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retrieve-the-kraken · 2 years ago

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Young Royals Season 2 play-by-play analysis

The last episode, the climax to the conflict, the conclusion to this arc, the start of the revolution… it’s so dramatic, so tense and so satisfying.

(Ugh, why does it take me so long to find the gifs I want... Why can't I always find the absolute perfect gifs when I want them and I know they exist...)

Brace yourselves, because this analysis is LOOOONG. I can’t stop the thoughts, sorry. Too many moments, too many unspoken things that speak volumes…

EPISODE 6

The boys have been together for hours now, in their little bubble. As far as we know, there have been no food or bathroom breaks…? Just the two of them, making the most of every second together, just loving each other one last time… Then morning comes and the bubble bursts. Simon has to do the right thing, he knows that there’s a big chance that nothing will come off it, but he has to try. Even if it means that August won’t be next in line to the throne, which at least would be a giant blow for August, but an equally big one for Wille… but Simon has to try, he can’t just not do anything, he has to get some form of justice… and whatever happens after that they will deal with it together, hopefully.

So after hours of loving and being loved, Wille looks resigned again, watching as Simon gets dressed. He asks if he’s going there now, to the police station. Does it have to be now? Can’t we have more time together. Simon is heading to the police later, but he has to break up with Marcus first, once and for all. He hesitates before kneeling down next to the bed. If he doesn’t go now, he might lose his nerve. That forehead kiss, it’s so sweet, like he’s saying that everything will be alright, somehow. Like he wants to reassure Wille that it’s not the end, that there’s still love. Just kill me…

August is having a mental breakdown. He knows he can’t get out of this one without help. He knows that maybe the Royal Court can help him sweep the whole matter under the rug… But what if they don’t? He’s not entirely in there yet, he’s not exactly in their good graces yet.

“August, we are counting on you to not give us any problems whatsoever.” You’re on thin ice, August. They forgave you one scandal, they won’t forgive another. “You represent the entire Royal Court now.” Already? It’s like they’re already counting on Wille to give up, and August to need to step up. Way to keep putting the pressure on kids, by the way. Although August is of age, he’s still a fucking kid. But he will be tried as an adult…

“It’s silly, I will take care of it myself,” August says. Then he turns to the person who also already has a vendetta against Wille and Simon…

Listen, my work has let me see people’s different styles of public-speaking. Everyone has a different style, and there are some people that are more natural at it than others, some people seem to have been born for it… and some people just don’t. (And even the people who seem to be natural at it require training, they’re not just born knowing how to do it, it’s just easier for them to get it). I don’t have public-speaking abilities, although I could develop them, but I’m an introvert, and so is Wille. It takes more work than that. It’s not just knowing what to say, because anyone can read words from a page; it’s the delivery, it’s the power behind the words, and it’s the ability to look into a crowd and not lose your nerve… And the fact that they’re forcing him to give a speech at such a young age, during an event of such magnitude, without even giving him some sort of training first, is fucking unfair and mental. They just expect him to be a natural at it. Like becoming the Crown Prince suddenly means that he should be able to. Nah, it doesn’t work like that. It’s not an app or a plugin that you suddenly get, it takes work, especially if you’re not a natural… Fuck the Royal Court and Kristina.

Simon ghosting Marcus, but then showing up. And Marcus being all sour, because he knows, he knows everything. “You haven’t replied in days”. Guess what, Marcus? It’s not really your business. You’re not his boyfriend, no matter how much you wanted to believe it.

“Not compared to a prince, at least.” Fuck you, Marcus, you snob, you don’t know Wille. Wille being a prince is not a plus, it has never been a plus, in fact it’s been the biggest obstacle between them… You’re making Simon sound like an elitist, and that shows how little you know about Simon.

“You only brought me to make him jealous.” Well, you got that part right, but also, he brought you to distract himself, he was trying to move on. He wanted to like you, somewhat... (guess he dodged a bullet there...)

“I told you that I wasn’t ready for a relationship but you haven’t been listening to me.” Yes, and that negates the “perfect” thing. Stop being nice and telling him that he’s perfect, Simon. He’s not. He’s a manipulative snob.

“So it’s my fault that you treated me like crap.” OH WHO’S PLAYING VICTIM NOW…

You, sir, you are the problem. Not even the main one, no. Just a problem in Simon's life. Stop being so annoying.

“You see yourself as some kind of victim among all those brats.” FUCK YOU MARCUS. He IS a victim, he’s an outsider among all the privilege kids, he’s at a disadvantage and constantly reminded of it. He IS a victim of the system, the system rigged in favor of privileged kids, rigged in favor of the Crown, the system that protects powerful people and keeps the cycle of silence and oppression going. And he IS a victim of sexual harassment perpetuated by one of the brats. You have no fucking idea, Marcus. DO NOT believe a word he said, Simon.

And Simon tried to make it right, he tried to apologize, and Marcus just made him feel terrible and accused him of things that weren't even true. Simon doesn’t deserve that.

I still think it's ironic that Rosh and Ayub were like "Ugh, Wille's so toxic, you should totally hook up with Marcus, have a rebound," and Marcus turned out to be the toxic one... I'm not saying that Wille or Simon are perfect, and I know that what Simon did to Marcus was not nice, to ghost him, to use him like that, even if he had made it clear to Marcus that they were not a thing. But Marcus was full of red flags; he is a snob who thinks himself better than the "rich brats" at Hillerska, and doesn't fail to point it out; he calls out Simon for his relationship with Wille by saying that the thing that Simon liked about him was that he was a prince, which is actually the opposite; he absolutely LIED about not watching the sex video, because of course he did and that's probably what sparked his interest and made him approach Simon now, after knowing about him for much longer (everyone in Bjärstad knows each other, and their mums are literally friends, wtf); he used what he knew from his mother about the Eriksson family to manipulate Simon into not breaking things off with him; and he's slightly older so technically there's a slight power dynamic there. And as a final blow he accuses Simon of pretending to be a victim and loving the drama... You know nothing, you jerk...

(It reminded me so much of when August and Felice dated, and August was jealous at Felice's closeness to Wille, then going on and kissing Sara... and of course there's that little "funny" thing he said about her when we first meet him and find out what kind of person he is, and what he thinks of women... Of course August is much worse, the worst in fact, but Marcus was unexpectedly a wolf disguised as a lamb...)

The palatset is decorated with blue and yellow streamers and balloons and Swedish flags and other party decor. There will be a party after the Jubilee.

August with his back turned to the door, like a classic villain…

I think there’s an expression or a proverb or something for wanting something so bad that you would do terrible things to obtain it. There was a Huffington Post opinion article that someone shared on here recently on how the people who want to have power are precisely the people who should have it, whilst the people who are most suited to be in power are the ones who don’t want it at all. Real, good leaders are collaborative, they like to help others shine, they are selfless, they sacrifice. Power-hungry people are easily corrupted by power or by the desire to obtain it… August is so power-hungry he will do anything for it, and yet he’s not aware of what he would have to sacrifice for it and when the time comes he’s just not going to; Sara wants so bad to be part of the elite that she’s willing to screw over her own brother, lie to her friends, join forces with the worst person. Meanwhile, Wilhelm cares so little about being Crown Prince, and Simon has never cared about Wille’s title. In fact, the Crown has been for them both more of a hindrance than a promise… In fact, the only time that Wille uses his title is to weaponize it against August, but it turns him into a pretty bad person; he uses his power to get revenge on August, but it shows an ugly side of him. However, it doesn’t last long, because he’s not a narcissist like August. Once he’s back to being himself, to the person who doesn’t want the title, then he once again becomes perfectly suited for it. Beyond the royal title, beyond the inherited nature of it, Wille’s a good leader, he’s just young and misguided at times. That’s why therapy is so helpful to him, to understand his emotions, to find that balance.

August says he knows that what he did was unforgivable, “But Erik would not have let Simon go to the police.” HOW DARE YOU BRING ERIK INTO THIS. You do not speak for the dead, August.

“So now it’s my responsibility too to protect the Royal Family.” You’re just as bad as the Queen, August. You fit right in.

As it has been pointed out, Alexander doesn’t really work as the scapegoat: the video was recorded when Alexander had already been caught with the drugs; and it makes no sense to pretend that he’d still be in possession of August’s phone when the video was leaked either, a few days later, and already having been expelled. Especially since only a few minutes after the video was leaked, August had his phone with him and even answered a phone call from Minou from the Royal Court. Even if Alexander had had August’s phone, and had been able to record without unblocking the phone (August has an iPhone with a home button, so usually a fingerprint is required), it still would raise the question of when and how the phone was “hacked” to obtain the video, how long the video remained in the phone, etc. And August doesn’t seem to know that the Royal Court is in possession of the most damning evidence of all, the library computer from which he logged in and posted the video… As far as August knows the Queen and the Royal Court found out that it was August because Wille told them, because Felice figured it out and told him. So his whole plan is playing with fire and full of holes anyway. Either he and Alexander are too stupid to realize this, or they’re just counting of Wille getting scared. Which is why they’re warning him about what they’ll do if Simon reports.

And the weirdest thing to me is… Alexander is getting back at Will by willingly taking the blame for CHILD PORNOGRAPHY???? Something that he didn’t actually do???? He’s willing to be known as the guy who filmed the Crown Prince and Simon in an intimate moment and created a video that went infamously viral???? Like that could not have an impact on his future??? For fuck’s sake, he’s dumber than I thought…

But Wille is right, this whole stupid-ass plot won’t stop Simon from going to the police. But the drugs definitely will… There’s no escaping that…

“It’s time to stop this, everything calmed down once you denied the rumors… no one cares about the video.” “I CARE!”

Wille looks ready to commit murder. I would have loved him to use his headbutting skills to give August a nice purple bruise that would look really nice at the Jubilee.

I feel bad for Rousseau. That new owner is a dick.

“I want to be completely honest with you. No more secrets between us” says Felice, and Sara has been the most dishonest of the two this whole time…

“I’m in love with August.” Not “I’ve been sleeping with August” or “I have been seeing August in secret”. LOVE. Whoa.

This whole time Sara really thought that Felice would hate her for being in love with August just because he was her ex, when in reality it’s because Felice knows that August is a terrible person who can’t be trusted and Sara shouldn’t be in love someone like that… not knowing that Sara has been pretty bad herself and should not be trusted.

August being all “What’s this? The police? What is this police of which you speak?�� Like he doesn’t know that Simon can knock him down and sit on him again and mash his face into the ground…

“I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the royal family. Maybe you should do the same.” Very well, thinks Wille, picking up the gun to kill August and protect the royal family from the threat that is August.

Simon stepping back, in case Wille does shoot August or something, but not trying to talk him down. “He’s about to confess.” Wille says it, letting him know that he’s serious, this will turn into an “accident” if August doesn’t confess.

It’s been pointed out before that that moment, when Wille is ready to shoot August for what he did to him, to them, when he flinches as Wille shoots into the air, is the first time that Simon sees how much the video leak affected Wille, but also how much he couldn't do anything about it. Even if he denied the whole thing on an interview, people still knew that was him on the video, he was still outed, his privacy was still violated, and his own family still betrayed him, and it changed him forever. And this is all that built up anger coming out. So if Simon still thought that Wille only did badly for a while and then he was fine, now he sees that Wille is deeply traumatized.

When August glances at Sara, Felice already knows… Sara just revealed to her that she’s in love with August, so if she knew that Simon was going to the police, she might have told August. And then Sara confirms it.

The look on Simon’s face when Sara looks guilty. He’s in absolute disbelief. They all are.

“I was in love with him.” This is the first time August is hearing this…

“I thought the damage was done since the video was already out there.” More proof that Sara didn’t really understand what Simon was going through, that it wasn’t just about the video, it was the wedge that was driven between him and Wille, it was the fact that August got away with it, that the Royal Court protected him.

And for all of Sara’s excuses, the fact remains that she chose August over her own brother, even before she was actually in love with August. Which means she chose the privilege that August offered over being loyal to her own brother…

“He wanted to come clean. And I believed him.” Like she really kept it a secret for that reason… No, Sara, you weren’t hoping that August would come clean, you just wanted to live in Manor house and be elite and potentially even become the future Queen…

“It wasn’t enough that you destroyed my family, you had to destroy another one.”

At this point August really believes that Wille might shoot him and starts to beg him not to. It’s like he almost believes that Wille has nothing to lose.

“You don’t even want to be prince.” And August is right. As he watches Simon walk away, Wille drops the gun to go after him, because Simon is much more important than the fucking crown, something that August doesn’t seem to understand, something he will never understand. Wille walks away toward Simon, because he won’t let August destroy that too. (If Wille has ever thought of a long-term future with Simon, of being each other’s family, that’s the family that he wants to protect now.)

“You’re despicable.” Felice realizing what Sara is capable of. Was their friendship real? Was it just convenient to Sara? To have access to Rousseau, to be with the most popular girl in Hillerska? If she betrayed her own brother, what’s keeping Sara from betraying anyone else?

Personally spitting on August is a nice touch. Wille is basically saying “I won’t get my hands dirty because of you, but this is how I feel about you, this is what you’re worth, scum.”

“You were going to confess, August.” Sara doesn’t understand the value of secrecy in this society. Also August confessing was never really a major thing for her until Simon found out and wanted to go to the police. Before that, she was fine with how things were, even when she saw how miserable her brother was…

“You know about the struggle to get what you want… we’re the same, you and I.” August comparing Sara being working class and wanting to fit in in an elite school to him wanting to keep his status and become next in line to the throne… yes, they are the same, but at different levels. I’m not excusing what Sara did, but August is definitely worse. “It’s what I love about you.” What? You love that she became ruthless and deceitful and treacherous? Because that’s what you are…

“I had no other choice.” To be precise, he had no other choice that would keep him out of potentially going to jail.

Simon is keeping all of his emotions inside. Wille hugging him brings them too close to the surface and he’s at risk of them spilling all over… the way his voice trembles as he says “please…”, like he’s about to cry, but he doesn’t want to cry here, not where someone can see him, he just wants to go home, he wants to get away from it all, even Wille. You can’t fix this, he’s basically saying. Everything is destroyed in ways that he didn’t even know, because his own sister, his own family, betrayed him too. It’s not even about just August, it’s also now Sara, and it’s everything that has happened to him since the moment he met Wille. He hasn’t had a moment of peace…

And Wille watches him go, knowing too that he can’t fix it either. And he’s still trapped…

Kristina doesn’t even know what Wille’s crying about, she just comforts him, sort of… and he smiles sort of (because despite what she has done to him, she’s still his mother, he still wants to trust her, be comforted by her). But she doesn’t ask him what’s wrong.

Simon’s face and eyes are raw from crying. He called his friends, who know the whole story, to vent… And Ayub and Rosh immediately jump to the conclusion that Sara must have been brainwashed by August to have done this, otherwise she would be incapable… is clear that they don’t know her either.

Linda, again, what’s up with you? Your son looks like he’s been crying himself raw, and his friends look morose. How do you not get that something more is going on…? Simon doesn’t want her to know, anyway, because it would break her heart. He’s the protector, he wants to protect his family. I agree with a lot of people who say that the events of that day show Simon that Wille really had no choice, that he was after all just acting like everything was fine but he was most definitely not fine. After seeing how he pointed a gun at August, nearly losing it, it's clear to Simon that Wille's never intended to protect August, but had not choice but to put up with him; that of course he was traumatized by the leaked video, but he was forced to deny it. And after finding out that even his own sister had betrayed him, Simon realizes that he has no choice either, that someone else will always have the upper hand. So now he will have to change his strategy if he wants to protect those he cares about, including Wille. “If everyone is going to protect their families, then I’ll do the same.” Simon is a lot like his mother, he sacrifices a lot for his family. Linda looks like she understands. She is proud of Simon and she will support whatever he decides.

(gif by @almostliving84, because I don't know how to search for it in the gifs search bar when I already know where the gif is...)

