#in other words i am enjoying kingdom hearts 2

[naydralikessoup]

they don't tell you that when you turn 19 all your emotions feel different and are suddenly laced with nostalgia. what is this

[flowerandblood]

White Marriage (2)

[ Kingdom of Heaven • King Baldwin x female ]

[ warnings: fingering, virginity loss, sex content, poetic smut, angst, a detailed description of the deadly disease and the unpleasant symptoms associated with it ]

[ description: After their nuptials, the court becomes even more divided. The King, however, wishes to spend the last years of his life experiencing the joys he finds in the closeness of his wife. His bride was never to lose her maidenhood, however, is what the King has proclaimed to his subjects what he really craves? ]

Author’s Note: After the warm reception of the first part, which I didn't expect at all, here is the second part of their story! I have to admit that I had a great time writing it and I love them. I tried to leave some realism and not forget about his illness and the fact that it is contagious.

Part Two of Paradise Fruit. Can be read as a standalone story.

Word count: 4.600

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

My other works: Masterlist

_____

Their nuptials were humble – apart from the Archbishop, who gave them his blessing, uniting them for eternity, they were accompanied only by Sibylla and her husband, enraged, thinking that the King was just fulfilling his sneaky plan.

He truly believed that he would have exposed her to such danger, condemning her to the cruel disease that tormented his members to try to beget an heir.

She was grateful to her Princess for lending her one of her beautiful, gold-embellished robes that day – Sibylla knew what purpose this marriage was intended to serve and that it would not change the order of succession.

She was to be his comfort, a moment of relief and solace, nothing more.

Nevertheless, she smiled, feeling happiness filling her heart, her king's gaze tender and full of affection, from which she felt warmth in her chest.

She thought that she had fallen in love with him.

Their marriage was announced to all and sundry, and she became a king's wife, but not a queen.

She was not bothered by this.

She was assigned a chamber right next to his – she could now visit him whenever she wished and did not have to worry about the King's honour.

As she walked into his quarters, clad only in a thin night robe, a smile of happiness adorned her face. Baldwin, though tired, also seemed pleased and rose at the sight of her.

"Wife." He said, entwining his hands behind his back.

His figure was all clad in white as usual, though the material of his wardrobe seemed thicker to her, a silver mask on his face.

To her surprise she noticed that his gloves were black, apparently made of leather.

She bowed to him, recognising that she was not intending to think about it now.

"My King. My husband. You are the man of your word." She whispered warmly, looking up at him from above her long lashes, feeling a pleasant tickle in her lower abdomen meeting his gaze, hot and dark.

"I am." He replied. "I couldn't deny myself this pleasure. It was an act of my selfishness, not my greatness."

She blinked, cocking her head, feeling for some reason amused by his words.

"Does it matter now?" She asked lightly – something flashed across his gaze, she thought he smiled.

"No. Not in the slightest."

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for his orders – he had announced that because of his disease he would not take her maidenhood and their marriage would be white, however, after what had gone on between them earlier, she did not think her husband would want to remain an ascetic in every aspect.

"Let me see you." He said finally, his voice like a sigh.

She knew what he meant, she knew what he wanted – she could see it in his gaze. Her hands rose to the small knot above her breasts, untying it, slipping the thin material of her nightgown off her shoulders in a light, gentle motion, remaining bare before him.

She shuddered, feeling the chill of the chamber surround her body despite the flames burning in the fireplace beside her, her lips parted as she noticed her king's gaze shift, misty and filled with a familiar, hot desire.

For a moment he looked at her with his head tilted, as if he was simply admiring her, nothing more.

"My physicians have said that the leather material, as opposed to linen, will ensure that you are protected from the touch of my bare skin and what it may cause." He said, tentatively extending his hand to her, and she felt her heart thump harder in her chest with joy.

She could touch him.

They both drew in a loud breath as she placed her fingers on his palm, letting him pull her a little closer, the spot between her thighs all swollen with desire, slowly growing moist with her wetness.

Her lips parted with her gasp of surprise as his other hand touched her cheek – she snuggled her face into it, placing affectionate kisses of her lips on it.

"I would give all the treasures of this chamber, my possessions and my gold coins to feel the taste of your lips on mine." He gasped, looking at her as if she were a precious jewel, a spring water that quenches thirst, an olive tree that feeds whole nations.

She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the sizzling fire and their hitched breaths as his thumb ran over her full, lower lip. She parted it before him and let him slide it deeper, between her teeth. Her lips clamped slowly around his finger, looking up at him with desire as she began to suck.

A low groan escaped his throat at the sight, clearly imagining that he was forcing something completely different down her throat.

He placed his other hand on her back, at the same time pulling her closer and holding her at arm's length, apparently afraid that even his breath was dangerous to her, possibly dooming her to his fate.

She moaned when he gave in, when his mask pressed against her forehead, his eyelids all red around his bright pupils.

"– forgive me –"

She didn't know why his words, filled with so much sadness and desire, made her throw her hands on his shoulders, her lips clinging greedily to the unpleasantly cold, silver structure of his mask.

She closed her eyes, hearing his gasp of surprise, placing lingering, hot kisses full of her saliva and tongue on the surface of it, imagining he was able to feel it, his hands sinking into her hair.

"– touch me, husband – I crave you –" She mewled helplessly, running her hands over the material beneath which was his head, his hair, his jaw and neck.

She squealed when he lifted her suddenly by her buttocks, the quiet hiss that escaped his lips made her understand that this sudden movement must have caused him pain.

She stroked the back of his head as he moved towards his bed with his face nestled between her breasts, not wanting to show him any sympathy now that he wanted to be a strong man in her eyes.

He let out a breath as he laid her down on the soft sheets, his gaze full of tenderness as he looked at her face.

"– lie on your stomach and spread your thighs –" He said calmly and gently, however, something in his words and their undertone made her feel a heat in her lower abdomen and a wonderful tickling sensation.

She obeyed his command immediately, feeling her legs become stiff as he caught her around the waist and lifted her hips, forcing her to buck her buttocks in front of him in a shameless manner.

She heard his heavy breath as he positioned himself behind her on his knees, running his leather-gloved hands over the soft skin of her buttocks, herself panting hard, knowing where he was looking now.

"– the reason why Paris abducted Helen of Troy – the cause of the downfall and delight of all mankind locked deep between my wife's thighs –" He whispered in such a sensual way that she moaned pathetically, clenching her eyelids as his thumb ran over her leaking, throbbing womanhood.

Apparently he liked the sound she made, because one of his hands slid into her hair, holding her in place, reassuring him that she wouldn't take advantage of his weakness and try to expose him in an act of pleasure, endangering him and herself.

"– lie still – shhhh, my love –" He whispered, hearing her innocent cry of desperation as his fingers began to trail around her oversensitive, swollen bud, waves of tingling and tickling sensations spreading through her body dulling her mind, causing her to emit uncontrollable sounds.

She could hear him panting as she watched what he was doing to her, his fingers digging into her delicate folds with a loud click of her wetness, barely teasing her – her hips began to roll back and forth, responding to his treatments, trying to find a better source of rubbing.

"– have mercy on me –" She mumbled with difficulty, her lips parted wide in a girlish moan when, at her request, the tip of his middle finger burst into her fleshy, hot interior.

The experience was at once full of discomfort and delight – at first the material of his glove was cold, but in time her body temperature enveloped him with its heat.

"– God – so warm –" He whispered in a voice trembling with emotion, in some involuntary, primitive reflex forcing her to take his finger deeper inside her, meeting resistance.

"– yes or no –" He breathed out, making her gasp.

Yes or no.

She froze, feeling her heart begin to pound like mad, knowing that he had lied: he had only declared their marriage as white so that after his death his sister's husband would not attempt to kill her out of fear that she might be carrying his heir.

The future King.

"– yes –"

Her fingers clenched on the fabric of the sheet beneath her as he pierced something inside her in one aggressive motion, along with her squeal taking her maidenhood.

She began to wriggle under him with sweet whimpers of delight as his first finger was joined by a second, opening her wide for him only to fuck her before his eyes.

Tears of pleasure and shock ran down her cheeks as she moaned like a mere whore, spreading her thighs wider, his fingers thicker and longer than hers, stretching her so wonderfully.

"– please –" She whimpered, responding with her hips to each thrust of his hand, the tips of his fingers hitting the sweet spot deep inside her with startling precision again and again, while his thumb teased her little pearl between her folds with reluctance.

She bucked up more, panting loudly along with him, feeling the drops of her own wetness begin to run down her thighs one by one, soaking his hand, the fingers of his free palm clenched in her hair.

"– go on – please your King –" He commanded in a low voice from which her weeping cunt clenched around his fingers in convulsions of ecstasy, the sweet, stupefying pleasure making her cry out loudly, her legs bent at the knees quivering all over from the exertion.

"– a-ah –" She mumbled out, her face red with emotion as her body shook with a fulfilment so strong that her leaking, hot walls began to simply suck him inside. He felt it and moaned in a boyish manner, stopping moving, keeping his two fingers slipped deep into her body, just wanting to feel how it pulsed around them.

"– yes – just like that – easy now – easy –" He praised her, slowly sliding them out of her, and she swallowed hard, letting her body fall back onto the bed, panting loudly.

She sighed as he turned her onto her back and spread her thighs, looking at her with eyes black with desire, his hand slipped under the material of his robe.

Only then did she notice that his garment had a slit in the area underneath where his manhood was.

Although he had not allowed her to look at it then, now that he had grasped it in his hand and directed it at her throbbing womanhood, she saw the fat, pink head of it, dripping with his desire.

His hand clamped down on her soft breast, careful, however, not to cause her pain as he began to squeeze his swollen erection in his palm, with sharp, aggressive strokes from the very base to the tip chasing his fulfilment.

She moaned innocently, surprised, tilting her head back as his thumb ran over her hard, sensitive nipple, playing with it, something like satisfaction flashed through his gaze when he saw that this kind of touch was giving her pleasure.

"– my wife is so eager – so devoted to her poor husband – hm? –" He gasped, his breathing heavy as he accelerated, already squeezing only the base of his manhood, rocking his hips back and forth, struggling to restrain himself from opening her up, from sinking into her, from feeling her.

She rolled her hips forward encouragingly, rubbing her moist cunt against the thick head of his erection, drawing a low, almost animalistic groan from his throat, his silhouette moving slightly away.

"– no –" He growled with pain and anger, involuntarily returning again and again to her warmth, letting the tip of it push against her swollen, thirsty slit.

"– please, my King – put inside me –" She begged, but he shook his head and simply came with a loud moan of pleasure, his pearly, sticky spend spewing onto her womanhood.

He stared at this shameless sight, his head bowed low, his breath heavy as if he had just accomplished some heroic feat.

"– you need to bathe in hot water – immediately – dress yourself, I'll call the servants –" He exclaimed, rising abruptly from the bed, covering his manhood back with his robe, wiping his hand sticky with her wetness into its material.

She stood up quickly, horrified that he was surely angry with her for not listening to him, hastily dressing her nightgown over her shoulders, bursting into sobs.

"– forgive me, my King – forgive me, do not send me away –" She begged, but he did not listen to her, ordering his servant to immediately bring the tub into his chamber and fill it with hot water.

Although it slightly burned her skin when she stepped inside, her husband-king explained that the heat killed whatever was spreading his disease, and the oils and herbs that were thrown in were to prevent any other infections.

She looked at him with big eyes as he sat beside her, dipping his leather-gloved hand into the water along with a piece of cloth, sinking it then between her thighs, making sure not a single drop of his seed remained on it.

"– will you forgive me, my beloved? –" She muttered pleadingly, watching his face. He looked at her with a chastising look and sighed heavily.

"– it is I who should beg your forgiveness – I have allowed myself to be carried away by my desires, which have suppressed my reason – do not fear, it will not happen again – after your bath you will return to your chamber and will no longer visit me in the evenings –" He said calmly, looking away.

Her heart stopped in her throat, her brow arching in pain and disbelief at his words.

"Are you sending me away?" She muttered with difficulty. He looked at her, surprised apparently by her question and reaction, his hand froze in mid-motion.

"You can't sleep here because I am here. My breath, my proximity are deadly. I am exposing you even now. Before sleep, my physicians pull off most of the fabric that covers my body. I will never let you see this." He said and swallowed hard, seeing as tears one by one began to run down her cheeks.

"You break my heart. At least let my bed be placed next to yours. Drape it with curtains so that I may not see you or your body at night, but that I may at least hear your voice, hear your presence in the same chamber." She said pleadingly, touching his beautiful silver mask with her hand, his gaze tired and sad, filled with pain.

He hesitated.

"The chamber is not locked. Place my bed by the windows, by the fresh air. Do not condemn me to solitude, show me mercy, my King." She whispered, once again placing a kiss on his mask, on his cold, silver lips, his sigh testifying that he pressed his lips on the other side, reciprocating her caress.

"You are my doom."

At his command, her bed was moved to his chamber, raising voices full of resentment from some of the monks and priests, commenting on the fact that her maidenhood might be called into question.

"White marriage, to my knowledge, does not mean that husband and wife live separately. On the contrary, we should indulge in prayers together and be each other's comfort by day and night."

Honour Knights and Lords were concerned about what kind of comfort his little wife was to him.

Each day, the physicians sent by King Saladin checked the condition of her body and whether there were any signs of infection – her husband watched it from the sidelines in horror, relief in his gaze each time he heard from their lips that his wife was in good health.

However, taking advantage of the fact that the King had left the chamber after her examination, returning to his duties, one of his medics approached her, pale.

"My Lady. Spending so much time in the King's company, you will certainly contract his disease. Often its first symptoms do not appear until years after infection. It is possible that it is already too late." He muttered, bowing before her.

She swallowed loudly, looking at him calmly, feeling discomfort in her stomach.

"Would my husband live to see the time when the first symptoms could be apparent? If it turned out I was infected." She mumbled, and he shook his head.

"No, my Lady."

She smiled at his words and nodded.

"Thank you. Assure my King that I am well and can abide with him as before."

The man looked at her, in his eyes disbelief but at the same time a kind of admiration, compassion and warmth from which she felt a squeeze in her throat.

"My Lady."

The days in Jerusalem were often sunny and hot, and as her husband rejoiced at the sight of her bare body, she walked around his chambers naked, feeling like a Greek goddess, Aphrodite or Artemis.

She would read old volumes, play the lute or embroider while spreading out comfortably on large cushions so that he could see her, and he would admire her from afar like a nymph.

"– my wife is like a fruit of paradise – like a goddess born of the sea foam –" He murmured, looking at her contentedly, bent over the dozens of parchments spread out on his table.

The servants knew that they could not enter his quarters without permission, for although he was gentle and affectionate in his manner, he did not wish to share this shameless sight with anyone.

However, what most of their days consisted of were conversations.

Her husband was a great speaker – they were discussing the Bible, faith, philosophy, poetry, art, war and history for long hours.

At nights, when he couldn't sleep from his pain, hearing his sighs and quiet moans that he tried to suppress for her sake, she would ask him questions.

She couldn't touch his hands or embrace him – his body needed rest, to breathe to keep from rotting and for at least a few hours a day it was supposed to be uncovered.

"Christ says to the adulteress: go and sin no more. However, he knows, as God incarnate, that this is not his command, but a recommendation. Sin is the fatal disease of every human being and we all sin in thought, in speech, in deed, in neglect. This is no reason to be sad. Christ is merely saying: live in such a way as not to cause yourself or others suffering, try to live with dignity, in harmony with yourself and your Father in Heaven."

"Is it known what happened to her afterwards?" She asked quietly, looking at his silhouette, seeing only its outline on the other side of his bed.

"Some identify her with Mary Magdalene or Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. But it could also have been a person not mentioned by name in the Gospel. She certainly followed Christ and became one of his disciples." He said, his voice clearer without his mask, calm and soft.

"Do you think God considers me an adulteress?" She asked in a trembling voice and heard him shift restlessly in his bed.

"Why should such an unjust and harsh judgment fall on my wife? Because she is devoted to me with her soul, heart and body? Haven't you done everything I asked of you and even more? You are as pure as the sheet I lie on, as the delicate fabrics I wear on my skin. Your beauty makes me even more aware of my ugliness." He whispered with pain that made her swallow hard, shocked by his words.

"To me, you are the most beautiful of men. Before I met you, I swore to God that I would never marry, that I would not share Sibylla's fate. He showed me mercy, filling my heart with a burning feeling for you, my beloved."

He was silent, but she heard him exhale loudly, his trembling sigh full of suffering.

He cried.

"If only you could look at my face, see what a disgusting caricature of a human I am, you would understand what a great mistake you made." He howled, choking on his own tears, clearly letting out what had been weighing on his heart for weeks.

The fear that if she accidentally saw his face, she would scream in terror and run away.

"Is your faith in me so weak? I hoped you think of me with respect." She mumbled, heartbroken, feeling a squeeze in her throat.

She heard him swallow hard at her words, clearly terrified that he had offended her.

"I do, my love. Forgive me."

"I fell in love with a human, not an earthly shell." She said, but he didn't answer her.

She watched the silhouette of her husband and his physicians each evening through the curtains, seeing them only as through a fog in the candlelight, their shadows dancing around her.

She could hear his hisses and cries of pain as they treated his wounds, see the outline of his head, always with his back turned to her.

When they were finally left alone and he lay down on his bed, she heard his sigh of relief, his face, though she couldn't see it, turned towards her.

"My sweetest?" He whispered, and she smiled warmly, feeling a wonderful delight in her heart every time he called her that.

"I'm here, my love." She murmured, twisting comfortably in her bed.

"I desire you."

She swallowed hard, feeling her warm womanhood throb around nothing.

"I desire you too, my beloved."

They were both silent for a long moment, the tension around them palpable in the air.

"– one of my physicians –" He began in a trembling voice. "– at my request, he created something that I can – put on my length so as not to touch you directly – from what I understand, he made it from the intestine of some animal and disinfected it – he assured me that it would be safe for both of us, but –"

"– yes –" She muttered, feeling her heart begin to pound like crazy at the thought that he wanted to do this to her.

"– you know it's a risk –" He said, his voice quivering with longing, the shadow of his silhouette turned towards her.

"– I knew it from the very beginning – I don't care what happens to my body – I just want to feel my beloved husband inside me –" She whispered with embarrassment and that seemed to be enough for him.

She heard him stand up, quickly putting the cloth and mask over his head as he appeared on the other side, beside her bed, looking as he usually did – the same black leather gloves on his hands, his fingers clenched on a small wooden box.

"– undress –" He commanded, and she did so, literally ripping off herself her nightgown, laying down on her stomach.

His silhouette was instantly next her, kneeling behind her buttocks, his breath hitched and quickened when she heard the rustling of something and another strange, sticky sound.

After a moment, his fingers tentatively and gently ran over her swollen, pink folds, collecting her wetness, which had already managed to trickle down her thigh.

"– no other treatments are needed – my sweet wife is leaking like a forest stream –" He hummed with delight and admiration, she felt her cheeks blush with embarrassment.

They both sighed as she felt something thick and hard begin to push against her puffy slit, opening her wide – despite her lack of preparation her cunt pulsed in delight, moist with desire.

The feeling of him deep inside her, so intense and definitive, of how hard his long, thick erection stretched her fleshy walls was shockingly pleasurable and terrifying at the same time, as if her body no longer belonged to her.

"– yes, yes, yes –" She mewled as she felt his hands clamp down on her buttocks, spreading them apart as if he were tearing a piece of fruit, another determined thrust of his hips sinking him completely into her hot core with their moans of pleasure.

"– fuck –"

She wasn't sure if he had ever cursed before, but then, as his hips immediately began to pound into her with loud slaps, nothing more than their panting, grunts and words insulting to God left his mouth.

"– we'll do it frequently – so that you can remember this feeling well – your husband deep inside your warmth –" He exhaled in a way from which her little cunt began to squeeze him greedily, sucking his erection inside, her lips parted wide in a loud, helpless whines of pleasure so strong that she had to close her eyes, her hands clenched on the bedding.

His gloved fingers dug into the delicate structure of her hips, imposing a more aggressive pace on her, his fat manhood bursting deep between her fleshy walls without slipping out of her, hitting again and again her sweet little spot.

"– yes – yes, I love you, I love you, I love you, please –" She cried out, feeling the tension in her silky womanhood reach its zenith, the pleasant tingling in her belly testifying to the fact that she was about to reach her peak with him and dreamed of nothing else.

He moaned low, slamming into her like mad, feeling her weeping core clench around his twitching length more and more, his manhood hard as a rock with desire.

"– G-God – oh, fuck, yes, yes, my sweetest, let me, ah –" He gasped in delight, coming deep inside her, filling the thin material overlying his manhood with his release.

Her eyes closed and her mouth parted wide as her peak came down on her like a thunderbolt, shaking her body with convulsions of delicious delight.

They both moaned and panted, rocking their hips for a moment more with the loud click of her slick cunt, his hands soothingly kneading the skin of her buttocks.

"– I will order more of this to be prepared – so that I can fulfil my marital duty every night –" He sighed with satisfaction.

She involuntarily smiled under her breath, looking up at him over her shoulder, the moonlight shining outside the window reflected in his mask.

"– what kind of white marriage is this? –" She asked teasingly, rolling her hips, feeling his half-soft manhood pulsate inside her again.

"– our kind – do not fret – I will explain it to God once I am before him – I will tell him that I loved my wife too much –"

_____

Author's note: Between their wedding day and this next act, weeks actually pass during which he doesn't touch her (she mentions the days spent in his company and how she is examined every day, how he watches her naked, but apart from that nothing happens between them). He is afraid that if he tries to touch her again, he won't hold back (he had already had difficulty not taking her on their wedding night), so he tried to think of something so as not to touch her directly with his manhood. Their intimacy is an act of their desperation, the pain of knowing that their marriage will last a year or two at most. The desire to touch her and feel her is as strong in him as the desire to protect her and push her away. Their love is tragic and complete to me, and she knows what she is risking (she knew from the very beginning).

[troublesh00terfaery]

BELOW 18 PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT. THIS WORK IS NSFW! KEEP OUT! [THIS WORK IS PURELY FICTION]

[Alhaitham x AFAB! Reader]

Words: 3,003 Synopsis: In the heart of Sumeru, thrives the peaceful and unique kingdom to which governed by the monarchy. A young prince experiences a strange succession of dreams to which a mysterious woman comforts him. Wouldn't it be delightful to make this dreams into a reality? Tags: AFAB! Reader, slight teasing, Prince! Alhaitham x Goddess Reader. Pronouns for AFAB reader are she/her. Alhaitham slightly obsessed with you. So far, this will be main tags, more will be added on the following chapters. A/N: after a year of not posting, I AM BACK! AND YES, WITH MORE WORKS. I PROMISE I PROMISE! This idea has been in my head for quite sometime and I personally think you guys will be enjoying this. Should I make a series for the Sumeru men? Prolly. ALSO I DID NOT PROOFREAD THIS SO APOLOGIES, ENGLISH ISN'T MY FIRST LANGUAGE. -Circe,xoxo. <3

FOLLOWING, REBLOGGING, INTERACTIONS, AND FEEDBACKS ARE APPRECIATED

"My Lord, the scrolls have arrived." One of the scribes of the King arrived, offer him a handful of nicely kept scrolls.

For the past three months, Alhaitham has kept himself confined by the study. The setting filled with scrolls of knowledges, as if he tried to absorb every detail he was trying to comprehend. He only replied with a nod and took the scrolls and placed it by the table.

Alhaitham was the only son in line to the throne and he was no ordinary prince. With his knowledge and skill, the other neighbouring nations spoke of him warmly, although setting aside his stoic and rather cold demeanour upon interacting.

The past three months, a mysterious woman had appeared in his dreams in successions. Seemingly telling an ode to him but he couldn't remember what it was, only her beautiful face could he remember. Drapped in white linen and surrounded by padisarah flowers, she would comfort him in his serene dreams to only wake up with scrolls beside him and a cold cup of tea.

It haunted him, every move he made and every thought he had, it followed and haunted him. At times he could not sleep and tried his best to decipher what was it about. He would find himself drawing pictures of this mysterious woman to only ruin it, frustrated and convinced himself that it didn't look like her nor it was not her. Questioning his ability for artistic work he had learned.

At first, he was rather indifferent. It didn't bother him about this mysterious yet ethereal looking woman to appear in his dreams once in a while but as it went on oftenly, this somehow awakened something in him. His curiousity has took over him, trying to look for answers. He was not a man of spirituality but as the dreams went on, he had to summon a spiritual leader to interpret his dreams which he rather finds ridiculous. He was afterall, programmed with knowledge, rational, and logical thinking and approach.

But it did not help him at all, his curiosity grew and grew for this woman in his dreams. At some point, he would forcefully make himself fall asleep to see her again and promised to ever probe her, but her could not dream of her. Thus, he concluded that she would only appear in his dreams when it's: 1) it's night, and 2) when he doesn't force himself to fall asleep.

He wasn't a believer of such. In fact, as the dreams came in successions, he was concluding that he was either sick in the head or he lacked sleep. Given in his work focused nature, he deduct the idea that we was just lacking sleep but somehow, it made him rather stuck in a same routine where he longed for this mysterious woman in his dreams. Who was this woman? What did she mean? Was she real? What is she even?

Of course you were real, in fact, appearing in his dreams was not coincidence. You were indeed a living being, but not an ordinary one. Hindered from the advancement of Sumeru, lies your monastery filled with padisarahs and gold entombed monuments you refuse to leave for it is a sanctuary you have cultivated. It is true to what they say, the Sumeru has still secrets to be revealed, and you were one of the secrets yet to be come upon.

The dreams the prince set genesis when he stumbled upon an old scroll he found during the expedition a month prior his dreams. It was a shabby ancient scroll he found in a mausoleum to expand their territories in the vast lands of the sands. This way, they could keep a hold of the expanding group of eremites and their illegal trading and activities, as per the orders of the king himself to his only successor to the throne.

At first, he didn't pay much attention to the scroll as according to Alhaitham, it wasn't something he nor scribes comprehend. Although a shaman suggested this could be an ancient text telling a story of a goddess who secluded herself from the world. To his prior knowledge, Alhaitham considered the idea rather off. He digressed the notion of a goddess secluding herself from the world. Why would this goddess even seclude herself?

"Are you certain of this?" he asked the shaman, as if questioning the capabilities of the elder.

"That is for you to find out, your highness." the shaman replied.

Ridiculous. Alhaitham thought. He has never heard the tales of this mysterious divine being, nor was taught to him.

Unbeknownst to him, this would eventually trigger a response from you. You could hear his curiosity from a radius away and found it rather amusing. It didn't bother you that nobody prayed for you nor called out for refuge in your arms but this man has had you delighted. Is this an acknowledgment from a being the gods were referring to?

His growing curiosity was getting louder that you had to appear in his dreams. It was mere simple dreams, you appearing and observing him from a far, to showing him your small abode, to entertaining him by playing an instrument as he watched from a close distant.

And it got to the point that you teased the poor scribe by planting a small kiss on his lips. Upon breaking the kiss, he could only stare at you with feverish desire. His colorful eyes looking answers as you cupped his cheeks and feel his strong jaws clenching, urging himself to stop. He returned the favor by brushing his thumb to your luscious and plump lips, grazing his nose bridge by your supple cheeks and leaving kisses and hushed breaths. His palms making its way to your waist, as if trying to remember every detail he could remember. You let him, of course. Everything was new to you, the feeling of intimacy and the warmth of his touch would surge an unexplainable excitement to you. Something you lacked for years and something you, unexpectedly, found a need.

