#royalty/imperial au

[lotusflowerbreakingthesurface]

[𝐏𝐗 𝐅𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜 𝟏𝟑𝟎] 听说皇上有喜了？𝐛𝐲 浮鱼沉渊/𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

✧ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: I Heard That the Emperor Is Pregnant? / I Heard That the Emperor Is Happy?*

✧ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Zhang Qiling/Wu Xie

✧ 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞: PingXie Only

✧ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: M/R

✧ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Complete + Extra

✧ 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞: Chinese

✧ 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 13 Chapters + 2 Extras

✧ 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬: AU Setting—Royalty/Imperial, A/B/O, Historical, Fantasy Elements, Romance, Alpha Prince Ping × Omega Emperor Xie, Sweet Fic, No Mpreg

✧ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐜: Third Person POV, Time Travel, Drama, HE

✧ 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜:

Wu Xie always believed that he would be an Alpha, and everyone around him also thought so. He never expected that on his twentieth birthday, he got his first heat instead. As a late-blooming Omega, he needed an Alpha to go through it, but he has no one beside him. Feeling aggrieved, he decided to take a suppressant to relieve his pain, who knew that he ended up traveling back to his childhood. Thinking that it was an opportunity to change the future, he vowed to get an Alpha before he presented as an Omega.

✧ 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Honestly speaking, I forget how the story evolved since I read this fic a long time ago, but there is a scene that I particularly remember and it was pretty romantic (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠) At that time, I had a hard time reading it because I couldn't register to Lofter, it really tests my patient haha, but it's worth it (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

✧ 𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞:

I have no idea which one is the correct translation :(

✧ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: Lofter | Weibo: Chapter 1-5 | Chapter 6-10 | Chapter 11-13 + Extra 1 | Extra 2 (Part 1) | Extra 2 (Part 2) | AO3: Chapter 11-12 + Extra 2 (Part 1-2)

[tsotf-fic]

♚ chapter 1 - when stars collide ♛

iii. the ward

As they approached the party, Y/N gasped. The palace itself matched the over-extravagance of the partygoers: hundred-foot-long velvet tapestries depicting the glory of the Empire decorated the front of the former Jedi Temple in a way seemingly designed to mock its ancient history. The statues of ancient Jedi sages had long been torn down, replaced by a single statue of the Emperor looming over the center of the stairway. Stormtroopers flanked the sides of the building, stony and unmoving, threatening any onlookers who would dare to step a toe out of line.

"Are there normally this many stormtroopers stationed outside of the Imperial Palace?" Leia asked, careful to sound as innocent as possible. It wasn't entirely fake; stormtroopers were nonexistent on Alderaan, so any eavesdropper would assume she was purely unaccustomed to their presence.

"It is standard protocol," Her father responded, and then he lowered his voice. "Although... something about this doesn't feel quite right to me, either."

Y/N shivered. Without saying anything, Leia intertwined their fingers, not quite grasping her hand but still holding on to her as they ascended the palace steps.

A crimson-plated protocol droid stood off to the side of the massive doors at the palace entrance. The palace guards had their staffs crossed, blocking entry to anyone who dared to enter uninvited. Not that anyone would–palace security had a reputation for being both impenetrable and merciless, and although there hadn’t been any incidents as of late, no one dared to find out just what the repercussions would be. There were rumors, however. It was best not to think of them. 

The droid straightened up as they approached, greeting them in a posh, mellifluous voice. “Greetings, loyal citizens of the Empire. I am L-3PO, official Imperial liaison between organics and robotics, tasked tonight with welcoming guests to this most wonderful event. I’ll have to check to see that you’re on the guest list and verify your identities–this will only take a moment!” 

Datapad in hand, the droid scrolled through with their stylus, and Y/N could only begin to imagine how long the list was; just how many planets, and people…

"Presenting the Alderaanian Delegation,” L-3PO said, reading from the illuminated screen. “Her Majesty, Queen Breha Organa, and His Highness, Viceroy Bail Organa.” 

The royal couple bowed and made their way through the doors, pausing just behind the entrance to wait for the girls.

L-3PO spoke again. “Her Highness, Princess Leia Organa, and…?” The droid looked over at Y/N skeptically, mechanical eyes glinting, and she froze. Leia’s eyes flicked between Y/N and her parents nervously, silently begging for their help as Y/N stood unresponsive.

Breha looked over at the frightened girl and stepped in. "Lady Y/N Alde, our ward."

"Oh–my deepest apologies, Your Highness, it took a moment for my database to recognize her face! Forgive my slight malfunction," L-3PO apologized, and the guards backed away, lowering their staffs. "Her Grace, Lady Y/N Alde."

A flame rose to Y/N’s cheeks as she stepped forward, praying her makeup would hide her humiliation as she went to join her party. A few sympathetic glances were thrown her way, but she chose to ignore them, save for the eyes of the princess–eyes that held no patronizing pity. Only anger.

fanfiction by @kaleidoscope1967eyes

[skitskatdacat63]

I meant to write more for a pt 2 lore post earlier but didn't end up doing so, so pls take these AU sketches(Mark & Jense and then some assorted sketchies)

[alternatehistoryworlds]

AU: Children of Nicholas II(1968 - 1931) and Alexandra Feodorovna(1872 - 1938).

The revolution in 1917 was avoided and the execution of the royal family did not take place.

[maym0rin]

Royalty AU 👑

|| As the king helplessly watched his knight take the fall. ||

LORE: This takes place roughly three years right after the end of Mandred von Karma's imperial rule, and the Edgeworth royal family line is back on the throne. King Miles and his Grand Knight Phoenix have been doing their best to cleanse the corruption within the kingdom during those three years until Phoenix was caught in a trap, framed for assisting a murder against a well-known traveling Gramarye Magician. At that time, the trust of the citizens were extremely unstable due to the revealed corruption inside the kingdom, and for the sake of Miles' position as the king, Phoenix decided to go with the flow as there were not a single evidence that proved Phoenix did not do it. Of course, Miles has never doubted Phoenix as his trust of Phoenix since childhood times has never wavered, but by the situation stands and Phoenix's personal wishes, he himself had to give the "Guilty" verdict in his own hands. Phoenix's Grand Knight title after more than three years has stripped off, and was kicked out of the kingdom, hiding himself in the rural areas of the country taking a young magician girl with him.