As I mentioned before, Kristina also went to Hillerska, she knows about the palatset, she knows about the secrecy culture. Her choice to send Wille to Hillerska was never really about making him into a proper prince, it was about keeping him out of the public eye so he could do whatever he wanted without it becoming a scandal. A plan which majorly backfired when the secrecy cycle was broken… by August of all people…

“Your mother is not as innocent as she’d like to appear.” Yes, we know. “Stop it, don’t put ideas into his head.” Don’t worry, Kristina, your son will never ever be like you.

Wilhelm looking in pain as he is forced to participate in this charade. “How are you, gubben?” Now she asks. Boy has been moping since before you got there, and you didn’t even care, until now when it’s too obvious to ignore.

“It just creates new and bigger problems.” The way that the video, that everything has been handled, is nothing new; everything that doesn’t fit into the mold is swept under the rug, every wrinkle is ironed out, and then everyone goes on pretending like nothing happened.

“It’s important to talk about your emotions, but you can talk to us about anything.” “But it’s not enough.” Indeed it’s not. Krissy, you wanted him to talk to a psychologist, but that’s not the solution to the problem. Wille has finally understood why he feels the way he feels, and he’s learned to communicate. But it’s not enough, what’s the point of talking if nothing happens? If nothing changes? He’s expected to learn to handle his emotions, but the root of the problem, of the thing causing his distress, his anxiety, remains untouched. The monarchy, the cycle of secrecy, the traditions… everything stays the same…

The crowd of girls gathered outside the room. Either word spreads really freaking fast, or Sara took a very long time to go back to her room… Or did Felice leave the door open and then start telling Stella and Fredrika about it so loudly that everyone heard? Judging from the fact that just now the housemistress arrives, maybe it hasn’t been that long…

Sara very subtly threatens Stella with outing her. She unfortunately doesn’t realize how much like August she is. Making threats when she doesn’t have the upper hand, when she’s being called out.

“Sara has proven that she’s not a friend. She’s not loyal.” Obviously Felice can’t talk about the real reason why Sara’s betrayal is so big, not in front of Stella, Fredrika or the housemistress, but she makes it very clear to Sara.

“I don’t know what happened, I’ve never been in love before.” But again, Sara wasn’t in love with August when she decided to keep this huge secret from Simon. She might have had been catching feelings, because they kissed and she was curious, but still she made that choice to get an advantage. “I could always tell right from wrong, but with him it all seemed right.” Bullshit, she always knew it was wrong. Otherwise she wouldn’t have threatened to tell Wille last season; otherwise she wouldn’t have implied to Simon that a person can’t help what they feel, when Simon felt rotten about “cheating” on Marcus. She knew it was wrong. “You’re so totally full of shit,” Felice calls her out. It’s been months of secrecy at this point.

August texting “Please, I feel like shit.” You should. The drugs he claimed he would stop taking soon beckon him. Another lie. Then he looks in the mirror as he practices the speech and says “to make you proud.” Irony.

Wilhelm is lying in bed, bathed in red light, and I first missed the symbolism of him playing with Erik’s lighter… playing with fire… Cities on fire, won’t you burn it all… before he looks at Erik’s cigarette case… He’s thinking of Erik, he still feels the weight of his title and the commitment of living up to his brother’s memory and legacy, but also maybe he’s wondering what Erik would tell him to do in this situation…

(Could not find these gifs in the search bar either, so I found it in @levok s page, thank you for it. Seriously, if anyone can teach this loser -me- to search for gifs when you already know where it is, so that it shows up with the credit and all, please teach me so I can fix this, and all the previous posts. Thank you.)

Never not loving the scene of Ayub and Simon talking as they’re both falling asleep, that’s a really supportive friend, we all deserve an Ayub. “But he wants to keep it a secret, and you don’t.” Not quite; Wille doesn’t want their relationship to be a secret, he he just knows that it was an option proposed by his mother, and he was desperate enough to consider it. Simon tells Ayub about the possibility of him and Wille being a secret relationship until they’re eighteen. As far as we know, he hadn’t thought about that again, since Wille mentioned it in the locker room, because he had pretty much discarded that option as insulting. Because it made him feel like a dirty little secret… But now… now it seems like an option again, maybe the only option�� to be with Wille, even if it has to be secret. He’s also bathed in red light as he ponders it…

“Only you can decide,” says Ayub. The light turns from blue (the color of calm, security and inner reflection) to purple (the color of royalty, but also as the combination of blue and red, it contains the stability of blue and the energy of red, and it also symbolizes spirituality, creativity and wisdom, and perhaps more importantly, it’s the color of resistance of the queer community) to red (the color of love and passion), signaling that Simon might have already made his choice.

The stage is set; the Swedish flag, the pomp and circumstance… On the bus, Simon looks pretty serene. Like he already knows, he’s already made up his mind. He just hopes he doesn’t regret it. Meanwhile, Wille practices the speech, resigned to following the charade, fitting into the perfect image of a crown prince.

Felice emerges from a room (a random room under the stairs? I had decided in my head that she either went to Stella and Fredrika’s room, or even more likely to Madison’s, and slept on the floor, but the way that she leaves the door open…), to find Sara gone, the expensive riding pants the girls gifted her left behind, a major symbol of how she realized that she’s never going to fit in with the girls at Manor house. (By the way, how long did Sara take to go from Manor house to the entrance, if Felice found her gone already, but by the time the jubilee is already happening and people are arriving she hasn’t even left the premises…? How fucking far is Manor house from the main gate??)

August arriving like nothing’s happened. He thinks he’s in. He still has to stand on the back of pictures, but he’s still living it. Kristina looking at Wille like she’s gauging how committed he is to the charade, to pretending that there’s no bad blood with August.

Vincent and Nils tease August, like there’s no bad blood anymore either. Do they know he’s next in line, did he tell them?

Wille glances at August, sees how different they’re acting in that lineup. Whilst Wille feels so awkward and stifled, August looks like he fits right in. If it weren’t because he detests him, he’d give it all up to August, who actually likes performing like this.

August is so ecstatic about how well he’s doing that he momentarily forgot about Sara. Until he sees her. Things are not perfect, indeed.

August buying Rousseau for Sara thinking that’s what she wanted. No, she wanted you to be a better person. You can’t throw money at everything. And also yes, of course she wanted Rousseau, but how do you expect her to take care of it???? She has no money. Then as she leaves, he calls weakly after her, but then he walks the other way. Clearly he has his priorities in the right order, and she’s not as important to him as everything else.

Simon signals to Wille that he wants to talk. Wille probably thought that everything had gone to shit again, that Simon would never speak to him again… again… They go into the coat room, the place where they had their first kiss, where everything started… Wille is so tense, he’s so afraid of what Simon is going to say. He listens, apprehensive, until he realizes where Simon is going… “It’s not worth destroying our families over that. And it’s not worth destroying what we have.” Simon and Wille somehow, deep down, might already think of each other as family, as each other’s future. My heart…

“I want to be with you. Even if it has to be a secret.” The tension melts. “But no more secrets between us.” The little smile of joy, the little relieved exhale, the excited little nod… and meanwhile Simon is smiling so big that his eyes crinkle. Then Wille takes his hand, because he’s allowed again… Then they look at each other and they hug, and Wille is home again. He’s happy again. They both are. They still have each other.

And then Simon says ‘I love you’, and Wilhelm has been hoping to hear those words for so long, the confirmation that Simon feels the same way, and he realizes that it does not deserve to be a secret. He doesn’t want it to be a secret. That they both deserve more. That he wants to love Simon openly. If anything else happens that jeopardizes them being together, he can’t allow it. He hasn’t decided what he’s going to do yet, or when, but he needs to make sure that they (the Court) can’t go back on their promise of letting him be with Simon. He’a willing to fight tooth and nail for that. He can’t let anything get between them again.

Jan-Olof interrupts them (asshole), and Simon immediately backs away, drops his arms, but Wille is not so fazed, he’s almost defiant. He wants to touch and caress Simon so bad, but he can’t be as effusive as he wishes, because someone is watching, and that’s how it would be all the time. But he gives in for the moment, walking away casually. And Simon is being so brave about it, knowing that they’re good, that they’re finally on the same page, even if they’re not entirely happy with the page.

Sara hears the choir begin to sing. She is missing out on the event that she was sort of preparing for, imagining having to greet the Queen, learning what to say. She is once again an outsider looking in (or rather listening in). The event has lost its meaning.

Meanwhile Wille watches as Simon performs with the crowd, looking dejected, just another member of the group. Knowing what Simon can do as a soloist, knowing how much he loves hearing Simon sing, knowing that that was supposed to be a song written by Simon, a song he was proud of, a song that (he later found out) was about him, it really highlights how unfair and outdated the system is, to deny one student, one talented choir singer, to stand out.

Sara might change schools next season, now that I think about it. What if she’s too ashamed to return? Continuing to attend Hillerska would mean enduring gossip about her, hateful looks from Felice and Simon, judgement from Wille and the rest of the people who know what she did (Stella, Fredrika, the rest of the girls at Manor House, etc.) and having to encounter August.

In a misguided attempt to make things right with her brother, she calls the police to report August. She should not have made that call, not only because we know it might make things worse now, but also because it was not her place to make the report, it was Simon’s.

Wilhelm braving his anxiety and feeling ill and making a last second decision to do the speech, because he saw Simon’s worried face when smug August starts walking toward the podium. Giving up this moment to August means giving everything to August, and it means they win. They, the Crown, the Royal Court, the system, they win. And Wille can’t let that happen, he needs to regain control of the narrative again, for himself and for Simon. This is it, this is his chance, anxiety be damned.

The confused look on everyone’s faces. What the hell was that about? August’s face as he is forced to sit his ass back down. The “torture”, the humiliation at the hands of Wille continues. Karma, bitch.

And Krissy looking so proud, thinking that her plan worked. But no mi ciela, it wasn’t August that ultimately lit the fire under Wille, it was Simon. His decision to step up is not driven by hate, but by love.

I don’t think that Wille knew what he was going to say when he stood up to do the speech, he just knew that he couldn’t let August take over, because then it wasn’t only him and Simon getting stuck with August, it was everyone else. Taking away August’s chance to give the jubilee speech, for example, is not about having revenge on August anymore, it’s about fulfilling his leadership role, and realizing that if he doesn’t, then there won’t be a leader, but a power-hungry narcissist “in charge”.

Wille chooses to lead by example, stopping the cycle of silence and secrecy by telling the truth, being honest, and if he had let August, August would basically lead by example too but by continuing that cycle of secrecy and silence.

Also Wille standing up to do the speech instead of August was at first about putting Simon’s feelings first, before his own feelings of unease and anxiety. Simon who has just been hit in the face with such revelations, like Sara’s betrayal, and how far August was willing to go to screw him over and Wille, his threat to use his father’s drugs against him… and it’s so clear on his face how much he’s putting up with August for his and Wille’s sake, now having to be a part of the people who have to pretend that they don’t know that August committed sexual harassment against them, that August exposed them to the world and ruined their lives, Simon has to hide his feelings, his distress at knowing that, despite all those things, at any moment August just gets everything he’s ever wanted, he’s Wille’s backup, he’s one step closer to his beloved Crown… And Wille’s not having it. Not for himself anymore, but for Simon. He will sacrifice his own freedom for Simon, and for the greater good.

The girl with the phone thinking “whoa, he’s going off-script. Better stream this.” Simon looking nervous, knowing what’s coming. Boris looking so proud and amused. And Krissy on the verge of a fit, silently begging “stop”...

When Wille says “it was me in the video, the video of me and Simon,” the camera cuts to several faces, including of course the Queen and Simon, and a moment earlier to Boris looking all proud. But it wasn’t until the Netflix reel announcing Season 3, when they did the 12 Days of Christmas song, in the part where it goes “Four pretty words”, the four faces being shown are Simon, Kristina, Boris… and Stella… Stella looking shocked. I hadn’t realized that the first face they cut to after Wille mentions Simon is Stella’s. They focused, albeit briefly, on her reaction to Wille coming out… of course Stella’s sexuality is going to be a big thing next season, but I love how they focused on her, making it obvious that we’ll learn more about her.

I thought it was a nice little detail that the two students whom we see filming Wille, when Wille says that it was a private moment, they both look up from the screen of their cameras and instead look directly at Wille.

The cameras flashing at Simon, at his distressed face. Foreboding. And yet he smiles.

Wilhelm knows that what’s coming now is going to be difficult, but at least he’ll have Simon by his side. He glances skyward, as if to check with Erik, wondering if he’s proud of his little brother. Yes, Wille, I think Erik would be really proud.

He then looks defiantly at us, like he knows we’re here, watching, and his lips curl into the faintest of smiles, a rebellious, daring smirk. He has regained control.

My royals babies have truly been through the wringer, and I know that yet more challenges will arise for them in the third season. But they will be together, they will face them together, and although they have been changed forever, in good ways and bad ways, they have made each other stronger

#young royals #wilmon #young royals analysis #young royals thoughts #wilmon endgame #young royals season 2 #young royals s2

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fttlouie · 11 months ago

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Crime and Punishment in Young Royals

I don't know if there is already existing meta on this but I don't know how I could have missed good ol' Dostoyevsky reference in a show that regularly talks about "privilege and punishment'. It feels so obvious now that I have noticed that August is our Raskolnikov and Sara being Sonya.

There are several parallels and its been a while since I've visited the book so I will lay out things that I remember. I also have some speculation about season 3 on here but take it with a grain of salt.

Raskolnikov fantasises several times about killing the pawn broker. aka. committing the crime, but does not do so until he finds out the situation that his sister Dunya is in due to his family's poverty. Similarly, August does not post the video aka. commit the crime, but only does so after his family's financial position comes to light, also after his mother's situation and her poverty is known.

Speculation: One fascinating thing here is Raskolnikov despises his sister's (Dunya) position while August hates his mother's position. In Crime and Punishment (C&P), eventually Dunya leaves her fiancée. I am not sure if the same will happen to his mother by her divorcing her now husband. The parallel is strong but the story is not an exact replica so it might not happen.

2. After he commits the crime, Raskolnikov conceals the stolen item aka. result and weapon of crime. Similarly with August, he hides the phone aka. the result - video, and weapon - the phone.

3. Raskolnikov then becomes delirious with the guilt and weighing exhaustion of crime until he faces the consequence. We know from Season 2 that August feels guilty and illness can be the nervous attack that occurs in S 1 Ep 1 infront of Sara.

Speculation: It is known in the story that Raskolnikov becomes progressively worse in his delirium until he confesses. He also becomes apathetic to his crime and the morality of his actions during his journey, all which we can see with August. However, August like Raskolnikov might be given reduced statement (Raskolnikov is sent to prison for 8 years for murders, since August's crime is of lesser magnitude, he probably wont serve in prison or his sentence will be very significantly reduced) and is considered to be ultimately redeemable once he faces consequence of his actions. He will also be happier and freer, aka. he might leave his addiction with pills behind by the end of show.

4. Raskolnikov angers the workmen and his caretakers by asking casual questions about the crime he committed, even suggesting that they accompany him to the police station to discuss it. We know that August reaches this stage several times subtly as he asks about what would happen if he confesses and is present in the room when rest of the boys are discussing who filmed the video.

5. As Raskolnikov contemplates whether or not to confess, he sees Marmeladov, Sonya's (aka Sara) dad, who has been struck mortally by a carriage. He rushes to help and succeeds in conveying the stricken man back to his family's apartment. However, Marmeladov ends up dying in his daughter's arms. Raskolnikov later hands Sonya money for his funeral.

This is a speculation now but I am wondering if we will get any interaction between Mikke and August in Season 3. If there is, it would probably be in the context of August helping Sara. In C&P, Raskolnikov also acts as the catalyst to reconciliation between Sonya and Marmeladov, excited to see if the writers follow through to show that August will bring Mikke and Sara into an understanding. Hopefully Mikke won't die like C&P, although he might be sent away (maybe he will be punished for his alcohol trade or drugs idk).

