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elephart-hi · 3 years ago

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Worthy of a Queen | Jurdan Canon Compliant AU

AU: Jude decided to take Cardan in small doses during The Wicked King. Lovers AU

Summary: Jude was a fool for try to best Cardan here. She may be a cunning spy and a swords master but the bedroom and lovemaking was his domain.

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“Shall we continue?” he asked in a voice of innocence that certainly seemed akin to lying with how far innocence was from his intentions.

Jude had underestimated Cardan. She got her prize, she had won the battle, but he was going to win the war. With that miserable thought in mind and her pride boiling with anger she spat out her response, “fuck you.”

Cardan’s chuckle was dark and dangerous as he said, “with pleasure.”

Rating: M is for mature and mad filthy (but ends sweetly) (I try to trick ya in the beginning bare with it)

AN: This is my first ever fic!!!! And of course, it's Jurdan and of course, it's smut. No one is surprised. Shout out to Amber and Hannah for being my beta readers and convincing me to post this. And shout out to @slightlyrebelliouswriter23 who's beautiful writing made me go fuck it and sit down and write something myself which I've always wanted to do, so thank you keep being wonderful.

Please let me know what y'all think! I have ideas for a whole fic for this so if you want that tell me.

Inspired by these sketches and this

set during the Wicked King

warnings: hair pulling, spanking, and light bondage

AO3

As she lay sprawled out on her hands and knees, dirty, sweaty, and out of breath, it was clear to Jude Duerte that pride was her hamartia. She could have everything that she needed if she would only concede but stubbornly she refused to. Her pride wouldn't allow it, no matter how desperate she was.

Instead of the glory, she assumed she would achieve that night she lay there pathetically at his mercy. Something she deeply detested. She detested it almost as much as the smirk she could practically hear on his full lips as an infuriatingly cocky laugh rumbled out from deep in his throat. A laugh that had her toes curling and her seeing red and seething. Just as most things that came from his lips did.

Jude gritted her teeth together as she futilely attempted once more to get him to relent but the ironclad grip on her hair did not loosen and she was met with another rumble of laughter followed by a resonating smack of skin against skin. Her cheek stung from the impact and the slap made her burn red hot. The blow would surely bruise.

She hated him for this. Absolutely loathed him for it. She could easily beat him in a fight, have him on his back with a knife to his throat in less than ten seconds if she wanted. He knew that as much as she did. He probably relished in the knowledge of it, of having her here like this when she could easily best him. But she couldn’t now. Not if she wanted what she came for. Tonight her only option of getting what she needed would be to play nice. Something she was not fond of nor good at. Something that she absolutely did not want to do. Jude wanted nothing more than to make him see red as she did at that moment.

In her anger and frustration, Jude let his name snarled from her lips, “Enough of your stupid games Cardan” she nearly spat the last syllable out.

She was met with another slap, its impact sent her reeling with a groan slipping from her mouth. She hated to give away that his blow affected her at all; that groan was a loss for her. He hummed at the sound she made. Satisfied that her patience was running thin. Happy that he was getting to her. He knew he was winning. He gripped her hair tighter, tugging her head back and her lips pulled into a sneer. She could hear that fucking smirk again as he murmured into her ear with the buttery voice of a lover, “What games do you speak of my darling Jude?”

She struggled again but to no avail. The ‘my darling’ getting to her just like he knew it would. Oh, it made her burn. “You know what I’m speaking of!”

All that he smugly replied with was “Do I?” a small quip from his devastating lips.

She knew he was toying with her. Responding with questions to avoid having to speak in truths. A common trick of the fae used to deceive those around them. But Jude was having none of it.

“Give me what I want, Cardan!” it was a vicious snarl from her lips. He stilled completely at it and she knew it had been a mistake to let her temper fly. She knew he would only give her what she craved if she played by his rules and losing this prize was not an option for her. She couldn’t afford it. Jude was absolutely desperate.

He leaned in close to her ear once more and in a hushed whisper that sent a shiver, not unlike a premonition, down her spine and said, “all you have to do is ask Jude. But make it pretty, befitting of the king of fairy,” his words were an infuriating echo of what he had said to her not so long ago at the summer tournament after she had bested him in the war games. He had gripped her hair like this then too. But Jude doubted she would best him tonight.

She hated it. She hated him for this.

“Go fuck yourself,” she spat at him. He gripped her hair painfully tight this time and slapped her ass harder than he had before. The combination left a series of moans spilling out of her.

He drank up her cries like it was the fine wine they had drunk from the bottle which sat empty next to their dinner on the discarded tray situated on his bed next to them. The gaudy fabric of the comforter cushioned both of their knees, his tucked under and between hers, forcing her legs to be spread wide for him.

“But then I’d have to stop fucking you, my sweet nightmare. And I know neither one of us would want that” he looked down to where he was buried to the hilt in her, still and unmoving. His free hand massaging her red and sore butt cheeks that were bruising from his earlier abuse.

“Especially not after you were dressed up so divinely for me tonight. That dress was just begging to come off wasn’t it?” He hummed as his free hand went from massaging her sore bum to teasing her right above the nub between her thighs. So close to where she desperately needed him to be but giving her no reprieve and only making her more desperate. Jude bit her lip, refusing to respond, her stubbornness digging its heels in, so Cardan continued on.

“I could tell how wound up you were when you showed up here. With a pretty blush already on your breasts and the sweet scent of your arousal coming from your skirts with every step you took towards me.” The dress in question laid discarded on the floor beside his own clothes. It had been raven-black to match his hair, hugged her curves and muscles like a second skin, and was dangerously low cut. Definitely not her usual attire, definitely wasn't subtle Jude realized with embarrassment. Both of their wardrobes had been removed in haste not far into their dinner. The buttons of Cardan’s ridiculous blouse scattered the tiles beneath the bed, having been ripped from the fabric as Jude rushed to undress him in her lustful frenzy.

“So unusually kind of you to bring dinner and wine for me, to ask to eat in my company. I know it was all just an act to get me to fuck you, Jude. The least you could do for me is beg for it,” he whispered dangerously, his voice thick with his arousal.

Jude flushed again, this time in shame from his words. That he truly thought it out of her character to be kind. It was true of course. Jude wasn’t a very kind person, not after what she had lived through. But for some reason that was beyond her, she wanted him to think highly of her. She wanted him to think she was kind. And most bizarre of all, she wanted to be kind to him. Perhaps fairyland was driving her mortal mind mad after all.

“It wasn’t just to get you to bed me Cardan,” Jude answered ashamed of how breathy it came out, ashamed of what she was about to say, “I did want to enjoy your company tonight. I brought you dinner and wine because I thought it would make you happy.”

Jude would be damned before she begged him or anyone for anything. But if he wanted sweet words from her she would give it to him at this point. His free hands had moved upwards from tracing around her clit and had gone to circle her breasts. From time to time he would give them a brutal squeeze. More taunting but no release. Jude was a bundle of nerves wound up painfully tight. She needed her prize and she would be getting it if it was the last thing she did. She just wouldn’t beg for it.

To her surprise, he landed another searing smack to her backside sending her sliding forward and had him pulling her back onto his cock by her hair. Jude’s toes curled on the mattress, more moans spilling from her lips. She was beyond keeping them in at this point, the wine they had drunk making her dizzy, or perhaps it was just him doing that. The lust fogged her brain more than the alcohol did. She tried to slide forward again so she could push back onto his delicious length, rock hard and throbbing within her, but he held her hair tight, keeping her in place. Still no release in sight.

“Dirty mortal liar” Cardan spat at her, not believing her wishes to make him happy. Landing another brutal blow on her bum. Cardan had confessed to Jude in the court of shadows that he was no killer, but that didn’t take away from his cruel nature. He wasn't being gentle with her. Jude didn’t want him to be.

The spanking was a mercy compared to the torture he had been forcing her to endure. The sharp slaps gave her friction and reprieve from his cold refusal to please her in the ways she craved. And now because of her earlier outbursts, he remained buried in her gut unmoving and wouldn't move an inch till she begged him to. Before at least he had been in motion albeit it being painfully slow. Sliding in and out of her aching core, still slick and throbbing from his earlier ministrations with his mouth. He had spent longer feasting on her than he had on his meal, now cold and forgotten. He had tortured her with his tongue, bringing her to the edge of precipice but never allowing her to tumble over the peak into blissful oblivion.

She thought he would finally give her release when he slid his gloriously thick length inside of her but still he only taunted her. Slowly he would slide in and out of her, mocking her with what she was desperate for. He would pull out to his tip, her hair locked in his ringed hand keeping her in place while he eased back into her wetness at a punishingly slow pace. All the while knowing she was desperate for more. Each strike to her ass had been a godsend, pumping red hot arousal to her system while his little endearments, ‘my Jude’, ‘my sweet nightmare’ spurred her on. Cardan knew she secretly loved to hear them. Knew she loved hearing him call her ‘his’. Knew it made her think of all the things he could do to claim her as his; with his hands, mouth, and cock.

But they were far too alike the two of them, Cardan as prideful and stubborn as she. Jude could feel him pulsing inside her. A pounding throb in time with his heartbeat. She knew it had to be painful at this point, he was torturing himself as much as he was her. But that was part of the thrill for him. He loved the powerplay, loved toying. He wanted to come out on top; Jude couldn’t let him.

“I may be a liar Cardan but I didn’t just then. I want to make you happy.” Jude was panting as she spoke. She would never live this down. She couldn’t bring herself to care though. It was the truth. She wanted it as much as she wanted him at that moment. She hadn’t been able to rid herself of the guilt of tricking him into the crown and chaining him to the throne as well as her command. She wanted to see a smile on his face rather than the sneer that lived there most days, as breathtaking as he was with either. Jude wanted Cardan to be happy and she wanted to be the one to make him feel that way. Especially after she was the source of his misery. Although it wasn’t as though he hadn’t been the source for much of hers in the past. That alone was the only thing that kept her from begging him to give her what she so desired. That she was horny enough to even consider begging him, if he was deserving of it, was something she didn't want to think too much about.

“If you wanted to make me happy Jude,” he said her name like a curse, his frustration with her stubbornness evident, ”you would beg for me.”

She felt a ghost of a touch tickle against her arm then flee away an instant later. She peeked down as much as she could with Cardan pulling her head back like he was. Below, his tail was coiling and uncoiling. Whipping back and forth sporadically. Like a cat’s would while it attacked its prey. Before, he had the laziness of a cat who had caught a mouse; a cat that was toying its food before devouring it. Now he was agitated and ready to strike. Jude could use that.

At her refusal to respond to him Cardan tisked and lamented “well if you have nothing to ask of me, my goddess of death, then I suppose we are done here.”

He started to pull out of her as though he meant to leave her there as a panting, aching, mess with no release in sight. Her prize to be lost. She felt his tail whisper next to her arm again, just as he slid his tip out, and with the desperation of a mouse fleeing its captor, Jude latched onto his tail and ripped him back, slamming his raging length deep into her. Hard. The cross between a groan and a whimper that escaped from his lips, and the toe-curling feeling of him slamming into her made her mad with desperation and giddy with power. Jude wasn't the mouse anymore. She was a lioness; she was going to feed.

“You’ll do well to remember who put that crown on your head, My King. Begging is out of the question and will be until you are worthy of it,” she purred at him. “As your sechel, I’d advise you to please me and do it well. But, and more importantly,” she said as sweet as the fruit of the everapple tree, “As the Queen of Shadows and master of your fate I demand you do it,” she finished with a smirk, using the word ‘demand’ instead of ‘command’, so there was no true magical power over him to do so.

“And Cardan,” She said glancing over her shoulder, his grip on her hair had gone slack enough for her to do so from his shock at her actions and words, “Do make it worthy of a Queen.”

Her bravo started to wear off as the giddiness faded. It was in that moment, staring into the Achingly beautiful face of the High King, whose midnight black orbs burned like fire threatening to consume her that Jude realized her mistake. From the look of the wickedly sinister grin on his sinful lips, Jude knew would be getting her prize after all… and then some. Cardan had been playing nice until now, in hopes she would be nice in turn to him. Now that he knew there would be no such thing he was more than willing to unleash himself on her relentlessly.

What a fool she had been to forget one of the first rules of fairyland: Be careful what you wish for.

Jude would be lucky to be able to sit down or move for the next week without being sore if their last row together was any indication of how the rest of the evening would play out.

Cardan’s grip on her hair tightened again and used his free hand to trace a single finger up the curve of her spine, sending goosebumps flying in its wake. He pulled her up against his chest by her hair. Her head resting on his shoulder now, breasts pushed out to the world and peeking from the chill in the room brought on by his change in mood. Being the High King gave Cardan control over the weather and such things; no more nice Cardan who gave her sweet endearment, this was the Cardan she was most familiar with, his face the picture of icy rage.

Her breath plumed in clouds from the frigid temperature and ruffled the raven black hair sticking to the sweat on his brow. She shivered from the cold. He was so devastatingly beautiful like this it made her head spin. The sneer on his face made her toes curl knowing she was the one who had put it there.

His voice was murderous as he murmured, “Give me back my tail.”

Her grip on the thing tightened as it tried to lash out of her grip. His tone only stoked the fire burning in her gut, the heat fighting the chill of the room.

She felt the giddiness bubble up in her again, the same feeling of fear mixed with excitement that she got when she taunted him at school. The feeling of taking a dare.

