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keithsandwich · 5 hours ago

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Báidín Fheilimí

Keith x OC (Maeve @keithsandwich ); Fluff; Family; Turning Tables; Birds Chanting; Sharing Sweets; Garden Gathering

A mouse of a whiff sneaks inside, barely colder than the autumn evening or a crisp spring morning. The door to the royal greenhouse closes with a click. Three cups and a teapot balanced on a tray, Keith marches forward, accompanied by the quiet murmurs of the gravel path; he stops mid-step, however, and listens intently, his lips parting slightly as he strains his ears. A quiet hum rummages through the evergreen ferns, dives past the succulent aloe vera leaves, unapologetic and unafraid of even the thorniest cacti specimens.

“Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí, Báidin Fheilimí is Feilimi ann…”

Keith holds his breath, for even the slightest error on his side could startle this bird. A childish, carefree giggle joins in the song.

“Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí, Báidin Fheilimí is Feilimi ann!”

Aster breaks into applause, laughing louder than his tiny hands can clap.

“You like it when mama sings, hmm?” Maeve coos, still obscured by the irises and funkias and what could be thousand other plants. Nevertheless, Keith clearly sees the freckles riding up her nose and the small creases – crow feet? – forming as she smiles, at least in his mind’s eye. The vision consumes his reason and leaves him grinning like a fool that he truly is, blinds him to the flutter of the paper-like wings. The dishes clink.

“Who’s there?” Maeve’s voice leaves him petrified. A butterfly sitting on the very tip of his nose, Keith barely manages to catch his balance and restore the tray to order before any tea spills. He makes for a curious statue, his arms outstretched, lips pursed in an act of total concentration, and hips drawn back. The insect hasn’t left him either — quite to the contrary, a fleet of its kind arriving just in time for his wife to witness him become something of a living perching post.

“Maeve, I —”

The proboscis and arthropod legs tangled in his hair matter not, all of his words shrivelling down in the presence of her joy. Maeve blooms, but the momentary distraction causes her grip on their son’s hand to loosen.

“PAPA!” Aster dashes forward, arms flapping like the still clumsy, uncoordinated wings of a fresh fledgeling. He has little concern for the cups carried by his father and worries even less about his own fate, kicking up pebbles while only gaining on speed. It is seconds, half-seconds, a fraction of a blink, and the Keith is Keith no more, or at least not the nice Keith. The butterflies set off just as his eyes take on a sharper edge, the corners of his lips curling up. He raises the tray above his head, back hunched over and knees bent in anticipation of the incoming bolt. Aster’s arms shot up; for a moment, he truly flies. The porcelain shrills, scared of what could have been if even a single thing hadn’t gone right.

“Whaddya thinkin’ runnin’ away from your mama, huh?”

“I want up.” Aster pouts, but earns himself only his father’s grin.

“Yeah, little sprout, up it is. But doncha want the tea? We’ll make it a party. Papa smuggled us snacks in his cape, biscuits and that jelly delight.”

“Snacks!” Hands on the fur of Keith’s collar, the boy nods his head, a whole galaxy shimmering in his eyes.

It isn’t long until they settle over the blanket spread in one of the side alleys and the cups are set and poured. Chamaedorea elegans huddle closer to fan them with their feather-like leaves, shy fittonias – some blushing, some pale – drinking in every word exchanged. Maeve leans back on her arms, eyes half-closed and long, black waves spilling over her shoulder. The linen dress she’s opted to wear is rather generous in its fit yet it doesn’t go out of its way to obscure the obvious fullness to her belly. Keith pinches her ear, pulls as it just lightly enough to prompt her to let out a timid laugh.

“Wanna take a nap?” he asks, his gaze quietly following Aster, then gorging himself on the rose jelly treats. “You gotta rest more now, Mae.”

“You’re being a worrier again.” Maeve rolls her eyes. A healthy blush has taken root in her cheeks and her hair shines like moonlight reflected over the ocean, yet he still is concerned? If she was a blackbird, then Keith could only be a silly goose; she still places her head in his lap, his hand settling into a steady rhythm as he combs his fingers through her waves.

“See? Didn’t hurt ya now, did it?”

Maeve snorts in response, but Keith taps her mouth with his index finger. His thumb presses against her chin and he draws her lower lip down, testing whether she’d allow him entry, teasing as he already knows it is the wrong time… All the more flustered, Maeve returns her attention towards their son. Aster has managed to eat his way through the majority of the crumbly biscuits – his face did not escape the encounter unscathed.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Maeve sighs, although it is a flat, amused sound, filled with heartfelt affection rather than exasperation. “You’ve got something on your nose… and chin… and… How did you get it in your hair?”

Her brow furrows, unable to make sense of the sight. The boy must have realised his mistake — in two big gulps, his cup is emptied, and he is dashing down the greenhouse path, full of mischief and with artistically placed crumbs all over his body. His black curls blend in with the low vegetation and the few of the still blooming flowers appear to hide him on purpose, perhaps directed by the trickster fae. Who could wish to whisk him away from his mother if not them?

Maeve sits up with a start. “Aster! ASTER!” she shouts after him, but her body is not particularly agile now. It doesn’t need to be. His hand on her shoulder, Keith takes all her fear and concerns on himself.

“I’ll get him, doncha worry.”

He does exactly as promised.

***

Warm water washes over Maeve’s neck, cleansing any autumn chill off her skin. The greenhouses seem to be the only part of Jade that has retained any of the summer sun, night encroaching on the territory of the day, merciless as it advances with each evening. Soon enough, it will pad the path for winter and then the bath will be one of the few respites available to her. Maeve sinks further between the bubbles.

The door to the bathroom opens with an audible click. It pops in her ears, and her heartbeat momentarily quickens, only to calm at the sound of the familiar steps. Chair legs scrape against the tiles. Keith sits himself down at her feet.

“All sore,” he more so states rather than asks. His cape has disappeared alongside any royal splendour, leaving him only in a simple shirt, his sleeves rolled up. “C’mon, gimmie your leg. I’ll make it better for ya.”

Maeve seems to consider his offer; at first hesitant, she begins to shake her head, but only to stop herself. She looks him up and down, her face taking on a somewhat pleading, grateful expression.

