#Reporting For Duty Duchess

[elvencantation]

YESSS CROWN OUR DUCHESS WITH HALOS

[magnifyyourstyle]

Webtoon Implements Fast Pass Ad Unlock For Ongoing Series

[uwu-mi]

Reporting for Duty, Duchess!

Description: As a successful captain in the military, Yun-a is an icon of success and power. But after an accident on the battlefield, she finds herself trapped in a romantic fantasy novel. Stuck in a supporting role as the best friend to the main protagonist, Yun-a is determined to overturn the plotline and change Rosalie’s fate. Will she be able to change Rosalie’s fate and find happiness in the new world? Will she return to where she was originally from?

My review:

I would like to start this review by saying that I only read 16 episodes of this manhwa and I doubt I will be reading any more of it.

It's not bad, well... it's not problematic bad, but it's just poor execution and extremely boring bad.

Main character is Yun-a/Rosalie is just very bland and kinda annoying. She starts the series by reading her friends novel and stating that she doesn't like any of the main characters especially the protagonist best friend.

Yun-a is very much not like the other girls and kinda sexist type of character who immediately blames Rosaline for never breaking free of her mother abuse and for being too soft for her position.

I thought that there will be "From a Knight to a Lady" arc where the main character understands that there is diffrent ways of being strong and learns to appreciates other women. I was wrong.

But plain and boring characters is one thing, genuinely poor execution is completly another.

There is no feeling of consequences or even time in that story.

Yun-a resolves all Rosaline household problems in first 4 chapters and if not for the dress change I would think it happened in just one day.

Also in those first episodes Yun-a many times takes notice how her new body is much weaker, but also in 4th chapter she challanges a night to a duel using just a dagger and wins without a problem - no training to gain back her strenght needed.

She also suddenly wears pants and turtleneck?? Which is extremely modern outfit and so out of place but no one bats an eye when she shows up like that for the first time. I just can't understand why would she wear a turtleneck instead of plain white shirt like other knight characters. Also if she just prefered pants over dresses due to her modern experience I don't get why wouldn't she wear them more often - she wears pants on the training grounds and she wears pants during her walk through the city, but she wears dress when she's supposed to learn how to ride horses, which without propper saddle makes the whole lesson usseless

Manhwa also has a problem with stakes.

There were multiple scenes where there would be like a big build up only for the situation to be resolved in one panel, or even behind the scene so we can only watch the "effects" without any of the actual scenes.

Thers is also a problem with telling instead of showing.

There is that one scene where Yun-a and ML meet the guards and she immediately makes a scene to distract them from their interrogation. Later ML asks her how she knew he didn't want to share his name and she replies "Intuition". There is no close up on the faces to show what they might be thinking, no inner monolog explaining why she did what she did

There is no character chemistry, no stakes, no consequences - just one big nothing.

[manhwa-horses]

[choujinx]

DAEWINIM! IBEON JEONJAENGTEONEUN IGOSINGAYO? (2022-?) by bitterber

[toontalks]

Day 4 of recommending webtoons with pretty art<3

[augustinewrites]

cw: suggestive content, fem!reader

“come for a stroll with me.”

“i can’t right now,” wriothesley tells you, glaring down at the mess of papers atop his desk.

it was not in your nature to be petulant, but the over dramatic sigh that falls from your lips has him believing otherwise. 

though he wanted nothing more than to abandon the day's duties and join you on the surface for an afternoon stroll, the lord of the fortress of meropide was a very busy man. he had a prison to run.

“fine,” you say, though your exasperated tone indicates that his refusal was anything but.

“you’re the head doctor,” he reminds you, gesturing to the stacks of paper on his desk. “you know how it is.” 

“actually i don’t, because i don’t do all my work at the last minute.” 

“you have sigewinne, who does more than half of it for you.” 

“sigewinne likes paperwork,” you argue, settling yourself atop the corner of his desk. “you could have a whole team of people to help you with these things, but you’re too picky to let them.”

“they don’t do it right,” he huffs, pen scratching a quick signature across the bottom of the topmost report before shuffling it aside. “i know this place better than any accountant whose only concern is balancing a book.”

“fair enough,” you shrug, picking up and thumbing through his reviewed missives with about as much interest as one watching paint dry. he looks down just as a sneaky smile appears on your lips. “i heard it’s quite nice outside.”

“too warm,” he mutters distractedly, too lost in the process of estate management to chit-chat about the weather. 

“perhaps i should shed a few layers before heading out,” you hum thoughtfully, fanning yourself lightly with his papers. 

wriothesley looks up, about to scold you, but the words dry up before they pass the tip of his tongue. 

you certainly hadn’t outfitted yourself as a future duchess might, forgoing a frilly, structured gown for one of his own loose white button downs that’s tucked into closely tailored trousers. 

it’s with great intrigue that he watched your free hand undo the top two buttons of your (his) shirt, revealing the delicate swatch of skin over your neck and teasing him with a peak at your cleavage. 

you catch him staring as you set his papers down, eyes flashing with delight. like a predator that’s successfully cornered its prey. wriothesley - in a last ditch escape attempt - quickly looks away, clearing his throat and staring hard at the report in front of him. 

he could not get distracted today. not with so much work to do. 

but you, oh you. you hop off his desk, walking around it to drape your arms around his shoulders, pressing a light kiss to his cheek. “i suppose i’ll see you later then.”

he mumbles a reluctant goodbye but your lips linger, brushing dangerously close to that sweet spot behind his ear. 

do not give in, his brain instructs, even though it’s getting harder and harder to process the words in front of him with every slide of your hands. 

schooling his features into a calm mask, wriothesley draws a deep, steadying breath. it hardly manages to settle him because archons, you were going to be the death of him. he’s always considered himself a steadfast person with an immense focus that’d been built up from a young age. when he set his mind to a task, he was a difficult man to distract.

you and your wiles have always been proof of otherwise.

“just be back before our audience with neuvillette this afternoon.” he tells you, doing his best to ignore the heat rising to his face. 

finance reviews, surveillance reports, correspondence. finance reviews, surveillance reports, correspondence. finance reviews, surveillance reports, cor–

“stop it,” he demands when your fingertips glide across his chest, fiddling with the knot of his tie. 

