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chirp-a-chirp · 19 days ago

Text

Transcendence

Plot: A song about unconditional love has profound meaning for two of Rhodolite’s princes. A series of six stories featuring Clavis and Leon (and their eventual partners, Cassandra and Carla) and how this song is interwoven throughout their lives.

Alternate Twist: The song is Calum Scott’s Biblical. This piece of fiction reimagines Clavis’s mom Lady Leticia writing the song for her son. Song lyrics referenced are indented throughout the stories.

Characters: Clavis Leouch; Lady Leticia; Leon Dompteur; The Fourth Prince; Carla (OC for Leon); Richard Demandeur (Carla’s Dad); Cassandra (OC for Clavis)

Tags: Angst and Feels; fluff; unconditional love (romantic and non-romantic); OCs; mentions of slavery, terminal illness, and death of parents; route spoilers for Clavis and Leon; sparkles...lots of sparkles

Tags Part 2: @wistfulwanderingone @ikeprinces-stuff @reborn-elven-spirit Hope y’all like this! @wistfulwanderingone thank you for letting me write this piece featuring your lovely OC Cassandra! (Seriously folks, check out her blog to learn more about Cassandra and Clavis!)

Note: There is list of characters & character pictures (OC pics thanks to neka) for each story. While each story can be read independently, the stories interweave and connect. If there's a callback to a previous story, it will be in bold red/purple font.

Word count: 6 stories ranging from ~450 words to ~1600. ~6700 in total.

Song

Characters: Lady Leticia and (young) Clavis

Word Count: ~450

Synopsis: Lady Leticia gives Clavis a precious gift.

...

“Come dear, I have something for you.” A woman with flowing lavender hair and golden eyes led a boy of eight up a manicured path amidst the blooming rose gardens. She stopped at a clump of bushes and creeping ivy trellises near the palace.

“But it’s not my birthday!” Little Clavis radiated excitement, his sparkling eyes darting at every rose bush as if a present would magically materialize.

“Do I need a reason to give the joy of my life something?” Lady Leticia smiled. She was always smiling of course, but this smile was special—like the entirety of her happiness was concentrated at her son. “Now sit down like a well-behaved gentleman.”

“But how will I open my gift if I do that!?” Despite his question, Clavis sat on the grass, practically vibrating as he hugged his tucked knees.

“It’s not that kind of present darling. Just listen to what I wrote.” Leticia stood a few feet away, her simple lavender and white dress billowing in the breeze. And then, she began to sing.

Didn't know that I'd fall so hard Then my feet left the ground Gravity don't make no sense when you're around

Clavis sat mesmerized. Sure, Chevalier might be the son of the queen and a once in a generation genius, but he didn’t a song written for him. He didn’t have a mom that loved him best. No one did. It was Clavis’s one advantage over his brothers.

Leticia sang with a grace that transcended the realm of the ordinary. Her words seeped into Clavis’s veins, filling him with joy.

I slip and wonder what I'd do If you never found me and I never found you I don't know what I'd do Well, I don't wanna see So won't you give me tonight And the rest of your life? I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you

Clavis wanted it all. And with his mom, he had it.

“I just wanted you to know I love you.” Leticia stopped singing and stepped towards her son, bending down to put both hands on Clavis’s cheeks. “But if you ever forget, remember this song and I’ll come back to you.”

“I’d never forget that mama!” Clavis propelled himself off the ground, throwing his arms around her in a fierce hug. “You’re always here.”

“My good, kind-hearted boy.” Leticia tucked a few flyaway lavender hairs behind Clavis’s ears. “I’ll always love you. No matter where I am.”

“Can you sing it again? And again, and AGAIN?”

Leticia smiled, the picture of radiance. “OK, my dear. One more time.”

(Leticia would sing the song ten more times that day. Not nearly enough for Clavis.)

Promise

Characters: The fourth prince and (young) Leon

Word Count: ~850

Synopsis: Two boys talk about the future, with Leon making a promise that’ll reside in his heart for years to come.

Note: This story takes a premise mentioned in Leon’s Curse of Love Arc Bonus Ending and expands on it.

...

A boy peered with wide-eyed curiosity at the singing woman, his breath fogging up the windowpane he pressed up against. His companion chuckled good naturedly.

“If you lean any further, you’ll fall outside.” A sickly boy whose wild dark tresses and amber eyes mirrored the boy at the window smiled complacently.

“I-I’m not interested at all.” The boy murmured to himself, moving quickly from his perch to return sitting at the foot of the bed. The window was partially open, the air carrying the woman’s melodious singing into the room.

“That sounds like Lady Leticia. That’s your brother Clavis’s mother Leon.”

“You mean YOUR brother’s mom.”

“Clavis will be YOUR brother when I’m gone remember. That makes Lady Leticia your stepmother. She’s the nicest mom in the palace.”

