#dottore royal AU

[sneakysnekoden]

wandering mages

I can have as many royal au branches as I want...

[windwheeler-aster]

caught in the act

summary: you and your secret lover, whom you’re sworn to protect, are discovered in the middle of a scandalous position

masterlist

pairings (separate): capitano, arlecchino, and dottore x reader

reader info: uses gender neutral pronouns (they/them), is a soldier for the characters mentioned, and reader is not traveler

word count: 1281 words~ per section (4 mins~ per section)

genre: romance, Royal AU, forbidden romance, suggestive

format: headcanons and blurbs

warnings: unbalanced power dynamics (ruler x soldier), suggestive themes and dialogue, arlecchino threatening some guards, and being caught in the middle of something spicy

a/n: tbh idk where this came from (i do. it is my capitano brain worm and royal AU brain worm’s combined efforts to make my life misrable). i really enjoyed writing some suggestive stuff, but it’s been a long while so i apologize if it’s rusty and stuff. i hope you enjoy it, regardless :)

capitano is more than capable of defending himself, but he still insists on keeping you as his personal bodyguard

it’s not at all because of his blatant favoritism for a soldier who had steadily risen throughout the ranks over the course of their career in the name of his protection. no, not at all

and it’s certainly not because the rooms of the castle feel less cold and lonely with you by his side

or how by entrusting you to be by his side for his every waking moment, capitano ensures that you’re safe. no, not at all

and in the eyes of the public, capitano and his bodyguard barely speak a word to each other. the relationship between the two is strictly professional, nothing more and nothing less

but behind closed doors? an entirely different story

he murmurs sweet nothings into your ears as he embraces you, his chest rumbling from deep within as he chuckles at your whines and gentle protests

capitano is a gentle and sweet lover, who admires you more with each passing day and would do anything for you

and those moments behind closed doors or scheduled hallways are always special to you both, memories that you’ll always treasure

until one of capitano’s servants walks in on you and him in a... compromising position

You held Capitano’s strong, capable gloved hands in yours, caressing his muscular knuckles gently. You peered up into the helm of darkness that hid his eyes from your view. But deep within your heart, you knew they shared the same sparkle of desire as yours. So, you smiled up at him and slowly fell back onto the bed that was behind you two, bringing him with you.

His bed bounced as you two found settled into the mattress, but it continued to jiggle as Capitano discarded his helmet and began to remove some of his clothing. You followed suit, tossing aside some layers as you pushed your lips up to meet his. He grinned into the kiss, taking it as a queue to hurry and disrobe himself fully.

But just as he took off his tight shirt, there was a swift knock at his door. You both froze, inches apart from each other, half naked, and staring at the two grand doors to Capitano’s chambers. Your heart beat continued to beat faster, but more so from fear than from the excitement before. Capitano and you waited for a beat, nearly forgetting to breathe. Then another moment passed, and then another. You both exhaled, thankful that whomever was at the door had left.

Or that’s what you thought before the doors were pushed open, and the head of a measly servant poked into the chambers. They stared down at their clipboard, pushing up their speckles as they did so, scanning the list of items they had before them.

“My lord, pardon the intrusion but I was just—” they looked up and gasped. “Dear heavens! M-my lord, p-please forgive me for—”

“Get out,” Capitano snarled, blocking his body to protect yours from the servant’s sight.

“Yes, right away, lord Capitano!”

And with that, they scurried out of the room, shutting the doors behind them just as quickly. You both heard the servant’s heavy breaths from outside the door, and then their footsteps as they made their way down the hallway.

Capitano glared at the door for another moment before turning to you, his gaze instantly softening. “Are you alright?”

You blinked, your throat tight and your skin feeling like it was set ablaze. Nothing about what just happened was alright. You and Capitano were in the middle of an intimate moment, one between the Lord of the castle and his lover, his bodyguard. You were mortified and anxious beyond means about what was next.

“No,” you told him. “N-no, I’m not alright.”

Capitano bent down and pressed a kiss to your temple. He then wrapped his big, strong arms around you to cradle you against his chest. One of his hands, now ungloved, made its way up and down your back, very slowly.

“It’s going to be alright,” he promised. “I’ll talk with them, alright? No one will find out about this, and we can—”

“B-but… but I don’t want to hide us anymore.”

Capitano paused and looked at you, his brows raised dramatically. “Really?”

You nodded. “It’s painful, love, to see you being flirted with every day in court. Or to hear the nasty rumors about us as we patrol the halls together. Rumors of us being nothing more than just two depraved and shameless individuals who unspeakable things behind closed doors. ” You shuddered. “It makes me feel bad.”

“But they’re true, aren’t they?” he chuckled, placing a quick in the space between where your jawline begins and your ear lobe ends.

You scowled at him. “That’s not the point.”

“Sorry, I couldn't resist teasing you,” Capitano snickered into your skin. “But I understand what you mean, dear. It’s quite… tiring to listen to those rumors and suffer through those attempts at flirtations,” he sighed. But then he turned to you and smiled, softly. “So I am more than content with being truthful about our relationship, love. Our love for each other will never be a secret, starting today.”

You kissed him, happiness effectively consuming you. But once you broke away, you frowned. “It’s a shame that the way our relationship was discovered was… well, like that. I wish it were more romantic.”

Capitano chuckled and kissed you again. “Well, if you ask me, darling, every time we make love is quite romantic.” He looked at you and smirked. “Though, I’m more than willing to… ‘let go’, if you will, and make it more carnally driven. Would you like that, darling?”

arlecchino is more than able to defend herself

in the past, she’s refused any and all offers of a personal bodyguard from her royal court

until you came along, just a new recruit when it came to the life inside the castle, guarding the lady arlecchino

the moment she spotted you, arlecchino knew she couldn’t have you out of her sights. what if something happened to her precious soldier? or worse, someone snatched you up and put a pretty ring on your finger before she could

she just could not stand the possibility of that happening, not one bit

so, she put the idea of you as a personal bodyguard into the court’s heads. and, soon enough, your name and file was presented to her when the court offered more candidates for her protection

a while after your promotion, the lines between professional and unprofessional blurs as you began your secret courtship with the lady

and a secret it is! arlecchino goes above and beyond to ensure your relationship isn’t known

well, that is until one evening where you were escorting arlecchino from a feast. which, directly after leaving, she pinned you into a nearby corner after

which is exactly the position two patrolling guards found you two in, with gaped mouths as they saw arlechino’s lips on your neck, glaring daggers at them

One moment, you were saying goodbye to Arlecchino’s guests on her behalf as you escorted her out of the chamber. Her arm was slung around your shoulder, and the lady of the castle was bold enough to lean into you. Luckily, everyone seemed too cup-shotten to bat an eye at the sight. Still, you waved goodbye and shuffled along with Lady Arlecchino on your shoulder.

And then just as the doors to the main hall are closed, Arlecchino snaps out of her drowsy state. She grabs you by the wrist and leads you around the corner, quickly pinning you to the wall. Your breath hitches as you look into her eyes, the red ‘x’ shape in each boring into you. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and her breathing deepened as a blush spread over her lovely face.

“Want you,” she slurred out, her eyes tracing the outline of your lips. “I want you so bad, dove.”

“Arlecchino, we’re out in the open,” you hissed, craning your neck to look over Arlecchino’s shoulders.

“That didn’t stop us before,” she chuckled into your skin, now pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along your jawline. But they were more like pecks than kisses, leaving you with the desire for more.

“Anyone can see us.”

“So?” Arlecchino lips pulled back into a mischievous grin. “Maybe I want them to see.”

You looked into her eyes once more, your cheeks set ablaze. Your whole body felt hot, and you felt a wave of excitement— or maybe arousal— course through you. Finally, you relaxed under Arlecchino’s eyes and let her descend upon your neck.

She nibbled on your neck and you gasped. “Arlecchino!”

She cooed at you in response, kissing over the harsh mark she bit into your neck. “Need to show them all you’re mine, darling. Please, keep quiet.”

“No, Arlecchino—”

She pulled up from your neck and frowned. “What is it, darling? Do you wish to stop?”

“No,” you breathed out. But then you caught something in the corner of your eye and said, “But—”

“Hm, good,” the lady practically purred. “Now, where were we, my love?”

Something clattered to the ground behind you two, which made Arlecchino snap around and put her back to your chest. Both her chest and yours heaved and swelled as you took in the surroundings, preparing for some clumsy attack.

But instead, your eyes find a pair of guards on patrol. Their mouths were agape, and one of them had very clearly dropped their shield to the ground in surprise.

“L-lady Arlecchino,” one stuttered. “What are you—”

“Can’t you see we’re a little bit busy?” Arlecchino nearly snarled, lifting herself up to her full height, easily towering over the two guards. You couldn’t help but nearly moan at the intimidating sight.

The two guards looked at Lady Arlecchino, then at you, and then at themselves. A silent conversation seemed to pass between them both, as they both gave her a stuttered nod.

“Sorry ma’am,” one murmured as they bent down to pick up their shield.

Their partner grabbed them by the elbow and dragged them further down the corridor. “Have a nice evening, Lady Arlecchino.”

You both waited a moment, listening intently to the bickering voices that drifted down the hall. Once they had gone far enough, Arlecchino’s shoulders came back down and she heaved a heavy sigh.

“These are the people I’m hiring?” she asked herself. Then, Arlecchino looked over her shoulder and smiled warmly at you. “Sorry you had to see that, my dear.”

You couldn’t help but smile back at her. “It’s fine, love. Though, aren’t you a bit worried that those guards will go blabber about seeing us make out in the hallway?”

Arlecchino shrugged. “It was going to get out sooner or later, so I don’t think it really matters. But are you worried, darling?” she took your hands into hers. “Because if you are, I can call those idiots back here and—”

“No, that’s not necessary,” you say quickly.

“Ah, alright then,” she smiled. “Now, would you like to continue this or…?”

You answered Arlecchino’s question by initiating a passionate kiss, your hands and hers breaking apart to roam around each other. 

“Hm, very good, darling,” she mumbled against your lips. “Now, let’s carry this to my chambers before someone catches us doing more than just making out.”

dottore didn’t hire you for his protection

although he’ll never admit it, the real reason he hired you was because he was lonely

being cooped up in a lab all day with clones drives dottore mad, so it’s only fair that he at least gets someone new to look at

though, you serve as dottore’s lab assistant more than his bodyguard

which is fine to dottore. to be honest, he though you served up your usefulness on the first day 

but he was glad to be proven wrong, thankfully

and dottore won’t lie that seeing your face all day brings a comfort to him

but between all the accidental touches and longing stares, something was bound to finally happened between you two

so it shouldn’t be so surprising that you and dottore have abandoned a professional relationship and moved on to romance and passion

what is surprising is the fact that you two had managed to keep a secret for so long

but of course, just when you and dottore had thrown caution out the window and indulged in one another, dottore’s physician decides to finally check in on his lord

which leads to the physician discovering you and dottore in a very scandalous position

but to be honest, dottore only gets mad because your time together was interrupted. he couldn’t really care if the physician saw you two together

dottore is more than relieved that he no longer has to pretend there isn’t something between you two... it would jus tbe nice if his physician picked up his jaw and left already

“My dear assistant,” he murmured from beside you. “Can you look at me for a moment?”

You smiled. “Of course, my love. Though, I would prefer it if you addressed me by—” you stopped, the breath sucked out of you when you noticed just how close Dottore was to you. 

You stood before Dottore as he analyzed your face. His eyes darted from one spot to the next, memorizing each detail he couldn’t see before. But his eyes paused on your lips, over and over, and he can’t help but part his own.

He smirked. “Just as I thought.”

“What?” you asked, snapping out of your fluster.

“I had my suspicions for a while,” Dottore began, “but after a brief examination, I’m afraid that it’s true.”

“And what’s that?” you challenged.

