bloodlessheirbyjacques

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Prompt: Carrying Someone To Bed

@circa-specturgia gave me this prompt to do during a writing sprint and this is what happened. Lol sorry, I've been writing so much. Nano is like that 🤣.

Note: if you know Alister (Astrea and Elijah's Era 2 kid), note that they got the name from someone else. They named their son after someone else.

Exploring Dynamics Before Book 1 | Antor and William | Family (Father / Son) Dynamics | WC: 1.3k |

Picrews: | Kid Will | Older Will | Antor |

The tools clunked on the table.

He grunted as he pulled his tool from the burner. It sizzled as he dipped the steaming metal into a basin of water.

Wincing at the noise, he glanced over his shoulder.

But his shoulders relaxed, noticing the boy's chest rise and fall with the same steady rhythm. The blonde boy had his hands squished in his cheeks as he sat, softly snoring.

Antor tilted his head, wondering how anyone could sleep through the racket of his work.

He glanced at Dog, laying on the table beside him, his snout resting on Will's arm. But his ears were perked beside the dozing kid, no doubt feeling the rise and fall of his breath.

Antor took one last glance around the room, ensuring nothing would catch on fire if he left. He abandoned his tools, begrudgingly leaving them out for the night.

Dog stretched and whimpered a small yawn as Antor scratched under his ears. A soft little mewl escaped from the dog as he closed his jaw and looked around.

As Dog removed his snout from Will, Will's face fell from his hands and nearly knocked against the table. Antor's hand froze on Dog's head, trying not to laugh at the boy being startled awake.

Will made incomprehensible grumbles as he rubbed his eyes. He gently spread his arms on the table in a stretch, laying his head on his arms, ready to sleep on it again.

"Hey." Antor whispered, placing a gentle hand on Will's little shoulder, slightly shaking him. "Hey, buddy."

Will's head immediately rose from his lounging. But he quickly dropped his head back to the table with a small thud.

"It's late." Antor massaged his shoulder, "Let's get you to bed."

But Will barely moved, his chest slowly rising and falling again.

"Will." Antor softly pushed his shoulder. "C'mon."

But still, Will didn't move, just grumbled on his arm.

Antor sighed, rubbing his fingers down his cheeks. "C'mon buddy, you're too old for this."

But still, Will didn't move.

"William." Antor whispered.

All he was met with was the soft rising and falling of the boy's chest.

Antor grumbled, staring at him for a little too long. But as soon as he realized Will might not be playing, he dropped his shoulders in defeat. 

"Fine."

He set his hands around Will's shoulder, and under his knees, pulling him up. Will's head softly dipped into his chest as his soft snoring continued, and his golden hair draped over his eyes. Antor narrowed his eyes at the kid - he could have sworn he noticed a smirk peek to the side of Will's cheeks. 

But looking down, the smile was gone, and the boy was still just breathing.

As soon as Antor used his feet to kick the doors open, the brisk cold air hit them, and the cicadas sang their fall hymns accompanying them on their small walk. The cold never bothered Antor, but he felt Will shiver in his arms.

Antor pulled his head closer to his chest as he walked.

Dogs snout brushed against his waist as they walked, softly barking up at him - quiet enough not to wake up Will.

Antor nodded to Dog and gestured in the direction of the stack of firewood beside their house. 

Dog yipped, wagging its tail in excitement as he frantically ran around the perimeter of their yard. He took a playful detour, stretching his legs, tiring himself out as he sprinted around in the cold air. A nest of crows erupted from a nearby group of trees as Dog flew past them, continuing his crescent around the perimeter of the cliff they lived on. He stood alert at the corners, peeking over the cliff, and gazing off to the village below them.

Antor made his way closer to the house, ignoring the overprotective nature of his Dog. The last time he had done that was --

Antor froze. 

The little smirk he noticed on Will's face wasn't Will's. It was a ghost of a boy. 

Alister.

He brought Will closer in his arms, brushing his warm hands against his shivering arm, and walked faster to the house.

He had never told anyone about the child that haunted him. He never even bore a child. Not in this life, at least. Antor shook his head.

No one would believe him.

No one would believe how he had memories of raising two kids. A young mischievous girl who always broke the rules. He couldn't remember her name - he always remembered her running to her mother, laughing and giggling as her mother picked her up and twirled her under the morning sun. But there was also a young lad who always followed the rules. Alister. He wanted to be a soldier. The young lad stood bold and erect, pretending his father was his captain. The boy danced with his sister just as much as he dueled with her. Antor remembered teaching them how to raise a sword, how to keep their balance, and how to trick their enemies. Their mother taught them how to dance - traditional dances, and how to apply the same footwork to a duel.

He remembered bandaging them when they fell; disciplining them when they fought; comforting them after a tough day at school. And, he remembered picking them both up in his arms. They fell asleep on opposing shoulders as he brought them both to bed. Their mother kissed their foreheads before they closed their bedrooms doors.

Antor allowed Dog to enter the house before he shut and locked the door behind him - pushing away the memories that plagued him.

Memories of a life he hadn't lived.

But still, taking Will from his shoulder, and placing him on his bed, he couldn't help but see an echo of the children in Will. If he was allowed to raise Astrea. If Astrea and Will were raised together, perhaps the memories would plague him more often.

