#zaros x earis

[vionnette]

Title of the Past

Zaros Atha'lin x Earis

The rays of the sun lit the library cool and warm, two people breathing steadily, and the sound of pages getting flipped and writing sounds were the only things that could be heard inside the room, both Zaros and the Earis are content with each other's presence not minding the lingering silence

"Should I just give up the Throne?" the Earis asked, breaking the comforting silence between the two. Zaros' eyes widened clearly taken back by the sudden question though he quickly recomposed himself before answering "I'll probably tease you for giving up the Throne but I know you won't do that my Earis"

the title sounded so bitter as it comes with a horrible past, Earis almost wanted to give up the title, maybe then they'll feel somewhat happy and full of life again. The Earis was bound to the throne, and the invisible chains that pulled Earis back to the Throne when they got a little bit of freedom reminded them why they were alive in the first place.

"How are you so sure about that?" The Earis asked looking at Zaros with a deep curiosity in their eyes. "You said it yourself when we had a debate in the garden that your greatest strength is being tenacious, that you would do anything to claim the Throne, or are you saying you're really not?" he asked clearly teasing the Earis.

The Earis scoffed annoyed by Zaros' teasing "I am. I..know when I need to soften my grip on something I'm not capable of handling it. Zaros' lips curled into a smirk "Are you implying that you can't handle being an Eminence?"

The Earis rolled their eyes at his comment "That's not what I meant. I have my reasons why I can't handle being in this kind of status with you-" The Earis quickly pressed their hands in their mouth to cut themself. Zaros on the other hand noticed the tense cut, Zaros immediately knew what the Earis wanted to say.

"Oh? Did you mean that you can't go against me anymore? are you scared? or did you somehow thought that I'll overpower you at some sort and win? and that you decided to just accept it?.

The Earis let out a big sigh "I didn't mean to say that.", Zaros chuckled clearly not believing the excuse "But it sounds like it? I can't imagine the Royal Earis of the long service Ilves Bloodline are scared of a leech that came from a new noble family line that is hated by other noble families." His voice became louder as he pushed the Earis to their limit.

"It wasn't that Zaros! I was scared because we have a past, a past that still haunts me to this day! every time I see you I think about what we have before and I can't help but miss it! I didn't want this! I never wanted us to be in this kind of relationship where we constantly throw hateful comments at each other but all I can do now is feel guilty for what I did in the past and blame myself for my stupidity and that I didn't believe the person who actually understand and know me more than my mother! I don't want us to be rivals anymore Zaros! I can't take it anymore!

Earis' heavy breaths are the only thing that can be heard after the confession, little sniffle came from the Earis, hinting that they were about to cry, a pool of water in the corner of their eyes threatening to fall down any second

Zaros tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth when he opened it, he was too stunned at what the Earis just did, confessing everything to him was what he didn't expect.

"If giving up the Throne is the only way to end this then I'll gladly give it up to you."

The Earis said before exiting the library, leaving Zaros alone in a painful silence.

Some of the scenes here I find cringe but yeah..it's messy and bad it's my first time writing actual fanfic so I'll take some tips because I had a fun time writing this at school earlier lol

[boiledmang0s]

Guys it’s Earis over😔 (card edit of mizover)

POV: your enemy (totally no feelings for him at all) contends for the throne after not seeing him for 8 years

[alexah03]

(It’s 4 in the morning but who cares)

Earis and Zaros as lyrics (we can’t be friends)

“Just wanna let this story die

And I'll be alright”

“We can't be friends

But I'd like to just pretend

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again”

“Wait for your love

Love, I'll wait for your love”

“Cause I don't wanna argue, but I don't wanna bite

My tongue, yeah, I think I'd rather die

You got me misunderstood, but at least I look this good”

“I don't like how you paint me, yet I'm still here hanging”

[mybl0odiedvalentine]

Just thinking about if Earis got engaged/married to someone else, and all that was in Zaros' head was just the chorus of Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (extra pain if its the orchestral version)

Someone pls make this a fic PLS IM BEGGING YOU

[memesthatonlycatertome]

What i want to happen during the duel in the noble trials:

[faeskiss]

everyday goes by with no zaros x earis kiss😔😔

[elleneedsleep]

My Mouth Before It Called You A Lying Traitor

To those who belittle members of the lower class, they have failed to consider the ace that is knowledge. Rumours could be dismissed, but not forgotten. With the nobles now divided into two — those standing loyally by the Earis of Serulla, and those who believed in Sarl Zaros Atha'lin — gossip made for propaganda. Unfortunately, it seemed the information uncovered would help very little with the matters of the Trials. If anything, it only stood to fuel the candidates' internal conflicts.

