#romantic songs for pre wedding shoot

[shaadidukaanseo]

Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your pre-wedding shoot? Explore a curated list of romantic Hindi songs that set the ideal mood, blending love, joy, and intimacy for your special moments.

[athanza]

Starlett - Part 1

Cooper Howard/fem!OC (not self-insert)

Tags: Hurt/comfort (sort of?), non-allowed romantic connection, lots of tention, pre and post war drama, some fluff

Warnings: Mentions of domestic abuse (no graphic scenes or descriptions of that nature), angst, canon wasteland violence

Summary: The Ghoul remembers a recruit of Moldaver, by the name of Irene Taylor, who he met before the war.

This branches out from canon but I thought it was a cute story idea so I had to write it. Enjoy! ♡

Part 2 | Part 3 | Final part

2296

Cooper's weather-beaten boots thudded on the dirt, the stones crackling beneath his heels.

The town was too quiet for there not to be a surprise waiting for him somewhere amongst the pre-war rubble so when a glimpse of movement caught his attention and he pulled his gun.

A kid, no older than 15 held up his hands in fear.

"Please don't shoot!"

Coopers sunken eyes narrowed. "Do yourself a favour and scram. If you try anything I will shoot you. Understand?"

The kid nodded frantically in agreement and Cooper gestured with his gun for the kid to get out of there.

As the boy ran off, a large, rolled up piece of paper fell out of his backpack and unfurled face-up in the dirt.

Cooper stepped over as he re-holstered his gun, and looked down at it out of curiosity. When he saw a familiar face on it he bent down to pick it up and held it out in front of him.

"Irene Taylor," It read. "Songbird of Hollywood Hills."

On the poster was a large photograph of a glamorous woman behind a microphone, and a look of a fond, yet faded, remembrance appeared on his scarred features.

2077

"This is a little public for a meeting isn't it?" Cooper asked as he and Lee Muldaver made their way to an empty table at a local jazz club called the Bird Cage.

"My contact is meeting us here. Don't worry about being recognised, this place is used to celebrities, they mind their own business."

They took a seat and settled in and Cooper turned his attention to the band, the singer had a lovely voice and it reminded him of the band that played at his wedding. He shook the memory from his mind.

"So where is this contact?" He asked.

Muldaver smiled a little. "You're listening to her."

He looked back at the singer.

Now that he thought about it, he did recognise her. He'd seen her face on posters for jazz clubs all over the city but never gave them much thought.

"Her husband is Frank Taylor, he's an executive for Vault Tec. She feeds us any information she can get. She's one of our best."

She had wonderful stage presence, captivating the audience with a rendition of "Them There Eyes" by Billie Holiday. Her champagne coloured dress sparkled in the stage lights, and she had every person in that room wrapped around her finger, and she knew it.

When she finished the song the room roared with applause and she stepped off the stage, politely thanking patrons as they came up to her on her way over.

Muldaver rose from her seat to meet her as she reached their table.

"Lee." Irene smiled fondly as she hugged her. "Thank you for coming."

"That was wonderful as always."

"Stop it you." Irene joked.

"May I introduce Mr. Cooper Howard?"

Irene looked at him and he held out his hand, having stood up with Muldaver.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Howard." She smiled as she took his hand.

"The pleasure is mine." He replied with a charming grin.

She sat down at their table and waved the waiter down for a round of drinks.

"How is everything going? Is Frank well?" Muldaver asked.

Cooper noticed Irene make a subtle, nervous glance at the bar before answering. "He's fine." She replied. "You said there was something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yes, our new recruit."

Muldaver looked at Cooper and Irene seemed surprised, unable to reply for a few seconds.

"I apologise for seeming so shocked, but with all of your promotions with Vault Tec, you're one of the last people I'd expect."

"Don't worry about it." He replied, reassuring her. "I understand. I'm not the first I'd expect either."

"Well, I guess this proves how convincing Lee can be." She smiled again, but there was something in that smile that seemed pained somehow.

Just then, a man came up behind them with a drink in his hand and put the other on Irene's shoulder and she jumped a little.

By her reaction Cooper thought it was another random patron come to say hello and invade her space, but he kissed her on the cheek and she looked up and smiled at him.

"Hello darling." She said.

"Hi Frank, how have you been?" Muldaver smiled.

"Oh, you know, more hours and no pay rise." He joked.

It was obvious he was tipsy and the discomfort on Irene's face as her husband sat down next to her made Cooper's eyes narrow a little.

"Darling, have you met Mr. Howard?"

"No I haven't had the pleasure." Frank replied, reaching over to shake his hand. "Nice to finally meet you Mr. Howard, your advert for vault 4 was terrific, exactly what we were looking for. I was sad to hear about your resignation."

Cooper shifted in his seat and chuckled uncomfortably, trying to retain his professionalism. "Ah, well, I'm not getting any younger." He joked.

Frank laughed, a little louder than was necessary. "Aren't we all! Say, is it true that it was your real dog in A Man and His Dog?".

Cooper took a sip of his drink that had just arrived. "Yes, Roosevelt, he's a beloved member of our little family."

"Well isn't that just the cutest darn thing." He smiled.

Irene was shrinking. Frank's presence was drowning the one that was only just captivating an entire audience. Then he noticed it and his chest pulsed with distain.

"Mr. Taylor, would you mind if I stole your wife for a dance?"

Irene looked slightly worried and stuttered her reply. "U-um, I don't..." She looked at Frank, almost for permission.

He hesitated but wanted to save face in front of everyone. "Of course." He smiled.

She stood up and walked over to take Cooper's extended hand.

He lead her to the dance floor. The band was playing an instrumental of "Good Morning Heartache" and he placed a hand on her waist.

"Not too close." She said. She realised her fear had slipped out and very quickly composed herself. "Don't want Frank to get jealous." She chuckled, disguising her reaction with a joking tone.

He stayed a modest distance from her as they began swaying to the music.

"He's playing it down but Frank is a big fan of yours. He's seen almost all of your movies, even dressed as your role in The Man From Calabasas for Halloween a few years back."

"You know," he said. "There's a funny story from that set. In the scene where I had to lasso that steer, the first take it somehow managed to pull me clean off my horse. I had a terrible black eye for two weeks after that, but the makeup team covered it up so well that no one could tell. In other words, I know a cover job when I see one."

She nervously glanced at her shoulder, briefly enough that hopefully Frank wouldn't notice if he was watching her.

"I know we just met, and it's none of my business, but Lee told me you married him for the mission. If he's hurting you, you need to tell her."

"She knows." Irene replied.

"She knows? And she hasn't pulled you out?"

"I asked her not to."

"Why?"

"Because this cause means a lot to me, and whatever I'm going through is for the greater good. I'm the only one with my foot in the door this high up, at least before you showed up."

He was getting angry now, not at anyone in particular, but at the unnecessary situation.

"Forgive me, but that's about the biggest pile of bullshit I've ever heard. You don't need to be in this any more than I do."

She scoffed dismissively. "You don't understand Mr. Howard, this is my purpose, stopping Vault Tec in any way that I can, even if it's one password or document at a time."

Part 2

[raindropsofloev]

yeh jo insta par ultra realistic couple reels banate hai with romantic song in the bg ek dusre ko phool dete hue haath pakad kar chalte hue and all inka aadhe se zyada time toh reel shoot krne mein aur edit karne mein jata hoga toh vo asli mein kuch romantic hota bhi hai ya sirf views ke liye aur hamari jalaane ke liye?? kyunki jo asli mein romantic hote hai vo toh ese perfectly shoot karke social media par nahi daalte honge unki moments record karne ki habbit bhi ekdam raw and bas apne paas rakhne ke liye hogi

toh conclusion yeh hai ki inhe dekh kar apni expectations faltu mein high mat karo irl aisa kuch nahi hota ki tum chal rhe ho kiss kar rhe ho and tumhari koi filmy si video ban rhi hai with song in the bg pre wedding shoot toh hai nahi just live the moment bitch and gaane apne mann mein bajalo

[morningstargirl666]

20 Questions For Fic Writers

thank you @garglyswoof and @stars-and-darkness for tagging me!

How many works do you have on ao3?

12, though 2 of those are moodboards so don't really count.

2. What's your total ao3 word count?

553,036. Huh. Lower than I expected. No doubt that will shoot up when the tbbw rewrite is done [fake laughter, hiding real pain]

3. What fandoms do you write for?

TVD, TO a.k.a Klaroline

4. Top five fics by kudos:

The Big Bad Wolf, Into Eternity, The Little Wolf, The Red Wedding and Falling For You.

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yes! I try to respond to every one as I love talking with readers. I figure if someone spends time to write a comment, I'll return the favour and reply. In fact when I'm updating fics regularly, if my reply to your comment turns up in your inbox it's often a pre-warning that a new chapter is about to drop, as I read over comments I've missed before updating.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Does Damon murder count? [I don't really do angsty endings, I need my happily ever after]

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Probably Into Eternity. It's really sappy and makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. What can I say - I'm a romantic at heart.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Yes, kinda. Is it hate if it's just wild interpretations of the characters or plot? Some people leave comments that just make you blink repeatedly and think...are they reading the same fic I'm writing? I remember one time someone left a comment calling Caroline a pushover (honestly had some kind of vendetta against her showing ANY kind of emotion like okaaaaay mate) even though in that very same chapter...she literally kicked Klaus is the balls. Man, that was a weird day.

9. Do you write smut?

No. Not yet. In the future? There may or may not be scenes planned. 😏 I'm picky with smut, I need feelings and the eMoTiOnS, I need to be INVESTED. Porn with plot, rather than just smut for smut's sake.

10. Craziest crossover:

Haven't written a crossover - unless intending to drop Dracula into tbbw at some point coints. There's some great ones in the fandom though, just not really my thing.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of [narrows eyes]

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No! But I'd be flattered if one ever was, as long as its translated on ao3 and given credit to me.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, I haven't. I might be open to it though, if it was a round-robin kind of thing where the writers take in turns to write the scenes.

14. All time favorite ship?

KLAROLINE!!! NOW LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!!

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I really want to finish Divided We Fall, Falling For You and Songs of the Sea. I wouldn't say I doubt I'll ever finish them, just that I doubt I'll finish them while I'm still writing the tbbw series. Too much of the klaroline brain rot is invested in that fic alone.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I've been told it's shifting between moods? So I can give readers whiplash in the emotions department - one minute you're crying, the next you're laughing. I like to think my strength is dialogue though. Even the way I write is focused around it.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Historical accuracy. I'll fall down a rabbit hole researching stuff like any writer, but the researching is more out of obligation and crippling writer guilt rather than actual enjoyment. Which is why I often take creative licence and go fuck it, history has its own au now bitches (sorry ella).

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

If its little words here and there - even a sentence or two - yes. Full conversations though unless you're fluent yourself are not fun to sift through.

19. First fandom you wrote in?

Star Wars? I want to say Star Wars. Idk those fanfics are over on my ffnet account which I will not be going back to anytime soon. I dare not go where the light doesn't touch, Mufasa speaks wisely.

20. Favorite fic you've written?

It used to be The Red Wedding but I actually love The Little Wolf more now. That one's a true labour of love, fueled on rage and spite, curtesy of Julie Plec.

I will tag @galvanizedfriend @kirythestitchwitch @marxandangels @bellemorte180 @impossiblekryptonitecolor @the-road-betwixt @purplesigebert @that-sarcastic-optimist

[sets-in-the-city]

Best Place for Pre-wedding Shoot

Best Place for Pre-wedding Shoot: Capturing Moments of Love

Are you ready to embark on the journey of eternal love and commitment? Pre-wedding photoshoots have become an essential part of modern wedding preparations, allowing couples to capture their love story in stunning visuals before their big day. Selecting the perfect location for a pre-wedding shoot is crucial to ensure that the essence of the couple's bond is beautifully portrayed. In this article, we'll explore some of the best places for pre-wedding shoots that create a romantic backdrop and make memories truly magical.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Significance of Pre-Wedding Shoots

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location

Enchanting Beach Destinations

Romantic Countryside Retreats

Urban Chic: Cityscape Marvels

Whimsical Gardens and Parks

Historical Architectural Marvels

Secluded Mountain Getaways

Capturing Culture: Heritage Sites

Unconventional Choices: Amusement Parks

The Magic of Seasonal Backdrops

Setting the Tone with Outfits and Themes

Professional Photography: Making Moments Count

Adding Personal Touches: DIY Props

Conclusion: A Captured Fairytale

Introduction: The Significance of Pre-Wedding Shoots

Before the hustle and bustle of the wedding day takes over, a pre-wedding shoot offers couples a chance to express their love story uniquely. These photos aren't just pictures; they're the encapsulation of emotions and memories that can be cherished forever.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location

Selecting the right location for your pre-wedding shoot requires careful consideration. Factors like personal preferences, themes, and the couple's chemistry play a vital role. Think about whether you want a natural landscape, an urban setting, or a mix of both.

