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sunnami · 1 year

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you'd be the love of my life when i was young

summary: gryffindors wear their heart on their sleeve when they fall in love. slytherins keep their heart locked far away to keep it from breaking.

pairing: poly!marauders x reader (sirius x reader, remus x reader, lily x reader, and james x reader)

tags: slight angst, fluff, lucius malfoy, happy ending

note: i have a chemistry quiz due in 50 minutes but this takes priority. . . i haven't written in a while so forgive my rusty writing skills, they've only been let out from the basement today. not proofread, we die like the marauders. (title is taken from the song, 21 by gracie abrams, because that's roughly around the age jily die. hehe.)

They said when you fell in love with the right people, everything would fall in place after.

What a load of bullshit.

You had come to a conclusion one winter morning, laying in the Gryffindor common room dressed in your woolly, green jumper. You rested on the worn-out leather seat, nervously fiddling with your fingers as you stared at the ceiling, thinking about how it was going terribly wrong. How funny it was, that the 30th of December greeted you with an existential crisis instead of presents and hot chocolate.

There was something quite wrong with you, you had noticed for the past few months.

Every time Sirius Black smiled at you, showing off his pearly canines and the crinkles by his deep-grey eyes, you would experience a painful, tightening sensation in your chest — like someone was squeezing at your heart. Most people knew Sirius Black, the prankster, but you were lucky enough to know Sirius, the kind and spirited boy who had a heart that loved fiercely more than anyone you knew.

Cosy afternoons found you in the library with Remus Lupin, and a strange feeling would erupt in your stomach whenever Remus leaned down, and you’d catch a whiff of pine needles and fresh mint. Shaggy, blond hair falling over his eyes as he came to life, talking about your common love for muggle books. He made time feel like an illusion, minutes fading away into hours as the two of you shared stifled giggles, cheeks numb by the time you left the room.

And James, oh James Potter. It was difficult to describe what you felt with him — but with James, the brightest colours in the world couldn’t even compare to him. James was like putting on a pair of brand-new eyeglasses and seeing everything clearly for the first time. And without a doubt, you knew that James would never let you get hurt. But these days, you were weak in the knees as you’d see him across the Great Hall, waving at you excitedly as he bellowed your name, and to come and sit next to them.

Last, but certainly not the least, Lily Evans. Her sweet, airy voice was a warm hug on a cold day. And her actual hugs were second to none — don’t tell Sirius, however, he liked to shift into Padfoot to steal Lily’s title as the queen of cuddling. Lily flowers were delicate, she was anything but. The spitfire of Gryffindor, who would raise her chin and defy anyone who would harass you for hanging out with them.

(“You’re our emotionally constipated Slytherin,” said Lily as she mushed your cheeks, cooing when you tried to glare at her, and the three boys guffawing in the background. They liked to tease you often, being a year younger than them.)

Were you dying?

That was the only plausible explanation to your palpitating heart and rickety knees.

No, it was definitely not because you had gone and fell in love with your best friends.

That was absurd.

You had tried venting to Lucius Malfoy once. Narcissa often doted on you, sneakily leaving treats on your desk before she left for her class, and fussing when you got sick — which was quite often. That meant, when you weren’t with the marauders, you were trailing after the Slytherin power couple, or Severus.

(Lucius curled his lips in disgust, Narcissa sipping tea by his side, failing at hiding her knowing smirk. “I am above such childish matters,” hissed Lucius, scowl deepening when Narcissa laughed heartily, looking happier than she had been since returning home for the holidays. “I do not know why you’d even think to come to me for this.”

You huffed.

Maybe you’d try Severus next.

Naturally, he stormed off the moment Lily’s name fell from your lips.

Your resident seventh-years were confusing.)

Fortunately, you were stripped from your thoughts when the entrance to the common room slammed open, the paintings clamouring as they were disturbed from their slumber. One by one, the marauders piled inside the room, a string of melodious laughter and boisterous conversations following their arrival. Hastily, you sat up, heart thudding against your ribcage. Silence, you wretched beast, you told it. Don’t let them see how I burn for them.

“There you are!” Sirius came into view first, grinning widely as he crossed the room to reach you. “Who said you could be this pretty in the morning, love?”

Ba-dump!

Sirius plopped down head first onto your lap, manoeuvring your hand to comb through his hair as he sighed in contentment. “Bloody hell,” He exhaled shakily, “Last night was the worst one we’ve ever been through.”

Your fingers ghosted through the new scar etched across his sharp cheekbones — it was nothing Madam Pomfrey couldn’t fix, but you still didn’t like the sight of them bruised and wounded. Swiftly, Sirius grabbed your hand and intertwined your own with his. “I’m sorry,” You whispered.

Sirius chuckled tiredly, tightening his hold on you, as though you were a tether that kept him afloat in his sea of nightmares.

(And you were. If only you knew.)

“It’s not your fault,” said Sirius.

Then, your eyes landed on Remus limping towards you, his bare skin littered with scrapes and marks, supported with an arm around James’s broad shoulders. He sent a toothy smile your way, despite the tired lines on his forehead and deep bags beneath his eyes. “Waited up all night for us, huh?”

“I just couldn’t sleep knowing you guys were out there,” You whispered sheepishly. “It’s too dangerous, what happens if something goes terribly wrong, and it costs you your life? We need to tell someone.”

“Everyone who needs to know, already knows.” Remus bit down a pained expression as he sat by your side, head lolling on your shoulder. “This is the best we have for now.”

You didn’t like it.

You didn’t like it at all.

Before you could reply, Remus turned his head, lips feathering against your exposed skin. His voice was low as he said, “‘Sides, it’s our job to worry about you, not the other way around.”

“Well, I apologize for interrupting your job,” You whispered back harshly, wondering if that was all you were to them, a younger friend they felt the need to look after. Oh, how mortifying that would be.

James chuckled from behind you, bending over the back of the couch, he pressed a kiss to the side of your head, lingering for a few moments that felt like an eternity. “You’re too adorable,” said James, tweaking your nose. “Our angry, little Slytherin.”

“I’m not little.” You glowered at him.

“Perhaps not.” James smiled cheekily. “But you’re ours.”

Often times, you had wondered how the five of you came to be so tight-knit, knowing their disdain for most of the Slytherins.

(Little did you know, you smiled at them once in Potions, and they were a goner.)

Something stirred deep in your belly.

You sucked in a breath. “Don’t say things like that, James.”

People could get the wrong idea.

You could get the wrong idea.

“Well, why not?” Lily appeared in your peripheral vision, the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh rain filling the room. Like the three boys, her skin was sallow from lack of sleep, but her bare face and blinding grin left your heart racing. “It’s true, isn’t it?”

It could be, just not in the way you wanted it to be true.

You sighed. “Class is going to start in a few hours, I should get going.”

“Or,” James began wickedly, throwing a thick blanket onto the floor by the fireplace, and tossing a bunch of throw pillows at Sirius’s face. “We could have a sleepover right here.”

“Sounds good to me,” said Lily merrily, stealing James’s blanket as she placed a pillow beneath her head.

“I really have to go—” You reasoned pathetically.

“Stay,” whispered Sirius without even opening his eyes as he curled his lithe fingers around your wrist. “You being here makes us feel better.”

They were too cruel, saying all these sweet words, not knowing how it drove knives through your heart.

James yawned as he laid on the carpeted floor, hiking the blanket up to his shoulders as he threw a leg over Lily, pulling her close to his chest, nuzzling the crook of her neck. “D’you have your textbooks with you, love?” He asked you drowsily.

“No,” You answered, any other words lodged in your throat.

“That’s fine.” James hummed. “I’ll just get the cloak and sneak into the dungeons later to get the books for you.”

“Sleep,” Remus urged you, unaware how you shivered at his words.

“You can’t be comfortable like that,” You told him in disbelief, watching his neck bend at an angle to lay on your shoulder.

“Trust me,” said Remus gently, eyelashes tickling your skin, “I’m right where I want to be.”

You had grown silent for a few beats, unaware how Sirius’d opened his eyes, staring at your worried expression.

(How could one person be so perfect, he wondered.)

“You alright, darling?” He reached out to trace the curve of your jaw with his thumb, the palm of his hand holding your face as though you were a pureblood’s antique treasure. (Mine, mine, mine, his heart screamed.)

But like the Slytherin you were, you lied as easily as you breathed.

“I’m fine.”

As you laid in between Remus and Sirius, watching the peaceful rise of Lily and James’s chests, you had come to a daunting realization.

You were irrevocably and agonizingly in love with your best friends.

And because fate liked to spit in your face, the four of them were already in a beautiful, committed relationship.

Who were you to get in the way of that?

—

They would understand, you convinced yourself.

They would understand that you had to stay away from them. You had to protect your heart and keep it safe. The marauders were a dangerous bunch, and they had played the biggest prank on you, and by Merlin, would you fall for this particular prank over and over again if it meant you could hear their voices and fall into their embrace.

But you couldn’t stay. They would only crush your heart otherwise.

If Gryffindors wore their heart on their sleeves when they fell in love, Slytherins protected theirs with every fibre of their being, locking it in a cage where no one else can have the power to break it.

Like what any love-stricken teenager would do in the face of heartbreak, you began to ignore the objects of your affections — ignoring the way your soul called out to theirs.

It wasn’t as obvious the first few days. You would escape their company under the ruse of studying for McGonagall and Flitwick’s practical tests.

(“They’re notoriously difficult after all,” You told them, a nervous laugh accompanying your lie. Peter eyed you curiously, noticing small details the others could not see — your quivering lips, your nails digging into your palms, and the way your eyes wouldn’t meet any of theirs. “I just don’t want to fail.”

You could have cried at the way James held the back of your head as he placed a soft kiss on your forehead. “You’ll do well, love. You always do.”

“You can study with me, if you want,” Remus quickly offered. “I’m not as good as James in transfiguration, but I can definitely teach better than those two.”

“Hey!” Sirius exclaimed in mock offence.

“Thanks, it’s sweet of you to offer,” You told them, shifting your weight awkwardly from one foot to the other. “But—”

“Say less, darling,” Lily interjected kindly, wrapping her scarf around your neck. She smiled at you, holding both your cheeks in her palms. “They’re the worst lot to study around, I know. Just don’t study too hard, okay? Take breaks, have a cup of tea now and then, and remember it’s okay to ask for help — don’t give me that face — if it gets too overwhelming, just ask. We’re here for you in every way you need us.”

Oh.

You were well and truly screwed.

“Thanks,” You croaked.)

But it was getting harder and harder to come up with excuses.

(“Wotcher!” Sirius grinned, encasing you in a tight hug after bumping into you in the corridor. “Haven’t seen you in a while, busy bee. Fancy a lunch with us in Hogsmeade?”

You scrunched your nose, red and bitten from the winter frost, stepping away from him and ignoring the way his face fell. “I. . . I can’t. I’ve got practice with the Frog Choir.”

Sirius shoved his hands in his trouser pockets. “S’alright. I can wait and pick you up right after, then we’ll swing by that shop you really like—”

“I can’t, Sirius,” You interrupted harshly, wrapping your arms around your chest as your gaze dropped to the ground. “Sorry. I just. . . I’ll just catch you some other time.”

Sirius flinched. “Sure, love. Other time, yeah?”

But only the wind replied.

Saturday came, and along with it was the long-awaited match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. James, decked out in his uniform, bounded over to you at the Slytherin’s side of the Great Hall, oblivious to the death glares some of your housemates had sent his way. He wrapped his arms around you from behind, lifting you from your seat.

“It’s Quidditch day, pidge!” James tilted his head, awfully resembling a lost, confused puppy. “Why aren’t you dressed yet? It’s the game of games! Even Remus is announcing the game later.”

You bit your lip before responding. “I’m not going, James.”

“What?” He furrowed his brows. “Why not?”

Ever since you had become friends with James Potter in your first year, you had never missed a single game of his. Except for the one time you had fallen sick during his match against Hufflepuff — and the moment he knew you were ill, the game ended in less than two minutes, by his sheer determination to get by your side quickly and make sure you weren’t alone.

You sighed. “I don’t know, James, I’m just not feeling up to it today.”

It was a big, fat lie, and he knew it too.

You didn’t go to his match later that day.

It was one of the biggest losses James had ever experienced — he wasn’t talking about Quidditch.)

Your housemates were beginning to realize was something was off as well. They might not be particularly fond of the Gryffindors that captured your heart, but they were fond of you, and they guarded their own.

You had a stare-down with Regulus Black in the common room — and you weren’t about to lose — before he blinked and asked, “What did my brother do?”

“Nothing,” You replied, pretending to be engrossed with your herbology textbook.

Severus rolled his eyes before plucking the book out of your hands. “Spit it out, woman. We’ve had to watch you mope around pathetically for days now. It’s irritating the rest of us.”

You sniffled. “Then just leave me alone! No one asked you to check up on me!”

“Unfortunately, we can’t.” Severus took a seat beside Regulus. With a pained grimace, he said, “So you can. . . pour your heart out to us.”

