#Maxwell would be the morale support

[masked-alien-lesbian]

Funny I've actually thought about this scenario before. I forget the year WTD took place in but I was thinking the heir would be grown like 17-19 years old and the TRR gang would probably be in their 40s.

I wonder how characters from other Choices books would fare in the zombie apocalypse. Like, it’s never stated what universe WTD takes place in, so what if like idk, the zombie apocalypse hit Cordonia and the TRR crew was forced to fend for their lives

[tokoyamisstuff]

In your opinion who is the worst yandere to be stuck with and why Alucard, Captain, Enrico, Alexander and Walter, jan.

A/N: Keep asking, my child is sick and I'm nap-trapped for hours a day. 😂 Written on my phone so pls bear with me. Also, I don't feel comfortable writing about Jan. Sorry. 🫶

Sorted from best to worst.

⚠️ Dead Dove - Do Not Eat. ⚠️

5. Alexander Anderson

"Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16)

As long as you play along, you have nothing to fear.

Just like with the orphans, Anderson is very gentle to those he is fond of. So he'll provide you with a domestic life, even though prisoned and heavily supervised.

Either himself or his trusted members of Iscariot always have an eye on you, making it basically impossible to even think of getting away.

The priest has some very strict demands about how you as his partner should act. Would never touch you against his will, though. He'd be fine with keeping his celibate as long as you're with him.

While controlling his bloodlust exceptionally well, he'll definetly let it out on others shall you misbehave. Preferably people close to you, claiming they're bad influence.

Better never mention you miss anyone from your old life, since he gets jealous very easily and with his kind of power he can make them disappear at a whim.

Other than that, Anderson really just wants you to be at his side and, in his wicked perception, protect you from this dangerous world.

4. Enrico Maxwell

"Don't be so fucking ungrateful. You were a nobody, and yet I treated you like a goddess!"

With Maxwell you'll feel like a bird in a golden cage.

He has a constant need to prove his worth, and overcompensates his lack at understanding true human connection with what he mistakes for care. So he'll shower you in gifts and other pleasantries, and takes it very personally when you don't properly appreciate his efforts in his eyes.

Also gets easily offended when you don't reciprocate his advances, especially when you deny him physically. But even smaller, more insignificant gestures he will over-analyze in his fear of rejection.

On the other hand I can see him being very subsceptible for flattery and the likes, so you can use his insecurities against him. Inflate his ego with sweettalk or whatever's necessary to keep him pleased.

The worst part is that he literally thinks you owe him affection.

3. Alucard

"Shh...it's over now. You endured so well, my love. As always."

Alucard is very confident to keep you at his side due to the sheer amount of might he possesses. So with him you get a lot of freedom, at least metaphorically. You can roam around a lot, talk to other people, almost act like you have a normal life.

He would never force himself on you due to his own experience with SA, but he won't be able to keep himself from taking your blood on the regulary. It's simply addicting to the vampire, and sometimes he goes overboard and leaves you anemic. A few times he almost killed you while indulging in the taste of your essence.

Being the abomination he is, he craves being accepted nonetheless, no matter what side of himself he presents you. He'll entertain himself by unleashing undescribable horrors just to cradle you in his arms shortly after, never actually physically but rather emotionally scarring you. After a while, sleep seems like an impossible task.

He is very well aware of the absurdity of his actions, but cannot seem to stop himself.

2. The Captain

This man is clouded in mystery, so I can see this go two very different ways: Either you're his sole sweet sanctuary from this cruel existence, or a moral support for the last remnant of his humanity.

While he is calm on the outside, still waters run deep. His love is a two-edged sword that will eventually end in your demise. The curse of immortality made him insane and nihilistic, and most of the time it's a walk on eggshells with him really.

In general the Captain is rather soft, but he doesn't see you as a person. You're like a doll, a toy to do however he pleases with, until he gets bored and throws you away...or you break. Whatever happens first.

Also, the man is part of Millenium. Most probably wouldn't dare messing with you, but the possibility of getting abused by the organization isn't completely off limits, for example if it's an order from the higher-ups.

Especially full moons are terrifying, making him even more violent and unpredictable.

1. Walter C Dornez

"If I can't have you, I'll make sure no one ever will."

The weakest yet most violent and unhinged of them all.

Stops at nothing to make you obedient, can rob you of your free will with little to no effort. It will start harmless with ruining your reputation, but ends up at extreme kinds of torture, like withdrawal of food or mutiliation to make you less appealing to others.

His paranoia is dangerous for you even when you did nothing wrong, there is no way you won't be punished one way or another. Being with him is merely a mixture of dread and immeasurable pain.

Nothing you ever do is good enough for him, because it's not genuine. That contradiction is driving him crazy, and will hopefully end your misery at some point.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

July MC of the Month: Harper Gale

Please welcome our sixth MC of the month! Each month, we will highlight one MC or OC that is currently on our Meet My MC / OC List. The MC / OC is selected randomly on the Wheel of Names, and eligibility requirements can be found here. We accept MC / OC profiles on an ongoing basis. Please feel free to send yours in!

This month's MC of the month is...

@karahalloway's Harper Gale!

To learn more about Harper and her creator, see below.

In your words, tell us what you like most about your MC. 

Probably the fact that she knows what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it.

For instance, Harper has had a dream of going travelling around the world for several years, and at the start of (Un)Common Attraction (my somewhat modified rewrite of TRR1), she jumps at the opportunity to go to Cordonia, figuring that this is her chance to kickstart her around-the-world adventure. And even though things don’t exactly go to plan, Harper still tries to make the most of the opportunity at every turn.

She also realises relatively early on that she is much more interested in and feels like herself with Drake, and even though Drake tries to push her away — out of loyalty to Christian (my version of Liam) and in a bid to avoid a scandal — Harper refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer, knowing that Drake has feelings for her too, and eventually convinces him to come around. Obviously, the press scandal on the night of the Coronation Ball throws a massive wrench in the works, but Harper refuses to throw in the towel, despite a lot of proverbial sh*t hitting the fan.

Other things I like about Harper are that she has a very strong moral compass and will fight for what she thinks is right, even in the face of resistance from those she loves and cares about. And she has a big heart — she is always trying to find ways to surprise Drake, be moral support for Max, Hana and Christian, and is always the first to offer help, even if she doesn’t really like the other person.

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

As is the case for many authors and their OC, Harper and I share some similarities. We’re both curious, pragmatic, and down to earth, love to travel and have new experiences. We’re also both quite outdoorsy, love animals, as well as OTT action movies 😆 

However, Harper is a lot braver and a helluva lot more resilient than I am — I would never have taken Maxwell up on his offer to go to Cordonia for the social season, and I am not sure I would’ve coped with all the things she goes through in Cordonia the same way she did.

Also, while we both tend to say it like it is (and this gets us into awkward moments sometimes), Harper is a lot more outspoken than I am and will call out BS then and there, while I just do the silent eye-brow raise, akin to Drake 😅

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

One of the most important things for Harper is being able to be herself. 

This was a big reason why she turned down Christian, because she couldn’t see herself living a ‘fake’ life whereby she had to constantly present an ‘idealised’ image of herself to the public, always having to watch what she said and did, and no longer being able to live a ‘free’ life (in my rewrite, for various reasons, I moved the timeline of this conversation up, so it takes place during the social season, rather than at the end of the engagement tour). 

This is also the reason why she gravitated towards Drake very early on — because Drake has always taken her at face value and never expected anything more from her other than exactly what she already was (whereas both the Beaumonts and Christian focus on, and try to use Harper’s status as a lady — and subsequently a duchess — to further their own ends, whether overtly, or covertly).

In terms of where I am with Harper’s story at the moment, her main motivations are clearing her name after the press scandal that broke during the Coronation Ball — in part to set the record straight and restore her reputation, and in part because she doesn’t want to have to keep hiding her relationship with Drake. Because this is kind of an all-consuming thing at the moment, she doesn’t really have mental space to think about more generic motivations 😅

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Harper’s biggest pet peeves are being made to feel like an idiot (which is the main reason why she has a hard time getting along with Bertrand, who is a perfectionist taskmaster when it comes to etiquette), and being woken up at stupid-o’clock in the morning for a stupid reason (she very much wants/needs her beauty sleep).

She also takes issue with the two-faced nature of the nobility — outwardly presenting perfection, while inwardly falling prey to infighting, lies, manipulation and entitlement. This is another reason why she gravitated towards Drake almost from the very start because both of them can see the rot of the aristocracy through the superficial glitz and glamour.

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be? 

I’m not sure Harper would want to change anything — she believes that things happen for a reason and every cloud has a silver lining, even if you can’t see it at the time.

So even in the midst of her worst experiences, Harper is able to find some kind of light on the horizon (even if it feels intractably out of reach) and focuses on that to get her through whatever hardship she is facing.

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song? Harper has a lot of songs she likes to listen to, depending on her mood, but one of her favourites is Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts. It very much captures her attitude of freedom, adventure, and curiosity, and the belief that great things are waiting for you if you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone:

Life's like a road that you travel on

When there's one day here, and the next day gone

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand

Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There's a world outside every darkened door

Where blues won't haunt you anymore

Where the brave are free and lovers soar

Come ride with me to the distant shore

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC:

I have had a ton of fun getting to know Harper over the 3 or so years that I’ve been exploring her view of the world. But like with any relationship️, you are always learning new things about each other, so I’m sure that as I continue fleshing out Harper and Drake’s story, I’ll learn new things about both of them ❤️ 

Because unlike some other characters I’ve written — who arrived fully formed — Harper actually developed somewhat slowly as an OC. For instance, when I started my TRR1 rewrite, I didn’t even know what she looked like, and it took me about a year to find an FC for her! 😅 

But from the very start, Harper has always had a very clear and distinct voice, which is part of the reason why I ended up writing her story from first-person POV. And the more I write her, the more I love her — almost like a sister — because she feels ‘real’. She has good qualities, yes, but she also has flaws — she can be too trusting, she isn’t always completely honest, she tends to overthink things, she gets heated and emotional and will rip into people (usually legitimately, but that doesn’t make the confrontation any less intense).

And I love her dynamic with Drake 😍 Nine times out of ten, their interactions just write themselves because even though in the big scheme of things, they haven’t known each other for that long, they are very in tune with each other and in many ways they are two sides of the same coin, which means that their interplay is always a perfect storm of snark, sexual tension, and humour.

To learn more about Harper, please see her character bio.

[clonerightsagenda]

I've talked about this on discord, but an interesting wrinkle in Jacobi and Maxwell's relationship for me is that Jacobi does not seem to view AIs as people.

Maxwell does, or claims to, although she's perfectly willing to betray and manipulate AIs if she needs to. She's willing to betray, manipulate, and kill humans too, after all! I honestly feel like she thinks her respect for AIs gives her more leeway - she understands them! She appreciates them! She knows what's best for them, so won't you hold still and let her fix your brain already.

Jacobi, on the other hand, does not. He's the first to suggest replacing Hera with a dummy program and seems entirely unfazed about the implications. He's betting against Hera keeping it together, again with no sense that he is wagering on someone's death. The Jacobis in "Time to Kill" should be functionally identical, but the outside one - who is under a lot more stress and might not choose his words as carefully - refers to the AI Maxwell asks about as "it" rather than "he". He lashes out at Hera over how Maxwell "wouldn't shut up" about her "talking toys" and says Hera isn't a real person.

