apritellointeractive

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 4

>> Spoon.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Wedding bells and blaring trumpets fill the air as flower petals drift downward. Donnie ignores the colorful flurry, instead keeping his watchful eyes trained on the two newlyweds before him. Their backs are to him as they greet their subjects below from the castle balcony. 

He runs his thumb up and down his ceremonial wooden bō, attempting to ground himself and stay focused. His trusty titanium bō is neatly condensed and packed away at his side, should he need to defend the new King and Queen. However, on such a joyous day of “love and peace,” or whatever Prince Mikey would call it, he doubts it will be necessary. 

In his peripheral vision, he sees the Captain of the Old York Royal Guard also standing watch over the newlyweds. She’s dressed in the attire more common for her kingdom, albeit more fancy and formal for the occasion. It’s hard to make out her expression, but he can guess her brow is furrowed and her lips are tight, all of her attention completely on the two in front of them.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Bubbly laughter catches the softshell’s attention, and he focuses back on the newlyweds. The smaller figure dressed in white—April—is whispering something to Prince, no, King Raph. A smile dimples her cheeks, and Raph seems amused by whatever she’s talking to him about. His half-brother then pulls her closer and presses a kiss on her forehead before both turn back to their subjects below.

Donnie clenches his jaw as he takes a harsh breath in. A strange, burning sensation builds in his chest.

He’s lucky to be in the position he’s in now. As a usurper created by a mad scientist hellbent on conquest, he should have never made it out of the lab. The continuous mercy given to him by his father and now Raph is more than he could ask for. Being selected to be a future Co-captain of the Royal Guard is more than he could ever ask for.

And yet.

A knot tightens in his stomach as he watches Raph embrace April, hold her close, and call her his Queen as he addresses his subjects. 

Donnie closes his eyes and steadies his breath, trying to regain control of himself. But when he opens his eyes, he’s no longer behind the newlywed couple. 

No, instead he is the one embracing April. She’s tucked into his side perfectly, like two puzzle pieces joining together. She’s gazing up at him softly, affectionately, and a soft smile graces her lips.

He gulps, a blush spreading across his face. Would she really look this beautiful at her wedding?

A sudden sense of apprehension shoots up the knight’s shell, and he turns his gaze downward, toward the crowd below the castle balcony. The masses are indistinguishable, a massive blur of colors and faces, all except for one who sticks out like a sore thumb.

The yokai perfectly resembles the sketches and paintings Donnie’s seen before. His long maroon hair is tied back in a bun and out of his face while his caprid ears swivel toward him. Orange eyes, bright and harsh and hauntingly familiar, stare him down as his mouth twists into a fanged smirk. 

��oOo—

Donnie wakes with a jolt, eyes snapping open as he sucks a deep breath in. It takes a few seconds for him to calm down and remember where he is. He relaxes as he looks around the cabin, taking note that there are no visible threats to himself or April. The only other person in the cabin is the witch, Mira, who snores quietly in her rocking chair.

He returns his attention to the princess, and his breath catches in his throat as he realizes that he’s holding her close, mirroring their embrace in his dream. Her back is tucked against his plastron, sound asleep and breathing softly. One of his arms is wrapped comfortably around her waist, the other trapped underneath her head.

Donnie…

>> Tries to escape the bed. >> Decides to remain in bed.

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 4

>> Spoon.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Wedding bells and blaring trumpets fill the air as flower petals drift downward. Donnie ignores the colorful flurry, instead keeping his watchful eyes trained on the two newlyweds before him. Their backs are to him as they greet their subjects below from the castle balcony. 

He runs his thumb up and down his ceremonial wooden bō, attempting to ground himself and stay focused. His trusty titanium bō is neatly condensed and packed away at his side, should he need to defend the new King and Queen. However, on such a joyous day of “love and peace,” or whatever Prince Mikey would call it, he doubts it will be necessary. 

In his peripheral vision, he sees the Captain of the Old York Royal Guard also standing watch over the newlyweds. She’s dressed in the attire more common for her kingdom, albeit more fancy and formal for the occasion. It’s hard to make out her expression, but he can guess her brow is furrowed and her lips are tight, all of her attention completely on the two in front of them.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Bubbly laughter catches the softshell’s attention, and he focuses back on the newlyweds. The smaller figure dressed in white—April—is whispering something to Prince, no, King Raph. A smile dimples her cheeks, and Raph seems amused by whatever she’s talking to him about. His half-brother then pulls her closer and presses a kiss on her forehead before both turn back to their subjects below.

Donnie clenches his jaw as he takes a harsh breath in. A strange, burning sensation builds in his chest.

He’s lucky to be in the position he’s in now. As a usurper created by a mad scientist hellbent on conquest, he should have never made it out of the lab. The continuous mercy given to him by his father and now Raph is more than he could ask for. Being selected to be a future Co-captain of the Royal Guard is more than he could ever ask for.

And yet.

A knot tightens in his stomach as he watches Raph embrace April, hold her close, and call her his Queen as he addresses his subjects. 

Donnie closes his eyes and steadies his breath, trying to regain control of himself. But when he opens his eyes, he’s no longer behind the newlywed couple. 

No, instead he is the one embracing April. She’s tucked into his side perfectly, like two puzzle pieces joining together. She’s gazing up at him softly, affectionately, and a soft smile graces her lips.

He gulps, a blush spreading across his face. Would she really look this beautiful at her wedding?

A sudden sense of apprehension shoots up the knight’s shell, and he turns his gaze downward, toward the crowd below the castle balcony. The masses are indistinguishable, a massive blur of colors and faces, all except for one who sticks out like a sore thumb.

The yokai perfectly resembles the sketches and paintings Donnie’s seen before. His long maroon hair is tied back in a bun and out of his face while his caprid ears swivel toward him. Orange eyes, bright and harsh and hauntingly familiar, stare him down as his mouth twists into a fanged smirk. 

—oOo—

Donnie wakes with a jolt, eyes snapping open as he sucks a deep breath in. It takes a few seconds for him to calm down and remember where he is. He relaxes as he looks around the cabin, taking note that there are no visible threats to himself or April. The only other person in the cabin is the witch, Mira, who snores quietly in her rocking chair.

He returns his attention to the princess, and his breath catches in his throat as he realizes that he’s holding her close, mirroring their embrace in his dream. Her back is tucked against his plastron, sound asleep and breathing softly. One of his arms is wrapped comfortably around her waist, the other trapped underneath her head.

Donnie…

>> Tries to escape the bed. >> Decides to remain in bed.

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 4

>> Spoon.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Wedding bells and blaring trumpets fill the air as flower petals drift downward. Donnie ignores the colorful flurry, instead keeping his watchful eyes trained on the two newlyweds before him. Their backs are to him as they greet their subjects below from the castle balcony. 

He runs his thumb up and down his ceremonial wooden bō, attempting to ground himself and stay focused. His trusty titanium bō is neatly condensed and packed away at his side, should he need to defend the new King and Queen. However, on such a joyous day of “love and peace,” or whatever Prince Mikey would call it, he doubts it will be necessary. 