“I can’t.” You wailed. “I’m a Slytherin, we’re the worst at that.”

Regulus shrugged his shoulders. “It’s true. We’re hopeless.”

“But,” He raised his wand, “We do speak in jinxes and curses.”

“Don’t you dare!” You blubbered, wiping at your tears — but somehow, without having to express it in words, they understood, and you had felt lighter.

Still, you missed them.

“This is pathetic.” Lucius enters the common room, Narcissa holding onto his arm, watching the scene before him with blank eyes. “Black, Snape, get out, you’re only making whatever this is, worse.”

Narcissa was by your side in an instant, dabbing at your wet eyes and cheeks with a handkerchief that cost more than your life. “Hush now, darling. What’s wrong, hm? Was it that idiot cousin of mine? Don’t worry, Lucius can tell his father, and we’ll have them begging at your feet by tomorrow.”

You cried louder.

“I jest, I jest.” Narcissa softly chuckled, pulling your hair away from your face as she tugged you close. “Please tell us what’s wrong. It’s been awful seeing you like this for the past few days.”

Lucius sat on the loveseat across you, resting his feet atop the glass coffee table. “Yes, I beg you — do as she says, for the love of Merlin. But, really, what else did you expect, associating yourself with that ragtag of miscreants?”

Narcissa glared at him.

Lucius raised his arms in surrender.

Narcissa clicked her tongue before returning her attention to you, eyes softening at your tear-stricken face. She smiled, albeit sadly, as she said, “Perhaps, I know what is wrong.” She gestured to the way you clutched at the front of your shirt. “It is the matters of the heart, is it not?”

You nodded weakly. “I love them.”

“And they, you,” said Narcissa. “So, what is wrong?”

“I love them!” You hiccuped.

“Unfortunately.” Lucius handed you a tissue. “The whole of Hogwarts knows this already, so I do not understand why you’re blowing snot all over my fiancé’s robes about it.”

“They don’t feel the same way about me,” You confessed with a sob.

Lucius stared at you incredulously. “Please do not tell me that you are this daft.”

“What do you mean?” You asked him through narrowed, teary eyes, Narcissa rubbing the tips of your numb fingers from crying so much.

“I did not sign up for this.” Lucius rubbed at his temples as he stood up. “I will only say this once, so make sure you are listening. Those Gryffindor idiots are so disastrously in love with one another — let me finish, damn you — and if you cannot see that they love you too, then it is your own fault. It physically pains me to see the way they smile when you are near. They would move the earth for you, and they would shake the heavens for you.”

—

Gryffindors must have hearts made of steel, because you didn’t know how they could be so brave, to look fear right in the eyes and say: I’m ready.

Because you surely weren’t. You were headed towards your usual spot in the courtyard by the clock tower, legs heavy and swell deep in your throat. Then, you found them, looking so achingly beautiful under the sunlight, huddled together for warmth as they smiled and laughed at lame puns and mistimed jokes.

Did you have a place with them?

You were about to find out.

“Hey,” You greeted once you were right in front of them. A month of evading them, and now you were here. It was like finding a piece of your soul that you had lost.

(For them, seeing you was like finally being able to breathe again.)

“Hey,” said Lily, devoid of any warmth, and that broke you.

Bravery was poison, you decided. A trap for weak-hearted fools like you.

Sirius shot James a look before clenching his jaw. “No choir practice today? No study sessions with Cissa or Reg? Wait, no, I’ve got it. Slughorn’s dinner party? Or is it detention with McGonagall today? Does her highness finally feel up to talking to the peasants?”

You inhaled sharply. “Never mind. This was a bad idea.”

But this — is what you deserved. You had hurt them badly, so it was only right for them to stomp on your heart for everyone to see, just as you did to them many times this month.

A sob tore from your lips as you swivelled on your heels, ready to flee the scene and never show your face to anyone else ever again. Yet, before you could leave, Remus clamped his hand over your wrist.

“Why?” He stared at you, searching for anything that could explain your sudden behaviour. Remus looked at you with such emotion, tightly holding onto you — but never enough to hurt, because Remus could never be capable of hurting you. He’d die before he would ever cause you pain.

(You made him feel unafraid of the moon.)

“Was. . . was it something I did?” Remus asked, laying his wounds bare for you to see. “Was it me?”

“I love you!” You shouted in the midst of panic — you had never wanted to cause Remus to doubt himself. Your loud declaration had caught the attention of some, but you stood on, curling your fists firmly. You needed to do this.

“I love you.” You said once more, breathlessly, staring right into James’s eyes. Such a beautiful shade of hazel. “I love each one of you. And it. . . it hurts right here.” Tears dripped from your eyes to the side of your chin as you splayed your hand over where your heart rested.

“Because you don’t feel the same.”

The four of them simply gazed at you, slack-jawed and wide-eyed.

You took that as confirmation for what you had been fearing all along.

“And that’s okay if you don’t,” You snivelled, unable to see clearly with the streams of tears in your eyes. You thought of how Sirius melted at Lily’s touch and how Remus was the anchor to James’s wild streak. How they all complemented each other and fit perfectly like puzzle pieces. “Just give me a few months, and I’ll get over it. It’s a stupid crush anyway, it’s my fault. The four of you are perfect together, how could—”

“Shut up,” James hissed before cupping your face and pulling you in for a kiss. Cherries and pumpkin pasties. He kissed you deeply once more before pressing his lips to your eyes, desperately washing away your tears with his devotion. “Was that it? We could have been doing this ages ago.”

“What?” You rasped, knees buckling at the weight of his gaze.

James only smiled, stealing your third kiss.

Sirius pulled your hand, his arm encasing your waist as you stumbled to his chest. Like James, he kissed you fervently, like he wanted to chase off all your fears and doubts. His lips were warm against yours — firewhiskey. You wanted to be burnt by his flames again and again. He held you close, committing every inch to memory.

(You were art that he wanted to worship.)

He kissed your forehead. “We love you, daft girl.”

He kissed both of your eyes, chuckling when a new wave of tears came. “We have loved you ever since you burnt my mother’s howler in fourth year, and gave us poorly-knitted sweaters for Christmas.”

“I love you,” said Sirius. “As certain as the spring that arrives after winter, I love you.”

You snuffled. “I. . . I don’t understand.”

Remus stepped in your line of sight to place his jacket over you — it was Sirius’s leather jacket, really, but Remus liked to claim it occasionally. He bundled you in earmuffs and rested his chin atop your head, exhaling in relief. “I thought it was me.”

You shook your head, clinging to the front of his shirt. “No, never. It was me. I’m sorry.”

Remus grinned wolfishly, eyes swooping down to your kiss-stained lips. (There you were, standing in the snow that threatened to melt, eyes rimmed with tears, hair wildly ablaze from the cold breeze, cheeks damp and red — but how devastatingly beautiful you were.) “May I?”

You nodded. “P-Please.”

Blueberries and dark chocolate. Remus whispered against your lips, “If it wasn’t already clear, the feeling is bloody mutual — we love you, just as the moon loves the sun enough to chase after it every day.” He grabbed your hand and placed it over his heart, you were surprised to see him holding back tears of his own. “All my life, I thought I was this monster who didn’t deserve to live. But you, all of you, make me selfish enough to want to belong here.”

He kissed you desperately, words of adoration and love falling from his lips.

Finally, your eyes settled on Lily. You waited for her reaction with a bated breath.

You hadn’t expected for her to burst into tears as she rushed over to you.

“Don’t you ever do that again,” said Lily angrily before circling you in her embrace, burying her nose in your hair. You hugged her back, drowning in her scent and warmth. “You are deserving of all the things you want, so don’t run away — if you run, we’d follow you, idiot girl.”

Then, Lily captured your lips with her own.

She tasted like happy endings.

note: 4k words and 6 hours later, here we are! let it be known i was THE poly marauders enthusiast years ago. i always wanted one with lily in the polycule so here we are. this is me manifesting my college romance, y'all. look away. anyways, i hoped u enjoyed it!! brought a smile to your face and all!! might make a part two for more fluff and to establish more relationship dynamics since this was written on a whim ;D also i planned a cute scene with peter as well, so i'll just write that in part two el em ay yo.

#james potter x reader #sirius black x reader #remus lupin x reader #lily evans x reader #poly!marauders x reader #marauders x reader #poly!marauders fluff #hp imagine #hp x reader #reader insert #marauders imagine #hp fluff #hp angst #marauders fluff #marauders angst

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cutielights · 7 months

Note

Hey pookie!! I luv ur work sm and I was wondering if u could do a rottmnt boys x spider woman reader ab them reacting to her stopping a collider like miles did? Idek if u watched into the spider verse but maybe something like that if not u could wing it if you'd like tysm hope u have a good day/night! ❤️

>>:] yes. For the purposes of writing, im going to act as if you were a spider person for at least a year before this. Not supposed to be Miles’ story, but pretty similar (if that makes sense)

i waNT THE THIRD MOVIE. Frikin dying of miles morales deprivation over here, hand over the sunflower boy with in tact parents

@moonchhu THE OTHER SPIDER PERSON ONE TAG LIST

That Really Big Earthquake

LEO

“Heyyyy, I haven’t seen you in twenty four hours which truly is a record for us, I missed you, did you miss me? I bet you did right? Go on tell me aaaalllll about it.”

“So, I was just kinda minding my own business, y’know, thwipping and thwapping and going about being an awesome hero when I bumped into myself? Kinda. They looked like me, but they were different, and didn’t look like me, but, I knew they were me! Because my spider sense went off and they could do stuff I could do, but also some different stuff! And then we freaked out for a little bit before I went to auntie May to show her and she showed me four more other me’s who were hiding out in her basement and then we tried getting them home and we had to sneak about in this fancy restaurant wearing bow ties, and we cried and they went into this collider thing, also it turns out my favourite cousin was working for the evil genius corporation and he’s dead now and it feels like my fault, I’m so totally fine don’t worry about me. Howwasyourday?”

“Haha, what.”

“Stopped the collapsing of the multiverse.”

“Oh it sounds so simple when you put it like that.” Yeah okay sarcasm queen

Made you some tea after that, let’s just, take a breath for a minute, m’kay?

He has decided it’s a self care day now, at least he did after thoroughly checking you for injuries

How you do not have a concussion will always escape him, not one broken bone? Seriously? After all that?

Please remind him you’re an actual super hero and not a pane of glass

“Wait what was that about your cousin?”

RAPH

“Hey! How was your weekend?”

“Crazier than yours.”

“Okay, Bet.”

One explanation later sponge bob narrator voice

“Wait, so you’re telling Raph, that huge earthquake that happened, happened because of you and five alternate versions of yourself?

“That’s excluding a lot of things I just told you but, I am telling Raph that, yes.”

Huge bone crushing hugs are in order, according to him at least. And I mean, is he wrong?

Not letting you out of his sight for ages, please, Raph, let them go home

“Why are you so worried? I did it, I won!”

“It’s more the fact that it happened and less the fact that you’re mostly fine.”

DONNIE

Othello Von Ryan: Stay home, S.H.E.L.LD.O.N has picked up on some strange (possibly universal fabric destroying) activity. Also there has been some earthquake activity in the area you were in yesterday, not that I have a tracker on you. Because I don’t.

Only Two Legs: I handled it don’t worry :D

Othello Von Ryan: ?

Othello Von Ryan: Traverse to My Lab.

“Heyyy Deee.”

“Stop. Explain. This better be your attempt at humor.”

There was silence for a long while after you had messily glued together words to describe the past 24 hours, before he took a deep breath.

“First, How dare you stop the multiverse from collapsing without me that’s incredible rude. Second, therapy. Third, that earthquake and power surge destroyed My Lab, thankfully I have backup backups to my backups, but I couldn’t use the internet for an hour straight.”

“Y- You’re more concerned about the internet?”

“Not what I said. Now let me check you for a concussion.”

MIKEY

“Hey they took down those art displays.”

“The what?”

“Oh you weren’t here, BUT there was these reaaaallllyyyyy cool art statues along this street! Look, hey, look, I took pics!”

“Oh cooollluuuhhh that’s not an art display that’s five different fire hydrants merged into each other.”

“Haha yeah it does kinda look like that doesn’t it? I thought it was supposed to be a dog.”

“Mikey, no-“ You pulled him aside into an empty alleyway, trying to explain what had happened over the past twenty four hours.

It was an interesting experience, but you got there eventually.

Best believe this boy is giving you the biggest hug ever, and then buying pizza.

Oh, and Dr Feelings is going to be paying you a visit. Multiple. You can’t escape him.

“So they weren’t art displays?”

Speedily bulk writing and scheduling rn bc im going on a holiday with zero internet.

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writeshite · 2 years

Text

Puppy Love

Summary:

“One would think you’ve become besotten with me, Lord Stark,” you quip, circling each other at a slow pace. “I would agree.” His arm moves up, and you meet it, wrists side by side, “dragons are a rare sight in the North; anyone would be enamored.” You chuckle, “I should say the same; wolves are equally as captivating."