"Please, tell me who you really are and I would search for you in every nation." he begged, his head resting by your shoulder, seeking for both solace and answers as he left kisses over your exposed collar and neck.

You could only reply with a soft chuckle and cup his cheek and pecked a kiss on his cheek. It's a never ending question left unanswered. It was a cue to stop the dream and awaken him from his slumber. A kiss that would blur his vision and awaken him from his dream.

Even if it was only a dream in his point of view, he was still in your domain. Everything was real and it was beyond scientific explanation to prove that every time he was dreaming, everything was happening was happening in your domain. But could he really comprehend and figure out it was the goddess he denied of existence?

"Your grace, your father has called for you." a scribe entered his study, to find Alhaitham lazily looking by the painted ceiling. Seemingly awoken by the morning breeze of the open space of his chambers. The smell of incense from last night was freshly burnt out and the hues of the sunlight passing through the long curtains.

He tilted his head and responded with a nod. Few moments has passed, the prince presented himself to the king. Surprisingly, the king thought it would have been another day to nag the prince to get out of his chambers but there he was, walking towards the king in his seat.

"Father," he greeted.

"Ah yes, son." he spoke, delighted with the presence. Alongside the king was their pet, a Rishbolan tiger, Jihan, to which Alhaitham smiled as the big feline nudged its head to his legs before positioning itself beside Alhaitham.

"How was your night?"

Alhaitham could only remember your face and your soft chuckle. It took a moment before he could respond in his usual laidback demeanor.

"Nothing special." he replied. "You called?"

The king wasn't new to his straightforwardness and thus explained to him. A mysterious woman was spotted near the Vissudha expansion. The king explained to him that the guards spotted the woman just a few meters away from the construction the king has started two years ago. The woman was reported to be rather composed, explaining as to why she freely roamed the ungoing site. The site itself was dangerous, filled with wild beasts and noxious florals thus the only personnel allowed within the Vissudha expansion were architects and members of the royal committee.

"Oh." Alhaitham nodded to his father's story.

"The guards and the look outs commented on her knowledge with the terrains around Sumeru." the king replied. "So they brought her here."

"She's rather adventurous for exploring the area." Alhaitham circled the study table of his father before he comfortably sat by the sofa.

"Dare I must say, but her extensive knowledge with the sands is quite admirable."

"Oh?"

"Yes, in fact, I had spoken a few words with the young woman." The king chuckled, amused. "She's quite brilliant, suggesting a further expansion by the sands. Especially the mausoleums!"

Alhaitham could only respond with a hum. Seems like the women in Sumeru are rather peculiar for roaming carelessly, he thought.

"If I can guess, she's at your age or probably younger. Must have come from a noble family, and archons, her beauty is otherwordly!"

At his age, Alhaitham isn't new to his father's suggestion of him marrying. He was at the age, it is just that his son didn't pay attention and put the importance of it at this moment. He knows it so well that his father would insist upon meeting this woman and thus readied himself by rejecting his father's notion.

"You should meet her."

"No," he replied. "I have scrolls to keep and manage, father." he stood up, Jihad yawned from his action, causing for the feline to stand up and flex its body before nudging and circled the prince. "Jihad…"

The feline responded with succession of chuffs.

"No, no, guards please escort the young lady." the king hurriedly instructed, halting the young prince from walking away. The young prince heaved a sigh, and sat back by the wide sofa once again. This time, Jihad had placed himself by his lap and offed himself to his usual sleep.

The king himself was delighted to see the prince not walking away thus, became slowly impatient to introduce this lady and a few moments has passed, the guards themselves arrived by the king's chambers. Accompanying this said lady to meet the prince.

Each tick of the time, Alhaitham grew impatient with the little meet and greet. He angled his face to towards the curtains, he rubbed his forehead using his middle finger and his index finger whilst his thumb rested on the temple of his forehead. His other hand rested by the felines body to which Jihad appreciated by chuffing.

This was a waste of time, according to Alhaitham. He wasn't aware his father was a matchmaker, so eager to get his only son to be wed. The thought of being married has Alhaitham furrowing his brows.

"Ah, Alhaitham, come meet the young lady." The king softly spoke. Alhaitham could hear his positive remarks to this young lady to which she replied in small and shy chuckles. If he was to judge her, he would find her peculiar and mindless for roaming the area alone. Who on earth would walk alone confidently in an area yet to be finished with construction and still to be tamed?

"Father, I do not have time for this discussion you are initiating--"

"It is an honor, to finally meet the prince." the young lady spoke.

He took a peek from his fingers to have a view of the lady just a few meters away from him. And there she stood, wearing a simple white clothing and a scarf that was loosely wrapped around her hair, a few loose strands of her hair swayed by the wind.

Eyes matching the gaze of the royal prince, a small smile forming in your lips. Upon having a clear view of you, Alhaitham realized what was in front of him. Dumbfounded and speechless, he slowly stood up and awoken the tiger that comfortably laid himself by his lap. Jihad yawned and chuffed, excusing himself by jumping just below the luxurious sofa.

All he could do was to stand there and thought to himself this must be an illusion, or one of his dreams. Silence enveloped the study of the king as he observed you gaze at him with those beautiful yet studious eyes. It's like he couldn't decipher if it was truly you in his dreams or a different person.

There you were, standing in your corporeal form but nothing changed, only the clothing of choice. Ever so radiant, ever so ethereal. The prince couldn't utter any words as he was dumbfounded by the person in front of him. Was his head playing tricks with him? Probably the light? With every inhale an exhale you did, it was proof of life that you were indeed real. After nights of longing for you, you were finally here. In his reality.

Truth be told, this wasn't a scheme you would normally do. Why would a goddess, who voluntarily secluded herself from the world to live in her curated domain, leave her sanctuary? But oh, maybe it was his effect on you? Something finally ignited your curiosity from the outside world. A prince, a brilliant and handsome one.

The king was rather amused with the reaction of his son as he slowly approached you but then halted, as if doubting your existence again.

"Ah, seems like the prince is astonished by your beauty, my dear lady."

The warmth of the king only made you smile as you gazed at Alhaitham. He on the other hand somehow doubted every inch of life in you thus his brows furrowed. The king was indeed right, Alhaitham couldn't deny the beauty in you. You radiated of something out of this world, a beauty that could make a man lose his mind. Lethal, he would call it.

"They were right, your highness." you spoke. "He was indeed a beautiful prince."

Alhaitham stood there, ready to speak.

"Where did you come from?"

That was rather an unexpected question, you thought.

"I was just roaming around the area because I heard there was a constructio--"

"I am asking where are you from." His tone was stern but calm, probing the situation more.

You wouldn't tell him of your sanctuary. It would be ridiculous and of course, it was a secret.

"I came from the desert."

"Which part of the desert exactly?"

"Hadramaveth."

"Ridiculous, that area is out of the reach of the palace nor the council."

"Well I suppose you should widen your expansion within the desert." you replied with a monotone. "After all, the king mentioned you have an ongoing expedition, why not discover it yourself."

He could only stare at your answers, his hawk-like gaze observing you as if he was to judge you of your being. You actually forgot to distinguish whether this was his usual attitude compared to his demeanor during his dreams.

"That area of the desert is out of reach because of its harsh desert." he crossed his arms. "It is an untamed land filled with sandworms and consecrated beasts."

The probing session awakened Jihad whom approached his prince, slowly circling him.

"Well indeed, your grace." you replied. "But there is an area where humans can live, just the passage between Hadramaveth and the Tanit camps."

"To which the eremites occupy." he rebuked. "So, you are an eremite then?"

"No, of course not." the question made you furrow your brows.

"Then answer my question, where are you from?"

The king felt the tension between the two of you. You initially thought that he was going to be delighted to see you in your human form instead of his dreams. But here he is, questioning you. A human, questioning you.

"Now, now, Alhaitham." the king awkwardly chuckled, stepping in. "I think you are scaring the young lady. She offered help to navigate the sands."

"I already sent my men, no need for navigation." Alhaitham looked at his father.

"Your men are headed the wrong direction," you replied. "They're still at the mausoleums."

"And how do you know this? Are you certain they're my men? What mausoleum are you referring to?"

Well, shoot. Of course you couldn't tell him that you can just see everything in a snap. That would ruin your plan. Think. Think. Think.

Now you were certain this was a bad idea, you should've just shut yourself inside that sanctuary of your comfort instead of feeding this man of his wants. What is he up to anyway? You scolded yourself.

"Your highness--"

"That's enough. Guards, please escort this young lady to her quarters." the king sighed.

"No, father. She will be accompanying me in my study." Alhaitham turned his back, walking away and his tiger following along. "She'll have to map the desert out."

You stood there, dumbfounded. This was different man, a different man in his dreams. Where was the man who would look at you with those longing eyes despite being close together? Where was that man who would listen to you play the harp and smile as your grazed your fingers through the strings? Where was the man who would ask for your touch and comfort? Where was he?

You couldn't move from the unexpected reaction from him. Was he not content of seeing you? The silence enveloped and only the heave of the king snapped you back from the heavy thought. Alhaitham stopped as he noticed you were not tagging along.

"Come," he looked back with those stoic eyes.

What an unexpected turn of events.

A/N: FOLLOWING, REBLOGGING, INTERACTIONS, AND FEEDBACKS ARE APPRECIATED! Make sure to follow the first hashtag #Circeworks୨୧ to be updated with my future works! Happy reading faes!

[atzloverr]

My favorite fics/blogs!!!

(multifandom)

The answer by @berryunho

this might me by favorite ateez fic y’all… It’s literally so GOOOODDDDD I’m obsessed… (atz x reader, cult au)

@freyaphoria

this entire blog is everything !! (never stop posting girl your stories are amazing) lovely yandere atz x reader stories

@yankpop

A blog with lots of yan bts x reader and I’m here for it!

Abundance by @angelicyoongie

ot7 hybrid bts x reader, I’m literally obsessed with this story and I still hope that the author picks it up again 😭

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

(ao3) LOVE this ot8 ateez x reader fic!! The story is so good I’ve literally cried reading it…

Polarity

(ao3) yandere Jungkook x reader. I don’t need to say more. Read it.

The obsidian pearl by @angelicyoongie

yandere mermaid!Seokjin x reader, only a few chapters, but still amazing!!!

Complete

(wattpad) I don’t know how many times I’ve reread this story… It’s my comfort fic i think😭 a bts x reader soulmate au fic.

The four kingdoms

(wattpad) another AMAZING bts x reader story. This fic is the first part of the “blue eyes” series, and I’ve read all four parts like a million times… The following parts:

pyramids, dynasty, mist (mist isn’t finished)

Seven sins

(wattpad) seven deadly sins!bts x reader.

Blood ink

(wattpad) tattoo artist!Jungkook x reader, gang au

Circus by @lani-heart

A sweet (and angsty) fic about ot8 hybrid!ateez x reader!!! I highly recommend it! (ongoing)

@cheollipop

suuuuuch a good blog, has atz x reader and some svt x reader

@angelicyoongie

Amazing bts x reader stories!!! (two of them are mentioned in this post lol)

@xosannie

lovely nsfw ateez x reader, I’m so happy I found this blog likeeee, obsessed with their work dirty little secret (mingi x reader)

Guerilla by @sorryimananti-romantic

serial killer!Yunho x reader, literally obsessed with this and their entire blog!!!! And I’m Yunho biased so this hit the spot

@bro-atz

One of if not THE best atz nsfw x reader fics… Literal art, go follow right now!!!

Heavy and sticky by @k-hotchoisan

some filthy Seonghwa x reader smut!!!

When flowers bloom in the dark by @makeitmingi

Already so invested in this mafia au Hongjoong x reader story. It’s sooo good

Atz as boyfriends (nsfw ver) by @sorryimananti-romantic and @eightmakesonebraincell

explicit ateez ot8 headcannons (I’m obsessed)

The feral drabbles by @mint-yooxgi

Ateez (and skz but I haven’t read) x reader one-shots/drabbles!!! Includes darker themes (yandere), and omg this writing is so good!!!

@last-words-ofashootingstar

such good ateez x reader fics and drabbles!!! this blog has yandere content as well! Love their work allure

@gyupinkys

amazing svt x reader and atz x reader!!! I love their work like crazy (yandere Seonghwa x reader)

Our leaves must fall before our flowers can bloom by @eightmakesonebraincell

poly ot8 atz x reader and ice hockey au, I literally died when reading this the writing is insanely good

Mist of celeste

(ao3) craziest read in my life. Space pirates atz x reader and this is a literary masterpiece. Read. It.

@holybibly

THE ONE AND ONLY QUEEN (atz x reader)

Sentinent by @trivia-yandere

(Oneshot) Yandere android namjoon x reader, omg I am obsessed with this and the author’s other works!!

Bloodline

(ao3) INSANE READ. I literally pray to god that this ot8 atz x reader story continues!!!

Case: It’s You by @potatomountain

Ahhhh this poly!atz x reader story was so amazing!!!! The twist in this was absolutely crazy, and I can’t wait for book 2 to get released! This author ate the enemies to lovers au

Charade

(ao3) I just LOVE this ot8 atz x reader!!! This story is a zombie-apocalypse au!

@smileysuh

I love this blog so much!!! I love their NCT and SVT fics, and I strongly recommend their fic daylighter (vampire!Wonwoo + Werewolf!Mingyu x reader)

I’ll update this post if I find new works that I enjoy!

my masterlist

[chosopie]

y/n will slowly grow to love Conqueror Sukana. Just as long as Yuji keeps his title and is happy and safe

PART 3, CONQUERER - RYOMEN SUKUNA

SUMMARY: It has been weeks since the day of your grand wedding. Sukuna agreed to give your brother Yuji his share of power. Ever since then, you have been spending more time with him, soon growing to enjoy his company.

cw: fluff, you and Sukuna becoming softies

: ̗̀➛ part 2

"You will make sure Yuji gets his title. He's my brother, my blood. I will see to it that he will have access to privileges and resources of this kingdom," You sternly ordered, your eyes intensely staring at your husband Sukuna.

"Damn, do you talk a lot, woman. It's only been a couple weeks and you're starting to nag like an old wife," Sukuna groaned.

"My wishes must be fulfilled," you narrowed your eyes at him.

"And what will you do if they aren't, princess?" He arrogantly smiled at you, amusement glinting from his eyes.

"I’m not a princess. I am the queen and I could send you into exile."

Sukuna laughed at you. "How bold of you. You can't do that."

"You forget that my people are loyal to me, the true blood of this kingdom."

"You forget that I single-handedly killed your pathetic man and his army," He looms over you, his chest right in front of your face.

"Only, because I allowed it. I needed someone more capable like you," You admitted, trying to hold together what remained of your pride while commending your husband. When he smirked in response, you instantly regretted letting those words leave your mouth. To your dismay, that surely fed Sukuna's large ego, keeping it full and satisfied.

"That's all you had to say, brat,” He beamed. “You have my word. The little rascal gets what he needs and I'll protect him." Sukuna reaches over your head, ruffling the hair you had just tidied up.

“Hey!” You groaned, your hands patting and combing your hair in an attempt to return it to its previous state. Sukuna and his ego was a handful, but you knew deep down there had to be a soft spot beneath all that pride and cockiness. You were determined to crack that shell and see what’s really in his heart.

When the sun had set, the dinner table had been set up by your handmaidens. There was a large variety of food all over the table. Yuji sat beside you with a big smile on his face and his eyes lovingly staring at the food.

“Yuji, keep staring like that and you might just marry the food,” you snickered.

Yuji gave you an unamused look, “Come on! I’m just hungry. It’s been a while since we’ve had steak.”

“A while?” You quirked an eyebrow up. “We have steak every week.”

“Just let me be hungry!” He whined. “Where’s your husband? I’m gonna starve to death.”

“Your king is here,” Sukuna loudly said from the other side of the room. He wore a big fur coat over his wide figure.

Hearing his loud and obnoxious voice, you roll your eyes, but you were going to test and prod at him tonight. Beneath all those muscles and ego, there has to be something else in there, right? We can’t pretend forever.

“Pass me the salt, hun,” you point towards the small shaker across the table. Sukuna raised his eyebrow, questioning your behavior; nevertheless, he complied with your request.

Yuji stared at the two of you with confusion. What was with the nicknames all of a sudden? Have you been taking something weird? This was not the big sister he knew. Perhaps you’ve gone soft. “As long as she’s happy,” Yuji thought. After having Sukuna around the house for a couple of week, he didn’t seem so bad after all, just a little obnoxious and boastful. He never raised a hand at you nor did he yell at you just because he wasn’t in a good mood. He seemed to care.

When all of you had finished eating, Yuji returned to his quarters while you and Sukuna headed to yours. Sukuna immediately threw himself onto the bed and made himself comfortable under the thick duvet.

“I’m gonna shower,” you told Sukuna. He simply nodded in response.

You stepped into the shower and twisted the small knob, allowing the warm water to rain on your skin. Closing your eyes, you thought about how Sukuna had been ever since he came around. Most of the time, you two would clash over your different ideologies or even the simplest things like food or how you ate the cake he had been waiting all day to eat. Despite all that, he respected you and treated you well. He would buy you dresses and jewelry, making sure you were clad in the prettiest things out there. You let out a sigh in relief as the warm water began to relax your body. You grabbed your most fragrant soap and made sure to scrub yourself clean. Once you were finished, you wiped yourself dry with a towel, then slipped into a pink nightgown that sort of matched his hair.

You walked into the room, Sukuna’s eyes immediately landing on you. “What’re you doing?” You ask while you made your way to the bed to sit beside him.

“Reading,” he mumbled, his eyes now fixed on the small book in hand.

“Is that a history book?” Your eyes widened in disbelief. “Aw, do you care about me and my country that much?”

“Fuck off. I’m reading this so I know how to take advantage of the shit you guys have,” Sukuna huffed in annoyance.

“I love you too, Sukuna,” you tested those words. Those three damn words. They felt foreign in your mouth.

Sukuna tensed up, his face looking stiff as ever. He hesitantly turned to look at you and got up. Now, you were scared. He inched closer and closer to you, his body towering over you as usual. You couldn’t read his expression and it made your nerves jitter. He reached his hand out to hold your head, and you thought he was going to ruffle your hair like he always did, but no. It was something different which shocked you. He pulled your head in and gently kissed you on the forehead.

“I love you,” he softly said.

You looked at him with wide eyes, your cheeks red from the intimate gesture. Was he serious? Your heart was beating so hard you could feel it in your ears. The room suddenly felt hotter than usual. There was a strange warm feeling that swelled in your beating chest. A bold idea crossed your mind, and you let your body move on its own, your arms reaching out to him for an embrace. You slowly snaked your arms around his torso and rested your head in the crook of his neck.

This isn’t so bad. You’ve fallen for him.

“I love you,” you whispered into his ear before pecking his cheek.

[commandershepardvasfuckit]

An Arranged Marriage, part 14

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13

M!troll x f!reader

1.4k words

(I am feral over my own character, ask box is always open for talking about my writing or just monster fucking in general!)

————

It would have been so easy to fall asleep like that in the tub, Zen just lightly dragging his fingers up and down your arms while you listen to him purr. The two of you stayed like that until the water cooled entirely, only getting out when you started to shiver.

“Will you lay with me for a while, like this?” Zen asked as the two of you dried off after the bath.

“Hmm?” you responded.

“Just before we get dressed, will you just lay with me for a little? If you feel comfortable that is”.

At this point you were wrapped in your towel, feeling a little less uncomfortable about being naked around him, but not fully ready for much more.

“I just really enjoyed holding you like that, just being skin to skin” he continued, “I promise that is all I want”.

You looked over at him, he was fidgeting somewhat nervously while he waited on your answer though he had not bothered with wrapping up in a towel. You blushed over getting an eye full of him again.

“We can cuddle for a while then” you answered.

He looked so relieved at your answer.

You took his outstretched hand and let him lead you over to the bed and settled down with him, only dropping your towel at the last moment right before you slipped under the blankets. Zen wasted no time pulling you close and then on top of him, your head up against his shoulder so he could easily nuzzle you like he enjoyed doing.

He was so incredibly warm, which felt nice after climbing out of the cold bath and stepping into the cool night air of the house. You could feel how his heart was pounding being chest to chest like that. His arms were wrapped around you, one across your back and the other hand on the back of your head.

Looking up at him, his eyes were closed and he just seemed at peace and you could not resist reaching up and touching his tusk. You could not say exactly what it was, but you loved running your fingers along them and feeling the texture of the carvings.

“It feels nice when you do that” he said.

“You can feel that?”

“Sort of, it is like this” he tapped his nail against your thumbnail, “The nail does not feel anything, but your finger still feels the pressure. My tusk feels nothing, but I feel the vibrations, the movements, against my lips and in my mouth and it is sort of pleasant”.

“I think you just like any way I touch you”.

“I do, and what is wrong with that? I have spent too many years laying with people for just a few hours to pass the time or de-stress, there is no room for soft touches or intimacy there. No room for feelings. But now?” he paused, his grip around you tightened a little.

“Now I have room for affection for the first time in my life. And I am still figuring this all out, but I enjoy having you here much more than I thought I would. I like that the first thing I see in the morning in your face, and it is the last thing I see at night. I like that I no longer come home to an empty house. I like that I have a reason to make breakfast and dinner now, a reason to not skip meals.

“I have not said anything because I did not want to overwhelm you, but you have made my life much better. Even when I was sleeping on the floor” he laughed.

You buried your face into his neck, your face was burning up and your heart was racing. This sort of a confession was not what you were expecting.

Though it was nice. This was a much different life then you had back in your kingdom, much simpler but you had freedom. You had a husband who truly cared for you. You had a life you got a say in.

You kissed his neck and let your lips linger for a moment, you could hear him whimper softly as you drew back. His lips were parted and he was watching you closely as you looked up at him, waiting for your move as always.

You drew yourself up farther and leaned in to wedge yourself between his tusks and kiss him. He returned your kiss somewhat awkwardly, clearly inexperienced, but it did not matter. You reached up and tangled your hand into his hair and gave it a firm tug, causing him to moan into your mouth and you took the deepen the kiss and open your mouth a bit.

Zen did his best to mimic you, it was sort of endearing that he had no idea what to do but was clearly eager to learn. With his mouth now open a bit you slipped your tongue in and swirled it around his for a just a moment before you felt him jerk his head back in surprise.

“Was that- was that your tongue?” he asked sounding quite startled.

“Yeah?” you answered, you knew that he had no experience kissing like this, but you had assumed he at least was aware of the concept.

“It felt sort of weird” he continued.

“I can stop then” you offered.

“No, it was weird, and a little gross, but I think I still liked it”.

“Gross? Being covered in blood is fine but but my tongue in your mouth is gross?” you teased.

“I said I liked it, you just surprised me”.

“So it’s not gross then?”

“No, it is a little gross, but that does not mean I did not like it too”.

You leaned back in and wasted no time getting back to where you left off, coaxing his lips apart and once more. He got brave and pressed into your mouth, with how much larger he was than you his tongue did not leave you much to maneuver. Instead you opted to try sucking on his tongue a bit, gently closing your lips around him and teasing him that way.

Once more he moaned into your mouth and you could see him panting heavily when you pulled away.

“I think I like kissing” he smiled.

You peppered his face with little kisses and took the time to kiss all along his tusks before pulling him into another deep kiss. It almost made you giggle, he was stiff and awkward in his movements, trying to figure out how much to open his mouth or what exactly he was supposed to be doing with his tongue. It was actually quite endearing.

When you pulled away thing time you could not help smile and giggle a bit.

“What is so funny? I do not think I am that bad at it” Zen said.

“No it’s not that. I just didn’t think that this would be an experience I’d ever have again, that weird sort of awkward kiss you have when first learning. It’s been so many years since it’s been like that and I don’t know, it’s kind of fun in a way to do it again”.

“Well, I am glad you are having fun” he was still panting a bit, but he had such a soft smile on his face when he looked at you. “Is kissing always so intense?”

“It doesn’t have to be, I can pull it back a bit if it was too much”.

“No, please do not do that. I really liked it”.

He looked so good under you. At some point you had shift to where you were straddling his chest for a better angle and to reach his hair better and you would be lying to yourself if you did not admit that this was doing a lot for you. Big, powerful, avatar of the lord of shadow whimpering and moaning while kissing and having his hair pulled. Sitting up like this on top of him now you did not feel so embarrassed about him seeing you naked all of a sudden, and you were also fairly certain you were leaving a damp spot on his chest.

Part 15

[kathlare]

homecoming serenity

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Amelie returns to London after a hectic travel experience and is welcomed by Lando, who greets her with a thoughtful gesture.

Wordcount: 1.5 k

Warnings: just fluff

full masterlist // request over here!

December 23rd, 2024 - London, United Kingdom

It had been a long, exhausting day for Amelie. The chaos of the holiday travel season had hit her jet harder than expected, and delays had piled up on top of the already hectic schedule. She could barely keep her eyes open as she sat in the private lounge, looking over at her team, who were equally tired from the trip. The flight from New York to London had been pushed back twice due to the overload of air traffic, and now she was staring at the clock, knowing she wouldn’t be getting into London until 2 a.m.

But none of it mattered anymore. Not when she knew that Lando would be waiting for her, the one constant she could rely on. It had been almost a week since she saw him, and though they'd been texting and calling, nothing compared to being in his arms.

As soon as her plane touched down, Amelie was quick to gather her things, the anticipation making her heart race. She had missed him more than she had been willing to admit, even to herself. With her team in tow, she stepped off the jet, the crisp London air biting at her skin, but she hardly noticed. All she could think about was the warm, familiar presence waiting for her.

The moment she stepped into the arrivals hall, she saw him. He was there, just like always, leaning against the wall with a bunch of bright yellow tulips in his hand. She had mentioned once, long ago, that yellow tulips were her favorite, and he never forgot. The sight of him sent a wave of relief and warmth over her.

—Lan,— she breathed, a smile spreading across her face as she jogged toward him, her heart doing an erratic dance in her chest.

—Ames,— he said, a grin forming as he straightened up, the flowers in his hand now reaching out toward her. —For you, love.—

Amelie took the bouquet from him, bringing the flowers to her nose as she inhaled deeply. She felt her entire body relax, the exhaustion of travel slipping away.

—You’re perfect,— she murmured, her eyes locking with his.

Lando chuckled softly. —You look wrecked.—

—You think so?— she teased back, raising an eyebrow. —I feel wrecked.—

He reached out to gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. —I’m just glad you’re finally here.—

—Me too,— she said softly, leaning into his touch for a moment, closing her eyes as she let herself enjoy the moment.

They spent a few more minutes exchanging soft words, catching up as if they hadn’t just spoken hours ago. But the rush of seeing each other after so many days apart left them both feeling like time had stood still.

Lando led her to the car, and they made their way to his place. The ride was comfortable, but the silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of silence they shared when they were content in each other’s presence.

Once they arrived, Lando opened the door to his flat and flipped the light on, his voice filled with warmth. —Home sweet home.—

Amelie let out a content sigh, her feet aching from the long flight. —Finally.—

Lando closed the door behind them and dropped his bag by the entryway before turning to face her. His eyes softened as they took in the sight of Amelie—tired, yet somehow glowing, even after all the travel chaos. The look he gave her made her heart flutter, like it had when they first became friends, and later, when they started dating. That deep connection still held them tightly, even after everything.

—You hungry?— Lando asked, his voice a little softer than usual. —I could whip something up, make you feel more at home.—

Amelie shook her head, too tired to even think about food. —Honestly, Lan, I just want to go to bed. I haven’t slept properly in… I don’t even know how long. I just want to sleep next to you, that’s all.—

Lando’s smile widened at her words, his heart skipping a beat. —You’ve got it. Bed, it is.—

He walked towards the bedroom, knowing that the second she saw the bed, she'd crash into it. But before they could reach it, Amelie stopped in her tracks, her eyes locking onto him with a playful, flirtatious gleam.

