#au: the ram king & lion queen

[masteryoftheseas]

@asoulunbound || The Ram King and Lion Queen AU - Crius & Eurybia

Being late was uncharacteristic of the King. He prided himself on being timely and keeping his word. They had made plans to spend the weekend together; however, the first night he was a no show. No word of being late or cancelling. She was alone in his Southern Palace with a few servants lurking around. While she respected his position as King and understood her place as his mistress (for the most part), he treated her with equal respect and acknowledgment. Even love; something he vowed he could never give his queen. Unpleasant thoughts began circling in her mind and kept her up at night. Half waiting for his arrival and half worried of his whereabouts and goings-on.

Morning came and her eyes heaved with tiredness and restlessness. Still with no sign of Crius, she expected him to forget their weekend altogether. She laid in the bed they shared, contemplating leaving for her own home soon. But a thought that fled once she heard the door open with familiar steps hitting the floor. Steps that belonged to the Ram King.

Eurybia quickly sat up and fixed her hair, trying to look some what presentable to him. He was still her king despite being lovers. However that concern for decorum quickly left as the disappointment hit her all over again. "So you finally showed up, your Majesty. What royal business kept you from even sending word of your absence? If it was even business at all."

[rheaeaseandflow]

(guard): @mysterycflife is made receiver’s guard and they have to travel/spend time together. (Cronus, ram king AU)

Rhea smiled at the sound of the secret knock rapping on her chamber doors, alerting her to who was behind them. They opened and she turned around in her chair in one swift move before raising up to greet Cronus. There was no need for royal protocols when they were alone, no bowing or controlled gestures. However, distance wasn't necessary as Cronus was deemed her guard. He needed a title in order stay on the grounds and sharing close proximity to her, his true wife.

"I missed you! So much!" She cried as she wrapped her arms around him. She knew he couldn't stand the thought of Rhea and Crius sharing a marital bed but consummating their royal marriage was necessary and inescapable. She wouldn't be required to do so again...unless a heir was demanded for her. But it was still too early to make such plans: her priority was finding her footing as queen and help Crius rule. He needed her even if he couldn't admit so aloud.

It was her first official day as Queen of Heaven, a day she preferred to share with Cronus as her king not her guard but at least he was beside her somehow. She looked up at him with uncertain eyes, hoping he could look past her duty from last night. There was no love or passion between Rhea and the Ram; only duty.

"You are so handsome in your official attire. I know becoming my guard wasn't the first choice but at least it removes the suspicion of why you are always around me. Better than an advisor. An advisor is hardly allowed in his queen's chambers." Rhea chuckled as her hands ran up and down his arms. "Your first official duty is to escort me to the throne room so I can greet my people with Crius. Although, that's in a few hours. You're quite early though Are you sure you're the titan god of time?" She informed him, finishing with a soft chuckle.

Rhea moved herself to stand behind him, slowly removing his heavy cloak and weapons attached to his back and waist. "If I'm not properly dressed, you shouldn't be either! And you must join me for breakfast. Your queen commands you!" She purred into his ear before pressing a kiss upon his earlobe.

[ladykailitha]

Just a little continuation of this AU idea. I'll be using their show names for ease of understanding but in the story they would be called what I called them in the previous post.

It all cumulates toward a masquerade ball where everyone is dressed as mythical creatures.

Newly crowned King Steven dresses as the Stratford Lyon. A beast that is that of a red lion with large antlers and tusks, but known for its impressive and wild mane (you know Steve would latch on that like lightning). He dressed all in red with his hair flowing to his shoulders, his mask is red, too. It's a full face mask that is a lion face with tusks and the antlers coming off the top of the mask gracefully blending into his hair.

Eddie is beguiling dressed as Mephistopheles. He's dressed all in black. His mask dark rust red covering his upper lip and horns curling from the top of his mask, like Steve's antlers but his are rams' horns.

Robin is dressed as a Nachtkrapp. She was born in Germany and married off to a French Marquis (multilingual like whoa) so she grew up hearing about the night raven. She wanted to go scary and masculine. She succeeds. :D

Chrissy is an angel, to play up on the queen thinking Steve should pick her and Steve wanting to pick Eddie. Her mask is silver, only covering her eyes. She wears a circlet on her piled up hair making it look like a halo. She wears pure white dress. And she is the only one at the ball who knows that Mephisto is Eddie.

