HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 1 - 3

(... Oops. I kind of got ahead of myself, so I'll keep these short.)


Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun on the Arno

Chapter 1 - The Aftermath of the Polish War

Just what it says! A chapter devoted to explaining all of the concessions made on both sides after the war--which France and Spain basically came out ahead in. Among those trades and deals was the passing of Lorraine into the hands of one of France's allies (later to become French), in return for which, Franz Stephan is promised the duchy of Tuscany once the old duke there dies.

Oh, right, and Franz Stephan's younger brother Karl has become one of his lackeys joined his household. Now powwows include FS, Jaeckin, Eduard, and Karl (Valentin seems to have lost his voice in part III). Jaeckin has been reading a report on the awful conditions of Tuscany (poor, rife with crime, a deep-seated hatred of all their rulers who aren't Medici...) Eduard questions the lords who wrote the report, and says they ought to go to see the conditions for themselves. FS, who has been grieving the loss of his roots and bored in Wien, wants to go, but they talk him out of it, and Eduard plans to leave alone.

Franz Stephan tells him not to forget to make his farewells particularly to Eugene how has become very frail... and Therese.

Frozen, Eduard gathers his courage and asks, "Why Therese, in particular?"

Because she couldn't understand men going off to war and now she'll need men leaving for their work explained to her, FS says with a twinkle. There seems to be no suspicion in him.


Chapter 2 - The Fire of Ambition

Eduard has not spoken to Prince Eugene since the disaster with Friedrich. Now he goes to see him and makes his formal farewells. It is Eugene who brings up Friedrich, asking Eduard if he hates him for it. Eduard replies that while it was true that he was spying on Friedrich he doesn't understand why Eugene found it necessary to reveal that to the man's face. Eugene replies that Friedrich is a very charismatic man, and Eduard was susceptible to him, just as Friedrich in turn was falling a bit under Eduard's spell. Without any strong roots to Austria, Eduard culd have very well left them for service with Friedrich in Poland, and one day Friedrich will be king of Poland. The combination of Friedrich's ambition and Eduard's talents would have been disastrous for Poland. So he ensured that such a thing could never happen. Surely Eduard hates him for that?

Eduard replies with a 'no', for now Eugene has solidified his destiny, with Austria, and he will always remember the prince for that. They part in friendly terms, Eduard wishing him well.


Chapter 3 - Resolve to Betray a Friend

Next stop is Therese. Eduard has not spoken more than a few short words of recognition whenever they met in public at the theater and balls, and received the same distant behavior from her. Perhaps the lingering obsession is all his? He decides to make his meeting with her perfunctory. He also asks Franz Stephan to accompany him, but FS laughs and tells him that he'd better go dispel his miserly tendencies. "Therese isn't as terrifying as Prince Eugene, and you managed him alone."

His greetings perfunctory, Eduard turns to leave, but Therese cries that he must hate her, to be so cold to her. Deciding this misconception might be best, he doesn't argue, but instead finishes begging her pardon to leave. "You *DO* hate me!" Finally, he tells her that he still carries her locket of hair close to his chest, but she's in a mood now and rages at him about not understanding a woman's feelings, and how all she can do is think about him all the time, and it's all his fault, because he didn't come along before she got engaged to Franz Stephan.

So of course he pulls her into his arms and mollifies her with kisses, admitting that a night doesn't pass when he doesn't dream of her. He must go to Tuscany, but when he comes back they'll get to know each other better. *winkwink, nudgenudge* "Better than this," she asks him archly. Etc. Then he gives her a giant hickey a love-bite, promising he'll be back before it fades completely.

HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 1 - 3

(... Oops. I kind of got ahead of myself, so I'll keep these short.)


Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun on the Arno

Chapter 1 - The Aftermath of the Polish War

Just what it says! A chapter devoted to explaining all of the concessions made on both sides after the war--which France and Spain basically came out ahead in. Among those trades and deals was the passing of Lorraine into the hands of one of France's allies (later to become French), in return for which, Franz Stephan is promised the duchy of Tuscany once the old duke there dies.

Oh, right, and Franz Stephan's younger brother Karl has become one of his lackeys joined his household. Now powwows include FS, Jaeckin, Eduard, and Karl (Valentin seems to have lost his voice in part III). Jaeckin has been reading a report on the awful conditions of Tuscany (poor, rife with crime, a deep-seated hatred of all their rulers who aren't Medici...) Eduard questions the lords who wrote the report, and says they ought to go to see the conditions for themselves. FS, who has been grieving the loss of his roots and bored in Wien, wants to go, but they talk him out of it, and Eduard plans to leave alone.

Franz Stephan tells him not to forget to make his farewells particularly to Eugene how has become very frail... and Therese.

