#OTP: I like Toast

[pearlcaddy]

otpsource valentine's day event 2023 ♡ colors

[crackers4jenn]

When the people who hate Jeff/Annie because "she's so young!!!!" have no ground to stand on once the Community movie comes out and Annie's a whole ass 35

[claudia-kishi]

🥰🥰🥰

[avocado62524]

[everythingcanadian]

Jimmy making his own life just outside of Thirsk, it has bad connotations with it, but it's also what led to the best friendship he's had. And so he carves out his own life, picks up the things he should have learned under his father. He's making himself a man that he never knew he needed to be instead of just a boy chasing after skirts acting like he thought he should.

He gets letters from Alfred occasionally. And he gets a thick envelope filled with letters from both Daisy and Thomas and sometimes Anna. He reads them at night when he's winding down even though he's been itching to do so since they came in the morning post. And he's doing his damnedest to write them back in equal measure. One letter he sends back has a photo of him in at the Fair again, this time selling his own home grown produce and even jam and pickled veggies. He's smiling, proud of his work, and he hopes his friends are proud of him.

James ‘Jimmy’ Kent | After Downton AU

[jevilowo]

MY OPINIONS ON VARIOUS TF2 SHIPS

For funsies

SCIENCE PARTY:

fun ship, but they're GodComplex4GodComplex and I fear that would only end in disaster

TOASTED SANDVICH:

if there is one heavypyro fan on this stupid baka planet it is me. shout out to menacing quiet individuals who like violence but have a soft side fr.

BLOODY SUIT:

literally The Original toxic yaoi rivals to lovers red blue combo ship. speeding bullet and napoleon complex fans WISH they had our shared update and corresponding voice lines

BATTING HELMET: (scout n solly)

i just think it's really funny trust me on this one guys. have you seen them in the fourth comic it's a constant "yes, and" bit between the two of them. soldier's love language is choking people out.

HIT AND A MISS: (scout n pauling)

like most ms pauling ships, i'm only into it if scout's a cool lesbian. which he is not most of the time.

RED OKTOBERFEST:

AAAAAAAAAAAAA literally the ship of all time save me heavymedic save me. if they don't smooch in the next comic i will become jay pinkerton's personal sleep paralysis demon.

SPEEDING BULLET:

my feelings on it are Complicated. twas my first love (otp) in this fandom, but the overabundance of twinky uwu scout and daddy dom snoipah has built up some resentment on my part. call me back when people stop making up imaginary life problems for sniper to comfort scout over.

NAPOLEON COMPLEX: (Spy n Engie)

literally just rarjack if they were boys and not horses to me and i'm not even an mlp fan. it's alright, just doesn't really stick out to me.

SPYMA:

LITERALLY THE POWERCOUPLE EVER TRULY A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES or at least the version that exists in my head is. i have so much made up spyma lore it's crazyyy. bonus points if they're polying up they cule with sniper it's quickly becoming my favourite genre of fanart (i have seen at maximum three)

SUPPORT SANDWICH: (spy n sniper n medic)

in my opinion, it is healthy for everyone to have at least one ship they just like bc they think it's hot. for me, that is support sandwich. not much else to say on that the fics are all banging go look them up.

SNIDOS: (sniper n GLaDOS)

hell yeah.

ADMINPAULING:

i used to like it a lot, but timelining implies ms pauling's been working for helen since her mid teens at the latest so i no longer like it. 4chan leaks my beloathed pleaseee don't make them kiss i think it would kill me in a bad way

URINE SAMPLE: (medic n sniper)

there's a lot of werewolf and vampire stuff for these two on ao3 which is pretty fun. and i'm way more likely to find sniper angst under the medicsniper tag than sb and bs which is always a plus.

FRENCH TOAST: (spyro)

have you seen that one animation where pyro gives birth to spy's child and gordon freeman is there at one point. yeahhhh. the ship's pretty cute tho spy would be sooo soft for pyro they'd light his cigarettes for him.

BOOTS AND BOMBS:

THE FORBIDDEN RED/BLU ROMANCE GOES CRAZY I ADORE IT. same team bnb is pretty banging too. bonus points if they're polying up they cule with zhanna.

SPYPAULING:

HEAR ME OUT ON THIS ONE. imagine. spy x pauling. yuri. that will be all.

SWORDVAN:

SWORDVAN MY LOVE!!! idk what it is about demo and sniper together but HELL YEAH TOP 5 SHIPS FR FR. shout out to the guy still writing monsterous intent, they're like single handedly carrying the swordvandom.

TEXAS TOAST:

I used to think "this is cute" but then my friend got really really into it and that hyped me up into "THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SHIPS OF ALL TIME" territory. bonus points if they're yuri! shout out to Technicolor California, my current favourite fanfic of all time (it overtook running blind in the interal rankings). oh yeah insert mandatory "no hate to engie and pyro father son dynamic preferers" message here lol.

Ok that's enough I will cover more at some point maybe.

[carpbread0]

NPC Life is the best

(Genshin Impact x gn reader - sagau)

(second person pov)

Prologue —> part 1 —> part.2

—————————————————-

After being tossed into the world of teyvat, you start to make your way down starsnatch cliff. Unlike what you had previously thought, the winds were quite gentle and gave you a sense of serenity that some what soothed your aching head. It was about sunrise when you had landed here so it shouldn’t take until sunset to get to mondstat.

the dirt path was a great aid to the city and in all honesty the walk down the cliff was quite nice as you got see the lovely sights of windrise and a ancient four winds temple.

there were a few adventures out and about but they paid you no mind. It was better that way. as you slowly approached the small cooking pot set almost right outside the city you decided it be best to test a few things.

Grabbing a small left over sack from the wood stump, you took out a small pocket knife sheathed in leather. Taking the small knife out you looked around to see if anyone was there. to your relief there was no one besides the pigeons on the bridge.

gently holding the knife you proceeded to make a small cut on the side of your wrist.

Gold..

quickly after your discovery you use the bandages in the small bag to cover it up. Wouldn’t want someone to see that..

gently holding the sack you found you thought it’d be best to keep it. It’s free no? Smiling happily with your newly found possession you started to walk across the large bridge.

a few characters you decided were best to avoid were obviously venti and kaeya. Venti was an archon so it was already a big no even if he didn’t know what you looked like. Kaeya is from khanria so who knows what he could sense. Both of them have visions so both of them could possibly recognize your aura.. even though venti uses a fake one, it’s still likely that as an archon he would recognize your aura regardless..

well that is if they decide to believe in the strange aura of yours. There’s a chance they won’t even bother tracking you down.

gathering your thoughts together you make your way into the city nodding at both of the guards as a sign of respect. To your surprise they didn’t even stop you from going in without a small questioning.. you guess it’s because they barely get any respect *snorts*.

walking into the city, you realize it’s about 9 o’clock and your a bit peckish after the long walk. Why not treat yourself to a delicious fisherman’s toast? looking around you as you make your way up to Sara, you find that the city is more crowded than what it seems to be in game. People by the fountain, merchants flocking the side of the paths, and even little kids playing with what looked to be a yo-yo. In all honesty it put a smile on your face. Everything was so beautiful.

making your way up to the counter of good hunter you spot a familiar sight, amber and Eula were eating at good hunter too! ‘Oh god it’s my otp AAAAAAA’

‘Calm down y/n..’

‘Calm down’

afraid of staring at the pair for too long, you glance away not noticing the strange look Eula shot at you.

after waiting in line for a little bit you manage to finally order your beloved fisherman’s toast. Using the mora inside your (stolen) bag you pay off the fisherman’s toast and find a spot to enjoy your crispy delight.

“Why hello there” a familiar but suave voice calls out to you.

“I haven’t seen you before, are you perhaps an outlander like our dear honorary knight?”

god.. it was kaeya

“Hm? Oh I’m actually from liyue.” You lie trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

“Oh? I Must say, you don’t dress like someone from liyue, I apologize for my assumption.” He looks down at you with a sly smile and inquisitive look.

“It’s no problem, really” god you never realized how hard it was to act.. you should’ve taken up those acting classes from your aunt.

“If you say so” he smiles again. “Enjoy your stay in mondstat I’d love to show you around some time traveler”

“Oh no, i mustn’t take up your time”

“Oh but I insist. Whats your name by the way lovely traveler?” He says with a confident look on his face.

“Y/n, you must be the suave Calvary captain that all the ladies in mondstat have been chatting about.” You tease him slightly to get the attention off of you

“You flatter me Y/n. Your quite the smooth talker yourself” he chuckles and smirks.

“Well it was nice getting to meet you, I must be on my way now, even though I would’ve loved to stay and chat”

“It’s no problem Kaeya” you smile softly and wave off to him as he walks away.

‘Holy fucking shit’

You felt as though your life flashed through your eyes as you finish up your fisherman’s toast. Hopefully he didn’t see through your facade.. he might’ve noticed your aura but probably dismissed it as something else. well he’s gone now so there’s no need to worry to much about him right now.

the thing you should be worrying about is going broke after all.

what job would suit your NPC like needs..