6. In C&P, Sonya is pure and righteous although she falls in love with a criminal. Sonya also urges Raskolnikov multiple times to confess his crime to free himself of the mental burdens. Raskolnikov goes back and forth few times but ends up confessing because of her. We can see that in YR, Sara is actually primary reason August takes a step towards his redemption, although he goes back and forth with it.

Speculation: Sara and August will reconcile. In C&P, Sonya helps Raskolnikov when he is serving his sentence in Syberia. Sonya loves Raskolnikov despite knowing his darkest side, this is true for Sara who loves August's true self. Only hurdle is Simon, who is a wild card in their love story as his character is not present in C&P. Despite that, very high chance that atleast there will be an hopeful ending of being together in the future for Sara and August.

7. Another fascinating parallel between C&P and YR that solidified to me that the story follow closely to one another is the fact that before Raskolnikov goes to confess his crime, there is already someone else, Porfiry, who confesses to his crime saying it is them. This Porfiry is clearly Alexander. However, after Porfiry's confession, Raskolnikov aka August, becomes more fearful that he will never have a peace of mind which drives him to confess his crimes in great detail.

Speculation: Alexander has done his job as the decoy already in season 2. It is unlikely that he will play a role that parallels C&P. Any more action that this character takes will be entirely new which exists outside the C&P parallel, because according to C&P, this is the end of his role in the story.

I can't remember anything else for now. Here are some interesting details about C&P, do what you will with this information:

Dunya's fiancée commits suicide after she breaks off their engagement. Here, Dunya is August's mom, therefore the fiancée could either be August's real dad who already committed suicide or his step-dad who is yet to meet the same fate. I think it is the former but idk.

Raskolnikov's motive for committing the crime was the class disparity in then Russia. He was, in a sense, jealous that some people can get money and status in the society while he has to be in financial hardship. Very close to August's motive although he belongs in the same social class.

Sonya is accused of stealing the money that Raskolnikov gives her for funeral for the death of Marmeladov in C&P. Similarly, August's kindness to Sara could be misunderstood by other people in a major way, either this has already happened subtly in Season 2 or it has yet to come in a big way in Season 3, especially to do with money and reputation.

Some story details may vary as I wrote this from memory, please double check the source to confirm and let me know if there is existing meta on this.

#young royals #yr #august #sara eriksson #young royals meta

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ransprang · 2 years ago

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Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 (Finale)

Serial Killer! Harvey x Ex-Lawyer! Reader - Chapter 4 (Finale)

wc: 1.7k

Year 1, Winter

The past few weeks were full of town gatherings at Lewis's house and at the Saloon to discuss what the town was going to do about the 3 missing people. You had joined the adventure guild in their patrols and there truly seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary. No wild animals and nothing out of place.

The townsfolk got increasingly wary especially those with young children. Hence Lewis established a new curfew that everyone must be indoors before sunset and cannot leave until sunrise. This was awful since winter meant that there was less daylight.

On top of that, a while after Pam's disappearance Harvey had come to your house with a bouquet of flowers apologizing for his lack of response and expressed his love for you. How on Earth are you supposed to go on romantic dates with your new boyfriend now?!

The night before the curfew was completely set in place, Harvey took you to the beach for a romantic picnic while watching the sunset. While watching the sunset, he turned to you and held your hand gently, "Y/n, I may not be very strong, but I promise to protect you during these times. I promise nothing will harm you as long as I'm around." Unable to express how safe that makes you feel you lean in towards him..only to be startled by a loud noise, "OHOHO LOOK AT THE WEE LITTLE LOVEBIRDS WE'VE GOT HERE". Willy made his way down the dock amused by the sight.

"Enjoyin' the sunset are we before the curfew ey?" You chuckled with Willy and noticed that Harvey didn't seem too pleased. Before you could take Harvey away to a more private spot, "Aye, I understand with things bein' so scary now even I'd take a break away from work t'spend some time with the others. Ah but the ocean needs me hoho. Have fun you two." He started whistling and walking back to his house.

How dare he. How dare that lowly fisherman assume his profession is harder than mine. Did he really think it was easy for me to take time off to spend this moment with my precious y/n? He will pay.

"...Honey, you okay?" You said softly looking concerned. Harvey shakes off his thoughts, "Yes sorry I was just thinking of something." Harvey sees your eyes gaze into the distance clearly something is bothering you as well. He grabs your hand prompting you to speak.

"W-well you see with recent events I'm terrified of course, but I really think something bad is in this town and I'm not sure what it is. You see when I was patrolling for the guild I saw some stuff that may be out of place I guess? Like in the forests I saw a lot of beer cans by the cliff and I saw some red splatters on the way to the spa. I don't know if they mean anything..."

Harvey was surprised he forgot to clean up such little details, "Oh darling, I bet it's just all the stress and rumors getting to you-"

Harvey got interjected by your rambling, "No. No..it's so strange isn't it that 1 person has been disappearing every season since I moved in? I didn't really tell anyone in the Valley since I thought it'd scare people away. You see, I was a prosecutor in the city and well I've seen so many criminal cases to the point where it stressed me out and I had nightmares about them. That's why I moved out here. I'm wondering if this might be the doing of one of the townsfolk." Y/n looked over into Harvey's eyes for reassurance.

Harvey's mind was racing. His beloved was a prosecutor? Oh man, he royally messed up. Maybe y/n should've been the first target. He should've researched her background. No No NO what was he thinking, they are lovers how could he be thinking that he promised to keep you safe.

"Wow honey I didn't know you were from such a background it explains how you're so intelligent. I think with the curfews hopefully these scary events cease to occur ever again." Harvey says giving you a kiss on the cheek. Still a bit troubled you hug him and you both head home.

As Harvey opens the office door he sees that it's unlocked, which is strange considering he was sure he locked it. Thinking nothing of it he headed in and before he went to his room he heard some rumbling.

It was 4pm and Harvey let Maru go a bit early today, which she was thankful of considering the recent missing cases. She went home and just as she reached her house she realized she forgot to take a file with her to read up on before work tomorrow. Luckily she had a spare key Harvey gave her 2 years ago, which she didn't have to use till now surprisingly.

She unlocked the door and made her way to Harvey's office. Looking for the file she noticed there are a few less files than before specifically Alex, Pam and Shane's were gone. Trying to not think much of it she tried to look for the notebook with tomorrow's schedule. Out of curiosity she looked through the Fall history and saw that Pam's appointment was during her day off but she hadn't signed in. Which is strange since Pam always came in when she was in the office. It's been like this for the past few years.

Maru started wondering if Harvey knew something. He had been a bit more jumpy lately and especially protective of his belongings. Maru knew she shouldn't be doing this, but she went into Harvey's room. Taking a glance at the pilot gear she saw a bit of red on the corner and took a swab of the dried up liquid with a cotton bud she was conveniently carrying around.

Still feeling uneasy, she found snooped through his cabinet to find a jar of rat poison. The Valley did not have any rats so it was strange that Harvey needed this. There was a syringe next to it as well. Maru thought that the pairing was very odd. Feeling a bit creeped out she makes her way out till she sees a white board. Turning it around she sees Alex, Shane and Pam's faces along with others on the board. Maru started reading the board "Shane.. 3am cliff.. Alex 5am spa..tired...Pam appointment..rat poison.." Maru stopped reading out of fear and took a picture of the sight in front of her.

She just wants to get out of here at this point as she is about to exit she sees the front doorknob opening. Quickly she hides in a room trying to make as little noise as possible. She holds her hand over her mouth to make sure Harvey doesn't hear her.

Harvey is about to go into his room when he hears a voice. He's certain there's someone else in the clinic with him. Quietly he makes his way around the clinic trying to find the voice.

"...Help....Killer...Prosecute him" Slowly the voice is getting clearer. It's a woman's voice. "...he gets rid of the evidence." Harvey draws back the curtain that was covering one of the medical beds, "Maru?"

Reaching home you take a warm shower and are ready to collapse onto your bed. You got a voice message from Maru 5 minutes ago. Since you went to visit Harvey in the clinic at times, you and Maru also got along very well and you even considered her to be your best friend. She was the only other person who knew you were a prosecutor. You start listening to the voice message:

"Y/n, I'm in serious trouble you need to help me I'm in the clinic. I know who the killer is. It's Harvey. Please help me you need to prosecute him. I sent a picture it's enough evidence. Quickly before he gets rid of the evidence-" You then hear a strange noise then an all too familiar voice with a bit of a sinister tone, "Maru? What are you doing here?"

A terrified Maru replied "D-doctor Harvey I-" "Now now Maru it's a bit too late for you to be out and about, don't you know what's been happening lately?" The message then cuts off.

Your heart beats fast. Fingers shaking you open the attachment. It's a picture of a whiteboard detailing the recent disappearances. Your sweet boyfriend Harvey did all this? The same man who told you he'd protect you from all danger? The man who did aerobics class on Saturday mornings? It all feels so surreal.

You put on a coat and boots, and run to the clinic. Banging on the front door you yell, "Harvey? HARVEY??". There is no answer. It is eerily quiet. You run to the Stardrop Saloon hoping there may be someone to help Maru. Entering the Saloon, you started yelling help and all chatter stopped. Mayor Lewis asked what's wrong. "Maru.. Maru is in danger please you need to help her."

Sebastian hears his sisters name and without any questions immediately asks you to take you to her. Sebastian, Sam, Kent, and a few others come along seeing how frantic you are. They are puzzled when you lead them to the clinic. With the help of Kent and Pierre, the door was kicked open.

You all hear a panicked scurrying in one of the rooms. Heading towards the room the group collectively gasps as they see a bleeding Maru and Harvey in bloody clothes. Before Kent tackles Harvey to the floor, your eyes meet and he looks almost apologetic and embarrassed that you caught him like this. As you started crying, you just barely saw Sam holding Sebastian back from tearing Harvey apart.

Someone took you by the arms and led you out of the clinic.

With all the undeniable evidence, it was very easy to prosecute Harvey by the law. However, it took a huge emotional toll on you. Ever since this event the Valley had not been the same...

#harvey x farmer #sdv harvey #harvey x reader #headcanons #stardew valley #stardew valley headcanons #stardew valley harvey #writing #stardew headcanon #sdv #stardew #stardewvalley #sdv headcanons #sdv bachelors #sdv x reader #sdv bachelors x reader #sdv harvey x reader #Harvey x reader

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tessabennet · 2 years ago

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I got tagged by @booksandabeer to share 8 shows to get to know me. I've been thoroughly overthinking it for the past few days, which is why this list sounds a bit like a series-watching-history resume. And I still feel like I'm forgetting some very important ones.

Anyway, thanks for the tag, J! Hope you enjoy 😅

I'll pass the tag to @tree-of-blue-squirrel @somanywords @hedvig-ulrika @tripfourconcerts and @myauroraborealis, if you guys want to do this 🥰

Avatar the Last Airbender

I'll start way way back in my childhood. I had this girl in my class in primary school who was obsessed with this show (to the point where it got kinda scary) but that's how I ended up watching it for the first time. And I just fell in love with the worldbuilding amd the characters with their found family.

Honourable mentions of shows I liked as a kid:

Suite Life, Drake & Josh, Glee

BBC Sherlock

Flash forward a couple of years, and here's me, in my late teens. And with that came my first queerbait experience! Hurray! But. If not for that, if not for the overanalysing of the queer subtext and the unbelievable disappointmemt in how it all turned out, I don't think I would have ended up as an english major. Which I have mixed feelings about, yes, but I feel like that represents my relationship with this show pretty well.

Honourable mentions of shows I watched in my late teens:

Shadowhunters, Doctor Who, Outlander

Supernatural

*clears throat* I know. I know. But I can't not include it, okay? It's been... let's call it a formative experience. My first real deep dive into fandom culture. How I first made fandom friends all over the world, who I love and treasure with all my heart now. I hate it as much as we all do, but yeah. *clenches fist and grits teeth* Supernatural had an impact on me.

Honourable mentions of my early fandom days shows:

Game of Thrones, Sex Education, Troy - Fall of a City

The Umbrella Academy

This one is a prime example of a type of show that I really like: the ones where, at times, I could not care less about the plot and am just here to thoroughly enjoy the characters.

Honourable mentions of shows I watch only for the characters:

Brooklyn 99, Stranger Things, Young Royals

Agent Carter

So. It's no secret that I am a firm, pious defender of all things Peggy Carter. This puts me in a somewhat awkward, sometimes even controversial position since I am also firmly, piously in the steve/bucky corner. But like. I love her? And since she (and like, the Captain America movies as a whole) were my way into the MCU... well, where would I be without her?

Honourable mentions of MCU shows I like:

Daredevil, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye

Good Omens

This one is really simple: it's silly and I'm so here for it. The humour, the characters, the absurdity of it all, the underlying political themes.... yeah, I don't think I need to explain to anyone why a Neil Gaiman show is a good thing to watch. Like, just for the fun of it.

Honourable mentions of shows I watch just for the fun of it:

Arrested Development, Heartstopper, Our Flag Means Death

The Mandalorian

Okay. So. This is the last show I watched with my dad before he died. We got to the first episodes of season 2 and I haven't watched the rest of it yet. Star Wars was our thing, you know? And I really miss watching stuff with him.

Honourable mentions of shows I would've liked to share with dad:

Kenobi, The Witcher, The Sandman

Shadow and Bone

This one's the most recent thing I watched, and it's where I'm at show-wise at the moment. Really, really liked it, and doing my part to get another season and hopefully, that Crows spinoff. My biggest current obsession. You get the gist.

Honourable mentions of shows I'm currently into:

Interview with the Vampire, The Crown, 911

...

Phew, this took way more work than is reasonable

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kawaiianimeredhead · 3 years ago

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For someone who really genuinely hates watching a lot of sad and angsty things and horror in which a lot of the time characters I care about die or get hurt repeatedly physically or emotionally

I sure do gravitate towards and firmly latch onto a lot of that in media lmao

And repeatedly those medias become my go to and cravable places to go

#idk what kind of analysis can be done into all that lmao #sometimes ya girl just gotta Feel ya know #but serious what is with me lmao #like fruits basket has some heavy shit in it and i love it and then in the flesh which is not only upsetting but unfinished #taz balence and especially and specifically from crystal kingdom onwards #rwrb and ols arent as upsetting and the characters fair way better as a whole om the physical and emotional upset compared to the others #but theres still a lot in those the characters go through #wtnv has its moments and im not caught up so a lot of what i think of is all the separation carlos and cecil had while carlos was in the #dessert like i got past that part but that sticks in my mind a lot #and the whole 'i am holding the trophy' kind bit early on #and now young royals which will hopefully get a season 2 #which i have a lot of thoughts about but season 1 is so good and also makes me so emotional #this isnt really relevant or the place but i super dont think itd make sense for there to be any off and on kind of thing in season two #which i think overall will be very good for these two fictional boys i am now very attached to but also the show in general #and or but i am super sure there will be plenty of other angst and issues #and its not relevant and idk where im going with it #i just have been in the tag a lot and i really have Thoughts or how i think things would make sense to do and go on certain parts #anyways lost the thought and plot of this lmao #being at work doesnt help #dont mind me #tag rambles #oh oh oh tacted on the end because i somehow forgot one that i think avout constantly and go back to actually two #no.6 and stiens gate which both are also deeply upsetting in sp many ways and also absolutely wonderful #lmao talk about grtting attached to characters that fucking die #oh lmao relavant but not and slight spoilers i just realized in in the flesh its almost the opposite haha

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simons-purplehoodie · 3 years ago

Note

What’s your favorite young royals scene? Which character do you think has the most trauma? What do you think will happen in season 2?

Idk what happened because I’ve like never gotten asks before a few days ago and now after I posted the last chapter of my fic I got a bunch about that and then now a bunch about Young Royals, so tysm to everyone who’s asking me stuff!! It’s so fun!!

Can I just say I love how your first question is a nice easy warmup one and then it just goes to level 10 right after that? 💀 HAHAH

1. Okay my fav scene(s) because I can’t choose one are the football field scene, the fish scene, piano scene right before Wille breaks Simon’s heart, and the scene where Simon and Sara fight (I just think the acting is so good in that one).

