#it's about Alice reading in a book how a girl kisses a boy on the cheek to cheer him up

[pinkmoonzzz]

Hiiii! Would you be winging to do head canons for if the Cullens realized they liked you? What would they do and what would it be like to date them? Thanks in advance Luv! 💜💜💜

Hell yeah! Of course :D

Edward cullen:

• we already know from bella that it takes a while, but when it clicks in his brain, it brings him so much joy and happiness but he also becomes scared as fuck he was not prepared for him to fall for someone

• he tries to stay away from you, but that boy at his core is a romantic

• he takes things extremely slow. He doesn't want to make you uncomfortable or scare you off, he already hates himself and if he somehow made a mistake and made you uncomfortable he's profusely apologizing and tries to not bash his head into the wall because it will make a dent of his forehead

• also knowing that he has to learn how to keep himself from not, letting his thirst take over he has to keep things slow for himself

• the most gentleman ever, bouquets of flowers, he's opening your car door for you, properly meets your parents, leads you with his hand on your back, hand holding, the works.

• jealous ass mf. He doesn't really like to show it, but when you show you're uncomfortable and turn down a guy's flirting, he is all smiles.

• he loves listening to you talk about your favorite things, the more details the better

• gentle kisses when he takes you back home from a date

• he will take his knowledge of your favorite things and incorporate them into the date,he wants every date to be perfect

• if he can read your mind, he will answer your thoughts

• he will also humiliate you because he can read your thoughts

• "Oh, so you think I look good in this sweatshirt so good that you would -"

• if you think about something you want, it has been order, shipped, and delivered to your house by him

• if you have insomnia, he will stay up talking with you in your bed until you're too tired to form a sentence and fall asleep

• he tries every method to help you go to bed earlier and be able to be well rested

• if you have night terrors, he'll hold you on his arms and whisper sweet nothings in your ear, trying to get your heart rate down to normal

• if you sleep walk, he follows you curiously around unless you try to go outside your home, that's when he steps in and carries you back to bed

Bella swan (human and vampire):

■ this girl is red-faced around you at all times

■ she tries to talk you and then stumble over every single word, embarrassing her even worse

■ shy as hell around you

■ but this girl is bold. You might have to make the first move, but once you do, now she's pushing for more.

■ does not take things slow at all. She wants to jump your bones

■ date to the bookstore where you watch her point out every book she wants to read and then doesn't by a single book

■ you do grab one of the books she wants and buy it for her, and she is so happy and will finish it that night

■ will yap your ear off about books

■ small celebrations with just the two of you

■ vampire bella I think is a different story

■ she definitely is more courageous and might make the first move

■ probably almost bites you because, like I said, she doesn't take things slow, and you try to kiss her, but now she wants to put her tongue in your mouth and overestimated her restistance to your blood and she seperates herself from you very quickly, if she could have a heart attack she would've at that moment

■ she learned from that situation to take things slower because she doesn't want to hurt you more than she wants to kiss you like it's the end of the world

Alice cullen:

○ she already knows she likes you and that you're meant to be together before you even meet

○ if it was socially appropriate to do a back flip when you're excited, she would be the day you meet

○ she's obvious as hell and it's so cute

○ when you guys do start dating, you're like her little doll

○ she is always dressing you up and trying out new styles of makeup on you

○ pet names, she loves them, she will never use your name again just every pet name in the book

○ she's always has to be touching you, whether she's leaning on you, holding your hand, kissing your cheek, she just wants to be touching you at all times

○ the date planner, she loves it so much, and if there is any day she gets to celebrate you, she's doing something big and extravagant

Jasper hale

▪︎ this poor boy doesn't know what to do with himself

▪︎ he is taking every single precaution he can and is asking advice from his family

▪︎ you're probably gonna have to make the first move with him

▪︎ when he feels your joy when you see him and are with him, it's makes him so happy

▪︎ when he feels that's your emotions have changed from friendship to romance, he almost makes the first move, but won't

▪︎ dating him is different, though, once he gets comfortable, he'll take the lead on things

▪︎ likes country music and will show you his country music if you ask him to. Will yap about the south

▪︎ teaches you how to ride a horse if you don't already know how to

▪︎ he loves connecting with his southern roots and will be so happy if you take an interest in them

▪︎ will happily do any date he's just happy he's with you

Emmett cullen:

● he lays the flirting on thick

● always, always complimenting you

● "Show me the outfit," he says while twirling you around

● he's your biggest supporter

● loves pranking you and playing games with you

● always carrying you, and he's a hugger

● love language is touch

● date night in, orders pizza for you to each while watching a comedy movie

● would do an escape room with you

Rosalie hale:

□ deep denial.

□ acts like she hates you, but you chip away at her hatred and fear and she eventually gives in

□ you are always passenger princess with her

□ being able to show you and her car off at the same time is a huge win for her

□ she likes doing your hair, and if you're lying next to each other's, she'll just brush her fingers through your hair

□ does not know how to verbally show her affection and shows it all through action

□ she is jealous like Edward, but she will interrupt the person who's trying to hit on you and will verbally rip into them

□ parallel play. Maybe she's fixing her car while you're reading next to her in a chair

□ if she could dream, she'd dream about living the American dream with you, picket house fence, dropping the kids off at school the whole thing ☹️

Carlisle cullen:

☆ I think he's just shocked

☆ in his centuries of living I don't think he expected it to happen

☆ he will be friends with you but doesn't try to woo you because he doesn't want you involved with vampires

☆ Alice was the one to convince him to let him pursue you by telling him her visions

☆ at first, he did little things, buy you your favorite drink, and lightly flirt, nothing way to obvious

☆ when you reciprocated, he would lay on the flirting a little more, until he was 99% sure you liked him back and then he asked you out on a date

☆ he loves to spoil you and gets sad when you try not to let him

☆ gift giver, obviously

☆ he wants you to have a comfortable life financially

☆ slips $100 in the pocket of your coat when you aren't looking

☆ he will always set time away from work for you

☆ always making sure you are physically well

☆ he logs your vitamins, and what products you use, everything because he wants you to have a balanced, good quality life

☆ king of advice giving

☆ maybe you want to learn a new language or something, and he will teach you better than anyone will

Esme cullen:

♡ obvious with her feelings and isn't afraid to tell you

♡ making sure you're safe getting back to your home and telling you the best routes and things you should carry and know

♡ cooks for you, she loves to cook for you

♡ maybe you mention wanting to try a new food, and she is on it. She's already looked up a recipe and is in the car driving to the grocery store

♡ loves cuddles

[worldofkuro]

Painted Smile

Painted Smile IX

<- Previous Chapter I Next Chapter ->

Pairing: Alastor x Female! Reader

Summary: You couldn't wait to meet new friends. What you didn't expect was this smiling little boy, only one year older than you, that would take such a big place in your life.

Notes: You know what? I liked this chapter, I wasn't very sure about it at first but in the end, I enjoyed writting it. I hope you'll enjoy as well ! We are approaching the end of their teenage years~ How sad... but how exciting !

“ Do you think this is a good idea Alice?”

“ An incredible one !”

You were in your bedroom, having a girls night together. You were talking about the Chrismast’Eve’s soirée you had, gossiping together. Of course, you told her about what happened with Alastor when you had your first kiss and she couldn’t help but hug you while screaming delightedly with a lot of : I told you so ! 

But now, you wanted to prepare a surprise party for Alastor's birthday, you wanted to go somewhere else but you knew that Alastor would be reluctant about leaving his mother again. But once more, Alice came with an amazing idea. She had a little cottage an hour from here, she thought that you could all prepare a party for him a day before his birthday, and once midnight past you would give him his present ! Then in the morning, you would get back home and Alastor could celebrate his birthday with his mother.

You sighed as you looked at your ceiling. It would be a great idea. But there were many problems, first of all, you didn’t know any of Alastor’s friends, so it would be complicated to invite them. Second of all, you needed someone with a car so you could go to the cottage to prepare everything without Alastor noticing. And that would be impossible ! Alastor could read you like an opened book ! He would know you were hiding something…

“ But I can’t lie to him, even if I tried..” you sighed once again. Why was Alastor so observant ! While you needed to be focused on him to be able to see one single twitch from his expression, he could know what you were feeling with his eyes closed! How unfair that was… You would have to need help. “ Maybe I could ask Marie for help…?”

“ I know ! We’ll tell him you are sick because you stayed outside for too long! You have a very bad cold so he mustn't come to see you !”

You scoffed at her idea. When you were younger you got a really bad cold, which made you incapable of even standing up. Your parents were so worried that they asked for a doctor to come check on you. The man said that you needed some drugs and not to go outside until the fever settled down. Your parents mustn't stay too close to you in case you contaminate them. So guess how surprised you were when one night, you had opened your eyes and saw Alastor, wiping the sweat from your forehead. His hands were shaking but he was smiling down on you saying that everything would be okay, it was just a little cold. You needed to recover so you could play together once more. You really didn’t know if it was a hallucination or not but the next day, you woke up better and with Eamon in your arms.

“ He would try anything to come to see me. No matter the state I’m in.”

“ Even if you told him you don’t want him to come?”

“ He would know I’m lying…” you smiled as Alice was getting more and more frustrated. You both thought for hours. How could you fool Alastor? You knew he respected your privacy if you asked him… Oh wait! “ I could say I’m on my period ! And it hurts a lot so I want to be left alone!” You clapped your hands together with a big smile. The first time you had your period you were so afraid that your mother had to calm you down. When she explained to you what was happening and that you were now a woman and no longer a girl you couldn’t help but be proud.. for ten minutes, because after that you were hurting badly, you couldn’t stand up from your bed. It was a nightmare. And of course, when Alastor tried to come to see you you shouted at him that you wanted to be left alone. He was so confused but when his mother explained to him what menstruation was, he would sometimes just pass by and drop some sweets for you, never going inside your bedroom. Sometimes he would stay against your door if you were in the mood and talk about his day. 

“ Really, do you think it would work?” Alice asked, seeming relieved that you finally have an idea for this surprise party to work. You nodded excitedly. Now it was show time ! You needed your mother to be part of the plan of course, but it should go smoothly ! “ Then, tomorrow we’ll need to make a team ! One who needs to find anything about Alastor’s friends, and the other needs to prepare the cottage with decoration !”

