#like i want a masquerade ball with a court

[starless-nightz]

Heyy can I ask for Lady Maria x reader? Maria and her knew each other from cainhurst, there was this masquerade ball and they dance(maybe a few kisses lmao) and after that they both keep searching for the other.

One day they meet again at the hunt and when they realise it's the other they just?? Make out? Hook up? Maybe they want to live a romance? Idk its all up to you, thanks honey <3

Lady Maria reuniting with fem! reader

note -> Lady Maria is just so beautiful bro I love her, I assumed the reader is a female because of the her part at the begging :3

warnings -> none.

content includes -> fluff, first meeting, searching, reuniting, courting.

The moment Maria set her eyes on you she was immediately smitten, you are the most gorgeous woman she has ever had the pleasure of meeting

Like a gentleman, she would ask you for a dance, and of course why wouldnt you accept Lady Marias offer? After all you did find her attractive

Maria couldn't take her eyes off of you as you two danced, holding you close to her, your eyes never leaving hers, both obviously smitten for each other

After the dance the two of you would sneak onto an empty balcony, both of you being overwhelmed by the crowd and just getting to know each other, even sharing a parting gift when she had to leave

Maria would try and search for you for weeks, never really giving up on finding you, you were the first person she felt a connection with and she wanted to see you again

When she finally sees you again during one of the many hunts, she was glad that you were safe, only after the hunt was over did she approach you, catching up with you

Maria would plan to court you, and who were you to refuse her? After all, the two of you had longed of each other ever since you first meeting

[battymommastuff]

To be Mine

Batmom x Batman, Batmom x Batfamily

Warnings: A bit of NSFW

Prompt: While digging through the attic, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd uncover a secret about their adoptive mother. A secret that reveals the true, and dark story of the most loved couple in Gotham City

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Masterlist

(NOT MY GIF)

!!DISCLAIMER!! - This likely won't be comic accurate (Obviously), but I did draw inspiration from the comics. If you are looking for something accurate, then this fanfic isn't for you.

"It's a shame isn't it? Watching someone you thought loved you, be with some else?" The voice spoke into your ear before moving some of your hair to the side. You could feel his golden mask press against your cheek. How did you end up here? One minute you were in the mansion...now you were standing on a building watching Batman with Catwoman. After weeks of hiding, the Court found you. He found you. You left your window open by mistake, and it was easy for them to sneak in an grab you. Alfred would have never known...

"And you are so beautiful...simply perfect." The Grandmaster whispered to you while running a hand along your waist, "How about we strike a new deal? Instead of becoming one of my Talons, you become mine?" Your eyes went wide when he said that. His? As in his lover? His wife? 

"I will worship you. Protect you...nurture you. What has Batman done for you besides break your precious heart?" He asked while gesturing to the couple only a few buildings away, "Take my hand...and I swear I will show you what it means to be loved." He purred. Your eyes moved down to his hand. The black, leather glove had become more tempting. Who were you to resist such a tempting offer? 

"Would I still be a part of the circus?" You asked, and the Grandmaster nodded. The circus...your home...your family. You could go home, and everything would be okay. Hesitantly, your hand extended to his. Despite him wearing it, the glove was cold to the touch. The Grandmaster smirked under his mask then pulled you close, "Welcome home, my love." He whispered, guiding you away from the edge of the building. 

Selina had her head tilted to the side as Batman kissed her neck hungrily. A smirk on her face as she almost had him right where she wanted him. Then she could make her daring escape...as usual. That is, until she saw a group of people watching her from afar. "What the hell?" She whispered, getting Batman's attention. He pulled away from her neck then turned around. His eyes widened when he saw your hand in the Grandmaster's. How did the Court get to you? 

Leaving a very confused Selina, Batman made his way across the rooftops as quickly as he could. He couldn't let them take you away. He tried so hard to act like he didn't care for you. He wanted to shut you out, but he couldn't. Even when he was kissing Selina, all he thought was about your lips, your neck...your everything. Batman...Bruce Wayne, they couldn't live without you. 

By the time he got there, all that was left was a cloud of smoke. Batman fell to his knees and panted softly. Even though you weren't there, he could still smell your perfume. That smell would never leave him. 

><><><><><><><><><><><><><

"Woah woah woah. You mean to tell me, you married the Grandmaster?!? Of the Court of Owls???" Jason asked as he got up from your bed. You smiled awkwardly while rubbing your baby bump. 

"It wasn't my proudest moment, but I was young...and heartbroken." You explained then looked over at Dick who was just staring at the photo of you with him and his parents. You reached over and gently took the photo from his hand, "I loved them...as if they were my family. They were my family..." 

><><><><><><><><><

Tonight…nearly two years later, your husband was hosting a masquerade ball in order to do some under the table business deals. You were also there. A golden mask that matched his, but only covered your eyes and nose. A black floor length gown that sparkled more than the diamonds on your finger. You were his bride, his trophy. Which made it very easy when a certain billionaire decided to attend.

This was your first public appearance in almost two years. The Court could keep you hidden from Batman, but not from Bruce Wayne. He wasn't on the guest list, but money always seemed to get him into the most interesting of places. Now here he was, walking up to you as you picked up a drink for you and your husband.

"Hello, (Y/N)."

That voice had chills running down your spine. Turning you saw his beautiful face. He was the only one not wearing a mask.

"Bruce…"

TAGLIST

@maxinehufflepuffprincess @tayswhp @rainycloud858 @luna-zendra-star @starlets-things @simpfourmarvel @kawaistrawberry21 @js-favnanadoongi @kodzukenmaaa @xxrougefangxx @pixviee @discocactus-world @b4tm4nn @minimoxha @crutoyu @nightw-izhu @legendarylearner18 @mangegeek17 @pixiedust0604 @that-one-fangirl69 @ilovetaquitoesmmmm @irelanrose @asterelz @angelxx7 @millies0bsimp @marie0v @starmansirius @amberpanda99 @hoshi-is-ult-bbg @inutheangel @chaoticevilbakugo @mellowdiy @luvly-writer @enretrogue @zanzie @backyardfolklore @olivewisp @celestair @birdsdieatmydoor @teddyinks @bluusugar @murkyponds @nuttyrebelflower @bee-studio @miks-delusional-blog @luxky-aish @my-anime-garden @zanzie @cleocat246 @animegirlfromvietnam

[romanteacism]

Knight Aemond x Princess Reader Particular Risk

Synopsis: They say taking a risk could drown you-- but you knew it must be taken, and if you were to jump in the deep end, your knight would always follow you closely behind. Warnings: None (yet), Aemond and Princess Realizations, Jealousy, Fluff, Princess Taking Risks PREVIOUS PART A/N: MWAH 💋

“No! I’ve already worn this last year— and this the year before that!” You explained as you tried to find a headpiece for your father’s name day celebration. It was a tradition that each name day of the king was celebrated with a masquerade ball— a tradition you had looked forward to each year, always amused and excited to attend such an event. Through the years, it had become vexing as you took it upon yourself to wear a headpiece unique and unlike the other you had worn or anything similar to other members of the court. “How about this, princess? It—“ You cut off the masque maker, “My cousin had already worn a mask similar to that one three years before,” You sighed, struggling to find the final piece of your ensemble for the ball that was fast approaching. 

“If I may, princess— perhaps you have a design in mind? If none of these are to your liking, we are more than happy to create a piece completly unique to you.” The masque maker suggested, not wanting to leave their princess unhappy. You paused for a moment and thought about the proposition before nodding; Ser Aemond was quick to your aid and handed you your leather-bound sketchbook and charcoal. You smiled upon him in gratitude, trying to urge yourself to grow accustomed to the quickening in your heart each time your eyes met and your skin brushed. Aemond marveled at how quick you were to sketch what you desired, quickly creating what you wished. You tore the page and handed it to the masque maker. It was a mask in the intricate design of a butterfly wing. “And I want it to be made with sapphires and… and perhaps gold, if it’s not too heavy,” You say, pointing at the places you wished to put the precious gemstones. “Of course, princess, we shall make it right away,” The masque maker bowed and proceeded to leave with haste to complete your masque for the ball that was merely three days away. 

As he left you, bit your lip and frowned, “Did you think I was too demanding?” You suddenly asked Ser Aemond as you rested your back on your settee. Second-guessing your particularity and having to ask the masque maker to make you a specific mask when, in truth, the masks he presented were completely adequate. “No, princess,” Aemond replied, questioning why you asked such a question. “Why would you think so?” You sighed and shrugged, “Well, it’s just… I feel guilty— maybe the masque maker thinks I do not think his designs are good to the point that I had to make my own; I do not wish to offend him…” You pouted, taking hold of the masques he had left, twirling the feather decoration between your fingers. “You are too kind, princess,” Aemond said, his heart warming and concerned at how such a little encounter made you feel guilty. “You know what it is you want— that is an admirable quality,” Aemond hummed.

“Is it? My mother always said my particularity is a sin because it makes me demanding,” You muttered. Aemond straightened his stance, “There is a difference between knowing what you want and demanding what you want, princess,” He said, “Being demanding is you take for granted all that you are given— asking and asking for more without even a speck of gratitude. That is not you, princess… that is never you,” You smiled at your knight as his words only made you fall deeper for him. “That is very kind of you to say,” You smiled, trying to reign in the flush that crept up your cheeks. Aemond bit the insides of his cheeks as he realized the smile on your lips was because of him. 

When the day of the ball arrived, the keep was busied to prepare for the night's festivities. Ser Aemond stood outside your door as you were prepared for the party in your father’s name, observing and listening to your pacing footsteps as you frantically got ready. “Tighter, please.” You say as you steadied yourself by the poster of your bed. “Are you certain, princess? Can you even breathe?” Your handmaid questions, apprehension heavy in her voice. You nodded and took in a deep breath as your corset was tightened to your liking. You let out a sigh as your body was hugged further by the bodice of your dress. You moved towards your vanity as your handmaid began to style your hair. Theodore lept upon the table, and you cooed at your cat, who was almost fully grown, placing a special collar and a special headpiece on his head so he would not feel left out for the day’s gala. 

A knock sounded out as your handmaiden finished styling your hair. You thanked her and dismissed her, and in exchange, Ser Aemond entered your chambers holding two silk boxes. “Your masque has arrived, princess,” Ser Aemond stated and placed down the boxes on your vanity table. A wide grin spread upon your lips as you inspected the mask made to your specifications and wants. He turned towards the other box, not certain of what it could contain, for he knew you had only sent out one design, but he did not question it. 

You gently placed down the masque and stood, taking hold of the unopened box, and walked to Ser Aemond, urging him to take it. “Pardon, princess?” he asked as he was uncertain what you meant. “It’s yours— I sent them another design and asked them to make a mask for you,” You smiled. Aemond blinked. “I… I am not in need of a mask, princess— I am not a guest.” He said, but you only shook your head. 

“All who will be in the hall later are in need to wear a masque! You are to be my side later on, are you not?” You question, and Ser Aemond nodded. “Of course, I will be by your side—but I do not need a mask— if anything, it would hinder me from my duty. I already only have one eye; it would be cumbersome if I wore a mask and obstructed the view of the other,” He explained, and you pursed your lips. “Which is why I designed one specifically for you,” You say and urge him once again to open the box. Ser Aemond did so hesitantly. Aemond pursed his lips as he was presented with a mask that matched yours. One that covered his damaged eye with a gleaming sapphire. Aemond swallowed thickly, at a loss for words. Had you known his secret? How did you know all that he hid? 

“Do you not like it?” You asked, slight dread in your stomach as your knight only gaped upon the mask you designed. “No— I…I do,” He suddenly spoke, fearing he offended you. You bit your lip as you could not read his eye, “If you truly do not wish to wear a mask, I understand,” You said and tried to take it from his hold, but he hindered you. “No, I shall wear it. Thank you, princess,” your knight assured, and you nodded, hoping you did not force upon your knight the mask. 

“Princess, the guests are arriving,” You hear a squire call out, and you move to wear your mask and carry Theodore in your arms. As you turned your gaze to your knight, Ser Aemond had already forgone his eyepatch and wore the mask that matched yours— a picture of unity that you could humor yourself with. You smiled as he led out his arm for you to take as the two of you went down to the reception hall. “Happy name day, Father!” You greeted as you saw your father standing by the great doors, already wearing his mask. “Thank you, my darling, and don’t you look lovely,” The king smiled, kissed his daughter on the cheek, and petted her beloved cat. The king moved to glance at the knight who stood behind his daughter, Ser Aemond giving a bow at the king, who gave a nod and noticed how Ser Aemond’s maks matched his daughter’s; the king said naught a word. 

You took your place by the left of your brother, and your knight stood behind you. “Did you truly bejeweled your cat’s collar?” Your brother asked, looking upon Theodore, who was perfectly behaved in your arms. “Of course! No child of mine would be underdressed!” You say, placing a kiss on your cat’s back, and your brother lets out an amused breath as you claim the feline to be your child. You greeted the guests who attended the celebration, but you could not help but be distracted and glance towards your knight— sneaking a look upon him as he surveilled all who came and, if any, presented danger. Gods, the sapphire truly suited him. You could not help but think. You let out a breath and returned to face forward to return at the matter at hand, fearing Ser Aemond would notice your glances and learn of your affection for him. 

When the party had moved to the great hall, you found your way back to your knight, ushering you along the crowded room. The two of you were supposed to make your way toward the long table at the end of the grand hall, but the call of your name, unchained by any title, made you both pause. Ser Aemond was quick to frown at who had the gall to call upon you so openly. He turned to you, and before he could utter a word, you left his side and readily ran towards the call. Aemond felt a twisting in his gut as you ran towards the man and threw your arms around him— the stranger twirling around and even went as far as to kiss your cheek. Aemond swallowed thickly, not knowing what to do. He knew he must be by your side, but he could not bear to be there when another took his place. 

“I did not know you would attend! Why did you not write to me?” He heard your question, watching as you took hold of the man’s hand and pulled towards the end table, walking past him without another glance. Aemond’s hold on the hilt of his sword tightened as he followed you and the stranger whom your brother and your father readily and warmly welcomed. Absent was any recognition from your mother— which was not at all surprising. “You did not tell us you will attend!” Your brother greeted in surprise, hugging the man and giving him a clap on the back. “Of course, I would never miss the king’s name day,” He charmingly smiled, and Aemond watched you roll your eyes as if it were something amusing that completely flew over Aemond’s head— he could not even bear to look upon the man’s face as he was certain if he did, he would have to battle with the urge to maim him. Who was he?! 

Throughout the whole night, you were enveloped with merriment and were entertained by the man that Aemond had slipped away form your side, and he was certain that you had not even noticed. He watched from a distance as you spun on the dance floor, laughing carelessly whilst in the arm of another. Aemond looked away, unable to bear such a scene. Jealousy was consuming him, but at the same time, he knew he had no right to feel such emotions, for he was only your knight. And yet, envy gnawed at him— coursing through his veins and making the scar of his eye throb and burn. 