Enchanting Beach Destinations

Nothing whispers romance more than the sound of waves and the touch of sand beneath your feet. Beach destinations create an ethereal backdrop with the sun setting on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Romantic Countryside Retreats

Fields of wildflowers, charming farmhouses, and rolling hills present an idyllic setting for capturing love in its purest form. The tranquility of the countryside adds a touch of rustic elegance to your photos.

Urban Chic: Cityscape Marvels

For couples who are city dwellers at heart, urban backdrops with towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant city lights provide a contemporary charm that's hard to resist.

Whimsical Gardens and Parks

Lush gardens and serene parks offer a blend of natural beauty and human-made artistry. Imagine capturing a stolen moment under a canopy of blooming flowers or beside a serene lake.

Historical Architectural Marvels

Infuse your pre-wedding shoot with a sense of grandeur by choosing historical sites, castles, or palaces. These majestic structures add a touch of regal elegance to your photos.

Secluded Mountain Getaways

If you're nature enthusiasts, consider heading to the mountains. The misty landscapes, pine forests, and panoramic views create a dreamy ambiance that's perfect for romantic photos.

Capturing Culture: Heritage Sites

Explore your cultural roots by choosing heritage sites. These locations not only offer a rich historical backdrop but also let you celebrate your heritage and traditions.

Unconventional Choices: Amusement Parks

For couples with a playful spirit, amusement parks provide a unique setting. The vibrant colors, exciting rides, and joyous atmosphere can bring out your inner child and create lively photos.

The Magic of Seasonal Backdrops

Embrace the beauty of changing seasons. Whether it's the bloom of spring, the warmth of summer, the colors of autumn, or the snowy charm of winter, each season offers its own unique charm.

Setting the Tone with Outfits and Themes

Your outfits and chosen themes can enhance the overall appeal of your pre-wedding photos. Whether it's vintage elegance, bohemian vibes, or formal sophistication, your attire sets the tone.

Professional Photography: Making Moments Count

Investing in professional photography ensures that your emotions and chemistry are captured artistically. Skilled photographers know how to play with lighting, angles, and settings to bring out the best in you.

Adding Personal Touches: DIY Props

Incorporate personalized props that tell your unique love story. From signboards with your special dates to items that represent shared interests, these touches add depth to your photos.

Conclusion: A Captured Fairytale

A pre-wedding shoot isn't just about photographs; it's about the journey you're embarking on as a couple. The locations you choose become a part of your story, adding charm and magic to your memories.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long before the wedding should we plan the pre-wedding shoot?

Ideally, plan your pre-wedding shoot a few months before the wedding to ensure ample time for editing and selecting the best photos for your album.

What should we wear for the pre-wedding shoot?

Choose outfits that reflect your personalities and the chosen theme. Coordinating colors and styles can create visually pleasing results.

Can we choose a location that holds personal significance?

Absolutely! Choosing a location that holds sentimental value can make your photos even more meaningful.

How can we overcome camera shyness during the shoot?

Remember that your photographer is there to guide you. Focus on each other and the love you share; the camera will capture the authenticity of your emotions.

What's the importance of a pre-wedding shoot in modern weddings?

A pre-wedding shoot allows you to celebrate your love story uniquely and provides a beautiful set of photos that complement the formal wedding album. https://setsinthecity.in/blog/choosing-the-best-place-for-pre-wedding-shootgf

[epicfx]

Indian Wedding Videographer: Crafting Stunning Cinematic Memories with Excellence

Indian weddings are a blend of vibrant traditions, heartfelt emotions, and elaborate ceremonies. Capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments requires an expert Indian wedding videographer who can craft cinematic masterpieces. Whether it’s the colorful rituals, joyful dances, or candid moments shared between loved ones, a skilled videographer turns these memories into timeless films.

Why Choose an Indian Wedding Videographer?

Indian weddings are not just events; they are emotional journeys. A videographer specializing in Indian weddings understands the depth of cultural significance behind each ceremony. From pre wedding photoshoot festivities like mehndi and sangeet to the grand wedding day and post-wedding rituals, every moment deserves to be preserved in vivid detail.

Key reasons to hire an Indian wedding videographer:

Expertise in capturing cultural traditions.

Understanding of intricate ceremonies like Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim wedding.

Ability to create cinematic wedding films that evoke emotion and nostalgia.

Cinematic Masterpieces for Every Moment

The art of Asian wedding videography and Indian wedding cinematography lies in creating visually stunning films that reflect the couple's love story. It’s not just about recording; it’s about weaving moments together with music, editing, and storytelling.

Elements of cinematic Indian wedding videography:

Drone Shots: To capture the grandeur of hindu wedding venue.

Slow-Motion Clips: For emotional moments like the bride’s entry or the vidaai.

Interviews: Short clips of family and friends sharing heartfelt wishes.

Highlight Reels: A compact version of the entire Indian wedding photographers, perfect for sharing.

Key Services Offered by Indian Wedding Videographers

Pre-Wedding Shoots: Capture romantic moments before the big day. Popular locations include scenic parks or cultural landmarks.

Wedding Ceremony Coverage: From vibrant baraats to intimate pheras, every ritual is filmed with precision.

Reception Videos: Documenting speeches, performances, and joyful dances.

Candid Moments: Capturing laughter, tears, and spontaneous expressions.

Destination Weddings: Specialized services for exotic locations.

How to Personalize Your Wedding Video?

Every couple has a unique story. Personalizing your wedding video ensures it reflects your style and preferences.

Tips to personalize your wedding videography:

Incorporate Your Love Story: Include snippets of how you met or meaningful anecdotes.

Choose Your Music: Select songs that resonate with your journey together.

Highlight Cultural Traditions: Showcase rituals and traditions significant to your family.

Include Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Add fun moments from the preparation stages.

Cost of Indian Wedding Videography

The cost of videography packages  varies based on the services offered, the duration of the event, and the expertise of the videographer.

What influences pricing?

Number of events covered (pre-wedding photography services, wedding day, reception).

Use of advanced equipment like drones and 4K cameras.

Length and complexity of the final edited video.

For premium services, expect packages to start from £2,000 and go up depending on customization.

Finding the Right Indian Wedding Videographer

Selecting the perfect videographer ensures your memories are captured authentically.

Checklist to choose the best videographer:

Portfolio Review: Look for consistency and creativity in their previous work.

Cultural Knowledge: Ensure they understand the significance of Indian wedding traditions.

Reviews and References: Read testimonials and ask for recommendations.

Customization Options: Discuss how they can tailor the services to your needs.

Technical Skills: Check their experience with cinematic editing and storytelling.

Capturing Vibrant Rituals and Emotional Moments

Indian weddings are a spectacle of love and tradition. From the groom’s lively baraat to the bride’s emotional vidaai, each moment tells a story. A professional videographer captures not only the visuals but also the emotions behind them.

Ceremonies to focus on:

Mehndi and Sangeet: Vibrant dances and intricate henna designs.

Wedding Day: Rituals like the saat pheras, mangal sutra tying, or Anand Karaj.

Reception: Celebratory moments with family and friends.

Top Trends in Indian Wedding Videography

The world of wedding videography is ever-evolving. Here are some current trends:

Cinematic Trailers: Short, wedding film-style previews of the wedding highlights.

Live Streaming: For loved ones who can’t attend in person.

Creative Edits: Using effects like time-lapse or transitions for a modern feel.

Multi-Camera Shoots: Capturing every angle of the event.

Social Media Clips: Short videos tailored for platforms like Instagram.

Conclusion: Preserve Your Special Day in Style

Your wedding day is one of the most cherished moments of your life. Entrust an experienced Indian wedding videographer to capture it in all its splendor. From vibrant traditions to intimate emotions, a cinematic wedding video ensures your memories last a lifetime.

FAQ: Ensuring the Best Experience with Indian Wedding Videography

How to ensure a smooth collaboration with an Indian wedding videographer?

To achieve a seamless collaboration, start by communicating your vision clearly. Share your expectations, cultural traditions, and must-have shots. Discuss the event timeline in detail and allow the wedding videographer to plan accordingly. Schedule pre wedding shoot meetings to align on creative styles, and review their portfolio to ensure their expertise matches your requirements. Always sign a detailed contract outlining services, costs, and deliverables.

How can you find an Indian photographer for a wedding in London?

Finding the right photographer involves research and referrals. Start by searching online for photographers specializing in Indian weddings, focusing on those based in London. Check reviews and testimonials to gauge their experience with cultural ceremonies. Attend wedding photos fairs or ask for recommendations from friends or family who have planned similar weddings. Ensure they have a portfolio showcasing Indian wedding traditions to ensure familiarity with your cultural needs.

Do you have lots of wedding videography questions for your Indian wedding?

Yes, it's natural to have many questions about wedding videography service. Typical questions include:

What style of videography do you specialize in (candid, traditional, cinematic)?

Do you offer packages that include pre-wedding events like sangeet and mehndi?

How do you ensure the coverage of all important rituals?

Can we customize the music and storytelling in the final video?

What is your turnaround time for the completed video? Open communication is key to addressing any concerns and achieving the desired results.

What are the important aspects of storytelling in Indian wedding videography?

Storytelling in Indian wedding videography captures the emotions, traditions, and unique journey of the couple. Key aspects include:

Cultural Significance: Highlight rituals like pheras, baraat, or the bride’s entry.

Personalization: Include anecdotes or interviews to make the video unique.

Candid Moments: Capture unscripted emotions like laughter, tears, and shared glances.

Cinematic Techniques: Use music, transitions, and lighting to create a film-like feel.

Narrative Flow: Ensure the video unfolds like a story, from pre-wedding album to post-ceremony celebrations.

What is the difference between Indian wedding videography and other wedding videography?

Indian wedding videography differs significantly due to the cultural depth and elaborate rituals involved. Unlike standard Western weddings, Indian ceremonies span multiple days with events like mehndi, sangeet, and the wedding day itself. Videographers must capture intricate details, vibrant colors, and a variety of traditions unique to Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim weddings. Additionally, Indian wedding videos often emphasize storytelling, cinematic effects, and music reflective of the couple's cultural heritage.

[sceneloc8official]

Explore Stunning Filming Locations of Brahmastra — A Guide for Content Creators

Exploring the filming locations of the Hindi movie Brahmastra offers a unique glimpse into the breathtaking backdrops that enhance its narrative. This high-budget fantasy action-adventure film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, showcases a blend of Indian and international settings that can inspire content creators such as vloggers, photographers, and influencers to explore these picturesque locations for their projects.

Overview of Filming Locations

Brahmastra was shot in six stunning locations, four of which are international sites and two in India. These locations not only serve as a visual treat but also provide diverse environments for various content creation activities. Here’s a breakdown of each location, accessibility details and content creator ideas.

1. Varanasi, India

Scenes Shot: A significant part of Brahmastra is set in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities. The song “Kesariya” highlights the colorful life along the Ganges River and masterfully captures the renowned ghats and tiny alleyways.

Accessibility: Road, rail, and aviation connections to Varanasi are excellent. Filming in public spaces usually does not require special authorization, but verifying local laws is always a good idea.

Content Creator Ideas:

Pre-Wedding Shoot: The romantic backdrop of the ghats offers a serene setting.

Photography Shoot: Capture the essence of spirituality and culture.

Vlogging: Document experiences along the ghats and temples.

2. Manali, India

Scenes Filmed: The lush landscapes of Manali feature prominently, showcasing its snow-capped mountains and verdant forests.

Accessibility: Manali is accessible via road and has an airport nearby (Kullu). Filming permits may be required for specific locations.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Ideal for nature photography amidst stunning mountain views.

Dance Shoot: The scenic vistas provide a perfect backdrop for dance videos.

3. New York, USA

Scenes Filmed: Iconic landmarks like Central Park and Times Square were utilized to depict urban life in Brahmastra.

Accessibility: New York City is easily accessible via multiple international airports. Filming permits are necessary for commercial shoots in public spaces.