If i have the time or have some stress to release i'll make more of this AU soon.... :' )

[xi-xi-chen]

Lightcannon Week // Day 04 - Royalty AU

Imperial Guard, war veteran Lux, and Princess Jinx. Joined by convenience until the betrothal contract has been fulfilled between two families as a galactic war comes to an end and now sits within a tense peace armistice agreement.

Lux fights demons, and Jinx wants to know why. Their position isn't exactly stellar either when any chances of romance are avoided anyway. After all, no Imperial Guard had really survived long enough to serve proper term, Jinx plans to really change that by bending the rules, so far that they curve up and around and around and around....yeah, she really hates rules.

((I know I post these so late, early morning is the only time I've got. (T~T) ))

[chimielie]

sun seeker

summary: you are a princess, a future queen. somehow, this is still not enough.

word count: 1.5k

cw: fighting, oikawa’s an asshole (sorry), arranged marriage/royalty au, fake history stuff, angst to fluff (i guess), i’m not telling you who the love interest is but like. Guess, misogyny, ambiguous ending

a/n: if i tell you that i imagined a whole other side for oikawa will you forgive me? also this was supposed to be a short drabble related to between lightning strikes but it very much was not. my bad

Your betrothed is unexpectedly quiet.

It had only been a few days since you met the crown prince, having been sequestered in your father’s court in the country for most of your life, learning to fill the seat of someday-Empress. The capital is huge, bustling with people, always noisy—or so you surmised from within your veiled carriage. You had thought, as you bowed before the Emperor and Imperial Heir, that your life was finally beginning, finally growing beyond the narrow confines of etiquette training and religious rituals.

Instead, you felt your dreams shrivel and die as your daily routine proceeded exactly as it had for close to two decades. The only difference was time mandatorily spent with Tooru, who seemed… less than enthused by your match.

You had dreamed of someone who chafed against authority as you had, who felt as bound by propriety despite the privilege of your positions. Alas, you found him to be both sullen and arrogant, eager to rule but in denial of his own dissatisfaction with a noblewoman such as yourself. It made you want to scream. You had not chosen the circumstances of your birth, the path which you had been led to walk. It was not your fault that fate had pushed you two so forcefully together without regard for your desires, ambitions, or personalities.

“I was told you visited the temple this morning,” you say, watching your fiancé pause a long sip of tea, his brown eyes temporarily widening. Your face slips momentarily into a frown; you cannot conceal your frustration with his clear disdain for such small talk but unwillingness to bring anything more engaging to your table.

“Yes,” he says finally, setting down his cup. Light brown liquid sloshes over the rim and onto his fingers; he wipes them on his robes without care for the expensive fabric. “There are many rituals that must be done to ensure the most auspicious wedding possible.” His voice catches noticeably on the word wedding. You take a sip of your own tea to hide your grimace.

It is lukewarm. How long have you been sitting here, trying to force civility?

“Did it go well?” You ask in turn, your pitch straining. Behind you, one of the imperial guards snorts. When you try to discern which of them broke character, they have all returned to a stoic, uniform position. You straighten your posture.

“It was satisfactory,” Tooru says. You hear the snort again, and the crown prince’s lips twitch, just barely.

You shut your eyes tightly for a moment, trying to take in a deep breath. Your chest feels tight, though, bound by heavy fabrics and scarlet ribbon. There doesn’t seem to be anywhere for the air to go.

“What did you do this morning?” He asks, and you throw the cup at him.

His Imperial Highness is athletic beneath his aristocracy, and he dodges it easily. It bounces off one of the silk screens behind him and lies, cracked in two, in a puddle of lukewarm tea on the floor. You bury your face in your hands and scream through your teeth, a short, guttural noise that carves a little more space in your chest to breathe.

When you look up again, he stands over you, his perfect brows pulled into an expression of concern. You know without looking that two of the Imperial Guard are standing behind you, hands on their weapons.

“You have asked me that,” you say slowly, fighting to push the words out through the red haze of rage, “twice now. And you asked what my plans were yesterday. And the answer is always the same: wait in my rooms for you to call, because I am a painting of a woman waiting for you to walk in and criticize my form and decide that I am satisfactory.”

“I didn’t—” he says, and for a moment you become a fairytale heroine instead of a scorned princess, sitting on the floor looking up at him with despondent eyes that betray your desire to be loved. “This is what we are,” he decides finally, expression no longer concerned. “I think perhaps you need some rest.”

“You cannot be serious,” you seethe, pushing yourself to your feet. One of the guards puts a hand on you, ready to restrain you.

Tooru turns, his back facing you. He glances back as he exits, tone bored, eyes cold.

“Do not worry yourself,” he tells you, “I still find you satisfactory.”

You lunge after him, but two strong hands clamp down on your arms, hauling you back. You writhe and kick, but when you look up at your guard, his face is impassive, his eyes distant.

“I hate you,” you snarl, and watch as his eyes flicker down to your face. Seeing you. “I hate you,” you say again, but it sounds much more like a sob.

You can’t sleep that night.

The moon is full, high and bright, and every time you close your eyes, you see visions of your future. A glorified concubine, living in an expensive sanitarium, surely to be driven to insanity before your husband can ascend the throne.

You sit up, wild-eyed, and throw your door open with more force than you realize.

“Princess,” says your guard, startled.

“I can’t sleep,” you say, your heart thrumming in your chest. “Hajime, please, I can’t sleep.”

“I can’t let you out of your quarters,” Iwaizumi Hajime, head of your security detail, says.

“I don’t want—” you start, and he gives you a knowing look. “I know. Please just come and—talk with me. A little.”

He sighs, deeply, a rush of wind through cypress trees, and follows you into your room.

“Sit,” you order him, and the moonlight affords you the ability to see his green eyes flash with panic. “I am your future queen. Sit.”

He sits, trying to maintain his stern, professional face, even as you peel his helmet off and run your hands through his flattened hair.

“You lied to me,” you hum, and he jerks under your touch, façade breaking. “You told me Tooru never shut up.”

“I knew him a long time ago,” says Hajime. One of the few who had come with you to Kyoto, he had been raised here and come to your father’s court as a youth to learn to fight. “He’s not—he’s stubborn. He’ll soften eventually.”

“I don’t care,” you say bitterly. “Why did you hold me back?”

“He’s the prince,” Hajime says, his voice rasping with exasperation.

“I am the princess,” you say, and his lips press together into a straight line.

“My princess,” he murmurs. Hajime has always run warm, much more suited for Kyoto’s climate than your hometown’s. When he wraps an arm around you and pulls you against his side, you can feel his body heat through his armor.