“Oh, just that you’re completely enamored by me,” Dottore said, a cocky grin pulling his lips to the side. “And, luckily for you, I have just the cure.”

And before you knew it, Dottore had coaxed you onto his table. He had brushed everything to the side, ignoring the sounds of the stacks of papers falling and glass breaking. Dottore’s lips chased yours as he kissed you over and over, his hands roaming your thighs as he sandwiches his pelvis between them. He was desperate for you, and you couldn’t help but be just as desperate. 

Your hands made their way into his blue hair and Dottore hips stuttered, pulling out a soft gasp from you. One glance down and you were greeted with a familiar sight, which earned a chuckle from you. But before you could tease him, he grabbed your hips and slowly guided you towards him. Your breath hitched as your pelvis grazed over his and Dottore laughed at your reaction.

“Oh, look at you,” he cooed. “Already so desperate for me, hm? You’re practically drooling, dear.”

Your cheeks burned, but you managed to snap back at him. “You act like you’re not as desperate, Dottore.”

His chest rumbled with a deep chuckle from within. “My, you’re already talking back to me?” He smiled and leaned close to you. “Isn’t it a little early for you to be so bratty?”

But before you could reply with a carefully crafted retort, the familiar creak of the lab’s door interrupted you.

You whipped your head over and saw Dottore’s physician by the door. You froze, while Dottore simply looked over his shoulder, very much annoyed.

His mouth hung open as he took in the sight of you and Dottore. He dropped his pen and clipboard in his shock, and made no move to pick them up. For a minute, you worried that the old man was experiencing a heart attack from the shock.

“I-I heard some glass breaking and came to check on y-you, Lord Dottore,” the physician’s eyes filtered over to you. Instinctively, you leaned away from his sight so you hid behind Dottore, slightly. “Are you alright, my Lord?”

“Well, if you couldn’t see already, we’re perfectly alright,” he replied.

“Are you sure, my—”

Dottore nearly snarled. “Yes, I’m very sure. Now, please, leave.”

With that, the physician picked up his things, shut the door, and scurried down the hall. 

Dottore sighed, “Idiots. I work with idiots,” he caught your eye and smiled. “But not you. Now, where were we?”

 “But are you not… bothered, at all? The physician just saw us together and… well, you know,” you said, embarrassment coursing through you.

Dottore frowned.  “Darling, if you’re worried about my reputation; don’t be. I consider it a great honor to be your lover, and I could care less about what others think,” he looked at you again, and smiled warmly. “Now, would you like to continue what we started?”

You nodded. 

“Words, love.”

“Yes.”

“Excellent,” Dottore leaned over and resumed pressing kissed into your neck. “And my dear, don’t worry about being quiet. The whole castle will know about us by the time I’m done with you anyway, so there’s no reason to hide your pleasure.”

thank you for reading 💖 all forms of interaction to my posts are appreciated 💖

[madamemachikonew]

OH EM GEE! My fic won the Royal AU category at FatuiCon!

Golden Buttons (SFW, platonic)

One shot, inspired by The Prince and the Pauper.

Young Prince Zandik escapes the palace one day and runs into a child of the streets called Pantalone…

(Baby Pants and Baby Zandik maaaaybeee have a little punch up lolol)

Enjoy!

[zhongrin]

series idea (that i'll never write) from a silly tag game a friend tagged me in:

cw. yandere

you got isekaid to genshin.

except.

you got isekaid into a medieval!au genshin fanfic, which your friend was in the middle of writing. and as if that's not enough, you find out that you're just one of the nameless npcs who's destined to die from a plague outbreak just a week away. and you know jack shit about medicine (or even if you do, you have zero idea how to implement modern medicines/remedies in this new civilizations ー heck, the plants in teyvat are different!). to top it off? your friend is a yandere, dead-dove-do-not-eat writer.

rest in pieces, [name]. maybe you'll find love before you die? or do you wish to cheat your death and risk derailing the wheel of fate?

possible love interest:

dottore // royal physician who has a hobby of experimenting with... a lot of things. ignore the way he always seem to carry a pouch of scent-masking herbs in his coat.

baizhu // just a soft-spoken, gentle village doctor. who seems to be a little too overprotective of his daughter(?), qiqi. never, ever go into the door that says 'staffs only' when you visit his clinic, okay? good.

wriothesley // grand duke of the north who's surprisingly not cold and feared too much by the masses? he's actually pretty friendly! maybe he'll help you! just play dumb when you catch a glimpse of the darker stains on his black clothes and the unusually sharp glint of his fangs!

zhongli // just a silly man who tries to purchase tea and was horrified when they served him fannings steeped in a bag and charged him 5000 mora. he's always happy to talk to you despite you being a nobody. what's that? the missing emperor of liyue sighted in this region? my my. what an amusing tale. people have such vivid imaginations these days.

[lillaluna]

language brings us closer

Pairing: Dottore, Childe, Panatalone x f!Reader

Summary: in my mind, everyone who comes from Snezhnaya knows Russian.

Tags: modern au

CHILDE

Childe spotted you as soon as you entered the bar in the company of your girlfriends. He was sitting in the company of Dottore and Pantalone. As soon as you appeared on the horizon, all of Ajax's attention turned to you, he stared and wasn't shy about it at all. You threw a few surprised glances at him and asked your friends to see if this strange red-haired guy was looking in your direction, after which you and your friends laughed.

Perhaps the evening would have ended without your acquaintance, but passing by his table you heard him talking about you, definitely not expecting you to understand him. Because he was speaking in Russian.

"My future wife," Childe commented as you walked past him with an embarrassed smile.

"In your dreams," you replied to Ajax and winked.

Childe fake grabbed his heart and pretended to faint.

"She's definitely going to be mine!"

PANTALONE

You felt great at the poker table, and even more so because all the people sitting at it were familiar to you. Except for one guy, who everyone called Pantalone. You were immediately attracted to him because he didn't play cautiously, he took risks, made big bets and bluffed skilfully. And all these actions were accompanied by an exceptionally benevolent smile, which did not waver for a moment.

And so, now was the decisive moment, when there was only one choice, who would take the winnings. You sat in a relaxed pose and tapped your finger on the cards, trying to figure out what was behind that soft smile.

"It seems the mouse has fallen into the clutches of a predator," the guy said in clear Russian.

Obviously he thought it would have some effect on you, you'd be confused. But it turned out exactly the opposite as you smiled broadly and replied:

"I'm sorry, but in this forest I am a predator."

Pantalone seemed to forget how to breathe when you showed off your Flash Royale.

DOTTORE

It was a terrible snowfall. Not one of those snowflakes that slowly descend from the sky and carpet everything in white, no, it was a snowfall that threatened to get in your eyes, mouth, nose and maybe even your underwear. So, you were insanely happy when you finally managed to stop the taxi and jumped into it without looking. Probably with about the same thoughts, Dottore jumped into your taxi from the other side. You stared at each other in surprise for a brief moment, and you thought the situation would pass unnoticed, but here his lips were already pressed into a thin line.

"That's my taxi," the man spits out stiffly, right in your face.

Dumbfounded by such insolence you almost gasp as you inhale loudly.

"Actually, I'm the one who stopped him!" You protest. "Here, the driver can confirm!" You shift your gaze to the driver, who has been watching this scene through the rearview window.

"Sir, the lady is right, I stopped when I saw her," the man says, at which point Dottore tightly wraps his coat and opens the door, but with one last look into the interior of the car, he caustically blurts out in Russian:

"Fuck you, lady!"

Undeterred, you growl back at him, also in Russian: "Fuck you, mister!"

A second pause and a sly but beautiful half-smile appears on Dottore's face.

[msbarrybeeson]

Princess and Her Matra | Cyno X (F) Reader (Part II) (Royal AU)

Summary: Your Prince of Avidya had arrived with the intent of taking your hand in marriage, but something seemed off about him and his advisor. A bitter taste infected the General Mahamatra's tongue, watching you from afar. Matra Dehya and Candace could not help but tease a little.

Relationship: (Bodyguard) Cyno X (Desert Princess) Female Reader

Characters: General Mahamatra Cyno • Matra Dehya (Lionness) • Matra Candace (Priestess) • Prince of Avidya Scaramouche • Avidyan Advisor Il Dottore.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 1570

Parts: One��/ Two / Three / Four / Five

➵ ➵ ➵

"So, you're going to explain how you managed to catch Her Highness's heart?"

A whisper.

Cyno whipped his head to find two Matra beside him, one smirking and the other with a knowing smile. He grumbled, "Dehya. Do not."

"Just curious, General."

"We have figured you two have feelings for a while," Candace chuckled. "There is no need to pretend anymore."

The Mahamatra, however, froze. Hushed, he demanded, "Don't tell me word got out to every–."

"Calm yourself, General." The Lionness flapped her hands. "We're not clueless or ignorant as you think. Really offensive if you even think of us like that." He deadpanned in response. She continued, "It's obvious what'll go down if this reaches our King."

"We can assure you your secret is safe."

Cyno could not have asked for better friends. He sighed, crossing his arms. "So?" Dehya pushed in a quiet voice.

The General thought back to the other late afternoon, half a week ago. He could still feel the touch on his lips. His fingers nearly ghosted over as the memory flashed, but he was also aware of prying eyes from his friends, especially the Lionness's.

"It simply happened."

Candace snorted as a soundless laugh shook her body, while Dehya looked offended. "'Simply happened'? What kind of answer is that?" She flickered between her friend and Cyno. "Pretty certain your lovey-dovey moment is a lot more than 'happened.'"

"At ease, Dehya," said Candace, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Careful or the whole throne room will catch us."

Dehya scoffed. "Whatever. Guess our General has other– more shameful– secrets hidden." She glanced in your direction. Then, eyed Cyno. "Today's the day, huh. How're you feeling, General?"

He was well aware of what his friend meant. He sighed, a pained look in his eyes. How could it ever be easy to watch your own lover look into another person's eyes, hold another person's hands, and eventually live their life with them instead of you? The Mahamatra trailed his sights from the floor to you, meeting your eyes and your upset expression.

You were there, yet you were also so far.

Suddenly, a loud rumble of the palace entrance opening cued everyone to positions. Cyno cleared his throat as he, with force, put down his partisan.

Adorn in cream-colored fabrics with gold and auburn linings, you stood from your throne alongside your Father.

As the giant doors widened, light crept into the throne room and a set of men in uniform of forest green and onyx black, presumed to be bodyguards of the Prince, or the Matra's counterparts known as "Rangers."

They were followed by a rather interesting man.

Your posture stiffened as he, who had light blue hair and eyes covered with a mask, entered the throne room. His stature, tall. You were quick to note his unusual clothing compared to the Rangers.

"What in Deshret's name is that man wearing?" Dehya murmured. Candace creased her brows. "Strange. I have traveled to Avidya when I accompanied our merchants before, and this does not suit their culture."

"So you're saying he's from a whole 'nother kingdom? I never even thought there is a place outside of Setekh and Avidya."

"I am sure no one from either kingdom would adorn themselves in such thick animal fur."

"Honored to meet you, King of Avidya. Your Highness all the same." The strange man bowed to you. "My name is Il Dottore, closest advisor of His Highness, whom I may formally introduce to you: Prince Scaramouche of Avidya."

Your hands turned clammy.

Your breathing hastened.

A young man of a shorter, slender figure strolled in.

His locks were indigo, matching his eyes distinguishably outlined in red. You found his clothing bizarre as well. While he was dressed in what would be closer to Avidya fashion, there was also a large amount of purples and reds in his palette, especially in his wide ornamented hat. A long, leafy green, silk veil accompanied him from behind.

"The pleasure is all mine." He put on a smile, bowing.

Cyno felt his jaw tighten.

The King nodded his head. "Prince Scaramouche. I welcome you to the Setekh. I have my faith all is well in your travels?"

"Your concern is appreciated, Your Majesty. Not a single trouble there was."

