The Playful Prodigy

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"The Playful Prodigy makes no sound as she stirs from the ceiling. You do not hear her unfold her spindly limbs. You do not see her long hands reach down, or the frightened, child-like faces that peer from each palm. You feel the needled finger, though, as it pricks a vein in your neck. Sharp as a bee sting."[1]

The Playful Prodigy is the second youngest of the Empress and her Consort. Once known for her cherubic cheeks and mischievous blue eyes,[2] her appearance now is a spider-like thing with face-hands and needle-fingers.[3] Her room is webbed with threads. She likes playing with dolls.[4] Suspended from the ceiling like a spider in her lair, she waits silently, dropping with uncanny grace to prick unsuspecting intruders[5] and sending them into sudden, dreamless unconsciousness.[6] Once subdued, she wraps her victims in shimmering silk and be able to extract their traits and talents.[7] This would allow her to claw back her human form and become something more than she ever was.[8] She has a close relationship with her younger sister, the Captivating Princess.[9]

In the Sunless Skies timeline, Beatrice was able to return to human form (presumably using the abilities outlined above). The Generous Princess, as she's now known, is notorious for her extravagant (and extremely dangerous) gifts and services and is the center of society in New London.[10]

Historical Inspiration

Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom (Beatrice Mary Victoria Feodore; 14 April 1857 – 26 October 1944) was the youngest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She was known for her unwavering devotion to her mother and played a significant role in preserving Queen Victoria's legacy. Born at Buckingham Palace, Beatrice was the ninth and final child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Her birth was notable as Queen Victoria used chloroform during labor, a controversial choice at the time. Beatrice was affectionately nicknamed "Baby" by her family and became a favorite of both parents. After Prince Albert's death in 1861, Queen Victoria leaned heavily on Beatrice for companionship, expecting her to remain by her side indefinitely.

Despite Queen Victoria's initial opposition to her marrying, Beatrice fell in love with Prince Henry of Battenberg. The Queen consented to their marriage on the condition that the couple live with her and that Beatrice continue her duties as the Queen's unofficial secretary. They married on 23 July 1885 at Whippingham on the Isle of Wight and had four children with each other. After Prince Henry's death from malaria in 1896, Beatrice remained a close companion to Queen Victoria until the Queen's death in 1901. Beatrice then dedicated herself to editing and transcribing Queen Victoria's extensive journals, a task she undertook over several decades. She removed two-thirds of her mother's original diaries, but the results were still a significant source for historians studying the Victorian era.

Princess Beatrice died on 26 October 1944 at Brantridge Park in Sussex. She was the last surviving child of Queen Victoria, passing away nearly 66 years after her eldest sister, Princess Alice.

References

  1. ↑ [1]The Gift, Fallen London
  2. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "At the very front, cross-legged on the floor, sits the Playful Prodigy. She has the cheeks of a cherub and blue, mischievous eyes."
  3. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "The Playful Prodigy makes no sound as she stirs from the ceiling. You do not hear her unfold her spindly limbs. You do not see her long hands reach down, or the frightened, child-like faces that peer from each palm. You feel the needled finger, though, as it pricks a vein in your neck. Sharp as a bee sting."
  4. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "Once, it was a pretty room of frills and lace. Now, ichorous cords stretch across it, knotting into bulbous nests in the corners. The furniture is caked in stringy secretions. A grand dolls' house stands in the middle of the room. Nine dolls sit within. The table in its dining-room is set with little honey-pots, painted red."
  5. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "The Playful Prodigy makes no sound as she stirs from the ceiling. You do not hear her unfold her spindly limbs. You do not see her long hands reach down, or the frightened, child-like faces that peer from each palm. You feel the needled finger, though, as it pricks a vein in your neck. Sharp as a bee sting."
  6. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "A happy voice rouses you. Delicate fingers are stroking your hair. "I knew you'd be perfect. So curious. So bold. So resolute. Thank you, for exceeding my estimation." You open your eyes. Tacky strands bind your arms and legs. The Captivating Princess kneels beside you."
  7. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "Her needled fingers pierce your heart. Your memories of what follows are fractured; broken glass rattling in a box. She did not want your blood, though you lost plenty of that. No – she dug deeper, and dined on something less replaceable."
  8. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "'Thank you for playing your part with such commitment. I am happy to report that B_______ has blossomed. She has sloughed off her unfortunate infirmities and become exceptional: pleasing to the eye, an avid observer of the world, quick and generous. She has much to give. She speaks of you often: both of your virtues and your flavour. Soon, I will present her at a salon. I'm confident she will make a lasting impression.'"
  9. ↑ The Gift, Fallen London "Beatrice?" she calls. Behind her, the Playful Prodigy edges forward, placing her pointed feet as carefully as a water-boatman crossing a puddle. "You silly thing, wrapping your own gift. Come, now. I know you're hungry. Eat. It's time to grow up, dear."
  10. ↑ The Silken Salon, Sunless Skies "The Generous Princess manages many affairs of court. She cultivates alliances, forms opinions, sets trends, makes introductions, suggests promotions and dismantles reputations. She attracts rumours like a lantern attracts moths. It's said that she fears the light of the suns, and that her gifts inevitably destroy the recipients. She can sometimes be found in her salon, where she welcomes visiting captains."
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