#Queen Crowned Katherine

[thewritersrambles]

"His heart broke a bit to hear her, his Arsinoe, his fierce, tenacious, headstrong Arsinoe sound so broken. It shattered to know there was nothing he could do to take the pain away, to place her sorrow on his shoulders and spare her the trauma."

~Excrept from One Dark Gift chapter 2 which will release on Thursday, 28 November 2024 on AO3

[wonder-worker]

I've been thinking about the tragedy of Elizabeth Woodville living to see the end of her family name.

I don't mean her family with her husband, which lived on through her daughter and grandson. I mean her own.

Her sisters died, one by one, many of them after 1485. When Elizabeth died, only Katherine was left, and she would die before the turn of the century as well.

All her brothers died, too. Lewis died in childhood. John was executed. Anthony was murdered. Lionel died suddenly in the peak of Richard's reign, unable to see his niece become queen. Edward perished at war. Richard died in grieving peace. For all the violence and judgement the family endured, it was "an accident of biology" that ended their line: none of the brothers left heirs, and the Woodville name was extinguished. We know the family was aware of this. We know they mourned it, too:

“Buy a bell to be a tenor at Grafton to the bells now there, for a remembrance of the last of my blood.”

Elizabeth lived through the deposition and death of her young sons, and lived to see the end of her own family name. It must have been such a haunting loss, on both sides.

[bookish-rival]

Kiss under the gevran Mistletoe

Art by the amazing @gessueter and commissioned by the lovely @StardustSteph(Twitter) aka @leiaamidala

A short fanfic of Wren x Alarik from the books Twin Crowns, Cursed Crowns and Burning Crowns by Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber

Pairing/Ship: Queen Wren Greenrock, King Alarik Felsing

Trope: Enemies to Lovers, Rivals To Lovers, Fluff, Angst

Warning: Mention of characters death, cursing

Summary:

Queen Wren needed some fresh air during festivities held at Grinstad Palace, hosted by Royal Family of Gevra. While taking a stroll through the quiet hallways together, Wren and Alarik noticed a Mistletoe hanging above them. Wren is given a choice. To either kiss her mortal enemy (once again) or walk away, ignoring her growing feelings for him.

WARNING! This story takes place after the second book, so HUGE SPOILER ALERT FOR BOTH BOOKS!

———————————————————————————————————————

Hi!

This is my first EVER story I’ve written and posted here. The Twin Crowns series has captured my heart for some time now, and only after reading the second one did I start imagining my own stories for these characters.

The books are absolutely amazing! I cannot wait for the third and final book of this trilogy.

I therefore tried to come up with my own little scenario.

A few things in advance: This is my first fanfic I wrote and English is only my second language, so there might be a lot of mistake in there. I also used exact parts from the books to fill in the flashbacks, so if some parts sound familiar than that’s because it’s 100% copied from the books hahaha.

I also didn’t know how to set the scene and mood correctly, so it starts of with a fast summary of the books (so big spoilers) as it explains why Wren happened to be in Gevra once again. There’s a big jump into the story as the two were already walking together. I didn’t know how to start off, so if it feels a bit rushed I’m sorry.

Please show more support to the authors of this series and I hope that you will enjoy this little oneshot.

Have fun!

———————————————————————————————————————

The Christmas season is coming to a close and every year the royal family of Gevra holds a huge feast at Grinstad Palace to celebrate.

This year however, the Twin Queens of Eana, Rose Valhart and Wren Greenrock, as well as their best friend and strongest ally King Shen Lo of the Sunkissed Kingdom, have been invited as honorary guests by King Alarik Felsing of Gevra himself.

The cold hearted King of Beasts invited them after a long exchange of letters with the Queens.

Their last meeting included the second death of the King’s younger sibling, Prince Ansel.

After he died in Eana, Wren was forced to bring him back with forbidden blood magic which caused him to return as a living corpse more than a real resurrected human being.

After multiple attempts of warning King Alarik and his sister, Princess Anika Felsing, about the dangerous outcome, they later agreed on letting their brother rest in peace.

The Felsing siblings asked Wren to perform her healing magic to send Prince Ansel’s body in a peaceful slumber, but it didn’t work when she tried.

Later, her sister Queen Rose took on the task and gave the Prince the peace he wanted, and his family the peace they needed.

The exchange of letters with the Gevran King also involved a specific evil witch, that holds a dangerous threat to both their kingdoms. The festivities are a perfect chance to talk about forming an alliance to fight this threat together.

That’s why, even though the twin Queens feel a chill running down their spines just thinking about traveling to Gevra, they still accepted the invitation. Hoping to officially bury the hatchet with the icy realm and additionally, build an alliance between Gevra and Eana, as a gift to their people.

*End of Summary*

The King of Gevra, and the Queen of Eana left the noisy ballroom behind, as they walked through the hallways of Grinstad Palace.

Alarik suddenly stopped under a door arch, as he noticed something on the ceiling. He looked up amused.

“What’s so funny?” Wren said as she looked up suspiciously, trying to see what got the frost-hearted King’s attention.

At first she didn’t realize what she saw, but then she remembered the Gevran tradition, Princess Anika told her about. The so called ”Mistletoe”, saying two souls whom stand beneath one, will have to peck their lips or be cursed for life.

Wren mumbled swear words while nervously looking around if anyone can see them, hoping, even a tiny bit, that their privacy will be interrupted and her complicated flame of desire for the ice cold king wouldn’t develop and confuse her any further. Dammit. That’s exactly the reason, why she was avoiding private moments with him.

Suddenly, her head got clouded in the memory of the first and last kiss they shared.

The time they made out in the middle of her self made blizzard, outside of Grinstad Palace.

She remembers the moment Alarik smiled into the kiss, not being afraid of the witch in his arms or the blizzard at his back. Both trying to find release from their own grief, and finding it, in each others embrace.

She shock her head, trying to get rid of those memories before they overtake her actions.

Only after gazing back at the King’s face did she realize that she must’ve looked absolutely pathetic, looking around for people, turning all shades of red trying to distract from the mistletoe hovering above them.

“I am not kissing yo-“

“Too bad, it’s tradition.” King Alarik stepped foward, cutting her off. She immediately looked away trying to hide her red face.

Wren couldn’t take it, she was looking like a fool in this moment. Trying to get the upper hand in this, she took a stride towards him, facing him directly.

“Where’s your mother? I’d rather kiss her.”

A chuckle escaped his throat. “That’s very low. Even for-“

“A witch?” Wren crossed her arms.

“-you.” Alarik finished.

“Same thing.”

Another low chuckle. “You may be a witch, having your own kind of spells…”

Alarik glided even closer, making Wren tilt her head to look in his shining blue eyes.

“But……if you break a Gevran tradition, you’ll end up being cursed for life. Is that what you want?”

“….Are you blackmailing me right now?”

“Perhaps.”

“I feel honored, your Majesty.” Wren said while sarcastically curtsying to him.

“But with all my, none existing, respect for you… I will NOT be kissing you.”

A smirk came across her lips, thinking she finally turned the conservation around.

Alarik hummed in response.

”Oh don’t worry, your Highness…” His sarcasm mirrored her own.

”I never said anything about you having to kiss me.” He said while slowly decreasing the distance of their bodies, causing Wren to retreat backwards until her back hits the wall of the arch.

”W-What?” Wren hated how intimidated her voice sounded. Alarik was so close that she could feel his breath on her face.

”What made you think…” His right hand caressed her silvery strand of hair, until he reached her cheek. He wasn’t touching her cheek, his hand was just levitating beside her face. Wren could only feel a light touch, because her trembling would cause her face to slightly brush against his hand.

Her eyes darted to his left hand that had found itself gently placed on her waist, his thumb soothingly drawing circles over her skin, sending even more shivers up her spine.

”…that You will be the one initiating the kiss.” He whispers, almost afraid that someone will hear them, even though it was obvious that they were completely alone.

Wren’s eyes met his, immediately getting trapped in his gaze.