You were curious about Alastor’s friend, you wanted to know the person he hung out with. You bit your lips and asked Alice to let you stalk Alastor. If you were lucky, you would go unnoticed.

Let the plan begin !

~~~

“ Dear? Your mother told me you were in pain. Do you need anything ?” you heard Alastor’s voice through the door. You began to dress up in disguise, waiting for him to leave so you could follow him.

“ No, I’m just tired and sweaty.. I think I’ll just rest for today!” you waited for him to answer but there was a blank. Why wasn’t he responding ?

“ Is that so… Well, I’ll come back later tonight to see if you are feeling any better, take care.” you heard him slide something under your door and you couldn’t help but awned as you saw a chocolate bar. He knew you too well! You took it quietly as you heard his footsteps near the stairs. Perfect ! You put on your father’s clothes and his hat and you went toward your windows. You could do it. You just needed to jump off to the tree, grab the branches and climb it down. Easy…  Your window wasn't on the road’s side but at the neighbor's house so Alastor shouldn’t be able to see you.

One…

Two…

You jumped and grabbed the branches between your hands. What were you doing, damn it! You climbed down the tree and hurried up to the street. Where was he? You looked on your right and saw Alastor walking down the street. You couldn't help but be excited! Today you were hunting for information about Alastor ! You walked at a reasonable distance from him, watching him rearranging his tie with the shop’s vitrines reflect.  You tilted your head as you saw him being greeted by a lot of ladies who would giggled after Alastor flashed them his charming smile. 

You had tailed him for hours, he would go into a library, read some books, then go to a coffee shop and get a black coffee. Nothing worthwhile. You sighed behind your journal. You were sitting on a table not too far from him, watching him but he was just enjoying himself, alone. You should just ask Marie for information, maybe it would be more useful. As you thought about leaving you saw a bunch of boys going toward Alastor, greeting him with laughter and smiles. You smiled, were they Alastor’s friends? You tried to listen to the conversation, which was surprisingly easy, they were very loud.

“ So Alastor, what’s good for you?” said a green eyed boy “ We haven’t seen you for a while, why don’t you come hunting with us? We hear there were great beasts in the bayou.” you could see Alastor's smile widened darkly. He took a sip of his coffee as he listened to the group of boys talking about hunting. Maybe Alastor was hunting with them instead of his father, it was a sweet thought. Now you just needed their names so you could bring them to the party ! 

Alastor talked with them, mostly laughing at them. But the group of boys did not seem to feel hurt by Alastor's comment, they were listening to him like he was the Messiah. Was that because they thought he was joking? Did people really not understand Alastor that much? You sighed, they couldn’t be Alastor’s friend, from what you knew, he could be using them for a greater purpose. 

After a while, Alastor excused himself before leaving the coffee shop as his… guests, friends ? tried to coat him to stay with them. Alastor accepted a hunting session with them before leaving. Mhn.. You stood up and went toward the bunch of boys.

“ Excuse me, are you Alastor’s friends?” you waited for them to nod before continuing “ Would you like to be present for his birthday?”

“ Are you planning a birthday party? Of course we will come! You know what, we will share the news to his other friends, don’t worry, where will it happen ?” asked the blue eyed man. You gave them all the information before running off. Now, you need to go back home. You took a shortcut, going into a dark alley. If you memory was great, you’ll have to–

“ May I know why you are following me, my goodfella?”

You freeze. It was Alastor’s voice. Your back was facing him, you didn't know what distance he was standing on but you couldn’t turn around, he would recognize you. You heard his footsteps coming closer.

“ Did your Mother not teach you any manners? It's rather rude to not answer a question my good friend.”

You ran.

You ran and you could hear him behind you. Damn it Alastor ! Don’t run after someone who stalked you all afternoon! 

You avoided any trash that was standing in your way. You saw a fence in front of you. It wasn’t very high, you could jump over it, then you would be into your neighbor's garden, you’ll just need to climb the tree and jump into your bedroom. You couldn’t help but smirked as you jumped over the fence, you always were faster than Alastor ! You fell graciously on the tree and began to climb the tree, you looked behind you but couldn’t see Alastor, did he give up? You entered your bedroom through your windows still wide open. 

You stood there as you heard the front door opened violently downstairs and then your mother’s voice.

“ Alastor? Why are you runni- Alastor!”

You panicked as you heard Alastor footsteps running faster in the stairs. You took your clothes off quickly and hid them in your closet but as you ran toward your bed while putting on your nightgown you stud your foot against the furniture making you yell painfully. You fell on the bed, groaning, fuck that hurted !

“ What is going on?” you heard Alastor shouted as he slammed the door open. You curled on yourself, sweating and breathing hard from all that running. You felt his cold hand on your forehead. “ You are sweating although your window is wide open.” he shut the window and stared at you, caressing your back.  At least you could pass your foot pain for menstruation’s pain. 

“It’s because of the smell that I’ve left the window open but Alastor… What are you doing here ? You said you’ll come later…”

“ Well my dear, I was chasing what I think could be your stalker.” you stared at him with wide eyes. Did he mistaked you for a stalker? Well, you did follow him all afternoon but…” But what was worrisome was that when I chased them, they ran into your house’s direction. You haven’t seen anything suspicious my friend ?” he stared at you with his usual smile. You shook your head trying to be as innocent looking as possible. He kept his gaze on you for more than a minute before kissing your forehead. “ Well, I’m sorry to have disturbed your rest my dear.”

You kissed both of his cheeks before laying back down on the bed. You waved at him goodbye before sighing in relief. You could still feel adrenaline inside your body and you couldn’t be prouder than yourself than right now.

Alastor did not catch you.

~~~

You were with Alice, finishing decorating the cottage. It was a cozy place, far away from the city, there was even a lake just behind the house. It was frozen, of course, but when summer came, you could all come here to have some fun!  You were the 30st of December, the surprise would be tomorrow, everything needed to be perfect.

“ I think we did everything we needed to, we brang drinks, food, blankets, what more do you need, woman!” said an exasperated Alice. You knew you were being annoying right now but you really wanted everything to go smoothly. “ I’m done, we are going home, come, my cab is waiting for us.”

“ No, I think I’ll stay here tonight.”

“ I beg your pardon?”

“ I know, just… I… Please.. As you said, I’m perfectly safe here right? So what bad could it do to stay a night here, also, I know that if I see Alastor one more time, I would slip and spoil the surprise ! So please, Alice… Go back home, and manage the guests. I’ll wait for all of you here, with the drinks and food ready, even with the fire in the chimney.”

“... I really don’t want to but… Fine, there is a telephone here, in the entrance. If you need anything, you can dial my house’s number, okay? I’ll tell your mother you’re staying here. And if you need to run away because.. I don’t know what, there is a backdoor that’s always unlocked, I’ll enter from there if you call me okay? Keep the front door locked.” you nodded before hugging her. You knew she didn’t like your idea at all, but you were happy she trusted you enough to let you go.

You waved at her as she took her cab and left. Well, now you just need to light up a fire and find a room where to sleep. You were excited, it felt like it was your own house ! You smiled as you imagined your life like the owner of this house. You took Marie’s book recipes, now what should you cook?

~~~

A snowstorm.

A fucking snowstorm.

It’s been going on for three hours now, thank God you have enough woods so you didn’t have to go outside to find some. You were sitting in a cozy chair with your hot chocolate, a romance book on your laps and with a bright fire in the chimney. You really hoped it would stop before tomorrow, you didn’t want to cancel the surprise. 

You closed your eyes. Well, you just had to wait…

Thud

You woke up, sweating. You sat up, making your book fall on the floor. What was that? You looked around you, the fire was almost completely extinguished, only a few flames remained on the wood. You stood up streching yourself and yawned. You fell asleep like that? You took the blanket with you, ready to go to bed when you heard it again.

Thud

You felt your body shivering, your heart beating stronger and faster. Okay, it was a real noise, it wasn’t a trick from your mind. You went quietly into the kitchen, and took a knife. You weren’t even sure of what you were going to do with it but safer than sorry, right? You stared at the front door, where you heard the noises. You couldn’t see anything from the windows, it was dark outside and with the storm going on… It was too dangerous.

You watched as the door handle moved.

Someone was trying to enter.

Someone was trying to enter.

Someone was trying to enter.

You didn’t realize you were shaking. It couldn’t be Alice, she told you she would enter by the back door. She wouldn’t try to open the front door. What should you do? Run by the backdoor and getting lost in the snowstorm or staying here, waiting for this person to enter and do… You didn't want to think about it.

The noises coming from the door stopped. You held your breath, counting in your mind the seconds. You’ll count to one thousand and then you’ll go back to the living room to see if you could notice something.  You were around 665 when you heard a window breaking upstairs.

You screamed.

The footsteps ran toward you.

You ran.

You slammed opened the backdoor and ran into the snowstorm. Where were you going ? You didn't know, you wanted to lose the intruder in the snow and then come back safely into the house. You held the knife in your hands, if needed would you be able to kill to protect yourself? You heard a shout behind you, he seemed closer than you thought. You needed to do something, anything ! You could already imagine your mother’s face if she happened to know you had gotten killed ! Alice would die from guilt. And Alastor…

You slid on ice, hitting the back of your head against the floor. You frowned, what was..? You touched the ice and realized you were on the frozen lake. You felt your eyes getting teary. Why was that happening, why? You tried to stand up without falling and then you saw the shadows of the man following you. 

“ Stay away !” you shouted, the wind carrying your voice to you don’t know where, holding on to your knife. “ I’m not afraid of killing you !” 

Your legs were shaking but if you were to die, you would die fighting ! The shadows came closer and closer, his hand stretching toward you. You raised your arms, ready to sink it into his chest. You warned him !

“ Look at me !”

You opened your eyes, you didn’t even notice when you closed them, and saw Alastor, standing near the edge of the frozen lake. He was only centimeters away from you. Have you gone mad? Why was Alastor here? Why was he looking at you without smiling, his eyes begging you to listen to him. 

“ Alastor..?”

You tried to walk toward him, trying to catch his hand but the only thing you heard before blacking out was the ice cracking underneath your feet and Alastor calling out your name.