“Fuck me like you were told princeling and perhaps I will,” she referred to him by the same mocking title his late siblings would call him by, all of them being more than a hundred years his senior and already have established roles in the kingdom, while he was hardly 19 and had still been in school with no real power. She was deliberately placing him beneath her by calling herself a queen and him only a boy prince, despite him being two years her senior. She felt the smugness tugging her lips when she heard his breath come out ragged and slow. He was going to great lengths to keep his temper in check, still not wanting to let her win. But Jude could taste her victory, her toes curled and her gut tingled with sharp electricity boiling there. An almost hysterical laugh bubbled up her throat, knowing that her next words would send him over the edge.

“Or perhaps you don’t know how to please a woman, hmmm?? Were all those ballads about you being a good lover just pixie dust in the breeze? Maybe the musicians of the court were just flattering you so that the fine people of fairy would think that you were actually good for something.”

It was an obvious lie and they both knew it, Cardan has had her screaming his name, soaking the sheets, and has made her a blubbering mess, nothing more than putty in his arms, much to her own shame. But the lie was an insult to his manhood nonetheless. He would have to fuck her senseless now, his honor and pride would demand it.

His grip on her hair tightened as the room rapidly started to heat back up, getting hotter by the second. Cardan was pissed now. He used his free hand to trace the curves of her body following his hand with his deadly stare. He took in every inch of her, from the blush on her cheeks that burned so bright it went straight down her neck and chest and spotted across her full breasts which were heavy and aching from her arousal. He took in Jude’s toned stomach and muscular thighs appraising them as though they were one of the powders he frequently took as though he hadn't had a dose in far too long and was itching for it. There was a furious hunger in that gaze. The stare of a recovering alcoholic glaring at the bottle before he dived to the bottom of it. Furious for even wanting it, furious for going back to it, furious for having said no to it for so long when it felt so right. He was going to give into Jude even if she didn’t beg him for it. He was pissed about it.

His tracing hand slowly inched towards the numb of nerves between Jude’s thighs, her hair tugged back on his shoulder allowed him to hear the airy sigh that befell her lips, tickling his hair. Her airy moan sounded like one someone would heave when they stepped into a steaming bath after a long day of hard work, easing their aching muscles. That wouldn't do at all. There would be no easing for her. If she wanted to step in that tub then Cardan was going to shove her in and force her head under the water and keep it there till she was thrashing for air. If she wouldn't beg him to start, then she would have to beg him to stop.

Cardan leaned in and whispered to her ear, using all of his willpower to keep his temper in check, “Fitting for a Queen you said hmm,” the words sent shivers running down her spine, had her walls clenching around his cock that was still buried in her, to her great dismay still not in motion.

Cardan paused to take a breath and for a moment the whole room stilled as though his magic had quieted the very air around them, as if the whole kingdom was tingling in anticipation, silently waiting to see what happened next. Even the roaring fire that was crackling in its hearth just seconds prior didn’t dare to make a sound, lest it invokes the wrath of the wicked king. The only noise was Jude’s ragged breathing in eerie contrast.

Cardan’s words eased out in his exhale, resembling the sickening woop in the stomach one gets when falling from large heights, “How's this for fitting?”

Jude’s eyes were blown wide and then forced tightly shut as he unleashed himself onto her. The sounds of the room roaring back to life around them were completely lost to her as the brutally aching bliss filled her to the brim. The sensations were overpowering her, overwhelming her senses after being denied it for so long. The feeling of his length filling her to the brim combined with his sinful hands, one tugging her hair the other rubbing her nub; It was too much. Cardan’s hand was brutal in its attack on her clit, rubbing her relentlessly right where she wanted it, just the way she liked it.

The act alone was more than enough and already toying her towards the edge of release. Cardan knew Jude’s body far too well. He had spent plenty of time tracking all her tells, tracking every breath she took while she lay beneath him from the first moment she welcomed him into her bed. His dark hungry eyes always locked on her taking everything in. Cardan was a fantastic lover not just because he knew how to please any woman who passed his way, but because he went to lengths to perfect his craft for those who stayed.

Jude realized with no little shame that he had been saying something to her but she had missed it because of the roaring in her ear. Her cheeks went impossibly pinker when she realized it hadn't been roaring, but her own moaning. She hadn't even realized she was doing it so overcome by her arousal after being denied all night. She glanced up at him and all she could stupidly say was, “huh?”

He barked a laugh, his head thrown back; he loved making her like this. Knocking Ms. Know-it-all off her pedestal, making her dumb-founded and drooling. Such a sharp contrast to her usual stoic demeanor. He leaned down close to her face, slowly licked up the dribble of spit hanging from the corner of her mouth. Then with a wicked smirk on his sinful face, one that promised nothing but trouble, he went to her ear and snickered, “you’re as soaked for me as you were when I shoved you into that river mortal.”

As he said it he rubbed her just so, sending her shuddering relentlessly into an orgasm around his unmoving cock. The orgasm shattered her mind and made her see white, then instantly red from the fury his word sent her into. She hated that he made her come while he said that. Knew he had done it on purpose to piss her off. Knew it was the damning truth since no lie could fall from his fairy lips. Bliss, anger, and shame all swelled within her swirling together and muddling her mind in ways fairy fruit never could. Jude felt as though she might fade into the very magic of fairyland at that moment for surely if one could be magic itself, this would be how they always felt.

Jude couldn’t even get a word in back at him for what he said because he slammed his mouth against hers before she could recover enough to form a coherent sentence; licking and drinking up her moans like it was his only purpose in life. His other hand moved from restraining her hair and wrapped around her middle, pinning the arm holding his tail to her side in an ironclad hold and pinning her body against chest; his hand reaching up to attack her breasts. Switching back and forth between one and the other, he would alternate massaging and pinching her nipples with painful precision. His other hand was still working her clit sending her rolling from one orgasm into the next. The combination of it all was so overwhelming she cried out into his mouth as she squirted all over his hands, soaking their legs and the sheets beneath them. Jude was awash with shame and bliss, leaning her full weight on him to remain upright. He hadn’t even begun to fuck her properly yet, Cardan was still buried within her throbbing painfully from denying himself and she was already a stupid mess in his arms. The shit-eating smirk on his face told her that he was thinking the same thing.

Jude was a fool for try to best Cardan here. She may be a cunning spy and a swords master but the bedroom and lovemaking was his domain. Her legs quivered beneath her, hands limp at her side. Cardan released his hold on her, sending her falling ungracefully forward onto her chest and face. He laughed at her mockingly, “and now the sheets are nearly as soaked as your clothes were that day.”

Jude’s blood boiled and she wanted to turn around and slap him. But as she went to move she found herself unable to. While she hadn’t been looking, brain hazy from her orgasms, the roots from the tree atop the hill had curled their way down the bedposts and snaked their way across the sheets wrapping around her wrists binding her in place. Another display of his kingly magic. Jude tried to figure where she went wrong, one moment she was the one with power and now here she was again, completely at his mercy and more so than before. The answer to her question flicked back and forth in the periphery of her vision, his tail moving again like a lazy cat playing a game it knew it was going to win. He had made her come so hard she completely lost her senses and touched the stars and managed to release her one and only advantage.

“Thank you for returning my tail to me sweet Jude,” he said, noting her coming to this realization. His hand returned to her hair pulling her head back as much as he could while her hands were bound. He shifted, leaning forward shifting his body causing his cock to finally move within her once more; it was enough to make her lose a breathy moan. Oh! The frustration she felt with herself! She was a fool for him and it was humiliating. His other hand went back to massaging her bruised bum as he chuckled darkly behind her.

“Shall we continue?” he asked in a voice of innocence that certainly seemed akin to lying with how far innocence was from his intentions. Jude was still miserably horny, and not even the two earth-shattering orgasms he had given her were able to satiate her need after all the torture he had put her through earlier. She craved him desperately but her wounded pride couldn't bear to ask him to go on. She tried to shift her bum against his length again, the same attempts she had earlier, knowing it was just as futile now as it had been before. He laughed at her, slamming his palm hard against her ass just as he had done each time before.

“Excuse me, your majesty,” he purred, mocking her for calling herself a queen while pumping into her once, twice. Teasing her, making her nails dig into the bound palms of her hands in ecstasy, “I believe I asked you a question, my queen.”

Another endearment. Him calling her his. His queen. She squirmed again, willing him to please her but he held fast.

“Last chance Jude,” he murmured in her ear, leaning all the way forward so his cocked filled her completely, “Beg for mercy and I’ll give it to you,” the smirk was as present as ever in his infuriatingly sexy voice.

Cardan’s chuckle was dark and dangerous as he said, “with pleasure.”

He slammed into her unrelenting: brutal and hard. Jude was going to have to skip training tomorrow because of this, her body would be too sore. She hated missing training and it made her furious at him. Perhaps she just liked being made at him, she thought as he hit her spot over and over again making her see spots. She went to bury her moans and cries in the covers, still damp beneath them from when she squirted, but he pulled her hair back forcing her to cry out into the room for him to hear.

“Moan for me Queen Jude,” he gruffed out viciously, riled up and ravenous after having to wait so long himself to have her, “let me hear how worthy this fucking is of you hmm.. this is what you wanted wasn't it? A good fucking? It's what you came here for.”

He was relentless, Jude was biting her lip trying hard to not give him what he wanted. The wet sloppy sound of their bodies joining together echoed in the room in time with the slapping of his pelvis against her ass. It was debauched to hear how sinfully wet she was for him, the wet slapping making it painfully evident just how ‘worthy’ his fucking was. She groaned through her teeth and he yanked her hair hard forcing her mouth open. Her moans came spilling out, pitching each time he thrust his body into hers.

Cardan was groaning with her now. He was getting close if his sporadic thrusts were any indicator. The knowledge that he was getting off to her made her walls clench around him and her toes curl in pleasure, forcing a groan from deep in his throat to spill out. It was otherworldly, doing this with him, so many emotions, sensations, and feelings all swirling together in a messy lustful haze that left them rutting like savage dogs by the end of the night. They hated each other, didn't they? How could they keep coming back to each other like this? Why did this feel so right?

He pulled her hair back hard making her back bend almost painfully towards him, her wrists straining against the vines that bound her; training was definitely out of the question this week. She could see his face now, brows pinched, eyes dark, sweat dripping off of him while his mouth hung open. He was devastatingly gorgeous like this. He leaned down and kissed her as he landed three sharp blows to her ass with his other hand as he pounded into her relentlessly. She squirted again seeing stars as another orgasm ran through her. He smiled a brilliant smile down at her for it. So beautiful that she all but forgot her pride existed as she said breathily, “I didn’t come here just to fuck you Cardan, I swear it,” blush burning her cheeks at her confession, “I wanted to make you happy.”

She felt emotions shining on her face, ones she always buried but she didn’t mind it. Jude was mad with pleasure, drunk on his kiss, his scent, and sensations. Jude was drunk on him. Caution was lost to her.

Cardan’s eyes went wide at her words and he released her hair suddenly. A swear was a serious thing in Fairy especially one made to the high king. The vines receded from restraining her and he unsheathed himself from her aching core. She was met with a jolt of horror at what she had done, what she had said, in fear that she had upset him.

The panic was quickly replaced by confusion as he rolled her onto her back with tender hands and then leaned above her positioning himself between her legs with one arm bracing beside her head while his other hand came up to tenderly caressing her cheek. His cock was positioned right before her entrance, leaking with precum. He clearly had stopped right before his climax. What on earth compelled him to do such a thing?

“Is that the truth?” he said in a breathy whisper, chest still heaving from their wild fuckings, still trying to catch his breath.

All Jude could manage was a small nod.

His eyes searched hers, looking for something. Jude didn’t know if he found what he was looking for but after a moment he slowly slid into her again staring into her eyes. She wanted to look away, his gaze was too much as he slowly and sweetly slid their bodies together, again and again. He was being tender with not a rush in the world. A different kind of fire started building within her. Instead of a burning inferno like earlier, this one was the slow-burning of water set to boil. His dark gaze was searching, consuming. His beautiful face slack in awe as he looked at her.

“Beautiful,” he murmured like wonder spilling out of him. Jude snapped her eyes shut to it, to what she felt. She felt naked for the first time today despite having been freed of her clothing for the better part of two hours now. The way he was holding her, the way their bodies slid together, it terrified her, the emotions it stirred up. He cooed at her then, fingers caressing her cheek, “Jude,” he said sweetly, “look at me Jude, it's okay.”

She scrunched her eyes shut further at his words. He stilled, pulling away from her. He heaved a sigh, that sounded so much like hurt and disappointment. Quickly, shyly her hand reached out to the ringed one on her cheek just as it went to pull away. Softly Jude said, “Please-- Please don’t stop.”

Jude mustered all the courage she had, reached into the well of fearlessness she had obtained from living in fairyland, and opened her eyes. Dark pools the color of midnight stared back at her, full of swimming emotion. It was overwhelming, confusing. She wished she knew what he was thinking, wished she knew if this meant something. There was so much fear in her and she knew he could see it all on her face. She was so scared of this, “Please Cardan, keep going. Please. I-- I beg you.”

The smile that graced his shocked face was beautiful and hesitant like the one someone might make if they thought something was too good to be true. She shocked herself with the plea, she had never thought she could long for someone the way that she did at that moment. She wished she knew what he was thinking. She peeked to his tail in hope of gaining some insight, but it was wrapped around her calf, the furred tip seemed to be caressing her. She looked back up at him. Cardan was smirking, but it wasn't mocking, it seemed… endearing almost. But that couldn’t be. He clearly knew why Jude looked at his tail, knowing she liked keeping an eye on it because it made him easier to read. The crinkles beneath his eyes gave away happiness and his smirk tugged into a dazzling smile.