“Your mom loves you though. Lots.” And it was true. Leon knew the fourth prince’s mom would do anything for her son. Including bringing a dirty look-a-like slave into the palace to replace him. But what she couldn’t do was look Leon in the eye. To acknowledge Leon would be for the fourth prince’s mother to acknowledge—

“Yes, but I’m leaving her soon.” The prince seemed to read Leon’s thoughts. “And while mother loves me, Lady Leticia is the only mom that is nice to everyone.” The sickly boy patted to an open spot beside him on the bed. Leon scooted so that he and the prince sat side by side, their legs under thick purple and red quilts. The boys craned their heads as Leticia’s voice floated in the room.

And when you open your eyes I'll be there by your side I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it, I wanna have it all 'Cause your love is biblical It's biblical, it's biblical

“It must be nice.” Leon said under his breath.

“What?” The fourth prince turned his head towards his companion.

Leon’s cheeks turned light red, half in embarrassment, half in anger at himself. He needed to control his feelings better if he was going to really be a prince. But this was his friend—if anyone deserved what was honestly in his heart, it was him. The words were whispered, as if divulging his deepest secret. “To…to be loved like that.”

The fourth prince tilted his head curiously. “You speak as if you don’t know what love is.”

“You know what my life was like before I came here!” Leon’s voice shook in barely repressed anger and anguish. His fingers curled into tight fists, fingernails leaving deep marks on his palms. “It was absolute Hell! Day after day.”

“Before then. Before you were a slave.”

“Before?” Leon grazed a hand over his chest, his index finger rubbing over lacerations covered in ointment underneath his white tunic. The last lashes Leon received before coming to the palace had been especially punishing, tearing through skin so deep there had been concern he would not make it due to blood loss. But that was typical treatment for slaves. They were replaceable, after all.

“How could you recognize Clavis being loved if you hadn’t experienced it yourself?” The fourth prince inclined his head slightly, his bearing wise beyond his years. “You don’t remember everything that’s happened to you, when you were really young, right? There’s a good chance you were loved before. Even if you can’t recall it, your heart already knows what it is.”

Leon chewed his lip. It was a lot to take in.

“You don’t look like you believe me Leon.”

“I WANNA believe you.”

“That’s a start then.” The prince placed a pale hand over top of Leon’s. “You want to be a prince that’ll bring happiness to others. Be a good person. Love ties all that together. You know that instinctively. I don’t need to teach you that because someone else already did.”

Leon furrowed his eyebrows. “I don’t understand.”

“If you’ve experienced love before, you can do it again. You’ll love the people as a prince. It can happen to you as well.”

“Me? A former slave with a borrowed name?” The words were detached yet filled with doubt.

The fourth prince pulled Leon into a hug, his arms tightening with surprising strength. “Yes, you. My friend.” There was a slight crack in the prince’s voice. “My only friend.”

Leon returned his embrace before pulling away, not wanting to overwhelm his sickly frame. The prince laughed quietly. “See, you chose to be kind even now.”

“Because you taught me—”

“I taught you politics; philosophy; names of important people. I did not teach you kindness.” The prince squeezed Leon’s hand. “When you find love again Leon, tell me what it’s like.”

But Leon thought that love would be for you through me. No one would ever actually love ME.

“You’ll find it Leon.” The prince’s voice was quiet but resolute. “Promise you’ll tell me when you find it.”

His friend would not ask him something that was impossible. However improbable it was. Leon squeezed his hand back. “I promise.”

Loved Best

Characters: Clavis Leouch, Carla (OC) and Richard Demandeur (OC). References to Cassandra (OC)

Word Count: ~1,600

Synopsis: Clavis prepares for an extraordinary performance. Carla and her dad reminisce about the past and discuss the future.

Note: The male choir mentioned in this story sing the song “Biblical” like Johns’ Boys

...

“Forgive me, I know my handsomeness makes everyone stare, haha!” A pair of golden eyes gleamed through the haze.

Carla coughed repeatedly, bending over her knees. “Ack, the smoke cannon didn’t work as expected Clavis!” She stood back up, frantically waving smoke away. Carla smoothed her billowing skirt, squinting at the fabric before exclaiming in exasperation. “Did you put sparkles in the cannon?!”

“A sparkle cannon.” A man with gray hair and a neatly trimmed goatee raised an eyebrow. “THAT is what my daughter was helping you with?”

“I DIDN’T know—ack, ACK!—sparkles had been added.” Carla hacked up a few shimmery pieces of paper.

“You speak as if that weren’t a noble task for my seeker, Richard!” Clavis clapped a hand on the older man’s shoulder.

The trio stood on an outdoor stage near an orphanage in the town of Leouch. Richard, one of the orphanage’s directors, had arranged for a performance to raise much needed funds. Clavis had promised to host an unforgettable event, with Carla assisting him.