—You’re still so cute,— she said softly, her voice teasing. —I don’t even know why I’m still surprised by how much you spoil me.—

Lando chuckled, shaking his head as he took a step closer. —I’ll spoil you all night long, Ames,— he said with a wink. —But right now, let’s get some sleep before I do it properly.—

Amelie smiled, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let go of all the stress, slipping into the comfort of his arms as they collapsed onto the bed. The blankets surrounded them, warm and soft, and she snuggled close, breathing in the scent of him—familiar, safe, and exactly what she needed.

—Missed you so much,— Amelie mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled but sincere.

Lando ran his fingers through her hair, the motion gentle and soothing. —I missed you more, Ames. More than you know.—

It wasn’t long before their quiet, contented breathing filled the room, both of them slipping into a peaceful slumber, lost in the warmth of each other’s presence.

But the peaceful night wasn’t meant to last long. At 6 a.m., Amelie was the first to stir, the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand pulling her from sleep. She groaned, rolling over to glance at the screen. Her makeup artist, Gla Tema, was calling, ready to start getting her prepared for the day.

—Shit,— Amelie muttered under her breath, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed.

Lando closed the door behind them and dropped his bag by the entryway before turning to face her. His eyes softened as they took in the sight of Amelie—tired, yet somehow glowing, even after all the travel chaos. The look he gave her made her heart flutter, like it had when they first became friends, and later, when they started dating. That deep connection still held them tightly, even after everything.

—You hungry?— Lando asked, his voice a little softer than usual. —I could whip something up, make you feel more at home.—

Amelie shook her head, too tired to even think about food. —Honestly, Lan, I just want to go to bed. I haven’t slept properly in… I don’t even know how long. I just want to sleep next to you, that’s all.—

Lando’s smile widened at her words, his heart skipping a beat. —You’ve got it. Bed, it is.—

He walked towards the bedroom, knowing that the second she saw the bed, she'd crash into it. But before they could reach it, Amelie stopped in her tracks, her eyes locking onto him with a playful, flirtatious gleam.

—You’re still so cute,— she said softly, her voice teasing. —I don’t even know why I’m still surprised by how much you spoil me.—

Lando chuckled, shaking his head as he took a step closer. —I’ll spoil you all night long, Ames,— he said with a wink. —But right now, let’s get some sleep before I do it properly.—

Amelie smiled, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let go of all the stress, slipping into the comfort of his arms as they collapsed onto the bed. The blankets surrounded them, warm and soft, and she snuggled close, breathing in the scent of him—familiar, safe, and exactly what she needed.

—Missed you so much,— Amelie mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled but sincere.

Lando ran his fingers through her hair, the motion gentle and soothing. —I missed you more, Ames. More than you know.—

It wasn’t long before their quiet, contented breathing filled the room, both of them slipping into a peaceful slumber, lost in the warmth of each other’s presence.

But the peaceful night wasn’t meant to last long. At 6 a.m., Amelie was the first to stir, the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand pulling her from sleep. She groaned, rolling over to glance at the screen. Her makeup artist was calling, ready to start getting her prepared for the day.

—Shit,— Amelie muttered under her breath, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed.

Lando groggily shifted beside her, his arm reaching out to pull her back down into the warmth of the covers. —Noooo, don’t leave yet, Ames,— he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. His arm wrapped around her waist, trying to keep her in place, but Amelie gently nudged him off.

—As much as I want to stay here with you, babe, I have to get up,— she replied, her voice still laced with sleepiness as she tried to peel herself away from him.

Lando groaned dramatically, pulling her back toward him one more time before reluctantly letting go. He gave her a pouty look, the kind that always made her laugh. —I swear, you’re the busiest woman I know,— he said, running a hand through his messy hair. —Can’t even have you all to myself for one morning.—

Amelie gave him a smirk, her eyes half-lidded with sleep. —You’ve had me plenty of mornings, Lan. Don’t act like you don’t know the drill by now.—

Lando yawned, stretching his arms above his head. —Yeah, well, I’m still not over how lucky I am to have you back here. It's been too damn long.—

Amelie rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a smile despite herself. —You say that now. Just wait until I’m all over the place with press and events. I won’t have time to breathe.—

—I don’t mind. As long as you’re breathing next to me when you can,— he said, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he slipped out of bed and grabbed her hoodie from the chair, tossing it to her. —Go make yourself pretty for the press and I’ll make you breakfast, okay? You deserve it.—

Amelie chuckled, pulling the hoodie over her head. —You’re too sweet. Thank you.—

She reached out to touch his arm before heading toward the bathroom, feeling that familiar warmth between them again. Even after all the time they’d been apart, nothing felt forced or uncomfortable when it came to him. It was like they had always been right here, together, even if the world outside them moved at a thousand miles an hour.

Lando smiled to himself as he made his way to the kitchen, moving with quiet confidence, as if he knew exactly what he was doing. When Amelie was in "go mode," he had learned long ago that the best way to get her to relax was by feeding her—preferably something simple, something comforting. He pulled out the ingredients for her favorite breakfast: pancakes, just the way she liked them—fluffy and warm, with extra syrup on the side. A few strawberries to garnish and a side of fresh orange juice. It wasn’t the grandest breakfast, but he knew it would hit the spot.

As Lando worked in the kitchen, the soft hum of the morning seemed to settle into a quiet rhythm. He cracked the eggs, mixed the batter, and flipped the pancakes with ease, the kind of precision that always made Amelie smile. He knew what she liked, and in this moment, it wasn’t about extravagant gestures. It was the little things, the care he put into making her feel comfortable, that mattered.

Meanwhile, Amelie was in the bathroom, her face tired but determined as she began her morning routine. She scrubbed away the remnants of the long journey, her mind drifting back to how nice it was to be back here with him. It felt so natural, like slipping into an old sweater—comfy, familiar, and exactly what she needed.

She could hear Lando’s soft voice from the kitchen, singing some random tune he’d made up in the moment, likely an off-key version of a song she couldn’t quite place. It made her smile despite herself. The chaotic whirlwind of press events was about to begin, but right now, this—being with him—was the calm in the storm.

After finishing in the bathroom, Amelie slipped back into the bedroom, quickly throwing on her sweats before going into the kitchen. Lando was just plating the pancakes, his eyes lighting up when he saw her enter.

—Morning, beautiful,— he greeted with that grin she loved so much, that grin that never failed to make her feel special, even when she was running on barely any sleep.

—Morning,— Amelie replied, her voice a little hoarse but warm. She walked over to him, leaning on the counter, watching as he poured syrup onto the pancakes. —I’m starving. I can’t believe you woke up early to do all this for me.—

Lando shrugged, his mischievous smile tugging at his lips. —I wasn’t going to let you starve before you go off to another busy day.— He placed the plate in front of her, setting a fork next to it. —Eat. I know you won’t have time to eat later.—

Amelie picked up the fork, taking a bite of the pancake, her eyes fluttering closed as she savored the taste. —God, Lan, you really are the best,— she said between bites. —I swear, no one makes pancakes like you.—

Lando sat down next to her, his eyes softening as he watched her enjoy the breakfast. —I know. I’m pretty talented.—

She laughed, shaking her head at his cocky grin. —Always so humble, huh?—

—Well, someone has to be,— Lando quipped, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. —And I do it for you, Ames. All for you.—

Amelie rolled her eyes, but her smile never faltered. She set the fork down and reached out to squeeze his hand. —Thank you, really,— she said, her voice more sincere. —For this. For everything. I know it’s been crazy for both of us, but just... having you here makes everything easier.—

He squeezed her hand back, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. —I know, Ames. Same here. I’ll always be here, no matter how crazy things get.— His voice softened, more serious now, as his gaze locked onto hers. —And after all this press stuff, you’ll have some time to just... breathe, yeah? I’ll make sure of it.—

She nodded, her heart swelling with affection for him. —That sounds perfect.—

Amelie finished her pancakes, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. There was something about Lando, about being with him, that made everything feel like it was falling into place. As chaotic as their lives had been, as distant as they’d sometimes been from each other, moments like this reminded her that they were exactly where they were supposed to be. Together.

Once breakfast was done, Amelie quickly finished getting ready. Lando kept himself busy, putting the dishes away and pulling on his hoodie, settling onto the couch with his phone in hand as Amelie did her final touch-ups in the bathroom. He wasn’t in a rush. He knew she had a full day ahead of her, and even though he wished he could keep her all to himself, he was patient. He’d learned that patience was one of the best ways to love her.

By the time Amelie was finished, it was already time for her glam team to arrive. She kissed Lando on the cheek before stepping into the living room, finding her makeup artist and hair stylist waiting for her.

The glam team got to work quickly, brushing, curling, and primping her for the day ahead. Amelie was used to the routine by now, but today, the weight of the final press day before the premiere of Wicked felt heavier. She was ready for it to be over, to finally have a break, to spend time with Lando.

As the team finished, she glanced at Lando, who had his head tilted back on the couch, eyes half-closed but with a quiet grin on his face.

—Come on, Lan,— she said, standing up and stretching. —You’re coming to the premiere, right? No way you’re getting out of it this time.—

—I wouldn’t miss it for the world,— he answered, standing up to walk over to her. His hand found the small of her back as they made their way to the door. He leaned down, brushing a kiss to her temple. —After all, you’ll be stunning, and I need to be the lucky guy standing next to you.—

Amelie’s heart fluttered, her nerves from the day ahead momentarily forgotten. —You’re too much,— she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips.

As she turned to leave, Lando called out to her, his voice playful but sincere. —Just don’t forget, I’m always here, Ames. I’ll be cheering you on the whole time. You’ve got this.—

Amelie turned, her eyes softening as she looked at him. —I know, Lan. See you later.—

With a wink, Lando let her go, watching as she left for the press interviews. As soon as she was out the door, he quickly moved to gather the few things he needed before he would leave later to head to Merida. But for now, he knew he had to be there for her in his own quiet way.

[starlostseungmin]

EMPYREAN PRINCE CASCADES, KSM.

✰ summary: “i am yours even if this is meant to be a loveless marriage between us. no feelings involved, just politics.” — it started with a diplomatic agreement between two kingdoms to stop a war but ended up cascading to a love-driven affinity.

✰ pairing: prince!seungmin x afab!reader (princess)

✰ genre: slow burn, strangers-to-lovers, fixed marriage, mediocre angst, romance.

✰ warnings: profanity, mentions of war, wounds, kissing, not proofread, let me know if i missed something.

✰ word count: 10.2k

✰ playlist — war of hearts (until kingdom come) masterlist collab. ♡

✰ notes: thank you so much @hyunverse for making this collab possible! i enjoyed writing for seungmo’s entry and i hope everyone will love reading each member’s endjng. as much as i want to write this longer than 10k, it is what it is for me tho T-T but i’m really happy that i am part of it! once again, thank you so much. and to the readers, i hope you’ll enjoy the rollercoaster ride! don’t forget to leave feedbacks and reblog! <333

✰ tags: @writerracha @princelingperfect @ggundeuri @orithyia-eriphyle @vumiixlyy @luvrhyune @hopeladybug @misitmoonlight @baldi-2 @baddecisionsworld @thetaytayray @midsoulz @hyunverse @realbangchan @hafsa-hoofsa-heefs @rachabreathing @nixtape-foryou @ameliesaysshoo @jisungsdaydreamer @https-skzology @day6andetcetera @linonyang @hgema @seoli-16 @bokk-minnie @foliea @amagumorii @nhyunn @ravyaryn @ink-spilled-stars @himarose @sherryblossom @shakalakaboomboo @r-arrh @siriusly1 @catwonwoo @suebinn @foxinnie8

Seungmin stood at the altar, hands clasped below his waist as he watched you walk down the aisle. The Empyrean cathedral was packed with the elites and other royals from the neighboring kingdoms to witness the Princess of Noctifer betrothed to the Prince of Empyreanーeven the townsmen. A sigh escaped your lips as your hands tightened their grip on your bouquet. This marriage was too soon and both kingdoms wanted to rush the celebration. And for what? Treaties of peace, stronger alliance, preventing wars, and improving bilateral agreementsーjust for the sake of politics perhaps?

You were sick of it but at the same time, you were left with no choice but to stand for your kingdom’s well-being. And the smiles your parents are drawing on their faces hold the triumph and success while letting their daughter falls into the hands of someone they don’t know. 

The wedding march just comes in and out of your ears. A traditional sound you always hear when you were invited to all the wedding events that happened in the past. They were all arranged marriages, nothing has done it out of love. Royals would say love is an inconvenience to your duties, yours even, but you’ve never been in love. You were just another bookworm who loved to bury their nose between the pages of romance novels hoping for those stories to become your reality. But now that you are stuck with Seungmin for life, your fate started to change the moment you took a step toward the altar. 

You don’t know Seungmin, you don’t know a lot of things about him, you may have heard rumors that he is a snob and doesn’t-give-a-fuck type of prince but he is less or more than that. This marriage was made to strengthen the two kingdoms' alliances and fight together in matters of war. These reasons are not new anymore, they are always the excuse to gather wealth and a repulsive sense of power. But you were too independent to be the wife of someone you barely know. Two months wasn’t enough to get to know each other, but you know Seungmin isn’t as bad as what you heard from baseless rumors yet you could feel how cold he is. 

“It takes time,” They said. “The Prince is kind,” They said. “The Queen wanted him to marry to have grandchildren,” It made no sense at all. 

You don’t hate him, you don’t like him either and nothing is going on even if the priest asked him to kiss the bride. No spark and passion. That kiss you shared on the altar was just for show. A way to fool everyone that you were good and Seungmin felt the same. Nothing. Both of you admit that it was hard to pretend and force yourself to follow the things you were and weren’t supposed to do. He couldn’t even flash a smile or hold your hand unless necessary. It hurts your pride and ego to stand beside him, but who are you to complain? Both of you agreed to do this in the first place anyway. 

The candles burned as the black smoke escalated in the air—quiet. Sounds of crickets from the open garden outside and the wind casually enter your shared bedroom. You sat quietly as Seungmin was reading a letter from the parliament. He should be paying attention to you as a husband and wife, but there he is, covered with focus and thoughts as the words echo inside his head from the paper. It was hard to pretend that you are not hurt when you are not heard. You believed that ignoring each other would be easy in the sense that you’ve got no romantic feelings involved, but the fact that he is supposed to be a loving husband who pays attention to his wife. At least getting to know each other more. 

“It’s already bedtime, Your Highness,” You spoke as Seungmin sighed, rolling the paper. 

“Let’s not do this,” He said, sitting beside you on your shared bed for the first night. “I know you are not comfortable,” He added. 

“It doesn’t matter how I feel,” You said, looking at him but Seungmin couldn’t even spare you a look. “Can you at least lay with me?” You asked. 

“No need,” He sighed. “We’ll get a divorce after 2 years anyway, you won’t have to pretend that you care.” 

“Because we’re in this situation? I’m still your wife, I have the very right to care.” You retorted but your husband just shook his head in response. 

“Good night Y/N,” 

Seungmin left the room leaving you dumbfounded. It was supposed to be your honeymoon right after the wedding celebration. The royal servants have prepared a place of your privacy and expected a night full of passion and love, yet both of you loved to disappoint everyone else and listen to your feelings. But still, you were going to try, for the sake of this agreement. And there he disappeared. He doesn’t care and you just heard the doors of the room shut as his footsteps faded in the hallway. Only a sigh escaped from your lips and took the candlestick from the table, blowing the flame away. 

Being distant from each other cascaded almost every day. You are often found in the library reading books, sometimes in the garden taking strolls with your maids tailing you, and rarely at the study. Seungmin doesn’t pay attention, maybe he trusts you a bit with intelligence and is dependent when it comes to politics. But who cares about politics when your husband wanted a divorce after 2 years? This marriage is also political from whatever angle you may want to look at. 

Many people believe that falling in love in this type of situation is accurate but dealing with this is the opposite of being written in a fairytale. You believe that they only exist in books and are never written in real life. People consider themselves lucky when they get to experience what falling in love feels like in a genuine manner. But risking your freedom for a loveless and political marriage is a whole different story. 

It holds the agreement: “I am yours even if this is meant to be a loveless marriage between us. No feelings involved, just politics.” You admit that it hurts your ego to jump into the well. The possibility of falling in love is crucial in this type of scenario especially when Seungmin doesn’t give a shit and you just try to be what you are supposed to be—the new Princess of the Empyrean kingdom and the wife of the only heir to the throne. But sometimes, you wish it was more than that. 

It was the usual Thursday afternoon where you are sitting on the couch inside the library disregarding the fact that you have to study the negotiations of Seungmin’s kingdom. Reading novels is a force of habit and you are always entertained which is disregarding the fact that you need to study. 

The big windows allowed the afternoon sunlight to touch the marble floor as they reflected on the glass making rainbows and shapes. It was pretty to look at and it added to the mood of your imagination. You know Seungmin loves to read, but his interest in books is highly different from yours, from the genre to the authors and use of vocabulary. He’s a little bit picky about it. But then again, why would you care about the smallest detail about him when you don’t even matter from his perspective? 

Only a sigh escaped your lips as the thought of him crossed your mind. Living inside the Empyrean Chateau—where you decided to stay after the honeymoon—for the last couple of weeks seems heavy and dull. The routine keeps on repeating itself every day and you rarely see Seungmin around. He doesn’t share the same room with you anymore and at the same time, his duty is in the palace of the King and Queen. It’s peaceful, somehow but you would still feel the loneliness inside despite the presence of your maids and the other workers around. You weren’t supposed to think about Seungmin when he’s not around but as a wife, you need to mind your commitment. 

Flipping a page on the book, you heard a knock outside of the library which had caught your attention. It doesn’t happen every day, but then you sensed a familiar presence that envelopes the Chateau.

“Come in!” You said, placing the bookmark in between the pages and standing up to place it back on its respective shelf. 

“Your Highness,” Your maid greeted with a respectful bow. “The Prince has arrived,” 

“He’s home?” You asked. “For what reason?” 

“He wants to see you,” The maid answered. It is probably about business. You thought because that’s the only thing that runs this affinity. 

Dismissing the maid with a polite thank you, you headed outside to meet your husband at the hall. His hair is disheveled from the strong wind, gushing outside but his outfit remains neat. You stood a few meters away from him as his eyes darted on the big portrait of you and him wearing your wedding attires being displayed at the center part of the wall—it would be the first one to see the moment you enter inside the Chateau. He is dashing and debonair, the type of Prince who is pristine and has a good reputation, minus the attitude or maybe that’s how he is treating you differently than anyone else. 

“Your Highness,” You called and executed a bow as Seungmin turned to face you. 

“Y/n,” He said, monotonously. 

“How was your visit to town?” You asked, flashing the most patient smile you have. 

“Good,” He started. “How is everything in the Chateau?” He asked out of nowhere which is not his manner when it comes to you. 

“Good,” You answered vaguely as he gave a nod in response. But to be very honest, Seungmin doesn’t know what else to say. Maybe he decided to come home to inform you about the news he had heard this morning from the court or not. He probably wanted to see you out of nowhere, well, he doesn’t know. 

“Would you spare me a minute? I have something to say,” He said. 

“I am listening, Your Highness,” You said. 

“Stop with the formalities, just call me Seungmin,” He answered as you smiled gently. 

“If that is fine with you?” You asked as he shake his head. 

“I insist,” He answered again. “It will be a little odd for a wife to call their husband so formally. This will stay for quite a while, Y/n,” It was weird.  

“Alright,” You smiled as you go along with it. “What are you going to tell me?” 

“Shall we take a stroll by the garden first?” It was new. 

For the past two weeks of almost ignoring each other, Seungmin’s attitude today seems different. The next thing you knew, you were both walking on the aisle watching the flowers bloom in the middle of summer. Roses are red, the lavender swayed with the air, sunflowers are standing tall and others made it healthy and lively. Seungmin fell silent as his hands were placed behind his back as he walked with you. No words were exchanged as you waited for him to speak up. 

You tried to observe him more as you indulge the silence you’d shared. His side profile is so beautiful, and how much more if you get to see the wholeness of his beautiful face? You don’t want to fall for his physical beauty yet you can’t help but admire him. It is dangerous to fall for looks but you admit you like the fact that he is a bookworm too. And as you had thought a while ago, getting to know Seungmin for the past two months wasn’t enough. 

“There’s chaos happening at the Western border of Empyrean. Terrorists from the Seraphina Empire wanted to cross our borders and raided a part of the town.” He started. “My father wanted me to go with him to settle a negotiation but I think I will be fighting for the war.” 

“Didn’t Noctifer deployed enough soldiers to assist?” You asked. You knew the chaos in the Western border but Seungmin coming with the King to fight for peace is should be not surprising but you felt the opposite. There is a part of you that you don’t want him to leave even if you barely see him around. 

“Your kingdom has deployed enough,” He answered. “But I still need to go. I have to provide aid and temporary homes for the victims. Might as well learn something to expand my knowledge and combatting skills.” He sighs in between. “It’s a hustle,” 

Your eyes didn’t leave his face. The expression he’s been giving is a serious one which made you hooked while listening. 

“When are you leaving?” You asked, studying his features. 

“In four days,” He sighed again. “I need to stay here to think. Will you be alright?” He asked, looking at you. It was your chance to look away and distract yourself from looking at the flowers. Yes, I will be fine, I am used to being alone in this place without your presence and why are you suddenly worried? You didn’t answer for a while, you don’t know what to say. Seungmin, leaving for a war? You don’t know when he will be back. 

“I will,” You smiled. 

“I mean, will you be fine having me around or when I’m gone?” He asked again, halting to look at you. 

“I mean, you don’t even care about me so what’s with the question?” That was rude. It was a straightforward question, but you were just being honest. How on earth would Seungmin ask about it? He never cared in the first place. You could clearly remember what he said the night after your wedding. Getting a divorce in 2 years after everything is just stupid nonsense. But Seungmin stood there in silence. 

“I just wanted to know,” He said after a few seconds. 

“It doesn’t matter Seungmin,” You said as he nodded in agreement. It was awkward for both of you. Getting married without feelings is already hard enough to deal with. The context is empty but with one purpose, politics. “We just have to deal with this and convince everyone we’re in love,” 

“It’s childish,” He smirked. “I’m not one for those,” 

“Me too,” You said. “But there’s nothing wrong with putting in some effort, right?” 

Seungmin looked at you as if you were a mad woman and you met his eyes. True he is not fond of the genre you love but he has a part to play for the sake of this marriage. But your husband shook his head at the statement and gave you a small smile, you didn’t know what for. He understands your point yet he doesn’t want to play pretend to fool everyone in the Kingdom, the fear of commitment is all he could think of. As a Prince, he has other commitments, but to you, it is different, the one that he is unsure of. Pretending to be in love. 

“You’re reading too much of that genre,” He said, shaking his head again. “There will be a gathering at the palace the night before I leave,” He said. “Everyone is expecting you to come,” 

“I will be there when you need me,” You smiled. 

“I guess you will have to deal with me in four days,” He smiled as you gave him a bow. 

“I wouldn’t mind,” You said. “So, what do you want to do?” 

Seungmin stood in front of his desk reading the reports of the chaos happening inside the Western border of the Empyrean kingdom. He remembered that this situation is quite familiar after rebel groups had messed up with the Kingdom’s sovereignty rights. Noctifer, however, has a large military capacity that the Empyrean needs to solidify their protection. Unfortunately, they were not on good terms. The King offered to marry his only son to the princess to make a peace treaty. The Prince thought it was unnecessary to build such a relationship when they only want an ally when war broke out. But it was basic tradition. Noctifer’s Princess needed a groom, as the higher-ups would say. 

It was confusing and hard at the same time. The plan flows for a year after several negotiations and proposals. The two newlyweds were given a couple of months to know each other, but as has been mentioned, it wasn’t enough. You denied it when they said you needed a groom to run Noctifer in the future but the parliament would always make questionable decisions for the sake of power and sovereign rights. It shouldn’t end up this way, but Seungmin agreed with no hesitation even if it was against his will. He didn’t think of any bad things about you. After having to choose Princesses from other Kingdoms to consider as the future queen of Empyrean, none of them tackled his interest. Maybe the thought of ‘need’ have made him impulsive to say ‘yes’ to you. 

Everything was awkward as he remembered your promise of loyalty; “I am yours even if this is meant to be a loveless marriage between us. No feelings involved, just politics.” There it goes again. He was amused at the same time, he doesn’t know you and he was curious as to why would you act as if you care about this marriage during the first night. Seungmin didn’t want to think about it but you keep on messing with his head. He learned that women are a distraction to his duties when he was young, he thought love doesn’t matter when it comes to politics, and he thought this marriage would be a waste of time just to preserve sovereign rights but you made an impact. 

“Your Highness, are you even listening?” Asked Jisung who happened to be inside his office, talking about the casualties that the invaders have made. 

“Pardon me,” He sighed. 

“You seemed distracted today,” Jisung added as Seungmin sat down behind his desk, frustrated about the King’s orders. “Is something wrong?” 

“Nothing,” Seungmin denied. “You are lucky you are not married,” Jisung smirked at the statement and chuckled. 

“Your Highness, if this is about the Princess, you two should talk it through,” He suggested as the Prince looked at him in disappointment. 

“Do you even know what I’m thinking about?” Seungmin said. “My father ordered me to stay here to spend some time with Y/n and asked if I could bring them to the gathering in three days. They also asked me what I wanted to do,” 

“So what did you do?” Jisung asked, intrigued. 

“I didn’t have something in mind yet,” Seungmin sighed. “But at the same time, I want to return the favor for saving my Kingdom’s demise,” 

“Love,” Jisung suggested as Seungmin gave him that look again. 

“Shut up,” Seungmin defended. 

“Oh please, it will eventually come your way,” Jisung smirked. “The Princess is brave enough to settle disagreements by marrying you,” 

“Y/n is your wife,” “You should spend some time with the Princess before you leave,” “Who knows when will the war ends,” It’s like a chore to follow orders, it has always been since the beginning. Maybe he is too distracted with his chores to forget about you, or maybe you were too busy to give him a chance to know you more. You don’t even treat him like a friend, both of you were just committed to doing your chores. “And who knows if you are going to come back alive?” Seungmin doesn’t want that. 

“It feels like I owe Y/n if we put it at that,” Seungmin said vaguely. 

“It’s actually you two owe each other for the sake of diplomacy,” Jisung answered. 

“You sound smart,” Seungmin said rolling his eyes as Jisung scoffed in disagreement. “Anyway, you are dismissed, say my regards to Hyunjin,” 

“Very well your Highness,” Jisung smiled as he stood up from his seat and executed a bow before leaving his office. After a few minutes, you saw Jisung walk past the hallway as you were seeing Seungmin to visit him. You as well received a report about the Noctiferian soldiers who deployed the other day to accommodate the inefficiency of Empyrean defenders. The war between Seraphinian terrorists and the Empyrean Kingdom has extended to the southwest border. Casualties expanded, lives were taken, and the scarcity of basic needsーit was getting worse by every minute. Victims of war have already fled to the South. 

You knocked at his door twice before you could hear a faint voice coming from inside. The door opened gently as you enter with grace. Seungmin seemed frustrated the moment you came in, probably because of the war going on or the thought that Jisung left. 

“Good morning, Your Highness,” You greeted. 

“Good morning, Y/n,” He greeted back. “Now what did I tell you about the formalities?” 

