#king marquise

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 9,875 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

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This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

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Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 10.) Dèja Vu.

Shanelle couldn't believe what she had just heard. Again. 

"I'm sorry but what did you just say?" Shanelle asked her doctor.

"The urine test you requested came back. You're pregnant ma'am." Dr Andersen replied. 

She stared at him. 

"Again?!"

"Yes, my Queen. You're pregnant again."

"But! But! I just gave birth! To twins!"

"Yes, you did. Over a year ago. And now you're pregnant again."

Shanelle felt like she couldn't breathe. 

"Your Majesty?" he asked. 

"And you're 100% sure doctor?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. Your test was positive," he replied. 

"Should I take another test?" she asked, "Maybe this one was a false positive." 

"We can take another one ma'am but it more than likely won't change the result."

Shanelle let out a defeated sigh. 

"I can not believe this is happening again." 

Dr. Andersen looked at her sympathetically. 

"I know that you might not want to hear this but this is a happy time. For you and The Royal Family. You and His Majesty are great parents. I've seen it with my own eyes. And I am happy for you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Thank you, Dr. Andersen. I appreciate it."

"Of course My Queen. I will contact your Obstetrician."

"Thank you again."

Dr. Andersen nodded before taking his leave. The reality was finally hitting her. 

"Oh my God! I can't do this again! I can't be pregnant! Not now! I have way too damn much going on to be pregnant!" she thought to herself. 

To make matters worse, she found out she was pregnant two days before her father's birthday. She was so in denial, that she snuck out of the palace and headed to a local pharmacy and bought as many drugstore pregnancy tests as her arms could carry. When she got back to her office she took every last one. And they were all positive. She is indeed pregnant. 

"Damn it all to hell! Of all the times to be pregnant, Mother Nature chooses to do this to me now?!" 

Shanelle let out a frustrated sigh. 

"I can't believe we're doing this again," she said out loud but not alone, "doing what again?"

She was startled by her husband's voice.

"Don't do that!" she said as she caught her breath, "You scared me half to death." 

"I'm sorry."

He took in the look on her face. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"No. Yes? Maybe? I don't know?" she replied. 

"What's wrong?"

"Umm..." She struggled to come up with words. 

"Okay, now you're starting to scare me. What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"

Shanelle took a shaky breath as she sat down at her desk.

"Close the door and have a seat."

He closed the door and then took a seat across from her. 

"Okay, I'm sitting down. What is going on? What's wrong?"

Shanelle sighed. 

"You're about to be a father again," she said quietly. 

"What?"

"You're about to be a father again," she spoke up. 

"What?!"

"Do NOT make me say it to you a third time!" she snapped at him. 

Marquise blinked in realization. 

"Wait! You're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes, I'm pregnant. Ya, happy now?" she asked in a frustrated tone. 

Shanelle closed her eyes to keep tears of frustration from falling. 

"Shanelle, look at me," he said to her. 

Shanelle exhaled and then looked at him. 

"You're absolutely sure you're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes. I had Dr. Andersen do a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Then I went out and bought my own. They're all positive." she replied as her voice hitched. 

Marquise reached across her desk and gently took her shaking hands in his. 

"If this is true, why do you look so upset?" 

"Because I don't have time to be pregnant! We have two one-year-olds and a six-year-old to raise already. On top of the fact that two cocky idiots are gunning for our thrones. I can't be pregnant now. It will derail my entire year not to mention that it would derail my life! I can't afford that!" she replied as tears started rolling down her face. 

Marquise stood up and brought her to her feet. 

"First of all, I need you to breathe."

"I am breathing."

"No, you're stressed out and upset. I need you to breathe!"

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. Now breathe."

Shanelle closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"Good. Now I want you to hear me. I know you're upset because of the timing of this but my love this is not something to be upset about."

"You don't understand Marquise!"

"I do understand. I understand that you don't want to be inconvenienced. I understand that you don't want to stop. I understand that you'd rather not have to think about being pregnant. I understand that you feel we have enough to deal with. Between raising our children, running and governing our kingdom, and especially having to deal with this god-forsaken challenge. I know what you're feeling. I know you feel like being pregnant will get in the way of all we're doing. But this is not a bad thing. We will do what we always do, we will breathe, straighten our shoulders, hold our heads high, and rule together."

Shanelle felt him rub his thumbs in circles on her knuckles. 

"This is great news, my love. Our family is growing again. Our parents will be thrilled. Our nieces and nephews will be over the moon. And God knows Khari will be insufferable."

Shanelle chuckled. 

"And our boys, they will be big brothers. Can you imagine how adorably hilarious they will be?"

Shanelle nodded. 

"Yeah, I can."

He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.

"I know this isn't what we expected. Especially you. But this is the hand we've been dealt. And like all things we do in love and life, we will handle this head-on. Because you know I would never allow you to walk this journey alone."

"But I don't know that I'm ready. I don't know if I can devote time to this."

"The woman I married. The woman I share a life with. The woman who gave me my three beautiful children. The woman who has had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on her. The woman I will always say I love you to. The woman who leads one of the greatest nations in the world. The woman I will lay my life down for. The Queen of Cordonia...is always ready."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Okay okay. You win." Shanelle said before taking a shaky breath, "While I wish the timing of this was much better, you're right. I can do this. We will do this."

Marquise nodded. 

"Never forget. You are a fantastic mother. The way you love, nurture, protect, teach, and defend our children always leaves me in awe. You are gentle, silly, firm, and caring. Our children are blessed not because of me but because of you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"I wanna wait to tell people though. I want to take one last test. Just to be extra sure before we start telling everyone."

Marquise nodded. 

"When do you want to tell everyone?"

"Next week. Since my parents will be here to celebrate their birthdays."

"Alright. For now, only we will know. So go ahead and order one more test."

"Okay." 

"And don't worry, my love. You'll see that this is a good thing. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. You'll see, it will be alright."

"I know it will be. I'm just..."

"Still in shock and disbelief?"

"Yeah."

He pulled her into a loving embrace. 

"Listen to me, I know it's a shock. But once it settles, you'll see the joy in all of this." 

"I know I will."

"So let's breathe then get ready for the madness this is about to cause."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Thank you for talking me off a ledge."

He chuckled softly. 

"It's what you married me for."

Shanelle smiled at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She kissed him. 

"Thank you."

"Keep that up and you'll be pregnant twice."

"And...he ruins the moment."

"You love meeee."

Shanelle shook her head with a small smile before she took one last look at the pregnancy test on her desk before putting it away In a drawer and then leaving her office with him. 

The couple was able to keep Shanelle's pregnancy to themselves until her parents arrived that weekend. And that Sunday was the big reveal. After Khari and her brothers sang Happy Birthday the best they could to their Grammy it was time for cake and presents. While Marquise got the cake with the children, Shanelle gave her parents the news. In the cutest way possible. 

"Got an early present for you and Daddy before the kids get cake everywhere," Shanelle said as she handed her mother a small gift bag.  

"What's this butterfly?" her mother asked.

"Open it and find out." 

Shantel gave her daughter a look. 

"It's not bad. I promise."

"I don't know, this may be revenge for that gag gift we gave when you were 9." her father piped up. 

Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

"Your father has a point." 

"Oh my goodness! Just open it!"

Shantel set the gift bag down and began taking the tissue paper out of it.

"Is there a present in here or is this just a bag of paper?" her father asks. 

Shanelle merely shrugged. 

"Honey, you may be right. Your daughter may have finally got her revenge." Shantel said to her husband.

"Good Lord! You two are impossible."

Her parents laughed as Shantel continued taking out more and more tissue paper. When she finally got to the bottom of the bag, she pulled out a small box. 

"What's this?" Shantel asks.

"You have to open it to find out," Shanelle replied. 

Shantel looked at her and then at her husband before opening the box. She nearly dropped the box after opening it. 

"Oh my God!" she gasped out loud. 

"What? What is it?" Damien asked. 

Shantel held up a positive pregnancy test for her husband to see. 

"What?!" Damien asks. 

They both looked at her stunned. 

"Happy Birthday?" Shanelle said to her parents. 

"Are you serious?" her mother asked. 

"Yeah. It's real." Shanelle replied. 

"You're really pregnant?" Damien asked Shanelle. 

"Yes, Daddy. You and momma get to be Grammy and Pop Pop all over again," she replied. 

Their shock slowly turned to joy. 

"Oh my God! Congratulations baby!" her mother said to her as she hugged her. 

"Thank you, momma."

"Another one? When did you find out?" Damien asks. 

"Yes, Daddy, another one. I found out I was pregnant two days before your birthday." she replied, "I hope you and Momma aren't mad that I didn't tell you right away."

"Of course not my darling," he said as he hugged her. "We couldn't be happier for you."

Shantel dried her eyes. 

"Does Margo know you're pregnant?" Shantel asks. 

"No, I don't think Marquise has told her yet," Shanelle replied. 

"Hasn't told me what?" Margo asked as she walked up grabbing everyone's attention, "I apologize to everyone. I didn't mean to startle you all."

"It's quite alright Margo." Shantel said to her, "This is what your son hasn't told you yet."

Shantel handed her the small gift box. When Margo looked into the box her eyebrows shot up. 

"Oh my goodness!" 

"Oh God no!" Shantel said with a laugh, "Not me Margo." 

"Then who?" Margo asks. That's when Shantel nodded to Shanelle and it dawned on her. 

"Wait! You mean?" she asks before looking at Shanelle. 

"Surprise?" Shanelle replied sheepishly. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Welcome to the Grammy for a third-time club sweetie," Shantel said to her. 

"My goodness! Congratulations my dear!" Margo said as she hugged Shanelle. "I am so happy for you and my son!" 

"Thank you, Margo. I just hope I didn't steal His Majesty's thunder. He wanted to tell you himself."

Margo shook her head with a tearful smile. 

"My heart is so full. I am thrilled for you and him. And especially my grandbabies. They'll be thrilled."

"I'm not too sure the boys will understand."

"This is true. But they can learn." Margo said with a happy sigh, "I wish George was here. He would be over the moon with happiness."

Shanelle smiled at Margo. 

"I miss him. I remember how happy he was when we found out I was pregnant with Khari." 

Shantel hugged Margo. 

"Oh, sweetie. He's here. I can hear his laugh now."

Margo smiled. 

"I can too."

That's when Marquise popped his head in. 

"I was sent here to ask if we are ready for cupcakes."

Margo gave him a look. 

"What? What's that look for?" he asked Margo. 

"When were you going to tell me?!" she replied. 

"Tell you wha—" he asked before seeing his wife mouth the words "She knows", "Ohhhhh! That."

"Yes. That," she said with her hands on her hips. 

"I promise I had every intention of telling you."

Margo shook her head with a smile. 

"If only it wasn't considered treason to pop you." she playfully warned before hugging him, "Congratulations my love. I am so happy for you."

"Thank you, mama."

"Daddy! Are they ready yet?!" Khari asked from the other room. 

"Yes, my love! They're ready. Bring the cupcakes in." he replied. 

"Otay (okay)! We toming (coming)!" Kylo replied. 

The kids brought in a cart full of cupcakes with lit candles in them. 

"Alright boys! You ready?"

"Ready!" they replied. 

"Okay. One...two...three!"

"Happy!" Zyon said. 

"Birthday!" Kylo followed. 

"To Pop Pop and Grammy!" Khari cheered. 

Everyone clapped. 

"Okay, now Grammy. You and Pop Pop gotta make a wish and then blow out the candles."

Everyone watched as they blew out the candles. 

"And now the best part!" Khari said. 

"Cupcakes!" the twins said together. 

As everyone was enjoying a cupcake, Khari noticed the small gift box. 

"What's that Grammy?" Khari asked. 

Shantel chuckled softly.

"That is a very special gift from your mother and father to me and Pop Pop," Shantel replied. 

"What kind of gift?" Khari asked. 

Shantel looked at Khari's parents. 

"I'll let them tell you." 

Khari looked at her parents. 

"Looks like the jig's up," Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Yup," Marquise replied before clearing his throat, "Come here, my love. There's something your mother and I have to tell you and your brothers."

Khari brought her brothers with her. 

"What is it, Daddy?" Khari asked. 

"Yeah? What?" Zyon asked. 

"Well, it's about our family," he replied. 

"Huh?" Kylo asked. 

"I don't understand Daddy," Khari said to him, "what's wrong with our family." 

"Nothing's wrong baby. This is a good thing." Shanelle replied. 

"Oh okay. So what is it?" Khari asked. 

"Our family is going to be getting bigger," Shanelle replied. 

"Huh?" Zyon asked. 

"What dat (that) mean Mommy?" Kylo asks. 

"Hmmm..."

Khari thought for a minute then gasped. 

"Wait! Is mommy pregnant again?!" she asked. 

"Yes, my love. Your mother is pregnant." Marquise replied. 

"Oh my goodness! I'm gonna be a big sister!" Khari said. 

"You already are a big sister sweetie. But your brothers will be big brothers now." Shanelle said to her daughter. 

"Big brudder (brother)?" Kylo asks. 

"Me and Kyyo (Kylo)?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes, my boy. You and Kylo will be big brothers." Marquise replied. 

"What's that?" Kylo asks. 

Shanelle shook her head with a smile. 

"I don't think they understand."

"That's okay mommy. I'll teach them everything I know!"

Later that evening after telling the rest of Marquise's family, Shanelle was out on her balcony before she was joined by her husband. 

"How are you feeling my love?" he asked her. 

"I'm relieved. Part of our family knows. I still have to break the news to a certain group of women."

Marquise snorted. 

"They will eat you alive."

"I don't mind them. It's the rest of the world that I'm worried about."

He kissed her forehead softly. 

"We will reveal to the world when you're ready and not a moment before."

"Are you sure that we can?"

"Of course. This isn't the first time we've hidden a pregnancy."

"But what about my appointments?"

"You and I both know that there are a million and one ways in and out of this palace. And in terms of your Obstetrician's office, there's a service elevator that we can take to avoid detection." 

Shanelle shook her head impressed. 

"You really do think of everything."

"Any way that I can alleviate any of your stress and keep you at ease, I will employ." 

"I don't know what I'd do without you but I'm not willing to find out."

Marquise chuckled. 

"I do it because I adore you. That's why." 

"Well, you've certainly set the bar high for your daughters' future suitors."

Marquise scoffed. 

"It's cute you assume she'll have any."

Just then, there was a knock at their bedroom door. 

"Now who could that be at this hour?" she asks. 

"I'll go find out," he replied. 

He walked to the door and when he opened it there was an attendant on the other side. 

"Apologies for the late intrusion sire but this just came for you and Her Majesty." the attendant said as she handed him an envelope.

"Thank you. That will be all."

"Of course, my King." the attendant replied with a curtsey before leaving. 

Marquise curiously turned the envelope over in his hand. 

"What is it?" Shanelle asks. 

"Let's find out, shall we?" he replied. 

Marquise broke the seal on the envelope and then pulled an invitation out. He read the invitation with an eyebrow raised and finished with a scoff. 

"What does it say?" she asked. 

"Your presence is hereby formally requested to be in attendance at the official Welcome Ball of Lord and Lady Aldon Douglas Joseph of House Gallagher. Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 PM at the Palace of Dalevandon." He read aloud. 

"No, they didn't." Shanelle hissed. 

"They did. And they're having this ball at King Elgin's old palace."

Shanelle scoffed. 

"So this is bait?"

"Mmmhmm. They want a public spectacle and have sent us this in hopes that we'll reject their invitation." 

"Well, they're right. We are not going."

"Oh yes, we are."

