#contemporary ambition

[fieriframes]

[Anxiety is the handmaiden of contemporary ambition.]

[wonder-worker]

this is a Princes in the Tower and Edward of Lancaster stan account btw

[wallacepolsom]

Wallace Polsom, Life During Wartime: The Prince (12 Sep 2024), paper collage, 21.4 x 25.1 cm.

[lafcadiosadventures]

Someone should slap all these quotes on the back cover of the contes tbh

[dbergantin]

Ⓒ Devis Bergantin, Ambizione di simmetria, 2024, fineliner e tempera su carta, 14 x 20,5 cm

Ⓒ Devis Bergantin, Symmetry ambition, 2024, fineliner and poster paint on paper, 14 x 20.5 cm

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

The Mini Guide to Crafting Compelling Royal Characters for Fiction Writers

Creating royal characters can be both exciting and challenging. These regal figures often play pivotal roles in stories, capturing readers' imaginations with their power, privilege, and the weight of responsibility they carry. Whether you're writing historical fiction, fantasy, or contemporary novels featuring monarchs, this comprehensive (mini) guide will help you develop authentic, multi-dimensional royal characters that will resonate with your readers.

Understanding the Basics of Royalty

Before diving into character creation, it's essential to have a solid grasp of what royalty entails. Royalty typically refers to members of a ruling family, including kings, queens, princes, princesses, and other nobles within a monarchical system. These individuals are often born into their roles, though some may ascend to power through marriage or other means.

Key aspects to consider:

Hierarchy and succession

Royal duties and responsibilities

Protocol and etiquette

The concept of divine right (in some cultures)

The relationship between royalty and their subjects

Remember, while these elements are common in many royal systems, you have the creative freedom to adapt or reimagine them for your fictional world.

Developing Your Royal Character's Background

Every character, royal or not, needs a rich backstory. For royal characters, this background is particularly crucial as it shapes their worldview, values, and decision-making processes.

Consider the following:

a) Lineage: What is your character's family history? Are they from a long-standing dynasty or a newly established royal house?

b) Upbringing: How were they raised? Were they groomed for leadership from birth, or did they have a more sheltered upbringing?

c) Education: What kind of education did they receive? Was it formal, focusing on statecraft and diplomacy, or more well-rounded?

d) Relationships: How do they relate to their family members, courtiers, and subjects?

e) Personal experiences: What significant events have shaped their character and outlook on life?

Crafting a Unique Personality

Avoid the trap of creating one-dimensional royal stereotypes. Your character should be as complex and nuanced as any other well-developed protagonist or antagonist.

Consider these aspects:

a) Strengths and weaknesses: What are your character's admirable qualities? What flaws do they struggle with?

b) Motivations: What drives them? Is it a sense of duty, personal ambition, or something else entirely?

c) Internal conflicts: What personal struggles do they face? How do these conflicts affect their rule and relationships?

d) Hobbies and interests: What passions do they pursue outside of their royal duties?

e) Sense of humor: How do they express humor, if at all? Is it dry wit, sarcasm, or something else?

Balancing Power and Vulnerability

One of the most intriguing aspects of royal characters is the juxtaposition between their immense power and their human vulnerabilities. This balance can create compelling internal and external conflicts for your character.

Consider:

The weight of responsibility and its impact on their personal life

The isolation that often comes with a royal position

The constant scrutiny they face from the public and court

The struggle between personal desires and duty to the crown

Creating a Believable Royal World

Your royal character doesn't exist in a vacuum (I hope not). They're part of a larger royal ecosystem that includes family members, advisors, courtiers, and subjects. Developing this world adds depth and authenticity to your story.

Key elements to consider:

Court dynamics and politics

Relationships with other noble houses or kingdoms

The role of advisors and how they influence decisions

Traditions and customs specific to your royal setting

The economic and social structure of the kingdom

Addressing the Challenges of Royal Life

Royal characters face unique challenges that can drive your plot and character development. Some common themes include:

a) Succession disputes b) Balancing personal happiness with duty c) Navigating political alliances and conflicts d) Managing public opinion and maintaining legitimacy e) Dealing with threats to their rule or life

Use these challenges to create tension and drive your story forward while revealing more about your character's personality and values.

The Impact of Historical Context

If you're writing historical fiction or a fantasy inspired by real-world monarchies, it's crucial to consider the historical context. Research the time period and culture you're drawing from to ensure authenticity in your character's behavior, beliefs, and challenges.

Key areas to research:

Social norms and expectations of the time

Political systems and power structures

Technology and its impact on governance

Religious beliefs and their influence on royalty

Gender roles and how they affect royal duties and succession

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When creating royal characters, be mindful of these common mistakes:

a) Making them too perfect or too villainous b) Ignoring the realities of royal life (e.g., lack of privacy, constant duties) c) Overlooking the impact of their decisions on their subjects d) Failing to show growth or change over the course of the story e) Relying too heavily on stereotypes or clichés

Incorporating Royal Etiquette and Protocol

Royal characters often adhere to strict codes of conduct and protocol. While you don't need to become an expert in royal etiquette, incorporating some of these elements can add authenticity to your story:

Forms of address (Your Majesty, Your Highness, etc.)

Court ceremonies and rituals

Dress codes and regalia

Rules of precedence in social situations

Diplomatic protocols when interacting with other royals or dignitaries

Exploring Different Types of Royal Characters

Remember that not all royal characters need to be ruling monarchs. Consider exploring other royal roles, such as:

The rebel prince or princess who rejects their royal duties

The reluctant heir thrust into power unexpectedly

The exiled royal fighting to reclaim their throne

The royal spouse adapting to life in the palace

The illegitimate child discovering their royal heritage

Each of these archetypes offers unique storytelling opportunities and challenges for character development.

Balancing Historical Accuracy and Creative License

If you're writing historical fiction featuring real royalty, you'll need to strike a balance between historical accuracy and creative interpretation. While it's important to respect known facts and timelines, you also have the freedom to explore the inner lives and motivations of these historical figures.

Tips for balancing accuracy and creativity:

Thoroughly research the historical figure and their time period

Clearly differentiate between historical fact and fictional interpretation

Use author's notes to explain any significant departures from known history

Focus on filling in the gaps in the historical record rather than contradicting established facts

Developing Royal Character Arcs

Like any well-rounded character, your royal protagonist should undergo growth and change throughout your story. Consider how their experiences might challenge their beliefs, alter their perspective, or force them to confront their flaws.

Possible character arcs for royal characters:

From naive idealist to pragmatic ruler

From reluctant heir to confident leader

From isolated monarch to connected leader who understands their subjects

From power-hungry tyrant to benevolent ruler (or vice versa)

Remember, character growth doesn't always have to be positive. Sometimes, the most compelling stories involve characters who face moral decline or tragic falls from grace.

Remember, while the trappings of royalty may be grand, at their core, your royal characters are still human. They love, fear, hope, and struggle like anyone else. It's this humanity, set against the backdrop of power and responsibility, that makes royal characters so fascinating to read and write about.

Happy writing, - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[physalian]

Your colloquialisms are ruining the immersion (or, non-contemporary dialogue)

I am no expert here! Whenever I wrote historical fiction it was anachronistic historical fiction. This advice is from a reader’s perspective and from my experience writing high fantasy.

So what’s the deal with immersive dialogue? I’m going to ignore writing dialects and accents and so-called “old English” with the thee, thy, thou and such. Solely focusing here on the narrative telling me this isn’t set in present times, and yet the dialogue being painfully colloquial like present times.

This is coming from a book I had to read set in HRE times. In it, characters were spouting modern curse words, tacking on verbal tics and crutch words like “or something” and “um” and drawing out words like “daaaamn” and “nooooo”. Rip out the dialogue and toss it in a script with zero context and it would read like two high schoolers from 2009, not two adults from the Holy Roman Empire. Which is a problem, because it completely shattered the immersion. —

1. On so-called “formal writing”

Everybody knows that nixing contractions doesn’t do a damn thing to help your writing look more “formal”, it just looks robotic and stiff, right? We’ve gotten past this as a society? There’s a time and a place for replacing contractions with the full words, but not for every single sentence.

I swear this show keeps creeping into my writing advice but here we go. Transformers Prime. The context for Optimus’ dialogue has a lot to do with his aging voice actor, Peter Cullen, and the perception of the character over the decades from the corny 80s paragon hero everyman type leader to the grizzled and wizened old soul type leader. Optimus isn’t “one of the guys,” he’s old. Very old. He’s the dad of the group (one dad, his grumpy medic is the other dad).

So he gets lines like:

“I fear Megatron’s ambition is at its zenith.”

“But if his return is imminent as I fear, it could be a catastrophic.”

“I bore Skyquake no ill-will.”

He doesn’t curse like the other Autobots. His voice only raises in surprise, horror, or rage. He doesn’t go “um/ah/so/but/eh” and always thinks about what he’s going to say well before he says it. Despite him, Ratchet (the dad medic), and Megatron all being very old, Optimus is the only one who’s “proper” and collected and dignified with his lines. The writers didn’t achieve this simply by omitting contractions, he gets them where necessary and removes them when effective (e.g “We do not.” / “We don’t.”)

2. Thesaurus Rex

Continuing with the Optimus example, no other character in that show would use “zenith” unironically. Or “ill-will”. This doesn’t mean crack open and abuse a thesaurus but there’s a huge divide between:

“Megatron’s gone crazy and he’s going to implode soon” and “Megatron’s ambition is at its zenith”.

I can’ think of a better word to use than dignified, perhaps distinguished to describe his dialogue.

He doesn’t say “what?” when he’s confused, he pauses and says something like “please elaborate”.

This is both word choice and a syntax issue so if you’re struggling to fit a non-contemporary vibe for your work, pay attention to both.