At the height of the party, you excused yourself to have a breath of fresh air; you looked around the hall in search of your knight. You had been trying to capture his gaze the whole night, trying to spot his unique silver hair, but he had been seamlessly in the crowd, denying you to gaze upon his lilac eye. You went towards the farthest balcony alone, wagering to yourself that your knight would somehow find you— that an unknown presence would pull him towards you. It did. 

“I haven’t seen you the whole night,” You stated, staring at the moon at the distant sound of the party filled the quiet night. You had felt him creep up by his rightful place that he had abandoned the past few hours. “How could you? You were distracted,” Aemond answered, tone holding bitterness that he tried not to seep through, but jealousy was an erratic and unbridled emotion that not many could control. You finally turned to look upon your knight, your smile faltering as you saw his overly stoic demeanor, and he had removed the mask you had made especially for him. “You’re not wearing your mask anymore,” you said quietly, a tad disappointed. “I did not feel the need to, princess,” He answered coldly.

You blinked upon the furrow in his brows. “Are you well?” You questioned, the air between you tenser than it was just a few hours before. “Yes,” Ser Aemond answered curtly. “But you’re frowning,” Ser Aemond shook his head, “I am not, princess.” You playfully rolled your eyes and step closer to your knight. “You are, there’s a line between your brows,” You say, reaching up and trying to smoothen the crease on the middle of his face. But as you did, your knight jerked his head away— as if your touch had scorned him— he moved away as if he were disgusted. “I—“ You say and quickly retrieve your hand, your stomach twisting as you find offense in his actions. “I’m sorry,” You finished your sentence, not expecting him to react in such a way. 

Aemond saw the hurt in your eyes, guilt creeping into his bloodstream, but it was overpowered by the jealousy he felt as he had to observe you with the stranger. “Go back to the party, princess,” He said, voice having the same tone of indifference it had during his first days as your sworn protector. “I… I do not understand you,” you said, resting your hand on your abdomen as the twist in your stomach never left. “One moment, you are warm and… and kind and obliging— then the next, you turn cold and detached… why do you do it?” You asked, as much as you hold affection for Ser Aemond, it was hard to overlook his differing treatment. It confuses you further, and you do not know if his sentiments were genuine or an act. Aemond shook his head once more, not wanting to answer your question. 

“Just return to the party, princess— I’m certain he is waiting for you,” He gritted, not able to meet you in the eye. You frowned, noting the bitterness in his voice, a bitterness you had grown to know as you had felt it more often as of late. You turned your gaze upon his gritted jaw, then to his clenched fists. “Are you jealous?” You suddenly asked, his stature not of anger but rather of jealousy. His reactions are quite the same as yours as you felt such emotions. Aemond scoffed, “What kind of question is that?” He asked in ridicule, once again toeing the line of impertinence as he addressed you in such a tone. 

“A simple one. Are you jealous?” You asked once more, curious as well if that was the emotion he felt and as to why he felt it and what it meant if he were actually jealous. “I do not know what you speak of, princess.” Aemond gritted, not wanting to admit that you knew the precise emotion he felt. You tried to meet his eye, trying to see if he uttered the truth, but he avoided your gaze. You bit your lip in defeat and embarrassment. “Very well then,” you nodded and walked past him and did as he said and returned to the party but your merriment had gone the moment your knight had left your side. 

“Come, let me escort you to your chambers,” Aemond heard the man say as he linked his arms with yours. He could not believe what he heard and saw— you nodded and let him assist you, bidding your family good night, and they only let you go off with the stranger without question. Even your brother, who was overly protective of you when it came to your suitors, only nodded and bid you goodnight, not even batting an eye as he let the man escort you to your chambers. Aemond wanted to scream— to let out his frustrations at what was happening, at how you, the one who had insisted that she wanted nothing to do with a suitor or the opposite sex, let this man escort you to your room. He tried to listen in to your conversation as he trailed behind you in the halls, but your voices were hushed and could not be understood; it was as if you two spoke a secret language— familiarity between the two of you evident and only twisted the heart of Aemond. 

You paused when you reached your door, smiling at the man. Ser Aemond held his breath as he watched you stand at the tip of your toes and give the man a kiss on the cheek. By gods, this was torture. What had he done to bear witness to such a scene? Aemond was ready to succumb to another dimension of hurt and envy, but before he could fall into a further pit of despair, he heard you speak. “Good night… brother,” You smiled fondly. Ser Aemond caught your eye as you quickly glanced at him before disappearing into your chambers, leaving him dumbfounded. Brother?

The next morning came, and everyone in the keep had a later start on the day except for Aemond, who still tried to piece together what you had said the night before. Borther? You had another brother? How did he not know? None had mentioned him before— he was absent from any other event— he was not even present in any of the portraits in the keep. How, then, could he be your brother!?

“Goo—Good morning, princess,” Aemond stuttered as you exited your chambers. His jealousy had simmered and instead turned into nerves as he did not know where the two of you stood after your conversation last night. “Good morning.” You replied curtly, walking past Ser Aemond, growing accustomed to the usual retaliation and routine of ignorance and silence whenever you and your knight would grow cross with one another. He followed you to the gardens, your usual lonesome place now housed your two brothers who waited for you. “There you are!” Your brother, whose name he was still yet to know, greeted. “I still cannot believe you did not tell us that you were coming! We could have prepared your room!” You greeted your brother as he assisted you to your chair. “Well, in truth, my coming was unplanned— I was only near the capitol as I had to buy supplies, and I thought I should come to the king’s celebration,” Your brother explained as he fought with you with the piece of pastry you were eyeing, smiling at his tease to acquire what you wanted but in the end, he only placed it onto your plate. 

“I actually have to leave— I had just waited for you to wake so I could bid you goodbye.” The smile on your lips quickly disappeared. “But you’ve only just arrived! And we have not seen you in so long— must you truly go already?” You asked, disappointed upon the revelation. “I’m afraid so; they are waiting for me in the Citadel… but I assure you, I shall come once again during winter— that is if your mother allows me to step foot on capitol grounds.” Aemond frowned upon your other brother’s wording— the prince letting out an amused chuckle as he popped a berry into his mouth. “Fine. But if you are not here by the holidays, I’ll have Father send out men to come fetch you, I swear.” You say as you narrow your eyes, and your brother only smiles. “I know, you’ve done it before.” 

Aemond followed as you and the prince bid goodbye to your brother by the gates. Aemond still wondered about what had happened— at how the man he thought was your suitor was your brother and how your brother was not acknowledged by the court. “Ser Aemond,” the prince nodded as he walked past your knight to attend his duties for the day. Aemond swallowed as he heard you sigh, the two of you now left alone and the tenseness in the air had never departed. You and Aemond were once again succumbed to the silence of indifference— one he hoped would be quick to be gone. It was nearing nightfall, the sky alight with the afterglow of the sun, and Aemond could no longer stomach the two of you not speaking. 

Your knight pursed his lips and let out a grieved breath, daring to take hold of your arm and pull you into an alcove of an empty hall. “What is it?” You asked coldly. “I…. I—“ Your knight could not articulate his words— confusion and remorse taking hold of his senses. You stood there for a moment as Ser Aemond could not make out his words, but the confusion in his eye told you all that you needed to know. “Do you recall when I told you when my mother and father did not marry for love?” You questioned, and Ser Aemond only nodded. “Father loved another… and from that love came our half-brother.” You explained the deepest secret your family had to your knight. “He was born a moon before my mother and father married— but his mother had died during his birth. Instead of disregarding his existence, Father placed him in the care of a distant cousin— and the court has been fed the lie that he is our cousin when, in truth, he was our brother.” 

“He is a bastard,” Aemond stated as he recalled all you had said. His words quickly made a frown slip to your face. “He, is my brother. No matter the state of legitimacy.” You said, and Aemond recoiled as he realized not all held the distaste for bastards as he did because not all had the same treatment he had from the bastards in his family. “I’m sorry, princess,” Aemond said in remorse, not even able to meet your gaze. You pursed your lips and rested your back upon the curved wall of the alcove as you assessed Ser Aemond. It should concern you that even though he had offended you, your heart still yearned for him. “I still do not understand you,” you say. “Whenever I think we are venturing towards a sense of normalcy— that we’re getting somewhat closer… you grow cold and distance yourself.” You hated this— you hated to sound as such before Ser Aemond because you knew, at its core, your relationship did not warrant any speck of closeness or anything that resembled intimacy. He was your knight, and you were simply his duty. 

Aemond licked his lips as he had no words to explain why he did such action— well, he did have the words, but he knew he could not utter it. “That is just how I am, princess,” he reasoned, but you sighed and crossed your arms across your chest, looking to your left and momentarily distracting yourself with the view of the afterglow. “I do not believe you.” You say quietly. “You do not have to,” Aemond answered. “So last night… your reaction was not brought forth by jealousy— what was it then?” You questioned, daring to utter the question even though you took the risk of hurting your pride once more. Aemond bit his tongue, having no way out of the conversation. He swallowed thickly, and before he could listen to reason and before his sensibilities could hinder him, he spoke the truth. “It was.” You frowned and wondered if you heard correctly. “Why?” You questioned in disbelief. 

Aemond turned to his right and stared out into the afterglow as well, knowing in himself there was no escape— he knew he must take the risk even if his station and pride would be on the line. “Because… because he took my place.” He said, not having the guts to offer half-truths or a made-up reason to defend his actions. “You had not even noticed my departure, for you were too consumed by his presence,” he mumbled, not able to hinder himself once more. “So you were jealous because you thought he was my suitor, and my attention was on him instead of you…” You trailed, your knight unmoving and providing no validation for your question. “Why would you be jealous?” In truth, you thought he had no care— that he was immune to such emotions, for your affections were certainly unrequited… wasn’t it?

You locked eyes with his unique lilac ones. The silence was palpitating but never uncomfortable. None uttered a word, but each moment you held your sworn protector’s gaze, you found your answer. You let out a shaky breath as you realized Ser Aemond’s gaze mirrored yours— that your emotions were one with his. And with such realizations, words were taken from you, and all you could do was close the damned gap between and take the risk. You stood on the tip of your toes and let your lips be met with your knight’s because you knew what you wanted, and what you wanted was him. Just him. 

[hauntingrabbits]

Batman my little pony AU. Part 2 here

More info on these under the cut!

1. Sundown Mane/Batpony (Bruce Wayne)

His backstory & general situation is pretty much identical to every other batman out there so I wont get into it.

Other notes:

-His cutie mark is a masquerade mask that I tried to make vaguely bat-shaped. The general public sees his Cutie Mark through the lense of his reputation, and he leans into it heavily to obscure the truth. In interviews, he presents it as being tied to hosting galas (it’s the reason he started hosting those huge masquerade balls in the first place) and/or his fashionable looks, but in truth it’s far more representative of his stealth and disguise capabilities, as well as his masked night time hobbies as a whole.

-He’s not an actual bat-pony in any way, the bat wing appearance is just the costume (intentionally designed that way for intimidation, battle, and obscuring his identity further). Though most citizens assume he’s a true bat-pony, other rumors range from him being a vampire, to an Earth pony with false tech-based wings, to a magically disguised alicorn, to a spirit of the night.

-If Batman were actually to be a pony I think he’d 100% be an earth pony, because his big thing is relying on skill and tech rather than power and he has the whole “normal guy amongst gods” thing going on. HOWEVER. There are actual bat ponies in this show. How am I not supposed to utilize that somehow for the guy whose name is BATMAN? Also with Sundown I think being a Pegasus just fits the playboy personality front he puts up. I don’t know why, its just vibes.

-I think he just doesn’t fly much while patrolling as batpony, instead using his wings for extra jump or for intimidation and cover like with his cape. They’re probably steel-tipped or something too. He doesn’t rely on flight for advantage and trains entirely grounded because he doesn’t want to be dependent on flight and find himself lost if his wings are ever incapacitated.

2. Apollo Honeyscales/Two-Face (Harvey Dent)

Fascinated by the Equestrian legal system and craving a more organized society than what was offered by his generally disorderly and solitary fellow Chimeras, Apollo moved to Gotham to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, ponies are often intimidated by, if not downright terrified of Chimeras, so though Chimera cultures usually give each head equal social weight and three individual names, Apollo quickly adapted to instead try to present himself as pony-like as possible. He used a singular name and pronoun for his whole body, presented the less intimidating, herbivorous-looking goat as his “main” head, and eventually even took to having a faux Cutie Mark applied for media and court appearances. Prior to the attack, the lion and the snake head were never seen talking in public, and even in private the only ponies to have heard them speak were his close friends Sundown Mane and Glider Gold.

After being attacked with acid in court, Scales succumbed to injury and had to be amputated, while Honeybite was left alive but severely scarred. With this event, Apollo’s and Honeybite’s already fragile mental states from years of pony society othering them, the weight of their job, and personal repression finally snapped in their grief and anger, leading Honeybite to fully take the reins and create the criminal persona of Two-Face. Attempts from both Sundown and Glider and to reach out since have been unsuccessful.

Other Notes:

-According to the wiki only one chimera shows up in the whole show so. I made stuff up. -Chimeras typically being solitary is based on the fact we only ever see one in the show. This solitary nature would make it hard for them to have a widespread legal system at all, let alone to enforce it; thus Apollo’s original fascination with the foreign pony legal system. The Chimera in the show also has individual names for each head, each with a slightly different style (the goat following pony name conventions with the name Pumpkin Cake, the tiger following a slightly more violent version of pony name conventions with the name Sweetkill, and the Snake bluntly just being named Snakey). I tried to follow similar conventions for Apollo. I was most happy with the name Scales, because it followed the blunt snake naming convention while also sort of doubling as a scales of justice reference. Apollo is just a reference to Harvey’s nickname in some of the comics, and Honeybite is just for fun.

-His perfectly split coat is unique even among other chimeras, and as Apollo he was generally considered attractive and “exotic” by Equestrian media outlets.

-The temporary Cutie Mark application was done professionally. (Surely ponies have perfected this art, right? Like this has to be something pony society does and has services for, right? Ponies covering up embarrassing Cutie Marks, blank flanks covering up an embarrassing lack of a Curie Mark, Ponies getting Cutie Marks done for costumes, theater, movies, etc… you get it.) Apollo’s choice of a faux Cutie Mark is meant to serve as both a way of further integrating himself into pony society and a proclamation of his legal skills.

-Apollo was a genuinely great lawyer. Ponies on defense were often so preoccupied at the terror of having a lion and a snake silently stare them down that they wouldn’t realize it was actually the goat they should’ve really been afraid of until their entire case had already been ruthlessly torn to shreds.

