“All is vanity, nothing is fair.”- Vanity Fair

"Employee of the month, then." She surmises with a pop of her lips, like it's all there is to say on the matter. She and Theo managed this swinging pendulum for years now, zigging when someone zags. Giving just enough before it becomes even more. "By that point, the children will have more nannies and personal security. Though," Jacqueline laughs. "None of them are you." As the future heirs to France, there's no question that the Bourbon's will insist on constant supervision and safety. Hired help is one thing, family like Theo is another. Her lips part, rendered wordless by his assurances. A glimpse at the things unsaid, that sometimes have to be for the sake of her sanity. "You have to say that. I'm your boss." She attempts to wave off with a smile. "But... Than you. It's not an easy road coming back to yourself." Nearly forgotten in the haze of pregnancy and new motherhood. But he makes it easy. "I doubt they'll listen, but worth trying, right? You are the godfather, after all." Hesitantly, she cants her head. Uncertain which way to push or pull this time around. "Theo," she repeats his name with emphatic affection, rolling her shoulders back. "Okay..." She resigns, only to add; "Just know that it was real for me, too."

"I'll be expecting my medal any day now...or one of those wall pictures with my face like they do at the restaurants and chain stores." Theo laughed. "You know you would love to have this face posted all over the palace kitchens or the barracks or wherever we would put them." Not that he did what he did for acclaim; her safety and her happiness were payment enough for him. Plus, now he had two new members of the French family to dote on. "I will personally train them to expect anything. They will need to be master tacticians and undaunted by anything that can be thrown at them like toys or food." His own training had only amped up since their arrival; he would be ready if any threats to the French royal family came. Still, Jacqueline would always be her own best protector, even if new motherhood weighed on her. "I say that as your friend, your personal guard, and your employee. But I'd probably say it no matter what. You are pretty damn awesome." Inwardly, he hoped he wasn't coming off as too forward; get a few more drinks in him and undoubtedly he'd say something even more moonish. "Add in that I'll be getting a full report tomorrow morning and if I have to sing to them, I will. You know how they hate my singing." Well, Maxi hated the singing; it made Lorraine fall asleep. He looked down, for a moment awash with memory, though his eyes darted up to hers when she said his name. In another life, he could have kissed her then, but not this one. "Thanks. To Normandy?" he asked, raising a glass to hers.

his chuckle is easy. "mission successful - good to know that you're not purposefully trying to get me offed by mustafa in a non-fun way because i was starting to wonder if your interest in me again was due to an over-arching plot that i was blissfully unaware of." the prince grins, shifting himself on his feet.

"Is there a fun way to get offed by my husband?" Sophie asked archly, though she could not help but smile at Emir even when he brought up that man. "I have yet to find anything about him which could be even remotely described as fun. His specialties include terrorizing everyone he meets and rapid mood swings. If you find something fun about him, please let me know."

the others words have the duke consider for a moment, mostly because as brief as it is, there's a strange...but troubled look that crosses his friends' features. xavier is a man who knows how to keep his cards to his chest, how to maintain his privacy. yet, nik who prides himself in reading others well enough, or perhaps that in the short times they've spent together gave enough him insight of the other. well, enough to deduce that something was on his mind, if he's actively looking to work even on a night off. ❛i would've never pegged you as a guy who went looking for trouble, seems as if i've misread you.❜ he's partially joking of course, ❛what sort of trouble would find you, count?❜ the words hold no heat, but a hint of curiosity as the other looks to something else in the crowd but gaze averted before nikolai could follow his line of sight. ❛rough night? or rough week? if you're looking for a distraction...❜ king javiers impending marriage came as a surprise to most, including the russian himself knowing the king's reputation of a care-free bachelor who loved to party, who's left more than his fair share of scandals in his wake. the day is bound to arrive, by duty he'd have to marry for his nation. ❛i've no doubt it will be grand, and like most kings he'd wished for a few years to enjoy his bachelorhood, seems like he's past that now. his fiance appears to be a good influence on him.❜ the duke grins a bit, ❛you, of all people, my friend need to learn the expression work hard, play hard. now you're talking, I wasn't going to attend, but it seems like you need a distraction so I will be there at the afterparty. excellent, do you enjoy hiking? i had thought of hiking at the one famous caves here, hows that for unwinding?❜

