#new ladies in waiting and a new private secretary!!!

[aimeedaisies]

Court Circular | 31st January 2024

Sandringham, Norfolk

The Princess Royal, on behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

St. James's Palace

The Princess Royal, Royal Fellow, the Royal Academy of Engineering, this evening attended the Tenth Anniversary Reception of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation at Prince Philip House, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa).

Appendix To Court Circular

The Princess Royal has been pleased to make the following appointments as Extra Ladies in Waiting to Her Royal Highness: Lady McFarlane, the Lady Elizabeth Leeming, Mrs. John Armstrong, Mrs. Dolly Maude and Mrs. Simon Rhodes upon the retirement of the following Ladies in Waiting: Lady Carew Pole, the Hon. Dame Shân Legge-Bourke, Dame Rowena Feilden and Mrs. Brian Hammond.

Colonel John Boyd to be appointed Private Secretary to The Princess Royal upon Mr. Charles Davies relinquishing his appointment.

The appointments to date from 1st February 2024.

[sunsetseason8910]

KOSA PAGE-all of our strike information

ALRIGHT SO YALL HAVE RESPONDED VERY POSITIVELY TO MY SUGGESTION OF US STARTING OUR OWN NEWSIES STRIKE AND @waiting-makes-me-antsy suggested we all get nicknames like the newsies so if yall want a nickname then private message me and I will write down your new nickname on this post and I'm also letting yall pick my nickname

What is the KOSA newsies strike?

All across tumblr and similar platforms, kids like us have found their people. People who share the same difficulties, people who have gone through the same things, or just friends. I have found some amazing people on tumblr, and KOSA would take all of that away. KOSA would take away the support many LGBTQ community members have found, the support many people with mental illnesses have found, and so much more beyond that. We are striking to show KOSA that we deserve a voice too! Freedom of Speech!

Me: Hops

@waiting-makes-me-antsy 's nickname is Antsy Whispers

@lincoln-rosario is Link

@eponine-thenadier is Olive (Vice President)

@hey-they-was-coronas is Reeses

@blinkinbrothershark is Twig

@sad-camper is Pollen

@racetracks-fvckin-chair is Quill

@theatrical-cowboy is Dice

@mothmans-spaghettios is Cryptid

@h0n3ycombb is Bunny!

@atticuswhat is Storm!

@ask-riff-lorton RIFF LORTON LADIES AND GENTS

@elmer-not-the-glue as Stars

@poorguysheadisspinning1923 is Fidget!

@00-tricycle-0 is Trig!!

@bigmack2go is Junior!!

Update: yall can go vote my my nickname I gave four options

Officers

@the-realest-spot-conlon (Me)- President

@eponine-thenadier Olive-Vice President

Secretary is open!

@waiting-makes-me-antsy Antsy Whispers- Assistant Vice President

@hey-they-was-coronas Reeses-Recreational Leader

Treasurer is open!

@bigmack2go solidarity-general Marshall

Our Tag

Tag any KOSA posts with "KOSA newsies strike," so it starts trending!

Petition

https://www.change.org/p/save-our-free-and-open-internet-stop-the-kids-online-safety-act?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_36858566_en-US%3Acv_9182&recruiter=1282470979&recruited_by_id=cdf22210-5591-11ed-b8c6-db7e30faf378&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf&share_bandit_exp=initial-36858566-en-US

[sukunasbabymama]

So, adding to this,

MMA!Terano who the media hates to love because, in his area? he’s the best, he gives the most chaotic fights, he’s the best at getting under his opponent’s skin, and he still fills the title of the unparalleled. A total beast.

What he doesn’t do is give a good image outside of that, he does not give good interviews, he doesn’t go to shows or awards unless he knows beforehand he’s winning and even then he just goes, takes his awards and get the hell out of there. His reputation among women is a 50/50, why’s that? They adore him physically, he gives them the type of sex that has them shaking and crying and throwing ‘i love you’ into the air, but psychologically? They hate his ass, he goes and put them in all kind of positions and say such nasty things just to then look at them in the face and tell them he can’t do relationships right now, what the hell is right now anyways?

And so, the world has this love-hate relationship with the man, and sometimes is good for deals but other times his manager has to make so much calls and do so much shit just to get him out of trouble, so that’s when you come into the scene. His manager calls you one time to catch up and after two beers he can’t stop whining about his star and how he acts like a kid even though they’re are like three years apart.

“Right, want me to help ya’ with that?” You chuckle and roll your eyes when his eyes shine.

“You know damn right i want too, god yes.” He claps. “Come work for us, his personal secretary quit last week anyway because she fell.”

“Of a stairs?”

“In love.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, oh,” He laughs. “C’mon, the salary is good, and you’re already in a good position, you have your own business so it’s just for the laughs.”

And so, a couple days later when Terano is waiting for him so they can take a private jet because he will be participating in a small fight, something promotional or whatever they say he don’t care, and that’s the first time he sees you.

And he’s delighted.

Not only you are wearing a long sundress that leaves nothing to his imagination, but the way you’re walking as if you’re the owner of the whole airport has him already calculating how he’s gonna have you under him.

“Good morning.” You say, not too cold, but not in the flirty tone he’s used to either.

“Good morning, pretty,” He murmurs, making sure you see him checking you out. If you see it you don’t say it.

“Great, this is a good friend of mine and your new secretary,” His manager says, Terano raises his eyebrows with a smirk and his manager roll his eyes. “We were roommates when we were in college and we’re still in contact today. She’s not in this line of work but she’s really good for the job anyways so she will be helping us from now on.”

“Excellent.” He whispers.

“And, Terano?”

“Yes?”

“She’s not one of your models, don’t mess with her unless you fix your shitty commitment issues.” His manager says, you put your hand over your mouth to hide the smile that was coming while the fighter just tsk in annoyance, turning around and getting inside the plane.

—

“Fucking hell, I don’t feel like talking,” Terano murmurs to himself behind you when you’re getting ready to get out of the airport and see all the paparazzi outside, waiting for him.

“You don’t?” You ask and he looks at you, this is the first time in the whole flight that you have talked to him.

“They gonna ask a bunch of questions about the girl they saw me last week on a yacht,” he looks at you briefly but you’re not looking at him, just at the bunch of people on the other side of the transparent doors.

Suddenly, you walk past him a little fast and get in front of all the people, with him behind you a little confused.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I know y’all have a lot of questions for my fighter but right now is not the time, I don’t care if you need his answers to get paid or whatever, he’s not talking righ—,” You started saying and Terano’s blood starts to boil when you get interrupted.

“We need him to answer some questions, who the fuck are you?—,”

“I’m his secretary, who the fuck are YOU?” You said in such a tone that the fuss around starts decreasing.

“Such an unprofessional—,”

“Yes, I think so too, what a bunch of unprofessional individuals that don’t even know what personal space is, right?” You interrupt another man. By this time, Terano is internally dancing at the scene happening in front of him.

“We just want him to talk about his little getaway—,”

“Are you a virgin?” You suddenly ask, your frown making you look like you are focused.

“Wha—,”

“I’m asking, are you a virgin? Perhaps you have never seen two people liking each other and wanting to get to know each other?” Your look sad now and this makes Terano laugh. “Right, enough.”

The paparazzis are so focused on calling you an unprofessional that you can actually get inside the minivan that’s waiting.

“You’re such a smart mouth, I didn’t even need to talk,” You friend says and you laugh. “That reminds me to when you used to go one on one with the class’s representative.”

“Oh, please, she was insufferable, it was the least that I could do,” You chuckle.

“Marry me,” Terano says suddenly and everybody looks at him like he just grew another head.

“W-What?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Terano, but I don’t engage with kids,” You say softly and his eye twitch in annoyance, he sighs trying to calm himself when everybody starts to laugh.

“You’re just like two or three years older,” He grunts and you smile, but this time, it’s looks like you’re mocking him.

“Like I said, no kids.” You wink at him. “I’m not talking about no age.”

“Ohh…” His manager says laughing and Terano grunts again, embarrassed as hell.

“We’ll see about that.” He tells you.

You snort.

“Yes we will.”

This is so bad I’m so sorry guys I just been thinking about this every now and then and I just know Terano wants to shake reader so bad bc of her smart mouth lmaoooo

[stthomaspalace]

The Wedding of His Imperial Highness The Prince of Avalon to Lady Alexandra: Nobles Arrive

First of the Caledonyian nobles to arrive are Their Graces The Duke and Duchess of Stonewick accompanied by their daughter Lady Keira. Following the Duke and Duchess are The Earl and Countess of Castlebury. The Earl and Countess of Adwick, whom it was announced that The Earl will be the private secretary of The Prince of Avalon and The Countess will become the new Princess of Avalon's lady-in-waiting and private secretary, followed. The final of the nobles to arrive are Their Serene Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Cerne. Stay tuned for the arrivals of the foreign royals.

[archduchessofnowhere]

It was the morning of January 30th, a gloomy winter day, the sky being overcast, and snowflakes drifting across the window-panes. I had my singinglesson from the wife of Professor Niklas-Kempner, at ten in the morning as usual (...) When, shortly before, I had returned from the south, I had once again been struck by the change in the Crown Prince, and this time more strongly than ever. He was rarely sober; did not get home to the Hofburg Palace until dawn; and as for the company he kept, the less said about it the better. His restlessness and nervous irritability had become intensified, He spoke menacingly of horrible things, and, in my very presence, would cruelly toy with the revolver he always carried about with him. Indeed, I had become afraid to be alone with him. Still, summoning all my strength of mind to aid me, I went on trying to hide from others’ inquisitive gaze the complete failure of our marriage. On the particular morning of which I now write, the entrance of my chief lady-in-waiting interrupted the singing lesson, and the gloomy trains of thought which were interspersed with it. Her aspect was unusually serious and reserved when she begged me to give her a few minutes in private. She had, she said, an important communication to make to me. I went with her into the adjoining room, and looked at her while, in words hesitant and trembling, she began to talk about bad news from Mayerling. I realized instantly that the catastrophe I had so long dreaded must have taken place. “He is dead!” I cried. Sorrowfully she nodded her head in the affirmative. He was dead; he had fulfilled his dreadful threat, and had put an end to his disordered life. Such was the insufferable climax to all I had suffered, seen, and heard during the last few weeks. I trembled with excitement and terror. Then I begged my informant to tell me, in detail, what had happened; but, as yet, she knew nothing more than the bare facts of the suicide. Soon I was summoned to the Emperor [Franz Josef] and the Empress [Elisabeth]. Accompanied by my chief lady-in-waiting, I went to the private Imperial apartments. The Emperor was seated in the middle of the room, the Empress, dressed in black, her face pale and rigid, was standing beside him, In my shattered condition I believed that they looked on me asa criminal. They assailed me with a cross-fire of questions some of which I could not, and others would not, answer. At length the Empress made up her mind to tell me the whole truth. The most horrible thing had happened which could befall a wife. At Mayerling, early in the morning, the Crown Prince had been found in bed, with his brains blown out, and beside him the corpse of a woman who had also been shot— Mary Vetsera.

Count Joseph Hoyos, one of the Crown Prince’s guests at the shoot, summoned early in the morning by the groom of the chambers, who could get no answer to his knocking at the door of the Crown Prince’s bedroom, had forced an entry and had seen the two dead bodies. Hoyos had made all possible speed to Vienna, and had conveyed the terrible news to Rudolf’s chief chamberlain. It was decided to tell her Majesty the Empress before any one else; the companion and secretary, Fraulein von Ferenczy, being charged with this painful commission. The Empress went at once to the Emperor. The agony of this hour was borne by the parents alone, without any witness of their grief.

Only after that was it decided to acquaint Rudolf’s widow with what had happened. I sat between their Majesties while what I heard and suffered inflicted on me incurable wounds. At length I ventured to tell the Empress what, weeks before, I had tried to say to the Emperor. I spoke of Rudolf’s manner of life, his habits and customs, his associates, how completely his health had been disordered. The Empress, however, stubbornly closed her mind against these communications, and it was an additional distress to me to feel that she was turning away from me. In her eyes I was the guilty party. Though outwardly I remained calm, inwardly I was in a state of collapse.

Princess Stephanie of Belgium (1937). I was to be empress

[simshousewindsor]

G5 - G6

[Buckingsim Palace, 11:12 AM WST]

(News anchor talking)

Cameron Dorly [SNN]: Well, the Bill is a long way from becoming Law, and with a Conservative-controlled House that is strongly against spellcasting, it has a long road ahead.

Queen Katherine: (typing)

(Martin enters)

Martin Lavelle [Private Secretary]: Members of the G5 have arrived, Your Majesty.

Queen Katherine: (typing) Where are they waiting?

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: They are being escorted to the Southeast gardens, ma'am.

Queen Katherine: How long is the reception, again?

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: 45 minutes, ma'am. Would you like the time increased? Decreased?

Queen Katherine: No. That time is fine.

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: Lady Delilah will be accompanying you.

Queen Katherine: Thank you, Martin. Oh! I'd like to have a lunch with the family.

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: The entire family, ma'am?

Queen Katherine: Yes. The Kents, Hastings, Boykins, and Queen Mother.

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: When were you thinking? Your dowry has availability next Tuesday for lunch, if I recall.

