oneinnocentprincess

[oneinnocentprincess]

🍍- What’s your muse/s secretly turned on by?

🍋- How does your muse feel about hair pulling?

🍍- Hands, especially if her partner is skilled/confident. She loves if they're going all over her body, even if she's clothed.

🍋 - She likes it but not instantly. She instinctively would pull her partner’s hair but then check in on them to make sure they're okay with it, if not she's then pulling the sheets/clothing. If someone were to suddenly pull her hair during sex, she would assume she has done something wrong and would stop everything to see what is the issue. It would take some time for her to get used to, and not to overthink of before hand because in the moment it's not as bad as she would think it would be.

[oneinnocentprincess]

Send me a fruit! - Dirty asks

🍍- What’s your muse/s secretly turned on by?

🍒- Has your muse lost their virginity? If so, when and too who?

🍑- What lengths are your muse/s willing to go, to please their partner?

🍉- How does your muse/s enjoy their afterglow?

🍌- What sexuality does your muse/s relate too, and have they ever had thoughts that don’t go with it? (ei. Being gay but having straight thoughts.)

🍎- What’s the best way to tease your muse?

🍇- Does your muse enjoy giving or receiving oral?

🍋- How does your muse feel about hair pulling?

🍓- Would your muse ever use toys on themselves?

🍐- Would your muse ever use toys on someone else?

[oneinnocentprincess]

[oneinnocentprincess]

"I feel like you're making this more complicated than it is." She managed to tease back, catching on to what he was doing, she did smile at that. "You said you like my honesty with you and telling you what is all on my mind, that is what is on my mind." She stated simply, just poking to turn his words.

"I think you can handle more than two hours of my talking." Eleanor said confidently, because she was not going to put it past herself if she were to end up talking to him for that long. Especially tonight when there was not a wedding and sex to tire her out. "We'll see." She said with a small teasing shrug.

"Last night was very different." She stated the obvious. Now there was no hidden pressure for sex, she could simply breathe and not think or focus on that. She could just have conversations with him-- even if those were definitely going to be influenced by this book he's spoken so much of to her. "I plan to return some of those books, don't worry." Especially when he was able to provide recommendations to her on where to start.

Eleanor did accept his hand, pulling herself up but slightly pulling his hand down in the process, she got up and followed him. While she certainly did not feel unwelcome, she still felt like a stranger in his palace. The sudden shift in routines were so odd to her even if they were near the same of what she did at home. She wished they had gotten married in her kingdom. That way she could just focus on having a husband rather than also focus on a new kingdom and its culture.

She did enjoy this aspect of having a partner. She could manage on her own but it would have taken an extended amount of time, or she could have called for a handmaiden to assist who only would talk her head off. This was nice. "Thank you, Oscar." She mumbled once he was done loosening and unbuttoning the dress for her, it was still slightly odd for him to do this without all of the sexual tension in the air.

Eleanor changed into a long sleeved night gown, a fairly simple gown. She had ones that were more elaborate and more presentable, ones she was sure were given to her for the purpose of her husband to see, but she wanted to go simple for this evening. After changing she washed off her make up and brushed out her hair before pulling it into a braid.

She stepped into the room while stating, "Part of me feels more exposed tonight than last night." While obviously she had been as exposed one could get the evening before, now she was without the jewelry and make up-- even if she did likely sweat a lot of it off last evening. Her eyes went up to him before almost immediately darting towards his chest, before swiftly looking away. "That book you mentioned, it's in here?" Eleanor asked, trying to make small talk as she went to the bed, slowly sitting herself down, her body reminding her what had happened the previous night. There was some discomfort on her face, but she did not vocalize anything.

Oscar didn’t even try to hide his grin as she launched into her rapid series of clarifications, hands moving animatedly as if to ward off any misinterpretation. “So,” he said, counting on his fingers, “you want honesty, conversation, sleep, modesty, some light undressing—but only in the most practical sense—and then a strategic retreat to the bath chamber. Understood.” He looked deeply solemn for a beat before adding, “You are the most delightfully specific person I’ve ever been married to.”

He leaned back slightly, clearly enjoying the conversation more than most royal banquets. “You can talk to me as much as you like. I can sleep through council droning about tax reform—I promise your voice is far more welcome.” Then with a dramatic pause, he added, “Though if you go past two hours, I do reserve the right to pretend I’ve fainted from exhaustion. It’s in the marital fine print, I’m sure.”