Content Creator Ideas:

Vlogging: Explore the city’s vibrant culture and attractions.

Music Videos: Use urban landscapes as dynamic backdrops.

4. London, England

Scenes Filmed: Landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye are featured prominently in the film.

Accessibility: London is well-connected by air and rail. Filming permits are needed for public locations.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Capture iconic British architecture.

Film Shooting: Utilize historical sites for narrative-driven projects.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scenes Filmed: Edinburgh’s enchanting architecture and natural beauty provide a stunning backdrop for several scenes.

Accessibility: Edinburgh is accessible via air travel and has good public transport. Permits may be required for filming at certain sites.

Content Creator Ideas:

Voxpop Places: Engage with locals about their culture.

Dance Shoot: Use historic sites as a backdrop for creative dance videos.

6. Bulgaria

Scenes Filmed: The majestic mountains of Bulgaria serve as a dramatic backdrop for key sequences in Brahmastra.

Accessibility: Bulgaria is accessible via Sofia Airport. Filming permits may be needed depending on the location.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Capture the stunning landscapes.

Vlogging/Film Shooting: Document adventures through Bulgaria’s rich history and natural beauty.

Songs and Their Locations

The film features several songs that enhance its storytelling:

“Kesariya” (Varanasi): Shot along the ghats, showcasing traditional Indian culture.

Each song’s location contributes significantly to its visual appeal, making them ideal spots for content creators looking to capture similar aesthetics.

Conclusion

The filming locations of Brahmastra not only enhance its cinematic experience but serve as inspiring destinations for content creators. By exploring these sites, vloggers, photographers, and influencers can craft engaging narratives that resonate with their audiences while leveraging the visual splendor captured in this film.

Bollywood, Brahmastra, Content Creation, contentcreation, ExploreIndia, film shooting, film shooting location, FilmingLocations, FilmTourism, Location for photoshoot, music videos, photo shoot location, Photography, photography location, Scene Locate, SceneLoc8, travel, vloggers, Vlogging

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[lmfilms]

Top Music Video & Wedding Photography in Italy | LM Films

LM Films: Your Go-To for Professional Music Video Production and Wedding Photography in Italy

When it comes to capturing life’s most memorable moments, LM Films stands out as a leading choice in Italy. From crafting stunning music videos that resonate with audiences to creating breathtaking wedding photographs that tell a love story, LM Films has established itself as both a Professional Music Video Production Company in Italy and one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Italy.

The Art of Music Video Production

In the realm of music, visual storytelling is crucial for connecting with audiences. A well-crafted music video can amplify the emotion of a song and elevate an artist’s message. At LM Films, we understand the power of visual artistry and its impact on music. As a Professional Music Video Production Company in Italy, we collaborate closely with musicians, artists, and bands to bring their vision to life.

Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From pre-production planning, storyboarding, and location scouting to filming, editing, and post-production, we manage the entire process with precision and creativity. With a team of seasoned directors, cinematographers, and editors, we focus on producing high-quality music videos that reflect an artist's unique style and resonate with their target audience. Whether you are an up-and-coming artist looking to make your mark or an established musician seeking to enhance your visual brand, LM Films provides the expertise needed to make your music video a standout.

Wedding Photography: Capturing Timeless Moments

Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life, and capturing its essence requires a special touch. At LM Films, we don’t just take photos; we create visual narratives that immortalize every beautiful moment. Renowned as one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Italy, we combine creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of romance to deliver photographs that are as unique as your love story.

Our approach to wedding photography is both cinematic and documentary. We focus on capturing candid moments, the subtle emotions, and the spontaneous joy that define a wedding day. From the first look to the last dance, every moment is documented with care. The end result is a collection of photographs that will not only remind you of your special day but will also transport you back to those moments every time you look at them.

Why Choose LM Films?

Experienced Team: With years of experience in both music video production and wedding photography, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every project. We are adept at navigating the unique challenges of each shoot, whether it's capturing the intensity of a live music performance or the delicate emotions of a wedding ceremony.

Personalized Approach: We believe that every client has a unique story to tell. That’s why we take a personalized approach to each project, ensuring that your vision is at the forefront of everything we do. From our initial consultation to the final delivery, we collaborate closely with you to ensure your expectations are not only met but exceeded.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: At LM Films, we use only the latest, high-end equipment to ensure the highest quality output. From high-definition cameras to professional-grade editing software, we utilize the best tools available to create a final product that is nothing short of exceptional.

Passion for Storytelling: What sets LM Films apart is our passion for storytelling. Whether it’s the powerful narrative of a music video or the unfolding love story in a wedding album, we are committed to capturing stories that are authentic, emotional, and memorable.

Locations and Venues

Italy is known for its breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance, making it a perfect backdrop for both music videos and weddings. As a Professional Music Video Production Company in Italy, we have experience shooting in some of the most iconic locations, from the bustling streets of Rome to the tranquil hills of Tuscany. Similarly, as one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Italy, we know how to utilize Italy’s picturesque settings to create timeless wedding photographs. Whether you envision a rustic countryside wedding or a sophisticated urban celebration, our team will scout the perfect location to match your vision.

Your Vision, Our Expertise

At LM Films, we are dedicated to turning your vision into reality. As both a Professional Music Video Production Company in Italy and one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Italy, we bring unmatched expertise and a passion for creative storytelling to every project. Let us help you create a masterpiece that you’ll cherish forever.

If you're looking for a team that is not only technically proficient but also deeply passionate about what they do, LM Films is your perfect choice. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can make your vision come to life.

Conclusion

In a world where visual storytelling is more important than ever, choosing the right team to bring your project to life is crucial. LM Films is proud to be a leading Professional Music Video Production Company in Italy and one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Italy. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and client satisfaction is what sets us apart. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and make your special moments truly unforgettable.

[sceneloc8]

Top Studios Location For Shooting in Mumbai

There are a lot of creative people in Mumbai, especially when it comes to finding the right studio for your location shoots. SceneLoc8 has put together a list of the best studios for Location Shoot in Mumbai that will help you make your creative vision come to life. These studios are great places to let your creativity run wild and get stunning pictures, whether you’re planning a pre-wedding shoot, a photography session, a music video, or a vlog.

Making Content That Is Different:

The best studios in Mumbai are great places to make a lot of different kinds of content, such as:

Pre-Wedding Shoots: Turn the studio into a romantic place to capture timeless moments and give couples memories they will never forget.

Photography: Play around with different themes, styles, and ideas by using the studio’s lighting equipment and setups that can be changed to make stunning professional-quality photos.

Music Videos: Make the stage for your music video production by leaving plenty of room for actors, props, and creative visuals. This will let you bring your songs to life with a cinematic feel.

Video blogs: You can easily make interesting video blogs and content in a studio setting, where you can show behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, interviews, and lifestyle content.

Film Shooting: The studio has soundproofing, green screens, and production facilities that can be used to shoot scenes for movies, short films, web series, and commercials. You can get professional results in a controlled setting.

Important Things for People Who Make Content:

When picking a studio for your on-location shoot, think about these things:

Facilities: Look at the studio’s lighting gear, backdrops, props, and technical support to make sure they meet your needs for the production.

Accessibility: Pick a studio that is in an easy-to-reach area so that crew, equipment, and talent can get there without any problems. This will make planning your shoot go more smoothly.

Customization: Choose a studio with flexible layouts and features that can be changed so you can make the space fit your creative vision and the needs of your project.

Budget: Look at the studio’s rental prices and any extra fees to make sure they fit within your budget. This way, you can get the most for your money without sacrificing quality.

Why Choose Studio Locations for Content Creation:

Studio locations have a number of benefits for people who make content, including:

Controlled Environment: Studios offer a controlled environment, free from outside distractions and weather that can change quickly, which makes production focused and effective.

Versatility: Studios are great places to be creative because they can be changed to fit different themes, moods, and ideas. This opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Professional Quality: Studios have state-of-the-art facilities and tools, so the results are professional and meet the highest standards of presentation and production.

Unlock the potential of Mumbai’s top studios for your next location shoot with SceneLoc8. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, musician, or content creator, these studios offer the perfect setting to bring your creative vision to life. Explore, create, and capture unforgettable moments in the heart of India’s entertainment capital.

#StudiosInMumbai #LocationShoot #ContentCreation #SceneLoc8 #PreWeddingShoot #MusicVideos

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@SceneLoc8 India

@SceneLoc8 Mumbai

https://sceneloc8.com/top-studios-location-shoot-in-mumbai/

[daramsphotography]

5 Creative Ideas for Your Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Essex

The pre-wedding photoshoots include pictures of how you and your spouse look before the wedding occurs. Think out of the box now.

Ditch the bored poses and cheesy backdrops. These 5 ideas help your Pre-Wedding Photography Essex tell a unique love story with artistic flair:

1. Vintage Theme at Historical Landmarks

Essex has no shortage of heritage buildings and rustic architecture. Pose among ivy-lined walls, brick archways or medieval towers found at:

Colchester Castle

Coggeshall Abbey

Hadleigh Castle

Paycocke’s House & Garden

Beth Chatto Gardens

Wear heirloom outfits, carry flowers in wicker baskets and style hair in vintage curls. Sepia tone edits complete the timeless romantic vibe.

2. Nature Walk Along Coastal Trails

Essex's protected natural reserves, like Wallasea Island or Fingringhoe Wick, offer miles of hand-in-hand coastal strolling opportunities amid breathtaking backdrops.

Other trail ideas include:

Tree tunnel path through Lower Raydon Nature Reserve

Seaside views along the Essex Way in Manningtree

Salt marshy terrain behind Tollesbury Fleet Nature Reserve

Capture candid moments of togetherness against the area’s rustic raw beauty.

3. Pop Culture Inspired Shoot

Infuse personality into your pre-wed portraits by recreating famous romantic scenes from iconic movies, songs, or posters with costume styling.

Iconic Pre-Wedding Photography Essex ideas include:

Run through yellow mustard fields ala Coldplay’s “Yellow”

Hold up the boombox playing your song outside your love’s window

Dramatic kiss in the rain wearing The Notebook’s blue dress

Bathtub guitar singalong homage to Pretty Woman lyrics

4. Embedded in Street Art Around Town

Colchester and nearby boroughs flaunt colorful street art murals by local taggers. Pose embracing with images of wings, fierce leopards or beautiful lotuses brushing your skin.

Backdrops to scout location scouting for cool collaborative shots include:

Rainbow tunnel down Queen Street

Dragon silhouette against the Red Lion Pub wall

Vibrant botanical bloom off Short Wyre Street

This urban edge amplifies artistic flair.

5. Romantic Picnic Setting Among Lavender Fields

Few backdrops evoke rustic romance like bountiful purple lavender beds. Essex farms like Wilkin & Sons or East Bergholt Place make fabulous floral picnic spots for couples.

Pack gourmet finger foods, fine wine, and an oversized blanket to cozy up on. Sunset golden hour casts a dreamy glow over tender moments.

Pre-Wedding Shoot Planning Tips

Prepping an artistic Pre-Wedding Photography Essex as unique as your love requires some strategy:

Scout locations in advance securing permits as needed

Discuss creative concepts with your photographer to align the vision

Schedule shoots during sunrise/sunset for optimal lighting

Craft styling inspiration boards on Pinterest before the shoot

Have a rain backup plan just in case!

Let’s Create Some Magic!

Infuse your pre-wedding portraits with playful originality by scoping the incredible backdrops Essex offers. With the right photographer guiding your creative direction, you’ll craft next-level art showcasing true love.

Ready to get started? The DARAMS Photography team offers full-service Indian wedding photoshoots plus designing completely custom shoots to match your personality.

Contact us today to make some magic together!

[papermoonloveslucy]

ROUGH ROAD TO TOP

August 16, 1953

(1)

One of the more famous CBS-TV shows is “I Love Lucy.” 

Its two chief characters - Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz - have had a rocky road to their present status as one of the top comedy teams in the country. 

At the end of Lucille's first year in dramatic school she was told by her teachers that she was wasting her time and money, that she would never become an actress. She was fired from all four of her first jobs as a chorus girl. Later, as a model, she almost lost her life in an automobile accident and was told she would never walk again. 

Revolution Factor 

It was a revolution in Cuba and a mishap in World War II which were fateful turns in Arnaz’ trip to stardom. The Cuban revolution destroyed his family’s wealth, drove them to the United States. World War II got him a broken kneecap in basic training, and since he had been a professional entertainer, he was placed in limited service and assigned to entertain hospitalized G.I.s'. 