Jude’s heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. He ran his hand down from her cheek to her chest, feeling how fast it was pounding. His smile only grew, as he leaned down and nuzzled his nose against hers. Jude let loose a breath she didn't know she had been holding, it came spilling out of her like an airy laugh, her lashes fluttering at his closeness. He was being so sweet, it threw her off guard. She peeked into his eyes once more, she didn't really know what she was looking for in them. But she knew what she did not find there: his arrogance, his cruelty, and his wickedness.

There in his dark eyes, she saw something she didn't understand yet. Saw something shining there that she knew reflected back in her own. Confusion mingled with an emotion she had never known before. She realized she didn't understand a lot of things, about life, fairyland, and him. From the look in his eyes, she realized she didn't need to understand everything. And with that realization, she wasn't afraid anymore. She peered into his eyes unabashedly now, Belkin’s words from in the Isle of the Forgotten rang in her head:

“to mortals, the feeling of falling in love is similar to the feeling of fear.”

But what do mortals feel when they stop falling. What happens when they were wholly in love.

Jude didn’t know, and she didn’t care to know. She didn’t need to understand everything, she didn’t need to understand what she felt. She needed to just feel it.

If nothing else, Jude felt safe here in Cardan’s arms. A feeling that she had long grown unaccustomed to thanks to the cruelty of her life. She looked at the man before her, so similar to yet so strikingly different from the boy he was under Belkin’s thumb. This was a man who she wanted to make happy. And despite his uncanny ability to frustrate her, he had the uncanny ability to make her happy as well. He made her forget her pride and she made him forget his own. Neither caring who came out on top anymore. Maybe it was just the sex, maybe it was something more. She didn’t know and somehow that was fine.

With those thoughts singing in her head, Jude Duerte leaned up and kissed Cardan Greenbriar soft and slow, allowing all the things she kept buried within her to come pouring out. Allowing all the things she didn’t understand to pour out with it because perhaps Cardan didn’t understand it either. Perhaps they could learn to understand it together.

So that night, Jude waved the white flag and she made love to the King of Fairy.

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court-of-forever-undone · 3 years ago

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I Knew You’d Come Back to Me

Chapter Two: Slept next to her, but I dreamt of you (Cardan’s POV)

Summary: While homesick and heartbroken in the mortal world, Jude finds a pile of letters on her doorstep that include an official pardon and a love confession from Cardan. What is supposed to be a happy reunion quickly falls apart when Jude is told Cardan has returned to Nicasia in her absence.

Cardan is determined to make it up to Jude.

**This fic is inspired by the love story between Taylor Swift’s characters Betty, James, and August.**

Should you wish to listen: Cardigan | Betty | August

Tags: Multiple POVs, angst and a happy ending, Jurdan, post-wicked king, canon divergence

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Four Months Post Exile

If she has decided that she wishes to stay away and forget about Elfhame, me, then I will forget about her as well. Except that I can’t because for the eternity she has been gone there has been nothing to rid my thoughts of her.

I grab the nearest pitcher of wine, not that they are ever far from my reach as of late, and swallow as much of the tart liquid as I can. At least if I pass out there is a chance I may dream of her, or dream of losing her. But it is a chance I am willing to take.

There is a revel happening, for a reason I cannot remember. Probably honoring some guest that I cannot be bothered to care about at this point. I tend to the kingdom as best as I can for the day, but by the time the dawn is rising I do everything I can to forget the subtle human features that haunt me. The curve of her ear, the flush in her cheeks, the softness of her form.

Since she has been gone there has been an unbearable ache in my chest that only seems to worsen at her memory. I’ve taken back up with a variety of powders that I grew accustomed to at Balekin’s parties. The numbing sensation is highly preferable to the agonizing dread that awaits me in sobriety. At least when time passes differently, I can imagine that she is home again, or at the very least, I can pass more days until she returns.

Her return seems more and more uncertain because despite my letters, she has not come home, nor even responded to them. She has made no inclination that she intends to return, which is ridiculous because she is the queen. When she returns I will have to remember to remind her of all the accusations she threw my way at neglecting responsibilities, meanwhile she has spent months in the mortal world as if waiting for me to come bring her home myself.

I grin at the idea. A trip to the mortal world could quickly end this ridiculous torture. At least I would have the chance to see her in the flesh.

She could get her anger out and then return home with me. At this point, a curse from her lips would sound like music and her fingers curled around my neck would be ecstasy.

In time, that anger might turn to forgiveness and we can all move on from this nonsense.

Present Day

What a dreadful day today has been. I should have returned to my chambers the moment I was given news of a wine shortage because poisoned wine had been found in the castle’s cellars, because that meant I had to suffer through the small council’s bickering mostly sober, followed by hours of grievance hearings from folk. For a kingdom full of people who find me utterly incompetent, they sure do make plenty of pleas to the crown.

Only one hour remains until I can leave the presence of my court and scout for my own wine to drink, poisoned or otherwise.

“Cardan…?” Nicasia said with the air of a question.

I respond with a non-committal sound before glancing in her direction to my left. Again, she had found a seat nearest mine, despite my repeated reminder that she was no longer entitled to that spot. We were nothing beyond friends with a bit of history, even if my entire council, mother, and Nicasia herself thought it was ridiculous to prolong a “land-sea” alliance any longer.

I turn back to the conversation I had been ignoring and make an appropriate response, before quickly tuning them out again. Courtiers have nothing better to do than waste my time.

Admittedly, I could see my advisors’ point and I haven’t exactly fought to deny Nicasia’s advances anymore. Not when the one I want has rejected me entirely, favoring a mortal over me and forsaking our kingdom to my inadequate rule.

If I were a kinder soul, I might have been content to see her happy and adjusted to the mortal world, but I am not. I hate myself for sending her away and I hate her just as much for not wanting to return. Every time someone suggests I marry, I want to scream the truth for the entire kingdom to hear.

I married the mortal Jude Duarte. I did it so she would release her hold over me, but I also did it because I wanted to. I wanted to make her my queen and share this dreaded life with her; the powerful, defiant, occasionally murderous, human woman with all her soft features and perfectly odd ears.

Pride be damned. If she returned, I’d allow her anything. She would never need a geas to command me. She was already a ruler, she deserved the credit. The court would eventually adjust to the idea of a human ruler once they recognized her rule. I would lead the most devoted of her court and in our bedroom, I would further prove to her just how devoted I was by spreading --

Nicasia’s hand sliding over my knee snaps me from my thoughts. The touch of her hand felt sickly wrong considering my thoughts of Jude. I brush her hand aside and purposefully ignore the hurt look on her face. I may allow her into my room on nights where even the wine and the powders cannot bring me peace, but she knows I am far too sober and there are too many people around for that.

At the edge of my peripheral I see a dark shadow approaching. The Roach; always a welcomed distraction usually armed with wonderfully bad news.

“Come to tell me of another attempt on my life?” I murmur as he bows down to whisper in my ear.

“You are needed at once, your majesty” the goblin reports.

At that, I laugh but make no effort to move. “There is a first for everything. What is it?” I am happy to use whatever matter it is as an excuse to leave, but I am curious what requires my attention that the spies could not handle themselves.

“Jude has returned. She is waiting to see you.”

His words hit like the hilt of a sword to the chest. I stand, jumping the courtier closest to me.

“I have matters to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” I say to no one in particular, trying to ignore the loud pounding in my ears as my heart threatens to beat out of my chest.

I begin to follow the Roach out of the room when I feel a hand on my arm.

“What is going on?” Nicasia asks, her eyes wide. I shake out of her grasp.

“It is a matter of great importance that does not concern you.” Instead of moving away, like my body demands to, I move in closer to her so only she can hear me. “I meant my words in the gardens. Do not show up this evening or any evening again.”

Her mouth fell slightly open as water rimmed her eyes. I didn't stay for her response, instead I turned back and followed the Roach into the tunnel, knowing every step was bringing me closer to Jude. As we stalk through the hallways, I cannot slow the questions bombarding my mind.

Did she decide against her life in the mortal world? Did she miss me as I have missed her? What should I say to her? Will she allow me to embrace her? Should I announce her return tonight?

I have envisioned dozens of scenarios of what I would say or do when she returned, but now that she is only a few steps away I have no plan past seeing her, holding her if I can, to make sure she is real and not my imagination come to life.

We take the final turn that I know leads to the headquarters for the Court of Shadows when Livier blocks the doorway.

“Where is she?”

I watch as her face contorts. She opens her mouth to respond before closing it again, clearly unsure how to answer. I don’t have patience for this. I have to see her now.

“Move Livier,” I demand.

How many months has it been since we had fallen asleep together after our vows? How long has it been that I’ve felt her pressed against me?

“Cardan, wait!” She exclaims as I try to move past her. “She doesn’t want to see you.”

I stop dead at her words.

Before I can speak, the Roach asks for me, “What do you mean? She sent us to get him.”

The pixie nods. “Yes. She went to the royal chambers, but she returned soon after and has stated she does not wish to speak.”

I cannot help the bite to my words. “To speak to anyone, or just me?”

Her silence gives me my answer. “Why?” I spit out.

She is on the other side of the wall. It has been months, what about my room could have made her decide against seeing me? A darker thought crosses my mind; what if she has decided to return to the mortal world again? The idea threatens to break me then and there in the dark tunnels beneath the castle.

Livier looks at her companion with unease.

“Why?” I demand again.

The Bomb swallows before explaining, “When she returned, she asked how long you and the Princess of the Undersea had been back together.”

My desperation melted into cruel pitiful laughter. She was jealous of Nicasia, while she had herself a human plaything. The hypocrisy was grand. I wonder how her face would look when I asked about the man and how she could possibly blame me when she broke our vows first. My laughter quickly fizzled into a frozen anger.

I needed to leave before the weight of the situation could bear down on me. In all my imaginations, I never predicted this. I had hoped she’d run to my arms or more realistically, slap me followed up with a kiss. But never returning and refusing to see me.

I want to beg to see her. Beg for her forgiveness. Beg her to stay even if she hates me.

As a king, I have every right to go wherever I please. But as a queen, she has the right to deny entry to anyone. So I turn in the tight hallway and take the turn that leads to my rooms.

She is home. She wouldn’t see me, but she is home, which meant I could fix this. She might not see me tonight, but I would win her forgiveness and maybe her love too.

****

After almost two weeks of announcements and planning, Jude’s coronation ball will begin soon. I have still yet to see her in person, but through messengers and letters she agreed to rule with me and begrudgingly accepted my proposal for a party to celebrate her return and status.

The actual coronation will not take place for another few weeks due to the time needed to gather all the court’s representatives, but this evening would be a full celebration nonetheless. She is home and that enough is cause to celebrate.

The party will also finally force Jude out of the shadows. I suspect she has moved around the castle quite a bit as I heard she met with her sisters and the Living Council, but she has made a careful effort to avoid me.

There have been several times where I have made it all the way to her door before deciding to leave and giving her the space she demands. For months now, I have had dreams of the moment we saw each other again; I have imagined her vulgar words and sweet touches. Tonight is the last night I can imagine because in a matter of hours I will see her again. For the evening, she will have no choice but to stand in the same room as me. I already announced her as my wife and Elfhame’s High Queen. After this evening, she can avoid me outside of official business, if she wishes. It would be devastating, but no more devastating than how it felt when she was gone.

I pace back and forth in my chambers thinking through all the details of the evening since I have nothing better to do. I dressed long ago in a suit twin to the dress I had sent for Jude. If I thought the last dress I designed for her was stunning, I am not sure I’ll be able to survive seeing her in tonight's creation. I gave the tailor a sketch of a silver gown with a fitted bodice and twin streams of fabric that flow from the shoulders. The hope was to create an illusion of the armor she seemed to favor. I doubt the tailor will disappoint and frankly, Jude could wear an old sack and still be devastatingly beautiful.

Before long I receive the signal to head to the ballroom. As I enter the room, I admire for the first time the servant’s efforts to fulfill my image for the evening. The decoration for a typical revel was nothing compared to the fanfare visible this evening. Long strings of lights and streamers hung from the ceiling and sweet and savory treats of all varieties are piled high on trays. The musicians and other entertainment for the evening are already in full swing keeping the guests happy and amused.

As is customary, the party has been going on for some time now, before the king and now queen enter. The center of the space is filled with revelers dancing and singing. At any other party, I would have gladly joined, but I cannot help the pooling sense of unease as I glance through the crowding looking for a particular face.

I do find the face I am looking for, but not the right person. Taryn is standing on the side of the dance floor chatting with some courtier. Locke is nowhere to be seen, which is for the best. If I notice him even causing Jude to frown this evening, I will have him locked in the dungeons for the night.

I occupy myself with some wine while I wait and use the opportunity to boast of Jude’s brilliance to anyone who decides they wish to speak with me. After about a dozen of these conversations, I finally catch a glimpse of her walking into the room with Vivianne at her side.

My Jude.

I admire her with total abandon. She is absolutely stunning. The movement of her steps causes the fabric to shimmer as it flows obscenely over her body. While I will imagine her in this dress for many nights to come, it is the crown that sits atop her head that captures my attention.

