bunni-v1 - Tumblr blog

bunni-v1 · 1 month

Text

Cureé

Chapter 3: Respite Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

Tw: Lilia is unsettling; reader is non-binary but is called "princess"

Info: Epel x Reader; Trey x Reader; Lilia and Reader; GN!Reader

🍓I'm back. Not really lol. But I finally finished the third chapter! Yay!! I promise I haven't given up on this account, I'm just ungodly busy...

Taglist: @kitsun369 @bloomstruck @squidsailing @roseinbloom02 @savanaclaw1996 (please tell me if you want to be added/removed!)

It was a quarter to one in the morning, and you lay restless in your bed. For nearly three hours you have been unable to sleep, tossing and turning with unanswered questions circling your head. No one whom you’d talked to had been any help in discovering the truth, and those who could help had not visited you in weeks. You were getting restless.

You sat up from your bed, accepting the fact that this would be another night without sleep. Grabbing your pretty purple silk robe – a gift from your brother this year – and slipping it on, you decided you would just have to go on another walk to clear your head. You peeked out of a crack in your door, smiling as you saw Ace and Deuce sleeping peacefully next to it. They were horrible at their job, but you adored them either way.

You began your stroll across the floors of the palace. Walks were the only way for you to clear your head now – since hunting was off the table, you had to make do with what you could. How you missed hunting, but you were too afraid of the forest to even try anymore.

Truthfully, you missed your life before seeing that horrible monster from the deepest parts of the forest. Sure, you were blindsided and forced into the strict rules your brother set, but at least you were constantly struck with stress and night terrors of that thing. At least you still had your best friend by your side.

You hadn’t seen Epel since that monster had appeared and torn your worldview apart. You worried that Vil had killed him without informing you, or at the least stripped him of his position. Sevens, if he’d done either, you might cause an uprising yourself.

You ran your fingers through your hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. Things had grown so intense, and yet nothing was happening, which only made you more frustrated the longer you thought. Why couldn’t things be as simple as the fairy tales you read as a child? Where was your prince charming to sweep you off your feet, and slay the evil beast so you both could bring peace to your beloved kingdom?

“Princess?” A familiar voice called behind you.

Your heart shot up into your throat, half startled and half excited. You turned quickly, locking eyes with familiar blue ones.

“Epel,” you sighed, “thank the sevens you’re okay!”

He rushed across the corridor, wrapping you up in a tight hug. He rarely allowed you to touch him, especially not in such an intimate way. It melted your heart to see that he had missed you as much as you had missed him.

“‘M sorry fer disappearing on ya,” he mumbled into your neck, “I woulda ‘f I coulda.”

You squeezed him tighter, “Don’t apologize, I know you would never abandon me.”

He pulled back, just enough that you could see each other, but his grip on your arms was firm – as if he was afraid you might disappear again if he let you go.

“I thought ya were real hurt by that… thing… yer brother wouldn’ even tell me if ya were okay ‘r not.”

“Same thing here. He won’t even talk about you anymore, I thought for sure he’d beheaded you.”

He lifted one of his hands, slapping his face, “Seems like it’s all here.”

You laughed, patting his cheek, “Appears so… I won’t have to kill him – over this, at least.”

You took a moment to take in his appearance. His hair was a bit longer than when you last saw him, and it curled out more at the ends – you thought it was kind of cute. His face was still clear of any blemishes, but you could see in his eyes that he was tired.

“How are things,” you questioned gingerly. His eyes darted away from yours, a scowl marring his pretty features, “Epel…?”

He hesitated, “They’re… not great. Vil’s threatenin’ ta strip me of my title and status if I pull a stunt like that again. I don’ know what that’d mean fer ma granny ‘nd me, but nothin’ good fer sure.”

You frowned, taking his hands into yours, “I would never let that happen,” you assured, “I need you around, and that’s enough for Vil to keep you.”

He gave you a shaky smile, not confident in your conviction. You weren’t either. Still, you weren’t going to let anything bad happen to Epel.

An awkward silence filled the halls. Both of you were tense, still shaken up by what had been happening since you’d been separated. Too much time had passed since then and now, and you both had your plates full of responsibility and trauma you had yet to face.

“Can we–?”

“We should–!”

You both spoke at the same time, laughing at the situation you’d found yourselves in. This tenseness wasn’t natural for the two of you, who could tell each other anything, and the laughter bubbled up faster than you could stop it.

