#Eddie Munson royal au

[bug-fics]

Nobility

Pairing: Stable boy! Eddie Munson x Fem! reader

Summery: Eddie was just a mere stable boy who yearned for adventure and a happy ending. Falling in love with a nobleman's daughter was never apart of the plan, nor was stealing her away from the life of luxury she was handed.

AN: This is set up to be a mini series, so depending on how this does ill knock out another part soon. This part is basically all world building, i would have just made it longer to include actual plot but its better this way.

Word count: 5.6k

Living as a stable boy was never a part of Eddie’s life plan. Being the son of a provincial farmer was discouraging enough for the young dreamer, his boyhood was full of work, and no time to be a kid. Generation after generation, the Munson family were victims of the working class. His uncle helped around the quaint farm, helping take care of the small selection of livestock while his father was able to tend to the small plot of land that held an assortment of crops. Farm work wasn't ideal, but at the end of the day, it was honest work. Following his written legacy, Eddie took on the job as a stable boy to provide stability to the small household.

The funds were good, excellent even, seeing as though he worked for the highest noble family in the diminutive village of Hawkins. Nonetheless, while money was generous, Eddie yearned for adventure, and making up stories wasn’t enough for his wandering mind. The young lad was always drawn to fairytales, ones about great wayfarers who got the pleasure of undergoing danger and heroics, and maybe even love if they were fortunate.

But Eddie wasn't a traveler, he's never come close to leaving his small town. The rumors of the edge scared most people from leaving. The woods were filled with trouble, magic, and dangerous beings. Only an idiot would go beyond the edge without proper protection. Hell, Eddie hasn't been to most of the places in his hometown, spending most of his time at the cottage helping around the farm or slaving away in the stables. If he found the time, he would spend his nights at the local pub, his tab growing through the night as he told made-up tales to the locals. Against the barmaid’s pleas, Eddie loved to stand on the long tables, shouting theatrics and acting out sword fights with anyone willing to join in on the fun.

Lucas Sinclair, the baker's son, who had a habit of burning everything he touched was one of the few people who've stuck by Eddie all his life. Mike Wheeler, a sarcastic barkeep who happened to work at the dingy hideout with the rest of his family. The teen did more talking than working, continuously getting told off by his elder sister. Lastly, there was Gareth Emerson, an apprentice for the local blacksmith. His mother was a lovely woman, a lady in waiting who worked alongside Eddie at Cambridge manor. The two had a mutual understanding of life, both families dependent on the only people who seemed to matter in this godforsaken town.

The elders of the village feared the small crowd was supplying the younger residents’ minds with stupidity, a few of them already endeavoring to leave in search of conquest. This never dwindled Eddie’s spirits, in fact, he wished he had the nerve to pull the same stunts, rejecting the cards handed to him for a real taste of freedom.

“I don't know why you won't just leave,” Dustin Henderson was one of Eddie's best friends, he was one of the only people who could keep up with the dramatics that the farmhand lived by. Being one of Eddie’s closest comrades, Dustin also experienced every yearning sigh, every rant of adventure, every sad glance at what could exist in the beyond. “God knows how badly you wish to leave, why force yourself to stick around? Even Wayne has told you to relish in new liberations. Why are you still here?”

“There are things keeping me in this stupid place, I don't know.”

Dustin rolled his eyes at this response, it was no secret that Eddie had eyes for his employer's eldest daughter, “And by things you mean a certain Cambridge who you've barely spoken to, ‘oh Dustin! She looked at me today like really looked at me. Dustin, you won't believe what she said to me today. Her laugh oh her laugh, can you believe I made her laugh’ honestly dude, it's getting kind of embarrassing.”

A deep blush flooded Eddie’s face, I mean yeah he thought you were pretty, and yeah he thought your laugh sounded better than any music he's ever heard. And I mean sure, he thought your eyes were rather fetching, and your hair always looked lovely, and when you wore those tight, tight, riding pants during your lessons near the stables he couldn't help but stare. 

But he didn't have a crush on you, Dustin's right, he's barely even spoken to you. It was an unspoken rule that nobles and the working class don’t clash. Your family was likable, but it was social suicide to even consider having a meaningful conversation with the long-haired man.

Shoving the young boy, Eddie fought with his brain to think of a rebuttal. “Listen, it's complicated. I can't just leave, the only thing that would make me leave is if I absolutely had to. Like a life or death situation, or maybe if I was kidnapped.”

Yeah, Eddie adored the fantasy of adventure, but as much as he would love to run away he had a job, responsibilities, and his uncle to take care of. He couldn't abandon all he loved just because he wanted to experience a rush of a crusade. Getting to watch you from afar was just the thing that made his life bearable. So he sat, drank, yelled, and laughed his nights away and in the morning he would suffer a day of hard work. It was his only option, adventure wasn't written in his cards unless an outside force made him have to run.

“You need to get out of here, we need to get out of here. This village is rotting from the inside out. Please, we could leave now it wouldn't be hard.”

“Dustin, we can't. You know we can't. Not now at least.” It was hard to deny the opportunity. If Eddie was a real adventurer he would agree as soon as Dustin asked. He’d run and gather his things and leave before the sun broke through the dark sky. But he wasn't a real adventurer. He was a coward, he was scared of the edge, he was scared of leaving his family, and he was scared of failing.

The night ended soon enough and the group of friends who littered the bar well past closing hours sluggishly swayed home, attempting to get just a little sleep before their day of work began again. This was the routine that was built.

Drink, sleep, work, repeat.

It was a disappointing loop, everyone was living to die. Money was tight, food was scarce, and no one was happy. Yet, Eddie and his crew seemed to be the only ones longing for an out. The poor grew weaker as the rich gained new opportunities.

Dawn broke in the sky bright and early, the roosters waking Eddie up, the natural alarm clock he needed to get on with his day. Dressing in his work linens, he rushed down the old wooden stairs, nearly tripping down the last few into the small kitchen of his dainty hut. Breakfast consisted of three large eggs from the barn, and a warmed slice of stale bread. It was the breakfast of an adventurer, Eddie liked to tell himself. This allowed him to play into his internal fantasy world when in reality, it was the breakfast of an impoverished rural family who could hardly make ends meet.

Eddie was the main source of income for the Munson household. The Cambridge family was a distinguished name in the village of Hawkins. They were the local emissaries for the kingdom of Demo, the family being the only contact people had with the sovereign when they needed resources. Many pleas went unheard, war was looming over the nation and the king believed he had more important duties than making sure his people survived the famish. The Cambridge family could only do so much.

Victor Cambridge was the head of the house. He was wealthy, awarded many luxuries from his position in the noble ranks. He had no time to help care for his lineage, it was no secret that he neglected his family’s needs, preferring to spend every waking hour he had working hard to keep the village from sinking further into filth than it already was. His wife, Virginia, was a kind woman, a lovely lady who had used to be a commoner in her youth. She spent most of her days in charge of the house staff, handing out workloads to the retinue of workers. She was a simple lady, a devotee to her husband and his love.

The couple had three children. The heir, Henry, was a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was expected to fill in his father's position as every son for generations has. The stress already fueled the young boy's rage and internal anguish, with no time for play. He was forced to be a man. 

The youngest daughter, Alice, was a shy sprite of a girl. She was a mere child, easily influenceable, a small little field mouse who was rarely given the opportunity to flourish. She was tenacious and rotten, often using leverage over the staff to get what she asked for, a behavior often demonstrated by her father.

Lastly, there was you. As the family's Eldest daughter, you understood the politics of the town and the detrimental situation of those in the working class. Being a daughter of a nobleman, you were often ignored even when you tried to make your voice heard. Women had no place in the world of war. 

Eddie looked up to you, he’s overheard tales from other staff members of instances where you stood up for those who needed a voice; turning a blind eye when a break lasted too long, indulging the staff in royal gossip, and being one of the few members of the family to treat the staff as human. While you were headstrong, speaking out was still against the rules, and in fear of diminishing the Cambridge name, you slipped into the background most days. However, Eddie would never see you as a simple background character. You were the girl of his dreams, a kind spirit, a work of art.

Eddie knew little to nothing about you, but he was head over heels. A small crush that plagued his thoughts and fueled his existence in a silly fantasy he could indulge in while going about his day. He had a sweet image of you fabricated in his creative mind. You were a delicate flower who’d love him eternally, even if he was a simple man who worked for your family.

He was lucky enough to secure a position under the Cambridge family, many wished to work in such a position, and being in the right place at the right time paid off. Eddie could still remember the day he was offered the job, walking past the luxurious manor just as the old stable boy was thrown to the curb. Rumor states he was stealing jewels from the family and was finally caught. When Victor noticed Eddie standing, watching the commotion go down, he was offered a job. Eddie would have been stupid to turn down the offer, and his small history of working on a farm for his family was enough to give him a confidence boost to accept.

Work was far from glamorous, many hours were spent shoveling horse manure and caring for the horses under the hot sun. However, some days Eddie was granted the opportunity to teach the Cambridge children their riding lessons. The family had a professional instructor to aid in classes but with the impending war, it wasn't rare for her to be called away, handing the torch over to the stableboy.

Teaching the younger children was always a low point of his day, but these instances were some of the only opportunities Eddie had to properly speak with you. Mumbling dumb jokes that forced you to stifle a laugh, listening to you softly rant about your morning, and discussing the duties he was forced to partake in for work. However, his favorite moments were those when he could slip in a small compliment in passing. The flustered look you'd shoot his way always made the risk of getting in trouble worth it.  

‘My lady, have I ever told you that you are the sunlight through a window in which I stand, warmed and welcoming.’

‘Edward, I don't appreciate flattery.’

‘Nonsense. Venus in her shell was never so lovely, and Diana in the forest never so graceful as you’

‘Shut up’ A soft smile graced your face as you made an attempt to shy away from him. The huge grin Eddie presented went unnoticed

His favorite memory was a recent one. A month or so ago the heel of your boot got caught against the stirrup of the saddle. Your shriek rang through his ears, fear in your voice as the ground rushed towards you, but Eddie was quick, as he managed to catch you in his arms. The smell of your floral perfume clouded his mind as you begged him not to drop you. ‘only a fool would drop a girl like you’. The shy expression that graced your face at his words as you let a soft smile slip through the elegant façade was enough to put Eddie in the best spirit for the rest of the day.

Eddie couldn’t help but think you were the prettiest thing he’s ever laid eyes on. Your passing conversation was enough to leave a smile on his face, he’d envision your laughter while he worked, and the gleam in your eyes would help to make time speed by faster. And most of the time Eddie would imagine what it would be like if you were in one of his stories, one where he was the hero who got to fall in love with the princess. But of course, he was just your average stable boy, none of him worthy of a maiden such as a nobleman’s daughter, especially not one as beautiful as yourself.

Today was no different, when Eddie rode in on his less-than-impressive family steed, you were already seated in the lush garden on an expensive blanket, enjoying your breakfast with a book in hand. The food on the cloth were commodities Eddie couldn't even dream of enjoying. Imported fruits, fresh bread still producing a soft steam from the cool morning air, sweet tarts from the king's baker himself, and small sandwiches that would look ridiculous between his calloused fingers. 

The dress that rested against your plush skin was expensive, everything about you and your family was expensive. Your gaze lifted from the crisp pages of your book to glance towards the stable boy as if you felt his lingering gaze taking in every detail of your being.

The breath Eddie was holding was sucked away when you beamed his way with a short wave. Your family was less than kind, a smile like that was rare, but being on the receiving end felt like heaven. You weren't supposed to converse with the commons who littered the grounds of the manor, your siblings had no trouble following that authority, but you were never a stickler for every rule. You were often found gossiping with the gardener, telling stories to the cooks, and being friendly with the cleaners. Eddie was internally grateful when he learned Gareth’s mother worked under your authority, a kind soul, rather than the evil that plagued your family.

That's one of the things Eddie was enamored with. You were beautiful, gorgeous, ethereal even, but your kindness even if rarely directed towards him was admirable. The smile Eddie's way was enough to kick him into gear, sending him straight to the barn with a flush of red gracing his cheeks.

