#crown duel and court duel

[meimoons-arts]

Quick Sketch of Mel & Vidanric from Crown Duel

[meimoons]

Mel in different outfits and hair style. From a horse blanket, to a flour sack dress, and to a proper countess dress after her family inherited the fortune of her enemy. Her braided coronet and her hair in a large braid.

Meliara (c) Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith.

[meimoons-arts]

Here’s my try at coloring in the drawing!

(with permission from the original artist)

Anyone else remember the Crown Duel series by Sherwood Smith? Here's our disgruntedly kidnapped heroine Meliara and her kidnapper Shevraeth, who's unrepentantly enjoying some tea as they ride.

[aelin9]

I read Crown Duel/Court Duel for the first time with my YA book club and I can see why so many baby romance readers imprinted on this. The Heyer-ian silver fork romance, the court intrigue, and sheer *pining*

[charlenasaxen]

Vidanric Quotes

Vidanric passed Savona, whispering, “Plan B. Notice I was gone?”

“I’m not drunk. Not a-tall. Why, I can prove it! I’ll get a bottle and down it right here!”

“Tell me again about Meliara. How very like her mother she sounds!”

“when Vidanric and Russav were nearly murdered while traveling”

“I will make certain she does not get killed. I promise, mother.”

“why, she’ll fling herself in your arms for joy.” He saluted Vidanric.

“Vidanric ran across the conservatory and down the hall. He didn’t want her to arrive alone, he wanted her to be comfortable”

He had asked Bran on the ride, “Do you think she would like this? Like that?”

“how cute she looks in that overlarge Renselaeus tunic—-stop that!”

out came yet another inanity: “Would you like to sit down?”

“send someone for Branaric, who (blast his lazy soul) ought to have been there”

“The only way he could have been more wrong would be if she’d taken bow in hands and shot everyone”

“did not add that he liked that—when he wasn’t dodging lightning”

“Vidanric’s next surprise was Meliara in a gown. She did indeed have a figure—he looked away.”

“weakened the backs of his knees”

“He took a long soak in the hot bath while reading”

“Few people achieve so precious a luxury as an honest friend. For kings it is an especial rarity.”

“If you do gain—let us say—her friendship, you will know that it would be for you yourself”

“I believe this is all I need.”

“Ah,” said the prince. “Ah.”

“he couldn’t help an inward laugh at the way his Rider captains all leaned in to hear him”

“Vidanric sighed, enjoying then letting go the image of himself being perceived as a mighty sorcerer-king”

“Vidanric fought back a sneeze (they made his ears hurt)”

“He knew it was Meliara. He seemed to have developed a lamentable knack that way, sensing her proximity”

“Meliara. How Russav would laugh”

“he could give her jewels, and safety. He could give her friends. He could even give her a mother, by sharing his own”

“But the truth was, he knew that Meliara wouldn’t take any gift, no matter how much she might want, simply because he was the giver”

“That is, until last year, when a small, determined countess crashed her way into his carefully constructed existence”

“whack! Down she’d smash it again”

“Now he had to go through with it. Ah, well, what’s another candlestick thrown at his head?”

“Stake?”

Candlestick, meet heart. “A kiss.”

“Vidanric recognized with a deep sense of gratitude—that she didn’t see Nee clap her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing”

“Bran lost control and whooped in helpless hilarity. Nee promptly began scolding him”

“Between bands of rain he read through the dispatches—he’d learned the art of reading on the fly”

“to get her to just see him?”

“bone-deep conviction: she would never have accepted that wager from Galdran”

“You’re smitten.”

“Russav—”  

“Smitten! Stars!”

“like you’re a midden pile waiting for a wand, and you almost walk into a door”

“Russav—”  

“Vidanric—” Savona mocked.

“Or what, smitten-boy?”

“you’re smitten with a scrap of a girl who has the fashion sense of a tree”

“He stopped to get in a good long gloat, and gloated even more loudly when he saw the telltale red along Danric’s fine cheekbones”

“that girl is just as smitten with you, but she doesn’t even know it.”

“Oh, ha ha, this is the funniest thing to happen to this sorry, sodden court for years”

“what I do, what I wear, she hates the ground where my shadow touches.”

“I have the edge on the female mind. That girl is smitten. She’s so smitten she doesn’t even see the rest of the boys”

“Russav glanced up—straight into the Renselaeus dead fish eye. He relented.”

“she was too busy sneaking peeks past my elbow in order to see where you were”

“I’ll eat my hat. I’ll eat your hat, which has more lace on it.”

“Russav had to turn his face away to hide his laughter when Meliara stuck out her hand”

“He smiled at her, trying to reassure her”

“her expressive face seemed to glow, that probably had first enchanted his sober cousin. Poor Danric”

“he not only knew it by heart, he could describe the swoop and swirl of the letters”

“He was dressed magnificently, his dark eyes wide with fury, lips white”

“imagining her small fingers brushing over the paper in the same place. Perhaps here she’d grinned”

“She saw only the words of an anonymous friend. A new beginning, an unexpected gift: let the courtship begin.”

“He dashed past her, knocking her and the cup out of the way”

“Guards,” Vidanric called as he lunged through to the front and swiped the wine.

“rode a short figure swathed in Vidanric’s old military cloak”

“he had never seen any sight more dear”

“betrayed how much she had been studying the shapes and shades of his own voice”

“You had it made. But now it’s mine.”

“he closed his arms around her, enfolding her rumpled, rain-dampened form”

“she flung her arms around his neck and yanked him down”

“The high windows glimmered with light filtered through a lacery of leaves”

“He reached her in three steps, and they clung together”

“leaving the two staring up at a goldenwood tree, silent and beautiful, in the shattered throne room”

[dionysia-does-stories]

Embarrassed

Cringetober 2023, Day 12: Niche Interest

On AO3

Rating G - 861 words - Crown Duel - Vidanric/Meliara

Summary: A moment with Vidanric after the fight in the library at Talanth. Danric is miserable about the state of his (non)relationship with Mel but Oria gives him some insight that changes his perspective.

Story:

As Vidanric retreated from the library, he cursed himself. He’d gotten into another quarrel with Meliara. He’d spent what felt like hours planning how to approach her. He was casual but kept his distance. He had a goal; to finally have a real conversation with her and ease the conflict between them. Instead, they fought. They had reached the phase where they were now fighting about how much they fought.

He thought this trip to Talanth might change their relationship. Perhaps, not into the grand romance that plagued his dreams but at least into a casual amicability. His hopes were for nothing. She was miserable from the moment he walked into her home. She scuttled out of rooms he was in. She avoided making eye contact with him. She hated him.

At least her hatred of him hadn’t poisoned her from developing a sisterly bond with Nee. He’d known that Mel would love Bran’s betrothed. Nee was kind and earnest. She somehow convinced Mel to return to court with them, a blessing beyond measure.

Also, there was the dresses. As part of Mel’s tutelage in court life and style, she’d accumulated a wardrobe fit to her station. Vidanric found himself devastated at every turn. She was beautiful. The more comfortable she got swishing around in her skirts, the worse it was for him.

He walked out into the howling freeze of the courtyard. He didn’t bother with a coat. His mother had sent him here with the explicit instructions to rest and recuperate his strength. After months of being on and off sick, his mother was worried for him. But who cared? He could have a cold forever. Meliara would never look at him with the smallest amount of affection.

He stared out at the mountains she loved. She was wild, free, honest. She didn’t want someone like him. Someone who wrapped their good intentions in subterfuge and plotting was not for Mel. He didn’t think she’d ever forgive him for the circumstances of how they met.

His father was right. Mel met Vidanric as a puppet in Galdran’s theatre of death and cruelty. She would always see him in much the way she saw Galdran, a cheat, a liar, a court bauble. Galdran had tried to take these mountains from her. And she’d fought him with everything she had to hold onto the place and people that she loved. Vidanric was a bit jealous of the mountains if he was honest with himself.

He heard the crunching of footsteps in the snow. Before he could turn around, a heavy blanket thunked down onto his shoulder. He startled and looked behind him to see the steward of the house, Oria. Vidanric had met her, but the woman had mostly kept herself in the background. She was always watching him in his interactions with the Talanth locals.

He assumed that she avoided him in part because she was Mel’s closest confidant, her truest friend. Since Mel hated him, it must follow that this woman hated him.

“You’ll catch your death,” she told him

“Thank you,” he said, pulling the blanket tight. “I was feeling sorry for myself and decided that I ought to suffer.”

“Because of Mel?” Her eyes were sharp.

“I mean no harm,” he clarified. “I wish Mel and I had met in different circumstances. That the history between us was better. That’s all.”

Oria gave him an assessing glance. “You’re a little bit in love with her, aren’t you.”

Vidanric froze. “What?”