As Clavis’s seeker, her official job was locating items Clavis was too distracted to find himself—gears for cannons; chemical compounds; rare spices for Clavis’s…creative culinary pursuits. However, Carla found other things as well: books for the orphanage; jobs for the unemployed; sanctuary for refugees fleeing into Rhodolite. Carla was a seeker. A seeker of connection; of people; of hope. Many of the orphanage’s children (and other citizens of Leouch) had escaped or been spirited away from Obsidian. Where formal Rhodilitian policies did not provide protection for these refugees, people like Carla and Richard filled in the gaps—with shadow assistance from Clavis.

“Impressive, is it not?” Clavis gestured to the cannon now that the smoke had (mostly) cleared.

Richard kneeled, sweeping away sparkles before placing his knee on the ground. His rust-colored eyes squinted as he inspected the canon and nearby diagrams of the contraption. “If you made it 20% smaller and didn’t choke it up with your nonsensical glitter paper, it would be quite effective.”

“But the sparkles make it—”

“If you say the sparkles make it sparkle, I will shake you.” Richard’s words were sharp, but Clavis beamed unrepentantly. Richard knew when young people pretended to not care. Prince Clavis presented an irreverent façade, but Richard knew he craved positive affirmation more than most others. However, sometimes a firmer tone was required.

“I AM a prince, remember.”

“You only pull rank when you know I’m right,”Richard retorted. He returned his gaze to the diagrams, examining them with a thoughtful hum. “If you shrunk this cannon so it could be hand-held, Carla and I could take it on our next mission to Obsidian.” Richard got up from the ground, writing notes next to the diagrams with suggested modifications. The orphanage always had something that needed repair—fixing things was second nature to him. “We could use the cannon to fill a room with smoke or obscure a path.”

Carla nodded excitedly. “The smoke bombs you gave us last time were GREAT, but once we throw them, we can’t use them again. Imagine a mini cannon we can use repeatedly!”

“Your beloved prince will see what can be done.” Clavis smiled. A handheld canon would inspire much mischief.

“NO sparkles though.” Richard narrowed his eyes. “It would clog the smaller chamber too much.”

“How boring.” Clavis pouted.

“I know someone who WOULD appreciate a sparkle cannon though.” Carla’s eyes…well, sparkled, with humor.

“Hmmm,” Richard murmured.

Carla “whispered” conspiratorially to her father, ensuring Clavis could hear her. “The…enchantress.”

Clavis’s eyes gave off a mysterious shine, his face turning pink.

“Am I EVER going to see Cassandra?” Carla jabbed Clavis lightly on the shoulder. “She’s met Cyran and your seneschal. I’m starting to think this lack of introduction to me and papa is deliberate.”

“I’m starting to think this Cassandra’s mythical,” Richard muttered to himself. "Transcending reality."

“I would be delighted for you two to meet her! When the time is…appropriate,” Clavis intoned, plastering a smile back in place. Richard and Carla were forthright, honest individuals. They would get along famously with Cassandra. And they would quickly ask how she felt about him—really felt about him. And—

He was not prepared to hear the answer. Someone like her did not deserve a fool like him.

“And when have you cared about appropriateness?” Carla chided mildly. She chose to not press further when Clavis remained silent, his smile shaking slightly. Carla and her father exchanged a look. “We’ll be here when you’re ready to introduce us.”

“In the meantime, maybe the choir could start practicing,” Richard suggested as he left the stage, urging Carla and Clavis to follow. “NO SPARKLE CANNON though.” Clavis pouted again as Carla wheeled the cannon away.

A group of thirty—some male Leouchian citizens, the rest boys and staff from the orphanage—gathered on stage in lavender, gold, and white choir robes. “What song did you pick Clavis?” Carla tilted her head as the trio sat towards the back of the outdoor theater.

“Just wait and see!” Clavis answered dramatically. “I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

The other orphanage’s co-director walked to the stage with a conductor’s baton. As the choir began to practice, Richard turned a golden ring on his left hand. He sighed wistfully. “Your mother would have loved this song.”

“I’m sure papa.” Carla quietly held her father’s hand.

And when you open your eyes I'll be there by your side I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you 'Cause your love is biblical Biblical, it's biblical

“There’s no rule that says we can’t talk about the deceased.” Clavis spoke with unusual mildness. “She sounds like a remarkable person.”

“She taught me how to love. I have continued the lesson with Carla. And the children I look after, of course.”

“And you have always taught this lesson alone?” Clavis asked sympathetically.

“When you have experienced love like that, nothing else compares.” Clavis flinched, feeling like he had intruded on something he should not have. “There was life before my wife died and life afterwards.” There was an air of finality in the older man’s statement, as though if he did not end the conversation now, he would break in front of them.