Queen Katherine: Yes, next Tuesday. This is not an optional lunch, Martin. Help them reschedule any royal engagements had that hour, and manage the communications needed.

Martin Lavelle [P.S.]: Yes, Your Majesty.

- - - - - - LATER - - - - -

[Buckingsim Palace Southeast Gardens, 11:31 AM WST]

Linwood Keller [Prime Minister]: Welcome, Your Majesty. I'll introduce you to some of the other Sims world leaders. It will be imperative we continue to show we're a strong nation, especially after the last few days.

Queen Katherine: (annoyed) I do know how to schmooze, Prime Minister.

Linwood Keller [P.M.]: Of course, Your Majesty.

Queen Katherine: Madam President!

Paulina McNally [President]: (curtsy) Your Majesty. Always lovely to see you.

Queen Katherine: Lara and Anthony had such a lovely time in Americreek. I must schedule a tour myself soon! I hear Chick-fil-a is all the rage there.

President McNally: (laughs) It is!

Queen Katherine: Ah, Prime Minister Trido! How lovely to see you! Thank you for attending my coronation. I trust you are keeping Oasis Springs running smoothly?

Jason Trido [P.M.]: (bowing) It was a beautiful coronation, Your Majesty! Yes. Running Oasis Springs is no small tall task. One I'm sure Linwood knows all too well running Windenburg.

Queen Katherine: Indeed!

- - - - - LATER - - - - -

Linwood Keller [P.M.]: News of South Marvania joining the, now, G6 has brought even more global attention to Windenburg. It has caused an internatiosim scandal the past two days!

Queen Katherine: What?

Linwood Keller [P.M.]: The government is preparing for a North Marvanian retaliatory response. President Mikhaul feels the G5 granting South Marvania admission, in the midst of HIS war with them, is us joining the war. They have increased their attacks on South Marvania the past week, and could strike any other G5 nation in retaliation.

Queen Katherine: I... I didn't know.

Linwood Keller [P.M.]: (confused) Debriefs were included in your daily dispatch yesterday, Your Majesty. A cyber attack is highly expected!

Queen Katherine: Prime Minister, I can assure you...

Lady Delilah: Excuse me, Your Majesty. Prime Minister. It's time for the group portrait.

Queen Katherine: Thank you, Delilah. (pause) I'd like to finish this conversation, Prime Minister. A cyber attack is not a threat we should take lightly. I'd like to know what the government, my government, has planned.

Linwood Keller [P.M.]: Absolutely, Your Majesty.

Previous | Beginning | Next

Queen Katherine I posing with (L to R) the Sulani Prime Minister (Dakari Bessard), Oasis Springs Prime Minister (Jason Trido), Willow Creek President (Paulina McNally), Mt Komorebi Prime Minister (Taishi Kimura), Windenburg Prime Minister (Linwood Keller), and South Marvanian President (Mandela Ofoluwah).

[crimsonredfeathers]

Leaving

~*~ Chapter 8 ~*~

Hawks x slightly older!fem!Reader

Warnings: more fluff coming your way

Word count: 1.4k

Notes: Instead of working on the story in a chronological order, I've recently been working on the later chapters and thus left you waiting once again. I'm sorry for being such a mess 😂

Prologue * Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5 * Chapter 6 * Chapter 7 * Chapter 8 * Chapter 9 * Chapter 10

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You checked in to the hotel you had booked online after Hawks had given you his okay for the trip. The building was small, and so were the rooms, but it had gotten good reviews for being clean and the staff being friendly. You did recognize the hotel on the website right away, as you had passed it way too many times in the years you had been living here.

Once you had closed and locked the door behind you, you put your suitcase on the bed and opened the zipper. After retrieving some of your clothing, you got rid of your coat, carefully placing it on the bed to prevent the feather inside of the pocket from being crushed. You had another hour left before you'd leave the hotel and join your friends for dinner. A nice, warm shower was exactly what you'd longed for on your way through the chilling cold to the hotel. Humming, you went into the bathroom.

~*~

"Oi, y/n," your former boss called out as he pulled you into a hug. "Good to see you, girl, come in, come in!" He ushered you into his house, a beautiful one at that, you thought every time you had visited. It was small and cozy, traditional with sliding doors and tatami on the floor. His wife, cute as a button, greeted you by bowing before pulling you into a tight hug as well. "Look at you! All grown-up now! How have you been, dear? We sure miss you over here!" Her bubbly personality made you laugh. "Thank you so much for inviting me! I'm sorry, but Hawks couldn't -" She let go of you and offered to take your coat while her husband patted your shoulder. "We understand, girl. He's a young hero with many duties. Maybe he can make it next year," he winked. "I hope so," you smiled, thinking about the feather that still rested in the pocket of your coat. Well, somehow, he was here with you after all.

You changed into some slippers. "Come on, dear, everyone is waiting for you," the wife said, smiling, and led the way over to the dining room. You followed behind her, her husband limping, a remnant of the injuries he had sustained, as he walked behind the both of you. Entering the dining room, you were met with the faces of every single one of your former colleagues, their partners and children, cheering for you, and welcoming you home. It took you a moment to collect yourself before you went and hugged every single person in this room.

Together with a few of the other girls, you helped the wife to bring in the food and place it on the table before dinner started. All of you had fun catching up, talking about their new jobs and what was happening in their private lives. One of your former bosses' sidekicks laid his arm around his wife's shoulders, smiling proudly as he told all of you that they were finally expecting.

To your dismay, it didn't take long until all eyes were on you. "How is working for Hawks going?" You gulped as you looked at the former head-secretary of the office. "Hawks?!" Her little daughter squealed. She must be a fan of him, you concluded. "I heard he's sooooo fast," the son of an ex-sidekick chimed in, spreading his arms to both sides. "And he's popular with the ladies," the sidekick's wife added. "Wasn't he invited, too?" Your former boss nodded. "Unfortunately, the son couldn't make it, being all tied up in work. You know, how it is," he shrugged and gladly changed the topic of the conversation to spare you further questions.

~*~

You and the other girls helped wash the dishes after dinner, having a few good laughs while sharing old stories with each other. When the task of cleaning up was finished, you hugged everyone once again, bid them goodbye and promised to join them again as soon as possible, before you made your way over to the hotel you were staying in.

~*~

After getting ready for bed, you carefully pulled the small feather out of your coat pocket and placed it onto your nightstand. "Good night, Hawks," you whispered, not quite sure if he'd be able to pick up on what you said over such a long distance. You cuddled into the sheets of the hotel bed, yawning. After a moment of contemplating, you reached for the feather and carefully ran a single finger over its soft structure. "Sleep tight, birdie," you yawned again as you retracted your hand and finally went to sleep.

~*~

The next morning, you wrapped your scarf tightly around your neck, protecting yourself from the cold as much as you could, and left the hotel with your suitcase to walk over to the train station. At this point, you still had more than two hours before your train would leave. You had planned to browse through some of the gift shops until it was time to board the train. It was the 28th of December, Hawks' birthday, and you'd make sure not to come back to Kyushu with empty hands.

The first two stores were lovely, but nothing really caught your eye. The third one was mostly stocked with drinks and food, and, of course, you knew about Hawks' love for good food. You looked around for a while until a package of mochi caught your attention. They were made in the region and packed in a lovely little box, decorated with the drawing of a red tailed hawk. You smiled to yourself. This was perfect. You paid for the box and went to board your train. And around noon, you were back in Kyushu.

Leaving the train station, you got your phone out and dialed Hawks' number. "Y/n?" He sounded surprised. "Hawks, are you at the agency?" There was silence for a few seconds. "No, I'm at my apartment." Damn. "I just got back and thought, well, since it's your birthday -" Hawks laughed light-heartedly. "You remembered my birthday?" Of course. "I sure did," you said, matter of factly. Silence again. "Well, you aren't too far away from my apartment. Just unbutton your pocket, and my feather will lead you." You did as you were told, and the feather shot out of your pocket, circling your head a few times before floating in front of you. "Alright, see you in a few minutes then." You ended the call, and, sure enough, the feather started moving. About 10 minutes later, you stood in front of a massive skyscraper.

~*~

Hawks opened the door, wearing some sweatpants and a random shirt. You'd never really seen him wear anything else but his hero costume. Maybe he'd gotten rid of his jacket at some point or another because of the unbearable heat, but that was about it.

"What," he asked curiously while his stray feather reconnected to his left wing. Of course, it didn't slip his mind that you'd been studying him. "Is this how you celebrate your birthday?" He just shrugged. Come to think of it... You pulled the little box of mochi out of your bag and held it out for him to take. "Happy Birthday, Hawks! I know it's not much, but it reminded me of you," you laughed. His eyes grew wide before he chuckled, accepting the gift. "Thank you. It definitely does fit my taste, songbird." There it was again, the nickname he had given you. "Well, I should be on my way home by now," you smiled, ready to let him go back to enjoying his birthday. "You sure you don't wanna come in?" Hawks tilted his head. Clearly, he hadn't expected you to leave right away. "I'd hate to interrupt your party -" He stepped aside to let you take a look into his empty apartment. "What party?"

You stared at him for a moment before a soft chuckle left your lips. "I see," you muttered under your breath. You wouldn't just leave Hawks all to himself on his birthday and, quite frankly, no matter how much fun you had meeting your friends back at home, you'd missed him dearly. "Wanna order some pizza?"

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Taglist: @claratakami @chrisrue15

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A huge thanks to everyone who's reading and supporting this story! See you next chapter ❤️👋

[what-if-queen-camilla]

Chapter 45

14th December 1997

“Mummy look!”, Thea giggled, proudly holding up a gingerbread man she had decorated particularly funny. “He looks like grandpa!”, she chuckled and Camilla frowned her forehead. She couldn’t really see much resemblance between the biscuit and her father.”not grandpa Bruce!”, Thea explained. “Grandpa Philip…” Camilla took a closer look and burst out into laughter. There was, indeed, a certain resemblance to The Duke of Edinburgh, especially the grouchy expression on his face. She had always had very much respect and admiration for Charles’ father but she hadn’t forgotten the way he had treated them all, especially the children, on that one, heartbreaking day at Balmoral. Thank goodness, however, he had not, as Charles had expected, been behind the missing letters. As her Prince had told her, his mother had eventually found out that her Lady-in-Waiting had been acting on her own and stopped the letters between Thea and her brothers out of her own loyalty to the late Diana. Apparently, she had apologised but much to both their surprise, The Queen had for once been relentless and fired her Lady-in-Waiting. Camilla felt almost sorry for the old lady but Charles was than grateful that, for the first time in his life, his mother was on his side and defended his children from that evil. Obviously, they wouldn't be able to spend Christmas together, Charles and his sons would be at Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family and she and Thea would celebrate with her family; on Christmas Day, the four of them, Tom, Laura, Thea and herself, would be at Ray Mill before going down to Dorset the next day, where the entire Shand family was going to meet up at Annabel and Simon’s place which was surely going to be a blast. The 27th was Andrew’s birthday so they’d all meet up at Rose and his place for another party and The Queen Mother had invited the two of them for New Year's at Birkhall again and that was something they were very much looking forward to. 

They almost didn’t hear  the ringing phone between making gingerbread men (and women!) and happily singing along to some Christmas songs, but Camilla noticed at the last minute and rushed over to pick up the receiver. “Good afternoon, Mrs Parker Bowles, Robert Fellows speaking…”, The Queen's Private Secretary greeted her and she winced. Goodness, what could he want from her? “Good afternoon, Robert, and a very happy third of advent to you!”, she managed to reply, trying to cover up her nervousness. “Thank you, Ma’am, and the same to you.”, Robert replied, and for a moment, Camilla wasn’t sure whether he had seriously just called her “Ma’am” or whether it had just been in her head. Robert on the other end of the line seemed  a bit nervous as well, as he repeatedly cleared his throat before finally revealing: “Her Majesty has asked me to get in touch and discuss the opportunity for Miss Theodora and you to join members of the extended Royal Family at the traditional pre-Christmas luncheon hosted by The Queen at Buckingham Palace on this coming Wednesday.” Camilla gulped heavily and sank down on the floor next to the phone. “Oh…”, was all that she could bring herself to respond, before adding: “That is… very kind. It’s just… a bit unexpected. And… I… have to discuss it with my daughter.” “Of course.”, Robert said. “Her Majesty would be delighted to welcome you both.” “When, um, would we have to be there?”, Camilla asked, almost automatically. “10am would be excellent.”, Robert said. “That’s a bit early for a luncheon, isn’t it?”, Camilla chuckled and, seconds later, bit her tongue. What a silly remark. Once again, Robert cleared his throat. “Her Majesty would like to have a quick hello with you before the others arrive.”, he added and Camilla felt as if somebody was squashing her heart. At this point, it was clear that under no circumstances she could turn down the very noble and generous invitation from Charles’ mother - and her daughter’s grandmother, no matter how surreal it all felt. “Yes, thank you Robert. We will be there. And please forward my very best regards to Her Majesty. I am beyond touched and very much look forward to Wednesday.” “I will, Ma’am.”, Robert promised, before adding: “Oh, and one more thing… Please do not mention any of this to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales or the Princes William and Harry. It is supposed to be a surprise.” “I see…”, Camilla agreed, before formally saying goodbye to The Queen’s Private Secretary and eventually hanging up the phone. She needed a moment to grasp what had just happened and realise what this incredibly kind gesture from Her Majesty meant for both of them. She shed a few tears but eventually got up again and returned to the kitchen, where Thea was still busy making gingerbread figures. “Darling?”, Camilla asked and her little daughter looked up at her. “Your grandmother has invited us both to her pre-Christmas luncheon at the Palace on Wednesday…”

Buckingham Palace, London, 17th December 1997

Though this wasn’t her first time at Buckingham Palace, Camilla had never felt more nervous as when the car drove her and Thea through the side gate and eventually stopped at the entrance. A servant opened the door first for her and then for Thea and greeted them both formally, before motioning them to follow him inside. “Have you been here before?”, Thea bubbled as they walked through several corridors, and Camilla nodded. “How many times have you been here?”, she then wanted to know. “I don’t quite remember…”, Camillas replied honestly. “A few times I suppose. The first time was when my grandmother Sonia She was appointed Officer, Order of the British Empire in 1959. Grandma took Auntie Annabel and me to accompany our grandmother as she was officially invested by… well, your grandmother.”, she said and couldn’t help smiling in amusement about the fateful connection between the two families. There had been relationships, affairs and true friendships between the women of her family and the Windsors for generations and now there was her sweet little angel, the “result” not only of her and Charles’ great love, but somehow of an almost a century old twist of fate. They were guided into a rather small and not too formal reception room. “Her Majesty will be here in a minute.”, the servant explained and motioned for them both to sit down on a chaise lounge. 

