#best advisor for share market

[jarvis-invest]

Long-term investors shouldn't fear market peaks. Learn why consistent investing beats market timing, with insights from historical crashes and corrections.

[successtrading50]

forex trading classes in Kolhapur

The forex trading classes in Kolhapur have become more popular as the world has started to shift towards a digital age. The online courses are available at any time, and they offer a variety of benefits.

The forex trading classes are structured so that students can learn at their own pace. They also offer tutorials and one-on-one coaching to help students learn more effectively. forex trading classes are beneficial for people who have busy schedules because they can study at any time of the day with minimal interruption from other commitments. forex trading classes are now available in Kolhapur. These classes will help you understand the basics of share market and how it works. You can also learn how to invest in stocks.

The trading classes in Kolhapur are a good place to learn how to trade stocks and shares online. The classes will give you an overview of how to invest in stocks and shares, what are the different types of securities available on the Indian stock exchange like NSE or BSE, what is a derivative instrument like futures or options contract? What are margin calls? How do I use technical analysis? What is arbitrage?

The share market is the best way to invest in the future of the country. If a person wants to learn about it, they can enroll for a course that teaches them all about it. This course will teach you all about how to buy and sell shares, how to make money on the market, and how to get started with investing. The Trading is a great way to invest in the future, but it also comes with risk. That’s why it is important to learn all you can about the share market before you start trading.

With the advent of technology, we have seen many changes in the market place. One of them is the change in trading methods. Earlier, it was all about trading on the floor with physical money and shares, but now it's all about trading with virtual money and shares.

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[tfatrading]

Navigating the Indian stock market can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Engaging with a reputable stock advisory service can provide the guidance and insights necessary for successful trading. In this article, we will explore the best stock advisory in India, highlight the top 10 advisory firms, and discuss the benefits of utilizing these services.

[financeguruji1]

Tata Motors stock has given a return of 775.85% in 5 years. Which is very good. The revenue of this stock in 2024 is around Rs 4,44,589.67. And it has cash of Rs 36,501.73 crore in 2024. This stock is a fundamentally strong stock.

[hmatrading]

Are you looking to make informed investment decisions in the ever-changing stock market landscape? Look no further! In this blog post, we bring you the top 5 leading Stock Advisory Service Providers in India for 2024. These SEBI registered companies offer expert guidance and recommendations to help you navigate the complexities of the stock market and maximize your returns. Let's dive into the world of stock advisory services and discover which one suits your investment goals best!

[vfs1jaipur]

Election Results 2024: Here's What to Expect from Indian Stock Market and What Should Be Your Trading Strategy

The general elections in India in 2024 are likely to be an important event with the major impacts of economic and financial structures of this country. the world biggest republics head to the polls. Investors & traders pay close attention to the events & realize that any shift in political stability or the development of laws can be a direct impact on the state of the Stock Market India.

Counting on Market Response

Election seasons resulted in an uptick in volatility on the Indian stock market. On a result of market market participants' tendency for caution, stock prices swing. Market volatility may result amid the uncertainty of outcome of elections and the ensuing changes in policies. A single party's clear majority victory, for example, normally creates confidence; however, a broken mandate could trigger turbulence in light of an anticipation of policy paralysis.

Particular to a sector:broken Implications

Depending on the expected changes in policy, different sectors respond to election results differently.

• If the winning party places a high priority on economic growth and development, these sectors tend to see positive movements.

• It is more secure when regulations are solid and in favor of growth.

• Strategies that's favorable of businesses and automation may end up in hopeful developments with tech stocks.

Foreign Investment Inflows

Foreign investments may be attracted to a secure, business-friendly treatment that will benefit equity markets. On the flip side, a coalition leadership or hung government with opposite views on politics can deter foreign investment and produce market losses.

Trading Strategy Post-Election

• Take a Wait-and-Watch Position

Rather than acting on emotion immediately following the election's outcome, it's prudent to keep tabs on the markets. In taking big big trades, wait for the earlier risk to decrease. Analyze the market's response to the rules and goals of the arriving regime.

• Put Blue-Chip Stocks First

a combination of their solid basis and solid market positions blue-chip stocks traditionally weather political shifts better than other types of equities. Getting these kinds of stocks may protect your portfolio from the volatility that results from campaigns.

• Increase Portfolio Diversification

The expansion is a crucial tactic for decreasing risks. ensuring that that every firm in your portfolio benefits from the policies of the new administration that takes office. This broad strategy may guard against downturns endemic to a confident area.

• Keep yourself informed and current.

Continue to stay up-to date on economic data policy of declarations & political incidents. Examine reliable sources of news and financial reports at often. You can modify your trading strategy or make sound decisions with the aid of recent data.

• Make Use of Stop-Loss Orders

Orders for stop loss are an advantageous instrument towards sheltering your investments with unanticipated drops in the market. Based on your risk tolerance and the volatility of your holdings, determine suitable stop-loss boundaries.

• Take Systematic Investment Plans into Account (SIPs)

SIPs in mutual funds may serve as a useful tactic to investors who are looking to manage post-election volatility. With this strategy, you can consistently invest certain sums and let time even out volatility in the market.

• Use Professional Insights

You might arrive at informed trading decisions using their specialist analysis of market developments sectoral impacts, and opportunities for investment.

Conclusion

While there may be some risk & worry as a result, issues shift with the aid of intelligent trading & methods. Retaining your focus on fiscal security & diversifying your investments while recruiting specialists may help your post-election chances. the Consider about how important it is to keep your composure in deciding things and to quit reacting hastily to modifications in the market.

Open Free Online Demat Account - Motilal Oswal

Contact No. 7568647300

[kcimoney]

Who Provides the Best Commodity Market Services in Alwar?

When it comes to investing in commodities, the residents of Alwar have a gem in their midst. Our financial services firm, which has been a guiding light for many investors, stands out as the go-to place for commodity market services in Alwar.

Understanding Commodity Markets

Before we dive into the services, let’s understand what commodity markets are. Simply put, they are places where you can buy or sell things like wheat, cotton, and even gold. It’s like a big shop where instead of clothes or toys, people trade in goods that come from the earth or are made in large quantities.

Why choose us?

We have been around for a while, and they know the ins and outs of the commodity market like the back of their hand. They offer advice that’s easy to understand and act on, making sure you’re not left scratching your head wondering what to do next.

Gold Trading Expertise

Gold is a big deal in Alwar, and we have got some of the best gold trading experts in Alwar. We can help you understand when to buy gold, when to sell, and how to keep your investments diversified and safe from market volatility. It’s like having a friend who knows all about gold and is always there to give you the best advice.

Personal Touch

What makes us special is the personal touch they bring to their services. They will sit down with you, listen to your aspirations, requirements, and plans, and then help you make the right decisions. Because it’s not just about making money; it’s about making your money work for you.

Community Trust

The people of Alwar trust us because they’ve seen the results. Neighbors, friends, and family members have all worked with us and come away happier and more confident about their investments.

Conclusion

In a city like Alwar, finding someone who understands your financial needs and can offer solid advice on commodity markets is priceless. We have proven time and again that we are the leaders in this field. Whether you’re looking to invest in gold or other commodities, we can be your partner you need.

This article is a brief overview of why we are considered the best provider of commodity market services, especially for those interested in gold trading. For more detailed information and personalized advice, visiting their website or contacting them directly would be the best course of action.

[stock-broker12]

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Elevate your trading strategy with our Free Stock Advisory Services. Gain access to expert insights, market analysis, and personalized recommendations, all without any cost. Stay ahead of market trends, make informed decisions, and optimize your portfolio for success. Experience the power of tailored advisory services, designed to cater to your unique investment needs, all without any financial commitment. To know more contact Best Stocks Broker at: 8920927713

[mutualfunds32]

When it comes to navigating the complexities of the share market in India, having the guidance of the best share market advisor is crucial. Share market advisors play a significant role in providing expert insights, analysis, and recommendations to help investors make informed decisions and maximize their returns. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing the best share market advisor in India, with a focus on Allneeds MF Online, a leading financial advisor renowned for its expertise in the Indian share market.

