#diavolos x kenna

[thefirstcourtesan]

The first two chapters of Kiss of Death were really short but I like the set up of lost love turned bitter enemies. It is totally my jam. I like the flashbacks, hate MC's parents and think Vic is cocky and totally my type.

[nazariolahela]

The biggest crime of this series is that we had to wait until B3 to meet him, and only got to see him for less than 10 chapters.

[blackcatkita]

Royal Registry

Liam x MC and Kenna x Diavolos

A quick one-shot when Jennifer and Liam discuss names of their coming child. I was going to do this later, but decided in honor of Mother’s Day and The Royal Romance Appreciation Week I would post it early. If you enjoy in, please like, comment, or reblog!

Word Count- 968

Tagging random people who I think will like this- @captainkingliam @umccall71 @trianiasti @darley1101 @theroyalweisme @decisso @hopefulmoonobject @bobasheebaby @never-ending-choices @choicesfanatic86 @josieschoices @drakelover78 @trr-fangirl @topsyturvy-dream @hhiggs @mariawalkerwrites @boneandfur 

Royal Registry

 Motes of dust tickle Jennifer’s nose as they dance in the sunlight coming through the window of the royal library. Pulling a large leather-bound volume down from the shelf, she walks over to the table she has claimed as her work station and adds the book to her growing pile. Deciding she has enough to get her started, she tucks into the table and grabs the first one on the pile, wiping dust off the cover before opening it.

They were expecting their first child, and while they had casually discussed possible names, she still hadn’t found one that called to her. After Liam left the apartment that morning she had the idea that she would spend the day pouring over the historic names of the royal bloodline, hoping to find a name befitting a future king or queen.

Carefully paging through a volume that dated before Cordonia was even its own country a name jumped out at her, Kenna Rys. She knew the name Kenna from the show The Crown and the Flame, and she knew the show was loosely based on Cordonia’s history, but she didn’t know the real history of Queen Kenna. Wanting to know more, Jennifer walks back to the shelf, her eyes scanning over it to find the book she’s looking for. Here it was, the history of Queen Kenna of Stormholt… and Abanthus?

Her eyes widen in surprise and she feels the little butterflies in her abdomen that have been appearing more and more often as she reads the name of the man who ruled at Kenna’s side, Diavolos Nevrakis. Not taking her eyes off the book she walks back over to the table, bumping into the side of it before sitting back down. With rapt attention she learns about the life of Queen Kenna and King Diavolos, of how they met, their seemingly short courtship, the defeat of their enemies, including Diavolos’ own father, and uniting the five kingdoms into a long era of peace. She’s reading about their seven children when Liam walks into the library.

“There you are,” he says with a relieved sigh when he sees her, “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Glancing up from the book she smiles at him, “Sorry, I got a bit distracted,” she says before turning back to the book.

“Hmm, yes. I’ve found that happens quite often in here.” He looks around the room at the endless rows of books as he walks over to her, tucking his hand under her chin and lifting her face out of the book to kiss her sweetly. He gestures at the pile of books as he takes a seat next to her, “What’s all this?”

She turns back several pages and slides the book over to him, “Check this out.”

He looks down at it and nods, “The history of Kenna and Diavolos, I know it well. It’s a fantastic story but why are you reading it now?”

“I was looking for ideas on what to name the baby and I came across it. I was surprised to find that Kenna married the blood king’s son.” Liam laughs as he looks up at her, “Yes, it must have been quite a scandal at the time.”

She turns to him, her nose crinkling in a questioning look, “So? What do you think?”

“About what?” he asks, one eyebrow raised in confusion.

“About the names,” she sighs, “Kenna for a girl, Diavolos for a boy.”

“Well, Kenna is a very popular name in Cordonia…” he considers his next words carefully, “but do you really want to name our son after a Nevrakis? Olivia has made great strides in changing her family’s legacy, but the name does still carry a certain… stigma.” He had a point. The Nevrakis name was still known to be one of betrayal and war but Jennifer couldn’t ignore the similarities between her and Liam and Kenna and Diavolos.

“Hear me out.” She says as she turns back to the page, pointing out an entry, “They fell in love at first sight,”

“Just like us.” He nods.

Moving her finger down the page she continues, “Despite all the things keeping them apart, they found a way to be together,”

He takes her hand and kisses it softly, “Just like us.”

“Right… And after all of that they united the five kingdoms and its people and ushered in a new era of peace.” She finishes, looking up at him with a bright smile.

He returns her smile and cups her cheek in his hand, his thumb gently tracing her bottom lip. “Just like us.” He says softly.

“Just like us.” She agrees with a smile.

He closes the distance between them and gives her a lingering kiss before pulling back, “We certainly share similarities with them, but I still worry about the kind of message his name will convey.”

She sighs as her shoulders drop in disappointment, she thought she had found the perfect name. She wanted something unique, but also something with meaning. Kenna was too popular and Diavolos was too controversial, she was right back where she started. “I suppose you’re right…”

Liam stands, pulling her to her feet when she takes his extended hand, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, “Don’t worry, my love.” He assures her, pressing a kiss to her forehead, “Whatever name we choose will be perfect, because it’s our child’s.”