The day was a slow day for the pair, Eddie’s daily chores were already complete and your lessons were cut short due to a small royal emergency. Deciding to make the most of your free time you snuck out around the distant barn to the stables, picnic basket resting in the crook of your elbow as you searched for your favorite boy. Of course, Eddie didn't know you felt that way, you've barely interacted, but he always treated you with such devotion and care without treating you like some princess. It was romantic, even if he was only being friendly.

“Sir Munson, it's awfully warm out today. Care to join me for lunch?”

The sound of your voice was enough to make Eddie jump. This was the most you'd spoken to him in a day, it was rare for your paths to cross. And yet you had put in the effort to seek him out. Your previous attire was replaced with a simple dress, one he’s never seen on someone with such high power. You were wearing a commoner’s dress.

“Oh, I don't think your father or mother would approve of such, don't you think my lady?” The soft words were spoken as Eddie dropped to a small bow, still able to make eye contact. His big puppy eyes stared into your soul as a small smirk graced his lips.

“Maybe I'm done following the rules?”

“All the rules? Lady Y/N, murder is a very serious commitment. Do you wish to be burned at the stake for this outrageous announcement?” A hand was sent to his chest, an exaggerated gasp slipped from his pink lips as he did his best to give you a serious look.

"You know that's not what I mean Sir Munson.”

“Oh no no no, I'm positive I heard you say all the rules. Are you here to convince me to be an accomplice for these heinous crimes you wish to commit? An aristocratic woman like yourself should know better.” As he initially sought to receive, you offer him a soft giggle. It filled Eddie’s mind with sweetness and sunshine.

“Okay, maybe not all the rules. But I think you deserve a lovely meal for all of your hard work, don't you?”

“As you wish.”

With a smile, Eddie swiped his arm in another bow, a silent lead the way hung in the air as he followed you through the wooden gate of the barn, down the grassy hill, towards a huge blooming willow tree. There was a river nearby, adding the soft sound of trickling water to the air. This was a spot many knew well by the staff. It was one of the only places that provided a sense of peace, especially during a hard day of work. The destination was far enough from wandering eyes, but near enough where if called you could rush back to the manor without much worry.

Offering you a soft glance, Eddie took the basket from your arms, opting to be a gentleman, and set out the picnic that you'd brought along. It was the least he could do, you were jeopardizing everything your family stood for by being near him, let alone offering him a small feast for his hard work. Your kindness would be thought about for months, anything you did lived in his mind for ages. A soft conversation lulled between the two of you, today was one of many firsts.

“What's it like working in the stables? I've always wondered what it was like to have a proper job.”

“It's a lot of work if I'm being honest. I've always lived on a farm so caring for horses is nothing new. I think the worst part of the job is the fear of messing up. If I mess up on my farm it's okay, my horses are cheap, if I don't braid their manes or something, everything is fine. But here? Here I feel the impending doom that one mistake will have my head on a spike. Don't get me wrong, your family has never threatened me, but there is always that fear that comes with working. I enjoy it though, it's good money.” Eddie was right, finger sandwiches looked hilarious held between his fingers. “I think you're lucky, god knows I wouldn't wish for a job if I got to live in luxury as you do. Being poor is the only thing the village is known for, a noble like you wouldn't fit in with the working class. Nice dress by the way.”

The silence between you two was deafening. Eddie didn’t mean to overstep, his mouth moving faster than his mind. It was no secret that no matter how kind nobles were to their people, everyone despised the rich. Especially in the villages with high poverty rates. 

However, implying you wanted to play dress up as an impoverished maiden wasn't the way to your heart, even if Eddie didn't mean to be crude. God, here you were providing him with a lunch fit for a king, better than the staff typically get, sitting with him under a gorgeous willow tree, asking him about his life, and he goes and blew it.

“I'm so sor-”

With a soft breathy laugh, you interrupt him, “You're right, wishing to be a commoner is ridiculous. I just hate it here so much you know? It's lonely. And I see all of the staff have a found family of sorts while I'm forced to keep to my bubble. I can't remember the last conversation I had with either of my parents. Nannies can only do so much, I'm tired of being prim and proper. I wish things were different, I think that's why I look up to you. You and everyone else in the town are dealt, pardon my French, shitty cards, and yet I've overheard you in the kitchens, talking about your nights in the tavern and it just makes me smile.” You risk a glance towards Eddie, offering a look of awe. There was no hurt behind your eyes, Eddie had not overstepped like he thought he had. You looked up to him.

All his life Eddie had assumed that a life of money provided enough stability to feel content no matter what problems were thrown your way. Nobles and kings didn’t have to work all day to afford a loaf of bread. They didn’t have to worry about cold winter nights harming a loved one when the temperature dropped too low, they should be happy. Yet, here you stood sharing your sorrows with the stable boy. Loneliness was a burden no one should carry. People always say money can’t buy happiness, and now Eddie had living breathing proof that statement was true.

You looked up to him.

“I’ll tell you what. Pick a day, I’ll risk everything to sneak you into the tavern. You can drink to your heart's content, stand on tables, yell and laugh as loud as you want. You can meet new people, I’ll introduce you to my friends, you can have people in your corner for once. It'll help to give you your freedom, you deserve it.”

“Promise?”

“Promise, I'd do anything for you, my lady.”

The conversation took a lighter turn, hope filling the air. Eddie told you all of the stories his friends have gone tired of listening to. He showed you how to sword fight using branches he ripped from the willow and he was able to make you laugh when he let you win, dropping to the ground in a dramatic defeat. The little bubble under the willow was enough to relish in this newfound fantasy. There were no nobles and commoners. No rich and poor, Just you and Eddie being able to enjoy a newfound friendship.

Eddie could still imagine the shocked look that fell onto your face when he made you laugh so hard that let out an unattractive snort. The action was quite unladylike, something that would get you in trouble within the manor walls, which only fueled the fire, making the pair double over in a fit of laughter once more.

 You told him of your favorite novels, ones quite similar to the stories Eddie loved to tell. You shared the new gossip that flittered throughout the manor recently. He even told you all about the time that he and his friends had gotten so drunk they barfed all over the floor, leaving the poor Wheeler family to care for the rowdy group in their state of intoxication.

The best part was the moment when you begged Eddie to teach you how to climb a tree for the first time. He showed you how to scale the thick branches of the willow tree, before climbing down to help you do the same. A dark blush erupted across his face when he accidentally got a glance up your dress.  In his humble opinion, the memory he will cherish forever was being able to watch you attempt to hang down from a thick branch. Your knees bent, attempting to keep hold while you laughed, begging him to make sure you didn’t fall.

‘Eddie! Please if I fall I'll kill you, I'll do it. I'm gonna die, holy- don't let me fall. Eddie! I’m gonna fall, don't drop me! Please! Please I'm begging’

The shrieking of your words masked by the laughter you slipped out. And as a true gentleman, he gave you the same response he gave you months ago.

‘Relax, only a fool would drop a girl like you.’

The sacred moments were over faster than either of you had hoped, the two of you stood barefoot in the river, splashing water and giggling together. Your hands reach out between you as you grasp tightly onto Eddie's fingertips, eyes disappearing from how wide your smile was. It was the happiest you had felt in a long while until your name was called from a distance. Your disappearance was finally noticed.

Eddie waved you off, offering to clean up so you didn’t get in more trouble for running off than you no doubt were already in. With one last grin, brighter than he's ever been offered before, you ran away leaving Eddie to marvel at the experience he had just lived. Not only did you offer to spend the afternoon with him under the hot sun, but you laughed with him, you talked to him, you showed him a new side of you he's never seen before, and you looked up to him.

He couldn't wait to share this moment with anyone who would listen. A new fantasy to fuel his day of work, one where you fell in love with him, one where you ran away from responsibility and expectations. One where he was your hero, giving you the life you yearned for.

One where it was just you and Eddie.

Being home was never something Eddie enjoyed. It was a reminder of the way the world worked. The doors of the cottage were rotting, mildew sprouted from the walls and the thatch on the roof had microscopic holes that allowed rainwater to dribble in during a storm. It was ugly and smelled awful, but it was home. Dinner had gone and passed, and as Eddie prepped for a night of rest, the thoughts of his afternoon danced through his mind. 

The way you looked at him like he was a person, a friend. It was new. Eddie wasn't stupid, today changed nothing, he was still just a mere stable boy, you would marry a wealthy man, a prince if you were lucky, and rule over a village just like Hawkins. It was written in your cards, just as working to survive was in Eddies.

Sleep was short-lived, Eddie barely drifted off into a slumber before the sound of pebbles hitting his window had awoken him. It wasn't rare for one of his friends to wake him in the middle of the night, the dark was the perfect time to do things that aren't acceptable to do during the day, but tonight Eddie wanted a night of rest. 

Deciding to ignore the sound, he closed his eyes in an attempt to seek the comfort he desired until the sound of something heavier hit his window. It was clear the perpetrator wasn't going to leave without a fight, and Eddie was forced to drag himself out of the straw mattress he called his bed. 

Throwing on a few layers of clothes, enough to hang out if his friends wouldn't take no for an answer, Eddie crept down the stairs, making as little noise as possible. The thought of waking his uncle wasn't something he wished to do.

Opening the door, Eddie came face to face with Dustin, who has a weary smile on his face. Behind him stood the rest of their shared friends. Gareth stared Eddie down with a deep unreadable stare as Mike and Lucas avoided eye contact, like two children being scorned by an angry parent. They all shared a skittish look, one that could only mean trouble. Eddie was used to solving their problems, especially after the many nights the group spent drinking away their sorrows at the hideout.

“What did you do Henderson?” His question was answered by a different voice. Not one he was used to hearing, a soft yet cheerful sound, one he recognized immediately.

“Eddie! Hello, wonderful night isn't it? It seems as though I've been taken for ransom,” There, thrown over the back of a horse, one of your horses, you shot Eddie a wide smile. You were tied by your wrists and ankles, dressed in a long satin slip that was made no doubt for sleep. The look you shot Eddie was one of amusement, as if this was the best thing to ever happen to you. Aggressively rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Eddie did a double take towards where you were draped, just behind a stuffed satchel, no doubt filled with supplies.

“Shush, you're supposed to be a hostage. Really, Eddie, she's been cracking jokes this whole time. I think she's perfect for you. You know, I thought you were crazy. I mean what poor man falls in love with royalty, but now I see why,” The young boy shot Eddie a wide smile before glancing your way.

“I'm sorry, what on earth is going on here? Why Is she tied up? Why are you all here? What the hell is happening?”

“You said you wanted an adventure, now we have one. You're looking at your adventure party!”

“That doesn't mean kidnapping a princess?”

You let out a quip in response even though no one seemed willing to acknowledge you at the moment, ‘for the record, not a princess.’

“You said you would leave this sad excuse for a village if it were life or death… your life is currently on the line. You also said you would leave if you were kidnapped. We kidnapped. This is literally what you asked of me!”

“Dustin, I swear to every higher being... you're insane. I aid if I was kidnapped, not just anyone? This is crazy, you’re all crazy.'' The exasperated look on Eddie's face made you stifle a giggle. In reality, this whole situation should be terrifying, but Eddie was nice. When Dustin appeared in your room that night he had mentioned being a friend of Eddie’s. Your conversation from the afternoon still stuck in your mind, you willingly followed out of the window, only to be tied up.

“Hey, I am doing you a favor, though we need to hurry, time is running out.”

“Time? We need to return her, what are you on about?”

“Well, when we took her we left a note. Well, we didn't really take her, it was easier than I thought. She was very willing when we mentioned your name. Anyways, we left her family a note and they think you, my dear friend, kidnapped her.”

“Me? Henderson I swe-”

“As I said, time is running short, get on her horse, I'll grab one from your barn and we can be on our way. We already have plenty of supplies, food, weapons, first aid, clothes. You don't really have a choice here do you?” The young boy shot Eddie one last smile before jogging towards the farmland behind the cottage.

With a frustrated cry, Eddie took a solemn glance toward his cottage before reflecting on the men standing in front of him. These were his closest friends, and they were jeopardizing everything to give him the one thing he's always yearned for. They were his family, his people. Each one stared back at him with the same look.

‘This is how we get out.’