Importance of Choosing the Best Share Market Advisor:

The share market is known for its volatility and intricacies, making it essential to have the support and guidance of a reputable share market advisor. Here are a few reasons why choosing the best share market advisor is crucial:

Expertise in Indian Share Market: The best share market advisors possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the Indian share market. They understand the nuances, trends, and dynamics of the market, enabling them to provide accurate analysis and insights. Their expertise allows them to identify potential investment opportunities and mitigate risks effectively.

[24rox]

https://24rox.com/

Risk Assessment: Understand and assess your risk tolerance. Different stocks carry different levels of risk, and it's important to align your investments with your risk appetite. High-risk stocks may offer higher potential returns but can also result in significant losses.

Call Now - +918400055716

#StockMarketBrokersInJankipuram

#StockMarketClassesInLucknow

[chernabogs]

I can see an entire bouquet matching Malleus 😭 Calla lily, Ivy, Red Salvia, NATSURIUM and White carnation with pecks of Daffodil and Fern

Don't feel obligated to use all of them! Chose whichever you find most suitable! I just could stop with one alone, the more prompts i read the more i had this idea for a story in my head

I think you and I had the same idea cooking LMAOOO I hope I did this well! <3 Thank you for the request!!

Sin Eater

Inc: Malleus, Reader, a sin eater, and one advisor WC: 3.4k Warnings: Heavy discussion of grief and coping with loss Flowers: Calla Lily (something at first sight), Ivy (we’ve always been friends but we were never just friends), Natsurium (I refuse to bury you), Daffodil (a god bows before a mortal), Fern (In a world of magic, the greatest miracle was you... subtly implied) Summary: A quiet conversation in a hall between a prince, a starving idol, and a body.

Their arrival is marked with the sombre chiming of Dragon City’s bells, which is the only reason Malleus knows they’re approaching Black Scale. The window of the bedroom you shared is wide open, letting in both the breeze and the song as he stands so still that one may consider him to be a mere statue on display. He feels equivalent to one; his breath is shallow, his body cold, and his expression far away enough that he hardly registers the carriage approaching. 

“Your highness?” A faint voice speaks by his right side. Malleus’ finger twitches at the sound as his emerald gaze slowly slides from the streets below to the advisor who is now anxiously twisting her sleeve. He can hardly remember her name—advisors come and go so often that they’ve become a blur in his mind—but he’s taken to calling her Scops due to the owlish stare that she always seems to wear around him. “The sin eater is here.”

Malleus stares for a moment before he looks back down to the courtyard. The carriage door is open, and a figure is now standing on the stone, speaking with one of the guards. The discussion is brief, ending with the guard walking to the doors and the figure looking upwards at the palace walls. A golden mask conceals their face, capturing the rays of the sun which battle through Briar Valley’s ever-present clouds, and they wear a simple black funeral suit. 

“I see that.” He replies curtly, his voice ungiving on how he’s really feeling. “They arrived quite quickly, didn’t they?” 

“I suppose they have,” Scops steps a bit closer to the window to look down at the sin eater. “Strange, really. It isn’t like their profession is a competitive market anymore.” 

Sin eaters used to be far more prominent in Briar Valley back when it was still Briar Nation, and old traditions were held to a greater esteem. Unfortunately, the changing of times meant the dismantling of old organizations and beliefs, rendering the sin eaters as nothing more than a token piece in a funeral party. Perhaps once they were esteemed in a religious fashion—but not anymore. Now they will sit for anyone, so long as they get their meal. 

You had always admired the old traditions, though. He remembers your avid interest in his family’s history, and the many nights you’d waste away in the library, reading tome after tome in delight. You had been the spearhead of a new age for old beliefs—revamping Briar Valley’s tourism through the demonstration of habits long dead—and you had made a difference. That’s why there is a sin eater here today. 

Malleus dislikes their presence, however. Them being here means that what he’s going through is not just a simple dream. He exhales through clenched teeth and forces his shoulders to relax as he turns on his heel and nods. 

“Regardless, it’s best not to keep guests waiting.”

_____________________________________________________________

The hallowed hall in which you lay is silent, even with the presence of the sin eater looming over your shrouded form. How they managed to move quickly enough that they arrived before Malleus did is something he decides not to question—nor does he question how they knew of the hall to begin with. Their profession is one that draws the most peculiar of magic users into it. Like a bloodhound, they caught your scent and followed it to the room. He’s surprised the guards who have been standing watch over you for a day now permitted them to enter. 

Malleus enters alone and waves for the room to be sealed. He notes the hesitation in his guard’s body language before they oblige, stepping away to pull the great wooden doors shut with a resounding boom that stirs a pair of birds residing in the rafters. Their wings flutter in distress as Malleus spares them a passing glance before returning his focus on the figure ahead. The sin eater has turned to look back at him, and he sees upon closer inspection that the mask they wear lacks a mouth. They incline their head in greeting before speaking in a surprisingly clear tone considering their facial obstruction. 

“Your grace. Forgive me for the intrusion before your arrival; I merely wished to prepare in advance.” Their voice is soft and low as they touch a hand to the place above their heart. Malleus hardly reacts to their words as he brushes past them to where you lay, body enshrouded in a white sheet with a torc affixed upon your neck. His fingers brush along its form; forged of mystium and gifted to you as a token by him. It was the closest he could get to a marriage declaration in the eyes of the Senate. 

“It’s hardly my place to prevent a sin eater from completing their role.” He replies languidly as his fingers skim off of the torc to rest on your chest. Stiff, still, and cold against his fingers. “I just wish you had not come to begin with.” 

He doesn’t wish to have you buried quite yet, but he knows he’s already pushing the limit of how long he can keep you. He kneels by the platform that holds your form as his fingers brush along the shroud that hides you. If he could, he would drag you off of this macabre display and back into the rooms you shared for so many decades together, to wrap you in his arms and pretend this isn’t happening. 

But that was foul. Utterly, utterly foul. Your body would putrefy and decay while he clung to a false hope of resurrection. 

No, the sin eater is here now. He just doesn’t want you out of sight quite yet. 

“Many do not welcome me, but I have never left without gratitude.” The sin eater replies softly. Like a god before a mortal, Malleus’ ethereal features are painted into a stony expression, his gaze still distant. He hardly feels a part of this world right now as he hums quietly in turn. 

“Perhaps.” He muses as his fingers toy with the shroud before he turns to look at the sin eater. Like his own face, their mask is a stony expression, their eyes concealed from his seeking gaze. If they were to not move and speak then they could easily be dismissed as one of the many statues adorning the hall. “How shall we proceed?” 

“Do you feel ready to proceed?” They posit as they gesture to your form. 

Malleus rises back to his feet but doesn’t remove his hand from your body. The pungent scent of flowers—used to disguise the sweetness of decay—wafts up with the abruptness of his motion. “The opportunity to refuse has long passed. I am aware that there is a feast to be had—that, they regaled me of this back when they were still alive.”

You had been enamoured by the concept of Briar Valley funerary rites throughout your time in life. He remembers thinking it to be grim when you would speak of them, and rather anxiety-inducing when you began to plan for your own. He always knew that your status as a human meant that you would join the stars long before he did—he had simply not wanted to think about it, though. In the end, your efforts to establish your own postmortem care had saved him a great deal of distress these past few days.

Your ability to think far ahead had been one of the many aspects he had loved about you. 

“Indeed, and I am delighted to see one is set for me.” The sin eater drifts off of the steps of the platform towards the far side of the room, where a table lay with an array of foods on it. Wine, dates, meats, and a variety of other luxuries decorate pristine plates and spotless cutlery. He had spared no expenses in the lavishness of your memoriam. “Sometimes I have served people who are still cooking the final meal by the time I arrive. But then again, I would expect a prince to have ample amounts of resources available to get things done.” 

“I give nothing but the finest when it comes to them.” Malleus retorts sharply as he goes to sit in the chair on the other side of the table. Before he can properly settle, the sin eater raises a hand and shakes their head. 

