#garnet williams

[per-the-jellicle-magician]

The beginning of "Mr Mistoffelees" from sometime earlier in the run of Cats: the Jellicle Ball aka Cats PAC NYC

Sydney James Harcourt as Rum Tum Tugger, Garnet Williams as Bombalurina, Primo as Tumblebrutus, Antwayn Hopper as Macavity and Shelby Griswold as Victoria

x

[nakedcomedy]

#NYC Marley's Mind is BACK with a new discount code for $1 tix!!! But that doesn't mean the lineup is discount at all:

Jared Goldstein

Katrina Davis

Honey Pluton

Charlie Bardey

& Garnet Williams

Hosted by Marley Gotterer!

6:30 doors / 7 show / 21+ / Downstairs at the Fever Dream Lounge / $15 day of OR Use code MIND online to $ave money on tix for drinks!!!

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/marleys-mind-416-feverdream-lounge-tickets/13620063?pl=kftour&REFID=clientsitewp

[quiltofstars]

Herschel's Garnet Star (μ Cephei) // Reg Pratt

The deep red color of this red supergiant star was noted by William Herschel (1738-1822) who described it as "a very fine deep garnet color". This is one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye at somewhere around 1,200 times the size of our Sun which would fill the space between our Sun and Jupiter if placed in the solar system!

[swiftiesbuddie]

Love the message with Ruby’s birth mother, so cute, so sweet.

Why did she have to point at the street sign like THAT?!? It was so dramatic, so menacing! Why, for what?

[ghostlyarchaeologist]

The Ark S02E07 It Can't Be True.

[sillyfartguy69]

its getting really scary in here guys

[lonelyfanboy48]

Steven Universe Of The Creek Chapters 30-32

Chapter 30 Uncynical Erstwhile Bud

After Steven and his group left the university, they went to Pasta La Vista where Bernard’s friends are also heading to. They’ve been wondering, after learning that Steven is still around to where he was after watching the movie that he’d picked out. Not to mention that Steven’s more in a good mood after spending time with his best friend, Kenneth. After Steven parked his car, he and his friends walked inside the restaurant with Gibson, Cariss and Amina took notice.

“Bernard.” Gibson said. “You’re feeling better?”

“Just enough to come here.” Bernard answered. “Did you order anything?”

“We didn’t.” Cariss replied. “We agreed to wait to have lunch with all of you.”

“I thought you already did when I texted you three before we left the university.”

“Was it because of me?” Steven guessed as Bernard’s friends laughed.

“I think it is.”

“So much for an ordinary goodbye, am I right?” Kenneth smiled.

“When we heard you were sticking around, we agreed to come here while we waited.” Amina commented “It’s great it didn’t take you too long.”

“I was making a friend.” Steven walked up to Bernard’s friends. “Would you take the time with someone you’re growing a liking to?”

“He’s not lying.” Kenneth agreed. “If you saw what we did at the university, we had a blast after going to the animation class.”

“But I’m still not old enough to attend.”

Bernard’s friends didn’t only keep their eyes on Steven, their eyes were also on Kenneth the moment he appeared inside the restaurant. Kenneth walked next to Steven while lifting his hand up. “I’m Kenneth by the way.”

“Nice to meet you.” Gibson shaked his hand.

“I like your hairstyle.” Cariss added, also shaking his hand.

“Did Steven enjoy the animation class?” Amina wondered.

“He did. He liked one of my animations through the pages I showed him.” Kenneth said.

“His amateur days have passed him by.” Steven smiled.

“Great to know.” Amina replied. “So what are you gonna have here?”

Steven and the group looked at the myriad of options they could have for lunch. Steven remembered he had bread sticks and a salad when Bernard showed him his and Alexis’s job as employees. Despite the incident Craig and his friends caused, he still enjoyed the food regardless.

“You’re gonna eat something else?” Kenneth wondered.

“I don’t know, are you in a pizza mood?” Steven asked.

“From other pizza places, yes but I didn’t know Pasta La Vista had pizzas.”

“Seems you didn’t check everywhere in Herkleton.” Alexis giggled.

“Not everyone needs to be everywhere to enjoy the town.”

“I do go to places in Beach City, but not every single building, including the neighborhood houses.” Steven replied.

“Did Beach City have a Pizza place?” Amina asked.

“Yes, it’s called Fish Stew Pizza. Let’s just say I had nonstop dreams saving an employee's nightmare of never saying no to her sister.”

“Must have been an overdose of pepperoni induced nightmares.” Cariss commented.

Steven awkwardly grins from Cariss’s complement. “It only got me sick from Pizza for a while…while I couldn’t stay awake.”

Bernard and Alexis catched on that's probably his experiences with his powers while still keeping his life private. “If that was your childhood, we always have weird times, especially dreams.” Bernard smiled.

“Yeah, weird but still part of childhood.”

“Pizza is all part of childhood, who doesn’t like Pizza?” Kenneth replied. “Pizza haters?”

Everyone laughed from Kenneth’s sense of humor as they all took a seat by the table. They agreed to have pizza as a group as Bernard used his gift cards he earned from working to buy squared pizzas. After waiting for their pizzas to come out, they began eating them. Steven took a bite of his pizza and enjoyed it. Kenneth who sat next to him took his bite and found Pasta La Vista pizza’s a good alternative.

“This is really good pizza.” Kenneth taking another bite.

“We don’t make the food as employees, but we do have pro chefs in the back.” Bernard pointed at the back.

“Are you two working on being chefs?”

“A little bit.” Alexis answered. “We mostly do dinners.”

“Then you might as well work at a fancy restaurant if you do dinners.”

“They would need to be more professional to make dinners.” Steven replied. “Besides, I’ve seen their job here days ago, they’re doing alright.”

“Would you do any better?”

“No, not really.” Steven wished he could find a way to impress Kenneth, but on the other hand, he can’t lie about having a job since he doesn’t have one. For every time he took a bite of his pizza, he wanted to find another thing to talk to Kenneth about even with Bernard’s friends but with him closer to the creek, he wondered if he was familiar with the location like Craig is. “Have you ever been to the creek?”

“Used to.” Kenneth responded. “I was the first ever king of the other side.”

Steven catched on that Xavier was the former king but he’s close to connecting the dots. “You were the first?”

“It was for fun until I got older. I passed my title to my sister.”

“Bet your sister had the time of her life until she also got older.”

Kenneth thought otherwise, but still respected Steven’s choice of words. “She’s not like me, she takes her royal duties a little too seriously.”

“If you were doing it for fun, I would’ve done the same thing you did.” Amina smiled.

“Me and Bernard would’ve been a prince and princess if we grew up in the creek.” Alexis added.

“There’s no princes, princesses or queens, even if there’s a queen in the sewers.” Kenneth filling in. “There’s only one king who takes over the other side of the creek. Co-kings can be possible but it will be the first ever to happen.”

“I would love to consider what it would look like to be a king in the creek, but me and Alexis are heading in the proper direction.” Bernard commented.

“Bet the current ruler isn't making any arrangements for the future.” Cariss said.

“Don’t say that.” Kenneth responded. “While there isn’t a ruler right now…what happened afterwards put the former king…into…” He couldn’t finish his sentence which took Steven by notice.

“Into what?” Steven spoked.

Kenneth took a deep breath however, he couldn’t hide his brother’s identity anymore. “Into what my younger brother’s doing.”

Steven dropped his pizza with his eyes shot open, finally completing the puzzle that Xavier is Kenneth’s brother all along. “Your brother…was the one who bamboozled me?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Is that a problem?” Gibson replied.

“No…not really.”

Steven’s mood had turned from happiness to almost the opposite, but he refused to take it out on Kenneth and the others. “Kenneth, can we talk outside?” He replied.

“Good idea.” The two got out of the table they sat as they got out of the restaurant.

“Who’s your brother’s name?”

“Xavier.” From the answer alone, Steven closed his eyes, while trying to be calm as possible.

“Okay, so he wanted to keep his name anonymous just so you can be friends with me?”

Kenneth lowered his head while attempting to be honest with Steven. “I can’t say yes. We did enjoy being friends, right?”

Steven placed his hands on his hips. He doesn’t want to say no, but it got harder for him to say yes. “You didn’t betray me, I still want to be your friend. But now that photo you have really has something to do with your brother, Xavier.”

“He’s just trying to help.”

“Sorry, but I seriously doubt that.” Steven knows something is really wrong, in fact, he’s now aware that Xavier is in an alliance with Ruby and Aquamarine. “Don’t you think we should've met without his help?”

“I wouldn’t have gotten the photo without him. Would you feel the same way if you had the photo?”

“The photo of me or you hugging a kid would mean something, but I didn’t save his life.”

“It felt real with the tears in your eyes.”

Steven’s memory of hugging Craig in the Tea Timers’ Club felt too generous of him protecting kids, as it was the closest he got with Craig yesterday, aside from the failed fusion. “It’s hard to believe but…” He then looked in the distance where the creek is located. “...should we talk about this tonight…at your place?”

“It’s still the middle of the day.”

“I’m sorry, but I really need to go. This is really important.”

“Is it about that kid?”

“Yes. I don’t know if I’m gonna take him along, but I’m gonna check up on him.”

“Should I come along?”

“No. As much as I want help from a friend, I’ve done this many times before, alone.”

Kenneth wanted to know how Steven can handle any problem involving a child, even if the photo was real or not. But he understands that his friend got bamboozled from his brother, especially since he wants to know if he got bamboozled.

“Okay. After lunch, You go right ahead to that kid.”

“Thanks.” Steven responded. “I wish we could do more today but…”

“There’s always tomorrow or the next day.” Kenneth placed his hand on Steven’s shoulder. “Tonight, we should come up with a plan.”

“Okay. I think of something.” Steven smiled. “Let’s go back inside.”