2. Who do I think has the most trauma? Well I feel in life if we try to make trauma and hurt a competition, then it’s one that everyone is losing. Same for in the show. Something that is so great about YR is that all the characters aren’t one sided, flat characters. They’re dynamic and have so many different sides and nuances to their personalities. So every character is going through something that makes them act in ways that they maybe otherwise wouldn’t.

3. What do I think will happen in season 2? I think that there will definitely (hopefully!) be lots of pining between Wille and Simon. We know that they both still want each other, and they know that they both still want each other, but it’s a matter of what they’re going to do about it. I hope at some point we get a scene where they really open up to each other about their struggles in their life, like Wille talking about his fear of not being enough and Simon telling Wille about his dad. Also I want some bad b*tch girl boss moments for Felice because she’s an icon. I also want Sara to have a chance to make some really good choices and choices that are empowering for her.

#ask #young royals #young royals season 2

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rachelbethhines · 4 years ago

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Tangled Salt Marathon - “Rapunzel Knows Best!” ( A first half of S3 Recap)

So I decided to place the recap after Be Very Afraid for several reasons. For starters it’s where the season three hiatus took place. It’s also framed like a cliffhanger episode the same as The Great Tree and Queen for a Day; so while Cassandra’s Revenge is technically the midseason finale, Be Very Afraid functionally servers this narrative purpose better. Finally I want to keep the Cassandra heavy stuff contained in it’s own recap later same as I did for Varian’s arc in season one.

Also keep in mind, everything I discussed in previous recaps still apply here. Nothings changed and you could argue that the issues I bring up now could have also apply to past seasons; they just happen to be at their worst here.

Here are the past recaps

To Filler or Not to Filler

Hey, What Ever Happened to That Varitas, Guy?

What Is the Point?

‘Whatta Twist’

And here are the episodes that’s covered in this recap

Rapunzel’s Return Part 1

Rapunzel’s Return Part 2

Return of the King

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf

The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne

No Time Like the Past

Beginnings

The King and Queen of Hearts

Day of the Animals

Be Very Afraid

Poorly Defined Conflicts

I’m not just talking about Cassandra’s lack of goals here either, though that is a part of it. I mean in several episodes the central conflict isn’t laid out clearly enough before being resolved. We flip from one set up to the next without ever resolving the first; like in Rapunzel’s Return when Cass and Varian fight for screen time or whenever Rapunzel is suppose to learn one lesson only for someone else to learn a completely different lesson in every other episode. And to this day I don’t know what Rapunzel and Feldspar’s subplot in Lost Treasure was suppose to be about.

There’s also of course the ill-defined overall conflict; which at this point has become convoluted and nonsensical to the extreme, and will only grow more aggravatingly stupid as the season progresses. The main villains lack clear goals, their motivations don’t align with previously stated facts, and the actual interesting conflict involving the threat of the rocks and their destruction of people’s lives and homes is just shoved under the rug and forgotten about.

There is no story without conflict. Having the conflict be all over the place is not only confusing but makes it harder for the audience to invest in what’s going on.

Failed Narrative Promises

Tying in with the above statement regarding conflicts, we have failed narrative promises. Rapunzel is repeatedly told to that she needs to learn something in several episodes only for her not to learn it at all. She either learns some unrelated ‘lesson’ that wasn’t established, (like in Rapunzel’s Return with her pervious goal about ‘opening up to others’ being switched out for a generic ‘responsibility’ lesson that at the last minute, where she doesn’t even do anything responsible,) or she winds up ‘teaching’ the opposite lesson to a different character thereby rewarding her for her bad behavior.

And that’s just within the induvial episodes themselves; there’s also broken narrative promises through out the overall story arc; like...

no justice/redemption for Lady Caine,

no acknowledgment that the Saporians are the victims of colonization

no conclusion regarding Corona’s murky past

no satisfying ending to Varian’s plot that sees everyone in involve grow

a poor copout of an explanation for Cassandra’s face/heel turn

The Dark Prince reveal going nowhere

The Brotherhood being put on a bus

King Frederic, or any royal, not being held accountable for their past actions

Lance’s new found responsibilities just being thrown away for the tenth time

The Disciples plot being being dropped

next to nothing in season two winds up being relevant

And Rapunzel, the protagonist of a coming of age story, fails to learn anything at all

I could probably go on but you get the gist. Tangled is incredibly frustrating show to watch because doesn’t deliver what it promises. You’re not being clever by ‘subverting audiences expectations’ unless you can justify your narrative decisions with previous set up. Tangled is too lazy to build proper set ups so it’s ‘twists’ leave you wanting to punch things rather then impressing you.

Character Assassinations

Every single character in Tangled the Series gets thrown under a bus, driven off a cliff, and then allowed to drown in the ocean of their completely unaware self-congratulatory smugness.

Rapunzel is turned into a bully

Cassandra is given the idiot ball to hold permanently

The King and Queen are lobotomized

Quinin gets replaced by a robot

The rest of the Brotherhood are pale shadows of what they could have been

Edmund is transformed from tragic complex figure into a dumb jerkoff who abuses his kid for a laugh

Zhan Tiri, once an ancient demon warlock, is reduced to a floating impotent ghost girl

The Saporians become poor hipster parodies

Cap is put on a bus

Any villain who isn’t Cass is gets ignored

Lance is infantilized to the point of absurdity

Eugene becomes a doormat

and poor Varian is forced to become a complacent victim to his abusers as oppose to being allowed to keeping his dignity

I think the only person who escapes this mass murder of characterization is freaking Calliope, and she’s hasn’t even appeared yet! (Well okay her and Trevor, maybe)

This all ties back into the poorly defined conflict and failed narrative promises. Rather than let the characters drive the story, they’ve become puppets to the plot, and plot is really stupid and forced, and circles back in on itself and is full of contradictions.

Manipulating the Audience’s Empathy to Do the Work for the Writers

The reason why the creators believe they can get away with such poor characterization and lazy writing is because they expect the audience to do all the heavy lifting for them.

Cass isn’t given an on screen reason for what she does because they’re hoping her fans will just automatically excuse her because they like her/relate to her and not, you know, get mad at the writers for dumbing her down. And after all who doesn’t love the creator’s pet? Meanies! That’s who!

No one calls out Rapunzel’s bullshit on screen, because if everyone likes her, then you, viewing audience, should too. Because if you have any sort of independent critical thinking abilities and a sense of right and wrong then clearly you’re ‘just a hater’.

Everyone should just shut up and be satisfied that Varian is even on screen now and be grateful for the scraps that they get cause he’s not the real point of the show and according to Chris ‘Varian fans aren’t real fans’. Even though they make up most of his viewing audience.

I could go on, but it’s just variations of the above. The writing in this series is very fond of gaslighting the audience and trying to trick them into justifying the absolute worst behaviors while desperately hoping they doesn’t noticed the continued downgrading and dismissal of characters they do like or once liked.

And the sad thing is, it’s worked. There are people to this day that still try to justify this show’s shitty morals and bend over backwards to excuse the likes of Rapunzel, Frederic, Cassandra, and Edmund. Worst, there are loud sections of the fandom, (usually on twitter) who think bullying is okay and follow in Chris and his characters footsteps. Most of them young impressionable girls who are now ripe for TREFS to indoctrinate because they use the same bullying tactics and excuses for authoritarianism.

Media does effect reality, but not in the way purists and antis would have you believe. No one is going to become a violent manic from playing a video game nor a sex offender because they read a smut fic. But they very much will conform to toxic beliefs if it’s repeated enough at them by authorities they ‘trust’; like say the world wide leading company known for family entertainment and children’s media, and the ‘friends’ they find within the fandom for said company...

I’m not saying you can’t enjoy Tangled the series or that you’re some how wrong for liking it’s characters, nor do you have to engage with every or any criticism thrown it’s way. But yes you need to think about the media you consume on some level and valid criticism is very much important to the fandom experience for precisely the above reasons.

Conclusion

This isn’t even the tip of the iceberg of what’s wrong with this show, but it is most of its biggest problems laid bare. Anything that haven’t covered here or in the past recaps will be explored in the final recap. Cause this is it folks; the last leg of the journey for this retrospective. When come back, hopefully next week, we’ll tackle Pascal’s Dragon.

#tangled #anti-tangled #tangled the series #rapunzel's tangled adventure #tts #rta

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nahara-nation · 4 years ago

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Rating the Maybe Interactive games I’ve played

Remarried Empress: not only allows you but encourages you to be a bitch. I play this game when I’m angry to blow off steam, my husband and his mistress are my punching bags 💕 8/10 the webtoon is better

Lord of Demons: pspspspspspspspsps MC~ massacre the priests 🎶 7/10 MC looks a little young and it throws me off but she’s a badass

Princess Irene: secondhand embarrassment central. RIP to MC but I would simply stage a coup instead of jumping through hoops like this. 5/10

Perfect Partner: 50 shades if anastasia and christian’s jobs were reversed. I diamond mined this without really reading tbqh. ??/10 but I wouldn’t hold my breath

Taste of Infidelity: would be a lovely story about leaving an emotionally abusive relationship if it weren’t for all the smut and the abuser being a LI. 4/10 I was ROOTING for u we were ALL rooting for u

Flower Lane: lesbians. *applause* short but sweet gay domesticity and it’s getting a sequel! 8/10 two points off bc they all look quite young for adults

A Good Day to Be a Dog: the webtoon fucks and the premise is interesting but I’ll never forgive the game for making my student a LI. Aside from that it reminds me of fruits basket. 7/10 good fluff content

Royal Blood: this game is everyone’s sweetheart but I dislike it. Some good plot twists and canon lesbianisms can’t make up for creepy flirty stepbrothers and the fact that I cannot partake in said lesbianisms. 4/10 the sequel is good

My Dear Goddess: I cannot for the life of me recall most of the plot even though I played this game two months ago. That’s not a good sign. 4/10 bc I like the art tho

A Household Affair: another smutty story about leaving an abusive relationship but this one has wonky art imo. You can’t date the abuser which is good but the bar is on the floor, so. I diamond mine this one as well. 5/10

Son or Husband: a so-called love triangle but every player has made up their mind by episode 3 at the latest. Fuck outta here stepson I’m tryna smash your dad. 6/10

Lady In Armor: god I wish that were me. Murder👏the👏royal👏family👏baby👏 it’s long but good and the MC slaps. 9/10 take my diamonds

Flirting Island: employers hate this one trick!! Hint: it’s seducing the CEO so they can’t fire you because you’re technically above them now. TWO hidden love interests so that’s neat. One of them is gay so that’s even neater. Love Island if it were inspired by Danielle Steele. 7/10 I can’t wait to ditch the canon love interest TWICE this time

Keeper of Mine: KOM my love / please take all of my money / best game on the app. That was a haiku. 9/10 one point removed for straight man fuckery in Marie’s ending

Royal Blood Season 2: so far it’s up there with KOM and LIA. In which my werewolf boyfriend beats up my creepy s1 stepbrothers 💕 I like the MC. She’s hot and has a backbone and I think there’s a second secret werewolf LI if I decide to be evil which is always a nice choice to have—being evil, I mean. It seems to take place in the 70s/80s which means the fashion is sickening in a good way. It seems big titty goth gf is not to be 😔 hopefully an outfit unlocks that will let ME be the big titty goth gf. 9/10

#maybe interactive stories #I’m not tagging all these games lmao

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skamenglishsubs · 2 years ago

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Subtext and Culture, Young Royals, Lines of Succession

The one plot point that most viewers seem to have a problem with is the one with August and the line of succession. Common critique is that it doesn't make sense, that it's unrealistic, and that it either comes out of nowhere, or that everyone involved should have already known. I have no problems with it, but I also speculated that this was a possible season 2 plot point over a year ago: Heir Today - Gone Tomorrow. So here's my take on it, which hopefully will dispel a lot of confusion and answer common questions.

"Why August? Aren't there any other closer relatives?"

Above is a possible family tree that contains what we know from the show, gets the family connections right, gets the titles right, and makes it so that August comes after Wilhelm in the bloodline. This works as long as Kristina doesn't have any siblings, if August's grandmother was the oldest or only sibling of the previous king, and if August's dad was the oldest or only sibling in his family.

I don't think any of that is a stretch. Sure, the current king of Sweden has a bunch of children and grandchildren and there's no lack of eligible heirs, but throughout history there's lots of examples of royal lines that died out because of a lack of children. Shit happens. In Japan, for example, all hope rests on the 16-yo Prince Hisahito. If he dies in an accident or doesn't have kids, 1400 years of the unbroken line of House Yamato goes down the drain. Better be straight, kid. No pressure!

"Why is this a surprise to the characters? Doesn't everyone already know August is second in line?"

The UK for example has a very long line of succession that is indeed well-known, and all of Prince William's or Prince George's cousins and second cousins and more distant relatives have a known place in the line of succession, and you could spot this plot coming from miles away if things worked like that in the Young Royals universe.

But the UK is an outlier among European royal families. In Sweden, and in many other European monarchies, the line of succession is short, and usually limited to the current monarch and their children and grandchildren. Given what various characters say throughout the show, this seems to be the case in-universe. The line of succession in the show has only one name on it: Wilhelm.

"The Queen can't just move people into the line of succession as she likes!"

Indeed she cannot, and that's not what's happening either! August isn't in the line of succession at any point in the show, and has never been in it. But the Queen does have the power to promote members of the wider royal family, to showcase them, to include them in events for the royal family, and so on. The plan is to make August a "working royal", to have him perform royal duties, hold speeches, attend events, and engage in charities. In addition, they're cleaning up his public persona and setting him on the same path of education and military service that Erik was on, as if he was eligible to inherit the throne.

That way, if Wilhelm triggers a constitutional crisis by leaving the line of succession or abdicating or whatever - hopefully decades from now - they can present August as the easy alternative. Getting him into the actual line of succession would require a change to the constitution, which in turn requires a lot of political work and goodwill and popular support. But if August is popular with the people, if everyone already thinks of him as a member of the royal family, and if he's preferably married with children, then Parliament would only need to make a small change to the constitution to make him eligible, and keep the monarchy going, thus resolving the constitutional crisis once and for all.

"But the Queen knows what August did, can't she skip him over?"

Yes she does know, and she's making it clear he's not her first choice. But she has to choose him, because he is next in the bloodline. And the rules for the line of succession can't be arbitrary, they have to follow simple rules, it's all the heirs or nothing. If the rules are changed to widen eligibility one step further out, August's name would come up first because that's what the family tree looks like.

But if the Queen were to promote someone else in the extended family, someone who is more distantly related than August, everyone would start asking questions. Why not him? What's wrong with him? He'd be shoved into the spotlight, the press would start digging, and all the dirt would come out. This would tarnish the image of the royal family, and if Wilhelm causes a crisis and Parliament has to change the rules, a lot more people would be in favour of scrapping this monarchy thing. If the royal family doesn't have its shit together, why not switch to a republic and elect a president instead?

So if the Queen wants to preserve the monarchy, she has to choose August, and she has to clean up his public persona, and she has to rug-sweep the sex tape scandal, even though that hurt Wilhelm.

"Shouldn't August already have thought of this himself?"

Again, August isn't in the line of succession, and can't campaign on his own to be included in it. This scheme can only work with the full backing of the royal family and the royal court, he needs their entire PR machinery to do the work for him. If he even breathed this thought into words, everyone would laugh him out.

At the start of the show, both Erik and Wilhelm are alive, which means his chances are pretty much zero. At the end of season 1, he has leaked the sex tape and thinks he'll be in deep shit if the Queen finds out. We know she knows at that point, but August doesn't. In the beginning of season 2, he thinks they know, and is just waiting for them to punish him for it.

The only point in the show where he comes close to thinking this out loud is in S1E4 after the Society party, where he asks Wilhelm if he wants to trade places with him. That's as far as he dares push it, because this show isn't Game of Thrones where anyone with an army and a couple of dragons can press their claims.