In his peripheral vision, he sees the Captain of the Old York Royal Guard also standing watch over the newlyweds. She’s dressed in the attire more common for her kingdom, albeit more fancy and formal for the occasion. It’s hard to make out her expression, but he can guess her brow is furrowed and her lips are tight, all of her attention completely on the two in front of them.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Bubbly laughter catches the softshell’s attention, and he focuses back on the newlyweds. The smaller figure dressed in white—April—is whispering something to Prince, no, King Raph. A smile dimples her cheeks, and Raph seems amused by whatever she’s talking to him about. His half-brother then pulls her closer and presses a kiss on her forehead before both turn back to their subjects below.

Donnie clenches his jaw as he takes a harsh breath in. A strange, burning sensation builds in his chest.

He’s lucky to be in the position he’s in now. As a usurper created by a mad scientist hellbent on conquest, he should have never made it out of the lab. The continuous mercy given to him by his father and now Raph is more than he could ask for. Being selected to be a future Co-captain of the Royal Guard is more than he could ever ask for.

And yet.

A knot tightens in his stomach as he watches Raph embrace April, hold her close, and call her his Queen as he addresses his subjects. 

Donnie closes his eyes and steadies his breath, trying to regain control of himself. But when he opens his eyes, he’s no longer behind the newlywed couple. 

No, instead he is the one embracing April. She’s tucked into his side perfectly, like two puzzle pieces joining together. She’s gazing up at him softly, affectionately, and a soft smile graces her lips.

He gulps, a blush spreading across his face. Would she really look this beautiful at her wedding?

A sudden sense of apprehension shoots up the knight’s shell, and he turns his gaze downward, toward the crowd below the castle balcony. The masses are indistinguishable, a massive blur of colors and faces, all except for one who sticks out like a sore thumb.

The yokai perfectly resembles the sketches and paintings Donnie’s seen before. His long maroon hair is tied back in a bun and out of his face while his caprid ears swivel toward him. Orange eyes, bright and harsh and hauntingly familiar, stare him down as his mouth twists into a fanged smirk. 

—oOo—

Donnie wakes with a jolt, eyes snapping open as he sucks a deep breath in. It takes a few seconds for him to calm down and remember where he is. He relaxes as he looks around the cabin, taking note that there are no visible threats to himself or April. The only other person in the cabin is the witch, Mira, who snores quietly in her rocking chair.

He returns his attention to the princess, and his breath catches in his throat as he realizes that he’s holding her close, mirroring their embrace in his dream. Her back is tucked against his plastron, sound asleep and breathing softly. One of his arms is wrapped comfortably around her waist, the other trapped underneath her head.

Donnie…

>> Tries to escape the bed. >> Decides to remain in bed.

[apritellointeractive]

aaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA YEEEESSSSSSS!!! THE PEOPLE CAN SEE THIS FANTASTIC AND BEAUTIFUL ART PIECE IN ALL ITS GLORY!!! :D I just love this piece so much; both April and Raph look just so regal and beautiful and gorgeous!!! And then Donnie n Cass in the background keeping an eye on their true lover the royal couple. It is simply PERFECTION!!! Thanks again, I love this piece. 💜💜💜

I drew this for @apritellointeractive , and they wrote it into the story!

Its a dream sequence from Donnie’s POV, about how he so dearly wishes he was marrying Princess April instead of Raph!

But will he let his feelings show, or bury them under his duty!? Follow the story and vote to guide it along!

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 4

>> Spoon.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Wedding bells and blaring trumpets fill the air as flower petals drift downward. Donnie ignores the colorful flurry, instead keeping his watchful eyes trained on the two newlyweds before him. Their backs are to him as they greet their subjects below from the castle balcony. 

He runs his thumb up and down his ceremonial wooden bō, attempting to ground himself and stay focused. His trusty titanium bō is neatly condensed and packed away at his side, should he need to defend the new King and Queen. However, on such a joyous day of “love and peace,” or whatever Prince Mikey would call it, he doubts it will be necessary. 

In his peripheral vision, he sees the Captain of the Old York Royal Guard also standing watch over the newlyweds. She’s dressed in the attire more common for her kingdom, albeit more fancy and formal for the occasion. It’s hard to make out her expression, but he can guess her brow is furrowed and her lips are tight, all of her attention completely on the two in front of them.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Bubbly laughter catches the softshell’s attention, and he focuses back on the newlyweds. The smaller figure dressed in white—April—is whispering something to Prince, no, King Raph. A smile dimples her cheeks, and Raph seems amused by whatever she’s talking to him about. His half-brother then pulls her closer and presses a kiss on her forehead before both turn back to their subjects below.

Donnie clenches his jaw as he takes a harsh breath in. A strange, burning sensation builds in his chest.

He’s lucky to be in the position he’s in now. As a usurper created by a mad scientist hellbent on conquest, he should have never made it out of the lab. The continuous mercy given to him by his father and now Raph is more than he could ask for. Being selected to be a future Co-captain of the Royal Guard is more than he could ever ask for.

And yet.

A knot tightens in his stomach as he watches Raph embrace April, hold her close, and call her his Queen as he addresses his subjects. 

Donnie closes his eyes and steadies his breath, trying to regain control of himself. But when he opens his eyes, he’s no longer behind the newlywed couple. 

No, instead he is the one embracing April. She’s tucked into his side perfectly, like two puzzle pieces joining together. She’s gazing up at him softly, affectionately, and a soft smile graces her lips.

He gulps, a blush spreading across his face. Would she really look this beautiful at her wedding?

A sudden sense of apprehension shoots up the knight’s shell, and he turns his gaze downward, toward the crowd below the castle balcony. The masses are indistinguishable, a massive blur of colors and faces, all except for one who sticks out like a sore thumb.

The yokai perfectly resembles the sketches and paintings Donnie’s seen before. His long maroon hair is tied back in a bun and out of his face while his caprid ears swivel toward him. Orange eyes, bright and harsh and hauntingly familiar, stare him down as his mouth twists into a fanged smirk. 

—oOo—

Donnie wakes with a jolt, eyes snapping open as he sucks a deep breath in. It takes a few seconds for him to calm down and remember where he is. He relaxes as he looks around the cabin, taking note that there are no visible threats to himself or April. The only other person in the cabin is the witch, Mira, who snores quietly in her rocking chair.

He returns his attention to the princess, and his breath catches in his throat as he realizes that he’s holding her close, mirroring their embrace in his dream. Her back is tucked against his plastron, sound asleep and breathing softly. One of his arms is wrapped comfortably around her waist, the other trapped underneath her head.

Donnie…

>> Tries to escape the bed. >> Decides to remain in bed.

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 3

>> April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to get in bed… or else…

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April rolls her eyes. 

Honestly, she doesn’t care what’s considered proper for a princess right now. It’s very late, they're dead tired, and sleep would be good for both of them. 

