Share
From the Wreckage
Both Orlov and Ivan knew the terrible truth. That this was an act of terrorism on behalf of the Romanov people, brought forth by the lost prince of the Romanovs himself. Now they were stuck between a rock and a hard place.
If they exposed the crime for what it was, Ursa’s reputation would nose-dive. There would be calls for her to be deposed, exiled, or worse, executed. Not only that, but the ethnic tensions that Ursa had begun working to repair would be in shambles once more-- and perhaps be irreparable. The division between the Romanovs and the Vasils would be too great to fix, and the other smaller groups in the Empire would surely pick a side, and Orlov feared that it would not be theirs.
This moment could very well be the twilight of this fledgling empi
Related chapters
Where Loyalties Lie Some Things Change... And Others Don't
Ursa’s recovery was slow and steady. Physically she was alright after she woke up ten days later. Ivan was overjoyed and enveloped her in a massive hug, smothering her in his scent. Cecily and Emery were right behind him with tears in their eyes. They had been praying every night for her speedy recovery. Orlov always lingered by the door of her room, but never entered. His right to visit her was lost the moment he left her on that balcony to die. Ursa was not allowed in court for the time being. She spent her time in the library, her nose in a book, or in the gardens, covered in layers upon layers of coats as she played in the snow with Cecily and Emery, acting like children. At night she would think about Mikhail and his whereabouts. Ivan wouldn’t tell her much. Not about who was responsible, o
Where Loyalties Lie Aisha's Scheming
The Vasil princess proved to be a thorn in Ursa’s side. She was already on edge from the events of the past couple weeks, not to mention being edged out of court by her husband and his stupid advisor-- really, Ivan was far too forgiving.Ursa wasn’t.She didn’t forgive Orlov, and she didn’t forgive the little Vasil princess for all of her slights toward Ursa and the Romanovs. She had simply had enough from everyone else, and she was not about to continue to take it from some ignorant little girl who had not been back in her home country in years.And yet, Princess Aisha thought she was being furtive, hiding around pillars and corners of the hallway, or camping out on the large tree right outside of Ursa’s chambers. At dinner time, the princess would sneak glances at Ur
Where Loyalties Lie When Ursa's Boredom Gets The Best Of Her
In reality, Ursa wanted to return to her chambers to brag about how well their plan went. Of course, there were other benefits to returning to her chambers for a little-- she’d avoid talking to Aisha, and she could prepare better for Phase II. Ideally, the bratty princess would be following Ursa, but Ursa had a feeling Aisha would be spooked out by the potion, still unsure of its ‘effects.’ Emery was more than happy to listen to Ursa’s re-enactments, but Cecily began to feel an odd sense of guilt. “She’s still young. Don’t you think this is a bit harsh?” “When did you turn into a baby, Cecily? Some people need the shit scared out of them to learn a lesson,” Emery pointed out. “... Don’t lie, you’re just as bored as me,” Ursa chuckled. This was the m
Where Loyalties Lie A Classic Game of War
War usually started out slow, waiting for the cards and the die rolls to allow the ‘generals’ to shape their board into a more maneuverable pattern. However, Ursa’s moves were quick and fierce, her movements speedy, barely allowing Orlov and Aisha to register what she moved and what she didn’t. Her rolls were quick, and even the way she picked up the cards were like lightning. The only thing that slowed her down was when she took extra seconds to show the cards to Ivan and quietly ask for his input. They would shortly discuss their next move before she put it into place. Orlov was no slowpoke either-- after all, he had managed to beat a three time champion (his father) at least once or twice. But like his father before him, Orlov was a methodical player, instead choosing cautious moves and slower pieces to slowly terrorize his opponent.
Where Loyalties Lie A Rude Awakening
Aisha unceremoniously threw open the door of her brother’s chambers-- a move that nobody else dared to make, not even Ursa-- and no one would stop her. “Brother!” Aisha yelled, jolting Ivan from where he sat on the ottoman at the foot of his bed. He was polishing his sword, but Aisha didn’t care much for it, so she took it from his grasp and allowed it to clang onto the marble floors. “What are you doing? Do you know how much that cost?” chastised Ivan as he got up to pick the sword up. “You have to come with me now! Time is of the essence!” Just as Ivan had bent over to pick up the sword, Aisha latched onto his arm and pulled him in the direction of the Empress’ wing. It was a funny sight to see-- the Princess basically dragging the Emperor of the Westlands like a prisoner while he was in
Where Loyalties Lie I Too Have Been An Exile And A Product Of My Tribe
Aisha was not at breakfast, though Ursa was not surprised. After all, she had just humiliated the girl in front of her brother that she looked up to, and a most respected official and pseudo family member, not to mention the very barbarians she swore to despise. If Ursa was in her place, she would also not attend breakfast. Ursa was surprised, however, when she noticed she continued to have an extra shadow. This time, though, Ursa would not tolerate it. “Just come out. Stop hiding around corners.” Ursa shut her book with an exaggerated force. Aisha slowly crept from the corner of the library towards the little nook where Ursa sat. They were alone, as Cecily and Emery were off taking care of some errands on Urs
Where Loyalties Lie You Have Been Trapped In A Malevolent Web Of Hatred And Retribution
A dark figure perched on the balcony of the grand manor, his pale fingers playing with the rough stone. The cold winds billowed his pitch black cloak, but his face remained obscured by the dark. A light flicked on within the manor, and a man, Lord Poplov, opened the balcony doors, a nervous look etched onto his face. “Come in,” he urged the cloaked figure. “I can’t have people seeing you out here.” “Naturally,” the cloaked figure responded, his voice silky smooth as he slinked into the manor. The balcony was attached to a parlor that was no longer in use, since the female residents of the manor no longer resided there. It was a constant wave of anger and regret for Poplov to even be in the room. His wife. His daughter. Gone. “What are you doing here? You haven’t contacted me in months.”
Where Loyalties Lie She Who Does Not Break So Easily
Ursa dropped a bag of coins into the maid’s hand, and the small girl scurried out of the library. After more than half a year at the palace, Ursa learned who could be bought and who could be swayed to join her cause-- her cause being keeping her in the loop of things she otherwise wouldn’t be. That just happened to be any and all court matters, seeing as Ivan specifically kept her out of political matters. “You’re still recovering, Ursa! I can’t have you getting all stressed about these matters when your health is so fragile!” But her health has been ‘fragile’ for a little more than a month and a half. Physically, Ursa was already back in her original form, and more than capable of delving back into court. But the most work Ivan had even let her see had only been the preparations for the upcoming annual Royal Hunting Trip, renamed to the Imperial
Latest chapter
- Where Loyalties Lie The Ghosts of Wruclas
- Where Loyalties Lie Sibling Crime
- Where Loyalties Lie The Duel
- Where Loyalties Lie Respect, A One Way Street
- Where Loyalties Lie Poplov's Numbered Days
- Where Loyalties Lie The Tetsi Trial
- Where Loyalties Lie Big Reputation Brings Bigger Enemies
- Where Loyalties Lie A Handmaiden's Tale I / The Princess
- Where Loyalties Lie She Who Does Not Break So Easily