The crowd cheers at her arrival and many bow to her. While she keeps her emotions well concealed, I can see the smallest of smiles appear on her face. She enjoys the recognition. Seeing her now, if I could have given her this from the start I would have.

My heart-stopping queen.

I stay to the side where I am and watch her enjoyment from afar. She dances with her sisters from time to time and speaks to members of the gentry with ease. I know she has noted my presence, even if she has yet to look in my direction. When it is time to address the crowd, it is my turn to avoid her direction. I keep my speech to the folk short, enough to praise her and remind anyone who may be considering treason exactly who Jude Duarte is. At the final toast, I steel myself before addressing her directly.

“Welcome home, Jude.”

Our eyes meet for the briefest of moments, burning with a million unspoken words before she breaks away and turns to address the now-growing crowd around her.

It was the first time she acknowledged me since the morning I sent her away and suddenly the emotion behind that realization hits me all at once. I let my eyes linger on her turned back a moment longer, before downing my drink and disappearing into the gardens to wallow in my own self pity.

I told myself I would be happy if she just returned home, but now I realize how badly each moment I spend away from her aches. In school, I hated the way I longed for her. I had chalked it up to being a disgraceful obsession; one I would have been glad to be rid of whatever that meant for Jude. Now, I am equally obsessed with my mortal queen, but rather than having just my thoughts occupied with her, I feel a feral desperation to be near her, to set things right with her.

It is not uncommon for me to be followed, but when I hear soft steps behind me, the last person I expect to turn and see is Jude. Her brown eyes widened in surprise, as if she was not the one following me. We both stare at each other for a half a second too long, before Jude mumbles something and turns to leave. I take her by the arm before she can take a single step away. I won’t let her get away a second time.

“Ask me how hideous you look tonight,” the words tumble from my mouth before I can stop them.

She turns back to face me. I loosen my hold on her arm, but let my hand linger until she decides to brush it away.

“This again?” She asks, sounding more tired than annoyed. I didn’t realize how much I missed her voice.

Desperate to hear her again, I reply, “I can’t. You look like a knight from a story tonight.” A filthy story, perhaps.

Jude’s cheeks pinken as she shifts away from me. If I wasn’t afraid to lose her, I might have found her unease at my closeness cute.

“I’m glad to see the kingdom is still in one piece.” Jude acknowledges, changing the subject away from her. The distance between us feels infinitely greater than the foot of space physically separating us. I’d give anything to embrace her now.

“I had help,” I state simply. It is the truth. The Court of Shadows kept tabs on everyone, friends and enemies, and the Living Council for all the headaches they cause me, they did their job as well.

“Nicasia?” Jude didn’t try or simply failed to hide the accusation in the question.

I sigh heavily and take a seat on one of the garden’s benches. “Ahh that. Yes, it is about time we talked.” I motion for her to join me, to which she refuses.

“I don’t want to hear anything about the two of you. I understand we married out of political strategy, I won’t hold you to human standards of monogamy.” Jude echos my sigh, “After your letters, I thought… Well, I misunderstood the situation.”

My core twists at the way her voice trembled on the words. When did her pain stop being cruel amusement and instead became a twin knife that hurts us both?

“I meant every word in those letters” I murmured softly. How many times had I imagined this conversation before?

Anger burns across her face, “So, what? You got bored of waiting for me to return from the exile YOU-” she jams her pointer finger into my chest hard enough to bruise, “ordered! Maybe next time make sure your letters are actually delivered or perhaps don’t send me away in the first place.”

I stand, challenging her anger with my own. “You think I wouldn’t have waited? I went to bring you home. I saw you dancing with the mortal. Don’t pretend I was the first to stray.”

I expected more anger, denial perhaps, but not... confusion?

“What the hell are you talking about? I haven’t been with anyone else,” Jude yells exasperated.

“The blond male. I came to see you and…” I trail off when Jude laughs suddenly. “What could possibly be funny?”

She covers her face with her hands, shaking her head side to side, “Cardan, you saw me with a friend. Nothing ever happened between us, ever.”

Shame washes over me like a tidal wave. I had returned from that trip thinking Jude had made her decision to forget me and stay behind. I had walked straight into a revel and drank every drop of wine in sight. Nicasia found me a few hours later laying in the grass outside the castle and when she came near I did the one thing I thought would make me feel better.

Nicasia had been the first to notice me, my first real friend then lover. After Jude, I thought she could be the thing I needed again, but I was wrong. It didn’t take long for me to realize it would never be as it was before because my heart still belonged to Jude. If I had only spoken to Jude that night in the mortal world, none of this would have happened.

“I believed the reason for your continued absence was because you were still mad. I thought I could go to the mortal world and convince you to come home, but I saw you with the mortal man. I did not handle the thought of you with another well. Nicasia was there when I got back and… I let her into my bed, but it was you that I thought of every moment you were gone.”

Several emotions ripple across her face before she quickly schooled her face into the impenetrable mask she wears around others. She wears around me too. I continue before the fear of her rejection can stop me.

“There are no tricks within my words, so please hear me when I promise you, Jude, mortal High Queen of Elfhame, it is you I love. My heart is yours and forever will be. There will be no other’s, and if you choose to have me again, it will only be you.”

I raise my hand to cup her face and watch as her eyes flutter close. My name falls off her lips like a plea and I think it might be the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I lower myself to meet her soft lips. Her hands soon find the front of my jacket and I don't fight when she tugs me closer to her.

Without breaking the kiss, I use my free hand to grip her lower back and pull her back into the garden seat with me. On my lap, Jude opens herself up to me and I greedily take in more of her, missing the taste of her. I can’t help but continue to caress her body with my fingertips, long after we break to catch our breath. I place a series of kisses along her neck, each more drawn out than the last before I speak the cruel fact still on my mind, “of all my terribleness, the worst thing I ever did was what I did to you.”

It hurts knowing I can speak those words aloud. I reach up to wipe a stray tear that has fallen from her eyes.

“Will you have me again, Jude?” My heart pounds in the wake of the question. I watch as she considers it. Truthfully, I wouldn't blame her if she refused me, but it would be torturous to have her so near and not mine.

Slowly, she gives a subtle nod and I don’t hide my sigh of relief. She stares at me for a second longer, before smiling, “I love you, Cardan."

I capture her lips again, finding her more addictive than the sweetest wine.

“My sweet nemesis, how glad I am you have returned.”

Tag List: @wafflesandschemingfaces

If anyone else would like to join the list, let me know!

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hufflepuff-proudbadger · 2 years ago

Text

Relaxing Bath

Jurdan Fanfic ao3 link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40827993?view_adult=true

I strike again causing Ghost to stumble a little on his feet, that didn't quite affect him as he gain his position and swung his sword against mine. I wipe some blood that flows down my cheek from the attack that I couldn't dodge before.

I do as Madoc always taught me, 'Never leave your eyes off the target'.

"You should get tougher when you attack" - Ghost says as we are circling each other waiting for a good opportunity to land a good hit.

"If I get tougher you would be already on the floor squirming like a worm" - moving my legs faster I approach him and slung my sword at him with a firm grip, he wasn't expecting that and he horizontally positioned his sword blocking mine and with a kick, he tries to unbalance me. I fall to the ground but my arm pushes my body making me dodge when he pushes the sword tip to the ground, it ends up getting stuck in the grass which gives me time to get up.

As he regains stance and comes at me again, we spare some more until we finish when both of us swing our swords and they block each other declaring draw.

"You're getting better Jude" - Ghost sheaths his sword and tries to speak breathlessly.

"I thought I was already good... At least better than you" - I said between tiredness and wiping the sweat off my test with my shirt sleeve making him smile.

"Almost as good as me" - He puts a hand on my shoulder friendly - "Now you should go inside to the king he must miss you... or at least try to relax"

"I can't go inside and I surely can't go back inside and hear Cardan's whimpers and his foolish ideas to plan some kind of revel... - I sheath my sword and put my hands on my hips as the Ghost disappears to his spy position - "Maybe I should go to my quarters and wear something else clean."

I went inside and start walking to my room, when I opened the door I start to take off my sword hanging on my waist belt and strip my clothes when a knock on my door was heard over the room.

'Please let it not be Cardan'

I buttoned my shirt again and walk to the door when I open I see Tatterfell.

"I came to tide a little up your room, since the last time I was here doing your hair I see that didn't change much" - she came in with a stern face looking at my room disapprovingly.

"Well, I wish you could run a bath for me instead" - I look at her and she nods.

"At your service my lady." - she goes to my bathroom and starts doing what it's necessary to obtain a relaxing bath. - "You've been training too much lately, a lady like you shouldn't mind such business, what would say your lady mother"

Tatterfell always talked like this since I and Taryn were kids, she looked at my sister and was happy to see the lady of the court she became, couldn't say the same about me, to her eyes I was a rebel, not like Vivi at least, but I wasn't made to the court life to the revels or the luxury of them, I didn't behave acceptably.

Oriana would rip out her eyes every time I didn't look like a lady, but Madoc would satisfyingly look at me and smiled almost proudly.

"Your bath is ready my lady" - Tatterfell comes out of the bathroom holding a robe for me to take.

I want to thank her but know she would kill me if I did, I made that mistake once, and this cover why I shouldn't make it again.

As I'm finally alone I go to the bathroom and how relaxed once I step inside, the steaming from the hot water mixed with the smell of the bath salts was inebriating, and see all that bubble's mess. I quickly get rid of my clothes and put a foot on the enormous bathtub I slide in and sigh reliving the tension on my body as the water came up to my shoulders and I'm deep in that intoxicating moment.

I resume my bath by playing occasionally with the bubbles while thinking about the matters of Elfhame, and what Cardan must be thinking.

'I hope that he doesn't think of planning another revel as like the other night'

His relationship with Locke, his master of revels, has grown into a problem in my plans, he's more difficult to control, and his immoral behaviour it's growing at such speed that I fear I can't control it.

I look at the little table beside the tub where it lays some face towels, a cup of tea, my silver hairbrush and some balms that while opened I can smell the herbs of each other. Next to them, it's one of my daggers.

I duck more into the pleasant water and let my arms rest on the sides of the tub putting my head to rest on the edge.

I hear a knock on my bedroom door, for the time it must be Tattrefell again or some servant, I tell them to enter.

'Cardan must still be in his quarters resting from the long party and the fun he's had, not to mention the amount of alcohol he's ingested, I don't think I've seen him for at least two days' I smile non-stop at my thoughts, and while hearing lightly boots steps, almost like a spy, I caught my dagger with a firm grip, as the steps approach.

Looking at the door I see that stupid grin and that high cheeks bones with golden painting smudge all over, the dark hair that hasn't seen a brush and the high king crown resting on his head.

'Cardan, of all people in the palace'

"Even in the bath Jude, your enemy must be very cautious" - he stays still on the door.

"He surely must be, because you never know who to trust, even someone who interrupts someone's bath should be considered as such. Don't you think" - my dagger dances on my hand swinging from one hand to the other.

"Well good morning to you too, my dear seneschal" - he advances to me with his hands behind his back - "It's good to see that during your sleep you didn't change a bit, for my displeasure"

"Why you're here?" - I look at him menacingly, demanding an explanation for him not yet disappear from my sight.

"You see I needed to let you know that I have made an appointment for tomorrow with Severin of Fairfold, so he's coming tomorrow to pay us a visit" - I look at him puzzled. - "And as my seneschal, I'll give you the preparations in your shocking vile hands, my sweet villain."

"This means another revel, because if it's that I'm out" - the king is now beside me, looking down while I duck more in the water. I'm not giving him de privilege to see me in this vulnerable position.

"Then consider it more like a tea party at night, with non-stoping dance and wine instead of tea" - he smirks at me - "If that helps change your opinion"

"Cardan you can't plan this type of thing without my consent, don't forget that I gave your position you're a mere puppet in my hands."

"Oh yes, I almost forget that's why I'm here to obtain your consent" - now he's angry - "Your similarities to a queen are impossible to deny Jude why aren't you sit on the throne then" - he let out a laugh.

"Shut up, I'm the one who commands here" - I start preparing to leave the so good hot water - "Turn around" - he pauses - "NOW".

He keeps chuckling with his back to me and I sleep into a robe and compose myself, I let him stay in the bathroom walking to my room while drying my hair, and he follows me like a puppy.

"You're so unnerving with that spoiled child behaviour." - I turn to him and stay face to face - "But as your majesty instructs I'm going to prepare everything for the arrival of your guests" - I put the towel on the desk and start brushing the hair.

'Why do I have a silver brush, it's so heavy.'

"That's all your majesty" - I look deeply into his eyes, challenging him.

"For now yes my unmerciful seneschal" - he looks at me and I can feel some tentative glamour, but that would be impossible - "What happened here" - his cold fingers touch my cheeks if I was right almost in a lovable way, that is sufficient for me to stop brushing my hair and refusing to break eye contact.

"Sparring with Ghost"

"You ought to be more careful... you have such a stupidly beautiful and delicate face." - he stops himself - "It doesn't suit you".

He's dangerously close, I need to put an end to this.

"Now off you go before I give you a bruise too or something worst" - I push him away.

He starts walking to the door backwards analyzing all my movements, his lesson is well studied you never turn your back on your enemy, but he keeps that arrogant smile even after what happened here - "Aren't you forgetting to tell me something?"

I cock my head to the side and furrow my brows.

"To give you the pleasure and allure you with my resplendent company my lady, or must I say, my darling knight" - he's almost out of the door when I throw the silver hairbrush at him with such a force I swear the door shook a little.