“Yes.” You agreed together.

The two of you made it back to your room without bumping into anyone who may scold you – though Epel did nearly wake up Ace trying to pose him. He laid on your bed and you sprawled yourself out across his torso and spoke of all the things that had happened since you’d last seen each other. It felt good to talk to someone who really knew you.

You learned Epel’s workload had nearly doubled, likely as punishment for endangering you, and he had been too busy to even think of visiting you. In turn, you told him all about your suitors – which he found hilarious. His favorite was the dashing mystery man who still had not come for his hat.

“Maybe he fergot about ya’!” He teased.

“Oh– Shut up, you’re being mean!”

It was like old times – something you missed more than anything in the world recently. Still, you could not act like your present did not exist, even if you wished it didn’t.

“That… thing in the forest,” you started, and Epel nodded nervously.

“You’ve done yer own research on it, ahm assumin’.”

“Yes… but nothing has been very helpful, there’s no record in any of the books I’ve read. Both inside the castle and out, it’s like these things don’t exist.”

“I’ve run into the same issue, fer the most part…” he trailed off, a nervous look overtaking his features.

“What’s wrong Epel,” you queered.

He bit his lip, refusing to look you in the eye.

“Epel, you know you can tell me anything…” you assure, placing a hand on his forearm.

“Princess, y’know how Vil tells ya that magic is dangerous and yer not allowed ta practice it cause it could hurt ya? How no one in the castle ‘s allowed ta practice it ‘cept a few people?”

You frowned.

“Ahm one’ve them people. ‘Nd I wanted ta tell ya, but… I- I dunno I was worried you might… I-” The words wouldn’t come for him. He didn’t have a real reason, but he didn’t need one.

You squeezed his arm, giving a tense smile, “I understand Epel, it’s not like you practicing magic changes who you are… right?”

He shook his head, “I still shoulda told ya, yer my best friend… we don’t keep secrets-”

“Anymore. We don’t keep secrets anymore,” you corrected lightly, “besides, you being a magician is the least of my concerns right now.”

He let out a sigh, relaxing into your sheets as if the weight of the world had just fallen off his shoulders.

“Sevens, that felt damn good,” he groaned, “hidin’ that from ya was the worst feelin’ in the world.”

You laughed, rolling off his torso and onto your back. You understood exactly how he felt – the amount of things you had to hide from your brother was unnatural.

He turned to you, “What about you? ‘M sure ya got a lot goin’ on in yer head.”

“Where do I even begin?” you cried out. “This… monster… thing has been haunting me. I- I can’t find anything on it. It’s like… I don’t know… it’s purposefully being hidden from me.”

He nodded in agreement, “Yer probably right, ‘nd ‘m not just sayin’ that.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Yer brother has always been up to some suspicious stuff, y’know. He’s real secretive of his magic studies, and recently he and some’ve them suitors ‘f yours have been havin’ sneaky secret meetings.”

“Really? Which ones– I mean, and what about? You don’t think it could be linked to… you know… what happened to us…?”

“I think it’s the blue guy with the wild hair, ‘nd that fae prince ya stood up at yer party – well, usually it’s his envoy. The one with the big creepy eyes?”

“General Vanrouge?”

“Yeah, him, and some silvery-haired guy” He exclaimed, “I can never really make out what they’re sayin’ though, but ’m sure it’s got something to do with that ink monster.”

You bit your lip. At least your worries weren’t unfounded, but now the threat felt more real than ever before. Worse yet, you were essentially powerless against it. You had no real idea of what this thing was, no idea of how it came about, and no magical power. All you had was the hope that the mysterious man would come back as he promised you.

“Hey,” Epel soothed, “don’t worry, we’re gonna figure this thing out, kay? Yer not alone, I’ll do mah best to find out what I can.”

You nodded. Worrying like this wasn’t going to solve anything, you would just have to work harder to find a solution.

“Thank you Epel.”

“‘F course, princess.”

·┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆·

After you let Epel slip away, you decided you needed time to relax. You hadn’t realized just how tense everything had made you, but your whole body was aching and your head was thrumming. Tea. Sevens, you needed a nice herbal tea and maybe some pastries. Palace staff wouldn’t be awake at this hour, so you would have to make it yourself.