"I suppose I should preface trouble with 'carefully curated' trouble. Trouble can be useful if applied in the correct manner, which is my favorite type." Xavier acceded with a grin and a shrug. It was not as if he'd put his public image at risk; no his image was crucial to his work and his work was everything, except...then there was her. She smiled for the cameras, waved at the reporters as they shouted questions about her movies and her engagement, the one that he had pushed her into accepting. "You could say a rough night as part of a rough couple months, I guess. I am Scrooge, visited by ghosts, a vision of a future that might have been." He sighed and shook his head; the less said on that the better, he decided. "And here I am waxing poetic...decidedly not my forte. I apologize for the momentary gloom. Truly, I am nearly ecstatic. This marriage brings all of my carefully laid plans to bear. She will make a grand queen which will inspire even more Prussian confidence. And Javier has been doing well. I am overjoyed." And he was overjoyed...much of the time. On television, he smiled and played the part of loyal supporter of this fresh generation of monarchy. But what was he when the cameras were off? Maybe he should invest more time in his friendships after all. "I shall take my cues from you then, my friend. And yes, I would be glad of a hike. It might do me good to get some fresh air."

"I'm pretty sure she's scared of me, if I'm real," she laughed. Perhaps Dorit was scared of Joanna as well, scared of what she represented for the family of Liechtenstein; a wrench thrown into some kind of plan or scheme that was set long before she came into the picture. "I wish it were that easy," sighing, she reached towards the bar counter, finding a glass of whisky, "If I were a more un-caring person, I would just run away to the hills, make a cabin somewhere and start a life without worrying about the financial decisions of a country that isn't even mine." But even if she tried such a thing, her heart would still sing to the stars for her love to hold her in his arms. Ugh. What a silly little romantic she was turning into. "Yeah, thankfully, we don't have to be forced to marry whoever just for the sake of politics," she snorted, "God... I'm going to be a married woman, Is. What the hell has happened to me?"Joanna looked at he glass in her hand before downing it. She glanced over at the nauseating couple in the corner, a roll of her emerald eyes accompanying a scoff that left her lips. "I've never seen a more unconvincing couple, if you ask me... I may also be biased because I saw him around you."

"I am glad to not be singular in my opinions. Plus, having a king on my side lends me a bit more credibility," Mischa nodded, surprised at how easy the king was to speak with. Of course, they were used to speaking with the queen, a fierce woman with a calculating mind, one that had earned Mischa's respect time and time again. Though the king seemed far different, he was, nonetheless equal in respect to his wife. Mischa had never expected the king to be a fellow musician, but they were pleasantly surprised. "I will visit Russia, I am sure, but living there...I have dreamed of Austria since I was a child and I am happy that it does not disappoint. It has been every bit all I could have hoped for." In fact there was only one part of Russia that Mischa missed above all, though it was not a part that Mischa would discuss with a king. Instead Mischa switched trains of thought. "You should come to one...maybe not one of the stadiums- I doubt the queen would enjoy that- but we could get you both a box seat if you would like."

it was perhaps, xavier's most brilliant idea—keeping his thoughts and motives to himself. less he further rile up the japanese prince, who wouldn't take kindly to the investigation; one held at his place of work, at that. though, the secret would only remain one for so long. no doubt his co-workers and staff at the fine arts museum would reveal just what the prussian had been up to while akihito was away. ❝you seem to have an awful habit of pushing boundaries where my fiancée is concerned.❞ the green haired prince remarked, moving to close distance between himself and the royal advisor. ❝so, let me remind you since you clearly have forgotten. you are not her friend. nor family. or anything else in between. please, take interest in someone else who isn't engaged to be wed. soon. for your sake, of course. barbara is fine without you. lay your worries on your countrymen instead.❞

Xavier tilted his head to the side, biting down on his lip to keep the smirk from appearing there; while he hated that he had let Barbara go, even it was for her own good, he loved pushing buttons and the Japanese prince clearly had buttons where Barbara was concerned. "I didn't know there were boundaries to be pushed. After all, I spoke to her but did nothing untoward. I care for her...a fact I am afraid is not going to change, but I would never violate her trust." He looked back at Akihito and wrinkled his nose. "To say I am not her friend is untrue. I have her best interests at heart, as I always have. My sake isn't a reason I usually follow and I doubt I will start now, but I have never regretted what I have done with her in mind...even speaking with you."