As I mentioned, I get the impression he watched his words around Maxwell, and we only see them clash over this briefly in "Limbo" before he backs her surgery attempt because even if he doesn't agree with her perspective, he supports her as a colleague. But it is an interesting tension. This post is not about Kepler because I don't feel like talking about him, but I think key moments indicate he also doesn't view AIs as having equal personhood and agency as humans, but your boss not sharing your perspective and politics is par for the course. Your ride or die work friend who promises to always have your back thinking your entire professional philosophy is bullshit... that has to sting a little, right? Even if they mostly seem to steer around it.

And of course what's funny is in the end Maxwell stabs Hera in the back and leaves her wondering how much of her claims of caring were true, and Jacobi.... well, he and Hera have that tense conversation about dummy programs that doesn't get a verbal resolution, but when the station is 15 minutes from falling into the star and he's got a bunch of unconscious bodies and amnesiacs to wrangle, he takes the time to transfer her to the Urania. He didn't have to. The Urania flies fine without a mother program. But he does. Is this because his journey in the final season involves realizing when he's wrong and taking moral responsibility for his choices? Or is it because he mostly assigns value to people by whether they're on his team? Debatable. However I like to think Maxwell would be a little smug about it.

[littleoddwriter]

Rules, Guidelines, etc.:

[Used to be: ronaldrx]

I'm a hobby writer and mostly write (x Reader) FanFictions and Headcanons. But I am also working on my original story whenever I can, so that I’ll hopefully publish it as an actual book someday. My Ao3.

Here’s a link to my Ko-Fi, in case you want to support me financially. It would mean a lot to me! (Obviously no obligation whatsoever! You never have to pay for anything on my blog, it’s merely an option for donations.)

Also, here are my sideblogs if you’re interested:

Dead Poets Society

Horror

Raúl Esparza

The Simpsons

Only ask for the characters I’ve got listed, please. I’ve written down all of the ones I actually write for, and the list is being updated regularly, as I often find new (actors, whose) characters I write for! (And yes, I always write for every character, so don’t ever worry if you wanna ask for one I haven’t written for in a long time, or ever, it’s fine!) Please always be patient with me. If I haven’t outright declined your request, it’s definitely in the works; even if it has been weeks or months since you’ve sent it in! And only send your requests via ASKs. No DMs or comments, please.

If you have a request, send an Ask to my inbox.

NO sexual NSFW requests, please (more details further down).

Requests = CLOSED (Max. Limit: 10)

Current number of requests: 10

Last updated: October 29, 2023

Masterlists are linked with fandoms/actors/characters below. I WRITE FOR:

ALFRED MOLINA characters:

Doctor Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus

DAVID DASTMALCHIAN characters:

Abner Krill/Polka-Dot Man

Bob Taylor

Denham

James Lewis

Johnson

Kurt Goreshter

Lonny Crane

Murdoc

Philippe/Abra Kadabra

Simon Lynch

Thomas Schiff

ETHAN HAWKE characters:

Arthur Harrow

Ellison Oswalt

Goodnight Robicheaux

James Sandin

EWAN MCGREGOR characters:

Alex Law

Catcher Block

Christopher Robin

Curt Wild

Dan Torrance

John Bishop

Mark Renton

Obi-Wan Kenobi 

Roman Sionis/Black Mask* (Birds of Prey - Masc!Reader only) [Any other version of Roman Sionis/Black Mask can be with a Gender Neutral/Female!Reader.]

HUGH DANCY characters:

Adam Raki

Cal Roberts

Luke Brandon

Executive ADA Nolan Price

Will Graham

KARL URBAN characters:

Billy Butcher

Black Hat

John Kennex

Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy

Markiplier EGOS:

Darkiplier

Illinois

Wilford Warfstache

Yancy

PAUL DANO characters:

Alex Jones/Barry Milland [Platonic only!]

Dwayne Hoover [Platonic only!]

Edward Nashton/The Riddler

Eli Sunday

Jay (Okja)

Joby Taylor

Klitz

PEDRO PASCAL characters:

Agent Whiskey

Dave York

Dio Morrissey

Eddie

Ezra

Francisco “Catfish” Morales

Marcus Moreno

Marcus Pike

Max Phillips

Maxwell Lord

Oberyn Martell

Ricky Hauk

RAÚL ESPARZA characters:

Bobby

Dr. Frederick Chilton*

Jackson Neill

Jonas Nightingale

Rafael Barba

Characters from 9-1-1 (Lone Star):

Carlos Reyes*

Eddie Diaz

Evan “Buck” Buckley

Howard “Chimney” Han

Josh Russo*

Mateo Chavez

Paul Strickland

Bobby Nash

Tim Rosewater

TK Strand*

Characters from Law and Order(: Special Victims Unit):

Detective/ADA Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Sergeant Mike Dodds

Detective Nick Amaro

Executive ADA Nolan Price

ADA Peter Stone

ADA Rafael Barba

Deputy Chief William Dodds

Little Miss Sunshine:

Dwayne Hoover [Platonic only!]

Frank*

Our Flag Means Death:

Edward Teach/Blackbeard*

Frenchie

Izzy Hands

Stede Bonnet*

Prisoners (2013):

Alex Jones/Barry Milland [Platonic only!]

Bob Taylor

Detective David Loki

Renfield (2023):

Count Dracula

Robert Montague Renfield

Tedward “Teddy” Lobo

SLASHERS/Horror Film Characters:

Asa Emory/The Collector

Ash J. Williams [I will usually default to Ash from the TV show, unless requested otherwise!]

Billy Lenz (1974)

Billy Loomis

Bo Sinclair

Brahms Heelshire

Bubba Sawyer/Leatherface (TCM 1974 and TCM 2)

Charles Lee Ray/Chucky

Chop Top Sawyer

Corey Cunningham

Dewey Riley

Drayton Sawyer

Herbert West*

Jesse Cromeans/Chromeskull

Lawrence Gordon

Lester Sinclair

Luigi Largo

Mark Hoffman  

Nubbins Sawyer

Pavi Largo

Stu Macher  

Vincent Sinclair

William Easton

Star Wars:

Anakin Skywalker

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Qui-Gon Jinn

The Girl Next Door:

Klitz

Eli

Characters from The Simpsons:

Cecil Terwilliger*

Fat Tony

Frankie the Squealer

Grady*

Jack Lassen

Johnny Tightlips

Julio*

Legs

Louie

Moe Szyslak

Ned Flanders

Otto Mann

Seymour Skinner

Sideshow Bob

Sideshow Mel

Snake Jailbird

Timothy Lovejoy

Waylon Smithers*

What We Do in the Shadows:

Anton (Movie)

Deacon

Guillermo de la Cruz*

Laszlo Cravensworth

Nandor the Relentless

Viago

Vladislav

* Please note that an asterisk (*) means that these characters are Male/Masc/GenderNeutral!Reader only (including non-binary, of course). Platonic relationships with Female!Reader are possible, but no romantic ones.

If it’s a character that is open to all Readers, and you do not specify in your request what you want, I’ll usually opt for a Gender Neutral Reader by default.

SHIPS, such as:

BlackBonnet (OFMD)

SteddyHands (OFMD)

Black Pete x Lucius Spriggs (OFMD)

Buck x Josh Russo (9-1-1)

Dracfield (Renfield 2023)

Buddie (9-1-1)

Eli x Klitz (The Girl Next Door)

Nandermo (WWDITS)

Herbert West x Dan Cain (Re-Animator)

McKirk (Star Trek: AOS)

Oluwande x Jim Jimenez (OFMD)

Barisi (Law & Order SVU) 

Renfield x Teddy Lobo (Renfield 2023)

Sickrent (Trainspotting/T2)

Stobotnik (Sonic Movie)

Tarlos (9-1-1: Lone Star)

AnderPerry (Dead Poets Society)

ZsaszMask (Birds of Prey)

Lastly, I would like to add things I will NOT write (about):

Sexual NSFW fics/headcanons (I used to write those as you can see in my Masterlists, but I have my reasons for not writing them anymore. Any hints at sexual topics are fine).

Anything related to death as the main subject (this includes deadly diseases, anything fatal, really, etc.).

Anything that romanticizes Mental Illness (my Vent Fics about my own disorders obviously do not romanticize any of it and I do not stand for that).

(Recreational) Drug Use

Extreme Possessive Behaviour and/or Jealousy

Yandere

If you have something you would like me to write for, but you do not see it listed anywhere, please ask me before requesting it, so we can talk about it. I hope you enjoy yourself on my blog and have a good time!

My Asks and DMs are always open for any questions or simply to talk!

- Jesse

[moodmusicmonday]

Luck of the Draw 2023 MASTERLIST

It's HERE! It's finally here, and we are THRILLED to share this Masterlist! Our fandom is so creative, and we know, this is just a fraction of the talent we possess. To our creators: Y'ALL ARE AMAZING! These turned out so incredibly good, and we can't thank you enough for participating in this year's event! We love each of you dearly!

Please check out the playlist of submitted songs, and don't forget to check out the submissions below the cut! There is something there for EVERYONE... seriously! And when you check these out, support these creators! Leave them a like or a message of encouragement! It would mean the world to them!

*We are waiting on just a couple of more submissions. We will add you on when we receive your submission.

---

📚📖 Fanfics & Poetry 📖📚

Almost submitted by @socalwriterbee

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tessa Martinez)

"Unfinished Business (acoustic)" by Neriah, JC Stewart

Always Lover submitted by @peonyblossom

America's Most Eligible; Carson Stewart x f!MC (Juliet James)

"Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzie

The Commoner's Wife, Chapter 6: Three Blind Mice; submitted by @dcbbw

The Royal Romance/Heir; Liam Rys x f!MC (Riley), Drake Walker x f!MC (Riley)

"Just Say When" by Nothing More

Falling For You submitted by @queenrileyrose

The Royal Romance; MC (Riley) x ??? (former); Liam Rys x MC (Riley)

"Freaking My Out" by Ava Max

If Only I Could submitted by @cariantha

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Sawyer Brooks)

"The Enemy" by Andrew Belle

Right by Your Side submitted by @alj4890

The Royal Romance; Maxwell Beaumont x MC (Riley)

"Runaway" by P!nk

Somewhere Else submitted by @txemrn

The Nanny Affair; m!Sam Dalton x MC (Brynn Schuyler); m!Robin Flores x MC (Brynn Schuyler)

"Paris" by Taylor Swift

WTD Drabble submitted by @lilyoffandoms

Wake the Dead; Troy Hassan x m!MC (Saeed)

"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

---

🖌🎨 Moodboards & Edits 🎨🖌

If Only... submitted by @twinkleallnight

The Royal Romance; Liam Rys & Queen Eleanor

"Hollow as a Bone" - Cowboy Junkies

"Moral of the Story" by Ashe submitted by @tessa-liam

Rules of Engagement

Viva Las Vegas submitted by @peonierose

Open Heart; Soraya Auclair (F!OC) x Meilani Leahi (F!OC)

"More Than Words" by Extreme

---

[palecomputerduck]

First of all: I LOVE your header! (A top-tier New Yorker, along with our Brooklyn boy)

Now for the violence: I pick 7 & 16, if you haven't answered already!

