#The Marriage of the Unseen Duke

[crabbarts]

The Marriage of the Unseen Duke by Maine Kanade and Mitsuru Tokino

[ljaesch]

Manga UP! Global Launches More Manga Titles on Its Service

Square Enix’s Manga UP! Global has launched Ryō Ishiyama’s Dragon and Chameleon, writer Maine Kanade and artist Mitsuru Tokino’s The Marriage of the Unseen Duke, Hajime Fusemachi’s manga adaptation of Toshio Satō and illustrator Nao Watanuki’s Suppose a Kid From the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town light novel series, and Kiri Wazawa’s The Morose Mononokean manga in English. Dragon…

[baeshijima]

— stardust

the world is a vast place. in the grand scheme of things, humans are but a speck of dust; much like how you are sure you are nothing but a meagre speck of dust in the world he lives in, forever to be remained unseen. (if only you knew how you are the brightest star he'd ever laid his eyes upon.)

CONTAINS : gn!reader, 1.5k wc, royalty!au, contract marriage/marriage of convenience, fluff, smitten reca bc what would he be other than smitten, a little hint of bittersweet at the end if read between the lines aha...

A/N : ....i have a paper due monday. i havent started it. why do i do this to myself. (reca i love u can u not hear my cries and wails as fic after fic appears in my brain for u...)

Duke Reca of the northern territory; to many he is a well-accomplished noble, a young genius set for greater things, and the owner-slash-founder of the top theatre company. He is an idol — a role model to those who aspire to be more involved in the artistic side of the world.

To you, however, he is an absolute lunatic, the bane of your existence, and your contractual husband.

It's not like you had much choice. It was either: a) remain as a hollow puppet whose strings danced at your family's fingertips, or b) find some way to escape with outside power.

You, of course, chose the second option. Unfortunately, that somehow led to you meeting the young duke when out in the shopping district, trying to escape the suffocating presence of your family's knights accompanying you by running into a secluded alleyway, even if it was for but a momentary breather.

It was a whirlwind of a meeting... quite literally. Bodies flew; clothing tousled; breaths stolen. Well, at least for you it was like this. He, on the other hand, looked right as rain. (Lucky bastard.) You hadn't realised it was him at first, too absorbed in hasty apologies and the numbing bloom spreading across your backside like a wildfire (really, they ought to incorporate more padding in these flimsy clothes!), but when he uttered an apology of his own for not paying attention to his surroundings with an arm outstretched to help you stand, your mind all but blanked. What was someone of his status doing in a dingy alley? Didn't the newspapers report word of his self-confinement, having not stepped foot outside his manor in fervent preparation of his upcoming performance?

No, never mind all that; wasn't this a blatant opportunity being presented to you? An outside power that could help you escape the clutches of your family...

With gritted teeth, all sense of self-dignity was cast aside as you grasped his outstretched hand with both of your own, gazing into his widened eyes with your own narrowed ones.

"Your Grace, I know this is hardly the appropriate time nor place, but please... marry me!" Your words echoed within the enclosed space. Duke Reca blinked slowly down at you, and it was then you realised you never elaborated. "In... in a contractual marriage of convenience, of course."

"Oh?" he grinned, amusement and intrigue twinkling in his eyes. "And what is it you can offer me?"

"I..." Truthfully, there was nothing you could offer which would be beneficial to someone like him who had everything at the tips of his fingers. You were but a speck of dust in his world, merely floating and remaining unseen within his view. But even so, here you kneeled before him, his gaze wholly fixated on a speck of dust such as yourself. If nothing else, you at least had your desperation — a desperation to be your own person. "My lineage may be from that of a baron's, but I am confident I can be of use to you if you would permit it. So long as you accept my offer, I will do anything to aid you, whether that be through practical means or a performance you wish to see."

A beat of silence.

"Ha... haha... ahahaha!!"

And, as if things couldn't get any worse than a sore rear and disgruntled self, you were pulled out of your daze by a pair of gleaming carmine eyes, a maniacal grin, and his body, now kneeled just like you were, so very close to your own.

"That determination... how brilliantly you burn with such an expression!" The sheer glee which bled through his tone sent shivers down your spine, having never realised someone so esteemed had such a side to him. The duke breathed a breathy laugh and slightly backed up, his hands still holding your arms. "Alright, I look forward to seeing how brightly you will shine in your performance, my dear leading actor."

...Was it too late to back out and find an alternative solution?

Admittedly so, for the next thing you knew vows were declared and you were moved into the duke's residence. You could still remember your family's aghast expressions the moment you declared you were marrying Duke Reca and thus cutting ties with them. It was oddly freeing to see their contorted faces reveal their true nature.

Life as the duke's spouse was... something, to say the least. His servants and attendants almost seemed to have shed tears of joy at the revelation of their ever so lonely duke (their words, not yours) finally settling down and getting married, asking you questions such as how you both met, what drew you to their duke, who popped the question first, why you chose him of all people, so on so forth. It was... cosy. Something you admittedly weren't very accustomed to, but found yourself welcoming nonetheless.

One thing you never expected was for the duke to have a little pet of his own; a little toad dressed in a miniature beret and matching suit, at that. Assistant Director is what Reca had called her, and you think for someone so obsessed with the arts he ought to up his naming sense. She was also quite susceptible to compliments, something you discovered when commenting on the little toad's cute attire, with the duke's baffling translation of her bashfulness and her own compliment on your own looks. Apparently. You're not really sure, but you're inclined to believe it ever since she claimed a spot on your shoulder.

As the days-turned-weeks-turned-months bled into each other, you found yourself oddly lost at how well-adapted you have become of your new life and the duke's personality. From impromptu displays of affection both in and outside the manor to sporadic radio silence on his end when wholly consumed by his fervent passion for a project, you sometimes wonder just how you're still alive with the amount of heart attacks the man has given you.

But despite his... eccentricities, to put it lightly, there are times where you can't quite put a finger on certain expressions he would make when he thinks you're not looking. They're unlike his (once again, to put it very lightly) passionate eyes when rambling to you during mealtimes about an upcoming performance the troupe has; unlike the sheer mania he can exude when something truly sparks his inspiration; unlike the playfully smug grin he would give you when swooping down in dramatic flair to press a long kiss to the back of your palm; unlike the rare darkening of his expression that you cannot help but stiffen at when something or someone in the troupe doesn't quite match his expectations.

No. These ones are... soft. A kind of tenderness and unprecedented longing able to be identified if scrutinised close enough. It was evident in the ghost-like touches he would trail along your skin, as though afraid just a little more force would do irreparable damage. It was evident in the attention to even the most minute details, having everything from clothing to food to the decor suited to preferences you yourself never realised you had. It was evident in the way unadulterated fondness leaked through his tone when his unique terms of affection for you slipped through his lips when all was silent and you were supposed to be asleep.

"My dearest star..."

...Much like now, it would seem.

The bed dips by where your knees slightly bend, hidden under the beige covers. A familiar musky scent surrounds you not long after, and you find yourself involuntarily relaxing at the comfort it brings as your head further burrows into the pillow.

You want to stay awake, even if it's just for a second longer, to hear what he has to say to your less than conscious state. But, oh, his fingers threading through your hair and softly massaging your scalp and the gentle touch of his forehead against yours and the subtle comforting warmth that rolls off his body in waves does little to help you fight the sleep which easily takes over.

Oh, whatever! You'll just try and catch what he has to say next time.

Eventually your breathing evens out, only soft snores now heard within the large shared bedroom. Upon noticing this, Reca cannot stop the fond smile which lifts the corners of his lips, nor can he prevent the softening of his eyes as he continues to gaze at your sleeping form.

"My dearest [Name]," he whispers into the dead of night. Even now, several months later, he still cannot believe his luck to have run into you in that alleyway. It must have been fate which made him heed its call, urging him he would discover something sure to escape that terrible slump plaguing him for weeks on end.

Sure enough, it brought him to something irreplaceable; something he has been searching desperately for.

You.

And, with the tenderest of kisses pressed to your forehead that would put even the most sickening romantics to shame, he murmurs words of promise against your skin, an oath he swears to uphold no matter the obstacles which stand before him.

"In this life, I will ensure you have only the best of endings."

if you enjoyed this, reblogs and/or comments are greatly appreciated <33

[charlotte-of-wales]

A speech by The Duchess of Edinburgh at the Community Sport and Recreation Awards, at Headingley Stadium, Leeds, ahead of The Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday:

First may I say how wonderful it is to be here with so many people who are doing so much to change lives through grassroots sport. There have been some remarkable stories that have been honoured today and a particular congratulations to Fulham Reach Boat Club for being recognised as Community Club of the Year.

If I may, I beg your indulgence for a few minutes, as I wanted to also take this opportunity to recognise another great milestone and share a small tribute to my darling husband as he celebrates his 60th Birthday, this Sunday.

Now I know from the many years of marriage we have chalked up, 25 years in June to be precise, he will be horrified at seeing me up here speaking about him in public. Without looking at him, I am guessing he will now be sitting back with slightly narrowed eyes, possibly with his arms folded, or one arm stretched out across the table and to all intents and purposes looking identical to his father when I made speeches about him.

I twice spoke about The late Duke of Edinburgh in his presence, on both occasions feeling like I was about to launch myself out of an airplane without a parachute, but holding on to the vague hope of a soft landing. You have to appreciate that my father-in-law never liked anyone to pay him compliments, believing that it was the organisations he supported that were important, not him.