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"You have to remember, this is about optics. If we don't go, the people will wonder why we're letting them intimidate us. Also, I am not about to be intimidated by a couple of amateurs."

"Ugh, I don't want to go."

"We don't really have a choice, my love. By sending us this they're forcing our hands. And if we don't go, they can say that they tried to extend an olive branch and we refused it." 

Shanelle groaned. 

"I hate courtly politics", Shanelle muttered with a frustrated sigh, "Fine. We'll go but we're not staying all night. I want to tuck our kids into bed at night."

"Deal. I'll have word sent that we'll be in attendance."

"In the meantime, I'm getting in the shower."

"Hey! Wait for me!" 

Shanelle rolled her eyes playfully.

The couple spent the next week flying under the radar until her first appointment with Dr. Ramirez that following Wednesday morning. After coming through the service entrance, they were taken to a private room where they waited for her doctor. 

"How are you feeling my love?" Marquise asked her. 

"Everything all at once. I still can't believe I'm pregnant. But here we are about to have another baby." Shanelle replied. 

"I'm sure. But this is an exciting time for us and our family. I know you're nervous but I am always with you."

"I know. It's just all the changes that are gonna happen. With us. With the kids. With the kingdom.  I don't want to not be present and available for them."

"You have my word, my love. I will make sure that no matter what happens, you will always be seen, heard, and felt. Understood?"

Shanelle nodded just as there was a small knock at the door. 

"Well, this is it," he said to her. 

"Time to get this show on the road." 

Dr. Ramirez and her nurse entered the room. 

"Hello, and good morning Your Majesties. It's good to see you both again."

"You as well Dr. Ramirez," Marquise replied. 

The doctor smiled at Shanelle. 

"And a very good morning to you my Queen. Let me say congratulations to you and His Majesty on your soon-to-be newest bundle of joy." 

Shanelle smiled softly at Dr. Ramirez.

"Thank you, doctor."

"So how are you doing? How are you feeling?" Dr. Ramirez asked. 

"So far I'm okay. No early signs of pregnancy or morning sickness yet." 

"That's good to hear. As always we'll check in periodically to be sure."

Shanelle nodded.

"Okay."

"In the meantime, we have an ultrasound to get started. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so. Even though I hate this part."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled.

"I understand why my Queen. But I assure you that this won't take too long." 

"Alright."

"Now I need you to lie back so my assistant Mara can apply the gel."

Shanelle laid back while holding her husband's hand while Dr. Ramirez turned on the ultrasound machine and her assistant applied the gel. 

"Eek! Cold! Still cold!" Shanelle squirmed while Marquise stifled his laugh. 

"I'm sure it is but the chill will dissipate soon." Dr. Ramirez replied as the screen came to life.

"Now, let's find that heartbeat."

Dr. Ramirez gently pressed the wand to Shanelle's stomach, moved it around, and then stopped when the heartbeat was heard. 

"Say hello to your little one Your Majesties," she said gently to the couple. 

The couple was in awe. 

"Oh my God. They're real. Our baby is real." Shanelle with tears in her eyes. 

"They're real. This is real. This is actually happening." Marquise spoke up. 

They watched as Dr. Ramirez moved the wand around a little more. 

"And this time, it's only one baby."

Shanelle let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God! I would've died if you said it was twins again." 

Dr. Ramirez chuckled. 

"No no. Just one."

Marquise nodded slowly. 

"At least now we know. Thank you, Doctor." 

Dr. Ramirez smiled at Marquise. 

"Of course Your Majesty. Again I am happy for you both."

"We appreciate that," Shanelle said to her. 

"We'll get you cleaned up then we'll give you two a moment alone. But so far we're off to a great start."

After cleaning the gel off Shanelle's stomach, the couple sat together in shock and love. 

"Life loves playing jokes on us, doesn't it?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Indeed. How are you feeling?" he replied. 

"I think reality is finally setting in. I think I'm slowly coming to terms with all of this," she replied. 

Marquise nodded. 

"It's a lot. Like a whole lot. But I know you. I know your strength. I know your perseverance. I know your tenacity. And God knows I know your love. I promise this will go smoothly. Unlike everything else in our lives."

Shanelle snorted. 

"Well, when you put it that way, bring it on." 

"There ya go! That's the spirit."

He rubbed circles on the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You never cease to amaze me."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true. Every single day that I get to spend in your light is a blessing I will never take for granted. That's how much you mean to me. That's how much I adore you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She leaned over and kissed him sweetly. 

"I love you."

"I love you too, my love."

He smiled against her lips. 

"I'll call the car."

Shanelle nodded before he stepped outside. When he did he was greeted by Dr. Ramirez. 

"Your Majesty. I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to know if we should do the monthly check-ins that  we did the last time Her Majesty was pregnant."

"Yes ma'am. I would. Again it's not that I want to hide anything from her but if something should arise."

Dr. Ramirez nodded. 

"You will always be my first call."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Marquise stepped away from her to call their car. Later that day, it was time for Shanelle to tell the girls. 

"Now that I have you all gathered here today I have something to tell you lot."

"What is it, Princess?" Nina asked. 

"Now before I tell you girls what I have to say I just wanna preface what I'm gonna say with this, it's all Nina's fault! Y'all can blame her for what I'm about to say." Shanelle replied 

"Me?! What did I do?" Nina asked. 

"You were breathing on me! This is all your fault!" Shanelle replies, "You infected me with your cooties! I blame you!" 

"Oh my God! I haven't seen you since January!"

"That's how long your cooties have been on me. And now..."

The girls were stuck. They didn't know what Shanelle was talking about. 

"What are you rambling about Nelle?" Nina asked. 

Shanelle shook her head with a hand covering her smile that's when it dawned on Nina. 

"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE PREGNANT!" Nina guessed. 

"What?!" the rest of the girls asked. 

"Told y'all it was Nina's fault. She was spreading her pregnancy germs around and I caught them."

The girls cheered. 

"Congratulations baby!" Robin said to her. 

"Thank you, babe."

"I can't believe you're pregnant again!" Bron quipped. 

"I know right?" Shanelle said to her. 

"How are the kids?" Dee asked. 

"Well, the boys don't quite understand what's going on just yet. But Khari? She is...excitedly insufferable." Shanelle replied. 

The girls laughed. 

"Stop that! My Princess is allowed to be happy." Nina said to her. 

"We're so happy for you," Chutney said to her. 

"Thank you, my love," Shanelle replied. 

"How are you feeling?" Aly asks. 

"I am...everything, everywhere, all at once. Honestly when I found out I didn't believe it at first. Hell, I didn't want to believe it. But when it was confirmed that I am indeed with child...I couldn't deny it anymore." Shanelle replied. 

"When did you find out?" Nina asks. 

"Two days before my dad's birthday," Shanelle replied. 

"And you're just now telling us?" Robin asked. 

"Again I was deep in denial. At first, I thought the first test I took might've been a false positive. But when I took at least 8 more tests, they all said the same thing. And well here we are." Shanelle replied. 

"So are you having twins again?" Bron asked. 

Nina cackled. 

"No! Thank God! Besides, my uterus would've staged a mutiny if it was revealed I was having twins again. Thankfully for me, there is only one bun in this oven." Shanelle replied, "this time around the only one having twins is your sister-in-law."

Bronwyn laughed. 

"Well, congratulations anyway. You're a great mom."

"Thank you, baby. Thank you all really. It means a lot to me that you all are happy for me."

"Of course we're happy. Our family is getting bigger." Robin said to her. 

"Some might say that we're the mob." Aly quipped.

The girls all laughed. 

"Nah. The mob is way too disorganized. Besides, they never get away with it. Unlike us." Shanelle said. 

"True!" the girls agreed. 

After speaking with the girls Shanelle found herself out on her bedroom balcony and was joined by her husband who was just ending a phone call. 

"Yeah yeah. Asshole. Thanks again. I'll talk to you soon. Love you too." he said as he hung up the phone. 

"Who was that?" she asked him. 

"Leo. I told him you're pregnant," he replied. 

"Oh good. How is he?" she asks. 

"He's good. He's excited for us. How are the girls doing? How'd they take the news?" 

"They're good. They're excited."

"You didn't blame Nina for you being pregnant did you?" 

"It's her fault. And you know it."

Marquise shook his head with a smile before wrapping his arms around her waist. 

"And now it'll soon be time to tell the world." 

"We will tell the world when you're ready. Not a moment before."

Shanelle sighed contently. 

"So we're really doing this again?" she asked. 

"Mmmhmm. We are doing this again. We will be welcoming a new little one into our family." he replied. 

Shanelle smiled softly. 

"I swear I'm not in denial. It's just..."

"You're still in shock?" he asks. 

"Yeah. I keep thinking I'm dreaming. But nope! I'm wide awake."

He kissed the back of her left shoulder. 

"I'm excited for us. I know I could never go through the changes that you'll go through but I will always be with you and at your side."

"You'd be sickening if I didn't have such a giant praise kink."

"That's why I do it," he said before kissing the back of her left ear. 

"I guess I'm still struggling with the timing of this pregnancy. Well, that and the fact that we're being forced to attend this Welcoming Ball in a few weeks."

That gave Marquise an idea. 

"That gives me an idea."

"What?" she asked. 

"Since we are discussing timing, why don't we announce your pregnancy on Mother's Day? Which is also a week before their so-called ball," he replied. 

"That would certainly steal their thunder. And would force them to share their spotlight that night with us." 

"Precisely."

Shanelle nodded. 

"Okay. We'll announce it then."

"I love it when a plan comes together."

Over the next few weeks, The Royal Couple was able to keep Her Majesty's pregnancy quiet until their announcement on Mother's Day. It took the kingdom by storm and as Marquise predicted, stole the momentum from Lord and Lady Gallagher. Many were happy and excited about the soon-to-be newest royal baby. 

On the day of the Welcome Ball, the couple got ready. Choosing to go with a 20s glam. Shanelle picked a strapless navy blue crushed velour dress that fit and flattered her beginning baby bump with long white gloves. Marquise whistled low when he saw her. 

"Now what is a fine-looking filly such as yourself doing in a place like this?" he asked, showing off his Boston accent. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"You've been working on your Boston accent again." 

"You like it?"

"I certainly do," she replied in a southern belle voice, "well sir, if you must know I happen to enjoy the very finest things in life."

The couple laughed before saying goodbye to their children and making the journey to Dalevandon in what was once West Cordonia. The ride was quiet and pleasant, taking them through the Gianko Valley. As they arrived in the former capital of West Cordonia, Marquise took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a while since I've been here. I have...mixed feelings about this palace."

"I'm sure. You spent a lot of time here. After all, your ex grew up here. It's perfectly okay to feel conflicted about being here."

Marquise nodded as they pulled into the motor court. 

"Well, we're here," she said to him. 

Marquise peered out of their limo window. 

"Indeed. And so is the press."

"Hmmm...with us announcing my pregnancy last Sunday, how do you think Lord and Lady Gallagher will react?" she asked. 

"Forcibly polite," he replied as he fixed his watch, "now shall we go dazzle the masses?"

"Lead the way, Your Majesty." 

Marquise was the first to step out of the limo, shielding his wife from the various camera flashes. Once she exited, he took her hand in his and smiled at the cameras. 

"Good evening everyone!" Marquise said to the members of the press. Many clamored to the King. 

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties! Over here!" many were heard shouting at the couple for their attention. 

"Your Majesties! Giacomo Torres here! First off let me say congratulations to you and Her Majesty on your new bundle of joy." He said to Marquise. 

"Thank you kindly," Marquise replied. 

"With Lord and Lady Gallagher challenging for the throne, many want to know why you're here tonight?" he asked the couple.

"We were invited by Lord and Lady Gallagher and it would be incredibly rude to refuse such an invite," Shanelle replied. 

"Agreed. Speaking of you Your Majesty, how are you feeling?" he asked. 

"I'm doing good, thank you for asking. No early signs of morning sickness so far."

"And how are the heirs? Are they excited?"

"Our boys are still very young so they don't really understand what is going on. But their sister is ecstatic at having another sibling." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you both for your time. Do enjoy the ball." Giacomo said to them. 

Both smiled and waved at the members of the press before making their way into the palace. 

"Well that was fun," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"It always is a fun time to show you off, my love. Now let's go steal the show from the idiots." 

The couple was led to the doors of the grand ballroom for their entrance. 

"Introducing His Majesty King Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys!" the herald announced as the doors opened. Their entrance grabbed everyone's attention. 

When they got to the center of the grand ballroom, they were greeted in the receiving line by Lord and Lady Gallagher as well as their parents. Prince Dante Laurent and Duchess Josephine Grimes-Laurent and Duke Allastair Joseph and Duchess Daphne Ballenger-Joseph. 

"Your Majesties. It is good to see you both. Our son wasn't sure you'd be joining us this evening." Duke Joseph said in greeting to them both. 

"Thank you, Your Grace. Your son's challenge aside, I would never miss a good party." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you for joining us, Your Majesties." Lord Gallagher said stiffly. 

His mother cleared her throat. 

"Yes, it is good that you're both here," she said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded politely then looked over to Lady Makenna's parents. Who bowed and curtsied in his direction. 

"Your Highness. It's good to see you and the former Headmaster again. It's been quite some time since we've seen each other," he said to them.

Prince Dante nodded politely. 

"Indeed it has. You were His Highness the last time my wife and I saw you." he said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, "Hello Your Majesty. It is good to meet you. And let me congratulate you and His Majesty on your pregnancy."

Shanelle smiled politely. 

"Hello, Your Highness. It's lovely to meet you and Her Grace. Thank you very much for your kind words," she replied. 

Lady Makenna rolled her eyes. 

"You and Mama don't have to be so formal Papa. They won't be royals for very much longer." 

Prince Dante gave his daughter a withering look. 

"Makenna! You will show respect! You are not Queen yet! So until you are, you will represent our family with dignity! Now fix your face!" Prince Dante snapped at his daughter. This caused Shanelle to laugh quietly. 

"Do excuse our daughter's lack of manners Your Majesties. She forgets herself sometimes." Duchess Josephine said to them. 

"It's quite alright. Tell me, Your Grace, how is Elgin?" Marquise asked. 

"He is well. Well as well as he can be." Prince Dante replies. 

"His dialysis treatments are going well, yes?" Marquise asked. 

"Yes, Sire. They are going well. My brother is still stubborn but he's still alive." Prince Dante replies. 

"Papa! That is none of his business!" Makenna fussed. 

Prince Dante gave her daughter another withering look. 

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad His Majesty is doing well. I think it's time that Her Majesty and I should take our seats. Be well, everyone." Marquise announced before walking Shanelle to their seats. 

As they walked away, light bickering could be heard from Lord and Lady Gallagher to their parents. 

"Well, that was awkward," Shanelle said to Marquise. 

"Indeed but it was also informative," he replies. 

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked as they took their seats. 

"Because Prince Dante lied to me. That's what I mean. He's not supposed to be within miles of the old palace," he replies. 

"Why not?" Shanelle asked. 

"Because Prince Dante is the reason why King Elgin owed a debt to my father in the first place. He had a gambling addiction when he was much younger and stupidly he risked his entire family's fortune on a race during the Royal Regatta one year and suffered a devastating loss to my father. And he seized on the opportunity." Marquise replied. 

"Yikes!"

"And when King Elgin found out about his younger brother's blunder, he had no choice but to pay my father. Because of this Elgin banned his brother from ever stepping foot back in this palace. That's why Makenna was mad at him. Because she knew he would be lying to me. Truth is I doubt he's seen his brother in years. The last time he was here I was maybe 12 at the time. He hasn't been back since to my knowledge."

"So do you think King Elgin knows his brother is here?"