“Donatello, it’s fine. Just get in bed.”

The knight turns to look at her, a scandalized expression on his face. “Princess, I absolutely cannot join you in the same bed. It would be unbecoming for an esteemed knight such as myself.”

Her brows furrow. Perhaps it’s the fatigue getting to her, but she’s displeased that he only seems to care about his image, not hers. 

If anyone would be significantly impacted by this, it would be her.

A frown pulls her lips downward as she sits up in bed. “Sir Donatello, if you do not join me in bed, I will have Mira kick you out to sleep outside on the cold, hard ground.”

“Scoff, you cannot possibly be serio–”

“Oh, I would be honored to be at your service, Princess April!” Mira joyfully exclaims as she pulls out her want, magic already sparking at the end of it. “Just say the word!”

“I’ll give you to the count of three,” April states.

Donnie’s eyebrow twitches as his shoulders visibly sag, despite the armor. “You… you can’t be serious.”

“One.”

“If any of the Royal Courts find out, I’ll be toast!”

“Don’t care. Two.”

“Princess, if Leo finds out he’ll never let me live it down.”

April glares directly at him, unyielding and unmoving in her commitment. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mira gleefully waving her wand in the air, ready to hurl the poor knight outside.

A smirk graces her lips, but before she can utter a word, the knight throws up his arms.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll share the same bed as you. Just–” the knight rests his weapon against the wall before loosening the straps of his gauntlets “–let me take off my armor first. It’s not comfortable to sleep in.” 

While satisfied she won the battle of wills, April’s sad that she didn’t get to see Mira toss him out. That would have been entertaining, at least.

“Five minutes.” She lays back down in the bed, wanting to get this over with so she can sleep. 

Donnie gasps in disbelief, “It will take at least ten minutes for me to get out of my armor properly.”

“Guess you better hurry up then.”

He looks at her, but April keeps a firm expression on her face and makes it clear she’s not yielding. The softshell bites his lip and speeds up taking off his armor, wary that at any moment Mira could just kick him out if the princess so much desires.

As he undresses, the princess watches and the hardened look on her face softens. While he’s still much taller than her, she realizes the bulky armor made him look, well, bigger. He looks like he’s shedding a couple of pounds—and given how relieved he looks as his gauntlets and boots hit the ground with a heavy thud, he probably is.

Oblivious to the princess's watchful eye, Donnie continues removing his armor as fast as possible. He takes off his chest armor and the covering over his shell. He grunts, massaging the back of his shell briefly before removing the long-sleeved shirt that acts as a barrier between his body and armor.

April’s breath catches as she gets a clear view of his biceps, the muscle underneath the skin moving and flexing as he neatly folds his shirt. Her mind flashes back to when he held her close to his body as they hid from the enemy stragglers, keeping her out of sight and protected. She blushes as she remembers his strength and realizes it was those well-defined muscles she was feeling.

Donnie finishes taking off all his gear, leaving him in only his long underwear. “Ok, all done. I even did it in four minutes and thirty-six seconds, so you have no reason to use witchcraft to toss me out.”

The knight approaches the bed and April quietly squeaks, hoping he didn’t notice her blush. She backs up and away from the middle of the bed so he has more room. He lifts the covers and lays down on his shell next to her, doing everything he can to avoid eye contact as he does so. He clasps his hands firmly on top of his plastron and stares straight up at the ceiling.

However, his eyes don’t stay open for long. His eyelids—heavy with fatigue from a rough day—quickly close, and his entire body relaxes as he falls asleep. 

“Oh bless his heart,” Mira comments as she returns to her knitting, “He’d run himself ragged just to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…” April quietly agrees, staring at the sleeping softshell.

“You should get some rest too, Princess. You still have quite a ways to travel tomorrow morning.” Mira counts the number of stitches on her needle before continuing. “I’ll get you as close to the castle as I can, but there aren’t many towns lenient on the use of magic.”

“Yeah, wish it was something I could fix,” April mutters as she shifts under the covers, getting more comfortable, “But that ain’t my decision to make.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t,” the witch hums, “Who’s to say what the future will hold.”

That… is too cryptic for April to stay awake for. 

“I guess,” April agrees as she closes her eyes, “Have a good night, Mira!”

“Good night you two! Sleep well.”

>> Octopus

>> Spoon

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 3

>> April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to get in bed… or else…

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April rolls her eyes. 

Honestly, she doesn’t care what’s considered proper for a princess right now. It’s very late, they're dead tired, and sleep would be good for both of them. 

“Donatello, it’s fine. Just get in bed.”

The knight turns to look at her, a scandalized expression on his face. “Princess, I absolutely cannot join you in the same bed. It would be unbecoming for an esteemed knight such as myself.”

Her brows furrow. Perhaps it’s the fatigue getting to her, but she’s displeased that he only seems to care about his image, not hers. 

If anyone would be significantly impacted by this, it would be her.

A frown pulls her lips downward as she sits up in bed. “Sir Donatello, if you do not join me in bed, I will have Mira kick you out to sleep outside on the cold, hard ground.”

“Scoff, you cannot possibly be serio–”

“Oh, I would be honored to be at your service, Princess April!” Mira joyfully exclaims as she pulls out her want, magic already sparking at the end of it. “Just say the word!”

“I’ll give you to the count of three,” April states.

Donnie’s eyebrow twitches as his shoulders visibly sag, despite the armor. “You… you can’t be serious.”

“One.”

“If any of the Royal Courts find out, I’ll be toast!”

“Don’t care. Two.”

“Princess, if Leo finds out he’ll never let me live it down.”

April glares directly at him, unyielding and unmoving in her commitment. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mira gleefully waving her wand in the air, ready to hurl the poor knight outside.

A smirk graces her lips, but before she can utter a word, the knight throws up his arms.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll share the same bed as you. Just–” the knight rests his weapon against the wall before loosening the straps of his gauntlets “–let me take off my armor first. It’s not comfortable to sleep in.” 

While satisfied she won the battle of wills, April’s sad that she didn’t get to see Mira toss him out. That would have been entertaining, at least.

“Five minutes.” She lays back down in the bed, wanting to get this over with so she can sleep. 

Donnie gasps in disbelief, “It will take at least ten minutes for me to get out of my armor properly.”

“Guess you better hurry up then.”

He looks at her, but April keeps a firm expression on her face and makes it clear she’s not yielding. The softshell bites his lip and speeds up taking off his armor, wary that at any moment Mira could just kick him out if the princess so much desires.

As he undresses, the princess watches and the hardened look on her face softens. While he’s still much taller than her, she realizes the bulky armor made him look, well, bigger. He looks like he’s shedding a couple of pounds—and given how relieved he looks as his gauntlets and boots hit the ground with a heavy thud, he probably is.

Oblivious to the princess's watchful eye, Donnie continues removing his armor as fast as possible. He takes off his chest armor and the covering over his shell. He grunts, massaging the back of his shell briefly before removing the long-sleeved shirt that acts as a barrier between his body and armor.

