#boy your eyes are like sapphires(duchess) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rune-writes · 1 year ago

Text

The Stranger

Fandom: Final Fantasy XVI

Word Count: 2546

Rating: G

Pairing: Clive Rosfield & Jill Warrick

Summary: When Jill first arrived in Rosaria, fear had been the only thing occupying her mind. That is, until a friendly face decided to appear before her.

Read on AO3.

~*~*~*~*~

I was six when I first saw him. He was leaning over the parapet above the city gates along with several men on guard. He had jet-black hair and wore a simple black and white tunic with a red shirt peeking underneath. They all wore red, as did the flag flapping beside them.

Rosalith, I thought. One week’s ride from the capital. One week since Archduke Elwin took me from my home. It is your duty, Father had said, as it is mine to obey the terms of our agreement. I’d wanted to cry, but all I’d done was nod. There had been nothing to be done. Father had looked so sad—even sadder when we finally had to part. His only gift was a silver pendant that now rested over my chest. Something to keep with me, he’d said, to remind me of home.

The shadow of the gate loomed closer. I could hear the horns now, blaring loud and clear in a rhythm I now knew was the Rosarian anthem. I’d heard it enough times in the North, heard the guards singing phrases to the tune around campfires. A movement drew my eyes upward and I saw the boy staring right at me. He pointed. I didn’t catch what he did afterwards, because I’d shut the curtains close and ducked beneath the window sill.

Before I could process what I just did or whom I just saw, shouts were hollered to open the gates and then shadows slid past. Then light came, and with it were the cheers of a thousand upon thousand voices. People hooted and cried and clapped and sang, their voices rising as one like the high tides against the northwestern cliffs. I suddenly felt trapped.

Father had said that I was to be a ward, that I was no prisoner taken hostage after the fall of my homeland. I’d like to believe it so, what with the rich red velvet cushions in the carriage and the gentle ways the soldiers had treated me during our travel. But the wood now felt pressing; the bolted door was the only thing keeping me safe from the showers of praise and exclamations of triumph—triumph over a war that had lasted for several years before I could even remember.

And then the cheerings stopped, as did the carriage. Horses huffed and neighed and all around, mailed feet dropped onto the hard ground. I pulled away from the door, fighting against fear and trying to remember what Father had told me. “Your Grace,” I heard someone say. “Welcome home.” And then locks clicked. The door swung open. Blinding light entered the doorway and for a split moment, I could not see anything. Then my eyes found a hand, outstretched and not frightening at all, followed by a grizzled face I recognized who’d never strayed far from the Archduke’s side.

“My lady,” he called me, a quiet prompt to take his hand. After another heartbeat, I took it and stepped into the light.

***

The boy stood next to a woman with eyes as cold as the northernmost reaches of home. Blonde hair tied to a perfect bun, back straight, her posture spoke of nothing but regal pride. My heart quivered but I refused to let my shoulders droop. Head tilted just at the right angle. Meek. Just like what Father had told me. When the Archduke called me forward, my feet moved by themselves. I curtsied and murmured, “My lady.” Her disdain was plain in her upturned nose and refusal to acknowledge my greeting. And then I turned to the boy and murmured, “My lord.” I took a quick peek and found his eyes—the richest blue like blazing sapphire—locked into mine. It was impossible to look away, but I did so anyway, though not before I caught his smile blooming like an unfurling lily from ear to ear.

His name was Clive—Clive Rosfield—first born son of the duke, and he was nine. The grin didn’t last; a glare from the duchess cut it short. They then directed my gaze to the other boy on the duchess’ other side. Blonde fluffy hair unlike his brother’s jet-black strands; but his eyes were alike, albeit brighter like the sky.

“And this is Joshua,” the Duke went on.

Joshua’s smile was a shy curl around the edges. I’d barely offered my greeting before the duchess pulled him aside and called for the maidservants to take me to my room. “Dress her in a more…proper attire, if you please,” she said before turning in a swath of layered dress up the leftwing staircase with Joshua in tow. I heard a groan and realized it came from the Duke. The Duchess reappeared soon on the second floor, before disappearing again behind the first door. I caught a glimpse of Joshua’s bright blue eyes looking back at me before the door shut behind them.

“Well,” the Duke broke the silence. He turned toward me; I tried not to cower in front of him. “Welcome to Rosalith, the proud capital of Rosaria. This will be your home from now on.”

I kept my eyes downturned—it was not good to meet the eyes of your liege, as Father said—but I noticed the change in tone.

“Lift your head, girl.”

And I did. And whom I saw was not the sovereign who’d crushed my father's army, but a father.

He gestured for one of the maidservants. One stepped forward.

“Show her to her room and attend to her needs,” he said.

The maidservant bowed her head. “Right away, Your Grace.”

***

Perhaps somewhere in the back of my mind, I had imagined a lone room at the top of a tower, small and cramped, with furnishments barely enough to suit my needs, and I would need to call on a maidservant every time I would like to go to the washroom. Instead, what I found was a space big enough to possibly hold a host of ladies for an afternoon party. A draped bed to one side, a dressing room on the other, then a fireplace and a set of couches and coffee table along with several shelves of books lined one corner. I even had my own washroom, where hot water had been prepared in time for my arrival. She had me shed my clothes. My skin tingled as I stood naked amidst the unfamiliar stone. The light was bright enough that I noticed how pale I looked compared to my maidservant’s southern skin.

She was gathering my dress from the floor when I remembered what the duchess had said and immediately asked her not to throw my clothes away. She looked surprised, though a gentle crinkle quickly took over her hazel eyes.

“Of course, my lady,” she said. “I’ll just have these washed. For the time being, I’ll lay out a dress for you on the bed.”

She couldn’t have been more than ten years my age, I thought as I gingerly stepped into the water. My skin hissed, but after the coldness of the North and the long trek hither, the warmth was welcome to the touch. I eased into the tub and settled in the corner. My necklace, still attached to my neck, floated in the water.

The Silvermane, they’d called my father, for the unruly silver hair that ran down his shoulders akin to a lion’s mane. The necklace he gifted used to belong to Mother. A light blue crystal hung from its diamond-shaped pendant, upon which was fastened a black-indigo jewel. It looked icy cold yet somehow felt warm on my palm. When Mother was still here, I would look upon the jewel hanging around her neck with awe. I’d heard tales of Shiva the Ice Queen and had once entertained the idea that the pendant carried her essence. Mother had laughed, of course, but she’d told me afterwards that, with the right bearer, the pendant held enough magick to freeze an entire kingdom—or so her family had said, at least. She’d told me that it brought her comfort, that wherever she’d gone, home would always be with her. I felt no such comfort now. No matter how I thought about it, home was thousands of malms away, and the only thing left of it was probably already burning away in the furnace somewhere in the depths of the castle.

A heavy sigh lay over me. I let the pendant go, leaned further against the tub, hugging my knees close and submerging myself until all anyone could see were the bubbles rising up to the surface.

***

I didn’t stay long in the water—only long enough until my skin grew pink and my head hazy from the heat. When the maidservant returned, I’d finished my bath and was reaching for a towel. She fussed over me, said I should’ve stayed in the water longer. It felt odd, yet familiar, to be fussed over, so I let her.

She helped me dry myself and led me back to my chambers. A white dress made of soft silk lay on the bed. It reached my shins, the light fabric hugging my body loosely. It was a bit too big, which the maidservant also noticed, and the high neck felt rather stuffy. She promised she’d get the measurements right for my other dresses and it surprised me that I would have other dresses.

“Shall I bring some food, my lady?” she later asked. “Supper wouldn’t be until another three bells.”

I would’ve said no—I could wait another three bells—but exhaustion seemed to finally take its toll and my stomach grumbled before I could answer. The maidservant let out a chuckle, which she quickly disguised as a cough.

“I’ll see what the Cook has ready in the kitchens.”

She backed away and the door clicked shut behind her. The silence that followed, somehow, felt deafening, much more so than the crowd that had flocked our carriage on our coming. The walls loomed around me, dark and foreboding. A single fire lit the entire room, no doubt powered by the same crystal from the bath chamber. Yet despite it, I shivered. I blamed the light fabric; wished I had my old clothes back. I hoped the maidservant hadn’t really burned them in the furnace somewhere. I longed for the fur-lined cloak, the emblem of my father’s house, the way it snugly ensconced me throughout my long trek.

I longed for my father, and my mother, and the mountain peaks and the snow.

A sob threatened to burst through my tightened throat when a knock suddenly broke the silence.

“Y–Yes?” I managed.

I figured the maidservant would’ve opened the door by herself then, but the knock came again, so I wiped my tears and took deep breaths. It wasn’t the maidservant waiting for me on the other side of the door. It was the boy, first son of the Duke who, for some reason, was not the inheritor of Phoenix’s flame.

Clive Rosfield stood agape with his eyes slightly wide, and for several heartbeats we stood in silence. He spoke first, his voice sounding uncharacteristically high-pitched to me who had been surrounded by gruff old men for a week.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

And that was when I regained myself, realizing where I was and whom I was addressing. I dropped into a curtsy and stammered a “m–my lord.”

He disregarded it, taking a step forward and leaning down to peek through my bangs. I instinctively dipped my head and shuffled back several feet.

“Is there something you need?” I asked, then hastily added, “my lord.”

I felt his scrutiny and wished the walls would swallow me whole. But he didn’t push. Instead, his shadow receded, and I dared myself to look up.

He was looking at the hallway for whatever reason I didn’t know, his finger reaching up to scratch his cheek. I had half a mind to follow his gaze, to see if maybe my maidservant was back, but before I could, he caught my eyes, and I averted my gaze on instinct once again. His following chuckle was not something I’d expected to hear. It was light and breathy and…free somehow, like the way the winds on the mountain peaks felt free. Cool and comforting. It pulled me in. Propriety be damned. I looked at him and found him smiling—not the ear to ear grin he’d shown me before, but a small smile, restrained yet gentle, and it made my own lips waver.

“I’m sorry if I surprised you,” he said. “I saw Lady Ada step out of your room, and I wanted to see how you were holding.”

So that was her name. I hadn’t asked.

I cleared my throat. “Lady Ada said she would fetch me something from the kitchens.”

“Are you hungry? I can bring you to the kitchens if you like.”

“Is…is that all right?”

“The Cook wouldn’t mind,” he said, but he seemed to remember something, because then he added, “My mother probably would, though. Decorum and such.”

“Are princes not allowed in the kitchens?” I asked, because back home, they never minded my presence. I even sometimes helped the kitchen hands.

“It’s more about the proper way of things, I would say,” Clive said.

He sighed, then looked around the hall again. He never crossed the threshold. Another proper way of things, probably. This might have been a guest room before, but it’d be my chambers from now on. This would be the place I called home. My heart lay heavy at the thought. Then Clive spoke again:

“Would you like to see more of the castle? Lady Ada wouldn’t be for a while. I’ll show you the garden or the library or maybe if Joshua manages to escape Mother’s grasp, we can meet him, too. Though, maybe we could make a quick visit to the kitchens so Lady Ada will know where you’ve gone to lest she panics when she finds the room devoid of its resident. As long as Mother doesn’t know, I think it’ll be alright.”

“What if she finds out?”

“Then I’ll say it was all my idea.”

“My lord—” I began in protest, but he shook his head.

“Please, just Clive.”

“Then—Clive—” The name rolled easy on my tongue. Clive’s face brightened at the sound. I resisted the urge to look away. Looking at his face had been making my stomach knot in odd ways. “I will not have you take the blame for something I did.”

“It won’t be something you did but something I prompted you to do.” He then held out a hand, and with a little smirk to his smile, said, “Well, my lady?”

A part of me would rather stay and wait for Lady Ada carrying a steamed bun or whatever it was these Southerners serve for supper. Yet being alone in the room, with the pressing walls and distant shouts and hollers drifting in through the window would only emphasize my solitude. Mother's pendant lay heavy over my chest. Home would always follow me, Mother had said. Rosalith would be my home now.

I dispelled all unwelcome thoughts with a shake of my head and took Clive’s outstretched hand. “Alright, then,” I said, and attempted a smile.

~ END ~

#final fantasy xvi #ffxvi #cliji #jill warrick #clive rosfield #final fantasy 16 #ff16 #fanfiction #ff fanfic #ff16 fanfic

8 notes · View notes

katharined · 2 years ago

Text

Furtive glances. Stolen kisses passed between the lips of children like sugared secrets. A flash of a cobalt-veined wrist, a milky ankle, a gleam more gaps of gum than teeth – puppy love, as fierce and unbidden as the ardent passion that burned between Antony and Cleopatra. Katharine had heard it all from her daughter who, if burdened with secrecy, leapt to unspool each tangled thread of her woes at her mother’s slippered feet. Although schooled to keep her lips sealed, the Dowager Duchess delighted in such succulent tidbits, and eyed Edmund with a sense of knowing pouring from her person: a knowing that could not be disguised, could not but be the subject of meaty gossip between Philippa and Edmund’s mothers in years gone by. But those halcyon days had passed into obscurity, and the love almost sure to develop into something more had, as young romances are wont to do, evaporated like dew in the dawn; Phillipa was a married woman, soon to produce an heir to the dukedom, and in hindsight Katharine could regard the trifling romance that had bloomed between them as simply that, a titillating history. Her smile tilted upward as Edmund drew her long, svelte arm into his grasp and graced the ridge of her knuckles with his lips. ‘Mon dieu, Earl Percy…’ Katharine sang, appraising him – always approvingly. He was, after all, a distinguished member of the peerage now, one of the King’s jauntiest cronies, and if nothing else, his title would make for an entirely suitable husband.

‘Do you make a habit of sneaking upon unsuspecting women, or has Lady Fortuna kindly blessed me with your presence?’ Lady Suffolk queried, tilting her head up at the lofty Earl. It had only been a few short months that Katharine had been in France, but already Percy looked sharper, surer, his eyes impossibly bluer – not the placid azure of a cottoned sky, but rather, the turbulent sapphire of a storm-ruffled sea, creased at the corners with dignified bemusement. Katharine could not help but titter, delightedly so. Had it been so long ago now that he was but a boy, running cheek-by-jowl with her own Philippa in the flowering courtyards of Suffolk Place? How many times had she shouted them to slow down, to take care not to snap their ankles like the branches of elm swinging overhead, looming over their necks like King Henry’s unwieldy axe?

Discretely slipping her hand out of his grasp, Katharine used it to innocuously dismiss her ladies – a flock of charges brought with her from Paris, flush with the newest fashions and tastes of the continent, who looked to Katharine as a sort of patroness in the court of King William – and grinned jovially. ‘You tell Lady Northumberland that I am most cross with her,’ she remarked, laughingly stern. ‘And if she asks why, because we both know that woman cannot go without knowing, tell her how ardently I desire her esteemed company.’ Eyeing Percy, Katharine suggests, ‘I was making my way to the chapel to distribute alms. Will you escort me, my lord? You do know what such a thing is, don't you, dear Ned?’

closed starter for @katharined !

the proposition lay between them, and despite the way that phillipa had honeyed her words, comparing them to righteous warriors doing what was best for england - he could not help but think of all the saints that had died, the men who had perished in the face of grasping glory for themselves. the thoughts plagued him even as he continued about enjoying his time by the king's side, a brotherly bond that he desired little each passing day to burn with ambition. edmund had set about informing the young grey woman about his brief change of heart, excusing himself from meal with his mother to sneak his way to where her family was staying, the trek that the man knew entirely blind. hence why edmund allows his mind to wander as he traces familiar footsteps, reassuring himself that all would be put to rest soon enough. there was no need to matryr him for this cause. a sound of a voice interrupts such lavish daydreams, edmund stilling in his tracks as he stared directly at katherine brandon.

immediately, he politely bowed to her, deeply and dramatically, falling easily back into the role of jovial, flashy courtier within her presence. " lady suffolk," he greeted with a mischievous grin, clasping the hand she offered so that he may press a teasing kiss to her soft knuckles. " a heavenly vision, you remain. truly i am blessed by the lord with your presence." the earl glanced up at her beneath thick eyelashes, a flash of curious blues, before he rose once more to his full height. his mind briefly wracked for an excuse for his sudden appearance within the hall of her family's chambers, a faint blush painting his cheeks. " my mother wished to send her regards, though i must confess that i plucked it from the servant, my lady. so that i may steal a glimpse of you, or hear the sweet song of your laugh."

#edmcndd #edmund / 001.

6 notes · View notes

adashelbysaysshutup · 2 years ago

Text

Gansta - Tommy Shelby

Part 2:

As Grace was getting ready for the event, she put on the gorgeous sapphire necklace. It shimmered in the candlelight, making her smile. Charlie adored it, and it was simply beautiful, so she decided to wear it.

