#guy avari/ claudia zaethis

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Me when people are like "Guy is the worst" and I'm like "I know"

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I know everyone hates Guy but I need to talk to someone about his and Toas development as far as planning goes. He sees the girls do their thing with Violet and Sherry and the arrows and I’m thinking of the Empress throwing like a tourney for all of them to participate and Claudia and Cordelia easily best all of them in almost every event. This is when Toa and Guy develop more respect and are genuinely impressed by them, and they see the genuine joy they have in sport and the like and they find it very *ahem* becoming. Guy tries sending Claudia jewelry from Avari and shit and tries the whole “be mine” thing again and Claudia is like “why are you like this” and also “you can’t buy me” and Guy is completely like “????? you’re impossible”. But like he takes the time to think on how to genuinely impress her. I’m thinking he asks Roy for advice (because fuck jasper lmao). Toa on the other hand, has desserts made from that shop he likes on Colde, and sends them to Cordelia because hey, wouldn’t you know, they both like sweets, and he sends a note like “I actually have a preference: it’s this.” Cordelia is like “...is...this him flirting???” but recognizes maybe he’s not that bad. But from there like...something needs to happen where the girls genuinely think they might *like* them. 

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OK DON’T JUDGE ME 

but I found an avatar maker and recreated the ball scene in my fic with Claudia and Guy and Lia and Toa lmaooo

I need help

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Court of Darkness Chapter Fic

Hello Friends, I haven’t been active lately and I’m sorry. Real life takes precedence unfortunately. 

Some of you have seen my Court of Darkness chapter fic, “The Gods Mark”. I haven’t abandoned it, not that anyone is asking. I will have more time to work on it in the coming week or so but in the meantime i’ve uploaded all 5 completed chapters on Ao3.

It is a Guy Avari/OC and Toa Qelsum/OC because I can’t do self inserts. All the characters are involved at some point or the other. 

Thanks to anyone who reads. It’s a labor of love haha. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46856377/chapters/118026565

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So you know how I said I was done with Claudias character design? I LIED. She gets a haircut at some point in the story. Also once her and Guy start doing it she starts wearing his colors occassionally.

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The Gods’ Mark

Chapter 4 part 1

Oh my god it took me forever to write this part. I have been busy with other life stuff I apologize for not being consistent. 

Anyways, here we have Cordelia’s first moment alone with Toa. They start to un-hate each other. Enjoy!

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CHAPTER 4

CORDELIA

The days were filled with analysis and coordination with Saligia. Lia would spend hours writing reports while attending to her other duties. The nights were filled with posturing, mingling with nobles, and meeting with the kings and their heirs. As it turned out, Claudia was right; there was no time to make it to The Ivory, much to Lia’s annoyance. There had been very little time to do anything else except fall into bed, only to rise early and start it all again.

She woke particularly early, however, and instead of getting on with her work for the day, she slipped into some trousers and a shirt, and asked a maid to kindly bring her some tea to her music room.

It wasn’t actually her music room, but she was the only one that ever went there as there was a much grander orchestra room in the palace. The servants had brought her tea and meals there many times, after her mother had died, and so, it was affectionately known as Cordelia’s music room.

She could play the piano just as well as any royal, but her favorite were string instruments. The violin case resting on the windowsill had collected a little dust since she last picked it up, but with a wave of her hand it was cleared, and she lifted the instrument from the velvet interior and set it underneath her chin. It hardly needed any tuning, before she began to play a soft, drawn out, melody.

The sound reached the high ceiling and poured down the walls, and Lia closed her eyes as she felt it vibrate through her ears and melt down the back of her neck like honey. Her hands stretched and moved fluidly, feeling at home wrapped around the instrument she had taken to so long ago.

There was a time where she did not feel as though she could speak of her grief, else it never stop pouring from her. With the help of the music room, it helped her say it, little by little, as though the somber and sad notes were being plucked from her very heart.

She reached a crescendo, and as the sound began to swell and the height of the emotion was building, she heard the door open. She stopped abruptly, and turned, instrument still in hand, to see who was disturbing her at this hour.

The Qelsan prince entered, his brow furrowed, and an irritated frown on his face.

“Is there something I can help you with, My Lord,” Lia asked, failing to mask the sound of her own annoyance at being found and interrupted.

“I was told by Her Majesty’s valet’s that this particular room in the palace was unoccupied, and therefore would be an available space where I could also work,” he said. “I apologize—"

“Well, they were misinformed, as are you,” she said, coldly. He didn’t so much as flinch at her words. Instead, his eyes fell upon the massive, polished, piano.

“You play well,” he said, quietly. Lia blinked in surprise at the sudden compliment, but quickly recovered her senses.

“Is that an objective observation or an opinion,” she mocked. This time, Toa sighed and walked closer to the piano, running his hand over the top of its sleek surface.

“Allow me to apologize,” he said. “For our first encounter. I was disingenuous in my manner—”

“And boring,” Lia said.

“…and I did not mean to offend Your Highness. I humbly ask your forgiveness,” he finished.

Lia tilted her chin up and appraised him and his apology. She knew he probably was only apologizing because he had been ordered to by his awful sister or father. Still, at least he had acknowledged he was awful. Grandmother certainly had something to do with the valet’s telling him the room was unoccupied, as everyone knew this was her music room. Everyone, except the Saligians’, which meant the prince was just as much an unassuming victim in her grandmother’s scheme as she was.

Relenting, she sighed, and motioned at the piano with the violin bow.

“Do you play?” She asked.

“…yes, I do,” he said, plainly.

Cordelia approached Toa and squared her shoulders. She briskly lifted the lid off of the keys and took a step back to look at him.

“Fine. I will forgive you, on the condition that you play me your favorite song, right now,” she said. His eyes (the most peculiar blue, Lia thought) grew wide at the sudden request and his mouth hung agape. “What? You interrupted my morning of peace, My Lord. And you wish to atone for our first dance, is that correct?” Lia tilted her chin up at him and smirked. She put on her most regal voice that she used in court, when speaking to envoys and ambassadors. “It will only do that you heed my request, as it is the proper thing to do as a guest in my home, and a gentleman prince. You are a gentleman prince, are you not?”

Toa blinked, fixed on her for a moment. His expression slowly morphed into a charming, soft smile that Lia didn’t expect from his usual icy countenance.

“Of course,” he said, and sat on the bench. “I would not refuse Your Highness’s request.”

His slender fingers pressed to the keys and a lilting melody flowed, one that Lia had never heard before. It was whimsical but empowering, and every flourish was exciting. She listened intently, until she lifted the violin to her chin and began to play alongside him.

The accompaniment harmonized and fit exquisitely. Toa might have been shocked by her ability to accompany even if she had never heard the song before, if he had not been so consumed with the music itself, and the richness the violin added to the thrumming of the keys. The music rose to a crescendo, each giving it their all, as though it were a performance, and not a silly little game as it was intended.

When they finally played the last note, it echoed throughout the chamber, and the silence following was all the more still for it. Lia looked to Toa who was staring at her with great interest.

“You played that all by ear?” He asked. Lia chuckled and dipped into a curtsey.

“I may astound you, yet, My Lord,” she said.

He opened his mouth to speak, when the sound of shattering glass accompanied by frantic yelling was heard outside of the chamber. They exchanged a brief, bewildered glance, before both hurried to the source.

Toa and Lia pushed against one of the massive doors to find quite the scene. Lia’s maid was on the ground surrounded by broken porcelain, in tears, holding her hand to her chest. Above her, was a strange boy with blonde hair and blue tips, nearly ripping his hair out in despair. When he saw Toa, his face lost all color. When he saw Lia, he looked as though he wanted the ground to swallow him.

“Y—your Highness…!” He said before dropping into deep, and desperate bow.

“What happened here, Knight?” Toa looked his valet up and down, checking to see if he was hurt.  

Lia kneeled to her maid’s side and saw that she was bleeding from the hand she was holding tightly to her chest. Quickly, she removed a handkerchief from her back pocket and pressed it to the wound and lifted her to her feet, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.

Knight switched between bowing and apologizing and explaining that the two were in a rush to serve the tea their masters had asked for, and in their haste had crashed into each other trying to open the doors. Toa was only half listening, as he watched Lia begin to walk away, and he started.

“Allow me to escort you both to the infirmary,” he said quickly. Lia barely looked over shoulder, but a smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth.

“That is unnecessary. I have hindered you from your work and I have other matters to attend to,” she said and turned her head forward. “Good day to you, My Lord.”

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The Gods’ Mark

Chapter 3 Part 1

The kings of Saligia are pretty misogynistic, even the nice ones at times. Claudia and Cordelia have to deal with them, and when their father is brought up, it makes them even colder to the foreign rulers. However, they start to make friends with Violet and Sherry and there is some fluffy girl time shooting arrows together before the boys ruin it. 

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Hildegarde had called for a meeting with the Saligian kings in order to discuss future plans regarding the portal. As Claudia was captain of the Black Guard, and Cordelia was the Imperial Scholar, they, too, were called forth. There had been little discussion about it, despite the work that both princesses had been putting in to discovering it’s origin, and as a few days had passed since the arrival of the kings and their entourages, it was time.