She snuggles into his chest as he rubs her back, completely content in his arms, “I know, I just want to choose the right one.”

“We will.” He steps back, his hands still encircling her waist, he winks at her and gives her a flirty grin, “Now, come on, I have a surprise for you in the hedge maze.”

[unlovedprinces]

Have you ever been so hooked up at a fan fiction that you almost do nothing all day but to read it?

No regrets!

[nualathebear]

Wait a sec. You will be

[endless-vall]

What needs to be done - A Luther Nevrakis fanfic

Summery: Being a Nevrakis meant something. It meant always doing what needed to be done. Even when it was killing innocent people along with your enemies, even when it meant killing your own allies. Luther knows Diavolos would do whatever needed to be done, too, when he pulls off one final act of treason, after Kenna has defeated Azura. And even if he makes it seem like it what needs to be done, his aim is actually not to kill Kenna. Author’s note: This is my entry for this week’s choices creates round for the prompt “villians”. Tagging the lovely hosts @holly-park​ and @moonandstarscollide 💕 I think that Luther could’ve been such an interesting villian, much more than what they’ve made him in the end. While what driven him might’ve been his thirst for power, I wonder if maybe it wasn’t just that. War is all he’s even known, after all… and maybe his final act of treason to kenna could’ve been all a setup.

Being a cold hearted Nevrakis. It’s all you need to know. Put a brave face, a stoic one, and slice through your enemies. Kill armies and move mountains. Kill your allies, if you need, too. Pull your sword, trust no one. Not even your family, not even yourself. Put that sword through anyone who’ll try to tell you otherwise, who’ll tell you that you’re wrong. War is all you know, all you’ve ever known, all you’ve been through your entire life. It all started before you were even born. Cunning, backstabbing, resourceful, clever, self-preserving, evil… all those words have been used to describe you. Evil? No. They don’t get it. You’re just doing what’s need to be done. It’s the right thing.

The only thing that will end this war, that will kill that lightning witch, that will destroy the Iron Empire.  People stupid enough to think that alliances will work. That this could be solved in a diplomatic way, in a civilize manner… they are blind. They haven’t seen what the Iron Empire is capable of. They haven’t seen your wife die at that hand.  They think they’re being kind hearted. But they’re weak, and they’re being fool. And those fools will be the ones who’ll bring more people to die at this never-ending war.  They have no place leading this war. They’ll just stand in your way. And if they’d get themselves killed anyway, the earlier the better, right? This was just business. The strong survives. It’s all it needed to be. Disconnect yourself, your emotions from the act. It was never about killing Adriana Rys, or Ewan and Daphne Thron, or Amanth Drammir, or any other ruler he had slayed. It wasn’t about them. It was for the greater good, even if no one’d realized it. Luther once let his emotions get the best of him, and that time he had lost his beloved wife. After that day, he vowed, never again. So even when his sons died at the same hand that murdered his wife, he didn’t waver. He continued fighting. This was honoring Baltair and Seoras’s death. He convinced himself. After all that pain he endured, that reckless princess had beaten him, and he found himself lying in a jail cell, locked up. He’d seen the way Diavolos looked at her, at the dinner-party, after coming back from that mission, and during the last fight of the war. Where did I go wrong? He questioned himself. He didn’t quite understand, as he watched his eldest son siding with her, pinning after her. After she had beated Azura, that lightning witch, Luther knew what he had to do. He might’ve understood. Despite not being a good father at all, at least two of his children knew better. At least they still had a chance. Diavolos would take care of his sister, Luther was sure. Even if Diavolos denied that fact, he cared for Zenobia. And what better chance would it give them to demonstrate their ultimate sense of loyalty, than killing him? He’d made up his mind. “Diavolos, come.” He ordered, early in the following morning. “Where to, father?“ Diavolos questioned him but followed suit. “To do something that needs to be done.” Luther talked like he always did, not wanting to make one suspect. Diavolos did look unconfutable. Like he wasn’t on board with him. Good. Luther thought. But Diavolos didn’t question him further. He followed until they’d reached where Luther was taking them, where Luther knew that that girl would be. They stepped into an almost empty throne room, hearing Kenna talking to her deceased mother. “How touching.” Luther commented, playing along with his act. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Kenna asked, clearly disappointed to see him, but still keeping a straight face. She’d make a fine queen. And maybe a great wife for Diavolos, someday. “I wanted to congratulate you, of course. You vanished so quickly yesterday I didn’t get a chance to pay my repects.” He continued with his plan, Diavolos eyed him, clearly suspicious. Luther had a feeling Diavolos’d make him proud. “You want to pay respects to me? This will be new.” “Hardly. After everything you’ve accomplished this past few years, I have a great deal of respect for you. Just as I did for your mother.” Luther says, keeping a serious face. This is just another thing that needs to be done. Kenna shoots a look to Diavolos, who refuses to meet her eyes. He knows something’s up. Or more accurately, he thinks he knows. “Which is why I do regret what I’m about to do… Kenna, like I’ve said before… this is nothing personal.” He pulls out his dagger, slicing through her shoulder. He knows this won’t kill her. He doesn’t aim for the heart. He doesn’t aim for the neck. He just makes this act look convincing. After fighting the girl for a while, she finally scowls at Diavolos. “Are you just going to stand there and let him do this? After everything we’ve been through?” She yells. Diavolos finally meets her eyes. He looks between her and his father, weighting every action she’d done, every kind move and act she’d done for him – against a lifetime of loyalty. A loyalty Luther knew now, he didn’t deserve –  “Well?! Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to help me ensure our family’s future?” Luther tries to push Diavolos over the edge. And he succeeds – the look in his son’s eyes turns certain.  Diavolos reaches for the long sword on his back, and draws it. “Get away from her, father.” Good. This is exactly what Luther had wanted. When the blade slices through his stomach, and he knows he has a few seconds left, he holds Diavolos’s hands over the handle of the sword, and smiles. “I was wondering…” He coughs blood, but he has to say it before he goes. “When you would scrounge up the guts to do what needed to be done.” He breaths out, feeling the life fading from his body. He lets out “I’m proud of you, son.” While locking his eyes with Diavolos. He pulls out his sword, and Luther can feel himself falling, fading away… “Thank you, father.” Luther hears in his final breath.

