#fic: the queen of nothing

[likecassandra-ao3]

if u had told me two weeks ago, i would write a helaegon au starting with🩸& 🧀 i would not have believed u. but here we are and i have a mild hyperfixation.

[nataliedoesnotlie]

[matchpointfaist]

cardan greenbriar ; high king of elfhame

cardan was everything you despised. he was rude, arrogant, mean, cocky, self centered, and lazy. he was, at times, a drunk, and he was always condescending. the worst thing about him, though, was his striking beauty; high cheekbones, full lips, inky black hair. pointed ears adorned in ornate piercings, gold liner rimming his dark eyes, a smirk nearly always present on his face. it all came together to haunt you, in only the way the unnatural, privileged beauty of the high fae could.

in public, you loathed each other. he was a menace, as always, and you lashed out often. but in private, in his chambers, you knew each other better than anyone ever could. you knew how to render him speechless, for once in his life, and he knew just how to make you finally submit to his whims.

after a particularly bad night, he stormed into his room to find you already there, waiting, seething from his bedsheets, glaring up at him while you'd already been plotting the ways you'd make him come apart for you that night.

"you are infuriating," he hissed, unbuttoning his shirt as he crossed the room, his pale cheeks tinged pink with anger, or lust, or something in between. "you can never just keep your mouth shut, you always have something to scold me for. do you know how many women in this kingdom would kill to be where you are right now? you'd think you would show me a little gratitude,"

"oh, forgive me, high king," you sighed dramatically, watching as he shed the rest of his clothes, "i forgot, i live to serve you, and i should only speak when spoken to-"

he cut you off, climbing over you, pushing your legs apart to settle between them as he kissed you, shutting you up. sometimes, cardan could be something akin to sweet, though it was rare. tonight, however, was anything but. he was selfish, needy, harsh; his kiss was all teeth and tongue, his hands peeling away your night dress without even looking.

he pulled away to trail his kisses down your neck, sucking bruises into the skin, nipping you lightly. "see? isn't it so easy to just shut up?" he teased, biting at your shoulder, "so defiant, until i get you all needy,"

"fuck off," you mumbled, pulling at the ends of his hair, back up to your lips. you rolled on top of him, your hand resting on his throat, staking claim over him in the way only you could. "high king of elfhame, writhing underneath me. what would your subjects say?"

he'd let you take control, sometimes. you thought, some nights, that maybe he craved it; being told what to do, having some direction in life. not tonight, though. he was too angry, you could tell, wound too tight, too tense.

he flipped you over again, pulling your thighs apart, burying his face in your cunt. you gasped, tangling your fingers in his hair as he lapped at you like a man possessed, curling two fingers inside you with the expertise of your body that only he had. you were falling apart in minutes, panting and moaning, one hand in his hair and the other twisted in silk sheets.

"see? not so tough now, darling," he grinned up at you, pressing a wet kiss to your thigh and sitting up on his knees to look you over. you thought, for a moment, that he really did look more god than man; the dim light casting a halo around his head, his eyes heady and smeared in gold.

he moved up the bed, squeezing at your hips, scratching just enough to have you whining and arching off his bed. "i think i'll make you beg for it," he murmured, kissing up your chest, "how's that sound, hm?"

"in your dreams," you hissed, and he grinned, nodding, "yeah, yeah it is in my dreams. why don't you grant my wish, hm? go on," he tapped his length against your core, watching for your reaction, "i said beg," you summoned up any semblance of defiance you had left, swatting at his hand, "i'm not begging when you give it up so easy, cardan,"

he shifted, pressing a kiss to your lips, smiling against you. you were so distracted you didn't even notice his movements until his silver dagger was pressed against you lightly, the metal cool against your pulse. "cardan," you gasped, pulling back, "what're you doing?"

"i told you to beg," he pressed a kiss to your jaw, "go on, then," "you can't kill me, cardan. who else would you bury all your problems in?" you hissed, and his eyes glinted, "who said i'd kill you, darling? why would i ever go and do something like that?"

he trailed the tip of the knife down, cutting your chest just enough to draw blood, enough to have your heart hammering and breath faltering. "so pretty," he whispered, just before leaning down to kiss the cut, licking up the blood.

you moaned at the feeling, grabbing at his shoulders. "cardan, please," you weren't even sure what you were begging for anymore. for him to fuck you, to relieve the throbbing between your thighs, maybe? or for him to stop causing you pain, or maybe cause you more. you never could tell.

"there you go, atta girl," he hummed, and you gasped as he slid inside you, kissing you greedily. all the tension finally broke, and he fucked into you desperately, his hands grabbing for any contact, digging into your hips and thighs and finally settling around your throat.

"feel so fucking good," he panted, his tail curling tight around your thigh, "bet you're gonna come for me again, hm? always do," you clenched around him, a mess beneath him. he moved his hand between your thighs, his long fingers circling your clit, and soon you were coming undone a second time, your nails dragging down his back enough to draw blood. he came soon after, kissing you, biting at your bottom lip and moaning into your open mouth.

he pulled out after a moment, catching his breath, unable to meet your eyes. this was how it always went; he'd fuck you senseless, or let you boss him around, and then he was gone, back inside his head. you'd dress yourself and go, back to your own chambers just down the hall from his, the plaque on the door reading 'consort to the king.'

if only.

[clownzaf]

The whole fucking Batfamily being higher in the Young Justice (comics) tag than Anita, Greta, Slobo or Cissie is a fucking CRIME

[gothamite-rambler]

Stephanie Brown spitting facts

Stephanie: Beyonce can sing about being a boy and if she was one she'd cry and feel hurt! Well dang it, if I was a man, a strong man, I'd wear shirts with short sleeves or NO sleeves! Wife-beaters, we should change the name by the way, muscle shirts, tight shorts to show off my slutty legs!