"I see. Allow me to introduce you my daughter, Princess (Name). Or shall I say, your betrothed." The King signaled in your direction to bow. You nearly scowled.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Scaramouche." You had hesitated in great distaste. It seemed Scaramouche paid no attention to it. He held out his hand, bringing yours as he placed a gentle kiss. "I must say, you look rather stunning, Princess (Name), seeing you dressed in glowing silk."

The Mahamatra found his own eye twitching.

You hummed. "Then, color me impressed to find your subjects in such thick fashion. The Setekh rarely has anyone in thick fabrics. Perhaps, it would do you well to alter yourself in better convenience, my betrothed." A slight swing in your tone, as if to mock.

A Setekhan council member broke into snickers, gathering eyes which forced him to compose himself.

Your Father narrowed his in your direction.

"My, I suppose you do have a point, beloved." Scaramouche's hand twitched. "But I'm afraid us Avidyans take much pride in our culture."

"Then, perhaps the Setekh is not a suitable place–."

The King hastily cleared his throat. "Excuse my daughter's fatigue. It has also been a while since we have had honored guests welcomed into our palace. You must be exhausted yourself. Allow my Matra to guide your way to your chambers."

As the guests began leaving the throne room, Cyno glared, sending daggers toward the Prince. However, you, catching onto his glowering expression, signaled your hand. 'Calm down,' you mouthed.

I could say the same for you. He did not say it though. It was much preferable to him for you to impolite to another man. Cyno huffed, before marching to your side, as always when you were due for slumber.

"Matra Dehya, Candace." The King named, stopping the two from accompanying the guests. Confusion seeped into their faces. "As of tonight, I shall assign you to guard my daughter. Nothing shall get in the way of this wedding."

They bowed. "Understood."

"And you, (Name)." You knew where this was going. "I expect better behavior of you in front of the Prince tomorrow. The future of Setekh is dependent on your relations." Your Father's voice was laced with disappointment, nearly making you feel guilty. "Do you understand?"

You mumbled, "Yes."

"Rest up. You have many plans to fulfill with the Prince"

Silence filled your walk to your chamber. You did not wish to say anything, especially when concerns bounced in your mind. The General Mahamatra stared towards you, equally worried. But it seemed the Lionness had some ideas of her own. "That guy was bizarre."

At least you had someone who loved to speak her mind.

"Hm." Candace hummed. "Il Dottore or Prince Scaramouche?"

"To be honest, both."

"I have to agree. They wear unusual clothing."

"You two noticed as well?" You paused in your tracks. "All of Avidyan merchants who entered Setekh are dressed purely in greens and browns. Occasionally, they would wear black."

"Il Dottore is dressed in a thick coat. Even in Avidya, the weather is much too warm for him to wear such a thing, as I said to these two," Candace pointed out. "I cannot say much about the Prince. He suits Avidyan fashion better than his advisor."

"I have a hypothesis," you slowly voiced.

"You should be cautious, Your Highness. All of us should be." The General Mahamatra crossed his arms. "It could be that the arrangement is tampered by external parties, coroborrating with Avidya."

"Why though?" Dehya questioned. "What are they even getting by uniting Setekh and Avidya? Haven't they always hated us?"

"That is exactly what one of my Father's councilmen said. For many centuries too." You nodded. "Tomorrow, during lunch, both parties are discussing plans for the arrangement. Perhaps things will finally make better sense then."

"If something ever happens–." The Mahamatra jumped quickly to urge you.

"Any harm done to anyone of my palace and Setekh, and those men will not leave unscathed, I promise you that."

"Don't let your guard down, Your Highness," Cyno reminded.

Everyone paused.

"Seriously?" Dehya groaned, hands on her hips.

"Have I said something.. wrong?"

You blinked. Oh, he was serious this time. Suddenly, a laugh jumped out. Even Candace smiled. Dehya's smile was more painful and awkward.

"Would anyone care to enlighten me?"

"The one time..." Your General looked at you confused, as if pleading for an answer. You remained silent this time. For the best, you thought.

"We bid you a good night, Your Highness." Candace smiled.

As the door to your chamber finally shut tightly, Dehya could not stop herself, breaking into snickers. "Our mighty, stoic, fierce General," Dehya wrapped an arm around him, swinging from side to side, "is actually a lover boy. Always ready to jump in for our sweet Princess." She clasped her hands together and imitated the scenario playfully.

She spoke in exaggerated voices, switching between Cyno's deep pitch and yours. "'I will always be there for you, Your Highness.' 'You make me so happy, my General!' 'It makes me jealous that another man is taking you–.'"

"Say another word and you'll be sorry."

[jessamine-rose]

bro i am eating ur work like a full course meal fr THE MERMAID AU OMG IM DEVOURING IT my motavation to draw them now 📈📈📈

i was wondering if u could have any examples i can use to draw them? or try to explain how u see them if u cant dont sweat it! ALSO CONGRATS ON 1.4k FOLLOWERS!! 🥰🥰💕

Read my Yandere Mermaid AU here ϵ( 'Θ' )϶

Aahh I’m excited to hear that!! Thank you for allowing me to ramble, dear <3

First of all, read this ask. It has important notes for everyone, specifically Pantalone and Dottore. Pls don’t feel pressured to follow all of my headcanons btw :’0

Capitano’s appearance is based on these two designs. (Their art actually inspired this AU!!) Since my version isn’t a royal guard, the armor isn’t necessary unless you want to add it He has his canon hairstyle and mask + more scars.

Pantalone’s jellyfish tail is like this but the top part is slimmer, less like a skirt and more like a classic mermaid tail. His mermaid colors are translucent violet and black + lavender when bioluminescent. He wears his canon jewelry acquired from sunken ships and human victims.

Dottore’s octopus body is shaped like Azul Ashengrotto’s with longer, thinner tentacles. I can’t decide on a color so just pick from black, gray, or deep blue lol (with deep blue suckers if black). He wears a Nautilus shell necklace get it, reference to Ursula the sea witch

For Pierro, just look at the Capitano references and replace the tail + fins with an orca’s. He has the most scars and wears his canon earring. I’d also suggest his blue diamond neckpiece worn as a necklace if you’re up for that :>

It’s up to you if all of them or only Capitano wear their Fatui masks/ glasses. Thanks again for deciding to draw them and requesting my input!! I can’t wait to see how they turn out~

[aquatik]

guardian knight , cyno 𓆝

synopsis from the marine lover -> the seasonal winter ball is upon your region, as it’s princess, you must attend but this year there’s a few twists involved or my piece for @2022gisecretsanta​! this one goes out to you, @mestiako​, i hope you enjoy and pardon me for being late </3

phylum echinodermata -> genshin impact - sumeru

characters -> cyno x reader, nilou, yae miko, kaeya, tighnari, collei and dottore(🧍) make an appearance. diluc, ayato, tohma, and scaramouche are mentioned. sidnei is a made up character here!

word count -> 6.7k 

content -> one shot; fluff, royal AU - female reader

water levels -> all safe, warnings — dottore. just dottore. 

your family famously holds two balls, one in the winter, and one in the summer. currently, your retainers are preparing you for the winter ball. this year, there’s more excitement, for the public at least. now you’re at the age where you are supposed to find someone to be betrothed to, and at tonight’s ball, you expect the flocking of men trying to win your hand. you aren’t excited.

“princess, is something troubling your mind?”

“nothing at all,” you sighed.

one of the ladies who was doing your hair but the brush down, and began to gush, “i bet you must be excited! you’ll be getting loads of men coming up to you today!”

“how excitingly wonderful,” you said, sarcasm seeping through your teeth.

“maybe lord ayato will ask for your hand,” she continued.

“or perhaps the duke of mondstadt, diluc!” another one piped in. they continued listing nobles that had confirmed attendance, your annoyance grew further.

“that’s enough you two, please leave the princess alone and quit pestering her,” your lady-in-waiting, nilou, said.

“nilou,” you sighed thankfully as the two maids finished their touches, delicately placing the small crown upon your head, and left the room. even when they left, you could still hear their whispering gossip.

nilou shook her head as she watched them walk away, “in your presence nonetheless.”

“it’s bound to happen, certainly won’t be the last i’ve heard of it.”

“has your father talked to you about, you know, this,” she hinted.

“no, he hasn’t actually. you know he’s always been more lax with traditions.”

“relaxed enough to let you be with him,” she giggled, placing her hands on your shoulders and looking at you through the mirror, her bright hydro vision shook at the movement.

“nilou…” you mumbled, casting your eyes to the side.

she giggled, “just teasing.”

just as you were gonna retort back to nilou, there’s a knock at your door, “princess, the ball is about to start, are you ready?” one of the maids spoke.

“yes, i’ll be right there,” you said, standing up. “how do i look?” you asked nilou.

“perfect like always,” she smiled. you thanked her and walked towards the door.

“please, pardon i wasn’t here to help you get ready, my lady,” the familiar lady bowed, “i was tasked by your father to help arrange the ballroom.”

“sidnei,” you smiled. she had been your head caretaker ever since you were born, like a mother to you since you never knew yours. “i’m glad you’re here now.”

“allow me to walk you, you look stunning tonight, as always.”

you thanked her, and began walking, “speaking of which, where is my father?” you asked.

she nervously laughed, “you see, he’s busy currently, he won’t be able to walk you tonight.”

“i see…”

“however, sir cyno will be walking you,” she said, with a knowing smile, as you both turned the corner.

“w-what—“

“the king personally appointed him.”

“you cannot be—“ you said, before you look away from sidnei to meet his piercing red eyes, standing in wait for you, your royal knight, cyno.

he was shorter than most, shoulder length white hair tied back, and ruby eyes. just from appearance, most would assume he’s a mediocre knight at best, but cyno one of the kingdom’s last lines of defense, the best of the best. and he’s your personal knight, ever since you both were young. even if officially he’s called your knight, you honestly consider him your best friend.

at least you thought you did until a while back, you realized slowly yet quickly you were developing feelings for the man. you’d seen him grow into a respectable man. many do fear him, but with you, you get to see the side of him that loves telling jokes, that is infatuated with card games, that just has a hard time forming thoughts into words. the man you know as cyno, not as the royal knight of the princess.

that’s why, you can’t help but feel this way. long before you know it, sidnei is gone and you’re left with cyno.

“if it makes you uncomfortable, we can find someone else,” he said, breaking your train of thought.

“no! it’s alright, i wouldn’t have it any other way,” you smiled, walking up to him.

“are you sure, your highness?”

you looked into his eyes, giving him a knowing stare. it took him a second, but once he understood he argued, “i will not—“

“you will or we won’t be moving from here,” you said, crossing your arms.

he sighed, “are you sure, [y/n]?”

“yes, i’m sure, cyno,” you smiled.

he coughed into his arm, “then, may i?” he said, extending his right arm to yours. you nod and take his hand, wrapping yourself around it as he walks you towards the ball. “nervous?” he asked you.

“not really, i just want to get the night over with.”

he hums, “i see.”

“what will you be doing?” you asked.

“pardon, me?”

you sighed, “who else would i be asking?”

“it was meant to be a joke…” he mumbled as you sighed once more. “i’m on duty tonight, i’ll be keeping guard. there’s a lot of foreign diplomats visiting tonight.”

“i see.” you nodded. you noted he had his electro vision near the sheathed weapon, a clear sign he was on duty and he wasn’t lying. “won’t you be enjoying the ball tonight?”

he pondered for a moment before shaking his head, “no i won't.”

you looked over at him, wondering what to say. he’s a hard worker, barely taking time off. even if you wouldn’t be enjoying your time tonight, maybe he could enjoy it for the both of you. alas, you couldn’t come up with something fast enough as you were about to reach the door. two knights were waiting. they salute the both of you, wishing for a successful night. you thanked them, while cyno opted to nod.

cyno led you through the door and to the stairs, you caught a glimpse of your father sitting at the throne above, a smile casted your way when he saw you. you take another glimpse downwards, you could hear the murmurs of the crowd, and you weren’t sure if your eyes were playing tricks on you, or was it seemingly a larger number of people this year?

