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yoonia · 3 months

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the bedroom hymns ● chapter xix

⟶ Chapter summary | A legacy kept secret. A nearly forgotten presence of a loved one. A broken link between you and your late mother. When you begin asking whether it’s worth all the risk for you to get stronger, would you dare to take a step back, when that risk opens up a way for you to find answers?

chapter xix. visions

Something is changing.

No. Everything is changing.

You can feel that change happening in your body the most. What once felt like a raw, completely foreign, indescribable energy running wild through your body since the moment you stepped foot in this realm and inadvertently awakened it, now feels like a steady current rushing through you.

Now, the energy feels almost as natural as the warm blood flowing through your veins. Always growing stronger during your waking hours and settling down in your sleep.

Only a few days have passed since you started going through these afternoon practices with Lord Gordan, yet the changes have been swift. The progress is evident in how much growth you feel with your awareness towards magic.

Now, not only have you grown to be more in tune with the foreign energy you have within, but you seem to have also grown in tune with the magic that is present everywhere around you. You can sense it floating in the air you breathe, vibrating within the castle’s walls, and radiating from the people around you who obtain magic within. It pulses around you whenever a foreign mana is present, brushing against your skin whenever you walk by. Every so often, it seems to you as if the magic around you is trying to connect with your energy instead of feeding off of it just as everyone had initially thought to happen.

Even the magic radiating from the silver doors feels different to you now.

Every time you travel down the long hallways in Stargrave, passing by these silver doors, you can feel the magic from the portals trying to reach out to you even without you activating them. Before, you could only feel the magic by activating the portals, and they have always reacted by engulfing you like a protective shield as you stepped into them. Now, you can feel them emerging from those doors without having to touch them, responding to your presence like invisible fingers gently greeting you when you pass them by.

The humming sound of magic coming out of those doors also seems to be growing clearer whenever you pay more attention to it. The obscure voices that you often hear from them are beginning to form into words—although spoken in an ancient language that you have yet to learn to decipher.

They sound like whisperings of magic spells, playing with your mind and emotions to lure you in with their enchanting hums.

Yet despite your curiosity and deep desire to travel through the portals behind the silver doors, to see new places and learn more about the realm, you have yet to start accessing them again. The magic keys are now hidden in the drawers of your dressing room. Out of sight, even if you still fail to keep them out of your mind.

You have made the decision to put your adventure to a halt for a short while. Except for the times you get bored and decide to try on those doors to see what would happen if you try to open them with regular keys instead of the magic keys your father had gifted you. The enchanting hums are more muted when you approach them this way, yet they are always there, whispering to you, before revealing to you the rooms that are actually hidden behind these silver doors—nothing more but regular rooms, from guest bedrooms to lounges and retrieving rooms filled with wooden furnitures, ostentatious trinkets, and exquisite looking rugs that the maids tend to each day no matter how rare they are used.

There is a valid reason why you choose to take a break from your excursions. For now.

Your body may have recovered, yet your mind is still unsettled, filled with a damning curiosity about magic and what you can do with your powers. And you also refuse to risk losing the progress that you have been making by getting into the portals when you are not completely ready. When your mana is barely steady and your body is still too easily drained.

The lessons that Lord Gordan has been giving you are physically draining, leaving you completely exhausted by the end of the day, with not much time left before the night comes to allow you to travel freely. And it doesn’t help that no matter how badly you wish to use the remaining free time you have left to rest properly and recuperate, fate doesn’t seem to be on your side.

Because your sleep has been restless. Barely giving you the chance to have a proper break in your slumber and regain your energy before starting the next day.

Because while you haven’t been able to travel through the portals during the day, at night, your mind travels on its own through your dreams. Dreams that are so peculiar they haunt you during your waking hours, always leaving you with many unanswered questions which remain at the back of your mind.

The dreams always begin the same way.

Always with the events from the day, replicated through your memories to let you relive it for a brief moment before the images you see shifts. Everything around you fades, leaving you on your own as you step out of your bedchamber, wearing nothing but the slip of a dress you often wear to sleep.

In these dreams, you always see yourself walking through the long, winding hallway of Stargrave, completely barefoot, with your nightdress fluttering around your legs, lured by the shadows that act like your silent guide.

Everything you see in your dreams during this part looks so familiar, yet at the same time, leaves you troubled. Because for some odd reason, they also feel so wrong. The dark walls and the cold stone floor feel different, although you have yet to figure out why you would feel this way when you are always more amazed at the fact that you can feel them, even in your dreams.

In your daze, you keep walking, not stopping until you find yourself walking past the steep alcoves that you find on the outer halls on the side of the castle, heading towards one of the doors leading to the side courtyard.

Stepping outside, a cold breeze suddenly flows around you. The sky is bright, not the usual pale grey that you often see on the daylight at Flagon. Yet there is no warmth falling on your skin. As if there is no sun in the sky shining from above you.

The open veranda standing above the side courtyard seems desolated. Unlike what you see during the day, when you often see the palace maids walking past the flower beds with baskets of linen as they head towards the servants rooms in the back of the palace, or palace guards watching over the courtyard when they are not out there training.

You continue walking from there, going down the long grand staircase made of stone which leads straight down the courtyard. The stone steps feel cold under your bare footsteps as you slowly make your way down. Flower petals in varying colours fall around you, carried through the breeze as they fall around your feet. You follow the petals as a guide, taking you across the courtyard that look nothing like what you recall in your memories.

This side of the palace’s territory feels foreign to you. Never once have you ever explored this far away from the main castle. Always been too busy exploring the hidden parts within the castle walls instead. Even though you have been curious about the locked garden hidden behind the iron gate that you could see from the windows of your bedchamber.

At the end of the courtyard, that is exactly what you see. The familiar wall of green hedges that are standing just a feet over your head. Except that this wall—just like the rest of the things you see—is different.

They aren’t as neatly trimmed as how you remember them. Not as prettily as how you always admire them while you are sitting on the porch of Nanny Abigail’s private quarters during your late afternoon tea time.

Yet the unkempt image of the garden isn’t the only thing that brings unease flickering in your chest. Everything about this green wall feels wrong. The pretty hedges have lost their shapes, with lumps of overgrown leaves at one side and withering and leafless branches on the other. Below, the grass have grown thickly, untrimmed with fallen dry leaves covering the ground around your feet. Ivy claims the iron gate, with relentless tendrils twisting around the iron bars, and rust growing from the corners of the gate to the floral embellishments you see at the top of the gate.

Setting aside the unease, you follow the thrum of your heartbeat and reaches out to touch the iron gate. It opens with one simple touch, and you carefully step across to the other side. As barefoot as you have been, your feet press down the dry leaves and thorny branches covering the ground with each step you take.

On the other side, the garden that you wish to see is nowhere in sight. Once again, everything around you shifts. Instead of taking you to the royal garden, the gate brings you to an open ground that looks like the top of the rocky cliffs outside of Stargrave’s property. The grass quickly declines, replaced by gravel, damp soil, and patches covered in natural stones, with dry sand filling the crevices.

Your mind seems barely present as you continue to walk across the opening, your bare feet are numb as you step over the uneven ground. It feels like your body is moving on its own, your legs working without your mind commanding them. Yet you are still sensible enough to notice it when the ground beneath you seems to ascend.

At the end of your journey, you stop at the part of the ground covered in rocks, finding yourself standing atop of a cliff.

Looking over the ledge, you are reminded of a different dream. The only difference is that instead of looking out at the wide open clear ocean, a different sight unfurls before you as you look across the horizon.

From your new vantage point, you see a magnificent land of riches, a mirror image of the sight you have often marvelled back home in Smotia, but much larger and wider in size, and much more affluent that the place that had once been your home.

To the west, you can see an endless stretch of the dense emerald forest, their canopies of leaves forming a sea of green swaying gently with the breeze. From the trees, you see rivers cutting through the land which sparkle under the bright sky, like ribbons of silver threads winding through the landscape. Tiny dots of villages and towns spread across the horizon, each one formed by either a cluster of thatched roofs or varying shapes of buildings made of white marble stones, all connected by winding paths that seem like bright coloured threads meandering through and between the vast green hills.

Up here, the air feels crisp with scents of pine and wildflowers, far from the scent of see and dry wind of Stargrave. You see birds soaring gracefully in the sky, almost in tune with the rustling leaves and the distant murmur of waterfalls cascading down another part of the cliffs nearby. Between the rising green hills, you see patches of meadows and farmlands spreading across the landscape, all filled with an abundance of fresh crops, ready to harvest.

Looking further to the north, you see the sight of mountain peaks looming in the distance. They remind you of Mount Orrum, except that they fill the horizon in a linear line with their snow-capped summits glowing under the bright unseen sun, towering the land like silent guardians. They look majestic, grand, and intimidatingly beautiful, unlike the lonely peaks of Mount Orrum that presented the long despair of the people of Nythelean Empire before your father claimed the throne.

Looking at this sight brings you a sense of peace and belonging, but also a longing for a place that you have never seen before. This land reminds you of home. Not only for the home you found in Smotia, but the home that your heart has longed for under the lingering memory of your missing childhood.

Far too soon, the bright sky changes as sunset arrives, and the sky is now painted in mixed shades of rosy colours and the golden hue of the descending sun. As the daylight fades beyond the horizon, a thick, white mist begins to rise from the ground, rapidly enveloping the territory.

It seeps through the trees, between the hills, rising higher and higher until you are beginning to lose sight of the green beauty of the land and the bustling life of the townspeople below. Above, white fog as thick as the clouds above also begins to build, covering the beautiful sight completely until everything disappears under the thick blanket of white.

And once again, your dream shifts.

An icy thrill creeps through your spine when the fog is slowly lifted right before your eyes, and the sight you see changes. All of a sudden, you are no longer standing right above a magnificent land of riches and affluent life.

Instead, you are now standing on the edge of a barren plateau. You gaze out to see a desolated land stretching out before your eyes. The lush fields and wide sea of emerald green that was the endless growing forest are long gone. In their place lay a wasteland, parched and lifeless, as if the very soul of the land that you marvelled at had been scorched away.

Scattered across the desolated plain that had been a vast woodland are the skeletal remains of trees, their branches reaching towards the sky like bony fingers of ghosts from ancient times. They all stand in stark contrast to the lifeless ground, their twisted forms becoming an eerie sight out of a nightmare that brings shivers to your skin. The once-fertile soil of the vast farmlands is now a barren wasteland. Its rich, dark loam have now been replaced by dry, cracked earth that seems to stretch on endlessly all the way to the fading horizon. The white peaks of the mountain are now scorched black, as if a massive flame had engulfed the wall of rocks protecting the entire land.

The sky above that was painted in varying colours is now a bleak expanse of grey. Not a sight of the warmth coming from the unseen sun, nor the golden hue of sunset. Nothing but a desolate light cast over from the sky, with no warmth to offer. The once-thriving rivers have mostly dried out to mere trickles, their beds cracked and exposed, and the sound of the trickling waterfalls now silent.

Your eyes sweep across the landscape, your gaze lingering on the remnants of what had once been vibrant villages and lively towns. The stone-made buildings are nothing more than ghostly ruins, with crumbling walls and charred skeletons of what was once homes to many. Others appear with burnt walls and collapsed roofs, with nothing left other than broken porches tainted in smoke and ashes.

Looking closer, you notice the faint outlines of paths and roads. Now barely discernible beneath the encroaching dust and debris. The sky is now quiet and empty. The birds and their songs are no longer present, leaving behind the mournful whispers in the wind, carrying with it the faint scent of ashes and decay, everything that represents death and a sorrowful end.

What you see in your dream right before everything fades the moment you wake up feels like a warning, a reminder of a forgotten past. And it lingers with you through your waking hour, as the heavy weight of the sorrow that you feel from these dreams clings to you so tightly, becoming a part of you, as if your soul is crying for the broken part of the realm that has been lost in time.

Your back is tense. Your limbs are all trembling as sweat builds in your body. You are overwhelmed with the pressure in your body that you are beginning to sway, your focus shifting, yet you know that you cannot stop now. Not yet.

Sighing heavily, you fail to fight against the need to speak and question, “Is this practice really—necessary?”

“You’re supposed to be focusing, Your Highness,” Lord Gordan answers from somewhere across the room after making a sound that is quite similar to a scoff. “Talking will only take your focus away.”

With a deep breath, you swallow your annoyance and resume your position—standing in the middle of the room with your legs spread shoulders-wide, your arms stretched forward, and your gaze locked on the bare wall across the room. After having days of rigorous training—which merely included sword and weapon training and other physical exercises—Lord Gordan has finally decided that it was time for you to start your core training.

You have questioned why it was taking him this long to start teaching you this, choosing instead to focus on giving you physical training and fighting when you already have enough experiences on both from back when you still lived in the Citadel. Now, however, as you are starting to feel the strain in your muscles yet still able to keep yourself standing upright instead of shaking or falling, you are beginning to see the reason why he decided to stimulate your muscles and stamina first. The need to bring back your physical strength after taking a long break from any physical activities due to your move from the capital.

You can understand the meaning behind it, but it doesn’t mean that you have to like it.

“To answer your question. A heightened sense of awareness is required when you are in need of identifying mana.” Lord Gordan’s voice echoes from a different spot in the room, signifying that he has been moving around, circling the room as he keeps an eye on you.

But instead of fixating on his random movement, you fixate more on his words. A startling awareness rocks through you when you understand what he meant.

“Identifying mana,” you whisper as you swallow thickly. Your heartbeat is racing. Never once have you ever shared about what you can do with the foreign mana inside you. No one other than Yoongi, that is.

Surely, Lord Gordan is simply talking about the ability to sense magic, you silently convince yourself as you force yourself to remain calm. Because you have also learned that anyone with magic would be able to do this. To sense, not to identify. Because the latter is something that only a selective few can do.

Unless Yoongi was wrong, and everyone with magic can do this. Making you not as special as he made you to be.

Keeping your voice steady, you try to confirm your thoughts by asking, “So that’s—normal?”

The answer doesn’t come immediately. You can feel the weight of the silence that your tutor is giving you that you almost sway into the urge to rock on your feet, stepping side to side to calm your nerves. But before you can even move an inch, or speak, or take an inhale of breath, Lord Gordan finally speaks.

“To identify its presence, yes. To recognise its form, where it comes from, whether or not they pose some danger to you, would be a special kind of skill which not many are gifted with.”