“You let him say horrible things to me,” you say. His hold on you tightens.

“He is my oldest friend.”

“I am your—” you sigh heavily, pushing away from him, looking out at the moon. “I am nothing to you. I will live, though I am ungrateful. Many would say I am the luckiest woman in all the land.” The air is very cold without his touch.

“You are not nothing to me,” Hajime says, and you smile wistfully at his selective hearing.

“At least I am satisfactory.” You don’t see what happens, but Hajime’s helmet clatters loudly on the floor a moment later. “What—”

“He is my oldest friend,” he repeats himself, but his voice is low, so deep in his chest you can barely hear him. It does not matter; you can feel his words. “I wanted to kill him.”

Your lips part on a silent gasp, and he leans in close, so close that you can nearly taste him. You’ve always loved the way he smells, something base that relaxes you instantly. You haven’t been this close to him since you left home.

“He’s the Emperor,” he continues, “I can’t hurt him. I held us back.”

“Us?” You ask, his fingers suddenly tightly intertwined with yours.

“Ask me to help you leave,” he says, and you shut your eyes against his gaze, frightening and familiar all at once. “Ask me to take you away from here. I had—I have plans, and you will not be happy with him, Princess. You will be more than satisfactory, satisfied—you will be loved.”

Something knotted tightly unspools in you, red threads laying themselves out in perfect lines. You duck your head and nod against his shoulder, face rubbing against the metal of his armor.

You aren’t likely to succeed, you know, no matter how thoroughly Hajime has planned. Your fiancé will look for you: a stubborn man, like he had said. You do not know if his disdain for you or his love for Hajime will protect you. You could both die.

“Take me away,” you say, voice ringing out like a queen’s.

The moon, at its fullest cycle, chases its estranged wife into the day. The crown prince wakes without his betrothed. The world only spins forward.

[wangxianficfinder]

Marriage of Convenience

~*~

what price is duty, what cost is love by thunderwear (G, 18k, wangxian, canon divergence, WWX was never adopted to Jiang, war prize, YLLZ WWX, pining, first kiss, first time, falling in love, angst w/ happy ending)

seldom all they seem by Fahye (E, 25k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Arranged Marriage, or rather Arranged Betrothal, followed by Weapons-Grade Thirst)

💖🔒 love, in fire and blood by cicer (E, 360k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, YLLZ WWX, Arranged Marriage, political scheming, Gratuitous Domesticity, Mutual Pining, EXTREME SLOWBURN, the inherent eroticism of the forehead ribbon, The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Known, neither wwx nor lwj want to be Perceived, but sorry kids! it’s gonna happen!, rated E but the the NSFW stuff doesn’t begin until chapter 19!, bottom LWJ in chapter 20 and 27)

Concord by Deastar (T, 41k, WangXian, Arranged Marriage, Gūsū Lán Sect Rules, Depression, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending)

🔒 As It Should Be by kuro (M, 36k, WangXian, Slow Burn, Arranged Marriage, Fluff and Angst, Miscommunication, Dubious Consent, Accidental Baby Acquisition, Siblings, Running Away from your problems, as adults do, Eventual Fluff)

True Gold Fears No Fire by defractum (nyargles) (M, 69k, WIP, WangXian, Royalty AU, Ancient China, Wuxia, Historical Inaccuracy, Arranged Marriage, Identity Porn, Mutual Pining, Emperor!LWJ, empress!wwx, Eventual Happy Ending, Misunderstandings)

travelers through the empty gate by stiltonbasket (M, 107k, WangXian, royalty au, mistaken identity, emperor WWX, poor LWJ, forced marriage, (by LWJ himself), confused WWX, parenthood, misunderstandings, empress LWJ, fluff & humor, married life, angst w/ happy ending, WIP)

我的皇后是農民 | sowing seeds in the cold palace by sweetlolixo (E, 84k, WangXian, Imperial Palace, Emperor LWJ, Imperial Consort WWX, Farmer WWX, Angst, Romance, Wingman LJY, Wife-chasing-LWJ, Arranged Marriage, Best Boy A-Yuan)

much sweeter than by mellowflicker (T, 3k, WangXian, Royalty-ish AU, Arranged Marriage, a little bit of YLLZ WWX, Hurt/Comfort, Happy Ending)

The Simplest Way Forward by harriet_vane (E, 70k, WangXian, Modern AU, Accidental Baby Acquisition, Kid Fic, explicit in much much later chapters, green card marriage (but not really), pining for your own husband, endless pining, Slow Burn, Happy Ending, Nothing else bad or traumatic happens to the baby, [Podfic of] The Simplest Way Forward by knight_tracer)

~*~

[fushitoru]

I please ask for a enemies to lovers, opposing royalty and kingdoms fic with Gojoo

Think of it, the slight angsty feelings that the bridgerton au gives just with even MORE tension and lingering feelings and emotions. Political play and drama with the unspoken, indescribable pull between them as time goes on and conflicts between the kingdoms persist

AH this sort of reminds me of remarried empress but not really (ur idea is better no tea no shade)

actually i have something similar in my drafts, not completely. it's enemies to lovers but you're in an arranged marriage with gojo and are his empress. gojo thinks your family (the family who brings up the gojo empire's army's generals) wants to rebel against him, which is why he ends up marrying you. so you both are cold towards each other, but gojo is way too busy to notice how you're being mistreated by his mother (your mother in law) and the consorts his court forces him to have. (basically he's supposed to produce children with you and the consorts in typical imperial japan/china harem style, and those consorts are chosen from political families to maintain balance in the court). however he "hates" all women so he doesn't care or notice about any of the drama.

but then one day you both switch bodies, and gojo has to undergo the mistreatment you went under and you have to see the responsibility that's burdened gojo ever since he ascened the throne at nine years old and caused him to be so cold. then you have to figure out who's ACTUALLY trying to rebel against him and hence the political play and drama you mentioned :3

it's inspired from the donghua no doubt in us, and i want to write it soo bad loll i just think the plot is a whole hear me out (like i actually wanted a enemies to lovers royalty thing like yours, but then remembered the donghua and made it into this). but once i get to plan it out im sort of excited to see if it turns out good <3

[shadowqueenjude]

I’m astronomically late but this was meant for day 1 of @rhystaappreciationweekend

AU of what if Nesta took Feyre’s place in the bargain:

Nesta gasped and wheezed as they reached the crest of the mountain. She and her companions were soaked in blood, sweat, and rain, and the cold seeped down to their bones. She knew all three of them had likely gotten a fever, but at this moment Nesta couldn’t bring herself to care.

