#maely writes

[mae-i-scribble]

Summary:

Hope, Natsume has learned, is an infectious sort of emotion. It lingers in the back of his mind and in the depths of his chest, stubborn in ways he doesn’t know himself to be. The times he assumes it has long gone, that surely after this, there must be nothing of it left in him, he will see a mother holding the hand of her child, friends laughing in the summer sun, youkai doing small favors for each other, and suddenly that hope never left him to begin with. To him, that is what has kept him going all these years, from family to family. The little flame of hope that infests him. The belief that there is a future for someone like him, so estranged from human and spirit alike, torn in two.

Relationships:

Madara "Nyanko-sensei" & Natsume Takashi

Day 1 for @natsumeweek following the prompt Hopes/Curses. Just a little bit of introspection set in my au where Natsume doesn't meet the Fujiwara's.

[pinelohearts]

blinded.

•••

“𝙰 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚆𝚊𝚛 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝙰𝚣𝚊 𝚟𝚞𝚕𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚢 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚉𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚋, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝙰𝚣𝚊’𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙽𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑.”

•••

Pairing: Original Non-Binary Character/Original Female Character

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death

Notable Tags: war, angst, unhappy ending, romance

[hircines-hunter]

Hi I made a new OC bc my sister sent me a song and was finally inspired to make a Listener. This Maelie. Breton. Very good with dagger.

Currently, she’s Astrid and Arnbjorn’s girlfriend because I love them both. :3c

I will canon diverge and save Arnbjorn, but I don’t know if there is a way to save Astrid. I will definitely think on it.

[newengland-alligator]

Finally got my first JonMyles fic written! As I'm writing for Year of the OTP, I won't be posting it till February, but I'm pretty excited!

[maelisjournal]

[WIP] Seaside AU

Alethra looked up at Lulu, her concern growing from her friend’s hunched shoulders. “Hey, what’s going on Lulu?” she asked.

Lulu shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest in a protective gesture. “I’m sure it’s nothing, it’s just… Cait’s acting weird.”

“Weird how?”

Lulu shrugged again, growing more agitated. She started pacing around the room, needing an outlet for her anxious energy. “I don’t know, man. She’s just been acting off. It’s hard to describe. She’s forgetting things she usually doesn’t. She’s not interacting with the customers like usual. She-she isn’t as open with her affection like she usually is. I just -” she paused, taking her first deep breath since she entered Alethra’s home. “I’m worried about her.”

Vik stood from the table, bringing Lulu a cup of herbal tea which she took gratefully. “I understand how worried you must feel. What do you want us to do?” she asked kindly. Alethra nodded, smiling at Lulu in what she hoped was a reassuring way.

Lulu sipped the tea, thanking Vik quietly. “I would like you,” she looked at Alethra, “to help me investigate. You can separate yourself from this better than I can.”

Alethra nodded. “And you’re worried you’re too close to the situation. That you wouldn’t be able to make the right call.”

Vik looked between the two, a look of confusion and horror dawning on her face. “Wait, you’re not suggesting-”

Lulu put her hand up. “I don’t want to think about it either, but it’s a possibility. If Cait isn’t, well Cait, then I don’t want to be the one to -” She swallowed heavily. “I can’t be the one to take care of it.”

Alethra inhaled deeply and held it for a second. “Well, either way we’re not doing this alone. I’m calling in reinforcements.”

“Who did you have in mind?” Vik asked.

Lulu and Alethra looked at each other, a grim smile coming across Lulu’s face. “Carric, of course. And Kale and Morgana. Oh, and we can’t forget Elona.”

Alethra nodded. “Exactly. If we’re dealing with something that can steal the face of someone we care about, we’re gonna need people who have experience in the arcane. As much as I think Lulu and I could handle this ourselves, we’re definitely not equipped to investigate this as much as we should.”

Vik nodded. “I’ll get the ink and parchment.”

[lullaebies]

Hi I don't know if this has been done yet as one of your helaegon prompts but I was wondering how you'd feel about writing one about the aftermath of the coronation but Jahaerys, Jaehaera and Maelor escape their nursemaid to see the iron throne and their parents are in the throne room. You can do whatever you want with it I just think we need more helaegon and kids fics and especially more Maelor (who I love how you write).

When I first saw this prompt I thought - wow that's adorable! and then I thought about the scenario and it actually ended up really really loaded. So this ended up more angsty - but everyone in the family went through A LOT that day, so what can we do 😭 Hope you'll enjoy this regardless!

-

It looms, that throne of iron, fire, and blood.

The coronation is over, and so is the exhilaration of a crowd crying out their name. The throne room is devoid of people aside from him and Helaena. Aemond has left for Storm’s End, and Mother has gone with the maids to clear out her chambers so they could take their place in Maegor’s Holdfast.