3. When to abstain from cursing

There’s something very special about the dialogue in the Lord of the Rings movies: It’s PG-13 so they can’t curse, but if they had, it would have probably ruined the trilogy. These characters are able to yell in rage and anguish, spit vicious insults at their enemies, and stare down armies that are determined to kill them, all while never breaking the immersion.

Insults like:

“Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear.”

“Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth, you witless worm.”

“Your words are poison.”

And all three were said by or about Grima Wormtongue.

Characters aren’t dumbasses, they’re fools, with the exception of Gollum’s insults toward Sam, the “stupid, fat hobbit”.

Even devoid of name-calling, Denethor absolutely trounces his second son by asking (and I’m paraphrasing) “Is there any man here willing to do his lord’s bidding?” right after Faramir expresses some apprehension about a suicide charge with his remaining soldiers, completely ignoring him and implying that he’s not a real man.

LOTR is full of juicy lines beyond curse words, too. One of my absolute favorites is: “Dark have been my dreams of late” as opposed to “I’ve been having nightmares lately.”

Do you see?? It’s poetry. The motif of Shadow and Darkness as if they’re real, physical things, all the lines of poetry pulled straight from the books like Theoden’s “where is the horse and the rider” monologue just before Helm’s Deep.

It’s dignified.

—

This one was a bit harder to, ironically, put into words without doing a full-blown case study into either franchise’s ability to write dialogue and monologues. I didn’t even talk about Ratchet’s several monologues (one of which was done perfectly in the sound booth on the first take) because Jeffrey Combs has a voice like ambrosia.

TLDR: Immersion goes far beyond your vivid setting descriptors and the clothing or the names and languages. I mostly write fantasy and sci-fi and whenever I read or watch fantasy and sci-fi that isn’t meant to be a world different from our own, or about characters who don’t speak modern English, and they go off with modern slang, syntax, and verbal tics, it just feels sloppy and weak. Pay attention to the following:

Syntax

Modern slang and jargon

Filler words/verbal tics

Curse words/curses

Flat, unmotivated vocab

*All of the quotes were from memory because I watch both of these franchises way too often. So apologies if I got any wrong.

[power-chords]

Music lovers of the mid-nineteenth century were young, middle class, white men and women, often newly arrived in American cities, who, for the first time in history, focused more on hearing public concerts than on making music themselves at home. For many Americans in antebellum cities, the chance to hear professionally performed music simply for the price of a ticket was astonishing, wiping away the necessity of having to learn an instrument, find sheet music, and practice. Indulging in its convenience was the mark of someone fully participating in the sophisticated culture of the city. But music lovers imbued their participation in this enterprise with unexpected enthusiasm. They did not just attend concerts; they depleted their savings to do so every night; they described their feelings about what they heard in diaries, and they waited, longingly, for their favorite performers to return so that listeners could hear those performers again and again.

Take Walt Whitman, who, as one of the earliest music lovers, developed a fascination with concerts while a journalist in New York City in the mid-1840s: on the “free list” for concerts, he was able to hear most of the major virtuoso performers who passed through the city in the late 1840s and early 1850s and would frequently rhapsodize about his favorite opera singers. Although Whitman never had any formal musical training and never learned to play an instrument, music affected him with such force that he described his listening experiences in poems, journal entries, and reminiscences throughout his entire life.

[...] As the concert business grew in the 1850s, spectacle became one means of competition between promoters, especially in the form of the “monster” concert format that, at its extreme, put literally thousands of performers onstage at the same time and necessitated the building of huge, temporary performance halls, the size of several contemporary football fields to accommodate such ambitions. The novelty of these performances for most people was the overwhelming physical experience—a kind of sonic rush of instruments, crowds, and applause.

For music lovers, though, sensation was not a novelty but rather a desired ideal for all performance experiences, whether in a temporary coliseum or a “lecture room” at a dime museum. Music lovers were attuned to the power and quality of performed sound at a visceral, almost intuitive level. Voices had to “strike” or “move” them to be important. In response to opera, especially, music lovers often expressed an overwhelming visceral ecstasy, with music “filling their souls” to the point of losing composure, something that was excitingly dangerous and quite cathartic within the behavioral strictures of middle-class Victorian culture.

—Daniel Cavicchi, “Fandom Before 'Fan': Shaping the History of Enthusiastic Audiences,” Reception: Texts, Readers, Audiences, History, Vol. 6 (2014)

[novaursa]

The Golden Court (wayward daughter)

- Summary: You were taken from the royal court by your father when you were a child. Now you return as a woman grown from exile. A woman that ignites fires in her wake.

- Pairing: Jason Lannister/targ!reader/Tyland Lannister

- Note: Adult themes will progress more and more as chapters go on. This fic is pure filth and I make no apologies for it. You have been warned.

- Rating: Explicit 18+ (nothing drastic yet, but it will be later)

- Teaser chapter, if you wanna know the gist of this story: the golden court - sneak peek

- Next part: what we are

- Tag(s): if you want to be tagged in future chapters, let me know.

The Great Hall of the Red Keep thrummed with music and revelry, the air heavy with the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine. Laughter echoed off the high vaulted ceilings as lords and ladies twirled in intricate dances beneath the flickering glow of a thousand candles. The wedding feast of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon was a grand affair, a union meant to secure the loyalty of two powerful houses. Yet, amidst the splendor, a storm loomed on the horizon, one that would silence the hall and shift the course of the evening.

You had not set foot in King’s Landing for years. The weight of the Red Keep's walls and the accusing stares of the court had been left behind when your father, Daemon, whisked you away into self-imposed exile. He had been your shield, your guide, and, in some ways, your accomplice. You had grown into a woman in the shadows of your dragon, Haelle, and in the freedom of distant skies. But now, with your uncle Viserys perched on the Iron Throne and whispers of ambition and discontent filling the realm, Daemon had decided it was time to return. And, as always, you were by his side.

The massive doors of the Great Hall creaked open with a groan, the sound cutting through the din like a blade. Heads turned as two figures strode through the entryway. Daemon, clad in black and red, exuded his usual air of defiance. But it was the figure at his side that drew the sharp intake of breath from the gathered lords and ladies.

You stepped into the hall, every inch the Targaryen princess. Your gown, a masterpiece of dark crimson silk and black Valyrian lace, shimmered like dragonfire with every step. The neckline dipped daringly low, exposing the delicate curve of your collarbone, where a necklace of Valyrian steel and rubies rested. Your hair, the pale silver of your Valyrian heritage, cascaded down your back in intricate braids intertwined with thin chains of gold. But it was your face, striking and ethereal, that silenced the room. You had been beautiful as a child, but now, as a woman grown, you were devastating.

Beside you, Daemon smirked, clearly relishing the stunned silence. He guided you toward the royal table, where Viserys sat at its center, flanked by Alicent in her green gown and Rhaenyra in the traditional white and red of House Targaryen. Laenor Velaryon sat stiffly beside his bride, his expression unreadable.

“Daemon,” Viserys said, his voice tight with barely concealed irritation. “You were not invited.”

“Brother,” Daemon replied smoothly, his tone casual, as if he were commenting on the weather. “Surely you wouldn’t deny me the chance to celebrate my dear niece’s wedding?”

Viserys’s gaze shifted to you, and his expression softened, though it remained cautious. “And you brought… her.”

“I did.” Daemon’s hand rested lightly on your arm. “Surely you remember my daughter, your niece. Y/N, who has grown into quite the lady.”

You curtsied gracefully, your eyes locking with Viserys’s. “Your Grace.”

The king’s mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. Alicent’s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes flickering between you and Daemon. Rhaenyra, however, looked less composed. Her gaze lingered on you, her cousin and near-contemporary, with an emotion that was difficult to read—relief, perhaps, or jealousy.

“Where have you been?” Rhaenyra finally asked, her voice breaking the silance. “You disappeared.”

You smiled faintly, a touch of mystery in your expression. “With my father. He thought it best for us to see the world beyond the confines of court.”

“Court missed you,” Rhaenyra said, though her tone suggested otherwise.

Viserys cleared his throat, his kingly composure returning. “You are family,” he said, gesturing to the empty chairs near the high table. “Sit. Join us.”

Daemon inclined his head in mock gratitude, his smile sharpening. “Your hospitality knows no bounds, brother.”

The two of you ascended the dais and took your seats, the eyes of the hall following your every movement. As you sat, the murmurs began anew, hushed whispers rippling through the crowd like wildfire.

“Is that truly Daemon’s daughter?”

“By the gods, she’s as beautiful as a queen.”

“What does this mean? Why has Daemon returned now?”

The conversation at the royal table was strained at first. Alicent barely looked at you, her fingers tightening around the goblet in her hand. Laenor, though polite, seemed unsure of how to address you, his glances brief and cautious. Rhaenyra, meanwhile, seemed torn between curiosity and wariness. Only Viserys seemed genuinely pleased to see you, though his concern for Daemon’s motives was evident in the tightness around his eyes.

“Your dragon,” Viserys asked at one point, leaning forward slightly. “Haelle, wasn’t it? The Nightmare Queen, they call her. How is she?”

“She is well,” you replied. “We flew in this morning.”

The statement hung in the air, a quiet reminder of the power you wielded. Dragons were more than mere beasts; they were weapons, symbols of House Targaryen’s dominion. And Haelle, with her black-and-gold scales and fiery temper, was a creature of legend.

“It’s good to see you, Y/N,” Viserys said finally, his tone softer. “You’ve been gone too long.”

You inclined your head. “Thank you, Uncle.”

Daemon smirked at your politeness but said nothing, letting the silence fill the space where a more cutting comment might have fallen. The anxiety remained, an undercurrent beneath the music and laughter that resumed in the hall. Yet, as you sipped your wine and observed the court with an air of detachment, you knew one thing for certain.

You were back. And the realm would never be the same.