“You’ve been so open and friendly with everyone in Talanth. And Bran, despite his thoughtlessness, is an excellent judge of character. So, I kept wondering what the sadness in your eyes was. The whole time that you’ve been here. You’ve had this shadow over you. And It’s her. It’s Mel.”

He thought about lying. Then, he thought about how much Mel hated lies.

“Yes. I do love her.” This part was hard. “More than just a bit.”

“What are you doing about it?”

Vidanric hadn’t expected such a practical question from her. “Nothing? She hates me.”

Oria scoffed. “She doesn’t hate you.”

“She can’t stand to be in the room with me.”

“She’s embarrassed,” Oria said with a sly smile. “She cares what you think of her and she doesn’t know why.”

“Embarrassed?” Vidanric couldn’t think of a single thing that Mel had to be embarrassed about. “If anyone should be embarrassed it’s me.”

Oria’s breathe whooshed out of her lungs in the kind of sigh that spends years building up. The kind of sigh that knows there are so many exhausting hurdles still to come. “I have never seen Mel once notice a man was a man. I have never once seen her care if one of you thought well of her or not.” Here Oria stepped away from him, regaining the distance he was used to. “If you can’t see how that makes you different, then maybe you’re right that you should suffer.”

Oria returned to the warmth of the indoors.

Vidanric’s gaze drifted back to the mountains. Of all the people, Oria would know Mel best. Did that mean Mel really didn’t hate him?

[greatshell-rider]

love when magic shit gets thrown in at the end of smith books hehe. big fan of evil wizards. big big fan of the hill folk. said you know what fuck you, no threatening our homegirl, and sang mr flower into a tree

[queensoftheresistance]

"Mel", by annacastroart on Instagram

[workingwhileidream]

Okay Burrow's End had me thinking some thoughts... So here are my favorite Dimension 20 moments that rotate like a rotisserie chicken in my brain (in no particular order other than the order I thought if them).

- Riz goes into the butthole of the Corn Ooze Monster (Fantasy High). The first absolutely insane shenanigans move anyone makes on D20, setting the tone the show will have forever.

- Raphaniel kills Queen Pamelia (Ravening War). I think I saw Brennan's soul leave his body briefly when he got that How Do You Want To Do This from Matt. Time was an absolute flat circle that day.

- Hank convinces Brennan to let him role savvy instead of sneak (Mentopolis). Hank is one of the most famous content creators, having him on the show was phenomenal to begin with. Then right out of the gate, he pulls this move in his first episode. And it just works. Hilarious, instantly iconic.

- Jet Dies (A Crown of Candy). When Lapin dies, it is shocking but I wasn't attached to him as a character. Lapin was a bit antagonistic and his death happens early in the season. On the other hand, Jet is instantly likeable. Emily and Siobhan are amazing as siblings, their performances this campaign are some of my favorites. I have siblings and I am very close to them, so this hit me like a ton of bricks.

- The entire epilogue of Burrow's End. "Are you pitching and Air Bud ending?" is one of the instant hall of fame quotes from this show. I started crying I was laughing so hard.

- Ylfa's bottleneck and the TPK (Neverafter). There are so many close calls for total party kills in Dimension 20 history, but this is where it finally happens and it's only 3 episodes in. I was on edge, expecting another TPK at any turn, for the rest of the campaign.

- 3 nat one initiative rolls for the battle that literally opens the season (A Starstruck Odyssey). The beginning of a new season is always full of excitement. This season was extra special, having everyone back in the dome after the pandemic and the season being based off Brennan's Mom's comics. The zoom energy is still in the air and I still think about this season opener a lot.

- Mother Timothy Goose breaks Snow White's concentration with a cantrip (Neverafter). Only Ally Beardsley could and we all damn well know it. Still didn't stop me from being so far in disbelief that all I could do is laugh.

- Hob's "You will never know another lonely day" speech to Rue (A Court of Fey and Flowers). I will still cry about this if I think about it for too long. Rue and Hob's romance is the heart of this season to me. I won't be over it ever.

- Gertrude convinces Nyruth to give the Questing Queens very powerful boons after the Queens tried to rob them only a few hours earlier (Dungeons and Drag Queens). The fact that this season exists drives a level of serotonin into my brain that is unimaginable. This is the definition of a big swing and when Bob rolls well, Brennan has no other choice than to honor it. This is one of the moments I have made a meme of. I cannot wait for season 2.

- Wuuvy shows up to the duel and she did not come to play (A Court of Fey and Flowers). Aabria has talked about how Wuuvy is one of her favorite NPCs and I feel the same. Wuuvy and Rue's relationship has such a great arc and this moment is so pivotal.

- Fabian's no good very bad day (Fantasy High Sophomore Year). An iconic moment in D20 history that was truly wild to watch live. For everything to go so fantastically bad for Fabian and Lou was unprecedented. There is a reason why people still talk about this moment to this day.

- Amathar survives being pushed off the castle (A Crown of Candy). Brennan tried to kill Lou so many times in this campaign. I really thought Brennan had gotten him with this one, my stomach sunk. But Lou pulls it out and Amathar lives once again.

- Pib plays "Smoke on the Water" (Neverafter). "I stepped out to play 'Smoke on the Water' " is also a hall of fame quote to me. This list could be all Pib moments if I'm being honest, he's my favorite Zac character. And the fact that Zac doesn't roll well makes this moment funnier to me.

- Buddy Bear gets planted with the All Blossom (Dungeons and Drag Queens). Jujubee and Brennan owe me a therapy session for this one. I sobbed. My cat is my baby and I will be ruined the day she leaves me, so I get it. I really do.

- "Eat your dice, Brennan" (Fantasy High Sophomore Year). A great bit made physically possible by Siobhan. I hope Siobhan gives him gummy dice or something like that so that Brennan can continue to eat his dice for Junior Year.

- Orange Top Hat Fairy (Neverafter). It's a horror season and the cast is doing bits about how hot a mini is the entire finale and the Adventuring Party that followed. I felt the stress and off the walls energy through the screen. The Smooth Criminal pin was the first piece of Dimension 20 merch I bought.

- Viola's epic takedown of Phoebe (Burrow's End). Watching Rashawn absolutely crush it her first time in the dome was amazing. I loved Viola from the jump, her arc was so satisfying and fun to watch. Also the idea of a tiny stoat kicking a gun just the right way to get it to fire is hilarious. No notes other than please have Rashawn come back on every season she possibly can.

- Evan Kelmp warns the Rosemont student not to duel him (Misfits and Magic). Brennan's deadpan warning matched with the reactions of the other players and Aabria really make this scene. An underrated Brennan moment for sure.

- Stacey Fakename turns out to be real (Mentopolis). This was such a good reoccurring bit, so to have Stacey be real at the end of the story was too funny. In a season of bits, tropes, and puns - this one has the most payoff to me and is definitely my favorite.

[heartless-tate]

High lady. | High Lord Eris X F reader

Summary: You used to love Eris- and now that’s all in the past. Or you at least that’s what you think. Until you receive an invitation to a dance from the high lord- Eris.

A/N: Hellooo my fireflies! I’ve been thirsting for Eris these past few weeks so why not write for him? I can’t believe I ever didn’t like this man 😫. Also for my male readers out there, if you’d like me to rewrite this or any of my other fics with a male reader, just ask! 💕

3k words

warnings: cussing, allusions to sex, use of y/n, slight angst, she/her pronouns

There were no words to describe your shock at seeing the royal invite to the ball. You weren’t high fae. You were a simple, low class librarian. Your name was written in beautiful, classy cursive. A handwriting you recognized immediately. This was handwritten by Eris. Eris Vanserra. Memories flooded your mind.

Running through the gardens, dogs barking behind you playfully. You didn’t have time to react before a body landed on you. Eris. He tackled you to the dirt, his hand was cradling your head to prevent it banging against the floor as he straddled your back. His hounds crowded the two of you, stomping and making noises with excitement.

“Got you little fox!” Eris announced, hugging you from behind.

“Not fair! You said you’d give me a head start.” You pouted. Eris’s laughter filled the air, creating a warm atmosphere. His arms wrapped around your middle and he pulled you into a hug. His embrace was warm and comforting in the cool autumn air.

Cauldron. That was so long ago. Eris was older by you than a long shot, but at that time, you were young. Nineteen years old. Young and innocent. He was also slightly more innocent then, playing with you and entertaining your young soul. Your face flushed a slight shade of pink, and you shook your head. You remember your crush on him. How could you not have one though? Everyone warned you. And you didn’t listen. He was everything a girl at that age would’ve wanted. Beautiful, handsome, smart, experienced, and a prince.