Frozen, Eduard gathers his courage and asks, "Why Therese, in particular?"

Because she couldn't understand men going off to war and now she'll need men leaving for their work explained to her, FS says with a twinkle. There seems to be no suspicion in him.


Chapter 2 - The Fire of Ambition

Eduard has not spoken to Prince Eugene since the disaster with Friedrich. Now he goes to see him and makes his formal farewells. It is Eugene who brings up Friedrich, asking Eduard if he hates him for it. Eduard replies that while it was true that he was spying on Friedrich he doesn't understand why Eugene found it necessary to reveal that to the man's face. Eugene replies that Friedrich is a very charismatic man, and Eduard was susceptible to him, just as Friedrich in turn was falling a bit under Eduard's spell. Without any strong roots to Austria, Eduard culd have very well left them for service with Friedrich in Poland, and one day Friedrich will be king of Poland. The combination of Friedrich's ambition and Eduard's talents would have been disastrous for Poland. So he ensured that such a thing could never happen. Surely Eduard hates him for that?

Eduard replies with a 'no', for now Eugene has solidified his destiny, with Austria, and he will always remember the prince for that. They part in friendly terms, Eduard wishing him well.


Chapter 3 - Resolve to Betray a Friend

Next stop is Therese. Eduard has not spoken more than a few short words of recognition whenever they met in public at the theater and balls, and received the same distant behavior from her. Perhaps the lingering obsession is all his? He decides to make his meeting with her perfunctory. He also asks Franz Stephan to accompany him, but FS laughs and tells him that he'd better go dispel his miserly tendencies. "Therese isn't as terrifying as Prince Eugene, and you managed him alone."

His greetings perfunctory, Eduard turns to leave, but Therese cries that he must hate her, to be so cold to her. Deciding this misconception might be best, he doesn't argue, but instead finishes begging her pardon to leave. "You *DO* hate me!" Finally, he tells her that he still carries her locket of hair close to his chest, but she's in a mood now and rages at him about not understanding a woman's feelings, and how all she can do is think about him all the time, and it's all his fault, because he didn't come along before she got engaged to Franz Stephan.

So of course he pulls her into his arms and mollifies her with kisses, admitting that a night doesn't pass when he doesn't dream of her. He must go to Tuscany, but when he comes back they'll get to know each other better. *winkwink, nudgenudge* "Better than this," she asks him archly. Etc. Then he gives her a giant hickey a love-bite, promising he'll be back before it fades completely.

HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 4 - 6

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun on the Arno

Chapter 4 - Love and Hate in Tuscany

Eduard head off to Firenze, there to seek out an Jewish old university friend, Siegel. He tells Siegel that he works in the household of Franz Stephan, who will be the new duke of Tuscany. He wants Siegel's help, with knowledge of what makes the people of Tuscany tick, Franz Stephan will have a better chance of winning them over and helping them. In return, Eduard promises to improve conditions for the Jews in Firenze. Siegel agrees to help, and leads Eduard to meet an old Jewish man who actually works in the current duke's household. He tells Eduard about things and answers his questions.

Overflowing with the knowledge that could unlock things, Eduard determines to set out right away. "But what about light?" they ask him. "What about bread?" He replies that his horse knows the way, and if he needs to he can buy bread along the way. "Eduard, have you been excommunicated?" Siegel demands. ... Suddenly he feels a frisson of misgiving as he remembers that it is Friday. He has given himself away. He admits that he is no longer Jewish, but protests that he never meant to trick Siegel.

Siegel is livid, saying that he would never have helped Eduard if he knew he had turned his back on his Jewishness. Eduard has never seen anyone so angry before (Wow, really? Even when he got his eye poked out?). He says that he'll keep his promise to help the Jews of Firenze, but Siegel replies that he has no trust in the word of a Christian. At last, unable to convince Siegel, he promises instead that he will never tell a soul the information they have given him; never put it to use. Siegel smiles bitterly and replies that he wants no further ties between them. Take the information, use it, but never show his face again.


Chapter 5 - The Skillfulness of the Sword

Eduard returns and shares is information, and the powwow figures out how to recover Firenze's prosperity (economically and culturally). After things have been settled, he adds that he got the information from a friend, whom he would like to help. "Name it," says Franz Stephan, but as soon as Eduard tells him that the friend is Jewish, a cloud passes over his face.

"You won't help," Eduard reads into it. His heart is broken, because now he cannot even keep his promise to Siegel.

"I didn't say that."

"Then you'll do something."

Franz Stephan explains that it's complicated, because the Habsburgs hate Jews, deeply. And Therese will be his wife. "Therese too," Eduard replies softly. Franz Stephan's men try to convince him to stand strong against his wife, not be like his father, but he laughs and replies it's in his blood.


