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befuddled-calico-whump · 11 months ago

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cw: aftermath of whump, implied abuse, fantasy slavery, violence, manhandling.

based on this prompt by @howls-ghost

"Trite details bore me. I'll leave it to you to complete, and complete quickly," said Prince Acacius.

"I've had enough of your dimwitted blathering. See yourself to the door," said Prince Acacius.

"Remember your place," said Prince Acacius.

Laith was sick of it. Sick of the arrogant little brat prancing around the palace like he was already king. They hated Acacius and his cold, dismissive attitude. The spoiled twat didn't know a thing about running a kingdom, and wouldn't know humility if it bit him on the nose.

The only reason the country wasn't already in ruins was due to the competence of Laith and the rest of the high council. Even the regent, as good a man he was, was taken out of commission by Acacius, forced to keep the aloof young man at his side at all hours for supposed education. Not that Laith believed Acacius absorbed any of it. He was a horrid prince, and he'd make a horrid king.

And Laith intended to do something about it.

It started as something small and reasonable; a daydream about teaching the prince a lesson, of having him whipped for insolence, or beaten in the streets, or simply pushed off the balcony.

But none of those were realistic dreams, and none of those were enough. Acacius needed a punishment that would stick, something scarring, something humiliating.

The thoughts danced across Laith's mind through all their waking hours, turning sharper and more creative with every insult from the rotten prince.

But then, they thought, why bother with a mere punishment? Why not be rid of the arrogant heir for good? Death was too quick for his poisoned heart, but there were alternatives. Slavers in the West and enemies in the North, and either faction would jump at the chance to own the pretty prince. Should Laith's goal be realized, it would do more than sate their need for justice; it would spare the kingdom from a heartless ruler.

They'd lock him in a cell with no sunlight for a year. They'd remove his acrid tongue, put out his disdainful eyes, somehow they'd hurt him in a way that mattered.

They took their time making the arrangements; letters delivered in secret, coded messages, quiet plans and plots to cover the prince's upcoming disappearance. At last, the hour was drawing near. At last, Acacius would get all that he deserved.

But of course, Laith would have their fun with him first.

They came upon the royal in the dead of night. Laith had been making note of Acacius's movements, and by now they knew to expect the young man's midnight journey to the library. Too good to be seen there in daylight hours, when servants were dusting and lesser lords were reading. Too good to even peruse the shelves alongside those he deemed as unworthy.

Laith fell upon the prince as soon as he reached the library doors, wrapping their arm tight around a torso clad in a loose silk shirt, their other hand clamped over Acacius's mouth to dampen his startled cry. The prince made fearful noises beneath their hand, but there was no time to savor the sound. Laith knew they must move swiftly or risk alerting the night watch.

They slammed the prince's head into the heavy oak door behind him. Once, twice, and then their royal prisoner's struggling lessened. Laith forced him to the ground, stuffing a wad of cloth into his mouth and tying it in place with a cord. That same cord trailed down from the prince's head to wind around his wrists, then back up again to circle his throat, forming a makeshift collar and leash to better Laith's control of him. He tugged harshly at the rope, and the dazed prince stumbled to his feet, whimpering softly from behind the gag.

There was no haughtiness in his eyes, only something meek and fearful. It was nearly enough to make Laith second-guess their plans, but their memories of the man they knew Acacius to be strengthened their resolve.

They would not fall for this docile ruse. They knew the truth.

Laith delved deeper into the castle, making for one of the secret passages in the stone that would lead them outside the keep. There was a cottage at the edge of the woods, overlooking the river that ran alongside the castle's walls. A peasant girl had sighted it after Laith offered her a penny to find a covert location. It was perfect; well away from anyone who could hear them, and the river would make an easy path for the slavers' skiff.

They hauled Acacius into the cottage, unable to resist giving the prince a sharp kick in the back that sent him tumbling to the ground. The slavers weren't set to arrive until just before sunrise. Laith had nearly an hour to get revenge for every petty insult that had ever been flung their way.