Because at the crest of the hill lay an enormous wall that was falling into disrepair. The border between the human lands and Prythian stood before them.

“We made it,” Nesta croaked. Then she collapsed before the wall.

“They made it through the forest?” came a voice as though from a great distance. Was she in hell?

“Yes,” answered a different voice, this one sounding a bit more polished. “Three human women, two matching the descriptions of Feyre’s sisters. I am not sure who the third girl is, though.”

“It doesn’t matter; she is with Feyre’s sisters, so she must be protected.”

“But it does matter, Tam. Look at her weaponry- she’s been trained to fight the Fae. She must be some kind of guide for these ladies. They came here to save Feyre- likely from you. I believe Feyre has underestimated the depth of their regard for her.”

Probably not hell, then. But it sure felt like it. Nesta’s head felt so heavy, and her eyes glued shut. She couldn’t even muster the energy to open her mouth and speak.

Back to sleep it was, then, until she got more comfortable.

When she opened her eyes, she found herself on a bed so comfortable that Nesta felt like royalty. The mattress was soft yet supportive. The sheets were like satin, and the blankets were so warm that Nesta felt like a baked potato. She gently pulled off the blankets and her jaw dropped as she looked down at herself.

Her clothes were utterly spotless, and definitely not what she was wearing before. She was wearing an elegant green silk empire gown with real pink flowers stitched around the waist. Nesta reached a hand into her hair. No tangles and butter-soft beach waves. How??? She had just been asleep. Shouldn’t there be tangles?

She jumped out of bed, stomping towards the door and flinging it open. She was furious; who had touched her without her consent? Her heart went cold as she remembered Tomas Mandray’s hands on her skin…

By the time her anger dissipated just enough to have the rational thought that it was probably not a good idea to stomp around in the land of the Fae, but by then it was too late: her presence had already been discovered.

“Lady!” a voice cried from the body of a tree. Nesta looked up at her imperiously. “Was this you, tree girl?” she hissed.

The tree held her ground, raising a brow. “You can see my true form? And no, I am not a tree.”

“Of course I can see you,” Nesta snapped. “I am not blind.”

“That’s not what I meant,” she replied coolly. “I am Alis. It is nice to meet you.”

Nesta glared at Alis. She had not answered her question. She placed her hand on her hip and angled her head at her. “Somebody changed me while I was asleep. Who. Did. It?”

Alis didn’t look the least bit impressed. Perhaps she was already accustomed to this attitude from somebody else. “Just the maids. Nobody touched you inappropriately, I promise. We only gave you a clean shower and clothes.”

Nesta sighed in relief. Somehow, she believed Alis. “Where are my friends?”

“They have separate rooms. I can take you to them, if you wish,” Alis said.

“Ok.”

Alis led Nesta through several halls. Nesta was constantly doing double takes as she saw wind spirits scurry through the house. This place was just so weird; she couldn’t say she liked it.

Alis first led her to her sister’s room. Elain was still fast asleep, her hair artfully askew on the pillows. She seemed so peaceful with her face relaxed. She was the princess incarnate.

Nesta clasped her shoulder and shook her. “Elain, wake up,” she whispered.

Her little sister’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked Nesta blearily. “Just a few more minutes,” she mumbled.

“No,” she snapped. “We need to get up. We’re in Prythian.”

That sobered up her sister quickly. She sat up in bed, grabbing her sister’s hand. “But where’s Tiana?”

The mercenary who had bravely taken on the quest to reach Prythian after she and Nesta had already failed once. After Feyre was taken, she became quite close with the Archeron family. Nesta considered her a dear friend and close to a sister.

“The tree woman will take us to her,” Nesta said reassuringly. Elain slid off of the bed, revealing her shiny new dress: a lavender-colored chiffon dress with real hydrangeas all down the skirt. Her hair, a few shades darker than Nesta, was so glossy that it reflected the dimmest of lights. They walked back to Alis, who led them to Tiana, who was wide awake reading a book on the bed.

Nesta raised a brow. Her dark skin lacked sleep circles, suggesting that she had been awake a while. Her midnight hair had been braided and tossed over one shoulder. She wore a flowy black dress with butterfly sleeves and mesh on the shins. She looked like a mystic or a priestess.

“Oh good, you two are awake!” Tiana said enthusiastically. She slammed her book shut and slid off the bed, striding towards them with purpose. “This place is really nice, but I asked around, and your sister is not here.”

That was exactly what Nesta was afraid of. “Is she dead?” she croaked.

Tiana pressed her lips into a thin line, shaking her head grimly. “Worse.”

Nesta stormed through the house looking for Tamlin, Elain and Tiana hurrying behind her. She was going to have a few words with him when she found him.

At last, she found him holed up in his study, his head in his hands. Seeing him in inaction while knowing that her sister had been taken captive by the man who had assaulted her under the mountain made her see red.

“TAMLIN!” she roared. Instantly, he stood up, on alert. Nesta walked right up to his face and punched him with all the force she could muster. Tamlin did not even flinch, but he did look shocked.

“YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF HER!” Nesta shrieked. She leapt onto him, trying to pull his hair out. Tamlin only grabbed her wrists gently, prying her off of him.

“I’m trying,” he said hoarsely. He sounded broken. “Rhysand has tricked her into a faerie bargain- it’s not easy to break. Lucien has gone to the Day Court to try and figure out a way to break it.”

Nesta could feel hot tears forming in her eyes. “Then I’ll go get her.”

“Are you insane?” Tamlin bellowed. “You have nothing to offer him, and no power to stop him.”

“Tiana has ash blades, and I’m certain it’s not Feyre’s power he’s after. What would he want with a mere human?”

Tamlin scrunched his nose and surveyed her. “You are also a human.” Not an insult, just a fact. But Nesta stared him down anyway.

“A human upon which Faerie glamours have no effect,” she answered.

They stared each other down for several moments before Tamlin sighed. “Feyre will never forgive me if you get hurt.”

Nesta angled her head. “There won’t be a Feyre to forgive you if she remains in this bargain.”

Tamlin slumped in defeat. He knew she was right. Nesta stood there waiting, arms crossed.

“I will take you to the Night Court border,” he said finally. “You’re on your own from there.”