April’s breath catches as she gets a clear view of his biceps, the muscle underneath the skin moving and flexing as he neatly folds his shirt. Her mind flashes back to when he held her close to his body as they hid from the enemy stragglers, keeping her out of sight and protected. She blushes as she remembers his strength and realizes it was those well-defined muscles she was feeling.

Donnie finishes taking off all his gear, leaving him in only his long underwear. “Ok, all done. I even did it in four minutes and thirty-six seconds, so you have no reason to use witchcraft to toss me out.”

The knight approaches the bed and April quietly squeaks, hoping he didn’t notice her blush. She backs up and away from the middle of the bed so he has more room. He lifts the covers and lays down on his shell next to her, doing everything he can to avoid eye contact as he does so. He clasps his hands firmly on top of his plastron and stares straight up at the ceiling.

However, his eyes don’t stay open for long. His eyelids—heavy with fatigue from a rough day—quickly close, and his entire body relaxes as he falls asleep. 

“Oh bless his heart,” Mira comments as she returns to her knitting, “He’d run himself ragged just to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…” April quietly agrees, staring at the sleeping softshell.

“You should get some rest too, Princess. You still have quite a ways to travel tomorrow morning.” Mira counts the number of stitches on her needle before continuing. “I’ll get you as close to the castle as I can, but there aren’t many towns lenient on the use of magic.”

“Yeah, wish it was something I could fix,” April mutters as she shifts under the covers, getting more comfortable, “But that ain’t my decision to make.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t,” the witch hums, “Who’s to say what the future will hold.”

That… is too cryptic for April to stay awake for. 

“I guess,” April agrees as she closes her eyes, “Have a good night, Mira!”

“Good night you two! Sleep well.”

>> Octopus

>> Spoon

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 3

>> April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to get in bed… or else…

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April rolls her eyes. 

Honestly, she doesn’t care what’s considered proper for a princess right now. It’s very late, they're dead tired, and sleep would be good for both of them. 

“Donatello, it’s fine. Just get in bed.”

The knight turns to look at her, a scandalized expression on his face. “Princess, I absolutely cannot join you in the same bed. It would be unbecoming for an esteemed knight such as myself.”

Her brows furrow. Perhaps it’s the fatigue getting to her, but she’s displeased that he only seems to care about his image, not hers. 

If anyone would be significantly impacted by this, it would be her.

A frown pulls her lips downward as she sits up in bed. “Sir Donatello, if you do not join me in bed, I will have Mira kick you out to sleep outside on the cold, hard ground.”

“Scoff, you cannot possibly be serio–”

“Oh, I would be honored to be at your service, Princess April!” Mira joyfully exclaims as she pulls out her want, magic already sparking at the end of it. “Just say the word!”

“I’ll give you to the count of three,” April states.

Donnie’s eyebrow twitches as his shoulders visibly sag, despite the armor. “You… you can’t be serious.”

“One.”

“If any of the Royal Courts find out, I’ll be toast!”

“Don’t care. Two.”

“Princess, if Leo finds out he’ll never let me live it down.”

April glares directly at him, unyielding and unmoving in her commitment. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mira gleefully waving her wand in the air, ready to hurl the poor knight outside.

A smirk graces her lips, but before she can utter a word, the knight throws up his arms.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll share the same bed as you. Just–” the knight rests his weapon against the wall before loosening the straps of his gauntlets “–let me take off my armor first. It’s not comfortable to sleep in.” 

While satisfied she won the battle of wills, April’s sad that she didn’t get to see Mira toss him out. That would have been entertaining, at least.

“Five minutes.” She lays back down in the bed, wanting to get this over with so she can sleep. 

Donnie gasps in disbelief, “It will take at least ten minutes for me to get out of my armor properly.”

“Guess you better hurry up then.”

He looks at her, but April keeps a firm expression on her face and makes it clear she’s not yielding. The softshell bites his lip and speeds up taking off his armor, wary that at any moment Mira could just kick him out if the princess so much desires.

As he undresses, the princess watches and the hardened look on her face softens. While he’s still much taller than her, she realizes the bulky armor made him look, well, bigger. He looks like he’s shedding a couple of pounds—and given how relieved he looks as his gauntlets and boots hit the ground with a heavy thud, he probably is.

Oblivious to the princess's watchful eye, Donnie continues removing his armor as fast as possible. He takes off his chest armor and the covering over his shell. He grunts, massaging the back of his shell briefly before removing the long-sleeved shirt that acts as a barrier between his body and armor.

April’s breath catches as she gets a clear view of his biceps, the muscle underneath the skin moving and flexing as he neatly folds his shirt. Her mind flashes back to when he held her close to his body as they hid from the enemy stragglers, keeping her out of sight and protected. She blushes as she remembers his strength and realizes it was those well-defined muscles she was feeling.

Donnie finishes taking off all his gear, leaving him in only his long underwear. “Ok, all done. I even did it in four minutes and thirty-six seconds, so you have no reason to use witchcraft to toss me out.”

The knight approaches the bed and April quietly squeaks, hoping he didn’t notice her blush. She backs up and away from the middle of the bed so he has more room. He lifts the covers and lays down on his shell next to her, doing everything he can to avoid eye contact as he does so. He clasps his hands firmly on top of his plastron and stares straight up at the ceiling.

However, his eyes don’t stay open for long. His eyelids—heavy with fatigue from a rough day—quickly close, and his entire body relaxes as he falls asleep. 

“Oh bless his heart,” Mira comments as she returns to her knitting, “He’d run himself ragged just to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…” April quietly agrees, staring at the sleeping softshell.

“You should get some rest too, Princess. You still have quite a ways to travel tomorrow morning.” Mira counts the number of stitches on her needle before continuing. “I’ll get you as close to the castle as I can, but there aren’t many towns lenient on the use of magic.”

“Yeah, wish it was something I could fix,” April mutters as she shifts under the covers, getting more comfortable, “But that ain’t my decision to make.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t,” the witch hums, “Who’s to say what the future will hold.”

That… is too cryptic for April to stay awake for. 

“I guess,” April agrees as she closes her eyes, “Have a good night, Mira!”

“Good night you two! Sleep well.”

>> Octopus

>> Spoon

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 3

>> April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to get in bed… or else…

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April rolls her eyes. 

Honestly, she doesn’t care what’s considered proper for a princess right now. It’s very late, they're dead tired, and sleep would be good for both of them. 

“Donatello, it’s fine. Just get in bed.”

The knight turns to look at her, a scandalized expression on his face. “Princess, I absolutely cannot join you in the same bed. It would be unbecoming for an esteemed knight such as myself.”

Her brows furrow. Perhaps it’s the fatigue getting to her, but she’s displeased that he only seems to care about his image, not hers. 

If anyone would be significantly impacted by this, it would be her.