Once again the memory of their past kiss slipped itself into her mind.

She knew Alarik Felsing can kiss. His quiet ferocity to his passion, the way he held her tightly against him, how he angled her head to claim her mouth and the way she let him back then. The moment his lips seizing hers, the spark being ignited and them being consumed in its fire.

The Gevran King closed the distance further, pulling the Queen out of her thoughts. She slammed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the feeling of his soft lips against hers once again. Deep down feelings of uncertainty and guilt creeped up. But the touch of his lips never came.

She opened her eyes again, trying not to let any signs of disappointment from her gaze betray her feelings to him.

Alarik‘s eyes weren’t closed. They were mainly focused on hers, like he never closed them in the first place, making it seem like he never intended on kissing her at all.

Her confusion grew with every millisecond the King wasn’t moving.

The Gevran King, Alarik Felsing, was a powerful, selfish man. He could get everything he wanted, he could’ve captured her lips right then if he so desired and yet, here they were. Not kissing.

Just staring in each others eyes, as his hands continued to ghostly hold her waist and hair, not daring to capture her with more force. And additionally, Alarik didn’t show any interest of wanting to close the remaining distance. He did not move, and he was not going to move.

The Witch was held loosely in the embrace of the Icy King, free to step away from him and leave any building feelings for the King behind, or capture his lips herself, if she so desired.

Wren couldn’t believe it. Was he messing with her?

Was it all just a game? Finding the perfect time and spot to make her vulnerable and then mess with her? Slowly, but surely, the old feelings of anger and disappointment towards the cold-hearted King of beasts returned. Deep down Wren had a feeling that, sooner or later, Alarik would tease her about the heated kiss they shared in the past. It was obvious that he was gonna be the one who’d bring it up again. He enjoyed it, for some sick reason she doesn’t really wanna know.

But she didn’t enjoy it. She never wanted to kiss him. She hated him. They hated each other.

The blizzard of her confused feelings clouded her mind mind that day, she wasn’t thinking straight. The kiss was a mistake.

Her now furious eyes flickered at his gaze, trying to find some truth in his annoyingly shining blue pupils. Then, a sudden thought overtook her mind. The moment she threw herself at him in the heated moment, appeared before her.

It was snowing in the courtyard as they held each other, both screaming at each other, as Wren’s new magic created a snowstorm around them, pushing them closer, due to her emotions raging inside of her. Snowflakes landed all over their clothes, hair and a single one stopping on Alarik´s bottom lip.

“I hate you!“ Wren hissed. “I hate you more than anyone I’ve ever met!“

“And you think i care?“ Alarik sneered. “I hate you too.“

“Tyrant.“

“Brat.“ He shot back.

“Wretch.“

“Witch.“

“So what?!“ Wren’s gaze fell to that single snowflake on his lip.

Alarik held her face in his hands. Trying to hold her still and stop the blizzard going out of control around them.

“Wren.“ He said with a serious tone. “Stop. It.“

“Make. Me.“ And then, they were kissing.

Wren didn’t know why she licked the snowflake from his bottom lip. Or why he opened his mouth to seize the kiss. But it happened.

She initiated the kiss.

SHIT. She kissed him.

If not for that damn snowflake on his impeccable lips, it wouldn’t have happened. But it did. And now it was gonna happen again.

This time, however, she was thinking straight. She’s able to stop the kiss and the forming of any more complicated and uncertain feelings for the man infront of her. Guilt, grief, anger, frustration, disappointment. Those feelings were just a few snowflakes in the blizzard of suffering roaming inside her, at this time. Wren couldn’t stop the blizzard now, nor ever, she feared. But she is able to keep someone else from getting drawn into her storm.

She had to stop this. To protect herself, and him, from more complications between each other. To protect them both from another mistake.

“Too close…” Wren swallowed as she looked into his eyes.

She was sure that deep inside his gaze, was a spark of hurt and disappointment, before his eyes turned to an understanding look, as he slowly retreated his face from hers. Giving her space. When his hands left her body, she trembled from the lost feeling of his closeness.

This happened before.

She was broken. Too broken to see someone else’s feelings. Too broken to see her own feelings.

To see, to feel, what she really wanted, what she needed.

After failing to heal Prince Ansel a few months ago, she ran away, breaking down in her room. She couldn’t do to. She couldn’t heal the Prince’s soul and give him the peace he desired. Wren couldn’t. No matter how much she wanted to. And she did, want to. She wanted to fix her mistakes. By using forbidden magic, she poisoned her own soul.

She cursed herself. She was broken.

”You are not broken, Wren.”

Alarik’s voice reached her memory. She wasn’t alone with her grief, that day. There was someone else next to her.

It was Alarik. He ran after her that day. He saw her in her weakest moments. In her most pathetic moment. And yet, he had no intention of making fun of her.

“You are not broken.” Alarik said.

“Yes, I am! What the hell do you know?!”

“I know that if you can bring yourself to care about something beyond yourself, you are not broken.”

He raised his hand, curling a strand of her hair around his finger.

When he lifted it, Wren saw that it was bright silver.

“See how much you care, Wren.”

Alarik traced the single black strand in his summer wheat hair, which developed after his fathers death.

“My father once told me that to know grieve is to know love, and you cannot love something if you’re irretrievably broken.”

Back then she was staring at the King, trying to figure out where this version of him had come from, or if perhaps it had been there alll along, hiding beneath his icy facade.

“You once told me that love is a horrible business.” Countered Wren sobbing.

“It is.” said Alarik “But why does that have to change anything?”

Her shoulders sagged under the weight of the truth.

“I can’t fix Ansel, I can’t even fix myself.”

“You don’t need to be fixed. You just need time to heal.”

Wren closed her eyes, feeling his grief as her own.

He stepped back.

A small, wayward part of her wanted to reach for him, at that moment.

To curl herself in his embrace and distract herself from the crack in her heart.

“Go home. Find your healing witch.”

She’ll never forget his soft and fleeting smile. The way a moment of peace in a lifetime of war was given to her, by the man she called her enemy.

He stood back then, and the moment slipped away. He stood back now too.

”But…” Wren’s broken and timid voice reached Alarik in a second, as he once again searched for her eyes. She looked at him, her vision slowly decreasing as tears developed in her eyes.

Wren let the last moment to slip away. But she wasn’t gonna let this one slip away.

She grabbed his belt and pulling him closer, his nose inches away from crashing into her forehead. Her hands were trembling while holding onto the fabric of his shirt, almost turning white due to her fierce grip.

”But…” Her eyes slipped a little further down and land on his lips once again. “…not close enough.”

”Wren...” Alarik whispers, softly, before she pressed her lips against his. Immediately, he melted into her.

Different than their past lip debate, this was a different sensation. Sweet, not hasty or needy. Soft, tender, sincere. Things she never expected from the Gevran King.

This time, the kiss didn’t develop into a fierce battle of emotions, it stayed as a diligent touch, lingering long enough for both of them to adapt their breathing until their chests were heaving in synchronization. Alarik gently moved his right hand though her hair, while the one on her waist continued to massage her tender flesh. It made her lightheaded, forming an empty space in her mind with no room for doubt, grieve, or any other feeling other than….this.

Once again, it was the selfish and fierce King with an ice block as heart, that gave her even the tiniest bit of peace in the battle she was fighting, the one in her country and in herself. This second of vulnerability from both her, a witch queen, and the gevran king, made her feel at peace. Even if it didn’t hold long.

Her feelings were just as confusing and complicated as the man she was embracing. Alarik was a complicated man indeed. Last time she discovered new side of him, it that twisted her stomach. Wren didn’t like how it cast Alarik in a different light, not as a brutal king but as an ordinary young man. She didn’t want to think of him like that. Every time she spares a thought for him, good or bad, it gets intertwined with guilt. It would slowly start to eat her from the inside, until she couldn’t tell if it’s right or wrong. She didn’t want to feel too much, she didn’t want things to get mixed up and grow more complicated. After all, the only person who gets more insecure about their own indefinite feelings, is her.