"Hard to say but with the state he's in, I don't think there's much he can do about it." 

"Curiouser and curiouser. Do you think she's playing on her uncle's sympathies?" 

Marquise shrugged.

"She wouldn't be the first noble to do so. And I doubt she'll be the last. That's probably why Dante sent Makenna to court. She was meant to be a peace offering. But I don't know if it worked."

The room quieted down as Lord Gallagher gave his opening remarks. 

"Good Evening everyone! On behalf of my wife Lady Makenna Laurent, I want to welcome you all to our first of many balls here at my wife's family palace. I know some of you are loyal to Their Majesties. And I understand why. I don't blame you for your loyalty to them. I will be honest I didn't think Their Majesties would have had the decency to join us this evening. I am glad to see I was wrong. It is good to have you both here with us tonight. And my wife and I do wish you a warm and sincere congratulations on your new baby-to-be."

Marquise raised an eyebrow and then nodded at him. 

"Now I understand that many of you don't know us. Therefore you're not sure you can trust us. My wife and I understand that. We also understand that we must earn the trust of the noble houses and the people. That is our goal for tonight. And let me just say, we are not challenging for the throne because we want to overthrow the monarchy. While it is hard for me to admit, I will give the current monarchs their credit. They have indeed done things for Cordonia. Many nobles and commoners alike have prospered under their leadership. Her Majesty's overhaul of the healthcare system of our kingdom alone is a feat that should be marveled at and celebrated. Because of that overhaul, many of our people were able to afford the life-saving healthcare they needed. My wife's uncle included. I thank them for that. But I am not blind to their misfortunes either. It was because of them we all were threatened by the Via Imperii."

Shanelle rolled her eyes quietly. 

"And the unfair taxes many of us have had to pay. While yes, I can admit that money goes toward the healthcare system, education system, and emergency services and yes, none of it goes directly to either of them, we are well off now. We don't need to keep paying higher taxes. We don't need to keep doing trade, especially risky trades with hostile nations. And we certainly don't need to involve ourselves in petty squabbles between other nations. As many of you know, Kasnia is at war with Sulovaria and your King wants to involve us in that. That is military resources we don't need to expend. Not to mention he and the Queen spend more time gallivanting across the globe than they do at home."

His Majesty set his jaw. 

"That is the irresponsibility my wife and I are trying to avoid. Unnecessary and costly wars and useless vanity points. We need leaders who have common sense solutions for everyday problems. They don't have common sense solutions. They don't have Cordonia's best interest at heart. But my wife and I do. That is why we are throwing this ball. It is our hope that tonight we will be able to change your minds about us and them. With that, let dinner be served!" 

Servants busied themselves serving the first course of dinner. While they ate, Their Majesties discussed Lord Gallagher's opening statement. 

"Well, what did you think?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Not as bad as I expected. I knew they would take shots at us, but they played well to the crowd by keeping them at a minimum." Marquise replied. 

"This is gonna be a long night isn't it?" 

"Unfortunately but we're here and you are still pregnant. Which is something they didn't account for. We can still use that to our advantage."

"I love it when you get all political strategist."

"It's literally my job."

The main course, which was venison medallions in a wild boar ragu with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted Brussels sprouts, turned Shanelle's stomach. 

"Are you alright?" Marquise asked. 

"I don't think I can eat any of this. The smell of the mushrooms is making me queasy." Shanelle replied. 

"Hmmm...let's see if one of my favorite of King Elgin's staff is working tonight."

Marquise was able to flag down one of the staff. 

"Your Majesty! It is so good to see you again! I haven't seen you in ages!" the staff member said to him. 

"Thank you, Tarlov. It's good to see you as well. Listen I don't mean to be a bother, but could I get something else for Her Majesty to eat? With her being pregnant, her senses are sensitive, and the mushrooms of the entree are making her feel sick. Perhaps you could indulge me just this once and have something lighter prepared for her." 

"Oh dear! Of course sire. Right away!"

"Thank you again, Tarlov. Give Winnie my regards."

Tarlov nodded before taking Shanelle's plate away to the kitchen. 

"Ugh! Thank you. Another second and I would've ruined the china." Shanelle said with a groan. 

He rubbed the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You're welcome. I'm surprised Tarlov is still here after all these years."

"You two greeted each other like you knew each other."

"Tarlov has worked in the palace for years. He's one of the last bit of loyal staff that Elgin has left." 

With a new entree delivered Shanelle was able to eat. After dessert was served it was time for dancing. Lord Gallagher took to the middle of the dance floor. 

"After what I said earlier this evening, this may seem surprising but if Her Majesty would be so kind as to join me for the first dance?" he asked the gathered crowd, "I promise you, Your Majesty, I mean no harm."

With all eyes on her, Shanelle took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked onto the dance floor. 

"Thank you. And I mean what I said, no tricks. Just a dance." Lord Gallagher said to Shanelle as he offered his hand. 

"One dance. That's all you get," she said to him as the music started to play. As they began to dance Lord Gallagher regarded Shanelle with an appraising eye. 

"I saw you had your entree switched. Was the food not to your liking?" he asked. 

"No. The mushrooms made me queasy and rather than have me ruin King Elgin's fine china, His Majesty asked if a different entree could be prepared." Shanelle replies. 

"Well you'll have to forgive me. When we planned this menu we had no idea you'd be pregnant by the time we threw our ball. Also, you could've asked me. I would've happily had another dish prepared for you." 

"No thank you. I'd rather not eat rat poisoning."

Lord Gallagher rolled his eyes. 

"Despite what you may think—", he began to say before she cut him off, "save it. I'm just here to dance. Not have a conversation."

"I am trying to be polite," he said through clenched teeth. 

That's when Shanelle accidentally stepped on his right foot on purpose. 

"Why you!" he hissed. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lord. How very clumsy of me!" 

As they danced, Lady Makenna took the time to sidle up to Marquise. 

"That was quite a speech your husband gave Kenna. It was almost convincing albeit a tad bit boring."

Lady Makenna let out an exasperated sigh and then cleared her throat. 

"As much as I don't want to do this, Your Majesty would do me the honor of dancing with me?" she asked.

"No," he replied. 

"No?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time. But for the sake of appearances and because I want to get my wife as far away from your husband as possible," Marquise said as he adjusted his cuff before offering his hand, "shall we?" 

Lady Makenna huffed before taking his hand and going out on the dance floor. They danced until it was time to switch partners. Shanelle couldn't get away from Lord Gallagher fast enough 

"My knight in shining armor!" Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That bad?" he asked. 

"Let's just say there are only so many times I can accidentally step on his toes on purpose." 

Marquise chuckled. 

After an hour of dancing and mingling with others, it was time for Lord and Lady Gallagher's closing remarks. 

"Here we go," Marquise said to Shanelle. 

"Can we just get this over with?" Shanelle replied. 

"Once again, my wife and I would like to thank all of you for joining us tonight. It is our sincerest hope that we were at least able to change some of your minds. Now—" Just as Lord Gallagher was giving his speech there was a loud pop. 

"What was that?" Shanelle to Marquise. 

Her question was followed by another larger explosion that rocked the room and knocked the giant chandelier off its chain sending it crashing to the ground. Marquise pulled Shanelle out of the way of the falling chandelier just in time.

"Guards! Guards!" Marquise called out to his guards. 

"Fire! Fire! Everyone out!" a staff member ran in yelling. 

"Your Majesties! This way!" one of his guards called out. 

"Guards! Get everyone out of here now!" Marquise ordered as he and Shanelle ran out of the ballroom. Without looking back the royals ran outside. When they got outside they watched as smoke billowed out followed by shooting flames. 

"Oh my God!" Shanelle gasped. 

A guard came running up. 

"Your Majesties! Are you alright?" the guard asked. 

"Yes. Her Majesty and I are fine. Gather as many guards as you can and get as many people out as fast as you can. And get emergency services out here to get those flames back!" Marquise ordered. 

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Shanelle whispered in shock. 

Marquise took his jacket off and wrapped it around his wife. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"I'm fine. I just..." she replied clearly shaken up. 

"I know. But you're okay. We're okay." he said as he held her close to keep her calm, "we're safe. I promise we're safe."

"Back! Back! Everyone back!" a guard instructed the gathered crowd. 

Everyone got as far back as possible. Many watched in horror as the old palace burned. Once emergency services arrived Marquise decided it was time to leave. 

"Come on. Let's get you home," he said to Shanelle. 

He led her to a waiting car. As he got in, a dark figure watched from the trees. As they drove away, the flames from the burning palace lit up the sky. When they returned to the palace, they were greeted by Margo and her parents. 

"Oh my God! Are you two okay?" Shantel asked, "We saw the news."  

They both nodded.

"What happened?" Damien asked. 

Shanelle nodded numbly as Marquise spoke. 

"There was an explosion while we were inside. And when we got outside there was heavy smoke and flames."

"Oh my goodness! The staff!" Margo said. 

"Do you think there will be any casualties?" Damien asked Marquise. 

"It's too early to tell. But when I hear something I'll be sure to let you know." 

Damien nodded before turning to Shanelle who was shaking. 

"You're shaking my darling. Maybe you should get to bed."

Shanelle nodded. 

"We'll take her." Shantel said to her husband, "Come on sweetie. Let's get you down the hall."

Margo helped Shanelle up. 

"Come, Your Majesty, gently now. That's it. Nice and slow." 

Marquise and Damien watched as they walked down the hall. When they were out of earshot Damien spoke. 

"Are you alright son?" Damien asked. 

"I'm alright. It's just been quite the night." Marquise replied. 

"I'm sure. I won't keep you long, go check on her and have a restful night."

"Goodnight Damien. You do the same." Marquise said to him before turning to walk down the hall to his bedroom. When he got inside Shanelle was sitting on their bed with her mother and Margo. 

"Thank you ladies. I'll take it from here."

Both mothers nodded before leaving. Marquise sat down next to his wife and wrapped his arms around her. 

"Are you alright?" he asked. 

Shanelle took a deep breath. 

"I'll be alright. I'm just in shock. That's all."

"I'm sure. Thankfully we got out of there safely. And hopefully, I'll know more in the morning."

Shanelle nodded. 

"In the meantime, I've had enough excitement for one day. I'm going to bed."

"Good. Let's get some rest." 

The next day, Shanelle stayed with their children, while Marquise was in his office on the phone with the authorities. He had just got off a call when Shanelle came to check on him with food. 

"Hey, you," she said to him. 

"Hey, beautiful," he replied. 

"You look like you haven't eaten yet." she said to him, "So what have you heard so far?"

Marquise sighed deeply. 

"Unfortunately the old palace has burned down," he replied. 

"What?!"

"It's a total loss. Nothing could be saved."

"Oh my God."

Marquise shook his head before taking a bite of his food. 

"It's such a shame. I really did enjoy that old palace."

Shanelle raised a questioning eyebrow at him. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked. 

"Whatever you decide it to mean," he replied. 

Shanelle crossed her arms and gave her husband a challenging look. 

"Marquise."

"Hmm?"

"Did you order that explosion?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Are you insane?! You could've killed someone! And what about King Elgin?" 

"King Elgin wasn't even there last night."

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked. 

"While we were all in the ballroom, he was being safely evacuated. By the time the blast happened, he was on his way to his summer home on Lake Gianko," Marquise replies. 

Shanelle shook her head. 

"And what about Naya and her daughter Bernadette?"

"They are already at her father's summer house. I had them moved last week then I had His former Majesty moved. So it wouldn't look too suspicious." 

"Well, that explains why he wasn't at the Welcome Ball."

Shanelle sighed. 

"This is about to be a PR nightmare," she said with a groan. 

"Agreed. But it's a PR nightmare we don't have to deal with."

"Tell me something."

"Anything."

"How did you do it?" she asked him, "And don't you dare lie to me."

Marquise looked at her coolly before snapping his fingers. Soon an opening in his bookcase opened and one of his guards stepped in. He was dressed in black and silver. He was one of Marquise's Crown Shields. The guard knelt down on one knee with a fist over his heart. 

"My Queen." the guard said to her with his head still bowed, "My Liege."

"My love. You remember the Crowd Shields don't you?" Marquise asked. 

"Mmmhmm. You only employ them in emergency situations or at least that's what you're supposed to do." Shanelle replied. 

"True indeed. But since you wanted to know, now you know. This is Captain Desmond Emilo Felix. He's the current Head of the Crown Shield." Marquise explained. 

Shanelle nodded then looked at Captain Felix.

"It's good to finally meet you, Captain," Shanelle said to the Captain. 

Captain Felix rose to his feet and executed a perfect bow. 

"You as well, my Queen. I'm glad we could finally meet."

"Captain Felix is how I was able to pull off the explosion. You see, Captain Felix is a former member of the US Military." 

Shanelle nodded before looking at Captain Felix. 

"You're American?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I'm as red-blooded as you are. I'm originally from Kansas City. My parents still live there. I served for 6 years in the US Navy as a SEAL before transferring to the Cordonian Army where I rose through the ranks. And was selected by Captain Nevrakis to lead in her stead when she retired." Captain Felix replied. 

"And now you're my husband's official unofficial right hand?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I am at his beck and call and yours if and when need be," he replied. 

"He is the one who started the blast while we were in the grand ballroom," Marquise explained. 

"How?" Shanelle asked. 

Captain Felix cleared his throat. 

"It's quite simple. The Crown Shield has schematics of every noble house and palace. Including this one and the former palace of South Cordonia. It was just a matter of overloading the circuitry and turning on the gas. And making it look like a mere accidental gas leak." Captain Felix replies. 

"The goal was to scare and distract people. And I'd say we succeeded."

Shanelle sighed deeply then nodded. 

"Well, I guess I'll take your word for it." she said before turning to walk out of Marquise's office, "oh! And one more thing, touch my palace and I'll kill you both."

"Understood," Marquise said to her. 

The next day, after getting their daughter off to school and leaving their sons with her mother, Their Majesties returned to the old palace in Dalevandon to inspect the damage. When they arrived at the old palace, the devastation was clear. Where the former palace of West Cordonia once stood, there was now nothing but ashes. 

"I know your plan was to scare and distract people. But I think your plan worked a little too well." Shanelle whispered to her husband as they took in the damage.  

"Perhaps. But as long as the goal was attained, I'm satisfied," he replied. 

They were led to a podium where members of the press were waiting. Marquise held up a hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.

"Good morning everyone. Today is a sad day for us all. The Great Palace Of West Cordonia has been lost to a terrible accident. This is a heavy and personal loss for many. Myself included. But I want the people to rest assured that no one else will suffer. Thankfully there were no human causalities. Everyone from the guests to the staff to His former Majesty were all safely evacuated. The damage is being assessed and for those on staff who are now out of work, you will be compensated for your loss of work, your health insurance will continue, and resources to find other work via the Monarchy will be provided to you at no cost."

The reporters all clamored at once. 

"Your Majesty! Donnie Brine of the CBC here. It has been reported that the explosion was due to a gas leak. Can you confirm that?" Donnie asked Marquise. 

"Yes, I can. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast was due to a gas leak. While the investigation into the blast is still ongoing, the early reports confirm that a gas leak is the cause of the blast." Marquise replied. 

"Or maybe it wasn't an accident at all!"

The crowd turned to see Lady Makenna marching up to the podium with her parents. When she got to the podium she got in His Majesty's face. 

"You did this! You set the fire that burned down my family's home!" she accused. 

"Be careful with how you speak to me, my lady," he warned her. 

"I am not afraid of either of you! This is what my husband and I are talking about! You're so afraid of losing your throne, that you will destroy any and everything to keep it!" she yelled at him. 