Stephanie playfully kicked her leg up evading hitting Jason in the head.

Stephanie: And my tight hero suit would show off my hot bod- That's Jason and Dick!

Cass (adding in): And Tim.

Jason (innocent): What?

Stephanie poked Jason's bicep making him jerk his arm back while a blush crept on his cheeks.

Stephanie: What are you eating to get these pythons?

Jason: No, damn it. Not again. I had to deal with a creepy woman flirting with me and leaving her husband. Leave me alone!

Tim (correcting Steph): I don't wear slutty shorts... but the rest is true.

Stephanie: I knew it!

Duke (upset): Nah, wait... why was I not included? I can be slutty! Jason give me one of your shirts!

Jason (hugging his body): I don't want to be included in this. I was just reading my book while we had breakfast!

Duke: Whatever. I can be Sasha Fierce! Give me a muscle shirt and a cool car!

Stephanie: Oh Duke, you have to work up to it. Right now you're, good boi, but you'll get to himbo. Ain't that right, Dick?

Dick (speaking up): I've been called a Himbo in the past and I appreciate the compliment. I'm not going to have this body and not flaunt it. I appreciate you finally noticing.

Stephanie: It's what I'm here for, but dang it, I just realized my butt isn't big and firm like yours, so I can't be himbo.

Dick: I do a lot of squats. Thank you again.

Jason (covering his ears): Stop it! I'm just a child why are saying all of this!

Jason laid his head on the table wondering how he got thrown into conversation. Cass patted him on the back of his head.

Cass: She's just saying you're pretty, sweetie.

Jason (fake whimpering): No she's not. I feel verbally violated.

Stephanie: Oh please, be a girl for the day. Babs what do you think?

Everyone turned to a silent Barbara who had been minding her business and enjoying her coffee. She raised her eyebrow annoyed.

Barbara: I think I wanted to remain unnoticed in the background and drink my tea.

Barbara rolled away mildly disgusted.

Stephanie: Are you thinking about the times you and Dick-

Barbara (shouting): It was three times of regret: FUCK OFF!

Dick started laughing along with Tim, but Duke pouted upset he wasn't counted. Stephanie nodded with a satisfied smile.

[viivdle]

I stand before Cardan, and he looks mortifying in his beauty. He carelessly slumps down on the sofa in his chambers, blissfully unaware of my anxiety. Or, worse, blissfully aware.

“I ought to be mad at you,” he says, and I almost flinch at the sound.

“As I said, I didn’t kill my husband, Your Majesty,” my voice shakes, and I hold onto the hope he will think I am holding back tears.

“Yes, that would be correct. Your husband is sitting in front of you, well and alive. Is he not?”

viivdle productive era??

my ~1900w jurdan fanfic heaven and hell were words to me is out now!!

i tried something different with this one, hopefully it was a good something different

this fic is for @annamatix who i have the pleasure to call my friend. i hope this is just the right amount of "romancy"

happy ramadan<33

[scarlet-witchery]

And in this wilderness, there are three queens. They're only called by one name, the Antler Queen, but the way you speak of each one tells the listener everything they need to know. The queens provide. The queens protect. The queens parlay with the wilderness to make sure that we are cared for, season to season.

It starts with the prophet, the one who heard the wilderness first and heeded its call. The bear came to her, the spirits whispered to her, and when they spoke, she listened. The wind tells her the truth and the trees breathe as she passes on the knowledge that will carry us through. Our prophet, who leads us in the darkness.

Then there is the hunter. She kept us fed, she brought us out of fire and into the light, and she listens with her mind and her heart. Her temper is fierce but her love is fiercer. Caring for us, providing for us, keeping us strong. We follow the hunter, who keeps us alive.

And then there is the butcher. She who took the unwanted role, accepted the burden of the knife. The one who cut the meat, severed the flesh, and brought it and served it to us. Although she is vital to us, she is the one to be wary of, for she is the most capricious. The butcher, who feeds us all.

These three queens do not coexist harmoniously. Power is a strange thing; when one never asks for it, one finds it given or thrust upon them. Others seize power in another's moment of weakness.

Here in the woods, in the wilderness, the three queens—the Antler Queens—carry us through the night, through the day, through the harshest points of winter when our bellies scrape raw against our spines. When the night winds howl and the frost spreads across our skin, the queen, whoever she may be, must be. She must answer to the wilderness.

The wilderness will decide if she is deserving, and in so doing, judges us all. We are judged on our leader and if we are deemed unworthy, a sacrifice is required. The wilderness gives, and takes, without remorse. And the Antler Queen is the one who shelters us all from its harsh stings and slaps, its bites and claws, standing as a protector to keep us all from being devoured. And if we must devour our own to appease it...so it must be.

[dukeofthomas]

"Angry robin" "violent robin" "misbehaving robin" shut up and accept my alternative; spunky Robin. Determined and head strong, can out-stubborn the Batman, has a strong moral-backbone and does what he thinks is right regardless of what anybody else says, Robin. Jason who was sassy and quippy and made crude jokes with a smile on his face. Jason who hid in Bruce's cape and whispered gossip to him. Jason who, if Bruce refused him something, could keep bothering endlessly until Bruce caved. And also dramatic Jason. If Bruce tells him no, it becomes a whole theatrical show; a monologue, a narration, embellishments, and falling onto the floor in his grief upon the fact his cruel father has denied him once again.