~~~

You were burning from the inside, were you in Hell? 

“ Open your eyes, don’t you dare fucking die ! Anyone but you! ” 

You felt someone’s lips against yours. You didn’t want any other lips on yours but Alastor’s. You pushed the stranger away as you began to cough violently. It hurts. Death wasn’t supposed to be a peaceful journey?

You opened your eyes weakly and there he was. Alastor who was drenched above you. You were so cold.. it was burning you. As soon as Alastor saw your eyes he fell to his knees, his head tilted back, his hand covering his face, whispering something you couldn’t hear.

“ Alastor..?” You looked around and realized you were back in the cottage, the fire has been lit on. You sat up slowly and looked at the blanket around you. You were freezing but tucked into a lot of blankets. “ What are you doing here..?”

“ Is that the first question you want to ask me ?” His voice was cold, his face was stoic, his usual smile non-existent. He was shaking. “ What were you thinking going out in a bloody snowstorm? Have you lost your mind ?” he stood up, raising his voice at you. As your memories came back you understood what happened. The man you thought was an intruder was Alastor. 

You looked down, ashamed but then anger replaced that feeling. Everything would have turned out great if he didn’t come!

“ I was doing great before you came along! Why are you here?”

“ There is a bloody stalker after you and you decide to stay alone in a deserted area ? Tell me dear, are you trying to impress me with your stupidity because you succeeded. Congratulations.” he said mockingly as he sat on the sofa, trying to dry his hair with a towel.

“ I was preparing your birthday, it was supposed to be a surprise !”

“ My birthday’s not worthwhile if you are not by my side!” he shouted, throwing the towel on the floor, his eyes shining with fury. He came to you and tugged you closer by grabbing the necklace he had given you on Christmas. “ What a charming surprise it would have been, finding your dead body in the snow ! Celebrating my birthday would mean celebrating your death? Oh, you really are spoiling me, my friend. You really are taking the cake!” he spat as he stared at you. 

“ Don’t shout at me !”

“ Don’t play with your life then!” He took a knife from his wet pants.” What did you think you could have done with that? Would you stab a man my dear, tell me, would you do it?” he taunted you, mocked you, moving the knife in front of your eyes. “ Do you know how to kill, my dearest?” his voice was low, menacing but you weren’t afraid.

“ I would have.” you stated. Even if you had closed your eyes, in your mind, you were ready to stab the intruder.  “ I was ready to stab to live…” you felt your eyes beginning to tear up.” I was so afraid that I was going to die without seeing you again.. That I was ready to kill someone…” you sobbed as you realized that you almost killed today. You fell to your knees, sobbing. Alastor was angry with you, you almost died, his birthday was a disaster… You wanted to disappear.

You felt his arms around you and you couldn’t help but sob harder. You grabbed his shoulder, pressing yourself against his wet cold clothes. You wanted to feel him more than ever.

“ What.. What happened ?” you hiccuped as he stroked your hair.

“ The ice from the lake broke. I jumped in to save you and take you back here so you wouldn’t die of hypothermia.” he whispered, his body still tense.

“ We shouldn’t stay in wet clothes then..” you took a step back and then you realized, you were in your underwear under the blanket. Did Alastor strip you? You blushed as you looked up to him, he was looking at his own clothes with disgust. 

“ There are no other clothes for me, I’ve looked around.” he sighed before looking away. You shyly touched his shirt and tugged it gently, mutely asking him to undress. He looked at you for a long minute before taking his shirt off and then when you saw them.

Scars.

So many scars were on his upper body. You approached your hand while looking at Alastor who wasn’t smiling. It was so intimidating. His eyes weren't as warm as usual when he was looking at you, there was something completely different. He softly took your hand in his and with a soft sigh, kissed the back of it. He kissed the back of your hand, once, twice.. before tugging you against him and kissing your lips avidly.

You brought your hand into his hair as you kissed him back with so many emotions, fear, worry, desire, fondness… You didn’t know what words to put on your other feelings but what was important right now was Alastor.

You both were panting, you didn’t want to stop kissing him but you needed to breathe. He laid you on the floor, kissing your cheeks, your forehead, your nose, your jaw. You were breathing hard, holding onto him, tilting your head back so he could kiss your neck. He was kissing, biting as if making sure you were still here with him.

After a few minutes, he stopped, panting against your chest. You were gripping his hair. You didn’t really know what was happening but you felt great… 

“ Don’t ever… Don’t ever do that again my dear…Don’t ever go somewhere I can’t find you...”

You hugged him, pressing his head against your warm chest. 

“ I promise.”

He sighed once last time before standing up and walked toward the telephone, calling your Mother’s house. You stood up and tried to find clothes for Alastor but there weren’t any that would fit him. You sighed and decided to just take all the blankets from all the room. You went back to the living room just when Alastor ended the call.

“ I just said you were okay, I didn’t talk about our little trip outside.” you nodded and put the blanket on the sofa. You didn’t know how to feel, here you were in your underwear and Alastor shirtless. It happened in the past… But why right now.. It seemed different? You shook your head, it wasn’t important. You held your hand toward Alastor who raised an eyebrows.

“ Let’s sleep.” you said softly. He sighed but walked toward you. You pushed him on the sofa and then laid on him before pulling the cover over you. You caressed the scars you could see, you could feel his body tensed when you touched one who seemed deeper than the others. As you began to fall asleep you felt him nudged you.

“ Stay awake a little longer.. I don’t think I’m capable of seeing you with your eyes closed right now…”

You nodded but you were so tired… You fought against sleepiness until Alastor said it was okay to rest.

Tag List :@lukneetoonz @martinys-world @littlepoetnova @sirens-and-moonflowers @eris-norwega @tiredflame132 @mo-0-o @vvollerie @sodavizz @boogiemansbitch @tessemerick @slytherin4ever @kammsinn @alastorssimp @t0xic1vi @diamond-almond @fangirlbitch02 @saccharine-nectarine

[daenysx]

any drabbles or hcs about modern dad aemond? <3

thank you for requesting!! i know i'm a bit too optimistic on this but i wanna see aemond in a nice family as a happy dad in this universe!! i hope you enjoy <33333

modern!aemond as a dad headcanons

let's begin with aemond finding out about your pregnancy!!

he doesn't know what to say at first.

i mean maybe it's all been a nice fantasy of his possesiveness, seeing your belly swollen with his child, but once it becomes real, he's a both excited and terrified

excited because what do you mean he's gonna have a baby with the love of his life?? a baby with both of your features, maybe a girl with your eyes or a boy with his hair.

he keeps imagining what would your baby look like during your entire pregnancy

he's also terrified because he has no knowledge on how to raise a child

the best advice he could get from his parents is probably 'don't do anything we did'

alicent would tear up with the news of a baby by the way, it's kinda sweet

i'm not really mentioning viserys

(helaena targaryen putting dream catchers on the walls of baby's room)

(aegon suggesting baby names to annoy aemond)

okay, i'm getting distracted sorry

modern!aemond is the type of guy who tries to learn EVERYTHING about pregnancy

he keeps reading books on it and watching videos or documentaries

because the more he knows, the more he feels comfortable

he keeps talking to the baby with his hands on your belly

it's such a pretty sight

he tells the baby everything, he wants the baby to recognize his voice

you actually feel your baby calming down when aemond rubs your belly gently

he tears up the first time he feels a baby kick (he denies he cried)

he's always been a light sleeper but during the pregnancy he's even more cautious even in sleep (because what if something happens or what if you crave something?)

he sleeps with one hand on your belly

ohhh speaking of cravings

anything you want, you get

literally anything his baby wants

just name it

he's a bit insane about it actually (one time he forced aegon to get you a pineapple in the middle of the night)

now we can get to the part when the baby's born

he's holding your hand the entire time

he is actually freaking out himself (what if something happens to you?) but he knows he has to stay calm

forehead kisses to show you how good you're doing

i like imagining aemond as a girl dad

just imagine him holding a silver haired baby girl in his arms

i don't think i have to say he's crying when he held the baby for the first time

a targaryen name for the pretty girl (it was your idea), he tells you the options and asks for you to choose it

he tries to be as attentive as he can

but sometimes it's hard to deal with, he doesn't have many people to guide him about fatherhood, he's confused most of the time

you try to ease off his worries

at first he's worrying too much about the baby girl

but when everything has a routine, he relaxes a bit

VERY PROTECTIVE

he likes when the baby falls asleep to his voice (she has that in common with her mother)

he likes spotting the resemblances she has with him and you

learns how to give gentle kisses on the baby's chubby cheeks and her soft skin

he always wants you to sleep more, if someone has to be awake at night to look after the baby, it'll be him

reading books to the baby

he tries to be a good dad. he knows how important that is for a child. he just doesn't know how to be that all the time but he looks for new ways every time he feels like he fails

you assure him he's enough.

when your daughter is 3 years old, you find out about a new pregnancy

at first aemond was thinking it was impossible to love someone more than he loves his daughter

but with the news, his mind changes really quickly

another baby with you??

this time he thinks it'll be better for both of you, being more experienced in parenthood

the pregnancy is somehow familiar, aemond realizes he missed talking to his baby through your belly

he makes sure your daughter warms up to the idea of having a sibling

his relationships with his siblings are complicated, and mostly dramatic but his children can be different

you have a son this time

another silver haired baby, he also has aemond's eyes

aemond is the one who introduces his son to his daughter, his cheeks ache from smiling too much that day

he keeps taking care of you

now that he knows more about being a father, it's easier to arrange his routines for a baby and a toddler

mostly you take care of your son as aemond plays with your daughter

he teaches her how to braid hair and i stand by it.

attending the tea parties she has with her dolls

praising her for being so good with her brother

he is amazed by how clever she is

and then you say 'she's yours what were you expecting???'

now, i just wanna say aemond doesn't thinks himself as a perfect father (what is a perfect father?)

but he's most afraid of neglecting his children without meaning to

and putting pressure on them because of his family

i assume, having a relationship with you changed his opinion on many things, he had no idea of a healthy relationship before you

and it's not always rainbows and butterflies but you both learn how to be each other's other half.

it takes time and patience, but especially with the children it becomes easier

sorry if i'm being too optimistic but i just wanna imagine aemond as a happy dad

he also loves how good of a mom you're being to his kids (falling in love with you all over again haha)

he was actually worried about his prosthetic eye at the beginning, mostly thinking of how to explain little kids of losing his eye when he was just a bit older than them

but you help him find a way

everything is easier with you

he tries to be better.

he likes seeing his attitude in his daughter and seeing his eyes on his son

they are parts of him, too pure and too sweet

he'd never thought he'd have a happy family on day

he does anything in his power to keep the peace and happiness.