Shanelle looked at her. 

"And just what are you and your husband doing to assist in this tragedy?" Shanelle asked Lady Makenna, "Other than accusing His Majesty of causing the fire that is."

Lady Makenna glared at Shanelle. 

"Because for the last 48 hours, the only people who have remotely done anything to assist in any way outside of the locals, are His Majesty and myself. What have you contributed hmm? While assisting those in need should never be a competition, I will not stand here and listen to you accuse your King of any wrongdoing."

As the press whispered fiercely, Marquise held up a hand to silence them. 

"She's right, my lady. Because challenge or not I am STILL your King! And you both are still subject to my rule! But since you're here now, why don't you tell us all what plans you and Lord Gallagher have for the people in the wake of this tragedy hmm." Marquise said to her as he gestured to the podium, "Go ahead, my lady. This is your chance to one-up us." 

Lady Makenna backed down. 

"Oh, so you don't have a plan? That's not surprising. Perhaps your father can come up with one. Oh! Wait! That's right I forgot. He isn't supposed to be anywhere near the palace. After all, the reason why your uncle owed a debt to my father was because of him and his gambling and that foolhardy bet where he risked your entire family's fortune." Marquise said to her, "See, I knew he was lying to me this past Saturday night when he told me King Elgin was doing well. When the truth is, he nor your mother or your siblings have seen King Elgin in years. So why would you host a ball in a palace your father was banished from? It is quite a curious thing." 

That sent the press into a frenzy. With many trying to get Lady Makenna's attention. With the media distracted, Their Majesties stepped off the podium. They finished their tour of the remains before departing for home. When they got to the palace, they headed to the throne room where they were greeted by Captain Felix and a few members of the Crown Shield. 

"Your Majesties. There's something you need to see."

The couple looked at each other.

"What do you mean Captain?" Marquise asked as a side door opened. 

"He means me..." a voice spoke up. 

The couple froze and when they turned around. Shanelle gasped and Marquise was beside himself. 

"Hello, Your Majesties. It is good to see you both again."

It was Lord Tariq Sauvageon. Alive and well. 

But how when he's been dead for years?

[cosmicpunked]

Wheel of Misfortune 

What character gave you lasting trauma?

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[schelofthesea]

greenhorne side cast

[oflostinfound]

Scenario: Eath trying to understand how a Prince becomes a King and how most people use Prince / Princess to mean son / daughter of a King / Queen

Because to her a Prince / Princess is a title that means a specific level of power and falls UNDER a Duke / Duchess. Family relations have nothing to do with the title and she'd probably call what people consider a Prince/Princess a King/Queen In Waiting or a Kingling / Queenling

[abmare]

couldn’t fall asleep for a long time so I open firefox’s article recommendation thing for five minutes, next thing I know I’ve blacked out it’s 5 am and I’ve somehow ended up watching Colette (2018) and now I’m firmly back in my “keira knightley period drama movie” phase for the foreseeable future. also, I wanna chop all my fucking hair off

[royaltysimblr]

Ophelia of Lausanne, Queen of Windenburg (1620-1673) - Part 1

Hey guys! So over the last three months I've been working on the life story of Ophelia of Lausanne, one of the Queen Consorts of Windenburg during the 1600s and I've made a LOT of renders of her so I just thought I should share about her life :)

read about her BELOW

Princess Ophelia Thérèse Marie Hélène Françoise of Lausanne was born on August 27th, 1620, to Louis Henri II, Prince of Lausanne, and Princess Marie Thérèse of Magnolia. Ophelia’s paternal grandparents were Charles Joseph, Prince of Lausanne, and Princess Isabella of Calabria. Her maternal grandparents were King Louis IX of Magnolia and Princess Elizabeth of Windenburg.

 Ophelia was born at Chateau de Angouleme, King Louis IX’s favorite country residence. At the time of Ophelia’s birth, her father had been overthrown as Prince of Lausanne and sought sanctuary at his father-in-law’s court. Ophelia’s mother, Princess Marie Thérèse, was King Louis' favorite daughter. The King was delighted with the birth of his granddaughter and organized several court entertainments in honor of her birth. Ophelia and her family initially lived with the King and traveled with the court between the King’s numerous residences. The Royal Governess, Marie Charlotte de Rohan, cared for Ophelia and her cousins during her infancy. 

Throughout the 1600s, religious conflicts had plagued the continent which resulted in Lausanne being occupied by Peteran Forces. In 1623 after the conclusion of the War of Religion, the Treaty of Emden restored Ophelia's father to his throne. Ophelia and her family returned to Lausanne later that year and resided at the Chateau Moren. Ophelia was joined by two younger siblings who survived to adulthood, Prince Henri, and Prince Maurice. Despite residing in Lausanne, Ophelia, and her family often visited her grandfather, the King of Magnolia. Princess Marie Thérèse appointed her close friend and childhood companion, the Marquise de Villars, as governess of her children. Ophelia had a simple education, very typical of princesses of the time. Ophelia learned multiple languages, was a skilled musician and dancer, and learned horseback riding. She had a strict Jacoban education, overseen by the Bishop of Lausanne. Ophelia had a close relationship with her brothers who she would correspond with for the rest of her life. Many letters survive between her and her grandfather, detailing their close relationship with one another. On her 13th birthday, her grandfather, the King of Magnolia, gifted her ten stallions and a golden state carriage which currently is in the Windenburg Royal Collection and is used during official events.

Ophelia was considered beautiful and intelligent. She was a skilled musician and singer, enjoyed reading, and spoke seven languages. She was an accomplished woman for her time period and was extremely athletic. As a granddaughter of the King of Magnolia, she was considered a desirable bride by the Jacoban monarchs of the continent.

[thewertsearch]

Ask Comp 01/07

Anonymous asked:i think youre the first liveblogger ive seen to actually remember that orphaner dualscar was eridan’s flarping name?

Mindfang clearly describes the Serkets, so I wonder if Dualscar says anything about the Amporas?

Eridan's greatest enemy does have a duality theme, after all - and he was certainly scarred when the guy stole his crush >:)

@captorations asked:i have terrible news regarding homestuck and the good place: https://x.com/nbcthegoodplace/status/1039908767763259392?lang=en not to mention that. well. the two share more than you've encountered yet. it's very likely not a coincidence. have fun! oh and. re: my ongoing campaign of pointing out the homestuck ancestry of tlt characters. please compare aradia's "i am very much alive and i intend to stay that way" with dulcinea's "i'm not in the river and i won't ever be again"

...oh my god.

On reflection, this makes a lot of sense. Homestuck's fandom is pretty large, and some of its members were bound to be involved in the production of mainstream media. Still, it's wild to see a Homestuck reference - or, technically, a Sweet Bro and Hella Jeff reference - on the official Twitter for a show this big.

And Aradia does have a lot in common with Dulcinea, doesn't she? For one thing, they didn't really start influencing the plot until after they died.

Anonymous asked: Not really important anymore, but looking at what Gamzee has in his Strife Deck, it doesn’t look like he has any ranged options: he’s got the bowling pins, what appear to be a discarded sickle and lance from Karkat and Tavros respectively, what I’m PRETTY SURE is a whip of some sort, and the Zillyhoo hammer. The closest to a ranged weapon in that stack is the whip, or maybe the pins if he’s willing to throw them, but neither seem like they’d work very well against Vriska. Barring some secret power or other plot twist, I think Gamzee would genuinely be the underdog in that matchup. (Which feels weird, because Gamzee’s been mutating into a slasher villain while Vriska’s still very much an antihero protagonist. Usually the power balance is the other way around with those archetypes!)

On the face of it, Gamzee didn't seem to have great odds in that fight - but it's hard to know for sure with this pesky Bard. His Strife Deck contains plenty of cards we haven't seen, and whatever he did to the Black King is still shrouded in mystery. Everything's just so uncertain with him.

@mimescantscream asked: I've really been holding back all this time, but now that we've met the Grand-highblood, it really is extra painful to see a Gamzee who was once incredibly loving of his friends (despite their constant ridicule) end up falling down the path that fate seems to have pre-ordained for him. Was he truly always meant to repeat echoes of the past? Could things ever have gone differently for him?

Yeah, I've been having similar thoughts. His PoV seemed completely sincere, so I don't think his original personality was a fabrication, or anything. I think there is a part of Gamzee that cares about his friends - and maybe even he wants it back.

@jade-harley-real asked: […] I want a rant on the bad doctor from you pls pls pls

Scratch is straight up the scariest character in Homestuck.

What's he up to now? Hard to say since we're not telling him what to do. Guardians can never be told what to do.

The aura of menace he's cultivated is incredible, especially considering he barely even moves. He's playing the entire cast like a fiddle, armed with nothing but a typewriter and his own supercharged brain - and there's no doubt in my mind that his confidence isn't a mask. He knows he's going to win in the end.

English is coming. He's basically already here.

@elkian asked: I'll probably never be a Vriska FAN, but I gotta admit, she really never had a chance, what with the only adults in her life being: a trollvorous spider 1 missed meal away from eating her, Marquise "I do what I want" Mindfang, and Doc Scratch. Some role models! @manorinthewoods asked: So, now that Mindfang has been revealed, here's a question for you: how much of Vriska's Vriskyness is because she's Vriska, how much is because of Mindfang, how much is because of her lusus, and how much is because of Alternia in general? ~LOSS (20/6/24)

This is why I don't think she'd be like this on Earth. At this point, it's obvious that none of her Incidents were the result of her personality as it naturally arose.

I mean, look how anti-Aradiacide she was! They weren't even really friends!

Anonymous asked: ‘AA: there are all sorts of friends to meet AA: ones you already know and ones you dont’ I mean…couldn’t she just be referring to various doomed selves? I don’t see why the dream bubbles would just be confined to the alpha timeline seeing as the furthest ring is weird in terms of time and space

I was assuming that only Alpha Timeline deaths would be preserved by the Bubbles, but you're right - I'm not sure that was a reasonable assumption.

The Horrorterrors seem to eschew the concept of the Alpha Timeline. and, they've coordinated with both Doomed and Alpha versions of Rose and Dave. Plus, yeah, there is no time in the Ring, so timelines are probably meaningless there. Why would it only interface with the Alpha?

If the Bubbles do preserve doomed souls, then we might also run into the John who died to Typheus, and the Jade he couldn't save. That's a pair of ghosts I'd be very interested to meet.

Anonymous asked: If every Aradia comes back from every doomed timeline, the number would double each time, so you could get over a thousand of her with only ten doomed timelines.

Fair point- although, if an already doomed Aradia went back in time again, she'd be double doomed. Is that even possible? Would she die twice as quickly?

@mhafanlol2000 asked: Your issues with quirks and speech-to-text are pretty simple to explain. If a troll were to speak into a non-modified speech-to-text program, it would output text with their quirk. Because they, quite literally, speak in their quirk. Terezi probably isnt actually saying “YOU H4V3 LOST TH3 G4M3”, each number at a time, but the vibes are definitely there. I don’t know, this is hard to describe if you don’t inherently get it.

I think, jokes aside, it is indeed about the vibes.

In the troll intro pages, you get told a little about how each troll talks, and I think that's how we're supposed to translate their quirks to an audible medium.

Anonymous asked: i think ppl in the fandom have over time kinda built up a like, generally separate understanding of quadrants from how theyre described in the "official" explanation. which is like, not representative of how these terms are used in homestuck, but probably more useful for describing Good relationships that Do Not Suck. like basically making moirails equivalent to being queer platonic partners, making blackrom more about having a healthy fun rivalry, that kinda stuff.

It's funny, actually - I don't think I've encountered a single asker who accepts the quadrants as they're originally described.

The main issue is that, with the possible exception of matespritship, we haven't seen a single troll relationship with reflects the infodump's explanation of the quadrants. I think Hussie might just have jumped the gun a little when dropping it.

Anonymous asked: Shoutout to Karkat poking his friends in the background! Terezi (crying over Dave) and now Soloux (talking to Terezi). Karkat isn’t sure what the right response is but wants to be included! Reminds me of actual cats, just putting a paw on you for no discernible reason. @manorinthewoods asked: I'd like to note that Karkat poking Terezi's tears is the same sprite (and same 'poooke'!) as Karkat poking Sollux's burnt-out eyesockets. ~LOSS (12/6/24)

My man just likes poking.

@alicesoinions asked: not much to say just wanted to say I really enjoy your liveblog!!

Glad you're enjoying!

I've actually got a few new followers recently. Maybe I'm showing up in people's recommendations?

@heliotropopause asked: Dream bubbles are pretty neat, eh? Neat enough to inspire half of HtN, I'd bet.

…wait.

Oh my god, you're right. It's literally a River Bubble. They're both located in afterlives, for crying out loud!

Anonymous asked: Wanted to thank your liveblog for reminding me of a lot that I had flat out missed in canon, due to not putting it together or just reading too quickly. Most recently and notably on my mind right now, is that Feferi is the one who set up the dreambubbles!!! I had always thought that they were just a part of the world that readers didn’t know about yet, like how we weren’t yet introduced to Alternia and it’s moons until act 5. This went right over my head and it has me absolutely REELING (fishing pun included just for fef!!)

Feferi truly is the MVP.

I wonder what happened to dead Players before the Bubbles?

They're certainly not the only type of afterlife in the multiverse. Alternia has at least two types of undead, which implies that the Players are very, very lucky to have retained their personhood postmortem. Imagine this was what Feferi looked like in Jade's dream.

Anonymous asked: Knowing sollux, he probably already had coded his tech to recognize if his speech ever changed, and gave himself a different typing quirk for it, long ago. Not because he knew or thought it would happen, but because he thought it would be a fun coding project ((I know nothing about coding))

And yet, you somehow know exactly how we think.

Anonymous asked: Something I hadn’t really thought about, until I started reading this liveblog, is how much VRISKA ((autocorrect decided to caps that and I’m leaving it in lol)) was manipul8ted into a lot of her violence. Scratch pushed her towards vengeance against Aradia, and she didn’t want to go through with it. Did VRISKA ever tell anyone how much of her live she spent resisting these forces, or even really acknowledge it? She didn’t hide Spidermom, and arguably her need to kill other trolls was to prevent herself from being killed. BUT on the other hand, VRISKA voice would make it sound like a compliment “I almost didn’t kill you why don’t you appreciate me!!!!!!!!”

The thing is, VRISKA probably felt a lot of social pressure not to tell people she was coerced into her crimes. That would reveal that she was reluctant to kill, which is the opposite of what the Empire wants.

@manorinthewoods asked: You could have written a great Homestuck if you'd been Hussie. I think your style, if translated from reacting-to-comic to making-comic, would work great with what Homestuck is, and could have made a better product. I think you'd make a cerebral Homestuck, which would have been cool to read, except I would have botched reading it like I botched reading Homestuck in our Alpha Timeline. ~LOSS (11/6/24)

Thank you! I've tried to write before, actually, but whenever I reread my stories, they come off as esoteric, stilted and a little hard to follow. It's not an insurmountable problem, of course, and I really need to take a writing workshop at some point.

I'd love to make a webcomic, too, but my art also leaves a lot to be desired. I can adapt sprites just fine, but original drawings are hard, guys. Did anyone else know about this?

Anonymous asked: i counted just now, and only like 24 out of all 54 paradox space comics have zero spoilers. some of them are certainly more substantial than others (e.g. i counted ones that include jade’s consorts that you havent seen yet as spoilers) but a lot of them have Very Big Spoilers

It would have been awfully messy. I'm probably just going to read it once I've reached the Gigapause of 2013, and no longer need to worry about spoilers.