[toglidethroughlife]

Maybe (A Choices Fanfic)

Pairing: Kenna x Diavolos 

Genre: Angst (sort of)

Summary: Kenna spots someone leaving Stormholt grounds on the eve before her wedding.

Author’s Note: I know it’s late in the game, but this story wouldn’t leave me alone and kinda wrote itself?? Thoughts and constructive criticism are welcome!

It is the eve before the Queen’s wedding. The castle had been bustling with activity earlier in the day – carts of food and wine being brought in, people coming in and out to prepare the castle for the grand festivities to come.

It was quiet now. The moon hung high and the wind blew gently across the castle grounds. It was a still kind of silence Kenna was not quite accustomed to anymore. She had been shuffling in her sleep, excitement and anxiety washing over her. She stood in the hallway outside the throne room now, her arms resting on the windowsill.

By this time tomorrow, she would be a wedded woman, she thought. A smile formed on her lips. Who would’ve thought that in the midst of all this bloodshed is where she would find her betrothed?

“I wish you were here with me, Mother, Gabriel.” She spoke to the moon and imagined them watching down on her from above. The stars seemed to be shining brighter in response.

Her eyes fell to the castle grounds where she and Dom used to spar. For a minute, she thought she was seeing him down there, her nostalgia playing scenes right before her eyes. But the man’s stance was different, his build just a little taller, his head held up much higher than Dom ever would.

No, Kenna was certain. This was a different figure in the dark.

—

“Halt.”

Diavolos stops in his tracks.

He didn’t need to turn to know who it was. He would recognize that voice anywhere.  He drops his hold on Hector’s Shadow’s lead rope and takes a deep breath before facing her.

“My Queen,” he says, flashing her a smile. She’s standing by the gates, her steely gaze directed right at him. He makes no move towards her. “Rather late to be strolling by your lonesome.”

“I could say the same for you,” she points out casually. She takes a moment to assess the situation in front of her before closing the distance between them. “May I ask where you’re heading, Prince Diavolos?”

His gaze unconsciously falls to the ground as he speaks. “Urgent matters call me to return to Abanthus immediately.”

“Surely this can wait till daybreak,” she says, her voice commanding him to look at her.

So he does. “I must leave tonight,” his voice softens, “unfortunately.”

Her eyes linger on his for a second too long. “Then, is there anything I can offer to make your journey more comfortable?”

A little smile would be nice right about now, Diavolos thinks. He didn’t want to part with her like this. Then again, he didn’t plan on saying goodbye at all.

“Nah. I got my horse and my sword. There’s nothing more that I need.”

“Okay,” Kenna nods. “I will see you in the next council meeting then?”

He has one hand on the back of his head. “I’m sure Zenobia and Adder will make fine representatives for Abanthus. If they don’t kill each other first, that is.”

Kenna chuckles. “Jackson’s gonna have a swell time with those two around.”

“Add in Val and we can call it a party,” he says.

They laugh in unison at the thought.

Her laughter sounds melodic against the steady silence of the night.

This is right, he thinks. This is how we should part.

He takes in everything about her in that moment – her smile warm, her eyes relaxed, her guard down. None of the crazy formalities they were playing earlier.

Diavolos is unable to catch himself as he reaches to tuck behind a lock of stray hair from her face. Kenna stays perfectly still beneath his touch.

His hand moves to her shoulder and rests there.

“You are a good queen, Kenna,” he says affectionately. “There is no one else I would trust to lead The Five Kingdoms and I will do everything in my power to ensure the peace between our kingdoms.”

He extends his right hand towards her now. “I know we’re probably past this now, but I want you to hear this from me. I, Diavolos Nevrakis, pledge my allegiance to you, Kenna Rys, as your ally, and if you’ll have me, your friend.”

Kenna accepts his hand and gives it a firm squeeze. “Thank you, my friend." Then a mischievous glint lights up in her eyes. "Since we’re speaking as friends now, I must ask. Is there really nothing I can say to make you stay for my wedding tomorrow?”

He laughs at the sight of the great Queen looking at him like a child asking for candy. "Trust me, I’d want nothing more than to see you on your most joyous occasion, but I… really cannot stay.“

"Oh c'mon, I’m sure whoever you’re meeting would understand if you told them it was the Queen who ordered you to stay,” Kenna teases.