3. Glider Gold (Gilda Gold)

Even prior to their relationship and subsequent engagement, Glider had long been Apollo’s closest friend and confidant. She saw the way his job and keeping up his image was tearing him apart long before the acid attack, and she deeply regrets not trying harder to get him the help he needed before it was too late. Multiple news outlets have been trying to get an interview with her and their efforts only increase every time Two-Face shows up in the news (despite Sundown’s efforts to dissuade them). She hasn’t been the same since the attack and Apollo’s disappearance, losing interest in her work and finding her friendship with Sundown heavily strained as they both feel the weight of Apollo’s absence.

Other notes:

-I wasn’t even going to draw Gilda originally because she’s such a minor character in Batman stuff but as I was writing out Apollo’s background she nudged her way back in. I like her too much.

-This version is based on her very first iteration where she was a sculptor. Her green coat is a reference to that version’s accompanying Two-Face (also his first iteration), who had green scarring.

- The choice for her to be a pegasus was mainly just to go with her silly name, but I do think being a pegasus would be beneficial to a sculptor. No ladder required to work on high details just fly up there.

-I am not immune to the bruce/harvey/gilda agenda

[itsphoenix0724]

If it hasn’t been requested can you do Azriel with peony, perhaps a masquerade where he meets someone of another courts nobility (perhaps she’s been hidden away) the mating bond snaps and he goes on a quest to learn who she is?

Peony (Azriel x Reader)

Warnings: none

Word Count: 2.2k

❀° Event Masterlist ❀°

A/N: Hello! Thank you so much for participating in my writing event! I'm really sorry it took so long to write I was very sick, but I hope everyone thinks it was worth the wait! I apologize if it's not the best it was written mostly in a fever-filled haze. Keep a look out for more stuff soon, and thank you all so much for your patience <3

You absolutely despised balls. Although, this was officially the first ball you’d actually been allowed to attend. You loved your court and your people wholeheartedly, but some of its traditions were ludicrously outdated. 

As tradition, you weren’t allowed into society until you were seventy-five. So until now, you had not been allowed at any court relations, balls, or celebrations. Being a Lady in the Spring Court wasn’t always the most exciting life. 

Applying one final coat of stain to your lips, you looked over yourself in the mirror. You had chosen a flowy gown in Spring’s signature pink, with falling petals cascading down the dress, and jewel-encrusted flowers had been woven through your hair. You hear a small rasping as you turn and look to see your brother standing in the doorway. 

“You look beautiful.” Tamlin steps into the room. He holds a small box in his hands and sends you a smile that you can see in the mirror. “It’s alright if you’re nervous.” You glare at your brother as he moves closer lifting a beautiful necklace out of the box in his hands. As Tamlin clasps the jewels around your neck, you move your hair out of the way. 

“I’m not nervous.” you admonish, Tamlin tips his head even though you can tell he doesn’t believe you.  The necklace is made of heavy pink sapphires, and you recognize it as one of the pieces from your mother's collection. You whip your head around at your brother who is still giving you a knowing look at your recollection. 

“She would’ve wanted you to have it, plus it matches your dress.” You laugh even though your eyes shine at the mention of your mother. Tamiln holds you at arm's length and looks over you once. “Be brave. Stay close to Luicen tonight. He’ll be here to pick you up shortly” He presses a kiss to the crown of your head and leaves the room. 

You secure the mask on your face and wait for Lucien to knock on your door. He arrives a few moments later dressed for the ball with a fox mask on his face and a matching grin on his lips. 

“Well, well, what do we have here? I truly believe I’m in the wrong room. The Lady of Spring is usually covered in mud and smells like a horse,” he looks around as if he’s lost and you can see him barely containing a laugh. Still, he offers you an arm and you take it, but not before smacking him on the shoulder. 

Lucien escorts you down to the ballroom and all of a sudden the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You catch sight of all the faelights in the room barely flickering for a second. Your companion doesn’t seem to sense anything, so you allow the courtier to continue to escort you into the ballroom. 

The first thing you notice is the sheer amount of people packed into the room. 

You’ve never been in a room with this many people before.

Lucien must notice the way your feet seem stuck to the floor. It’s almost like you’ve stepped into quicksand, the more you try to move forward the more you remain rooted to the floor. He waits patiently, rubbing soothing circles into the crook of your arm until you’re ready to advance further. 

“You can do this,” Lucien murmurs as you collect yourself before nodding and allowing him to lead you into the room. Two of the servants throw the doors into the ballroom open, and the sound hits you in the chest like a lightning strike. The notes of pianos and strings ricochet off of the opulent walls of the ballroom, and your heart matches the pace of the music. 

You want nothing more at that moment than to dance. 

Lucien, the good friend he is, senses your desire and takes you for a turn around the dance floor. Sweeping you into the thrall of the party, you and Lucien dance the night away. 

Although, you’ve had the most peculiar feeling all night. 

Something is watching you. Something is following you. You can sense it. A strange cold drift almost haunts you all night. It’s not a particularly bad thing. A tug on your wrist to avoid bumping into a waiter, an ever so slight lift of your skirts so you don’t trip on the dance floor, and a cool brush against the back of your neck when you get too hot. 

You think you can almost see it every once in a while, but all it is is a faint flickering of darkness that you chalk up to a trick of the candlelight. 

Eventually, you feel the flush start to creep up your cheeks and the heaving in your chest tells you that you need air before you collapse. You excuse yourself from Lucien and escape the ballroom to get some air outside. 

The strange feeling even seems to encourage this, almost tugging you into the starlit expanse of the gardens.

Away from the light, you can see it now, the dark tendril of smoke that’s been with you all night. It curls around your wrist like a snake and when you reach your other hand out to touch it leans into your touch like a cat. 

However, a moment later, it snaps away from you racing into the garden’s maze. 

You run after it, sprinting into the darkness to follow the shadow as it winds its way through the maze of hedges. It seems to have a clear destination in mind, never once stopping to consider a direction.

You’re out of breath and somewhere along the way you’ve abandoned your shoes to match the relentless pace, but you’re determined to see this through. 

It rounds one more corner when you see him standing in the maze’s center. 

When you crash into the middle his head snaps up to look at you. You’re panting, barefoot, and the bottom of your dress is completely caked with mud. You look after the shadow who curls around the man’s ear in a way that resembles whispering. From behind the black mask the male wears hazel eyes meet yours. Under the intensity of his gaze, you feel like you’ve been cornered by an apex predator. As the rest of the garden is blanketed in total darkness, more shadows rush around your feet. The male steps forward, heavy boots dragging on the gravel. They’re so at odds with the dress shoes the males of the Spring Court usually prefer. You’re entranced by the hand that reaches out to grab your own. 

He draws your hand to his lips and presses a warm kiss to the back of your knuckles. Heat rushes up the back of your spine, and that’s when you feel the golden thread snap into your soul. The male stumbles back from you, green-gold eyes widening in shock, as you feel a burst of shock from low in your chest. 

It is even more confusing when you realize the shock doesn’t even belong to you- it belongs to him. 

He opens his mouth to say something, anything, when you hear a call of your name followed by heavy footsteps. Just as Lucien and Tamlin round the corner to the center of the maze the male in front of you, your mate, has disappeared into the darkness. Dissolved like he wasn’t even standing there in the first place. 

“Sister! There you are,” Tamlin stands in front of you and grabs you by the shoulders shaking you back into your body. “Why are you out here? What happened to your dress? It's covered in mud!” He searches your eyes for an answer you’re in too much shock to give. 

“We found your shoes in the garden,” Lucien adds looking unimpressed at your bare feet. “I know you don’t quite have a grasp on ball etiquette yet, but running around barefoot usually isn't in the realm of appropriate.” 

“I was following a shadow! It led me here and there was a male-he disappeared right before you got here, and he-” You rub the place in your chest, the golden string still buzzing with life. The only proof that this wasn’t some figment of your imagination. Lucien and Tamlin exchange a look with each other before both of their heads turn to you. 

“Sister, there’s no one here. Perhaps you’ve caught a chill, or maybe all the excitement is overwhelming you. Let's get you to bed,” Tamlin loops your arm through his as he attempts to lead you back inside. 

“Tamlin, I am not crazy!” You plant your feet on the ground resisting the pull of your brother. 

“No”, Lucien adds holding up your shoes in one hand, “You’re just chasing shadows barefoot through the garden and talking to disappearing men.” Tamlin shoots Lucien a pointed look as he continues to lead you back to the manor. 

“Come on, we’re going inside.” with one final pull you follow your brother, knowing he won’t even listen to you until morning. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Azriel lands on the floor of Rhys’s office feeling like he’s been stabbed.

His shadows are going wild, writhing over every surface in the office screaming at him to go back to spring to get you. He doesn’t hear Rhys calling his name, doesn’t feel him until Rhys is on the floor in front of him shaking Azriel out of his daze. 

“Az, brother, are you alright? What happened in Spring?” It was supposed to be a routine visit, check to see what Tamlin was up to, and get back to the Night Court before dawn. His only rule was that he couldn’t be seen. He didn’t expect to find his mate in that garden.

He can’t even speak, the shock stealing away his voice as he reaches a hand out to Rhys collapsing the obsidian walls in his mind to let his brother in. 

“Rhys you have to help me find her.” His voice sounds grated. Something keeps tugging around his heart, pulling him back towards you. He doesn’t even know your name just that he needs to be near you again.

Rhys nods, looking over the memory again, trying to find any sort of clue as to who you were. Azriel tugs on the bond in his chest, trying to reassure himself that this was real.  

“I’ve seen that necklace somewhere before, let's check the library” Rhys helps his brother to his feet winnowing them into the winding library. “We’ll find her Az I promise.” He claps his brother on the shoulder as he begins his search. 

Rhys and Az spent the rest of the night pouring over tomes and tomes of jewels spanning across the entirety of Prythian. They found a mention of the necklace in the Summer Court, the entire court known for the beautiful gems it produces. They eventually found out it was a gift from Summer to be passed down to the Lady of Spring which only left them in more confusion. 

“Spring doesn’t have a Lady anymore.” Azriel’s frustration only grew. The longer he was away from you the more insane he felt. He always thought the myth about the need you felt for a mate was exaggerated, but now he knows it wasn’t a lie.  The only thing he can think of now is being near you again. 

Rhys wracks his brain for anything that could help his brother find his mate when he remembers his visits to Spring as a boy.

He recalls then, flashes of a girl hiding in the stairways of the Spring Manor, always trying to listen into the meetings between his father and Tamlin’s. He always saw you in the stables, tending gently to the horses. He assumed you were a child of one of the servants but what if…

“Azriel, I think there might be a Lady in the Spring Court.” He reaches out his hand to his brother to let him see the memories, and Azriel knows it’s you instantly, can feel the bond singing in his chest at the sight of you even in memory. “And I think I know where you can find her.” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You’re brushing the mane of your favorite horse, trying to ignore the call in your chest pulling you elsewhere, when you feel the brush of cold against your cheek. Your head snaps up, looking around you to find the source. You see the shadow coiling in the top corner of the barn before it shoots off again. Just like last time you play into its game of chase following the snaking path back into the maze. You keep up much better in your riding boots instead of your bare feet skidding on the gravel path. You find the male at the center again, this time both of you unmasked, taking each other in under the light of day. 

“Hi,” it’s the only thing you manage to choke out your soul begging to go to him. You suddenly feel insecure in your muddy boots and loose tunic, but the male is looking at you like you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. 

He dips his head offering you a small smile. 

“Hello, my name is Azriel.”

[pellelavellan]

@quiisquiliae from here

"There is always a lesser evil." The inquisitor insisted.

He expected backlash for the choices made at the masquerade ball from a number of people: his advisers, the people of Orlais, shit even people who weren't Orlesian. He'd done what he had to, and as far as he was concerned had done nothing he wasn't told to do. He was told to make a decision, and he did. The circumstances were not perfect, but he saw an opportunity fall in front of him and he took it.

He wasn't happy about cozying up to people who would certainly sell him for a crust of bread, doing them favors, smiling and thanking them for backhanded compliments. He hated every second of it. But that was the game had to be played. It was necessary to play people, get them to think he was on uninformed of their political squabble or they'd keep their mouths shut. If he knew anything about the sorts of people that wandered that ballroom, it was that they loved to talk about themselves, and thought their opinions and ambitions were the most interesting thing to be heard. So he let them think whatever they wanted if it got them babbling.

Truth was he had done his research, and he had actually hoped he might meet Briala at the ball. There were questions that needed answers. Some she could tell him herself and some her body language and inflections would tell for her.

He needed to know if somewhere down there she still cared for the Empress, or the Empress for her. He got that answer, and he used that information accordingly.

"I know what you must think. I acted with an agenda to impose. I manipulated two women who have no business together into forgiving each other, one of which as I see it has no right to forgiveness. I put in a precarious situation to prove a point, and used their affections for each other against them. But do you not think it is better this way for them to see that two people, and one who they would otherwise overlook can work together? Do you not see that men who will do anything to seize power are better off removed before they become a deeper problem?" He sighed. Talon wasn't really the person to argue this with.

It wasn't like Talon was deeply involved in the political turmoil that was the Orlesian court, or that he could perchance offer a better solution. He had asked a question, he hadn't accused him or anything.

"Listen, I don't know if I did the right thing. That's kind of the shitty part about all of this isn't it?" He was very stressed, visibly so. Pacing around the war room babbling all his concerns to no one in particular. The feelings he had were somewhere between anger and fear. Angry that he was certain some would see his actions as a threat, or a ploy to force his ideals onto an entire country, and afraid of the consequences those notions would create. "I don't think anyone knows really. We all just do things and hope they don't come back to bite us in the ass. This certainly will, and I know, I fucking know it will!"

[velarisnightsky444]

Scorched Shadows Part 6

Eris x AzrielsSister!Reader

Summary: Y/N is the younger sister of Azriel. She has shadows just like him, and is also a spymaster for Rhys. When she meets Eris, she initially hates him, but after a bargain is made between them, things begin heating up.

CW: Amarantha

Series Masterlist

Part 5 || Part 7

»»————-　♔　————-««

Year 4

"That mask makes you look so mysterious," Mor teased you as you got ready.

Amarantha was throwing a masquerade ball Under the Mountain. Rhys had no choice but to make an appearance, and you had insisted that you go with him. You didn't want him to be alone. Besides, he rarely let you go on dangerous missions. He usually left those to Azriel.

The only thing you were dreading was facing Eris Vanserra. While you knew he was invited, you weren't sure if he would attend. It had been two months since you saw him in the Summer Court. You hadn't felt that thread in your chest since.

This time, you wore a more classy gown than the one you had dressed in for the Autumn ball. It was still black, and it dipped low enough to reveal your cleavage. The skirt flowed out, reaching you ankles. You also wore sparkly, black heels.

Mor had curled your hair and left it loose over your shoulders. She'd done your makeup as well, smearing red lipstick on your lips. Plus, a black masquerade mask.

"The males will be all over you," Mor continued, grinning at you.

"I don't want any of them," you told her, rolling your eyes.

"A female, perhaps?" she grinned.

"Oh, hush," you pouted, glaring at her. She just laughed.

"Well, come on, Y/N," she insisted, hauling herself to her feet. "Rhys is waiting."