Call him a fool, but Eddie was handed the perfect opportunity to seek adventure. Granted this wasn't the tale he imagined. He was now the villain, but it was still a chance at freedom. Sighing he hopped on the horse you were draped across. This was it. Eddie wanted an adventure, now he had one. With a final glance towards the three other men that surrounded him, he took a deep breath before commanding the horse to ride towards the dark edge. 

Crossing over the threshold would mean no turning back, they would be fugitives for the rest of their lives. With one final glance towards the world, they once knew the party set off.

This was the only chance of newfound freedom.

[wheneverfeasible]

🧠🪱Wriggly Wednesday🪱🧠

Thanks for the tag @augustjustice! I was actually just thinking about how I had something for one of these.

So I’ve been reading a lot of historical fic lately, and it really got me wanting to do a royalty au. I don’t have a lot of solid details for it yet, and I don’t know if I’ll ever actually write it as I have a lot on my plate currently, but my basic idea is this:

The kingdom of Hawkins is ruled by a tyrannical king; lazy, prejudiced, and greedy. His queen is beloved by the people for the charity work she does, yet the king never hides the fact that he’s disloyal to her. He doesn’t have to, he’s the king. He doesn’t care if the woman he’s interested in is married or not herself, if he sees her and wants her then he’ll take her and the husband just has to deal with it. It’s almost an honor at this point. (Think very JFK.)

The queen hates it, however, and is just as vicious as her husband, only behind closed doors. She married for the crown, not for love, and her kindness is only a front she puts on for the public. Behind closed doors she is cold and vain and uncaring of the plight of others.

And then they have a son. The prince. He is just as rotten as his father. Lazy, greedy, thinks himself above all others. When he grows bored, he demands a plaything. That’s when the soldiers will sweep the streets and bring him beggars and street urchins and, sometimes, the prince will also demand for a petty criminal to become his plaything instead of being shipped off to slavers or executed. The playthings never seem to last for long, and they’re never seen from again.

One day, Eddie is brought forward as a criminal. It wasn’t actually him, or course, but his father. His father however skipped town and left Eddie to fall in his place. It’s known that Alan Munson was the worst sort of miscreant. A petty thief with a silver tongue that somehow managed to avoid being caught. Until one day he strove for too much and the kingdom was out for his head.

With Al having fled, however, sights turned to his son, Edward. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? Of course not. At least, that’s what everyone says. So Eddie is brought to trial in his father’s stead. Eddie is certain he will be sent off as a slave or worse. Except.

Prince Steven whines that he’s bored, and he doesn’t want to sit through a whole trial. Can’t he just have the criminal as a plaything since his last one broke?

The king grants his son’s request.

Eddie has heard rumors of what sorts of things the prince gets up to with his playthings. According to some, it was a fate worse than death. At least a judgement of death was swift.

Except.

Well, Steve learned how to wear a public mask from the best of the best: his mother. His mask is more extensive, however, because he wears it inside the castle as well. Even his parents believe him to be nothing more than a spoiled, pampered brat. But in truth, it is quite the opposite. And the playthings?

Steve purposely seeks out the destitute, the needy, the ones who one more night out on the street could mean their death, and brings them in. Criminals too, if he knows they’re innocent, or only stole from necessity to survive, or if he believes the punishment far too harsh for their crimes. He takes them in too, as many as he can without his father growing suspicious.

He takes them in, acts for the public like a monster, and only when it’s just him and the “plaything” does he drop the act and let them know the truth. He’s going to get them out. He’s greedy and materialistic to the public because he gives the items away in secret, helping his playthings start a new life elsewhere. He helps them sneak out of the castle and out of the kingdom, if only they promise to leave their old life behind. It is the only way to keep them and those after them safe.

Eddie, of course, believes the worst of the prince, even when Steve’s mask drops alone in his room. He learned long ago not to trust royals. There’s a little bit of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers here then, as Eddie doesn’t trust Steve at first, and also refuses to leave the kingdom without his uncle.

So Eddie and Steve bicker about it, and Steve says fine but Eddie has to play the part of his plaything for the public and his parents, which involves a lot of being caught in compromising positions sometimes to sell it.

Except Eddie starts to grow real feelings when he realizes that Prince Steven really is a good man. Eddie soon has another reason why he doesn’t want to leave the kingdom, even if he believes a prince could never return his feelings.

Plot Possibilities:

- Steve’s last “plaything” was Jonathan. A rare volunteer to be the prince’s plaything in exchange for goods for his poor family. He initially does not trust Steve for a while, but eventually they build a kind of wary friendship.

- Steve was in talks for a betrothal with a noble lady, Nancy. She thought him a cretin as she only knew the mask he wore, while her lady-in-waiting, Barb, would mutter insults about him to her making Nancy have to cover her laughter. Steve heard them and thought they were hilarious, but pretended to be clueless.

- Jonathan sees Nancy and falls in love immediately, making Steve have to figure out a way to get the two of them together without blowing his cover. He eventually succeeds and Steve makes everyone believe Jonathan “broke” and was discarded when on reality he helped smuggle him out with Nancy’s entourage when the betrothal talks fell through and she returned to her land.

- Steve still anonymously takes care of Jonathan’s family like he promised he would, the only way Jonathan would leave with Nancy.

- Robin was originally given to Steve as a tribute, the daughter of an enemy soldier, and Steve keeps her as a plaything for a while (she attacks him the first night before he can explain the truth) and when she “breaks” he shortly thereafter obtains a new servant who looks remarkably like her, named “Rob”.

- During one of the times Steve is manhandling Eddie in public to keep up the act, Eddie gets a very ill-timed boner at the fake threat Steve growls at him, finding out the hard (pun not intended) way that maybe he might like some of the things evil Prince Steven is supposed to be doing to him.

- Eddie seduces Steve realizing the man would never force himself on Eddie. They try out some of things Prince Steven threatened him with and eventually Steve can make his mask’s threats seem far more genuine when Eddie follows him with bruises and a stiff gait afterwards. (Eddie loves every second of it.)

- A minor nobility cannot pay taxes so the king takes his young daughter for his son as payment and to humiliate the noble as a lesson for others. Her name is Chrissy.

- Robin is instantly smitten with Chrissy. The feeling is swiftly mutual once Chrissy realizes “Rob” is a woman.

- something something something

- Steve’s parents die/are murdered/are executed/idk

- Steve is made king and people are wary at first expecting him to be like his father. He can finally drop his mask and it’s revealed that all the good things people thought was his mom was actually him doing it.

- One of the first orders of business he does is grant Rob a title of nobility for loyal service and saving his life (stripping another noble of their title for their disloyalty/treason?).

- Steve tells Rob “he” can have any one wish of his granted. Rob asks for Steve’s concubine Chrissy as his wife (as per previously plotted by the three of them) and Steve grants it.

- Steve frees Eddie from his bondage, expecting Eddie to leave and never look back. He tries not to show how much that hurts.

- Eddie stays. Obviously.

- They go to bed with a bit of role reversal. Steve loves every second of it.

- Steve remains a bachelor king with a questionably close friendship with one of his advisors that the people of the kingdom knowingly smirk about but support because he’s an amazing king who always takes care of his people.

- Steve appoints his heir as this loudmouth whippersnapper with an attitude he takes under his wing for whatever reason. He questions his sanity every day after.

- Years later, King Dustin and Queen Suzie rule the land following in his predecessor’s footsteps; with care, humility, and equal justice for all.

~

(No pressure) Hostage Hotties: @derythcorvinus @katyawriteswhump @honeii-puff @scoops-aboy86 @dotdot-wierdlife @everywherenothere

Other no pressure tags: @steddiecameraroll @mundaneone @endlessmusings1801 @stervrucht @hotluncheddie @eddiethebrave

[penny00dreadful]

My @steddiebang2024 fic is finally here! None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of my best cheerleader and best beta reader in existence, @hbyrde36 and the girlies constantly keeping me encouraged and cheerleading me on. On top of that, I had the absolute pleasure to be working with one of the most talented artists in this space and all around good bean and very sweet person, @arelliann. I literally screamed when I found out we would be working together for this Big Bang and continued to melt down at every single piece of art they sent me. Beautiful artwork and dividers by them. Go check them out and show them some love! Hope you enjoy this fic as much as I do. 🥰

Part 1

[Part 2] [AO3] [Art]

Down in the meadows, surrounded by fields of blooming flowers and bountiful crops as far as the eye could see, a lone figure on horseback cantered along.

He wove expertly through the rough and small roads and walkways, moving behind farmhouses and grain storage buildings, trying to stay out of sight of the gleaming white castle behind him.

The mid afternoon sun glared down from above, but not as stifling as it had been earlier on in the day. The sweet fragrance of thousands upon thousands of flowers wafted through the air from the Rainbow Sea, mixed up with the gentle rustling of the tree branches and the babbling of the river.

The figure had to duck down low toward his horse's neck to avoid taking a branch to the face as they came upon the riverbed, his gray palfrey barely being led, confident in her route.

Slipping expertly from his saddle, Crown Prince Steven Harrington glanced behind him, knowing well he couldn’t be seen from the castle in his hidden little refuge, but still, he checked every time.

It was a small little curve along the shore of the River Vita, blocked in by trees and shrubbery with enough grass and space for Bimmer to entertain herself while Steve stole however many hours he could, hiding away here.

The river itself wasn’t a terribly fast moving one but it was deceptively deep, a danger to anyone who didn’t know what they were doing. Luckily for Steve he’d been swimming in this river for as long as he had been able.

It might not have been the smartest thing in the world, sneaking out here alone to work off the stress of the day, stealing a moment alone, but he couldn’t help it. It was one of his most favored spots throughout the kingdom and it always helped him to relax his racing mind.

Steve was a strong swimmer, at least that’s how he justified it to himself. He was trained and careful and able.

Not that Robin or Hopper ever saw it that way. But he’d managed to slip away without either of them noticing and he would take the opportunity to swim whenever it was presented to him, though he didn’t think it would be long before his absence was realized.

Being the Crown Prince was full of benefits, but the downside was that he always seemed to be constantly needed, though that was mostly due to his own unique situation, rather than something the first born of other kingdoms had to deal with.

Steve’s father, King Robert wasn’t a cruel or uncaring man, but he was extremely uninterested in ruling.

He preferred the hedonistic and enjoyable parts of being a king. Celebrating, hunting, whoring, drinking.

However, dealing with the day to day? Meeting the people to hear their concerns, acting as an intermediary between warring guilds, overlooking the treasury, directing their surplus crop, trading the flowers, making sure their people were happy, provided for and treated well, organizing the guard...

King Robert didn’t have any time for it, and as such, his one and only child Steve had been shadow ruling the kingdom for as long as he could remember. Almost as soon as the king came to the realization that Steve could, he had set him to it.

It was all Steve had ever really known.

And he loved it. He really did.

This was his home, his kingdom, his responsibility. He wanted his people to be happy, he wanted to maintain the beauty of the Rainbow Sea, he wanted to carry on the Harrington legacy, he wanted to be good.

But sometimes… sometimes it was a lot.

It was a lot all the time, if he was being honest with himself, but he was comfortable with it.

This was what he had been raised for after all and in his short twenty four years, he’d become almost expert at it.

Steve didn’t think there was anything he wouldn’t do for the good of his kingdom.

Bimmer shook her head with a frustrated snort, bringing him back to the present where he had been standing, staring out over the River Vita with her reins in his hand.

“Sorry, girl.” He muttered, patting her muzzle and draping the reins over her neck. “Go on.”

She bumped his hand once and then wandered off to graze.

She was an expertly trained horse, strong and tall with a gleaming light grey coat, almost white in color to go with her bright mane and tail. She was beautiful and one of the many loves of his life.

He rarely needed to tie her off to stop her from wandering, she liked to keep watch over him while he swam.

Steve stripped himself bare, taking care to hang his carefully embroidered doublet and undershirt from a tree branch to keep them as clean as possible.

He didn’t want to give the staff in the laundry more work than necessary.

Most of his clothes had been expertly decorated with delicate flowers and climbing vines, occasionally even with some of the kingdom’s sweetest fruits. His clothes were beautiful and he took great care with them, not wanting the hours of work put into them to go to waste.