Another chuckle escapes his lips. “It’s not that– it’s just…”

Her eyes are locked on his, eager to hear what he has to say.

“I’m a selfish man, Kenna. I cannot watch the woman I love marry another.”

Bet you weren’t expecting that, he thinks.

She stares into his eyes, unable to speak.

“Diavolos, I–”

“Say no more. I didn’t mean to drop this on you. Hells, I’d already convinced myself to leave without seeing you.” He gently takes her hand in his, cautious that she might pull away.  "But I’m glad that you found me tonight.“

"I’m happy for you, Kenna. Truly.”

He smiles at her reassuringly and gives her hand a squeeze. “Can I ask you something?”

She nods. “Of course.”

“Had we met under different circumstances – if you weren’t Queen and I weren’t my father’s son, or if we had met earlier before all this madness began – do you think we could have had a chance together?”

He thinks to himself, would you have chosen me?

Kenna smiles and responds without hesitation. “I wouldn’t have gone on that reconnaissance mission with you, if I didn’t.”

He is unable to hold back the grin that spreads across his face. That’s good enough for me, he thinks.

“Maybe in our next life then, my Queen.” He presses a kiss to the back of her hand, and let’s himself linger there, before he lets go.

He mounts himself on Hector’s Shadow’s back and gives the Queen one last look.

Kenna curtsies at him, a reluctant smile on her lips. “Prince Diavolos.”

Diavolos nods. “Goodbye, Kenna.”

He rides away without looking back, his heart lighter than it’s felt in years.

—

Later that night, Kenna stands by the windowsill once more, gazing out at the midnight sky. The evening air was as steady as it had been, but the moon appeared to be shining even brighter now, it’s light reaching even the darkest crevices of the thick forest that lay beyond the castle grounds.

She likes to think that this light will guide him tonight. And that maybe, just maybe, it can help her send a message across too.

“Maybe in our next life, my Prince.”

[roguetimebot]

commissioned a sketch of kenna & diavolos from the amazing seon1ce because i’m still not over this series

[rantingchoices]

Family

Summary: (Diavolos x Kenna) Years have passed since the great war, new sounds of happiness fill the Kingdoms now. Kenna’s castle is no exception.

Warnings: None A/N: Just a little domestic fluff that I really wanted to write, because they deserve it.

Kenna watched him carefully, she could hardly hold back her laugh. It was a common sight for her to return from a meeting and find Diavolos, the King of Stormholt and Abanthus, running through the halls, shrieks of laughter following close behind. He was being chased by Diavolos Jr. and Adriana while little Leon giggled in his arms. He hadn't noticed her yet so instead she leaned against the stone pillar watching.

It was quite the picture, especially when you took into account everything it took to actually reach this place. The Kingdoms were at peace and it could be felt in the air, a new era of prosperity had begun because of it. Something that was reflected quite clearly in the royal family. It was astounding what a couple of years could change.

Diavolos dodged each attempt to be caught by their kids. "Daddy! I got you that time!" Adriana screamed as she overtook her brother, she was swift for her age.

"You'll have to do better than that princess." She could feel the smile he made from just the sound of his voice. The two kids teamed up then, Diavolos reaching the garden and jumping onto the grass. He moved away from servants, who couldn't hide their fond gazes as they passed. A castle brought alive by the cheerful sounds.

Diavolos Jr. cut his father off as Adriana came in from behind, he feigned left, but the jig was up. Their hands grabbed hold, Adriana jumping onto his back in triumph. Diavolos Jr, the oldest remained where he was looking triumphant posing in a manner not unlike his father. Kenna did laugh then, though they were far enough they wouldn't hear, too caught up in their game.

Diavolos kneeled then making a show of his surrender. "Ahh you've beaten me! I must concede defeat." The kids raised their arms in the air and Leon mimicked them giggling. Diavolos laughed as he grabbed Adriana and Diavolos Jr. pulling them all in to lay on the grass on top of him as they giggled. Kenna walked up to them.

"Oh what a sight to behold the great warrior of the five kingdoms brought down to his knees." Over the years she'd learned that Diavolos was never going to stop being a bad influence, but she knew he would never take it too far. The kids enjoyed it and Kenna did as well. It reminded her of her own childhood, except she'd made it a point to allow as much freedom as she could for them.

Diavolos smirked in her direction, but he didn't make a move to get up. "A true warrior knows when he's been bested."

"Mommy!" Kenna leaned down to pick up Leon.

"Have you been having a good time with daddy?" Leon laughed then.

"Yea! We're gonna get cake!" Kenna gave him a look and Diavolos looked mildly guilty.

"Is that what he promised huh?"

"A small piece." Diavolos spoke in defense and Kenna grinned.

"Of course." She turned back to her smiling son. "Just enough to get you all excited huh?"

"Did you see us? We won fair and square!" Adriana spoke up ready for opposition. Kenna was not going to stand in the way of that knowing how she could get. She couldn't help thinking she would grow to be a wonderful diplomat.