However, the fact that I wasn't in the doghouse after either of the speeches reassured me that I hadn't at least committed any major faux pas and I was therefore able to stand the getaway cars down.

So, like then and with my husband of the same opinion as my father-in-law, and with fresh fully fuelled cars at the ready here goes – as I give you more of an insight of the man to whom I am so proud to be married.

Edward is probably best known for his support of the youth organisation the DofE, founded by his father which takes much of his time as he chairs committees, writes strategies as he helps to guide and shape the current activities and future of the charity in the UK and across the world. He challenges those who lead it, encourages others who work within it or support it, and loves meeting and chatting with those who benefit from it. You can only guess the number of hours he devotes to this, the most inspiring of youth charities.

Beyond the DofE, he passionately supports an array of other charities and organisations, each of which he takes as seriously. Whether it be focussing on the sporting endeavours from athletes around the Commonwealth both able and disabled; encouraging organisations offering opportunities for people to gain access to sport and activities such as the fantastic work of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, which we are celebrating today; working throughout the arts with young talented musicians, or seasoned professionals who enrich our society, or visiting and encouraging the wonderful Central Caribbean Marine Institute which does so much to protect and enhance our unseen and vital underwater world. The list is long and a reflection of just some of his interests.

I encourage you to take a walk through his CV of affiliations and marvel at the breadth of them, each doing their part to make our world a better place and to understand that he is not just a name on a piece of paper, but that he commits of himself to them all and cares deeply for each of them.

He takes undoubted pride in his military affiliations too. Not only do I think that he wears a uniform extremely well, he takes an enormous interest in their vital work and loves nothing better than to go offline and spend happy hours talking one-to-one with those who do so much to serve our country.

He has been my guide and shown me the way over the years. He has given me much help and advice (not always taken I admit), and his knowledge and instincts that have been honed over decades of service are invaluable - so we share speech notes (not this one, sorry darling!), chat through issues our patronages may be tackling, and together I think we make quite a good team.

Like an iceberg, what is seen above the water or in public is only a small proportion of what goes on behind the scenes. What is never seen or can ever be quantified is the effort spent on ensuring good governance for his patronages, encouraging people to support worthwhile causes, chairing committees, meeting chief executives and think tanks, writing papers, speeches, forewords, introductions, the list goes on.

But whatever he is doing he gives 150% of himself, and if all else fails he gives any energy he has left out to our exhausted dogs or laying waste to the garden. Like my father-in-law, my husband never seeks compliments for himself. So when acknowledgment has come his way it has always been a total surprise to him, which is why I am grateful for this chance to, for once, be able to publicly celebrate and compliment him.

He was so happy and humbled when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth made him a Knight of The Garter in 2006 and was equally delighted and moved the day His Majesty The King – who we are both incredibly proud to support – made him Duke of Edinburgh. Both he deserves in equal measure and I am so proud of the man he is.

He is the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend.

So here's to you my darling Edward and may I along with all your family and so many friends and many others wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!

[hoshinoyozora]

Roses in the Thorns

🖤 Pairing: Yandere! Malleus Draconia x Female! Fae! Reader

💛 Word Count: 2,3k+

❤ Warnings: -

[Edited]

Do not re-upload my writing to another website or use it without my permission. Also, don’t ask for a sequel unless I like the story enough to write one. Please reblog so other people can see my stories!

***

I haven’t seen ch 7 yet, but I heard Mal causes snow too when he’s upset? Idk let’s just say he does that here XD Also the meaning of the title is that rose often denotes romance, but is it really romance in their relationship? @married-to-google-translater

Malleus didn’t really like going home.

Of course, he missed his grandmother that worked hard in his stead. His little rose garden waiting to be tended and admired. And his palace that held the comforting yet no less fascinating gargoyles and grotesques. But he didn’t miss the loneliness of his status and species, the fear from people, and you.

The fiancée that his grandmother set up from some Duke a few centuries ago.

It wasn’t as if he hated you, per se. You did your job as a princess and a fiancée very well, perhaps a bit too well, strengthening Queen Maleficia’s fondness for you. She, out of all people, knew just how lonely he was, regardless of his attempts to hide it, and you were more than ready to spend the next centuries with him. Malleus knew he should be delighted, grateful even, that his fiancée wasn’t a shy or fearful thing. But if he had to pinpoint why he disliked you, he might not be able to answer it quickly.

“Welcome back. I miss you.”

You hugged him tighter and closer than any royal couple had done, than any royal couple was supposed to be doing. You hummed contentedly against his shoulder, trying to sway him side by side. You weren’t fazed by his rigid body, however, and merely smiled up at him.

“The castle feels so lonely without you, you know.”

Malleus squinted slightly. He never really knew if you were jabbing at his little insecurity or if you genuinely felt that way. Maybe he was reading too much into your actions, maybe he wasn’t. Who would’ve known?

“I see. That’s unfortunate.”

A neutral answer; neither sympathizing nor mocking. He pushed you away, gently as to avoid any suspicion from the unseen eyes and ears that your relationship wasn’t as harmonious as it should be.

“Avoidant, as usual.” you mused, trailing after him with your hands clasped behind you. “But allow me to accompany you a bit more, Malleus. Fortunately, I have a loose schedule for today.”

Your smile widened just as your eyes glowed in the dimly-lit hallway.

“Because I knew you’d come back to me.”

Ah, that’s right. He disliked you because of your confidence. While it didn’t exactly tiptoe the line of arrogance, it was still annoying how you thought he favored you any more than he favored other women desperate for his hand in marriage. Then again, he couldn’t really fault you for trying. A cold, formal marriage might be the standard for many royal couples, but a harmonious one – both in public and private – would greatly benefit your relationship and image.

And yet…

“I’m tired. I’d like to rest for now.”

Your confidence wasn’t the main reason behind his antipathy.

“Are you sulking, Malleus?”

It was your perceptiveness. Your ability to make him feel naked, vulnerable, tamed. Lilia had that power too, but he was his caretaker and retainer. He cared about him. While you? You were an enigma. A wildcard. A stranger that his grandmother was forced to marry soon.

“What makes you think so?”

Calmly, you closed the doors of his bedroom.

“Why, your face says it all, of course.”

Instinctively, Malleus touched his face. Was he really that expressive? Lilia could read him, but once again, he was his caretaker and retainer.

You chuckled, “Are you thinking about whether you’re being very expressive right now?”

His eyes widened slightly.

“Well, you’re not. But I’ve spent centuries observing you, so I can pick up all your emotions now.” You peeked through your lashes coyly. “So, did you finally find some joy in that school?”

Malleus resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. He shouldn’t be surprised considering that you were his fiancée, but he knew that had you were more blatant with your ‘observation’, he’d think of you as another Rook Hunt instead.

“I didn’t go there to search for amusement.”

“Oh, really? Not even a new friend?”

“The people there are mostly pleasant.”

You simpered, eyes softening slightly.

“You know I’m not talking about schoolmates.”

“Quit talking in riddles. If you don’t have any business left to discuss, you may leave my chamber at once.”

“Always so cold to me, and yet, you’re strangely warm to that magicless human.”

Stiffening, Malleus whipped around and gripped your arms.

“How did you know about Yuu?”

“Are you really asking me that? I’m your fiancée. I ought to know about your matters, too. How else can I help you if you encounter problems?”

“I already have Lilia with me. I don’t need your intervention.”

You cocked your head in mock questioning.

“Really? Just like how you’re barely invited to any event, including the ceremony? Or how your own retainers forget about you sometimes?”

Malleus ground his teeth.

“I suggest you to watch your tongue if you don’t want to lose it.”

“Oh, but what would people think if they found out that you punished me due to a simple couple spat? And we don’t need to imagine how Her Majesty would react to this. She loves me, you see, and you know it too.”

“Don’t think you’re invincible, [Name].”

“Maybe.” You shrugged carelessly. “But I’m the reason why people started to look at you in a better light now. If I were to, say, complain that you’re being hurtful towards me, they’d sooner believe me over a big, scary dragon.”

His grip tightened. As much as he hated to admit it, you were right. Ever since you got engaged to him, you often invited him to events and used the power of social pressure by displaying affections to him. Of course, Malleus had no choice but to comply and requite the unwanted gestures. And those nobles, foolish little creatures despite the intelligence they touted, immediately believed the act and spread the news all over the country. Now, everyone knew you both as an unconventionally loving couple; surprising but no less heartwarming.

But he could care about his image later.

“Whatever you do, do not harm Yuu in any way.”

You huffed a laugh.

“You wound me, Malleus. When have I ever treat humans so unjustly? They’re a part of our people, too.”

Malleus squinted and opened his mouth to retort, only to close it back. What was he going to say again? That he thought you’d hurt Yuu out of ‘jealousy’ of his friendship? Thinking about it was silly enough; saying it aloud would make him a bigger fool. You probably couldn’t feel jealous, not when you seemed so complacent even in the face of threat. What would you respond later? Another jab? Another sneer?

***

“Lilia, are you the one who told Princess [Name] about me being excluded to school events?”

The cup hovered as Lilia paused to process the question. Peeking up through his lashes, he discerned Malleus’ agitated expression.

“Why, even if I don’t tell her, she can still find out somewhere else.”