The cool breeze brushed against his skin and Steve sighed, feeling the stress of the day get washed away in the current of the river as he submerged himself completely, the shock of the cold enough to inject some energy back into him.

Steve took off, up and down the bank, swimming with and then against the gentle current until his muscles began to ache and tire and the sun had dipped a little lower, slowly bathing the clouds in soft pinks and oranges.

He was catching his breath, sculling along on his back, eyes closed, head tipped to the sun when he heard a throat clearing above him.

Steve was intimately familiar with that gruff and perpetually irked sound and he continued to float for a moment before peeking an eye open to look up at the figure towering above.

Captain Hopper glared down, his arms crossed over his leather clad chest, a deep frown on his face.

He raised an eyebrow at Steve’s complete shameless nudity and huffed, much in the same way Bimmer did when she wasn’t getting her way.

“You’re giving me gray hairs, kid.”

Steve grinned to himself, allowing his eye to slip closed again.

“You’ve been saying that for years, Hop.”

“You’ve been giving them to me for years, Harrington. The hell are you doing out here alone?”

Steve shrugged, the water sloshing around him.

“I’m fine.”

“But you might not have been.”

“I’m a strong swimmer.”

“Not stronger than mother nature. If your royal ass was to drown out here, then where would we be?”

Steve scoffed.

“I wasn’t going to drown, Hop. Don’t be so dramatic. And anyway, haven’t I taught you what to do in that kind of situation? Press on the chest, breathe into the mouth-”

“Steve.” Hopper sighed, closing his eyes as if praying for patience and Steve had to give in.

He knew Hopper was right, knew that it wasn’t exactly the safest thing to be doing, going outside the castle walls alone, to swim in a force of nature alone.

But… it was fine.

It wasn’t like anything exciting ever happened in his life. Things were calm, normalized. Day in, day out, Steve always knew what was coming and he was happy with it that way. He was happy with where he was right now.

“Get your clothes back on, kid. C’mon.”

Steve knew he had to, knew that he couldn’t hide away here forever, but he was feeling a little petulant. He shot Hopper the biggest pout he could muster.

“Five more minutes?”

“No.” Hopper growled at him. “You better be out of that water in the next ten seconds or I’ll take Bimmer back with me and make you walk.”

Steve straightened up in the water, with a performative squawk, shaking droplets from his lashes. He was still deep enough that the water flowed across his stomach, taking some power away from the effect of putting his hands on his hips.

“On my own two royal legs?” He exclaimed in mock outrage. “Hop, how could you? I demand my litter!” He slapped a hand against the water.

“I’ll litter you in a minute.” Hopper scowled. “I’ll bring you back in your very own casket if you keep pushing. Out. Now.”

Steve crossed his arms with a scowl of his own, really hamming it up with a comically furrowed brow but Hopper didn’t waver. Didn’t even crack a smile. So Steve sighed and waded back to the shore, stepping out without an inch of shame in his nakedness.

Hopper wasn’t phased in the least.

“Your nudity doesn’t scare me, Harrington.” Hopper said, leaning against a tree while Steve pulled his britches on over his legs. “Or have you forgotten that I was the one who had to try and catch you as a three year old when you decided you hated clothes and went on a run around the castle? Do you have any idea how irritating a naked, angry three year old is?”

Steve scrunched up his nose but still tried to not let too much of his embarrassment show.

Tugging his undershirt back on over his head, he scraped his wet hair back from his forehead and shrugged his doublet back on, not bothering to lace either of them up.

“Did you happen to notice my absence or did someone send for me?” He asked, tucking his shirt away into his pants.

“I fear Your Royal Highness has had a duty of today slip his mind.” Hopper answered, not cryptic at all, with a little glimmer in his eye.

Steve paused in his movements, trying to remember what he could have forgotten he had to do today.

He’d met with Merill and Eugene about their land dispute. He’d met with one of the Coin Keepers, Ted Wheeler about potentially taking on Erica Sinclair as an apprentice. He’d read the letters and memos sent to him from the various guilds. They’d finally figured out how to streamline their flower trade route through the River Road, what else could he possibly be forgetting-

It hit him all at once.

He let his head drop back with a loud groan.

“Yep.” Hopper sounded way too happy about it. Steve supposed this was some kind of justice for escaping away to swim today.

“Fuck.” Steve whispered.

“Steve you promised!” Dustin’s shrill voice echoed off the stone walls of the kitchens, cutting through the low din of the cooks and servers finishing up their work for the day and beginning to prep what they needed to for tomorrow.

By the time Steve had gotten back to the castle, evening had set in and Dustin was glaring up at him from a wooden table in the corner, his arms crossed and his foot tapping against the flagstone floor like an angry parent.

“I know, Dustin.” Steve sat down at the table as well but almost immediately had to lean out of the way as a kitchen maid was forced to reach across him to get to a stack of bowls piled up and needing to be washed.

Steve handed them over to her with a warm smile and she grinned back at him with a small, “Thank you, Steven.”

“I’m sorry.” He turned his attention back to Dustin. “Things started piling up today and I forgot.”

Dustin scoffed, sticking his nose in the air. “How can you expect to be a good king if you forget your people. Your promises?”

“Dusty!” Claudia exclaimed, hovering like she almost always was, in front of the large suspended cast iron pot, hanging over the constant burning hearth, stirring.

The rest of the kitchen staff reacted to Dustin with varying levels of shocked laughter or badly hidden snorts.

Joyce poked her head out of the walk-in pantry, just to swat Dustin lightly over the head with a rag. “Show some respect!”

“Yeah, Dusty.” Steve gave his shin a gentle kick. “Show some respect.”

Dustin grumbled to himself, something that sounded distinctly like show you some respect before slamming both hands down on the table. “Lucas gets to ride all the time!”

“Lucas is Captain Hopper’s squire. It’s pretty much his job description. It’s different.”

“And he’s learned how to hunt and shoot and bow and he’s not even using a training sword anymore! Hopper’s got him practicing with a blunt metal one now!” Dustin threw his hands into the air, nearly swatting a kitchen boy a year or two older than him in the arm, but the boy seemed so used to it, he just expertly weaved around the flying gesticulations with barely a glance. “I could be a squire.”

“It all sounds very fanciful, Dusty.” Steve leaned his elbow on the table. “But are you forgetting all the other things Lucas had to do to get to where he is? Yes, he gets to ride all the time, but he’s also up at dawn, shovelling shit from the stables. Yes, he’s learned his way around a sword and bow but don’t you remember all the cuts and bruises he was walking around with? Or this time last year when he couldn’t train for two months after he broke his collarbone on his good side after getting thrown from his horse?”

“I wouldn’t have that issue! I don’t even have collarbones!”

“And,” Steve pressed forward, “Lucas doesn’t have time for much else besides those things. He doesn’t get to harass the librarian for hours on end with constant questions.”

Dustin glared at him from across the table. “I’m not harassing Mr. Clarke. He loves my questions.”

“If you were to be in Lucas’ position, you couldn’t do that. You couldn’t study the natural sciences and alchemy like you love to. In addition to that, Lucas has been in training since he was six years old. You’d have a lot of catching up to do.”

Dustin slumped back in his chair, arms crossed again and a frown on his face. He looked disappointed if not a little upset and it just about broke Steve’s heart.

Fuck, he was too soft with these kids.

“I promise, Dusty. First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll take you out riding, okay?”

He’d have to shift his schedule around a little. He usually went through his correspondence with the further villages and towns of the kingdom in the mornings, but he could put them off for an hour or two.

“Can I ride Bimmer?” Dustin asked, almost immediately perking up.

Steve shrugged. “I don’t know. You’d have to ask her. But if she’s okay with it, then I am.”

“She’s a horse, Steve.”

“So? Doesn’t mean she has to put up with a little shit-head with no collarbones if she doesn’t want to.”

“But- okay. If she does let me, then I can? I can ride your horse?” There was such a hopeful glint in Dustin’s eye. Steve was powerless to deny him.

He heaved a put upon sigh and hands on his hips, “Yes, okay. But only around the perimeter!” He shouted the last part after Dustin who had shot up from his seat with a whoop and burst out of the room.

“Mike! He’s gonna let me ride Bimmer!”

Mike had only just come in from the gardens, arms full of herbs which were dropped to the floor with an angry squawk, beginning an argument because Steve never let him ride Bimmer.

Claudia giggled to herself as Steve slumped back in his chair.

“You give in too easily, dear.” She said over her shoulder to him.

He leaned his cheek into his fist. “You know what he’s like.”

Claudia smiled again, tuning back to the pot.

Steve was just about to open his mouth to offer some help when there was a great clatter on the stone steps leading up from the kitchen.

Robin nearly ran into the wall, her face was flushed from exertion, one pant leg was untucked from a boot which was coming unlaced and her undershirt was half hanging out of her still beautiful but not quite as lavishly embroidered waistcoat.

She’d caught herself against the archway, her wild eyes scanning the room before Steve felt them land on him.

“Oh shit.” He breathed, springing from his chair in the next second and making a break for it through the kitchen.

“You!” Robin screeched, footsteps pounding after him while the staff scampered,  like they were jumping out of the road to escape a wayward horse and cart. “Get your fucking ass back here, Harrington!”

“I didn’t do anything!”

Steve burst through the door leading out into the herb garden, Robin hot on his heels. He didn’t know why he’d chosen the damn herb garden to escape to, it was enclosed.

He literally had nowhere to run.

“You call trying to drown yourself in the river not doing anything?” She shouted, swinging a gardening glove she’d picked up at him as she slowly stalked closer while Steve was backed up against an impenetrable stone wall.

“I wasn’t going to drown, Buckley.” He snapped back, trying to catch the glove in his own hand as she swatted at whatever part of him she could reach. “I’m a strong swimmer!”

“Stronger than the river, Steven?” She was able to pop him over the head and he finally managed to catch her wrist and wrench the glove from her grip, swatting her back.

“Get off my ass, adviser. I’m fine aren’t I? Forgive me for needing a moment to myself.”

Robin was trying and failing to bat his hands away.

“You can have as many moments to yourself as you’d like, Your Highness, but not on a dangerous river when no one knows where you are!”

Steve whapped her on the arm and in retaliation she levelled several slaps against his chest.

“The river’s not that dangerous!”

“You wouldn’t even be the first monarch to drown in that river!”

“I didn’t fucking drown!”

“Yet!”

“Is that a threat?”

“You’re damn right it is! I will drown you myself next time, I swear on your stupid hair-”

“Hey! Don’t call my hair stupid, your face is stupid.”

“Ugh!” The sound came out of Robin like some kind of cross in between a scream and a groan. “I can’t believe this is the thanks I get for my years of service!”

“Service, my left nut. You’re a pain in my ass, Buckley.”

Steve still had the glove clasped in his hand, though it was down at his side now and Robin had stuck her hands on her hips, the two of them glaring.

“You’d perish without me.” She sniffed, looking down her nose at him.

“Whatever.”

Robin pursed her lips, tapping one finger against her hip.

“Did you enjoy yourself, at least?”

Steve grinned, swatting her lightly one last time over the shoulder.

“Yeah.”

“You said first thing tomorrow morning, Steve!”

Steve stuffed his goose feather pillow over his head, trying to block out the pinks of the early morning sky invading his room.

The light was barely there, the sun hadn’t fully risen yet, but it was still reflected around the room. The brightness of Steve’s lime-washed and plastered walls seeming intent on keeping him awake, the delicate paintwork of climbing vines and florals doing nothing to dull the glare since Dustin had thrown open the curtains.

“I didn’t mean the ass-crack of dawn, shit-head!”

“You’re up now aren’t you?”

Turning his head a little, Steve peeked an eye open to glare at him.

“I shouldn’t be.”

“Not all of us are royalty who get to sleep in.” Dustin snarked back with his arms crossed.

“Sucks for you because I am royalty who gets to sleep in. Now if you don’t fuck off and come back at a more reasonable hour, I’m telling your mother what happened to her good copper pot.”

Dusting scowled back just as hard before turning on his heel and stomping out.

“Fine, asshole!”

“And close my curtains!” Steve shouted after him, but Dustin had already slammed his bedroom door closed again.