Steve's other candidates for marriage are dressed as Titania, a mermaid, and a Valkyrie, Nancy, Vickie, and Tammy respectively.

The Party is all dressed as mythical creatures. Dustin is a griffin, Will is a unicorn, and Mike is dragon. And is completely pissed when Lucas shows up a wyvern. Lucas points out his wings are his forearms which completely different from the four legged, back-winged dragon Mike is. Dustin wanted to be a griffin because it was like Steve's Stratford Lyon without completely giving it away who is under the mask.

The queen is royally pissed when Jonathan turns up as Oberon signalling that Nancy and he are an item, completely removing her from candidacy.

Eddie dressed up in secret for the ball because as he was stripped of his titles he wasn't allowed to go. But an advisor of Steve's and long time friend of the Munsons, lets Eddie go in his place. Chrissy helps him get clothes and things and stores them in her room. Which he sneaks into after the ball has started and changes.

Hopper helps him sneak around front to go through the front gates as though he's arriving.

Steve is drawn to Eddie, even though he doesn't know it's him. The queen is chewing glass. This was NOT how it was supposed to go.

Eddie tries to sneak back to Chrissy's before the unmasking at midnight, but Steve chases him. He finds out the man he was so attracted to is also the one that makes him laugh, makes him think, makes him a better person.

And they kiss about it.

[fandomworld9728]

King of Hell Adam & Queen of Hell Lucifer AU & The Morningstar Pack (Omegaverse - Sequel to The Life of the Morningstars) AU:

Can we have some headcanons, please?

(Yay! More asks and headcanons! If you are the anon that keeps asking for the different headcanons I'm going to start calling you Headcanon Anon if you're fine with that ^-^)

(Not sure what characters you wanted headcanons for so I'm just going to do the characters that are mostly focused on in those au's. If you'd like other characters from those au's let me know and I'll do headcanons for them too ^-^)

King of Hell Adam & Queen of Hell Lucifer AU (The King & Queen of Hell):

Adam: Pronouns are he/him and his secondary gender is alpha. He doesn't have a label on his sexuality. He knows he's attracted to women and Lucifer. All the different names confuse him, so he doesn't even bother trying to figure it out. He knows what he likes and that's that.

Is King of Hell and married to Lucifer. Formerly married to Eve with Lucifer back in Eden. Is the father of Cain, Abel, Emily, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, and Charlie. Adopted Mammon and Leviathan with Lucifer.

Fell willingly with Lucifer and helped them get back on their feet before helping to grow and support Hell. Has a habit of putting his hand or wings on Luci's belly. It reminds him of the time where he can hear/feel his babies. Especially when Luci was pregnant with Cain & Abel.

When Adam is first holding Charlie as a newborn, he is reminded of where he first held Emily and it brings him to tears. Looking at his youngest and suddenly remembering holding his first daughter put a lot of emotional stress on Adam. Especially since he hasn't seen Emily in years.

Adam’s appearance changed since falling with Lucifer. He now has black wings that looked like they were dipped in gold and now had hooves and ram horns along with a black lion’s tail. He also has long, sharp, black claw-like nails he has to keep filed down.

His magic is mainly used when playing his guitar. Adam will often call Lucifer his angel, his queen, love, his silly bird/snake/ewe (depending on which animal Lucifer is acting most like in that moment) or use the names of different flowers he finds beautiful or that fit with Lucifer's personality.

While Adam has many admirers, his biggest one is Velvette. Him and Lucifer are close friends with Carmilla and Zestial. The only Overlords he holds any sort of respect for are Carmilla Carmine, Zestial, Rosie, and Alastor. He absolutely hates the Vees.

When there’s anything official, he has to dress up for, Adam will usually be wearing Victorian style suits in the colors of black and red with golden accents. Every once and a while he'd have a dark purple with black and gold accents. His every day outfits are more along the line of rock and grunge style.

Actually has the biggest crush on the right-hand woman of the Exorcist Angels but tries his best to hide it.

Lucifer - Pronouns are he/Him (most preferred), She/Her, They/Them (pronouns change depending on the day). Secondary gender is Omega. Is Pansexual & Demisexual, Genderfluid. 