Alongside the attendants who'd moved in to the Palace in order to tend to the son of Nira Atha'lin, came words of his... recent tastes. It was all speculation, of course, but the Earis's handmaidens had whispered about how all of his conquests had held a striking resemblance to them. Dismissal was the immediate response, followed swiftly by the slight hope that even an ember of their old friendship remained.

Zaros had been pinning an Atha'lin rose to his lapel, when his mother entered the room. She did not straighten his collar, nor kiss his cheek or envelope him in a hug — maternal warmth was not something he knew. But if anything, her cold nature had prepared him for the noble court.

"You look... decent. The rose is a nice touch." Nira appraised, gaze analytic as though she was a gardener pruning a hedge.

He did not reply, simply weaving blonde strands together into an intricate plait. Taking this as a sign to continue, his mother lowered her voice to a hiss, a plot readied on her tongue.

"Apparently the Earis was not as virtuous as they would have led people to believe — this will be more shocking to the court than your own exploits, fortunately."

Again, Zaros did not respond. He was not as naive as Nira Atha'lin assumed, nor did he have interest in winning through blackmail. Still, another reminder that he had forfeited his place at the Earis's side left him positively miserable.

"Zaros, are you even listening? Underhanded methods may not be your preference, but for the sake of reform—"

"—what has coveted your attention, mother?"

Blinking, Nira could not speak for a moment. She had half the mind to raise her hand to him for such insolence, but alas she could not afford to direct him back into the arms of that spoilt palace brat. Clearing her throat, she continued with her tale, though the expression on her face distinctly proved her unspoken warning.

"The Earis has shown favour to lovers reminiscent of your visage, my son. If they harbour any lingering affections from your youth, it would be wise to use that to our advantage. Surely you know that the loser of the Trials will be disgraced to the point that one's position may be futile in the face of mockery?"

A noticeable hitch in Zaros's breath caught her attention, but she did not scold him. No one was immune to infatuation but she had faith that he would choose family, and the ideologies she had spent countless hours teaching him, over childish emotions. Still, Nira had the sense to leave in that moment, aware that the second Trial required careful preparation.

The door may have shut, but for Zaros it was the sound of a dam cracking. He downed the glass of wine, filling it up again as though the alcohol burning down his throat was some herbal remedy. Had they thought of him, when they'd lain with people of similar likeness? Had they both been so prideful as to reject the implication of reciprocation?

With a curse, his fists hit the desk he'd been writing his arguments at. He wanted to make do on his jest, and climb through the window and hold his Earis in his arms. Eight long years, and still his heart was weak to that insufferable snark. To that self-righteous nature. To that dammed smile which spurred dangerous thoughts.

Shoulder to shoulder, like the pillars at the entrance to the library, two adolescents watched the stars as though waiting for them to unveil some hidden secret. One, clearly not used to such late night rendezvous, anxiously looked over their shoulder for fear of being caught. The other, noticing such with a merciless grin, draped his arm over them.

"Are you scared of being caught, belladonna?"

His words earned him a huff, and a jab to the ribs with an elbow at the use of the nickname. Clearly, they were not aware of the true meaning of that flower: a dangerous beauty, indeed. A few heartbeats passed before the victim of his playful tease answered with a sarcastic tone of voice.

"No, it's not like anything would happen to us if Madame Venys caught us out after curfew. She would applaud our climbing skills, for sure, and neither you nor I would spend the next few days organising the non-fiction section."

Zaros snickered, leaning into them. They nudged him in retaliation, but nonetheless did not pull away. It would always be like this with them, he could sense it. A verbal back and forth which secreted far too many glances. Silence came over them again, just shy of awkwardness yet comfortable all the same.

"One day," they started, "I'm going to make a map of the stars."

It was an unexpected declaration, but Zaros did not complain, his gaze softening. Something pulled on his mind; it would typically be buried, but his tongue had been loosened by her vulnerable statement.