He was still yawning and grumbling to himself as Dustin dragged him by the arm down to the stables. What he wouldn’t give for some kind of injection of energy, some way to wake himself up. He prayed for the day something like that was discovered. Maybe he could talk to the castle herbalist about it. Argyle always had something strange cooking.

Steve squinted against the glaring sunlight, slumping when Dustin finally let go of his arm to shoot off into the stables on his own, shouting at Steve to keep up.

Fuck, how did the kid have so much damn energy?

When Steve finally made his way inside, his senses assaulted with the smell of wood, leather, hay and horse, Dustin was standing in front of Bimmer’s stall, blinking up at her with wide nervous eyes.

“She’s bigger than I thought she was.” He muttered. “I’ve only ever seen her at a distance.”

Steve placed a hand down on Dustin’s head, using the other to pet over Bimmer’s muzzle.

“She’s very gentle. But you don’t have to ride her if you don’t want to. I could take you out on a smaller-”

“No.” Dustin turned to look up at him. “I said I would, so. I will.”

It took a little bit, getting Bimmer to respond positively to Dustin after she had reflected his nervousness initially, but soon enough he was comfortably in the saddle, practically vibrating with excitement. Steve stuck close by, astride Thunder, a jet black stallion prone to wandering but easy enough to pull back.

Dustin’s smile only grew wider as they went on a slow trot around the curtain walls and before long he was in top form, spewing about the latest things he’d learned whenever they passed something that caught his interest.

“Hey Steve, did you know that Mothers Bounty used to spit liquid fire and ash?” Dustin said, pointing over at the lone flat topped extinct volcano that always loomed in the background. “It’s where our pumice stone comes from and the reason we can grow so much here.”

“Yes, Dustin, I did know that.”

“Hey Steve, did you know that Queen Vita drowned in the River Vita,” The river itself babbled up at them. “Isn’t that crazy?”

“That’s a rumour.”

“Hey Steve, did you know that the people of the Abyssal Forest use needles and ink to mark their skin?”

Steve blinked rapidly over in Dustin’s direction while a soft breeze blew through the trees next to them.

“They do what?” He asked, trying not to think too hard about sticking needles into his skin. Willingly.

“Yeah!” Dustin turned to him with the brightest smile. “They have to get the needle in quite deep for the ink to stick, but if they do, their designs can stay there forever! Isn’t that so cool?”

Steve had to repress a shudder. “Yeah, man. Sounds… so cool.”

They continued to ride on in silence for another moment and Steve would have found it peaceful if he didn’t think that Dustin suddenly falling silent after spitting out endless facts was very strange. He was fidgeting ever so slightly with Bimmer’s reigns, like he was trying to build up to something.

“So. El and I have been talking.”

Well, that was never a good start.

Steve just hummed in agreement, waiting for Dustin to continue, reaching up to pluck a leaf from an overhanging branch as they slowly made their way back to the stables.

“She’s hit a blockade on her studies of the Rainbow Sea. You know how she’s been trying to figure out how to grow the Nightbloom?”

“Absolutely not.” Steve didn’t quite snap, but it was a close thing.

“I didn’t even say anything!”

“You’re gonna ask me to take you and El on an expedition to the Abyssal Forest so El can talk to the people who live there about her flower and so you can harass them about their inked skin-”

“But, Steve! The Nightbloom doesn’t grow anywhere else and no one else I have read about inks their skin-!”

“Over my dead body, Dusty-Buns. There’s a reason their community is so closed off. That forest is dangerous to those who don’t know how to traverse it. Most who try end up lost forever. You think I’m gonna lead both you and El to certain death just for a flower and some ink?”

“Steve-!”

“Dustin.” Steve pulled Thunder a round to a stop in front of Bimmer. “I’ve said no. You’re just going to have to find some more books about it. It’s not happening.” He stared him dead in the eye. “Have I made myself clear?”

Dustin scowled at him, and the rest of the ride back to the stables was frosty but Steve wouldn’t budge.

Dustin could sulk and complain and be as upset as he liked, but Steve was not going to lose him or El in a dark and endless forest just because he wanted to meet some inky people and find out how to grow a flower.

In his haste to get off Bimmer once the stable hand had taken her reins, Dustin’s foot slipped from her stirrup and he fell hard onto one knee.

Steve threw himself from his own horse, swinging down in less than a second but Dustin had already sprang back up, brushing past him with a muttered “I’m fine.”

Steve stared after him, not knowing whether he should feel hurt or indignant. He only wanted what was best for the kids and he understood Dustin’s disappointment at not getting to go on some kind of stupidly dangerous mission but at the same time, did he really expect Steve to put all their lives at risk for no reason?

“Shit, what happened?”

Steve turned to find Robin walking through the stable doors, coming from the direction Dustin had just left in.

“We had a disagreement.” Steve sighed, hands on his hips. “He wanted me to take him and El into the Abyssal Forest.”

Robin’s eyes widened. “What the hell for? Is he trying to get you all killed? And no offense to the kid, but your death might not be the best thing for the future of this kingdom.”

He snorted, a little deprecatingly. “I know, right? Someone should have told my parents to have another kid. Would help to take the pressure off.”

Robin gave a little nod, sucking her lips into her teeth. “Speaking of pressure…”

“I know, I know.” Steve shook his head, giving Bimmer a pat and nodding at the stable hand who was corralling the two horses back into their stalls. “I’m going up to my study now to start on my correspondence so there’s no need to bully me.”

He grinned at her but it slipped from his face almost immediately when she didn’t follow suit, just continued to bite her lip.

“What is it?”

Robin took a deep breath in, like she was bolstering herself.

“Your parents have requested an audience with you.”

Steve’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline.

“What for?”

“I don’t know. They wouldn’t tell me.” She shrugged, trying to hide the worry in her eyes, but she was never able to fully hide from him.

The fact that they hadn’t shared what they wanted to talk to him about was not a good sign.

“Well.” Steve put his hands back on his hips. “Fuck.”

Robin nodded.

[Part 2] [AO3] [Art]

This fic will be updated daily! 🥰

[daydreampending]

The Lost Princess

Years after running away from your kingdom, escaping your regal duties and joining a pirate crew, you find yourself back under the hand of a royal realm. Forcefully entwined amongst a palace’s workers, you struggle to hide your true identity.

An identity that once had the entire seven seas searching for you. An identity that grew up accustomed to stately etiquette and its rules. An identity that once belonged to the heir of a throne.

Word Count: 6.7k

Series Masterlist

Chapter 6

[eddiesghxst]

princess!reader and best friend!eddie whos the son of the local blacksmith. you’ve been friends since you were kids because his dad makes most of the armory for the kingdom and whatnot and eddie has always liked you a lot more than just a friend but you’re the princess and he’s just common folk

but he always makes you something pretty on your birthday, a beautiful bracelet or an elegant hairpin and he spends so much time on it, they’re always perfect.

you always sneak eddie in through the many secret tunnels of your castle and you stay up for hours with him, sitting by the fireplace and laughing at the stories he tells you with such animation.

and you’re both slowly but surely falling more in love with each other with each day.

eddie being hesitant when you ask him to be your first time because he doesn’t want to corrupt the princess. but you beg so pretty and eddie loves you and he only wants you to himself anyway

sneaking out to the city to visit eddie and going places with him you should never be seen. and when you do your monthly public appearance in the city you always make your carriage stop by his fathers shop, and you always leave a heavy tip, even if you get nothing. and whenever you walk over to talk to eddie whilst he works you try so hard to not be obvious about your affection towards eddie because your guards are there and word will spread if anyone catches you.

but atp you don’t think you care much, because you love eddie.

uGh and don’t get me started on the angst when you start getting suitors UGHHHH

[urdreamgirls-dreamgirl]

i don’t need wings to help me fly, pt. 1

Steve still vividly remembers the day his grandmother had flown in to Indianapolis when he’d turned sixteen years old. He’d never met her before but his constantly-traveling parents weren’t around, so he’d been tasked with airport duty and delivering his grandmother to the best hotel in the city.

His grandmother had turned up her nose and sniffed the minute she’d walked off the plane in head-to-toe pink Chanel.

“Your parents let you live here?” She’d asked in a posh British accent, not a single hair out of place even after an 11 hour flight from Europe.

“Oh, we don’t live in the city,” Steve had told her, smiling and taking her bags from her diamond-encrusted hands. “We live an hour away from here.”

His grandmother had done a double-take at that. “You don’t even live in the city?” She’d sounded so appalled as Steve led her through the airport, her eyes widening as they’d passed the food court and she saw the McDonalds and the Dunkin Donuts. “Is this what you eat here?” She peered at someone’s tray as they’d passed with their Big Mac.

All Steve could do was laugh and accept his grandmother’s invitation to eat dinner with her in her penthouse suite at the hotel, where she’d hired a private chef for her week-long stay in the city. It was actually more of a command than an invitation, anyway.

That night, Steve had laughed as his grandmother had told him he was the Crown Prince of Genovia.

“Shut up,” Steve had laughed, dropping his fork with a clatter on the fancy porcelain of his plate.

“Shut up?” His grandmother had repeated, sounding aghast.

Steve shook his head. “No, I mean, like. Stop pulling my leg. That’s very funny, grandma.”

“I’m not joking, Steven. You are Steven Pierre Harrington Renaldi, Prince of Genovia.”

“Grandma,” Steve had said, still smiling. “I couldn’t even tell you where Genovia is on a map.”

And the rest had, as they say, been history. There had been a few bumps in the road and he’d almost abdicated his throne once or twice, but after spending every summer in Genovia for the past five years, he’d come to love his country and its people. Now, with his twenty-first birthday just one week away, he’s finally moving to Genovia’s Royal Palace full time.

When he’s brought into the palace from the private royal airport, he’s told that his grandmother is in a meeting with representatives from Genovia’s parliament. Since Steve hasn’t been crowned king yet, he’s technically not allowed to sit in on those types of meetings, but when he’d been exploring the palace when he was 17, he’d found a passage that ran directly behind his grandmother’s public state rooms where she met with foreign dignitaries and domestic politicians. After being delivered to his room by palace staff, Steve quickly changed from his airplane clothes and made his way to the passage. As he unlocked the tiny gate that would allow him to see and hear what was happening in the room, he hears his grandmother’s raised voice.

“You cannot possibly be serious!” She says loudly and it��s the first time Steve has ever heard his grandmother come close to yelling. “That piece of legislation is absolutely archaic!”

“Archaic though it may be, it still exists,” the man across from where his grandmother sits says smugly. Steve does not like the condescending way the man looks at his grandmother.

“We’ve never enforced the law before,” his grandmother insists.

“We’ve never needed to,” Prime Minister Motaz concedes reluctantly from Steve’s grandmother’s side. Steve watches as she turns to him in shock.

“And we don’t need to now!” Steve thinks his grandmother might be coming close to slamming her fist down on the table.

“Steven is young. He has no experience,” another voice comes from someplace in the room that Steve can’t see. “It’s not a bad idea to give him as much support as he can possibly have.”

Steve goes hot all over, flushing with indignation. His throat burns. He wants to defend himself, but he’s technically not even supposed to know who’s in this meeting right now.

“And forcing him to marry would be our way of giving him support?” His grandmother sounds incredulous. Steve’s mouth goes dry. Marry? Him? He’d only just graduated college

“No one’s forcing anything,” the smug man across the table from his grandmother says gleefully. “He’s allowed to pick whoever he wants. As it happens, I have the perfect candidate in mind.”

“If you’re talking about your deadbeat, drop out of a son, then this meeting is officially over,” Steve can practically hear the way his grandmother rolls her eyes at the man. He can’t help the smile that spreads across his face as he hears her.

“I’ll have you know that Eddie has returned to school and is currently at the top of his class in the comparative literature program,” the man says haughtily.

“Oh, perfect, his ability to analyze Chaucer will be the perfect addition in running the country to Steve’s expertise in international relations and political science from his accelerated dual masters program,” Steve’s grandmother replies sarcastically.

Steve practically fist pumps in his hiding spot. His grandma is so badass.