Columbia Pictures gave Lucille a contract as a stock player, and, convinced that her luck finally had turned, she sent for mother, grandfather, and sister to join her in California. But, the morning after she wired her family, the studio decided to dissolve its stock company. When the family arrived, Lucille was working as an extra at Paramount.

Bit parts and extra roles in a number of pictures kept Lucille busy, but not prosperous, until she was cast in ’"Roberta.” RKO officials, impressed by her work, gave her a contract. When not busy before the cameras, she was a mainstay of the studio's Little Theater. (2)

Offered Stage Lead 

Her performance in the second lead in “The Girl from Paris" (3) drew Broadway's attention to Miss Ball and she was offered a lead in the musical "Hey Diddle Diddle.” After satisfying her yen to perform on the Great White Way (4), she returned to Hollywood for "Stage Door” and “Too Many Girls.” In the latter picture, she was costarred with Desi Arnaz. They were married Nov. 30 1940 in Greenwich, Conn.

Back from her honeymoon, Lucille walked into her first really big break a role in "The Big Street,” based on a story by Damon Runyon (5). Overnight it made her a star. 

Her first assignment at M.G.M. in 1942 was the title role in the Technicolor production "Du Barry Was a Lady” (6). Stellar roles followed in "Best Foot Forward” and "Meet the People" (7). After completing "Easy to Wed” with Van Johnson (8), she headed for New York to be with her husband, then out of the army and on his way to success in the orchestra business. 

Starred on Tour

Shortly after completing "Her Husband’s Affairs,” (9) Miss Ball went on tour as star of Elmer Rice's play "Dream Girl” (10) then worked with Sonny Tufts and Victor Mature in "Interference” for R.K.O. (11)

Lucille, Desi, arid their year-old daughter Lucy Desiree, live at Desilu, their five-acre ranch at Chatsworth, Calif. They raise cattle, chickens, dogs, and cats and dabble in farming. Enthusiastic fishermen they spend a lot of time on their boat.

Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha was born in Santiago, Cuba, son of the mayor. Desi’s mother, Dolores de Acha, was considered among the 10 most beautiful women In Latin America. 

Three ranches totaling 100,000 acres, a palatial home in the city, a private island in Santiago Bay, speedboats, a fleet of motor cars, and a racing stable were all at the command of the youthful Desi during the pre-revolutionary days. His father, after eight years as mayor of Santiago, was made a member of the Cuban congress In 1932. 

On Aug. 12, 1933, came the revolution. Congress was dissolved. Its members jailed. The Arnaz property was confiscated, the homes burned to the ground. In 24 hours everything was gone except $500 Desi's mother had hidden. Desi and mother fled to Miami, devoted the next six months to efforts to free Papa Arnaz.  from prison. They were finally reunited in Florida.

For Desi, life in these United States for several years was hard but interesting: he worked at truck driving, train yard checking, taxi driving, bookkeeping, and, of all things, bird cage cleaning. Desi’s father managed to launch an importing business. It went broke when a shipment of fruit spoiled in transit.

Show business at this point finally caught up with Desi. His first job was playing guitar and singing with a seven-piece rhumba band at Miami’s Roney-Plaza Hotel (12). Xavier Cugat (13) spotted him, was impressed with this Cuban boy who was to be dubbed "The Tempo” by critics of modem music. After a year as featured vocalist with the Cugat band, Desi organized his own group of musicians and moved into the swank La Conga Café in Miami (14). 

George Abbott's Broadway hit "Too Many Girls” (15) was Desi’s next step up the ladder, in 1939. He played a Cuban football player, one of the leads, and played tropical drums. RKO bought the film rights and signed Desi to play his stage role. When the shooting was over Desi married the leading lady, Lucille Ball.

He spent from Feb. 1943 to Nov. 1945 in the Army, after which he toured the nation with his band playing theaters, dances, night clubs. He hasn’t been without a band since. In 1948, Desi made the Columbia film "Holiday in Havana.” (16)

He made a vaudeville tour with Lucille Ball and that convinced them they’d do well as a husband-and-wife team on television. The tour inspired the CBS-TV show “I Love Lucy,” which has been highly rated since it started. (17)

Desi Arnaz’s personality is as vibrant as the music he makes. He is friendly, direct in manner, has flashing dark brown eyes and brown hair. He’s an avid fisherman, rides and swims expertly: his tennis is the envy of his San Fernando Valley neighbors, Sue and Alan Ladd, Francis Lederer, Jackie Oakie, and the Andrews Sisters. (18) A good cook, he specializes in such tempting dishes as Ginger Beef and Bouillabaisse.

#    #    #

FOOTNOTES FROM THE FUTURE

(1) The photo is from “Be a Pal” (ILL S1;E2) aired on October 22, 1951, nearly two years earlier.  There’s one thing missing from this file photo: Vivian Vance. The success of the show was its foursome, not threesome! If you look closely you can see the hands of the other poker players, Richard Reeves (Hank, left) and Tony Michaels (Charlie, right).

(2) Lucille did several plays at the RKO Little Theatre under the direction of Lela Rogers (above), Ginger’s mom.  When Lucille later bought RKO, she dubbed it the Desilu Playhouse, a training ground for new young performers, often hand selected by Ball herself. 

(3) “That Girl from Paris” (not “The” as the article states) was Lucille’s 33rd film. The light-hearted musical romance earned an Oscar nomination for Sound Recording. It was released on the first day of 1937. 

(4) Lucille was indeed cast in the Broadway-bound comedy (it was not a musical, however) “Hey Diddle Diddle!” It opened in Princeton, New Jersey, the first of several out-of-town stops on the way to Broadway.  What Lucille’s publicity omits is that the show never got further than Washington DC due to the serious illness of its leading man, Conway Tearle. So Lucy’s Broadway debut would have to wait - until 1960!

(5) “The Big Street” opened on September 4, 1942. It was based on a Damon Runyan short story about a night club singer (Lucille) embittered by an accident that left her in a wheelchair and her romance with a naïve admirer (Henry Fonda) named Pinks. Lucy later said it was her favorite of the many films she made.  It was her 55th film. 

(6) “Du Barry Was A Lady” premiered in August 1943. It was Lucille’s  57th film, but her first for MGM.  She nabbed the role from her friend Ethel Merman, who had done the Cole Porter musical comedy on Broadway.  It was filmed in color, and was the film that earned her the nickname “Technicolor Tessie” because of her bright orange hair - a color she committed to from then on, despite her roots!  This is the film that introduced Lucy to the song “Friendship”, which she would also sing on “I Love Lucy.” 

(7) In the musical comedy “Best Foot Forward” (1943) Lucille Ball played herself.  It was her 58th film. “Meet The People” (1944) was a romantic comedy for MGM, Ball’s 60th film. 

(8) In 1946 she released her 63rd film, “Easy To Wed” co-starring Van Johnson and Esther Williams. Lucille and Van had appeared together in “Too Many Girls” and he would appear on Lucy’s television shows. 

(9) “Her Husband’s Affairs” (1947) was a romantic farce with Lucy teamed with Franchot Tone. It was her 69th film. 

(10) Back to the stage, Lucille accepted the leading role in a revival tour of “Dream Girl” a fantasy comedy by Elmer Rice. Once again, the play launched in Princeton, but this time Broadway was not the goal. It had already played the Great White Way two years earlier. The play toured the country at select cities, landing Lucille back in California in late 1947. In one SoCal gig she was appearing simultaneously with Desi and his band just a few blocks away.  No doubt this was by design. 

(11) RKO’s “Interference” was re-named “Easy Living” (1949) and dealt with the world of professional sports, namely football. It co-starred Victor Mature and Sonny Tufts. It was Ball’s 71st film. 

(12) The luxurious Roney Plaza Hotel in Miami Beach was located on the corner of Collins Avenue and 23rd Street. It opened in 1925 and was demolished in 1968. The resort attracted a who's who that included Hollywood stars and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The hotel's Bamboo Room & Restaurant was the place to be seen on the Beach for decades.

(13) Xaviar Cugat (1900-1990) was a Spanish musician and bandleader who spent his formative years in Havana, Cuba. A trained violinist and arranger, he was a leading figure in the spread of Latin music. In New York City he was the leader of the resident orchestra at the Waldorf–Astoria before and after World War II.  He was a mentor and friend to Desi Arnaz, who kept his name before the public by making him a rival of Ricky Ricardo on “I Love Lucy” where his name became a punchline. In reality, Desi was grateful to Cugat, not jealous of him! 

“I learned a lot from Xavier Cugat” ~ Desi Arnaz

(14) La Conga Café was located in New York City, not Miami, although the article may be referring to a different, lesser known establishment where Desi Arnaz performed.  He became a regular headliner at La Conga, even issuing a record titled “La Conga” in 1939. 

(15) Speaking of 1939 New York, Desi appeared in his only Broadway show in 1939, Rogers and Hart’s “Too Many Girls.”  When the film rights were purchased by RKO, Desi was hired by director George Abbott to recreate his role. It was while filming this movie that he met Lucille Ball. 

(16) “Holiday in Havana” was a Columbia picture released in October 1949.  The film is about a Cuban hotel busboy (Arnaz) who dreams of becoming a composer.  His love interest was not Lucy, but Mary Hatcher. 

(17) The Tour incorporated some of the same routines seen in the “I Love Lucy” pilot as well as early episodes of the series, most notably the “Cuban Pete / Sally Sweet” duet.  The tour culminated at the Roxy in New York City, where Desi was playing when he married Lucille in 1940. 

(18) Before moving to their Beverly Hills mansion, Lucy and Desi lived on a ranch in Chatsworth in San Fernando Valley. They dubbed their ranch home Desilu.  About their neighbors: 

Alan Ladd (1913-64) was a chorus boy when Lucille was an Earl Carroll showgirl in Murder at the Vanities (1934). He was married to Sue Carol (1906-82) from 1942 until his death. Carol’s name was mentioned on “I Love Lucy” in “The Fashion Show” when Lucy selects the same Don Loper original that Carol has chosen to wear in the fashion show. She does not appear on screen. 

Francis Lederer (1899-2000) was a Hungarian-born actor. In 1960 he did an episode of Desilu’s “The Untouchables”. From 1941 until his death he was married to Marion Irvine. 

Jackie Oakie (1903-78) did four films with Lucille Ball between 1934 and 1938, including both “Annabell” movies. 

The Andrews Sisters were the pre-eliminant close-harmony girl group of their time. The consisted of Patty, Maxine, and LaVerne. They were mentioned on “I Love Lucy” in “Be a Pal” in the same scene that the photo at the top of the article came from. In 1969, Patty Andrews guest-starred as herself on “Here’s Lucy”.  Lucy and Lucie played the other two Andrews sisters. 

[chaoticpuff17]

A Dangerous Game

part 25

masterlist

Hello darlings! guess who finished her paper! This bitch! This one’s a little short again, my apologies, but we are inching ever closer to the inevitable for Y/N and Namjoon. Again, please take a look at the teasers for the hyung line. I would love to know opinions on who you all think I should write for next! Comment, ask, send me a message! I’d love to hear from you!-- chaotic puff

The next few weeks were oddly reminiscent of her first weeks at the estate. She was never alone. It was a though everyone around her thought she was going to break, and maybe she had. Her world had been turned on its head, and suddenly she felt every bit the fragile lady that Namjoon had made her out to be. Jackson’s betrayal had hit her hard leaving her far more listless than normal. It was as though all the fight had gone out of her. But just because she was listless, this did not mean that the estate was as well.

Everything around her was bustling in preparation for the upcoming wedding. Due to her “fragile” condition, Namjoon had taken all the planning in hand. There were a constant stream of his people going in and out of the estate. Cake tasting and floral arrangements, tuxedo fittings, and anything else you could think of. It was as though Namjoon was determined to have everything arranged as quickly as possible, before either she or GOT7 could change their minds. She doubted though that anyone changing their minds would stop him. He was a formidable man in more than one way she was finding. She didn’t think that she had ever seen a man take wedding preparations quite so seriously.

She didn’t know how he had the energy to do it all. He was running his criminal empire, planning a wedding, and he still found time to spend doting on her. She swore there was something new every day, flowers, deserts, jewelry, books. All the affection was a little smothering, and when Namjoon wasn’t with her one of his goons was. She had hoped Jungkook’s return would mean a return to his being her babysitter, but that was unfortunately not the case. She had a stream of different babysitters, the most daunting of whom was Hoseok.