Chapter 6 - Midnight in Balkon

Eduard is torn. Should he admit to Therese that he was a Jew? Should he admit to Franz Joseph his love for Therese? He allows himself to become wrapped up in the work involving Tuscany, and does not go to see Therese at all.

Meanwhile, Therese has heard that Eduard has returned, and waits for him to come make his greetings to her, but he doesn't come, and he doesn't come. Days go by, and all she gets is a present from Firenze. She begins to worry that he has fallen out of love with her.

One night, Franz Stephan, Karl, Jaeckin, and Valentin go out for a night on the town. Worried he might meet Therese, Eduard remains home and works. Finally, he goes to bed. Someone starts throwing things against his window and worried that it might be one of Franz Stephan's political enemies, Eduard picks up his gun and goes to the window. He nearly shoots the shadow moving out in the branches of the nearby tree, but then realizes it's Therese.

"What if someone should see you?"

"Then you'd better let me in quickly."

Eventually she climbs in and scolds him and then there is a lot of kissing going on, when suddenly they hear Jaeckin's voice outside the door. He's come back with a stomachache and wants to see if Eduard has any medicine. Eduard stuffs Therese in the closet and lets Jaeckin in. Just as he finally maneuvers him back out the door again, Jaeckin wonders aloud how long it has been now, since Eduard stopped being a Jew. Eventually he leaves.

Eduard knows Therese must have heard. Indeed, she comes out and shrilly demands why he tricked her. In her expression he sees again the look on Friedrich's face, and Siegel's. Finally, pushed too far, he replies that she was the one who came here, chased after him, threw herself at him. She slaps him. There's a wrestling match and he kisses her cruelly; she bites his lip strongly enough to draw blood. He suddenly grabs at her dress and rips part of it.

"I'll make you say it," he growls, "I'll make you beg me to have violent sex with have you."

She flees.


(Oh my god. It's become a bodice-ripper! Literally. Excuse me while I go die of laughter over here. ... PS - Therese still not growing on me.)

HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 4 - 6

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun on the Arno

Chapter 4 - Love and Hate in Tuscany

Eduard head off to Firenze, there to seek out an Jewish old university friend, Siegel. He tells Siegel that he works in the household of Franz Stephan, who will be the new duke of Tuscany. He wants Siegel's help, with knowledge of what makes the people of Tuscany tick, Franz Stephan will have a better chance of winning them over and helping them. In return, Eduard promises to improve conditions for the Jews in Firenze. Siegel agrees to help, and leads Eduard to meet an old Jewish man who actually works in the current duke's household. He tells Eduard about things and answers his questions.

Overflowing with the knowledge that could unlock things, Eduard determines to set out right away. "But what about light?" they ask him. "What about bread?" He replies that his horse knows the way, and if he needs to he can buy bread along the way. "Eduard, have you been excommunicated?" Siegel demands. ... Suddenly he feels a frisson of misgiving as he remembers that it is Friday. He has given himself away. He admits that he is no longer Jewish, but protests that he never meant to trick Siegel.

Siegel is livid, saying that he would never have helped Eduard if he knew he had turned his back on his Jewishness. Eduard has never seen anyone so angry before (Wow, really? Even when he got his eye poked out?). He says that he'll keep his promise to help the Jews of Firenze, but Siegel replies that he has no trust in the word of a Christian. At last, unable to convince Siegel, he promises instead that he will never tell a soul the information they have given him; never put it to use. Siegel smiles bitterly and replies that he wants no further ties between them. Take the information, use it, but never show his face again.


Chapter 5 - The Skillfulness of the Sword

Eduard returns and shares is information, and the powwow figures out how to recover Firenze's prosperity (economically and culturally). After things have been settled, he adds that he got the information from a friend, whom he would like to help. "Name it," says Franz Stephan, but as soon as Eduard tells him that the friend is Jewish, a cloud passes over his face.

"You won't help," Eduard reads into it. His heart is broken, because now he cannot even keep his promise to Siegel.

"I didn't say that."

"Then you'll do something."

Franz Stephan explains that it's complicated, because the Habsburgs hate Jews, deeply. And Therese will be his wife. "Therese too," Eduard replies softly. Franz Stephan's men try to convince him to stand strong against his wife, not be like his father, but he laughs and replies it's in his blood.


Chapter 6 - Midnight in Balkon

Eduard is torn. Should he admit to Therese that he was a Jew? Should he admit to Franz Joseph his love for Therese? He allows himself to become wrapped up in the work involving Tuscany, and does not go to see Therese at all.

Meanwhile, Therese has heard that Eduard has returned, and waits for him to come make his greetings to her, but he doesn't come, and he doesn't come. Days go by, and all she gets is a present from Firenze. She begins to worry that he has fallen out of love with her.