You had kept Rhys waiting for twenty minutes, now. But he was well aware you always took your time getting ready.

"Look who's finally ready," Cassian taunted as you and Mor finally emerged from your bedroom.

"You would understand if you put effort into your own appearance," Mor shot at him.

"It was good enough for you when we were seventeen," he reminded her. She stuck her tongue out at him.

Rhys was standing in the foyer, his hands in his pockets. He donned a black suit with a black undershirt. The jacket and pants were embroidered with stars.

"Are you ready, milady?" Rhys joked with a smile.

"I am," you confirmed with a nod.

"You look beautiful," he complimented.

"Thank you," you curtsied.

He bowed, kissing your hand, before rising again. You couldn't help but grin. Your brothers had always treated you like a princess, despite the fact that you were a bastard-born nobody. They made you feel like you were special.

Within a second, he winnowed the two of you away. You clutched onto him, your shadows surrounding you.

When the both of you had materialized, you were in a place so similar to the Hewn City.

You had heard the rumors that Amarantha had modeled this place after the Court of Nightmares. It seemed you were in a throne room, one almost identical to the one Rhys ruled in.

The room was crowded with High Fae and Lesser Fae alike, all in their finest clothes, wearing masks.

Your shadows whispered to you, warning you to be careful. You brushed them off.

You spotted Amarantha on her large throne, wearing a crimson dress that matched her long hair. Her lips were twisted in a smirk as she watched the crowd.

"I have business to attend to," Rhys said smoothly. "Stay safe. Don't wander off. Reach out to me if you need anything."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows. You went off by yourself, glancing around as you did so.

You strolled over to the refreshments, pouring yourself a glass of red wine. Most of the Fae around you were already drunk and stumbling around.

As you took a sip, you felt that abandoned string in your chest go taut. You were well aware that Eris had approached before your shadows told you.

"Mate," they whispered to you.

"I didn't take you for a red girl," you heard him muse.

"What?" you demanded, whirling on him with narrowed eyes.

"Your wine," he clarified with a raised brow. You glanced at the red wine in your hand, then at him.

He wore a golden undershirt, embroidered with autumn leaves. Over that, he had an emerald jacket and brown trousers. His short hair was combed neatly. And his face was adorned with a golden mask.

"You don't know anything about me," you mumbled, swirling your wine in the glass.

"It was just an assumption."

"Listen, if you want nothing to do with me, why don't you leave me alone?" you questioned, glaring up at him.

"Maybe I quite enjoy pissing you off," he grinned. You scoffed, rolling your eyes.

"Maybe you're just a prick," you corrected.

"Both can be true," he mused.

You wanted to snap--wanted to piss him off right back. But the sound fingers snapping distracted you.

Amarantha was situated on the platform, accompanied by all seven High Lords, each of them holding glasses of wine. Rhys had his gaze fixed on her, nothing but pure hatred in his eyes.

"I'd like to offer an apology to the youngest Vanserra," Amarantha crooned.

It had been said that this ball was her apology for carving Lucien Vanserra's eye out.

"We shall toast to him!" she commanded, raising her glass. The High Lords raised theirs as well before drinking deeply.

But you could tell that something had gone wrong the moment you saw Rhys's face.

The fierce power that normally radiated from the High Lords had diminished significantly. The night that glowed around Rhys was almost entirely gone.

Amarantha's red lips formed a grin as she gleamed with power that had not been there before.

Commotion broke out all through the room. Every single one of the High Lords seemed to realize that they had been robbed of their magic.

You met Rhys's eyes, but he shot you a warning look. One that told you to stay where you were.

Eris was already shoving through the crowd, likely to get to his father, but you didn't budge. You trusted Rhys.

"Welcome to my court," Amarantha smirked. "I am your Queen. Don't bother trying to leave."

Your eyes went wide, your mind going to your family. Azriel, Cassian, Mor, and Amren. What would you do without them?

Chaos broke loose, Fae shoving through the crowd. You grunted as you were shoved to the side. You clutched onto the table, holding yourself steady as everyone went wild.

"And, you, dear Tamlin--" Amarantha practically purred, dragging a finger down his chest. "Shall be my King."

Tamlin snarled, shoving her away from him. She stumbled just slightly, but quickly got her bearings.

"I would sooner take a human to my bed--I would sooner marry a human than touch you," Tamlin shot at her. "Even your sister preferred a human's company to yours. She chose Jurian over you."

Everyone in the room seemed to halt at that. You let go of the table, standing up straight. That was too far, and Tamlin was well aware of it.

"You're quite lucky I'm in a generous mood," she crooned. "So I'll give you chance to break the spell you're all under."

Tamlin spat in her face, but she only laughed, wiping it away with her sleeve.

"You have seven times seven years before I claim you," she stated. "If you want to break the curse, you only need to find a human girl willing to marry you. But not just any girl--a human with ice in her heart. A human willing to kill a faerie. And the faerie must be one of your men. And only if she kills him in an unprovoked attack. He must be killed for hatred alone--just as Jurian did to Clythia. So you may understand my sister's pain."

Tamlin could only glare at her. Without his power, he was defenseless.

"The Spring Court is free to leave," she announced. "The rest of you shall remain here."

You tried to meet Rhys's gaze again, but his was so focused on Amarantha.

She met his eyes, a smirk on her red lips. She kept eye contact with Rhys as she flung The Autumn Court power out--towards where the Court of Nightmares was gathered.

You could feel the heat on your face as the flames flew at the Court, hitting half of them. Half of Rhys's court. And she kept her eyes on him the entire time.

Shrieks echoed from the entire room, and you realized that you, too, were screaming as you watched hundreds of Fae burning to death. The scars on your hands seemed to ache, just as they always did when you were around flames.

They began to drop in fiery masses, their skin burning up until they were nothing but smoldered corpses.

Your shadows had gone quiet, and when you looked down, you realized that they were gone.

Rhys finally met your eyes, and you sent him a desperate expression. He shook his head at you just slightly.

You noticed Eris standing with his mother, his arm around her protectively. You were always surprised by how fiercely he protected her. Whenever you mentioned her, he got defensive.

"I still have a small portion of my power left," Rhys said into your mind. "I've secured Velaris. I've informed our family what happened. You need to lie low, Y/N. I will find you when I can."

"I'm scared," you admitted to him, eyes wide.

"I know," he said. "Just stay away from her until I can get to you, and you'll be fine."

»»————-　♔　————-««

Scorched Shadows Taglist: @the-sweet-psycho @hnyclover @lilyevansstudygroup @esposadomd@fxckmiup@lilah-asteria@a-court-of-mischief-and-madness@sourapplex

Eris Taglist:

Comment to be added to the Scorched Shadows or Eris taglists!

»»————-　♔　————-««

[honeybeefae]

enemies to lovers with Az 😩

Behind The Masks (Azriel x Reader)

BINGO: Enemies to Lovers

(This is the SFW version but I’m sure I’ll write a continuation of this for the NSFW prompt bc this was requested so much! If you want a part 2…I left it on a cliffhanger for a reason. *wink wink*. I hope you guys enjoy!!)

WARNINGS: Slight angst

“Does everyone have what they need?” Rhysand asked your group, looking at everyone individually as you all nodded. “I know this isn’t ideally how we would spend a weekend but it must be done.”

“I have no problem using my Saturday to dance with this beautiful woman.” Cassian grinned, tugging Nesta to his side who just rolled her eyes with a small smile. “Isn’t that right, Az?”

You grimaced when the Shadowsinger looked down at you with disdain. For whatever reason, despite your history of hating each other, Rhysand and Feyre had paired the two of you together for the Masquerade Ball tonight in the Court of Nightmares. 

Normally Mor would be taking your place but she was off doing something else so if you hadn’t coupled up, you both would’ve been the odd two out. It made sense logically but neither of you was very happy about it.

“Let’s just get tonight over with.” Azriel responded cooly, squaring his shoulders and gripping his mask tightly in his fists. You snorted, shaking your head in disbelief.

“Right because I’m the bad company.” You snarked, crossing your arms. Feyre gave you a sympathetic look but you avoided her gaze, motioning to the door. “Can we just leave?”

“Please.” Rhysand said, wanting to diffuse the tension as they winnowed. Cassian lifted Nesta into his arms and stepped outside, taking off into the night as you reluctantly did the same with Azriel. He barely looked at you as he followed suit, his jaw tight as you all headed to the mountain.

—--------------------------

The party was in full swing, everyone dawning masks of various shapes and colors, and you found yourself being spun around for the fifth time that night. Azriel had abandoned you as soon as the music started but you didn’t really care, choosing to enjoy the night as best as you could.

You drank and ate with Nesta, sneering at some of the court ladies who turned up their noses at you both. Desperation reeked off of them, just like the rest of the court, as they took every chance they could to grab for power or put others down. 

“Azriel isn’t keeping up with his part of the plan,” Nesta noted, sipping her wine while watching you frown. “Do you even know why he acts like this towards you? How long has this childish tantrum been going on?”

“Since we meet.” You replied, downing the rest of your glass. “I did something to piss him off, questioned his authority or some petty shit, and I guess that was the end of our relationship. Not that I care.”

“Mhm.” She nodded though she doubted you were telling the truth. “Maybe he wants something else, someone else if you catch my meaning.”

Your eyebrows rose as you gawked at her, shaking your head furiously. “Absolutely not. One, I’m not his type. Two, never in a million, billion years.”

“You’d be surprised how fast that time passes.” Nesta said coyly, placing her glass down and walking away before you could argue. You looked around once more, not even seeing the Shadowsinger, before reaching for another glass. 

A large, scarred hand stopped you before you could grab it. You scowled, following the arm until you were looking into the hazel eyes of a man you hated. “What are you doing?”

“I think you’ve had enough.” He stated lowly. “Surely you don’t want to make a spectacle of yourself. Though, now that I say that, I’m sure you would like the attention.”

Red, hot anger filled your veins at his casual insult, and you gave him a middle finger, spinning on your heel to go find somewhere else to be until he grabbed you roughly and spun you back into his arms.

Before you could blink he had you in the middle of the dance floor, your chest pressed against his while his hand rested on the small of your bare back. You struggled against him but that only made him tighten his grip. 

“You’re making a scene.” He whispered through gritted teeth, a black mask concealing half of his face. “Get it together.”

“Since when do you care?” You spat, not even hiding your distaste as you circled the ballroom. “I thought you wanted to get tonight over with. If I cause a scene surely that helps your problem with me.”

“I do not have a problem with you.” Azriel rolled his eyes. 

“Oh is that what a friendship is with you then? Brooding stares, snide comments, and constant patronizing?” You reply sarcastically, your own mask doing little to conceal your feelings. “Boy, I must be your best friend.”

“Are you always this insufferable? No wonder you haven’t bedded anyone in months.” He snarks, almost tripping over his own feet when you stopped suddenly. The other couples around you stopped as well, all of them eager to see what drama was unfolding, but you didn’t want to give them anything to use against you. 

“I hate you.” You swore, tears welling up in your eyes as you ripped your hands out of his grasp and stormed out of the ballroom, brushing off Nesta’s hand as she tried to stop you.

The air around you felt too hot, too heavy as you started running down the hallways while holding the skirts of your dress. Tears were freely flowing down your cheeks as you ripped off your masks, not caring that some people were staring and laughing at your misery. You didn’t stop running until you reached your room in the Court of Nightmares, slamming it shut behind you as hard as you could.

You went over to the mirror and looked at yourself, looked at the smeared mascara, and hated how he had gotten to you. All this time, after living with this for years, never once had you shown him how much the things he said affected you. It would only make things worse. 

And yet here you were, causing a dramatic scene in the worst place possible with the worst person possible. You truly were pathetic.

Knock. Knock.

Immediately you knew it was Azriel. Rhys had probably sent him for damage control, forcing him to swallow his pride to apologize. You refused to answer.

“I know you’re in there. Open the door.” His voice was cold.

Silence was all he got. You heard him shift his feet in frustration.

“If you don’t open the door I’ll break it open myself. For once just listen to me.” He huffed, though his tone turned soft towards the end. You walked over to the door and took a deep breath, staring at the engraved wood.

“Fuck off.” You replied sweetly, flipping off the door and turning to walk to the bathroom. There was barely enough time to wince when the door creaked under the weight of his shoulder before he barged in, a scowl settled deep on his face.

“I’m trying to talk to you.” He said while kicking the door back closed with the heel of his shoe. “Why do you have to be so stubborn?”

“Why can’t you seem to take a hint?” You jabbed, crossing your arms over your chest defensively. “I don’t want to talk to you. I know that might be hard for your tiny brain to comprehend but I think you got all your feelings out with that comment in the ballroom. Now, as I said earlier, fuck off.”

“Can’t take the heat?” Azriel taunted, stepping closer to you while ignoring everything you had just said. “I expected more resilience from you, more bite.”

You didn’t even think about it when your hand came up to slap him, gasping when his own hand wrapped around your wrist and stopped it inches from his face. You struggled to follow through, barely able to move his arm, as his smirk grew tenfold.

“Let. Me. Go.” You ordered, rage making the edges of your vision red. There was something else in the atmosphere, something that would be extremely dangerous if you gave it any attention. 

“Or what?”

You were chest to chest with him, your head tilted up to glare at him as he raised a mocking brow. The urge to wipe that stupid smirk off his face was growing like an inferno.

“You’re such a stupid, barbaric Illy-” You began to spit until his mouth crashed against yours, silencing the rest of your sentence as you stood there in shock. He immediately swiped his tongue along your lips and you didn’t fight him, didn’t breathe until you felt a fresh, hot wave of arousal swirl with your anger.

It was infuriating and intoxicating all at once. The answer to all your secret desires while also opening up questions to everything you once knew as the truth. You felt yourself spiraling and the only thing connecting you to reality was Azriel’s soft, hungry lips.

And you wanted more.

[turn-my-hollow-purple]

Things my Friends Have Said as FMA Characters

Ed: “‘You body slammed a girl?!’ YES AND I WAS PROUD OF IT!” 

Al: “I’m like a purse dog. I shake when I’m scared or cold”

Roy: “Who am I without my hair? I don’t have a personality. I don’t have friends.”

Riza: “ho-ho-homicide :)”

Winry: “I can explain it in court, that’s what matters”

Scar: “I’m cheering on the inside”

Lust: “I’m not normally into blondes, but satan might have turned me”

Olivier: “I want balls but I don’t want… emotional balls”

Ling Yao/greed: “yes, I’m digging the shin right now” 

Envy: “I’m only masquerading as a man”

[tashacee]

Hi!!! You’re one of my favorites authors and I just wanted to drop a question!

So in your Mask!Wild series, I’ve counted Time with masks, Wind with a Korok mask, and ofc Wild with a mask, are there any other masks in the chain I’m missing? Not for the masquerade ball at least?

HI LAWN YOU'RE SO NICE OMG

And HMMMMMM MASKS YOU SAY? Well look what we have here....