Thank you! 🥰 I love Fran she's a role model on so many levels. (and while we're at it you could very easily put Steve into Nanny world, let's say Maxwell is making Rogers musical and imagine all the schenanigans that follow 😏)

And now, for the violence. 😎

7. what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because how how the fandom acts about them?

You know what, I am just gonna say it: B*cky. Fandom in large has a tendency to overhype sad white men. A lot of sad white men characters I dislike but cannon content backs me up on that (to some extent). However, there is such wild dissonance between on screen Becky and fandom B#cky. And like, I am NOT above that and I know and understand where it comes form.

It's just MCU fandom Binky worship erodes every other character every other ship every other headcannon. It's not just fandom bitching but people act like you personally killed their puppy if you criticize or dislike him. And not in a way that is typically tumblr funny but full blown serious social justice backed attack. I've blocked so much people like you wouldn't believe (my block list looks like census) and there are people that STILL find a way on my PROPERLY tagged post to bitch about B*cky's treatment. He is incredibly important to Steve and to Sam and Captain America lore in general. But instead working with the actual content fandom acts horrible Which is shame because he's actually really cool.

16. you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

Right off the bat: the whole A/B/O thing. But I know there are some things that I'am missing or can properly understand regarding how people view gender and bodies so we're just gonna leave it at that it's not my thing but you do you! And keep on writing.

And back to Steve! 😍I truly do not understand why so many people paint him as super duper patriotic in love with his image and his shield. Especially if we go by the MCU. I believe that Steve himself refers to himself as Captain America I think like three times in his entire MCU run? This and that he pulls rank and expects people to follow him blindly is??? where did you get that? He says "I gonna do this thing, which I think is a right thing to do. Would appreciate if you came, if not cool." And people are usually "Hell yes!" (even Tny risks his own arrest for him, but on his own volition) Like I get how some mischaracterization came to be. Like I hate it, but I get how we got there (like the he does everything for Bcky, because he does save him, and the he's angry Chihuahua who likes to fight as a response to whatever Joss did in Avengers) but this? Like, where did you pull that BS from? (usually from T0ny stans but I digress)

ALSO SAM! Like. Sam showed so much in his MCU run even prior to his series. To paint him as Steve's copycat without much personality besides acting out as incorrect quotes? To provide a joke and moral support for when Steve is inevitability mean to you Favorite White Sufferer? Why do you like it so much?

And generally speaking I HATE teacher/student, boss/employee dynamics. Soulmates and childhood best friends to lovers are usually no but they can be done right. And amnesia plots. UGh. Maybe because I watched too many telenovelas growing up but that's a hard no.

[theonlymadmanonmars]

Ok so I'm gonna do a character analysis on the whole SI 5 because I love them and their questionable morals. Staring with Daniel Boom boom wow Jacobi. Warning this will include Kepcobi and is all my opinion.

I'm starting with Jacobi. I see Jacobi as the most deeply tragic character in the show. All Jacobi ever wanted was to be loved and accepted. He wanted that from his father which is why he went into the air force to begin with. He never received any kind of support and never seemed to be good enough for his father. He wanted that from the air force which is why he went into bolistics. He messed up badly and got good people killed because of it. Most of all he wanted that from Kepler. He never received that. In my mind Jacobi was fully in love with Kepler. He would lay down his life and others for Kepler because Kepler meant that much to him. Kepler never returned this sentiment. At least not in a way he'd ever admit. Even to himself. Jacobi never was truly loved until he met Maxwell. Maxwell was the only one who ever really loved him and vice versa. Kepler and Maxwell went to space because they were interested in what was up there, Jacobi went to space because that's where Kepler and Maxwell were going. When he heard himself die he thought it was the worse noise he could ever hear. He was proved wrong when he heard Maxwell died. Hearing Maxwell die killed him because she was the only one who ever cared about him. More importantly she was the one person he really cared about. I think he blamed Kepler because he blamed himself so much. Not that it wasn't partially Kepler's fault but it was also Jacobis and he will never forgive himself. He hates everyone on the Hephaestus. Then Kepler dies and he really truly has no on left. Daniel Jacobi is such a sad character and I love him so much that is all.

[pridelandsprep]

SPOTTED:  The long lost prince, trying to adjust this information that he just learned about not too long ago. You can't really blame the guy! How often do you spend most of your life thinking that you're one person, and then find out that you are actually a prince. It would be a lot for anyone to take in.

wheeler yuta ♔ first year attending pride lands prep ♔ simba's son ♔ lives in hawaii (formerly), the pride lands (currently) ♔ protagonist ♔ open

Wheeler Yuta was born in Hawaii and raised by his single mother. Yuta had never met or knew his father as his parents broke up early in his life, only knowing him through stories and some photographs and aware that apparently one of the reasons behind their decision was due to his grandmother's disapproval of their relationship. Despite his father not being present in his life, Yuta had often received gifts and letters from him every year on his birthday and also paid for school field trips that he wanted to attend. However, Yuta remained unaware of the truth that his father was actually royalty, the Crown King of the Pride Lands, making him a prince. Yuta's family had decided to keep the truth hidden from him and both his father and grandmother would keep their distance and not be involved to ensure Yuta would have the chance of a normal life and planned to reveal the truth once he'd graduated from high school.

Yuta grew up in a renovated firehouse with his mother and pet cat, Fat Louie, worked at a comic book shop part-time and attended high school with his two best friends, Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy. Yuta is often viewed as invisible by his peers to the point that he is sat on by other students, never noticing his presence. Yuta is also frequently bullied and humiliated by the popular people at his school. One tike even getting asked out by a popular girl to the school dance as some cruel joke. Although Yuta has struggled, he was happy and content with his life and simply wished to get through high school with a minimum amount of attention and embarrassment as possible. In the months leading up to his sixteenth birthday, however, Yuta finds out that he's half human along with being half shapeshifter, but can only turn into a lion. And the weirdness hadn't stopped there neither! After his first year in college was completed, his life soon changed forever as his grandma, Sarabi, contacts him for the first time wishing to see him. During her visit, Sarabi reveals to Yuta that he is the Prince of Pride Lands. Instead of continuing to attend school at the community college, Sarabi tells him that he has to attend Pride Lands Prep for a school year, where he will have a chance to take any classes that he wishes along with private classes on how to be a prince, getting to learn the lifestyle before making a final decision on if he will take the throne or continue living a normal life. If he chooses the later then this could mean potential danger for Pride Lands as the throne will go to Scar's hand-selected heir, Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

can be found hanging out with

Orange Cassidy & Chuck Taylor: Growing up Yuta didn't have too many friends, but the two that he does have is Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy. The three of them first met during their first day of kindergarten, and since then they have been rather close to each other. All three of them had been considered losers at their high school, but it didn't matter to them. They have each other, and they consider each other to be the brother that they've always wanted.. especially since they have been through everything together. This is why when Yuta's grandma Sarabi informed him that he will have to attend Pride Lands Prep for a year, she allowed Chuck and Orange to come along with Yuta for moral support if they wished to.

Trent Beretta: Trent was the first person that Sarabi had made sure to introduced to Yuta and his friends when they first arrived at the school, considering the fact that his adopted fathers, Timon and Pumbaa, were close pals with king Simba. They'd taken Simba under their wings when the young lion cub ran away from home after his father passed away. With that in mind, Sarabi thought that it would be a marvelous idea if Trent helped Yuta and his friends learn the place, along with help Yuta get a better understanding of his powers so that they'll strengthen up.

Maxwell Friedman: And just like the salt of the earth Maxwell is, he will wreak havoc upon Yuta and all associated with him soon as he gets his hands upon him. Possibility of even losing the crown again ignites a fire within the young Friedman, one boiling with a whole lot of determination to ensure that Scar looks at him from his grave with pride this time around. And anyone who knows the youngest Friedman, knows they shouldn't get in the way when he has his mind entirely set on something because he always gets what he wants. But it looks as though Wheeler Yuta isn't afraid of standing up for what is right, and one can’t help but wonder whether that is something to be afraid of in itself. He is the son of Simba after all.

physiology

shapeshifting: kind of similar to an actual shapeshifter in the sense that maxwell can change into a lion at will. he can become a lion whenever he feels like it. when the lions tribe is threatened, they can change into a lion form in order to fight the threat.

superhuman strength: possess a level of strength drastically beyond what is naturally possible.

superhuman senses: ability to perceive and process sensory stimuli with clarity and range beyond human norms.

superhuman agility: ability to adjust body position with ease and grace beyond human norms.

superhuman reflexes: have drastically better reflexes/reaction time than what is naturally possible.

accelerated healing: increase the speed of one’s regenerative abilities each time one is damaged.

superhuman hunter: can hunt better than any mortal or other species. like any typical lion, they hunt by ambush. fanning out, they form a semicircle, with the smaller lionesses herding the prey towards the center. a lion's vision is roughly six times more sensitive to light than humans, giving them a distinct advantage when hunting at night. aside of using this for capturing food, maxwell will also use this to attack someone.

lion communication: lions communicate in different ways using sounds like roars, growls, moans, and grunts. also, by leaving scent markings and through visual signals. a lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away. this is a warning to other predators and to protect their territory.

weaknesses

stamina: one of the main weaknesses is stamina. the lions have poor stamina in comparison to other shapeshifters. while they can sprint at 50 miles per hour for short distances, they tire easily and often give up the chase.

swimming: while they can swim, it's not their favorite activity. they find it challenging to move around in water.

lion's bane: a lion can be weakened or even killed by exposure to lion's bane, depending on the method of exposure. inhalation of purple lion's bane has been shown to disable their accelerated healing ability and has been shown to provoke him terrible hallucinations. the blue lion's bane is fatal while yellow lion's bane can weaken, sedate and even kill the lion as well, depending on the method of exposure and potency. the only known ways to cure the poisoning of a lion or other cat like creatures is by burning out a wound caused by a lion's bane laced weapon or applying to the wound the ashes of the strain the lion was exposed to.

daylight: their vision is roughly six times more sensitive to light than humans, giving them a disadvantage of walking around during the day without wearing a specially crafted pair of sunglasses that makes walking around in the day easier. what makes the sunglasses so special compared to any normal pair is the fact that they are designed for this specific reason.

[pintsizemama]

Fireplace

Day 26

Welcome to the 2022 Christmas Writing Challenge!

Summary: You give Frankie a stocking for next Christmas.

Pairings: Frankie Morales x Reader, Frankie Morales x You

Fandom: Triple Frontier

Rating: Mature 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 501

Warnings: language, pregnancy…let me know if I missed anything!

Day 25 Day 27 Christmas Masterlist Main Masterlist AO3 Join my taglist

“Frankie!” You called out. “Can you come here please?” You heard his footsteps headed your way. Your heart fluttered, and your stomach knotted slightly in anticipation. You were nervous and excited. Yesterday had been an unforgettable day.

After all the gifts were opened Frankie had shocked the hell out of you and Maria when he dropped down to one knee and proposed. You immediately said yes. Maria was thrilled. She couldn’t stop talking about Santa granting her Christmas wish.

Frankie later explained to you that he had bought the ring long before that and had planned to propose on Valentine’s Day. You thought it was sweet that he had moved the proposal up to make sure Maria’s belief in the magic of Christmas stayed intact. You had your own exciting news, but you decided to wait a day to share it.You stood in front of the fireplace, your gift in hand.