Pairings:

Robb Stark x Male Reader

Tags:

Targaryen Reader | Fluff | Smitten Robb Stark

Words: 2122

Author's Note:

I have not actually watched the show or read the books fully 👉🏾👈🏾 I know things, but most of my knowledge is sporadic and random; it'll be like 60% accurate, I think....in my defense, I want dragons, and I also want Robb Stark, so like what else am I supposed to do 💀. Also, sorry if the High Valyrian in here is shit; I'm very behind in my Duolingo course.

“The dragons have taken back the Iron Throne.”

Robb didn’t quite know how to react to the news; his battle had been for the North, and the workings of the other kingdoms and their squabbles had never immensely mattered to him as much as he knew they should. The ball had been his mother’s suggestion, correction insistence, “As king, you should set an example and get ahead of the other kingdoms.”

The Targarayens arrive on dragon back - each on a separate one - the beasts shake the ground when they land, thunderous roars echoing into the skies. Her Majesty, Daenerys Targaryen, is poised, expression calm as she descends her dragon; another figure follows behind her - the Queen's Hand Missandei - the other dragon rider, steals more of Robb’s attention. Expression perhaps more joyful, you appear rather ill-equipped for the weather, furs less than satisfactory in Robb’s opinion. Your attire appears snow-touched, with little color - a touch of red on the collar of your coat - and dragon detailing on the lapels. Your silver locks are platted back in a simplistic rider’s style, held together by an intricate golden band.

Your company trails behind, arriving just moments later. Robb is accompanied by his mother, Sansa, and Arya, the latter of the three stares in awe at the dragons. Robb picks up a bit of conversation as you approach them, dying down when you come to stand in front of them; the words are of another tongue - High Valyrian, he thinks. “Your grace,” he greets, “welcome to Winterfell.”

“Thank you, Lord Stark,” she gestured to one side, “you know of my wife and hand, Missandei,” Robb nods, and she gestures to you, “and my cousin.”

“A pleasure,” you greet him.

Robb had yet to follow etiquette, and in the spirit of that, he responds to your greeting and awaiting handshake with a kiss - placed on the back of your hand. Your skin trembles in the cold, cool to the touch; he rubs his thumb along it in an effort to create some heat. The purple of your eyes was entrancing, deep pools that drew his gaze easily. His mother’s cough draws him back; her disapproving and mildly irritated glance is counteracted by Sansa and Arya’s amused ones. The servants lead you to your temporary quarters, and Robb’s linger on your retreating form; his mother’s lecture drifts elsewhere in his mind, barely settling before it’s tossed aside by the glee of seeing you once more at the welcoming banquet.

Winterfell was colder than you expected.

The invitation had seen no hurried response - with the rebuilding of King’s Landing, a new Dragon’s Pit, and many other matters - coming to Winterfell had primarily been driven by the need for a break. You rode on Morghon, Daenerys, and Missandei rode on Drogon, with Rhaegal and Viserion following and a company of Dothraki followed from the ground. The cool weather had been the first thing you’d noted, the second being the admittedly attractive King in the North. He donned a thick fur cape overtop his attire, a ringlet crown surmounted by iron spikes, and three wolves at the central front.

“Dubāzma,” you shrug at Daenerys’ warning tone; you hadn’t done anything; you simply glanced at the man.

You counter such, “Eman gaomagon daorun, ivestragon zirȳla Missandei.”

Missandei shakes her head, amusement in her tone, “Iā bughegon isse suvion iēdar kostilus,” she jests.

You shake your head, and the conversation breaks off as Lord Stark welcomes you to Winterfell. Daenerys responds with light introductions for both Missandei, then you.

“A pleasure,” you say once introduced, hand held out, ready for a handshake. Lord Stark does something far different. Taking your hand, he turns it over and lays a peck on the back of it, causing Lady Stark’s eyes to grow wide in surprise and his sisters’ expressions to morph into grins.

“The pleasure is all mine,” he replies, eyes locked on yours as he does so. His hand remains with yours for seconds longer, thumb caressing the skin, and when her ladyship breaks the brief haze with a cough, he leaves behind a phantom warmth.

The temporary chambers are cozy, readily warm, and stocked with furs; you set your luggage by the bed and don’t dwell too long on them - furs, a bed, fire, and comfort - as the welcome banquet requires far more attention. You replace your traveling coat with one more suitable for festivities - dark with gold embroidery and light fur trimming on the bottom. You exit the room to find Lord Stark’s figure leaning against the wall opposite, and a smile lights his face at the sight of you.

“Have you come to escort me, Lord Stark?” you inquire.

“If you’d allow it,” he responds with a hint of hope. You chuckle and nod, drawing out a broader smile on his face. The hall is not as far off as you’d imagined; light chatter filters through the open doors as people mill into the open-spaced hall. Far from the entrance sits a horizontally set long table - the Starks on the right, Taragrayens on the left - the other tables line the sides, leaving the middle empty.

“Lord Robb of House Stark, King in the North, Lord of Winterfell…” the announcer declares, drawing attention to you both; he announces you next, “...of House Targaryen….” It had been your idea to drop your name of Velaryon, “...Dragonheart of Old Valyria, and Prince of The Ashes.” The latter of the titles stood more as a slight mockery, with your old life on the remnants of Old Valyria, those that had spotted you and Morghon had called you that in whispers.

You take the two remaining seats at the long table, Robb near the center, you near the edge, close to Missandei. The food is wonderful; meats, deserts, ale, and various Northern delicacies are brought to the tables - the honeyed chicken may well become one of your new favorites. People begin to mingle after the main courses as music fills the halls in steady beats; you follow suit at Lord Stark’s request to dance.

“One would think you’ve become besotten with me, Lord Stark,” you quip, circling each other at a slow pace.

“I would agree.” His arm moves up, and you meet it, wrists side by side, “dragons are a rare sight in the North; anyone would be enamored.”

You chuckle, “I would say the same; wolves are equally as captivating,” your arms turn, both palms now against the other; he laces his fingers with yours, a cheeky grin on his face. You turn to circle in the opposite direction, the crowd around you filtering out as you remain fixated on each other. You draw back, hands still intertwined; coming back again, he places his other hand on your shoulder as yours goes to his hip. A few paces and you should separate from the other, turn to another person and carry on the dance, but you don’t, remaining in each other’s grasp as you drift across the floor.

The music changes and a joyful beat begins; the formality is lost as the crowd of dancers switches to more upbeat and expressive movements. Lord Stark tugs at your arm, head tilting towards the doors; you turn briefly to glance at the long table - Lady Arya is immersed in conversation with Daenerys; Missandei and Lady Sansa are the same; Lady Stark herself, however, appears to have swallowed a lemon, eyes glaring daggers at his Lordship. You return your attention to said man and allow him to drag you away from the hall.

Robb hadn’t paid much attention to his mother’s lecture; her words went in one ear and out the other; she wasn’t angry, not truly, merely cautious. The interest seemed mutual to some extent, though the matter of marital affairs would be complicated - gods know the Lords of Westeros would turn their noses high in disgust - his almost engagements had all fallen through when he’d paid them little mind.

“Robb Stark!” His mother’s voice cuts through his thoughts, “I understand your attraction circumvents what the realm would regard as suitable, but that is no excuse, do not trifle with him; we don’t need them setting our lands ablaze.”

“You’ve outdone yourself this time,” Sansa comments after their mother leaves.

Robb purses his lips; a wise man would take the words to heart and cease whatever he was doing - even if this interaction bore positive fruit, there was no certainty it would be in the best interest of the North. Her Majesty could have him abdicate his throne in favor of moving into the Targarayen household, or she could disapprove of him and feed him to her dragons. Robb was a man of heart, the kind that intercepted the servant at your chambers and took it upon himself to escort you personally to the dining halls.

Your previous coat has been replaced by a darker one; golden dragon heads decorate the cuffs, and it sits tighter on your person, with the fur trimming at the bottom fluttering delicately as you walk. “Have you come to escort me, Lord Stark?”

“If you’d allow it,” he responds, and gods, he hopes you would. He feels himself smile wider at your agreement, arm threaded with yours; the short walk to the dining halls leaves him ecstatic.

“Lord Robb of House Stark, King in the North, Lord of Winterfell…” the declaration echoes in the hall; brief glances become more fixated on your intertwined arms. His mother’s eyes squint, a frown on her face, “...of House Targaryen, Dragonheart of Old Valyria, and Prince of The Ashes.”

Robb thanks the gods; his mother’s seat is further from him; if looks could kill, he’s certain he’d have died at the entrance. “You’ve taken to my cousin quite quickly, Lord Stark,” Her Majesty’s voice draws his attention.

Her gaze is steady as she regards him, “I suppose, your grace, is that a problem?”

It’s no secret that certain parts of Westeros and their rulers disapprove of other attractions; Robb’s not quite sure where his father would have stood on the matter - he imagines him supportive - he knows his mother prefers he be less expressive on the subject. Queen Daenerys had been quite clear on her stance, disregarding the disapproval of her new laws and marriage, though that’s not to say she would like to have him as her in-law.

“Not as long as he is happy, and well,” she answers, “I have little family left; I cannot help my worry.”

There is an underlying threat to her words, and Robb nods in understanding, and it satisfies her enough to turn away from him. The food is brought in just after - honeyed chicken, venison pies, cod cakes, ale, candied bread - the music begins near the tail end of the feast. Some sway to the tune, conversations carrying in the air, as the music changes to something more befitting a dance. He stands and moves down the long table towards you, “Care for a dance?”

“One would think you’ve become besotten with me, Lord Stark,” you quip.

“I would agree; dragons are a rare sight in the North; anyone would be enamored.” Your arms meet in the middle, level to your heads, as you circle each other; even as the other dancers switch partners, you remain together. Up until the music changes and a less formal tune carries in the air, you follow suit, hand in Robb’s as he drags you from the hall. You stroll idly through the halls, hands held together and swung lowly and sharing idle chatter.

“What do you call your dragon?”

“Morghon,” you respond, “it means death, a fitting name. Would you like to see him?” Robb pursed his lips, and you chuckled at his hesitation, “Don’t tell me you’re scared of dragons,” you teased; coming to a halt, you tugged him closer, “certainly not after flirting with one.”

He can feel the heat creep up his neck and imagines his skin pinker at the moment, “What if he bites?”

“He won’t,” your graze drifts a little lower, “but I could.”

“Is that an invitation to your bed, my prince?”

“If you’d like, you could show me how warm the North could be. I’m sure a few hours of demonstration should suffice.”

“The demonstration will have to wait for another time, your grace,” his mother’s voice cuts in. You both jump apart, hands loosely held together; she grabs Robb by the arm, “I apologize for the interruption, your grace, but we have some familial matters to attend to.” His face pinches into a frown as his mother leads him away; he remains turned enough to send you a brief wave and a smile and is thrilled to see you return it.

End Note:

Hope you enjoyed this mess. Stay hydrated.

#robb stark x male reader #robb stark x reader #game of thrones imagine #shut up i want dragons alright #i am disregarding canon because i think he's too hot to die #and also cause there's like a few solid male reader fics i think and the rest aren't so here comes the petty dragon riding bitch #if you came here expecting canon accuracy go touch some grass this is fanfic we don't know the meaning of that word

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spotsandsocks · 8 months

Text

Fuck it Friday

Tagged by @wikiangela @giddyupbuck @daffi-990 @tizniz @diazsdimples with amazing snippets go check them out

Beautiful cover by @ronordmann this was my first fic for one of Ro’s challenges and I’m so glad I joined in with it, I’ve had so much fun since and made a lovely friend (no pressure tags under cut if anyone wants to share today)

Felt like a fantasy theme for today’s FIF (and a bit of self promo for an older fic) I was particularly pleased with my use of Oliver’s tattoos in this fic 😆😆 and now he has so many more…

Once upon a time, that’s how it starts isn’t it.

Once upon a time, it’s how his sister started all the stories she read to him when he was little; a prince, a princess, a wizard, challenges to overcome true love and a happily ever after.

Well he’s a prince and he’s been waiting for his happily ever after, he’s been waiting for it for a long time now. He thought he’d found it in brown eyes that turned gold and a warm smile that made him feel seen like no one else ever had, but that was lost. Turns out you don’t get a happily ever after when you’ve been cursed, not even if you're a prince.

Eddie was the seventh child of a seventh child and that means magic. He was born on a night with a new moon, when the sky was illuminated by the stars and the rainbow colours of raw magic. The magic glowed and wove a pattern into the inky blackness, high above the cottage where his mother laboured to bring him into the world.

He took his first breath and his parents felt the magic gather around him and settle into his skin, his eyes turned gold then settled back to brown.

He grew as children do and he was four when the second prince was born and he was eleven when the first prince died, leaving behind a sister, heir to the throne and a brother, the younger prince, the one with a curse in his blood.

Of course Eddie doesn’t know anything about that yet, he’s just a child, but he won’t be forever and one day he’ll learn what was done to his prince, the man who will become his friend, the man he’ll love and lose when even all his magic isn’t enough to break a curse.

But that’s not now, that’s later.