“Thank you. I would really love that,” she admits. Keith meets it wish a sharp grin.

Ripples form in the bath as Maeve shifts in her position, slow and careful, and then completely wild. Water splashes around, wets the floor, his clothes, the nearby cabinet – all is worth it, however, for she’s achieved her objective, a small puff of soapy foam landing squarely on top of her husband’s head.

Keith grabs her ankle, pulls it until she’s submerged up to her very chin.

His thumb presses into the middle of her sole.

Maeve cannot stop the moan spilling from her lips.

“Looks like the tables have turned, blackbird.”

---

I hope you like it, Myara >///<

When I heard this song here, all I could think about was Mae singing it to the little Aster... So... It had to be done >///<

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keithsandwich · 5 hours ago

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Her Sun & His Earth

Pairing: Keith/OC (Maeve)

Word Count: ~2.7k

Rating: Explicit - NSFW

Tags: Smut with Feelings, Established Relationship, Nudity, Masturbation, Voyeurism, Body Worship, Cunnilingus, Breeding.

Summary: It's Summer, and Earth and Sun miss each other. Keith surprises Maeve and dress her up in jewelry.

Notes: Oh, I have so many people to thank! It's been 5 mouths since I last posted Keith and Maeve fanfic and all the love and support I got really helped me finally being able to write again! Thank you so so much @bicayaya, @candied-boys, @lorei-writes (for the brainrot and for all the suggestions that made this fic so much better!), @nightghoul381, @scummy-writes and all my other friends who encouraged me. Love you all!!

Oh, and thank you @xxsycamore for the amazing Sexy Ikemen Summer because it also helped me a lot! Though I know I used the Let them play dress-up with you prompt loosely here.

Summer was the season of blooming life. The Sun reached the peak of his power, and the Earth was radiant and fertile, ready to conceive and give birth to his many seeds. She was hot and lush. Maeve didn’t need to be outside, face turned towards the sky and her feet on the ground, to feel it. The warm air touched her skin even inside the palace, making it glow in darker shades of gold and glimmer with tiny crystals of sweat. Her movements were languid, her sighs heavy. Her hair, usually down in nightly waves, was now constantly up in intricate braids. It was hard to concentrate on her studies and palatian duties.

When the fires of summer burned, the body demanded… movement. Walking through the many palace corridors wasn’t enough. Taking strolls in the garden wasn't enough. Even taking out horses for a ride in the woods wasn’t enough. Maeve was consumed by longing and need, something that roused at night within her belly, filled her chest, numbed her mind.

And ached. Oh, it ached.

“How long until he's back?” Yule asked. When Maeve’s distracted gaze turned to her, the woman had a knowing smile on her face.

Of course she, of all people, would know. Yule received the same education Maeve had, and her connection with nature was rare among the palace residents. Summer was the time to be with your lover, just as Earth enjoyed her time with the Sun. The fact that Keith had to be away on business in Benitoite during this time of year was excruciating for Maeve.

She took a deep breath and straightened her back. The hands that were previously working with the herbs in the lab now rested on her waist. The herbs permeated the air with a fresh scent, but Maeve still felt hot.

“He said he won't be able to be here for the Full Moon,” she lamented with a shrug and a weak smile.

“Poor girl, if you're missing him this much already, the Full Moon will only make it worse.” Maeve only nodded at Yule’s words. It wasn't like she could deny it anyway. “I might have something to help you with your fever.”

Yule gave Maeve a small bottle that evening. The chilling liquid helped her through the next few days, but the solution only came to her on one of the brightest nights of that year.

Moonbeams filtered through the plants by the window. They bathed her body, naked since nightgowns smothered her in warmer seasons and made it harder to sleep. But her mind didn't drift to the realm of dreams at all. Instead, it delved into memories of them. Their earthly smell. Their soft hair. Their sturdy body in her arms, between her thighs, weighing over herself.

“Keith…” Maeve whispered, turning around and hiding her face in his pillow. Her hand traveled down her lower belly. Her fingers sank into the luxuriant forest of her intimacy, damp in a rain of desire. Her hips bucked on their own.

And then, there was nothing but her labored breathing against the soft pillow, where traces of their presence still lingered.

Oh, how she needed to have more — so much more than that.

“Mae…”

Keith's gentle voice snapped her out of her fantasies and back to reality. A surprising reality it was. Maeve couldn't hide her disbelief as she sat up straight and tried to rub any possible illusions from her eyes. But it was true. There he was, standing by the door holding a wooden box in his hands. His flushed cheeks were vivid among the green, white, and gold, and especially under the blue moonlight. That could have been the result of the heat, of riding at a breakneck pace to meet her, or of witnessing the scene unfolding before his interruption.

Little did she know, it was a mix of all those things.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to wake you, I, ah…” Keith said clumsily, his thoughtfulness preventing him from addressing what he had seen upon his arrival.

“Keith! Thought you wouldn’t be here unt-” Maeve said at the same time, a tad louder. Both interrupted themselves when they realized it, and shared a sheepish smile in silence.

Maeve scooted to the side of the bed, ready to run into his arms, but Keith hurried to meet her before she could get up. His tall, large figure towered over her with an insecure posture, then he lowered himself to one knee. He couldn't recall exactly how he placed the box on the floor beside him. All he could focus on was her, the disheveled hair adorning her naked silhouette against the full moon outside, the delight tinting her cheeks a scarlet tone. Her plump lips looked ready to be kissed. But above all, her eyes shone, calling for him.

He would always see a goddess in Maeve. And in an act of grace, her hand touched his face, fingers brushing the curls away from his sweaty forehead. Keith knew he should apologize for not composing himself properly after a long ride, but the divine scent that still clung to her fingers filled his lungs with primal desires, numbing his thoughts completely.

“I missed you,” he confessed in a whisper, taking her dainty hand in his and covering her palm with passionate kisses. “I’m sorry, I had to see you as soon as possible, otherwise I would go mad…”

Keith reached the nectar on her fingers with his tongue, lapping at them tenderly. An act so shameful he felt his face burning, but it was simply inevitable. Maybe it was too late. Maybe he had already gone mad. Maeve let out a sweet, weak sound. Shy shivers washed over her digits and spread up her palm. While her index and middle fingers were still in his mouth, he looked up to find her blushing and sighing wishfully.