Claudia approached the council room with Cordelia by her side, holding dossiers to her chest. They nodded to doormen who promptly opened the doors and announced their arrival.

Immediately, Claudia felt all of the eyes of the kings on her. They borrowed into her and Cordelia like knives into a decadent roast and it was all she could do to not snarl. A quick glance at Lia confirmed that she too was feeling their scrutiny. The two looked straight ahead at their grandmother, and they curtsied, deeply.

“Our apologies for our tardiness, Grandmother, My Lords,” Claudia said. “We were gathering the rest of the mana readings from just earlier today.”

“Excellent,” Hildegarde said, and reached out her hands for Cordelia to give the dossiers. “What have you found?”

“It’s an exorbitant amount of magic. Too much to be coming from one person alone, which should be obvious. The odd thing is there seems to be no kind of suspension magic, so the consistent mana levels could be interpreted as disconcerting,” Cordelia said.

“Remarkable,” Klaus said quietly.

“Indeed,” Lia continued. “Where we have seen similar magic in our own forces, this prolonged consistency gives us reason to believe—”

“Is it true the princesses command your armies and lead magical research? They do not depend on the leadership of an elder? A male, perhaps?” Klaus rambled on, ignoring the look of incredulity on both Claudia and Lia’s expression.

“Where is their father?” Roc interrupted. “I heard you had a son. Where is he?”

Frost could be crystallized on the ceiling with how cold and silent the room became. Clauda heard Cordelia intake a sharp breath and they both stood peculiarly still.

How dare they, Claudia thought and turned to tell them so. It was not their business, and they had no right to—

“My son, Alphonse, had a remarkable affinity for magic, like my granddaughters,” Hildegarde said before she could open her mouth. “He was brilliant and innovative. Unfortunately, he passed during an accident in his laboratory. It was tragic, and their mother fell ill afterwards. Her Highnesses remain in strong health, however, and it is imperative that we finish hearing this report.”

“Ah, my apologies…” Klaus said, meekly.

The meeting concluded with each of the kings agreeing to surveil their kingdoms for any abnormalities. As soon as they exited, Claudia exhaled loudly.

“Quite,” Lia said. “The sooner we can send them back and close this blighted portal, the better.”

“They can be ignorant numbskulls, and have some archaic views,” Hildegarde agreed. “However, if we find that we can’t close the portal, keeping relationships steady will be key to avoiding an all-out war.”

“They…were curious about Father,” Claudia said. The room once again went silent, and she could see her grandmother contemplative eyes shining in her direction.

“You let me worry about that,” Hildegarde said, finally. “In the meantime, do continue trying to make nice. If not for yourselves, then for my sake.”

When she put it like that, neither Lia nor Claudia could refuse. Begrudgingly, they promised that they would and made their way to the training grounds to work off some of their aggravation.

“The unmitigated gall,” Claudia said. “As though they’ve never met a woman who could contend with them before.”

Cordelia, bow in hand, took aim at one of the distant targets. She charged with mana, and drew back, tightly. When she released, the arrow whipped by, an aura of golden magic encapsulating it, before it struck the bullseye, splintering the wood and nearly toppling the target over.

“Imagining it was King Invidia?” Claudia asked. “Or the King Avari?”

“Both,” Lia said, wiping sweat from her brow. “It looks like we have company.”

Peering from across the way, was the Princess Sherry Invidia. With her, was a beautiful woman, with a full bust, dressed in Luxurean colors. Their eyes were wide with awe and curiosity.

“Do you think her dear papa’s brain would melt if we taught her to shoot?” Claudia asked, with a smirk.

“Let’s find out, shall we. Grandmother did say to make friends,” Cordelia smiled, and beckoned for them to come over.

They each started, exchanged a glance, and rushed over from where they stood.

All four curtsied in tandem.

“Hello—”

“It’s an honor—”

“Forgive me—”

“How rude of us—”

They all froze, unsure of how to proceed, or who was to talk first, when they all burst into laughter.

“Good heavens, forgive our blundering,” Sherry said.

“Don’t fret. We are just as much to blame,” Claudia reassured. “We have not met, personally. I am Claudia, and this is my sister, Cordelia.”

“Lia, if you please,” Lia said.

“I am Sherry Invidia,” she said. Her eyes were almost the same glimmering gold as Lia’s, and her pink hair cascaded down her back. “This is my friend—”

“Violet Mueller, Your Highnesses,” the beautiful woman said. “But you may call me Letty, please.”

“A pleasure to meet you, My Ladies,” Claudia smiled, broadly. “What brings you out here this afternoon?”

“We were just admiring your incredible skills,” Sherry said, with a blush. “You are both so accomplished and impressive.”

“I’ve never seen someone charge an arrow with such power, and not tire. Is it terribly difficult?” Letty asked.

“Would you like us to show you how,” Lia said, and their eyes grew wide.

“I couldn’t possibly impose,” Sherry said. “I also don’t know how to shoot an arrow, I’ve never learned--”

“It is no trouble. Come, stand here,” Claudia gripped her hand and brought her to position. “Here, now relax your shoulders, keep them level, that’s right—”

They instructed both Sherry and Letty in holding the bow, and how to focus their magical energy through it and project the arrow. Both the Invidian princess and the Luxurean valet were thrilled, and before long all four women were laughing and exchanging quips and praise through every trial-and-error attempt. They hadn’t had as much fun since the Saligian’s had arrived, and so it was a welcome change of pace.

Finally, Sherry had managed to create a small bubble of mana around her arrow, and when she released it, it zipped forward faster than before, and struck the target, only slightly off the bullseyes, with a satisfying thunk!

“I did it! Letty, did you see?” Sherry exclaimed, nearly jumping up and down with joy at her new accomplishment.

“Excellent work,” Lia said as Claudia lightly applauded. Brilliant smiles lit up their faces, as they watched their guests, and new companions, celebrate Sherry’s new victory.

“Just so, Sherry, I knew you could do it!” A voice shouted from a distance, and they all turned. Heading toward them was the Prince Rio, jogging forward with a sword at his hip, and waving in their direction.

“Rio! How long were you watching?” Sherry asked.

“Since the first go of it! We all were,” he said and pointed to the spectator’s box from above them.

There, staring down at them, were the other six princes. Roy was waving and smiled, softly, while Lynt leaned against Prince Guy. His scowl remained the same, but there was something unreadable in his expression. Next to him was the unimpressed Lance Ira, an amused Fenn Luxure, and finally, Toa, whose face kept its icy countenance.

The smiles fell from Claudia and Lia’s expression like rotten fruit from a tree.

“Right then, should we have a sparring match? I would love to have a crack. I was told by some of the servants you both are amazing swordsmen—er…women,” Rio stammered.

“I’m afraid we have other appointments,” Claudia’s voice was flat and emotionless, and betrayed nothing of the frustration she was feeling at being seen so candidly by the foreign princes. As if it wasn’t bad enough that they only saw her and Lia as some means to an end, now they might take their friendliness with Sherry and Violet as a sign they were warming to them.

“Oh, I see,” Rio said, and frowned, but only for a moment. “Busy, you two are, running an empire. We’ll see you at dinner tonight, then? I can’t wait to try everything at the feast. The food at the ball was impeccable.”

“What Rio means to say,” Sherry interrupted. “Is that we are looking forward to your company later.”

“Thank you for taking your time to teach us, Claudia, Cordelia,” Letty said offering a sympathetic smile.

“Of course,” Lia said, but offered no such smile back, and with Claudia they curtsied and took their leave, leaving Sherry and Letty with concerned expressions, and Rio perplexed.

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Her Imperial Highness, Princess Claudia Rebecca of the House Zaethis, First of Her Name, Captain Commander of the Black Guard, and Crown Heir Apparent.

Her Imperial Highness, Princess Cordelia Odette of the House Zaethis, Second of Her Name, Lieutenant of the Black Guard, and Imperial Scholar. 

I can’t stop playing with picrew. I could write this fic that I obsess and fixate on but I do this instead. https://picrew.me/image_maker/227881

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The Gods’ Mark

AKA The Great Partition

I recently realized the Great Partition was a name for an important event in South Asian history and so I changed the title of my fic because I don’t want that tag to be filled with my smutty fic lol. So from here on out it will be called The God’s Mark.

Ya’ll. I hate Idina so much. She’s the worst. She’s the sneaky, underhanded kind of villain and it would make sense that she would do whatever she could to make the Zaethis Empire fall under the Qelsan control. 

But my poor babes. They’re tough but have PTSD, and Claudia doesn’t know how to accept help, especially when it’s Guy offering. 

So this is Chapter 3

Part 2/2? I forget

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CLAUDIA

The dinner started fairly boring, with each of the kings giving their unsolicited opinions on Zaethis’s foreign policy and digging for even a morsel of information on its innovations. Claudia mostly kept her eyes fixed at her plate, or otherwise locking them with Cordelia’s, as one of the monarchs said something rather stupid, or unwelcomed. She had made it a point, when they were all to be seated, to nod in acknowledgement at Sherry, and absolutely no one else.

