#Diavolos Nevrakis/Raydan Lykel

[zigsnose]

The Crown & The Flame characters in present-day Cordonia

Bonus below

[alwaysanotherooc]

Why do you think Diavolos could be a good match for Raydan?

Ok, let’s get into this.

Raydan and DIavolos have so much in common. They were both born into and raised in situations that should have killed them, or, at the very least, turned them into bitter, hateful, rage fueled husks of human beings. But they’re not like that. They have honor and compassion and they care about people on a level that most others just don't. They’re born and natural leaders, each in their own way. They both know how to walk, talk, and act in places where they know they are surrounded by people who want them dead. They both know how to survive with everything they’ve got, no matter the cost, but as much as that’s true, if by sacrificing themselves they can save someone else, you bet your ass they’d do it.

Diavolos is so sick and tired and hurt by his life before Kenna that he’s the kind of person who never lets anyone get too close, he doesn’t trust anyone, not even his soldiers who he loves so dearly. He does what he can and what he should to be honorable and brave like any good prince should...but he can’t ever believe it will be enough to make people forget who he is, and who his family is. He’s seen his family torture and murder and laugh wildly about it and it sickens him, but he knows he’s got that part in him as well. And he’s trying to do his best to not be like them...but sometimes he’s worried that it’s something he’ll never be able to get rid of, something that will always be haunting his every thought.

Raydan grew up knowing that the world around him was a thousand percent awful, a thousand percent of the time, and you had to sweat and bleed to carve out even a split second of peace for yourself, Raydan learned quickly how to use his beautiful face and smooth husky voice to get what he needed without drawing a blade, though he could still do that if necessary, but despite being so charming and seemingly carefree, Raydan always knew what people did behind closed doors, what they said and did when no one was looking, and knowing how some people you look up to are actually awful at heart weighs on you. Raydan smiles and flirts but never lets anyone into the one safe place he has, his bed unless he can trust them. Needless to say, that’s a rare occurrence.

Once the two of them meet, they strike up a camaraderie, because, after all, they are the two people in the room that no one trusts, no matter what they do. Diavolos is a Nevrakis and they’re nothing but pure evil, and Raydan is the traitor who shot the Queen’s wife/best friend. So, as any two outcasts do, they start hanging around one another, and it sort of just...it’s just different, for both of them. Raydan flirts and charms and laughs, same as ever, and he can tell it’s working to some extent on the Prince, but it also...feels different. He can’t quite explain why there’s this strange sense of total understanding between them, even on opposite sides of the war table while planning battles. And Diavolos feels it too, but he tells himself to ignore the wide yawing pull in his gut that says, ‘This could be yours’. Because yes, Raydan is beautiful and he flirts and laughs at Diavolos’ sly complaints about courtly life, but nothing is ever truly going to belong to Diavolos, his father told him that long ago.

Their relationship deepens and strengths through this mutual feeling of companionship, built on the fact that they know the same things about life that would kill lesser men, and their conversations held quietly against the wall during a gala soon turn to equally quiet confessions about their lives and what has been done to them while staring at the stars. And before either of them knows it, they’ve confessed their deepest and darkest secrets to each other, because who could better understand than the other? And for Raydan, who’s spent his whole life shrouded in mysteries pulled tight around him like armor, that’s when it clicks. That’s when he looks at Diavolos, the cynical and love starved man with an honorable soul hidden beneath, and thinks, ‘Oh. Of course. It’s you. It’s going to be you.’ And Diavolos, who’s had to keep his cards tight to his chest since birth, hears that voice get louder, ‘This could be yours, look at him.’ But he can’t comprehend the thought that Raydan, who’s been beaten and bruised by life so many times and still has a heart of gold, would ever truly want him.

Then, during the battle against Azura, Diavolos nearly gets his head chopped off when he sees, from a great distance, Azura advancing on Raydan, lightning flaring from her fingertips and scorching through the air and even through the distance and the clamor of the battle, Diavolos seems to hear Raydan’s soft inhale of resignation just before it strikes. But then Val screams, shoving her way between them, and Diavolos has to turn back to his own part of the battle, the terror and rage of seeing Raydan in danger fueling him to push harder and farther, his soldiers following suit. And when they are later all within the throne room and his father lies dead at his feet and his blood stains his sword, he hears Raydan chuckle in relief. “Oh thank hea-” But Raydan doesn’t get to finish because Diavolos has strode over to him, shoved him against a wall and kissed him, fiercely, deeply. Kenna calls them to her as Azura still advances, and just before they turn back to the battle, Diavolos whispers to Raydan, “I was not going to let either of us live a moment longer without doing that.” Raydan grins, eyes bright and mouth red, “You’d better not die on me now, Prince, I have plans for you.”