So won't you give me tonight And the rest of your life? I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you

Out of nowhere, Richard spoke again. “Your mother loved you best.”

A flicker of shock ran through Clavis. He envisioned the rose garden where his mother first sang to him. I haven’t forgotten mama Clavis thought. If I weren’t a mediocre fool, I could have saved you. And you could have still loved me.

Even if you loved me second best.

Clavis’s thoughts were interrupted by Carla. “That’s not true papa, mom—”

“I don’t say that to make you feel guilty. Your mother’s dearest wish was to see you born. She got that. I just wish...”

I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you

“I wish she had had more time with you.”

“And you, papa.” Carla leaned her head against her father’s shoulder. After a few moments of silence, Carla murmured. “I wonder if I’ll ever have what you and mom had.”

“You will. One day, your heart will beat for another. Someone worthy—someone will be the hero for you that you are to others and to me.”

“So, don’t settle for less than perfection?” The corners of Carla’s mouth lifted in a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. Papa always wanted the best. He couldn’t be anything less than protective and sentimental.

“I didn’t say that firefly.” Carla’s smile became warmer hearing her papa’s nickname for her. “Heroes are human. And vulnerable. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, and he with you, that’s love. You’re bad at that.”

“I’m as bad as you are!”

“See, you deflect again. You’re nearly as bad as the purple disaster!” Richard huffed, pointing to Clavis.

Clavis blinked and smirked to cover his scrambled thoughts. “If I’m the worst, it means there’s no one worse than me. I rather like the sound of that.”

Carla rolled her eyes. “That’s NOT a compliment.”

“Oh, papa didn’t complement his darling girl? How rare.” Clavis waggled his eyebrows.

“You’re impossible!” Carla slapped the palm of her hand against her thigh, eyes flaring in irritation.

“Impossibly handsome and clever, yes.”

“CHILDREN.” Richard evoked the stern voice used at the orphanage when the kids were unruly. Clavis was one of the few individuals that could goad Carla into her more petulant, combative moods. “I meant don’t compromise on love. You’re too good for that, firefly. You too, despite your best efforts to hide it.” Richard gestured to Clavis with a jut of his chin.

“Has old age made you senile?”

“My daughter may be stubborn, but she will not run when she finds her match. YOU, however,” Richard looked the third prince in the eye. “It will take years of patience and care to remove the walls you’ve built up, brick by brick. But eventually, someone will remove enough bricks to allow an opening into your heart. And they will love you as you deserve. And that love will be so strong there will be no room for even YOU to doubt her.”

A pair of enthralling emerald eyes materialized in Clavis’s mind. A small hole pierced in Clavis’s heart at the vision, allowing a modicum of warmth to seep through. Just as quickly, the hole was patched up.

Not yet. I must be sure Cassandra will stay.

Story

Characters: Leon Dompteur and Carla (OC)

Word Count: ~1550

Synopsis: Leon and Carla unveil their deepest secrets/pain.

...

“I miss him. So much.” Carla sobbed, her head buried in the folds of Leon’s black shirt.

Loneliness. It was something Leon knew well. He had traded the dismal dreariness of a slave’s tunic with the refined radiance of a prince’s robe. But the loneliness remained the same. He hated that Carla was feeling that now.

Leon pulled Carla closer to him. The pair sat near a half-finished Clavis pit in the palace rose gardens, feet dangling off the muddy edge. The sun was setting below the Castle’s pristine white walls, the sky’s pink and golden hues slowly transforming into inky blues and violets.

Leon felt useless, utterly useless. There was nothing for him to do. Carla’s father was gone. Grief for a beloved parent did not come with an instruction manual. But he could hold her—offer warmth, a semblance of security, when Carla had none.

Carla turned her head from Leon, wet cerulean eyes looking down into the pit. “If I fell into darkness, would you catch me?” Carla flinched at her own words and their warbled inflection. What was she saying? Why was she saying it? Why couldn’t she get her father’s final moments out of her head even after all this time?

An arm encircled tighter along her waist. Calloused fingers traced slow, soothing circles below Carla’s ribs. “If you allowed it.” A huff of breath rumbled against Carla’s copper and ruby locks.

“No, that’s a lie. I’d do it regardless, even if you hated me for it,” Leon murmured. He tugged himself and Carla away from the pit, placing Carla’s curled form in his lap, arms enfolding her. Without conscious thought, Leon spoke the words from Lady Leticia’s song he heard all those years ago.

If you evеr go to pieces Fall between thе thunder clouds I will put you back together, I won't let you down

“I won’t fall to pieces Leon.” Carla hated how pathetic she was acting, nestling her face against the crook of his neck, hands clinching the fabric of his shirt. Leon's words recalled bittersweet memories of her and her dad with that song. She didn’t want to show the trail of tears dripping down her cheeks (she was sure he could feel them dribbling down his skin, but Leon chose not to comment on it). “And I could never hate you. You’re too kind a person for that.”