"Get out of my sight" - winking he throws me a kiss and leaves finally.

I sighed of tiredness moving to the closed door and picking up the hairbrush - "That was handy."

#jurdan #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jurdanfluff #fluff #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the folk of the air #holly black #the stolen heir

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ninainthetardis · 4 months ago

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I honestly don't think TCP is worse than TPT. All HB's books have disturbing elements, but when something is wrong it feels wrong, it is always acknowledged as such, which doesn't happen with Suren's behaviour. Moreover, the problematic stuff in TCP is deeply rooted in the magical context, while Suren's issues are not. I'm talking specifically of her actions that can be summarised with her speech "I don't care if you don't love me and don't want to stay here, all that matters is that I want you and that I have you". Which is never addressed as problematic. Oak gaslights himself all the time, doesn't even realise what Wren is really doing to him (he's even relieved that that thing she said implies that she has some sort of feelings for him??? Ick!) or makes excuses for her, and she is just like "Oh, yeah, I was wrong BUT YOU..." and " I shouldn't have thought that the only things I could get from you were the ones I took", and that was it, never mentioned again. No apology, no redemption, not enough focus on how badly she screwed up... That sort of reasoning has nothing to do with magic and it shouldn't have been dismissed as it was. Just imagine the reaction of the fandom to all that if their positions were reversed, which is the most typical case in which this sort of dynamic appears and always declared as toxic (and rightfully so). Again, this is a YA novel not a NA dark romance.

That's the main difference between the two cases according to me.

The family dinamic is constantly defined as toxic in both Jude and Oak's povs. What Vivi did to Heather is defined as problematic by Jude and Heather reacts accordingly. The Taryn-Jude thing is acknowledged. Madoc's case? Too. Even the Jurdan problems are acknowledged. In TCP, all the issues are addressed as such and/or are too rooted in the magical context to be directly linked to real life. Even the poisoning thing, Jude says it is wrong. She also didn't do it to fit in, but to take an advantage away from the fae/gain one over them. I didn't really read it as taking drugs - this is more the Valiant case tbh, and in that case too it was shown as a wrong thing - because it was directly linked to the magical context. I do not remember the self harm parts, though, so I have to check them out.

This of course is just my opinion, how I see it, but I respect the fact that others can have a different view on things, of course.

I do agree with everything you said about the magical elements. I don't think I have anything to add to it. I also noticed that Suren is the only one who hasn't earned her position/power. Roiben, Kaye, Severin and Ben, Hazel, they all did that. I bet that we will see Nicasia earn her own in the next book - or at least I hope the Suren case was an exception, I like the idea of that having to be earned. Even Cardan and Jude earned their connection with the earth - it has to accept the rulers for them to have access to its magic, right? - hence, their powers. To think Cardan was turned into a giant snake and Jude had to basically kill the love of her life to break a curse - thus implying a great sacrifice. And it's not like Oak and Suren's love felt enough powerful to be able to break a curse tbh. In Ben and Severin's case I could get that, but it was a totally different kind of story. Here it just felt lame/dull.

I don't know how I feel about the Locke part suggesting he used some sort of charming abilities on Taryn though. She has a novella where she basically says that she did not regret what she did and why she did it, and I doubt that resulted from her being a victim of Locke's charm. That could only explain part of her actions, but her motives would remain, so it would be a very poor "half" redemption arc imo.

Sorry for the long rant

I don't get why faeries have to find their endgame love when they're still teens and are expected to live for thousands years.

Take Oak and Wren, I would have had many fewer problems with them if they had worked through their issues and gotten together after a time jump. Like this, it's just so much that I can't see them as anything else but problematic. Wren has a lot of work to do on herself and trauma to deal with, and she proved in tpt that she's nowhere to find a healthy way to heal from/cope with it just yet. I can't really see her committing to another person, especially one she has hurt so much.

Oak has his struggles as well and needs to figure out who he is now that he is not Elfhame's heir to the throne anymore. He's also so infatuated that he can't see properly what's been done to him. He needs to focus on his powers and abilities and to come to accept himself the way he is first.

And they clearly can't help each other like Jude and Cardan could at their time. Or at least Oak could help Wren, but she can't help him. She has proven it.

So why rush it? Why diminish the awful things Wren/Suren did to Oak? They are literally the only two characters in the story that did not work their issues out.

They needed time to deal with their stuff individually and then with each other. And then an engagement could have made sense to me, though I'd still feel uncomfortable with Suren/Wren's actions and triggered by their whole dynamic.

Their engagement wasn't even political, so there wasn't that excuse to rush it, like Jurdan's wedding.

Or at least, if the parts from the ending of TSH to around the first half of TPT were justified with Suren not being in control of her own body/mind, like if Mellith was taking over, it would have been very different, but that wasn't the case.

#I thought that was supposed to be its own story too #I wish it stayed that way

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im-someone-i-guess · 3 years ago

Text

just like old times

a jurdan fic by ryhanna

word count: 2,719

Jude Duarte held the hilt of her sword so tightly her knuckles had turned white. She felt the beady eyes of the Seelie and Unseelie on her, some judging in contempt and others in wonder. There were mortals among the crowd as well but Jude's gaze was locked on a singular figure waltzing on his own.

Though in a room filled with beautiful faeries, he still managed to stand out. His dark hair like a raven's wing a golden goblet held in his spindly fingers. The cruel tilt of his mouth as he turned towards her only doubled her building irritation. He held out a hand, tilting his head, gesturing for Jude to come dance with him.

Cardan Greenbriar, High King of Elfhame had always gotten what he wanted. Jude was tempted to turn away and walk back to the palace, just to be contrary. She had other things to do, schemes to plan and traitors to hunt. Just yesterday Bomb had exposed a coup against the High King, had found a mercenary in the human lands planning to kill Oak too.

The urge to return to the Court of Shadows was immense but Jude did promise Cardan she'd dance with him at tonight's revel. Unlike faeries, she was not bound to her words, it was a mortal’s abilities, along with the ability to lie. As Cardan loved to point out, Jude was a dirty mortal liar. But the statement usually followed with a kiss, burning with desire.

"I had thought you would join Bomb to contemplate suitable torture for the mercenary before you stepped onto the dance floor, it seems I am mistaken. Tell me Jude, what compelled you to stay?" Cardan passed his goblet to a servant, his hands placing themselves on Jude's hips as she placed hers on his shoulders.

This close Jude could see the leaves carved into his golden circlet, her reflection in the scarlet rubies. Earlier today, Tatterfell had braided Jude's hair in horns, draping golden chains with similar gems on them. Jude had no doubt the imp chose the particular accessory to match Cardan.

"I promised, didn't I?" Jude murmured. Disbelief flashed on his features as did delight but Cardan only smiled. "We both know how you tend to prefer the Court of Shadows over the Royal Court, especially when there is work to be done."

He was perfectly aware of the coup to overthrow him, his subjects were no longer bound to him by oath as they were before he broke the Blood Crown in two. Jude did not like what had directly followed but she did enjoy the respect glistening in every faeries' eyes. Still, without the Blood Crown and the sure devotion that came with it, wicked schemes had become a frequent occasion.

"How is Oak? You visited him yesterday." Jude opened her mouth to answer but Cardan had more to say. "Why didn't you bring me with you? You're aware of my fondness for mortals, yes? No matter how often they seem to forget me."

"It's not my fault you have matters of state to accomplish," Cardan murmured, twirling Jude across the floor then back to his arms. Her steps weren't as graceful as his but at least she did not stumble and fall face first into the grass. "Are you going back any time soon? To visit Vivienne or Madoc?"

"I don't think it's wise to speak about such things at a revel," Jude told him but her voice wavered, her mind more occupied with not messing up the dance. "And I'll try to alert you on my next adventure to the mortal world."

It was not the promise he wanted but Cardan still pursed his lips, it was satisfying enough for him. But alerting did not mean agreeing to bring him along, it still felt odd to have Elfhame's High King walking down the streets she grew up in.

"Your Majesties," a figure bowed in front of them, interrupting their dance. Cardan looked displeased but relief flooded through Jude, she was eager to stop dancing "The faeries associated in the coup had made a move, they will be going to attack Oak. What do you think we should do?"

Jude didn't recognise the figure but she did recognise the mask they were wearing. Only three faeries in Elfhame had such a mask but she couldn’t remember either of their names. As long as they wore the masks, no one would ever recognise them.

The figure made their way quietly through the crowd, summoning ragwort ponies for the journey. Jude made her way to follow but Cardan had gripped her wrist. She tried to wrench it away but Cardan refused to let go. "As your husband, I feel obligated to accompany you and as the High King, I think I have right to know the happenings in my own kingdom."

Cardan made a valid point and although Jude wanted to argue, there were faeries watching gleefully, no doubt eavesdropping. Swallowing her words, she cast a scathing glare towards her beloved husband and let him lead the way.

The faeries offered graceful curtsies and low bows, murmurs of "Your Majesty" and other noble compliments. It was such a contrast from the constant glares from before that faithful coronation-turned-bloodbath.

"Oak will be no more than leverage but they have not reached him yet. Madoc had sworn not to lay a hand on any weapon but he would be able to take any threat with his bare hands. He will not let them hurt Oak, at least for Oriana's sake."

"If Madoc has it handled then why are our presence required at the mortal land?" Cardan asked.

"My presence is required, you can return to your goblets of wine and waltzing by yourself." It wasn't, she could just as easily order a few guards but she knew she had to go.

"It has lost its appeal." The curve of his smile held the glint of something mischievous. "Could we stop for pizza, there must be a decent restaurant offering pizza. We should bring Oak along, he delights in choosing the toppings."

But bringing Oak meant bringing Oriana and surely Madoc would follow. Jude did not dislike them but she dreaded the subtle insults and disapproving glares. But she supposed seeing Oak made up for the shortcomings. If only they were visiting under better circumstances.

"We have no time to change, glamour will have to do," the faerie told them, they were already saddled on their ragwort pony. Jude nodded and climbed onto the pony, ignoring Cardan's hand.

As soon as Cardan climbed onto his, the ponies took off into the sky. The stars were bright tonight, Jude caught the look of amazement in Cardan's eyes, his black hair whipping around his face. She felt a smile tugging on her lips but she knew the faerie was watching.

"We land here," they shouted, their voice barely audible over the wind. Still, the ragwort ponies slowly made their way down, turning back into stalks the moment they stepped on land.

Jude stumbled onto the cobblestone pathway, Cardan walking behind her with an amused grin. She cast him a glare but his smile only spread wider. Jude made a gesture Oriana would heavily disapprove but Cardan merely flipped his hair, staring at his reflection on the car window.

She was about to say something else but was interrupted by a small faerie child, horns peeking from his hair. Small arms wrapped around Jude's legs, Oak had gotten taller, she realised. He had started telling Jude about school and his friends before slender hands wrenched him away.

"Your Majesties," Oriana murmured, managing an elegant curtsy despite her human clothes. The blue flowers on her white blouse matched her ghostly skin and the skinny jeans matched her slender figure. "Did something happen? Guards have suddenly been stationed outside with orders to not disclose any information."

Jude was about to tell her but the streets weren't secure, someone could overhear. "We'll come inside first, I can't wait to see Madoc." Her voice was dripped with sarcasm and she knew Oriana disapproved of her tone but like the perfect lady she was, Oriana made no comment, instead forcing a pleasant smile and half dragging Oak inside.

Vivi was out with Heather, Oriana told her, finally letting go of Oak's hand. The faerie child had ran off to converse with Cardan who was telling him to order pizza. A small part of her still laughed in disbelief at the absurdity of the High King of Elfhame eating mortal food. But she knew Cardan liked pizza, Jude wondered if maybe he would order the palace cooks to learn how to make them.

"My daughter, what brings you here? That's twice in the past two weeks." Madoc was grinning but it highly resembled a predator bearing its teeth. "I hear whispers this is about Oak, I deserve to know what's going on?"

He did, despite his traitorous ways and twisted views, he still cared for Oak.

"There was a coup against the High King, we received word that they were going to use Oak for leverage," Jude told them. Oriana looked horrified but Madoc only looked grim, his eyes drifting towards Cardan. The High King was no doubt listening to the conversation, felt the intense stare boring holes into the back of his head but he did nothing to acknowledge it.

"Why Oak? Doesn't Taryn have a child too, they could take him and he would be better leverage. Your sister would beg you for the safe return of her son and you'd do anything in your power to ensure it happens." Madoc made a valid point but Jude refused to tell him that.

"So you think it is better to condemn an infant? The boy is perfectly innocent."

"And so you think Oak being in danger is better?" Oriana held her hands over her mouth, muffling a sad wail.

"Taryn is a sister of the High Queen, she is always protected with guards and a personal acquaintance." Jude noticed Madoc's small smile, he remembered the Ghost, no doubt. "Oak is in the human world, living with three faeries whom are either unable to properly hold a blade or hold one at all." Madoc's glare could burn down forests.

"Then why not just send guards? You didn't have to visit us." Madoc was calculating, piecing together her plan. Jude could feel his stern eyes looking straight into her soul. "You think they will attack tonight?"

Jude only managed a nod, the conversation interrupted by a doorbell. Oak exclaimed something about pepperoni pizza and ran towards the door, a wallet in hand and the High King in tow. Jude saw Cardan's tail curling in curiosity.