Sophie had never been a smiler; people knew better than to expect exuberant joy from most of the Habsburgs and those in the Ottoman Empire had never seemed to demand it either. In both places, people seemed to prefer shows of strength to happiness; joy was a private emotion when you were conditioned to expect the world to turn on you. The amount of smiling that Valencia had been forced to perform actually made Sophie's cheeks ache for her; her friend, like her, was not one for foolish grinning. "Then steal you away I shall so you can at least rest your cheeks for a moment. I would not take offense if you decide to scowl the whole time we're together just to enjoy a difference in expression. All these photo opps are absurd. Are they going to be done soon so you can actually enjoy yourself?" Sophie grabs them some drinks, not champagne, but some liquor. After all, Valencia deserves something with a bit of bite after her performance. "The reporters have been...fine. They should just learn not to lead with 'Where's the Sultan?' Then we'd be great." After all, she had no idea where her spouse was nor what he was doing, though she had no doubt he was alienating someone. After the coup of her family's company, Sophie had to run some damage-control and the last thing she wanted to speak of was her errant husband.

performing has never been an issue, her entire career is based around creating a narrative to sell to the world, and her own life is no different. since her engagement with javi, so much has changed...perhaps even valencia herself ( much to her dismay ). however, the blonde was still attest, never in her life has there been a need to smile so foolishly since now. god bless, a thing that the sultana understood judging by her words that draws a rather amused look from the blonde. ❛scowl around you? never. thank you for the offer though, it's relief not be smiling so ridiculously. i think we are done for the night, and they can't spend the entire evening around javier and i, there are other engaged couples among us. absurd? entirely. i'm not sure what they're going to do with a thousand pictures that look more or less the same" although the prussian king's alliance drew more attention then the rest, not that she can entirely blame the media for this. ❛i'm already enjoying myself thanks to you, perhaps we can find a corner to relax in for the rest of the evening.❜ valencia thanks the other for the drink, her hues shown genuine concern for her friend when the other's rather useless husband is mentioned. there's a exasperation as she speaks, ❛so much inquiry after a man who is never to be seen. if they were actually good at their job, they'd realize who's truly done the work of keeping the name of the ottoman empire high. the question should be - why has the sultana not shown his face to a good cause? your the sultana, sophie, perhaps its time you get your husband in line.❜ in the same breath, the princess understood why sophie didn't wish to waste her time and energy after a man as such. she has enough on her plate with her family's company.

Performance. That's all this frippery was and she was chief among the performers, but, at least Sophie had a greater element of control; she owned a media company and she could choose to control what was shown about her, or, at least to some degree. That control meant that most did not seem to care if she was the beaming picture of jubilance; then again, she was not alongside her partner. Who knew if she would have been expected to smile if Mustafa ever actually made an appearance at one of these things. "You would have thought that they would back off sooner in order to have the chance for more candid photos rather than the posed smiley things. There's only so much you can publish of smiling and holding hands no matter if the woman doing so is pretty much the most photogenic person in the world." She flattered her friend, of course, but not unfairly. Valencia was, after all, one of the most beautiful women Sophie had met. The two took their drinks and found a corner of the room with a couch and they sat together craning their heads to speak in confidence. "What they don't understand...or perhaps do not wish to understand is that my husband being in attendance would doubtlessly make things worse. Sometimes I think that is why they wish for his presence; he is so very easily provoked, it makes for engaging media. I do not give them such satisfaction because I believe in running a competent country." She sipped her drink and let a grin flicker across her lips; the thought of getting Mustafa in line was almost an impossibility...he was impossible.

"Then presumably she'll find you when she needs you and you can sit and relax for the time being," Sophie responded simply. She nodded her head as the girl revealed her identity and, more importantly, who she worked for. After all, Sophie had to know the noble's mistress to avoid giving offense; her tongue could be quite sharp depending on the given day. "I was having a moment to myself away from the hubbub; usually I like a little noise and joie de vivre but I needed to consider some things and the quiet was helpful to the thought process." It was mostly truth and it would probably satisfy those who didn't know her better. Scheming was more the word for her thought processes but the Chavva girl did not need to know that nor did she seem to care; if she didn't, Sophie wouldn't. "And how are you liking being so far away from home Lady Chavva? Do you find the distance exhilarating or are you feeling homesick?"

"What a careful stylist, they know you quite well. After all no one can pull off black like you can," Sophie winked and squeezed his arm. She was happy for her friend's success and, at least among those she knew, the show was quite prosperous. She never failed to see an episode and she had even made an appearance or two. "Ah so they're here even now, presumably waiting to see what their star will do to make things worth watching. I mean Natasia is wonderful but her romance isn't scandalous...onscreen. Elena and her brother are finally in the same room so that might provide a draw, but if we get you a good dance partner, it will be you who gets all the limelight...and me who gets to bask in the glow." After all, it was her network that held the rights to the show, good ratings were good business for both of them. "Wingman indeed. I know you know the rockstar...so there's a fallback plan in case we don't find anyone else. Otherwise, we should brainstorm. Who piques your interest?" Wing woman was one of Sophie's favorite positions; after her conversation with Emir, it was unlikely she would find any romance for herself that night. Still, she could enjoy the romance of others.