"Yeah, well, the show doesn't explain any of this very well!"

Alright, that's fair enough, but this is why you should be reading my posts, explaining all of this! If you had read all of my old analysis posts, this wouldn't have come as a surprise to you! 😜

Because to me, all of this makes sense. I think it's plausible, the family tree works out, and the plan works out. It's still important to remember that this plan isn't a sure thing though. The Queen can only suggest to Parliament that they should make August eligible, and he needs to have a squeaky clean image. The whole thing can go sideways in a million ways...

Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no...

#young royals #young royals subtext #young royals analysis #young royals season 2

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talesofafangirlwithadvr · 4 years ago

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October/November Picks

Long time no see! So...it’s been a little bit since I’ve posted a wrap up. I had all intentions of posting one after October, but then you know life gets ahead of you and before you know it it’s Thanksgiving. Not much has changed in my viewing habits for these past two months, so I thought I’d group them together for a mega wrap up. Hope you enjoy :)

Without further ado here come some spoilers.....

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SECRET SOCIETY OF SECOND BORN ROYALS

This Disney + original movie was one of my highly anticipated watches for the fall. I am disappointed to share that it was a let down. The concept was such a cool and creative one. Having the second born in a royal family not simply be the “spare” but be the protector...with superpowers! (In a very YA way, getting their powers at a specific age.) They just should have gone about the story in a better way. I wanted more time with them learning about the powers and to make the villain stronger. Overall the acting wasn’t bad (which is good for a Disney + original), but it was just lacking. The movie was LONG and yet much did not feel like it happened. It was cool seeing Casa Loma (the castle they filmed at) as I was just there two summers ago. Sadly, I will not be watching this movie again.

VIOLETTA SEASON 3

We all already know how pumped I was when season 3 of Violetta was released on Disney Plus in September. I couldn’t believe it after waiting so long for the second season. I really enjoyed the beginning of this season and knew we would be headed down a road where I would grow tired of the storylines.

We have hit that point.

Quick Violetta rant. Things I am done with:

Roxy and Fausta plot

Fran and Diego being a secret

Herman and Priscilla

Pablo not at the studio

Milton being evil

Ludmilla lying

Recently, my sister is catching up to where I am in the season, so this has pushed me to watch more. I am on episode 43 and some of the above venting has been solved, so that is super exciting. I am finding myself wanting to watch it more now, so fingers crossed it continues to get better.

JULIE AND THE PHANTOMS

Kenny Ortega has done it again! When I first heard the premise for this show and watched the trailer on Netflix I wasn’t too sure. Then both of my sisters watched it and they wouldn’t stop talking about it, so that was a sign that I needed to watch it. Since then, I have watched the show twice and can’t stop listening to the music. THIS. SHOW. :) I get the hype. It’s just so wholesome and feel good. The characters are well crafted and the episodes go way too fast. They are the kind of characters (and cast) that make you wish you were a part of the show. I can’t wait for the next season (because there better be one). Definitely add this one to your list if it’s not on their already.

THE OUTPOST

The Summer CW shows were pushed to the fall line up due to delays in filming of the originally planned shows. I hope this means that they’re getting a little more love this year. The Outpost deserves it, as it is currently in its third season. (I think it might have gotten a little more now that the 100 is over and the commercial aired during the 100′s last season. Maybe people heard Black-blood and decided to give it a go.) This season has seen a new threat and during the first eight episodes there’s been MANY twists and turns, making it hard for me to remember how this season started. There’s been a lot of unrest in the Outpost and changes in who is in charge. While there are some unnecessary plot-lines (like that Tobin had to be married), I’m really enjoying others. Like how important Janzo is, his relationship with Ren, more Munt and that TALON AND GARRETT FINALLY GOT TOGETHER!!! It makes me so happy and is what we deserve after these three seasons. I love how strong both of their characters are and how they are both Warriors. I hope the season ends strong.

PANDORA

Just like The Outpost, Pandora was originally a Summer CW show that is now airing its second season. I really enjoyed the first season (like more than I was expecting), so I went in with higher hopes for this new season. Unfortunately, I have been let down so far. With the first season, there were parts that left me confused and my biggest review of this show has always been how there were gaps or moments where I didn’t know how much time had gone by. Those kind of things I could overlook, but this season the overall plot just seems weaker. I think this in part because of so many new characters. I know a lot of the season 1 cast ended their characters’ plots away from the Academy, but I wasn’t expecting them not to be a part of this season’s story. That has been a difficult adjustment. I also feel like I only understand Jax’s story and not so much about the other government/rebellion points. It’s getting a little better, but I hope it gets to be more enjoyable.

THE SPANISH PRINCESS--SEASON 2

When I originally was creating this list I had just started this season, and felt completely different than I do right now. I just finished this season last week. Much like my above review on Pandora, The Spanish Princess wasn’t sucking me in. I had a few episodes gather on the DVR. Then once we hit episode 3 or 4 and more drama was starting/Henry was starting to show glimpses of the Henry VIII we all know, I was growing more interested. In season 2 of the Spanish Princess, we do not see a loving Catherine and Henry for long. Problems Catherine have in conceiving a boy (male heir) are one of the main focal points, as is Woolsey’s growing influence on the king. With several sub-plots this season, I specifically enjoyed learning more about Meg in Scotland (as a big Mary Queen of Scots/Reign fan, I liked seeing a portrayal of her grandmother) as well as Princess Mary Tudor (who I was unfamiliar with. I loved her and Charlie Brandon’s relationship and wish we could have gotten more.) Each week I watched this show, I found myself Googling a lot. That is always one of my favorite parts of watching a historical drama based on true events. I know right now it looks like the producers aren’t continuing with the Tudor line and might have a different part of history as their next show, but I wish they would. I’m feeling the call to watch the Tudors as it’s on Netflix and I haven’t seen it before. I want to learn more about his wives.

BLOWN AWAY

In a complete shift from a period piece, here is another Netflix show I thoroughly enjoyed watching last month. Do you find the act of glass blowing to be extremely interesting, but you would never dream of trying yourself? Or do you like competition game shows that are not like anything else you’ve watched before? Then Blown Away might be for you! It’s a very fast watch with only a handful of episodes that are about a half hour a piece. (I honestly wished they were a bit longer because it was SO GOOD!) Each contestant is a glass blower and they get to show off their skills by competing in a specific challenge. Each episode you see someone get eliminated until the final where the winner gets a residency at Corning Museum of Glass in upstate New York. This show came out in 2019 and I am hoping a second season comes out.

LIFE IN PIECES

This CBS comedy was one that I remember loving when it first came out. But I only remember watching the first season because then I couldn’t remember which day it was on. (It’s going to sound weird, but because I don’t watch a lot on this network I often forget it exists. We also only had a one room DVR at the time, so we couldn’t tape more than 2 things. Oh, the joys of multi-room DVR). After I finished my re-watch of Derry Girls in September, I was looking for another sitcom to re-watch. This was when I stumbled on the full series of Life in Pieces on Amazon video. (It’s free to watch with Prime.) I was so surprised to see there were 4 seasons! Since then I have been watching a good amount of episodes when I sit down to watch it. Now I’m about mid way in the second season. I highly recommend this show if you haven’t seen it before. It gives vibes of Modern Family. Very short episodes that include four storylines. The format is one that I haven’t seen done before in a sitcom.

SUPERMARKET SWEEP

The revival of the beloved game show from the early 90s is now hosted by Leslie Johns and is the best thing you should be watching on Sunday nights. If you know your grocery shopping list like the back of your hand then you are all set for this show. Leslie Johns is hilarious as are the cast of characters that are regulars in her supermarket. I think it would be a great TV show to be on and I’m not just saying that because I want one of the sweatshirts (although that would be great). If you want (another) feel-good watch, look no further! You catch up on demand.

RE-WATCHING

ANNE WITH AN E

It’s hard to believe that we only got the third season of Anne with an E at the beginning of this year (as this year feels like its been going on forever and when I watched the third season I was in a much less stressed place). Currently, I am teaching a class involving Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. The main focus is on how these stories get adapted in recent times and include such modern plots (and sub-plots). Naturally Anne with an E is perfect for this topic (and after watching season 3 at the start of the year) was one of my major reasons for choosing this topic. (The other being Greta Gerwig’s latest Little Women.) As I’ve been planning my schedule, I’ve re-watched this show. There is something so great about watching it from season 1 all the way through to season 3. You get to watch them grow up and it’s crazy to see how young they first were. Comparing it more to the novel has been a fun time, but also analyzing it more has been great and made me appreciate it even more. With all the stress of our current situation watching this show has made me escape and feel good. (Yes, I know I’ve used that word a lot in this wrap up, but it’s true.)

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Hopefully my next wrap up isn’t as delayed. Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

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kosegruppaa · 3 years ago

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You’re currently the only person I follow that has watched young royals (hopefully more ppl pick up speed because that shit needs a s2 or I’m suing) so I hope you don’t mind me discussing it in your inbox!! I’m just so impressed by the show itself. I was FULLY not expecting it to be so well made and written when I watched the trailer and decided to give it a go. Honestly one of the best teen dramas on Netflix right now! The chemistry between the actors who play w&s is so phenomenal and I love how the writers treated their relationship with so much respect. The drama and tension between them isn’t drawn out and based off of miscommunication, which is refreshing in a YA show. I would love to see some more discussion on Wilhelm’s obvious physical anxiety through the season - it’s one of those “wow I can’t believe a show writer actually cared enough to show its main character experiencing this” moments! Also, so many tender moments between them that are done so perfectly and showing their sexuality without it being over-sexualized. Their quiet little moments together made my heart physically ache 😓 and although the ending wasn’t the happiest, I’m glad it didn’t end on an extreme cliff hanger. I’m literally about to go rewatch the whole thing even tho I just finished it Saturday lol

hello anon!! no, please come in my inbox and talk about young royals i love ittttt

i agree so much, the chemistry and acting of both wilhelm and simon was truly amazing, i haven't felt this way in a long time. it is the kind of shit that makes me ache too.

yes, some discussion around wilhelm's anxiety is pretty high on my wish list for a season 2. i interpret it as him being aware that that's what it is, like he knows how to try and calm himself?? it would be very interesting to hear more about it, if it is mainly related to pressure around his family and responsability or if it is more general anxiety. i guess it might be hard to separate!

i didn't actually watch the trailer before watching the show, and i'm kinda glad i didn't cause i had such a great time going into it mostly blind! but honestly i think even if the trailer doesn't do it justice with how good it is, it still looks interesting and like something that would appeal to lots of people! it has only been out for less than a week, right? and i'm starting to see more and more hype, so hopefully it will pick up even more speed! we NEED a second season at least, my heart truly cannot take it if we leave them here!!

i just finished my second watch and i watched it for the first time yesterday, so i definitely get you lmao!! i foresee i will watch it many a time over this summer vacation hehe

#anon #thanks for asking!#i really need to watch season 2 of feel good #cause i LOVED that show in season 1 (recc if you haven't watched it)#but now im in that headspace where i truly can't watch anything else #im just gonna be like #'this isn't young royals'

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seriouslyhooked · 4 years ago

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Feels Like This (Part 8)

Emma Swan is a once lost girl who is now making good. She has made a way in the world for her and her young son, Henry, and after years of hard work, Emma is in her last stretch of schooling for the career she’s always wanted. Unexpectedly, she finds herself in a tiny nation no one’s ever heard of for her last year of study. She knows nothing about the place except that it’s beautiful, has a world-renowned child life program, and is filled with possibility. Meanwhile, Prince Killian is hardly happy with the title he received at birth. As the second in line for the crown, Killian has long tried shaking his royal duties. He built a career in the royal navy, and has stayed out of the limelight, but his ship has been called to port indefinitely at the request of his brother, the King. Fate (in her many forms) brings Emma and Killian together and the resulting fic is a cute, fluffy, trope filled romp featuring heart felt moments, a healthy dose of insta-love and an assured happily ever after. Story rated M and will have 12 parts. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7. Available on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey everyone! So I was writing this chapter before and during the angst of posting the parade chapter, and I want to just say, that while I knew many of you would be stressed, I imagined this chapter (and chapter 7) as a healing remedy. This is filled with first date fluff and cuteness and also some more needed disclosures between Killian and Emma. it represents a real beginning, and hopefully you’ll all enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Anyway, without further ado, here goes!

Okay, Emma, don’t panic. It’s just Killian. You like Killian. Actually, you really like Killian. And yes, he might be a prince, but that doesn’t have to mean so much when you think about it. A date is a date. Sure you haven’t been on one in years, and certainly not with a man you actually cared about. But it’s fine. It’s so fine. You got this. It’s not like he’s taking you to the palace for the date. Oh Jesus, he’s not taking me to the palace is he? I know he said he wasn’t but –

“I can practically hear you overthinking things through the door, Emma. Cut it out!” Anna scolded with her ever present affection laced into the sharp words. The censure snapped Emma’s focus back into the moment and reminded her that time was ticking, and she had others waiting on her. “Now come on, we want to see your dress, don’t we Henry?”

“Yeah, Mom. Open up!”

Anna and Henry’s headed back down the hall, and Emma heard their footsteps loudly thumping in a purposefully dramatic way. They hadn’t even waited for her reply, they just commanded her to get a move on. Emma smiled at their antics, despite her flurry of nerves, and looked back to the mirror one last time. She smoothed out the lines of the delicate dress she’d chosen for tonight, recalling Killian’s promise that they would have complete privacy and no expectations. With that assurance, she went with something pretty and yet still comfortable. Her chosen sun dress reflected the seasonal heat they’d been experiencing, but the pretty pink color was not her usual choice. It was different, but it felt special, and as she’d been choosing from the hordes of outfits Anna and Elsa offered when they arrived, Emma couldn’t help remembering Cecelia’s words at the center’s picnic. She’d said pink was for princesses, and though Emma by no means thought herself a princess, she wanted to feel a bit surer of herself in a not so normal situation.

“All right, I’m coming out,” Emma announced, swinging the door open and heading out for the big reveal.

Elsa, Anna and Henry were all gathered by the television, plotting out their movies to watch and snacks to consume while she and Killian went out for the night. Emma was so grateful to have new people in her life who would give up their one night off from work to help her care for her son, but when she tried to thank them, Elsa and Anna waved off her gratitude as unnecessary. Already they considered her a ‘dear friend’ and they were thrilled to spend more time with Henry. Henry was equally excited, but when he knew this was happening so Emma and Killian could go out, that excitement was compounded. He’d loved every minute they spent with Killian yesterday, and he’d reaffirmed that all day long. Henry had also been very clear of his approval and his want for Emma to give this a real chance.

When she came into view of her friends and her son, Emma felt a bit of lingering uncertainty, but it faded in the sight of everyone’s reactions. Elsa and Anna were so expressive, both of them clapping and smiling immediately.

“Oh, it’s perfect, Emma, just perfect,” Elsa said happily while Anna gave her own assessment.

“I really thought you should go with something more formal, but you were so right. This is the one.”

Emma smiled at the thought and looked to Henry. The softness of his expression made her throat tighten unexpectedly, and in seconds she was ready to cry. He looked so sweet and filled with adoration, and then he said the most beautiful words that always made a mother truly happy. “You look beautiful, Mom.”

“Thanks, kid,” she said, gesturing for him to come over. He ran to her, giving her a big hug that made her teeter slightly on her wedged shoes. She held on tight though, cherishing this love from her son and taking strength from his love for her. “You sure it’s really ok?”

“Killian’s not going to know what hit him,” Henry agreed with a grin. Then that smile faltered and Emma grew worried.

“Everything okay, Henry?” her son nodded.

“Yeah, Mom. Everything is great. You know I like Killian. He was so cool yesterday, and he makes you happy. I saw that.”