“Turn the chair around if you please. You are not meant to see my face when I eat—that honour is for the deceased, and the deceased alone.” 

Malleus pauses, his hand resting on the back of the chair before he obliges and twists it around to face the wall. He then sits down and crosses his legs patiently. Despite the fact that he knows the sin eater to be unarmed, he still feels a prickle of paranoia creep up his spine. Old habits die hard when one has been hunted for so many years. 

Eventually he hears the sound of the sin eater sitting down in their respective seat, followed by something heavy hitting the table. The sin eater clears their throat, and the sound is far clearer now than before. Their mask has been removed—which means the rite has officially begun. Malleus inhales and readies himself for what he recalls the next few steps to be. 

“Tell me about them. Call them to the table where we feast.” There’s a brief pause then before a fork scrapes against porcelain plates. Malleus’ eyes flutter shut as he gives a low sigh. 

“Mira calirh.” The affectionate term flows from his tongue easily as he touches upon memories long passed. How can he summarize you in a simple conversation? You had been a person of many complexities—of devotion, of will, of love as boundless as the sea. To boil all that you were down into a mere few lines felt sacrilegious in his heart. 

“Tell me of your first.” The sin eater prompts, and so he does. 

“I met them outside of their dorm. I thought the place was abandoned, but suddenly they were there before me, sleep-dazed and curious. I remember thinking how calm they were when facing me directly—only to find out they hadn’t a single clue about who I was.” Malleus’ lips curl into a faint grin as he pictures the moment so clearly. He can see you in your youth, eyes glassy with sleep and hair slightly dishevelled. You had not registered in his mind as someone of importance quite yet. 

Oh, how such a thing would change. 

“Tell me more.” The sin eater urges. He can hear the wine glass lifting and being set back down on the table. Malleus’ hands clasp tight as he feels his fingers begin to grow numb. In his peripheral vision, he thinks he sees movement from the pedestal. He resists the impulse to look its way as he considers his next words. 

“It made me feel… alive. For a moment. They would accompany me, speak with me. It was shortly after my overblot that I began to consider them as a friend—although I suspect we never were just that. It was two summers later that I began to consider them something more.” 

Malleus pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts. He remembers that summer—it had been warmer than usual in the Valley, and you had come to visit for a week. He recalls the smell of sunscreen and the sight of you with your hat on your head as you sat in a field of eternal green. The land was lush and abundant with life, but it had been you that had drawn his gaze the strongest. 

The sin eater pushes a plate away before grabbing another. It drags across the wooden table with a bitter screech. “Is that so?” 

“Quite. They stayed with me for a week, and I wished every night that the next day would never come, only so that I could hold onto them for just a bit longer. I kissed their cheek before they departed through the mirror back to NRC—I wanted to kiss their lips, but I panicked and missed.” He can’t help but laugh at that. His palms had been sweating and his mind had been in a panic when he clumsily pressed his lips to your cheek in a kiss of farewell. “Foolish I was. Fortunately, it didn’t turn them away from me. The next time we met, they made sure my aim was true.” 

“Young love has a habit of sending our hearts aflutter, no?” The sin eater muses as more scraping sounds out. “Tell me when you loved them.”

When? Malleus’ brow furrows as he considers the question. When did he not, really? 

“Every day. Every hour. Every minute. I think once they became mine there was not a moment I did not love them, even when we had our disagreements, or the obligations of my role drew me abroad. I loved them in the day, I loved them in the night. And in the sparse moments between, I loved them even more.” Malleus feels his jaw clench slightly. “We could not be married, and so I made sure they knew my devotion.”

“You could not marry because they were not fae. I remember that being a point of contention in the papers.” 

The sin eater must be a fae themself, then, if they can recall the tabloids from that time so easily while looking as young as they appeared. Malleus bristles at their comment. 

“Yes, that was a point of great contention, and one I had to swallow despite working to change the laws. Even my grandmother agreed that such outdated beliefs had no business in and amongst our courtiers.” 

He had fought viciously against nobility for the opportunity to keep you by his side. Eventually it had ended in a standoff, with the courtiers begrudgingly agreeing to permit you to live in Black Scale, so long as you never officially became his consort. Your body hasn’t even been cold for a day, and he’s already heard rumours from Scops that the Senate is hunting for a suitable replacement. 

The knowledge tastes like bitter fruit on his tongue.

He thinks he sees the flutter of white fabric moving at the pedestal again. His brow furrows as he rationalizes it away as a trick of the odd lighting in the hall. Still, the cold breeze that follows makes him shift in his seat uncomfortably.

“Tell me how you loved them.” The sin eater diverts his thoughts and the conversation once more as something heavy scrapes across the table. It may be the plate of quail he saw—or the pig's head. “What did you do to always let them know?” 

“Everything. Anything they wanted I would give to them. If they had asked me to move the mountains we rest on, I would do so. If they asked me to pluck the sun from the sky and fasten it into a brooch for them, I would make sure it was held by the finest of metals. If they wished for the rains to fall and the earth to turn green, then I would drag the clouds from across the world to where they stood.” Malleus shivers again as he feels an ache in his chest. It’s been there for days now. “Magic bends to my whims, but I bent to theirs.” 

“But you couldn’t give them time.” There’s a licking sound and a low hum of satisfaction from the sin eater. “Time will eat everyone in the end—much like how I feast on their memories now. You could give them every precious gem and flower in the world, but you could not give them a second more than what they were meant to have.” 

“If I could have, then I would.” He snarls back, his head turning slightly to glare at the blurred image of the sin eater. “I would have stolen the seconds from anything and everything and given it to them instead. The gods know they would have benefited from it. They had plans, ideas, to improve this nation and now? Now they’re already beginning to decay.” 

“As things do.” The sin eater tosses a bone onto a plate as Malleus looks back to the wall. He feels something cold brush against him again, and then the scraping of a chair to his right. His shoulders tense at the sound and he wonders if the sin eater has changed places. 

Until they speak. 

“How very kind of you to finally join us.” 

The comment is simple and one that draws confusion in Malleus until it finally clicks in place and his entire body plunges into freezing water. The world spins to a stop as he hears a whispering voice by his ear, its words indiscernible. Malleus’ eyes widen and dilate as any words he had to say stutter to a stop from his lips, drawn shut by a cold touch brushing up his arm—much like how his touch had brushed along yours moments ago. 

“One last bite, then.” The sin eater interjects once more as they push another plate away. “Tell me how you will keep them alive. The body may be rotting, but the soul does still linger. Within this hall, within this palace, within the memories stored in your mind. How will you honour that?” 

The words become clearer now. Your voice is soft as your breath brushes against the skin behind his ear, making him shiver as a small, painful sound escapes him. The scent of you lingers just beneath that of the roses your body was bathed in before being wrapped for your cremation. He can feel the brush of the shroud against him as phantom fingers touch his back. 

He wants to turn to see you as he once knew—but something tells him that doing so will merely send you away faster. 

“Their legacy.” He offers slowly, eyes fluttering shut again as he loses himself in your touch. “Their memory carries on through years upon generations of work. They brought life back to Briar Valley’s beliefs. They reshaped this old, rotting home—reshaped me—into something better. I may have portraits of them, and statues, and items that they loved dear stored in my rooms—but I think the only thing they would wish for me to do is continue the work they had started.” 

A sensation floods him then like that brought on by a lover’s kiss. It curls around his wounded heart and floods itself through his veins, warming his body in a way that it hasn’t been able to for days. Another pained sound leaves him, but it is not drawn out because of any agony. 

Then, as quickly as it arrived, the sensations are all gone. Your scent disappears, your touch disappears, and Malleus Draconia is left once more to sit in a stiff wooden chair in a large, desolate hall, with a body and a sin eater as his company. He wants to grasp for you and hold you in place like he did so dearly with your body—but the voice screams at him again that this is not the way it plays out. 

The sin eater sets the cutlery down before drawing their mask over their face. They push the chair back to stand, and only when they’re on their feet again does Malleus turn to them. He can feel wetness on his cheeks as he stares at their slender, frail form. He had managed to keep himself from crying so far—but now it’s become a battle he can no longer wage.