(Jason who has suffered through abuse and homelessness and poverty and starvation, who is the Fight out of Fight or Flight, who's built up defenses and walls and when pushed and triggered responds with the thing that's always protected him; anger. He's sweet and kind and funny, and when he sees a pimp hitting a prostitute he gets furious and responds with violence.)

[aaal-iz-well]

okay, so i had some ideas for jurdan fics, but nothing concrete, and i thought your response would help me solidify stuff, so here we are:

Cardan and Jude are in a secret relationship where Cardan sneaks into Jude’s house under Madoc’s nose and vice versa, and all the fun is in the sneaking!

They have a rivals with benefits relationship. and at the start Jude asks Cardan to swear that he wont hurt her, and cardan is offended that she would think that he’d be so low and says that if anyone is in peril of being harmed, it’s him, and isn’t that a shame because he can’t get a swear that can be depended upon from Jude.

So in this one, after cardan really outdoes himself in troubling her, he is frustrated that jude doesn’t PAY ANY MIND TO HIM AT ALL. and when he's wallowing in his pity, it will occur to him, that he's seen the way jude looks at him, and that has to be something, but he figures that the reason she isnt interested is because she's mortal, and so cardan has to do stuff that (apparently) appeals to them. So he’ll read bodice rippers to learn the steps to seduce mortals, and he’ll try to be like all alpha male and find occasions to pin her to the wall and all that stuff but jude just thinks something wrong with him, but god, does he look.... (writing this down, i realised it sounds kinda serious, maybe, idk, but in my head it all looks so funny)

Cardan is a magician in the mortal world (he just uses glamour), people come to see him because his sleight of hand is just impeccable and also because my man is GORGEOUS, and like just to stare at him, and Jude attends one of his shows, and maybe inadvertently wearing one of the spells against it, or something, and wasnt caught by security, and something after that.

anyways, what'd you guys think of them. feel free to add suggestions and specific scenes in different scenarios that pop into your mind!

[likecassandra-ao3]

the rumors are true... instead of focusing on my existing works I have a brand new fic on coming (probably) in july

[thejudeduarte]

Where was Cardan when Jude was waiting for him in his bed and he never came?

It's never actually confirmed anywhere (not of my own knowledge anyway) so I guess it's up to the reader. I've always interpreted it as he was with the Court of Shadows but it's up to you 🤷‍♀️

[swoo0zy]

the fact that there r no female watchdogs on the skullship is fucked up for obv reasons n stuff but tbh. if there were ONLY women on the skullship i wouldnt bat an eye. id think its pretty cool actually . the yuri empire ... is that a double standard

[court-of-forever-undone]

Something Precious | Jurdan Baby Fic

Chapter Two

Summary : After three years of exile, Cardan is determined to bring Jude back home with him. When he arrives, the last thing he expects to find is a dark-haired toddler looking up at him.

Tags: Jurdan baby, Jude’s exile, Dad!Cardan

Masterlist

Read on AO3

Cardan made good on his promise to assign more guards. They kept their distance, but Jude noted their presence. At first, it was bothersome, but with the reminder of how dangerous it could be for a king’s heir, it was nice to have additional eyes watching out for Everly. At least she no longer had to worry about hiding her from Cardan. 

Jude had replayed the entire conversation over and over in her head, trying to find any hint of a trick. But Cardan’s words left very little room for interpretation. There was still the matter of ruling together and returning to Elfhame, something she would deal with later. 

A week after Cardan’s unexpected visit, a number of packages with various faerie children’s toys, beautiful clothing, and food arrived on their front porch. Most of the presents were for Everly, but Jude found several boxes with her name on them too, including a new sword. The hilt was exquisitely decorated with tiny rubies, and the guard was made of golden twin snakes. After testing it out during one of Everly’s naps, Jude found the balance was equally extraordinary to the design. Beautiful gifts were not going to sway her decision to return, but she could appreciate them. At the very least, she could consider it child support and reparations for her loss of station after being exiled. 

A third week passed before Cardan sent a letter requesting to visit again. Jude considered the request. If she refused, Cardan could always show up anyway. It would be easier just to say yes, and truthfully, the little enjoyment she had found in her mundane human experience had dimmed since being granted an opportunity to go home. Grief that had subsided after so long ago came back and pitted in Jude’s stomach. If it were only her, she would have returned back with Cardan the night he showed up. She would have faced whatever difficulties that came with returning as they arose. 

Her sweet child changed everything, though. Jude had lived a childhood in Faerie, and it had been filled with too many close calls. Whether motivated by hatred, politics, or on a simple whim, the fae were ruthless. Vivi pointed out that Everly was half-faerie and, on top of that, would be a princess; she surely wouldn’t be as vulnerable as Taryn and Jude had been. Oak had nodded in agreement when she brought her dilemma to them. However, neither of them were present every time she had witnessed attempts on Cardan’s life in just a single year.

It was a battle between what she wanted and what she knew was best. A worrisome mother against the calculated crown’s strategist. Two roles that were entirely foreign to her just a few years prior, but both so ingrained in her personality now, that it was hard to separate the two. Jude didn’t want to make her final decision just yet. So, for now, she was content to let Cardan visit and see how their daughter would take to him a second time. 

Three days after she sent the letter, Cardan arrived around dawn, impeccably dressed but not entirely inconspicuous in his royal tunic and pants. By all accounts, he should look exhausted, given that it was well past sleeping hours in Elfhame. Yet, he greeted Jude at the door with a soft smile and another armful of gifts.

“Err.. Good morning.” 

The tension between them was palpable. Enemies. Schemers. Lovers. Husband and Wife.   They had been all of those things. After years of silence, they were … co-parenting?

Jude set the boxes down and led Cardan down the hall to the nursery. As they entered the room, Everly, awake and wearing her purple and black striped onesie, beamed up at them. She reached over to the bars and hauled herself up into a standing position.