You cannot see him as he stands behind you, one thing that you are grateful of because it means that he wouldn’t be able to see your reaction. Everything in your body grows tense, and you are sure that your shock is written all over your face.

“How did you—”

Your words fade under the rapid thrum of your heartbeat. Warmth brushes against your back as Lord Gordan walks pass you.

“Focus, Your Highness. Keep your questions for later. Don’t let your curiosity distract you from your practice”—he sighs—”again.”

You can picture him walking away, brushing off his own statement, the fact that he knows what you are capable of, and your reaction to it. A part of you wants nothing more but to ignore everything. Anything to hide the fact that you have been practising your magic behind everyone else’s back and finding some hidden skills that have only been written in the books—behind your father’s back. And because revealing so would raise more questions.

Namely questions on who might have been responsible in teaching you the basic techniques before Lady Laurel ever showed you how to, or what had actually triggered your mana to begin amplifying itself.

But there is a bigger part of you, the one that has always been filled with curiosity, which gets stronger. That part of you needs answers.

“I think the ship has sailed, don’t you agree? You’re the one causing that distraction by being vague.”

“Have I?” he chuckles, sounding a bit closer as he now stands right beside you. “You’re wondering how I know about what you can do, while I’m curious why you would be hiding it when Lady Laurel and Lady Abigail should be able to help you learn more about it.”

Biting your bottom lip, you resist turning your head to look at him. You have no idea what he might see once you turn to face him. Will your secret and lies be written all over your face? Would he be able to read your mind just by looking into your eyes?

Can he really tell how far you have actually been trying to control your mana and how the magic portals have been triggering it to get stronger?

“Have you been practising in secret without your tutors’ knowledge?” Lord Gordan asks with a soft voice, and the breath that you had just taken ceases. “Why?”

How your body can remain in its position is beyond you. Perhaps the fact that you are in too much shock has led to your body to become still. So still, that you barely tremble even when the breath that you take comes with a shudder.

“Because I’ve been denied over and over again when I asked for a chance,” you murmur with a quivering sigh. It is the only reason you can think of. The only reason why you have been quite reckless about delving into magic without getting any proper training in the first place, and the same reason you had given to Lord Gordan before when you first confided in him and got him to agree to train you in secret.

You can feel it rather than hear it when Lord Gordan turns and walks away. The tension in your body eases, but you still don’t dare to move. “You can take a break now, Your Highness,” Lord Gordan says, and you finally let go. Lowering your arms to your side, you wiggle them a little while shifting your legs before turning to look at your father’s aide.

Lord Gordan has his back on you as he stands before a wooden credenza situated across the room. He is calm when he opens the lid of a glass decanter and places two empty glasses along with it. “Drink?”

You cannot exactly see how a liquor can help during this kind of talk. But you suddenly feel like your throat is dry and you can take anything just to ease your mind. “Yes, please.”

Lord Gordan pours a golden-amber drink into both glasses and gestures you to take a seat on the settee near the window before handing you the glass. He sits on the chair across from you, silent as he watches you take dainty sips of the drink. It tastes sweet, a bit smoky, like the whiskey that your father keeps in his study room back in the Citadel. The same one that you had often drunk in secret whenever he was away.

“You were denied access to your practice only because His Majesty instructed them not to get involved with your magic training. I don’t think that fact needed much explanation,” he says as he raises his glass, his eyes never wavering from you.

“As I have already learned from the repeated rejection,” you bitterly mutter. “And I’m sure you recall that I don’t exactly have the patience to wait much longer.”

“As I recall, from the repeated times you kept telling me and how both your tutor and your governess had informed me. Which was the reason why I’m helping you now even without His Majesty’s knowledge,” he reiterates calmly. “I’m sure you’ll be reasonable enough to keep this as our secret, as I am to keep your—private activities. I’ve always known that impatience runs strongly in your blood, after all,” he says with a chuckle. “Much like your magic.”

Your brows rise in your confusion. “What do you mean?”

Lowering his glass, Lord Gordan raises his free hand to start brushing his short beard. His gaze is sharp and intense when he answers, “Your ability to identify magic forms. It is an ability inherited through your bloodline.”

Surprised to hear this, you perk up and straighten up in your seat, eager to learn more. “You mean, my father can do it too?”

“No. Not His Majesty,” he says, shaking his head. “It was the Queen.”

If your eyes have not grown wide before, they definitely are now. It has been quite a rare occurrence for you to hear anything regarding to your mother. It is almost as if people around you have been wary about bringing up the Queen, while your father would always avoid talking about your mother other than the times he reminisced the old days when you spent your childhood with your mother.

Even then, he would always talk about his memories in a vague way, not entirely in a way that would help you remember everything from the past.

That is why it becomes quite obvious that you are curious to hear more. Especially now, knowing that you might share something with your mother. That you have a piece of her in you which you have never known about before.

“What did she do with it? How would she make use of it?” you cautiously ask him as you clutch the glass in your hands, hoping that the more you learn about your mother, the more you can learn about this ability and how to wield it. Until the day you can unlock your true magic. “I’m sorry, I just—I don’t understand why one would need to identify a magic form and its source.”

Lord Gordan’s lips are lifted to a bitter smile. “For many reasons, in fact. You can identify someone or a party who might become a threat to your home and family, or to trace down a person or a magic source which may be of help to the kingdom.” He briefly stops, and you are almost sure that you can see a glimpse of longing in his eyes as he thinks back about the past—about your mother—but it fades too soon before you can read much of it. But the pride that he holds when he speaks of your mother remains when he adds, “But the Queen was capable of many things. She even did some questionable things when she was young with that ability of hers.”

“Such as—?”

Lord Gordan gives a half shrug as a smirk goes on his face. “Once she identified a new magic, she would not only learn of its source. She would dissect it, learn the system behind it to know how it worked and how to manifest it, so she would be able to learn how to wield it herself,” he explains with pride written all over his face.

Resting both of his arms on his knees, Lord Gordan sightly leans forward to continue, “The Queen had the ability to mirror and duplicate others’s magic to her heart’s content and would oftentimes use it for her own gain. It was her ability that had gotten her in trouble far too many times in the past when she was younger, when she would often copy or mirror even the most dangerous kinds of magic she encountered way back then before she took the crown.”

There is a buzz of energy following your footsteps as you walk down Stargrave’s dimly lit hallway. Flashes of your dream keeps following you, and you find yourself comparing every second, every detail that you see as you make your trip across the castle to the images that you saw in your dream.

Different. They are different.

Relief shouldn’t be the one emotion you have rushing in your chest as you look at the dark walls and stone floors, finding them positioned perfectly as you remember them and appearing differently compared to what your dreams have shown you. But relief is the only thing that you can feel now, finally proving to yourself that you weren’t crazy to believe that the images you have been seeing were mirror images to what actually exist in reality.

What appeared to be on your left is now on your right. The side courtyard is placed on the west side instead of the east, and the door to your bedchamber hadn’t been flipped between left and right, causing the floral embellishment to face the wrong way as how you saw it in your dreams.

But thoughts of your peculiar visions are not the only things that you have in mind. A few other things have also been nagging at you as you pace down the hall, nodding at the guards you come across without actually paying attention to their faces or remembering their names.

The last conversation you had with Lord Gordan still haunts you. The story he shared about your mother and her ability keeps coming back to you each time your thoughts are quiet.

For many years, you have tried—and failed—to learn more about your mother. You could never understand why everyone around you would never openly talk about her. You have heard almost nothing that could help you understand more about her; what was she like, what kind of person she was in the eyes of those who knew her and, more importantly, what happened to her.

As if her life has always been a deep, dark secret that needed to be kept from you.

If only you can understand why. Too bad you have no one to question or talk about this with, as even Lady Abigail—the only person you have known to have some kind of a relationship with your mother—has also avoided talking about your mother aside from the time she reminisced the old days before she became your governess and caretaker. She barely even talked about the days she spent taking the role as your mother’s lady-in-waiting when your mother was still alive.

To you, any memory you have of her are hazy, as you were too young, too little to understand anything that was happening then. All you have now are jumbled pieces of memories that you still have trouble putting together, and there was no one around you who would be willing to fill in the gaps and help you get the full picture of what your childhood life with your mother was like.

No one until Lord Gordan finally came to the picture.

Even now, you wonder why would Lord Gordan, someone who is supposed to be the King’s aide, the man who is most loyal to your father, would be willing to help you through everything. You know that you should be feeling grateful that there is at least one person in this castle who is kind enough to guide you through your new life when your father is unable to, not letting you feel lost in this new world you have been thrust into. Yet you cannot help but feel doubtful, unable to stop questioning the reason or purpose behind his willingness to help you and give you the answers you needed when you expressed them.

Can you really trust him, when you had known nothing about this man before you moved to Stargrave?

Does he have another purpose in helping you, and if he does, would it be wrong to believe that it may have something to do with your mother?

The expression he made when he spoke about your mother remains in your memory. At first, you wondered if you had imagined it—the look of longing that flashed through his gaze at the thought of the Queen. But the more you think about it, the more you become sure of what you saw. Yet you have no idea what to make of it or what to do with this lingering doubt when you think about going back to his lecture the next day.

Today’s lecture with your other tutors should have been enough to distract you from your thoughts. From Lady Laurel’s lecture about how a person can use a medium or a talisman to wield their magic, to Nanny Abigail’s lessons about royal alliances between empires and the technicalities behind them—from peace treaty signings to marriage arrangements. Yet your mind kept going back to that last interaction you had with Lord Gordan, to the part where you found out that you have a piece of her with you aside from the enchanted necklace that she passed down to you.

By the end of the day, all the things that kept troubling you began to overwhelm you so much that you decided to take a walk through the castle to clear your head before nightfall comes.

You hadn’t exactly planned to do more than travel through the cold hallways. Nothing more but a little trip to wear yourself out so you can sleep tonight without having to enter your peculiar dream again. Yet with the magic keys in your pocket, it seems like you are being lured once again towards the hall at the other end of the castle where more rows of silver doors are located.

This time, you find yourself being lured specifically to one familiar-looking door which had drawn your attention some long hours ago.

It was early dawn when you walked down this same hallway for your morning stroll, unexpectedly encountering a maid who entered this room to do some cleaning.

“Early morn’, Your Highness,” she awkwardly greeted you with an accent that you weren’t quite familiar with, carrying with her a basket filled with utensils and freshly washed linens.

You watched her entering the room, revealing a small retrieving room with a whole set of high-back chairs covered in ivory coloured leather surrounding a tall round wooden table. You also saw twin credenzas set on each opposite walls, a twin floor-to-ceiling windows across the room where the rising sunrise was filtering through, and a long settee with the same leather cover set in front of them.

This room wasn’t one that you had ever used before. But it was the embellishment carved on the door which caught your attention—the silver linings formed into twisting wild ivy with blooming wildflowers carved on the door and the symbolic markings on its center which mirrored the curves on the center of your ruby amulet.

You trace those linings with your gaze as you are standing before the same door again many hours later, listening to the whispering hums that you failed to notice this morning when the maid unlocked the door with her master key. The sky outside is growing dark, as your activities during the day had turned out to be longer. Looking around, there are no guards in sight. No palace maids roaming the halls as the day nears dusk, most of them already retreating to their quarters to have their needed break and prepare for supper.

After days of keeping it away, the silver key feels peculiar in your hand. But at the same time, it feels good to have it with you again. It gives you some sort of comfort to be holding it again, despite feeling the weight of its secret which you are obligated to protect in your father’s name.

Looking from up close, you can finally confirm that the curves on the door truly are similar to what you have on your necklace. Lines that at one glance will only look like petals of flowers curling on each other. Yet when you take a look even closer, they appear more like cursive letters for words that are foreign to you.

Just as foreign as the spells that are humming from the door as you step closer.

Taking a deep breath, you slowly enter the key, opening the door with a resounding click. The blue void unfurls in the doorway instead of the view of the retrieving room that you previously saw, and you carefully step into it. Your senses immediately grow alert, opening to embrace the sparks of magic that is welcoming you back.

A sharp gasp escapes you as you walk through the portal.

You had expected that it would feel different this time around to come in direct contact with the magic, yet you never expected it to be this intense. Not that the sparks of energy feel painful on your skin. It’s just that the magic feels more aggressive, coming at you with a rush as it engulfs you completely until you emerge on the other side.

With the magic and the whispering spell still ringing in your head, it takes a bit longer for you to regain control of your senses once you step out of it. Keeping your eyes closed, you try to catch your breath, instantly breathing in humid air filled with mildew and dust.

It nearly chokes you instead of helping you calm down. With brows furrowed, you carefully open your eyes to see where you are.

The room where you have emerged into seems to be a closed storage, with open cabinets filling the walls around you, all stocked with boxes, canned rations, and empty glass jars that are mostly covered with dust. Judging from the state you are seeing, you are quite certain that this place hasn’t been visited for a long while.

Coughing up all the dust, you turn to follow the humming sound of the portal, seeing it appearing behind you in the mirror standing against the wall. Its blue light sparkling brightly across your face, appearing slightly lighter and brighter than how it used to.

“Charming,” you muse with a chuckle, realising how much you have missed seeing this magnificent sight that is still amazing to marvel at.

Turning back to face the room, you find two different doors. Each one placed on the opposite side of the storage room. The one on your left seems to be locked, with more dust and cobwebs attached on it, and you find no desire to touch it at all.

Lights seem to be penetrating through the seams and cracks on the door to your right, which seems more promising. The wood is also cleaner, smoother, and new, with not a sight of rust on its metallic handle and hinges that would have made you hesitant upon touching it. You can also hear muffled noises coming from the other side—people’s voices, a hum of music coming from the distance, and the sound of hoofs and carriage wheels passing across stone-covered ground.

Dusting your coat, you walk over to the door on your right and carefully reach for the handle. It opens easily with a click, as if your touch alone is enough to unlock it. All the noises you heard earlier filter into the dark room in an instant. The golden hue of sunset that welcomes you as you step out of the door feels blinding, hitting you right at the same time warm breeze comes brushing against your skin.

The change of atmosphere is so sudden that it becomes overwhelming and too distracting.

So distracting that you nearly jump when the door abruptly closes behind you with a hard slam before you can stop it. Turning in shock, you inadvertently bump against someone who is trying to walk past.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!”