Laith dropped a knee into the prince's chest, holding his head in place while he removed the gag.

Acacius's eyes were teary and pleading, but Laith refused to let the act sway them. If anything, it only fueled their fire. How dare this impudent brat act like this was unearned? Now safe behind a closed door, Laith let their fury burn, raining fists and kicks down on the prince's helpless form, relishing every muffled cry. No, they shouldn't be muffled. They wanted to hear Acacius plead for mercy.

"N-nnh please... Please don't," the shaky words left Acacius's throat with the balled-up cloth. Laith answered him with another blow, and the prince squeezed his eyes shut. When they opened again, there was a distant look to them, tears trickling from the corners.

No matter. Soon they'd be rid of him for good.

Small whimpers and gasps left Acacius's throat as Laith continued the beating, but aside from a few weak pleas, the prince didn't speak, or even look their way. Like he was only waiting for it to end. Their blows slowed, the enjoyment fading as the royal seemed to detach himself from the moment. Laith huffed. Even bound and beaten, Acacius was still ruining their day.

Ignoring the blank look on the prince's face, Laith drew their knife, cutting away Acacius's clothing. Even if that didn't get a reaction, it served the practical purpose of making things a shade easier on the slavers.

The prince lay very still, his breaths small and shaky as Laith removed the ruined clothing. And underneath the silk... Laith was unprepared for what was underneath the silk.

Old bruises covered Acacius's torso, scars layered beneath, some fresher than others. The wounds didn't stop there; more scars scattered the prince's legs, some framed in a sickly yellow-green.

"What is this?" Laith whispered, the question half-directed at themselves. Acacius didn't answer, staring up at the ceiling with eyes that looked glazed over.

Seeing another wound on their prisoner's shoulder, this one oddly shaped, Laith grabbed Acacius's upper arm and rolled him onto his stomach. The prince answered the action with a startled cry.

"N-no, please, please don't---"

"Shut up," Laith hissed, taking in the prince's back. It seemed the brat had been whipped before, and on more than one occasion by the looks of it. They couldn't say whether the dark feeling welling up in them was more akin to pity, or bitterness that they hadn't been able to witness the lashings themselves.

Starker than the whip scars was the image burned into Acacius's back. An intricate pattern, asymmetrical and varied in color, like its artist had begun months or even years ago and was still perfecting it. The newest mark was still a bright, skinless red, as if it had been smouldering mere hours ago.

Laith let out a disgusted sigh, turning their back on the sniveling prince. It seemed Acacius had been getting what he'd deserved for some time now, but it had done little to improve his attitude. Who had done this to him? Could it have been the regent? Why was pity seeping into them, like poison from a soured wound?

Acacius didn't deserve their pity. Wounded or not, he still paraded the palace ground like a bejeweled goose, hissing and biting at anyone he seemed lesser.

But why? came a small voice inside them. Why put on such an arrogant mask?

It didn't matter. Wounded or not, the prince should have better respected Laith and their peers.

There was a sharp rap on the door, and Laith pushed it open an inch to peer out into the darkness. A pale woman with a shaved head stood on the other side, wearing clothing that was clearly foreign, despite its simplicity.

"Here to collect your gift?" they said, and the woman smiled.

"Aye. The North'll pay a pretty penny for your little heir."

"Wonderful," Laith said, but the word felt insincere. They couldn't let themselves doubt their plans now, the deed was nearly done. They opened the door further. "Take him then. Let's have this over with."

Acacius lay still on the ground, though his hands were trembling. He'd ceased his begging and was now crying softly and hells, Laith couldn't stand to hear it.

They bent over the prince, grabbing a fistful of his hair and roughly stuffing the gag back into his mouth to muffle that damned pathetic noise.

"Take him," they said again, more insistently. "Take him and be gone."

"S'wrong with his back?"