“Mumma!”

“Hello, little one,” Jude cooed. She scooped the squirming child from the crib and held her out to Cardan, without second-guessing herself. He fumbled for a second as if he had been expecting only to watch, but quickly regained his composure and held her securely. 

“Hi! Hi!” The child chanted over and over, excited to see another face during the morning routine. Jude stood back and watched the look on his face, similar to the one when he first held her. It was impossible to pinpoint the exact emotion he was feeling, but he clearly wanted to be there. Cardan rocked her gently as she babbled some and then used her chubby little hand to pull on his curls again. The third yank was hard enough to jerk his head, but Cardan only laughed and twisted his hair out of her hand before opening his palm to reveal seeds in his hands. 

“Would you like to see a trick?” He asked. Slowly, the seeds began to bloom into vibrant wildflowers with an unnaturally strong perfume. The child’s eyes opened wide with amazement; her full attention turned to the magic at Cardan’s fingertips. His focus, however, remained on the child, taking in every detail. 

“Fwowers!” Everly said, reaching to touch them. Cardan repeated the trick once more before Jude gestured for Cardan to follow her into the kitchen. She grabbed ingredients from the fridge and cupboard and laid them all out on the counter. Cardan, with Everly still in his arms, took a seat on the barstool across from her. She began preparing breakfast, taking extra care to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Cardan, who never cooked a meal in his life, nor likely ever would, watched intently and nodded every so often as if making mental notes. 

“For breakfast, she likes to eat strawberries and yogurt. I also give her some eggs that I make for myself.” 

“Is that what you are making now?” He asked as Jude moved back and forth from the oven to the plates. 

She nodded. “Sometimes, I give her a half piece of toast if she’s hungry. It all depends.”  

“Depends on what exactly?” Cardan asked, having switched his attention briefly back to Everly, who began blowing bubbles with her mouth. 

She shrugged, “I don’t know. Every day is different, but you just learn to read what she wants.” Jude moved around the kitchen bar and slid her arm around Everly, moving her into the highchair and placing the breakfast plate down. “Plus, she is talking so much more now, so it is easy enough just to ask.”

On cue, Everly said, “Tank youuu,” before shoving a berry into her mouth.

Upon making her own plate, Jude sat down next to Cardan, offering the carton of strawberries to him. They all ate in silence for a few moments, before Cardan spoke again. 

“I’d like…” he began, “...to learn to know what she needs… and wants.”

A twist of guilt formed in Jude’s stomach. Devastation was written in the hard lines of his face. It pained him to know he had a daughter, who he functionally knew nothing about. Jude let the silence grow for another minute before she began listing off things about their daughter; She was born on March 13th. Her favorite foods were grapes and cheese. She hated carrots and would throw them across the dining room if they were on her plate. Her favorite toys were blocks and a rainbow unicorn stuffed animal. She had a nap after lunch around 12:30, and dinner was at 5. She always fell asleep in the car after playing at the park and always played with other kids. Once she had started crawling, she discovered how to play hide-and-seek on her own, and frequently tried to scare Jude after finding it hilarious the first time Jude jumped in surprise. She had developed Cardan’s coy smirk, purely from genetics. Some “only magic could explain” events had happened in recent months, so it was very likely that she possessed her father’s fae gifts. 

The corners of Cardan’s beautiful mouth turned up with each tidbit he learned and was practically beaming when Jude started to tell stories about what it was like during the teething stages, when she took her first steps, and other moments where she acted so much like both of them. Jude let herself take in the small enjoyment of being able to share so many of the moments that she had experienced with their daughter alone. While she had often shared these things with her sister and little brother, it felt different sharing it with Cardan. Jude never planned to share Everly with Cardan, but things had changed dramatically over the last few weeks. The fact remained that she was their daughter, and it was something that would bond them forever. 

Before either of them realized it, it was almost dusk. Cardan had followed her around through a typical day at home routine with a trip to the park, a nap, and he even helped with potty training and preparing dinner. Cardan held her when she was fussy and didn’t mind the occasional smack to the face when she got too excited and threw her arms out. 

She shouldn’t be impressed. These were things she did every day, alone. If Cardan wanted to know his daughter, then he should have to participate in everything that went into being a parent.  But Cardan grew up in a palace. He had maids and cooks. He was king . Every need was taken care of at a single command. In the castle, Everly would likely have a maid tend to her. None of the skills she was teaching him really mattered, but he learned them anyway.

Unless he thought she would never allow Everly back to the castle, and this was the only way he would get to see her. The thought made her feel a flurry of emotions. 

Everly was fighting sleep as she watched Cardan’s magic light up and dissipate from his palm. As much as she was in awe of the colorful lights he created, her eyelids dropped lower and lower until she fell asleep in the crook of his arm. 

“She is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Cardan murmured finally, brushing her dark bangs out of her eyes. 

Jude rolled her eyes and laughed, “Well, she is the spitting image of you, so of course you’d think that.” 

Cardan just shook his head, “I cannot deny we share the most obvious similarities, but when you look closely, she looks just like you.” He traced Everly’s tiny ear, much like he had with Jude’s that day lying in the grass. “She has your smile. Have you noticed?”  

He looked back to Jude, who shook her head slowly. She had never noticed before. All she saw was Cardan in her beautiful features. Some days it had been a painful reminder of the past that she could never entirely escape. Their eyes met, and Jude noted the way Cardan’s eyes dropped to her lips before returning again. She mimicked the motion herself. His lips were as perfect as the rest of his features.  Jude’s breath caught as she noticed Cardan had gone preternaturally still. Suddenly, the oxygen in the room had run out.  