After putting on her heels, Grace strutted out the door and into the car. There she waited for Tommy, and after a while, he arrived.

"Hi-" She was cut off by Tommy kissing her lips and she soon deepened it. They chatted the whole way to the event, their hands interlocking. A smile was plastered on their faces, but little did they know it would be the last time that they would be smiling for quite a while.

✞︎

"A woman of substance, and class," Polly muttered, taking a drink from the waiter before going to talk to Ada with a cigarette in hand and her head held high.

Grace spotted Tommy, so she wandered over to him, waiting to introduce somebody. "Hey Tommy, he's the leader of the Birmingham city council."

"Hello, Tommy."

"Hi, Danny. Long time no see." They shook hands, smiling lightly at each other.

"How's the business going?"

"All right, holding up, holding up. How are you?"

"Wait- you two know each other?"

"Uh- I have interests in steelworks in Cradley Heath. Tommy helps me get my products to the carmakers." He chuckled. Grace wrapped her fur coat around herself, feeling slightly nervous. "Congratulations on your wedding by the way Miss Shelby." He smiled as Grace murmured a quick thank you before turning towards the door. "Oh, now the party has really started." He continued.

"Who are they?" She asked.

"Father John Hughes from St. Mary's Boys Reformatory, and with him is Mr Patrick Jarvis, MP. They are part of an organization called the Economic League." He flailed his arms around trying to explain it, which made Grace laugh slightly.

"Did you invite them Grace?" Tommy asked, suddenly becoming protective over his newly wedded wife.

"Well, their names sound familiar, so they were probably just recommended by the Lord Mayor. Do you know them? I can introduce you if you want?"

"No Grace, it's fine. I'll go introduce myself." He declared, striding off. While he was off talking with them in the concert hall, Grace was busy greeting guests, some of which were the Petrovna sisters. When Tommy returned, Grace was quick to introduce them to him.

"Tommy, this is Duchess Tatiana Petrovna and her sister Duchess Sasha." Tommy simply cleared his throat before looking away. "Come on, Tommy, Aren't you impressed to meet two Duchesses At once? And beautiful ones at that." Grace complimented, causing Sasha to smile.

"You're too kind Miss Shelby."

"Well. I understand they charge a fee." Tommy spouted.

"Wow Mr Shelby, You are direct." Sasha interrupted, putting her hand on Grace's shoulder.

"Mhm. Too direct." Tatiana and Grace agreed. "It is true, I attend these things for the champagne," Tatiana explained.

"Oh sister, We all know you only wanted to come here for the chance of being treated like a duchess again." Sasha laughed, Making Tommy roll his eyes. "You should have kissed our hands, Mr Shelby. Out of respect."

"Oh, I'm very sorry." He rolled his eyes once more, a pattern seemed to be forming. "You also shouldn't interrupt people, out of respect." He said, glaring at Sasha.

"Well, I'll let you talk when you've earned my respect. Shelby." She spat their last name with such disgust that made Grace frown. "Until then I will need another glass of champagne." She began, going over to the waiter.

"Well, Uh-." Grace cleared her throat. After a short while, Sasha returned to converse with them. "She was asking about my sapphire earlier," Grace nodded to Tatiana.

"Mhm. Thought I recognized it." She knew Tommy would want to hear what she had to say.

"She said it was Russian. My husband has business in Russia, Perhaps one of you knows about it?" Grace inquired but Tommy stopped her.

"Well, tonight is not a night for business, eh?" He seemed uncomfortable talking about it, so Sasha pushed further.

"Is that why you were talking to those men earlier in the concert hall? Hm? The MP and Father John, is it?" She enjoyed seeing him squirm.

"I think people are ready for dinner now Grace."

"No, no. I'm not done pumping people for money."

"What is Er... Pump for money?" The sisters asked in unison.

"It's what I do every day." Tommy sighed.

"Do you know each other? You see, I was in charge of piling the list of guests together, but it's my husband who seems to know everyone." Grace scowled.

"Mhm. I hear he is very well connected."

"Ah. And where does a duchess hear that? Hm?" Grace remarked, making Tommy feel uncomfortable.

"In certain circles of course!!" Sasha butted in, Not liking Grace's tone of voice with her sister. She wouldn't want to upset the Duchess, As she was known to have quite the temper.

"Alright enough you three. Sasha pipe down. Hello Ada." Tommy hoped that greeting his sister would defuse the tension, however, it just made it worse. For some reason, Thomas couldn't take his eyes off of Sasha, and Grace seemed to notice. Her hair was perfectly parted, and her eyes were a walnut brown, which enticed him in. Everything about her made him intrigued.

Even her voice drew him in.

"You two, you and I will speak later," Grace announced, eyeing the girls as Ada pulled her off.

"I would like that."

"Let's see if she even makes it till later, shall we? With that Necklace on, there is no hope for her. You should say your goodbyes now while she's still here. You don't have very long." Sasha giggled. When Tommy sent her an inquisitive look, she swiftly continued, "Does your wife know that the sapphire she is wearing has been cursed by a Gypsy?" Tatiana and Sasha both laughed.

"What did you say?"

Suddenly, their faces turned completely sombre. They were serious about this, Tommy could tell.

"𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝘁." They chuckled in unison.

#peaky blinder fanfic #arthur shelby #paul anderson #cillian murphy #Tommy Shelby #iconic tbh #joe cole #john shelby #russian #ada shelby #tommy shelby x oc

5 notes · View notes

dorotheajanegilmore · 4 years ago

Text

En Passant - Loki Odinson

En Passant - Part One

He watched as she glided along the floor, dancing with her eldest brother. He pretends to hate her but with that smile, it’s impossible.

Loki couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he just gave in. She was so desirable, so temping. But he could not allow his father to win.

“Brother.” Thor announced, causing Loki to briefly glance back. “I knew I’d find you here. Is there no maiden for which you’d like to escort?”

Loki continued to look at her. The way her golden gown reflected the light as she twirled, beaming with happiness,

“Ah I see.” Thor laid a heavy hand on his brother shoulder in an act of sympathy. “The girl you long for is dancing with another.”

“I do not long for her, brother.” Loki shrugged off Thor’s hand and stepped away from the balcony. He headed for the bar carr the was situated behind the small two person black table.

Thor rolled his eyes and joined his brother at the table. Loki poured strong scotch into a glass with no ice and took a sip. He pulled out a fresh glass and used the prongs to take out a large square of ice from the ice bucket. He poured scotch over the ice and handed the glass to his brother.

“Thanks.” Thor muttered, and the two partook in a silent cheers.

“And why aren’t you waltzing with your date?” Loki asked, pulling up a chair.

“Because if I have to deflect yet another question regarding mother’s jewels I shall feed her the damn sapphires.” Thor joked.

Loki smirked, knowing that half of the young girls at this ball were only here to score a proposal from one of the princes and land themselves the royal fortune.

“Harsh, brother. Princess Theodora is the daughter of one of our closest allies.”

“Yes, Loki you have a point.” Thor stood and began walking towards the door. He paused and said, “I shall send her to you so that you may entertain her.”

“Don’t you even-“ Before Loki could finish Thor had ran out of the room, Loki hot on his heels.

The brothers ran through the palace halls, playfully sparring the way that they were trained as boys. It was respectful yet brutal, scary yet full of humour. Should any strangers witness this they would believe them to be savagely fighting. But to the guards who lined the halls, this was just an average Saturday with the young princes.

As the fumbled their way to the bottom of the stairs, landing on the red velvet carpet, there was the sound of someone clearing there throat. “Hello, boys.” The feminine voice addressed.

Both Thor and Loki crained their necks to look up at the door way. There she stood in all her glory. Loki took in the way her Opal eyes and golden dress sparkled under the dimmed lights above her head.

“Darling,” Thor started, pulling himself from the ground and Loki’s vice like grip. He strolled over to the young woman and knelt down. He took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “A fine young lady such as yourself should never have to witness such savagery. Please accept but humble apologies.”

She fainned annoyance and looked away. “I’m not sure I shall ever recover from such horrid sights.” She looked back at the older prince and smirked. She twisted his arm catching him off guard and slipped her heeled foot behind the back of his ankle, tripping him up. He landed on the ground with a thud and a grunt and she chuckled.

Stepping over Thor and sauntering towards Loki, she smiled at the youngest Prince. “Shall you be my next victim?”

Loki bowed and took a knee, “please spare me Your Grace?”

She rolled her eyes and held out a hand. He took it and she pulled him up. “Only if you save me a dance?”

Loki cleared his throat and stepped back. “Duchess you know I don’t dance.”

Duchess smiled and shook her head. “Yes. Well, it was worth a try.”

“To apologise for my brother’s rejection of such a lovely creature, may I offer my hand?” Thor asked, now standing behind the pair.

“You may.” Loki answered for her, “but how will you handle the rejection?”

“You believe she will reject?”

“She,” Duchess started, “is right here.”

Loki raised a brow at her and she looked back at Thor. “However, your brother is correct. It is not appropriate for me to accept your hand when I am so publicly associated with your brother. It will look improper.”

Thor nodded and stepped back. “I understand.”

“And since your brother shows no interest in me, my only dance partner tonight shall be Henry. If you will excuse me.” Duchess gave a friendly nod to both princes before lifting the bottom of her dress of the ground and walking back to the ballroom.

Thor turned back to Loki, who was looking down at the ground. “You know you hurt her brother. Every time you reject her.”

“She doesn’t really want me brother. It is how she was raised. To believe that one day, we will be wed. But I will not allow that man to sign away my future.”

“That man is our father and you will speak of him with respect. Now I understand the frustration, your freedoms have been taken away. But the woman you have been set up with is a woman you admire. You would have been her suitor regardless of this alliance. But you are too stubborn to accept it.”

“It is not stubbornness that stops me from seeking her company. It is the satisfaction on father’s face when he wins, when he gets everything he wants. I refuse to be a pawn on his chess board.”

“You know if a pawn makes it to the other side of the board,” Thor said as he walked to the stairs. He then stopped and finished his sentence, “he then becomes anything he wants. A knight, or a king.”

#Loki #loki odinson #loki series #loki fanfic #fanfic #imagine #loki x reader #loki x reader angst #loki x oc #loki laufeyson #marvel #marvel imagine #marvel fan fiction #tom hiddleston #Tom hiddleston loki

109 notes · View notes

loadingrat · 4 years ago

Text

⿻ 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 → 𝐤. 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠

🏻 ⃟⿻ 𝐠 𝐞 𝐧 𝐫 𝐞 → angst; retelling; fantasy

🏼 ⃟⿻ 𝐬 𝐮 𝐦 𝐦 𝐚 𝐫 𝐲 → with the burden of a crown on his head, Hongjoong finds himself forced to get a bride before he turns twenty two, yet he finds himself struck by love with a cursed young woman named Odette, who's body turns to swan at dawn. it all should be as simple as snapping your fingers to break the curse, when all it takes is three little words, yet, when spoken wrongly, they may do more harm then good.

🏽 ⃟⿻ 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐧 𝐢 𝐧 𝐠 𝐬 → this awfully written i apologise; based off the ballet, so suicide; dark magic; violence; mention of a curse; the usual swearing; hunting; instant love; drowning; overprotective parents and another shitty ass parent if you ask me; forced marriage; the reader is referred to as "Odette"

🏾 ⃟⿻ 𝐰 𝐨 𝐫 𝐝 𝐬 → + 5.5k

🏿 ⃟⿻ 𝐦 𝐚 𝐬 𝐭 𝐞 𝐫 𝐥 𝐢 𝐬 𝐭 𝐬 → main masterlist ⦚ retellings

Hongjoong always enjoyed watching as the wind bent under the will of his arrows, obeying them and letting the weapons find their way right in the middle of the red target. It brought pride in his chest, and helped him feel more like a boy stuck with a crown on his head than a prince stuck with the future of a kingdom on his back. He loved to see how flour would purr out of the sacks full of the snow like powder that stood in the royal yard, and so did his friends, as they always cheered him on, despite getting their expensive clothes all dirtied up.

Saying that Kim Hongjoong's life was anything but exiting would've been the understandment of the year, that only if the words wouldn't have reached his mother's ears. However the queen was always aware of anything and everything going on in her kingdom, as if the old woman with her hair like silver had eyes in every corner of the territory. The prince always disliked that in her as he himself was never allowed to even leave the palace without one of his parents following. Of course, he was grateful that the queen and the king were the most understanding royalties he's ever met, and he got to speak to a lot on a daily, however, when it came to actually understanding him, sadly they were left lacking. The prince hated the way he pictured himself in this situation, but he couldn't do much and just accept that he was like a swan trapped in a dove's cage, and it made him feel completely hopeless.

"You'll try getting out this evening, won't you?" The words slipped prince Wooyoung's lips as if he asked the same thing over and over. The smile on his lips had always faded during previous days, as the answer would've been a sad shake of the head, but the said day it only bloomed as Hongjoong turned his head around, looking at his bow as if it was the most interesting thing he's seen in his lifetime. "Holy shit, he didn't deny it!" Wooyoung spoke, a loud sound like a hyena's laughter ringing from his lungs as he repeatedly slapped his best friend's back. The other prince tried moving away, his abused body protesting with each hit Wooyoung delivered, but deciding that he'd fail anyways, Yeosang resorted to catching the younger's hand and delivering a harsh hit back. "But he did not agree to it either."

It took only two more hours for the man to find himself sitting at a lavish dinner table, all kind of foods placed before them, yet the anxiety growing inside his heart made it easy for his appetite to stray away. "Hongjoong?" His father's voice was harsh as he demanded the prince to give him his attention. His mother's words followed right after, tone dripping with honey and Hongjoong knew something was in her mind. "The date for your birthday ball is approaching." She stated, and the man couldn't help but try to anticipate what she would've said next. "And we thought that it would be a rather perfect time for you to find a bride."

The prince sucked in a hard breath, not trusting his voice to speak up his mind as it could've cracked, and he was not a teenager anymore, so he feared the way it could've made him look weak in front of the King. Hongjoong had met many princesses, duchesses, nobilities of all kinds, even country girls with exceptional talents, but none ever intrigued him and he surely wasn't going to choose a bride just yet. Hongjoong liked to believe he was too you for marriage, but his two friends always nagged that if he'll dare pass twenty five by himself, no princess will ever marry him for his heart, but for his crown instead, to which Hongjoong only scoffed as he dispatched another set of arrows. "I don't think anyone's marrying me for my heart now either."

"So what do you say?" He felt as if his words were stuck in his throat and he was unable to get then out, but even if he would've answered as he truly believed, he knew his pleadings would've fallen on deaf ears. Hongjoong knew this day was going to come sooner or earlier, he just didn't expect it quite yet. "I agree, mother," the prince didn't know what gave him the courage to stretch his words, or to arch his eyebrows upwards, or smile like he did, all the while still looking in his plate. "However i also have a proposal.."

Truly, Hongjoong doesn't know what came over him that evening, yet it was because of his boldness that he found himself mounting one of the finest mares in the stables. The prince had taken care of the horse since it was barely standing, he himself being only a child, enchanted by the pure white little fur on it. He's called her Zoya, a fitting name for a mount like herself, and despite leaving the palace only a couple of times, alongside of his father or mother, he considered the creature loyal enough to not abandon him when he'll most need her.

With his bow resting in at his hip, the prince started following a rather small river, which eventually brought him in town and down the valley the palace rested on. Hongjoong wearily adventured himself in the wide forest that spread before him, the darkness of it making him shiver slightly as his mind finally wrapped around all the danger that could've hid around. Wolves, bears, mountain lions, all kind of creatures lurked in the forest, however the silver haired prince advanced nonetheless, clutching his bow tighter as if it could've made him feel secure once more.

Just as he was about to urge his horse to start running, the sound of rapid wings flapping in the air made his skin crowl and his head shoot back, his eyes snapping rapidly on a flock of birds. Their fathers were as white as you could've imagined and as pure as it could've gotten, their bodies long, majestic and elegant, and Hongjoong couldn't help but let his mouth hang open as he stared at the beautiful swans that took over the sky. Within seconds, the brave prince clutched his bow and aimed skillfully, ready to let his arrow pierce through what he nominated as the prettiest swan, but Hongjoong wasn't as hard hearted as his father believed him to be, his eyes saddening and his chest burning as he asked himself how could he kill such a beautiful creature.