The Lannister table, seated to the right of the royal dais, was an island of golden splendor amidst the sea of colors in the Great Hall. Goblets of Arbor wine gleamed in the candlelight, and plates piled with delicacies were spread before the lions of Casterly Rock. Yet the chatter at the table had grown subdued, as the shock of Prince Daemon and his daughter’s entrance rippled through the hall. All eyes had turned toward the royal table at the dramatic reappearance, and among the Lannisters, curiosity was no less keen.

Jason Lannister leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his goblet as he studied the Targaryen princess from afar. His green eyes lingered on her, taking in her striking features and the way she carried herself with an effortless grace. She had a presence that filled the hall, one that seemed to command attention without effort. It was clear she was her father’s daughter, but there was a softer quality to her—a beauty both ethereal and dangerous. A dragon in a girl's skin, Jason thought.

Beside him, Tyland Lannister had resumed eating, though his movements were measured and deliberate, his expression betraying his thoughts. Unlike Jason, who brimmed with confidence, Tyland’s demeanor carried a wariness, as though anticipating the trouble that always seemed to follow Daemon Targaryen.

It was Lord Alton Lannister, their elder cousin, who broke the silence. “Well,” he said, lowering his cup and looking toward Tyland, “you’re on the Small Council. Surely you know—when was the last time the princess graced the court?”

Tyland paused, wiping his mouth with a silk cloth before answering. “Not since she was a child,” he replied. “I doubt she was older than ten or eleven when Daemon left.”

Alton let out a low whistle. “And now she returns, fully grown and radiant as the Dawn. The court must be in a frenzy.”

Jason smirked, setting down his goblet. “Frenzy is one word for it. Look at them—they’re still whispering about her. The Nightmare Queen, isn’t that what they call her dragon? A name like that has a way of capturing the imagination.”

“Names like that breed fear,” Tyland interjected, his tone clipped. “She is bonded with a dragon said to rival Caraxes in ferocity. The Nightmare Queen is no empty title.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “You make her sound like a menace. She’s a young woman, not some beast.”

Tyland met his brother’s gaze evenly. “A young woman raised by Daemon Targaryen, no less. Don’t let her beauty fool you, Jason. She’s her father’s daughter through and through.”

Jason chuckled, leaning forward on the table. “And what’s wrong with that? I’ve always found Daemon… entertaining.”

“Entertaining until he decides he doesn’t like you,” Tyland said, his voice lowering slightly. “If you think you’ll charm her, be careful. You may find her less receptive than the ladies you’re used to.”

Jason’s smile widened, a glint of mischief in his eye. “Now, Tyland, when have you ever known me to back down from a chaellenge?”

Tyland sighed, setting down his fork. “I’m merely saying, tread lightly. The Targaryens are not like the women of the Westerlands. They play their own games, and they play them well.”

Jason didn’t respond immediately, his attention drawn back to the royal table. The princess sat beside Daemon, her posture regal and unyielding, her expression serene as though she were utterly unaffected by the stares and whispers. She sipped her wine with an almost deliberate grace, her eyes occasionally flicking to the crowd as if assessing the room. Even from this distance, Jason could feel the pull of her presence.

“I intend to offer my congratulations to Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor,” Jason said at last, adjusting the collar of his finely embroidered doublet. “And while I’m at it, I might take the opportunity to exchange a few words with her.”

Alton raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. “Brave of you, cousin. You’d risk the wrath of Daemon Targaryen for a chance to speak with his daughter?”

“Daemon isn’t the one I intend to speak to,” Jason replied smoothly. “Besides, if I let him intimidate me, I’d hardly be worthy of the name Lannister.”

Tyland shook his head, exasperation flickering in his eyes. “You never listen, do you?”

Jason shrugged, a confident smile playing on his lips. “You worry too much, brother. A lion knows when to strike.”

He rose from his seat, straightening his shoulders and smoothing his doublet. His golden hair caught the light as he prepared to make his way toward the royal dais, his movements deliberate and self-assured. Tyland watched him go, shaking his head once more but making no move to stop him. The rest of the Lannisters exchanged looks, some amused, others skeptical.

As Jason began his approach, the hall seemed to recover its rhythm, the music resuming its lively pace and the hum of conversation rising once more. Yet amidst the revelry, the presence of the Targaryen princess remained a focal point, her return an unspoken reminder of the power and danger that lurked beneath the surface of this seemingly joyous occasion.

And Jason Lannister, ever the bold lion, was about to step into the dragon’s den.

The hum of the hall seemed to fade into the background as Jason Lannister made his way toward the royal table. His steps were measured, his shoulders squared, and his golden lion-emblazoned doublet shone in the candlelight, catching more than a few admiring glances from nearby ladies. But Jason’s focus was singular. His eyes fixed briefly on Rhaenyra and Laenor, seated in their places of honor, before flickering to you, the Targaryen princess whose presence had thrown the entire hall into a hush mere moments ago.

As he approached, Daemon’s gaze caught him first, those dark violet eyes narrowing slightly, as if already weary of the encounter. But Jason was not easily cowed, and with a disarming smile, he dipped into a bow before the royal table, addressing the newlyweds first.

“Princess Rhaenyra, Ser Laenor,” he began, his tone warm and practiced. “Allow me to extend my sincerest congratulations on this joyous occasion. House Lannister is honored to celebrate your union, which I’m certain will only strengthen the realm.”

Rhaenyra’s smile was polite, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Lord Jason, your presence here is noted,” she replied, her tone cool but courteous.

Laenor, for his part, seemed distracted, his gaze darting to you and Daemon before quickly returning to his goblet. He managed a half-hearted, “Thank you, my lord.”

Jason’s smile didn’t falter as he straightened, though his true intent was clear as his gaze shifted toward you. His smile softened, taking on a charm that had won him many admirers in court. “And Princess Y/N,” he said, inclining his head toward you. “It is a rare and welcome honor to see you back at court. Your presence graces this hall.”

Your eyes lifted to meet his, and for a moment, you said nothing. The weight of your gaze was like the lingering heat of dragonfire—intense, unyielding, and wholly unnerving. Jason felt a flicker of unease, but he quickly masked it, maintaining his confident demeanor.

“It has been some time, Lord Jason,” you replied at last, your voice smooth and measured. “I suppose much has changed since my departure.”

Jason chuckled, sensing an opportunity to engage you. “Indeed, much has changed,” he agreed, his tone light. “Though I must say, some things remain constant—such as the splendor of House Targaryen. You remind us all of its magnificence.”

Your lips curved into a faint smile, though it was hard to tell whether it was amusement or something else entirely. “You flatter me, my lord.”

Jason took the smile as encouragement and pressed on. “It is not flattery, my princess, but truth,” he said smoothly, leaning in slightly as if to draw you into a more intimate exchange. “You are the very image of Valyrian grace. I can see why the court is so captivated by you.”

Before he could say more, Daemon shifted in his seat, the subtle movement enough to remind Jason of the dragon that hovered nearby. Jason glanced at the prince briefly but found Daemon watching him with a faint smirk, as if curious to see how far he would go.

Jason returned his focus to you, determined not to let Daemon’s presence unnerve him. “I imagine the world beyond King’s Landing must have been quite the adventure,” he said, his voice turning conversational. “I wonder if you ever found anything to rival the beauty of our court.”

You tilted your head slightly, your expression thoughtful. “I have seen many wonders, my lord,” you replied, your tone almost wistful. “The ancient cities of Essos, the hidden isles of the Summer Sea… and, of course, the freedom of the skies atop Haelle. But beauty, I have found, is subjective. What some call magnificent, others might see as… fleeting.”

Jason blinked, unsure whether to take the comment as a compliment or an insult. Still, he pressed on, determined to regain control of the conversation. “Fleeting or not, beauty is worth cherishing while it lasts. And if I may be so bold, Princess, your presence here tonight is a reminder of that very truth.”

The faint smile on your lips grew ever so slightly, and for a moment, Jason thought he had succeeded in charming you. But then you spoke, your tone laced with an edge so subtle it took him a moment to catch it.

“Such eloquence, Lord Jason,” you said softly, your eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “One might almost think you rehearsed it.”

Jason’s confident smile faltered for the briefest moment. The barb was so delicately delivered that it took a beat for him to fully grasp it. Around you, the conversation at the royal table continued as if nothing had happened, but Jason felt the sting keenly, though he hid it well.

Recovering quickly, he gave a polite laugh. “Perhaps I’ve simply had the good fortune to be inspired,” he countered, bowing his head slightly. “In any case, I hope to continue our conversation another time, Princess. Perhaps under less… formal circumstances.”

You inclined your head, your smile unwavering. “We shall see, my lord.”

Jason lingered for a moment longer before stepping back and offering another bow to the table. As he turned to leave, he felt the weight of your gaze on him, though whether it was one of amusement or dismissal, he couldn’t quite tell. Behind him, Tyland’s words echoed faintly in his mind, a warning he had been too proud to heed. For all his charm and confidence, he realized, you were not a woman to be easily swayed—or easily fooled.

Jason Lannister returned to his seat at the Lannister table, his movements brisk and his expression carefully neutral. He lowered himself into his chair with the practiced ease of someone who refused to show any hint of disappointment, even if the exchange had not gone entirely as planned. He reached for his goblet, taking a measured sip of Arbor gold, before setting it down with a faint clink against the polished wood.

Tyland, who had been watching the royal table with narrowed eyes, wasted no time. “That didn’t look promising,” he remarked, his tone as dry as the wine in his own goblet. He cut a piece of venison and brought it to his lips, his movements unhurried but precise, as if his focus wasn’t entirely on his meal.

Jason shot his younger brother a sidelong glance, leaning back in his chair. “You always were a pessimist, Tyland. I thought you’d have more faith in me.”

Tyland smirked faintly, shaking his head. “It’s not a matter of faith, Jason. It’s a matter of practicality. You shouldn’t be doing this—not now.”