But now, Antor sat in his bed, brushing Will's golden hair from his forehead. He could see Alister's sleeping cheeks. His dark curls framed his face, just a bit longer than Wills.

Antor sighed, removing himself from the boy. He watched Dog gently place a log of firewood in their fireplace. After struggling with his snout to place it correctly, he glanced at Antor for permission.

Antor raised his metal arm, erupting his metallic runes in a Pyrian flame. It granted the dog a mirrored red glow across his body, and his tail wagged in delight.

Dog turned back to the firewood. His rib cage glowed in black and red as a small flame erupted from Dogs throat. He let out a small bark, lighting up the fireplace in a blue flame. As soon as it hit the wood, it erupted in oranges.

"Good boy." Antor smiled, watching Dog excitedly walk toward him as if it were wearing silly shoes Astrea fashioned for him.

Dog let out an excited noise as he brought his front paws onto Will's bed, and started sniffing around. Will turned his heavy-lidded eyes to Dog. He giggled, watching the glowing dog whimper, and sniff closer around Will's chest, and neck. 

Will smiled, scratching Dog's ears as he pulled him closer.

"Hey." Antor put his hand on Dog's shoulders, softly trying to peel him off of Will as if he were a small cat. "You're going to bed too."

Dog whimpered loud enough to bring another giggle to Will. 

Antor glanced at the two of them. "He's not sleeping with you again. Your bed is barely big enough for you."

.

Antor sighed, staring up at the ceiling from his bed. He glanced at Will's small bed, watching Dog's chest rise and fall on top of Will's small legs. His hands stayed a top of Dog's head, as they snored, nearly in sync.

.

Note: Alister was always the name of Antor's son. It's a little side story I had in mind for Antor. I just never talked about him cuz I wasn't sure how canon it was gonna be. But, Astrea and Elijah end up naming their youngest boy after Antor's Alister.

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Anonymous opinion: You’re a super cool, imaginative, and talented writer. Your characters and action scenes are super rad, and you’re just an overall awesome person 💖

eeeeeeee (⁠/⁠^⁠-⁠^⁠(⁠^⁠ ⁠^⁠*⁠)⁠/ I'm so glad ❤️

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

🌟 🍲

Hello! | answering this ask game

🌟Night Sky: what are your writing goals for 2023? Or: how did you feel about your writing in 2022?

Since I made my Writeblr in Feb 2022 I feel like my writing skills, and output has monumentally improved.

But for 2023, I wanna finish draft 1, and get started on draft 2 for my book 1!!

🍲 Soup: share a snippet where a character does something kind.

.

| When Astrea and William were still kids |

.

William pulled her hand through the orchard behind his home. He knew the Princess had the grandest orchard in the nation hidden away behind her pristine walls. But, there was something about their garden she always liked. Something she couldn't get at home.

The blood still stained her tunics from her latest punishment in the castle - the only thing she refused to speak of. But she never needed to.

She sniffled, and wiped her eyes and nose, watching him stick his hands into the thorn bush.

He bit his lip, reaching for the nearest blackberries his short arms could grab. Rhythmically, he pulled a few out and placed them in a cotton wrap. Then reached to grab more.

"Now..." Will's soft voice cracked. His bare arms scratched and bled as he stretched through the thorns. But he didn't care. "We both bleed." He raised his scarf to cough into it. His throat was still not used to talking again.

"Will..." She stopped crying and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"But this time..." He grinned handing her the handful of freshly picked blackberries. "This time, for each other. Together."

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

reblog this if you want anonymous opinions of you

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

“Can I braid your hair?”

Bloodless Heir: Prequels Exploration | Young Princess Astrea and Sir Antor [Father / Daughter] | WC: 800

Antor has decently long hair that always gets sweaty and messy, especially when he's at work or training. Young Princess Astrea is the first to notice how inconvenient this is. So, she decides she's had enough of it, and fixes it herself.

.

Antor brushed the sweat-soaked hair over his face. He quickly took an arrow from his back and positioned the bow and arrow over his cheek with a deep breath.

Edrei had requested that he introduce Astrea to the different skills he could teach her-- and various other lessons she could get from the guards. But, as the arrow whisked from his cheek and wood cracked against wood, Antor knew the hidden request in her words. It wasn't for Astrea.

Edrei wanted him to demonstrate to the guards how his skills paralleled their own. She wanted him to impress her soldiers. If he were to command her soldiers anywhere, she needed him to earn their respect.

Unfortunately, using bows might have been widely used in her army, but it was a task not widely known in Pyria. He would much prefer fencing or brawling, or even duelling. Fortunately, it was easy enough to learn.

The bullseye stood full of his bundle of arrows, all positioned in the middle of the target. He huffed. Tucking a stray hair behind his ear, he reached over his shoulder for the last arrow.

But, it was something unexpected that earned the affection of her guards.

"Antor!" Astrea's girlish yell boomed through the training area, startling a group of guards. She stole their attention away from the target and towards her shout.

Holding his bow a tad tighter, the warrior swerved to the young Princess, who stood furiously looking up at him.

"Come here!"

Wondering what he must have done to deserve the wrath of a normally quiet Princess, he shared a confused look with her guard, who only shrugged at him. He tossed his bow over his back. And like an obedient beast, he stalked towards her.