——————————————————————

carp bread- brain vomit

[ashersbunker]

Hey! I think you’re cool and I’d like ur opinion on a few ships pretty please :]

Texas toast

Scout and Pauling

Swordvan

Freedom fries

Flashfire

And boots n bombs

Pick an choice what to talk bout if you don’t wanna answer them all, I want to know at least one :3

Hii!! thank you sm! Something I forget to mention in this site is that I am a Multishipper! I have no problem with any ship (except extremely problematic ones).

And yes! I can give you my opinion in all of them!

Texas Toast

I think this ship is just so cute, I love the dynamic Pyro and Engie have, I haven't drawn it yet but my god it's a lovely ship

ScoutPauling (Caught looking)

I feel like I could like this ship more if I see more content related to it, but it's not my first option to go to. I think it has potential tho :D

SwordVan

This one feels personal to me, because both sniper and demo are fucked up emotionally, and this is like sweet ship where both understand each other so much to a deeper level...

Freedom Fries

I think it's funny and I like it, local american hates frenchies but ends up with one? I love it

Flashfire

YES, YES, YES. THEY ARE BOTH SO CHAOTIC I LOVE IT.

Boots n Bombs

One of my otps!! I literally have red demo and blu soldier on a different boat because I just CAN'T separate them HELP

[002yb]

AAAAAAAAAAA YOUR DICKJOYFIRE FIC????? OMG IM ON MY KNEES. i love kory and Jay and i grew fond of jayroy and jaydick is my absolute OTP and aaaaaaa. Your brain is justtttt. OmG i love all that you write. Would you consider writing more about the four of them together? Smothering Jay with love and him being the maiden heart he is♡

Anyways, im really a fan of your fics they are awesome

Ahhhhh, you're always so delightful @alexandraisapenguin thank you so much. ///u/// This turned out to be more general ot4 though ;u;

Gym Shenanigans

Friendly competition between the four of them that's really just the boys taunting and challenging one another and being motivating in all their dumbness.

And Kory is so fond as she smokes all of them. Scorched earth policy, sorry boys. ;)

But it's all good because the three of them are so (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) because wowie hot damn, look at their girlfriend go.

Something something they all benchpress each other and Jason loses it each time when all of them do him. Which omg what? Hot? Help?

Dick being the first though and it takes so much coaxing and Dick swears he's got this. Which he does. It's only a few reps, anyhow. Still, the moment Dick presses Jason up, Jason panics and flails and ends up throwing himself out of Dick's hold and landing on his chest and Dick wheezes because oh god. Meanwhile Kory and Roy are !!! because whoops, spotting is a thing and Jason is mortified forever because again, omg.

But Dick just laughs through his wheezing and holds Jason to him before he can run off and Jason is sweet and blushy as he hides in Dick's chest and it's cute.

Speaking of chests - Roy marveling Jason's pecs. Like how you can catch glimpses of it through the low cut of Jason's sleeves. Dick following suit once he notices Roy's staring. And Kory following along not long after and wow, she thinks she understands the infatuation with breasts now. Amazing.

Jason spitting and sputtering because wth Kory //A///

Kory saddling up next to her baby boy and comparing chests and laughing because it's impressive! Has Jason ever tried to hold anything in his cleavage? So convenient. Also-

(Also, unrelated thought: Jason laying on top of Kory and their chests being smushed together and Dick and Roy just blatantly staring until they're called out and it's ahahahha)

General muscle appreciation. Like Roy's back. Roy basking in the attention but also being sweetly sheepish about it. Just something with him waving them off and being all, 'oh stop, guys,' then promptly flexing his back muscles. Dorky sweetness and cute flirting ahhhhhhh.

But wait. Dick getting stared at and objectified by other gym goers because he's beautiful handsome gorgeous. And while it's uncomfortable, he deals. Nothing new, right?

Only Jason puffs up and is ready to throw down, just sending the nastiest glares and snarls at men and women alike. He's got Kory right there backing him up too while Roy uses his impressive back to act as a screen and the combination of it all lightens Dick's mood so much and he loves them all dearly. ;U;

Sauna. Where Kory basks in the heat and unintentionally raises the temp until her boys are toasted and she has to drag them out and fan them back to safe temps.

Shower. Where Kory suggests showering together and yeah, sure. Only Jason bails out of embarrassment, maiden at heart that he is.

[uservarric]

Do Rich Rider next!

1. favorite thing about them

oh i love him i love how he’s genuinely just a completely average guy - earth heroes “average guys” tend to always be super geniuses ie. peter parker. but rich is genuinely just a completely average normal dude. he flipped burgers when he wasn’t nova-ing! he barely scraped through high school (again, cause of the nova thing!). he was just a genuinely normal teenager with a complex cause of his super smart little brother. becoming nova was both the best and worst thing to ever happen to him.

2. least favorite thing about them

man is lowkey self-obsessed in the sense a depressed person is. everything is his fault, he’s pathetic, he’s wasting everyone’s time. he was like this even before he got powers - he clearly has self-worth issues that just get exacerbated the more he survives. clearly not the only person who clocked this because rich going into therapy was such a huge step!

3. favorite line

Holy shit he’s such an icon

“Let’s scream in his face anyway.” 🥺

“I pulled [Annihilus] inside out and saved the universe. What have YOU done lately, Tony?”

“Shut it, warcrimes.”

“I loved him too. You know that, right?” I’m UNWELL

“Please, Rich. I think you need to talk to someone about this.” “About the fan-sites?” “About the fact you’re dying.” he’s UNWELL

“Let’s review. Your ride is toast. I’m Nova. You’re dead. Allow me to demonstrate.” HOT.

4. brOTP

sam alexander. they’re brothers!!!

also the new warriors. that group tends to be ignored these days as a very formative time in Rich’s life - i’m due a reread, i’m part of the problem, i haven’t read that in over 12 years! but yeah, so many fond memories there <3

5. OTP

peter quill. they’ve just made so much sense forever

6. nOTP

idk if I really have one tbh? he’s not popular enough for these to form

7. random headcanon

Rich’s real superpower is that he’s actually turned into a surprisingly good cook. He finds the process quite relaxing. Which the guardians really appreciate because Pete “no patience” Quill burns everything because he gets distracted and, while they won’t admit it, they did grow accustomed to earth food while they were stuck down there.

8. unpopular opinion

Thank god he never made it into the MCU. Since 2006 has been going from strength to strength in the comics (a part from the few years when he was dead!). Since he came back in 2016/17 I don’t think anything he has been in has been bad. He either has the magic touch or he’s insanely lucky for dodging MCU synergy and having writers who clearly love him!!

9. song I associate with him

Fortress by Queens of the Stone Age

Watch me While I Bloom by Hayley Williams

10. favorite picture of them

juann cabal Rich is my little guy his big brown eyes <3

[khoicesbyk]

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: 9,346 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 @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 9.) Acts Of Defiance.

It had been two weeks since Lord and Lady Gallagher had announced that they were challenging for the throne. Their announcement had Cordonia buzzing. But with the Five Kingdoms Festival happening soon Their Majesties didn't have time to stew on it. 

"Of all the times for you to have the Five Kingdoms Festival you choose to have it now?" Shanelle asked her husband as they had breakfast with their kids.

"Yes. It's been years since we've had it and I need a distraction. Besides, it'll be the children's first festival." Marquise replies. 

"Yeah! We're excited. Right boys?" Khari asked her brothers who were playing with their French Toast sticks. "I think that means yes. Also, I can't wait to see all the dragons." 

"Dragons?" Marquise asked. 

"Yeah. What's a kingdom without big dragons?" Khari replied. 

"Who told you there would be dragons?" Marquise asked.

"Mommy. She said she hoped there would be dragons this year. Since you didn't have them last time." Khari replies. 

Marquise looked over to his snickering wife. 

"By the way, where do you keep the dragons?" Khari asks. 

"Dagon! Rawr!" Kylo piped up. 

"Yeah, Kylo! Big rawr!" Khari said in encouragement to her little brother.

"My love. There are no dragons."

"No dagons?" Zyon asked. 

"No, my love. No dragons." Marquise replied. 

"Why?" Kylo asked. 

"Because dragons don't exist," Marquise said to him. 

"Yes, they do!" Khari protested. 

"My sweetheart. Your stuffed animal doesn't count." 

"He does too! Just because he doesn't breathe fire doesn't mean he isn't a real dragon Daddy."

Shanelle snickered as Marquise mean-mugged her over the rim of his coffee cup.

"Finish your breakfast so you can get ready for school." 

"Okay. But we're still gonna have dragons at the festival, right?" Khari asked. 

"Dagon!" the boys piped up. 

Marquise groaned. 

"I think the children have spoken." 

"I'm gonna get you back for setting me up," Marquise whispered harshly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

Soon it was time for the Princess to leave for school. 

"Are you ready to go, my sweet?" Margo asked Khari.

"Yes, Grammy. I just gotta tell the boys goodbye first." Khari replied before turning to her brothers, "Bye Kylo! Bye, Zyon! I'll see you two later." 

"Bye-bye, Sissy!" Kylo said to her. 

"See you yater (later) Sissy!" Zyon said to her. 

"It's time to go, my darling," Margo said to her. 