Due to her thoughts, the young Queen unintentionally squirmed in his hold, which caught Alarik‘s attention. As if he could read her mind, and feel her building doubt, he slipped his tongue through her lips, surprising her so much, that a squeal and moan escaped her at the same time.

She broke away from his hold, trembling more with embarrassment than fury.

“You slipped a tongue in there, you fuckin-“

“Well, you were making weird noises so clearly you enjoyed that.” He joked, showing off his canines. She offendedly pushed him backwards, so her back wasn’t pressed against the cold stone wall anymore.

“This changes nothing. I still hate you.”

“Didn’t seem that way a second ago.”

“I-“

“You kissed me.“

“Shut up.”

“That was-“

“That never happened.“

“Wren, I don’t think this ego lift is ever going to fade.“

She attacked him with a punch. Like he saw it coming, Alarik caught her wrist and pulled her into his chest, holding her hand against his heart.

“Still hate me?”

“Definitely.”

“Just as much?”

“Hmm…maybe…” she reached her other hand infront of his face. Her fingers pressed strongly against each other, not leaving a gap between the tips. ”This…less.”

Alarik smirked, distancing himself once again as he lead her hand towards his face.

”I’ll take what I can get.” He pressed his lips to her hand. Wren silently gasped as the feeling of his lips left her skin.

”I need a drink.”

”What’s the magic word?” Alarik said, jokingly.

“Oh, yeah nevermind. I’ll get it myself.” She scooted past him, hearing a faint chuckle erupt from his mouth.

Together, they made their way back to the festivities, shoulders brushing softly with each step, as the sound of their footsteps, just like their feelings of distrust towards one another, slowly quiet down.

The End.

[simshousewindsor]

CORONATION PART 2: THE PROCESSION

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: "At 10:00 AM the gates of Buckingsim Palace opened signaling the monarch is ready to depart. The balusters will be lowered just before the royal guard approaches. The Procession is about to begin and will follow a direct route to the Abbey."

Shon Gableton [SNN]: "Live at Westsimster Abbey, Hallie Howell is awaiting the arrival of the Royal family."

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: "Hallie, how is it?"

Hallie Howell [SNN]: Hi, Shon and Cameron! It's glorious here! There is such a feeling of newness in the air. It's palpable.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: "We can feel it!"

Shon Gableton [SNN]: "The balusters were just lowered at the palace, and the Queen's procession is in view. Let's head back there."

- - - - - ROYAL PROCESSION - - - - -

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Royal Guards lead the King's State Coach, carrying Queen Katherine I and Rainier, Prince consort. The coach is being pulled by 4 white Stallions.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: The King's State Coach was first used at the coronation of King Albert I in 1784 and has since been used to transport every monarch to their coronation. The coach has taken the longer route from Buckingsim Palace, down The Mall, since the coronation of King Edward I in 1888.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Rounding The Lara-Leigh Memorial, the Queen and Prince consort wave to the adoring crowd.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: This is our first glimpse of Her Majesty wearing the State Diamond Diadem, made in 1784 for King Albert I. Since King Albert I, the Diadem has only been worn by Windenburg queens, whether they reigned or were consorts. It was first worn by Queen Isabella, consort to Albert I, when she ruled as Regent from 1828-1832, after the Kings death.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Just behind The Queen's coach, in The Rolls Royce State Limousine, is The Queen Mother, The Prince of Brindleton Bay, and The Princess Grace. The little prince was expected to be amongst Royal Pages but insiders say The Queen preferred Maids of Honor.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: 136 years later, history is made as Queen Katherine I travels down The Mall preparing to be crowned this nations first Queen!

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Let's head to Westsimster Abbey as the royal family arrives. Hallie?

Hallie Howell [SNN]: Yes, Cameron. The Royal Family has just arrived! The crowd erupted in a loud roar upon seeing four black Rolls Royce's, bearing the royal flag, approaching carrying senior members of the royal family.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Guards stood at attention while the Queen and Prince consort's procession passed.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: The tomb of the unknown soldier sits underneath Memorial Arch, and is the central location for Remembrance Day observations to honor armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Hallie Howell [SNN]: Back at the Abbey, the Duke and Duchess of Kent are the first to arrive, showing their roles as the most senior members of the royal family. Their Royal Highnesses also arrive in formal robes. The Duke wearing his Order of the Garter robe while the Duchess wears the Royal Edwardian Order mantle, reflecting her status as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Edwardian Order.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: "King George I named her a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Edwardian Order, the highest possible rank, in 2007."

Hallie Howell [SNN]: He did, indeed!

Hallie Howell [SNN]: The Earl and Countess of St Peters followed. Prince Leo, heir to the dukedom of Kent, donned not only his Queen Katherine I Coronation medal but his Royal Edwardian Order, which were bestowed upon His Royal Highness last month. The Countess, wearing a green @sentate dress, wore the Royal Family Order of George I.

Hallie Howell [SNN]: Third to arrive is the younger sister of Queen Katherine, Princess Lara, Countess of Boykins and her husband Anthony, Earl of Boykins. The Princess is wearing a traditional coronation gown and tiara, along with the Windsor sash and the Royal Family Order of George I.

Hallie Howell [SNN]: The Duke and Duchess of Hastings arrive also in formal robes; equal to that of The Duke and Duchess of Kent. The Duke was invested as a Knight of the Garter in 2020 while the Duchess was invested as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Edwardian Order in 2022.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: "You can see the slight difference in their robes."

Hallie Howell [SNN]: Yes, the robes of the Edwardian Order features a red stripe along the border. In a statement just released from the palace:

"At the request of the Queen and Prince consort, Dukes and Duchesses both are wearing formal robes and mantels for the [historic] occasion."

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: So, now we know attires have been well coordinated for the senior royals. Just like the royal guardsmen in the Queen's gorgeous procession, having just passed Memorial Arch.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Yes! Her Majesty's procession is making its way down Parliament Square Street.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Crowds cheer as Queen Katherine and Prince Rainier pass.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: At the west door of the Abbey, Officers of the Order of Knighthood descend from upstairs to begin the Coronation Procession. It will be a procession composed of elements of both the Church and State, the Spiritual and Temporal life of our land.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Representatives of The Knights of the most noble Order of the Garter make their way down the naive first, in their blue robes. They are followed by representatives of the most honorable Order of the Protea, in robes of green.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: The rich blue carpet spreads down the aisle of the sanctuary, which hides the black and white checkered floor of the choir of the Abbey. The beautiful contrast of colors inside the abbey is on full display.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Once again the color changes and there comes the most ancient Order of the Iwé, in scarlet robes.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: After a brief gap, the Prime Minister of Brindleton Bay along with the Prime Minister of Sulani follow. Behind them, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. Sir Linwood Keller, Knight of the Garter.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Immediately behind the Prime Minister is the Dean of Westsimster. He leads the next procession through the screen under the orchestra and the organ and out into the brilliance of the choir. We see them now, high above the alter, as the Cross of Westsimster is born by the Rev. Hilliard.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: Following the dean are Representatives from the churches of Windenburg and Brindleton Bay, showing the processions transition from State to Church.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: The Church of Winenburg representatives include the Lord Bishops who end the first part of the coronation procession.

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: After a brief pause, we see a glimpse of the Heralds in their full splendor. Four Windenburg heralds followed by one Brindleton Bay herald stand as trumpets play announcing The Queen.

Shon Gableton [SNN]: With the sound of the trumpets anthem, The Queen and Prince consort's arrival at the Abbey has been announced.

Previous | Beginning | Next - continue Heir Ascent (story)

Previous | Beginning | Next - continue Second Place Countess (story)

[gabbrietteleighbechtel]

Me, every time someone insults/diminishes Catherine of Aragon in order to uplift Anne Boleyn (It’s actually worse when it comes from a ‘historian’)

[duckprintspress]

Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday with 54 Queer Fantasy Books!