* Side notes:  1) The character of Lady Sarah Humphrey as a Lady-in-Waiting to the late Queen is completely made-up by me. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. 2) Camilla’s grandmother Sonia was, indeed appointed Officer, Order of the British Empire in 1959, however I failed to find out anything about her investiture so that part is also a work of fiction, though I very much like to imagine something like that.

[deadpresidents]

Front page of The New York Times, July 30, 1923.

After spending nearly the entire month of July 1923 in Alaska and Canada (the first sitting President to visit either location) as part of his “Voyage of Understanding” across the continent, President Warren G. Harding was forced to cancel stops in Oregon, Northern California, and Yosemite National Park when he fell ill in Vancouver and Seattle on July 26th and 27th.

From Seattle, Harding’s party, which included First Lady Florence Harding and several Cabinet members (including Commerce Secretary and future President Herbert Hoover), traveled directly to San Francisco. Despite his weakened condition, the President refused suggestions by his doctors and aides that he be transported via wheelchair from his special railcar, the Superb, to a waiting limousine. Upon arriving at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, reporters who briefly saw him said that Harding -- who was only 57 years old -- looked “old and worn.” As he and the First Lady headed to the limousine waiting for them on Market Street, someone snapped the last photograph ever taken of President Harding alive.

When the Presidential party had left Seattle and word first started to circulate that Harding was ill, White House doctors announced that the President was suffering from “ptomaine poisoning” and acute indigestion, “due to eating crabs or canned food.” While they decided to head directly to San Francisco, only the events of the next few days, including his planned trip to Yosemite, were canceled. But by the time the President arrived in the Bay Area, it was decided that Harding’s condition was more alarming than previously believed, and the White House scrapped all events scheduled for California, announcing shortly before midnight on Sunday, July 29th that “the President is reluctantly persuaded that it will be necessary to cancel his entire California program” and apologizing to the people of the state expecting to see him. 

No further information about Harding’s condition was officially released at that time other than the fact that the President was expected to remain in San Francisco for the next two weeks to rest and recuperate, but according to the New York Times on Monday, July 30th:

Outside of this statement and the bulletin by [Brigadier General Charles] Sawyer, his personal physician, no other information was authorized. It is learned, however, that General Sawyer was apprehensive late this afternoon of a turn for the worse in the President’s condition. While he was hopeful that a good rest would overcome the violent attack of ptomaine poisoning from which the President is suffering, he was careful to make no predictions. By some of those in the Presidential party this attitude was attributed to professional overcaution, but events tonight appear to have justified General Sawyer’s course.

As this dispatch is written (at 5 A.M. New York time) members of the corridor on which the Presidential suite is situated in the Palace Hotel. All of them show signs of being anxious. The theory of the President’s friends is that acute indigestion has affected his heart action. The President is conscious and is much concerned over the serious turn his illness has taken.

Mrs. Harding is at the President’s bedside and is greatly helping him by her calm and cheering attitude. She expresses confidence that Dr. Sawyer will be able to bring Mr. Harding back to health.

Harding’s “Voyage of Understanding” had come to a sudden halt and his planned trip through California had been canceled, sidetracking numerous public engagements and likely eliminating Harding’s much anticipated private deep-sea fishing expedition with William Wrigley off of Catalina Island. Over 5 million people were expecting to listen to Harding deliver a major speech over the radio the next night about foreign policy and American participation in the International Court of Justice, but it would instead be published as he recuperated. As Warren Gamaliel Harding rested in Room 8064 on the 8th Floor of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco on Monday, July 30th, his doctors were cautiously optimistic and First Lady Florence Harding was hopeful. 

But the 57-year-old President of the United States had 72 hours to live.

[thecrownnet]

How a Princess became Queen

The day the Princess of Wales became Queen Elizabeth II

by British Heritage Travel, March 31, 2023

As the longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has died we now look back on the incredible history and when she was bestowed the mantle of Queen.

When King George VI died in 1952, the then [Princess Elizabeth] and her husband were the last to find out as they were in Kenya at the time. Speaking recently Philip's cousin Pamela Hicks, daughter of the late Lord Mountbatten, who was also in Kenya working as a lady-in-waiting, has revealed that Philip was told first and then shared the news with his wife.

Speaking on her daughter India Hicks' podcast in 2018, Lady Pamela recalled how the Queen had been staying at the remote Treetops guest lodge in Kenya, which was accessed via a ladder.

She said: "She goes up as a princess. The King dies that night. She comes down the ladder as Queen. We were the last people in the world to hear."

A message had been sent by the British embassy but as it had been written in code it wasn't passed on. Instead, the Queen's private secretary, Martin Charteris, was in a nearby town when a reporter accosted him and asked about the news.

Charteris returned to the lodge and subtly climbed the ladder trying to get Philip's attention while not disturbing the Queen.

Lady Pamela said: "Prince Philip is sitting, reading a newspaper, while the princess is in another part of room, at the desk, writing to her father.

"[Martin] crawls in as he doesn't want the princess to look up and see him so he's crawling out of her sightline and gesturing to get hold of the radio.

"He secretly turns it very, very low and hears all the stations (playing) the same dirge-like music, being very solemn, so it's obviously true."

Mr. Parker secretly got the Duke to listen to the radio to hear the news for himself.

Lady Pamela continued: ”Philip just takes the newspaper and covers his face with it, hides behind it and says: 'This will be such a shock!’”

She said the Duke convinced his wife to go for a walk in the garden, where he told her of her father's death and that she was now Queen.

Lady Pamela added: "As she comes into the room. I think 'Oh, poor girl, her father's died'.

“So I go over to her, give her a hug and think 'Oh my God, it's the Queen’, so I go into a deep curtsey.

"And she says 'I'm so sorry. It means we've all got to go back’. She was only thinking of all of us."

The podcast also said Lady Hicks reveal that when the royal party returned to London a black dress had to be smuggled onto the plane so the Queen could change before disembarking as she hadn't thought to bring one. An oversight that changed how the monarchy travel, as they now all bring a black mourning outfit.

* Originally published in 2018.

** Photo 2: Princess Elizabeth is greeted by Winston Churchill on her return from Africa following the death of her father George VI. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

*** Photo 3: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1900 - 2002) (right) in mourning with Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary (centre) at the funeral of King George VI. (Photo by Ron Case/Getty Images)

[windwheeler-aster]

woo! congrats on 250 followers! i love reading your work! though this event has my brain performing mental gymnastics (my single braincell is goinf 90) but i think i got it haha. so can i pleasd have a white tea with milk art in a lavender tea cup, dainty tea cookies and roses on the side? thank youuuuuu

the perfect candidate

summary: ningguang's secretaries have found some difficulites when searching for a worthwhile suitor for her. they’ve looked everywhere for someone suitable for their lady, but have come up empty handed. until you show up, that is. 

masterlist | event

customer’s order: a white tea (ningguang) with milk art (one shot) in a lavender tea cup (*luxury) with dainty tea cookies (fake dating) and roses (forbidden love) on the side.

*brewer’s choice, as it was not specified in the order

pairing: ningguang x reader

reader info: uses gender neutral pronouns (they/them), reader is ningguang’s assitant (left vague), and reader is not traveler

word count: 519 words (2 min~)

genre: fake dating, forbidden love, romance

format: one shot

warning: implied attraction between boss (ningguang) and employee (reader)

a/n: :O anon, idk what it is, but like... this got my mind going >:D thank you for requesting, you did such a great job 💖

Ningguang’s secretaries advised her on everything; including her dating life.

At first, they genuinely had her best interest at heart. The trio of women wanted to find someone caring and nurturing towards Ningguang; someone with their Lady’s best interest at heart. But as they searched and nit-picked through a sea of candidates, they quickly realized someone like that was hard to find.

So, they suggested finding someone for Ningguang to “fake date” as they called it. She still rolls her eyes at this new coined term, finding her assistants to be more of a hindrance than help. So, instead of providing romance and comfort to her life, Ningguang would now have a life partner who could take care of Liyue. 

“So… another assistant?” she drew out with an exasperated sigh.

The three of them looked between each other, at a loss for words. But then Baiwen nodded, a solemn expression on her face. Great, Ningguang thought with a sneer. She put a lot of effort into not yelling at her secretaries, as they were only doing their jobs. They are only putting my best interest at h— oh, wait.

“Perhaps our Lady should court someone intelligent?” Baiwen suggested. “Together, they could raise the state of the economy to be a better place for Liyue.”

Baishi shook her head. “No, Lady Ningguang should have someone just as radiant as her by her side. We have the Qixing to think about the city; we don’t need another smart person. What we need is someone that inspires the people of Liyue; someone that makes people whisper in the streets with envy.”

“Whoever it is,” Baixiao began, “we need to keep it as confidential and private as can be. If we made things too public, enemies of Lady Ningguang may try to exploit her new found weakness.”

“Yes, but how can we raise Liyue’s morale if—” Baishi began.

Baiwen furrowed her brows, “Morale? What about the entire economic state? Baishi, you can’t just—”

“—solve issues with love and good looks,” Baixiao finished for her. “I agree with Baiwen, but you’re both missing the entire point of this. Lady Ningguang won’t be safe if she lets herself be vulnerable in a relationship—”

Ningguang tuned the three of them out, finding their conversation to be mildly insulting. If they had just asked her, Ningguang would have solved this dispute ages ago. She even had the perfect candidate in mind, someone that even her three secretaries could trust. 

“Excuse me,” your voice came in through the thick door, a gentle knock following, “I have my Lady’s afternoon tea. One white tea, with two lumps of sugar. Just the way she likes it.”

All heads turned to the door, a delightful grin spreading across Ningguang’s lips. The trio of secretaries quickly took notice of how she brightened at the sound of your voice. She blossomed like a flower in season, sitting straighter in her seat and tucking away stray strands of hair. Ningguang placed both hands, palms down, in her lap and crossed her elegant legs. The secretaries shared a knowing look between them. 

The perfect candidate. 

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

[bluewhale52]

The Queen’s Secret

Summary: No one expected the shy little Queen to have enamored the King so completely. What secret does she have?

Pairing: Jungkook x reader, Namjoon reader, Namjoon x Jungkook, Namjoon x Jungkook x reader (phew)

WC: 9.4k (PHEW!)

Genre: Royalty au, arranged marriage au, fantasy au

Rating: Explicit. NO MINORS ALLOWED!

Warning: where do i start..... virgin reader, handjob, oral (m & f receiving and giving), loss of virginity, penetrative sex, unprotected sex (please practice safe sex!), some mmf threesome action, a bit of breeding, Namjoon likes to watch. 

A/N: This fic was inspired by the fairytale story The Princess and the Frog, and will be the first installment in my Bangtan Fairytale series. Thank you to peachii, NeoneunnaJimin and Andrea_btsarmy47 for being my cheerleaders and betas!

The Queen has a secret.

The words keep reverberating through the palace, and Lord Yoongi cannot stand it anymore. Of course the Queen has secrets. The King has many more. Granted, no one expected the shy little Queen to have enamored the King so completely; however, one only needs to check the history books to see that sometimes - not always - arranged marriages do work.

As the Queen’s Secretary, it is Yoongi’s responsibility to know every single schedule Her Grace has. However, he wishes some of the schedules could be kept secretive, for example the times the King wishes to visit her quarters. Unfortunately, it also falls as his duty to pass on such wishes to you.

“It would save us a lot of time and energy if they sleep in the same room,” Yoongi complained.

Seokjin, the King’s Secretary, simply shrugged. “Just telling you what the King wants.”

“It’s absolutely unnecessary for me to know whenever Namjoon is horny.” Yoongi continued his grumbling as he started making his way to the East Wing.

A few sets of grand stairs later, Yoongi knocks on the door to the Queen’s private chambers. He hears shuffling, then a young woman opens the door slightly. Yoongi wastes no time.