It was only when you discovered Eris was to be betrothed to some high fae daughter in his father’s court, did your little world come crashing down with reality. You were a peasant compared to him. And he likely saw you as nothing but entertainment. So you distanced yourself. You stopped accepting his invites to dinner with his family, you didn’t go out with him anymore. Of course, you couldn’t bear to completely cut him off. So you still would accept his occasional invite to walk with him in the forests with his hounds. He always told you they missed you. Now days, the walks were somewhat awkward. They happened every few months.

The last one was 6 months ago. You always thought you were doing better, you worked at a library, and cared for precious books. You lived in a relatively small apartment, but it was okay. You were grateful, you had a roof on your head and food on your plate. Things had changed since your last walk with him.

Beron was dead. On Eris’s wedding night, before the marriage had been officiated he had dueled Beron to a battle of death. Hundreds at the wedding had witnessed as Eris brutally slayed his father, and placed the crown on his head. Declaring himself as high lord. He released himself of the marriage, and granted his fiancé permission to marry her true lover. When the news escaped to the streets and you heard, you couldn’t help but be nervous. You realized, Eris would be to busy with his court to come on walks with you anymore. And that made you realize that your feelings weren’t gone. You had never gotten over him.

Tonight was a royal ball. You remembered Eris had always begged his father to let you attend the dances and balls, but Beron always refused. Saying trash like you should never be seen with royalty. Eris, stayed by your side though. He’d sneak from the dances and find you, and would dance in the silent night with you. And you had no idea why Eris was inviting you to this ball. Was it pity? Did he want you to experience something nice once in your life? What would you even wear? You certainly didn’t have royal attire.

You ripped open the letter with your nails, admiring the wax seal of a little fox on it. You opened it to a small card inside. Eris’s handwriting.

Little fox,

I’d be honored for you to attend the royal autumn ball tonight with me. A carriage will wait for you at your apartment at noon. Don’t neglect my dogs of your attention any longer.

Love, Eris.

You giggled. You felt like a school girl. You could feel the heat on your face. You admired his familiar handwriting. It was neat and lovely in every sense. A dried viola fell into your lap when you opened the card further. Memories of him teaching you cursive in the gardens made you smile. You stood, grasping the flower, and pulled out the small box you kept of every letter he had ever sent you. Whenever Beron would try to restrict him from seeing you, it didn’t stop him from convincing his maids or servants to get his letters to you. You hadn’t received a letter since his last request to walk with you. The box was filled with the dried flowers he’d always sent with them.

How could you go? What would you wear? You approached your closet. And then you remembered something.

“Eris- I can’t wear this. This is too- too, royal.” You squeaked, admiring the beautiful dress he had just gifted you.

“Wear it. It matches the suit my father made me wear. Let’s dance, little fox.” He purred, pushing hair out of your face. Once the dress was on, he pulled you close to him in the empty streets on the Autumn Court and guided you in a slow dance, uncaring of the lack of music. Or the fact he was missing a royal ball.

You didn’t waste time in finding the box tucked away safely under your bed, and pulling it out. You opened the box, staring at the gorgeous forgotten dress. You had only worn it the last night he had danced with you.

This would work. Looks like all the dances you learned from books would pay off tonight.

Music from the orchestra blasted loudly. You entered the throne room, slightly late. But nobody cared. You were fashionably late- you had to find a mask. It was a masquerade after all. And Eris’s letter was a little bit close to time so, nobody could blame you. People danced in sync all over the room, dresses of different colors swaying. It was so fascinating. You couldn’t help but be mesmerized. Sure, most of these people were stuck up cunts, but they were beautiful, and they knew it too. You walked down the the grand stair case, eyes greedily taking in everything.

And then they caught on him. He sat on the throne, auburn hair messy as if he had ran his hands through it more then once tonight. The crown on his head was slightly crooked, giving him an uncaring look as high fae of all kinds greeted him. His mask was the color of burning fire, gold lace trimming it. He seemed bored, uninterested in this whole party. And he looked every bit of the High Lord you knew he would be.

You didn’t have the guts to greet him. You couldn’t. He had invited you out of perhaps pity. There were clear boundaries you were sure of. And you knew approaching the high lord as a peasant would break every single one of those boundaries. You could already see high fae turning their noses up at you as you walked by.

You approached the giant banquet table, observing the various foods. They were all favorites of yours. Maybe you just had a fancy food taste. You grabbed a glass of fae wine off of a servant’s tray, happy to indulge yourself in high quality wine that you didn’t have to pay for. You decided to eat after you danced.

You turned to face the dance floor. You watched the first waltz come to an ends, couples departing to find new partners. You swirled your wine in your glass, smelled it and then took a taste. It was glorious. Aged, and woodsy. You figured the bottle was easily in the three hundreds. Who cared? You didn’t have to pay for it. You snickered to yourself.

“Dance with me?” A coy voice purred beside you.

You turned, seeing a gentle around your age. High fae. And he was still asking to dance. Odd. His mask was black with silver lace. He wore a simple black tux. His hair was a dark brown, slicked with gel. He had a warm smile. He was handsome. You took his outstretched hand.

“Why not?” You replied, setting your wine glass down on a servant’s tray. The male smirked with arrogance, and swooped you to the dance floor. Music begun, and he started the dance.

“I’m Silas.” He murmured, twirling you. You nodded, having no problem in keeping up with the complex strides of this particular dance.

“Y/n” You responded. His eyes glinted.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl like you.” Silas said. He started to move faster, as if seeing how well you could keep up. And you did. Having no trouble at all.

You smiled warmly. This man was nice. You could see yourself with him. But it felt like something was missing. Like a hole in your heart.

“Thank you, Silas.” You purred back, starting to lead the dance. You guided it into a more complex rhythm, going along with the music, but ultimately making it more difficult. You giggled when he tripped over his own foot but caught himself. He glared at you.

“You dance awfully good for a commoner.” He huffed out, twirling you again.

“Having trouble keeping up?” You taunted playfully, not caring of his snarky remark. He was embarrassed. You could tell by how his eyes were roaming the people that had take to watch the both of you dance, interested in seeing how long you could rule the dance floor, he was embarrassed. Your eyes roamed the people. You could feel a familiar sense of someone watching. Your eyes found Eris. He was no longer listening to the fae beside him. His amber eyes bored into you. When you caught eye contact, he smirked. His legs spread as he leaned further into his throne. His eyebrow was cocked, his long talons tapping against the throne.

Cauldron. You had forgot how breathtakingly gorgeous he was. And sexy. You felt your face flush.

A snarl distracted you from him. Silas’s hands clutched your hips.

“Do not mock me.” He growled quietly in your ear. The music’s rhythm went faster, and the dance along with it. The curious fae quickly started dancing again, embarrassed at how they were so mesmerized by a commoner.

You went to take another step, but Silas went crashing to the floor. You watched in shock as he slid on the floor, his eyes wide with fury and embarrassment. His face heated with embarrassment. He looked up at you mouth open as if he was about to blame you, but his eyes caught on something behind you. Or rather, someone.

You turned slowly to see the high lord standing in his full glory behind you. His sharp cunning eyes squinted and mouth pulled into a smirk. He observed the male on the floor before looking at the people around you both. Then his eyes landed on you. You were awestruck by him for a minute- before you realized he was royalty. You started to bow but an invisible force stopped you. Your eyes narrowed in confusion before Eris bowed in front of you.

The High Lord just bowed in front of you. You. A peasant. Before you could say anything he lifted his hand to you.

“Grant me the pleasure of a dance?” He said, loud and clear. Gods you missed his voice. Yours ears picked up multiple gasps of shock. You heard a start of a growl before seeing Eris’s eyes glare into Silas behind you. You heard Silas scrambling away, knowing his place. Eris’s eyes turned back to you. He stayed in a bowed down position, hand waiting for yours. You swallows your shock. So be it. This very much may be the last dance you and him share, and you would take it.

Eris smiled softly when he felt the familiar embrace of your hand on his. His hand wrapped around yours, completely swallowing it. You hadn’t even realized the music had stopped until now. He motioned with his free hand for it to begin again. Fae around you scampered to start dancing, but all of their eyes were on you. On him. And his eyes were on you. And that’s all that mattered.

His free hand moved to your hip, grasping it gently with respect. He slowly moved to start the dance, holding you close. You didn’t know what to say or do other than to follow his lead. You didn’t even realize your mouth was gaping open.

“Little fox, you look like a fish gasping for air.” Eris teased in your ear, and you quickly shut your mouth.

“Sorry-“

“Don’t apologize. You never have to apologize to me.” He replied, smoothly. Gods. It was as if you were 19 again and you were dancing in the empty village with him. His long nails drew circles on your hip as you slowly started ti advance in the pace of the music. He kept up with ease, and you the same.

