my goals I need something of my own, I cannot achieve such a thing as a sister of a king, the daughter of a dowager queen who flinches every time she looks upon the very daughter she birthed. I need my duchy, but that is tied up in the condition of my marriage. I do not expect you to be my duke, Mr. O’Connor, but if you are intent on courting me as you say, this is me entirely. I am not a meek princess dreaming of a prince to sweep in and take care of me or my dreams. I have that in hand, I just need one more step, but it has proven to be rather difficult.”

Dear sister? Alisa arched a brow, there has been nothing sisterly between them aside from in name only. “My bravery is not in question.” Her peace of mind is another thing altogether. “Why would I volunteer for something that is already a part of my daily life?” Alisa is accustomed to heavy scrutiny, harsh words, and distasteful treatment than her sister-in-law is aware. Despite their inability to gel, Alisa wishes that Sophia will never know such unfortunate circumstances. Ensuring that her match and their family isn’t of that tainted ilk is very important to the Queen Consort. “I fail to see what may be enticing about it. However, do not let that stop you from indulging in the fun.” Alisa is more than okay with being by herself up here for a spell. 

There were many expectations placed on Alisa before she had even married Arthur, she had the future of the country resting upon her shoulders, raising a future king, marrying one becoming a queen. It was a future that most would crumble at the thought, but Alisa remained steadfast in her resolve. “Does that mean I have the queen’s blessing to behave as I desire, throw caution to wind just as Arthur has done with our fortune or as Nic had done with any shred of loyalty to this family?” No one could hear the princess and queen as they sat upon the royal dias, watching and observing all in attendance, their smiles never faltering, their masks remaining firmly in place. There were whispers of course, the state of the royal family was in the interest of everyone but the princess would happily shoulder such costs if it meant that Solomon was safe and the country remained intact. “There is something freeing in the bravery of it all, to seek out such a thing without a care for what others think will surely have those admiring their queen but if you are too scared I understand. They were honest, and brutally so, with me and yet I survived.”

The Buccaneers (2023-) | s01e03 | 63/?

A royal title was not something the dowager queen would give to her youngest children, even Nic had to flee to Monaco to get his own and that was by marrying his new wife, but a principality was better than nothing. Whoever Sophia would marry would not be made into a prince or princess, but their children would and Sophia only hoped for one child and that would be the end of it. A mothering instinct was not something that ran through the Godwin line and it was not something the princess felt she had missed. “No, the dowager queen has made it so my future husband or wife will only have the dutchy but such a thing is not to turn one's nose at. My future children will be styled as I am but even so, the throne will forever be out of reach for them.” For that Sophia would forever be thankful, but even so she did pity her nephew for his fate, more so when it seemed no other child would be making an appearance from Arthur and Alisa, which only meant Sophia would be suffocated more with such burdens. “Those who claim they do not desire such things are either lying to themselves and others or incredibly stupid. You and I both know that a title means security to a point and my own situation is not unlike yours, only I do not covet the throne or inheritance. I desire freedom and the price of that comes a wedding band and vows exchanged but I have not yet seen a single soul who could offer me such.” The duchy was not something the princess deserved, it was hers by right of birth and marriage but such a thing did not seem attainable, even so, Sophia paused at Katherine’s words, at how bold and presumptuous they were. “Are you offering yourself as a suitor, Miss Thorne, I only ask plainly as if you desire any sort of chance, be it of friendship or something else, I expect nothing but honesty.”