“What a delectable meal.” The sin eater sighs as they brush down their suit before stepping away from the table. They pause as they face the prince before bending at the waist in a low bow. The black pits that represent their eyes do not stray from his face as they do so. “They rest—as you should, too. I know you have at least another day of the wake to endure, so try to recover as much energy as you can. They would not want you to suffer on their behalf.”

Malleus doesn’t reply as his gaze drifts to your shrouded form on the pedestal. His love, his partner, his calirh. When the sin eater is already halfway to the door, he clears his throat, causing them to pause and look his way. Malleus stares at their masked face with an expression of neutrality once more. 

“... thank you.” He offers softly. The sin eater tilts their head, bows, and steps out of the silent hall.

[jarvis-invest]

Discover different types of investors in India and find out which one you are. Learn how to improve your equity investment strategy with Jarvis's AI-driven guidance.

[pocketseizure]

Governance in Hyrule

A hundred years after the Calamity, the Hyrulean monarchy only exists in the form of a ruined castle and a legendary princess. Not much can be said about the monarchy in its absence, but it’s interesting to think about in relation to the other systems of governance in Hyrule.

Although the Zora have a royal family, they’re essentially living in a communist utopia of shared resources and communal living spaces. Everyone works according to their interests and talents, and individual disagreements are given voice but ultimately suppressed for the good of the group.

Rito society seems to be the opposite. Warriors are highly respected, and they act according to their own individual ideas of what they think is the best course of action. Kaneli, the chief of Rito Village, is a retired warrior whose role seems to be largely symbolic. Although the village chief is respected, he has no real control over the younger warriors.

Kakariko Village seems to operate somewhere in the middle. As the village elder, Impa maintains cultural lore and tradition, and she can suggest courses of action. Still, her role is symbolic, and she does not directly arbitrate disputes or issue commands.

The Yiga are a bunch of obnoxious theater kids who have formed a cult around the most obnoxious theater kid. They are an outlier and should not be counted.

The Gorons seem to be set up like a corporation. Bludo is the founder of the Goron Group Mining Company, and he oversees its operations and manages trade. He commands respect, but he isn’t particularly concerned with anything outside his own interests. A lot of people who work for him don’t agree with his decisions, but they take it for granted that “labor” is what they should be doing. The Gorons are modeled on a stereotype of the traditional working class of downtown Tokyo, and I think their portrayal is meant to be a lighthearted parody of working-class solidarity.

Riju is the only person even remotely resembling a true ruler, and she’s an almost platonic ideal of a just and benevolent sovereign. She commands soldiers, directly confronts outside threats, enforces security over the market, ensures the fair distribution of resources, holds audiences with advisors and individual citizens, and generally works to maintain the wellbeing of her people. The idea seems to be that, as the only actual city in Hyrule, Gerudo Town is the only place that requires an actual government.  

Meanwhile, the Hylians seem to be doing just fine without any sort of government at all. They live in a beautiful and happy post-scarcity world where everyone has a place to live and enough to eat. Roads, bridges, and public stables are carefully maintained, and trade flows smoothly. People travel for pleasure and are free to pursue their own interests, whether it’s studying leviathan bones or writing magazine articles or hunting for mushrooms or searching for romance.  

It feels like the only real function of the Hyrulean monarchy was to combat Ganon, and Ganon only exists in opposition to the monarchy. I don’t mean to suggest that the destruction and loss of life that occurred during the Calamity was a good thing, but maybe it wouldn’t be such a tragedy if the Hyrulean monarchy were to end with Zelda…?

[penny00dreadful]

Part 8

[Part 1] [Part 7] [AO3] [Cover Art] [Eddie&Chrissy Art]

The tours around the kingdom continued, though thankfully not by Billy this time, even if he tried his luck.

But that didn’t mean they were entirely pleasant affairs. More often than not, the queen insisted on joining them, quite clearly hinting that she didn’t think Chrissy would effectively be able to show off all of the joys of their home country.

Which meant that whenever Steve was taken out into the city below, it was done in a litter, closed off from the citizens and with guards surrounding them, scaring the people into moving out of their way with glaring eyes and hands firmly on their swords.

The market stalls were no better. Steve was being treated to the finest seafood and wares the people had traded for, but they all seemed terrified of him and even more terrified of the queen.

A single frown from her in their direction had them apologising profusely and almost begging her for the opportunity to make it right.

Even if it was something as small as an imperfectly presented platter of food.

More than once Steve had tried to jump in and assure them that everything was okay, but Chrissy’s hand on his arm and the small shake of her head was enough to keep his mouth shut and not rock the boat despite everything screaming at him to do just that.

He suspected that it was more for his sake than for hers. As the days went on the queen’s smile seemed to slowly become more and more strained around Steve.

He got the distinct impression her dissatisfaction with him and how gentle he seemed to be in all things was wearing away at any previous politeness she might have had. 

Robin and Eddie were with them almost always, not carried in their litters but following along behind on foot.

Steve would be more uncomfortable with it if they both hadn’t seemed to take the opportunity to bend their heads close together and conspire with each other.

Or gossip.

Steve wasn’t entirely sure what they would talk about, but he could take a guess based on the frequent glances in his and Chrissy’s direction.

No doubt Eddie had heard of the shared affections between Robin and his best friend and he seemed to be just as supportive as Steve had been.

If he were in Eddie’s position, he would have been talking up his best friend as much as he could, as it was he didn’t actually get too much of a chance to do so.

He and Chrissy were far more heavily watched than their two advisors and even when they did have a moment alone, all Chrissy seemed to want to do was talk about Eddie.

His passions, his tastes, his musical ability, how well read he was, how kind his heart was.

If Steve didn’t know any better he’d think that Chrissy was trying to talk Eddie up to him in the same way he had thought about doing for Robin.

It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate Chrissy’s efforts, but they were essentially unnecessary.

Steve had fully admitted to himself that it was more than just friendly affection or a simple infatuation and attraction he had for Eddie.

His heart was full every time he looked at him, every time Eddie smiled at him or blinked those big eyes at him, Steve was enchanted.

He was funny, he was catty, he was rude and unrestrained and energetic. He was captivating.

And Steve was drawn to it, like a moth to the flame.

It didn’t hurt that Eddie also seemed to at the very least find him attractive as well, as much as that pulled his plush and lovely mouth down into a frown sometimes.

He seemed conflicted. Almost mad at himself for developing an attraction but he was also slowly becoming less and less ashamed of himself.

Steve had caught him watching his ass a number of times. Or his hands. Or his mouth.

Not that he could really say he hadn’t been doing the exact same thing.

But he understood he was putting Eddie in a bit of an awkward position, having to approach a crowned prince for a chance at romance. But if anything was to progress… it was the best way for things to start.

If Steve approached him… he worried Eddie would feel trapped. 

Like he had to comply for Chrissy’s safety and Steve would never want to put him in that position.

He wanted to pout about it and kick rocks, making them skitter along the cobblestones streets as he was brought down to the docks, but again, he was confined to this ridiculous litter.

He was to be presented with Stoirmeach’s extensive collection of warships, the naval force that was the primary draw for marrying into this kingdom and it wasn’t like he didn’t want to know about something that could aid his people if it came down to it, but he would have appreciated maybe a moment to himself.

Something he felt like he hadn’t gotten in days and days.

Steve sighed to himself as his litter came to a stop and there was a knock on the door, telling him they had arrived. He’d request a few days off once they got back, just time enough to catch his breath and center himself.

They were well into their second week here at this stage and he felt like he hadn’t stopped moving even once.

And it appeared that that was not due to change any time soon. 

The local carpenters and tradesmen were already beginning to construct the arena for a day full of jousting and feasting and revelry that was soon coming.

The celebration would take place a day or two before they were all due to leave to head back to Torthúil in under two weeks, to give everyone a chance to recover from the merriment and Steve thought that those two weeks couldn’t pass quick enough.

He was looking forward to the jousting though.

There had been several raised eyebrows when he had expressed his eagerness to compete, but he got his way.