“What’s up, mi amor?” Frankie asked once he was in front of you.

“I have something for you,” you said simply and handed him the stocking you had been holding.

“A stocking?” He asked. “Uh, thanks….but, baby, I already have one.” He pointed to his stocking hanging from the mantle.

“I know,” you replied. “This one’s not for you…and it’s for next year.” His brow furrowed in confusion. “Look at it. Read it.” He glanced down at the stocking.

“Baby’s First Christmas,” he read to himself. “Is this Maria’s old stocking? No, we never got one like this for her…holy shit.” He looked up at you. “Baby…are you…are you pregnant?” You bit your lip and nodded.

“Holy shit!” He shouted. He wrapped his arms around your waist and picked you up. “I can’t believe we’re having a baby!” He set you back on your feet and kissed you deeply.

“So, you’re happy about it?” You asked cautiously. You hadn’t really talked much about having kids. You both wanted more, but a timeline hadn’t been decided.

“I’m thrilled,” he said softly. “This is the best damn Christmas present I could ever ask for. Maria is gonna lose her mind when we tell her!” You giggled. Frankie dropped to his knees and gently cradled your stomach. He placed a kiss over your belly button.

“Hey, in there,” he whispered, “it’s your Daddy. I already love you so much, and I can’t wait to meet you.” You ran your fingers through his curls, your heart bursting with love.

“When can we tell everyone?” He asked, his eyes shining bright with adoration.

“How about we break the news about the engagement first,” you suggested. “Then we’ll tell them about the baby in a few weeks…spread out the good news a bit.”

“Whatever you want, mi amor,” he replied immediately. He kissed your belly once more. “Fuck, I can’t believe I’m gonna be a dad again.”

“This is turning out to be quite the memorable Christmas,” you said.

“One for the record books,” Frankie said with a smile.

Day 27

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[charlesemersonwinchesteriii]

🔥 for any topic we both like or anything you want to write about! 💙💋

Everyone else look away from this post I want to be alone with topshelf2112-blog. Now then. [kisses your hand] My opinion is that you are so right. about everything in the world. Lightning round of some thoughts for you:

I know canon mentioned Charles has/had a dog and I do totally believe he's grown up with multiple hunting/guard dogs as well as horses and probably other creatures too on the big family estates, and I’m sure he’s always enjoyed hanging out with said creatures and avoiding all human interaction, because as we all know, he IS autistic. However when it comes down to it he is absolutely a cat person. Because what is the ultimate autism animal, after all? That’s right!

Not to say that he’d ever get a cat, or any pet I think, of his own volition. He’d be one of those infamous grumpy old men (Charles became a grumpy old man, spiritually, at about age 17) where his spouse/sister gets a cat and he’s like “ableghbleghblegh I don’t want a cat it’s gonna make a mess and you won’t take care of it because you are Irresponsible bleghebglhdghdhl” and then he is ALWAYS cuddling that cat. fucking ride or die BFFs with the cat. But of course it’s always strictly “my spouse/sister’s cat”. Of COURSE.

When you said Charles’ little brother’s name was David I was like ok. scream. and you were so right. In any other circumstance I’d be like ok no way that’s too much but this is MASH where the cast and writers LOVE doing shit like that because they’re all little FREAKS. Like they literally did this exact thing in canon with Sad Piano David from Morale Victory. (Also this HC makes Morale Victory even more fucked up, so obviously a huge win.) So this is canon to me now, sorry to all other Dead Little Brother Name Candidates but you can’t beat this one.

Also every other Dead Little Brother Name Candidate (TM) I’ve seen is a nickname of some sort and I totally get what people are going for but in my humble opinion. This is simply NOT a nickname household.

On a related note I don’t seriously subscribe to the notion but if someone told me Charles’ mother’s name was also Honoria I’d just be like of course it fucking is. I hate this fucking family.

I LOVE your idea that Maxwell’s birth father was the physically abusive one he mentions and that his current one is a step-father, and I think that’s supported by how in The Interview he mentions that he and his sister(s?) call the man by a nickname, “Butch”, as opposed to just “dad”. (And I love how you write that said step-father and some other family members are not as accepting of his dresses as other relatives like his mom and uncles, because I feel like that’s so often how it is, you know? Some of your family are great about it but some are not and then you become this Object Of Tension and it’s just exhausting. Soooo many Thoughts about Maxwell's family......)

Every time you have Charles and Kellye interact in a fic or mention that they’re friends an angel gets its wings. Maybe if enough of us do this we will be able to physically manifest more scenes of them together somehow. Also I’m just gonna say it. Society if Hawkeye finally went to ask Kellye on a date in Hey Look Me Over and the guy she’s already with were CHARLES of all people. He would take 10d10 psychic damage. absolute crit. destroyed.

Charles and Honoria are [REDACTED] survivors. I know it’s all played over the top for laughs but the stuff he says in Bottle Fatigue and Heal Thyself is [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

[choicesficwriterscreations]

September MC & OCs of the Month - Special Edition: Harper Gale

Help us in welcoming September's MCs and OCs of the month! That's right, plural! Most months, CFWC highlights one randomly selected MC or OC from our Meet My MC / OC List. (More info here.) But this month, we're doing something different.

In August, @lilyoffandoms hosted a Writers Appreciation Month, and we announced the September Writer of the Month would be selected from its participants. But all participants agreed - Lily deserved the honor! Still, we wanted to do something nice for the eleven writers who elected to participate to help uplift other writers in the fandom. So, this month, each of the eleven participants will have one of their MCs or OCs highlighted.

We will introduce each MC / OC individually, and once all eleven have been highlighted, a masterlist for the month will be created. We hope you enjoy getting to know all about them!

The tenth MC of the Month is @karahalloway 's OC Harper Gale for a reprise!

Learn more about Harper below....

In your words, tell us what you like most about your MC. 

Probably the fact that she knows what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it.

For instance, Harper has had a dream of going travelling around the world for several years, and at the start of (Un)Common Attraction (my somewhat modified rewrite of TRR1), she jumps at the opportunity to go to Cordonia, figuring that this is her chance to kickstart her around-the-world adventure. And even though things don’t exactly go to plan, Harper still tries to make the most of the opportunity at every turn.

She also realises relatively early on that she is much more interested in and feels like herself with Drake, and even though Drake tries to push her away — out of loyalty to Christian (my version of Liam) and in a bid to avoid a scandal — Harper refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer, knowing that Drake has feelings for her too, and eventually convinces him to come around. Obviously, the press scandal on the night of the Coronation Ball throws a massive wrench in the works, but Harper refuses to throw in the towel, despite a lot of proverbial sh*t hitting the fan.

Other things I like about Harper are that she has a very strong moral compass and will fight for what she thinks is right, even in the face of resistance from those she loves and cares about. And she has a big heart — she is always trying to find ways to surprise Drake, be moral support for Max, Hana and Christian, and is always the first to offer help, even if she doesn’t really like the other person.

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

As is the case for many authors and their OC, Harper and I share some similarities. We’re both curious, pragmatic, and down to earth, love to travel and have new experiences. We’re also both quite outdoorsy, love animals, as well as OTT action movies 😆 

However, Harper is a lot braver and a helluva lot more resilient than I am — I would never have taken Maxwell up on his offer to go to Cordonia for the social season, and I am not sure I would’ve coped with all the things she goes through in Cordonia the same way she did.

Also, while we both tend to say it like it is (and this gets us into awkward moments sometimes), Harper is a lot more outspoken than I am and will call out BS then and there, while I just do the silent eye-brow raise, akin to Drake 😅

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

One of the most important things for Harper is being able to be herself. 

This was a big reason why she turned down Christian, because she couldn’t see herself living a ‘fake’ life whereby she had to constantly present an ‘idealised’ image of herself to the public, always having to watch what she said and did, and no longer being able to live a ‘free’ life (in my rewrite, for various reasons, I moved the timeline of this conversation up, so it takes place during the social season, rather than at the end of the engagement tour). 

This is also the reason why she gravitated towards Drake very early on — because Drake has always taken her at face value and never expected anything more from her other than exactly what she already was (whereas both the Beaumonts and Christian focus on, and try to use Harper’s status as a lady — and subsequently a duchess — to further their own ends, whether overtly, or covertly).

In terms of where I am with Harper’s story at the moment, her main motivations are clearing her name after the press scandal that broke during the Coronation Ball — in part to set the record straight and restore her reputation, and in part because she doesn’t want to have to keep hiding her relationship with Drake. Because this is kind of an all-consuming thing at the moment, she doesn’t really have mental space to think about more generic motivations 😅

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Harper’s biggest pet peeves are being made to feel like an idiot (which is the main reason why she has a hard time getting along with Bertrand, who is a perfectionist taskmaster when it comes to etiquette), and being woken up at stupid-o’clock in the morning for a stupid reason (she very much wants/needs her beauty sleep).

She also takes issue with the two-faced nature of the nobility — outwardly presenting perfection, while inwardly falling prey to infighting, lies, manipulation and entitlement. This is another reason why she gravitated towards Drake almost from the very start because both of them can see the rot of the aristocracy through the superficial glitz and glamour.

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be? 

I’m not sure Harper would want to change anything — she believes that things happen for a reason and every cloud has a silver lining, even if you can’t see it at the time.

So even in the midst of her worst experiences, Harper is able to find some kind of light on the horizon (even if it feels intractably out of reach) and focuses on that to get her through whatever hardship she is facing.

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song? Harper has a lot of songs she likes to listen to, depending on her mood, but one of her favourites is Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts. It very much captures her attitude of freedom, adventure, and curiosity, and the belief that great things are waiting for you if you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone:

Life's like a road that you travel on

When there's one day here, and the next day gone

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand

Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There's a world outside every darkened door

Where blues won't haunt you anymore

Where the brave are free and lovers soar

Come ride with me to the distant shore

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC:

I have had a ton of fun getting to know Harper over the 3 or so years that I’ve been exploring her view of the world. But like with any relationship️, you are always learning new things about each other, so I’m sure that as I continue fleshing out Harper and Drake’s story, I’ll learn new things about both of them ❤️ 

Because unlike some other characters I’ve written — who arrived fully formed — Harper actually developed somewhat slowly as an OC. For instance, when I started my TRR1 rewrite, I didn’t even know what she looked like, and it took me about a year to find an FC for her! 😅 

But from the very start, Harper has always had a very clear and distinct voice, which is part of the reason why I ended up writing her story from first-person POV. And the more I write her, the more I love her — almost like a sister — because she feels ‘real’. She has good qualities, yes, but she also has flaws — she can be too trusting, she isn’t always completely honest, she tends to overthink things, she gets heated and emotional and will rip into people (usually legitimately, but that doesn’t make the confrontation any less intense).

And I love her dynamic with Drake 😍 Nine times out of ten, their interactions just write themselves because even though in the big scheme of things, they haven’t known each other for that long, they are very in tune with each other and in many ways they are two sides of the same coin, which means that their interplay is always a perfect storm of snark, sexual tension, and humour.

To learn more about Harper, please see her character bio.

[clonerightsagenda]

I'm stuck watching broth simmer for a few hours, so I am finally making a post I have been sitting on for a while because I was laughing about it again last night.