“You know I don’t like it when she meddles in my affairs,” Malleus grumbled. “and now she knows about Yuu’s existence too. What if she hurts them?”

“I’ve been observing her, and never once did she mistreat humans. She might seem like a know-it-all, but she’s only trying to do her duty. Let’s not be too paranoid.”

Despite Lilia’s attempt to reassure him, Malleus couldn’t subdue the agitation in his chest. You were too unpredictable, in a way that might just be worse than Lilia. Even if the said fae wasn’t his retainer, Malleus would still trust him to be around Yuu due to his wish for a peaceful life.

Unfortunately, his anxiety was proven true when he spotted you talking with Yuu in the Ramshackle yard at one night.

“Oh, hi, Tsunotarou!”

You glanced at them in bemusement yet devoid of surprise, as if you knew the nickname was harmless. On one hand, Malleus was relieved to know that you wouldn’t scold or punish them for discourtesy like Sebek would’ve done. But on the other hand, he was still angry at your insolence.

“Pardon us, Yuu, but I’d like to speak to her first.”

“Oh, yes. You guys are, uh, dating, right? Go ahead.”

Squinting, Malleus grabbed your wrist and dragged you to a secluded spot.

“Why did you tell them that we’re ‘dating’?! And what are you doing here?! Why didn’t you tell me that you’d come?!”

“I just want to know what compelled you to them. It’s rather baffling, but I think I understand now. That child doesn’t see you for your species, right? They don’t even know about your true name.”

Malleus remained silent.

You simpered, “And it appears that you didn’t tell them about your status too. Why? Are you afraid that they’d change their mind about you?”

“That is none of your business.”

“You know, they’re the one who thinks we’re dating. And they’re not wrong. We are dating, aren’t we?”

“That’s because you’re being nosy!” Malleus hissed. “Can’t you just stop bothering me and let me have some peace for once?!”

Suddenly, your face hardened just as your body went rigid under his grip. It was rather eerie to see you without your calm smile or the way your eyes stared at him without their usual gentleness of complacency. Had he finally displeased you?

“Your grandmother once told me that you liked to read fairy tales and dreamed of happily ever after. I can give you that, and Queen Maleficia knows I’ve been trying for the past centuries, but it seems that my efforts are actually futile all this time.”

You snatched your wrist from his grip and stopped beside him.

“One day, you shall see that I’m the constant part of your life. Not even your fragile and temporary friendship with that magicless human can replace me.” you declared quietly. “And one day, you shall come back to me once the loneliness becomes too overwhelming for you. Because I am the only one you need in your life.”

The wind blew past him, and with it, you were gone. Malleus looked at your empty spot, wondering since when the silence rang too loud in his ears. Then, he scoffed.

How silly. You were useful as a princess and fiancée, yes, but as a companion? No. He didn’t need you platonically or romantically, and he was sure he could live for the next centuries treating you as a business partner or a distant roommate. Just like many others before him.

He could bear with that cold, formal marriage. He was sure of it.

Seasons changed, the calendars turned their pages, and Night Raven College became a distant yet bittersweet memory. Crowley officially failed to bring Yuu home, so Malleus decided to give them a new one in Queendom of Roses so they’d feel close to their friends. It didn’t lessen their eternal anguish and longing, but at least they were able to hide it in the letters and smile at him on the rare times they met. On the other hand, ever since that incident, you’d become distant despite your new status as his wife. Although you were still successful at fooling the nobles with your loving façade, the people close to you managed to sense the wall between you. It was concerning enough until Queen Maleficia decided to confront you both, and with a masterfully calm smile, you replied.

“We simply have a disagreement, but I assure you, it won’t affect our duties or images in any way.”

Malleus could tell she didn’t really believe it, but she sighed in a way weary parents usually did, including Lilia. And you both weren’t exempted from Lilia’s admonishment itself.

For years, the invisible wall remained sturdy, neither heightening or lowering

Until, one day, Yuu died.

Nobody needed to guess who the culprit was when blizzards and thunderstorm kept falling interchangeably around the country. Lilia had implored him to calm down to prevent more deluges in the small villages, and at one point even proposed to visit you for comfort, but Malleus merely lashed out at the latter. How dare he suggest such a ludicrous thing?! All Malleus wanted was to meet his one and only friend again, not you. Never you.

But, alas, Yuu’s fate was already set in stone, and for all his power, there was nothing Malleus could do. The storms had lessened, but dark clouds still lingered in the already gloomy sky. The cloud was heavier around him who refused to leave his room, leaving the court to handle the brunt of his duty. Including you.

“[Name].”

Calmly, you sipped the warm tea and put the cup back to its saucer. You didn’t turn to look at him, but Malleus knew you were listening. You were always listening for him, about him, and the thought strangely flattered him now.

Malleus crossed the drawing room and stood beside you. He stared down at you for a moment before he kneeled.

“You’re correct.”

It was an abrupt apology yet no less sincere. He took your hand from your lap and clasped it within his cold and desperate hands, looking at you pleadingly despite your silent refusal.

“You are… the true constant part of my life. My queen, my wife, and my companion. I was mistaken to believe that my friendship with Yuu could be anything but…” He swallowed the grief and pride. “fragile and temporary, not when they were a mere mortal in my impossibly long life. Forgive me for being so blind and foolish to the truth.”

Malleus rested his forehead against your lap, already resigned to the silence that might stretch on forever. It wasn’t until he felt a hand prod him to raise his head did he obey.

Finally, you looked at him.

“I told you.” you whispered, caressing his cheeks with your thumbs. “You’ll come back to me. Because you just can’t live without me, can you?”

“Yes, yes, of course. You are the only I need in my life.”

Slowly, you smile widened just as your eyes glowed in the dimly-lit room.

The same confident and complacent smile that he once hated but now loved.

The same confident and complacent smile that told him you won this centuries-long game of cat and mouse.

“Good boy.”

[the-banana-0verlord]

The yanderes of Nevermore

Notes: Gn reader, yandere themes, etc. You can choose to see some sort of contuinity between the paragraphs or not. also GO READ NEVERMORE IT’S AWESOME AND ON WEBTOON.

***

There were times when you made Lenore saner and others where you drived her crazy. But it all broke down on the day she kidnapped you, taking you away from your arranged marriage until lightning struck twice and killed you both.

Annabel Lee was absolutely whipped with you. She learned the news of your death the day of her unhappy wedding, as the knife of her fiancé struck through her heart. But now that she found you again, she’ll use all of her power to make sure you’ll stay by her side.

It was common knowledge that Morella had nothing else than good intentions. It was those intentions that drove away all of the people she considered a “bad influence”, even if they were your friends. You were left isolated, turning to her and only her for support.

Duke was a trickster: one second he was there, the next he was nowhere to be seen. You were also a troublemaker, a quality not unseen by him. Using nothing but his wits, he tricked you into more trouble than you thought, with only him able to be your knight in shining armor against the Dean’s wrath.

Pluto worshipped the very ground you walked on and celebrated every breath you took. Everywhere you went, he was there, following you like a shadow. He hated everyone you talked with as they were not worthy of your smile and your kindness. He would make sure they’d disappear.

Berenice was not one to hide her affections, and god forbid a man would even look at you in the wrong way. But it was no use to try and get away: everytime you manifested your uncertainty, she would still smile, but her claws would dug deep into your arm as a warning.

Eulalie was strange, to say the least, but you gained quite a liking to her as she stuck around. To this day, you still have no idea of the horrors she has done to keep her for herself thanks to her seemingly harmless nature.

Dignity was a bizarre concept to Ada, as she would throw away every last shred of her own to satisfy you. For you, it was privacy you lacked: no matter how many times you tried to avoid her, she would pop up beside you like an unwanted weed.

Prospero may be cold, but he is also entitled. As your fiancé in your past life, he believes you belong to him. He doesn’t hesitate to punish you harshly if you fail the duties he assigns you to be what he calls a “good partner”.

Montresor was anything but a good man: selfish, greedy, cruel and a hypocrite. While he was busy sleeping around as he pleased, you were forbidden of showing even the slightest glimpse of your neck to one of these peasants. You were his and his alone.

Do not underestimate Will. Like Pluto, he is similar to a lost puppy, sticking by anyone who is stronger and will “guide” him. His instinct is to serve, even if his last act of service would be to die in your name.

You don’t remember when or how you died, or how long it has been. All that mathered is that you woke up in Merry and Mourn’s arms as their new little doll, a plaything to use until bore.

***

Have a good day/night!

[captain039]

PART 6 Intertwined with a mortal

Ascended Vampire Duke!Astarion x human!reader

Slight alpha Duke!Wyll x reader

Bridgerton x Astarion 👍🏻

Warnings: Olden times, swearing, age gap, tension, slow burn, vampire Mates, vampire things, angst, sexual, harassment, bigger reader, fat shaming, 18+, angst, Astarions trauma, anxiety, depression, learning to touch and love, big dislike for children lmao, AOB, artist reader, manipulation, jealousy

Previous part <-

You were biting your nails as you sat with Wyll by the lake, mind elsewhere.

“You’re miles away Milady” he chuckled lightly and you sighed.

“Did something happen?” He asked and you glared ahead.

“Yes! I don’t know what his game or problem is!” You snapped, but also trying to be mindful of those around you.