It had been too long since he sat astride a horse.

Steve stepped out of his litter and stared up at the intimidatingly huge ships in front of him, creaking and swaying with the waves, sails fluttering, the smell of fish and salt in the air.

He expected Chrissy to appear at his side, same as she had done on every other tour, taking his arm and smiling demurely, if not a little strained whenever her mother was around but always genuine when she looked at him.

Instead his arm remained empty and when he looked across at the other litter he found Chrissy leaning close to Eddie’s side, muttering to him. 

Eddie himself barely seemed to be able to hear her, his wide eyes fixed on the gargantuan ship above as though he expected it to topple over on top of them.

Chrissy moved slightly and as Steve approached he could see Eddie’s hand white knuckling her long sleeve, hidden between their two bodies.

Robin was by his side as they stepped lightly towards them, coming into their line of sight before they were on top of them so as not to frighten Eddie who was clearly very spooked.

“Steve, do you mind if I stay by Eddie’s side for this tour?”

Steve looked over at him, Eddie still had his hand fisted in Chrissy’s sleeve and his face was a few shades greener than Steve was used to seeing it, eyes no longer fixed on the ship but instead now fixed on the water, only a few feet away.

Steve wanted to reach out and brush a hand over his cheek, press his palm into his back, curl him into his side.

Instead he had to content himself with asking, “Are you feeling okay?”

“Fine.” Eddie muttered through gritted teeth. “Let’s just get this over with.”

He seemed to be one loud noise away from turning and running.

And based on the amused looks the Stoirmeach guard were sending their way, that would just make things worse for him in the end.

Steve nodded at Chrissy, sending her a small smile when she let out a sigh of relief and prised Eddie’s fingers from her sleeve, instead curling his hand around her elbow.

Steve fell back in line with Robin as the ship's Captain came down the gangway to greet them, keeping one eye on Eddie as the Captain bowed to him and began explaining their military tactics, leading them with a sweeping arm back up the ship.

As they were led around the deck and shown the various provisions, equipment and weapons on board, Steve noticed that Chrissy always oriented herself so she was on the outside, closest to the water, keeping Eddie further into the deck.

As the tour went on, Eddie went nearly white as a sheet when they were led below decks to inspect the canons and he didn’t much improve as they went topside again.

He looked like he was about to pass out.

He kept rhythmically swallowing and there was the slightest tremble to his hand not curled around Chrissy’s elbow, fear and apprehension painted plain all over his expressive face.

Was he seasick? Did he not like ships?

There was the sound of sniggering behind him and Steve heard “oops” before a Stoirmeach soldier pantomimed slipping on the deck, throwing his hand out and shoving Eddie towards the edge.

His hand slipped from Chrissy’s elbow and he flew back, white hot panic burning bright in his eyes.

The railing was quite high and so the chances of Eddie going overboard were relatively slim but Steve had moved before he’d even registered it. Even if he had allowed himself to think about it, he wouldn’t have wanted to take that chance anyway.

He lunged forward, catching Eddie tight around the waist and pulling him in close and safe to his side before either of them had a chance to hit wood.

Eddie clung to him like a drowning man, like he was trying to stay afloat, no matter how much it might damage his pride later, almost unable to hold his own weight up with the shock. He was shaking like a leaf in a strong wind, all colour gone from his face and on the verge of passing out completely.

Steve kept him upright, kept him tucked in tight and turned his head to glare at the soldier, promising a world of pain with his gaze alone as the soldier seemed taken aback for a moment at the level of hate that was sent towards him before quickly averting his eyes and mumbling out that he had slipped.

Steve gave Eddie a little squeeze, quiet and unseen, just a small dose of encouragement, though he wanted to do much more before he gently tilted Eddie into Chrissy again, never once taking his eyes off that soldier.

Once Eddie was safely passed over, clutching tight onto Chrissy in the same way, Steve turned his whole body, taking a step to the side to block them from sight.

“What is your name?”

The soldier in front of him opened and closed his mouth silently. 

The entire ship was dead quiet apart from the sounds of Eddie’s shaky breathing behind him, even the wind and sails had ceased to blow.

“An-Andy Johnson, Your Highness.”

“Well, Andy Johnson, I suggest you watch your footing better in future.” He practically growled. “Wouldn’t want any unfortunate accidents to befall you.”

Andy blanched, nervously swallowing before giving Steve an apprehensive bow, like he was scared to take his eyes off of him.

“I think we’ll conclude this tour for today.” Steve said, turning his charming smile back on the Captain who was also glaring at the soldier, most likely for ruining his chance to brag to a visiting prince. “Perhaps we can continue another time?”

“Very well, Your Highness.” The Captain bowed to him, leading them back down the gangway and towards their litters.

“I hope you won’t let the action of one rogue soldier colour your whole experience here.”

One rogue soldier? Steve thought. All of the soldiers seem to thrive off of cruelty.

Steve shot back a strained smile and nodded, waiting until Chrissy and Eddie were bundled away before he stepped back inside his own litter.

He  was able to last barely a half an hour before temptation won.

He was standing in front of Eddie’s bedroom door with his fist raised to knock, but he halted at the last second, biting at his lip.

Eddie probably didn’t want to see anyone right now, he had been so shaken up, on the verge of fainting.

Both he and Chrissy had disappeared before Steve’s litter even stopped in front of the castle doors.

But Steve was so worried.

He couldn’t get the look on Eddie’s face out of his head. The raw panic and fear in his expression as he went careening towards the edge of the ship and towards the water.

Steve had never seen Eddie as vulnerable as he just had and on top of it, being practically assaulted by that guard filled Steve with so much anger on top of an almost terrifying wave of protectiveness.

“I can hear you shuffling around outside.” Eddie’s muffled voice came from behind the door. “Just say what you came here to say and fuck off, I’m not in the moo-“

The door swung open and Eddie blinked at Steve in surprise and blinked at his hand, still raised ready to knock.

“Stevie?” Eddie baulked, clearly not who he had been expecting to be standing behind his door. “What are you doing here?”

He had the colour back in his cheeks and his eyes were bright and alive again. His outer leathers and boots had been shed, leaving him in just a soft billowing dark undershirt and his leather pants. He still wore his jewellery and he had taken the braids out of his hair. He was dressed for comfort and he looked so soft.

It felt almost indecent to see him in such a state. 

“I…” Steve swallowed, finally lowering his hand. “I just wanted to check on you. See if you were okay after… everything.”

“Oh, a personal visit from royalty?” Eddie smirked, raising his eyebrows, completely comfortable in his state of undress. “Why not save yourself the trouble and send your advisor instead?”

Steve furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m not here, officially. This isn’t like… a political visit.” His eyes drifted downward, unfortunately settling on the curves and creases along Eddie’s undershirt, hiding what Steve knew to be a trim waist inside bunches of fabric. “I was just worried about you.”

“Well, aren't you very sweet?”

The corner of Steve’s mouth tilted up a little and he halfheartedly shrugged one shoulder.

He’d done it, he’d confirmed Eddie was okay. Eddie was fine.

So why was he still hovering?

“I suppose the polite thing to do would be to invite you inside,” Eddie said, tilting himself out of the way, “though I don’t think I have anything particularly royal to offer you by way of food or drinks.”

“I don’t mind.” Steve said, stepping into Eddie’s room, completely ignoring any part of his brain telling him this was a bad idea or just outright unseemly.

He was met with an explosion of green. Fluffy or shiny or cascading plants hanging from the ceiling or sitting on shelves or dotted around the floor and nearly every surface. There was a roaring fire against one wall, giving the room a warm orange glow against the approaching evening darkness.

It smelled like Steve had walked into a forest, the green scent of leaves and dirt and wood surrounded him but underneath it all, there was that familiar spicy, warm smell that always followed Eddie around.

Steve was left shuffling as he closed the heavy wooden door behind him. “So… how are you?” He asked while Eddie padded back over to his bed, perching on the edge and crossing his legs underneath him.

“I’m fine.” Eddie shrugged.  “It’s nothing I’m not used to anyway.”

Steve frowned.