Meeting Everly had stolen the focus of their reunion. Without a moment by themselves, the true reunion between the former lovers ( and enemies ) had not yet happened. They needed to talk. They needed to be at each other’s throats; in violence or want, Jude wasn’t sure. It was standing at a precipice, balancing before that falling sensation that would be the future neither of them knew the outcome of yet. A future as united rulers, raising Everly in a loving environment was still a fever dream Jude wouldn’t let herself believe in. 

Jude broke her eyes away first, jumping to her feet and walking over to the dresser to get her can of soda. The action gave her a moment to resume a normal breathing pattern again. When she returned, she reached for the baby, but Cardan pulled back ever so slightly. 

“Would it be alright to hold her a few minutes longer? I haven’t got much time before I must go.” 

Jude hesitated, shoving down the rage that boiled when he had moved away. She searched his face and found no malice in it, just a bit of exhaustion peeking up. A calming breath had her thinking rationally again. Nodding, Jude moved back to her original spot. 

The king and queen sat quietly, watching the sleeping child, all the while ignoring the almost moment they had. After a few minutes, Cardan rose gently from the couch and carried the child to the nursery. He returned to the living room a moment later. “May I return next week?” Cardan asked. 

“Next weekend is Halloween. We are going to be out for most of the day Sunday.” 

Cardan looked puzzled for a moment before recognition hit. “The mortal holiday of candy and tricks? Such a day does not seem suitable for a babe.” 

Jude laughed. Leave it to Cardan, who grew up in Faerie of all places, to think Halloween was dangerous. “It is hardly as dangerous as it sounds. It is mostly families who dress up in silly costumes and walk around the neighborhood getting candy.” 

A spark lit in Cardan’s gaze. “Families?” he asked softly, “So�� you intend to wear a costume along with Everly?” 

Realization dawned on Jude, causing her to fidget. They still had not really established what type of dynamic they would have raising Everly. Being a “family” seemed too personal of a term, although they were bound together in more ways than one.  

“Everly is going as a pumpkin. Vivi bought her the costume last week. I can show it to you if you’d like.” Cardan nodded, and Jude retrieved the costume from the closet. She handed it to Cardan, who held it gingerly. It was utterly adorable with its puffy bottom and matching hat. “Oak insisted that I dress up too, but I will probably just put on a witch hat.” 

“Are you going with them?” Cardan set down the costume and walked to the door. He recognized her diversion for what it was. 

“Yeah. Neither Oak nor Vivi have to wear their glamour on Halloween. So Oak is going as a devil, Vivi as a cat, and I think Heather is going as a mad scientist.” She trailed off as guilt washed over her in waves. The entire conversation felt wrong, especially when she knew what Cardan wanted. A different Cardan would have made demands and threats, but the three years she had been gone had changed him. He was more patient, more willing to give her space. She was waiting for something… for the cruel young boy she had known to make an appearance, but he wasn’t there. 

Cardan took one look back towards Everly’s nursery door, before turning the handle and stepping out into the night. Sadness not well hidden on his face. Jude mentally berated him. He shouldn’t forget to wear a mask among his enemies otherwise they would take advantage of him and the kingdom. But... perhaps he didn’t bother because they weren’t enemies anymore. 

“I’ll send a letter next-”

“You should come,” she blurted out. 

Cardan turned to face her, equally shocked at her words. “I-” He starts, but Jude interrupts again. 

“We are leaving at 4. You can wear a costume or drop your glamour, whichever you prefer. But…” she swallowed. “It would be nice for you to be there. Everly would like it if you were there.” 

Heat burned across her cheeks. It was a silly thing to be embarrassed about. Cardan was Everly’s father. Parents go with their kids on Halloween. But the redness was not only from her words. Cardan was staring at her with an unrecognizable emotion. She met his gaze, and the intensity behind his eyes felt too intimate like it had on the couch. It brought up too many feelings that Jude had not allowed herself to feel in years. 

Her lips parted, attempting to fill the silence that had grown too long when Cardan bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her warm cheek before saying his goodbye and leaving. 

The spot where his lips had met her cheek continued to warm as she returned to the living room and threw herself face down on the couch. 

________________________

Jude walked through the door into Heather’s apartment and was overcome with a thick wall of fall scents. The entire apartment had been decorated with Halloween and fall decorations. It looked like Heather and Vivi had not decided on a cohesive theme, as each room appeared to be at war with each other. Dismembered bloody figures were wrapped in glitter pumpkin-themed garland. Skulls lined the shelves and were accompanied by “Friends Gather Here” signs. It was utterly horrifying and amusing at the same time. 

Everly didn’t mind and squealed at the string of purple and orange lights that covered the ceiling. She walked into the middle of the room where the lights were lowest and reached up for the lights. The child’s face exploded with joy when her little body was lifted into the air, close enough to the lights she could grasp them in her hands. Cardan had swooped into the room, drawn by the sound of Everly’s laughter, and lifted her above his head before Jude had a chance to track the movement. 

“Good afternoon, my loves,” Cardan said while bringing Everly back down into his arms.

She smiled up at him, “Daaa.” The word was still unfamiliar in her mouth. Cardan looked to Jude for help. Without meeting his eyes, Jude walked over to them and smiled encouragingly. 

“That’s right! This is Daddy.” 

Everly repeated the word over and over, still missing the second syllable, but Jude continued to praise her as she had over the last week teaching it. Finally, she glanced up to meet his eyes and felt butterflies in her own stomach. Cardan’s cheeks had reddened, and silver lined his eyes. He continued to bounce her lightly in his arms and nod encouragingly. Any words that he might have spoken were cut off by emotion. 