Is the Queen of Hell and married to Adam. Mother of Cain, Abel, Emily, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Satan, Belphegor, & Charlie. Adopted Mammon and Leviathan with Adam. Instead of falling for and falling with Lilith, it was Adam. Lucifer blamed themself every day for what happened, for them ending up cast from Heaven.

While Adam holds the title of King, Lucifer is the true ruler of Hell. Their body is covered in golden scars from being dragged down to Hell and having their wings ripped off, along with their hands and arms being burnt from holy light. 

Feeling self-conscious from it, they used to wear clothes that always covered them up and never looked at themself in the mirror when they needed to undress in any sort of fashion.

Avoided having sex with Adam for a long time because of it. They were slowly growing more comfortable with it the more they were reassured by their husband that they still found them as beautiful, if not more, as when they were an angel in the garden.

Lucifer will often call Adam their warrior, their protector, their king, baby/babe, their handsome ram, and every now and then will call him their ducky to get a reaction out of him. Especially in front of other people. Formerly married to Eve with Adam back in Eden.

 Lucifer and Adam are close friends with Carmilla and Zestial. They bonded with Carmilla over their children.

While they love their ringleader suit, they also enjoy dressing up in all different outfits from all different eras. It's not often they put on a skirt or dress but when they do they go all out. Hair, makeup, nails. But the only heels they'll wear are heeled boots. Much more comfortable with their hooved feet.

Lucifer has worn flowing gowns. But only on request of their husband. They'll indulge Adam on special occasions since it isn't something they'd normally choose to wear. Not that they hate those types of dresses. They just aren't practical when trying to run Hell.

Openly crushes on people when they take interest in someone. Not only because they have the freedom and abundance of love to do so, but also because they love to see their husband all jealous and possessive.

Tends to let their demonic side out more than in canon. Wears their hair long enough to tie it in a small, low ponytail but will usually wear it loose and shaggy. Does not hide their goat like hooves and horns when relaxing. 

Has star-like freckles across their face and splattered all over their body that were only noticeable from up close or dim and dark areas. Or when the light hit them just right.

Despite all the children they already have, they would gladly welcome having more. Either by birth or adoption.

Charlie -

Pronouns are She/Her. Secondary gender is alpha. Is Bisexual. the Princess of Pride and heir to the throne of Hell. The daughter of Adam & Lucifer and the twin sister of Belphegor. Youngest out of all her siblings.

Was the most naive and true to her heart out of her siblings, a trait she got from Lucifer, but got the confidence and assertiveness from Adam. However, she is more hesitant to show that side of her. Both sides of her personality are usually at war with each other. Whatever emotion is strongest at the moment will decide which side is shown.

No one knows at first glance that Charlie is the heir to Hell’s throne even though she looks like a copy of Lucifer. The only difference is that she got Adam’s height and streaks of his brown in her hair.

Has the same star-like freckles as Lucifer, but only scattered across her cheeks and nose. Has only one dress she wears and only wears it to important royal events as she prefers more masculine leaning clothing. Specializes in the viola. Favors musicals and swing.

Used to date Seviathan but is now in a happy 3-year long relationship with Vaggie.

Cain -

Pronouns are He/Him. Secondary gender is alpha. Is Demisexual & Demiromantic. Son of Adam & Lucifer. Oldest out of all his siblings and twin brother of Abel.

Is very much into punk, rock, metal, and screamo music. Pop music is his guilty pleasure. Specializes in the electric guitar and drums. 

Enjoys causing any sort of chaos for entertainment. Usually with Abel. It is rare for Cain to be seen without his twin.

Cain & Abel are very protective of their family. They won't step in with their parents unless a line is crossed, however, when it comes to their siblings all bets are off. Not after their baby sister got taken away from them. That fear and separation anxiety has their big brother protectiveness ramped up to 200%

Especially when it comes to Charlie and Emily. 

Cain & Abel are not interested in relationships. Because they have each other. They don't need another person in their life when they have their family but aren’t opposed to the idea of having a partner.

Had a habit of going under their mother's/father's wings, that habit also went to their younger siblings as a child.