“And why not?” Jason chaellenged, his voice low enough to avoid carrying beyond their table. He gestured toward the royal dais with his goblet. “She’s a princess of the blood, a rare beauty, and clearly one of the most captivating women in the hall. Why shouldn’t I take the opportunity?”

Tyland set down his knife and fork, folding his hands neatly in front of him as he turned his scholding gaze on his older twin. “Because you’re negotiating with Lord Westerling for the hand of his daughter. Or have you conveniently forgotten that? Word reaches far and fast in court, Jason. You wouldn’t want him to think you’re… distracted.”

Jason scoffed, his lips curling into a grin that bordered on arrogant. “Distracted? Lord Westerling would count himself lucky to have me as a son-in-law, and he knows it. Besides, it’s just conversation. I’ve done nothing improper.”

“Yet,” Tyland countered, his tone pointed. “But Daemon Targaryen doesn’t need a reason to take offense, and the princess—”

Jason cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Daemon can posture all he likes. He doesn’t intimidate me. As for the princess…” He trailed off, glancing toward the royal table where you sat beside your father, your expression calm but unreadable. “She’s intriguing, Tyland. You don’t meet women like her every day.”

Tyland didn’t respond immediately. His gaze followed his brother’s, settling on you for a moment too long before he quickly looked away. He reached for his goblet, swirling the wine absently as he spoke. “She’s intriguing, yes. She’s also dangerous. You saw how she handled your charm—it didn’t take much for her to put you in your place.”

Jason chuckled, though there was a slight edge to it. “She’s sharp, I’ll give her that. But that only makes the game more interesting.”

Tyland sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This isn’t a game, Jason. You’re playing with fire, and I don’t just mean Daemon. She’s not some simpering Westerlands maiden who’ll swoon over your pretty words. You’ll get burned.”

Jason’s grin widened. “Maybe I like the heat.”

Alton, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up, his tone amused. “It’s rare to see you so persistent, Jason. Most women are won over before you’ve even said a word. But the princess… she’s a different breed.”

Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “That’s what makes her worth pursuing.”

Tyland frowned, his gaze flickering to the royal table once more despite himself. He couldn’t help but study you—the way the candlelight caught the silver in your hair, the way you held yourself with an air of quiet confidence that seemed to make the very air around you heavier. There was something magnetic about you, something that made it hard to look away.

“And you?” Jason asked suddenly, catching Tyland off guard. “Why do I get the feeling you’ve been stealing glances at her too?”

Tyland’s jaw tightened, and he straightened in his seat. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Jason smirked, his expression turning teasing. “Oh, come now, Tyland. You’re usually so composed, but I’ve seen the way you look at her.”

Tyland didn’t respond, instead lifting his goblet to his lips to avoid further comment. Jason’s grin only grew, pleased to have struck a nerve.

“You know,” Jason continued, his tone light but laced with mischief, “if I weren’t careful, I’d say you’re as captivated as I am.”

Tyland set his goblet down with a touch more force than necessary, fixing his brother with a stern look. “I’m not captivated. I’m cautious. Someone has to be.”

Jason laughed, a rich, deep sound that carried a note of triumph. “Well, cautious or not, I’ll take my chances. Life’s too short to ignore an opportunity like this.”

Tyland shook his head, but his gaze flickered toward you one last time, lingering just long enough to betray his thoughts. Whether he would admit it or not, Jason wasn’t the only one drawn to the princess at the royal table. But unlike Jason, Tyland understood the risks—and he doubted his brother had the skill or patience to navigate the storm you represented.

The music in the Great Hall swelled, the first notes of a lively melody filling the space as dancers took to the floor. The tension that had lingered after your and Daemon’s arrival was beginning to dissipate, drowned in wine and merriment. Yet, as laughter and conversation filled the air, your mind remained focused, your senses attuned to the atmosphere around you.

Seated beside your father, you swirled the deep red wine in your goblet, observing the court with the detached amusement that Daemon had taught you well. The weight of curious and lingering stares had not diminished. You had spent years away from court, but here, in the heart of the Red Keep, your absence had only made you more of a mystery—one that lords and ladies alike sought to unravel.

Daemon leaned slightly toward you, his voice low and laced with amusement. “Well, that was a performance.”

You took a measured sip of your wine before glancing at him. “You expected anything less?”

His smirk deepened. “From you? Never.” He lifted his goblet in a silent toast. “But I must say, you handle lions well. I think Jason Lannister thought he had you ensnared.”

A small smile played at your lips as you turned your gaze to the Lannister table, where Jason had returned to his seat, wearing his usual mask of confidence—though you had seen the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes when he realized your words had been a well-placed barb. “He thinks himself a master at the game,” you mused. “But he underestimates his opponent.”

Daemon chuckled, clearly pleased. “Good. You should keep them all on their toes. Let them wonder where they stand with you.” He glanced toward the royal table, where Viserys sat observing the scene with an expression of quiet thoughtfulness. “And speaking of those who wonder…”

You turned just as Viserys shifted toward you, setting aside his goblet and offering a warm, albeit cautious, smile. “Y/N,” he said, his voice rich with something akin to relief. “I must say, it gladdens me to see you here again. It has been far too long.”

You inclined your head respectfully. “It has, Uncle.”

He studied you for a moment, as if searching for traces of the girl he once knew beneath the composed woman before him. “I had often wondered how you fared,” he continued. “I sent letters, you know.”

You did know. They had arrived in the Free Cities, where you and Daemon had spent your exile, yet your father had always intercepted them before they reached you. Not out of cruelty, but because he believed that no good would come from lingering attachments to the court you had left behind.

“I never received them,” you said, not unkindly.

Viserys’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze flickering toward Daemon, who merely smirked and took another sip of wine. The animosity between the brothers was ever-present, a wound that had never truly healed.

“I see,” Viserys murmured, though it was clear he didn’t. He exhaled slowly before offering a gentler smile. “I trust you have been well, then? Daemon’s company… agrees with you?”

You glanced at your father, his expression unreadable, before nodding. “I have seen the world beyond these walls,” you replied. “Traveled farther than most lords could dream. It has been… enlightening.”

Viserys nodded, though something in his eyes hinted at regret. “Still, you are family,” he said after a moment. “No matter the distance, that will not change.”

You offered him a small smile, and for now, the conversation seemed to settle. The king looked relieved that you had not outright rejected his attempts at connection. But you knew this was only the beginning. You had returned, and there would be more conversations, more questions, more attempts to weave you back into the court’s web.

The music swelled, and the first couples began to take to the floor, the polished marble reflecting the flickering candlelight. The dance was one of tradition, one expected at any grand feast—a display of grace, skill, and status. You watched as Rhaenyra and Laenor stepped forward first, the newlyweds taking their place at the center as the hall erupted in applause.

Daemon leaned toward you again, voice tinged with amusement. “I wonder how long before someone dares ask you to dance.”

You exhaled a quiet laugh, resting your chin against your knuckles as you observed the growing number of couples joining the dance. “I imagine they are debating whether it’s worth the risk.”

Daemon grinned. “Good. Keep them guessing.”

From across the hall, you caught sight of Jason Lannister rising from his seat, his movements deliberate. Tyland, still seated beside him, muttered something that made Jason roll his eyes before shaking off his brother’s words and adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves.

You already knew his intention before he even turned toward the royal table.

Daemon noticed as well, smirking as he leaned back in his chair. “And the first lion dares to approach the dragon once more.” He tilted his goblet toward you. “Shall we see how long he lasts this time?”

You merely smiled, watching as Jason made his way through the crowd with the easy confidence of a man who had never known rejection. The game had begun, and you intended to play it well.

Lords and ladies subtly shifted in their seats, eyes drawn toward him—some with curiosity, others with mild surprise. It was one thing to exchange words over wine, but to boldly approach the royal table twice in one evening was a statement.

Daemon had already noticed, of course. He exhaled a small chuckle, sipping at his wine as though thoroughly entertained. “Persistent,” he murmured. “I’ll give him that.”

Jason reached the royal table and bowed slightly, his golden hair gleaming under the candlelight. His lion-embroidered doublet fit perfectly over his broad frame, the confidence in his stance unmistakable. But there was something in his gaze as he met yours—not just admiration, but amusement, perhaps even chaellenge.

“Princess Y/N,” he greeted smoothly, his tone warm and inviting. “I find myself drawn back to your company so soon. I hope you will forgive my lack of restraint.”

Your lips curled in a faint smirk. “Is restraint something you struggle with, my lord?”

Jason chuckled. “On occasion. Especially when it comes to remarkable company.” He straightened slightly, offering his hand. “Would you grant me the honor of a dance?”

There it was. The unspoken question that had lingered in the air, the moment that so many lords hesitated to seize for fear of stepping too close to the fire.

You regarded him for a moment, tilting your head slightly. “Are you a misogynist, Lord Jason?”

There was a brief flicker of confusion before Jason laughed, rich and unbothered. “Not in the slightest, princess. Why do you ask?”

You leaned back in your chair, amusement gleaming in your violet eyes. “Because I cannot think of another reason why a man negotiating a betrothal would be so bold as to pursue another woman so publicly. Either you do not value the girl you are meant to wed, or you do not value women at all.”

A ripple of amusement passed through the royal table—Daemon smirked into his goblet, while Alicent, who had been quietly observing, arched an intrigued brow. Viserys, for his part, let out a slow sigh, though he did not intervene.

Jason, to his credit, did not flinch. Instead, his green eyes gleamed with something sharper, something entertained rather than insulted. “Or, princess,” he countered, “perhaps I simply value the things that are rarest.” His hand remained outstretched, unwavering. “And you are the rarest woman in this hall.”

Daemon’s smirk faded slightly, his fingers tapping against his goblet. His gaze flickered to Jason’s outstretched hand before landing on you.