@bladekindeyewear asked: “Nepeta wasn't trying to pacify Equius, nor did she seem to be fulfilling any rigidly defined 'role' in his life. They just came off as very good friends, and their relationship was much better for it.” Well, maybe we ought to look at it through the lens of real relationships between friends? Once a healthy dynamic and boundaries are established, perhaps Moirails stabilize as long as they’re together.

That's a good way to interpret moirallegence - although, it does raise an issue with the quadrant that I'll be discussing on its own post, once I've finished the comp. There's no point in prehashing what I'm about to say, so I'll see you there!

Anonymous asked: karkats message didn't go through because of trollians narrative awareness feature, where it'll display something different in service of one of the several "all"-seeing entities, of which the reader is one <3 watsonian and doylist explanations are kissing with tongue

Since the fourth wall is an actual, physical piece of technology in this world, this isn't even that far-fetched!

@sashonya asked: So, as the session's timers continues to count down, what do you think will happen after The Scratch?

Beyond 'the session ends', it's difficult to say for sure. I think the two most likely possibilities are that the kids start exploring other sessions, or travel to a location completely outside the current scope of the comic. I am, of course, hoping for both.

@ericvilas asked: "I still believe that out of all the trolls, Karkat’s traits were featured the most prominently in humanity" yeah, I guess even humans aren't free from the effects of carcinization

CG: THERE IS ONLY ONE STEP. CG: AND IT IS ME.

[howlingday]

Ironwood: So I said to the Marquise de las Foo Fighters, what do I look like? A dirty commoner? I've never worked a day in my life! (Laughter abounds)

Goodwitch: Oh my, look at how pretty the bride looks.

Clover: She sure is!

Marrow: Hate to be Prince Jaune, though. That's a looot of responsibility when he becomes king.

Pietro: Especially since Atlas is in financial ruin!

Ironwood: Quite!

Jacques: Thank you, one and all, for attending the royal marriage between my daughter, the future queen of Atlas, to the prince of the Arc household. And now for the very awkward yet historically accurate part of the ceremony where we all watch them get into bed together!

--------------------------------------------------

Crowd: (Cheering)

Jacques: Alright, now that's out of the way, let's leave the royal couple to it.

Jacques: (Leans in) You better give us an heir, you disgusting, hillbilly ponce!

Jacques: (Last one out) Nighty-night~! (Leaves)

Marrow: That's going to be a looot of responsibility!

Pietro: Atlas is in financial ruin!

Jacques: You disgusting, hillbilly ponce!

Ironwood: Quite!

Everyone: (Laughing at Jaune)

Marrow: That's going to be a looot of responsibility!

Pietro: Atlas is in financial ruin!

Jacques: You disgusting, hillbilly ponce!

Ironwood: Quite!

Jaune: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Weiss: ...Ugh. Great. He's a freakin' weirdo.

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 9,346 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 9.) Acts Of Defiance.

It had been two weeks since Lord and Lady Gallagher had announced that they were challenging for the throne. Their announcement had Cordonia buzzing. But with the Five Kingdoms Festival happening soon Their Majesties didn't have time to stew on it. 

"Of all the times for you to have the Five Kingdoms Festival you choose to have it now?" Shanelle asked her husband as they had breakfast with their kids.

"Yes. It's been years since we've had it and I need a distraction. Besides, it'll be the children's first festival." Marquise replies. 

"Yeah! We're excited. Right boys?" Khari asked her brothers who were playing with their French Toast sticks. "I think that means yes. Also, I can't wait to see all the dragons." 

"Dragons?" Marquise asked. 

"Yeah. What's a kingdom without big dragons?" Khari replied. 

"Who told you there would be dragons?" Marquise asked.

"Mommy. She said she hoped there would be dragons this year. Since you didn't have them last time." Khari replies. 

Marquise looked over to his snickering wife. 

"By the way, where do you keep the dragons?" Khari asks. 

"Dagon! Rawr!" Kylo piped up. 

"Yeah, Kylo! Big rawr!" Khari said in encouragement to her little brother.

"My love. There are no dragons."

"No dagons?" Zyon asked. 

"No, my love. No dragons." Marquise replied. 

"Why?" Kylo asked. 

"Because dragons don't exist," Marquise said to him. 

"Yes, they do!" Khari protested. 

"My sweetheart. Your stuffed animal doesn't count." 

"He does too! Just because he doesn't breathe fire doesn't mean he isn't a real dragon Daddy."

Shanelle snickered as Marquise mean-mugged her over the rim of his coffee cup.

"Finish your breakfast so you can get ready for school." 

"Okay. But we're still gonna have dragons at the festival, right?" Khari asked. 

"Dagon!" the boys piped up. 

Marquise groaned. 

"I think the children have spoken." 

"I'm gonna get you back for setting me up," Marquise whispered harshly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

Soon it was time for the Princess to leave for school. 

"Are you ready to go, my sweet?" Margo asked Khari.

"Yes, Grammy. I just gotta tell the boys goodbye first." Khari replied before turning to her brothers, "Bye Kylo! Bye, Zyon! I'll see you two later." 

"Bye-bye, Sissy!" Kylo said to her. 

"See you yater (later) Sissy!" Zyon said to her. 

"It's time to go, my darling," Margo said to her. 

"Okay, Grammy. Bye, Mommy! Bye Daddy!" Khari said to her parents. 

"Bye, baby girl," Shanelle said to her. 

"Have a good day at school," Marquise said to her. 

Khari waved at everyone before leaving with Margo to head to school. After watching their daughter head off, the couple walked down the hall to His Majesty's office. As they walked down the hall with the twins, Marquise had his face in his phone texting away. 

"Um, sir. Who are you texting so much?" she asked. 

"Another woman," he replied. 

"Excuse me?" she asked as she stopped him dead in his tracks. 

"I'm kidding! Geez!"

"What's the name of that song? Dumb ways to die?"

Marquise gave her a look as he adjusted his sleeve. 

"If you must know, I'm texting your father."

"Since when do you text my dad so much?" 

"Since he's the new Herald."

"And just what are you two texting about?"

"I'm having him put out a statement on behalf of the Monarchy."

"About what?"

Marquise looked at her.

"Understood."

"In the meantime, you and I will strategize."

"Okay."

When they got to his office, the door was locked. Leaving the twins confused. 

"Uh oh! It wocked (locked)!" Zyon said to his brother. 

"What we do?" Kylo asked. 

"Ask Daddy!" Zyon replies. 

Kylo looked up to his dad. 

"Daddy! The door! It wocked (locked)!" Kylo said to him.

"Well, you have to knock so we can open it," Marquise said to his son. 

"Oh! Otay (okay) Daddy!" Kylo replied. 

The twins looked at each other and then banged on the door. Causing their parents to laugh. 

"Well, you told them to knock," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That's not how that works." 

Once the door was opened the twins ran in and went straight for their favorite spot in his office by the window. With the twins situated the couple got down to the matter at hand. 

"Alright sir, we need to discuss how we're going to handle this. Because it's not only caught fire but the blaze is starting to turn into an inferno."

"Agreed. Even though this is what I wanted to have happen, now it's time for us to come out and properly address this challenge head-on." 

"So what do we do? How do we handle this?"

"We come out strong yet defiant and united. We remind the people why we are the Monarchs and of our continued commitment to service of Cordonia and her people And we also remind them that we do not take kindly to idle threats."

"I don't think there's anything idle about this situation."

"No, it's not."

"So when do we have an interview scheduled?" 

"We're not doing an interview."

"We're not?"

"Nope. We will make our official statement at the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms."

"You do remember what happened the last time we did that right?"

"I haven't forgotten. That's part of the reason why we're doing the festival this year. This is to show we are stable as the Heads Of The Monarchy. And it'll give us a chance to reconnect with our public. And it'll also prove why there is no other choice but us."

"While I don't disagree you might wanna dial back your tone just a bit. Our goal is to win our people over. Not to remind them of kings long past."

Marquise sighed. 

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. You're annoyed. And rightfully so. But we will get ahead of this before it gets way too outta hand."

"Indeed we will."

"What have your sources found out so far?"

"So far many of the houses that have started pledging support once supported the Sons Of Earth and The Liberation Core."

"Meaning they still believe in Anton and his cause."

"Not in so many words but yes."

Shanelle groaned. 

"Great..." she muttered. 

"Indeed. Since he's been locked up he's only had one visitor, his aunt Duchess Mildred Severus-Dupont."

"I know her. I met her when I hosted my first Queen's Tea." 

"Yes well, it's come to my attention that she has been ill as of late."

"What's wrong?" Shanelle asked. 

"She needs a liver transplant. After he was seized, Anton instructed that the remainder of his treasury go to her. And she's all but burned through it paying for her treatments." 

"Okay. What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have an audience with Anton to discuss his aunt's rapidly deteriorating condition," Marquise replied. 

"You're not gonna use his aunt's illness against him are you?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"What makes you think he'll cooperate?"

"While he may not care about much in this world, he does seem to care a lot about her and her well-being. Especially now. Besides, he wants to have her put on the transplant list, and since I want answers about these noble houses, only one of us is gonna win this fight. And I have no plans on him winning anything." 

"Okay well, I'll grab the twins and get to work on our official response."

"Nah. Leave them here. You go work on the response."

"You sure?" she asked. 

"Yup. My audience with Anton won't be until this afternoon. So we'll be fine until then."

"Okay. I'll see you in a bit."

Marquise nodded before Shanelle told the boys she'd see them later then left to work on their response for the festival. Marquise watched his boys play before getting started with his day. It began with a teleconference with his aunt Queen Audrey Balthazar. 

"Hello Aunt Audrey!" he said as he greeted her.

"Hello, nephew! How are you?" she asked. 

"I'm alright Aunt Audrey. How are you?" he replied. 

"I'm as well as I can be given the current state and circumstances of my kingdom."

"I understand. How is Richard?"

"He's doing as well as can be as well."

"I'm sorry that there isn't much I can do in terms of assistance at the moment."

Audrey waved him off. 

"The fact that you are willing to help us in our time of need is enough for me. Besides, the last thing I want is for Demetrius and Ermina to come after you."

Marquise scoffed. 

"Oh please! I'd pay to see that pompous idiot and the goblin he married try to come for me. He and his military may think they can take over your kingdom but they would stand no chance against mine." 

"No, they wouldn't stand a chance against you, my nephew. Besides you have enough going on with some fools trying to steal your throne."

"So you know about that?" he asked. 

"Of course. Your mother wasn't my only friend in Cordonia," she replied. 

"No. She was just your greatest friend here."

Audrey chuckled. 

"Indeed. Besides, news like that travels fast through international waters."

"True. But you needn't worry. No matter what is happening here, it will deter me from helping you."

Audrey breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, nephew." 

Just then Kylo spoke up. 

"Daddy! I tirsty (thirsty)!"

"Okay. Come here, my love," he said to his son. 

Kylo toddled over and then climbed into his daddy's lap. 

"Can you say hi my love?" Marquise asked Kylo. 

Kylo looked at the screen and smiled. 

"Helyo (hello)! Helyo!" 

"Hello there, little one! My goodness! He's adorable. Just as cute as you used to be." 

"What do you mean used to be?" Marquise joked before getting Kylo a cup of juice. 

"Detchu (thank you) Daddy!" he said before taking a drink of his juice. "Duice (juice)! Yummy!"

"You're welcome, my love. Zyon, can you come say hi?" Marquise asked his youngest son.  

"Otay (okay) I toming (coming)!" Zyon replies. 

Zyon came over and joined his father and brother. When he looked up at the screen he waved. 

"Helyo!" he said with a wave. She waved at him.

"Hello, Your Highness! My my! Your father should be ashamed of himself. You two are absolutely adorable. Your mother really outdid herself." 

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her.

"I won't keep you long. We'll touch base soon." 

"Of course, Your Majesty. Stay safe."

"You as well, nephew." 

Marquise ended the call with his arms full of his boys. 

"Daddy! Who dat (who's that)?" Zyon asked. 

"That is my aunt Audrey. She was one of your grandmother's best friends." Marquise replied. 

"Granmudder (grandmother)?" Kylo asked. 

"Yes, my boy." 

 That's when Margo walked in. 

"There's my two turtle doves. I've been looking for you both."

"Gammy (Grammy)!" the boys squealed as they got down and ran to her. 

"And how are you son?" she asked. 

"I'm alright. I just finished talking to Aunt Audrey," he replied. 

"Audrey? That's lovely. How is Her Majesty doing?" 

"She's doing fine given the circumstances."

"Ahh yes. With the insufferable bellowing pig setting his sights on her and King Richard's kingdom, I can imagine."

Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.

"A bellowing pig?"

"I said what I said."

Marquise shook his head with a smirk. 

"You've been around my daughter too long." 

"Clearly. Now Shanelle tells me you have an audience with Anton Severus. Are you sure you should be meeting with him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes, Madam Geaneaux." He replies. 

"Don't get smart with me! I am still your mother!" She warned him. 

Marquise snickered. 

"I will be fine mama. He can't get to me anymore. Besides, if he wants his aunt to live comfortably for a few more years, he'll tell me everything I want to know." 

"It's not that I don't trust you, Your Majesty. I don't trust him. He did try to overthrow the Monarchy."

"I haven't forgotten. But now that he's had quite a few years in solitary confinement, I'm sure he'll be willing to compromise on a few things."

"Alright, My King. I will trust you to know what you're doing." 

He came over and hugged her. 

"I do. I will be fine mama."

Marquise spent the rest of his morning with the twins and his mother and after lunch with his wife, it was time for his audience with Anton Severus. After grabbing a folder from his office, he made his way to the throne room. Upon arriving, he was greeted by guards and a heavily chained Anton. Once seated on the throne, Marquise threw Anton a very cocky smirk. 

"Well well. If it isn't my old friend. How are you? How is solitary confinement? Is it treating you well?" He asked Anton who stood stock still, "It's alright gentlemen. You can let him out of his restraints. I trust he isn't stupid enough to die here."

"What do you want?" Anton asked. 

Marquise tossed the folder at Anton's feet. 

"What is this?" Anton asked. 

Marquise shrugged. 

"You tell me."

Anton picked up the folder and read through a few pages. 

"These are all noble houses."

"Yes. Noble houses that once did business with your father Theodore, when he was Head Of The Sons Of Earth, and your mother Pamela when she was a ranking member of The Liberation Core. They now want to do business with Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Ahh yes. The young couple that wants your throne. I wish them both well. Hopefully, they can accomplish what I could not."

"I thought you might say that."

"Of course. No one wants to watch you fail or see you be ruined more than I do." 

Marquise smirked. 

"I heard about your aunt. My condolences on her condition." Marquise replied. 

"My aunt is none of your business." Anton hissed. 

"Oh, but she is actually. Because without me she'll continue to suffer. Why you may ask? Because your treasury has all but dried up. She soon won't be able to afford the life-saving care that she so desperately needs." 

Anton blinked. 

"You're willing to let an innocent woman die?"

"It wasn't that long ago that you tried to kill me and my wife. And that was after burning down the Applewood Orchards in an attempt to overthrow the Monarchy so...yeah I am. As the Bible says, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." 

"Mildred is innocent!"

"Not from where I'm standing."

"You have no right to deny her basic care!"

"I do when it comes to the safety and prosperity of the kingdom. If keeping the kingdom safe means sacrificing your aunt for the greater good of that safety then I will do what is in Cordonia's best interest." 

"Oh please! You just want to take her away from me so I have no one."

"See my motives however you like my good man."

Anton shook his head in disgust. 

"Is this what you're teaching your children?"

"My children know that sometimes Daddy has to make decisions that aren't always popular or agreeable. Especially my heir. But she understands that Daddy sometimes has to do what he has to do." 