“why?” you ask, voice cloyingly innocent. “am i distracting you, your grace?”

“no.”

you clearly do not believe him in the slightest. 

“care for a wager then? because i bet i can distract you by the end of the day.”

wriothesley knows that betting, wagering, or gambling against a former member of the house of the hearth is never a good idea. it’s a dangerous one.

he leans back, arms crossed over his chest as he attempts to salvage what’s left of his dignity. “what are the stakes?”

_____

you know your boyfriend. it isn’t hard for you to wind him up and get him right where you want. 

which was on top of you. 

or underneath you. it depends on the day.

there were no real intricacies in seducing the mighty and fearsome duke. it wasn’t even that hard to fluster him, because a simple brush of your fingers against his was enough to make his cheeks flush with colour.

you just needed to draw him out a little. you’re on the offense, and you know all the right moves required to force him to engage with you.

in an effort to avoid you and (attempt to) win the bet, wriothesley had locked himself in his office for most of the day. it worked out well for you, because you’d been able to sneak into his quarters holding a shopping bag from chioriya boutique.

your plan is put into motion when you hear the duke stomp up the stairs to get ready for the meeting with neuvillette. 

“get back behind that screen,” he instructs when you poke your head out from behind the divider. he’s even slapped a hand over his eyes, intent on staying focused on the task at hand.

wriothesley huffs when you laugh, turning his back to you as he rummages through the dresser. 

he’s murmuring the little rhyme he uses to knot his tie, so focused on the task that he doesn’t notice the crinkling of the tissue paper as you pull your new…outfit out of its bag.

“hey,” he asks. “are you almost ready?”

“i just need you to lace me up,” you call back, shrugging the shoulders of your gown down a touch before stepping out from behind the divider.

you turn to show him the undone laces of your gown, watching his reflection in the mirror. he’s regaled in the fineries of the duke, having swapped out his shirt for a clean black one and fastened a fine fur coat over his shoulders. you appreciate his appearance greatly, but even more so when he finds your little surprise.

“is this…new?” he asks quietly, gloved fingers brushing undone laces aside to get a better look at what hides underneath your dress. 

it was new. a custom set, in fact. your duke likes you in dark lace and sculpted pieces. 

he inhales sharply when you take his wrist, gently guiding his hand to one of the slits in the side of your skirt. 

wriothesley breathes your name softly when his hand drifts up your dress and settles on your hip, meeting nothing but skin. 

a smug, satisfied grin threatens to break out on your face when you feel his lips brush against your shoulder. you had him on the ropes now. he’s just so easy–

his sweet movements cease suddenly and he pushes you away gently. 

“you almost got me,” he laughs, quickly removing his hands from underneath your dress. he grips the laces, deft fingers making quick work doing it up and pulling it taut and tight to hide the tempting lace of your brassiere. 

“but–”

“go put your underwear back on,” he demands, delivering a firm smack to your rear. 

defeated but not the slightest bit deterred, you reluctantly reach for the abandoned garment as your boyfriend glares at the opposite wall. but losing the battle doesn’t mean losing the war. 

“should i put on the garter belt too?”

_____

downstairs, neuvillette sighs, cursing his better-than-average hearing. 

at least you’d had the sense to leave out some good tea.

[archeo-starwars]

You wouldn't happen to have an extensive layout dissection of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant? Or even a list of all notable and obscure sections of the Jedi Temple? OR or even labelled areas that are public and reserved for only temple residents. Both from canon and legends, please and thank you!!!

The best I managed to find comes from Star Wars Complete Locations - you may check out the whole archived version here. The “zoom in” option is pretty good for reading details. Below the pages (I suppose the best is to open them in new tab for better reading):

As for the list of locations, I recommend wookiepedia's list. Plenty of data, both for Legends and New Canon.

Additional sources worth to check out:

Jedi Temple Locations & Jedi Temple History - both published as official material on star wars.com in regard to prequels and New Canon sources. Pictures and references to various places inside Temple.

Star Wars.com's The Clone Wars episode guide + videoclips from the series, like

A) Jedi Archives Tour (the entrance to one of the most restricted areas of the temple: The Holocron Vault).

B) Layout of Jedi Temple Library (source)

C) Jedi Temple funeral room + environment illustration by Tara Rueping (source)

Old Data Bank for Jedi Temple

HoloNews mentioning "a mob of 20 university students attempted to infiltrate the Jedi Temple" and "managing to get as far as the Second Atrium Lobby"

Star Wars Battlefront (2) game wiki provides some map and location description

and if you have time (and patience) you can watch gameplay from 501st Legion's mission in Jedi Temple for reference, like this one

The wookiepedia's articles should give enough good idea of the rooms, their location and functions, but I'm adding a few source pages:

STAR WARS: FACT FILES #36 provides a lot informations what and where was inside the Temple and some general data about visitors, security, Grand Balcony, Grand Corridor & Towers. Not all is super specific, but worth checking out for sure.

The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia mentions this:

and for Jedi Temple entry:

As for the named locations that are public or reserved for only temple residents, there is definitely a division like that, however I'm not sure if this issue was very well explained. The source gives us some ideas, like for example, Jedi Archives have data accessible only for Jedi with rank of Master or higher (thus most likely separated areas to study). At the same time, Fact Files #25 says that Jedi Archives offers an "excellent resources to researchers, including star-map hologram consoles", but also an access to entire scientific and historical knowledge of the Republic

so non-Jedi were allowed to use Jedi Library/Archives for their own research and work-related needs. We also must remember that the Jedi Order had various scientific branches, including archaeology, exploring unknown regions, and medicine, so logically thinking Jedi worked with other, non-Jedi specialists of many fields.

We also know from various sources, that politicians and important guests were invited for various occasions. We could see in Republic comics series that Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and senator Ask Aak were allowed to listen to Jedi reporting before High Council about his last battle

or attending Jedi Funeral like Duchess Satine and Padme Amidala did for the (fake) Obi-Wan's one or just visiting as a friend/comrade-in-arm

I would need to make more research about this issue as there is plenty tie-in material to Jedi Temple on Coruscant that would take a lot time to study, but at this moment, I think the best is assume how far a non-Jedi may walk into Temple will depend greatly who is that person and what is nature of their business with Jedi.