Steven and Kenneth went back inside of Pasta La Vista to finish lunch with the others. Soon after, they all left with Bernard’s friends heading to their homes while Steven dropped off Kenneth to his house. He drove back to Craig’s house as he, Bernard and Alexis came out. 

“Do you patch things up outside of the restaurant with him?” Alexis asked.

“Yes, I agreed to come over to his house for a meeting.” Steven answered. “I can handle myself, you two can have the rest of the day to yourselves.”

“I’ll let mom know about the friend you're making, I’ll show her the pictures I’ve taken.” Bernard added.

“Thanks Bernard.”

“Aren’t you coming in with us?” Alexis wondered.

“I’m gonna take a walk in the neighborhood, I’ll meet you back as soon as I can.”

“Okay.”

“Understand you have my brother for the whole day in the creek tomorrow. No need to do it today.” Bernard remained.

“I’m aware.” Steven smiled.

Bernard and his girlfriend entered the house, while Steven waited until Bernard closed the front door. He turned around, focusing on the creek without anything in his way. He ran across the road and entered the creek. He may not know where Craig is, but it’s not stopping him. Before he gets to the bottom of this involving Xavier, he’ll make sure his best friend is safe and sound.

Chapter 31 The Crystal Dream

Craig woke up from his slumber while getting on his feet. But in his surroundings, he isn’t in the cave with Bluebird anymore. Roses fell from the sky, but the moment he turned around, he was taken aback by a statue of Rose, the same Rose he saw in his pink visions. It poured out water from its eyes as it poured in the fountain. Craig looked at his reflection from the water and his eyes weren't pink.

“This is so…beautiful.” He responded.

“Indeed it is…beautiful.”

From that soothing voice, Craig turned around with a small blue gem in the star shaped entrance. “Who are you?” Craig took notice.

She came out of the shadows in the entrance to reveal herself. “Sapphire.” She walked up to him. Just when Craig’s about to speak from his mouth, Sapphire placed her finger on him. “Steven told you about my wedding, and me being part of a fusion.”

“You knew what I was gonna say?”

“Yes, I have future vision.”

“Holy cow…”

Sapphire paid attention closely to Craig from the way he was stunned in utter disbelief. “You should know I’m not the only one here. You need more gems for your sanctuary.”

“There’s more?” Craig looked around. “The ones Steven mentioned?”

“Yes but first, we need to get Ruby.” She took Craig’s hand as they teleported from the fountain to the open valley. Craig blinked with the wide open spaces he’s in, as if he’s no longer in the creek with only a few trees in sight.

“This is supposed to be all fake but…It feels so real.” Craig lifted his hands out to feel the open spaces. “The smell and wind…is…”

“Peace.” Sapphire responded. “Peace…and freedom.” Then in the distance, a cowboy appeared with her horse, making their way which took Craig’s attention. “Here she comes.”

The cowboy stopped in front of Craig and Sapphire as Craig’s taking a back from the color of the horse. The cowboy got off and landed on the ground, it stared at Craig upon lifting her head up with her eyes revealed from her hat. “Who are you, partner?” She responded.

“Craig.” Craig answered.

“I’ve never seen someone like you in my life.” She then walked up, giving him a serious look as Craig tried to stand still. “Are you into cowboys and riding horses?”

“No. But my friend J.P. does.”

“What’s the matter? You think riding horses isn’t part of freedom?”

“Ruby.” Sapphire spoked to the cowboy’s attention. “If he doesn’t like cowboys and riding horses, it doesn't mean he doesn’t like that type of freedom.”

Ruby looked back at Craig as Craig sweated while smiling, awkwardly. “You’ve been spared from the Ruby Rider.”

“Soo…I reckon we’re not friends?”

Ruby then grinned while giving Craig a hug. “I reckon that you are someone who needs another friend.”

Craig slowly got into the hug, he wrapped his arms around the cowboy with Sapphire growing a smile. Craig noticed the horse staring at him, her purple color skin mostly bothers him, but there’s something he has yet to know about it.

“So where do we go now?” Craig asked as Ruby broke the hug. They then get teleported again from the valley, inside of a five star apartment in the hotel. “Inside an expensive apartment!?” Craig rushed to the window with his jaw dropped from the endless buildings he’s seeing. “In a big city!?”

“In Empire City, there’s no such thing as more than enough.” Sapphire commented.

Craig headed back to Sapphire, Ruby and her horse. “Who are we meeting?”

“One of Steven’s mothers.”

The lights turned off with only the spotlight focusing on the stairs, catching Craig’s attention. Four people in tuxedos with hats came down the stairs, stopping in front of Craig as he took notice of their appearances. Another from his pink visions only this time, he witnessed colors of Yellow, Blue, Pink, and mostly aquamarine.

“Pearls.” He responded.

“Correct.” Yellow Pearl responded as she took off her hat.

“But which one is Steven’s Pearl?” Pink Pearl taking off her hat.

“There can only be one Crystal Gem.” Blue Pearl taking off her hat.

When Craig saw the last Pearl taking off her hat, he looked closely at her hair. Even from his pink vision, his memory hadn't been wiped from any of the shapes he saw. “She’s the real Pearl.” He pointed at her.

“Clever kid.” Pearl smiled. “How did you know?”

“It’s hard to believe but…I’ve had pink visions to see any gem at random.”

“Pink eyes? That’s something Steven doesn’t have.”

“It’s highly unusual for a kid without a gem to have that power.” Yellow Pearl commented.

Craig knew that everyone except Sapphire wouldn’t know the true meaning of all this. But since he’s not in the cave in any hostile danger, it’ll never hurt for how respectful the gems are. “Steven gave me this power because…” The Pearls paid attention while Sapphire, Ruby and the horse did the same. “...he put saliva in my ear.”

Pearl couldn’t believe it but she was surprised that this type of magic affected a kid’s mind. “A visual illusion.” She responded.

“Even when Steven’s gone, he still has new powers to unlock.” Ruby replied.

“This time, this kid has a power thanks to him.” Blue Pearl said.

“Do you think I should talk to some other gem about this?” Craig asked.

“We'll take you to her right now.” Sapphire spoked as she and the others teleported one more time with Pearl coming along. The final location they went to, is the beach with the sky purple with pink appearing on the clouds. Both Ruby and Sapphire walked past Craig as he watched them with the ocean waves behind them “This is a beach. Have you ever been to the beach?”

“Yes.” Craig looked around. “But I’ve never seen a beach with these colors. It’s surreal, but I really like it.”

Sapphire placed her hand underneath Craig's chin, turning him to her direction. “This is Beach City.”

“Beach City.”

Then the horse fused back to its original form. “This isn't your ordinary beach from your town, dude.”

“Wow!” Craig reacted.

“Really Amethyst?” Pearl retorted.

“What? I had the least first impressions by being a horse while you had it better.” Amethyst said

“I needed a horse to ride.” Ruby replied. “It’s not my fault his dream gave you the short end of the stick.”

Craig stood in place while learning that everything he’s experienced is all a dream. “So all of this…isn’t real.”

“It wouldn’t be real. However, with you having the visual illusion.” Sapphire spoked. “What happens in your mind, makes anything real on the outside. Including your dreams.”

“If it’s possible…Am I talking to you all as the real…” Craig stopped himself, as if his pink visions became a gift but it was too good to be true.

“No…” Amethyst replied. “If it were, we would all be sleeping. Even though I do sleep every once in a while.”

“What we mean is you wouldn’t have this dream without what Steven gave you.” Pearl added. “But we’re still here to help you.”

Sapphire and Ruby grabbed their hands as they glowed in front of Craig. They grew taller together as Craig looked up, witnessing his second fusion in person. The glow died down, revealing her form while Craig only had one word to say.

“Garnet.”

“The true kind of first impressions.” Garnet smiled as she kneeled to Craig’s level “You will wake up in a moment, but this isn’t going to be the only dream you have.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s more gems who want to meet you, but there’s not enough time. But I will let you know how you can get rid of your visions.” Garnet took off her shades, looking at Craig with her three eyes. “Have Steven take you to Beach City to meet us in the real world.”

“What?” Craig reacted.

“You can’t have them removed in any other way. It’s hard to believe but when you meet us in the real world, we could find a way to turn you back to normal.”

Craig thought that facetime is the only way he’ll ever see the Crystal Gems face to face, but if this was just a regular dream, Steven would’ve been gone with his imagination doing all the work. “I want to go but I don’t know what Steven would feel.”

“We don’t blame Steven for leaving, but it was bound for him to come back.” Pearl walked up to Craig. “We didn’t expect you out of all the people who would make it possible.”

“Since he left, we thought he would come back years down the line. But not after a few months.” Amethyst also walked up.

“But once I tell him about this, he’s gonna have to deal with my parents, who won’t even allow him to take me.” Craig then sighed, knowing there’s more going on outside of his dream. “If they find out about Bluebird…I’ll never ever go to Beach City.”

“Don’t bring that down between you and your parents.” Garnet replied. “Xavier is responsible for it, not you or Steven.”

“You know he wants to go to this place…and also Homeworld?”

“Yes but at the end of the day, he’s a kid with no real power. But there’s a way to defeat Bluebird. Fuse into Steven.”

“He tried to…but we got interrupted.”

“You still have your chance. It may not happen tomorrow, or the next day. But you will fuse with Steven.” Garnet then used her hand to get a spare of magical shades. “I see the future in the real world.”

“Only because of my pink visions?”

“Yes and know this.” She placed her hands on Craig’s arms. “We enjoy seeing new fusions when Steven fuses with us.”

“So many possibilities happen when a new fusion happens.” Pearl commented.

“And how awesome it’ll feel.” Amethyst added.

Craig wished the fusion happened yesterday when he had the chance. But if the time is right, it has to be in good use. “You did say that Steven has unfinished business, just like I do with him.”