“I missed you too…” Maeve murmured.

Aw shucks, Keith said to himself. He had to focus. He took a deep breath to try to contain the madness. He couldn't just jump on Maeve like an animal in heat. Every moment with her was sacred, even the ones where they let their bodies talk — she had taught him so. He should honor them, as he honored her in his heart. Which reminded him–

“I… I brought you some gifts.” Keith let go of her hand and quickly turned to the box he had placed by his side. He missed the confusion in her eyes as he opened it. “They have this tradition in Benitoite that the more important the person, the more jewelry they wear. And I just… I kept thinking all the time that if you were there with me, I would cover you in jewels, Mae.”

She shook her head. “Keith, I'm not that important.”

“You are,” he stated in a sweet voice. Keith took a shiny, golden anklet from the box. It had many pendants that jingled softly when he held it. “You are the most important person to me.”

“May I?” he asked, and as she nodded, his free hand gently cradled her heel, thumb caressing her skin. As used to being bare as they were, her feet felt surprisingly soft. Keith laid her foot on his knee and wrapped the jewelry around her ankle, closing the clasp with trembling fingers. Maeve leaned in to look, moving her foot slowly to get the feel of it, the pendants tinkling quietly.

“It’s beautiful…” Her smile shone brighter than the gold against her skin. When she made a motion to pull her leg back, Keith held it in place. His hand glided up to her knee.

“I’m sorry, can you wait a bit? There’s more,” he pleaded with a kiss on the curve of her knee, making her answer with an oh.

Oh, how hard it was for him to stop himself from just continuing to kiss her.

Returning to the box, Keith picked an intricate set of chains attached to a garter. Maeve tilted her head, watching him untangle the delicate jewelry. “What is it?” she asked in a shy breath, and he grew even more flushed, suddenly conscious about how intimate it would be to put it on her.

“This is a thigh chain… I thought it was too much, but this was his idea. If you don't want to–” Keith nervously tried to put it away and apologize for the suggestion, but when he looked up at Maeve's face, she was biting her lower lip while smiling softly. He felt her moving her leg up and rushed to offer her support. She was way too kind for giving him this honor. He carefully slid the garter up her leg, fingers brushing her skin along the way, feeling it getting warmer and warmer as he approached the center of her heat.

Keith didn't touch it, however. He diligently positioned the jewelry on her thigh, so the chains fell where they were supposed to. His eyes wandered to her lavish pubic hair, dark and glistening with her essence. The memory of Maeve's hips bucking against her hand made his blood run hot again. His body moved forward on its own, positioning itself between her legs. He wrapped his arms around her waist. His ear rested against her navel, and Keith took in her scent as deeply as he could. Enclosed in that little sanctuary, he could feel his heartbeat echoing on the walls of her presence.

“Keith…” she called for him with a hand lost in his hair, causing him to smile.

With the side of his face still against her stomach, he looked at the infinite sweetness of her green eyes. “I'm sorry,” Keith mumbled, “I got carried away. There's more…”

“That’s enough. In fact, that’s more than enough,” Maeve tried to convince him, her irresistible fingers lightly brushing against his scalp, but he knew it wasn’t enough. She deserved so much more.

“Please… Let me,” he insisted among the kisses he placed around her navel. Her tender skin shivered under his lips.

“Okay,” she answered after a long, broken sigh.

Keith went back to the box, bringing another chain jingling with pendants for her waist, followed by a delicate necklace. Then came a huge one that almost covered her cleavage, a pair of long earrings, and multiple bracelets for each of her arms. Finally, there were the rings — seven of them, each so distinct that Maeve could tell who had chosen which, yet every single one was so shiny it seemed like she was carrying the full moon in her hands.

He kissed the tips of her fingers.

He let his body fall back to his knees.

He pulled her gently by the hands, prompting her to stand up in front of him.

And as Maeve went with his flow, Keith had his dream come true. All he dreamed about while in Benitoite, surrounded by opulence and gold, was her. There was no one else he wished to see like that, adorned and kissed by the noblest of metals, the metal that legends said was part of the Sun. Maeve was his goddess Earth, now properly blessed by the king star as she should be. As for Keith, he would always feel honored to be her worshiper.

“I love you, Mae…” His voice was supplicant, though his pleading was silent. A would-you-let-this-humble-servant-kiss-you fell as his lips touched her foot. The tinkling sound of the anklet, as Keith took her heel in his hand again, was louder than any of his pleas. In the softest sighs and murmurs, he left no inch unkissed, from her toe to her knee. Slowly. At last, his gaze raised — devotedly, respectfully — in a please-I-need-you.

A please-may-I-pleasure-you.

“Yes. Yes, you may,” she conceded with a radiant smile. On his knees, Keith felt Maeve was so much bigger than she really was. The valleys and contours of her body were a world of their own, nature breathing through her lungs, alive through the rush of blood in her veins, wet in drops of salty sweat and sweet streams of yearning.

Passionate fingers grabbed her hips with agony. Soft fingers brushed his hair back, lovingly encouraging him as his lips finally found the fountain of desire hidden between the fires of her thighs. The flavor Keith had only a taste of earlier now filled his mouth. He knew it so well, and yet his soul would always long for it. No Benitoitian liquor could suffice. The divine waters of her lust quenched his weeks-long thirst; turned her sensitive skin more and more slippery as he rolled his tongue through her slit.

Maeve sung songs of relief, loud and melodic. She danced too against his open mouth, her ornamented thigh ensnaring his shoulder, hips moving in synchrony with his tongue and with her music. Perfect, like nature.

“Keith, I…” she said, losing the control of her tone.

And she shook, and she trembled. Her water dripped from his chin when she couldn't take it anymore, and with a strong grip from her weak hands Maeve pulled his head back. In ecstasy she laid on his body; her ecstasy so shared by him, Keith only minded his own erection when she released it from his trousers. The fact that he was lying on his back on the floor took longer for him to realize. How could he, when his goddess was so willingly claiming him? The way she suddenly nestled his length in her drew a moan from his throat. She hurriedly unbuttoned his jacket and shirt, her hands reaching the place where he carried her all the time. Maeve leaned down, held him, kissed him madly, the chilling metal of the jewelry sending shivers through him. They jingled softly with her needy movements, but no sound was louder than their voices combined.