At the same time, Purge: Seconds to Die has this line "Clone Troopers? This deep in the Temple? Not permitted."

The Jedi was in Archives herself, so it is worth to take into account that clones could have more limited access to Temple than the average guest before war did. At the same time, clone troopers could make a report before Yoda and Mace Windu/High Council, as was presented by Star Wars Tales (Honor Bound):

so it is not like they were outright forbidden to enter the temple either.

Hope it will help!

[callsign-rogueone]

this is me trying - b.s.

Brennan Sorrengail x reader when life gets to be too much, there will always be one person you can turn to. [request] 🎧: “Maybe I don’t quite know what to say, but I’m here in your doorway, I just wanted you to know, that this is me trying,” — this is me trying, Taylor Swift words: 584 🏷: no Iron Flame spoilers, just Bren taking care of his girl when she’s sad. slice of life. I left it kinda vague, so you can decide if it’s Duchess or not (reader is part of the revolution, but that’s it). this may be the fastest I’ve ever completed a request. life has also been a lot for me lately, and I gotta take care of my bbs when they’re sad!! plus, it’s Brennan, so 🥰

You knock on the doorframe gently, hesitant. 

Brennan sighs, looking up from the parchment, clearly exhausted. “Hi, love.”

“Hi,” you manage, immediately regretting the decision to come up here and interrupt his work; the unfinished incident reports strewn across his desk, the foot-tall stack of books unread, multiple letters from your allies across the continent that need to be replied to… 

He recognizes the look on your face, the crack in your voice as you try to hold it together; he knows you’re going to cry. “Whoa, hey,” he soothes, softening instantly. “Are you hurt?”

You shake your head no, feeling silly — you aren’t hurt, just overwhelmed and tired. He has so much on his plate already, without you and your emotions distracting him from his duties. You should have sorted this out yourself, or found someone else to confide in. “It’s nothing, really. I should go, I’m sorry..."

He sees straight through your excuse, using that gentle but firm tone he takes with you when you get like this, the one that tells you he won’t take no for an answer. “It’s clearly something. Talk to me.”

“I don’t know what it is. Life’s just been a lot lately,” you sniff, still trying to hold in your tears. You squeeze your hands together in an attempt to comfort yourself from where you still stand in the doorway of the office.

He feels a wash of guilt — he’s hardly seen you this week, too preoccupied with his responsibilities as an army Major to think of his responsibilities as a partner.

“C’mere,” he coaxes, setting down the paper and opening his arms.

You move to stand in front of his chair, letting him settle you across his lap, your knees draped over one of the armrests.

You’re so glad that you’d convinced him to replace that rickety wooden thing with something much more comfortable; a tall upholstered armchair that can support the weight of two people like this. You already feel better as you rest against the warm muscle of his chest, his arms wrapping around you to hold you close.

“M’sorry,” you whisper, “I know you were busy…”

He shushes you softly. “Don’t apologize, sweetheart. I’ll never be too busy to hold my girl.”

A tear finally falls as you realize that you were wrong, that it wasn’t stupid to feel this way, that you’re not bothering him. He brushes it away with a gentle sweep of his thumb.

“You can always come to me when you feel like this, no matter what I’m doing. I love you so much, my beautiful girl,” he soothes, rubbing your back. “My brilliant, compassionate, sharp, kind, strong girl.”

“Half of those words mean the same thing,” you mumble into his shoulder, though you really do appreciate the affirmations, the reassurance that he’s here for you.

He laughs softly. “There she is. Now, why don’t we find ourselves some dinner?”

He feels your grip on his shirt tighten ever so slightly, your head nuzzling into his neck.

“Can we just stay like this for a while?” you ask quietly, not wanting to leave his arms.

“Of course, my love.”

He finally relaxes into the plush upholstery, sighing deeply. He’d needed this more than he realized, needed your softness and the gentle pressure of you leaning into him to drain the stress away.

The paperwork can wait until tomorrow — the revolution will survive another day without it being completed, and he has more important things to do right now.

[elvencantation]

HAREM HAREM HAREM

[rhaenyraqueenred]

The Untamed AU: Bridgerton Version.

Mister Whistledown reports:

"Ah, dear readers, it seems the unthinkable may be unfolding in the grand halls of our ton! Marquess Jiang Cheng, the heir to the powerful Yunmeng Jiang Clan, has been spotted in private company with none other than Lady Wen Qing.

Yes, that Lady Wen Qing, who hails from the infamous Wen family, known for their dark history and tainted reputation. Yet, it is said that the fiercely proud Marquess has not only been drawn to her beauty and skill, but also to her fierce independence—traits that mirror his own.

The whispers are growing louder: it is rumored that Marquess Cheng, perhaps out of a misguided sense of honor or love, has gifted Lady Wen a token of his affections—a fine comb, so rare and exquisite that even the Duchess of Lanling Jin, Lady Jiang Yanli, his own sister, was heard to exclaim her surprise. Is it an engagement gift? Or is this simply another one of Jiang Cheng’s many impulsive acts? Only time will tell, but sources close to the Marquess claim he may be considering an escape—a secret elopement to a place where their families’ disapproval would mean nothing.

But alas, the Marquess finds himself caught in a most troublesome dilemma. As the heir to the Jiang Clan, he is bound by duty, honor, and the expectations of his family. How can he continue his bloodline, preserve his family’s legacy, and still hold onto the woman he has come to adore? As for Lady Wen Qing, the ever-graceful healer, she too faces the weight of her own family’s reputation. It seems the road ahead for them will be a difficult one, but what would love be without its trials? Keep your eyes on this couple, dear readers, for the drama is only just beginning, and if rumors are to be believed, they may very well surprise us all!"

(Who is behind Mr. Whistledown. I bet is Huaisang).

