Virginia au Augustus

Red Rising

A petite young woman with fair skin who barely reaches the shoulder of a tall man, Mustang possesses a delicate and graceful build that lends her a fragile appearance at times. Long golden hair sparkles in light and is usually worn in braids flowing down her back or coiled about her shoulders with leather bands, framing a heart-shaped face with quick features, a pert nose, and a mouth swift to form smirking smiles, pleasant frowns, or expressions of terror and regret. Her golden eyes sparkle with fox-like cunning and intelligence, often dancing or imploring, while she wears a wolfcloak streaked with crimson over a black tunic and muddy boots with spurs, carrying herself with graceful confidence even when limping or muddied.

• Forms pivotal alliance with Darrow at the Institute, outmaneuvering rivals with cunning strategy.
• Reveals vulnerability and budding romance after rescuing Darrow from near-death.
• Betrays family ties to aid Darrow's uprising, showcasing her fox-like intelligence and graceful defiance.

Golden Son

A slender young Gold woman with blonde hair that falls loose or is pulled back from her face, bright eyes that glow like an owl's or cut through with judgment, and an expressive face that shifts from a lopsided grin to a mask of disappointment or rage. Her lithe athletic build is barely half the weight of her companions, with smooth hot marble skin warmed by the sun and muscles that coil with movement as she arches or holds others gently. She wears military uniforms in gold and white or black with polished boots, or a black kimono, projecting defiant elegance and strategic command whether at a gala, in a war room, or beside her lover by the sea.

• Commands strategic operations at the Institute gala and war councils with defiant elegance.
• Deepens romantic bond with Darrow by the sea, revealing expressive vulnerability amid rising tensions.
• Confronts betrayal and judgment in relationships, shifting from lopsided grins to masks of rage and disappointment.

Morning Star: Book III of the Red Rising Trilogy

Mustang, or Virginia au Augustus (formerly au Pliny), commands from her ship the Dejah Thoris across key battles in Chapters 45-49, her holo face tense as her vessel endures assault, directing forces with strategic brilliance. As Darrow's steadfast ally and lover, she evolves from Society heiress to revolutionary leader, bridging old Gold power with the new Republic. Her arc culminates in unwavering support through the war's climax, embodying hope and tactical genius.

• Commands the Dejah Thoris in climactic battles (Chapters 45-49), directing forces with tactical genius.
• Reconciles with Darrow after betrayal, becoming his steadfast ally and mother to son Pax.
• Overcomes complex betrayal by twin brother Adrius (the Jackal), solidifying her role as revolutionary leader bridging Gold power to Republic.

Iron Gold

Virginia au Augustus is a tall, commanding woman with fair skin and long golden hair bound tightly behind her head in a ponytail or golden braids with occasional loose strands. Her face is elegantly structured with a small nose, piercing liquid gold eyes framed by thick eyelashes, and a mouth that curves into a mischievous cat's smile, though it can harden with resolve or show fatigue through bloodshot tones and heavy bags. She has a slender graceful build with proud shoulders, slender fingers, and moves with magnetic power whether dressed in a pure white tunic, purple silk jacket open at the neck, or appearing barefoot, always wearing her gold lion and iron wolf rings as the only accents to her minimalist regal style.

• Leads Optimates faction as Sovereign against Vox Populi, clashing ideologically over Republic governance.
• Navigates strained marriage with Darrow au Andromedus, balancing family longing with political duties.
• Projects magnetic regal authority in minimalist attire, wearing gold lion and iron wolf rings amid fatigue and resolve.