“Your hounds miss you.” Eris murmured, leaning his head down enough to kiss your forehead. It took every ounce of self control to not accidentally trip in shock.

“My hounds? They’re not mine. They’re yours!“ You started.

“Yes, they are, little fox. You helped me save and raise Sadie’s pups. If it wasn’t for you most of them would’ve died during birth. They are every bit of yours as they are mine.” He responded, pulling you closer. You knew better then to continue this fight with him. He was stubborn. And you knew if you tried to refuse again you’d probably have a pack of hounds at your apartment door tomorrow- out of spite.

“Whatever.” You grumbled defeatedly, shaking your head. He chuckled. His laugh was deeper now. You could smell the envy of other women around you. You wondered if they knew there wasn’t anything to be jealous of.

“So..how’s being High Lord?” You asked, unsure of what to talk about now. Eris frowned with a playful pout.

“Lonely. I’m sure the hounds would agree too. But don’t worry about that. That’ll change very, very soon.”

You weren’t quite sure what Eris was getting on to now. He always spoke in riddles. You sighed. Before you could re-question him, he started talking again.

“How has my little fox been?” Eris divulged.

You blushed. He had always had a knack for that dumb nickname. You were glad people couldn’t hear your conversation. The current dance came to an end and Eris wasted no time in pulling you into another. He knew you would have no problems keeping up.

“I’ve been good.” You responded. You looked up at him. He had gotten taller. And bigger. Maybe it was the high lord magic that transferred to him after Beron died or something. You weren’t sure. But he towered over you, creating a comical size difference. He gave you a toothy playful smile. He was always so carefree around you. You loved it. You loved him.

“You look lovely in that dress.”

“You bought it.” You quipped back at him.

“I have such good taste don't I?” He countered.

You couldn’t help but giggled looking away. The music slowed and you knew this was coming to an end. And gods you didn’t want it to end. His eyes softened as if he too was thinking the same. He grasped you tighter, pulling you closer, your bodies left no space between each others. He leaned down and inhaled your scent.

“Gods. I missed you. I missed your scent. The way you laugh. Talking with you- I missed it all.” Eris started. He held you tighter when you tried to pull away, confused.

“Don’t move away. Let me enjoy this Y/n.” He whispered, head going to the crook of your neck as he slowed the dance, moving with rhythm to the orchestra’s music. You realized how desperate and clingy his hood on you seemed now. As if he had missed you as much as you missed him.

Fuck boundaries. You couldn’t care if you were a peasant compared to him right now. You let your inner thoughts win as you tightly clutched at him. You didn’t wanna let go of him. You let your head lean against his chest, relaxing into the calm and slow dance. You knew fae were gawking at you both. And neither of you cared. Eris seemed shocked at your return of his embrace. The music slowed to a stop, and so did you both in the middle of the floor. Eris gently pulled away, staring at you with such adoring eyes. A sharp contrast to who he was in front of these people. His eyes found their way to your lips. He looked back up at you, a pleading look on his face. You understood what he wanted.

His hand clutched at the back of your head as your lips met. His were soft. It was the most gentle and loving kiss. You couldn’t give a flying fuck about the jealous and envious fae. Not just women. Both males and females snickering in jealousy. Eris pulled away, eyes soft. He took in the sight of you.

He didn’t waste time in pulling you in for a second kiss. This one wasn’t gentle. It was hot. Aggressive. He kissed you as if there was a fire in his bones and you were the only thing that could sooth it. His teeth gently nipped and sucked on your bottom lip. You returned it. His hand clutched at the back of your head, talons tangled in your hair. His other one clutched at your hip and roamed to your lower back. Your hands clutched at the front of his dress shirt. When you pulled away gasping for air, Eris had the biggest smile on his face. His eyes roamed your face again. You lips were swollen and pink from him. You were panting and looking at him as if he was everything. And he returned the same look. He tucked a strand of loose hair behind your ear before cupping your jaw.

“Don’t make me miss you anymore. Stay with me. I’ll give you everything you could dream of. You can be my high lady. Anything- anything you want.” He begged, eyes pleading. You knew he wasn’t lying.

“Eris..”

Eris swear his heart stopped with the way you said his name. He’s positive he would die right here on this floor at your knees if you rejected him. You were all he ever wanted.

“You’re everything I could dream of.” You whispered to him. Eris took in a gasp of air, not realizing he had been holding it. Relief flooding his body. And then pure love. He grabbed your hand before you could say anything and guided you up the stairs the the throne. He turned, facing the crowd with you. His hand placed on your lower back.

The whole crowd of fae stared in confusion and shock. No idea of what was about to happen.

“Well? What are you waiting for?” Eris barked. “Show some respect to your high lady.”

His voice boomed across the room, gasps eliciting from the crowd. And then, they all bowed. You stood in front of the throne, watching as they all bowed to their knees. The scent of fear and confusion flooded from the fae.

Eris smirked before turning around back to you. He knew that despite your anxieties, you were made for this. Just your presence demanded attention from others. He knew you were his. His eyes shined with pure male pride as he removed the autumn court crown from his head, and gently placed it on yours. You watched as he bowed down on his knee, paying respect to you. His queen. You relaxed. Hundreds of high fae all bowed down to you. Your man bowed down to you. You tipped your head up with a smirk.

Eris grasped your hand and kissed your ring finger with a possessive glare at it. As if promising himself it would soon have a ring around it. He stood, and walked you to the throne. He held your hand as you sat down on it, crossing your legs. He stood beside you, eyes peering to the fae. He looked to you. Gods you were gorgeous. He couldn’t help the possessiveness in him that filled to the brim at seeing you where you finally belonged. He had waited so long to be able to do this.

“The masquerade is over. Get out.” He growled to the people, his eyes never leaving you. He didn’t bother turning around to ensure the people left. He could hear them rushing to get out.

He was gonna fuck you on your rightful throne.

[ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral]

Hello everyone! I'm back with another Merlin au! This one is a horror-themed au for spooky season! Enjoy!

This au is Inspired by the story of King Pedro I of Portugal and Ines de Castro (which is a heartbreaking story that deserves to have more people talking about it), and it's set in a world where Merlin and Arthur are already together in season 3. After a magic reveal gone wrong, Merlin's magic was revealed while Uther was still alive, leading to Uther ordering Merlin's execution while Arthur was away on a hunting trip. When Arthur returns, he's met with the news of Merin's death, but he refuses to believe such horrible news until he rushes into Gaius's chambers, screaming for Merlin, only to find Gaius and Gwen sobbing over Merlin's body.

Arthur is overcome by grief and, after a few hours sitting in Gaius's chambers staring at Merlin's unnaturally still form with tears streaming down his face, Arthur marches off to face his father, to make him pay for his crimes. Uther is, of course, furious over Arthur getting so worked up over a treacherous sorcerer, but Arthur fights him like a madman, fueled by grief and rage.

In the end, Arthur wins the duel, and while the shocked lords and knights watching the whole ordeal were expecting Arthur to run his father through with is blade, Arthur does something that no one expects. He uses his blade to carve open Uther's chest, cutting out his heart, saying that Uther had been so heartless as to take Arthur's love from him, this ought to be his fate.

While the lords and knights were all shocked and horrified at the display, there was little they could do besides acknowledge the prince as their new ruler. Within a couple days, Uther's funeral and Arthur's coronation were organized, but Arthur still felt numb, even as the crown was placed on his head. He could almost feel the empty consort's throne next to him, where Merlin was always supposed to be, mocking him viciously.

But then, an idea formed in Arthur's not-quite-sane-anymore mind. Merlin had always deserved to sit at his side, to be honored as any consort to a king should be. Arthur had to see this through, to ensure that Merlin received the honors that he was denied during life.

Arthur ordered the servants to, under Gaius's supervision, collect Merlin's body, dress him in royal robes, and have him carried to the throne room. There was no way to make any of this right again, no way to make Arthur feel whole once more, but there was a way to make sure that Merlin's memory and all that he meant to Arthur lived on.

When the doors to the throne room finally opened, shocked and horrified gasps rose up from the assembled court at the sight that awaited them. There, being carried in on a stone slab, lay Merlin's pale, prone body, dressed in royal finery from Arthur's own wardrobe. His colorless pallor against the rich red robes created a striking and distinctly disturbing contrast, which was only heightened by the colorful jewelry that accompanied the outfit.

Arthur imagined what a magnificent sight Merlin would have made if he were alive and yearned for such a vision with all of his heart. But the reality of the situation was as grim as the expressions of the knights carrying Merlin's body. Merlin was gone, taking Arthur heart and all of his joy with him, and all that was left for Arthur to feel was somber determination to make at least one thing right: Merlin would be honored and remembered as a king.