“Inform Her Grace that the King will visit tonight.”

The woman’s eyes widen. “Again?” she peeps.

Yoongi does not repeat himself. He simply turns around and walks to where he comes from. He hears the door slam shut, and he imagines the flurry of activities that are happening behind closed doors to prepare for the King’s arrival. The ‘again’ comment sticks in his mind; it is only a matter of time the servants quarters will be abuzz and for the whispers to travel out of palace grounds by morning. Yoongi supposes it is not all that bad that the royal couple are madly in love (or lust, as Yoongi is more inclined to believe) with each other, but his deep sense of loyalty prefers the King, and the Queen, whom he has grown very fond of, not be discussed in anything so salacious. Perhaps he needs to persuade Seokjin to seduce another lady in the royal court to take the heat off for a few days.

Five months ago

Your twentieth birthday was spent in a carriage with two friends who had been carefully chosen to accompany you on your journey to the capital, and for the new life that lay ahead of you. The convoy the King had sent to pick up his new bride was small yet fortified, led by his very own Captain of the Royal Guards.

Captain Jung had a very intimidating look, even when he periodically asked if you were all right or if you or your ladies needed anything to make the journey more comfortable. You thanked him for his concern while your two friends continued to swoon over him.

“If men in the capital are as handsome as Captain Jung, you both will be in trouble,” you teased.

Iseul sighed. “I bet he already has ladies waiting in line for him.”

“You’ve met the King’s court. Are they all handsome like our Captain there?” Nari whispered, curious.

You hummed. “I’ve only met Lord Seokjin and Lord Yoongi before. And they both are very easy on the eyes.”

Your two friends tittered. You smiled at them as you gently petted the rabbit in your lap.

“I can’t believe you accepted the rabbit from the witch.” Nari pouted at the animal.

“She’s a healer,” you disagreed. “Only silly children call her a witch. And you’re a cute little bunny, aren’t you? You’ll keep me company in the big, scary city?” You rubbed your nose against the rabbit’s, and giggled when its whiskers tickled you.

An old woman, widely known in your area as a gifted healer, had stopped you earlier to give you a basket of gifts - bulbs of wild flowers and herbs she claimed could only be found in the forest by your father’s land, and a rabbit, whose fur was white as snow except for the streaks of black across its body. She had wished you a happy life as she pressed the basket to your hands, and you were touched by her gesture. Immediately taking a liking to the small animal, you held it in your lap throughout the day-long journey to the King’s palace.

On arrival, you and your small party were welcomed by the King’s Secretary, the very handsome Lord Seokjin. He apologised for the King’s absence, citing a hunting party that went a little over schedule. You smiled in understanding, and let him escort you through the stately building that would be your home.

“This is the East Wing,” he explained. “Everything here is yours, my Lady. All of your household staff will be staying in this wing. You have your own kitchen, and the King has made sure that the cooks know how to make dishes from your home. There is a library and also a small private garden, perfect for those flowers and plants.”

Seokjin gestured at the basket in Iseul’s hands. She immediately straightened her back. You hid a smile at the immediate blush that appeared on her cheeks.,

“You must be tired,” he turned back to you. “The King would be back by supper time tomorrow, and he would welcome you to join him.”

“Yes, my Lord. Thank you,” you replied in a small voice.

Lord Seokjin left you and your ladies, and you soon got ready for bed, exhausted from the journey. As you lay in bed that night in the unfamiliar room with the even more foreign shadows outside your windows, you tossed and turned. It was exactly 30 days to your wedding to the King.

~~~

The first few days passed in a blink of an eye. You were introduced to your household staff, to the Court, to the foreign dignitaries, and more people that you could remember. The King was kind and patient, quick to jump in whenever your shyness took over, but he was only with you when his schedule allowed, which was not very often at all. And when the King was otherwise occupied, Lord Yoongi, who had been appointed as your Private Secretary, stayed by your side, always ready to assist you in navigating this new chapter in your life. You were pleased to have him; you liked his quiet demeanour and no-nonsense attitude.

Your nights however, were torturous. You had made the mistake of listening in on the maids gossiping (when you were as quiet as a mouse, you heard the whispers all the more clearly) that the King was spending as much time as possible with his lovers before his impending nuptial.

“Who cares if you could please him? All you have to do is bear him an heir. Or two,” Nari said when you confided in her.

“All kings have lovers, you know that,” Iseul tried to comfort you.

“I know, I’m not that naive. I just… I just don’t want to be so boring that he’d lose interest in me completely!” You cuddled your rabbit closer. You were well aware of the true nature of royal marriages, and yet, you did not want to be reduced as a mere vessel.

Your two friends looked at each other. “You’re asking the wrong people, we’re as clueless as you are,” Iseul admitted.

Nari scoffed. “Said someone who has been flirting with a Lord!”

“I have not! Lord Seokjin smiles at everyone. It’s not my fault if his smile is sweeter for me.”

Nari swatted Iseul, and the two quickly fell into a playful bickering. You caressed your pet rabbit as it nibbled a cookie. It amused you how the animal had such a sweet tooth, preferring your sweet snacks to carrots.

“What am I going to do, Cookie? How can I please the King?” The rabbit merely twitched its nose in response. You laughed and brought it close to your chest, cuddling it.

You slept uneasily that night, and had an even more restless dream. You knew it was a dream, it had to be, for it was impossible for a man to appear out of darkness and sit by your bed. And that you were not even scared of his presence, in fact, you were curious.

“Who are you?” You sat up and watched him carefully.

The man tilted his head as if trying to recall a memory. “Jungkook,” he replied after a pause. “Yes, I’m sure my name is Jungkook.”

“Where did you come from? How are you in my chamber?”

Jungkook looked around the room, then pointed at the large cushion by your settee. “I was there earlier…” he drifted off, staring blankly.

“There? But that’s where Cookie sleeps.”

Jungkook blinked. “Yes, I was Cookie.”

What a very strange dream.

“Well, obviously you are NOT a rabbit, so I ask again, where did you come from?”

The man remained quiet, but his face scrunched up, struggling to answer. You continued to watch him, and to your embarrassment, you were even more curious the longer you looked at the man. You had never seen a naked man before, and Jungkook was absolutely naked, so naked that your eyes wandered down past his collarbone, to his chiseled chest and muscular stomach. And the… the THING between his legs! Your cheeks burned. You knew enough of the male anatomy of what that THING could do, and your mind immediately went to your earlier worry. You would have a similar… THING… shoved into you on your wedding night.

You swallowed and pushed your eyes back up. Jungkook had a very handsome face that was framed by short black hair. You felt very self conscious and flabbergasted at how good looking he was. Why was everyone in the capital so gorgeous? Then you caught a sight of his right arm, covered in black inks from the wrist all the way up to his shoulder.

“Those marks,” you pointed at his limb. “How did you get them?”

“I… I don’t know.”

You swallowed. “They look like the pattern on Cookie’s fur.”

He blinked again and moved closer to you. “I am Cookie,” he spoke as if begging you to believe him. “I heard you talking to your ladies earlier.”

You blushed heavily and clutched your thin nightdress.  You noticed his breathing had quickened, just as yours. You sputtered, “That was a private convers-”

“I can help.” He cut you off.

“Help? Help with what?”

He scrunched his face again,seemingly to be in pain. “Teach you. To please the King.” He breathed out every word. “Please, I need a touch. To touch.”

He kneeled suddenly on the bed, in front of you. His thing- erection- was so close to you, and so big and so hard. You covered your mouth as your body burnt, and you pressed your legs tightly.

“Please, may I?” Jungkook held his hand out, his face was still in agony.

You gingerly placed your hand in his, and he whispered a thank you. Then to your astonishment, he brought it to his cock, guiding your dainty fingers to wrap around it. Your mouth dried up as you felt the velvety skin, the vein protruding against your palm. A shaky moan escaped you as he covered your hand with his, and steered it to move up and down his shaft.

You wanted to faint at the impropriety of the act, but he had such a tight grip on you, and the look of pain on his face was soon replaced with one of pleasure. You were mesmerised by his expression, despite your earlier shock. He hissed through his teeth, and the sound only added to the pressure you were feeling between your legs. You pressed them tighter, almost crying at the unfamiliar primal sensation.

“Oh, my Lady, keep doing that,” he opened his eyes to meet yours, the corners of his lips rising to a smile. “It feels so good.”

“It does?” you whimpered. He nodded.

“Grip it tighter around the base,” he directed. “Yes, just like that… ah! Yes!”

You found yourself sitting straighter in your bed, your curiosity piqued. You followed his guidance, and the sounds coming out of his mouth made you stroke him with more confidence. You were amazed, unable to believe the way the beautiful man was coming undone with your hand alone.

Jungkook released your wrist, allowing you to continue on your own. “Keep going, my Lady, your hand feels so good.” He closed his eyes, sighing in pleasure. You adjusted your position, and in the process tugged him slightly which made him wince.

“I’m sorry!” You nearly pulled your hand back, but he held it back in place.

“It’s all right, don’t stop. Do it again, and like this.” He took your thumb to rub it against his tip. You gulped at the liquid leaking from it, but to your astonishment it actually made the process of stroking him more smoothly.

“Harder, you can squeeze a little, fuck,” he panted. “Just like that. Faster, my Lady, please.”

You felt the urgency and you quickly obeyed, gripping him harder and picking up your pace as he requested. Your free hand rested on his thigh, supporting yourself as you jerked him faster. You were spellbound with the spasms taking over his body, the flexing of his muscles and the thickness of his neck as he threw his head back in ecstasy.

You felt the shaft in your hand pulsating, and you screamed in a combination of fear, confusion and awe as thick white liquid spurted out. Jungkook covered your hand again, and encouraged you to keep going. And so you did, you kept pumping him until the liquid stopped oozing out and he released a long exhale. Only then you pulled your hand back, hypnotised by the white sticky liquid covering it.

“You can taste it if you want.”

You could not be any more scandalised. “Taste it?”

Jungkook nodded. You cautiously brought your hand closer to your mouth, then you stuck your tongue out slightly to lick your finger. The taste startled you. It was not as disgusting as you initially thought. It was bitter and salty, with a hint of muskiness that was very… manly. You licked a bit more, and realised that you could very well get used to it.

You were startled when Jungkook reappeared in your vision, somehow having procured a fresh linen. He used it to wipe your fingers one by one.

“Thank you, my Lady.” He kissed your hand once he had cleaned it thoroughly. He did not let it go however, and you made no move to pull it back. You stared at how small your hand looked in his.

“Jungkook, will… will the King like what I did to you?”

He squeezed your hand lightly. “Of course, my Lady. No man can resist that. Nor you.”

You blushed again, feeling some sort of pride in his answer. The discomfort between your legs remained, however. You adjusted your sitting position, still pressing your thighs together.

“You should get some pleasure too, my Lady.”

You lifted your eyes to meet Jungkook’s, and watched how his drifted down to your breasts, then further south to the lower part of your body that was still covered by the blanket. You stuttered and found yourself unable to speak under his scrutiny.

“Have you ever touched yourself?”

You shook your head fiercely. Then the words escaped before you could stop them. “Will you teach me?”

“I will,” he smiled, gently pushing your body back. You rested your head on your pillows, forcing your breathing to settle. “Just relax. Close your eyes if that helps.”

You did as he said. You closed your eyes. But when you opened them again, the sun was shining through your window and your ladies in waiting were knocking outside, asking for permission to come in. Panicked, you looked around your room for Jungkook. But there was no sign of him, not even of the linen he used to clean your soiled hand. Instead, your pet rabbit, Cookie, slept soundly on the pillow next to yours.

~~~

The next few days, and nights, you did not cuddle Cookie at all. You were convinced what happened was a dream, but still, you were ashamed to the bone for having succumbed to such indecency, even in your subconscious. The rabbit hopped around as usual in your room, but it seemed to stare at you more than normal.

You stopped all talk about coupling in your room. You just could not deal with the implications should Cookie overhear again. Until, two weeks before your wedding day, nerves and fear enveloped you at night, sending you whimpering into your pillow. You felt movement next to your head, and you opened your eyes to find Cookie right next to you. Smiling wistfully at the rabbit, you pulled it closer to you to rub your nose on its head, taking comfort in its soft fur.

Jungkook appeared in your dream that night, naked again, just like how he was when you first saw him. He was lying down next to you, his big brown eyes observing you.

“I can feel your nervousness,” he whispered.

You swallowed. “I’ll be married to the King in a fortnight. I’m scared.”

He reached for your hand and squeezed it gently. “What are you scared of?”

“I was told it would be painful. And… what if he doesn’t like me?”

“My Lady, he would be a fool not to like you.” He tucked your hair behind your ear. “Since you took me in your care, you have been very kind and caring.”

You blushed under his touch. “Have you… ever done it?”

“It?” He scrunched his eyebrow. “I… I think so? I still can’t recall much of my human memory.”

You shuffled closer to him, curious. “You remember your name,” you prodded. “Is there nothing else you remember?”

Jungkook stayed silent for a moment, his hand moved down from your hair to your arm, rubbing it gently. The intimacy foolishly made you feel like you were in a lover’s embrace.

“I remember faces, but I don’t know who they belong to,” he finally answered. “It hurts sometimes to try to recollect memories.”

You immediately cupped his face, feeling the need to assure him. “It will come back to you.”