"Okay, Grammy. Bye, Mommy! Bye Daddy!" Khari said to her parents. 

"Bye, baby girl," Shanelle said to her. 

"Have a good day at school," Marquise said to her. 

Khari waved at everyone before leaving with Margo to head to school. After watching their daughter head off, the couple walked down the hall to His Majesty's office. As they walked down the hall with the twins, Marquise had his face in his phone texting away. 

"Um, sir. Who are you texting so much?" she asked. 

"Another woman," he replied. 

"Excuse me?" she asked as she stopped him dead in his tracks. 

"I'm kidding! Geez!"

"What's the name of that song? Dumb ways to die?"

Marquise gave her a look as he adjusted his sleeve. 

"If you must know, I'm texting your father."

"Since when do you text my dad so much?" 

"Since he's the new Herald."

"And just what are you two texting about?"

"I'm having him put out a statement on behalf of the Monarchy."

"About what?"

Marquise looked at her.

"Understood."

"In the meantime, you and I will strategize."

"Okay."

When they got to his office, the door was locked. Leaving the twins confused. 

"Uh oh! It wocked (locked)!" Zyon said to his brother. 

"What we do?" Kylo asked. 

"Ask Daddy!" Zyon replies. 

Kylo looked up to his dad. 

"Daddy! The door! It wocked (locked)!" Kylo said to him.

"Well, you have to knock so we can open it," Marquise said to his son. 

"Oh! Otay (okay) Daddy!" Kylo replied. 

The twins looked at each other and then banged on the door. Causing their parents to laugh. 

"Well, you told them to knock," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That's not how that works." 

Once the door was opened the twins ran in and went straight for their favorite spot in his office by the window. With the twins situated the couple got down to the matter at hand. 

"Alright sir, we need to discuss how we're going to handle this. Because it's not only caught fire but the blaze is starting to turn into an inferno."

"Agreed. Even though this is what I wanted to have happen, now it's time for us to come out and properly address this challenge head-on." 

"So what do we do? How do we handle this?"

"We come out strong yet defiant and united. We remind the people why we are the Monarchs and of our continued commitment to service of Cordonia and her people And we also remind them that we do not take kindly to idle threats."

"I don't think there's anything idle about this situation."

"No, it's not."

"So when do we have an interview scheduled?" 

"We're not doing an interview."

"We're not?"

"Nope. We will make our official statement at the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms."

"You do remember what happened the last time we did that right?"

"I haven't forgotten. That's part of the reason why we're doing the festival this year. This is to show we are stable as the Heads Of The Monarchy. And it'll give us a chance to reconnect with our public. And it'll also prove why there is no other choice but us."

"While I don't disagree you might wanna dial back your tone just a bit. Our goal is to win our people over. Not to remind them of kings long past."

Marquise sighed. 

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. You're annoyed. And rightfully so. But we will get ahead of this before it gets way too outta hand."

"Indeed we will."

"What have your sources found out so far?"

"So far many of the houses that have started pledging support once supported the Sons Of Earth and The Liberation Core."

"Meaning they still believe in Anton and his cause."

"Not in so many words but yes."

Shanelle groaned. 

"Great..." she muttered. 

"Indeed. Since he's been locked up he's only had one visitor, his aunt Duchess Mildred Severus-Dupont."

"I know her. I met her when I hosted my first Queen's Tea." 

"Yes well, it's come to my attention that she has been ill as of late."

"What's wrong?" Shanelle asked. 

"She needs a liver transplant. After he was seized, Anton instructed that the remainder of his treasury go to her. And she's all but burned through it paying for her treatments." 

"Okay. What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have an audience with Anton to discuss his aunt's rapidly deteriorating condition," Marquise replied. 

"You're not gonna use his aunt's illness against him are you?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"What makes you think he'll cooperate?"

"While he may not care about much in this world, he does seem to care a lot about her and her well-being. Especially now. Besides, he wants to have her put on the transplant list, and since I want answers about these noble houses, only one of us is gonna win this fight. And I have no plans on him winning anything." 

"Okay well, I'll grab the twins and get to work on our official response."

"Nah. Leave them here. You go work on the response."

"You sure?" she asked. 

"Yup. My audience with Anton won't be until this afternoon. So we'll be fine until then."

"Okay. I'll see you in a bit."

Marquise nodded before Shanelle told the boys she'd see them later then left to work on their response for the festival. Marquise watched his boys play before getting started with his day. It began with a teleconference with his aunt Queen Audrey Balthazar. 

"Hello Aunt Audrey!" he said as he greeted her.

"Hello, nephew! How are you?" she asked. 

"I'm alright Aunt Audrey. How are you?" he replied. 

"I'm as well as I can be given the current state and circumstances of my kingdom."

"I understand. How is Richard?"

"He's doing as well as can be as well."

"I'm sorry that there isn't much I can do in terms of assistance at the moment."

Audrey waved him off. 

"The fact that you are willing to help us in our time of need is enough for me. Besides, the last thing I want is for Demetrius and Ermina to come after you."

Marquise scoffed. 

"Oh please! I'd pay to see that pompous idiot and the goblin he married try to come for me. He and his military may think they can take over your kingdom but they would stand no chance against mine." 

"No, they wouldn't stand a chance against you, my nephew. Besides you have enough going on with some fools trying to steal your throne."

"So you know about that?" he asked. 

"Of course. Your mother wasn't my only friend in Cordonia," she replied. 

"No. She was just your greatest friend here."

Audrey chuckled. 

"Indeed. Besides, news like that travels fast through international waters."

"True. But you needn't worry. No matter what is happening here, it will deter me from helping you."

Audrey breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, nephew." 

Just then Kylo spoke up. 

"Daddy! I tirsty (thirsty)!"

"Okay. Come here, my love," he said to his son. 

Kylo toddled over and then climbed into his daddy's lap. 

"Can you say hi my love?" Marquise asked Kylo. 

Kylo looked at the screen and smiled. 

"Helyo (hello)! Helyo!" 

"Hello there, little one! My goodness! He's adorable. Just as cute as you used to be." 

"What do you mean used to be?" Marquise joked before getting Kylo a cup of juice. 

"Detchu (thank you) Daddy!" he said before taking a drink of his juice. "Duice (juice)! Yummy!"

"You're welcome, my love. Zyon, can you come say hi?" Marquise asked his youngest son.  

"Otay (okay) I toming (coming)!" Zyon replies. 

Zyon came over and joined his father and brother. When he looked up at the screen he waved. 

"Helyo!" he said with a wave. She waved at him.

"Hello, Your Highness! My my! Your father should be ashamed of himself. You two are absolutely adorable. Your mother really outdid herself." 

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her.

"I won't keep you long. We'll touch base soon." 

"Of course, Your Majesty. Stay safe."

"You as well, nephew." 

Marquise ended the call with his arms full of his boys. 

"Daddy! Who dat (who's that)?" Zyon asked. 

"That is my aunt Audrey. She was one of your grandmother's best friends." Marquise replied. 

"Granmudder (grandmother)?" Kylo asked. 

"Yes, my boy." 

 That's when Margo walked in. 

"There's my two turtle doves. I've been looking for you both."

"Gammy (Grammy)!" the boys squealed as they got down and ran to her. 

"And how are you son?" she asked. 

"I'm alright. I just finished talking to Aunt Audrey," he replied. 

"Audrey? That's lovely. How is Her Majesty doing?" 

"She's doing fine given the circumstances."

"Ahh yes. With the insufferable bellowing pig setting his sights on her and King Richard's kingdom, I can imagine."

Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.

"A bellowing pig?"

"I said what I said."

Marquise shook his head with a smirk. 

"You've been around my daughter too long." 

"Clearly. Now Shanelle tells me you have an audience with Anton Severus. Are you sure you should be meeting with him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes, Madam Geaneaux." He replies. 

"Don't get smart with me! I am still your mother!" She warned him. 

Marquise snickered. 

"I will be fine mama. He can't get to me anymore. Besides, if he wants his aunt to live comfortably for a few more years, he'll tell me everything I want to know." 

"It's not that I don't trust you, Your Majesty. I don't trust him. He did try to overthrow the Monarchy."

"I haven't forgotten. But now that he's had quite a few years in solitary confinement, I'm sure he'll be willing to compromise on a few things."

"Alright, My King. I will trust you to know what you're doing." 

He came over and hugged her. 

"I do. I will be fine mama."

Marquise spent the rest of his morning with the twins and his mother and after lunch with his wife, it was time for his audience with Anton Severus. After grabbing a folder from his office, he made his way to the throne room. Upon arriving, he was greeted by guards and a heavily chained Anton. Once seated on the throne, Marquise threw Anton a very cocky smirk. 

"Well well. If it isn't my old friend. How are you? How is solitary confinement? Is it treating you well?" He asked Anton who stood stock still, "It's alright gentlemen. You can let him out of his restraints. I trust he isn't stupid enough to die here."

"What do you want?" Anton asked. 

Marquise tossed the folder at Anton's feet. 

"What is this?" Anton asked. 

Marquise shrugged. 

"You tell me."

Anton picked up the folder and read through a few pages. 

"These are all noble houses."