The crowd's shocked whispering didn't cease as the procession passed them and made its way towards the thrones, reverently placing the slab in front of the steps to the throne, but they were shocked into silence as Arthur picked up Merlin's body and cradled him gently before carrying him over to the consort's throne and placing him on it with the greatest care.

The court was silenced at the disturbing sight of a limp body sitting in the queen's throne, but horrified gasps shot up from the crowd as the king suddenly turned around to face them, his eyes bloodshot and glaring at them all.

"You, all of you, stood by and let my father do this! And now, you will show your respect to the man you had forsaken. Merlin was everything to me, and I never had any intention to rule without him by my side. Living or dead, if I am king, then so is he."

Arthur slowly made his way back to his own throne and sat down, a picture of royal power. His eyes darted over to Merlin for a second, before shifting back over the crowd. Still, was it just Arthur's desperate imagination, or was there now a slight flush in Merlin's skin that wasn't there earlier?

"Just as you all knelt before me and took an oath of fealty, you will do the same for him. You will give him all of the honor he deserved in life."

At first, the lords in attendance just looked at him in utter disbelief, but the fierce glare Arthur sent them confirmed that the king was being entirely serious. Slowly, each of the lords knelt before the consort's throne, not daring to look up at the disturbing sight before them, and recited their oaths of fealty, feeling the king's burning gaze on them all the while.

Finally, after all of the lords had taken their oaths, a pale Geoffrey presented Arthur with the consort's crown, a treasure that had not been seen by anyone since Ygraine's passing. Arthur gingerly lifted the crown and made his way over to Merlin.

As he stepped closer, Arthur wanted to weep. Perhaps it was some cruel trick his mind was playing on him, put it looked like Merlin's color had returned to him, making him appear like he was only sleeping, like he would wake up and everything would be fine again.

Taking a steadying breath to hold his tears at bay, Arthur finally stepped right in front of Merlin, holding the crown over his motionless head. It wasn't fair, Arthur decided. It wasn't fair that Arthur had finally become king, was finally in a place where he could openly profess his love for Merlin, but Merlin wasn't here by his side to see it!

Still, he could let everyone else see his love for Merlin. Slowly, he lowered the crown onto Merlin's head, letting rest on his limp head. Arthur took a shaking step back, trembling with rage and grief as he looked at Merlin, bedecked in royal robes and wearing the crown that Arthur had always longest to give him. Arthur's own mind still mocked him, making Merlin look almost alive again, like he was only sleeping, when Arthur when that Merlin was gone, and all that was left of him was this pale, empty shell and a terrible hollowness in Arthur's chest where his heart was supposed to be.

Arthur tenderly gasped Merlin's chin, tilting his head up to face him. This was goodbye, Arthur knew it. After this, Merlin would be laid to rest with all the honors of a king, and Arthur would be left ruling over his kingdom alone and heartbroken for the rest of his days. With tears flowing freely down his face, Arthur leaned down and pressed a kiss onto Merlin's lips. Once again, Arthur's mind took pity on him, as he could swear that Merlin's lips were warm with life under his own.

Arthur drew back, gazing at his love's face for what might be the last time, attempting to commit every minute detail to memory, such that Merlin's likeness would never fade from his mind even as the years went by. As Arthur eyes scanned over Merlin's face, however, there was one thing that struck him as odd before his mind caught up to what he was seeing and his heart, which had felt cold and frozen fir days, started beating at a frantic rhythm.

Because Merlin's eyes were open.

(Yes, Merlin was immortal the whole time, but his magic was just taking a while to heal him lol!)

And that's all for now! I hope you all enjoyed this au! Let me know if you'd like to see a continuation!

And, as always, thank you for reading through my ramblings! :D

[meimoons-arts]

Meliara and Vidanric from Crown Duel

[meimoons]

Nothing more aristocratic then wearing a horse blanket, Mel. Keep it classy.

[daily-rayless]

A white rose from an unknown giver: purity of intent.

Another old sketch of Meliara from the Crown Duel series. I've always liked this one -- she accepts the rose, but she looks just a little wary at the same time.

[aelin9]

meanwhile there's Mel

[charlenasaxen]

Crown and Court Quotes

“we also have the remarkable color trees: huge, long-lived goldenwoods and bluewoods”

“I want to die hearing the windharps. Already the Hill Folk mourn me…”

“All my life I have kept the Covenant, and I shall die keeping it.”

“Papa, please. Rest. Be easy—”

“Promise!” He gripped our hands.

“You’re a good boy, Branaric. No, a man now…”

“This time when we each gripped his fingers, there was no response”

“Branaric stood helplessly, staring at the still figure in the bed. Feeling numb—unreal—I took Papa’s thin hands, which were still warm.”

“we stood there for a long time, crying together while the cold wind swirled round us”

“you and me, even if we disagree—which I hope won’t happen. All we have now is this old castle”

Bran raised his hands. “Then we are on our own, sister.”

“A countess wearing a horse blanket and a count who hates fighting, leading a war”

“His dark blue eyes seemed darker with the intensity”

“But it had to be done—and we had to do it together”

“wordlessly, accompanied by their strange music—which was a kind of magic in itself—we would dance to somber cadence, sharing memory, and grief, and promise.”

“The old green velvet, left from Papa’s wardrobe, nicely set off Bran’s tall, rangy build. His face was long and sharp boned”

“if they laughed me out into the snow, you know I’d go right back at them, sword in hand”

“I glanced back in question, but the only thing to see was Bran unlacing his tunic”

the humor gone. “I made him up some good things to eat,” she said. “Let me fetch the pack.”

“Then he mounted, gave us a quick salute, and soon was gone. He didn’t like saying farewells any more than I did.”

“Though I still missed my brother”

“We moved into the cleared space, which was now dappled with blossoms”

“Tension relaxed into surprise as my brother rode up”

his eyes clearing. “The war. It’s here,”

“Good!” Bran said, laughing as he brandished his cider.

“Three times we sat on the cliffs above and cracked jokes while the army milled around”

“when they emerged, the stranger had the white plume of leadership”

“We’ll give him two weeks,” I crowed. “And then we’ll send him scurrying back to his tailor.”

“looking not at the map but at us, his old eyes sad”

“Branaric’s voice was a low rumble”

“no music, or laughter, or family to celebrate. Flower Day was celebrated with fine dresses and satin slippers and expensive gifts. Did he pity us?”

he grabbed me in a sudden, fierce hug. “Next year,” he said in a husky voice.

“overseen by a straight figure in a black cloak riding back and forth along a high ridge”

“Oria stood there grinning, her dark eyes crinkled to slivers. Flowers had been set all around my little tent, early spring blooms of every color.”

“gazed up at the black interlacing of leaves, through which the rainbow-hued stars made a pattern of heedless beauty.”

“Here y’are, m’lord. She’s awake.”

“Bran?” I croaked.

“Large gray eyes surveyed me. Astraight nose, chiseled bones. All this framed by long pale blond hair.”

“your probable future is not the kind to excite general envy”

Diving through the tent flap, I screamed with all my failing strength, “BRAN!”

“It desolates me to disappoint you, but your brother is not here.”

“As a crack it was pretty weak, but the amusement deepened in the light voice”

“Haha,” I gloated

“the reflected peachy gold glow touched the valleys and fields with warm light”

“reaching toward the distant sea. Such profligate beauty lifted my spirits”

“Unfortunately, this elevated mood disappeared with the sun”

“a steady, drizzling rain began to fall. Faintly, in the distance, I heard bells tolling”

“near the pool where the water fell. One chance of escape gone. I’d never get to the horse before he could stop me.”

“You appear to need it more than I do.” He smiled. “Go ahead.”

“The firelight played over his face. He watched me.”

“for some rock-headed reason?”

“Say what you want.” I sniffed. “It’s not like I can duff off in a huff if you’re impolite.”

“Is that a promise or a threat?”

He smiled.

“Once I was on the animal’s back, it wouldn’t matter if the man woke up—in fact, it might be nice to see that Court-bred composure shattered”

“gold-candles and the beginning of another day”

“I squinted, trying to equate this tall, slim figure with that arrogant plume-helmed commander”

“to a Court decoration.”

“‘Court decoration’?” he repeated, with a faint smile.

“Marquis of Shevraeth, Galdran’s commander-in-chief, grinned. It was the first real grin I’d seen on his face”

“He tossed a dagger across the fire. It spun through the air and landed hilt-deep in the ground next to my hand.”

“my companion was right next to me. The dagger was back in its sheath at his belt”

“He whistled, and the dapple-gray trotted obediently up, head tossing”

“marquis was right in front of me, and he was a lot taller than he appeared when seated”

“In one hand were the horse’s reins, and he held the other hand out in an offer”

“His gloves were still at his belt, and I noticed again that his palm was crossed with calluses”

“He put his hands on my waist and boosted me up onto the horse—and I couldn’t help but notice it didn’t take all that much effort”

“The less said about that morning’s ride, the better. I would have been uncomfortable even if I’d been riding with Branaric.”