The conversation turned to the military and Hildegarde, of course, directed all questions to Claudia, the commander of Zaethis’s army.

“I was told that you are quite the accomplished fighter,” Roc said, his crimson eye peering at her. Claudia was sure he would be intimidating to most people. She wasn’t most people, though, and she found his demeanor rather tiresome and realized that was where his son had inherited it.

“I have seen my share of battle, yes,” she said.

“How old are Her Highnesses, if you don’t mind me asking so?” Liam asked, his eyes wide, in surprise.

There was an awkward silence before Claudia answered, as she knew there was going to be a barrage of questions after she did.

“I am twenty-two. Cordelia is twenty-one,” she said.

“How can that be, then, that you are experienced in battle?” Klaus asked.

Claudia scanned the table and saw the assortment of expressions. Some were eager, curious, and others looked on with cold analysis, particularly Princess Idina, and her unreadable father, King Gilbert.  

“There was something of a civil war, as some kingdoms wished to take some of our empire for their own. We ensured that they did not succeed,” Claudia said as her hand began to tremble. She moved them under the table and clenched into fists to steady them.

“How old were you when you first fought?” Sherry asked, her pretty face strained with curiosity and concern.

Beside her, she felt Lia still, completely.

“I was fifteen, at the time,” Claudia answered and there were multiple gasps of surprise around the table.

“Which would mean, Princess Cordelia would only be—”

“I had just turned fourteen, yes,” Lia said, with a brilliant, deceptive smile, eager to quell the dimming mood that had suddenly fell heavy around the table. “We have since grown much, haven’t we, Grandmother?”

Hildegarde nodded slowly, a sad smile on her face, despite the dreadful underlying tone of the conversation.

“Oh, yes,” she said. “Innumerable are my granddaughters’ talents.  And not just with their responsibilities as heirs of the empire.”

It was obvious that the empress was trying to steer the conversation away from the matter. This didn’t deter Princess Idina at all from digging deeper into the matter.

“If I may,” she began. Her mouth was curved into a friendly smile, but her eyes betrayed an eerie sense of coldness. “I am curious about the marks of Euna and Cidis. I have been doing some research on your people’s customs, and, forgive me if I am incorrect, they are part of your pantheon, are they not?”

“That is correct, My Lady,” Hildegarde said. “What is it that you wish to know?”

“Your Imperial Majesty has the mark of Omos, the god of justice. Her Highness Princess Cordelia has Cidis, the goddess of dawn,” her eyes found Claudia’s. They exchanged a knowing look, and Claudia decided right then that she hated the Qelsum princess. “Her Highness Princess Claudia has the mark of Euna, which is the god of…”

“The goddess of death,” Claudia said, briskly, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Why, yes,” Idina said. “And with each of the gods marks, a power is bestowed. That must be quite the sight to behold. Might we receive a demonstration?”

“I’m afraid that we only use our powers during times of crisis….”

Hildegards voice faded to a slight murmur and Claudia’s vision was swarmed with images of magical glass flooding with vile green liquid, restraints cutting into her skin as the syringe drew nearer and nearer to her veins, her blood burning, opening her mouth to scream…

Glass shattered when she reached for her chalice with trembling fingers and it slipped through, falling to the ground. She gripped tightly to her sisters arm to keep her from vortexing to black, and Lia held her steady as multiple people stood in alarm.

“Your Highness? Are you alright?”

“She looks rather pale…”

“Someone fetch the healer—”

Claudia lifted her colorless face to meet Lia’s. The two shared a glance before Claudia spoke among the calamity.

“Forgive me,” she said, and rose to her feet, steadying herself against the back of her chair. “I haven’t had more than a moments rest for some time. I believe it has caught up with me. If you will excuse me, I shall return  to my chambers, and allow you to finish dining, in peace.”

“Claudia, do you need assistance getting to bed, my dear?” Hildegarde said.

“That isn’t necessary. My apologies for disturb you all—”

“Allow me.”

Everyone’s head turned to Guy, who slowly stood beside his seated father and pointed his gaze directly at Claudia, who promptly refused.

“As I’ve said, it isn’t necessary. I am perfectly capable of going on my own—”

“Nonsense, child,” Hildegarde said, and nodded approvingly at the red-eyed prince. “Thank you, My Lord. Your kindness is appreciated.”

Kindness? More opportunistic, Claudia thought, as she looked to her grandmother back to Guy, formulating a way to convince everyone she was in well enough health to leave on her own. However, as she glanced around, everyone seemed perturbed by her sudden episode, and her grandmother looked at her firmly, sending the clear message she was not to object. Even Lia watched, apologetically, as she had no choice but to concede.

“Very well,” she said. “Once again, please accept my apologies. I bid you goodnight.”

Guy met her at the dining room exit, the crook of his elbow extended for her to take, which she blatantly ignored. She walked with all the dignity she could muster, even as her pulse continued to rattle the inside of her chest, out of the grand doors  and took a fast turn toward her quarters, the sound of her heels clicking loudly against the walls of the grand palace. Guy followed behind her, remaining silent, and only but a few arm’s length away.

“Well, then,” Claudia said, stopping some ways away from the grand dining room. “Taking the opportunity to corner me alone? A bit tasteless, even for you.”

Guy let out an audible “tsk” of disdain.

“You looked like a frail, frightened lamb,” he said, taking a few steps forward. “What a nuisance you would be if you fainted alone in the halls, and someone came upon you.”

Claudia scoffed and turned her back to him, continuing her stride toward the chambers, quickly. Much too quickly. The surging of her blood, and the shallowness of her breath combined to send her toppling. Her vision spun once more, and her body hurtled toward the fine marble.

She shut her eyes tightly as the same images of hard fists connecting with her body, and indescribable pain rippling through her limbs and abdomen like tidal waves engulfed her and everything swirled together. She expected to feel the cold, hard ground. She expected the impact of the marble against her unguarded skull, and, as was always certain, she expected pain.

But she felt arms, strong, and warm, and unwavering catch her around her waist and knees, lifting and then cradling her. Claudia’s head fell against Guy’s chest, and as she blinked to regain composure, she breathed in the mixture of spice and floral tones in his cologne, and it sent bizarre waves of comfort through her body. Placing a hand against his broad chest to steady herself, she felt the thrum of his heartbeat, and counted each one silently, to match her own, until she was finally lucid once more.

She blinked, profusely, again, and looked up at his solemn face, staring straight ahead, with no hint of any emotion. His jawline was sharp, and his lashes were long, she thought, in a slight daze. That was when his eyes slid down to look upon her.

“Refrain from looking at me with such lust,” he said.

Claudia snapped back, and, face flushed, squirmed in his grasp.

“I think the word you’re looking for is contempt,” she hissed. “Put me down. Now.”

“You fainted and nearly injured yourself,” Guy said. “Had I not been here, you would have caused further trouble. Stay still.”

“No. This is a strange ploy, and it is the same with you as it is with that Qelsum girl and—”

“So, the Qelsan woman’s questions’ did bother you,” he said. “I thought so.”

“What? No,” Claudia shook her head. She was talking too much. She wasn’t herself and it wasn’t the time to argue with foreigners. “Put me down. I can make it myself from here.”

“No,” Guy said, flatly.

“I’ll burn you again,” Claudia threatened, although, only half-heartedly.

“I won’t be ill prepared for that again,” he replied. “If you faint here, and injure yourself, it will reflect poorly on me, who volunteered to escort you. Stay still.”

Claudia huffed, folding her arms within his hold, knowing she hadn’t much of the gusto to argue, anymore.

“Fine,” she said. “But you must know, as soon as we find a solution, you Saligian’s are going back, and we are closing this portal. I have no intention of marrying you. Any of you.”

Guy approached her quarter doors, and as soon as she saw them, Claudia went to leap from his arms, eager to be rid of the whole humiliating ordeal. He held fast, however, clutching her tightly to him for a brief moment as he spoke.

“Think carefully on your alliances,” he said, slowly. “Your best match, out of anyone, will always be me.”

Claudia wrangled herself from his hands and gripped her skirts, before looking him up and down. He looked back, his brow furrowed, and a slight frown curving his mouth.

“I thank you for your assistance, My Lord,” she said, and dipped in a mocking curtsy. “I should hope I never need it, again.”

The doormen bowed, and opened her quarter doors promptly, as she hurried inside, Guy watching her, until they once against closed.

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The Gods' Mark

NO ONE YOUNGER THAN 18 READ

nsfw/violence/ eventual smut

This is my first Court of Darkness fic, with my OC’s, and it will take some time but this is the first part of the story I have today. The princes have not been introduced yet but it is setting it up for their arrival. 

@onedayimgonnasnap here it goes!