“Then you have unfinished business with us when you have your next dream.” Garnet kissed Craig’s forehead with sparks on it. Craig’s surroundings bathed in a pink hue, getting a future vision thanks to Garnet. He saw Bluebird flying towards him but with Steven next to him. He took his hand as they glowed. The only thing he saw before it ended was his hands and his height got taller.

He woke up from his dream with his eyes back to normal. He slowly got up, turning around with Bluebird still guarding. He couldn't believe his mind allowed him to have dreams with The Crystal Gems, but it was useful. When Bluebird was about to attack in his future vision, it was in the creek, not the forest of Beach City. He sat on the ground, not uttering a word, with a possibility he may not have to wait tomorrow if the time is today, with the fusion potentially sending him free outside of Bluebird’s lockdown.

“Let’s see if misery is your term of victory Bluebird! Same goes to you Xavier!”

Chapter 32 Belief Fusion

“Craig!” Steven called out, whilst running in the Creek.” Craig!” He then witnessed Jessica and Craig’s friends sitting alone at the Trading Tree. “Jessica!” He walked up to her. “Where’s Craig?”

“When me and my brother arrived in the creek, Ruby and Aquamarine captured him and I don’t know where they are.” Jessica answered.

“She told us what happened and we decided to stay here.” Kelsey filled in.

“We just don’t want to get hurt.” J.P. added.

Steven couldn’t believe his enemies took advantage the moment Craig didn’t escape. “Unbelievable.” He placed his hand on his face. “It’s probably been almost five hours.”

“At least you haven’t spent all day alone.”

“I was making a friend close to my age, Craig’s mom ordered me to.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling them.” Jessica replied. “At least most of the kids you met yesterday understood and moved on when I talked to them about it.”

“It’s hard to go through a day with Steven okay!?” Kelsey reacted.

Steven took a deep breath while trying to stay on topic. He still remembers that Kenneth is Xavier’s brother, but he doesn’t have enough time to save Craig before heading home. Then Maya and her group walked down in the Trading Tree, after telling them her time meeting Steven yesterday. “Steven?” Maya walked up to him from behind.

“Maya?” Steven turned around.

“You’re here, this is perfect!”

“We know where Craig is!” Aggie smiled.

“Really!?” Steven smiled.

“Yes, we'll take you where he’s right now.” Keun Sup commented.

“But…” Maya stopped herself with the biggest downside of it all.

“It's Bluebird, isn’t it?” Steven guessed.

“Yes. Are Connie and Lion coming back?”

“Sorry, I texted Connie and she’s still busy in college.” Steven then looked at the champions of the other side of the creek. This gave him an idea but it’s a risky one to save Craig. “Are you willing to do me a favor?”

“We’ll do what we can.” Aggie responded.

“Can I get my bat, if I can make a run for it?” Maya asked.

“You’re probably gonna be late, but it’ll be worth a shot.” Steven smiled.

“We wanna help too!” Kelsey offered.

“Craig is our friend too.” J.P. added.

“Even if I get my foot hit against another brick wall, I’m doing it for my brother.” Jessica putting her foot down, only to have her foot throb in pain again, with a tear falling from her eye. “But I do need an ice pack.”

Steven closed his eyes, rethinking about the safety of Craig’s friends and sister. But he can’t deny that if he had friends at Craig’s age, especially living a normal life, would do the same thing if he was captured. “Just be careful and whatever you do, follow my lead.”

“No problem.” Kelsey replied. Steven put together his plan with Craig’s friends, sister, Maya and the champions joining in his aid. They rushed to their destination, whilst Maya ran back to get her bat from her place.

Back at the cave, Craig remained seated, still waiting for the future he saw before he woke up. But he didn’t move to make Bluebird feel suspicious, even if she’s not looking at him. He doesn’t know when Steven’s coming but he wouldn’t leave him in lockdown when the day’s over. Outside of the cave, Steven and the others witness the cave.

“He’s in there with Bluebird.” Aggie pointed. “Bluebird will come out if anyone comes in.”

“Okay.” Steven replied. “We just need to set up a diversion for Craig to escape.”

“Can we rescue Craig from the cave?” J.P. asked.

“Yes, but make it quick. Run as fast as you can while we stop Bluebird.”

“Such a blurbed out plan.” Bluebird flew out of her cave, landing on the ground. “Ever heard of whispering Steven?”

“You know this was bound to happen. I can stay here all day if I have to.”

“With this as your rescue party?” Bluebird pointed at his group. “You’re making this way too easy for me.”

Steven crossed his arms, giving Bluebird a serious look. “You’re not the only one who can make strategies ahead of time.”

“Then where’s Maya? Did she run away like a coward? I can give you the benefit of the doubt to come here but not her.”

This caused Steven to smirk, with ego getting the better of Bluebird. “We can’t beat you, but that doesn’t mean we have to.”

Then Keun Sup ran out from the left, throwing small rocks at Bluebird, catching her off guard. “Ahh!”

Then Aggie threw a bigger rock at her, causing her to hit the ground. “Okay you three, go now!” Steven demanded as Jessica, J.P. and Kelsey rushed inside the cave. Steven summoned his shield to keep an eye on Bluebird when she comes back up.

“Craig!” Kelsey called as she and the others appeared.

“Guys.” Craig smiled while picking up his bag.

“Steven, the champions and us are getting you out of here.” Kelsey grabbing his arm. “But we have to go to either my or J.P.’s house!”

“Wait!” Craig stood in place while Jessica pushed him.

“Craig, we could get trapped if we stay here!” She shouted.

“I know.” He turned around. “But I’ve got a better plan. Trust me on this.”

His friends stood in place, while still looking out the entrance with Steven and the others stopping Bluebird after she burst out of her boulder. “This either could be really good or really bad.” J.P. commented.

Outside of the cave, Steven threw his shield at Bluebird to keep her occupied, but it wasn’t enough until Bluebird fought back. “What are you doing in there? Come out!” Aggie shouted.

When Craig and the others got out of the cave, Bluebird took notice as she summoned her cutlass. “I don’t think so!” Just when she’s about to attack, Craig rolls out of the way while his friends and sister stopped by Bluebird, preventing them from getting cut. Craig rushed out of the scene as Aggie threw another boulder but Bluebird moved out of the way. She flew towards Aggie, allowing J.P., Kelsey and Jessica to follow Craig.

“Just keep running, I’ll catch up!” Steven called.

Craig and his group ran as fast as they could to get away from the diversion. “So we’re gonna wait until Steven comes to you!?” Kelsey called. “She’s gonna fly towards us!”

“It’s the only way to stop Bluebird. I just need Steven!”

They ran further enough to hide behind the brushes in the creek, camouflaged from Bluebird’s sight. “You’re really going to do this?” J.P. wondered. “What if someone interrupts like what Connie and Lion did?”

“It won’t.”

“How do you know?” Jessica replied.

“Because I saw it in my dream when my eyes were pink.”

His friends and sister catched on but at the same time, they thought there wasn’t anything more whenever his eyes turned pink. “Are you sure your dream will happen?” Kelsey said.

“Yes. He may help me out but I’m also helping him out, and mostly all of us.” Back on the trail, Steven ran to find Craig after the Champions kept Bluebird occupied. He looked around, but there was no sign of Craig around, slowing down in the process. Then Craig came out of the bushes, getting up behind Steven while poking his back. “Craig?” He turned around to witness Craig. “Craig!? What are you doing? Run!”

“No, Trust me on this.”

“She won’t harm you if you’re not at your place, J.P.’s place-”

“Steven!” Craig shouted. “Please, I promise you it’s gonna get rid of Bluebird.”

“Then please make it quick.”

Craig took a deep breath to let out the truth. “I had a dream where Garnet kissed my forehead where I saw the future of us fusing.”

“You mean…for real?”

“It felt real in my dream, just not outside of it, but this will work.”

“You think this is a good time for it?”

“It’s the only way, I’ll remind you later about my dream.”

“Craig!” Bluebird flew up in the sky. “I’m coming after you! Same goes to your friends who interfered!” When she saw Steven and Craig out in the open, she immediately flew down over the trail, launching her attack with her cutlass in her hand.

Craig took Steven’s hand as he closed his eyes. He hoped his eyes would turn pink, but it’s not working. Steven also closed his eyes to make the fusion work; however in the state he’s in now, he couldn’t control it unlike yesterday. “It’s not working, Craig!” He reacted.

“Come on, eyes do your thing!” Craig stumped. Bluebird is in full target of Steven and Craig but Craig didn’t move. Steven needed to move, but his trust in Craig is put to the test. Then thankfully, Craig’s eyes turned pink just in time as he opened them with Bluebird coming close. Thus, Steven and Craig’s bodies glowed, catching Bluebird by notice as she stopped. Craig’s friends and sister witness the glow upon getting up.

Bluebird slightly flew back from the fusion in front of her. “They’re really doing it!?” She flinched.

The height of the fusion got taller as the glow died down. Steven and Craig opened their eyes, with their eyes glowing pink. Their hairdo is just like Steven’s but their skin is black, just like Craig’s. Their clothes were fused with a hoodie and coat combined while Craig’s bag got bigger and pinker.

“Oh…my…stars!” Bluebird reacted.

The fusion looked at Bluebird while making a grin. “You think you’re gonna put this buddy in lockdown?” He taunted.

“Uhhh…”

“My name is Straig Williverse.” Straig leaned down. “I’m giving you a chance to forfeit, or we’re doing it the hard way.”

Bluebird groaned with the disadvantage she’s in against the new fusion. “I’m not a coward! You don’t even know what powers you have!”

“Like you for the first time?”

“Ohhh, burn!” J.P. taunted.

“Then show it to me! Fusion up! Williverse!”