The prince sighed deeply, putting his bow back and giving the horse a gentle nudge as a sign to follow the flock and Zoya took off obediently, rushing Hongjoong through the woods. He enjoyed the way wind blew through his silver locks, caressing his cheeks harshly and he love the adrenaline that came with riding this fast and thinking about how free one could be, thinking about what he's missed his whole life. Hongjoong knew that where there was a smaller river, there had to be a wider water source near by, and the swans that seemed to start heading down only gave him more reasons to believe he was right. The only problem was that he was not expecting the woods to end so quickly, his horse coming to an abrupt halt as it hooves planted in the mud as harsh as it could.

He jumped eagerly from his horse and there, right before him and barely at two steps away from where his horse stopped, a grand body of water spread itself so widely that the other side of the lake was barley visible through the thin mist. The water sparkled in the shy sunlight of the evening, the sound of a small cascade barely audible in the back and the prince felt his jaw drop slightly one more time. If his mother would've been with him, she wouldn't even look at the beauty in front of her, but would scold him about how unmannered he looked and how that wasn't suitable for princes like him, not even in a million years, but as he spotted the swans floating happily around, everything about manners felt long forgotten.

The boy in him had the urgent need to sit down in the slightly damp yet soft grass, eyes wide on the beautiful birds before him, yet the mature side in him wanted to mount back on his horse and move forward. There was so much more to explore and so little time, his mind wrapping around the fact that his father had gave him one single day to ride around the kingdom, with the condition that he'd return the evening before the horologe rang three in the morning. Therefore, the prince clutched on the horse's reins ready to mount, sparing one last glance at the lake, who's water started reflecting the rosy color of the sky.

Hongjoong sucked in his breath, feeling how air left his lungs as he swore he started imagining things. His head whipped back, the forest remaining the only sight for a while, and he took his time thinking about what came into his sight seconds ago. Not long after, he turned around and came to the horrifying conclusion that he was indeed watching as the small bodies of the swans, that now rested calmly on the shore, morphed and twisted, becoming mere humans. Their build was more than just elegant, bodies long and delicate, nothing short of pure beauty. Each wore long gowns, as white and pure as their dazzling wings were, little silver necklaces with one sapphire gem decorating their necks, yet he quickly took notice of the one swan that stood in the middle of them all, sitted on the old trunk of a tree, her eyes glimming with happiness while a silver tiara rested on the top of her head.

The prince watched them with amazement, as if they had put him under a thick spell like sirens would do to the poor sailors adventuring in the deep waters. Yet the more he watched, the more he couldn't help but feel like an intruder. The women danced and laughed when younger swans tried to impress them, then ran quickly to hide under an older swan's wing. The innocence of the moment was making his own heart fill with happiness, lips curling upwards gently and eyes turning in crescents as a squeaky giggle rolled off his throat.

The moment all the laughter stopped and a cutting silence settled in, the prince knew he had done something wrong. He felt the warmth that had built in his chest being stripped away from him, eyes growing wide and startled, just as the swans had became. It didn't take long for Hongjoong to see how every pair of eyes rested on him, making him feel anxious. Should he leave? Or was he supposed to stay now? Either way, the answer would've been to not panic, which he's failed the moment one of the youngest of the creatures approached him, yelling loudly the name of who he supposed was the swan with the tiara.

"Odette! Odette!" The small girl yelled happily, grabbing the prince's hand and jumping up and down while giggling. "It's prince charming! He's come to save us!" At her words, Hongjoong's cheeks started flaring pink, his heart beating faster as each pair of eyes rested on him, and he completely forgot about his tight grip on the bow in his other hand. The mare let out a loud cry, startled by the poor girl before slamming it's hooves harshly in the ground multiple times. In alert, Hongjoong let go of his bow, grabbing the girl's body in his arms and hurrying further away from the horse, who angrily took off back towards the town.

"Yuna, dear!" The swan quickly run to the prince, her hands coming to grip Hongjoong's arms, which were still holding tightly onto her. "Are you alright?" His voice sounded unsure as he let the woman gently take her in her own hold, hand placing the younger's head again her chest. When a little laughter came from Yuna's lips, everyone sighed in relief, smiles painted on the swans' lips when the smaller swan jumped back on the grass and began twirling around the royalty as she giggled loudly. "Yuna, where are your manners?" Another swan called out, her lips pulled in a thin line and her eyebrows furrowed, and she most definetly was the oldest of the group, her aura holding a maturity that amazed Hongjoong, despite her youthful features.

"Don't tense yourself, Yongsun." The youngest girl however rolled her eyes at the authority in Yongsun's voice, her own lips pulled in a pout as she bowed slightly in front of the silver haired man. He gave her a polite smile before bowing right back, sending the women in awe. "Come sit with us." The girl next to him offered, and he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over her striking features. She was an unique type of beauty, something he's never seen in anyone before, not even in all the princesses that's come to court him. He loved her voice as well, her tone being like honey to his ears and he couldn't even bring himself to care about the sudden drop of formalities when his orbs found hers.

"I would hate to make such beautiful ladies uncomfortable with my presence." He acknowledged humbly, felling a shy smile tug at his lips while hearing how the woman, who he assumed was named Odette, let out a wholehearted laugh, her eyes turning to crescents as one of her hands came to hide her mouth. "Bother us? It would be a crime to not enjoy your presence." She assured, nodding her head towards him like encouraging him to take a step forward, and so he did. One step at a time before he found himself sitting in the grass besides a couple of children, who playfully pulled at his clothes and wowed at the fine material.

"What's your name, son?" The oldest inquired, making Hongjoong's cheeks become pinker again, however this time, his eyes fell on the ground, where his ring decorated fingers gently pulled at the damb grass. "Kim Hongjoong." He spoke softly, not expecting any grand reactions form the group, who only nodded their heads in adoration. "We'll would you look at that, it really is prince charming." Another swan laughed, making Hongjoong himself let out a shy giggle, his eyes involuntary traveling to the swan with a tiara. It felt like hours that he stood there and just watched her, her skin bathing in the golden light of the sunset, and her eyes glimmering with love as she looked at each swan, before her eyes settled on him as well.

"Do you like to dance?" One of the younger swans looked at him curiously, her small hand coming to grasp at Hongjoong's with excitement as she awaited a reply, and when the prince nodded his head in agreemen, he girl softly tugged him after her, bringing him to his feet. Together, they marveled at the way the forest started lighting up as soon as the sun went under, mushrooms and strange plants glowing in the dark, along with the moss on the trees, it was absolutely beautiful. However Hongjoong didn't have long to observe the landscape, his attention being brought back to the small girl that began dancing with him as the others started singing along, and it didn't take a while for the swans to join in as well, a chorus of laughter spreading trough the rather dormant forest as they all had their fun.

Yongsun smiled happily as she took Odette's's hand, bringing her closer to the silver haired prince, who bowed deeply and offered his hand, an invitation, the girl concluded as she accepted happily. Perhaps only for tonight, she could forget about her curse, see herself as an actual princess and lose herself in the idea that Hongjoong would be the one to break the curse. However nothing like that happened as they began dancing, a tough wind starting to pull at their bodies, darkness spreading like a plague. The youngest girls found coverage behind the elders, while Hongjoong placed his arms around Odette and brought her closer to his chest, protecting the swan from whatever danger eas awaiting them.

"Well well.." the sharp voice of a girl that came with the calmness of the weather startled the prince, who felt reluctant to let go of the swan in his arms, yet still let go of her and watched as disgust painted over Odette's features and anger over the others. Just on the shore stood another woman, her gown way shorter and messier as well as dotted with darker shades of black. Her features were just as graceful and as striking as the others, her own features making her look like a devine, but something about her tone made the prince feel sure that she wasn't just as beautiful on the inside.

"The swan princess found herself a rescuer." She taunted while getting closer, her thumb and pointer wrapping around Odette's chin and bringing her closer. The princess, as the stranger called her, let out a scoff before pulling away, making the black swan laugh as if she was in hysterics. "Hoping you'll turn human again, little one?" She fumed, letting her eyes fall on Hongjoong, who stood stiff and angered, eyes on her like, if he had his arrows, he wouldn't have hesitated to let one of them pierce her heart.

"It'll never happen, we'll make sure of that, little Odette." The stranger cocked one of her eyebrows while shaking her head and her fingers glazed over the necklace she was proudly wearing. With a last laugh, the black swan took a couple of steps back before her body quickly morphed in the one of a swan, yet her feathers looked disturbed and unhealthy, her body, small, too weak for a creature that was supposed to look as beautiful as a swan.

"Who was that?" Hongjoong found himself asking, his own eyebrows arched upwards in confusion. His hand found Odette's and gripped it lightly a reassuring smile tugging at the girl's lips as she found comfort in the prince, who was still a stranger. "Odile.. Her father tried casting a curse on the town, however it did not go as planned and it ended up backfiring." She began explaining, choosing carefully her words as she took a glance at his chocolate warm eyes. The prince himself let his gaze meet hers, observant eyes curiously investigating her for a while before he spoke out loud. "Then why are you trapped as swans as well?" Silence washed over the group, the tension growing so thick that Hongjoong could've cut it with a knife. "I didn't say that it didn't work."

Not much passed before Hongjoong excused himself, getting up and fetching his bow that stood patiently in the grass. He's dropped it earlier when Zoya took off and completely forgot about it, however, in his favor, his loyal mare had found her way back to the lake, thirst driving it back the way it's come. After the prince found himself back on his mount, thanking all of his lucky stars for bringing it back to him, he finally let his eyes fall on the woman with a little crown on her head. He swore he felt his heart beating faster than ever, swirling with the desire to take her with him and keep her to himself, to make her his, and at that moment he knew that there was no one that could ever become his queen, except her.

"I must head out, however my family is hosting a ball tomorrow, at dusk, in order to find me a bride. It would be a honor to have you as a guest." He spoke softly, taking in the surprise on Odette's face, who only nodded before waving elegantly. With a polite nod from himself, the prince saw himself off as Zoya started galloping as fast as she could towards the palace.

"You must go." a cold and harsh voice spoke, making the girl's shoulders fall, she put so much hope that perhaps this time, she'll be able to find love by herself, and hearing her father speak like that made her whole world shatter. With a long sigh, the girl turned her head around, in order to hide her glassy eyes, telling herself that it all starts being unfair the moment even her father had turned against her. "I shall not, father." Was all Odile said before she lifted her chin high, eyes becoming sharp as she told herself that it was time to pull free from his strings, yet she had a feeling that it will not be as easy as denying his orders.

Rothbart, the black swan's father, smiled triumphally, as if the crown had already been placed on his head. He let himself turn around and face his only daughter and with a hushed voiced he whispered. "You'll go.. oh you'll go." Odile wanted to protest, to yell and say something, but the second her father touched her necklace, the poor girl knew it was too late. It took her a quick moment of thinking, preparing herself for what she might see, before she finally turned to the mirror that stood patiently on a wall. It was then that complete sorrow engulfed her heart, failing to find her own reflection. Instead, a familiar face started back at her, Odette's features looking so beautiful and so graceful, yet so ugly to Odile, as she was left to deal with her pain before she could've stopped it. "You do not have a choice."

"But what should i wear?" Odette sighed, bringing her hands in her lap as she eyed nervously the ground. Her crown was resting on her head, sapphires sparkling in the gentle moonlight. "I cannot show up to a royal ball in this gown.." as much as she loved her dress, it's material softer than silk and whiter than the pearls found in the ocean's depths, she feared it was nothing short of what noblewomen wore to sleep. The more she thought about it, the more Odette found herself trapped between her own thoughts. What if her hair was was not as elegant as the other princesses', what if her little white slippers were to dirty up the expensive carpets around the castle. Worse, despite knowing how to dance, Odette had little knowledge of etiquette, as she's grown up as a simple village girl. She was going to make a fool out of herself and the prince for inviting her.

"Worry not, Odette." A soft voice came from behind her, but before she's gotten the chance to turn around, a pair of cold hands rested on her bare shoulders, making her gasp at the sudden feeling of chilliness. Shivers traveled up and down on her back, eyes becoming wide in surprise as the speed she turned her head around could've given her a whiplash. Yongsun giggled softly, amused by the fact that she actually spooked the younger swan. "You look beautiful, and your gown is magnificent. Made with soft material like your wings, pulled together by a thread of magic. My dear, you look breathtaking."

Odette stood a second just looking at her friend, a long sigh leaving her mouth when she understood that Yongsun was right. All she had to do was to have fun, she'd be dancing and talking to people, nothing she hasn't done before, so why was she worrying now? "You should leave, it's getting late." Was all the older woman said as she bent down to kiss the top of her head like a mother would before sending off her child off. A couple of younger swans insisted of going with her, clinging on her gown and her hands before she agreed in defeat. A chorus of laughter and giggles following her the deeper she walked into the forest and the closer she's gotten to the palace.

Hongjoong stood sitting on the throne, a crown on his head while his parents stood at both of his sides. His rather small body seemed to shrink more and more with every second and with each nod he gave to the young women that would come to bow before him. They were all wearing beautiful gowns, feminine features painted by a thin layer of makeup, jewelries decorating their necks, ears and hair, he had to admit that they were all beautiful, but none of them where Odette. His Odette. He waited patiently for her to make her appearance, eyes running back to the spiral staircase in hopes that he'd spot her, and his observant mother did not take long to notice. "You're waiting for someone." She announced, a hand resting on her son's shoulder in a way of assuring him that it will all be fine.

Hongjoong nodded, his lips parting slightly as he pondered on his thoughts, however, before he's even gotten thr chance to speak, a familiar face made his heart beat like it never has, and his breath got stuck in his throat. A wave of heat crossed his cheeks, feeling as a strong blush took over his face. From one of the corners of the grand ballroom, he noticed Yeosang smirking his way, Wooyoung whispering something to him before they both snickered.

"Your highness.." when she arrived in front of him, Hongjoong quickly has gotten up on his feet, refusing to let her bow before him. One of his hands gently taking one of her own as the other traveled to her side in order to bring her body closer to his own with a shy embrace. At the action, a couple of gasps could be heard throughout the room, everyone surprised at the prince's action, yet he did not care, and it could've been the reason why he completely looked past the vile smile that played on the girl's lips. "Odette.. will you dance with me?"

"We've arrived too late!" One of the little swans warned as she peeked trough the closest window, huffing in defeat at the sight. Odette waisted no time in following her closely, face crumbling in defeat as he watched how her dear Hongjoong waltzed around the room with no one else but Odile. His eyes were so fixed on her that it seemed like she was his whole world, hands gripping her close like she'd parish if he let go, and everyone around them saw it. How in love he was, how much care he put in every step they made together, and that made Odette's stomach churn in pain. Her eyes began watering, heart screaming at her to do something yet her body remained frozen in place.

"Odette..?" The little girl asked, her tone wobbling as her own eyes began to water as she watched the princess of the swans. The young woman's skin began morphing, little fluff and white feathers growing from her arms and shoulders at a slow peace, like she was to turn in swan once more. With each second she spent looking at her beloved dance with another woman, looking so smitten by her, the little sapphires on the crown she wore began to crack more and more, and panic took over the three children when their own necklaces followed closely and as Hongjoong's voice rang trough their ears.

"So, Your Highness, would you say that you love me?" Odile questioned as she made eye contact with the prince, who giggled shyly before sighing deeply. He felt caught red-handed and all he could do now was nod his head slightly before speaking softly. "I love you." Yet something didn't feel right, deead filling his heart as he said his words, like a kid that's done something wrong and waited anxiously for his parents to scold him. It was then that he began to fall out of the spell he had been put under, noticing how the woman in front of him did not wear a crown yet a necklace, amber decorating the gem that rested patiently on her neck. The white gown that the swan once wore was not completed jet black, eyes harsh as a voice so cutting he began feeling dizzy.

"You're not Odette." He stated, stopping from dancing and taking a couple of harsh steps back. The prince's hand flew to his sword, threatening to take it out and use it, yet Odile's smile never faltered. "Even if you harmed me, my mission here had ended." She explained, giggling once more before turning herself in the same swan she morphed in when they first met and before anyone could do anything, she flew past him, soaring trough the open window where four little figures stood at.

"Odette..?" He asked, feeling his hear break as he noticed how heartbroken she looked, how her skin began turning in feathers and how tears cascaded over her cheeks like they couldn't be stopped. "Odette!" He yelled louder, rushing to jump over the window, yet failing to do so in time before the woman began running back towards the forest. "Hongjoong!" His father warned, yet the prince was far gone, already chasing after the swan with unshed tears blurring his own vision.

It didn't take long for the two to reach the lake, scratches from little branches decorating their skin as neither had been careful while running, yet that did not matter to them, the heartache burning every bit of ration they had. "I did not know, Odette!" He tried explaining himself, taking a step forward towards the woman, who only took one back, her feet so close to the shore that it made Hongjoong's heart freeze in place. "I thought it was you.."