“Excuse me!”

You turn to look at the person you just bumped into, seeing a young girl who is carrying a pile of boxes in her arms. The pile has grown so high that they almost reach the top of her head, making it hard for her to see clearly what is in front of her.

“I’m sorry, Miss. I couldn’t see you,” the young girl apologises in a small voice after making sure she isn’t going to drop her boxes. You see two blotches of pink smearing her cheeks as she looks at you that you feel guilty for getting in her way.

“That’s okay, it was my mistake for not paying attention,” you say to her, nodding, and the girl smiles before she continues on her way.

Watching her go, you finally realise that you are standing in the middle of some sort of a back alley. Aside from the door that you had just come out of, there are lines of doors on either side of the alley. All closed and possibly locked. All leading to the bigger spaces hidden behind the wall. Curious to know where you have ended up in, you silently follow the young girl down the alley until you reach the end.

Stepping out of the dark back alley, you emerge into a place bustling with vibrant energy.

With cobblestone streets, lines of fancy stores and buildings made up of stone and brick walls with large display windows at the front, this place reminds you of the high street of Narlès. Amazed, you walk out into the street, joining the crowd of people who are too busy window-shopping to notice you.

At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything unusual about the stores that you are seeing.

A scent of freshly baked bread and pastries comes wafting from a quaint bakery nearby, where the display windows showcase golden croissants, crusty baguettes, and an array of sweet treats that are making your stomach rumble. But there is also a hint of herbs, spice, and other rich aroma that you aren’t quite familiar with, seemingly richer and more diverse compared to the bakery shops you have seen in the human realm.

Right next door is a small bookshop. From the window at the front, you can see wooden shelves packed with various books. Their spines display a rainbow of colours and textures. You don’t have to step in to imagine breathing in the comforting aroma of aged paper and ink. Similar to what you always find back at the old library of Stargrave.

Yet from here, you can also see scrolls and scriptures stacked up between those shelves, ancient runes written on the spines of the books that appear to be glowing from the furthest shelves inside the store, and tarot cards being laid across the display table by the windows. Together with candles and burning incense laid around an open spell book.

Just like Narlès, there are small boutiques lining up the street. Their windows display mannequins wearing the latest trends, ornate fashion pieces made up of coats and cloaks, high leather boots and sparkling heels, and some other exquisite pieces that you have never seen being sold in fashion boutiques before; such as chest armours made of glimmering gold and leather straps in varying sizes and shapes which appear to be made for swords and other weapons.

The sight of excited shoppers carrying their bags in their arms remind you of the nobbles you met at Narlès. The people of high-society who came to the market town to keep up with the trend, their faces filled with joy as they carried the goods and gifts that they were bringing home.

But the more you look, the more you can find stark differences between both places. Unlike Narlès, the streets here are larger in width, allowing carriages to drive by and more varying shoppers strolling from one store to the next. Magic items are being displayed even in the regular shops, pixies jumping around and flying in front of some shops, happily inviting shoppers to come visit.

Instead of seeing only nobbles roaming the streets, you see children playing around the fountain at the market square, street musicians performing for passerby with music and magic tricks within a block of each other, and varying vendors selling their goods—from various wares, flowers, even snacks and candies—at colourful stalls built between the larger stores.

Yet the major difference you are seeing the most is within the people. Looking past the fancy linings on their outfits and the variety of colours and fabric of their coats, you catch some other characteristics that are evident between the people around you. The humans or mortals are easy to recognise, with their tilted chin and neatly combed hairs and formal demeanour, they don’t stand out as much compared to the ones with pointy ears and jewelled-like eyes, or the ones with hairs in the colour of moonlight that actually glow and sparkle under the golden hue of the sunset, or the ones who stand almost as tall as the stores they are walking past by.

Just like Narlès, where humans from a myriad of places come to visit and find what they need, this place seems to be the destination for visitors from every part of the fairy tale realm who are not regulars to the market town for the humans.

Elves, faeries, trolls, and shapeshifters. Most of them are either dressed as sorcerers and wizards or warriors and rich merchants, and they blend together with travelling humans such as you are as they roam the streets and the alleys lined up between the smaller stores.

In your astonishment, you suddenly come to a halt. Barely avoiding a collision with two young elves who are pushing carts filled with goods across the market square. You continue to watch them go until they disappear into the store across the street where they seem to be working at.

You still have your eyes locked on the busy street until you hear a mixed sounds of squeaking and rattling coming from above your head, followed by the sound of a ringing bell echoing somewhere nearby. The sounds draw your attention to the sky, allowing you to see the sight that you would have missed out on should you keep your attention to the ground.

Looking up above, you find that the skyline is graced by sleek, silvery lines of elevated tracks that you have seen pictures of from your books about the magical realm. Weaving their way beyond the top of the stores made up of stone and brick walls and between the towering buildings covered with glass walls, they cast intricate shadows on the cobblestone streets below which you have failed to notice earlier while taking in the sight of the stores and the people around you.

Trains made up of long carriages move gracefully along the tracks, suspended in the air with cables connecting them to the silver tracks. The humming sound of the machinery mobilising their leisure strolling across the city echoes all the way down to the bustling streets below, a constant reminder of the vibrant energy pulsing through the market place.

The monorails. That is what they are called in one of the books that you read during your lectures.

In the pictures you saw on those pages, they looked like frail horse carriages hanging in the sky. You had imagined them moving stiffly, rocking with each curve and twist of their tracks as they move through the city. Yet as you watch them drive by above your head, they look more like a metallic serpents floating in the sky, glowing as its body reflects the golden hue of sunlight for traveling up close. You can see from the distance that each car seems to be carrying with them more shoppers and visitors from various places in and out of the city that might be way more spacious than how you had initially thought it to be.

Seeing this makes you feel as if you have been sent years ahead into the future instead of somewhere across the realm. A modern city that many could only dream of. Except that magic exists in this place together with the technology that you have yet to see in your home realm.

You can feel the presence of magic. Sense it. Be it pulsing from everywhere around you or to feel it as you almost come brushing against other passerby strolling down the streets.

One of the monorails slows down to a halt in front of what seems to be an elevated post standing against the upper floor of a nearby store. The ringing bell you heard earlier becomes the sign of its arrival before a voice calls out from within the carriage,

“Aeris! Welcome to Aeris, the Mage city!”

Eyes widening, you feel intrigued. You can hear the sound of your heartbeat growing slightly faster as your excitement grows.

Mage city. How interesting, you wonder with a smile. Let’s see if this place can teach something more about magic.

The chime of the bell echoes from above your head as you walk through the store’s front door.

Inside, the air is thick with the scent of old books, exotic spices, and a hint of incense. A stark change from the humid air outside. It feels comforting, in a way that you are made to feel as if you are walking into a place that feels dreamy. As if this space is enchanting and inviting you to find shelter here among the rows of racks filled with crafted artefacts and magic items.

Looking around, you notice that the store that you had just entered isn’t too crowded, yet still lively. The muted sounds of conversations shared between shoppers and workers become a lull as you walk deeper into the shop. You can see more wizards and witches walking around, browsing through the racks and display tables. Workers that you identify as a mixed group of humans and elves are diligently tending to the customers, yet none of them seems to have noticed you enter.

The shop is dimly lit by chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, each one adorned with crystals which refract lights in a myriad of colours spread across the room. The walls around you are lined up with wooden shelves, all reaching up to the high, vaulted ceiling, with not a sight of an empty rack visible from where you stand.

On one side of the store, an alcove bathed in a soft glow of light appears a bit more lively than the main area of the shop. In there, elves, young and old, and some young humans dressed in intricate cloaks gather around a large wooden table. The elder elves are holding different types of scrolls in their hands as they converse with each other in gentle voices.

Judging by the looks of it, they seem to be holding a small workshop there, teaching the younger customers the art of potion-making, seen from the way the elder elves are guiding the young wizards through the process of mixing and testing different types of colourful liquids into small cauldrons and glass bottles.

It is quite an interesting sight to see real wizards and other beings doing magical practices so openly in such a welcoming space. To watch with your own two eyes everything that you have only learned and seen through your books and scriptures. You are also amazed to see the mystical creatures blending in, as you see mischievous pixies flitting about to help the workers and large owls with wide, golden eyes perched on wooden posts set on different corners of the store as they watch over the shoppers like silent guardians.

And you certainly cannot miss the vibrant pulse of magic spreading all around you.

Unlike the parts of the city which you had come across, where magic simply lingered in space, you can easily tell that the magic you are feeling is coming from different sources that are stored all over the shop.

At the center of the room, a large, intricately carved oak table stands as a centerpoint, displaying a variety of enchanted items; wands crafted from rare woods and embedded with precious gems, enchanted rings that glimmer under the glow of the chandelier above, and talismans inscribed with runes of ancient spells. The faint hum of mana coming out of these artefacts permeates the air, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Instead of coming closer to learn more about them, you turn away from the table, as they were not the reason why you came here in the first place.

Your gaze moves towards the display counter at the front, to the sparkling items that you saw earlier when you were walking pass by the store. Jewelries and amulets adorned with gemstones and crystals in varying colours, all glowing under the sunset hue penetrating through the front window.

Their alluring sparkles had been the reason why you had chosen to step into this store—after visiting multiple different stores which had drawn your attention yet hadn’t been enough to keep you interested. But it is the pulsing mana they are emitting which draws you in as you slowly take a few steps closer.

Lowering the hood of your cloak, you keep your eyes on these amulets as you reach up to your neck, gently grazing the embellishments on your necklace with the tips of your fingers. From the moment you stepped out of the magic portal, the necklace has been humming with mana. And now, once you have it revealed from the neckline of your cloak, it appears to be glimmering. You have no idea whether this is happening as a late response to the magic from the portal or if it is calling out to the vibrating energy you feel coming from all around you.

The only thing that you notice is the fact that these amulets are answering its call.

Whispers of enchanting spells begin filling your head, muffling all the other sounds coming from all around you. Without you realising it, your legs begin to move forward, and there is something guiding your hand to reach out to touch the alluring pulse of mana. To feel it on the tips of your fingers. To sense the real form of this flowing energy and understand its origin.

“Welcome to l'Équinoxe,” a soft voice greets you, shutting down the humming magic that is beginning to overcome your senses.

Snapping out of it, you lower your hand and turn, facing the main counter on the other side of the room. A shopkeeper stands behind the counter, her green eyes sparkling brightly as she greets you with a smile on her face. The tips of her pointy ears are peeking out of the strands of her caramel-coloured hair as she slightly tilts her head. “Hello, is there anything that I can help you with?” she asks. Her voice is gentle and she speaks in a rhythm which makes it seem as if she is singing a tune as she invites you to come closer.

“We have potions and elixirs for all purposes—healing, therapy, youth, and we also have some that can enhance your mana and strength. In the back, we have wands, crystals, and staffs for your magic practices. We also have various types of medium, talismans that are handcrafted by artisans from across the realm and—” she stops briefly, and while your gaze traces across the array of colourful bottles filled with potions and elixirs lined up within the racks behind the shopkeeper, her gaze moves down to the glimmering necklace hanging from your neck, “—amulets, just like the one that you are wearing now.”

Your gaze snaps back to her face. “Oh,” you whisper. Something about this interaction you are suddenly having makes you uneasy. Yet you are incapable of pinpointing what it is that makes you feel so unsure about this. If only her soft gaze isn’t so comforting and inviting, perhaps you would have been able to think clearly. Clear enough to question if it would be a good idea to engage on her sudden interest with your necklace.

Clearing your throat, you muster a smile to your face. “Yes, I was looking at those necklaces at the front. I’m not really looking for anything, I was window-shopping and got a bit curious.” Which isn’t a complete lie, since that had been the reason why you stumbled into this store.

“Take your time. You can look around however you like,” the shopkeeper reassures you. “Although, I can’t say that we have anything that would be able to match your lovely amulet.”

An unsettling flutter sparks in your chest. “Why would you think that?”

The shopkeeper, the female elf with eyes like a pair of jewels says nothing at first, only keeping her gaze on your necklace for a moment too long before asking, “May I have a look?”

Tilting your head, you barely have any thought of debating on it. Once again, your curiosity easily wins. “Of course,” you answer her as you walk closer to the counter, allowing her to get a better look at your necklace.

As you lean over the counter, the shopkeeper herself leans forward and gently pulls the ruby amulet towards her. She hums a little as she peruses the necklace, her gaze traces across the ruby stone and the golden embellishments before her lips are lifted to an amused grin. “This is a magnificent type of amulet that I haven’t seen for a long time. Seems like your necklace was crafted many years ago, and the ruby is a specific kind of gemstone that is rarely found nowadays in modern cities like ours,” she murmurs, once again sounding as if she is speaking in tune. She brushes her thumb across the ruby stone and you can almost be sure that it vibrates against her touch. You can barely conceal a flinch, yet she doesn’t seem to notice it as she carefully releases the necklace.

The pulse of mana remains for a moment as the necklace settles against your skin. It feels warm—not in an unsettling way which would have made you worry. But it does take a while before the rapid pulse of mana within the necklace starts to calm down.

“I can feel the strong magic it contains. Did you wield the mana yourself?”

At the mention of the magic hidden within the amulet, you finally realise the reason why you have been so bothered about this interaction. About everything that has happened since the moment you stepped foot into this city. From the moment you bumped into the young elven in the back alley who didn’t seem so surprised to see you, the way some shopkeepers kept offering you their goods while you were walking down the streets, and how this elven shopkeeper had greeted you first.

Your father’s voice and his insistent in making sure that you would never forget to wear your mother’s necklace echo through your head, along with the fading voice of the mysterious man you met in your dreams who sounded much like Yoongi as he talked about the necklace.

The protective spell.

The magic inside the amulet which had been protecting you, shielding you from other people’s eyes and making you almost invisible to avoid coming to harm, has been annulled. Whatever magic exists in this mage city is much stronger than the magic that had been implanted in your ruby amulet. Just like how it never works whenever you are back home in Stargrave, where the source of its magic is present.

With a light scoff, you let out an amused chuckle and shake your head. “I wish I was skilled enough to do so, but no. This necklace was handed down to me from my mother.”

The shopkeeper gives you a thoughtful look. “I see. It’s good to be able to see such a powerful amulet again after so long. We used to sell similar amulets such as yours, a long, long time ago, back when I was a novice barely capable of conjuring spells.”