“You make me sound nicer than I am.” A low-throated rumble transformed to a rueful laugh. Dark hair tumbled over Leon’s face, tickling her forehead.

“No, I’m not. Take the compliment for once,” Carla sniffed. She found herself wanting to touch Leon’s dark locks—soft, gentle, free. She wanted to bind herself to something beyond the swirl of grief enveloping her.

“Maybe it would help if you talked about your dad.”

This is just like Leon. Always listening to people’s burdens. What about him? Carla blinked a few tears away, her head moving slightly from Leon, eyes averted from his gaze. And then she saw them—for the first time, really saw them.

Scars.

They were faint, but still visible with the setting sun. Two angry lines ran across the top part of Leon’s chest that peeked out from his partially unbuttoned shirt, their fury lashing out. Smaller scars were interspersed with callouses on his hands. Carla was all but positive there were others hidden beneath layers of cloth and the casual but glittering confidence Leon projected.

“Kindness should go both ways.” Carla’s voice shook. She raised her head and straightened her back, turning slightly in Leon’s lap so she faced him.

“You are kind, Carla.” The pad of Leon’s thumbs wiped away falling tears.

Leon will always redirect attention from himself. Unless…“I’ll make you a deal.” The corner of Leon’s mouth lifted at her attempt to bargain with him. “I’ll share stories of papa…”

When you allow yourself to be vulnerable…

“…if you share how you got these.” Carla’s fingers grazed a path of a scar on Leon’s chest.

When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, and he with you, that’s love. Even now, her father’s words guided her.

Leon caught his breath, his smirk evaporating. Arms that always seemed so strong trembled slightly. He couldn’t bring himself to lie, not to her. He didn’t regret his decision to live as the fourth prince, but he despised the taint of deceit that always followed him with that choice. And the distance he was forced to keep from his heart to enforce that choice. For once, he didn’t know what to say. Leon buried his head against Carla’s shoulder to avoid her look.

He silences himself when he’s meant to roar. For several moments, the only thing heard was the intake of breath. “Thank you for not lying to me,” Carla whispered, her hand cradling the back of his head.

“I didn’t say anything though.” Leon’s arms tightened around her, as if afraid she’d disappear from admitting even this.

“You could have claimed they came from battle. But you didn’t. And that’s not where they came from, is it?” It was less a question and more a statement.

Leon raised his head, his expression giving away nothing. “What makes you so sure?”

“They’re too old looking for them to have happened to you as a soldier.” Carla’s voice was calm at first, but rose in volume, anger creeping in. Anger at whoever inflicted these wounds on him. “And most soldiers don’t carry whips as weapons.”

“Why do you think they’re whip marks?” Leon did not contradict her previous remarks. Carla’s heart lurched at that.

“Papa and I helped people who’ve been in Obsidian slave camps. I know what whip marks look like.” Carla continued, her eyes watering again as she envisioned Leon bracing himself against the lash of rawhide. “And if those scars didn’t happen when you were a soldier…” Carla gasped at her train of thought. “They happened when you were a child.”

A deep, bone-weary sigh escaped Leon. “You’re too perceptive for your own good.” He sounded apologetic, as if Carla had stumbled upon a burden she now had to carry.

“If you don’t want me remarking on your scars, consider buttoning up your shirt more.” Carla sniffled. Leon’s arms loosened as he tried to move away. Carla quickly pulled Leon back towards her, fingers gripping his upper back. “Don’t you dare let go. Please.”

The please got to him. It was as much a demand as it was a plea—for them both. Leon’s eyes widened and then closed in stark relief, his arms coiling around Carla’s back. “Most folks don’t get close enough to notice.”

“Because you don’t let them.”

“Consider it a Carla-exclusive perk.”

Carla’s heart fluttered at his words. “Whatever your truth is, I won’t think less of you for it.”

Leon tilted his head upwards, staring at the sky—a movement so habitual, it was practically automatic. He then looked back down at Carla, his amber eyes burning intensely. “It’s…quite a long story.”

“Good thing there’s no reading involved then.”

Ahhh, you really are too much Carla. “Hey, your deal was a story for a story. I won’t hide from this if you don’t.”

A moment’s hesitation flickered in Carla’s expression. Leon caught her gaze and held it. If Leon can be brave, so can I. With a fortifying breath, Carla released her grip from Leon’s shoulders and began.

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who held the world in her hand. That world w-was—” Carla stuttered to a stop, her throat catching. “That world was her papa. The pair lived alone, but with papa, the girl was never lonely.”

Carla’s mouth trembled. Not trusting her voice, Carla shook her head. Leon placed a finger on her lips. “We can take turns if you like.” His eyes softened when she nodded.