Has the same star-like freckles as Lucifer, but only on his back and arms. Gets height and most of his looks from Adam. Brown hair cut short. Has his tongue, eyebrow, ears, and lip pierced. Has a more feminine face and build from Lucifer along with light blue eyes.

Has a pair of red and black wings he can summon at will, as well as ram-like hooves, horns, and tail.

Abel -

Pronouns are He/Him, They/Them. Secondary gender is alpha. Is Demisexual & Demiromantic, Demiboy. Son of Adam & Lucifer. Second oldest out of all his siblings and twin brother of Cain.

Is very much into punk, rock, metal, and screamo music. Musicals and opera are his guilty pleasures. Specializes in the electric and acoustic guitar, piano, and the saxophone.

Enjoys causing any sort of chaos for entertainment. Usually with Cain. It is rare for Abel to be seen without his twin.

Cain & Abel are very protective of their family. They won't step in with their parents unless a line is crossed, however, when it comes to their siblings all bets are off. Not after their baby sister got taken away from them. That fear and separation anxiety has their big brother protectiveness ramped up to 200%

Especially when it comes to Charlie and Emily. 

Cain & Abel are not interested in relationships. Because they have each other. They don't need another person in their life when they have their family but aren’t opposed to the idea of having a partner.

Had a habit of going under their mother's/father's wings, that habit also went to their younger siblings as a child.

Has the same star-like freckles as Lucifer all over his body like them. Gets height and most of his looks from Adam. Grew his brown hair down to his hips, usually tied back in a low ponytail or braided, with an undercut. Has his ears, nose, and lip pierced. Has a more feminine face and build from Lucifer along with light blue eyes.

Has a pair of dark blue and black wings he can summon at will, as well as ram-like hooves, horns, and tail.

Alastor -

Pronouns are He/Him. Secondary gender is alpha. Is Graysexual & Demiromantic. (This is unfortunately all I have for him at the moment since he isn’t fully fleshed out in the AU as of yet)

The Morningstar Pack (The Life of the Morningstars AU):

Lucifer -

Is an Omega and the King of Hell. Isn’t what most would call a traditional omega because he wasn’t taught about the ‘proper’ ways of an omega until after sinners started to populate Hell. As well as not wanting to be restricted by such expectations.

Is polyamorous but willing to settle down with only one partner if they are not comfortable with him seeing other people while in a relationship.

Has two daughters, Emily and Charlie, who are his world. Had thought that he fell in love three times in his life, but was really only twice. Each time was with a human.

Very close to Beelzebub and Asmodeus. Grew close to the members of the hotel and sees them as part of the family. Views Vaggie and Angel Dust as his own children. Had befriended Blitzo and likes to exchange stories about their daughters.

His scent used to be of fresh apples, honey, and summer rain. His scent soured once Lilith broke their mating bond and abandoned him and Charlie. It now smells of overripe, sour apples and burnt honey.

Fell in love with Adam first in Eden, and an unknown human before he had Charlie. Has somehow lost memories of being with the unknown human he loved so dearly.

Used to be a party animal in the early years of Hell before he had Charlie. Is in possession of Angel Dust’s soul to protect him and keep him out of Valentino’s clutches until he is able to get a new job.

Alastor - Is an Alpha and an Overlord. Demisexual and Demiromantic. Never really cared much about the traditional ways of secondary genders. Mostly due to how he saw his mother treated growing up.

Found himself oddly drawn to and attracted to Lucifer upon their first meeting, however held a strong distaste for him thinking he was not only an alpha but also a neglectful father. Though, after getting to know him he found himself unable to deny how he felt towards the other man.

Was shocked and thrilled to find out Lucifer was an omega and was determined to court the omega and make him his mate. Is extremely possessive over the King but is reluctantly willing to share if it makes him happy.

Sees Charlie as his own daughter and by extension, Vaggie, seeing as they are partners. Wants to kill God, thinking that he keeps trying to keep him and Lucifer apart.

Charlie - Is an Alpha and Princess of Hell, heir to the throne. Was raised by Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus. Didn’t like Lilith since childhood for how she treated her father.

Has been with her alpha partner for almost four years. Views everyone at the hotel as her family, especially Angel Dust and Alastor, who she sees as an older brother and father figure.

Wants to prove that she can be a great alpha. Not just for her pack but for all of Hell as its future Queen.