Emma couldn’t disagree. Even with all the unknowns and the questions and the hurt yesterday she had been happy. Spending time with Killian and Henry together had been easy and fun. It felt natural, and she’d loved that. It scared her, but she wanted it, and that was part of the reason she’d chosen to forgive Killian and still try despite everything that happened. Still, she felt there was something Henry wasn’t saying, and she waited her son out to see if he’d tell the full truth.

“You deserve this, Mom. I know you’re nervous still, about getting back out there after what happened with my Dad,” her heart stopped. They rarely ever talked about Neal, but when they did Emma always worried. Her priority was Henry and she never wanted him to feel like he was missing something. But in this moment, Henry quickly put those worries to rest. “But this is different. Killian is not like that.”

“You seem pretty sure about that,” Emma said, trying for lightness in tone, but not quite getting there.

“I am sure. You always told me to follow my gut, and my gut says that Killian is good for you. Good for us. Don’t you think?”

“I think…” Emma said, weighing her words carefully. Because yes, she did think that might be the case, but it was still very early on in whatever this relationship was, and she didn’t want to build up hopes too high for her or her son. “I think that I am excited for this date. So, what does that tell you?”

Henry grinned. He looked poised to say more but then a knock sounded at the door. Emma’s stomach flipped in anticipation and all the butterflies came back full force. Oh god he was here. This was actually happening.

“Look at that,” Anna said gleefully, gesturing to her watch. “He’s three whole minutes early. Someone’s certainly eager.”

“Anna,” Elsa said, chastising her sister, but only in jest. Elsa then came to stand and took Emma’s hands as a means of reassuring her. “You got this Emma. You can be totally certain we’ve got things handled here. Your only job is to go and have a marvelous time, okay?”

“And then report back all the details to us later,” Anna said. Elsa rolled her eyes, which made Emma laugh in spite of her anxiety, and then smiled.

“Any and all detail sharing is up to you.”

“Thank you. Both of you,” Emma said to Elsa and Anna. “Now Henry, you be good, okay?”

“You got it, dude,” he said sticking his thumbs up and quoting a show from her childhood that he’d taken to as a kid when it was on constant reruns. She laughed again, and allowed that laughter to carry her to the door. She didn’t give herself a chance to second guess, she just went for it, and then she saw Killian on the other side and she was spellbound, caught in a web of how handsome he looked.

“Emma.”

His voice sounded out in a deep rumble, gruff with feeling as his eyes took her in. She barely noticed though, distracted as she was by his outfit. Damn, it should not be legal for a man to be that hot. He was that perfect mix of formal and casual, and she momentarily forgot her audience. In fact, she forgot about everything except Killian, and by the time her eyes met his again, he was smiling this sinful smirk that lit her up inside. Crap, he’d caught her ogling him, but when he stepped towards her and filled the air around her with the scent of him she was lost again. She wanted to melt into him right now, but he held back, teasing her but never quite following through.

“I’ve no intention of waiting to the end of the evening to taste you, love,” he whispered, low enough that only she would hear. “But at the present moment we’ve got an audience, and I won’t put you through that.”

Emma nodded, thinking he meant Henry, Anna and Elsa but then she looked over his shoulder and saw the detail he’d had to bring. She blushed at the fact that she’d forgotten herself, but Killian didn’t give her any time to linger in that. Instead he took her hand in his gently. She assumed they’d leave straight away, but he surprised her by asking how Henry was.

“He’s great actually. Elsa and Anna are already spoiling him and I haven’t even left yet,” she said and Killian’s amusement was so genuine it touched her heart. “Do you want to say hi before we go?”

“I would love that,” he confessed and Emma brought him inside, realizing too late that this could be the equivalent of bringing him to the Spanish Inquisition. Her kid already asked a lot of questions, but with Elsa and Anna here, there was simply no way of knowing what would be asked or said. As if he could sense her worry, he squeezed her hand lightly and pressed a reassuring kiss to the top just before they came into view of the others.

“Hey, Killian! I didn’t know you were coming in. I hoped you might, but then Anna said people on dates get all heart eyes and stuff, whatever that means, and maybe you might forget.”

“Couldn’t possibly forget you, lad. Not when you introduced me to the world’s best pizza.”

Henry’s smile at that and his easy hop up from the couch to slap Killian’s hand had Emma absentmindedly rubbing at her heart. She watched the two of them catching up on the day, and also saw how easy Killian was with Anna and Elsa. Both of them lobbed a few sassier questions or comments his way, but he handled it all with grace, and every time he looked back at Emma, which was often, he had a smile on his face, like he was genuinely glad to be here, jumping through all these hoops.

Finally, after a a little visit with all of them, Killian made their excuses, while still keeping their end destination a secret. He offered Emma his hand once more and she took it, following him as he lead her out her front door and to the car. With sure and steady movements, he handed her inside carefully, acting every bit the gentleman. He then came around to the driver’s side and only when they were off and driving did she realize how not normal this must be.

“So what did you have to do to convince Jefferson to let you drive?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Killian said honestly before flashing her a smile. “He’s a smart man. He knows a losing battle when he sees one, and any iteration of this date where I sacrifice alone time with you is definitely a losing battle.”

Emma loved that he’d made this clear, and through the rest of the ride they talked and fell into an easy pattern together. It wasn’t long before they’d reached their destination though and Emma gawked when they pulled up to the magnificent, high, wrought iron gate.

“I thought you said we weren’t going to the palace,” she said, stunned at the size of this place. From the outside it looked like a castle, at least to someone who’d only ever lived in cramped apartments (at best) her whole life.

“This isn’t the palace. It’s another of my family’s estates. Actually, if you want to get technical, it’s mine.”

“Yours,” she said, dumbfounded, but entranced as they were let through and she looked at the stone façade. It was beautifully crafted, and maybe it was smaller than a palace might be, but it was a gorgeous home on a sprawling bit of perfectly manicured land. In a word it was intimidating, but she couldn’t deny the beauty, or the immediate charm of the place.

“Aye. I haven’t spent much time here though. I’ve always been home with my family when on leave. Historically if I so much as mention leaving, my Gran gets cagey and my mother grows quiet, two things you do not want to happen.”

“Bad signs?” Emma joked, and Killian nodded.

“Most definitely. Now though I don’t anticipate any push back.”

“What’s changed?”

“Everything.”

The way he looked at her when he said that told Emma so much. He was talking about her and about them. She felt a flare of heat and appreciation at his affirmation. Knowing he took this seriously made her happy even if she was still not ready to fully jump in. But it begged the question, did his mother and grandmother know about them? Did his brother? What did they think? Did they approve? All these thoughts ran rampant in her mind until Killian drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Immediately any worries fled and she was just here, with him, in this glorious moment. It felt just as good as she remembered, and she loved the taste of him and the feel of his hard body against hers. Emma never felt more secure or safe than she did in his arms, and she didn’t ever want to draw back. Fear was never on her radar when she kissed this man. She was simply free, free to be herself and to believe in something greater.

“I told you I couldn’t wait for the end of the night,” Killian said, his words a low warble that brushed against her skin when they broke apart. Her eyes opened and she took in his sexy as sin smile and felt her heart skip a beat. Damn this man for being so distracting. He was just so smooth and effortless, but underneath that swagger there was some not so hidden insecurity. He could be this and still be vulnerable with her, and that helped Emma feel like all of this was that much more real.

“Who said you needed to?” she quipped, teasing him with an almost kiss of her own and a soft nip at his lip. He growled and she pulled back, chuckling lightly. “Actually, on second thought, a little waiting never hurt.”

She should not have taken so much pleasure at his groan, but he respected her wishes, taking her hand and leading her inside. His hold on her was sure and strong, and she followed him, intrigued by a place she’d never seen the likes of before. The walkway inside was immaculately gardened. The cobblestone was ancient and even, and the vines along the walls were green and full and bright. There were flowers in the hedgerow, and the glass of all the windows glinted with the remaining sunlight. It was a gorgeous façade, and she was eager to see what beauty lay inside.

Walking into the manor home, Emma was struck by the design and the aura of the place. This home was pristinely kept and yet classic in all ways, but where Emma expected sterile, spacious garishness and overblown luxury, she found none. The mood inside was warm, there was plenty of natural light thanks to all those windows, letting in the dimming summer sun, and historical accents that blended with much more modern fare. Room by room she tried not to gawk at how beautiful it all was. It was wild because it was so different, but there was so much she liked, and so many parts of the house she saw and actually desired. It was a royal getaway but it was still a home, and that was beautiful. Thankfully they did not go on a full tour. That would have been kind of mortifying, and a reminder of how truly different their lives were, but what she did see was stunning. She could imagine Killian here, and for a moment she allowed herself to think if she would like it here and if Henry would too.

But she was getting way ahead of herself. She shook away the thoughts as they entered the kitchen, and once they were inside, she saw the first unkempt part of the house to date. It wasn’t messy, per se, but there were ingredients out and utensils and things for cooking. Actually, it looked like someone had already cooked half of a meal. Some things must be in the fridge, but there was enough on the counters for Emma to be curious. Yet there was no one in the house that she’d seen so far. The staff, Killian informed her, had all been given the night off. The only people on the property were his detail and they were at the gates. This was a secured place so aside from regular rounds, there would be no one walking about, and Killian assured her no one would be in earshot or view of either of them. She looked at Killian quizzically and he explained.

“I thought I might cook you dinner tonight, love, but then I realized, as a relative novice, some parts may take too much time. Between reading the recipes and consulting the videos I found online, it was a rather long process. So, I got what I could done earlier before picking you up. I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

“Killian, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble,” she said shaking her head. No one had ever done anything like this for her. Certainly not someone who had so many other calls on his time and attention.

“It wasn’t any trouble, love. And I hope, when you find out what exactly is on the menu, you’ll be pleased.”

Emma didn’t know what she was expecting him to feed her, but his menu, as he put it, was a mix of elegant refinement and casual things that showed his attentiveness. He had a few courses mapped out, and most were unfamiliar and native to the Montennaran coast, but every one smelled delicious and tasted even better. It was a languid pacing, with Emma offering to help and Killian insisting he could do this. This left her to relax with a glass of some of the best wine she’d ever tasted, and gave the two of them space to talk, all while Emma took in his determination and sheer power of will. He was a beginner in all of this, and some elements took a bit more time because he was new to them, but his carefulness and attention told her so much about him, and all of his patience was well rewarded.

They stopped to share each plate together, and those moments felt especially intimate. They were seated close together, with barely any space between them, sharing each dish and enjoying each other’s company. Of course it was only a matter of time before that closeness got the better of them, but every time Emma thought they’d give in to the crackle of heat between them, Killian would say there was another course left. He’d press a gentle kiss to her cheek or her neck or her lips and be back up cooking once more. Now it was time though for the final course and she was eager to see what he had lined up for dessert.

“So let me guess, this dessert is going to somehow factor in those Montecarri things right?”

“What makes you say that, Swan?” Killian asked, amused at her question, but giving nothing away as he pulled some items from the cabinets. She was so distracted by his smirk she didn’t take stock of what he was gathering.

“Well this has been essentially a culinary tour of this country, and I hear Montecarris are the specialty to end all specialties. Seems fitting to include them.”

“Perhaps it would have been,” Killian hedged, his expression now the tiniest bit unsure. “But I actually had other plans.”

Emma was about to ask what they were when she looked down at the ingredients he’d brought out. Marshmallows, vanilla ice cream, and wait – was that chocolate chip cookie dough? If her eyes did not deceive her, that was chilled dough of a totally American staple, which also happened to be her favorite baked good bar none.

“Okay, I’m intrigued, what are you making?”

“Can’t you tell?” he asked curiously. “It’s your favorite. Well unless I’ve misunderstood.”

Killian explained his intention to bake these cookies and then to move outside to use the outdoor fireplace. He produced two perfect roasting sticks for marshmallows, and suddenly it dawned on her.

“Cookie s’mores,” Emma said in awe. They were her favorite summer treat, and as she looked closer at the dough she could see that there were graham cracker flakes in the mixture. Holy cow, he’d really done his homework for this one. “But how did you know?”

“My first week at the center, you were caught up in the children’s favorite game,” Killian said, alluding to how the kids loved to ask all of the adults about their favorite things. It had apparently been a staple since the older kids watched The Sound of Music. Now all of them loved compiling lists of favorite things as well as a list of things to try and to dream of one day seeing and doing. Thinking back though, Emma couldn’t understand how he would remember something like this. It was weeks ago, and it was such a small moment, but from her handful of words he’d created a road map to something thoughtful and perfect just for her. “You told them about this particular delicacy, and they were fascinated, as they are by damn near everything you say. I’ll admit, I had some trouble sourcing these graham crackers, though. They’re not a staple around here, but a lieutenant of mine from the navy can get anything from anywhere so I called in a favor.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Emma admitted. She found it hard in this moment not to cry, and the reasons for the feeling were all good. She was just a bit overwhelmed at how much he’d really been paying attention and how serious he was about making her happy. And it was working. She felt so good being with him, and for the first time in her life she was scared in a relationship, not because she didn’t want to trust, but because she didn’t want to let go.

“Perhaps you should save any declarations one way or another until after they’re made?” Killian teased and she knew he was looking for a smile, but she couldn’t just stop there. Instead she moved around the counter and pulled him in for a kiss, showing him how much this gesture meant to her in the scheme of an already beautiful night.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered when they came up for air. His eyes were filled with admiration and want, and she could see he was barely holding back, even as his cursed words sounded more like a prayer than anything else. Emma grinned and let out a low laugh as she ran her fingertips along his jaw.

“I think it’s safe to say that I love this, but just in case there was any doubt…” Emma said, and she purposefully left her meaning ambiguous. To him he might think it was just the s’mores she was discussing, but it was actually so much more. She loved being with him, on this date and just in general. She loved this snapshot he’d provided at a perfect quiet moment. And she loved the passion and the hope this man brought forth in her life so often. Despite yesterday’s uncertainty, she felt firmer in herself and in this new relationship than she ever had, and that was thanks to Killian and his kindhearted ways.

“You’ll never know what it means to me to hear that, love,” Killian admitted and she smiled at him once more. “I only hope you like the rest of the evening as much as you’ve enjoyed all this.”

And as they finalized things here in the house to make the rest of their dessert out back, Emma knew that she would enjoy whatever was coming down the pike. Because with Killian at the helm, she could have total faith in what was coming, and that feeling of safety and excitement that had been with her all evening would continue in the best and most wonderful way.

…………………

Sitting beside the outdoor flame, watching Emma laugh in the flickering fire light as she tried not to set her marshmallow ablaze, Killian knew he had never been more at peace.

Tonight was a revelation, just as many of his moments with Emma had been, but this was different. This time, Emma knew he was a Prince, and though he saw her eyes widen at the ostentatious gates and the vastness of this house, she never made him feel different or otherized. It may not be her norm, but there was no judgment from Emma or expectation. She had rallied and clearly chosen to be herself despite all of this, and that allowed him to do the same. It was a remarkable feeling, and a pleasure he never believed he could have as long as he lived here in Montennaro.

For the past few hours, Killian had done his best to memorize each moment. He kept tabs on all of Emma’s words and expressions. She was touched by his cooking for her, and though he was somewhat overwhelmed by all the things that could go wrong, she seemed to have complete faith in him. She also cherished all of their closer moments together, and he felt her wanting and the way it mirrored his own. There was so much brimming underneath the surface, a tantalizing knowledge that their chemistry was bound to combust sooner rather than later, but still he held back, savoring Emma the best way he knew how and trying to treat her to the perfect first date that she deserved. He wanted to carry all these little pieces of this evening with him for the rest of his days, even while dreaming of making a million more memories like this in the weeks and years to come.

Tonight had also solidified his hope for a future with Emma. He had known for some time that that he was in love with her. Interest and infatuation grew surely towards love early on for him, and now he cared for Emma in a way that would outlive his time on this earth. There was no denying how connected he was to her, and how enduring this bond he felt was becoming. She had his heart and his hopes tied so effortlessly around her, he stood no chance at getting either back again. But seeing her here, in his home, and in the place he was expected to build his future, changed something, taking things even further than they’d been before.