❛i couldn't agree more.❜ nazli has no doubt of her best friend and queen, pushing through even despite how difficult it is, to mingle about as if she's not just given birth weeks prior. ❛i think this might be the trip they needed to finally have some time to themselves.❜ with the kids being taken care of by their nanny, she hopes that the couple will make the most of this time, especially with nazli, too, able to watch the kids when needed. naz has no urgent thoughts of being a mother, she couldn't deny it was...enjoyable to be able to pick clothes and such for the princess, even if temporarily until she was old enough to pick for herself. ❛exactly, her daughter hardly will able to put up a fight.❜ the lady grins a bit, just imagining ecrin walking about, ❛I do say all of us should make the most of our trip here. I, too plan to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of portugal. are you brothers here?❜ she inquires, simply because she'd not seen the duke or the viscount.

"After all of this hubbub, they deserve some time away to themselves. I hear there is an archipelago near here; maybe they can seclude themselves and the family for a little island vacation. I've heard that Santa Maria and Terceira are lovely for a little escape." They would just need the media to give them a little break; perhaps Constance could figure out a distraction to give the royals some much-needed solitude or at least help. She might indeed take such a vacation for herself and Janey as well; the thought of Janey enjoying the beach was too great to pass up. "Ecrin will certainly have her hands full." She chuckled warmly. "Oh my brothers are here somewhere," Constance laughed, waving her hand. "They just always pursue business before pleasure and there is much business to pursue." Of course, with her brothers, often business and pleasure were not too far apart.

"She is no longer leading the team. I let her stay on because she's got family and followers that I enjoy having on my side, but she still has to work herself back up from a rather heavy demotion. She'll have a great deal to prove to get back into my good graces," Constance sighed. Firing her would have made Constance unnecessary enemies and dangling her over the threat of firing gave Constance far more options. She loved having options. "Your tastes are divine darling. I might have to ask you to start getting me my jewelry rather than your father," she joked; Constance had always turned to the two of them as a team; she abhorred the thought of taking her trade outside the family. "Oh I'm hoping the Scottish king says something. He is always good for some inflammatory language."

“I was one of them," the words used in a past-tense sounded so strange coming from Joanna, "But she’s not that annoying, once you get used to her.” If she was going to actively choose to become part of Reuben's family, she might as well actually learn to like the queen. It was getting easier with each passing day, mostly because Gizella would do anything to please her. “God I hope you’re right…” the call of scotch whisky was beckoning at the bar top. Marriage was an all-together terrifying thought, let alone the idea of fighting with his sister just to keep him at her side, “The Scottish people are more likely to snuff her out on Twitter if she tries anything.” There was a fierce protectiveness over her fiancé that she could not explain, though she was certain she did not need to around Isolde. “I’m actually excited to marry him, is that weird?” At least this wasn't the stone age, where she'd be forced to make life-altering decisions such as these. “Hey, no," she scolded, that same protectiveness reaching to her sister, “He’s getting married. We can just mimd our own business and manifest that he’s suffering without you.” She sighed, brushing a strand of her dyed blonde hair out of her face, “The internet will tell him… we can’t be this close to a breaking news headline.”

"She speaks quickly and she has much faith in what she is saying, but still, she clearly cares for their family and their country. I am sure that she will be a fair sister-in-law so long as we are polite to her." Isolde intended to help make sure that those in Scotland would be quite polite to help grow goodwill between the two countries; she wondered if placing Dorit in a boat and shipping her into the Atlantic would improve or damage relations with the Schellenberg family. She concluded that, as with everything involving Joanna's family-to-be, it would be complicated. Luckily, Reuben was quite sweet and very much loved Isolde's sister so all else would have to find a way. "Don't worry. You shall be in Scotland where our people would never let anything happen to you. Dorit would be fighting a war she cannot win, not on your turf." That protectiveness felt by their people might now extend to Reuben, or very soon would. It was foolhardy to mess with the Scots. Isolde grinned broadly at her sister's words. "I'm generally told that the excitement is a good thing. You get to have the life you want with the man you want, I hope that it is all you could dream and more." Her own life story might not read the same, but at least Joanna had a chance. "He doesn't seem to be suffering," Isolde sighed as Javier wrapped his fingers in Valencia's.