Kenna wins, because of course she does, and the whole Five Kingdoms armies are celebrating and drinking together, and even Azura’s army celebrates with them, to a new era of peace across their great lands. But Diavolos and Raydan are not there. They are off in the distance, kissing lazily and laughing against each other's skin under the stars, drunk off of being alive and being together. 

TLDR: Raydan and Diavolos can understand every facet of each other and would be the most supportive, loving couple ever.

[quietsun5268]

Choices: Stories You Play - "The Crown & The Flame" Polls (Just the love interests)

These polls involves one of "Choices: Stories You Play" stories called "The Crown & The Flame". There are people who like Kenna and Dominic together because they are childhood friends and the game seems to push it. But there are other people who like Kenna and Dominic with other love interests either because they each have their own separate journeys so they are bound to meet someone new, or because people don't like it when the game is pushing them to pick Dominic and Kenna, or in Kenna case which marriage would be useful for the kingdom, or because they seem to have better compatibility/relationships with other love interests.

Who Do you like with Kenna? Who do you like with Dominic? What's your reason?

Choices: Stories You Play - Who Do You Prefer With Kenna Rys in The Crown & The Flame?: https://strawpoll.com/1h27fr24e

Choices: Stories You Play - Who Do You Prefer With Dominic Hunter in The Crown & The Flame?: https://strawpoll.com/apoc394rs

If you want to vote on "Choices: Stories You Play - "It Lives In The Woods" Polls" go here: https://quietsun5268.tumblr.com/post/675950012282306560/choices-stories-you-play-it-lives-in-the

[the-unconquered-queen]

yeah hi hello so how the FUCK am I supposed to choose?

[herdecisions]

Most Wanted: was fucking amazing

The Crown & The Flame: was fucking insane

The Freshman: was fucking hilarious

[luna-sayeed-nolongeractive-blog]

Has anyone noticed that Kenna Rys’ LIs are all infatuated with her, regardless of who the player chooses?

Everyone in Stormholt knows that Dominic loves Kenna (it can be debated whether it’s a friendly or romantic love in the beginning). I’d bet on the latter, especially if you return his affections and pursue him as a love interest. He will always love Kenna in some shape or form and remain a close friend/ally of hers no matter what.

Raydan indirectly (though not subtly) admits when first meeting Kenna that he is “desperately attracted” to her and during their little rendezvous in the Aurelian gardens, he charms her with make-you-swoon words and flowers. After that, his feelings will grow stronger and he can eventually admit he loves her.

Tevan, during his introduction as both a character and to Kenna, states that he finds her to be a very beautiful person (especially if you choose to wear the silver and black dress). If you choose to flirt back, he will gain more interest in her. If you save him from a Nevrakis soldier, he will thank you, promise you troops for battle, and give you a message orb so the two of you can exchange messages from long distances. He is obviously infatuated with her and is always disappointed if he can’t see her. During their wedding, if you choose for them to marry, he will say in his vows that he struggled to find the right way to admit his feelings. And if you propose to him after choosing him as your betrothed, he will kiss you before you can do much, proving that he wanted to do that for a long time.

If you choose to talk with Diavolos in the airship, you’ll have a conversation with him about his grief concerning his brothers’ deaths and his strained relationship with his father. When he’s about to leave to go to bed, you can choose to kiss him, which he admits that he wanted to do so ever since first meeting her. If you have sex with him in diamond options, he’ll admit there are things he wants to do to you *wink, wink*.

If you play Two Truths and a Lie with Annelyse in the Aurelian gardens, one of her truths will be her fantasizing about kissing Kenna. It is up to the player to decide whether to return the affections or not. If you do pursue her, she will often kiss your cheek and be affectionate towards you. Of course, this only strengthens as time goes on and you begin a more intimate relationship. If you propose to her, she will tear up and eagerly accept, proving that she is, indeed, infatuated with Kenna.