Straig unzipped his bag, revealing a shield in the same shape Steven used, but it was a lot more powerful and much bigger. Then he took out a staff that Craig uses in the creek, but it’s not made out of wood. It’s made out of ancient stone while the diamond Craig placed on it. But thanks to the fusion, it’s solid proof with sparkles coming out.

He then put the two together with the bottom of the shield inserted with the diamond. The weapon sparked thanks to the diamond as Straig pointed it at Bluebird. He held onto the staff tightly while the magic of the shield charged.

His shield launched from the staff, colliding with Bluebird at full force and speed. “Woow.” Jessica commented.

“How am I gonna get Connie to fuse with me?” Kelsey added.

“I have no idea.” J.P. added.

Bluebird flew past the champions, who tried to stop her when she flew up earlier. She impacted the tree as the shield magic dissolved, thus causing Ruby and Aquamarine to de-fuse.

“Ugh!” Ruby landed on the grass.

“Ugh!” Aquamarine added. “He’s stronger than us!”

“Xavier’s not gonna be happy when we tell him about this.”

Then Maya appeared with a steel baseball bat. “I got this!” She picked up Ruby, lifted her up in the air and hit her with her bat. Ruby got launched in the air, farther enough to be out of the creek. Maya picked up Aquamarine and did the same thing as the threats are no longer in sight. “Out of the creek!” She cheered. “A bit late, but still struck the final blow.” She took out her water bottle to take a drink. Little did she know, Straig walked up to her from behind with his shadow blocking her sunlight.

When she turned around, her eyes shot open while spitting out water in the process. “Oh my gosh!” She reacted.

“Calm down, I’m not gonna hurt you.” He responded.

“Who the heck are you!?” She lifted her baseball bat up.

“He’s Steven and Craig in a fusion of Straig Williverse.” Kelsey walked up next to Straig. “But I’m still surprised you two pulled it off.”

Aggie walked up to him face to face with her being shorter and weaker than him. “This looks way better than I imagined.”

“I would be killed if I got into a fight with you.” Maya walked up to the fusion.

“You didn’t even see what he’s really capable of.” Jessica commented. “I saw the whole thing.”

“You’re too late to see it, but I’m not doing a demonstration.” Straig responded. “So let’s keep it that way.”

“Yeah, I’m fine with it.” Maya lowered her bat.

“And honestly, I need to get home now.”

“So how are you going to de-fuse?” Kelsey wondered.

“I don’t know. There are ways to de-fuse so-” Then Straig glowed, catching everyone’s attention as Steven and Craig landed on the ground.

“What happened?” Jessica wondered.

Craig blinked while getting a headache. “My pink eyes stopped working.” He responded. “I guess that must be why.”

Steven got on his feet while straightening his coat. “It’s a work in progress, just like when I fused with Connie for the first time.”

“Well at least whenever my eyes turn pink, we can fuse when we get the chance.”

“That’s something we're gonna have to work on.”

“At least everything worked out.” Jessica replied. “Should we keep this to ourselves from our parents?”

“Big time. I still need to let Nicole know about the friend I made today.”

“Well, since I have my bat, I’m gonna do some baseball practice.” Maya commented. “You’re gonna be here tomorrow?”

“I don’t know about that. I’m gonna have a meeting with my friend tonight at his place. I might do something with him tomorrow.”

The kids were disappointed that they might miss another day with Steven. Craig may have had a dreadful day being in lockdown, but if Steven’s willing to spend another day with his new friend, it’s best to stay at his place or at J.P. or Kelsey’s place. “Do your own thing with your friend.” Craig smiled. “I’ll make sure I don’t get captured again if Ruby and Aquamarine come back.”

“Actually Craig,” Steven looked down at him. “I want you to join in my meeting.”

“Okay, it’ll be nice to meet your friend.”

Steven bit his lip, knowing Craig’s not gonna like the truth. “We should focus on the dream you had after I’m done with your mom, okay?”

Craig nearly forgot about the dream he wanted to tell Steven. “Oh…yeah.” Craig scratched on the back of his head. “I’m just gonna say-”

Steven gave Craig a stop signal with his hand. “Not here, okay? I’m still thinking about how Garnet did that in a dream.”

Craig kept his words to himself as he, Steven and Jessica headed back to their place. They’re thankful they reunited before it was too late but they have a lot to catch up on with each other. But once Steven gets the full story of Craig’s dream, he doesn’t know how to explain it if the Gems in the real world hear about it.

[ghiessa]

undefined

Yuve Yuve Yu

[per-the-jellicle-magician]

Garnet Williams as Bombalurina during curtain call at yesterday's dress rehearsal of Cats: the Jellice Ball aka Cats PAC NYC

[mandareeboo]

Title: My life was kinda short, but I got so many blessings

Summary: A drabble an episode keeps the writer engaged. One peek into Steven’s life per episode; season four edition!

Excerpt:

"What kind of Gem was it?" Peridot asks on the walk home. It suddenly occurs to her that she should probably know these things. That these were, intrinsically, Gems. Corruption was such a new concept for her; these hulking, monstrous beings that used to be fully functional Gems horrified her still. She didn't know how the others could casually fight them. She still wasn't sure how she had casually fought it. It hadn't felt like fighting a Gem. It'd felt like fighting a dingo over her limb enhancer. Steven clicks his tongue and slowly shrugs. "I, uh, I don't know? The Gems don't tell me these things. Or maybe they just don't know?" Peridot touched her forehead. "It was shaped like a Zircon. But why would a lawyer be on Earth?" "To hold Rose Quartz's trial," Steven deduces. "It- it feels wrong. Guessing like this." It did. It felt like rewriting the history of a stranger. But Peridot would stare up at the Gem in the barn that night, trying to decipher who she could've been if not for the Diamonds.

Season 4! From Kindergarten Kid to I Am My Mom, we've got twenty four drabbles chock full of fun! Including old men getting confused by the concept of fusion, various stages of PTSD, Andy Demayo being a chill guy, and lots more!

Commissions Are Open! || Ko-fi

[thekimspoblog]

This blog's main blorbos:

Kim Wexler: She needs a sequel!!!

Jimmy McGill: He's just Ken.

William Delos: "I can fix him" becomes very literal.

Dolores Abernathy: 10/10 girlboss. Got to see her revolution through to the end. Morally gray in a way that didn't feel like centrism pulling its punches. No notes. Please teach Kim how to shoot a gun.

Love Quinn: She deserved so much better. A single episode of hearing her unhinged internal monologue was insufficient. I wish she had killed Joe and been the POV for Season 4. Kim's frenemy.

Rose Quartz: A crusader who puts all her friends and family on the line for the "greater good"? If you haven't noticed the theme yet, this is very much a "support women's wrongs" kind of blog.

Ruby+Sapphire/Garnet: She should be Jimmy and Kim's marriage counselor. She should be EVERY ship's marriage counselor!

Elphaba Thropp: Same appeal as Rose Quartz. But she also beat a white supremacist to death with a broom once. That gets her extra points.

Pearl X: Not a star. But a solid addition to the chorus.

Peter (Leigh) Graham: Where do we go from here? The little free will he had has been crushed by a family legacy, and he's the only one left to carry on. These creeps think he's a god; he's just the same scared teenage boy he's always been.

Wheatley: Doesn't really fit in with my current fandoms. But I still love him.

Audrey II: Did I mention I love Faustian bargains?

The Angel of Crockett Island: Did I mention I love Faustian bargains?

Hippolyta Freeman: Actual best-written female character on tv in the past 10 years. Seriously, I love Kim but calling her "best character" is antifeminist, when we have characters like Hippolyta who are getting overlooked.

Letitia Lewis: She's flighty. She doesn't get along with her sister. She likes scifi and mystery. She doesn't resist the call to adventure. She gets knocked up by her sweetheart as the result of magical shenanigans. And by the end, she's one of the few remaining characters who knows how to cast spells. If I was a character in "Lovecraft Country", I'd like to think I'd be Letti. Just please... anyone but Christina!

Adelaide Thomas: I still don't feel like I fully understand this character. But her story speaks to me on a profound level.

Clara Saburova: Has a lot of Elphaba's same "benevolent misanthrope" witchy energy. Not only can she break the fourth wall; I'm pretty sure she knows how to use console commands. Send her off to America to study THE LAW.

Nadia Vulvokov: Misc. failwoman archetype

Oksana Astankova: Misc. failwoman archetype

Judy Gemstone: Misc. failwoman archetype

Sally Reed: Speedrunning these "blonde crime-drama love-interest" tropes.

Dee Reynolds: Misc. failwoman archetype

Turanga Leela: Ponytail? Check! Exposed biceps? Check! Schlub she does care about but she's mostly just keeping around for sex? Check! Confidence exceeding competence? Check! Back and ready for more punching stuff, Ma'am!

Carmella Soprano: Supra.

Skyler White: Res Ipsa.

Daenerys Targaryen: ⚠⚠ Construction Site! Do Not Enter! ⚠⚠ We are still waiting on the autopsy reports. But man, she left a CRATER when she fell off.

Bella Swan: Basically the drip-pan for everything above her.

[regalityandcoffee]

William Regal x OC SFW Headcanons Alphabet

Summary: These are set after William finally confesses to Garnet, his best friend of almost twenty years of how much and how long he's been in love with her. They're together now!!!!!

This SFW Alphabet was tweaked into one better suited for couple talk by @kayfabebabe !!!!!!!

A = Affection (Who shows affection more? How do they show affection?)

Oh, Garnet definitely shows more affection towards Will, not because Will doesn't like to but because he's terrified to. He's been yearning for her for so long and is still baffled by the fact he's allowed to kiss her on the lips. They've always hugged and he's always given each other kisses on the cheek or forehead, but he's still getting used to holding her. She makes many of the first moves when initiating intimacy until he's brave enough to do more.

B = Birthday (What do they give each other for their birthday? How do they celebrate?)