“I apologize,” You giggled. “But I’m here for the report,” 

“Jisung already told me,” Seungmin said. “Have a seat,” 

Nodding at him, you took the seat Jisung used earlier and examined his office as well as his condition. Worry is painted in his eyes and the troubled expression he carries made you wonder. 

“You seemed distressed,” You said as Seungmin ran his fingers through his hair. 

“You can tell?” He smirked. “I’m fine.” 

“Doesn’t seem to me,” You answered. “Are you okay?” 

“Yes,” Seungmin said firmly. 

“Alright,” You smiled. “Anyway, I was about to give you information about the situation at the Southwest border but I think Jisung beat me into it. Do you need some time alone? I happened to drop by quickly because I’m still preparing for the gathering in three days,” You continued as Seungmin looked at you. 

“You can ditch it today, enjoy yourself at least,” Seungmin said which made you tilt your head. 

“For someone who stands firm in his duty is giving me free time?” You smirked. 

“I don’t want to think about that right now,” He said. “Forget about it for a while,” 

“Seungmin, you need some time outside rather than staying in your office ever since yesterday and thinking about the casualties. I know it’s your duty but you’re leaving in three days, so you won’t be able to take a break starting from that,” You said as he sighs. 

“Why do you care so much?” Seungmin asked which made you stop in your tracks. But he does have a point. Why do you care so much to make this marriage valid? 

“I don’t know,” You answered. “Maybe I just care about you? I mean, you’re not home every day. You’re always thinking about business and politics and I feel so lonely in the study. You know why I’m here, I know why we’re doing this but I just can’t help it. You’re my husband, even if this is a loveless marriage, I’m loyal, and I don’t care about the divorce you were talking about the night after our wedding, just let me do my part. You just told me to ditch this topic so why can’t you? Go out with me.” If you ever did have feelings for Seungmin, it would be assumed that you were confessing your love for him. It will be weird and at the same time, you are trying to avoid the fact of falling for him. 

“Do you like me that much?” He asked as you scoffed in response. 

“How dare you say that?” You said rolling your eyes. “I just care okay? Do I need to fall for you just to care?” You defended. But fuck, I already did and I don’t know why or maybe I was just lovesick?

“Whatever Y/n,” He said shaking his head, and grabbed the scattered papers on his desk.  

“Is that a no?” You asked. 

“Yes, and you may leave,” He retorted as he sat on his chair, pretending to read the papers in his hand. 

“Fine,” You sighed in defeat. “But just tell the maids if you want my presence or whatever the fuck you want me,” You added rolling your eyes. 

“Words,” Seungmin warned. 

“Attitude,” You backfired and left his office making Seungmin smile to himself while shaking his head. 

The next day, you found yourself playing the harp in the middle of the hall. Seungmin is still hanging around his office while holding a meeting and you were out of the frame. But if you were being honest, you don’t want to mess up the small gathering even if you wanted to play a very important role in resolving this conflict. You already sent Jisung in to raise your concerns and suggestions, afraid of being disregarded. The parliament doesn’t usually listen but you were thankful that Jisung is always ready to take part in it. 

The sounds of the instrument traveled through the halls of the Chateau but remained inaudible in your husband’s office. But it was faint and gentle. The maids and other workers stopped by to listen. You were bored in this big household anyway and Seungmin doesn’t want to give any of his time to you even if you already said your purpose. Unsure about the conversation you had yesterday, it was true that you were lovesick and he’s leaving in two days. It would make you feel more lonely. You admit you’re not used to his presence for the past two days but it made the Chateau a little bit lively and made your heart pound for a bit. 

A sigh escaped your lips as you stopped playing and headed toward the garden. Seeing the flowers and the fountain in the middle made you feel relaxed other than thinking of your busy husband. You admit you were disappointed that he didn’t go out with you yesterday but you had to understand his situation. Seungmin has a priority and you are just hoping he won’t ruin your night at the gathering tomorrow. 

You sat on the flat surface surrounding the fountain as you indulge in the fresh breeze of the wind, admiring the view of the garden. It was wide enough for your brain to relax but the thought of Seungmin is locked inside. It’s not like he did something to make you fall for him, maybe caring about him too much has carried the feelings. You are not wrong basically or probably it’s because of his looks and how he portrays his expression and attitude to the point that you don’t even understand what you were thinking. 

Seungmin dismissed his company and asked the maids where have you gone. He just missed your musical performance. It was a hectic afternoon anyway and he needed the time to breathe. He had to fix his looks before taking a stroll to the wide garden and looking for you. Seungmin knew he have to be formal with the meeting, a white blazer, white polo inside, black pants, and belt around his waist, his bangs parted, and he looked dashing. But you didn’t see it after he was out looking for you. 

“Why is my wife alone?” You heard his voice. 

“Haha, funny,” You said rolling your eyes and turning around to face him. Dashing as always that it made your jaw drop. You didn’t want to be noticeable but that’s how Seungmin’s visuals affect you, other than his other qualities. He is smart you admit, yet the attitude is kind of snob and cold just like how he had treated you in his office yesterday. 

“What?” He asked, raising a brow. 

“Nothing,” You retorted. “You don’t have to be so formal in this household,” 

“I had a meeting with the parliament, Y/n,” He said as you shrugged your shoulders. 

“Why are you out here?” You asked. 

“To know if you were here, I asked the maids where you’ve been,” He said, taking a few steps and sitting beside you. “You should be inside the meeting instead of Jisung, your ideas would’ve been elaborated properly,” 

“I don’t like those gatherings and I already told Jisung what to do,” You defended. “How did you like them?” You asked, looking at him. Damn it, why is he so overwhelming? 

“Well since it’s about resolving the conflict, you suggested bilateral agreements and military support. I agree with the military support Y/n, but are you sure about the bilateral agreements? These are rebelsー” 

“Seungmin, you can always talk to the Seraphina Empire about that,” You said. “The rebels came from that kingdom and I’m sure they’re playing their part too, but for the sake of peace, you need diplomats to talk to them and make negotiations right?” Seungmin suddenly smiled as you gave him a puzzled look. “What?” 

“I told you, you should have gone inside instead of Jisung. I get your point, I’ll send diplomats tomorrow morning to Seraphina,” 

“You didn’t think of that earlier did you?” You smirked at him as Seungmin laughed. 

“I did. I’m not stupid,” He said. 

“I didn’t say you are,” You retorted. 

“Of course, you didn’t,” He answered. “Do you want to go somewhere? I don’t have schedules for the rest of the day so I thought we could spend some time together?” 

You looked at him once again smiling at the statement, “I thought you will never ask,” 

Seungmin smiled at you in return, “I gave it a thought of what you have said to me yesー” But before he could say something, you pulled right out of the garden and dragged him out of the Chateau. 

“I have something to show you,” You said. “It’s not much but it’s beautiful as if you are inside a book. It’s so calm in there,” Seungmin stayed quiet but he is amused by how adventurous this was even if it was just inside the kingdom. It was a bit far from the town and you, holding his hand felt so special. He admits it was the very first time you agreed on something, the time where he gets to spend with you that it’s not about politics and marriage. It felt easier to breathe this time and maybe all you need is to get close to disregard the tension caused by this arrangement. 

Walking with you away from the crowd and headed towards the hills had him thinking. Seungmin knows every place around the kingdom but never the secluded ones. He may have missed the beauty of what’s beyond the mountains. You stopped walking when you reached the grass field with small purple and yellow flowers growing in wide spaces. Tall trees cascaded to the slope. The view of the mountains is visible from afar and he could identify the north and eastern borders. It was beautiful scenery and the sun setting adds to its beauty. Seungmin was fascinated. 

“How did you find a place like this?” He asked. “I thought you like to stay inside the Chateau,” 

“Just because I don’t go out that much I have a limited knowledge of these kinds of places,” You retorted. “Besides, I found it even before our wedding, I just didn’t get the time to come back,” 

“It’s beautiful,” He smiled. 

“You haven’t been here before?” You asked, looking at him not realizing you were still holding his hand. 

“Maybe I did, I just don’t remember,” He said. “And now that you showed it to me, I guess I have a reason to come back here often,” 

“I’ll take that as a thank you,” You scoffed. “You’re welcome by the way. Do you want to take a walk?” 

“Yes, but please let go of my hand now,” Seungmin smirked as you panicked, quickly shoving his hand back to him and leaving to a blushing mess. 

“I’m sorry!” You said, turning away because of the embarrassment but Seungmin just giggled in return. How on earth did this cold and snob prince become warm? He wasn’t the prince you were talking to about the divorce. Maybe he’s slowly opening up to become friends? He doesn’t have the choice to be mean to you because of this marriage but that doesn’t mean he’s forced when he likes you. And as what has been mentioned, it is easier to breathe now. 

“It’s okay,” He said as he sat down on the grass. “Sit with me Y/n,” 

You took a deep breath before facing him again and smiled, taking the space beside him. It was warm and bright, the fresh breeze of the wind came gushing around as they played with your hair and swayed with the light materials of your clothes. Both of you sat in silence and admire the beauty of nature. Seungmin must’ve fallen into his deep thoughts while you wonder about him. You shouldn’t think about him too much but his presence and connection with you have pushed it in. 

“You’re leaving the day after tomorrow,” You said without looking at him. 

“What, are you going to miss me?” He smirked as you snorted in response. 

“Of course not,” You defended. “Well, maybe? I don’t know,” Seungmin just smiled and didn’t say anything after that. “I don’t want to decide selfishly but yes, I’ll probably miss you. I mean, we don’t see each other that much around the Kingdom because you are always busy, how much more if you are not here,” 

“Are you confessing to me?” Seungmin asked as you smacked his arm lightly. 

“Don’t be ridiculous!” But the prince just laughed as you jolted away, leaving the field. 

“Cute,” He smiled and stayed there for a while thinking about his fate. You took a stroll down, leaving him but the thought of what you just said to him made an impact. It was stupid, no, maybe it was or maybe not, what the actual fuckー. Shaking your head, you just went back to where he was and sat in silence, letting him have his moment. You know Seungmin has already a lot on his plate, you don’t want to mess him up more. 

“I thought you left?” He asked. 

“It was an impulsive reaction,” You answered. “Just don’t mind me here, I know you need some time to breathe,” 

“Thanks,” He smiled. “Thank you for caring,” You didn’t know what to say after that but it made your heart warm. 

The night of the gathering arrived, and only the elites and royals were invited for the send-off. Seungmin was already there, waiting for his wife to arrive. They were enjoying the buffet and champagne, the music was played by an orchestra and the place has an elegant decorations for the occasion. You decided to wear a beige ball puffy gown that shows your bare shoulders, the hems of the silk cloth fall gently on the floor as the person enveloped with it carries grace. It had flowers and spiral patterns designed on it and gems that glow when it captures the light from the chandelier. Everyone was left in awe and mesmerized the moment you arrived at the entrance. 

Seungmin's jaw dropped. 

He never felt this way during the wedding and never appreciated anything from you except that your efforts of marrying him are relevant to the purpose of why. The Queen had to push his son to approach you after being stunned and wasn’t able to function for a minute. You have welcomed with warm greetings as a waiter offered a glass of champagne. 

“Y/n, my dear, good evening!” The Queen greeted you as you bowed at her. 

“Good evening Your Highness,” You smiled and looked at Seungmin who was behind her. 

“Beautiful as always, my Dear,” Seungmin said, taking your hand before kissing it. It was new to both of you, but it was heart-fluttering and painted blush on your cheeks. You wanted to drink every glass of champagne to lower the panic. He’s been giving mixed signals or maybe it is part of the act of pretending to be in love. 

“Dashing as always, Your Highness,” You greeted back. 

“Let me steal your wife for a while, I missed their presence in the palace,” The Queen said hooking her arm around yours as she take you away. Seungmin was hesitating but his mother and you already emerged through the crowd. The King is even busier with his allies at the moment and the Prince is left with no one but Jisung, his assistant who also became your close friend. 

“Stop staring at Y/n, they’re going to melt in no time,” Jisung scoffed as he took a sip of his glass of champagne. 

“I am not staring,” Seungmin defended.

“Liar,” Jisung retorted as Seungmin glared at him. 

“Words,” The Prince said as the latter raised his hands in surrender. But it was a fact, he is indeed staring at you. Any Prince will stare at you at how you showed up this evening. Seungmin already acknowledged your beauty but never paid attention to the details until now. You are beautiful. 

“Attitude,” Jisung said rolling his eyes. 

“What’s with my attitude?” Seungmin scoffed as Jisung sighed in response. 

“An asshole,”

“Get out of my sight, stupid,” Seungmin said as Jisung just shrugged his shoulders. 

“I bet my position that you are falling in love, but if not, you can fire me,” 

“You need to convince me first,” Seungmin deadpanned as Jisung shake his head. 

“Whatever, Your Highness,” This was his cue to leave and Seungmin stood there with a glass of champagne in one hand. 

You were distracted with his mother and didn’t realize how many glasses of that strong drink you had taken. Maybe five or six? You are willing to have another one or more for sure even if you are already starting to get dizzy at the moment. The conversation is all about Seungmin and how she is going to miss him when he leaves tomorrow, not knowing when he will be back. You wanted to say that you would feel the same with his absence but you hesitated. Even learned that he is having a hard time expressing himself so you had to deal with it for a while. Maybe everyone assumed that this is a love-driven affinity but you two are still trying to build something. Maybe friendship first? 

You stood there with the seventh empty glass of champagne and placed it gently on the tray to the waiter who walk passed. “Seungmin is a responsible kid, he is smart, kind, and loving,” “Sometimes you can’t read him and he doesn’t know how to express himself,” “Understand him more,” But you are, he knows that you care and now look at him staring at you from across the hall. His black suit shines with the silver epaulettes adorning his broad shoulders and a white sash that adds to the elegance. He stood tall and firm with that gorgeous face of his. You want to blame the champagne for having weird thoughts and dizziness ーyou shouldn’t have drank too much. 

“I’m going to check on my husband first,” The Queen said excusing herself as you smiled in response. 

The busy crowd of royals and elites was filled with conversation about politics and relationships. Even the occurring war in the South and Western borders of Empyrean. It is quite weird to impose a gathering about sending off when his men are struggling to fight for the kingdom’s sovereignty. But of course, that is none of your business to mess up with this party. This is for a cause anyway. 

You stare at him as you slowly walk in his direction. He couldn’t stop looking at you either and he didn’t know why. Maybe because of how you look or was it the glass of champagne he had or was it Jisung’s words that struck him? He must’ve been drunk, no, he wasn’t, it was just you. You didn’t know what came all over you that you suddenly wrapped your arms around his neck as he pulled you closer by the waist in response as your lips met his. It was impulsive but eventually, he kissed you back. A lot has happened, over two months and the past three days, maybe he will miss you. 

Yes, he will. His lips tasted the same as yours. The champagne took all over your mouths as you deepened the kiss. It doesn’t matter who saw it, you didn’t care but Seungmin suddenly pulled away as he grabbed your hand, took you out from the hall, and headed upstairs to the balcony where no one could see you. He closed the curtains and the door before turning back and kissing you again. It felt so exclusive when everyone knew about the affair. You pulled him closer as he hugged you tightly to kiss you properly. His head is tilted to the side, indulging the gentleness of your soft lips while tasting the lingering flavor of champagne. Seungmin bit your lower lip, slowly sucking it. A soft sound escaped your lips as he smirked in between taking your lips as a whole. Of course, it is different from the kiss you shared at the altar and this is on another level. 

“You had too much champagne, my Love,” Seungmin said, giving you a peck on the lips before pulling away. 

“No,” You smiled sheepishly, feeling the dizziness that causes you to lose balance. “I don’t know but—” You paused, almost fainting in Seungmin’s arms but he was quick to catch you. “I think I’m going to miss you,” The prince smiled, pulling you for a hug and burying his face in the crook of your neck. It’s probably because of the champagne. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” 

“Yes,” He said, looking at you before placing a kiss on your forehead. 

It’s probably because of the champagne… 

“You should be careful with your alcohol intake,” You heard him say as he assisted you on his bed, carrying you in bridal style. 

“For your information, Your Highness, champagne has only 12% alcohol—” 

“How many glasses did you have?” He asked, placing you gently on his bed. 

“I forgot,” You answered, feeling drowsy. “The bubbles had me drunk,” But Seungmin couldn’t stop smiling. “You look so cute, I’m going to miss that pretty face of yours,” He just sat beside you as he continued to listen to your babbling. It was cute, he admits. Your hands cupped his cheeks and smiled cheekily as he felt the redness of his face. “I’m starting to feel sleepy,” 

“You should go to sleep,” Seungmin said. “You have to send me off tomorrow morning,” 

“I don’t want to,” You pouted. 

“You’re drunk, Y/n,” Seungmin insisted as you chuckled in response. “Get some sleep,” 

“Give me a kiss first,” You said. He did not hesitate to lean closer and gave you a long kiss, making you play with his hair, but it didn’t last long. 

“Good night,” He said, pulling away and that’s when you fell asleep. Seungmin stayed awake for a while. The thought of leaving you tomorrow will make him miss you even if your bond only lasted for a few days. It is impulsive, everything happened in a rush, did you happen to fall in love already? Or you were just under the influence of that drink? Seungmin doesn’t know. 

He kissed your forehead for the last time before laying on the other side of the bed, anticipating what will happen tomorrow. 

You woke up with a headache the next morning and were curious as to why you are in an unfamiliar bedroom. Maybe you have been here before but a hangover struck you like lightning. Seungmin is nowhere to be found, he probably just left and flashbacks started to flood from last night the moment you sat up. You forgot the sunlight that peeks through the thin curtains that drape the tall windows to the floor. All you could think about was the thing that happened last night. I shouldn’t have several glasses of champagne, I don’t have a high tolerance, fuck!

“Your Highness?” You heard a maid knock as she enters the room. 

“Good morning?” You greeted. 

“Good morning,” She bowed. “The Prince is expecting you in an hour, we need to get you ready,” Then it suddenly sinks in… Seungmin’s leaving this morning. 

“Fuck,” You murmured. 

“Shall we fix you up?” She asked as you stood up. 

“Do what you must,” You said. 

An hour passed, and you rushed outside the room and headed towards the hall where the gathering was being held last night. Carrying your dress, you saw Seungmin talking with the Queen as the King stood beside him. All eyes turned to you as they heard your footsteps tapping the steps of the stairs and a smile formed on the Prince’s lips. He remembered what happened last night and probably it was nothing to you. But the impact it left made him feel weird. 

“You’re awake,” Seungmin beamed. 

“Am I late?” You asked. 

“I was about to leave,” He said taking a few steps and offering his hand to assist you. 

“Did you sleep together?” The Queen asked. 

“Mother, don’t,” Seungmin defended. 

“Just slept?” The King smirked. “My son doesn’t want to leave without saying goodbye,” 

“Father,” Seungmin called as the King shrugged his shoulders. 

“I must go to the carriage first,” The King said as he excused himself and bowed before exiting the hall, followed by the Queen. 

“Excuse my parents,” Seungmin sighed. “Were you in a rush?” 

“I was afraid you’d leave without seeing me,” You smiled. 

“Was this because of last night?” Seungmin chuckled. 

“What?” 

“Nothing,” He smiled. “Will you be okay?” 

“I guess,” You frowned. “But I will wait for your return,” 

“As you should,” He smiled again and kissed your forehead. “I will be back in no time,” 

The sounds of the horses from the carriage whine at the sight of the King and Queen made Seungmin look outside as you stared at the floor. A sign of hurry and immediate time. The King already settled inside as the Queen talked to him about a few reminders and the royal guards on standby on their horses both front and back of the carriage for security. Meanwhile, Seungmin examined the scenery outside as you took a deep breath before earning his attention again. You shouldn’t be feeling this way. But then again, the scenarios from last night have changed the shared feelings among each other. From loveless to a slow burn. You may have fallen first for your impulsiveness and the lack of thinking about your actions first. And yet Seungmin can’t blame you. Even if this was a loveless marriage, you had to agree about Jisung’s opinions about falling in love in between. Eventually. 

Everyone was waiting for the Prince to hop inside the carriage. He smiled at you and bowed. Neither said a word as he left the hall. You followed him to his vehicle and stood a few meters behind the Queen, unknown of how you should feel on his departure. Seungmin smiled one last time and greeted his mother goodbye but you couldn’t just stand there and watch him leave without giving affection. You ran towards him and gave the most endearing hug, a sign that you would miss his presence around the palace and the Chateau. His promise to come back immediately will remain and you promised to wait for him even if it would take months. The war already reached its worse. Murder and arson, invasion of the town in the West and South, it is dangerous. May God protect your people and the King and most especially the Prince. 

“Don’t miss me too much, Y/n,” Seungmin said. 

“I already do,” You smiled bitterly as he let out a small chuckle. 

“I will write to you, I promise,” He said. “And please handle the parliament for me?” 

You could only give him a nod in response before giving a peck on his lips. This is not about a loveless marriage anymore. It may have changed over a few days and you are willing to help him go through this war and wait for him to come back, no matter how long. 

“Keep safe,” You smiled and that was the last time you saw him before he disappeared from your sight. 

And for the first week, you never heard of him and never stayed in the Chateau often as you used to. You learned to ride a horse during his absence and raise to the field alone, studying more about diplomacy and war. The Queen ruled in her husband’s place and has gotten busier by his efforts. Novels and other fairytales were forgotten in your interest but the thoughts of your husband remained when you arrive home. The emptiness of your place is the same as you walk inside their palace. Distraction never helps, archery doesn’t do either, and studying makes it worse. 

You heard from a messenger that Seungmin is doing well in his duty. His intelligent mind is used efficiently on how to stop this chaos, unarmed or with the presence of weapons. He took your advice diligently and sent diplomats to Seraphina to further discuss the matter. The second week has been the same, no letter arrived that conceived your sadness. You miss him. You think of him. The bond that you created just then is enough to feel this way but you don’t know about Seungmin. Does he ever feel the same? Or has he forgotten everything about you? 

It’s every afternoon you visit the field with your horse to think about him, despite the responsibilities he left to you alongside Jisung. The latter seems to be more annoying than usual. But the comfort of his words that are devoted to the love of His Royal Highness to you gives you hope. You wanted to hear more than an expected letter to arrive. Yet you still miss him, dearly. Especially when he sent some poppies to your Chateau’s garden as a symbol of remembrance and hope. How could you not fall for such a man? His letter arrived three weeks later and it painted a smile on your face. It made you feel alive for once in the past few weeks, and time flies fast ever since he left for war. A month and a week and counting. 

You sat on the flat surface of the fountain in the middle of the garden as you opened the very first letter he sent. Hyunjin arrived just this afternoon, fresh from the five-hour horse ride from the Western border of Empyrean. The man was exhausted as he rested in your chamber and the maids left you alone. Jisung was nowhere to be found since this morning but you are thankful not to listen to his babbling and gossip from town. But it doesn’t matter for now. 

My beloved Princess,

It’s been a while since I left home and I miss you dearly. I think about you every day and never miss taking at least an hour to think about what to write. I apologize for taking my time to compose myself and send you a message of my love. A lot has happened in the borders of war but I guarantee my safe return home. 

How are the poppies that I have sent? I am sure they bloomed beautifully just like you. The garden probably looks more pleasing with you around. And I cannot wait to see them grow and take care of them with you. 

The sunset is lovely today but it will be much better to see it in the field that you showed me the last time and I wish to not worry you as I am doing fine. The Seraphinian rebels have made huge casualties in the Empyrean borders and my men and I are doing our best to protect our home. The war has taken many lives of our people including our man and has abused the sovereignty of our state. It might take a while before I can go home and hug you. I hope you are doing much better than me, my Love and I cannot wait to see you. 

Please wait for me. 

Sincerely yours, Prince Seungmin

Tears left your eyes upon closing the stationary on your hands. The envelope smells like him and it made you miss him even more and how much more on his side when you are the only one he could think of. Your husband made efforts and fought with his men and his father. He thought that you will be furious when you finds out he brought bruises and cuts to his beautiful face as well as the injuries for being brave. But he knows you are proud. And you always are. 

The second letter arrived after almost a month and your hair got longer, got busier and wiser. But the habit of coming to the field every afternoon still remains as well as the war. You worry about Seungmin every day and you wish him to come home. The letters he sent are the only ones who kept your faith stronger than ever. This loveless marriage has already climbed to a love-driven affinity and you wanted to feel more about it once the war is over. Hyunjin has been your messenger and he is always delighted to bring good news that the terrorists from Seraphina are slowly raising the white flag. The Prince might come home soon. 

The third letter came two weeks after the second one. You thought he is finally coming home but an ambush happened when they finally invaded the camping site of the terrorists on the Seraphinian border. It will hold him there for a little while. Jisung must’ve sensed your disappointment that he stopped sending a few reports for you to settle with the parliament for a few days. Instead, you went back to reading the novels of your interest in the library but Seungmin keeps messing with your head. You tossed the book on your desk and went out to the stables to fetch your horse. A little afternoon stroll would help you calm down. 

It has been days since you read the letter that brought your disappointment and you miss your husband dearly. Nothing beats this feeling of worry when he decided to stay back for another while. And to count the time he’s not around, it has already reached months. The full moon has passed, some of the flowers in the garden have wilted, the sunset that you witness in the field has changed, and the skies suddenly turned gloomy than those days that you are with him. The two months of pre-marriage weren’t enough and even the few weeks after that, the few days before he left and the night when you got drunk and kissed him for the sake of your impulsive feelings. 

You sat on the grass as your horse stood a few meters away to feed himself. It made you fall into your deep thoughts and how you miss him so much. The cold breeze of the afternoon had added to the solemn feeling that you felt at the moment. And just like every other afternoon you had spent in the field, Seungmin’s presence never came. You stared at the horizon and admired the mountains as the sun started to set slowly but it is still bright to go back to the Chateau and drown yourself in the study again. Never in a day do you miss him. 

A sigh escaped your lips as you straighten the lower part of your sage green gown on the cool grass to sit properly as your hair swayed with the moderate gushing of wind. The flowers that grew around bowed and some of the petals flew south. It was beautiful that you wish that Seungmin could see this. The view had stopped you from reading between the pages of a thick book that tells a story about a widowed queen who lost her husband in a war. You didn’t want that to happen to you too. The angsty vibe it gave made you sullen and hopeless. You know Seungmin will come home any day now and you hope that the war will end at dawn. Patience and prayers are all you have now. It was his promise. The Queen has been as restless as you but she encourages you to be strong. It happened once before you came to be his son’s wife and she is firm that her husband and the Prince will come home safe and sound. 

You closed the book and placed it gently on the side as your eyes focused on the view again. It didn’t matter how beautiful it was and all you did is lay on the grass in boredom. You looked at the blue sky as the clouds passed by in a rush. It is probably because of the wind. You grew tired of blaming other things for what is happening in everything and wish to the heavens for your husband to come home. Tired of studying, tired of reading, tired of archery and fencing, tired of expecting his presence, tired of showing fake smiles, tired of being alone, one more bit of this will make you go crazy and stuff. 

I will be home soon. 

That’s what he said in the last letter you got from Hyunjin. 

“Fuck, when will the war ends?” You asked the heavens. 