For the first time Killian could imagine Emma with him in his world. He could see a path for them to meet in the middle and to carve out a life they both could love. He had duties and responsibilities as Prince, some of which would require Emma’s participation if they continued to be together, but he would fight tooth and nail to give Emma everything she wanted and deserved outside of royal expectation. He couldn’t give her a fully normal existence, but he could give her love, support, and opportunity. He knew she’d want to work with the Institute still, and likely do even more for children all around the country and the world and he’d see to it that she could. He’d move mountains for her to help her feel fulfilled, because all he needed to feel that way was her. She was his home and his purpose, first date or not, and he prayed that someday she could see a home with him here. If not, he didn’t know what he’d do. All he knew was that living without her was not an option.

“You’re making that face again,” Emma said and Killian looked to her, grounding himself in the feeling of his hands on her lithe form as she turned their sugary treats until they were a perfect toasty brown.

He’d had his hands on her as much as he could tonight, and he was addicted to the feel of her. He did not know how he could go another day without touching her. Even a few hours felt too long a stretch. Emma soothed him and excited him at once, his heart raced but his demons stayed away. Feeling so much and having those feelings be good was something he’d never known before, but yes, sometimes worries crept in. He couldn’t help fearing that somehow she would leave him, and his hands were tied at the moment. He couldn’t tell her everything he felt so early on, but he’d never feel fully comfortable until he could. Still, the way she looked at him, like she knew him even better than he knew himself, should terrify him. Emma saw into his soul and could read him fully, scars and all. But instead of running from the attention like he did with anyone else, he was filled with pleasure. To know that she cared and that she was in this with him meant everything, and that eased the pain of his thoughts and worries being so obvious.

“What face is that love?” He feigned ignorance, though he knew exactly what she was getting at.

“The one you get when I’m leaving, or when you’re worried that I will,” Emma said, pulling out her golden treat from the fire and offering it to him. He absentmindedly took it as she continued on. “You had it yesterday at the parade, and then before we talked. Sometimes you get a version of it at the Center when it’s time to say goodbye, or when our tasks take us different directions for the day. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s a pretty persistent expression.”

“I’m not a fan of being parted from you,” Killian admitted and Emma looked at him with a softness in his eyes that spoke to understanding.

“That makes two of us. But luckily we’ve still got time, right?”

We have forever, he thought to himself but he bit the words back as he nodded and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

From there they managed to create Emma’s favorite summer sweet, and he had to admit that it was delicious, especially when he tasted it on Emma every time he stole a kiss. It was decadent but simple, and though s’mores were not a custom here in Montenarro, he felt young again. Like a kid in the summer months. It was peaceful and rejuvenating, and he wanted to extend that as much as he could.

“What are your thoughts on stargazing, love?” he asked, and Emma looked surprised before casting her eyes above.

“I haven’t had much chance to do it, honestly. We’ve always been city people so the light makes it hard to see. But out here… wow, I didn’t realize just how much you can see.”

“This is nothing,” he said, standing up and tugging at her hand. “Here, let me show you.”

As they left the stone walkway, Killian grabbed a nearby lantern, lighting the flame so they’d have enough light to guide their way. With languid steps the two of them walked from the fireside down a path in the back greenery. It was dimly lit with tiny lights along the path on the ground, but by now the sun had long since set and the night was out around them. Only the pale yellow glow of their lantern cast anything substantial enough to help them see. Emma held his hand tightly, and he checked to make sure she was comfortable. Her expression, even in the dim light, told him everything he needed to know. She was excited for this, and unbothered by the darkness they needed to get through to see the sea of stars.

Soon enough they came upon the back villa, a structure meant to house any guests, which had long been dormant. Since Killian was not here, he’d had no visitors, but someday he hoped that would change. What the house did boast, however, was something essential for stargazing, and he was glad he’d had the foresight to pull it out before Emma’s arrival.

“Wow,” Emma said when their seating area came into view. “That’s some telescope.”

“One thing you’ll learn about my brother is he does nothing by half. I mentioned the stars once when home for a deployment and the next day this was in my rooms. I had no real need of it at the palace, so I had it brought here. Needless to say, it’s a bit more powerful than anything I might have expected.”

“Henry would love this,” Emma said and Killian warmed at the mention of her son. Her boy was special to be sure, and even though he’d only met him yesterday, he knew Emma was right. Henry would take great joy in learning about something like this, and Killian felt a strong need to be the one to teach him how.

“He’s welcome any time, love. You and he both. You know that.”

Emma nodded, running her fingertips across the telescope thoughtfully. Killian knew she was thinking of that possibility, and he saw no signs of discomfort on her face. She just appeared to be thinking about what that might be like and what it would mean to bring her son to this place. Eventually Emma looked at him again, and when she did there was a light in her green eyes not provided by the lantern or the nearly full moon. It was something else, something warm and wonderful. A moment passed where there was so much left unsaid, but then she smiled and asked him to show her what to do. He was eager to do so, finding with relative ease all the big constellations and visible planets on this clear, summer’s night.

“Which constellation means the most to you?” Emma asked. He noticed that she hadn’t asked which one was his favorite. She had purposefully worded her query with the intention of understanding him. Tonight they both wanted to learn as much as they could about each other. It had been a theme throughout dinner and beyond, and for the first time he felt able to give that openness to someone. She may not realize how much this particular question meant, but he wanted to share it all the same.

“Aquila,” he replied, aiming the telescope to where it should be in the inky night sky. It took a few moments, but he found it sure enough, and he passed the scope to Emma with careful fingers so as not to move the lens. She took it in, looking at the stars, some brighter than others. She wouldn’t be able to see the design, or the lines that star maps always filled in, but that wasn’t important. It was the story behind this choice that mattered.

“It’s beautiful,” Emma said quietly. “What does it mean to you?”

“Aquila is the eagle constellation, part of the Herculean star systems. You can see the wings up top, and the bulk of the body below,” Emma nodded, her eyes staying trained in the telescope, giving him a bit more time to rein in his feelings before carrying on. “Aquila has long been associated with warriors, and so being in the navy, that connection always drew some attention. But it’s not the only fighting symbol. It’s not the strongest or most dominant. Most people who know of stars appreciate the constellation, yet cite others as more impressive or important.”

“But not you,” Emma said, looking back at him and coming to sit beside him on the outside lounger. Her hand came back to his and she gave a soft squeeze, pushing him forward.

“My affinity for this particular constellation has to do with the number in the grouping itself. There are ten stars in the assemblage.” He took a steadying breath and said the rest. “The same amount of sailors I’ve lost on my watch.”

Killian took another pause, steadying himself as the faces of those soldiers graced his memory. Despite the effects of time, he remembered each one of them, and sadly he vividly recalled their passings too. None had been easy losses, almost all had been in active combat, and most never had real resolutions. The killers got away, or were untraceable. There was no avenging these fallen brothers and sisters, there was only forward motion. Survival dictated they all carry on, but Killian’s heart required that he carry the fallen with him. He would not let them be forgotten. Indeed, the smallest thing he could do was see them in the stars each night.

“On a ship or on deployment, there are lots of open spaces. The night sky is a constant. Clouds may come, and so does fighting, but if you live through the day, the stars remain. They teach all sailors in the royal navy about the stars. Navigating by them might not be necessary anymore, but it’s a skill we’re expected to harness. The stars were also familiar. I had gazed upon them as a boy, not so unlike tonight. Liam and I used to enjoy such things, in the summer especially. For a long time, when I saw the stars, I thought of home. I thought of my family, and I took strength from that.

“But as much as the stars were a comfort, they were also witness to some of the worst moments of my life. When I experienced real fear and real loss in the field the first time, it was dark out, the peak of night, where stars are brightest. We were ambushed, a number of us were wounded, and we lost a life. Lieutenant Smee was nearly finished with the service. He had three weeks left, but death doesn’t respect such things.”

As he remembered that first lost, Killian still felt the weight of that realization. He’d known going into the service that risk was a part of things, but it made it all so much more real to have someone die in front of him. At that time he couldn’t understand why things happened that way, and he’d felt completely unmoored from any concept of a higher power. If endings were arbitrary and life came crashing down so unexpectedly all the time, what did that mean for the rest of them? What were they fighting for? And was any of it worth it?

“The next night I couldn’t sleep. I felt too much guilt,” he explained, looking down at Emma’s hands on him and using that as a lifeline in these murky feelings from his past. “We were sleeping and a man was dead, a family was broken, a dream was erased. I looked at the stars all night. This time I felt my ties back home and I also saw the scars I was forming. But even still, every night thereafter I looked at them. Loss came at any time, under the night sky, in a rainstorm, or in the blazing sun. Every time it did, I added a face to see. Soon I had enough to merit picking a specific group. At one time I prayed I would never come to need Aquila, and when I did need it, I prayed to never need another. Ten souls lost was ten too many.”

By now Emma was wrapped up beside him, her embrace having grown more supportive as he continued on, and despite the weight of the memories, he didn’t feel overwhelmed. There wasn’t darkness in full. It was like the sky tonight. There was deep, obscure patches, but light overall. That’s what Emma did for him. She lit him up and made his world so much brighter in the process. It also helped that as he continued on, telling stories of the people he’d lost she never flinched. She sat there calmly, attentively, and supportively. She held him, and when he felt he could say no more tonight she looked at him, with unshed tears and true affection that helped him feel like everything might be okay.

“That was the first time you’ve told anyone any of this, wasn’t it?” he nodded. She curled up closer to him, quietly telling him that she knew how much that meant.

“Aye, but it won’t be the last. I’ve made arrangements to meet with a naval counselor. I never intended to, but today I made the call.”

“What changed your mind?” she asked, clearly glad for his choice but holding off on her opinion.

“You,” he said honestly. “I would really like the chance to be in your life, Emma. You and Henry both. I hope I’ve made that clear by now, but I need to know for myself that I can give you everything I want safely. I still have nightmares and bad moments. I have scars as you now realize, and I want to understand them so I can be better for you, and for me.”

“You’re already more than enough, Killian.” Again she cupped his face, looking at him with what could only be described as love. Whether it was said or unsaid, Killian knew that Emma loved him, and that she was proud of him, despite everything he’d seen and done. It humbled him to feel that, and he knew he could never go another day without it. She was everything and so much more. “As someone who has needed help for my own demons though, I know how good sharing your stories will be. I used to be so afraid about being enough for Henry, about messing him up because of what I’d been through. I know you know the basics, but the truth is I was in more than a dozen placements in sixteen years, and that kind of constant change and upheaval and rejection takes a toll on a kid.”

Killian could not imagine how anyone could meet Emma and not want to keep her. To think of all the places that she’d landed that didn’t fight for her, that didn’t realize what a good and honest person she was made him sick. He knew she’d been through agony as a child, but he never imagined it could be so bleak.

“When I finally split, I still couldn’t find roots, no matter how hard I tried. I was desperate for them. I had no money and nowhere to go. I just… wandered. I’d have given anything for a family or even just friends, but I didn’t trust anyone enough to really let them in. I just needed to survive, and I couldn’t get to a stable enough place to feel like I could take a breath, never mind live a real life. Neal was the first person who helped me, and I made an exception for him. I let him past my walls, and I trusted in him.”

It wasn’t easy to hear Emma speak of a past love, but the look in her eyes told him there was no lingering emotion for this man he knew was Henry’s father. She may have loved him at one time, but that love was now gone. There wasn’t anger or hurt either, there was just calm, like she’d already made peace with every part of this sad story.

“It was good between us for a while, and I was young and I wanted to love and be loved. As soon as I let him in, that was it. He had my loyalty and my heart. I’d have done anything for him. I thought he could be that connection I was needing, but my desperation clouded my judgment. I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I knew he wasn’t always on the right side of the law, but he always did right by me. I could see past his choices because he loved me and because he did these things for us. That’s what he always said, ‘I’m doing this for us.’ He also never involved me, and he made me feel protected. The world was a rough place, but we’d make it through. He’d get us through, that’s what he said. By the time I realized what kind of man he really was though, everything had gone wrong. He got caught stealing all sorts of shit, and he ran. Not only did he run, he tried to set me up for what he did to get the heat off of him. I almost went to prison. Not jail, but prison, for grand theft.”

Killian could understand more and more now why she had felt extra sensitive to the differences between them. As a Prince, his life and the lives of his loved ones would be under scrutiny always. She probably worried he would hear this and resent it, but he never could. He was livid at the fact that a man had ever hurt Emma this way, that he’d been coward enough to let her take the fall. But he was stunned at her perseverance. Somehow she’d gotten through that, and he was awed by the strength such growth must take.

“The only reason I was let go and my arrest was never recorded was because a good Samaritan called into the cops and provided my alibi. I had been in the park all day, studying for the last of my tests I needed to pass my GED. She and her dog were out there and the dog got off leash. I helped her wrangle the little guy at the same time as the robbery clear across the city. With her testimony they had nothing on me, and they realized they were going to charge me with something I had nothing to do with. I was let go, but yet again I was left with nothing. I had to start over again and it was so hard to do. Then a few months later I realized I was pregnant with Henry. I was so scared. I really didn’t think I could do it, but my state sponsored counselor ended up being a great help. She got me on the road to making things better, and she helped me see the circumstances of my life were out of my control. She said something I thought was unique, but it’s something I hear Anna say to the kids all the time at the center.”

“All you can do is the next right thing,” Killian echoed, and Emma nodded.

“I don’t think I always get it right, but I try to, and looking back I can honestly say that I’m proud of the last ten years. It wasn’t always easy, but we are here and here is…” Emma’s face colored with a soft, thoughtful smile and he could tell that she was thinking of her boy and how their life together was. Killian couldn’t help but feel tremendous pride in Emma and awe at all she had done. She was truly a survivor, and it was clear that the choices she’d made since then had all been guided by a want to do right by herself and by her son.

“Here is…?” Killian hedged, wanting to hear her put it into words. Now her eyes met his and they flickered, turning warm and sultry.

“Here is proving to be better and better, in no small part because of you.”

It was difficult to tell which of them started the kiss they shared then, but Killian savored every moment of it. They were out there together, under the stars and enjoying the quiet peace here away from the world. He wanted to get lost in it, to hold Emma tight from this point on and never have to pull back. Before their evening began he’d already envisioned his future lay with Emma, but now he could see it all here. The two of them together, choosing each other, building a life. Henry was here, and maybe someday other children. He’d be with his family, but they’d live on their own. He didn’t know how, but he felt that he could. He could craft a story for them here, and he just prayed that Emma felt inclined to do the same. Her actions tonight stoked that hope, and the taste of her kiss and the feel of her hands on him revived anything that he’d lost in his recent journey back through the past. Soon enough he was restored, feeling better than he ever had, and content that after so long he truly had found everything that he wanted.

“I wish this night never had to end,” Emma said wistfully some time later. Her lips swollen from their interlude and her golden hair bearing a slightly different shape from where his fingers had twined through. She was more beautiful than ever, here under the moonlight and in the lantern’s golden glow. And though they’d done nothing more than typical first date customs would allow, Killian would never know. He’d never felt so satisfied, and he shuttered to think of what he’d feel when they truly came together.

“I feel the same, love, but I promise – ehrm rather, I hope – that it won’t be the last.”

He shouldn’t have been so presumptuous as to assume she’d want another date with him. Of course he felt her desire and her want to be with him, but this situation was different than most other couples giving things a try. Perhaps she would realize she didn’t actually want to date a prince, undeniable attraction be damned. But God if she ended this then –

Before his thoughts could spiral, Emma pulled him for another searing kiss, one that left no room for outside worries or despair. There was only Emma, and god she was a wonder. He was dizzy from her by the time they broke apart, and his heart lurched at the seductive smile she tossed his way.

“Any chance you’re free on Tuesday?” Emma asked, filling his heart with relief before adding an even sweeter sensation directly thereafter. “Henry’s going straight from camp to dinner at a friend’s house but he’ll back for dessert. We’re having…” she trailed off and blushed and now Killian was too curious to be polite.

