#it's not done yet but i work on it when i'm stuck on a royal soulmate

[ihavethedreamies]

Versace Royal | Hyunjin

Hwang Hyunjin - Stray Kids

Rating: M (18+) MDNI

Word Count: ~4.3k

Pairing: Idol! Hyunjin x Idol! Older! AFAB! Reader

Genre: Request, Idolverse, Reader-Insert, Fluff, Smut

!!This is smut…if that much isn't clear you should probably leave now!! MDNI!

Warnings: She/Her Pronouns used, Swearing, Kissing, Oral (M! Receiving), Shower Sex, Unprotected Sex (Not Recommended)

Summary: Hyunjin and you are both international ambassadors for Versace and the rumors are put to rest when you announce you are both officially dating at a Versace event.

Author's Note: Got a request for this! I'm so happy that one of you liked my stuff enough to want me to write something for you!

Also I am working on the historical AU still, but I'm low-key working for my uncle doing something so...

P.S. I would have had this done and up earlier today, but I had to watch the Chiefs game even though I only watch for Pacheco (#10) and he got a broken leg.

Also, Winwin is in this! Just briefly, I like to wiggle him in where I can.

I am cross-posting this on Archive. Please reblog! If you know anyone that would like this or future fics but they aren't on here my name and icon are exactly the same on the other site. Happy reading!

"Shit." You grumbled to yourself, looking in the mirror and scrubbing over your tooth with your finger to get the lipstick stain off.

"Here." Your stylist shuffled over to fix the error and as you held still for her, your eyes flitting over to Hyunjin. He was sitting in an armchair of the dressing room you two were assigned, scribbling on his tablet. He didn't have the jacket of his outfit on yet, sitting in just his tank top. Your eyes couldn't help but trace over his exposed arms, then back up to the slight furrow of his brow, the frown marring his beautiful face. Your stylist pulled back and she helped you get the dress you were to wear over the full-piece shapewear you had on.

"You don't need this you know." Your stylist whispered and you shrugged.

"I just wear it like a slip, I can't risk someone else trying to shoot up my skirt again." You looked at yourself in the mirror, not really loving your hair. It was pulled back into a tight low ponytail, and it made your facial features look too harsh.

"Sorry." The other woman whispered as she touched up your makeup. Your eyes flitted to Hyunjin again, his hair slicked back in a similar manner, but it looked good on him.

"Uh." His voice brought your attention back to him from your reflection in the mirror, a ding coming from his tablet.

"What?" You didn't bother hiding the apprehension in his voice.

"People already know we're here together." He sighed and you rolled your eyes so hard you worried you messed up your mascara.

"Not too surprising, we were on the same plane." You shook your head and when it was determined you were ready, the stylist moved on to Hyunjin.

"I don't wanna~" He whined, begrudgingly getting up from the armchair to sit at the vanity. As he shuffled toward you, you smiled at his bored look.

"Hold on." He paused you and so you halted, and he brushed something off the shoulders of your dress, then ran his hand over your smoothed hair.

"Careful, someone might think we're dating." You tried to hide your smile.

"We are dating." His deadpan tone nearly made you ruin your lipstick, but you halted your mouth before you stuck your tongue out like you had planned. Taking his place in the armchair, you couldn't help but glance at his still-on tablet. The article was open, and the title made you sigh.

"The Prince and Princess of Versace?" It seemed the name had left the K-Fanbase and had spread to even the international fashion press. It made you two seem more like brother and sister if you were the 'heirs' of Versace though. The article was topped with a picture of both of you with Donatella, but you two weren't in matching clothes in that one like you would be that day. Clicking your tongue, you grabbed the device and were about to look and see if there were any more articles, but you noticed his drawing app open. Looking up at him glaring at himself in the mirror, setting his intense expression for the night, you opened it, the image making you coo.

"You're drawing me?" You laughed at the glare he sent to you then.

"I always draw you." Hyunjin huffed and you giggled, wiggling in your chair and continuing to look at the news. Finding another article along the same lines, you drifted down to the comments, and your heart fell. Not only were there a bunch of his fans bashing you for what seemed like just standing next to him, even your fans were being mean too.

'He doesn't deserve her. She should date an actor.'

'He's the tallest in SKZ, but she still doesn't have to wear heels with him.'

'There's tons of other celebs and models there she could get, why go for another idol? Take some steps up girl.'

"I'm suing." You sneered.

"Stop reading comments." Your boyfriend scolded and you sniffed but relented.

"Don't wrinkle that, please, (Y/N)." The stylist then scolded you as well and you adjusted your posture. A knock on the door prompted a grunt from the man and a hum from you and his manager poked his head in the room.

"Donatella wants a photoshoot before the event." He announced and you sighed. Made sense. Your stylist hurried up her task and you helped her adjust and tweak Hyunjin's outfit once he got it on.

"Careful, people might think you like me or something." He teased you and you pinched him through the fabric of his tank top, and he yelped, making you giggle.

"Well, maybe I do…"

"Don't kiss him!" The stylist snapped and you halted. Yeah, red on his mouth would be a little too obvious, and she would have to fix both of yours make up as well.

"If some influencer tries to flirt with you, I'm going to scream." He grumbled, face still close to yours, also a bit cranky he couldn't kiss you.

"Same. But we just pretend I don't know English." You shrug playfully.

"You spoke with Donatella in English in the last video, good luck with that." You swore under your breath, finally letting go of his jacket that's gold and black fabric matched your dress's. Moving to go around him and start to leave the dressing room, he grabbed your wrists, pulling you back to him.

"No, no, come here one sec." He hauled you even closer, pressing you to him, nose barely grazing yours. His eyes met yours and the sharp look made you swallow hard, and the corner of his mouth twitched before he controlled it.

"Don't fucking wrinkle it!" The stylist more or less pulled him away from you and ran her hands over both of your garments to make sure they were fine.

"Go, and don't stop in a closet on the way!" She shoved you both out to be led away by your managers.

~~~

"Can you put and rest your arm on her shoulder, like with your elbow bent?" The shoot director motioned and Hyunjin followed suit, his forearm laying on your shoulder.

"Good!" You were glad that modeling shoots didn't want you to smile like all the pictures your mother took when you went home for Chuseok. Having him lean a bit on you made it harder to balance your own pose, legs crossed, all weight laying on one leg. You were in short heels, but they were still thin, and it made it harder to stay steady. You were glad the company never wanted your group to dance in heels, but your group had a more badass concept most times and so you got to wear boots or even sneakers.

"Careful." Hyunjin whispered in your ear, feeling your body shake a bit and he relaxed the pressure he was putting on you. You both followed the prompts of the director while the photographer continued shooting.

"What if we go with the prince and princess idea?" Your eyes flitted to Donatella, urging her with your gaze to shut up. She smiled playfully and your nose twitched.

"Like?"

"Get that chair, no, the fancy one!" The designer herself motioned and some staff started to move in a black velvet chair, and she came onto the set. She sat in the chair and then the director got the hint. You both were directed to stand behind and to the side of the chair, your hands on the back, postures straight. Just like the heirs to a queen.

"You saw that article?" You asked her when the shoot was done, and she smiled.

"Let's get going to the event now, I can be late but you two can't." She left to attend to who knows what and you gave Hyunjin a look and he huffed a laugh.

"(Y/N), Hyunjin." Your manager waved you over, his was on the phone.

"What?" He had spoken in a hushed tone, so you did too.

"The company wants you to announce your relationship tonight. They want to get ahead of the rumors."

"Tonight?" You hissed. There was no time to prepare, and the comments were already tearing both of you to shreds. The older man shrugged and finally Hyunjin's manager got off the phone.

"We're going to work with a few reporters that are here for Korean magazines, and they'll do a more or less scripted interview quick and that'll be it." The other manager informed, and you nodded, feeling a bit less nervous. You looked at your boyfriend then and he didn't look fazed.

"What?" You were still whispering.

"Maybe then guys will leave you be?" He was obviously still upset about the influencer that was flirting with you at the last event.

"Are you intimidated by a TikTok model?"

"No, but that doesn't mean I don't like them trying to get you back to their hotel room."  He was talking a little louder than you really wished for him to be, but he was using Korean so…

"You're getting me back to your hotel room, though?" You sent him a coy look and he rolled his eyes.

"No, we're going separate, then using the little door that’s in between them." He wiggled his finger back and forth and you exhaled a laugh.

"Let's just go to the red carpet…shoot…place." What did you call a red carpet than had no carpet, let alone a red one?

~~~

You waited to go up to get your photo taken at the Versace logo wall they had set up outside the runway hall, taking the chance to look around at who else was there. You recognized only a few people, and your heart sank a little not seeing a very familiar face.

"I thought Sicheng said he's done Versace shows before…" You clicked your tongue crankily, a group of three was better than just you two. Especially since Winwin was already a friend.

"(Y/N)." Hyunjin's voice caught your attention, and you strode forward to join him at the logo. The official and press photographers took a few pics and then Hyunjin moved on so you could do the solo shots.

"They could've put her in something shorter." You heard a voice murmur from the next spot in line and you shot a side glance over to look. Some guys with too chiseled of features and too greasy hair. Just pretend you don't know English. Just because your last interview with the designer herself was in English didn't mean everyone had seen it. They were probably famous or something, but they weren't even in Versace, so they were just guests or something. After the photographers thanked you, you nodded a bow and moved on, trying not to dash over to your boyfriend.

"Stupid dudebros." You huffed, adjusting your ponytail back behind you instead of over your shoulder.

"How old are you, noona?" Hyunjin teased and you shot him a look that made him laugh.

"I'm only a few years older, shut up." You told him not to call you that after you started dating since the other boys but Chan and Minho did as well.

"What'd they say?"

"Thought my dress could be shorter."

"Surprised they weren't wanting to see your tits."

"What tits?" You huffed, starting to lead him toward the actual runway hall and he scoffed.

"Just cuz' you're not stacked like Jihyo-noona doesn't mean you have no boobs." He sniffed and you shook your head, finding your designated seats at the side of the runway and sitting down. You adjusted your dress and set the bag they gave you along with it in your lap, crossing your ankles to the side. Every time you sat like that you thought of the Princess Diaries movie.

"You would know."

"I would know."

"Do you have any idea what the reporters will ask?" You moved on, still speaking quietly despite using a language most people likely did not know.

"No." He shot you a soft glance, "don't worry, we'll handle it together."

Through the fashion show, you tried to look genuinely interested, brain still looping on the press interview later.

"Stop looping." Hyunjin bumped you with his elbow as there was a gap between models. You took a deep breath and then let it out, genuinely noting the fabric of the purple dress the next model had on.

~~~

"You're shaking." Hyunjin wanted to just wrap his arm around you, or hug you, he could tell you were getting anxious. Normally press interviews were fine, but you were normally with your group, and you weren't the leader, just the eldest.

"I know." You desperately wanted to bite your thumbnail, that at least eased the strain on your teeth of your clenched jaw. But you had fake nails on and couldn't ruin them. You two were waiting for the specified reporters to show up and you wanted to bury and hide in his chest but couldn't. Even after the announcement you couldn't, it was too brazen of an act. Like it was muscle memory, when the press showed up, your shaking stopped, and you adopted a more even facial expression.

"(Y/N), how do you feel about being called the Versace Princess?" First question. Of course. Your manager got a look, and he shrunk a bit and you put on a practiced smile.

"I can't complain being called a Princess." Good.

"Hyunjin?" Same thing.

"Not the first time I've been called a prince."

"You two are matching today, did you know you would be?" The reporter was still looking at him.

"Yes, but I think five other people have the same pattern on." He joked.

"(Y/N), what was your favorite piece in the show?" A new reporter. You both answered a few more fashion-focused questions for the fashion magazine reporters, then you finally got the first nail-biter.

"There have been rumors going around for a while that you two are dating. Is there any merit?" You looked at your manager and he nodded.

"Well…maybe." You smiled softly, looking down and Hyunjin stepped a bit closer.

"We thought coming with matching outfits made that a bit obvious." Your boyfriend added and the flashes from the camera's increased and you felt more eyes than before going to you.

"So, you two are dating?" Deep breaths.

"Yes." The reporters started murmuring and you were led to believe they knew beforehand, but they clearly didn't. Some were already typing on their phones, and you swallowed hard.

"Okay, if there are any more questions, they can be referred to JYP Entertainment." Your managers stepped in and the motioned for you two to sneak off and head toward the after party that was in the next building over.

~~~

"Oh, thank you." You gratefully took the glass of champagne from the waiter that immediately came over as you both entered the building for the after party. Hyunjin took one as well and you took a sip, then grimaced at the taste.

"You've never liked wine." Hyunjin huffed a laugh, and you sneered at him, then downed the rest. You set the empty glass on another waiter as he passed and headed straight for the food.

"These portions are too small." You grumbled, not even knowing what most of the little appetizers were.

"Don't eat that one." Hyunjin stopped you, mouth full of something, before you grabbed what looked like a little sandwich.

"Why?"

"It's not good." He shook his head, and you ended up just grabbing what you hoped was a cookie. Tasted like one anyway.

"There you two are!" Donatella's voice caught both of your attention, and you felt immediately calmer with her there.

"So, it’s official? Everyone knows now?"

"You knew we were dating before?" Hyunjin asked her and she gave him a bored look.

"I just wish we didn't have to be the ones to announce it." You shook your head, looking around nervously.

"Keep an eye on her, some of the guests have been saying some…unsavory things." The designer warned and you shook your head as she moved on to mingle more. At the last event there was a bunch of horny internet celebrities, and it seemed they were present that  day as well.

"Hyunjin!" Your boyfriend's manager called to the man and waved for him to come over.

"(Y/N), stay there, it would be suspicious if you both went missing." He told you and you froze in place. Watching them leave with wide eyes, you huddled closer to the food table, hoping to appear invisible.

"So, you're a K-pop girl or something right?" You flinched, turning to look at who approached. You couldn't place his accent, and you had no idea who he was to go off of that.

"Uh, yes. You are…?" You really wanted a drink but there was only champagne and wine. He told you his name and when no recognition passed over your face, he scoffed slightly but readopted his ‘charming’ expression.

"So, you know Blackpink?" You tried not to roll your eyes, watching him pick something to eat. His suit looked too small for him, and he had an arrogant aura. He crooked an eyebrow with a smolder, and you forced a smile.

"Um, no. I don't."

"BTS though right?"

"Um, no."

"Isn't your friend in BTS?" He motioned vaguely to the side and your brow twitched in annoyance.

"No, he's in the group Stray Kids."

"They were at Coachella." He pointed to you like he figured it out, smirking around his sip of champagne.

"No. That was ATEEZ." You hated dealing with people like him and it seemed he was mixing his ignorance with arrogance.

"Were they the ones that had Ryan Reynolds in their music video?"

"Yes." You smiled a bit more; actually glad he figured it out.

"What is your group called?" You begrudgingly told him.

"So, you like sing and dance and stuff."

"Well, um, yes." You looked around you, hoping and praying that anyone would come, but mostly Hyunjin or your manager.

"You the leader?"

"No, the eldest."

"How old are you?" He looked you up and down and you winced, feeling nauseated. You felt a familiar presence behind you, and you relaxed some feeling them. He didn't say anything, and you turned, slightly surprised to see Sicheng and not Hyunjin.

"I didn't know you were here?" You asked in Korean then and he was staring the guy down. For being so cute and pretty he was good at looking mad.

"We didn't make the runway." He told you and the other man huffed.

"This your boyfriend then?" He looked at Winwin patronizingly. You rolled your eyes.

"No, I am." Both you and Sicheng relaxed, and the annoying man turned, taking a step away when Hyunjin shoved past him.

"Thanks, hyung." He whispered to Sicheng who nodded and took a few steps away to grab something to eat.

"Is Ningning here?" You turned to him then, letting Hyunjin block you from the jerk.

"No, sorry. Who is that?" He nodded at the offender, wrinkling his nose at the food options. You told him and he shook his head, having no idea either.

"If you ever want to know what it feels like to really be treated like a woman, Miss (Y/N), I'm always available." He called around Hyunjin and you hated hearing your name come from him.

"Fuck off." You hardly ever heard your boyfriend sound that angry; he must have learned the tone from Minho.

"Excuse me!" A girl's voice drew everyone's attention and a few younger women who were probably beauty influencers shuffled up with pads of paper.

"Can we get you three's autographs?" You were grateful for the distraction and you each took turns signing for the three girls. The jerky man tried to take the pen next from Hyunjin and one of the fans shot him a look.

"Who are you?" This put a hard blow on his ego, and you held back a laugh, thanking the girls as they trotted away.

"He left." Hyunjin sighed, stepping closer to you, pressing his chest to your shoulder.

"You okay?"

"Yes. Thank you, oppa." You smiled at Winwin, and he smiled back.

For the rest of the after party you were able to avoid any more assholes, they seemed to not want to come over with both of the K-pop boys with you.

"I'm so fucking tired." You groaned, tapping your keycard against the lock of your hotel room and your boyfriend hummed in agreement, entering his own room. The door between the rooms was already open and he ended up just coming to your side and flopping on the bed.

"You'll wrinkle it." You warned, and he whined, getting off the bed  and immediately stripping down to his underwear.

"Jinnie." You huffed in amusement, picking up the garments and when you stood back up from crouching, he was already wiggled under the blankets. He hadn't even untucked them from under the mattress. You shook your head, hanging up his clothes in the garment bag, then removing your own piece and adding it.

"I'm showering." You told him and he didn't respond.

"I'm leaving the door unlocked!" You called and you could hear him wrestling to get out from the comforter as you laughed. You had just let your shapewear fall before he shoved the door open and your back hit the sink counter when he pinned you to it. His lips quickly swallowed yours, no longer needing to care about the transfer of lipstick. You whined, fingers cascading over the skin of his base torso, tongue trying to keep up with his. When he pulled away you took the chance to spin him around and pin him to the counter, laying kisses over his neck and chest, leaving red lip marks all over his skin.

"Wait, (Y/N), you don't-" He sighed as you sank to your knees, leaving fainter marks on his tummy. His cock was half-hard, and you palmed over it through his boxer briefs, and he grunted. You kissed over the fabric making him nearly whimper, and you whined yourself when you pulled his undergarment down, his fully hard cock springing out. You hummed, licking your lips, then eagerly sucked the tip into your mouth.

"Shit." Sweat had already broken on his forehead, and he leaned further back to steady himself, the cold marble of the sink made him shiver. When the tip of his dick hit the back of your throat, you used your hands to hold the other half of his cock, bobbing your head. Hyunjin reached out, managing to find the shower knob and turn the water on, getting it warm. His hand petted over your hair, then tightened, pulling you back. The sting at your scalp made you shudder in delight, your dazed eyes meeting his sharp ones.

"Get in, face the wall." He pulled you up and you were glad the shower was a walk-in. You sighed as the hot water met your tense shoulders, but you squeaked when he joined, pressing his chest to your back. Your breasts pressed to the still cold wall of the shower, and you squeaked as his fingers met your cunt.

"What got you so wet?" Hyunjin hummed in your ear, and you swallowed, trying to think of how to get words out.

"W-when you told that guy to fuck off."

"So long ago?" He chuckled, removing his fingers too soon, making you huff. Before you could even think of complaining or pleading for him, he had bucked his hips, burying his fat cock in one thrust all the way. Your breath left your lungs, the burning sting sending shocks of pleasure up your spine and down your legs. There was almost no room between you two as he pressed even closer, arms wrapping around your middle and holding your hip. He let you take a few breaths to adjust, kissing your neck, the heat of the water and his cock inside you set your blood on fire. One of hands moved to cup your breast, kneading the flesh and you whimpered.

“These are perfect.” He pinched your nipple and you squeaked, then whimpered.

"M-move." You were nearly up on your tip toes, body wound so tight.

"Oh, fuck!" You gasped as Hyunjin began fucking you in earnest, not building, battering his cock deep inside you. Your cunt spasmed as you gasped for air, fingers not able to find anything to hold onto on the slick wall, cheek pressed to the cold tile.

"You're just perfect, (Y/N). Your pussy was made for me, no one else can have it." His hand splayed over your lower tummy, the sensitive skin there twitching under his palm.

"I don't want anyone else to anyway." You managed to get out, his cock kissing your cervix with each roll of his hips.

"Cum for me (Y/N), yeah?" He hummed as he felt the familiar clenching of your gummy walls, his fingers rolling over your clit, sending you over the edge. Hyunjin filled you as deep as he could, grinding into you to help you ride your high, trying to fight his own.

"Fuck, please Hyunjin!" You whimpered, your orgasm seeming to last for hours.

"Well," he chuckled breathily, "if you insist." He bucked his hips a few more times and you both sighed as his hot cum painted your core white. Panting, you couldn't tell whether his skin was slick from the water or his sweat, but either way you both needed to actually shower.

~

"You know, I don't mind being the Prince and Princess of Versace." He told you softly as you laid in bed together, bundled up in your pajamas. Round two and probably three would occur otherwise and you both needed to be up early for your flight.

"No?"

"It's more like Prince William and Princess Kate than us being siblings."

"We're not married, Hyunjin." You huffed and he nodded sleepily.

"For now."

Master-Master List

Stray Kids Master List

[peavhyshy]

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗡. (oneshot)

Pairing: Prince!Rafe Cameron x Princess!Reader

Summary: Royal/Arranged Marriage AU - in which you find yourself thrust into an arranged marriage with a handsome yet unpredictable prince.

Warnings: mild language, explicit language, period typical language, dubious consent, smut, angst, fluff, suggestive/sexual language, power dynamics/manipulation, classism, misogynistic behavior, possessive behavior, traditional gender roles/expectations around marriage, character development, rough sex, oral sex, fingering, dominance and submission, hair-pulling, marking/biting, and unprotected vaginal sex

Words: 10,863

a/n: this has been in the works for a while, it's kind of long but I hope you enjoy and I also want to make blurbs for this on the side because I didn't want to make this into a series with parts because that too much work and I'm lazy.

Outer Banks Masterlist | Main Masterlist | Honeymoon (song it's based off by lana del rey)

The sunlight filtered through the windows of the lavish bridal room, its gauzy white curtains blowing softly in the afternoon sea breeze. You stood before the three-way mirror, your dress and hair only half done as your friends flitted around you, pinning and primping. Your eyes looked anxious despite your gentle smile. 

"I don't know if I can do this, girls," You fretted, brow furrowed. "Rafe seems so...intense. And our families barely know each other! What if he doesn't like me?" 

From behind you, Sarah chuckled as she twisted your long curls into an elegant updo. "Trust me, my brother likes what he sees well enough. He may be a cocky jerk sometimes but he could do way worse." 

Kiara added dryly from the window seat, "Yeah, like get stuck with somebody boring instead of a kind heart like you. Try to relax. Just be your sweet self and I'm sure you'll win him over."

You sighed. "I'll try. It's just all so much pressure, you know? An entire life and future riding on a few short hours." You turned to peer at your reflection, barely recognizing the woman in the gown. "Do you think I look okay? Not too plain?"

Your friends assured you with smiles. It was almost time. For better or worse, Rafe Cameron would soon be your destiny. You steeled your nerves and prayed this royal match may prove to be no prison, but a partnership made in heaven.

You held your breath as your mother swept into the room, eyes scanning your gowned figure in the mirror with a practiced critical eye. 

"Hmm. The dress is adequate I suppose, even if a touch too modest," Lady Smith observed. Her gaze shifted to your face, tightening slightly. "And do try to look a bit happier, darling. A man does not want a sullen bride, no matter her dowry. Remember - you are representing our entire family today. Do strive to be pleasant."

You swallowed back a sigh. "Yes, Mother. I will do my best to charm Prince Rafe and make us all proud."