Yet what was done was done and both of them knew it, the sapphires finally shuttering as Odette took her crown off, breaking it in two. Without even thinking about the outcome, the swan threw it into the lake, a muffled sob leaving her mouth as she herself took a step closer to the edge. "No! Odette please! I love you!" He shouted, yet it was all in vain as he knew that the curse will get to her before his words will.

The second he noticed what she intended, the prince rushed to her side, gripping her waist tightly and pressing a soft kiss to her lips, eyes deeply staring in her own like their hearts spoke to each other, and it all felt more than ethereal as both of their bodies hit the water, sinking slowly as they held each other like not even death could do them apart.

And perhaps it couldn't, as the second the sun began rising, the women that stood next to the lake and mourned the passing of their princess did not turn back to swans, and their gowns turned back to the clothes they once wore when they were running errands around the village. On the other side of the forest, Rothbart felt his powers leave him, a sudden weakness taking over his body as it slowly began turning to ashes. "No!" He yelled like a mantra, yet it was all in vain as ths moment the shy sunlight peeked trough his window, all that remained of him was an amber ring and his daughter, who only stared at the cracked mirror on the wall, ashamed of herself and mad at the world like never before.

And even years after, deep down, on the bottom of the lake, the two lovers stood embraced, untouched by the time, as if they were simply sleeping. So perhaps, the curse that once plagued the young women became a blessing, as not only has she found peace, but love as well.

#ateez #ateez imagine #ateez imagines #kpop #ateez fluff #ateez scenarios #ateez oneshots #kpop imagine #ateez hongjoong #ateez reaction #ateez retelling #ateez reactions #ateez smut

88 notes · View notes

yuziyuanapologist · 4 years ago

Note

Please tell us what kind of cat energies other cql characters have.

hello anon! so you might just be making fun of me with this ask bc I know i do nothing but talk about cats however I am taking it seriously so if that is not what you wanted please look away now!

to recap: lan xichen = orange boy cat

also disclaimer - we do not do cat breeds here. no sir. we also discourage you from reading too much into cat stereotypes. all cats are individuals it is really not much to do with their colour or gender. also we do not know why we are referring to myself as we, but that's just how it is now. blah blah blah.

as for the rest :

lan wangji = big tortoiseshell energy. I know that they are only female but I think honestly that is just very gender of him. so he's like one of those really puddingy tortoiseshell cats, will whack u if u pet him wrong, will curl up on ur lap and be the warmest ball of fluff if u Behave

wei wuxian = not to be predictable but he's a black cat. one of those that has silly time every night at 3am. sometimes he disappears for three days at a time but he always shows back up when u least expect it, covered in mud and sometimes with his ear split

jiang cheng = let's be honest he's probably grey. like a really sleek grey cat that u would see on a cat food advert. despite his appearance he will hiss and growl at Anything That Moves. he has his people that are His People and the rest should Stay Away Or Get Scratched.

jiang yanli = old lady tabby cat. she probably has no teeth but is the gentlest little cat you ever have met. instantly your friend, and will chirp at you because You Are Her Kitten Now

nie huaisang = okay. so. one time I met this cat that was like. super pretty, white cat, blue eyes, lil bit fluffy, you know the type. shoulda been called duchess except i think her name was sapphire but yknow. everyone who met her was like oh she's the most gorgeous cat I've ever met! and they were WRONG. she was purely evil, literally a demon. her meow sounded like metal screeching. she did not know what a litter tray was. she was plotting my death. and no, she never even scratched me. but I bet that when I hit my head on the door on the way out that was her fault. so that's nie huaisang.

nie mingjue = big Big street cat with the cheekies, been straying for years, probably doesn't have a full tail or his ears intact, his nose is all scritchy scratchy. HOWEVER. once you gain his trust it is over for you hoes. he will literally fall over onto you and rest his entire weight on you for affection. a good boy.

jin guangyao = I don't know but he has really big ears. probably a silver tabby. always squinting at u, and yes that means cat friendship. but u have a sneaking suspicion he has gone beyond cat body language

jin zixuan = fluffy tabby cat. insists that you brush him three times a day at precise hours. probably has a fainting couch and glass dishes like that tumblr cat, you know the one.

wen qing = again I'm not sure about colour, maybe another grey cat. she doesn't care about you and she wants you to know it. however, if you are sad, she will mysteriously appear in the same room as you. but it was an accident.

wen ning = a kitten. very stupid and will fall over himself trying to get attention. like when u scratch at the base of his tail he will stand up so high that he goes head over heels.

xue yang = like a version of Wei wuxian except that he's Actually Feral and his whiskers are all missing and he's the scruffiest cat you ever did see. but he Wants that tuna and you Will give it to him.

xiao xingchen = another orange boy cat, but a very fluffy one with white paws and chest. knows he is pretty and would like belly rubs about it please and thank u

song lan = i am running out of cats at this point. probably another grey one though. no touchy.

okay that is a good place to stop I am so sorry

#while wtiting this it occurs to me that lwj and jc could be swapped and it would work but i like jc more for the fashion vibe #anyway #i really do apologise for this #and im on mobile so idk if the read more will Work #rest in p p pieces #ask #anonymous #the untamed #rino shhh

26 notes · View notes

doverly · 4 years ago

Text

How Forbidden

My (admittedly late) submission for Friday Night Frights 6/14/21.

A recently conquered princess sents out on a journey to find her secret lover.

~3.5K Words

“Your Highness, it isn’t only your reputation at stake, but our entire peoples'” the knight insisted with a grave expression.

“My reputation shouldn’t be at risk for loving another woman,” she spat back, words shaking and unsteady. “You can’t tell me that there’s any sense to it!”

“I cannot,” the knight admitted. “Nor can I do anything to stop you, unless the Duke orders so. Whatever you do, don’t let it come to that.”

Even though Lady Diamond knew the risks she still couldn't abandon her lover. Her knight had been leaning close to her hear, whispering his urgent warnings as she fingered the letters of her love, but when her ladies got back from the powder room he jumped back. Like he had always been a respectful distance behind her. Like he hadn't watched her read intimate letters night after night. Like he was nothing but a loyal guardsman.

Most of Lady Diamond's ladies were orphans or otherwise left with nowhere to go. The recent absorption of the Kingdom of Ardenne into the Empire hadn't helped their situation, in fact, it had changed everything completely. In the new Dukedom of Ardenne-Chance, no one knew their place. Suddenly the beloved princess was nothing but a Grand Duchess, and countesses and dukes found their rank completely diminish. Diamond was trying her best to find them husbands or stable living, but it was hard.

In the evening light of her dressing room she and her ladies, under the watchful eye of her loyal old guard, played little games and talked of meaningless gossip. Even though their empirical absorption had been bloodless, the meer might empire had warranted an immediate surrender from Diamond's brother, it had still rocked their world. Little inconsequential games and talk really helped Diamond and her ladies feel at ease.

Diamond lost soundly, but with good cheer. By the time the sun went down the ladies were in good humour and left to their respective chambers with a spring in their steps. Diamond was left in her dressing room with Sir Garrette, everyone knew that he would try nothing with the lady, he was like an uncle to her. When everyone left Diamond left the game table and practically sprinted to her writing desk. From a secret compartment, unlocked by a little key that Diamon kept on her at all times, Diamond unlocked it and took out the most recent letter.

"My love, my heart, my everything. While I am a patient gentlewoman my heart yearns for you, and I have decided that I would like to meet you. I understand that you might be apprehensive my love, I can see the cute little frown on her face as I write this, I cannot live without you, my dear. And I realize now that I have not been living. Ever since we first met at the masquerade in the capital I have been dead. Seeing you, dancing with you again, touching your bare cheek with my hand, will bring me to life again my love."

"Please if you have any desire to see me come to the Equinox Mascequrade in the capital, I have had an invitation sent to you and your family. I know parties such as these are only for adultery and debauchery but it is the only way for our love to remain secret. If you don't come I will continue to love you from afar. I will be wearing the deep blue coat trimmed in silver and a gown of your favourite colour. I cannot wait to see you trimmed in jewels and diamonds. The thought of you sends my heart into shivers

Your servant,

Imperial Gentlewoman

Lady Diamond swooned in her chair, reading and rereading the passionate words. Finally, she would be meeting her imperial lover outside of the borders of secret letters and messages. As the gentlewoman had predicated Diamond was a bit nervous, but excited as well. Her heart quickened in her breast. When they had last met Ardenne had just become the Dukedom of Ardenne-Chance. Her little brother had been whining, at seven years old his only concern had been why he wasn't called "king" anymore. Only Diamond and her mother, the regent, understood what was truly at stake. Diamond had been so focused on trying to ingratiate herself and her ladies with the imperial nobility that she hadn't noticed when a masked gentlewoman led her away. They had danced, oh they had danced, but before she knew it Diamond was home, her imperial partner gone across the mountains. When the first letter came, Diamond had been ecstatic.

The next day Castle deAudinot was in an uproar of packing. Beds, linens, servents, and gifts were being loaded onto balloon wagons to be lifted over the mountains. With her mother supervising the packing and the final alterations of their ball dresses, Lady Diamond was left minding her brother, the boy Duke, Isaac. Unlike other little children with incredible power Isaac, Diamond thought, was very well mannered and polite. Always minding his tutors and his governess.

Diamond's ladies doted on Isaac, asking him about books he read and asking him to try their homemade sweets. Isaac loved the attention, but was still bashful, as a boy of 8 usually was. Diamond looked down at the commotion with a smile, she was sure that Isaac would be an amazing Duke when he was older.

Isaac's guard, Sir Patrick, stood near the door with Garratte, both knowing that the coming days would bring stress. Everyone was trying to keep their minds off of the chaos to come. Even Diamond, she occupied her hands and her mind with what seemed like a meaningless craft. "Gentlewoman" was what her lover called herself. Meaning that both gender and class stood in the way of them being together. Diamond was the Grand Duchess of Ardenne-Chance, first in line to her little brother's thrown. She didn't care, but being of a lower rank probably meant that the gentlewoman didn't have the comforts that Diamond was used to. Even the imperial family probably didn't have some of the things that Diamond was used to. Namely jewels. Ardenne-Chance was nothing but mountains, beautiful mountains sure, but mountains nonetheless. But inside of their blue-gray rocks housed a fortune. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, agates, and even her namesake, diamond, were found in blunk in the Chance Mountains. Lady Diamond's mother, the regent, suspected their wealth was part of the reason the empire had wanted them in the first place.

In anticipation of their meeting Diamond was making her gentlewoman a pocket watch. Well, the watch had been made by a watchmaker, but Diamond was decorating it. Spread out on a work table was a wealth of multi-covered diamonds. Only diamonds, when her lover looked at the watch she wanted her to think of her. But, Diamond couldn't help but think, she may already be used to such luxuries. She had been having doubts for months now. Her "gentlewoman" seemed too educated, too serious, too philosophical to be a simple gentlewoman. Diamond knew that her lover might be lying about her identity, but she didn’t care. She loved her “gentlewoman”, no matter who she was.

Diamond did up the watch face with dark blue and white diamonds, making miniature mounts that shimmered in the light. Their white caps were like a dusting of fresh snow, and their blue expanse was breathtaking. It was the Chance mountains. When her lover used the watch, Diamond had also decorated the hands with blue diamond dust and the numbers with white, she would see Diamond’s birthplace and the most important and beautiful place to her. It was the perfect gift, and it would never break, not with the new jewelry epoxy that had been developed recently by court inventors.

And it was finished just in time. Diamond hardly had time to slip the gift into a papered box and into her pocket before she had to bundle up her brother and her ladies into a half dozen fine balloon coaches. With the guiding fire being controlled by an expert balloonist they glided over the mountains in style, passing over tiered farms and glittering mountainside mines. As they passed over villages Diamond leaned out of the carriage window to wave, savoring the sight of her subjects waving back. Her mother had been the main driver of the unification treaty but Diamond had worked diligently from the sidelines, keeping everyone happy and open-minded, all for the good of her people. When they were flying over the poorer mountain communities, villages packed tightly in rocky outcroppings and nestled onto small plateaus Diamond dung into her purse. Children ran under the carriage hoping to catch the luxuries she threw out. From the other carriages as well the rain began. Even though the economy of Ardenne-Chance was quite tightly controlled, the wealth of gems could lead to rapid deflation if left alone, the nobles still tried to give back whenever they could. From her carriage Diamond threw crystalized roses and elegantly shaped sapphires, waving all the while. It was the highlight of her day, knowing that a simple handout from her would prevent starvation for several seasons. And for her mother, the regent, it was a guarantee that there would be less grain on the national poor service.

After two days of constant travel, they were finally at the capital. Verdun was an amazing city, just as it had to be. Its white spires and paved roads were a testament to the empire’s power. The power to build up cities out of nothing, to give everyone a home, and still have money left over for huge palaces and museums. The Ardenne-Chance delegation touched down in front of the Eastsinger Palace. It was an imposing, but surprisingly beautiful place. Large glass windows and towers carved out of purple-hued rock. The moat was full of crystal clear water with flowers growing from the depths.

“I’ve always hated this place,” Diamond’s mother, Gwen, whispered in her ear, “Pretending they are all nice and airy, while in truth their hearts are as cold as ice.”

Not all of their hearts Diamond thought.

Palace servants and even some nobles immediately flooded out of the front doors to help them get their things in order. Gwen had been shocked when the invitation to the Equinox Masquerade came, but she had taken it in stride. She had arranged for them to arrive a week early for diplomatic meetings, ceremonies, and games. Diamond and her brother were going to be busy, but she had made sure to clear her schedule the morning after the ball. Normally, back in Ardenne-Chance, Diamond was busy reviewing policy, talking to the council, and asking the citizenry how legislation affected them. In the empire, they had no official duties, but perhaps the work they would be doing would be harder. Diamond was naturally kind, but she had been taught cunning and intrigue by her mother. Her mother was confident in her skills of subterfuge and diplomacy, but Diamond was nervous about dealing with the imperial nobles. They were said to be more cunning than Ardenne-Chance nobles, and Diamond just hoped that she didn’t accidentally get caught up in any imperial intrigues.

Diamond got to her rooms without problem, though she did walk a little faster than normal. The imperial guard seemed large and unwilling, without a smile anywhere near his face. Her ladies also seemed nervous, Diamond’s lady of honor, Prudent, practically bolted the door once they were inside. The rest of the ladies had to be escorted to their own chambers, but Prudent was sleeping with Diamond. She normally did, the nights in Ardenne-Chance got cold even when they were indoors, so it was nice to sleep next to another person.

“There is tea in an hour, we should change quickly,” Prudent said, slightly out of breath.

Diamond tried to slow her racing heart because she knew Prudent was right. Another downside of their packed schedule was that they would have no time to catch their breaths. Quickly, in time for tea, Diamond and Prudent changed. Diamond, knowing that her mother wanted to make a show, bedecked herself in a light blue silk gown with gold trim and matching gold and sapphire rings, bracelets, and a tiara. Prudent was richly dressed in yellow, but not that richly dressed. Diamond found the rules on her lady’s dress were ridiculous, with the number of gems that Diamond wore there was no way they could outshine her, but her mother didn’t think like that.

As they were walking to tea, escorted by two more ladies and guards, Diamond looked around the castle. The walls were covered in rich tapestries and the floors in gleaming wood. Diamond couldn’t imagine the wealth of servants that were needed to keep up with everything. Beautiful paintings were hung on each corner, but Diamond thought their subjects ruined the image. At one corner there was a large portrait of the imperial royal family, the Cold Emperor with his dark furious stare, the Eternal Bride Queen with her youthful smile and blushing cheeks even at 55, the Mysterious Twins one with a dark smile and the other with a playful smirk, and the Freezing Princess she stared out with piercing brown eyes seemingly aware that she would have to step over her brothers to get the imperial throne. While the Queen was beautiful and happy, the rest of the family sent chills down Diamond’s spine. She was happy when they finally sat down for tea in a comfortable green papered sitting room.

After tea, it was the drafting of joint legislation with her mother and Isaac, after the legislation was done there was dinner, after dinner, there was a small play to attend. The next morning Diamond got up and did it all over again. The only thing that kept her going, through the odd looks and lingo she didn’t understand, was the letter she got from her lover.

Again the fact that the letter was able to appear inside of her writing desk testifies that her lover wasn’t a simple gentlewoman. Perhaps she had an important position in the palace? Diamond didn’t know how else a random woman would be able to have access to her, a Grand Countess’s, chambers. Still, that didn’t stop her from soaring the letter.