"Will you go alone?" He asked, quietly.

"Would you want me to?"

The young Sarl almost wanted to scoff at their audacity to have a back and forth during what should be an intimate conversation. But, he knew now to look beyond that porcelain mask — the pretense of the expectations weighed upon them.

"I could not think of anything so honourable as ensuring that Her Emminence's second born does not do anything foolish on their voyage."

A well-crafted response. Not quite the I could think of no better place for me than by your side that he had wanted to say, but it was enough. Their hands crept closer, until their pinkies were entertwined in a silent vow.

Oh, but how the death of the original Earis could change everything.

[literary-motif]

Zaros and earis first getting "together" and since reader is inexperienced they just share so many little kisses all the time everywhere as long as no one's watching . Maybe making out in the library or in the gardens at night

Dance In The Dark

Zaros Atha’lin x Reader

Zaros had spent his life living in the shadows. He was used to showing his affections mindlessly, uncaring about who might happen to catch a glance of him pressing his lips against the soft skin of his partner. 

Things were different with you. You were the Earis. You pulled the eyes of a crowd towards you. People cared when it came to you, and word would spread like wildfire if your little secret came out. 

The decision to keep your relationship private was mutual. But Zaros could not help the scowl appearing on his face when he looked at you from across the room, needing to suppress the urge to gather you into his arms and press a lingering kiss against your forehead, or capture your lips with his. 

Sometimes, when you felt mischievous, you would pull him into an empty room, wrap your arms around his neck, and kiss him breathless before darting out again, leaving him to catch his breath alone and be late to whatever meeting you had scurried off to. 

Zaros did not mind for two reasons. One, he adored seeing the satisfied smirk on your face when he muttered out an excuse that was far from the truth. Two, he knew perfectly well how to get back at you. 

He could take you apart behind closed doors, leaving you breathless and shivering against him with little kisses alone as he held you close. But his favorite thing to do was press innocent, chaste kisses against your skin when you least expected it. 

In the mornings, perhaps when you ran into him on your way to the library, he would lean in and place a kiss on your cheek in greeting, the action socially acceptable enough that it did not raise eyebrows from the curious onlookers, observing the Earis wherever they went. He knew the action meant more to you, and he loved watching your wide eyes, trying not to glance away from him shily. 

Your walks through the garden at the end of the day had become a ritual long ago. When you were hidden behind tall enough bushes, and Zaros had glanced around at least twice to make sure you were truly alone, he would pull you towards him, and more often than not, you would cup his cheeks and kiss him before he had a chance to lean forward. 

The secrecy of your relationship made it hard to show affection. As far as everyone was concerned, you hated each other. Two contestants for the throne, two adversaries in the trials. And you were, but the politics of your parents seemed like an afterthought as you sought out each other, finding comfort in a love that had simmered for so long it felt second nature to indulge it. 

Your bed felt empty without Zaros snuggling into your side. This night seemed bleaker than most, but as you contemplated getting up to sneak into his quarters, you heard a quiet tapping at your door. 

A grin spread across your face, and you scrambled off the covers to crack it open. 

“Are you busy, my dear?” Zaros asked in a whisper, his eyes lighting up when he saw you. 

You poked your head through the doorway, glancing around the empty corridor before placing your hands on his hips and kissing him deeply. Zaros gave a noise of surprise, grunting a little as you pulled him into your room and backed him against the closed door. 

“I’m busy missing you,” you teased, relishing his scoff at your cheesiness. “But it seems now I can be busy with something else.”

Zaros blushed, a hand on your chest stopping your attempt to kiss him again. “Actually,” he said, clearing his throat and collecting his thoughts, “I wanted to try a different thing.” He did not wait for a reply, taking your hand to guide you out of your room. 

“Won’t you tell me where we’re going?” you asked, allowing Zaros to pull you along the empty corridors. He did not reply, only shooting you a sparkling smile you saw dimly in the moonlight. 

You were walking towards the garden, slipping between the bushes that hid you perfectly from the vision of curious onlookers or insomniac wanderers glancing at it in the night. Zaros had chosen a cozy little spot, green and red flowers blooming around the edges of your secret hideout as a candle burned steadily in a lantern on a stone bench. 