 “These are the chambers of the reigning king and queen,” she told them. “I’m no longer fit to occupy them.”

And we do? The crown is on his head, heavy as stone. Too much so, almost, but perhaps that was because of the remaining shake of his bones from the encounter with that dragon earlier.

“There was a beast beneath the boards,” Helaena says again. “I told you.”

She doesn’t seem nearly as shaken. Because she knew, perhaps, he thinks to himself, but her hands hold each other together tightly regardless. She is wearing Mother’s crown now, and it is as if she has a crick in her neck, making her cast her eyes down.

“You knew,” he says with a hollowness in his voice. “I didn’t know a coronation will be held until I’ve been dragged to the keep,” he tells her. “King, and I have never known a thing for it.” He carries the conqueror’s name, the conqueror’s sword, and the conqueror’s crown, but he’s no conqueror. War will come soon, for all to know this true; his knees are weak, only thinking of it.

Helaena finally looks at him, but only in uncertainty. And why would she? The crowd that cheered for him is all dead.

“Father?” A high-pitched voice calls. Both he and Helaena quickly turn back to look at the entrance. Jaehaerys looks tentatively at them; behind him stand Jaehaera and Maelor, each holding one of his hands.

Helaena is the one that steps forward first. “Why are you alone? Where’s your nursemaid?”

“She kept telling us to stay in the rooms and didn’t tell us why,” Jaehaerys says. Jaehaera comes forward, against her mother’s dress.

“Maely couldn’t sleep.” She says. Maelor is hidden behind Jaehaerys as if his older brother is a shield; his face is only slightly peeking from Jaehaerys’s side. His one shown eye is glassy, twinkling for incoming tears. Maelor has never been afraid to sob; he cried the loudest of their children, so much so that even Aegon couldn’t help but try to stop him from tantrums.

“Did the beast get grandpa?” He asks shakily, so fearful. He wondered why his children were not afraid to look at their grandfather when he was all but a living corpse. But how could they choose not to? He was the king; he was their grandfather.

Helaena’s face whitens, as it does when the children take her blurts to their heart. She does not cry in front of him often, but he vividly remembers her sobbing when she scared them before like this. She lowers herself, holding Jaehaera as she speaks to them three. “Your grandsire found his rest during the night, my love,” she says. “He didn’t meet any beast.”

“Is it coming here?” Maelor asks again, curling into Jaehaerys further. Jaehaerys turns to him and holds his cheeks with his hands.

“It won’t,” he tells him. “I’ll kick it.”

Aegon feels hollow as a whole, now. His own son of seven declares himself his brother’s protector, courageous and brave. Why did he take up this mantle? He’s just a child. He shouldn’t have. Aegon shouldn’t have let him. And Aegon…

Bears the conqueror’s name, bears the conqueror’s crown, and bears the conqueror’s sword. Despite his flaws, is king; despite it all, their father.

He unsheathes Blackfyre, the sword sliding out in a metallic buzz to catch the attention of the room. “The beast left,” he finally says when their eyes are on him. “And if it comes back, I’ll slay it,” he says, trying to not let his voice waver. “Your grandsire left me this sword not for nothing.”

His children, and Helaena, stare at him. His Father left him nothing, that much he knows, but he will lie until what he speaks, too, becomes the truth. And despite his misgivings, despite everything, Maelor runs to his leg and holds it. His children gather around him.

Perhaps a crown is all convincing. The way Helaena looks at him, it seems they all only want to cling to hope. But this is a crowd he cannot let die. That is the one thing he does know.

[lyranova]

After reading @kalolasfantasyworld ‘s latest oneshot it kind of inspired me and made me want to write something fun and fluffy for my ships and next gen’s 😆! I’m already working on something for Zerilliam that’s a little steamy and fluffy 👀, but it won’t be out for a while 😅.

*Hikari does not belong to me, she belongs to @eme-eleff ! I just have permission to use her from time to time 🥰!

[theworldisafuckingbleak]

today my roommate dreamed of her bf marrying his ex and i dreamed of post rook's rest helaegon interaction where aegon is showing his burns to helaena for the first time, they're having a moment and “paas aaiye ke hum nahi aayenge baar baar” playing in the background

as you're the biggest post rook's rest helaegon interaction enthusiast i thought it's my duty to tell you about this🥹

AURPAAAAAAA

WHY WOULD YOU DREAM ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS???? AND WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL ME THIS???