"Well maybe there's a piece for mommy too then." She finally spoke. The children shouted happily in response. They jumped up off the ground ready to go. Diavolos dusted himself off as he sat up. She wondered if they had been playing all morning. Their schedules ran a bit different, but they always tried to maximize their time with the children and of course each other. They succeeded for the most part and Diavolos had a habit of making up the time they missed. The children adored it when he would join them for their lessons helping them with history and language. He was patient with them in a way that had surprised even Kenna.

When they had shown an interest in learning to fight like their parents, they had both started slowly with proper safety. They knew the day would come, after all they'd grown up with stories about their parents bravery and prowess on the fields of battle. If anything Diavolos was more protective in that area and Kenna was grateful for the moments when they teamed up against him, catching him off guard. It was one of their favorite things to play sneaking up on dad.

Diavolos was a good sport, always promising to make it up at a later time. Words that were meant for her and laced with a certain other activity. Kenna blushed at past memories, bringing herself back to the present before she got too distracted. She saved those memories for tedious meetings instead.  

Now she walked with them towards the kitchen. Diavolos picking up Adriana, and Diavolos Jr. walked in front. He was in an independent stage at the moment pretending to be more grown up than he actually was. Diavolos wrapped his free arm around Kenna's waist easily bringing her to his side to place a kiss in her hair. Her heart picked up at the action. It could be frustrating sometimes, how well she reacted to her husband, but she couldn't deny she enjoyed it as well. Her heart was bursting with happiness. She had never imagined a future as beautiful as the one she was living, she was grateful for so much. As they continued to walk the echoes of their laughter bounced off the castle walls.  

[boneandfur]

The Stars Are Fire

rated Explicit // summary: Kenna meets a general, and Diavolos fights for the glory of Rome. // tag list: @darley1101 @ritachacha @debramcg1106 @indiacater @thatcatlady0716 @enmchoices @breaumonts @walkerismychoice @princess-geek @nomadics-stuff @blackcatkita @thefirstcourtesan

CHAPTER TWO

The Hand of Fate

Time, the devourer of all things. - Ovid

“May I present Kenna, my most accomplished courtesan.” Lena makes the introductions, but Kenna barely hears them. Venus’ Sacred Arte… Lyre… Conversationalist.

“So. You are the Princess.” Antony looks her up and down, and a muscle ticks in his jaw. Kenna is not sure what she has done to displease him already, but she sets her mettle.

If he sees my weakness, it is over. And I will never be truly free...

He loved her, you see… I take a great risk in sending you to him, for I both fear and hope  you may remind him of Sura, as you remind me...

“I am the queen of the Cordonii. I would not claim to be what I am not, which is a mere princess.” Shaking out her crimson skirts, Kenna meets Antony’s dark, calculating gaze with a stubborn tilt of her chin.

Antony quirks a brow at Lena. “You always provide such… unexpected pleasures. Where have you been hiding this pearl?”

“In the shell of the scholae.” A pleased smile lifts the corners of Lena’s red lips. “Burnished by the sands until she could emerge from the foam, a barbarian Venus.”

“You may depart.” Antony nods to Lena, who nods quickly to Kenna and takes her leave. Kenna follows the gaze of her bodyguard, a burly man with gray hair, as it follows the sway of Lena’s hips. I trust Gabriel. He reminds her of Leonides in some ways, her mother's most trusted warrior, who never left Adriana’s side… Even in death. Gabriel stands a ways from the chairs, his somber old legionary's gaze fixed upon the arena below. The day is hot, with barely a breeze, the only movement in the air provided by the slaves fanning them with palm fronds.

“So… you were a queen. And I suppose you rode bare breasted on horseback like a Scythian when you fought the Romans?” The condescension in Antony’s tone is palpable.

“I never fought the Romans.” Kenna fights back the red fury that has settled in her marrow, selecting a perfect grape from the tray of delicacies before them, and rolling it between her fingers for a moment. “I fought the Abanthii, and the Bellatorii, and the other tribes, until I bound them all together against our common foe. The Romans stayed out of our war, but my enemy had made negotiations with them behind my back.”

Her blood still boils at the memory, but she presents the grape in her hand to Antony, the dark purple globe a peace offering of sorts. Antony’s brows raise, but he takes it from her palm, his fingers brushing the center, and presses the grape between her lips. The juice is tart yet sweet, and as it explodes over her tongue, Kenna makes a surprised sound of bliss, excruciatingly aware of Antony’s dark eyes upon her.

You could do much worse than Antony for a patron, Kenna. I have the greatest of faith in you. Do not remind him too much of Sura, though, I beg of you.

But it is what it is, and Kenna is who she is, And I am Irithia.

“No wonder your punishment was so lenient, then.” Antony brushes a calloused thumb over the soft skin of Kenna’s knuckles. “I would have invited you to my bed, to negotiate our peace out there.” At the sudden widening of her eyes, he laughs. “Your enemy must have been dead from the waist down for not considering it…”

Kenna can barely contain the shudder of revulsion at the memory of Luther’s dead, flat eyes as he stood above her kneeling form in the palace wood, a smile playing upon his thin lips.

“At last, you are on your knees before me, Kenna of the Cordonii. Your ally has betrayed you. The man you might have wed, in another life.”