“I had a thought,” he said, fondly taking in your eyes twinkling in the candlelight. He turned so he stood to face you before sinking into a mock bow, holding out a hand to palace yours into. “May I have the honor of this dance, my Earis?”

You chuckled, slipping your hand into his easily. Your breath hitched as he brought it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against it while looking into your eyes. 

His hands rested against your body, holding you close as you swayed in the dark. It was not the performative dance you put on for the eyes of the crowd at balls in the palace. This was an intimate, close movement of your relaxed bodies in tandem, with no thought of being elegant on either of your minds as you basked in each other's company, treasuring this rare moment of undisturbed intimacy. 

Zaros tilted his head, placing a kiss against your forehead. You reached up a hand, cupping his cheek to move his lips towards yours. 

“I’m glad we’re here,” he whispered between lingering kisses. Your hands had long since trailed to clutch his back instead, pulling him flush against you as you continued swaying, joined together in kisses he dreaded to break. 

“Me too, my love.”

Tomorrow, you would return to the game of pretending you played for the public eye, but tonight, you allowed your unfiltered affection for each other to taint reality. 

[yerimsdreams]

All Bark, No Bite

author's note: the way I planned for this to be something cute and then it turned into... this. lol.

zaros kymen atha'lin x earis!reader (they/them pronouns are used).

warnings: swearing. mention of death. tombstone. crying.

''Why won't you just tell me what happened, mother? It's about my own brother!'' The Earis exclaimed in frustration, following their mother like a lost duckling. 

Queen Roena shook her head, continuing to make her way out of the library. She'd originally gone to check up on her child's progression with their studies for the upcoming trial of debate, but it had quickly turned into another interrogation on her son's death and the late Atha'lin matriarch's involvement in it. 

''Mother! I deserve to know!'' Their plea went in vain once again as the Eminence almost reached the doors. 

''Mum, please.'' 

The Queen halted at the two words. They sounded like a child, one that would ask their parents to check under their bed to see whether there was a creature lurking there or not. She hadn't heard them sound so desperate in years, maybe ever. 

The older woman turned around, guilt dripping all over her face. The ruling monarch was not one to wear her heart on her sleeve. However, every emotion she was feeling in that moment was visible for the world to see. 

''I can't, my darling,'' she sighed, ''it's in the past. It shall remain there.'' With one last sad smile, she opened the doors and departed from the library, leaving her hopeless child behind. 

The Earis simply stood there, feeling the weight of their mother’s words pressing down on them. The library didn't feel like the warm and welcoming place it had always been for them, instead a cold breeze had settled over the vast book-lined hall. 

They let the tears fall, not blinking them back like they were used to doing. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness planted itself inside of them. Why couldn't anyone just tell them the truth? Why does everyone have to be so secretive and vague about the subject? 

Despite the grand state of the library, it felt as if they would be swallowed up by it if they stayed a second longer. It was as if the books were mocking them. Thousands of figures of history laughing in their face, the poems of the finest writers were pointing at them and falling over from amusement. 

Their shoulders slumped, the Earis turned away from the door and wiped the tears from their face. They needed to get out, to breathe fresh air and clear their mind. 

They made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, moving swiftly towards the gardens.  The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the library. They let out a deep breath of relief once they were outside, the scent of all the various flowers providing a pleasant distraction. 

The garden was quiet, the only sounds being the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. All the nobles had gone back to their own respective homes, while the staff of the Royal Family were done with their duties for the day and had retreated to their quarters. 

The heir walked along the winding paths until they reached their brother's memorial. They sat down next to the stone plaque that carried their sibling's name. 

''What really happened to you? Why won't Mother tell me? Why won't anyone tell me the truth of it?'' The questions that had been haunting them tumbled out in a whisper. Their voice broke on the last few words, and they buried their face in their hands, letting the tears flow freely again. 

"Out and about so late, my Earis?'' A familiar voice sounded from the shadows, breaking the comfortable silence that had been present. ''People might start to think you're engaging in promiscuous activities with a secret companion.'' Despite not looking at him, they could hear the smirk playing on his lips. 

''Begone, Zaros.'' There wasn't much energy behind their words, just pure exhaustion. They weren't in any mood to deal with his snarky comments. 

Zaros, sensing the weariness in their tone, stepped out from the shadows and approached them. His signature grin faded as soon as he saw the tears glistening on their cheeks. He stood there, uncertain on how to proceed. 