Your friends' faces radiated empathy. Even they knew how rigorous Lady Smith's standards could be. But then the older woman surprised you all with the barest hint of a smile. 

"Have faith, my dear. A marriage is what you and your husband choose to make of it. Now, come - it is nearly time. Chin up and smile as if you've won the lottery. Which, in a way, you have."  

With that, she whisked from the room, leaving you to draw a steadying breath. Your friends gave encouraging smiles and squeezed your hands. This was it - for better or worse, your future began now.

The ceremonial hall was awash with sparkling lights and fragrant flowers as dusk fell. Rafe stood tall by the altar, tugging irritably at his stiff collar. His gaze roamed restlessly over the assembled guests while Rose droned on beside him about proper etiquette. 

"And remember to look her in the eyes when you say your vows," Rose nattered. "The audience will be hanging on your every word."

Rafe scoffed under his breath. As if he gave a damn about any of these stuffy traditions. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ward approaching, lips pursed in that familiar disapproving frown. 

"Try to pay attention, son," Ward rumbled, handing him a small scroll. "These are the terms your betrothed's father expects you to agree to. Mind you, hold up your end of the bargain." 

Rafe scanned the endless stipulations with a curl of his lip. As if he was some prize mare to be sold to the highest bidder. But he knew better than to argue. 

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, tucking away the scroll. His gaze fell on Wheezie's small form near the front, watching him with wide eyes. At least one Cameron was on his side, the innocent little dove that she was. 

The trumpets sounded then, signaling the bride's arrival. Showtime. Straightening his uniform jacket, Rafe pasted on his most rakish grin and steeled himself to meet his political match. 

His gaze drifted to the double doors at the end of the hall, anticipation and annoyance battling within him. No doubt some meek little flower they'd chosen to shackle him to for the sake of power and status. Still, a small part of him was curious to lay eyes on this Y/N Smith his advisors claimed would make such a perfect royal match.

When the doors swept open, Rafe straightened and schooled his features into a haughty mask of indifference. But the sight that met his gaze gave him pause. There, being escorted down the aisle on your father's arm, was a vision in ivory silk and lace. His brows lifted in surprise at the beauty gliding toward him with eyes demurely downcast. This was his intended bride?

The closer you came, the faster Rafe's pulse raced. Your cheeks were flushed, lips painted pink. Your curls spilled over your shoulders, begging to be toyed with. His gaze roamed lower, taking in the enticing curves and dips of your figure through your gown. A slow smirk spread over his face. Perhaps this evening would prove more enjoyable than anticipated. By the time you lifted your gaze to meet his at the altar, Rafe's ice blue eyes gleamed with heat and the thrill of the hunt. No meek flower here - only a rare, exotic bloom ready to be plucked. And if your quick intake of breath was any indication, the feeling just might be mutual. Excellent. 

Rafe's smirk widened at your reaction, noting the pretty blush that rose to your cheeks. His gaze swept over you appreciatively as you took your place beside him, leaning close to murmur in a low, husky tone for your ears alone. "Well now, aren't you a tempting morsel? I do believe I'll enjoy unwrapping my gift later this evening, Mrs. Cameron." His eyes flashed suggestively at the way your breath caught, enjoying how flustered you seemed by his proximity and blunt words. Perhaps the little dove wasn't quite so meek after all. All the better.

Rafe barely paid attention as the pompous old minister droned on, too focused on watching emotions flit across your expressive features. Annoyance, uncertainty, even a spark of temper in those fathomless eyes. His new bride was no giggling debutante, that much was clear. When the time came to recite your vows, his were short and to the point. But the words he chose made your gaze snap to his in surprise.

"To have and to hold, for better and worse, as long as we both shall live. I vow to worship you with my body, protect you with my sword, and share with you all the spoils of my conquests. You are mine, now and always." His thumb brushed your wrist in a possessive caress as he slid the ring onto your finger. "With this ring, I pledge to you my heart, and swear you shall never want for passion."

Rafe couldn't resist adding in a husky undertone as the minister pronounced them man and wife, "Pucker up, princess. Time for the fun part." His arm slid around your waist and he dipped you dramatically, sealing your vows with a searing kiss as your audience erupted into raucous cheers.

Your eyes went wide as Rafe's arm wrapped around your waist, and before you could protest his lips descended onto yours in a scorching kiss. Your first instinct was to squirm away, unused to such public displays of affection - but his strong arms held you in place, and after a moment you found yourself melting into the kiss. By the time Rafe lifted his head, Your cheeks were flaming and you were breathless.

Rafe's smug chuckle brought you back to yourself. "Cat got your tongue, wife?" He teased, eyes gleaming. You huffed, straightened and attempted to smooth your disheveled hair and gown.

"Must you always be so…so…" You struggled for the right word, and Rafe quirked a brow.

"Charming? Irresistible? I can't help my natural talents, love."

You rolled your eyes. "I was going to say incorrigible."

Rafe laughed, the sound rich and warm. "Ah, there's that spark I've been waiting to see. Don't worry, I'll have you swooning in my arms soon enough."

"You're certainly confident in yourself, aren't you?" You remarked dryly. Rafe's grin only widened.

"With good reason. But come now wife, no need to be shy." He leaned close, breath fanning your ear. "The bedding ceremony awaits us, unless you'd care to give our guests a show right here?"

You gasped, shoving at his chest though your heart raced at his words. "You're despicable!"

Rafe caught your hand, bringing it to his lips. "All part of my charm, princess. Now, shall we?" He offered his arm, eyes dancing with mirth at your discomfort.

You huffed, pulling your hand away. "Must you be so arrogant and crass? There are proper ways to speak to a lady, as I'm sure you know."

Rafe's grin only widened at your annoyance. "Proper is boring. I prefer to speak my mind, and right now it's full of how ravishing you look in that gown. Can you blame a man for being eager to peel it off?"

Your cheeks flamed at his bold words. "You forget yourself, Your Highness. We've only just met."

Rafe leaned close, breath hot on your ear. "We're man and wife now, pet. No need to stand in the ceremony." His gaze swept over your figure appreciatively. "I always get what I want, and right now that's you in my bed. But we'll take things slow…at first."

You bristled at his arrogance, grasping for a retort, but found yourself speechless. Your heart raced with a mix of irritation, anticipation and uncertainty. You knew your duty here today, had steeled yourself for a political match and indifferent spouse. But Rafe Cameron seemed determined to sweep you off your feet, whether you willed it or not.

Rafe chuckled at your loss for words, offering his arm. "Come, the revelry awaits us. And after…" His eyes gleamed suggestively, "The real fun begins."

You swallowed hard, slipping your arm through his. Your mother was right, this marriage was what you chose to make of it. But something told you life with this wickedly charming scoundrel of a prince would be anything but boring. For better or worse, your destiny was sealed - and as Rafe led you into the cheering crowd, you couldn't deny a thrill of excitement amid your doubts. Your story was only just beginning.

Rafe guided you into the lavish ballroom, nodding at the trumpeters to announce your arrival. As the first strains of a lively waltz filled the air, he turned to you with a roguish grin and swept you into his arms.

"Time for our first dance as husband and wife, princess. Try not to swoon, I know I'm irresistible." Rafe's eyes gleamed with mirth at your huff of annoyance, though you had little choice but to follow as he led you in the steps of the dance. His hand rested scandalously low on your back, holding you close as you spun and dipped across the floor.

By the time the music ended, You was flushed and breathless in his arms. Rafe smirked, enjoying your flustered state, but before he could tease you further a throat cleared behind them.

"If you don't mind, I'll take over from here."

They turned to find your father, Lord Smith, eyeing Rafe sternly. Rafe gave a curt nod, handing you off to the grim-faced man.

"Of course, father-in-law. I was merely warming her up for you." Rafe's sly undertone earned him a reproachful glare from you before you allowed your father to lead you in the next dance.

Rafe stood back, crossing his arms over his chest, when Rose appeared at his side. "Must you provoke her so? She is your wife now, try to be kind."

Rafe scoffed. "She knows my nature well enough. Life would be dreadfully boring without challenges." His gaze drifted back to you, a smile tugging at his lips when you dared a glance in his direction. Rose sighed, patting his arm.

"Be gentle to her.” Rafe's gaze landed on Ward approaching, lips pursed in disapproval as usual. Before his father could lecture him, Rafe turned to your mother with an exaggerated bow.

"Lady Smith, your daughter is a vision. I trust she'll make a fine princess." His charming smile didn't reach his eyes.

Lady Smith's gaze was coolly assessing. "Indeed. Do try to behave yourself, Your Highness. My girl is gentle bred and undeserving of your…roguish tendencies."

Rafe's smile turned wolfish. "Not to worry, I'll be on my best behavior. In public, at least." His suggestive undertone made Lady Smith's eyes narrow.

"Mother, must you provoke him so?" You sighed as you rejoined them. Your gaze shifted between Rafe and your mother anxiously.

Rafe chuckled, sliding an arm around your waist. "No need to fret, princess. I was merely exchanging pleasantries with your charming mother."

Ward's voice rumbled behind Rafe. "If you're quite finished, the receiving line awaits you both."

Rafe suppressed an eye roll, turning to greet his younger sisters. Sarah's gaze was assessing, while little Wheezie beamed up at the newlyweds.

"You look so pretty, Y/N!" Wheezie gushed. "I hope you'll still come visit me, now that you're a princess."

You smiled, bending to embrace the girl. "Of course, whenever I can. And you must come see me too."

Rafe watched the exchange with a mix of fondness and annoyance. His littlest sister had always been too softhearted. But seeing your sweet nature with Wheezie gave him hope this match may not prove entirely intolerable.

Ward cleared his throat, Rafe bristled at his father's impatience, but couldn't fault Wheezie's enthusiasm. His littlest sister had always been too softhearted for her own good. Still, seeing your sweet smile as you embraced Wheezie gave Rafe a flicker of hope this match may not prove entirely intolerable. If you could win over even his most skeptical family members, you just might stand a chance.

Rafe turned to his father with a mocking bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Mustn't keep the adoring masses waiting." His sarcastic tone earned an eye roll from Sarah, ever the voice of reason. Rose simply sighed, patting Rafe's arm as he passed.

"Behave," she murmured. Rafe just chuckled, offering his arm to you.

"Shall we, wife? Our public awaits." You glanced between your families anxiously before accepting his arm. Rafe patted your hand, pitching his voice low. "No need to fret, pet. I don't bite…hard." His roguish wink brought a blush to your cheeks.

As you made your way to the receiving line, Rafe found his gaze drawn again and again to your expressive features. Your reactions were simply too amusing. While your guests and courtiers showered you with congratulations and well wishes, he watched emotions flit across your face - uncertainty, annoyance, even curiosity. His new bride was an open book, though your courteous smiles revealed none of the thoughts behind your fathomless eyes. Rafe was determined to unlock all your mysteries, one by tantalizing one.

Rafe allowed you to guide him to your seats at the head table, though his gaze strayed often to his friends at a nearby table. Topper and Kelce were regaling each other with tales of previous sailing adventures, no doubt in anticipation of the race Rafe had every intention of winning. His competitive nature chafed at being stuck here making polite conversation when he could be out on the open water.

You seemed to sense his restlessness, offering a gentle smile as you tucked a napkin into Wheezie's lap. "There now, all tidy. I do hope you'll save room for dessert, little dove."

Wheezie beamed up at you, her new sister-in-law. "I will! Cook always makes the best cakes. Are you excited for your wedding trip?"

Your smile turned rueful. "I suppose so. Traveling somewhere new is always an adventure." your gaze flitted uncertainly to Rafe.

Rafe snorted. "Adventure is what I live for, pet." His gaze swept over you boldly. "Though I daresay our wedding night will prove enough of an adventure."

Your cheeks flamed at his innuendo, gaze darting to Sarah in appeal. Sarah rolled her eyes at her brother's antics. "Honestly Rafe, must you be so crude?"

Rafe just chuckled, leaning back in his seat as servants began delivering the lavish courses of their meal. His attention drifted often to his friends, ignoring the disapproving glares of their parents discussing terms of the marriage arrangement. There will be time enough for politics and responsibility tomorrow. Tonight was meant for revelry and chasing whatever pleasures caught his fancy. And at the moment, his new bride was proving an intriguing diversion.

His gaze slid back to you, watching as you laughed with Sarah and Wheezie. Rafe picked at the lavish dishes set before him, paying little mind to the chatter around him. His gaze kept straying to you, noting how animated you seemed speaking with Sarah and Wheezie. At least his sisters appeared taken with his new bride, if the way they hung on your every word and laughed at your silliest comments were any indication. Their obvious delight gave Rafe hope this match may prove more tolerable than anticipated.

Still, his restless nature chafed at the forced pleasantries and pomp of this grand occasion. He longed to be out sailing with his crew, chasing the thrill of adventure on the open sea. As if sensing his wayward thoughts, Kelce leaned around Topper with a sly grin.

"When's the race, man? This fancy shindig is dreadfully dull."

Rafe smirked. "Patience, Kelce. We set sail at first light, and not a moment sooner. Wouldn't do to abandon my own wedding feast, as tempting as it may be."

Topper chuckled. "Think of the gossip that would stir. The new princess, jilted on her wedding night by a scoundrel of a husband!"

Rafe snorted. "As if I'd miss unwrapping that particular gift." His gaze slid suggestively over your figure, lingering on the curve of your neck and the stray curls that had escaped your elegant updo. Anticipation thrummed in his veins at the thought of finally claiming his passionate new bride.

Kelce followed Rafe's gaze with a grin. "Can't say I blame you, mate. Seems you've landed quite the prize, for a political match."

Rafe's smile turned wolfish. "Aye, and she'll make a fine figurehead aboard my ship."

Topper laughed and Rafe's attention kept straying to you, watching as you chatted and laughed with his sisters. Your sweet smile and gentle manner seemed to put even the most hesitant guests at ease. Though he'd never admit it aloud, Rafe found himself grudgingly impressed by your poise and social graces. You were clearly in your element, greeting courtiers and chatting with servants alike as if you hadn't a care in the world.

A nudge at his elbow drew Rafe's gaze to Kelce, who had abandoned all pretense of propriety and was lounging in his seat with a goblet of wine in hand. "So when's the real party start, eh mate?" Kelce grinned with a suggestive waggle of his brows. "Looks like you landed a lively one. Bet she's a wildcat behind closed doors."

Rafe snorted, taking a swig of his own wine. "Wouldn't you like to know. A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."

"Since when are you a gentleman?" Topper scoffed from Kelce's other side. Rafe shot him an obscene gesture, earning chuckles from his uncouth friends.

"Perhaps we'll have to arrange a private showing for you two scoundrels. I'm sure my bride would be delighted to entertain." Rafe's sarcastic remark was rewarded by Kelce's bark of laughter.

"Now that's an offer I might take you up on!" Kelce's eyes gleamed with mischief as they drifted to you. Rafe's gaze narrowed, a spark of annoyance flaring to life.

"In your dreams, mate. This one's all mine." Rafe's arm shot out to grasp Kelce's shoulder in a bruising grip, smile turning dangerous.

'So, Rafe what's your plans with my lovely Y/N?'' Your father asks.

Rafe's gaze snapped to Lord Smith, who was eyeing him expectantly across the table. He suppressed a scowl at the interruption, forcing his grip on Kelce's shoulder to relax as he leaned back in his seat.

"I plan to show the princess the time of her life, of course," Rafe replied with a roguish smirk. "Starting with a grand tour of my kingdom. She shall want for nothing as my wife."

Lord Smith's eyes narrowed slightly. "See that she doesn't. My daughter is gentle bred, and I'll not have her spirit broken by some scoundrel of a husband."

Rafe bristled at the insult but kept his tone light. "Not to worry, father-in-law. Your daughter is in capable hands." His gaze slid suggestively to you, watching in amusement as you seemed to sense the scrutiny and glanced between them uncertainty.

Lord Smith snorted. "Capable of chasing anything in skirts, so I hear. I warn you now, if any harm comes to my daughter through your…philandering ways…"

"You have my word as a gentleman," Rafe cut in through gritted teeth. "Y/N shall remain untouched by scandal. My duty is to her and her alone now."

Lord Smith seemed unconvinced, but gave a curt nod. "See that you remember that. She is still young, and deserves a chance at happiness." His stern gaze swept over Rafe in assessment. "Do not make me regret this match."

Rafe shrugged off the threat, patience already wearing thin. "If there's nothing else, I believe I shall steal my bride away for a dance." He stood abruptly, pushing back from the table to stride around its length and offered you his arm with an exaggerated bow.

"May I have this dance, princess?'' *Rafe turned back to Lord Smith with a mocking bow and dangerous smile. “Not to worry, father-in-law. I always take excellent care of my possessions.” His suggestive undertone brought a scowl to the older man’s face.

Before Lord Smith could retort, Rafe grasped your hand and tugged you from your seat. “Come, wife. I’ve been patient long enough.”

You glanced uncertainly between Rafe and your father. “But, the toasts…”

“Can wait.” Rafe’s grip on your wrist tightened, brooking no argument. Your gaze narrowed at his peremptory tone but you allowed him to lead you onto the dance floor.

Rafe smirked at your obvious annoyance, spinning you into a lively waltz. “You’ll have to get used to obeying my commands, pet. I’m not a man who takes no for an answer.”

You huffed, attempting to pull away, but Rafe’s arm around your waist held you in place. “Unhand me, you arrogant beast!”

Rafe chuckled at your fruitless struggles, leaning close to purr in your ear. “Now is that any way to speak to your husband, wife?” His breath fanned hot on your neck, and Rafe felt a thrill of satisfaction when your breath caught. “Best get used to my beastly ways, pet. The night is young, and I’ve only just begun to claim what’s mine…”

You gasped at his audacious words, cheeks flaming. “You forget yourself, Prince Rafe!” Your protests only made Rafe’s wicked grin widen.

“Not at all, princess.” His eyes gleamed with heat and the thrill of the chase. “I know exactly who I am, and what I want.”

As the final courses of the lavish meal were cleared away, Rafe turned to you with a roguish grin. "Well wife, time for your tour of our kingdom. I have a surprise for you." He signaled to a nearby servant, who approached with a bow. "Take the princess for a turn about the grounds and gardens. Show her all our kingdom has to offer."

The servant nodded. "As you wish, Your Highness." His gaze slid to you with a familiar smile. "Your Highness."

Your eyes went wide with recognition. "JJ? Is that really you?" You grasped the servant's hands eagerly. "Oh, it's wonderful to see you! I had no idea you were working here."

Rafe lifted a brow, not having anticipated this happy reunion. Evidently his bride and this JJ Maybank were already acquainted. "You two know each other?"

You smiled. "We grew up together, before JJ's family moved into the city." Your gaze shifted between Rafe and the servant anxiously. "I do hope it's alright for us to catch up…"

Rafe waved a hand dismissively. "By all means. You're free to go where you like, I have other matters to attend to at the moment." His gaze slid pointedly to where Kelce and Topper were already deep in their cups, toasting loudly to his good fortune. You followed his gaze, cheeks coloring slightly.

"Thank you, husband." Your courtesy seemed strained. Rafe simply inclined his head.

"Enjoy your stroll, princess. I'll come find you later this evening, there are more…private celebrations in store." His suggestive tone brought a blush to your cheeks as he strode off to join his friends.

As JJ led you through elaborate gardens and courtyards, your anxiousness gave way to delight. "Oh, it's so lovely here! All these flowers, and fountains…I can see why you enjoy working in the palace gardens."

JJ smiled, patting your hand. "Aye, it's peaceful work. I'm glad to see a friendly face, even under these circumstances." His gaze turned sympathetic. "How are you faring, Y/N? I was worried when I heard of this arrangement."

You sighed. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. Prince Rafe is…not at all what I imagined." your brows furrowed, uncertain how much you dared confide in your old friend.

JJ snorted. "No doubt. He’s got a reputation for being wild. But don't you worry, I'll keep an eye out and make sure he treats you well."

You smiled at his protectiveness. "Thank you, JJ, but I'm capable of handling my own husband. It may take some getting used to, but this match could secure a bright future for my family. I have to at least give it a chance." your gaze drifted back toward the distant palace, where even now Rafe was likely carousing with his friends.

JJ followed your gaze, brows pinching with concern. "Just…promise me you'll be careful. There’s a dangerous streak in him. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I appreciate your concern." You squeezed his arm. "But Rafe is my husband now, for better or worse. I have to make my own judgments, and hope this marriage becomes more than just political."

JJ sighed, realizing your mind was made up. "You always did see the good in people.”

You nodded and bid JJ farewell with a wave and a promise to visit him again soon in the gardens. As you made your way back toward the palace, a young maidservant approached and curtsied.

"Begging your pardon, Your Highness, but it's time to prepare you for the evening. If you'll follow me, please."

You nodded, allowing the girl to lead you to an elaborate set of chambers. Your eyes went wide taking in the lavish space, draped in silks and velvets of deep red and gold. At the center was an enormous canopied bed, and adjoining the main room were a dressing chamber and bathing room aglow with the light of a crackling fire.

The maidservant curtsied again. "The prince bid me draw you a bath and help you...prepare for the evening, Your Highness. Please, disrobe and I'll assist you."

You blinked at the girl, cheeks heating at the implication. You were no stranger to the wedding night obligations awaiting you, but to have it stated so boldly...

With shaking fingers you began removing the heavy layers of your wedding gown, aided by two more maidservants who appeared. In a matter of minutes you stood in just your thin shift, anxiously clutching the fabric as the servants poured steaming water into an ornate tub and added fragrant oils.

The lead maid turned to you with a gentle smile. "The water is ready, Your Highness. Do not be afraid, we are here to help you bathe and make yourself presentable for the prince's pleasure."

"You look beautiful, my lady," one maid assured her. "The prince will be most pleased."

You swallowed hard, allowing the servants to help you step out of your shift and sink into the hot, scented water. As they began bathing your hair and softly chattering about how beautiful you looked, how pleased the prince would be, your anxiety gave way to anticipation.

"There now, you look exquisite." The head maid gave an approving nod.

Your apprehension slowly melted into calm as the maidservants gently bathed your hair and skin. The warm, floral-scented water soothed your nerves, as did their soft reassurances. When they finished, you stepped from the ornate tub and allowed them to pat you dry with soft towels.

Smiling encouragingly, the maids led you into the adjoining dressing chamber. Lacy smallclothes and a gossamer nightdress were laid out atop the silken sheets. With deft fingers, the maids slid the delicate garments over your frame, then bid you to sit before the vanity while they brushed out your damp curls.

"Just a touch of color for your lips and cheeks, my lady," the head maid murmured, dabbing rouge onto your mouth. "There now, perfect. The prince will be beside himself when he sees how lovely you look."

You studied your reflection, almost unrecognizing yourself. But the muted excitement in your eyes was unmistakable. However brash he was, Rafe's obvious desire flattered your feminine pride. And despite your differences, you had to admit a spark of anticipation for what was to come.

With a last few primping touches, the maids curtsied and took their leave. Alone now, you sat perched on the edge of the bed to wait. Your heart pounded and you twisted the wedding rings on your finger. Whatever happened tonight, your life would be forever changed.

As Rafe strode into the lavish chambers prepared for your wedding night, his gaze immediately found You perched on the edge of the massive bed. The sight of you in the sheer nightdress, hair spilling over your shoulders, sent a bolt of desire through him. His hungry gaze roamed over you, taking in the rapid rise and fall of your chest, your knuckled grip on the bed sheets. Smirking, he shrugged out of his formal jacket and began stalking toward you.

"Well now, what a tempting little morsel we have here," he purred, bracing his hands on either side of you and caging you in. "You look good enough to devour, princess."