Adam - Is an Alpha and former angel. Now a sinner. Fell in love with Lucifer in Eden and had Emily with him. Something had broken apart their relationship and led Adam to hate him but never stop loving him.

Has an odd and misplaced viewpoint of the world, himself, and Hell thanks to Heaven. Is finding himself and bettering himself now that he is at the Hazbin Hotel. Possessive of Lucifer but trying to take a step back to mend their relationship.

Vox - Is an Alpha and an Overlord. Has set his sights on Lucifer.

 Doesn’t know why but is positive that Charlie is his biological daughter after hearing that her alpha parent was a human and not the former queen.

[rheaeaseandflow]

@asoulunbound asked: ❛ maybe we don't have a choice. ❜ (from Cronus)

"We don't? I don't a choice!" Rhea emphasized as she placed her hand on her chest. The arrangement was set and plans for the wedding and coronation were already moving along before Gaia informed Rhea of the news. She was to be queen...but not Cronus's queen.

Married to the Ram King: Crius.

Rhea fared well enough with Crius growing up, not close but better acquainted than most of their siblings. Rhea wanted to marry for love, a love she shared with Cronus but that wasn't their destiny...thanks to Gaia. She believed Rhea to be the best suited for queen among the titanesses and no mere goddess or nymph was appropriate for the crown. Rhea was practically groomed for the role. Unfortunately she had to obtain with someone she didn't love passionately. Didn't envision creating a family and legacy with.

She was stuck; a refusal would ruin her and the vision she held for a better kingdom. For the people. One she talked over and over with Cronus. It was not only her dream but theirs. But could she keep Cronus close without scandal?

"Next week, I am to marry Crius. But I can't lose you, Cronus. I refuse to let you go. You are coming with me, one way or another." Rhea stated as her hand slipped from her chest to reach out for his hand. "Please. I need you. I can't do this alone."

[masteryoftheseas]

@asoulunbound asked: "I'm not pleased, Pallas," Crius answered after a moment of silence. Leaning back in his chair the king could already see the disappointment growing on his son's face. "But, at least she's a Titaness." The best he could do. He thought lowly of all of Oceanus' daughters, but Metis wasn't some ambitious Oceanide at least. "I had hoped my oldest son would marry one of Coeus' daughters." Crius sighed. "And Metis is close to the queen, my worry is that Rhea might use your union to seed mistrust against us for her own advantages."

Pallas hoped for a more congratulatory response than what he was initially given after announcing his engagement with Metis to his father. Publicly, Pallas wasn't Crius's son. A ward or underling at most after being sent to the palace for his training as general. His marriage mattered little to the overall order of things...he wasn't a prince. He had a choice. At least...that was what he believed.

"Metis is a brilliant and capable titaness. Her domains complement mine. And most of all....I love her." Pallas affirmed as his eyes scowled momentarily at his father. "Leto or Asteria? Are you joking? What...just because they are titaness daughters of your most beloved brother? I've never cared for either of them. I want to marry for love. Just because you didn't doesn't mean I have to follow the same path!" He added, pursing his lips as he instantly regretted those last words. He spoke freely with his father, he was the king of the gods but still the titan who sired him. Either he had no fear or too foolish and rash to consider his words. Probably both.

Dark eyes scowled again at his father as even in a moment that should have been a happy occasion had to be ruined by the elder titan's suspicions. Everything came back to Rhea and her possible meddling. Crius and his suspicions that she would try to overthrow him at any moment. She adored Metis; would she really try to cause a wedge between Pallas and Crius through Metis? Wouldn't she had started a coup by now if she truly wanted the crown for herself and Cronus?

"So your paranoia is also preventing you from being truly happy for my engagement?" Pallas surmised with a shake of his head. He lifted from his seat and placed his hands on his father's desk. "I won't have you put any doubt in my head because of your own mistrust towards your wife. You started this bad blood with Rhea when you took what was destined for Cronus. Don't put us in the middle of it. Because if you do, you will lose me. Forever."

[masteryoftheseas]

As Crius trapped the sea goddess, she first scowled at him before softening her eyes. He spoke sentiments he didn't recite often but she understood them to be true by his actions over the years. She sighed softly as his forehead met hers and her arms unraveled themselves so that her hands could hold his cheeks. She didn't vocally respond to his words but offered him a nod in agreeance. For as much as their relationship was complex, they understood their feelings. Love was unmistakable.