''What happened?'' He asked quietly, hesitantly taking a few steps closer to them. 

The Earis turned towards him, roughly wiping their tears away. ''Just go! I do not want to hear from you at this moment.'' 

He paused, concern etching his features. "Did someone harm you?" His posture straightened as the question left his mouth, his eyebrows furrowing. 

They let out a bitter laugh, shaking their head. "No, no one has harmed me. Just leave me be." 

But Zaros didn't move. Instead, he crouched down in front of them, trying to catch their gaze. ''Please, you appear burdened beyond measure. For someone or something to break your mask like this… please, speak to me.'' 

''Why? So you can use my hardships against me later?'' Their head snapped towards him, eyes blazing with a mix of anger and pain. 

He lightly flinched at the accusation, but remained composed. ''I have no intention of doing that. You're crying in the garden, all by yourself, everyone can see that something has transpired.'' 

They turned away, their gaze focused on their brother's stone, frustration boiling over. "You're only here to enjoy my suffering. Begone, please, at once!'' 

''I am not here for my own entertainment. We may no longer be as close as we once were, but I am not indifferent to your pain. Now, please, tell me what happened?'' Zaros insisted, his tone earnest. 

The Earis momentarily lifted their head to meet Zaros' eyes. They tried to find something that would tell them he had another impertinent comment waiting, but they did not find it. Instead, they found his soft eyes, and genuine distress on his face. 

They sniffed, and took a deep breath. ''I, uh, have been asking my mother about what you said about your grandmother, uh, snatching my brother,'' their voice became small at the mention of their sibling, ''she won't tell me anything, she refuses. I just asked her about it again, moments ago in the library, but she brushed me off.'' 

Zaros frowned at their admission. ''It was not my intention to cause a rift between you and your mother.'' 

They shook their head. ''I know that, it's not your fault. I just… I feel as if I do not know my family at all. Ever since the contention, strange things have been happening, and I don't know what or who to believe anymore.'' 

His expression softened at their words. ''I understand. I still believe it is not up to me to tell you what happened regarding your late brother, but… I do feel for you.'' 

The Earis sarcastically chuckled. ''You feel for me? That's a first.'' 

Zaros sighed, undeterred by their sarcasm. ''Stop that. Just because of what happened in the past does not mean I do not care for you or wish to see you discontented. I could have walked away the moment I saw you here, but I stayed. Do with that what you will.'' 

They wanted to believe him, to trust that his concern was genuine, yet years of bitterness stood between them like an impenetrable wall. ''You expect me to believe that you suddenly care about my well-being?'' 

''Yes, I do,'' he retorted, ''I am not lying when I say that seeing you like this pains me.'' He admitted, his full attention on them. 

The Earis stares for a few moments before groaning, their hands covering their face again. ''Why do you always do that?'' 

''Do what?'' Zaros questioned, confused. 

''One sentence you'll completely tear me and my character apart, and in the next you- you say things like that.'' 

Zaros shifted uncomfortably. ''I don't tear you apart, I simply say the hard-''

''Hard truths, yeah. You've said it plenty.'' They interjected, rolling their eyes. 

''So you do know it?'' The teasing gentleman made a small return. ''Anyway- I do not mean to hurt you with my words, I just want to give you a different perspective.'' 

''You simply wish to remind me of all my flaws, Zaros. Don't play dumb, it does not suit you.'' 

Zaros's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. ''I speak harshly because I believe in your strength. I challenge you because I know you can rise to it. You are the heir to the throne. There is the possibility that you will become ruler, so I might just as well put both your feet back on the ground. It is for the good of the realm.'' 

They were still guarded, so they let out a scoff. ''For the realm,'' she repeated, ''for the realm or for the good of your own family? The, oh, so noble Atha'lin line who care about the smallfolk and their troubles while they drown themselves in the royal wealth, and feast on the food and wine which they pay for with the little money they have.'' 

His face tightened, their words slowly sinking in. ''Do not speak of my fa-'' 

''Not speak of your family? All you do is speak on me and my family. I understand your anger, and it is justified. But you are a hypocrite, Zaros. You bark and bark, but as soon as I turn it around on you, you put on your cloak of high morality and point the finger at me for everything that is wrong with Serulla,'' the gates had opened, and there was no closing them now. 