“It just did,” You flinched at the familiar voice coming from behind that made you sit up immediately and look. “Empyrean and Noctifer won the war Sweetheart, I’m home,” 

“Seungmin!” You cried as you stood up and dragged your gown, running towards him. His hair grew longer and his wounds are already healed but it didn’t downgrade his beauty. He was wearing his white satin polo and black pants with his belt that carries his sword. Seungmin is breathtaking as always. Your arms wrapped around his neck as he pulled you by the waist to press on his body. His scent is built with fresh flowers and cinnamon. Tears formed in your eyes as they cascaded to your cheeks, the same with Seungmin who missed you so much. His lips captured yours to show how eager he is to be with you again and he couldn’t wait to spend his days with you. The war finally ended. He’s home now and you are happy. “I was worried that it will take you a while to go home,” You cried, pulling away. 

“I had dealt with Seraphina to execute the terrorists, we took over the ambush and captured themー” But Seungmin didn’t get to finish his sentence when you kissed him again. Your lips molded together as he deepened the kiss, desperate for more until you were out of breath. “Fuck, I missed you so much,” 

“Me too,” You answered in between your sobs. Seungmin’s hands reached your cheeks and wiped your tears away, with his forehead connected with yours. “Don’t leave me again,” 

“No, no, I won’t,” He said, kissing your forehead before holding your hands as he intertwined your fingers together. “I’m here now,” 

“How did you know I was here?” You asked. 

“Jisung told me but I always knew you come here,” He smirked. “You always think of me don’t you?” He asked, fixing your hair. 

“I always do. Every day, every morning until I sleep,” You confessed. “I don’t know, I think I have fallen in love with you, even before the night we kissed, Iー” He didn’t let you finish that now and captured your lips again, desperate, again, after the longingness he felt when he was at war. 

“I love you,” He said in between the kiss. 

“I love you too,” You smiled as he gave you a peck on the lips before pulling away and coming for an embrace, caressing your hair. 

“I can’t wait to spend my time with you, Y/n,” Hugging him felt so comforting as you close your eyes, hugging him tightly not wanting to let him go again. Seungmin felt the same. Maybe it is time to make another start where two people fall in love. The end of the war has sent them to their homes and find comfort. Desperate and excited to spend the rest of their lives together is something to look forward to. The Princess has fallen first, but the Prince has fallen more deeply. 

Seungmin placed a poppy in your hair before giving you another peck on the lips and smiled. “You’re so beautiful,” He said. 

“You’re beautiful too, so breathtaking,” You answered. 

“You’re only mine, right?” Seungmin asked before hugging you again. You wrapped your arms around his neck and smiled. 

“I’m yours,” You said and kissed him again. 

Maybe it was because of a drunken kiss that happened the night before left or the way he loves your attitude toward him. There are a lot of reasons to fall in love. Some may happen impulsively but they take time to form into something serious just like how your situation is with Seungmin. But sometimes there are unknown reasons. Maybe you two belong there. It may be confusing, but one thing’s for sure with Seungmin; the Empyrean prince cascades. 

all rights reserved by starlostseungmin.

[liquidorcard]

Think you can take a look on this video on villains like Magneto? To say she misses the point is an understatement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YouOhoCDVkw&pp=ygUUbGlseSBvcmNoYXJkIG1hZ25ldG8%3D

Oh fuck I saw the thumbnail of this video manifest a few times and I avoided watching it because I knew it was going to make me mad.

I'm going to do this one as a "real time reaction." Unlike the Harley video, I'm going in blind. Might edit a bit after I'm done writing it all out, but.

Lily Commits Elder Gay Mutant Abuse, feat. "Eldritch Lily" (Part 1)

[Part 2] [Part 3]

Get ready DILF fuckers. We 'bout to go to war for our beloved magnet man.

-0:30: Lily rambles about dumb bullshit to do with tropes, and fandom, and inventing problems. . . Oh my god, why.

So like, right at the beginning here she's just . . . Making noise? Waisting oxygen? I THINK what she's trying to say is people like tropes . . . And that's illegal if it isn't the tropes she likes . . . I don't . . . Lily.

She's using way too many words to say, in essence, I presume, Magneto is dumb, "fanboys" just like him because they like "sympathetic villians." But her rational here is a degree of reductive it makes it almost impossible to respond to. Lily is arguing against a theoretical hivemind of a strawman from another dimension - totally divorced from the one the rest of us live in.

I may hazard a guess that I, conceptually, as someone who both likes sympathetic antagonists and likes Magneto, am from Lily's point of view a part of this "fandom" hivemind she's hallucinating.

I don't know what to say to that other than, no Lily. No. That's not why I like Magneto. I am much more likely to enjoy sympathetic antagonists, as that is my personal taste. I am less likely to enjoy mustache twirling cartoon villans, for as it were, that is not my personal taste. But that is not the beginning and the end of my preferences. Bby grill, I don't know what to tell yah.

Also, a "sympathetic villian/antagonist" isn't really so much a trope as it is a description. I understand why like, TV tropes and for other cataloging purposes the definition of "trope" gets stretched a bit-- however. It's like calling "first person limited" a trope.

-1:21: Lily's "favorite villains,"

I try not to roast Lily on her just strictly expressing her personal taste (when she's not trying to argue her personal taste is superior), but considering the topic of the video-- I gotta laugh. Lily's examples for villains she likes is that one fucker from Kingdom Hearts who's only notable trait compared to the rest of the antagonists is him not being an evil twink (or Pete, or Maleficent) and the Lich King.

I have played at least most of the Kingdom Hearts games. I played WoW when Wrath came out. I played the Warcraft games where he was originally introduced as Arthas.

I guess I can see in a very superficial way why Lily identifies with Fabio Night's King maybe . . . Hot Topic Heidelberg though, I'm at a loss. I can't even remember his name, and I don't care to look it up.

-1:30: "Sympathetic villains are a double edged sword [ . . . ] you can only make them so sympathetic before their status as a villain starts to be questioned."

Might as well bring this up now-- Lily is currently engaging with one of my all-time pet peeves with media discussion: calling all antagonists "villains."

I try to be careful as to when I correct people on this. I don't like nitpicking the language people use. If their meaning is getting across just fine, what ever. I don't want to make them feel stupid for confusing to very similar concepts. Sometimes, my brain shits out too, and I use a suitable substitute even if it's not exactly the right word for the thing I'm trying to refer to. Everyone does it sometimes.

However, villains and anotagonists aren't the same thing. The exact definition as to what makes a character a true "villain" is very subjective-- more often than not vibes based. Where as an antagonist is very concretely the protagonist's foil and/or a source of external conflict. A villain is more defined by the framing, an antagonist is identified by their utility in a narrative. You can have protagonists who are arguably villains and antagonists who are arguably heroes as well. Stories where there isn't enough moral framing and judgment either way, so the protagonist and the antagonist can't really be described as heros or villains. Before we get into discussing whether or not Magneto is truly a "villain" or not, I have to point out Lily's confusing those two concepts. I'm going to surmise the majority of her arguments in this video could have been dismissed if she understood the difference.

So, yes, if you make a villain too sympathetic, they're no longer a villain . . . They're just the antagonist.

I also need to preface all this by saying that Magneto is a particularly complicated case in this regard. He's been around as the "Malcom X" analog in the very messy civil rights allegory of the mutants since the 1960s. He has, in a lot of ways, mirrored the very challenging feelings people have had towards more aggressive and violent forms of activism.

I don't think iterations of Magneto where the narrative condemns his methods outright are wholly invalid-- though I have personally soured towards them. That doesn't align with my perception of what Magento represents. And on a narrative perspective, I think it's always more interesting when the moral question as to whether the X-Men/Charles's position is correct or the BoM/Erik's position is correct is left as ambiguous as possible for the audience to decide for themselves. I think both forms of activism Charles and Erik represent are equally flawed as they are important. Fighting for civil rights is a thing of chaos historically, and there's no real clear "right answer" in most circumstances. A lot of messy incoherence of effort and resistance that slowly over time collectively move the dial-- often in a round-about way.

It also doesn't help that most non-comic reader's perceptions of Magneto are so heavily colored by the movies. As much as the ever effervescent Sir Ian Mekellen elevates that version of the character with his outstanding performance. . . That Magneto is a much messier bitch than his comic counterpart. Much less calculated and considerate in his violence. Same thing overall by the Michael Fassbender version, though he's characterized a little better.

I feel it's pretty safe to assume Lily's going to be arguing mostly against her vague memory of Fox movies while confidently being wrong about the comic version being the same.

Oh my god we're fucking 2 minutes in.

1:52: "It's a very dated metaphor for racism in the 60s, and the film are a very dated metaphor for LGBT youth in the 2000s."

Sorry, we're nitpicking Lily's word choices again. She's getting allegory and metaphor confused. The X-Men are intended as an allegory-- traditionally. Not always, but traditionally.

And as a blanket statement I'm sort of in agreement with her . . . But also not really. Again, the X-Men have been around for so long there's a diverse range in the ways the civil rights analog has been handled. I think typically the mutants are at their best when they are being treated more as a metaphor than an allegory, and for no real specific civil rights issue. Something more organic to the Marvel universe itself the audience can take away from as a meditation in a none-direct one-to-one.

My favorite X-Men Rogue is a character I deeply identify with on multiple layers personally as a queer person, a survivor of abuse, someone who's had struggles with both platonic and romantic intimacy. There's a lot of ways someone could connect with her that aren't direct translations of who she is in canon.

Also, the 2000s Fox movies was not the first time the X-Men were interpreted as a queer allegory instead of a racial one. I can't tell you when the first time was, if there is an official "first time" as POC and LGBTQ+ rights issues have overlapped quite a few times-- but the Legacy Virus was quite literally mutant AIDS. Unambiguously.

I'll sort of agree with Lily, just a little, as a treat here-- a fair bit of X-Men shit is real dated.

-2:32: "Now while Magneto was around since the 60s, this wasn't an established part of his character until about 1980s. 10 years after the man who created him Jack Kurby left Marvel."

UM, ACTUALLY.

Magneto wasn't always a holocaust survivor-- that is true. Quickly googling it, that element of Magneto's backstory was first established in Uncanny X-Men in 1981. Some part of me feels like it was at least hinted at earlier, but let's just call that about right. It doesn't really matter.

This quote from Jack Kurby is so ubiquitous I knew I could find it just by going to Magneto's Wikipedia page:

"I saw my villains not as villains. I knew villains had to come from somewhere and they came from people. My villains were people that developed problems." -- Jack Kurby, Jack Kurby Collector #22

Not a surprise but, this tells me Lily is not familiar with Kurby's work as a whole.

And guess what, this wasn't the quote I was looking for, but it was right underneath, and the source checks out:

"[Stan Lee] did not think of Magneto as a bad guy. He just wanted to strike back at the people who were so bigoted and racist...he was trying to defend the mutants, and because society was not treating them fairly he was going to teach society a lesson. He was a danger of course...but I never thought of him as a villain." --Marvel Spotlight: Uncanny X-Men 500 Issues Celebration, pp. 5-7

You're now arguing against BOTH Magneto's daddies, Lillian.

3:16: " 'You're just one bad day away from being me' - Erik Killmonger, probably"

Oh haha yes Lily so funny you put the Punisher line but said it was Killmonger, that's so funny--

EXCEPT THAT QUOTE IS A REFERENCE TO THE JOKER'S FAMOUS MONOLOG IN THE KILLING JOKE. LILY NOT AGAIN WITH THIS, OH MY GOD, YOU'RE GOING TO ACTUALLY KILL ME. JUST ADMIT YOU HAVE NOT READ A FUCKING COMIC EVER.

3:28: "Where even though Magneto has long since stopped being a Villian in the comics. . ."

According to Lily's definition of "villain," that is not true. As in, he's still mostly used as an antagonist. And he was arguably never really a villain, he's just become less villianized, evolving with our cultural perception of activism-- but I'll give Lily this one.

3:30: " . . . in film adaptations, he's still a holocaust survivor, and still the bad guy for no reason."

LILY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE FUCKING COMICS OR THE MOVIES!? I take issue with how Erik is characterized in the movies too, especially in the Bryan Singer (fuck him btw, he's a predator, look it up) movies. BUT YOU'RE ALL OVER THE PLACE HERE LILY, GOD DAMN. Is Magneto as a concept bad, or do you not like the FoX-men movies, which is it!?

3:49: [The prelude to the Kevin Bacon coin murder from First Class.]

Lily, people criticized the choice to make Charles argue with Erik here and how it's framed when this movie came out. Who are you arguing with?

With the themes of the movie they tried to play the angle of Charles' more privileged life giving him the luxury of the pacifist position that Erik does not have. I really like this in concept, this has been explored before in other X-Men media, but they fumbled the bag here with the framing. There's some issues with the cinematic language used. I don't blame people for getting the impression you're supposed to wholly side with ol' Chuck here, even if the text implies otherwise. I agree with her that this is a problem with mainstream films overall havin' a hard time kicking bad habits from the Hays Code.

But that's not really the argument She's making. I don't know if Lily knows what argument she's making.

God forgive me I am at the four minute mark and this post is already this long. Okay, I'm gunna have to split this up into 2 or 3 posts. I'll add the various links to each part as I finish them to each post. Lily gishgallops this fucking badly. . . Stay tuned for part 2.

[nostalgicnarrator]

Over Hill and Under Mountain

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Word Count: 5,269

Parings: Thorn X Bilbo

Description:

Bilbo decides to follow Thorin’s example and decides to visit Erebor, but somehow the trip doesn’t go as planned and he’s going to be very, very late.

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

⚠️ WARNING ⚠️

Mention of bodily Injury and description of injury, he is hurt, maybe blood, continue with caution and care.

Note:

Listen to me, I’m still trying to find my style when writing and I spent a really long time on this to make sure it was okay, if you see anything that might be confusing or something that is so horribly wrong don’t hesitate to tell me, I value criticism and wish to grow my writing ability. Also I kinda really struggled with the last bit but I think it’s okay-anyway, till next time.

─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

Bilbo sat at the edge of his garden, his pipe in hand. The smell of his sweet tobacco wrapped around him in ribbons as he blew smoke rings. Bilbo watched as faunts chased each other down the road towards the marketplace that was being prepared for the coming festival.

For as long as Bilbo could remember, each season Hobbits from all over the rolling hills of the shire would come far and wide to see the festivities of Hobbiton. His favorite festival has truly always been the summer festival.

If Bilbo closes his eyes, often he could remember the bright colors of the fireworks, the food and games he’d once enjoyed. That isn’t to say the autumn festival wasn’t lovely in its own ways.

Bilbo always remembered how the rolling hills took on shades of tan and brown. And how the farms begin to grow crops as colorful as the leaves that fell. The autumn festival was always so full of warmth and fun trinkets and full of rich food.

Bilbo hums to himself, pulling himself from the distant memories of his childhood. He watched from his bench as wheelbarrows were filled with squashes and other crops, and then wheeled off to the market stalls.

He closed his eyes as a burst of crisp air nipped at his nose. Bilbo loved the smells the festival would bring. He couldn’t ever forget the smells of pies and grand foods as they wafted through the air, warming anyone who caught a whiff.

Bilbo sighs softly ‘shame’ he thought to himself fluttering his eyes open once more, ‘Thorin would have loved the festival’. Bilbo hopped up and tapped out his pipe before heading inside, the sweetness of his tobacco following him as he went.

‘Thorin’s tobacco,’ he smiled to himself, ‘Always smelled earthy, and bitter then lemons…I never did like that cheaper stuff, but I suppose it matches him.’ Bilbo thought as he moved through his cozy home.

He could hardly stop himself as his thoughts kept turning to Thorin. The memory of the dwarf’s deep, gravelly laugh, the wrinkle in his cheeks, the twinkle in his piercing blue eyes. That last thought made Bilbo’s heart ache and twist in a strange way.

‘What a silly dwarf,’ Bilbo mused, ‘Coming all the way to the Shire just to see me.’ He shook his head, a fond smile finding his lips. ‘He’s so proud of his kingdom, I’ve never seen anyone so proud of something. Not even Hamfast, I wonder how things are in Erebor now’

Bilbo paused, looking out the window, he could see the trees, how their leaves began to turn yellow and fall as the wind shook them softly. ‘It’s been months since Thorin visited…Perhaps it’s time I returned the favor.’

The thought buzzed in his mind, like a fly in the ear, it grew stronger with each passing moment. Then he grinned like a fool. ‘visit Thorin, huh? I suppose It is about time I saw the Lonely Mountain with my own eyes.’ Bilbo thought as he quickly shuffled away picking up some parchment on his way to his writing desk.

A raven Thorin had sent to Bilbo sat not far from him, the bird ruffled though his feathers, cleaning them gently. “Hello, Hugin,” Bilbo greeted the young raven as he began to write rather quickly.

Thorin had gotten quite fed up with the amount of time Bilbo’s letters seem to take. So much so that on one particular night he found a raven tapping on his window with a note.

Bilbo had taken to taking care of this young raven, as Hugin more often stayed in the shire near Bilbo. It was his job after all to carry letters for the hobbit.

Thorin had written a quick note explaining to him how a Raven carried quicker than most other creatures, and Bilbo agreed with that, seeing as how mail carriers can take as long as they liked with such things.

By now the young raven had stopped his ruffling and hopped a bit closer, tilting his head to look at Bilbo. “Hello, Master Baggins. Are you writing to the Mountain King again?” Hugin asked and leaned forward curiously to watch Bilbo’s pin.

Bilbo nodded. “Yes, feel up for flying?” He asked, Bilbo ticked his tongue and scribbled something out.

“Always, Master Baggins!” Hugin flapped his wings in excitement and then tilted his head once more, “I am the quickest of the ravens! I’ll get there faster than the fastest of horses!” Hugin ruffled his feathers up and clicked, puffing up proudly.

Bilbo smiled, this raven often reminded him of Kíli. He has always been the one to immediately volunteer to do things. Kíli was never one to like being left out of things if he had any say in the matter.

‘Thorin never seemed to like that about his sister's youngest son.’ Bilbo couldn’t help the Sudden twist to his heart, it had only been a few months since Thorin’s visit, yet to Bilbo it felt like years yet again.

He looked down at his letter quickly, he sighed before a fond smile found his lips on again. ‘His parting for his journey back home was so, bittersweet…’ he thought as he finished his letter quickly, before waving it a little to dry, folding it up, and sealing it with a wax stamp.

“Well then” started the hobbit, after a seemingly long moment of silence. “you better get to flying. This needs to reach Thorin as fast as possible.” Bilbo held out the letter and looked to the raven as he finished speaking, his smile still tugging at his lips

“What’s it about?” asked the juvenile raven as he took the paper quickly.

“Nosy little bird, if you must know, I’m warning Thorin that I will be visiting very soon.” Bilbo said with a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

The young raven made a noise-one Bilbo had come to know as one of excitement-Hugin hardly waited another beat as he flew out of the window giving Bilbo barely enough time to open it.

Bilbo smiled excitedly and closed his window and sat down a moment silently ‘I truly hope Thorin won’t mind’ he hummed at his thought and began organizing his desk.

Once it was somewhat straight, he began to get up and straighten some more things around his smial ‘it is such short notice’ Bilbo made his way to the kitchen to make tea as he continued with his thoughts. ‘I hope he has time to prepare-‘

He paused, then his eyes widened, he gasped and put a hand to his head “wait, what am I doing I have to prepare!” He said out loud to no one, and just like that he was off.

He abandoned his tea pot as quickly as he had grabbed it and he found himself quite basically running around his burrow to pack. Bilbo knew that really, he should wait for Thorin to tell him that he got his letter, though Bilbo had a feeling his letter left little room for discussion on whether or not he was coming.

And before Bilbo realized anything he had on his blue coat he had gotten from the dwarfs, the cloak Thorin had given him draped over his shoulders held by a familiar clasp, and Sting strapped on his belt.

He remembers when Thorin gave it to him ‘he was so adamant that I take it’ Bilbo thought to himself as he put extra clothes in his pack. ‘Said he didn’t want me to get cold…’ he smiled a little more at that thought.

Thorin had walked Bilbo all the way back to the shire after they had settled after the battle for Erebor. Gandalf had offered to take him at first, seeing as Thorin was a little busy but when the king under the mountain heard Bilbo was heading home he had raced to catch the hobbit and offered to take him instead

Blibo found his cheeks warming up slightly and his face tugging his smile till it lit up his face. He pressed his hand to his cheek gently and sighs ‘Thorin is such a sweet friend’ Bilbo could feel his smile drop slightly at that thought.

Bilbo focused on the world around him once again, Bilbo blinked slightly in surprise as he found himself out of the rolling hills he calls home and on a shaggy pony already on his way to Bree. He smiled once again as he felt his excitement bubbling up within him.

After a few days of traveling Bilbo suddenly remembered why he had not visited sooner, Bilbo grumbled as he wiped his nose with his handkerchief. He never did like riding ponies; all the hair and dust did something foul to his allergies.

Bilbo huffed as he thought to himself. ‘Miserable, quite miserable. Oh, why did I think this a good idea?’ he thought dourly.

He huffed again. “I blame Thorin for this,” he muttered as he blew his nose. “Coming to see me in the Shire, bringing such fantastical stories.” He grumbled to no one but himself.

The Hobbit groaned and stared up at the sky, he couldn’t see much of it but what the trees allowed to filter through their leaves. It was getting a tad but cloudy. He huffed, if it rained, that would truly put the topping of this fowl afternoon.

He was beginning to miss his home, his warm hearth, his books and maps, his armchair- ‘it’s not too late’ Bilbo’s mind supplied to him, ‘you can go back tell Thorin you had changed your mind.’

But then his thoughts turned to Thorin once more, of his blue eyes, of his warm smiles, the ones he only reserved for those rare occasions, of his company, how Bilbo’s heart flips and skips every time he sees Thorin. And he shakes his head, chasing the thoughts away.

“Come now Bilbo” he chastised himself “you are a Baggins, of Bag End, you can do this, you have once before you can again!” He held his head a little higher as he spoke to himself.

But before he could do much more thinking or talking to himself, he sneezed, Bilbo groaned and wiped his nose once more, ‘I can not wait for when I stop sneezing’ he thought, ‘irritating business really’ he thought once more.

It seems the world was against him doing anything really, as his mind was interrupted by the sound of hooves behind him and he turned to face the noise. a beautiful white mare came to view and an awfully familiar gray clad wizard.

“Gandalf.” Bilbo greeted kindly, despite his foul mood and stuffy voice. Truly, that the moment he wanted to tell the wizard to kinda sod off, but alas, he was still a Baggins and manners seem to run in his blood-especially when it comes to the gray wizard.

“Bilbo Baggins,” Gandalf rumbled, “what in Middle-earth are you doing this far from the Shire?” Gandalf spurred his horse to pick up beside the Hobbit’s pony.

Bilbo hummed and smiled at the wizard. “I was about to ask you something similar, Gandalf. I am going to visit my dwarfs.”

“Your dwarfs?” Gandalf mused, raising a bushy brow, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Are you now? Alone? Do you truly think that’s a good idea, my dear hobbit?”

Bilbo shrugged, trying to appear as if this wasn’t the least bit nerve-racking. “Thorin did it. I don’t see the issue.”

Gandalf chuckled softly,“Thorin is a well traveled warrior and a king. And while you’ve faced orcs, goblins, and a dragon, I dare say, you seem to struggle with dusty roads and grumpy ponies.” Gandalf said, his tone teasing and riddled with mischief.

Bilbo bristled slightly but kept his voice as polite as one can be to such an irritating wizard, “I’ve managed quite well on my own so far, thank you very much! I can handle this journey as well as anyone else!” Bilbo all but yelled in reply.

Bilbo could see as Gandalf’s smile softened a small amount into something bit more genuine, “Oh, I have no doubt about your capabilities, Bilbo Baggins” said Gandalf, his tone remaining as teasing as before. “But I wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun. Besides, someone has to make sure you don’t get into too much trouble.”

Bilbo opened his mouth to protest, but Gandalf interrupted, “And I’m sure Thorin wouldn’t mind if I tag along. In fact, he might insist upon it.” Gandalf said, sounding a tad more serious this time.

Seeing the glint in Gandalf’s eyes, Bilbo sighed, knowing good and well it was futile to argue. “Very well, if you insist.” Bilbo said.

Gandalf’s grin widened. “Oh, I do insist. Now, let’s be off before you change your mind and decide to return to the comforts of Bag End.”

Blibo widened his eyes and gave Gandalf a look then he turned away and huffed, ‘this will be a long journey indeed.’ He thought grumpily.

The days seemed to pass a tad bit faster than Bilbo thought and he had found himself not entirely upset over Gandalf’s presence.

Often during the night, when they would camp, the wizard would tell him stories of far-off lands and ancient times. other nights, often the more longer feeling ones, they would sit in comfortable silence, smoking their pipes, blowing smoke rings that would blend into the crisp night air.

The days came to Bilbo much faster than before, as they rode through lush valleys and over towering rocky hillsides. Sometimes Gandalf would point out places he thought the hobbit may find interesting and share snippets of history.

Bilbo began to suspect it was because Gandalf was trying to negate Bilbo firm complaining for the 70th time this trip, even then Bilbo couldn’t help but feel wonder as they rode

Bilbo had passed through these lands before, more than a year ago now. And it seemed to be the same dusty roads that stretched on for what felt like centuries. But, as Gandalf continued to talk about the landscape, it began to feel like so much more.

He began to ache a long time ago now, but whether it was from sitting on his pony to long or shiver the colder temperatures, he did not know.

As the cold settled across the lands he and Gandalf traveled, Bilbo couldn’t help but to worry about Hugin. And with how fast it felt the winter was approaching, he feared the worst. For not only Hugin but Gandalf and himself as well.

One could starve, or freeze in conditions like this. Then when the nights he’s longer, Bilbo would often find himself each evening, gazing up into the darkening sky, hoping to catch maybe a glimpse of Hugin even if it was pointless to do so.

“I hope Hugin is okay…and that Thorin received my letter,” Bilbo muttered, as they settled down to rest near the warmth of a fire. “It’s been a few days and Hugin should be there by now but I can’t stop thinking that maybe he isn’t, maybe he’s freezing somewhere…”

Gandalf looked at him over the rim of his pipe. “Ravens are resilient creatures. If anyone can make it through these conditions, it’s a raven.”

Bilbo nodded and relaxed at Gandalf’s words, ‘he’s right’ Bilbo thought, fishing his one pipe from his coat and lighting it ‘though he seems to be more often than not most days’ Bilbo thought with a huff.

On one particularly cold day, as they were making their way through dense forested trails, Gandalf suddenly slowed his horse to a halt and raised a hand to stop Bilbo. “What is it?” Bilbo whispered, feeling a slight worrisome unease creep into his stomach.

Gandalf’s eyes scanned the trees, before he spoke. “We’re being followed.” Gandalf said as he turned his head some more.

‘Being followed!?’ Bilbo gripped the reins of his pony tightly, ‘of course we are! Of course we’re being followed!because nothing can go right for long can it’ he thought to himself as he struggled to push his panic away.

Bilbo snapped his eyes to the tree line and whipped his head around trying to catch a peek of anything in the shadows of the forest. “B-By whom?” He asked, trying not to sound afraid

“Orcs,” Gandalf said quietly. “A small band, I believe. They’ve been tracking us for a few miles now.”

Bilbo’s hand instinctively went to Sting. “W-What do we do?” Bilbo asked worriedly as he looked at the wizard. “Gandalf!” Bilbo whines as Gandalf sat quietly for a moment too long in the hobbit’s opinion.

Gandalf’s eyes twinkled with a familiar spark of mischief, one Bilbo strangely found comforting. “We give them a surprise they won’t soon forget.” Gandalf said.

Suddenly, Gandalf spurred his horse forward, and Bilbo scrambled to follow not wanting to be left behind. They rode hard and fast, the trees blurring past them as they made their way off the path deeper into the forest.