There was little trust to be had in grand gestures and pretty words, despite the handsome company and the effort they had gone to, but charm was something Edgar O’Connor had in spades and a marriage to Sophia would not only elevate him to a duke of Sussex, he would be of the highest rank that the O’Connor’s had ever seen. Such a thing made Sophia question his actions, if this was truly genuine or something to boast about to his brothers even if she recognized a part of herself within Edgar, a chaotic, rebellious side that few possessed in England. It was almost as though Edgar O’Connor was a kindred spirit, but Sophia still decided to exercise whatever caution remained. “There is truly no one else, I find that hard to believe especially when I hear from my ladies of how dashingly charming you are, such a skill is cultivated through experience, not a thing that occurs naturally.” It was entirely impossible to keep a serious face when Edgar smiled like that, or when the princess looked around to see what he had indeed arranged for her. Most would have gone to the king of England himself to court her and yet Edgar wanted to keep it in the shadows, hidden away from prying eyes which was something appealing, but Sophia had been a secret once before and it did not end well for her. Disappointment should have cursed through her entire body but instead, the princess was not entirely upset that Edgar had not sent the roses himself, but even she could not deny that there was some discontentment felt. There was this little arrangement Edgar had gone to the trouble of, but now there was a question if it was his own doing or something another had orchestrated but to what end? “If your intention is to court a princess then I am most fascinated to see what effort you will go to without your brother’s interventions, even if you are so bold as to say you will be sending flowers again, or rather for the first time. What flower do you think suits me best then, Mr. O’Connor, and be careful, I hope not to be disappointed.” There was no such denial from the princess’s side that Edgar O’Connor was handsome. He was and there was a confidence within him that only exaggerated such a thing, but there was a bedlam within him that just needed to be fully untapped, something Sophia would be interested in seeing if only he were so brave. “You need only ask what I seek, Mr O’Connor, you will find I am quite an honest person even if it is to the detriment of my family. For example, my mother once boasted that she had perfected the social season, bringing only the best families to London. I wanted to destroy it, to break it and shape it into something of my own and I did the start of it last year. It was my decree that ensured all of London, every social class, took part. It has resulted in two marriages crossing the social boundaries so I am determined I am a success, at least for now.”

The Buccaneers (2023-) | s02e04 | 78/?

One of the issues with inviting those normally on the outskirts of society was this, they simply did not know how to conduct themselves and yet there was something just so endlessly entertaining about it. Being invited to the season meant most had delusions of grandeur, be it of love or of business, and if it was both, the princess was only too happy to watch such things unfold while her mother fretted on the state of the nobility. “If it is indeed a long story then you will be certainly doing me a favor and saving me from either boredom or another dance with someone I can not abide to be around so you will have all my time if you so need it.” The princess did not back away, she remained firmly in place before she moved to watch the dancing unfold, where countless and faceless people merged together to music, some daring to dance with someone twice in a row while others waited on the side lines just to be asked for one. “Tell me what plagues your mind and if I can not help, the very least I can do is offer a distraction.”

If the Thornes and the Murray’s were being practical, they would have matched Rosalind with either Tobias or Katherine long ago, but such a thing was easier said than done when rivalries and old grudges were in play. And still, Rosalind stood above them all with more going for her future than most could dream of, but did that mean she would be lonelier for it? It was a fear that the princess had but dared not share to anyone, not even herself at times. “I, for one, am never one to endure things quietly, in fact I find it rather boring if I am to do so, there is more fun to be had if you are loud and boisterous about things and the right person will not be put off by such things.” Rosalind was not wrong, titles were convenient to most but those born with such burdens grew to resent it and then succumb to the pressures of it, including princesses of the land and yet there was nothing to be done of it. Their fates, both Sophia’s and Rosalind’s, were secure and yet they both seemed tired of such a thing. One way to fight against the very system they were born into was to ensure that everything was done on your terms, it was something Sophia had advised for a while now and not just to Rosalind. For so long, the princess had watched one miserable marriage after another and so her decree for inviting all, regardless of social station, had worked. Most were in happier courtships or marriages, but mostly it was the parents who were beyond themselves at this merge. Sophia had started what she intended, to disrupt society and then she would rebuild it in her own image despite what her mother would say. “Then we simply must change that, and I think the perfect way is at the Barnett’s ball. The new earl was a dock owner and so why can you not meet a handsome man or beautiful woman across the room and make them your intended?”

“Princess,” he said with a bow, eyes scanning the room by habit as he straightened. They had danced once before and he knew it could be scandalous to do so again. But one did not turn down royalty. “It would be my honor. Do you have a dance in mind, or shall we let the music lead us?”

Many times the princess’s interest had wandered over to the queen’s most trusted guard but, even so, the princess could not determine the reasonings. The only thing the princess knew for sure was that she did not fully trust those who were so close to the royal family, but that was no fault of Mr. Ludeker’s, rather her own past secret indiscretion. “I think we should allow the music to guide you, perhaps then you will not have such a serious face. Surely you are not on duty tonight, therefore you are permitted to have some fun if you remember what that is?” A princess should not be speaking in such a way to anyone, nevermind a guard but Sophia could not resist but that may be due to the social implications that may come of it above everything else. Oskar was a handsome man indeed, no one could doubt that but everyone would talk of how a princess danced with a guard and that was reason enough for her. “You did not say if you liked my dress, I spent too long procuring it, I had expected a compliment or two in return.”