[choujinx]

DAEWINIM! IBEON JEONJAENGTEONEUN IGOSINGAYO? (2022-?) by bitterber

[daitranscripts]

Trespasser Conversation

Cullen

Trespasser Masterpost Cullen Masterpost

Married Cullen: There you are. I… I just realized I’m greeting my wife. I rather like this.

Romanced, not married Cullen: It’s good to see you. Cullen: Maker, you’re a lovely sight.

Cullen continued lyrium Cullen: This place never fails to give me a headache. Forgive me—I’m at your service, Inquisitor.

Cullen: Was there something you needed?

1 - Dialogue options:

General (Leliana Divine): Leliana’s back. [2]

General: Is there anything to report? [3]

General: Back at the Winter Palace… [4]

General: How is your family? [5]

General: We’ll talk later. [6]

2 - General: Leliana’s back. PC: Have you had a chance to speak with Leliana? Away from work, I mean. Cullen: Some, yes. Leliana has kept in contact—unofficially, of course—but it’s good to see her again. Arguing with her in person is far more satisfying.

3 - General: Is there anything to report? PC: Is there anything I should know?

Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: We were permitted soldiers here, but our every move is watched. Some things never change. [back to 1]

Cullen continued lyrium Cullen: Our every move is watched and evaluated, though that’s hardly news. There have been a few… “polite” restrictions. We were allowed soldiers, but requests for repairs, lyrium, access to certain places—it’s all highly scrutinized.

Dialogue options:

Special: So, lyrium rations… [7]

[Back to 1]

7 - Special: So, lyrium rations… PC: Do you… have everything you need? Cullen: I had hoped for a contact to—it’s an irritation, nothing more, Inquisitor. I’ve rations enough to fulfill my duties, assuming the talks are not prolonged. If that’s your concern. PC: To fulfill your duties? You do the work of ten people. Cullen: As it were. [back to 1]

4 - General: Back at the Winter Palace… PC: Do you remember the first time we came to the Winter Palace?

Cullen continued lyrium Cullen: The endless small talk—it’s all a blur now. Until that Duchess, ah… Gaspard’s sister… PC: Florianne? Cullen: I remember. (Sighs.) Given how many have tried to kill us, it’s a wonder I remember any of their names. [back to 1]

Cullen continued lyrium temporarily Cullen: The end seemed far away then. (Laughs ruefully.) In some ways, the following year felt longer.

Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: All too well. I’ve already answered a half-dozen questions about my personal life.

Cullen: The reason we’re here is because we made a difference. That’s worth enduring the political small talk. [back to 1]

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I’ll save you.

[Back to 1]

8 - Flirt: I’ll save you. PC: But you’re still glad I’m here to rescue you. Cullen: (Laughs.) Very much so. [back to 1]

5 - General: How is your family? PC: Is there any news from Ferelden? How is your family?

Choice dependent dialogue:

Cullen continued lyrium [9]

Cullen quit lyrium [10]

9 - Cullen continued lyrium Cullen: I’m sure they’re fine. I would be informed if it were otherwise.

Dialogue options:

General: You should visit them. [11]

General: I’m sorry. [12]

General: I miss the people back home. [15]

11 - General: You should visit them. PC: You should visit them when this is over. You’ve more than earned some time for yourself. Cullen: What would I say to them? I’m no longer the brother they remember. Why hurt them more? [back to 1]

12 - General: I’m sorry. PC: If you don’t want to talk about it… I shouldn’t have pried. Cullen: What would I say to them? I’m no longer the brother they remember. Why hurt them more? [back to 1]

10 - Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: My sister Mia keeps me informed. As I understand, she’s training my nephew to best me at chess.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m glad they’re well. [13]

General: Would you lose that game? [14]

General: I miss the people back home. [15]

13 - General: I’m glad they’re well. PC: All good news, then? Cullen: Not all. But most of it is, and that’s good enough.

Romanced Cullen: Mia is eager to see you again. When there’s time, of course. [back to 1]

14 - General: Would you lose that game? PC: I sense a threat to my commander’s chess superiority. I’m sure the defeat will be distressing. Cullen: I… he’s four! You could at least pretend I’d throw the game. PC: (Laughs.) [back to 1]

15 - General: I miss the people back home. PC: Sometimes I miss the people I knew before Haven. We get so busy… it’s easy for time to slip by.

Dalish PC, Clan Lavellan did not survive Cullen: The loss of Clan Lavellan… I’m sorry you carry that still. I fear at best the pain only fades. But you know that. [back to 1]

Cullen continued lyrium Cullen: If what we do means they don’t see the worst, they don’t see the cost… that’s all that matters. [back to 1]

Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: Perhaps. I’m not sure I regret that. I’ve still some time before these years balance those best forgotten. [back to 1]

6 - General: We’ll talk later. PC: I should go. Cullen: Inquisitor.

[b0ther]

i can still see it all (in my head)

lisa has always liked a challenge. this time, though, she just wants you to be easy.

pairing : lisa minci x reader (masculine pronouns. amab) rating : explicit, not safe for work (sexual content) type : one-shot tags : royalty-sorta!au. age-gap age-gap age-gap (older man and younger woman), reader is a general and a divorcee AND a dad (he also has a big dick),description of the length of reader's hair, porn with feelings, semi-public sex, cowgirl position, mating press, breeding kink, lisa gets manhandled by reader, there is an emotional scene at the end word count : 2208

author's note : title from 'daylight' by taylor swift. in my head, lisa just looks so good with an older guy,,, also this is a chance for you all to be the dilf you've always aspired to be. also note that i don't know at all about military hierarchies 💀 i really do be writing whatever

( masterlist │ ask/request │ ao3 )

Lisa doesn’t know what to think of the new scout assigned to the library.

After bringing home a glistening victory for the crown, there was a couple of months where he was not seen until he once again reemerged in a ball celebrating the Crown Prince’s 17th birthday. Lisa did not see him fresh off battle, but she heard stories. Of his shagged face, hair overgrown to his chest.

She did, however, see him on the ball. And he was full of glory: dukes and duchesses scramble to part the sea of royalty for a man to whom they owe their lavish life to. His hair was trimmed at the appropriate length—just above his ears—and his face clean shaven.