“I don’t understand this and my mother is so invested in me marrying you!” You gritted your teeth.

“Would it be so bad? Duke Ancunin is not a potential suitor, he’s a problem” Wyll said and you stared at him.

“To be married to me?” He added his eyes shy and you froze, had he not realised you weren’t interested in him? You loved his company he would make an omega beyond happy.

“I can’t marry you!” You hadn’t meant to snap and the poor alpha flinched and you felt horrid instantly. Your heart dropped and you saw his hurt instantly, you stood and apologised before briskly walking back to your family ignoring his calls.

It’d been two days since then and you were prepared to rip the skin off your bones. You cried in frustration throwing your canvas and throwing your paints and jars on the floor before crying. Your father and mother had rushed in as you sobbed. Your mother took hold of you and took you away from your room to sit out in the hall as your mother called the servants. Your mother held you as you sobbed and clutched onto her.

“I can’t do this!” You cried while she hushed you.

“I just ruined a perfect marriage” you added.

“Sweetheart,” your mother said softly.

“Duke Ravengard wasn’t your one, you were friends nothing more” she said and you looked at her as she smiled softly.

“Your dancing with Duke Ravengard was fun and familiar your dance with Duke Ancunin was passionate, a silent dance of two souls becoming one, it was amazing” She wiped your eyes.

“The heart wants what the heart wants” she said bringing you back to hold you as your father came out to sit on the other side of you.

“I snapped at him, I ruined the friendship too” you explained and she sighed softly.

“I’m going to invite their family for tea, please explain to him what’s happening, and put his thoughts to ease,” she said and simply nodded.

At the dinner you ate awkwardly, picking at your food before you all went to the living room, one of Wyll's half sister playing the piano. You sat next to Wyll feeling nervous as you glanced at your mother who gave you an encouraging smile.

“Duke-“

“Lady-“ you’d both spoken at the same time and chuckled softly.

“You first” he said nodding and you hesitated.

“You first I’m going to mess up,” you said and he smiled, but nodded.

“I apologise for what I said, it was self-indulgence,” he said sighing.

“I know your heart is already intertwined with Duke Ancunin and I cannot get between that” he said and you felt tears roll down your face. You quickly wiped them away.

“You’ll make an omega really happy, you’ll be happy with them I wish nothing less for you,” you said as he held your hand and kissed the back of your hand.

“I just-” you sighed.

“I know,” he said softly and you sagged a bit, giving his hand a small clench before looking at his sister playing.

The next party was held at the Ancunin residence, the place was grand and darker in terms of decor, it made the pale elf stand out more, like a star in the night. You had kept to your mother's side, hoping nobody would ask you to dance. Chatter filled the room as you stayed silent briefly glancing to the Duke. He kept his perfect act, but there was an unseen tension in his body, his body trembling subtly every now and then. As the dancing began, it was slower and more intimate dancing, the music somehow suiting him and the feeling in this room. You were off to the side seeing Wyll dancing with an omega you briefly remember, Lady Lila, she was smiling softly as the duke led her. You sensed his presence though and you turned seeing the duke standing there, red eyes on yours as he held his hand out, no words spoken as you took it.

As you joined in his arms you felt your previous feelings melt away as you stayed in the moment, feeling his cool hands holding you. You sighed lightly his scent filling your nose. No words were spoken, but the dance spoke for you, apologies and new feelings as you moved together. As the dance ended you both bowed as you gave a small smile before leaving back to socialise for the rest of the night.

His mind was suddenly at ease as he felt your hand in his, your familiar warmth touched his body and your sweet honeyed scent filled his nose. You looked perfect tonight, a cream dress with lace on the top, pearl earrings and necklace to match, and your hair done up differently again. He felt an urge to untangle it, watch it flow down and frame your face. He didn’t find a need to say anything, say something flirtatious or tease you, he felt at ease and nobody else mattered in this moment. He didn’t know what he was feeling, the way you moved with him so effortlessly like you were made for dancing together, the way you relaxed against him despite not knowing him or his monstrous secret. He felt different, you weren’t his prey, he was yours and he’d already fallen into your trap.

Next part ->

[the-bed-gremlins-reading-list]

Hi hi, just stumbled in your if, and it seems really promising. I really like isekais and intruder-narrators, so it's literally my cup of tea. The mysteries in this series will going to be thick, I feel it, especially if gods are so present in the narration. Furthermore, i want to know who our killer is in the original world. Are we going to have flahes about the MC's last life?

As of a prompt, I would like one of AubbyXRune (cause I shipped them straight away, what can I say, I love a friends to lovers).

I became truly heartbroken when I saw that they are a Romantic Option, so please, my lord/lady/Lairdship, indulge my plea T . T

I haven't read the others' asks, and I haven't found out your pronouns... So what is your pronouns, dear author?

It was Truck-san, obviously. Okay, so the first world was supposed to be where the skills were developed originally but I decided I liked the mentor set-up with the Laetoria better.

Everything about the previous world is open to your HCs. The only set thing about the murderer on that path is that the MC knew them. I don't plan on having any flashes of the MC's last life. The only exception MAY be initiating a "Return" path - I'm still debating whether I even want to do that branch since it means that you're actively initiating the events from canon, including your brother's death.

"She" and "they" work best for my pronouns! Thanks for asking. :)

Auberon and Rune ended up being pretty cute together. Surprised me a bit how soft Rune is for Auberon, but it's a bit different a dynamic than they have with MC (where they and Auberon are more equals vs MC has always been someone Rune protects).

Characters: Auberon and Rune An evening early in their time in the Sun City.

The raven is young - and impatient - it's too intelligent eye fixed on them, then turning to look pointedly at the nearby refreshment table and then back again. It's been making warbling croaking noises at the knight for the last ten minutes without success.

“I don't have anything for you,” they inform the bird.

The feather-duster’s begging only got louder. A few heads turned from the garden party to stare. Rune put their most determined stoic knight face on - they are on duty. They silently remind themself that they are guarding their lord, stoically and professionally, and definitely not being bullied by a bird.

As if standing here in armor with their post in the sun, just beyond the relief of the shade from the tents wasn't bad enough.

They aren't even the one that's been feeding the local birds! (They're just always around when the asshole is bribing his favorite informants.)

“How cruel,” Auberon teases as he escapes from a tangle of other nobles. (Matchmaking, not politics, if the tightness around his eyes is anything to go by.) He lifts an arm up for the raven to perch on instead of the ornamental tree it has been using as its pulpit.

“This is your fault.”

“Mm,” the duke hums as he feeds the creature a treat. He's still wearing his courtly persona so his laughter is kept to his eyes as he fusses after the bird.

Rune glances to the nobles watching their…friend. Friend. It's an odd title - too much the truth and yet it feels like a lie.

And these Nasenii circle him with golden nets. Marriage proposals made it break his wings. Promises sweet as poison and twice as deadly -

Auberon leaves off playing with the bird and slips in the way of his view, blocking off the party, his eyes flashing faintly gold as he sends the young bird away.

“Your eyes,” his tone is quiet but firm.

A warning, a reminder that their…condition is not well known at that it is best for them all that it stays that way. Rune knows that and yet…

Auberon’s hand at the back of their neck, their foreheads pressed close. The scent of the inks made to dry unseen beneath the citrus scent the duke preferred, and the imagined smell of wind and salt air - of home - lingering beneath it all.

“There's the color I adore,” Auberon smiled as Rune felt themself settle. Their other side quieted in the presence of the one who is so much more than their friend and lord.

Rune reluctantly drew away. Their scars felt itchy under all those gazes and they were all too aware of the sweat building up beneath their armor.

Auberon turned to cast a gaze back at the party. “My sibling made their escape some time ago - perhaps we should do the same?”

“Please,” they murmured. Only remembering once they were away: “Wait - you wanted to speak with -”

“This way I can gather more blackmail before I approach regarding road repair - I think I am close to having several names to spook the minister with.”

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

Portrait of a Dead Girl

Summary:

Alina Starkov was given to Duke Aleksander Morozova of Os Alta in marriage when she was fifteen years old. Within a year, she was dead. The official cause of Alina's death was marked as putrid fever, but many at the time believed, and many in the future will go on to believe, that she was poisoned by her husband.

-

This fic is completely inspired by The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrel, which is a work of historical fiction based on the real lives of Duchess Lucrezia d'Este (née de' Medici) and Duke Alfonso ii d'Este of Ferrara. You don't need any prior knowledge of The Marriage Portrait or history to read and enjoy this fic, but know that my writing is very much going to mimic that of O'Farrel in format and although I'm hoping to write the story in my personal usual writing style I will definitely be borrowing a lot of my descriptors, symbols, and so on and so forth from O'Farrel - there will be some of mine too though :)

Warnings for this chapter: non-consensual touching, fear of violence, discussions of death, discussions of murder, implied abusive relationship, manipulation

AO3 link

Chapter Eight - A Killer’s Response to a Kiss

Krepost, near Pykan - Now

“You still look cold, my love,” says Alexander, after Alina has finally finished forcing herself to swallow the venison down, “Come, sit by the fire,”

Alina tries to shake her head but she is shivering as she does it, and her husband only seems to find her faint protest amusing. He thinks she does not want to be any trouble, perhaps, and enjoys the humility of his little duchess. His hand closes over hers and Alina lets him lead her towards the hearth. The heat of it is immediately intense, as though she has passed some unseen border into a warmer, maybe even nicer world. No sooner has she stepped towards the small of the two chairs that lay waiting for them in front of the grate than Aleksander’s arm has looped around her waist, and Alina finds herself pulled, not roughly but somewhat unexpectedly, onto his lap. 