He noted how your breath caught as he traced a finger along your collarbone. "What's the matter, love?" Rafe chuckled darkly at your wide-eyed look. "Not to worry, I'll have you singing for me soon enough…"

With that promise, his mouth descended on yours in a ruthless kiss. His large hands grasped your waist, pulling you firmly against him. Breaking the kiss, he murmured hotly in your ear, "I've been waiting all night for this. To finally make you mine…"

Rafe's hands slid slowly up your sides, his gaze never leaving your wide eyes. With a sinful smirk he inched the nightdress higher, exposing more of your thighs. The tips of his calloused fingers grazed your  bare hip, relishing how you shuddered at the intimate caress.

"So soft…Have you any idea how long I've waited to get my hands on this sweet body?" Rafe's husky voice dripped with lust. 

With tantalizing slowness, he urged you back onto the plush mattress. The silk sheets enveloped your  bare skin as Rafe's solid frame covered yours. His mouth found the frantic pulse at your throat, nipping and sucking a mark into the tender flesh. 

Rafe's strong hands glided up to cup your breasts through the thin nightdress, thumbs teasing your nipples into stiff peaks. The sensation tore a gasp from your lips, only encouraging him further. Grinning wolfishly, Rafe ground his pelvis down, letting you feel the rigid length of his cock straining against his trousers.

"Feel what you do to me, sweetheart…You're mine now, to take whenever and however I please." His hungry gaze devoured you, eyes burning with lust and primal need. "Say it," he demanded. "Tell me you're mine…" 

A shudder tore through your frame at the feel of Rafe's hardness grinding against your thigh. Your wide eyes flickered between desire and apprehension as his hands slid higher, rucking up the diaphanous nightdress to bare more of your skin.

"So perfect…and all mine," Rafe rasped, ducking his head to capture one nipple between his teeth. You gasped at the exquisite sting, every nerve in your body hyper aware of his Rough palms gliding over your skin. As his mouth blazed a trail of open-mouthed kisses down your quivering stomach, your nails bit into his shoulders.

"Rafe, I—" Your breathy protest was cut off with a squeak as his fingers hooked into your lacy smallclothes, tearing them off in one smooth motion.

"Shh…just feel, princess." Rafe's smirk was pure sin, eyes blazing cobalt as he nudged your thighs apart. The first stroke of his tongue against your pussy tore a strangled cry from your lips. Without mercy, be he devoured you, growling his satisfaction as your hips rocked unbidden against the delicious onslaught.

"Let me hear how much you want this." Rafe's rasping words vibrated against your aching core. Your head thrashed wildly on the pillows, coherent thought lost in a haze of overwhelming sensation. Soon you were re keening and trembling on the brink, utterly at his mercy.

The look of utter surrender in your eyes stoked the fire in Rafe's blood. His tongue lashed your stiff clit as you trembled, thighs clenching around his shoulders. So close now, teetering on the edge.

Rafe slid two thick fingers into your slick folds, curling them just right to hit that sweet spot. You wailed, arching violently as your orgasm crashed over you. Rafe groaned as your pussy walls clenched and spasmed around his pumping fingers, milking them greedily.

Grinning wolfishly, Rafe rose up over you. His heated gaze raked over your flushed, perspiring body as you came down from the high of ecstasy. "That's just a preview, darling," he rasped, fingers swiftly unlacing his trousers to free his straining cock. "Now for the main event…"

With a groan, Rafe buried himself balls-deep in one swift stroke. So tight, so wet and hot for him. He gave you no time to adjust, setting a brutal pace right from the start. Your legs locked around his pistoning hips instinctively. Your broken cries sent a vicious thrill through him.

Rafe fisted his hand in your damp curls, yanking to expose the delicate curve of your throat. His teeth sank into the tender flesh, marking what was his. "Tell me you belong to me now. Say it."

When you only whimpered and clawed at his sweat-slick back, Rafe snarled. His arms caged you in, hips snapping harder. "Say it!"

You yelp and wince when he pulls your hair whimpering and burying your face in the crook of his neck still shaking from the force and intensity of your soft lips part to whimper out.

"I’m yours, only yours Rafe…" just barely above a whisper

Your hands grip his shoulders for support, your body limps under his as you pant  softly raising your hips to meet his powerful thrusts.

Rafe gentled his hold in your hair, fingers massaging your scalp in reward. You were learning. His other hand slid under your hips, angling them up to take him deeper on each brutal thrust. Your breathy pants and cries were music to his ears.

"That's it, good girl," he panted gruffly. Your compliance pleased him, stroked his dominance. He could feel your body gradually yielding, soft thighs parting wider, hands clutching him instead of pushing away. Rafe kept a relentless pace, pounding into your  tight pussy as the headboard slammed against the stone wall. His mouth found yours, swallowing your whimpers in a ravaging kiss. 

When he finally spilled with a shout, Rafe made certain to grind against your aching clit, determined to drag you over the peak with him. As you shattered again with a broken wail, he groaned his satisfaction. Your mingled release soaked the sheets beneath you. Rafe remained buried inside your trembling body, chest heaving  he stared down at you with possessive intensity burning in his  eyes.

"You're mine forever now, Never forget who owns you…"

Your head falls back breathing raggedly, wincing at the burning pain between your thighs. Your body feels used and exhausted. You blink slowly staring up at him with glazed eyes. You knew that your life would never be the same. That this man..this husband of yours would use your body as he pleased from now on. That intense stare of possession makes you shy away, turning your head and closing your eyes.

He grinned wolfishly as you shyly turned your face away, unable to meet his intense gaze a moment longer. Rafe didn't mind; your demure submission pleased him, as did the colorful marks and love bites his rough passion had left on your throat and breasts. His little wife was well and truly his now. Rafe gentled his hold, fingers almost tender as they brushed the damp curls back from your temple. He pressed a chaste kiss there before murmuring gruffly, "Sleep now, You've earned your rest tonight."

He grinned against your heated skin as you gave a whimper of relief. Gathering you close against his chest, Rafe settled you amidst the rumpled sheets. One leg draped possessively over yours, holding you pinned beneath him as his hand splayed wide over your belly. You were caught, well and truly.

As your breaths evened out in exhausted slumber, Rafe nuzzled into your tousled hair with a satisfied noise.

Early morning sunlight filtered into the lavishly appointed bedchamber, sitting up, you drew the silk bedding around your bare form as you gazed around the empty room. Aside from yourself, there was no evidence Prince Rafe had even been there save the lingering ache between your thighs. You couldn't deny a pang of disappointment he hadn't lingered to greet you this morning. Then again, perhaps it was for the best; after last night you felt uncertain how to act around your new husband.

With a sigh, you rose and donned a silk robe left draped across a nearby chaise. You made your way to the window overlooking the palace grounds, hoping the fresh sea air might clear your mind. Your thoughts drifted back to the prior evening. This marriage would require much patience and understanding on both your parts.You  nurtured a glimmer of hope. With time and care, perhaps you and Rafe could build something beautiful.

After taking a moment to appreciate the ocean view, you turned and began getting ready for the day ahead. You dressed yourself in a pale blue gown left for you, simple yet elegant. After tidying your hair you ventured out into the opulent hallway in search of familiar faces.

It wasn't long before you happened upon Sarah, Wheezie, and Kiara chatting together in one of the palace's lush sitting rooms. You hesitated in the doorway, suddenly feeling shy. But Wheezie looked up and broke into a delighted smile.

"Y/N! You're finally awake, come join us!" The young girl bounded over to catch your hands, leading you inside. Sarah and Kiara both greeted you warmly as you settled onto a sofa beside them.

"We were hoping you'd surface today," Sarah said with a knowing smile. "After the…activities of last night."

You felt your cheeks heat at the implication and Kiara swatted Sarah's arm. "Oh leave her be, I'm sure she doesn't want to dwell on all that." Kiara's kind eyes settled on you. "How are you feeling today?"

You offered a shy smile. "Still a bit overwhelmed, I suppose. This is all so new." your gaze drifted around the elegant room and you exhaled. "I don't think it's fully sunk in yet that I live here now."

Wheezie took your hand, giving it an excited squeeze. "Isn't the palace marvelous? I can give you a full tour later if you'd like."

You laughed softly at the girl's enthusiasm. "I would enjoy that very much, thank you Wheezie." you felt yourself relaxing, warmth swelling in your chest to be surrounded by supportive faces both old and new. Whatever uncertainties awaited in this unfamiliar life, at least you needn't face them alone.

You smile and say "So..um..did you three hear much noise last night?" you asked embarrassed.

Wheezie tilts her head confused but Kiara and Sarah exchange a look, Kiara says "These walls are quite thick don't worry" she reassures.

Sarah smirks and says "I'm sure my dear brother was a perfect gentleman" sarcasm in her voice,

You felt your cheeks flush hotly at Sarah's teasing remark. You cleared your throat, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear self-consciously.

"Well…I mean, of course everything was proper," You stammered, avoiding direct eye contact. In truth, Rafe had been anything but a gentleman once you were alone together. The memories made you shift in your seat.

Kiara shot Sarah a scolding look before turning a sympathetic gaze on you. "I'm sure your first night together was an adjustment. But you know you can talk to us about anything, right? We're here for you."

You nodded, giving your hand a supportive squeeze. "Don't let my scoundrel brother intimidate you. He may act the rogue, but you have a strength in you as well. I saw it at your wedding." Sarah's eyes were earnest. "You're family now. We'll help you figure each other out."

You nodded, offering a small but grateful smile. Perhaps in time you would feel comfortable opening up about the complicated feelings Rafe stirred in you, the exhilaration and uncertainty. But for now, his vulnerabilities were yours to guard.

Wheezie, bless her smiled brightly. "I'm so happy you're my new sister! We're going to have such fun together."

You laughed softly, warmth swelling in your chest. With Sarah and Kiara's wisdom and Wheezie's sweet spirit, you knew you could face this daunting new future. You were no longer alone.

Just then, the head housemaid approaches the women, curtsying politely. "Pardon me, Your Highnesses, but His Majesty King Ward has requested Princess Lila's presence for a private brunch on the veranda. Shall I inform the kitchens to begin preparations?"

You blink in surprise but nod to the maid. "Yes, please let the king know I would be honored to join him." You turn back to the other ladies after the maid departs. "Well, it seems my father-in-law wishes to speak with me alone. I suppose I should change into something more proper." You stand a bit nervously. This would be your first real interaction with the imposing monarch.

"Father can seem intimidating but he appreciates sincerity. And don't let him bully you into anything you're uncomfortable with."

You bid farewell to your friends and made your way back to the bedchambers to ready yourself for the impending brunch with King Ward. Your stomach fluttered anxiously as you  mulled over what he could want to discuss in private.

After freshening up, you carefully selected an elegant mint green day dress with billowing elbow-length sleeves from the wardrobe. You style your hair in a simple yet tidy braided updo and affix a minimal amount of jewelry - a delicate silver pendant necklace and teardrop pearl earrings. A hint of rose gloss on your lips completed the refined look.

Smoothing the skirts of your dress, You exhaled a steadying breath as you regarded your reflection. You hoped your attire properly conveyed the right mix of grace and poise while still retaining your own simple style. As you made your way through the opulent halls towards the veranda, you tried to quell the butterflies in your stomach. You had no reason to be so nervous; after all, you would one day be queen beside Rafe. Proving yourself an able partner who could hold your own was crucial.

Upon arriving at the sunny veranda, you were greeted by the sight of King Ward already seated at a table lavishly arrayed with brunch fare. At your approach, he stood and offered a formal bow.

"Princess Y/N, thank you for accepting my invitation. Please, sit."

You dipped into a curtsy before taking the seat opposite Ward. you met his gaze evenly, resolving to show no weakness. This may be just a brunch, but you sensed the king was assessing your mettle. You would rise to the challenge.

"The honor is mine, Your Majesty. To what do I owe the pleasure of this private audience?" Your tone was polite yet confident. The gleam in Ward's eye told you this was exactly his intent - to take your measure beyond the pomp and flair of the wedding. You straightened your spine, ready to prove your worth.

Ward looks at you curiously before taking a sip of his tea "I wished to speak with you privately, away from the commotion of the palace to get to know my new daughter in law better. This marriage was quick and sudden, but binding our families will be good for the kingdom." He explains.

"Now.." he folds his hands on the table and looks at you intently "Tell me about yourself Y/N, what are your interests?" He asks kindly, wanting to understand your personality and character better.

You relaxed slightly at Ward's polite small talk, offering a gracious smile as you prepared your tea. "Of course, Your Majesty. I appreciate you taking the time to get to know me better outside of all the wedding bustle."

You take a thoughtful sip of your tea before continuing. "Well, I've always enjoyed reading and learning whenever I can. Our library at home was my favorite place to spend long afternoons." A wistful look crosses your face at the memories.

"I also love music - singing, playing the harpsichord. Art and photography are passions of mine as well. Capturing a moment of beauty to appreciate again and again." Your eyes brighten describing your hobbies.

"But I also recognize the importance of being an active participant in the community. I assisted our local orphanage regularly and enjoyed volunteering at functions." You meet Ward's gaze. "I believe those in positions of privilege have an obligation to use their place to aid others. I hope to continue that here."

You pause, glancing at Ward hesitantly. "I know I have much to learn when it comes to politics and courtly matters. But I'm eager to play my role serving the people, and to support Rafe's reign as a strong partner."

You fold your hands in your lap. "I may seem simple on the surface, but I have layers yet to be uncovered. Given time, I know I could thrive here as a princess." You kept your chin lifted, showing sincerity and determination in the face of Ward's intense scrutiny.

Ward considers your words carefully, looking thoughtful as he sips his tea. Finally he sets down his cup and leans back in his seat, steepling his fingers.

"A commendable answer. You show wisdom beyond your years, Y/N, as well as a refreshing earnestness." One corner of his mouth quirks upward. "Far better than the vapid socialites I feared Rafe might foist upon us."

You had to suppress a smile at Ward's dry humor. The king regards you keenly.

"My son has always followed his passions, often recklessly. He will need a partner of substance who can balance his…impulsiveness, and check his wilder whims. From our limited interactions, I believe you may have the mettle needed to temper his nature, in time."

He tilts his head, eyes assessing. "The question is, do you have the will? Rafe can be stubborn, even cruel when provoked. This role will require patience and resilience.

You meet Ward's gaze levelly. "I understand the challenges, Your Majesty. But I intend to face them. Rafe may be impulsive, but he needs compassion to steady him, not control." You keep your voice firm but respectful. "I believe we can forge something stronger together."

Ward stares at you pensively before cracking the barest smile. "Well said. Perhaps you are the making of each other." He lifts his teacup in salute. "I look forward to seeing what unfolds between you two. The road will not be smooth, but you strike me as a girl who finishes what she starts."

You dip your head graciously at the veiled praise, hope blooming in your chest. If you can earn even this guarded man's approval, perhaps you truly have a chance to thrive in this strange new home.

After the brunch you go for a walk around the palace grounds, you hum softly looking at all the flowers. You find a bench under a willow tree near the royal cemetery. Sitting down you close your eyes enjoying the warm breeze. After a little while you hear leaves crunching behind you and turn to see Rafe approaching. His hair is windswept, eyes tired, and his shirt is half unbuttoned. He looks stressed about something. Noticing you sitting there he stops and sighs running a hand through his messy hair. "oh..hey.." he greets plainly, unsure what to say.

You look up in surprise as Rafe approaches, taking in his disheveled appearance and the tension in his frame. You offer a tentative smile. "Hello. Enjoying the gardens as well?"

Rafe drags a hand through his already tousled hair, gaze darting away almost guiltily. "Yeah…I just needed some air. Place was feeling a bit stifling."

You nod in understanding, gesturing to the empty space on the bench. After a pause, Rafe settles beside you, though his posture remains rigid. Silence stretches between them, the atmosphere oddly awkward after the passion you had shared.

Wanting to break the tension, You glance sidelong at Rafe. "I had an interesting brunch with your father this morning. He…seems satisfied with me as your choice of wife." You keep your tone light, hoping Rafe will open up about what's troubling him.

He snorts softly. "Of course he scrutinized you. The great King Ward misses nothing." There's an edge of bitterness to his words. Rafe's shoulders slump slightly as he gazes out at the sun-dappled lawn, tension leaking from his frame.

"I know you two barely know each other. This whole situation is less than ideal." He rakes another hand through his hair, messing the dirty blonde strands. When he looks back at you, his eyes are troubled. "I just hope…well, that you can find some happiness here. Despite my family's meddling."

Your expression softens the sincerity in his words. Gently, you rest your hand atop his where it rests on his knee. "This may have begun unusually, but the future remains unwritten. We have a say in what happens now."

Rafe's eyes widen slightly at your touch, but he doesn't pull away. Tentatively he turns his palm up to lace your fingers, the gesture intimate.

Your heart flutters hopefully. Perhaps your new husband isn't as aloof as he pretends. You sit in more comfortable silence for a moment, hands entwined, gazing out at the peaceful view.

Finally Rafe clears his throat gruffly. "We should head back soon. But…thank you, for understanding." He squeezes your hand gently before releasing it and standing. The air between you feels lighter somehow as you head back to the palace together.

You nod and stand up, smoothing out your dress. You smile softly up at him "Of course..I know this is all still new." As you walk you tentatively slip your hand in his, giving it a little squeeze.

When you reach the palace doors Rafe pulls his hand away abruptly, his face becoming cold and distant again. "I have business to attend to..I will see you later at dinner." He mutters before walking off not waiting for a response.

You watch him hurry off confused and a little hurt by his sudden aloofness again after the tender moment you just shared. Biting your lip anxiously you head inside to find Kiara and Sarah, hoping they can provide some insight on Rafe’s mercurial moods.

Making your way through the lavish corridors, you eventually locate Sarah and Kiara chatting in one of the palace sitting rooms. They both greet you cheerfully, but their smiles fade at your obvious distress.

"What's wrong? You look upset about something," Kiara asks in concern, guiding you to sit beside her on an embroidered settee.

You smooth your skirt, unsure how much to confide about your mercurial new spouse. "I'm just…having some difficulty figuring Rafe out. One moment he seems open and tender, the next he's cool and distant."

Sarah nods knowingly. "Yes, my dear brother has always been moody. Passionate one instant, petulant the next." She pats your hand. "Try not to take it personally. Rafe has trouble reconciling his heart and his duties."

"He's under immense pressure as future king," Kiara adds sympathetically. "It likely makes him feel vulnerable, so he compensates by being remote."

You consider this, comforted by your friends' wisdom. Perhaps Rafe's moodiness stemmed from feeling inadequate, not indifference toward you.

Sarah smiles encouragement. "Keep being patient and meeting him where he's at, Y/N. In time, he'll realize you're a safe place to share his burdens."

Kiara agrees. "Just show compassion and understanding. Your open heart is your greatest gift."

You smile, buoyed by their sisterly advice. If Rafe is skittish of closeness, you would have to coax him out gently, not take his distance personally. Your future depended on bridging this chasm, no matter how long it took.

You smile gratefully "You both give such wise counsel, I don't know what I'd do without you." you say sincerely.

Sarah waves a hand "Oh please, what are friends for? Besides putting conceited brothers in their place that is." She jokes, making you laugh.

"Would you both accompany me to dinner tonight? Having you close by keeps me calm when I have to interact with Rafe and his family. It's all still so intimidating." you admit.

Kiara loops your arms together. "Of course! We'll be right by your side the whole night." She reassures you.

Sarah nods in agreement. "Rafe may be stubborn but he'll come around. In the meantime, we'll make sure you feel welcome here."

Your eyes mist over with gratitude at their unconditional support. With such true friends at your side, you feel able to endure Rafe's unpredictability and find your place in this unfamiliar world.

You spend the afternoon with Sarah and Kiara, their lighthearted company bolstering your spirits after your confusing encounter with Rafe. By the time evening falls and you make your way to the grand dining hall, You feel much more centered and calm with your two dear friends accompanying you.

As you enter the spacious hall, You instinctively seek out Rafe's tall form. Your husband stands stiffly beside King Ward near the head of the table, face an impassive mask. But you notice faint circles under his eyes, hinting at his inner turmoil.

Sarah gives your arm a subtle, reassuring squeeze as you take your seats. Kiara offers an encouraging smile from your other side. Bolstered by their quiet support, You straighten your spine and meet Rafe's shuttered gaze evenly when it drifts your way. You will not cower from his moods.

Dinner passes uneventfully, full of empty courtly pleasantries you have little patience for. Throughout the meal, you make subtle attempts to catch Rafe's eye, hoping to convey mute understanding across the table. But he remains withdrawn, jaw tense as he interacts minimally with the guests.

Your heart sinks at his continued distance, but you refuse to let it show. When the meal concludes, you excuse yourself politely before exiting the hall, chin held high. Your friends move to follow, but you still them with a slight shake of your head.

"Stay, enjoy the festivities. I just need some time alone to clear my head." At their understanding nods, You gather your skirts and make your way out into the moonlit gardens.

The fresh night air soothes you as you find that stone bench under a willow tree again. You tilt your face up to the stars, seeking guidance. Patience and empathy were your only weapons against Rafe's barricades. You could not force him to meet you halfway. Sighing softly, You close your eyes and make a silent wish upon the moon. Bring down your walls, my guarded prince. Let me inside.

As you sit peacefully under the stars, you gradually become aware of footsteps approaching on the garden path. You open your eyes to see Rafe striding towards you, still dressed in his formal dinner attire. He looks surprised to see you there.

"Oh..I didn't realize you'd be out here," he remarks, seeming conflicted about whether to stay or turn back. After a brief hesitation, he moves to sit beside you on the bench, staring straight ahead into the darkness.

"I suppose I don't blame you for wanting to escape that dreadful affair either," he mutters, mouth twisting wryly. "The noble court can be rather insufferable."

You study  his tense profile curiously. There is obviously something he wants to express, but is struggling to find the words for. You decide to take a gentle approach.

"The night sky is quite beautiful here. I enjoy having this serene place to collect my thoughts when things feel…overwhelming." You keep your tone soft, hoping he might open up.

Rafe's jaw works, eyes fixed ahead. Several moments of tense silence pass before he speaks again, voice low. "I… apologize for my poor company today. You deserve better from your husband." He finally meets your gaze, remorse flickering in his eyes.

Your expression softens. Gently, you reach over to cover his hand with yours in a gesture of understanding. "I know this transition has been challenging for us both. But we will figure it out, together."

Rafe's eyes widen slightly at your easy forgiveness. After a beat, he turns his palm over to tentatively lace your fingers. You feel your heart lift as Rafe opens up, however hesitantly. You give his hand a gentle, encouraging squeeze, hoping he will continue.

After another strained silence, Rafe drags his free hand through his hair, leaving it endearingly mussed. "I just…I want to be the man they need me to be. My father, the kingdom." He lifts his eyes to the moon.

You feel your heart swell as Rafe opens up, the ice in his gaze melting to reveal vulnerability beneath. You give his hand another encouraging squeeze.

"It's alright, you don't have to be perfect. Just be yourself." Rafe sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"I wish it were that simple. But certain things are expected of me, duties I can't shirk." His shoulders slump under the invisible weight.

You nod in understanding. "I know. But you don't have to carry it all alone. I'm here now, to listen and support you. We're partners in this." You trail your thumb over his knuckles, hoping he understands you won't abandon him to his burdens.

Rafe turns to look at you fully, eyes searching yours. He seems startled to find only sincerity and care reflected back at him. "You deserve a medal for putting up with me," he says wryly, but gratitude shines through the humor.

You just smile. "I don't need medals, just your word you won't shut me out again."