Lisa finds it odd, though, how after that day, he lounges around her library—a gift from his King, she heard, to be dismissed of all duties relating to waging wars and protecting the city. It would be inane for the King to award him with less than whatever he wanted after the almost-decade-long battle cost him his handsome face and his obnoxious wife. It’s good for the King that he didn’t want much. Just for a quiet life of defending the palace instead of the city.

Lisa personally thinks that he should have asked for more; tranquillity does not erase the profound scar down across his left eye, after all. Even if it added to his allure. Even if Lisa spends her day daydreaming about running her fingers along its length.

So, instead of being the ravenous, cruel war general that he is rumoured to be on the battlefield, he sits with his leg crossed on top of a knee and reads thick volumes of exhausting diction and verities between the shelves of her library,

The first few weeks, Lisa greets him with a warm smile as she would do to everyone. She does not indulge herself in calling him sugary-sweet pet names—he was far older, after all, and way above her ranks. Dear lord, what would he think of her?—and instead, calls him General, not even daring to mutter the sound of his surname following it.

He is helpful to her. With his swords clanking against the stony floor, he would walk after her and grab the mountaining pile of books from her arms. Wordless. He then would place them on the higher shelves, ones that she could not possibly reach without the help of some wooden steps. He looks like he has the filing of the books and reports memorised like the back of his own hand—Lisa thought that she knows this library most, but he looks like he melts right into the scenery, like he is a part of the breathing, living room.

Once, he came into the library just in time to catch her wobbling body from crashing against the cold ground. Her careless feet had misstepped, and Lisa is certain that if he wasn’t there to catch her falling body, she would have died. And maybe it was her racing heart, or maybe it was the way his wide palms grabbed her skin, fingers digging into the flesh of her thigh and almost circling her waist, but on that day, Lisa decided that she must have him.

She knows what to call him, now, when it’s just the two of them. A series of provoking “General” or “Baby”—even his given name, when she gets bold enough or if the night gets dark enough.

She would ride his cock, never really getting used to his size, as she pressed her palms against his stomach, mouth hanging open, drool spilling free, and her knees bruising from the friction against the stone underneath them. He’d call her all sorts of pretty names, cooing at how good his little librarian is milking his dick dry, thumb grazing over her perky nipples, jugs glistening with sweat.

Just as he would shoot his thick seeds up her womb, filling her hot cunt with strings of white juice, he would push himself to press their lips against each other, cursing at god at how perfect her pussy is for him.

She knows that he likes being on top—folding her in half with her scarred knees pressed against her tits. She has seen the way he licks his lower lips, watching the way sweat sticks her champagne hair to her face and chest, drilling into her tight hole with his thick length. He loves the way she rolls her eyes back whenever he hits her spot just right—loves feeling her warm walls wrapping around his dick, seeing her clenched cunt stuffed with his cream.

But he is too nice. He knows she chases that feeling of control whenever she pushes him back against the chair—or the floor—and rolls her hips. He lets her take control at times, just sitting there with his thumb rubbing against her sensitive bud, watching her body shudder at every wave of orgasm she gets just by him toying her clit. This isn’t what he is used to, she supposes, but Lisa can tell that he also enjoys the view of seeing her tits bouncing at every squeeze of his cock.

Lisa thinks that she would make a fine wife.

She isn’t rowdy like his once-wife. She is quiet, sweet, charming. Her opinions are never uttered with such strength like the Marchioness, and she imagines that he would prefer keeping her close and showing her off.

But she is just a scholar, nothing more. She cannot give him the title that he must want, or the child that he already has.

The boy is a few years younger than the Crown Prince, and Lisa can see him in his son’s eyes. They are civil with each other, just as a father and a child of royalty would be. There are habits and quirks that she observes in his son when she tutors him—little patterns that are never engraved to someone like her.

If the Marchioness had been patient and not divorced the General, he would not have been holding Lisa the way he does now. And no matter how many times Lisa has ended the night with his cum up in her cunt, there are just some skeletons that she cannot resolve.

Lisa often dreams about his tongue on her nipples. Her hard, hard nipples.

Just the feeling of his wet tongue rubbing, tugging, sucking on her teats. His low growl, his hungry looks. Just the thought of him catching her in his mouth is enough to make her cum most times. She starves for him, for his touch.

And she knows that he loves reaching over to knead on her tits, fascinated with her nipples as his cock is buried deep inside of her.

In his chamber, he would let her sit herself down his length, with her back pressed against his chest. He would rest his chin on her shoulder, and she would bury her nose amongst his greying hair, moaning at how he tugs at her nipples, rolling them between his calloused and thick fingers. His other hand would begin with caressing her other tit before making his way down to her belly, pressing down against her flesh. Then continuously trailing down, pressing his palm flat against her sopping pussy lips.

The friction of his palm against her clit would make her jolt. Lisa would claw at his big arms, silently begging for him to let her ride him, but he was too strong. She can’t fight his strength when he is holding her down.

“I’m getting older, Baby,” he mutters in her ear—his voice almost enough to send Lisa yipping through another orgasm. He sighs, pressing his nose and lips against her neck. “I’m tired. Be a good girl for me and sit still.”

And Lisa whimpers. Because she wants to be a good girl for him. She wants to be the best.

Lisa doesn’t mind getting dicked down in her library. As long as it was his cock puncturing her little hole.

Though she complained that the library is the least comfortable place where they can fuck, it seems that he is interested in the notion of pounding mercilessly into her tiny cunt against her work desk, watching their cum mix and spill against the expensive mahogany.

“I’m gonna fuck a kid into you, Lisa,” he mutters, pressing his nails down her hips to the point where it hurts. Lisa whines, hands busy trying to grab the edge of her desk as her core pulsates even more with his threat. “Fill you up— shit,” he breathes as she clenches around his cock. He lifts her ass up, positioning her so that it’s easier to fuck into her hole. “Stuff you up with my hot cum. You’d like that won’t you?”

“Yes,” Lisa gasps in between her moans, her cries, her heaves. “Yesyesyes, please—”

Her cunt burns at his words, squeezing as he drags his length out, then piercing down her walls yet again. She can feel every girth, every veins of his cock. She can feel him opening her up, urging her to accommodate every single inch of him.