"I don't know." Laith shook their head. "Take him."

"Not a word of me," they said. "You'll make a fortune off him, all I ask is my name and face remain unknown."

"Alright, alright." The woman seized the rope, the leash Laith had formed, and tugged on it, forcing the prince to his feet. Acacius's eyes were teary and pleading, but Laith turned their back on him.

"Your wish is my command," the woman chuckled, leading the prince towards the rocky shore, where her boat lay waiting. A sob escaped Acacius as he passed the threshold.

"Wait." Hells, what were they saying? They wanted nothing more to do with the royal. They needed him gone, but when the prince turned back to look at them, the flash of hope in his eyes wrenched in their gut.

Those damned eyes. Those haughty, arrogant, judging eyes.

"Remember your place," said Prince Acacius.

"Nevermind," Laith said quickly. "Go. Get him out of here."

The woman tugged on the leash, nearly causing the bound royal to stumble. Fresh tears wet Acacius's cheeks, but Laith looked away, pretended not to see.

They could pretend a lot of things. Surprise at the prince's sudden disappearance, sorrow and outrage at his captivity in the enemy North. For themselves, they'd pretend they were satisfied, that they'd never seen Acacius's scars.

And as they watched the skiff disappear on the dark waters of the river, they pretended they had no regrets.

#:) we love some arrogant royal suffering #royal whump #anyways i can no way afford to make this a series lol so it'll probably sit at a one-off for a very long time (if i even write more at all)#ooh honestly if we wanna play a game of 'whump telephone' or pass the page or whatever someone else can write the next part #and then another person can write the next part #and so on #those are fun i do them with my sister sometimes #anyways GREAT prompt thank you howls-ghost #royal whumpee #captivity #past torture #whump fic #fantasy whump #beating #begging

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luimagines · 1 year ago

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It’s The Little Things

Another commission!

It’s Dragon Warrior with an OC of theirs. I got permission to post it.

I also threw in a tiny hint of royal au as well. I promise Warrior has a backstory in this au, but it’s doesn’t come out.

Content under the cut!

The door burst open in what was now the usual flair. Their scent of baked goods and magical mischievousness filled his nose in an instant.

Looking up from the paperwork, the Captain gently sets his pen to the side, knowing that there’s very little going to get done while in their presence. He leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. “And the winds have once again changed direction, I see.”

“And when they change once more, I will leave again, Pretty Boy.” They hopped onto his desk with practiced ease, crossing one leg over the other. A smirk decorates their face easily and they lean backwards with their hand precariously too close to the edge.

The Captain makes a mental note of it just in case and raises an eyebrow- seemingly unperturbed by the disturbance in his work day. “Very Mary Poppins of you.”

“You didn’t even know who she was until you met me.”

“While true, I’d say that you’re more well begun is half done than a spoonful of sugar.” He smirks back. He reaches over and picks up a plate of cookies, putting them in front of his impromptu guest with a soft clink against the table. “Try these. Tell me what you think.”

The nonchalant attitude stays on their face as they reach for the least decorated cookie. They take a bite and make a face. “Too much baking powder.”

“Thought you’d figure it out.” Warrior smiles.

“It’s still not half bad though.” They continue to nibble on the treat. Granted, it wasn’t even remotely one of their favorites but they had forgotten to eat earlier. So the cookie will suffice as a small token to hold them over.

“Uh-huh.” Warrior pushes the plate close to them. “You can have as many as you want then.”

They pause before bringing the cookie plate even closer. “It’s not your job to feed me, you know.”

“Someone has to do it.” He smiles wider. “Heaven knows you don’t do it yourself.”

A quiet curse and a pout.

Chuckles are hidden beneath the breath.

“Ok and?” The challenge. “It’s not like you knew I was coming over today anyway.”

“But Saffron-” He grins. “It’s the third Wednesday. Of course you’d come today.”

“Link-!” They bite their tongue. Did they really have that pattern?

