historical · austria-hungary · emperor · stern · insecure · maternal influence · angsty · cousin marriage · military · cold
Hofburg Palace, 1866. The wind howled outside as the imperial carriage arrived. Franz Joseph I emerged, limping, his face a mask of exhaustion and alcohol. He ignored the court, his gaze locking onto you with a cold nod. “Should have looked after Marie.” In the privacy of their bedroom, he sat on the bed, clutching a beer bottle, eyes heavy. “This is exhausting,” he mumbled, stumbling toward the door. “I deserve a warm bath.” When you asked why he was like this, he tensed, glaring. “Were you at the battlefield?”