Is he being affectionate, she wonders, or does he intend to finish her this very moment? Will his large, strong hands close about her throat? Will he thrust her towards the flames? Are these her last moments to draw breath? 

But Aleksander’s hand is loose, where it sits just above her left hip. She can feel the shape of his thumb, as though it is scratching at her bones, as it begins to circle very lightly on her side. He smiles at her. His other gentle hand is laid against her knee, and Alina is trying not to stare at it. 

Is it possible that she has let her imagination get the better of her, after all? She has always been told it is too wild, too unruly, too unseemly. And he is looking at her so kindly, now. His hands are soft, his eyes are calm; everything feels safe and gentle. He surely does not mean to hurt her. Does he? 

Without being entirely certain of why, Alina leans in and presses her lips briefly against Aleksander’s cheek. What is she doing? She really doesn’t know. Maybe she is testing him, somehow. How would a killer respond to a kiss? 

Aleksander is smiling, looking up at her with the expression of one who has received a pleasant, if rather benign, surprise to end their day. Alina tries to return the upturning of her lips. 

“What was that for?”

She has to search her mind, quickly, to reach for a response. Words that would appease him, maybe even something that would convince him to spare her if he truly does have darker plans. 

“Just… to say thank you,” she manages, after a horribly fraught moment that, to Alina, seems to stretch for years, “For bringing me here. For everything you’ve done for me,”

“You don’t need to thank me,” he murmurs, and the hand by her knee drifts a little higher, “But you can definitely kiss me again.”

He leans his face up towards her own, and Alina drifts away from herself as she lets her lips press against his own. Their foreheads are touching. The hand on her hip moves upwards, finding purchase flat against her back, fingers spread wide, holding her in place as the kiss deepens. He hand on leg moves to her right hip, now, and its thumb finds a new shape to draw into her skin. 

He cannot mean to hurt her. It isn’t possible. 

Alina has let her imagination carry her to wild, foolish places, and she needs to calm herself. It is purely fiction. No-one could kiss someone that they intended to kill. Not like this. Not with passion and depth, with care and hunger. He does not want to kill her. 

They draw away from each other slowly, faces still close, hands moved to hold each other’s in their own. Alina opens her eyes and sees her husband has already done the same. His cheeks are flushed. He is staring deep inside her, his thumb circling tenderly against her palm. 

The temperature in the room, she thinks, feels entirely wrong. One half of her body, the side facing the fire, is too hot. Far too hot. In fact she feels like it is burning, as though beads or sweat are forming on her forehead and the bare skin of her hands and wrists is turning red, or even flaking off. Aleksander shifts slightly beneath her, and her dress rustles as though in response. The side of her that is facing the rest of the room is still too cold. Her skin might have paled and turned blue, for all she could tell, and there might have been tiny icicles growing from her eyelashes. She wants to laugh again, though she couldn’t possibly say why. 

Aleksander shifts again and she realises he is making to stand up; she hops to her feet, one hand still tucked inside of his, and he follows her up. 

“It’s getting late,” his voice is made of silk, “Let me show you to your chamber,”

Alina nods. Her husband has led her most of the way across the room, almost all the way out of the door, in fact, by the time she finally summons the courage to voice the question that has been bothering her ever since they left court this morning. 

“When will - when will my maid servants arrive?”

Her husband does not look back at her when he says: 

“Oh, I should think it will be sometime tomorrow, perhaps the day after,”

Alina falters. 

“But you said they would leave straight after we did and-”

Aleksander does turn now, and his grip on her hand tightens. It is only brief, but for a moment Alina’s fingers are squashed against each other as though they are being suffocated, or crushed into fine pieces. 

“It is late, Alina,” her husband says, and there is something in his voice that does not  beg further question, “The roads will be dangerous at this time. You wouldn’t want your women to fall into trouble, would you?”

“No, of course, it’s just-”

“I’m sure you can survive without them for just one night,” 

His voice is cold. Alina smiles. 

“Of course,”

As though the moment had never even happened in the first place, her husband’s features soften. His hand reaches out, a slow and deliberate movement, to twist the end of Alina’s plait between his fingers. 

“I miss your long hair,” he says, voice low, and she does not say that she misses it as well, that she never would have cut it by choice, “But you are still beautiful,”

She thanks him, and they walk upstairs in the kind of silence where Alina cannot entirely decipher whether it is weighted or not. It feels strange. They walk down a hall and then up a staircase, then take a few turns before another, narrower set of steps comes to greet them. Alina is so badly aching from the day of travel that she is half-tempted to suggest she simply slips into a smaller room and moves up to her own chamber tomorrow when they are greeted by a third, steep stone staircase, but thankfully this is the final one. A few more turns, another hallway, and that is all. Alina finds herself trying to remember the pathway that they’ve carved through the krepost, as though she may need to traverse her way quickly, and alone, back out again. Left at this hall, right at that door, right again at the top of the stairs. She tries to hold it in her head but it’s like clutching at wet soap; the firmer she attempts to grip, the quicker it slides free and jumps away. 

“Here we are,” says her husband, as they finally reach the right door. 

It is ornate; carved wood with a heavy metal handle, flowers and woodland creatures dancing idly on the wood that had been delicately painted by a talented hand. Red spider lilies; a distant bird silhouetted in the sky; chrysanthemums; foxes; roses; rabbits. Aleksander’s left hand opens the door and holds it open. His right hand is balanced on the small of her back. 

“After you, my love,”

Alina smiles again, and something deep and ancient seems to relax inside her chest and allow her to breathe easily once more. He doesn’t mean to kill her. Of course he doesn’t. What foolish notions her mind carried; truly the runaway wonderings of a child, not of the young, beautiful, sensible Duchess of Os Alta.

Aleksander has no intentions of killing her. He loves her. 

Tomorrow, she will wake up vomiting.

[mermaidsirennikita]

Hello hello, I'm looking for book recs where heroine is pregnant through the book, at least maybe half of it. I know a few CR on this but I'm actually looking for HR. Babies usually pops up as proof of HEA in epilogue lol But I want it to be in the story, sex and everything, the whole dynamic. You're the only person who I think can actually help me with this ❤️

Oh I can for sure help!

The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath--Heroine is (heavily) pregnant at the beginning of the book, gives birth around the halfway mark. This is Gorilla Twins, so the plot is that she was married to the earl and had an antagonistic relationship with his identical twin (who kissed her when she was engaged to his brother, because she didn't know who he was). The hero is the identical twin who pretends to be her husband after the husband dies on an African safari (husband asked him to do the pretense, because the heroine has a history of miscarriages and he doesn't want her to get shocked). There's no p in v sex during, but they get each other off while she's pregnant.

Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath--Heroine's husband was rendered impotent in an accident caused by his best friend (the hero) years ago, and he asks the hero to get he heroine pregnant, you know, as a favor. One of my favorite books ever, my favorite Lorraine Heath, peak angst. The heroine get pregnant I wanna say around the halfway point? And is pregnant for the rest of the book. No preggers sex, but a lot of angst and sexual tension and romantic shit. Has a supremely angsty scene where she's like oh the baby is kicking have a feel and he's like "it CAN'T be MINE" and I cried.

The Viscount and the Vixen by Lorraine Heath--Hero marries the heroine to keep her from trapping his elderly father (who put out an ad for a bride). She's actually pregnant by another man when they marry and plans to pass the baby off as the hero's. Naturally, she's pregnant when they start having sex.

When the Earl Met His Match by Stacy Reid--Maybe my favorite Stacy Reid? Heroine has had a correspondence with this Scottish guy and knows he needs a wife to help him into society. She gets pregnant by her lover and her parents plan on sending her child to a baby farm, so she runs away to Scotland and asks the hero, sight unseen, to marry her. He complies and agrees to recognize and raise the baby as his own. He's mute, btw, so he communicates through writing and she learns sign language for him and it's lovely. No sex during pregnancy, but they do stuff, and as soon as that baby is out and she is healed it is ON. LIKE. OOOOOON.

The Recruit by Monica McCarty--Medieval Scottish book. Hero and heroine are supposed to be betrothed (she's a widow) and they hook up while she knows who he is but he thinks she's a servant. He says some shit that really turns her off and so when he realizes she was the woman he was supposed to be betrothed to, she refuses him. Months later they meet again and oops, turns out he left behind a souvenir. He basically forces her to marry him and they have to figure out what to do with this marriage shit. Toooons of pregnancy sex; she's pregnant during the majority of the book. My favorite Highland Guard book thus far.

Seducing A Stranger by Kerrigan Byrne--Hero and heroine fuck in a garden as strangers because he's doing so vigilantism and she mistakes him for a sex worker (she was in the garden looking for a SW to deflower her before she married an asshole). A couple months later, he's called to a murder scene because he's a detective and it's her groom, dead, with her holding the dagger, and she's like don't worry they won't hang me I'M PREGNANT WITH YOUR BABY. Quickie marriage ensues and so does pregnancy sex, but he fully believes she's a murderess lol.