[theartofangirling]

part 2 of the 2023 version of this post: young adult books!

part 1: middle grade books | part 3: adult books

this is a very incomplete list, as these are only books I've read and enjoyed. not all books are going to be for all readers, so I'd recommend looking up synopses and content warnings. feel free to message me with any questions about specific representation!

list of books under the cut ⬇️

aces wild by amanda dewitt

the chandler legacies by abdi nazemian

bruised by tanya boteju

juliet takes a breath by gabby rivera

picture us in the light by kelly loy gilbert

when we were magic by sarah gailey

iron widow by xiran jay zhao

the rise of kyoshi by f.c. yee

jane unlimited by kristin cashore

summer of salt by katrina leno

the wicker king by k. ancrum

the dead and the dark by courtney gould

wilder girls by rory power

i kissed shara wheeler by casey mcquiston

her royal highness by rachel hawkins

tell me how you really feel by aminah mae safi

the weight of the stars by k. ancrum

you should see me in a crown by leah johnson

last night at the telegraph club by malinda lo

the grief keeper by alexandra villasante

crier's war by nina varela

how to excavate a heart by jake maia arlow

imogen, obviously by becky albertalli

in other lands by sarah rees brennan

carry on by rainbow rowell

cemetery boys by aiden thomas

felix ever after by kacen callendar

i wish you all the best by mason deaver

little thieves by margaret owen

technically you started it by lana wood johnson

the gentleman's guide to vice and virtue by mackenzi lee

the infinite noise by lauren shippen

bonds of brass by emily skrutskie

the darkness outside us by eliot schrefer

simon vs. the homo sapiens agenda by becky albertalli

what if it's us by becky albertalli and adam silvera

aristotle and dante discover the secrets of the universe by benjamin alire sáenz

like a love story by abdi nazemian

different for boys by patrick ness

history is all you left me by adam silvera

twelfth grade night by molly horton booth, stephanie kate strohm, and jamie green

across a field of starlight by blue delliquanti

heartstopper by alice oseman

check, please! by ngozi ukazu

bloom by kevin panetta and savanna ganucheau

laura dean keeps breaking up with me by mariko tamaki and rosemary valero-o'connell

the princess and the grilled cheese sandwich by deya muniz

if you'll have me by eunnie

on a sunbeam by tillie walden

the girl from the sea by molly knox ostertag

always human by ari north

rust in the root by justina ireland

dread nation by justina ireland

pet by awkwaeke emezi

the darkest part of the forest by holly black

elatsoe by darcie little badger

i was born for this by alice oseman

loveless by alice oseman

i hate everyone but you by gaby dunn and allison raskin

you know me well by nina lacour and david levithan

the black flamingo by dean atta

spinning by tillie walden

dreadnought by april daniels

a lesson in vengeance by victoria lee

all the bad apples by moira fowley-doyle

clap when you land by elizabeth acevedo

summer bird blue by akemi dawn bowman

the miseducation of cameron post by emily m. danforth

we are okay by nina lacour

radio silence by alice oseman

we used to be friends by amy spalding

a neon darkness by lauren shippen

i hope you get this message by farah naz rishi

are you listening? by tillie walden

alone in space by tillie walden

all out edited by saundra mitchell

out now edited by saundra mitchell

out there edited by saundra mitchell

[themotherofhorses]

Does handmain!reader braid Aemond's hair? Does Aemond know how to braid his children's hair? PLS THE FLUFFFF

pairing: aemond targaryen x handmaid!reader

notes: DAD!AEMOND DAD!AEMOND DAD!AEMOND

his handmaid's tales | main masterlist

Three hours after sundown, his mother arrives at his doorway, carrying a reading lamp and two books of faith. “Would you like to sit and pray with me tonight, Aemond?” Alicent asks, but her voice soon trails off when she notices the hairbrush clutched in his hand and the twins at his knees. Both boys toy around with their tiny wooden stick swords, offering their grandmother two toothy little smiles.

“Oh, I see that you’re quite busy tonight…” she then adds, in a tone faint with teasing.

Aemond nods where he sits, gently combing out any tangles and snags in his son’s silver-pale hair. “Their mother easily puts me to shame, as she does with most things…” he mumbles, glancing sidelong at his other son, whose own shines like moonglow in a loose braid, “-but I do believe I’ve done a rather fine job with my boys.”   

Alicent hums. “Where might she be tonight? Did you dismiss her?”

Aemond gestures to his bed, where his handmaid lays fast asleep, cuddling around a pillow. As she slept, she had kicked off the blanket and sheets, and the pretty curve of her swollen belly limned in the soft glow from the hearth.

“The babe’s been stealing away most of her energy these past few days,” he tells Alicent, shaking his head. His fingers part the hair into three splits before looping the first over the second and tugging the third into the middle. “The maesters say the name day is nearing, perhaps in another fortnight.”

He refused any looks at his girl; otherwise, he’d drink in the lovely sight a bit too much like a drunken fool, and he’d prefer his mother not bearing witness to such.

Yet Alicent studies the sleeping handmaid, a shadow of a smile flickering across her lips. This time around, she had grown great with a girl, according to the maesters and midwives alike, as well as Aemond himself. He had pined so much for a daughter of his own, frequenting the sept alongside her, to sink onto his knees and pray to the Mother for a baby girl, one blessed with her mother’s features.

She hopes her son receives his daughter. He deserves it that much.

“Would you like for me to tuck in the boys for the night?”

Aemond smiles. “Ah, if it would be no bother to you, mother. I’d appreciate it…I don’t wish to leave her, not when she’s like this…” but Alicent waves him away, kneeling before the boys. “I’ll have them choose a bedtime story, and they can tell me all about their day.” So he kisses his sons on the nose and forehead before whispering a fond goodnight, sending them away with their grandmother.

And as they leave, hand in hand with Alicent, their little braids bounce with every step. The sight gives him nothing but joy and pride.

The fire in the hearth was quickly burning down to embers, and he hadn’t intended to disturb his resting girl, but he couldn’t stop himself from climbing over her. Sweeter than lemon cakes and more beautiful than all the seasons. He rubs at her bump, where hopefully his daughter sleeps too, and kisses her bare shoulder- then her cheeks and lips- and kisses her again when she murmurs in her sleep.

“You’re all I’ll ever need and more,” he breathes, nestling his head against her breast. I love you. I love you. I love you.

At that, her eyes open, and she smiles, stroking his hair. “Tomorrow, I shall braid it,” she whispers.

But Aemond snatches her hand and lifts it to his lips. “No. I’ll braid your hair, my sweet girl,” he promises, kissing each of her fingers, nipping at the skin, “I need the practice anyways.”

tag list for "his handmaid's tales": @aemondsblog @dc-marvel-girl96 @neobanguniverse @missalycat21 @enchantingcupcakecollectionfan @padfooteyes @alexizodd @avidreader73 @the-common-cowgirl @inlovewithhisblueeyes

[drakaripykiros130ac]

“The Greens are political masterminds compared to the Blacks.”

How many times have you heard this bullshit?

Their political incompetence is exactly what cost the Greens their victory in this war, and what gained Otto Hightower the gold medal in the “worst Hand in the history of Westeros” Olympics. And if you ask me, Criston Cole should have the silver for that one.

So, we’re talking about a faction who has been plotting to usurp the rightful heir, Rhaenyra Targaryen, for many, many years. They had so much time to prepare, and so many advantages: Alicent being queen and Otto being Hand, not to mention Rhaenyra and Daemon were away on Dragonstone for many years.

The Hightowers could have swayed things in their favor before Viserys’ death, and failed. They had to shuffle about, beg the Tyrells, send Aemond to Storm’s End with marriage promises etc. all after Viserys died. Lol. What have they done during those 10 years Rhaenyra was away on Dragonstone? They sat on their asses and did nothing. Not even prepare their puppet, Aegon Hightower.

Now, let’s list the Greens’ many, many mistakes:

1. Usurping the throne, instead of minding their own business and returning to Oldtown. Alicent doomed her entire line (children and grandchildren) with her schemes and thirst for power.

2. Not having Aemond and Daeron married by the time of the Dance. Boy, they really blew it with this one. Aemond was 20 when the Dance started and Daeron was 16. They could have been well married by the time Viserys died, and the Hightowers could have secured great alliances in time.

Rhaenyra’s sons were much younger than Alicent’s, and yet years before the Dance, she had Jacaerys and Lucerys betrothed to Baela and Rhaena, securing the Velaryons (a great power House) on her side for good. And certain people still have the nerve to say she did nothing.

Not having Aemond and Daeron married by the time of Viserys’ death, was a missed opportunity, which proves Otto and Alicent’s stupidity. They had the power, and Viserys was easily swayed, and they still screwed up big time.

3. Failing to get the support of their own liege lords, the Tyrells.

4. Failing to get the support of the Red Kraken and by extension, the Iron Islands. I mean, so few people realize that Daemon was the politically savvy one, knowing how to turn the Red Kraken against the Greens by appealing to his thirst for bloodshed. The Greens offered him the position of Master of Ships and he refused them, in exchange for a chance to stick it to the Lannisters. So basically, Daemon offered the Red Kraken nothing, compared to the Greens, and still managed to sway him to his side. That must have been so embarrassing for the Greens 😂.

5. Killing Lucerys. *claps* Well, done, Aemond One-Eye idiot. Before this, Rhaenyra was still determined to make peace with her half-brothers and half-sister, despite the usurpation, but not after they shed first blood and murdered her son. Hell no. Even Alicent and Otto were angry with Aemond for this one, because they knew how badly they screwed up.

The problem is that both Otto and Alicent lacked the intelligence to keep a bloodthirsty, idiotic maniac like Aemond in line. Not to mention that the one on their team holding their only ace-card, Vhagar, was this bloodthirsty, idiotic maniac.