“…we now introduce the princess, [y/n] of sumeru, and her loyal knight, sir cyno.” you heard your father’s primary royal advisor announce only thanks to cyno gesturing you to take your bow. he leads you down the last flight of stairs before taking your hand to your fathers, who had come down from the upper level, before taking his position at the right hand side of the staircase.

“thank you, cyno,” you smiled. he returned one of those rare smiles to you, and nodded.

“would you care to dance with an old man such as your father?” he joked, extending his hand to you.

you softly laughed, “it’s always a pleasure to dance with you, father.”

he led you towards the floor, the orchestra taking its cue to begin the soft serenade of the strings and woodwinds alike. typical. it was the song you always danced to with your father, without fail. it was a variation of a lullaby he used to hum to you when you were younger, not so much now due to royal duties, but you still hear it once in a while when you walk past his office.

“to think,” he begins, “perhaps next year, i won’t be having the first dance with you anymore, my little girl could be whisked away right before i know it,” he said with fake tears laced through his words.

“father…” you whined as he softly spun you, allowing you a momentary glance at cyno.

“i know, i know. i just want you to know, when the time comes, find someone you truly love. we’ve always stood for these ideals.”

you scoffed, “you sound as if i am to be wed by the strike of midnight.”

“who knows, maybe you will,” he heartedly laughs.

“in some wild fantasy,” you laugh as you take the final bow. the crowd around you begins clapping, as your father leads you to them.

“i do have some business to attend to, concerning some of the nobles from snezhnaya. please, enjoy yourself little one. try not to get married and leave this old man behind,” he jests as he walks off before you can say anything.

“princess, you looked enchanting as always,” nilou said, walking up to you. before you could respond, she perked up, “please excuse me, i believe that’s lady eula. it’s been a while since i've seen her, i’ll be back!”

an attendant passes by with a platter of drinks, offering your favorite to you. you thank him and take the glass, softly swirling it in your hand. snezhnaya and sumeru currently were in the middle of a political conflict, your father wished not to involve you, but you understand that it’s majoridly about the akademia, one of this nation’s greatest achievements. the situation was tense, your father was going to cut off the amount of control the snezhnayan court had over the akademia, but it would cause several issues, worst would be a war, but it was definitely plausible. you wanted to help your father, you truly did, but what could you do?

“mora for your thoughts?” you hear a woman’s voice say, sly in her tone. you turn your head to see the duchess of inazuma, yae miko smirking at you.

“lady yae, my apologies,” you said, fully turning towards her.

“none of that little one, i spoke out of line,” she bows.

you spoke, “i hope everything is well overseas, i’ll see it soon visit, the nation of electro is always a pleasure to see.”

lady yae smiled, saying how she wished their region had a more respectable young royal such as yourself.

“speaking of, you do know i’m obliged to ask, wouldn’t you be interested in our princes’ hand?” she hums, laughing when she sees you glancing away. “that brat really won’t ever find someone, now will he,” she sighed.

“are you allowed to speak of the prince in such a manner?” you asked.

“but of course i am. who do you think taught him the sliver of manners he knows?”

you nodded, “right, of course.”

“well then, if it isn’t the prince, might you be interested in lord ayato? or perhaps, you’re interested in the kamisatos’ lord-in-waiting, tohma?” she teased.

“lady yae!” you softly scolded as she laughed once more.

“so much for trying, could’ve made an amazing story. i better get back to making sure the prince doesn’t offend any nations, heavens knows what happened last time.” she says, walking towards a small commotion at the right hand side of the ball.

“why if it isn’t the rambunctious princess? i’ve got to say, you seemed to have mastered waking in those heels, i remember when you’d trip on flats,” a familiar voice spoke.

“kaeya!” you smiled, the marquees of mondstadt, kaeya walks up to you. you had known him and his brother, diluc ever since you were little, but after their fathers death things changed for them, subsequently you lost touch.

you both caught up, exchanging pleasantries and stories on either side. it was nice to speak with a familiar face after so long.

“kaeya, where might diluc be?” you asked him, as you hadn’t seen the red haired man tonight.

“not quite sure myself. why are you asking? looking to court him?” he mused, slightly leaning down to meet your face.

“of course not!” you argued, swatting his forearm, before you could retort, he teased once more,

“or could it be that, you’d be interested in me?” he asked.

you broke eye contact with kaeya to glance to your right, cyno was still there, keeping watch as he’d been doing. you weren’t sure if it was your imagination, but you swore you saw him make eye contact with you. you heard kaeya click his tongue, a habit he had once he realized something, and you quickly turned back to him.

“sir kaeya, with all due respect—“ you began before kaeya softly shushed you.

“i understand, i understand.” he sighs, fake sadness laced across his tongue, “i do value when a fair maiden stays true to her ideals, just like when we were younger. i remember it like yesterday, saying how you’d never marry one of us since we were like siblings after some nobel had spoken out of line. do take care, princess. i’ll be off looking for my—or should i joke, our brother to make sure he doesn’t get his hands full with, a few special guests.” he smiled.

you returned the smile, softly laughing as you caught onto his sarcasm through the whole questioning. he bowed and was about to walk away to take his leave, another male voice entered the scene.

“if i may, i’d love to speak to the princess.” a masked man says.

“who might you be?” kaeya said, smiling but slightly pushing you behind him, leaving you confused.

he chuckled, “do pardon me, where are my manners. my name is il dottore, marquess of shneznaya. it’s a pleasure to meet you, your highness.” he said, taking a bow and your hand, pressing his lips against the back of your hand.

“i leave you in his company then,” kaeya seethes as he walks away, having no other choice as he was supposed to take his leave already, evident by the glare the marquess had been sending kaeya’s way..

“lord dottore, the pleasure is all mine…” you said, nerves beginning to swarm you, from both the odd reaction kaeya had, as well as the fact a shneznayan diplomat wished to speak with you directly.

he laughs, his singular earring swings back and forth, “now now, don’t seem so tense your highness. i assure you, the political standing between our nations musnt spoil our conversation.”

“i appreciate it.”

“i must say, you look rather divine tonight, as you always do,” he says, smiling as it’s only his upper face covered by the mask.

you returned the smile, a lot smaller than his, “thank you, i’d love to complement you as well, but i only have a smile to go off.” you said inquisitively, hoping it would spark a conversation to avoid the awkward pleasantries. how wrong you’d be.

“i assume you mean my eyes? they are indeed covered. say, wouldn’t you like to see the rest of my face.”

you hummed, “i suppose so.”

“i’d allow you to see my whole face as many times as you’d like, if we were wed.”

you nervously laughed, “i suppose i’ll never see your face then.”

“oh? why’s that?” he asked. an attendant walked by and dottore placed his empty glass on the tray. his now free hand takes yours and presses yet another kiss against it, this time taking it and placing it against his cold, metallic-like cheek. “what if this is my proposal to you?”

you remove your hand from his grasp, “i call your bluff.” you scoffed.

“wrong call,” he eerily smiles, “it’s true, i wish to marry you. think about it, we’d tie the knot, not only between us, but out nations as well, ending this vicious cycle that you and i both know will only end in a war. i know you’re smart enough, your highness.”

“i believe our nations can come to an agreement without this sort of thing,” you argued as he clicked his tongue.

“you’re breaking my heart,” he cackled, “who said i only wanted to marry you to help our nations, i could care less. i meant it when i said you’re divine, i’m infatuated by you.” he said. if it weren’t for the underlying creepiness in this strange speech, anybody would’ve thought it was a sweet, heartfelt confession. you were beyond creeped out though.

“how could i even consider a marriage proposal from someone i just met, i barely even know you.” you claimed, instinctively taking a step back, eyes wandering around the room, hoping someone you knew was close by, if cyno was close by. alas, you couldn’t find anyone in the short seconds you had.

“if i told you more about me, would you consider my proposal?” he mused, taking a step forward towards you.

“i suppose so…” you mumbled, reminding yourself you have an image to uphold as this regions princess and you couldn’t just yell out what was on your mind.

“then allow me to share some more, personal details about myself. some call me, the doctor.” he smiled.

“the doctor?” you gasped, eyes widening ever so slightly.

you’ve been out to the main plaza before, but only a few times have you visited farther away villages. a few months ago, you headed out with cyno to gandharva ville for the first time. your father had come down with a unknown sickness, right when the ties with snezhnaya began to sever, and cyno had recommended a doctor who could help. even against the insistings of the court and cyno, you accompanied him. after all, you’d be saftest with your guard, you argued.

begrudgingly, he took you along in a disguise, and you met tighnari. you learned they were friends, good ones too it seemed. you learned tighnari was recommended to become a royal medic, but he refused, stating how his research was better out here in gandharva ville. he learned of the conditions of your father and agreed to head to the castle, but on the condition he was able to give treatment to his current patient.

you had suggested for the patient to come with you guys, only to earn a modest scolding on the dangers of doing so. smiling at your own lack of medical knowledge, you apologized where as he sighed. you concluded that the treatment wouldn’t take longer than a few hours, not ideal, but you understood.

out of curiosity, you asked about the patient. unexpectedly, cyno was the one to tell you about her.

“her name’s collei. she’s a young girl, about 11 years old. she’s…” he stopped before continuing, “she’s a victim of the doctor. some crazed lunatic taking children and experimenting on them for his nation's gain. from my intel, it seems that the bastard is from snezhnaya.”

“goodness…” you whispered. this was the first you had heard of such thing, and by the look on cyno’ s face, it seemed like it wasn’t something he wanted you to find out of.

tighnari spoke, breaking the silence, “the good thing is that she’s recovering well ever since cyno brought her over a few weeks back. she just had a major flare up this morning, and i just need to make sure she’s stable to—“ he spoke before cutting himself off.

“collei, what are you doing out of bed?” he softly scolded as she peeped out of the door.

“i thought…i thought i heard him…” she says, taking a step outside.

tighnari was going to step towards her to help calm the little girl down but you beat him to it. you took cautious steps and lowered your hood, you could already hear cyno scolding you, but to your surprise, he stood silent, only standing guard in case something happened.

“everything is going to be okay,” you softly said, kneeling to her level “he isn’t here, he won’t hurt you anymore.”

“aren’t you the…”

you shook your head, “nevermind that, what’s your name?”

“it’s collei,” she answered.

you smiled at her, “it’s lovely to meet you collei, is there something you’d like to do? i’m sure you must be tired from laying in bed.”

“can we get zaytun peaches?”

“i don’t see why not, why don’t you go get ready? i think tighnari is about ready to give you your medicine anyways.”

she nods and goes back inside, you turn to tighnari who had previously been bickering with cyno while you talked to collie. he excused himself and walked inside to give collei her medicine, while cyno gave you a blank stare.

“what’s wrong?”

“your highness,” he began, “have you ever…picked zaytun peaches yourself?”

“no, but that’s why i have you to—“

“good. because then you’d be hunting your own kind.”

you tilted your head, softly beginning to laugh, “i’m sorry?” you asked.

“because you’re a peach. do you get it?” he deadpanned. “i can explain it if you don’t understand. you see, when people say you’re a peach, it’s to say…”

this time, you began laughing. partially because of the joke, but mainly it was due to your knight's execution of the joke. at the sound of your laughter colored your cheeks, and while you didn’t notice, cyno allowed himself to fondly look at you and smile, a similar color painting his face as well.

“that was terrible. never say that again, cyno,” tighnari said, exiting the small hut.

“now, now, everyone has different tastes. are you insulting the princess’s taste,” you joked as tighnari looked away, mumbling something along the lines of ‘how was i supposed to know.’

“truly, i do apologize, princess. collei got the last of her medicine, we can head out if you’d like.”