My heart, it is a happy day now that you are here. Thought guilt creeps into my thoughts. I know you, I have seen you laughing, sparkling in your gowns, about the palace but you have not seen me. Even if you did see me you would not know me, and I would cry at the thought of your chocolatey diamond eyes sliding over me like I was a stranger to me. Still, soon you will know me, just as much as I know you. My mask shall be in the style of a golden eagle and I shall lift my wings for you, my love. Soaring above the clouds is nothing if you aren’t there with me.

Soon, my dear, soon. Wait for me,

Imperial Gentlewoman

Diamond was waiting, and she was waiting patiently. Every night, before crawling into bed with Prudent, she brushed the smooth, silky purple feather velvet of her dress every night and tried on her amethyst studded mask. The ball couldn’t come sooner.

Eventually, the ball did come, and the Ardenne-Chance delegation met in the regent’s rooms to get ready. Even though Diamond was a natural leader she let her mother take the lead. Her ladies, her little brother’s entourage, Gwen’s own ladies, and other various Ardeen, paid rapt attention as Gwen spoke. She and Isaac were at the center of the room, Gwen telling them who and who not to speak to and in what way, and Isaac just standing there in his little cream and diamond suit looking adorable. Isaac had been brought along to every important meeting and legislative drafting, Gwen thought that it was important for him to learn what it was like.

With the strategy meeting over, everyone put on their masks. Full face masks were the dress code, but everyone could tell they were from Ardenne-Chance. No one else would be wearing as many jewels.

Getting into the marble ballroom, Diamond was stunned and Isaac audibly gasped. Even though she had been in the ballroom before, it always stunned her. It was in excellent taste. Gold liveried servants glided around holding trays of crystal glasses full of golden wine and the band played on a circular stage in the middle of the bright place. The high ceiling was covered in skylights, letting in silver moonlight that contrasted nicely with all of the gold.

Diamond had already arranged everything, within her mother’s guidelines of course. From the last masquerade, she knew the routine. Plenty of flirty buoyed by plenty of alcohol. Everyone drinking and dancing. Diamond had pre-scheduled her dances, as was the custom, but she had arranged it so they carried her further and further away from her friends and family. Her dances also allowed her to scan the entire ballroom, looking for a golden eagle mask or deep blue coat. When her dances were running out, she had scheduled 15 in advance, Diamond started getting worried. The count she was dancing with was sweet, but she wasn’t looking for a sweet man, she was looking for her lover.

The end of her dances came up and Diamond was left with tears forming in her eyes on the edge of the dance floor. She could see Prudent on the other end of the ballroom and Diamond had just started walking toward her when someone tapped her shoulder. Before she turned around Diamond prepared an appropriate response, tapping a Grand Countess on the shoulder was an odd gesture of impotence and Diamond was kind of scared. But when she turned around, Diamond’s heart melted. She should have known who would be so bold as to tap her on the shoulder.

From the ground up she was wearing a modern light blue gown, royal blue coat with gold buttons, and an elegant tapered gold mask with golden feathers. For the first time in her life Diamond was speechless and it seems like her lover was as well. Diamond didn’t consider herself especially attractive, especially with the mask, but her lover seemed blinded by beauty.

“May-,” her lover paused as her breath hitched, “May I have the next dance, your grace?”

Unlike the confident passion of her letter in real life, her lover seemed nervous. They didn’t dance on the main floor, instead, they danced off of the floor and out of the ballroom. They didn’t speak while they were walking, only the retreating sounds of the ball and their own footsteps. Diamond was aching to rip off her lover’s mask and finally see the face of her beloved, but she was patient. Instead, she let her lover lead her down narrow halls and a few of what she assumed were secret passages. There was no time to ask where they were going, Diamond just had to trust her lover.

Eventually, they got to a small balcony overlooking the city. Unlike in Ardenne-Chance, where the mountains seemed dark and haunting, in the empire, the lights of the city were clustered close together. Lantern bearers were comets streaking across the city and clubs were stars, sparkling in the darkness. Her lover leaned over the railing and when Diamond leaned in close her lover put her arm across her shoulder. The warmth of her coat was intoxicating, Diamond smiled and looked upon the golden mask.

“Thank you for coming, my love, I know that the journey must have been tedious and you have no great love for the empire,” Diamond looked away from her lover’s shining brown eyes. Her mother still blamed the stress of the empire for driving her father into an early grave, but while Diamond was sad about her father’s passing and the situation she found herself in, she was quite neutral on the empire. Their armies were brutal, yes, and their emperor was cruel and callous, but no one can deny their conquered territories prospered after their rule.

“I would go anywhere, and do anything for you.” Diamond blushed as she took off her mask. Her face was a picture of love and devotion.

Her lover took her hands into hers and faced her, “No, my jewel, it is I who will do everything for you.”

The gentlewoman reached up to her mask, Diamond’s heart jumped, but when she took it off it was Diamond’s turn to audibly gasp. Brown eyes that glittered with heat and passion, and an expression like melted ice. Even though the woman before her looked thousands more cheerful and lovely Diamond still recognized her.

“But you are the imperial princess,” Diamond stammered, “You are to be empress.”

“Yes,” Princess Jordan said, her voice melting, “And you are to be my queen.”

Without warning, Jordan kissed her, a soft touch of lips so vulnerable and tender. It was more of a question than an assertion “Do you still love me?” the kiss asked Diamond. And Diamond said yes, she leaned into the kiss and let herself melt into Jordan. Their love was already forbidden, did it really matter how forbidden? Diamond had already learned how to ignore the world, it didn’t matter who Jordan was. All it mattered was that she loved her.

Lol, I love Friday Night Frights. I can never think of prompts, and this one was really good. Have an amazing weekend you guys (I know it's Saturday now, sorry I was tired last night). 😊😊😊

@promptsforthestrugglingauthor

#friday night frights #fnf #amwriting #short story #short fiction #fantasy #writing #writers #original writing #writers on tumblr #creative writing #my writing #kingdom #high fiction #high fantasy #wlw #wlw positivity

12 notes · View notes

nazyalenskyism · 4 years ago

Text

Share This Dance

Summary: A last dance between a general and her king. A/N: A late day 14 of @spookywafflesandkruge ‘s Soft/Angstober prompt list using ‘dance’ and ‘cry’! I enjoyed writing this one and I hope you like reading it! <3 As always any feedback is appreciated! Ao3: Share This Dance

“Thanks,” Zoya mumbled, taking a glass from a passing serve hoping that maybe this drink would be enough to help ease the pain. It probably wouldn’t, but that wouldn’t stop her from trying. Across the room, she saw Genya, with David at her side entertaining a group of guests, Tamar and Nadia flirting in a corner, and Tolya stationed a slight distance away from the stage at the front of the room. And then there, in the middle of the dance floor, Nikolai spun his new fiancé around in their first dance as an engaged couple. Zoya refused to let herself turn away. This was a reality. She was the one who had pushed and pushed for this exact result, she didn’t get to feel wary about it now. Her king, her country, her people, this decision was what was best for them all.

She wondered if she could leave yet. Maybe she could excuse herself, saying she was unwell, falling asleep until this nonsense was over. But she was commander of the Second Army, a member of the King’s Grisha Triumvirate, a high ranking general, and a woman who would be murdered by Genya Safin if she even thought about leaving less than an hour into the festivities. As if sensing her traitorous thoughts, Genya’s eyes found hers, and she could see the warning in them, ‘if you leave…’ she didn’t want to finish the thought. Giving Genya a small nod, she continued to scan the dance floor, looking for a distraction as the music ended, when he looked right at her. He held her gaze for a moment, and for that second, Zoya thought she saw something flicker in his eyes. Something. Nothing. But sooner than she could think on it, he turned, offering a hand to Genya and pulling her onto the floor for the next dance. Zoya took the opportunity to leave her comfortable corner and stand with David, as she knew Genya would want her to do. She spent the entirety of the next song chatting with the Duke of somewhere and the Duchess of elsewhere, grateful for all the times Nikolai had dragged her along to his meetings with nobles. She had been standing in for the role that Nikolai had now filled, a wife, a queen, who would help with that, and in all other aspects of his life too. The foolish part of her mourned that time now lost as she sat alone in her chambers, finishing her work in a tired silence without the companionship of the last three years to make it bearable.

The last few notes of the quick tempoed song ended with a flourish as she assumed people clapped at Genya and Nikolai’s enthusiastic performance, the two best dancers in the palace were also the two biggest show offs. Zoya’s conversation partners hurried off as whispers spread of the next song after the break being a classic for the Lantsov’s parties. Surrounded by Ravkan’s in all their finery, she felt the stone tumbling down the well of loss inside her, they all left her. They always left her. She was as alone as she had always been. ***

As Genya scurried off with David in tow. Nikolai took a second to catch his breath, Genya could give him a run for his money with her dancing. Her last words before she pulled away replayed in his mind, ‘I can see the way your eyes follow her.’ He’d brushed it off in the moment, but the more he thought about it now, the more discomforted he felt. She had been able to see something within him that he would never be able to acknowledge again.

Whispers filled the air about the next song that would be playing. Nikolai had chosen it to be the third dance of the night, it was nearly twice as long as the standard song, and it carried a significance he couldn’t afford to put into words. Her eyes were closed when he approached, as if she was trying to pause time to take a single breath. Under the brightness of the chandeliers and moonlight she looked like a lonesome saint, in her sapphire blue of her elegant gown she shone in a manner that would put the vault of Lantsov jewels to shame.

“Commander Nazyalensky,” her eyes flew open, and he thought he saw a spark of anger following her initial confusion. Was she mad at him? Or had he imagined it? Perhaps she was simply irritated that he’d interrupted her quiet. “Commander Nazyalensky, would you do me the honour of sharing this dance with me?” Zoya’s eyes darted to his extended hand, the slight inclination of his head. Her fingers shook near imperceptibly as she slipped her hand into his gloved one and he led her to the dance floor. She carefully placed her hand on his shoulder in textbook position, making sure there was a solid distance between them.

“Speak, Nazyalensky. If you keep scowling at me like that, people may think you don’t like me.”

She rolled her eyes, her posture relaxing slowly as the music began to play. “I don’t like you.”

“Three years working together and you can’t praise even one of my many good qualities?”

“What’s there to praise?” she scoffed, “ even if there was, I couldn’t risk your ego getting any bigger.”

Nikolai felt himself smile as they swayed across the dance floor, the distance between them slowly getting smaller. Something had changed in the past few weeks. He’d been busy with Ehri and planning for the ball in addition to his usual work, anything to take his mind off of a certain raven-haired storm. Since that night in the fold, he felt like they’d toed a line, but that they hadn’t been able to cross over to either side, so now here they stood, with no choice but to stay faltering in the middle or be torn to either side. She had been perfectly civil in meetings and when they had joint tasks, but he missed having her there in the mornings when he woke up, in the evening when they worked as a team, at night when she locked him away. She’d insisted that none of it was necessary anymore, and she’d been right, they both knew it, but it didn’t ease the heart of the boy who longed for his companion.

“So,” Nikolai began, shaking out of his reprieve as the music began to pick up.

“So…?”

“Did you know that this song was composed for the very first Lantsov King by Sankt Grigori? It was meant to be the Saints’ gift to the new king.” Zoya nodded, and he paused to spin her, trying to ignore the way his heart lurched when her hand braced on his chest before settling back on his shoulder. “It’s supposed to be a welcome to the new king, a piece reminding him about loss but also a hopeful future.”

Zoya hesitated, “so you chose it to make a statement? To celebrate your new engagement, and to usher in a brighter future?” She felt that same jolt of pain she’d felt when Nikolai had announced his engagement. She had no right to feel anything at that. He was not hers, he had done nothing to indicate that he had ever wanted to be hers— and even if he had, they both knew that it would never be possible. But as much as she tried to rationalize it, it still stung. She had always wanted to know if someone like Nikolai could love her— and now she realized, as the moonlight lit up his intelligent eyes, she’d also wanted to know if someone like Nikolai would.

Was it the ridiculous emotions bubbling inside of her, or was he drawing her closer? “Lantsov.”

“Nazyalensky?”

“What are you doing? Don’t think I won’t step on your foot for your impropriety.”

“I have no doubt that you would,” he smiled, but she could sense a hint of wistfulness in his gaze as he drew her in closer yet, still a socially acceptable distance but much closer than she’d been earlier. “I just wanted to enjoy this moment,” he whispered slowly, not meeting her eyes. “I thought you might appreciate the meaning behind the song. When I was revisiting it’s history I thought of you.”

Her eyebrows furrowed, “you thought of me? Why, because I’m a hopeful future? For what? Ravka, as it’s ‘protector?’” She was truly confused, what was he going on about?

“Each Lantsov king interprets it differently.” Nikolai drew in her for one final spin as the last notes of the song played out, and she felt his lips brush her ear as he guided her past him. “It’s a song of loss, of what could have been, the hope of a future that we may never see, to me.”

She felt her feet stumble at his words. She tried to meet his eyes as the song ended, demanding an answer but before she knew it he was pulling away, bowing slightly before kissing a chaste kiss to her hand. He turned, marching back to Tolya while she blindly made her way over to Genya’s side, dumbfounded.

She was itching to go to the library, she needed to read about the song, but she still couldn’t leave, not with Genya glowing with pride at her creation. She suffered through hours more of the ball, entertaining dignitaries while watching Nikolai’s gilded hair rounding the dancefloor from the corner of her eye. When the festivities were finally over and the king had left, she broke away to the library, needing to know what that idiot had been prattling on about. Only when she was back in her chambers did she open the book. There, under the passage about the different interpretations of the song was a sentence underlined in black ink, leading to a note carefully calligraphed in the margins. She recognized the writing, she saw it daily. She recoiled as she read the words, sinking back against the door. The words were what he’d said to her before the Saints had taken them.

“This is the part where the king of Ravka surrenders himself, and the love we never had lives on in ballads and song.”

Zoya let out a hiss as she felt anger and pain build behind her eyes, blurring her vision. She had wondered, wanted to know if someone like Nikolai could love her, would love her. But the problem was, someone like Nikolai would never be Nikolai.

#zoyalai fic #zoya nazyalensky #nikolai lantsov #kos #kos fic #tgt #tgt fic #king of scars #zoyalai

24 notes · View notes

contrabandhothead · 5 years ago

Note

Hello! Could I get a Ship? I'm 5'8, Brunette with big blue eyes and I'm very pale. I'm athletic but also kinda curvy. I adore cuddling lol. I'm a very shy and quiet person at first but open up once you get to know me. I'm kinda the Mom of my friend group. I'm a good listener and will help you with any of your problems the best I can. Lowkey not good with showing emotion lmao. I also love Art and History. :))))

Floyd Talbert

by god is this an iconic ship-

THE CHEMISTRY-

i’m sorry but i just thought of something and now it’s canon... Floyd totally calls you sapphire i’m so sorry he’s so cheesy

IF YOU’VE EVER SEEN THAT SCENE IN ARISTOCATS WHERE THOMAS O’MALLEY SAYS TO DUCHESS “boy, your eyes are like sapphires” YOU’D UNDERSTAND WHERE I’M COMING FROM BECAUSE THAT IS LITERALLY FLOYD @ YOU

a n y w a y s

floyd thinks you’re really pretty

like i’m talking like you could literally barely glance at this man and he’d be swooning

it’s kind of comedic at this point how whipped he is for you

once he stared into your eyes for a few minutes.... he thought he was being romantic by admiring your eyes, you thought he was being a creep, so you threw water at him

it’s what he deserves

he likes how curvy you are too

it literally wouldn’t matter what body type you have anyways, if Floyd thinks a girl’s beautiful then she’s beautiful

he doesn’t mind how shy or quiet you can be, he can carry enough conversation for two people by himself

it’s a very good thing that you enjoy cuddling because Floyd needs to touch you like ALL THE FREAKING TIME

it’s getting ridiculous

hand holding, arm around the waist, spooning, etc

he likes to be the big spoon because he likes to bury his face in your neck

Floyd likes it when you becoming more talkative around him, it makes him feel special and like there’s a side of you he gets to see that no one else can

Floyd likes that you’re a good listener because he knows that you’ll always be there for him when he needs to rant, but sometimes he worries and wishes you would vent to him as much as he does to you

your relationship with Floyd isn’t all peaches and cream though

Floyd wears his emotions on his sleeve, while you tend to bottle up/conceal yours more

he gets frustrated that he doesn’t know what your feeling or if he’s doing something wrong in the relationship, and that is the primary cause of most of your arguments

nevertheless, you and Floyd always make up at the end of the day

Floyd will never go to bed with an angry s/o and that’s on periodt.