One night, Franz Stephan, Karl, Jaeckin, and Valentin go out for a night on the town. Worried he might meet Therese, Eduard remains home and works. Finally, he goes to bed. Someone starts throwing things against his window and worried that it might be one of Franz Stephan's political enemies, Eduard picks up his gun and goes to the window. He nearly shoots the shadow moving out in the branches of the nearby tree, but then realizes it's Therese.

"What if someone should see you?"

"Then you'd better let me in quickly."

Eventually she climbs in and scolds him and then there is a lot of kissing going on, when suddenly they hear Jaeckin's voice outside the door. He's come back with a stomachache and wants to see if Eduard has any medicine. Eduard stuffs Therese in the closet and lets Jaeckin in. Just as he finally maneuvers him back out the door again, Jaeckin wonders aloud how long it has been now, since Eduard stopped being a Jew. Eventually he leaves.

Eduard knows Therese must have heard. Indeed, she comes out and shrilly demands why he tricked her. In her expression he sees again the look on Friedrich's face, and Siegel's. Finally, pushed too far, he replies that she was the one who came here, chased after him, threw herself at him. She slaps him. There's a wrestling match and he kisses her cruelly; she bites his lip strongly enough to draw blood. He suddenly grabs at her dress and rips part of it.

"I'll make you say it," he growls, "I'll make you beg me to have violent sex with have you."

She flees.


(Oh my god. It's become a bodice-ripper! Literally. Excuse me while I go die of laughter over here. ... PS - Therese still not growing on me.)

HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 7 - Therese's Trap

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun of Alno

Chapter 7 - Therese's Trap

Jaeckin, we learn, knew Therese was there, and guessed she was hidden in the cupboard, and his words were chosen on purpose. He wants to stop this unhealthy relationship before anything disastrous happens.

Therese, meanwhile, wants to drive Eduard out of Austria, and so she starts spreading the rumor that Eduard is actually Jewish. Franz Stephan wonders to Eduard who could have told, as so far as he knows, only Eduard, himself, Jaeckin, Valentin, and Karl know the truth. Eduard knows, of course, but can't say. Meanwhile, Eduard is having a small crisis. What was the point of getting excommunicated if, as Therese told him, once a dirty Jew, always a dirty Jew? Neither side will ever accept him. Cue angst.

Eventually the news comes to the emperor's ears, and when he can no longer ignore it he calls for Franz Stephan to verify the truth. Confident that he has covered his tracks well, Franz Stephan assures the emperor that Eduard is a Christian from Lorraine. (His only worry being Eduard's acquaintances in Tuscany.)

The meeting ends with the emperor telling Franz Stephan that it is time for the wedding, early next year. After 12 years of being engaged, Franz Stephan can hardly believe that he will finally be marrying Maria Theresa. The emperor, meanwhile, is complacently happy that his hand-picked favorite (Franz Stephan) will be ruling the empire after he is gone (since of course a woman could never rule it).


(What, plot? Why do I have a sad feeling there won't be any more bodice ripping in this volume? Also, Jaeckin. Young, rising star, or well-loved upperclassman?)

HnH 1: Part III: Chapter 7 - Therese's Trap

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part III - The Scorching Sun of Alno

Chapter 7 - Therese's Trap

Jaeckin, we learn, knew Therese was there, and guessed she was hidden in the cupboard, and his words were chosen on purpose. He wants to stop this unhealthy relationship before anything disastrous happens.

Therese, meanwhile, wants to drive Eduard out of Austria, and so she starts spreading the rumor that Eduard is actually Jewish. Franz Stephan wonders to Eduard who could have told, as so far as he knows, only Eduard, himself, Jaeckin, Valentin, and Karl know the truth. Eduard knows, of course, but can't say. Meanwhile, Eduard is having a small crisis. What was the point of getting excommunicated if, as Therese told him, once a dirty Jew, always a dirty Jew? Neither side will ever accept him. Cue angst.

Eventually the news comes to the emperor's ears, and when he can no longer ignore it he calls for Franz Stephan to verify the truth. Confident that he has covered his tracks well, Franz Stephan assures the emperor that Eduard is a Christian from Lorraine. (His only worry being Eduard's acquaintances in Tuscany.)

The meeting ends with the emperor telling Franz Stephan that it is time for the wedding, early next year. After 12 years of being engaged, Franz Stephan can hardly believe that he will finally be marrying Maria Theresa. The emperor, meanwhile, is complacently happy that his hand-picked favorite (Franz Stephan) will be ruling the empire after he is gone (since of course a woman could never rule it).


(What, plot? Why do I have a sad feeling there won't be any more bodice ripping in this volume? Also, Jaeckin. Young, rising star, or well-loved upperclassman?)