Eventually, Gandalf seemed to find where he had wanted to take them, they stopped in a clearing, and Gandalf dismounted swiftly. “We make our stand here,” he said, his voice calm and steady.

Bilbo faltered slightly. “O-our stand- what- but, but Gandalf! I- what if-!“ Bilbo stuttered desperately trying to reason with the wizard.

“Bilbo Baggins,” thundered the wizard, “Where did all the courage go from all those days ago? Had you truly no faith?” Gandalf asked, the start of angrier lacing his words.

Blibo shrank a bit into his saddle as he was still sitting on his pony, “I-of course I do Gandalf!-” Bilbo said quickly.

“Then get off that pony my dear Bilbo, and draw your sword.” Gandalf said harsher then he probably meant to as he turned his attention back to the forest around them.

Bilbo’s eyes widened-he nodded quickly as he scrambled off his pony, drawing Sting and positioning himself beside Gandalf. They waited in tense silence, Bilbo twitched at every noise or sound.

Suddenly, the forest erupted from its silence to a more chaotic noise as the orcs burst into the clearing, their weapons gleaming in the diminishing light of the sun.

Gandalf raised his staff, a blinding flash of light emanating from its tip and sending the orcs into a more unorganized frenzy.

Bilbo moves on instinct as he lunges himself forward, his sword clashing glinting in the light as he strikes down the nearest orc.

The battle, if you can call 6 Orcs attacking such a thing, was over swiftly and soon the clearing was quiet once more. Bilbo looked around making sure it was safe.

Bilbo stood panting, his heart beating hard in his chest, it shook his hands as he still held Sting. When Gandalf patted Bilbo's shoulder gently he jumped and looked up at the wizard, a proud smile was on Gandalf’s face.

“Well done, Bilbo. You may have the spirit of a Took in you yet.” Said Gandalf jokingly before a much more soft smile found its way on the wizard’s face, “your mother would be proud.” Gandalf nearly whispered to the hobbit.

Bilbo grinned as pride settled in his stomach. He nods softly and let out a relieved chuckle, “I-thank you Gandalf, though I doubt she’d Like the idea of her sun running around fighting Orcs” Bilbo said softly

“Nonsense my dear hobbit!” Gandalf replied, a smile pulling on his face as his eyes twinkled with that knowing mischievous look, “she’d be quite proud. Now let’s get going before all light is lost, we do not want to lose the road.”

“R-right yes!” Bilbo said as he sheath Sting and quickly got on his pony before following Gandalf back to the path.

Gandalf looked down at Bilbo as he came to step beside Gandalf, the wizard chuckled and shook his head. “Fret not my dear boy” Gandalf chuckled in a teasing tone, “soon, we will soon find ourselves in much more hospitable surroundings.”

Then, no more than a day later, seemingly spurred on by those very words themselves, their luck seemed to turn against them as the weather worsened and rain began to fall.

It was a cold, unrelenting drizzle that soaked through their cloaks and made the roads slippery as the ground became mud. Bilbo huddled deeper into his cloak that Thorin gave him.

Even in the abysmal conditions he couldn’t help but think of Thorin, ‘He had begun to grow his beard back out again’ his mind supplied, seemingly looking for a distraction from the freezing cold rain that pelted him.

As his pony trudged on though the thick mud he began to wonder how long it had grown since the last time he had seen Thorin, ‘he truthfully looked quite dashing’ Bilbo thought as a bit of warmth found his face as he thought of his kingly dwarf. He was shook from his thoughts when his pony whinnied skittishly. She had slid in the mud.

He looked off the side of the path and at the sheer drop below him and then to Gandalf, even the wizard’s horse had been struggling in the mud. He opened his mouth to call for the wizard but before Bilbo could say a word to Gandalf, his pony suddenly reared back harshly, it threw Bilbo off.

The wind wiped in his ears as he tumbled down a steep hillside. Bilbo desperately tried to stop himself as he crashed into various things he couldn’t really make out.

His head hit harshly on a rock and he wasn’t really sure of anything else anymore except for pain that shot through him, a sharp, explosive agony that left him gasping desperately for air he couldn’t seem to catch as he rolled to a stop at the bottom of the hill.

He struggled to push himself up; his mind struggled sluggishly as pain radiating through him with each movement. When he tried to breathe, fresh waves of hurt coursed through him, worse than the last.

Bilbo was faintly aware of his legs shaking. When Gandalf’s voice called from him he tried to understand the words tumbling for the wizards mouth as he made his way to Bilbo

Bilbo squeezed his eyes shut as his vision tilted and his legs buckled under him, when he opened his eyes again his vision was swimming violently.

Bilbo blinked trying to clear his vision, ‘Thorin,’ Bilbo thought desperately as he clawed at the earth. ‘I’ll be late; I need to get up,’ his brain supplied to him, he let out a whine as panic gripped him.

He was going to be late? He didn’t want to be late, he wanted to be with Thorin- ‘maybe, maybe he could make the pain go away- make it better’ he thought to himself

Thorin always makes him feel better, always makes him feel happy. He liked feeling happy. He liked that Thorin makes him feel happy.

Bilbo faintly could make out Gandalf’s voice over all the thoughts crowding in his head. His vision blurred again as his heart beat pounded in his head making catching his breath so much harder.

Bilbo whined and closed his eyes, he let out a short sob as the pain riddled him. He didn’t want to be late. Thorin would be so sad if he was late.

He clawed at the mud beneath him, it began to feel slightly warm as he dug his hands into it, it squished between his fingers leaving a strange feeling between his fingers.

‘I can’t be late, can’t, Thorin,’ he thought desperately as he pushed himself harder to move. A sob wracked his body harshly as a hand took his arm and scooped him up.

Warmth wrapped around him as the hands pulled him close, Bilbo let a whine tumble from his mouth, he clutched onto the cloth his face was pushed against.

His mind was struggling as it began to foggy over, but each jostle and fresh waves of pain sobered his mind even only slightly. He felt like he needed to throw up as a headache pounded harder than before. Bilbo felt himself being moved onto something tall and the world around him was a blur.

Bilbo felt his mind give as he squeezed his eyes shut when the world around him moved dizzily, things began to feel fuzzy and distant, then all at once it stopped and he felt like he was floating.

The first thing Bilbo could remember after a long while of floating in only darkness was that he felt warm again. He cracked his eyes open dizzily, finding himself on something soft and warm.

He rolled his head to the side weakly, trying to make sense of anything. He could make out blurry figures moving around him and could hear noises and voices, foreign to him, he could almost recall one of the voices though, it felt familiar, it sounded familiar.

Bilbo felt someone touch his arm, and he let out a loud whine, before he weakly kicked his feet to try and get away from the unknown blob.

He couldn’t make sense of the sounds and voices around him. He pulled his arm away as a cold thin hand took it.

‘No’ he thought- or did he say that out loud, maybe he did as the blobs stopped trying to grab at him ‘Thorin, I want him, please’ a sob bubbled up in his throat.

He grasps at whatever was beneath his hands he whines again, he wanted Thorin, he wanted Thorin, Thorin would make all the pain disappear and maybe hold him till he felt better again.

Bilbo couldn’t stop the loud, hiccupping sob that pushed its way up his throat. Bilbo started shaking violently as his pain began to grow worse.

When Bilbo blinked his eyes open a familiar shape moved over him-Bilbo grabbed for them desperately, like a child would with a blanket.

The face of the person became much clearer, “Gandalf '' he heard himself cry out, he let out another sob but this one was laced in relief. “Get him-plea-ase g-get him!” Bilbo could hear himself beg as he gripped the wizard’s cloak.

“Bilbo, calm down, my boy. You are alright,” Gandalf said quietly. He pressed a hand to Bilbo’s head as he took the hobbit’s smaller hands in one of his.

“You’re hurt. You need help immediately,” Gandalf said. His voice was calm and soothing and Bilbo couldn’t help but to calm down, even if it was only a little bit.

He squeezed his eyes shut, Bilbo shook his head and sobbed, “Please, Gandalf… Thorin, please-please”

Gandalf’s voice sounded pleading as Bilbo felt him squeeze the hobbits hands gently, “Bilbo-” Gandalf tried to say before Bilbo interrupted him.

“Ple-please, Thorin, please! I need him-Gandalf, please!” Bilbo's voice shook and he opened his eyes and pleaded to the wizard.

Gandalf froze then his face fell into a serious look. “I will do what I can, Bilbo. I promise.”

And that was that. Bilbo couldn’t recall much after that, his memory either being too blurry or his eyes being too full of tears to really take anything in

Bilbo had no idea how long he was in that state of mind, drifting in and out of it like a leaf lost to the raging waters of a river.

On one particular occasion when he could, he could hardly make sense out of anything around him till Óin walked in quickly, Bilbo's mind lurched suddenly, sending a shot through him that mhm feel more awake then he had in a long time

Bilbo looked at Óin as the older Dwarf looked at him with enough clear worry that made Bilbo’s stomach turn knots and flip. Bilbo reached out to him.

Oin took his hand gently, “laddie, your going to be alright I’m here now, let get you patched up how's that sound?” His voice was quiet, like he was trying to offer comfort to the hobbit.

Bilbo hiccuped and tried to fight crying again and he reached up to hug Óin. Óin quickly scooped the hobbit into a hug.

“your alright lad, your alright…” Óin mumbled into his hair as he hugged the hobbit and for the first time in a long while Bilbo began to relax.

When Óin released Bilbo he immediately began to dart around the room gathering things or preparing others at a speed that was almost surprising to Bilbo.

Bilbo watched Óin work with amazement, and in a matter of minutes Óin was beginning to clean Bilbo up. Bilbo stopped Óin as the healer was cleaning him up. He needed to know.

Bilbo interrupted Óin as the dwarf began to open his mouth to ask what was wrong, “W-where's Thorin? D-did he get my-my letter?” Bilbo asked weakly as he let Óin go.

Oin made a face that told Bilbo he didn’t hear him, he repeated himself again a little louder when had Óin asked him to. 

“Aye lad,” Óin said as he nodded, he took a rag to Bilbo's head causing the hobbit to flinch and the dwarf to give him a look. “Thorin got your letter lad, don't worry” Óinsaid as he got back to cleaning the wound on Bilbo's head.

“When we got Gandalf’s letter. Thorin was worried, so he sent me ahead.” Óin tossed the rag into a bowl, he moved to dig through his bag pulling a needle and thread out and coming back over. “Came as fast as a pony would ride, even had some help from the mirkwood elves surprisingly enough”

“Wh-what are you going to do with that?” Bilbo asked shakily, Óin looked at him with a look one might give the village idiot.

“'What do you think I'm going to do lad?” Óin asked his voice laced with mirth, “You have a good gash across your head, I need to sew it up before it gets infected” Óin said as he threaded the needle.

Óin huffed and moved closer now before taking Bilbo’s head “It looks like they've just been wrapping it up, hmph, that's a good way to get an infection, and one is already trying to take hold” the dwarf huffed as he began to stitch up bilbo’s head. Bilbo flinched and whined as he did.

Óin continued stitching, his movements quick and efficient. Bilbo eventually stopped wincing and Óin finished his work. He then checked Bilbo's arm and the smaller injuries before bandaging him up.

“I think you'll be alright lad- though it seems you may have a small fever, but it should break in a day or two” Óin told him as he patted the hobbits arm comfortingly. Bilbo nodded at Óin’s words and began to relax,

“A-And when will the others be here…?” Bilbo asked him. Óin hummed in response.

“Not sure lad, not sure when they left after I scramble to come here.” Óin said he got up and began to pack and clean things back up. “Though they can’t be too far behind, maybe in a day or two.”

Bilbo nodded at that. Óin pointed at him and puffed his chest a bit as he glared at the hobbit- but Bilbo saw no real malice behind it. “You worry about getting some rest lad, I’ll wake you if they show up.”

Bilbo chuckles and nods softly; he had already started to feel a tad drowsy, so he doesn't have to wait far too much longer before he nodded off, with dreams of lonely mountains, distant places and of his friends.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

I’ve finally finished this second part, and I’m sorry it took so long to do but as I have said before unfortunately it’s not everything I wanted to write, I split it up for my own mental wellbeing. That means I’ll be making part three and if you like this and part one, then keep an eye out for three. Now to @ people, because for some unknown reason you people want to know when I’m being a heathen.

@bllbabaggins @m4yh4ps

[aebi12]

"Resentment" - Chapter 25 [AemondxRhaena]

Summary

He is the cause of her sufferings. He took her dragon, her betrothed, and her father. Now, he will also take away her future by having to marry him.

With so much history and bad blood between Rhaena and Aemond, their forced union has everything to fail, except that the proximity will make them discover that perhaps they have more in common than it seems.

AU - the Greens win the war.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18 - Chapter 19 - Chapter 20 - Chapter 21 - Chapter 22 - Chapter 23 - Chapter 24

Masterlist of my other works.

Read on AO3

Tags: enemies to lovers, slow burn, romance, angst, drama, eventual smut, hurt/comfort

Please remember that english is not my first language, so I'm sorry for the mistakes...

Disclaimer: these are not my characters, they belong to George R.R. Martin, HBO, etc. Only the plot of this fanfiction belongs to me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

King's Landing is not exactly a beautiful city.

Although, during his childhood away from the capital, Daeron had often romanticized it mainly due to the nostalgia he felt towards his mother and siblings, he had encountered a disappointing reality upon returning to the city after the war.

King's Landing was dirty, messy and smelly.

The complete opposite of Oldtown.

Oldtown and its eternal charm, its mix of tradition and modernity. It had been a good place to grow up. A place that, since a few days ago when his older brothers had told him that he should formalize his betrothal as soon as possible, he has been thinking about more and more frequently.

Although, if he is honest, it is not exactly his maternal family's ancestral city that he misses, but rather his uncle. Ser Gwayne had been a father to him since his arrival at the Hightower. He had taught him to fight, to hunt, to write... and it was precisely his advice that he wants now more than ever.

As if you didn't know what he was going to tell you.

His uncle, an honorable knight, would surely tell him that a betrothal with Lady Westerling is an excellent choice for a third son like him. That, in addition to being beautiful, the young woman is kind, educated and of noble birth. That her dowry will be more than enough to increase his personal reserves, which would never be as large as those of his older brothers. That, by joining one of the oldest houses in the West, he will have more influence in the kingdom. Not that he needs it, he doesn't mind not exercising political power, he is more than happy taking care of practical matters than dealing with tedious issues like Aemond.

Daeron is aware that marrying Marianne Westerling is the best option. Still…

His gaze shifts to the young woman who silently walks beside him through the gardens.

“I am sorry, Lady Marianne, I probably should have suggested we talk in one of the drawing rooms,” he says after watching her shiver for the third time.

“It is fine, my prince, I do not mind the cold,” he assures her, though her red nose and cracked voice say otherwise.

Daeron simply nods, and they resume their walk in silence. It is not an awkward silence, and though he knows what he’s expected to say, he can’t do it. At least not yet.

“I did not get a chance to tell you,” Marianne’s voice cuts through his thoughts, “But I did enjoy watching you compete in the tournament, my prince”

“Thank you,” he replies with a smirk, “I would have preferred to win, though.”

“You were the winner in my heart.”

Marianne seems to register her words a second later, because her cheeks flush and she looks down, clearly embarrassed.

Daeron finds the gesture adorable.

“I appreciate the sentiment,” he replies.

It takes Marianne a few long seconds to face him again, and when she does, the prince is once again struck by how pretty she is.

And by how little effect that beauty has on him.

You are a fool, he thinks as his mind conjures up the face of someone else. Someone he can never have.

“There is a matter I would like to discuss with you,” he finally dares to say, “It is my wish that we can unite our houses through a betrothal. The Crown agrees with my idea and the king, my brother, has agreed to our marriage. However, I would like to know what you think about the matter.”

His words sound formal. Too formal and rehearsed. And yet, the smile that appears on the young woman’s face is so wide that it increases the feeling of ingratitude he feels.

“I would like nothing more than to be your wife, my prince.”

Daeron struggles to offer her a smile, “It is decided then. The council will arrange the details with your lord father, so we can proceed.”

“I am honored, my prince,” she replies, bowing.

 “My brother will surely announce the betrothal soon, but I ask for discretion for now. It's wiser this way.”

“Of course,” Marianne nods immediately.

“And we should probably wait until winter is over before we get married,” he says more to himself, “Yes, I think waiting a while would be wise.”

Time. It's just what he needs. Time to get used to his future.

And time to banish ideas – and feelings – that are better left uninhabited.

***

His sheets no longer smell like her.

The scent of roses that always surrounds Rhaena has almost completely disappeared from his room, and as Aemond shifts in bed trying to find a comfortable position to rest, he can't help but grab the pillow at his side and inhale deeply, wanting to find a trace of his wife in it.

But he finds no comfort in the action.

Like the previous nights, he can't sleep either. His room is now a place that torments him. All he can think about every time he enters it is Rhaena's body lying between his sheets, her platinum hair spread across his pillows, the softness of her skin, her kisses...

Aemond growls, exasperated with himself because, no matter how hard he tries, he can't get her out of his mind.

Although he finds refuge in his daily work, forcing himself to focus on the affairs of the kingdom, on accounts, reports and inspections, the nights are torture. Every time he returns to the Tower he walks silently so as not to hear her, so as not to succumb to his desire to require her presence, to see her or to hold her in his arms. Only that his private rooms are living proof of what he tries to deprive himself of. And, although he knows that he could very well request new accommodations, that masochistic part of him does not wish to do so. No, that little part delights in sleeping in the bed he shared with her, where he felt her warmth…

The prince curses once more as his mind conjures the sensation of sinking inside of her, of her moans and the way Rhaena says his name when she explodes with pleasure. His body betrays him too, and he feels his cock getting excited, growing between his legs and screaming for his attention.

“Seven hells!”

Would it be so bad to summon her? To share her bed again? At some point he would have to, because after all, their union must produce an heir. So why not just give in to his desire? Why keep keeping her away? Wasn’t it easier to just…?

No.

He had done it once before. He had given in to his passions and it had brought him close to death. He had allowed someone else to control him and have influence over him. And he wasn’t going to do it again. He couldn’t show himself weak again. He had agreed to this marriage only to fulfill his duty to the realm, to please his mother and help in the survival of his house. Nothing more was required of him.

Aemond moves between the sheets again, but when the pressure on his cock becomes unbearable, he can’t help but slide his hand and stroke the length of it, moving up and down and imagining it’s Rhaena’s hand stroking him. Or her mouth. How would it feel to have her lips and tongue wrapped around his cock? The mere thought makes him explode, spilling his seed all over his stomach.

Defeated, though somewhat relieved, he cleans himself up and manages to sleep for a few hours. As the sun breaks dawn, he slips out from between the sheets and walks to the training yard, where he grabs a sword and begins to stab the straw man.

“Bad night?”

The question comes from Ser Criston, who joins him, also taking up a sword.

“I didn’t get much sleep.”

“Once again?” the knight faces him, tacitly challenging him to a duel, “What is troubling you, my prince?”

He does not answer immediately. Though he trusts Cole, he doesn’t dare discuss his situation with him. Or anyone, really.

“I think we should send Daeron and Tessarion to the Stormlands.”

“Is this because of the thefts to the nobles?”

“It is happening more and more often.”

“Your brother wouldn’t be much help, not on the back of his dragon,” Ser Criston replies, “The thieves probably set up camp deep in the woods, from the sky Daeron would not be able to see them. You know that as well as I do.”

“Mmm,” Aemond lunges at the knight, who deflects his attack with ease.

“Send me if you are so worried about the situation.”

“No, I need you here.”

The prince repeats his action and lets out a frustrated grunt when he fails to even touch his master.

“You are distracted,” Cole comments as they put down their swords and catch their breath, “What is it really bothering you?” When he gets no response, he insists, “The realm is at peace, the council follows your instructions and there is no sign of disloyalty on their part.”

Aemond takes his sword again and Cole his morning star, wielding it skillfully and making the young man concentrate to the maximum so as not to be hit by the weapon.

“Is it Lady Rhaena?” When the prince glares at him, a sideways smile appears on Cole’s face. “I imagine that living together is not proving to be an easy task.”

“Why do you assume that?”

“You have always been an independent young man,” Ser Criston dodges again, “Accustomed to your ways and routines. And now you have a wife to include in all of this. It must be… complicated.”

“I barely see her.”

“Why is that?”

Aemond shrugs, “I have no need to,” he lies, “She is just…”

“Your wife,” the knight cuts him off, “Who in the eyes of the gods you covered with your cloak and swore to protect.”

“She does not need my protection, she is safe here in the Keep.”

“That is not what I mean,” Ser Criston replies, shaking his head, “Lady Rhaena requires your attention and dedication as well.”

Aemond lets out a cynical chuckle, though internally, he feels a tug of guilt and bitterness at the knight’s words, “She receives enough attention from the Court. I do not think she desires mine.”

His words must convey something of what he feels, because Ser Criston stops his attacks and watches him with those shrewd eyes that detected his lies as a child, and made him confess his escapes from the castle to try to sneak into the Dragon Pit, “You can be gentle with her. There would be nothing wrong with getting along with your wife. I know you didn’t wish to marry her, but that doesn’t stop your feelings towards that union from changing over time.”

“We married to produce a royal heir,” Aemond retorts, “For the future of the dynasty. You told me that, remember?”

“I remember,” he nods and lets out a heavy sigh, “I just think there is nothing wrong with you feeling affection for your wife, my prince”

Aemond grimaces and looks away for a moment.

“It has nothing to do with that,” he finally murmurs, and when he faces Criston, it is with a harsh and cold look in his eye, “Let’s keep training.”

And although his words echo in his mind, he focuses only on the comforting sound of steel against steel, trying to forget his doubts and everything else.

***

“We are honored by your visit, Princess Rhaena.”

The orphanage is considerably larger than the one she visited last time. And it is filled with small children running around in torn shoes and scantily clad despite the cold. Seeing their little red noses and almost purple lips, Rhaena is suddenly embarrassed by the fur coat she is wearing.

The septa, an elderly woman, offers her a rickety chair by the fire.

“Thank you,” she replies with a smile, “I hope the provisions I brought are enough to ease your burden.”

“Praise the Mother,” the woman replies, “Our burden is great, as you can see, my lady. But we try to house all the children who are in need.”

Rhaena looks back at the many children of varying ages who are excitedly running around the carts filled with vegetables and wheat she has brought. This orphanage, one of the ones on the queen dowager’s list, is her first stop in Flea Bottom.

“The Crown appreciates your service, septa,” Rhaena clears her throat, “What else do they need?”

“There is never enough food, my lady, but we also require clothing and blankets. Last winter took more than half of the children in our care.”

Her heart sinks at the woman’s words, “I am very sorry to hear that.”

“It was a shame, really, but the Gods are probably taking better care of them than we could,” the woman sighs, “There are few who will grow up to be good men and women.”

Rhaena looks back at the children, and a lump form in her heart, “How long will they be under your care if they cannot find families to take them in?”

“A few years, until they can take care of themselves. We try to teach them practical things, but it’s hard to make a living in this city.”

The sound of a crying baby cuts off the conversation, and a young septa enters with a small child in her arms.

“One more?”

“I’m afraid so,” the young woman sighs and, seeing Rhaena, bows before leaving the small room.

“The arrival of winter makes the women simply abandon them.”

“Isn’t there some way to find their mothers? To help them so they can raise their children?”

“Babies are not welcome where they come from,” the septa explains, “Most of these children are the children of prostitutes on the Street of Silk. There is no place for these creatures in these establishments. And those that are kept are for a much worse fate.”

Rhaena pales and the septa apologizes for bringing up an inappropriate subject for her.

For the rest of the visit, as she oversees that the orphanage receives all that she has brought to offer, Rhaena wanders through the gloomy, cold rooms, promising to return with more help.

“I will return soon,” she assures the septa, “And I will bring more useful things.”

The children cling to her skirts, bidding her farewell, and Rhaena tries to contain her sudden urge to cry as she leaves the place.

“Shall we return to the palace, princess?” the royal guard asks.

“Not yet,” she sighs, “I want to walk around the city a bit.”

The man follows her silently and the girl tries to ease her heart as she thinks about the harsh reality she has just witnessed. She knew the city had many shortages, but she was not prepared to see them so directly. King's Landing had looked lovely on the occasions she had visited, although that was probably because they had embellished part of the city for the wedding. Now that she had ventured deeper into the heart of the town, she could see the reality.

“This place is not appropriate for you, my lady,” the guard warns her

“Why not?”

“Well it is… it is the Street of Silk, my lady.”

“Oh,” Rhaena stops abruptly and looks curiously at the establishments that, in the light of day, seem quite ordinary.

The famous Street of Silk. Women wearing the most revealing dresses she has ever seen emerge from one of the houses, laughing and holding glasses while hugging a clearly drunk man. The man touches them shamelessly and they do not protest, rather they respond to his caresses while they continue laughing and then enter another of the houses.

“We should go back to the palace, princess”

Rhaena nods and they return to the carriage. During the ride, her mind can't help but return to the scene on Silk Street. And the many establishments she had seen. Were they all brothels? Were they all packed at night, offering forbidden pleasures to men? Had Aemond frequented any of these places? Did he still frequent them even now?

Doubt grows inside her like poison ivy. The prince had assured her that distractions were things of the past, but was he keeping his word? Or was that why he no longer called her to his chambers? Perhaps he preferred the more experienced touch of his lover. Rhaena feels her heart race as she considers the possibility that she had been a disappointment to Aemond in the marriage bed. Was that why he avoided her? Had the novelty of possessing her been so dull after a couple of times that he needed something more? Had she failed?

“We are already at the Fortress, Madam”

Rhaena gets out of the carriage and advances through the castle without even looking where she is going.

“There you are!” Marianne’s arms suddenly encircle her and her friend’s squeal of excitement stops the thoughts that are gnawing at her insides. “I was looking for you,” her lady continues, “Oh Rhaena! The prince Daeron asked me to be his wife.”

“What?” she gasps, surprised, “How… how did it happen?”

Rhaena tries to act surprised even though she expected it to happen because, after all, Aemond had assured her that she didn’t have to worry about it anymore.

Just as he assured you that there would be no one else but you, she thinks.

And, if he had kept his promise to Daeron and Marianne, why wouldn’t he also keep his promise to never visit his former lover again?

Yes, her doubts were unfounded. They had to be, she thinks as she watches her friend’s smile, pleased by the betrothal, and making plans about the wedding, the dress and the decoration of the sept. “Prince Aemond will announce our betrothal soon,” Marianne beams, “But you mustn’t tell anyone until then.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Rhaena beams back, “I am so happy for you. And that we can still be together.”

“It is amazing, is it not?” Her lady’s honey-colored eyes fill with unshed tears, “And we will be family! Our children will be cousins ​​and grow up together.”

Rhaena giggles and tries to push her doubts aside, letting herself be carried away by the idyllic picture her lady paints for her.

@user05152535456 @pugetprincess @draftswriting @hopefulnovelwritingland @maymunahar @niocel @goldenjoyboyy @gracelessbeach @jenmakeusin10 @dagma18 @atargcvnt @iidontgiveafuckuniverse @ammo23 @qyburnsghost @ithoughtulikedme @avidreader73 @feyresqueen @zeroinetoheroine @dragontwinsfireandblood

Let me know if you want to be tagged

[flowerandblood]

The Man with the Fiery Gaze

[ Amor • Aemond x Psyche • female ]

[ warnings: sex content, oral sex, smut, angst, overstimulation, uncertainty related to physical wounds, trauma ]

[ description: After she is attacked in a fair by a strange man and narrowly avoids death, her father the king decides that from now on she will be watched over by one of his ‘ghosts’, a assassin acting on his orders, wearing a black mask. The man follows her like a shadow, accompanied by their past, which keeps her awake at night. Gothic horror love story, angst, sexual tension, very dark Aemond. ]

This story is several requests combined into one: sworn protector x female; Amor x Psyche; Phantom of the Opera! Aemond x female. I took the liberty of creating a completely new story from this, having only elements of each of these requests.