Part 1

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It was massive and bright, so bright that it made the air around it feel hotter and thicker than everywhere else. It stood tall, as high as the cities wall, and was as wide as ten men. The portal had appeared while Claudia was surveying the cities defenses, and she had immediately summoned the Black Guard to stand at ready. She herself stood at the front of her army, spear in hand, and waited, for she knew, eventually, something would attempt to make its way through.

The first of them stumbled through quite clumsily, in bizarre pink and white garments, and when they saw all of the soldiers’ weapons surrounding them, their golden eyes grew as wide as saucers, and they surrendered immediately.

“Creator! Don’t hurt us,” one of them bleated. “We were only sent as envoys! We—”

“Are trespassing in the city of Tuthen, of the great empire of Zaethis,” Claudia said. “Seize the intruders.”

No sooner had they been lifted by their arms and dragged away, when the portal spurted and out came more men, this time in black and red, with crimson eyes.

They merely blinked in disbelief and put up no fight when ordered to drop their weapons. They looked on her, the soldiers, and the city, as though they were in a wild dream.

She had hoped they were the last of the uninvited guests, but another small troupe fell through, with green and white garment. Then violet. Then cerulean.

“What in the-- The Black Guard will stay behind and keep watch for any more intruders. I am taking this lot back for questioning,” Claudia commanded, and left to inform the empress.  

 Saligia. Seven kingdoms, each ruled by their own king. The portal had seemingly opened at no accord, on their end as well, and each of the respected kings had sent envoys to gather intel. Every group of envoys had a similar story, so it was likely that it was the truth. But what did they want?

“W-we don’t k-know, Y-your Highness,” the ones in green stammered. “W-we are mere…f-footmen.”

“Liar,” Claudia said, and pointed her blade at their throat. When the man whimpered and closed his eyes, tears forming in the corners, she breathed a sigh of annoyance, sheathed it, and left.

Cordelia waited at the top of the dungeon stairs, her healers kit in hand, and looked exasperated at her sister approaching.

“Well,” she said. “What’s the damage? And please don’t tell me ‘minimal’. Is anyone dying immediately, and need I expect organs?”

“Three broken tibia, among them” Claudia responded. “Mostly broken fingers. The blood is minimal.”

“Impressive. They gave quite readily, then?” Lia mused. Claudia hummed in agreement.

“Grandmother should have a plan, I’m quite sure. If yet another war were to arise,” Claudia paused, but only for a moment. “She is keen to make sure it does not happen, and if they are our enemies, then they are dealt with. Swiftly.”

“Of course,” Lia said. “Mind you, I still want to make it to The Ivory later, so don’t do anything to spoil that for me, would you?”

“Priorities in place, as usual,” Claudia breathed, and continued on her way to the council chambers.

 The Empress, Hildegard Augustine Zaethis V, was a staunch woman of 80, and one would only suspect her age through grey hair and the slight appearance of wrinkles, alone. She looked rather daunting, sitting at the head of the council, and she made no effort to supplement her short height with any sort of heel or cushion. Her grey hair was plaited, ornately, as was custom, and fell past her hips. And beyond the slight lines of her face, one could only notice the heterochrome eyes, one a brilliant silver, and the other a vibrant amber. She had ruled the empire through the darkest of its days and brought it to prosperity at no small cost.

When Claudia told her grandmother the news of the portal, and the envoys that had fallen through, the look of fascination and subsequent alarm on her face was one the princess was not familiar with.

“What do you suggest we do with them, Grandmother?” Claudia asked. “I can give order to execute them and make efforts to close the portal as fast as possible.”

Hildegard swirled a glass chalice of wine in her hand and looked at her granddaughter with almost childlike excitement.

“No, my dear,” she said. “I think we shall meet our guests head on, as I suspect even if we killed their envoys, they would return. No. Question them more about their world and where they come from. We shall send them back with a message.” The empress sipped from her glass, and then peered at it thoughtfully. “And then, we shall introduce ourselves. Properly.”

[marsipanic]

The Gods’ Mark

Chapter 7

CW: some sexual content, mild bdsm, punishment, toxic couple shit

Claudia has a Amatoria Night dream and she is rather disgruntled by it. Tries to thank Guy for saving her life but it goes sideways. Jealousy ensues. Guy fucks up. Just toxic couple things. 

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Chapter 7.

Claudia

The room she knelt in was lit in a strange red glow and satin curtains fell from every corner of the ceiling. The walls had no windows, and all Claudia could hear was the sound of her own quivering breath. A large, gentle hand stroked the side of her temple and followed down her jawline, and she leaned her cheek into it, closing her eyes and letting a padded thumb coax her mouth open to suck.

“Mm…” she sighed and released it with a wet “pop”.

“Get on all fours,” a voice commanded. “Now.”

And she did. She did it without a word of protest, without a sparing thought. Her naked body waited, feeling empty, when fingers lightly grazed the slit of her sex.

“Please,” Claudia panted and was met with a sharp slap to her ass, making her gasp, and sending a river of hot pleasure coursing through her veins.

“‘Please what’, Claudia,” they demanded.

“Please touch me,” she whispered. Her body was trembling with anticipation, burning with the desire to be bent, pulled, and filled.

She felt a finger trace down her spine, and she shivered. There was another “crack” and sting on her rear.

“Address me properly,” they said. “And maybe I’ll consider.”

Claudia’s mind went blank. Who was she addressing? It all felt familiar enough, but she couldn’t even name the room she was in, or what time of day it was…

They slapped her again, and it rang loud within the room, and Claudia gasped from the sensation.

“I-I—” she stammered. Another smack landed and she could feel her core twinge with excitement. “I don’t know…”

“Liar.” Smack. Smack. Smack.

Finally, an arm wrapped around her waist pulled her, trembling, onto her knees. She let her roll backwards into the crook of a warm neck and breathed in a familiar spice. Two fingers found the peak of her breasts and rolled her nipples between them while the other hand remained flat across her stomach, holding her secure in place as she bucked.

“Look at me.”

And she did, looking up to meet red eyes staring down at her with dark satisfaction.

“Who do you belong to?” He asked.

Claudia stared for a moment, heavy-limbed with arousal. Then her mouth took shape.

“You,” she breathed.

***

Claudia woke, startled and gasping for air. Her chemise stuck to her skin, tacky with sweat and the sheets had slid off the bed. Her sex throbbed and was soaked through the soft material of her underwear. The sun was just coming up, and birds chirped outside on her chamber balcony. It would be less than an hour before her chambermaids came to make her breakfast and give her itinerary.

Gods, what was that dream? She had remembered someone in passing mentioning something about a red moon, but she had her recent assassination attempt to contend with. And never had she had one like that before.

That was Guy, holding her stripped body close, nibbling at her ear, and giving her commands. And she followed those commands. She followed them willingly, eagerly even.

It must be stress, she told herself, getting into the shower. Some odd warping of the mind. She would never. Not with him. They hated each other, couldn’t speak for five minutes without insulting each other, and even if he did save her at the tourney, that didn’t make up for every other moment when he was absolutely insufferable.

Hildegarde had gathered everyone into the council room, where she had offered King Roc a mutual contract in thanks for saving her heir. Guy stood at the center of the room with his father, and she could feel his eyes on her while they discussed the details. Claudia refused to look up from her paperwork, and if she had to look at them, she was sure to address Roc, not Guy, specifically. Just seeing him in her periphery set her heart in arrythmia and she had to be careful not to stammer when saying his name.

After, she tried to leave in a hurry, telling those that looked at her strangely that due to the unforeseen circumstance of moving the ball to that evening, she had much work to do that day, so if they would please excuse her…

“Claudia.”

Just hearing his voice sent her stomach aflutter, and she stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn’t seen him, been near him enough to talk to him since her episode, which was humiliating enough. Now the dream. She turned slowly, keeping her eyes averted.

“My lord,” she said. Guy raised an eyebrow at her and took a few steps forward. She took a few back. “What can I help you with?”

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“I have work and much preparation before tonight,” she said, and he scoffed.

“Don’t be coy. You know that’s not what I am asking,” he said. “Why won’t you look at me?”

Claudia turned quickly. “I don’t have time for this discussion. My apologies.”

He called after her again as she sped down the hall, going nowhere in particular, so long as it was far away from him for the time being.

“Shorter hair becomes you,” Lia said, watching her sister finish dressing that evening. Claudia nodded absently in response. “I know that balls are not your favorite, but you look even less enthusiastic than ever before, if that was possible.”

“I didn’t sleep well,” Claudia said.

“Unlike the rest of the castle,” Lia snorted. “All the servants are talking about are the dreams of Amatoria last night. Like dragons in heat.”

“Oh?” Claudia said, keeping her eyes adverted.

“You don’t find it a little funny?” Lia continued. “I am curious what the dreams are like. They’re supposed to be quite vivid.”

“Mmhm.”

“I am a little jealous, I have to admit. What do you think you’d dream about?” Lia asked. “Why do you look like that?”

The women were given favors that they could bestow upon somebody that evening. As the ball commenced, Claudia sat gripping it tightly in hand.

“You are expected to give that to someone by the end of the night,” Hildegarde said to her. “Might I suggest you do so before it snaps in your clutches?”