“We only had one conversation, right at the start, when he apologized”

“When the great mage built bridge came into view I felt Shevraeth’s arm tighten”

“horse boy leaped to his feet, and all three bowed low”

“How could I effect an escape when I had as much spunk as a pot of over-boiled noodles?”

“I was impressed. Ordered gardens, flower-banked canals, well-dressed people.”

“whatever I said, might very well get carried to Branaric. I owed it to the people at home not to rug-crawl to this villain.”

“their spears thudded to the floor with a noise that sounded like doom”

“a tall figure with a long black cloak walked past us, plumed and coroneted”

“At his side hung his sword; his hair was braided. He passed by without so much as a glance.”

“piece of gold wood so beautifully veined with golds and reds and umbers it looked like fire”

“People came, in twos and threes and fours, to stare at me”

“Bribery! If things could come in, couldn’t something go out?”

“At night, another blanket, which disappeared the next morning—this time with an apologetic murmur from the guard”

“And of course it had to be while I was like this—about the lowest I’d sunk yet—that the Marquis of Shevraeth chose to reappear in my life”

“The door opened and a tall, glittering figure. I stared blankly at the torch-bearing aristocrat.”

“He was resplendent in black and crimson velvet embroidered over with gold and set with rubies. More rubies glittered on his fingers and in his pale braided hair.”

“the familiar gray eyes”

“It was the first real expression I’d ever seen from him, but by then I was in no mood to appreciate it”

“Renselaeus…” I repeated, then grinned. The princess was the mother of the marquis.

“Down with Merindar,” he murmured. “Farewell, my lady.”

She rolled her eyes. “My brother. He’s ten. Horrid age!”

“I have a garden—it’s my own. All the spring blooms are out.”

“beyond, purple in the distance, the mountains. My mountains.”

“I tried it from several rooms. See, the roses are there, and the climbing vine makes a frame.”

“And that Shevraeth,” I added somewhat bitterly.

“our youths killed. And sometimes not just the youths. We could have a better king, but not at the cost of our towns and farms being laid waste.”

“Who had died while trying to rescue me? Those people would never see the sun set again.”

“Just so could I envision an army trampling Ara’s garden, their minds filled with thoughts of victory.”

“That I do not know,” the man said. “I concern myself with what is mine, and I try to help my neighbors.”

“The next morning Ara seemed resigned about my leaving. She reminded me of my promise three times, then offered to brush out my hair.”

“I haven’t cut it since my mother was killed. Swore I wouldn’t until—well, she was avenged,”

“there was a strong part of me that would have been happy to sit in their garden and listen to music”

Ara sighed with happy sentimentality. “You are so graceful, like a bird. And beautiful!”

“Ara pressed her lips together, winked at me, then fled”

“a white-bearded shepherd approached from the other side, clucking to a flock of sheep”

“walked above the road where days ago I had been taken in the other direction by Shevraeth”

“A single rider on a dapple-gray. Tall in the saddle, long blond hair flying.”

“his head lifted slightly, turned, and he stared straight into my eyes”

“of course I’d been sitting, so there was no limp or bandage to give me away”

“Haven’t any coins. Shall I sweep the prints away?”

“I wish you’d been a handsome boy instead, for then I’d demand a kiss as payment.”

“the flash of embroidered sleeves and the whirl of skirts flickered between me and the king’s commander”

“one that promised such fun I could almost hear Bran’s laughter”

“The reins went flying. I grabbed at them with my free hand and thrust the meat pie into my mouth with the other.”

“somewhere behind me, a horn blared a summons.

The chase was on!”

with my right foot gave the horse’s flank a good smack. “Run!” I yelled, scrambling up.

“Oh, joy. The marquis was somewhere around.”

Then a familiar drawl, not ten paces from me: “Search the houses.”

“Did one of them have a pale yellow top? I could see him standing there narrow-eyed, looking around.”

“So my only hope was to make him so angry he’d kill me outright and save us both a lot of effort”

“And saw the Marquis of Shevraeth standing framed in the doorway”

“The Marquis strolled forward, indicated the knife with a neatly gloved hand, and gave me a faint smile.”

“I trust the timing was more or less advantageous?”

“More or less,” I managed.

“picturing the elegant marquis”

“the idea of waking up in his arms again”

“a toasted length of bread that turned out to have grilled trout, cheese, and greens”

“a castle, built on either side of a spectacular waterfall. An equally fantastic bridge lined with old trees crossed from one side to the other.”

“the floors were of exceptionally fine mosaic in a complicated pattern. Along one wall were high, arched windows”

“almost hidden by slanting rays of sun, was a tall figure with pale blond hair”

I stood with my back to the door. We were alone.

“Welcome to Renselaeus, Lady Meliara.”

He raised his cup in salute and took a drink. “Would you like to sit down?”

“The light fell on the side of his face. Like that first morning.”

“Giving a wail of sheer rage, I plucked a heavy silver candleholder and flung it straight at his head. He caught it one-handed, and set it gently in its place.”

there was my brother, tall, thinner than I remembered, and clean. “Mel!”

“Bran,” I squawked, and hurled myself into his arms.

“Mmm.” He hugged me again. “Tell me.”

“Vivid images chased through my mind: Shevraeth over the campfire”

“He strolled out like it was a ballroom floor, cool as you please”

“said you were safe in his care—what’s that?”

“I said, ‘Hah!’”

He grinned.

“reminded me of a stream in a forest. Trees grew alongside a wide running bath, all tiled and blue”

“wrapped in a cape-sized towel that had been kept warm on heatstones”

“Tiny golden birds had been embroidered at the neck and down either side”

“Tiny slits had been made at shoulders and elbows to pull through tufts of the silken underdress of pale gold”

“to me, in the suavest voice, as if I hadn’t flung a candleholder at his head a little while before”

“acutely aware of that bland-faced, elegantly dressed marquis right behind”

his mouth stayed solemn—I knew I’d seen that expression before. “Please. You have only to ask.”

“that ended rather abruptly when a candleholder—ah—changed hands”

“Shevraeth himself was there to bid us farewell”

Bran saw this, and sighed. “Another time, I trust.” I realized then that he actually liked the marquis.

Shevraeth bowed to me. There was no irony visible in face or manner as he wished me a safe journey, but my face still burned as I gritted out a stilted “Thank you.”

“Bend down, bend—ah!” Bran’s body jerked, then he fell forward, an arrow in his back.

“The last glimpse I had of Bran was of his blanched face and his anxious eyes watching me”

“Branaric, my fun-loving, trusting brother”

“We can’t win, not now,” I said, with tears burning my eyes. “But those who want to take a few of them with us when we go down, come with me.”

“My wish was to ride with steel in either hand to death and destruction”

“I saved this for you.” Oria’s pretty face was somber as she held out my short sword.

“we could hear the weird high singing of the Hill Folk’s harps, a different sound than any I’d heard yet. The sound seemed to thrum in my bones.”

“the sound of the rumbling, rushing water below, which drowned the high keening of the Hill Folk”

“My dream was always that, or partly that…”

Once again she stopped, and this time the gleam of the torches in her eyes was liquid.

“I returned to my vigil. The darkness seemed to endure forever.”

“a tall slim man with pale yellow hair”

“I was staking my life against everyone else’s. And of course there was no answer but one to be made to that.

With black murder in my heart, I flung my sword down.”

“two saddled, riderless horses, one a familiar gray”

“It was weird, dreamlike, the only reality the burning rage in my heart”

“I glared through the softly falling rain to the cold gray gaze”

the low brim of his hat now hiding his eyes.

“Ride,” he said.

“once a deer crashed through a shrub and bounded with breathtaking grace across the road”

The marquis dismounted and stretched out his hand to grip the bridle of my horse.

“Inside,” he said to me.

“I threw myself down on my knees next to the bed and hugged Branaric fiercely”

“After all, Shevraeth is merely a title, and he doesn’t go about calling either of us Tlanth.”

“Our friend the marquis wasn’t far behind—he’d just found out”

“He said you’d ride down the mountain breathing fire and hunting his blood. He was right.”

“Take a swig.” Shevraeth held out a flagon. “You’re going to need it, I’m afraid.”

“He sat back, his eyes expressive of amusement, just like his father”

“Not that the marquis had a red nose or a thick voice—he even looked aristocratic when sick, I thought with disgust.”

“That I resent,” Shevraeth said with his customary drawl. “Seeing as it is my wardrobe that is gracing your frame.”