"Yes. Noble houses that once did business with your father Theodore, when he was Head Of The Sons Of Earth, and your mother Pamela when she was a ranking member of The Liberation Core. They now want to do business with Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Ahh yes. The young couple that wants your throne. I wish them both well. Hopefully, they can accomplish what I could not."

"I thought you might say that."

"Of course. No one wants to watch you fail or see you be ruined more than I do." 

Marquise smirked. 

"I heard about your aunt. My condolences on her condition." Marquise replied. 

"My aunt is none of your business." Anton hissed. 

"Oh, but she is actually. Because without me she'll continue to suffer. Why you may ask? Because your treasury has all but dried up. She soon won't be able to afford the life-saving care that she so desperately needs." 

Anton blinked. 

"You're willing to let an innocent woman die?"

"It wasn't that long ago that you tried to kill me and my wife. And that was after burning down the Applewood Orchards in an attempt to overthrow the Monarchy so...yeah I am. As the Bible says, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." 

"Mildred is innocent!"

"Not from where I'm standing."

"You have no right to deny her basic care!"

"I do when it comes to the safety and prosperity of the kingdom. If keeping the kingdom safe means sacrificing your aunt for the greater good of that safety then I will do what is in Cordonia's best interest." 

"Oh please! You just want to take her away from me so I have no one."

"See my motives however you like my good man."

Anton shook his head in disgust. 

"Is this what you're teaching your children?"

"My children know that sometimes Daddy has to make decisions that aren't always popular or agreeable. Especially my heir. But she understands that Daddy sometimes has to do what he has to do." 

"Including letting my aunt die?"

"I've already explained myself. And since you've decided to be uncooperative, we have nothing more to discuss." Marquise said to him before turning to his guards, "You can take the prisoner back to his cell. I have no more use for him."

Just as the guards got ready to take him back he spoke up. 

"Wait! I'll tell you everything I know."

"How do I know you're not lying Anton?" Marquise asked. 

"Because my aunt is innocent. She knew nothing of my father's plans. I will not let you sacrifice her for your own pettiness and selfish revenge." Anton replied. 

"Pity. Just when I was about to go to my office and issue an arrest warrant for her. Especially since I have no idea that she isn't actively conspiring against The Crown even in her current condition. Can't be too careful nowadays."

Anton seethed. 

"I should've killed you when I had the chance." he sneered. 

"Yes. You should have but you didn't. And now enough wasting my time, talk!"

"If I do this I want a guarantee that my aunt will be safe and cared for."

"She will be put on the transplant list if that's what you're asking."

"I want it in writing! Your words mean nothing to me!" 

Marquise rolled his eyes impatiently. 

"You're stalling. Which is only going to prolong the inevitable. The inevitable being your aunt dying a very painfully agonizing death."

"I will not say another word until I have your promise in writing!"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Very well. We'll play this your way," he said to Anton before turning to his guards, "you have my explicit authorization to execute the Duchess. At once."

"At once Your Majesty!" a guard replied. 

"No!" Anton shouted. 

"Then talk!" 

"Alright! You win! Just swear to me that you'll keep your promise that she will be safe and I'll tell you everything."

"Much better. Now let's get down to business."

Just then Her Majesty walked in. 

"What are you doing here my love?" Marquise asked Shanelle. 

"I came to check on you since the boys are in the garden with their grandmother, and I see it's apparently still breathing," Shanelle replied while nodding to Anton. 

Anton scoffed. 

"Well well well! If it isn't the no-good American shrew he married." he sneered. 

"This..."

"Be nice," Marquise said to her. 

"I'm finding it."

"It takes you that long to find it?" he asked 

"It does. It does," she replied. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around her waist. 

"You're just in time my Queen, Anton was just about to tell me everything he knows."

"On second thought, I've changed my mind. I'm not telling you shit!" he hissed. 

Shanelle raised a challenging eyebrow at Anton. 

"Oh really? Well let's see if I can't change your mind shall we?" she asked. 

With a slight nod from The Queen, a guard beside Anton produced a long thin dagger and sliced Anton's left ear clean off. Leaving him screaming in pain. 

"Now that I have your attention, talk!" Shanelle said to him. 

Within the hour Anton had revealed everything he knew about each of the noble houses and true to his word, Marquise spared his aunt. The couple watched as a bleeding and shackled Anton was led out of the throne room. 

"Slicing a man's ear off?" Marquise asked. 

"What? He's still got the right one. For now anyway." Shanelle replied. 

"You are brutal, my love."

Shanelle shrugged. 

"You can't say that he didn't deserve it." 

"No, I can't."

"So now that we know what he knows about these noble houses, how do we verify that any of the information he gave us is true?" she asked. 

"My team will verify the information," he replied. 

"Okay. And what do we do in the meantime?"

"In the meantime, we continue to get ready for the Five Kingdoms Festival this weekend. But first, we get someone to clean up the blood that was shed."

Shanelle snickered. 

"I'm not sorry for what happened. However, next time, I think I'll have the guards aim lower. Maybe cut a digit or two off one if not both of his hands." 

"Remind me never to piss you off."

The two walked to the garden where Margo and the twins were. They watched as she had the boys watering flowers with her. 

"Come over here my darlings. We must water these flowers as well," she said to him. 

"Otay Gammy! We toming!" Zyon replies. 

The boys toddled over with their watering cans in hand. 

"Remember my sweet turtle doves, we must always water our flowers. Do you know why?" she asked the boys. 

"Be big! Strong!" Kylo replied. 

"That's right my darling. We want our flowers to grow so we must water them." 

Marquise smiled as he watched.

"Yook (look) Gammy! Bun bun! Right dere (there)!" Kylo said as he noticed the group of bunnies in the corner. 

"I see my love. Would you two like to feed them?" Margo asked. 

"Yeah yeah!" They replied. 

Margo picked some small celery sticks from her basket and handed each of them a stick of celery. 

"Come my loves. Let's feed the bunnies," she said as she led them to the bunnies, "now remember my little ones, we must be gentle with them. We don't want to scare them. So we must be soft."

"Soft?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes. That way they know we're friendly."

"Otay Gammy!" Kylo said to her. 

She showed them how to hold the celery sticks and watched as they fed the bunnies. 

"We did it! Yook Gammy! We did it!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yes, you did! Well done my turtle doves." she said to them. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around his mom and pulled her into a slight hug. 

"You are such a grandmother,"  he said to her.

"Of course. It's the best part of my job."

"Aren't you supposed to be retired Margo?" Shanelle asked. 

"You want to tell your daughter that?" Margo replied. 

Margo turned to her son. 

"How was your meeting with he who shall not be named in front of my grandsons?" 

"Let's just say Shanelle and I got quite an earful of information."

Margo nodded. 

"Understood My King." 

Just then a long whistle came from the sky. 

"Oh no..."

When Marquise looked up, Shanelle's pet Hawk Tiberius swooped down. 

"Hey!" he said as he ducked. 

Tiberius came back up and swooped down over His Majesty again. 

"Aiiiii!"

Shanelle and Margo stifled their laughter as they watched. 

"Do that again and I'll have you taxidermied!" Marquise yelled at the hawk as landed on a tree branch.

"Why is he here again?" he asked his wife.

"Because my duchy is being worked on which is where his roost is, that's why. Also, he's here in this particular garden because he likes that crabapple tree," she replied. 

"That or he's after the rabbits," he muttered. 

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed in his pocket. 

"Excuse me." he said before stepping away and answering the call, "Hello? Headmaster Gallagher, how can I help you? Huh? Who? When? What?! SHE DID WHAT?! How?! But!...I...yes ma'am. Yes I understand. I'll be there shortly. No no. Thank you for calling. Alright."

Marquise hung up and walked back over. 

"What? What happened?" Shanelle asked. 

"Your daughter got into a fight at school."

Shanelle's eyebrows shot up. 

"She got into a fight?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time."

"Oh boy..."

"Oh no," Margo added. 

"Uh oh!" the twins piped up. 

Marquise sighed. 

"Apparently there was this boy in her class teasing her about Lord and Lady Gallagher's announcement. And was saying how his parents were supporting them and that they couldn't wait to see us lose. She told him to leave her alone, but he didn't, and when he said something bad about Elena, she picked up a rock and hit him in his face with it." he explained. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Oh my God!"

"So now she's been suspended."

"Oh boy," Shanelle said with a groan. 

"Don't tell me that you're okay with this?" 

Shanelle sighed. 

"No I'm not but if she told him to leave her alone and he didn't...I can't say that I feel too bad for him."

Marquise exhaled. 

"When you put it that way, I agree. But still, she can't go around hitting people in the face with rocks." 

"I know. Especially now."

Marquise sighed. 

"I'll go get her."

"You want me to go with you?" Shanelle asks. 

"Nah. You stay here. I'll be back in a few."

"Okay. And go easy on her."

"Don't I always?" he asked. 

Soon Marquise left the palace and traveled to the academy. When he got there, she was standing at the gates with guards and Headmaster Gallagher. 

"Hello, My King. It is good to see you." Headmaster Gallagher said in greeting to him. 

"Hello Headmaster. It's nice to see you as well," he replied. 

The Headmaster nodded politely before turning to Khari. 