Oak opened the door to reveal a man, a pizza box in hand. "That would be twenty dollars for two pizzas," the man said, handing the boxes to a smiling Cardan. "Though I think it would be better if you paid in blood."

The man took of his cap, revealing green hair and horns like the branches of a tree. Instantly Nightfell was unsheathed and pointed at his neck. The faerie only laughed, his eyes holding a wild gleam as Oriana pulled Oak away. Cardan stood next to Jude, his earlier excitement morphed into a glare.

"How interesting, we were not expecting the High King to be here. This makes my job much easier, you see. Less places to go, less threatening to do. Now I just stab a blade through the ribs of the High King, High Queen and Little Oak."

Jude pointed the blade closer but the faerie dodged, an insane smile on his lips. He had unsheathed his sword too, a fine blade with leaves carved in its hilt. It was shorter than Nightfell, limiting his reach but his limbs were longer, that evened the odds. If only Jude hadn't been trained by the Elfhame's former Grand General.

The faerie lunged but Jude dodged just as easily. They went on like that, Jude's arms aching from the strain but she noticed the slight huff of breath every time he lunged; a tell that wasn't even well hidden. Easily, Jude watched as he huffed and lunged, dodging and stabbing at the man's side. Then again at his right leg, and again on his shoulder.

Jude endured a few scratches, deep enough to drip blood but not enough to cause any real damage. The faerie took two more blows on his left leg and right arm before Jude swept him off his feet, demanding him to tell her who sent him.

"I sent myself, Cardan does not deserve to be on that throne and Elfhame should not tolerate a mortal queen." It was an ordinary insult but it still stung, especially when Jude remembered a faeries inability to lie. "There will be more, you should step down and save yourself the trouble, Elfhame—"

The faerie said no more, he would never say any more. Jude had cut his head clean off, the faerie was working alone, hate blooming in his heart for the High King and Queen. There was nothing else to know, Oak was safe, he hadn’t even really been in real danger. Madoc would've been able to handle him with his bare hands. Any decent guard she issued would've been able to take him down. So why did she decide to come?

"We should stay here for a while longer, we have pizzas and Jude needs to regain her strength," Cardan said, ushering Jude upstairs to the guestroom they frequent every time they visit. She was tempted to drag Cardan out and tend to her own wounds but she had a feeling he would not relent.

"You know, I have always sensed defiance in you, strong willed and threats at the ready. I find it fascinating that you have the skills to back up every promise of revenge." Cardan had started wrapping her hand with gauze. "You beheaded someone in Madoc's living room while wearing your revel dress."

Surely enough, Jude was still wearing her cobalt gown though it had been torn in several places. Knowing she'd need to take the dress off before Cardan could properly address the rest of her scratches, Jude unbuttoned the dress, Cardan helping when her arms could no longer reach back.

Jude and Cardan had stocked up their mortal clothes the last time they went together, Cardan buying several cosmetic supplies as well. She had watched him pour the items on the counter, smiling at the girl at the counter with his usual lazy smile.

She chose a black shirt and a pair of decent jeans. Cardan had changed from his feathered doublet and into a striking red blouse, puffy sleeves and polka dots printed on the fabric. He was extravagant enough for the both of them, Jude noted as Cardan rearranged his hair to better highlight the golden circlet.

Jude's own hair had somehow stayed in place, the chains slightly askew but otherwise perfectly fine. She'd thank Tatterfell later but the faeries do not thank so Jude would have to settle for a small smile of gratitude the next time she saw the imp.

"I still remember when you held your blade at me, threatening to kill me. I believed you, of course. It is a blessing that you no longer want to, having you as an enemy would destroy my kingdom." Cardan said, taking a seat in front of the vanity once he finished with Jude's wounds, his back turned against the mirror to meet Jude's gaze.

"How do you know I no longer wish to kill you, husband of mine?" Jude grinned, pointing her sword at Cardan's throat. "I could slit your throat and take the throne for myself, why share power when I could have it all to myself?"

"Just like old times," Cardan murmured, glancing at the blade then at Jude. "You are a good liar but a liar nonetheless." Pushing the blade aside with the tip of his finger, Cardan pulled Jude down and met his lips with hers. Jude couldn’t stop the smile as their lips parted, the taste of his lips lingering on her tongue.

"Shall we go eat our pizza, dear husband?"

"We shall, my beloved wife."

#books #booklover #booklr #ry writes #jurdan #cardan and jude #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #holly black #tfota spoilers #tfota #fanfiction #fanfic

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thewickedkings · 3 years ago

Text

Between the Two of Us ~ Chapter 11

Masterlist || AO3 || Previous Chapter || Next Chapter (coming soon!)

Summary: Jurdan High school AU. Rivals Jude and Cardan are forced to partner up for a history project, and drama ensues. Filled with banter, pranks, an unhealthy amount of pining, and Jude being clueless as usual.

Trigger Warnings: Mild cursing. Please let me know if there’s anything I missed!

~~~

Jude never struggled with her poker face as much as she did when Locke walked in more than twenty minutes late to their history class Monday morning. She pointedly avoided looking at Cardan, but she didn’t know if that was because it would make her blush or because it would make her laugh at Locke’s predicament. Maybe a little of both.

Their teacher had taken pity on them and put on a documentary instead of lecturings. Winter break was just around the corner, and it was at that point in the semester that everyone was cramming for finals and no one could find it in themselves to even look like they were paying attention in class.

Jude pulled out her black nail polish and started to paint her nails as Locke sulked to his desk next to Taryn’s and whispered something in her ear.

Jude’s focus on her thumb never wavered, not as she felt Taryn’s suspicious gaze on her side, and not when Cardan burst into a loud coughing fit to cover up his laughter.

“Sorry. Allergies,” he said.

Only then did she roll her eyes.

~~~

“Saran wrapping his car? Seriously, Jude?” Taryn stood with her arms crossed in front of Jude in the cafeteria. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, and Jude couldn’t help but envy the perfect wing of her eyeliner. It was something Taryn used to do for her, at least until their cold war situation.

She didn’t bother denying it. “What? Do you have any more suggestions?”

Instead of walking to her usual table with the soccer team, Jude placed her bag on an empty table at the edge of the lunchroom. Nicasia noticed, raising a brow at her but returning to her lunch.

“Look, since you clearly already know, he and I are together now, so just let things be.”

When Jude looked up from her sandwich, Taryn returned her gaze intently. “Please, Jude.”

Jude’s gaze flitted over her expression. Something had made Taryn confront Jude now, after weeks of pretending nothing happened. And Jude’s gut told her it wasn’t the prank.

“Okay, I will.”

Tension left Taryn’s shoulders, but Jude wasn’t one to let up so easily.

“But on one condition. Explain what’s going on with you and Locke. I don’t get it.”

“You don’t think he would go out with me?”

“You know that’s not what I mean,” Jude snapped. “I didn’t think you would go out with him.”

“Well, you did.”

Jude rolled her eyes. “That was before I realized he was a douche canoe.”

“A douche canoe?”

“It’s what Cardan calls him.” She should not have brought up Cardan, because now she was thinking of his hands in her hair and his lips on hers and she was definitely blushing.

Taryn didn’t miss it. “You stopped going out with him because he was a douche canoe? No other reason?”

“Why did you go out with him?” Jude deflected.

“We were partners for our project. He asked me out. The end.”

“No. Not the end. He also asked your twin sister out. And you didn’t say anything.”

Taryn tugged on her ponytail. “Look, I didn’t mean for things to happen like that. I was just joking about how you’re so oblivious about Cardan and then Locke wanted to ask you out to see if Cardan would do anything. That’s all. It was harmless.”

Jude scoffed. “Do you really believe that? You know he kissed me right? And I assume that was while he was ‘dating’ you.”

Something twisted in Taryn’s expression, a little indignation and maybe insecurity. “It doesn’t matter. You have Cardan. Let me be with Locke. It’s not like we hang out together anyways.”

Jude had tried her hardest to understand what was up with Taryn, but she had reached her limit. “Clearly, I don’t let you be with anyone. You just do it anyways. So why are you even here?”

“Fine. Whatever.” Taryn snatched the pack of oreos Jude was about to open and stormed away.

“Hey! My Oreos!”

She groaned. Taryn really knew the best ways to be cruel.

“Um, what just happened?” Cardan’s voice said behind her.

Her pulse spiked at his voice, and she did her best to keep her voice even. “She stole my oreos.” She paused. Cardan’s lunch period was before hers, so he usually had class during her lunch. “Don’t you have class?”

“Already turned in my art portfolio for my final, so who cares if I go or not?”

Jude nodded before half-heartedly stabbing her fork in her salad.

Cardan sighed. “Come on, let’s go get you some oreos.”

~~~

After getting her beloved oreos from the vending machine, Cardan turned right, the opposite direction of the cafeteria. At her questioning glance, he shrugged. “It’s always so loud in there.”

He led her to the empty stairwell and settled in. Jude gulped; she was pretty sure this was where people went to make out.

“Wonder why Locke was late,” she blurted to erase the thought.

Cardan’s lips tipped up. “Must have overslept.”

She hummed in agreement, trying to think of something else to say. The sound of echoing footsteps faded into the distance, and in their absence, the space between them grew quiet. She nudged Cardan’s thigh, silently offering him an oreo. He accepted. Her wrapper crinkled loudly, and Jude became overly aware of the sound of her chewing. She licked her lips and leaned back.

Cardan’s gaze fixated on the bench in front of them. “The other night,” he started, “Did you… was that a one time thing for you?”

Uncertainty tugged at her in a jumbled slew of thoughts, because no, she absolutely did not want it to be a one time thing, but did he? Objectively, of course she knew he liked her. They spent so much time with each other, and he initiated a lot of it, and then there was also Lili and Taryn telling her he was obsessed with her. And then last night he had kissed her like… like that and yet a tiny insecure part of her still wondered if maybe it was all in the heat of the moment and that maybe he regretted it.

“Jude?” Cardan’s voice was tight, and his body had shifted slightly away from hers.

Her brain raced for an answer. “I don’t-“

His body jerked up until he was standing and he ran his hands through his hair, his back to her. “It’s fine. I get it. You don’t have to say anything.”

“Wait, Cardan, wait.” She grabbed his wrist and he froze. “I, um, I don’t want it to be a one time thing.” She shuffled her feet. “Not just the kissing part, even though that was um,” she cleared her throat and gestured vaguely, “you know, but also the rest of it.”

“The rest of it?” His voice was impassive as he turned back to her.

Her cheeks burned impossibly hot, and she crossed her arms. “You know what I mean.”

He crossed his arms right back. “No, no, I really don’t.”

“Cardan.”

He didn’t budge. “Enlighten me.”

She grit her teeth. “Like the being together… and stuff.”

Cardan leaned back against the railing two steps below her and his mouth did the weird twisty thing it did when he was trying not to laugh. “Like, maybe, I don’t know, a relationship? Is that what they call it?”

“Don’t make fun of me.”

His grin broke free. “Like dating? Is that what it is?”

“Cardan.” She avoided his gaze. Even though she knew he was joking, the insecure part of her clung to his lack of a serious response as a confirmation of her fears.

He took a step up, bringing himself closer to her. When he spoke, his voice was rough. “I want it too.”

“Yeah?” She stared at his chest, unable to look him in the eyes.

“The kissing and the being together… and stuff.”

The smile that was growing on her face was quickly replaced by a glare, even as she stepped closer to him. “You have to be nice to me now.”

“But you like me just like this.” His eyes widened as her hands made their way up his chest, and his head bent towards hers.

“I never said that,” she murmured as her fingers skimmed his neck.

“You didn’t have to,” he rasped. His eyes darted towards her lips, a flush rising high on his neck.

She felt a heady rush at the way he was reacting to her touch. It gave her the courage to lift onto her toes and press her lips to the corner of his mouth.

Cardan’s breath hitched, and his grip on her waist tightened. He turned his head, straining for her lips, and their noses bumped awkwardly. She’d barely let out a breathless laugh before he readjusted and kissed her full on the mouth.

Her eyes fluttered shut as he leaned into her, pressing her back into the railing as he-

A high pitched ring startled them both away from each other.

The bell. Her surroundings came rushing back, and Cardan dropped his forehead to hers and cursed.

A similar frustration rose up within her as the sound of chatter approached as students filled the halls, and Cardan stepped back.

He cleared his throat. “Tomorrow night, are you busy?”

A freshman stepped into the stairwell but froze when he saw them both. Cardan ignored him, waiting for her response.

“Um, no.”

“Will you let me take you out at seven?”

She nodded, hyperaware of the wide-eyed freshman trying to slowly back out of the top entrance to the stairwell.

“Okay then.” He nodded to himself. “Right, I’ll see you then.” He spun around and disappeared into the hallway.

“Can I go now?” The freshman groused from behind her.

“Um, yeah, of course.”

“Have fun on your date,” he quipped, before moving past her.

Date. She had a date with Cardan Greenbriar. With no interruptions. She grinned. She was so going to make out with his face.

~~~

Ummmm, sorry for not updating since January... but here we are. Too lazy to edit anymore so Bon Appetite I guess.

Please like, reblog, comment, etc the usuals. It really motivates me to keep writing!! <3

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#my writing #jurdan #tfota #the folk of the air #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #the cruel prince #tfota fanfic #wow i actually wrote something #between the two of us #chapter 11

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icycoolslushie · 3 years ago

Text

THG Thomastair AU

“I wish we could find sanctuary,” Thomas said. “You know, with shelter and such.”