Floyd likes taking you to art and history museums because he loves to see how your face lights up when you step into the exhibit

he literally hates museums but he’ll never tell you that because he enjoys them when you’re there

he’ll also always hype up your art too

how you two met

you were apart of Easy Co., and naturally, being the only woman in the paratroopers, you were a prime target for random men to flirt with

and it drove you nuts

Floyd Talbert was one of the worst though

every single day, he came up with a new shitty pickup line, and by god were they awful

if the man told you you were the cat’s meow one more goddamn time...

it wasn’t the worst thing you had to endure at Camp Toccoa

Floyd was more of an annoying gnat buzzing too close to your head that you just couldn’t seem to swat away

Floyd on the other hand, was confused at to why you weren’t reciprocating his advances

he was so hell bent on getting you to like him, he thought you were amazing

besides, couldn’t you tell that he was interested in you?

well, Luz informed him that maybe you weren’t aware because he flirted with literally anything that walked

after Luz whipped him into shape, he started being more helpful and polite to you

always holding open doors for you, making sure no guy was being too mean, always inviting you to sit next to him during lunch, etc.

you were confused as hell the first couple weeks, until you realized that this was his way of getting you to realize he liked you

however, you weren’t gonna make it easy for him, and neither were Luz and Perconte

they were basically your gremlin children, and you were their mom

they made it so hard for Luz to get close to you, even physically

they’d always purposefully sit next to you, always joked about dating you, etc.

and ngl.... Floyd was getting a little jealous

so jealous, in fact, that he started planning a massive plan to ask you out

one day, as you walked into the barracks to find your missing PT shorts, you caught Talbert stowing away chocolates and a historical novel underneath his bed

Floyd jumped, clearly startled as you began to talk, “ya know, you could just be normal and ask me out.”

Floyd rose to his feet, briskly walking towards you

“Is that an invitation?”

I’m so so so sorry this took so long! I hope you enjoyed this, I had a little too much fun writing it. Anyways, have a lovely week! 💕

~ Ky

#floyd talbert #floyd talbert headcanons #band of brothers #band of brothers ships

5 notes · View notes

madamebaggio · 6 years ago

Photo

Chapter 4

“It’s awfully kind of you to walk us, Ser Davos.” Lucy smiled at the man, who had actually offered his arm to the girl.

Edmund rolled his eyes, while Peter hid a grin. Trust Lucy to charm their jailers in under four minutes and make him feel he was being nice for escorting them when it was his job.

Susan might be the diplomat of the family, but Lucy was naturally trustworthy and people just flocked to her.

“I am worried about Susan.” Edmund admitted from his right.

“King Jon will treat your sister with nothing but the utmost respect, Lord Edmund.” Brienne informed him earnestly.

“Believe me when I say, lady Brienne, that I do not wish to say I don’t believe in you.” Peter replied honestly. “However, I am the eldest brother of two beautiful sisters. I don’t like when they’re with men that I don’t know and trust.”

Brienne nodded like his answer made perfect sense for her. Of course, she didn’t know that Peter wasn’t just being overly cautious. He was still suffering with the regret of all the events that led to Susan’s kidnapping, not long ago. So was Edmund, for that matter.

“Don’t worry, lad.” Tormund, the redheaded brute, called. “Snow might as well not have a pecker anymore, since he doesn’t use it.”

“Tormund!” Davos bristled. “We have a lady present.”

“Beg your pardon, little lady.” The burly man said directly to Lucy, but he didn’t look repentant.

“He gets too close to my sisters he really won’t have a pecker anymore.” Peter grumbled.

“Peter!” Lucy chided. “He’s our host, and this isn’t polite.”

“You’ve been learning from Sue, Lucy.” Edmund grinned. “The haughty tone is exactly the same.”

The youngest Pevensie showed her tongue to her brother.

Ser Davos had a bemused look on his face as he looked at the siblings, but he once again became serious when they came to the solar.

Peter entered first and found Susan standing there. She had that look on her face, one that he knew meant she’d been taking them all to school, showing how much of a Queen she was. Peter was always amused to see her putting people in their place, he just wasn’t sure it was an appropriate thing right now.

“Susan.” He stepped close to her, his hand going to her back. “Are you alright?”

“The King has been nothing but courteous, brother.” She smiled kindly at him, and Peter knew she was being sarcastic.

He gave the other man a look. “Your Majesty.” He nodded.

“Actually, it’s ‘Your Grace’.” Susan informed him.

Peter arched a brow at his sister, but turned to the man again, this time bowing. “Your Grace.”

The King took the four siblings standing in front of him. “Would you introduce me to your siblings, my Lady?” He asked of Susan.

“Should I spare you a lot of time, or would you like to hear their titles as well, my King?” She said with that frosty politeness.

He heard Edmund turning a snicker into a cough, but the King never replied, he just arched a very expressive eyebrow.

“This is my youngest sister, Queen Lucy, the Valiant, Duchess of Ferny Hills, Healer of Wounds and Dame of the Most Noble Order of the Lion.” She indicated Lucy, who curtsied prettily and smiled.

“This is my younger brother, King Edmund the Just, Duke of Lantern Waste, Count of the Western March and Knight of the Noble Order of the Lion.” She put her hand on Edmund’s shoulder, who had stopped by her left.

“And this is the eldest of us.” She nodded towards Peter. “High King Peter the Magnificent, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion.”

“Aslan also calls him Sir Wolf’s Bane.” Lucy offered.

That gave them all pause, and Susan sighed. “Lucy, their sigil is a wolf.” She pointed at the obvious banner behind the King. “That wasn’t assuring.”

Lucy looked properly embarrassed. “I am so sorry, Your Grace.” She hurried to say. “That was awfully tasteless of me.”

Susan sighed once again. “These are my siblings, Your Grace.” She finished, and Peter almost smiled at her disgruntlement.

The King finally chose to rise to his feet. “I am King Jon Targaryen.” He informed them. “I don’t have so many creative titles, unless I decide to use the old ones.”

“We can always go back to calling you Lord Crow.” Tormund offered from behind the siblings.

The King ignored the big man. “Welcome to Winterfell.”

“It is an honor to be here, Your Grace.” Peter offered. “Has my sister explained what happened?”

The King nodded. “About other worlds and Spring.”

“And how we aren’t married.” Susan offered to Peter.

“Married?” Lucy repeated shocked. “But we’re siblings!”

“Apparently it isn’t much of an impediment here.” Susan commented.

The King gave her a look, like it wasn’t the first time she’d been a bit insolent in his presence, which surprised Peter, because normally Susan was beyond courteous. Still, this was his sister, and no one would look at her like that.

Peter took a step forward, putting himself between the King and Susan. “Did you come to an understanding with my sister, Your Grace?”

“She offered your services.” The King informed him.

“Have you accepted it?”

The King nodded. “We’re waiting for my Maester, so you may know the people that run Winterfell.”

They waited in a tense silence for two minutes, Peter never daring to take his eyes off the King, until the door opened and a fat man with pink cheeks and a woman came in.

“Sam, come here.” The King called the man. “This is Sam Tarly, he is our Maester. His wife Gilly is my cousin’s handmaiden.” The King said.

The Pevensie siblings curtsied to both.

“Ser Davos is the Master-At-Arms of Winterfell.” He indicated the older woman. “Lady Brienne is part of the personal guard of my cousin. Tormund is the representative of the Free Folk in the North.” The redheaded man grunted his agreement.

The King turned to the two women behind them and they came closer. Peter had kept his eyes on the man the whole time, so this was the first time he actually paid attention to them.

He wasn’t sure how he had missed the redhead at first, but Lucy would probably say it was because he was an idiot.

He’d never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Her hair was like a river of fire and her eyes were two sapphires. He was pretty sure he was staring.

“These are my cousins.” The King informed them. “Lady Sansa is my Hand, and Lady Arya, my Captain of the Guards.” He indicated first the redhead, then the brunette.

The siblings once again bowed in respect.

“So you’re married to which one?” Lucy asked cheerfully.

Jon looked at her, like he wasn’t sure if she was making a serious question or being sarcastic. “Neither.”

“Oh.” She looked confused for a minute. “But I thought you married your siblings here, so marrying your cousins must be pretty normal too.”

“Lucy!” Susan called appalled.

The younger girl blushed deeply. “I am sorry!”

Tormund was guffawing. “I like the little lass.” He declared.

“Who are they?” Susan pointed at the two people who’d been on the back of the room in silence.

The King looked like he’d just remembered about them. “This is my cousin, Bran Stark, and Lady Meera Reed.” He informed them simply.

It didn’t explain anything, much less the vacant look in the boy’s eyes. Was he sick? Did the family hide him away, for some reason? He didn’t even look at them as he was introduced; Meera was the who did, and she just gave them a quiet nod.

However, if Peter was honest he didn’t understand any of those titles, though he could deduce some of them. But what was a Hand of a King?

“Lady Sansa will get you rooms for tonight.” The King informed them. “Tomorrow we’ll make better arrangements. I would like to see you all at the training grounds early in the morning, so we can access how your abilities might help us. Later Maester Tarly can appraise you to the situation in the North.”

They all nodded. It was a bit more than they had expected.

“Your Grace…” Lucy took a step forward. “I do not wish to abuse your generosity, but what of our weapons?”

“No weapons until I know I can trust you.” The King replied immediately.

“This is a fair assessment, Your Grace.” Lucy started again. “But I have just one thing to ask of you. Those weapons are precious to us, very much so. They kept us safe and were a special gift from someone. Keep that in mind when you keep them.”

Jon studied Lucy for a minute, before nodding. “This is acceptable, my Lady.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Lucy bowed perfectly, a smile on her face.

“I shall take you to your rooms now.” Lady Sansa declared. Even her voice was pretty. “At this time we only have two chambers available. We have many lords staying at Winterfell now, so we’re lucky to have these two.”

“We can share.” Edmund assured her. “We shared a lot of tents during battles.”

“I am staying with Sue, because both of you snore.” Lucy hurried to say.

“We do not!” The brothers protested at the same time.

Lady Sansa looked amused by the display. “Follow me.”

The four siblings curtsied to the King one last time before following the redhead. They saw that Lady Arya and Brienne were following them, obviously guarding the woman.

Peter was trying to stop looking at her, but it was impossible. She was immensely gracious, a true lady. Sure, he’d seen other woman that were gracious –Susan was a perfect lady –but, Sansa had something different, steel beneath the velvet of her skin, strength hidden under…

Susan elbowed his middle and gave him a look. He was caught.

Sansa stopped in front of one of the doors. “Here is one room.”

“Go on, Sue and Lucy.” Peter told them gently. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” He dropped a kiss to each of their foreheads and watched as they entered the room and closed the door.

A guard was posted there, and lady Brienne whispered some order to him.

“Follow me.” Sansa said to Peter and Edmund.

They didn’t have to walk much until they were standing next to another door. “Thank you, my lady.” Peter told her.

She just nodded at him. “I’ll see you tomorrow. You should rest.”

“We will. Sweet dreams.” Peter bowed to her.

She arched a brow, but just nodded at them as they entered the room.

Once the door closed behind them Edmund snickered. “So suave…”

Notes: Someone is halfway in love already, and someone else is going to be a bit more stubborn about it... hahahaha

And I had a lot of fun coming up with more imaginary titles for the Kings and Queens of Narnia... hahahah

Let me know your feelings!

#madame baggio #fanfiction #CrossOver #Crossover Pairings #game of thrones #The Chronicles of Narnia #jon snow #Sansa Stark #Arya Stark #bran stark #susan pevensie #lucy pevensie #peter pevensie #edmund pevensie #OOC #jon snow x susan pevensie #peter pevensie x sansa stark #gifs not mine #the spring that thaws winter

42 notes · View notes

alj4890 · 6 years ago

Text

Sappy Prompt

(Thomas x Amanda) with the prompt: Can I touch you? Requested by @alleksa16

(Thomas x Amanda) A Choices Red Carpet Diaries and The Royal Romance Fan Fiction. Taken from the storyline of And Then I Met You.

@walkerinfolkvangr @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment @fullbeaumonty @cocomaxley @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @krsnlove @annekebbphotography @gibbles82 @bella-ca @hopelessromantic1352 @pixieferry

No Touching

Amanda turned to check all sides of her formal St Orella's court dress. The royal blue color caused her pale skin to glow and rosy cheeks to appear. Her dark hair was swept up in a formal bun while the St. Orella’s duchess tiara of blue diamonds and sapphires sat upon her head. She began to pull on her crisp white elbow length gloves while calling out to Thomas.

"Are you ready yet? We need to be leaving soon if we don't wish to be hounded by the press." She straightened her gloves and was trying to put her sapphire bracelet on. Thomas came out in his tuxedo shirt and pants. The royal blue regalia ribbon showed brightly against his white shirt. He straightened the white bow tie while searching for his black jacket.

He stopped mid step when he saw Amanda. She looked up at him and grinned. "What is it?"

His eyes took in her fairytale appearance. "You look like beautiful princess somehow brought to life from a page out of a storybook.."

She laughed and walked over to him. Her full skirts rustled with the many slips and tulle underneath the floor length blue silk. She pinned the St Orella jeweled crest on the regalia ribbon before holding up his jacket for him. She smoothed the black material and made sure the crest was prominently displayed.

She took a step back and admired him. "You look very handsome." He moved closer to kiss her and she sashayed out of his path. His eyes widened in surprise.

"It took much too long to get all this on for the coronation." She eyed him for a heated moment. "No touching until after we return."

He picked up his white gloves and slipped them on. "No touching?" His dark eyes seemed to glow with mischief.

She nodded slowly. "You may take my hand to help me out of the carriage and offer your arm to escort me, but that is all. With all of the nation watching Liam crowned King, I want to appear at my best with you. This is our first representation of St. Orella and I do not want to let our people down by my hair falling or mussed clothing."

Thomas' gaze remained on her. Amanda's suspicion grew the longer he was silent. "Thomas, what are you planning?"

The curve of his lips caused her heart to flip. "I was merely thinking of other ways to touch you."

Her cheeks flared with color. She briefly closed her eyes. "This wasn't meant as a challenge."

He nodded as he offered his arm to her. "Shall we?"

Knowing she was in for more than the tediously long ceremony, she reluctantly took his arm. "Please behave." She whispered as they walked down the grand staircase of the palace. She nodded and smiled at some of the nobles that were milling about in full court attire.

He looked down at her and gave her the smile that precipitated a day of sweeping her off her feet. She heaved a resigned sigh and stepped out to the waiting carriages. He handed her up into one and waited patiently while she fought her dress and sat down. He climbed in beside her and looked out the window.

"Do all the nobles ride in carriages to the cathedral?" He asked as he noticed some town cars were parked out front.

"No. Only those with the highest titles. Members of the royal family and their dukes and duchesses adhere to this tradition from centuries ago." She smiled and slipped her gloved hand in his. "I'm very glad you are here with me."

His sharp gaze landed on her lips. He watched as they parted slightly and he leaned in close. His eyes met hers. "I'm very glad to be here with you."

She gasped as he leaned even closer, to only then move back to his original posture. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at his profile. "Thomas."

"Yes?"

She opened her mouth to only shut it when crowds of people lining the streets began to cheer and wave small Cordonian flags. She smiled at a group of children waving excitedly at her. She raised her hand and waved with enthusiasm to them. She sat back once they passed and noticed Thomas watching her with a soft smile.

She reached over and gently squeezed his hand. His eyebrow quirked at her. "I see that you are allowed to touch me."

Her eyes swept over him. "There is something I love about you in a tuxedo." She placed her gloved hand on his thigh. She trailed her fingertips up, feeling the muscle tense in anticipation. She removed her hand before going any higher and turned to look out the window.

"Amanda." He said in a strangled voice. "That was--"

"What you had planned for me? Or perhaps the equalivent of?" She turned back to tease him, only to find his face lowered near hers. She could feel each exhale he released on her lips. The smell of his aftershave drew her closer. She licked her dry lips and lifted her eyes to his. A seductive smile curved her lips. He leaned closer to only have her switch to the opposite seat.

His surprise was quickly followed by a scowl. "Amanda." His voice dripped with warning. "You are playing a dangerous game."

"Perhaps I am." She held his heated gaze as she spoke. "Perhaps, I am simply leveling the playing field."

His lips curved in anticipation. "Are we opponents now?"

She slowly nodded.

When the carriage stopped at the cathedral, Thomas stepped down and held his hand to her. Before she could climb down, he slipped his arm around her waist and caused her to slide down his body. Their eyes lowered to the other's lips. She stepped back and shook her skirt out. He offered his arm and covered her hand with his. With practiced smiles, they walked past photographers and entered into the sanctuary.