“Once upon a time, there was a boy with no name. Maybe he had one, but it’s been lost to history.” Carla’s body stilled entirely in his arms. “The boy’s first memory was holding bark in his hand. He was hungry, and there was nothing else to eat.”

As the night wore on, Carla was in awe. She held in her arms a man who had been hurt so much but refused to be hardened. She saw a man who reflected light because he did not want others to feel encroaching darkness like he had. She grasped Leon’s hand, as if she could reach out to the little boy who held nothing but the peeled remains of dying trees.

Leon’s hand grasped back, fingers curling against hers. And then, an image flashed in his mind—several berries being placed in his hand alongside the bark.

I’m sorry dear. It’s all I have.

Leon desperately tried to place the disembodied voice with the fragment of memory but couldn’t. But he knew one thing. The voice ached for him. And he had been loved before.

Leon’s fingers moved towards the berries, but instead found something more. His fingers were entwined with Carla’s, her hold tender, but refusing to let go.

“When you find love again Leon, tell me what it’s like.” The fourth prince’s words rang in Leon’s mind. And finally, after all these years, he had an answer.

Love left him breathless. It left his heart searing with warmth, seeking light that had long evaded him.

It left him free.

Enchanted

Characters: Clavis Leouch and Cassandra (OC)

Word Count: ~1450

Synopsis: Clavis surprises Cassandra with an unforgettable night.

...

A gentleman must always entertain his audience. But allow me to surprise you.

“Close your eyes, enchantress.” Clavis’s endearment fell from his lips, a melody that caressed Cassandra’s ears. She wished she could hear her name spoken again in such tender tones—a refrain that, if granted, would make her heart soar.

“Isn’t that a tad excessive?” Cassandra retorted playfully. She could easily picture a breathtaking smile brimming with wonder. Each time they were together, she felt an unspoken harmony between them, one that resonated deep within her. “Afterall, I’m already wearing a blindfold.”

“Two blindfolds dearie.” Clavis bopped Cassandra’s nose twice, his index finger lingering on the tip of her nose with the second bop. Cassandra instinctively leaned forward, missing Clavis’s touch when his hand sauntered away. He had a way of lingering in her thoughts, his teasing mischief inspiring her to enjoy the moment.

Speaking of inspiration…Cassandra heard something moving, her heart thrumming with anticipation. She sat on a bench, in a location within the palace rose gardens she rarely explored. Yves and Licht had warned her this area of the gardens was where Clavis experimented the most with his pit traps (and the 5th and 6th princes had the dirt-stained clothes to prove it). Not that they needed to caution her on this—besides Chevalier, Cassandra was the only person at the palace who hadn’t fallen into one of Clavis’s traps.

“Move it a little more to the left.”

Even with multiple layers of cloth, Clavis could envision Cassandra’s delicate eyebrows lifting wryly as she spoke. And her eyes—shiny emeralds that captivated with grace and tart humor, were ones Clavis could easily get lost in if he allowed it. “Do I need to add a third blindfold?”

The force of Cassandra’s tinkling laughter moved the blindfolds just enough for her to see the faint flush of pink on Clavis’s cheeks. She quickly readjusted the cloth to cover her eyes as to not ruin the surprise Clavis had put his heart into producing—whatever it was.

“No, you need to move whatever it is you have to the left.” Cassandra’s feet shuffled in anticipation. When she didn’t hear Clavis move, Cassandra decided to spur him to action. “You know, I bet Carla would agree with me. Maybe that’s why you won’t let me meet her.” Cassandra had heard many stories from Cyran about Carla—Carla procured most of the items for Clavis’s traps and experiments, a job Cyran was very grateful to not be saddled with. Between collecting things for Clavis and working with former Obsidian refugees, Carla seemed like a fascinating individual.

Not as fascinating as Clavis, Cassandra thought. No one is.

A quick, sharp burst of jealousy tore through Clavis at the mention of his seeker’s name. He did NOT want his enchantress to be thinking of anyone else besides him in this moment. “You will meet Carla when it is…appropriate.”

“Do you know what appropriate means Clavis?” Cassandra murmured.

Oh Hell, Cassandra and Carla would get along all too well. Clavis had thought this more than once in his life. Both ladies had remarked on Clavis’s questionable perceptions of appropriateness. But while he and Carla bickered with the familiar but fierce affection akin to siblings, he and Cassandra danced an elusive tango of delicate flirtation.

Cassandra gave him everything—her laughter, her patience, her impatience. She was the first person in two decades who made him feel like he was enough. After years of banter, they had built a rapport with one another—one where Cassandra felt free to drop her walls and the lofty expectations placed upon her by her family. Over time, Clavis had seen a glimmer of defiance from her noble upbringing, and it had become a powerful beacon that shown within.