Today, January 3rd, is J.R.R. Tolkien Day—the day we celebrate the legend’s birthday. It’s hard to imagine the fantasy genre without Tolkien’s influence on it. That’s why, we figured, what better way to celebrate than by having an adventure with an awesome fantasy book? And, as this is the first time we’ve done a queer fantasy rec list, our reccing crew got very excited, with the result that this is one of the longest lists we’ve ever posted. We asked our contributors for great queer, fantasy recommendations, and boy, did they deliver! We collected a list of whooping 54 titles, all thanks to Sanne, Kelas, Shadaras, Nina Waters, Shea Sullivan, E. C., Adrian Harley, Alex, D. V. Morse, Zel Howland, Shannon, Dei Walker, Linnea Peterson and an anonymous contributor.

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

Fire Logic by Laurie J. Marks

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang

The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Witch King by Martha Wells

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Heaven Official’s Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

The Husky & His White Cat Shizun by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou

Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner

Devil Venerable Also Wants To Know by Cyan Wings

Ruin of Angels by Max Gladstone

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

Ash by Malinda Lo

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley

Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner

Reforged by Seth Haddon

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling

The Bone Doll’s Twin by Lynn Flewelling

Umineko: When They Cry by 07th Expansion

The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

Witchmark by C.L. Polk

Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson

These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

The Brilliant Death by A.R. Capetta

Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha

First Test by Tamora Pierce

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Weak Heart by Ban Gilmartin

The Shepherd’s Crown by Terry Pratchett

Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett

The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

What are your favorite queer fantasy books?

You can find all these books on our Goodreads bookshelf of queer fantasy books.

Did something here spark your curiosity? You can buy it through the Duck Prints Press Bookshop.org affiliate shop. 

So many books means so much to talk about! Come, join our Book Lover’s Discord server to chat with us about aaaaaall the books!

[queenmarytudor]

BECOMING ELIZABETH REWRITE

I’m so sorry this is like 2 years late lol.

After my re-imagining of The Spanish Princess Series 2 (as well as a proposed series revolving around Mary I’s adolescence) here I am, constructing a more historically accurate version of the Starz series Becoming Elizabeth.

I mixed two rebellions (Kett’s and Prayer Book) together and shortened the episode count, because we did not need six episodes of Thomas Seymour! 

This is Elizabeth learning from a variety of mentors to actually... become Elizabeth, Gloriana! 

Episode One - Replete With Sorrow

In the middle of the night, Lady Elizabeth Tudor and Prince Edward are woken from their sleep and told their father, King Henry VIII is dead. They embrace weeping as the men bow before their now king, Edward VI. 

The pair go to court, which is clad in black for mourning. There, they have an emotional reunion with their step mother Katherine Parr and older sister Mary. 

The three siblings dine together, reminiscing fondly over their father. Edward asks Mary to attend his coronation; she politely refuses, saying she needs to go and oversee the new lands their father’s will granted her. Talk turns to marriages; there is already rumours that Edward is to marry Mary Queen of Scots as their father’s wishes made clear.  

A proud Elizabeth attends Edward’s coronation. At the banquet afterwards, Katherine introduces the newly crowned Edward to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. They discuss expanding his father’s religious policies. Overhearing, and jealous of the dowager queen’s influence, the Duchess of Somerset Anne Seymour begins to argue with Katherine over precedence and jewels. Elizabeth watches on, a careful observer on how to react. Thomas Seymour interrupts, erasing the tension and making the irate King laugh. Katherine casts him a grateful glance. Elizabeth is charmed/smitten by him. 

As the Duchess leaves, Katherine says Elizabeth must pack her things as she is going to live with her away from court if she finds that agreeable. Elizabeth is ecstatic, as is Katherine. 

Weeks pass; it is spring.  

Elizabeth sits with her cousin Lady Jane Grey, being tutored by her schoolmaster William Grindal. The two constantly try to beat the other in languages, etc. There is a fierce rivalry between the pair. 

Elizabeth walks with her governess Kat Ashley and lady Isabella Markham in the gardens, still clad in black. She complains about Lady Jane Grey, who always tries to beat her in lessons. Her father would not have stood for it. It is clear she misses him.

Katherine calls the trio inside, where she is standing with Thomas Seymour. She reveals she secretly married him a few weeks ago, and he is now to live with them. 

At dinner, the pair quiz Elizabeth on what she has learned. They’re impressed; Thomas compliments her and Elizabeth flushes, pleased at his attention. Katherine leaves, claiming she feels sick. 

Thomas talks of grief, saying he knows it well after the death of his sister, her brother Edward’s mother. He says her father wouldn’t want her to grieve him forever, it has been several months now and she shouldn’t feel guilty to be happy again. He reveals he saw her in the garden earlier looking upset; she tells him what had happened. He assures her she is better than Jane in every way. Elizabeth smiles and bids him good night.

In bed, she sighs dreamily to Isabella and Kat about Thomas Seymour; did they know he had commanded her father’s army? They warn her to be careful but she ignores them. 

The next morning, she is woken by Thomas and Katherine tickling her. Winking, Thomas offer his hand. Flushed, Elizabeth smiles and takes it hand eagerly. 

 Episode Two - Noli me Tangere

Katherine and Elizabeth watch as Thomas storms about. He is annoyed over his brother being made Lord Protector of the King and he has nothing. Elizabeth approaches him and asks if he is okay. He says can’t Elizabeth ask her brother for help for him? Elizabeth is uncomfortable. She doesn’t have that much power. He begs jokingly on his knees, kissing her hand then her cheeks, and she laughs giddily, the tension disappeared as they talk. 

Katherine and Grindal tell her and Jane Grey that Edward is releasing a new prayer book in English, not Latin with the help of Archbishop Cranmer. Katherine supports it. As a result, Grindal gives Elizabeth an updated list of work. 

Elizabeth is involved in her studies, avidly reading. She rebuffs Thomas’s playful advances, saying she is busy with work her tutor Grindal gave her. Thomas is peeved.  

Later, Katherine angrily asks Elizabeth if is true what Thomas told her - that she had been embracing her tutor William Grindal. Confused, Elizabeth bursts into tears and refuses it. Katherine apologises and comforts her, blaming her confusion on her current state - she is pregnant.

The next morning Thomas comes alone to Elizabeth’s bedchamber as Katherine feels ill. Elizabeth fears she is avoiding her because of what happened with Grindal. She wonders who would make something like that up. Thomas says someone jealous of such a beautiful and smart girl, hinting at Jane Grey. Elizabeth is incensed. Thomas diverts her with more tickling, then suddenly slaps her behind. She jumps, startled and laughs uncomfortably. Kat orders him away while Elizabeth is dressed. She hears Katherine and Thomas fighting in a room nearby over him going to Elizabeth’s room without her. Miserable, Elizabeth puts her mourning dress back on. 

While walking with Isabella and Kat in the gardens, Thomas appears and says he told her she looked better in colours, not black. He chases her around, with Katherine suddenly appearing and joining in. She holds her down as Thomas slashes Elizabeth’s mourning dress to pieces. The pair of them are laughing but Elizabeth is close to tears. 

Later that night an upset Elizabet talks to Kat, who says tomorrow morning she won’t let Thomas near her into her bedchamber. He protests his way in anyway, shaking the hangings as if he is to get in. She pulls her bedcovers up and Kat tells him to go away in shame as he tries to kiss her. He leaves laughing, saying he will get her when he returns from court. 

An ill and extremely pregnant Katherine writes to her husband, and asks Elizabeth to arrange a messenger to get the letter to him. On the outside of the letter, in Latin, Elizabeth writes  “Thou, touch me not”, then crosses it out and writes instead, “Let him not touch me”. 

She devotes herself to her studies, and when Thomas finds her on his return, she is frightened. He doesn’t see her obvious distress, tossing her book over his shoulder, stroking her cheek and begging him to forgive her for the dress incident. She nods, and he pulls her into a tight hug Thomas Parry witnesses.