“Bran’s husky, slow, with laughter in it, and Shevraeth’s soft, drawn out in a drawl”

“a hot tart made with apples and spices and wine”

“It was well before dawn. The marquis had woken us himself”

“He, too, stood there in only shirt and trousers, and I looked away quickly, embarrassed”

“Equal things out a little,” was the reply, still in the cool drawl. “Ready, Lady Meliara?”

“with tearing eyes returned it. The marquis tipped back his head, took a good slug”

“The marquis bowed low over his horse’s withers, every line of his body indicative of irony”

Shevraeth drawled, “we had a small wager on whether you would have the courage to face us.”

“Instinctively my free hand reached up and I caught the spear by the shaft”

“Keeping the banner whirling, I guided my horse with my knees, risked a glance over my shoulder”

“Where is Galdran?”

“Dead,” Bran said with a laugh.

“I was looking for my tunic. Or rather, the one I was wearing.”

“Mud,” he said succinctly.

“Vidanric. Sword,” Bran said, waving his index finger.

“Life! I don’t think he’s sat down since we returned.”

“Vidanric went after the king, quick and cool as ice”

“That hilltop will be all forest by winter, or I’m a lapdog.”

“besides how to lose a war, and I don’t think anyone is requiring that particular bit of knowledge.”

“Vidanric saved your life—”

“He saved it twice,” I corrected without thinking.”

“Well, you got in the way of an arrow before I got a chance.”

“searched not to kill me, but in order to save me from certain death”

“all the time planning to change things with the least amount of damage to innocent people”

“Well, it’s your name if it pleases me or not,”

“I think it’s time for you to make your peace with Vidanric.”

“not wanting to consider why I found that last suggestion even more frightening than the first”

“so—I vowed—I was done with royal affairs. No, I told myself, my work now was Tlanth.”

“Oria!” I yelled, running downstairs. “Oria! Julen! Calaub! We’re rich!”

_______

Oria crossed her arms. “Which brings us right back,” she said, “to that marquis.”

“You left your brother and the Marquis of Shevraeth without so much as a by-your-leave, and I think it’s gnawing.”

“Branaric needs three Fire Sticks?” Oria asked.

“Maybe he’s brought lots of servants?”

“If it really was Bran, I wanted to be in the courtyard to see his face when he discovered the improvements”

“with scrollwork and thin lines of gilding”

“new rugs from faraway Colend, where the weavers know how to fashion the shapes of birds”

“feeling a little guilty. I had stolen the idea of the potted trees from the Renselaeus palace.”

“Little Calaub was proud of his new-sewn stablehand livery”

“bounded up, grabbing me in a big hug and swinging me around. “Sister!” He gave me a resounding kiss.”

“Through the midst of them strolled a tall, elegant man in a heel-length black cloak—familiar gray eyes”

“and Danric there, whom you already know.”

“Do you have a welcome for me?” Shevraeth said with a faint smile.

“And the parlor! What was the cost of this mosaic ceiling? Not that it matters, but it’s as fine as anything in Athanarel.”

“I sneaked a look at Shevraeth, dreading an expression of amusement”

I sighed. “Then…I guess I’d better go back.”

“studiously ignored the other guest—as I watched her pick up two wineglasses”

Bran held up his glass and said, “To my sister! Everything you’ve done is better than I thought possible.”

“A letter that is still sitting on your desk?” Shevraeth murmured.

“That’s a drawback of a life at Court. One gets bound up in the endless social rounds and forgets other things.”

“you brought him. He’s yours to entertain.”

“random notes from the harp, a shivery pleasant sound that plucked at old and beloved memories, just as wearing the gown did”

“This is a lovely dress, and if it’s old, what’s the odds? A lady has the right to be comfortable.”

“If you will come to Athanarel and dance at my wedding, I will undertake to teach you everything.”

“What is it, do you mislike him?”

“Suffice it to say I feel better when we’re at opposite ends of the country.”

“do not want to rule. They’re merely there to oversee what their son has accomplished”

“Lord Vidanric has been working very hard ever since the end of the fighting. Too hard, some say. He came to Athanarel sick and has been ill off and on.”

“He and your brother have become fast friends”

“But then I’ve known him all my life.”

To her, it did. He was a good prospect for a king because he was her friend.

“On the evenings we were alone, Nee and I would curl up in her room or mine, eating from silver trays and talking”

“attended by someone tall, strong, naturally gifted with grace, and trained—such as the Marquis of Shevraeth”

“This left me with Shevraeth, tall and imposing in dark blue embroidered with pale gold, which—I realized as I glanced once at him—was the exact same shade as his hair”

“he held out his arm. I grimaced.”

“The Duke of Grumareth was always a fool and will always be a fool,” Shevraeth said, so lightly.

“Shevraeth addressed me in his usual drawl. Aghast, I choked. Then I saw the humor in his eyes.”

“It took everyone by surprise to find out that he was so different from the person we’d grown up with.”

Nee’s turn to shudder. “Life! I’d rather do almost anything than that—”

“silver-lit trails with the wind in my hair and the distant harps of the Hill Folk singing”

“blooming well after I was gone. “My last afternoon of peace,” I muttered.

He raised his hands and said, “I am unarmed.”

I realized I was glaring.

“No.” I couldn’t see his face. Only his back, and the long pale hair, and his lightly clasped hands were in view.

“an obvious constraint…every time we are in one another’s company will not go unnoticed.”

“Can you tell me,” he said slowly, “why you still harbor resentment against me?”

“He gave me a polite bow, a brief smile, and left”

“dark cloak belling and waving, and star-touched pale hair tangling in the wind. In silence I watched the still figure as music filled the valley between us and drifted into eternity.”

“you wouldn’t think them naked any more than a tree is naked”

“if I look one in the face, I always want to have a clean heart.”

“We had a splendid dinner in a private room overlooking the river. From below came the merry sounds of music.”

“Lord Vidanric? Will you come with us?”

“You can go in the coach in my place,” I said to Shevraeth, striving to sound polite.

“Never ride in coaches. If you want to know the truth, they make me sick.”

“He gave me a slow smile, bright with challenge”

He was still smiling, an odd sort of smile, hard to define. “A kiss.”

Shevraeth looked across at me. “Let’s go.”

And he was off, with me right on his heels.

“He glanced over, saw me laughing, and I shifted my gaze”

“At the same pace still, we reached the first staging point. Together we clattered into the innyard and swung down.”

“I waited until Shevraeth turned my way, stuck my tongue out at him, and rode out”

“Then I opened one, and there in the middle of a lovely parlor was Shevraeth. He knelt at a writing table with his back to a fire.”

“Light shafted down from stained-glass windows above, overlaying the mosaic with glowing golds”

Branaric was saying. “Well, Danric”

“After we were served, I stole a few glances at Shevraeth”

“Blue being the primary Renselaeus color, this might be misleading”

“I had to know what the Marquis of Shevraeth made of all this, and I darted a fast glance at him”

“the ones who liked dares and risks. He and Vidanric both. Only, Vidanric was so small and light-boned.”

“there we found Shevraeth waiting for us, looking formidable”

“but I now had Shevraeth standing right beside me, holding out his arm”

“Of course I know,” he returned, still in that soft voice.

“it was his choice for the first dance, and he held out his hand to me”

“I realized that he hadn’t been near me since the beginning of the evening”

“kneeling at the table, dressed in riding clothes, was the Marquis of Shevraeth”

“He did not expect to be defeated. Your brother and I rode back here in haste in order to prevent looting.”

“I apologize. I also realize trying to convince you of my good intentions is a fruitless effort.”

“I found a lovely sapphire ring sitting on a white silk nest”

“She had recently married and her husband was another horse-mad type”

“Shevraeth?” I repeated faintly.

“Sitting in the middle of the table was a fine little vase cut from luminous starstone”

“unlike Certain Others—easy to understand, and also easy to resist”

“very slender, he was dressed in deep blue, almost black, with a rare scattering of diamonds in his hair”

“Deric fell into conversation with Branaric, Shevraeth, and Renna Khialem, the subject (of course) horses”

“If a stake is won,” he said, “it is a race. If the point draws blood, it is a duel.”

“who had helped me that night. Now he was happily retired to his family village”

“lo, the Entire Court was out with us to see the Duel. Instead of Horses, I had brought big, shaggy Dogs”

“Savona swung down from his mount and took the reins in hand, falling in step on my left side. Shevraeth joined me on my right.”

“(I couldn’t bring myself to look at Shevraeth)”

“You looked right at me. Did you know that was me?”

“Will it make you very angry if I admit that I did?”

“the timing seemed inopportune for us to, ah, reacquaint ourselves.”

“second letter was sealed plainly, with no crest. I flung myself onto my pillows.”

“Dear Countess:

You say you would prefer discourse to gifts. I am yours to command”

“was glad to see the plain script of my Unknown”

“the rest would follow him to the next fad, just as if they had ribbons tied round their necks and somebody yanked.”