Kenna’s heart sank in her chest, turning her veins to lead. Not him… Not Diavolos.

Luther tipped her chin up with the point of his glaive, forcing her to look him in the eye. “Tevan of the Fydorii will now wed my daughter Zenobia instead, as reward for his loyalty.”

Her former ally, with his eyesore Tyrian purple tunic and cloak, shuffled into view. He could not meet her eyes, blazing with accusation, and instead looked down at the head of his new bride, who hung on his forearm like a limpet. “Kenna… I'm sorry, Kenna…”

Kenna surged forward against her bonds, spitting blood in Tevan’s face. Luther’s pet Amazon, Helene, backhanded her hard, and when Kenna fell, kicked her in the stomach for good measure. Kenna lay in the dirt, stunned, the cuts she had taken in battle beginning to sting.

Tevan wiped his face, eyes streaming. “I had to do it, Kenna. Luther took Aurynn hostage while she was helping tend the wounded behind the lines! He would have killed her, and she's my only family left, Kenna…”

“I would have helped you rescue her, Tevan! You only had to ask.”

“But blood is thicker than water, Kenna, and how could I know that you would stick your neck out for the Fydorii when we all knew you'd been negotiating a coup with the son of our enemy by slipping into that Abanthii general’s bed!”

Luther's face went slack with disbelief, and then his mouth set in a hard line. That was when Kenna knew it was all over. “What would you do with her, Tevan?”

Tevan looked nervously at Luther, still refusing to meet Kenna’s eye. “What better way to give the Romans a show of good faith than to send Kenna to Rome as a hostage? This pledges that the tribes still loyal to her will not fight Roman rule… Even though we may fight each other.”

“Well, well. My new son in law is an orator as well as a diplomat.” Luther's eyes gleamed.

Zenobia cleared her throat. “Father… if I may?”

“We are not killing her, so your daggers will not be needed here, daughter.” Luther did not look at Zenobia.

“If I may take a page from my…” Zenobia blushed deeply, “M-m-my husband’s scroll, we should make the tribes think she is perished. Then they might be crushed easier beneath the heel.”

“Ah. I see.” Luther’s boots came to rest beside Kenna’s head. He grabbed her by the hair, pulling her head back and exposing her throat. “Nothing would please me more than to split you open from collarbone to cunt, as I did to your mother. Helene?” With his Amazon’s strength pinning Kenna’s arms back and his hand over her mouth, Luther wrenched the serpent armlet from Kenna’s arm with the help of his dagger. “But this will suffice.”

“...But some men were made for wartime, and have forgone the pleasures of the flesh.” Antony’s intense dark gaze rests upon hers, dragging Kenna back to the present. There is a carnal knowing in his eyes that makes the hairs on the back of Kenna’s neck rise on end, but not from fear.

“Who would dare to go against Venus with such sacrilege?” Her throaty whisper makes Antony’s pupils darken, and his eyes roam the shape of her under her gauzy dress, as if she is some taverna slut he wants to fuck up against the wall of an alleyway. “A man made for only war must be made of stone indeed.” She brushes her hand over his thigh, and she knows that if they were not in the stands of the arena right now, he would push her skirts to her hips, and bury his cock inside of her.

“There. There is a man who was made for war.” Antony gestures down at the gate,  rising to welcome a new gladiator into the arena, and Kenna feels the blood drain from her head so fast that the world spins.

Not him. Not Diavolos.

•••

Diavolos has spent the last few hours before his fight preparing himself mentally. He has fought for the ludus exactly six times in the past two years, this will be the seventh. Most gladiators do not fight more than three times a year, but if Leonius and Lysiam are to be believed, he has been specially requested after his bout with the Gaul, not two months gone.

You will square off against another Dimachaerus from our father’s ludus, Lysiam had confided, barely able to keep the excitement from his voice, and then you will participate in the spectacle, which features the winners from every fight in the Games today.

You know that we cannot grant your freedom -- but if you can win this, it will bring honor to our gladiator school, and you will be one of the most famous gladiators in all of Rome! Leonius clapped a hand on Diavolos’ shoulder. Every man will want to be you, and every woman will want to fuck you!

Did you like the present in your quarters last night? Just think how things will change for us when you are able to move more freely among society, for the honor of our house!

But Diavolos does not want to win the Games for the house of Leonius and Lysiam. Don't these men know that he is two times dead already? He died first when Kenna’s bloodied serpent armlet was shown to the tribes as proof of her death, and then a second time when he was hauled off to Rome in chains. Honor… that is all he has left. And if he wins, it will not be for himself… But for the memory of dark eyes and dark hair, and an Irithian princess.

The gate opens, and Diavolos touches the silver serpent on his arm just once, for luck.

•••

“What's going on? Ei! Let go of me!” Val watches the commotion in the cell across from her with glee. The self-styled Venator, Tariqus, is given the two swords of the Dimachaerus, and ushered out the door of his cell. “Bitch!” He spits on the ground before her door. “I know you have something to do with this. You'd better lock your door when you get back to the ludus, because after I bash this man's skull in, I'm going to spill your guts and fuck you bloo-- I said, let go of me!”

Val’s laughter follows Tariqus all the way to the arena.