Paas Aaiye Ki Hum Nahin Aaenge Baar-Baar (Come closer, because I will not be able to come to you again & again) Baahen Gale Mein Daal Ke Hum Ro Le Zaar-Zaar (Put your arms around me and let us cry out) Aankhon Se Phir Ye Pyaar Ki Barsaat Ho Na Ho (The rain of love in our eyes may or may not happen again) Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho (Maybe we’ll meet again in this life, maybe we won’t) Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho (Hug me, dear, God knows if this beautiful night will ever come again) Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho (Maybe we’ll meet again in this life, maybe we won’t) Lag Ja Gale Ae Ae (Embrace me, dear)

[ Imagine the day before fall of king’s landing helaegon reconciled, both of them shared their guilts, insecurities and comforted each other.

Helaena telling Aegon how she couldn’t save her son and named her other son to die, haera and maely might hate her for that. Then Aegon wiped her tears and assuring her that it’s none of her fault, she is the best mother who tried everything to save their children, haera and maely misses her a lot, they’d love to spend time with their mother.

Aegon saying sorry to her because he failed to protect them and he couldn’t even get revenge for Jaehaerys and now he’s nothing but useless with his injured body then helaena telling him that she’s proud of him, she removed the mask from his burnt face and softly kisses him.

They both promised each other that they’d try to do better for their children, they’d do everything to protect them. They could feel that the world around them is already shattered but they chose to ignore it and spent the time in each others arm ]

“Lag Ja Gale” sums up all of these feelings so well Aurpa!!

I’ve so many headcanons regarding post rook’s rest helaegon that if i were a writer i’d write a whole book only with all those headcanons istg:')

Now leave me alone i’m crying and don’t you ever dare to dream something like this let alone telling me about that dream and i’m not sorry for answering your ask after four days because you deserve this punishment i love you bye.

[sapphicsmaximoff]

the heir - daenerys targaryen x oc

Summary: when a descendant of the blackfyre name makes a deal with the true heir to the iron throne, she only wishes to kill the current king, not fall in love with a future queen

a/n: I have found a new hyperfixation, and this is a new asoiaf fic im writing on ao3

Pairing: daenerys targaryen x blackfyre oc

i ii iii

Daenerys never liked the life she came to live. She and Viserys were in exile. He spoke of taking back his rightful kingdom, and it was hard to hear him speak of her as nothing but a pawn. But one day, she felt a shift. It was when the Magister had introduced Viserys to a woman. Daenerys wasn't invited to listen to their conversation, but she was there, and she remembered her name.

Calla Blackfyre, second of her name.

She'd never seen Viserys so excited to hear the name. "She is one of us, Daenerys.." Daenerys didn't know much about the Blackfyres and their relation to the Targaryens except that they were said to have died decades ago.

"I know you seem skeptical of my origins, but my mother had me and my brother with Maelys Blackfyre before his death in the Stepstones."

"And who is your brother?"

"Daemon Blackfyre, fourth of his name. But he is no longer with us." Viserys nods, noting that yet again the male Blackfyre line ceases to exist.

"And why do you wish to fight for me, Calla?" Her eyes drift to Daenerys, who silently watches, and back to Viserys. "I wish to put Robert Baratheon's head on a spike." The man is so shocked by the answer that he smiles wildly, bursting out a laugh. He roughly pats her shoulder. "Great minds think alike. But I must inquire," Calla nods, watching his eyes drift to the sword.

He looks back up quickly and smiles wider. "Why do you hold such a grudge?"

"King Robert wishes to wipe us all out. I begged my mother as a child to let us have her name, but she refused. Despite my kinfolk, Daemon I, being a bastard, he believes we carry the spirit of the Dragon through our veins. My brother and I are bastards ourselves." Viserys hums.

"I know of a man with 100,000 men. An army that would crush the Baratheons and the Lannisters."

"Is that so?" Carra nods. "Khal Drogo, owes me."

"What will he bargain for?" The prince was desperate to make it back to King's Landing, and he will do anything to get there. No matter how desperate the way may be. Carra's eyes drift to Daenerys once more. "A wife." Viserys follows her gaze and looks back at Carra.

"Can I trust you?"

Not much more needed to be said when her leather-gloved hand shook his. Daenerys didn't appreciate being sold off in front of her, but it would take quite some time for this marriage to be arranged.

In the coming moons, Daenerys watched Carra. At night she'd look at the Narrow Sea, or simply sit anywhere and stare at the setting sun. One night, she became curious and went outside after her. "What is so compelling about the sunset that you wish to see it every night?" Carra didn't jump at the princess's soft tone, but smiled lightly and turns to look at her.

"When I was young, I lived in Winterfell. It's where my mother was born. She was visiting my grandmother when she met my father. Up until my 15th name day, I'd never seen the sun. It was either gloomy and wet, or snowy and wet." Daenerys chuckles, walking over. Carra scoots over so she can sit on the bench.