“Oh, Baby,” he grabs one of her arms, forcing her off her hands and against his chest. “You’re making me feel so good,” his voice trails the same time his hand goes to take hold of one of her tits.

Her throat dries. She lays her head on his shoulder as he kneads her ample jug, blabbering on and on about how she loves him and his big, big cock.

Lisa thinks that she would make a fine mother.

She is smart, and her mother used to say that being smart is the one quality that is most important in a woman when she bears a child.

When she gets dressed, Lisa would more often than not hum before her mirror, rubbing her belly as though one of these days, he would really impregnate her with his seeds. She dreams of swinging, little baby feet; she dreams of propping her child on her chest with their chin against her shoulder. She would teach them how to read and write and count, and how to chart the countless stars in the night sky.

But her reverie would dissolve like smoke from her hot morning coffee, and she is dragged back into the world where in the eyes of everyone else, they are nothing more than colleagues.

He isn’t mean. Lisa understands absolutely where he is coming from.

Even when he kisses her knuckles, lays with his head on her stomach, twirls her strands of hair around his fingers—she understands him. She absolutely does.

If she were in his position—in his mid 40s, tired from a long battle, is the father of a son he can barely see anymore—she would also feel his amount of shame in indulging in a younger woman. It’s not her—it is absolutely him. She senses that he wants to break free of his self-imposed chain and peck her cheeks in the royal garden instead of the strange, unseen nook of the castles, but an unseen rope tugs him back over and over again to his shame any moment he deems adequate to leave.

“Lisa,” he mutters one night when they are laying together, his head on her lap. She has a book on one hand as the other gently caresses his strands.

Lisa sets the book down, “Hmm?”

He has been staring at the ceiling, and Lisa waits until he feels as if he is ready to crank his neck. Their eyes meet—she marvels silently at the way moonlight reflects on his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

She titters, pretending to be dumb. “For what?”

He smiles at her laughter, his fingers escaping each other on his stomach before reaching out to find hers. He kisses the back of her hand. “I don’t know.”

Lisa shakes her head and feels the heat returning to her chest, throat, and ears. “You’re being silly again, General.”

“I am,” he sighs, shutting his eyes. “I’m getting old, aren’t I?”

“So am I.”

Lisa sits straight and looks down at him, fingers finding their way in between the spaces of his. She brings his hand closer to her lips to kiss. “You’re overthinking.”

“I am.” He pensively agrees, as though embarrassed.

“Everything is fine,” she tries soothing him with her head tilted. “Or am I not enough?” She gently teases.

“No,” he chuckles almost immediately. “You’re perfectly enough. You are more than enough. I am content with us, just like this.”

“Uh-huh,” Lisa nods. “Then why worry about something that is not even real?”

“I don’t know,” he turns to bury his face on her stomach, nuzzling his nose against her flesh. “Sorry.”

Lisa breathes in hard—a gust of wind from the open window suddenly reveals the perfect atmosphere for her to start crying. But she doesn’t. “It’s fine.”

He remains quiet with their hands tangled with each other. Lisa bites her lips, her other hand reaching to stroke his hair. She glances outside the window—the moon shines bright that night.

She will get through this. She breathes in deeply yet again, bending to press her lips to the side of his head. She has to.

[princessanneftw]

Hardest working royals of 2023 revealed

Princess Anne tops list with more than 450 engagements with the King also increasing his time spent at public events

Patrick Sawer, Senior News Reporter and Hannah Furness, Royal Editor for The Telegraph

Princess Anne was the hardest working royal this year, carrying out 457 engagements as she lent steadfast support to her brother in his role as monarch.

The King was ranked in second place, having taken part in 425 royal engagements, while his brother the Duke of Edinburgh was third, with 297 engagements.

The Queen was fourth with 233 royal engagements and the Duchess of Edinburgh fifth with 219.

An analysis by The Telegraph of public events and official meetings based on entries published in the Court Circular showed that the Princess Royal continued to be the most industrious member of the family.

Princess Anne and the King were among members of the Royal family to increase their workload over the past year, after taking on many of the duties and engagements previously conducted by the late Queen Elizabeth.

A separate analysis last year by Reboot SEO company showed that Princess Anne carried out 214 royal engagements, while the King took part in 181.

In a typical average week this year, Princess Anne undertook between 12 and 14 engagements.

Her busiest month was February, when the Princess Royal undertook 57 engagements, which included trips to Australia and New Zealand.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator and former editor of The International Who’s Who said: “Anne is one of the best advertisements for the Royal family because she is hardworking, she is dedicated and she is popular because people look at the way she handles things and they like it.

“The public see Anne as someone who is grounded, I think the institution does need her very much.”

The King’s workload over the past 12 months included a state visit to France in September as well as his own Coronation on May 6.

Some of his busiest days have involved back-to-back meetings at Buckingham Palace with ambassadors and other dignitaries and politicians, while the King has also undertaken numerous smaller-scale engagements in the community, visiting local projects and businesses.

Typical of this was his visit to the Broke Not Broken charity in Kinross in September, where he viewed its food bank store, and vegetable garden and met volunteers and members of staff, before visiting an art exhibition and a day centre.

The Court Circular shows that over the past 12 months both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester carried out 172 royal engagements each.

The Princess of Wales undertook 128 and the Duchess of Gloucester 111. The Duke of Kent carried out 69 engagements.

An analysis of the number and type of royal engagements raises questions about the future of the monarchy, with the Prince and Princess of Wales taking a very different approach to that of the older generation.

The majority of day-to-day engagements are now carried out by those well into or approaching retirement age, with the Duchess of Edinburgh now 58 and the Duke of Edinburgh turning 60 next year.

The Waleses have deliberately chosen to focus on fewer patronages, hoping to use their power to shine a light on issues close to their hearts to make a bigger difference.

Traditionalists have raised questions over who will pick up the numerous daily visits around the country in the newly slimmed down monarchy with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex departed and the children of the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Duke of Edinburgh not working members of the family.

Dickie Arbiter, the royal commentator who was press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth from 1988 until 2000, said Princess Anne provided invaluable support to the King.