In the past, I have made posts arguing for interpreting two relationships in Wolf 359 as pseudo-parental. The writers were pretty emphatic that while they had no objections to shipping, none of the characters were written as romantically involved or interested in each other. While they didn’t say if they *were* trying to write a specific kind of dynamic, I thought I picked up on some - whether intentionally written that way or not. (I feel the need to reiterate that I am not accusing anyone who ships those pairings of being morally wrong or supporting incest, which would be ridiculous but sounds like the kind of take you would see on this website.) But anyway, today I am going to make my case that I believe there was a *third* shitty dad in this podcast, and it is Warren Kepler.

As you read this you may be asking, Kat, are you trying to make enemies of everyone in the w359 fandom. The answer to that is no, honestly, but I am burdened by a fondness for Shakespeare allusions.

I will get to the Shakespeare bit, but first, some narrative parallels. In both Maxwell and Jacobi's backstory minisodes, Kepler is introduced in a way that aligns with their relationship with their parents. Maxwell has a restraining order against her family; in "Language Mapping" she refers to Kepler's behavior as harassment, says she's trying to get him to stop, and implies she *had* been looking into legal solutions but Goddard stayed just within the limits of what was allowed. In Jacobi's backstory episode, he admits he tried to join the military because of his dad, and Kepler is the one who gets him to join Goddard.

Thin, I admit, so let's get to the Shakespeare quote. "You have that in your countenance which I would fain call master" is from King Lear. You can read the wikipedia summary, but the play is a bit portentous. Lear falls for empty ego-stroking by bad actors while alienating people who have better intentions. One of those people is the Earl of Kent, who, burdened by fatal feudal loyalty, disguises himself to get back into Lear's service and follows him around for most of the play until Lear realizes he messed up and then dies about it. Invoking this scene is a bit of a self-own on Kepler's part. It comes from when Kent is interviewing (in disguise) to rejoin Lear's retinue. While Kent is flattering Lear, he's also tricking him, albeit for his own good. You could see this as foreshadowing of Jacobi blindsiding Kepler in season 4. Most relevant for this post is that King Lear is a play very focused on the relationships between fathers and their children, and Kent at one point says he loves Lear as a father. This says nothing good about poor Kent's actual family considering Lear is a shitty dad, but most? (all? I’d have to reread) of the family relationships in this play suck, so maybe it's still a step up. Among other things King Lear is about finding out your boss/dad is kind of an fuckup and yet remaining mired in his drama anyway as it develops a body count. If the shoe fits.

My last piece of evidence is extra-canonical, but in one of the AMAs one of the writers or VAs (I do not recall which) described SI5's relationship as a tired soccer parent and his two awful children. If it's not in the text it doesn't count, but I take this as evidence I am right.

So, does this actually land? Not really imo. Longtime followers know that I do not approach media with shipping goggles glued to my face (I don't even own shipping goggles) and even I was raising my eyebrows at points. I lay most of the blame for this on Noah Masur’s performance, and if the AMAs are any indication, he did it on purpose. If my immediate takeaway had been reading Kepler as an evil dad, I would have liked him more. That being said, torpedoing your relationship because you are clinically incapable of admitting you made a mistake and then dying.... that might be the oldest Bad Parent move in the book.

If you have read this whole post I'm not sure why, but the conclusion is that it's shitty dads all the way down. Truly the Fullmetal Alchemist of podcasts.

[scotianostra]

On 16th of June 1338  the Siege of Dunbar ended.

An excellent tale of Black Agnes, a medieval strong Scottish woman, as usual dates vary a wee bit with these posts.

Called Black because of her jet-black hair, dark eyes and sallow complexion, Agnes was a remarkable woman who defended her home against England’s attacks, and in doing so roused the country to fight for Independence.

The feats of Agnes are the stuff of legend, and centre on a five-month period in 1338 when she almost single-handedly stood up to an English invasion force besieging her home, Dunbar Castle, and sent it homeward to think again. It was one of the turning points of Scotland's  Second War of Independence and greatly boosted morale among the Scottish resistance at the time.

The early part of the Second War can be seen as a civil war between the forces loyal to the rightful king, David II, son of Robert the Bruce, and those who followed Edward Balliol, the usurper who had himself crowned King of Scots after his army – made up of English troops and the men of the “disinherited” nobles who had fought against King Robert and were trying to regain their confiscated lands – won the Battle of Dupplin Moor in 1332.

 We have seen over the last two weeks how the Bruce loyalists, despite such reverses as the Battle of Halidon Hill, gradually forced Balliol’s forces back towards the Border, and the usurper’s own men were effectively defeated by 1336.

 But Edward III of England was determined to preserve the counties and castle ceded to him by Balliol – a huge swathe of southern Scotland – and as of Ne’erday 1338, the English were still in control of large amounts of territory, roughly equivalent to the modern areas of the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, the Lothians and parts of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.

Taking back those lands was vital for the Scots, as this really was now a war for independence – Edward III no longer made any pretence that he was acting in support of Balliol’s claim to the Scottish throne. He was out to conquer as much of Scotland as he could, although even he was not fool enough to attack the Highlands and islands. Eventually, though, he would have done, and if his vastly greater armies had been able to concentrate on conquering Scotland, the chances are that this country would have been subsumed into greater England – which some say we now are … The complication for Edward III, grandson of Edward Longshanks, was that he now faced war on two fronts. His preoccupation with France had led to the start of what would become the Hundred Years’ War when Scotland’s ally King Phillipe VI of France in 1337 confiscated the English-controlled territory of Gascony – a bitter blow to the English as the area was the source of the wine England drank.

Edward III needed men and money to pay his continental allies and mercenaries if he was going to take back Gascony, but he was still reluctant to abandon his holdings in Scotland. He decided on a full-scale invasion of the east coast from Berwick-upon-Tweed up to Edinburgh,  concentrated on the most impressive fortification on that coast, Dunbar Castle – unless the castle could be taken there was always the danger of the Scots raiding from there to disrupt the English occupation of the Lothians.

This invasion was probably partly in response to the Scottish siege of Edinburgh Castle in November, which ended with an English victory and the castle occupied by English troops.

 The best chronicle of that time was the one composed in Latin by monks at Lanercost Priory near Carlisle in Cumbria. I am quoting from Sir Herbert Maxwell’s translation of the Lanercost Chronicle.

Lanercost tells us that King Edward “sent my lord William de Montagu(e), Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Gloucester, the Earl of Derby, three barons, de Percy, de Nevill and de Stafford, and the Earl of Redesdale, with 20,000 men … commanding them to besiege closely and effectively the castle of Dunbar, the castle of Earl Patrick, traitor alike to himself and the kingdom because it was irksome and oppressive to the whole district of Lothian.”

Here the monk shows his English patriotic bias, because Patrick, the Earl of Dunbar and March (partly in modern-day Northumberland) was no traitor – he had simply renounced the oath of loyalty to the English king that he had been forced to make. Nor can we be sure how many lords attacked Dunbar – the later Book of Pluscarden mentions Salisbury and the Earl of Arundel, so either way we can be sure it was Salisbury at the head of a large army.

Lanercost adds: “Dunbar Castle at that time was still in the hands of Earl Patrick, having been neither besieged nor taken by the English, the whole of the surrounding district of Lothian, although it was then in the King of England’s peace, paid each week one mark to those within the castle, more, it is thought, out of fear lest it should be forced from them than from love.”

The siege began on January 13, 1338. Earl Patrick was absent, probably with the Scottish loyal forces whose base was now at Dumbarton Castle, and left in charge was his wife Agnes.

It was not unusual for the wives of nobles to take charge of households when their husbands were away from home, but Agnes faced something few noblewomen had to confront – an invading army quite literally at her front door.

Agnes was the daughter of Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, the great friend and ally of Robert the Bruce who was the first Regent of Scotland for Robert’s son King David II. Her brother Thomas, the 2nd Earl, was killed while commanding a division at Dupplin Moor – in the space of a month she lost her father and brother, and her other brother John, the 3rd Earl of Moray, was captured by the English in 1335 while he was joint Regent of Scotland. The other Regent, Robert Stewart, the future King Robert II, sided with Balliol in 1335, which opened the way for Sir Andrew Murray to become Guardian of Scotland.

Agnes was married to Earl Patrick when she was just 12 and the marriage appears not to have been a happy one. They had no children, and Agnes was furious when Earl Patrick, who was also governor of Berwick, briefly switched sides to support Edward III – this may have been to stop the English king emulating his grandfather and sacking Berwick.

 It also allowed Patrick to time to rebuild and fortify Dunbar Castle which stood – some of it still stands – on a promontory between the town and the Firth of Forth.

The Scots soon learned of Salisbury’s invasion, but there was nothing they could do except allow him to besiege the castle, then occupied by Agnes, her maids, her guardsmen including archers, and their women and families.

A later poem succinctly sums up Agnes’s attitude: 

“Of Scotland’s King I haud my house, He pays me meat and fee, and I will keep my gude auld house, while my house will keep me.”

Lanercost records: “Close siege, therefore, was laid to the castle: those inside were surrounded by a deep trench, so that they could not get out; wooden houses were constructed before the gate, and pavilions or tents were set up for the lodging of the chief persons in the army.”

Salisbury had also hired two Genoese galleys to stop the castle being supplied from sea. The whole siege would cost more than £1000 per month – a vast sum in those days.

It was a brutal siege at first. There is confusion between fact and legend as to what happened, but there’s no doubt Salisbury’s forces assailed the walls of the castle with catapults throwing huge boulders.

The story goes that Agnes and/or her maids would go out to the walls and using their lace handkerchiefs would wipe the dust off the impact sites.

The Book of Pluscarden records: “She was a very wise and clever and wary woman. She indeed laughed at the English and would, in the sight of all, wipe with a most beautiful cloth the spot where the stone from the engine hit the castle wall.”

While the siege was going on, the Guardian of Scotland, Murray, took every opportunity that he could to attack the English across the south of Scotland. It is recorded that several parties of reinforcements were attacked by the Scots under Murray and forced to return home.

Disaster struck when Murray fell ill and died, probably in late February or early March 1338, but still Agnes kept her doors barred.

The legends grew: Salisbury brought up a huge battering ram which was called “the sow”. Agnes calculated where and when it would attack and had the boulders that the English had lobbed at the castle turned around and sent down on the sow, smashing it to smithereens and sending the English troops running. “Behold a litter of pigs,” cried Agnes.

Provisioned for the winter, supplies were running low, but one of the leaders of the Scottish resistance, Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie, said he would get relief to Agnes. With 40 men, he commandeered a couple of fishing boats on the Forth and waiting until the galleys were out of sight, Ramsay landed on the rocks below the castle and fought his way in, bringing plenty food and supplies.

 Agnes promptly sent some food to Salisbury because she knew he, too, was low on provisions, and then ostentatiously held a banquet to infuriate the watching English.

Salisbury was riding around the castle one day when a Scottish archer, named as William Spens, fired at him from distance – the arrow grazed Salisbury and pierced the chest of his adjacent man-at-arms. Montague said: “Agnes’s love-shafts go straight to the heart.”