“I wanted to surprise you.” She said as a way of explanation. 

Cardan nodded again, eyes glistening. He leaned over and gently pressed a kiss to Jude’s cheek, making it her turn to blush. 

“Jude…” his voice came out hoarse. Before he could continue, the moment was interrupted by the rest of the house. 

Oak ran over and hugged Jude, “Can we play together now?” 

Jude looked to Cardan for the answer, and begrudgingly, he set her back on the ground. Taking her by the hand, Oak led Everly to his room, where the two often played together. Vivi had brought out two large steaming cups of cider and placed them in Jude and Cardan’s hands before Heather motioned for everyone to sit down in the living room. Heather took the beanbag chair and clasped her hands together. 

“So, look at you too. Co-parenting like pros. I wish my parents did holidays together. Instead, I just had to celebrate every holiday twice, which I suppose wasn’t the worst thing in the world.” 

A blush spread furiously across Jude’s face, and she refused to look in Cardan’s direction, but judging from his sudden stiffness, he too, was trying to process the comment. 

Co-parenting. 

Two twenty-somethings. High King and Queen of Elfhame. Parents of a two-year-old. Their lives had never been simple, but their current circumstances were especially new territory. Halloween was not the time to talk, but Jude wondered how much longer she could find an excuse to delay a conversation. 

A half-hour later, the six of them left the apartment in search of candy. Cardan had managed to find a pumpkin costume himself in the short period he knew of their plans, but when he realized how unflattering he looked in it, he opted for an even more obnoxious orange suit instead, while Jude decided to wear a black skeleton costume. 

With the King of Elfhame walking around in the open, Jude made sure to keep an eye on each and every ghoul, zombie, and vampire that crossed their path. Liliver and the Court of Shadows lurked, undercover and from the unsuspecting places around them, but Jude still kept vigilant herself. It was a taste of what their future would look like. Even as queen, she would still look out for Cardan and now their child too. 

Everly didn’t make it long into Trick or Treating. Oak tried to walk with her up to each house, but her little steps made the process slow, and Oak’s excitement had him basically dragging her along after the first street. Eventually, Cardan swooped in and carried Everly up to each house, until her eyes dropped and she completely fell asleep. 

Oak’s energy, on the other hand, was limitless, and it wasn’t until his bag was so full he had to resort to dragging the bag that he agreed to go home. Once it was time, Heather, Vivi, and Oak said their goodbyes and headed toward their house. 

Cardan and Jude walked down the dark street and up to Jude’s apartment, remarking on the events of the evening. Once inside, Cardan helped remove the costume and wiped off the orange spots on Everly’s cheeks before laying her down in bed. She stirred for a moment before sleep took over once again. The two walked back to the entryway before Cardan interrupted the silence that had loomed over them. 

“Are you coming home?” 

There was no anger or sadness in his words. Rather, a carefully delivered question, not revealing any of his thoughts. 

She considered the question. Yes, she wanted to. No, it was dangerous.  How long before Cardan’s patience wore thin? How long before the desperation to return home would overtake her? How long before some enemy court found them here anyway with limited protection?  

“It can’t just be about what I want anymore.” 

A non-answer, but Cardan did not back down this time. “What does the mortal world have that makes it a better place to raise her?” 

Jude’s brow furrowed. “Less would-be assassins or kidnappers, happy to snatch a royal baby.” 

“I would like to remind you, that I survived a childhood in Elfhame utterly neglected and without any protection.” Jude started to object, but Cardan continued, “And that would not be the case with her. She will have all the protection our kingdom can offer.” 

Jude didn’t miss the emphasis he had placed on “our” kingdom. 

“Surely, someone will notice the rotation of spies and guards that are sent here, and our enemies will wonder why. We are being careful, but it is foolish to think someone won’t pick up on it. Not to mention, the risk we take with my absences.” 

“Then stop coming.” The venomous words slipped out of her before she could stop them. The anger rising in her was from the truth of his words She had been foolish to think there was a way to continue this inbetween situation. They would either have to disappear again and cut off the connection to Cardan and the court completely, or they would have to return. 

“I-” she began, wanting to take the words back. Cardan kept his features blank. His words were more clipped than before, the only reaction he would show to her words. 

“I said before I want to be in her life, and I mean it. I want to be in both your lives,��� he stressed. “I will not miss this time with her. And if you continue to live in the mortal world, I will not miss the limited time we have together.” 

Jude flinched so violently that it was like an invisible blow struck her. He was right, though; she would keep aging in the mortal world, and Everly would only be a faction of the way through her long life before Jude passed from old age. The thought had her shaking slightly.

Her head emptied as he stalked up to her. It had her automatically stepping backward, pinning her back against the wall. His intensity didn’t waiver, but as he noted her body language, he took a small step back. 

His eyes searched hers, despair burning his features. “I will have you however you decide. Rule me again as you once did. Take a lover if you won’t have me. But know, I will bend to your will with or without a bargain. Name your price, and I will meet it; just don’t torture me with your absence or delay any longer.”

A sob built in her throat; her words came out with unexpected anguish, “Cardan, I don’t want a new lover. I don’t need another bargain.” 

This time, when he advanced, he did so slowly, and Jude didn’t move away. He brought his hand up to cup her cheek. It burned under his touch. Cardan gently tilted her head up until they were eye level, “Jude…” He closed his eyes in silent prayer before looking down at her again. Almost too quiet to hear, he whispered, “I just want you home.” 

Her resolve had melted, and she didn’t have the strength to fight the truth anymore. She wanted to go home too, with Cardan, with Everly. 

It was time to reclaim her throne and her life with the family she never could have imagined. 