''You think all it takes for the common folk to have you in their favor is to lower some fucking taxes? You believe that by sneering at the noble families, the ones that will work in your Council if you become king, you will actually achieve change? Well, you are greatly mistaken. You know nothing about what it takes to rule a Dominion, especially not one like ours. Your mother is using you for her own bidding, to lift her own status- you are only too blind to see it.'' 

Zaros recoiled as if struck, his expression hard to read. It seemed to have taken him a few extra seconds to fully comprehend their words. Once it had hit him, he quickly stood back up, though he didn't move away from them. 

The Earis watched him in their peripheral vision, puzzled on why he stayed standing there, fully expecting him to have made his way into the castle by now. 

''You and I have more in common than we allow ourselves to think at times.'' He remarked, gazing into the Serullan night sky. 

Their own vision stayed on their brother's engraved name, hoping an answer would appear to help them out of this situation. 

Zaros continued at their silence. ''We both want the best for our families, and we'll both go to the absolute end for them- no matter the cost.'' 

''This is a high cost you are paying, Sarl Zaros.'' They uttered back, looking up at his figure. 

''It is, My Earis.'' 

[belladonnadawn]

Guilty as Sin?

"Without even touching his skin, how can I be guilty as sin?"

Your nemesis snuck in your dream in the most unexpected manner. CW: Mature themes ahead. (Congratulations Zaros wanters! You guys did it!)

Zaros x Reader

"I do not understand your anger. Where is this coming from?" It wasn't a genuine question– it never was. You could hear the cockiness in his voice along with his obnoxious smirk after attempting to get a reaction from you.

"Don't play dumb, Zaros." You continued to walk away from him, almost stomping your feet, not wanting to take the bait. You knew that once you responded once more, it would be a neverending heated banter between you two.

The hallway was too long, too narrow as if forcing you to deal with his presence. But your pride was stronger, you didn’t dare to face him nor fall for his antics.

Finally, you reached a secluded room, perfect for the alone time that you so long craved. You slammed the door open, he immediately followed suit before it closed. “Come on, let's talk it out like adults and stop acting like a child.” Zaros tried to catch up as you tried to avoid him.

Irritation finally took over you as yout patience wore thin. You turned to see his face, “You are the one following me and acting needy. As if you can't fathom not having my attention.”

“And what if I can't?” Zaros raised his brow, a hint of mischief evident in his face.

Your eyebrows furrowed at his answer, “Are you serious right now?” You spoke, not even bothering to hide your annoyance.

Zaros only grinned, walking towards you. You slowly backed into the corner, swallowing your nervousness as you try and analyze how things will go from here.

At last, your back hits the wall. He had you cornered, all to himself. “Why would I treat this as a laughing manner, Earis?” Zaros’ voice was low, smooth, and enticing. You can't help but feel captivated.

You wanted to bite back, to spit whatever insulting words you could think of, but all of those attempts fell flat as you looked in his eyes. You were enchanted– under his spell.

A soft gasp escaped your lips as you felt his hand on your arm, slowly sliding to your shoulder. He was daring in a way that you never knew you needed. You swallowed, keeping your eye contact with him, heart beating out of your chest as he took your breath away. The tension was undeniable, the way he could make you feel such things was intoxicating. The feeling was addicting, you wanted more.

Summoning your bravery, you immediately pulled him by his collar, crashing his lips into yours. You could hear Zaros let out a small yelp, slowly turning into soft sighs. He held your waist, pulling you closer, your hand played with his hair.

His kiss deepens, taking you to new heights. He bit your lower lip, he grinned as he heard your moan. “That's right, let me hear it.”

Zaros gripped your waist, losing himself once again to your lips like a parched man waiting to be quenched; and you were happy to be his object of satisfaction. Every touch made you feel dizzy, as if all your mind could think of was him and him only.

Zaros pinned you further causing a low moan to escape your lips. You gave the same energy back. Even in between kisses, both of you still wanted to compete with each other. Either way, both of you are winners.

You both finally pulled away, catching your breaths after the moment you shared. Satisfaction and desire was written in your faces, and you both knew how to elevate the feeling.

"You're obnoxious." You teased with a small smirk on your face.

"And yet, you can't seem to get enough of me." Zaros grinned.