His parents always said they hadn’t known what would happen. They’d gone to the fair folk with a sick child to ask for help. Their son and heir was dying and they needed a cure. All they did, they said, was ask for help, but there is always a price to pay for help from the fae.

A bargain was struck for a healthy child and the price agreed was something of equal value.

The queen hadn’t known, that’s what she said, again and again, she hadn’t known that there was already a life growing inside her, their third child.

The fae knew; it smiled before vanishing, sharp teeth flashing, eyes lingering on the queen’s stomach. That was when she understood what the price would be and she knew too that there was no purpose in becoming attached to something you’d already lost.

Nine moons passed and payment was due.

The creature that arrived to collect the fee was clearly not of this world, Its hair, midnight blue trailed down its back, skin the colour of moss glowed softly from within. There was no mistaking what they were or what they had come for. It was very beautiful, mesmerising and bewitching but in much the same way that a fire is beautiful and with the same risk.

The King and Queen accepted the inevitable and stood aside but his sister and the older prince said no, they stood together and tried to keep him safe, tried to keep him theirs.

The princess picked him up and held him close, lips pressed to his brow. Her love for him was new but already so strong. His brother stood before them both, young but brave and determined to keep the ones he loved safe, unsure what he could do but willing to try.

Their actions provoked laugher, bright and brittle it rattled round the hall. The fae found itself amused by the futile gesture of the young ones before it and being capricious in nature it changed its mind on what it wanted and the ripples of that decision were sent into the world.

The children shivered as a melodious voice, laced with cruel, mocking humour rang out.

“Such courage, such love, such a thing should have a reward so you may have him a while longer but you will remember the promise, who he really belongs to. When the moon is new you will not forget that he is already ours.”

So the children were given time and although it was not the intention they were also given a chance at changing his fate.

“25 years I think.” it said, amused, it could wait, 25 years after all was only a moment to the fae for whom time moved so differently but it was enough to cause trouble in the human world.

The princess and the oldest prince exchanged a glance, they were just children but they knew their brother had been given both a gift and a curse.

The beautiful face smiled but no glimmer of kindness could be found in it. The parting words left them cold.

“You love him now, think how much harder it will be to say goodbye then.”

The princess closed her eyes to hide her tears.

The king said nothing throughout it all, remaining silent on his throne, unable to look any of his children in the eye. He had made a bargain and although the price was high, the heir was worth it.

That was until the accident;because when the younger prince was just seven years old he lost his beloved brother anyway.

A fall from a horse; no magic, no curse. Just bad luck.

So in the end the kingdom was destined to lose both its princes anyway.

Except there’s that one chance, a gift of time; time to find someone who could help.

@monsterrae1 @shortsighted-owl @the-likesofus @hoodie-buck @loserdiaz @buddierights @fiona-fififi @rogerzsteven @bekkachaos @thekristen999 @hippolotamus @spaceprincessem @disasterbuckdiaz @like-the-rest-of-la @disasterbuckdiaz @heartshapedvows @underwater-ninja-13 @wildlife4life @wikiangela @stagefoureddiediaz @thewolvesof1998 @exhuastedpigeon @weewootruck @honestlydarkprincess @pirrusstuff @elvensorceress @jesuisici33 @eddiebabygirldiaz @steadfastsaturnsrings @theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming @rainbow-nerdss @lover-of-mine

#buddie #eddie diaz #buddie fic #evan buckley #911 fic #911fic #911 abc #fantasy au #magic au

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eriquin · 2 months

Text

🦀 Writing Patterns 🦀

Tagged by @devondespresso and @hairstevington and @hbyrde36! (had to go back through my drafts for find that last one)

rules: share the first line of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns!

I have 13 published works so I can actually do this game within the set rules. Let's go.... Oldest first.

War of the Broses: “God damn it, Novak,” Dean shouted, pulling a stained-blue towel off of his basketball uniform.

That Time I Resurrected the Big Bad: Being locked in a statue didn’t mean he was asleep.

Is This a Kissing Fic?: Khrumbul-Dun was saved, and soon they would head back to the Isle of Awakening with new residents for Lulu to boss around.

Of Empires, Queens, and Builders: It started with boats.

The Prophetic D&D Game: “All right, Hellfire club, listen up. I’ve got a new campaign for you,” Eddie said as he swept into the room.

Nightswimming: In some parallel world, he dodged to the left instead of the right and things went differently.

High Marks and Low Riders: Sil told herself, as she climbed out of the second story window and onto the porch roof, that someday she would learn to trust her instincts.

The Third Task: “You’re going to get us into trouble,” came a woman’s voice from the hallway.

Crown of Thorns: Dying isn’t difficult.

The Trolley Problem: Steve was definitely dreaming.

I mean, I know that my pattern is In Medias Res. Looks like about 30% of the time, I like starting with dialogue. Another 30% is a short sentence that makes up the whole paragraph. But mostly, it's about starting in the middle and getting things going quickly. Explanations can come later, or be inferred.

Tagging: @patchworkgargoyle, @lingeringmirth, @loveinhawkins, @disastardly, @redbirdblogs

#tag games #first sentence #my writing

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dre6ming · 1 year

Text

The delicate beginning rush

Instagram photo dump- part 11 -epilogue

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Instagram photo dump masterlist

Tag list

Pairing Austin Butler x singer/actress fem reader

y/n4real.2002

Liked by austinbutler fan1 and 1.346.678others

y/n4real.2002 hi Barbie ! 💘

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austinfans: why did she cut his face like that 😭😭

⤷y/n4real.2002: austinfans he's just ken

⤷austinbutler: y/n4real.2002 anywhere else I'd be a 10 😔

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler what a drama queen 🙄

fan1: I love them they are so fun for no reason at all 😭😭

fans.of.aus: hi Barbie

barbiemovie: hi Barbie 👋

roxanne.02_b1tch: gorgeous spectacular showstopper 😮‍💨 I bow 🙇‍♀️ to you my friend

⤷ y/n4real.2002: roxanne.02_b1tch oh my lord

fan28: so iconic

fans.of.y/n: I love how she dressed him up🤣🤣

austinbutler: fans.of.y/n I dress myself thank you very much

austinbulter: actually I would like to come here and say that she's the best stylist I have ever had 🤗🤗

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler thank u 😮‍💨

⤷ austinbutler: y/n4real.2002 actually I would like to say that you stole my phone, you know I don't use emojis like that

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler guilty ✋😔🤚

fan94: haha I'm dying 😭😭

foxnews

Liked by fan39 taylorfan23 and 679.833others

foxnews Y/n and boyfriend Austin Butler seen in the vip tent at the Eras tour on night 5 in L.A. #taylorswifterastour

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fan13: what could this mean😩

taytayfan: their outfits are so reputation coded 😭

clown13: get in the car looser we're going clowning

fans29: oh my gosh they look so sweet

aust1nfan: I'd pay good money to watch them dance and have fun

tay.13: what if Taylor is going to announce a new re-record tonight 🥶😨

fan94: I can't wait to see more of them at the concert

y/n4real.2002

Liked by austinbutler taylorswift and 2.049.292others

y/n4real.2002 see you in Paris and Germany and England and then some more, I'm so ready for 2024 🥰🥰 thank you Taylor this is dream

📸 austinbutler

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austinbutler: I'm so proud of you baby 💜🧶

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler 🧶💜

fan38: they are so cute, also I'm so excited

taytayfan: I knew when I saw that her and Austin are in the tent that something was up

raoxanne.02_b1tch: y/n4real.2002 you better get me tickets 😡

⤷ y/n4real.2002: roxanne.02_b1tch if you're nice sure

taylorswift: see you there kid 😜

⤷ y/n4real.2002: taylorswift 🤗

duolingo: Imma be there 🥰🦉

fan03: duo is in the chat

austinbutler

liked by y/n4real.2002 tchalamet and 1.024.738others

austinbutler: happy birthday to my sweet girl, my heart beats in your name 💜🧶

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y/n4real.2002: For you alone, I think and plan💜🧶

⤷ austinbutler: y/n4real.2002 i love you truly

fan49: not the persuasion quote 😩 they are so cute I love them

fan3: she looks so effortlessly cool

tchalamet: aw happy 22nd sis, I'm watching you Butler, like a hawk 🦅

⤷ austinbutler: tchalamet understood

roxanne.02_b1tch: 😤😤 try all you want Butler, I'm the love of her life

fan39: omg they are cute

ha8s.all: 22 and 32?!! 🧐 kinda sus

fan1: ha8s.all shut up 🙄

austin_fan: the fact that this is his first post in a year and a half 😩😩 he loves her so much

fan584: I’m so here for them being a bit more public

y/n4real.2002

Liked by austinbutler tchalamet and 1.390.390others

y/n4real.2002 💜🧶 eight

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austinbutler: love you my darling 💜🧶

roxanne.02_b1tch: best bridesmaid ever 🥰

⤷ joshuabassett: roxanne.02_b1tch i second that, best groomsman also in the picture here

⤷ y/n4real.2002: joshuabassett and roxanne.02_b1tch the cutest bride and groom I've ever seen

fan93: omg omg Roxanne and Joshua got married 😨😨 I'm so happy for them🥰🥰

fan.of.austin: Austin & Y/n when's your turn? 🧐

fan13: fan.of.austin tbh I think they might be married already

⤷ y/n4real.2002: fan13 no 🤣

fan930: Ah hell no, she's so unhinged

news.hour

Liked by fan293 and 604.392others

news.hour rumor has it out favorite couple tied the knot over the weekend. Their engagement apparently lasted a year and the ring has been placed in plane sight. Read more http/y/n&austin.finally-married-www.com

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fan1: I'm pretty sure they wanted it be a secret, this is kinda disrespectful to them

hater.2005: wonder why so secretive about it

fan29: I'm so happy for them

fan4: the ring is so beautiful

⤷ austin-fan: fan4 it was his mom's 🥺

fan594: I hope the tell us soon enough and share some photos

austin.fans: I hope this is true 😭

y/n4real.2002

Liked by austinbutler taylorswift and 4.929.299others

y/n4real.2002 the cat is out of the bag - 08.13.2032 my love 🧶💜

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austinbutler: my sweet love, here's to forever with you 💜🧶

tchalamet: I'm so happy for you

⤷ y/n4real.2002: tchalamet best speech ever

taylorswift: timeless 😭

⤷ y/n4real.2002: taylorswift thank you for writing such a beautiful song

billieeilish: best cake I've ever tasted

roxanne.02_b1tch: I'm so happy

fan29: I'm crying all the rumors were true 😭

fan45: she looks stunning, I can't wait to see more

austinbutler

Liked by y/n4real.2002 tchalamet and 2.935.399others

austinbutler my best girls 💜🧶

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y/n4real.2002: the best dad ever, we love you 💜🧶

tchalamet: no2 already 😨 ?! I'm so excited

⤷ y/n4real.2002: tchalamet best uncle ever

⤷ roxanne.02_b1tch: y/n4real.2002 what about best aunt? 🤨

⤷ y/n4real.2002: roxanne.02_b1tch my god 🙄🤣

fan3: I'm so happy for them 😭

fan5: omg and it's another girl 😭😭 I'm so happy for them

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler did you just reveal the gender of our baby?! How did I miss that 😭

⤷ austinbutler: y/n4real.2002 I'm so sorry 😭

⤷ y/n4real.2002: austinbutler that's ok 😔 we're just getting old

fan.03: they keep being so funny for no reason 🤣😭

Tags: @galaxygirl453 @rainydayz101 @samaraannhan20 @marlowmode @myradiaz @areuirish @micaelainthe60s @homebodybirkin2003 @pennyroyalcreep @purejasmine @strokesofstokes@lanasfloridakiloss @denised916 @kibumslatina @macey234 @melodixs-blog @shantellescrivener@chewiethecatus @guacala @fangirl125reader @father-of-2cats @lucid315@ashtag6887 @ilovehobi101 @richardslady121

@jensmithin @julie181 @chrisevansgirl34 @ranaissingle @onecrazydirectioner

@maria-1287@austinbutlerssimp @kingdomforapony

@acoolnight @tarot-sybarite@goldenmarygio

@frozenhuntress67

@anonyboo63478338

@littlewhiterose

@thefallofthedamned

@1eminicookie

@rose-deathman

@iheqrtaustin

@desitravelsblog

@prompted-wordsmith

@austinsvlrslut

@crystallizedth0t

@hertvgirl

@peanutbutterinacup

@austinswhitewolf

@saniyahgordon

@thatgirlthatreadswattpad

@slowsweetlove

@jaqueline19997

@formulapierre

#austin butler #austin butler x reader #the delicate beginning rush #austin butler fic #austin butler fanfiction #austin #baz luhrmann elvis #elvis songs #elvis fans #the delicate beginning rush series #the delicate beginning rush head canons #the delicate beginning rush imagine #austin butler fans #austin butler instagram #austin butler fake instagram #dre6ming writes austin fake instagram #instagram photo dump

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soulless-angel25 · 3 months

Text

When Time Said Hello

Fandom: Guardian Tales Characters: Knight (Guardian Tales), Female Knight (Guardian Tales), The Literal Personification of Time Additional Tags: Headcanon, Headcanons, Knight Has A Connection With Time (Guardian Tales), Time is Conscious (Guardian Tales), Knight is Called Lenore (Guardian Tales), Knight Uses She/Her Pronouns (Guardian Tales), Mention(s) of Death

Summary: Lenore has always had an indescribable connection to time. But perhaps it became most apparent when she first died. And as time went on, and she travelled through time it became clear.