“Thank you, my Lady.” He turned his face to kiss your palm. Your breath hitched. “As to the other matter that is on your mind…”

He trailed off, eyes on yours as his hand moved yet again, this time from your arm to your waist. You instantly had the urge to press your legs tightly together again as his hand kept moving south of your body, until it stopped on your thigh.

“May I pleasure you?”

“Do you remember how to do that?” you teased. You were surprised you still had the ability to speak with his touch burning your skin. He smiled and nodded.

“Let’s see how much.” He snuck his hand between your legs, and your first instinct was to push it away. But then you realised in horror, that you were naked as he was. You pressed your face in your pillow in embarrassment.

With eyes closed tightly, you felt his fingers moving over you. Goosebumps broke on your skin, and even though you were naked, you felt so very hot. His fingers skimmed over your folds, and you felt liquid leaking out. He dipped a finger in lightly, almost to test your reaction, and when you mewled, he pushed it deeper.

“My Lady,” he called out. You took a peak at him, breathless. “Would you like more?”

You nodded eagerly. ”Yes, Jungkook. More, please.”

He took his time burying his digit in you, then he started sliding his finger in and out. At one point, you felt him touching a spot inside you that made you arch your back.

“Oh! Jungkook, please!”

You did not even know what it was that you were asking for, but your hips bucked and you reached out to grip his shoulders tightly. You could hear the sound of his palm smacking against your skin as he moved his finger faster.

“Ah, Jungkook!” You dug your fingers into his flesh as you felt a stretch.

“It’s all right, my Lady.” He peppered you with kisses until you relaxed. “I will make you feel so good.”

You dared yourself to look down, and found that two of his fingers were pumping into you. Bringing your eyes back to him, you sighed in lustful delight. You closed your eyes, focusing on the pleasure he was giving you. The face of the King entered your mind, and for a moment it was him that was stroking the fire inside you.

Something wet touched you down there, making you open your eyes. To your horror, Jungkook was not beside you anymore, but instead between your legs. You cried out when you saw the pink of his tongue poking out and flicking you, sending vibrations throughout your body. You gripped the bed sheet underneath you, shocked at the intense pressure in your core.

“Let go, my Lady,” he murmured against your heat. “It’s all right, just let go.”

You exhaled sharply. Your hands left the sheet only to find themselves in his hair, instinctively pushing him closer to you. You lost yourself in the wetness of his tongue, in the movements of his fingers, and finally, your legs kicked once, twice, signalling your climax. You closed your eyes tightly as even more heat enveloped your body, and you wailed when the heat finally exploded.