Leaving Elain and Tiana behind, Nesta walked into the realm of the devil incarnate. It didn’t take long after she crossed the border for the High Lord of Night to be alerted to her presence. After mere minutes of walking in crunchy snow, a carriage came up to her claiming to be from the palace. It was utterly ostentatious with its dramatic silk coverings and threadings likely made from real gold, so Nesta climbed inside and awaited the palace of her sister’s captor.

When they reached the palace, Nesta stepped out and gazed at the palace in awe. The whole thing looked utterly sinister: a polished black with several spires coming to a sharp point. It looked like a castle of swords.

She was escorted inside by a broody batman who seemed to be surrounded by black smoke. When he moved to grab her arm, Nesta slapped his hand away.

“I am came here willingly; do you really think I’ll try to escape?” she snapped. The bat male merely blinked his hazel eyes before letting his arm drop to his side. Nesta held her chin up high, trying to memorize where he was taking her instead of focusing on her fear.

Nesta was taken to a throne room, where another batman lounged on the throne, legs hanging over one armrest and crown sitting lopsided on his head. His ears sat on the top of his head, long and furry and triangular. His eyes were completely black except for his violet irises. There were circular markings in bands all over his face, like some tribal symbols. In place of nails were dark talons. And each of his wings were as big as Nesta. He looked ethereal, wicked, terrifying.

“Leave us,” Rhysand commanded his stooge. The other bat guy scurried away instantly. Nesta sneered at Rhysand.

“Where is my sister,” she asked flatly. The High Lord of Night smiled sinisterly. “You do not mince words, do you, Feyre’s sister?”

“Where is she?” she demanded. Rhysand laughed seductively. “Mor, bring her here,” he ordered the woman standing by his right side. She swept out of the room instantly. Rhysand looked her over. “Human girl…you must love your sister a lot if you were willing to come this far.”

Nesta clenched her fists to keep from shaking. She was in the room with a bona fide High Lord, and this one was not so friendly. But she stood her ground; faeries respected power, so she had to act powerful even if she was not.

“It took your sister mere moments to dance for me,” Rhysand purred. “How long until you do the same?”

Nesta saw red at the man’s careless comment. “You caught my sister at her most vulnerable,” she hissed. “I promise that you will not find me in any such position.”

“We will see about that,” he murmured. “Dance for me, Nesta,” he whispered.

And then Nesta felt it, like a probe reaching into her head. In her mind, Nesta began to build iron walls. Brick by brick, she created an impenetrable barrier between her and that invasive force.

“Absolutely not,” she snapped. She pulled out her ash knife, gripping it like a vise.

Rhysand looked surprised for a moment, then intrigued. Then his eyes snagged on her weapon, and he smirked. “What do you think you’re going to do with that?” he inquired.

She tilted her head and placed her other hand on her hip. “Kill you.”

He chortled. “I am much stronger and faster than you, love. What in the world can you do?”

As if to prove his point, in an instant Rhysand charged towards Nesta, punching her forearm. She cried out as her knife went clattering out of her hand.

“You see?” Rhysand said in an erotic whisper. “You are no match for me.”

Nesta spat in his face. A cloud of dust formed over him, and he doubled over, coughing. Tiana’s ash chew had worked, then. While he was distracted, Nesta sprinted towards her knife.

“Do not underestimate me,” she hissed.

Rhysand clapped even while bent over. “Clever. Very clever, young lady…for your wit and courage, I’ll grant you one boon.”

There was only one thing to do. Rhysand would never agree to a bargain if he did not get something out of it, and he was too powerful to kill. So, she cleared her throat and forced out the words she was most terrified to utter.

“I wish to take my sister Feyre’s place in her bargain.”

Through the ash cloud, Nesta saw Rhysand laugh. “Very well, miss Nesta. I accept.”

[qqueenofhades]

For the history questions, what historical period has given you the most inspiration for your writing/muses?

I feel like it's a cop-out if I say "hmm, all of them," and this will end up just being a long recap of all my various projects over the years, but a) fuck it, this is my blog, I can talk about my own stuff if I want to, and b) there have indeed been Many, both fic and original. I usually pick settings for historical/historical fantasy AUs that I already know and want to write about, so:

The Lightbearers (Once Upon a Time) and Starlight & Strange Magic (Timeless) are both 19th-century Victorian England/Europe/steampunk, one in the 1850s and the other in the 1880s, with lots of magic and misadventure and so forth. You can tell that I was really into steampunk around 10 years ago (it was Formative, okay) and there were plenty of opportunities to do fun things with the historical setting and real-life personalities (the scene of Flynn breaking into Buckingham Palace to spy on Queen Victoria and William Gladstone remains a favorite). There is also my massive The Swan and Crossbones series (OUAT/Black Sails, two fics, 800k words), which is set in the 18th-century Caribbean, Golden Age of Piracy, and pre-Revolutionary America and is a retelling of Treasure Island + family saga + multi-generational/multi-character/multi-source material historical fiction, wherein I both wrote 800k words and did a shitton of extra research in the middle of getting a PhD. Don't ask me why I did this either, but I still re-read them, especially The Rose and Thorn (the second installment in the series) for my own pleasure.

My All Souls Timeless trilogy, following the source material, involved general historian/academia shenanigans and time travel to Elizabethan England, which was lots of fun to research and write about, even if I otherwise tend to think that the Tudors are often overdone. One of my most popular fics and best shorter-form (only 65k words...) historical/period pieces is deo volente (lux aeterna) for The Old Guard, which takes the crusades as its general starting point and thematic thread to explore religion, faith, immortality, power, war, violence, love, queerness, and other such things. Another popular fic of mine that spanned 600 years of history (starting in the 14th century) and explored various periods in detail is my Sandman fic and in the waking world we wait and want, with a particular emphasis on queer history. (You will find that crops up often in my stuff, regardless of the setting.) We also have why draw me to that promised land (Shadow and Bone), set in the 1980s Soviet Union (my boast for the accuracy of this fic, based on my previous studies in Russian/Soviet history, is that someone told me they learned more from this fic than an entire semester of a university class, which is not entirely good because I then had many questions about their professor, but there you have it).