Building Trust

Legend glared from his seat. It was well past midnight and he knew that at least a little of his anxiety would be settled by rest. But... not all of it.

He looked up. Warriors, the only one left awake, was waiting for a response, and much as Legend wanted to bite back a cutting response he knew it wouldn't get him anywhere. But what to say? What was wrong? Nothing was wrong with Legend, it was just-

"It's Wild." he blurted all at once and then looked over at the closed door of the Champion's bedroom on instinct. Wars was looking at him in shock, so Legend hastened to explain. "I- i just. I don't know. I want to make him more comfortable and show him that I care. You know?"

He sighed and looked down at his hands again. "I... I don't know anything about wearing a mask. Hiding. I've always been... y'know. There. I used to be a pretty outgoing person and even now, i just... i don't know what to do. I don't ... know enough. About this."

For a long moment there was silence, and then-

“I… I had a mask once.” Warriors admitted quietly. He was fiddling with the edge of his scarf, staring determinately at the flagstone floor. The confident captain was gone - this was just warriors. Link. A young man who had been through more than anyone should.

“The… after the temple of souls I couldn’t take it. Didn’t want to go out. It always felt like she was watching me and it felt dirty. I started covering up. Big cloaks. Hats. Hoods. Wrapped my scarf round so it covered my face when I went out. Only my eyes were visible, the damn thing went up over my nose and everything. It was the middle of the summer too, I was sweltering and probably smelled pretty rancid but-“

He broke off with a laugh. “I just. I couldn’t take it any more. I didn’t want to be seen” He took in a shuddering breath and reached shakily for his water, sipping it slowly. He shook his head as he set it down.

“I bought the mask about a month after the temple. I wanted to wear it out but I knew the royal court would never accept it. The scarf up over my nose was one thing, but a full mask? Heh heh. They changed my name. My accent. I was already wearing the fancy ass rich boy mask they’d made me, they’d never accept that. But I wanted to. Hylia, I wanted to. I used to just. Stay in my room and stare at it. Trying to get up the courage to put it on.”

He laughed suddenly, shaking his head. “Then mask and the sailor found out. Little cretins. You ever tried explaining ‘body issues’ to a ten year old? He just looked at me and said ‘until you’ve been stuck as a tree, y’aint got issues’. And the little shit threw my mask in the fire. The gall of it!”

He paused, sighing. “I… still hid my face. In the scarf. For a long time after that. Took me going to therapy to sort it out. I- the thought of her seeing me, even after she was dead. It was a lot to handle. So yeah. I’ve… I’ve had experiences with masks.”

Legend stared. That was... a lot to take in. Like a lot. But he wasn't going to be sarcastic about it. Not with something so serious.

"What..." he cleared his throat. "What can I do to help then? Cause somehow i don't think throwing his mask in the fire is a good idea."

Wars snorted. "Fuck, no." he laughed and shook his head. "Time. Time and a safe space. And a metric shittonne of therapy, but somehow I don't think we can provide that."

Legend cracked a smile. "A safe space, huh? I think we can make that happen."

[fandoms-writings]

Masked Stranger

Pairing: knight!bucky barnes x queen!reader

Word Count: 1.7K

Summary: While attending a masquerade ball for Lord Starks birthday, your knight decides to surprise you. 

Warnings: fluff, like the teeniest bit of angst in the form of a secret relationship, implied smut, kissing, dancing. Do to the content of my blog being 18+, that applies here too. 

As always, thank you for reading! Comments, reblogs, and likes are all very much appreciated.

If you liked the story, please consider checking out my Ko-Fi

Series Masterlist || Bucky Masterlist || Main Masterpost

Bucky's relationship with you was still a secret to anyone not within your trusted circle, which is why when you were invited to Lord Stark's masquerade ball, he wasn't able to attend as your partner. 

He rode in your carriage with you, sitting next to you as you spoke to him about this ball and who all would be in attendance. When you reached the border, he climbed out and mounted Bandit, keeping up appearances to anyone you might run into on the road. He was to sleep in the barracks with the other knights when he wasn't on duty. And he was to watch over the ball from the sidelines, just like every other knight there. 

But he wasn't like every other knight.

He had the pleasure of knowing you. You'd dance with him when there were no visitors. The way you looked at him got his heart racing and had his armor feeling too warm. He knew the feeling of your lips on his skin, and he knew how your delicate skin felt under his own fingertips. 

He wished he could show it to the whole kingdom - show the world the love and adoration he held for you. But he understood why you wanted to keep it under wraps. As the queen, you were held to almost unfathomable standards by the lords and ladies in your court and loving him could put not only your station at risk, but you as well. 

So he would gladly sit in the corner of the ball room and watch you entertain Lord Stark and his court, even with the small pang of jealousy that rose in his chest. Your gaze always wandered, searching for him as you got spun around the room. And the second your eyes met, the jealousy would smolder and his heart would be wrapped in a gentle warmth as you sent a smile his way. 

But just because the two of you had social rules to adhere to, didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun. 

James had a plan, and he couldn't wait to see your reaction.

 All he needed was for Steve to relieve him of his watch before you grew too bored of dancing with the other nobles. 

~

It was hard to ignore how your hands itched to let go of Lord Stark while he droned on about the trade routes shared between the two of you. It wasn't anything personal against him, you just would rather have been in the hold of someone else. 

Your eyes filtered over the sea of bobbing heads, all dancing along to the musicians based at the top of the grand stairs. Following the line of the wall, disappointment filled your chest as James's familiar face seemed to disappear. You knew he wouldn't leave you unprotected, and that was proven when Steve's reassuring gaze met yours, but you just wished you could spend this moment with him instead. 

"Well," You looked back to Lord Stark, "It looks like the partner switch is coming up, so I wish for you to enjoy the rest of your evening and I look forward to discussing more with you tomorrow." 

You gave him a gentle smile, "As do I, Lord Stark. Enjoy your birthday." He thanked you before following the dance's partner change, twirling you off to the left as Lady Potts took your spot in his arms. 

A soft sigh left your lips as you readied for your next partner. Maybe you could try to find James, steal him for a walk through the courtyard. You'd have to ask Steve where he went, and you'd have to get yourself out of this never ending dance. 

You glanced across the room towards Steve, trying to find an opening in the large group of people dancing only to find you were stuck for now. With a sigh, you turned your attention from across the room to right in front of you and you felt your heart skip a beat as you stifled a gasp.  

In front of you was a tall man with a very familiar stature. The top half of his face was hidden behind a mask that was suspiciously matching yours in color. His brown locks were pulled into a low bun right above the collar of his surcoat. You tried not to furrow your brows, but he looked stunningly familiar and he made you feel at ease, even as he smiled and held out a hand to you. 

"May I, your grace?" His voice was soft as he waited, and as you rested your fingers in his, stepping closer, you were able to see his eyes. You knew those blue eyes. You knew that voice, that smile, the feeling of those fingers grasping yours. 

You gave James a small smile as you settled your right hand in his and your other rested on his shoulder, "You may." 

He gave you his signature smile before twirling you along to the music. Just like the two of you had done many times before in the comfort of your own throne room, he was an excellent dance partner, the slightest pressures from his hand guiding you along the marbled floor with ease. Sometimes, with how well he followed music, you wondered if he really had been a knight his whole life or if he had some secret life as a troubadour before coming to your palace all those years ago. 

You looked over to Steve when the two of you passed nearby and the smirk on his lips and the tip of his head told you this was planned all along. You smiled back, nodding your head in a slight bow as a thank you before turning your attention back to your so-called "stranger." 

"I don't believe I've had the honor of learning your name," You started, deciding to play along with his little charade. "Care to introduce yourself?" 

He beamed under your teasing gaze, spinning you away from him before pulling you right back.

"Buchanan," He muttered his middle name as he moved you through the sea of other dancers. 

"Buchanan, hm?" You grinned up at him with a raised brow, "I don't think I've heard of you before Buchanan." 

"Well isn't that a shame," His hand slid a little lower down your back as he guided you through another spin before pulling you back, flush to his chest. 

"Indeed," Your breath hitched at the closeness of his lips, mere inches from yours. 

"Would you like to take a walk, your grace?" His hand squoze yours as you nodded. 

"I would." 

~

"When did you plan this?" You asked in between your lips kissing his. 

You'd led him down a secluded hall, Steve standing at the entrance to keep anyone from entering. You told him to tell anyone who asked that you were handling some royal duties with someone from your court and were not to be disturbed. You'd undone your masks and they sat together on the stone windowsill next to you. 

"That's a secret," He spoke into the skin of your neck, his hands pulling you in by your waist. 

"I'm your queen, you aren't supposed to keep secrets from me," You weakly argued, trying not to get too lost in his touch, just in case someone snuck past Steve.  

"But wasn't the surprise lovely?" He asked before pulling away to look at you, his hand coming up to brush against your cheek before cupping it. 

Your brow raised at him as you leaned into his touch, pretending to have to think about it. "Hm," You bit your lip as you stared up at him, "I suppose it was, yes. But I did not show everyone my mask before we arrived, how did you know what color to choose?" 

"I may have had some assistance from Lady Yelena." Of course she would help him, you thought to yourself as you giggled. 

He grinned a cocky one at you and you were quick to remind him how you could get into trouble if he were caught. 

"Ah, but you are the queen, are you not? You get to make the rules." 

"Now, Buchanan," You tried to scold him, but it came out more as a laugh than anything, "You know that's not how it works." 

"Ah, but it should be," He smiled leaning down to capture your lips once more, "because then I could do this," He reached down, squeezing your rear and earning a squeak from you as he backed you into the pillar, "whenever, and wherever, I wanted." 

Looking up at him through your lashes, you couldn't help but giggle at his antics. It took some time to get him to be comfortable with you like this - to feel like he could do something like this - sneak into a royal ball as a guest and dance you silly. 

You welcomed the warmth that flooded your chest as his lips met yours again, his tongue sliding against yours. His words echoed in your head as his hands began to ruffle up the skirts of your dress. 

You're the queen, you get to make the rules. 

He chuckled as your skirts fell from his grasp. "These are much too heavy and there are too many layers for you to be comfortable, your grace." 

"Pain is beauty, my knight," You leaned up, pressing your lips to his cheek as he mumbled about how he just wanted to feel you before you had to leave the privacy of the hall. 

"Maybe if you behave the next couple days while I entertain Lord Stark," You started, pulling back to look him in the eyes, "I'll let you have your way with me in the carriage on the way home." 

He grinned at you, "Really?" 

You nodded as his earlier words rang through your head once again. 

He was right. You're the queen, you make the rules. 

He helped you tie your mask back on, and he turned, kneeling to let you assist him the same way. Your hands settled on his shoulders once it was tied, and as you placed a kiss upon the top of his head, you made up your mind. There would need to be a conversation before any changes were made, but you hoped he agreed with you. 

You didn't want to hide your lover anymore. 

[elucienweekofficial]

Elucien Fanfic Crossword Answer Key- Smut Day One

How did you do? It's our hope through this week of puzzles that folks are able to find an existing fanfiction that speaks to them! Consider these a small masterlist filled with recommendations from the community itself. Below you'll find every fanfiction recommended attached to the author who created it, added in the order they were submitted! Fics were also categorized to their best of our ability. Check them out below!

[Please check all tags before engaging!]

You Look Like Bad News by @the-lonelybarricade

I gotta have you, I gotta have you - Elain hated living next to Lucien Vanserra. Almost as much as she hated the girl he was fucking.

When You Move, I'm Moved by @ataraxiasflame

When Elain Archeron flees Nesta and Cassian's Mating Ceremony for a moment alone after an emotional experience, her mate follows her out of concern for what he feels through their bond, resulting in an evening neither had planned, but both had been wanting for ages.

I've been lost to you, sunlight (flew like a moth to you, sunlight) by @whatishowedyouinthedark

In all of her dreams, there is sunlight. That is the one constant in every single one Elain remembers after waking. And if there is no sunlight, she can still feel it beating against her skin in time with the heartbeat that has become a steady, comforting song in her mind. Sometimes it feels as if, when she dreams, she has woken from the sadness that is her reality into what should be her life.

-

or, the elucien breeding kink one :)

What We Wanted by @valamerys

Lucien’s first Fire Night as High Lord of the Spring Court puts he and Elain’s fledgling relationship in an awkward position.

The Fires Of Eventide by @animezinglife

A quiet evening. A secluded cottage in Spring.

Beasts Inside Us by @crazy-ache

“If you so much as spill a drop of her blood, I will gladly show you just what kind of beast I am. And you will find, once I’ve ripped your throat out with my bare hands, and burnt this manor and everyone inside to ash and bone, that I am something far, far worse than just a beast.”

While staying in the mortal lands with the Band of Exiles, Elain Archeron stumbles across a familiar face from her past. Only Graysen wants revenge. Her only hope is that her mate, Lucien Vanserra, can save her—in more ways than one.

About Damn Time by @strawbrerian-writes

Elain planned to have a quiet, cool day off. The universe took one look at her plans and said "bet."

They Say I Did Something Bad by @separatist-apologist

Then why's it feel so good?

Elain Archeron's fiance is a total stranger to her, though his family's reputation for cruelty and avarice is not. Dreading a lifetime with a cruel, cold man, Elain decides to have one last night of freedom. Attending an infamous masquerade ball, Elain meets a stranger who offers to show her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It's just one night of debauchery. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh, Lord Save Me by @separatist-apologist

“How come I never see you at confession?” he pressed. Elain almost screamed.

Lucien never saw her at confession because the phrase "forgive me father, for I have sinned," was the start of every filthy fantasy she’d ever had about him.

I'm Going Out Tonight by @separatist-apologist

He rolled his neck and Elain paused, drinking him in. Even with his red hair plastered to his face, sweat soaking through his thin band t-shirt, Lucien Vanserra was the hottest man she’d ever seen.

And bass players were so her type.

“What did you say?”

He grinned, resting a broad hand over his muscular chest. “I asked if you had a man.”

Her mind flashed an image of Graysen. Too busy with work and the woman he was sleeping with on the side. She was there to pretend she didn’t know about that, wasn’t she? Did Graysen ever answer that question honestly, besides?

Holding up her drink, Elain ran her tongue suggestively over the straw. Lucien’s smile sharpened, those russet eyes darkening with obvious want.

“I don’t remember.”

Sharp as Glass and Twice as Bright by @valamerys

When he speaks again, it’s a low rumble in his chest. “If you keep doing that, dove, neither of us is going to get any sleep.”

Heat coils in Elain’s stomach. “I’m not tired.”

[Elucien + classic THERE IS ONLY ONE BED WHAT DO.] [yes i just did one for each of my ships dont look at me im a monster]

End Game by @separatist-apologist

Lucien Vanserra has been in love with Elain Archeron for as long as he's known her. With time ticking down before her inevitable engagement to Graysen, Lucien only has one goal: convince her to be his

But Only If You Dare by @kingofsummer93

It all started innocently enough. A silly game, a drunken dare.