6. Aegon Hightower choosing Criston Cole as his Hand. 😶 When I first read this part in the book, I was shocked. Definitely did not see that coming. Dismissing Otto as Hand (for the second time), I understand, considering that he really exudes incompetence. But what exactly went through the usurper’s puny brain when naming Cole as his Hand is beyond me. He is a military man. He is no political mastermind. Far from it. He is dumb as wood. He spent his entire career life kissing Alicent’s behind and only rising in ranking because of his hatred for Rhaenyra (because a young girl of 14 refused his advances).

There is a reason why Rhaenyra chose Corlys as her Hand, and not Daemon (like everyone expected her to).

Criston Cole led his forces in the Riverlands and got himself killed when facing the Winter Wolves. He didn’t even use his position as Hand. He just wore the pin.

Seriously, this has to be one of their dumbest moves. If I were in this usurper’s position, I would have chosen Tyland Lannister as my Hand, certainly not the overly subjective and creepy Incel who kisses my mother’s behind for a job.

7. Burning the Riverlands…for no good reason. *claps* Once again, let’s applaud Aemond’s idiocy. Basically, he decided to burn the Riverlands because their lords sided with Rhaenyra. That’s it.

Because of his stupidity, he basically secured the entire Riverlands on the side of the Blacks even after Rhaenyra’s death. The Riverlords fought for Rhaenyra’s son instead of agreeing to make peace with the Greens.

8. Choosing the Triarchy as an ally. What exactly made them think that they would gain any points by allying themselves with a great enemy of the people of Westeros? These are foreign savages that Daemon and Corlys have been fighting for years, and the Greens got in bed with them. Bringing an army of dangerous foreigners in a civil war is high treason against the Realm.

9. Burning Bitterbridge. The Reach was the Hightowers’ home, and not only did they fail to gain the support of the Paramount House there, but they also turned many of their bannermen against them. Well done. *sarcasm*

10. This one is one of my favorites: trusting the Goldcloaks. Otto Hightower knew perfectly well that the Goldcloaks were Daemon’s men, and despite making some changes and putting his son, Gwayne, as second in command, Otto still managed to get played and the Goldcloaks turned on the Greens when Daemon arrived in the capital.

The smart thing to do would have been to disband the Goldcloaks when the usurpation happened. The decision to keep them lost the Greens the capital.

11. Proposing to call a Great Council only when realizing that they were losing. So, once Rhaenyra took the capital, only then, did Alicent propose to call a Great Council. Why couldn’t she suggest that before usurping the throne? Alicent’s stupidity got her the nickname “Queen of Chains”.

12. Trusting the Dragonseeds who betrayed Rhaenyra. Seriously…how stupid could they be? Don’t they know that people who betray once have a tendency to do it again??? The Two Betrayers wasted no time and turned on the Greens soon after because they wanted the throne for themselves.

13. Trusting Larys Strong. This creep got his own family killed for the sake of power. He has no morals and is just like Littlefinger. Once he realized that the Greens were losing, Larys turned on them and most likely participated in poisoning Aegon the Usurper.

14. Refusing to name Aegon the Younger heir and sue for peace with the Black armies after Rhaenyra’s death. This basically guaranteed the Greens’ permanent defeat.

15. Trying to convince her eight year old granddaughter to kill her husband lost Alicent any freedom rights after she lost the war, and she spent the rest of her life in isolation and madness.

So, seriously, people who say that Otto and Alicent are politically intelligent need to get a clue and read the book.

[faces-ofvenus]

Hii, love everything you write! What about Aegon/Aemond having a crush on the same girl? ;)

Thank you for loving my writing, I hope you enjoyed it.

This would almost be a war, especially if we think about Aemond's point of view, he could very well in extreme situations try to kill his brother, that is if it was something Yandere (until when it is not, this boy is a Yandere even if he doesn't want to).

Both of them would try everything to fight each other, especially since childhood, in childhood it was much easier for Aegon to flirt and hit on you, he was like sincerely a breath of almost freedom running away with you right and left, he would provoke his brother in every way, stating several times that he would marry you, and not Aemond, it is pretty easy to know the little relationship between the two, even though Aegon is Aegon, you treat him with such kindness and gentleness, that maybe Alicent never gave you, so he would not be willing to give in or share that with his brothers, (another Yandere).

As I said in another blog, Aemond's flirting methods in childhood were quite simple, he would give you small things, none as extravagant as Aegon, something like flowers etc, he is shy, but what brings you two together, maybe it is the love for reading and art, usually Aegon doesn't even know about your relationship, he doesn't know about the sweet words Aemond speaks to you in the readings, and maybe it would be better this way, if not physical fights between the two would break out, they try to show each other how much better the other is.

In adult life everything tends to get worse, first because Aemond is no longer the shy and cute boy he used to be, and this kind of makes him open space for several provocations, and even wedding jokes, something that irritates his brother too much, Aegon wanted to be the only one who could have this affection, the only one who could draw smiles from you, the only one who could attract looks from you, no one else, and your brother wouldn't change that, your outings would really change, both of them on different nights calling you to fly with their dragons, no wonder both Sunfyre and Vhagar love you, the familiarity even allows you to pet them both, which makes them both jealous of each other.

If you in the end chose Aegon, Aemond would be devastated, he still had certain insecurities towards all this, even if his poker face, and his confident personality disguised a lot, but in your presence he could take off his eye patch, talk like the shy and gentle child he was, and he honestly as I said in the beginning thought about killing Aegon, but he knew for sure that you would never forgive him, and he wouldn't have it anyway, that doesn't stop him from threatening your brother, Aegon would be totally virtuous at that moment, to feel your lips knowing that you belong to him, the next day there's a beautiful emerald necklace on the headboard of his room, with a small letter that is very badly made, but that he tried very hard to be romantic.

If you chose Aemond, Aegon would be almost in a blind rage, most of his furniture ended up broken, he would drink more than before, which in itself is already worrying, more and more lascivious what kept him sincerely from not being with the maids was the fact that he thought that in the future he could have you, but now he'll never have you, all because of that damn one-eyed man, comments can be unleashed, some not so nice, he just holds an eternal grudge, both for Aemond and for you and everyone who influenced his choice. Aemond would be in the clouds, he would literally fly you out with Vhagar, they would land in a flowery field with some books in a small briefcase you brought, he would kiss you in such a shy way he just wasn't used to it, being king didn't matter so much anymore, he would have you, his queen at least in his mind, you were like a queen a true goddess.

If you happen to decide to stay with both of them, your beastly competitions never ceased, obviously you had to marry one, but in both of their mouths you were theirs, what is better than the protection of one dragon is the devotion of two, they are overprotective, and extremely competitive, like who leaves the most hickeys on you and etc, I don't doubt that one or two of their children, are either with Aegon or Aemond, and honestly neither of them could know whose is which, and I don't think they would care, you were theirs, and only theirs, anyone who dared to get in your way, could be burned and seconds.

[frankcastleonlyfans]

Hey! I read this and was wondering if you could write a drabble/imagine on that Dad! Daemon is training the boys (Rhaegon, jace, Luke and Aemond and Aegon if you want) and Mom!reader, Alyssa, Baela and Rhaena are watching and one of them makes a comment about girls not knowing how to fight properly or something (you decides) and mom!reader (who is very good with a sword, by the way) fights Daemon and wins (with the girls cheering) thus proving otherwise, please? (just a moment of fun and relaxation with the children with them)

it's been so long since i last wrote mom!reader in our dad!daemon au!! i had some fun writing this, specially because i love writing the kids <3 i wrote this drabble based on my favorite scene from the fire & blood book so, i hope you like 💓

"I like when father comes to the training yard. Ser Criston doesn't like to let me watch." Alyssa said excitedly, spinning around you.

"Oh, really?" You frowned, confused.

You knew that Alyssa herself had asked Viserys for his permission to let her watch the boys training anytime she wanted to. Alicent once had told her that little girls aren't supposed to hold swords, that is a man's job. But you knew your daughter had your husband's temper, and she wouldn't let the Queen tell her what to do. She asked her uncle to let her train with the boys, but the king refused.

But Demon had his training lessons with her and your oldest son, so it was quite obvious that your daughter had a thing for fighting. And you liked to encourage her. Since very young, you liked swords and self-defense training, so perhaps your little girl took a little taste for it after you. You had your own sword, your own shield, your own armor, and yet you wore dresses, and was only seen in ringmail for dragonriding. Nowadays, no one would take you as a shieldmaiden, but you knew that you still remained talented in your bones if you had a sword in your hands.

"I'm glad we can watch!" Baela grinned, looking up at you.

"Yeah, Baela and I don't get to see the training as much as Alyssa does. Ser Criston says it's not up for little girls to be on the training yard." Rhaena took your hand as you walked together to the camp.

You could hear the sound of steel clashing from afar. The boys were training in pairs; Rhaegon and Aemond, Luke and Maegon, but Aegon and Jacaerys were both against Daemon. You and the girls stayed close, but not too close, since there were too many people holding swords in the same space.

You watched your husband having his fun with the boys. You knew how he felt about Aemond and Aegon, but he wouldn't hurt the kids on purpose. It was fun to watch him turning them against each other.

"He's only using one hand, how can you be so slow?!" Aegon shouted, scolding Jacaerys as he tried to strike Daemon.

"You're not doing any better, Aegon." Jace huffed, trying his hardest to touch Daemon.

The Rogue Prince was quick to dodge the boys’ moves, and easily push them both to the ground. Aegon groaned loudly, tossing his sword in anger.

"Better luck next time." Daemon smirked.

The girls laughed, watching the prince having a meltdown. Aegon could be so dramatic sometimes...

"What are you laughing at? Honestly, what are you even doing here? This is a place for men only! We know you want to train, but women can't do shit with swords in their pretty little hands!" Aegon yelled.

You cocked an eyebrow. You couldn't understand since when this training yard had been a "place for men only". Your husband held the sword of the queen conqueror, Visenya Targaryen, and this didn't mean anything for them? Women had done so many things for this realm, and yet there was no place in the training yard for them? "Who decided we can't fight too?", you wondered.

You looked down to Alyssa, who stood beside you with quite a frown once she heard that she didn't belong there.