While she had a preexisting dislike of Taehyung based on his being the one to place the anklet on her, and Yoongi was a decided grump, something about Hoseok unnerved her. The man was a ball of sunshine, most of the time. But there were moments where the sunshine faded away, and in its place was a darkness very much akin to Namjoon’s. At least Namjoon wore his darker nature like a second skin. He was a predator through and through. Hoseok’s darkness was hidden under a carefully cultivated layer of sunshine. If Namjoon was the wolf, then Hoseok was the snake hiding in the grass, and in this game she was only prey. With Namjoon she knew what to expect, but Hoseok was like a pipe bomb without a timer. You never knew when he was going to go off. Her discomfort didn’t seem to dissuade him from following Namjoon’s orders though. On days he was assigned to her, where she went, he followed to every fitting, cake tasting, and walk through the garden.

She was sitting in the garden basking in the autumn sun taking a break from the constant stream of wedding plans, completely exhausted. Luckily her guard for the day had to be the most laid back out of all of them. Yoongi was just as content as she was to bask in the sunshine doing nothing. If someone had told her that he was secretly a cat, she probably would have believed them. The man had a very feline quality to him, but she found him to be a very calming presence despite his grumpy demeanor. He spent the least time of all her minders treating her like a doll that would break if not handled with care.

“You’re getting married next week.” He pointed out as she waved off one of the maids telling her that her dress had arrived. “Shouldn’t you be more excited?”

“I would be, if I actually wanted to marry the man.”  She scoffed taking a sip of her tea.

“You agreed to this.” He deadpanned.

She rolled her eyes leveling him a look that was just as deadpan as the one he was giving her. “That was before I found out Jackson was still in the mafia, and that sacrificing myself for him was useless, before his friends sold me off like it was the 1400s.”

“Want me to shoot him?” He asked taking a drink from his coffee. She could swear the man survived on coffee alone.

She laughed though it held no joy. It a bittersweet sort of sound. “Do you think it would help? Would it magically send me home or send me back in time to before I met Namjoon?”

“No.” He shrugged. “But I’m a really good shot.”

And he was. Yoongi was an excellent shot. She’d found out from Taehyung and Jungkook that Yoongi was a sniper, an assassin, a fixer. He took care of problems for Namjoon. If someone got on Namjoon’s bad side, Yoongi was the one that paid them a visit.

“You wanna marry Namjoon then? That would make me feel better.” He snorted shooting her an unimpressed look. “Yeah, didn’t think so.”

She shivered as a stiff autumn breeze went through her. Almost immediately a maid was there offering her a shawl. She took it only because she knew that the maid was only trying to help. Namjoon had given everyone strict orders to take care of her which translated to the hovering she had been living with for the past few weeks.

“You could have all this. People waiting on you hand and foot.” She tried to convince him as she wrapped the shawl loosely around her shoulders only slightly annoyed that Namjoon had given one the maids a shawl to hover over her with that perfectly matched the dress that she had chosen to wear that day. He was annoyingly meticulous like that.

“They already do that.”

“Only ‘cause they’re scared you’ll break their kneecaps.”

“Too much effort.” He shrugged slouching down in his seat. “You should go try on your dress though. Namjoon will throw a hissy fit if it doesn’t fit, and I don’t want to deal with that.”

“You and I both know that Jin or Hoseok would be dealing with that tantrum.” She reminded him. Jin and Hoseok were the poor souls to deal with the brunt of what could only be described as Namjoon’s pre-wedding jitters. She wasn’t supposed to know about them, but Jin, Yoongi, Taehyung, and Jungkook had no qualms about complaining about their perfectionist boss and friend to her so she heard every detail of his almost manic pursuit of perfection for their wedding day.

“Think of Jin hyung.”

“Jin can give him a sedative and do us all a favor.”  She hummed gently pushing herself out of her seat and moving over to examine the flowers that were in bloom. “Besides we both know that he wouldn’t allow the dress to be anything less than perfect. I’m pretty sure he threatened the poor seamstress with a bullet through her skull if she didn’t make sure everything was perfect.”

“If you took more interest in your wedding, maybe he wouldn’t be so stressed.”

“If I took more interest in this sham of a wedding, it would give him far too much pleasure.”

Yoongi chuckled finishing off his cup of coffee. “He’s excited to have a legal claim to you, can’t say that I blame him.”

“You want to marry me too, Yoongi?” She asked throwing him a coquettish look over her shoulder.

“No. You’re far too much trouble. But you’re good for him.”

“I’d stab him in a heartbeat given the chance, and you know it.”

“You already have.” He pointed out. “You weren’t aiming for him though. Planning to try again?” He inquired quirking a brow at her.

She was going to answer him, but a different maid made her presence known carrying in a bouquet of pink and white peonies. “Bu-in, the sajangnim sent these for you. Where would you like them?”

She sighed giving Yoongi a long suffering look before turning a tired smile on the poor maid. “Put them in the piano room please. I don’t think the bedroom has any more room for flowers.”

“Yes, bu-in.” She bowed scurrying away to place the flowers where she was directed to.

“You can tell your friend to stop sending gifts. I don’t have any need for diamonds, and if he doesn’t stop soon, we’ll be drowning in flowers.”

“Wait till the wedding. We’ll really be drowning in flowers then. Who knew Namjoon was such a romantic.”

“Romantic, psychotic, same thing.” She shrugged watching as yet another maid come out to tell her something. “Sajangnim has arrived. Would you like me to prepare a fresh pot of tea?”

“No. If he wants something he’ll ask for it. I’ll be in the piano room.” She sighed suddenly feeling more tired than before. “Would you like to come Yoongi? We can practice that sonata, and you can yell at me for messing up the notes.” She offered.

She’d found over the past few weeks that while Yoongi was a grump and Namjoon’s fixer, he was also an excellent pianist. They’d played a few songs together, but his skill far outweighed her own. More often than not he ended up scolding her for missing the rhythm or the notes or not placing her fingers correctly.

“That piano is wasted on you.” He grumbled.

“I’m aware, Yoongi. I’m aware.” 

She headed towards the door knowing that Yoongi would follow shortly as Namjoon had yet to steal her away, and she wasn’t to be without a minder when Namjoon wasn’t present. The man had become more paranoid than normal ever since the incident, as he liked to call it. Before, her minders could give her a bit of space, but now space was a thing of the past.

Namjoon found them in the piano room playing the same duet that they had been practicing for the past two weeks. He didn’t even mind the sharp reprimands that Yoongi would snap at her, something he normally wouldn’t allow, because Yoongi had gotten her to play the piano again. She hadn’t touched the instrument since the incident, but Yoongi had gotten her to play again, unsurprising given the man’s talent for piano and the beautiful instrument that was at his disposal at the manor.  

“Schubert again?” He asked remaining just outside the door. This was her space, and he was hesitant to invade it without her permission given the incident. He didn’t want anything to set her off again. He didn’t think he could handle another incident.

“Sonata for four hands ‘Grand duo’. It’s only the first movement though.” She responded with a slight smile while Yoongi grumbled at the interruption.

“She can finally play part of the first movement without it sounding like a toddler.”

She didn’t seem to mind the insult though choosing instead to lean her head on the man’s shoulder with a gentle smile. She never seemed to mind Yoongi’s more abrasive comments, and Yoongi never seemed to mind her more affectionate gestures. They all knew he was secretly a softy. She’d known that from the first time she’d seen him with Moni. The man was a sucker for dogs.

Yoongi shrugged her off and got up leaving without another word, leaving her alone with Namjoon who came to sit next to her on the piano bench.

“I see you got my flowers.” He mused while she hummed in agreement. “Play for me?” He asked, and she did.  

part 26

[shewillreadyou]

Being: Chapter 2-Back at one

As always. I hope that you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

A/N: This is the answer to my very FIRST ASK!!!

Also, this is the long awaited 2nd chapter to my new TRR series “Being” it will follow Liam and Karis on their adventures as monarchs and new parents. I think it should be sweet. Thank you to @secretaryunpaid for pre-reading part of this chapter and being a HUGE inspiration.

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: If you are under 18 please, just don’t. Language, adult content and some NSFW.

Word Count: 4100 ish

Catch up: Chapter 1

Pairings: Liam x MC (Queen Karis Rose Vasquez-Rhys)

Song inspiration: Back at One- Brian McKnight

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.

Months had passed since their fairytale wedding and romantic honeymoon. They had returned to face the music concerning their pregnancy. Ana De Luca, a long time acquaintance of the crown had paid a paparazzi for private photos of Karis laying on the beach with her growing bump exposed. Adonis agreed to give her the exclusive in return for the pictures and a bit more time to announce their big news on their own terms. 

The day had come for the press conference. The PR team for the royals only told the press that their monarchs had big news to share. Security at Valtoria was so airtight that only people on a short list were allowed on the grounds. The press was only allowed for the announcement and had a short time thereafter to vacate the premises. Adonis arranged for a team of stylists to make sure his queen was presentable for this potentially stressful day. Karis was carrying their heir in her hips. Her bump was still modest for someone 8 months along. Perez, the designer responsible for her wedding dress and his seamstress Enoch, dressed her in an off the shoulder, floor length, royal blue gown that hugged her curves. 

Adonis was sure his heart skipped a beat when he laid eyes on his bride. She was sitting at the vanity inside their bedroom putting on the blue sapphire and diamond earrings he gifted her for Christmas. “Love, I have no words,” he said as he kissed her cheek, not daring to ruin the makeup that had taken nearly an hour to perfect. “It’s time,” he announced as he took her hand. “Both Kenyon and I will be by your side the entire time. I will make the announcement and we will take a few questions from the press before the celebration.” 

Kenyon was posted outside her door. He smiled at Karis before clearing his throat. “Your maaajesty! You look--“ Liam scowled at Kenyon who immediately trained his eyes forward. “Appropriate for the occasion. You look very appropriate.” Karis laughed as Adonis brooded. They headed down to the grand ballroom, where they had a photo shoot with Ana, capturing the momentous occasion. When they were done they joined the press on the east lawn. 

Royal trumpeters played before the royal crier announced, “Their Majesties, King Liam and Queen Karis Rhys of Cordonia.” Karis’ hand rested in the crook of his arm as he escorted her to the podium. He looked deeply into her eyes, and her nerves seemed to settle. “People of Cordonia, before I took our queen as my bride, she was made aware of her responsibilities as she serves in this role. She has humbly trained under Queen mother Regina not only soaking up her role and responsibilities, but our culture. I had no doubt that she would be the queen that Cordonia needed. She had, even during our engagement, stepped up to the plate and excelled far beyond what I could have hoped or asked of her. 

I am aware that some have noticed that her majesty has been missing from the public as of late. Today, we have gathered here on the same grounds where my parents made this same announcement many years ago. Without further ado, Queen Karis and I would like to announce the coming of the royal heir to the throne of Cordonia.” Karis stepped from behind the podium resting her left hand on her bump to wave at the crowd. The news was met with a rapturous applause, whistling and cheers.   

The afternoon was filled with congratulatory fluff, indulgent food, and schmoozing with Cordonia’s upper crust. As promised, Kenyon didn’t leave Karis’ side. When she had her fill, per usual, Adonis was nowhere to be found. After fruitlessly searching the estate for her King, Kenyon escorted Karis to the master suite. She rested her swollen feet on the chaise lounge. “Is there anything I can get for you or help you with, ma’am?” Karis shook her head. “Kenyon, I have told you a million times, you can call me Karis in private. And since you asked, yes. Can you please help me out of these heels? They are pretty but they stopped being comfy hours ago.” Kenyon hesitantly approached. 

He gently pulled her swollen feet into his lap. After removing one sandal, Karis noticed a bulge in his pants. She didn’t think much of it, he had never said or done anything inappropriate, as his large hands fumbled with the buckle on the second one. The door opened and Adonis entered the room; his eye immediately fell upon Kenyon kneeling in front of Karis. “There you a-- what is the meaning of this?” Kenyon stood abruptly, Karis’ foot falling to the floor, but before he could speak, “I couldn’t find you love, and my feet are killing me. Kenyon was just being helpful.” Adonis looked between Kenyon and his very pregnant wife. “Thank you for your-- help, Kenyon but I got it from here,” Adonis said dismissively. “Of course, sir, I’ll be right outside if you need me, Karis,” Kenyon said as he exited the room. 

