[ Salinas is at least a name she recognizes, although the difference from Nacogdoches' portrait to his is almost startling for how stark it is. Margaery can only assume that these portraits convey the most honest portrayals, which is a departure from what she's accustomed to in Westeros. she's immediately reminded of one of the portraits of Joffrey that House Tyrell knights brought back to Highgarden, and their carefully stoic expressions when she'd asked if it was a fair representation of the future king.
in the end, they hadn't needed to say anything at all, and thank the gods for that.
the absence of Constantin's warmth says everything she needs to know about Salinas and his family, and as they move onto the next portrait, she waits for his introduction while admiring the gentle beauty that radiates from every detail. when none come, she glances up and catches sight of his expression -
one that she studies for an appropriate amount of time before she resumes viewing the portrait in front of them. it's enough for her to know that even though Odette may have feelings for the king, he does not return them; the tenderness she sees now would be impossible to hide, even for someone who has lived as long as he has.
after a few long seconds, her question comes softly. ]
( what could be said about delphine that hasn't already been expressed and extolled by the greatest poets of their time? the jewel of ornefluer, beloved here and abroad, and praised for her beauty. wide eyes, the color of the wฤnnuan ocean, that were carefully arranged on a delicate face that promised only a refined and sensitive nature.
but portraits do little to properly illustrate why princess delphine was so beloved. inside her was a warmth that only the sun could provide, and a consideration for everyone that was rarely seen from someone in her station. she was just so kind and amiable with a gentle soul that the world's darkness could never taint. some of constantin's happiness times were along her side: teaching her to ride a horse, playing the bandura as she sang, and tending to the poor while dressed in the color of her mother's order.
he did love her. so why didn't you marry her?
the question suddenly strikes him, and it takes a moment for him to realize that it wasn't thought but asked aloud. constantin blinks and looks down at the woman he did marry, his tender expression shattering to embarrassment. redness colors his ears. )
Why do you ask that?
( he knows why. his eyes had lingered too long on her portrait, a relief soothing his bones that should come from his wife not a ghost. )
[ she doesn't mean to smile at the sight of his embarrassment, but it's a gentle one anyway, one that she shares with him easily. ]
I'm your wife above all else, Constantin. You may need to uphold a certain modicum of decorum with the rest of the court, but there is no need to stand on ceremony with me. I would be foolish to assume that in all your years of living, you have not felt love's sharp blade nor felt the warmth of a woman.
[ Margaery returns her gaze to the portrait so he can recover with privacy, should he wish to. Delphine is lovely to behold, and even with a mere painting, the aura captured makes it easy to understand how she held his heart. ]
I almost married a man who was in love with my brother in secret. And I would've gladly done so if it meant we could restore Westeros to a kingdom more like yours in spirit and generosity. From an early age, I learned that the price of finding true love at a station like mine was too steep.
[ her hand squeezes his arm gently. ]
So you need not worry about my expectations when it comes to your heart. I am well aware that is one realm that cannot be controlled by marriage or duty, nor would I dream of burdening you in such a way.
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no subject
in the end, they hadn't needed to say anything at all, and thank the gods for that.
the absence of Constantin's warmth says everything she needs to know about Salinas and his family, and as they move onto the next portrait, she waits for his introduction while admiring the gentle beauty that radiates from every detail. when none come, she glances up and catches sight of his expression -
one that she studies for an appropriate amount of time before she resumes viewing the portrait in front of them. it's enough for her to know that even though Odette may have feelings for the king, he does not return them; the tenderness she sees now would be impossible to hide, even for someone who has lived as long as he has.
after a few long seconds, her question comes softly. ]
Why didn't you marry her?
no subject
but portraits do little to properly illustrate why princess delphine was so beloved. inside her was a warmth that only the sun could provide, and a consideration for everyone that was rarely seen from someone in her station. she was just so kind and amiable with a gentle soul that the world's darkness could never taint. some of constantin's happiness times were along her side: teaching her to ride a horse, playing the bandura as she sang, and tending to the poor while dressed in the color of her mother's order.
he did love her. so why didn't you marry her?
the question suddenly strikes him, and it takes a moment for him to realize that it wasn't thought but asked aloud. constantin blinks and looks down at the woman he did marry, his tender expression shattering to embarrassment. redness colors his ears. )
Why do you ask that?
( he knows why. his eyes had lingered too long on her portrait, a relief soothing his bones that should come from his wife not a ghost. )
no subject
I'm your wife above all else, Constantin. You may need to uphold a certain modicum of decorum with the rest of the court, but there is no need to stand on ceremony with me. I would be foolish to assume that in all your years of living, you have not felt love's sharp blade nor felt the warmth of a woman.
[ Margaery returns her gaze to the portrait so he can recover with privacy, should he wish to. Delphine is lovely to behold, and even with a mere painting, the aura captured makes it easy to understand how she held his heart. ]
I almost married a man who was in love with my brother in secret. And I would've gladly done so if it meant we could restore Westeros to a kingdom more like yours in spirit and generosity. From an early age, I learned that the price of finding true love at a station like mine was too steep.
[ her hand squeezes his arm gently. ]
So you need not worry about my expectations when it comes to your heart. I am well aware that is one realm that cannot be controlled by marriage or duty, nor would I dream of burdening you in such a way.