She tossed her hair behind her shoulder and pointed to the dirt before her. "Kneel. Please." She spoke softer, as if apologetic for yelling earlier.

He sighed. Knowing there was not a single thing he wouldn't do for her, a single knee was quick to meet the dirt. So, he leaned an elbow on his knee and lifted a questioning eye at her.

"Thank you." She stepped closer, and placed her hand on his sweaty cheeks, evaluating something around his head. "Now. There is something we must do about this."

He blinked, watching her lift a small comb to his hair. "Uh-- Princess--."

She lifted his long black hair and combed it in gentle motions down to his shoulders, "Yes?"

"I--" He stumbled. Trying not to blink as she worked through his sweat-soaked knots, words failed him. Then, her tongue stuck out at the side of her mouth as her fingers combed through his side bangs.

"You should take care of yourself." She spoke, her voice returned to the tenderness he was used to.

Looking at her so close, it took him back for a moment. But, he remained quiet, trying not to recall how Illyera delicately brushed and braided her children's hair as they sat beside her. Nor did he think about the echoes of Ezekiel's eyes burning in the face of his daughter in front of him.

Astrea quickly took his chin, lifting it back to her. "Don't move. I'll mess up. And then your hair will get all over your face again. It's a shame, really. What will you do if you come across a monster and your hair gets into your eyes? Will I perish because you refuse to cut it? That would be absolutely unacceptable." She lectured as she finished her first braid, framing half of his face.

The soldiers of this nation hardly regarded him. If they did, it was either pivoting away in fear or a hateful scowl towards him. But now, kneeling before the small princess, the beast they all feared was tamed. Finally, the terrified soldiers softened, and they shifted into something else. Something he didn't expect to see so soon.

There were sweet sounds of admiration and gentle laughter at the scene as Astrea moved to braid the other side of his face. He supposed they had never seen a young girl, taming a beast, bringing it to its knees with a single utterance. Nor had they witnessed a child, braiding flowers into the hair of a monster, just so he could see better.

Astrea, with her tongue sticking out in focus, stood oblivious to what her scolding had done for him.

"It's not just for you, you know. Mama likes your eyes." She beamed up at him, raising herself to her toes in excitement as she completed her flowery arrangement. "Perhaps she'll like it!"

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

"Those halls are not his to wander. Those floors are not his to step on. The blood seeping through the ancient pillars was not his to spill.

Together, they will haunt him. They will see the end of his days, no matter how long it takes.

He will get distracted. In the corner of his eyes, he will see the ghosts of those who should have been residing in these halls. He will get startled, hearing the laughter of the children whose blood he spilled. And he will go mad, getting chased by the feet of those he shouldn't have cursed.

We named compassion, so we must understand it. But we also know cruelty. A lot have seen it, but too many have met it fist-to-throat. But this man named it. He carved it and polished it. Still, it was alive. It wasn't an object to be etched. But a creature, with love and rage of its own. And it will come for him with a Vengeance.

And when that day comes, I will look down with a cruel smile on my lips, and welcome him."

- Queen Edrei's Diary Entry on The Usurper.

banner by @lockejhaven

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

All The Kings Horses, and All The Kings Men

Prompt from @flashfictionfridayofficial

When I am done with you, you will need more than all the kings horses and all the kings men to put yourself back together again.

Bloodless Heir Prequels | Sir Antor & Queen Edrei | 1k

While guarding a ball, Sir Antor catches King Ilpherin softly threatening his daughter (Astrea), while he dances with Queen Edrei

.

His feet froze at the doorway as the ballroom to revealed itself. 

Antor squinted. Lifting a hand to shield himself from the light through the doorway, he tried to watch her walk through it. As if to remind himself she was just an arms-length away, his metal armour shifted as he followed the silhouette of The Queen. 

He kept a dignified hand on the hilt of his sword as he eyed Edrei accepting her husband's hand. Antor could only watch as Ilpherin walked her through the top tier of the Palace. As their guard, he kept a fair distance behind, watching as they waved at the invited aristocracy gathered in the grand hall beneath them.

The ballroom revelries came to life beyond the rail. 

Her name, colours and emblem emboldened on his chest plate weighed as heavy as a sword and shield plastered to his chest, staining his knees in dirt in every place he passed behind her. 

Below them, the clattering of champagne glasses and chatter filled the hall. Servants lifted trays of small deserts as they swerved around the nobles, some pausing to take the offered food and drink. Their dresses and suits mimicked that of peacocks to Antor, adorned in silver, green and teal fashions he would never grow accustomed to. Separated from the festivities, he remained at the top, looking over everything he couldn't share with Edrei. 

Wearing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Edrei lifted the bottom of her teal dress with one hand as she descended the grand white staircase. And in a soft regal gesture, her husband's fingers held her other and guided her down the grand stairs. Prince Ilpherin wore the warm smile of a man widely loved by his people. But, it was just as plagued with exhaustion as Edrei's. But not for the same reasons. 

Ilpherin was married to a Queen, and so the highest title he would ever get would be a Prince. A Prince who would never be King, despite staring at the throne day after day; whose children would have greater power than he could even dream of. 