“Really?” The pitter-patter of your heartbeat sounds like a charm, a drumming song, a melodic tune that sounds almost as clear as the bell chiming from above the front door of the magic store. Hope blooms inside your chest as you realise that you may have stumbled upon a place that may have some traces of your mother’s legacy. That you might be able to find traces of her existence in this realm and finally piece together the story about her life.

“I wish I know more about this necklace,” you find yourself murmuring as you look at your necklace with wonder. And then your gaze returns to the shopkeeper, wondering if she would be able to help answer some of your curiosity. “Do you perhaps recognise the curving on the embellishment as well? I have been trying to understand what these forms could mean, whether they are symbols or cursive letters, but I cannot seem to find anything that may explain what they are.”

The shopkeeper lifts her brows and leans forward once more. With a slight nod, she takes a moment to asses what she is looking at before sharing her thoughts with you, “They seem to be a mixture of symbols and spells written in cursive letters. Like I said, it’s been a while since I’ve seen anything like this.”

Leaning back, she tilts her head as she thinks deeper. “They look similar to a part of an Ancient language. The old language of the Ancient Faeries,” she calmly says, sounding firm and confident with her assessment while you are caught by surprise to hear this revelation. “You know, I might have some old spell books in the back which may help you translate them, if you are interested.”

You don’t even waste anymore time to consider it. “I would love to buy the book if you have it in your inventory.”

The shopkeeper’s smile widens, as if she shares your joy for coming close to solving the mystery behind this necklace. “Let me see what I can find.”

You barely finish muttering words of gratitude when she quickly turns away from the counter. You watch her as she slips away, following her movement with your eyes as she weaves her way through the store, slipping between the display racks and shoppers until she reaches the back of the shop.

From there, she climbs up a spiral staircase which leads to a mezzanine floor filled with scrolls and parchments, where only a small group of visitors are seen diligently browsing through them as if doing their personal research. Then she disappears behind the massive wooden shelves you can see in the far back of the mezzanine floor, one that is filled with a clutter of spell books.

Not so keen to appear like a lost child, you turn back to focus on the display racks filled with bottled potions. You hadn’t been able to pay close attention to them earlier as you were chatting with the shopkeeper. Looking closely beyond the myriad of vials of elixirs, you see various sizes of glass jars filled with bizarre ingredients floating in thick golden liquids; dry branches and roots, preserved parts of dead animals, and other unidentifiable items.

It intrigues you to wonder what these items would be useful of. At the same time, the sight of these unidentified ingredients makes you wary about trying out the potions, even if you had been interested to see if they could truly work in helping you during your magic training.

While you are silently marvelling these displayed components, you catch a flutter of motion at the corner of your eyes, coming from the front of the store. Turning to face the front window, you see movements of window-shoppers passing by at the front, a horse carriage driving through towards the opposite side, and weaving between the crowd is a dark, familiar figure walking in quick pace.

Tall and slim, wearing a black cloak that flutters behind him with every firm step he takes and a large hood that covers his head, the sight of this figure causes your heartbeat to pick up.

“I found it! I knew we had it somewhere. I’m sorry it took me so long—” the shopkeeper cheerfully announces her return, almost running out of breath in her haste. While you are glad to hear that she has managed to find the book that you may need for your research, the desire to chase the dark figure who is slowly disappearing between the crowd of people outside becomes too irresistible for you to ignore.

“Could you excuse me for one second? I’ll be right back, I promise,” you hastily apologises to the shopkeeper who is staring at you with wide eyes. Guilt pierces through your chest as you look at her, but you have no time to explain yourself as the figure suddenly slips out of sight.

The melodic chime of the bell at the front door sounds muted when you have your focus on the movements happening in the streets. It seems like your legs are moving faster than they have always been when you try to catch up with him, yet you still struggle to keep up when the crowd seems to grow thicker the closer you are getting to the square, and he isn’t going any slower.

The sun has gone down while you were at the magic store. The lights from the stores around you and the streetlights have been light up to compensate the rising darkness, yet they are still not enough to help you see better.

Thankfully, the dark figure appears once again, still moving fast between the crowd of shoppers and workers without noticing you following him. The back of his cloak are billowing like a small wave as he continues to stroll away, and you can almost hear the clicking sound of his boots as he walks further away. The cloak parts at the front with the speed that he is walking on, revealing the short sword that is strapped against his left hip, the sheathed side of it bumping against his thigh as he continues walking further away from you.

Yoongi. It must be him, you wonder. Yet why hasn’t he said a thing? Why is he leaving without saying hello?

You cannot understand why he would choose to leave just when you noticed him. It couldn’t have been because he didn’t see you, when you are quite sure that you had seen him standing in front of the store, watching you through the front window before he suddenly turned and walked away.

But why?

Questions continue to fill your head as you keep chasing him. But the crowd keeps getting thicker, as the night quickly arrives and the evening shops and cafes are open.

You are nearly breathless as you reach the market square. The voices in your head quickly becomes silent as your hope is depleted, and you stop with a sudden halt. Because just as you turn the corner, the dark figure that you have been following suddenly vanishes, as if he has been swallowed by the shadows of the night, taking away any hope you have had of being able to see your mysterious mercenary again.

Author's Note | It's been a long wait, but we're finally here. This part took a long time to finish because it kept growing as more details were added in, and I had to figure out how to split the scenes to make it readable. Thank you for your patience. I really hope you enjoyed reading this chapter!

#k-vanity #bangtanwhq #yoongi fanfic #yoongi scenario #yoongi smut #yoongi angst #yoongi fluff #suga scenario #suga smut #suga angst #suga fluff #yoongi x reader #suga x reader #bts fanfic #bts scenario #bts smut #bts angst #bts fluff #bts x reader

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itsabouttimex2 · 3 months

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Can you do escape attempt headcanons with the bullfam?? I’ve been reading your headcanons lately n they’re literally so good 😭😭!!

Bullfam

Escape Attempt Headcanons

Out of this powerful trio, I think Red Son would notice the soonest that you’ve gone out of bounds. With how likely it is that you’re wearing a collar (of his own design) with the sigil of the Bull Clan emblazoned on it, it’s very probable that he has a tracking device on you. Even if you don’t have a collar, there’s always bracelets, phones, shoes… plenty of places to snap an unassuming tracker.

So if you somehow do manage to escape, your foray back into the familiar streets of Megapolis is bound to be cut short in record time.

Red corners you as by sharply rounding the curve of an alleyway, slamming into you hard. As you stumble and fall, the prince snatches a wrist or leg (whatever’s easier) and pulls until he’s dragged you roughly across half the concrete-paved block. After your whimpers and begging turn to pained screams, the half-taurine demon blazes up a runic portal and tosses you in.

Jumping in mere seconds after, Red Son surveys the scene before that unfurls before him.

You lay curled up on the plush purple carpet sobbing into your hand as blood oozes slowly down the road rash torn across your back.

As it always does, a cold regret seeps slowly through his veins at the sight of your suffering.

Red Son hasn’t come to realize something very important to him yet- he hates hurting you.

The prince explodes in a fit of fiery wrath, lashes out, hurts you- then stews in remorse and self-anger. An uncontrollable and ever-raging wildfire that torches even that which is dearest to him.

This is the part of himself he hates the most.

The part he can’t stop from hurting you.

Damage control is the most he can manage after these little fits.

“…come on, Y/N. I’ll get the bandages.”

Oh, boy. Absolutely not. I mean, you can try. Really, feel free. Go for it.

What’s a few broken bones or bloody gashes in return for a brief glance of sunlight? For a singular breath of fresh air?

Okay, so the Demon Bull King isn’t exactly itching to hurt you. You wouldn’t be locked up inside his foundry like a fragile antique if he just wanted to grind you into a bloody smear on the concrete (that’s his son’s job) or pop you like a swollen tick. If he’s got you bolted into a nice little guest room with a Bull Clone, it because this big lumbering warlord actually and honestly cares about you.

Probably, the king sees you as a sort of “youngest child” naive and soft and so very malleable.

So the aspect of “protecting what is his” applies very strongly as the taurine demon catches sight of you fleeing, mild yellow eyes narrowing into glowing pools of fury.

This man is fast- we’ve seen it in canon. Also, his “on all fours” run?? Seeing that coming right at you, clearing miles in literal seconds??

You give up, hit the ground, and go still- if only because you’re entirely unsure of whether or not he’d actually be willing to actual physical contact at such high speeds and atomize the lower half of your body.

Instead, you allow him to corner your cowering form, not struggling as two clawed fingers pluck you off the ground. He’s too angry to even speak- and instead just fold his powerful claws around you, and the begins to stomp home.

You’ve earned yourself a custom-made metal shackle, to be worn through all through the day and night, paired with reduced rations and limited access to water.

But at least he hasn’t harmed you.

Yeah, okay. From everything we’ve seen, Princess Iron Fan is basically… unflappable and unstoppable? I can’t actually remember her directly losing a fight outside of the Sworn Brotherhood when they had the ink scroll. She’s powerful, intelligent, patient… I can’t imagine many ways to truly “get one over on her”.

An enchantment on your nape that prevents travel past a certain area. A magical tracking device planted under your skin. Cursed jewelry that tightens when you disobey. Mystical statues with strange eyes that track your every movement and spring to life when you make for the door.

It’s not happening.

You can try- Iron Fan doesn’t intervene with your escape attempts. You’re bound to fail one way or the other. Why should she waste her energy when your efforts are worthless to begin with?

At least watching your desperate struggles and harebrained schemes puts her in good mood- there’s something about your frustrated tears that she finds all too cute.

#Platonic Yandere #Yandere Lego Monkie Kid #Yandere LMK #Yandere Red Son #Yandere Demon Bull King #Yandere Princess Iron Fan #Bullfam #Yandere Brother #Yandere Father #Yandere Mother #Yandere Headcanons #TW: Physical Abuse

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book--brackets · 2 months

Text

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas (2008-2014)

In a city that runs on a dwindling supply of magic, a young boy is drawn into a life of wizardry and adventure. Conn should have dropped dead the day he picked Nevery's pocket and touched the wizard's locus magicalicus, a stone used to focus magic and work spells. But for some reason he did not. Nevery finds that interesting, and he takes Conn as his apprentice on the provision that the boy find a locus stone of his own. But Conn has little time to search for his stone between wizard lessons and helping Nevery discover who--or what--is stealing the city of Wellmet's magic.

100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson (2007-2010)

Twelve-year-old Henry York is going to sleep one night when he hears a bump on the attic wall above his head. It's an unfamiliar house—Henry is staying with his aunt, uncle, and three cousins—so he tries to ignore it. But the next night he wakes up with bits of plaster in his hair. Two knobs have broken through the wall, and one of them is slowly turning...

Henry scrapes the plaster off the wall and discovers doors—ninety-nine cupboards of all different sizes and shapes. Through one he can hear the sound of falling rain. Through another he sees a glowing room—with a man strolling back and forth! Henry and his cousin Henrietta soon understand that these are not just cupboards. They are, in fact, portals to other worlds.

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (2008)

A girl is transformed, through instruction in life at court, determination, and magic, from sullen, pudgy, graceless Ben into Crown Princess Benevolence, a fit ruler of the kindgom of Montagne as it faces war with neighboring Drachensbett.

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen (2021-present)

Vanja Schmidt knows no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love. Abandoned to Death and Fortune as a child, she has scraped by as a lowly maidservant with her quick wits and the ability to see her god-mothers’ hands at work in the world. But when they demand her lifelong servitude in exchange, Vanja decides that gifts not given freely…can always be stolen.

When an opportunity rises to steal a string of enchanted pearls, Vanja seizes it, transforming herself into Gisele, the princess she’s served for years. As the glamorous princess, Vanja leads a double life, charming the nobility while ransacking their coffers as a jewel thief. Then, one heist away from funding an escape from her god-mothers, Vanja crosses the wrong god, and is cursed to turn into jewels herself. The only way to save herself is to make up for what she’s taken—starting with her first victim, Princess Gisele.

Valdemar: Mage Wings by Mercedes Lackey (1992-1993)

High magic had been lost to Valdemar when he gave his life to save his kingdom from destruction by the dark sorceries. Now it falls to Elspeth Herald, heir to the throne, to take up the challenge and seek a mentor who will awaken her mage abilities.

The Numair Chronicles by Tamora Pierce (2018-present)

Arram Draper is on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting danger. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram realizes that one day–soon–he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones (1998-2000)

Everyone - wizards, soldiers, farmers, elves, dragons, kings and queens alike - is fed up with Mr Chesney's Pilgrim Parties: groups of tourists from the world next door who descend en masse every year to take the Grand Tour. What they expect are all the trappings of a grand fantasy adventure, including the Evil Enchantress, Wizard Guides, the Dark Lord, Winged Minions, and all. And every year different people are chosen to play these parts. But now they've had enough: Mr Chesney may be backed by a very powerful demon, but the Oracles have spoken. Now it's up to the Wizard Derk and his son Blade, this year's Dark Lord and Wizard Guide, not to mention Blade's griffin brothers and sisters, to save the world from Mr Chesney's depredations.

Traveler's Gate by Will Wight (2013-2014)

Simon can only watch, helpless, as his family is killed and his friends captured by enemy Travelers-men and women who can summon mystical powers from otherworldly Territories. To top it off, another young man from Simon's village discovers that he's a savior prophesied to destroy evil and save the realm.Prophecy has nothing to say about Simon. He has no special powers, no magical weapons, and no guarantee that he'll survive. But he sets off anyway, alone, to gain the power he needs to oppose the Travelers and topple their ruthless Overlord. It may not be his destiny, but Simon's determined to rescue his fellow villagers from certain death.Because who cares about prophecy, really?

Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda (2000)

The evil Shadow Lord is plotting to invade Deltora and enslave its people. All that stands against him is the magic Belt of Deltora with its seven gems of great and mysterious power. When the gems are stolen and hidden in dark terrible places throughout the kingdom, the Shadow Lord triumphs, and Deltora is lost.

In secrecy, with only a hand-drawn map to guide them, two unlikely companions set out on a perilous quest. Determined to find the lost gems and rid their land of the tyrant, they struggle towards their first goal - the sinister Forests of Silence.

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi (2016-2017)

There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn't miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it's been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she's about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she'll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. It will take all of Alice's wits (and every limb she's got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself--and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.