Adonis gathered some pillows that were arranged on the bench at the foot of their bed. “Fuck you mean? And just why would she need you? I’m here,” he mumbled under his breath. “What’s that love?” she asked as he propped her feet on the pillows. “Nothing, the next time your feet hurt, call me,” he instructed as he poured himself a bourbon. She laughed. “Promise.” He put the tumbler down and disappeared into the closet. “I was just saying good evening to some of our guests, you know?” 

When he returned he was carrying her favorite nightgown. He walked into the master ensuite before Karis heard bath water running. “Helpful my ass,” he muttered as he removed his cufflinks, placing them on the dresser. Karis watched as he undressed in the midst of his tantrum. His shirt fell off of his muscular shoulders and Karis’ breath hitched. Her eyes widened when his trousers fell to the floor. He approached her wearing nothing but his boxer briefs.He extended his hand, “come love, it’s bath time.” 

He led her into the ensuite where he unzipped her gown, cursing quietly as it pooled on the marble floor. “Karis, you are a whole lotta woman,” he whispered in her ear as he unhooked her bra. Her full perky breast sprung free as he watched in the mirror. She shimmied out of her panties before he helped her into the full tub. She looked at him with hooded eyes. “Is there something on your mind, Adonis?” He slipped out of his underwear and into the tub. “I’m just thinking, maybe we should restructure the guards. Maybe, I can put Mara on you and maybe Kenyon would do better with Regina.” 

“Wait, Mara the one who was supposed to be guarding Regina when she was kidnapped? Where did these thoughts come from?” Adonis pulled her foot out of the water as he began to massage her. “I think he is too comfortable with you, too familiar. Since when did he start calling you Karis?” She knitted her eyebrows together. “When I asked him to call me Karis. I spend a lot of time with him. It’s weird for him to call me Ma’am. Tell me you’re not jealous?” Adonis smiled smugly, “Of your guard? Ha!” he threw his head back in laughter. “Well, it seems that way.” She bit her lip, and batted her eyelashes as he took her big toe into his mouth circling it with his tongue before releasing it with a pop. “I am the KING of Cordonia, I have my health, wealth, and the finest woman walking this earth carrying my heir. Remind me again why I would be jealous of your guard?” She smirked. “Exactly,” she said as she attempted and failed miserably at getting out of the tub on her own.

Adonis grabbed her wrist pulling her soapy body down into his lap. “Hey, you know what? I’m sorry, I was out of line,” he swept her hair to the side exposing her neck before kissing it gently. “Do you forgive me?” His husky voice, his breath tickling her neck and the way his chest vibrated as he was pressed up against her back made it all but impossible to say no. “No,” she said it anyway. “Please,” he pleaded in a sensual whisper. “Forgive me Karis,” he growled. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head, no before she shifted in his lap. She felt his erection nearly impale her. She couldn’t help but think how easy it would be to get into reverse cowgirl right there in the tub. He started to roll his hips slowly as he apologized in different languages. “Scusa...Es tut uns leid...Pardon...Gomen’ nasai… Joesonghabnida...Lo siento,” he whispered into her hair.   

His large hands began to knead her shoulders. Her eyes closed and her head fell back to rest on his shoulder. It felt heavenly, her soft mewing encouraged him. “I don’t get it, you are always so confident in everything you do,” she panted. He kissed her exposed neck gently as his hand moved down her torso and around her swollen belly into the water. “You still don’t get it, do you? I found my kryptonite,” he said as he cupped warm water in his hand and poured it over her belly. “You’re my kryptonite, Karis Rhys. The thought of some other man touching you, even looking at you, if only to help remove your shoe; it drives me to distraction. It certainly cracks my unyielding confidence.” She smiled, flattered by his words. 

Her life to this point still seems like a dream. From meeting him at work, to spending that first night at her place with him. Losing him as suddenly as they connected. Reconnecting in Paris. The first time they made love, him buying the house in DC. The proposal in Paris, and their fairytale wedding. They have certainly had a whirlwind romance. He had been perfect, except she knew that no one is perfect. He was close. His hand gently slid across her thigh and found her center. He caressed her bundle of nerves before sliding into her as much as she could take. He tried his best to remind her with every thrust who she belonged to, her whimpers confirmed that she was fully aware.   

The next few weeks seemed to fly by, Karis could be found putting away freshly laundered baby clothes, arranging diapers and wipes into the basket below the changing table, or fussing over the crib bedding. Adonis did everything in his power to keep her off her feet. She usually waited until he was in his morning meetings before heading into the nursery. She had scrubbed the kitchen, in their quarters, and dusted the newly decorated living, dining area.

When he returned from his meeting with the counsel, he found her vacuuming their bedroom. “Babygirl, what are you doing?” His voice boomed over the sound of the vacuum. She jumped before turning it off. “Karis, baby, my queen. We have talked about this. We have staff that can do this for you. You are supposed to be resting.” She waddled over to him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I am tired of lying in bed. I was trying to kill time before the new chapter of Foreign Affairs releases on the Choices app. Blaine is so hot,” she giggled as she fanned herself. 

“I’m hotter,” he said as he walked his wife over to the bed. Instead of helping her lay down, his large hand splayed across her back gently bending her over the plush bedding. His other hand traveled up the soft smooth skin of her leg. Her silk nightgown gathered at her waist as he freed himself from his trousers. Just when she took a deep breath anticipating him entering her, he dropped to his knees to taste her. Within minutes her orgasm was within reach. “Adonis, I’m close,” she panted. His long digit joined his tongue in pursuit of her pleasure. She gasped before her body started to gently shake. He waited patiently as she rode out her first of three orgasms she would experience that afternoon. 

When they were done, she was exhausted. His mission was accomplished. He hoped that she would sleep until he returned from his afternoon meeting in Fydelia. Kenyon was posted outside of her door. He had just returned from lunch when the King departed. It was like any other afternoon. Kenyon always took his lunch when he saw Liam “checking in” on Karis. It was always hard to look either of them in the eye afterward. Karis woke a couple hours after Adonis left with mild stomach discomfort. She drank the water that he had sent to her side table and turned on her side, which was the advice from Dr. Dameron the last time this happened.

She felt better a short time later. She smiled at Kenyon sheepishly as he shook his head. She was creeping down to the nursery. She wanted to make sure that the new packages that arrived had been put away. She didn’t think much of it, she would be back in bed before Adonis returned. Kenyon sat in the recliner on her insistence that he took a load off. She dropped a pair of baby socks that rolled under the chaise lounge. “I’ll get that,” he offered. “No, I can pick up a pair of socks,” she insisted. When she reached for the socks she didn’t feel anything. She got on her knees feeling triumphant when she located them under the lounge. She held the tiny grey socks in her hand as she attempted to get up from the floor. “See! I’m not helpless!” She stood proud of herself, while Kenyon chuckled at her theatrics. 

Suddenly, a gush of warm fluid rushed down her leg. She looked at Kenyon with a look of horror on her face. “This can’t be happening. Adonis is not here. It’s a few weeks too soon.” Kenyon immediately stood taking control of the situation. “What happened?” She clutched her belly, taking a deep cleansing breath, “my water broke.” Once the initial shock wore off, Kenyon called the doctor  as they rehearsed, before calling Liam. The phone went straight to voicemail. “Sir, this is Kenyon. It’s time. Dr. Dameron instructed us to head to the hospital immediately. I will try calling back once we are in route.” His next call was to Alexsei, Karis’ driver. “Alpha Rabbit has commenced. Meet me out front in 3 minutes.”  He ended the call and turned to Karis, “look at me. We have gone over this. You are ready. Your bag is already in the truck.” 

He moved to her side and she wrapped her arm around his shoulder for support. He flung the strap to her purse over his shoulder as they headed towards the stairs. She struggled to walk, stopping every few yards for a contraction. “If I’m not being too forward Ma’am, may I?” She nodded her head and Kenyon swept her into his arms, carrying her bridal style out to the truck. 

“Where is Adonis?” she asked as she riffled through her purse with tears running down her face. “He’s at a meeting in Fydelia. His phone went to voicemail when I called. I left a message. I will try calling again.” 

Karis took deep breaths like they taught her in the private child birthing lessons Adonis insisted on her attending. The pains had begun to come closer together and stronger with each instance. In between contractions she fruitlessly attempted to reach her husband. She wiped the tears from her eyes before Kenyon turned to her. “Everything is going to be ok, Ma’am.” She reached across the seat and patted the top of Kenyon’s hand flashing him a strained smile that didn’t reach her eyes. 

21 minutes later they still hadn’t heard from Adonis. They were met at the private entrance of the hospital by a team of nurses who helped her into a wheelchair, and took her inside to the grand nursing suite where Liam was born 31 years earlier. Kenyon stood watch at the door while Karis gave a urine sample and changed into a silk hospital gown. They got her settled into bed and asked her if they could get her anything. Karis was terrified and alone. She kept thinking about how Adonis scolded her for allowing Kenyon to help her when she couldn’t find him. 

There was a knock at the door that tore her from her thoughts. “Come in.” Kenyon entered the room with his hands over his eyes which were clenched tightly closed. “Good news Karis, I was able to get in touch with King Liam. He’s on the way.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Kenyon. You can uncover your eyes. I am covered.” He dropped his hand and slowly opened his eyes. “Are you, uhh comfortable? Did they do the back thing?” She looked at him, confused. “You mean an epidural?” He smiled sheepishly. “Yes, that’s what it’s called. It made my sister feel a lot better when my niece was born.” Just then another contraction started and she reached for his hand. He nervously looked over to the door before offering his hand. She squeezed his hand while breathing through the momentary pain. “I guess this means you didn’t get the drugs?” 

When it was done she looked at him. “How long before Liam gets here? I’m scared, Kenyon. The contractions are getting closer and closer. I don’t want to have this baby alone.” His heart sank. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he was over an hour away in Fydelia. His eyes must have given it away, her eyes went from sad to panicked. “Kenyon, I know this is a lot to ask, but if he doesn’t make it here on time, will you stay with me?” He swallowed thickly considering what she just asked. He reached over and offered her tissue to dry her eyes. “Aww, come on Karis, don’t cry again, you’re killing me. He’s gonna be here.” he lied. He knew that there was the possibility that he wouldn’t make it. “But if not, of course, I’ll stay with you. But he’s gonna be here soon.”  

Just then her purse fell to the floor from the chair. When Kenyon went to pick it up he discovered that it likely fell because of her phone violently vibrating from inside. “Oh, it’s your phone,” he announced. She extended her arm. “Well, pass it to me.” He instead passed her the entire purse. She looked at him with her brows knitted together. “What? My mom told me to never go in a woman’s purse.” She smiled as she pulled her phone from her purse. Another contraction came as she took deep breaths. When it passed she called Adonis back. 

“Hey babe, it’s me.”

His voice was sorrowful. 

“Babygirl, I’m so sorry. I never should have left you alone. Howard is driving as fast as he can to get me there. Just try to hold on.”

“Babe, don’t apologize, you had no way of knowing that this would happen today. Just get here safely. I’m scared.” 

“I’m sorry you are there going through this alone. We are still about 35 miles out.” 

“I’m not alone. Kenyon is here with me.” 

Liam cleared his throat, “yeah, well, I will be there soon.” 

“Adonis, I don’t know if I can do this. I’m not as strong as I thought. I’m kind of freaking out over here.” 

“Karis, listen to me my Queen. You are so much stronger than you think. You are brave, and courageous. You can do anything. Don’t think too much. Just take it one contraction at a time. Remember your breathing.”

“What would I do without you?” 

“Heh, I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out.” 

“Another contraction is coming.” 

‘Baby, focus on my voice. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

“Ok, it passed. Thank you. Kenyon just brought me some ice chips. I’m going to get on the birthing ball. I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes love, we are only 17 miles out now.”

“Adonis?” 

“Yes love?”

“I love you.”

“I love you more.” 

They end the call as the nurse and the doula enter the hospital suite. Once Karis was out of the bed and onto the birthing ball she became even more uncomfortable. She was in active labor. Her pains were hard and closer together. She was getting tired. 

“Hazel, will you help me? I think I need to use the restroom.”

“No ma’am, we are going to get you back into bed so that nurse Emilia can give us the go ahead to start pushing.”

“Pushing? But Adonis… my husband isn’t here.”

Hazel grabbed her hand and said, “Yes pushing, we want to make sure we don't put baby in danger by holding off too long. I’m sure Adonis will be here soon so he can help you with your breathing as you begin to push.” Her Calm demeanor and comforting words consoled Karis in that moment. 