“please, don’t worry about it, my knowledge in medicinal science isn’t great, i should be thanking you for teaching me, i see why cyno recomended you.” you said as you began looking around the area, “however, we can’t leave now, i did promise collei we’d pick peaches together. my father isn’t in critical condition, we have a few moments to spare. do you happen to have a basket?”

“you’re just as kind as he—i mean, as they say. i’ll grab you one. in the meantime, i’ll get my materials ready.”

you thanked him as he walked back to the small hut, and out came collei with a small basket. the three of you began to head towards an area of the forest, per cyno’s lead. collei asked you questions every once in a while, and you’d gladly respond.

at one point, she wandered off a little ahead to grab some harra fruit she had seen in a distance. you and cyno stayed behind, but still watched her.

“she’s taken a liking to you rather quickly,” he spoke, looking over at you. a faint look of jealousy washed over him.

“i guess so, what's with that look?” you laughed, poking at him.

he stopped to think for a moment then responded, “nothing, it’s just it took collei a while to like me, and she took a liking to you rather quickly.”

“aww, are you jealous?” you teased. you had expected him to remain silent, like he usually does whenever you bother him, except he surprised you.

“a little, but not really. you’re a wonderful person, it’s no wonder why she felt comfortable around you so quickly.”

you looked into his eyes to see if there was any hint of sarcasm in his statement, but there wasn’t. “cyno…” he coughed to break the silence, looking over at collei who had now resorted looking around for sumeru roses.

“since when have you known about this, the doctor i mean.” you asked, looking away from collei to glance at cyno’s expression.

he sighed, “i figured you’d ask.” he began to explain in more detail what had happened. you learned that she’s from sumeru, she suffers from eleazar. her mother couldn’t cover her treatment, but a sponsor under the name of the doctor said he’d have her treated, with no expenses. only condition is that she’d need to travel to schenzaya. from then on, she was experimented on using ancient relics. cyno had gone to mondstad for not only an expedition, but because an old alma mater had requested for his assistance. he was able to bind the ancient spirit, but it took a lot out on the poor girl.

“why didn't you tell me? you told me about everything that happened on the expedition to mondstat except this,” you argued, not loud enough to disturb collei but enough to get cyno’s attention just how upset you were.

“this is far from your realm of responsibilities, it would’ve just been a burden to add onto you.”

“as far as i'm concerned, i’m the princess of sumeru. it's my duty to make sure my people are safe, and she’s a child of sumeru who was gravely hurt, more than words can describe. this is unacceptable.” you firmly reprimanded. cyno looked shocked for once, but quickly composed himself. “we’ve always worked together, we’ve been a team since forever, cyno. my position means nothing to me when i’m with you and you know it.”

“…i didn’t know you felt that way.” he says.

“of course you knew, you just chose to ignore it at times. i’m not made of glass, you know.”

“says the one who would always complain about not having a vision when we were younger.”

you blushed, “not the time.”

he chuckled, “you’re right, please accept my apologies, for everything. i promise, i’ll let you know if i learn something new.”

“that’s more like it, there’s the cyno i know,” you smiled. “it’s settled then, we’ll find out who the doctor is and take him down, together!”

you smiled at him and he nodded, you took his hand that was in a fist and forced his pinky finger out, hooking yours onto his, intertwining them together. he looked bashful, is what you could describe. you imagined it was because he must’ve thought you were acting childish.

“i’m done, this is for you!” collei says, coming back with a small padisarah and handing it to you.

you smiled as you took it, releasing your hand, rather, your pinky from cyno’s, “thank you collei! i’ll cherish this because it came from an amazing friend!”

“please, excuse me, lord dottore, i must attend to the other guests,” you said, looking around for a way to leave, for someone, anything.

“why so frantic, your highness?” he questioned, leaning down to your ear, “i do think i’d be wise for you to consider this…proposition of sorts.”

“i’d be best for you to—“

“to? what’s this, the princess is threatening me, shneznayan diplomat? on what grounds.” he said, roughly grabbing your forearm, pulling you towards him. “i suggest you chose your words carefully. who knows what could happen to this precious kingdom. perhaps you’d be better off accepting my proposal, you’d have an…immunity of sorts.” he laughs as you rip your arm from his grasp, running towards the back garden.

do you inform cyno now? or even your father? accepting his proposal would put an end to all the political issues your father was facing, but it meant sacrificing your happiness, the safety of your people. who knows what would happen with a crazed lunatic like him ruling, yet again, look at the power he has already, to harm such a large number of people just as a marquess. you couldn’t, you’d be betraying collei, and all his other victims from not only your nations but others as well. but not accepting would also put your people in danger.

“i knew you’d be out here,” you heard a male voice speak. you sighed loudly.

“lord dottore, how many times do i have to tell you, i’m not interested. please leave before i—“ you said before gasping, “goodness, cyno you scared me.”

“what was that about someone pestering you,” he said, bringing his hand to the sheathed weapon on his hip, the purple vision beginning to spark.

“no, no, no need for that,” you said, placing your hand against his, both of your movements momentarily ceased. soon after, he quickly kneeled one leg on the ground, like he does on royal duty.

“your highness, what are you doing out here?” he asked.

“cyno get up,” you commanded as he rose, “i just am outside, no particular reason for it. and could you quit it? it’s just the two of us, no need for the formalities.”

“you seem to forget that tonight is an official event, i can’t toss aside formalities.”

you stepped forward and pinched his cheek, you heard a soft ‘oww’ released from his lips, you were sure it didn't hurt, he probably did as such to make you feel better. wouldn’t be the first time he’s done so.

“i understand that, trust me.” you sighed, “but it’s just the two of us, lighten up won’t you?”

he hummed before asking, “‘s something plaguing your mind?” he asked. you internally groaned. he’s good, you’d expect nothing less from the man who’s been by your side for who knows how many years.

you thought about it for a moment before shaking your head, this isn't the right time, or is it? you weren’t sure, but you had to respond before cyno became suspicious. “i don’t know, i’m just overwhelmed. i think i need to dance to clear my mind,” you said absentmindedly.

“then let me take you back inside, i’m sure there’s plenty of nobles who—“

you shook your head, “no.”

he raised his brow at you, “no? didn't you just say…?”

“i’m aware of what i said,” you sighed, “but i want to stay here.”

“allow me a moment then, i’ll find someone to come out here and dance with you—“ he said as he turned around, beginning to head back inside.

“no!” you shouted, grabbing his wrist. he looked confused, and you looked at him through your eyelashes, “i’d like for you to dance with me, cyno.”

he stared at you for a few seconds before coughing, “princess, i’m aware some of my jokes aren’t the best, but you’ve got me beat here.”

what.

“what part of what i just said sounded like a joke? i’m serious, i wish to dance with you cyno.”

“and i refuse.” he says, crossing his arms.

now you are the one to raise your brow, this time in amusement, “are you telling me no?”

“indeed i am,” he grunts.

“we’ve danced before you know.” you said, “you’re the one who taught me for my debutant.”

“its…different now.” he said, looking up to the moon.

you stood in front of him, using your hands to bring his face down, “how is it different now?”

“you’re a lady who is supposed to be finding someone to be wed to, we aren’t children anymore.”

“i don't care about that, and you know it. cyno, i truly just want to dance with you.”

“i…” he said, finally meeting your eyes.

“please?” you asked, on the brink of giving up.

that was until you felt a pair of hands reach your waist, and your feet forcibly began to waltz. you look up at him to see the moonlight hitting his face in just the right way, enough to visibly show the pinks of his cheeks.

“please, tell me if you wish to stop,” he muttered, meeting your smiling face.

you hummed, placing your hands on his shoulders, “i doubt i will ever want to stop.”

the soft waltz became more grand, he led you through the garden gracefully, perfectly weaving through the bushes of sumeru roses before staying in place and swaying. this reminded you a lot of a few years back, when you were practicing for your debutante, except this time there was no heels stepping on the poor young man’s feet. this time, it was a graceful dance between you and the man you harbored feelings for.

“i take it back.”

“what? we can stop if you wish—“

“no, i mean what i said earlier. when you asked if i was nervous and i said i wanted this to be over with. i don’t wish for this night—well, for this moment to end.”

“you know we mustn’t,” he softly says.

you lean your head to his chest, continuing the soft swaying, “indulge me this once then, please.”

“is that an order?” he laughs.

“if it makes you stay, then yes.”

“i would’ve stayed regardless…” he whispers, low enough for it to be carried away by the midnight wind, but loud enough for you to hear, it too carries away the worries littering your mind. i’d be an issue to resolve tomorrow, you decide.

“good morning!” you hear a cheerful voice sing. “you better wake up before i splash water on your face~” you heard the voice tease.

“nilou, please, it’s archons knows what time it is,” you whined as you sat up.

“now, now, none of that, you have to tell me what happened last night.”

you turned to her as you tilted your head. surely it wasn’t about the marquess, was it? “what are you talking about, nilou?”

“i’m talking about the dance, obviously!” she exclaimed, sitting down with you. “sir cyno brought you hear, claiming you had fallen asleep. but i heard that you were dancing with someone~” she teased as you blushed.

“it was cyno, wasn’t it,” she gushed, as you looked away, “it totally was!”

“nilou! not too loud, you’ll get him in trouble.”

“so it was him! was he the same one who proposed?” before you could ask what was she talking about, one of your attendants walked in the room.

“princess, your presence is called for in the main throne room by the king. please, allow me to assist you in getting ready.

“alright then, where’s sidnei?”

the maid looked around nervously, “she’s…she’s somewhere. we aren’t exactly sure where, this is also the case with a few other staff members.”

what was going on.

nilou walks you to the main throne room, this time she was silent, sensing you were tense. thoughts raced across your head, did your father find out about the dance you shared with cyno? was he okay? what about sidnei and the other staff, where were they? and, what happened with dottore, or rather, the doctor? you had planned on investigating further on his actions, but everything was happening so fast.

your last question was answered as soon as you entered the throne room, and the man was standing before your father.

“my beautiful daughter, you didn’t tell me!” he exclaimed when he saw you enter the room.

“father, what are you talking about?” you asked as he walked up to you, engulfing you in a hug.

“why don’t be silly, lord dottore is asking for your hand in marriage! you’d know this better than i, after the dance you both shared, so he was telling me.”

you briefly heard nilou gag, mumbling disappointedly.

“he did what…?” you asked your father, his expression being the polar opposite of yours.

“please, your majesty, allow me to ask properly,” he says, taking your hand and kneeling on one foot, pulling out a box. “princess of sumeru, will you marry me?”

gasps flooded the room with the few in the room, applauds began to echo, and you could hear the distinct sound of your father sniffling. you glance around to see everyone happy, nilou looked disappointed and was the black sheep in this crowd, alongside you. you look down at the man currently kneeling in front of you, that eerie smile painted across his face.

“i…” you stuttered, unsure what to do. lucky, you wouldn't have to decide what to do.

only a few were able to hear the footsteps, and only another handful saw the purple sparks of electricity fill the room, but everyone saw the fist of the princess’s guardian knight connect with the marquess' jaw, knocking him to the ground. the mask now forgone to the ground, splatters of blood stained the carpet below him that matched dottores eyes. if you were to make the comparison at this moment, his red eyes were blood crimson, while cyno’s eyes reminded you of rubies.

gasps yet again filled the room, whispers exchanged as the only clapping now belonged to nilou, before she ceased her excitement.

dottore groans, attempting to sit up only for cyno to throw a spear—his preferred weapon—right next to his face, grazing the man’s face, yet again more blood. he then rushed forward, holding the spear down.

“cyno!” you gasped.

“cyno!” your dad yelled, voice filled with rage. it was rare to hear the king upset, and whenever he was, all you could do is pray for the unfortunate soul that the anger was targeted towards. “explain yourself! this is treason!”