“Your Majesty,” the prime minister cuts in reluctantly. “Now that Viscount Mabrey has brought the marriage clause to our attention we have no choice but to bring this to a parliamentary vote. The entire body is meeting tomorrow morning; we’ll cover it then. You are, of course, welcome to attend, but you mustn’t interfere with the vote.” He glances across the table at the smug man who is apparently Viscount Mabrey. “Either of you.”

Steve can tell that the meeting is clearly wrapping up and it’s only a matter of time before his grandmother comes looking for him, so he quickly latches the little window and hurriedly leaves his hiding spot behind. As he’s glancing down at his clothes, brushing dirt and cobwebs from the fabric, he bumps into someone as he rounds the corner of the main hall. The stranger grasps Steve’s elbows, keeping him upright. Steve raises his gaze and meets a set of intense, deeply brown eyes. Pretty, Steve thinks.

“Sorry ‘bout that,” the stranger smiles and Steve registers the rest of his face. He takes in the dimples and the long curling dark hair falling around his shoulders. Pretty, Steve thinks again. “Wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No, uh—no worries, my fault,” Steve stammers out, before clearing his throat. “I’m Steve.”

The stranger tilts his head. “Yeah, man, I know.” His smile widens. “I’ll see you around, Prince Steven.” And then, without another word, he continues his way down the hall, in the direction Steve had just come from.

~*~

“I don’t get it,” Steve says to his grandmother, running a shaking hand through his hair. “I spent all this time studying and reading and interning and now they’re telling me I can’t be king unless I’m married? What kind of old-fashioned, ancient law is this?”

“Honestly,” his grandmother replies, “the law, sadly, is not even that old. It was ratified only 75 years ago. I’m not sure why, as it’s never been enforced until now. We’ll have to keep a keen eye on Viscount Mabrey and his no good son, though. They’ve got to be up to something.”

“Who’s his son?” Steve asks.

“Oh, I don’t remember his name. He’s completing a degree at Oxford—though between you and me, he’s dropped out twice already, so who knows about all that,” his grandmother waves a dismissive hand through the air.

“Grandma,” Steve says reproachfully, but even he can’t help but laugh a little. These people are trying to steal his crown, after all.

“Oh, Steven, I wanted your birthday week to be perfect for you,” his grandmother turns to him and grasps both his hands in hers, her eyes glassy. “I know this isn’t what you expected to come home to, but there’s nothing we can do until Parliament casts its vote in the morning. So let’s just focus on your birthday ball tonight, shall we?” She squeezes his hands in hers and then let’s them drop. “I’ve flown Paulo in to help you dress for the night.”

Steve groans. The last time he’d seen Paulo, the stylist had leaked his identity as the long lost prince of Genovia to the press. But he’s so good at what he does, his grandmother had apparently found it in herself to forgive him. And honestly, the leak had been somewhat of a blessing in disguise, one that allowed Steve to embrace both sides of himself: the small-town Indiana boy-next-door and the European royal with the world at his fingertips.

“Time to get ready for your ball, Steven,” his grandmother tells him happily.

~*~

Steve always feels strange when he has to dress up for a big event. He doesn’t hate it, exactly—he actually kind of likes it—but he still feels a little like he’s wearing a costume and he knows occasions like this are going to be even more frequent after his coronation in a month and a half.

Steve makes his way into the ballroom and let’s himself be announced to his guests. The ball has already started and he crosses the dance floor to greet his grandmother.

“Ah, Steven,” she greets him, kissing him on each of his cheeks. “You look beautiful, my darling.”

“Thank you, grandma,” Steve responds, glancing down at his tux. “You look gorgeous as ever, of course.” And she does. Her dark hair is curled and piled on top of her head, artfully arranged around her shining diamond and pearl tiara. Her deep violet gown flares out at the waist and brings out the emerald green of her eyes. She’s stunning and regal, all the things a queen should be. Steve’s going to have a hard time filling her shoes when he’s crowned king.

“Happy birthday, my love,” his grandmother says, hugging him to her. “Go have fun. Dance. Eat cake.” She gently pushes him toward the dance floor and Steve can’t help but laugh.

He wanders over toward the buffet table full of cupcakes and cookies, his giant green and gold birthday cake in the center. His mouth waters slightly just looking at the flowers of spun sugar decorating the top. He knows it’s chocolate with vanilla frosting, his favorite. He’s so intent on getting himself a piece of his birthday cake that he misses the person crossing his path.

Steve bumps directly into a hard body for the second time in one day. He’s usually not this clumsy. A large, ringed hand flies out to grasp his bicep, keeping him upright.

“We have to stop meeting like this,” a familiar deep voice says, laughter lacing the words. Steve stares up into now-familiar deep brown eyes.

“Oh, you—sorry,” Steve replies, smoothing his palms down the front of his tuxedo jacket. The stranger from earlier stands in front of him, wearing black on black on black, polished and pressed and just as beautiful as before. His curly hair is tied in a neat low ponytail and his mouth is curved into a smile, once again showing off the dimples Steve hasn’t stopped thinking about since this afternoon. His eyes are sparkling.

“Not at all,” the stranger shakes his head. “My fault entirely, Prince Steven.”

Steve clears his throat. “You don’t have to keep calling me that. You can call me Steve.” He’s glad he doesn’t stutter this time, his voice coming out smooth and clear, regaining some of his Indiana charm.

“Steve, then,” the stranger’s smile widens.

“And you are?” Steve prompts.

“And I… was just about to ask you to dance,”the stranger says, holding out his hand.

Steve is… completely charmed. Sure, he doesn’t know this man’s name, but he’s beautiful and charismatic and Steve only has a few friends his age here in Genovia, so he takes the stranger’s hand and let’s himself be led out on to the dance floor. The stranger must be in the high ranks of Genovian society to have even scored an invite to tonight’s ball and Steve racks his brain to remember if there were any sons of Parliament members he hadn’t met yet. He doesn’t think so.

Once they’re on the dance floor, Steve’s breath catches as a strong hand circles his waist, another entwining their fingers together. Steve feels himself being twirled around the dance floor and it’s dizzying for more reasons than one. The stranger is captivating, his gaze magnetic.

“Okay,” Steve says after a few minutes of dancing. “You have to tell me your name, man.”

The stranger smiles again. “You can call me Eddie.” The song they’ve been dancing to comes to an end. Eddie raises Steve’s hand to his lips, brushing his mouth across Steve’s knuckles. “I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, Steve.” And then he turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving Steve dizzy and blushing on the dance floor.

[atimeofyourlife]

A royal escape

Written for @steddieholidaydrabbles prompt: royalty au | rated: t | wc: 1000 | tags: trans Steve Harrington, trans masc Steve Harrington, royal Steve Harrington, royal au Steve is better known to the world as Princess Stefania, but he wants to live as the man he knows he is. With the help of his best friend, Robin, and Eddie, an acquaintance of hers, he finally gets the chance.

Steve hated almost everything about his life. And he knew it sounded incredibly entitled, from the outside it looked like he had the perfect life, as the Princess of Upside. But it was what the public didn't see that made him so miserable. The way he couldn't live his life as the man he knew he was. The way his father ruled every second of his life with an iron fist. At times it felt like he couldn't have a drink of water or use the bathroom without his father's approval. It made him dream of the chance to escape, to be free.

His chance came during a royal tour. A stop in a small town close to the border with the two neighboring countries, Hawkins and Lenora. When his father was less focused on him and more focused on showing a good face to the public. At a time they were all dressed down, to try to prove that they were normal people, just like everyone else. But it also made it easier for Steve to blend in. When his parents, the staff, and most of the crowd weren't looking, he was able to slip through the throngs of people and broke into a sprint as he reached the other side, thankful that, for once, he had been allowed to wear jeans and sneakers instead of impractical skirts and painful heels. He had his route planned out in his head, having spent weeks pouring over maps, with the excuse that he wanted to learn about the places they were visiting, figuring everything out with Robin, a musician who had played for the family, and his only friend. He snatched the backpack Robin had hidden for him, quickly pulling out the items that were to be his disguise. A massively oversized hoodie, to hide what he was wearing and his figure, and a hat for him to tuck his long hair into. He would have much preferred to have the chance to change fully, and even cut his hair. But time was of the essence, he needed to get away before anyone started looking for him.

As he ran, he started looking out for the getaway driver Robin had arranged for him. She'd given a clear description of a dirty white van that was to pick him up away from the center of town. He spotted it idling on the other side of the road, and just sprinted straight across.

"Are you the guy Robin sent?" He asked through the open window, getting a good look at the man in the driver's seat.

"Sure am. Hop in." The guy said.

"Thanks." Steve climbed into the passenger seat, and the van was moving before he'd even shut the door behind him.

"I'm Eddie, by the way. Let's get you out of here."

"Steve."

"I know, Robin told me everything. We'll be crossing into Lenora first before going to Hawkins, to help keep the border guards off your trail. You'll need to hide in the back before we reach the border, help keep the suspicion down." Eddie explained.

Steve just nodded, unable to form a response. He sat for a few minutes in the passenger seat, trying to catch his breath from the running and the adrenaline of the escape. When he felt a little more normal, he let Eddie know before climbing into the back, hiding among a pile of boxes and blankets.

Steve was aware when they reached the border, as Eddie's driving slowed down into a very stop and start motion. He held his breath when there was a tap on the window.

"ID and purpose of the visit?" A guard asked.

"Running errands. My uncle needed some stuff picked up, I need some stuff from Lenora, so I killed two birds with one stone and made a day of it. I'll be heading home from Lenora tonight." Eddie explained, and Steve was surprised at how smooth it was.

"Mind if we check the back?"

"Sure thing."

Steve held his breath as he heard movement, not wanting anything to give away his presence. He could see a small amount of light streaming in through a gap as the back doors opened, and could only wait anxiously.

"Everything seems alright." The guard said. "You're free to go."

Steve let out a sigh of relief as the rumble of the van moving started up again. He stayed in position for a few more minutes, until Eddie said that it was safe. He crawled out from the back, and pulled himself back into the passenger seat of the van.

"I just need to grab some stuff, then we'll be heading into Hawins. You won't have to worry about the border here, the guards are much more chill." Eddie said. "Then it's on to the first day of the rest of your life. Robin will meet us in a few days."

The first morning staying with Eddie, everything felt strange. He'd met Eddie's Uncle Wayne, who didn't seem to care that Steve had appeared without an explanation. It was the getting up when he wanted to, not having to dress up before leaving the bedroom, instead going downstairs in his borrowed pajamas. Eddie and Wayne were already up when he went down.

"Morning, Steve. Coffee's in the pot if you want some." Eddie called.

"Thanks." He mumbled, shuffling over to the kitchen. He poured the coffee, and gulped half of it down. It wasn't the best coffee, but the freedom made it taste better than any other.

He joined Eddie and Wayne, and his attention was caught by the news on the tv.

"Back to the main story. Princess Stefania of Upside went missing yesterday during the royal tour. The current belief is she was kidnapped-" the tv shut off.

"It's okay." Eddie whispered, squeezing Steve's hand.

"Don't worry about anything, Steve. You're gonna be safe here." Wayne added.

And there was something about their sincerity, their warmth, that made Steve believe them.

[nburkhardt]

Anastasia AU. Bc I’m watching the movie right now :D

But Steve isn’t Anastasia. It’s Eddie.

Steve’s Dimitri.

The Munsons are cursed from Vecna.

A young Steve saves/helps the young prince and his uncle. But all get separated. The young prince is knocked out and taken in by an orphanage.

Years later, Eddie is finally kicked out and makes his way to figure out who he is. His only clues are the guitar pick locket and a promise to be in Paris.

Steve is determined to escape, resorting to cons. After hearing rumors of the youngest Munson still alive. He plans to hire someone who could pass.

After picking up a dog, Eddie tries for a ticket for Paris but can’t… after hearing about Steve, goes looking for him.

The auditions drags and no one is even close to being the missing prince. Steve gives up and makes new plans.

At the same time, Eddie follows by his dog into the building and eventually finds his way around until Steve finds him. Steve convinces Eddie that he could be the missing prince.