The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe. Hero and heroine married and he left without consummating it for reasons, 6-8 years later she needs his baby for other (legal) reasons. He's been living on the continent this whole time and they haven't seen each other, so she basically learns how to act like a courtesan, wears a wig and makeup, goes to Italy (?) to seduce him, it works, she leaves, he finds out she's pregnant and tricked him and is PISSSSSEEEED and he goes to their home to be like "THE OTHER SHOE JUST DROPPED". I forget if they had pregnancy sex or not, but she's pregnant for much of the book. I love this novel lol.

This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan. A bonkers book, I love it. The heroine pretended to be compromised and pregnant to avoid a bad marriage and got sent away to Scotland (she's actually a virgin). The hero is a Scottish guy whose family line has basically had this thing where the lords always die while their wives are pregnant with their first kid, and it's this whole curse deal. He's very bummed about it, but when he meets her she's hot and he believes she's pregnant with another person's kid, so he thinks marrying her and raising her baby as his own will give him an heir and circumvent the curse. Buuuuut lol right after a vERY vigorous wedding night he realizes she was a virgin and therefore not pregnant, and she's like curses ain't real, but then when that wedding night DOES leave her pregnant for real shit starts happening that makes her wonder. WILD.

[feyhunter78]

Six Times Helaena and Jacaerys were Soulmates (3/7)

Description: Prince Jacaerys and Lady Heleana are set to be betrothed, each unable to see the color of their soulmate's eyes. Legend states that until one meets their soulmate, the color will remain hidden from their gaze. Both Jacaerys and Heleana hold hope in their hearts that the other will bring that color to their lives.

Purple, that was the name of the one color he could not see. It went by other names as well, violet, mauve, amethyst, lilac, lavender, plum, and many others. All shades that refused to bloom before his eyes. His brother, Lucerys, said he wasn’t missing much, that purple was not anything extraordinary, but Jacaerys knew better. Purple was the color of royalty, the expensive dye made from small snails that gave their lives to create this unseen color.

He dreamed of what his soulmate would be like, and collected objects of purple, storing them all in a small chest. Dried flowers, jewelry, a pair of gloves, and other trinkets that held his soulmate’s color.

He was heir to the throne, prince of the realm, and a dutiful son to his mother. He did not argue when she informed him, he would be marrying the granddaughter of Duke Otto Hightower. Lady Helaena, the sweet-voiced daughter of Oldtown.

“I’ve been told she’s quite beautiful, and kind as well.” His mother said, her eyes were blue, clear as the sky and as ever-changing as the sea. The letter in her hand bore the script of Lady Alicent, Helaena’s mother.

“That is good to hear,” he said. Every woman would be described as beautiful by her family, especially in a letter to her betrothed.

“She enjoys gardening, music, embroidery, and reading as well.”

Jacaerys nodded, he enjoyed reading, perhaps they had some favored authors in kind.

“Does it mention the color of her eyes?” He asked. He knew the answer before his mother responded.

“No, it does not. But that’s not uncommon, many families do not wish to give each other reason to call off a betrothal before the pair has met.”

Jacaerys knew it’d had been a folly to hope, but a small spark still burned within him. Perhaps Helaena would have purple eyes, the ones that would breathe life into the world around him and finally allow him to see that ever elusive hue.

“Helaena and her family will arrive in a few days’ time, make certain your brothers will be on their best behavior.”

“I will, Mother.” He bowed and left her study.

Helaena often asked those around her about the color brown. It climbed up trees, was the color of the fresh dirt, and leather. Aegon said it was the color of refuse and commoner’s clothing. Aemond said it was the color of their mother’s hair, of training weapons, and tables. Her mother told her it was the color of warmth, and steadiness, like the logs added to a fire, and the frame of a bed.

When she’d been informed of her impending marriage she was frightened, she’d saved her heart, her affection for her soulmate, the man with eyes full of warmth, who would steady and support her. Prince Jacaerys was known for his honor, and loyalty to his family. She’d heard as much whispered by members of her grandsire’s court. He was also known for his visage, and stature, the kitchen maids would giggle and whispers stories of his prowess in battle, of his raw strength. It frightened her, she did not wish to marry a brute, no matter how handsome he might be.

“What if he is unkind?” She asked her mother, embroidery hoop in her hand.

“He is Queen Rhaenyra’s son, I was quite close with her when we were both young, she was a kind girl. I have no doubt her son will be the same.” Her mother reassured her.

Helaena was not convinced. She’d met plenty of kind women with horrid sons, they pinched her, and devoured her with their eyes in the most immodest ways. Their eyes made her feel cold, and unbalanced.

She sat quietly in the carriage beside her mother and grandsire. King’s Landing was a crowded place filled with brown, Helaena kept her eyes low, sneaking glances out the window when her mother wasn’t looking. This was to be her home now.

Jacaerys straightened his tunic, his head held high, as he awaited the arrival of his betrothed.

The carriage came to a stop and Duke Otto emerged first, eyes sweeping over the grounds with an air of disinterest. Following him was the Lady Alicent, she gave his mother a small smile that turned into an expression of surprise when his mother wrapped her arms around Lady Alicent and squeezed her tightly.

“My friend, how glad I am to see you.” His mother said, a bright smile on her face.

Lady Alicent returns the smile and the embrace. “Rhaenyra, it is good to see you.”

“I am saddened to hear of your husband’s passing, he was a good man.” His mother whispers, her eyes full of sympathy.

“Yes, he was.” Alicent whispers back, before gesturing towards the carriage. “May I present my daughter, Helaena.”

Helaena steps out of the carriage in a gown of soft pink, that extenuates her figure. She moves with an effortless grace that reminds Jacaerys of clouds, or the way wind skims across the surface of water, leaving elegant ripples in its wake. Her hair falls in waves over her shoulders, her lips a petal pink, but it’s her eyes that nearly stop his heart.

Framed by long lashes, her doe-eyes are the most brilliant color he’d ever seen. This was purple, no violet, no mauve, with each moment he continues looking into her eyes the color shifts and changes. It’s as if he’s staring into a glimmering geode, full of sparkles and dimensions, each angle casting a new and fascinating light on the world around them.

He steps forward and takes her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Helaena.” He presses a gentle kiss to her hand, hoping she doesn’t notice his own hand trembling. When his eyes meet hers, she gasps, and he knows she’s experiencing the same rush he was.

“The pleasure is all mine, Prince Jacaerys.” She bites her lip, then seemingly gathers her courage. “You have beautiful eyes; I believe brown is now my favorite color.”

He hears their mothers’ hushed exclamations.

“And purple is now mine, princess.” He runs his thumb gently along her cheekbone, admiring her ever-changing eyes.

Helaena blushes, and the pink in her cheeks is his new second favorite color.

“Well, a happy day, then. The betrothal, we planned for the good of the kingdom, is now a betrothal between soulmates.” His mother says, clapping her hands together in joy.

“Perhaps we should let the pair have time to familiarize themselves with each other, while we finish any last minute preparations?” Lady Alicent said, linking her arm with his mother’s before beckoning her father forward.

They head inside the Keep and Jacaerys is still entranced by Helaena’s eyes.

“I hear you are quite strong?” Helaena questions, breaking him from his trance.

Jacaerys scoops her into his arms, and she lets out a surprised yelp before throwing her arms around his neck for stability.

Helaena isn’t quite sure if she wishes to faint or fling herself at her betrothed—her soulmate. His eyes are warm and steady, comforting around her as naturally as tree roots burrow into the soil. There’s a depth to them that she wishes to fall into.

In the sunlight, his eyes lighten to a darkened honey tone, and his gaze radiates a heat that feels like standing by the fire on a cold winter’s day.

He is tall, tall, and strong, his shoulders are broad, and his hands are large, so large she wonders if they could span around her waist. She didn’t have a slim waist like other ladies of the court, better for bearing heirs her mother would tell her, and the way Jacaerys’ eyes drank her in made her feel like a goddess.

When he scoops her into his arms, she protests, “My prince, you truly do not need—I am much too heavy.”

He shakes his head, lightly tossing her up in his arms before catching her once more. “You are as light as a petal to me.” His eyes scan her face. “And as beautiful as a rose, perhaps that is what I shall call you, my beautiful flower.”

She blushes at his words. “But shall I call you?”

He thinks for a moment, his eyes the color of fertile soil, and new life drift to the side before returning to her. “I will not argue against you calling me husband.”

She shakes her head. “That is too common, every lady calls her lord husband that.” She thinks for a moment, memorizing the details of his face. His eyes spark in the light, a burning heat resides deep within them. “My fire? My protector?”

Jacaerys nuzzles his nose against hers, “I know it is common as well, but perhaps you would consider calling me your love?”

She cups his face, heart fluttering when he leans into her touch. “Prince Jacaerys, my soulmate, my lord husband, my love.”

He smiles, his eyes gleaming with joy, and she thinks she will never tire of the color brown for as long as she shall live.

Tag List: @nyctophilic0vitnir

[gobboguy]

Chapter 23: Shadows of Prejudice

The night wore on, the moon casting its silvery glow over the now-thinning crowd of revelers. Many guests, their faces flushed with drink but their hearts warm with well-wishes, bid their farewells to the happy couple, stumbling slightly in their inebriation.

Eleanor, her eyes bright with a mix of excitement and nervousness, turned to Alden. "I'll be upstairs getting ready," she said, her voice soft with the intimacy of the moment. She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his lips before disappearing into the depths of the castle.