“You know every time you say something like that it breaks my fucking heart.”

Eddie’s face slackened in surprise before he hid it, closing himself off again.

“Then I’ll try to stop saying it to you from now on.”

“No.” Steve took a step forward. “No that’s not what I mean I just… I don’t like the shit you have to deal with. It’s obscene.”

Eddie scoffed. “I’ve been dealing with it all my life, it’s no skin off my back, Stevie. I’m the weird Outsider freak. I mean, are you honestly going to tell me things will be much different back in your own kingdom?”

“Yes.” He answered with as much conviction as he could.

Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Of course you’d say that. Maybe it won’t happen in front of you, but it’s the same wherever I go.”

“It is not the same back in Torthúil. No one will treat you that way.”

“Because I’ll be part of the future queen’s household,” Eddie waved his hand, “yeah, yeah.”

“Eddie.” Steve stepped forward again and caught the waving hand in his own. “People won’t treat you like dirt back home. We’re not like that. And if anyone does-“

“They’ll have you to answer to?” Eddie snarked, disbelieving, eyes focused in on their clasped hands.

“No. They’ll have Dustin to answer to.”

Eddie tore his eyes away from their hands to look up at him from his still seated position. “Who’s Dustin?”

“He’s a little shit is who he is.” Steve’s eyes were still down on their hands and he couldn’t bring himself to break the touch. “The son of the Mistress of the Royal Kitchens and very, very self assured about what he feels is right. He didn’t stand for people initially having reservations about Will and El when they first came into the household and he won’t stand for any kind of hate towards you.” He brushed his fingers over Eddie’s rings, giving one a gentle turn around before he started inching his touch down Eddie’s thumb.

He hadn’t allowed himself to think of the kids much while he was here, he knew it would just send a stabbing pain of longing through his heart but he allowed himself to feel it now. 

“Before I came here, the kid gave me a run down of what he had read about your people, about your Nightbloom flower,” Steve's fingers caressed the edge of a green leaf inked into that thumb, “and your markings. He’s fascinated by them. You’re probably going to be bombarded with questions as soon as you arrive.”

Eddie was watching the path Steve’s fingers were making with attentive eyes, but he too didn’t pull away.

“How old is this kid?” He asked, his voice low and soft, like he didn’t want to disturb the moment, the quiet between them only punctuated by the crackling of the fire and the gentle whistling of the wind outside the now dark window. 

“About Max’s age.” Steve muttered back. “Thirteen or so.”

Steve continued to press his fingers along Eddie’s thumb, slowly following the vine down and into the loose cuff of his sleeve, brushing a light touch against Eddie’s pulse point, wondering just how it would taste if he was to press a kiss to that pulse-

It was the tiny little inhale of breath coming from Eddie’s plush lips that snapped Steve back to himself and he dropped Eddie’s hand like he’d been burned, stumbling back a step.

“I’m sorry, I… I don’t know what… I’m sorry.”

Eddie’s hand dropped back to his lap, his fist slowly tensing and releasing like he was trying to get the feeling back but a small little hopeful part of Steve thought that maybe it was to help keep the feeling of Steve’s fingers on his skin.

Eddie cleared his throat. “Well, you gotta let little Dustin know that I won’t be selling out the Nightbloom secrets just so it can be commercialised and added to your Rainbow Sea. That flower, it’s important to my people and I won’t have it turned into another trading opportunity that will only benefit your kingdom, with no love or care taken for its cultivation.”

Steve tilted his head to the side.

“So you do know how to grow it?”

Eddie’s shoulders tensed and his mouth pulled down into a frown. He uncrossed his legs, allowing them to come down and hang over the edge of his bed, like he was positioning himself in case he needed to fight.

Steve held his hands up. “Listen, you don’t have to tell the kid anything you don’t want to-“

“You’re telling me that you yourself don’t want a rare flower in your collection?”

Steve had an almost wild thought of blurting out that he would love to have a rare dark flower in his collection, but he wasn’t talking about the Nightbloom. 

He almost shook his head at the ridiculousness of it. 

What was this? 

Some epic romantic legend? 

“If you don’t want us to know how to grow your culture's valued flower, then you don’t have to tell us. Dustin and El might pester you a little but you’re not required to tell them anything you don’t want to.”

Eddie still had a distrustful frown on his face but his body relaxed a little more, leaning back on his hands and knees falling open a little more.

The movement pulled the leather pants tight, the fabric straining against his thighs and his crotch, almost highlighting them and Steve was a weak man, completely powerless to resist the draw.

“Does His Highness see something he wants?”

Steve snapped his eyes back up, face flushing with the realisation he’d been caught staring.

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, an apology.” Eddie pouted, a little mean, spreading his legs a little further. “Come on, Highness. We both know you’re going to have me at your beck and call once you get me back to your kingdom. Are you going to tell me now that you’re not going to take advantage of that?”

Steve opened and closed his mouth in shock, trying to speak but there wasn’t anything coming out. 

Something sour was twisting in his gut. 

He hated what Eddie was insinuating. He hated it.

“No.” He vehemently shook his head. “Never. Not like that.”

“No?” Eddie pushed himself to his feet and stalked towards him.

He grabbed Steve by the hips and walked them back until Steve hit the bedroom door. He leaned in close, pressing his nose into the delicate skin of Steve’s neck.

“I could provide such good service.” He rumbled. 

“Eddie what-” Steve brought his hands up, placing them on Eddie’s shoulders. “What the hell has come over you?”

He was reeling. 

The shift in Eddie’s behaviour had come so fast and so sudden he didn’t know what to do with it and it made him feel almost lecherous the way his heart was hammering out of his chest, having Eddie pressed up tight against him, chest to chest.

“I see how you look at me,” Eddie whispered to him, breath tickling his ear. “I just want to know what is to be expected of me once we leave here.” He slowly nosed his way back down over Steve’s jaw. “You want to fuck me, is that it?”

Eddie ducked his head and Steve’s body betrayed himself, letting out a shaky exhale at the feeling of lips against his neck.

“Or does His Highness want to get fucked?”

What on earth was happening? Steve’s brain was whirring, attempting to maintain control and not be lost to the haze of lust that was overcoming him despite how wrong everything felt.

He prefers to freak people out. Says you can see who people really are when you’ve taken them by surprise. With all of the politeness and etiquette stripped away, there’s only them left.

Steve, hands still on Eddie’s shoulders, pushed him back, keeping him at arm's length.

“Stop.”

Eddie’s eyebrows were pinched, not in confusion or hurt, but in irritation almost. His cheeks were bright and his breath was ragged, his shoulders were tense.

Steve’s gaze darted between Eddie’s trying to find a reason for what had just happened.

When he found nothing but guarded emotions, his shoulders slumped and a heavy sigh escaped his mouth.

“Do you…” he shook his head, taking a bolstering inhale. “Do you actually want something like this or are you just testing me?”

Steve was pretty sure he knew what the answer was, probably a little bit of yes to both, but at this stage he was at a loss of how to assure Eddie of his safety that didn’t sound performative or an empty promise anymore. 

He didn’t know how to help Eddie trust him.

Eddie seemed determined to doubt him and while Steve understood why, it didn’t mean he wasn’t still hurt by it.

“What would you do if I said I didn’t want this?” Eddie snapped back, crossing his arms, but staying within Steve’s grip. “That I was just testing you?”

“Then…” Steve dropped his hands from Eddie’s shoulders in defeat.  “I’m sorry to have put you in such an awkward position.”

“And I’m not going to end up in your dungeons or-“

“No!” Steve nearly cried out. “Gods, Eddie!” He side-stepped to get some more space between them, retreating further into the bedroom and away from the intoxicating smell of Eddie. “Listen, I understand you’ve been through the shit and you’ve dealt with assholes for your entire life but when have I ever shown you that I am one of them? Do you really think I’d lock you up in our dungeons if you rejected my advances or that I’d chain you to my bed and make you comply? Have I given you such a disgusting impression? Do you really think so lowly of me?”

Eddie’s face had gone slack with shock at Steve’s outburst but now he seemed to be ready to match Steve’s level, turning and pointing at him. 