He smirks, seeing nothing wrong with the topic at hand. “And you really expect me to not have put it together by now? You come back every third Wednesday between noon and two o’clock. And you tend to stay for at least four hours. That being said, I’m about to have lunch. Would you care to join me?”

They stare at him and squint. “You didn’t eat either, did you?”

“....I had a coffee…”

“You’re worse than me.” Saffron hops off of the desk and scoffs. “And you dare call me out on my bad habits?”

“I never said I was better.” He stands as well. “Is that a yes, then? Should I expect your company this fine afternoon?”

Saffron stalled mid bite, switching their gaze from the hero beside them to the cookies that still sat undisturbed on the plate. “Sure.” They tossed the cookie back onto the ceramic. “What’s on the menu?”

He grins with a wide to wide toothy smile. He holds his hand out with a slight bow. “Do you want me to answer that?”

Seeing right through him, Saffron takes his hand with a deadpan stare. “Don’t even think about it.”

His grin only proves that he’s definitely thinking about it.

With a huff, Saffron begins to walk in time with the young captain. Granted, there’s no reason to be so flippant with him. Everyone knows that he’s the right hand man to the Ancient King of Kokiri. No one is sure how he came into his employment- only that he’s an invaluable asset and is second in the kingdom only to the king himself.

However, while others would owe him respect- Saffron takes it as a challenge to push him to the limits of his sanity. They have yet to find them. He’s a lot worse than most people would be willing to admit. Even he’s also stupidly charming.

“You’re overthinking again.” Warrior whispers into their ear, startling them out of their thoughts.

Saffron rolls their eyes, ready to retort before they feel something snake around their waist. They look down. A shining blue to green holographic tail wraps itself snugly around them, pulling them even closer to the captain. It’s a limb of pure muscle. There’s no escaping its hold.

“Um… Cap-”

“Yes?” The tail tightens it’s hold ever so slightly. “What’s the matter?”

“You’re holding me.” Saffron breathes out. Not because they’re struggling to breathe- or perhaps they are, but that’s hardly the fault of the tail.

“I am.” He agrees without a second thought. “I simply want to have you close… and it’s a fool proof plan to make sure you run off and create any more trouble for me to deal with afterwards.”

“Just for that I’m going to make your paperwork, twice as long as usual.” Saffron sends a small glare, refusing to look up at the would-be captor.

“You do this every time, so I can’t say that it's anything new, Sweetheart.” He chuckles, opening the door for the two of them to enter the dining hall.

The hall is grandiose and brightly lit. The King sits at the head of the table, apparently finished with most of his meal. He spots the two of them entering with his single eyes and shakes his head. He stands up at once.

“Oh hey!” Saffron calls out, ready to cause more mischief. “Good afternoon, your majesty. Didja miss me?”

“I’ll be in my study.” He sends a knowing look to the captain. “Please try to keep the stink bombs and sticky glue to a confined area, captain.”

Warrior nods with a subtle gulp. The king winks at him just before he closes the door and leaves entirely.

To his credit, Warrior meets the look head on but internally, the captain wants to groan and look away in embarrassment. He didn’t think he was being that obvious. But perhaps it was because he was also a dragon. It’s not like scent can be hidden from the perceptive noses of their species. Or perhaps it was because of his age that he simply knew things that didn’t need to be said.

“Jeeze, you’d think he doesn’t want to talk to me.” Saffron huffed, crossing their arms as the king left them to their own devices.

“We both know he’s a busy man.”

“I can clear his schedule.”

“And be banned from the castle? Again?”

“Hey- he needs to up security, ok? Even if it comes to that, I'm pretty sure I can sneak in again.” they said confidently. Even going so far as to pat his shoulder in consolation. “So it’s not something you need to worry your pretty little head about.”

“You realize I’m the one in charge of security, right?” Warrior snorts, leading them further into the room. He pulls a chair away from the table and picks them up, using only his tail to place them into the seat before tucking them close.