They were led to a set of pews on the left side of the dias. Maxwell and Nadia waved to them from the right side where they sat beside Bertrand. Thomas leaned over as if to draw her attention to others nodding toward them. "Are you going to behave in church or shall we continue this?"

Her face turned to his. Their lips only a couple of inches from each other. She brushed a piece of lint from his jacket, near his ribs, and smiled at his slight jolt. "I think that is your answer."

His smile held a slight edge as he whispered in her ear. Her cheeks turned rosy as he began to describe each and every action he planned on taking as soon as he had her back in their room. She closed her eyes briefly when his low voice washed over her. "I will write poems on your skin with my lips."

She opened her eyes and let out a startled oh when someone touched her shoulder. She smiled and greeted Olivia and Rashad as they sat behind her. Before she could counter his verbal seduction, the ceremony commenced.

Altar boys walked forth with candles while a choir sang. The haunting music caused the pair to pause and become serious. Liam, in full regalia, walked forward somehow exhibiting both confidence and humbleness at becoming King. His blue eyes glowed when he passed by the suitor from New York.

Once he reached the dias, he knelt down as the Archbishop began the prayers and blessings upon Liam and his reign over Cordonia. Amanda struggled with tears of pride at seeing her oldest friend become the man they all believed he could be. The country could not have a better set of shoulders to lean on.

Thomas slipped his hand in hers for comfort when he noticed her dabbing her eyes. She glanced at him and smiled at his sweet gesture. His thumb caressed her knuckles as they turned their attention back to Liam.

The crowning of the new king took nearly three hours. As Liam stood before the congregation at the end, wearing the crown that held the very history of Cordonia, a hush fell over everyone as he spoke. The sincerity of his vows to do his utmost to be the ruler they needed was felt by everyone listening. He bowed his head in thanks before he descended the platform and walked up the aisle.

Thomas stood when Amanda did. She paused at the end of the pew as others filed past. He leaned down toward her ear. "Can I touch you now?" She looked at him over her shoulder and shook her head.

He straightened and let his eyes stray down her curves. She stepped out and waited to take his arm. She saw where his eyes were and cleared her throat. He chuckled at her raised eyebrow. He looked around the sanctuary and it's gothic motif. She noticed his attention elsewhere and squeezed his arm.

"If our marriage had occurred at a more normal pace, this is most likely where our wedding would be held. The King, well King Father, has always encouraged nobles to marry here so that the citizens of Cordonia can feel a part of the festivities."

"Is this what you would have wanted?" He asked, thinking it did not fit with what he had learned of her.

"No. I would have either have wanted a very small wedding at the chapel in St. Orella or eloped. My nerves could never handle being paraded before everyone."

"Is that why you did not want to be a suitor for Liam?" He asked as they walked slowly down the aisle.

"A small piece of it, I suppose. Mostly it was because I knew I wasn't in love with him." Her face sobered. "You see I met this man in California and he stole little pieces of my heart each day. I certainly couldn't marry one of my best friends while being so in love with my director."

Thomas pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He didn't care if they became mussed or pictures were taken (which one lone photographer caught the only picture of them kissing in the middle of the main aisle). Thomas only knew that he had to kiss her at that very moment. He had been barely hanging on by a thread since they began their teasing. To hear her words, well he gave up resisting.

She smiled when he lifted his lips. Her voice, low with passion, ruffled his senses. "We better hurry if we want time to change out of these clothes."

He quickly escorted her outside and all but picked her up to be placed in the carriage.

Olivia and Rashad stood openmouthed at their rush. Drake walked up behind them. "What's going on with the Hunt's?"

"Don't know." Olivia said as she watched the carriage return to the palace.

Rashad checked his watch. "We still have two hours before the luncheon."

"Maybe they are really hungry." Maxwell offered as he and Nadia joined them.

Nadia's eyes twinkled with mischief and of one being in the know. "You could say that."

#choices trr #choices rcd #choices red carpet diaries #choices the royal romance #choices thomas hunt #thomas hunt x oc #thomas hunt #thomas x amanda #trr liam #trr maxwell #maxwell x nadia #trr olivia #trr drake #trr rashad

29 notes · View notes

willandkatealways · 6 years ago

Text

Taken

A/N This is a different kind of Will and Kate fanfic I hope y'all like it.

Kate opened her eyes in the darkness, she had to be strong if she was going to get out of this mess. She knew they would kill her but would wait for the right time so she had to believe there was time. It looked like a warehouse of some kind. Her heart broke for her family. William would be heartbroken and she couldn't bear to think of the children. How long would it be before they killed her?

5 hours earlier

William woke up with Kate curled into him, they both had busy schedules today but these quiet moments made it worth it.

"Good morning sweetheart." He heard her soft whisper.

"Another busy day, should be done by the time the kids are out of school." Will said covering her face with kisses.

Kate sighed as she heard Charlotte running in, "Maybe to tonight." She whispered, "Lottie what have we said about knocking sweetheart?"

"I have to knock and wait to be invited in. But this was important mummy!" Charlotte exclaimed climbing onto the bed.

William chuckled, "Well what is the emergency?" He said tussling her bedhead.

"I'm hungry!" She said rubbing her tummy.

Kate smiled, "Well that is emergency! Are your brothers awake?"

Charlotte giggled as her daddy swung her into his arms, "George is playing in his room and Louis is talking to himself. He's silly."

William heard Maria calling for Charlotte, "Maria shes in here!"

Maria helped with the kids as Kate fixed a quick breakfast, she knew people would be shocked to know that she fixed her children breakfast and fixed lunches.

"You are visiting the children's hospital today correct?" Kate nodded at William as she spooned oatmeal to give Louis.

Maria was faking the children to school this morning so Kate made sure to get hugs and kisses before her team would be here to get her ready. "I love you both! Have fun today and learn lots!"

William finished feeding Louis while Kate got ready. "Just you and me kid." Louis was such a happy baby, he rarely fussed unless he had a dirty diaper but William felt that showed good sense. "Mummy is planning your first birthday, you will get cake and maybe a few presents."

He looked up when Kate walked in, she was wearing a blue overcoat with black heels and a matching hat band. "Louis isn't mummy beautiful?"

Louis looked at her and smiled his baby grin, "mamama"

Kate smiled, "thank you my handsome boys. I have to scoot but give me a kiss. I love you." She said kissing Louis head. She turned to William, "and I love you." She pressed her lips to William's, "I won't be late."

Present

William was outraged, his wife, his Kate had been taken. He would never forget the look on his protection officers face "Repeat." The man had said, his face pale and then those words, "Confirm the swan has been abducted."

William had lunged at the man, screaming at him, no matter that they were in an engagement. "Where is my wife? Where is she?"

And they hadn't known, they had taken him from the engagement and now he was on his way to Buckingham palace for his safety which he thought was crazy, they should be out finding her not worrying whether he stubbed his toe. "My children? Where are they?"

"They have been picked up and are on their way to the palace as well, they do not know."

William nodded and closed his eyes, where was she? Was she scared? If they hurt her, he trailed off he couldn't think that way.

He saw Charlotte talking a mile a minute in his father's lap, George was telling Harry about a spider at school. They were so blissfully unaware. He had to be to be strong for them, he looked around for Louis but didn't see him. "Where is Louis?" Fear clutched at him, what if he had been taken as well, then he saw Megan holding a smiling Louis, "Thank God" he murmured.

Charles forced a smile at his eldest son, "Glad you could join us son, Camillia why dont you take the children outside to play a spell?" He continued smiling as William hugged and kissed his children and ushered them out.

The second all three were out of earshot William exploded, "Where is she? I have to find her, I dont have time to sit around here!"

"Son, I know you are frustrated and upset but we have good men looking for her. You know you have to stay here." Charles tried to explain.

In his 36 years he had never come so close to hitting his father, "You cannot expect me to sit here! She needs me! She could be scared or hurt...or...no I will not lose her!" He felt Harry grab his arm and he shook it off. "Fine, if you won't help me, I will find her myself!"

He hadn't seen his grandmother and the Prime Minister walk in, "William please hear us out and then we will discuss the next steps."

Meanwhile, across town, "She is a pretty woman." The man named Rick ran his hand down her cheek, he took off the gag over mouth.

"What do you want?" She winced at how dry and sore her throat was, she had lost track of how long she had been in the dark warehouse.

"If we had time, a piece of you but we already sent your ring to the Prime Minister, do you think they know you are gone?" He seemed to enjoy taunting her, obviously he was the ringleader. So far she had counted only three men, they hadn't blind folded her, she knew they figured she would be dead before she could identify them.

Her wrists were raw from her trying to free them, "I know they know I am gone as do you." She had seen the news when they had showed her of William being led out of his engagement early, he had his public face on but she had seen the fear in his eyes.

"As soon as they give me what I want I will let you go." He said with a sneer.

"No you won't, you didn't blindfold me so you are planning to kill me. If and when you do, William will make sure you never breathe again." He grabbed her breast and she spat in his face. He slapped her and she tasted blood. She didn't react that's what they wanted.

She had to control her temper and figure out a way out of this mess.

William sat down as his grandmother did, then Teresa May handed him an envelope, "This was sent to me today, there is no way to know who it is from."

He gasped as he touched the ring, the blue sapphire sparkled, he clutched it as he opened the note.

"By now you know that we have the Duchess of Cambridge, give us what we want and she will not be harmed. Release Angus McCoy and she will be retuned. If not she dies."

"Who is Angus McCoy?" William asked, "Wait he was responsible for that bombing a few months back?" Teresa nodded.

William couldn't hear anymore, he didn't want to hear how England does not negotiate with terrorists.

He got up and began pacing, "Do you know where she is? It's been hours."

Elizabeth nodded, "Yes, we have been able to pinpoint her location. Catherine's phone has a GPS tracker, apparently they took it and turned it off but now it's been turned back on. This is most likely a trap but an MI-6 team will go in and see what they can do."

William shot up, "I am going with them Granny, you cannot keep me here!"

Charles started to argue but Elizabeth shook her head, "Very well but you will abide by these rules. You will go in capacity of the pilot, you will not leave that helicopter for any reason. You must remember that other lives are at stake. I have told Captain Simpson that he is in charge and if you do not stay or try to argue he has my permission to handcuff you to the helicopter."

He looked from his grandmother to his father, he had forgotten Harry and Megan were in the room. "I understand, let me say goodbye to the children and I will be ready."

As William went into the garden, Charles turned to his mother, "Are you sure about this? What if he is captured?"

"If something happens to her, he will never forgive himself, he is a grown man and I have a feeling he will do as he's been told. He doesn't have to actually rescue her, but he needs to feel hes done something. " Honestly she wondered if it was a wise decision but Philip had convinced her.

William stood a moment watching them play, he walked to where Louis was crawling on a blanket. Louis looked so much like Kate it took his breath away. Since Louis was only a baby he could be honest. "Sweet boy, mummy is in danger but I am going to get her back. We need her don't we? I just cannot do this alone. I love you pumpkin." He kissed his cheek and gave him a cuddle. "Georgie, Lottie come here please."

"Daddy has to go on a quick trip in the helicopter but I will be back as soon as I can. Be good and help Maria with Louis." He said hugging them both tight.

George looked around, "Where is mummy? She said she would be here when we got home from school."

William hated lying, but he didn't want George to worry. "She was delayed, but she sends her love and will be home soon."

Across town, Catherine lay her phone down, a while ago she had gotten her hands free. They had left her phone out, so she had turned it on knowing the GPS would work. She hoped it was on long enough to get help and then turned it back off. She hadn't dare try to call. She put her hands behind her back as she heard footsteps down the hall. Please God let someone find me, she prayed.

The chopper was ready, William met the team and jumped in the pilot seat. The coordinates showed a warehouse still inside London city limits.

Andrew Simpson watched him, he was there with two more teammates, not a large number but if there Intel was right it was all they needed. He hoped Catherine could hold her own and not go to pieces. "Your highness" he began but was cut off by "You are going to save my wife's life please call me Will."

"Very well, Will tell me about your children? Trust me, right now you are paralyzed in fear for your wife but trust me talking about your children helps." Andrew Simpson had been through similar situations in war.

William nodded and cleared his throat, "My little girl, Lottie, people always say there's a bond between fathers and daughters and I never knew how right they were until we had her. She is our little darling, but dont let her fool you mischievous is her middle name. She is a little mother to Louis, loves to see what he is up to and help Kate with him." He was surprised to feel himself relaxing. "Louis is my baby, he is the happiest boy in the world. He looks so much like Kate. George boy he is a scamp, he really keeps us on our toes has since he was born really tests the limits sometimes but you won't find a bigger heart." He became lost in thought thinking of them, of George bringing home baby animals he swore were lost or hurt and needed care.

As they got close, Captain Andrew Simpson asked him to stay and he nodded as he landed near the warehouse. He had a weapon and knew how to shoot. "If you have a gun give it to her, she is skilled at shooting."

He watched as the team ran towards the warehouse. It killed him to stay but he knew he would be more of a hindrance than a help. Please God she has to be okay.

Catherine heard the gunshots, she tried to get a low as she could. She prayed someone was coming. Rick grabbed her by the hair and yanked her back holding a gun to her head. "I will blow your brains out princess." He sneered.

There was a pop and he fell, she looked in horror as blood poured around him. "Your highness, I am Captain Andrew Simpson, let's get out of here. Will said you could shoot, please carry this. Anything happens keep running when you get outside you'll hear the chopper run to it."

Kate nodded and grabbed her phone, she didn't want it to fall into the wrong hands.

The chopper was in the parking lot next door and she saw with a gasp her husband sitting inside.

Will turned to look, he almost couldn't believe it, he jumped from the helicopter and ran to her, "Kate oh baby thank God you are okay!" He held her in his arms until he realized there was an audience and he needed to get her to safety.

When Catherine woke up she knew she was in the hospital, she heard the beeping from the machine next to her. She looked over and saw William on the phone. When he saw her he hung up, "Hey baby how are you? They are going to release you soon. You have been asleep over 48 hours."

While she had slept William had finally taken a moment to look at her, he saw the bruises on her face and her cut lip. Her wrists were raw and bloody, rage filled him. If the scum wasn't head he would kill him.

Now she was awake and kept watching him, "The children?" He smiled of course she was more concerned about them.

"George knows a bad man hurt you but that I and a team of soldiers rescued you. Charlotte knows you were hurt but okay. Louis is blissfully unaware of anything." Will had told the kids that morning when Pippa had come to stay with Kate.

Tears filled her eyes, "oh Billy I was so scared. I thought I would never see you and the children again." She cried clinging to him.

"I know sweetheart, I was scared too but you are safe now. I love you always." They held one another as dawn broke. The bruises would fade but together they could overcome anything.

A/N hope y'all liked it!

46 notes · View notes

satyrykal · 6 years ago

Text

Departure Chapter 2 - Back from Hiatus!

Title: Departure

Author: Satyrykal

Pairing: Natsu x Lucy

Genre: Romance/Fantasy

Rating: M

Spoiler Warning: Not in the canon-verse, but pays homage to ideas in the Alvarez arc.

Summary: Natsu has been by her side for years - her faithful guard and the man she was never supposed to fall in love with. Lucy is bound by duty and custom, promised to another - yearning for freedom outside the confines of her grandfather’s court. So when the drums of war throw the kingdom into disarray, they make their move – consequences be damned.

Read the story here, or preview the excerpt below!

Running Chapter Timeline:

1 - 2nd July, X494: Lucy 23, Natsu 25

2 - 2nd July, X484: Lucy 13, Natsu 15

CHAPTER 2 Excerpt – The Beginning

"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering." – Nicole Krauss, 2005

2nd July, X484

Once upon a time – not yours or mine – lived a girl spun from stars and sunshine.

This is her story.

The sun beat down from overhead as she raced across the field, wind pulling her hair free from its braid in strands of gold. Meadows of summer daisies and lupines passed by, shaded by the thick canopy above as the King's Wood gave way the high grass of the garden green. Her hands were tight and sweaty against the reins as she leaned forward, fingers digging into the fine leather as she urged the gray spotted mare onward.

"Come on Nikora, it's you and me now. Till the end." She whispered, her thighs straddling the horse, savoring the familiar burn in her quads as they galloped faster. She was answered by a thunder of hoofbeats as clots of dirt flew behind them as they tore through the tree line.

Lucy gave a whoop of laughter and charged past the crop of ancient oaks that hid the castle from view. Her eyes flashed amber as she took in the grand turrets, the palace's marbled façade imposing as it loomed ahead.