She hadn’t thanked Guy personally for saving her. Claudia groaned quietly to herself as she imagined trying to look him in the face and say, “thank you, I’m in your debt, please accept this favor”. She couldn’t do it without wanting the ground to swallow her whole. And then she would have to dance with him. He would have to put his hands on her waist, clutch her firmly while the music played, and she would feel his pulse through his fingertips, hear the low timbre of his breath as he asked her questions…

“Claudia, darling,” Hildegarde said again. “You haven’t danced all evening. Please.”

Guy and his younger brothers stood swarmed with young woman attempting to hand them their favors and steal one of them away for a dance. Claudia decided it would be easier to get his attention if she walked up from behind him. Jasper, noticing the princess was attempting to approach his master, quickly made a diversion, smiling at Claudia, before announcing loudly that the prince Invidia was looking rather lonesome on his own. Prince Roy was perfectly content as he was, but he did not refuse when the horde of tearful and frantic women surged his way.

“A lot of rubbish,” she heard Guy say as she approached quietly. None of them noticed she was standing a few steps away, where she remained, unsure of how to get his attention.

“Come now, brother,” Zev said. “Surely, some of them must be your type?”

“Father did insist that during our stay we find our betrothed but…” Aquia trailed off, looking meek and unsure, a far cry from his brother’s demeanor. “I would prefer someone kind.”

“Her Highness, Cordelia seems plenty kind,” Zev said smirking. “Although, it looks as though she is smitten with Qelsum. How goes the conquest of her sister, Guy?”

Claudia’s stomach lurched, and her mouth twitched with the urge to make her presence known at that moment, but she bit her tongue and waited.

When Guy didn’t respond Zev continued. “Come now, everyone saw how close you two were at the Dragon Race. Especially after you saved her life from the assassin. I’m surprised she didn’t ask for your hand right then.”

“I-I must admit, I thought y-you were becoming close with Her Highness,” Aquia stammered.

Guy scoffed.

“She is fickle and difficult, but it is of no consequence,” he said, and Claudia gritted her teeth.

“I suppose you would like the challenge, brother,” Zev laughed. Jasper had returned from herding their admirers away and his face shifted to dismay when he heard how they were speaking with Claudia standing directly behind them. “Is she as cross as the rumors say? Shame father insists you bed her for the sake of Avari.”

“Your Highness—”

“Whole lot of nonsense and bother,” Guy said. “He may insist as he likes.”

“Master Guy, I—”

Aquia had noticed Jasper’s pleas and turned to see Claudia, tight lipped with her arms crossed, crushing her favor in her fists. “Your High—brother!”

“What is it?” Guy said, annoyed, and looked in the direction that a horrified Aquia and exasperated Jasper were motioning to. Claudia had already turned on her heel, however, and was marching in the direction of her sister and Toa.

“Sister,” Claudia said reaching for her hand. “May I borrow Prince Toa for a dance?”

Cordelia eyed her sister suspiciously while Toa merely looked surprised.

“What tiff have you and the prince Avari gotten into now?” Lia asked with an eyeroll. Claudia mustered the most saccharine smile she could in response, and curtsied low and perfect, to draw the eyes of everyone at the ball. She then extended her favor, a small wreath of Lily of the valley, out to the blue-eyed prince, who blinked, and then bowed low, to accept.

“Great,” Lia said, sarcastically. “Now the rumors will be we are starting a harem.”

Toa gingerly took Claudia’s hand and led her to the dance floor, careful to keep his hands at a reasonable place on her waist as the music flourished and began. Whispers were floating around the ballroom, commending the prince on receiving both of the princesses favor for that evening.

“I do not mean to sound ungrateful, Your Highness,” he said. “But would you not prefer to dance with someone else?”

“I am sorry to take you away from my sister,” Claudia said, and meant it. They looked to be having a nice time together before she stormed up to them. “I’m afraid my first partner had some reservations, and so I made the choice to spare him my attentions.”

Toa clicked his tongue. “Avari had reservations about you? That’s a laugh. Although, did you give me your favor as punishment for his foolishness?”

Claudia blushed at the question. She did. “Forgive me. I must seem childish. Prince Avari has a way of…getting under my skin.”

Toa nodded, as if he understood completely. “That may be the only way about him unfortunately.”

“But I also picked you because my sister likes you. If Lia’s fond of you, that’s good enough reason for me to give you my favor,” she followed up. Toa’s eyes grew wide.

“Her Highness is fond of me?” He asked. Claudia laughed.

“Of course, she is. Although don’t tell her I told you.”

The dance finished and there was loud applause, to which both smiled, curtsied, and bowed, before Claudia slipped her hand into the crook of Toa’s arm, to be led back to where an exasperated Lia waited with a wry smile on her face. They were about to be reunited, and teased about how lovely they were, when Claudia was gripped hard by her arm and pulled away from him, and whisked outside into the halls.

“Saw that coming,” Lia said. “I’m impressed he waited until the dance was over. I daresay, he looked ready to duel on the spot.”

Guy dragged her into a corridor, rough and furious, before backing her against a wall, and pressing his hands on either side of her head. He brought his face close to hers, his crimson eyes burning into her silver where they glared at each other silently.

“The absolute nerve you have, grabbing me like that,” Claudia said. “I thought I told you I would burn you if you ever—”

“You were going to choose me,” he said, in a low voice. “And then you danced with Qelsum to make me angry.”

Claudia snorted. “I was going to do something incredibly foolish and make an arse of myself. But then I came to my senses, thank the gods.”

“You are angry because there was talk of me bedding others. I am not interested in bedding anybody,” he said. Claudia looked away, defiantly, and clicked her tongue.

“I don’t care who you take to bed, you self-absorbed nonce,” she spat and attempted to push past him before her reddening face gave away that she was thinking about bedding him earlier.

Guy caught her around her waist and pulled her back between his arms. Claudia was ready to argue more, tell him that the sight of him made her sick, that she hated him and didn’t care how he felt about her when Guy buried his face in the crook of her neck. Her mind went blank as his hands found the back of her head and the small of her back and the warmth of his breath on her skin gave her chills.

“You don’t care?” He asked in a husky voice. Claudia swallowed thickly.

“N-no,” she said.

Guy pressed the flat of his tongue to her neck, and with it her will to argue dissolved. Her fingers found his chest where she gripped the fabric tightly, and gasped as he licked, bit and sucked until her vision was blurry. He then kissed a trail over her jawline and lingered his lips over hers. She could taste his breath, and badly wanted to take his bottom lip between her teeth, and feel the heat of his tongue on hers. She looked, doe-eyed, at him waiting for him to continue.

He instead pulled away and cocked an eyebrow at her.

“You desire me,” he said. “That much is incredibly obvious.”

The heat Claudia was feeling moments ago quickly boiled over from arousal into rage. He was taunting her, playing mind games to find her weaknesses, and she had walked right into it. Releasing his shirt, the flat of her right hand connected sharply with his cheek, creating a loud “slap” that echoed in the grand hall. That shocked him enough that he dropped his guard and she ducked from beneath him.

“The contracts with the kingdoms are going to be complete in due time,” she huffed. “When it is, you and your wretched father, and all of your Saligian friends will return to where you came from, and we can be done with all this blighted nonsense.”

“Claudia—” Guy began.

“’Your Highness’ or ‘My Lady’ is how you will address me,” she corrected him. “You have become very familiar with me, and I have allowed for it against my better judgement. No longer. We are not friends, and we are not betrothed. You have no reason to speak to me unless it is diplomatic business. Now,” her voice cracked, and she paused. “Good night, my lord. This has been…enlightening.”

She stormed away, tears pricking at her eyes, as Guy stood behind, a film of oily discontent covering his heart. He frowned deeply as Jasper approached.

“Forgive me, sir,” he said. “But that was abysmal.”

Guy clicked his tongue and turned on his heel, not bothering to return to the ball, but instead heading to his guest quarters, ignoring the pricks and aches now blooming in his chest.

[marsipanic]

The Gods Mark

Chapter 5 Part 2/2

This came fast because I have vacation this whole week. 

I listened to this song while writing this part. Claudia and Guy hide from suitors and the Avari Aficionados, and things get close. They share some silence and Guy does something bold. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/46nvQpUDsxpS08UTFOeKTA?si=4824368e9919409d ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudia

The music and laughter reverberated, even through the massive wooden doors, on to the balcony where Claudia hid. She had made her rounds checking on the guests, and listening to every noble boast of their accomplishments and how that makes their son or daughter fit for a prince or princess. To make matters worse, the students from the Isle of Colde academy were also invited to attend the ball, and so there were hordes of women, everywhere, insisting how lucky the Zaethis princesses were for being at the receiving end of the attention of their beloved S ranks.

When enough had been enough, Claudia slipped quietly out to her preferred hiding spot for few moments of reprieve. She leaned her exposed shoulders against the cool stone of the palace walls, between pillars, and heaved a relieved sigh.

But no sooner than she had exhaled, did she hear the door open, and quietly shut. Holding her breath, and leaning hard into the shadows, she listened to footsteps click against the marble.