After a vaginal exam, the nurse confirmed that she was indeed ready to start pushing. 

“Unfortunately, your baby didn’t get the memo,” Hazel quipped. 

A team of nurses swarmed the suite getting things set up for the birth of her baby, Cordonia’s heir. The tears started to pour again. Kenyon stood helplessly before, “I’ll just wait outside,” he said quietly. “But Kenyon, you promised,” she sobbed. “That was before they pulled your covers off.” She pouted and gave him the most ridiculous puppy dog eyes. “Ok, I’ll stay. But only until King Liam arrives.” he looked at Hazel, the doula and asked, “how can I be helpful?”

“I am going to stand on the left and empower Mom, and you stand on the right and help hold her thigh.” Kenyon’s eyes went wide. “Forget it. If you are going to be all weird, then just go,” Karis chided. “I promised I would and I will.” He swallowed thickly before placing his large hand on the joint behind her knee mirroring what he saw Hazel doing. “Am I doing this right Ms. Hazel?” She smiled and  nodded her head reassuringly.  

“Now Mom, on the next contraction, take a deep breath and push.” 

Karis could feel her abdomen tightening. When the next contraction came she took a deep breath and pushed. It felt like she was constipated and needed to relieve herself. On the next contraction, it burned like nothing she had ever experienced. “You’re doing so well Mom, a few more pushes and you get to meet your baby.” 

Tired and in pain Karis looked at the nurse and said, “Oh, screw you! This hurts!!”

“Karis!” Kenyon blurted. “Oh, screw you too! You try pushing a watermelon out of a lemon.” 

Then came another contraction, but this time instead of focusing on her breathing, she screamed at the top of her lungs, “Adonis!!!! I hate you! You did this to me.” Just then the door flew open. “You called for me, love?” He smiled at her and she melted like she always had. 

His presence was a momentary distraction from the insurmountable pain. He had finally made it. He wasn’t going to miss the birth after all. When she laid eyes on him she began to sob. “I don’t really hate yooooou.” One of the nurses helped him scrub up and get into a gown. He gave Kenyon an appreciative elbow dap. 

“Adonis, how nice of you to join us. Get over here. Are you ready to meet your baby?” Dr. Dameron asked. 

“Yes, of course,” he said before kissing Karis sweetly on the forehead. 

“Good because on this next contraction she will deliver the head.” 

On the next contraction, Karis seemed more focused than ever. Kenyon wiped the sweat from her brow before she closed her eyes. “I’m here with you now, baby. You are doing amazing. You can do anything.” His confidence in her gave her just the strength she needed to champion through. Quietly, she took a deep breath, tucked her chin into her chest  and pushed as hard as she could. “That’s it baby, you’re doing it. I can see the head.” 

Dr. Dameron checked for the cord around the baby’s neck as the nurse suctioned it’s airways. On the next push Dr Dameron moved behind Liam positioning his hands to catch the baby. 

Karis pushed one final time and the heir to the crown of Cordonia was born. “Oh my God, Karis, love! You did it! He’s beautiful.” 

She looked up through the tears, “he? It’s a boy?” The King began to sob and he shook his head confirming. Dr Dameron looked at the clock, “12:09” she told the nurse. Congratulations, your majesties, “It’s a boy.” 

@txemrn @pixie88 @secretaryunpaid @khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @rideordiechronicles @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20​ @choicesficwriterscreations @no-one-u-know @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @thefrenchiemama @somersetmummy @axwalker @gkittylove99

TRR: @twinkleallnight  @bebepac @mainstreetreader @romereadingshop @romewritingshop @lem-20 @texaskitten30 

[snowonthebeachmp3]

February 2016

Feb 11th - Kanye debuts his song Famous at his Yeezy fashion show. It contains the infamous lyric, 'I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that bitch famous.' Gigi Hadid and Austin Swift are quick to express their disapproval. (x)

Feb 12th - Taylor's publicist Tree Paine releases a statement saying "Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single 'Famous' on her Twitter account. She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, "I made that bitch famous.’" (x)

Ruby Rose condemns Kanye, tweeting, 'Too many lines crossed. If I put myself in the shoes of the women he has hurt recently. Victims of Bill Cosby, the slut shaming, Amber… And now my dear friend Taylor.. Right before another huge moment for her.. Can I still support him and call myself a feminist? A friend? No.' (x)

Kanye claims on Twitter that Taylor thought the lyric was funny and that she came up with it herself. He also claimed Taylor told a mutual friend over dinner that, 'I can't be mad at Kanye because he made me famous!' (x)

Sometime in the days leading up to the Grammys - Taylor's 73 Questions with Vogue interview is filmed in LA (it is not published until April, soon after her Vogue cover is released). In the video, she says she is currently busy 'working out and getting ready for Grammys' (presumably referring to rehearsals since she was the opening performer that year). (Update: turns out the interview was filmed on the 2nd Feb.)

Some other answers she gave in this interview:

What are you completely bored of in life right now? Clickbait.

What's your favourite food? I mean, if we're just saying, like, what I wish I could eat every day if calories didn't count, is like, chicken tenders.

What's one thing you still have from your childhood? My insecurities.

What's something you've always wanted to try but you've been too scared to do? Coachella.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become a singer? Uh, get a good lawyer.

What's the one thing you wish you knew at nineteen? If I could talk to my nineteen-year-old self I'd just say, hey, you know, you're gonna date just like a normal twenty-something should be allowed to, but you're going to be a national lightning rod for slut-shaming.

What do you think is the most important life lesson for someone to learn? That karma is real.

Feb 15th - Taylor attends the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in LA. She opens the televised show with a performance of Out of the Woods (x) and debuts her Anna Wintour-esque bob (x).

After her performance, she is seen crying in the audience while Selena (her plus-one for the evening) comforts her. Apparently she is upset about missing a note while performing. (x) (video)

1989 wins Album of the Year, making her the first woman to win this award twice. In her acceptance speech, she references the situation with Kanye, saying, 'I want to say to all the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success, or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.' (x)

Taylor attends the Republic Records afterparty with friends and then-boyfriend Calvin Harris, who was not there for the awards show itself. (x)

In her 2020 documentary Miss Americana, Taylor had this to say about the 2016 Grammys: (x)

My life had never been better. I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time, which I never thought was a possibility. And I remembered thinking afterward, oh my god, that was all you wanted. Oh god, that was all you wanted. That was all you focused on. And you get to the mountaintop and you look around and you’re like, oh god. What now? I didn’t have a partner that I climbed it with that I could, like, high five. I didn’t have anyone I could talk to who could relate to what I was – you know? I had my mom. But I just wondered, shouldn’t I have someone that I could call right now?

Feb 16th - Calvin posts a photo of Taylor accepting her AOTY Grammy to social media with the caption, 'Congratulations to my beautiful girlfriend.' (x) I cannot believe this post is still up 💀💀

Taylor goes for lunch with Scott and Andrea at Cecconi's in LA. (x)

Feb 17th - Taylor is seen out shopping in Beverly Hills. (x)

The NME Awards take place in London at the O2 Academy. Taylor wins Best International Solo Artist but is not there in person. Instead, a pre-recorded video of her accepting the award is played at the ceremony. (x) Her outfit and haircut suggest that the video was filmed on the same day as her Vogue 73 Questions interview at her LA house.

Feb 19th - Taylor announces on Twitter that New Romantics will be the next single from 1989. (x)

She is seen getting off her plane in Reading, PA (x) and visiting her childhood home. (x)

Feb 20th - Taylor is the maid of honour at her childhood best friend Britany Maack's wedding in Pennsylvania. (x) She brings Vogue reporter Jason Gay with her, and he writes about the weekend for Taylor's Vogue cover story, published in the May edition. (x)

A few excerpts from that weekend (not published until almost two months later): (x)

Swift says she is ready to lie a little low. After the wedding, she will go to New York, where she will be spotted dining with her friend Lena Dunham, and then be seen a week later in Los Angeles with her brother, Austin, and her friend Lorde at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. As for future plans . . . who knows? For the first time in years, Swift is not sure exactly what is next. She is very much OK with this.

So what the hell are you going to do with the rest of your life, Taylor Swift?

“I have no idea,” she says, with a sigh that’s more blissful than anxious. “This is the first time in ten years that I haven’t known. I just decided that after the past year, with all of the unbelievable things that happened . . . I decided I was going to live my life a little bit without the pressure on myself to create something.”

//

Because I’m a hopeless cheeseball, I can’t help asking: Being part of this wedding, does it make Swift think about being married some day? For the past year, she has been seeing the Scottish DJ-producer Calvin Harris. Harris is not here with her, but in early March, he and Swift will post cutesy notices on social media—his on Snapchat; hers on Instagram—commemorating the one-year status of their relationship. Soon after, both will post photographs of an idyllic, whereabouts-unknown vacation in the tropics, with ts + aw written in the sand. (Harris’s given name is Adam Wiles.)

“I’m just taking things as they come,” Swift says. “I’m in a magical relationship right now. And of course I want it to be ours, and low-key . . . this is the one thing that’s been mine about my personal life.”

//

“I think the world is so bored with the [Kanye] saga,” she goes on. “I don’t want to add anything to it, because then there’s just more.”

Feb 21st - Taylor donates $250,000 to Kesha after she loses her lawsuit against Dr Luke and Sony. (x)

Taylor goes to New York and visits the Vogue offices. (x) She also meets Lena Dunham for dinner. (x)

Feb 22nd - Demi Lovato tweets, 'Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I'll be impressed.' The tweet is widely interpreted as shading Taylor following the news of her donation. (x)

Taylor is papped arriving at and leaving Milk Studios, a photography studio in NYC. (x) I think this was when they shot her Vogue cover (she wore a wig for the cover shoot and only bleached her actual hair in April when the magazine came out).

Feb 23rd - Kanye brings up the Famous controversy while onstage at 1 OAK nightclub in LA. He claims Taylor said “Ooh Kanye, I like that line!” when he told her about the line 'I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex.' “Then she won her award and said something completely different! She not cool no more. She had two seconds to be cool and she fucked it up.” (x)

Feb 24th - Taylor and Jack Antonoff go for dinner at the Maia restaurant in LA. (x)

Feb 28th - Taylor attends the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in LA. (x) She is photographed with Lorde and Austin.

Intro // February // March // April // May // June // July // August // September // October // November

[sets-in-the-city]

pre wedding shoot sets in mumbai

Pre Wedding Shoot Sets in Mumbai: Capturing Love in the City of Dreams

Introduction

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! The excitement and anticipation of starting a new chapter in your life are palpable, and what better way to celebrate this journey than with a pre-wedding shoot in the enchanting city of Mumbai? In this article, we bring you a comprehensive guide to pre-wedding shoot sets in Mumbai, helping you make the most of this beautiful experience that will forever hold a special place in your hearts.

Why Pre Wedding Shoots Matter?

Pre-wedding shoots have become a cherished tradition for modern couples, and for all the right reasons. These shoots provide you with a precious opportunity to express your love and emotions in front of the camera before the big day arrives. It allows you to capture the joy, excitement, and romance of your love story in a relaxed and intimate setting, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Discovering the Best Pre Wedding Shoot Sets in Mumbai

1. Exploring Iconic Locations

Mumbai, the city of dreams, offers a plethora of iconic locations that serve as picture-perfect backdrops for your pre-wedding shoot. From the iconic Marine Drive, with its mesmerizing sea view, to the historical charm of Gateway of India, every corner of the city presents an excellent opportunity for breathtaking photographs.

2. Embracing Natural Beauty

For couples who adore nature's beauty, Mumbai has numerous scenic spots to choose from. The lush greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the serenity of Powai Lake, or the tranquil shores of Juhu Beach provide a serene and romantic setting for your pre-wedding shoot.

3. Showcasing Architectural Marvels

Mumbai's architecture is a blend of historical landmarks and modern wonders. Embrace the city's architectural splendors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Rajabai Clock Tower, or the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to add a touch of grandeur to your pre-wedding shoot.

Setting the Mood: Popular Pre Wedding Shoot Themes

1. Romantic Elegance

Celebrate your love in a classic and timeless way with a romantic elegance theme. Soft, pastel-colored outfits, dreamy locations, and tender moments captured by the lens create a heartwarming narrative of your love story.