"That doesn't change the fact that I hate you." You bite back, enjoying the banter that you share.

"How about you show me how much you hate me?" He leaned, you felt his hot breath on your neck, trailing small kisses. You felt your knees weaken, your breath hitched at his gesture. His hand went under your clothes, caressing your skin softly. Zaros’ soft kisses along with his sensual touches lit a fire in your heart. He was in need of you, and you are in need of him.

You gasped as he began to remove some of your clothing. A part of you would've indulged in his actions, but you were as needy as him. Your hands wander around his body, relishing at his physique. A grin in your face widened as it landed at his waistband. Zaros let out a low chuckle, he leaned towards you whispering in your ear. "This time, don't hold back."

Catching your breath, you jolted awake. You look around your surroundings, trying to ground yourself to reality after experiencing what you experience. What happened was beyond you and you like to keep it that way.

You were revolted, disgusted and... aroused?

Shaking your head, you did not want to entertain those thoughts, let alone linger. You admit that Zaros is attractive, but to have that dream of him? It was unacceptable.

You left the bed, making a beeline to your bathroom hoping that the cold water would clear your mind up.

"Your grace, are you alright?" Your servant asked, noticing your pale face and troubled appearance.

"I am fine, I... just have a lot of thoughts." You brushed off, not daring to share the egregious dream that you had to a mere stranger.

He nodded, "Anything you want to help you ease it?"

"No, nothing." You grabbed your book, avoiding the elephant in the room. "I will unwind in the garden. If there's an important matter you want to discuss, only if it's important, seek me and you will find me there."

The path was quiet as everyone was tending to their duties, it was the perfect atmosphere to unwind about the salacious thoughts. Your footsteps echoed in the hallway, a peaceful sound to fill your thoughts.

You finally reached the garden. A content sigh escaped your lips as you finally reached the perfect place to take your mind off whatever happened. You sat at the gazebo, surrounded by beautiful flowers and the sound of nature. You finally felt peace.

“It seems that I am not the only person to relax in this garden.”

As you heard his voice, all you wanted to do was explode on the spot. Your peace was beyond ruined and you're now at your wits end. “How may I help you?” You politely turned to him, putting the book in your lap.

“I am just here to appreciate nature, your grace.” Zaros replied with a teasing smile.

“Then do so.”

Zaros nodded. You didn't mind what he was going to do, you never wanted to pay attention to him, especially after what happened. But to your surprise, he sat across from you.

Closing your eyes, you prayed to the gods for patience. “I have other matters to attend to. It was nice seeing you here.” You abruptly stood up, causing the book to fall from your lap.

In a sick coincidence, you both reached for the book. You flinched out of surprise as your hand and his touched. Suddenly your dream flashes in your mind once again. Your cheeks turned red, you were flustered, a mess; and to others you're strange and unwell.

“Are you alright?” Zaros looked at you, confusion written on his face.

"I am not in the mood to entertain you, Zaros." You spat, you didn’t care about anything. You just wanted to get away from him– get away from those imagery that continues to linger.

Zaros was taken aback, his face face was filled with confusion, but he immediately composed himself. "Well then, your grace," His voice laced with sarcasm, wanting to give you the same energy back. "I shall take my leave. Enjoy the garde–"

"I will." You abruptly walked out, leaving him standing alone in the garden.

Once you're out of his view, you lean behind the pillar trying to calm your heart that seems to beat wildly at his mere touch. Zaros is your guilty pleasure and there's no way to deny that.

[boiledmang0s]

I drew my Earis as kyu kyurarin :3 this song definitely fits them

*sighs* I love making them suffer :)

[alexah03]

Zaros saying he’s never told any of his past partners I love you because he’s never felt that way before, so Earis might be the first person he says “I love you” to >>>>>

[alexah03]

Saku really playing with my heart rn 😔

[alexah03]

The way zaros pulled earis aside

Omg DO IT AGAIN 🤭🤭

[alexah03]

You know, if zaros or the earis confess their feelings, whether or not the other has feeling for them back (which they obviously are both in love with each other but whatever) I doubt either of them will trust or believe the other. They’ll probably just think that their trying to gain their trust and make them vulnerable to take advantage of them and win the trials.

[alexah03]

The earis makes it harder each audio to defend them 😭😭😭