The gates grew closer as she sped through its arch, giggling at the calls of the sentries that greeted her as her pace slowed to a canter – still fast enough that some raised their voices in warning. Still, it wasn't until the stables were in sight that she reared the mare.

"Slow girl, gentle." She coaxed, lightening her hold until Nikora had geared to a trot, a gentle double beat as she wove her way past the other evening riders.

Smiling softly at the passersby, Lucy kissed her horse's mane – brushing the coarse white strands through her gloved fingers. She breathed deeply, taking in the earthen scent of grain feed and wood before wrinkling her nose at hint of manure that hit her last.

As they came up the walkway, a handler met her to lead her to the mount's stall.

"I've got it Igneel, I can get her ready and comb her down on my own." She told the older man, trying and failing to keep the reins away from him when he reached them.

Igneel cut a tall figure, with broad shoulders that stretched the leather of his jerkin. His hair was pulled sharply back, cascading down his back like liquid wildfire. Lucy had always thought the older man was handsome, though the long scar through his right eye and cheek below it gave him a menacing aura. It had taken some time for her to warm up to the former warrior.

She'd met him shortly after he'd taken over as the royal beastmaster half a decade ago, gaining his attention when the young royal continuously snuck out to the stables when she should have been minding her lessons. However, instead of returning her to her governess as was expected, he'd simply boom with laughter – allowing her to bob between the various stalls as she played hide-and-seek with some poor, harried palace guard on her protection detail.

He'd always had a soft spot for the princess, indulging her love for riding and the measure of freedom it afforded her.

When she continued to whine and fight his grip on the horse's lead, he just grinned shaking his head at her, a piece of hay anchored between his teeth.

"Off you go then Princess, not worth my time to convince you otherwise." He chuckled, patting her leg as he went back to his tack, wiping dirty hands on his stained smock. It wasn't his job to act as a common stable hand, but he'd always doted on the girl.

She beamed at his idle dismissal; teeth white and lips pulled wide as she dismounted – directing her horse back to the corner stall. Grabbing a bucket, she placed it by Nikora who dipped her muzzle into the water immediately, long tongue slurping as she drank greedily.

A few minutes later, Lucy heard a rattle on the path outside as another couple of mounts came into view.

In front was a young girl of about thirteen with a head of smooth blue locks, tied back neatly though a few wisps brushed her pale cheeks. Her legs were looped through the horn of her side saddle, covered by the folds of her sapphire skirts. The newcomer frowned, scanning the space until her gaze landed on a pair of guilty brown eyes peeking out above the corner booth.

"Lucy you promised you would stay with us this time!" The blunette called out, glaring at her friend.

The blonde smiled sheepishly when she was caught, gesturing to her mare.

"I meant to, but Nikora wanted to go faster, and I couldn't tell her no. She's wind-blown." Lucy answered, placing a sugar cube under the horse's mouth. The mare licked it up unhurriedly, tickling the girl's palm.

"Don't yell Juvia, we're already here." The third rider scolded as she too, came to a stop – expression exasperated.

The girls blushed slightly at reproach in the older woman's voice, her own aqua locks held back by a laurel braid that started at her temples, nostrils flared slightly as she peered down at her errant charges.

"Sorry Aquarius, I will keep that in mind." Juvia apologized bobbing her chin down once in respect before dismounting with a nearby page's help. Unlike her friend, she followed decorum as befit her station. She thanked the boy absently, not noticing his stuttered reply as she walked over to the young royal, lifting her skirts up so they did not drag across the mud.

"We saw you riding astride, you know your father would be upset if he found out." Juvia told the princess quietly when she reached her, resting her chin on the wooden divider of the stall as she watched her. Lucy shrugged, still brushing her horse down in broad strokes.

She found the action calming, loving the warmth radiating under her palms.

"Then don't tell him. Beside, I only ever do it on castle grounds – never when it really counts. I just love being able to fly over the hills. The whole world just blurs into colours." She breathed softly, dreamily. She fumbled with her gloves monetarily before yanking them off so she could feel Nikora's coat beneath her fingers.

Juvia nodded once, shoulders slumping.

She had expected as much. Like Igneel, she knew little changed the blonde's mind when it was set.

"You know I never do. I'm going to go back to my rooms to clean up. The representatives of the Mermaid Heel Corps will be arriving by supper. The king says we're to join them at the table." The blunette trailed off, hoping to entice the other girl to come with her.

Her words had the intended effect.

Lucy's ears perked up; her dark irises bright in the light streaming in through the rafters.

The Corps were warrior priestesses of the faith. They had guarded the Temple of Nirvana – deep within the Woodsea – for millennia. Though women were scarcely allowed to join in battle ranks within the borders of her own nation, sacred rights kept them outside the scope of the king's jurisdiction.

"I'll finish up quickly too then." Lucy promised, her cedar eyes shining as her hands indeed flew through Nikora's fur with renewed vigor.

Growing up, she adored hearing about the holy maidens – their exploits transcending fact to legend. They were named for the Nirvana of the Sea who had sent her daughters above on land, changeling sprites who created the first temple order.

Lady Aquarius, her governess, had grown up north of the great Eastern Forest in a township marking where the Clover River spilled into the ocean. When her village had been slaughtered in a raid, the priestesses had taken the older woman in until reinforcements arrived from the capital.

A childhood friend of the late duchess, the stoic blunette had shifted to the palace a decade prior, quickly settling into the role of guardian for the motherless princess. Sometimes when her charge begged, she would display some of the fighting forms she had learned whilst living in the Grand Temple for the little girl.

Lucy was torn from her musings when Juvia waved a manicured hand in front of her face, catching her attention. Eyes crinkling in laughter, the blunette twiddled her fingers in farewell before turning, petticoats still lifted carefully to keep them from the dirt. She sped up the hill to the main castle, Aquarius following at a more sedate pace.

Across the stable, some groomsmen were feeding their horses and putting away the ladies' gear – they movements practiced. Lucy preferred to do it herself, she liked the smell of the hay and the shine of her mare's coat when she was properly brushed down. She liked how this corner of the palace ground made it seem as if she were beyond its towering walls.

As she finished, she wiped her hands on a washcloth a squire had offered her, smoothing flyaways on her head the best she could – her appearance bedraggled. Still, she wasn't too worried, knowing she would be required to change her clothing once she returned to her chambers prior to dinner.

She was latching the mare's gate when she heard neighing coming from a stall near the exit.

Until recently it had been empty.

Curious, she patted Nikora's velvet nose before making her way to the noise. Inside was a tall, beautiful creature with a rick black hide, a single white stripe dabbed its nose and pooled at its feet. Sensing her, the stallion snorted jerking its muzzle in a circle.

Lucy paced back. She pressed her lips together, rocking on the soles of her boots before shifting closer step by step.

"What a gorgeous fellow you are." She breathed, stretching out her palm so he could sniff her. He whinnied loudly in response, as if unsure whether to trust the stranger in front of him. When he didn't bite however, the girl tried to reach further, stepping up on an old crate in order to lean over the railing.

His reaction was immediate.

The stallion reared its head and pawed the ground at her approach, gnashing its teeth. Startled, she lost her footing slightly, catching her riding gear on the lumber and throwing her balance. She grabbed for the side wall, only to miss, her palms grazing the splintering wood in vain.

For a moment, it was as if time stopped.

End of Excerpt

Read the rest at Fanfiction.net!

Chapter 1, 2

11 notes · View notes

tcrmommabear · 6 years ago

Text

For headphonescinderella, the lost ladies prompt

A/N: This is my Secret Santa entry for 2018. I originally had plans to do all of my victim's prompts, but because December is the last month I have the time to do a bunch of writing for obvious reasons, she will have to be satisfied with this for now.

9. Lost

Perdita was awakened by the smell of a hot breakfast, something that involved a lot of gravy.

Her fair mouth grimaced as she pretended to be asleep for a little longer. Her heart was still burning from dinner the night before, but she dared not complain. Regardless of what type of gravy it was, her royal husband would love it.

Which in turn meant that she loved it, even if her heart and stomach constantly felt like an inferno as a result.

"Hmm, that smells good," his familiar voice purred as the whole bed shifted with his movements until he was sitting up in their gigantic canopied bed. His familiar paw nudged her shoulder insistently once he was settled. "Wake up, babe. You know I can't start without you."

She managed to hide her groan of disdain as part of a low growl that sounded like she was sorry about being woken up.

Childhood training made her actions to move into a seated position much more smooth and graceful than her husband's. When she forced herself to open her eyes, she could see the three ladies in waiting smiling brightly at her, Amethyst indeed bearing her a large tray heavy with quail eggs, turkey sausage and hot biscuits, all smothered in rich gravy that nearly disguised her breakfast completely.

"Dear Amethyst, you know my appetite isn't all that large," she cooed tolerably, wishing her husband would let her order a fruit bowl instead for just one meal.

Her husband wrapped a surprisingly scrawny arm around her waist and dragged her a little closer to his side of the bed. "Eat it anyway, love. You're getting thinner again, and that's not healthy."

An order from her husband. There was no choice but obedience now. Perdita nodded assent and politely tucked into her breakfast with her mate.

As her hand reluctantly brought mouthful after mouthful to her lips, the neat little black cat couldn't help reflecting on where she might be if the king hadn't been widowed for the second time when she came of age.

Duchess Sai always smelled of strawberries and peaches at early morning court, as did her husband. Did she secretly yearn for a heavy breakfast such as this? It would be terribly improper to ask, of course, but it wasn't hard to see that the way the duke doted on his young wife. There just seemed to be something more… thoughtful about how he interacted with her, always so tender.

Her heart seemed to burn more hotly in response, but she didn't dare let it show as she kept swallowing gravy and sugar as she was ordered.

After breakfast was the ritual of Lapis and Rose combing through her luxurious fur, which the current court poet loved comparing to sapphires. Amethyst busied herself with changing the bedsheets as the king left for his morning duties, using one of the last biscuits to eat a bit more gravy with a lazy smile.

Queen Perdita of the Cat Kingdom closed her blue eyes lingeringly, letting the specially-treated brushes run through her fur with all the gentleness of a summer's breeze. 'Clean your fur, clean the bed clothes… clean the memories of what will never be…'

She knew she didn't have much to complain about. Phoebus has his list of faults, certainly, but at least he was doting. It didn't matter how high the function, if he felt like a kiss or embrace, he was completely willing to let the court say what they will about his lack of decorum. Even when she would have rather not have an audience to such affection.

She was presented with only the finest clothes, the finest foods, but most importantly, the finest son she could have ever hoped for.

Her fixed smile turned genuine at the thought of her fine little boy, who was almost ready to have his twelfth birthday. It was probably uncharitable to think it, but she was grateful that her sweet prince hadn't seemed to inherit much more from his father than the famous red eye of the royal family and an occasional bout of absent-mindedness.

As a result, he was mild-mannered, thoughtful, and a delight to be around.

If not for the childhood training of hiding her true emotions, Perdita would have surely flinched in guilt as Lapis helped to guide her into an expensive gown of silver brocade.

The blue hair had been trained from the cradle to be the perfect wife. It troubled her much more growing up, but she had more or less resigned herself to the fact that in order to be the perfect wife, she could never at any time form an opinion without consulting her husband to ensure they were perfectly synced in all things.

She took in a deep breath, wishing she could at the very most only tie a satin ribbon around her neck and be done with it, but her husband was obsessed with human fashion, at least on queens. He himself only wore golden armbands and the royal eye that was the badge of his office because his long fur would make him overheat if he wore additional clothes.

Perdita had to fight back a rebellious smile that although her husband adored human fashions, he wasn't about to go shaving himself for it any time soon. For now, he was content in dressing up his wife like an oversized doll.

"There you are, your majesty! You're a vision to behold," Rose gushed as she and Lapis stepped back enough so that their queen could inspect her reflection in the large mirror in a corner of the royal suite.

The only way she could have appeared even more human was if her husband had resurrected the practice of stealing human brides for the royal line. Legends had it that even after the change was complete, some bit of their human selves would always remain the same.

Perdita fixed her usual smile into place, even though her heart still burning within her chest at the uncomfortable truth.

An oversized, heir-making doll.

ooOoo

Even lunch that day was unnecessarily heavy. Perdita tried to remember what she had been doing between getting dressed and sitting here beside her husband again, but for the life of her, she could barely focus her attention on anything around her.

She had always been fond of watercolor paintings, but now she almost felt like she was in the middle of one as it was being painted. Colors seemed to swirl and dance together in her vision, and everyone around her seemed noisier than usual. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she managed to look around her husband devouring a whole tuna casserole by himself at her dear son.

Lune seemed worried, trying to disguise the fact that he was keeping one eye on her at all times. He was barely touching the gravy mess in front of him, though she couldn't tell if it was distaste or concern that was keeping him from eating.

Perdita could feel her heart swell with love once more. Why couldn't her husband have been more like their son? All it would take it ten seconds of Phoebus to show this kind of concern over her, and perhaps she'd be enjoying a grass salad right now.

Or perhaps a nap. Why was she so tired? Not even her heart burn and raging stomach had managed to wake her up last night, and as the queen, about the only exercise she got was from a beaded fan or cutlery.

Her paw was shaking from the excursion of lifting caviar to her lips. Caviar, that weighed practically nothing, was making her arm ache like she was attempting to flip over the table!

Her stomach and jaw screamed in agony, making her put down the spoon for good. It was simply too much.

Almost on cue, the little sound was enough to make her husband turn enough to look at her with a warning glare.

"Shouldn't you be using that?" he asked bluntly.

Perdita made a breathy sigh. "I'm sorry, dear, but I just can't right now. I'll eat more at supper, I promise." 'If I were to wear a purse, would I be able to slip the food into it instead of my mouth? No. As long as I am queen, my every move will always be watched.'

The thought only made her feel worse. What was she, some creature locked up in a zoo? Meant only to be gawked at between the bars? Her heart pounded worse at what was feeling like an increasingly accurate analogy.

The Cat King's glare got more dangerous. "Your fur isn't as glossy as it was when we got married. Your eyes are getting duller, and you don't laugh as much as you used to. If you would just eat a full meal every time, these things would get better."

All true, at least the first half of his statement, but why did he say that out loud in front of the entire court? Everything had turned dead quiet in order to catch his majesty's every word, right down to the musicians that should have been providing atmosphere.

Her son's angry look made it clear that he would have at least waited for some privacy.

'Maybe if you would let me pick what I eat, I would eat everything!' Perdita had been thinking it for years, but now her thoughts were threatening to bubble to the surface. "I can't-" she tried to explain again, but he was already unloading half a partridge pie onto her almost full plate, pushing some anchovies off it and staining the cream-colored tablecloth.

"Eat it. All of it!" he commanded with the same volume he would have used addressing the entire kingdom.

Perdita looked down at her plate, seeing the fat and gravy literally turn the tablecloth into a disgusting misshapen ring of greys and browns around the dish. Her stomach threatened a second appearance of what she had already managed to choke down that day.

Taking in a deep breath, she pushed the plate away while uttering something she usually only dreamed of saying to her husband.

"No."

Phoebus seemed to swell in his rage. "I am the KING!"

"And I am the queen who's trying to keep her food down. It's turning into a losing battle," she managed to say, holding one paw to her midriff, praying that she wouldn't actually throw up with the entire court watching.

Sure, the king did it on an almost nightly basis, but that was thanks to how much strong drink he consumed at supper. The queen couldn't afford to do it, she had to be the embodiment of perfection! Who cared if the king made a fool of himself, but the queen would have caused a real scandal if she did the same!

It was all so unfair! It was always unfair, but the fact seemed to matter more in this moment.

"Simple enough, I order you to keep your food down, and to add this to it!" He shoved the plate back at her a little more harshly than he meant to.

Or so Perdita hoped. Instead of coming to rest in front of her, the plate collided with the front of her silver dress, sending hot gravy and more down her chest and ruining the expensive gown.

She knew she needed to be ladylike in expressing her pain, but it was the final straw. The dark blue cat tried to get out of her throne-like chair with a pained yelp.

But somewhere in the middle of that yelp, it felt like one of the guards had successfully skewered her with a spear, the pain was so intense. Her yelp cut itself off in surprise and sudden breathlessness.

She began falling, first painfully over the armrest, and then onto the marble floor next to the royal table.

The last thing she heard her husband say was, "I know that trick, Perdita! Sylvia used to use it on me all the time!"

The last thing she saw was her young prince hurrying to her side with a cry of "Mother!"

But what Perdita would never know, was how her final look of relief would be something that would haunt her precious Lune for the rest of his days.

6 notes · View notes