"Stay. If your father asks, say I'll be back soon." You told her, leaving a kiss on top of her head before you headed inside.

Daemon watched you leave and immediately came towards his daughter, who hugged his legs before he could even say a word.

"Where did your mother go? I thought she would watch the training with you girls." The prince asked, taking the little girl in his arms.

"She said she will be back soon." Alyssa shrugged.

No one expected you to come back with your hair braided in a crown around your head, wearing a full armor and ringmail, and with your sword in your hand. Maybe the armor was a bit too much, but it was good to wear something that once felt like a second skin to you.

The boys chatted between themselves, until one of them saw you and went silent. When everyone's sight caught you, they were too shocked to say anything. You felt powerful. You felt like showing them you belonged in that yard, and like you should show them what women could do with a sword in their pretty little hands.

"So, this place is supposed to be for men only. I'm guessing it's because 'women can't fight'?" You smirked, staring directly at Prince Aegon, "But tell me, who's too much of a man to defeat me? I mean, I'm only a woman, so I think it wouldn't be that hard, right?"

Alyssa looked at you with wide eyes. She was too marveled to express any words. She had never seen you in your armor, and you never talked about your swordswoman days. You thought your support was enough, but you left Daemon to be the only role model as a warrior in her life. Today you would be her knight in shining armor.

"I'm not fighting a woman!" Aegon said.

Daemon smirked, looking at you with a hunting gaze, that same look he used moments before taking you to bed. You stared at him, drawing your sword and pointing it out towards him.

"Perhaps my lord husband would like to give me this honor?" You bit your smirk as the children gasped at your challenge.

"Mother, you can't be serious!" Maegon frowned.

"You cannot possibly think that you can defeat father in sword combat." Rhaegon stared at you as if you had gone insane, and perhaps everyone shared the same thought. Everyone but Alyssa, and Daemon.

"It would be a pleasure to finally show my pupils some real sword fighting. It's not that bullshit that Cole tries to teach you, and unfortunately, I'll not be here everyday to show it to you. Today my lady wife will show you how it's done. Perhaps you can learn a thing or two from her, Aegon." Daemon teased, unsheathing Dark Sister and going to the center of the yard.

You passed by his side, and Daemon grabbed your arm, making you stop. You smirked and looked up to him, towering your body.

"You look really hot right now." He practically howled near your ear, letting go of your arm.

"That's how it's done." Daemon pointed out, staring at the children whose mouths fell open to the prince's bleeding face.

[highking-cardan]

hi hcs are they accurate?

- They’re the power couple to end all power couples, even before having kids

- They give Rhys and Feyre a run for their money but we don’t pit Kings and Queens against Kings and Queens in this house and anyways, I digress

- Cardan loves his children

- Naturally, of course, but he has no solid father figure to help him figure out this whole parenting thing

- So he’s nervous about it the first time, of course

- But Jude reassures him over and over that he’s going to be great and he has to believe her

- She wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true - right? ’,:/

- And by the time kid number three rolls around, Cardan has this dad thing down pat

- He wrestles with his kids all the time, both his sons and his daughters

- One of his sons has a little tail

- Said son is in love with his dad’s tail and Cardan doesn’t mind it when his little hands play with the tuft of hair on the end

- Cardan teaches his son how to use it for balance and how to pick up small things with it

- Cardan’s daughter gets jealous that she doesn’t have a tail, too

- It stuns Cardan at first, because all he can remember about his childhood is being absolutely humiliated because of his tail and here is his little girl telling him she wishes she had one just like it 

- He almost cries but Jude saves the day

- “Let the boys have their tails,” she says, “My little girl and I have matching ears.” 

- And it’s true. Jude and Cardan’s daughter has dull ears like a mortal

- But she also has vibrant, purple eyes so she isn’t worried about not looking like a faerie 

- Cardan and Jude parent like they rule the kingdom: efficiently and kindly, but stern when needed

- Cardan is usually the first to get stern

- His kids know by now that whenever Dad looks at them in a certain way, they better shape up

- Like all kids, they’re thoroughly disgusted by how in love their parents are

- Their daughter(s) think it's so romantic and wonderful but their son(s) always stick their fingers down their throat whenever they see Dad kiss Mamma

- Bedtime stories are very much a thing

- Cardan will make up a story and then recruit Jude to help him finish it and she has to pretend like she knows how it ends

- Neither of them knows how it ends

- Jude does the voices for all the girl characters and Cardan voices the men

- But because Cardan is literally making the story up as he goes, Jude has to improvise 100% of her lines

- They make it work

- Some of the stories told at bedtime are the best stories faeries had ever had the privilege of hearing

- Sometimes, though, they stick to more traditional stories and read from books

- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a unanimous favorite

- Cardan likes to carry his children on his shoulders or on his back

- It’s just efficient

- It’s not a strange sight to see the High King of Elfhame walking through the palace with a toddler in his arms, a two year old on his back, a four year old on his shoulders, and a set of twins running behind him

- I have no idea how many kids those two end up having. They’re unhinged and unpredictable

- But the kingdom adores the Greenbriar children

- All the kids are so well-mannered that it’s no trouble liking them or getting along with them

- Some of them are shyer than others so they’re more likely to hide in Jude’s skirts during a party but the kingdom still gushes over them

- The kingdom also likes the change in pace with how many kids the King and Queen have ;)

- Children are a happy, happy thing and Jude is a mortal woman, so she gives the kingdom tons of reasons to be happy

- It’s almost a little overwhelming both for Jude and the citizens

- The citizens don’t know how to handle being this happy this often

- And Jude still finds it a little odd how strangers will be moved to tears over the fact that she’s pregnant...again

- Cardan uses it to tease her because he’s fucking Cardan and why wouldn’t he

- “It’s about time we give the kingdom another celebration, don’t you think?”

- Cue Jude glaring at her husband and reminding him that the child she is currently breastfeeding is a mere five weeks old

- Cardan kisses the child and then his wife and says, “That’s fair. I’ll give it another month.”

- Jude kicks him because her hands are busy, but she’s laughing

My dear you have way too much time on your hands.

And considering we are no where near having kids, I really don’t know.

@judeduartehighqueen

[clockworkbee]

Love how Holly Black takes the most obvious and typical plots from fairytales and then twists them in her books, only to then end them at some absolutely cliché scene 🤌🏼

I am sorry, which ones? I cant see them in Holly Black books

Hmm. Okay.

I’ll start by clarifying (for you, anon, and anyone else who comes across this post) that when I say fairy tale, I don’t just mean the Beauty and the Beast category, I also mean those children books like Goldilocks and Pinnochio etc. as well as the many stories I've never read but heard from my dad or grandmother in my childhood (in urdu—not that they’re relevant in this post) and I’ll tell you why I thought so/saw (see) it as quoted in your ask, but just because I did doesn’t mean everyone would—and this isn’t to convince you either (but it low-key is, lol)

SPOILER WARNING: the books mentioned in this post may or may not contain minor/major spoilers about the plot but do include more information than the synopsis so if you haven’t read Holly Black’s books and would prefer knowing as little as possible before going in, I think it’s best you save this post for later <3

The Folk of the Air: My first books by the author were tfota, and the world, plot, and characters were quite refreshing to read, but then on my first read, when I read about the prophecy and the curse within the series, it hit me that within this ‘faerie’ story was an aspect of the ‘fairy’ ones, kinda like ‘beauty and the beast,’ ‘a cursed prince turned into a frog,’ or another that's mentioned in the 3rd book, but then, the way to break the curse was not so typical in my opinion, and I loved that. And of course there’s the famous parallels between Jude and Alice from Alice in the Wonderland; a human girl in a fantasy land where she doesn’t belong. (If you’re interested, you might like how it’s shown here by @rosiethorns88 and the third and second last paragraphs written here by @sensenoi unless you’re interested in reading the whole post, that is) As for the cliché ending here, I think those cheesy, happy dialogues in tqon are exactly that.

The Darkest Part of the Forest: in this standalone (which I wished so hard that I’d read before tfota), there’s a prince who’s banished and (I think, can’t remember, sorry) also cursed to sleep. So again, this was like Aurora sleeping after pricking her finger or Snow White after biting the apple, however, the way to wake up that prince wasn’t his true love’s kiss and he doesn’t love the person who finally breaks him free either, so I kinda liked that twist; the boy getting the prince instead of the girl. (You know, like a change of perspective in a fairytale retelling such as Maleficent’s pov showing love instead of hate for Aurora, I guess)

The Modern Faerie Tales (Tithe + Ironside): the story of a faerie raised as a human finding herself lucky enough to earn power over a royal faerie. For this ship, there was this storyline of ‘win your love by completing a quest’ and that’s what felt fairytale-like to me. Only, it was a bit twisted because faeries can’t lie, and that made the quest tricky.

The Modern Faerie Tales (Valiant): In this one, the ship and the insta-love were kinda it (fairytale-like), but then there was this scene where the girl almost lost the one she loved and the way she tried to delay that happening and then saved him was what actually hit like a Faerie fairytale to me.

The Stolen Heir (duology): sooo, I loved how the story started with a girl wishing for more in her life, wishing for magic, and then in a way, having that wish come true, only it’s a Holly Black story so of course magic only mostly brings horrors instead of sparkles, leaving one of the most common messages/warnings from fairy tales, ‘be careful what you wish for.’ I also loved that our fmc was made of sticks and snow, which again, is something I’d heard before in a fairy tale as a kid (I think it’s also mentioned in a grishaverse short story, the witch one? I don't actually remember, but yeah.) The twist added here was that, unlike those stories I heard where a girl who was made this way could be unmade by other people just as easily ‘if someone did this or that,’ (or maybe it’s still a part of the books, I can’t recall), Holly made Suren extremely powerful and almost invincible, and I loved that a lot. (Also, I didn’t see the Snow White story stuff here until I read this post by @of-the-way-and-wildflowers , but after reading it, I definitely do see it, and absolutely love it!) The cliché ending here, I suppose, is the way Suren came back?

I hope you got from this the answer you were looking for, anon. I don’t think I ever made a post on how I see fairy tales in these books before, so thanks a lot for this ask!

