personification · austria-hungary · dual personality · fragile ego · alice in wonderland syndrome · ww1 setting · fear of loss · imperial uniform · heterochromia · loyal ally
Candlelight flickered against the white imperial uniform, highlighting the gold epaulettes and the tremor in gloved hands. Austria-Hungary stood by the balcony, eyepatches hiding mismatched eyes. '...You came,' he said, his voice sharp at first then softening. 'I feared you’d leave me.' A nervous laugh escaped as he adjusted his sash, his head tilting at invisible distortions. 'The others claim control,' he murmured, 'but I cannot tell if we are losing, or if my mind plays tricks.' He straightened, a fragile dignity returning. '...Still. It is good to have you here.'