Except now Elain can't sleep.

And it's all because of him.

I'm Damned If I Do by @separatist-apologist

“Get it off your chest,” he told her dismissively, returning to his work.

Let her scream and yell. It would change nothing given Rhysand and Feyre were doing this purposefully to push them together. Had Elain guessed that, too? Had she decided he was the safer person to vent her rage into?

She strode into his office and, like a petulant brat, swept everything off his desk. Lucien glared, irritated with the mess she’d made—she’d inadvertently shattered a rather nice crystal vase he’d gotten from Dawn, wrecking the little blue plant within in her recklessness.

“By all means, get it off my desk as well,” he told her dryly. Her chest heaved in the pretty silver dress she wore, pressing her breasts up against the neckline. Lucien had to look at his hands to stop looking at her body, though she was closer than she'd ever been

Our Hearts Still Beat The Same by @zenkindoflove

"She stood on the bridge for a few minutes, hoping that the rain might wash away the seething anger and bottomless anguish that crackled under her skin. More, more, more, repeated again and again to a steady beat. His heart beat."

Elucien, Two-shot, Post-ACOSF. Part One is Cozy Tension. Part Two is all smut.

Can read this fic independent of the series. They are separate stories but connected by song inspirations.

Both Forever and Rather Die by @foundress0fnothing

Elain runs a sex cult. She’s looking for something new. Lucien is new.

save the date by @thelovelymadone

Elain Archeron has had a perfect life.

Prettiest girl in her grade, first sibling to be engaged and living thousands of miles away from home. But then, her then fiancé cheats on her at their engagement party after she cajoled her entire family to come thousand of miles for her engagement.

Now, after four years, she’s going to be brave. She’s going to go to her eldest sister’s wedding as the maid of honor and bring … a paid actor to be her boyfriend.

Despite the lingering trauma of her ex-boyfriend posting her phone number on Internet forums and refusal to share how her childhood crush broke her confidence at her engagement party—what could possibly go wrong?

Call Me Selfish, Call Me Wrecked by @crazy-ache

Like countless times before, they’re dangling Elain in front of him without a mention of her name. And for once, Lucien decides to selfishly take it. “I’ll marry her,” he pretends to investigate his nails, even if his heart is about to burst from his chest. “But only if she agrees to it as well. That’s my only condition.”

Elain agrees. Lucien learns the consequences of not shutting up.

A Dance In Winter by @animezinglife

While visiting the Winter Court leading up to Solstice, Elain and Lucien find some time alone.

talk refined by @temperedink

Newly mated Elain has pretty much adjusted to being fae after all this time. What she’s still hung up on? Being able to express things in the bedroom. Luckily, Lucien is totally willing to let her try that out on him.

[achaotichuman]

Marry Me

Tamlin Week Day Five (yes I know it is day 6, I didn't get time to upload yesterday) Today I decided to, you guessed it, write some Tamcien.

The prompt I am using is masquerade. Tamlin has been wanting to marry Lucien for two years now, and finally he is putting his plan into action.

Let's hope all goes smoothly for him.

You can read on Ao3 or below the cut!

Pen tucked behind golden curls. Tamlin read over the poem he had spent hours agonising over once again. 

Furrowing his brow, read it over another time, which quickly turned into a third, then a fourth, followed by a fifth. Not the longest poem he had ever written, but certainly not the shortest. A page of a babbling love confession, full of smooth compliments and hidden meanings about their time together. What it did to his heart. How it solely belonged to the person he was writing this for. 

“Okay.” Tamlin took a deep breath, finally happy with the result of his labour, he folded up and tucked the poem in a hidden pocket in his jacket, where the box of emerald velvet lay. 

What was harder than writing the poem, was finding the ring to go along with it. How does one shop for jewellery for the male that has ever accessory the world’s richest could ask for? It is incredibly difficult. And the decision took two years. 

Two years since Tamlin ultimately decided he was going to marry Lucien Vanserra. Two years and he was finally ready. 

At the first light that morning. When Lucien and Tamlin were tangled in a mess of limbs, sheets and… other things, Tamlin had looked up at the male as he opened his sleepy eyes. Scarlet hair frizzy, a piece stuck in his mouth, a sliver of drool dried on the corner of his mouth, and a bleary face. Tamlin had never felt more in love. He had tucked a lock of hair behind Lucien’s ear and kissed his head. Lucien had responded by tucking his face into Tamlin’s shoulder, strong arms around the High lord’s waist, pulling him in closer. 

Ever the dare-devil, that Lucien Vanserra had grinding up against him and in a second they were consumed with lazy love-making as the sun rose up behind them. 

In that sweet, slow moment. Tamlin knew it was finally the day. Even though he had already been planning this exact moment, on this exact day for months. He knew it was perfect, he had picked well. 

When they had finally dragged themselves from the comfort of their bed and the warmth of the other. Tamlin had dragged Andras into distracting Lucien for the day. Getting them to go off on a hunting ride and conveniently ‘get lost’. 

Bron and Hart, along with Alis and her gally of servants and maids were joining Tamlin in setting everything up. 

Ten hours of work later and Tamlin was oh so pleased with the result. 

Everyone was exhausted, but no tiredness could outweigh the excitement quivering in everyone. Tamlin stared at what they had all managed to create. A party unlike any other. A massive ball being thrown, a masquerade no less. Everyone from the Lords and Ladies to the field workers were dressed to the nines in their finery tonight. The Spring Court Manor had been transformed for the night into a wonderworld. Full of dim candle light. Soft, lovingly haunting music filling the air with sweet notes. The smell of roasts, berries and chocolate wafted through the air, mixing with the perfumes of hundreds of ladies in gowns, flowers riding up the sides of their skirts.

It was… not a traditional celebration of Spring. Any kind of traditional party often involved a lot of barefootedness and losing your skirts in a tree with a ravenous partner. Or dancing like you were fighting in a quick upbeat celebration while the bonfires roared, and people drank and danced. 

Whilst Tamlin preferred the more down and dirty parties, Lucien liked this. This more upstyle, classy celebration. It was what he came from, and what he always savoured and enjoyed. 

So Tamlin would give it to him. Tamlin would give anything to him. 

“Ready?” Alis asked. Adjusting her own golden mask. Tamlin swallowed hard as he fixed up his green and gold waistcoat. Adjusting the golden drop piercings in his ears, and fixing up his coat. 

“Yes. Where is Andras and Lucien?”

“Andras just convinced Lucien to winnow directly into their rooms.” Bron giggled as he ran up to join them. Hart quick on his talk, both shaking with their poorly contained laughs. The two troublemakers hardly being able to keep their glee to themselves. 

Alis rolled her eyes and quickly snapped at the two, “Well get into place. Announce to everyone to quiet down and dim the lights.”

They scurried off to do as told and Tamlin and Alis quickly headed for Lucien’s room. Tamlin shoving his mask into his pocket so as to not give Lucien a jump scare when he saw him.

Standing at the outside of their shared quarters, Tamlin gave Alis a sickened worried look. Before he could so much as ask about backing out, Alis smacked the back of his head. 

“You. Will. Be. Fine.” Alis hushed his thoughts. 

“I know but-” She smacked his head again. 

“Tamlin Kali Fairburn, stop backing out and get your man.” She told him. Before promptly knocking on the door for him and running back off to make sure everything was properly down. He nearly shouted after her for leaving him alone but before he could, Lucien opened the door, stood clad in only soft grey sleep pants. 

“Tamlin why are you knoc-” Lucien cut himself off as he looked Tamlin up and down, observing the fine clothes he wore. 

“Hello, handsome.” Lucien purred, a smirk slipping over his face, “Are we off to somewhere tonight?”

“We are actually.” Tamlin said, waves of nervousness coursing through him, it was a wonder his knees didn’t give out and he collapsed on the floor. 

Lucien cocked his head, “Oh? Where too then?”

“Out.” Tamlin answered with, “Somewhere nice.”

“A surprise then?” Lucien lifted a perfect red eyebrow as he crossed his arms, “No hints?”

“None at all.” Tamlin said, a smile starting to slip onto his own face. Lucien was just easy like that, so easy to talk to, so easy to be around. All over again, he was falling in love all over again. 

“One.” Lucien said, stepping forward and putting his hands on Tamlin’s chest, feeling up and up until those slender arms wrapped around his neck, “One hint.”

“It’s closer than you think.” Tamlin decided to say. Before putting both hands on Lucien’s waist, and leading him back into their room, “Now change my love.”

Lucien seemed to consider trying his luck at coercing Tamlin into telling him, but ultimately gave in and turned back towards their closet. 

Tamlin sat back on the edge of their bed, waiting for Lucien to dress. As anxiety still welled in his chest, so did something else. Excitement, pure excitement. God if, no when, he would only say when, when Lucien said yes, a new chapter began.

First the wedding which everyone would want to be involved with, that would take a lot longer than the engagement would. At least a decade before they finished tying to knot, but who was counting the years? They were immortal, they had forever. 

But after the wedding, what then? Obviously what they did now, and ruling their court as usual. Maybe one day a baby or two. Gods, what would they look like? A baby girl, or a baby boy, or maybe both, or just two of one. Who knew, Tamlin honestly didn’t care whether they were a boy or a girl, he would love them all the same. Maybe they would look like Lucien with his flowing crimson hair, darkened skin and flaming amber eyes. Or they would look like Tamlin, or a mix. Oh, a baby girl with scarlet curls and green eyes. Or a baby boy with golden hair and glowing amber eyes. 

“Tam?” Tamlin nearly startled as he looked up to see the light of his life standing dressed before him. In a suit of green and white. He picked out an outfit that complimented Tamlin’s perfectly. 

Tamlin smiled as he stood, walking over, he cupped Lucien’s beautiful face. Before kissing him oh so gently, “You’re beautiful.”

“I know.” Lucien smiled, “So are you.”

Tamlin grinned back, before his eyes quickly lit up and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gilded mask, in the shape of a fox’s face. He took Lucien’s hands and pressed the mask to him. 

“A mask?” Lucien questioned, scrunching up his nose. 

“Indeed.” Tamlin confirmed as he pulled out his own golden mask and set it on his face. Lucien watched him warily but did as told and put on the mask, taking a few seconds to adjust it before smiling up at Tamlin. 

“Ready?” Tamlin asked, offering his arm which Lucien quickly took.

“Of course, now show me what you’re hiding.” The fox demanded, Tamlin laughed as together they left the room and headed down the hall. 

Lucien kept trying to guess as they walked and Tamlin kept saying no. 

“The new restaurant is having some masquerade event?” 

“Nope.” That place was actually under renovations at the moment. 

“We’re going to the Summer Court for a celebration?”

“No.” As if Norstrus would ever even consider a masquerade. 

Lucien sighed, exhausting his options. A he tried to think of more, Tamlin led him down the labyrinth of stairs, before eventually standing before the closed doors of the ballroom. Lucien stared at him confused, tilting his head as he asked, “What are we doing here?”

Tamlin squeezed his hand, face burning, blood pumping, heartbeat pounding in his ears, as he whispered, “Surprise.”

Throwing the door open, the room erupted into cheers and applause. The music immediately turning back on and dancing beginning once again as if the sudden welcoming of Lucien into the party never happened. 

Lucie stared mouth agape at the scene practically cut from a book was beheld before him. He slowly looked over to Tamlin who was smiling sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“You did all this?” Lucien asked incredulously. 

“With some help.” Tamlin glanced over at Alis who was chaperoning Bron and Hart as they grabbed each other’s arms and swung themselves around and around in circles. 

“And you got Andras to distract me.” Lucien crossed his arms as he accused. 

As if summoned by his name alone, the wolf prowled up behind Lucien. Suddenly jumping out behind, causing Lucien to flinch slightly. Andras gave a grin to both of them, to which Lucien pushed his finger into the older male’s chest, “You got us lost on purpose.”

Andras just held up his rough hands, “I was given orders and I fulfilled them.”

Tamlin shrugged, as Lucien turned his fake furious eyes on him, “Oh so that was an order?”

“I said keep you out until nightfall by whatever means necessary, he’s the one that suggested getting lost in the woods.”

“It worked, did it not?” The brown-haired male leaned back on his heels, shoving his hands into his pockets. Lucien rolled his eyes and Tamlin had to hide his laugh behind his palm. 

“Go make doe-eyes at Alis, Andras, your work is done.” Tamlin clasped his shoulder, the older chuckled briefly. 

“Planning on it.” As he said the words he cast his eyes in the direction of where Alis was playing babysitter for the chaos twins who were getting dangerously close to a table of breakables. 

Andras told them to enjoy their evening before striding off to join Alis, and distract her from her work. 

“How long has that male been courting her?” Lucien asked as he watched Alis’ eyes light up as Andras neared. 

“Five hundred and fifty years.” Tamlin murmured, Lucien whistled low. 

It was no rare occurrence for a courtship, especially one not between mates, to last for centuries, the longest of history lasting millenia. Being Fae had it’s perks, living forever, basking in immortality and lacking the fear of death that mortals were instilled with led for people taking their sweet time in everything. 

Tamlin however, could not imagine waiting that long to finally put the ring burning in his pocket on Lucien’s finger. They had been courting for two hundred years, since Lucien came to Spring. A shorter courtship than Andras and Alis’, but not the shortest for a Faery. 

As the music in the air swirled and the people began to dance a heartbeat quicker, Tamlin looked over at Lucien. All beauty and dashing, charming face with sweet eyes, a soft flicker in that burning amber. His gaze sweeping over the work that had been made up for him. 

Tamlin cleared his throat and Lucien looked back at him. Holding out his hand, the High lord asked, “My Lord, may I have this dance?”

Slowly, the softest smile that the male could have ever bestowed to him appeared on Lucien’s face. He took his hand gracefully, murmuring, “You may.”

With what he was sure was the same smile echoed on his own features, Tamlin swept Lucien onto the dancefloor. And all of a sudden, it was just them in the world. Just Tamlin with his hands on Lucien’s waist, and in his hand. Lucien with his smile and body pressed against his. Tamlin and Lucien moving like fluid through the room to the heartbeat of the music, falling into sync with each other as they faded away from the rest of the world. Becoming a bubble of their own. 

Then the music began to slow, cutting them from the small world they had floated off too. Slowly the music came to an end, looking around they had found the centre of the ball. Standing in a circle made by the hundreds of people present. Tamlin held both of Lucien’s hands in his, as the red headed male looked around, confused as to why the music stopped and everyone was watching them. 

He furrowed his brow, and Tamlin finally took out the poem he had spent so long making sure was utterly perfect. Pulling it from his jacket pocket he felt his face burn from the people staring. But he forced himself to untangle his hands from Luciens as he unfolded the crisp white paper. 

“Lucien Vanserra-” Tamlin started, reading from the top, “You-”

He got no further, as there was the sound of glass shattering echoing through the otherwise silent ballroom. 