—bee 💗

[marvelita85]

Living in The red keep after your marriage wasnt always easy, most of your time was spend with your husband , when Sir Criston Cole wasn't around, honestly you couldnt stand the man, and thanks to Helaena who made your days happier and complete, your aunt, now sister too looked foward to your afternoons in the godswood with her children who you had doubts they were Aegon's because of how sweet they were

You wrote to your mother quiet frecuently and your mornings were spend in the library after break your fast with Aemond looking for new books to read to your convalecent gransfather, he was very happy you were living there with them... it was like having Rhaenyra again

You shared your mother's figures and looks one of the reasons the queen acepted you to married Aemond, but the truth was both of you married for love, you grow up together and fell in love for Aemond there wasn't any other choise

But spies and maids loyal to the queen was what abuded in the red keep, even you tried to be carefull in what you informed Daemon and your mother and doing so in Valaryan you knew you were being watched

You tried to live as normal as you posibly could but sometimes you wanted your dragon to call "Dracarys" in all of them

- princess...

- queen Alicent... - you were always respectfull of her tittle but you never called her my queen...

- I wanted to see you... my maids informed me you havent bleed in a month...- you looked at her surpriced but what she was saying was not lie... but you didnt think much about it

- I didnt think much of it, I've been busy...

- you should let the maesters check on you... I will arranged it myself...

- thank you queen Alicent but is not necesary... my mothers ladies will come with her shortly

-I dont think is necesary to wait...

- is not that long and if it is true the reason I'vnt bleed is still going to be there, Im sorry but the king is waiting for me... - you gave her a little bow and dissapeared in the corner

Alicent couldnt find to have a close relationship with you, you loved her son but her not so much, you saw her as a traitor to your mother

That night your maid was preparing for bed and Aemond entered your shared room

- leave us... - he said and the maid left not saying a word... - is it true what my mother said? You havent bleed in a month? - you smile a little and nod your head looking at him... - ynn.... - he aproached to you and you stand hugging him

- we shouldnt get our hopes up jusy yet... it could be but maybe not..

- then why you dont let the maester look at you...

- I dont want them near me... he is the same one who butchered my grandmother while having a boy... I want my mother's maids...

- do you think that I would allow them to do anything like that to you..

- of course not, I trust you Aem... Im just asking you this, we have time, we can wait...- Aemond kiss your forehead

Aemond talked to his mother because she didnt insisted you again until your family arried to Kings Landing for Jace wedding, your mother throught your ravens knew about your situation and her and her ladies were in your room first thing upon arrival

- I miss you my little dragon..

- I miss you too momma... - you were sensible but you were missing your family, Rhaenyra was always a good mother, leaving her only girl in the hands of the greens was a struggled for her but she knew you loved Aemond and he loved you, she saw that love and the way he treated you despite the way he was with your brothers, it was a different relationship but you looked happy and that was all it matters

- you are with child princess... congratulations...- you had tears of joy in your eyes, your mother pregnant herself was crying aswell

- you are creating your own family my love...

- is so overwelming... I have to tell Aemond...

- I'll go and fetch my brother....- you laught at the way she said it and smile to your mother, you wished her relationship with her siblings were different but a child of you and Aemond meant peace between your family, your marriage was to united the two branches of it, this baby was to solificated it

- what happend?

- come... I have great news... the ladies of my mother confirm what we suspected my love...

- you mean you are...

- we are.. with child...- Aemond never thought he could feel this full, and complete, he was married with the woman he loved, the almost only thing he thank his own father for because y/n wasn't his mother's choise and now they have created a little life who was theirs and it was undiscribed what he was feeling, he grab you in his arms, felt your body warm against his and knew he would do anythkng for both of you because he loved you but what he felt for that baby already went beyond imagination to the ledges he could go for him

- I have a request from you... before this baby arrives... I wish for him... or her to be born in Dragonstone...- before Aemond could say anything you understood his hesitation...- before you say anything hear me out, the only reason your nephew and even you were born healthy was because of your grandfather, he always wanted his blood in the Iron Throne and your son... our son or daughter will be in direct line of it after my mother and me, we are women and we understand what that means... just imagine if it is a boy... they wont hestidate a second to kill me and raise this kid to their shape and form...

- I wont let anything happend to you...

- then come with me to Dragonstone to have this baby... Luke will go to Drifmark and Jace will be in Winterfell over his honeymoon...

- we are going on Vahgar and your Dragon will follow.... I dont want you to be recless while pregnant with my child...

- as you wish my prince... - you said with a little smile

- I'll do whatever you need of me y/n as long as you and our baby are safe

[crippling-pages]

the grandest game review part two; chapters 25-59

*TW SPOILERS!*

*Note: bullets may not be in order of the chapters*

okay so they finished the ball and now their in groups/teams

SJHGFRJNHBGYVTFVHQB GRAYSON LIFTING LYRA STOP

Odette ships them. Odette ships them. ODETTE SHIPS THEM SAY IT WITH ME!

Knox and Brady, childhood friends... or more?/j

nah but Knox calling Gigi these nicknames is kinda adorable man ToT

Speaking of nicknames "Savvy" SAVROHAN>>>>>>>

not Savannah responding by calling him British- tbh its funny but sav sweetheart your social awkwardness and lack of knowledge on how to interact with people (especially cute boys) is showing..

rohan calling sav love will also be on top <3

STOP THE MOVIE

LYRA MY GIRLLLLL TOT

HERE'S THE TRAUMA let it happen plz

GRAY COME AND SAVE THE WOMAN YOU LOVE!!!!!!!!

he got her out of a panic attack mHMmMHH

Brady protecting Gigi from Knox ToT its so sweet

omg i bet she reminds him of calla

AHHHHHH

ngl i feel like they're might be a tiny minor love triangle between them?? probably not cuz Knox is 26 but like they're something between the three romantic ot not

lmao imagine Slate just coming in, picking up his girl Gigi and walking out

i really want that actually

ODETTE WORKED FOR TOBIAS l IUYTFRGYBH

"He was the best and worst man in all times"

yeah she's Alice.

LYRAYSONNNNNN

gray just needs to realize the reason he wants to kiss her to bad and then lyra needs to realize she's in love with him and all will be good<3

AJHUGYTFRG NOT THE SPY IN GIG'S NECKLACE

okay but the backstory of calla and brady and knox... im gonna cry

they better find calla

Of course Xander would add pie in the puzzle. This is Xander we're talking about<3

kJHUGYFTRDES AH AH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH TRUTH OR DARE

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY

guys i'm actually obsessed with reading about my fav characters doing t or d and this time its wtih ROHAN AND SAVANNAH

AHHHHHHHHHHH

wait... rohan's parents put him in the ocean when he was 5?? and couldnt swim?? thats a literal child... omg what.

he's brushing her hair<3 without all the weird and emotionally traumatic feelings in the air it would've been cute

i love how he asks multiply times if she wants to do a different dare. gotta love a man who respects you<3

HOL UP HE CUT HER HAIR??? SAV DEARY, OMG-

ngl sav in braids will always have my heart, but short hair savannah isnt that bad either..

GAH these emotions ajhbgvftcdrctfvg

Rohan gets Savannah. He understands what she's feeling. Points to Rohan.

YES SAVANNAH!!! WOO! THROW THAT GLASS ROSE!!!!! FEEL THE RAGE INSIDE OF YOUUUUUUUUUUUU

honestly the truth or dare thing with savannah and rohan is keeping on hooked tbh. for a while i read the book but i read it really slowly... tbh savrohan is keeping me going (and rohan in general tbh)

anyways have a lovely day<3

[butterflypeatea3456]

Helaena x Reader ♡ General head cannons

A/n: THE SEASON 2 TRAILER HAS RAISED ME FROM THE DEAD

Childhood friends: Young Helaena did not have many friends, despite her Princess status many found her to be odd. She had interests that were uncommon compared to the other young ladies at court. Her mother, Alicent, tried her best to bond as much as she could. But alas even she could not understand her own daughter. Though Helaena tried not to mind, she had her bugs, enchanting little creatures who lived in their own worlds. As a daughter of a lord on the small council, you both would be introduced by your mothers. Fidgeting with your bracelet, she noticed how you stood like a small shadow next to your mother. Another shy girl, perhaps you would like to meet her caterpillars. A shy girl you were around everyone, but around Helaena your eyes sparked with interest when she rambled about her insects. And a boisterous laugh when recalling a funny story to her. You were much different than her mother and brothers. You were always with her and showed affection so sweetly. Never mocking her interests or spurts of dreams like rambles. Aemond was good to her, but she felt  wonderful around you

First Kiss: You and Helaena were lounging in her chambers, side by side. You snacked on small pastries, and her reading a book. “Helaena have you ever kissed someone before” You mused, as she turned to you surprised. She felt a strange warmth wash over her at the question. “It is something I have yet to experience, have you?” She admitted with a touch of shyness. You, ever so playful, took note of her expression. “I once kissed a boy whom my Father forbade me from seeing again. Pointless really as I learned I have no interest in kissing boys” You said. Helaena felt a prick of animosity towards this nameless boy. He got to feel your plush lips against his, be close to you in a way another woman could not be. “My dear Helaena, have I upset you?” You asked, putting a gentle hand on her cheek. “I fear I wish that I could have been that boy” She said looking away. You leaned closer towards her, Helaena slowly turned her eyes to meet yours. The prettiest shade of purple you’ve ever seen, the kind only she possessed. “I’d love to kiss you, If you’ll have me” This time it was your turn to be shy. With a gentle grin Helaena nodded her head. 

On dragonback: Soaring the world was a wondrous thing itself but Helaena by your side of Dreamfyre, it was an indescribable feeling. Helaena laughter followed the wind and you grinned. “Come on we must get back before they notice we’re gone” You giggled, arms wrapped around her waist. Both of you donned black cloaks, however the large blue dragon very clearly gave away who was in the sky. Despite that it was still a moment of careless joy before grounding back to reality. Back to betrothed and games of green and black. But how could you be thinking of that when strands of her hair glowed in the moonlight. “Is something wrong, you’ve gotten quiet” Helaena asked worriedly. “Only admiring how lovely you look” You coyly said. She simply leaned her head against your shoulder with a smile 

Matching jewelry: The way you both showed affection to each other had to be subtle. It started you gifting her a jeweled arachnid necklace. Something that Helaena cherished greatly and wore nearly everyday. For your nameday she commission a gorgeous ring with your favorite stone as the centerpiece. However in the band line was her and you initials. You nearly kissed her in front of everyone out of pure adoration. A little bit of her with you and a little bit of you with her

[sansaorgana]

Heyy! I just wanted to see if you'd do a headcanon for me?? I haven't done this before but I love your modern au's so freaking much!!