And if you choose to go see Val after she runs off (following Kenna’s injuries during the siege of Thorngate), the mercenary will make (or attempt to, depending on your choices) a blood oath to you and swear her undying loyalty. If you choose the “are you saying what I think you’re saying?” option while speaking with her, she’ll become flustered and request that you don’t make her say it, confirming her romantic feelings for Kenna. Val thinks Kenna is incredible and admires her deeply; these feelings only get stronger depending on your choices.

Basically, Kenna’s got a lot of suitors and the fun part is...it’s up to you to decide who she loves (or she can stay single and rule Stormholt alone). I’d talk about Dom’s LIs but I’m exhausted after typing that so that’s another post for another day! Apologies for bad wording or if I don’t include certain details, I did my best:)

Have a lovely day, y'all! 

[peachcat14]

Any person ever, Annelyse especially: why don’t you take off that battle armor and slip into something a bit more…..comfortable

Kenna Rys: i am most comfortable when i am impervious to most physical forms of attack

[ashtonmore]

(Another) Choices Survey

Hey guys! Following the trend of Google doc surveys floating around the fandom recently, I decided to create one of my own. I’m really interested in what forms of fanfiction you guys prefer to read (either character inserts or original MCs). If you guys have 5 minutes to take this survey I’d really appreciate it! 

Also, if you could please reblog so this reaches more people I’d highly appreciate it!! https://goo.gl/forms/eZlba9HO9IRkhxaV2

(Google doc survey idea credit goes to ladynevrakis, I believe she was the first to create one related to Choices fandom, but please correct me if I’m wrong. If you want to check out her survey and results, check them out here!)

(Edit: There were some surveys done before ladynevrakis, I do apologize!! Here are some names and links to those surveys and results if you’re interested! iknewyoudcome, flirtingwithpsychology, quinnxmc)

[playchoicesconfessions]

Sent by anonymous

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

[adder-lykel]

What if...

Instead of Kenna choosing who she wanted, the nobles made her go through the same process in The Royal Romance that the Prince is going through From Abanthus is Prince Diavolos From Fydoria Prince Tevan From Thorngate Rowan From Aurelia is Annelyse From Ebrimel is Kai From the Dragon tribe is Dom Whitlock takes in Val to be the contender from the Foundry Lia with amusement, makes the sudden choice to make her favorite spy Raydan the suitor from Ducitora It's all friendly until Tevan and Annelyse try to one up each other in fashion, Diavolos, Val, and Kai try to show off who is the strongest, Raydan starts evading the rules by sneaking around and Dom calls him out on it, and Rowan just tries to talk business whenever she wins alone time with Kenna.

[choicesaprilchallenge]

WELCOME || PROMPTS || SCHEDULE || RULES

This is the entire masterlist for the event. I will be adding to it as creators submit entries. They will be listed alphabetically by book and then by characters.

A Very Scandalous Proposal

Ava Montjoy

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Blades of Light & Shadow

Aerin Valleros

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Imtura Tal Kaelen

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Mal Volari

Unexpected (Mal Volari x OC, Tyril Starfury x OC) fic by @storyofmychoices

In the Market (Mal & Tyril) fic by @storyofmychoices

Tyril Starfury

April: A Tired Kiss (Tyril x OC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Blades AU (Tyril x OC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Blade (Tyril x MC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Thank You fic by @lilyoffandoms

Threep Pompedorfin

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Crimes of Passion

Trystan Thorne

Drabble (Trystan x MC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Chapter 13 Missing Scene (Trystan x MC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

The Crown & The Flame

Kenna Rys

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Drabble (Kenna x Raydan) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Kenna Rys moodboard by @lorirwritesfanfic

The Nevrakis

Spread Joy (Diavolos) dit by @storyofmychoices

Annelyse Adair, Tevan Drammir, Dominic Hunter, Raydan Lykel, Val Greaves

Spread Joy (Dominic Hunter) edit by @storyofmychoices

Raydan Lykel moodboard by @lorirwritesfanfic

Spread Joy (Annelyse Adair) edit by @storyofmychoices

Drabble (Kenna x Val) fic by @lilyoffandoms

The Cursed Heart

Kieran

Of Monsters and Hearts (Kieran x MC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Desire and Decorum

Annabelle Parsons

Spread Joy (Annabelle Parsons) edit by @storyofmychoices

Ernest Sinclaire

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

A Love Like No Other (Ernest x MC) fic by @missameliep

Heart In Ashes (Ernest x MC) fic by @princess-geek

Stay With Me? (Ernest x MC) fic by @nishi-reads

Prince Hamid

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Art History AU fic by @lilyoffandoms