“Careful, Lannister,” he drawled, the sharp edge in his tone unmistakable. “You might think yourself a lion, but there are creatures far deadlier than you in this hall.”

Jason turned his head, locking eyes with Daemon. And for the first time that evening, there was no humor in his expression. “I am well aware of the dangers, my prince,” he replied smoothly. “But I do not fear them.”

A breath of silence passed between them. It was brief, but it carried weight. Jason had made his move, and Daemon was weighing whether to let him take the step forward or crush him where he stood.

You watched them both, feeling the tension coiling in the space between them. Then, with deliberate grace, you reached forward and placed your fingers lightly in Jason’s palm. His grip was firm yet careful as he helped you to your feet.

Daemon’s eyes darkened slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he lifted his goblet again and took a slow sip, though you could feel the unspoken warning in the way he watched Jason.

As the music swelled, Jason turned to you, amusement flickering back across his features. “I must say, princess,” he murmured, guiding you toward the dance floor, “you do know how to make a man work for his victories.”

You smirked, allowing yourself to be led. “Then tell me, Lord Jason,” you mused, “what makes you think this is a victory?”

His chuckle was soft but confident. “Because you’re dancing with me.”

And with that, the two of you stepped onto the floor, the world around you watching as a lion and a dragon met in a game of fire and gold.

Tyland Lannister sat back in his chair, watching with a carefully neutral expression as Jason led you onto the dance floor. The golden embroidery of his brother’s doublet caught the flickering candlelight, gleaming as he moved with a lion’s confidence, his hand resting firmly on your waist. You, however, were more difficult to read. Though you followed Jason’s lead with practiced ease, your expression remained poised, your violet eyes unreadable.

A soft scoff came from his left. “Bold of him,” muttered Ser Stafford Lannister, one of their cousins, his voice laced with amusement as he sipped at his wine. “Even bolder of her.”

Lord Alton Lannister, seated across from them, chuckled under his breath. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Jason is trying to court her right in front of the entire court.” He swirled his goblet, his gaze flickering between the dancers and Tyland. “Should we expect a royal announcement soon, Tyland? Perhaps to a princess of Valyrian blood?”

Tyland exhaled slowly, his fingers drumming against the table. “If that were Jason’s goal, he should have chosen a safer conquest,” he remarked dryly. “Daemon Targaryen is not a man who takes kindly to men sniffing around his blood.”

Ser Stafford snorted. “Daemon doesn’t take kindly to anyone. And yet Jason dances with his daughter without a sword between them. That must count for something.”

Tyland’s gaze flickered back to the dance floor. Daemon was watching from the royal dais, his fingers tapping against the stem of his goblet. The smirk on his face did little to hide the sharp edge beneath it. He was letting Jason dance with you—but how much further he would let things go was another matter entirely.

“You can’t deny she’s a prize,” Alton continued, leaning forward with interest. “Look at her. She walks like a queen, and gods, that dragon of hers—Haelle. That alone makes her the most dangerous woman in the realm.”

“She is the daughter of Daemon Targaryen,” Tyland said, taking a measured sip of his wine. “Dangerous is in her blood.”

“Exactly,” Stafford said, shaking his head with a small grin. “And Jason, the reckless fool, is dancing straight into the fire.”

Tyland sighed, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied his brother’s movements. Jason was a master of charm, that much was undeniable, but you… you were different from the women who usually fell so easily under his spell. You held yourself with an authority that even Rhaenyra, the realm’s heir, could not match. There was something in the way you looked at Jason—not with shyness or demure flirtation, but with the same calculating assessment one might give a potential adversary.

And yet, you danced with him.

“She’s testing him,” Tyland murmured, more to himself than to the others.

Alton turned his head. “Hmm?”

“The princess,” Tyland elaborated. “She’s seeing how far Jason will go before he realizes she’s the one holding the leash.”

Stafford chuckled. “And what happens when he finds out?”

Tyland took another sip of his wine, watching as you leaned in slightly, murmuring something into Jason’s ear. Whatever you said made his brother grin, though there was a flicker of something else behind it—surprise, perhaps. Maybe even intrigue.

“He’ll keep playing,” Tyland said finally. “Because he won’t believe he can lose.”

Alton smirked. “And do you believe he will?”

Tyland’s gaze remained locked on the dance floor, watching as Jason twirled you, your silver hair catching the candlelight like molten starlight. The entire hall watched you—some entertained, others wary, but none indifferent.

The game had begun in earnest.

And Tyland, for all his caution, wasn’t sure if his brother realized just how dangerous his opponent truly was.

The dance between you and Jason was a slow, deliberate thing. Each step, each turn, each brush of his hand against your waist was performed under the scrutiny of the entire court. The Great Hall was alive with music, the lively melody filling the space, yet there was a tension beneath it—a quiet, anticipatory hum that carried through the crowd as they watched a lion and a dragon circle one another.

Jason led with confidence, his grip firm but not overpowering, his movements practiced and smooth. He was a man who knew his own appeal, who had likely charmed many a woman with his easy smile and golden tongue. But you were no wide-eyed lady from the Westerlands, no soft-spoken courtly maiden easily swayed by flattery and gallant words. You moved with effortless grace, matching his every step, a silent reminder that he did not lead this dance alone.

Jason leaned in slightly, his breath warm against your ear as he spoke. “I must admit, princess, you’ve caught me at a disadvantage.”

You arched a delicate brow, tilting your head just enough to meet his gaze. “How so, my lord?”

His lips curled into a smirk, his green eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “You spoke of my betrothal negotiations as though you were seated at the table yourself. I find that rather intriguing.”

You allowed yourself a slow, knowing smile. “Only a fool would return here without learning everything about this den of vipers.”

Jason let out a short, surprised chuckle. “Vipers, is it? And here I thought you might still see this court as home.”

Your fingers tightened slightly where they rested in his grasp. “Home,” you mused, letting the word roll off your tongue as if testing its weight. “Such a delicate thing. So easily turned into a cage if one is not careful.”

Jason hummed in thought, his grip on your waist pressing slightly firmer as he spun you, your silken skirts fanning out in a swirl of deep crimson and black. The movement was effortless, controlled. He was good at this—dancing, charming, making women feel as though the world revolved around him.

But you knew better.

“I wonder,” Jason mused, his voice dropping just enough for only you to hear. “What else did you learn, princess? Do I have other secrets I should be concerned about?”

You tilted your head, watching him through half-lidded eyes as you allowed a playful smirk to grace your lips. “That depends. Should I be concerned about how many women’s fathers you have sat across from, promising them the honor of being Lady of Casterly Rock?”

Jason barked a quiet laugh, his grip on you tightening for a fraction of a second. “Now that is an unfair assessment,” he mused. “It is not as though I am in the habit of making such promises. Just one or two… perhaps three.”

You smirked, tilting your chin up as you let him guide you through another turn. “How noble.”

“I am nothing if not honorable,” Jason quipped, though his grin betrayed his amusement.

You exhaled a quiet laugh, the sharp gleam in your violet eyes never dimming. “And yet, despite all this honor, here you are,” you murmured, your voice as smooth as silk. “Dancing with a woman who is not among those negotiations.”

Jason’s smirk deepened. “I am an opportunist, my princess. It would be a crime to let such a moment slip away.”

You studied him for a long moment, the dance moving through another slow, deliberate step. His confidence was unwavering, his charm effortless. But there was something else beneath it—curiosity, perhaps even fascination. He had danced with many, of that you were certain, but you were something different.

You leaned in just enough that your lips nearly brushed his ear, your voice barely above a whisper. “Tell me, Lord Jason, do you dance with all the women you court so publicly?”

Jason’s breath hitched for the briefest moment before he recovered, his smirk sharpening. “Only the ones who make my blood run hot.”

Your smile was slow, calculated. “How fortunate, then, that I am not in the market for a husband.”

Jason chuckled, his fingers pressing against your lower back as he guided you into another turn. “A tragedy, truly,” he said smoothly, though his voice held a thread of something more—something bordering on chaellenge.

You did not respond immediately, letting the music fill the brief silence between you as the two of you moved in perfect sync. Around the hall, whispers floated between courtiers, lords and ladies speculating, watching, assessing.

You knew what they saw.

A lion circling a dragon.

Jason, ever the confident rogue, thought himself the predator in this game. But you could see it now, in the way his grip tightened just slightly when your body brushed against his, in the way his eyes gleamed with something dangerously close to intrigue. He had entered this dance thinking to seduce a princess.

Instead, he was the one being ensnared.

And gods, he was enjoying it.

As the final notes of the melody rang through the Great Hall, the dance drew to a close. Jason's grip remained firm for a moment longer than necessary, his fingers warm against your waist, as if reluctant to let you go. But you had already decided the game would not be his to control.

With a graceful step back, you withdrew from him, dipping your head ever so slightly in acknowledgment. “A fine dance, my lord,” you murmured, your voice smooth as silk, deliberately impersonal despite the intensity of your earlier exchange.

Jason smirked, sensing the shift in your demeanor. You were retreating before he could press his advantage further. Clever girl.

“The pleasure was mine, princess,” he replied, his tone laced with amusement.

You turned before he could say more, stepping away from the golden lion and back into the sea of onlookers. And that was when the court descended upon you.

Like vultures drawn to fresh meat, lords and ladies swarmed, eager to claim a moment of your attention. Some came with flowery compliments, others with thinly veiled curiosity, their eyes hungry for any morsel of information about you.

“It has been far too long since we have seen you at court, Princess Y/N.”

“You dance as if the gods themselves had shaped you for it.”

“Your father must be proud to have raised such a striking lady.”

Questions came next, wrapped in silk but cutting as Valyrian steel.

“What has brought you back to King’s Landing?”

“Do you intend to remain at court?”

“Has His Grace spoken of a match for you yet?”