So, if you were to do one could you do it about how, separately, Aegon and Aemond would look after a sick reader? Would they go out and get stuff for them to make them feel better, like sweets and medicine? Keep them at their house so they could keep an eye on you? Help you get to sleep? Watch stuff they know they'll like? It's just that I'm really sick at the moment and I'd really like to have this written out and I love your style so much!

aww babe, I hope you get well soon 🤒

Aegon:

• he's a big baby so he'd be scared that he's going to be sick, too

• so, when you call him that you're sick, he says he is sorry and that he wishes you to be back in health asap

• alicent overhears that and after he hangs up his phone, she scolds the hell out of him for treating his girl this way

• he's at your place an hour later and you are shocked seeing him with a hot meal for you and a bunch of snacks and basic meds to make you feel better

• he makes sure you spend all the time in bed and he even cleans around for you and does your laundry (he sucks at it but the boy's trying, okay?)

• he would visit you every day with a hot meal and to make sure you're fine

• you'd also watch lots of movies together

• honestly, he's not even scared about getting sick anymore. and he gives you a lot of forehead kisses

• he might even take a nap with you and hold you close

• when he doesn't get sick, he's bragging that he is immortal

Aemond:

• after hearing that you're sick, Aemond packs his bag and goes to your place to move in for the time of your sickness

• he's doing everything for you, you don't have to leave the bed

• honestly, he even wants to carry you to the bathroom if you need to go there

• he makes you change your pyjama every day and washes your sheets every day, too

• you're joking that you could be sick all the time if that's how he is but he doesn't find it funny

• he's also sleeping with you so he can check on your temperature at night

• he's just so scared of losing you, okay? he has never expected to meet someone like you and now he hates seeing you in pain

• he would watch movies with you but also read books to you if you wanted him to

• cooking is not something he can do well so he orders you good and tasty food every day

• he eventually ends up sick, too, and now it's your turn to take care of him and baby him as well (he never blames you for getting sick, though)

[justmybookthots]

Legendborn

Um??????????

I put this book off for so long because a) I heard the next book in the series only comes out in 2025 and I didn't want to be left hanging, and b) I wasn't the biggest fan when I heard there was a (sigh) love triangle in there. And yet here I am, having finished it at long last.

Confession: I was/am in the middle of something like a reading slump. February has not been kind to me with my reads. When the Ann Liang book I was anticipating for months let me down horrifically, ALL the books that followed either fell flat too or were just… middling. I went through book after book feeling empty, and then I told myself: you know what. Legendborn has been on EVERYONE and their mother's radar, and their responses are the same—near unanimous acclaim. It's honestly quite insane.

So I took a gamble. I got the book and started reading it. 

You can TELL. You can just TELL when a book hits right for you, unlike the ones I read before it. I was hooked. Engaged. Totally captivated. I'd read and DNFed another fantasy book just weeks ago, which also utilised King Arthur lore (titled Silver in the Bone), but somehow Legendborn succeeded where that story failed (for me). Maybe I'm just a basic bitch who's a sucker for the typical storyline of a normal girl finding herself entangled with a group of monster slayers and doing tournaments to become one of them. (Is this why… I was instantly enthralled with the Infernal Devices??? Or why I love Demon Slayer—the anime—so much????? I am finding out new things about myself.)

But sure… the beginning isn't anything too different from traditional YA structures. But as you get going, and you continue down the road, you start to see new grounds being tread, and it deviates from anything I've personally read as a teen.

As usual, even though I loved this book, I'm going to do what I almost always do and explore the dichotomy of what I liked and didn't.

Spoilers abound. 

Didn't like:

It was predictable… up to a point (and then I was GOBSMACKED but we'll get to that later). Like, I knew pretty quickly which characters were going to make it to Squires and which weren't. You could just tell from how the author treated certain Pages (the folks trying to be Squires) in a more favourable light. The nice ones win, the not-nice ones don't. I'd have liked more nuance in their characterisation, TBH.

Speaking of which, however, Bree's characterisation at the start was rough. Like, she'd do stupid shit and get in trouble and continue being irresponsible. I wasn't surprised Alice was mad at her, and I don't think that the trouble she faced stemmed solely from her race but rather her irresponsible behaviour (going off-campus when she already knows that's grounds for expulsion and she STILL gets mad when the dean, who decides to let her off, is churlish with her. Seriously?). That said, I am NOT Black, and I can't speak for the quotidian prejudices they face, so take my perception of it with a grain of salt. In any case, Bree changed and this was no longer an issue for me later on.

Nick. And his whole romance with Bree. Like, I really did NOT care. And Nick was pretty much a white boy-damsel in distress the entire story. Every time screen time was devoted to their romance, my eyes would glaze over and I'd start skimming all the kissing and stuff. 

There were a lot of characters. Like, a lot. Too many. My brain was scrambling trying to remember and place everyone in their different roles. And aside from a few (bless William), they didn't have very distinct voices. Greer had, like, ZERO distinctive voice other than being non-binary, which should not be the only thing to define a character. Whitty was… nice, is all? Everyone kinda just melded in my brain, which is probably why none of the character deaths really hit me. 

I'm not a huge fan of Chosen One tropes. But this does play on the trope in a VERY interesting way. 

WHAT I LIKED (!!!!!!!!!!!):

The whole concept of Root and Bloodcraft. I LOVED how the author used magic to convey the colonisation of white men. The idea that Legendborns forcefully TAKE their power, while non-Bloodcraft users only borrow their power, speaks volumes to me. It was such a good way to portray real life.

Also??? The ending twist about Bree????? All along, I was convinced she was secretly the Scion of Lancelot, but I wasn't sure HOW, because all the knights are obviously white. And then the author pulls a fast one on me and she's actually fucking Arthur. The reasoning is so good. I loved how the White Man's own cruelty and their disgusting ownership of Black people led them to this predicament. I think THIS was the part that truly sold me on how terrific and unique this book was.

Characters-wise… William. Like, I adore the fuck out of him. In another world, in an even less conventional book, William would have been the hero for me. He's exactly my type with how calm and confident he was without needing to be overbearing about it. In fact, he was so gentle. (Makes me think of Jem Carstairs, but obviously Jem is THE published blueprint for types like this.)

Sel. Yes, I know I just talked about how I didn't like overbearing characters, and I initially went into this book expecting to hate him, but… :) I thought he was quite justified in his hatred / distrust towards Bree at first, knowing what he knew about how the mesmer and Oaths didn't take. I'll see if my opinion of him changes in the sequel. 

I  really, really liked how for once, King Arthur wasn't depicted as just some hero. He actually seemed almost villainous in this book, especially in the moments when Bree was possessed by him. What happened to her supposedly getting wisdom when she Awakened, though? This man does not sound wise at all. I am intrigued.

I am so glad I read this book. SO GLAD. I was down in the dumps for a bit and finally reading a good fantasy made me feel a thousand times better. I'm a bit nervous reading the sequel because some things often don't live up to their predecessor, so I shall see.

- 28 Feb 2024

[aegons-queen-rhaella]

It's funny, I read your post about fangirls making excuses for Daemon's terrible acts.

But as someone who is part of fanboy circles - being a fanboy myself. I gotta say that the Daemon fanboys are just as bad as the Daemon/Matt Smith girlies.

I brought up my theory that before "Blood & Cheese" that Daemon is gonna go after Daeron in Oldtown first - seeing as how Daeron is to Alicent what Luke seemingly was to Rhaenyra (her baby boy that she likes to cuddle, hold hands, and kiss) and that will herald Daeron's entry into the story and the war by either being recalled by Alicent and Criston for his own safety or by wanting some pay back on Rhaenyra/Daemon.

And I postulated that it wasn't going to go well for Daemon, and that Daeron would get the better of him and drive him off. Which tracks to me, because, Daeron is stated in the book as one of the greatest knights of his age and Daemon has always been more slippery and clever as an assassin rather than a fighter. Thus, Daemon and Rhaenyra will end up choosing soft targets after realizing that Daeron ain't some scrub little kid like Luke.

And you would've thought that I insulted their mom the way the Team Black fanboys came at me, angry and outraged that I suggested that Daeron was a better fighter than Daemon, or that Daemon wouldn't take Daeron serious in a fight till it was too late.

All their arguments have absolutely no basis in fact or in source material. In fact, Daemon is known to run from and avoid fights as much as possible, unless there was some clear advantage in it, or if he strikes when the opponent is weak. Where as Daeron spends his life and his military career getting into tense situations. The dude squared up against Hugh Hammer and backed him down. Something Daemon would never have done.

Anyway, my point is that in the fanboy circles it is perceived that because GRRM loves Daemon, it means that he is the "Bestest Evaer!" at everything, and that no one can beat him and there's some weird 4D morality to everything he does.

It's fucking insane the levels of idolization and cope that this character gets from both sides of the genders.

That is absolutely wild that people, fanboys and girls, equate Daemon being the best because GGRM said Daemon was his favorite. Daemon is a coward and doesn't have as much balls as Daeron and even Aegon II.

Even HOTD shows that Daemon is a coward when he beheaded Vaemond from behind. Striking weak aoppenents and ones with their backs turned will forever be a cowards move.

I like your theory that Daemon would go after Daeron before going after J&J. It would make sense that Daemon would think Daron is like Luke but he underestimated the youngest Green.

This would be a banger of a way to introduce Daeron and Tessarion and show that they will not go down without a figth and also set him up to go against Hugh Hammer.

I am team Green ofc but even I can acknowledge and not excuse the shit behaviors that members of team green have done.

Fanboy spaces are something I stay away from for a reason and I don't want to be in there and get attacked because I said something based in reality.

All the facts about these characters are stated in the book and if people want to read too much fanfiction and apply it to reality they need to take a break read the book again and assess.