•••

Kenna holds herself perfectly still as the fighters square off, aware of Antony’s eyes upon her. I cannot let him know. And yet, she cannot tear her eyes away from Diavolos. He is fighting Dimachaerus style, with a sword in each hand, and no armor. The scars that criss cross across his rippling bronzed chest and back lay proof to his bloody trade.

“He is a good fighter, do you not agree?” Antony’s dark eyes are studying her, and Kenna rips her gaze from Diavolos, who is circling the other man, dodging every thrust and slash, tiring him out, and nicking him stylistically with the point of his blade. The crowd cheers. He must be a favorite.

“I am sure you are better.” Kenna looks up at the dark haired Roman from under her lashes, tilting her head just so, so he cannot miss the double meaning of her words.

“Do not mock me, Princess.” Antony’s words are stern, but she has pleased him, she can tell. When he trails his hand up her bare thigh, under the slit of her skirts, she allows it, letting her thighs fall apart.

After all, he has paid for this.

“Keep on watching him, if it pleases you so.” Antony’s voice is a low growl in her ear. His skillful fingers deftly begin to stroke the damp cleft between her legs, focusing on her clit.

“It does not please me.” Kenna smiles sweetly, able to keep the lie in her voice from betraying the lie in her heart. “As you say, that man is a mere foot soldier, and you are a god of war.”

•••

The man from the ludus of Leonius and Lysius’ father has begun to tire, sweat dripping into his eyes. He is not a big man, his midsection already softened with the fat of a life spent drinking on a couch, and Diavolos wonders for a split second what life choices could cause a nobleman to be thrust into the gladiator’s pits. But it does not matter.

“They have come here to see a show, Grecian! And you do nothing but mince about like a woman!” Diavolos’ deep baritone is a carrying one, and the crowd takes up the cue from his mocking bellow, booing at the Grecian. Diovolos is a crowd favorite, after all, and the Grecian? He is no one.

Letting out a yell of rage, the Grecian barrels towards Diavolos, who neatly side steps him, tripping him. The Grecian goes sprawling into the sand and then Diavolos is on him, fighting fast and hard with his blades. The Grecian falls to the sand, Diavolos’ blade at his throat, babbling for mercy.

Kill… kill… kill!

And Diovolos no longer fights the bloodlust inside of him, but lets it overtake him.

[thefirstcourtesan]

Next up in my throwback fics: A Twist of Fate. The longest complete fic I have ever written for this fandom and still my favorite.

This fic started as a one-shot inspired by an ask and grew into a 45k AU rewriting book 3 and adding depth to Kenna and Diavolos' relationship.

[nazariolahela]

No matter how many times I replay this book, I always choose my king.

[the-unconquered-queen]

Good to know one Nevrakis baby will grow up with loving, supportive parents.

[countessogilvy]

as much as i love alistair, i cant help but feel robbed of a proper cousland x nathaniel howe romance in the da:o base game

[endless-vall]

Every moment with you feels right - Diavolos/Kenna

Summery: Both Diavolos and Kenna developed feeling for each other during the war, but aside from kissing on the airship on the way to Aurelia, nothing ever happened. A few months passed since the war was over, and Kenna’s advisors insists she needs to marry, but are against her pursuing a relationship with Diavolos. Is she going to listen to them? *told mostly from Diavolos’s POV. Author’s note: Anon requested a fanfic about Diavolos/Kenna, i hope you like it! 😄 It took me a while, but i finally finished 😄 I hope it’s not too ooc In this piece, we don’t get the whole story, but there’s mentions of it and hinting about the future. (See: TRR’s obsession with mazes) Also, i think the fact that Rowan’s always to one to mention diplomatic discussions is hilarious, so i had to throw that in too lol

Diavolos was loyal solider his entire life. A pawn of his father, a tool. But everything about that moment felt right. He couldn’t stand from aside and watch how his father betrayed someone yet again, but moreover, he couldn’t stand aside when he’s father was betraying Kenna. So, for the first time in his life, he disobeyed his father. He knew what that meant, but he did it anyway. He helped Kenna, and together, they killed his father. In his final moments, he knew his father was proud of him. It wasn’t much of a comfort, but something about Kenna did bring him comfort. Something about her made this moment right.