"Now Princess, you do understand why I had to do this don't you?" she asked her. 

"Yes ma'am," Khari replied, keeping her eyes trained on the ground. 

"Okay. I'll let you tell your father what happened today. And I'll see you next week okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

Headmaster Gallagher looked to her father. 

"The boys' parents have requested a formal meeting with you and Her Majesty to discuss the matter. Is that alright?" she asked. 

"That's fine. How about next Thursday morning?" he replied. 

"I will send you both an email for confirmation."

"Very well." he said to her before looking at his daughter, "are you ready to go my love?"

Khari nodded her head yes. 

"Come on. Let's get you home."

Marquise nodded to Headmaster Gallagher before getting into the waiting limo with Khari. The whole ride home Khari clutched her backpack and was silent. Marquise wasn't too mad at her for standing up for herself and her friend but he also knew the importance of appearances. When they got to the residence, he led her to the living room where her mother and grandmother were waiting. Khari sat down next to her grandmother without saying a word. 

"What happened at school today?" Shanelle asked. 

"I got into a fight with a boy in my class named Charlie," Khari replied quietly. 

"Why?" 

Khari's lip quivered as she swiped angry tears away. 

"Because he was teasing me. I told him to stop. Even my teacher told him to stop but he didn't. And when he said he was happy that Elena was dead..."

Margo and Shanelle glanced at each other.

"You got mad then picked up a rock and hit him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes. He wouldn't stop. He wouldn't leave me alone. I had no choice. And now I'm in trouble for protecting myself," Khari replied. 

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"Princess, come here."

Khari looked up at him then got up and went to him. She stood in front of him with her head down until he lifted her chin up so she was looking at him. 

"Now you're not in trouble because you were defending yourself against this boy. You're in trouble because you could have seriously injured him." 

"But!" Khari started to say before her daddy tapped his lips stopping her, "my love. I want you to hear me okay? You hit him with a rock and enough force that you could have broken his jaw or worse. Whether you intended to or not, you still had a weapon in your hands. Now under no circumstances am I angry that you defended yourself. Neither is your mother or your grandmother."

"But I tried Daddy! Honest! I tried to stop him! I told him to stop! I told him to leave me alone! But he wouldn't stop! No matter what I did!" Khari said, visibly upset. 

It killed Marquise to see his daughter so upset. 

"I am not saying that I don't believe you. Because I do. I am not saying that you are wrong for being mad. Because you're not. But this kind of behavior can not and will not be tolerated. Is that clear?"

Khari stayed quiet. 

"Khari..." he warned. 

Khari nodded. 

"Yes sir." 

"Good. Now your mother and I will figure out what your punishment will be."

"Does this mean I can't go to the festival this weekend?" Khari asked. 

"No, you can still go to the festival this weekend," he replied. 

"Okay."

"Listen to me. No one is angry at you. While we're disappointed in your actions, because we all believe that you could've handled this situation better, we're not mad."

"Daddy's right," Shanelle added. 

"I know that he wouldn't stop and I know you did everything you could to make him stop, but you picking up a rock and hitting him with it made a bad situation that much worse. Now your mother and I will address this next week when we meet with his parents and your Headmaster."

Khari nodded her head sadly with a sniffle. 

"Come here," he said to her with open arms. She went straight into his arms and he held her as she cried, "Shhh! My love. Don't cry. I know you didn't mean to hurt him. I know you were defending yourself. It's going to be alright." 

"But what if people start to call me a bad person?" Khari asked with tears in her eyes. 

"You stop right there young lady!" Margo replied, "Yes. You made a bad decision but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. If anything, that little boy is a bad person because he was bullying you." 

"Are you sure, Grammy?" 

"Yes, my sweet. I'm sure."

Khari looked up at her dad. 

"Can I say something?" she asked. 

"Of course my love," he replied. 

"I don't feel bad that I hit him. I feel bad because I got in trouble."

Shanelle choked on her laugh and Marquise just shook his head.  

"You are your mother's child. Now go on with your grandmother and check on your brothers."

"Okay, Daddy."

Khari kissed his father on the cheek and then hugged her and went down the hall with her grandmother to check on the boys. 

Later that evening, while on her weekly group FaceTime call with the girls, Shanelle gave them the run down of what happened.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Khari did what?" Robin asked. 

"You heard me loud and clear. She picked up a rock, cocked back, and clocked that little boy right in his face." Shanelle replies. 

"Gee! I wonder where she got that from..." Nina teased. 

"First off, fuck you! Fuck everything about you! And secondly, as your cousin can attest, half the damn reason I was always getting into fights in school growing up was because you have an even bigger motor mouth than your two goofy ass brothers do. Thank you very much." Shanelle snapped at her. 

"Hey!" Bron spoke up. 

"Oh girl hush! You know good and hell well that your husband loves to run his damn mouth like a marathon!"

Bron's jaw dropped with a smirk as the girls died laughing. 

"Not the Queen gagging people!" Robin said with a cackle. 

"She knows I ain't wrong. My little brother will run his mouth into the ground if you let him."

"No, you're not wrong but damn Nelle." 

The girls laughed. 

"Marquise isn't actually mad at her is he?" Dee asked. 

"No, he isn't mad at her and neither am I. It's just the optics and unfortunate timing of the whole situation." Shanelle replied. 

"You mean with those two fools thinking they can take your throne?" Robin asks. 

"Yup. This could be used against us even though Khari isn't technically wrong." Shanelle replied. 

"No she's not wrong! That stupid little boy started it and my Princess finished it."

Shanelle cackled. 

"Oh my God. My daughter could rob a bank in broad daylight in front of you, tell you she did it even though you watched her do it, and you would still say she didn't do anything."

"And would!" Nina said matter of factly. 

The girls laughed. 

"So who are these two who think they can take the thrones from you and your husband?" Chutney asked. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"I know that tone. They're the Heads Of State of one of the duchies here. When my cousin had to resign from his position of the duchy in question, they ran to take his place. Although personally, I think they were hand-picked by my Dad's sister-in-law, they won the local election to become the new Heads Of State." Shanelle replied. 

"How long have they been there?" Aly asked.

"About a year. They were elected right after the boys were born. Bron and Rob met Lord Gallagher's older sister Josselyn at the derby last year. She's the Headmaster at Khari's school." Shanelle replied. 

"Mmmhmm. Has she given y'all any trouble?" Dee asked. 

"No. Besides, I doubt she wants to run afoul of the King." Shanelle replies. 

"What does that mean?" Robin asks. 

"It means your big brother can remove her from her post," Shanelle replied. 

"Really?" Aly asks. 

 "Yup. If at any point His Majesty is ever displeased with her work or performance, he can remove her entirely." Shanelle replied. 

"So why hasn't he fired her?" Robin asks. 

"Because firing someone from a high profile position such as hers without cause, is a dickhead move that his father always used to pull. Also because my husband isn't a tyrannical dictator. So unless she gives him an absolute reason to, he's not gonna fire her. Also, her younger brother doesn't need that kind of ammunition." Shanelle replied. 

"How close are they in their pursuit?" Dee asks. 

"Honestly it's hard to say. But so far they've gained some ground since their announcement." 

"Yeah well. I don't care what they think they're doing, but nobody is taking shit from you without going through me first." Nina quipped. 

"And this is why I was always getting into fights in school and why Chut always had to drag me away. Because of you."

"Love you bestie!"

"Love you too babe!"

After her call with the girls ended, Shanelle found herself lying across her husband's chest.

"Y'know, you make an excellent body pillow sir."

"Glad I could be of service."

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" 

"Yes. The final preparations were made today. The palace is ready to host."

"Wonderful!"

"And our official statement is ready?"

"Yup. The final draft is completed. All you have to do tomorrow is read it."

"Will do my Queen." 

The weekend dawned bright and early the next day, as the palace staff readied themselves for the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. Balloons, streamers, maypoles, apple bobbing booths, and many other activities and games were set up and ready. 

Meanwhile, the royal family was getting ready for the festivities as well. Even though Kylo had his shoes on the wrong feet. 

"Otay! I ready Daddy! See?" he said to his father. 

"Whoa! Slow down, my love. You're not quite ready yet." 

"Huh? I not?" he asked. 

"No, my boy. You're not. You have your shoes on the wrong feet." Marquise replied pointing to his shoes. 

Kylo looked down at his feet. 

"Here. Come here," he said as he picked his son up. 

"No Daddy! I ready!" Kylo fussed as he squirmed. 

Marquise took Kylo's shoes off. 

"Here. Look," he said to his son as he put his shoes on the right way, "the left shoe goes on your left foot like that. And the right shoe goes on your right foot. Like that. See?" 

Kylo looked down at his shoes in wonder. 

"I ready now Daddy?" Kylo asked. 

"Now you're ready. Let's go find your mother and siblings." 

"Yay! Let's doe (go) Daddy!" 

They joined the others and headed out to the well-decorated grounds. The children were enamored by everything they saw. 

"Whoa!" Zyon said. 

"Wow!" Kylo added. 

"It's all so pretty. You did good Daddy." Khari said to her father. 

"Why thank you, my Princess. I drew inspiration from the last Festival we hosted." 