Rafe considers your request, then nods solemnly. "You have it. Thank you for…being you." He gives your hand a gentle, meaningful squeeze.

You share a tender smile under the moonlight, the air between you lighter somehow. There is hope for you yet if you continue reaching out in understanding. You know the road won't be easy, but you're willing to walk it with this complicated man who is now your partner. With patience and care, your arranged union could blossom into something real. For now, this moment of connection beneath the stars feels like a promising start.

You smile softly and say "Of course, that's what partners are for. Now…" You stand up smoothing your dress. "Why don't we go for a walk? The gardens are beautiful at night." You suggest wanting to spend more relaxing quality time with him.

Rafe runs a hand through his hair and smiles a little. "I'd like that." He agrees and stands up, offering his arm to you politely.

You loop your arm through his and you begin walking at a leisurely pace admiring the flowers and fountains illuminated by moonlight.

For a time you simply walk in comfortable silence, appreciating the nocturnal blooms and gently babbling fountains surrounding them. You breathe deeply, filling your lungs with the sweet floral scents on the night breeze. After being cooped up in the palace much of the day, it feels freeing to be outside enjoying nature's beauty.

You sneak a glance at Rafe and find the tension gone from his features, replaced by a look of contentment. His eyes seem brighter beneath the stars, and the hints of a smile play at his lips. Seeing him relaxed and unguarded makes your heart flutter with hope.

Eventually Rafe's voice breaks the silence. "Thank you for this. I can't remember the last time I just…existed, without pressures and duties weighing me down."

You smile. "Of course. We all need room to breathe." Timidly you reach over to give his hand a gentle squeeze. Rafe glances down in surprise but doesn't pull away.

The moment feels suspended in time, just the two of you and the hushed music of the garden. You wished you could stay here forever, away from the complications of family and royalty. But for now, this stolen moment of tranquility together feels like a step toward healing.

Keeping your hand covering his, you scoot a little closer, your sides now pressed together.You rest your head on his shoulder tentatively.

"Can we just stay out here a little longer? I don't want this moment to end.." You whisper not wanting the peaceful feeling to disappear once you have to go back inside.

Rafe looks down at you surprised by the contact but doesn't move away. The scent of your floral perfume surrounds him, making his heart skip. No one has shown him such tenderness before. Slowly he rests his head against yours.

"Just a little longer.." He agrees quietly, closing his eyes. For now all the stresses and responsibilities melt away as you sit together under the stars. He wishes he could freeze this feeling and live in it forever.

Rafe's thumb strokes over your knuckles, touch feather-light. The caress sends a thrill through you even as it soothes. You angle yourself closer, memorizing his warmth, his scent, the rhythm of his breathing. This gentle side of him feels like a gift, one you will safeguard.

The hour grows late, the moon sinking low. Reluctantly you lift your head, meeting Rafe's drowsy gaze. "We should head back," you murmur. He nods, reluctance shadowing his eyes. But the new bond between you remains as you slowly rise and retrace your steps out of the garden. Whatever comes next, you will face it together.

As you reluctantly make your way back inside the silent palace hand in hand. Pausing outside your bed chamber door you turn to him. "Thank you for tonight..I haven't felt this content in a long time." You admit with a soft smile.

Rafe rubs the back of his neck "Yeah..me too.." Glancing around awkwardly to make sure no one is around he takes both your hands in his. "Y/N I…I know this whole situation is less than ideal..but I'm grateful to have you as my wife. You've shown me more care and patience than anyone." He says sincerely, gazing into your eyes. "I'll try to be the man you deserve from now on.." He promises softly.

You blink back tears, deeply moved. "All I want is for you to be yourself. The rest we'll figure out together." You offer a tremulous smile.

Rafe searches your face before nodding slowly. Still clasping one of your hands, he reaches up to tenderly tuck a loose curl behind your ear. The affectionate gesture makes your breath hitch.

"Together," Rafe repeats. He starts to lean in, then hesitates. Your eyes flutter closed in tacit permission. A moment later, the barest brush of his lips grazes your cheek in a feather-light kiss.

As Rafe pulls back, your eyes open to find him watching you, desire and uncertainty mingling in his gaze. You give his hand one more squeeze in reassurance before slipping inside your room.

Alone in the darkness, You press a hand to your tingling cheek. Tonight was a turning point for you guys, you feel it. With open hearts, this arranged union just might transform into a true marriage.

[hells-wasabii]

Hey!! I had an Adam request for Hazbin Hotel. If possible, could it be a mixture of headcanon and drabble? If not, just drabble, please!!

So imagine if Adam had escaped before being killed by Nifty, and is still incredibly hurt. The angels had left, thinking he had died, leaving him behind. Then demon reader finds him bleeding out, and despite knowing who he is and what he's done to their kind, they still help him and let him stay at their apartment to heal properly, and hopefully tries to change his mind on Hell and other demons.

Gn reader would be great, if you could please! - 🍋

Howdy hey! I'm really glad you asked for a half and half, I don't think i'd be able to delve into this request proper. Also, adam is seriously growing on me. I got to work on my requests today later than i would've liked though, so I'll try to make up for lost time

Character: Adam

Type: Headcanons+Drabble (injured!Adam x sinner!reader, Angst, Fluff)

Adam, despite what you might think, fully understands the severity of the situation. He knows that he's royally fucked, especially if he happens across the wrong demon. He also knows that heaven’s not coming for him. The fact that what was left of his army had retreated was testament enough that they believed him to be dead.

Yeah, he might’ve escaped with his life but he wasn’t out of the woods yet. Could you imagine what could happen if he ran into somebody with a grudge against him specifically? It wasn't like he was subtle about his identity at the moment, covered in golden blood, oh, and of course, the wings were a dead giveaway. 

So when the very first man collapsed in some dirty alley way he thought he was done for. That was where he met you. You were an anomaly to Adam. Why would you, a sinner, help him of all people? He figured that you just didn’t know who he was as you took him back to your home to help him heal. That assumption didn’t last long, though, you called him by his name so you definitely knew who he was.

When you’re helping him heal, offering up your apartment as a place for him to recuperate, he’s gonna be bitching about it the whole time. You knew who he was, so now there was no way he’d let you forget he was the first man and how absurd it was that he was left like this. He’d complain about any little thing too, he’s used to a life of comfort, used to getting what he wants when he wants it. And you’d best believe you’re going to hear about how he hasn’t gotten laid since getting stuck down in hell.

Adam couldn’t believe it as he stared at the calendar hung on the wall of your dingy apartment. Despite all the slack he’s given you, the first man had long since decided that maybe you weren’t so bad for some loser sinner. The last of his wounds were healed now, something he had you to thank for. Bones were set properly, and he’d even been able to stave off infections under your care.

The angel was grateful. He really was. And as uncommon as it was, he wanted to show you just how grateful he was. You had gone off somewhere, work you said, but he wasn’t sure what you did for work now that he thought about it. You had probably mentioned it early on in his stay, but at that point, he didn’t really listen to much of what you said.

So, he decided to make you something to eat, you should be back in an hour anyway.

Simple enough, right? There was some pasta in the cupboards, he’d start with that.

Oh, you were gonna be so impressed! After all, you were going to eat a meal prepared by the first man here! This surprise totally-not-a-date-even-though-he-maybe-wanted-it-to-be dinner was going to rock!

...

In his defense, he had been left alone. You were pretty lucky to have gotten home when you did, or you were sure your kitchen would've been burnt down. You sighed, turning to the angel who was making a rather convincing impression of a kicked puppy. Instead of scolding him, you offer a small smile. "Why don't we just get takeout?"

[thirstywoso]

Five years down, forever to go pt3 // Jessie Fleming x Reader 18+

Synopsis: Jessie needs something or someone to take out her frustration after the draw against Utah

A/N: this was inspired partially by the draw to Utah Royals and the conversation myself and @flemingsfreckles had about the game/Jessie. Same as last time this can be read as a stand alone so you don't need to read part one or part two.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, Strap on use, oral, reader receiving/Jessie giving, Dominant Jessie, angry sex, breeding kink, marking, light bondage (handcuffs), light choking, as always there may be more than I'm forgetting.

W/C:2.6k

This is literally just a quick write so probably not that great, it's also shorter than the other parts but it's deffo not sweet

Again you can read this as a stand alone no need to read part one and part two

As the whistle blew and the score had stood at 0-0, your eyes found Jessie on the pitch. Throwing her head back in annoyance you could tell she would be beating herself up for not doing more to help the team. You knew it was ridiculous because she was up and down that pitch, making runs, winning the ball back and punting it up the pitch to Sophia. Unfortunately the one chance Portland had was ruled as offside, much to your dismay as well as Jessie's.

At the end of the game your girlfriend looked visibly upset as she walked over to the stands.

Jessie being the professional she was spent time making the rounds with fans, shaking hands, signing shirts and taking selfies. You smiled on as you watched her greet some young children holding up signs, one reading 'Number 21 you're my favourite' another 'Jessie Fleming is my hero'. From where you were stood you couldn't hear what she was saying but she was smiling and laughing, you watch as she gives the two young fans a hug and a high five.

Seeing how she interacted with children always stirred something inside of you, a family with your girlfriend is something you had always wanted but her way with young fans had always made you feel that little more fuzzy.

-

You'd made your way into the family waiting area after watching Jess disappear into the tunnel with a sour expression.

You stood chatting with some of the other players partners until some of the players started emerging from the locker room.

Sam was one of the first ones out and she made her way over to you, resting her hand on your forearm she gave you a sympathetic look.

"She's pretty mad right now, she has some press to do but I hope for your sake she's calmed down by then"

"You both played well tonight, I understand why you'd be upset with the result but at least it wasn't a loss?" You question Sam as to why Jess is mad.

"I'm not sure what's going on she slammed the door walking into the changing rooms and wouldn't talk to any of us when we asked if she was okay" Sam tried to explain

"It's okay Sam I'll figure it out"

"Good luck" rubbing your arm one last time as she walked away to find her family.

-

Jessie was one of the last players to come out due to some of the press she had done after the game, you already knew she was seething. The tv in the family room had been playing some of the post match talks and you physically cringed when Jessie got asked why the midfield had been struggling.

The way her face screwed up you could tell it had hit a nerve and she was pissed off, as always though Jessie politely answered the question yet still stuck up for herself and the rest of the midfield.

When she came out you were the last guest waiting in the room, she caught your eye and stalked over to you.

"Let's go" she grabbed your arm pulling you to the exit.

You had booked a nearby hotel as it wasn't often you followed Jessie to matches around the country due to your work schedule. Instead of staying at the team hotel Jessie would be coming back to yours for the night.

On the way to the hotel Jessie was silent but the flush on her cheeks and her pursed lips told you that she was still seeing red.

You didn't dare ask her what was wrong, deep down you knew why. Jessie always picked apart her performances and you knew she'd be mad not coming away with the three points.

Unlocking your room with your keycard you walk in holding the door open for Jessie to come in behind you.

In a flash Jessie had you pressed up against the door as it closed behind you, she began kissing your neck eagerly not caring if she left a mark.

"Woah Jessie, slow down. What's going on?"

"I'm going to fuck you silly that's what's going on!" She huffed latching back on to your neck making quick work of her own jersey.

"Baby, I know you're upset and I'm happy to help but are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" You attempt to reason

"No talking. Just kissing. And fucking. And making you cum. For me." Jessie punctuates with small nips to your neck as she begins to remove your jeans and panties. Shimmying them down your legs so they fall around your ankles. You can't deny the throbbing in your core any longer.

"Okay then Jessie" you give yourself to her. Jessie tugs on your shirt or should you say her shirt, you were sporting her Canada Jersey from when she won Olympic gold, you had always worn her old jerseys when you went to her games.

You follow her as she walks back towards the bed.

As you get nearer she spins you around so that you're the one walking backwards. You feel the mattress hit the back of your knees and you sit, Jessie lifting the jersey above your head along with your bra leaving you naked.

"Up" she nods towards the head of the bed.

You shuffle backwards as she discards her shorts and underwear in a pile on the floor. Kneeling on the edge she crawls up towards you desperation and pure hunger sparkling in her eyes.

"You'll get exactly what I give you tonight, do you understand me?" Jessie asks you to which you reply with a nod.

Jessie grabs your face so that she makes eye contact with you. "I said do you fucking understand me" she practically spits.

"Yes Jess" you squeak out

"Good"

With that Jessie's head is back down on your neck. Normally she was gentle with her work but tonight was different, harsh bites and nips were left down the column of your neck. Before she snaked her tongue up from your collarbone to the shell of your ear whispering "you're going to be such a good girl for me, I know you are" giving your lobe a slight nip she sits up on her knees drinking you all in.

Removing herself from the bed she walks over to her suitcase.

You can't help but watch her as your eyes glue to her naked form. Jessie gets a few items from her bag which you can't make out until she turns walking back over to you.

It was then you noticed her holding a pair of handcuffs, some lube and the biggest strap you owned. You sucked in a breath before gasping for air realising you'd forgotten how to breathe.

Within seconds she was back on the bed taking your wrists and handcuffing you to the bedpost.

"What's the safe word?"

"Poutine"

"Say it at any point and we stop okay?" She said more serious, yes she wanted to take her frustrations out on you but she would always make sure your comfort came first.

"Okay"

Kissing her way down your chest she gently bites at your breasts dragging your nipple between her teeth before moving to the other one and doing the same.

She repeated this a few times your body wriggling within your restraints, unsure yourself if you were fighting against the pain or writhing into the pleasure.

Throwing your head to one side you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, seeing the marks down your neck and across your chest sent a rush or arousal to your aching pussy. Seeing how subbed out you were for Jessie you longed to be fucked by her, arching your hips towards her she got the hint.

She kissed down the length of your stomach all the way to your aching core, she knew how to tease you but today wasn't going to be one of those days. She knew you needed her and that she needed to be the one to ruin you.

Without warning her mouth attached to your clit looking down at her you saw her gazing back at you with dark eyes. Suckling on your bundle of nerves, pulling it between her teeth similarly to how she had treated your nipples.

Grazing her teeth along your sensitive nub as she flicked at you with her tongue. Your eyes rolling back as she drove you crazy.

The air sticking in your throat as Jessie's thick fingers plunged into you, stretching you open and curling inside you. Thrusting hard Jessie had you whimpering her name, unable to help it you beg for her.

"Please fuck me Jessie, please I need you so badly"

Jessie groaned into your sex as she lapped at you, her fingers stroking your walls bringing you closer to the edge. Your hands found her hair pulling at it, your thighs clamping around her face as her fingers were joined by her tongue delving deep inside you. Her spare thumb rubbing your clit as you saw stars, legs shaking around her head as you came in her mouth.

She wasted no time in pulling out and kissing you so you could taste yourself on her tongue.

Sitting back on her knees Jessie fastened her cock around her waist before disregarding the need for the lube due to how soaked you already were, using her hand already covered in your juices to stroke her cock.

Jessie uncuffed you before lining up with your opening, gently stroking the tip along your slit before she slid in with ease. Bottoming out within seconds you let out a low moan of her name as she ground into you.

Your legs locked around her waist as you clawed at her back.

Whispering in her ear "please baby, you know you fuck me better than anyone"

That's all she needed to hear before her hips were pulling back as she slammed back into you.

You could hardly gasp for air as she fucked the wind out of you, your nails idly running up and down her back as she thrust deeper inside you.

"You feel so fucking good taking me like this" she groans looking down at where her cock was slicing you open your lips stretched around her thick girth.

Your head falls back, her name slipping past your lips as she picks up her pace. Her hands around your throat holding you down as she fucks you harder.

You gasp for a breath when she finally releases you her body coming down flush with yours so you could feel the way her tits brushed against yours.

Feeling yourself getting closer all you could picture was how good of a mother Jessie would make and your brooding thoughts from the game had come back.

Her ear was so close to your mouth that she only just heard the gentle whisper fall from your mouth.

"Fill me with your babies Jessie"

Pulling back so she's held up on her hands, her muscles bulging. She looks down at you in shock, before you can even think if you've fucked things up she's pushing even deeper than before.

"You want my babies huh?" She asks with a smirk

"Oh I do so badly Jessie, I wish you could put your babies in me"

"I can"

Her hips slapping against yours the air filled with the filthy sounds of your sex being filled and the groans and moans falling from both your own and the future mother to your child's lips.

"I need you to cum in me Jessie, I want to feel you"

"I want to get you pregnant so bad y/n/n"

"Have my mini Flemings"

"Start a family with you"

You whimper her words driving you crazy your nails digging into her back.

"Just like that baby, I'm going to have your babies"

"We're going to be such a good family, please Jessie I need you deeper"

Her hips begin to stutter as your words bring her closer.

You scratch down her back again as you scream out "I'm cumming Jessie"

She pushes down on your stomach feeling how deep she is inside you her eyes rolling back. Knowing damn well if she was physically able to cum that deep in you it would surely be enough for you to carry mini versions of her.

She whimsies and cries out as she cums collapsing on top of you.

"Take it all baby, I want you to have my children" she whispers in your ear grinding her cock inside you.

"Take every last drop until your full of my babies"

Over stimulated and incredibly turned on by Jessie's attempt to impregnate you matched with the pressure of her hips grinding against you had your eyes squeezing shut.

Mouth hung open unable to make a noise as pleasure took over your entire form, you bit down on Jessie's shoulder as you squirt all over her cock.

Burying your head in her neck embarrassed she looks up at you with the biggest grin.

"Did you just squirt?"

You hide deeper in her neck

"Don't be shy that was so hot baby"

"I didn't think you talking like that would get me so bad"

You begin to kiss Jessie pulling back to ask her if she felt better.

Wrapping her arms around you pulling you tighter to her she confirms that you had brightened her mood.

So happy and content you both quickly fall asleep, Jessie's cock still buried deep inside you.

(There will be a part 4 coming which again can be read as a stand alone, I'm not sure I like this one because it's rushed but feedback is appreciated)

[idyllcy]

heard the risk is drowning, but i'm gonna take it

word count: 10k || banner art by @wr0wn

warnings: mild violence, mentions of blood

summary: it is just admiration. it should get you nowhere (surely?)

It’s a bright day in summer when you first meet Leon Scott Kennedy.

Titled one of the best knights in the academy with an unparalleled aura, you can only observe from the distance during the few times you stop by for the crown prince. Sir Leon Scott Kennedy, knight of the royal legion, best knight that the academy had to offer. You seemed to pale in comparison to him. What use is it to excel in multiple talents when you love none? You find the passion that bleeds from every cell of his body to be far more attractive then the thousand accomplishments you have achieved. If you are honest, not many of them are even accomplished by you. Most of the accomplishments hooked under your name have been done by those around you, other that of the title of Grandmaster. Nobles will never have to work as hard as the commoners when it comes to receiving titles.

When you pass him in the hallway, he does not stop. You do, however.

You stop to stare, watching as he walks off, the aura from his swordsmanship breathtaking, your eyes brimming with excitement as you pass him. Had you been completely honest, you would have let your father know that you do not wish to be crown princess. Rather, you'd like to be the duke on its own, and you would like the liberty of marrying whomever you wish.

And truthfully? You would have told your father you'd wish to marry Sir Leon.

How childish of you, though.

So you turn on your heel, stepping away from Leon, sure that even if you were to proclaim your admiration for him, it would end up nowhere. So, you bury your beating heart, footsteps battering against the marble as you rush to make your next class. Sir Leon could stay a childish crush. You have no time to entertain such thoughts of infidelity. You belong to the nation — to the crown prince. That is your role as the future duke, so that is the role you shall keep.

Your friends dream of marrying knights, they dream of getting whisked away into the sunset on a horse, and you are stuck listening and not joining as they do, a smile that holds everything back, holding everything back from breaking a dam of emotion, knowing that even if you were to entertain such thoughts, you would not get to experience it. You are not in a position where the luxury of marriage is something you can hope and cling to.

"And the princess?"

"I have not the luxury."

"Surely you have considered a candidate."

You look down at the tea which you hold up perfectly, and you close your eyes. "A knight as well, perhaps."

"She talks of Sir Luis!"

"Surely she talks of Sir Leon!"

"I beg to disagree. The crown prince is a knight."

The other two girls groan, and you offer them none else but a smile.

You wonder if it is a choice to just bring it up to your father — that you wish not to be wed to the crown prince. The role of crown princess is not an easy position to hold, and there is none else in the nation that is more suited for the role than you. You are told that from start to finish, and you are more certain of it than anyone. Yet, yet the opportunity arises when a new scholarship student stumbles right into the crown prince's arms at coronation, and a hypothetical shot is wedged into the crevices of the crown prince's heart. You know that look of adoration more than anyone. The crown prince has fallen.

He may not be aware of it, but you keep it in the back of your mind.

The rumors floating around only seem to further solidify your point.

"Princess."

"My fiancé is out frolicking in the field with some commoner girl, I am aware." You hum happily at the taste of the tea, and the girls at your table fret.

"Do you not worry?"

"What if that witch steals her from you!"

"There is none else more suitable for the position of crown princess than you, your highness."

"Mm." You hum. "Well, if push comes to shove, there is nothing I can do about it. I shall only see how it unfolds with time."

It unfolds messily with time. The crown prince keeps you as the crown princess yet declares that he would have none else but his pretty commoner lover as his queen, and you hear left and right all about how foolish the prince has become. You care not for their words, and even when you are slandered for not being a proper crown princess. They would never understand the weight of the title, so you don't take any of their words to heart. See no evil, hear no evil, do no evil.

You listen to the crown prince on the mandatory dates from the emperor, doing your assignments as he brings along the commoner girl to flirt back and forth, and when the crown prince is told to leave the girl immediately, the crown prince fights and argues that he loves not you, but the woman in his arms at all times. You give not a reaction, opting to watch the expressions of the commoner instead, watching as he chews on her thumb when the emperor turns to ask of your opinion.

"Your royal majesty, with all due respect, I too would appreciate the breaking of the engagement. It is damaging to the reputation of the duchy for me to wed with a man who commits adultery." You argue. "My duchy has been known for purity. It would anger the gods."

You believe in no god, but the emperor does, and you are told he will consider it.

"What sick ploy are you playing this time, woman!" The crown prince accuses you, finger pointed in your direction, and you raise a brow.

"Ploy? Your highness, you know better than anyone that the white of my duchy represents purity. How am I to still be the heir if my own fiancé can not stay pure? You want the commoner to be a princess, do you not?"

"I know your lackeys have been targeting her behind my back!"

You blink at the crown prince, trying to recall all of the news that you had heard.

"She fell down the stairs herself."

"Your lackey poisoned her tea!"

"The tea was simply hot? You are to blow or stir before you drink." You blink. "And bring up not the deal of her dress being ruined. That was because she had angered a girl from the gardening club by ruining her precious daisies to pick them for you, Your Highness. She is a student with a scholarship, she is not stupid."

"You are simply jealous."

You raise a brow incredulously.

"Your Highness, I wish not to marry you." You turn on your heel, door to the throne room opening, your heart lodging into your throat as you stare up at the one who had the displeasure of pulling the door the same time you push.

"Sir Leon." You nod.

"Princess."

You leave him behind you, embarrassed that the knight had to see you in such an agitated state.

Good heavens.

Instead, you are caught by the wrist, Leon's breath slightly heavier as you blink at him.

"Are you... alright, princess?"

"Yes." You force.

"Positive?"

"Yes, Sir Leon." You muster up a smile.

"I... may not know you, but I assure you I am here if you are in need of assistance."

"Y..es." You nod, rushing off, fighting the embarrassment that has replaced your agitation. Oh, god. Oh, goodness. Leon? Sir Leon the knight himself? Telling you that he is there if you are in need of assistance? Is this what it feels to be a maiden who is free of the burden of a betrothed? You must be dreaming. There is no way the knight would know of you or even develop such strong feelings for you. Yes, this must be a dream. After all, there is no way the knight could know of you.