Guy Avari had his back turned to her. He put both of his hands on the banister and heaved a sigh as heavy as Claudia’s.

“What are you doing,” Claudia said, raising her voice loudly enough to startle him. He whirled around, eyes wide in surprise. When he saw it was her, they narrowed again, and he opened his mouth to speak. Approaching, however, was the sound of giggles and many footsteps. Voices rang out, just behind the balcony’s entrance.

“Where is Prince Guy? He was just here moments ago!”

“He can’t have gone far!”

“We shan’t let him go. We must find him!”

They grew nearer, and their voices more shrill, until the sound of the door handle started to rattle.

Guy was pressed against Claudia in an instant, pushing them both tightly against the wall.

“This is my hiding place,” she said, although she had lowered her voice to a whisper. “Away with you.”

“Hush,” he snapped, and sank them further into the shadows.

He was so close. Claudia felt the weight of his body, flushed with hers, and the heat through their finery. The spice and floral tones of his cologne were familiar as she breathed in and swallowed hard.

“Get o—”she started, but immediately silenced when the door came open and light from inside shone out. Shadowy silhouettes of the Avari Aficionados appeared, and they were only a few steps and turn away from discovering the two royals in a rather precarious position.

“Is he out there?”

“I don’t think so…”

The footsteps sounded closer, now. Claudia could feel Guy’s heart beat through her palms on his chest, and their breaths became shallow, waiting to be discovered.

“Look! It’s Prince Zev!” Someone shrieked from inside.

Instantly, the mob of women disappeared, and their footsteps receded. The door slowly fell closed, and they waited until they heard the resounding “click” before letting out a loud exhale in tandem.

“What in Gods’ name is the matter with them?” Claudia said. “They’re in a foreign realm, by astronomical chance, and they have nothing else in mind but to fawn over the lot of you?”

“It is not my doing. I find it a bother, and a waste of time. I have no interest,” Guy said, brow furrowed.

“That couldn’t be more apparent. Poor things,” she sighed.

There was a brief silence, before they both turned their heads to look at the other. It was then Claudia noticed that he had both hands on either side of her head, and she was still pressed against him despite the threat of being found was gone.

She was glad for the shadows, as they masked the bright red in her cheeks. Claudia scoffed and ducked under Guy’s arm, and made her way to a bench, some distance away. He watched her with a peculiar look, as she reached behind some of the decorative shrubbery, and pulled out a cigarette. She placed it in between her glossy lips, and with a flick of her index finger, lit it by magic.

“What is that? Some form of tobacco?” Guy asked.

“It’s called a cigarette,” she replied, and exhaled.

“You shouldn’t smoke,” he said. “It’s a foul habit.”

“If you’re going to hide here, in my space, there are some rules,” Claudia said. “You will not make any rude comments, or give any unsolicited advice, or give orders, or instructions.”

“And if I don’t agree? Will you challenge me for this space as well?” Guy looked amused.

“No, I shall let you have the space,” Claudia smirked, and took another drag. “But not before alerting your fan club of it as well.”

Guy wrinkled his brow again and folded his arms.

“Hells. Fine. Point received.”

He had looked like a small boy that had been caught with sweets, just then. It was uncharacteristically charming, from his usual bitter countenance. Claudia tittered.

“What is so amusing?” Guy asked.

“Nothing,” she said, quickly.

They fell into silence. For a time, the only sound was Claudia’s breath, in and out, with smoke.

This is bizarrely peaceful, she thought. She had expected them to continue on, bickering, until Claudia finally kept her word and fed him to his admirers. But he leaned against the wall, quietly, and turned his gaze to the stars above.

“Do you often hide during such events?” He asked her.

“As much as they will allow,” she conceded. “Although, it seems there’s always some noble to meet, and a proposal to hear. Grandmother never presses the matter afterward, thankfully, but it does get…annoying. It has become annoying.”

“That we can agree on,” Guy said.

“I’d rather bathe with leeches,” Claudia finished.

She heard him laugh. It was small, short, and deep, but it was a chuckle, and Claudia’s head snapped in his direction.

A gentle smile replaced the scowl on the prince’s face, and his features were softened by the milky light of the moon. Briefly, the thought handsome crossed Claudia’s mind, and her stomach flittered.

You are an instrument of death, a voice echoed in her thoughts. She abruptly stood up.

“I must return to my duties,” she said, in response to his inquisitive stare. “You may use this space when you wish, but if you tell anybody this is where I hide, I’ll see to it you never know peace again.”

Claudia straightened her back, and tilted her chin upward, making herself the picture of stoic regality once more. She slipped her heels back on, and made her way to the entrance.

“Claudia.”

She stopped dead at the sound of Guy using her name so informally. She should have rebuked him, reminded him of her title, and asked him who he thought he was. But instead, she looked at him, expectantly, to see him slightly smiling, again.

“Thank you,” he said.

There was no retort to be said. No last word to be won. Claudia opened her mouth to speak, and then promptly shut it, for lack of words. She pursed her lips, nodded, and, feeling awestruck, entered the bustling and extravagant ballroom.

[marsipanic]

The God’s Mark

Chapter 2 part 2

Claudia and Guy

They absolutely hate each other at first and I eat that shit up

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CLAUDIA

Memories of Claudia being met with pimply faces, and sweaty hands gripping hers came flooding back to her during the ball. It was agony then, as a teenager, posturing and smiling in the face of boys who had food stuck in between their teeth, and pretending that you were flattered when they asked you to dance. It was complete nonsense, a total headache, and a waste of valuable resources, if anyone asked her. It was a way for nobles to flaunt their wealth and convince her grandmother to marry herself or Lia off, and the answer, of course, was always no.

This ball felt quite the same, despite the excitement of connecting with a new world. The faces were different, but the posturing more or less the same, as was the painful boredom.

The prince Lynt had fallen asleep on her shoulder mid-dance. When she asked if he was really that bored, or perhaps tired from travel, he shushed her.

Shushed. Her.

His fussy valet came running and fetched him and cradled him like an infant as they walked off. Claudia would have been relieved for the opportunity to sit back down again and enjoy some champagne, when the Invidian prince, Roy, offered to take Lynt’s place. She, of course, couldn’t refuse, and, of course, since she agreed to a dance with Roy, of course, that meant she had to agree to everyone else. Of course.

Lia was giving her the signal that it was time to feign an illness, or an injury, feign being delicate, and so overcome with emotion that they must rest, when the Avarian prince asked for a dance. It looked a lot like he was being forced to do so, as his usual scowl had soured like milk, and was more unsettling than before. Claudia opened her mouth to say no, she was feeling rather drained, or her ankles were feeling swollen, or she had suddenly come down with Troll Pox, or she’d rather a dragon swallow her hole, or…

“With such a handsome young man, she would be happy to,” Her grandmother declared before Claudia could utter a word. She looked at the empress in disbelief and she stared back, with a smile that said she knew what her granddaughters were up to, and they were not getting away.

With a slight scowl on her own face, she followed Prince Guy to the dance floor. He gripped her by the waist tightly, startling Claudia, and she noticed that his hands were unexpectedly much stronger than the rest, as he took one of hers in his grip.

They danced in mostly silence, until Claudia could no longer ignore the disdain in his face as he looked upon the Mark of Euna on her shoulder.

“Is there something bothering you, My Lord?” She asked, pointedly. He wrinkled his nose.

“That mark. It’s unsightly,” he said, and Claudia laughed in disbelief.

“They don’ teach manners in Avari, I see,” she said and met his cold stare, evenly. “It’s no more unsightly than that incessant scowl on your face. You could sour milk with that foul look of yours.”

“I do not care about such frivolous things. What is it and why do they allow you to display such a thing,” he demanded.

“This thing is the Mark of Euna, Goddess of death, and it is my birthright. It is proof I have received the power and blessing of our gods. I suppose it’s not unlike ancient powers in your kingdom,” Claudia said and watched with satisfaction as annoyance and surprise flicked across Guys face.

“What do you know of the ancient powers?”

“A great deal, thanks to your envoys eager cooperation,” she said.

“It must have been Qelsum’s people,” he retorted. “Avari would never bleed information to a foreign power so willingly, we are not so weak.”

“Crimson eyes, red and black uniform…no, I am certain they were Avarian. All I had to do was threaten splinters under their fingernails and I thought they may faint for lack of breath, they started speaking so fast…”

“Enough,” he said, through gritted teeth. “You are a bothersome woman.”

“And you are a grating, unpleasant man,” she snapped back.

They stared at each other with disdain, a tense silence growing fat between. A serpent would have been a more fitting marriage candidate. What was grandmother really thinking bringing these strangers into their home? As the music slowed, Claudia pulled away from him and gathered her skirts.

“I bid you a goodnight, Prince Avari,” she said and turned to leave, when she was turned back around by his firm grip on her upper arm.

“Have you lost your mind?” Claudia hissed.

“Don’t accept any marriage proposals,” he said.