When you next opened your eyes, it was morning, and your rabbit, Cookie, was sleeping on its cushion, with its back legs stretched out behind him, purring contentedly.

~~~

The two weeks passed quickly. As usual, your days were spent in your preparation to become Queen, and your nights were filled with wanton dreams with Jungkook. He touched you, with his fingers and his tongue, making you scream night after night. He also had guided you on how to use your mouth on him, the mere recollection of that particular dream made you blush brightly.

Iseul and Nari mistook the rouge on your cheeks as wedding glow, but you knew better. As they prepared you for the King’s first bedding, you asked them to take Cookie out of your room.

“It would be quite weird to have him around, tonight.” You reasoned. You were highly strung already in anticipation, you did not need the addition of Jungkook visiting your dreams.

The three of you froze in place when you heard the knocks on the door, followed by the King’s low voice asking for permission to enter. Your two ladies bowed and curtseyed to you, and with a last whisper of good luck, they left. You sat up on your bed, feeling extremely exposed in your thin nightgown.

Your breath hitched when the King appeared. He was dressed in a dark purple robe, and underneath was a thin undershirt, so thin that you could see shadows of his nipples and the silhouette of his chest and abdomen. He wore loose slacks that rode low on his hips, and you knew from your experience with Jungkook what lay beneath the material.

“How are you, _______ ?” His voice abruptly brought you out of your staring, and you chided yourself for having failed to greet him properly.

“Your Grace,” you cleared your throat. “I am well, thank you.”

“Good. You are not drunk, are you?”

“No, Your Grace.” You shook your head. “You made sure I did not drink too much at the banquet.”

He smiled at that, and you swooned over the dimples in his cheeks. You blushed when you recalled how he had reminded you to stop reaching for the wine after every congratulatory greeting came your way.

“You must be nervous,” he took off his robe and draped it over the settee by your bed. “I will be gentle.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Your voice was getting smaller and shakier. You tried to remember what you did with Jungkook in your dreams to gather your courage. Taking a deep breath, you inched to the side of the bed, where the King was standing, and you gingerly reached out for his slacks. You felt him tensing up, and you looked up.

He looked down at you with a questioning yet curious expression, as if confused at what you were doing, yet eager to find out what you would do next. You exhaled slowly, and with determination, you started to undo his slacks, occasionally stealing glances at him, to check his reactions.

When his slacks were completely off, you were greeted by his cock. You subconsciously licked your lips, your saliva pooling at the sight of it. It looked big, as big, if not bigger than Jungkook’s, You started getting dizzy, the mixture of alcohol and lust swimming in your head.

You wrapped both sets of your fingers around him, and the King hissed at your touch. You looked back up at him, and keeping your eyes on his, you began to stroke him, up and down at first, and when he let out a moan, you started to twist your grip around his shaft.

“Fuck, _______ ,” he hissed. “Have you done this before?”

Your heart dropped. The heat in your body immediately turned to ice. “No, Your Grace,” you answered, fear laced in your voice. “No, I have never laid with anyone, I swear. I am chaste.” Well, technically. Dreams didn’t count, did they?

You flinched when the King raised his hand, but he only did so to cup your cheek and caress it gently. “_______ , calm down, I’m not mad, nor am I questioning your purity. I’m just surprised, and it feels good. Keep going.”

Relief washed through you, and you turned your head to kiss his palm in gratitude, which made him tense again. You looked back up to him, confused by his reaction, but all you saw was his eyes, full of lust.

Your hands moved again, and you swiped the precum off his tip, using it as lubrication, the way you knew Jungkook liked it, assuming the King would like it too. And he did; you heard the rumble in his chest, and his voice dropped even lower as he whispered your name.

Emboldened, you leaned forward and started licking the head of his cock. You felt him shuddering, and so you took it a step further. With one hand on his thigh and another still pumping the base of his cock, you wrapped your lips around him and took him in as far as you could. You gagged a little when you felt the intrusion hitting the back of your throat, but you knew that you could take more once you relaxed a little. However, before you could do so, you heard the King swear again.

“Enough,” he said harshly. He pulled out of your mouth. You sat still, jaws aching and throat a bit sore, but you dismissed the discomfort, for fear engulfed you again, worried that you had taken it too far. The man before you had crowned you as his Queen earlier that day, and yet here you were, acting like a whore, greedy and lewd.

“Move up the bed.”

You did as he instructed, quietly. You did not dare to meet his eyes, but you could feel his glare on you.

“Lie down.”

The air was still around you and you held your breath. You lay your body down, on your back. You closed your eyes, with chill running through you, as you resigned yourself to whatever punishment the King would give you for your impropriety.

You felt the bed dipped by your feet, then a pair of hands gripped your ankles tightly. You bit back a sob. The hands moved up your legs, pushing your nightgown up until you felt the material pooling on your thighs, and those hands were not far behind. His hands were big, and they felt rough, the calluses scraping against your sensitive skin. Your hands bunched into tight fists by your sides.

The hands left you and you braced yourself. However, what happened next was as surprising as the obscene moans that escaped your mouth. The King ripped your nightgown, grabbed your knees and pushed them up until they hit your chest. Your eyes flew open and you immediately looked down, to find his head between your legs, and his eyes boring through yours as he gave your sex a slow wet lick.

“Oh, my King!” There was no more fear in your voice, only primal needs.

He licked you a few more times, then he lifted his head. You wanted to faint at the sight of his slick mouth and chin. “Namjoon. Call me Namjoon.”

You mewled as he went back to your cunt. His tongue was wide, and hard, and his hands held your thighs in a death grip, keeping you open for him. You felt yourself gushing out, and you could not believe how much liquid was dripping out of your hole to wet the sheets below.

“Namjoon!” You wailed out his name as his tongue poked in, and his lips smacking against your wet folds. He seemed to like having his name shouted out, for he doubled up his pace, stabbing the wet organ quick and hard into you, eliciting more screams of his name out of you.

You felt the telltale signs, not so unfamiliar as you had experienced it many times in your dreams with Jungkook, but the sensation in real life was a hundred fold more intense. The pressure was heavy on your core, tight on your abdomen, and your legs shook to close around the King’s- Namjoon’s- head.

He gripped your thighs harder, and he started to wiggle his tongue in you. The room was full of your cries of his name, and the loudest came when a particular flick of his tongue triggered the explosion in your body. You closed your eyes tightly as the pressure was finally released, your back arched wildly as you rode your orgasm.

You were barely aware of your surroundings, your head was still spinning and your vision blurry, when you felt an intrusion at the entrance of your pussy. You forced your eyes open, and you sighed wantonly at the sight of Namjoon hovering above you as his hand guided his cock into you. He pushed in slowly, and you felt your walls stretch. This was new- you did not do this with Jungkook in your dreams- so you started to panic a little. Tears escaped your eyes as Namjoon lowered his body over yours.

“Relax, _______,” he kissed your tears away. “I’ll go slowly.”

He took your arms and draped them around his shoulders. You quickly took purchase in them, holding on to him as you held your breath. He dipped his cock in shallow thrusts in and out of you, helping you adjust to his girth. You could not escape the pain, but the pleasure on top of it was too delicious. You dug your nails into his back, biting back a moan.

He pulled your bottom lip. “Be loud, my little Queen. It’s just us here.”

With those words, he thrusted a little and you gasped as he intruded your virginal hole further. Your body writhed, desperate for more.

“You’re sucking me in,” Namjoon smirked. “You think you can take me?”

“Yes, yes,” you whined. “Please, I want more.”

He surged forward to kiss you fervently, at the same time sheathing his whole length into your warm, wet hole. You cried out into his mouth, your shock and your sobs faded away the moment you tasted him and yourself on his lips. The stretch in your cunt triggered your second climax, taking you both by surprise and making you clench tightly around him. He broke the kiss to groan next to your ear, the sound only amplified your pleasure.

When the waves subsided, your body went limp, but Namjoon was still hard as a rock. He remained unmoving on top of you as he watched your face. You were certain you looked an absolute mess. You could feel a mixture of your and his saliva on your chin, and streaks of tears drying up on your face, far from the usual prim and proper appearance you put on.

Namjoon, however, did not seem to mind. “I’m going to put my heir in you,” he shuffled to get back on his knees, his cock still buried in you. “And if your womb does not take tonight, I will fill you up over and over until it does.”

He pulled your hips up, and your body followed along pliantly. He began moving, slowly fucking you. You threw your head back further into the bed, captivated by the feel of his cock dragging around your walls. You could not stop the lecherous wails from escaping your mouth.

He smirked. “My shy little Queen,” he was moving faster now, the slapping sounds of his skin against yours deafening in your ears. “Who knew you would take me so well, hmm? I will enjoy fucking you until you are big and full of my children.”

He pulled himself nearly out, until only the tip remained inside. You wanted to protest, for you felt so empty. But before you could find your voice, he thrusted hard into you, so hard that you felt your breasts bounce. He grunted above you, then repeated the motion over and over again, until your body was pushed across the bed and you found your head dangling over the side. Then, with what you could identify as a roar, he pulled you up until you were sitting on him.

The new position made his cock go even deeper in you, and you sobbed and clung desperately to him. His hands gripped your hips to hold your body still, and he started to thrust up into you. You babbled his name, mind delirious as the pressure started to build for the third time that night.

“Are you going to cum again, _______ ?” He carded his fingers through your hair, an almost smug expression on his face. “Will you milk me to my last drop, hmm?”

“Namjoon,” you whined. “Yes, please.”

You lost your voice when he moved even faster and harder. Your body bounced over him, his strong hands holding you so you did not topple over. Your eyes were closed, you were so lost in the pleasure. You felt his hair brushing against your chin, then you heard a growl, before something pricked your collarbone. He bit your skin, and was sucking on it as he continued thrusting up into you, and it proved to be the last push you needed to succumb to your climax again.

Everything was a blur afterwards. Namjoon emptied himself into you when you were riding out the last of your orgasm, and you were quite certain you collapsed onto the bed, spent, satisfied and completely unable to move. When Namjoon kissed you, you returned it by reflex, and when he left your bed, you dragged yourself to move under the blanket. However, he came back with a cup of wine, offering it to you.

“Your throat must be parched.”

You blushed, knowing how unabashedly loud you had been. You forced yourself to sit up to take a few sips, then you looked at him questioningly when he tucked himself in bed next to you.

“Your Grace?”

He settled on the pillow. “Namjoon, call me Namjoon when we are in bed.”

“Namjoon,” you corrected yourself, “are you staying the night?”

“Of course I am,” he chuckled. “It’s our wedding night, and I’d like to think you still want me, as I do you.”

You blushed all the way to your ears, suddenly embarrassed by your naked bodies. “Oh,” was all you managed to say.

“Come on, let’s have a rest.” He pulled you down until you lay tucked in his arm, your head on his chest. You fell asleep soon after, listening to his heartbeats, and for the first time in two weeks, Jungkook did not visit you in your dreams. You were awakened, however, by the King’s hunger.

Iseul and Nari later would tell you as they dabbed ointments on the purple marks across your collarbone and your breasts, that the guards stationed on your floor stood as far away from your room as possible all night, and that they even prevented everyone, including your and the King’s secretaries, from stepping anywhere towards your room, until the King himself exited, when the sun was high up in the sky.

Namjoon always walks purposefully, more so when he walks towards your room. He wonders if he should move you closer, or if he should take up Yoongi’s advice (or rather, whining) to move into your room altogether. He spends almost every other night there anyway. Thinking about you, he smiles to himself. The shy noblewoman from the country turns out to be a menace in bed. And even when you are too tired, he is more than happy to just talk and sleep next to you.

When he opens the door to your room, your ladies in waiting are already getting ready to leave, and they do just so, one by one filing out. He finds you sitting on the bed, draped in a robe that he knows is hiding that damned thin nightgown you seem to favor so much.

“Your Grace.” You greet him when you see him. “Namjoon.”

His name slithers out of your mouth like silk, and it has become one of his favorite sounds in the world. “Good evening, my little Queen,” he unrobes himself before joining you in bed. “You seem to be in quite a good mood tonight.”

You smiled. “I am indeed.” You take his hands and press them to your stomach. “I think I am with child. I have asked Lord Yoongi to bring the physician tomorrow, so hopefully we will get confirmation then.”

He nearly jumps out of excitement. His eyes zeroes down to your stomach immediately. For once, he is lost for words. So instead he bends down to kiss you there, but in the process knocks you back awkwardly to your pillows. He apologises, embarrassed by his clumsiness.

You giggle at his reaction. “Look at that,” you point at your pet rabbit hopping around the room wildly and onto your bed, “Cookie is excited too.”

Namjoon scoops the rabbit up. “Did you hear that? What wonderful news!” In his elation, he absent-mindedly gives it a little peck on its head.

What happens next cannot be explained. The rabbit starts to spasm, its head jerking around as if in pain. It continues to twist, and you start shrieking in fear.

“Namjoon! What’s happening? Why is Cookie like that?”

The King lies the rabbit down on your bed and grabs his robe to go out to get help. “I will get someo-”

A puff of black smoke fills your room suddenly, stopping the King in his tracks. He immediately reaches out for you, worried for your - and the baby’s - safety. He finds your hands amidst the smoke, and he pulls you to him, only feeling somewhat safer when you are standing behind him. He waves his arm around, as the smoke starts to dissipate. He wishes he had his sword with him as he calculates the time to get you out of the room and alerts the guards. The grip you have on his arm and your gasp, however, prevent him from doing any of that.

“Namjoon, look!”

He peers through the smoke, and sees a figure on your bed. It is a man, naked and curled up, the silhouette is familiar, and his heart beats faster.

“_______, stay here,” he steps closer to your bed. “I just need to see who it is.”

It can’t be… can it? But he knows that hair, those lines of muscles, the dimple on the small of his back. There is only one person whose body he knows this intimately. “Jungkook?”

You gasp. “You know him?”

“Jungkook?” He shakes the man’s shoulders. “Jungkook? Is it really you?”

Jungkook stirs and opens his eyes. “Your Grace?” he calls out with a soft whisper.

Namjoon chokes. “It is you.” He pulls the naked man into a hug. “Jungkook, you have no idea how long I have been looking for you.” Jungkook raises his hands and wraps them around the King’s back, with a sound of laughter mixed with teary relief.

“Namjoon, you know him?” You ask again. He finds himself struggling to find an answer.

“Jungkook… he is one of my knights.” He swallows, suddenly feeling guilty for what he is about to admit. “He was lost after we visited your father last year.”

You blink. “You mean…”

Namjoon nods. “Yes, after your father and I made the agreement for our marriage.”

You inch closer to Jungkook, your hand reaches out to stroke his hair. Namjoon is surprised at your tenderness. He expects you to be shocked and fearful, but the look in your eyes is soft, and dare he says, affectionate?

“You seem to know him too, my little Queen.” He eyes you carefully.

Your eyes dart to his, but before you can answer him, Jungkook speaks. “She brought me here. Back to you. Don’t be mad at her.”

You sniffle. “He has been my… companion the past few months.”

Namjoon tilts his head. He knows you enough by now to know you are hiding something. However, he realises he is too. He decides to let it go for now and turns back to Jungkook.

“What happened?”

Jungkook sighs. “I can’t remember much. Actually, I did not remember anything at all until I was in this room. With Her Grace.”

Namjoon cannot help himself. He cups Jungkook’s face and leans down to kiss him. He hears your breath hitch. Then he turns to you and kisses you as well. “Thank you,” he murmurs against your lips.

Jungkook moves to sit up on the bed, and both Namjoon and you help him, propping up pillows on his back to make him more comfortable.

“We came across a group of bandits on our way back, do you remember that?” Jungkook starts, directing his question at Namjoon who nods. “As I was chasing them, I came across a witch. I must have insulted her- I don’t even remember what I did - and next thing I knew, I was a rabbit. She kept me in her hut, until another witch came, and took me away, to give me to you.”

Jungkook takes a deep breath. “I do not have much recollection about my time as a rabbit. Not even my name. Then once I was here, it slowly came back to me. Every night, little by little, I started to remember.”

Namjoon reaches out for your hand, wanting to thank you again, but he is shocked to see your cheeks and ears have turned bright red. You nervously glance at him, then back to Jungkook. Then he remembers your choice of word. Companion.

“Did you know that your rabbit is Jungkook?”

Your face is devoid of color. Namjoon feels Jungkook tensing up as well.

“Your Grace, please forgive me!” You immediately kneel on the floor and bow to him. “I swear I have not been astray.”

Namjoon is baffled by the tears and the pure fear in your face. He waits for you to explain further, but you do not seem to be able to, lost in your sobs.

“I visited her in her dreams,” Jungkook admits quietly. “I was in such a need, needing to feel somewhat human, and she helped me. In fact, the more time I spent with her, the more my memories came back.”

You hiccup. “I did not lay with him, we just… touched each other.”