You receive the news that someone new has joined the ranks of the dukedom's knighthood, and your heart soars at the news that it's none other than Sir Leon. It makes your heart full, and you blink back every ounce of foolery as you report to your father, notifying him of the new knight in the knighthood, watching as he furrows his brows and hums. Your excitement is hardly concealable, a sparkle present in your eye not there previously.

"Sure it is not for a chance to court you?"

"With full certainty." You assure him. There's no way he would join a rank just to approach you. "Has the emperor responded?"

"That old bastard is still thinking." Your father grumbles. "At this rate, you might as well start looking."

Yet, you stop by the training grounds in the academy, arguing with the general that it is for "moral support" as though the moral support you were offering was not simply just to get a peek at Sir Leon. Surely it is not a sin? Your engagement may not have been broken off yet, but it stops you not from starting to eyeball people. It just so happens that the people you eyeball include a certain knight, and it just so happens that said knight would make a great personal knight. Perhaps it is a little selfish, but you are in the right. Who knows what the royal family will do in order to tarnish your reputation now that you have requested the breaking of your engagement?

"Sir Leon, was it?" You greet the knight in the hall, and he bows.

"Young duke."

"Dare I make a suggestion?"

"If not you, then who?"

"Then, please excuse my rudeness." You dare not to look anywhere but his eyes when you ask. "May I propose that you become my personal knight?"

You watch as Leon goes quiet, and you panic.

"Are you opposed to it?"

"Is there a reason it is me, princess?"

"Is it wrong to appoint the best knight in the rank as my personal guard? I fear the only one who rivals your swordsmanship is me." You reason. Surely he would not turn you down?

You find that he thinks of another way out.

"Perhaps a recommendation from the general himself? A recommendation from anyone that is not you, princess. With all due respect. I have vowed to protect your purity until it is time, for it is my duty as one of your knights."

"I see." You tap your cheek. "Then, from my father would suffice?"

"Perhaps."

"I shall let the duke know of my idea." You bow. "If the duke appoints it, you shall listen?"

"Of course, your highness."

You turn on your heel, nodding at him before sprinting down the hall. You shall attain this. You shall make Leon your personal knight, even if it tarnishes your name. There is none else you trust as much as you do with the knight, and his loyalty lies with you, even if he may claim the opposite. You shall convince the duke to let you have the young knight, and you shall stay by your knight's side, foolishly enamored with him. Your role in the narrative is shifting, so it is only fair that you take advantage of such a point.

"Father."

You make a convincing argument, and it takes only one incident in which you are stabbing through the jugular of an assassin for your father to agree to let you take in a personal guard, one that would stick close and act as a ghost. In the academy, they would be a friend, and at night, a ghost to haunt your room, clearing out any and all threats. You suggest Sir Leon just for reference, and your father takes your word. You do not expect him to take you so seriously, but you are sure your father has his reasons.

"He excels in stealth." The duke agrees. "We may use him for the time being. The crown prince is wary to be on his bad side as well, quite fortunately for you."

You hide the giddiness that you can only describe as an enthusiasm previously unknown to you. How exciting. To be in the vicinity of the man you admire? The man who deserved the title of Grandmaster just as you did? You swoon at the thought, barely catching any sleep in your dorm as a result, rubbing your eyes in the morning when you get ready. The seems to be brighter, and the blue of the sky shines brilliantly. Even when the door to your dorm is knocked on, it only adds to your anticipation.

You let Leon in while adjusting your tie. It is not indecent for you to do so, you believe.

"Princess."

"Good morning, sir." You smile. "Has the duke summoned you?"

"Yes."

Leon pauses, and you take it as a chance to explain why you had needed a knight. It was relatively well known that you were a capable knight, but the recent attempts on your life was not out yet. It would be damaging to the royal family, so the emperor had your father keep it on the low. You found it pointless, but it was not your place to question. You were simply wishing that your engagement would be broken off quicker.

"I got ambushed two nights ago, you see." You pause to think about it. Perhaps that was a little blunt of you.

"...Pardon?"

"An assassin had tried throwing a potion at me." You sigh. "It wasn't much, but it was annoying as is since I had bloodied my nightgown, so I was moved to a single rather than my old room. I miss my roommate terribly, you see."

"I trust you miss Princess Ashley very much."

"I do."

"Perhaps you should go visit her in the morning?"

"I cannot, you see... It would put her in danger. Until I am no longer the crown princess, I can not risk anyone... other than you, of course. But then again, you have become a knight of the house, so you are... to be used?" You frown at yourself in the vanity mirror. "That does not sound quite right."

"My body is to serve you, princess."

You purse your lips in amusement, holding back a laugh.

"Oh... your words are easy to misunderstand, Sir Leon." You laugh, hitting the loose powder off.

"I... did not mean that kind of use. My apologies, princess."

"It is nothing. Worry not." You finish up, smiling at Leon as you start towards the door.

You find it interesting to have a personal knight. Leon sticks by you at all times, watching you even when he is not next to you, and it feels a lot like having an overgrown puppy by you at all times. You're sure the duke would disagree, but you can't help but think that it doesn't feel nearly as invasive as you thought it would be. You tell Ashley about it, to which she whispers back that she is sure that granted you are allowed the engagement to break, you should pursue the knight (it earns her a light smack on her arm to which she fakes a whine over). Ada offers you the same advice, lip quirked up in amusement when you flush impossibly warm and fan your face, telling them both that it would be impossible. You dare not dream of it until you are in a position to do so.

"Surely you find him attractive, though?" Ashley tries. "I have not the luxury of looking at others, but it is not infidelity to call someone else attractive."

"I suppose he is." You mumble.

"You'll be single soon. There is not a soul in the academy that does not know you wish to break the engagement." Ada hums. "It will be fun."

"I am sure it will." You mumble. "It'll be—"

Ada grabs the back of your chair and pulls, sending you back as you watch water splash and steam where you had been sitting. You don't react much to what happens next, Ada's sword out and Leon's name called as the girl is tackled to the ground by your knight, all of which happens too quickly. When you turn to glance at Ashley, she's got a visible frown on her face, which you can only assume has to do with the commoner girl her brother's decided to covet.

"Princess?"

Leon's voice breaks you from your thoughts, and you sigh. This girl was by no means foolish, so why did she insist on playing the role of the antagonist all for a crown prince that would not hold the crown once your engagement would be broken off? It mattered not to you anymore. It is not your problem to consider. This girl was losing herself all over a man — one that was not even worth the time.

"She tried pouring hot water on me." You place a hand on Ada's shoulder, stepping past her and next to Leon as you smile at the girl. "What would the crown prince think? If he were to find out that his beloved was out bullying the crown princess?"

You place a hand on Leon's shoulder, and he listens, stepping off of the girl as she coughs and sputters excuses.

"It was an accident!"

"Quite the opposite." Ashley raises a brow from the table. "Both Dame Ada and I saw you sneak up behind her to pour the water. Perhaps be more discreet if you decide you do not value your life."

"P-princess—"

"Save it. If my foolish brother wishes to squander his position for some commoner girl, then so be it. It is not as though we do not have other siblings." She waves her hand, and the girl rushes off. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." You smile. "Ada reacted quite efficiently. Perhaps you should be my personal knight instead?"

Ada shakes her head. "Unfortunately, I am tied to my current house. I have taken the oath already."

"I see." You feign your disappointment. "I forget that you are our senior oftentimes. You will be gone soon."

"You make it sound as though I will pass." Ada rolls her eyes. "Sir Leon, thank you. You're free to return to dine."

"Princess?"

"Please dine, kind knight." You smile. "I must as well."

"Then, with pleasure."

You settle into dodging traps and Leon standing in front of you for the next period of your life. The attempts only rack up with each time that your knight protects you, and you find it quite cowardish that the crown prince would resort to such tactics to have you tell your father you no longer wish to break off your engagement with the crown prince. It seemed the duke was starting to reconsider his decision of which prince to support. You wonder if you should tell your father that you'd much rather have another prince sit on the throne. He seemed to be listening to you much more.

"How have you been, princess?"

"The crown prince seems adamant of keeping me as his crown princess despite his beloved's pleas." You blow on the tea. "Quite selfish of him, if I dare say."

"Who would not want you as their betrothed? A duke's heir with the education of a crown princess. There is no one else quite near your standing."

"Except the princess." You smile, winking at Ashley as she shakes her head.

"An education for an empress is still different from that of a princess." Ashley shakes her head. "We all await the news of the breaking of your engagement."

"I do hope the emperor makes up his mind soon."

"As do I." Ashley presses the tea to her lips, and your eye twitches in annoyance as she spits it out, blood fresh on her tongue. "Good god."

You sigh, pushing your chair back as you call for Leon to take her to the infirmary, your knight furrowing his brows slightly before following your order. You have the rest of the ladies follow him since they serve both the princess and you, and you're left alone in the garden. You understand that it's for that exact reason Ashley was poisoned and not you, and so, by leaving you alone without a knight, it would make you a visible target. After all, what can a poor, frail princess do without her knight? Surely not much. Which is what would happen to every other noblewoman, but your father had the decency to hide your accomplishment as Grandmaster from the general public, so one could only imagine the surprise on the assassin's faces when you had casually unsheathed a blade from your thigh and stabbed one in the face.

Mother may be absent, but Father didn't raise no bitch.

You steal the blade of the original assassin before turning to face the other three, and you wonder when the last time you had gotten to let off some steam was. Well, you better thank that useless crown prince for sending you free stress relief during one of the worst months of your life, no doubt. You think the only situation that could put the month in second was when you first started posture training. Your first tutor was hell on earth to you. The thought of her alone is enough to make you sick. Had you known some girl would come and ruin all of your education for the crown, then you would have cared far less of how you carried yourself.

You take the third assassin down before Leon returns and takes care of the final one.

"You got blood on your clothes, princess." Leon fishes out a handkerchief for you, and you try wiping it from your face before you just huff and tell him to do it for you.

His hand is rough against your skin as one cups your cheek and the other wipes, and you relish in the attention your knight gives you. You hum happily as you blink up at him, smiling as he clicks his tongue and wipes you clean. His fingers may be rough, but his tough is gentle, and when he finishes and pockets his handkerchief, you give him a polite nod to thank him for his help.

"Are you alright?"

"I am quite alright. Nothing a little knight training could not handle." You grin. "Dare I say, it was cartharic."

"My apologies for leaving, princess. I shall stay next time."

"Those ladies in waiting could not have taken care of the princess in the time that it took for you to carry her over. I sent you off. It was not your fault." You huff.

The princess getting poisoned is enough to cause the emperor a migraine, and the crown prince's engagement with you is broken that very night. Your father had made a very convincing point or something, and the emperor had signed a contract to break it in public once the knighting competition was complete. To the public, you are still the crown princess, but to the private, you are free. Sure, you are expecting the assassination attempts to slow, but much like the annual knight competition of the best knights in the empire, it never quite stops. That very night, you awake to a bloody Leon at the foot of your bed, catching his breath as the room reeks of blood, and you blink slowly.

He looks as though he is praying to a saint — as though he is praying to you.

"Did I wake you?"

Even now, your heart flutters at how he insists on making sure you are well.

"Knight, are you alright?" You reach for your handkerchief on your bedside, motioning for the knight to look up at you, wiping the blood and sweat from his face as he exhales, nuzzling into your hand. Your heart races at his affection, daring not to move.

"My duty is to guard, princess. It matters not whether or not I am alright. Though, I thank you for cleaning my face. I can not leave you even for a moment."

"Perhaps I shall assign a second knight? It is exhausting to be like this, no?"

"Just let me rest my eyes once the magicians arrive. I will be alright."

"Rest on the couch, my knight." You whisper, stepping out of bed and through the blood to help him lay down, sitting on the one next to it, watching both the window and the door until the magicians come in. Your knight seemed to have taken care of all of them, so you thank the magicians that come in and repair the broken forcefield that should have been activated in your room. You warn them not to make the same mistake, calling in a maid to help clean up the knight without moving him, watching the prince as you settle for sleeping on the couch opposite to his, the two of you out until the morning.

"Princess, you'll be late to class."

Your knight's voice wakes you from your slumber, and you roll to face the wall of cushion rather than your knight, who leans above you and forces you to open your eyes to get a full view of him. That wakes you. Perhaps it is the information that you are no longer betrothed to anyone, or the fact that something awakened in you after seeing your very own knight bloody with the red of the people after you, but that causes you to jolt up in the couch, pulling at your nightgown to cover yourself, startling Leon as your forehead nearly knocks his chin. Your knight is attractive. You can't believe you forgot and it took him being bathed in literal blood for you to remember.

"My apologies, princess. You were not stirring."

"..." You stare down at yourself and then at Leon, groaning. "I need to change."

"Of course."

You need to see Sir Leon naked— who said that. What in heaven's name were you saying? That's preposterous. You're the heir of a dukedom, not some teenage girl who's got some crush on her own knight... well, you take those words back. You are. The whole reason you had wanted Sir Leon to guard you was because you looked up to him, after all. You may be the same age as him, but it did not mean that you were as mature as him. Surely you need to go back to training over such preposterous thoughts.

Yet, you act not upon it. Your father tells you he'll have you select your own betrothed this time, under the circumstance that he is of a noble family. You wonder if your father seems to have understood that you found Sir Leon attractive, but it was not as if you would ever act upon those feelings. You have a role to uphold, and it just so happens that Leon would not fit into the narrative that you are left in. Perhaps he would be titled as a noble if he were to reach the title of grandmaster like the other knights. It would be a worthy effort if he decides to do so.

The death of twelve assassins by the hand of your knight is more than enough to scare the rest of the threats. You're grateful you get to go back into a relatively normal life, and you're even more grateful to get to return home rather than stay in that awful dorm. The freedom to go in and out at will was preferred to your education in the academy. You wish you had the luxury of graduating with Ada, but you have not the choice. If you graduate early, it only means you would have to start taking over the matters of the dukedom, and you preferred a boring education to that.

"Are you all packed, princess?"

"Yes." You take one final look at the room, tilting your head at Leon. "And you?"

"I have not many belongings." He nods.

You nod slowly, thanking the maids for their service as the butler brings everything to your carriage.

"You graduate the incoming year, correct?" You try to make conversation with Leon. You have a feeling that he had been trying to keep a distance from you since that night. Was he tired? Maybe he found that it was too hard to guard you after taking out so many assassins. You chew on your bottom lip, waiting for Leon to give you an answer. Perhaps you should let him go? He might not want to guard you specifically, but moreso the duchy. "Sir Leon, if you'd like, I can—"

"Yes, princess." He smiles. "My apologies. I've been lost in thought more and more often lately. You were saying?"

"I was just going to say that if you no longer wish to guard me, I can let the duke know to return you to the knight's quarters. I imagine it must be hard guarding me at all times." You scratch your cheek.

"I... it's quite alright, princess. I do nto find that it is a burden. Rather, you make it so that I am comfortable guarding you." Leon assures you. "Though, if you wish to change guards, I am not against such a change."

"I would not dream of it, Sir Leon. I am glad that you do not find me a nuisance. I was worried that night had made you change your mind, you see."

"That would not happen with such ease."

You take his hand and step into the carriage with a nod of gratitude.

"You would not rid of me that easily."

"Oh, how romantic." You laugh, sure that your cheeks are warm, heart warmer in your chest at how sweet he is.

You wonder if he is like this with everyone.

Yet, you afford not the luxury of romance, stuck staring out the window as you brainstorm over which nobleman to be engaged to instead. Not many people would covet you, yet it would be a shame for the bloodline to end with you. Your father had not been fortunate to have a son, and your mother had passed before she could give him one. You wonder if it truly would have worked out if you had become crown princess. Perhaps the dukedom would be given to a distant relative, and your father's bloodline would have faded.

Does nobility truly matter to your father? Or was he only saying such a thing to keep up appearances? You wonder. Your father had married your mother for love, so you find it strange that he would force you to marry for legitimacy. A blood daughter is never worth as much as a son, huh? You're not legitimate enough, so it only was fair for you to wed and become someone even more powerful. Had your father wanted a son, you wonder why he had not just decided to marry again and have his son.

Maybe if he had a son, you'd be able to run off and marry Sir Leon. Well, not that your knight would have let you do such a foolish thing.

It seemed like child's play to him, after all.

He follows you around the mansion for the most part, stuck by you whenever you are to finish certain tasks, management of the mansion something you're responsible for while your father lies in the capital by the academy. It isn't too much to handle, but it sucks the majority of your free day during the day away. You find no complaints. You prefer this a little more to teatime on the daily with the ladies. You wonder how your friends are doing. It's a shame that both Ada and Ashley are still in the capital. You can not even wander without an excuse now that they are gone.

Instead, you are cooped up in the duke's office, stuck signing papers and checking supplies, learning of the maids and hearing all about the latest gossip in the capital. The commoner girl was undergoing the crown princess training, and you have the privilege of hearing all about it when the maids dress you in the morning. It matters not to you. You no longer care all that much. The title of crown princess is no longer something that you must carry around when you are in private.

Though, the title of Young Duke is another tale.

"Princess." Leon nods, delivering the papers your father's aide had told you needed double-checking. The stack seems as though it could swallow you whole. Truly, there seems to be no end to your work.

You grumble into your hands, starting at the top of the pile. "Will you go out with me tomorrow?"

"What for?"

"I need to take a walk before I become a pile of paperwork myself." You sigh. "It would be a nice change of pace."

"And not in the garden which you so willfully manage?"

"I want not a breath of air down in the streets while I can still afford it. One day I will be cursed to stay inside at all times." You sigh. "I can go alone if you do not wish to."

"Princess, are you planning on sneaking out?"

"Perhaps..." You try and change the subject. "Is there a reason you insist on calling me princess? I am the young duke, you are aware?"

"I am, but it changes not that you are a princess until the official title of duke is given to you."

You raise a brow. "Am I your princess, my knight?"

"Who else would be?"

You pause to consider. "Perhaps your lover? You are getting to that age, after all. Have any of the knights caught your eye?"

"It would be improper to court anyone in the same house as I, but it would be concerning to court someone from a house that is not mine. Time will tell."

You sigh, going back to the paperwork. "I find Dame Ada quite attractive."

"It changes not that she has no interest in anything other than her blade."

"Reasonable." You sigh. "Ugh, I must start considering the noblemen again. Father sent letter to make haste."

"Princess, what would make a man a nobleman?"

"Noble blood, or someone who holds a title of Grand so and so. Grandmaster knights and Grandmaster mages are both considered nobility under the law." You pause. "Perhaps you should go become the new Grandmaster in the knight competition later in summer. I'd let you go for that reason."

"And for what reason would I have to become a grandmaster?"

"Oh, my apologies." You laugh, scratching your cheek. "It was just a suggestion. It would be nice to tell my father that I'll decide after the knighting competition, after all. You made it quite far last time."

"You have the title of Grandmaster as well, no?"

"I do." You hum. "Which is why it would be nice to be guarded by one."

"I see."

You dare not tell Sir Leon that you'd like to get betrothed to him.

The thought alone is foolish, and it would occur only in your dreams. You admire the knight, but you are not selfish to the point that you would force the knight to become a grandmaster in order to betroth yourself to him. You're not that desperate, and you yearn not that much. Though, you find that you have already forced him to become your knight in a way, so maybe you are desperate enough. How saddening. Perhaps he found you annoying.

"Will you reward me if I win?"

You blink up at him in surprise, tilting your head as you pause. "If there is something I can give, then of course. It would only be fair for me to reward my loyal knight, no? Then, I shall arrange for someone to take over your role after tomorrow."

You run errands with Leon the next day, a quick upgrade to his sword given, and a change in dagger for you. The shop owner doesn't question anything much to your gratefulness, and you tell him to put it all on the family ledger. You know Sir Leon's gotten close to the title of grandmaster multiple times. It wouldn't be out of the question for him to win with a stroke of luck by fighting one of the weaker grandmasters, but you refuse to rely on luck when you feel as though you're tossing your future into the tournament.

If Leon doesn't come out victorious, then you'd have to find someone to actually get betrothed to.

The thought occurs when you are out, biting into your skewer as your knight scans the area for potential dangers. You could train him since you are a grandmaster, and it was not out of the question for grandmasters to have disciples and followers. If he were to come out victorious, it would be a boost to your name as well— oh, but goodness, this skewer was good. Oh, right, the issue of who he would train with.

The thought of your knight all sweaty tempts you, blue eyes under a sun-kissed back, hair glowing gold under the rays of light.

How dare you have such improper thoughts.

"Have you considered who to train with?" You tilt your head, tossing your skewer into a bin.

"I have not, princess." Leon shakes his head.

"Shall I train you?"

You find that Leon doesn't have enough endurance... or whatnot. You find that he tires easily after swinging his sword unless adrenaline-fueled, and it would come to haunt him. If he fought Krauser or you, neither of you would be able to go easy on him. You're sure that Krauser might even go harder on your knight, so there was no such thing as overpreparation. You would simply prepare Leon to the best of your ability so that he would be able to fight with or without his ability.

You still wonder what it is occasionally.

"Princess, do—" He heaves. "do you not tire after the runs?"

"Nothing is as unbearable as the endurance training I received for the title of crown princess." You hand the paper to your father's aide, and he rushes off with the last of the paperwork. "Now, shall we do another lap?"

"Princess. Please let your knight rest."

"One might get the wrong notion at your words, Sir Leon." You hum. "Take a break. Would you like something to drink?"

"Just air." He mumbles, and you watch as he collapses onto the stone ground, heaving.

You glance down at Leon, blinking slowly as you wonder what has him so motivated. It should not matter that you must get engaged to a nobleman if he is only your knight, but perhaps something more? Perhaps he has cravings of the flesh. You would not care. Your purity had only mattered in the context of a successor so that you would not have bastard children, but if you have no engagement, then perhaps you would only have children that lack legitimacy.

You wonder if Sir Leon likes you with the same heart that you love him with. You are clear with yourself, but he is not clear with himself. Perhaps, you will be stuck waiting if you take too long, but you care not. If your knight wishes to hold a title, then so be it.

Krauser asked to be captain of the royal knights.

You wonder what Leon would ask for.

The two of you step onto the carriage, and your blade is carried with you, your paperwork done in advance so you can take a small break. You mention that your father was rushing you for marriage, shaking your head when Leon asks if you will give him a response. You talk to Leon after it, pondering over whether or not your training would truly help Leon at all. He had been busy with the commander of the duchy's knight as well, but you still worried. If you fight him, he would not last. Even if he fought Krauser, you wonder whether or not he would be able to hold him off.

Yet, it matters not to you, much of your early days in the arena made up of resting and discussing with the rest of the grandmasters. You watch from the seating area, tea served and dessert on your table alone, tossing biscuits to the rest of the knights as you watch people fight. It's always a thrill, but you find that there isn't much to look forward to this year. Leon takes out the vast majority of the early battles with ease, a knight's set of skills drilled into his body through the exhaustion of your training.

"Your pupil is one of them this year, no?"

"Sir Albert, I heard yours is as well."

"Well, it is a shame. He is not my pupil, but rather my comrade. It is always amusing when I remember that I work with regular knights."

"Do you believe he will be able to win?"

"He lacks the desperation your knight carries." He hums.

You look up as Krauser takes a cookie from your plate, glancing down at the knights in battle.

"Dame Ada did not participate?"

"She'll return next year." You hum. "She wanted a break from her duties."

"It is not easy to be a master, nonetheless. Most knights are satisfied with such a title."