“Well, there was never any danger of that,” she laughed, incredulously. “Unhand me. At once.”

“Hush,” he said. “I am to be King of Avari. None of the other candidates are capable or worthy of the alliance. Do not drag this out, unnecessarily,” Guy said, keeping her in hand.

Claudia stepped closed to him, so her face was inches from his. Her grey eyes looked him up and down, and she spoke slowly.

“I am to be the Empress of Zaethis, and I do not need your gods-forsaken kingdom, or any of the others. Now, let. Me. Go.”

She channeled her mana to the top of her skin, creating flame magic, and the prince retreated his hand with a sizzle. She turned quickly, as to not make more of a spectacle with the foreign prince and left him grasping at his wrist.

[marsipanic]

The Gods’ Mark

Chapter 5 Part 1/2

Cordelia and Sherry have a tea party. Sherry prods Lia about her love life. They run into Toa. Lia is a dork even though she tries not to be. 

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Cordelia

She hadn’t expected an invitation to take tea with Princess Sherry, but Lia accepted. The Invidian princess was pleasant, and had no underlying motive, as far as Lia could tell, and so she arranged for sandwiches and sweets to be brought to them in one of the courts gardens.

“Your home becomes more and more incredible with each passing day,” Sherry said. “I understand why you would be so apprehensive about strangers coming into it.”

Lia blinked. It wasn’t like she tried very hard to hide her disdain, but she never intended it towards Sherry. Just her father, her brother, her friends, and classmates…

“Gods,” she said, apologetically. “I did not intend to offend you. I must seem like a boorish sort.”

“Not at all,” Sherry offered a smile. “Your sister and you have been placed in a precarious situation. I can only fathom what it would be like.”

“You’re very kind,” Lia said. “In truth, marriage and love had always been our very last priority. We have an entire empire to run so it seemed rather foolish to entertain.”

Sherry looked at her, perplexed.

“Never once?”

Lia chuckled and looked down at her cup.

“I’m afraid I haven’t had much a conversation with anyone outside of official business. Though, I suppose I’ve given them very little opportunity.”

“They are at quite a loss on how to court the two of you,” Sherry giggled. “It’s quite the topic of conversation in guest lounge.”

“Oh?” Lia raised an eyebrow.

“They’re quite daft,” Sherry sighed. “But between you and I, has anyone made you even a little curious?”

Curious? Hardly, Lia thought.

“They’re all pleasant enough…mostly,” she said instead. “Master Guy keeps to himself, unless he is ruffling my sisters’ feathers. Master Lynt is always asleep. Master Fenn is flirtatious, but keeps himself entertained, it seems. And your lord brother is cordial.”

“And Master Toa?” Sherry asked. “What is your opinion of him?”

Lia thought of their orchestrated meeting in her music room, and his pleasant smile behind the piano. He had been different from what she had initially surmised from him, that much was true. Toa also took interest in her playing, lauded her for her ability even. But, of course, there was no guarantee that was genuine, and not his father or sister pulling strings.

The pause must have been fat, as Sherry tilted her head, and the corner of her mouth turned slightly upward. Lia started.

“He’s fine. Master Toa is…agreeable.”

“Agreeable?” Sherry echoed.

“How about we take a walk?” Lia quickly changed the subject. “We can discuss plans for Claudia and I to take you out to see the nightlife. Gods know, we could use a night out.”

Sherry brightened, and together they walked the halls for a time, planning their outing, as well as their clothes, until she was so excited she seemed to vibrate. They were giggling girlishly, when they rounded the corner, and nearly collided with Toa and Knight.

Lia stiffened immediately, a slight blush forming in her cheeks for being caught in such a way.

“Good evening, Master Toa! Knight,” Sherry said.

His eyes widened but then softened, before nodding.

“Good evening, Princess Sherry. Your Highness,” he said, and bowed, slightly.

“Good evening,” Lia said.

There was an awkward pause. Knight shuffled uncomfortably beside his master and would not make eye contact.

“How is your maid?” Toa asked.

“She is well. I healed the cut quickly,” Lia said. Did he seem nervous? Did she? Ridiculous. She had dealt with countless foreigners and every noble house in the empire. “All is well.”

“That’s a relief to hear,” he said. There was another awkward pause. “Have you seen the song list for the upcoming ball, yet?”

It wasn’t an odd question. Still, Lia was taken aback.

“No, not yet. Should I have?”

Toa seemed to shift a little, uncomfortably.

“I…made a recommendation,” he said. “The score has been submitted. I hope you approve.”

“Frankly, as long as the pianist doesn’t skip entire measures as they have in their rehearsals, I should count us all blessed,” Lia sighed, and folded her arms.

“Ah, yes, I noticed,” Toa said.

“They hang people for less in some countries,” Lia continued. “It’s maddening.”

He hummed in agreement and his face grew serious.

“Might I take it upon myself to find a replacement? It could relieve us all of the burden.”

“Oh?” Lia smirked and squinted her eyes, mischievously. “Are you to be the one? Or I? Should I inform the realm we’ve started a band?”

She had intended to throw him off guard and catch him in the act of only playing the part of a good natured prince. Surely, the instance in the music room was a fluke and now there was no piano to speak for him.

Instead, he smiled: chuckled, even.

“In lieu of disgraced pianists, perhaps we should. We couldn’t do worse, and we could save your subjects the earache.”

“How noble of us,” Lia laughed.

Beside her, Sherry cleared her throat loudly enough to make them both start.

“I’m here, too, by the way,” she said, although she was grinning ear to ear.

Lia’s cheeks turned slightly pink, embarrassed that she had forgotten her friend standing at her side.

“Do what you wish with the music,” she said. “I have other preparations to make. Good night, My Lord.”

She hooked her arm with Sherry’s and hurriedly began making her way down the hall before Toa had a chance to properly respond.

Sherry was not easily persuaded to move on from the situation. The grin remained on her face as Lia bustled closer to the guest chambers.

“You two seemed to carry on quite nicely,” she said.

“We have a common interest in music. I have such in common with a lot of people, you will find,” Lia said, hoping it would be enough to change the subject.

“Master Toa seemed less serious, just then. I daresay, he might have even relaxed while talking to you,” Sherry pressed on. “Have you two spoken before?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Lia said, turning her head away to hide the red deepening on her face. “We were making plans to go to The Ivory, were we not?”

Sherry looked ar her knowingly, but finally, changed the subject. The last thing Lia needed was for everyone to think that she had plans for any of the Saligians or give them the idea that they had a chance. No matter how musically talented or handsome.

[marsipanic]

The Gods’ Mark

Chapter 4 2/2

Claudia and Guy have a contest. Claudia gets even. Jasper is still creepy. 

Sorry these bits are so delayed. I am going through a lot but good changes are happening. I am going to try and update once a week now. 

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Claudia

Fire roared, obliterating magic-formed beasts and moving targets alike. Claudia moved effectively as she casted her spells, and never missed once, even as the barrage kept on.

Training was her only escape from her duties and as the droplets of sweat fell from her skin, she felt the freedom to express all of her anger and frustration that she otherwise could not.

She pretended each of her targets had the face of the Qelsan princess, or the Invidian king, or—

Claudia took aim at the last standing. She squared her shoulders and focused her mana between the palms of her hands, but before she could cast, a hot light whipped passed her head and struck the incoming beast, obliterating it to nothing but smoke.

She whipped around, ready to reprimand the Master of Sport for cutting her off, only to find Prince Guy, hand outstretched after his cast.

“You were taking too long to channel that spell,” he said in his usual, condescending tone. Claudia scowled at him.

“Gods’, is there anywhere in this palace where you Saligians aren’t?” She exasperated and turned briskly to leave. The embarrassment of being carried to her chambers like a helpless child still lingered, and she detested that there was anything this man could hold above her that would give him the impression that she was weaker than him.

“If you added more layers to the spell, you would hit your target faster, and less sloppily,” he said.

Claudia stopped abruptly and breathed sharply through her nose. He’s trying to get under your skin, she thought. You don’t have to engage. You can just ignore him.

“I don’t recall asking for instruction,” she said before she could stop herself. “Nor do I need it. I hit every one of my marks.”

“Sloppily and ill-timed,” he snorted, and with this Claudia spun to face him. He was wearing his same dissatisfied expression as he always did and didn’t have decency enough to look directly at her while he was speaking.

“Fine,” she said, with an eerie calm. Claudia turned to the Master of Sport standing off in the distance and gave the signal to restart the trial, but this time double the targets. “Keep track of the score, if you would be so kind.”

Guy cocked an eyebrow.

“You’re calling for a challenge?” He asked.

Claudia removed her already sweat-soaked jerkin and tossed it to the side, revealing a sleeveless, black cotton blouse that just barely exposed her toned midriff. She saw Guy turn his head to look at her from her periphery, but only for a moment. As soon as she faced him to speak his eyes were facing forward and would not meet hers.

“If you can clear more targets than I can in 15 minutes, I will take your advice and change my method,” she said, plainly. “If I win, you stay off my training ground so long as I am present on it. Understood?”