“But Thomas,” Alastair said, “you are my sanctuary.”

TW/CW: If you're reading this, you've probably read The Hunger Games books or watched the movies so this has the same stuff as in them!

Idea // OG post // Ask

Disclaimers: This has headcanons along with snippets. Hopefully it's not OOC. Any Persian is what my Iranian friend told me. I like to headcanon that all the districts have their own language. Warning: The plot might be non-existent. Also, if you see any kind of mistakes (grammar, spelling, etc.) please let me know! Kinda long :)

Thomas is from District 7

Alastair is from District 11

The president is Josiah Wayland

The Head Gamemaker is Maurice Bridgestock

Eugenia is part of a group to overthrow the Capitol

Barbara and Oliver died in a previous Hunger Games

It was like it was in the books

Alastair used to be in a relationship with Charles Fairchild, son of the mayor of District 11, Charlotte Fairchild

Risa is Sona’s sister so Alastair’s aunt

Alastair volunteers for Cordelia

Cordelia struggles with him and finally says in “I love you” in Persian (dooset daram) before Alastair goes on the train

Cordelia is like Prim

Alastair’s mentor is Ragnor Fell

They be sassy together

Thomas’s mentor is Charlotte

Alastair’s stylist tells him Alastair should dye his hair back to black

In the opening ceremony, Thomas dresses as a tree and Alastair thinks how Thomas makes “a boring costume look beautiful”

Alastair has a suit on with leaves embroidered on it which Thomas later tells him “it was like nature blessed you”

Jem may or may not be an Avox Jem is Alastair’s Avox

Thomas Tanner is Thomas’s Avox

For training Alastair throws spears and pulls a 8

Thomas uses a broadsword in training and pulls an 8 as well

Thomas gets a compass rose tattoo from his stylist for the interview

The arena has a structure that looks like the Eiffel Tower at one end

The arena is covered in forests, except for the Cornucopia

When the canon sounds, Alastair runs toward the Cornucopia and escapes with a dagger to the forest

Thomas runs straight (ha!) into the forest

9 children die in the initial bloodbath

Alastair and Thomas both spend the night in trees about ten minutes away from each other

In the morning, Alastair hears rustling and eventually confronts Thomas

They first try to kill each other, but then they hear someone else and work together to fight the District 9 male tribute

Alastair puts his dagger at the tribute’s throat and stabs him there

Alastair doesn’t want to partner up and vice versa

“Alastair—I think you’d be a great person to team up with, but I . . . I don’t want to team up with you. I don’t want to team up with anyone. We—we might survive till the end, and then—” “No, Thomas, I understand. We’ll pretend this never happened. We’ll go our separate ways.” Thomas nodded, a sinking feeling in his stomach. Part of him had been hoping Alastair would disagree with him, even when it was reasonable. He ignored it and set about laying the food they’d gathered.

But they gather food and decide they’ll have a meal together and then go their separate ways

They make a meal of some fruits they find on trees and on the ground

Thomas just cannot eat the celery

They part ways

By the second night, fourteen people in total are dead

Thomas goes to the Eiffel Tower structure the next day

He climbs onto the first level and greets Alastair

Alastair’s leg is wounded

Alastair explains that the Careers fought him

The Careers include Augustus Pounceby and Clive Cartwright

“Tell me. Tell me who hurt you. I’ll kill them.” Alastair had never seen anyone so angry on his behalf that it unnerved him. “It doesn’t matter, it was the Capitol—” “Don’t,” Thomas said quietly. “Don’t try to downplay it. I want to make them pay.” Alastair paused. After a minute he said, “It was the Careers. The District 1 and 2 tribute. Augustus and Clive. They climbed onto here and started fighting me. I gave Augustus a good cut on the arm and Clive a nice scar on his cheek but they overpowered me. Augustus stabbed my leg. They left laughing.” “They didn’t finish you off?” Alastair shook his head. “I think they . . . wanted me to suffer. It isn’t like I can go anywhere, and I have no allies, so probably wanted to come back tomorrow and then finish me off. But it’s not like I’m going to last that long.” The last sentence caught Thomas off guard. “What?” “Aren’t you going to kill me?” Thomas thought about the District 1 tribute, Augustus, who had been saying that Barbara was weak before the Opening Ceremony. That Barbara, who had gotten him out of a scuffle with a Peacekeeper, was weak. That Barbara, who had volunteered for her cousin in the Reaping, was weak. He thought about the hate he had felt for the Career. Then he thought about graceful, elegant, bleeding Alastair in front of him, the way he had hugged his sister, the way he guarded himself, and decided. “No,” he said. “I’m not going to kill you.”

Thomas bandages Alastair’s wound

“Alastair, you’re hurt. Please let me wrap your leg in leaves and vines.” “Thomas, you don’t understand. I’ve always bandaged my own wounds. It’s not going to change now.” “Sometimes,” Thomas said, “it’s better to let others take care of you. They do a better job than you realize. Alastair, please. You’re bleeding. Let me help.” Alastair saw something in Thomas’s eyes: truth. He thought back to how many people would want to help him: his father, his mother, his aunt Risa . . . when he was young. As he grew up, all of them faced the same cruel system and all of them were expected to take care of their own wounds. Now, here was someone willing to help him when he should be killing him. It gave Alastair such a feeling of care and belonging that he nodded. It wouldn’t hurt to let someone take care of him for once.

They eventually decide to team up

Thomas makes a meal out of things he finds in the forest

He and Alastair eat it

Alastair heals from his wound

By that night, nineteen people are dead

Augustus, Clive, and the District 8 female tribute are still alive along with them

Alastair takes first watch during the night, Thomas takes the second

Alastair gently moved his fingers across the compass rose tattoo that Thomas had gotten from his stylist. He felt Thomas’s pulse. He promised himself that that pulse would go on even when his own didn’t.

The next day Alastair and Thomas set off (Alastair’s leg is healed)

Augustus and Clive are waiting for them

Thomas kills Augustus, attacking with A LOT of force

Clive gets a good hit on Thomas with a sword on his left arm

Alastair and Clive fight, Clive flees finally while he’s bleeding from a dozen cuts

Alastair bandages Thomas’s wound with leaves and vines

“I love it when you say my name. Say it again.” “Thomas—Thomas, you’ve lost too much blood. You’re going delirious.” Thomas sighed softly. “I would go delirious if that meant I could hear you say my name one more time.”

They get a sponsor gift: a whole meal of steak and sides, which they finish that day

When Alastair bites into an apple, Thomas wants to kiss him

Both of them fall asleep at night

When they wake up, they’re in a prison; a Capitol prison

They were in prison. But even if they were in hell, Alastair wouldn’t have minded. They were together.

They lie in each other’s arms, seeking warmth

“Why are we in prison? What did we do?” Alastair demanded, getting up as Josiah Wayland stuck his ugly face in front of the bars. President Wayland’s lip curled. “It isn’t you that did something, it’s your family.” Thomas gasped sharply. “Eugenia.” The president smiled cruelly. “So you do know her crime.” Thomas swallowed. Alastair put his hand in Thomas’s. “What did my family do?” Alastair asked, trying to change the topic. “Why, your sister did the same thing,” Josiah Wayland said. This time Alastair gave a sharp gasp. Thomas squeezed his hand, and Alastair drew a bit of comfort from him. But his mind was on Cordelia, his little sister, what would happen to her— Wayland, the monster he was, smiled wider as he saw Alastair and Thomas despairing their sisters’ fate.

Cordelia joined the same rebel group Eugenia was in

“But why are we here? What did they do that you had to take us out of the Games?” Thomas demanded when he had finally calmed down. It seemed that all the Lightwood siblings would all die in their youth. “As soon as they are in our custody, they will be executed. In front of you two. Everyone thinks the two of you killed each other. After they’re dead, both of you will be executed.” Thomas swallowed. “Why? Why will you execute us?” “Your sisters should have thought about your safety before they did what they did. At least you’ll be able to tell them goodbye. If the executioners give you the chance,” President Wayland added before he gave another cruel smile and left.

Thomas and Alastair despair over their and their sisters’ fates

“We’ll fight them. I don’t care. We’ll fight the Capitol. We’ll make them pay for what they did to Barbara and Oliver and Jem and Will and Tessa and my mom and every single person they hurt. We’ll make them pay, Alastair.”

Thomas sighed. “If only we had hope.” “I don’t think about hope, Thomas. I think about you. You’re my hope.” And now I’m going to lose you, Alastair wanted to add, but he didn’t. And then I won’t have any hope left.

“The odds were never in our favour, Thomas,” Alastair whispered, closing his eyes. Then he added softly, “And they never will be.”

Letter addressed to Alastair Carstairs, District 11 male tribute of the 56th Hunger Games, from Charles Fairchild, son of the mayor of District 11, found crumpled in a trash bin of the Training Center floor 11

Taglist: @della-vacker-supremacy @themadhatter999 @writeforjordelia @theenchanteddreamer Also tagging @jurdan-my-beloved who originally requested the headcanons and @youngreckless Lmk if you wanna be added or removed!

#thg #thomastair #thomastair au #the hunger games #headcanons #ace writes #thg thomastair au #thomastair week #tlh #tsc #thomas lightwood #alastair carstairs #Yes I used the sanctuary scene for the title sue me

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mmvalentine · 3 years ago

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The Pianist pt 6 | Jurdan

Modern AU. Part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 7

Jude woke alone in her apartment and tucked into bed, even though she was pretty sure she fell asleep on the floor.

Things went back to normal: she woke up early, went to work, then tried to sleep while Cardan made a racket. Over the next few days, however, she noticed that Cardan started to cut off his practice time at a reasonable hour, and, surprised by the silence, Jude sang in the evenings instead. She wondered vaguely about her downstairs neighbour, and whether she was the new nuisance, now.

Cardan stopped appearing at the diner with his friends and without him, they were still annoying as all hell, but somehow seemed a little lackluster. She still ran into Cardan around the apartment building, but did not see that much of him. And they never did talk about that kiss.

Until one day, Cardan burst through the doors of Java Island where she was working the morning shift. Jude was startled to see him, not least because she'd never known Cardan to be awake at all in the morning.

"There you are!" he said. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I went to the apartment, to the diner, to the subway... I'm so glad I found you."

"Yes... at my job. Why are you looking for me?"

Cardan paused to catch his breath. "There's a talent scout coming into school today," he said. "They come around once a year, and they hire for big companies and producers. On more than one occasion, they've offered a record deal on the spot."

"So?" Jude asked. "I don't go to Juilliard, what does this have to do with me?"

But Cardan shook his head. "It doesn't matter," he said. "I've booked a practice room until 9am, and if you're in there you've got a chance to be seen. But you have to come now."

Jude bit her lip. She knew full well if she walked out in the middle of a shift, she'd lose this job. And she couldn't afford rent on just the other two.

On the other hand.

Jude threw her apron onto the counter, and ran with Cardan.

Cardan led her through the doors of the famed school of arts, and Jude barely had a chance to gawk at the soaring ceilings and towering glass walls. Cardan pulled her down several hallways and into a practice room, and the clock on the wall told her the time was 8:45am.

"Okay," he said, speaking quickly. "We walked straight past the scout, did you see him? Small man, round glasses."

"No, I-"

"Doesn't matter," Cardan cut her off. "The point is he's coming, and you need to start singing now."

"What do I sing?!" Jude asked, too panicked to be embarrassed at the desperation in her voice.

"I don't know, fucking anything!" Cardan hissed back. "Okay, sing... 'Ain't No Sunshine'. Like that day we first saw you."

He sat down at the piano and started up the song, and Jude had to take a second to piece her brain back together. Cardan nodded at her encouragingly, even sang the first couple of lines to her before she finally got a hold of herself and picked up half way through the first verse.

It wasn't a moment too soon because the next thing she knew, the scout was standing in the doorway. Jude shot an alarmed look at Cardan, but he just fixed her with a stern gaze as if to say keep going. And so Jude sang.

The thing about singing was, as nervous as she was to begin, she never felt nervous when she was in the middle of it. There was something so grounding about singing, and soon the little room and the man with the glasses and even Cardan at the piano faded away, and there was just the song.

So when she opened her eyes, she was disappointed to see that the scout had left the room before she finished her song, and she hadn't even noticed. Jude sighed, and rubbed her face. It was worth a try.

But when she looked back toward Cardan, he was smiling. Possibly the widest smile she had ever seen on his sharp face.

"He loved you," Cardan said.

"What?"

"He. Loved. You."

"He walked out."

"They never stay for long, that's normal."

"Then how do you know-"

"Jude."

And then Cardan looked pointedly at the end of the grand piano. Jude followed his gaze and there, on the glossy black surface, was a simple, white business card.

Jude walked slowly toward it and picked it up. Turned it over in her hands. The card read:

'Bryern Phooka. Agent.' Then a number, an email address, and on the back, a hand written note.

Great voice, kid. Call me in the morning and let's set up a meeting.

Jude read the note three times. She looked up at Cardan, who was still grinning. Then back to the note, and back to Cardan, and then a hysterical laugh bubbled up her throat.

Cardan came over and read the card, then crowed at her, and Jude laughed again and he wrapped her up in a hug and before she could think what she was doing she pressed her lips to his.

//////

Jude pulled away with an embarrassed laugh, and made to walk out the door. But Cardan was faster, and shut it before she could get there.

"Jude," he said, his voice dangerously low.

