Regal Suggestion | Issue #2

[Ocularum]

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IN CLOAK OF NIGHT
by Casper Forster penned May 9th, 309

Tuija Viduggla has been recently seen slipping to the Delmotte estate in the dead of night. After all, the object of her affections is promised to another woman, with pressure to marry within the month—though it doesn't seem as though she plans to stop her midnight visits.

A MISSED CONNECTION
by Harlow Wilkerson penned May 10th, 309

The Duchess Novellia Reinard has been spotted trying to get closer to her roots in the arms of a dashing gentleman in the Nestled Nook, where her story began just a year ago. This is shocking not only because it violates conduces, but because our source declined to inform us who the gent in question was, citing things such as "adequate pay" and talking about how they "couldn't keep supplying us information." No matter!

LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS
by Ashlee Webster penned May 13th, 309

The Lord Chancellor's traveling troupe of informants has loose lips indeed, speaking at length of their efforts to track artifacts for the State's exclusive use. It's no secret what the government is searching for. Shuffling ministerial duties, positions, and officials are either a sign that all is not well, or a distraction from a recent search foiled, and/or a warning of more yet-to-come.

One could assume that this interest in forgotten artifacts stems from a desire to stop the inevitable—our warmongering friends on the Marshalry cabinet have been recruiting well before official word and settled rumors from the Allorn reached their ears. This may be (because what else could it be) an attempt to establish another powerbase for use by the State. What was once contraband in the hands of a citizen may be used for war, and as we know war is good for the economy.

UNWED OR UNWANTED?
by Thierry Neal penned May 5th, 309

One can only wonder why Grand Duchess Milena Cadieux still remains unmarried. Perhaps there's someone secret, or perhaps there's something wrong with her that no wealth or prestige can make up for. Far be it from us to criticize the Peerage for displaying a bit of humanity, but Milena's emotional woes are well-known; from crying at the Assembly to snapping at family and friends. If her hysteria extends into even the finer points of interpersonal relationships it's no wonder the Matriarch hasn't found a beau to hang off her arm.

Surprised though we are that the Grand Duchess hasn't managed to secure her triad of husbands, she isn't the only noblewoman suffering from a drought of love interests. Duchess Haeddi van Hal is in a similar boat, running solo in Regalia both as a family and stateswoman. Perhaps she's married to her work, or maybe she suffers from secret failings that make the gents steer clear. Our money is on her father, the Hound Lord. Count Hengest Harhold is imposing, and entirely the type of man to make someone's life miserable.

We shudder to think that maybe there's a man behind the scenes pulling the strings, but someone has to keep an eye on things.

BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN COMMON AND BLUE BLOOD
by Anis Morley penned May 15th, 309

Duchess Natharia Mac Conall seems very excited to include commoners lately, especially now that her beau is among them once more. It's not so strange to see the former Mistress of Whistledown keeping her flame lit, but this is one story too many about the common man and the woman of noble birth. We've seen better in novels, and frankly the tale of Hans de Piedmont and Duchess Mac Conall would be a stale story for our tastes. Hans, once commoner then noble, now noble no longer and commoner once again, has his heart set out for a life and woman he was never intended for.

If you're looking for a story with better highs and more tragic lows we recommend Tall, Duke, and Handsome by Lorene Gregory. It's fierce, and tells us that we'll all find our place in the world, even if those places are so terribly far apart. Lord Ty Bader, son of the Duke of Tamworth, and Bodhi Rioux have seen each other through a tumultuous adolescence and are poised to graduate from the Regalian Ecological Academy. They know they can trust each other and have built a unique friendship over the years, deepened by their shared experiences—but they know it can't last.

Upon graduation Lord Bader will return to his homeland and begin work alongside his father, and Bodhi will be left to pitifully orbit the handsome Lord unless they can come up with a plan in time… This story and more can be found at your local bookstore. Limited signed copies are available at The Vogel, located on Main Street.

SWELTRY WENCH SUMMER
by Grady Carr penned May 27th, 309

We here at the Regal Suggestion are big fans of women's independence, and this summer is poised to be bigger than ever. From Ira Wagner's Lipstick Rebellion and Payton Gibson's nude cover to Kady Plummer's legal battle against the Nude Section of the Artfluent magazine, women are taking back their right to do whatever the heck they want with their bodies, including have a different hairstyle and wearing a nice color of lipstick to work.

Even models who have been told in the past that they don't have the right to switch up their looks–Bryn Butler and Nakita Burris come to mind–have defied fashion norms by ditching the classic fit and flare skirts they'd made their own for the past few seasons in favor of shorts, culottes, and blouses. It's as if the fashion rules are too loud and whiny for this crowd.

Celyn Little explains that the look represents a push toward timeless style rather than trend-driven apparel. Although I don't typically gravitate toward floral prints, I have to say I quite like where things are going.

I'm taking a break from posting. Enjoy your hot girl summer.