A frown pulls her lips downward as she sits up in bed. “Sir Donatello, if you do not join me in bed, I will have Mira kick you out to sleep outside on the cold, hard ground.”

“Scoff, you cannot possibly be serio–”

“Oh, I would be honored to be at your service, Princess April!” Mira joyfully exclaims as she pulls out her want, magic already sparking at the end of it. “Just say the word!”

“I’ll give you to the count of three,” April states.

Donnie’s eyebrow twitches as his shoulders visibly sag, despite the armor. “You… you can’t be serious.”

“One.”

“If any of the Royal Courts find out, I’ll be toast!”

“Don’t care. Two.”

“Princess, if Leo finds out he’ll never let me live it down.”

April glares directly at him, unyielding and unmoving in her commitment. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mira gleefully waving her wand in the air, ready to hurl the poor knight outside.

A smirk graces her lips, but before she can utter a word, the knight throws up his arms.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll share the same bed as you. Just–” the knight rests his weapon against the wall before loosening the straps of his gauntlets “–let me take off my armor first. It’s not comfortable to sleep in.” 

While satisfied she won the battle of wills, April’s sad that she didn’t get to see Mira toss him out. That would have been entertaining, at least.

“Five minutes.” She lays back down in the bed, wanting to get this over with so she can sleep. 

Donnie gasps in disbelief, “It will take at least ten minutes for me to get out of my armor properly.”

“Guess you better hurry up then.”

He looks at her, but April keeps a firm expression on her face and makes it clear she’s not yielding. The softshell bites his lip and speeds up taking off his armor, wary that at any moment Mira could just kick him out if the princess so much desires.

As he undresses, the princess watches and the hardened look on her face softens. While he’s still much taller than her, she realizes the bulky armor made him look, well, bigger. He looks like he’s shedding a couple of pounds—and given how relieved he looks as his gauntlets and boots hit the ground with a heavy thud, he probably is.

Oblivious to the princess's watchful eye, Donnie continues removing his armor as fast as possible. He takes off his chest armor and the covering over his shell. He grunts, massaging the back of his shell briefly before removing the long-sleeved shirt that acts as a barrier between his body and armor.

April’s breath catches as she gets a clear view of his biceps, the muscle underneath the skin moving and flexing as he neatly folds his shirt. Her mind flashes back to when he held her close to his body as they hid from the enemy stragglers, keeping her out of sight and protected. She blushes as she remembers his strength and realizes it was those well-defined muscles she was feeling.

Donnie finishes taking off all his gear, leaving him in only his long underwear. “Ok, all done. I even did it in four minutes and thirty-six seconds, so you have no reason to use witchcraft to toss me out.”

The knight approaches the bed and April quietly squeaks, hoping he didn’t notice her blush. She backs up and away from the middle of the bed so he has more room. He lifts the covers and lays down on his shell next to her, doing everything he can to avoid eye contact as he does so. He clasps his hands firmly on top of his plastron and stares straight up at the ceiling.

However, his eyes don’t stay open for long. His eyelids—heavy with fatigue from a rough day—quickly close, and his entire body relaxes as he falls asleep. 

“Oh bless his heart,” Mira comments as she returns to her knitting, “He’d run himself ragged just to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…” April quietly agrees, staring at the sleeping softshell.

“You should get some rest too, Princess. You still have quite a ways to travel tomorrow morning.” Mira counts the number of stitches on her needle before continuing. “I’ll get you as close to the castle as I can, but there aren’t many towns lenient on the use of magic.”

“Yeah, wish it was something I could fix,” April mutters as she shifts under the covers, getting more comfortable, “But that ain’t my decision to make.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t,” the witch hums, “Who’s to say what the future will hold.”

That… is too cryptic for April to stay awake for. 

“I guess,” April agrees as she closes her eyes, “Have a good night, Mira!”

“Good night you two! Sleep well.”

>> Octopus

>> Spoon

[apritellointeractive]

Quick Post About How To Navigate Chapter Parts

Hey y'all! So wanted to make a quick post about how to navigate the chapter parts. I've been linking all of the parts together, but I don't think I've been quite clear on how I'm doing it so I'll explain using the last update.

To read the previous part, the underlined "command/action" at the top of the tumblr post will take you there! So, for example, on the Chapter 3 - Part 2 post, if you click/tap on ">> April interrogates..." it will take you to Chapter 3 - Part 1:

Then to advance to the next part of the story, when you scroll all the way down to the poll, the command/action that won will be underlined and linked to the next part. So for the Chapter 3 - Part 2 post, clicking/tapping the ">>get in bed..." option will take you to the next part of the story:

Hopefully that clarifies how to navigate the different parts and chapters. And all parts are individually linked to the pinned post on this account, so if you get lost you can always head to the account and navigate the different parts from there.

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 3

>> April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to get in bed… or else…

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April rolls her eyes. 

Honestly, she doesn’t care what’s considered proper for a princess right now. It’s very late, they're dead tired, and sleep would be good for both of them. 

“Donatello, it’s fine. Just get in bed.”

The knight turns to look at her, a scandalized expression on his face. “Princess, I absolutely cannot join you in the same bed. It would be unbecoming for an esteemed knight such as myself.”

Her brows furrow. Perhaps it’s the fatigue getting to her, but she’s displeased that he only seems to care about his image, not hers. 

If anyone would be significantly impacted by this, it would be her.

A frown pulls her lips downward as she sits up in bed. “Sir Donatello, if you do not join me in bed, I will have Mira kick you out to sleep outside on the cold, hard ground.”

“Scoff, you cannot possibly be serio–”

“Oh, I would be honored to be at your service, Princess April!” Mira joyfully exclaims as she pulls out her want, magic already sparking at the end of it. “Just say the word!”

“I’ll give you to the count of three,” April states.

Donnie’s eyebrow twitches as his shoulders visibly sag, despite the armor. “You… you can’t be serious.”

“One.”

“If any of the Royal Courts find out, I’ll be toast!”

“Don’t care. Two.”

“Princess, if Leo finds out he’ll never let me live it down.”

April glares directly at him, unyielding and unmoving in her commitment. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mira gleefully waving her wand in the air, ready to hurl the poor knight outside.

A smirk graces her lips, but before she can utter a word, the knight throws up his arms.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll share the same bed as you. Just–” the knight rests his weapon against the wall before loosening the straps of his gauntlets “–let me take off my armor first. It’s not comfortable to sleep in.” 

While satisfied she won the battle of wills, April’s sad that she didn’t get to see Mira toss him out. That would have been entertaining, at least.

“Five minutes.” She lays back down in the bed, wanting to get this over with so she can sleep. 

Donnie gasps in disbelief, “It will take at least ten minutes for me to get out of my armor properly.”

“Guess you better hurry up then.”

He looks at her, but April keeps a firm expression on her face and makes it clear she’s not yielding. The softshell bites his lip and speeds up taking off his armor, wary that at any moment Mira could just kick him out if the princess so much desires.