#best fantasy book #poll #the magic thief #100 cupboards #princess ben #little thieves #valdemar: mage winds #the numair chronicles #derkholm #traveler's gate #deltora quest #furthermore

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teaboot · 5 months

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What are your favorite pieces of media?

hhhhng Uhhhh

growing up, probably The Pendragon Chronicles- from what I recall it's a series of books about a kid who has to correct cataclysmic events on a bunch of separate worlds caused by a being who intends to end life on all of them.

One world is Modern Earth, where he's the only one able to use the portal to travel to other worlds, one is 1920's Past Earth, one is Future Earth in a sort of cyberpunk setting, one is a desert planet in the midst of war, one is a jungle world in which the dominant species is a race of bipedal cats, one is a water world where all food is farmed on a series of island-sized boats.. and I think that's all of them, unless I'm forgetting?

And on each world there's one guardian, and they meet up and fight and shit, and they can't blow their cover on any world, and each world has a large, distinct world-ending event brewing- The water one may lose their source of food, for example, and in future-earth people are wasting away in a virtual reality game they become addicted to.

It's one of the rare long series of teen books that I feel had a pretty satisfying ending despite the huge buildup, and I'd really recommend it to anyone interested.

I also really like X-Men, and Trigun, and while I haven't seen the new Percy Jackson series it was UNCONTESTED my number one favourite- I still have it on my shelf, absolute A+.

Aaaaand.... I enjoy the Batman Fandom more than most of the comics themselves but I'm in there, too. Was a homestuck cosplayer back in the day, as well. Loved Gravity Falls, loved Steven Universe.

Six Underground ins my favourite "sick at home" comfort movie. Also the only two John Wick movies in existence, shame they never made more sequels. Lord of the Rings. The Princess Diaries. Stardust. Ella Enchanted.

Oh, and the Inkheart books were FABULOUS. Really, they read like nothing else, just such a fantastic and unique flavour in fantasy!

Uhhhhh. Hellboy, too. Hell's Paradise. Bleach. Darker Than Black I vaguely remember enjoying, but I have the DISTINCT MEMORY of despising season two, so fuck that shit, whatever it was.

And I remember... oh, maybe twelve years ago, now? Really liking the spy series Nikita, and the urban fantasy Lost Girl, though I don't think I finished either.

Oh, and Elementary is a must-watch!

Poirot, too, and Perry Mason, and Midsommer Murders.

Also Blown Away, glassmaking reality series, and Forged In Fire, a bladesmith reality series.

Kitchen Nightmares, Hotel Hell, Hell's Kitchen, all good.

Puppet History. Watcher. Game Changer.

And webcomics Dead End and Check Please.

................I may need to spend more time on this

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richincolor · 2 months

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New Releases - Week of August 6, 2024

We found quite a few books being released this week and they seem to be full to the brim with magic and supernatural activity.

Ami (Guardians of Dawn #2) by S. Jae-Jones Wednesday Books

When the Pillar blooms, the end of the world is not far behind.

Li Ami was always on the outside—outside of family, outside of friendships, outside of ordinary magic. The odd and eccentric daughter of a former imperial magician, she has devoted her life to books because she finds them easier to read than people. Exiled to the outermost west of the Morning Realms, Ami has become the sole caretaker of her mentally ill father, whose rantings and ravings may be more than mere ramblings; they may be part of a dire prophecy. When her father is arrested for trespassing and stealing a branch from the sacred tree of the local monastery, Ami offers herself to the mysterious Beast in the castle, who is in need of someone who can translate a forbidden magical text and find a cure for the mysterious blight that is affecting the harvest of the land.

Meanwhile, as signs of magical corruption arise throughout the Morning Realms, Jin Zhara begins to realize that she might be out of her element. She may have defeated a demon lord and uncovered her identity as the Guardian of Fire, but she’ll be more than outmatched in the coming elemental battle against the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons…unless she can find the other Guardians of Dawn. Her magic is no match for the growing tide of undead, and she needs the Guardian of Wood with power over life and death in order to defeat the revenants razing the countryside.

The threat of the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons looms larger by the day, and the tenuous peace holding the Morning Realms together is beginning to unravel. Ami and Zhara must journey to the Root of the World in order to seal the demon portal that may have opened there and restore balance to an increasingly chaotic world.

Dance of the Starlit Sea by Kiana Krystle Peachtree Teen

Lila Rose Li arrives at her aunt’s cottage with dashed dreams. For years, she pushed herself to become the perfect ballerina her parents would approve of, but after collapsing on stage, she snapped and lashed out violently. Now, exiled to Luna Island, with its sparkling blue waters and rose-covered boutiques, Lila struggles to believe that a girl like her—a natural disaster—deserves good and gentle things.

As the islanders gear up for their beloved tradition, the Angel of the Sea pageant, Lila vows to remain on the sidelines. But the more she learns about the island’s lore, the more she grows suspicious. Luna Island was nothing more than a failed fishing village before angels supposedly came and blessed them with abundance. The pageant is a competition to seek a High Priestess for their commune. To win is to be loved and adored by all, the ultimate blessing.

However, the Angel of the Sea is supposed to reign for seven years, and the previous winner only reigned for one. Something is haunting the island, throwing off the balance the pageant ensures. And as an eerie voice calls to Lila, drawing her closer to the ocean—to its depths—she worries its haunting her, too. The only way to discover what’s really going on, and protect herself, is to win the pageant. But how can a monstrous girl like her ever hope to be crowned by angels?

Kiana Krystle’s enchanting debut simmers with forbidden romance and dark secrets. A lush and sinister blend of paranormal mystery and mythology, wrapped up in fairytale about a teen girl’s hard-earned journey toward loving every part of herself.

The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow Delacorte Press

Princess Ying Yue believed in love … once upon a time.

Yet when she’s chosen to wed the crown prince, Ying’s dreams of a fairy tale marriage quickly fall apart. Her husband-to-be is cold and indifferent, confining Ying to her room for reasons he won’t explain. Worse still are the rumors that swirl around the imperial palace: whispers of seven other royal brides who, after their own weddings, mysteriously disappeared.

Left alone with only her own reflection for company, Ying begins to see things. Strange things. Movements in the corners of her mirror. Colorful lights upon its surface. And when, on the eve of her wedding, she unwittingly tears open a gateway, she is pulled into a mirror world.

This realm is full of sentient reflections, including the enigmatic Mirror Prince. Unlike his real-world counterpart, the Mirror Prince is kind and compassionate, and before long Ying falls in love—the kind of love she always dreamed of.

But there is darkness in this new world, too.

It turns out the two worlds have a long and blood-soaked history, and Ying has a part to play in the future of them both. And the brides who came before Ying? By the time they discovered what their role was, it was already too late.

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Sourcebooks Fire

The first book in a decadent fantasy duology set in Jazz Age Harlem, where at night the dance halls come to life—and death waits in the dark.

It’s 1926 and reapers, the once-human vampires with a terrifying affliction, are on the rise in New York. But the Saint family’s thriving reaper-hunting enterprise holds reign over the city, giving them more power than even the organized criminals who run the nightclubs. Eighteen year-old Elise Saint, home after five years in Paris, is the reluctant heir to the empire. Only one thing weighs heavier on Elise’s mind than her family obligations: the knowledge that the Harlem reapers want her dead.

Layla Quinn is a young reaper haunted by her past. Though reapers have existed in America for three centuries, created by New World atrocities and cruel experiments, Layla became one just five years ago. The night she was turned, she lost her parents, the protection of the Saints, and her humanity, and she’ll never forget how Elise Saint betrayed her.

But some reapers are inexplicably turning part human again, leaving a wake of mysterious and brutal killings. When Layla is framed for one of these attacks, the Saint patriarch offers her a deal she can’t refuse: to work with Elise to investigate how these murders might be linked to shocking rumors of a reaper cure. Once close friends, now bitter enemies, Elise and Layla explore the city’s underworld, confronting their intense feelings for one another and uncovering the sinister truths about a growing threat to reapers and humans alike.

The House Where Death Lives edited by Alex Brown Page Street YA

A dance to the death. A girl who’s just as monstrous as H.H. Holmes. A hallway that’s constantly changing―and hungry. All of these stories exist in the same place―within the frame of a particular house that isn’t bound by the laws of time and space.

Following in the footsteps of dark/horror-filled YA anthologies like His Hideous Heart and Slasher Girls and Monster Boys, and Netflix’s groundbreaking adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House, this YA speculative fiction anthology explores how the permanence of a home can become a space of transition and change for both the inhabitants and the creatures who haunt them.

Each story in the anthology will focus on a different room in the house and feature unique takes on monsters from a wide array of cultural traditions. Whether it’s a demonic Trickster, a water-loving Rusalka, or a horrifying, baby-imitating Tiyanak, there’s bound to be something sinister lurking in the shadows.

Hovergirls by Geneva Bowers Bloomsbury YA

Jalissa and Kim Vasquez are cousins who move to the city of Los Aguaceros together. Kim dreams of becoming a famous model and fashion designer, while Jalissa is just trying to hold herself together after a breakdown the year before.

When a curious incident on the beach leaves them with supernatural powers and monsters start attacking the city, Kim decides that using their powers to stop them is the perfect way for them to become famous. But being heroes isn’t as easy as it seems–and Los Aquaceros is in more danger than they imagine.

This beautifully illustrated and hilarious YA graphic novel began as a web comic and quickly became a WEBTOON sensation. This print edition features an expanded story and updated art, offering something for new and old fans alike!

#ya lit #young adult books #new releases

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foxyanon · 7 months

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Worship

SURPRISE SHAWTY! This little idea took root and I had to get it out. Didn’t think I’d write for Masema, but here we are. I typed this up in my phone and half assed reread it. It’s officially 3am where I am and now, I can rest.

Summary: How far would you go for your obsession?

Pairing: Masema Dagar X Rhaenerys Targaryen

Rating: 18+, MDNI

Word Count: 3230

TW: mentions of death, blood, murder, slightly manipulative Rhaenerys (she’s Maegor’s daughter, that’s all the warning you are getting), no beta, we die like Maegor

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Wheel of Time or A Song of Ice and Fire nor do I own any of the images used.

Dividers made by @arcielee 💙

He didn’t know what happened for him to land here. One minute he was fighting Seanchan soldiers at Falme, the next a portal opened around him and everyone within a 20 foot radius while Rand was busy fighting Ishmael. He vaguely recalls being pulled through the swirling vortex before landing harshly in a grass field, the salty smell of sea air filling his nostrils. While he worked to regain his bearings, he noticed multiple Seanchan soldiers fell through with him, alongside his own comrades. There was a pause between everyone involved before they started fighting again. He brought his blade up just in time to block an attack before the sound of thunder rolled across the field. He would’ve ignored it, if it hadn’t been followed by a deafening screeching roar. He looked up just in time to see a large black and purple dragon fly overhead, circling the field for a place to land.

Just as the beast landed roughly, shaking the ground and throwing several people off balance, Masema caught sight of something that would be burned in his mind for the rest of his days. There, in the saddle of this magnificent creature, was a woman. She hopped down out of the saddle, her very presence commanding the attention of the battling warriors. She unsheathed her own sword, the blade looking as though it were made for her and her alone.

“I command you to lay down your weapons or face your end by dragonfire!” Her voice rang out, clear and commanding, as she approached those assembled.

A few dropped their weapons, but Masema laid his sword down and dropped to his knees, some powerful feeling within him telling him to obey her. The closer she got, the more he could make out her unique features and he was taken by her beauty. Her long silver-white hair was pulled back into elaborate battle braids and her eyes…Creator help him, her eyes were the prettiest shade of purple he’d ever seen. She looked out over the soldiers assembled and snarled, the dragon perched behind her roaring loudly, a reminder to do as she said or else. Everyone suddenly dropped their swords and threw their hands up, probably hoping for mercy. The mysterious woman sauntered through the crowd, the blade in her hand glinting dangerously in the light of the midday sun. When she stopped in front of Masema, his heart nearly stopped. She placed the flat of her blade under his chin, tilting his head up and staring into his eyes with an intensity he became addicted to instantly.

“You were the first to kneel in my presence, so I shall speak with you and you alone. Who are you and where have you come from?” Her voice softened, but was no less as commanding as before and he was hooked.

He answered her without hesitation, telling her who they were and briefly explaining the strange situation. She tilted her head to the side, an enchanting smile gracing her lips as she pulled the blade away from his neck.

“A pleasure to meet you, Masema.” The way she said his name caused his mouth to run dry and his heart to race. “My name is Rhaenerys Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne.”

He bowed his head in submission, feeling an intense feeling of obeisance spreading through him. When he looked back up at her, she had sheathed her blade and gestured for him to stand. He did so willingly, following behind her as she separated the Shienaran forces from the Seanchan. The threat of her dragon kept everyone in line, none daring to challenge the Princess. Once everyone had been separated, she faced the Seanchan men and gave them a sadistic grin.

“My new friend here has told me you are the enemy, so I shall treat you as such. Make peace with your deity, you shall meet them shortly,” she said in plainly, staring at the scared faces of the Seanchan soldiers.

Dracarys.

With just one word she had uttered and the soldiers Masema had been fighting were engulfed in flames as her dragon responded to her decree. He looked back at the Princess and swore right then and there that he was in the presence of a goddess amongst mortal kind and he would serve her faithfully until the end of his days.

Several months had passed since his arrival on what he learned was the island of Dragonstone, the primary home of his beloved princess. He and the rest of his companions had been added to her household guard, and while some had wished to return to their world, he and many others wished to stay. He worked tirelessly to prove himself loyal and faithful to her, acting on her orders without a thought. Anyone he came in contact with, he spoke nothing but praises of her and her deeds, feeling proud to be of service to one so divine. He was naturally a charismatic man, so it took no time at all for him to secure a steady following that joyfully supported Rhaenerys’s claim to the throne.

He had met her father and mother, King Maegor and Queen Elvira, as well as her grandmother, Dowager Queen Visenya. While his loyalties were with Rhaenerys first and foremost, he would do as they commanded since she regarded them highly. He had heard the rumors of the King's cruelty, but he never believed them. In his mind, those who were dealt with harshly often deserved it and he had no qualms doing the dirty work of taking care of the problem. It didn’t take long for him to move up in the ranks, quickly becoming House Targaryens most loyal servant and deadliest warrior. He prided himself on his skills, feeling beyond grateful for the recognition he was shown, especially when his Princess praised him for his deeds. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to see that radiant smile on her face, even if she asked him to eliminate a threat to her future reign. To him, nothing was too great an ask that he wouldn’t do willingly and with a smile on his face.