"I heard your engagement will be broken in public after the tournament."

"Correct." You hum, staring down at another one of the family knights. "Oh, that one's made it quite far."

"And who will you wed with next?"

Your lip quirks upwards on one side, clicking your tongue as you smile and wave down at the knights. Ideally, you'd get betrothed to Leon once he wins the tournament, but you were not guaranteed that luxury, so you had already backlogged who would let you get away with the most as a noblewoman. You wonder if Sir Albert would consider you someone worthy.

"Sir Albert, perhaps?"

"I would not be against it."

You glance back down as Leon is declared as victor.

"I do not appreciate being a second choice, grandmaster."

You smile back at him. "Then pray my knight would win."

The remaining grandmasters join the three of you the next day, table much more lively when you grin and wave at everyone, dessert on the table finally shared. You're spared no questions regarding your knight, and you manage to avoid the majority of them. Leon had joined because you suggested it. There was truly no more to it. The topic of your removal from the title of crown princess was far more entertaining to the table. You don't mind it. If anything, it's a welcome topic.

"The emperor made the mistake of removing you after the ceremony and not before." Jill hums. "What if your knight wins? Swearing loyalty to you would imply that he is not swearing loyalty to the royal family."

"I'm surprised the royal family did not amend such an issue even after your knight had done the same." You hum.

"Well, they are always slow." She hums. "Especially with the crown prince."

"Thoughts on the new crown princess?"

"I did not understand why she had to take the role of antagonist in my life. I would have given her the title had she asked. Though, I understand her need to seduce the prince first. Truly, there is no other way."

"WIthout support from the ducal family, surely it shall become a battle for the crown once more."

"That is not to do with me. The crown prince had simply gotten too bold." You click your tongue.

"Your knight as progressed once more."

You stare down at Leon, smiling as you do.

"How long did he last against you?"

"Forty." You hum. "His longest was forty minutes of continuous fighting. Though, I have confidence that he will last longer if his opponent is also on the offensive."

"You are always the agitating one." Krauser clicks his tongue. "You exhaust and then feast."

"It is the thrill of the kill." You smile. "It is also for entertainment. I dare not to do so on the battlefield."

"Your loyalty lies with the princess, correct?"

"Yes." You nod. "I am fortunate to have chosen her. I fear, had I chosen the crown prince, I would have lost my life long ago."

"Well, it is always a welcome change."

By the latter half of the tournament, you have started warming up with the grandmasters in the training ground, clashes of blade loud as your body thaws the reflexes that you have honed over the years. You can not win against Sir Albert regardless of your own skill, so you settle for dodging his attacks until you can not, his exhaustion never visible. You're sure that if Leon were to fight him, he would have to break the blade rather than fight with endurance. Your title was received because you had defeated Krauser. You would not have received your title had your luck been on the lower side.

"You've improved."

You gasp for air, resting on your knees as you glance at the knight. "Sir Albert, you do not feel exhaustion from your ability. I dare not guarantee that anyone could win against you."

"Your knight's ability is blood, no?"

"I am not aware. I have never seen him use it."

"It does not work if there is no fresh blood. His ability is a final counter while fighting." Krauser mentions, bowing at Jill as she fetches water. "He has never been that desperate, though. I doubt he will use his ability. Focus on exhausting him."

"And your pupil?"

"My pupil must be exhausted."

"It seems that the goal is always to exhaust." You sigh. "Jill?"

"I am sure the knights are all hoping to fight you."

"Well, they better be ready to fight." You huff. "They'll be more exhausted than us when they finally compete for the title itself."

You spend the final day watching semifinals, learning all of the knights' moves and calculating how you would have to fight each one. You are automatically voided from people that Leon would have to fight to avoid bias and going easy, so you settle with drawing sticks with the rest of the team, drawing again when you pick up Leon's stick on accident. To the vast majority of the arena, it would seem that you all are discussing, but you knew better. There was no discussion if it was truly just pulling out sticks to determine who would fight who.

The title of grandmaster was truly a title of luck oftentimes.

When you draw a knight from another ducal house, you find that you'll be fine. You have warmed up to your blade, and it has become an extension of your body, moving with you naturally as you prepare for your fight. You were last, so it would be understandable that your opponent would have plenty of recovery time from the battles of the previous day, but you understand that it would still be harder than usual. You hope to make it quicker than the previous times.

Your goal is to simply exhaust the knight.

Your battle is last, a gentle nod is all you give before your opponent charges at you, the knight swinging his blade and kicking for your legs as you swing over him, ducking as he thrust his blade, kicking upwards from the ground to force him backward and retrieve your blade. You take two steps back to avoid the next swing, blade meeting his on the third, holding the sword up as the knight stumbles back from your strength.

Was Leon watching? You hope he was. You had spared no effort to fight him, but you had overwhelmed him by the end of it. You do not feel that same exhaustion yet, but you keep an eye on the time. Under an hour was perfectly fine. Even when you feel your wrist crack from the strength, you just shake it back into place, taking two steps back and to the side, spinning and forcing the blade to twist. You land on the ground with a thud, aiming to split the blade to end the fight, but your opponent manages to take it at the last minute.

You check the time.

Fifty minutes.

You take a further two steps back, heart hammering in your chest as you flip backward, forced into the wall.

You have to recover. You must start fighting.

The wall is hard against your sole as you boost over the knight, taking the chance to kick at his helmet, forcing it into the wall as you take the moment to breathe.

Two.

Three.

The next swing is blocked out of instinct, and you breathe, ability causing the knight to blink twice.

Finally.

Your blade loses its visibility, and you change to the offensive. You must wear down your opponent, swing after swing after swing as you feel the knight's knees weaken, no longer able to hold his ground against your swings. His knees give out and he falls to the ground, blade dug into the dirt as he heaves, eyes wide and then closed, breathing labored as he struggles to get back up. You glance up at the timer to read the time aloud like you are to. The knight has made it impressively far.

"You have made it to the fifty mark." You hum. "You are too exhausted to continue. The journey to knighthood is not done overnight. Congratulations on reaching so far."

The knight takes your hand as you help him up, and he bows.

You step to the back, tended by the medics before you must make a return to the stage. You sit still as your wounds are tended to, gentle glow of green on your skin as the soreness is cast out from your body. It's still something you aren't used to, but you don't have much of a choice when this is the role you play. You're let go of only when you are free of all wounds and scratches, and you join the remaining grandmasters on the podium, standing near the back as you wait for the announcement.

Well, you already know who won.

You glance at the noted times for each knight, and you visibly brighten at the news that Leon has lasted the longest and broken a sword. No one brings it up, but the atmosphere visibly lightens as you hum and chatter with the remaining grandmasters. The mental exhaustion from fighting may still be present in many of them, but it is not present in you. There is a certain air of giddiness that you emit, inadvertently soothing the remaining grandmasters of the exhaustion.

"Congratulations."

"Sir Albert, did you even try?" You tilt your head, glancing at the envelope in his hand.

"I did. Your knight outsmarted me. That is all." He hums. "Your knight has won by default. He may have barely scraped by with his time, but he had broken my blade. That is an automatic title according to the rules of the tournament."

"How nice." You smile. "Looks like our engagement will not be happening."

"Arguably for the better." He hums.

"Agreed." You sigh. "I am sure your disciple will win the following year."

"And you have the boldness to say this because?"

"He seems to have found that desperation that my knight carried this year."

"Grandmasters! Positions!"

You step back to where you are to be, staring at the knights as you smile, humming as you close your eyes to smile with that also. You are sure Leon is aware that he can no longer do anything. What else is there to do but wait? Surely not grow excited over nothing. So, you wait for his name to be announced, watching as he collapses to his knees and stare up at you. You smile and wave, watching as he falls to his knees into the position of a prayer.

One step closer, one leap bolder.

You watch as he mouths words at you, your own heart rattling in your chest.

You deliver the final speech, congratulating all of the knights for their efforts, titles of master handed by each grandmaster with a wreath. You participate, well aware that you'd be with the royal family the next morning as someone who was... still the crown princess... or whatnot. You no longer cared. Quite frankly, you care so little that you could break a couple rules at night.

"Did you visit your knight at night?"

Jill raises a brow at you in amusement, and she nods. "Take the hidden corridors."

You wink at her in response, blowing a kiss in thanks.

It's fairly simple to sneak to your knight's room. If anything, it is all the more obvious, the blade of the victor on his door, and you wait behind the statues in the corridors to knock on his door, rocking on your feet as you grin. You're sure you'll give him quite a fright, but it matters not anymore. You've been patient, and well, your knight has been too.

The door to his room swings open, and you watch as he blinks twice before pulling you into the room, panic all over his face as you blink slowly at his lips.

Oh, who cares anymore.

You pull Leon in by the collar, lips crashing against his as he winces, confidence faltering as you start to pull away, worried you might have read the knight wrong—

You're left with no space as Leon chases your lips back into the kiss, hand flying to the back of your head, eyes half-lidded as he forces you against the bed instead, tongue desperate against yours as he drinks up every single one of your movements, lips leaving yours only for quick gasps for air before he's back on you again. It overwhelms you. Your head spins deliciously with the lack of air, body turning lax against the sheets and chest pressed to his, nails digging into the cloth still, fingers clinging onto whatever you can of him, the knight practically engulfing you as you finally throw your head back for air, letting him rest his head on your collar.

"I'm sorry."

You have to be honest. Honesty. You have to be honest.

You're tired of denying yourself.

God, you love your knight to no end.

"Don't be." You gasp, eyes closing to focus on catching your breath back.

The silence that ensues is something that you could only dream of experiencing.

The moon paints your skin pale, and you stare back at him, breathing labored as you whisper.

"Who will you swear your loyalty to tomorrow?"

Grandmasters' loyalties lie with the royal family, yet Leon forms a sword from his wounds, hand red from the ability, handing it to you as you blink at him.

"My knight." You mumble.

"Knight me, so that the emperor may not do so tomorrow. My loyalties lie with you, not with the king."

"My knight, I cannot—"

"I beg of you. If you knight me now, the king can not knight me in the morning. You need not to get up, just... please."

You comply, red of his blade staining your hand as you stare, eyes closing as you whisper a prayer to the stars.

You close your eyes to start the chant, gold engulfing the blade of red as you hold it out to one shoulder, moving it to the other after, the gold swallowing the room whole as you close your eyes from the brightness. When it subsides, the red of his blade has puddled at your feet, and your knight rests his head in your lap, eyes closed as you hesitate to touch him. You worry that he would be called a traitor by the people.

"Thank you."

"What will you tell the emperor?" You whisper, heart racing in your chest at the thought of him being executed.

"I need not anything else. This was my request." He mutters back. "Stay the night."

"I cannot do that." You push his hair back, and Leon closes his eyes.

"I know."

"The emperor will have you executed for this."

"I'll run off with you. Divine intervention. Bribe a priest."

"I can not do that, my knight." You laugh. "And the regulations?"

"I will survive." He hums. "Clause twelve states that they are to swear their loyalty to anyone in the royal family. Considering the knowledge that you are still crown princess until the end of the competition, I have sworn my loyalty to the royal family by proxy."

"Ever the sly one, aren't you." Your fingers scratch at his scalp gently, and he hums.

"I have to. It is for you, after all."

"Then, will you have me?" Your voice shakes.

"Only if you would have me in exchange."

You watch as Leon requests of you to knight him, and you hide the amusement on your face as the emperor's face twitches and frowns at the request to be knighted by the crown princess. You are not the crown princess after Leon receives his title, but you do so anyway, his actual blade in your hand as you press it from one shoulder to the other, same golden haze erupting in the colosseum. You fear what it would have been if Leon had not requested for you to knight him, and when he is asked what he wishes to receive, the title of Marquis was only fitting.

You bow to the citizens as the emperor announces your removal from the title of crown princess, and you watch as the commoner girl who had wanted to be the crown princess receive the title she had longed for for so long. You try to ignore the way Leon's eyes stay stuck to you the whole speech, and you also ignore the way the crown prince glares at you when you finally get to exit the stage for the emperor to make a final speech. There's a certain excitement that you allow yourself now that you are no longer the crown princess to the public.

You're given no time to feel it, Leon lifting you into his arms as you yelp, eyes wide as he beams at you. Your heart rings in your ears, sure that your embarrassment is spelled out on your face, but you ignore it all. Your knight looked elated to finally have you in his arms, smiling ear to ear as his blue eyes soften at you. You find that he looks enamored with you. Perhaps you are risking it, but it seems to be fine. You find that this is a tale of devotion, not purity or whatnot.

"You smile so brightly, my knight." You mumble, fingers reaching for his cheek.

"You are free from the shackles of the crown, princess." He whispers, forehead pressed to yours. "I am yours at last."

"And if I would not have you?"

"I am at your disposal regardless."

"What will the people think?" You close your eyes as Leon hums. You can still hear his smile.

"Do you care? Must you care? What is there to consider when I am by your side?"

"You are right, my knight."

You glance down at Leon, sun in his face as he brushes noses with you, your own heart full in your chest. You've waited long enough, and you wonder if you would have known so long ago, but without the title of crown princess on your shoulder and knowing that your knight was yours, you cherish the knowledge. He was yours to use, but you would be his to cherish. The knighting ceremony was more than a testimony that he was yours. And now, you would know peace.

You could finally be his.

[ohimsummer]

Based on jjk, can you write a oneshot featuring Gojo and a female reader in an Aladdin AU with humiliation please? In the fic, Gojo and the reader are a prince and princess who are organizing a royal party. But the reader fondles Gojo throughout the party which leads to him orgasming in his pants. So now he has to continue attending the party while trying and failing to hide his cum stain. What do you think?

okay I changed this up a little, hope u enjoy it regardless! :3

— minors dni, prince! satoru x princess! reader, exhibitionism, royal! au, satoru x reader, fondling/groping, handjob, gojo cums in his pants lol

Gojo doesn’t know what’s worse: what you just put him through, or the utter embarrassment afterwards.

He finds his hand lingering over the stain in the crotch of his pants. Even if it’s not that noticeable, it feels like everyone is looking. Every time he catches your eye, you give him some cheeky, innocent smile and the tips of his ears start burning all over again. He’s certain you’re enjoying this, watching him obviously try to hide something so humiliating from so many people.

It's more than a little amusing watching guests of different status inquire about the wet patch on his pants. You can only imagine the excuses Satoru come up with, but no one's caused a scene over his display or cast you any strange looks yet, so you assume he's got things under wraps. You don't regularly take joy in watching your prince of a boyfriend squirm and flounder, but consider it payback for all the times he's done the same thing to you.

It started out as a small caress of his thigh under the table, you working back a grin at the way Satoru side-eyes you in the middle of his conversation. He discreetly shoves your wandering hand away, but that only eggs you on further. It’s only a couple minutes before you’re fully massaging his cock through his slacks, your own pussy growing wet at the feel of the hardening bulge beneath your palm. And it’s just your luck that there’s a crowd sitting at the table waiting to talk to you both. Satoru is stuck there with you toying with him, muttering filthy nonsense under your breath that only he can hear. “I’m so wet right now.,” you basically whine in his ear. “Really want you to touch me, Satoru.” All this between snippets of casual dialogue with other people. It’s all so exciting, especially when you accidentally edge him because his best friend, Geto comes from behind for some small talk. Gojo’s dick twitches against your hand, now placed on his thigh because of course neither of you want his friend to suspect anything, right? And the second Geto turns his back, you return to rubbing Satoru’s painfully aching cock, thoroughly satisfied at the way he can’t stop the occasional moan from slipping into his conversations.

“No, I’m alright.,” he reassures someone again. “It’s just the heat, p-pretty warm in here. Hope I'm not getting, u-uh, sick.” You begin jerking him off through his pants, and Satoru’s fist clenches so tight, you think the glass in his hand might break. “I- I might need to go change actually–“

There’s a celebratory commotion nearby that draws everyone's attention, and Satoru is grateful their heads turn right as he messily shoots cum into the fabric of his underwear. A long groan regains the some of their attention, and they stare at him with wide eyes.

Satoru interrupts before they can ask him yet again if he’s okay. “This heat is really gettin’ to me, I’m gonna go outside for a couple minutes.”

You softly grasp at Satoru's sleeve as he moves to get up, savoring the way he tenses beneath your gentle touch. "Everything okay, Satoru?"

Your boyfriend hesitates, letting out a shaky gasp, before slowly turning his head towards you. "Yup. Fine."

Head tilting, you smile gracefully at him, as if you're not the cause of his current stress. "You don't look fine, should I accompany you?"

He lowers himself to your level so that his mouth brushes your ear. Before he speaks, Satoru glances around just to be sure there's no one within earshot for what he's about to say.

" 'm so gonna fuck you up later.," he mutters in your ear.

“Sure you will, love.,” you taunt, totally nonchalant and swirling the red liquid in your glass.

“And you’re damn right I will.,” he hisses immediately through clenched teeth, before straightening his back and heading through the crowd to the direction of your shared bedoom. You know it’s a promise, but you also choose not to worry about it right now. It was definitely worth the fun.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Peter and Zara were also at Gordonstoun. Zara being the in same year as W. So there was precedent in H's generation as well of sending kids to Gordonstoun. They did know the kinda academic+outdoorsey life a child that age would experience at G.

H's problem isn't the school he attended. It's he himself. There were no checks & balances on him once he was at school. No discipline for him once he hit his teens. Teachers couldn't discipline him, he constantly bullied other boys, staff. Took advantage of his RPOs. Wasted his time stoned or skipping classes. He did visit home- Windsor castle or Highgrove just as much as William did. He did his grandparents and they spoiled him rotten.

The Queen Mother spent an hour every other week with William telling him and teaching him about his legacy, his family's role etc. essentially grooming him for his role as king. She was pretty strict and no-nonsense. And if Harry had been made to do this he would have hated it. For a child William or Harry's age that mandated hour would have been a chore. But William put up with it and in hindsight saw how invaluable it was.

Harry probably spent that hour watching TV, horse riding swimming, eating sausage rolls and would have relished the fact that William is being punished. At the same he also saw that William getting extra attention.

What I'm saying is, Harrys problem is he himself. It would be the case wherever he was. William, in the same situation, chose different because he is made differently.

After Eton Harry was given so many opportunities, he had so many people in side family and outer circle who supported him, loved him, mentored him, guided him, covered for him. He had therapy, he had expert advisors, very competent staff, opportunities to get some.perspective because of all the charities and organizations he worked with.

At no point did he make better choices. If something was done for him to put him on the right path he went along with it until it got too hard. Then quit and it's on to the next thing. He didn't go to university. All his other cousins did. He could have had his pick of whichever uni, whatever course and he would have skirted through. Then he had his military career handed to him. But the moment it became non-glamorous actual work he quit.

I still think he was motivated to quit because William and Catherine had started having a public role and we're getting the limelight, so he thought he should also be a public figure and be admired.

We can only blame Charles and Harry's childhood trauma and his wounded inner child to a certain extent. When he becomes a bully, an abuser, an entitlement addict...when he starts sabotaging his loved ones ... It's on him.

William and Harry, with the exact same upbringing and trauma, with just 2 years between them, have turned out to be complete opposites. That's a great argument in favour of nature vs nurture.

I mean, everything and everyone warned him against Meghan. Most people predicted 7 years ago how their relationship would go. And yet he made that choice, stuck with it. The rest is history in making.

Anon hits it right on the nail - I like the analytical side of royal-watching precisely for what they point out: nature vs nurture, and how the royals are fascinating case studies for it.

[mytheoristavenue]

Day 5-

OP Tony Tony Chopper x Platonic!Reader - Gingerbread House

Summary: You help Chopper put together a gingerbread house after everyone else goes to bed.

Warnings: Pure fluff, very short, platonic relationship

You stirred in bed to the sounds of rustling elsewhere in the ship. You were ever the light sleeper, and tended to wait until everyone else was sound asleep before laying down yourself to ensure a good rest. Not tonight though, aparently.

Tiptoeing down the hall, you noticed the lounge light on. Who could be up at this hour? Rounding the corner, your curious scowl faded into a warm smile. There was the Straw Hat doctor, sitting in one of the dining chairs, boosted by a stack of books, and leaning over the table, a frustrated grimace on his face. He had something caked in his fur and smudged on his nose, and from the crumbled bits of cookie architecture in from of him, you guessed it to be royal icing.

"Chopper," you called out, giggling and stepping toward him. "What are you doing up so late?"

His eyes darted to you, startled, and then even more panicked. "G-Go away! You're not supposed to see! It's a suprise!"

"Are you making a gingerbread house?" you asked, ignoring his distress. "Do you need any help?"

The boy shrunk in his seat, surely blushing under all that fur, and nodded slightly. "I just...I wanted to surprise everyone with a gingerbread house, but I misjudged how hard it'd be to put it together...especially with hooves." You couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh, which only frustrated him further. "Oh, shut up, (Y/N)! That's it, just for that, you can't have any when it's done! Not a single gumdrop!"

"Oh, stop," you snickered, sitting down with him. "Let me help you. What are you stuck on?"

"Well..." he trailed, eyeing you suspiciously. "I can't get the pieces to hold together, and if I put too much pressure on them, my hooves break them." He explained, shoulders slumping, disheartened.

"Tell you what," you smiled. "How about I hold them together, and you put the icing on the seems? That way you can move on and don't have to worry about it falling apart while you do something else."

The boy thought for a moment before nodding excitedly. "Yeah, okay!"

With that, the building stage was done before either of you knew it, and Chopper was already halfway finished decorating the 'front yard' of the house. The cake board was dotted with bits of icing with gummy trees stuck in them, gluing them down, and the pathway to the door was lined with candy pearls. Now that your hands were out of the way, Chopper was free to decorate the roof, which he'd been incessantly telling you how excited he was to do. Yet, when the time came, he hesitated.

"Chopper, what's the matter?" you asked with a curious smile.

"I feel guilty," he confessed. "You've been so helpful and I was such a brat to you earlier. Now I'm getting to do all the fun parts while you do the hard work." Your gaze softened at his deep consciousness.

"Well, that's alright, buddy." you chirped, booping his nose. "I knew what I was signing up for."

"But..." he mumbled, shrinking into himself again. "I want you to do some fun parts too." Suddenly, he perked up, shoving the messy piping back into your hands. "I know, I know!" He beamed. "How about you do the icing, and I'll do the candy! Deal?"

Your heart began to sweel with admiration for the little guy. He could be so selfless, so sweet. "That's a deal, Doc."

[bearseulgs]

I Won't Love You (or will I?) listen to: I Never Planned On You - Newsies masc!prince!reader x prince!sunoo genre: enemies to lovers, fluff, royalty, arranged marriage wc: 608 warnings: male reader (fem version here)

Oh God, not again, you thought, spotting him of all people across the dance floor. Sunoo had the same sour expression on his face, but made his way over to you anyways. "A dance, prince Y/N?" he asked, a mocking lilt in his voice.

You should probably explain how you got into this situation. Your parents decided to host a ball at the Kims' castle as both families had an announcement to make. What that announcement is, well, they decided to tell everyone in the staff but not their kids.

"Do you know what this is even for?" Well at least you aren't the only one who's confused.

"No, nor do I care to tell you when i find out."

Sunoo let out a sigh of exasperation, rolling his eyes at you. "Come on, prince, I don't want anything to do with you either, but work with me here."

Ouch. That one kind of hurt. You know you tended to put on a front, but you still wanted Sunoo to care for you like you cared for him. Though that seemed a tad irrational, you supposed, seeing as you never let it on that you didn't actually completely despise him.

"Now about that dance, prince. What do you say?"

Building up your front again, you looked away. He was about to leave when you stuck your hand out. "I suppose… one dance won't hurt, hm?" You couldn't hide your smirk when you saw his eyes light up.