She is abruptly dismissed by a cold Katherine to Anthony Denny and his wife, Kat’s sister. Elizabeth is upset, and her stepmother softens a little, assuring her this is the best for all three of them. 

Episode Three - Hope Prevailing

At the Denny���s, Elizabeth is devastated to hear of Katherine’s death in childbirth.

Her new tutor, a French preacher Jean Varon, instructs her in the new doctrine and the French tongue. They talk about the new prayer book; Elizabeth thinks it is a good thing but Varon says there are rumours the common people will revolt.  

Elizabeth returns to her old childhood home of Hatfield House, and has a moment of peace with her ladies and Kat. 

They are interrupted by Thomas Seymour visiting. He seems unhinged. Thomas proposes marriage, but Elizabeth is horrified and refuses. Kat thinks he would make a good match considering his status, but she stands firm. She tells her lady Isabella she will never marry, after seeing what happened to her father and mother. 

While walking in her estates Elizabeth witnesses angry peasants tearing down fences. Her preacher Varon tells Elizabeth the people have rebelled against enclosure laws, but chiefly the new prayer book.

Elizabeth learns Thomas has tried to kidnap Edward VI and shot and killed the king’s dog during the kidnapping attempt. 

As a result, Thomas is arrested for plotting to kill the King, his brother and King’s Protector, the Duke of Somerset, and marry Elizabeth. 

Privy Councillors arrive in Hatfield to question Elizabeth, while Kat is taken to the Tower. 

Elizabeth is interrogated. She denies any knowledge of Thomas Seymour’s actions, saying her reputation is being defamed and she wants a proclamation put out denying rumours of any relationship with him.  

She gets her wish, and writes to Edward Seymour to say thank you for the proclamation as his brother Thomas is executed. She is informed the rebellion has been ruthlessly supressed by John Dudley.

With the threat of an uprising and Thomas Seymour both disappeared, Elizabeth gets an invitation to visit the King for Christmas. She is anxious to please him and declares she will wear white for her innocence from this moment on.  

Episode Four - Christmas

1550 bottle episode focusing on the awkward Christmas dinner with the 3 Tudor siblings! 

Upon her arrival at court, garbed in angelic white, Edward rewards Elizabeth with Kat being returned to her. She embraces her governess lovingly. Elizabeth is invited by Mary’s lady, Susan Clarencius, to play cards. She accepts.

Mary questions Elizabeth, unsure whether to believe the claims issued of her innocence. Mary has also heard about an updated prayer book being released that Edward himself has had a hand in. Elizabeth reiterates her innocence. After, Mary tells Susan privately that Elizabeth is so like her Mother...

Edward is preparing for the feast. John Dudley informs him that Edward Seymour does not have the nerve to tell him, but he will. He has broken the king’s betrothal to Mary, Queen of Scots, who is now engaged to the French Dauphin. Edward is furious.

The table is set for a magnificent feast. The trio begin amicably enough, reminiscing on their shared childhoods with their father. However, soon the tension overwhelms them, with all their emotions coming out. Mary begs Edward not to release his new prayer book, but he replies he is not a child, he is King. Elizabeth tries desperately to keep the peace between the oldest and youngest Tudor siblings. The night ends with Mary leaving, ignoring Edward. King Edward orders her servants to be arrested, and has a furious monologue to Edward Seymour. His brother had taken advantage of his sister and stepmother, and Edward himself had taken him to Windsor - a prison! John Dudley was the one who had the nerve to tell him he has ended up breaking his betrothal to Mary Queen of Scots, who is now engaged to the Dauphin of France. He will look an idiot as her mother Marie of Guise is visiting his court soon! He has obvious and ominous shades of Henry VIII in his behaviour. 

In the aftermath of the evening, Edward Seymour is arrested and beheaded. Edward, backed by the Privy Council, announces John Dudley is to be the Duke of Northumberland and new Protector of the Realm due to the loyalty he had shown him in suppressing the rebels, promoting the new religion and aiding the King. 

Elizabeth congratulates her friend and John Dudley’s son, Robert, who has arrived at court to celebrate the advancement. He is full of joy; he has married a lady, Amy Robsart. 

King Edward, overhearing, is happy for them. He thinks it is time for Elizabeth to marry. 

 Episode Five - Sister Temperance

Several months have passed. Elizabeth and Edward are watching bear baiting. Whilst the beasts fight, Edward goes through a list of various potential suitors for his Sweet Sister Temperance. Elizabeth is non-committal. 

She is saved from further answer by their sister Mary, interrupting the event. She and the large company of people with her all wear prayer beads as Mary begs for her servants to be released. Both Edward and Mary end up crying, and he eventually promises to release them. She leaves, begging him not to think badly of her.

Marie of Guise is to visit court soon, and in the absence of a queen Edward nominates Elizabeth to host her. Jane Grey comes to court as part of the festivities and her and Elizabeth’s old rivalry flares again.

Robert Dudley finds it amusing, especially when the King falls into fervent conversation with their cousin on Protestantism. 

Edward is taking more of a leading role in state, having talks with Archbishop Cranmer about the new and improved prayer book. Some wonder if the Lady Mary and others of the old faith will rebel again; John Dudley says he’s stopped one uprising, he’ll finish another if it happens. 

Marie of Guise visits court. Elizabeth talks with her about the young Scottish queen Mary, her daughter, and her marriage, and the challenges of ruling a country.  

During the festivities, Elizabeth and Robert Dudley are having fun together. Robert says his wife doesn’t like court, and reveals his father is trying to convince King Edward to marry Jane Grey. He laughs, guessing from her sour attitude Elizabeth would not accept her as a queen.   

Episode Six - Troublesome Waves

John Dudley wishes to exchange one of his houses for hers, and Elizabeth is not pleased. She reluctantly agrees when Robert visits, taken by his charm. He says she need not fear, for her brother Guildford is marrying Jane Grey now, not the king, who is ill. 

Elizabeth sets off to see her brother, but is turned away by his guards. 

She is extremely worried about her brother, turning to prayer. 

Elizabeth is asked to relinquish her claim to the crown via a grant of more land and money. She refuses. 

She talks with Kat and Isabella. Because of Mary’s obvious religious differences, she has come to believe she will become queen upon Edward’s death. 

News breaks of Edward’s death/Jane’s accession/Mary’s rebellion. Elizabeth is upset, grieving, incensed with betrayal that her brother has looked her over. She is urged to act by her ladies. John Dudley and Mary both send messengers; she listens to both and plays them against each other then feigns illness, arming her guards for protection as she waits for the outcome.

Mary proves victorious and Elizabeth makes orders to go to London. 

Elizabeth greets Mary, assuring her she was preparing her servants to bring them to help her cause. She watches statues and crosses be put back up with foreboding.

Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley are sentenced to die, while John Dudley is executed. Elizabeth comforts Robert.

At night, she sneaks out in secret to see her old tutor Jean Varon. He wants to leave England, but she orders him to remain, telling him not to leave or abscond, but for he and other followers of Protestantism to show themselves in the streets. They need to fight back against what Mary plans! Varon nods, and tells her now Edward is dead they look to her for guidance and hope for the nation. 

Elizabeth attends Mary coronation. The new French ambassador, Antoine Noailles, introduces himself. He says Marie of Guise spoke highly of her, and that the crown would look good on her head... Elizabeth gazes at it thoughtfully, and merely smiles in response. 