At the bottom of the stairs, Edrei's eldest boy announced her presence; the entrance of his Mother, and the Mother of the country. The smile that graced the boy's face was as benevolent as her own; warmer even, not yet burdened by the weight of the crown. It held none of the same coldness of the Father he was named after. He was a boy eager, and elated to learn how to rule and help the people. 

And so, he took the hand of his smiling mother; and kissed the ring on her fingers as any heir might. 

Despite the blood of a monster seeping through his veins, it was not the Queen's children that brought Antors hand to his sword. Nor was it in the corners, the windows, exits, or entrances. No, Antor's keen sense for predators brought his gaze back to the hand that once again found his wife. 

Her husband. The Prince who would never be King, bejewelled in a crown of copper, with gems of nickel painted silver, parading his crown-bearing wife and his golden-veined children to the world. 

In the corners, entertainers sang and their harps filled the room, accompanying a dance in the centre of the hall. Royalty and nobility alike twirled their dresses in sparkles and stars with the light of lanterns curling around them. 

But despite how many times Antor tried to return his gaze to inspect every corner and crevice of the ballroom, his stare was pulled back to Ilpherin. 

His hands draped around Edrei's hips in a slow dance, with her head dipped into his chest. They swayed together with his hands lower than appropriate. It was the man's gaze that made Antor's knuckles whiten on his sword. 

His purple stare rose right up to Antor, still standing a floor above. He smiled up at him when he realized he caught Antor's attention. 

Slowly, he lifted his chin and gestured to the side. Antor followed his gaze as one might be curious to glimpse how a lion might be stalking his next meal. 

Antor's jaw cracked, finding Astrea sitting with her siblings. Her legs, still too short to meet the ground, kicked off her chair, laughing with her youngest brother as they pointed at a little sandwich they plucked off a tray. 

The breath left Antor's lungs. It took years to assemble even a modicum of support to cease the callings for her head. The head of a child. A little girl. Just because she was Edrei's bastard... his child.

His gaze returned to Ilpherin, whose fingers now climbed up Edrei's spine as their dance continued. He wore a smile more wicked than a monster from any tale he had read Astrea. Every day, she buried her face in his neck, making him promise to protect her from any perilous villain, and any treacherous monster, whether from a tale, a beast from a forest, or even the monsters laying under her bed. And he did. He held her tight every night and promised to always shield her from monsters, and men alike.

Ilpherin spun his wife in a glitter of stars and withdrew his gaze from the knight as if bored with his own taunts. 

Fortunately, Antor was used to butchering monsters; he was prized for being the best in the nation. And if any monster, whether under the guise of a King or a Man, raised a hand to her again... Antor would split the earth and bring carnage to all the King's men who stood in his way. 

He would let vengeance roar for blood, and let her feed on the lion's tears. He might have pledged an oath to the nation, but he would drop any veil of honour if it meant keeping his promise to his daughter.

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

January 2024: 13,580 !!

2025 Writing Goal!

My goal is 12,500 words a month for 150k total for the year! I'm hoping it'll help me finally finish Draft 2 of Book 1! I'm about halfway through now, and got the bulk of that done last year so this is definitely a doable goal! Wish me luck! Gonna keep myself accountable by reblogging my monthly word counts!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

2025 Writing Goal!

My goal is 12,500 words a month for 150k total for the year! I'm hoping it'll help me finally finish Draft 2 of Book 1! I'm about halfway through now, and got the bulk of that done last year so this is definitely a doable goal! Wish me luck! Gonna keep myself accountable by reblogging my monthly word counts!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Jan 31: 545/500 !!

Yay!!!

Ok Ok Ok for the next 7 days (until the end of January) I'm gonna write 500 words a day. Habit Re-Building here we go!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Softly running their hands on your arms and feeling how cold to the touch your skin is before wrapping you in a hug to share their warmth.

thank you for the prompt & for the excuse to write more Antor x Edrei 🥰

Bloodless Heir Prequels | Romance Exploration | Queen Edrei x Antor | WC: 1.3k

CONTEXT: Queen Edrei hosted a glamorous banquet with guests from multiple levels of nobility and government. Once, she was a Queen that was revered and worshipped by all. But since Antor's arrival with Astrea, there have been countless rumour after rumour tainting her image. But now, Queen Edrei finds Antor, finally able to have a moment alone in the palace halls.

.

Scowling at the floor, she knew she would have smacked her daughters' heads if she caught them walking the halls in such a manner. In a palace often visited by the many grand leaders outside of their nation, they knew to mask their emotions with an elegant stride and a high chin.

But now, she was certain anyone would see her brisk pace down the ornate marble halls as identical to a child throwing a tantrum in midst of a ball. Lucky for her, she didn't meet a soul as her pace hastened towards her one source of comfort from a world on fire.

Much to her displeasure, accents of pulsing teal mirrored her every stride in the marble. Since her magic was married to architecture and land alike; it was near impossible to go anywhere without being stalked by their union.

Through the marble, her reflection stalked her as well. In the corner of her eye, she caught how her dress billowed behind her in a wave of pristine stars, cascading through the radiant teal steps left in her wake.

"Edrei." His sudden voice startled her from her pace. "Did something happen?"