[A note before the actual story. This idea first came to me about a year ago, all though I only wrote the actual story recently. Second, this of course- contains my headcanons for certain aspects of GT. With that said, the story is under the cut!]

For as long as she could remember Lenore had been alone- well, no. That wasn't accurate, she remembers others being with her when she was younger. But the faces and voices are blurred beyond the point of recognition.

She remembers the joy she felt when she had started training, directly under Captain Eva too! Then she remembers the chaos that had followed, shortly after her introduction the Invaders had come. She remembers running and getting to the throne room.

Being separated from the queen and Captain Eva. She remembers falling through the air, trying to keep the Little Princess close. (She was only ever "Little Princess" her name was not known by any except for her.)

And Lenore remembers that pain of dying. The blade cleaving through her, the pain that exploded. The frightened look on the Princess's face.

Then the darkness that had followed. With those figures standing- watching, as options appeared in front of her. She didn't even stop to read what the other two choices were, she saw that she could come back- continue to protect the Little Princess. All for the mere cost of 30 diamonds.

So when she came back, sword in hand and fighting. Killing of the remaining enemies and she turned to the Little Princess, ready to reassure her that she was fine. The Princess tilted her head in confusion, "What do you mean? You killed all of those monsters without them landing a hit on you Lenore!"

What was she talking about? Lenore knows she saw the Little Princess see her die. So why does she act as though nothing happened?

And so, the next time when she dies, because it was bound to happen again- Lenore is always willing to throw her life away if it means keeping others safe. She looks at the formless beings around her, the only indication that they are there the glowing cyan she can see. Near blinding in the pitch black of the void.

Her questions is simple, 'What's going on?'. That question makes the void silent, it was never silent before- not in the true way, you could hear things, what those things were Lenore wasn't quite sure. But she knew that they were there.

The next part is a blur, she knows she was given an answer by someone or something but she can't recall what it was. She just knows not to ask again.

But when Lenore is spinning through the stream of time, going backwards instead of forwards like before. Doing this of her own free will her head is singing.

Vaguely she is aware of a being appearing beside her. Amusement clear in their voice, "Why~ how lovely of you to visit me again! And you didn't die this time."

With a great effort Lenore turns her head, she can't make out any features- not really. All she can see is glowing cyan and white in the shape of a person.

Before Lenore can voice her question the being is answering, "Oh... right, I suppose you did forget. I am Time, the being who is always there. And next you were going to ask how I'm doing this, no?"

Lenore can only make a small motion with her head to indicate that was what she was going to ask.

The being- no,- Time smiles at her, "How wonderful, well- dear Knight. I am Time, I already said this. I know every action, reaction, question, or answer you might have. And currently, you are in my domain. So, please forgive me if I seem excitable. None of the others ever visit me any more."

The talking begins before Lenore can understand what is going on, and it is over before she realizes that words were even flowing from her mouth. Desperate she grabs onto the memories of the event that had just happened and makes a silent promise to herself to recall everything that had happened here as clear as she could.

'I need to go home,' the words slip through Lenore's lips before she realizes and Time smiles at her sadly, or she thinks they smile. It is difficult to tell.

"Ah.. yes, it does appear so? Then, goodbye. My dear Knight. Until you die next," with those partings words Time vanishes. And Lenore is falling faster and faster. Until she realizes that the cyan of the time-void is being replaced with the blue of the sky.

#guardian tales #gt #knight #knight guardian tales #knight gt #guardian tales knight #gt knight #female knight #female knight guardian tales #female knight gt #guardian tales female knight #gt female knight #the literal personification of time #fic

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ae-neon · 1 year

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Little Rewrite Lore Dump

I haven't started on the A Grave of Thorns and Roses superpost yet but know that Fae are not immortal in my version, just long lived

The King of Hybern, his actions and motivations are...? Okay ? In canon

Mostly they feel flimsy because the reason behind human slavery by the Fae is not very grounded. Humans are infinitely weaker so they don't make a good labour source and ending the world just to have cattle slavery is so ridiculous it makes the KoH a flimsy villain

So let's build the KoH:

The first change that came to mind was making Amarantha his daughter (named Cleo)

Based on the religious and magical lore (which I'm sure I've made a post about under this tag) patterns of magical and religious significance happen in 3s and always relating to the primordial elements of Life, Knowledge and Death. Aspects are modern 'incarnations' of those elements and treated like Saints

The KoH has triplet daughters and thinks (as well as convinces others) that his daughters (Cleo, Clythia and Calliope) are Aspects of these three Elements.

In this version the Fae kingdoms of Xian, Lapplund, Rask, the Black Land etc are all West of Hybern so that Hybern lies between them and Prythian.

Geopolitically Hybern used to be Prythian's greatest ally and a centre of trade in the Fae world. The King's seemingly blessed children only increased that power and influence.

However the KoH is a scholar of the arcane and has been obsessed with trying to tap into magic beyond what modern Fae can do, driven by stories of the Fae of past ages battling demi gods and otherworldy entities

He digs deep and actually manages to find out where Koschei was imprisoned.

Koschei is one of the first 4 beings, the last born child of the Mother. He feeds off Death itself but grew impatient with the Fae's long lives and made humans weak and short lived. (This is why Fae see humans as not just inferior but like a taboo stain)

He along with Stryga (Life) and the Bone Carver (Knowledge) were imprisoned by the Fae of the second age. Their power supply was restricted when they were bound to physical forms, making it so that only elements specifically sacrificed or dedicated to them could feed their power. (Like just the act of death wasn't feeding directly to Koschei anymore, the death had to be dedicated to him to count)

Hybern sacrifices his daughter Calliope (the false Aspect of Death) to Koschei who reveals to Hybern that his daughters are not actually Aspects but he appreciates the depth of the King's sacrifice and will make a bargain with him

Koschei will sustain Hybern, his power and his land indefinitely as long as there is a consistent flow of sacrifices of humans so he can grow strong enough to escape his prison

That's why Hybern went bad, they started doing this dark taboo magic and the king grew older and older without dying but the humans escaping beyond the Wall dried up his power supply and his kingdom fell to ruin

He knows Cleo is a false Aspect but she goes silent in Prythian and then rumours come of a High Queen with eternal life and unfading youth and he knows from his own experience that "Amarantha" has found a demigod (Stryga) and made a deal

He thinks the third (the Bone Carver) might also be in Prythian but his kingdom is basically in ruin and he would need to begin sacrificing again to gain power so he needs to bring down the wall and get the humans

But Prythian lies between Hybern and the Continent

This is just the bare bones but hopefully it makes sense

#acotar : the rewrite #a grave of thorns and roses

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didasgomas · 1 month

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Assumption of the Virgin

Day 15 of @augusnippets

Prompts: Food poisoning/Starvation/Throwing up

Trigger Warning: Referenced murder, referenced cannibalism, unstable mental health, religious mania, vomiting

Somewhat important part of "In Mortality", an au of Cut Down The Altar (creator will be in the tags)

August 15th, 1820 - 4 A.M

"Most Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, I beg of you with all my heart, that you and God, Our Lord, take pity on my sinning soul and give me one more chance to repent, for my control of my own flesh is slowly being taken from me"

His first time celebrating the Feast of the Assumption outside of Saint David's Monastery. One month before his 14th birthday.

Only thirteen and yet already one of the worst kinds of sinner imaginable.

He remembered all of those he had hurt, he really did. One of them was laying on the floor not too far away from him.

Back on that horrible day, he had hurt all the seven other boys at the monastery.

Laith. Andrew. Luke. Ethan. Issac. Austyn. Henley.

Greyston hadn't been the youngest, and he hadn't been the eldest either, but he certainly had been the most cowardly.

After consuming his dead friends' bodies in a devastating, crazed hunger, he had run away, for he would not be able to ever again look in his father's eyes and force upon him the painful truth that a monster like him was his only child.

All those that chose to shelter him after he ended up on the streets were unjustly plagued with the curse he now carried. He could never fully trace the reason for why his murderous hunger seemed to come and go in uneven intervals, but one thing he did remember was that he was always afraid before his hunger took over.

He was unable to understand his condition, and God was unwilling to provide answers. Greyston likely deserved the divine silence anyway.

The sound of flies infesting the dead man's body increased, and the boy finally gathered enough courage to look in that direction.

Reverend Nathan Smith had been the most recent victim of his animalistic hunger.

Greyston remembered all of his charitable and kind hosts by name as well.

Maria Graham had been a farmer and young widow. She took him in like the son she never had, and cared for him for three months before his hunger took her from this world far too soon.

Gabriel and Elizabeth Davies had been a happily married and very devout parents of three children, who looked after him for only two weeks before he attacked them on their way to church, leaving their poor children orphaned.

He had wandered around for days on the cities streets afterwards, trying to survive the harsh winter as proof of his penitence, until a generous lamplighter of name Tobias Green found him and took him somewhere safe.

Tobias reminded Greyston a lot of his own father Noah, and he had even started making plans about taking the boy in permanently. He stayed with Toby the longest, five months in total, before a sudden panic he could not remember the cause of exploded into an enormous void in his stomach, making him devour the man he had come to see as a second father, along with one of his similarly innocent friends.

After days of senseless walking, he had taken shelter from a sudden summer storm inside a church dedicated to Saint John, where Reverend Nathan had found him and given him far more appropriate shelter inside his own vicarage.

He had already killed and eaten so many innocent people, and now he had killed a holy man of the faith, surely The Virgin and The Lord were looking down at him in disgust and disappointment, just like his father probably would have too.

Bile rose up in his throat, and before he knew it he was vomiting parts of flesh he had eaten from the vicar's dying body. Once the townspeople went inside the vicarage to uncover why their reverend had not showed up to the Assumption service, not only would they find his mutilated body, but also the disgusting mess coming out of Greyston's mouth.

Our merciful Lord, please forgive me, for I did not wish for this.

#augusnippets day 15 #cdta #cut down the altar #cdta in mortality #my writing #cdta greyston #tw mentions of murder #tw cannibalism #tw mentally ill #tw religion #tw religious themes #tw vomit #author is not religious #author needs a nap lmao #missr3n3

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khoicesbyk · 5 months

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The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 8,600 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

TW: mentions of child cancer, child death, trauma, mentions of murder. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!

Chapter 6.) Auld Lang Syne. Part one.

January 2024 came in like a lamb and left out like a lion.

Many in the kingdom were still buzzing about the arrest and pending murder trial of Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux as well as the active eviction of the former King and Queen of South Cordonia.

While many nobles decried the eviction, there was ultimately nothing they could do about it. Especially when they were evicted for helping Countess Alicia evade being arrested and charged with murder.

The day before the trial’s official start, Their Majesties were having a breakfast meeting with Carlo, the prosecutor, to discuss the case.

“Charging another female noble with murder? You’re beginning to have a knack for these things, cousin.”

Marquise snorted into his coffee.

“I wouldn't have to charge them at all if these female nobles would quit killing their husbands out of rage, spite, or jealousy.”

“Hmm I don’t know, I think you got a kick out of charging the soon-to-be former Countess.” Shanelle quipped.

“That's only because it pissed off her step-sister. Which brings me joy.”

Carlo turned his smirk to Shanelle.

“And you, my Queen, have evicted the former King and Queen of South Cordonia from their home?!” he asked in feigned shock.

Shanelle shrugged nonchalantly.

“First of all, Your Highness, that's MY palace to begin with. I gained control of it the day I said I do to your pigheaded cousin. That means I can evict anyone I choose from there at any given point and/or time. Secondly, they wouldn't have gotten evicted so abruptly if they hadn't instructed the palace guards to prevent The King’s Guardsmen from removing Countess Alicia from the premises. And besides, all they did was move from the old palace to Genevieve’s duchy. Thank you very much.” Shanelle said matter of factly.

Marquise arched an eyebrow at his wife.

“Oh please! You have been dying to throw them out of the old palace for years. And second, who are you calling pigheaded?” Marquise asked her.

“You! Who else?”

Carlo just snickered.

“I love seeing you two together.”

Marquise shook his head.

“Now we should get down to business.”

“Indeed Your Majesty. Now have either of you seen the security footage from the night of the murder?” Carlo asked them.

Shanelle shuddered.

“Yes, we have. And it's absolutely gruesome,” she replied.

Marquise nodded.

“Indeed it is. Part of me doesn't want you to show it but the Parliament needs to see the footage.”

“And what of their youngest daughter Alexis? The one who found Lord Amos?” Carlo asked.

Marquise paused.