And slowly, everything about Kenna felt right. He didn’t know - or even expect - for her to feel the same way, but that didn’t stop him from feeling the way he felt. Or from flirting with her. Or from getting her alone every chance he had. Kenna flirted back, but aside from that time on the airship, nothing ever happened. Now, it was due to the fact she was a queen, and couldn’t be seen too friendly with someone without rumors of their intentions spreading. The thing was, Diavolos didn’t want to just sleep with her, or to occasionally kiss, he wanted to be with her. He wanted the whole package. It surprised him too. A couple of months had passed since they won the war, and everyone were still getting used to the new peace agreement between the five kingdoms. It was so new and… well, strange, but with Kenna, everything was possible. Now they were in the middle of a dinner-party, somehow he ended up here, sitting across Kenna, the most beautiful woman he ever met. The woman he should’ve hated, but was closer to feeling the exact opposite to. He was drawn to her, admiring her while Rowan has mentioned some diplomatic agreement they needed to discuss. The conversation took quite a boring turn, and it made him distract himself even further. He rested his head on one of his hands, not even hiding the fact he wasn’t listening to what they were talking about, while watching Kenna closely. He was probably staring too hard, since it took him a while to react when he noticed she was, In fact, looking at him right now. When he finally blinked ‘awake’, Kenna chuckled across the table. No one else seemed to notice the reason why, but he still felt slightly flustered. She didn’t break eye-contact, and he had to tug at the collar of his shirt a bit, before smiling back mischievously and then turning his attention to whoever was speaking now. He could feel Kenna’s gaze on him now, and felt hotter every passing moment. It took Kenna awhile to shift her gaze to somewhere else, and Diavolos could feel every passing second. Finally, people started disappearing from the table. Slowly, more and more people excused themselves off, and soon Diavolos found himself alone in the room with kenna. Without second thought, his legs took him towards her side of the table, and before she could say anything, he bowed down – taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. “Your majesty.” He simply said, while helping her up, and could see a warm smile spreading over Kenna’s lips. His eyes lingered a second too much on her lips, and once again, he got caught in the act. Kenna simply rolled her eyes, and offered “Walk with me?”. Diavolos nodded, and Kenna leaded them away, through the corridors of the palace, and out into the royal garden. Evening began to fall, and Kenna glowed in the dim, twilight light. Seeing her like this, Diavolos wondered how no one claimed her heart yet. He knew Kenna has not showed any interest in marrying anyone, even though rumors of it began to spread through the realm. Her advisors were probably responsible for it, Diavolos figured, but he couldn’t help but wonder what was the reason behind Kenna’s decision. It’s not that she didn’t have enough suitors, to choose from. “Diavolos?” Kenna cut his thread of thoughts. “Yes, my queen?” He asked. “Do you want to talk about why were you ogling me from across the table? It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, but you shouldn’t do it in front of so many people.” Kenna chuckled, teasing in her voice. “I was hoping you’d brush it past you,” he admitted, winking at her, and putting a hand on the back of his head. Kenna studied him. In that moment, Diavolos looked charming to her. Not just the hot, irresistible man he was, but also a man who had charmed his way into her heart, and maybe, just maybe, could be something more than that. Her friends and advisors didn’t see him that way, they thought he was still the enemy, not to be trusted, but she knew better. Everything about Diavolos… just felt right. Maybe she should’ve thought he was bad news too, but she didn’t. “I know I can come off too bold sometimes, but it’s just because I can’t stop thinking about you.” He admits, smiling that mischievous smile of his again, and Kenna can feel herself blushing this time. “I love it when you’re bold,” She playfully tugs at his shirt, and, without her actually pulling at it, he gets closer to her. “How bold do you want me to be?” He teases, still keeping some distance between them. “Come here.” Kenna uses her queenly-voice, commanding him. He does as she says, getting even closer, until they’re facing each other, mouths only inches apart. “Even bolder?” He asks, and she simply nods, unable to look away from his lips. He kisses her, like that, not asking further permission. They’re finally meeting each other’s lips in a hungry kiss. Both of them unable to wait anymore, kissing each other with intense desire. Kenna clenches now to his shirt, feeling a little dizzy, as he nippes at her throat. She brought her hands to his hair, and pulled lightly, earning a soft moan to escape his lips.  “I’ve been thinking about doing that the entire dinner-party.” She admitted, just as he did the first time they shared a kiss. Diavolos had kissed Kenna once before, but that was a simpler time, and he wasn’t as naïve as before. It was entirely different from now. They had great chemistry, and felt closer to each other after he opened up to her, and they shared that kiss in the heat of the moment. But once the war was over, Kenna didn’t show any interest in him in that way. Well, until now. “Maybe you should’ve.” He answers her while biting at her earlobe. She’s about to chuckle when she’s caught by surprise and pleasant feeling of him biting her, and she giggles in his arms.  This kiss felt more mature, more real. Like they were both waiting for this to happen, like they were holding their breath until the moment their lips touched, only now able to finally breathe. “I don’t think my advisors would’ve approved.” She tells him, in a playful tone.  “Do you do everything you advisors tell you?” He teases her. “Usually I try, but more often than not I find myself ignoring the parts I don’t like.” She curls up against his chest, nuzzling her head on the crook of his shoulder. “Oh, is that so?” He asks, amused, as he’s tucking a loose thread of hair back into place. When they get back, it would be too obvious they made out in the palace’s garden. Then again, if someone would’ve caught a glimpse of them out of the window, it would be obvious either way. They should have a bigger garden, and maybe even a maze. Diavolos thinks. If it would ever be up to him, he’d make sure to build in this garden special spots only for him and Kenna to explore. Kenna turns to face him again.  “Some of them also advised against going anywhere alone with you.” Kenna licks her lips. “They did?” He asked, and Kenna nodded. Diavolos is surprised at first, but then realized that the peace between the kingdoms was something new for them, and trusting the son of the person who killed their previous ruler, and also tried to kill their current queen was maybe just too much for them, at least at the moment. He kisses her briefly again, enjoying the fact he can freely do so, before breaking away. “So why did you?” He has to ask, even though it’s not hard to guess. Now, many things started to make sense. “They don’t know you like I do.”