“forgive me, your majesty, but this man is placed under arrest in the princesses orders,” he said, as everyone gasped once more

“arrested?” dottore maniacally laughed, “my fiancée wouldn’t do such a thing, i’ll have a war waged—“

“you dare make such baseless threats after you threatened this nation's princess on her own land? you’re lucky i didn’t take action last night, but today i won’t be so merciful.” he began, his spear becoming engulfed with electro.

your eyes widened, had cyno really seen everything that happened? at what moment or even where was he, you couldn’t see him at all.

“this man has gone mad!” dottore yells, “your majesty, you see, my suggestion isn’t so far fetched after all, he’s going to spread this madness to the princess.”

“the only one spreading madness here would be you, doctor!” you yelled.

“how do you know about that?” your father asked, more so rhetorically.

cyno continued, “you thought we wouldnt have noticed the missing number of attendants, especially sidnei? the princess’s personal attendant? what a fool you are. we have the reports on certain wine barrels that were contaminated by a poison coming from your region, as well as the personnel serving them. everything ties back to you. however, this is an open investigaton, im typically not allowed to arrest you in those cases, but not only did you verbally threaten the princess, you manhandled her. in front of thousands nonetheless.”

“what about the dance from last night?” the king asked.

both you and cyno coughed, but he continued speaking, “…it was i who was dancing with her.” the room was silent once more until nilou softly squealed, whispers filled the air once more.

“my daughter, is this true?” your father asked, turning towards you.

you looked over at cyno, his eyes shining with determination. you nodded, signaling you’d follow his lead.

“yes father, everything sir cyno said is true. that man on the ground is the doctor, the crazed lunatic who’s been experimenting on our people. i had cyno investigate further after he insulted me last night, and i issued the arrest order. such filth cannot be left unattended to.” you said, your stance radiating a commanding force.

“and the dance?” nilou chimed in, before one of the attendants slapped her hand across her mouth.

you sighed, “yes, the dance too,” you said bashfully.

“that does it then, guards!” your father snapped his fingers, “il dottore, marquess of shneznaya is to be arrested immediately, as per the princess’s orders!” your father commanded. as guards took dottore away, he yelled curses until his voice ran dry.

“princess,” cyno said, kneeling before you. “please, excuse me for my actions. and lack of actions last night.”

“cyno, please stand.” you said as he rose to his feet, “thank you for trusting me and for letting me help even if it was a little. please, allow me to apologize for not telling you last night.”

you turned to your father, “and to you as well, i should’ve told you both sooner rather than now.”

cyno was the first to speak, “you helped a lot more than you can imagine, my lady. you got the doctor to reveal himself. and we're a team, aren’t we?”

“that we are,” you smiled.

“so, who’s gonna court who?” your father mused.

you exclaimed, color painting your face, “father!”

he laughed as your father’s royal advisor sighed, “i thought the choice in dottore was weird, but who was i to judge who you loved?” he asked turning to cyno, “i was rooting for you the whole time, son?”

“…thank you?” he responded, visibly and understandably confused.

you sighed at your father and turned to cyno, “you know last night, i only wished to dance with you.” you smiled at cyno, walking up and kissing his cheek, “thank you.”

“it’s always my pleasure, princess.” it was an address you were used to by many, but this time it felt different given the circumstance.

glass bottle message -> this was NOT supposed to be this long LKJAKBJB but i really hope you enjoyed, and to anyone else reading! thanks kat for pushing me, love you the most stinker @lovely-josuke​

also the fact i had to rewrite the whole thing because google docs didn’t save it 😔💔 regardless i love how this turned out hehe

requests are open, but please check the rules :)

[dandelion-wings]

A very, very brief snippet this evening, spawning from @theabysscomeshome and I taking a couple fun screenshots:

and immediately spinning an AU off it, as we do.

---

"Why did you leave your post to bring her here? A yokai with a Vision is useful, but not that useful. Not on her own."

"I'm sorry, Moth- Father," Lyudochka says. She's of the previous generation, the agents whom Mother actually graduated and sent out, before she conceived of her battle royale. "Once I realized that Guuji Yae had seen through my cover, I knew I couldn't stay in place and risk being interrogated. Since I would already have to flee, it seemed wise to secure a resource for the House in the process, so that my assignment wasn't entirely in vain."

She looks terrified. It's the sort of fear that Arlecchino doesn't have the warmth or kindness to soothe with comforting gestures or words. All of the older generation are like this, except the ones ruthless enough to become teachers as they aged. The only way Arlecchino can correct their thinking is to demonstrate her own priorities--that preserving an agent's life for future use is better than dying uselessly at their post, when their death would serve no good purpose--through her actions and commands.

"The House of the Hearth will never turn away a child," she says, and waves a hand to dismiss Lyudochka. The girl flees. All the children who grew up under Mother are fearful, but Efim's students especially so; she'll have to look more closely into his methods.

Right now, though, she has other priorities. The girl was still unconscious from her wounds when Lyudochka smuggled her out of Inazuma, and Lyudochka had drugged her for the duration of her transport here, as is protocol for potentially combative foreign recruits. According to the doctors' report, she woke up lucid for the first time this morning. They've already told her that it was the House that rescued her from where she lie wounded, and found that her memories immediately after the fall were incoherent enough that she seems willing to believe that claim.

A child who feels abandoned by fate will take any home offered to them, whether or not it's truly a kind one. Arlecchino heads to the infirmary.

The child is, indeed, awake when she arrives, clear-eyed and appropriately tense. Arlecchino has replaced Dottore's minions with children who are most suited to this work, and their own faith in the House helps them keep new children like this one from panicking. Healthy caution, though, is an excellent trait, and Arlecchino is glad that this one wasn't so easily lulled out of it.

"Welcome to the House of the Hearth," she tells the child, looking her over. The wings would be useful on their own; pair them with a Vision, and she already has significant potential, though it will take time to discover all her strengths. "What should we call you?"

The girl raises her chin high, boldly meeting Arlecchino's eyes. "My name is Sara. What is yours?"

"I am The Knave, Arlecchino, Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers. But I do hope that you will come to call me 'Father.'"

[darkwingphoenix]

@loominggaia AU: Evangeline Royal Cousins' Character Arcs

So, in my AU, Cobalt and Marine have kids as Cyana adopts some with Angeline. I wanted to have them have mostly similar arcs but have some outliers, below (Spoilers):

First off, rough age order of the kids:

Capitano and Amber are the oldest, being born only a few days apart in fact!

Signora was born roughly a year and a half later in the summer of 6017

One year later, Columbina and then Dottore are born, in summer 6018 and spring 6019. Citrine was born a few weeks before Dottore was born, and Clarity is also born fall 6019, being sold to Rodrig for Maia's 4th birthday, when she's 6

Maia was born in 6021, during the early summer

Lumine was born the next spring, in 6022

Alani is born winter 6022

Indigo is born in early 6024, as Rosaria spawns into the world during a wave of Formation events. Yae Miko takes her under her wing and prepares to dump her onto the first people who come by

Cobalt and Sai are very certain Rosaria is roughly 6 when they adopt her, and decide she was "born" in spring 6018, making her a few months older than Columbina maturity wise

Kitsu hatches in 6026, and is adopted a few months later

Collei isn't born until summer 6031, and is 6 when the GGW starts

Acacia is the last of the official Evangeline Royals (Ignoring the House of the Hearth, where Sygbarne would have everyone beat by like 24 years and Evie beats all of the current High Rulers except Titania, Morgause and Sovereign), having been born in 6035, 20 years after Big Sis Amber, and actually spawns onto her back

Justinia and Sai have twins in early 6036, Justinia having Saheli and Mako, and Sai having two kids named Mona and Albedo. Ei and Makoto are forged around this time and come to the Evangeline Royal Court looking about age 4, making them born about 6032

Anyway, most of the kids will have pretty basic arcs, revolving around their family dynamics plus some extra fun stuff unique to them:

The Cyangeline kids will essentially just vibe in Uekoro as the kids able to go to the Athenaeum do

Capitano and Dottore will have to deal with their sisters dipping due to various reasons as Dottore gets married to his BF's twin and his BF gets married to his sister's boyfriend. The four way gays proceed to act like het couples in public and become gay in private

Columbina will, after getting married on her 16th birthday, spiral into insanity, nearly kill her rapist husband (Her husband was allowed to marry her with her dad's permission) and flee to Damiscend. She remains insane for several years, even after Signora gets there too by asking their father to let her go on a Lindist missionary tour but ditching the missionaries for her aunt

Lumine, meanwhile, will discover she's a transbian and into Clarity and become a mercenary as her dad let her. She eventually gets a small crew and set up a base in Damiscend.

[sneakysnekoden]

bits of my royal AUs aaaaaa

glorious comeback! will try to post my older artworks and sketches later

[boundinparchment]

Hi <3 royal au and awful first meeting from the list for Dottore if you have any thoughts on that?

Dottore's position would probably translate to that of a duke or a prince, I imagine...high enough to be very important, not high enough to exceed Pierro or the Tsaritsa. We're doing Webby for this one!

MC is a royal of the equivalent rank, third in line (the Extra Spare).

In an attempt to escape from their nameless lower-nobility-Snez-betrothed-who-cornered-them-unnecessarily, MC ends up smacking right into Dottore and spilling red wine all over his pristine white and blue suit as they're complaining to themselves about a party for Snez snobs <3

This isn't a regular occurrence but social faux pas occurs enough that they're like 'of course and of course it had to be a Fatui Prince', absolutely mortified

And because this is Webtorre, hehehoho man who screams at Krupp, his response is entitled and rude. "Where did they pick you up, the barnyard? How can anyone be so clumsy?!"

"My apologies, your highness. Perhaps one shouldn't wear white to a party where red wine is served. Better yet, one should have a talk with their subjects about appropriate etiquette with their fiances."

MC makes their escape from the party, their eldest sibling making an excuse about how difficult their sibling is.

"Who are they betrothed to?" are Dottore's final words, completely ignoring the ramblings, calmer now that he's faced the lovely revelation that he gets to leave the party with a perfectly good excuse.

When he discovers who their intended is, he threatens them to clean up their act because he doesn't want to have another suit ruined while they're visiting for Political Talks.

When they next encounter one another, there's a marked difference from their fiance that MC thanks Dottore for. To which he replies with a shrug that you got him out of the party, it was only fair. He's calmer, more rationale in the discussions with their parents and older sibling.

Something something fiance pulls some stupid shit, goes missing, and Dottore throws a wink their way and they have to act like they're upset. Since it's a Snez noble missing in foreign lands, the Fatui have leverage over negotiations.

Arranged Marriage to Prince Dottore, The End!

[madamemachikonew]

My Genshin Fics on AO3

Here are my various Genshin self-insert/reader insert fics and character studies, sorted by rating

Strictly R18 ONLY - rated EXPLICIT

The Serpent - Pantalone x Fem Reader SLOW BURN long fic (currently mature but there will be eventual smut)

A Flower Without A Seed - Baizhu x Fem Reader long fic

The Lies of Handsome Men - Enjou x Fem Reader long fic

Spider Lilies at Sunset - Baizhu x Fem Reader hanahaki long fic (currently on hiatus)

The Walls Have Ears - Kaeya x Fem Reader one shot

Please Yourself - Thoma x Fem Reader one shot

Rating Mature

This Mortal Coil - Baizhu x Chronically Ill/Disabled Fem Reader one shot (mature tragic romance)

The Selfish Moth - Part 1 and Sequel - Baizhu x Gender neutral Reader angst, no comfort

Genshin Male Character Love Languages - male characters x gender neutral reader

Habemus Papam - Harbinger Vatican AU - Cardinal Pantalone tries to become Pope

Golden Buttons - Royal AU and winner of the Fatuicon 2023 Fic Contest - Pantalone & Dottore

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee - Kaveh x Fem Reader

Hanabi - Thoma x Fem Reader, mutually unrequited confession

Teen and up

The Longest Winter Before Spring - Baizhu x Gender Neutral chronically ill Reader, romantic fluff

Les Madeleines - Neuvillette x Gender Neutral Reader, fluff and comfort

General

A Taste of Home - Baizhu x Gender Neutral Reader romantic fluff based on his White Day message

Unfinished Business - character study - Pantalone encounters a ghost after he acquires the Northland Bank in Liyue Harbour

Bitter Tincture - character study re Baizhu

A Coconut Contract - character study re Baizhu & Qiqi

Rewriting the Rulebook - character study re Baizhu & Qiqi

Warmth - Thoma x Fem Reader - romantic fluff

I also have a couple of Pantalone WIPs which I hope to publish soon.