Desperate hands tried to hold onto Crius but he drifted from her anyway. The look of anger returned when he stated refusing Rhea wasn't an option suddenly. Eurybia shook her head fiercely and her arms returned to her chest crossed. "You are king, Crius! You have every right to refuse her!" Eurybia affirmed. "Do you honestly think she would start a coup over no legitimate offspring? Could she be that petty and low? An legitimate heir shouldn't matter!"

Rhea held more favor with the primordials especially with Pontus, Eurybia's father. Eurybia fell out of her own high favor with the sea deity once he discovered her affair with Crius. He held his own resentment toward the Ram King and likely the others did as well. But would she honestly start a rebellion because Crius refused her? Trickling down to taking the crown for herself and Cronus. Why was it necessary when Crius allowed them to be together except explicitly in public? Just as how Rhea granted Crius and Eurybia the same grace?

"And you know how greedy she is with children! She almost has ten with Cronus so what makes you think she'll just want one with you? She'd try to get a whole brand new litter of babies from you. Her own pack of legitimate heirs she could use against you!" Eurybia mused as she throw up her arms. A new family could undermine the one she created with Crius and she couldn't watch him act so fatherly in public when he couldn't with their sons. It wasn't fair.

Eurybia reacted the way he had suspected. Worried for. Irascible as a storm at sea. It made the corner of Crius’ lips twitch upwards. It was the passion he adored most about his lover. And she was asking the same question he had asked Rhea. Was this even necessary? They had lived their separate lives for decades now. He had allowed the queen to do as she pleased with Cronus. Had never publicly denounced the children she had with him, although he had never acted fatherly towards them either. He had no interest in Rhea’s bastards as long as they remembered their status.

Shuffling forward, he leaned closer to Bia, caging her between his arms as he held onto the head of the bed. The bed they shared whenever he was at the Southern Palace. Their bed. “You are my wife in every matter that counts! You share my bed! You are the mother to my children!” His forehead came to rest against hers. A gesture of affection he only shared with her. “I love you!” Rhea might be his wife. She carried the title of queen, but there was nothing more between them. The only time they had been intimate with each other had been on their wedding night. Long before he had grown close to Eurybia. And although he never told her how much he loved her often, it was no less true.

With a sigh, he retreated from her again. “But I can not refuse her outright.” He hated Rhea for putting him in this position. “Denying her could mean open rebellion from her. She never got over me claiming the throne before Cronus had the chance. She wants her lover in my place and me gone, and she might get the primordials on her side.” They feared his power. He had taken power from Ouranos with his magic. He could and was prepared to do the same to the rest of them.     

[masteryoftheseas]

Eurybia's eyes drifted down to Crius's hand that traveled up her ankle and leg. She didn't make a sudden move or swatted his hand away. Despite the disappointment she felt, his touch pleasing her outweighed the Her brow furrowed, unsure of where Crius was headed but she kept quiet, waiting for him to explain further. What was Rhea's demand and how would it affect her and Crius?

"What?!" Eurybia spat, half in disbelief and half in offense.

Eurybia wasn't Crius's wife legally but she thought of herself more than just a mistress. Their commitment lasted decades, neither one of them straying from the other. Rhea was his queen, not by love but by duty. They lived their separate lives apart from their roles as king and queen but now, it seemed like that separation was becoming muddled. Having a child together would take Crius away from Eurybia and their sons and she wasn't keen on sharing especially when she wasn't allowed to live on Mount Othrys.

"She has Cronus to father her children! Bastard offspring you so graciously accept as yours publicly. Is that not enough? Is duty even necessary?" Eurybia ranted. "Pallas is just your general. You're not making him your heir. Why is that a threat to her? Crius...you're not actually considering this are you?" She continued as her arms crossed over her chest. Goosebumps running up her skin at the possibility of being pushed aside. Alone.