When it comes to original novels, I started off also 10+ years ago with medieval England, with the The Lion and the Rose series and others. I am fond of this one because it was what got me into medieval history in the first place and because even now, it still sells fairly steadily and gives me a couple bucks in royalties every month. My newest book, The Empire of Bones, is based (loosely) on my fic The Key of Solomon and basically has everything I possibly wanted to cram into a fantasy historical setting, from anywhere and any time at all. Thus we have the Christian-era Roman Empire, an Islamic Carthage, the Byzantines, Imperial China, Russian Jews and Ukrainian Cossacks, the Mali Empire, Celtic Britain, so forth and etcetera, etcetera. So as noted, if it looks interesting, I will find a way to throw it and the kitchen sink in somewhere, and I have the issue that whenever I read a book about a new place or period, I go "hmm, I should figure out how to write something gay about this." Alas.

[stiltonbasket]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

Here goes!

travelers through the empty gate - aka, how would the Sunshot Campaign have gone if MDZS existed in a more historical setting where cultivators served the imperial family (the Wen clan, who are also cultivators)?

Flowers in the Palace - this is one of my favorites despite being relatively short! I love WLW wangxian, especially in a historical/canon setting. If you haven't read this one before, this is the series where Wangxian are (platonic) consorts to Emperor Nie Mingjue, and married each other in secret.

Silver Jian Seeking Hearts (aka the TGCF fusion AU where Lan Wangji is a Devastation-class ghost, and Wei Wuxian is reincarnated 400 years post-canon) - what if Mo Xuanyu never summoned Wei Wuxian, and Jin Guangyao's plots resulted in Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen's deaths about a decade after WWX was supposed to have returned?

When the Hills Are All Flat, and the Rivers Run Dry - yet another royalty AU. This one features fem!Wei Wuxian as a bridal candidate for emperor Lan Wangji, who would rather leave governing to his very capable older sister (LXC) and spend his time caring for A-Yuan instead. ;-;

A Wife by Any Other Name - a post Bingge vs. Bingmei fic where Bingge finds a version of Shen Yuan in his own universe eleven years after crossing paths with SY!SQQ in SVSSS. But unlike the version of Shen Qingqiu he met in SV's universe, this Shen Yuan is over a hundred years old, not as easily impressed as a twenty-year-old freshly transmigrated SY might be, and hiding much more about himself than Bingge guesses...

[tsotf-fic]

♚ chapter 1 - when stars collide ♛

i. sisters

"Are you sure the feathers are necessary?" Leia asked as her attendant droid, WA-2V, laced up the back of her bodice.

A cloud of white feathers and lavender tulle surrounded her waist and delicately floated to her feet, giving her the appearance of some ethereal being from an old fairy tale.

"It is a costume party," replied Y/N, who was also being fitted in a matching gown. "Besides, I heard feathers are very good for diplomacy."

Leia glared at her, only for the two of them to immediately burst into giggles afterwards. Her deep brown eyes reflected a softness that only Y/N knew; only together could she truly be vulnerable without ever feeling weak or threatened.

However, vulnerability usually referred to dropping the prim-and-proper-princess persona in favor of mischievous girlishness.

The rather flamboyant costumes they wore–which were based upon Alderaanian swans, the heraldic animal of House Organa–were for the upcoming ball for the Grand Vicennial Celebration of the Empire. Holonet News predicted it to be the 'party of the century,' but Y/N had her doubts. Sure, events like these were politically important, but the whole ordeal was just another gross display of the veneer of Imperial wealth and power.

Queen Breha, who oversaw preparing the girls for the ball, placed her hand on Leia's shoulder with playful sternness. "Now, girls, in spite of our opinions of the Empire, it is crucial that the two of you take this event seriously–especially you, Leia."

"I know, mother. It is my duty to represent the Alderaan system with grace and dignity."

"Exactly. And don't think you're free from responsibility, Y/N. You're the sole heir to the House of Alde, and its reputation rests firmly in your hands alone."

"I guess I should be dressed as a thranta, then," Y/N sighed. As fun as it was to be descended from the original namesake of their planet, she didn't like being reminded of the fact she wasn't an Organa.

Breha noticed Y/N's change of mood and gave her a reassuring smile. "If that is what you wish, I can have it arranged. However, I think it is rather charming to have you and Leia in matching outfits."

"And I don't want to be the only one stuck in feathers," Leia retorted.

Y/N turned to face the mirror. Her hair, like Leia's, was done up in plaits encircling her head. A pair of white wings stretched out over the sides of her braids, and from the center extended a chain of pearls ending in a teardrop-shaped jewel of lilac chalcedony at the center of her forehead.

"Why aren't you in a silly costume, mom?" Leia asked, crossing her arms.

"I'm dressed as the Queen of Alderaan. I'm already silly enough," Breha said with a wink. "Now, if you two will excuse me, I have some business to attend to elsewhere. WA-2V, please make sure the girls are ready within an hour."

"Yes, your majesty," whirred the gentle mechanical voice of WA-2V as Breha hurried out of the room.

Y/N turned to Leia and shrugged. Even though Breha was the ruler of the planet, they were always the ones who had to dress up and essentially be put on display at any sort of political gathering.

It wasn't entirely a bad thing–the inner child in Y/N still enjoyed the charm of dancing in beautiful gowns at glittering balls. Ironically, it was one of the few instances where she didn't shy away from being in the spotlight.

Leia, however, had quickly outgrown that sense of romantic naïveté.

"I still have no idea how we're going to dance in these dresses without falling on our faces," Leia whispered.

"We'll just have to be as light and graceful as swans," Y/N whispered back.

"Yeah, right."

fanfiction by @kaleidoscope1967eyes

[halowishes]

december favs!

what i read this month.

(look forward to a favs of 2024 post later :3)

sketches of a firefly

e. 88.7k. magic/ hurt/comfort.

i have no words to properly describe this experience. this fic is introspective, adventurous, glowing, and textured. i LOVED this story. the magic is vague and perfectly added, the characters are fleshed out, and the writing is delightful. patient & loving atsumu you will always be famous. please read the tags/ warnings. stay safe <3

summer special: omigiri

t. 6.9k. msby & onigiri miya.

i literally searched “summer” in the sakuatsu tag on ao3 and this presented itself on a silver platter. very sweet and silly fic of skts modeling for onigiri miya’s newest campaign of umeboshi onigiri. osamu pov since he’s (obviously) the smartest person in the room. extremely lighthearted and goofy <3

people will say we’re in love

t. 9.5k. canon universe.

sakuatsu learn what sakuatsu is and try to make it stop: the fic! or: the universe wants skts together soooo bad: the fic. this was such a lighthearted read and was so silly. i’m a big fan of social media/ youtube fics (they remind me of my kpop stan days) so this was very cute.

a match made in hell

e. 8.9k. arranged marriage in hell au!

the premise is such a gag that i just had to read it and it, unexpectedly, was full of life (get it? bc they’re in hell)! lots of bickering and sass from kiyoomi and it was just SO funny. broke the 4th wall, full of hell jokes, and had a fluff-y ending <3 also loved the characterization & world building of hell.

do good things come to those who wait?

t. 16.7k. imperial prince omi x shogun son atsumu.