I don't use Y/N in my fics, and only use minimal, strictly plot-relevant descriptors for Reader. This is to make them more immersive.

If you want to ask me any questions about me, or characters or HCs for the characters I write about, then go ahead! :)

If you want to commission a fic (self-insert or non-romantic, it's up to you!), then you can also get in touch.

Hope you enjoy my work! Thanks for your time in reading it!

~MM

xx

[capipie]

HARBINGER FANTASY AU SYNOPSIS ♡ ♡

the story takes place in an isolated kingdom — (name) is a member of the royal family, the child of the king and queen. although they live a relatively sheltered life, there are a number of curious characters they find present in it too... and perhaps there may be a chance for them to get to know these individuals a little better, if that's what they truly desire?

gn!royalty!reader // general warnings for violence and questionable morality (i mean, it's the harbingers. is anyone surprised?)

THE KNIGHT'S NEW RECRUIT // childe

— the royal guard's most promising new recruit. his origins are rather mysterious, and some claim there's something a little off about him, but there's no denying his battle prowess. his thirst for blood makes him a ruthless killer.

A NOBLE LORD // pantalone

— the lord of the wealthiest house in all the kingdom, besides that of the royal family itself. many consider him to be the most eligible bachelor out there, and yet, he's shown no interest in any of the women throwing themselves at his feet. he prefers to keep his personal life (and his money) to himself.

A NOBLE LADY // signora

— a mysterious widower with a sharp bite to her words. stories tell that she was once much kinder and more generous, but everything changed following the death of her former husband. rumours circle plenty about her through the kingdom, though they've yet to be proven true.

THE ROYAL BLACKSMITH // sandrone

— the best metalworker in the kingdom. she can forge practically anything, from a simple metal ring to the shells magically powered puppets. there's hardly a moment in the day she isn't working. despite her skill, however, people rarely approach her to commission her services as she's known for her sharp temper and violent anger.

THE MAGICAL PUPPET // scaramouche

— a puppet doll crafted by sandrone and brought to life by dottore's magic. he was commissioned as a companion for (name), to serve them both as a friend and a butler. unfortunately, the dark magic coursing through his body has imprinted on his personality, giving him a rather bitter outlook on life.

THE MAYOR // pulcinella

— the mayor of the kingdom's capital city. he's respected by all, and has held his position for many, many years. even though he holds a high status, he has plenty of knowledge on the inner workings of society in the kingdom, and uses it to his advantage to keep the people in his favour.

THE ASSASSIN // arlecchino

— an assassin hired by the king and queen to eliminate potential threats from other kingdoms. she keeps to herself as a result of her job, and rarely shows her face. a network of her own spies gather important intel and carry out simple jobs for her.

THE ORACLE // columbina

— the royal family's peculiar oracle from a foreign land. nobody knows her place of origin, but it's quite clear she doesn't hail from the kingdom. although many people have a clear distrust in her, she is a sweet woman to those she deems worthy of her respect.

THE DARK MAGE // dottore

— the only mage left in the kingdom capable of using the forbidden dark magic. despite the king and queen themselves being the ones to issue the ban, they kept dottore around so they could utilise his abilities when needed. he stays within a restricted section of the castle and keeps to himself to continue his studies.

CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD // capitano

— the strongest warrior in the entire kingdom and a well-respected leader. knights in the royal guard both fear and revere him, with many seeking to one day train directly under his wing. he hardly socialises outside of official business, is rarely seen besides in times of crisis.

THE ROYAL ADVISOR // pierro

— a man who has worked for the royal family for many, many years. he never fears speaking his mind, not even to the king and queen, and that is precisely what has made him so successful as an advisor. some suspect that he, too, hails from lands outside the kingdom, though there seems to be little proof of this.

[water-to-drink]

Agua’s Record Bar!!

Open from 07/15 - 08/05

This is to celebrate reaching 500 followers on this blog, I’m opening a pop up bar

All requests will be SFW, I can’t do NSFW now, (maybe in the future)

Seating:

Bar- Headcanons/bullet points

Booth- Ficlet/drabble

Table- Both

Now that you’re all set, take a look at the menu and decide how you want your evening to be. Let us know your choice of a waiter or 2 (unfortunately Dottore couldn’t make it), drink order, song selection, and reader insert

Songs

Up to 3 songs per request

Gartoa De Ipanema- Yandere

The Look of Love- Romance

Agua de Beber- Platonic/friendship

A Felicidade- Hurt no comfort

Mas Que Nada- Comfort

Carolina, Carol Bela - Modern au

Muito a Vontade- Self aware au

40 Cups of Coffee- Coffee shop au

Bound- Soulmate au

Yesterday Once More- Pinning

Days of Wine and Roses- Royal au

Killing Me Softly With His Song- Horror

Where Evil Grows- Supernatural au

I Like It (I like it like that)- Isekai

O Caminho- Reverse Isekai

Mr. Sandman- Badass reader

Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)- Fluff

A Man Without Love- Angst

My Funny Valentine- Idiots in love

Samba de Uma Nota Só- Idol/pop star au

Chega De Saudade- Angst with comfort

Drink Menu

Ice- Fem reader

No ice- Masc reader

Garnish- Gender neutral reader

You can order up to 5 drinks per order

Gin & tonic- First date

Old Fashioned- Domestic

Daiquiri- Beach/pool

Sangrita- Falling in love

Margarita- Music

Shirley Temple- First meeting

Mojito- Established relationship

Pink Lady- Fashion

Gimlet- Confession

Mimosa- Marriage

Irish Coffee- Snow

Rum & Coke- Tears

Planter’s Punch- Plants

Whiskey Sour- Jealousy

El Diablo- Touch starved

Paloma- Adoption

Limoncello Spritz- Gala/masquerade

Bloody Mary- Wounds

Gin Fizz- One sided

Chocolatini- Baked goods

Tom Collins- Surprise/unexpected

Skeleton key cocktail- Possessiveness

Sidecar- Bridal carry

Brandy Alexander- Cooking

Bellini- Secret dating

Americano- Fake dating

Golden Dream- Sharing

Long Island Iced Tea- Giving in

Aviation- Gift

Last Word- Break up/final goodbye

Reservations are open now

[msbarrybeeson]

Princess and Her Matra | Cyno X (F) Reader (Part IV) (Royal AU)

Summary: Sanity slipped from Scaramouche as you, kneeling on the floor, retaliated against his desire to enter the Eternal Oasis. You, carried in the arms of your loyal General Mahamatra, must put an end to the Prince's enraged assault on Setekh.

Relationship: (Bodyguard) Cyno X (Desert Princess) Female Reader

Characters: General Mahamatra Cyno • Matra Dehya (Lionness) • Matra Candace (Priestess) • Prince of Avidya Scaramouche • Avidyan Advisor Il Dottore • Liloupar the Jinni.

Warnings: Minor Character Death.

Word Count: 3070

Parts: One / Two / Three / Four / Five

➵ ➵ ➵

"You're telling us in the one time we were tasked with not watching over you, the Prince held our General Mahamatra hostage, nearly killed him, and coerced you to call this 'magical spirit' to enter some kind of Oasis?"

Dehya gaped in utter shock, while Candace, concerned. Before the latter inquired, you interjected while flipping through pages of a book.

"No, I have not informed my Father yet."

"With all due respect, Your Highness, you should. For one, you have a good reason to get your wedding called off. Two, send them away!" Dehya cracked her knuckles. "I've been waiting to get rid of those numbskulls. Did you see how they've been treating us? We Matra may be soldiers, but calling us 'dogs' is low." She turned to Candace for validation of her point.

The latter, however, noticed your reservation. "Your Highness?"

In your thoughtful silence, Cyno answered, "Her Highness is worried about her people. The whole point of our King agreeing to the arrangement is to save Setekh from dehydration. Knowing the Avidya's malicious intention now, the Prince himself threatened to harm the Setekh if anyone hears of this."

He crossed his arms. "And knowing how he managed to have me tied up so easily, I doubt he was bluffing."

"Don't think we should be giving into his egotism though," Dehya remarked. "He's probably going to assume control of Setekh regardless of whether he enters the Eternal Oasis."

"Do not worry," you assured, speaking up again. "I have a plan."

"I believe it has something to do with that book?"

You nodded. "I have read about the legend of the Eternal Oasis. I do not remember ever it saying the realm grants a God's power." Flipping through the pages. "Though, I do recall reading this Jinni shares a notable power of its own."

"I am guessing that's the 'magical spirit' you were talking about," said Dehya.

"The Jinni had served under the Goddess of Flowers, or Nabu Malikata. Only listens to those worthy, which I assume is whoever is blessed by the Goddess herself." You finally reached the page.

Scanning the words, your fingers paused on an interesting detail. "Just as the Jinni is cautious with its master, the gateway to the Eternal Oasis opens only to those whose heart is deemed worthy," you murmured to yourself.

Suddenly.

You heard loud thuds beyond the library doors, hurrying down the corridor, as if panicked.

You recognized them as footsteps.

"Did something happen outs–?"

A voice boomed, muffled through the door. "The Prince has gone mad!" You also recognized that sound as one of the Matra.

"Defend our King!" shouted another.

Blood ran cold as you picked yourself from the seat, hands on the table. "Father? What's going on?" Your breath became shallow.

All four of you bolted out the library, straight to the throne room. It had not been three days since his arrival, yet somehow, your fiancé had caused unnerving trouble.

There was a dispute. Your eyes darted from the crumbling sandstone pillars to the shredded banners on the walls. Then to the Avidyan Prince, surrounded by his angry Rangers. "You're no Prince of ours!" one Ranger screamed, directing their spear at the young man. "You must be the reason why Lady Rukkhadevata, went missing! You monster!" yelled another.

Dehya was bewildered. "Rangers rebelling against their own Prince?"

"Fools!" Scaramouche seethed, tying up the Avidyan soldiers in his strings. "Completely absurd. You dare disrespect your one and true Prince!? You should be bowing to me!"

One Ranger prepared his bow, his brows furrowed and tall black ears folding back. "As if! You're no Prince of ours if you wanted nothing to do with our forests! We have always taken pride in keeping Avidya alive, yet you are bold enough to tell us to let it wither!" The arrow shot through, but Scaramouche cut it up into pieces with his strings.

Another Ranger leaped up behind him and threw her boomerang.

"Silence!" However, his hand sent her flying back onto the ground with a loud thump. The Prince pulled a set of strings around the Fennec, strangling his throat.

"Your Highness!" Your head turned to find one of your Matra running to you. "You must leave! Run away for your own sake–." His sentence barely finished as Scaramouche cut his body up. The pieces dissipating to blood-red dust. Your eyes widened in horror. Cyno, Dehya, and Candace attempted to retreat you, but Scaramouche sensed your presence.

He eyed you with a crazed smile. "Looks like you're on time, Princess." A sudden movement of his wrist and the strings were attached to you. He yanked you to him.

This prompted the General Mahamatra to shout, leaping to grab ahold of you. "Your Highness!" But more cutting strings appeared, caging he and the other two outside.

"I demand to see my Father! Where is he!?"

"Under close care of my advisor. So there is no need to worry, dear." He held your chin, mocking you.