Crius wasn’t one to repeat himself. Neither would he grovel to Eurybia because she was upset about his absence. Still, he let her remove his hand from her chin. Let her air her grievance before she leaned away from him. It wouldn’t have been advantageous for him to come last night after his meeting with Rhea. Anger had boiled within him, and he was sure Eurybia wouldn’t have appreciated his behavior then, either. He enjoyed the games they played. Her submission. But it was better he had control over himself when they engaged in it. Otherwise, her safety would be endangered. And the last thing he wanted was to hurt her when there was no pleasure involved balancing it. 

The Titan wrapped his hand around her ankle. As the frown on his forehead deepened, his touch wandered up her leg. A heavy sigh escaped him. “All three, depending on your point of view!” Rhea’s demand was life-changing. How dire and drastic it was not only depended on Bia’s reaction but on the answer Crius still owed the queen.  “I had a visit from Rhea yesterday. She made a proposition, although demand would be a more accurate term.” The king seldom talked around the bush. He was a straightforward man, never caring if his words hurt others. But he was reluctant now. “She wants to have a child with me. A legitimate heir as her duty to me commands.” He scoffed. No matter how she coated her words, her motive was clear. “No doubt a reaction to appointing Pallas as my general.” 

[rheaeaseandflow]

Rhea bit her lip nervously, waiting for Cronus's response. The confusion that dressed his face started to worry her; however, he didn't reject her idea. He presented caution. "Theia wouldn't say anything. Hyperion...we know he loves to talk. He'd probably tell Iapetus and the two of them together would spread it like wildfire." Rhea mused. As much as she wanted her sister to know, keeping their union a secret was the better option. The safer option. Not cementing their love somehow was unfathomable to her. And her betrothal to Crius wouldn't stop her true love. Crius was her duty but Cronus was her heart. Her happiness.

"An Underworld wedding." Rhea sang in a bright tone. She returned closer to Cronus, hands reaching out to hold his. "Could it be in Elysium? Not only is it beautiful but also deserted." She suggested, smiling sweetly up the titan. It wasn't what she originally imagined for her and Cronus but the idea made sense given their sticky situation. No one would bother them there and the fields were reserved for heroic mortals. Mortals had not yet such heights yet. The fields would be empty; no one around to bother or spy.

"As for an alibi...perhaps we say we are preparing for the other wedding. Gathering necessities because I can't have anyone else do so for me. And you...you are my extra pair of hands. Who must also keep an eye on the future queen for any funny business." She chuckled as one hand slipped away from his grasp and her finger traced itself across his chest. "I'd have to think of a title for you. A position to keep you close."

“There’s nothing to apologize for!” It wasn’t Rhea’s fault. She was as much a victim of this as he was. If anyone had to apologize for all of this, it was Crius. Or Gaia for starting everything in the first place. For not preventing Crius from taking the throne that was meant for him. For taking the hand of the Titaness he loved. His brother didn’t deserve Rhea. Not as a wife. Not as a queen. Still, he would never ask Rhea to forsake her destiny, too. The duty she had been born and raised for. Even before they had started plotting against Ouranos, Rhea had been chosen as his successor.

He looked down at her as she gently slipped out of his hold. Confusion crept on his face as he listened to her suggestion. A secret wedding! Just the two of them. “I want to say yes, but I don’t trust it to stay a secret. Theia and Hyperion would be able to see us.” Theia loved her sister. There was a high chance their oldest sister would keep quiet. Cronus wasn’t sure about Hyperion. While the god of heavenly light wasn’t Crius’ biggest fan, he might use that information to further his own standing at Court. Cronus wasn’t close to any of his brothers. Perhaps he should’ve made more of an effort with them when he was younger. He never thought he would need their friendship as long as he had their loyalty once he was King.

“Unless..��� An idea formed in his mind. “We go down to the Underworld. Their sight can’t reach us there. We just need an explanation why we would disappear for a day.”

[masteryoftheseas]

Eurybia squinted her eyes at Crius for a moment before they faded into softness. A softness that still held concern and caution. He could assert his dominance all he wanted but it would dull her suspicion. He preferred her submissive, something she was more than willing to give him but not without a little pull from time to time. Keep him on his toes and rile him up further for her own satisfaction.

"I don't appreciate being neglected out of the blue. You didn't send any word of your absence. Anything...even just a sign in the stars would have sufficed!" Eurybia exclaimed as she removed his grip from her chin. "If I am any kind of priority to you, king or not, why couldn't do something as simple as letting me know you'd be late? Instead of leaving me to think the worst?" She added with a shake of her voice.