Will's never liked to celebrate his birthday, he's just never thought it was a big deal. It's not a fear of getting older, he's proud of his age. He just never cared about it that much. Garnet on the other hand makes a big deal of it. She always gets him to call out so she can take him to do things he likes, like go to the zoo or a small music festival, then takes him to dinner for a nice steak. She knows how much she loves a good steak.

Alternatively, Will treats her birthday like a national holiday. He plans his gift months in advance, he clears a day for in his schedule. Everyone close to him knows not to page or call him or her on her birthday. It's one of his favorite days of the year, getting to spoil her for a whole day.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Will was never much of a cuddler until he met Garnet, who's the most affectionate person he knows. She practically greets him with a bear hug and kisses every time they're together, especially when they've been apart for a long time. Now he loves to cuddle.

He also takes every opportunity he can now to kiss her. On the cheek, the forehead, her lips, her neck...

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Oh, definitely. They're both retired, and Deondra is an adult now and almost done with college. They're both trying to stay and help in the wrestling industry for as long as they still can, but other than that they're as settled as can possibly be.

Besides that, William swears up and down Garnet is a four star chef. He loves everything she makes and takes as many notes as possible from her. She's the one who taught him everything she knows about spices and even how to barbecue. (He's been dragged to more than one cookout with her and forced to help out.)

He's gotten way better at baking, not only because he loves it but because he gets to see Garnet and Deondra light up whenever he brings over pastries.

..he's also gotten used to being woken up on Sundays to cook and eat a big breakfast then clean around the house. They sing and dance together the whole time, and she teasesbhim for how many Anita Baker songs he knows.

E = Ending (If they had to break up, how would it happen?)

Not an option. He's wanted her for years, and once he finally tells her she just thinks about all the years that's been wasted when he was right in front of her.

They're going to be together for life.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? Would they ever get married?)

They'd most likely get married maybe a year after they get together. They've loved each other for years, they don't need any more of a dating period than that. They've loved each other for years. They would try to keep the ceremony itself small, but then again, there are A LOT of people who want to see them finally tie the knot.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they? When are they gentle with each other?)

Garnet Evans is the only person Will has ever known who's treated him with any sort of delicacy. Even Robbie doesn't talk to him as softly as she does. when he's overwhelmed or upset she'll take his face in her hands and the world just stops while he's looking into her eyes, and he's able to tell her what's on his mind.

As strong as he knows she is, physically and mentally, William has always been worried about Garnet. Sometimes when the stress of being a single mother and her career weighed on her, he was always there to hold her hands in his and sit down and talk, just let her vent or cry, whatever she needed, and nothing has really changed.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? What are their hugs like?)

As much as he thinks he's bad at it, Will give the best hugs in the world and Garnet loves him for it. He also loves being hugged by her, though she almost squeezes the life out of him sometimes. Sometimes they'll spend hours in bed or on the couch just cuddled together, talking about everything and nothing at all. Most of the times she's laying on top of him, her head against his chest.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word? Who says it first?)

They've been saying "I love you" to each other for almost twenty years, far before they finally confessed their feelings for each other. But Will is the one who said it first and meant it with all the passion and in the world, tearfully, in her dark living room after bottling it up for years. And to his surprise and joy, she says it back.

And keeps saying it.

J = Jealousy (Do they ever get jealous? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Before he told her the truth, it was less that Will was jealous of Garnet's partners but would just hit with an overwhelming wave of sadness.(He was always happy for her, as critical as he was of them.)Now that he had her that sadness has been replaced with the occasional fear that one day she'll think their relationship is a mistake. He's learned to be more up front with his feelings, and when he tells her this he's met with nothing but reassurance that he's the man of her dreams.

When Garnet set up Will with Layla, she always had this weird pit in her stomach and never figured out what it was until years later. It was envy. She thought she was envious because at the time she was single and hadn't been in a long-term relationship in a while, but the more she looks back on it she realized she wished it was her that happy with him. Now that she's with him she knows she never has to feel that again.

They're hopelessly in love with each other.

K = Kiss (When was their first kiss? Who initiated it?)

Their first kiss happened almost twenty years after they met, cuddled up on the couch months after Garnet divorces her ex and can finally spend time around each other again. One thing leads to another, Will finally (tearfully) confesses he's liked her for years and just couldn't bring himself to say anything.

After calming him down she gives him a small kiss that turns into making out until they fall asleep together.

L = Little ones (Do they want to have kids?)

They kind of already have a daughter: Deondra. She was born out of a pretty decent relationship but her Dad and Garnet never got married, and since he's always been in her life Dee's always kind of considered William her step-dad anyway(even though he's her godfather) and he's been one of her emergency contacts for years.

Once Garnet and Will finally get married nothing really changes.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent together?)

It depends on the day, most are forcing each other out of bed so they can get to work on time, quickly fixing the other's breakfast and driving to Full Sail together. But on the weekends when they have time to relax, they spend as much time in bed as they can wrapped up in each other, just watching TV. (As old as they both are, they still adore Saturday morning cartoons.)

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they have any secrets from each other?)

N = Night (How are nights spent together?)

At night they cook together if they don't order out, tend to each other's aches and pains (Will melts whenever Garnet gives him a back rub), and snuggle up together in bed.

The only secret Will has ever kept from Garnet is that he was in love with her and the only secret Garnet keeps from Will is that she doesn't really like soccer. (She still doesn't have the heart to tell him so they still watch games together, though he falls asleep during a lot of them.)

P = Patience (What are their arguments like? Do they argue a lot?)

They rarely argue, it's usually Will hiding his feelings and Garnet has to coax it out of him because he thinks whatever he's upset about it stupid and he doesn't want to bother her.

Q = Quizzes (Do they remember every little detail about each other or do they kind of forget everything?)

They know everything about each other there is to know!

R = Remember (What is their favourite moment of their relationship?)

Definitely their wedding day.

S = Security (How protective are they? When have they been protective in the past?)

Ask anyone backstage when they were both on RAW together and they'll tell you how many guys were scared to flirt with Garnet because of Will, either because they thought the two were already a couple or because he was basically her bodyguard, even though he knew damn well she could take care of herself. Tall, strong and very confident as she is he's always thought she was too trusting. He was never much of a party guy, but would drag himself to clubs with her just to keep her safe. Nowadays the only thing he has to protect her from is accidents in the kitchen or overworking herself during training sessions.

It's less that Garnet had to protect Will, it's more that she had to drag him away to keep him out of trouble. When he was younger his snarky attitude and temper would get him into a LOT of trouble, so she got used to stopping fights before they started by dragging him off to cool down.

Nowadays the only thing she has to protect him from are cocky up-and-coming heels and papercuts.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

On dates and anniverseries , they both try their best to not go overboard but they keep failing, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. Big bouquets, bozes of candy, etc. They both know everything about each other, so when it comes to gifts they always give each other the perfect one, even if the other had only mentioned it once or just glanced at it in the mall while walking together.

When it comes to everday tasks they dote on each other constantly. Sometimes Will will pop into Garnet's training sessions with her favorite coffee and pastries during breaks and pop right back out (much to her class's surprise). Often they eat lunch together in his office while discussing how their day has been like, and what they plan to do once they get home.

U = Ugly (What habit of the other do they each hate?)

Garnet can't stand how Will has a habit of overworking himself burying his feelings, and Will can't stand how Garnet tries to gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.

She doesn't want him to run himself into the ground, he doesn't want her to get stepped on or hurt. Both of their irks of each other are out of concern and love.

V = Vacation (What vacations have they taken together? What are their memories of that?)

Their first vacation as a couple is to Blackpool for Christmas. Since it was winter break at her college, Deondra was able to come along with them. they went ice-skating, to Pleasure Beach with Robbie and Xia, and the two of them spent a whole day in their hotel room...um, playing parcheesi.

W = Weird (What is their favourite quirk of the other person?)

Garnet, although she's terrified of snakes has always loved Will's passion for reptiles. She could listen to him talk about lizards for hours.

William's favourite quirk of Garnet however is a bit stranger. For years, whenever she's thinking hard or trying to remember something she twitches her nose. He finds it adorable. Sometimes he calls her 'Samantha Stevens' for it, which gets him a playful slap on the arm.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

William is a hit on Garnet's side of the family. One Summer he was on a break and had nothing else going on so she dragged him to a family reunion. At first, everyone thought he was her boyfriend, especially since he was carrying Deondra around and was pushing her on the swings before she pulled him over to be introduced to everyone. Garnet's sister, Pearl, catches him singing along to "Candy Rain" and drags him to dance with her in the gazebo. Besides that, he tells the corniest dad jokes that get a laugh out of everyone.

From then on he's kind of an Honorary Evans and everyone's happy when they finally get married.

Y = Yearning (What were their feelings for each other before dating? Did they have a crush?)

Oh dear. William's been in love with Garnet on and off (mostly on) for almost twenty years. Besides Robbie, he's never felt closer to a person in his entire life but buried it deep down, especially when she got married. Then the divorce happened,  and literally everyone he knew was trying to get him to finally confess. One thing led to another and it finally happened

Garnet's thought about it for years. Who's stuck by her side for almost twenty years? Will. Who's the godparent to her daughter and helped her through her divorce? Will. She's always found him attractive, she's always loved him, it just took her a long ass time to realize it wasn't necessarily in a platonic way.

Z = Zzz (What are their sleep habits?)

Garnet likes to sleep snuggled up as close to William as possible. They're both average sleepers it doesn't take much to wake them up. She sleeps with a bonnet on, and if she falls asleep before he does or he wakes up in the middle of the night he always makes sure to pull it back in place when he sees it slipping. He snores in his sleep sometimes, especially when he's laying on his back, but she doesn't mind. Will usually sleeps in a t-shirt and shorts, and Garnet usually sleeps in a nighty or just a big t-shirt she probably stole from his closet.

...

Her favorite is the red Motörhead one.