“Maeve…” Her name was a prayer on his lips. An ancient chanting. A long lost mystery. “Mae…” he begged again, grasping her breast desperately, daring to thrust into her sacred embrace.

Keith never understood how he could be so blessed as to be loved by her. Her eyes showed nothing but tenderness for him. It was as if she was as devoted to him as he was to her. But why?

All he knew was the delight in feeling her womb taking in his seed, so ready to nurture it into a new life Maeve's body squirmed in pleasure along with his. Nothing would ever be as wonderful as that.

Nothing.

Not a thing in the whole universe. The infinite universe Keith would never be able to behold with a telescope, but that fit perfectly in their hearts beating together as the world fell silent.

And the next time they looked into each other’s eyes, they smiled with the purest of joys.

“I love you… Oh, Keith, I was dying without you,” she whispered, sweetly dramatic. Something reserved for such rare moments.

He giggled like a fool.

“Don't say that. I'm the one who needs you like air, Mae.” Keith held her carefully in his arms while standing up from the floor. He was pathetically disheveled while she still looked otherworldly, golden jewelry illuminating her skin and glowing under moonlight. “You’re a goddess, while I–”

“Shush…” Maeve placed her index finger on his lips before properly sealing them with a gentle kiss. “You’re the Sun to my Earth. I was withering without your warmth.”

“My warmth,” Keith echoed. He was a weed. He was so damp, with such a phlegmatic disposition he could easily grow mushrooms. Or so he used to be. “You missed my warmth…”

He smiled softly. Not so carefully, he let himself fall into their bed, their bodies entangling rather naturally among little light laughs. Keith had never thought of it this way, but maybe there was a truth in it. It wasn’t until he found his Earth in Maeve that he turned into a Sun. Just so he could reach her. Just so he could warm her with kisses and make her flourish in evergreen gardens of love.

And while she was his goddess, he would shine for her.

Taglist: @queengiuliettafirstlady @candied-boys @fang-and-feather @scummy-writes @m-mmiy

@hellecat @nightghoul381 @lorei-writes (let me know if you want in or out of the taglist)

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keithsandwich · 5 hours ago

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A little fic that had come to mind a while back and I wanted to make a reality! I hope you enjoy @keithsandwich :3

Spring Surprise

Keith Howell x Maeve (@keithsandwich's OC) Genre: Fluff WC: ~3k

Late in the spring, in the pale sunrise, Maeve made her way around the sprawling woodland surrounding the castle. She had always felt so at peace here, among the trees and gentle chirping of the birds, and even now, when the stress of royal life threatened to overwhelm her, she found solace in the whispering wind through the leaves.

As she wound around a small cluster of brambles, she stumbled to a halt, a tiny fawn lay curled in the tall grass, head low as she awaited her mother’s return. Maeve knew she ought not approach the little creature, its mother could spook and abandon her baby if she sensed a strange presence.

Instead, Maeve crouched down a good distance away, just barely able to spot the camouflaged fawn from her position. The sun climbed higher in the sky and Maeve had idly begun stringing flowers into a make-shift crown, her mind wandering to Keith. She pictured him looking for her, his large frame seeming out of place amongst the little delicate plants in the area.

Unable to hold back a giggle, Maeve noticed the fawn’s ears perk up and she looked around, searching the underbrush for the doe returning to retrieve her baby. Instead, she heard heavy footfalls and snapping twigs. The fawn cowered in on itself, curling to become invisible and she hardly had a chance to call out before Keith stumbled over the tiny thing. His foot came down on the fawn and his body came crashing down, narrowly avoiding the little deer’s back.

“Oh no! I’m sorry! I wasn’t paying enough attention to where I was going!” He shouted, righting himself and looking at the fragile being that he’d stepped on. She had struggled to her feet but was unsteady, and even in the few wobbly steps she took, Maeve could tell that her hind leg was injured.

Her heart ached, for both the fawn and her fiancé. It was very likely that the fawn would now be unable to keep up with her mother and might be abandoned to fend for herself; a fate that almost certainly spelled death for the poor thing. And Keith looked like he was ready to burst into tears.

“Darling, it’s okay,” Maeve soothed, sinking down to the ground beside the trembling giant of a man. For someone so large, his heart was so fragile and he cared more than anyone she’d ever met. She took his face in her hands and kissed him gently.

“I… I killed it Mae,” Keith whispered, emotion choking his words as he stared helplessly at the fawn, which now lay in the grass a short distance away, tired from it’s escape attempt.

“You’ve done no such thing,” Maeve murmured, stroking her hands through his hair and pulling his head against her chest, knowing the sound of her heartbeat could provide some solace for him.

His long arms wrapped around her and he clung to her as though she were the only thing keeping him from being swept away in the storm of emotions that clouded his mind.

“If she is injured and her mother doesn’t return for her, we’ll simply have to take care of her until she’s recovered,” Maeve added, tilting Keith’s face up toward hers. He still looked unsure, like he wouldn’t dare approach the tiny deer for fear he might hurt her again in some way.

The remainder of the day they kept an eye on her, she didn’t move and there was no sign of her mother returning. Hesitantly, Maeve and Keith had returned to the castle, but in the morning, before the sun had risen, they both went out to check on the fawn.

Hands clasped tightly together, the pair of them made their way cautiously through the forest, and Maeve felt her chest tighten as she saw the trampled grass had hardly been disturbed, and the little fawn was trembling from the cool morning dew soaking her fur.

Maeve loosened her hold on Keith, slowly inching toward the fawn and singing a low, soothing lullaby she’d learned when she was very young. The fawn eyed her warily as she approached but never tensed as though she were thinking of running away. Soon, Maeve was able to hold her hand out for the fawn to inspect, the fawn’s soft nose pressing against her fingertips as she sniffed at each one.

She barely managed to stifle the laughter that she felt; the brief, delicate touch of the fawn’s nose tickled greatly. A tiny pink tongue darted out and the fawn began to pull in one of Maeve’s fingers with her lips, intending to suckle it seemed.