The sea goddess huffed under his kiss. Apologies. He was hardly one to offer a grand statement of apology, admitting he was wrong. But if something did pull him away from her last night, then what was it? Something dire? Drastic? Life changing perhaps? "Oh really now?" Eurybia murmured as she leaned away from him, back against the pillows and headboard of the bed. Something involving the both of them...it should be interesting. "Is it good or bad? Or a bit of both?"

Crius hadn’t planned on letting Eurybia wait, but Rhea’s proposal had thrown him off track. He knew very well why the queen was suddenly asking him to have a child. Because he had made Pallas general and given him a place at his side. Because she feared the power this would give his son and Eurybia at Court. He had to think about everything alone before asking Eurybia for her opinion. The king would never admit it out loud, but her view mattered to him. She was his wife in all but name. They had shared a lot together. Rhea might hold the title of queen, but Eurybia was the one he carried in his heart. 

He didn’t know what he had expected for a welcome. But it had been a warmer one than disappointment, and he let it show with a frown on his forehead as he sat down next to Eurybia on the bed. Reaching out he grasped her chin, so she had no choice but to look at him. “I don’t appreciate your tone or what it’s implying.” Although stern, his words were not harsh. In his own way, he had been loyal to her. He hadn’t taken any other lovers besides her. Not even his wife had shared his bed since they had become lovers. His favors were hers alone. Proven by the star she wore around her neck. The sons she bore him. The constellations she raised every evening. Only she was this close to him. 

He presses his forehead against hers after kissing it. “Apologies. I was indeed kept by royal business. Business that concerns you as well. Us.” 

[rheaeaseandflow]

"Cronus, I'm sorry!" Rhea cried as she shook her head. She took a deep breath and her face softened, eyeing him with empathy. The decision was just as much heartbreaking for him as for her. "I've been in shock since Mother and Crius told me." She gulped as she nuzzled her face against his chest. "They sprung this decision on us so sudden. No warning. I'm still trying to wrap my head around why this happened. Crius taking what was destined for you. Including me!"

Refusing Crius and the crown were not options for her. Gaia had groomed Rhea in her image, making her believe she was destined to be queen once Ouranos was defeated. With Cronus at her side but everything changed. And while she preferred all that she was prepared for was for her and Cronus, she couldn't in good conscience drop everything. Let Crius rule without her. He needed her even if he wouldnt admit it aloud. She couldn't fix the future to what she and Cronus wanted but maybe...something to sweeten the blow. Just for them.

"What if we..." Rhea murmured before sucking in her lips nervously. An idea sprung into her mind although she wasn't entirely confident Cronus would agree to it. "Cronus," She whispered, inhaling and exhaling as she carefully loosed his grasp around her. She needed to see his reaction. Every emotion. "What if we had our own ceremony before the wedding next week? Our own secret wedding. I will be Crius's queen but I am yours. You have my heart and are my true love. We are soul mates. And no one can take that from us." She finally confessed to him.

This was not what he had envisioned for his future – their future. Rhea was right. She and Cronus had talked about marriage. About ascending the throne together. But Gaia had other plans. Even after grooming him for kingship since he had been a little boy. In the end, she had made Crius king. And he would get the hand of the woman he loved. And Cronus had been warned not to interfere while he longed to rip the ram apart and take what was his. Cronus was supposed to be King of the Titans. Had it not been foretold this way?

Cronus closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to reduce the fire of fury raging inside him. They didn’t need that wrath now. It would only make them act rash and endanger them. Crius would not let them live if he knew they were plotting against him. He had Gaia at his side. Pontus. Chaos knew how many other primordials. A mystery how he had gained all their loyalty. “You think this is what I wanted? That I’m not hurt by it all?” His voice was stern, the pain in it palpable.

He took her outstretched hand and pulled the Titaness closer until she was wrapped safely in his arms. Seeing her marry Crius in a week, knowing they would be expected to spend their wedding night together was breaking his heart. “You won’t lose me, my lioness. As long as I breathe. And no one will be able to tear me from your side.” He kissed the top of her head. Buried his face in her curls.