"Yook Sissy! Dagons!" Kylo said to Khari. She looked up and saw the dragon balloons. 

"I thought dragons weren't real Your Majesty," Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"They aren't real but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun," he said to her before corralling their children, "we'll play and have fun in a minute my loves. But first, we have to welcome everyone." 

"Oh! Okay, Daddy." Khari said to him. 

He led his family to a raised podium. He held up a hand to quiet the crowd. 

"Good morning everyone! I want to thank you all for joining us here at the palace today. It's been some years since we've hosted a Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. But I felt that now is the time for all of us to reconnect and celebrate the kingdom we all call home. Many centuries ago, my ancestor Queen Kenna Rys fought for and united five small individual kingdoms into the Cordonia many of us know today. So today we celebrate her greatest victory as well as our home. And now I believe the Princess has something she'd like to say." 

Khari got ready to speak but stopped. 

"What am I supposed to say?" she whispered to her father. 

"Let the fun begin," he replied. 

"Oh yeah!" she said before turning to the crowd with a big smile, "Let the fun begin!"

Soon the festival got underway. People milled about visiting the various stalls and tents. It did Marquise's heart good to be able to mingle and interact with the people. He had a great time going around to the many vendors, including his uncle who was with Margo. 

"Bonjour neveu! Ça fait plaisir de te revoir!" Jean-Pierre said in greeting. 

"Bonjour tonton! Ça fait plaisir de te voir aussi."

"And look! My nieces and nephews are here! Hello children!" Jean-Pierre said to Khari and her brothers as they came over with their mother. 

"Uncle Jean-Pierre! You're here!" Khari said to him as the children ran into his arms for a hug. 

"It's great to see you all. This was a fine day for the festival nephew." Jean-Pierre said to Marquise. 

"Thank you, uncle. Where is Anna?" Marquise asked, "I thought she'd be here too."

"She's with our new grandson. I can't tear her away from that child." Jean-Pierre replied with a chuckle. 

"What are you selling uncle?" Khari asked. 

"I'm selling ham, salami, your aunt Anna's favorite bread, apple butter, and other cold cuts. Would you and your brothers like to help me?" he replies. 

"Yeah! Come on boys. We have to help Uncle Jean-Pierre sell his stuff." Khari said to the boys, "what can we do uncle?"

"Well, you three can greet everyone as they come by. How's that?" he asked 

"Okay. We can do that." Khari replies. 

"You can leave them with us. You two go enjoy the festival." Margo said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded before he and Shanelle took off. The couple took part in a few games. Like bobbing for apples. 

"You sure you're up for this?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Pssh! Piece of cake!" he replied. 

Marquise joined a few others as they gathered around a barrel full of apples. 

"On your marks! Get set! Go!" The proprietor said to the contestants. 

Marquise inhaled deeply then dived for the apple closest to him and caught it. 

"Not bad, Your Majesty," Shanelle said to him. 

"Like I said, piece of cake," Marquise said before taking a bite of his apple, "mmmm! A Granny Smith." 

As the couple wandered around the festival, they tried many delicacies and even bought a few handmade trinkets. Everything seemed to be on the up and up until Lord and Lady Gallagher showed up. Intent on ruining the day for the royals, they made a beeline for Their Majesties. 

"Well, this is quite the setup you two have. It's almost like you want the people here to forget the fact that you two are about to lose this very palace." Lord Gallagher sneered at them. 

Shanelle set her jaw while Marquise chuckled dryly with a smile. 

"You know I'm glad you're both here and I do hope you'll enjoy the festival. Now if you'll excuse us both."

"You can't run from us forever Marquise," Makenna said to him. 

"Give King Elgin my regards will you? Now have fun you two." 

Marquise dragged his wife in the opposite direction. 

"Just give me five fucking minutes with them. That's all I'm asking."

"As much as I would love to see what you can do to them, you have to remember there's a time and a place for everything. Right now isn't the time or place. Now until then the closing of the festival."

"Is that when you'll make the statement?"

"Exactly. In the meantime, try to relax and enjoy yourself, my Queen."

"I will. But if Lady Makenna looks at me sideways again, I can't promise that I won't knock her ass into next week."

"Understood." 

The couple parted ways and went about their business exploring the festival. Shanelle saw an archery stall and decided to try her hand and so did Lady Makenna. 

"Come to see me embarrass you, Your Majesty?" Lady Makenna asked smugly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

"I'd love to see you try," Shanelle replied. 

Shanelle watched Makenna nock back an arrow and hit the target in the chest. 

"Lady Makenna leads!" the stall operator announced. 

"Beat that!" Makenna sneered at Shanelle. 

Shanelle rolled her shoulders to loosen up before nocking back her arrow and letting it fly. Her arrow took the targets' head off. Leaving everyone slack-jawed. Including Lady Makenna. 

"Her Majesty wins!" the stall operator proclaimed to the stunned crowd. 

"I win!" Shanelle whispered, "Oh, and next time, it won't be your husband's head that I imagine that arrow taking off. Next time it'll be yours."

Lady Makenna's face turned ugly. 

"You don't scare me!" she hissed. 

"See sweetie, that's the thing. I ain't trying to scare you. I'm trying to bury you. There's a difference."

Makenna seethed. 

"Now if you'll excuse me, my lady, I have a trophy to win." 

Shanelle watched Makenna stomp off with a very satisfied smirk. For the rest of the afternoon, Lord and Lady Gallagher spent most of their time trying to undermine Their Majesties. As the festival wound down, many gathered at the raised podium to hear His Majesty give the closing. 

"Are you ready?" Shanelle asked. 

"I was born for this," Marquise replied. 

"Go get'em champ."

Marquee smirked at his wife before turning and addressing the crowd. 

"I want to thank one and all, for coming out to celebrate our kingdom today. Today was one of the best Five Kingdoms Festivals, we have ever had. It brings my heart so much joy to be able to share with all of you. To see many of you playing, trading goods, laughing, trying your hand at the many games, and just having fun, reminded me of the times my brother and I would run around wreaking havoc with all of our friends as children. I think Mr. Schiender is still holding a grudge because I ate all of his hand pies one year." 

The crowd laughed. 

"As I stand here and look out amongst the crowd, I am reminded why our nation is so great. It's because of each of you. All of you are the heart and soul of this kingdom. You are why, although we are a small kingdom, we are one of the strongest kingdoms in the world. This year we celebrated 500 years of our existence on this earth. We have accomplished many great things since the time of Kenna Rys and her mother Queen Adrianna. Today, the children of her people and her bloodline legacy celebrate her greatest feat. Cordonia herself." 

The crowd applauded. 

"Now if you all will indulge me for just a moment, I'd like to address a VERY large elephant in the room," Marquise said as he cleared his throat, "as many of you know, a challenge to the throne was issued two weeks ago by Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here today."

He squared his shoulders as he continued. 

"As many of you know, my wife and I have been your King and Queen for almost 9 years. It has been the honor and privilege of my life and my wife's life to serve this great nation and all of its people. It is a precarious position to be in. Because every day, we must make decisions for the betterment of the kingdom we all call home. Now I will admit that some of the decisions we have made as Monarchs for that betterment haven't always been well received or liked for that matter. I humbly apologize for that. While we have never intended to offend or slight anyone, I can admit that sometimes does happen. Again that is not our intention. Our intention is to always put the people's needs first. To make sure everyone prospers. Not just a select few."

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"I'm sure many of you remember what it was like before my wife and I became your current King and Queen. Because many of you lived through the reigns of my father and my wife's uncle. My father King Constantine Rys ruled over what was once North Cordonia and my wife's uncle King Edward Miller ruled over South Cordonia. By the end of both reigns, our home was unrecognizable. Many were frustrated with both monarchs. Many of you felt forgotten by them. And you were. As a young prince, it was heart-wrenching to watch my home slowly deteriorating. And when talks of a civil war began, my heart was shattered. I could not fathom the thought of our great kingdom being at war with itself. My heart could not bear it. I refused to believe that the same kingdom that welcomed my mother with open arms could be destroyed. The only way to save us all on the brink of war was to unite us as one."

Shanelle placed a hand on his right arm. 

"When we became your monarchs, our collective goal was to save our nation. To balance the scales so that no one was left out. To make sure those of common blood could have the same advantages as those of noble blood. We looked to give everyone equality and equity. We took two struggling economies and worked to reform and save them both from the brink of bankruptcy. And I am proud to say that is what we have done. We have always prioritized the success and prosperity of us all. Because that is the promise I made to myself for my home. A promise that I would always put my people first. The same way my mother did. She is my greatest inspiration. Because of her, we have so many councils, guilds, and committees run by and for the people. Because she believed that Cordonia was always for the people. As do we." 

He looked at his wife and children with a smile. 