[ghostlyarchaeologist]

The Ark S02E09 Cycle of Violence.

[betterbooksandthings]

"Searching for the best romance book series to devour can be a difficult task. There are so many authors with deep catalogs. You want to be sure you are starting a series that will deliver each time. Luckily, I’ve done all the hard work for you. Here are 25 of the best romance book series for you to read immediately.

As a bit of background, romance takes an interconnecting universe approach to book series. While there are plenty of standalone romance books, many authors write series where each book focuses on a different couple. Sometimes the books go through a family until each member has a partner. Other times the books jump through a friend group or workplace. Nevertheless, romance trains readers to find the background characters in an initial book that they ship in a featured book. These webs of love support romance readers who like inhabiting familiar worlds. I, for one, enjoy the ability to get to know characters from prior books even better."

[tiaramania]

Did you catch what rings Catherine is wearing in the various shots of the latest video? I’m interested if the ruby “promise ring” in particular shows up again.

Alright let's talk rings!

Birthstone Ring

The Princess of Wales started wearing this ring during university and it has been speculated that it was a gift from Prince William but never confirmed. The ring is a gold band set with garnets and pearls which you guessed it - are William and Catherine's birthstones. The last time it was worn publicly was 2013 and she always wears it on her middle finger not her ring finger. I don't remember it being called a promise ring back when they were dating but now when I look it up all of the magazines and entertainment news sites call it that. I guess calling it a promise ring grabs more attention.

Diamond Eternity Ring

In 2014, Kate added a diamond eternity band to her engagement and wedding rings. It is the Eclipse Diamond Eternity Ring by Annoushka which features diamonds set in white gold. The ring has been speculated but again never confirmed to be a gift from William to mark the birth of their first child the year before.

New Mystery Ring

In August, she debuted a new eternity style ring in a video congratulating the returning British Olympians and then wore it again for the video announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment. There has been a lot of speculation about this ring and what it means. It seems to be worn in place of her sapphire engagement ring so my best guess is that the ring is set with diamonds and sapphires. As for meaning it's probably nothing deeper than her engagement ring being ginormous and wanting a more comfortable one to wear sometimes. I know a ring of that size would get on my nerves constantly.

There also looks to be a fourth ring in the stack now on the outside edge. The order is gold wedding ring, new mystery ring, diamond eternity ring, and new small ring. I'd like to get a better look at it but it could be nothing more than an guard ring meant to keep the others from slipping off.

[homiesexual-or-homosexual]

King! Eddie Munson but w/ dragons

Pairing: King!Eddie Munson x Princess!reader

Warnings: Eddie is 21 and the reader is somewhere between 18-19, hopefully it's proofread enough, my first 5k I think, very very slowburn, like one creepy old man, a spoiled prince, you get slapped (not by Eddie), your dad and brothers are kinda eh, if I missed any then let me know

Word Count: 5k

Summary: You're of age now and your kingdoms throws a Choosing of the Suitors for you. On day one, a certain king catches your eye.

———

You sat on the far right side of the five thrones. Your mother and father in the middle, both of your older brothers on either side of them, and you on the far right side (if you were to face the thrones). A large dog-sized white dragon with blue undertones lounged across the top of your throne, eyeing the large crowd below with light yellow eyes. Its tail swayed, catching on the frills of your long sleeves.

You were dressed in one of your best dresses, hair done, and subtle makeup on your face. To mimic your big dragon, your dress was white with pastel lilac highlights, an add-on in honor of your favorite color.

You tried your best to sit up right, you really did, but today’s occasion just couldn’t grasp your full attention. You were Of Age now. Suitors of nearby kingdoms and far-off allies were brought to your father’s kingdom and displayed to you by their parents or executives, which were often older siblings, personal knights, or other older family members that were highly respected. But the suitors were either men that were too old for you, way too young for you, or something about them would throw you off if they were in your age group. You scanned over those in your age group, taking in characteristics but mostly how they watched you. Some looked as bored as you felt, but most looked at you with ill intent, never quite meeting your eyes. Your little dragon huffed and puffed at the men, which was your key indicator of which of them not to expect much out of.

You watch the announcer at the bottom of the steps announce the next suitor. You watch as a king and queen guide a boy about your age up the steps and stop on the third step down from the thrones.

“Good evening King Aven and Queen Victoria,” the king of the Morning Hills greeted. “I present my only son, William Hill. He has come of age, just like your princess. As your closest ally, I believe this will bring us even closer.”

Your presented suitor was a tall blond, his hair brushed back and his ice blue eyes scanned over you. He was rather fit, but still, just like others, nothing about him caught your eye.

“Oh yes, King Charles,” Your father spoke. “We are glad you’ve decided to present your recent Of Age son, and we will gladly consider him amongst the others.”

You knew what that meant. It meant that William Hill of Morning Hills was going to be the top most considered suitor of this week, as the Presentation of the Suitors usually lasted all week.

You and your little dragon huffed as you leaned an elbow on the arm of your little throne and smushed your cheek into your fist. You crossed your ankles and stared into the crowd, watching as castle staff brought in tables that surrounded the perimeters of the throne room so that when dinner was ready, everyone sat in the same room.

Four more suitors went by, none catching your eye. Until the fifth.

An older man, maybe in his late forties or early fifties and dressed in black and garnet formal wear led a boy, about your age, up the stairs.

The boy was dressed in king wear, black and garnet colored like the older man. A simple jeweled crown atop his head. A chain necklace adorned his neck, as did thick rings on both of his hands. He had long, dark, curly hair and dark chocolate eyes that seemed to pull you in like tar. He met your eyes, the first man to do so. He gave you and small wave, and you one back.

“Executive Wayne Munson,” The older man spoke. “Of the Mordor Kingdom. I present my nephew, King Edward Munson, son of King Munson. He became king at 17 years of age and is currently 20 years of age. I know things between our kingdoms have been tense in the past, but we hope to renew the trust between our two kingdoms.”

You look at your parents and brothers. They look tense.

Surely this kind looking boy can’t be the son of King Munson. The king that almost caused multiple wars and has killed many dragons in his reign of terror.

“Why aren’t you King, Wayne Munson?” Your father asked. “When you had the opportunity? Why allow a 17 year old kid to become king?”

“He was King Munson’s hier. Rightful to the throne,” Wayne Munson answered. “I would not be fit to be King. And I believed King Edward Munson would’ve done great things for our kingdom, as he has done and is doing currently.”

“Do you have your own dragon, King Edward Munson?” You father turned his attention to the boy, who’s been quietly observing you.

The boy, King Edward Munson, turned his attention to your parents, “King Munson, please.”

Your father stared him down, and King Munson only stared back with a small, sincere small on his face. It took a few seconds before your father nodded and muttered a “King Munson.”

“And I do,” King Munson answered.

“What kind?” You father pressed.

“A big red one,” The king answered. “I’ve raised him from an egg and he’s grown mighty big since then. As you might know, the Mordor Kingdom is known for our rather large dragons.”

Your father hummed, “And your kingdom?”

“Yes,” King Munson nodded. “We’ve replenished our dragon population and as well as have grown the wealth of my people. People live well and have what they need and want. My common folk are wealthy enough for a family of four and a dragon or two. We’ve opened our trades if you would like to discuss that further in the future.”

“Let’s just focus on the princess here,” Your father redirected the boy.

King Munson’s eyes drifted to you and he smiled, “Yes, let’s. I hope she will consider me. I welcome her with open arms and open doors.”

Your father nodded and waved them away. The announcer at the bottom of the steps was already guiding up another suitor and his parents. But you can’t take your eyes from King Munson. You follow his frame as he and his uncle settle at one of the large tables off on the left side of the room, easily in eyesight of you.

Your brother kicks your leg. You glare at him, before looking back at the present suitor. You huff and slouch back down, still stealing looks at your highly considered suitor.

Fifteen more suitors go by. Announcing their families, kingdoms, and whatnot. But none more catch you eyes. And soon, it’s dinner time. Castle staff bring in another table and sit it at the bottom of the stairs to the thrones and set the table.

Kitchen staff come out and line the tables with fresh meat, fruits, bread, and wines.

Your family makes your way down to your table, with your baby dragon at your side. You fill your plate with chicken slices, fruit pieces, and bread. Your wine is filled. You wait until your family’s four executives fill in the empty seats at your table to eat. Your father and mother sit on opposites heads, one brother for each parent and you sit by your father. You dig in once everyone is sat, tuning out the conversation at the table.

You notice your baby dragon is antsy, looking at the tables. You nudge him and give him the go-ahead. He scrambles and off and under the tables and you watched the faces of executives and suitors as your dragon passed over their feet. It’s your personal test of the suitors and a test of the dragons. Whomever treats your dragon best will allow you to be able to tell which suitors to consider and which to toss to the dragon’s pit.

You’re brought out of your survey by a hand on your thigh. You look who it is and it’s your father’s oldest and most trusted executive. You scrunch your nose and pull your leg away.

“No matter who you’re married off to,” He starts. “You’ll always be our little girl.”

You cross your legs and pull away more. You bring your attention back to the suitors, seeing the faces of those your dragon passed by. They were looking at you with multitudes of expressions but most whispering and gossiping to their parents. You went down the tables, seeing who your dragon was at now and it brought you to King Munson and his uncle. A little white head was peaking out from under the table and between his legs. King Munson seemed surprised but not upset, patting your dragon on the head and giving him small pieces of meat. He looked up at you with a look that was asking a million questions. You shrugged like you had absolutely no idea what was going on and smiled. The King seemed to understand what your plan was and smiled back.

It seems your dragon likes him and that told you everything.

“You need to control that dragon,” The executive from before said, distaste on his tongue.

“You’re luckily we let you keep him,” Your oldest brother sneered from across the table.