Namjoon takes a deep breath, trying to understand what is going on. His wife and Queen has brought back his… he swallows nervously. He has never acknowledged the relationship he had with Jungkook, despite his close circle of friends knowing the true nature of it. He takes in your form, his own memory going back to the scared and nervous young woman he first met a year ago at your father’s estate, then to the shy Queen he first bedded three months ago. How much have you changed since that night he first slept with you? With every moan, every scream he pulls out of you, you are becoming more and more confident, in court and in bed. And soon, you will bear him an heir.

“My dear,” he pulls you up, having made up his mind. “Fear not, I am not angry. Surprised, yes, but not angry, never with you.” He strokes your cheek, calming you down. “And, you have brought back someone precious to me. How could I be angry?”

You look at him and Jungkook nervously. Namjoon continues. “Jungkook was my lover,” he admits, feeling a large burden being lifted off at the admission. “I was devastated when he disappeared, and I have never stopped looking for him.” He turns to Jungkook to cup his cheek. “In fact, Jimin and Taehyung left just two days ago to continue the search. When, all this while, my little Queen has brought you home.”

Namjoon is taken aback when you crash into him, hugging his waist tightly. “Thank you, Your Grace.” You sniffle noisily into his chest. “He, Jungkook… I asked him to teach me things because I was so afraid I would not be enough for you. But I swear, you were my first, in my dreams or otherwise.”

The three of you remain quiet, partly because you are trying to calm down from your crying, and Jungkook is getting used to his new human body. Namjoon contentedly caresses your hair with one hand, while his other is linked with Jungkook’s, assuring you that it does not matter. He is just so happy to see Jungkook after despairing for so long. His lover, whom he has loved and longed for, is finally, finally back home with him. And then his Queen- he has fallen in love with you, over the span of three months. How lucky could one be to have both together? He feels incredibly content.

And incredibly needy. He tilts your face up, and starts kissing you until your face is dry of your tears. He feels you gasping at him, chasing his mouth, and he smiles.

Then he turns to Jungkook, who is already raising himself up, and kisses him. He sighs in pleasure as their lips touch, having missed the younger man’s taste so much. He deepens the kiss until he runs out of breath.

He falls onto the bed, flanked on either side by you and Jungkook. He sees a glint in Jungkook’s eye, also a flash of hunger. He turns to you.

“My little Queen, you have only met Jungkook in your dreams?”

You nod.

“So you have never touched him at all?”

“No, not like this.” You gulp.

“You should touch him then,” he guides your hand to Jungkook’s chest, placing it there. “Now that he’s here, you get to touch him all you like.”

You blink. “Namjoon, you don’t mind?”

He kisses you gently, then turns to kiss Jungkook too. “No, I won’t mind at all, in fact, I would very much like to see you both enjoy each other for the first time.”

You still look at him hesitantly. “If you want to, of course,” he adds. He would never force you to do anything against your wish. To his delight, you nod, still shy, and he shuffles out of the way, making space for you and Jungkook on the bed.

Namjoon hears little gasps from you as you touch Jungkook’s naked body, and he smirks in amusement, for he had done the same the first time he saw the younger man naked, the first time he grazed the plane of his chest, his tiny waist, his strong legs. He undresses himself as he continues watching you admiring Jungkook with your fingers, and soon, your mouth.

“Does it feel good, my little Queen?” He brushes your hair back. “What do you want to do to our Jungkook?”

You raise your head. “Namjoon…I have never laid with him. May I?” you ask hesitantly.

“Of course, if that’s what you want.” He glances at Jungkook, breathless now on the bed. “That seems to be what he wants too.”

Namjoon watches you kiss your way down Jungkook’s body, from his neck, to his chest, down to his stomach and even further. Namjoon nods when you glance at him, as if asking for permission, before you grab his cock in your little hand, stroking him to full hardness.

You stick your tongue out and start licking his shaft, before engulfing him completely in your mouth. You bob your head up and down slowly but soon you pick up your pace. Namjoon reaches for his own cock and starts stroking himself too, matching his pace with your mouth.

Jungkook jerks up at a particular suck, making you gag. You pull off of him and catch your breath. Namjoon has had enough. He wants more, and looking at how glassy your eyes are, he knows you do too.

“You can ride him, would you like that?” Namjoon smiles as you keen at his request, and helps you get on Jungkook. He holds Jungkook’s cock - he can’t even describe how much he has missed the feeling of his hardness in his hand, but for now he wants to watch you, to see you losing yourself in pleasure with his lover. So he guides Jungkook’s cock towards your hole, and he groans as you slowly sink down on it.

“Ah, fuck, you’re so wet,.” Jungkook moans.

“Jungkook,” you pant. “Finally.”

A tear escapes your eye. Namjoon catches it with his finger. “Yes, finally. How lucky I am to have you both here.” Namjoon nuzzles your hair. He loves how you smell of flowers and sex. He tilts your head to kiss you, and you pliantly open your mouth to welcome his lips and his tongue.

Namjoon feels your body starting to bounce, Jungkook has started to thrust up into you. Namjoon swallows your moans and whimpers, while still stroking his cock. He glances over to Jungkook, his face scrunched up in concentration as he fucks into you.

Suddenly, his hand is no longer enough. He longs for Jungkook’s mouth, memories of their rendezvous flooding back to him. He gives you a kiss one last time, then makes his way to Jungkook. The younger man looks up to see Namjoon looking down to him. The King caresses his lover’s cheek softly, many words are to be spoken but for now he needs to be intimate with him. Jungkook licks his lips and opens his mouth.

Namjoon shudders as he slides his cock in. “Ah, Jungkook…” He closes his eyes and revels in the feeling of those lips around him. He feels a touch on his chest, and opens his eyes to find you leaning forward towards him. He exhales, in excitement and in love, perhaps more than anything.

You are still bouncing on Jungkook’s cock, your face tight in pleasure but you only moan louder watching how Namjoon’s cock is sliding in and out of Jungkook’s mouth. Your nails trail down Namjoon’s chest, all the way down to where his body ends and Jungkook’s begins. Your fingers travel further, grazing his neck now and your eyes widen at how it moves along with Namjoon’s cock.

“Namjoon, I can feel it,” you whisper.

“I know my love,” the words pour out of him easily. “His tongue feels so good. And you seem to know about that already.”

Your cheeks redden instantly, but you chuckle. “Yes, yes!”

Jungkook thrusts up again and you nearly fall forward. Namjoon holds your body up as the man below you fucks you harder and faster. Namjoon can read you like the back of his palm by now. The signs of your orgasm approaching are there, in the little hiccups between your moans, in the way you get whinier as you call out his and Jungkook’s name

“Let go, my love. Cum for us.”

It is all you need to fall into the abyss of your climax. Namjoon loves to see you so lost in your pleasure, so free. He has seen it night after night since your wedding, and he loves how you let yourself be when all the titles and protocols are stripped. And now, as you cum around his lover’s cock, he feels only love and adoration for you.

As you ride out your orgasm, Namjoon has to hold his own back, until he feels Jungkook wrapping his lips right around the base, and dragging them to the tip.

“Jungkook, fuck, I’m going to cum.”

“Namjoon, cum please. I want to see you fill his mouth, as you like to do mine.” This time, it is you who encourages the King, as you reach forward to roll and pinch Jungkook’s nipples. That is the last straw for Namjoon.

With a loud roar, he cums, pressing his cock into Jungkook’s mouth as deep as he can while he empties himself. Jungkook’s hands grip his thighs holding him in place as his own hips start bucking as well.

“Please, please, Jungkook,” you beg. “I want to feel you. Cum for me, please.”

At that, the King removes himself, staining Jungkook’s mouth and chin with his seed. Jungkook licks his lips, then grabs you to pull you down on top of him. Planting his legs on the bed, he pistons into you until you are shaking and vibrating, your mouth latching onto his, lapping the cum the King has left on his skin.

“Are you cumming again, my little Queen?” Namjoon bends down to be eye level with you. He grabs your hand and interlinks your fingers, and finally he witnesses his wife and his lover losing themselves in pleasure, together.

Lord Yoongi is annoyed. Everyone knows he is a punctual man, and he appreciates that his Queen shares the same sentiment about the importance of being on time as much as he does. He is also an understanding man. He can accept that having spent a night with Namjoon can be quite exhausting for you, and as much as he does not want to think about your nightly activities, he cannot blame you for wanting to sleep in a little bit.  He has heard enough of the gossip from Sirs Jimin and Taehyung how insatiable the King could be, especially with those he favors.

Today however, no one has entered the Queen’s room at all. Your breakfast lies dormant in the kitchen downstairs, and he predicts, your lunch will be too. Your ladies in waiting are pitter- pattering outside your room, too terrified to enter because apparently no one has seen the King leaving at all. He understands their concerns, he would not want to catch sight of Namjoon’s naked butt either.

“Just stay back a bit,” Yoongi suggests to your jittery ladies. “I will go inside and see what is going on.”

He knocks on the door, waiting for a response. When he gets none, he knocks again, harder. Still, he hears only quiet from your room.  He turns the knob and opens the door slightly, just enough for him to enter, preventing the curious eyes behind him from seeing inside.

Yoongi closes the door. “Your Grace?” He calls out, staying near the door and averting his eyes from the bed. He can smell the sex in the air. Then he hears it - the sounds that he has gotten used to since his teenage years, from the days he spent travelling with the then Crown Prince - Namjoon’s snores.

Yoongi sighs and takes a few steps closer. Namjoon has likely tired you and himself out. The grumbling he is about to let out is stuck on his throat, however, when he finally looks at your bed.

There, in your tight embrace is the missing knight, Jungkook. His youthful face is so at peace as his head lies on your bare chest, and your arms wrapped around him. Then behind you is the King himself, with his own hand draped across your body and onto Jungkook’s as well, almost possessively.

Yoongi stares aghast for a few seconds, processing what he is seeing. A barrage of questions enter his mind, but he quickly gathers himself. Those can wait. He must now immediately ban anyone from entering the room, and… Seokjin. He must find Seokjin.

The Queen indeed has a secret.

Tada! Hope you like it! Please reblog if you enjoy reading this, reblogging will help this fic reach a wider audience! And scream at me if you wish too- I won’t scream back, I promise 💜

Published 27092021, also crossposted to my ao3

[dyns33]

Perfectly happy

I needed to write a dark, possessive and obsessive Homelander. 

When he entered his private cabin, hidden in the mountains, in the middle of the woods, Homelander was pleased to be greeted by Y/N's sweet smile, and the smell of the cookies she had baked for him.

The first time he had met Ashley's new secretary, he hadn't known what to think.

Well, yes, he had initially thought that Ashley did not need a secretary. Okay, she had taken Madelyn's place as director of Talent Relations for Vought International, but Homelander had quickly made it clear to her that she had no power, it was he who made the decisions, and therefore in a way that she was his secretary.

Then seeing all the good work that Y/N was doing, he wondered if Ashley was that stupid, if she really wanted him to notice her incompetence and have her replaced.

Normally he didn't talk much with the little humans around him. He didn't speak much with the others supes already, neither of them being strong or interesting enough that he wasted his time with them. But there was something with Y/N.

Homelander had wanted to know her better. To understand her. To have her.

           "Do you want me to undress ?"

           "No." He said gently in a cookie before going to sit on the couch, waiting for her to join him so that she could rest his head on her laps. "You missed me ?"

           "A lot, you know that. I've been thinking about you all day long, only you."

           "I thought about you too. I looked at you worked up, you had a pretty dress today."

           "Oh. You want... You want me to put this dress on ?"

           "You don't have to. You're always beautiful. Stroke my hair."

           "Yes Homel... John. With pleasure John."

Savouring his cookie, he relaxed as he felt her fingers in his hair. Knowing what he liked, she also massaged his forehead, before tenderly touching his cheeks and neck. It was very nice.

If only her heart was not beating so fast, everything would be perfect.

           "How was your day ?" he asked.

           "Alright, nothing important. How about you ?"

           "As always the stupid Seven didn't listen to my plan and we had a problem on a mission. I had to teach Deep a little lesson, again. Ashley was insufferable, but you probably know that. When I saw you picking up a pen, I went on the roof to masturbate, thinking of you. I imagined myself taking on your desk, in front of everyone."

           "It's so romantic."

           "No. She wouldn't say that."

           "I... Uh... Oh John, you are truly incorrigible !" she sneered nervously, patting his head.

           "It's better. Where was I ? Ah yes ! I shot a ridiculous commercial, I had to talk to morons and be touched by children. I wanted so badly to slaughter them all. But I knew you wouldn't like this, so I held back, smiled and said my lines."

           "I'm proud of you John."

           "Your heart beats way too fast. Her heart never beats so fast."

           "I'm sorry... It's the excitement ! Knowing that you think so much of me, it's really lovely, I'm..."

           "Shut up." He growled as he stood up quickly, trying to keep his cool. "You made her sound like she was a fool. I don’t like it. Do you think I'd be interested in a fool ? Hmm ? Answer me !"

           "No of course not."

           "You read her file. You studied her. I explained to you what she was like. Y/N is an intelligent, methodical, professional woman. She knows where she belongs, but she is not weak or fearful. If I say or do something wrong, she points it out to me."

           "You want me to criticize you ?" asked the stupid thing in front of him that wore her sweet face.

           "No ! Do you even listen to me ?! She doesn't criticize me, she's always fucking respectful ! She only tells me when some of my decisions aren't good for me. There are exceptions of course. For example, she would certainly not congratulate me for masturbating ! She would have been embarrassed and shocked ! She's a lady ! I could have seen on her face that she found it disgusting ! She wouldn't have said anything, because she is polite, but she is not a liar. Or, let's say she asks me where Kyle is. You don't know who Kyle is ?  This is the jerk who thought it would be a good idea to look at her, put his hand on her shoulder and ask her if she would like to have a drink with him. Of course, Y/N being smart and with good tastes, she refused. And having no time to waste with a rat like him, she didn't ask why he didn't come to work anymore. If she asked me, and I told her that dear Kyle is high on a mountain, certainly frozen dead, she wouldn't be happy, no ! She would tell me that it was a disproportionate reaction and that if someone finds him, and understands that it is my work, I will lose points with the public ! Fuck, can you STOP looking at me like that ?! Your heart is beating much too fast ! She's not afraid of me, okay ?! Never !"

           "Sorry, sorry !" began to sob the Doppler, who did not know at all what to do to please Homelander anymore.

Could he blame them ? His request was... complicated.

He wanted Y/N, for her to be caring, and gentle, and in awe of him. And at the same time he wanted the doppler to behave like Y/N. Who he didn't have. And who didn't give a shit about him.

Because the thing that had intrigued him the most when he had met her was that she was always calm when he was there. Unlike the others, she wasn't afraid, her little heart didn't leap in her chest.

It had only happened with Butcher, but it was because the man was crazy and motivated by hate.

Y/N didn't hate him. She didn't like him either. She was not a fan. She wasn't totally aroused when he approached her or gave her some of his attention. The rest of the world would kill for it. Everyone who didn't hate Homelander loved him like he was a God.

But not her. And that obsessed him. Homelander didn't care about the others, he wanted Y/N to love him. And yet he didn't want her to love him. Because it made her special. The only one who dared to say certain things to him, who wasn't afraid to annoy him, who didn't pretend to please him.

He had tried not to care, but it was stronger than him. Homelander needed her to look at him. That was why he had tried this Doppler solution, but the fool was not as good as his Y/N. They couldn't, it was impossible.

           "Shape change."

           "... Why ?" dared to ask the idiot.

           "Shape change, now."

The doppler was scared, but not suicidal. They understood immediately what Homelander was going to do to them. They had heard about what had happened to the previous one, who was to play the role of Madelyn. They had had the bad idea of ​​changing shape. So they kept Y/N's form, praying that the supe wouldn't kill them with that face.

Homelander growled, clenched his fist, hit the wall, and flew away screaming in rage.

Without stopping, he went straight into town, to Y/N's apartment, who was cooking, totally unaware of his presence, of his fascination with her, and of the despair she made him feel.

He stayed all night looking at her, dreaming of the day when she made food for him, when they would shower together, when he could fall asleep in her arms.

One day she would be his, and she would love him. She just needed time to realize it, to see the God he was, how lucky she was to be chosen by him and finally they could be perfectly happy.

[boredmariedelline]

The Iokan Court: Empress Penelope's Ladies-in-Waiting

I'm starting a new series on Iokan Court life which combines my two loves: VADD and history. These are probably one of the longest series of posts I'm ever making.

Ladies-in-Waiting are the noblewomen and aristocrats who act as personal attendants, companions and private secretaries (sometimes spies) to a Queen/Empress. Most of them a usually married to high ranking aristocratic men. The Empress can select any noblewoman as her lady-in-waiting, including members of her family, widows and infamous individuals. They also have a very high personal salary. Ladies-in-Waiting can also gain political and social powers while serving under their mistress. Most, if not all ladies, are powerful players in the game of politics, due to their imperial connections. All ladies report gossip, rumors, marriages, and possible alliances to their mistress.