One dance turned into four, then nine, then you lost track as you danced the night away with Sunoo. But no, you didn't actually like him, not that anyone knew anyways. You could both agree on your disdain for each other, but no one would have guessed that you were anything but in love as you danced. And somehow, you didn't hate that idea.

Before long, trumpets sounded, and everyone turned their attention to the front of the ballroom to listen to the royal families' announcement.

King L/N started, "Now, we've been meaning to become closer with our neighboring kingdom, and we also acknowledge that prince Y/N is coming of age and should marry soon."

Oh no, please don't father. You really hoped this wasn't going where you thought it was. Or at least, you kind of hoped.

"Prince Sunoo is also nearing the time when he needs to take over reign, and we thought that the perfect idea would be to join our kingdoms together. We would like to announce the marriage of the Kim and L/N families through prince Sunoo and prince Y/N," King Kim finished.

The whole room erupted in cheers, but your attention was only on Sunoo, who looked over at you with a nervous yet excited expression.

Making your way back over to the prince's side, you look at the floor, shuffling your heels a bit. "Well, it looks like this won't be our last dance."

"Yeah, I was hoping it wouldn't be." You looked up in shock. It seems that he hadn't meant to say that out loud, but you were glad he did.

Since it seemed he didn't want to say anything else, you took a chance, and said, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not that upset about the marriage." Your gaze stayed on his face, gauging his reaction.

A blush painted Sunoo's features as he looked back at you. "You know what, I'm not either." And with that he looked at your lips and leaned in.

Maybe, just maybe, you loved prince Sunoo, and with the way he was kissing you, maybe he loved you too.

a/n: first masc gendered fic: done!

©️bearseulgs 2024

[isagrimorie]

I'm so curious about the Borg Queen's (or Borg Queens, plural) relationship to Seven of Nine.

The Borg is a Collective but there is a Queen.

There's no Hierarchy, supposedly, and yet.

There are no specials and favorites and yet.

There is the Borg Queen's special interest in Picard and Seven of Nine.

Since Dark Frontier the Borg Queen has made a special effort to single out Seven.

Was it always the case? Or did it only start when the Borg chose Seven to be the singular representative of the Borg at Janeway's request in Scorpion II?

This is a similar reason the Borg Queen told Picard.

But also it's not stated enough that the Hansen family, Seven's family, are the first Humans ever Assimilated by the Borg.

Her parents wanted to be pioneers so much they disregarded every safety warning, and trailed after the Borg as if the Borg were some non-sentient new life. They're no better than the scientists in the season 4 episode, Scientific Method.

Also, a curious thing is that the Borg Queen wanted Seven to retain her individuality.

BTW it's really horrifying that in Dark Frontier, Seven lays eyes on her father for the first time since she became an individual and Seven didn't even know it.

It's interesting that Seven doesn't make an effort to rescue her father after this.

And she remains angry at her parents, also Seven says in Picard that the Borg killed her parents when they, or at least as far as Seven last saw, her father was still alive. Assimilated but alive.

It's also interesting how the Borg Queen tried to sell the lie that she let Seven regain her individuality as if there was some grand plan.

No wonder it stuck in Seven's head in The Voyager Conspiracy but at this point, Seven knew the Borg Queen was selling a bag of goods. There was no 'let' in Seven becoming an individual, Janeway took Seven from the Collective and gifted Seven with her individuality.

But if there is one thing I am sure of is that Seven is or was the Borg Queen's favorite.

In Endgame the Borg Queen outright makes it text:

And then to outright say that the reason why Voyager was still around was because of her benevolence. Someone is trying to sell a bridge in Brooklyn.

My working theory is Seven of Nine has shown some personality and dedication and the Borg Collective probably noticed, filtered to the Borg Queen, and then has slated Seven of Nine to become the new Borg Queen body and her personality, whatever was left of it, be joined with the file that says: Borg Queen.

(I've always been puzzled why the writers never used the 'We/Us/Our' pronouns for the Borg Queen. The Royal We is a thing).

I know that Hugh said any Borg/Former Borg can fly the Artifact.

But there's something fitting and Right that it was Seven who does fly the Cube.

(Also, bullshit Hugh died from a carotid artery wound, he is as filled with millions of nanoprobes as Seven is, a wound like this shouldn't have been life-threatening. It should have healed Hugh. If Seven's nanoprobe could revive Neelix from the dead, Hugh's nanoprobes should have done a lot more for Hugh).

If there's someone I want to return to in Star Trek Legacy, it's Hugh.

The Collective has always planned for Seven to assume being Queen in the event the Borg Queen dies.

And she briefly fulfills that plan.

But also as horrific as it was, it's probably a good thing majority of the Borg were spaced because it seemed to have countered the euphoric, brain chemistry-altering functions of rejoining a Collective again.

And with Elnor there to remind Seven why she shouldn't give in.

As much as Seven prefers 'Seven of Nine' as her name it seems that 'Annika' is her shibboleth to bring her individuality back to the forefront.

Being part of the Collective and leaving it seemed to really cost Seven, and that might be why piloting the Artifact was erratic.

WAIT.

Hugh just said to activate the Queencell, he didn't say anything about forming a mini-collective and controlling it!

This seems to be a specialized skill Seven has. See Survival Instinct when she re-assimilated her rogue Unimatrix.

[tailsbeth-writes]

Saw the open tag from @taste-thewaste on this! This took me down memory lane a bit 🥲

How many works do you have on ao3?

61

What's your total ao3 word count?

138,797

What fandoms do you write for?

Red, White & Royal Blue mostly but I'm happy to write Heartstopper and og Skam.

I've written for Riverdale, Teen Wolf, Skam France, Wtfock, Druck, Skam Italia & Shadowhunters in the past.

Top five fics by kudos:

Digital Love Letters (RWRB)

i try hard to get back inside your arms alive (RWRB) - and particularly insane as I posted this last week! 🥰)

Right Kind of Wrong (Riverdale)

your heart is your masterpiece (RWRB)

a frightening magic I cling to (RWRB)

Do you respond to comments?

Yes! They make my day, I screenshot my faves. I also love when someone finds a fic that has lots of chapters & I get a flurry of comments 🤌🏻

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Tricky, I don't usually finish on angst. Echo (Wtfock) follows on from a very horrendous part of the show or Season 5 - Magnus (Skam) never got finished so it's been left in the midst of angst.

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Most of them end on a happy note but Love, Henry (RWRB) is probably the happiest.

Do you get hate on fics?

I think there was a little back when I started in Riverdale but I think it more anger on their part for a topic I could have written more sensibly I suppose? I've had critique on fics now but never hate.

Do you write smut?

I've written it one time years ago & it felt weird. I loooove writing foreplay though! But I've not ventured into smut in my current fandoms. That might be something I do though, my bigender Alex fic might go into that if there's sequel.

Craziest crossover:

I've only done one and it was a Riverdale meets Teen Wolf, it was a Christmas special and they had to help reunite Santa with his reindeer. While I haven't watched Riverdale for ages, I'm still really proud of that fic!

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No, thankfully!

Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, I'd love that though 😄

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No but I'd absolutely love to collab this year, in the RWRB fandom in particular y'all are so talented 🥲

All time favorite ship?

Firstprince (RWRB) probably. Wilmon (Young Royals) is a close second atm, I'd love to write some YR fics soon. I'm still a massive Yousana (Skam) and Davenzi (Druck) shipper too. Oh and Nathan/Annalise/Gabriel (TBSATDH) - can't remember the ship name! That show got cancelled too soon & it was basically like a fix it for the books.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I have a Teen Wolf reader insert fic with a pregnancy story line that I left on a huge cliffhanger but frustrates me but not enough to motivate to finish it. I also have my Skam season 5 - Magnus fic that I'd love to finish one day but I haven't found the plan I made for it originally.

What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue and character voice I think?

What are your writing weaknesses?

Plotting? I'm good at writing scenes but writing a longer storyline in fanfic is something I struggle with.

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

If you can do it, go for it! I wish I could incorporate more Spanish in my RWRB fics but alas I only got French or German at my school, I only stuck with French. Maybe I'll brush up & add some in for Henry (RWRB) or Nick (Heartstopper).

First fandom you wrote in?

Riverdale, I haven't seen it in years 😅

Favorite fic you've written?

i try hard to get back inside your arms alive is the probably the one I'm proudest of and while it isn't finished yet Her Royal Highness is up there cause it combines so many of my favourite things, I'm getting to explore darker topics in some scenes while also putting Henry in drag - fanfic catnip for me quite frankly!

I'm not sure who has done this already but I'll tag folks I want to see answer this: @heysweetheart-writes @candyspandemonium @firenati0n @onthewaytosomewhere @callumsmitchells & of course, open tag 💛

[zdbztumble]

Yet Another Kingdom Hearts Revisit, Part VII

I can't speak to what the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts is like, but the English version has always done a brilliant job capturing Jack Skellington's voice. His dialogue reflects every facet of his character: elegant, theatrical, polite, delusional, and just a little pompous. Ooogie Boogie's always been on point too, speaking like the bullying but jazzy slob that he is. And this spot-on character writing is used in an original story! As far as adapting the flavor of a particular Disney movie in the writing - this Disney movie, at a time when the company still treated it like the ugly stepchild - Halloweentown is one of the best.

Visually, it's much less successful. I've never liked the look of Halloweentown in KH I, with its harsh reds and purples and copious amounts of ugly brown. On playing the game again, it might be my least favorite world aesthetically in the game, and the only reason it's not dead last for the entire series is because Port Royal in KH II looked even worse. Port Royal also doesn't have the saving grace that is Oogie's house, which I do think is well-designed. I wish it stuck around even after you defeat him, but I appreciate how that works out story-wise, and it's a fun area to climb and explore while it lasts. The gambling den is the highlight of the house, and the more fun and engaging stage of the fight with Oogie.

And you better believe that I fight him with Jack in my party. His movement and combat suit him just as well as his dialogue, and like Aladdin in KH I's Agrabah, Jack makes the Top 3 for my favorite party members in the series (Ariel's the other, for all the reasons I gave for appreciating Atlantica last time). Having Oogie fight you through gambling first, then a runaway possession by the powers of darkness, is a nice break from the more direct villains that precede him (Hades excepted).

Storywise, Halloweentown is the closest a non-Pooh world comes to being "filler." It's not - it's a world on the brink of destruction that needs saving just like the rest, and Oogie's in the League of Disney Villains - but none of the cutscenes build on the larger story or the lore the way every previous world does. It's the most self-contained adventure within the larger framework of "we must rescue Disney from darkness." I don't raise that as a complaint, though. It's rather nice to have a lighter world at this point in the game.

Neverland is much more embedded into the larger story, and it's an extremely well-written one. And yet I don't have too much to say about it; its virtues so far as driving Riku along the path to darkness, taking another step toward explaining what's up with Kairi, and giving Sora another step up in his hero's journey, are self-evident. And it's another world where the voice of a particular Disney character (Captain Hook in this case) is captured flawlessly. I don't think I fully appreciated how well he's handled before, but as far as lines and facial animation go, he may now be my favorite of the Disney villains used in this game.

Gameplay-wise, my biggest frustration with Neverland is that there's really one one combat area where you can really take off with flight. I'm sure the claustrophobia of the ship was by design, and I don't mind so much of the action taking place within the Jolly Roger, but it would be great to have a second open space where you can fly around unencumbered for regular combat.

Of course, you can fight Phantom in an open space, and I really love this boss. It was a nightmare fighting him the fist time I ever picked up this game, but as soon as you figure out his orb, it's easy (in principle, at least) to know what to do. It's not even that hard to beat him with a full party as long as you're willing to be generous with Stop magic. But he is still a challenge, and like with Kurt Zisa, I like that he demands a good mix of magic and physical attacks. I get why later games opted for more elaborate fights with main villains in lieu of these kinds of one-off Heartless fights, but I do miss them.

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

A Garden Party Introduction

Balmoral, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Marie-Christine: Another, summer...another garden party Alexander: yup...last one before our break huh my love Hortense: Oliver...all of these people... Oliver: it is quite alright my love...we shall be making a b-line for my friends. They've been excited to meet you. Mama and Papa will be talking to guests

Hortense: So your friends have wanted to meet me? Oliver: Of course! I will admit [sheepishly] I have done nothing but talk of you when I bring up Francesim....you were the best part of my time there Hortense: Oliver David Alexander James, you flatter me Callen: Ah, there are the happy couple!

Oliver: Ah. Mo Gaol, you remember Lord Callen MacDonald. Callen: Your Imperial Highness, wonderful to see you again. Oliver: To his right is Lord Rhys MacPherson, one of my other friends since childhood Rhys: Your Imperial Highness.

Oliver: To his right is his twin sister, Lady Evie MacPherson Evie: Hello Your Imperial Highness! Oliver: And to her right, is Mr. Ahmad Chambers...though soon we shall soon call you Lord Ahmad my dear friend! Ahmad: Hello Your Imperial Highness. And Your Royal Highness, you flatter me sir. I'd only wish such a title on the basis of my hard work, not my dear mum's. Hortense: Hello everyone...very pleased to meet all of you!

Evie: It's an honor to meet you Ma'am really! Callen: Must we keep with the formalities? Oliver: Yes- Evie: Yes! His Royal Highness said we should ease Madame Hortense into the group...Francesim is a very different country Lord Callen...which you would know if you left the kingdom Callen: Oh here we go because- Evie: I did a study aboard semester in both Pierreland and Francesim...and they are both much more formal nations...not to mention the art!

Callen: Well...I've gotten Evie started...apologies Madame...Evie can talk about art and paintings till she's blue in the face...and not a lovely shade of blue might I add Ahmad: Really Callen...must you insult Evie's passion for the subject at every turn! Hortense: Actually...I love art! And please...I do not wish to change how your group operates...if you are less formal then please!

Ahmad: Thank you for being so gracious with us Madame. I apologize for Callen...he's a bit of a grouch when he has not slept well. His twin has been annoying him non stop recently- Callen: Hey! Ahmad: Anyway...if you would like Madame, Evie and I could show you around some of the art exhibits. It is not as glorious as the art of the Francesim palaces- Hortense: oh, I'd love that! I'm open to seeing all forms of art. Evie: Brilliant! We shall make plans then! Sorry Oli, we're going to steal your girl for a day!

Hortense: Will it be alright? For us to go to a public Museum? Oliver: Of course Mo Gaol...I will also make sure some nondescript security will be there, but it shall be safe. I promise. Hortense: Okay...then we shall go!

??? [in Scottish Gaelic]: Ahh Your Imperial Highness! It is such a pleasure to meet you! I'm Lady Thalia MacDonald. Hortense[confused]: I'm sorry? I'm afraid I do not speak..gaelic ???[scoffing under her breath in Gaelic]: What a surprise...the stuck up princess does not learn our native tongue and yet the prince expects her to be our queen.

Oliver: Lady Thalia...need I remind you that Her Imperial Highness has been mourning the loss of her beloved father. Did you expect her to learn such a difficult language as she said her good byes and adjusted to life without one of the fiercest protectors on the continent? Thalia: Oli, I just thought- Oliver: I am His Royal Highness, followed by Sir to you Lady Thalia. I demand you treat Madame Hortense and myself with respect. And you forget I speak our native tongue. Thalia: Forgive me Your Royal Highness...it is just I believed the Madam to be an intelligent Princess- Evie[muttering]: She did not just say that

Oliver[seething]: Lady Thalia. I will stop you right there. Her Imperial Highness is one of the smartest women I know...She will learn Gaelic with time. She is here as a guest of the King and Queen and when they hear of your rudeness, even your father will not be able to save you... Thalia [seething]: But Sir. Oliver: I demand an apology to Her Imperial Highness. Hortense: Mon Prince...do not make a scene please...

Oliver[to Hortense]: Mo Gaol...I shall not have you be disrespected like this...not by her [turning to Thalia, seething] Thalia. I command you to apologize to Madame Hortense...Now. Thalia[muttering]: My apologies Your Imperial Highness.... Oliver: I cannot hear you Lady Thalia. Thalia[louder]: My apologies Your Imperial Highness... Hortense[awkwardly]: Your apology is accepted... Oliver: Now leave Thalia. Or I shall summon security.

[unpredictable-probabilities]

Azul Ashengrotto of Royal Sword Academy || Chapter 3: A Little More Part of His World

Summary

While shopping for what to wear at the Autumn Dance, Jamil runs into Azul.

They decide to spend more time together and gain a better understanding of each other’s lives. After a particularly relaxing day, Jamil takes a step to make sure that Azul becomes a little more present in his life.

Word Count: 5,437

Jamil is walking along the aisles of the department store, idly looking at the rows of suits hanging on the racks.

Crowley announced yesterday that NRC is invited to the RSA Autumn Dance, and Jamil is looking to see if he can find anything he'd like to wear.

As he gets closer to one corner of the store, he hears soft music. There's a piano set up here that anyone can play if they wanted to, so that wasn't a surprise.

Jamil looks at the suits hanging in one aisle, and he catches a glimpse of the piano player on one of the mirrors on a wall.

He's wearing a dark purple hoodie and black pants with white sneakers, pretty normal clothing. What caught Jamil's attention is the purple-silver hair and the glasses.

Is that Azul?

Jamil curiously turns to see if it is, and quietly walks towards him to watch him play.

As he steps closer, he can see that it's definitely Azul. He has a look of calm concentration as his slender fingers smoothly glide over the keys, coaxing out melodies that floated in the air.

Azul looks completely in his element. He's subtly swaying to the music, and when Jamil listened closer he could hear Azul humming.

Jamil wonders if he recognizes the song.

Regardless, though, he closes his eyes and basks in the soothing melody.

The lyrics come to him as the song reaches its end.

The parade traveled on With the sun in my eyes, you were gone But I knew even then In a crowd of thousands I'd find you Again

Jamil lets the silence settle before speaking.

"You can play the piano as well now? Smart and talented," he teases. "You're never going to run out of tricks up your sleeves, are you?"

Azul turns to him in surprise, then chuckles as he recognizes him.

"I used to be in a band with Jade and Floyd in middle school. I still play from time to time." He turns in his seat to face him properly.

"A band with Jade and Floyd?" Jamil repeats, incredulous at this revelation. "How did that even come to be? And what was it like having those two as bandmates?"

"We all liked music," Azul shrugs. "And there was a music club so we all joined. Jade played the bass, Floyd the drums. We had fun, mostly. The trick was trying to get Floyd to cooperate during rehearsals, because sometimes he gets in a mood where he would just hit whatever notes he wanted on the drums. Jade was the one in charge of gauging when Floyd would be most cooperative, and we learned to manage with Floyd's capriciousness, more or less," he smiles in amusement.

"That must've been fun," Jamil sarcastically uttered. "Wish we had our very own Jade in Basketball Club to gauge his capriciousness there."

Azul chuckles. "What brings you here?" He slides to one side of the cushioned bench, looking at Jamil with a silent invitation that he can sit down if he wants to.

Jamil nods towards the rest of the shop. "NRC's been officially notified of the dance so I'm here buying myself an outfit to go in. What about you? Do you work here or something?" he asks, taking the invite and sitting next to Azul.

Azul shakes his head. "I just come here from time to time whenever my schedule allows it," his smile has a certain sadness to it. Before Jamil could even wonder if he should ask about it, Azul changes the subject.

"I'm guessing you haven't found an outfit yet? Given the absence of shopping bags?"

Jamil glances down at his empty hands. "You guessed correctly. I got distracted by someone playing so, if anything, you're the one to blame." He playfully smiles. "How long are you gonna be stuck here playing piano?"

Azul smiles back, then he turns to the piano and sighs.

"I suppose I'm done for today." He looks at Jamil again. "Should I make it up to you, then, by helping you find an outfit?"

"Sounds fair," Jamil simply says, standing up. "So… 'you suppose you're done' with the playing? Do you do this as a hobby?" He glances around. "If so, why this particular shop?"

Azul closes the lid of the piano and stands up as well. "I play in RSA during programs, but yes, I also do it as a hobby sometimes."

He's quiet for a moment before he continues, like he's choosing his words carefully.

"And I like playing here because… well, no one knows me here. Until today, of course," Azul smiles playfully in an attempt to mask the melancholy in his eyes.

Jamil looks at Azul, confused, but a little concerned. "If you want, I can go and leave this store be. I know what it's like to want a place to yourself."

"Oh, no, it's all right," Azul says. "This is a public mall, after all, I don't have the right to tell anyone not to go here. Besides, I don't really mind if you know." He nods to the direction of the clothes. "Shall we?"

Jamil's cogs begin to move, trying to piece the things together. In the meantime, he moves to the side and lets Azul lead the way.

"Final question about your hobby: how come you don't mind if I know?" He decides to try asking as he follows him.

Azul hums thoughtfully as he begins to walk in no particular direction. "I don't know… I just never felt like… you expected anything from me, I suppose?" he lightly scratches the back of his head. "Too often when my professors or schoolmates hear me play, they ask if I'll be playing that song in a program or in one of our volunteer works. Meanwhile, you called me smart and talented," he looks at Jamil playfully. "And I don't mind your questions either," he shrugs. "Whether it's about my hobbies or not."

"Oh…" Jamil mouths, before his brows furrow at Azul's response. He knows all too well what it's like to have expectations heaped upon you. Many of them come from people all around him whose opinions he never usually asks for. Some of them come from his own self. "...I'm glad you didn't mind me prying a little." He clears his throat. "Anyway… Do you already have a suit?"

"Not yet," Azul says. "I'd been so busy with the preparations that I hadn't even thought about it. Maybe I can find one here," he looks around. "What about you? What kind of suit are you looking for?"

Jamil eyes the jackets on the rack, absentmindedly thumbing through them. "Oh, well... I'm not looking for anything special in particular. I'm not much of an expert when it comes to formal wear... Possibly nothing too restricting since I still gotta put Floyd on the ropes on that upcoming dance-off, but… does this event have a dress code?"

"Dance-off?" Azul raises an eyebrow in amusement. "I'd like to see that. And the dress code is relatively just the usual: dress shirt, slacks, possibly a coat, any shoes that aren't open-toed nor sneakers. That's the minimum. Anything beyond that such as capes, boots, and accessories are allowed. Who else is competing in this dance-off?" he asks curiously.

"Just me and Floyd, unless someone else joins in," Jamil replies. He already has a white dress shirt: his school uniform (that he barely wears, anyway), so a suitable tie or a coat might work—

His eyes catch some vests across the room and he wordlessly makes his way over, looking through them to see which ones are both affordable and stylish.

He turns to Azul. "Speaking of dancing, how about you? Still feeling little less than confident about your skills there?"

"I think referring to it as 'skills' might be a little generous," Azul says lightly. "Oh, and I certainly don't want to follow after your dance-off with Floyd. I don't need that comparison. I believe you're quite the good dancer, then? To participate in such a competition in public?"

"I'm decent enough," Jamil decides to try to put up some air of humility, though it's clear by the confident tilt of his chin how he truly thinks of his talent. "Though I can't have Floyd getting too smug on me without a fight..." He pulls out a dark-grey vest. "Do you think a dark tone of color would be appropriate?"

"Of course, why wouldn't it be?"  Azul steps closer and gently takes the fabric of the vest in his hand to look at it closer.

Then he looks up at Jamil. "This looks good, and it does match your eye color," he smiles.

Jamil stares right back into Azul's eyes, taking note of their close proximity. He then tears his gaze away to the fabric, thinking and getting an idea. "... Hey, how often do you wear dark outfits?"

Azul considers it. "Very rarely. This hoodie is one of the few dark outfits I own. I admittedly wore it so there's a less likely chance that I'd be recognized," he smiles sheepishly. "Why do you ask?"