When she asked about the breeches, Oscar let out a soft chuckle. “Yes, they cover my legs. I’m not about to scandalise you with bare ankles.” His eyes twinkled. “you already survived a full night pressed against me, but I'll respect your wishes" he replied, genuine with all his affection. Then with a slight tilt of his head, he added, “And, long sleeves or short, you’ll still be the most radiant thing in that bed. Especially once you surround yourself with half the palace library.”

As the last of their dinner was cleared away and the soft hum of the evening quieted, Oscar rose from his seat and offered Eleanor his hand. “Come on,” he said with a lightness that didn’t push. “Let’s call that our grand banquet for the night.”

He guided her back through the dim corridors of the palace toward their chambers, their steps slow and unhurried. Once inside, he gently turned her by the waist, his hands steady but unintrusive as he found the fastenings of her dress. “Just enough to give you a head start,” he murmured, loosening the ties and buttons with practiced care, careful not to pull or tug. “The rest is yours.”

With that, he stepped away, giving her the space she’d asked for. Oscar disappeared into the adjoining room, and when he returned a few minutes later, it was with the sleeves and weight of the day shed. He wore only his sleep breeches, the hearth casting a warm glow against his bare chest, and a wry little smile played at his lips.

[oneinnocentprincess]

NSFW GIF STATERS FOR ROS (HANNAH WADDINGHAM FC) Give me a number for a starter that has been inspired by the associated nsfw image. It is absolutely up to you whether or not to look. (Alternatively, submit ‘random’ and the writer will choose one at their discretion.)

[1A]  [1B] [2A]  [2B] [3A]  [3B] [4A]  [4B] [5A]  [5B] [6A]  [6B] [7A]  [7B] [8A]  [8B]

[oneinnocentprincess]

Eating pussy but dominantly by forcing her legs into the air so I can shove my perv tongue in her innocent holes and making out with them till she’s soaked and begging for me to use them

[oneinnocentprincess]

"It's ridiculous to think marriages last so long without honesty." She was very tempted to lie to him through this, but she's not even sure she would have even lasted that long. Either he would have spotted it early or she would just blurt out everything she was concealing from him. Honesty helped the sex feel far better than she had anticipated. "Are you going to be alright if I keep you up late with questions and conversation?" She decided to ask, because she is sure the second they're laying down it will be nothing but talk from her.

Eleanor was not sure how to react when he mentioned sleeping shirtless. She did enjoy the view and it was a rather nice feeling laying against his chest the past night. It still all was quite an adjustment and a thing to get used to. "That's fine." She could understand his reasons and felt he wouldn't have said it if they were not genuine. "The breeches...they cover your legs, correct? I know I probably sound like a nun right now...this all is just a lot to me still." Even thought she has seen him fully nude, and him the same for her. "I wear night gowns, obviously." She felt the need to say even if that was likely a given. "I go back and forth with my shorter sleeve ones and my long sleeve ones." She was planning to wear her long sleeved ones for tonight, to try and make up for last night.

"Oh but I do want you to undress me, if you do not mind." Eleanor was suddenly quick to say without hesitation. "It is really nice having another pair of hands in the bedroom to assist with getting all of these things untied and unbuttoned without having to call for someone." There were some conveniences she was finding with this arrangement that she was surprised no one had brought up to her before. "Wait, to clarify, I'd like you to only untie and unbutton anything I cannot reach well, I'd still like to step out into the bathroom to change." That sounded reasonable, didn't it? Maybe she could call for her help to assist her, but it would be so much quicker and easier to have him help for her.

Oscar listened with quiet attentiveness, letting Eleanor finish without interruption, even as her words stumbled over themselves in her efforts to be clear. He could see she was trying to balance honesty with consideration, trying not to offend while also holding her boundary. When she was done, he gave a small, thoughtful nod, taking a moment before replying—not out of uncertainty, but because he wanted to meet her sincerity with his own.

“You don’t owe me anything,” he said gently. “You’re already giving me something most marriages take years to find—your honesty, even when it’s hard. That’s more than enough. If you want space, I’ll give it. If you’d rather sleep beside me, even just to talk or feel less like strangers, you can. There’s no expectation—just what makes you feel safe.” He gave a faint, wry smile. “For the record, I’m a quiet sleeper. Don’t steal blankets. Mostly keep to my side of the bed.”