“What is it love?”

“Apple pie and ice cream.”

“How endearingly American.”

“I swear we’re doing our best to immerse ourselves, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants,” she said with a shrug and he chuckled, running his hand along her cheek and watching her green eyes darken with the immediate interest that flared once more.

“I can think of nothing I’d like more than to see you and Henry again, love. Dessert sounds divine, whatever is on the menu”

“And dinner?” she asked, licking her lips and making him want another taste even though he’d had one just moments ago.

“If you’ll place your trust in me, I have just the spot in mind. It’s in the city, and we’ll be assured of total privacy.”

“Perfect,” she whispered, leaning into him as they stood and as he took her hand, leading her down the outdoor path once more.

And though it hurt to say goodbye when he drove her back home, so much so that Killian couldn’t bear to say the words, opting instead for a ‘See you soon, Swan’ and a final stolen kiss, he was comforted in knowing that this night was not the end. Instead, it was a beautiful beginning, one his instincts told him would lead him to the best moments of his life for now and always.

Post-Note: So there we have it – another CS first date in the books. I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter. For me it was a real relief to write this, both because I wanted to get to this moment, but also because I crafted it in the midst of a maddeningly busy part of my program. The good news is I have moved to my final stage and successfully passed, so I’ll soon be out of the thick of my crazy time consuming studies. Still, I may be sporadically posting for a little bit as I settle into my new normal post-school. All that being said, this chapter helped me destress and surround myself in fluff, even while dealing with some harder issues in Emma and Killian’s pasts. Please rest assured that Emma and Killian move forward from this moment with nothing but hope and good vibes. My plan for this fic has always been about 12 chapters, and I think I will land right there when all is said and done, and I promise to get back to this fic as soon as I can. In the meantime, I appreciate all of you so much for your continued support and kind words. They mean so much to me and I carry them always. Thanks again and hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

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marveloussupernerd · 4 years ago

Text

Crowns and Courtship - A Mystic Messenger AU

Chapter 2 - The Ball

Chapter 2 Summary: you go around and do your greetings at the ball; you happen to run into your good friend Lady Elizabeth, Lady Sarah, Duke Yoosung Kim, and Prince Jumin Han. Who will you get along with and who will you be enemies with?

Possible LI’s! (The readers will get to choose which one you end out with): Jumin, 707, Yoosung, Zen, Jaehee :)

Chapter 1

Word Count: 3075

Princess!” A man called form behind you. You turned to face him and he quickly sunk into a bow. “That’s quite the announcement you made.”

Your eyes scanned over his features. His pale skin, blonde hair (although you constantly wondered if it was naturally that shade or if he had been doing something to it), perfectly oiled into place, and purple expressive eyes, all contrasting lit beautifully with a detailed navy blue jacket and baby blue checked pants. “Lord- forgive me, Duke Kim,” you greeted, “it’s nice to see you.”

Duke Kim, Yoosung, had just turned twenty-one and earned his title; both his parents had passed away of influenza, granting the family name and land to their only son. You had been acquainted with him for years; the Kim family owned the land downstream of your home, so your families frequently had outings together when you were younger.

“Agreed,” Yoosung smiled. “It’s been how long? Almost six months now and you still are the center of attention of the party.”

You could feel your cheeks heat up; it was a good thing after all that you and Jaehee skipped the step of tinting your cheeks with blush. “You’re too kind. Are you out for the social season?” It was important to find out which men would be potential suitors for the season and which ones you could relax around.

“I am actually. I do not think my parents would have approved of me had I waited until I was much older.” Twenty-one was old to start courting; of course, in most other regions the latest people started was nineteen. Conveniently, their area waited a little longer. Still, Yoosung had spent so much time arranging his new duchy that the delay made sense.

“How is your duchy doing? Have you gotten everything under control?”

“I have,” he put on a weak smile. You could tell he was feeling the loss of his parents. They did everything for him and treasured him greatly. “It has been quite difficult putting everything in order without my parents, but I am managing.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” you replied.

“Would you save me a dance later this evening?” He asked hopefully.

“I’ll have to see how the party is going first…” The Duke’s face fell, which you took note of, “But if everything is going well, I would love to.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Now go, I’m sure you have many more important guests to attend to,” he commented with a twinkle in his eye. You followed his advice and continued around the room, greeting each of the families that passed by. Most were too filled with shock over your father’s announcement to hold conversation, which was convenient because it allowed you to excuse herself to the next family.

“Lady Sarah, so nice to see you,” you greeted. Lady Sarah was another one of the women who were searching for a suitor this social season. She was the daughter of a Marquess, so her status was relatively high. She seemed to like you just fine, but you weren’t the closest of friends by any means.

“I simply cannot believe your announcement,” she replied, forcing a smile onto her face, “you’ve definitely stirred up the social season for sure. I can’t imagine a man not wishing to court you now.”

“Don’t be silly, the men would be ridiculous not to be attracted to such an accomplished lady as you. I’m just glad that this means we can spend more time together attending the season’s parties,” you smiled.

It didn’t seem to help though. Sarah frowned and excused herself. It was quite out of character for her… but you did know you would make enemies because of the announcement. You hadn’t expected Sarah to be one of them, but that was the sad reality of the situation. Still, it would be worth it for love!

Lady Elizabeth was next. She was a dear friend, the daughter of an Earl, and was also searching for a suitable husband. But she wouldn’t be upset by your announcement; you were so close of friends. “My dear!” Elizabeth greeted excitedly, still quietly enough that her family couldn’t hear her drop her formalities to greet you. “We were all stunned by your announcement. All eyes have been on you ever since, even my brother’s believe it or not.”

This made you laugh. Elizabeth’s brother was a young sixteen year old and had always fought with you whenever he had the chance. It didn’t help that you didn’t hold your tongue when you were around him; you treated him as if he was your own younger brother who was a mere annoyance. You could never picture him attempting to court you, not only because he was so young, but because of your history.

“Well I’ll be sure to mention that to him when I see him later tonight,” you joked. “Has anybody new caught your interest tonight?”

“I haven’t noticed… but you’ve certainly caught somebody new’s interest,” she grinned, nodding her head toward Prince Jumin. He had dark hair that almost obstructed the view of his face. He was dressed rather extravagantly with an extremely long black waistcoat. “He’s had his eyes on you all night.”

You looked away immediately after hearing her comment, begin that he didn’t catch you staring. “What’s the point in a courting season if I marry a prince in the end?” You whined. You didn’t like interacting with others on the same level as you; there was a strange formality that made each conversation uncomfortable. You also felt the need to not use contractions and honestly that was an unnecessary pain. It made conversations feel awkward. Still, Elizabeth glared at you. It seemed like she wouldn’t let you get away without greeting the prince. You sighed, giving in and making your way over to him.

“Your Royal Highness,” you introduced, falling into a curtsy. You felt out of practice. “I am glad you made it tonight.” The no contraction thing was a pain.

He bowed back to you. “As am I, Princess. I was taken aback by your announcement.”

“Oh?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. What was he talking about?

“I had always assumed because we were your closest neighboring kingdom, and around the same age, that you and I would be wed someday.”

No!!! Why were you blushing!? That made no sense. You forced yourself to be composed before responding. “Well, I hope you understand that my father simply wanted me to marry for love, not due to a political arrangement.”

“It seems that I may have to try harder to win you over then.” He had a look of determination in his eyes that you had never seen in anyone before, and the smallest smirk on his lips. Before you could even comment on it, he bid you good evening, turned, and left.

What was that all about? Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at you, but you walked towards your lady in waiting, Jaehee, instead, at the edge of the ballroom. “Do you think you could cover for me for a moment? I just need to catch my breath,” you explained. In reality you were spiraling. Still, Jaehee, sending you a concerned nod, seemed okay with doing this for you. She must have been waiting for anything exciting to happen.

You took your leave and exited out the palace doors. You liked to stand outside, look at the moon, ground yourself. This was where you typically escaped to during these parties. You took a long inhale of the cold night’s air. With all the layers, the wind was refreshing. You were overwhelmed and flustered and flushed inside.

“Overwhelmed?” A voice behind you called. You spun to face it.

“Yoosung, you can’t startle me like that,” you held a hand over your chest to catch your breath again. Still, it was comforting to see him here, and even more comforting to refer to him without formalities. “Why would you say I’m overwhelmed though?” Were you that obvious?

“Oh! I’m sorry. I just know this is where you tend to escape to during these parties when you want a minute to yourself. Honestly, I came out here to do the same thing. This was where we always liked to go.”

He was right about that. As children the two of you would run off during the boring waltzes, go outside, and dance, just the two of you, no rhythm, no right or wrong moves. Those were simpler times. Now you had so much to worry about. “What are you escaping from?” You asked. You started to take a walk and he followed, stopping at the castle walls to lean against them to talk, just like how you did when you were younger.

“It’s my first party… without them… it’s hard. Every time somebody addresses me as Duke Kim, I expect them to be talking to my father. It makes it even harder to move on.” He sighed. He seemed distant, as though he didn’t want to show you exactly how he was really feeling. It must have been hard to even let that much out.

“Yoosung, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m sure it’s hard, everyone knows that it’s nothing to be upset at yourself for, though,” you comforted, your hand accidentally brushing against his own. You turned away quickly, pretending as if the touch didn’t happen, and focused back on the moon.

“Why are you out here, then?”

You weren’t completely sure yourself. You just had the urge to go outside. “It’s all a bit much, isn’t it? The news of the courting. It’s difficult to tell if a man actually enjoys my conversation or if he’s just dealing with me because he wants to marry me for power.” That was way to much to say! Why did you just let out your feelings like that!? You were supposed to keep it in. “Sorry, that was a bit introspective of me.”

“Well, I’ve been by your side for years now. I would hope you realized by now that I enjoy everything you say,” he mentioned awkwardly, pulling at his jacket. You both stood in silence for a minute, listening to the music drift from the ballroom through the open doors. “It helps me forget: being out here with you. It feels like it’s just any ordinary party,” he confessed, a wide smile in his face.

“I do need to head back inside, though.”

“Why don’t we pretend like it is just any ordinary party your parents have thrown? Where we presume we’re not the centers of attention, even though we are. Let’s just go inside and dance; that is, if you’re feeling up for it still. Unless you wanna do the bad dances outside we used to do.

“No!” You cringed. “If someone saw…” you giggled. “Inside though, I would quite like to dance.”

He chuckled, nodding. “Are you ready to go in now? I can wait for you inside if you’d rather,” Yoosung offered. You could tell he was trying to be a gentleman; different from the Yoosung you had once known.

“I think I am,” you took his arm and he escorted you back into the palace and to the ballroom. Conveniently enough, the orchestra had just started to play a new song. All eyes were on you and Duke Kim, especially considering you had entered the ballroom together from your earlier absence. Your cheeks flushed thinking about it, but you tried to ignore the attention, curtsying to the Duke as he bowed back.

You began to move effortlessly in a waltz, however your kind was off in its own world. It was hardly your skill that led to the two of you waltzing well together; if the man was good at leading then the skill would simply follow for the woman. That’s how it always was though, not just in dancing.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, snapping you out of your thoughts.

“I’m probably not that good at dancing. All I have to do is follow your lead.”

“Do not be ridiculous. You are so much better at dancing than you used to be at least.” This caused a smile to form on your face. “I remember dancing with you for the first time in the garden, and you kept stepping on my feet.”

“I guess I have improved substantially… thank you for putting yourself through so much pain all these years to make me a better waltzer.” You spun, getting into the more intricate steps of the waltz. You wanted to believe you were wrong… but it seemed like Duke Kim couldn’t keep his eyes off of you.

“Well, I can hardly say I have not enjoyed it. I will admit I am glad I stuck through to the end.” The song neared its end, your steps slowing down.

“Well of course, nobody else has been here for me as long as you have,” She curtsied to him.

He bowed back: “It has been my pleasure. Have a good night Princess; I am sure I will be seeing you soon.”

“Your Highness, is it my turn for a dance?” Prince Jumin asked, approaching you. The orchestra was beginning to slow down for the night; this was their last song.

“I am afraid the party is almost over; the music is dying down and I have guests to bid farewell to,” you explained almost awkwardly. You had literally just finished dancing, and you didn’t feel like being subjected to a new dance partner this late in the evening.

His face fell, and he walked away. You could finally let out a sigh of relief… but it didn’t last long. As the music slowed to a stop, another song began. The prince must have requested more music for the evening. The crowd seemed confused, but happy to continue dancing.

He made his way back to you, a knowing smile on his face. “How about now? It seems the party has not ended yet.” There was no point in refusing him at this point; he would keep trying until you danced with him.

“How could I refuse?”

Prince Jumin gently rested his hand on your waist and grabbed your hand as if it were the most delicate piece of china. He was cautious with the waltz at first; each step seemed more calculated and precise than you had ever noticed before. However, as the music carried on and swelled, he began to put more expression into their movements: they became more elaborate and elongated, each dull rotation taking up the entirety of the ballroom. The movements were dizzying, but almost fun. You wanted to laugh. When you started to worry about losing your balance and msistepping from the twirls, the music ended.

You wanted to laugh. Your cheeks were definitely red from the adrenaline. You moved to the side of the room, steadying yourself by leaning against the wall lightly. “It seems you are quite the dancer,” you complimented.

“I had a decent partner. Although you look kind of ill.”

“I feel kind of ill,” you let out a small laugh. “But it was fun.” He offered you his arm.

“Let me steady you and take you toward the entrance so that you can say good night to your guests.” You took it cautiously and followed his long, slow strides to the doorway.

“I am sure I’ll be seeing more of you in the near future?” You asked as you made it to the exit.

“I will be counting down the hours,” he carefully removed his arm from your own and bid goodnight before escaping into the early spring air.

“Seems like you had fun.” The voice startled you until you recognized it as your friend’s.

“Oh! Elizabeth! Did you enjoy yourself this evening? I truly hope you were able to carry on without my presence,” you added apologetically. You meant to catch up with Elizabeth again, but this courting business seemed to make you the center of attention.

“It’s quite alright; I was able to find some company,” she grinned mischievously. “I must tell you about it next time we meet for our embroidery.”

“I can’t wait. Safe travels my friend.” Elizabeth left, followed by her family(and brother, who you were able to tease, then the few other guests that remained in the palace. When the last guest finally left, your father made his way over to you.

“I would say that was a successful night. You seemed to meet plenty of wonderful options for husbands; I’m sure people will be talking about you at tea for the next week at the very least,” he commended you. He then gave you a kiss on the cheek and bid you goodnight, then you went their separate ways to your bedrooms to retire for the night.

Jaehee helped you change out of your formal attire and into your night clothes, then sat down to take your hair out of its elaborate style. “Did tonight go well for you, Princess?” She asked, carefully unraveling each braid.

“I would say it did. I met many suitable men.” It was nice to see Jaehee interested.

“I noticed you dancing with two different men; it’s good to know that they are interested… although that does not surprise me,” Jarhee went quiet for a minute, focusing on taking out the hair, “I’m sorry if I offended you with that statement. That was not my intent.”

“You’re alright Jaehee,” you turned to her lady and smiled warmly. “I’m glad that you paid attention; it’s nice to have somebody to talk to after events like these.”

Jaehee had finally finished letting down your hair and began to brush it so that it sat well before bed. “Is there anything you would like me to prepare for you before you go to bed? Or something for tomorrow morning when you wake up?” She offered.

“I think I’m all set. If you could be up tomorrow morning to help me get dressed and put my hair up before breakfast, that would be lovely. Don’t worry, no complicated style or anything. Just a simple straight dress and a bun is fine for the early hours of the day.”

Jaehee set the hairbrush down, satisfied with her work: “I will be sure to be awake and ready tomorrow. If you do not need anything else, then I wish you good night.”

“Good night Jaehee. I will see you tomorrow.”

#mystic messenger #mysme #// I forgot to add tags oops #Jumin han #Jaehee kang #Yoosung kim

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