A series of gasps unfurled as Lucien and Tamlin whipped around to several glass tables knocked over and shattered on the ground. Bron and Hart, their hands bleeding, atop them. 

The four stared at each other. Bron and Hart too stupidly shocked to say anything besides stare like gaping dead fish. 

“Look out!” A scream echoed, all Tamlin heard was a faint ringing sound before Lucien was jumping atop him to drag him out of the way as the crystal and gold chandelier above crashed to the floor. 

Screaming broke out as people rushed from the shards of glass and metal. Lucien was still atop Tamlin, the High lord quickly scooped his lover up in his arms. Lucien wrapped his arms around Tamlin’s neck, breathing a repeated, ‘Thank god, thank god, thank god.’

Still shaking from the adrenaline, Lucien was only happy he had managed to shove Tamlin out of the way in time. Tamlin cradled the male close whilst plotting all the way he was going to torture Bron and Hart for this. By the time he looked back over to where they had been, they were long gone. But Tamlin had no doubts Alis had simply taken them. 

His thoughts were confirmed by Andras who ran up to him and said, “Alis had Bron and Hart tied to chairs and ready for a tongue lashing. You and him retire for the night, we’ll handle this.”

Tamlin could only nod as he held Lucien tighter and walked from the chaotic scene that had become the ballroom. 

Beginning to head up the stairs towards their quarters, Lucien then threaded his fingers through Tamlin’s hair and whispered, “Let's go somewhere away from here.”

The blond blinked quickly, “Are you sure?”

Lucien gave a sleepy smile, his eyes falling shut as he murmured, “Take me to the meadow.”

Even though every part of his body was screaming in shame from the disaster that just occured. Tamlin smiled at the request, obediently, they were engulfed in a cool breeze. Falling between the pockets of the world, before Tamlin’s feet touched the soft, soft grass of the meadow. Drenched in moonlight. He went down to his knees and laid Lucien out before him. 

The red head looked up and smiled, reaching out his hand, he cupped Tamlin’s cheek, “You did so well tonight.”

At once he drew back slightly, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “What do you mean? Everything was a disaster.”

Lucien shook his head, “No, you surprised me, with a beautiful gift. Gave me a wonderful dance. It was Bron and Hart’s stupidity that led to the abrupt end, and I don’t doubt after what Andras and Alis will say, that they’ll won’t do it again.”

“Those two don’t have two sticks to rub together.” Tamlin said deadpan, Lucien snorted. 

“No they don’t, dear.” Shuffling up, Lucien leaned back on his elbows, “So… what was tonight about?”

“Sorry?”

“What was tonight about?” Did Lucien’s eyes always sparkle like that in the moonlight? 

Curling inwards a little, Tamlin averted his eyes, not wanting to think about the cut off proposal at all, “Nothing, just… just a gift.”

“It sounded like you had something to say to me.” Lucien said, in that sly tone that told Tamlin he knew more than he was letting on. 

“Maybe I did.” Tamlin whispered so quietly. 

There was silence, as Tamlin’s heart roared in his ears until there was a faint ringing all around. Suddenly Tamlin felt warm fingers under his chin, guiding him to look up. He gave in and looked at Lucien, really looked at him. 

The male’s face was so soft, so sweet, looking so gorgeous in the moonlight. A blush spread over Tamlin’s skin, hot all over, his heart feeling like it might try to fly away. Everytime they ended up like this, just on the brink of closing the distance between their lips. Tamlin got the same butterflies in his stomach that he got when they first kissed. That never changed, never went away. 

“Tell me, Tam.” Lucien whispered in the space between them. 

It broke, all his resolve, all his care, all his shame and guilt, it all broke. 

“I love you.” Tamlin choked out, feeling like he was being strangled by the air around him, “I love you so much, you’re so sweet, and kind and caring. You love me so much, and you tell me everyday. I want to wake up with you next to me every morning. I want your face to be the last I see every night. I want to be by your side everyday. I want to kiss only you everyday. I want to be with you, only you, only ever you everyday. I want to have a wedding with you under the willow tree. I want to spend all my nights with you. I want to have kids with you. I want to grow into a bitter old man with only you.”

Lucien was smiling so wide, tears streaming, dripping down to his neck and soaking his collar. His hands moved to cup Tamlin’s face. Who hadn’t realised his tears were pouring from his eyes. 

“Marry me, Lucien.” Tamlin finally said, “Please, will you marry me?”

They were both shaking. Under the soft gaze of the silver above. In the quiet of the meadow. Surrounded by only the wildflowers, the breeze and the owls that swooped in and out of the surrounding forest. They were together, in their bubble, taking their time. 

Lucien leaned forward, brushing his lips against Tamlin’s throbbing pulse point. Breathing in the scent. Moving his hands to curl around Tamlin’s own. Moving that hot mouth up to his chin. Leaving a light kiss there, he travelled down again and nipped at his pulse point, kissing again, and again. Starting to map out his neck with his lips. 

The intimacy ran deep. Lucien was calming him down, at the same time fire was stoking in his core. The intensity was nearly too much for him. All these emotions. He was drowning in them. He couldn’t be happier about it. 

“Of course I will.” Lucien cried into his neck, tear of pure joy rolling down his face. “Yes I will marry you, Tamlin.”

Tamlin felt himself shaking all over. He quickly grabbed Lucien’s face and kissed him hard, unable to contain himself. Lucien wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him down on top of him. They both laughed like children as they rolled in the field of grass and wildflowers. 

Suddenly, Tamlin almost thanked Bron and Hart for their disruption. This was what he wanted. Lucien and him, carefree and unbothered. Under the starlit sky in the meadow. In the dirt and down with each other. 

“I love you.” Lucien whispered. 

“I love you.” Tamlin whispered back. 

@tamlinweek

[darcytaylor]

Who will be the lead of Bridgerton season 4? Benedict, Eloise or Francesca?

After watching Season 3 of Bridgerton and knowing that they have included some hints as to who would be the lead for season 4, I wanted to take a closer look and see if I could figure it out.

We know that when watching season 2 the last scene is what gave way to who would be the leads of season 3. Colin declaring he would never court Penelope (a scene that was somewhat taken from the book) cemented who it would be.

If you take a look at episode 8 of season 3 there are a few signs that point to it being Benedict, Eloise or Francesca. Damn you writers!

Meeting Michaela Stirling could mean that Francesca could take the lead. Introducing (what I would presume to be the Michael Stirling character) Michaela to prepare the audience for their love story.

I will say that I'm not too convinced that it will be Francesca's story next, but this could be a hint that they want to head in that direction.

Although, we have seen in the past (Eloise and Philip) introducing a character's love interest and not making them the next season.

Eloise's outfit stuck out to me when watching this scene because of the colour! And we know that Bridgerton likes to add colours as hints. It made me remember Colin's outfit in the epilogue of season 2.

While I think it has more to do with her reconciliation with Penelope - accepting the love of Penelope and Colin and also having a lasting loving friendship with Penelope.

It could also mean that she is ready to find love, being open to finding love, to want to find love.

Eloise going to Scotland would be the perfect opportunity for Eloise to start a correspondence with Philip and an opening to her being a lead in season 4.

But then we have this scene will Benedict and Tilly. Every season has the Bridgerton character or the love interest not wanting to settle down, but then the next person they meet it the one.

Which then brings us to this scene. The Masquerade Ball. Everyone who had read Benedict's book knows what happens at the Masquerade Ball.

It was this scene that made me confident that Benedict would be next.

BUT they could have the Masquerade Ball and have Benedict as a side character trying to find Sophie. This could actually make for a good sideline story for Benedict in the upcoming season. This would be when he does pick up his brush again (because he's painting her portrait out of memory and trying to find her).

So while I still do think that Benedict will be next, its still a toss-up!

Who do you think it will be?

[thelov3lybookworm]

Delusional

day 5: masquerade

Summary: First time visiting a masquerade ball.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: just some lil fluff for @tamlinweek hehe

enjoyy!!

"Are you enjoying the ball, lady?"

Y/n jumped, turning to find a handsome young man- she assumed he was handsome, considering half his face was covered by a mask- leaning against the wall.

"Um, yes, my lord. How about yourself, are you enjoying it?"

He grinned. "You could say that."

Y/n stared at him.

He stared back.

Y/n blinked.

He blinked back.

Y/n's mother had not warned her about how awkward small talk could get. She cursed inwardly, wondering what to say to break the silence when he spoke again.

"Is it your first time attending a party?"

Y/n sighed quietly, nodding as she felt her lashes brush against the mask she wore, a dark green satin with embroidered flowers and vines, pearls of different sizes woven into the soft material resting snugly on her features.

"Yes. my lord. Is it your first too?"

He pushed off from the wall. "Not really, no. Officially? Yes, its the fist time I'm attending a party."

"And how is that?"

"You see, no one really cares to see if the youngest son sleeps as instructed when an event takes place."

Y/n blinked, and then the realisation dawned upon her. "You- you're the high lord's youngest son!"

"Oh hush, be quiet. I had to shake off so many people and sneak around to get one breath of relief. You screaming will lure them back."

Y/n stared at him, her eyes wide.

She was talking to a possible heir of the spring court.

Oh mother, boil me.

Y/n could do nothing but watch as he glanced around, fixing his coat and then sighed. "So. This brings us back to the question I had in mind. Do you want to leave?"

Y/n did a double take, gaping. "I- leave?"

He flashed her a dashing smile. "Leave."

"I- I don't think that's a good idea my lord-"

"Don't worry, I wont bite." He winked. "Unless you want me to."

The faelight glinted off his slightly sharp canine, and a shiver wound its way down Y/n's spine. "I..."

"Its nowhere far, despite what I wish. We'll just go into the gardens and talk. Better than laughing at the everyone's unfunny jokes, don't you think? And you don't have to reveal your identity either! Keep your mask on, and I will never know if you don't want me to."

Y/n nodded hesitantly, worrying her lower lip as she glanced around.

Just before she was about to turn back to the High lord's son, her eyes met her mothers, and instead of reprimand in her eyes, all she saw was stern encouragement as she nodded her head towards the door.

Swallowing, Y/n gestured at the male- what was his name again? Terrance? Thomas?- to lead the way.

"So, you are..." He glanced at her hopefully as he walked next to her through the empty hallways, and she stared back indifferently.

"Rose."

He grinned, mischief in his eyes. "That's not your real name, is it?"

Y/n simply hummed, looking away from him to take in the massive hallways, filled with unnecessary expensive items.

He laughed. "Stubborn. I like it."

Y/n resisted the urge to roll her eyes, following him into the open air or the sweet smelling gardens.

The night passed quick as Y/n lost herself to the fragrance of roses and jasmine, and maybe also in the sound of his voice as it resonated deep in Y/n's being.

And maybe Y/n was mistaken, maybe she was delusional, but she could have sworn she saw him staring at her lips more than a couple of times.

She was just delusional.

Or was she?

The Mother was definitely laughing, knowing that son enough Y/n would be arranged to be married to him.

Acotar Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686 @cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1 @hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21 @mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @eve175 @starsinyourseyes @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @byyalady @lilah-asteria @girlswithimagination @gardenofrunar

[avalentina]

My newest fic, this one will most likely end up being published as a series. For now it is in my Harry Styles page on my Masterlist. I'm not sure how long it will be, and I'm still working on the story itself so it might be a bit before I post more, but the poll showed that about 2/3 of you wanted it now. So without further ado ...

Word count: 4,074

Warnings: bits of anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed; Robin Twist's death, grief; unnamed douchebags who want you for your money and title

Noble!Harry (Peerage!Harry) x Princess!Y/N

Note: This story features certain words in multiple languages mainly traditional Chinese, but I have put the English word or phrase in parentheses directly after the translated word or phrase.

Ex: Mǔqīn (Mother)

The Princess's Lover

Zero: Enchanted Love

(any and all pictures are not mine, all I do is collage them, pictures of Harry are a reference for his appearance during the specific moment, all other pictures are only for the purpose of an outfit/hairstyle/accessory, Y/N can look however you would like her to)

I remember the day as though it was just yesterday. Hard to believe it was closer to five years ago now.

(FLASHBACK)

I was at yet another ball, sometimes it feels like my parents, the King and Queen of MiraZhou, host one every week. I'm 19 year old Princess Y/N, the only girl to graduate from my private high school without ever being kissed. I've had a few offers for courtship, none of which I've accepted, all of them just a family's desperate attempt to increase their wealth, status, and favor in the eyes of my parents. I'm being the perfect princess, as I usually tend to be. I've never found anything I wanted to rebel for, I mean I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have more choice in my life, but I guess you could say I'm terrified to actually find out what that would really entail.

This ball tonight was a masquerade, not that it actually made a difference in my case, seeing as I’m stuck wearing a tiara. The one I'm wearing may be my second favorite tiara, and my favorite formal tiara, but it does a wonderful job at making it known exactly who I am. For that reason, I've actually been trying to avoid talking to anyone at tonight’s ball.

It’s not until I’m summoned to my parents’ side for the formal ‘thank you for hosting’ part of the night that my care for this particular event heightens. My family knows everyone in our court based on their voices alone. As a family of four gets to the front of the line. I recognize the voices as Duke Desmond, Duchess Anne, and Lady Gemma of Duchy Holmeshire, but it’s their son that I can’t say I’m familiar with. As they make their approach, I catch eyes with him, the soft green of them is mesmerizing, I feel as though I could get lost in them and just be happy.

“And I see Lord Harry has returned from University, Cambridge in England correct?” My father asks Lord Harry directly.

“Yes, your majesty, uh sir.” Lord Harry replies, fumbling his words slightly probably to do with being away for so long, but he has an english accent that he must’ve developed during his time abroad, and it definitely suits him well.

“It’s good to have you back in MiraZhou Lord Harry.” My mother says, offering him a gracious smile. “I don’t believe you’ve formally met Princess Y/N?” she adds.

“I have not, It’s a pleasure to formally meet you, your highness.” Harry says to me as we make eye contact again and he does another short bow.

I can’t help the wide smile that appears on my face as I return the introduction. “Likewise Lord Harry,” I say and offer him my hand to kiss. A gesture I don’t give out lightly, and you can tell that by the tiny gasp that slips out of my mother’s mouth before she stifles it, and the way Duchess Anne’s smile grows a tad bit wider.

As the Styles family of Holmeshire takes their leave so the next group of nobles can greet us, Harry and I caught eyes one more time and I mouthed silently ‘bye’ with yet another wide smile.

After the “thank you’s” were over, my mother and father turned to each other. I heard my mother tell my father, “I’ll invite them to the palace for dinner one day next week.” I smiled to myself and excused myself for a brief restroom break, that I spent staring at where Harry had kissed my hand, remembering the softness of his lips, and how I really hope he didn’t have any other potential matches. Harry and I didn’t get another chance to talk that night, but we always seemed to be catching each other’s eyes, even from across the large ballroom.