His hands may have brought about the death of lords and commoners alike, anyone who wouldn’t support her claim for whatever reason, but he didn’t care. Their blood may have been on his hands, but his actions kept hers clean and pure, just as she was meant to be. It was his duty, no his honor, to carry out her orders. Wherever she went, he was sure to follow like her shadow. Whenever she held court at Dragonstone, he was there at the foot of the dais. She was the judge and jury, he was her executioner. Some of his fellow Shienarans tried talking to him, saying he was acting like a fanatic about her and that she was just as cruel as her father. He snapped back that they didn’t understand, that this was what he was meant to do and that she was a perfect princess, that they couldn’t possibly understand what that meant and how dare they speak such treason about the woman who saved them.

That night he reported what they had said to Rhaenerys, on his knees at her feet as she sat in her rooms. He felt like a failure, his own people betraying the woman who gave his life meaning. After he spoke, he couldn’t look her in the eye for fear of seeing anger in her mesmerizing eyes.

Instead, he felt her soft fingers against his chin, gently tilting his head up as she gave him a soft smile. Her thumb gently brushed across his lower lip, his breath catching as she leaned forward and whispered softly.

“You have not failed me, Masema. They have simply lost their way. Speak with them, lead them back to the path of righteousness and let them see the error of their ways. If they refuse, you know what must be done,” her soothing voice squashed his doubts and he nodded vigorously.

“As you wish, Princess,” he responded breathlessly, quickly standing and bowing deeply before leaving to speak some sense into his friends.

When dawn came, several had changed their minds. Masema was very convincing, but not enough to convince all of them. Those who refused to follow Rhaenerys met their demise by his hand. He delivered their heads to her, laying them at her feet as she broke her fast. His hands and face were still covered in blood, leaving imprints on the floor as he bowed deeply before her, his forehead and palms pressed against the cold stone.

“You have served me well, Masema, removing potential weak links from my guard. Now, I must ask another favor of you,” Rhaenerys spoke in her usual enchanting voice, impressed by his devotion to her. The sight of the decapitated heads and blood bothered her none, her gaze trained on Masema.

Masema looked up at her with barely contained enthusiasm, eager to please her again and hear praises for his deeds fall from her soft lips. “I am yours to command, Princess.”

“The time for me to marry has come. I need you to spy on the potential suitors as they come to Dragonstone. Learn everything about them and report back to me with the one you think would best serve me as consort,” she told him, reaching out and gently cupping his bloodstained cheek. Masema leaned into her touch, her exotic scent invading his senses and reaffirming his devotion to her. “You have proven to be the most loyal and faithful to me and my House. Only you can do this task for me, Masema.”

His heart swelled with adoration and pride, the knowledge that she trusted him above all others making him feel lightheaded. He kissed the back of her hand, swearing to fulfill her wishes before leaving her chambers.

None of them. Absolutely none of those weak willed, pompous fools are worthy of being in her presence, let alone marrying her. The Lannister boy was too self centered and focused on his own House, rather than expanding the greatness that is the House of the Dragon. He had no real qualms about the Stark lordling, but the stoic Northerner wasn’t interested in the affairs of the Iron Throne and that just won’t do for his princess. The Baratheon brat might’ve been a contender, but his wandering eyes and hands knocked him off the list. Princess Rhaenerys deserved someone who would be devoted to her and only her, someone who wanted to ensure the survival of House Targaryen above all else. Someone like him.

As he stood there reporting his findings to Rhaenerys in the chamber of the painted table, he felt rage at the lack of options for his sweet princess. She walked slowly around the lit map table, her grandmother sitting at the head of the table as the women listened to his report.

“None of them are suitable for potential consorts, Princess. They are either more concerned with their own Houses legacies or they care more about their own personal interests than yours. They are barely fit to lead their own Houses, let alone have the privilege of being your consort,” he ground out, his anger boiling over before he remembered where he was. Masema cleared his throat and looked at the ground, embarrassed by his outburst. “Forgive me, I should not have let my emotions get the better of me. I will do better in the future.”

“No need, Masema. Your honesty is refreshing and much appreciated on this matter. Knowing you care so much about the future of this House is a good quality, one that should be rewarded,” the Dowager Queen spoke, her voice wizened but still just as assertive. “There will be more that arrive in the coming weeks. Continue your work, there is bound to be someone amongst the nobility that will suit our needs.”

Masema bowed deeply, casting a quick glance to Princess Rhaenerys before departing the chamber and slipping into the shadows again. He was thrilled to serve at her leisure, but he felt a bit of envy towards the man she might marry. None of them deserved her, she was far too heavenly for the likes of those fools. She needed someone who would worship her as he did, but none came even close.

Many weeks went by and all hell broke loose. During another suitor's visit, Queen Visenya passed away in her sleep. Rhaenerys was heartbroken, her cries burned into Masema’s mind as she sobbed in his arms, not allowing anyone else near her when she was so vulnerable. Not even a fortnight later, during a visit to King's Landing, was Maegor impaled on the Iron Throne by his consort, Elinor Costayne, in front of numerous witnesses that included Rhaenerys and Masema. That very same day, Prince Jaehaerys returned to the Red Keep and attempted to usurp Rhaenerys of her birthright. The massacre that happened after would be written about as a dark day for Westeros. Many had flocked to Jaehaerys and supported his claim, but more had followed Princess Rhaenerys thanks to the silver tongue of Masema and the months of traveling he had done in his early days, garnering the support of the smallfolk and even many of the smaller Houses.

At the end of the slaughter of King’s Landing, Rhaenerys stood in the throne room and was crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. The army of Jaehaerys met with the millions of small folk who supported the rightful heir and the outcome was brutal on both sides. Thousands lay dead, burned or maimed in the streets from both sides. Her kin that supported Jaehaerys were executed by Masema, because he refused to have her named kinslayer. Only the twins, Aerea and Rhaella, and her cousins, Alysanne and Rhaena, submitted to her rule outside the new Dowager Queen Elvira, Rhaenerys’s own mother. Despite Alysanne having been Jaehaerys’s wife, even she knew that what he did was wrong. Queen Elinor was executed for the murder of the king and since three of Maegor’s wives were already dead, the remaining bent the knee and were allowed to live out their days as well cared for widows at Dragonstone, under the watchful eye of Elvira. The dragons of the deceased riders were secured in the Dragonpit, to be cared for by the keepers until new riders had come of age.

Despite the chaos, the coronation was life changing for Masema. He always believed that Rhaenerys was beautiful, but she was truly stunning when he saw her sitting the throne for the first time. She wore the crown of her father and grandfather, Dark Sister shining brightly in her hand amid the dull blades that made up the Iron Throne. After that day, the number of men vying for her attention and hand increased exponentially. If he thought the prospects were sorry before, he was truly disappointed by them now.

He knelt at the foot of the Iron Throne, staring up at her as he reported on another batch of suitors, these ones worse than the last. She gave him a little smile when he finished and stood up, speaking in a captivating voice as he looked down at the floor.

“All these men, they are not suitable for me?” She asked as she took a few steps down the stairs of the throne.

“No, my Queen.”

“They will not further the glory of House Targaryen?” Another few steps down.

“No, my Queen.”

“They would not be loyal to me and only me?” The last few steps and she was standing in front of Masema.

“No, my Queen.”

“They would not love me the way you love me?” She walked around him, her fingers dancing across his shoulders and causing him to lean back into her touch.

“No, my Queen.”

“Perhaps I have had you looking for my husband in the wrong place,” she said musingly, stopping in front of her right hand man and placing her fingers under his chin. “Perhaps, my consort is right here, looking so pretty on his knees for me.”

Masema inhaled sharply, looking up at Rhaenerys with confusion and maybe a little excitement in his mismatched eyes. “I-my Queen…”

She chuckled darkly at his stuttering, tracing his lips with the tip of her finger. “Hush, Masema. I see it so clearly now. Those noblemen were never going to be suitable because they weren’t you. Only you can do this for me. I need you, Masema. I must have heirs and I trust only you to fulfill my needs,” her voice lured him in like a siren and he found himself instinctively leaning forward towards her before he caught himself.

“My Queen, I am not worthy of such an honor. I am a sinner, my hands stained with the blood of your enemies. I would not forgive myself if I tainted you with my touch,” he whispered, feeling her fingers thread through his hair as she softly scratched his scalp.

“Then find redemption with me. You, my devotee, shall be absolved of your wrongdoings by giving me what I want and need. Let my touch cleanse you, my sweet Masema,” she whispered in that enchanting tone of hers and he knew he would do anything she asked of him.

He hesitated only for a second before agreeing to her proposal, kissing the inside of her wrist as he was consumed with euphoria at the idea of serving his Dragon Queen in a more intimate manner.

They flew to Dragonstone that afternoon on the back of her dragon, Abraxsas, and were married in the traditions of House Targaryen as the sun set, with her family their only witnesses. Their first kiss was one Masema will remember vividly, the taste of her blood on his tongue the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. He vaguely remembered the small wedding feast but he definitely remembered the wedding night.

He remembered the way she looked like a goddess both in her dress and out of it. He remembered the way he kissed every inch of her perfect body, taking his time memorizing her sensitive spots and paying special attention to them. He certainly remembered tasting her essence for the first time, thinking how this was where he was meant to be and that he could spend the rest of his life praying at her altar like this. The sounds she made as she cried out his name when she finished on his tongue and the way her skin felt against his when they finally became one are forever embedded within his memories.

Once they were both spent and satisfied, she had fallen asleep amidst the silk bedding as a gentle breeze blew in from the sea, the moonlight shining through the large arches and casting a pale light on her unconscious form. He had taken care to make sure she was cleaned up from their intimacy before crawling back into bed beside her. He gazed at her adoringly, feeling appreciative for having been transported to a world where such divinity was within his grasp. He fell asleep with a smile on his face, feeling cleansed of the sins he committed in her name and having found a new way to worship his beloved Rhaenerys.

Taglist: @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @whitedarkmoonflower @valeskafics @gemini-mama @bouncehousedemons @mrsarnasdelicious @synindoodles

#masema dagar #masema #Masema x OC #wheel of time #a song of ice and fire

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the-cat-and-the-birdie · 1 year

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Alice 'Allie' Parkington is WonderSpider!

____________________________________

Miguel: One year and four months ago, I devised the formula for inter-dimensional travel, allowing me to open portals across the multiverse. I created an elite stri-

Alice: Oh, Okay! -

[Alice is the result of a 'Adapt-A-Spider' Challenge, where you adapt a pre-existing character into a Spider! You can see more of my fun Spidersona challenges HERE]

(Also HUGE THANKS to @fairytalespider who made the OG SpiderSnow!)

Gwen Stacy isn't the only blonde who knows about miraculously falling through wormholes.

Except Allie got sent to the universe with talking animals, and a maniacal queen with of taste for beheadings. Not that she's complaining. Not when the tea parties are so delightful~

At 7 years old Alice Parkington found a white waist-coated rabbit, on a hurry to who knows where -

And she followed him, fell down a hole, and never came back.

Origins:

[Alice's world is a mix of the book's portrayal, the cartoon's, and Tim Burton's (though I haven't seen the movies). Her story begins at the end of book - a similar ending to the cartoon movie, but instead she doesn't wake up.]

After losing a game of croquet to The Red Queen of Hearts, Alice is sent to the dungeons, awaiting her beheading on the Queen's orders. That is, until she finds an enchanted Spider in her cell, sent by an ally. When she's bitten, it gives her all the power of Wonderland - and binds her there forever. After escaping The Red Queen's Death Row, Alice was adopted by the woman who helped free her - The kind but exiled The White Queen or Marmoreal, aka Her Aunt Mirana.

Now The Blue Princess of Marmoreal, Alice is next in line for the throne, and the web-swinging protector of Tugley Woods, Wonderland. She spends her days fighting against the tyrannical and murderous rule of The Red Queen of Hearts, and The Court of Cards. With The Mad Hatter as her martyred Uncle Ben - Alice calls Wonderland her home, though she's always left questioning what's real and what isn't. At this point, she's accepted she'll never know the answer. So when she's recruited for Spider Society, it's just another rabbit hole to go down, and another adventure to fall into. On campus she's known as WonderSpider, and she's a lot more powerful (and ruthless) than you'd think.

Design and Personality:

Alice is a lot less sugar and a bit more spice, with her personality taking after the book (moreso than the movies).

Alice is bubbly and independent. She's as curious as a cat and as chatty as a bird. And she's all about asking questions and finding her own way in the world.

She's loves tea parties and foraging and making crazy experiements in the Hatter's workshop. And now that he's gone, she still finds herself in there, cooking up another magical sweet or Victorian style gadget. When she's not doing that, she's at The White Queens side, begrudgingly taking (literally) nonsensical etiquette classes. She isn't afraid to speak up for herself and others. And once she makes her mind up, it's settled.

Despite what some may think, she's isn't an entire lunatic. She's hasn't gone Wonderland Mad yet.

Even since a young girl, Alice has always been known for asking questions - trying to find the sense in nonsense before coming to a conclusion. She's great at picking up on details, and thinking outside the box. And she's always the one to keep a level head, no matter what the circumstances. Doom is not assured when reality is subjective. She's as logical as she is loopy, and although some may think there's nothing going on between her ears, they are sorely mistaken.

She always wears her glasses. She needs them to see.

Or rather, she needs them to see correctly. Having a cause of The Mads, taking off her glasses distorts her vision of the room into a psychedelic and disorienting wonderland version itself - which hurts. She keeps them on always. Though they can be knocked off during battle. Like other Spider-people - The lenses squint, blink, and emote. They have a permanent and consistently moving patterns and colors. Between blinks, the design may change, the swirls changing color or direction. Sometimes the words she's saying may flash over them for emphasis, and they can contain anything from exclamation points to tie dye.

Alice is a de facto genius.

An expert chemist, Alice has mastered dozens of recipes and chemistry formulas using the vegetation in Wonderland. She's cracked the code to rabbit holes, and has an amazing affinity for science and theoretical theory. And if she doesn't understand a certain law of physics or something, she can just choose to ignore it. Literally.