"Gods, Antor." She gasped, raising a surprised hand to her chest. Her heels clicked against the tile as she collected herself. Still, unable to put away the mask she had worn all night, she lifted a laugh to him, "In times such as this, am I glad you're on my side... You're as quiet as a mouse!"

She jumped the moment his hand grazed her cheek. Not from fear. She could never be afraid of him. He quickly reached to wipe her cheek. His touch was always such a shift from everything she had known; a comforting touch from the poisonous chill that had touched her all evening. 

Despite his hulking frame looming above her, he wasn't nearly as domineering as the man she had spent the evening with. Ilpherin was taller than herself, but, it was his predatory touch that brought chills to her skin, not unlike stumbling into the cobbled lair of a spider's nest. But, Antor was everything Ilpherin was not. Everything Ilpherin would never be.

Despite the size built for a warrior, Antor's touch was delicate and gentle, as if afraid he would break her if he used too much force. And his gaze was desperate, and longing, as if searching her eyes for something he had lost in a past life. 

And his silence made it clear he was still waiting for an answer. 

"You... You should have been there." She closed her eyes, letting her arms encircle her shoulders, protecting herself from the memory.

"Edrei..." His hand rose to her shoulder, and his thumb reassuring her felt more like a massage. "I wouldn't have lasted as long as you."

She closed her eyes and leaned against the pillar behind her. She released a blissful sigh, feeling his fingertips trace down her shoulders, slowly slipping down her bare arms. His warmth made her realize how frigid she actually was. 

Looking up at him, watching as his thick fingers entwined with her hands, she understood the love Illyera left her for. She softened, watching as the pulsing teals from the marble behind her reflected off Antor's red eyes, leaving a glistening shine on his skin. 

Edrei closed her eyes and released a breath, "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" He grunted. But she could have sworn she heard a smile on him. 

Opening her heavy-lidded eyes, and softly reached for his smile. "You so effortlessly make me forget his touch."

"It's not enough," He pulled her fingers to his lips, "I would prefer making you forget about him entirely."

"Oh, how I wish you could." She sighed, softly moving her fingers across his stubbled jaw. With a soft pull towards him, her cheeks pressed into his thick coat. A coat she had tailored for him to remind the nation that, despite being Pyrian, he was to be a guard. Her guard. A knight of the realm. Hers. Despite their protests, no one could deny he was the only one skilled enough to deal with their influx of monsters. No one could move a finger against him without harming the safety of the nation. She gave into his embrace, and whispered into his chest, "I wish you could make me forget everything."

She felt his laugh reverberate through his chest. "Right here, your Majesty?" He mocked, smiling down at her. She didn't realize her hands were sliding down his neck. Nor did she realize she was trying to get closer to him, fiddling with the buttons over his chest. Still, the gentle smile never left his lips as he quipped, "In front of these marble statues carved by your ancestors? You'd dare defile this hallway by letting me take you right here?"

She knew he was teasing. She knew he wouldn't risk anything in such a public hall. Despite how much she yearned for it. She was too fed up with the nation. Her people. The nobles. The world.

Gods, she hoped someone would catch them. Antor would never harm a man, but she yearned to see the look on his face if anyone dared to say a word against her in front of him.

"Yes. Yes." She lifted her hands to his cheeks, slowly pulling his stunned face down to her. "Let them watch."

For an instant, she noticed his eyes ignite, and his grip tightened on her chin; a hungry touch that wanted to pull her closer. But, as soon as the passion came, he managed to swallow it down. A thick callused thumb lifted to her chin. "Let's go to your room."

"No. Please." She frowned, feeling the eagerness in his touch, the thirst for more in his eyes. He couldn't hide it from her. "Right here. Just one--"

"We're in the middle of the hall and you're lit up like a moonbug in the night." Antor whispered, both hands desperately cupping her cheeks, "Someone could see. Someone will see."

"Let them." She lifted challenging lips closer to his, and grasped at his wrists, "They already suspect it. The foreign knight. The poor bastard's father. Desecrating the sanctity of the--" She scoffed. She bit off the rest of the words and rolled her eyes. "The complete fools."

His stare faltered. His hold on her cheeks weakened. A hint of something she couldn't name washed over his ragged face as he glanced into the dark halls; the chattering of the banquet was still audible in the distance.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She brought her hand up to his stubble. Her gaze dropped down to his lips, gently tracing the scars that never healed. "They've been getting under my skin all evening."

"That's what they say?" His gaze set back on her, "To your face?"

"They do much worse than stating things to my face." As soon as it left her mouth, she bit her lip, realizing what her words did to him. Quickly she pulled his gaze back to her, straining to make his furious red eyes concentrate on her. "Antor."

The instant she pulled his forehead to hers, his body relaxed above her. 

She moved into his touch as she whispered, "I'm so tired of it." 

He sighed, dipping his forehead to touch hers, revealing exhaustion that could rival her own. But he soon brushed his rough callused finger across her jaw. "What would you like me to do?"

She considered his offer. She knew he would do anything for her, with just the right whisper and request, he would devour a city, and break through any mountain. But, no. Not that. She only wanted one thing...

"Give them something to see."

"Edrei." The whisper of her name was uncertain, but his touch on her, trailing down her neck was anything but. 