“I saw the common omission in all of this: my disastrous encounters with Shevraeth”

“Nothing. I don’t need anything! Or what I need no one can give me, which is wisdom.”

“I’d have to trust a man’s words before I could love him.”

“She curtsied. Again it was the deep one, petitioner to sovereign, but this time it was wordlessly sincere.”

“My heart gave a bound of anticipation when I saw a letter waiting”

“the plain paper I had grown used to seeing from my Unknown”

“I turned eagerly to the letter from the Unknown”

“Forgive my maladroitness—For an instant I was back in that corner room in the State Wing, with Shevraeth”

“So I lifted the tapestry—and looked across the room into a pair of familiar gray eyes.”

“Dressed splendidly in black and gold, as if for Court, Shevraeth knelt. For the third time that day, my face went hot.”

“to the lines of his profile. For the very first time I saw him simply as a person”

“The curl of danger, of being caught at my observations”

“Still polite, but very remote. I’d been staring for a protracted time.”

“not long after she became engaged to a Renselaeus prince”

“This time I planned my foray. When I saw Shevraeth dancing.”

“for a time we exchanged letters—sometimes thrice a day. It was such a relief to be able to express myself freely”

“well, I could sympathize. There was a person—soon to be king—whom I couldn’t bring myself to face.”

I grinned. “For someone special.”

“it sent out brilliant shards of color: gold, blue, crimson, emerald”

“I decided to simply send it in a tiny cedar box that my mother had apparently brought from Colend and that I’d had all my life.”

“Riding your gray?”

“Is that a challenge?” he replied with a hint of a smile.

“something about the tall figure made me stumble to a halt”

“the scent of chocolate threw me back to my first taste of it—at the Renselaeus palace”

“receiving his letters had come to be the most important part of my day”

“my descending on Shevraeth to inform him of whatever it”

“set aside for inside diversions: readings, music, dancing, parties, chocolate”

“Nee told me over chocolate one morning when Elenet was not there that Tamara never mentioned me but in praise”

“I hugged to myself the knowledge of my Unknown. It was comforting to realize that I would return to my room and find a letter.”

“the person whose opinions and thoughts I had come to value most”

“a practice blade thwacked my shoulder. I spun around—and gaped.

Shevraeth stood there smiling.”

“I turned away—and found Shevraeth beside me”

“He looks like a king, I thought”

“until the sculptors have finished refashioning a goldenwood throne for a queen”

“I accepted gratefully, knowing now that the food and drink would be the very best”

“that no one could reproduce the particular magic that so much skill had wrought”

found myself confronted by the Marquis of Shevraeth.

“My dear countess,” he said with a grand bow.

“He offered his arm. I took it and flushed.”

“Though we had spoken often, of late, this was the first time we had danced together”

“It was flattering to his tall, slender form. His hair was tied with a diamond-and-nightstar clasp, and a bluefire gem glittered in his ear.”

“We turned and touched hands. He had broken his reverie and looked at me quizzically: I had been caught staring.”

“so the evening went. There was an atmosphere of expectation, of pleasure, of relaxed rules”

“Shevraeth did not dance again with Elenet. I know, because I watched.”

“gasp from the watchers greeted the sudden change, as the gossamer fabric rippled and arched and curled”

“crush her in both arms, just for a heartbeat, as around them the others swirled and dipped”

“The bells of first-gold began ringing as my horse dashed past the last houses”

“for a long, amazing moment, there we were, Meliara and Shevraeth, mud-spattered and wet, just like last year, looking at one another”

“With a faint metallic ching of chain mail he appeared, and took hold of my arm. He drew me inside.”

“The marquis gazed back at me, his face tense and tired, the pupils of his eyes wide and dark”

With his old sardonic tone he added, “Because if you were, your retreat just now is somewhat puzzling.”

“He smiled slightly, but the intensity had not left his gaze”

“and too many lives were at stake for him to risk being wrong.”

“And no one else knows of this?” he asked gently.

he smiled a little. “Brace up. We’re not about to embark on a duel to the death over the dishes.”

“you have never lied to me. Eat. We’ll leave.”

“to thank him for believing me would embarrass us both. So I said nothing, but my eyes prickled.”

“I found myself alone. My cloak was gone, and in its place a long, black, waterproof one that I recognized at once.”

“in which case I was about to become a prisoner—or a ghost—or…

Blue and black and white.”

“he saw us, and his face relaxed slightly. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized he was tense.”

“Twenty wagons, Lady Meliara?” he said, one brow lifting.

“or I suspect I soon would have been part of the road.”

I unclasped his cloak and handed it over. “I’m sorry about the hem,” I said, feeling shy. “Got a bit muddy.”

“until at last Shevraeth and I were alone”

“approximately the same time you were conversing with your forty wagoneers.” He smiled.

“the glint resolved into a ring on his littlest finger, a gold ring carved round with laurel”

“You had it made,” he replied. “But now it’s mine.”

“I didn’t have to try. I raised my gaze from the ring to his face. He was smiling.”

“It is time,” he said, “to collect on my wager.”

He moved slowly. First, his hands sliding round me.

“softly, so softly, the brush of lips against my brow, my eyes, and then my lips”

“The sensations—like starfire—that glowed through me chased away all thoughts save one, to close that last distance”

“I locked my fingers round his neck and pulled his face down to mine”

“I didn’t want that kiss to ever stop. He didn’t seem to, either.”

“his breathing was as ragged as mine”

“I was going to have to learn to perform my cerebrations while dashing back and forth cross-country”

“Of course my mind snapped straight to that kiss, and for a short time I thought wistfully about how much I’d been missing”

“Shevraeth flicked me one of those assessing glances. Then he smiled, a real smile of humor and tenderness.”

“clear to me on that visit that you showed one face to all the rest of the world, and another to me”

“He lifted his cup, and there was my ring gleaming on his finger”

“He’d been wearing it, I thought, when we sat in this very inn and he went through that terrible inner debate”

“for the first time comprehended what a relationship with him really meant for the rest of my life”

“with almost disastrous results. It was only his own faith that saved.”

“leave you with the burden? Tell me, if the telling eases it.”

“He kissed my hands, first one, then the other. I felt that thrill run through me.”

“let’s address the business before us. I hope and trust we’ll have the remainder of our lives.”

“Shall we agree to a fresh beginning?”

I squeezed his hands back. “Agreed.”

“let me hear my name from you, just once, before we proceed further.”

“Vidanric,” I said, and he kissed me again.

“Who can ever know what turns the spark into flame? Vidanric’s initial interest in me might well have been kindled”

“for me, I really believe the spark had been there all along”

“The prince and princess. Savona. Tamara. Bran and Nee. Elenet. Good people.”

“Unfortunately,” I said, striving to mimic Vidanric’s most annoying Court drawl, “I find you boring.”

“Vidanric stood silently next to me, his head bowed”

“For time,” I said. “Look outside.”

Flauvic shoved past us and ran.

“By the hundreds, from all directions, the Hill Folk had come”

“his hand moved swiftly, grasping my wrist. I tried to pull free—I heard Vidanric rip his blade out of its sheath”

“arms scooped me up as the ground trembled. I flung my head back against Vidanric’s chest.”

“brought my attention home and heartward. I shut my eyes, smiling, and clung with all my strength to Vidanric as kisses rained.”

“finally—lingeringly—on my lips.

The duel was over, and we had won.”

“Vidanric thinks I am the kind of person who is destined to be in the midst of great events”

“a bright link in the living chain with which Vidanric and I bound ourselves”

“left to tell only that on New Year’s Day was Vidanric’s and my wedding”

“for possible inkstains on the fingers of the fellow you quarrel with the most”

“let me end with the wish that you find the same kind of happiness, and laughter, and love”

“hold me close. His touch still gave me that fizzing shiver inside, as strong as our very first kiss.”

“I’d gotten accustomed to Vidanric and Savona’s particular style of humor”

“But there was no time to catch up, for he kissed me, picked up his riding cloak, and then was gone”

“Nee came in, carrying my new niece. I gave a foolish grin when I glimpsed that tiny head.”

“He will be delighted,” Savona said that night. We were alone in the royal suite’s”

“Savona had become like a brother, but a sort of oblique, hard-to-comprehend”

“As it was, he nearly was late. Savona brought him in, thrusting him down by the shoulder”

“my heart, my whole attention, was reserved for Vidanric”

“Vidanric took my shoulders in both hands and gently turned me”

“glass sparkling as brightly as the diamond in his ear”

“thought your surprise would be of an entirely different nature,” he said tentatively

“He let out an exclamation of joy and grabbed me up”

“He grinned, a boyish grin”

“He carried me into our room and kicked the door shut behind us”