“If you have to call her as a witness, please be gentle in your questioning. She's only 12.”

Carlo nodded.

“Very well Your Majesty. I will go prepare my opening statement, and see you both at the trial tomorrow.” Carlo said before taking his leave.

Shanelle looked at her husband.

“Are you sure calling that little girl as a witness is a good idea? She's already been through enough.”

Marquise sighed.

“I don't like it any more than you do but to know the full story the Parliament will want to hear from her. Which is why I told Carlo to be gentle in his questioning. I don't want to put her through any unnecessary trauma.”

Shanelle nodded.

“Okay. Thank goodness my parents are here until June. With Khari at school, they'll happily keep the boys busy.”

“Indeed. So get ready my love. This will be another trial of a lifetime.”

“How long will this trial be?” she asks.

“Standard week-long trial,” he replied.

“I will be ready for the start of the trial tomorrow.”

“As will I, my Goddess.”

The murder trial of Countess Alicia started promptly at 8:00 AM the following morning. With many in attendance wanting answers for the Earl’s death. Especially his daughters. After opening statements were made Carlo took two days and went to work laying out the very tumultuous marriage between Earl Amos and Countess Alicia. Including revealing that the youngest three weren't Earl Amos’s biological children and playing the full security footage that showed the murder of the deceased. Even hearing his youngest daughter’s pleas.

“Help! Help! Someone help! My father is bleeding!” she yelled as the video rolled on.

“Mama! What did you do? Why did you do this?” she begged her mother.

“Please, Papa! Hang on! Please don't leave me!” the poor girl cried.

When Shanelle looked over to her, she had her head down and her eyes closed. It broke Shanelle's heart to see her.

“As everyone can see, while young Alexis tried valiantly to save her father, it was too late. By the time Emergency Services got to the estate, Earl Amos had died. He unfortunately bled out in his youngest daughter’s lap.” Carlo explained as he stopped the video.

“Marquise, I don't like this. I don't like seeing that poor girl like this. She shouldn't have to be here,” Shanelle whispered to her husband.

Marquise rubbed her knee in sympathy.

“I know you don't. I don't like it either. But at least now the world knows what happened that night.” he whispered back to his wife.

“It is now where I’d like to ask Lady Alexis Barbaroux to the stand,” Carlo announced to the room.

Shanelle had a pit In her stomach.

“Marquise, don't do this to her. She's been through enough.” Shanelle said quietly to her husband.

“I don't have a choice, my love,” he said back to her.

The 12-year-old apprehensively walked to the stand. When she looked up at Their Majesties, she was scared.

“She's terrified! Stop this!” Shanelle pleaded.

“Carlo. Remember my warning. You get to ask no more than three questions.” Marquise warned Carlo.

Carlo nodded.

“Of course my King,” he replies before turning to the little girl with a warm comforting smile. “Hello, my lady. Thank you for being brave enough to join us today. As I promised His Majesty, I won't take very long. Okay?”

She simply nodded.

“Now can you tell everyone what you remember from that night?”

The little girl fidgeted with her hands before speaking.

“I…I was in my room. Practicing for my solo recital, when I heard Mama and Papa arguing. But that was…that was…it was nothing new.” she said before letting out a small sob.

Carlo nodded with sympathy.

“I promise I’m almost done. Is there anything else you remember?” he asked.

Alexis nodded.

“They always argued and I started to ignore it, until I heard Papa scream. And when I went to see what was wrong…that's when I found him on the floor. And Mama was standing over him with a bloody…”

“Letter opener?” Carlo asked.

Alexis nodded tearily.

“Yes. She stabbed him. I tried to help him. I tried to…save him. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save my Papa…” the little girl broke down and cried.

That's when Shanelle had seen enough.

“Enough Marquise! End this now!” she demanded.

“Carlo! It's alright. You don't need to question Lady Alexis any further.” Marquise said to him.

Carlo nodded.

“Yes, my King.”

Marquise looked to the Countess’s oldest daughter.

“Baroness Amanda. Take your younger sisters home. There is no need for them to be here anymore.” he instructed her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” the Baroness replied.

That's when Lady Alexis looked up at Marquise.

“May I…may I speak to my mother?” she asked.

Marquise nodded.

“Go ahead.”

The little girl nodded to him before getting up and walking gingerly to her mother.

“Mama?” she asked gently.

Countess Alicia finally looked at her daughter.

“Why did you do this Mama? Why did you take Papa away from us? Why couldn't you love him like he loved you?” she asked her mother.

“Alexis…” Alicia said softly.

“I love you. Despite everything you've done. I still love you. I forgive you, Mama. I forgive you.” Alexis said before sobbing.

That's when her older sister came to get her.

“Come on sweetheart. Let's get you home. Okay?” Amanda said to her sister.

“Amanda, wait!” Alicia said to her.

When the Baroness looked furiously at her mother.

“Don't you dare speak to me!” she snapped at her mother.

“Amanda, I didn't–” she started to say before her daughter cut her off, “You didn't what? You didn't mean to ruin the lives of your children? You didn't mean to kill my father? Too little too late!”

“You don't understand Amanda.” Alicia tried to explain.

The Baroness scoffed.

“Oh, I understand perfectly. I understand that you murdered my father. I understand that you chose your own selfish, self-centered greed, over your children! How could you? How could you be so cruel, so cold, so goddamn callous? Do you know that because of your actions, I now have to raise YOUR children? Because as we all found out the girls were never his. You and especially your step-sister and brother-in-law forced him to raise another man’s children. On top of having that innocent man executed. Just so the world wouldn't know how much of a no-good whore you actually are!” The Baroness said to her mother.

Alicia went to speak but her daughter cut her off.

“I've known for years that you and Papa didn't always get along. It was something I just accepted and lived with. But never did I think you'd blatantly cheat on him let alone kill him. And for what? My father was killed for nothing! No wait. I take that back. He was killed because you couldn't get over being rejected by Her Majesty’s father. It's a good thing he chose Duchess Shantel over you because I can only imagine the hell you would've put poor Prince Damien through if he had actually gone through with the betrothal and married you.”

That's when Genevieve stood up furious.

“How in God’s name can you speak to your mother like that?!” she asked her niece.

“Simple. Because of you and Uncle Edward. You two may not have put the letter opener in her hand but you certainly contributed to the way she acts! You enabled her to treat my father like shit! When without him she’d just be another noble whore. There's a bunch of them in this kingdom. Your husband would know.” the Baroness replied.

Genevieve just seethed.

“You know Aunt Genevieve, growing up I used to think Uncle Edward was the only sniveling coward in our family. Turns out I was wrong. That title now belongs to her.” The Baroness said to her aunt.

“Amanda, please! I’m sorry!” Alicia cried.

But her daughter wasn't having any of it.

“No, you're not. Because being sorry means you're remorseful for what you've done. And we both know you're not the least bit remorseful about killing my father. You’re just mad that since your sister can't save you, you now have to face the consequences of your actions. Because of your actions, I was forced to not only bury him alone but now I have three more children to raise. All while you tried to hide out at the old palace to avoid facing justice. So please spare me the crocodile tears and lengthy excuses.”

The Baroness turned to leave before saying one more thing.

“Alexis and even my sisters may forgive you, but just know that for the rest of my life, I will not. I will never forgive you for being such a callous, coldhearted bitch. You took my father from me! You murdered him for no other reason than your incessant greed, self-centeredness, and bitter selfishness! You had a good life and a good man. But you just had to ruin it. Because that's who you are. You're no better than your step-sister, grandfather, and especially your mother. May the latter two rest in hell. I will never again look at you and ever see my mother. All I will ever see is the monster you turned out to be.”

With that, the Baroness led her younger sisters out of the courtroom. Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in.

“And now I rest my case,” Carlo announced.

“I think we can take a rest now,” Shanelle whispered to her husband.

Marquise nodded.

“Here is where we will stop for the day and reconvene tomorrow.” he said as he addressed the room, "Lord Pollard, as the defense, I expect you to be ready to present your case to the Parliament in the morning.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lord Pollard replied.

“Very well. Everyone is dismissed for the afternoon.” Marquise announced before leading Shanelle out of the courtroom.

When they got to an alcove Shanelle sat down, rubbing her temples.

“Are you alright?” Marquise asked as he sat down next to her.

“Physically? I'm fine,” she replied with a sigh, “but that was just awful to have to sit through.”

“I know. I wish it didn't have to come to this but unfortunately, this is the situation we find ourselves in,” he said as he rubbed her shoulders.

“I shudder to think what the defense will come up with.”

“More than likely they'll look for a scapegoat.”

“You mean my mother?” she asked.

“I would hope not. But I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't try to blame all of this on your mother,” he replied.

“I swear to God if they dare…”

He kissed the top of her left shoulder.

“Let us worry about tomorrow when it comes.”

Shanelle nodded.

“I still need to warn mom.”

“Later. Right now I need a drink and you, my gorgeous wife, you look like you need a nap.”

“Only If you carry me to bed.”

His Majesty happily obliged. Lifting his wife off her feet.

“I will never get used to that,” she said with a chuckle.

“The day that you get used to me adoring you is the day I know I've failed as your husband.”

Shanelle playfully rolled her eyes.

“Lead the way, my knight.”

“As Her Majesty commands.”

He carried her from the courtroom across the palace to their bedroom with ease. Later that night after her children were asleep, Shanelle spent time with her mother.

“How was the trial butterfly?” Shantel asked.

Shanelle groaned.

“In a word? Absolutely horrible.” Shanelle replied.

“That's two words, baby.”

The two laughed.

“My heart breaks for those girls. Especially the younger ones.”

“What happened?” Shantel asked.

Shanelle gave her mother a rundown of the trial.

“Not even their oldest daughter knew?” Shantel asked.

“No. No one knew. All thanks to your brother-in-law and his wife. But you should've seen The Baroness. She let her mother have it.” Shanelle replied.

“I can only imagine. She was lied to. On top of the fact, her father was killed by her mother. Hell, all of those girls were lied to. It's a sad situation all around.”

“Yeah, but that's not what's worrying me.”

“What is it, baby?” Shantel asked.

“I’m worried that the defense will use you as a scapegoat,” Shanelle replied.

Shantel rolled her eyes.

“It wouldn't be Alicia if she didn't try to blame it all on me.”

“I will do all that I can to make sure that doesn't happen.”

“No need to baby. I can handle myself. Let her come after me.”

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

“And people say I never know when to back down.”

“You must've never met my mother. You used to call her Grammy.”

Shanelle snorted.

“Fair.”

“Even if her defense does try to blame me for her actions, I didn't put the letter opener in her hand. And I certainly didn't force her to stab the poor man to death. Those were the decisions she made so those are her demons to face.”

“True.”

“Don't worry about me butterfly. I'll be just fine.”

“I know you will.”

Over the next 3 days, it was the defense’s turn in the trial. And as expected they went after Shantel and named her as the cause of Alicia’s spiral. They even alleged that Earl Amos was physically and mentally abusive to the Countess. And that she only stabbed him because she felt it would be the only to keep herself and their children safe. Even calling Queen Genevieve and King Edward as star witnesses. Once the defense rested its case, it was turned over to the Parliament. After 3 days of deliberation, they came to a decision.

“Have you reached a verdict, Duke Ramsford?” Marquise asked.

“Yes sire. We have.” Bertrand replied.

“What say you?” Marquise asked.

“After much discussion, and an 18-2 vote, the Parliament has decided to convict Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux of malicious intent of murder,” Bertrand replies.

Marquise nodded as many sat stunned by the news.

“No!” Alicia shouted.

“This is not right! My sister doesn't deserve this!” Genevieve proclaimed.

“The Parliament has spoken, so shall it be.” Marquise said to the courtroom before addressing Alicia, “Countess Alicia, you have been convicted of murder, and will be sentenced in the coming days.”

“No! No! No! I don't deserve this!” Alicia cried.

“Guards, you can take her away,” Marquise said to the guards.

As the guards went to escort Alicia out, her step-sister tried to block them.

“Get away from her! You will not lay a hand on my sister!” she snapped at them.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“Since Queen Genevieve wants to join Alicia so badly you can arrest her as well,” Marquise instructed the guards.

That's when Edward stood up shouting.

“Don't you idiots dare touch my wife! Or I will have your heads!” He yelled at the guards.

Marquise groaned while rubbing his brow.

“Hell with it! Arrest him too! And for the love of God, gag him!” he commanded.

Many watched as the three were taken out of the courtroom screaming at Marquise.

“Now that the circus is over, I want to thank the Parliament for your time and service to this trial and your kingdom. You are all dismissed.” Marquise announced.

He and Shanelle watched as everyone filed out of the courtroom. Leaving them alone.

“Well that's finally over,” he said.

Shanelle nodded.

“To be honest I half expected them to come back split down the middle.”

“True. But I’m glad that they didn't. Otherwise, we would've been here for a few more days than I wanted to be here.”

“When will she be sentenced?” Shanelle asks.

“Before we leave for Paris,” he replied.

“Paris? Why are we going to Paris?”