The last question was the one whispered most eagerly, rippling through the gathered nobles like a slow-burning ember. Because that was the heart of it, wasn’t it? The game of marriage, alliances, and power. A dragon returned to the Red Keep was no small thing, and they all wanted to know where you would fall on the board.

You answered them with practiced ease, offering smiles without true promises, words with just enough weight to keep them wanting more. You had spent years away from court, but the game had not changed. If anything, you had learned it better than ever.

Jason Lannister strode back toward his seat, his smirk wider than ever. He could still feel the ghost of your touch, the way your body had moved with his. He poured himself another cup of Arbor gold, feeling the eyes of his kin on him.

“Well?” Alton Lannister asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Shall we expect a royal announcement soon, Jason? Or did she turn you into cinders?”

Jason let out a rich chuckle, lifting his goblet in a mock toast. “I’d say I handled myself rather well,” he said smugly, taking a deep sip of his wine. “She did not burn me, nor did she bite. That, dear cousins, is a victory.”

Ser Stafford scoffed, shaking his head. “A victory? You think one dance is a conquest?”

Jason leaned back, grinning. “One dance is the start of many things. She did not deny me, did she?” He gestured toward the court, where you stood amidst the nobles, captivating the entire hall. “They may all be circling her now, but I had her first.”

Tyland, who had remained quiet during Jason’s boasting, exhaled sharply before finally speaking. “You’re a fool.”

Jason turned his head, raising an amused brow. “Oh?”

Tyland’s expression was tight, his hands clasped before him as he leaned slightly forward. “Daemon Targaryen was watching you like a hawk the entire time. If you truly think he will let you dance with his daughter freely, you’re more arrogant than I thought.”

Jason chuckled, clearly unbothered. “Daemon is many things, but he is not blind. He knows what his daughter is—she’s a prize, and he knows men will seek her. What better man than a Lannister?”

Tyland’s jaw tightened. “You’re playing with fire, Jason.”

Jason merely smirked, swirling his wine. “I rather like the heat.”

Tyland let out a sharp breath, his patience thinning. “You do not understand what you’re dealing with,” he said, voice low and edged with warning. “She’s her father’s daughter through and through. If you think you can win her with empty flattery and boasts, you’ll find yourself sorely disappointed.”

Jason tilted his head slightly, studying his brother. Then, to Tyland’s irritation, his smirk only widened.

“Is that what’s bothering you, little brother?” Jason drawled, his tone mockingly thoughtful. “You’re jealous because you didn’t have the courage to approach her first?”

Tyland’s expression darkened, his fingers tightening around the goblet before he set it down with deliberate force. “Do not be ridiculous.”

Jason chuckled, leaning closer. “Oh, come now, Tyland. You watched her just as much as I did. And yet, I was the one who walked up to her. I was the one who danced with her while the whole court watched. You? You sat here and brooded like a scolded child.”

Tyland’s nostrils flared, but his face remained composed, his eyes cold as steel. “I am cautious,” he corrected. “Something you seem to lack entirely.”

Jason grinned. “And where has caution ever gotten you, brother? Sitting at council meetings while the rest of us play the real game?” He took another sip of his wine, shaking his head. “You’re always so careful, Tyland. So restrained. But tell me, how long will you sit on the sidelines while I enjoy the spoils?”

Tyland said nothing, but the look in his eyes was dark and unreadable.

Jason laughed, slapping his brother’s shoulder before leaning back in his chair. “Ah, don’t sulk. There are plenty of ladies in court who’d welcome your attention.” He tilted his head toward you, watching as you effortlessly navigated the growing circle of nobles vying for your favor. “But that one? She’s mine.”

Tyland didn’t respond. He simply reached for his wine and took a slow sip, his expression unreadable. But something in his grip, the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly, told Jason that his words had struck their mark.

And that, perhaps, his younger brother was not as unaffected as he wished to appear.

Meanwhile, during the dance

The Great Hall shimmered with candlelight, laughter, and the hum of conversation as the wedding feast carried on. At the center of it all, King Viserys I Targaryen reclined in his seat at the royal dais, watching the court dance and revel. The unease that had settled over their table when Daemon arrived with you had lessened now that you had stepped away, but a shadow still lingered over his features.

Beside him, Queen Alicent sat stiffly, her green gown immaculate, her lips pressed into a thin line as her gaze flickered between Viserys and the court below. On the dance floor, Rhaenyra and Laenor moved gracefully in tandem, their laughter light and effortless, as if for one night, at least, they could play the part expected of them.

Daemon, lounging in his seat across from them, swirled his wine lazily in his goblet, his expression unreadable. His presence was as unwelcome as ever, but he looked utterly unbothered by it, his smirk never quite fading.

Viserys exhaled slowly, setting down his goblet. The weight of the crown felt heavier than usual tonight. With you away from the table, he finally allowed himself to speak more freely.

“She looks just like her mother,” he muttered, almost to himself, as his eyes followed you amidst the courtiers.

Daemon’s smirk faltered for the briefest moment.

Viserys glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “I have not seen that face in years, and now… it’s as if Daena walks among us again.”

A muscle ticked in Daemon’s jaw. He brought his goblet to his lips, taking a slow sip before answering. “She is her own woman, brother.”

“Perhaps,” Viserys allowed, though his voice remained distant, thoughtful. His eyes traced your movements through the hall, watching as lords and ladies swarmed around you, eager for a moment of your time. “She was meant to be my daughter’s sister by marriage,” he mused. “A match for the son Aemma and I never had.”

Daemon scoffed softly, swirling his wine. “And if Aemma had birthed a boy, do you truly think he would have been worthy of her?”

Viserys turned sharply at that, his expression darkening. “That was the plan.”

Daemon leaned back in his chair, smirking again. “Plans change.”

Alicent, silent until now, finally spoke, her voice measured but firm. “The princess has returned to court,” she said carefully. “Surely, Your Grace should consider her future—what will become of her?”

Viserys rubbed a hand over his brow. “She has just arrived, Alicent. Must we already speak of alliances?”

“Is it not prudent?” Alicent replied, ever the queen, ever practical. “She is a woman grown. And a princess of your blood. If her hand is left unclaimed, lords will fight for it soon enough.”

Daemon smirked, turning toward her with something dangerously close to amusement. “Is that concern I hear in your voice, good-sister?”

Alicent’s fingers tightened around her goblet. “I merely think the matter should not be ignored.”

Viserys sighed, watching you again as Jason Lannister spun you in a graceful turn. He could see the murmurs it was causing, the way the court whispered at the sight of a golden lion dancing with a dragon.

Daemon followed his gaze, his smirk deepening. “The Lannister seems eager,” he mused. “Would you have her as Lady of Casterly Rock, brother?”

Viserys frowned. “Jason Lannister is a braggart.”

“He is a powerful braggart,” Alicent interjected. “And wealthy.”

Daemon chuckled. “Oh, now this is amusing. Tell me, Alicent, do you think a Lannister would know how to handle her?” His voice was full of wicked amusement, and something else—something sharper.

Alicent stiffened at his tone. “It is not a matter of ‘handling’ her, Prince Daemon. It is a matter of what is best for the realm.”

Daemon scoffed, setting his goblet down with a soft clink. “What’s best for the realm?” He gestured toward the dance floor, where Jason was clearly reveling in his own success, his confidence growing with every turn of the dance. “Tell me, then. Would you see her given to a man whose greatest skill is pouring gold over his problems?”

Viserys exhaled sharply. “Enough.”

Daemon tilted his head slightly, watching his brother carefully. “Then tell me, brother—what is your plan for her?”

Viserys did not answer right away. His fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair, his gaze heavy as he studied you once more. “I don’t know yet,” he admitted at last. “But she is my niece, and she deserves a choice.”

Daemon’s smirk was slow, knowing. “A choice, you say? How generous.”

Alicent’s expression was carefully neutral, but there was something in her posture, the way she held herself, that spoke of unease.

“She is a woman grown,” she said again. “And no woman of noble birth has complete choice.”

Daemon leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the table, his gaze locked on hers. “You would know, wouldn’t you?”

Alicent’s jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

Viserys pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience thinning. “Daemon, must you always—”

“I’m merely stating the truth, brother.” Daemon’s voice was light, but his eyes were cold as steel. “We all make sacrifices, do we not?”

A beat of silence stretched between them.

Finally, Viserys exhaled, turning his attention fully back to the scene before them. The music was changing, signaling the end of the dance. Jason Lannister, looking immensely pleased with himself, was guiding you back toward the gathered nobility, where the next wave of suitors waited eagerly for their chance to approach.

The sight made Viserys feel… uneasy.

“She is the last of Daena’s blood,” he murmured, almost to himself. “She deserves more than to be a prize to be won.”

Daemon tilted his head slightly, his smirk fading for the briefest moment. “Then let her decide, brother.”

Viserys sighed again, rubbing a hand down his face. “I will speak to her.”

Daemon smirked. “Do that.”

Alicent sipped her wine in silence, her gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before she turned her attention elsewhere.

And so, the night continued, but in the shadows of the revelry, the pieces of a greater game had already begun to shift.

The morning sun bathed the Red Keep in golden light, cutting through the remnants of the previous night’s revelry. The Great Hall was quiet now, the last traces of spilled wine and crushed flower petals having been swept away by servants at dawn. Yet, in the lingering hush of the castle, whispers of the wedding feast remained, carried in the murmurs of courtiers and the amused glances exchanged in the corridors.

You had taken refuge on one of the open balconies overlooking the courtyard, reclining lazily against the carved stone railing. The air was warm but pleasant, a soft breeze lifting strands of your silver hair as you gazed at the sprawling city below. King’s Landing was loud, restless, always teeming with life—but from up here, it all seemed small, distant.