“Wait- hold on-” Saffron tries to back track. They hadn’t anticipated his comment nor were they expecting him to simply pick them up, with his tail no less.

“That was… first of all, impressive.” Warrior preens with pride as they continue speaking. “Secondly, have you been giving me the easy way into the palace this entire time?”

“You’re welcome.” He says without much thought. The food comes not a moment too soon and is placed without any comments from the servants of the palace. A plate seems to have already been prepared for their “unexpected” guest.

Saffron’s jaw falls a little- too slack to keep it close as the information begins to be processed. A beat passed and another and another and Saffron can only push aside the food that they’ve been given around on the plate. “I can’t believe you…”

“Why not?” Warrior says between bites. “I’m not trying to make your life harder. I hear of your exploits in neighboring kingdoms from time to time since I have to be updated with all current climates both politically and socially. You have quite the fanbase.”

“I- but- ok.” Saffron pushes their chair back and spins to look him in the eye. “So am I supposed to have been played for a fool here? Who do you take me for?”

“A hero.”

The rant they had been prepared to lay down on the poor man dies before it can even properly sit on their tongue.

Warrior tucks his tail and wings back into his more human form and sends them a tired smile. “The Kingdom of Kokiri is a safe haven. At least, that is what we strive for. We are far from perfect but you come here for a reason. Half the time, I think it’s just to annoy me and cause trouble you know you can get away with. But you’re not one to do that in other places. So that means you’re here to catch a break. You’re here to get away from the problems you deal with everywhere else.”

In that moment, he appears to show how the job has aged him- even if the dragonite blood in his veins keeps him from aging like the rest of the population. He looks exhausted and tired and worn down- but pleased. And proud to do what he does. If Saffron bothered to pay a little more attention, then they would have also noticed the respect he holds for them in his gaze… with a touch of adoration to boot.

“Not to mention…” Warrior leans in like he’s about to tell a secret and perhaps he is. “I like having you around. You keep me from running myself into an early grave and you break up the monotony of paperwork- so why would I try to kick you out? On purpose, of all things.”

Saffron is stunned. Typically they would have something to say but this time their words fail them.

This is off script. There’s supposed to be witty banter and sassy comments. If it was a lucky day, maybe it would have been enough to push each other buttons and actually annoy the other person. Then they’d share a cup of coffee, and maybe avoid personal obligations for a little while longer and go their separate ways. Rinse and repeat.

They can feel their cheeks flush with the unanticipated genuine emotion from the one that sits to their left.

Warrior doesn’t seem to notice, or care all that much for the vulnerability that blankets the air around them. He’s happy to eat in silence even if it’s out of character for the one that sits to his right.

“Is it that hard to believe that I like your company?” He says when he’s close to finishing his meal.

“Well…” Saffron trails off. Suppose that it’s not. It would make the casual remarks from their friend, Prince Link from the Kingdom of Wolfvendom, a little easier to digest. Something about belonging to the heart of Kokiri.

Not that this Link is the heart of the kingdom… Even if he handles a lot of the nitty gritty work that the king cannot handle on his own.

Warrior chuckles, reaching out for their hand while they’re lost in thought. He brings his other hand close, running his palm over the back of their hand “I have your favorite snacks back in the office. Just remind me to get them for you before you head out again, yeah?”

“...yeah…” Saffron smiles softly. They squeeze his hand for a moment, still trying to get their flame back after having been dosed with genuine compliments.

Warrior sees right through it. “I’ll even throw in my mother’s recipe for gingersnap cookies.”

“Thank you.”

#linked universe #linkuniverse #linked universe x oc #lu warrior #lu warriors #lu wars #here i am #telling myself that i won't write anything else until the new year has started #it's currently 12/31/2022 #i broke early y'all XD #i'll finish the prompt sometime next week then <3 #i just need to write all part 3's left

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