Then, with a more amused but still earnest tone, he added, “Though full disclosure—I usually sleep without a shirt. Not for scandalous reasons, I promise. Just... between the hearth and those wool blankets, it gets far too warm. I’ll be in sleep breeches, but if that bothers you, I’ll adjust. I want this to feel like something we’re building together, not something you’re just enduring.” He met her gaze, still calm, still steady. “I’ll be on my best behaviour. No unsolicited limbs, no snoring, no pressure.”

After a short pause, his voice gentled again. “Truly, whatever makes you most comfortable. Once we’re done with dinner, we’ll both get changed, separately of course—no tricks, I swear—and meet back in the bed like two very respectful roommates who occasionally hold hands during state functions.”

[oneinnocentprincess]

Gentle aftercare sentence staters

“Can you walk? I’ll carry you to the bathroom.” “Sorry if I got a bit too.. Carried away. Does it hurt?”  “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”  “I didn’t mean to hurt you, if I did.”  “That was… Really nice. I’ll get you something to clean up.” “My legs are still shaky.. Can you pass the towel/tissue?”  “Are you alright? I’ll clean up. Get some sleep.”  “I’ll do everything today, get some rest.”  “Would kisses help?”  “Would you cuddle with me for awhile?”  “Every time we do this, you seem to get sweeter and sweeter.”  “O-ow.. Yeah, it still hurts a bit. Kiss me better?” 

[oneinnocentprincess]

𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄  𝐑𝐏  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒  .  .  .    Set  the  stage  for  lingering  touches,  stolen  glances,  and  words  laced  with  double  meaning.   ✧  ˚₊  Themes:  tension,  teasing  &  unspoken  desire.

✧     ›    HEAT   &   TEASING   .

My  muse  runs  their  fingers  along  your  muse’s  wrist  absentmindedly,  tracing  slow,  lazy  circles.

My  muse  leans  in,  their  breath  warm  against  your  muse’s  skin  as  they  whisper,  “You’re  enjoying  this,  aren’t  you?”

My  muse  grabs  your  muse’s  waist  to  steady  them,  but  doesn’t  move  away  immediately.

My  muse  catches  your  muse  staring  and  smirks,  tilting  their  head.  “See  something  you  like?”

My  muse  playfully  tugs  your  muse’s  necklace/tie/collar,  pulling  them  just  a  little  closer.

My  muse  brushes  their  lips  against  your  muse’s  ear  as  they  murmur  something  just  for  them.

My  muse  traps  your  muse  against  a  wall,  eyes  dark  with  something  unreadable.

My  muse  challenges  your  muse  to  a  game,  but  the  stakes  are…  interesting..

✧     ›    FORBIDDEN  ROMANCE   .

My  muse  stops  your  muse  in  a  dark  hallway,  their  voice  barely  above  a  whisper.  “If  anyone  sees  us—”

My  muse  shoves  your  muse  against  a  wall,  breathing  heavily.  “Tell  me  to  stop,  and  I  will.”

My  muse  lingers  at  your  muse’s  door,  knowing  they  shouldn’t  be  here.  “One  last  time.  That’s  all.”

My  muse  runs  a  hand  down  your  muse’s  arm  before  pulling  away.  “We  can’t  keep  doing  this…  but  I  don’t  want  to  stop.”

My  muse  is  forced  to  work  with  your  muse,  pretending  there’s  nothing  between  them.

My  muse  warns  your  muse  to  stay  away,  but  the  way  they  look  at  them  says  otherwise.

My  muse  kisses  your  muse  in  the  shadows,  knowing  full  well  what  it  would  cost  them  if  they  were  caught.

[oneinnocentprincess]

[oneinnocentprincess]

𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂  𝐑𝐏  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒  —  pt  4-6:  confessions,  first  kisses,  and  the  shift  from  longing  to  something  more.  some  of  these  may  be  repeats  from  other  posts  of  mine.  couldn't  give  up  the  chance  to  use  them  again!  ✧  ˚₊  Themes:  longing,  tension,  intimacy  &  love  unfolding

𝐏𝐓.𝟒:     𝐓𝐇𝐄     𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓     𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄     𝐓𝐇𝐄     𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋   .

The  moment  hangs  between  them  ;  too  much,  too  close.  Will  they  lean  in,  or  will  the  tension  break  before  it  can  become  something  real?

 My  muse  catches  your  muse’s  wrist  before  they  can  walk  away,  voice  softer  now.  “…Don’t  go."