"Cardan," she mimicked.

"Jude you have to stop doing this to me."

"Doing what?" she asked.

Cardan stepped close to her, and slid his hands under her jaw and behind her hair.

"Leaving me hungry," he replied, and then kissed her again like he could devour her whole and only then would be be sated.

Jude, for once, let him. Didn't fight him, just closed her fingers around his wrists and kissed him back. Cardan could have wept with relief; he didn't know if he could bear it if Jude pushed him away again. He wanted to go slow, to be careful, to not scare her away. But his body had different ideas, and his arms tugged her too tight against him. His teeth bit down too hard into her lips.

But Jude just sighed, and licked his tongue, and Cardan lost it. He picked her up around the waist and set her down on the piano, so that her face was level with his. His fingers gripped the painted wood tightly as her hands slid into his hair, and he groaned when she tugged against his scalp.

Cardan moved his hands to her back and his lips to her neck, and when Jude tilted her head back to give him better access, he wondered if she knew how badly he needed her. Cardan grabbed a hold of her legs above her knees, and slid the hem of her yellow waitress' dress up her thighs. His hands curved around the outside of her legs, and down to her calves, where he yanked her suddenly to the edge of the piano. Jude made a squeaking sound in surprise, and Cardan covered her mouth once more with his.

Now when Cardan kissed her, Jude wrapped her legs around his waist. The warmth of her body was delicious, and Cardan crushed her to him. His cock ached between the restraint of his jeans and the heat of Jude just beyond, and without thinking he rolled his hips against her. Jude moaned a little, and tightened her legs around him.

God, if he could just taste her. Just once.

Cardan's fingernails skimmed up and down the outer sides of her thighs, slipping beneath her skirt, down to her knees and back. His lips found her ear lobe, the pulse in her neck, the hollow in the base of her throat. His hands squeezed, slid up her legs, and when she moaned again, his thumb reached for the cotton of her panties.

And found her soaking wet.

Cardan groaned, and dropped to his knees in front of her. Pushed her legs apart while she sat on the piano and then gripped her hips as he licked his tongue between her legs. Once over her underwear, then once with her underwear pushed to the side. Jude moaned loudly, and her head fell back as her hands caught the surface behind her.

"Cardan," she whispered, and his name in her mouth spurred him on. He plunged his tongue deep inside her, before dragging it back up to flick over her clit, and the sounds Jude made were almost better than when she was singing. Almost.

Cardan laved his tongue over her. And over, and over, and over. Jude's breath came in short pants and her hands twisted in his hair. He sped up his pace, moving back and forth against the apex of her thighs as she started to move her hips up toward him.

"Yeah," she breathed. "Just like that."

Cardan lifted her thighs onto his shoulders and moaned against her pussy. He couldn't speak in the moment but her name went round his head like a song.

"Cardan... Cardan I'm going to come..."

The thought made him even harder, and Cardan reached down and grabbed his cock through his jeans. He was going to finish her off first, and then...

At that moment, there was a loud rap on the door.

"You guys, it's past 10! I have the room booked now!"

Jude's eyes shot to the door, then down to Cardan between her legs. She laughed silently, and tried to pull back from him.

But Cardan wouldn't let her go. He held onto her thighs, and redoubled his efforts. Jude gasped and bit down hard on her lower lip, trying not to make a sound now that someone was standing on the other side of the door.

"Seriously!" the voice came. "I really need to get the hours in!"

Jude was back on track now, Cardan could see it. Her eyes were closed and her mouth moved wordlessly. Her legs had started to shake, and Cardan's tongue moved sure and steady until he could see her knuckles go white on the edge of the piano and then she was coming on his lips.

The climax shook through her in waves, and Cardan made she she had come all the way down before he lifted his mouth, and kissed her on the pussy then on the thigh then on the lips.

He stood, still hard as a rock, and pulled Jude off the piano.

"You guys," the voice whined.

"We're coming!" Cardan barked back, and then smiled at Jude as she readjusted her dress, and miraculously, smiled back at him. He kissed her again, softly, tenderly this time.

"You wanna get out of here?" he asked her. Jude bit her lip.

"I have to get back to the cafe and see if I still have a job," she replied.

"Right. Okay, well don't forget this." Cardan held up the agent's business card between two long fingers, and Jude beamed.

****

So I usually post a smut warning up top but like... spoilers?! Also I figure if you're this far in and you're at all familiar with my fics you know what's coming. Hope that's okay.

JURDAN MASTERLIST

TAGLIST: @asteria-of-mars @swankii-art-teacher @loosingdreams @feysand-loml @cityofbookish @story-scribbler @thebonecarver

#jurdan #jurdan fic #tfota #mine #smut

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heaven-in-a-wild-flower · 1 year ago

Text

Jurdan Headcanon (Jude Duarte and Cardan Greenbriar)

I’ve also published this on ao3 if you’d rather read it there, here’s the link. I’m making this a full series (Cardan in the Mortal World).

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 2.5

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Previous Chapter (Chapter 6)

Chapter 7

Jude's POV

Yesterday, Vivi and Heather made a plan to go to the beach and insisted that we take Cardan and Oak as well. So, here goes.

Cardan's POV

This is a completely and utterly undignified method of travel. Vivienne, Heather (what an absurd mortal name), Oak, Jude and I are in this carriage-like contraption they call a Subaru. Heather is riding this metal monstrosity and Vivienne is assisting her with directions from a seer inside her mobile that calls itself Google Maps. However, the most undignified aspect is that Oak, Jude and I are sitting at the back and I cannot even sit next to my queen. Oak is holding some balm to protect one from the sun (Heather has instructed that all of us must administer it upon our skin to protect it), human skin is so fragile.

The carriage is full of sound from the front playing some ungodly screeching made by a group of humans who call themselves 'My Chemical Romance'. I cannot imagine how these three men were romanced by chemicals (I reckon it could be a love potion?), my romance is entirely natural. I can imagine if Jude were to hear this she would roll her eyes (she is extremely skilled at this due to all her practice, how proud I am of my wife's ocular dexterity) and say that no one would call it a natural romance to be forced into marriage by circumstance. The only respite is the cool air that I can only conclude is being created by ice pixies' breath who are being enslaved by this 'Subaru'.

"Might we please change this music? I can take no more of this." Both Jude and Heather give me appalled looks. I cannot imagine how they enjoy this. (My queen does enjoy torturing others, so this music must remind her of it). Vivienne merely laughs and changes the music with a turn of a knob.

"We were both young when I first saw you I close my eyes and the flashback starts...”

This music is strangely soothing and remarkably reminiscent of Jude and my meeting. I was neither in a balcony nor was it summer when I first met Jude but there were many parties when I would seek her out merely to see her (I couldn’t control my angst and idiocy and subjected her to many a taunt but perhaps that’s the beauty of our story). I certainly wanted her to be my princess but now, she is my queen. The mere thought makes my heart convulse like a chained beast. I look over at her. Her dark hair was pinned up expertly on her head. Her jade eyes met my gaze with a look even I (an expert in everything pertaining to Jude) could not interpret. She frowns and tilts her head and I cannot stand for her face to be frowning so I lean forward and kiss her cheek gently. I am pleased to see a blush upon her face immediately.

“Who is the composer of this marvellous music?” I enquire.

“Taylor Swift,” Vivienne answers. Huh, must certainly be a talented lady. Expert at swiftly tailoring clothes and creating music? I would like to bring her to Elfhame to sing for me nightly, although I am certain the mortals would object. Maybe love is making me soft, but I shall be merciful and allow this tailor to remain here in the mortal world so that they can have at least this one magical thing.

We finally reach the beach and I am surprised to see so many mortals here roasting themselves in the sun. They have however used their mortal ingenuity to create umbrellas to protect themselves from it. It is odd that they wear as little clothing as possible and then slather their exposed skin in balm to protect it, I will never understand mortals, I have given up in this futile endeavour.

Heather lays out our supplies, a mat for us to sit on, some books, tools for Oak to create monuments out of sand and towels to dry ourselves once we return from the water. Oak gets to work immediately, digging furiously at the sand. Heather and Vivienne apply the sun protection balm upon each other and now that I see them do it, I can see the appeal even though my skin certainly does not require it.

“Jude, my queen, would you like the sun protection balm?”

“Oh, yes, thank you.” She replies and takes it from my hand and quickly rubs it over her skin.

“My darling god, my sweet villain, I do not believe you are following the best technique. Might I show you?” She narrows her eyes. She is not a fan of criticism but I believe in this regard, I can change her mind. (If her soft sighs as I administered the balm were any indication, I did change her mind.)

However, competitive minx that she is, and not to be outdone, she declares that it is her turn. She quickly shoves me onto the mat and administers the balm upon my back. I do not know whether the balm is meant to soothe but I can guarantee that her hands were utterly soothing. She kisses my neck gently after she is done. I have always felt love to be a great battle. First, I fought against it in myself, then I fought for it to make Jude my queen. Now, however, perhaps I have won the battle, but love feels undemanding. I believed love was the battle fought to convince someone that it is worth it, that you are worth it. But love can be a kiss upon your neck after providing protection not needed.

Jude's POV

He looks peaceful and it is a gift I didn’t know I’d ever want but it makes me so indescribably happy, I could probably sing songs right now (I’m embarrassed by myself). I quickly pull my hands back and run to the ocean to cool my flaming face. Cardan follows and looks so adorable (I can’t believe I used that word) in his pineapple beach trunks that I simply have to tackle him into the water.

“I do not know if you are attempting to drown me or are showing affection, but I will accept either at your hand.”

“Oh, shut up and kiss me.”

“I would not dare to refuse you, but is it of concern that I can feel something latching onto my feet?”

“What the-” I quickly swim down and swat away the crab from his feet.

“Oh, my hero, what would I do without you to protect me from unnamed sea creatures?” Cardan says smirking lightly.

“Again, just shut up and kiss me.” He does.

Cardan's POV

Beaches are very exciting places. On one end, people are building royal palaces with the sand. On the other, there are people (including Jude and Heather) who are fighting with some people using a battle strategy Heather called ‘Beachball’ (It seems impossible that this strategy could injure anybody but I suppose with how fragile mortal bodies are, it is possible that this is one of their weaknesses). Jude is remarkable at this strategy and seems to be defeating all the others. I am enjoying the view, I love watching my queen in battle, when I am distracted by a beeping sound.

To our left (mine and Oak’s, whom I am watching over in case some mortal dares to attempt to abduct him), is a man with a metal contraption seeming to extract something from the sand.

He sees me watching and smiles, “Hey man, wanna join me in looking for some gold?” I must still exude an aura of royalty despite my pineapple-printed attire if he is offering me gold.

“I accept your offer.”

“That’s great, man! Let’s do this.” He offers his hand to me and I take it and stand up.

“How does this contraption function?”

“Ah! The Extra Powerful Metal Detector 2000 generates an electromagnetic field through a coil of wire. When this field encounters a metal object, such as gold, it induces a secondary magnetic field in the metal, disrupting the electromagnetic balance in the detector's coil. It’ll then beep and we’ll know we’ve found gold!” He explains enthusiastically, hands waving around madly nearly impaling me with the contraption. I understand very little of his explanation but I nod as I do when my treasurer is explaining the intricacies of our remaining riches and how he proposes to use them.

Suddenly, the machine begins to beep quite loudly.

“Man! I think we’ve got it!” Let’s start digging. I would not normally lower myself to the task of digging sand however his excitement must be infectious and I too take a shovel and dig alongside him. Our shovels both hit some metal and our eyes widen.

He quickly pulls it out with his hand and it is merely a can.

“How dare you trick me so! This contraption does not detect gold and I do not appreciate being deceived.”

“Aw, man! I’m sorry dude. The machine detects metal not always gold. But we’ll definitely find gold if we keep at it. Don’t be disappointed. I’m sure your girlfriend will love it if you gift her with a pretty ring, let’s keep looking, my man!” His explanation calms me down and I correct him that Jude is my wife but yes, she would probably appreciate a gold ring.

Jude's POV

Heather and I are pretty sweaty from that game of beachball but it was so much fun to destroy those cocky men who genuinely believed men are better than women at sports. I might’ve preferred stabbing them (I’ve pictured the full scene. I’d tell them “men are also better at spilling their intestines on the floor), but this was at least half as satisfying.

I expect Cardan to be sitting with Oak since Vivi is reading and has fallen asleep with her book on her face, but of course, he’s not there. I scan the beach and find him with some dude with a metal detector.

I go over to them and see that Cardan’s hands are covered in junk, bottle caps, pieces of jewellery and all manner of random metal pieces from the beach.

“Jude! My darling! I have tried to find you something precious from the beach but this task has been arduous and not satisfying in the least.” I laugh for a moment.

“It’s alright, come on, let’s go back.”

“Man! Looks like you already have something precious, no need to find any more, my man,” the guy says to Cardan, elbowing him and winking at him. Cardan looks surprised to have been suddenly attacked by this man but he relaxes and agrees.

While walking back to our spot, he looks concerned for a moment and says, “I hope you are not offended, my sweet villain, I did not mean for him to get such a wrong idea. I was merely looking for gold with him, I do not understand why he kept calling me his man. I am only your man and king, nobody else’s.”

I laugh so hard, I fall on the sand.

Cardan leans into my face and asks, “Are you alright, my queen?”

“Never change, Cardan. Never change.”

Tagging @jurdanhell @nee-naw-nee-naw-beepbeep

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