“Oh yes. Because we can control who dragons breed with,” You said sarcastically. “I’m not at fault for taking away Tungi’s eggs and handing them off to other people like they were stale pieces of bread.”

“You only got to keep that egg because that dragon of yours severely injured one of my trustee’s,” Your father argued.

“Did he survive?” You asked, eyebrows raised. You already knew the answer.

Your father went quiet because, yes, his trustee survived the wrath of a mother dragon.

“What are you considered suitors, princess?” An executive that sat diagonal from you asked.

“Prince Williams Hill,” Your father answered.

“And King Munson,” You added.

The table went quiet.

“He is a tyrant’s son!” Your brother barked. “His father had caused many wars and many losses. It was his choice to separate from the United Kings!”

“And our choice to drive him farther away,” You added on. “And his son, King Munson, wants to reinforce the ties and open trades! And I think it’s a grand idea! And so far, he’s been the only suitor to look me in the eyes and nowhere else, and actually address me when presenting himself!”

“Our concerns should be with allies, not what you want!” Your father growled.

“King Munson is a chance to reconnect with a past ally,” You pointed out. “So I am thinking of your allies!”

Your table went quiet and the horns of announcement broke the tension.

You looked and saw a Castle Staff in the middle of the room.

“As dinner comes to a close, we will start the Dance of the Suitors,” the man announced. “Suitors may find this as a chance to dance with the princess. Those who wait to have a turn will be given a lady to dance with!”

Tens of ladies walk in from the doors and file into the center of the room.

“Each dance will last for 15 minutes and in total for two and a half hours,” The announcer made his way out of the crowd. “Start!”

Just as you got up, your baby dragon, Alioth, scampered over. You told him to go back up to your throne and gave him a little piece of watermelon as a treat for being so good. You watched as he crawled up and onto your throne, happily open-mouthed chewing the fruit as he settled to watch you on the floor. Your family settled in their thrones soon after.

You turned and bumped into someone. You went to apologize but noticed it was William Hill. You noticed how his eyes hurriedly switched from your bosom to your eyes.

“Want to dance?” He held out a hand.

You held in a sigh and took it.

William lead you to the dance floor and walked you along to the sound of the orchestra playing in the corner. He placed his free hand on your hip and kept hold your hand in his other. His hand on your waist was too low for comfort so you adjusted. Then it was too high, his thumb brushing under your breast. So you moved it back down, and it was still too low. You just sighed and settled for that.

“Your little pet paid me a visit,” William noted.

“Oh yes,” You acted like your forgot. “Sometimes it’s so hard to control baby dragons.”

“I remember those days with mine,” William sighed dreamily. “They didn’t last long though.”

You knew that. You’ve seen the way he treats his dragon. You’re surprised he hasn’t been eaten by now.

“I’m luckily to be your future husband,” William told you like he was already for certain to be your future spouse. “I just know you will give me many children. We will just fill up the castle because of how many you will have.”

You scrunched your nose and took a step back to separate yourself from the blond boy, but he took two steps forward, smushing your chests together. He looked down and smiled, but not warmly. You huffed in response, looking out into the surrounding crowd to see if you could see King Munson.

“Looking for someone?” William asked.

Before you could answer the horn blew to signal to switch partners. And you gladly did.

Your next conversation didn’t go much better than William, and neither were their hands.

You went round and round and your head felt dizzy and your lungs felt heavy. Your feet hurt and all noise seemed to mush together by the end of the last 30 minutes. When the last horn to switch rang, you accidentally bumped into your last partner. It woke you from your daze and you apologized profusely, but your rambling was cut short when you realized who you bumped into.

King Munson stood in front of you. He was so much taller and broader up close. He was so intimidating and so inviting at the same time. His curly hair was slightly frizzy from the day’s events and he had freckles dotting his cheeks. His eyes weren’t a dark brown, almost black like you thought before but a warm umber color, but they pulled you in all the same. His gaze was kind and apologetic. It must’ve been the opposite of yours, all wide-eyed and surprised.

“Sorry about that,” King Munson apologized, offering a hand.

“No-no! I’m sorry!” You apologized. “I wasn’t watching where I was going. I’ve just been dancing for so long- and I’m rambling, sorry!”

“Don’t be sorry,” King Munson slowly guided your hand into his and settled his hand appropriately on your waist. “It’s been a long two hours and a half.”

He smiled down at you and lead you along to the orchestra that’s been going this whole time. It almost feels like it’s just you two in the room once you get going. His hands feel appreciatively warm and respectful. King Munson’s hands have just the right amount of pressure against your layers of cloth.

“I was visited by a friend earlier,” King Munson starts. “And I assume it doesn’t just have to do with him being a baby dragon?”

He knows. And you smile, a glint in your eye.

“Alioth,” You start. “I sent him on a mission. Whomever he likes, I like. A dragon knows, and thus, do I.”

King Munson laughs, “So any suitors catch your eye?”

“Oh, just this,” You trail off. “Dark, curly haired king that’s adorned with thick rings on his fingers and a chain necklace. He’s pretty handsome. He seems nice too. And I hear he has the largest dragons in all of the United Kingdoms. Now that’s impressive.”

“Oh it’s nothing really, sweetheart,” He smiles again.

Sweetheart.

You blush.

“He seems like some guy, huh?” King Munson pushes gently, trying to catch your eyes.

“And I’m glad to be dancing with him,” You smile.

“And I’m glad to be dancing with you,” King Munson compliments.

The horn to end the dancing sounds out. The crowd disperses almost instantly but it takes you and King Munson a moment to separate, allowing prying eyes to see where the princess has gone.

Everyone goes back to their seats and executives, and you back to your throne. Your brothers and father glare at you. Your mother gives no indication of how she feels. But Alioth greets you with chirps and purrs, his wings flapping excitedly. You all settle as the announcer from before settles on the third step up from the ground floor.

“Tomorrow!” He starts. “Suitors will show what they learned during knighthood to show their strengths and weaknesses. Details will be discussed tomorrow. And tomorrow, a new ritual will be added. The royal family and the princess’s dragon will observe suitors' dragons. As previously stated, details will be discussed tomorrow. Now. Suitors and their executives will be led to their temporary stay rooms where they will stay nightly for the rest of this week. Goodnight to you all and I hope to see you all tomorrow!”

Castle Staff fills the room, leading guests to the visitor wing of the castle. Kitchen staff come to clean the tables, and your personal, and your brothers’ personal, staff come to accompany you to your room.

Once to your room, your ladies undress you and clean you up. They fluff up your bed and bring food for Tungi and Alioth, knowing you’ll feed them once your ladies leave. They bid you goodnight after leaving a plate of fruits for you to snack on and shut your door.

Your rooms takes the highest tower of the castle, the top half modified with stairs and a large open room with a large opening in the wall for your dragons to take off form. Being the princess has its perks.

You make your way to your dragons’ quarters, food in hand. Tungi, a large white dragon with oddly shaped spines that go from the back of her head to the end of her tail, meets you at the top of the stairs. You butt heads with her, reaching up to her horns, that curl in. She purrs as you pull back.

You pour the dragon food on the stone floor and let your dragons eat. You sit with them once their done, leaning against Tungi’s warm body. Soon enough, you’ve fallen asleep with Alioth’s head on your lap.

You wake up to a knock on your bedroom door. It’s just after sunrise. And you remember, how did you get to your bed? You don’t have time to think as your personal ladies come in and usher you from bed. They feed you breakfast as they dress you and brush your hair.

Your ladies don’t dress you in as many layers today. Still dressing you nice, but no corset, and with enough airflow for wind to blow throughout the dress. They do your hair so it won’t be too bothersome today.

As if he senses you up, Alioth comes barreling down from the stairs of the dragons’ quarters. Your ladies laugh at him and feed him some of your breakfast. Afterwards, they lead you out and down to the back courtyard, where the suitors are already practice with dull swords and daggers, but mostly swords. You scan the crowd for King Munson and spot him in a back corner, practice fighting one of your suitors. You settle beside your family under an overhang.

The announcers lets his presence be known as he stands in front of your family.

“Today we will be showing off the strengths of the suitors and what they’ve learned during knighthood. They will be practice with dull swords and other weapons of choosing. We will start with one on one and then switch to groups after ten minutes,” The announcer speaks. “Lest, rules! No harm will be permitted. Any intentional harm towards passive rival with result in immediate termination and sent back home. Yeigh?”

The suitors respond.

“Begin!”

The suitors begin their practice fighting, the clang of swords and grunts of men sounding out. You’re at the perfect angle to see King Munson. He’s obviously had some practice with the sword he’s chosen. He’s precise and an expert at blocking, aware of all parts of his body. He dodges and ducks, pointing out the weak spots in his opponent. You notice that the king has tied his hair back, keeping it from making multiple disadvantages on his end.

You watch a mixture of King Munson and the suitors for the next ten minutes. They’re all good fighters, and you hear your father and brothers praise the men or point out weaknesses. You don’t notice your mother coming to stand beside you until she puts a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“I didn’t get to choose,” She speaks.

You look over at her, surprised.

“But you do,” She pauses to look you in the eyes. “And whomever you choose will be a good one. Any thoughts?”

You look at the fake fighting men again, watching King Munson.

“I like King Munson,” You tell her.

“He seems like a good boy,” Your mother says. “He’ll take great care of you. I can’t say the same for Prince William Hill.”

You nod, agreeing.

A horn blows. The announcers says it’s time to group together in previously selected groups. He pauses and allows the men to get together and then gives the signal to begin.

You watch as King Munson, Prince William Hill, and a third suitor are paired together. They start at the signal, hitting swords to show off their area of perception and the speed of their defensive reflexes. It hits about the five minutes mark before King Munson catches both your and his opponents by surprise.