"It's all a show sister, all I want is to rip this dress to shreds. Next time, I'm wearing a suit, I don't care what anyone says." She huffed, shaking her head slightly. "You look beautiful though, Is." She smiled at her sister before letting her head rest on top of her's. It was nice to take a break and just sit in silence with her sister, it had been far too long since Evelyn got to do that. Evelyn raised an eyebrow before turning her head to look at her. "I don't know about that, he might already have company and the last thing I want is to pull him away from said company." She knew he would come to her in a heartbeat, no matter who he might be with and she didn't want to ruin his night. "Why would we cuddle together? That wouldn't be appropriated. And I'm pretty sure father would have a heart attack if he found out." She chuckled. Evelyn rolled her eyes at her words. "That's exactly why I don't want to call or text him, I don't want to ruin his night." She smiled, titling her head to the side. "I still wonder who thought that was a good idea, father and twitter."

"To be fair to you, I think you would look absolutely stunning in a suit. It would be a hell of a power look; Jo and I would join you if you chose to do it...as long as next time isn't at Jo's wedding. Pretty sure that we do have to wear dresses for that one." Isolde could only hope that for Evelyn's sake Jo was picking the bridesmaid dresses and the task was not on Gizella's shoulders; it was not that Gizella was not fashionable, she just did not necessarily know Evelyn's more understated tastes. "Thanks...after everything from this past year...I figured I needed to show everyone, especially Da, that the illness was over, that I was back to myself." Over a year's worth of treatments, of being pale and wan, had left her confidence shaken; this was to be her grand re-entrance, even if no one but the Scottish press would notice her. "Cuddling is not canoodling, firstly. Secondly, if you and Blair ever did decide to get together it might mend the factions in Scotland's political structure between our families and would probably soothe an eon of hatred. I'm just saying..." Isolde shrugged and looked at Evelyn with a canny look. "You could never ruin Blair Gillies' night." It was the God's honest truth. Still, she switched topics, even if she had more to say. "It was not me. I don't even have a twitter...or maybe I do, but I haven't posted for years."

the startling shade of red is impossible to miss of the scottish heir, just as she excuses herself from a lady, she's running into the princess that javi loves. malai too has been watching her brother and the dutch princess posing as they are, it had gone for what seemed like hours. weren't they tired of smiled so much? they didn't know their future sister-in-law well at all, and frankly the crown princess would also say she's not interested in knowing princess valencia either. which is not to say she'd go out of her way to be rude, but something of the blonde didn't vibe well with her. it wasn't difficult to see isolde's sadness, hidden well, but mal who knows of her relationship with their brother, she can't imagine that's easy to watch. even if they both knew javi felt nothing romantic for his future bride. it was frustrating for the wagner princess to watch her brother marry another and not this scot that he's madly in love with. ❛my fault, sorry, didn't mean to almost run you over, isolde.❜ she looks to her with a warm smile, ❛it has indeed, and it's fantastic seeing you. i've quite well, how about you?❜ her brown hues softening for the other princess. ❛aside from having to watch that.❜ pointing her hand in the direction of mal's brother.

"Don't be silly, it was my fault. Proof that distracted walking is dangerous. As long as you're okay though, I shall give myself a small reprieve." Isolde smiled warmly; she'd always liked Javier's sister, even, or maybe especially, after Malai had figured out the feelings between Isolde and Javier. Isolde had always felt welcomed by Malai, trusted, and she knew that she perhaps did not have to try so very hard to guard her heart, when Malai already knew its secrets. "I've been trying to keep busy. I was in Morocco for a bit, with Doctors Without Borders; it was beautiful there." I thought about your brother for most of it; a thought she did not voice. "That is the consequence of my own actions...I don't think I've ever seen him so...smiley." If only she knew whether or not the smile he wore was true. She could remember his other smile, the smile he used with her...and his laugh while she spun around or was stuck on a puzzle or when he raced and won. The smile he wore next to Valencia was not that smile. That smile was wide and bright; this one was careful, but he still crinkled his eyes slightly so maybe...maybe it was true.

"It has a canniness about it that way. I suppose that is how it can speak to such a variety of people so very deeply. From courtesans to clerics, music is something that can truly reach all. Or maybe I just have an inflated view of it due to my profession," they admitted with a shrug. Mischa had traveled the world, though, and had seen the way a tune could speak to people in vastly different ways. It was a power they were not always sure they deserved, but relished nonetheless. "In all honesty Majesty, I am happy in Austria, though there are parts of Russia I miss. Still, the crown here is...surprisingly receptive and I hope that your people see their luck." If only Isaak would serve this king rather than the Tsar. "Mostly rock honestly. That's what I tour with, but I was trained in classical music and branched out from there. I like playing rock to the audiences though. There's nothing like seeing thousands of people sing your lyrics back to you."