READ THE NOTES.

hahaha ok so i didn’t read the notes. but i have been craving a royalty skts fic and i just got so excited. PLUS red string soulmates??? i needed it. it was a lovely coming of age fic and i loved atsumu in this. he was humanized a lot more than what i usually see. he was flustered, dramatic, and annoying but in very real ways. excellent writing and unforgettable plot.

intertwined

t. 25.8k. soulmate body swapping.

this was lovely. soulmates swap bodies at random times and skts fall in love through those moments of time. you sort of witness their whole childhoods unfold to the point where they meet and (of course) it’s a beautiful reunion :3 also included the kiyoomi has older sisters who dote on him hc which i ADORE!!

bewitching, besotted

e. 70.7k. 5+1 fwb.

sakusa pov! hurt/ comfort! situationships! emotionally mature kghn! kageyama x omi besties! this fic truly has it all. this is part of an ongoing series so there was a lot of development of surrounding characters and circumstances. but most importantly: they are so enamored with each other. romance is in the little things. such a solid fic!

cut the conversation, just open your mouth

e. 16.2k. situationship skts.

ok wow i read a LOT of hurt/comfort this month. fwb skts in atsumu’s pov! everyone is stressed (and omi is trying his best). this was more like a character study and one that i really appreciated. atsumu wasn’t a perfect brother, communicator, or athlete. and i don’t know a lot about situationships so i enjoyed reading it!

let’s get physical

t. 4.3k. nurse sakusa x uni student atsumu.

genuinely couldn’t stop laughing while reading this. atsumu is getting his physical at the student health center and flirts with the really beautiful nurse. let’s just say that wasn’t atsumu’s last visit to the health center.

stockholm syndrome isn’t real

e. 50.2k. heist/ action au.

wow. i just want to say a thank you to the commenter who said this is their fav skts fic because i GET it now. wildly comedic, action-packed, absurd yet wonderful. lovely characterizations. i can’t wait to read it again. also i’m such a sucker for heists so obviously i loved the plot.

sense of purpose (or, what comes next)

t. 3.6k. post volleyball retirement.

atsumu sees kiyoomi at a 7/11 over a decade after they last saw each other :’). although short, this fic was thoughtful, enchanting, and beautiful. there is so much between the lines that i wish i could have MORE of them. it also was a bit of a character study for atsumu as he thinks back on his life/ career. very special and lovely read.

happy happy new year to you all! it’s one of the only holidays we all celebrate, so please enjoy it and share the love! i am really thankful to have my little brain rot blog here… here’s to more dumb posts in the new year!

[alternatehistoryworlds]

The Romanovs AU: Peter III(1728 - 1791) and Catherine II(1729 - 1792).

In 1745, the Prussian princess Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst became the wife of the heir to the Russian throne, Peter, and converted to Orthodoxy. After adopting the Provo-Slavism, she ceased to be a Prussian princess and became the Russian Tsarevna Catherine Elekseevna. Peter did not love his wife, but after the birth of their eldest daughter he looked at her differently, and the birth of a son finally brought the couple closer together. In 1762 the Russian Empress Elisabeth died and Peter became Emperor. He reigned in the Russian Empire together with his wife. Almost 30 years they ruled in Russia, but in 1791 Peter died suddenly. For Catherine the death of her husband was a strong blow, she began to lead a reclusive life and did not want to see anyone except her eldest son, as he was similar to her late husband. A year later, Catherine herself died of a heart attack.

Children of Peter III and Catherine:

Elisabeth(1748 - 1815). First-born son of Peter III and Catherine II Alexeevna. Was named in honor of the Russian empress Elisabeth Petrovna. Elisabeth's parents did not like each other, but her birth brought them closer together. In 1764 she married Leopold II and became Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. The married life of Elizabeth and Leopold was a happy one. The marriage produced 12 children: Franz II, Alexander, Clementine, Karl, Mary, Louise, Ferdinand, Ludwig, Leopold, Caroline, Anna and Joseph.

Mary(1750 - 1825). Duchess of Hesse. In 1770 married Ludwig I of Hesse. She was loved not only by her husband and his relatives, but also by her subjects. Mother of 8 children: Ludwig II, Louise, George, Friedrich, Emil, Gustav, Charles, Henrietta.

Paul(1754 - 1822). Emperor of All Russia. The long-awaited heir to the Russian throne. After ascending the throne, Paul continued the work of his grandfather Peter I the Great. Under his rule the Russian Empire reached the peak of its power. Reforms beneficial to the state were adopted, and new and favorable treaties with other countries were concluded. Husband:

1)Augusta Hesse of Darmstadt(died in childbirth).

2)Sophia of Württemberg.

Father of 11 children: stillborn son, Alexander I, Constantine, Alexandra, Elena, Mary, Catherine, Olga, Anna, Nicholas I, Michael.

Anne(1757 - 1823). Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI and mother of 4 children: Louis, Mary, Charles, Sophia. She received her name in honor of her paternal grandmother. Was the favorite sister of Russian Emperor Paul. In 1789 the Great French Revolution began, and in 1791 Anne and her children fled to Russia. Two years later she learned of her husband's execution. Anne and her children never returned to France.

Alexey(1762 - 1812). The last child of Peter III and Catherine II Elekseevna. General Fieldzeichmeister. He was married to Louis XVI's sister Elizabeth. Father of 3 children: Mary, Catherine, Anton.

Романовы AU: Пётр III(1728 - 1791 ) и Екатерина II(1729 - 1792).

В 1745 году прусская принцесса София Августа Фредерика Ангальт-Цербстская стала женой наследника русского престола Петра и приняла провославие. После принятия провославия она перестала быть прусской принцессой и стала русской царевной Екатериной Елексеевной. Пётр не любил свою жену, но после рождения их старшей дочери он по другому посмотрел на нее, а рождение сына окончательно сблизило супругов. В 1762 году умерла российская императрица Елизавета Петровна и Пётр становится императором. Царствовал в российской империи совместно с женой. Почти 30 лет они правили Россией, но в 1791 году Пётр скоропостижно скончался. Для Екатерины смерть мужа стала сильным ударом, она начала вести затворнический образ жизни и никого не хотела видеть кроме старшего сына, так как он был похож на её покойного мужа. А через год не стало и самой Екатерины, она умерла от сердечного приступа.