Now the English broke all the rules of chivalry. They had Agnes’s brother John as a captive and threatened to hang him in front of the castle if she did not surrender. She told them that would only make her the Countess of Moray in her own right and even more powerful – in fact she was not in line to succeed John Randolph, but the English didn’t know that and spared the Earl.

Salisbury attempted to bribe his way in, but the gatekeeper was loyal to Agnes and she set a trap. As soon as Salisbury would pass the first gate, the portcullis would be lowered, trapping him. But one of his soldiers, named by Pluscarden as Coupland, spotted the trap and threw the Earl backwards, while Coupland was captured.

Enough was enough. Word came to Salisbury that Edward III would be landing an army in France in July and on June 16, 1338, he abandoned the siege of Dunbar and went to fight in France. Agnes’s final words to Salisbury are supposed to have been: “Adieu, adieu, my Lord Montague.”

The rest of Agnes’s life is somewhat lost to history but her story raced around Scotland and England and a ballad was soon being sung that put these words in Salisbury’s mouth: “She kept a stir in tower and trench, that brawling boisterous Scottish wench; Cam’ I early, cam’ I late, I found Agnes at the gate.”

[astoryisaloveaffair]

astoryisaloveaffair - masterlist

A03

Spotify Character Playlists: I need music to vibe when I write, these playlists are music I think the character would listen to/what it would be like to date them

Agent Whiskey, Dave York, Dieter Bravo, Din Djarin, Din Djarin/Rough Day, Ezra, Frankie Morales, Frankie Morales/Fix You, Javier Peña, Marcus Moreno, Marcus Pike, Maxwell Lord, Oberyn Martell, Pedro Pascal himself, Pero Tovar, Veracruz

Benny Miller

Will Miller

Clint Barton

Wips

*headers by the beautiful @leannawithacapitala​, other banners by @firefly-graphics​

Fire Meet Gasoline - Dieter Bravo is a fucking mess and his agent hires him a personal assistant. “I can make him worse” trope. Ongoing Series.

Chapter 1: Disturbia

Fix You -  Frankie finally bites the bullet and hires a babysitter to take care of his daughter for guys nights. What he finds in you is the love, support, and family he’s always needed. And nothing will take it from him. Ongoing series.

Series Masterlist

Howl -  Disappearing people and decimated livestock have been a standard in the string of villages along The Forest for the past decade, but no one knows what or who is responsible, and you are determined to find out. But you didn’t expect to fall for who is to blame. Ongoing series.

Series Masterlist

My Drug is My Baby -  You’re ready to start your senior year with your best friend, your boyfriend, and a new teacher to annoy. But what the fuck are you supposed to do when you feel things you shouldn’t for him? Ongoing series.

Series Masterlist

Run Through the Jungle - Frankie is selected for Naked and Afraid and has to survive 12 days in Colombia. With you. AU.

The Heating Pad - Frankie tries to comfort you when you wake up with menstrual cramps

Frankie Morales NSFW Alphabet

Tangled AU/Season 8 Fixit - Coming Soonish

Series Moodboard

Today Is The Day I Die 

My Mercenary Bold - a Pero Tovar Mermaid AU

Part One: Lying on the Grey Foam

Part Two: Off the Deep End

Triple Frontier Rock Band!AU

The Audition

Verses

Sure Shot

Part 1: Artificial Nocturne

Part 2: New Day Rising

Kinktober 2021 - Abandoned

[bbrandy2002]

Fearless

Chapter 4: See the Lights, See the Party, the Ball Gowns

Book: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairing: Prince/King Liam x MC (Riley Brooks), Drake Walker x OC (Alyssa Devereaux)

Series Premise: Riley Brooks and Alyssa Devereaux became best friends as freshmen at Syracuse University, a borderline-sisterhood that lasts forever after. When Riley meets a handsome prince and is asked to compete for his hand in a mysterious faraway kingdom, she invites Alyssa along for moral support.

What the girls think will be a crazy temporary adventure becomes two sets of happily ever afters … with twice the shenanigans to show for it.

A/N: This series is written in loving collaboration between @bbrandy2002 and @burnsoslow​.

Series Warnings: Smut 🍋🍋, language, canon violence (gun violence, bombing, terrorism), drug use, probably more stuff as we think of it. By reading this series, you agree that you are at least 18 years old and are prepared to deal with adult themes.

The girls spent their first morning in Cordonia with their respective sponsors, getting the first glimpses of courtly life and preparing for the Masquerade Ball taking place that evening. As much as they wanted to get out and experience all that this little Mediterranean country had to offer, there was just so much to do and little time to do it. 

That morning, while Alyssa worked diligently on learning the steps of the Cordonian Waltz and etiquette with Rashad, Maxwell finally got Riley out of bed in time for a late breakfast. This included meeting his brother, Bertrand, who was none too thrilled with the former waitress from New York. Riley discovered rather quickly that the duke was nothing like the free-spirited Maxwell; if ever there was a picture display of a killjoy, she was sure his scowling face would be plastered dead in the center.  

The day kind of went by in a dizzying blur, especially for Riley, who spent most of it either being lectured by Bertrand, or raiding the kitchen for stress snacks with Maxwell. And as far as anyone knew, Liam was still unaware that the quirky, raven-haired beauty he’d met two nights ago and never expected to see again was in his country, in his palace, and was about to come face-to-face with him.

If she didn’t die of anxiety first. 

Neither of the girls saw each other until much later that afternoon when they linked up in Riley’s room before heading to the palace's salon for last-minute hair and nail appointments. 

Later on in the boutique, Riley sucked in a deep breath and held in her stomach while Alyssa stood behind her, fighting to zip the back of the angel-themed costume she chose for the Masquerade Ball. 

Actually, "chose" was a loose description in this case. The ensemble was one of the last two dresses in the palace's boutique, and Maxwell insisted Riley wear it instead of the more provocative red devil attire to make herself more appealing to the King and Queen. The Beaumont sponsee didn’t give two shits at that moment about impressing the monarchs; her major concern was how she would fit that size-four dress over her size-six body. 

“What the hell did you eat, Ri? This zipper is not budging an inch," an out-of-breath Alyssa groaned as she attempted to pull the tight fabric closer together.  

Steadying her feet firmly to the ground, a jostled-around Riley answered quietly, in a still manner, so as not to undo what little progress her friend had already made, "You know I'm a stress eater. I've experienced many emotions since we left yesterday, and food therapy helps. And your judgment is making me hungry again, so thank you for making it worse."

"I'm not judging you; I'm simply stating a fact: Your ass won’t fit in this dress."

Riley straightened up a little higher, hoping to thin her lean frame out more. "Well, it's gonna have to," she scoffed. "I can't be the only suitor at this ball without the proper attire."

Alyssa tugged harder in frustration. "You know, it might help if I could remove the price tag from the zipper."

"Perhaps." Riley sideways glanced at the two inattentive boutique cashiers before turning her head slightly over her shoulder to acknowledge her best friend in a hushed tone. "But then I wouldn't be able to return it in the morning. $700 for a damn dress is highway robbery, and I won't be a victim to this place's jacked-up prices." She glared back at the fashionably dressed women running the register and hollered out, "You should all be ashamed of yourselves!"

"Shhhh!" Alyssa's face burned with embarrassment while she smiled sheepishly at the bewildered ladies. "Are you crazy? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"You mean aside from the usual things that are wrong with me? I'm a nervous wreck, Lyss. Liam still doesn't know that I'm here. I'm about to go wine-and-dine with snobby rich people, while my socially awkward-o-meter is on red alert. And Maxwell's brother didn't like me. How am I supposed to impress Liam, the press, this council, and his parents when my own sponsor hates me?"

"He doesn't hate you," Alyssa replied. "Suck in your stomach a little more ... Rashad told me Duke Beaumont is high-strung and takes all this court business very seriously. If you ask me, give ‘The Brows’ some time. I know he'll love you. And Liam already does!" Alyssa stepped back in delight after tirelessly sliding the last bit of the zipper to the neckline. "Voila! I got it."

Riley stiffly turned toward the full-length mirror -- her insides feeling like they would pop right out of her -- and surveyed the finished product. "Not bad, not bad. A slight muffin top on the sides, and my ass cheeks are packed in tighter than my family around the dessert station at a buffet, but ... I think I can get by with it." Turning to face Alyssa, she lit up with anticipation. "Okay, now it's your turn."

Alyssa plucked the bright red dress off the rack and headed inside one of the many dressing rooms. A moment later, she emerged with a beaming smile on her face and held her arms out to the side to do a show-offish twirl. "So, how do I look?"

"Oh my god, Lyss!" Riley clapped excitedly. "You look so hot in that! That color of red really suits you too. Although, you might want to cover up the girls a little more; I've never seen your boobs look so huge."

"Wha --" Alyssa glanced down at her fully rounded chest, a substantial portion of which was spilling out over the top. She crossed her arms over her breasts in horror. "OH MY GOD! You're right: They're enormous in this thing. I can't go out there like this! They'll be stuffing dollar bills into my cleavage and begging for a lap dance!"

"Well, just ... try to tuck them in," Riley suggested, demonstrating her advice on herself. “You know, the way guys tuck in their junk.”

Alyssa shook her head adamantly, attempting to slide the top of the dress up higher. "I don't think that'll work. It's already extremely tight."

“That’s what he said,” Riley quipped with a snicker, much to the chagrin of her longtime friend, who simply blinked back. “Wow, not even a smile. Come on, Lyss, it’s not that hard.”

Alyssa grinned despite herself, “That’s what she said.”

Riley stepped closer, reaching out to grab a portion of the garment covering Alyssa's bosom, and declared, "Alright, If I can squeeze my fat ass into this dress, you can cram those giant melons into yours. So, get to pushin’, girl.”

-----------

After 10 minutes of stuffing uncooperative breasts into a gown, Alyssa and Riley stepped out of the boutique and made their way to the bottom of the main staircase outside of the ballroom, where Rashad and Maxwell were waiting eagerly for them. 

A grim-faced Rashad approached the pair as they neared. “We were beginning to worry about you two. I hope you didn’t have any trouble.” He reached out and greeted Alyssa with a friendly kiss to the cheek as Riley made her way up to Maxwell, who did the same.

“No troubles,” Alyssa assured him, before staring down at her chest to make sure certain parts were still contained inside her dress. “Just some slight wardrobe issues that I think we’ve taken care of.”

Riley frowned, rubbing a soothing hand over her squeezed-in stomach. “Let’s just say we both feel like canned biscuits.”

“And I’m petrified of canned biscuits!” Alyssa shrieked, then spoke in a lower, punier voice in Rashad’s direction. “They make that popping sound that scares the hell out of me.” He nodded sympathetically at her admission, having no clue what canned biscuits were.

Maxwell let out a chuckle. “Either way, you both look awesome! Like two totally righteous peas in a pod and all that jazz.” He peeked over at Riley, who wasn’t appearing too sure of herself, or of anything for that matter, knowing she’d spent most of the day in a subtle panic. While she steadied her breath, he looped his arm through hers and leaned over. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. You’re going to go in there like the boss you are and knock them all dead. I just know it.”