I’m gonna stop now before I just write out the whole movie out lol. Plus my edible is reallllly hitting now ANYWAY, I think this would be fun :)

UPDATE: @penny00dreadful wrote a fic based off this!!! here it is on here OR on ao3, here’s that link!

Especially because normally Steve is the prince. But I think Eddie would work toooo. Don’t ask me who is the others. I can’t figure it out :(

Idk if this counts for a fic? But I’ll still my Permanent tag everyone anyway 🩷

@spectrum-spectre @itsfreakingbats @mysticcrownshipper @artiststarme @thereindeerlady @justforthedead89 @ronniescontinuum @freyaforestafay @littlewildflowerkitten @estrellami-1 @gregre369 @zerokrox-blog @bookworm0690 @flustratedcas @carlprocastinator1000 @marvelmwah @solliesolesito

[anxiousstark]

The Honour of My Queen | EDDIE MUNSON

Bastard King! Eddie x Queen!Reader

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: Mentions of sexism, inappropriate comments, bo0bies and pp s€x(?), being caught, Eddie being absolutely bewitched by his queen and being a lil perv . DNI NEEDED. THOSE YOUNGER THAN 18, LEAVE!

A/N: SURPRISE! My fic The Banished King (I recommend reading it to be able to understand this one better) got far more attention than I anticipated, which made me very happy because I put a lot of effort into it. Several people commented on how much they enjoyed it (comments I peruse from time to time because they make me very joyful), so I decided to create this! Based on a comment made by @mimsie95 and @jenna-jd stating that they needed more ;)

All Rights Reserved. The author, me, does not allow any type of copy or adaption.

BIG MASTERLIST

The ladies' conversation was cut short by the sudden opening of massive doors.

You smiled at the ladies seated in a circle, gracefully sipping from their tea cups, but who were quickly interrupted by the person who had chosen to enter the room, silencing the faint conversation and giggles of a group of influential women married to men in high positions. You turned your head as carefully as possible, only to be met by a concerned, even anxious, gaze. Dustin stood at the large doors of the room, which was exclusively used for tea gatherings.

"Please pardon me for a moment." Because of your serene grin, the women nodded their heads. You grabbed the skirts of your dress after delicately resting your cup on the table, not wanting to step on them and tumble face-first to the ground. As you drew closer to Dustin, your heels echoed against the new marble floor. "What is going on?" You inquired softly, unbothered by his intrusion and concerned by his expression. You could no longer listen to Mrs. Stanlin complain about how her husband was losing his hair and no longer resembled the attractive man she had met as an adolescent.

"Eddie." He spoke in hushed tones. You gulped, tightening your grip on your skirts as you imagined the worst. "I'm not sure what occurred, but he told me to prepare for war."

"What?" You whispered with your eyes wide open. "Was there anything else he said? Did he share more information about the situation?" Dustin quickly shook his head. You took a couple of big breaths while sighing and looking down at the ground. Then you turned to your right, where Max stayed rigid but contemplative of her surroundings, settling into her new role as an official imperial guard. "Max," she looked in your direction once you mentioned her name. "Could you kindly look after the ladies? Make them go home, but without raising suspicions about anything. We do not want rumours or people finding out what's going on." She gave a furious inclination of her head. "At least not until I know." You sighed again after she nodded, returning your attention to Dustin and swiftly inquiring about your husband's whereabouts.

Your mind could not stop turning as you made your way to the throne chamber. After Eddie and you married, you both had no enemies and acquired even more allies. After seeing King Edward in your company, many people ceased judging him based on his father's wrongdoings. The man they believed was so terrifying was, in fact, an honourable and caring man. So, who would have wanted to start a war with your country? 

Eddie would never start a war, but he would put one down if necessary.

Not only did your gut churn at the thought of war, but so did your head. Because no war ends happily, just with pain, anguish, and death—something you did not desire for your country or any other.

Could your father and brother have been involved? Were they still angry at you for marrying King Edward? And gosh, not only after five months of marriage to him and being afraid for your mother being alone in their company, you chose to assist her in escaping from the castle. Fortunately for your mother, she had found a new love. 

She had fallen in love with Hopper, a middle-aged man who had previously worked for Eddie. He no longer worked for him, however, as he had fled with her, showing that he was a man capable of loving and caring for her as much as she would for him. So, with tears in your eyes, you bid your mother and Hopper farewell.

You wished she had stayed in your new country; the one you shared with Eddie. You knew your husband would keep her secure, but she had stated that she wanted to go away and do everything that women were not permitted to do. Things she was never permitted to experience.

When you finally arrived at the throne room, you swiftly grasped the knobs and, grunting and employing a great deal of strength due to the size of such large, dark reddish doors, you were able to pry them open.

Eddie's eyes would always locate you when you entered a room. It is as if he knew you were there, as if he sensed your presence and felt compelled to be by your side. Yet today, he had not run in your direction, welcoming you with what was supposed to be a soft kiss but soon transformed into a passionate kiss in which your spouse would swiftly dismiss everyone in the room.

You were merely met by the back of Eddie's head.

Individuals crowded into the chamber.  They dashed from one half of the room to the other, carrying maps, documents, and weapons. Eddie's voice, which was stern, rigid, and demanding, directed their every move.

"Eddie." As you stepped closer, your voice came out as a murmur, and your hands intertwined in front of you, twitching. "Eddie." You attempted yet again because it was obvious he hadn't heard you the first time. But as you repeated yourself, your voice was not been heard. "What exactly is going on?" You asked Billy, a man with a small moustache, who was in charge of the nation's plan in the event of war.

He tried to maintain his composure, but you had heard from Eddie numerous times that Billy Hargrove was ideal for his role in the castle since your husband was convinced that the man relished conflict. "My Queen." He bowed slightly, his gaze falling to the ground as a sign of reverence. You impatiently waited for him to resume speaking. "We are about to go to war."

You sighed, irritated but attempting not to show it. "For what purpose? What occurred? Who decided to attack us?" Your bosom heaved since you hadn't taken a single deep breath while asking some of the questions racing through your head.

He chuckled. "King Edward," he said. You scowled, tilting your head to one side. "The combat is being started by King Edward." Your pupils dilated as Billy bowed before departing the room, accompanied by some of the people under his leadership.

You took a long, deep inhalation. "Everyone, out!" Your voice echoed throughout the room, causing everyone to come to a halt and their chatter to cease as they looked in your direction. Without a second thought, they all began making their way to the door, bowing one by one before leaving. 

As the door closed behind you two, you took a step closer to your husband, who was standing in front of a dark wooden table, poring over maps and tracing lines with his ring-filled fingers. "What's the matter, Eddie?" He didn't turn to face you, which stunned you. "You're beginning a war, according to Billy." Such statements could not be believed. Eddie cared deeply about harmony and security.

"I am." You couldn't see his face, but his icy tone sent shivers down your spine.

"For what purpose? You despise bloodshed." One of your hands reached for your scalp, fingertips interlocking with hair strands. "What has happened?"

"They began it, and I'm just going to finish it." You walked around the table, still perplexed, until you were directly in front of him. Nevertheless, you couldn't see his face since he was looking down, his hair covering his face.

"I've seen or heard no one threatening us."

"He struck in a very distinct manner." He eventually looked up, his gaze restless as he moved his eyes all over your face, taking you in.

"Hey," You walked closer to him, your left hand resting on his chest and the other on his cheek, causing him to look into your eyes. "What's the matter, Eddie? I'm absolutely petrified." His palms landed quickly on your cheekbones, and his brow pressed against yours. His eyes closed for a few seconds, and you took the moment to appreciate his beautiful lashes while he drew a big breath.

"Lord Ramsay." It was the only thing he said for a few minutes, which gave you enough time to wonder why Lord Ramsay would do such a thing. Eddie had admired him and considered him one of his most loyal allies. "He mentioned your bosom." You took a step back, seeing the rage on his face.

"Eddie!" In the process, the palm that had been lying on his chest slapped it. "Are you initiating a war because someone talked about my chest?" He nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the universe. "You can't do that!"

He sneered and turned to saunter to his throne. "Why not? I am the King. I am free to do whatever I want. And if somebody endeavours to make such a remark about my wife and Queen, war will be declared." He slumped on his throne. "How could he!?"

Your body was assaulted by new sensations. On one side, your chest swelled with gratitude as you comprehended how much you meant to Eddie and how much he loved you. You had always assumed that your father and brother would marry you to the most heinous monster who had ever existed. Nonetheless, you have ended up with the most outstanding man. Yet you couldn't fathom that he wanted to start a war because someone had talked about your chest, even though you were not comfortable with such remarks; it was not an incentive to start a war in which others would suffer. Not for a subject like this.

"Eddie, my love." As you used one of his favourite endearments, he groaned. "I understand you're upset. I would be if someone said something inappropriate about you." As he settled on his throne, his legs were wide open, and his crown was slightly crooked as he slugged on it, glancing your way. "But you cannot start a war because of it." You took a step closer; your eyebrows scrunched up. "Others will be involved and suffer as a result of Lord Ramsay's inability to control his thoughts."

"Why does he have to think like that?" His tone was stern; he was offended by what had been stated about you.

"Well." You got closer. "Indeed, I do have a great bosom, if you ask me."

His gaze was drawn immediately to your chest as he shifted around his chair, attempting to find a comfortable position. "I know you do." His gaze never left your breasts as he admired how your chest was propelled by your corset, emphasising their appeal even more. Eddie had advised you that if they were uncomfortable for you, you didn't have to wear them. But goddamn, he adored it when you wore one. "I know it quite well."

"You do." His hips pushed up slightly as his fervent gaze followed your motions. You sat sideways on his lap, adjusting his crown while kissing his forehead. Your chest was positioned near his face due to the action, and he couldn't help but plant a wet kiss on top of your right breast while his hand moved higher to your left, using his full palm to tightly grasp it, causing you to moan.

"Unfortunately," you said as he hid his nose between your breasts, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes as you murmured. You could feel him unwind a little. "Such remarks will always be made. I am sure someone in your kingdom has thought the same thing or something along those lines."

His face rapidly escaped his protective haven. "Are you trying to make me burn down my own kingdom?"

"Eddie!" You yelled, hitting his shoulder. A little grin flashed on his face, indicating that he was somewhat kidding. "Should I just evict every woman from our kingdom then?" He pinched his brows in confusion, and you thought it was adorable that his hand was still holding your left breast. "I'm sure several women have fantasised about becoming your queen and doing even dirtier things." When you thought of that, you pouted and felt a piercing sensation in your chest. However, the feeling vanished as soon as you reminded yourself that he was yours and you were his. "Even men, for sure."

"Me?"

"Yes, you, Eddie." Your left hand became entangled in his locks. "They probably thought about how...you know." You were flushed. "And then there's your hands..."

"Sweetheart," he groaned as he swallowed. "That makes me think he probably considered other parts of your body that are mine." He hissed, his fingers dropping slowly towards the warm spot between your legs. And you wished you weren't wearing so much clothing so you could feel his fingertips. "I need to adhere to my plan." As he attempted to rise from the throne, his gaze darkened. Nonetheless, your weight pushed him down. 

"It is irrelevant what Lord Ramsay or anyone else says, Eddie." He groaned, not wanting to look into your lovely eyes, prompting you to take his chin and turn his face towards you. "I'm all yours." You kissed his lips sweetly.

"You're all mine?" His voice had gotten huskier. You nodded as he drew you closer to his body, his hands squeezing your thighs through the clothes. "All?"

You lowered your head once more. "All."

"Let me bury my cock in between them." His hands swiftly moved higher, clutching your chest harshly and causing you to toss your head back. "Please remind me that they are mine." As you met his, your mouth was already open; tongues were not waiting to dance lusciously, urging each other around from one mouth to the other. "I want you to get down on your knees." Your chest heaved due to the kiss, and Eddie bit the top of your right breast as soon as he spoke those words. 

You crawled on your knees, your wide eyes focusing on him with a sparkle that told Eddie you were just as hungry as he was. He couldn't wait to have your soft hands play with his thighs and zipper. He desired you. Your chest. Your mouth. Fuck. As he lowered his bottom half, his hands shook.

It made you want to whimper when you noticed he wasn't wearing underwear, but he never did. And fuck, he was already hard, standing tall and proud, twitching now and again.