2. Bollywood-inspired Extravaganza

Mumbai, being the heart of Bollywood, offers an excellent opportunity to infuse a bit of glitz and glamour into your pre-wedding shoot. Dress up like your favorite Bollywood stars and let the city's cinematic essence shine through your photographs.

3. Vintage Charm

Unleash your inner nostalgia with a vintage-themed pre-wedding shoot. Choose retro outfits, pick an antique backdrop, and step back in time to capture the essence of eternal love in a bygone era.

Tips for an Unforgettable Pre Wedding Shoot

1. Plan Ahead

Start planning your pre-wedding shoot well in advance to ensure everything falls into place smoothly. Coordinate with your photographer, finalize the locations, and schedule the shoot to avoid last-minute hassles.

2. Personalize Your Shoot

Infuse your personalities and interests into the shoot to make it uniquely yours. Whether it's a shared hobby, a memorable date spot, or a significant location, personal touches add a layer of authenticity to your photographs.

3. Be Comfortable

Being comfortable and at ease during the shoot is key to capturing natural and genuine moments. Trust your photographer to guide you, and don't hesitate to express your ideas and preferences.

4. Have Fun!

Above all, remember that your pre-wedding shoot is a celebration of your love and joy. Laugh, dance, and enjoy each other's company, as these emotions will reflect beautifully in the photographs.

The Impact of Pre Wedding Shoots on Your Wedding

Pre-wedding shoots go beyond creating stunning photographs; they play a significant role in your overall wedding experience:

1. Building a Connection

Pre-wedding shoots allow you to build a rapport with your photographer before the main event. This connection fosters a sense of comfort and trust, ensuring your wedding photographs are a true reflection of your love story.

2. Personalized Wedding Decor

Incorporate the pre-wedding shoot photographs into your wedding decor, creating a seamless and personalized theme that celebrates your journey as a couple.

3. Lasting Memories

The photographs and videos from your pre-wedding shoot will be cherished by you and your loved ones for generations to come. They serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and excitement you shared before embarking on the lifelong journey of marriage.

Conclusion

A pre-wedding shoot in Mumbai is not just about capturing photographs; it's about celebrating your love, joy, and anticipation as you step into a new phase of life. By selecting the perfect shoot sets, themes, and following our expert tips, you can make your pre-wedding shoot an unforgettable experience. Embrace the charm of Mumbai and let your love story unfold against the backdrop of this vibrant and diverse city.

[skullsandwineglasses]

The Rebel Princess - Final Review (SPOILERS)

I tend to be quite critical right after I watch the finale of a drama since emotions are high, so my review might be a little harsh. My feelings might simmer over the next few days while I digest things, but for now, I’ll break down my impressions into 3 parts: The “Good”, The “Didn’t Make Sense”, and The “Could Have Been Better”. 

The “Good” 

The final scene. That’s the first immediate good thing that comes to mind. That’s probably the only good thing tbh. To be clear, these last 5 episodes weren’t bad. Everyone got their comeuppance, our leads live happily ever after, and Wang Su finally sees the light and goes against Daddy Wang by saving baby Jing’er. But, there were quite a number of things that frustrated me while watching. 

I will note one other good thing, which is that we got to see our favourite OTP act out a show to misdirect the rebels in hiding and lure them out. We finally get to see our leads collaborating and putting their smarts together! But, this meant that they had to separate again for the millionth time in this drama. And even though it was just an act, the fake confrontation scene between them still stung. As a trashy romantic, I wish we got to see more scenes of them together, especially towards the end of the drama. 

The “Didn’t Make Sense”

But because we finally get to see them work together, I wished we got to see more scenes with them plotting together. This is the first time that they’re working together to uncover a political plot, and yet it’s only relegated to one short conversation scene between them after Awu returns from meeting with her brother who refuses to tell her who’s behind the scenes pulling the ropes. 

ALSO, the drama never really addressed how Xiao Qi kind of handwaved Zitan’s involvement in the Neem Yu Shan plot. How did Xiao Qi go from “I need to have vengeance for my betrayed fallen soldiers” to “I need to help uncover the plot against the crown”. It’s kind of implied that Awu might have already told Xiao Qi about the truth before Song Huaien does, but the drama never makes that clear because we never see that scene if there was one. If Xiao Qi learns about the truth from Song Huaien first, does he then talk about to Awu? Again, we don’t know because it’s never shown to us. Instead, right after we see him learn about it from Huaien, it then immediately cuts to the confrontation scene with Awu. BUT, since this confrontation scene was revealed to be planned by them, it means that they’ve already discussed the Zitan problem in private beforehand, and Xiao Qi already knows that Awu knows, but we never see this conversation. It’s also revealed that they’ve long been suspicious of Huaien, but when did this suspicion start? Again, we don’t see this conversation. We just have to guess. 

This is just one example of how these last 5 episodes made it VERY obvious where scenes were deleted. A lot of scenes were cut abruptly where one scene would suddenly cut to the next, and you kind of had to infer what happened between those scenes. Things still made sense and you could still follow along, but you could tell that they cut out scenes that would have helped flesh things out and make the transitions smoother.

Villains: Nearly every villain in the drama (Jin’er, Zitan, and Song Huaien) turned back into their “good” old selves again during their downfall. And because of this, it made the finale of the drama pretty underwhelming. Jin’er expressed how she misses the old days to Awu and calls Awu one of the most important people in her life, Zitan sees the light and promises to yield the throne to his nephew and face punishment for his actions, and Song Huaien uses his last dying breath to ask Xiao Qi to take him back to Ning Shuo and how he doesn’t want to be in the capital anymore (when he literally has an arrow to the heart while sitting on the throne he just stole). These characters take an abrupt 180 degree turn when they’ve been blind with envy and hatred for most of the drama. Just moments ago they were shooting daggers out of their eyes, and then suddenly they regret everything they’ve done. Their downfall felt too easy, and their redemption felt even easier and unearned. And Awu forgives all of them (as expected). When she pitied Zitan, I was like, girl, he doesn’t deserve your pity. I get that she needs him to sober up in order to discourage the rebels, but still. He had his own brother killed and tried to have her husband killed. Instead she consoles him like a lost puppy. I know that Awu’s a saintly character, and I’ve talked about the virtues of her character before, but sometimes I wish she’d be a little less saintly. 

I think Daddy Wang’s final scene fit most well with his character. He’s defeated, but doesn’t entirely express regret for his actions. Which makes sense for his character. He’s never doubted his decisions all throughout the drama, so why would he start now. Even when Awu asks him if he ever loved her mother, he doesn’t answer her. Instead, he deflects the question back to her to ask if she loves Xiao Qi or Zitan, which is such a laughable question. How is Zitan even still considered a potential love interest for Awu at this point? In response, Awu tells him “此愛非彼愛”. Which I’m still trying to interpret?? To directly translate it, it would translate to “this love is not (comparable to?) love”. I’m having trouble interpreting  非 彼. 非彼 means “not comparable to”. Is Awu saying that this love isn’t comparable to another love? Is she saying that this love isn’t considered love? Love for whom? Is she taking about her love for Xiao Qi and how it’s not considered “love”. Does she mean what she feels for him is more than love, or different from love? Or, does she mean her past love for Zitan isn’t love? Why is her response so vague? Her dad asks her if she loves Xiao Qi or Zitan, and she instead gives him such a dense, poetic response. Maybe my mandarin isn’t up to par to translate these historical dialogues, so I’ll be curious to see how the subs translate this line. Anyway, in the end, Awu asks her father if he would agree to being buried next to her mother, and after ignoring the question for a bit, he finally says that he wants to be buried next to her.

The treatment of women: The Elder Princess and Yu Xiu both sacrificed themselves in hopes of getting their loved ones to stop rebelling. And then Awu pulls the same move with her father in order to remind him what her mother had done in hopes of stopping him. And this was after we see Hu Yao and Nanny Xu needlessly die in the previous episodes. So all these female deaths and sacrifices made it feel like the female characters in the drama are disposable and can be easily killed off by the writers. It just didn’t really sit well with me that on 3 instances in this drama, a female character tries to use herself as leverage against a male character who’s about to commit treason. I’m also still not over Hu Yao’s death at the hands of Song Huaien, and we never get to see a proper burial for her because she’s a minor character, so the drama couldn’t be bothered to show it. The Dowager Empress also had a very anticlimactic end. She was such a major player pre-episode 50, and then suddenly she was bedridden and only heard about palace news from her maid and wasn’t able to exert much influence over the court. It was a little disappointing that we don’t get to see her wield any of her old power again after episode 50.

The “Could Have Been Better”

This might be unpopular opinion but, I think Awu and Xiao Qi kind of lost their spark in the last couple of episodes, or at least, it’s more subtle now. Probably because the plot was focused on bigger things, which I understand. These are the final episodes after all. They’re also a long-married couple now, they don’t need to constantly reaffirm their love to us. And the final scene was sweet, so I shouldn’t be complaining, but I wish we got more scenes of them alone together. I said this in a reply on another post, but their sexual tension peaked during the early episodes of the drama. It’s too bad we don’t see that level of chemistry again.

Something that I found funny was how we see Awu stand next to Zitan by the throne twice to protect him. The setup was almost exactly the same between the two scenes where Awu stands to his right. It was like the writers couldn’t figure out a new configuration for how to block the scene. The first time was during the “pretend confrontation” with Xiao Qi, and the second time was against Huaien. I just felt the the repeat setup of this scene was kind of boring and uncreative to watch. It was like the writers couldn’t come up with another way to stage a potential rebellion, so we’ll just have Zitan be cornered around on the throne twice. 

Also, Huaien wanting to suddenly take the throne and also Awu as his Empress? First of all, I don’t understand why people, who don’t have the approval of the masses, always want to become Emperor. Do they not realize that by forcibly seizing power, you’re going to lose it just as quickly because no one likes you and they’ll try to take you down? I have the same criticism for Daddy Wang and Zitan. But does Huaien think that he has enough military power to become Emperor? And unlike Daddy Wang, Huaien doesn’t have any significant political impact over the lords. Also, does he think that Xiao Qi would just never come back? Second, him asking Awu to become his wife? We don’t really see him feeling tortured over his affection for Awu again since his wedding with Yu Xiu, and now suddenly, years later, it’s revealed that he still yearns for her? And he declares his love right after stabbing her dad? I mean, writers, please. I know you want to create drama, but it has to make sense.

To be honest, I’ve always found Huaien’s character arc a little hard to believe. He’s such a noble character for the first third of the drama, and then it’s revealed that he’s always secretly harboured a greedy side. A side that craves status and recognition. He then downward spirals into this monster who kills nannies and female comrades and wants to be emperor. We see small hints of his desire for the throne, like when he eyes Daddy Wang’s tailor-made royal robes. But this desire is not fleshed out enough. Huaien’s arc could have worked, but because the drama didn’t focus enough on his internal struggle at the beginning since he isn’t the main character, the change felt abrupt. I don’t know how the book handled it, so I can’t speak to that. 

Things just escalate so quickly in this drama. I can now see AvenueX’s criticisms about the political plot of this drama and how it looks like it could have be written by a 10 year old. The writers seem to want to make things as surprising as possible, while also using a lot of old tropes that it becomes predictable. It’s very unrealistic. And the villains’ motivations and ambitions seem limitless. It felt like anyone could lay claim to the throne. 

The political scheming in this drama has never impressed me, so I suppose that I shouldn’t be surprised that these last few episodes were just as lukewarm. The problem with the political plot of this drama is that there were no smart characters except Daddy Wang. It’s just a bunch of drama queens(TM) who want power, but do a poor job of thinking things through. 

The highlight of the drama was the romance, which was a huge surprise since I didn’t start watching this drama for the romance. And yet, despite the romance being the highlight, the OTP is constantly being separated, and we barely got to see them together in the last few episodes. And the scenes that they did have together in these last few episodes weren’t memorable. If anything, their chemistry kind of fell apart during these episodes because we barely see them communicate directly with each other. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’d still recommend this drama just for the leads alone. You don’t see that kind of chemistry in idol dramas, and I don’t know when we’ll be able to see this level of acting between two well-matched actors in dramas again. Watching them is almost like a once-in-a-life-timeline thing. However, I think the average viewer might become frustrated with Awu halfway through. The drama’s also very bingeable (in fact it should be binged, instead of dragged on for almost 2 months). I think I would have enjoyed more if I watched all the episodes at once, instead of waiting for episodes as they came out every week, which meant that while waiting, I started to pick apart little issues that I had with the drama.