[warwickroyals]

Sunderland's Royal Jewel Vault (36/∞) ♛

↬ King Louis III's Diamond Diadem

July 2nd is Federation Day in Sunderland, marking the anniversary of King Louis I’s oath of allegiance to the constitution and investiture as the first King of Sunderland in 1786. Created over 50 years later, King Louis III’s Diadem is not just an accessory but a symbol of the Federation. Therefore, it is owned by the Sunderlandian government, not the royal family, and cannot be moved from the country nor can it be inherited by other members of the royal family. Its government ownership also protects the diadem from being taken apart, sold, or altered by the royal family. Starting with Queen Caroline, the diadem has been exclusively worn by queen consorts for state events, such as investitures and the opening of parliament. The tiara features prominent rubies and diamond strawberry leaves, an emblem of fertility and righteousness that also appears on Sunderland’s flag. It is considered one of the most important and nationalistic pieces of jewelry in the country—the closest Sunderland has to crown jewels that are still in use. Creation: 1820 by an unknown jeweller Provenance: The Government of Sunderland Wearers: King Louis III, Queen Caroline of Sunderland, Queen Rosalyn of Sunderland, Queen Alexandra of Sunderland, Queen Matilda Mary of Sunderland, Queen Anne of Sunderland (never photographed), Queen Katherine of Sunderland, Queen Irene of Sunderland Commissioned/Purchased by: King Louis III Status: Currently worn by Queen Irene of Sunderland

[jkriordanverse]

soc characters as six queens

Wylan Van Eck - Anna of Cleves. She got rejected for being too ugly. He got banished because he couldn't read. Do i even need to elaborate? Her song (esp her verse in six) could literally be rewritten to suit Wylan like

What a shame yeah my face, it cost me the crown (his dyslexia costing him the Van Eck fortune) So I moved to the Haus Of Holbein! In my hometown (Ketterdam) His mates were super arty, but I showed them how to party (the crows) Now on my tour of Prussia, everybody GETS DOWN (basically a statement to Van eck and all the people who has ever disrepected him for not being able to read. the equivalent of Haters back off)

Jesper Fahey - Jane Seymour. Jane knows Henry might not love her if it weren't for her son. Jesper knows his father might love him more if he wasn't Grisha, if he didn't have the one thing that took the love of Colm's life away. Jane loving Henry anyways despite. Jesper doing the same with his father. *SOBS*

Matthias Helvar - Catherine of Aragon. OH. GODS LIKE. "you must agree that baby in all the times i've been by your side (Fjerda). "I've never lost control (never questioned), no matter how many times i knew you lied (no matter how many times he saw the faults and barbaric teachings of Fjerdan ideologies). "If you can just explain A single thing I've done to cause you pain, I'll go" *silence* (Fjerda pulling a King Henry and banishing Matthias) . NOooooo. WAY.

Nina Zenik - Anne Boleyn. PURE VIBES. . LIKE I CAN easily imagine nina going "LIKE WAHT WAS I MEANT TO DO?" When Matthias confronted her about Hellgate. Then going "LIKE OMG GUYS HE ACTUALLY WANTS TO CHOP (//choke) MY HEAD OFF" when matthias tried to kill her. Plus, "grew up in the French court" (nina grew up in the Royal Palace), "life was a chore so she set sail" (went to the borders)

Inej Ghafa - Katherine Howard. Kaz and Inej's could easily switch. I mean, although Katherine suits Inej more, with the "all you wanna do" motifs going on, it could also be reinterpreted for Kaz as all they (Pekka) wanted to do was milk him of his money. Either way they get sold/manipulated for something and ended up suffering for it. For Inej it was years of abuse and sa. For Kaz it was loosing his brother and learning how to survive Ketterdam alone.

Kaz Brekker - Catherine Parr. Again, could easily be switched with Inej with the "I'm much more than my trauma, I fought for (in Catherine Parr's case, women's education,..etc)". Inej going on to becoming more than the Menagerie girl she was forced to be (a slaver hunter, the Wraith..etc). Kaz going onto be much more than the scared naive little boy he once was.Although this also could easily go for all the crows, I feel like it suits Kaz and Inej more, since their trauma and backstory is more or less prominent and relates to hers more.

[thewritersrambles]

One Dark Gift Chapter 2

"His heart broke a bit to hear her, his Arsinoe, his fierce, tenacious, headstrong Arsinoe sound so broken. It shattered to know there was nothing he could do to take the pain away, to place her sorrow on his shoulders and spare her the trauma."

Summary:

"'A queen once crowned," Luca says, "is crowned forever.'"

When the army of the Legion Queen meets the forces of Queen Katherine not even Julienne Milone’s Legion Curse is enough to withstand mist and a Queen Crowned.

Queen Arsinoe has always been fiery and she longs to disobey her Queensblood and walk away from Fennbirn forever but can she? And can Mirabella recover and leave the allure of Fennbirn and power?

And Queen Katherine, finally free of the Dead Queen’s grasp, will rule in what she hopes will be a peaceful and prosperous reign now that the mist has fallen, and the Legion Queen defeated...if she ever wakes up.

“A peaceful reign will be all the legacy I need.”

But Fennbirn is reeling, the mainland is coming and Katherine’s gift? Is darker than anyone could have predicted. The only question left to ask is how far will Fennbirn’s Queens go to protect their home and themselves?

[whatevercat]

All the books I read this year! I don't differentiate between audio, paper, or digital for my list so it varies. book list and my faves below!

Title list and whether they're a Yes No or Maybe book

Nevernight - Jay Kristoff - YES

Book of Night - Holly Black - YES

Iron Widow - Xiran Jay Zhao - YES

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies - Heather Fawcett - YES

Godsgrave - Jay Kristoff - YES

The Fifth Season - N. K. Jemisin -YES

Longshadow - Olivia Atwater -YES

Valiant - Holly Black - YES

Queen Takes Knights - Joely Sue Burkhart - MAYBE

The Princess and the Goblin - George MacDonald - MAYBE

 Crown Duel - Sherwood Smith - MAYBE

Court Duel - Sherwood Smith - YES

Vicious - V. E. Schwab - YES

The Obelisk Gate - N. K. Jemisin - YES

Nettle and Bone - T. Kingfisher - YES

The Stone Sky - N. K. Jemisin - YES

The Wolf and the Woodsman - Ava Reid - MAYBE

House of Salt and Sorrows - Erin A. Craig - YES

Darkdawn - Jay Kristoff - YES

Annihilation - Jeff VanderMeer - YES

Gallant - V. E. Schwab - YES

The Boneless Mercies - April Genevieve Tucholke - MAYBE

Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim - MAYBE

The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim - MAYBE

Spin the Dawn - Elizabeth Lim -YES

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - YES

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands - Heather Fawcett - YES

A Master of Djinn - P. Djeli Clark -YES

All the Stars and Teeth - Adalyn Grace - NO

The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie - MAYBE

Thornhedge - T. Kingfisher - YES 

Spinning Silver - Naomi Novik -YES

Bury Your Gays - Chuck Tingle - YES

The Seventh Bride - T. Kingfisher - YES

Ink Blood Sister Scribe - Emma Torzs - YES

Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia - YES

The Foxglove King - Hannah Whitten - NO

A House with Good Bones - T. Kingfisher - YES

Horrorstor - Grady Hendrix - MAYBE

His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik - YES

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking - T. Kingfisher - YES

These Violent Delights - Chloe Gong - NO

A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue - Mackenzie Lee- YES

Throne of Jade - Naomi Novik - MAYBE

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance - Foz Meadows - YES

Uprooted - Naomi Novik - YES

The Guided Wolves - Roshani Chokshi - MAYBE

The Warm Hands of Ghosts - Katherine Arden - YES

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - N. K. Jemisin - MAYBE

A Magic Steeped in Poison - Judy I. Lin - MAYBE

A Deal with the Elf King - Elise Kova - MAYBE

Black Powder War - Naomi Novik - YES

Empire of Ivory - Naomi Novik - YES

The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo - YES

My five star reads from this year with reviews that are longer than just a single word woohooooo

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies - Heather Fawcett - EXCELLENT COSY FANTASY. Emily is an autistic queen, Shadow is best boy, and Wendell is dramatic and flashy and I love him. Read if you like the Howl and Sophie (book version!!) dynamic or scary fairies more in line with the way they're presented in folklore.