“I mean do you not want to go to Paris Fashion Week, my love?”

Shanelle squealed happily.

“Yes, I thought you might.”

True to his word, Alicia’s sentencing was the day before they were set to leave for Paris. Before issuing the final sentence, Alicia’s three youngest daughters asked to speak publicly on their mother’s behalf.

“While we understand what our mother has done is wrong and unforgivable. And that our Papa is dead because of her, we ask you, Your Majesty, to be lenient in your sentencing.” her daughter Allyson read in a statement, “we have already lost one parent, we don't want to lose another. Instead of sentencing her to death, we are asking you and Her Majesty to sentence our mother to solitary confinement in the dungeons of the old palace if Her Majesty will allow it.”

Marquise looked at his wife.

“Well, my Queen? Shall we honor their ask?” he asked her.

Shanelle looked at him then to Alicia and finally to the girls.

“As a mother, my heart breaks for you girls. You have been robbed of your father by your mother’s greed and bitterness. Your lives have been destroyed. I can't imagine what you girls must be feeling. Anger, sadness, shock, disgust, and maybe even resentment. As a Queen, I must decide with His Majesty that both serves justice and keeps the people safe. This was not just a random mistake. Your mother poses a great threat to us all. I can not overlook that. But since you three have bravely come forward to ask, I will allow your mother to be held in confinement at the old palace. But only for the sake of you three girls.”

Marquise nodded before looking at Alicia.

“Very well. Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux you have been sentenced to life in solitary confinement within the dungeons of the old palace. You will be under 24/7 guard and will only be permitted to visit with your daughters. Supervised visitations will be three days a week for only 4 hours each day.”

He then looked at the girls.

“I want you girls to listen very carefully, while you will be permitted to see your mother, you three will not take advantage of this opportunity. You will not abuse this opportunity. Because if I hear that you have, I will revoke it from you and your mother will then be sent to the prison island of Grandevarea. Is that understood?”

The three young girls nodded.

“Good.” he said before addressing the guards, “you may take her to the dungeons and will await further instruction.”

After everyone watched as Alicia was escorted out of the throne room, the couple stepped off the daises.

“You did good by them,” Marquise whispered to his wife as they walked to the side entrance.

“I had to. Those girls have been through enough. They don't deserve to have to suffer any more than they already have.”

He brought her right knuckles to his lips for a soft kiss.

“And because you've done good by them, you deserve a reward.”

A slow smile started to break across her face.

“Mon amour. Paris attend sa reine.”

“I can't wait!”

“Let's go!”

After saying goodbye to their little ones, The Royals were on a flight to the city of Love.

Paris is one of their favorite cities in the world. And being there during Fashion Week has always been a dream of Shanelle’s. A dream her husband made come true. They were standing on the rooftop deck of their private residence enjoying the sunset view of the Eiffel Tower.

“I love Paris,” Shanelle said with a contented sigh.

He wrapped his arms around her with glasses of Lowyn Prosecco in hand.

“I love you in Paris,” he whispered in her ear as he handed her a glass.

“You love me everywhere.”

“Guilty.”

They smirked at each other as they clinked their glasses together.

“I'm sad we got here too late. I would kill for a ham and cheese omelet from our favorite brasserie.”

“I will have one here first thing in the morning.”

“You're a sap. You know that right?” she teased him.

“Always and forever. Especially for you.”

“That's not how the song goes.”

“Improvising.”

Shanelle snickered.

“Your improv needs work.”

“You are such a damn critic.”

“And your biggest fan.”

“I'm sure Khari would have objections to that.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“This view is perfect. And here I thought you were going to this home into one of those AirBnB things.”

“Nah. I decided to keep a few places the family owns to myself. Although the AirBnB idea isn't bad. I'm glad I thought of it.”

“I would pinch you but I like my jaw right where it is.”

“Smart man.”

The pair watched the sun go down and the moon rise in the sky before it became a tad too chilly for Shanelle.

“Are you cold love?” he asked.

“A little bit.”

He wrapped his jacket around her.

“Let's get you inside.”

The two walked inside and down the steps to the main living area. Where bags of groceries and their guards were waiting.

“As requested, my Liege.” their guard Geraldo said to them.

“Thank you,” Marquise replied

Shanelle became slightly curious.

“What's in the bags Your Majesty?” she asked.

“Guanciale, Pecorino, Parmigiano, grani di pepe nero, aglio, rigatoni e uova,” he replied.

“You're making Carbonara, which is Italian food mind you, in France?”

“That a problem?”

Shanelle shrugged and grabbed the bottle of Prosecco.

“Hurry up and get that sexy ass of yours in the kitchen!”

“By your command my Queen.”

She sat at the counter with a glass in her hand as she watched him roll up his sleeves and lay out his ingredients.

“I love watching you cook.”

“If I remember correctly my cooking is what seduced you in the first place.”

“True. Now I get the guanciale, the cheese, the garlic, the black pepper, and I even get the eggs, but why Rigatoni? Especially when you normally use Bucatini?”

Marquise shrugged.

“I thought I’d try something new.”

“Your daughter made you watch someone make it like on TikTok again didn't she?” she asked.

Marquise cut his eyes at her.

“Like I said earlier, you are a sap.”

“Whatever.”

She watched as started the process of making his Spaghetti Carbonara.

“Yay! You’re not dicing them into small lardons this time.”

“I should because those will render faster but I also want us to have something to snack on.”

“That works for me!”

“And now! We slice the garlic!” he announced.

“Like Goodfellas?” she asks.

“Yes! Razor thin! You want it to almost melt into the guanciale fat.”

She watched him slice the garlic and then separate the eggs, grate the cheeses, crack the pepper, and whisk it all together.

“This is gonna be so good!”

“Indeed. And now we add the guanciale to a cold pan and heat it slowly so the fat renders and we have snacks.”

Shanelle clapped happily.

“Enjoying the show beautiful?”

“Don't I always?”

“True enough,” he said as he opened a new bottle of Prosecco and poured himself a glass. “God this stuff is good.”

“We will be drunk by the end of the night.”

“With full bellies.”

“Why don't we do this all the time?” she asked.

“Kids.”

“That's why we don't do this all the time.”

She loved watching him be so at ease. It had been a stressful time and she was happy to be able to spend time alone with him.

“A snack for the lady,” he said as he passed her a small bowl of cooked guanciale.

“Mmm! I swear this stuff is like bacon!” she said as she popped a small handful into her mouth.

“It is pork cheek so…”

“True. It still amazes me that a King can cook. And cook quite well actually.”

“I had to eat somehow while I went to Harvard.”

“You coulda just bought the meal plan.”

Marquise scoffed.

“No thank you.”

“Why not? Were there no caviar and foie gras options for the Prince?”

He snatched her bowl away.

“Gimme my bowl back!”

“No! You just insulted me!”

“Gimme!”

Marquise cut his eyes at her before handing her the bowl back. He left a little bit of fat in the pan to fry off the garlic.

“Ahh! Finally, it is time for the marriage of egg yolks, cheeses, cracked pepper, guanciale fat, and pasta water!”

While the meal normally didn't take him long to make, he enjoyed giving his wife a show. Plus both of them were halfway through their third bottle of Prosecco and feeling it.

“And with just a smidge more pepper and more Pecorino on top dinner is served!”

“Shut up and pass me a fork!”

He handed her a bowl before they went and sat down on the couch to enjoy each other’s company and their food.

“Okay I like the rigatoni but I think I prefer bucatini,” Shanelle said in between bites.

“Agreed. Although I won't complain about this.”

“Not at all. You have mastered the art of Carbonara. Y’know if this whole being a King thing doesn't work out you could be a chef.”

Marquise snorted into his glass.

“And give Jenna a reason to boss me around even more than she already does? No, thank you.”

Shanelle snickered.

After dinner was done, they laid on the couch under a handmade quilt.

“I am sated, satisfied, drunk, and happy about it.

He kissed her forehead.

“Anything for you.”

“Thank you for dinner babe. It was delicious as always.”

“My pleasure. It was a last-minute shopping request I sent out to the guards here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

She snuggled against him.

“This is why I married you.”

“Why?”

“Because of these little romantic moments. You didn't have to cook for me.”

“Well, I sure as hell wasn't about to sit here all night and starve.”

Shanelle snorted.

“Besides you know I love cooking for you.”

“I know. It's one of your most redeeming qualities.”

He smiled softly.

“You know what?”

“Hmm?”

"I can't stop thinking about kissing you."

"And what are you going to do about that?"

“This…” he said before he leaned and captured her lips in his for a soft sweet kiss.

“I hate it when you do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I always wind up agreeing to anything.”

“Good.”

He kissed her again. Slower and more sensual than before. A slow smile crossed her face.

“Stop.”

“Make me,” he whispers against her lips as he tightens his arms around her.

As they lay together, she started to get sleepy.

“I think it's past your bedtime, my love.”

“But.”, she said with a yawn, “I don't want to move from this spot.”

“Very well. This is where we will be until the morning.”

“Fine by me.”

“Goodnight beautiful.”

“Goodnight handsome.”

He watched her slowly drift off to sleep in his arms before going to sleep himself.

They spent the next few days attending various shows. While Marquiss didn't understand many of the runway looks he saw, seeing his wife have the time of her life was worth it to him. As they flew home, she was still gushing about their trip.

“That was amazing! I loved everything. And when I say everything I mean everything!”

“I noticed. Which show was your favorite?” he asks.

“Schiaparelli. Hands down. They were amazing. And all the outfits I got!” she replies.

“As if your closet isn't big enough as is.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“But in all seriousness, I am happy you enjoyed yourself.”

“And what was your favorite part of the trip, Your Majesty?” she asked.

He merely tapped the diamond cufflinks on his wrist.

“You know I never come to Paris without seeing Pierre François.”

“True.”

Once back at home, it was back to normal for them. Or so they thought.

Their daughter had been having bad stomach aches for days but no one could figure out why. It wasn't until she started to catch a fever that they became concerned.

“Marquise, she is on fire,” Shanelle said to her husband.

Khari moaned in pain.

“Mommy…”

Shanelle rubbed her forehead.

“I’m right here baby,” she said to her daughter before speaking to him, “call Nadia. Now.”

Marquise nodded.

“I'll be right back.”

“No Daddy. Don't go, please.” Khari pleaded.

“I won't be gone long, my love.”

“Noooooooo!” she whined.

“Come here, my angel. Come here,” he said as he scooped her up into his arms.

“I don't feel good Daddy.” Khari cried.

His daughter was in pain and it broke his heart to watch.

“I know you don't. I will only be gone for just a second. I have to call Nadia. I'll even leave your door cracked. Okay?”

“You promise?”

He kissed her forehead.

“I swear it on my life.”

“Okay.”

He gave her back to her mother.

“I'll be right outside,” he whispered to Khari.

Marquise stepped out to call Nadia when Damien walked up.

“How is she?” Damien asked.

“Her fever has spiked. So I’m going to call Nadia.” Marquise replied.

“What do you need from me?” Damien asks.

“To stand here and keep me calm. If you don't mind.”

“Consider it done.”

Marquise nodded and called her pediatrician. When he hung up with her, he had a look on his face.

“How bad is it?” Damien asks.

“She wants us to bring Khari to the ER at St. Michael’s,” Marquise replied.

“Go. I will handle the day-to-day here. And don't worry about the boys. Their grandmothers will keep them company.”

“If I don't say it enough, thank you, Damien.”

Damien nodded.

“No need. You forget I have a daughter too.”

“I know.”

“Go on then. I'll go let Shantel and Margo know.”

Marquise stepped back into his daughter's room.

“Who was that Daddy?”

“Your grandfather, my love. He was coming to check on you.”

“What did Nadia say?” Shanelle asks.

“To bring her to the ER at St. Michael’s.”

“Okay. I'll get her dressed. You call the car.”

Marquise modded before kissing his daughter’s cheek and leaving the room. Once Khari was dressed they were off to the ER in the wee hours of the morning. When they got there Khari wouldn't leave her Daddy’s arms after they were settled into a room.

“Hello hello everyone. We have got to stop meeting like this. I need my little ones to be okay.” Dr. Nadia said as she entered the room.

She looked at Khari who was clinging to her Daddy as she sat down.

“Hello, sweet girl. What's wrong?” Nadia asked.

“My tummy doesn't feel good,” Khari replied in tears.

“Oh, you poor thing. Well, I’m here now. And I’m going to make sure we find out why your tummy hurts so bad and we’ll make you all better. Alright?”

“Okay,” Khari replied quietly.

“That's my girl.”

Just then there was a soft knock at the door. The head of the ER Dr. Hadley.

“Your Majesties, do you both remember Dr. Hadley?” Nadia asked as he walked in.

They both nodded.

“Yes, we do. It's good to see you, Doctor,” Shanelle replied.

Dr. Hadley nodded politely.

“It's good to see you both as well,” he said to Shanelle before addressing Khari, “and it is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances though.”

“Hi doctor,” Khari said quietly.

Dr. Hadley smiled at her.