 My  muse  closes  their  eyes,  exhaling  shakily.  “Tell  me  I’m  wrong.  Tell  me  this—whatever  this  is—doesn’t  mean  anything.”

My  muse  hesitates,  looking  down  at  their  intertwined  fingers.  “…Do  you  even  realize  what  you  do  to  me?”

My  muse  lifts  a  hand  to  your  muse’s  face  but  doesn’t  touch  them.  “…Say  the  word,  and  I’ll  stop.”

My  muse  brushes  your  muse’s  hair  away,  their  fingers  lingering.  “You…  have  no  idea  how  long  I’ve  wanted  to  do  that.”

My  muse  watches  your  muse  laugh,  something  shifting  in  their  gaze.  “���God,  I  think  I’m  in  love  with  you.”

𝐏𝐓.  𝟓:     𝐓𝐇𝐄     𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓     𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒   .

A  heartbeat,  a  breath,  a  hesitation(?)  then  finally,  lips  meet.

My  muse  starts  to  say  something  but  is  cut  off  as  your  muse  kisses  them  instead.

My  muse  doesn’t  think—they  just  act,  pulling  your  muse  in  before  they  can  change  their  mind.

My  muse  cups  your  muse’s  face,  pressing  their  forehead  against  theirs.  “…Are  you  sure?”

My  muse  kisses  your  muse  mid-argument,  desperate  to  stop  them  from  walking  away.

My  muse  hesitates  inches  away,  whispering,  “Tell  me  to  stop,  and  I  will.”

My  muse  pulls  away  breathlessly,  searching  your  muse’s  eyes.  “…Do  that  again.”

My  muse  kisses  your  muse  so  softly  it  almost  doesn’t  feel  real.  “…I’ve  wanted  to  do  that  forever.”

My  muse  touches  their  lips  afterward,  a  little  stunned.  “…Oh.”

𝐏𝐓.  𝟔:     𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓     𝐍𝐎𝐖   ?!

The  confession  is  out!  The  kiss  has  happened. 

My  muse  swallows,  voice  quiet.  “…So…  what  happens  now?”

My  muse  laughs  nervously,  rubbing  the  back  of  their  neck.  “So…  do  we  pretend  that  didn’t  just  happen,  or—?”

My  muse  reaches  for  your  muse’s  hand  again,  this  time  without  hesitation.

My  muse  smirks,  bumping  your  muse’s  shoulder.  “So,  uh…  was  I  any  good?”

My  muse  tilts  your  muse’s  chin  up,  searching  their  eyes.  “You’re  sure  about  this?  About  me?”

My  muse  exhales  shakily.  “I  don’t  know  what  this  means  yet,  but…  I  know  I  don’t  want  to  lose  you.”

 My  muse  kisses  your  muse  again . . . this  time,  softer.  More  certain.  “…Just  in  case  that  first  one  was  a  mistake.”

[oneinnocentprincess]

She had forgotten and thought about what other marriages like this must have went. How lucky she was to have someone as patient and understanding as Oscar. The man that was described to her was not someone impossible to exist, she knows there are kings like that that exists. Never had she seriously thought about their dynamics with their wives.

“I don’t want to sleep in separate beds.” Eleanor quickly clarified, afraid she might have given him the wrong impression. “I just don’t want sex.” For now at least, that went without saying. "Unless you suddenly become an awful partner in bed--literally--" It was so difficult to clarify talking about just sleeping, rather than sex when some terms were used so interchangeably. "I do not think it would be a good idea if I, your wife, did not sleep with you." It was not because of duty, she was being genuine. "I do not want to be married to a stranger." Time in bed made things easier, in her opinion, when it came to small talk. Maybe it was those thoughts that came to mind when she fought sleep, but that seemed to be optimal time to her.

“I am too.” Eleanor chimed in when he mentioned being a good sleeping companion. She really did not know for sure, she’s never shared a bed with anyone until last night. She feels like she is a good sleeping partner, but never thought too deeply on how much she moves, or how much she tugs the sheets, or if she even snores. "I do need to clarify though. I do prefer to sleep with clothes on." Now she was not sure if it was a normal thing for couples to sleep clothed or unclothed, no matter if they had sex that evening. "I also...would prefer you to be clothed." Maybe he could be shirtless, but it seemed to early to suggest a thing like that.