Lady Marianne Terosi Porter, Countess Porter - She is currently a professor of archaeology at the Imperial Academy and wife of Count Cedrick Porter (Callisto made him a count for his services). She is the only part-time lady-in-waiting who accompanies Penny during her archaeological exploits and was the second one appointed to her. She also has three kids with Cedric. She is the only daughter of Count Terosi, who opposed her archeological pursuits.

Lady Emily Meyer Reuss - She was granted a noble last name (Reuss) and a ladyship rank by Callisto so that she could become Penny's lady-in-waiting. At this point, she and Reynold were still an dating in secret. Since becoming a lady, she's been able to provide for her family and pay off some debts. Also, she managed to save a lot of money and finally indulge in things for herself, like nicer clothes, reading, and better shoes. She is the main lady-in-waiting for Penny while she's in the Palace. She does the companionship thing the most but also reports rumors in the palace.

Lady Thalia Verdandi - She's @bluebutterflyrose and @eloise175 's character. She was recommended as a lady-in-waiting by her cousin, Vinter. She basically looks like a female version of Vinter. She is a very optimistic yet secretive lady, who is two years older than Penny. The Imperial Children love her because she also helps Vinter out with the magic and sorcery stuff. She also helps Penny with magic issues when he's gone. She is in charge of wardrobe and dressing. Her job is mostly picking out Penny's outfits and jewelry every single day. Which is a very stressful job since imperial clothing can be used to convey underlying messages.

Lady Valerie "Val" Amerling, Marquise Amerling - A personal creation of mine. She is the baroness's (Callisto's nanny) daughter who is the same age as Callisto. She has mid-length silver grey hair and dark blue eyes. Generally, looks menacing and judgmental but she just has a resting b*tch face and is really nice and supportive. She is married to Marquis Amerling, a General in the army but he's away at the borderlands, most of the time. She also has 4 kids with him. Her job is to help with Penny with her daily schedule and is her head lady-in-waiting because of her experience.

Lady Selene Hanover, Marquise Hanover - @bluebutterflyrose helped me out with her. She has long moss green hair and hazel brown eyes. Usually appears quiet and formal but looks out for Penny and the rest of the ladies like little sisters. She's the second-oldest lady after Val. She’s a year or 2 older than Penny and is married to one of Callisto's commanders in his army, with whom she has two sons with. Her job mostly involves managing Penny's massive wardrobe, buying clothes, and working with Thalia.

Lady Edelheide "Edie" Pyrmont - @seirclys helped me out with her. She is the orphaned daughter of a noble under Vinter's domain. Shortly after her parents died, she became his ward until she's turned 18. Although her status at birth is uncertain (It was speculated that her mother had a lover), she is still considered a member of nobility. Her reputation amongst the nobility is neutral, with an air of mystery surrounding her. Because of her so-so reputation, she is Penny's unofficial personal informant, rumor master, and spy. She does the most socializing out of all the ladies because of her job. She also has no intention of ever marrying because she's already content in life.

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Royal Households and How they Work

When I say Households, I mean the entourage that follows around the royal family. The household went everywhere with them to care for their needs from the people who would empty their chamber pots to their noble companions. Most royal households are basically the same as noble ones, only on grander scale. Every royal had a household and an entourage as well as every noble at court.

Palace Personnel ~ The Commons

The commons were an intregal part of every household. They made up perhaps 80% of the work force. Royal courts were often on the road and never spent more than a few months at every palace. The court was constantly moving. Some positions were not permanent, meaning certain servants did not travel with the court because they were employed at the palace only. They would be paid by the Monarch's paymaster.

Scullion: The scullion was a relatively easy position to fill so they were often changed as the court went from palace to palace. They would be responsible for scrubbing and cleaning the servants quarters and the kitchens. They would scrub floors with lye, scour pots with sand, sweep put the fireplace and clean up after the other servants. They were the first to rise in a castle and tasked to light all the fires in the kitchens. Scullions would just be employed to the palace and serve a multitude of chambers

Laundress: The laundress was responsible for the cleaning of anything made of fabric in the household. Since they are handling unmentionables, they knew what happened behind closed bedchamber doors. They knew when the King visited the Queen or hadn't, they knew when marriages were consummated or not and they knew when the Queen and royal women were not pregnant. They often sold secrets to pad their pockets. Laundresses might be permanent staff but sometimes not.

Minstrels: The minstrel was a commoner hired to play an instrument or sing for the entertainment of the royal. A royal might staff a few at a time but they would always have one on hand. The minstrel would likely come with their masters as they travelled. The minstrel might serve the main royal household but a royal might retain their own.

Cook: The cook was one of the most important servants in the household. They would have the task of overseeing the running of the kitchens and keeping supplies in order. They would likely be on call at all times. Henry VIII's cook was often woken in the night because his royal master wanted a midnight snack. The cook was a valued member of the household and would have been highly sought after if they were a very skilled cook. They would have travelled with the joint. Cooks were apart of the greater royal household but often royals retained private cooks for their own use.

Maidservant: The maidservant cleans the castle. She would sweep the floors, scrub them, empty the chamberpots, get rid of the ashes from the fire and ready the fire for later. She would make up the bed or strip it for the laundresses. She would wash anything that needed washing including furniture and ornaments. She was likely not a travelling servant and would be strictly employed at a single palace.

Jester: The jester was the hired entertainer. Working under the master of revels, the jester had the daunting task of making the monarch and their family laugh. They would tell jokes, tell stories, cause havoc in the court for laughs and lighten the mood. The most successful jester of all time was Will Somers, jester to Henry VIII. Will broke bad news to the infamously bad tempered monarch and got away with things that would have sent others to the block. Will survived most of Henry's reign, his head intact. Jesters would be apart of the main household though each royal might have one of their own.

Positions within the Royal Household ~ Noble

Nobility were always welcomed at court. They eat at court, slept at court and were cared for by the monarch. Some nobles had to sing for their supper and most were hired as royal servants. They weren't exactly scrubbing floors and would be paid handsomely with land that would generate wealth for them

The Steward/Seneschal: This person was the head of the royal's staff. They would have the task of running the lands and servants their master or mistress. The steward served as a backup and assistant in all the tasks even representing their master or mistress when they were unavailable. Would be a high ranking noble. Each royal household would have them.

Treasurer of the Household: The treasurer was the accountant and pay master. They would be in charge of ensuring debts were settled, wages were paid and the household was running within the budget. This was a coveted position because it gave the treasurer insight into the financial situations of the royals. Such info was wroth its weight in gold. Each royal would have one.

Usher: The Gentleman Usher would be in charge of escorting guests into the royal chambers and into the royal presence. They would act as a go between their royal master/mistress and the guest often going back and forth with messages. It was just as coveted as the position of chamberlain but with less responsibilities.

Master of Horse: The Master of Horse was in charge of seeing to the horses of their master. They would oversee the grooms or the stableboy/hands who were employed at the stables to actually care for the horses. The master of horse would ensure that the stables were in order and the horses were up to parr in order to bear royalty across the kingdom. Each royal would have one but there would a main one who acted as overseer.

Master of the Wardrobe/Mistress of the Robes: These are the nobility who are employed to look after the clothes of the royal they serve. This would mainly involve a managerial position, overseeing the inventory of the royal wardrobe (a warehouse like building that housed the clothing) and placing orders for new clothes. It was a tidy job that rarely involved getting the hands dirty. Each royal would have one.

Chamberlain/Valet: The chamberlain is employed to look after the Lord's bedchamber. This was the most sought out position as they effectively were the gateway into the royal presence. Their main task was making sure their boss was comfortable and happy. Could be a well born commoner or a noble. Each royal would have one.

The Page: All royal households had pages. They would be a young noble boy about seven years old sent to their royal master. He would be in charge of tidying up after the lord, carrying messages to other servants and occupants of the castle and serving him at meals. Unlike others on the list, the page would not be paid. His experience was his payment as he would learn the running of a court and how to be courtier. Each royal would have one.

Squires: Squires were like pages though they only served the men. They would accompany their royal master to battle, look after his armour and mail, ensure that his lord's horse was saddled, caring for their master's weapons. The squire would always be a young nobleman on the cusp of becoming a knight.

Governess: The governess is a noblewoman woman employed to oversee the Monarch's children's household. She would be the first teacher a royal child would have and would oversee the nursemaids who would have care of the physical person of the child. She would be appointed when the child was four or five. Notable governesses include Katherine Swynford (wife of John of Gaunt and mother to the Beaufort line), Margaret Pole (wife of Tudor Loyal Sir Richard Pole, sister of the last York heir Edward of Warwick, daughter of George Duke of Clarence and niece to King Edward VI and Richard III), Kat Ashley, Margaret Bryan, Madame de Maintenon and Baroness Lehzen. Most unmarried Princesses retained their governesses while Princes generally outgrew their governesses after they were breeched.

Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber: They were the male companions of a King or Prince, sort of like ladies in waiting but manly. They would accompany the King or Prince everywhere they would go and shared duties with Groom of the Stool (royal toilet paper dispenser) and the Chief Gentleman of the Chamber (overseeing the staff and maintaining the chamber). They would help their master get ready, serve him at the table and organize hunting and games to keep him entertained. Gentlemen and companions where often chosen for their connections as well as their master's own opinion. Henry VIII's gentlemen included: Sir William Compton (ward of Henry VII and heir to rich lands), Sir Henry Norris (the grandson of William Norris who fought with Henry's father at Stroke and a relation to the Yorkists Lovells), Sir Anthony Denny (son of Sir Edmund Denny Baron of the Exchequer) Sir Michael Stanhope (brother in law to Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset), Charles Brandon (ward of Henry VII and son of Tudor Loyalists)

Ladies in Waiting and Maids in Waiting or Maids of Honour: These are the female attendants to the Queen or Princess. Ladies in Waiting were married while the Maids were unmarried. They would have to attend their mistress wherever she went, help her get ready, keep her chambers in order, write letters for the Queen and maintaining her honour. They were chosen for their connections. Using Katherine of Aragon as an example, her Ladies in Waiting included: Maria de Salinas (daughter of Juan Sancriz de Salinas secretary to Isabella, Princess of Portugal and a Spanish courtier in the service to Katherine's parents, wife of Baron Willoughby de Ersby), Elizabeth Howard (the daughter of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, sister to Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and wife to Thomas Boleyn, ambassador to France), Anne Hastings (daughter of William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings, wife to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Steward.), Agnes Tilney (wife to Thomas Howard, Earl of and 2nd Duke of Norfolk.), Elizabeth Scrope (wife of John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, a loyal Tudor lord), Margaret Scrope (wife of Sir Edmund de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk cousin to the King), Anne Stafford (sister of the Duke of Buckingham, married Sir George Hastings, Earl of Huntington and daughter of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (cousin to the King) and Lady Katherine Woodville (sister of King Henry VIII's grandmother and his great aunt by her marriage), Elizabeth Stafford (sister to Anne Stafford wife Robert Radcliffe, Lord Fitzwalter and Earl of Sussex around). Their connections are what got them their places and you can see why they were chosen.

Accommodation

Accommodation can be a difficult thing to sort both as a writer and a steward. You might have a palace of 200+ bedchambers in which you must house a staff of 500-/+, a varying amount of nobles, the royal family (of a varying amount) and their own households. When assigning rooms it is best to think of a Russian nesting doll. Start from the inside and work your way to the outside.

The best rooms go to the monarch, their consort and their children/siblings/parent(s). These chambers would include the bedroom, a drawing room/ common area, a privy, a closet (a small chamber that can be used for prayer or work). They would be furnished with the best cloth, the best candles and whatever furniture brought by the resident since most royal courts travelled from palace to palace. They will also have chambers for their personal servants such as ladies in waiting and grooms.

The second best set of rooms would go to the highest ranking nobles/people in the court. These rooms would be less fancy and a little smaller. These would be given to from titled nobility descending from those of Ducal rank (Dukes/Duchesses) or even members of the council such as Thomas Cromwell in Tudor times.

The next set would be considerably smaller, perhaps minus a closet or a drawing room. Given to lower nobility.

The next level of chambers would be smaller perhaps only the bedroom and a common area given to minor nobles.

The last set of rooms would be small and only hold enough room for a bedroom. Servants would have to sleep on the ground on pallets beside their masters.

Any other guests at court would have to stay at off-site locations around the palace in the city. Some nobles at houses around major palaces just in case they arrived late or were kicked out of court.

[simshousewindsor]

REDEEMED

[Buckingsim Palace, Buckingsimshire 11:23 AM WST]

[??]: (on the phone) We'll only be gone a week. Anthony is so excited. Thankfully my morning sickness has passed.

Queen Katherine: Have a fun time in Americreek, Lara. I've never been invited to the Academy Awards, so you'll have to tell me all about the celebrities when you return!

Queen Katherine: I should go. I'm only allowed five minutes of fun per day and Uncle Louis' antics this morning took up twenty! (laughs)

Princess Lara: (on the phone) Get back to work, Your Majesty! (laughs)

Queen Katherine: Love you!

Martin Lavelle [Private Secretary]: Your Majesty. Before your next audience, we need to finalize plans for Garter Day. With three weeks until the ceremony, much is still left unresolved.

Queen Katherine: Why are we so behind?

Martin [P.S.]: (confused) Your coronation, ma'am.

Queen Katherine: Oh yes! That was just last week. Goodness. So much has happened since.

Martin [P.S.]: Many of the Knights felt snubbed by not being permitted to join the Knights' procession during the coronation.

Martin [P.S.]: The orders leadership has asked that you restore tradition, by granting full pomp and circumstance for this year's ceremony.

Queen Katherine: (annoyed) Leadership? I am the orders leadership! They should be reminded that I am Sovereign of the Garter. The Monarch alone decides who is appointed and removed.

Martin [P.S.]: Your Majesty. With this being your first Garter Day since crowning, parliament would approve the additional expenditure.

Queen Katherine: Would I still have time to go to Beaverdam beforehand?

Martin [P.S.]: I'm afraid not, ma'am. For a traditional ceremony, you would require an additional three days of rehearsals. Unfortunately, your schedule would not allow for another vacation until the end of July, after Trooping the Colors.

Queen Katherine: (sighs)

Martin [P.S.]: We also need to talk about Windsor Castle. This is the first year the castle will host Garter Day since renovations began in 2021! The Queen Mother was heavily involved in the luncheon's planning and...

Queen Katherine: Thank you, Martin. As Prince consort, Rainier is more than capable of taking those responsibilities from the Queen Mother.

Martin [P.S.]: Yes! Of course. Yes, Your Majesty.

- - - - - LATER - - - - -

[Griffin Park, Buckingsimshire 11:43 AM WST]

Lady Sonja [Lady-in-Waiting]: The Women's Foundation sent a letter of thanks for attending their luncheon yesterday, along with a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Delores Bryant [Private Secretary]: How lovely, especially after not having invited you the last two years.

Delores [P.S.]: It appears the negativity from the scandal has finally been forgotten. Your approval ratings have also improved since the coronation!

Queen Rowena: A new chapter is beginning.

Delores [P.S.]: You endured so much hate over the last three years, and then to lose your husband! No-one understands how much you have truly given to this country, ma'am. I'm glad to see Windenburg showing you the love and respect you deserve again.

(phone rings)

Delores [P.S.]: Griffin Park, this is Delores.

[??]: (on the phone) Hello. Is this the office of the Queen Mother? This is Sister Angela. I am the aide of Mother LaKisha.

Delores [P.S.]: Yes! Yes, it is. I am the Queen Mother's private secretary. How may I help you, sister?

Sister Angela: (on the phone) The pope has invited Mother LaKisha to the Vatisim next week and she would love to visit with the Queen Mother during her time in the country.

Delores [P.S.]: The Queen Mother would be honored to host Mother LaKisha. The royal family would be happy to take care of any and all accommodations, not done so by the papal organization.

Sister Angela: (on the phone) Thank you, Delores. I will be in touch.

(call ends)

Delores [P.S.]: Things really are beginning a new for you!

Queen Rowena: Oh?

Delores [P.S.]: The pope has requested an audience with Mother LaKisha, and she has asked to see you while here! There are rumors she is being awarded the Noble Peace Prize for humanitarisimism.

Queen Rowena: Mother LaKisha founded a sisterhood that runs 19 homes. She was so close with my dear mother. Shortly after my mother died, Mother LaKisha returned to her home country of Marvania, and has become revered for her work with the poor.

Delores [P.S.]: I didn't know you still kept in contact.

Queen Rowena: I haven't seen her since my mother died.

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