The tip was somewhat crimson, swiftly turning purple, and you couldn't help but be proud of the impact you had on your spouse. You blew on the tip from afar, and a bead of cum began to drop from the side of his shaft in response. "It's crying out for you, my Queen."

You immediately attempted to undo your corset and dress. Why had you opted to wear one today? "Geez." You complained, your fingers growing a touch red as you fumbled with the laces on your dress.

"Sweetheart," For you to glance up from your bodice, the endearment had to be repeated. "I understand this is one of your favourite gowns."

"Eddie." You warned, your gaze following his hands as he ripped your entire top with one of his rings. "Eddie!" As your chest fell free, he grunted. It looked even heavier than before. "This is one of my favourites."

"I know, my love." He pouted, his right hand stroking under your chin. "But I can order millions of dresses just like this one for you." He whispered, his eyes ablaze. "But I won't be able to order a new dick if this one falls off." You chuckled, making him grin with delight. "Don't laugh, dear. It hurts a lot." He scowled. "I can't even sit up straight anymore. It's cutting through my gut." You smacked his thigh, causing him to chuckle and recline. He spread his legs. "Get me out of my misery."

Eddie's gaze was once again focused on your chest. You always avoided wearing any bralette due to the corsets and the bulky dresses, so as soon as he ripped your dress from the midsection, your chest sprung free, and your nipples were erect—not because of the cold, but because of his stare. 

His respiration was uneven, and as you came closer to him, it grew worse.

You softly and tentatively licked the tip of his member with the tip of your tongue, already feeling a slight saltiness. He moaned, clenching his jaw and shutting his eyes for only a few seconds.

You proceeded to take the full head in your mouth while staring at him, sucking and twirling your tongue around it. "Please," he implored, and you didn't need to hear anything else to figure out what he desired. Your hands swiftly clasped the side of your breasts, engulfing the remainder of his member and warming him even more. "Fuck." He tossed his head back, his hips slowly pushing upward. "Is this heaven?" You chuckled around him, causing him to gasp once again. His hands reached for your hair, and you believed he would grab it. He did, however, just fix your crown. "I can't have my queen all dishevelled." His cheeks were already red, and perspiration on his brow caused his curls to adhere to his face. "You know," he said quietly, his breathing heavy. "I've been thinking about you all day." You sucked harder as you whimpered around him. "Thinking of all the rooms in this castle that we still haven't fucked on, the furniture... fuck." There were so many places remaining, and yet you had done it in so many.

Eddie had an outstanding libido.

You began hollowing your cheeks and sliding your breasts faster around his member. "I'm not going to last. I've been hoping to see you all day so I could fuck you from behind after your lady friends left the tea party." His hand once again fixed your crown. This time, however, it lingered, tangled between your locks. "I was afraid I'd end up fucking you in front of them if they took any longer." His hips began to drive forward, and you had to manage your breathing so as not to suffocate. "They would have been shocked." He grinned, his eyes gleaming. It would not have been the first time he fucked you in public or under unusual circumstances.

"Fuck, sweetheart. I'm close." He mumbled. His thrusts were resilient, grazing the back of your throat. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, stop." With one last lick, your tongue left his cock. Nonetheless, your chest engulfed him. "I want to cum on them." You nodded, heated and longing for him to paint your chest. "You want that too, right?" He laughed. "You want to see the contrast between my cum and your skin colour?"

Eddie came on your chest with a scream—something you adored since Eddie was never hesitant about expressing his joy. "Fuck yeah, sweetheart." Ropes of cum adorn your bust. "Fuck, baby." His hands gripped your breasts once they had released his member, not caring if he got his own cum all over his hands. "Sit." He patted his lap and motioned for you to sit on it. 

"Eddie." You muttered.

"I never get tired of you in any aspect of my life, sweetheart." He kissed the side of your neck, causing you to moan. "I require my daily dose of you. To be honest, more than a dosage." His left hand grabbed your left breast and drew it into his mouth. 

"Now, open your legs."

Eddie's fingers slipped between your legs, and his mouth sucked on your chest. If only you'd known Eddie had an appointment with Lord Ramsay and had entered the throne room while you were in such peril.

[urhoneycombwitch]

i had an idea for high nite but then I forgot and fell asleep so I missed it 😔 but luckily I remembered 😁

I've seen some royal aus but they normally make Eddie the knight/blacksmith/stable boy which is cute but imagine the reverse

imagine prince Eddie who is very silver spoon but with a rebellious streak who has his eyes on maid/royal librarian/servant of some kind reader and will steal as many moments as he can go flirt even though it's a big no-no within the castle and would definitely make his father, the King, upset if he knew his Prince son had affection for someone "lower"

But don't imagine Prince Eddie in all his royal garb and his curls soft and shiny from the elegant products and his crown glistening as it goes askew on his head from hiking up reader's skirts to take them up against the wall trying to be quiet as to not alert anyone

waiiiiiit okay listen I’ll be the first to admit i’ve not been huge into the historical!au genre, however… this might’ve just swayed me, anon.

+18 mdni

because yeah have we considered Prince Eddie of the Western Plains who’s a known scamp. just an absolute dog for the maidens. so when he sets his sights on you, the Royal Gardener’s assistant (not the perfectly eligible, much more age-appropriate Royal Gardener, herself) it’s so… overwhelming.

he literally shirks all his duties, so there’s plenty of time for fucking around in the stables all day, broken up by the greenhouse visits he takes every few bells to tease and flirt with you.

“could come see me after dinner hour, princess,” Eddie says, leaning against one of the sturdy oak gardening tables, directly in the way of your handheld broom’s path.

you swat at his side with the brush, whipping around to make sure no one else was nearby before chiding with a hiss- “shhh. keep your voice down, sire. you’re going to get us both in trouble, calling me that.”

he pouts. unamused, you tap at his side again. “please, Eddie- move. you’ll get dirt on your trousers, besides.”

“i think I liked being called sire, by that sweet mouth, better than my own name.” he chooses an opposing table to drape himself against, silver circlet in his hair twinkling with sunlight as he tilts his head- “what’s got you all pent up, hmm?”

“I think you know what,” you whisper, with a clipped edge to your tone- “winding me up all day, putting a hand up my skirts as you pass-”

“careful, my lady.” Eddie’s voice is suddenly at your ear, his front fitting snug against your back, hips pressing your own into the table. “that sounds like heresy speech against a royal. they could put you in handcuffs, for that.”

your breath hitches. his long hair tickles at your cheek. the greenhouse is eerily quiet, just you and Eddie and the smell of rich, damp soil as you press back into the thickening bulge of his crotch.

“gonna tie me up, my lord? is that a promise?”

[penny00dreadful]

Hark!

Pray, attend to the tale I have penned for @steddiebang2024 , to be unveiled upon AO3 on the fourth day of October, brought forth by myself and my partners in mischief, @hbyrde36 and @arelliann.

��Tis a tale of two neighboring kingdoms, soon to be united by a contract of marriage betwixt the crown prince of Torthúil, Steven Harrington, and the crown princess of Stoirmeach, Christine Cunningham.

Yet these are not the two lovers whom Cupid’s arrow shall strike. In a world where love knows no bounds of gender, yet a class system doth rend hearts asunder, how shall Steve and Eddie find their way to one another?

Take my hand and accompany me to read of a sparring match fraught with desire's tension, a villainous foe, mounting suspense, a protective prince, the endless depths of friendship’s love, the tender unfurling of romance, love’s sweet kisses, a hint of lust, a joust, an escape into the woods, and perchance a brush with death!

Dare ye venture into the realm of knights and the courtly system, where prejudice against those deemed different flows as freely as the clouds that drift above? Let us traverse the winding paths of passion, where each kiss doth hold the promise of adventure and discovery.

’Tis a story woven with passion and peril, where destinies entwine and hearts are laid bare. Come, let us embark upon this journey together, and witness the fates of these noble souls unfold! Thy presence shall bring joy to this revelry, so mark thy calendars, good friends!

[daydreampending]

The Lost Princess

Years after running away from your kingdom, escaping your regal duties and joining a pirate crew, you find yourself back under the hand of a royal realm. Forcefully entwined amongst a palace’s workers, you struggle to hide your true identity.

An identity that once had the entire seven seas searching for you. An identity that grew up accustomed to stately etiquette and its rules. An identity that once belonged to the heir of a throne.

Pairings: Eddie x Princess!Reader, Pirate!Eddie x Pirate!Reader, Prince!Steve x Pirate!Reader

Enemies to Friends to Lovers | Mutual Pining | Hidden Secrets

Main Masterlist

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 (coming soon)

Moodboard

[paradimeshifts7]

⚔️ 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 ⚔️

Part III: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅

Link here

Mind the updated tags!

[eddiesghxst]

enemies to lovers marriage of convenience royal au with eddie ?? anyone ?? pls someone🥹

[vegasol]

For the fairytale and fantasy/royalty AU lovers, I've just published a Steddie Cinderella AU which I hope can bring some holiday cheer :)

It's based on Europe's favourite christmas version of Cinderella, "Tři oříšky pro Popelku," which means it's got a fun little twist to it for those of you who are used to the Disney version.

Three acorns for Eddie Words: 12,564 Rating: Gen Relationship: Steve/Eddie Tags: Royal Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson as Cinderella, Jason Carver being an asshole, Minor violence, First kiss, Getting together, Happy ending

Summary under the read more:

Eddie had thought he would have the whole woods to himself today, all is quiet apart from Brego’s hooves in the snow and his huffed breathing as they canter and jump over fallen logs in their path. But when he slows down for a break he sees people in the distance, their colourful clothes lighting up like beacons between the dark gloom of the trees and the blinding white snow. Eddie halts and jumps off, whispering to Brego to stay still as he sneaks closer.

There are three of them, and Eddie is pretty sure he recognizes one of them as the prince, prince Steve, remembering his face from when the king’s family traveled past their lands last summer. Evidently, he has been blessed not only with the fortunes of royal birth, but with disgustingly good looks as well. His hair catches the rays of sunshine filtering through the trees like drops of golden honey, framing his handsomely chiseled jaw, and the cold weather has given his cheeks a healthy red glow. For some reason it irks Eddie, and he can’t resist the idea of playing a prank on the prince and his friends.

Or: A Cinderella story, where destiny brings Eddie and prince Steve together, but they take it into their own hands to stay together.

[steventhusiast]

little fantasy-ish royal au drabble yayy

prince steve’s parents are detached yet controlling of him, so every so often he rebels and sneaks out of the castle to go visit events and areas in the kingdom he knows will be densely populated. he wears plainer (but still obviously expensive) clothes as well as a thin but long scarf he bunches up around his neck to hide as much of his face as he can, and lets his hair fall naturally rather than his signature styled look. the disguise is barely there, but as long as the attention stays off him and no one gets too close, he never gets caught.

until this time. he’s at some type of crowded market, with everything from herbs to crystals to food being sold there, watching distantly and leaning against a wall. he likes to listen to the people speak so casually and carefree while he’s out, and yearn for the easy companionship people seem to have. but as he’s watching a couple lean against each other as they argue fondly about which baked goods to buy, someone leans on the wall next to him. he glances to them, and finds it’s a man in plain clothes with long dark curls, studying him.

“i was intending to ask for one’s name, but i suspect i already know it.” the mystery man says with a quirked brow, and prince steve adjusts his scarf to cover more of his lower face.

“i know not what you mean.” he tries to play off the observation, but in response he gets a smirk from the man.

“his royal highness is not interested in one peasant’s name? one should not have expected more, i suppose.” the man sighs and drops his head forward slightly. his dramatics cause some curls to fall in his face, and prince steve feels his cheeks redden slightly for a reason unbeknownst to him.

“you may speak plainly, sir.” prince steve suggests to fill the silence.

“only if you speak plainly, your highness.”

“hm.”

“and my name is eddie, though i like ‘sir’ in certain situations as well.” and with that, the man winks and pushes off the wall. he saunters toward a stall held by a small group with what looks to be tarot cards, dramatically flicking his hair back as he goes.

prince steve sighs, and continues to yearn for a life he cannot have, but this time with a slight blush on his cheeks.