“Y/N, darling, the Duke and Duchess of Holmeshire will be joining us for dinner tomorrow night.” My mother said at breakfast that following Tuesday morning. My attention perked up at that.

“Are Lady Gemma and Lord Harry joining them?” I asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“Not this time, but they both will be joining their parents here for dinner on Thursday night.” She said with a smile that I returned. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up about a courtship dear. Tomorrow night will allow your father and I to find out about Lord Harry’s current status, and any potential matches he may already have.”

“I know Mǔqīn (Mother), thank you, and I apologize for my obvious reaction, I’ll work on those some more.” I say, apologizing.

“Xiǎo jiāhuo (little one), we're happy you're actually excited about a possible courtship. I saw the way you lit up that night, it reminded me of how happy the first few conversations I had with your mother made me. Which is why you, Lizabeth, and Helena will be having dinner in the slumber party suite you used to enjoy. That way we can shield you from whatever potential hurt there may possibly be.” Father adds to mother's comment.

“And darling, your expressions are wonderful, a princess should not be void of emotion, nor always show indifference, your emotion shows your honesty in that feeling and that is what makes you an amazing princess. Your manners and etiquette are exactly where they should be. True feeling is just as important as manners and etiquette. Now run along, you have classes to get to.” Mother finishes out our conversation. I love attending University, it's the only time I'm allowed to wear jogger pants and hoodies in public. With no makeup or tiara or heeled shoes. I am intentionally supposed to look unimportant, because it does help me blend in a little bit more and instead of eight guards I only have three, all dressed down to appear as students as well.

My midnight violet Lamborghini centenario topless with ‘gongzhu (princess)’ as the license plate is the closest resemblance to royalty I get. After my classes for the day are done, Creyton, who is my lead guard, and I head to my favorite nearby pizza truck for a slice each before we return to the palace. Our usual nearby chess table is taken today and when I look again, it's none other than Lord Harry and a friend of his playing while enjoying a slice as well.

I elect to take the table next to them which happens to be open. As Creyton and I begin our setup and start talking, Harry turns to me, having probably recognized my voice.

“Your highness, what brings you out into the city today?” He asks quietly, careful to avoid drawing attention to me. He turns to Creyton and offers a handshake.

“I attend university in the city, so classes, but my lead guard, Creyton here, and I usually stop for a slice or two and a few plays on a chessboard before heading back.” I say with a small smile.

“We really should be going Y/N.” Creyton comments, now that I've been ‘recognized’ we have to head straight back or risk breaking protocol, and I like having Creyton around too much to let him get fired for something as simple as a protocol violation.

“I'll see you at dinner on Thursday night H.” I say to him, not wanting to compromise his lunch either. With that I head back to my car. Creyton follows me closely and we met up with the other two members of my security team. They share a very brief ten to fifteen second report before we get into the cars and head back to the palace.

“Princess, you know you're not supposed to talk to anyone besides me during that time, and you're definitely not allowed to advertise my name and who I am.” Creyton says to me during the quiet drive back to the palace.

“I know, I'm sorry Creyton, I wasn't expecting Lord Harry to be there, let alone at our usual table. It won't happen again, and I fully understand any repercussions that arise.

Lizabeth and Helena were not the best of distraction that night. Especially considering all they talked about was Lord Harry's return from England, and how attractive he is.

“Ladies, please, his parents are downstairs having dinner with my parents.” I say aloud and both girls turn to me.

“He's here? Lord Harry is here? Y/N please you have to introduce us.” Lizabeth practically begs.

“He, is not here, just his parents, and I will consider introducing you after they find out if he's available for a match. And if he is, I've pretty much already got dibs, I hope. Did you two miss the candids of him kissing my hand and the wide, stupid smile on my face.”

“Oh my God, Y/N has a crush! It's about time.” Lizabeth squeals.

“And on that note, we promise to back off, but if he has any extremely attractive friends please promise to introduce us.” Helena states and I smile.

“I know he has at least one semi-attractive friend. But he definitely wasn't from here. His accent sounded way too Irish.” I said and they both just looked at me. “I’ll look into it, I promise, just not right now.” They both grumbled a bit, but agreed.

It was late Thursday morning when my mother and father both entered the study I use for my schoolwork. I have three different 20 page essays due next week so I decided to have one of the kitchen staff bring breakfast to my study. I just finished finalizing and submitting one, and was polishing the second when they knocked. I closed my laptop so I wouldn’t be distracted by my essay while they told me whatever it is they have to say.

“Look at you, working hard on your economics degree.” Father said, smiling proudly.

“But that’s not why we’re here Damien.” Mother interrupts before he can continue on that line of topic further. “We’re here because we thought you might want to know more about Lord Harry Styles before dinner tonight.” She continued.

“He is not currently courting anyone, and Duchess Anne mentioned that he asked her to help him get up to speed on where you’re at and what has been keeping you occupied lately.” Father said and I legit squealed. It felt like hundreds of thousands of butterflies were dancing in my stomach. “We figured that would be your reaction and wanted to make sure you had ample time to put your finest princess foot forward for dinner tonight. We’ve arranged a walk through the rose garden for the two of you before dinner starts. Lord Harry will be here at four, and dinner is at six.” He finished saying.

“So in girl terms, you might want to start getting ready now.” Mother added with a smile and I quickly excused myself and hugged them both before taking off towards my rooms at nearly a full sprint.

“Mel, Marie, Helga!” I hollered into the staff door from my entry room. Mel and Marie are my new ladies maids and Helga is assisting them in learning everything before she officially retires next month. The girls tie half of my hair up into a braid and a bun, and then curl the remaining pieces, I have a simple gold and diamond tiara, gold gladiator flats, and a one shoulder golden gown. I ended up on the gold because i knew it would reflect in the sun during our walk, and it’s also a color I’ve always loved wearing. Plus it’s proven to be a confidence booster, and I have a feeling i’m going to be in need of a lot of that tonight. Other than my title, I have no idea what I have going for me in regards to why I’d make a good match. Though I’d rather he like Y/N, rather than just Princess Y/N. I needed to be radiant tonight, for myself, although, who wouldn’t want to look golden?

At exactly 3:56 pm I make my way towards the main palace entrance, it’s a solid five minute walk from my rooms, and it usually takes guests anywhere between fifty and seventy-five seconds to go from the drive, up the stairs, and finally step inside the doors. Which means that if I timed this correctly he should be just stepping inside the doors as I step off the last step to get to the entry foyer.

I maintain my normal pace and arrive to the front entry in exactly five minutes. However when I get there, Harry is already waiting for me in a mostly black suit, a bit of gold on the shirt, and a black suede hat.

“My apologies Lord Harry, it took a bit longer to get ready than I had anticipated.” I said to him as soon as I had made my approach.

“Well, it was well worth the minute long wait, you look radiant your highness.” He says back with a bow. “Shall we?” He suggests and holds his arm out for me to take.

“You’ll have 12 feet of privacy.” My mother informs us as I take his arm and we depart. I wave a small goodbye to my mother and father before turning all of my focus onto my walk with Harry.

“You’re going to have to guide me, I’m afraid I have absolutely no idea where we’re supposed to be going.” He says with a small chuckle.

“I suppose, though getting lost does sometimes lead to finding something unique, fascinating, and totally unexpected. A left at the spiral hedge just up ahead.” I say.

“That’s true, it’s an adventure, that much is for sure.” He replies with a smile.

We walk in silence for a minute or so as we enter the rose garden. He pauses just before the first fountain.

“Why me?” He asks a few seconds after we stopped. He’s staring into my eyes and I can’t help but stare back. “My mum told me that you have a habit of turning down courtships, and being very selective about who you let kiss your hand, so why let me? I mean you could have your choice of princes from distant lands, lords with so much more wealth, and fame than myself, the male heirs of duchies that make mine look infintesimal.”

“I hope this isn’t awkward of me to say but to be honest, the first time we caught each other’s eyes, I felt like I could be lost in the soft green of them for eons and be happy for each second of that time. That’s not a feeling i’ve ever had before.” I say, he smiles and the way it lights up his entire being is pure magic. I can’t help but smile too. “It’s actually why I wore gold today, I knew I would struggle to say what I wanted to…”

“And you needed the confidence boost?” He finished my exact thought. I nodded and he smiled again. “Me too, I knew I would need it to even manage to say a word to you.” He continued as we started walking again. “I can't help but feel leagues below you.”

The conversation flowed so easily from there, it was one of the easiest conversations I've ever had. We talked about university, our degrees, our families, our childhoods, my dogs, our favorite books, movies, shows, anything and everything. As we approached the entrance again he paused one more time.

“I’d like to have another outing with you soon, and I also want to aopolgize for making you violate protocol in the park the other day.” He says to me, and I have never met someone who means everything so genuinely, who is so kind hearted, and it just feels almost right to be around him.

“I’d like that as well, and as far as the other day is concerned, that is my fault, I know not to engage with the public while undercover like that, I couldn’t stop myself though, because it was you and I wanted to have a conversation with you.” I say back, desperately hoping it’s not too much.

“May I?” he asks and begins to reach for my hand. I gladly let him take it and press his soft lips to it once again. I feel the blush rising in my cheeks, and I smile as he offers me his arm once again. We make our return in silence, just sharing smiles with each other.

Harry and I had about two outings each week for the next couple of months, but he still hadn’t asked for permission to court me. It was beginning to stress me out to the point where my parents took us down to one outing every other week. We would text in between, but I was still terrified that he would never ask me, that he didn’t see in me what I saw in him. The every other week outings turned into two outings over a three month period, the texts had stopped, and I was afraid that I was going to have to accept a courtship out of obligation rather than want. It might sound weird, but after almost seven months of knowing Lord Harry Styles, I was in love with him. I was in love with someone who didn’t even want to court me.

The Styles family joined us for dinner on a Monday night, and I was to tell Harry that a courtship was no longer an option, I was to be courting another Lord within the week. I was at least happy my parents agreed to let me tell him privately with a chaperone just twenty feet away.

When they arrived that night, something felt different between all of them, something had happened to them. I was dressed in a ruby red and gold Qipao with a gold plated ruby and diamond tiara, my hair was pulled back into a woven ponytail style with curls for volume. Harry was in all black except for his shoes which were a camel color, and his long hair was also pulled back. It was the first time I had seen it that way, and it was definitely doing something for me, no matter how much I wished it hadn’t. When he finally removed his sunglasses for dinner, I had initially wondered why he was wearing them in the first place, but I saw firsthand why, when he politely removed them before dinner. His normally bright, soft green eyes were slightly puffy, he had definitely been crying.

Dinner was terribly quiet, no one felt like talking, Harry seemed to be trying to avoid eye contact with me and it felt like everything was seriously ending. I excused myself for a few moments which I used to try and compose myself, what I was about to do was beginning to feel overwhelming and almost painful. As I went to make my return, Harry was already waiting for me in the rose parlor as my family called it. It looked out to the rose garden and the vases were filled with roses of all colors.

“Harry? Did something happen? Your entire family was quiet during dinner, it worries me.” I asked him quietly.

“Yes, I’m not sure how much you actually know, but my parents aren’t actually together. My mum maintained her title when they split just because of how loved she was by the people of Holmeshire, your parents actually had to approve it. I was only seven when they split, and have maintained a relationship with both of them, my mother moreso though. She has had two relationships since, one which none of us speak to anymore, and the other, Robin, he passed from cancer a little over three months ago. It was getting progressively worse and I just knew I needed to be there for my mum, which is why I stopped texting you, and why it was hard to find time to see you. You have to believe me when I say I wanted to see you, Robin was a good man, he made sure I had good values, and taught me that it’s actually ok for a man to cry.” Harry explains to me, I just sit and listen quietly, knowing he just needs to get all of this out. “My mum has been trying to slowly reconnect herself back to my father over the past six weeks and while it is definitely an adjustment for all of us, I want to start doing things for myself again, rather than just doing things for my family, I want to get back to spending more time with you.” He finishes speaking, and the tears I have been trying to force down, overflow.

“Harry, we can’t, my parents are expecting me to start pursuing other potential matches at tomorrow night’s ball. I’m supposed to tell you that,” I cry while trying to explain it all to him. Harry being the gentle and beautiful soul he is, uses his thumbs to wipe away my tears. I take a few deep breaths before continuing, “Harry I’m to tell you that courtship is no longer an option for us, I’m meant to tell you goodbye, and it breaks my heart to say that to you. I… I need to go.” I say and attempt to rush out but Harry stops me with one word, “wait.”

“Y/N it’s not tomorrow yet, let me try one thing.” He says and steps closer to me.

“Harry, we shouldn’t, I can’t, you can’t do anything Harry, our chaperone is right there, just twenty feet away, and my father…”

“Relax, I’m not going to do anything like that, I want to ask for permission to court you in front of everyone, tonight.” He says with a smile.

“I suppose it’s worth a try, I don’t want to say goodbye to you Har.” I say softly.

“Then it’s settled, and we’re doing this now.” He offers me his arm and I take it, hoping it won’t be the last time.

When we get back to the dinner parlor where everyone else is, still sitting in silence. Harry grabs their attention immediately.

“Excuse me your majesties, Princess Y/N has just informed me of everything, and it upsets me greatly, especially because with my family’s recent loss of Robin, I needed to take time to put them first, and put their well being above my own, even though I would have much rather been spending that time with her highness. Which is why since it’s not tomorrow yet, I’d like to ask you for your formal permission to begin a courtship with her highness Princess Y/N.” Harry announces.

“I suppose you are correct Lord Harry, it is not tomorrow yet, and I suppose…” my father begins, turning to look at my mother, who nods at him, before continuing. “I suppose that my wife and I can excuse your recent absence and forgive you for upsetting our daughter.” he wraps up.

“And as long as it’s what the Princess wants…” My mother picks up and looks at me, I nod eagerly, a wide, bright smile returning to my face for the first time in months.

“It is, it’s everything I want.” I say happily.

“Then you have our permission, and our blessing to court Princess Y/N.” My father announces. I’m just so happy that I was wrong about Harry not wanting me, I hug him. He’s surprised at first, but hugs me back almost immediately. It’s the best feeling in the entire world, to be in his strong arms, I'm impossibly happy.

“Okay, that’s long enough.” My mother says as my father wraps an arm around her waist.

“Sorry mother,” I say, breaking apart from Harry. He takes my hand and kisses the back of it though.

The conversation for the night livens up after that. Harry and I are allowed to sit next to each other on one of the couches. We’re holding both of each other’s hands and whispering to each other for the entire rest of the hour. Just before we go our separate ways for the night he whispers the best phrase in the entire world to me.

He simply says, “I love you,” squeezes my hands again, kisses them both, and heads towards the Velychnyy (Majestic) Suite.

Hope you enjoyed!

As a quick reminder as of 1/17/24, I'm still working on this story, I don't want to post any of it until I'm finished writing it (mostly potential format changes) so please be patient with me and let me know if you'd like to be tagged in future The Princess's Lover (TPL) posts by commenting below!

-Ava