"Do not lay a finger on him. Or anyone!" You gritted. "What have my people done to you? What have your own done to you?"

"What have they done?" he laughed, turning his back to you. "They failed to know their place." The strings pulled everyone in the throne room up, hanging them on the walls like flies trapped in a web. "I am your true King. Your true God with powers beyond your understanding."

All except you.

"But not enough for you fools to respect me, is that right?" His head snapped back to you, stomping back to your kneeling figure. The Prince snarled. "So you better call that Jinni of yours, or one snap will kill them all."

"You're wasting precious time, Scaramouche." Il Dottore scoffed, stepping in the perimeter. "Slice their heads off them all already. We only require the girl for the Oasis."

"If you choose to kill them all," you picked up a fallen arrow and brought it up to your neck, "I shall end myself as well!"

"(Name)!" Cyno yelled. "What are you doing, (Name)?!"

"Your Highness, our lives are not worth it!"

"We Rangers are not worth your sacrifice!"

"The Setekh needs you!"

Yet your resolve remained.

"Do you dare to gamble with my death, your only chance of reaching the Eternal Oasis?"

"You." Scaramouche's form shuddered as he laughed maniacally.

He laughed.

And laughed.

To the point even you were concerned.

"Haha! You truly are bold, Princess!" He laughed. "To think that these pathetic subjects cared about you so so," Scaramouche swung his hand across your face, "much!" His expression went from laughter to a dangerous scowl.

"How could they worship such a pathetic weakling like you?!" he screamed, slapping your face once more.

This time, you had enough. You etched the arrowhead into your skin, drawing a trickle of blood.

"Enough, Scaramouche!" Il Dottore interjected.

The Prince stopped his hand from throwing another hit.

"Do you, or do you not want to become a God." The question, or more so statement, made the Prince falter. "Hit the girl again," Il Dottore's tone dripped with venom, "and I shall cast you aside as your Creator had done before."

His hand dropped to his side. His knees onto the floor.

And suddenly, the strings on everyone were released.

You closed your eyes, lowering the arrowhead. You heaved, releasing some pressure on your lungs. "I command everyone to leave the palace grounds... Matra, evacuate all Setekhans to Avidya. I urge for the Rangers to provide temporary shelter."

You added, "..Immediately."

Although the named and injured councilmen passed a worrisome glance in your direction, everyone opted to follow your word and flee the throne room.

"General," the Lionness called out.

"Leave me be. Whatever the circumstances, I cannot abandon Her Highness."

The Priestess intercepted, "Then, we shall help you as well."

"No, I have always served as her protector. You two heard her: evacuate the people."

Candace bit her lip and nodded. "Defend our Princess."

"We have released your people. Time is ticking, so you better do what you must, girl." You glared upon Il Dottore's sharp-toothed sneer, carnivorous and predatory. You wanted to fling your hand to his nose.

One glimpse to the side and you found your General. His hand gripping his partisan while positioned defensively. You showed him a weak smile, a sign you knew more than you led on.

You faced forth the thrones, worn away from the chaos ensued while standing tall. You slowly clasped your hands and closed your eyes once again. "Strewing flowers along a path, that which is blessed by the gentle Nabu Malikata herself," you recalled from the book. "I call upon thee, Jinni, to seek my heart's wealth."

All of a sudden...

A blinding light illuminated the throne room, capturing the insatiable eyes of Il Dottore and Scaramouche. A spiral of brilliance glowed before halting in front of you. A brighter flash prompted you to cover your eyes until it dimmed into a bottle. Or perhaps, a bulb made from glass. There was a violet cap on top and a distinguished golden glow inside. For a moment, it trembled, danced frantically until a voice echoed.

"Who has called upon the powers of a Jinni?"

You prayed you were aware of whatever fate you were pulling yourself into. There was a sense of hesitation: "It is I, Princess (Name) of Setekh."

It audibly gasped. "It is a great honor to encounter another member of the Setekhan Royal Family. I shall introduce myself, Your Highness. It is I, Liloupar."

"Enough stalling," Il Dottore interrupted. "I demand you Jinni to bring forth the Eternal Oasis."

In a shade of red, the bottle shook violently. "How audacious of you. I only listen to the commands of those who are worthy and one alone. Who are you to dare order me in front of Setekh's Princess? Oh, I understand. Indeed, you are nothing more but an outlander."

Il Dottore scowled. "Hold your end of the bargain up, Princess."

You rolled your eyes, before facing the Jinni. "Liloupar," you spoke in a gentle voice. "I request of you to show us the entrance to the Eternal Oasis. I entrust you to reveal a heart's truth." For a minute, Liloupar only appeared to stare at you. You felt as if the Jinni was pondering. "Very well," Liloupar hummed. "As you wish, Master."

As the bottle danced in the air, a gateway appeared before them. This garnered a malicious smile from Il Dottore. Scaramouche wasted no time pushing you aside as he hurried to the entrance, only to learn:

He could not pass through.

Stunned, his breathing quickened.

"What is this?"

Panicked.

"Why can I not enter?"

His hands began slamming onto the gateway, like an invisible wall existed there. Liloupar lowered itself into your arms' embrace, vibrating in prideful satisfaction.

"What is going on, Scaramouche? Move along!" Il Dottore reprimanded. "After every resource poured into this project, not another second should be wasted. The Prodigal cannot obtain its full potential without a God's power!"

Enraged.

"Open your eyes! Are you so blind to not see what I am doing?" snarled the Prince. His eyes flickered to yours, violent and crazed. He seethed, "You find this amusing, do you not? Daring to play your absurd games and tricks against me, Princess?" Electricity began to conduct as the floors shook. Sand from the ceilings themselves fell. You tried standing to your feet, but your balance faltered. A voice bellowed:

"I am going to end you all!"

"(Name)!" Cyno grabbed you by your wrist and yanked, ushering you away from the palace. "The palace is no longer safe. We must retreat to the Avidya!"

"Archons!" you cursed. "Is there no end to this tantrum of his?!"

The second you and Cyno touched the final flight of steps, a deafening and thunderous sound quaked the Setekh. You peeked behind to discover that Scaramouche had transformed into an enormous mechanical puppet, demolishing half of your palace in the process. His height as tall as thrice the palace.

Sandstone debris and boulder-like chunks toppled down, nearly colliding into you if it were not for your General wrapping an arm around your waist, picking and carrying you up in his arms. "Hold onto me, Your Highness!"

You yelped, panicking as the Prodigal swung a hand down in your direction. "Cyno! Above us!"

Cyno leapt out of the way as the hand smashed right into many homes and buildings, crumbling them all to dust. Your stomach churned in a sickening feeling, and you prayed to Deshret the Matra evacuated everyone on time.

"Never in my years of serving my masters have I experienced such troublesome events," Liloupar trembled.

"From your right!"

Cyno jumped to the left, avoiding a scorching beam from obliterating you. "Not only his hands!?" You grimaced upon how the Prodigal occupied a wide range of offense. "You cannot outrun him, even if we reach the Avidya!"

"I have my duty to protect you. Until I entrust you under the care of the other Matra, I cannot simply stop when your life is endangered!" he yelled. His amber eyes gazed down into yours. For a brief moment, his features softened up.

You instantly broke contact when a shadow overcasted his features.

"Cyno!" you screamed, tugging on his shoulder. "Above you!"

The Prodigal's hand began to fall with a heavy force. Your General gritted his teeth. His mind came to terms with the unlikeliness of outrunning the strike area, yet his legs pushed further. A booming sound echoed as the edge of the hand pounded into the sand. Your fingertips dug into your palms as you urged, "Cyn–!"

The Prodigal's fingertips were right above you. You felt the wind knocked out of your lungs as your General hurled you tumbling forward. You fell with a weighted thud. The impact casting sand and spinning your head into a migraine.

"Urgh."

Accompanied with a terrible high-pitched ringing in your ears.

"Aurgh."

An awful groan left your throat, leaving you to cough up some sand. Your throat had gone dry when you realized. "No." You screamed his name, "Cyno! You did not dare–."

You witnessed his figure vanish as the Prodigal's hand made full contact with the ground. A disastrous earthquake rumbled Setekh from the force, and a huge gust of wind nearly blinded you with sand.

You found yourself hyperventilating.

Your blood ran cold.

Practically gasping in and out.

You could not move.

Dread painted your eyes.

"This cannot be happening."

You faced down, vision blurry by the second as hot tears trickled down. "Cyno. Cyno." You tried running to him, but your legs were too weak. "Cyno. No. This cannot be happening. Please. Please!" Your hands clenched tightly and you shut your eyes. Voice caught in your throat, feeling like you were going to choke. "Please! No. You said you would protect me no matter what."

Liloupar left your arms, glowing brighter. "Master!"

You slowly opened your eyes again.

And trailed up front.

Your General.

A breath heaved out. More tears fell over your smile. You sighed again out of pure relief, shutting your eyes, "Thank Deshret." Opening up again, confusion soon overtook your features instead.

"Cyno?"

A violet hue shone from the electricity crackling underneath the puppet hand. As the murky fog began to fade, you distinguished another figure, large as the hand trying to crumble them. Only this time, you discovered a pair of claws and tall ears. All in violet and gold.

Your eyes widened.

"Hermanubis?"

The figure's claws shoved the Prodigal's hand off them, another gust of sand hitting your way. Cyno was still there, but the colors around his headdress– which enlarged into some form of a hood or mask– lit up in synchronization with the figure that seemed to possess him.

"Cyno is Hermanubis?"

"No, not himself," Liloupar corrected. "It appears he is a current holder of the Great Priest Hermanubis' power. 'How' he obtained such power is beyond my knowledge." You pursed your lip and huffed, your strength returning to pick yourself up. "There is no time to ponder now. I must help him."

This had the bottle frantically shaking. "But Master! Your own safety comes before his!"

"Liloupar." Your resolve remained strong. "I wish to help him."

The Jinni merely sighed. "Perhaps it is time for me to conduct use of my other assets."

A voice reverberated from inside the Prodigal.

"Unsightly insects!" His hand swung at Hermanubis, who leapt onto the arm and bolted up to strike the head. Scaramouche seethed, "Keep your claws off of me, animal!"

He attempted to snatch Hermanubis off, but the latter jumped to the shoulder and landed another heavy strike to the puppet's spine. Catching him off guard, the Prodigal nearly fell forward.

Another to the head.

Across the face.

Until Scaramouche screamed, enraged.

"Worthless humans should be bowing down to your God!"

He hurled Hermanubis down onto the sand. Giving no time to recover from the impact, the Prodigal ignited a blast. The energy revving from within.

SHATTERS!

Scaramouche audibly hitched his breath as a needle practically stabbed him through the heart. His sights fell to the very Princess he despised, standing in his way. You smirked.

"There's more to me than smile-and-waves!"

You aimed another arrow to the chest. The bow you carried being a metamorphosed Liloupar. "Leave Setekh alone!" Releasing in an instant, the arrowhead struck the heart, pieces of glass breaking off from its outer casing. His emanating power briefly faltered. The Hermanubis figure picked themselves from the sand, their glowing white eyes staring upon you.

"Cyno! Strike the heart!"

The figure silently nodded, leaping back onto the puppet's arm again.

Scaramouche became more agitated. "No!" The Prodigal tried to swing him off, but Hermanubis clutched on, who propelled himself up to thrust a powerful lightning bolt to the puppet's chest. The entirety of the heart case shattered into thousands of pieces.

An energy wave bursted in response.

The puppet began to collapse, but Scaramouche, in his final chance of retaliation, shot a beam in your direction. "I refuse to be brought down alone!" he yelled.

Hermanubis, or rather Cyno, darted to you. Their glowing eyes widened. Their claws dug into the sand and vaulted themselves in desperation to grasp you.

Time slowed down in this very moment.

Hermanubis wrapped you into their claws, right before the light blinded you.