Moreover, she stayed with him. And she seemed all the more delighted for it.

“This performance is for your eyes only. But, as a gentleman, I will move your surprise as requested. Which left should I move it towards?”

“There’s only one left!”

“My left or yours?”

“Why don’t you pick then?”

“I thought there was only one left I could choose dearie.”

Cassandra was delicate like fire, her words playful, hinting at the ability to scorch if truly provoked. Yet her essence was all warmth. “Why don’t you pick the left that is…appropriate then?”

With a chuckle, Clavis wheeled his new and improved cannon from behind a pink rose bush. The cannon was designed smaller per the recommendations of Carla’s father. Clavis winced subtly at the memory of Richard. He was gone far too soon. The one specification Clavis did NOT adhere to—he kept the sparkles. Cassandra deserved the best after all.

“Clavis, are…are you sure I deserve this?”

Clavis turned his head upon hearing Cassandra’s hesitant tone. Her question was not a feeble ploy of feigned doubt disguised as flirtation like many noble women were taught. Clavis knew Cassandra would occasionally throw a spark of doubt at herself, a spark that could rage into an inferno quickly. Who better to diagnose crippling doubt than a mediocre fool like myself?

“Absolutely. No one is more worthy.” Clavis spoke seriously, prepping the cannon to be ignited.

Cassandra bit her lip, her thoughts scattering at Clavis’s sincerity. In moments like this, when the carefree mask of Clavis was gone, and their light banter pushed aside, it was impossible to ignore how she needed him. Before Clavis, Cassandra lived within the shadow of her family and what they permitted for her. Without Clavis, Cassandra forgot how to live, how to find joy in the unexpected and the unimagined. But now…

Cassandra lowered her face. Even while wearing blindfolds, she could feel the intensity of Clavis’s gaze. She then spoke with quiet reverence.

I slip and wonder what I'd do If you never found me and I never found you I don't know what I'd do

“How…how do you know those words?” Clavis blinked in astonishment. His hand slipped from behind the cannon, unaware that he had now lit a rather shortened fuse. “Surely you haven’t heard that song—"

“Song, what song?” Now it was Cassandra’s turn to be confused. “I…merely spoke what’s in my heart when I think of you.”

My God, Clavis thought. She’s an enchantress. She’s an ACTUAL enchantress. I really MUST—

BOOM!

There was a cacophony of sound—a cannon explosion, feet shuffling and stumbling, Cassandra coughing as smoke billowed all around, and Clavis yelling in shock before—

THUD!

Cassandra yanked the blindfolds off, coughing as lavender smoke sprinkled with golden sparkles swirled in the air. She suspected the smoke wasn’t supposed to be this pervasive. Her eyes widened once she saw an outline of a cannon through the haze, and widened even more when she didn’t see Clavis.

“Ugggh…”

Cassandra walked past the cannon, squinting through the smoke to see a half-finished pit trap. At the bottom was a disheveled, slightly dazed Clavis. Clavis raised his head, waving his hands to clear his vision, and at the sight of Cassandra, wholly wished he could bury himself alive. He sighed inwardly, trying to not unravel each flaw before her.

“Are you OK?!”

Clavis could only nod. To do anymore would break the control he tried desperately to hold onto.

And then, the most remarkable thing happened. “You DID promise me a surprise. You certainly delivered that.”

There was no mockery in her statement. With one fell swoop, Cassandra managed to both unsettle and sooth him.

“I’m touched. No, really Clavis. No one has ever done something this extraordinary for me before.”

Extraordinary? You really think so? Clavis couldn’t believe it.

“CASSANDRA?!” Yves’s voice pierced through the air. “I heard an explosion!”

The lavender haze still obscured Cassandra from Yves’s line of sight. Without thinking, Cassandra jumped into the pit, fumbling a bit until she was laying down next to Clavis.

“Well, you finally fell into one of my traps dearie.”

“I don’t think it counts if I willingly jumped in.” Cassandra leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Oh, I suppose so. I’ll just have to double my efforts then.” Clavis bopped Cassandra on the nose, his playful demeanor almost completely back.

“Can we stay here a little longer? Before Yves finds us?” Cassandra dared to ask. She did not want the night’s adventure to end. “We could watch the stars.” Clavis did not point out the impracticality of this with the smoke.

“Oh look. Hehe!” Cassandra’s laugh was unguarded and full of joy as the wind carried numerous golden sparkles that floated into her outstretched hands. At the sight of her laughter, Clavis remembered his mother’s singing.

I come up against myself when Demons in my head get loud I don't know how you do it, but you turn them down

“It’s like the stars have come to us!” Cassandra took the sparkles and placed them in the third prince’s hand. “Thank you Clavis.”

Clavis smiled softly. No, thank you, enchantress. For thinking I’m worthy. For caring for me. For loving—

Maybe you do love me best.