Foreign Affairs

Dionne Serrano

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Bryce Lahela

Royal x Rockstar AU fic by @lilyoffandoms

Nightbound

Main Character

Fae Fantasy (Nik x MC) edit by @ladylamrian

Winged (Nik x MC) fic by @pleaseletmesitinthecorner

The Duchess of Lamrian (MC) edit by @ladylamrian

Get to Know (MC) aesthetic by @ladylamrian

Fairytale Romance (Nik x MC) edit by @ladylamrian

Royal x Commoners (MC + crew) edit by @ladylamrian

Nik x MC edit by @ladylamrian

Royal x Commoner AU (Nik x MC) fic by @lilyoffandoms

Others

Get to Know (Garrus) aesthetic by @ladylamrian

Spread Joy (Ivy) edit by @storyofmychoices

Fanmade Aesthetic (Nik, Katherine, Cal, & Vera) aesthetic by @ladylamrian

The Princess Swap

Prince Clarke

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Devin Wright

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Others

Spread Joy (Faye Hernandez) edit by @storyofmychoices

The Royal Romance

“Liam” Rys

Top Nine Headcanons (“Liam” Rys) headcanons by @cassiopeiacorvus

The Sword of Damocles (“Liam” x MC mention) fic by @lizzybeth1986

Heavy (“Liam” x MC) fic by @lorirwritesfanfic

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

A Piece Of Land to Call My Own (“Liam” & Hana) fic by @lizzybeth1986

Eleanors Kitchen (“Liam” & Eleanor) fic @lizzybeth1986

Olivia Nevrakis

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

The Unexpected Heiress

John Somerset

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

Francis Somerset

Spread Joy edit by @storyofmychoices

[unlovedprinces]

Characters from The Crown and the Flame : Kenna Rys

[herdecisions]

Another one

Remember this? (If you haven't, check it out.)

Now I give you this..

I see you pb 👀

@playchoices

Was thinking of posting this a lot earlier, like last 1-2 weeks ago?? Right after we first met Fatima.. but procastination got the best of me pffft 😂😂😅

[eponis]

My TC&TF headcanon: all and none.

Kenna Rys: Queen of Stormholt, hero of the Five Kingdoms, sole monarch of her realm.  She remains open to formal marriage, but she recognizes its importance as a political tool to keep in reserve for future crises.

Dominic Hunter: BFF and platonic soulmate of the Queen.  Dom serves as her eyes and ears throughout the kingdom and has adored Kenna unquestioningly for most of his life.  It took a spontaneous (and rather intoxicated) night with Will Jackson to help him realize that the chaste purity of his love for Kenna had something to do with her gender.

Tevan Drammir: Surprisingly competent king of Fydoria.  He loves introducing Kenna to new sensual pleasures, from relaxation in remote hot springs to an evening in his bedroom with silk sheets and spiced massage oils.  Although in-person visits are rare, as both of them take their rulership seriously, conversations through Tevan’s message orb have allowed them to stay in close touch.  Very close.

Diavolos Nevrakis: King of Abanthus and sworn ally of Queen Kenna.  The two have made active efforts to reduce tensions between their kingdoms through joint military exercises and cultural events.  (The fact that these efforts allow the two to spend nights together is a private bonus.)  Diavolos likes it rough and intense, and he loves that Kenna is tough enough to take him at his most brutal — or to take him down herself, when the mood strikes them.

Raydan Lykel: Spymaster of Stormholt and unofficial Queen’s Consort.  Raydan cultivates an image of himself as an inscrutable and self-interested political player, but when alone with Kenna, his devotion is unwavering.  After long days of diplomacy, she finds comfort in his now-familiar arms; when the crown weighs heavy on her, his clever lips provide skillful distraction.  It’s rare for Kenna, Raydan, and Tevan to end up in the same city, but when they do, the results are enjoyably memorable for all involved.

(Yes, I am writing this post to try to persuade myself not to write TC&TF fic.)

[marianagmt]

Can I marry the four of them? ❤

[reggieschoices]

Request from @pixeljazzy to post my header! Here ya go, lovely! 

It’s a banner displaying all of my faves 

Side note: Diavolos is so wide compared to everyone else lol, he was hard to fit in the tiny space