The events of the previous night had left you amused, entertained even, but not surprised. The court had flocked to you as expected, eager to assess, to charm, to scheme. Jason Lannister had danced with you beneath the watchful eyes of the realm, playing his game with all the confidence of a man accustomed to winning. And yet, even he had sensed that the victory was not his alone to claim.

A sudden clack of boots against the stone floor drew your attention, the measured rhythm cutting through the quiet. You turned your head slightly, expecting yet another bold lord eager to test his luck.

And then, you sighed.

“Of course,” you muttered, tilting your head as you watched the approaching figure. “There’s another one.”

Tyland Lannister came to a slow stop, his expression betraying nothing as he studied you. Unlike his brother, he did not smirk, did not grin like a man too confident in his own charm. His stance was relaxed, his hands clasped neatly behind his back.

He inclined his head slightly. “Princess.”

Your lips curled in a faint smirk. “I should have known House Lannister only moves in pairs.”

Tyland exhaled a quiet chuckle, stepping closer but maintaining a respectable distance. “An unfortunate reputation, I admit.” He tilted his head slightly, studying you with a level gaze. “Though I’d wager most would consider twice the attention from our house a compliment.”

You gave him a slow, assessing glance. “Would they?”

He did not answer immediately, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make his presence feel intentional rather than coincidental. Then, with the same calmness, he spoke again.

“Tyland Lannister,” he said smoothly. “In case you tire of calling me ‘another one.’”

Your smirk deepened. “And I suppose you are here to make your own attempt at charming me?”

His expression did not shift, nor did he reach for dramatics the way Jason would have. Instead, he merely gave a small shrug, as if the matter was of no true consequence. “Would you like me to?”

That was… unexpected.

You narrowed your eyes slightly, intrigued. Unlike his brother, Tyland did not seek to overwhelm with wit or flair. His confidence was quieter, subtler, a blade hidden beneath silk rather than one displayed openly for admiration. He was not playing Jason’s game. He was playing his own.

Interesting.

You leaned back against the railing, tilting your head. “And if I said no?”

Tyland didn’t hesitate. “Then I would simply continue on my way to the council chamber.”

Your smirk did not fade. “How dutiful.”

“I try,” he said, though there was a flicker of something behind his words.

You exhaled, shaking your head slightly. “Two Lannister brothers,” you mused. “One comes to me with theatrics and golden smiles. The other appears as though he could take or leave the interaction entirely.” Your violet eyes gleamed with amusement. “Tell me, Lord Tyland, which approach do you think is more effective?”

Tyland studied you for a moment, his gaze steady. Then, with deliberate slowness, he stepped forward, close enough that the space between you was no longer so impersonal.

“I suppose that depends,” he murmured, voice lower now. “Would you rather be chased, princess?”

You arched a brow, your fingers tapping idly against the stone railing. “Is that what Jason was doing last night?”

Tyland’s lips quirked slightly. “Jason is… determined. But determination does not always yield success.”

You exhaled a quiet chuckle, tilting your chin up slightly. “And you? Are you determined?”

He watched you carefully. “Not in the way my brother is.”

Your smirk deepened. “How fortunate. I was beginning to wonder if I should expect a marriage proposal before midday.”

Tyland let out a quiet breath of amusement, but he did not press further. His restraint was noticeable—calculated, even. Jason had filled the air with words, but Tyland allowed the silence to breathe, his presence speaking for itself.

You watched him for a moment, then let your gaze flick toward the corridor leading to the council chamber. “You should be going, should you not?”

His head tilted slightly. “Are you dismissing me, princess?”

You exhaled, shaking your head slightly. “No, my lord. I am simply wondering how long you plan to stand here, feigning indifference while ensuring I remember your name.”

Tyland’s expression remained unreadable, but you caught the flicker of amusement in his green eyes.

“A fair observation,” he admitted. “Perhaps I should take my leave before I become predictable.”

You leaned slightly closer, your voice barely above a murmur. “It is far too late for that.”

For the first time, Tyland’s lips twitched in something that almost resembled a real smile.

He inclined his head. “Until next time, princess.”

And with that, he stepped away, his movements as measured as before, as if the interaction had been nothing more than an afterthought.

But as you watched him go, your smirk did not fade.

Unlike Jason, Tyland had not sought to impress you.

And that, you thought, might have been his most impressive move of all.

[wonder-worker]

"The division between the two families [the Woodvilles and the Nevilles] and their allies can be seen in the royal charters that they witnessed. Warwick, Rivers and Archbishop Neville of York, while serving as chancellor and afterwards, were fairly constant witnesses to royal charters and consequently often appeared together. This was not, however, the case for other family members and friends. From 1466 to 1469, if Scales or Woodville associates like Sir John Fogge, John Lord Audley or Humphrey Lord Stafford of Southwick witnessed royal charters, then members of the Neville group, such as John Neville, earl of Northumberland, or John Lord Wenlock would not, and vice versa. Discounting the ubiquitous Warwick, Rivers and Archbishop Neville, of the twenty-four charters issued between February 1466 and June 1469, twelve were witnessed by men associated with the Woodvilles, eight by men associated with the Nevilles and two were witnessed by no member of either group beyond the two earls at their heads and the archbishop; only two charters, both from 1466, featured associates of both families.

Such striking segregation of witnesses suggests that something more than simple convenience or availability was at play. [...] The evidence of these witness lists does show the extent of the split between the two groups from early in Edward's [first] reign and of the need for political society to work with that cleavage in the heart of the Yorkist regime."

— Theron Westervelt, "Royal charter witness lists and the politics of the reign of Edward IV"

*This is specifically applicable for Edward IV's first reign; in contrast, the charters in his second reign displayed a great deal of aristocratic and domestic unity and cohesion.

[breelandwalker]

Witchcraft Exercise - Creating Correspondences

There are dozens of plant species in the arsenal of the green witch. Commonly-used varieties and usage varies somewhat between traditions, but most of us are fairly familiar with industry standards like basil, bay, rosemary, sage, and so on.

But what do you do when faced with a plant that has no listed magical correspondences anywhere that you can find in your witchcraft library? Simple - you create some.

Allow me to demonstrate with a little plant I found in my own backyard. It's a common weed called Virginia copperleaf (Acalypha virginica). But despite it's widespread range and abundant growth as a field weed, there are surprisingly few references to the plant in regional folk medicine and none at all that I could find in contemporary witchcraft.

So in order to incorporate this hardy little weed into my practice, I set about creating some correspondences for it.

First, I researched the physical properties of the plant. It is a small annual spurge with long taproots, a resistance to drought and many herbicides, and a reputation for fast growth and being difficult to eradicate from fields due to prolific seeding. The leaves turn coppery-red in the fall and small spiky flowers bloom among the foliage. It is also mildly poisonous. The juice of the plant may cause contact dermatitis or a mild rash in some people and if ingested, it may cause GI symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Next, I researched references to the plant in folk medicine. I could only find a single reference that cited copperleaf as a possible diuretic and expectorant. That does track with the previous mention of GI symptoms, but it doesn't mean the plant is safe to use. I did discover that an alternate name for the plant is three-seeded mercury or mercury weed, likely because of its' tendency for fast growth and the fact that it is propagated by the wind.

So now comes the business of creating the correspondences, using the physical properties of the plant as a basis.

The first and most obvious association is strength. Any weed that is resistant to drought and herbicide and uprooting is bound to be useful for spells involving tenacity and fortitude. Prosperity is also a likely use, both because of the name copperleaf and the way in which the plant grows and spreads quickly. Because of the alternate name mercury weed and the wind propagation, it could be used for wind magic or communication spells. (I often associate the element of air with communication and the name of a messenger god is right there as well, but your mileage may vary.)

The plant could also be used as an ingredient for baneful magic, either to bind and frustrate someone's efforts by consuming available ground where their ambitions might grow, or in its' capacity as a mild poison, to cause physical discomfort and stomach trouble.

So in the end, I have a handful of copperleaf and a listing in my witchbook that details the properties of the plant and notes that it could be useful for spells involving strength, tenacity, prosperity, wind, or communication, as well as possible baneful uses including binding, discomfort, and sickness.

This is my system for assigning correspondences to previously-unknown plants, and I encourage readers to use it as a template for their own practices or to create their own system. Either way, I recommend the use of a field guide or plant identification app like PlantNet to properly identify plants as you find them. Remember to forage and harvest responsibly, be a good steward of the land around you, and always label your plant cuttings.

Happy Witching! 💚🌿

(If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. You can also check out my show Hex Positive wherever fine podcasts are heard. 😊)

More witchcraft exercises here:

[womenusingwords]

Hot Honey Love

The details… Title: Hot Honey Love Author: Nan Campbell Publisher: Bold Strokes Books Publication date: November 12, 2024 Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook File size: 1411 KB Print length: 312 pages Audiobook: 13 hours and 43 minutes, narrated by Lula Larkin Genre: contemporary romance Themes: vulnerability, trust, personal growth, love, women loving women relationships,…

[billielolly]

Sims 3 Build - Brownstone Townhouse

This brownstone townhouse is perfect for a large sim family - with a nursery and all. 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a 30x20 lot.