"I don't care." Her delicate fingers seized his cheeks and easily tugged his lips down to hers. She smiled at the surprised noise that met her lips, "Let them."

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Jan 30: 640/500 !!

Ok Ok Ok for the next 7 days (until the end of January) I'm gonna write 500 words a day. Habit Re-Building here we go!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Jan 29: 765/500 !!

Ok Ok Ok for the next 7 days (until the end of January) I'm gonna write 500 words a day. Habit Re-Building here we go!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Jan 28: 0/500 ):

Ok Ok Ok for the next 7 days (until the end of January) I'm gonna write 500 words a day. Habit Re-Building here we go!

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

Spinning your lover into a kiss on the dance floor

thank you for the prompt!! :3 <33 | Hope you like it, buddy (:

Songs: In her Eyes by Josh Groban & Come What May - Moulin Rouge |

banner by @lockejhaven & commission by @rselkie

"I am not a hero / I am not an angel / I am just a man. A man who's trying to love you. Unlike any other // Come what may, I will love you until my dying days."

.

Bloodless Heir Prequel: The Traitor of Pyria | Character Exploration | Queen Edrei x Sir Antor | Slow Dancing on a Balcony, with a dash of jealousy | wc: 1.4k

.

A Queen known to never show weakness, with a voice as strong as her fist on her golden throne. And a Hero with ballads of him carved in the stone of his nation. Separately, the faces of great nations whose names bore such weight, just a whisper of them could make any town drop to its knees. Tonight, they were neither the fearless Queen nor the Hero of Legend. Together, they were as free as children, as lost as lovers, and as weak as a brittle autumn leaf swaying with the wind.

She closed her eyes.

With one final breath, she lost herself in the rough callused hands grasping her waist. Hands that have ripped throats open, and yanked bones from bodies; the merciless hands of a warrior with skin long since stained in blood. Regardless, he held her with mercy and grace, as if he were picking up a cracking glass, brittle enough to break if touched in the wrong places.

Much to her dismay, a thin nightdress separated his touch from her skin. Her arms locked around his neck, and she pressed her cheek against his heart. But she frowned at the thin tunic separating her touch from him.

Together, they swayed to the beat of a song played below them; an echo of some tavern just barely audible from her terrace.

But, it was liberating to be with him. Just with him.

Only him.

Nothing mattered anymore. Not the politics of her nation. Not the dreadful creatures invading her lands. Not the looming threats of death, devastation, and calamity.

She had enough.

His absent-minded humming lulled her; a deep hum that reached down to her bones. She smiled at the sound. A warrior renowned across nations, losing himself and humming.

Antor, the fabled dragon of the south; a hero of legend in more countries than she could name; a man whose fire could compare with any God in any sky.

He was singing. For her.

So, she joined him.

Her hips swayed and her fingertips danced behind his neck in rhythm to her soprano hum. A match to his deep bass; a song of gentle pleas.

She whispered his name over his heart.

And with his hands firm on her hips, gently swaying with the midnight air, he answered. Antor's grizzly whisper of her name sounded like she had never heard it. It had her smiling like a little girl biting into the sweetest berry for the first time.

The three moons shone brilliantly in the sky, a rare occurrence to see all three at once. Normally, a cause for celebration. But tonight, neither of them cared for tradition. Neither cared for any celestial show.

"Come with me," Edrei whispered into his chest. "To the next ball."

'And every ball after that.'

He didn't answer, but he did stop holding her. She felt him lift his head to the stars above. They soundlessly listened as the tavern song echoed between the stars and mixed with the chirping of the nightlife.

She parted her lips to continue, 'Dance with me as if you had just asked me to marry you.'

But she knew better.

She settled for his fingers brushing against her waist, and his arms keeping her close. And his heart, beating in sync with hers.

She wanted to pull his neck down and whisper on his lips, 'pull me in and kiss me as a husband ought to kiss his newly-wed wife.'

But she knew better.

She convinced herself it was the Gods that wished to bear witness to yet another cruel dance between nations; a colliding of cultures. A fight they shouldn't have waged, but a war the Gods started on their own that day they placed Ezekiel and Illyera together.

If it was any other life, she would have whispered, 'Love me as a King ought to love his Queen.'

But she knew better.

"I can't." Antor sighed into her silver hair, closing his eyes. She shivered, feeling his fingers rise to her spine. His thumb brushed her back as her long hair cascaded between his fingertips. She could hear the disappointment in his whispers, "You know I can't."

With her ear pressed against his chest, she could feel his heart speed up. Despite his words, he longed for it just as much as she. He never needed to say it. She knew. He wanted to take her hand for all to see; to dance with her as a man ought to with a wife; to spin her in the middle of a ball for all her petty little nation to witness.

Perhaps he even longed to sit on the throne next to hers, as she did.

"You don't have to dance with me," she whispered against him. Her smile fought through the sordid truth lingering in the air. "You can just... be there. With me. We can simply just be there. Together."

A deep chuckle reverberated through his chest. "Yes. Yes, I suppose you would like that, wouldn't you?"

"Hmm?" She smiled at him. Smelling the wine off of his breath, her fingers brushed down his neck and played with the open collar of his shirt. "I don't know what you mean."