Jamil makes a conspiratorial smile, lightly waving the vest around. "Wanna try switching things up a lil', then? We in NRC rarely get to wear any light-colored ensembles, so what say you to wearing something dark while I don the exact opposite?"

"Oh," Azul says with interest. "That does sound appealing. How does this work? Shall we look together for our ensembles, or do we split up to find them and then meet back at the fitting rooms in 30 minutes?"

"The latter one sounds preferable," Jamil replies, giving Azul a two-fingered salute as he places the outfit back and heads over to another part of the store. "Try not to be late."

Thirty minutes later, they're at the fitting rooms. No one else is trying clothes at the moment, so they had the viewing room to themselves, surrounded by vacant cubicles.

"Jamil," Azul nods to him. "I trust you found something tasteful?"

Jamil's quite content with his own fashion sense, so with fabrics draped over his arms, he simply shrugs. "I'll let you be the judge of that, Mister Committee Member. In the meantime, how was your haul? Did you have any trouble?"

"I'm not used to shopping for dark clothing, but it is quite fun," Azul says. "I realized I have more options now. And I know it's not a competition but," Azul looks up at him playfully through his eyelashes. "I must say that I'm far more confident in my fashion sense than my dancing," Azul says, playfully smug as he disappears inside a cubicle.

Oh? Well now... It's good to see that Azul's spirits seemed to have returned.

With Jamil's natural competitive streak provoked, he heads into his own respective cubicle and went for a classic white tux and slacks. It's not what he'd personally go for, but it was worth a look at.

"I look like I'm going to star in a winter wonderland display," he comments aloud, checking himself out in a mirror. "How do you guys handle getting stains on your school uniforms? I always figured white clothes are harder to don around in public on account of potential dirt or stains becoming much easier to see."

"Ah, that's part of RSA's education," Azul's voice replies. "We always have to be careful on how we move and go around places, because the slightest mistake could show on our uniforms. The same goes as well for our table manners. If we spill food on our clothes, it would be quite noticeable. The uniforms help enforce best behavior, apparently…" Azul's voice fades out for a moment. "How about your dark uniforms? Doesn't it get uncomfortable in hot weather?"

"As someone who's grown up under an arid climate, the weather in Sage's Isle is actually quite cool, which is why it's still comfortable for me to wear a hoodie under my blazer." He replies, a tad grateful for the change of focus from RSA's… intriguing mindset over their uniforms. "By the way, do we show each other our prototypes too, or do we only limit ourselves to our final choice?"

"I don't see why we should set a limit. Unless you picked a lot of outfits and it would be quite troublesome to show all of them. So it's fine either way," Azul replies.

"Hm, alright, let's show these," Jamil heads out of his cubicle, waiting for Azul to come out. "All I'm missing now is a top hat and a monocle to really complete that old-timey gentleman whose clothes have been bleached of color."

There is a splash of color, though. Underneath the buttoned-up white jacket is a dark blue undershirt and a red tie.

"And maybe a cloak, too," he adds. "They probably had long cloaks back then."

Azul chuckles. "I would certainly like to see you in that. Meanwhile, I look like a vampire."

The door opens and Azul steps out. He's wearing a black dress shirt with a lighter shade of black vest on top of it, black pants, and a black coat with wide collars and shiny buttons. The coat's long cuffs are folded back at the wrists, showing the red lining that matches the collars. A red bow tie sits neatly by Azul's neck, and a silver buckle cinches the belt that's almost entirely covered by the coat.

"A vampire who is also a pirate's intern," Azul concludes.

"You do look like you'd be hosting a banquet in a haunted manor somewhere," Jamil jokes. "I'm not gonna go with mine, it's almost too white. Scrubbing the dirt off of these is gonna be a nightmare. But hey, for what it's worth, you don't look too bad in black."

"Thank you," Azul tips his head in playful politeness. "I'm not wearing this to the dance either, though. I'm not entirely fond of the wide collars and cuffs, and it being mostly black makes me look paler than Mr. Idia Shroud."

"What look do you wanna go for, then?" Jamil asks.

"Something a little above the minimum requirement for the dress code, I don't want to look like I'm just half-baking my outfit. And I'd like a coat as well, though not as long as this one. And another color besides red, perhaps, I don't think this shade in particular is for me."

He looks at Jamil. "How about you?"

"I think I'm gonna go for somthing a little simpler," Jamil states, prioritizing flexibility in the fabric. "Meanwhile, why not go with a color related to the ocean? Or maybe even purple, like the Sea Witch's thing? Wasn't she a cephalopod, too?"

"Yes, and I do like purple," Azul nods. "And best of luck with finding a suit worthy of winning a dance-off. Meet back out here in 20?"

"20," Jamil repeats, nodding and making his way back to the pile he had picked out for himself.

Though he was going for something as simple as a vest, he can't help but think about Azul's comment.

He certainly doesn't want to seem underdressed in comparison.

In the end, he settles with a buttoned coat of white and light grey over a dress shirt and a scarlet cravat. Below his waist, his pants are dark, and he figures that though he may not have completely followed an all-white ensemble, it was still more white than any of his clothes back at school, so it could still work.

Now all that would be left are boots and he'd resemble a stylish ringmaster of a circus. Inspecting himself in the mirror, he does a spin to see if he could still breathe and move around.

"All right," He announces, walking out. "How does this look?"

The cubicle across from him opens and Azul walks out.

He looks at Jamil's ensemble and a smile appears on his face.

"Ah, scarlet is a good color on you. And the fabrics look flexible enough, I imagine you'd have no trouble dancing. Impeccable taste, Jamil Viper," Azul nods playfully.

"How about this?" he looks down at this suit and smooths it out. "I took your advice on the purple, and I think the gold patterns balance out the black and keeps me from looking too pale."

He's wearing a black dress shirt and pants, and the purple coat has gold patterns swirling out from the middle. The design is tipped at the shoulders, almost resembling the wings of a butterfly spreading out. The patterns on the bottom fall down in softer waves.

There are also gold patterns on the sleeves, and when Azul slowly turned once, Jamil saw that the wing-like pattern continues at the back, though at a smaller scale.

Jamil's eyes widen at Azul's appearance.

Beautiful, his brain thinks.

"Expensive," his mouth says before he clears his throat. "It looks nice on you, though. I can see why you're so confident with your taste in fashion."

"And a good thing, too. I wouldn't be embarrassed dancing with someone as beautiful as you. Well, at the very least, my outfit wouldn't be embarrassing. My dancing, we are yet to see," Azul says playfully. "Shall I get this one, then? I'm not entirely sure if the dress shirt fits right."

Azul removes his coat and looks down at the black dress shirt. It hugs his body enough that Jamil could see that it's more toned than it looks when Azul is wearing the more loose RSA uniform, and he could see the outline of Azul's biceps when he flexes his arms to adjust the cuffs of the sleeves.

It's not like Azul is buff like that Savanaclaw freshman Jack Howl, but the sight does remind Jamil that Azul had mentioned last time that his fast reflexes are "part of the training". He wonders just what kind of training Azul does.

"Not that it's uncomfortable, I'm just not used to wearing such a tight fit," Azul continues.

Jamil was already at a loss for words when Azul complimented him so earnestly, but then as he looks at Azul's torso without the coat, he can't help but let his eyes linger.

"It fits you just fine," he mutters, looking away. 

"I must hand it to you, Jamil, your idea of switching up our usual colors turned out much better than I thought, and I already thought it was quite the good idea in the first place. Now I'm even more glad that you're my date to the dance," he says playfully. "I shall have them wrap this up before I wrinkle it further," he turns and disappears inside the cubicle again.

Jamil had kept his gaze away, so when he looked and saw that the other was no longer there, he hastily made his way back to his dressing room and changed.

"Any other errands you have to run for today?" Azul asks Jamil as they make their way out of the department store.

"No, that's about it," Jamil shrugs, a shopping bag now tucked in his arms. "I had been planning on heading straight back to NRC… Unless… "

He gives Azul an inquisitive look. "What about you? Any errands you gotta run today, for yourself or for your school?"

Azul shakes his head. "No. I'd just been planning to play the piano there and possibly roam around to look for something else to do. Do you have any recommendations? Perhaps a bird café this time?" he smiles.

Jamil rolls his eyes. He can't tell if Azul meant for that to be sarcastic or sincere, but he's not feeling particularly hungry. "Some time away from the hustle and bustle of people might be nice. Maybe a cove or a beach somewhere... Ah, although that might be more of the usual for you, since your school's right by the shore from all sides."

"I wouldn't mind it," Azul says. "I actually go to the beach at RSA quite often. The waves sound different here on the surface, and I like listening to it. It makes me think of home while at the same time reminding me of where I am now. How about you? Where do you go when you want to be somewhere by yourself? Or is it somewhere classified like my top-secret corner of the department store?"

"Considering I intruded on your classified sanctuary, I think it's only fair that I tell you mine, just so you know where you can plan your revenge someday," Jamil smoothly replied. "Back then, it'd be the front yard of the Asims' palace, since it's usually spacious and quiet. But ever since Kalim kept on finding me during my breaks, I started hanging around the rooftops, higher than anyone can reach. So unless you're willing to scale a random building to the top, mind leading me to the closest cove around here?"

Azul made a face. "I don't plan on scaling any building. You're right about the suit being expensive, and I'd like to be alive enough to actually wear it."

He turns to Jamil. "How am I supposed to plan my revenge when your sanctuary is exceedingly difficult to reach? My Flight professor will tell you that you don't need to worry at all about me bothering you anywhere high up."

Jamil playfully pouts. "Aww, that's too bad. Guess you'll have to really want it to get to me."

Azul rolls his eyes with an amused smile, then he looks around the area. "I do know a good cove around here. How long before you have to go back to NRC?"

"A few hours, and the bus terminals can get crowded around the evening, so I can only hang around up until..." he checks his wristwatch. "4 in the afternoon, at most."

Azul nods. "The cove is near enough. We should be there in a few minutes."

They arrive at the beach, and Azul leads him to a small cave to the side. The sand is soft under their shoes, and the breeze from the ocean is refreshing.

A few people are there, but they're far enough away that their conversations don't reach them, and the atmosphere remains quiet.

The sand slopes slightly upward into the cave, giving them a view of the ocean if they were to sit in it.

"How's this?" Azul asks smugly.

Jamil makes a low whistle. "I gotta admit you picked a nice spot… Is this your usual go-to when you're in need of a private beach?"

He makes his way over to a smoothed stone jutting out of the sand, patting it down to give himself a seat before lounging back to relax.

Azul doesn't bother with a stone and sits right on the sand next to Jamil, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands.

"One of them, yes," Azul nods. "I have several, in case one of them gets compromised and I have to move somewhere else," he smiles. "This is one of my favorites, because it faces east and the sunrise is really something to behold. We don't get sunrises—or sunsets—in my hometown, and it's one of the things I really enjoyed upon coming here."

Jamil gazes at Azul's face, looking out into the distance.

"What was it like? When you first became human?"

Azul takes a moment to answer, still looking out at the horizon.

"The light was the first thing I noticed; it’s so bright up here compared to the Coral Sea. In hindsight, that's probably why I need glasses here when I never needed them back home. And walking hurt. I had been used to walking on eight legs my whole life. Learning to just use two was incredibly difficult, especially since gravity here is much different; air is much lighter than water.

Balancing was a little trickier for Rielle, since he's a merman and had no legs at all underwater. Though he and I think it was more painful for me, having all my eight legs compressed into just two.

After we got used to it, I was able to better appreciate other things about land, like the cuisine, for example. My mother owns a restaurant, so I'm no stranger to various foods, but there are a myriad of dishes that simply cannot be cooked underwater without extensive use of enchantments.

Then there's the fashion. Clothes are non-existent back home, so everyone pretty much looked the same all the time, aside from accessories that they might wear. Here, there are a lot of different options with how one would like to present themselves. Oh, and rooftops back home are much easier to access, since we can just swim up there." He turns to Jamil and smiles playfully. "If your rooftop sanctuary is underwater, it'd be much easier for me to get my revenge."

Jamil chuckles. "I first would have to learn how to breathe underwater before I do all of that, unfortunately for you."

He gazes out to the ocean. "... Although I wouldn't mind the idea of traveling to the underwater kingdoms someday. It sounds like a vast place to visit, especially considering how our world consists of about 70% water. It must be a whole new landscape down there, regardless of its dangers. That's probably how you felt about the land, huh? How long have you wanted to go to the surface?"

Azul hums thoughtfully. "Ever since middle school. I've heard stories of the Sea Witch granting merfolk legs, and I thought that it must be quite the dream to reach for if even merfolk back then wanted to do it. Fortunately, the organization that helps merfolk migrate to the surface is owned by Rielle's ancestors, so we had our applications processed even before we received our invitations to RSA."

He turns to Jamil curiously. "Do you plan on traveling a lot after you graduate?"

Oof. What a question.

Jamil remains quiet, imagining himself sailing on a boat heading for that far horizon.

"It's... certainly a dream to consider," He mutters, reminded of what he's trying to set out to do when he got to this island. "Do you plan on sticking around after RSA? Where do you wanna go?"

Azul looks at him with a raised eyebrow. "You know, Jamil, I've noticed that ever since we first met, you've asked me quite a lot of relatively personal questions. And while I've answered them with my rambling tongue, your answers to my questions remain short and vague."

He playfully narrows his eyes. "You're not a spy sent by NRC, are you?"

Jamil's cheeks darken before he brushes a fallen strand of hair from his face. "I'm… just not used to people asking questions about me, that's all."

"You're not used to hanging out with RSA students either, yet here we are," Azul amusedly points out.

"I never thought about RSA at all until I enrolled into NRC and got swept up in the rivalry; whatever disdain I may have developed towards your school is pretty new and doesn't really carry much weight. But prioritizing everyone else before my needs had been a thing since I was a kid, so it's much easier to hang out with an RSA student than talk about my feelings," Jamil replies. "Of course I wanna get out there and travel, but it's not like anyone's given me the option before. Even now, if there's even one bad report about Kalim, it's more than likely that I'd get saddled with him again. Pretend as much as I like, this arrangement of having us separated is fragile and temporary."

He hugs his legs and tucks his chin atop his knees. "So how am I supposed to care about my dreams when no one else has?"

Azul stares at him for a few moments, the waves gently lapping at the shore filling the silence.

"Kalim has mentioned that he intends to free you," Azul says. "Once he has the power to. And for what it's worth… I care about your dreams. Even if I'm not entirely sure what they are," he gives Jamil a small smile before looking out into the ocean again, letting Jamil know that he isn't expecting a response.

Jamil reels from the new revelation that he gets rendered speechless for several moments.

Kalim intends to set him free? It's certainly possible once he's inherited his father's position.

But it's hard to believe when Kalim's wanted nothing more than to have Jamil at his side throughout the years they've been together.

What changed?

And what Azul said about caring…

When Jamil speaks again, his voice is small. "Do you really mean that…? You're not just saying that to be nice?"

Azul looks at him fondly. "Of course I mean it. You deserve true happiness and achieving all of your dreams. I'm not just being nice. I… I care about you," he shrugs. "Do you think I bring just anyone to this beach?" the playfulness is back in his voice.

A smile begins to crawl its way back to Jamil's face. "I wouldn't know, so I guess I'll just have to take your word for it... Thanks. You prolly hear this a lot but I hope you get to achieve whatever dreams you got, too."

"Thank you," Azul smiles back. "You make for much better company than that department store piano."

Jamil holds up his hands. "Hey now, have mercy on your piano companion. It's been there for you when you needed it in the past. Don't cheat on it just for a guy you met."

Azul laughs at Jamil's remark, and they fall into the comfortable silence of each other's company, with the ocean breeze ruffling their hair.

Time quietly passes as they just bask in the warmth of the afternoon and the chill of the sea breeze.

Throughout that, Jamil has his eyes closed, letting the thought of Kalim's promise and growth sink in. A portion of him has begun to feel lighter the more he realizes what this means for him.

Maybe he should call Kalim up later.

"Hey," Azul says softly, as if not wanting to disturb the peace. "It's almost 4 PM."

Jamil blinks himself awake, realizing he fell into a nap at some point.

A part of him is alarmed since he never really falls asleep in public spaces. Doing that back home often led to immediate danger.

But after a few seconds, he recognizes that he isn't in any danger, and merely finds Azul and the orange sky behind him.

"... Oh, right," He mutters, rubbing his eyes. "We should prolly get going, then."

"Indeed." Azul stands up and brushes sand from his pants. Then he looks down at Jamil and offers a hand.

Half-awake, Jamil takes it and helps himself up, hoisting the shopping bag along with him.

"I gotta admit—did not expect to fall asleep in a beach cove when I went out today. It was nice."

"And I didn't expect to buy an outfit for the dance. If you hadn't brought it up, I might have forgotten it altogether and showed up to the dance in my uniform," Azul says playfully, still holding Jamil's hand.

Jamil doesn't let go.

"Guess we're even, then."

They leave the beach area and silently walk hand-in-hand towards the main road, looking at anywhere else except each other.

Jamil stops right where the streets split up for the two bus terminals heading to the different schools. 

They'll have to go their separate paths from here but before they do, he takes out his phone.

"Hey, why don't we exchange numbers? Yanno, just in case there are more 'dance preparations' you'll almost forget to do again," he says playfully, still holding Azul's hand.

Azul chuckles and takes out his phone with his other hand. "Right. I can't afford to forget anything else now, can I?"

He turns his phone to face towards Jamil, showing his number.

Jamil leans close to see the screen, his shoulder brushing against Azul's.

After double-checking that he typed the phone number correctly, Jamil calls it so that his number would be saved in Azul's phone as well.

Then he pockets his phone and lets go of Azul's hand, giving him a friendly pat and a wave as he walks backwards for a few steps.

"Welp. See ya around, Piano Man."

The corner of Azul's lips turns up in a smile as he raises a hand to wave back. "See you around, Viper."

And Jamil heads off, relishing in the joy of a peaceful day, a blooming bond, and a future looking brighter than ever.

Author's Note: The song that Azul was playing on the piano is "In a Crowd of Thousands" from the musical Anastasia~

<-- Chapter 2

Chapter 4 ->

(Masterlist)

[rahleeyah]

If you were writing for either show, what kind of cliffhanger would have given them for the finales?

Well that's the question isn't it lmao like in a way oc kinda did end on a cliffhanger, it was just. Very plotty. Joey is stuck overseas with the bad guy and Elliot is obviously going to want to help him and that'll be next season. And bc it's very plotty it doesn't compel me - it's a clear throughline to a plot for next season, if they decide to follow it, but the cases are not what I come to TV for.

The like. Cheap obvious fangirl answer is oh I'd have done something eo related. The phone call was more of a bow on the end of the Maddie story than a tease of something to come - it moved things forward in that we finally got to hear them talk, but what they talked about wasn't really substantial (I mean it's substantial for like. Meta about how eo are the same and suffer from the same madness but) it didn't really give us a taste of what's in store (I hope. Bc if it's just more brief phone calls idk if I want it). Now the thing is, I don't think they could've ended svu with like. Olivia at Elliot's door, we've talked about this before but just like logistically it doesn't make sense - where even is he in terms of his own story when svu ends? Oc couldn't have spared the time to include Liv in that finale unless he was talking to her instead of Kathy and while that's fun for shippy purposes I think Kathy was the correct choice. But an EO crumb at the end of OC would've tied it together, I think.

Now it's unlikely they would've ended it with like. Liv at Elliot's door. The first face to face convo for them is something tptb are gonna want to save for later on; it doesn't work as a cliffhanger bc that convo isn't something you start a season with. It's something you build toward. And if it just happens off screen then it's unsatisfying. I would love to live in a world where they end it with eo in the same room and pick up right there next season but it's just not realistic, when they had so many unknowns at the time the finales were filmed.

But here's where it gets interesting; they are gonna want an exciting season opener, right? Something big and dramatic they can tease the hell out of. The problem with using a finale to set up the next season is you need to have enough time to decide where the next season will start, which they didn't have this time, so I'm not saying they did a bad job; I think they did a great job, both shows, for this season. So I see why they didn't do this but like. Elliot in the car on the phone with Liv and the car crashes and the screen goes black. Ayanna briefing the team on their next assignment and she tells them something like "there's girls involved, we're gonna need some help from svu. Do you want to call them or should I?" And Elliot jumps at the chance to call.

Bomb in the precinct. Elliot walks away from Kathy's grave and calls Liv. Go back and save the pregnancy reveal for the last minute of oc so we don't know how Elliot's gonna react yet. Someone walks up to some member of the squad, take your pick, with some kind of revelation or tease for a new case. Someone announces they're leaving. Someone knocks on Liv's door and when she opens it it's Cassidy.

There's a million ways to answer the question and leave the audience hanging on for the next season. Now like I said up top I know they probably quite simply did not have time to work anything like this out, were lucky to wrap up the seasons they had as it was let alone plan something for next year, so again I'm not saying they did a bad job or fucked up royally or anything, but I do think it would have made this summer more interesting if we had something to chew on.

[haunted-house-heart]

hi yes hello i am asking about a little wild, a little fond!!! i would like to know more!!! :D

quin i would kill for you. thank you sm you're the best <33333

ok so a couple years ago i woke up from a dead sleep with this scene in my head and had to write it out, and that was like. the beginning of this project. i named it based on a line from the scene it's like "he grinned - a little wild, a little fond" and it just stuck

i haven't done any more writing for it because ya boi hasn't written in Ten Thousand Years but i've been working on fleshing out the characters so !!!

wilder - they're a nonbinary teenager, like 14/15, who starts showing signs of magical abilities. the story is set in a fantasy world where magic is fairly prevelent but their family is like. magic deniers. so they run away. and they find themselves at a magic shoppe owned by:

amariel - a middle aged grumpy ass guy who hates everyone and everything. he's a great sorcerer, and soon to be reluctant father figure. he's aroace, and married to his lifelong best friend and platonic soulmate:

bear - a big fat butch woman who is the literal embodiment of sunshine. one hug from her will cure your depression. she does glassblowing art, some carpentry, and she used to be a soldier, so she acts as defense for amariel and their ward, wilder, during The JourneyTM

cordelia - known as captain cord to most, this is our resident transfem bisexual pirate. she's actually the reincarnation of the goddess of the sea. she was cursed to live out human lives, forever seperated from her lover, the moon. she has no memory of her past lives or the curse, just a faint memory of her lover's face, and an uncontrollable love of the sea. at 16 she runs away and eventually takes over the ship leviathan.

seren - goddess of the moon. i haven't figured it out exacly yet but cord's curse was actually a punishment for seren. don't have much else for her yet.

prince zenith "nyx" revallie - a cringefail pretty boy. the only thing he's ever done right in his life is allowing cord to basically control the royal waters. he ends up in a polycule with cord and seren so basically you have these two ultra power women and their pet prince. his entire existence is due to my love for pirate/royal stories.

i really want for the big theme of the story to be like. about how the more you love yourself the more control you have over your life. when you hate yourself you have to beg other people for praise and affection and it's so easy for other people to control you. once you start to love yourself you start regaining control over yourself and your life. i want to really have it like. wilder is just a broken kid. they've never had anyone show them love or respect in their life. and then these people come into their life and show them love and how each of them is confident in themselves in their own ways and it teaches wilder to respect themselves. and the more they learn to love themself, the better they become at controlling their magic.

anyway its big queer found family shit. i'm trying to work an angel in there somewhere. there'll be a dragon at some point. big themes of "women are the best at swords", because i am a humble lesbian. lots of indulgent magic training scenes.

thank you so much for asking fam ilysm <333