The Fifth Season - N. K. Jemisin - CHANGED MY LIFE I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I literally don't know how to talk about the actual plot without giving things away but holy shit. just read it it's so good. Please investigate any trigger content that might be in this it has a lot!

Longshadow - Olivia Atwater - COSY REGENCY FANTASY ROMANCE!!! Honestly, any of Olivia Atwater's regency fairytales are super cute.

The Obelisk Gate - N. K. Jemisin - continues from the fifth season! also very good!!

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands - Heather Fawcett - continues from EWEoF!

A Master of Djinn - P. Djeli Clark - DO ANY OF YOU LIKE BOOK WITH MULTIPLE LADIES WHO ARE SO SO COOL AND ALSO A STEAMPUNK-Y EGYPTIAN SETTING FULL OF DJINNS AND ANGELS AND MAGIC I am frothing at the mouth for more of this world ngl

Spinning Silver - Naomi Novik - MORE SUPER COOL LADIES but they're in medieval eastern europe, all three povs are super great and I like the understated romance 

Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Gothic heroines a la Jane Eyre combined with 1950's mexico. an excellent horror that has a surprisingly wholesome and endearing romance within it. 

His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik - NAPOLEONIC WARS BUT THERE ARE DRAGONS. This is the first in a series and because there are a fair amount of them the books themselves can seem a little slow paced but I didn't mind it. 

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking - T. Kingfisher - BREAD WIZARD AND HER GINGERBREAD MAN FAMILIAR SAVE THE FUCKING TOWN. really good look at how children navigate an adult world and the unfair expectations placed on them.

Uprooted - Naomi Novik - GIRL CREATURE AND BOY FAILURE I love the way this book explores people who fit outside the usual mode of learning or educational parameters.  

The Warm Hands of Ghosts - Katherine Arden - exploration of a brother and sister's experiences in world war i. The prose and character study in this are incredible. 

[bookish-rival]

❄️Blizzard❄️

She twisted her fingers in his collar, threatening to choke him. Her magic irrupted and a blizzard roiled, shoving them

closer. There was snow on the King's hair, on his face. A single white flake on his bottom lip.

"I hate you," she hissed. ,,I hate you more than anyone I've ever met."

"And you think I care?" he sneered. "I hate you, too."

"Tyrant," she said rising to her tiptoes.

"Brat," he shot back.

She jutted her chin out.

"Wretch."

He dipped his head. "Witch."

"So what?!" she said, her gaze falling to that single snowflake on his lip.

He moved his hands up her neck, trapping her face between them. "Wren."

His fingers slid into her hair, holding her still.

"Stop. It."

"Make. Me."

And then they were kissing.

~ CURSED CROWNS

《《《《《☆》》》》》

▪︎ art by the lovely @ratttvioli ❤️

▪︎ commissioned by me

▪︎ Characters: Queen Wren Greenrock & King Alarik Felsing belong to Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber.

》 Please DO NOT repost without my permission! 《

♡ This fanart is to celebrate the final book & the characters featured, so please keep comments respectful, thank you! 

[simshousewindsor]

FIRST OFFICIAL PORTRAITS OF QUEEN KATHERINE I UNVEILED

Just 20 days after Queen Katherine ascended to the throne following the death of her father, King George I, she sat for her first official sitting with photographer Doretha Wilfred in the throne room of Buckingsim Palace.

The 31-year-old Queen was sleek wearing her favorite gold pearl earrings and pearl necklace, the Pearl Sunburst tiara, a red @sentate gown, and the Royal Family Order of George I.

A total of 48 photographs were taken by Wilfred and were the basis of the Queen's image on postage stamps, as well as providing the official portrait of the monarch, which was sent to every Windenburg embassy throughout the sims world.

Her Majesty viewed several of the portraits while on vacation at Beaverdam.

Twenty-one of the portraits, taken by Wilfred, will be on display when Buckingsim Palace opens to the public this summer, along with pieces of jewelry from the Queen's collection worn for the portraits.

The Royal Mint announced the production of banknotes and coins featuring the face of Katherine I. No release date was mentioned.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[edwardseymour]

@dailytudors Tudor Week 2024: Best Tudor What If?

What if Katherine Howard had given birth to a Tudor baby?

“[Marillac] wrote: ‘that this Queen is thought to be with child, which would be a very great joy to this King, who, it seems, believes it, and intends, if it be found to be true, to have her crowned at Whitsuntide. Already all the embroiderers that can be got are employed making furniture and tapestry, the copes and ornaments taken from the churches not being spared. Moreover, the young lords and gentlemen of this Court are practising daily for the jousts and tournaments then to be made.’ It was hardly surprising that as soon as the idea of Catherine’s coronation was floated, gentlemen dusted off their armour and lances to head for the tiltyards. Jousts that accompanied a coronation offered spectacular opportunities for athletic one-upmanship, and preparations for them typically began months in advance. Whitsuntide, the suggested date for the coronation, was the seventh Sunday after Easter, which gave enough time for the court athletes to practise and for arrangements to be made to crown Catherine at a point when she would presumably be beginning to show her baby bump but long enough before it would be unwise for her to exert herself with the three or four days’ worth of ceremonies that surrounded it. A coronation would raise Catherine’s prestige, and a child, even if she (preferably he) was only second in line after Prince Edward, could help her outshine Jane Seymour, her most successful predecessor. […] A baby would guarantee Catherine’s future. If she had a son, as Duke of York and the future king’s brother he would guarantee her position as a great lady. And if, for whatever reason, Prince Edward shared the fate of his late uncle Arthur and did not live long enough to either succeed or father an heir, then Catherine could find herself as queen mother and potentially regent, if her son succeeded to the throne as a minor, though given past precedent in England that job would likely go to one of her kinsmen. In light of how much could change and be secured by a successful pregnancy, it is easy to understand why early modern queens consort were so earnest in their prayers for conception and safe delivery. […] What precisely happened with Catherine’s pregnancy is unclear, and a variety of explanations are all equally possible.” — Gareth Russell, Young and Damned and Fair

✨ terfs/zionists fuck off ✨

[gabbrietteleighbechtel]

The relationship between infanta Catalina ‘Katherine’ of Aragon and her father, Fernando ‘Ferdinand’ II of Aragon

Fernando II of Aragon is known to have been a cheating husband (which, the queen, Isabel of Castile, his wife, was very aware of) and a not-so-great of a father; at least to his daughters, whom he did not care much about, seeing them as potential pawns and bargaining chips to make powerful alliances. He was, above all, an astute and cold-blooded politician and, as such, this Aragonese king was not the sentimental type of man.

It was no secret that he and the queen of Castile favoured their son and heir, Juan, prince of Asturias and Girona, over anyone else. (The queen herself would lovingly refer to him as ‘my angel’).

However, if anything has become clear to me after doing my research, is that both, the Iberian Queen and King had a soft spot for their little one, Catalina.

Queen Isabel would coddle and protect the infanta in a way she had not done with the rest of her daughters, partly due to the fact she had lost Juan and her eldest daughter, Isabel of Aragon consecutively (1497 and 1498, respectively) and partly because Catalina was her ‘baby’.

She purposely delayed Catalina’s parting to England until the very last minute, (which Fernando didn’t object to, either) and even then, she did so rather reluctantly. What is more, the queen had had the habit to accompany the infantas in their journey away from home for a little while and wave them goodbye. However, when Catalina headed for A Coruña in 1501, Isabel, either because she was feeling physically unwell or was not emotionally strong enough to do so, abstained from travelling alongside her.

Now, going back to the king.

We know the young princess would write to her father a handful of missives throughout the years, which were essentially a plea for help due to the awful state of misery she and her tiny household were in after Arthur’s premature demise in 1502.

King Henry VII was distraught by the death of his eldest son and his wife, Elizabeth of York, (the latter had passed away in 1503 after giving birth to a daughter who also died, a couple days later) and little did he care about the well-being of a foreign princess.