“Take me home.” The words were barely off her lips before Cardan’s mouth was crashing over hers. He wrapped his free arm around her as they continued the kiss, her hands gripping his tunic. Before long, their cheeks were damp with tears of joy and release from all the years of waiting. 

"Take me home, Cardan," Jude murmured again, "Take us home."

Cardan only nodded before leaning in to kiss her again. 

[ur-mousey]

Shot in the Dark ~

Jude Durate x Cardan Greenbiar

summary Morden AU, Jude remembers a steamy night of fun with Cardan. 2.1k warning mature, flashback smut, softcore possessive, breast fondling, steamy makeout.

..............................

Jude Durate nocked the arrow into place. Her stance held rigid as she breathed in deep. Her skin prickled, haggard by the sun's rays. And the whirlwind that was her raged mind never ceased to calm. Too much had pissed her off this week. 

She had known outright that a relationship with Locke would turn out less than hopeful. 

He was dumb teenage fun. Dry humps in the back of his truck after stealing vodka shots from the party of the week. His chest had felt like a feather pushed against hers when she desired friction. Always, his hands, so desperate, reached for hers to touch his bulge. When she meant to overpower him, his lithe tongue found refuge by hitting the back of her throat, which caused her to battle against his pursuit.

Dumb teenage fun.

Cardan Greenbriar was more... Encompassing. However, she would never allow herself to imagine a future with him either.

Both of them had tormented her and her twin for their illegitimate seat at the Madoc Estate. She lived like them since the age of six. And, it was never enough to make her one of them

The gothic manor she had inhabited, with more rooms than there were people inside, didn't impress. Nor was her ability to attend the same private school. Or dress her hair in braids and beads. Nor was her conquest to dominate many sports get her any praise.

All because she was a bastard child?

She fucking doubted that.

There was something else about her that made her insignificant to them. Madoc called her weak. He'd beaten her down countless times until she could land a satisfying blow. She wasn't stunning like Nicasia, the gem of the sea, or psychotic-like Valerian. She felt little need to be manipulative like Locke, or to be as cruel as Cardan. 

Cardan, Cardan, Cardan. Cardan this. Cardan that. Like a vermin, he seeped his way into everything.

How dare he?

Locke wasn’t much of anything. He’d chased a story where he pitted sister against sister. Being a silent observer of betrayal because he found himself too boring. That fiasco was years ago and whatever hurt had faded into the backdrop until times like these.

Cardan was the reason she found herself here.

Jude has been shooting all day. She drew from the quiver strapped to her back, nocked the arrow, and released the shot until it became monotonous. Canaries and quails fell victim, struck from atop trees, or while diving for the stream to escape the heat. Their corpses were then tied and dealt with before she placed them in the travel cooler at her side. Now, she stared ahead, left hip held forward towards the unaware hare some feet away. It rubbed its face in between nibbles of grass blades. Its head swiveled at the drop of acorns mistaken as footsteps. 

She couldn't waste any more time. Jude adjusted her feet, re-curled her fingers around the bow, and pulled at the string. She ended the hare's life. The arrow plunged into its side. Like that hare, all her life Jude Durate was meant to play as a defenseless little thing, prey for the taking. 

When in actuality she was something to be feared. 

Throughout high school, she has been the subject of numerous schemes. Nicasia had drugged her in front of her peers where she found herself on her knees in front of Cardan. Locke made prom a spectacle where his date, Jude, stood on the sidelines as he revealed in tender kisses, not of her lips, but, of the pious Taryn Durate. Valerian more than the rest had tried to tame the beast he saw behind her feral eyes. 

But she'd always slept afraid. And, Valerian was dealt revenge worse than the rest. His family name tarnished by her own malicious ploy.

Cardan dealt his blows from behind the comfort of his daring friends. He was the head of the pack, however, his bite lacked more than his bark. And when she treaded too close, snapping back at his taunts, and after years of private schooling, the illusions of him shattered.

It was at a house party hosted by the sole heir to the Greenbriar line -Cardan. Five years after it all was said and done. Jude found herself in arms with Madoc and her stepmother, guided into the lustrous golden arches of the Greenbriar manor. Twine held everything together.

Chrysanthemums stamped the floor. Each tile became a monument of flowers held in time by resin casings. Since his family's murder, Cardan decorated with fever, white rabbits and ticking clocks filled the space between the doors and walls. Portraits of his father were replaced with him seated with a crown of thorns, his ethereal beauty highlighted. 

"Darling Jude, could you follow me?" Cardan made his appearance from the shadows. His feline features quirked in a welcoming smile. "I've waited for your arrival more than I care to admit." Jude pouted but accepted his outstretched hand. He pressed her knuckles to his lips. He lingered there while sinking his eyes into her. She tensed at the sensation of his teeth grazing her calloused skin before nipping at her fingertips. 

"What are you doing?" Jude hurried her arms to her side.

"Oh... Something that I should have done long ago."

He dragged her to his barren room. The closet door swung wide with collared shirts and tweed jackets hung. However, a mound of clothes could be seen kicked under his bed. There, sat in its lonesome corner, a floor lamp pushed soft warm lighting into the space. The only thing filled with life was his bookshelf, filled with titles she had never seen. Even his brown comforter lacked a human touch. "You are free to leave whenever. But, please look around, darling Jude." 

"Free to leave?" Jude scoffed, "What the fuck? What would you do if I didn't want to play your game?"

Cardan gently twirled Jude around by her shoulder. She sighed, he's treating her like a pet, she thought. Her hands clenched as she made the effort to refrain from decking him in the face. "I see you wore the dress I sent. Should I say, good girl?" Cardan's thumb trailed down her back, exposed by its v-line. He brought her back into his chest. His drunken breath played tricks on her skin. "If you do decide to leave, I'll find other ways of getting what I want." 