“Oh my, I think she’s hungry,” Maeve hummed softly, using her other hand to stroke between the creature’s ears.

Gently, Maeve was able to scoop up the little thing into her arms. “Let’s head back to the castle, perhaps we can prepare a milk substitute for her, although, she looks as though she’s nearly big enough to start grazing.”

“O-okay,” Keith breathed, still watching hesitantly, but with a look of such awe and adoration. His eyes had taken in every movement of his beautiful wife-to-be and his heart had melted as she’d been accepted by the little deer.

Together, the pair brought the fawn back to the royal gardens, situating her in a paddock with plenty of room and lush with vibrant, green grass.

Maeve had tasked Keith with finding a source of food for the little one, while she watched over her. She carefully inspected the fawn’s leg, stretching it and lifting it to ensure that it hadn’t been broken, and aside from a brief jolt of pain as Maeve placed her hoof back on the ground, the fawn’s leg seemed perfectly fine. Relieved, Maeve settled back on the grass, thankful that it seemed to only have been a sprain.

She’d taken to calling the fawn Orla, given the lovely golden color of her fur. Each morning Keith and Maeve would go out to greet her, bringing along a nice full bottle of fresh goat’s milk. After she’d had her fill, Orla would stumble around the paddock, inspecting every little thing and nibbling at the tufts of grass that stretched higher than the others.

Each day the little fawn grew stronger and bolder, and Maeve found herself spending time with her more and more. Whenever Keith was unable to find her, he knew she would be with Orla, singing softly to her and petting her soft fuzzy ears.

Keith had begun to hang back, not announcing his presence as he listened to her singing to the fawn, his heart swelling with affection for how sweetly his fiancée doted on the little creature. He still felt immensely guilty over hurting her, but he also wondered if maybe it had been written in the stars that this would happen.

On this particular day, Keith found his mind wandering to thoughts of Maeve singing these songs to their own children and his face grew hot. It was something too precious for words and he felt himself moving over to her, his arms wrapping around her. She jumped slightly at the sudden embrace, unaware that Keith had even come up behind her, but as soon as she breathed in his familiar scent, she instantly relaxed and looked up at him.

“Good morning,” she greeted, reaching one of her arms up to tousle his wavy locks. His hair had always been so surprisingly soft, she noted to herself as she continued to rub her fingers along his scalp.

“Morning, I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, I just… well… I…” Keith stumbled over his words and Maeve smiled in amusement, turning in her spot to hook her arms around his neck and pull him down into a gentle kiss.

“You startled me, but knowing it’s you makes it perfectly fine.” Maeve assured him, watching as his golden eyes softened and he leaned in to kiss her again.

The soft sound of steps came up and Keith jolted when he felt a strong tug at his coat sleeve. He looked over and saw Orla gnawing at the green fabric, a small hole appearing where her teeth had managed to slice through it.

“Oh no!” He gasped, trying to figure out a way to get her to stop before she managed to eat the whole sleeve, which he thought was bound to happen if something didn’t change. He flicked his eyes desperately about, his other hand moving toward and away from the creature’s head as he considered nudging her away and talked himself out of it.

Maeve had seen the switch happen before, but it still amazed her to see her kind, fretful Keith transform into someone entirely opposite. She stared at him gently prying the deer’s mouth from his sleeve.

“Ain’t nice chewin’ on people’s sleeves ya know.” He murmured, rubbing the top of the animal’s head a bit aggressively. Her ears twitched in response and she darted off, finding a nice big clump of grass on along the fence to munch on instead.

Maeve turned to Keith, his fingers fiddling with the little hole in his sleeve before he dropped his hand in exasperation. She sank down onto the grass, patting the spot beside her as she looked up at him.

“Guess I’ll need to go get changed before that meeting later,” He grumbled, slumping to the ground beside Maeve and leaning his large frame until he was able to rest his head on her shoulder. Maeve let out a little giggle and ran her fingers through his hair gently.

“I’ll get it patched up while you’re at your meeting,” she offered, letting her own head rest against his. Together, they sat in happy silence and watched the not-so-little deer tromp around the paddock, her interest seeming to be drawn consistently toward the treeline.

“She’s gettin’ pretty big now, oughtta be able to look after herself soon.” Keith noted, his hand snaking around Maeve’s waist to rest on her hip.

Maeve hummed in agreement, sighing, “It will be hard letting her go, but it feels so good to know that we were able to help her heal and grow strong enough to survive on her own.”

“Ya did amazing, sweetheart. You’re gonna make a damn great mother,” Keith murmured.

Maeve felt her face grow hot a smile broke out across her face. Any time Keith mentioned their future together, she felt such a strong wave of excitement and eager anticipation.

“I’m glad we’ll be married soon, I can’t imagine waiting too much longer to begin our family,” Maeve replied, looking over at Keith’s golden eyes.

“Do we really hafta wait until then to get started?” He teased, a wicked smirk quirking his lips.

Maeve leaned forward and kissed him gently, “Soon, my love, soon. We’ve only a few weeks left before the wedding, after that we can start actively trying.”

“I’m going to get you pregnant that night. He and I agree on that.” Keith replied with a huff, stretching his arms and laying back in the grass.

Orla had made her way along the fence and was now approaching Keith with her curious muzzle, and Maeve got to her feet fairly quickly to catch her before she sampled the fluffy grey mass that was lying on the grass.

“Now, now, sweet girl, you can’t be eating my fiancé like this,” she laughed, scratching the underside of Orla’s chin while the deer looked up at her.

As the days grew long and hot, Orla never ceased to grow and soon enough her spots had nearly all faded away and she was more than capable of feeding and protecting herself. It was a sad feeling seeing her off into the woodlands surrounding the Castle, but it was also so very rewarding. She hardly hesitated at all before taking off into the trees. The Royal Forest had become a wildlife sanctuary free of large predators, so Maeve had no doubts that she would be safe to live out her life there, peacefully and happily enjoying nature’s bounty.

Two years later

The days had become warm as spring faded into summer and the green of the Kingdom of Jade was lush and deep. Everywhere Maeve looked there were beautiful plants blooming and growing, filling the air with the scent of trees and flowers and bushes, and creating the perfect atmosphere as Maeve began to tend to her own garden. It wouldn’t be long now before she wouldn’t be able to do this herself.