Watch the speed build: https://youtu.be/O5xdt7HCdFU

Download here:

Patreon (free): https://www.patreon.com/posts/109702177/

Exchange:

Expansion packs:

World Adventures

Ambitions

Late Night

Generations

Pets

Showtime

Supernatural

Seasons

University Life

Stuff packs:

None

Store content:

None

Custom content:

PralineSims - P-Glass Tiles III

Wandering Sims - Gentle Leaf Pattern 3

Wandering Sims - Nocturnal Watercolor Pattern 8

missyzim - Neoclassic Build Set (Window Arched Short, Arched Door)

Martassimsbook - cmdesigns Anemone Bathroom Set (Candle, Small Mirror)

Martassimsbook - Sims 4 Parenthood Xtreme Shower Tub

ATS3 - Canister

Martassimsbook - Syboulette Millennial Kitchen (Dish Soap, Dishes Rack, Utensils Pot)

Cakenoodles - 13pumpkin Rustic Wood Floor

Martassimsbook - Ars-botanica Cup of Pansies

Martassimsbook - Cowbuild Dahlia and Delpinium Vases

Martassimsbook - novvvas Planties pt3 (Ficus Lyrata V1, Ficus Elastica, Monstera Deliciosa)

Martassimsbook - Cowbuild My Home Set Hanging Pothos Plant

Martassimsbook - Novvvas Mid Century Modern Living Room Succulent 2

Martassimsbook - Lorelea Abstract Paintings

Julietsimscc - Dolce Vita Paintings (Small + Medium Frame)

Julietsimscc - Giveaway Gift Paintings (Without Borders)

Wandering Sims - Summer String Pictures 1

Wandering Sims - Summer String Pictures 2

johziii - Irene Posters

cozygirlsimmer - simkoos Simple Modern Tumbler

PralineSims - Beautiful Sheep Rug 4

PralineSims - Contemporary Carpet 32

Onyxium - Newell Rug

Angela - Michelle Bedroom Mirror

TheNumbersWoman - Shabby Chic Elite Living Curtains One Tile

TheNumbersWoman - Shabby Chic Elite Living Venetian Blinds 1 Tile Short

NynaeveDesign - Lyne Curtains 2x1

ATS3 - Toothbrush #2

Martassimbook - PsychicPeanutKitty December Clutter Books

Wandering Sims - Kids Wall Art 9

Wandering Sims - Kids Wall Art 14

Wandering Sims - Kids Wall Art 15

pyszny16 - Reading Corner Bookshelf

pyszny16 - Kilburn Bedroom Calendar

Julietsimscc - CWB Kids Bedroom Freebies (Unicorn Head, Teddy Bear)

Martassimsbook - Syboulette Dreamy Set Rug

ATS3 - Coastal Crib

ATS3 - Tam-Tam Bedroom Dresser

ArtVitalex - Kiester Bench

ATS3 - Apron

ATS3 - Rack with Chopping Board & Knives

ArtVitalex - April Kitchen

Lulu265 - Lily Dining Mirror

ArtVitalex - Rowlett Key Bowl

Mutske - Medium Palm

ArtVitalex - Ullery Living (Rug, Seat Double, Seat Single)

[gatheringbones]

[“As I have outlined earlier in this book, the institution of psychiatry does not work in a vacuum, somehow above the everyday norms and values of wider society; rather, they are a profession with a particular conservative zeal for upholding the current social order through their work. When behaviour becomes unacceptable to the needs of capitalism, the profession seeks to pathologise such deviance. This process does not happen overnight but through a progression of debate, research, and movement towards a collective focus on such areas.

In this case, the research on shyness from Philip Zimbardo (1977)—the former president of the American Psychological Association—is seen as key towards the development of social phobia as a category of mental illness. Significantly, his research did not suggest that shyness was a mental illness, but rather noted a concern that people with such characteristics were likely to be seriously disadvantaged as society began to change. Zimbardo (1977: 5, emphasis added) commented on the “condition,”

Shyness is an insidious personal problem that is reaching such endemic proportions as to be justifiably called a social disease. Trends in our society suggest it will get worse in the coming years as social forces increase our isolation, competition, and loneliness. Unless we begin to do something soon, many of our children and grandchildren will become prisoners of their own shyness.

The traits of shyness—including timidity, mistrust of others, and a lack of self-assertion (Zimbardo 1977: 13)—were conceptualised as increasingly problematic within contemporary society and therefore a justifiable focus for psychiatric activity. This is tacit acceptance that such behaviour has not been found to be a mental disorder as a result of rigorous testing but rather is socially dictated and culturally relative; shyness becomes a “social disease” (i.e., a social deviance) in need of treatment. Thus, “the rise of social phobia,” states Cottle (1999: 25),

offers a glimpse not so much at the anatomy of a specific illness as at the still inherently subjective nature of psychiatric medicine and the cultural forces that help draw the boundary between what we are told to think of as normal and what we are told to consider pathological.

Concerned with the need for workers to conform to the desired norms and values necessary to “succeed” in neoliberal society, the psy-professions have stigmatised and “othered” those once considered only shy, introverted, or reticent co-workers. This process of psychiatrists labelling the shy as mentally ill has also been previously highlighted by Scott (2004: 133) who acknowledges that, in comparison, the non-shy self,

embodies the cultural values of contemporary Western societies: ambition, assertiveness, competitiveness and individualism. This dominant ideal can be used to stigmatize those who fail to live up to such expectations, whose difference is attributed to individual pathologies rather than to an unrealistic cultural ideology.

The success of psychiatric hegemony here is that since the original construction of social phobia in 1980, workers have become more inclined to self-label and entertain the possibility of therapy and drug treatment for their failure to be more sociable and assertive at their place of work. This situation has further legitimated the extension of the psy-professions in the areas of unemployment, job training, and work, reinforcing the neoliberal focus on the self as the site of change, while simultaneously depoliticising the increasingly alienating work environment and constant pressures on employees to upskill and be “more employable” in the jobs market (see Elraz 2013). Through the pathologisation of such “non-sellable” traits, Lane (2007: 208) argues that what counts as acceptable behaviour within the population has been narrowed to such an extent that “we now tend to believe that active membership in community activities, the cultivation of social skills (becoming a ‘people person’), and the development of group consciousness are natural, universal, and obligatory aims.” ]

bruce m.z. cohen, from psychiatric hegemony: a marxist theory of mental illness, 2016

[torpublishinggroup]

The Godfather meets The Magicians in the sweeping adult debut from #1 @nytimes bestselling author @marieluthewriter. Perfect for fans of @veschwab, #RedCity is a dark and deadly contemporary fantasy of magical warfare, star-crossed ambition, and the pursuit of perfection at any cost, set in a glittering alternate Los Angeles.

Pre-order now and add it to your shelf on October 14, 2025 (US)! The US-exclusive deluxe edition features stunning dark crimson sprayed edges. Also available from Macmillan Audio!

Cover art by @micaelaalcainodesign

Cover Design by Jamie Stafford-Hill

[gallifreyanhotfive]

Random Doctor Who Facts You Might Not Know, Part 72: More Academy and Pre-Leaving Gallifrey Stuff Because Why Not

Sorry I'm in too my pain to come up with a better title right now lmaooo. Mostly about the Doctor because they occupy the mind.

As a small child, Theta Sigma had an imaginary friend named Binker. (Audio: The Abandoned)

Later, the Sixth Doctor claimed that while most people had imaginary friends, he had had an imaginary enemy in Mandrake the Lizard King, which was really a dead lizard pinned to old engine parts that he would battle with his deadly stick. This phrasing suggests that the Sixth Doctor does not acknowledge any imaginary friends his childhood self might have had. (Audio: The Widow's Assassin)

The Rani claimed that sentimentality was the reason the Doctor graduated with "just a Double Gamma." (Audio: The Rani Elite)

According to Sardon, the Doctor is no common criminal because by the latter years of his first incarnation was a distinguished member of the High Council and was widely regarded as a potential President. He was difficult and rebellious, however, and went too far when he quarreled with his colleagues over something obscure over principle. He then stole an old Type 40 TARDIS and fled. (Novel: World Game)

The Seventh Doctor claimed that he had always believed evil to be a genuine force. This had given his young self quite a name on Gallifrey as most of his contemporaries considered the ideas of "good" and "evil" to be archaic and out-dated. They thought his preoccupation with that morality was incomprehensible. (Novel: Strange England)

Before leaving Gallifrey, the Doctor had successfully campaigned for the ban of a special chemical. This chemical was a weapon sometimes called a disruptor agent that acts as a catalyst to convert vertebrate blood into acid. The formula for the chemical stuck in his brain well enough that the Second Doctor was able to later recreate it. (Short story: The Ages of Ambition)

The Doctor had made powerful enemies on Gallifrey on account of his controversial views on the non-interference policy. (Audio: The Beginning)

The Doctor was told stories about the Kin when he was a small boy on Gallifrey. The Time Lords imprisoned the Kin in a complex of small rooms out of temporal phase with the rest of the universe. So long as the Time Lords existed, the Kin would be in their prison. When the Kin got out, there was still a Time Lord left in the universe - the Eleventh Doctor. (Short story: Nothing O'Clock)

In his youth, the Doctor feared that Grandfather Paradox was hiding under his bed or underneath the table in the refectory or making noises he could hear outside at night. (Novel: The Gallifrey Chronicles)

As a young man, the Doctor read about an infection on Gallifrey that had happened over one thousand years before his birth. The Spore - which was actually the von Neumann seeding probe - killed several hundred thousand Time Lords before it was dealt with. The Time Lords engineered an inherited immunity into their genes, so they would never be vulnerable again. Everything organic seemed to be necrotic and decaying to a black gunk. (Please skip to next bullet point if you are squeamish about descriptions of bodies.) When the Eighth Doctor investigated an outbreak, he found a body wearing boots, jeans, and a checkered shirt. Inside the clothes was a mess of bones barely held together by a few pieces of remaining flesh. The skull had a few pieces of white hair, but the scalp and other pieces of soft organic matter were gone as black slime ran out of the cuffs. (Short story: Spore)

The Doctor used to sit by the sea a lot in their childhood, watching and listening to it. He used to think that that was where the dead went, that they were all out there in the sea, and that you could hear them whispering in the waves. (Novel: Matrix)

Three students at the Academy who often conducted rebellious and anti-hierarchical activities include: the Master, whose title was earned from his constant bullying of others, a good cosmic theoretician but but not very good in practice; the Doctor, who often carried out silly chemical experiments with a friend called Drax; and the Rani, who "was brilliant at everything, and chemistry in particular." (Short story: The Legacy of Gallifrey)

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