As he undresses, the princess watches and the hardened look on her face softens. While he’s still much taller than her, she realizes the bulky armor made him look, well, bigger. He looks like he’s shedding a couple of pounds—and given how relieved he looks as his gauntlets and boots hit the ground with a heavy thud, he probably is.

Oblivious to the princess's watchful eye, Donnie continues removing his armor as fast as possible. He takes off his chest armor and the covering over his shell. He grunts, massaging the back of his shell briefly before removing the long-sleeved shirt that acts as a barrier between his body and armor.

April’s breath catches as she gets a clear view of his biceps, the muscle underneath the skin moving and flexing as he neatly folds his shirt. Her mind flashes back to when he held her close to his body as they hid from the enemy stragglers, keeping her out of sight and protected. She blushes as she remembers his strength and realizes it was those well-defined muscles she was feeling.

Donnie finishes taking off all his gear, leaving him in only his long underwear. “Ok, all done. I even did it in four minutes and thirty-six seconds, so you have no reason to use witchcraft to toss me out.”

The knight approaches the bed and April quietly squeaks, hoping he didn’t notice her blush. She backs up and away from the middle of the bed so he has more room. He lifts the covers and lays down on his shell next to her, doing everything he can to avoid eye contact as he does so. He clasps his hands firmly on top of his plastron and stares straight up at the ceiling.

However, his eyes don’t stay open for long. His eyelids—heavy with fatigue from a rough day—quickly close, and his entire body relaxes as he falls asleep. 

“Oh bless his heart,” Mira comments as she returns to her knitting, “He’d run himself ragged just to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…” April quietly agrees, staring at the sleeping softshell.

“You should get some rest too, Princess. You still have quite a ways to travel tomorrow morning.” Mira counts the number of stitches on her needle before continuing. “I’ll get you as close to the castle as I can, but there aren’t many towns lenient on the use of magic.”

“Yeah, wish it was something I could fix,” April mutters as she shifts under the covers, getting more comfortable, “But that ain’t my decision to make.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t,” the witch hums, “Who’s to say what the future will hold.”

That… is too cryptic for April to stay awake for. 

“I guess,” April agrees as she closes her eyes, “Have a good night, Mira!”

“Good night you two! Sleep well.”

>> Spoon

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 2

>> April interrogates the lady. 

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April narrows her eyes at the strange lady in front of them. “Look, I appreciate you savin’ us, but I don’t know who you are. So who are you, how do you know who I am, and how did you know I was kidnapped?”

The lady smiles and waves her hand. “Oh, where are my manners? My apologies, princess. I’m Mira, a friend of Gentry’s!”

The princess’s shoulders drop and her gaze softens. “Wait, you know my handmaiden, Gentry?”

Mira nods. “Yes! Oh, she tells us all about what life at the castle is like. I happened to be in town to give her some homemade treats! We had quite the starberry harvest, and she loves her berry crisps.” Mira hums happily before resuming her story. “Anyway, the castle was in an uproar when I arrived, and Gentry informed me that you had been kidnapped! So I went searching for you.”

April nods. “I see.” She turns to her knight, who still has his bō raised and looks ready for a fight. “Donatello, you can lower your weapon. I trust her.”

He does as he is told, but he still gasps. “Are you serious, princess? How can you trust her so easily? Also, side note: isn’t magic forbidden in your kingdom?”

“Well, that’s the King’s rule, not mine! I think magic is pretty neat!” She turns to look at Mira, still standing next to the two fallen men on the ground with a bubbly smile, before turning back to Donnie. “And very few people know Gentry loves berry crisps. She keeps it a secret until you give her a heaping plate of it behind closed doors." The princess smiles fondly as she remembers sneaking the beloved dessert to her handmaiden on multiple occasions. "So Mira’s telling the truth, and I trust her.”

She then walks over to the friendly witch and holds one of her hands. “Thanks again for saving us! I hate to ask more from you, but can you also help us get back to my kingdom?”

“Of course! But–” she looks around before turning back toward the princess and her knight “–there are many of those henchmen about. I think it would be best to wait ‘til morning before making the trip back home. But don’t worry, I have just the solution!”

Donnie walks over and stabs his bō into the ground before using it to lean into Mira’s personal space. “And just what is your solution to prevent us from getting caught?”

“You’ll see!” 

Before the knight can utter a retort, Mira grabs him while tucking April closer to her body. As Donnie grumbles and protests, the friendly witch pulls out a wand from her belt and utters a spell. Sparkling pink magic swirls around the three of them, and in the blink of an eye, they disappear from the dark and foreboding forest.

April smiles with glee as she watches the pink magic surround them. It feels like she’s flying as they teleport to wherever Mira’s taking them. It’s a much more pleasant experience than the teleporting spell her kidnappers used, which left her feeling queasy and sick.

The sparkling pink magic eventually dissipates and the trio is left standing in a quaint and cozy cabin, a fire already roaring in the fireplace. A large bed sits in the corner opposite the hearth, with an old yet comfortable-looking rocking chair and table tucked in the other corner.

The softshell finally scrambles out of Mira’s grasp and sputters, “And how is a well-lit cabin supposed to keep us safe?” 

“Well for one, the cabin is nowhere near where I found you two,” Mira explains as she sets down some of her belongings on top of a wooden bench near the door. “But as an extra safety precaution, this cabin is invisible to those outside it.”

She opens the door and gestures for the knight to walk out. “Go on! Check it out for yourself.”

Donnie keeps his narrowed eyes on the witch as he walks toward the door. He only breaks eye contact to step outside, but he quickly whips around to look at her once more. He takes a few steps back before daring to look around.

A look of shock washes over his face, and that’s enough for April to walk across the cabin and step outside. She joins her knight's side before looking forward and also gasps. The only evidence of the cabin’s existence is the open door with Mira standing in the door frame. The rest of the building doesn’t appear to exist—only the dark forest around it can be seen.

“I don’t suggest you stay out there for long!” Mira advises as she waves them back inside. “Who knows what’s lurking out there.”

The knight quickly ushers April back inside, but she can’t find it in her to complain. They’ve been through a lot, and she doesn’t want to take her chances by staying outside either. Besides, the bed looks very comfortable, and she’s ready to get a good night's sleep.

April tosses her shoes off before clambering into bed, quickly getting under the covers as Mira sits down in the rocking chair. Donnie, however, stands near the door, his bō still tight in his grasp. 

“You should also rest, my dear,” Mira hums as she brings out knitting needles and a half-made scarf from her purse. “You’re both safe here.”

He shakes his head. “I swore to Prince Raph that I’d protect her. That… and there is only one bed.”

April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to…

>> get in bed… or else… >> sleep on the floor if it suits him. 

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 2

>> April interrogates the lady. 

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April narrows her eyes at the strange lady in front of them. “Look, I appreciate you savin’ us, but I don’t know who you are. So who are you, how do you know who I am, and how did you know I was kidnapped?”

The lady smiles and waves her hand. “Oh, where are my manners? My apologies, princess. I’m Mira, a friend of Gentry’s!”