Re-tying your robe around your waist, and placing the hunter's hat on your head, you cracked your door open to see who was at your door. Pleasantly surprised to find Trey, Riddle Roseheart’s personal guard, outside. It was odd to see him without his other half, Cater, and especially odd that he would be guarding your door. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he spotted you.

“Sneaking out, Your Majesty?” he said with a teasing air about him. The guards from the Rosedome were so much more fun than your own.

“No. Not with you here at least,” you replied, stepping outside of your room, “I was hoping to grab some tea, what a surprise it is to find you here, and not my dearly beloved Ace and Deuce.”

He smiled, “We – and all the other kingdom’s guards for that matter – have had to adhere to the rules of your head guard to stay here, so we’re on a regular rotation at night. I’m your guy until six.”

He gave you a wink, which made your heart flutter more than you wanted it to. Damn your brother and his sheltering you, it makes you so weak to simple affections.

You composed yourself internally and nodded, “That’s fine, I don’t mind who stands outside of my door so long as they are pleasant to talk to.”

He hummed, “It’s quite late for the princess to be up, don’t you think?”

“My head is full of too many thoughts, that’s why I wanted tea – and maybe some pastries, if I can make them.”

“Pastries would be nice, wouldn’t they?”

“Are you asking to accompany me, Sir Clover?”

“Only from a distance, if the princess would allow it.”

You smiled and nodded. Yes, Rosedome guards were far more entertaining than your own. Trey was required to follow you around regardless, but he made a little game of asserting that. You wished your palace guards could banter with you as easily as he did, not give you simple yes or no. Truly no fun.

You continued your light back and forth with your new friend as you made your way to the kitchen. He mostly spoke about his family and the several younger siblings he helped raise – which would explain the brotherly vibes that he gave off. He was also Riddle’s childhood friend, which you were surprised to find out.

His mother was so controlling that she wouldn’t even allow the two of you to talk whenever she visited with him. To find out that he had actual friends was a shocker, and a bit heartbreaking. Why weren’t you allowed to be friends with Riddle Rosehearts?

“What was he like as a child? Has he always had such a temper?” you wondered aloud.

“No,” Trey laughed, “Sevens, he was such a timid kid – he didn’t even know how to ask for his turn on the swing.”

“Really? Goodness, what a funny thought. Timid Riddle Rosehearts!”

“Isn’t it? I can hardly imagine him anything but angry now,” he sighed.

You frowned a little. His mother must’ve done quite a number on him, to change him from sweet to monstrous. You’ve seen that sweet side of him in the library. You hoped you could see more of it.

“You said you wanted to make pastries?” Trey asked suddenly, holding the door of the kitchen open for you.

You nodded, ‘“If possible, I don’t usually bake, so it might not be easy.”

“My family owns a bakery, so I can help you out.”

“Oh! Wouldn’t that be asking too much, though? You’re not here to bake for me.” You worried.

“I love to bake, so don’t worry.”

You glided across the kitchen floor, quickly finding the cabinet full of your favorite teas. You had helped the kitchen staff stock it yourself, to ensure that you could always sneak a pot if you had sleepless nights like this one. Trey looked around the kitchen in wonder and delight – the Rosedom must not have such a magnificent kitchen like this.

The pretty cream-colored walls contrasted with the black-marbled floors, making the room appear larger than it truly was. The stove was impressive, with room to cook several meals at once, made of black stone mined from the Sunset Savannah. The counters were made of dark oak wood, shining in the reflection of the lamplight. Better yet, this wasn’t even the main kitchen – this one belonged to you and your brother to use as you need.

Trey whistled, taking everything in as you began to boil water for your tea.

“Impressed?”

“Very. My parents would kill to have something like this,” he responded absently.

You hummed, “I love this kitchen, though I don’t really know how to use anything other than the kettle.”

“Riddle’s the same way,” he laughed, “if I tell him what to do he can cook it up easily, but he can’t do it himself.”

You smiled at the affection in his voice, “My mom used to make these lovely raspberry tarts. They were so warm and sweet, and I used to eat a whole plateful by myself. I’ve tried to follow her recipe, but they always come out sunken in or burnt.”

“Why don’t we make those then?”

“Oh, could we,” you say breathlessly, “I would love to try again – I miss her baking so much.”

“Of course, and I’ll make sure we won’t burn them, it might take the rest of the night, though.”

“That's fine! I wasn’t planning on sleeping anyway.”

He laughs heartily, “Let's get started then!”

·┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆·

Baking was much harder than you expected. You weren’t getting the expected results because you weren’t reading the measurements your mother wrote right. Instead of teaspoons, you were putting tablespoons, and several other mistakes like that. It was embarrassing, but Trey was gentle and patient with you.

You had also been overcooking your tarts, which is why they never came out that delicious golden brown you loved. When Trey pulled them out of the oven, you practically salivated at the sight. They looked and smelled exactly like your mom used to make, it was like a dream come true. You would’ve dug in if they weren’t so hot, steam was still floating off their tops.

Trey set them on the counter, stepping back and smiling proudly at his work. They looked delicious, but the two of you had definitely made too many. Even though you loved those tarts, you could never eat all of them – not even with Trey’s help.

“We made too many…” you pouted.

“That’s not a bad thing, Your Majesty,” he chuckled, patting your head carefully.

“I don’t know what to do with them, I don’t want them to go bad!”

He hummed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, “Well, if you don’t want to waste them I know someone who would be more than happy to take some off your hands.”

“Please! I would love to share them. My mother's cooking is something everyone should get to experience.”

“I’ll be sure to get them to him,” he laughed, “you should get to bed. It’s late, and I’m sure you have plenty to do tomorrow.”

You sigh, picking up one of the tarts and taking a bite out of it. It was gooey and soft and perfect, just like your mom used to make. You were tired, though. Incredibly so.

“I’ll get these all packed up,” Trey said, moving to hand you a cup of your favorite herbal tea, “you get back to bed, I don’t want you falling asleep on the kitchen floor.”

You give him a grateful look, taking in a whiff of the sweet scent of tea. You moved back to your room slowly – partially because you were tired, mostly because you enjoyed the quietness of the halls at night. You loved to have the freedom to walk the halls without whispers or being bothered by staff. It was just you, a normal person – as normal as a princess could be.

You took a sip of your tea, closing your eyes and delighting in the taste. Opening your eyes again, you jumped, spilling some tea in the process.

In front of you now stood General Lilia Vanrogue of the Valley of Thorns. On the ceiling. Part of Prince Malleus’ personal entourage. He was unique-looking, with black and pink hair and bright ruby-red eyes as big as a doll. He was the picture-perfect representation of the unsettling, and he was staring you down.

His head cocked to the side, and a mischievous smile crossed his features. Your blood ran cold at the sight. What was he going to do to you? Was he going to attack you? Drink your blood for power? (He was Fae, not a vampire, you dunce.)

“I like your hat,” he spoke in a voice deeper than the seas.

It startled you, expecting a much smaller voice – but you supposed Fae didn’t subscribe to normal convention. You didn’t realize what he was saying until a few seconds after he spoke, and only then did you nervously adjust the hat on your head.

“Ah, thank you, General Vanrouge,” you managed to squeak out.

He hummed, taking a spot on the floor with you now, “There’s no need for such formalities when we are alone. Lilia will do fine.”

You swallowed, tapping your fingers along your glass, “Well, thank you then, Lilia.”

You stood in silence as he observed you, at least that is what you think he was doing. His eyes never really left your own, and he didn’t make any indication of thought or sizing you up. He just… matched you.

Then, again, “I’ve been wanting to speak with you, but you’re very slippery.”

“Uh, thank you, I think…”

Suddenly, he bowed, deeply and respectfully. It took you off guard, especially since you knew he owed you no real respect – not after how you blew up at his Prince.

“I apologize for Prince Malleus’ behavior at your birthday party,” he said, “he is not used to socializing with others, especially not people he is trying to court.”

You didn’t know what to say. It was… nice to have an apology but… he wasn’t the one you wanted it from.

“Uhm, it’s alright. I shouldn’t have caused such a scene,” you stuttered out, “and you don’t need to bow.”

He stood upright, fixing you with a smile, “I do not blame you for your reaction, I would’ve done the same in your position.”

He looked up to the moon in the sky, lips twisting into a little frown, “It’s getting late, you should get to sleep.”

You didn’t respond, instead just nodding at him. When he didn’t move you frowned, face twisting in confusion. He raised an eyebrow, and you realized he was waiting for you to go first. You skittered away quickly after that, feeling his eyes pierce the back of your skull until you rounded the corner.

Fae were terrifying.

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #x reader #bunni's treats 🧁#epel felmier #epel felmier x reader #trey clover #trey clover x reader #lilia twst #lilia vanrouge

49 notes · View notes