Riley swallowed thickly, “But Liam --”

“Will be over the moon with excitement to see you again. Do you think I’d go through all the trouble of trying to convince you, and then Alyssa, to come all the way here -- not to mention, facing my brother’s wrath -- if I didn’t believe Liam would want to see you again?” Riley half-shrugged, but Maxwell could tell by the little glimmer of hope he caught in her eyes and the slight curl at the corner of her plush pink lips that she knew it was true. “If he’s not happy about seeing you, I’ll book you on the first flight back to New York, and you can punch me in the gut or something. But I can tell you with certainty: No man goes out with a woman and keeps his friends up most of the night talking about how amazing she was if he doesn’t want to see her again.”

Riley could feel a tinge of pink color her cheeks and looked away for a brief moment, knowing he was right. She was about to see her prince again. Simply knowing how happy Liam was when they parted ways that night made her heart flutter. The blushing suitor peered back at the towering man on her arm and smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Max.” 

As they both stared straight ahead at the set of double doors where Alyssa was making her grand entrance into the ballroom with Rashad, Riley pointed out, “You realize if you had said all that stuff to me this morning and five bloated pounds ago, I wouldn’t have cried to you all day over pints of ice cream, half a sheet cake, and a bag of Mini Snickers?”

Lord Beaumont grinned without looking at her as the orchestral music inside erupted through the newly opened threshold that awaited their crossing. A gleam of anticipation glistened the cobalt hue of his eyes.”That’s our cue. Time to look alive, Twinkle Toes, it’s showtime.”

__________

It felt like a million pairs of eyes bore through Riley when the announcer spoke her name out to the guest in the ballroom. In reality, few paid much attention to the young woman dressed in pure white, from the feathery halo perched above her fancy swept-up hairdo to the tiny heels that sparkled like glittery specks of fairy dust on her feet.  

As Maxwell ushered her proudly through the spectacular crowd adorned in the finest silks and chiffons, faces concealed behind extravagant masks similar to hers, and opulent table spreads of gold and crimson, Riley searched the four corners of the room for one particular set of the bluest eyes she’d ever encountered -- she had Liam’s memorized by heart. However, the only ones she recognized came from her smiling best friend, standing casually beside the Lord of Domvallier at the bar, keeping her word to watch out for her. With a subtle grin from Alyssa to convey she had her back, the whirlwind of fear and chaotic thoughts that overwhelmed Riley quickly dissipated into thin air. 

Baby steps.

While Maxwell and Riley headed to the center of the ballroom to meet up with Bertrand, across the way, Alyssa ordered a cranberry vodka from the bar. She was wearing red and needed a drink that matched perfectly with the fabric in case of accidental spillage. As the bartender poured her glass, she tore her vigilant gaze from Riley when Rashad’s cell rang. Seconds later, he covered his phone lightly with a palm and lowered it away from his ear to speak with her. 

“This is my client in California. Will you be okay for a little bit while I take this out on the balcony?”

Alyssa nodded. “Of course. Take your time. Is there anything I should be doing while you’re gone?”

“Try mingling with the crowd. Get to know the other suitors. The best way to help Riley tonight is to get a feel for the competition. Figure out who you can potentially get on her side and who is going to cause her trouble.”

“With all due respect, this isn’t Survivor.”

Rashad grinned before excusing himself. “We'll see if you still feel that way by the end of the social season.”

What is it with all the Debbie Downers here? He sounds just like -- Before she could finish that thought, a stroke of irony occurred when she caught the denim-clad Drake, standing out like a sore thumb, making his way up to the bar. She quickly spun around on the barstool and hovered over her freshly poured beverage. 

Tapping the bar's woodgrain top, Drake called for, “The usual,” before plopping down on the stool next to her. His woodsy scent filled the air and wafted in her direction; she wondered if he’d even recognize her.

Pressing the rim of the glass to her lips to take the first nervous sip of her drink, she wondered why she even cared if he did.

Alyssa set the vodka cranberry down on a cocktail napkin at the same time Drake reached for his tumbler of whiskey. A brush of their hands caused them both to retreat away before he bowed his head respectfully to her. 

“I’m sorry, my lady.” Drake was quick to apologize. He never knew which stuck up nobles would have an issue with a commoner’s simple touch.

Alyssa lifted a brow and smirked in response. “So you do have manners?”

He’d recognize that wily voice anywhere. Grumbling, Drake responded. “Aww, hell! Pipsqueak? Is that you?”

“Hello, Sunshine.” She dimpled.

Drake shook his head. “I should have known. Of all the damn people in this room, I still managed to find you.”

“I would call that a very lucky day for you then.” Alyssa lifted her drink and tipped back a gulp. “So what’re you doing here? Don’t you have some royal cows or chickens to herd around or something? Who wears denim and jeans to a fancy ball?” 

She would if she could get away with it.

His tight shoulder muscles bounced slightly with disingenuous laughter as his chestnut eyes took in her sultry devilish costume. “I could ask you the same about your own clothes. Suitors are supposed to dress up for these things. Not come as themselves.”

Offended, Alyssa arched back contemptuously. “Are you calling me a devil?”

“If the horns and pitchfork fit.” Drake retorted. He motioned with his glass across the room. “By the way, you see that blazing redhead who just stole your little friend away from Maxwell?” When Alyssa snapped her gaze protectively in that direction, he continued, “That’s Olivia. You might want to check in on … what’s her name again?”

“Riley ...” Her tone was resentful. He knows damn well what her name is. 

“Whatever. Just trust me on this, if the two of you know what’s good for ya -- and I’m betting you don’t -- you’ll stay as far away from Olivia and the rest of these social-climbing fuckers as possible.” His mood suddenly shifted as he drained his drink, then slammed it on the bar top, motioning with his hand to the bartender for another.

Alyssa was quick to notice the tension in his jaw and the immense throb of protruding veins in his forearm as he nursed his drink. “What climbed up your ass and died? Why are you even here if you hate everyone so much? 

He quickly snapped. “I’m here for Liam!”

“Well, I’m here for Riley!” The two of them glared at each other in a tense showdown that neither was willing to back down from. After a beat, Alyssa’s determination weakened somewhat; confrontations made her jittery. 

And with him in particular.

Letting her shoulders slump, Alyssa let out a soft breath as she relaxed. “I’m trying to give her some space … but do I need to go check on Riley?” The question was asked sincerely. 

Drake turned his head back, his vision crossing the vast expanse of the room and landing on a perturbed Riley in conversation with Olivia. He scowled, recognizing the expression impressed on her face all too well. “We’re outsiders, Alyssa. You. Me. Riley. That’s the only thing they’ll ever see. It’s the only way they’ll ever treat us.” He shifted to face Alyssa again. “Take that for what you will. If she were my friend … I would.”

_______

Riley shook her head emphatically. “There’s no way I’m supposed to kiss the king’s shoe. That’s weird, creepy, and-and- unsanitary!” She nodded toward a masked couple standing before the seated king who bowed, curtsied, and then exited to the left. “They didn’t kiss his shoe. I think you’re full of shit.” 

“Riley, Riley, Riley.” The duchess shook her head with an exasperated tone. “Those people are well-established and highly-regarded members of the court … you’re not. And while I admit it’s a rather unorthodox Cordonian royal custom, it’s part of our tradition that the newest members humble themselves before the king in an act of deep respect and reverence. I’m actually astounded Maxwell never bothered to tell you.” She flipped back a thick curly-q strand of hair that hung over her shoulders. “Do what you want. But don’t say I didn’t try to help you.”

Riley hesitated. “I guess I’ll keep it in mind …?”

“Great!” Olivia wrapped a firm hand around Riley’s wrist and pulled her toward the throne where the king sat. “You’re so lucky that I was here to warn you! Otherwise, you’d have looked utterly ridiculous.”

“Wait! Where are we going? Riley demanded, her feet barely able to keep up with the brisk pace. 

“To present you to King Constantine.”

“But I need to wait for my sponsor!” Riley protested. She struggled to break free, but the redhead’s clawlike grip was surprisingly strong. 

“Every second counts, Riley. These women have all known Liam for years. The early bird gets the Crown.”

“But I --” Panicked, Riley scoured the room for the Beaumonts and found them standing near the hors d'oeuvres table embroiled in what appeared to be a heated discussion.

“What the fuck?” On the opposite side of the ballroom, Alyssa spotted Olivia hauling Riley across the floor. Before Drake had the chance to warn her this wasn’t good, an enraged Alyssa was already sliding down off the barstool, stampeding off in hot pursuit of finding out what this redheaded troll was doing with her best friend. 

And for reasons he couldn’t fully understand, feeling frustrated beyond comprehension, Drake followed right on her heels.

Coming to a screeching halt before the raised dais, Olivia thrust Riley forward, who nearly tripped from the momentum into the bottom step at the sudden stop.

It took every ounce of restraint Riley had not to turn toward the woman who had forcibly dragged her across the room and to stick a pair of size-seven heels straight up her ass. She, however, liked the pretty, sparkly shoes she had on too much to ruin them … and wanted to end the evening outside of a hospital bed. “Asshole,” she muttered almost soundlessly.

“Your Majesty,” Olivia smirked. “I would like to present to you the suitor House Beaumont has chosen. Lady Riley.”

Riley gave her a cursory glare. It was the moment of truth. She plastered on her best smile for the King, who regarded her with a nod. 

Just … just do it. “Your Majesty.” Riley dipped into a low curtsy and held it in place for several seconds before contemplating the validity of Olivia’s outlandish claim and swallowing hard. “Here goes nothing.”

Placing both palms on the plush red carpeting that laid at the feet of the King, she lowered herself slowly until her knees rested on the top step.

“What the hell is she doing?” Alyssa questioned as she desperately weaved around a sea of faces, dodging server trays and tables along the way. “And where the hell is Maxwell?”

“I don’t know ...” Drake answered, practically pushing her even more quickly through the crowd, “ … but you better move faster. There’s no damn telling what Olivia told her to do.”

Riley paused briefly, staring at the simple black shoes that almost resembled a shiny boot. She wanted to be kissing Liam right now, not his father’s old fricking foot. Worst vacation ever.

Lowering her head gradually toward Constantine’s shoes, she scrunched up her face and reluctantly puckered up. 

Out of nowhere, a body with the vigor of a wild stallion in full sprint barrelled into her side, sending Riley hurling across the dais and causing her to land face-down on the marbled floor below.

"What is the meaning of this?" An enraged Constantine bolted up, his ire focused on Alyssa, hunkered down on all fours at his feet, striving to catch her breath.

Maxwell and Bertrand heard the commotion and came rushing to Riley’s side when they realized it was her sprawled out and jerking on the floor.  

"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty," an apologetic Alyssa said as she reached up for the hand Drake was offering. The King's glare at her was nerve-wracking as he waited for an explanation -- until Drake stepped up in front of her, blocking her view of the incensed monarch. "I can explain."

"I hope you can, young lady." Constantine glowered, baffled as to why Drake Walker was still standing between them … and mirroring every movement she made. When she shifted, he shifted. When she moved her arm, he did the same. Was this some type of game?

“Uh … um.” Alyssa's mind raced with excuses. She couldn't very well tell him the truth and make Riley or herself look bad -- she was still a representative of Duchy Domvallier. There was only one thing she could think of to say as she whipped around Drake and pointed at him. "This man pushed me!"

Drake's body stiffened at her accusation. "The hell you talking about?" 