Series & Characters Moodboard Lady Walford Moodboard Gothic & Horror Sensual Moodboard

Part 1 - The Man with the Black Mask | Part 2 - The Man with the Empty Heart | Part 4 - The Man with the Cold Lips | Part 5 - The Man with the Deep Scar | Part 6 - The Man with the One Eye | Part 7 - The Man with the Golden Gift | Part 8 - The Man in the Black Crown | Part 8 - The Man in the Black Crown | Part 9 - The Man with the Bloody Sword | Part 10 - The Man in the Black Gloves | Part 12 - The Man with the Pearly Hair

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Next chapters: Masterlist

_____

Her husband terrified everyone but her. His cold, mocking gaze, his lips clenched into a thin line, his pallor, his black eye patch made it seem to her that his lordships saw him as a phantom rather than a man. She found it hard to believe how much he could change as he crossed the door of his chamber, as he joined her in bed, asking in a whisper if his little wife missed her husband.

She had always missed him.

When he was not beside her she felt incomplete.

To the fury of some lords, he expected her presence at councils, consulting her often, relying on her advice. She did not interfere in the affairs of the kingdom when he did not ask her to or when he did not want to hear her opinion, having no intention of undermining his authority or challenging his opinion in front of other lords.

She wanted him to know that he could always count on her support, and only spoke to him of her doubts behind the closed doors of their chamber.

They were bound together by deep darkness, grief and death, tying them together by an invisible thread of understanding.

She had the feeling when she looked at him, when he gripped her in his hands, that he was devouring her, with every thrust of his hips taking something of her for himself − when she embraced him tightly, joining with his lips in a sudden, passionate kiss she had the feeling that he was filling her whole, that they were one person.

There was something in his coldness, in his distance, in his enviousness that attracted her, in his almost frantic, menacing gaze as he looked at her with his mouth wide open, hissing for her to beg him for his seed, which she did devotedly, making him come inside her a moment later with a loud, low groan of pleasure.

"− we are one −" He whispered when it was all over, lying on top of her, staying deep inside her, looking straight into her eyes, his large hand stroking her cheek. "− you and me − you see me as I truly am −"

She smiled at his words, feeling gratitude, peace and heat rippling across her chest − the sight of such a reaction on her face always embarrassed him and moved him in a way, so he tried to distract her with a sticky, hot kiss which he placed on her lips, her fingers then sinking into his hair, reciprocating his caress with devotion.

She was horrified by how connected she felt to him.

She was horrified by how much affection he evoked in her.

She was the only person he really confided in about his dark thoughts. He spoke to her about the lords he doubted, took advice from her on the things that kept him awake, looking at her intently, knowing that he would recognise immediately if she lied to him.

She had no intention of doing so.

She was faithful to him in body, heart and mind.

He knew that, and that was what was driving him mad, pushing him to root into her at night until she begged him to finally let them both rest.

"− I need to make sure I've filled my wife well −" He panted between desperate, sloppy thrusts of his hips, their bodies all welted up from the exertion − he sank inside her with a loud click of her juices and his spend, looking at the sight of him taking her from behind, unable to deny himself watching his fat cock stretch her insides with his every thrust.

"− fuck − so good −" He mumbled, coming again with a sigh of wonderful relief, falling on top of her at last, his sweat-wet hands finding hers and entwining with them, his cheek nestled against hers, his lips surrounding her skin with his hot, raptured breath.

"− you smell wonderful − I could do this to you all night −" He muttered, lazily pushing his half-soft manhood deeper into her with soft rocking of his hips.

"− I know, my King − but have mercy on your poor wife who won't be able to sit up tomorrow −" She whispered half dreaming; it was late and all she wished was that he would let her lie like that with him and fall asleep.

She heard him murmur, felt his pride beating at the thought of him bringing her to such a state, feeling fulfilled as a man, a lover and a husband as a result.

"− your husband is merciful − sleep −" He hummed softly, leaning down, placing a kiss on her naked shoulder, turning with her to his side so that he was no longer crushing her with his body, embracing her tightly, her hands tightening on his arms, delightfully hiding in his embrace.

Very often they both had nightmares, each seeing the same thing in them − soldiers with swords who burst into their chamber screaming, killing them in their beds.

Her husband kept two daggers under their pillows, just in case, and every night he checked with an involuntary flick of his hand that they were in place before he fell asleep.

When she woke with a scream she could feel him shuddering beside her, terrified, clasping his arms around her, a quiet, helpless quiver escaping her lips.

"− shhh − it's me − you're safe − breathe −" He whispered softly, again and again kissing her hot, soft skin, stroking her bare body with his hands until her heart slowed again and her breathing calmed.

"− I dreamt that they came for us − that they slit your throat and then raped me in front of your eyes − you were still alive and they made you watch −" She mumbled out in a trembling voice feeling a tear run down her cheek onto the pillow under her head.

She heard him swallow loudly at her words, embracing her tighter from behind, nuzzling his face into her hair, his fingers stroking her bare shoulder.

"− no one will touch you − you're mine and you're safe − your husband will protect you −" He whispered quietly and she nodded, closing her eyes, allowing herself to focus only on the warmth of his body, on the tenderness with which his hand stroked her bare flesh, trying to give her any source of comfort.

When her moon bleeding began to delay she waited a long time before going to the medic to examine her, wanting to make sure she was not wrong in her assumptions. He, however, had no doubts.

"You are carrying a child in your womb, my Queen."

She decided that she must inform her husband immediately, personally, disregarding the fact that a council of his closest advisors was currently taking place, during which he insisted that no one should disturb them.

"My Queen, you cannot walk inside now." Said one of the guards.

Over the months after their marriage, her husband's followers slowly began to trust her and no longer referred to her with such coldness, however, her husband's will was paramount to them, and they feared nothing more than his wrath.

"Open the door. I must convey a message to the King that cannot wait." She said gravely, looking at them with her hands folded in front of her.

The men looked at each other uncertainly; the one she spoke to sighed heavily and with a clack of armour walked to the door, opening it. Her king-husband fell silent in mid-sentence, looking at her angrily as she stepped inside and bowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. He looked at his guard with exasperation.

"I ordered that no one should disturb us."

"I must convey something important to you in private, my King. It is a matter of urgency." She said in a calm, confident tone, looking straight into her husband's face.

She saw him roll his eyes as he let out an impatient breath; he bited his lower lip and dismissed the men seated around the table with a gesture of his hand. They began to get up in silence, tense, leaving one by one until they were left alone.

"Speak." He said in an impatient, sharp tone, looking somewhere off to the side, tapping his pointing finger against the table top.

She approached him unhurriedly, saw him lift his gaze to her in which lurked a threat, telling her that if it turned out to be nothing important, he would lose his temper.

"I carry your inheritance in my womb, my King." She said softly, unable to hold back a shy smile, heat spreading through her heart as she saw his shocked look fall from her face to her lower abdomen where she held her hands, his lips parted in disbelief as if he had run out of words.

"… are you sure? Has you been examined by…"

"I've just been to the medic. I had suspected it for weeks, but I preferred to wait and be absolutely sure."

She heard him swallow loudly, saw his chest rise and fall in deeper breaths, his gaze fixed on her stomach. Wanting to embolden him, she gently grasped his wrist lying on the armrest of his chair and placed his hand where her womb was, stroking his skin with her thumb.

He sighed quietly, massaging her skin hidden beneath the material of her gown with his fingers, his gaze softened, the rage evaporating from him, replaced by shy disbelief.

He finally lifted his gaze to her and drew her to him − she fell into his lap, letting his wet, warm lips press against hers in a loud, sticky kiss. She sighed quietly in satisfaction and reciprocated his caress, pulling away from him, taking his cheeks in her hands.

"Does my King resent my interfering with his council?" She asked quietly, his hand from her waist involuntarily wandering to her womb again, as if he couldn't believe that at last the gods had blessed them with something they wanted so badly.

"No. You have pleased me with your words, wife." He hummed softly, his voice calm and warm, the way it usually was when they lay in the night snuggled into each other, tired and raspy from exertion and fulfilment.

She leaned into him and kissed his forehead, heard him purr contentedly.

"That is all I had to share with you, my King. With your permission." She said slipping out of his arms, wanting to get up, but she felt his shoulders clench tighter around her instead of letting her go, his cock throbbing beneath her with impatience.

"We cannot, my King. Your advisors are waiting." She whispered, looking at him calmly, her lips parted slightly when she noticed his pupil dilated, his irises almost black.

He answered nothing, his hands lifting her gown higher with an eager, sharp movement, forcing her to sit on top of him again − she sighed quietly unable to hide a smile of satisfaction.

When he saw this he clamped his hand painfully tight on her hair and forced her lips to cling to his again in an aggressive, roguish kiss − she grasped his cheeks in her fingers, stroking them with her thumbs.

He murmured contentedly and, wasting no time, undid the buckles of his tunic, then reached down to untie his breeches, sliding them down just enough to release his throbbing, swollen erection.

A low, surprised moan of delight erupted from his throat as she immediately grasped his length in her hand and directed it between her thighs, lowering herself onto it with a quiet sigh of pleasure. He leaned his head back resting it on the backrest, closing his healthy eye for a moment, a quiet, throaty fuck erupted from his lips.

They both began to pant as she began to slowly rise and fall on top of him, his large hands slipped under her gown and squeezed her bare buttocks impatiently, forcing her to speed up, the thrusts of his hips stretching her tight, fleshy walls with his hard, throbbing manhood.

She stroked his cheek and entwined her fingers in his soft white hair leaning over him, placing tender kisses full of devotion, desire and passion on his lips, her mouth wet and hot, a low, wonderful moan of delight escaping from his throat, his cock twitching with pleasure inside her.

"− don't stop − don't fucking stop − your King wants to fill you −" He hissed out between thirsty, deep, loud kisses, stifling their loud panting and moans as they did so, his chair creaking loudly each time she sank down on top of him, rubbing herself with it so that the fat head of his cock teased a wonderful spot deep inside her.

"− who am I to defy my King's command − my King can come inside me as many times as he wants −" She muttered sweetly, softly, feeling a shudder run through him, a sigh escaped his from his parted lips pressed against hers − she felt him throbbing inside her like crazy, her fleshy, hot walls clenched around him and sucked him in.

"− I − yes, fuck, oh godsss −" He gasped apparently struggling to restrain himself not to come, wanting to prolong this moment, but he gave in at last with a sigh of relief, pressing his face against hers, her fingers stroking his cheeks as she felt his seed fill her.

She felt his hand from her hip rise to her face and run through her hair, sliding down her neck, a pleasant shiver passed through her. They kissed lazily a few more times, calming their breathing and he finally pulled away from her with an expression of satisfaction, holding her chin between his fingers.

"You may leave, my wife." He hummed lowly. She smiled at his words and rose, feeling strangely empty as his manhood slid out from her with a loud splat. She adjusted her gown hearing him quickly tie his breeches, reaching for the buckles of his tunic and bowed humbly, no longer looking at him.

"My King."

She turned and walked out, opening the door and stepping out into the corridor where men stood waiting for them to finish their conversation, looking at her with furrowed brows. She suspected they knew exactly what they were doing.

She could feel his spend running down her thighs.

She knew they were jealous that he had allowed her to be so close, where every one of them dreamed of being his most trusted advisor.

She figured she wouldn't give them any reason to gossip and spread the opinion that she had become a queen by sneaking into his bed.

"Rejoice, my good lords. There is an heir to the throne in my womb." She said softly with a sincere smile of satisfaction, the men looked at her in disbelief and then at her abdomen.

Some seemed very pleased by this news, others only nodded, others seemed worried.

Until she bore the King an heir they believed that he would change his mind and divorce her, taking one of some lord's daughters as his wife.

However, they each offered her congratulations before entering the chamber, which they also repeated towards the King, who only nodded at their words, looking straight at her from across the table.

A living fire burning in his eye.

If it had seemed to her until now that her husband was obsessed with her, this impression was intensified further after passing on to him the joyful news that she was expecting his heir.

That night he took her gently and tenderly, first showering her with adoringly soft, wet kisses all over her naked body only to slide then between her thighs, sinking his tongue deep inside her, allowing her to reach her peak on his face.

He spent a long hour this way, licking her, teasing and sucking her pearl, tearing out of her fulfillment after fulfillment, watching with a smirk full of satisfaction as she wriggled beneath him in despair, babbling that she could take no more, that it was too much.

It seemed to her that what she was saying was having the opposite effect, the tip of his nose ran over her leaking womanhood again making her shiver.

"− you have made your husband happy today, sweet wife − I only wish to express my gratitude −"

From now on she could bother him at any time, of course, if the need was urgent or concerned their child.

He ordered the fruits she so adored to be brought to the fortress from the farthest reaches of the kingdom, and although she told him it was an unnecessary expense, he did not listen to her, recognising that it was his duty as her husband to provide her with everything he felt she needed in her blessed condition.

In the evenings, even when he was reading he longed to be close to her, so instead of sitting in his chair by the fireplace as usual, he would sit on the chaise longue, leaning back comfortably.

She would then come to him with a thick cloth in which she enveloped herself, not wanting to get cold in her nightgown alone, and lay down beside him, hugging the top of her head to his hip. His hand immediately moved to her shoulder, which he stroked in a steady, tender motion, flipping the page of the book lying on his thighs with a loud rustle.

Her pregnancy had been a huge trial for them, her belly swollen from his child had made her suffer, her back aching unmercifully, vexed by hot, dry nights during which she squirmed and could not sleep.

Although the medic had announced that he should not take her into his bed during the course of her pregnancy, she could not imagine having to wait so many months without touching him.

He did not seem enthused by the idea either, so they met in his chamber like parted lovers.

He was gentler towards her, the thrusts of his hips softer and more tender − he didn't want to hurt her or their child, his hand clenched on her womb as he root into her from behind, panting loudly, saying that he would stop soon, that just a moment more.

One time she was so hot that she couldn't sleep and she decided to sneak out of his chamber, not wanting to wake him up again, knowing that he couldn't sleep because of her. He never complained about it, however, she knew that he had trouble concentrating, the thought of her impending labour putting him in a constant state of anxiety and worry.

He was afraid.

She breathed heavily in relief as she stepped into her chamber, stroking her abdomen, feeling her child wriggling in her womb, thinking about the fact that only a few more months and it would be over.

She lay down in her bed, which had previously been her mother's chamber, and before that, Queen Alicent's. She thought of the underground shelter beneath her, of her husband having spent several days there.

He had told her about it one night when they lay tired, the healed wound in his eye socket sometimes causing him pain and the medic then had to pull out the sapphire that was placed there to apply ointment.

It turned out that the polished stone rubbed him and created small wounds that oozed and then caused him great discomfort.

"My Queen, the King should not wear this stone in his eye socket nor his eye patch for the next few weeks. He, however, insists on only taking a break for a few days until the ointment takes effect. I beg you to speak his mind, he will listen to you." Said a man in a simple brown robe, as she understood, one of the monks who had once saved her husband's life.

She nodded and walkend into his chamber − he sat in a chair leaning to one side, his black eye patch on his head, his hand massaging his temple, his face expressing discomfort and fatigue.

He looked at her sleepily and she thought immediately that the medic had given him poppy milk, which meant that his pain was so severe that he had decided to stupefy his senses, though he always kept his mind as sharp and focused as possible.

She approached him, sighing quietly, with a face expressing genuine concern − she took his hand in hers and stroked it with her thumb, but said nothing.

She knew that the last thing he wanted from her was pity and he would have preferred them to pretend that there was no subject, however, this time the matter was too serious for her to leave it out without a word.

"I was told by the medic that in order for your wounds to heal properly, you should not wear your eye patch at night so that your skin can rest and regenerate on its own." She said in a soft whisper, stroking his hand with her fingers. She felt him tense up all over; he turned his head away in impatience, showing her that he had no intention of discussing it with her.

"We'll cover the windows with curtains if you wish." She added, wanting to convince him if he wanted so badly for her not to see him without his sapphire, that there was a way.

"No." He replied roughly, even though his head was facing her sideways his eye was looking in her direction.

She swallowed loudly at the thought that ever since they had been married he had always left a single candle lit next to their bed when they went to sleep, his proof that his days of being locked away in endless darkness were over.

"I carry your heir under my heart, the medics think I need to get enough sleep and avoid worry. How can I manage this when I see my king-husband suffering through no fault of his own and making his condition worse for me? Let us draw the curtains."

"You will not keep your word. Just as you did then." He said coldly, turning his face towards the burning fireplace.

She felt a squeeze in her throat, her heart pounding harder in her chest as she realised he was speaking about when, while he was still her guardian, she had opened her eyes before he left even though she had promised him she would not do such thing.

"You knew everything about me then and I knew nothing about you. Now you are my husband and as always I will respect your will. I swear it on our child." She said calmly and slowly, wanting him to know that her words were sincere and serious.

She saw his jaw clench as he swallowed loudly and squeezed his eye shut, she knew that a wave of pain was running through his head again. He covered his face with his hand in a gesture of surrender.

"I won't forgive you if you don't keep your word." He said lowly; she knelt beside him, laying her head on his thigh, reaching with her palm to his hand extended on the armrest of his chair.

"I will keep my word, my love. Let's go to sleep."

As promised, this time it was she who drew the curtains, one by one, making the entire chamber fall into complete darkness. Walking back to their bed she had to walk slowly with her hands stretched out in front of her, not wanting to hit anything − she hissed when she bumped her knee on the small table, she heard him rise on the bed.

"Did you hurt yourself? Come here." He said impatiently − she felt his hand grab her arm and lead her straight to the bed. She landed in his arms and kissed him, however instead of a sigh of delight she heard his muffled sound of discomfort and pain.

She reached in the dark for his eye patch and pulled it gently off his head − she could hear him breathing loudly, his hand clenched tightly on the material of her nightgown.

"You see me." He said reproachfully, pained, his voice breaking as he spoke the words in such a way that she felt a sting in her heart.

"I can't see anything, my love. I swear, it's too dark." She whispered softly and ran her fingers over his healthy cheek, a powerful shudder went through her when she felt it was wet, after a moment she felt another tear run down between them.

He was crying.

This realisation shocked her so much that for a moment she didn't know what to say, her throat squeezed so tightly it made her ache.

"− my beloved husband − please, don't despair −" She mumbled in a trembling voice, stroking his hair as if he were a small child. She felt his strong arms tighten around her and pull her closer − she snuggled her face into his neck, her hand placed on his bare chest just above his heart.

He closed her in a tight embrace, stroking her back and hands − she heard him sigh heavily, as if he was trying to get something out of himself but was unable to.

"Since you have been my wife, there has always been at least one candle lit in my chamber." He uttered without strength; she lift her hand again and stroked his cheek, hushing him, pressing her forehead against his jaw, his fingers tightening on her hair.

"I will be your light this night and every night that follows, for as long as it takes, my love." She said softly. She heard him swallow loudly, letting the air out with a heavy sigh, desperate.

"Embrace me through the night, sweet wife. Don't let me out of your arms."

_____

I'm ending this series here because we've reached what I wanted, which is an openness and vulnerability that brings them completely closer together. I didn't want to suggest to the fans what would happen next, whether a girl or a boy would be born, or maybe a tragedy would happen to them? In my mind, they have six children, exactly the number Alys predicted, but all of them are born from his queen wife. They ruled bloodily, justly and indivisibly, trusting only themselves, their relationship on the verge of obsession caused general terror, and was a source of jealousy for others.

_____

Aemond Taglist:

(bold means I couldn't tag you)

@notnormalthings-blog @nikstrange @zenka69 @bellaisasleep @k-y-r-a-1 @g-cf2020 @melsunshine @opheliaas-stuff @chainsawsangel @iiamthehybrid @tinykryptonitewerewolf @namoreno @malfoytargaryen @qyburnsghost @aemondsdelight @persephonerinyes @fan-goddess @sweethoneyblossom1 @watercolorskyy @randomdragonfires @apollonshootafar @padfooteyes @darylandbethfanforever9 @fudge13 @snh96 @rwdkarla @echos-muses

[sunnikos]

Day 6: Royalty AU

Hello! I am participating in Sskk Week 2024. I swear I can write a proper royalty AU with more time to figure out the loreeeee! But yeah I’m proud of this piece sooooo this is day 6, enjoy!

Content Warnings: Non descriptive siege and minor character death

Word Count: 1.3k

| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 |

Atsushi is so different from his father. A shrewd, proud man. But Atsushi, is warm, kind. Perhaps because his father was always traveling, and so Atsushi could only learn by the example of his maid. Atsushi had never shown up at an actual event before, Akutagawa would’ve met him a lot sooner if he did. No, this man, he is radiant.

He was taken in by Dazai, an advisor of Akutagawa’s adoptive father. Akutagawa has a feeling Dazai would be in Akutagawa’s position if he wanted. Anyhow, his new guardian is likely the reason he’s here today. He was never taught how to be a merchant like his father, so upon the mans death, there was nothing he could do to keep his status. This is likely why Dazai took him in, despite him being 18 years of age. That, and the mans own intrigue.

Point is, Atsushi is a sight for sore eyes. So, can you really blame Akutagawa for looking for him everywhere after seeing him for the first time? And asking everyone in the palace about him? And maybe pestering Dazai until he set up a “play date” only for Atsushi to get sick and then they meet each other for the first time in the gardens completely by accident a few days later and Akutagawa… Akutagawa is far too smitten over a man he just met.

After stumbling through some awkward introductions, they sit on a stone bench.

“So.. I heard you wanted to, uh, see me?”

“Uh yeah, sorry, I—” Akutagawa sighs, “—I don’t know what I was on about.”

Atsushi looks over at him with a kind smile, “Oh, I’m fine, just.. curious, that’s all.”

“Right,” he looks up at the sky, “I can just, tell that you’re different. From the court, I mean. It’s refreshing and… I want to know you, I guess.”

“That makes perfect sense.” Atsushi nods and looks to the stars.

Akutagawa looks over at him, bewildered by what he said, “You think so?”

“Mhm, I wanna know you too.”

“Many have tried, you know.” Akutagawa chuckles humorously.

“Yes but…” Atsushi looks off to the side, then steels his mind and says, “none of them were me.”

He is seeing Akutagawa. Not just looking at him, Atsushi is beginning to know him. It’s an arduous task, but he gets the feeling Atsushi won’t see it that way.

How beautiful is that?

Akutagawa spends most of his free time with Dazai’s pet project after that. They meet up in many places across the palace, the courtyard, the gardens, the hallways… Anywhere. Sometimes coincidence, sometimes not. Being with Atsushi is like looking at himself in a jelly mirror, then being pulled inside. He is looking at himself, but he’s clearly different. Everything is… sweeter. It all feels like a dream. Akutagawa is used to nightmares, haunting and complex. But this is arguably simple, pleasant, new.

Atsushi has a fresh point of view to offer on most situations, it makes Akutagawa feel like he’s becoming a better man. Someone the people can truly look up to, and say, “That’s our prince, he’s come a long way. One day, he’ll lead our kingdom to greatness”

Okay. Maybe that’s a bit… much. But still, one can hope?

Akutagawa can feel Dazai’s eyes on him lately. Must be all that time he’s spending with his “protege”. Still, it feels like every time he sees the man lately his eyes are ripe with interest. Like he’s trying to figure out who Akutagawa really is, in his heart. It seems like, Dazai wants to teach him something, guide him into a true ruler… And isn’t that something?

Dazai has never taken interest in him. It’s odd. Akutagawa always wanted to learn from him, but now… he’s not sure he really cares. Then his life… goes back to how it was. It appears Dazai is keeping Atsushi busy, and Akutagawa’s responsibilities have been amped higher than they’ve ever been. Turns out, there’s been some skirmishes on the boarder, and they’re only getting rowdier. Mori sends troops on Dazai’s guidance, his strategies appear to work at first. Then, things go terribly wrong.

The rebel forces, that Akutagawa had no clue were even an organized group, took siege of the palace. Akutagawa was prisoner for two weeks until Atsushi, soaked in crimson, found him and took him to a secret underground hiding place in the forest. Akutagawa could not see at first, that Atsushi was outraged. But he can see it now. As they hide, in a dark, gloomy bunker; Akutagawa can see his heavy breathing is not just exertion, but anger.

Akutagawa does not know how to make Atsushi feel better. He does not know how to comfort a single person in this blasted kingdom. But he knows he can distract Atsushi. Whatever is going on, does not need their focus. It is their job to hide. Akutagawa wearily grasps at Atsushi’s hand and pulls it to rest over his heartbeat.

After a few moments, Akutagawa can only see fit to mutter the words, “We’re alive.”

Atsushi sighs deeply, and leans back. Akutagawa takes this as his sign to lay against Atsushi’s chest. They’re cuddled up like that for hours. It’s glorious, but also worrisome. Just what is going on out there.

Then, the new comes. They’re woken up and helped out of the underground hole. Akutagawa learns he is to be the king now. The rebels killed the ruler, and now he is to take his place. It’s surreal.

Akutagawa doesn’t feel like anything is real until he’s getting ready for his coronation. All this royal garb is heavy, it’s status. It’s not him. It’s what he represents. One minute he doesn’t feel real, and the next; everything is all too real. Atsushi, he’s there. Akutagawa doesn’t know when he got there, if he was there the whole time, anything. But Atsushi is there, and he crushes Akutagawa’s head to his chest. The steady thump, thump, thump brings him back to. Just as it did when they were safe together, under the forest floor.

Akutagawa is crying, his warm tears and falling to the ground and while he’s calmer now, he’s still scared. This room is empty, it’s just him and Atsushi. He’s not sure when that happened, but he’s grateful. As he looks into Atsushi’s eyes, he is terrified, but he is not alone. Atsushi must know this too. Whispering sweet nothings, wiping away his tears. Atsushi kisses him, because they both know. Nothing will ever be the same.

When Atsushi pulls away, his hands are still caressing Akutagawa’s face.

He says, “When you feel alone, or afraid, think of me.” a shivering breath leaves him, “I’m right here.”

Then that’s all.

They call in the servants, finish getting him ready, and pronounce Akutagawa king. He appoints Atsushi as his advisor, and Dazai never fails to give his opinion, of course. One day, when things have settled, Atsushi asks Akutagawa to speak in private. They take a stroll in the gardens, then have a seat at a stone bench. It’s nostalgic. Akutagawa feels the wistful breeze and thinks things will really be alright.

“I noticed things have been settling down in the kingdom lately.” Atsushi sneaks a glance at Akutagawa.

“No need to be coy.” Akutagawa grins at Atsushi, then pulls him into a kiss before saying, “I know I’m doing a good job, at least, good enough.”

“Of course, my king,” he looks away, “I only mean to mention something now that the matters of import have been taken care of.”

Akutagawa pauses, he’s puzzled by the sudden change in atmosphere, “Go on…”

“I’m quite sure… that Dazai knew what would happen.”

“How do you mean?”

“I think he knew the rebels would strike. I think he let your…” Atsushi sighs, “I think he let the late king die.”