Her hand moved instinctively to her swollen belly, feeling a gentle thump in response as her baby kicked. She chuckled softly and began to hum to herself, pulling weeds and pruning branches as the sun began to climb in the sky.

Looking up, she noticed Keith chopping some wood nearby. She hummed a little louder, watching his face crack into a smile as he continued the arduous work. Maeve watched Keith for a moment, humming happily for him until she noticed a glint of gold in the trees beyond him.

She quickly began to make her way to the forest, Keith freezing as he noticed she was no longer humming and was hurriedly walking toward him. She reached the trees soon after and began to weave, with some difficulty given her current state, through the thick underbrush.

Sighing after a moment, she found herself in an empty clearing, Keith coming up behind her and asking what’s wrong.

“I thought… Well, I may have been wrong, but I thought I’d seen Orla, you remember the fawn we cared for a couple years ago?” She replied, slowly catching her breath and settling down amongst the roots of a large tree.

Keith crouched down and kissed his wife’s forehead, placing a hand on her belly for a moment.

“Would you like to wait here for a bit? Maybe she’ll come back if she was around here.” Keith suggested, Maeve nodding in response. “I’ll go finish with the wood, and I’ll come back and get you when I’m finished, if that’s alright?”

“That sounds wonderful, Keith, thank you.” Maeve beamed, resting her forehead against his. He murmured a few parting declarations of love for Maeve and their baby, before making his way back through the trees and disappearing from view.

As she waited, Maeve began to hum to herself again, different lullabies and soothing melodies as they came to her mind.

Moments later, she heard the snap of a branch nearby and the rustle of leaves being moved. Glancing up, Maeve’s face lit up in a bright smile and she hummed a little louder, coaxing the deer hidden in the shadows forward. Orla had hardly changed at all in the years that had passed, her fur was that same beautiful golden color and her eyes shimmered with resilience and strength.

The doe cautiously approached Maeve, sniffing at her now outstretched hand for a moment before turning around and disappearing behind the bushes. A wave of disappointment came over Maeve as she watched the deer that she’d grown so attached to walk off without much of an interaction at all.

Letting out a sigh, she resolved to get up and make her way back to Keith and let him know she’d seen their little deer and that she was well and healthy. Just as she was about to stand up, she saw the golden color again from the corner of her eye and watched in awe as Orla led a tiny little fawn out from the vegetation.

Maeve couldn’t help but hold her breath as Orla nudged the little creature forward, its ears pinned back in hesitation. When Orla came up beside Maeve, she settled in the grass and the fawn cautiously approached its mother. It had a slightly darker coat with more pronounced spots and Maeve was utterly smitten. She held out her hand and began to hum softly again, watching as the little creature went from hiding behind its mother to giving into the curiosity of this strange creature that its mother seemed to trust.

It slowly made its way over to Maeve, sniffing the air and skittering backward at the slightest provocation. Maeve tried her best to keep her hand steady and her voice the same level and was finally rewarded with a tentative sniff against her fingertips.

Time seemed to move so quickly after that, the fawn growing more and more curious and eventually settling in the grass, resting its head against Maeve’s thigh as she gently stroked its head.

“Orla, your baby is beautiful,” she murmured softly, glancing up at the doe and smiling gently at her. “Thank you for trusting in me and introducing us.”

As if she understood every word, Orla snorted quietly and blinked slowly.

Suddenly, Maeve heard the familiar heavy footfalls of her husband and Orla’s fawn scrambled to its feet and back over to its mother, Orla rising to her feet as well. The pair slowly made their way back into the underbrush on the far side of the clearing and Maeve watched as Orla turned back toward her.

At that moment, Keith emerged through the trees, skidding to a halt as he noticed the doe standing a short distance away.

“Oh, Mae, it was her.” He whispered, crouching down beside his wife. He joined his hand with her and both watched quietly as Orla dipped her head before disappearing into the woods again.

“Keith, she’s a mother now,” Maeve whispered in awe, “Her fawn is so perfect and sweet, she’s such a good mother.”

“She learned from the best,” Keith replied, kissing Maeve’s temple and stroking her hair with reverence.

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keithsandwich · 6 hours ago

Text

Yes!! I love this idea! I love thinking about the King sometimes, and his motives.

In my OC lore he failed to protect the Queen too, and regrets it everyday. He's always gonna be a tough father, but he's a loving grandfather to Keith's many kids 🥹

Thank you for this story and for tagging me! It's really insightful and makes a lot of sense imo

The Burdens of a King

So this fic was inspired from a few different things. Mainly I was rereading Keith's route and when I got to this part I found myself wondering about what the King was thinking/feeling. Tied to that there was a post very long ago now talking about all the kings and saying how they're all terrible but there's still hope for the king of Jade. Those two, combined along with the why did he never remarry question, and I thought what if the King's motives aren't what they appear. So that's what I wrote, it had originally been longer but I did a lot of trimming of stuff I can put into other fics and it's still super long. I present to you the King of Jade's POV for end of chapter 23 start of chapter 24 from Keith's dramatic route. Some swearing, WC just over 3k.

“Ugh.”

What is all that racket?

The fog from the poison still clouded his mind but no royal survived this long without instinctively knowing those sounds. The old king carefully dragged himself from his bed and reached for his broadsword. He clutched the weapon firmly despite the way his body screamed out, closing his eyes he let out a deep breath.

The bastard couldn't even wait for the poison to finish me off I see. Oh well maybe I can drag him to hell with me then…now!

Years of experience and practice had honed his skills and he swung. The sound of metal clashing against metal rang out overloud in the quiet, the king's eyes flew open staring daggers at his target.

What the hell is this failure doing here! Don't tell me it was actually all true? No, he's not stupid enough for that…so then.

As the Kings thoughts weaved themselves down different paths and possibilities the fighting continued. Until he was satisfied he had a grasp on what was happening he would keep his opponent busy. He may be old and at a disadvantage but he couldn't afford to misstep now, too much was riding on what would happen here tonight.

The room looked like a battlefield with broken furniture and pottery strewn about the floor. Another blocked swing but this time his body had pushed too far and he collapsed to knees in a coughing fit.