"I promise you all I'm almost done. I said all of that to say this, being a monarch is not for the faint. It is constant. It is hard. It is not instant nor is it self-gratifying. It is 24/7 365 days a year. It is prestigious, yes, but it is also precarious. It is not an honor and privilege that Her Majesty and I take for granted. It is not an honor and privilege that we will ever allow our children to take for granted. It is a gift. It is a nourishment of the people. Like a shepherd tending a flock, we tend to Cordonia. As your Monarchs we have pledged and committed our lives to be in and of the highest form of service. It is a commitment that we have no plans on leaving. So to Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here in attendance today, I say this to you both, Her Majesty and I do hereby formally accept your challenge but make no mistake, the only way Her Majesty and I will ever leave our throne is when our daughter is named the newest Queen Of Cordonia. And NOT a moment before. Again I thank you all for coming. May fortune continue to smile upon you all."

Marquise ended his speech to a standing ovation. And when he looked out at the crowd, Lord and Lady Gallagher were fuming. He threw them both a wink and a cocky smirk before he joined his family, where his wife had a smirk on her face. 

"Now that is the King I know." She said to him. 

"Damn straight it is." 

"Way to go Daddy!" Khari said to him. 

"Dood (good) job Daddy. Dood job!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yay! Daddy!" Zyon piped up. 

Margo had a prideful smile on her face. 

"Well done my boy. Your mother would be proud." She whispered to him. 

"I hope my mother is proud."

"I will always be proud of you."

Marquise smiled at her. 

The days following the success of the Five Kingdoms Festival were a busy one for the royal couple. And when that Thursday morning rolled around, they were ready for the parent conference with Khari's Headmaster. As they rode to the academy, Marquise was face first in his phone and Shanelle noticed. 

"Well, something's clearly got your attention,"  she said to him. 

He looked up. 

"Apologies, my love. I was going over everything my spies sent me about this boy's parents."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow. 

"What did they learn?" she asked. 

Marquise turned his phone to her. 

"Say hello to Count and Countess Hubert and Gwendolyn Grovemere. They're from a smaller noble house in Duchy Avernia," he replied. 

"That's the duchy just south of here, correct?" 

"Yes. Count Grovemere serves on the Budget Disbursement Council. And the Countess, now she's interesting, her parents, were members of the Sons Of Earth."

"Really?" 

"Yes. Her mother was a baker and her father was a goat herder. They joined during my father's reign. Their local chapter staged a hostile takeover of a local Head Of State Office about 20 years ago that her father took part in."

"What happened to him?" 

"No one knows. Her father disappeared a few days after that takeover was busted up. His disappearance left her mother to raise her and her two sisters by herself. Eventually, her mother remarried but this time she married a Duke."

"Hmm...that could be why she's supporting Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Could be. So be prepared for whatever they try to throw at us." 

"I always am." 

They arrived at the academy and were escorted to Headmaster Gallagher's office where the Count and Countess were waiting. 

"Your Majesties, Count and Countess Grovemere, thank you all for joining me here today. Let's all be seated so we can get started on a resolution to the matter at hand." Headmaster Gallagher said to the parents. Once everyone sat down, she spoke again. 

"Now we're all here to discuss an ongoing issue between your children."

Countess Grovemere scoffed. 

"There would be no issue if they raised their child correctly!" she said to the Headmaster. 

"With all due respect Countess, your son is not innocent." Shanelle shot back. 

"My son is a victim of your god-awful excuse of a daughter! She hit him!"

Shanelle could feel her blood pressure rise. 

"Countess, your son was told to leave my daughter alone but he chose not to! She hit him yes. But he had been warned multiple times to leave her alone."

The Countess gripped the handles of her chair. 

"You know, she's no different than her grandfather. He always thought too damn highly of himself. Went around thinking he could do whatever he wanted. Damn, whoever got hurt. Just like your daughter!" the Countess sneered. 

"My wife is right. How can we trust either of you when you allow your daughter to do whatever she likes to people?" Count Grovemere added. "This is what Lord and Lady Gallagher were talking about. You two are unfit to rule! You can't even control your own daughter!" 

Just as Shanelle got ready to explode, Marquise cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention.

"While I understand why you both are upset, neither of you will ever speak to Her Majesty in any capacity that is not respectful. You will respect her title and mine at all times whether you like us or not! Secondly, my daughter is nothing like my father. Nor are you anything like yours. Your father I could actually respect. Unlike you Countess. And lastly, your son told my daughter that he was glad her friend, an innocent child who died because of cancer mind you, was dead. Do you two have any idea how heartless that is? Your son antagonized my daughter until she could no longer take it. Yes, my daughter was wrong for hitting your son, but I will never cry for anyone who antagonizes someone else simply because they want to!" 

Marquise inhaled deeply to center himself before he continued. 

"Now we are here to resolve this issue and it is my hope that we can achieve that without this turning into a shouting match."

Headmaster Gallagher nodded. 

"Thank you, My King. That is why we're here. We need to come to a common resolution. The children have missed enough days."

"Our son should've never been suspended!" The Count said to her. 

Headmaster Gallagher steepled her fingers together. 

"Actually Count Grovemere, Charlie should be expelled. Because the Princess isn't the first child he's tried to bully. But since I believe in peaceful conflict resolution, we are here. Also might I add, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind for any reason. All of you will respect each other at all times while you're here." 

The Count sputtered indignantly. 

"Now how do we peacefully resolve this issue?" The Headmaster asked the parents. 

"You would go against your own brother?" The Countess asked. 

"As I've stated, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind. What my brother does or does not do has no bearing on me or my ability to lead this educational institution." She replied to the Countess. 

Headmaster Gallagher took a deep breath. 

"Now I believe we have a conflict to resolve."

After an hour of back and forth the issue was finally resolved. With both parents agreeing that both children should apologize to each other and the Monarchy handling all medical expenses for Charlie. And should Charlie misbehave again he will be expelled. No questions asked. 

On their way back to the palace Their Majesties discussed their meeting. 

"Well that was...something." Shanelle said to her husband. 

"Indeed. Are you alright?" He replied. 

"Yes I'm fine. Although I wanted to put that woman through a wall. I can't believe she compared Khari to your father."

"I know. But we both know Khari is and never will be anything like him. Also she only said that to get a rise out of us. Namely me."

"She was trying to get under our skin and she almost got under mine but thankfully you were there to keep me tethered. Because I could've crashed out."

"That and well I wasn't trying to pay for a new wall in that school." 

Shanelle snickered. 

"Noted."

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed. 

"Oh dear!" 

"What? What happened?"

"According to this headline from the CBC, Anton Severus was found dead in his cell. He hung himself."

"Convenient."

"Apparently he left a suicide note."

Shanelle gave her husband a side eye. 

"Can anyone confirm this?"

"Of course. You know the staff at the dungeons are very thorough."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow at him. 

"Mmmhmm. How long has he really been dead?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Since they took him back to his cell that day." 

"Marquise!"

"What? Don't tell me you're about to cry for that imbecile."

"Of course not. But why wait until now to put it out?"

"Because it's a warning to all our enemies." 

"So you are like your father?"

Marquise shrugged with a cocky smirk. 

"So does that mean you're also going back on your word to him?"

"What word? I don't remember giving him my word at all. And there is no one who can or will verify that I did." 

"You're gonna let his aunt die?"

Marquise rolled his eyes. 

"The old bat is gonna croak anyway. Why get in the way of life's natural progression?"

Shanelle cackled. 

"You are a whole mess."

He raised her left hand to his lips for a soft kiss on the back.

"And you, my beautiful Queen, you love every bit of my mess."

Shanelle smirked at him. 

"Yeah, I guess I do."

[impishtubist]

Ooh you know it's all about prongsfoot propaganda!! I don't think they would make a big deal about valentines day.. They have their own way to celebrate their love. But James is a romantic, so yes he can't help it. And sirius let's him if it makes James happy. James def uses the whole repertoire of pick-up lines and spends days coming up with new ones. I can imagine them celebrating valentines day ironically. But any other day they can be sinceterly cheesy.

Tbh I have a hard time imagining them doing clingy couple things sometimes, though they're otp. But that's it about pf. Nobody can explain really

I think every day is Valentine's Day for James Potter. The man wakes up and every other item on his to-do list is "make sure I express to Sirius how much I love him."

I think it gets worse as they get older, and they know how cheesy and disgusting they are, but they don't care. I think James continues to use terrible pickup lines on Sirius even long after they're married with kids. Harry will be fifteen years old and in the kitchen making himself some toast for breakfast and James will come in and say something like "Are you sunburnt, or are you just that hot all the time?" to Sirius and Harry will be like "EW CAN YOU NOT FOR ONE SECOND?"

[claudia-kishi]

🥰🥰🥰

[moonlightdancer26]

Snucius Being A Perfect Match — A gift for my wifey @halfblood-princes-crown

GUYS!!!!!!! It’s the love of my life aka @halfblood-princes-crown’s birthday today! As my birthday gift to him, and because I know Snucius is his OTP, this is a “Snucius + Narcissa (with a side of Bellatrix and Regulus) being a chaotic duo/trio” post <3

Enjoy:

******

Snape: Petition to remove the ‘d’ from Wednesday 
Lucius: Wednesay 
Snape: Not what I had in mind, but I’m flexible

******

Snape: Why are you on the floor?
Lucius: I’m depressed.
Lucius: Also I was stabbed, can you get Narcissa, please?

******

Lucius: I love you guys, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me.
Snape: We’re the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
Lucius: Yes!
Narcissa: I’m starting to feel a little sorry for you.