[livia25leelover]

A White Christmas in Outworld

Mortal Kombat 11 : Shao Kahn x fem reader

NOTE : Dear fem reader, this is my very first story I write. I hope you'll enjoy the Christmas edition of Shao Kahn x fem reader. I must mention I saw nobody on Tumblr made the Christmas version for him, so I'm giving you the first one ever Xmas of him, girls. Also the fem reader is chubby, semi chubby or curvy, and needs more body positivity ♡ Myself I am chubby. Enjoy it!!

This year...I'm dreaming of a white Christmas in Outworld just like the one from Earthrealm.

Is a usual day in Outworld's kingdom. The citizens were doing the daily work while the children are playing all day long. At the Kahn palace, the servants were always serving with loyality their vigurous monarchs of Outworld. Shao Kahn the Emperor and his lovely wife Empress Y/N. They married recently and since her influence changed Outworld into a good and better realm, she even brought peace between all realms. Y/N is an earthrealmer, a lovely and kind woman to everyone, with a strong and wise mind into her royal duties as the Kahnum of Outworld. She always haves free time for herself. On the other side, unfortunately, Shao Kahn as an Emperor, almost never had time with his empress or even for himself. Actually they were very busy with modernizing Outworld after they came back from the honeymoon because Y/N wanted to feel like home.

Now once the month december entered, last month of the year, inspired the empress with a great idea! Is actually something special for the orphans. In fact, she is a volunteer of Outworld's orphanage. The project she will be working on requires love and time which must be ready before Christmas so she can bring joy and hope into the little hearts of orphans. Y/N realized that Christmas was missing from her kingdom and that's how she demands officially Outworld will celebrate Christmas for the first time in realm's history. The emperor hearing this, something caused his insecurity about it. Outworld never celebrated Christmas but the citizens are eager for centuries to do it.

Around 2 pm, after hours of royal duties, Shao Kahn returns to the royal bedroom. He opens the door and finds his wife Y/N working on her project. Goodness, she's glowing of beauty! Everytime when Shao Kahn sees her gentle face it brights up his heart even in the roughest days. And he goes towards her.

Shao Kahn : My love... *Says with a smile while holding and kissing the knuckles of her soft right hand*

Y/N : Awww Shao, my sweety! *Answers him with a sweet smile and blushing while looking at him* How are you honey? Everything good in our kingdom?

Shao Kahn : Everything is good...just like your heart, my queen.

Y/N : I'm glad to hear that Shao. Quite and peace.

Resuming her work, Shao was wondering what is she working on.

Shao Kahn : So...can you tell me, my queen, what are you working on?

Y/N : Is a surprise for the orphans. I wanna bring happiness and hope to their hearts. Christmas is the holiday of hope. Is the only way to bring everyone together and spend the time like a family.

Her warm words got through the Kahn's heart understanding her wish and the importance of the holiday. But he's concerned.

Shao Kahn : But my queen, do you think is this a good idea?

Y/N : Of course it is to do it for them! *Answers with joy*

Shao Kahn : No my love. I am talking about bringing this holiday into my realm. Actually...our realm my love. Do you think is a good idea to bring Christmas here?

Suddenly, she turns her gaze to her emperor.

Y/N : What do you mean, my king?

Shao Kahn : Is concerning me...Outworld never had such "jolly" holiday as you earthrealmers call it. Sounds amazing but I have a feeling that is not a good idea. I'm not sure why.

The expression you could read in his eyes made his wife worry about him. Y/N knows Shao Kahn used to be a tyrant ruler he got used with most of the changes they did together in their kingdom. With a gentle voice she asks him.

Y/N : Why are you saying that? Can you tell me why do you feel like that? if you know why.

Shao Kahn : Each change you did in Outworld concerned me at first. And uncomfortable in the same time. But...this holiday should not be in Outworld. It doesn't represent it.

Y/N : What?

Shao Kahn : You heared me well my empress.

She was affraid of that...affraid that he will say those words that might hurt her. She tries not to cry and gets up from her chair, hardly forming words while looking at him

Y/N : That's what concerned you about everything I did for our empire? Understand that all I did is to change it into good this realm. I wanna feel like home...and you know how much I miss Earthrealm.

Shao Kahn : I know my queen you do. But all these are too sudden for me. You know how I was before.

At that moment, he realized what he said did hurt his queen.

Y/N : *Makes a few steps towards Shao* Shao...I miss home.

Shao Kahn : I know well you do, Y/N.

Y/N : Please...understand me.

She looks up in his red eyes that got soften seeing her innocent and angelic eyes. He wraps his arms around Y/N into a warm embrace as he looked down to her. Giving a chance to Christmas won't hurt anyone and neither him.

Under that scary draconic helmet, Shao smiles while caressing gently with his right hand the back of her head.

Shao Kahn : Alright my queen. Let's celebrate it. As long you are happy then I am too.

Y/N : Thank you Shao!

The warm hug they shared together finally broke the tension between them.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

Later on, the emperor of Outworld and his loyal queen, left the palace together to check the empire and see if the preparations for Christmas. Y/N couldn't be more delighted! To visit and help the citizens of Outworld always makes her happy. In the same time you can see the passion they put into their work, is reflected in the progress they do. Everything works perfect!

Afterwards, at the orphanage Y/N and Shao has finally arrived. Their visit is always welcome. Again the empress's kindness influenced Outworld. Today's task is to talk and listen just to find out what the orphans are wishing for Christmas. Honestly this is Y/N's favorite part.

But the funniest part of her plan is to ask Shao Kahn to disguise in Santa Clause, actually Santa Kahn, to bring the gifts to the orphans. She hopes he will accept this idea because it will a great entertaiment for them. So the wishlist becomes very handy in this case while working together on it. All orphans came and sat down in circle around the emperor and empress. They watched them both with adoration in their hearts. An interesting thing is that the orphans weren't affraid of the Emperor Shao which is good.

"I want a teddy-bear!", "A pony", "Ballerina slippers so I can dance", "A plane or a flying prototype something like that!", "I wish to have a train", "Can Santa bring me a shield and a sword? I wanna become a knight", "I always dreamed to have my own baby doll", "I need a doll house", "CAR! I wish a car! VROOM VROOM!!!", "A biology book to learn more about plants", "I think a board game would be great. I'd be happy to play it with my brothers", "Doctor's box", "I wish Santa could bring me coloring pencils and paint colors", "Marbles", "I wish to have a tea time set", "I want a ball", "Telephone!", "A drum", "Ice skates", "I think...a water gun", "Fairy wings", "A furby friend...cuz I don't have friends", "I always wanted a Barbie doll!", "Does Santa can bring me a robot toy?", "I'd love yo have a dog", "Lego", "KITTY!!". And that's how the wishlist got full.

Before leaving the orphanage, Y/N checked twice the wishlist while humming the song "Santa Claus is coming to town".

Shao Kahn : Are you ready my empress?

Y/N : Just a moment honey. Hmm... everything is on the list.

Shao Kahn : Good. That's all for now.

Y/N : Yep! it is indeed.

As they were going to leave, one of the nuns offered them a basket gift as a token of gratitude from the orphanage They thanked her and went back to the palace.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

In the royal bedroom, Y/N is sitting on the sofa starring at the view from the window while drinking a forest fruits tea served with vanilla cookies as Shao was searching on his phone about Christmas. He got curious about it, he wants to understand why Christmas is so cherished on Earthrealm.

This little break they have now is some quite time with themselves. For sure they didn't had in a long time that much free time together. Just a moment of peace and refuge. Y/N was thinking how to decorate the palace and get a Christmas tree but she wants to do all these with Shao Kahn, not alone. Indeed she does wish for both of them to spend more time together like any married couple but because they are the rulers of Outworld, they are expected to be a positive example for the citizens and that's what she is wishing for.

For a second she snaps out of her thoughts and asks Shao.

Y/N : Would you like to make the decorations in the palace, Shao?

Shao Kahn : Sure! we'll ask the servants to do that.

Y/N : Actually...

Shao Kahn : What is it? *turns the gaze to her*

Y/N : I just want to do it together...me and you.

She said with shyness, blushing and looking down. Shao's answer is not stern, is calm and happy.

Shao Kahn : Oh, that? Sounds even better my love! I'd love to! How could I refuse you? Of course I'll decorate with you.

Y/N : Really?!

Shao Kahn : Yes.

Y/N : I'm so glad to hear that Shao!

With happiness she jumps towards him to give him a warm hug and as an answer Shao Kahn wrapped his arms around his empress with love. In fact, for Shao to seeing her happy means everything to him.

So for the rest of the day, they remained alone in their room to choose the Christmas decorations to buy for the whole palace.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

The next day, in the morning, Y/N the Empress left Outworld to travel to Earthrealm through the portal. The Emperor of Outworld, honestly, sometimes forgets his queen is an earthrealmer but all he can do is to keep his calm. Definitely he wanted to come with her on Earthrealm just to keep her safe. Y/N was going to make the shopping with her best friend from the Special Forces, Cassie Cage, always glad to help Y/N anytime when is need.

Shao Kahn remained in Outworld to manage the planifications. Under his supervise the whole process according to the plan, everything must turn out perfect : the menu, the Christmas fair and the invitations for the Christmas ball at the Kahn palace.

For the first time, the Kahn palace will serve the Christmas menu. At this point Shao Kahn is an expert in food when it comes about selecting the most delicious meals for the royal spoils for him and his queen, always bringing satisfaction at finest to their taste.

The Christmas fair will be full of fun and entertaiment to bring all families to spend their time with children. It'll be music, games, lights and anything a fair needs. Citizens are eager about it!

Meanwhile at shopping on Earthrealm, Y/N and Cassie finally had the girls time after a long period since Y/N married with the Kahn and became the Kahnum of Outworld. The Christmas spirit is alwyas present in Earthrealm bringing joy to everyone along with the music in each shop and mall everywhere.

Y/N : I'm so happy you joined me at shopping Cassie, thank you!

Cassie Cage : Always glad to help you girl!

Both are enjoying their time.

Cassie Cage : Soooo...did you told him?

Y/N : About what?

Cassie Cage : The stork, sweetie.

Y/N : Ooooh!!! That!! the pregnancy.

Cassie Cage : Haven't you told him yet?

Y/N : Honestly... no, I didn't.

Cassie Cage : When are you gonna tell him?

Y/N : On Christmas. I just want this to be a surprise present for him, mostly a gift for both of us. But...

Cassie Cage : What is it?

Y/N : I need to make time to visit a doctor for an ultrasound exam.

Cassie Cage : I can help you with that! *says happy* You know, you have health insurance from the Special Forces anytime you need it.

For some several seconds of silence, Cassie haves an idea.

Cassie Cage : Hey! Wait a minute! after we finish shopping, how about to take you to the doctor? I'm sure is avaiable today.

Y/N : Sure! That'a a great idea, Cassie!!

Cassie Cage : Thank you! Also, besides that, Shao Kahn only knows you are at shopping. And this is the perfect timing. *smiles playfully at Y/N*

Both are laughting with joy.

Y/N : Oh my god! I need even a dress for the Christmas ball, which you are invited my dear, you can come with your parents only if you want.

Cassie Cage : Thank you Y/N! Can't wait to come at your ball. Also I can help you find the perfect dress.

Y/N and Cassie shares a warm hug of their friendship as they continued the shopping.

Afferwards, Cassie drove in safe to a clinic. Y/N entered inside the clinic to arrive to her appointment. Once she got there, Y/N was soo nervous putting lot of questions into her mind about the pregnancy. But what matters the most is for the baby to be healthy.

After a while, she comes out with a warm and happy smile that you can see even from distance. For Cassie seeing her friend like this, definitely there are good news about it. Y/N said nothing but remained happy holding the pictures from the ultrasound check and for sure she knows what a great gift would be for her husband, Shao Kahn, of how excited he will be.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

Meanwhile, in Outworld, Shao is taking a break from the full schedule and waiting for his empress to return home safety. Oh, and how much he wants to hug her in his warm and protective arms, just to keep her to his chest and never let go!

Speaking of her, his wife Y/N finally has returned home, to the palace. Seeing her, he can't help it...Shao Kahn ran towards her and scopped her in his strong arms, offering her a deep kiss to show how much he missed her, his beautiful empress. They looked in eachothers eyes. You could see the sparkle of love in their eyes that is truly proving they treasure it each second. For the servants, this view brings happiness into their hearts as always, knowing how happy their royal rulers are together.

No eye contact was broken as they heared the Special Forces bringing all Christmas decorations and toys inside the palace. Everything that is in need is here.

And as for the lovely monarchs of Outworld, they are so eager to start the decorations, just both.

Shao Kahn : I've been waiting for you, my love.

Y/N : Awww Shao! honeybunny, I knew you were.

Smiles to eachother and starts the decorations. The colors she chosen where white, gold, silver, red, green and purple. Each room from the palace had a color or two. For example, tbe royal bedroom was decorated with purple and silver, the dinning hall with gold, and the ballroom with red and green.

Now after hours spent decorating the whole palace, the greatest and most beautiful part comes, the Christmas tree. Y/N is excited to decorate it with Shao Kahn, a way to enjoy their time along with the Christmas spirit. The Emperor is going to love this. They placed the tree in the living room. It is indeed huge but it fits perfectly with the quite ambiance.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

A few days later passed, in the Christmas eve, around 2:30 pm, one of the servants came fast as it could to Shao Kahn who was found in his study room reading a book.

Servant : Your majesty! We've got problems!

Hearing the word "problems" Shao's silence was broken.

Shao Kahn : *looks at the servant* What happened?!

Servant : You better come. *trembles in fear and panic*

As he saw the servant trembling in fear, Shao Kahn knew what could be. The servant leaded him outside the palace. And there was the chaos. The Christmas fair wasn't going to be held because of the fights between market workers, arguing about minor stuffs. But inside the Kahn palace...it was even worse... The meals for the Christmas ball were a disaster! most of them were burnt and others were raw. Shao could see how dirty was the royal kitchen turned upside down. In the living room, the Christmas tree was found on the ground. The floor was full of broken globes... honestly, seeing the sight of all these, made the Kahn worry. It was the mother of all disasters! Everything was out in control!

Once he went to the bedroom, opening and then closing the door of it, Shao couldn't believe his eyes! He saw Y/N devastated laying on the bed on the side facing the window, crying and sobbing. She couldn't breath properly. Shao Kahn doesn't like to see her in this statement. Immediately he goes to her to comfort her.

Shao Kahn : Y/N, what happened?

Y/N : I…I…

Shao Kahn : My empress, my love, my heart, tell me, what happened?

He asked as he cupped her cheeks gently looking into her eyes full of tears.

Y/N : What can I say? Christmas is ruined!!!

She says while her tears kept falling on her red cheeks. Her statement makes Shao feel utterly sad. He wipes gently her tears with his big and warm hands, sending calm waves through her cheeks.

Shao Kahn : I saw what happened. Is not ruined my love, have faith.

Y/N : But tomorrow is Christmas. We worked so hard to make everything perfect. How are we suppossed to celebrate it? Is a whole mess what I did! I couldn't manage it alone myself.

Shao Kahn : I know you are very sad and devastated my queen. But I'm sure everything will be alright. I know how much this means to you, Y/N. Indeed we worked hard and putted lot of love in this. Only you bring joy and hope in Outworld…your presence sooths each rough edge of this kingdom. You mean everything to the citizens…you mean everything to me, my sweetheart. Everyone believes in you.

His gentle words encouraged Y/N as she tried to calm while Shao looks in her eyes, wipping the tears of sadness. At that moment the emperor lets everything behind that he had to do and decides to remain in the bedroom with his empress for the rest of the day. Hugging and caressing her his queen gently with love.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵.

The next day in the morning, Christmas has came. Y/N found herself alone in the bedroom. She got up to prepare to leave the palace to go at the orphanage but while doing this, she sees a note on the dresser.

"Come at the orphanage, my love. Always remember to have faith. Everything will be good. Your Emperor".

The note was from Shao Kahn. After reading it, makes her smile and blush as the words got through her.

When she left, she noticed the palace was quite. The servants were gone. It didn't matter anymore the disaster that was made yesterday.

She had to stay positive as she traveled with the surprise towards the orphanage, dressed as Mrs Claus. When she got there, the kids were waiting for her in the salon. She sits gracious on the chair close to the Christmas tree. In her soft hands it was a book, not just any book. It was a huge book with ilustrations and interaction, they were tridimensional.

The story is about how she and the Kahn met, how love and destiny bringed them together. A love story that united an earthrealmer and an outworlder that it meant even the begining of peace between both realms, Earthrealm and Outworld, that are today living in balance. For the orphan kids is like a fairytale with a princess who is conquered by a prince. Hearing them to say all these made her burst out a laugh of joy.

The orphans asks where is Santa Claus. The empress answers a bit concerned, unsure.

Y/N : Well...I don't know if he arrived but I think he just...

In that moment she is interrupted by Shao Kahn's appearence, wearing the Santa Claus outfit, behind the Christmas tree while carring the bag full of gifts.

Shao Kahn : HO HO HO!!!! Santa Kahn is in Outworld kids!!!

At that moment the orphans were soo happy to see him. The empress remained surprised to see her husband who made her smile...watching the whole view of him listening each orphan kid to say a poem or sing, rewarding them with the gifts they wished for. Honestly is really impressive how it started this day! It was unexpected to Y/N. At the end of it, all orphans prepared a carol for this ocassion to show their gratitude to Santa Kahn.

Afterwards, Shao and Y/N left together the orphanage, happy.

Shao Kahn : Tell me my queen, how it was? Impressed?

Y/N : Yes I am! It was...WONDERFUL!!!

Shao Kahn : Then my queen is satisfied.

Said the emperor with a large smile looking down to Y/N. By no warning, the Kahn makes the hammer appears in his right hand, swings it carefull in his hand and with speed and precise throws it up in the air. Y/N panics a bit but Shao Kahn caught the hammer that fallen right in his hand.

Y/N : What did you did?!

Shao Kahn : You'll see.

Suddenly something white and small has fallen in front of them but more started to fall. Snowflakes? Snowflakes in Outworld? Yes, it started to snow, first snow in Outworld.

Y/N : Awww Shao! You did this for me?

Shao Kahn : Sure my queen. Only for you to be happy. And even for everyone to feel more the Christmas spirit.

He knew this small detail that without snow Christmas can't be complete. Bringing snow in Outworld is truly surprising and will remain in history this moment.

Y/N : I can't believe it! First snow in Outworld!

Shao said nothing, he just smiles watching her twirl around while more snow falls.

On their way, she saw the market wasn't in chaos anymore. Is actually the Christmas fair! How was that possible to pick and clean up everything in a short time? I guess only Shao knows how.

Back at the Kahn palace, empress Y/N was ataken. The meals weren't burnt or raw anymore, they looked perfect and fresh. And in the living she found the Christmas tree brand new! Each globe from it was totally new, not anymore broken or cracket like yesterday in the Christmas eve. Not a single broken piece. All these surprised the queen.

Y/N : Shao, what happened? Everything seems just soo...clean!

The emperor looks into her eyes with a proud expression on his face.

Shao Kahn : Always have faith, my love. I told you everything will be alright. After all, Christmas can not be ruined.

Y/N : You did all these for me?

He nods. She started to blush and smiles a lot at his answer. It happened exactly as he preached. Everytime Shao sees her blushing, he laughs with joy.

Y/N : I thought everything is over with Christmas...

Shao Kahn : Over? Why say such thing? Nothing is impossible for my lovely and beautiful empress, Y/N.

Y/N : So...its gonna be great, right my emperor?

Shao Kahn : Of course. Especeally the Christmas ball. I can not wait to see you wearing the most breath taking dress from the whole world.

Y/N : Me too Shao.

For a second she remembered about the gift for Shao.

Y/N : Oh! I forgot. You've got something too for Christmas honey.

Shao Kahn : Would you like to tell me what is it?

Y/N : Sure. But let's go in the bedroom to tell you private.

Shao Kahn can't help it but smirks playfully to Y/N. He says nothing. She holds his big hand and walks in their bedroom, once there she closes the door and turn around to face him. Makes steps closer towards him and while she smiles leading him to the dresser which there was a red envelope. Honestly Shao Kahn did not expect for a Christmas gift but still he had a wish. He picks up the red envelope as he watched it and opens it carefull. His eyes widen as he sees what it was inside of it.

Shao Kahn : My empress, what is this?

Y/N : We won't be two anymore.

Shao Kahn : What do you mean?

Y/N : *slowly smiles* I'm pregnant my emperor. With twins.

Shao Kahn : On the Elder Gods! That's such amazing gift my empress! Goodness! Finally we start having our own family.

Y/N : Indeed, Shao Kahn.

Wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her to himself to embrace her looking with soft and sparkle of joy in his eyes.

Shao Kahn : I couldn't ask for more my empress. Is all I wished for. *picks her up in bridal style*

He held Y/N like a feather as he puts her gently on bed. Y/N couldn't stop looking at his soft look while he raised up the skirt of her dress revealing her belly. He caresses her belly soothingly before giving a soft kiss.

Afterwards, he holds her hand caressing her knuckles. And as their faces are coming closer to eachother, they finally share a deep kiss. Truly the greatest Christmas gift ever.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

At night, at the Christmas ball everyone from all realms came. Cassie Cage, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade along with Special Forces and all warriors from Earthrealm came to celebrate the first Christmas in Outworld. No one expected for a great event in Outworld but today it is.

Shao Kahn and Y/N, the rulers of Outworld made their appearence in white-red clothes, hand to hand, smilling with such joy in their hearts to see everyone enjoying the ball.

Y/N : Everyone! Please listen. First of all I and my emperor, we want to thank you to all realms for coming tonight at the first Christmas ball in Outworld.

*Everyone aplause*

Shao Kahn : Also we want to make a special announcement which will be a reason to celebrate even more this night.

Everyone stayed quite and curious to listen the emperor.

Shao Kahn : My empress is pregnant with twins!

Everyone cheered in joy to hear the announcement. Even the emperor and his loveable queen were happy about it. Leans at her level and shares a warm and long hug, afterwards Shao Kahn takes off the helmet to kiss his wife, Y/N. The way he looked into her eyes its like showing relief to know they become parents. With love the Kahn family will grow.

All invited guests congratulated the two monarchs.

Shao Kahn : Seems the Christmas you wished for did turned perfect in our kingdom, my love. Stubborn you are, but you have ambition with the most ideal visions.

Y/N : Truly perfect, my sweet husband.

Shao Kahn : Now...my Empress

Bows in front of Y/N and holds out a hand to her.

Shao Kahn : May I have this dance?

Y/N : Yes, I'd love to. *smiles a lot and blushes*

Shao Kahn held her soft hand pulling her close to him and grabs by her waist. As the music started, the Emperor of Outworld and his Empress started to dance on the rythm of the Christmas theme as the guests did the same.

In the end, the first Christmas in Outworld turned perfect as everyone enjoyed the rest of the night. Besides all these, Christmas bringed the emperor Shao Kahn and his queen Y/N together again so they can spend more time like before, share and cherish each moment.

[asmilethatshines]

You can enjoy whatever you want. I’m not saying you can’t like your fantasies or traditional dynamics but referring to one party as the female and one as the male in a relationship where both parties are male feels weird. It’s like straightwashing a gay relationship.

Regarding to my latest post I have received several mixed feedbacks, which I think are from 2 people only.

1/ To the second anon: I have a vague guess who you are and honestly I think all asks sent to me from the day I joined Tumblr have been always from you and I FUCKING LOVE YOU GIRL!!!! I made sure to answer all of your asks with care and effort!!! (all my drawings aren't just 5 min doodles. They took time)

2/ To the first anon: first thank you for reaching out to me not only once, but twice! Now I can safely say that there are at least 2 people actually reading my ghost blog (and it's kinda flattering to know!!!) however after your second reasoning I start to think there is a misunderstanding here!

Looks like anon is unhappy with my wording. I quoted my words ok: "I dead set Mello as the male in Meronia relationship so I've never imagined him as a female". And anon's words: "Referring to one party as the female and one as the male in a relationship where both parties are male feels weird. It’s like straightwashing a gay relationship".

Did I ever refer in my post that Near is the female in a gay relationship? It's simply your quick assumption. Fyi I ship Male!Mello with Male!Near, fem!Near, asexual!Near, non-binary!Near, trans!Near and I can even send you a list of fanfics/fanarts recommendation why I like these relationships and how they fit Near. The reason why Mello always stays as male in my mind is because social media fails to give me a good example on how Mello could be a female. I need to visualize everything before I like it yk. And there's no good enough fanarts of fem!Mello for me to picture her (as you can see I failed at delivering her drawing, most of her face was covered). On the other hand, lately there have been a few good fics about fem!Near plus I was sent a lot of amazing fem!Near fanarts so it's easier for me to draw her as I already have an example how she is. With fem!Matt, I took my own personal image to draw her because I find myself and her have a lot in common! All of these I stated clearly in my posts and I simply drew their appearances (I didn't discuss their roles in the relationship. And I know the correct terms in a gay relationship are "the top" and "the bottom", not "the male" and "the female" - and I used my words correctly). If you want to press more about their gay roles then my answer is that I have no problem with shipping Mello as "the top" or "the bottom" or a mix, as long as the writing is good.

Let's take more examples so we have a clearer look about this: I have 2 other ships Axel x Roxas (from Kingdom Hearts II) and USxUK (from Hetalia).

With Axel x Roxas: I dead-set both of them as males ok. Because again there are no fanfics and fanarts about their female versions that are up to my expectation (so the most I can do is draw them in crossdressing, not even a vague female image as Mello)

With USxUK: it's the opposite, both of them have a wide range of amazing female fanarts and fanfics so I have no problem picturing them as females in my head (and can draw them out easily)

So I am afraid there is no "straightwashing a gay relationship" here *shrugs* it's all about personal preferences and experiences with social media's materials!

I hope this makes sense and I don't wish to continue this further. It's getting too long and there is no point in replying back and forth between only 2 parties. Without any further outside opinion this is highly subjective imo!

[jzlily333]

🌺01/24 LiveWell活出美好🌺

While a person may judge, ignore or misunderstand us, our Father in heaven loves and values ​​us unconditionally.    I think it is a small matter if I am judged by you or by others; I do not even judge myself.  Although I do not think I am wrong, I cannot be justified by it; but it is the Lord who judges me (1 Corinthians 4: 3-4). 

01/24 Bible Verses: 

It is not that we love God, but that He loves us and sent His Son as a propitiation for our sins. This is love (1 John 4:10). 

01/24 Good Words 

1. People always say, "Go to where you think it is worth to be", so I decided to run back to the kingdom of God to enjoy the heavenly joy. 

2. There is no wasted effort, nor accidental success. Getting to the solid mountain first, and then you may find the sea in your heart. 

Hymns: Let the World See Hope (Sheng Xiaomei) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fB9sMWhzHI

🌺01/24活出美好🌺

當一個人可能評斷、忽視或誤解我們時，我們諸天之上的父，祂卻是無條件地愛並重視我們。   我被你們論斷，或被別人論斷，我都以為極小的事；連我自己也不論斷自己。 我雖不覺得自己有錯，卻也不能因此得以稱義；但判斷我的乃是主 (哥林多前書 4: 3-4 )。 

01/24 圣经金句：Herein is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as a propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4: 10)  

不是我們愛 神，乃是 神愛我們，差祂的兒子，為我們的罪作了挽回祭，這就是愛了 (約翰一書 4: 10)。 

01/24金玉良言

1. 世人總說：“去你覺得有價值的地方”，所以我決定跑回神的國裏，去享受來自天上的喜樂。 

2. 從沒有白費的努力，也沒有碰巧的成功，先成為自己的山，再去找心中的海。

詩歌：讓世界看見希望 (盛曉玫) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fB9sMWhzHI