I would have liked more time but it will have to do.

“If this goes on any longer, you really will die. You haven't fully recovered yet, have you?”

You always did like to talk, suppose I should currently be thankful for that.

“And who's fault do you think that is, you fool?”

This better not be a waste of my time, I don't have much of it left.

“I brought the antidote."

“So you're a bad liar as well as a failure. There's no treatment for this.”

That eccentric pain in the ass would have found one if there was.

“Didn't you know? I’ve been aware all along of the risks that poison posed, and I funded the development of an antidote, just in case.”

Well…you are oddly fond of that eccentric, you get that from your mother. Nobody else could put up with Yule like that. Even then you don't have the knowl-

“The herbalist who was helping me develop it suddenly went missing partway through, so I had to take over and continue the work alone…But even a failure like me is capable of producing an experimental antidote.”

Missing I'm sure. I have to admire Fernan, he really is quite clever, too bad his ego’s the size of all of Jade.

The King scoffed internally as he thought about his younger brother. Oh he was well aware of what was going on behind the scenes but many years ago he had been forced into a game and he moved carefully ever since hoping for the outcome that for many years now had seemed impossible, until tonight anyways.

“And you expect me to believe that?”

Show me what you've accomplished, all the years after Tio died, pushing you then trying to protect you when pushing didn't work. Prove to me that they weren't a waste!

“I'm not good at subtlety, so I'll just get straight to the point. First of all, I'm not the one who tried to poison you. It was Fernan.”

The King sighed internally.

Any idiot with half a brain cell could figure that out boy! You need to damn well do better or else what did you come here for?

“What baseless nonsense. Isn't it enough that you've tried to kill me? Are you so jealous of Fernan's brilliance that you'd kill him, too?”

The King's words were firm and outwardly appeared unkind but deep down they were anything but.

You've always been too soft, a child like you had no place being born into royalty. It's a horrible and dangerous life where one wrong move will cost if not your life…

The King's thoughts traveled back to a small boy with a bright smile.

You need to do better Keith!

“He’s tried to kill me multiple times.”

Yes and yet you're still here. Now why are you still here?

“Learn your place.”

“I've been trying to, my whole life. Why are you always so quick to believe your brother's words, yet you refuse to listen to a single thing your son says?”

You honestly think I believe anything that comes out of that bastards mouth? I'm a better actor than I thought…

“...But thinking back, you've always been like, ever since that day.”

Yes…that day the game changed for good, bloody Fernan dragging the two of you into it, you all were much too young to play.

“You just arbitrarily decided that I was the one who did it, without even considering any of the other possibilities.”

You really are a fool! It's not that I didn't consider the other possibilities, it's because I did consider them.

“What the hell did I ever do to you!”

Those words were the first that had hurt the king in many years, had he not already been on his knees he would have collapsed to them for sure.

Oh my son, the only thing you ever did was be born too good hearted. Even in the best of countries royalty and nobility will eat each other alive and in the worst well…what that monster did to his family. What our own ancestors have done to each other. Fernan's not the first of his kind, just the most recent.

The King looked at his son and saw the fire burning in his eyes. He studied them for a long time, trying to decide something, as the silence dragged on.

I need to know you can do this Keith.

“A claim means nothing without proof, if you're going to be that insistent, than you have to prove that you're not the criminal-”

Another coughing fit racked his body bringing blood with it, and the King doubled over again.

I've always been ridiculously healthy but this time it seems it won't save me.

The King saw Keith rush towards him, calling out, but he raised his hand.

I don't want your kindness…

“Stay back!”

I want you to show me who exactly have you become! A flower to be trampled underfoot or a weed who will persist even through the harshest of circumstances?

“If you drink the antidote, you should feel at least a little better. I've tested it on myself.”

Why are you always doing that? At least Yule tests her concoctions on other people what is wrong with you!

“Stop spouting nonsense. A failure like you could never make anything like that.”

Now show me something damn it, we're running out of time!

The King was becoming frustrated and the never ending circle they seemed to be caught in but before he could say anything else another voice spoke up.

“Prince Keith, do you have multiples of the antidote?”

“Hmm? I do but…”

“Very well.”

“Emma?!”

The King watched as the young woman who had slipped in after his son swiped the bag from him and rummaged around it for a vile. He'd paid no attention to her before as clearly posed no threat. Pulling out a vile at random she unstoppered it and immediately made a face but then steeled herself and drank down the contents, the clear dislike for the taste showing on her face.

Hahaha another one! Where did you ever find this young lady?

“Emma, what are you doing! You don't even know what side effects-”

“But now I've at least proven that it's not poison. And it's not like you're going to risk your life and sneak into the palace just to force the king to take an antidote that's not even going to help him! You're not that reckless and you're not that stupid either.”

The King took in the scene before him, a small smile crossing his lips for the briefest of moments.

Well now…

The young woman began admonishing the king, calling out his supposed biases and talking about the good things Keith had done for his kingdom, for its people. She questioned if he knew of his own son's accomplishments and asked indirectly if he was blind to reality. Normally somebody talking down to royalty like that would be cause to be thrown in a cell at best but the King was laughing on the inside. As he watched the young woman becoming more worked up and defiant a picture came to mind of another young woman, one who was ‘rude’ and with a questionable taste in friends.

Interesting…

The King stared at the young woman, emanating all the power and force that came naturally to true born kings through his gaze. The young woman didn't waver, instead she held his gaze. The most interesting thing though wasn't the woman's reactions but his sons.

“Prince Keith?”

Keith had moved to stand in front of the young lady protectively.

Very interesting…

“…Who is this rude woman?”

“You're the one who's rude, stop staring so nastily.”

“Keith, you do you think you're-”

“I'm talking to you, obviously. I won't let anyone threaten her, not even you."

Finally.

“She's…she's very special to me.”

Ahhh, well the apple didn't fall very far from the tree I see.

The King used the silence to briefly study the young lady, not bothering to hide his expression.

Yes yet…this does bring its own set of problems, but I wonder…just how much has she accomplished with you?

“I understood things clearly when I went to Rhodolite. I'm not very competent at all compared to the other princes. And without any sort of recognizable talent, I'm just a weed that can wield a sword.”

“Prince Keith.”