The princess’s shoulders drop and her gaze softens. “Wait, you know my handmaiden, Gentry?”

Mira nods. “Yes! Oh, she tells us all about what life at the castle is like. I happened to be in town to give her some homemade treats! We had quite the starberry harvest, and she loves her berry crisps.” Mira hums happily before resuming her story. “Anyway, the castle was in an uproar when I arrived, and Gentry informed me that you had been kidnapped! So I went searching for you.”

April nods. “I see.” She turns to her knight, who still has his bō raised and looks ready for a fight. “Donatello, you can lower your weapon. I trust her.”

He does as he is told, but he still gasps. “Are you serious, princess? How can you trust her so easily? Also, side note: isn’t magic forbidden in your kingdom?”

“Well, that’s the King’s rule, not mine! I think magic is pretty neat!” She turns to look at Mira, still standing next to the two fallen men on the ground with a bubbly smile, before turning back to Donnie. “And very few people know Gentry loves berry crisps. She keeps it a secret until you give her a heaping plate of it behind closed doors." The princess smiles fondly as she remembers sneaking the beloved dessert to her handmaiden on multiple occasions. "So Mira’s telling the truth, and I trust her.”

She then walks over to the friendly witch and holds one of her hands. “Thanks again for saving us! I hate to ask more from you, but can you also help us get back to my kingdom?”

“Of course! But–” she looks around before turning back toward the princess and her knight “–there are many of those henchmen about. I think it would be best to wait ‘til morning before making the trip back home. But don’t worry, I have just the solution!”

Donnie walks over and stabs his bō into the ground before using it to lean into Mira’s personal space. “And just what is your solution to prevent us from getting caught?”

“You’ll see!” 

Before the knight can utter a retort, Mira grabs him while tucking April closer to her body. As Donnie grumbles and protests, the friendly witch pulls out a wand from her belt and utters a spell. Sparkling pink magic swirls around the three of them, and in the blink of an eye, they disappear from the dark and foreboding forest.

April smiles with glee as she watches the pink magic surround them. It feels like she’s flying as they teleport to wherever Mira’s taking them. It’s a much more pleasant experience than the teleporting spell her kidnappers used, which left her feeling queasy and sick.

The sparkling pink magic eventually dissipates and the trio is left standing in a quaint and cozy cabin, a fire already roaring in the fireplace. A large bed sits in the corner opposite the hearth, with an old yet comfortable-looking rocking chair and table tucked in the other corner.

The softshell finally scrambles out of Mira’s grasp and sputters, “And how is a well-lit cabin supposed to keep us safe?” 

“Well for one, the cabin is nowhere near where I found you two,” Mira explains as she sets down some of her belongings on top of a wooden bench near the door. “But as an extra safety precaution, this cabin is invisible to those outside it.”

She opens the door and gestures for the knight to walk out. “Go on! Check it out for yourself.”

Donnie keeps his narrowed eyes on the witch as he walks toward the door. He only breaks eye contact to step outside, but he quickly whips around to look at her once more. He takes a few steps back before daring to look around.

A look of shock washes over his face, and that’s enough for April to walk across the cabin and step outside. She joins her knight's side before looking forward and also gasps. The only evidence of the cabin’s existence is the open door with Mira standing in the door frame. The rest of the building doesn’t appear to exist—only the dark forest around it can be seen.

“I don’t suggest you stay out there for long!” Mira advises as she waves them back inside. “Who knows what’s lurking out there.”

The knight quickly ushers April back inside, but she can’t find it in her to complain. They’ve been through a lot, and she doesn’t want to take her chances by staying outside either. Besides, the bed looks very comfortable, and she’s ready to get a good night's sleep.

April tosses her shoes off before clambering into bed, quickly getting under the covers as Mira sits down in the rocking chair. Donnie, however, stands near the door, his bō still tight in his grasp. 

“You should also rest, my dear,” Mira hums as she brings out knitting needles and a half-made scarf from her purse. “You’re both safe here.”

He shakes his head. “I swore to Prince Raph that I’d protect her. That… and there is only one bed.”

April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to…

>> get in bed… or else… >> sleep on the floor if it suits him. 

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 2

>> April interrogates the lady. 

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April narrows her eyes at the strange lady in front of them. “Look, I appreciate you savin’ us, but I don’t know who you are. So who are you, how do you know who I am, and how did you know I was kidnapped?”

The lady smiles and waves her hand. “Oh, where are my manners? My apologies, princess. I’m Mira, a friend of Gentry’s!”

The princess’s shoulders drop and her gaze softens. “Wait, you know my handmaiden, Gentry?”

Mira nods. “Yes! Oh, she tells us all about what life at the castle is like. I happened to be in town to give her some homemade treats! We had quite the starberry harvest, and she loves her berry crisps.” Mira hums happily before resuming her story. “Anyway, the castle was in an uproar when I arrived, and Gentry informed me that you had been kidnapped! So I went searching for you.”

April nods. “I see.” She turns to her knight, who still has his bō raised and looks ready for a fight. “Donatello, you can lower your weapon. I trust her.”

He does as he is told, but he still gasps. “Are you serious, princess? How can you trust her so easily? Also, side note: isn’t magic forbidden in your kingdom?”

“Well, that’s the King’s rule, not mine! I think magic is pretty neat!” She turns to look at Mira, still standing next to the two fallen men on the ground with a bubbly smile, before turning back to Donnie. “And very few people know Gentry loves berry crisps. She keeps it a secret until you give her a heaping plate of it behind closed doors." The princess smiles fondly as she remembers sneaking the beloved dessert to her handmaiden on multiple occasions. "So Mira’s telling the truth, and I trust her.”

She then walks over to the friendly witch and holds one of her hands. “Thanks again for saving us! I hate to ask more from you, but can you also help us get back to my kingdom?”

“Of course! But–” she looks around before turning back toward the princess and her knight “–there are many of those henchmen about. I think it would be best to wait ‘til morning before making the trip back home. But don’t worry, I have just the solution!”

Donnie walks over and stabs his bō into the ground before using it to lean into Mira’s personal space. “And just what is your solution to prevent us from getting caught?”

“You’ll see!” 

Before the knight can utter a retort, Mira grabs him while tucking April closer to her body. As Donnie grumbles and protests, the friendly witch pulls out a wand from her belt and utters a spell. Sparkling pink magic swirls around the three of them, and in the blink of an eye, they disappear from the dark and foreboding forest.

April smiles with glee as she watches the pink magic surround them. It feels like she’s flying as they teleport to wherever Mira’s taking them. It’s a much more pleasant experience than the teleporting spell her kidnappers used, which left her feeling queasy and sick.

The sparkling pink magic eventually dissipates and the trio is left standing in a quaint and cozy cabin, a fire already roaring in the fireplace. A large bed sits in the corner opposite the hearth, with an old yet comfortable-looking rocking chair and table tucked in the other corner.