She covered her eyes with a hand, pretending to sob. "I was on my way up here to pay my respects to you, sir, when this man ..." she paused to take in a fake stuttering breath, "... came out of nowhere and pushed me from behind. I tried to stop myself from running into anyone, but I couldn't. Too much momentum." Alyssa lowered her hand and stared at a wide-eyed Drake. "I’m just a small person, mister. Why would you do that? Why? What did I ever do to hurt you?"

"I never --"

"Drake?" The King eyed him sternly. "Is this true? Did you push this young woman?"

Drake’s defensive stance was no match for Alyssa’s pleading eyes, begging him to save her from this. “Please,” she mouthed.

He groaned, rolling his eyes. “I … I’m sorry, Sir. Lady Alyssa’s extremely long dress was dragging the floor and I stepped on it. When I lifted my foot off, she ... I don’t know … flung forward. I tried to grab her before she went flying, but she got away, and that must be why she thought I pushed her.” Drake lowered his gaze to Alyssa. “You really shouldn’t shop in the adult section, miss.”

“Is it possible you were mistaken, Lady ... Alyssa?”

She nodded. “Yes, that is surely possible,” she agreed in a rehearsed-sounding tone. “It’s all coming back to me now.”

“Well, then.” Constantine's contented glance drifted to Drake. “It’s good to know you didn’t push an innocent suitor on purpose, Drake. But just know this … I’ll be watching you.” 

“Looking forward to it, sir. Thank you, sir.” Drake quickly bowed his head as Constantine returned to his seat to greet the next guest. He grabbed Alyssa’s elbow and rushed her off to the side of the dais.

-----------

Maxwell knelt beside a disheveled Riley, helping her rise to her feet and dusting her off. 

“Lady Riley,” a scowling Bertrand glared, “what on earth is the meaning of this? The glory of House Beaumont is on the line tonight, and you’ve already made your first blunder. I told you, Maxwell, this was a mistake.”

Slightly dazed, Riley stumbled while massaging a sore wrist. Inclining her head so she could see him under the halo that drooped over her eyes, she retorted, “I was shoved, Berturd. It’s not like I did this on purpose. And thank you for your concern; I’m fine, by the way.”

“Shoved? By whom?” The three of them turned to see Alyssa and Drake scampering off to a corner. “It was Domvallier’s suitor?” Bertrand asked incredulously. “This is preposterous! It’s beneath Lord Rashad’s character to have his suitor and Drake Walker sabotage ours. I will have to go over there and put an end to this travesty at once.” 

“NO!” Riley and Maxwell barked.

"Bertrand. Why don't you let Riley and I handle them while you play damage control with the King? Unless ..." he smirked. " You want me to smooth things over with His Majesty? I have a lot to say about how Twinkle Toes just SAILED through the air at warp speed --"

"Dear God, no, Maxwell! There will be no need for your … input. But, you two, get results from Drake and that suitor. No funny business," he warned.

The two of them nodded in understanding. As soon as Bertrand turned his back and marched away, they both gave a knowing glance to the other before rushing over to Drake and Alyssa, who had just made it to a far corner of the ballroom, 

Alyssa yanked her elbow away from his vice-like grasp. “I believe we’re out of the clear; you can let go of me now.”

“Listen. I have to tell you something, ‘cause you need to know it ... “ Drake swallowed thickly, his rounded eyes focused squarely on the woman who’d just thrown him under the bus to King Constantine. He spoke as if he had something caught in his throat, “You--your-- uh -- ”

“And who made these damn shoes, anyway?” Alyssa complained as she hiked up the lower part of her dress and stepped out of her heels. Her already short stature lowered several inches. “They clearly hate short women and feet. Seriously, who thought walking around like a newborn calf was sexy?”

“Alyssa,” Drake tried again to speak through a strained voice, “You need to listen --”

“Hey!” Riley interrupted as she and Maxwell stepped up to them. “Why’d you push me off that stage thingy? And OH MY GOD, ALYSSA! YOUR --” Maxwell slapped a hand over Riley’s mouth, knowing exactly what her big mouth was getting ready to loudly announce.

Her frantic muffled words continued to blabber through his tightly clasped hand.

Alyssa gave him a confused look. “Maxwell, what are you doing?”

“Just stopping her before she told everyone within earshot ...” he paused fleetingly, lowering his gaze from the muddled expression on her face to her chest. “Your bosoms … well, they have emerged.”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you before,” a flustered Drake said as Alyssa let out a gasp and looked down. “You’ve been ... exposed … since --” He was quickly cut off again by her tiny wail as she fixed herself and dashed out of the ballroom, mortified, her arms crossed over her chest.

--------------------

Riley tapped lightly on the women’s restroom door. “Lyss? You okay in there?”

“No!” Her pouty voice rang back. “I’m the laughingstock of this entire court.”

Maxwell chuckled, hollering back. “You don’t have to worry about that, Lady Alyssa. I’ve already got that title covered in spades.”

“You two need to get back to the ball,” Drake said gruffly, referring to the girls. “Liam will be arriving any minute.”

“You’re right. There are probably five people in there who still haven’t gotten an up close shot of my breasts.” Alyssa swung the door open, bitterly hitching up the front of her dress as she stepped out, and glared up at Drake as she walked by. “And you let me walk around like that!”

“I did not!” He flushed a deep, dark red. “I told you, that’s why I was standing in front of you, so no one would see … ugh, fuck it. Just -- let’s go, okay?” 

A remorseful Riley hugged Alyssa. “I’m so sorry my dumb ass was what caused this to happen to you. Thank you for making sure I didn’t make a fool of myself.”

Alyssa squeezed tighter. “It was way better that it happened to me than you. We can definitely have a good laugh over this by the time I’m, like, 150.” When they let go of one another, she smiled at her friend. “Come on, we have a ball to get back to. And you have a prince to dazzle.”

“Oh, you guys go on ahead. I need a minute to straighten up.”

Drake, Alyssa, and Maxwell headed back inside while Riley spent a few minutes in the bathroom wiping away the dust off her dress and getting her hair back in order as best as she could. Plus, she just needed a moment to herself; it was the first time since she woke up that morning that someone wasn’t hovering over her shoulder or trying to impress someone. There also were some major jitters happening knowing the Prince was arriving at any second.

Stepping out a few minutes later, Riley headed back down the hallway, hopeful she still appeared as presentable as when she arrived earlier. 

Dotted along the walls that trailed back to the ballroom were portraits and artwork of kings and queens. Judging by the large periwigs, justaucorps, and stockings over breeches depicted, obviously they were quite old. One particular painting caught her attention enough to halt her steps before she plastered on a naughty grin.

“Ohhhh, what do we have here?” Riley snickered, leaning in closer to get a better glimpse. “I see London, I see France, I see a very hung King without his pants.” She fanned a hand in front of her face and spoke as if she were Scarlett O’Hara herself. “My, my, my, Fabian, I haven’t seen a lot of those, but I do declare, you put all the Yanks I’ve been with to shame. I’d be remiss to not ask if you were generous enough to pass on certain sizable traits, say to … Oh, I don’t know, the current Crown Prince?”

“Frankly, my dear … I don’t think he gave a damn,” a deep voice quipped over her shoulder.

Riley spun around, her body crashing into the portrait and causing it to rattle against the wall and lean heavily. Her face burned red-hot as soon as she heard his voice, even though every ounce of blood in her body seemed to rush to her wobbly feet. Liam reached out, grasping hold of her arms to brace her as she stared back, slack-jawed and weak-kneed, at his half-masked face, smiling warmly. “L-L-Li --”

“My sincerest apologies if I startled you, my lady. Are you okay?”

Her throat was dry, and surely no one in all history had ever been as embarrassed as she was at that moment, but she managed to answer feebly, “I think … I pissed my pants.” They both looked down at the floor simultaneously, relief washing over them that there were no puddles. Riley closed her eyes and let out a heavy breath. “Oh, thank God.”

Liam chuckled, his twinkling blue eyes glued to her flustered face. “You’re just as beautiful as you were that night in New York, Riley Brooks.”

“Wait … you know that it’s me? Are you surprised? Are you upset? Do you think I’m some creepy stalker now? I swear I’ve never even touched a weapon.”

“Really? What happened to your bag of Chinese throwing stars?” Liam teased lightheartedly. Riley tilted her head in confusion. “You remember, the ones you were going to throw at me in the alley outside of your bar --”

“Oh. Yes. Right,” she laughed awkwardly as the memory came to her. “Yeah, I may have embellished the truth there a bit. Twenty-pound hams seem to be more my weapon of choice.” Riley hung her head. Why the hell did I just tell him that? When Bastien cleared his throat and gave Liam a pointed look, Riley knew their time was short. “I know you have to go, but I just need to know something: How did you know I was here? Maxwell tried to get in touch with you and never heard back. I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me showing up here.”

“I’ve been quite busy since leaving New York with preparations for the social season and the Masquerade kicking off this evening. But it was Drake who came pounding on my door this morning to fill me in. You can imagine my surprise when he told me that you were here, and, I quote, ‘brought her small aggressive friend with her as guard dog.’”

Riley smirked with a shrug. “Can ya blame a girl? I came to win. Besides, I really like you, Liam.”

He smiled. “I really like you too, Riley. But this isn’t New York. As much as I wish we could just pick up where we left off two nights ago, this entire series of events is set up not just to give me time with my potential matches, but also to give my parents, the Council, and the people of Cordonia time to get to know the future queen. From now on, everyone will be watching you and ... Lady Alyssa.” Liam paused to chuckle and shake his head in amusement. “You actually got your friend to pose as a fake suitor and somehow convinced an honorable and highly dignified member of the court to sponsor her?”

“Yeaaaah, I still don’t know how the hell I did that. I should get extra points for my manipulation skills”

Liam laughed. "I believe you mean, negotiation skills."

Riley nodded. "Yeah, those too."

Already well past the time to make his grand entrance, Bastien approached Liam to give the final warning. Liam acknowledged him and turned back to Riley. “I hope I’ll see you again later tonight, if you’ll save a dance for me. But until then …” He pressed her willing body against the wall, tracing the back of his forefinger along her velvety cheek. “ … just know how very, very, happy I am to have you here, Riley.” His lips were fire and ice when he leaned down to meet her equally fevered ones in a lingering kiss. And she melted right into him.

With that, Liam was whisked away by the head guard and made his way into the ballroom. As a panting Riley brushed her fingertips over the tingling in her bottom lip, she felt so many things all at once: relief that he was happy she was there and already knew everything regarding Alyssa, and that same exhilarating bliss that swept her off her feet two days ago when they shared their time together. But he was abundantly clear, this wasn’t New York anymore, and he still had a duty and obligation to Cordonia regardless of his apparent feelings for her. 

Riley let a puff of air and pushed her backside off the wall to return inside. Just as she did this, the crooked frame bearing the likeness of the late King Fabian she admired earlier fell from its hook and crashed to the floor, causing the ancient glass to shatter beside her. With her head shrunken into her shoulders, Riley slowly peeked out one eye and saw the damage. Glancing down one end of the hall to the other to see if anyone saw her, she glanced down at the shards and still fully intact artwork. Normally she would have hightailed it out of there, but she couldn’t help herself from giving her destruction parting words. 

“I guess you’re not … hung anymore.”

Then she bolted the hell out of there.

--------------

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