Not only did he fail to provide for her (the infanta had to resort to selling some of the stuff she had brought from Spain, and even then, this was not enough to sustain herself and her ladies) but also refused to return half of the dowry he had got from the Spanish monarchs, while keeping Catalina a hostage within his realm and refusing to let her return to her home country.

The situation worsened when the Castilian queen died in 1504 (aged 53) and the infanta was no longer as a desirable match as she had been when her mother was still alive.

King Fernando left many of Catalina’s letters unanswered. He did not listen to Henry VII’s demands that he paid for the rest of the princess’ dowry, either (be it because he refused to, or because he had no power to do so: his daughter, Juana, had inherited Castile, and that was where the remaining money from Catalina’s dowry allegedly was being kept. Furthermore, Fernando was not well-liked among Castilians, and his daughter, now queen, would probably not take heed of any of Fernando’s petitions for help due to the power and influence her husband, Philip of Hasburg had over her).

What Fernando did, instead, in order to improve Catalina’s welfare, was to strip de la Puebla from his title of ambassador for the Crown of Aragon in England in 1507, and grant it to his daughter, making her the first European woman ambassador in history. He would also teach the princess how to encode her letters, while instructing her thoroughly on politics, so that she could navigate the Tudor court unscathed and perform her duties as ambassador flawlessly (which we know she did).

When Henry VII died in 1509, his son Henry succeeded him to the throne as Henry VIII at 18 years old. The new young king had had the choice to marry whomever he wanted, and so, he married Catalina.

After spending seven years as a virtual captive at Durnham House in London, the whole ordeal was finally over. An extract from a letter Fernando sent his daughter after he was informed his Catalina would, in fact, become Queen of England reads: ‘(...) Porque de todas mis fijas soys vos la que mas entrañablemente amo, por vuestra virtud y merecimiento, y por el mucho amor y obediencia que conozco que como buena hija me teneys’. // ‘(…) Because, of all my daughters, you are the one I love the most, for your virtue and your merit, and for the great love and obedience that I know that, you as my daughter profess me’.

TL;DR: Despite Ferdinand II’s many faults as a husband and a father, it is safe to believe he liked and favoured his youngest child (in his own way) over the rest of his daughters.

Bibliography:

— Liss, Peggy K. Isabel the Queen: Life and Times. Second edition (Revised)., University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004.

— Pérez Martín, María Jesús. María Tudor. La Gran Reina Desconocida. Fourth ed., Rialp S.A, 2020.

— Tremlett, Giles. Catherine of Aragon: Henry’s Spanish Queen. Faber, 2011.

— Everett Green, Mary Anne. Letters of Royal and Illustrious Ladies of Great Britain, from the Commencement of the Twelfth Century to the Close of the Reign of Queen Mary I. Internet Archive. London, H. Colburn, 1970.

[thetomorrowshow]

i hope by now you know

ch 1/2

TRUST AU extra

~

Lizzie arrives in all her glory, an entourage of twenty surrounding her. Her dress is a pale pink, perfectly complimenting the streaks of pink scales among the blue that accent her skin. Her pink hair is down, long and flowing, portions of it braided intricately, beads weaved into it perfectly. Atop her hair is her coral crown, a new one crafted only two months past, pearls and precious gems set into the coral.

She bends down almost double and smiles, handing Ilphas an invitation that seems almost miniscule between her fingers.

"Milady," they bow. "Welcome to Rivendell."

Her smile grows wider. "Thank you. And with such lovely weather."

"No lovelier than your presence, your majesty," Ilphas tells her. "If you will go around the side of the church, you will find a seat prepared in the new side entrance, which should be tall enough for you to sit within."

"And my people?" Lizzie asks, gesturing to the Ocean Kingdom residents that she had brought with her. "Five are a part of my guard and staff, the other fifteen are here with invite."

"We have reserved seats for them all," says Ilphas. "Would you like someone to lead you to your seat?"

Lizzie gives an amused huff. "I think I can find it," she says, before straightening to her full twelve feet of height and heading off around the left side.

-

"Late again, sorry," King Joel of Mezelea grumbles, straightening his purple sash. "Where should I go?"

"You will be seated behind the pulpit once again," Ilphas says, accepting his invitation. "Beside the priest."

"Right. Three parts? No blessing that I need to be a part of?"

"Three parts, and no blessing. The priest will perform that ordinance."

Joel nods. "Right. Goodness, I feel like I get asked to do everything around here."

"Sire, with all due respect," Ilphas says, "you are giving a glorified speech. The important portion of the ceremony will be up to the priest."

"Still," says Joel. "Lot of responsibility."

"May Adeledi guide you to your seat?"

"Geez, I can find it myself, all right," Joel complains. "Just tell me you want to get rid of me, why don't you."

He passes through, clearly trying to hide a smile, and Ilphas shakes their head and returns to greeting the other guests.

-

Queen Katherine of House Blossom lands softly on the ground before Ilphas, two fairies landing on either side of her. Her wings flutter a bit, their lavender suiting her pale green dress nicely. Her hair is pulled up into a bun under her crown, and she smiles graciously before handing Ilphas her invitation.

"Can I go in?" she asks, rocking back on the heels of her feet, practically radiating cheerful energy.

Ilphas smiles back, nods, and ushers her in.

-

Pearl is laughing when she approaches, and she barely remembers to hand over her invitation before rushing in, dress shining gold and green and almost seeming to emit light itself.

And Ilphas stares after her, and wonders, and is oddly reminded of the Codfather himself.

-

Pix murmurs a quiet word to his advisor, then steps forward, greeting Ilphas with a hand on their shoulder.

"Is the Codfather within?" he asks, something sad in the curve of his brow. Ilphas nods. Pix frowns just the slightest bit.

"I need to speak with him privately. Where might I find him?"

"I will have Adeledi lead you," Ilphas says, after a moment of surprise and gathering their wits. "What business. . . ?"

"Not business for young ears," Pix says, and his small smile is sorrowful.

His reasoning makes little sense—most here are far older than both Pix and the Codfather—but Ilphas allows him to pass, and welcomes the next guest.

-

The Wizard Gem arrives, smiling widely, and shakes Ilphas's hand.

"It's good to see you, Ilphas," she says warmly. "How have you been?"

"Busy, as always," they say, accepting her folded invitation. "And you, Lady?"

She snorts. "Had your hands full with those two?"

Ilphas raises a brow. "I am surprised you would imply that they would be anything other than saintly," they say seriously, before muttering, "but if the two lovely lords would be able to keep their hands off each other, my life would be far easier."

Gem bursts out laughing. "Oh, I read about that! They can't touch anyone for a week leading up to now, right?"

Ilphas nods tiredly, looking past Gem at the line of visitors. "Precisely. If you would like to take your seat?"

She nods, still laughing, and steps past him into the church.

-

Shelby rides in on a wolf, wearing a sleeveless polka-dot dress, a leather backpack slung over her shoulders. She dismounts in front of Ilphas, hands the reins of her wolf off to another gnome who rides in beside her.

She reaches up for a hug—and Ilphas doesn't usually hug people, so they really doesn't think they'll ever get used to this.

"I'm so excited for them!" she whispers in their ear, before pulling back and handing them her invitation.

"I as well," Ilphas manages to say, and Shelby practically sprints inside before they can direct her to her seat.

-

Ilphas walks into the service alone, down the long aisle past so many honored guests, all the way down to the altar.

Once again, a white linen is draped over the altar, but no crown lays there. A small pillow sits in the center, two golden rings upon it. Set into one ring, cradled by miniscule golden antlers, is a pale green gemstone, and into the other, a pale blue gemstone.

Ilphas passes the altar to their seat, beside the High Priest of Rivendell and King Joel of Mezelea.

Last time they found themself here, the occasion was far more grave.

But now Ilphas settles back in their seat, and looks out over the anticipatory faces (he spots, in the doorway, King Pix slipping in and briskly walking down the aisle to the front of the room, where his seat is).

And try as they might, they can't quite fight off the smile that spreads across their face.