The softshell finally scrambles out of Mira’s grasp and sputters, “And how is a well-lit cabin supposed to keep us safe?” 

“Well for one, the cabin is nowhere near where I found you two,” Mira explains as she sets down some of her belongings on top of a wooden bench near the door. “But as an extra safety precaution, this cabin is invisible to those outside it.”

She opens the door and gestures for the knight to walk out. “Go on! Check it out for yourself.”

Donnie keeps his narrowed eyes on the witch as he walks toward the door. He only breaks eye contact to step outside, but he quickly whips around to look at her once more. He takes a few steps back before daring to look around.

A look of shock washes over his face, and that’s enough for April to walk across the cabin and step outside. She joins her knight's side before looking forward and also gasps. The only evidence of the cabin’s existence is the open door with Mira standing in the door frame. The rest of the building doesn’t appear to exist—only the dark forest around it can be seen.

“I don’t suggest you stay out there for long!” Mira advises as she waves them back inside. “Who knows what’s lurking out there.”

The knight quickly ushers April back inside, but she can’t find it in her to complain. They’ve been through a lot, and she doesn’t want to take her chances by staying outside either. Besides, the bed looks very comfortable, and she’s ready to get a good night's sleep.

April tosses her shoes off before clambering into bed, quickly getting under the covers as Mira sits down in the rocking chair. Donnie, however, stands near the door, his bō still tight in his grasp. 

“You should also rest, my dear,” Mira hums as she brings out knitting needles and a half-made scarf from her purse. “You’re both safe here.”

He shakes his head. “I swore to Prince Raph that I’d protect her. That… and there is only one bed.”

April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to…

>> get in bed… or else… >> sleep on the floor if it suits him. 

[apritellointeractive]

Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 3 - Part 2

>> April interrogates the lady. 

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April narrows her eyes at the strange lady in front of them. “Look, I appreciate you savin’ us, but I don’t know who you are. So who are you, how do you know who I am, and how did you know I was kidnapped?”

The lady smiles and waves her hand. “Oh, where are my manners? My apologies, princess. I’m Mira, a friend of Gentry’s!”

The princess’s shoulders drop and her gaze softens. “Wait, you know my handmaiden, Gentry?”

Mira nods. “Yes! Oh, she tells us all about what life at the castle is like. I happened to be in town to give her some homemade treats! We had quite the starberry harvest, and she loves her berry crisps.” Mira hums happily before resuming her story. “Anyway, the castle was in an uproar when I arrived, and Gentry informed me that you had been kidnapped! So I went searching for you.”

April nods. “I see.” She turns to her knight, who still has his bō raised and looks ready for a fight. “Donatello, you can lower your weapon. I trust her.”

He does as he is told, but he still gasps. “Are you serious, princess? How can you trust her so easily? Also, side note: isn’t magic forbidden in your kingdom?”

“Well, that’s the King’s rule, not mine! I think magic is pretty neat!” She turns to look at Mira, still standing next to the two fallen men on the ground with a bubbly smile, before turning back to Donnie. “And very few people know Gentry loves berry crisps. She keeps it a secret until you give her a heaping plate of it behind closed doors." The princess smiles fondly as she remembers sneaking the beloved dessert to her handmaiden on multiple occasions. "So Mira’s telling the truth, and I trust her.”

She then walks over to the friendly witch and holds one of her hands. “Thanks again for saving us! I hate to ask more from you, but can you also help us get back to my kingdom?”

“Of course! But–” she looks around before turning back toward the princess and her knight “–there are many of those henchmen about. I think it would be best to wait ‘til morning before making the trip back home. But don’t worry, I have just the solution!”

Donnie walks over and stabs his bō into the ground before using it to lean into Mira’s personal space. “And just what is your solution to prevent us from getting caught?”

“You’ll see!” 

Before the knight can utter a retort, Mira grabs him while tucking April closer to her body. As Donnie grumbles and protests, the friendly witch pulls out a wand from her belt and utters a spell. Sparkling pink magic swirls around the three of them, and in the blink of an eye, they disappear from the dark and foreboding forest.

April smiles with glee as she watches the pink magic surround them. It feels like she’s flying as they teleport to wherever Mira’s taking them. It’s a much more pleasant experience than the teleporting spell her kidnappers used, which left her feeling queasy and sick.

The sparkling pink magic eventually dissipates and the trio is left standing in a quaint and cozy cabin, a fire already roaring in the fireplace. A large bed sits in the corner opposite the hearth, with an old yet comfortable-looking rocking chair and table tucked in the other corner.

The softshell finally scrambles out of Mira’s grasp and sputters, “And how is a well-lit cabin supposed to keep us safe?” 

“Well for one, the cabin is nowhere near where I found you two,” Mira explains as she sets down some of her belongings on top of a wooden bench near the door. “But as an extra safety precaution, this cabin is invisible to those outside it.”

She opens the door and gestures for the knight to walk out. “Go on! Check it out for yourself.”

Donnie keeps his narrowed eyes on the witch as he walks toward the door. He only breaks eye contact to step outside, but he quickly whips around to look at her once more. He takes a few steps back before daring to look around.

A look of shock washes over his face, and that’s enough for April to walk across the cabin and step outside. She joins her knight's side before looking forward and also gasps. The only evidence of the cabin’s existence is the open door with Mira standing in the door frame. The rest of the building doesn’t appear to exist—only the dark forest around it can be seen.

“I don’t suggest you stay out there for long!” Mira advises as she waves them back inside. “Who knows what’s lurking out there.”

The knight quickly ushers April back inside, but she can’t find it in her to complain. They’ve been through a lot, and she doesn’t want to take her chances by staying outside either. Besides, the bed looks very comfortable, and she’s ready to get a good night's sleep.

April tosses her shoes off before clambering into bed, quickly getting under the covers as Mira sits down in the rocking chair. Donnie, however, stands near the door, his bō still tight in his grasp. 

“You should also rest, my dear,” Mira hums as she brings out knitting needles and a half-made scarf from her purse. “You’re both safe here.”

He shakes his head. “I swore to Prince Raph that I’d protect her. That… and there is only one bed.”

April rolls her eyes and tells Donnie to…

>> get in bed… or else…

[apritellointeractive]

Update coming soon! :D

Hey y'all!!! I have good news! I submitted my fellowship application late last week AND I endured a medical procedure earlier today (I wasn't able to eat for like two straight days it SUCKED), so I will hopefully be updating this interactive story soon! I don't anticipate any huge drains on my time, at least for the next few weeks.

So yeah expect an update soon! Excited to see where the story goes with y'all.

[apritellointeractive]

Another Mini Hiatus

Hello everyone!

Sorry to keep doing this. I (@pyrodox-creates) keep foolishly believing that life has settled down enough for me to write the next part to this story.

Unfortunately, I am still in the middle of fellowship applications, and the deadlines are coming up FAST!!! BUT assuming all goes well, I should be able to return to creative writing endeavors soon.

Thanks for your patience!