Alden, left alone in the courtyard, felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. The weight of their impending union hung heavy on his shoulders, the expectations of consummating their marriage looming over him like a storm cloud.

His steps carried him away from the revelry, and as he walked, he overheard a conversation that sent a chill down his spine. Hidden in the shadows, he listened as Duke Fiu, a stern man with a scarred face, spoke to other noblemen about what he called the "Greenskin menace" living on the border.

"The Greenskins," Duke Fiu sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "They're nothing more than savages, rolling naked in filth like animals, worshiping some blasphemous God in their mud huts."

"Be careful what you say my lord." A hushed voice hissed. "The king has guaranteed them amnesty so long as they stay peaceful!"

"The King..." Duke Fiu audibly sneered, "Will soon have us neck deep in the filth of the lesser races. His only concern is with his popularity with the people. If we're not careful we'll soon be a country of half-breeds!"

A hushed silence came over the group. The taboo on mixed breeding with other races was still strong. It was said that a child of mixed race would be infinitely powerful and there were tales of mixed race children with fantastical magical powers that rivaled even trained wizards.

"Filthy greenskins..." A consensus seemingly was reached out of silent contemplation.

It was clear the tensions between Fiu's people in Fiulgia and the Greenskins of Votar were growing and threatening to escalate into violent border skirmishes. One nobleman mentioned the King's desire for oeace, again citing assurances from the Greenskins' leader about peaceful coexisten. However, Duke Fiu scoffed, dismissing the notion.

"The Swordmasters of Farfield have sworn to stand as a defense against them." he spat, his bitterness palpable. "But who can trust that ancient order of heathens."

Curiosity piqued, another nobleman inquired about the origins of the Greenskins. "Where did the beasts come from?" he asked.

"An island in the north," came the terse reply from a different voice in the group.

One of the noblemen, his brow furrowed with curiosity, ventured cautiously, "Duke Fiu, are the rumors true? Did the Greenskins really arrive on the mainland and start a war within years of setting foot??"

Duke Fiu's lip curled into a sneer as he confirmed with a cold, definitive tone, "Indeed, the tales of their violent past and their arrival to our shores are all too true. Within days of landing in the Duchy of Calona they slaughtered innocents and were eventually exiled from their lands. Ever since then, they have blazed a bloody trail across our lands until they arrived here. They bring nothing but chaos and savagery wherever they tread."

"What are we going to do?" A unseen nobleman asked.

Duke Fiu chortled darkly. "For now I've got them surrounded and enclosed in that pigsty they call Votar. So long as my men are there, the greenskins are contained."

"And if they try to escape?"

There was a pregnant pause and then, with malice dripping in his voice, Duke Fiu said: "We slaughter every one of them."

Alden, disgusted by the racism and prejudice in their conversation, turned away. As he did, he collided with Elara, her eyes wide with concern. The weight of their encounter with Duke Fiu hung between them, a reminder of the hatred that brewed beyond the castle walls.

[anitabyars]

Product Description

Yours Truly, The Duke is the first novel in the historical romance Say I Do trilogy about dukes needing to wed to tap into their wealth by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.

Fredericka Hale needs a husband, and fast. She’s been caring for her deceased sister’s three young children, and now a childless cousin has petitioned the court for custody. Fredericka is powerless to stop her, but having a husband might sway the ruling. The last thing Fredericka wants is a hurried-up marriage to a man she doesn’t know—much less love, but she’ll do it for the children. So when the handsome Duke of Wyatthaven shows up with a proposal, she accepts. He'll help her, and in return, they’ll lead separate lives. But distance cannot keep them from their powerful attraction.

At the top of his game in London, the Duke of Wyatthaven has no interest in marriage. However, if Wyatt doesn’t marry by week’s end, he’ll lose a sizable inheritance from his grandmother. When Wyatt’s solicitor finds Miss Fredericka Hale, Wyatt considers this little hiccup solved. Miss Hale is lovely, and intelligent. Most importantly, she prefers country life to London, so he’s free to continue his life as usual. But when circumstances force Fredericka and the children to show up at the duke’s door, Wyatt can’t deny he’s always been under her spell. Will the duke give up his bachelor lifestyle and give into the fiery passion growing between them?

My Review

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Duke of Wyatthaven has just learned that he has seven days to marry or lose four square blocks of prime London real estate to the London Society of Poetry. He really isn’t ready to be a husband, but with no choice in the matter he quickly sends a letter to Miss Fredericka Hale sight unseen, who also needs to marry in order to keep her sisters children. Since her cousin Jane now wants them after finding out she is barren.

Upon arrival The Duke of Wyatthaven finds Miss Hale with her own agenda in regards to a husband and she isn’t even expecting him. No she is busy interviewing men she already knows for the job of her husband.

But when these two meet they both experience a strange and immediate connection. Miss Fredericka Hale can’t believe her eyes and ears that the commanding and dashing rake that she has read all about in the pink pages, living a devil- may-care life is here to propose to her.

While the Duke is taken back by her beauty and intelligence. He quickly strikes a deal of a wedding of convenience between the two. She will stay in the country with the children, while he returns to London after their marriage, making sure no one can take the children away from her while he will continue on with his normal life. Sure in time it may become a real marriage when he is ready for an heir but that is in the future.

But when her selfish cousin Jane continues to try to get the children, the new Duchess takes the children to London for the Dukes help. Once there the heat and the memories of the passionate kisses on their wedding day, makes it harder and harder to stay away from each other.

This story was overflowing with delicious, expectant sensations of pleasure,and romance that will have your heart pounding in your chest and hearts in your eyes. Loved it, I am eagerly waiting for the rest in this series!!

Received and early copy and this is my honest review.

[blackboar]

I wanna add one thing people sometimes don't emphasize enough: it was in his best interest to cooperate with Edward IV. His holdings, his dukal title and his endowments mainly stems from his brother's patronage and regal status. He is the king's brother and if Edward IV is deposed he would lose a lot (of lands at best, his head at worst). And what people don't tell is how Edward IV gave him lands, rights and other miscellaneous grants lavilshly. Even for a king's brother, Richard was heavily endowed. He got: the de Vere inheritance, the Honor of Richmond, the Clifford lands, numerous offices and many other grants.

In total: 135 manors, 11 castles and 5 hundreds.

Add to that the palatinate of Cumerbland giving him regal rights on an entire county, something unseen since John of Gaunt and making him a uniquely autonomous magnate.

I did my memoire on that and I can state (and other historians said so before my humble person) that previous king's brothers were not endowed on that massive scale. Add the Neville inheritance he took with his wife Anne (and increased after Clarence's demise) and you get the biggest magnate under Edward IV's reign after 1478, despite less than a decade of lordship. His rise was meteoric because Edward was very generous and quite rewardful.

One can also add Edward IV turning a blind eye to so many of Richard's shenanigans. There is as Richmond said, the Harrington-Stanley feud but also Edward IV completely ignoring several witnesses attesting that Gloucester bullied the dowager countess of Oxford into giving him her dower. It was so bad that even Stillington ruled against him but Edward IV let that pass.

I'm not saying there wasn't love/familial loyalties behind this relationship. To me there was. Simply: Richard, duke of Gloucester, had a vested interest for Edward IV's successful kingship.

People saying that he could have been like Clarence forget that a) Clarence was the second son b) his material interest through his early marriage with Isabel was a bit different and c) it clearly didn't work for Clarence eventually and Richard saw that in prime time.

It's interesting how RIII fans say he was such a good and intelligent deputy for Edward it "proves" he didn't kill the boys. Same guy thought it was a good idea to say his mom had Edward with a lover and was kind of surprised when she got mad at him.

Hi! To be fair to Richard, we don't know if the resurfacing of the bastardy allegations against Edward IV were Richard's doing. He had a number of people who were interested in his elevation and they might have been responsible for the spread of the allegations at the time of his usurpation. We only know that Mancini reported the allegation circulating in July 1483, said no one believed in it, and then it wasn't included in the formal parliament act (Titulus Regius) that made Richard king in January 1484. Richard's unique legitimacy compared to his brothers though is alluded to in parliament: he's referred to as the Duke of York's undoubtful heir born in this kingdom of England as if to highlight that in the same way neither Edward nor George was born in England, neither were they 'undoubtful' heirs. It's impossible that Richard had not taken a look at and approved the document before Parliament sanctioned it.

Even less conclusive though is the claim that Cecily got mad at Richard because I don't think there's evidence that she did? Unless I'm missing something. To go to the good deputy allegation, though, there were times Richard went against Edward's orders when those didn't favour his own regional interests (the Harrington vs Stanley case comes to mind). They simply weren't full-blown demonstrations of insubordination like those of his brother George of Clarence—but honestly, to use George as a parameter and say anything different from George was exemplary behaviour is a bit of an exaggeration. A king's brother was expected to cooperate with him much like Henry V's brothers had shown decades earlier. It was not something exceptional that we should all be in awe of, imho.

[jangmi-latte]

☾︎ 1:58 𝐏𝐌 ☽︎ 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚎..

𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚞𝚜 𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚊

warnings: very self-indulgent and a filler while i write this really long fic

FEMALE!reader with FEMALE!anatomy, slightly heavy nsfw, fingering, dom-sub relationship, setting is in briar valley, deep terminologies, mentions of marriage, hehe, uh...a lot more ehe enjoy!