“I don’t know what to think about you! You confuse the shit out of me! You haven’t been able to take your eyes off me since we first met and even after you encouraged your best friend to pursue your future wife, you still didn't try to get me into your bed? It doesn’t make any sense! People in your position always try to take what they want regardless of what anyone else says.”

“When have I ever done that?!” Steve almost growled in frustration. “Yes, I like you, I’m attracted to you. Yes, I’d love to bed you but I didn’t want you to feel pressured! The idea that you might have felt like you had to reciprocate to keep yourself or Chrissy safe fucking terrifies me. Nothing scares me more than the idea we might have started something, only for me to find out at some point in the future you never felt that way? That the person I was with never really wanted it, never really cared for me the same way? It scares the shit out of me, Eddie. I am past the point in my life when I just want someone in my bed and that’s it.” He placed his hand over his heart. “I don’t want someone who’ll bend over for me whenever I ask them to, I want something reciprocal. Equitable. I want someone who isn’t scared to tell me ‘no’ when they want to, or tell me when I’m making a stupid decision or argue with me if I’m being unreasonable. I want a relationship, not just a bedwarmer!”

Eddie was looking at the ground, his face unreadable, arms crossed and mouth in a tight line.

“Is that what you want from me?”

“Yes. But not if it is something that you do not want too.”

Steve released his hand from his heart, bringing it up to run through his hair, the fire crackling merrily beside him and the wind whining outside.

“Listen… I… I’m gonna just go, okay? I’m sorry about what happened to you today and I hope you’re feeling better, and I’m sorry for any… confusion I’ve caused.”

He straightened out his doublet, smoothing his hands down the front and rolled his shoulders back. 

Eddie still had not moved from his position, he hadn’t looked up, he was still staring at the floor and continued to stare down as Steve stepped back around him.

He had a hand on the door handle and had only managed to pull it open an inch or two before it was slammed closed again, a ringed and inked hand flat on the wood next to Steve’s head.

When Steve let go of the door handle, slowly, Eddie too lowered his hand and took a small step back.

He didn’t turn around, didn’t glance back to look at him, just waited for an explanation, an answer, something.

“I…” Eddie started, then stopped. “There… it’s happened before.”

Steve finally turned, leaning his body back up against the door.

“What’s happened before?”

“People have… made demands of me.” Eddie was staring now at the wood just over Steve’s shoulder, his arms crossed again, a hand clasped at each elbow. “They thought I’d cower or simper or give in and I never did. So I learned… to keep my guard up and be careful, so… I just had to be sure.”

Steve felt his own mouth pull down into a frown now.

“Who?”

He was pretty sure he knew exactly who and he’d rip the blonde curls from his head if it was the last thing-

“Doesn’t matter.” Eddie finally looked up at him and shrugged. “I’ll be out of here soon enough, right?”

Steve’s frown didn’t budge. “Right.”

“So you…” Eddie’s eyes were exploring his own, much the same as they had many times before. “You want… a relationship with me.”

Steve closed his eyes and tipped his head back, feeling it thunk against the door.

“Yes. But not-”

“Not if I don’t want it too.”

“Yeah.”

“I do.” Eddie said. “Want it too. If I could have it.”

Steve opened his eyes and tilted his head back down, to find Eddie standing much closer than he had been before.

There was something that felt terribly like hope blooming in his chest.

“Can I…” Eddie chewed on his lip for a moment, before finally setting it free. “Can I kiss you?”

Steve studied Eddie’s face, waiting for any kind of hesitation or regret, and kind of uncertainty but he didn’t find any.

“Okay.”

Eddie stepped forward slowly, gently taking Steve’s face in between his hands and leaned in.

His lips were warm and plump and soft, just like Steve knew they would be, they pressed against his own like they belonged there. 

They fit. 

Steve’s hands had a mind of their own, worming around Eddie’s waist, pulling him tight, flush against his chest, leaning both of their weights back against the wood of the door.

It didn’t take long for the swipe of a tongue and a soft almost whimpering exhale to sound in Steve’s throat, but he stayed where he was. Despite his want to shove Eddie back on his bed and ravish him until he was a trembling mess, he didn’t allow himself that luxury. He wanted Eddie to be assured of his safety, so Steve wouldn’t do anything unless Eddie wanted it.

But apparently Eddie did want it.

He pulled Steve away from the door and turned them, mouths still attached until he pushed and Steve went crashing down onto the mattress.

He wasn’t alone for long because a second later, Eddie scrambled onto his lap and laid his body flat against him, sealing their mouths back together like he was a starving man.

It was only when his attention moved onto Steve’s jaw and neck that Steve was above to uncloud his mind enough to speak.

“How far-“ Steve huffed out, getting cut off when a set of teeth latched onto his throat. “How far?”

“Whatever you’ll give me. I’ll take it.” Eddie muttered against his skin.

Steve chuckled a little.

“You’ll take it, will you?” He punctuated his words with a little roll upwards of his hips, both in an attempt to drive Eddie a little wilder, which worked, and to feed the animalistic urge in his blood to rut up against him.

He could feel Eddie’s lips stretch into a grin.

“Seems only polite. You’re a guest in my room, after all. It’s fitting I should be a good host.” He ground his hips down over the last two words. The two of them were hard and panting, their faces flushed and Steve could see the minor bump, bump, bump of Eddie’s pulse in his neck.

“You sure?” Steve breathed out. “You want everything? Because we can-“

“Oh yeah, sweetheart.” Eddie sat upright, putting all of his weight down on Steve’s hard dick. “Give me everything.” He rolled his hips around, punching the wind straight out of Steve’s chest.

“Alright, shit.” Steve breathed. “Okay. I can do that.”

“But I’m staying up here. I want to see everything.”

“That’s…” Steve exhaled as Eddie started working at the buttons and straps on his doublet. “Good, yeah. Yeah, that’s good.”

He didn’t know how Eddie managed it, but he was being manhandled up into a sitting position before he could even get his mind around what was happening and in the next few seconds he had his doublet and undershirt stripped off.

Eddie was still in his lap but he froze when he finally took in the sight before him, staring down at his chest, his eyes blown black and his mouth hanging open ever so slightly.

“What-“

Steve was shoved back onto the mattress hard and Eddie splayed his fingers out wide, grabbing a fistful of Steve’s chest hair.

“Oh, fuck me.” Eddie muttered.

Steve winced at the sting a little but it was still on the good side of pain.

“Soon.” He smirked back, rolling his hips up and his heart kicked around wildly in his chest as Eddie’s eyes fluttered closed.

“You’re fucking perfect.” Eddie gave his chest hair one last tug and shakily stood back up on his own two legs, hands flying to the strings holding Steve’s pants closed.

Steve sat up, hands snapping to Eddie’s ass still surrounded by leather. He squeezed those little cheeks tighter and pulled him closer.

Eddie’s fingers didn’t halt their movements but he sighed softly as Steve pressed his face to Eddie’s chest, nosing through the thin undershirt material he was still wearing, opening his mouth and laying his wet tongue flat over the raised point of one of Eddie’s nipples.

“You’re wearing too many clothes.” Steve muttered, allowing his lips and teeth to drag over the pert and sensitive nub of flesh.

“In a minute.” Eddie breathed, gritting his teeth, trying to keep his focus. His hands were beginning to shake and couldn’t help but grin against his chest, squeezing his fingers tight once more.

He continued to suck and flick at the nipple in his mouth, feeling a spark of pride and arousal course through him whenever Eddie stuttered in his movements.

Steve slowly worked his hands up, slipping his fingers under Eddie’s shirt where it was messily untucked at the back, feeling that soft smooth skin underneath explode in goosebumps at the smallest brush.

“Okay, fine, fine. I’m getting undressed.” Eddie pouted, giving Steve’s shoulder a weak shove, trying to push him away but Steve stayed right where he was, holding on tight.

“I’m rather enjoying myself here.”

“Stevie.” Eddie whined out, almost begging and Steve had to bite down on his nipple at that, he had to, he had no other choice, the sound was just so delicious.