"Including letting my aunt die?"

"I've already explained myself. And since you've decided to be uncooperative, we have nothing more to discuss." Marquise said to him before turning to his guards, "You can take the prisoner back to his cell. I have no more use for him."

Just as the guards got ready to take him back he spoke up. 

"Wait! I'll tell you everything I know."

"How do I know you're not lying Anton?" Marquise asked. 

"Because my aunt is innocent. She knew nothing of my father's plans. I will not let you sacrifice her for your own pettiness and selfish revenge." Anton replied. 

"Pity. Just when I was about to go to my office and issue an arrest warrant for her. Especially since I have no idea that she isn't actively conspiring against The Crown even in her current condition. Can't be too careful nowadays."

Anton seethed. 

"I should've killed you when I had the chance." he sneered. 

"Yes. You should have but you didn't. And now enough wasting my time, talk!"

"If I do this I want a guarantee that my aunt will be safe and cared for."

"She will be put on the transplant list if that's what you're asking."

"I want it in writing! Your words mean nothing to me!" 

Marquise rolled his eyes impatiently. 

"You're stalling. Which is only going to prolong the inevitable. The inevitable being your aunt dying a very painfully agonizing death."

"I will not say another word until I have your promise in writing!"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Very well. We'll play this your way," he said to Anton before turning to his guards, "you have my explicit authorization to execute the Duchess. At once."

"At once Your Majesty!" a guard replied. 

"No!" Anton shouted. 

"Then talk!" 

"Alright! You win! Just swear to me that you'll keep your promise that she will be safe and I'll tell you everything."

"Much better. Now let's get down to business."

Just then Her Majesty walked in. 

"What are you doing here my love?" Marquise asked Shanelle. 

"I came to check on you since the boys are in the garden with their grandmother, and I see it's apparently still breathing," Shanelle replied while nodding to Anton. 

Anton scoffed. 

"Well well well! If it isn't the no-good American shrew he married." he sneered. 

"This..."

"Be nice," Marquise said to her. 

"I'm finding it."

"It takes you that long to find it?" he asked 

"It does. It does," she replied. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around her waist. 

"You're just in time my Queen, Anton was just about to tell me everything he knows."

"On second thought, I've changed my mind. I'm not telling you shit!" he hissed. 

Shanelle raised a challenging eyebrow at Anton. 

"Oh really? Well let's see if I can't change your mind shall we?" she asked. 

With a slight nod from The Queen, a guard beside Anton produced a long thin dagger and sliced Anton's left ear clean off. Leaving him screaming in pain. 

"Now that I have your attention, talk!" Shanelle said to him. 

Within the hour Anton had revealed everything he knew about each of the noble houses and true to his word, Marquise spared his aunt. The couple watched as a bleeding and shackled Anton was led out of the throne room. 

"Slicing a man's ear off?" Marquise asked. 

"What? He's still got the right one. For now anyway." Shanelle replied. 

"You are brutal, my love."

Shanelle shrugged. 

"You can't say that he didn't deserve it." 

"No, I can't."

"So now that we know what he knows about these noble houses, how do we verify that any of the information he gave us is true?" she asked. 

"My team will verify the information," he replied. 

"Okay. And what do we do in the meantime?"

"In the meantime, we continue to get ready for the Five Kingdoms Festival this weekend. But first, we get someone to clean up the blood that was shed."

Shanelle snickered. 

"I'm not sorry for what happened. However, next time, I think I'll have the guards aim lower. Maybe cut a digit or two off one if not both of his hands." 

"Remind me never to piss you off."

The two walked to the garden where Margo and the twins were. They watched as she had the boys watering flowers with her. 

"Come over here my darlings. We must water these flowers as well," she said to him. 

"Otay Gammy! We toming!" Zyon replies. 

The boys toddled over with their watering cans in hand. 

"Remember my sweet turtle doves, we must always water our flowers. Do you know why?" she asked the boys. 

"Be big! Strong!" Kylo replied. 

"That's right my darling. We want our flowers to grow so we must water them." 

Marquise smiled as he watched.

"Yook (look) Gammy! Bun bun! Right dere (there)!" Kylo said as he noticed the group of bunnies in the corner. 

"I see my love. Would you two like to feed them?" Margo asked. 

"Yeah yeah!" They replied. 

Margo picked some small celery sticks from her basket and handed each of them a stick of celery. 

"Come my loves. Let's feed the bunnies," she said as she led them to the bunnies, "now remember my little ones, we must be gentle with them. We don't want to scare them. So we must be soft."

"Soft?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes. That way they know we're friendly."

"Otay Gammy!" Kylo said to her. 

She showed them how to hold the celery sticks and watched as they fed the bunnies. 

"We did it! Yook Gammy! We did it!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yes, you did! Well done my turtle doves." she said to them. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around his mom and pulled her into a slight hug. 

"You are such a grandmother,"  he said to her.

"Of course. It's the best part of my job."

"Aren't you supposed to be retired Margo?" Shanelle asked. 

"You want to tell your daughter that?" Margo replied. 

Margo turned to her son. 

"How was your meeting with he who shall not be named in front of my grandsons?" 

"Let's just say Shanelle and I got quite an earful of information."

Margo nodded. 

"Understood My King." 

Just then a long whistle came from the sky. 

"Oh no..."

When Marquise looked up, Shanelle's pet Hawk Tiberius swooped down. 

"Hey!" he said as he ducked. 

Tiberius came back up and swooped down over His Majesty again. 

"Aiiiii!"

Shanelle and Margo stifled their laughter as they watched. 

"Do that again and I'll have you taxidermied!" Marquise yelled at the hawk as landed on a tree branch.

"Why is he here again?" he asked his wife.

"Because my duchy is being worked on which is where his roost is, that's why. Also, he's here in this particular garden because he likes that crabapple tree," she replied. 

"That or he's after the rabbits," he muttered. 

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed in his pocket. 

"Excuse me." he said before stepping away and answering the call, "Hello? Headmaster Gallagher, how can I help you? Huh? Who? When? What?! SHE DID WHAT?! How?! But!...I...yes ma'am. Yes I understand. I'll be there shortly. No no. Thank you for calling. Alright."

Marquise hung up and walked back over. 

"What? What happened?" Shanelle asked. 

"Your daughter got into a fight at school."

Shanelle's eyebrows shot up. 

"She got into a fight?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time."

"Oh boy..."

"Oh no," Margo added. 

"Uh oh!" the twins piped up. 

Marquise sighed. 

"Apparently there was this boy in her class teasing her about Lord and Lady Gallagher's announcement. And was saying how his parents were supporting them and that they couldn't wait to see us lose. She told him to leave her alone, but he didn't, and when he said something bad about Elena, she picked up a rock and hit him in his face with it." he explained. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Oh my God!"

"So now she's been suspended."

"Oh boy," Shanelle said with a groan. 

"Don't tell me that you're okay with this?" 

Shanelle sighed. 

"No I'm not but if she told him to leave her alone and he didn't...I can't say that I feel too bad for him."

Marquise exhaled. 

"When you put it that way, I agree. But still, she can't go around hitting people in the face with rocks." 

"I know. Especially now."

Marquise sighed. 

"I'll go get her."

"You want me to go with you?" Shanelle asks. 

"Nah. You stay here. I'll be back in a few."

"Okay. And go easy on her."

"Don't I always?" he asked. 

Soon Marquise left the palace and traveled to the academy. When he got there, she was standing at the gates with guards and Headmaster Gallagher. 

"Hello, My King. It is good to see you." Headmaster Gallagher said in greeting to him. 

"Hello Headmaster. It's nice to see you as well," he replied. 

The Headmaster nodded politely before turning to Khari. 

"Now Princess, you do understand why I had to do this don't you?" she asked her. 

"Yes ma'am," Khari replied, keeping her eyes trained on the ground. 

"Okay. I'll let you tell your father what happened today. And I'll see you next week okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

Headmaster Gallagher looked to her father. 

"The boys' parents have requested a formal meeting with you and Her Majesty to discuss the matter. Is that alright?" she asked. 

"That's fine. How about next Thursday morning?" he replied. 

"I will send you both an email for confirmation."

"Very well." he said to her before looking at his daughter, "are you ready to go my love?"

Khari nodded her head yes. 

"Come on. Let's get you home."

Marquise nodded to Headmaster Gallagher before getting into the waiting limo with Khari. The whole ride home Khari clutched her backpack and was silent. Marquise wasn't too mad at her for standing up for herself and her friend but he also knew the importance of appearances. When they got to the residence, he led her to the living room where her mother and grandmother were waiting. Khari sat down next to her grandmother without saying a word. 

"What happened at school today?" Shanelle asked. 

"I got into a fight with a boy in my class named Charlie," Khari replied quietly. 

"Why?" 

Khari's lip quivered as she swiped angry tears away. 

"Because he was teasing me. I told him to stop. Even my teacher told him to stop but he didn't. And when he said he was happy that Elena was dead..."

Margo and Shanelle glanced at each other.

"You got mad then picked up a rock and hit him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes. He wouldn't stop. He wouldn't leave me alone. I had no choice. And now I'm in trouble for protecting myself," Khari replied. 

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"Princess, come here."

Khari looked up at him then got up and went to him. She stood in front of him with her head down until he lifted her chin up so she was looking at him. 

"Now you're not in trouble because you were defending yourself against this boy. You're in trouble because you could have seriously injured him." 

"But!" Khari started to say before her daddy tapped his lips stopping her, "my love. I want you to hear me okay? You hit him with a rock and enough force that you could have broken his jaw or worse. Whether you intended to or not, you still had a weapon in your hands. Now under no circumstances am I angry that you defended yourself. Neither is your mother or your grandmother."

"But I tried Daddy! Honest! I tried to stop him! I told him to stop! I told him to leave me alone! But he wouldn't stop! No matter what I did!" Khari said, visibly upset. 

It killed Marquise to see his daughter so upset. 

"I am not saying that I don't believe you. Because I do. I am not saying that you are wrong for being mad. Because you're not. But this kind of behavior can not and will not be tolerated. Is that clear?"

Khari stayed quiet. 

"Khari..." he warned. 

Khari nodded. 

"Yes sir." 

"Good. Now your mother and I will figure out what your punishment will be."

"Does this mean I can't go to the festival this weekend?" Khari asked. 

"No, you can still go to the festival this weekend," he replied. 

"Okay."

"Listen to me. No one is angry at you. While we're disappointed in your actions, because we all believe that you could've handled this situation better, we're not mad."

"Daddy's right," Shanelle added. 

"I know that he wouldn't stop and I know you did everything you could to make him stop, but you picking up a rock and hitting him with it made a bad situation that much worse. Now your mother and I will address this next week when we meet with his parents and your Headmaster."

Khari nodded her head sadly with a sniffle. 

"Come here," he said to her with open arms. She went straight into his arms and he held her as she cried, "Shhh! My love. Don't cry. I know you didn't mean to hurt him. I know you were defending yourself. It's going to be alright." 

"But what if people start to call me a bad person?" Khari asked with tears in her eyes. 

"You stop right there young lady!" Margo replied, "Yes. You made a bad decision but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. If anything, that little boy is a bad person because he was bullying you." 

"Are you sure, Grammy?" 

"Yes, my sweet. I'm sure."

Khari looked up at her dad. 

"Can I say something?" she asked. 

"Of course my love," he replied. 

"I don't feel bad that I hit him. I feel bad because I got in trouble."

Shanelle choked on her laugh and Marquise just shook his head.  

"You are your mother's child. Now go on with your grandmother and check on your brothers."

"Okay, Daddy."

Khari kissed his father on the cheek and then hugged her and went down the hall with her grandmother to check on the boys. 

Later that evening, while on her weekly group FaceTime call with the girls, Shanelle gave them the run down of what happened.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Khari did what?" Robin asked. 

"You heard me loud and clear. She picked up a rock, cocked back, and clocked that little boy right in his face." Shanelle replies. 

"Gee! I wonder where she got that from..." Nina teased. 

"First off, fuck you! Fuck everything about you! And secondly, as your cousin can attest, half the damn reason I was always getting into fights in school growing up was because you have an even bigger motor mouth than your two goofy ass brothers do. Thank you very much." Shanelle snapped at her. 

"Hey!" Bron spoke up. 

"Oh girl hush! You know good and hell well that your husband loves to run his damn mouth like a marathon!"

Bron's jaw dropped with a smirk as the girls died laughing. 

"Not the Queen gagging people!" Robin said with a cackle. 

"She knows I ain't wrong. My little brother will run his mouth into the ground if you let him."

"No, you're not wrong but damn Nelle." 

The girls laughed. 

"Marquise isn't actually mad at her is he?" Dee asked. 

"No, he isn't mad at her and neither am I. It's just the optics and unfortunate timing of the whole situation." Shanelle replied. 

"You mean with those two fools thinking they can take your throne?" Robin asks. 

"Yup. This could be used against us even though Khari isn't technically wrong." Shanelle replied. 

"No she's not wrong! That stupid little boy started it and my Princess finished it."

Shanelle cackled. 

"Oh my God. My daughter could rob a bank in broad daylight in front of you, tell you she did it even though you watched her do it, and you would still say she didn't do anything."

"And would!" Nina said matter of factly. 

The girls laughed. 

"So who are these two who think they can take the thrones from you and your husband?" Chutney asked. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"I know that tone. They're the Heads Of State of one of the duchies here. When my cousin had to resign from his position of the duchy in question, they ran to take his place. Although personally, I think they were hand-picked by my Dad's sister-in-law, they won the local election to become the new Heads Of State." Shanelle replied. 

"How long have they been there?" Aly asked.

"About a year. They were elected right after the boys were born. Bron and Rob met Lord Gallagher's older sister Josselyn at the derby last year. She's the Headmaster at Khari's school." Shanelle replied. 

"Mmmhmm. Has she given y'all any trouble?" Dee asked. 

"No. Besides, I doubt she wants to run afoul of the King." Shanelle replies. 

"What does that mean?" Robin asks. 

"It means your big brother can remove her from her post," Shanelle replied. 

"Really?" Aly asks. 

 "Yup. If at any point His Majesty is ever displeased with her work or performance, he can remove her entirely." Shanelle replied. 

"So why hasn't he fired her?" Robin asks. 

"Because firing someone from a high profile position such as hers without cause, is a dickhead move that his father always used to pull. Also because my husband isn't a tyrannical dictator. So unless she gives him an absolute reason to, he's not gonna fire her. Also, her younger brother doesn't need that kind of ammunition." Shanelle replied. 

"How close are they in their pursuit?" Dee asks. 

"Honestly it's hard to say. But so far they've gained some ground since their announcement." 

"Yeah well. I don't care what they think they're doing, but nobody is taking shit from you without going through me first." Nina quipped. 

"And this is why I was always getting into fights in school and why Chut always had to drag me away. Because of you."

"Love you bestie!"

"Love you too babe!"

After her call with the girls ended, Shanelle found herself lying across her husband's chest.

"Y'know, you make an excellent body pillow sir."

"Glad I could be of service."

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" 

"Yes. The final preparations were made today. The palace is ready to host."

"Wonderful!"

"And our official statement is ready?"

"Yup. The final draft is completed. All you have to do tomorrow is read it."

"Will do my Queen." 

The weekend dawned bright and early the next day, as the palace staff readied themselves for the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. Balloons, streamers, maypoles, apple bobbing booths, and many other activities and games were set up and ready. 

Meanwhile, the royal family was getting ready for the festivities as well. Even though Kylo had his shoes on the wrong feet. 