1.7K words

𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

the following below are terms that may be too deep for some readers to understand:

Cabinet - the senior decision-making body of a monarch’s government

Chemise -  a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or nightdress, typically of silk or satin with a lace trim

Lady of the Bedchamber - a lady holding the official position of personal attendant to the monarch

"If it would require His Royal Highness’ audience on Tuesday, then I’m sure the people would be delighted...”

“…and he advised that there was no easy way around the governing rules of the Royal Counsel–…”

“Furthermore…. members of Cabinet…. opposed…made it clear….”

“……. government…. subversion…. teachings….”

All their words started to grow muffled as they rung through his head. His leg over the other, arms resting stiffly on the armrest as one arm remained positioned for him to keep his forehead leaning on his fingers. His eyebrows furrowed together as he stared off into a distance.

It was so strong; he wondered if anyone else could smell it. Not that it entirely bothered them anymore considering that he and she are already mated. Yet, that doesn’t sit well with the fact he is sitting with alphas capable of anything knowing that you are probably, or definitely, vulnerable at the moment. He wished and hoped this meeting would be over with. Peace in Night Raven College is something he ought to miss.

He only hoped that at least one of his retainers or Lilia was looking after you at the moment.

“Your Highness?”

Without shifting his position, his eyes immediately glanced over at the Prime Minister to his right. An alpha as well; it did not bother him considering how fierce Malleus’ gaze was at the moment. “The Parliament wishes to hear your direct opinions towards the deprivation of the duke’s rights, privileges, and incomes?”

“Must I have an immediate response considering that you have already discussed this with Her Majesty?” he responded leaning forward and resting his elbow, from the armrest and towards the table. He glanced down at the sheet of paper laid in front of him. That is, if he could still decipher what exactly he’s looking at still, considering that his vision was starting to haze.

“You have stated that Her Majesty would give ample time for the duke to renounce his decision towards Cabinet and so what may, let it be,” he sighed and squeezed his eyes momentarily as he sat back again. The Prime Minister gave a steady breath and looked towards the other men in the room.

“Then I suppose–“ came the Prime Minister before Malleus finally stood up, eyes snapping towards his figure in question.

“I’d say the discussion is over. I have other matters to attend to. Adjourn this session unless you wish to discuss it more with my secretary then be my guest.”

The servants, as swift as they can be, made way for the prince as they cleaned up the place he sat on. The Prime Minister and the rest of the governing men stood up and bowed in respect – although it came unseen as he already left. No one dared question what happened neither spoke about the sudden pheromones that scattered around the room.

And might one say, when the doors of the study hall opened, something sickeningly sweet welcomed the other alphas and they all knew the answer.

Her Royal Highness is in heat.

A matter they shan’t discuss behind the back nor in front of her husband.

“How is she doing?” Malleus asked the Lady of the Bedchamber who tried to match his fast strides towards your room.

“Mr. Vanrouge is doing the best he can to minimize her scent, Your Highness,” she said, walking a few ways ahead of Malleus. “While you requested– ordered rather –that she mustn’t take any suppressants anymore. She has been heavily persistent.”

“And did you give her some?” Dark was his voice as he narrowed his eyes at the fae. However, come what may with her serving the prince and his grandmother for centuries, this does not fear her anymore.

“No, never will, Your Highness.”

The closer they got to your quarters, the louder they could hear the muffled argument between you and, what they believe to be, Lilia. Malleus could smell it stronger now; sweet and addicting, a scent that nearly rivals that of Maraschino cherries. Even the footmen by your door are gone, seems like your attendant did her job perfectly. The Lady of the Bedchamber exhaled before nodding at the prince. Opening the double doors, he promptly went inside and the lady slammed it shut behind him.

He tried to compose himself as the whiff of your scent hit him – forthwith affecting him in the most cunning addiction ever. He could nearly taste it.

There you are, in your chemise, standing with arms outstretched to steady you as you leaned on the desk. Slightly bent over and heaving as if you just came from a war.

“Took you a while,” Lilia sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, in his other hand held the bottle of heat suppressants.

“We wouldn’t…” you swallowed, “we wouldn’t even be doing this if you just gave me those pills!” you screamed, nearly a roar, as you looked over your shoulder and glared at the former general. The latter ignored you and walked over to the door waving at Malleus as he peeked inside one last time.

“I will alert your secretary and the queen about this. Don’t worry,” he grinned and closed the door.

Now it was just you and your alpha.

“Why are you so stubborn?” he questioned, voice steady as you hear his dress shoes click against the marble floor until you feel his presence behind you. You’re heavily annoyed that his scent could easily relieve yet weaken you whilst you felt your elbows shake. His hand went towards your chin and he tilted your head back until your whole body followed and pressed yourself against his chest.

You inhaled deeply; marveling in his mahogany-like scent. Whether he was purposely releasing pheromones or not, you didn’t care. At least, that’s what your mind told you and not the slick that keeps on dripping down your cunt.

You didn’t respond – instead you turned around and shoved your face to the crook of his neck, near his scent gland, and gripped his coat.

“I asked you a question,” he said, sterner.

“You have a meeting…” you exhaled shakily, subconsciously rubbing your thighs together the more you inhaled his scent.

Malleus, still as composed as ever, sighed and easily lifted you up before gently laying you on the bed. This wasn’t new to either of you – decades of being a married couple – it wasn’t as if you’d be ashamed of each other’s bodies like it was your honeymoon.

“Legs.”

You gritted your teeth, back arching as your scalp dug on the sheets. You are barely aware of your senses, just having the need, the lust, to just touch yourself and yet here you are. Drowning in the scent of your husband both on the sheets of your shared bed and on his person whilst you gripped on the duvet. Your heels pawed on the mattress; your legs remained narrowly open before Malleus placed his hands on your knees.

He spread you out, pushing your knees to your chest and easily ripping your panties off your hips. Leaving your heels to lay on his shoulders. Fuck, your pheromones are so strong. He was a hair’s breadth away from losing control as he spread your outer labia apart.

“Please…” you nearly sobbed, whimpering through gritted teeth.

Leaning over you, he pushed two fingers inside your cunt. It slipped in effortlessly and, doubtlessly, swallowed his fingers deeply. You choked on a moan; an arm going over your eyes as your hips grinded against the heel of his palm. He was trying to go slowly albeit his fingers slammed in and out your vagina with the squelch of your slick and skin against skin slapping on each other.

His cock was painfully hard against his trousers; yet he paid no mind as he pushed another finger inside. Stretching you out as his other hand pushed the arm that was over your eyes and pinned it to the side of your head.

“Look at me,” he ordered.

“Mal…” you cried, eyes foggy as you opened them halfway and bit on your lower lip to suppress your noise. It was heavenly, it was making you feel faint with your lips parted to let out soft and quick pants. You didn’t even last a second when you made eye contact with his face, with him looking down at your pussy as he continued to abuse your hole with his fingers.

“Did you touch yourself before throwing a tantrum?”

“No..!” you gasped, feeling him arch his fingers and hitting your g-spot. “Fuck...!” you reflexively clawed on his other arm (the one pinning your one arm down) with your free hand.

“Mal- more…fuck!” You could feel tears dripping down the sides of your face as he pushed and pressed his fingers deeper and faster. The wet sounds growing louder and louder as it grew harder for you to keep quiet.

Tighter and tighter.

You grew more sensitive.

Your clit hardened and your hips began to squirm.

And yet…

“Don’t lie to me, y/n.”

Your alpha pulled his fingers out of your vagina. It was dripping of foggy white liquid and as he stretched his fingers apart, transparent slick connected each finger to the other and he hummed in amusement yet his lips held no smile.

“Why–!” you shivered, bordering another tantrum before he grabbed your other wrist and pinned both your hands on your stomach. Letting your legs drop to the bed as he towered over you.

“Truthfully, do you think I believe you?” he arched an eyebrow, his three fingers rubbing your hardened and sensitive clit that made you hiss and push your face sideways on the bed.

“Y-You…” you panted, “It wasn’t easy! You didn’t…want me to…fuck more...more!” you begged, submissively. Hips quivering and legs kicking on nothing the more he pressed and stroke your bud.

Malleus hummed; entertained and, admittedly, feeling sadistic seeing as he could only be the one to bring you the release you wanted. Those panties were a clean new pair – with your wet pussy, he doubted you couldn’t have drenched those. Stop lying, y/n.

“I must say…” he snickered and pulled your hips towards the sides of the bed, making you arch your neck and look at him in surprise and curiosity; maybe even a little worried.

“I like hearing you beg, Your Highness.”

© 𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐢-𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞. DO NOT REPLICATE, DUPLICATE, OR TRANSLATE. All Rights Reserved

[charlotte-of-wales]

Royal Tiaras Highlights: The Cartier Halo Tiara

The tiara was made by Cartier in 1936, as an anniversary gift from King George VI (then Duke of York) to his wife, Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). In 1944, Queen Elizabeth gave the tiara to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, as an eighteenth birthday gift. She never wore the tiara in public; frequently loaning it instead to her younger sister, Princess Margaret. The next borrower of the tiara was the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, who wore the tiara frequently before her marriage. But then the tiara went into the vault, unseen for years until Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey for her royal wedding in 2011.

Via The Court Jeweller