“She just gets on with it, often carrying out multiple engagements in one day,” he said.

“Of course much of what the King does is behind the scenes, in meetings and going through his red boxes, which doesn’t warrant a mention in the Court Circular.”

Mr Arbiter added: “Anne is a tremendous support to the King. He bounces ideas off her. For an ageing monarchy they are doing pretty well.”

[houseofbrat]

The excuses have arrived right on time…🤡

When has Duchess Dolittle ever put the Royal Family first? Ever?

The article is behind a paywall but I can imagine it’s the usual of “she’s the only MOTHER in the world to get cancer, she shouldn’t be expected to do any duties besides Wimbledon, Trooping and other photo ops that are not patronages or any real work.” Maybe there’s even a “PS: could Charles just hurry up and die or abdicate so we can get the Kween Saint Cathy we all deserve”. 🫠

The version I came across didn't have a paywall.

[archive link]

This whole article is the same shit we've been hearing about since last June. It's basically this:

Becky English reports:

Now, as she prepares to celebrate her 43rd birthday on Thursday – quietly with family and friends (her children start back at school the day before) – there will be much for the Princess to process, as well as to be thankful for. She has, I am told, returned to doing the school drop-off, attending sports fixtures, taking the children to play dates and tennis lessons and even going back to the gym to build up her strength. And it will no doubt be of comfort to know how universally popular she remains, despite her enforced absence from public life for much of last year.

Kate can go to the gym & do the school run, but she will not do any engagements this month. Got it?

However, her ordeal over the past 12 months has also inspired Catherine (and, of course, William) to steer a new course, I understand, in 2025 and beyond – one that puts greater emphasis on balancing the importance of their family with the family. That's not to suggest either are any less committed to their public duties, and the number of public engagements we see from here on will continue to slowly increase. It's just that the Princess simply won't be going back to work in the same way as before, insiders say.

When have they ever NOT put the importance on THEIR family?!

They take 20 WEEKS OF VACATION PER YEAR!!

Kate's not "going back to work in the same way as before," eh?

Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah...

That's from JUNE 2024. More than six months ago.

She doesn't want to work, but she doesn't want to divorce her husband.

All of the perks, none of the work.

To understand why events have prompted a subtle, but significant, adjustment in thinking, it is important to cast your mind back to this time last year. Exactly a week after her birthday, Catherine was admitted, amid huge public shock, to hospital for what has only ever been officially described as 'planned abdominal surgery'. While it is true that her two-week hospital stay was not as a result of being rushed to the London Clinic as an emergency case, no one should underestimate the seriousness of her surgery, which would have required many months of recuperation, I am told.

"What has only ever been officially described as 'planned abdominal surgery.'" That is some interesting word smithing, Becky. It's as if you know that's not the real story but won't come out and say the truth about what really happened. Including a statement about "not as a result of being rushed to the London Clinic as an emergency case," seems like Kate really WAS rushed to the London Clinic, but KP is never going to be truthful, are they? I wonder what else KP isn't telling the public that they should?

As a result, the Princess was advised to undertake a course of preventative chemotherapy, as soon as she was strong enough. Catherine has been admirably open about the effect it has wrought on her, talking about the 'complex, scary and unpredictable' nature of her treatment and, above anything, her and William's desperation to find a way to protect their children as much as possible. 'It's impossible to go through that kind of trauma and not to be changed as a person,' friends agree. And while the Princess may be in a significantly more privileged position than many cancer patients in terms of her care and financial security, a well-placed source stresses: 'There's no hierarchy on the sheer terror of being told you have cancer, particularly when you have a young family you need to protect.'

"Admirably open"?! Is that what we're calling Kate's "not out of the woods yet" statement from June? Or her woodland nymph video last September? Both?

'It's impossible to go through that kind of trauma and not to be changed as a person,' friends agree.

Actually, that sounds more like someone who had a suicide attempt and lived than someone who had "planned abdominal surgery," as KP is still calling it, and later had "preventative chemotherapy" for "pre-cancerous cells."

That it came at a time when the King was undergoing his own cancer treatment made the situation all the more challenging for the couple. Fortunately, the monarch's condition was caught early and, while his treatment is still ongoing, doctors are incredibly pleased with his progress. But in those early, uncertain days, the Prince and Princess were also forced to consider the possibility of acceding to the throne far earlier than expected, which would have huge ramifications for them as a family.

Interesting how King Charles is still undergoing treatment, yet Kate's "treatment" was finished by early September at the latest. Yet, excuses must be made for why Kate cannot and WILL NOT do royal duties while an elderly man will go out in public and do his job on a regular basis. Interesting how that works...

Becky continues:

All this is why, even though she is making great strides in her recovery, we shouldn't expect to see the Princess returning to full-time royal duties any time soon, I have been told by multiple insiders. A royal source confirms: 'There is no huge reset button that's going to be hit in January. 'What we will actually see is a slow continuation of the Princess balancing her recovery and her public-facing duties, as she outlined back in September [when she warned her recovery was still ongoing despite having completed her chemotherapy].

So Kate isn't going to do engagements this month. I bet I have that right. Probably not next month either.

'Cancer impacts on your perspective, and what you have seen in the decisions they have made over the last year is that family and their children continue to be at the centre of their universe. Both Their Royal Highnesses have a strong commitment to duty, service and using their platform for good. 'But what they are working on is ways they can balance themselves as parents with being the Prince and Princess of Wales.' So how will this take shape?

20 WEEKS OF VACATION PER YEAR.

That's how this is going to go. Most people can only dream of 6 weeks or maybe even 8 weeks. Hell, there are people in the US with cancer who don't even get TWO!

In the Princess's case, as well as a slow return to full-time public duties, there are no plans – yet – for any full-scale foreign royal tour – although it is not denied she may join her husband on one short trip, should she feel up to it. For his part, William will undertake a 'handful' of solo foreign visits in the coming months, another sign of Catherine's progress. Notably, however, they are likely to be shorter two- or three-day visits (until his next big Earthshot event in South America in November), particularly in comparison with the long tours of yesteryear. 'Everyone is adjusting the dial,' explains a source, meaning the Waleses will strive to not be away from home extensively. As for Catherine, her 'early years' work – her campaign to promote the importance of the first five years of a child's development – is still her 'number one' priority and will continue to be a key theme of everything she does.