"Otay! I ready Daddy! See?" he said to his father. 

"Whoa! Slow down, my love. You're not quite ready yet." 

"Huh? I not?" he asked. 

"No, my boy. You're not. You have your shoes on the wrong feet." Marquise replied pointing to his shoes. 

Kylo looked down at his feet. 

"Here. Come here," he said as he picked his son up. 

"No Daddy! I ready!" Kylo fussed as he squirmed. 

Marquise took Kylo's shoes off. 

"Here. Look," he said to his son as he put his shoes on the right way, "the left shoe goes on your left foot like that. And the right shoe goes on your right foot. Like that. See?" 

Kylo looked down at his shoes in wonder. 

"I ready now Daddy?" Kylo asked. 

"Now you're ready. Let's go find your mother and siblings." 

"Yay! Let's doe (go) Daddy!" 

They joined the others and headed out to the well-decorated grounds. The children were enamored by everything they saw. 

"Whoa!" Zyon said. 

"Wow!" Kylo added. 

"It's all so pretty. You did good Daddy." Khari said to her father. 

"Why thank you, my Princess. I drew inspiration from the last Festival we hosted." 

"Yook Sissy! Dagons!" Kylo said to Khari. She looked up and saw the dragon balloons. 

"I thought dragons weren't real Your Majesty," Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"They aren't real but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun," he said to her before corralling their children, "we'll play and have fun in a minute my loves. But first, we have to welcome everyone." 

"Oh! Okay, Daddy." Khari said to him. 

He led his family to a raised podium. He held up a hand to quiet the crowd. 

"Good morning everyone! I want to thank you all for joining us here at the palace today. It's been some years since we've hosted a Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. But I felt that now is the time for all of us to reconnect and celebrate the kingdom we all call home. Many centuries ago, my ancestor Queen Kenna Rys fought for and united five small individual kingdoms into the Cordonia many of us know today. So today we celebrate her greatest victory as well as our home. And now I believe the Princess has something she'd like to say." 

Khari got ready to speak but stopped. 

"What am I supposed to say?" she whispered to her father. 

"Let the fun begin," he replied. 

"Oh yeah!" she said before turning to the crowd with a big smile, "Let the fun begin!"

Soon the festival got underway. People milled about visiting the various stalls and tents. It did Marquise's heart good to be able to mingle and interact with the people. He had a great time going around to the many vendors, including his uncle who was with Margo. 

"Bonjour neveu! Ça fait plaisir de te revoir!" Jean-Pierre said in greeting. 

"Bonjour tonton! Ça fait plaisir de te voir aussi."

"And look! My nieces and nephews are here! Hello children!" Jean-Pierre said to Khari and her brothers as they came over with their mother. 

"Uncle Jean-Pierre! You're here!" Khari said to him as the children ran into his arms for a hug. 

"It's great to see you all. This was a fine day for the festival nephew." Jean-Pierre said to Marquise. 

"Thank you, uncle. Where is Anna?" Marquise asked, "I thought she'd be here too."

"She's with our new grandson. I can't tear her away from that child." Jean-Pierre replied with a chuckle. 

"What are you selling uncle?" Khari asked. 

"I'm selling ham, salami, your aunt Anna's favorite bread, apple butter, and other cold cuts. Would you and your brothers like to help me?" he replies. 

"Yeah! Come on boys. We have to help Uncle Jean-Pierre sell his stuff." Khari said to the boys, "what can we do uncle?"

"Well, you three can greet everyone as they come by. How's that?" he asked 

"Okay. We can do that." Khari replies. 

"You can leave them with us. You two go enjoy the festival." Margo said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded before he and Shanelle took off. The couple took part in a few games. Like bobbing for apples. 

"You sure you're up for this?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Pssh! Piece of cake!" he replied. 

Marquise joined a few others as they gathered around a barrel full of apples. 

"On your marks! Get set! Go!" The proprietor said to the contestants. 

Marquise inhaled deeply then dived for the apple closest to him and caught it. 

"Not bad, Your Majesty," Shanelle said to him. 

"Like I said, piece of cake," Marquise said before taking a bite of his apple, "mmmm! A Granny Smith." 

As the couple wandered around the festival, they tried many delicacies and even bought a few handmade trinkets. Everything seemed to be on the up and up until Lord and Lady Gallagher showed up. Intent on ruining the day for the royals, they made a beeline for Their Majesties. 

"Well, this is quite the setup you two have. It's almost like you want the people here to forget the fact that you two are about to lose this very palace." Lord Gallagher sneered at them. 

Shanelle set her jaw while Marquise chuckled dryly with a smile. 

"You know I'm glad you're both here and I do hope you'll enjoy the festival. Now if you'll excuse us both."

"You can't run from us forever Marquise," Makenna said to him. 

"Give King Elgin my regards will you? Now have fun you two." 

Marquise dragged his wife in the opposite direction. 

"Just give me five fucking minutes with them. That's all I'm asking."

"As much as I would love to see what you can do to them, you have to remember there's a time and a place for everything. Right now isn't the time or place. Now until then the closing of the festival."

"Is that when you'll make the statement?"

"Exactly. In the meantime, try to relax and enjoy yourself, my Queen."

"I will. But if Lady Makenna looks at me sideways again, I can't promise that I won't knock her ass into next week."

"Understood." 

The couple parted ways and went about their business exploring the festival. Shanelle saw an archery stall and decided to try her hand and so did Lady Makenna. 

"Come to see me embarrass you, Your Majesty?" Lady Makenna asked smugly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

"I'd love to see you try," Shanelle replied. 

Shanelle watched Makenna nock back an arrow and hit the target in the chest. 

"Lady Makenna leads!" the stall operator announced. 

"Beat that!" Makenna sneered at Shanelle. 

Shanelle rolled her shoulders to loosen up before nocking back her arrow and letting it fly. Her arrow took the targets' head off. Leaving everyone slack-jawed. Including Lady Makenna. 

"Her Majesty wins!" the stall operator proclaimed to the stunned crowd. 

"I win!" Shanelle whispered, "Oh, and next time, it won't be your husband's head that I imagine that arrow taking off. Next time it'll be yours."

Lady Makenna's face turned ugly. 

"You don't scare me!" she hissed. 

"See sweetie, that's the thing. I ain't trying to scare you. I'm trying to bury you. There's a difference."

Makenna seethed. 

"Now if you'll excuse me, my lady, I have a trophy to win." 

Shanelle watched Makenna stomp off with a very satisfied smirk. For the rest of the afternoon, Lord and Lady Gallagher spent most of their time trying to undermine Their Majesties. As the festival wound down, many gathered at the raised podium to hear His Majesty give the closing. 

"Are you ready?" Shanelle asked. 

"I was born for this," Marquise replied. 

"Go get'em champ."

Marquee smirked at his wife before turning and addressing the crowd. 

"I want to thank one and all, for coming out to celebrate our kingdom today. Today was one of the best Five Kingdoms Festivals, we have ever had. It brings my heart so much joy to be able to share with all of you. To see many of you playing, trading goods, laughing, trying your hand at the many games, and just having fun, reminded me of the times my brother and I would run around wreaking havoc with all of our friends as children. I think Mr. Schiender is still holding a grudge because I ate all of his hand pies one year." 

The crowd laughed. 

"As I stand here and look out amongst the crowd, I am reminded why our nation is so great. It's because of each of you. All of you are the heart and soul of this kingdom. You are why, although we are a small kingdom, we are one of the strongest kingdoms in the world. This year we celebrated 500 years of our existence on this earth. We have accomplished many great things since the time of Kenna Rys and her mother Queen Adrianna. Today, the children of her people and her bloodline legacy celebrate her greatest feat. Cordonia herself." 

The crowd applauded. 

"Now if you all will indulge me for just a moment, I'd like to address a VERY large elephant in the room," Marquise said as he cleared his throat, "as many of you know, a challenge to the throne was issued two weeks ago by Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here today."

He squared his shoulders as he continued. 

"As many of you know, my wife and I have been your King and Queen for almost 9 years. It has been the honor and privilege of my life and my wife's life to serve this great nation and all of its people. It is a precarious position to be in. Because every day, we must make decisions for the betterment of the kingdom we all call home. Now I will admit that some of the decisions we have made as Monarchs for that betterment haven't always been well received or liked for that matter. I humbly apologize for that. While we have never intended to offend or slight anyone, I can admit that sometimes does happen. Again that is not our intention. Our intention is to always put the people's needs first. To make sure everyone prospers. Not just a select few."

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"I'm sure many of you remember what it was like before my wife and I became your current King and Queen. Because many of you lived through the reigns of my father and my wife's uncle. My father King Constantine Rys ruled over what was once North Cordonia and my wife's uncle King Edward Miller ruled over South Cordonia. By the end of both reigns, our home was unrecognizable. Many were frustrated with both monarchs. Many of you felt forgotten by them. And you were. As a young prince, it was heart-wrenching to watch my home slowly deteriorating. And when talks of a civil war began, my heart was shattered. I could not fathom the thought of our great kingdom being at war with itself. My heart could not bear it. I refused to believe that the same kingdom that welcomed my mother with open arms could be destroyed. The only way to save us all on the brink of war was to unite us as one."

Shanelle placed a hand on his right arm. 

"When we became your monarchs, our collective goal was to save our nation. To balance the scales so that no one was left out. To make sure those of common blood could have the same advantages as those of noble blood. We looked to give everyone equality and equity. We took two struggling economies and worked to reform and save them both from the brink of bankruptcy. And I am proud to say that is what we have done. We have always prioritized the success and prosperity of us all. Because that is the promise I made to myself for my home. A promise that I would always put my people first. The same way my mother did. She is my greatest inspiration. Because of her, we have so many councils, guilds, and committees run by and for the people. Because she believed that Cordonia was always for the people. As do we." 

He looked at his wife and children with a smile. 

"I promise you all I'm almost done. I said all of that to say this, being a monarch is not for the faint. It is constant. It is hard. It is not instant nor is it self-gratifying. It is 24/7 365 days a year. It is prestigious, yes, but it is also precarious. It is not an honor and privilege that Her Majesty and I take for granted. It is not an honor and privilege that we will ever allow our children to take for granted. It is a gift. It is a nourishment of the people. Like a shepherd tending a flock, we tend to Cordonia. As your Monarchs we have pledged and committed our lives to be in and of the highest form of service. It is a commitment that we have no plans on leaving. So to Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here in attendance today, I say this to you both, Her Majesty and I do hereby formally accept your challenge but make no mistake, the only way Her Majesty and I will ever leave our throne is when our daughter is named the newest Queen Of Cordonia. And NOT a moment before. Again I thank you all for coming. May fortune continue to smile upon you all."

Marquise ended his speech to a standing ovation. And when he looked out at the crowd, Lord and Lady Gallagher were fuming. He threw them both a wink and a cocky smirk before he joined his family, where his wife had a smirk on her face. 

"Now that is the King I know." She said to him. 

"Damn straight it is." 

"Way to go Daddy!" Khari said to him. 

"Dood (good) job Daddy. Dood job!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yay! Daddy!" Zyon piped up. 

Margo had a prideful smile on her face. 

"Well done my boy. Your mother would be proud." She whispered to him. 

"I hope my mother is proud."

"I will always be proud of you."

Marquise smiled at her. 

The days following the success of the Five Kingdoms Festival were a busy one for the royal couple. And when that Thursday morning rolled around, they were ready for the parent conference with Khari's Headmaster. As they rode to the academy, Marquise was face first in his phone and Shanelle noticed. 

"Well, something's clearly got your attention,"  she said to him. 

He looked up. 

"Apologies, my love. I was going over everything my spies sent me about this boy's parents."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow. 

"What did they learn?" she asked. 

Marquise turned his phone to her. 

"Say hello to Count and Countess Hubert and Gwendolyn Grovemere. They're from a smaller noble house in Duchy Avernia," he replied. 

"That's the duchy just south of here, correct?" 

"Yes. Count Grovemere serves on the Budget Disbursement Council. And the Countess, now she's interesting, her parents, were members of the Sons Of Earth."

"Really?" 

"Yes. Her mother was a baker and her father was a goat herder. They joined during my father's reign. Their local chapter staged a hostile takeover of a local Head Of State Office about 20 years ago that her father took part in."

"What happened to him?" 

"No one knows. Her father disappeared a few days after that takeover was busted up. His disappearance left her mother to raise her and her two sisters by herself. Eventually, her mother remarried but this time she married a Duke."

"Hmm...that could be why she's supporting Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Could be. So be prepared for whatever they try to throw at us." 

"I always am." 

They arrived at the academy and were escorted to Headmaster Gallagher's office where the Count and Countess were waiting. 

"Your Majesties, Count and Countess Grovemere, thank you all for joining me here today. Let's all be seated so we can get started on a resolution to the matter at hand." Headmaster Gallagher said to the parents. Once everyone sat down, she spoke again. 

"Now we're all here to discuss an ongoing issue between your children."

Countess Grovemere scoffed. 

"There would be no issue if they raised their child correctly!" she said to the Headmaster. 

"With all due respect Countess, your son is not innocent." Shanelle shot back. 

"My son is a victim of your god-awful excuse of a daughter! She hit him!"

Shanelle could feel her blood pressure rise. 

"Countess, your son was told to leave my daughter alone but he chose not to! She hit him yes. But he had been warned multiple times to leave her alone."

The Countess gripped the handles of her chair. 

"You know, she's no different than her grandfather. He always thought too damn highly of himself. Went around thinking he could do whatever he wanted. Damn, whoever got hurt. Just like your daughter!" the Countess sneered. 

"My wife is right. How can we trust either of you when you allow your daughter to do whatever she likes to people?" Count Grovemere added. "This is what Lord and Lady Gallagher were talking about. You two are unfit to rule! You can't even control your own daughter!" 

Just as Shanelle got ready to explode, Marquise cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention.

"While I understand why you both are upset, neither of you will ever speak to Her Majesty in any capacity that is not respectful. You will respect her title and mine at all times whether you like us or not! Secondly, my daughter is nothing like my father. Nor are you anything like yours. Your father I could actually respect. Unlike you Countess. And lastly, your son told my daughter that he was glad her friend, an innocent child who died because of cancer mind you, was dead. Do you two have any idea how heartless that is? Your son antagonized my daughter until she could no longer take it. Yes, my daughter was wrong for hitting your son, but I will never cry for anyone who antagonizes someone else simply because they want to!" 

Marquise inhaled deeply to center himself before he continued. 

"Now we are here to resolve this issue and it is my hope that we can achieve that without this turning into a shouting match."

Headmaster Gallagher nodded. 

"Thank you, My King. That is why we're here. We need to come to a common resolution. The children have missed enough days."

"Our son should've never been suspended!" The Count said to her. 

Headmaster Gallagher steepled her fingers together. 

"Actually Count Grovemere, Charlie should be expelled. Because the Princess isn't the first child he's tried to bully. But since I believe in peaceful conflict resolution, we are here. Also might I add, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind for any reason. All of you will respect each other at all times while you're here." 

The Count sputtered indignantly. 

"Now how do we peacefully resolve this issue?" The Headmaster asked the parents. 

"You would go against your own brother?" The Countess asked. 

"As I've stated, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind. What my brother does or does not do has no bearing on me or my ability to lead this educational institution." She replied to the Countess. 

Headmaster Gallagher took a deep breath. 

"Now I believe we have a conflict to resolve."

After an hour of back and forth the issue was finally resolved. With both parents agreeing that both children should apologize to each other and the Monarchy handling all medical expenses for Charlie. And should Charlie misbehave again he will be expelled. No questions asked. 