“I know you don't feel well but that's why your great-aunt and I are here. We're going to find out what's bothering you and make sure you get all better. But first I need you to do something for me.”

“What’s that?” Khari asks.

“I need you to be big and brave. Can you do that for me?” he asked.

Khari thought for a moment then nodded.

“I can do that,” she replies.

“Atta girl! That's what I like to hear. Now we're going to get you changed, get an IV going, and get some scans done. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Dr. Hadley looked at her parents.

“She’s doing great. And Your Majesties, you both have my word, she will be well taken care of while she's here.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Marquise said to him.

“Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you changed.” Nadia said to Khari.

Once Khari was changed into a hospital gown, a nurse came in to start an IV and had a wheelchair.

“Princess, Your Majesties, this is Yvonne. She's one of the nurses here. She's going to start Khari’s IV so we can get some pain medicine in her then take her down for an X-ray and CT Scan.”

Yvonne bowed.

“Your Majesties, it's an honor,” she said to the couple.

“Can my mommy and daddy come too?” Khari asked Nadia.

“Sure they can. But they'll have to wait in the waiting room. Okay?”

“Alright.”

“Good girl. Now let's get going.”

Once Khari’s IV was in, she was in the wheelchair and they were off. While they took Khari back, her parents sat out in the waiting area. It's when they sat down, that Shanelle broke down in her husband's arms.

“I know. I know. You’re scared. I am too. But it's gonna be okay. Khari is here and she's safe. And she's with some of the best pediatric doctors in the world. Shhh. Don't cry.” he whispered to her.

“I’m trying to be strong, I promise. It's just…” Shanelle tried to say before her words were choked off by a sob.

“I know. I know you are,” he said as he rubbed her back.

“Your Majesties?” a voice asked softly.

When they both looked up a woman was standing in front of them.

“Please pardon my intrusion. But I was sitting over there in the corner and I couldn't help but overhear you both say that the Princess is here.”

“Yes, she is. They just took her back. Who are you by the way?” Marquise asked.

“Oh pardon my manners. I'm just a little nervous. My name is Lady Selene De Michele-Charroux. My daughter Elena is in school with the Princess.” the lady replied.

“She's one of Khari’s classmates?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes ma'am. They took her back before you all got here.” Selene replied.

“If you don't mind my asking, why?” Marquise asked.

They watched the lady wring her hands nervously.

“My lady, why don't you sit down? You look about as stable as I feel.” Shanelle said to her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Selene said gratefully before sitting down next to them, “to answer your question, my King, my daughter has a rare form of neuroblastoma. She's had it since she was 8 months old. She was being taken back for an MRI.”

“Oh my God! I'm so sorry!”

Selene nodded gratefully to Shanelle.

“Thank you, my Queen. When my daughter was at school a few months ago, before she got really sick, she was being picked on by another group of children. And the Princess stood up for her. She told the children picking on her that if they didn't stop picking on my daughter, she was going to tell her father. And she told them that her father doesn't like bullies.” Selene explained.

Marquise just shook his head with a smile while Shanelle chuckled softly.

“For the record, she never told me.”

“I’m sure she didn't but it was the thought that counted for my daughter. She considered your daughter her only friend. And I just wanted to say thank you to you both for raising such an amazing young girl.”

“Thank you, my lady. You said your last name was De Michele?” Marquise asked.

“Yes. It's my maiden name. You probably don't remember but I went to boarding school with Leo.”

Marquise nodded.

“That's why your name sounds familiar.”

“Yes. As it just so happens you went to school with my cousin.”

“I did?” he asked.

“Yes. Does the name Jean-Marc Archambeau ring a bell?” she asked.

“As in Commander Hervè Archambeau?” he replied.

“Yes. He and my mother Countess Gladys De Michele are brother and sister. According to him, you two were always butting heads.”

Marquise chuckled.

“Yes, we were. How is Jean-Marc?” he asked.

“He’s doing well. Thank you.”

“I haven't heard that name in years. I was told they had moved. What happened?”

Selene cleared her throat.

“Your father is what happened to them.”

Marquise groaned.

“What did he do?”

As she was about to answer, both little girls were wheeled out.

“Mommy! Look! My friend Elena is here too!” Khari squealed happily.

It made Shanelle smile.

“Hello, Khari’s mommy and daddy! It's very nice to meet you.” Elena said to them.

Marquise bowed to the little girl.

“Hello, my dear. How are you?”

Elena smiled at him.

“I’m doing good.”

Selene tapped Marquise on the shoulder.

“Your Majesty, is it okay if we speak privately?” she asked.

“Of course my lady,” he said to her before turning to his wife and daughter, “you two go on back I'll be there soon.”

Shanelle nodded as she and Khari left.

“I'll be right there sweetheart,” Selene said to her daughter. .

“Let's have a seat,” he suggested to Selene.

They sat down.

“I’m sure you didn't want to have this conversation in front of them.”

“Yes sire.”

“Now what happened?” he asked.

Lady Selene cleared her throat.

“Do you remember getting into a fight with my cousin?” she replied.

Marquise thought for a moment.

“Yes, sort of. We were 15 and if memory serves, and it was over a score at a football game,” he replies.

“Yes. He swears you stole a goal from him.”

Marquise snorted.

“Oh geez! Now I remember.” he said with a chuckle, “And for the record, I didn't steal the goal from him. He was being too slow and I took the shot.”

“I believe you. Anyway, you two had words, started shoving each other then fists went flying and you gave him a black eye and he busted your lip.”

“Yup. I remember now we had to be separated. And Headmaster Boisseau gave us each a tongue lashing before we were suspended for a few days.”

“Unfortunately for my cousin, it didn't end there.”

“I don’t like the sound of this.”

“What should've been handled by the school, was handled by your father.”

Marquise let out a breath.

“What did he do?”

Selene paused for a second.

“He had my cousin arrested and charged as an enemy of the crown.”

Marquise was shocked.

“What?! Over a petty fistfight?”

“Yes. He sent a summons to my aunt and uncle and demanded an audience with them after he was arrested,” she said before taking a deep breath and continuing, “When they had their audience with him and Regina, he told them they could either pay a fine that would've bankrupted our whole family, be exiled, or worse, he would execute my cousin.”

Marquise groaned.

“My God.”

“King Constantine said he sentenced him to exile because my cousin assaulted an active member of the Royal Family. But my uncle knew the real reason why.”

“What was the real reason?”

“Revenge.”

Marquise nodded.

“Because of Sebastian. He still blamed your uncle for the ambush that killed him.”

“Yes. I'm sure you didn't know.”

“No, I didn't. But now that I think about it, his not coming back to school makes sense.”

“I swear I didn't tell you for sympathy I promise. But you deserved to know.”

“Thank you, my Lady. If you don't mind telling me, where is your cousin now?”

“Norway. They moved there after they were exiled. My aunt was originally from there.”

“And what about your uncle?” he asked.

Lady Selene went quiet.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”

“No no. It's okay. He passed away after my daughter turned 2.”

Marquise nodded before pulling out his wallet.

“Here. Take this.” he said as he handed her a small business card, “have your cousin contact my office as soon as possible.”

“Yes sire. Thank you so much. I wish you and the Princess all the best.”

Marquise shook her hand.

“The same to you and your daughter as well my lady,” he said before they went their separate ways.

When he got back to Khari’s room, they and his aunt were waiting.

“I’m so sorry I took so long. I didn't mean to make you all wait.”

Nadia smiled.

“It's alright nephew. You’re just in time. I have the results of Khari’s scans.”

Marquise sat down next to his wife and daughter.

“As it turns out, Khari has a ruptured appendix,” Nadia said to them.

“What's that?” Khari asked.

“It's one of your organs, sweetie. It's one of the things we all have. Except for your dad.”

“Daddy doesn't have one?”

“No. He had his appendix taken out as a teenager. I would know. I had to treat him.”

“I wasn't that bad.”

“Hmm…I don't know about that.” Nadia teased.

Khari giggled.

“Now because it's ruptured it has to be taken out. That will require surgery.”

“What's that?” Khari asked.

“It’s where a doctor has to make a small cut in your stomach.”

Khari reared back.

“No! No!”

Nadia laid a reassuring hand on hers.

“It's not bad my dear. I promise. You won't feel anything. You'll be asleep the whole time.”

“I will?”

Nadia nodded.

“And I will be there with you every step of the way.”

Khari chewed her bottom lip.

“Do you remember what Dr. Hadley asked you?”

“To be brave.”

“Can you be brave for me?”

Khari nodded.

“Yes, Aunt Nadia. I can be brave. Very brave.”

“That's my girl. Now I have to talk to your father for a second outside okay?”

“Okay.”

Nadia pulled Marquise outside.

“She’ll be transferred upstairs to a private room for surgery prep.”

“When is her surgery?”

“Because it's the weekend, it'll be tomorrow at 9:00 AM.”

Marquise nodded.

“Thank you, Nadia. I appreciate it so much.”

She patted his arm fondly.

“Of course, nephew. I'll see you tomorrow.”

When Marquise returned to his daughter and his wife.

“What did she say?” Shanelle asked.

“She said that Khari’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 AM so she’ll be sent upstairs for prep.”

Shanelle nodded as she held Khari.

“Okay. We’ll be ready.”

“Indeed we will.”

There was a knock at the door. It was the transporter. Marquise recognized him.

“I remember you,” Marquise said to him.

“Hello, Your Majesties. My name is Sammy. I'm here to take the Princess upstairs.” the transporter said as he introduced himself. “I was here when His Majesty had his surgery when he was 16.”

“It's good to see you again.”

Sammy smiled.

“It's good to see you too, Your Majesty.”

Sammy turned to Khari.

“Are you ready Princess?”

“Yes sir.”

Khari climbed into the wheelchair.

“And off we go!”

Once Khari was transported and settled into her room, it was time to meet her surgeon.

“Hello! Hello! Good morning Your Majesties, and to you too, Your Highness. My name is Dr. Gaston Cormier. I am the head of surgery here at the hospital. It's good to have you all here. Although I am pretty sure one of you swore to me years ago they'd never come back.”

Marquise shook his head with a smile.

“Hello again doctor. Thank you for coming to greet us.”

“And now that you all are here I want you all to know that the Princess is in very good hands. We will do everything in our power to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible. And Princess you have my word, I will be very gentle. You won't feel a thing. Okay?”

Khari nodded.

“Yes sir.”

“Very good.”

“Will I be able to eat?” Khari asked.

“Yes. You can eat until midnight tonight but no later. Alright?”

“Okay.”

“Now I have some consent to surgery forms that I will leave for you both to sign and I will see you all in the morning.” Dr. Cormier said before taking his leave.

After signing the consent forms, Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in.

“You look exhausted, my love,” Marquise said to her.

“It's been a long morning.”

“Indeed. Why don't you go home and get some rest?” Marquise asked.

“I can't. I can't leave her here.” Shanelle replied.

“It'll be okay. I'll be here with her.”

Shanelle shook her head no.

“No Marquise. No. I'm not leaving.”

That's when Khari spoke up.

“It's okay Mommy. You can go. Besides the boys need you, they're probably wondering where everybody is.”

“But baby…”

Khari held her mother's hands.

“We gotta be brave Mommy. Just like Dr. Hadley said. We have to be big girls. Okay?” Khari asked.

Shanelle took a shuddering breath.

“Okay.”

“I'll be okay. I'll get to boss Daddy around while you’re gone.”

Marquise made a face.

“You always boss me around.”

“I know but now I get to be extra bossy.”

Shanelle shook her head.

“Okay, you and your daddy win. I'll go home and check on the boys. But I'll be back later okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

“And I'll bring you your favorite things.”

“Yay! Thank you, Mommy.”

Shanelle kissed her daughter on her forehead.

“I'll see you later Peanut.”

“Okie doke! Now we can eat!”

“How can you think of food at a time like this?” Shanelle asked.

“The same way Daddy always does,” Khari replied with a shrug.

“I beg your pardon madam!” he protested.

Khari giggled.

“Alright, I’m going. I love you, baby girl.”

Khari hugged her mother.

“I love you too Mommy.”

“I'll walk you out love,” Marquise said to her.

Marquise walked his wife outside before calling for a guard.

“Take Her Majesty home,” he told the two guards outside.

The guards nodded curtly. Marquise’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Who is that?” Shanelle asks.

“Your father. I texted him to put a statement out about Khari being in the hospital,” he replied.

Shanelle checked her phone.

“Thank you for naming him the new herald of the Monarchy.”

“He was happy to accept the job. Now let's get you home.”

Marquise pulled her into a loving hug.

“It'll be okay my love. Khari is a big girl. And she's brave. Hell, she's braver than you and I will ever be. We should hold on to that.” he whispered.

Shanelle held onto her husband.

“I know. And I’m trying. It's just…I want to scream. And I just wanna hold her and make the pain go away.”

He kissed below her left ear.

“I know you do and so do I. Now go. Go check on our boys. I'll hold down the fort here.”

Shanelle smiled at him before leaving with the guards.

You have reached the end of part one! Stay tuned for part two!

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