"And what would that be?"

"Hint, I'll start with the bookcase if I were you," Cardan whispered, sauntering by to take perch on the edge of his bed. Jude tilted her head which he acknowledged with the same gesture. He undid his collar and began unbuttoning his shirt. And with a scoff of his own, he bellowed, "Buttons are the bane of all outfits."

With reluctance, Jude strode to the opposite wall, the click of her heels echoed in her ear. She had no reason to believe that the dress she'd worn that evening was sent by him. She had assumed Oriana, her stepmother, laid it out for her on her childhood bed. The fabric of the skirt flowed pin straight to the ground. Her breasts were held tight by the fabric, showcased by the heart-shaped neckline, whose trim was finished with gold embroidery. 

The sleeves were cut down the middle from the crease of her elbow and looked as if it could merge with the skirt. The gown hugged her silhouette comfortably. How did he know her size? More importantly, what would be his intentions? Cardan was born with more even if he wasn't seen as the heir to his father's wealth. He belonged. There was nothing for him to gain from her. Did he mean to humiliate her in some way? Is that why she's here. It had to be a joke on her part. The hues of blue moved throughout the dress like a story, images of the forest were embroidered into the skirts, its branches reaching to touch the tip of her nipples. Silvered-shaped stars hid themselves, playing peek-a-boo with all who would want to search for them. It was tailored to her taste and with pockets in random nooks.

It took Jude little effort to find the most suspicious thing on Cardan's bookshelf. Alice and Wonderland sat there worn and in her face. Out of all the novels, it seemed the most childlike on his shelf. She made her way to Cardan, standing in front of him. "Is this it?"

"Not quite," He quipped. "It's what's inside that you'll find interesting." Cardan tapped the spine, adorning her ruby ring which she had on in the banquet hall. "Well? Hurry on, you keep me in suspense."

"Cardan... I don't like your games."

"It is merely a surprise."

"Let me rephrase. I like nothing when it comes to you." Cardan eyes met Jude's in a mid-languid blink. Like a cat, she thought. 

Jude flipped through pages until she came across a folded note. Her eyes furrowed at what was sprawled across, her name, over and over:

Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude. And then some.

Stains inked the paper along her name. Blood splattered and dried alongside spurts of... cum? What the fuck? 

Did he hate her that much? But, would you do that to someone you hate? She surely hated Cardan and his friends but she never made a display of their name. "What is this?" Jude threw the novel aside on the nightstand. She shook the paper in his face. 

"Surprise... that's it."

"Now you're out of words?!"

Cardan shuddered, kneading the palm of his hands into his pant legs. "I have always been afraid of you," He confessed. "I have hated myself for less, but mostly because I wanted you."

Jude threw the paper at Cardan's feet. "You have some nerve... And a cruel way of showing you like someone."

"Darling Jude," Cardan gripped her waist. His fingers glazed over her plump bum. "I could be good for you... To you." He nuzzled his head into her stomach trailing kisses along to her left hip bone. 

Jude faltered in step to Cardan's motion. She swung her legs over his waist and lifted his face to reach her lips. He tasted like sour wine and it intoxicated her. She knew not much of kisses. There was Locke but it was years away and didn't feel as forbidden as this. His cruel mouth was soft against hers, and his eyelashes shuddered against her cheek. He reached his other hand up to her ears and he tugged at the upper bit before biting down. He sucked her lips into his mouth, and the warmth of his lip ring brushed her lower lips. Teeth smacked and she wanted to laugh. Cardan lolled his tongue over hers which he gave up power to be dominated by her.

She pushed down on his chest till he lay there flat. Cardan reached for her lips to stay connected with his, however, Jude parted. Being witness to his face, desperately red, sent shivers down Jude's front. Cardan hiked her skirt up and encouraged her movements. She let herself buck her hips against his growing cock. 

"Is that what you imagined?" Jude could only imagine the silver on his cheeks staining hers. 

"No, and I rather not say."

"Why? Did you imagine more?" Jude tugged the collar of her dress. Her glorious cups spilled out for him to see. Cardan eyes widened and he looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Now you look scared?"

"I told you that you terrify me." Cardan reached both hands to pinch around her areoles. She would say that his touch felt reverent if she didn't know better, but she did. "Alas, I didn't believe I would get this far." He chuckled lightly, guiding her hands to wrap around his throat. Jude gave an experimental squeeze and Cardan breathed out deep. 

Mocking, Jude parroted his earlier statement, "I'll find other ways of getting what I want."

NONNONONONONONO!!! Jude kicked at the ground like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Her cheeks burned deep into the skin. He played her, right? How dare he?! It made no sense. Jude hung her head while she packed the hare into the cooler and began to make the trek back to the manor's stable where she'll ponder and get more furious. And, where she'll replay more vivid scenes.

>>>

Cardan saluted to the groundskeeper who pointed him down the dirt path to where he was sure to find Jude. He has let her be a full week. Longer than he wanted, but he knew Jude like the back of his hand.

Jude, Jude, Jude, everything about her screamed to him. He twirled her precious ring from finger to finger. This time, he's on a mission to engrave her taste on his tongue.

.............................. Thank you for reading! Accidentally deleted this upload but here it is again! Please leave suggestions! And possible part two because I didn't truly deliver on smut.

Request rules are here!

>>>

NEXT JURDAN POST: Song Writer! Cardan x Jude

[viivdle]

this happened

and i totally don't have a fic abt it.. cough bloodshed, crimson clover cough

[asterdust]

wrote a tiny buabaabin fic with a dash of sleep deprivation.