On their way back to the palace Their Majesties discussed their meeting. 

"Well that was...something." Shanelle said to her husband. 

"Indeed. Are you alright?" He replied. 

"Yes I'm fine. Although I wanted to put that woman through a wall. I can't believe she compared Khari to your father."

"I know. But we both know Khari is and never will be anything like him. Also she only said that to get a rise out of us. Namely me."

"She was trying to get under our skin and she almost got under mine but thankfully you were there to keep me tethered. Because I could've crashed out."

"That and well I wasn't trying to pay for a new wall in that school." 

Shanelle snickered. 

"Noted."

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed. 

"Oh dear!" 

"What? What happened?"

"According to this headline from the CBC, Anton Severus was found dead in his cell. He hung himself."

"Convenient."

"Apparently he left a suicide note."

Shanelle gave her husband a side eye. 

"Can anyone confirm this?"

"Of course. You know the staff at the dungeons are very thorough."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow at him. 

"Mmmhmm. How long has he really been dead?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Since they took him back to his cell that day." 

"Marquise!"

"What? Don't tell me you're about to cry for that imbecile."

"Of course not. But why wait until now to put it out?"

"Because it's a warning to all our enemies." 

"So you are like your father?"

Marquise shrugged with a cocky smirk. 

"So does that mean you're also going back on your word to him?"

"What word? I don't remember giving him my word at all. And there is no one who can or will verify that I did." 

"You're gonna let his aunt die?"

Marquise rolled his eyes. 

"The old bat is gonna croak anyway. Why get in the way of life's natural progression?"

Shanelle cackled. 

"You are a whole mess."

He raised her left hand to his lips for a soft kiss on the back.

"And you, my beautiful Queen, you love every bit of my mess."

Shanelle smirked at him. 

"Yeah, I guess I do."

[leleamo]

Hello people!! Welcome to another post about the rewrite of Helluva Boss!!

Or rather... *Looks at papers*

The lonely imp, that was the name you guys choseIs

today! Let's talk about the hierarchy of hell!! Let's Go!!

Okay, I spent perhaps too long on Wikipedia researching this... But anyway! we have the seven rings, and we also have the Goetia, I did it like this, in each ring there is one of the seven deadly sins, and each ring has a quantity of Goetia, let me show you!

First ring, contains eight kings, in the second, twenty three dukes, in the third, seven princes, fourth, fifteen marquises, fifth, five Earls, sixth, a knight and seventh, twelve presidents

Cool huh?

Anyway, let me show you the hierarchy, ignore me not writing the entire name of L, I just don't like writing that name, anyway let's go!

L

Six deadly sins/greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth

Kings

Dukes

Princes

Marquises

Earls, Knight, Presidents

Beings from hell, you know, the urban legends, like imps, demons/ And also non-animals

Sin

"Ah, Letícia, aren't you going to explain each one?" But of course! on another day, with a post and drawing of each one! Did you like it? And then I'll explain everything! Anyway, that's all, see you on Monday!

[tiaramania]

Princess Aminah of Johor's Yellow Diamond Tiara

This tiara was made by Singapore based jeweler, Royal Insignia, for Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah to wear to her wedding in August 2017. It features a cushion cut yellow diamond along with pear, marquise, and emerald cut white diamonds set in white gold.

Princess Aminah's father, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, was sworn in as the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong aka King of Malaysia today so I hope to see this tiara worn more in the future.

[the-jewel-catalogue]

QUEEN CAMILLA’S PEAR-SHAPED DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE

Flashback: King Charles and Queen Camilla, then-The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, attended a dinner given by The Queen of Denmark and The Prince Consort at the Christian VII Palace in Copenhagen on March 26, 2012

Camilla has had this demi-parure of diamonds in her jewelry box from the earliest years of her royal marriage. She debuted the set in November 2005, for a dinner at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, California. The set consists of a necklace and a matching pair of earrings. The necklace features large pear-shaped diamonds suspended from a collar of marquise-shaped stones, and the earrings feature a modern, artistic cluster of pear-shaped gems. 

~~ The Court Jeweller

[goodqueenaly]

since you clearly know your history, do you think aegon iv's situation with his mistresses while he was king was handled realistically? weren't official king's mistresses married off before taking on their positions because any bastard children sired needed a legal father? falena was married off but there's no mention of barba, melissa, or the other women after aegon iv ascended having husbands. i mean, obviously barba needed to be unwed so she could have a chance of becoming queen but if melissa wanted to establish herself as a non-grasping replacement, shouldn't she go get a husband so naerys, aemon, and daeron couldn't feel threatened? and even if melissa was a super nice person, how she could she remain "well-loved" at court while publicly having bastards and one of them is an albino? wouldn't her reputation be ruined if aegon iv dropped her and she remained unmarried after that?

I think the historical record is somewhat mixed on that point. Think of, for example, GRRM’s, ugh, favorite point of reference for Aegon IV, Henry VIII (yeah, I know): Bessie Blount was not married at the time she was in a relationship with the king (and conceived Henry Fitzroy with him), though she did marry after her son’s birth, while it’s entirely unclear when Mary Boleyn married relative to when she and Henry VIII had their relationship (and, of course, Henry offered to make Anne Boleyn his mistress while she was unmarried). Likewise, if we look to Charles II - another inspiration, I think, for Aegon IV, no less so because I tend to think he named Barba Bracken after Charles’ long-term mistress Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland - the record is far from one-sided: Barbara herself, for example, was married during their relationship of course, but the king’s two primary mistresses at the end of his life, Louise de Kerouaille and Nell Gwynn, were both unmarried for the whole of their lives (and as much as James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, Charles’ eldest extramarital son, might have claimed that Charles had married his mother, Lucy Walter, when the two were exiles in the Netherlands, Charles himself vehemently denied the supposed marriage, which had no evidence of its existence otherwise). Too, Louis XIV - not perhaps explicitly cited by GRRM as an inspiration for Aegon the Unworthy, but certainly a king famous for his love affairs - had both married and unmarried mistresses: while Louise de La Vallière was unmarried (and later ended her life as a repentant nun), the Marquise de Montespan did have a husband (who notoriously held a “funeral” for his wife after she became the king’s mistress); the widower King Louis did, almost certainly, end up marrying his last mistress, the similarly widowed Marquise de Maintenon. (There is also the story that when one of Louis’ early loves, Marie de Mancini, married her eventual husband, Prince Colonna, the prince was surprised to discover that his wife was a virgin, as he said he had not expected to find “innocence among the loves of kings”.) Again, these are only a very few, very limited examples, but I think it’s fair enough to say that GRRM could have felt, let’s say somewhat historically comforted by having Aegon IV’s mistresses be (mostly) unmarried women. 

In any event, I don’t think it was a necessity that Melissa Blackwood be married in order for her to be seen as unthreatening to the queen. While the details of Melissa’s life, especially her time as Aegon’s mistress, are frustratingly thin and vague based on our current knowledge, it does seem that Melissa went out of her way to curry favor with Queen Naerys, Prince Daeron, and Prince Aemon - a step that Barba Bracken almost certainly never took, if she was looking to replace Naerys as queen (and perhaps have her son Aegor replace Daeron as heir). It is also worth pointing out, of course, that in the aftermath of Barba’s, and probably more generally Lord Bracken’s and his faction’s, failed attempt to have Barba marry the king, Melissa and whatever faction was supporting her may have emphasized that Melissa had no such ambitions in order to distinguish her from the disgraced former mistress. Additionally, the fact that Melissa did not have a son with the king until a few years after their relationship began may have also served as some reassurance to the queen, Prince Daeron, and Prince Aemon: not only, perhaps, did Melissa appear not to want to replace the queen, but she had no ready would-be heir, as Barba had had, to promote in place of Daeron and strengthen her ambition to create a new royal family. 

Naturally, because we know nothing about why Melissa was sent away from court, or what happened to her after, we have no idea how her brief years as the king’s chief mistress affected her life or her socio-political prospects thereafter. I do tend to think that Melissa didn’t live a long life after leaving court, though when and how she might have died is obviously completely unclear. In any event, though, I could see where Melissa’s positive reputation, especially if she died relatively young, might have been preserved at court: the kind-hearted, widely beloved young woman, perhaps driven from the court by those no-good-very-bad Brackens who had then replaced her with a “faithless” mistress. Once King Daeron II came to the throne himself, the new king may have been even more inclined to think fondly of the woman who had treated himself and his late mother and uncle with respect and deference, where few if any other of his father’s mistresses had - “better this mistress than any other”, perhaps, to paraphrase the Queen of France on the subject of her husband’s beloved mistress, Madame de Pompadour. (Naturally as well, once Bloodraven came into power and influence, especially after the First Blackfyre Rebellion, he would likely have done much to promote the positive legend of his mother, especially in contrast to the surviving reputation of Barba Bracken - a legacy that I think will be central to the conflict of “The Village Hero”). 

It’s also worth pointing out that while King Aegon’s identified chief mistresses after his ascension seem to have been unmarried young women, this is not to say that the king probably limited his sexual liaisons during his reign only to these individuals. After all, Yandel notes in his overview of Daeron II’s reign that during Aegon IV’s rule, the men of the City Watch of King’s Landing whom the king promoted “made sure that the brothels—and even the decent women of the city—were available for Aegon’s lusts”; I think it’s probably fair to say Yandel likely included “married” in his definition of “decent”. Moreover, while Yandel identified Jeyne Lothston as Aegon IV’s chief mistress after the downfall of Bethany Bracken, the maester-author also suggested that the king “enjoyed mother and daughter together in the same bed”, after Falena Lothston (nee Stokeworth) brought young Jeyne to court (a disturbing rumor, of course, when paired with the additional suggestion by Yandel that Jeyne had been fathered by the king, not Lord Lucas). I fully expect that when we learn more about Aegon IV’s reign (especially given the, ugh, high likelihood of even more unnecessary sexual exploits to be highlighted in Fire and Blood Volume 2), Aegon’s omnivorous sexual desire, including for married women, will be underlined. 

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

Queer Books November 2023

🌈 Good afternoon, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

❤️ The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck 🧡 Heading North by Holly M. Wendt 💛 The Wisdom of Bug by Alyson Root 💚 Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse 💙 A Holly Jolly Christmas by Emily Wright 💜 Outdrawn by Deanna Grey ❤️ Yours Celestially by Al Hess 🧡 The Christmas Memory by Barbara Winkes 💛 Violet Moon by Mel E. Lemon 💙 The Santa Pageant by Lillian Barry 💜 Only for the Holidays by Shannon O’Connor 🌈 Homestead for the Holidays by Wren Taylor

❤️ You Can Count on Me by Fae Quin 🧡 No One Left But You by Tash McAdam 💛 The Worst Thing of All is the Light by José Luis Serrano, Lawrence Schimel 💚 Today Tonight Forever by Madeline Kay Sneed 💙 Wren Martin Ruins It All by Amanda DeWitt 💜 Emmett by L. C. Rosen ❤️ Finding My Elf by David Valdes 🧡 Tonight, I Burn by Katharine J. Adams 💛 Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng 💙 Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree 💜 A Power Unbound by Freya Marske 🌈 We Are the Crisis by Cadwell Turnbull

❤️ The Manor House Governess by C.A. Castle 🧡 You Owe Me One, Universe by Chad Lucas 💛 Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James 💚 Skip!: A Graphic Novel by Rebecca Burgess 💙 Something About Her by Clementine Taylor 💜 Touching the Art by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore ❤️ A Nearby Country Called Love by Salar Abdoh 🧡 Normporn: Queer Viewers and the TV That Soothes Us by Karen Tongson 💛 Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost by Esme Symes-Smith 💙 The Order of the Banshee by Robyn Singer 💜 Once Upon My Dads’ Divorce by Seamus Kirst, Noémie Gionet Landry 🌈 Forsooth by Jimmy Matejek-Morris

❤️ A Common Bond by T.M. Kuta 🧡 Risk the Fall by Riley Hart 💛 Just a Little Snack by Yah-Yah Scholfield 💚 Home for the Holidays by Erin Zak 💙 NeurodiVeRse by MJ James 💜 Dark Heir (Dark Rise #2) by C.S. Pacat ❤️ sub/Dom by Rab Green 🧡 Bitten by the Bond by Elaine White 💛 Heir to Frost and Storm by Ben Alderson 💙 The Sea of Stars by Gwenhyver 💜 Bad Beat by L.M. Bennett 🌈 Idol Moves by K.T. Salvo

❤️ Plot Twist by Erin La Rosa 🧡 In the Pines by Mariah Stillbrook 💛 The Crimson Fortress (The Ivory Key #2) by Akshaya Raman 💚 Only She Came Back by Margot Harrison 💙 Megumi & Tsugumi, Vol. 4 by Mitsuru Si 💜 Pritty by Keith F. Miller Jr. ❤️ Just Lizzie by Karen Wilfrid 🧡 An Atlas to Forever by Krystina Rivers 💛 Come Find Me in the Midnight Sun by Bailey Bridgewater 💙 Bait and Witch by Clifford Mae Henderson 💜 Shadow Baron by Davinia Evans 🌈 Day by Michael Cunningham

❤️ Livingston Girls by Briana Morgan 🧡 Delay of the Game by Ari Baran 💛 The Nanny with the Nice List by K. Sterling 💚 A Talent Ignited by Suzanne Lenoir 💙 A Kiss of the Siren’s Song by E.A.M. Trofimenkoff 💜 Rivals for Love by Ali Vali ❤️ Whiskey & Wine by Kelly Fireside, Tana Fireside 🧡 Buried Secrets by Sheri Lewis Wohl 💛 Ride with Me by Jenna Jarvis 💙 Living for You by Jenny Frame 💜 Death on the Water by CJ Birch 🌈 Merciless Waters by Rae Knowles

❤️ Vicarious by Chloe Spencer 🧡 Sapling’s Depths by Spencer Rose 💛 That French Summer by Sienna Waters 💚 System Overload by Saxon James 💙 King of Death by Lily Mayne 💜 Warts and All by Ashley Bennett ❤️ Principle Decisions by Thea Belmont 🧡 The Best Mistake by Emily O’Beirne 💛 Sugar and Ice by Eule Grey 💙 Until The Blood Runs Dry by MC Johnson 💜 Splinter : A Diverse Sleepy Hollow Retelling by Jasper Hyde 🌈 The Mischievous Letters of the Marquise de Q by Felicia Davin

❤️ The Queer Girl is Going to be Okay by Dale Walls 🧡 Til Death Do Us Bard by Rose Black 💛 Leverage by E.J. Noyes 💚 Alice Sadie Celine by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright 💙 Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon 💜 Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher ❤️ To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn 🧡 Warrior of the Wind by Suyi Davies Okungbowa 💛 For Never & Always by Helena Greer 💙 A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sally Hawley 💜 Heaven Official’s Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 8 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù 🌈 A Carol for Karol by Ann Roberts

[motionless-friction]

I got another "wedding" ring. This time from my love King Thranduil. The stone is Moonstone, and the band is apparently sterling silver. (But idk if the band really is sterling silver considering the price I paid for it.) Although what I can say, is I've been wearing this one for a little over a week, and no sort of discoloration has occurred. So the metal is quality.

Link to where I got this ↑ ring at here. NEVER MIND I CAN'T LINK THIS DAMN RING, BUT I GOT IT ON AMAZON. But if you search Silvershake 14X7mm Natural Marquise Shape Moonstone 925 Sterling Silver Filigree Solitaire Ring on Amazon, you should be able to find this ring easy enough.

(Picture of Thranduil is NOT mine.)

Check out my Albert Wesker ring.

Or my Prince Aemond Targaryen ring.