Powers & Abilities:

Hobie told Alice that laws are oppressive. She agreed, told him she hates the laws of physics - then started floating to the ceiling like a balloon. Needless to say, reality doesn't really work for Alice. And she cannot control it.

But no matter what her misfortune, though - She'll always say 'Oh, dear.'

Reality Warp:

Wonderland has side effects. Alice can grow and shrink at will, but once she's there, she can't go back. When she wants, she can manifest rabbit holes to Wonderland on any flat surface, but she doesn't know where they are - so she always falls into them. Her tears are huge, and they flood any room. And for some reason, she's obsessed with cookies. It she sees one, she'll eat it. It doesn't matter if it says 'Eat Me' or not. If you hand her something and tell her to drink, she will. It's the one thing she won't question, although she should know better. She'll read the label, and if it's not clearly labeled bleach or poison, she's drinking it. If it's not those two things, it must be safe right?

The Power of Imagination:

Like Spider-Ham has the Super-Slapstick ability, Alice has the Power of Imagination on her side. If she can make logic of it or believe it, then there is a random chance it will happen. If the team is looking for a way past a locked door, Alice may say 'If only there were a mousehole somewhere here. Mice are such scampers, they can get into anywhere!' There will probably be a 1/4 chance of a mouse running by, leading them to a cartoon like mousehole she can shrink and go through. However, Alice can't will it to happen. She can't be asking or hoping for it, and the thought has to be completely innocent and 'wonderous' for it to work. The ability can also be compounded, with multiple unlikely things happening rapid fire - however this is less likely and HIGHLY dangerous if done in other universes, and is likely to cause an anomaly. Plus everyone else involved goes a tad bit 'loopy' for a bit.

This ability only works outside of Wonderland, and it was discovered by Miguel.

When Alice met Miguel, she began to question his interesting suit, and so she asked. Miguel began to explain to her, but confused, Alice said 'Well, that's nonsensical. Surely you can't wear light like fabric. If that were true, I could pull this right off you.' - And then she did. And suddenly she was holding his suit in her hands as if it were made of fabric, and Miguel was there in his underwear.

Alice's response: 'Oh dear.'

Chesire Mode:

When surrounded by enough chaos or kinetic energy, Alice can go Chesire Mode, and really goes off the bend. She experiences full Wonderland Madness - similar to the Hatter, and gains the ability to unravel herself and turn invisible. Her voice begins to echo, creating a disorienting and hallucination-like affect. Doing this is known to cause madness, but it affects everyone in the room.

Equipment:

WebShooters: Alice uses mechanical Web-Shooters created by her and The Mad Hatter. Her webs are silly string and streamers. 'Bow'-nus Arms: Alice's waist ribbon is extendable like Mr.Fantastic's limbs, serving essentially as a second set of arms. However, when it's off of her, it's much more similar to Doctor Strange's cape, having a mind and personality of it's own. She can take it off and ask it do it, and it'll go off and (try it's best) to do it, just like a snake. It's name is David Bowie. She does not know who David Bowie is - it's just a coincidence: it's family name is Bow-ie, and David is a common name.

Random Facts:

Alice hangs out with a lot of the 'Eccentric' and Mini Spiders - She likes others from cartoons or fairytales, or anyone made for whimsy.

And she likes spending her time small.

She has a crush on Lego Spider-Man. She shrinks to be with him lol

He naturally finds her a little offputting, they're NOT a thing but she wishes (sis he's literal plastic)

Alice's best friends are SpiderPetal, SpiderSnow (@fairytalespider), SpiderFairy (@stardust948) and Spider-Ham.

Since they all live in either a woodland area, a cartoon, or both, those are usually who she's with

Though she only goes small around people she trusts - but never someone like Miguel. In fact, with Miguel, she does the opposite.

When Miguel is in the room, Alice prefers to grow 'full size' as in... taking up the whole room giantess style.

She says it helps, because 'It makes Mr.O'hara look like a little toy soldier.'

With the size of his lair, she can often grow taller faster than he can get lower - so he'll stay up there, and she'll grow to meet his eye.

She can decide when to stop growing or shrinking, just not when she'll turn back.

This power is transferable. Alice's wonderland powers still work elsewhere, and so her cookies and drinks do too.

Alice can only keep 1 cookie and 1 drink on her at one time, never more, it'll always be ruined.

She can use these to either extend her state, or have someone shrink or grow along with her.

But once she uses the one of each item, she can't get more until she returns home and makes more.

HOWEVER. HOWEVER - Alice is down for deals.

If you come to her world and ask for some cookies or potions, she'll give it to you. But there's a mandatory tea party involved, and the only payment she asks is that you bring sweets for the guests - Vegan please!!

(Her favorite is angel food cake, after cookies of course)

Those aren't the only ones - she has dozens of sophisticated concoctions for any need - floating and weightlessness, invisibility, even the ability to mimic voices perfectly -

And just the same, she's able to carry one of each when outside of Wonderland.

A frequent customer of hers is Hobie. He puts the potions to work - plus he makes the best vegan coconut macaroons.

Oh - also DO NOT Drink her tea though - it's made with Wonderland Tea Leaves....Great for a good time, horrible for bedtime.

Despite not knowing her specific age - Alice is a young adult - and she works at The Society.

Her Uncle Hatter was a master chemist, alchemist, magician, chef - and dozens of other things. And for years, Alice studied under him.

Originally, Miguel assumed all of this knowledge would be non-transferable nonsense, but - wrong.

Alice is one of the leading scientists at The Society - with a concentration in Multiversal Physics, studying everything from the visual styles of universes, the path between universes, and differences in time.

She'll often say something, only to get dismissed by Miguel.

But Lyla will cut him off, telling him that scientifically, Alice IS making sense.

It's just that because her world is totally backwards, the ideas she has to describe her thoughts are backwards too.

After a while, she becomes one of the main people to write the updates and programs for the watches, working with Miguel as her boss.

She's like a bop-it, full of weird and very useless quirks.

If her feet get wet, they make the duck waddle sound when she walks.

If she hits her head, it makes the TikTok 'Boink' sound. She runs and it makes the Flintstones noise.

If she stubs her toe or gets hurt on something tiny, she'll scream like Tom The Cat.

She burps bubbles (like the soap kind) and her sneezes sound like one of those party straw thingies.

Sometimes her Wonderland powers play tricks on her. She'll be like 'I'm outta here!!' then walk into a looney toons wall. And she's so embarrassed cause the cartoon noises make it so much worse fhgsuigdf

Sometimes when she tries to run she stays in one place for a second before the running kicks in (like a cartoon) - and Miguel just grabs her and she's like 'Dratz, I was trying to get away.'

She enjoys hanging out with Hobie, though she does not understand him at all.

Like, she's British too - did I mention she's British, cause she's from Victorian England -

But she has no opinion on his ideology because it's ???? lost on her

He's like 'This is a metaphor for capitalism' and she'd be like 'I don't know what that is.'

He's like 'count your blessings'.

But Hobie LOVES that Alice doesn't stick to the rules -

and that she gives the middle finger to the laws of physics by just existing

He's like 'That's so cool, what you just did. Real Metal.'

She's like 'I suppose I am just a container, filled with slowly decaying food - so in that way, I am quite like a fridge, which is cool and made of metal-'

And he's like 'what are you talking about-'

And they mainly hangout because they're both lazy.

Alice is tirrreeed of all these weird physics rules and new technology and non talking cutlery.

She'd much prefer to take a nap, or wander off, of have a tea party, or do ANYTHING that isn't work. Same girl same

And that's it! Most of it, I'll probably maybe maybe not write a post about her joining the society and how it completely warps her perception of reality because she's been trying to get home for so long, she doesn't even know if her home exists then there's this new society through ANOTHER wormhole but she still can't get home-

Oh and before I go, her intro art is inspired by Qveen Herby's single Abracadabra!

Yeah. If you made it this far THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME UR TIME! Thank you so so much for entertaining me I MEAN IT THANK YOU I KNOWI POST SO MANY OCS AND IT'S KINDA OVERWHELMING SORRY AAHHH MY BRAIN CANT STOP I CANT FOCUS HELP

Anyway I'm normal

HERE HOBIE

Bye.

#NO PROOFREAAADDDD #spiderman #atsv #spider man #marvel #across the spiderverse #spidersonas #spidersona #alice in wonderland #disney #disney movies #disney princesses #technically?????#chesire cat #the mad hatter #UHHHHH #YEAH

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ashandkatiewrite · 4 days

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New Story Alert!

a twist of fate

Written by: @katiekinswrites + @if-you-onlyknew

SUMMARY: One fateful day, Jefferson's father, the Dark One's portal jumper, doesn't return from a job. Taken by force a week later, Jefferson learns that his father's captor and murderer is an evil sorcerer who is guardian to a young princess, Odette of Swan Lake, who has been kept prisoner in her own kingdom. Now a young portal jumper himself, Jefferson sneaks into the castle over the years to spend time with the trapped princess and to tell her of his wild adventures in lands she can only imagine, and to hope that one day she will agree to leave with him and escape her tormentor.

A story about a life built between two people that have nothing in common but love at first sight, a thirst for adventure, and the obstacles that attempt to keep them apart over time and across lands.

Enchanted Forest to Cursed!Storybrooke.

Read the story on AO3.

TAGLIST: @acabecca • @arrthurpendragon • @cas-verse • @cjand10 • @darkwolf76 • @darylandbethfanforever9 • @eddysocs • @jewishbarbies • @ocappreciationtag • @sassysophiabush • @scarletwidoww • @seb-soph • @starcrossedjedis • @thatmagickjuju

#fic: a twist of fate #jefferson mad hatter #oc: odette lake/delilah mason #jefferson ouat #Jefferson x ofc #ouat oc #ocappreciation #ocapp #sebastian stan #victoria pedretti

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killiansprincss · 15 days

Text

TIMELESS A CAPTAIN SWAN AU - CHAPTER 6/19

Summary: Season 3 divergence - When Zelenas time portal works, Henry wakes up alone in Storybrooke and must travel to the Enchanted Forest to get his family back. Only once he gets there he quickly realises its not like the one in his book, theres no Evil Queen and his mother Emma wasn't put through a wardrobe, theres even a poster inviting the entire kingdom to her engagement ball, to Hook. What will happen once Henry gets them to break this new curse and they get their memories back?

In which every chapter is inspired by a different Taylor Swift song.

Previous chapters

AO3 Link

Just want to send a huge love to everyone who has sent me love on this fic! It means the world that people are seeing and reading the fic that has made me fall back in love with writing! The best it yet to come so please keep reading!!!

_____

CHAPTER 6 - BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM

Now I'm running with my dress unbuttoned

Screaming "But Daddy I love him!"

I'm having his baby

No, I'm not, but you should see your faces

I'm telling him to floor it through the fences

No, I'm not coming to my senses

I know he's crazy but he's the one I want

It had been two weeks since Emma last went to the tavern, since her night with Captain Hook. While it didn't lead to anything more than some flirting while drinking and then fumbled kisses towards the back of the tavern before she had to run back, she missed him.

Every time she fell asleep her mind wandered to his scruffy face and his piercing blue eyes. They’d promised to meet back in 2 weeks, her parents were away on a diplomatic mission in a kingdom that was a four day journey out of Misthaven. This allowed her to see his ship and stay the night. Truly pretend she wasn’t a princess for a night.

She had everything planned out. She told her ladies she would be going to bed early as she intended to wake early and go riding, that way they wouldn’t be alarmed when they go to wake her and find her not in her bed. While this wasn’t her first time sneaking out to stay with a man overnight, it was the first time with a Pirate.

Captain Hook. Most fearsome pirate in all the lands. Supposedly. He was anything but fearsome. Sure a little cocky and arrogant, but not fearsome. He made her smile and laugh more than she had in a while. Emma had no clue what was going to happen tonight, but she didn’t care, as long as she got to see him again.

When she gets to the tavern where they agreed to meet, Emma is practically shaking with nerves. Why was she so nervous? She orders a drink and sits at her usual table, waiting and waiting for the Pirate.

“Swan. You came back?” Emma looks up to find the Pirate grinning at her.

“You came.” She was so worried he wouldn’t come, that he would forget about her, but here he is standing in front of her in his Pirate leathers and a smile that makes her feel warm inside.

“Of course I came back, I wouldn’t forget about you that easy Swan.” He tells her with a smirk on his face. “I couldn’t let a lady drink alone now could I?”

The Pirate and the Princess. Who would’ve thought? But Emma didn’t care. What people at the Castle would think was the last thing on her mind right now.

That night was an incredible night. The famous Jolly Roger fastest ship in all the realms wasn’t Emma’s first choice to make love but it was better than an alley behind the tavern.

Pirates had reputations. And Emma wasn’t so sure what to expect, she was used to casual fucking behind the tavern or bent over in the servants kitchens when nobody was around. It had been quick and only slightly pleasurable, more uncomfortable because of the awkward spaces and the fear of getting caught. But it was a totally different experience.

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want.” He says as they enter his quarters, it was small but still large enough to host a bed and a desk. He was being a gentleman, but tonight she didn’t want a gentleman.

“I want you.” She tells him, grabbing him by the lapels of his coat and kissing him hungrily the way she had been imagining for the past 2 weeks. No man had ever kissed her like this, with such passion, no man had made her moan as his lips travel up her neck, biting that spot behind her ear.

They had no fear of getting caught, Hook had told his men not to bother their captain. They had all the time in the world to slowly explore one another’s bodies. It was passionate, hungry and nothing like Emma had experienced before. Every night for 2 weeks she saw his face as she touched herself imagining what it would be like when it was his fingers instead of her own.

That night, and the next few nights with Hook was just like she always imagined sex would be. Passionate and hungry for more. It’s like he knew exactly what to do with her body and what touches would make her moan and scream his name over and over again. She was never going back to fucking behind an alley with a stranger again now she knew Hook and how he made her feel.

____

5 years pass by in the blink of an eye and suddenly Princess Emma of Misthaven is in love with the infamous Pirate Captain. Of course nobody knows besides the two of them. Merlin forbid if her parents found out, they would kill her. And him.