Дети Петра III и Екатерины II:

Елизавета(1748 - 1815). Первенец Петра III и Екатерины II Алексеевны. Была названа в честь российской императрицы Елизаветы Петровны. Родители Елизаветы не любили друг друга, но её рождение их сблизило. В 1764 году вышла замуж за Леопольда II и стала императрицей Священной Римской империи. Супружеская жизнь Елизаветы и Леопольда была счастливой. В браке родилось 12 детей: Франц II, Александр, Клементина, Карл, Мария, Луиза Фердинанд, Людвиг, Леопольд, Каролина, Анна и Иосиф.

Мария(1750 - 1825). Герцогиня Гессенская. В 1770 вышла замуж за Людвиг I Гессенского. Её любил не только муж и его родственники, но и подданные. Мать 8 детей: Людвиг II, Луиза, Георг, Фридрих, Эмиль, Густав, Карл, Генриетта.

Павел(1754 - 1822). Император Всероссийский. Долгожданный наследник русского престола. После восшествия на престол Павел продолжил дело своего деда Петра I Великого. При его правлении российская империя достигла пика своей могущественности. Были приняты полезные для государства реформы, а также заключены новые выгодные договора с другими странами. Муж:

1)Августы Гессен Дармштадтской(умерла при родах).

2)Софии Вюртембергской.

Отец 11 детей: мертворожденный сын, Александр I, Константин, Александра, Елена, Мария, Екатерина, Ольга, Анна, Николай I, Михаил.

Анна(1757 - 1823). Королева Франции, жена Людовика XVI и мать 4 детей: Людовик, Мария, Шарль, София. Получила свое имя в честь бабушки по отцовской линии. Была любимой сестрой российского императора Павла. В 1789 году началась Великая французская революция, а в 1791 Анна с детьми сбежала в Россию. Через 2 года она узнала о казни мужа. Анна и её дети во Францию больше не вернулись.

Алексей(1762 - 1812). Последний ребёнок Петра III и Екатерины II Елексеевны. Генерал фельдцейхмейстер. Был женат на сестре Людовика XVI Елизавете. Отец 3 детей: Мария, Екатерина, Антон.

[stardust948]

To keep on theme with the recent Urzai week:

Do you have any headcanons for them? Either canon atla of your own au

I have some for both!

Canon:

It was always an arranged marriage whether Ursa was a noble's daughter or if we're following the comics and she grew up as a peasant. She and Ozai had a bit of an awkward start, but they learned to get along mainly out of survival. (The Fire Nation Courts are brutal especially when you're the Firelord's least favorite).

Ozai is lowkey a simp. Ursa said one genuine nice thing to him, and he nearly went into an angst coma.

Ursa reigned Ozai in a lot which is why things immediately went down the drain after she left.

PDA is frown upon for Fire Nation royalty, so Ozai would make up for it by buying a lot of gifts for Ursa.

Ozai always planned for Ursa to return and rule by his side which is why he never remarried. She eventually fell of radar and presumed dead.

Once Ursa returned after the war and sided with Zuko's anti-imperialism, Ozai saw it as a betrayal and personal rejection much like how Azula viewed Mai and Ty Lee after the Boiling Rock. (Yes, Ursa was previously an imperialist like the rest of the Fire Nation Royal family).

Brave is the heart that loves / Dragon AU:

Ozai and Ursa did shortly break up after they ran away together. Both were very stressed from trying to survive on the streets and got into a huge fight.

They spent a couple of days apart before tracking down each other. They both apologized and promised to support one another from then on.

Zuko was conceived that night.

Frenemies / High School AU:

They got together freshman year when Ozai filled as the Dragon King when the original actor Ikem got sick. It was Ozai's first real play in the Performing Arts high school he fought his father tooth and nail to enroll in, so of course he was nervous. But Ursa helped him through it.

They had an impromptu kiss on stage during opening night. The director liked it so much he added it to the script permanently. Ikem was highly pissed because he was going to use the play to confess to Ursa, but Ozai beat him to it.

They had an on again off again relationship throughout high school. It was either a lot of PDA or screaming matches. Sometimes both at the same time.

The relationship became toxic senior year, so Ursa broke up with Ozai for good. But by graduation, they were on friendly terms after some personal growth.

A few years later, they reunited at Hakoda and Kya's wedding and decided to give their relationship another chance. Since they're more mature this go round, it worked out and they get married sometime later.

Their friends, the rest of the Gaang's parents, NEVER let them live down their cringy high school years.

Apothecary AU:

Ozai set out to make Ursa his pawn, but he ended up becoming hers'.

He becomes legit depressed after Ursa was fired from her apothecary job to the point Iroh convinced Azulon to let her return.

Ursa loves it when Ozai drops his stern prince act and goofs around with her.

The whole palace knows they're courting before they do.

Ursa's a little unhinged in this AU and often experiments on herself to test the medicines. Ozai had learned the hard way not to eat her food or tea.

That said, Ursa was way too eager to help Ozai assassin Azulon. She had the poisons already picked out and ready to go. Ozai should be concern, but he's too far gone at this point.

Very match my freak energy.

Rivers in the desert AU:

Ozai and Ursa's relationship was really more of a partnership with benefits before they were forced to flee. After being separated, romantic feelings began to develop.

There is an inversion appearance wise. Ursa's darker skin tones, which made her stand out like a sore thumb in the royal courts, allowed her to pass for Earth Kingdom with the right clothes. Ozai is the exact opposite.

~Going into spoiler territory~

Ursa cannot, for the life of her, believe Ozai knows how to use a stove now. (Ursa: "Who are you and what have you've done with my husband???") Ozai took Ursa's airbending pretty well. (It was a long day and he's tired.)

Both had changed a lot once they reunite but Ozai a bit more self-conscious. He did not have access to his expensive beauty products for years and body type had changed. He's still fit but his abs are gone. (Nearly starving to death will do that). Ursa assures him it's alright and she likes that his body is softer now.

They both have gray hair strands (The Gaang is great, but we all know what they're like.)

Once the Fire Nation is defeated, they swear to not have any more kids. Kiyi was a pure accident.

@urzaiweekblog