“...No, I guess there might be a few things I'm capable of.”

Really?

The King's internal question was not from lack of faith in his son as many may have believed, but rather from the fact his son had never believed in himself.

The young lady quickly spoke, extolling some of Keith's many virtues in her, and others, eyes while the king listened intently.

“I feel like the me I know and the me you know are entirely different people.”

“Thats just because you aren't aware of who you are.”

That's stating the obvious…

“But you know what my original duty was at the palace. I'm confident that I'm better at judging people than anyone you know.”

So that rumor was correct?

Along with Fernan's ‘creditable’ rumor of an arms deal between Rhodolite and Obsidian the King of Jade had heard another rumor, one from his own trusted spy about the death of a king and a new young noblewoman. He had sent his son to Rhodolite under the guise of the former but in the hopes that if the later rumor proved to be true perhaps Belle could teach him even the smallest thing about himself, repair enough of the damage he'd done in his misguided attempts to help his son survive.

That womanizer really is dead, can't say I'm sorry to hear it. He became such a disgrace��though I became no better really.

The King took no time for self pity and focused his keen gaze on his son. It was clear the effect the young lady's words had on him.

“I guess you're right. And if you're certain, I guess maybe I am the strongest weed there is.”

There is nothing more tenacious than a weed my son.

“After I met Emma, I started to re-examine myself, and I realized something.”

Outwardly the king showed no reaction but internally he was holding his breath.

“I love this kingdom, and its people, and the way it overflows with life and energy and nature. And that's the reason I've been able to stand tall as a prince all this time, no matter how much people curse me and tell me I'm a failure. If I let Fernan have his way here and now, the kingdom is going to fall into chaos.”

So you are aware of that much.

“The nobles and their selfish interests will be prioritized, and the weak will be oppressed by the powerful.”

As they are in other countries and as they were in this one long ago. That is a part of the cruelty of royalty, and one of the main reasons a King needs an abnormal strength to him. One can not afford to be too kind or lenient lest they be overrun from those closest to them.

“I can't let that happen to Jade. I love this kingdom too much for that.”

Those words settled in the King's chest, he too loved this kingdom but…

And what happens when you love something more than it, what then Keith?

The King thought of his children, of that fateful day…

Will you be able to make the necessary choices and sacrifices for it? Will you choose the kingdom over all else? I am much stronger than you and yet in the end I was willing to let it all fade away if needed to preserve what I love more…

“That's why I want to be the king. I can't let Fernan steal the throne away. And I can't stand the idea of being ruined by this absurd plot of his. This family conflict is pointless, and it's gone on for too many years, and I want to end it today.”

There are many things that are pointless when you rule a-

The King's thoughts were cut off as he was dragged to his feet by his collar.

“And most of all…You're my father before you're my king. I don't want to go through the pain of losing a family member ever again!”

The King stared at his son who stared back at him with a faint determination in his eyes he hadn't seen before.

Well you certainly have changed in your short time in Rhodolite, but is it enough?

The King continued to stare at his son pondering over his options when suddenly Keith released him.

“Emma!”

The King watched as Keith caught the young lady before she finished falling. Keith cradled her tenderly in his arms as he held her to his chest and a pang of longing passed through the King's heart.

“...That's why you can't go gulping down random medicine without asking about the side effects.”

With that tendency definitely do not leave her alone with Yule, the Gods only know what sort of trouble she'd cause with such a trusting guinea pig. That said…

“That has an extremely potent soporific effect. She certainly was quick to drink it down in one gulp, despite knowing it was experimental.”

“She did it for me, and for you. She's ridiculously kind.”

Just as you are. Hmmm…

“...Is she Rhodolitian?”

The King was already well aware she was just from listening when she spoke to Keith but he needed to know just how much his son had grown and this question would lead him there.

“That's right. She's here in Jade because one of Fernan's nobles kidnapped her.”

Oh yes just turn it all into an international incident dear brother! For somebody who's normally so intelligent that certainly was an idiotic move in more ways than one.

“...Why?”

“I just told you how special she is to me, didn't I?”

“So they wanted to use her to control you.”

“Most likely.”

At least you're aware of it.

The King watched as Keith gently leaned Emma against a wall and covered her with his cloak.

“And it wasn't just this once, either. She got caught up in this before, when they attacked my carriage while I was in Rhodolite.”

And it will not stop there I'm afraid, by gaining your favor her life is forever-

“I'm the one who selfishly went and fell in love with her. I'm not going to let that be the reason I lose her. Just this one, just once in my life, would you be willing to trust me, and listen to me?”

I'm glad to see you're finally thinking of everything ahead, and that you're willing to protect her so fiercely, to take some risks but…it's still not quite enough.

The King stared at the pouch that held his future within. His hands trembled, but not from weakness or fear, but from the hatred of himself for what he had an inkling he would do next.

If he's this resolute.

“...I told you, you can't prove a crime without evidence. There is evidence that you tried to assassinate me, but there is no evidence Fernan was involved.”

If you are going to do this you need to make sure you leave no room for doubt.

“Surely you can see that it makes sense for me to assume that everything you've told me is a lie.”

“If you want proof, then I need to find the location where he grew the poison that was used against you. And since there are rumors he's planning to sell the poison on the market, it would need to be a fairly large facility. However, just finding the location won't be enough to prove anything.”

So what exactly are you planning…

“He's cunning enough that he's probably forged paperwork to make it seem like someone else owns the place. So it won't be enough to prove his involvement. So again, it comes back to needing your help.”

I see, if we are thinking the same thing, that will likely work.

“Is that why you took such a risk to come here and see me?”

The King listened as Keith pleaded his case to him. His words, although not elegant, were heartfelt and the king could hear the conviction in them and it made the nearly dead hope in chest begin to stir again.

“I need to do it, to say farewell to the failure I was.”

You've come far my son, but not quite far enough. You will need to deal with much worse than this and I know you will hate me for what I'm about to do….

“On one condition.”

But if I can save all that I love, I will not hesitate.

Tag List: @fang-and-feather, @floydsteeth, @nani-nani-nani, @nightghoul381, @queengiuliettafirstlady. Special tag @notmyara, not gonna lie when I finished this I thought about how you might enjoy it.

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