Transcendence

Characters: Clavis Leouch; Leon Dompteur; Carla (OC); Cassandra (OC)

Word Count: ~800

Synopsis: Sparkles. Lots of Sparkles. And six stories connecting together.

...

“Blindfolds, again Clavis?” Cassandra murmured in amusement. “This is starting to feel like de ja vu.”

“Clavis blindfolds you on a regular basis?” Carla tittered, her copper locks swaying lightly. She and her dear friend Cassandra sat in a rose covered gazebo within the palace gardens, their eyes concealed with golden blindfolds. “Somehow, I’m not surprised.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s on a regular basis…”

“Tut, tut, tut!” Two fingers encased in a white glove lightly touched Cassandra’s mouth, tracing her lower lip. Clavis tilted Cassandra’s chin so he could better view her rosy face. “Don’t give away our secrets my lovely lover!”

“I AM surprised at how you’ve corrupted Leon!” Carla turned her head towards the direction of Clavis’s voice.

“My little brother is quite the mischief maker beneath his golden image.” Clavis preened with pride. “He didn’t need much convincing.”

“I did say your night was gonna change forever.” Leon grinned shamelessly.

“When you told me to take your hand, I didn’t think I would be blinded later.” Despite her grumbling, Carla was thoroughly enjoying herself.

“Blindfolds can add a little spice to things,” Cassandra chimed in.

Carla chuckled. “I bet Leon has a giant smirk on his face.”

“Hey Clavis, you got another blindfold? I think my lioness can see us.”

“Ha! I think Carla can see through YOU.” Clavis smacked Leon on the back. “And no, no more blindfolds. But I DO have rope if a certain seeker is being naughty.”

“I am NEVER procuring you rope again Clavis!” Carla stomped her foot on the ground. “I know Sariel, Yves, and Licht would be thrilled!”

“Ropes ALSO can add a little spice to things…”

“Don’t talk about spices Cass. I just had to buy the oddest seasonings for your prince—do you know how difficult it is to find purple—Hey!” Carla giggled as she was lifted from her chair. Her hands looped around Leon’s neck as he sat down.

“There aren’t enough chairs. Guess we gotta share.” Leon’s voice nipped at Carla’s ear, his nose nuzzling against her cascading locks as he placed her in his lap. “Don’t let go. Keep your eyes on me.”

“That’s kinda hard to do with—!" Carla gasped as the blindfold was pulled down towards her neck by Leon’s teeth.

“I’m pretty sure there are plenty of spare chairs in the Castle.” Cassandra replied, smirking.

“Shhh!” Leon and Carla placed a finger on their lips. They turned, and upon seeing their expressions mirroring one another, burst out laughing.

“And Clavis, would a gentleman keep his lady—”

“You’re absolutely right, enchantress.” Clavis removed Cassandra’s blindfold with a theatrical flourish before placing his hand back in her lap. “Just wait everyone. My brother and I have a grand surprise.”

A group of ten men appeared in front of the gazebo facing the two couples. Carla’s eyes widened as she recognized the lavender, gold, and white choir robes the group wore. Suddenly, twin explosions erupted nearby, lavender and red smoke rising in the air.

“The cannon!” Cassandra exclaimed in delight. “Two of them!”

“You got it to work! And with the sparkles!” Carla beamed, glittering paper cascading all around.

Clavis grinned at their reactions, his excitement infectious. “With a few modifications, nothing is impossible. Plus, Leon helped.”

“Actually, one of my soldiers has a brother who’s a weapon-smith helped out.” Leon combed his fingers through Carla’s hair to remove sparkles.

“Sparkles as weapons. And entertainment.” Cassandra laughed, her eyes dancing.

“Oh, there’s more to enjoy.” Clavis gestured as the choir began singing.

Didn't know that I'd fall so hard Then my feet left the ground Gravity don't make no sense when you're around

Each person watching the performance was caught in their own thoughts and memories.

Carla’s eyes shimmered with affection, her hand grasping Leon’s. Once upon a time, there was a girl who held the world in her hand. She did not need words to tell the story that was in her heart.

Leon held Carla close, basking in her warmth.

“Love can happen to you as well.”

“Me? A former slave with a borrowed name?”

“Yes, you. My friend.”

She would always be there for him, regardless of who he was.

Cassandra caressed Clavis’s cheek. “You really are the best, love. Never forget that.” I merely spoke what’s in my heart when I think of you.

Clavis brought Cassandra’s hand towards his lips, kissing her palm.

I love you. But if you ever forget, remember this song. He would never forget. Cassandra was here to stay, her love healing the fractured parts of his heart.

So won't you give me tonight And the rest of your life? I wanna have it all with you I wanna have it all with you

And the two pairs knew that they always would.

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