King Munson pushes both opponents back by two steps. He knocks William Hill’s sword from his hands a few feet away and holds his sword to William’s throat, a forced surrender. Anticipating the third man’s move, King Munson, whirls around and knocks into the man’s wrist which causes him to let go of his sword and drop it. King Munson holds a dagger to the man’s throat. They both surrender and he backs off. He goes to help Prince William off the ground, but the blond boy slaps King Munson’s hand away and lifts himself off the ground.

Before the trio can engaged in more practice fighting, the ending horn goes off. The men put their weapons back where they found them and they’re all filed through the castle and into the front courtyard where the suitor’s dragons have been brought out for observing. The suitors and their executives join their dragons.

You tell Alioth to go get “his mama”, Tungi. You watch him as he flies to your tower and comes back with Tungi. Tungi seems to know what’s going on, as she’s heard you talk about this for a couple months now. She looks around the courtyard.

Your parents and brothers go around the courtyard, conversing with the suitors and their companions, but you don’t move from Tungi as you wait for her to move.

Your dragon looks around and sounds out a purring sound. You hear the other dragons try to match it. After a moment, Tungi locks her target on a dragon. She starts moving, and you and Alioth follow. You look and see she’s heading towards a, rather large, red dragon. His horns twist twice and point back, never lifting above the line of his brow.

You look for the dragon’s companion and find a very familiar curly haired boy. He meets your eyes with a smile and a wave. You wave back, and unable to contain his excitement, Alioth gallops forwards and barrels towards King Munson. The king meets your baby dragon with eagerness and pets him when Alioth crashes into him.

You meet Eddie just beside your dragons.

“Hi,” King Munson greets, smiling with teeth at you.

“Hi,” You say back shyly.

“Princess Y/n,” King Munson’s uncle steps forward. “It’s an honor.”

“Oh no, it’s an honor for me, sir,” You tell him. “I’m glad to hear your kingdom is doing well.”

“Yours as well,” The older man says. “But may I ask, what is this new ritual?”

“Oh yes! A couple other kingdoms do it as well,” You start. “The princess is still able to choose her suitor, but it’s important that her dragon has a say too. So this new ritual allows the princess to either confirm her already chosen suitor, which no one else knows about, or for the princess to filter out some of the existing suitors if she hasn’t made a choice.”

“But I hear this princess already has a choice in mind,” King Munson says.

“Perhaps,” You smile and rock back and forth on your heels. “But that’s me to know and you to find out.”

Just before you can continue your conversation, something warm and large nudges you. You look to the side and is met with a large orange eye with yellow flecks in the iris. The large dragon switches sides so he can look at you from the other side and nudges you again, almost knocking you over.

“Woah, Gourd,” King Munson catches you and gently shoves his dragon away.

Tungi puts her own face down beside Gourd’s and pushes him away, purring gently. Gourd purrs back. Their moment of calm is interrupted by Alioth who jumps up and puts his two front talons on Gourd’s muzzle, chirping up at him and talking with all excitement.

“Gourd?” You look at King Munson.

“Like pumpkins and stuff,” He explains.

“Do you have lots of pumpkins in Mordor?” You ask.

“Lots,” He nods.

You, King Munson, and his executive/Uncle Wayne Munson stand under an overhang for the rest of the afternoon, making small talk and people watching. You also watch how Gourd interacts with Alioth, nudging him around and blowing smoke at the youngling as a form of play.

As the sun sets, it blinds you but only for a moment as it’s blocked. King Munson and Wayne stop talking as you look over, seeing Prince William Hill creating the new shadow. He looks between you three before making eye contact with you.

“Wouldn’t you rather come converse with other suitors, princess?” Prince William asks.

“No, but thank you,” You say. “I prefer to stay with my dragon, and she prefers to stay with King Munson’s dragon. And King Munson and his executive are making lovely conversation at the moment.”

“Wouldn’t you rather consider an ally of your father’s?” Prince William presses. “A close ally. One that is more. . . suitable for you?”

“No,” You shake your head. “But again, thank you for your offer.”

Prince William opens his mouth to say something but is cut off by a horn sounding out throughout the front courtyard.

“Suitors!” The announcer that’s been helping announce and organize for this whole week long event starts. “Time to place your dragons back at the visitor stables and head back towards the dining hall in time for dinner. The royal family will see you there!”

“That is my cue, my princess,” King Munson straightens from leaning on the wall. “I will see you in a few, yes?”

“Yes,” You nod.

King Munson grabs your hand and kisses your knuckles before he and Wayne Munson lead Gourd away and back to the visitor stables. You watch them until they blend into the crowd of people and dragons.

You hadn’t notice Prince William walk away, but you shrug it off and go to meet your family in the middle of the courtyard. You tell them that you’ll bring Tungi and Alioth back to your room and that you’ll see them in the dining hall. You climb Tungi’s arm and up you go on your short journey to the dragon’s quarters above your own. Once there, you praise Tungi for her behavior and that you’ll feed her and Alioth after your dinner. Alioth follows you to the dining room and prances alongside you through the hallways. You get about halfway down the hallway to the dining hall before a hand grabs your wrist and pulls you off to the side and out of the way.

You’re met with disheveled blond hair and sharp blue eyes. Prince William. He still grips your wrist as he pulls you closer. Alioth pulls at his pant leg in an attempt to get Prince William to leave you alone, but the boy just shakes him off.

“What is with you?” The blond all but snarls at you.

“What?” You ask, having no idea what he’s implying as you try to pull away.

“We’re supposed to get married,” Prince William starts. “I’m supposed to be your chosen suitor. I’m supposed to be courting you, and you’re supposed to be all over me and so clung onto me that I can barely stand you by the time it’s our honeymoon.”

“Where do you get that idea? Who’s been telling you that?” You’ve had no news that this Choosing of the Suitors was supposed to end in an arranged marriage, if that’s what Prince William is implying.

“That executive of your father’s,” Prince William answers. “He said no matter what that we would be married and it is up to me to court you so it would end that way. But no matter what I do I can barely get you away from that son of a bastard king!”

You try to pull away again, “King Munson is no bastard’s son and you know that! He is as much of a suitor to me as you are! I just happen to be drawn to him very much because he’s very nice to me!”

“Nice shouldn’t matter!” William yells. “It should be your father’s allies that matter! Which is why this should’ve been an arranged marriage in the first place!!”

“Well I’m sorry for choosing someone that I like very much instead of thinking about my father!!” You yell back.

Your face whips to the side as a hand slaps you harshly on your cheek, making the skin hot and tingly. A gasp is torn from your throat and you’re in too much shock to cradle your cheek. Before either of you can say anything and voice speaks from down the corridor.

“Is there a problem here?”

You look over and it’s King Munson and Wayne Munson. You see King Munson speak some words to his uncle and Wayne walks towards the dining room. He eyes Prince William as he passes and disappears behind the large doors without a word. Steps echo as King Munson walks forward.

“Nothing that I can’t handle,” Prince William answers. “The princess was just out of line for a few moments. She needed to be reminded of who her superiors are.”

King Munson nods and stops just before you two, keeping a barely respectful distance.

“So if you don’t mind-“ the prince is cut off.

“I wasn’t asking you,” King Munson turns his attention towards you and waits for answer.

“No-no, King Munson,” You stutter, submissive under the eyes of the two men. “Just- um. . speaking, is all.”

The king eyes your face, obviously eyeing your reddened cheek. His eyes trail over to your wrist, still tightly grasped in Prince William’s hand. It seems to get tighter when King Munson’s eyes lay upon the connection, making you wince. That doesn’t go unnoticed either. He switches his gaze back to the prince.

“Well, as your superior,” King Munson starts. “I need you to let go of the princess.”

“But you are-“

“The son of a bastard does not make me any less king. And king I am, I am your superior,” King Munson says, threat in his tone. “And if you don’t let go of the princess, I will do it for you.”

“Oh yeah?” Prince William challenges. “What are you gonna-“

He’s cut off with a surprised noise as King Munson grips the prince’s shoulder and presses down on a spot with his thumb, instantly weakening his arm and sending him to the ground. King Munson brings you and him a few steps back as you both watch Prince William recover from the attack.

“Run along now, boy,” The king waves him off. “I have some words I need to say to the princess. They’re more important than your. . . threats.”

“My father will be hearing about this!” Prince William threatens as he wabbles his way toward the dining room doors.

“I’m sure he will,” King Munson nods.

King Munson waits for the doors to completely shut behind the boy before facing you.

Alioth, who’s been on the sidelines, bumps against King Munson’s leg.

The curly haired man glances down at your baby dragon and then back to you. He brings a hand to your red cheek, feeling the skin. There’s a small cut from one of the prince’s rings. The king wets his thumb with his tongue and wipes it over the small wound, cleaning it of previous debris.

“Are you alright? Does this hurt?” he asks.

“Just a bit,” You tell him. “It still tingles.”

“You’re welting,” The king notes. “Hopefully it will be gone by morning. There’s a small cut as well from his ring. And your wrist-“

You both look down as King Munson cradles your wrist in one of his hands, turning it over to inspect the redness and the small indents from where Prince William’s fingernails presses into your skin. It looks like a bruise will form on the outermost part of your wrist from the pressure.

“Does your wrist hurt?” he asks again. “It looks like it’ll be sore tomorrow, if not by tonight.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine, King Munson,” You take your wrist from his hand and hide it behind your back, away from his concerned eyes. “Do not worry about me. You can do that when we marry.”

“But if I do not worry now, who will worry?” He asks, distress swirling and mingling with the concern in his eyes.

“I’ve survived this long without you, King Munson,” You tell him. “I will survive a few days more.”

A light seems to go off in King Munson’s brain after a moment, “So we will marry? For sure?”

“You were considered,” You tell him. “And as my dragon chose, so did I.”

A big, teethy smile grows on the kings face, “Oh, I would kiss you, my dear, if it be allowed.”

“In a few days' time, King Munson,” You tell him. “But first, we must eat.”