******

Bellatrix: *Screams*
Narcissa: *Screams louder to establish dominance*
Lucius: Should we do something?
Snape: No, I want to see who wins.

******

Snape: How have none of you people hear what I just said? 
Lucius: I’ve been zoned out for the past two and a half hours. 
Narcissa: I got distracted about halfway through. 
Bellatrix: Ignoring you was a conscious decision.

******

Bellatrix: I just ended a four year relationship.
Narcissa: Oh, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?
Bellatrix: Hm? Oh yes, I’m fine. It wasn’t my relationship.
*Snape and Lucius fighting from across the room*

******

Snape: There is no future. There is no past. Do you see? Time is simultaneous — an intricately structured jewel that humans insist on viewing one edge at a time, when the whole design is visible in every facet. 
Lucius:

Narcissa:

Regulus:
Bellatrix:

Rosier:
Everyone Else At Snape’s Surprise Birthday Party: 
Lucius: Severus… all I asked was if you wanted to cut your birthday cake first.

******

Snape: What did you guys get in your yearbook?
Lucius: ‘Prettiest Smile’

Narcissa: ‘Nicest Personality’

Bellatrix: ‘Most likely to start a bar fight’

Regulus: ‘Least likely to start a bar fight, but most likely to win one’

******

Lucius: If there’s going to be a big dramatic scene, wait until I get back.
Snape: Of course, Lucius. I cannot flip this table by myself.

******

Snape: I think I’m having a mid-life crisis. 
Lucius: You’re 19 years old 
Snape: I MIGHT DIE AT LIKE 38

******

Lucius: You love me, right, Severus?
Snape: Normally, I’d answer yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere and I don’t like it.

******

Snape: Lucius and I have the kind of easy chemistry where we finish each other’s-
Lucius: -sentences. 
Snape: Do not interrupt me.

******

Lucius: So that’s my plan.
Snape: Are you alright with constructive criticism? I don’t want to sound mean.
Lucius: No, go ahead, I want to hear it.
Snape: It fucking sucks.
Lucius: First of all, that’s not constructive criticism.

******

Lucius: Severus, I only ever see you awake, do you ever take a nap or stop running? 
Snape: Oh, I’m always running 
Snape: The question is… (*dramatic Movie!Snape pause*) from what.

******

Snape: I’m a reverse necromancer.
Lucius: Isn’t that just killing people?
Snape: Ah yes, technicality.

******

Lucius: Severus, love, it’s your turn to wash dishes. 
Snape: I’LL WASH THE WALLS RED WITH YOUR BLOOD. 
Lucius: Fine, but before that, wash the dishes, also use soap this time?

******

Lucius: You know, Narcissa and I are starting to regret showing you how that blender works. 
Snape, drinking toast: Why do you say that?

******

Lucius: Okay, help me please!
Snape: I have two words for you

Lucius: I bet they won’t be helpful.
Snape: Your problem.
Lucius: I was right

******

Lucius: Aw Severus! Look at you, getting all romantic with these candles!

Snape: Who said anything about being romantic?

Snape: Maybe I’m going to sacrifice you.

******

Lucius: You know, Severus, I can never tell if you’re insulting me or flirting with me.

Snape: If it makes you feel any better, me neither.

******

Narcissa: This is a catastrophe! The printer messed up the invitation! It was supposed to say “Lucius’s birthday!”

Snape: What does it say instead?

Narcissa: Lucius’s bi.

Snape:

Snape: Still works.

******

Lucius: *pretends to stretch*

Lucius: *puts arm around Snape’s shoulder*

Snape:

Snape: *pretends to stretch*

Snape: *smacks Lucius in the face*

******

Snape: Are you seeing someone?

Lucius, blushing: No, why?

Snape: I don’t know, I simply thought that perhaps you would benefit from seeing a therapist or something.

******

Snape: So, Lucius sent me an owl saying “your adorable” and I sent him one back saying “no, YOU’RE adorable.”

Narcissa: And?

Snape: And now we’re dating.

Narcissa:

Snape: We’ve been on six dates thus far and I have yet to tell him I was merely correcting a spelling mistake but I kind of like him so...

******

Narcissa to Lucius and Snape: This is such a bad idea.

Snape: Then why are you coming along?

Narcissa: One of us needs to be able to talk the aurors out of arresting us when this inevitably goes wrong.

[dangermousie]

I swear to God, every time they switch to Jing’s narrative, it becomes some sort of cross between Gaskell and Bronte and I am here for it!

I loved the Frightful Fiancee showing up and life draining out of Jing’s eyes (because he’s terrified every time will be too much for XY and she will end it) but also XY is jealous, awwwww! The thing is, she is only truly in any measure a young woman around and because of Jing and this includes being jealous and vulnerable. I kinda love it.

Oblivious friend toasts to the “happy couple” and I love that he refuses to drink and when evil fiancee says she will drink for him, fights her for the cup. I think he’s gonna embroider a banner, “I don’t want you” and carry it around.

He’s so fed up he gets up to leave and she’s clutching. Good Lord, lady, come on!

Afterwards:

He literally shoves her off. At Jing level of niceness and manners, it’s equivalent of punching her in the face while calling her a dozen filthy words. Heh.

The more it goes on, the clearer the female-coding on his character becomes. Not just that all his issues are family rivalry related inner house stuff or that he’s the nice one winning the jaded/damaged OTP through devotion and niceness but even here with the fiancee. The narrative of someone who does not want the arranged partner who keeps chasing them is usually given to women; who also cannot directly tell the other party to fuck off and have to politely navigate while giving public hints and perhaps in private being clearer, but still bound to be polite and not go beyond certain boundaries set by arbitrary society however dumb they may be.

His lines are 100% what a FL would say and navigate.

This said, I continue to be impressed how he doesn’t come across as in the least feminine. It’s quite a balancing act. But so much of this narrative is so well done. Just like her three suitors are reflections of parts of XY’s self and future potential paths. They all went through varieties of trauma and if Cang Xuan is a reflection of her potential darkest path and the damage of her damage, the Vamp Boy is her mirror - he is very much where she is now or at least in the beginning of the story, if it makes sense, and 17 is embodiment of hope that you can go through horror and emerge into hope - choosing him is ultimately choosing the possibility of her best self. I love that so much.

[silviakundera]

silvia's drama watching queue for 2024: a somewhat random assortment of stuff that was rec'd and for some reason feels it might scratch an itch

in progress - started & I swear I'm gonna finish

* Empresses in the Palace - I'M DOING IT BABYYYYY. 9 episodes down. Yes, the emperor looks like your grandpa and so far has the personality of stale toast. But as long as I don't imagine him naked (no, grandpa, no! it's time for your nap!) then it has this vibe of those Masterpiece Theatre productions I watched as a preteen and I already am recognizing tons of famous tropes (some elements of Job of Imperial Concubine already 3x funnier). Also I appreciate a horror story with a high body count and we have 3 victims already 👌

* Derailment - Modern cdrama that I know is great. I'm 3 ep in, just gotta be in the right mood

* Legend of Fei - Wuxia; got distracted halfway through last year but love the 2 lead actors. Not their best work but still.

* Fireworks of my Heart - what if china did a modern Persuasion adaption but he's a fireman and she's a nurse, basically. kinda. idk man, it has those same vibes for me. I like both lead actors (yes I'm on the YY Can Act Sometimes, When He Feels Like It defense squad. fight me). I'm like 1/3 of the way thru, need to be in that melancholy romantic wallow mood. But mmm I do love second chance + pining.

* Secret Romantic Guesthouse - a wild kdrama appears! Historical drama about saving your inn from debtors by finding a missing royal & turning him over to be murdered. you know, just girlboss things. 💁 Some mystery, some romance. I like the FL. Not much slapstick humor or people screaming at each other so far, which will make me tap out. 4 episodes in and it's quite watchable. I'll probably finish.

not started

* The Left Ear because why not? teens being realistically messy 👌

* Go Ahead - so this may sound strange but I've been holding back on this one a long time, until my work hours were less insane & I can focus. Universally beloved, one of the top cdramas. I'll sink my teeth into this Modern in 2024.

* The Blessed Girl cause it sounds like my jam

* Fake It Till You Make It - modern romance that I've seen rave reviews for. Pretty confident I'll love it.

* Gone with the Rain cause dangermousie's posts seduced me. Costume drama.

* West out of Yeman/Parallel World - multi-verse modern with a lil sci fi? I love multiverse and time travel \o/

* Wonderland of Love - historical romance with generals and some court intrigue, a happy ending. On paper, my kind of stuff. But will I make it thru 40 ep depends on how much I vibe with the otp

Maybe

Choice Husband (12 eps romantic comedy, then turns into blood and manipulation? sounds intriguing)

Moonlight - modern workplace drama, editor/author. Reviews are mixed but I have affection for how cdrama scriptwriters will obsessively research a topic in the style of an AO3 fic writer. I expect to learn more than I ever wanted to know about the toils of being an editor.

Marry My Husband - I don't watch many kdramas but I turn up for tropey reborn every time. If they deliver on the promise of a ridiculous but entertaining romance revenge then I'm there.