He rolled his eyes and let out an indignant “tch”.

“Let’s be done with it, then,” he said.

The magical formed beasts charged them just as soon as they were formed. The targets soared high and dug low, inverting, and changing formations as to throw either Guy or Claudia off their guard. Not one was successful, however, and the Prince and Princess set the training ground aflame. They casted with almost reckless abandon, only careful enough not to cause damage to any surrounding structures. Their attacks crescendoed, until nothing was visible but a giant cloud of smoke and dust within the interior of the training ground.

When the final target was slain, and the fog of debris finally settled, the training ground was near unrecognizable. The stands were charred and dilapidated, and the ground was marred with large, smoking craters.

Claudia let her arms fall to her side, chest heaving with laborious breath, as she lifted her head to look at her opponent. Guy was coated in dirt; his red and black finery now turned a muddy shade. Though he maintained his cool demeanor, beads of sweat collected at his brow and dripped down his temples, and she found herself staring at their pulsing, and the way his throat bobbed in the effort.

It had been a while since someone had challenged her in the grounds. Against Lia, it more or less came to a draw, and any other contenders long since stopped approaching. Adrenaline surged through Claudia’s veins and the surface of her skin was hot, creating a radiant flush.

“Shall we see the score?” She asked him.

She felt suddenly exposed with the cotton cloth clinging to her sweat-soaked frame. She tilted her chin up and pretended that she didn’t notice Guy’s eyes scanning her top to bottom with scrutiny.

“Enough dallying,” he said, finally.

Claudia motioned for Master of Sports to show the results. He bid the score board magically, and the numbers raced one another, eventually coming to a slow crawl and stopping: 31 V. 30.

Guy’s scowl deepened and she bit back a laugh.

“It appears that I am the victor, My Lord,” she said, innocently. “I believe that means you must leave my training grounds until I am content to leave.”

The Avarian prince turned on his heel, scoffed, and began walking away.

“Do what you want,” he said. “I’m done with this bother.”

She was finished, anyway, long before he showed up, though she didn’t tell him this. Claudia waited only a few minutes after he was out of sight before she made her way to her chambers, fighting the urge to whistle a tune.

She brushed her hands along the statues aligning the halls, content with her win. She may not have been able to send the Saligians’ back to where they came from, but watching Guy eat his words was sufficient enough for the time being.

Voices grew near, low, and gruff. Claudia slowed her steps, so that they would be quieter, and listened.

“You lost to that girl. Shameful.”

She recognized the Avarian king’s voice. It always had a note of disapproval and boredom.

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” Guy’s said. He remained level and calm, despite the sold, sharp tone of his father.

“It is unlike you to fall short in this way,” the king continued. “Are you expecting to lose to Qelsum? Give them the army and power to do away with your kingdom?”

“No, Father, it was an oversight.”

Claudia stood planted on the spot. The smugness she was feeling only moments ago was now replaced with a disdain for the king and his admonishments. Guy had only lost by a point, and it wasn’t as though it was any official kind of contest, she thought. It was harsh and eerie listening to the prince take the tongue lashing in silence when she knew what kind of rebukes he was capable of.

“I beg your pardon, My Lords,” she said, stepping around the corner. “But I have been looking for you.”

There was brief surprise on both the faces of Guy and Roc. A fat, awkward silence befell them before Claudia realized she had intervened without a plan. She looked to Guy, who looked at her peculiarly, to Roc, and then back to Guy again before coming up with something.

“Master Guy owes me a rematch,” she said, straightening her back. “It was undeniable that you let me win in order to flatter me. I inquired with the Sports Master and he indeed informed me you instructed him to lower the speed of my targets.”

Roc raised an eyebrow and turned to Guy.

“Is this true?” He asked.

Guy was staring at Claudia. His expression betrayed nothing as he spoke without breaking eye contact.

“Yes,” he said. “My apologies for offending Your Highness.”

Claudia mustered as charming of a smile as she could.

“I would win on merit alone, though you are kind to consider my feelings in the matter,” she said and at this, Guy finally looked lost for words.

Roc, seemingly satisfied, nodded.

“Guy. See to it there is a rematch,” he said, and left them there to stand in silence.

What an unpleasant sod, Claudia thought, and looked to Guy. He frowned, although he was searching her face.

The realization of what she had just done and said dawned on her, and she felt her face grow hot.

“Well? I believe thanks are in order,” she said, returning to her frosty demeanor, quickly.

“I did not ask for your assistance,” he said. “Nor did I need saving.”

“It certainly looked that way to me. But next time, I will remember to leave well enough alone,” Claudia briskly walked past him, her black hair floating behind her. “Now, we are even. You carried me to my room, and I saved you from a tongue lashing. Goodbye.”

Jasper, who had remained nearby, approached his pensive master.

“The Princess Claudia is an unusual woman, is she not?” He said, smiling. “I find it rather charming.”

Guy remained silent and watched as the silk strands of her hair disappeared around the enormous palace walls.

[marsipanic]

The Gods' Mark

Chapter 2 Part 1

NSFW

This is Cordelia and Toa, and their first encounter. They get off to a rough start.

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CORDELIA

The ball was extravagant, greater than anyone in Tuthen could remember. Every noble attended, surrounded by the mystical dome of the ballroom. The ceiling appeared sheer and displayed the night sky as it was. Shimmering fabrics covered long tables, and delicacies from every region covered their surfaces, as familiar, upbeat music played.

Cordelia sat at her grandmother’s side and tried to keep the smile plastered on her face, although she was feeling deflated, as her dance card was entirely full. Her first few encounters with the princes were uninspiring, to say the least. Each of them seemed almost as displeased to be there as she was, save for the Prince Rio and Prince Roy. Roy was charming but it was all posturing, Claudia knew it all too well. Rio had the excited energy of a young pup, although at least he was pleasant, compared to the Avarian prince, who she only agreed to dance with to get away from the dreadful Luxurean king and his incessant innuendos’.

She was formulating a plan to excuse herself and spend the rest of the evening in her chambers with a bottle of wine, when the cerulean-haired prince of Qelsum, Toa, approached the table. She applauded herself for not letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Good evening, Your Majesty, Your Highness,” he said, dipping into a bow. “I have not had the honor of a dance with Princess Cordelia. Might you do me the honor?”

“She would love to!” Hildegarde said, brightly, before Lia could lie about a stressed ankle. She looked at her grandmother who raised an expectant eyebrow in return.

Reluctantly, she took the princes outstretched hand, where he led her to the center of the dance floor.

There was a few moments of awkward silence, when Cordelia decided she couldn’t bear it, and tried to engage.

“How does the music from my world compare to yours, My Lord?” She asked. Toa’s eyes flickered, with surprise, perhaps, before they resumed their cold disinterest.

“It is substantially different, in terms of composition, however, it’s easy enough to find the rhythm,” he said.

“I see,” Lia said. “I hope you do find it pleasant, all the same.”

“As I’ve said, it is easy enough to find the rhythm and the tones aren’t overtly harsh.”

Lia nodded, her mouth in a straight line. Her will to maintain her façade of interest was dying with every second. She tried again.

“And the food? Surely, you’ve found something to your taste?”

“It is unbecoming of royals to show preference of such things. But if it pleases you, everything is as it should be.”

Lia became annoyed. What an unbelievably unimaginative bunch, these princes were. Despite all her best efforts to give them some shadow of doubt, there was just nothing redeeming about them. They were rude and cold and boring and…

“Well, I quite love desserts and sweets,” she said out of spite, and tilted her chin upwards, in a show of defiance.

This time Toa’s head snapped to look at her. His blue eyes were wide in surprise, and Lia thought that he was incredibly handsome when the cold stare melted away, and emotion was allowed in his face.

“Half of the desserts featured tonight are due to my recommendations and requests,” she continued, and smiled proudly. “They are my favorites, and I knew the guests would be fond of them too.”

She watched as he opened and closed his mouth a few times, and she raised an eyebrow.

“I…It was not my intention to offend Your Highness,” he stammered. “I only meant that I shouldn’t… I find that the occasional sweet is beneficial to concentration and energy. Sugar proves to be useful throughout the day.”

The music began to slow, and Lia looked over to her sister, who was then exchanging what looked like harsh words with the Avarian prince. They both looked absolutely incensed with the other and as though they couldn’t get away fast enough. She laughed.

“I can tell you something my sister is not fond of,” she nodded in her head in their direction. Toa glanced and promptly rolled his eyes.

“That is to be expected. The Avarian is an untrustworthy dog and shouldn’t mingle with those of such high pedigree,” he said.

“What happened to ‘royalty should be impartial?’” Lia teased.

“In this circumstance, Her Highnesses show of distaste is not only allowed, but also welcome,” he smiled wryly. “At least, as far as I am concerned.”

With a final twirl, they released each other. Lia met his eyes, and smirked.

“You’re almost charming when you do that,” she said, and curtsied. Toa froze midbow, caught off guard by the half-compliment. Lia chuckled.

“Almost,” she said, and left to find a bottle of wine and her sister.