"Thank goodness you're a patient man." She commented, her mind circling back to her considerations of how this all could have gone for her if she was paired with someone else. "I think the marriage would have been annulled so quickly if I had been matched with someone else." Matched was a strong word to call this, she's not even sure if that's even accurate. To her understanding, she fit the simple requirements of young and royal.

Oscar listened carefully, not missing the way her words tried to balance honesty with reassurance. When she finished, he took a quiet moment before answering—not out of hesitation, but to be certain his reply met her where she stood.

“You don’t owe me anything, Eleanor,” he said softly. “You’re already giving me your honesty, and your trust—piece by piece. That’s more than enough. And more than some marriages ever start with.” His hand stayed relaxed at his side, careful not to crowd her. “This doesn’t need to be figured out tonight. Or tomorrow. You’re allowed to settle in slowly.”

Then, with an even gentler tone, he added, “If you want your own bedroom, I’ll have it prepared. Somewhere nearby, or as far as you want—wherever feels like yours. And if you’d rather share the bed, even just to sleep, you can. No expectations. No hidden pressure.” He smiled faintly, sincere and a touch wry. “I’m a decent sleeping companion. Very quiet. I don’t even steal the blankets.”

He let a small breath out through his nose, quiet but warm. “All I care about is making this something you can live in—we can live in. Not perform. I know what I promised when I took your hand, and I didn’t say those vows to impress a council. I meant them for you.”

His eyes stayed on her, not demanding. “One step at a time. That’s all I ask. Whether that means a shared bed or separate rooms, I’ll meet you where you are. No pressures.”

[oneinnocentprincess]

Girls who get wet by just being called a good girl. Can't handle praise.

[oneinnocentprincess]

Smut Starters | M/F

Send me a number and muses and I’ll write a starter based off the image! No peeking!

[1a] | [1b] | [1c]

[2a] | [2b] | [2c]

[3a] | [3b] | [3c]

[4a] | [4b] | [4c]

[5a] | [5b] | [5c]

[6a] | [6b] | [6c]

[7a] | [7b] | [7c]

[8a] | [8b] | [8c]

[9a] | [9b] | [9c]

[10a] | [10b] | [10c]

[11a] | [11b] | [11c]

[12a] | [12b] | [12c]

[13a] | [13b] | [13c]

[14a] | [14b] | [14c]

[15a] | [15b] | [15c]

[oneinnocentprincess]

somewhat pathetic and overly possessive knight.

constantly shadowing you at court events, always at least one hand resting at your waist as you mingle with courtiers. getting even more clingy after a few drinks, arms around you, face pressing against the back of your neck, switching between glaring over your shoulder at any perceived threat, and kissing idly at the exposed skin. hands wandering as the evening draws on, only stopped by a light smack if they ever wander too far.

his hold tightening slightly whenever you're approached by the occasional courtier, mumbling something barely audible against your neck about how it's a stupid party and the two of you should just go back to your quarters. looking only slightly mollified as you reach back to pet his hair, grumbling turning even more incomprehensible as he presses his head against your shoulder to hide his blush.

do we like that? is it sexy..?

[oneinnocentprincess]

𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂  𝐑𝐏  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒  .  .  .  (  pt  1.  the  art  of  touch  )   Set  the  stage  for  longing  glances,  lingering  touches,  and  the  quiet  tension  of  unspoken  words.   ✧  ˚₊  Themes:  soft,  slow  burn  &  a  touch  of  angst 

✧     ›    SOFT   &   FLUFFY   .

My  muse  tucks  a  loose  strand  of  hair  behind  your  muse’s  ear,  their  fingers  lingering  for  a  second  longer  than  necessary.

My  muse  falls  asleep  on  your  muse’s  shoulder  during  a  long  ride.

My  muse  surprises  your  muse  with  breakfast  in  bed,  complete  with  a  handwritten  note.

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  under  their  umbrella  during  a  sudden  downpour.

My  muse  gently  wipes  away  a  tear  from  your  muse’s  cheek,  their  touch  tender  and  careful.

My  muse  laces  their  fingers  with  your  muse’s  absentmindedly,  only  realizing  it  after  a  few  seconds.

 ✧     ›    TENSION   &   SLOW  BURN   .

My  muse  fixes  your  muse’s  tie/dress/jacket,  their  hands  brushing  against  their  skin  for  just  a  moment.

My  muse  leans  in  as  if  to  whisper  something,  their  lips  dangerously  close  to  your  muse’s  ear.

My  muse  catches  your  muse’s  wrist  before  they  can  leave,  their  grip  tightening  just  slightly.