"You enjoy it." His rough voice rose, pulling her heart closer. He finally stopped swaying and trailed his fingers up her arms. "You enjoy watching me stumble around the ballroom. You enjoy seeing me lose my composure as you dance with... him. You enjoy seeing the look in my eyes as he puts an arm around you, and tries to hold you..." his lips dropped to her forehead, and his fingers traced her jaw. "You like seeing the fire in my eyes when I'm forced to watch as he claims you. For all to see."

"Oh?" The wine guided her thoughts. She blinked, letting his finger lift her chin to him. And she smiled at the sight of him. A weakness in his eyes unbefitting of a man who could take any life, if he wanted. She bit her lip, fighting back a laugh as he pushed her back against the balcony rail. "And why would I like that?"

"You're insatiable. Like any other born into power. As much as you hate to admit it, you like it. You think I don't notice?" He brushed a stray hair behind her ear and lowered his gaze to her lips. The wine seemed to guide him as much as her as he whispered over her lips, "You smile every time I bare my fists at the mere sight of you together. You must realize, the sight of his face alone plagues me with dreams that would have me beheaded."

"Better not say them, then." She dropped her smile to his lips as she traced the veins of his neck, up into his growing stubble hovering over her. "I could have you arrested for treason."

"Arrest me, then." His thumb traced her cheek. "I bear only ill will towards your husband. You know how many times I've wanted to take that crown from his intrepid little head and smack him with it?"

"Oh. It'll likely crumble under your fist before it even reaches his face. We don't give him real gold." A smile reached her eyes, hearing Antor's laughter so close to her. "I believe it's nickel-painted gold, actually. Very brittle."

His cheek rose into a pink; amusement mixed with his wine. And his eyes softened looking down at her, love and joy apparent in his gaze. A look she only rarely witnessed on the man so plagued with sorrow and grief.

She softened. Leaning against the rail behind her, she sank deeper as his callused thumbs caressed her cheeks.

"No matter what he wears. Gold or not. You are the crown. He is nothing without you. A man toying with power on a pretend pedestal. And they call him a King? He is a simpleton who needs to be reminded of his true station. He is nothing. But you?" His fingers wrapped around her jaw, "You are everything."

The wine already did a marvellous job of turning her cheeks into a flight of stars that could compete with the night sky. But hearing Antor speak such words; she was sure the eruption on her cheeks could compete with any celestial show.

"And you like it when I talk of your husband like this." Antor's lips hovered over hers.

"Well." She lifted her chin at him, as if she was a girl once again proving a point, "You are the only one in the nation who has the gall to say the truth to my face." She traced her fingers up to his wrist, holding him closer. "He truly is nothing but an oaf."

"What am I then, Edrei?"

She tilted her head and smiled up at him.

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

[unbutton] + [challenge]

I literally don't care who it is maybe Antor because I want to unbutton him so hard

Answering this Prompt Game •••

[ UNBUTTON ] : due to heat or stress or other reasons, A unbuttons the top of their shirt to reveal their neckline. • [ CHALLENGE ] : after the B teasingly suggests that A is a terrible kisser, A immediately and fervently proves them wrong with a long, passionate kiss that leaves the B taking back what they said.

Bloodless Heir Prequels: The Traitor of Pyria | Romantic Tension Exploration | Antor x Edrei | WC: 1.2k

Context: For Oracean Royals, there's a custom of visiting the tip of their tallest ancient tree. There is a temple at the peak with nearly as much power as the relic. However, the ancient trees are nearly as tall as mountains and it's an intense trek climbing up. They say if you climb to the top, your exhaustion will lead you to some form of enlightened connection with the prophet. Antor decided to accompany Edrei on one of these treks. Much to their surprise, he is not accustomed to the height or lack of air.

cw: suggestive & kissing

"Gods." Antor cursed. In an exasperated sigh, he raised a hand to his throat, and unbuttoned his coat, revealing his sweat-soaked neckline covered only by a tunic.

Edrei smiled at the sight. Having Antor admit she was right brought a second wind to her lungs. Her legs no longer dragged through the dirt, rather, her chin lifted in delight as she trekked up the stone steps with a rejuvenated pace.

"Don't." Antor breathed out and groaned. Leaning on a nearby large stone, he slowly dropped to take a seat in the shade of the moss-covered stone.

"Whatever do you mean?" she grinned as she stood above him.

But, finally standing over him, she noticed just how apparent his size was. Despite sitting in the dirt, Antor's slouched head was at her height. And his shoulders were nearly as wide as the stone itself. The stone was tall and wide enough for her and Illyera to take naps on together when they ran away from their duties as children. But here he was, broad enough to cover the entire rock.

"How much farther?" Antor took his canteen and took a small sip in between breaths.

"Halfway." She raised a hand to her neck, wiping away sweat. But she couldn't look away from him; dressed in his Oracean coat opened to reveal a thin tunic. Beneath it, she could see his large chest rising and falling, trying to catch his breath from climbing a mountain. Despite her warnings, he seemed stubbornly confident he could handle it. "We can go back." Edrei crossed her arms, the grin never leaving her cheeks.

"Give me..." he lifted his hands to his knees, trying to slow his breath, "...a moment."