The sound that came out of Eddie’s throat was enough to drive him completely wild.

Steve unlatched his mouth and shot to his feet, pulling Eddie’s undershirt over his head as he did it.

Steve knew that Eddie had ink in his skin, he’d seen small peeks of it over his collar and disappearing under the sleeves on his hand but he had no idea Eddie was as covered in ink as he was.

The green and blue vines dotted with leaves ran up the entirety of his right arm, starting at his hand and  ending at his neck. They extended the whole way down his side as well, skating around his shoulder and across his ribs before disappearing into the waist of his tight leather pants.

Steve held his ravishing off for just a few moments more, trailing over them with a light finger, following their path while Eddie stood and watched him, his breathing ragged.

“Did you do these yourself?”

Eddie just nodded, eyes never leaving Steve’s face.

“They’re beautiful. You’re beautiful.”

The sound of a dry throat swallowing brought Steve’s gaze back up. 

He tilted his head a little questioningly and Eddie glanced away.

“It’s just not… something I hear every day.” He shrugged, trying to pass it off as nonchalant but Steve took his chin with gentle fingers, bringing their eyes back together.

“Then it’s something I’ll have to say to you every day from now on, won’t I?”

Eddie’s face lit up red again, the beautiful blush on his cheeks radiating down his neck and spilling into his chest and he brought his hands up to cover his face, letting out an almost hysterical giggle.

“Fuck.” He muttered, peeking his eyes out in between his fingers. “How are you real?”

Steve didn’t answer him, just pulled his hands away from his face by the wrists and brought him in for a kiss as sweet as honey.

Eddie’s knees went weak and he stumbled a little, Steve catching him fast around the waist again with one arm to hold him up right, while the other started working at the laces of his leather pants. 

“Stevie,” Eddie muttered against his mouth, “Stevie, please. I need-”

“What do you need, my love?” Steve whispered back, slowly peeling Eddie’s pants down his hips.

Eddie’s knees did go out from under him at that, the two of them falling backwards onto the bed in a heap, much the same way they had been only a few moments before.

“I need you. Please, Stevie.”

“You have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Their kisses became heated again and it didn’t take much longer after that for Steve to hurriedly get his pants only half way down his thighs, kissing down every inch of available skin he could get his mouth on while Eddie stood, trying to kick his way out of his own leathers, fingers digging into Steve’s shoulders for balance.

“Do you have something,” Steve asked, kissing his way back up Eddie’s chest, “to ease my way in?”

“Yeah, it’s-” Eddie tore himself away from Steve’s grip with a great amount of effort and stumbled on shaky legs over to his desk, rummaging around in one of the draws before practically pouncing back onto Steve’s lap, a corked bottle of oil in his hand.

Eddie yanked the cork out of the bottle with his teeth, spitting it somewhere across the room and tipped it over, liberally coating his fingers.

Steve had expected him to reach behind himself, begin to open himself up, but instead, he took Steve’s cock in hand, getting him wet, giving him a few pumps for good measure that zapped through Steve’s body like lightning, his eyes slowly slipping shut at the ecstasy.

The hand on him disappeared and Steve opened his eyes at the sound of a breathy moan, Eddie’s oiled up hand had disappeared behind himself and he was slowly rocking his hips back and forth, hovering up on his knees.

Steve relaxed back flat on the bed, bringing his hands up to rest behind his head and he settled in to watch the vision above him.

Eddie sent him a cheeky little smile, peeking down at him through his bangs and Steve had to try not to flinch as a hand grasped him hard again.

“Are you ready?” Eddie asked, that mischievous grin lighting up his face.

“Are you?” Steve shot back, gripping his hands tight at Eddie’s hips.

Eddie didn’t answer, just placed one hand down flat on Steve’s chest for balance and sank himself down, almost painfully slowly, that pink blush spilling over his chest as his mouth hung open.

When he finally bottomed out, small little breathy whines crawling up his throat as he adjusted, Steve had to use all of his self control to stop himself from grabbing him and fucking him through the stone wall across from them.

Eddie folded himself down, bringing their mouths back together and with a stuttering exhale against Steve’s lips, he began to move.

Time was lost to him, Steve didn’t know how long Eddie bounced on top of him, riding him down into the mattress below. It was like all intelligent thought left his head and all he knew was Eddie on top of him, surrounding him, warm and wet and letting out the most delicious sounds, rolling his hips in such a way that Steve didn’t think he’d ever be able to recover. 

His hair was sticking to his forehead, the heat and smell of the two of them becoming almost overwhelming, that familiar spicy scent cutting through every time Eddie bounced down particularly hard.

When his breath started to come hard and fast and his face was twisting up in pleasure, Steve surged up, crashing their mouths back together, digging his hands into Eddie’s hair and he drove himself upwards, in as deep as he could reach, swallowing down Eddie’s cries with an almost feral hunger as he came untouched in Steve’s lap.

Steve followed not long after, holding Eddie tight to him as he whimpered into his mouth, unwilling to let him go for anything or anyone.

[Part 1] [Part 7] [AO3] [Cover Art] [Eddie&Chrissy Art]

As always, major thanks and much love to @hbyrde36 for the magnificent beta work, @arelliann for their beautiful artwork, dividers and header, and to all my cheerleaders helping to keep me motivated. 🥰

[dudewhy3]

Hi Cris!

I hope you're doing well🖤

Are the train asks still open? :D

If no, I'm sorry, but if yes, I was thinking about your Medieval AU, where Annie is Armin's knight, and all this jazz... So if you could share some more thoughts about this AU, it would be lovely :3

Hi, Anna! 💙

I am alright, thank you, and i hope you're doing well yourself! :D and yes, the train asks are still open– and they will stay open until Sunday because of circumstances :))

Onto your ask now!! The Medieval AU!!

Armin grew up as the prince of his kingdom, but his ascending to the throne had always been a far thought– his grandfather was king and his father was young and healthy, so he never had to worry much about that. Until an enemy assault took the citadel by surprise one night, and his father unfortunately lost his life. His grandfather, left badly injured, appointed Armin as the future King– and so, he needed a knight, as to not have the same faith as his late father. But not just any knight, the best knight, the most extraordinary knight in the land, the world even.

They organised a contest– the greatest and most talented knights in the country were called, and asked to duel one another until only one remained standing. He who won all duels shall be appointed the heir's knight, and recieved to the citadel with honors. The contest unfolded, and word started going around that there was one man who would win duels in less than a minute, yet never take his crest off. The rumors reached Armin’s ears, so, when the last duel was to take place, he decided to watch– but from a safe distance, for he wouldn’t want to put himself in danger, and his advisor wouldn’t let him go alone.

So he dressed modesty, in plain washed out clothes, and headed for the arena. On his way there, he bumped into a woman in a great rush– her voice was harsh when she scolded him, her eyes sharp, yet he found himself fascinated by her; the way she carried herself; the way her hair swayed in the wind with her hasty step. But before he could adress her, the woman disappeared, and he remained standing in the busy market, staring at the spot she once stood– and he would have stayed there a long time just recalling their encounter had his advisor not stirred him away, for the last duel was about to start.

They barely made it in time, and stood in the back as to not draw attention on themselves. The first knight emerged for his chambers. But his oponent, the man of few seconds as he was known between the people, was nowhere to be seen. The crowd waited expectantly, murmurs started ensuing, growing louder and louder. Armin was starting to feel dissapointed, for he had looked forward with such enthusiasm to meeting this marvelous knight– when he emerged from the side of the arena, gave no explanation of his delay. Sure enough, before a full minute had passed, his oponent had fallen to the ground. Armin found himself fascinated by this strange man's quickness and raw talent, and descended from his place of hiding, demanding that his future knight showed his face.

Except, it wasn't a man at all, but a young woman with pale complexion and fair hair, and sharp blue eyes he would recognize anywhere. The maiden he had bumped into earlier that day, who had captivated him so deeply. A woman by the name of Annie Leonhart, who had proven herself to be the greatest knight in the land, and who was now bound for life to protect him.

[hmatrading]

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