My  muse  watches  your  muse  from  across  the  room,  their  gaze  lingering  even  when  caught.

My  muse  challenges  your  muse  to  a  bet,  knowing  exactly  what  they’ll  ask  for  if  they  win.

My  muse  absentmindedly  plays  with  your  muse’s  fingers  while  they  talk,  not  even  realizing  they’re  doing  it.

✧     ›    ANGST   &   EMOTIONAL   .

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  into  a  tight  hug,  as  if  afraid  to  let  go.

My  muse  wipes  away  the  blood  from  your  muse’s  face,  their  hands  trembling.

My  muse  shows  up  at  your  muse’s  doorstep  in  the  rain,  eyes  filled  with  something  unspoken.

My  muse  gently  cups  your  muse’s  face,  whispering,  “Why  do  you  always  have  to  make  things  so  difficult?”

My  muse  kisses  your  muse  like  it’s  the  last  time  they’ll  ever  get  the  chance.

My  muse  lets  your  muse  go,  even  though  it’s  the  last  thing  they  want  to  do.

 ✧     ›    TEASING   .

My  muse  corners  your  muse  against  a  wall,  a  smirk  playing  on  their  lips.

My  muse  whispers  something  in  your  muse’s  ear  that  makes  them  blush.

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  onto  their  lap  with  zero  warning.

My  muse  playfully  steals  a  bite  of  your  muse’s  food,  then  grins  as  they  lock  eyes.

My  muse  deliberately  leans  in  closer  just  to  see  your  muse’s  reaction.

My  muse  drags  their  fingers  slowly  down  your  muse’s  arm,  pretending  it  was  unintentional.

[oneinnocentprincess]

“I’ve been royalty since birth, Oscar.” She gently reminded him. “I’ve been paraded around since then.” It was not a new concept to her, but she knew the place she had been paraded around in before. This was, quite literally, new territory for her. "I honestly do not know what I can offer in return." She said in regards to him allowing her to have the space to grow. She felt guilty of all he was offering and adjusting for her, what was she supposed to give? Should she have packed gifts for him?

“Well I can tell you that I do not hate you.” What did she feel for him? She had no strong negative feelings towards him, but he was still mostly a stranger to her. One who, so far, has treated her well in and out of bed. Her certainly was nothing like any friends she has had in the past or people she eyed at courting, but he still was not terrible.

"I do not want to have sex tonight." Eleanor then immediately realized how that sounded when saying that after immediately assuring him she did not hate him. "Not for those reasons! Or anything like that at all!" She quickly jumped in to assure him. "My body is...still adjusting." Did that make any sense to him? "I just think my body needs some time until we did what we did last night again..." Was that awful to say? It was day two of their marriage if she counted yesterday. "Besides, it sounds like I will busy tonight with reading that book." She then attempted to lighten the mood.

Oscar didn’t speak right away. He took in everything Eleanor had said with that quiet attentiveness she was beginning to recognize as something uniquely his—rare in a man, rarer still in a king. He didn’t bristle at her hesitation or shift uncomfortably at her boundaries. He simply stayed there with her, present and steady.

There was no judgment in his face, only the clear understanding of what it meant to be thrust into a life you hadn’t chosen in full, and to still try to make something meaningful out of it.

He knew what his advisors would say. They’d talk of appearances, expectations, of how the people needed to see their new queen. They’d speak in terms of timelines and strategy, appearances and unity. But that wasn’t what mattered to him—not now, not when the woman he married was standing in front of him, doing her best to stay afloat in a world she didn’t ask for. The promises he made weren’t to the council. They were to her.

“Let the advisors wring their hands over appearances,” he added, his mouth curling into something that was nearly a smile. “You won’t be paraded out like you’re part of the decor. When you step out, it’ll be because you’re ready—not because they said it was time.”

“I meant what I said when I took your hand,” he told her, his voice low and sure. “This marriage, this life—it’s not just a matter of duty to me. It never was. You were never meant to be a symbol, or something to put on display. I said I would be your partner, and that means giving you the space to grow”

Oscar didn’t need her to be the perfect queen tomorrow. What he needed—what he wanted—was for her to feel safe enough to become herself here, however long it took. The crown was secondary. The woman in front of him was what mattered. And for that, he could wait.

And I’ll wait for you, however long it takes. I know you may not think much of me now but perhaps you may grow to like me - even love as I will do for you, Eleanor.”