William is going to do solo foreign visits yet can't go to DC for a state funeral. Uh huh. Wake me when that "handful" of foreign visits happen that aren't related to his pet projects.

They have a full-time nanny plus grandparents, yet can't be away from home long. Must continue the helicopter parenting at full speed.

What has Kate done for The Early Years recently? A meeting or two? And she's going to have more meetings this year? What a punishing schedule!

Although we may not see her in public as much as we did before for the foreseeable future, there is no doubt that she is still very much involved behind the scenes and working on long-term projects. 'She continues to work closely with her team at Kensington Palace and the Centre for Early Childhood', a source adds. She is also expected to attend key royal events such as Trooping The Colour and The Cenotaph as she did last year, for example. 'It's about pace,' a source adds. 'I think she would also prefer to confirm only when she is certain she can attend events, rather than get anyone's hopes up and then have to pull out.'

Basically we're not going to get proof of life of Kate until she does the Easter walk this year? Am I right? Then Trooping after that. Won't do much of anything in between due to her punishing "recovery" work schedule.

What does her staff do these days? Sounds like the easiest job ever. Just clock in. Boss has no public work. Just re-arrange her closet. Collect paycheck. Anyone could do it! Except for the people who answer the mail and interact with the plebes. Those people are still working.

This approach is also in part due to the unedifying and, at times, downright cruel social media and public commentary around her illness in the first half of last year when, in the words of one insider, 'the world just went mad'. It upset – and angered – the couple more than many realise.  And it has made them even more determined to continue to tell 'their story on their own terms'. As a result, they have massively beefed up their own media team, employing in-house videographers and photographers and working with freelance filmmakers such as Will Warr (who shot the much- talked-about family video released in September).

Well, well, well...

There we have it. Public figures get public criticism, but Will & Kate can't handle it. We all get feedback at our jobs, but Will & Kate aren't interested in anything that doesn't portray them as the most perfect angels ever.

Or perhaps William is the only one who can't handle realistic feedback. Kate obviously isn't doing anything, even though she has a private secretary. What does he do? Assist in the closet arranging? After all, it's William who is the royal and is the primary principal at KP.

I recall Tina Brown's comment from last year: "In light of all this, William’s comment that his plans for a caring, sharing monarchy also include “throw(ing) some empathy in there” made him sound like a performative pinhead. In happier years, it was the irreverent Harry (or Harold as William lugubriously used to call him) who could tease the Prince of Wales and take him down a peg. There are too many people around William now who, in Kara Swisher’s inimitable phrase about those who live in a gilded bubble, “lick him up and down all day.”

Yup. William should have fired his comms chief, Lee Thompson, last year, but it seems that man is still employed, even though Thompson has fucked up their public reputations. William is still too naive and dumb to fire him.

Instead, William is doubling down on the approach of doing things only on social media. Hence, the hiring of more videographers and photographers. Seems William loves those end of the month Instagram reels that showcases William not doing much of anything. Doubling down on producing propaganda that William is the bestest royal there ever was, while his wife goes to the gym and does the school run.

It's shaping up to be two adults--Will & Kate--who can't appear in public because they're too afraid of the public and any criticism. Bodes well for their futures. I'm sure there's no scandal coming around the corner for them to avoid interacting with normal folks. Nothing that they've misled the public about.

Becky continues:

It has also hardened the Princess's resolve not to allow her recovery to be blown off course by gossip and speculation. This is particularly with an eye on her much-talked-about Mother's Day photograph of her with her three children, which triggered a slew of conspiracy theories after a number of photo agencies retracted it following concern over what were unwise but largely harmless edits to the image. In a statement, Catherine later admitted to carrying these out: 'Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.' One who knows her well says: 'She will do what is right for her, and particularly her family, every time, regardless of what anyone says. She is calmly determined.'

Oh, is cancer now caused "by gossip and speculation"? I don't recall any health authority stating that. But people with mental health problems often have to worry about what people say to them. If you've had a mental breakdown and attempted suicide, then I can see how you can't read the papers and interact with normal people and need to function in your own little bubble for a few years.

"She will do what is right for her, and particularly her family, every time, regardless of what anyone says. She is calmly determined.'

Yes, and I'm sure that's why Charles awarded Kate the Order of the Companions of Honour. Royal shade to the last drop.

However, sources are at pains to make clear that her recovery is very much on an upwards trajectory and all are hoping for 'much more normality' in 2025. 'I think anyone who saw her at the carol service last month, which was a lovely bookend to what has been a horribly difficult year, was so pleased to see her back and could see for themselves how much better she was,' a source adds. 'It was clear she was also happy to be back doing the things she loves. She is determined to make what she does count.'

Because not doing royal duties is fulfilling the "much more normality" requirement. Sure. Uh huh.

Another positive sign is the release of their first royal warrants, I understand. Warrants are a mark of goods and services to a senior member of the Royal Family and are highly coveted as a stamp of excellence, providing a significant trading advantage on the UK and global stage. Only senior royals are permitted to grant them, and there has been much debate as to whether the new Prince and Princess of Wales would follow suit, not least because any association with Catherine – who has proved herself to be one of the world's most powerful influencers (albeit not one who ever personally profits from it) – would offer grantees unrivalled cachet.

You mean William's royal warrants? NO Princess of Wales has EVER issued royal warrants. Not Diana. Not Camilla, Not Mary. Not Alexandra.

The monarch determines who is allowed to issue royal warrants. Haven't seen Charles make a declaration that Kate will get to issue warrants on her own. Given Kate's honor last April with the Companions of Honour, I'd say there's no way in hell that Charles is going to allow Kate to do that. Not when Kate has clearly RETIRED from royal duties.

But the Kensington Palace comms team is going to portray William's royal warrants as "joint warrants" to make sure everyone knows that Will & Kate are STILL MARRIED! They're still a TEAM! Whatever they have to do to make people think Will & Kate aren't covertly separated, and she hasn't ditched his ass in private.