She smiled down at him and obliged. She could imagine what Illyera saw every day she had spent with him. A husky soldier adorned in a black and red military tailcoat. His chin lifted high with twin sword sheaths on his hips. Despite the fatigue plaguing him now, she could see everything that had made him great, including his determination to conquer a mountain fuelled by something greater than stubbornness.

But there was always something else she wondered about - a rumor of Pyrian customs. One she always wanted to ask Illyera. She had heard of the knight Rondar in her letters; a knight who never left Ezekiel's side. She had read stories about the things they had done together; going to public baths, and privately riding together on various trips. Illyera never confirmed nor denied the idea, which only made Edrei more curious. But she had wondered about Illyera's excitement on the... directness of their culture. Experiences she had looked down upon with scorn. Until Illyera's excited letters drove her curiosity.

Watching him now, and getting to know him... She had felt how gentle he was as he touched her, and she had seen how merciless he was if anyone he loved was threatened. A man who deserved the monstrous nicknames he was given, despite the despair in his eyes with every life he took. It was different than anything she had known.

Still, she didn't know his culture. She didn't know his customs. And yet here they were. Together. Partaking in an Oracean custom of climbing their Great Tree to pay homage to their Prophet. Together. She had only needed to hint at the desire, and he was quick to offer his company. He had done it for her.

"You." Edrei crossed her arms. "Must be a good kisser."

Antor's head flew up, eyes widening. "Excuse me?"

Edrei turned away from embarrassment. "I - I apologize. That didn't come out right."

"Are you sure you take this trip often?" Antor playfully leaned an arm over the rock, "The air must be getting to you too."

Edrei turned back to him, "Pyrians... Are more open. Are they not? To experiences. That's why you came."

"What? I came because I wish to know more about your life." Antor sighed again, removing his coat entirely, and pulled out the ties of his tunic, fanning himself with the opening of his shirt. "About Astrea's future here too. It has nothing to do with that. Where do you hear these things?"

"I see." Edrei looked away again. Her thin slippers tapped the mossy stone staircase they stopped at. It was one thing to admire him in a fashionable tailcoat, but it was another to watch a thin shirt the only thing separating his chest from the air. "I must add indecency to the list of Pyrian habits."

"I wouldn't call your nations desire to be eternally suffering without complaint as decent. Nor is it wise to deny yourself of simple pleasures. It is simply hot, and I am out of breath."

"Be glad we're alone, then."

She heard the smile in his scoff, "Now that I'll agree with."

"Was I wrong?" She turned to him. "Are you... Do you have...?"

"Ah. Your Majesty. You're bold for asking such an indecent question on holy land." He mocked, a sly smile lifted to his cheeks as he rose to his feet, towering over her again. "What will your prophet think? What will your people think? You ought to be ashamed of yourself."

A frustrated freckle lifted to her cheeks, "If you continue to refuse my questions, I will just assume you're a terrible kisser and be done with it."

"Edrei." He lifted a hand to her, and beckoned her closer. His sly grin mixed with the fatigued flush on his cheeks as his lowered his head down to her, "You've had one lover."

She immediately turned away again. "How dare you! And what of you? A king? Dare I assume, my own sister?"

Antor's eyes widened, finally realizing the purpose of her question. "Oh. That's what you think?" He lifted a hand to hers and slowly pulled her closer to his chest. "Not your sister. But she did ask."

Edrei scoffed, trying to avoid looking at him. "Of course she did." her eyes widened in realization. "Wait. But what about--"

Cutting her off, Antor gently took her chin. He dipped his lips down to meet hers, holding her slim waist tight in his grip as he kissed her.

Finally, she felt a breeze flow through the foliage that enwrapped the spiral staircase. A cool breeze billowed through their warm, fatigued embrace, sending a cooling touch through their clothes and hair.

But, something struck Antor, making him slowly peel himself from the kiss. She opened her eyes, and noticed a paleness around the reds of his cheeks.

"Antor?" She blinked.

He cursed in a tongue she barely recognized. "Sorry. I - I just." he whispered, closing his eyes. He took a soft step back towards the rock, falling back to sit in the dirt again. "Heights."

Edrei brought a hand to her lips, realization donning on her. "You... You're afraid of heights? You?" she couldn't stop a scoffing laughter rise up her throat. "Why in the world did you want to come?"

Antor raised his heavy gaze to her, trying to find the confidence he had when he kissed her. "Your traditions. I want to know them. Even if it means... This."

Edrei kneeled between his legs, amusement mixed with endearment peeking through her smile. She raised her hands to his cheeks, and whispered. "You're a terribly silly man. You're just lucky you're a good kisser."

[bloodlessheirbyjacques]

CALLING ACTIVE WRITEBLRS

Hi hello. My dashboard as been feeling sparse the last few weeks and I want to get some more writers on my feed. I made one of these a few months back that introduced me to so many new people so I'm back again to find new writers

My main genres/tropes/yada yada are:

Fantasy - Dark, High, Low stakes whatever just give me that mythical feeling and I'm yours bbg

Sci-fi - I've been trying to get more into it

Literally any romances - Slow burn, meet cute, meet ugly, they fell first they fell harder, star crossed lovers, whatever. give me it all

I'm a dragon fiend

Please interact with this so I can check out all your beautiful blogs and devour your writing. I offer you a tutter mouse for your time thank you