Neither planned for it to turn into a secret relationship. But time passed and their feelings for one another only grew deeper. Hook couldn’t believe it either, the last woman Killian Jones loved was Milah and that was over 300 years ago. But Emma made him feel alive again, she didn’t judge him for his past and he felt connected to her in a way he couldn’t explain.

They tried to stay apart for a while, a pirate and a princess couldn’t be together. But it lasted five days before Emma snuck out to see him. Being apart from him hurt more than anything. It was worth the risk. She loved him and couldn’t imagine loving anyone else even half as much.

“Run away with me.” Killian whispers one night as he strokes Emma’s hair as she stirs in his arms.

Emma isn’t sure if she heard him right. “What?”

“Run away with me.” He tells her again.

Emma turns her body over to face him. “You’re crazy.”

Had she thought about running away before? Of course. But to actually go through with it was another story.

“Am I?” He asks, looking into her eyes, Emma feels him look into her soul. “I love you, Emma. And as much as I love that you sneak out and risk everything to see me, I don’t want this to go on forever. I want to have you by my side always and parade the market without you having to hide. I want to show you there is a world outside of Misthaven.”

She wanted that. More than anything. “I can’t. Killian I love you so much, but I can’t.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that we can’t run away and be together. It won’t work. I can’t leave everything and run like you can.” They didn’t argue often, but this was serious.

“Emma, you have been telling me for years that you never wanted this life, that being royal meant nothing to you. Why all of a sudden are you not willing to drop it all when what we have is so good and could be amazing?”

“Look just because you don’t have any family left doesn’t mean I have to completely let go of mine.” She regretted it as soon as she said it.

“I think you should go.” He tells her, and she doesn’t argue.

She lies awake that night considering his offer. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, she had no doubt about it. But at the same time, she would be giving up so much.

She didn’t want to be Queen. Even being a princess was exhausting, it wasn’t the life for her. When she was with Killian she had seen a life she wanted, travelling across the realm and not having to play a role she didn’t know how to do. She was an extension of her parents, couldn’t get too political with the other members of the royal court, couldn’t express her true thoughts or feelings. She didn’t have to bite her tongue around Killian, she could speak freely and joke with his crew. She could walk around the market stalls and talk to people and they had no idea who she was.

If she were to leave though, would she be able to see her family again? She didn’t want this life but she wanted her family. If she were to have a family with Killian, she would want their child to know its grandparents.

Emma had been the responsible Princess for years now, she was careful with her steps and tracks with her sneaking around. She had a whole other life that her parents had no idea about. The Emma they thought they knew was nothing like the Emma she truly was.

So she sneaks out again a few nights later, when she is sure it's safe. She didn’t like leaving Killian after an argument, it didn’t feel right. And she had a plan. She would test the waters with her parents. Leave them a note and let Killian show her what he could for 2 weeks before returning. It would show she was serious about this, and serious about her future. When she tells Killian the news, he spins her around and kisses her. She knew this was the right decision.

____

That night she plans on leaving, Emma bids goodnight to her parents insisting she is tired and needs to rest. Instead once she begins to pack a bag. Just a few undergarments, shirts and loose pants she stole from her father a while ago.

“You’re leaving. For good this time.” Emma turns around to find her little brother-well not so little anymore- standing in the fireplace, a secret tunnel between the siblings' rooms.

It’s not a question, but a statement, he knows. Leo is perceptive, he sees a lot more than people think.

“The stranger you’ve been courting all these years. Mother and Father won’t allow you to marry him so you’re running away.” Leo was smart, he picked up on Emma’s more frequent running away and he also noticed her more frequently turning down suitors from their parents.

“Yes.” She admits. She couldn’t lie to her brother. “But it’s not forever. I’ll be back in a few weeks , it’s to prove to mother and father this is what I want.”

“You’re leaving.” Is all Leo can say, Emma can see the hurt in his eyes-she doesn't like hurting him.

“Leo. In a few years mother and father will step down as rulers of the land, and for years they have been training me and teaching me because I’m the eldest. But here’s the thing, it’s not gonna be me, I don’t care that it’s my birthright. Leo you will be an amazing King one day, I’m certain.”

She wraps her arms around her brother who, despite being ten years younger, was the same height as her. “I love you kid. And I’m not gonna leave you, I’ll still be here-just not in the Castle.”

“He makes you happy.” Again it’s not a question. “I’ve never seen you happier. I can tell when he’s not around because you’re grumpy and moody but when he’s around you have that sparkle in your eye.”

Emma can’t help but shed a tear as she wraps her arms around him tighter.

Handing Leo an envelope, she tells him,” Give mother and father this in a few days. Not right away, let me get a head start first.”

When Leo is back in his room and her parents are sure to be asleep, Emma climbs down her balcony for the last time and heads down to the docks, to her future.

____

“Where are the rest of your crew?” Emma asks as she climbs aboard the ship to find it empty apart from Killian waiting for her.

His face lights up when he hears her voice, she’s his forever. “I gave them the night off. I intend to celebrate tonight.”

“And what exactly are we celebrating?”

“The start of forever.” He says as he takes her hand and brings her closer to him. He takes her bag and tosses it aside.

Killian gets down on one knee and Emma’s heart begins to race as he pulls out a ring. “Emma. I love you, meeting you all those years ago was the best thing that ever happened to me. Before I met you, there was a hole in my heart and every moment we have spent together has helped heal that hole. I don’t know what is going to happen, if we run away forever or not, but all I know is I want you by my side. Will you marry me?”

Tears are streaming down Emma’s face, she hadn’t expected this at all. She loved Killian and while the thought of marrying him had crossed her mind a few times, she never expected Killian to actually propose. She can barely get her words out but she does manage to say “yes!”

Killian slips the ring on her finger as he gets up and takes his fiancées face and kisses her. “I love you so much.”

Wiping the tears from her face, she admires her ring. “This is your brother's ring, isn’t it?”

Killian nods. “Aye. It’s kept me safe all these years, and now it’s your turn.”

Killian and Emma spend their first night as a newly engaged couple just wrapped in another’s arms, not quite believing what had happened. But they were happy. Both of them. Happier than they’d been in a long time.

___

Snow and Charming didn’t realise their daughter was missing a few mornings later. Leo didn’t say anything-keeping the promise to his sister.

“She’s gone.” Leo eventually says, holding the note she gave him.

‘Dearest Mother, Father and Leo.

I must confess I have been hiding a secret for some time. I have been courting someone very important to me for years, and I wish I could have confided in you about it, but I feared the worst.

For you see the man I’ve been courting in secret is a Pirate. And I know what you’re thinking, Princess’ don’t marry Pirates. Well I guess you’re right, which is why I’m abdicating my line of succession. Leopold is the name of a King, and he will be a better ruler than I could ever be.

I won’t be gone forever. This isn’t a note to say I’m running away and you’ll never see me again-well no it is a note so say I’m running away, but I plan on coming back. Just not as a Princess.

All my love

Emma ‘

“Did you know about this?” Snow asks her son once they’ve taken in the letter.

Leo shakes his head. “All I knew is she was sneaking off to a tavern, but I had no idea about any of this.” It was a smooth lie, he didn’t know about the Pirate technically until last night.

“Tavern?” David asks. “What Tavern?”

Fuck. He shouldn’t have said anything. “I don’t know, all I know is she came back smelling of whiskey and rum and assumed that’s where she was.”

“The Tavern by the docks, in the village we used to live in.” Snow has practically a lightbulb moment. “I bet that’s where it is. Plus it’s the perfect place for a Pirate to steal her away.”

The King and Queen send for their carriage almost immediately, wishing they aren’t too late, and Leo wishing they were.

“We’re closed!” A male voice screams from behind the door after David had knocked on it for a fair few minutes.

David knocks on it again, and it opens to reveal a rugged man with a stern face. “I said we’re closed didn’t you h-“ Suddenly the look of realisation hits the man as he apologises. “King David, your highness, I am so sorry. What, uh, what did you need this fine morning?”

“Wait a second.” Snow interrupts before her husband can say a word, looking intently at the rugged man in front of them, searching for the reason she recognised him. Then it hits her. “Pinocchio?”

The rugged man smiles. “I’m shocked you recognise me, I am no longer made of wood, nor a boy. I go by August now.”

Snow smiles at him fondly. He and Emma were best friends growing up, neighbours in their village. His father, Geppetto was a carpenter and managed to bring his son made of wood alive with the help of magic. But standing in front of them was no longer that little boy made of wood. No wonder Emma was able to sneak in here without being recognised.

“It’s about Emma. She’s run away. I assume you know her whereabouts.” Snow says, a mix of paranoid mother and Queen in her voice.

“Why don’t you come inside and we can talk.” He tells them, opening the door wide enough so they can squeeze in without him unlocking it properly.

“Emma first came here about seven years ago.” He begins, pouring some water into a goblet for his King and Queen. “She didn’t know I worked here then, but when she knew I was protecting her identity she would come by every couple of weeks. Growing up we always said we would go to the Tavern together when we were of age, but that never happened so I guess it’s nice we kind of had that experience a few years later than planned.”

“But why?” Snow interrupts, desperate to know if they did something wrong.

August just shrugs. “I can’t say for certain, but I’m fairly sure she wanted a night of freedom whenever she could get it. A few nights a month where she wasn’t Princess Emma, and didn’t have all these duties and requirements. It’s nothing against the two of you, she just wanted a chance to be normal again.”

“And what of the Pirate she’s run away with?” David asks with a sneer on his face, he’d never liked pirates and the fact his daughter had run off with one made him sick.

August chuckles as he takes a sip of water. “I was wondering when Hook was going to come up.”

“Wait, Hook- As in-“ Snow asks, terrified.

“Captain Hook. The one and only yes.”

Snow goes pale. The most fearsome Pirate in all the land, was the man their daughter had run away with?

“If I’m honest I never saw it coming.” August continues. “He has a reputation, but it continued for weeks, then weeks turned into months and months into years. I don’t know much about their relationship but all I know is I have never seen Emma as happy as she has been the past few years.”

“Where is she?” David asks, worrying they’re too late.

“All the Pirate ships were gone from the harbour this morning, I have no idea where they are, truthfully, I'm sorry.” August couldn’t lie, Snow and David knew this, but it didn’t mean it hurt any less.

“Do you know when they might be back?” Snow asks, holding back her tears.

“Could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.” August tells them. “Look I know Emma, she won’t be gone forever, I think she wants to prove a point to herself and to you two that she is serious, the moment she’s back I will send word if Emma doesn’t do it herself first.”

___

The King and Queen wait every day for the word that their daughter has returned but it doesn’t come and evening falls and they wait again. It’s two weeks later they get word from August a large Pirate ship had docked, and sure enough a few hours later Emma returns home.

Well it’s Emma for sure. But gone was the Princess with her hair braided back into her tiara, now it was wild and in a loose ponytail with a headband gracing her forehead. And no longer was she wearing a gown made from the finest silk, now a white blouse with a brown corset covered her top half with leather pants and a brown belt with a scabbard for a rather large sword across her waist.

“Hello mother, father, brother.” Emma says, making a point not to curtsey.

“Emma.” Is all her mother can let out, taking in the sight of her daughter.

“Emma, you look incredible!” Leo blurts out, he knew their parents wouldn’t be happy but he knew his sister and she looked right in this moment.

She wasn’t alone, she was with the Pirate with a Hook in place of his left hand. He stood slightly behind Emma, but there was no doubt they had arrived together.

The Pirate stepped forward and Emma took his right hand and laced their fingers together and smiled. “Mother, Father. This is Killian, my fiancée.”

“Excuse me, what did you just say?” David jumps up from where he was sitting at this news-his daughter couldn’t be engaged to a Pirate.

But Emma held her ground. “You heard me. We’re engaged to be married. And there is nothing you can do about it.”

“Are you pregnant? Is that what this is about?” He turns towards the pirate his daughter had locked hands with, “Have you impregnated my innocent daughter and come here begging us for permission to marry her so the child isn’t a bastard?”

“I’m not pregnant father. That has nothing to do with my love for him.” Emma was standing her ground, this was what she wanted, she needed to stay strong.

“Oh and you’re sure of that?” David questions, not recognising the woman standing in front of him, she couldn’t be his daughter, she just couldn’t. His baby girl was curious and quesuoned everything, but she wouldn’t hide this from them,

“You wouldn’t.” Emma scoffs, knowing exactly her fathers next movement.

“Guards. Take this Pirate away from my family.” David practically spits at the word ‘Pirate’.

“Grumpy, stand down.” Emma commands, only leading to David telling him to take him away, and they repeat this until the head Dwarf gets very confused.

The other Dwarves come running in, ready to take an order from their King.

“You can’t tell them to stand down, I thought you weren’t a Princess anymore?” Her father seers. He’s right, and this tells the Dwarfs they can seize the Pirate.

“If you’re taking him, you’re taking me too. We go together.” Emma tells her father.

“Emma, love, don’t worry.” Hook says from behind her, “they can take me, you need to stay here. You know where I’ll be.” With a wink, if they take him to the dungeons he can easily escape.

The Dwarfs take the Pirate down in shackles and go down to the dungeon, much to Emma’s pleas not to. “What is your plan for me then Father dearest? Keep me prisoner?” I love him, is that such a crime?”

The King doesn’t say anything tot his daughter or even answer her, instead he turns to his son. “Leo, show your sister to her room. I believe the new amendments should be ready.”

Leo goes to object, seeing the pain his sister is clearly in, but his father stops him. “If you want to be a King one day, you shall listen to what your current King has to say.”

Emma doesn’t allow herself to cry in front of her father, he wouldn’t get to her like this. She needed to be strong, and figure out an escape. Her father threw Killian in the dungeon that he managed to get out of once before, he could do it again with ease.

Am I truly a prisoner in my own room?” Emma comments upon entering her room to see a lock on her window, and extra guards posted right below the balcony.

“I’m sorry Emma. Mother and Father were so worried, I let slip that you would sneak out, it’s my fault.” Her brother says, also seeing the current state of the room for the first time.

Emma wraps her arms around her little brother. “This is not your fault Leo. And I don’t care that you told them, they were sure to figure it out somehow.”

Emma doesn’t cry until Leo leaves the room and she knows she’s alone. This was meant to be the beginning of the rest of her life, but instead trying to prove she was able to live the life she wanted.

#captain swan #cs ff #captain swan ff #cs au #captain swan au #my writing #taylor swift #fic: timeless

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