"I watch the sunset now because it brings me peace. Before I was told my birthright, I was a blacksmith in my younger years. That sounds insane, right? Six-year-old forges weapons fit for the Stark boys." She scoffs, looking back out to the sea. "Starks. If I were born Carra Tiren as I wished, my life would've been so simple."

"You don't know that."

"Oh, I do." She looks back over at her. "But you will never know. You are a Targaryen."

"And yet, you wield our weapon. Doesn't that make you a Targaryen, too? By default." She smiles, and Carra smiles back. "Blackfyre was wielded by Aegon the Conqueror and has been passed down for 200 years. It was hidden until my brother died at the hands of the King himself." The girl's hand drifts to Carra's knee.

"I'm sorry." Carra covers her hand with her own. "Don't be." She retracts it and leans back. "That oaf is paranoid. So convinced that even the bastard kin of a bastard would ever wish to rule."

"But I heard it was your birthright." Carra chuckles, nodding. "The Blackfyre Pretenders. Jaehaerys made sure that never continued." She sighs. "But enough politics. You asked me about my interest in the sunset?" She receives a nod in response.

"Well, when we moved to King's Landing, Daemon would climb onto the highest of buildings and watch it. We were there for my uncle, and there was nothing for us in Winterfell. We'd sneak into the brothels as we became grown."

"Brothels?" Daenerys smirks.

"We only watched. Daemon found a strange interest in larger women with humongous breasts." The girl beside her laughs. "My Gods, they were, just-" She chuckles, and the girl watches as Carra gains her mental image. "You'd be amazed."

"Would I?"

"Yeah." She pauses, a thought on her tongue. "God, I was knighted under my mother's name. Ser Carra Tiren."

"I thought you didn't use her name."

"We did, for a while. It was because of where we were. As I said, the oaf is quite paranoid. We were exposed as Maelys' children. My brother was no fighter, simply a butcher, and my mother helped my uncle with his tavern. They were executed, and I watched in disguise. "Anyone with the blood of a Targaryen, whether thick or thin, will die before me." He said. Takes the throne, and kills the ones who have the right to be on it. Spoken like a true king, a true usurper." The girl silently watches as Carra's eyes fall to the ground.

"Your family did not deserve to be executed, and it is not your fault." Carra clenches her jaw.

"He thought we would challenge. How? My brother was not fit to be king. He was no warrior—a skinny boy with bad eyes, and frail hands. I was taller and stronger, he was nothing but a sweet man. How could he look at him and think he'd even want to be on a throne? It should've been me."

"Carra-"

"I-When this is all over, and Viserys drives a sword through Robert's heart, I will live on a beach. Daemon wished to live on a beach."

"Maybe I could come with you." Carra scoffs playfully, and she looks at Daenerys. "You? The delicate flower? You'd leave your brother to be on your own?" The girl wanted to be offended, but Carra's smile was making it hard to.

"Yes! I am my person." Carra nods with a smirk. "Yeah, sure. But, I must warn you, princess, I am boring." Daenerys scoffs. "After all you've just told me, you think yourself boring spilling out your life story?" Carra shrugs.

"My brother had fun. He was handsome enough, so the young girls would fawn over him. He had friends and went to parties in the woods. I sat at home, and read. No boys liked me, although that never mattered much to me. Aside from my knighthood, I was pretty quiet, I had one friend."

"Well, tell me about them." Carra chuckles. "Her name was Alise. She was so smart, so cunning. We met when I first moved to King's Landing. I was ten, Daemon was twelve. One day a lord came and asked for me and my boss, Geron, to forge a sword fit for a warrior. For a fortnight we worked. He paid extra, and on breaks, while he spoke to Geron, Alise, and I played. We were friends until my family's execution. We saw each other one last time before I fled."

Although Carra didn't believe Daenerys to be completely idiotic, she just didn't want the princess to know of her dalliances. "I hear she is married to some pig in Casterly Rock." She turns toward Daenerys fully. "Why did you come out here? You should be asleep."

The blonde stares into Carra's brown eyes. "I don't know. I was curious as to why you spend your nights out here."

"Well, I'm glad. I've never told a stranger my life story." The girl smiles, holding Carra's hand in hers. "You are no longer a stranger, Carra. You are a friend."

"I don't have many of those."

[mae-i-scribble]

Summary:

“Seth, you’d better start explaining right now or else.” Lucy snaps, fisting her brother’s suit collar in one hand. Chise walks towards them, hands up appeasingly as she says, “Lucy, it’s okay-” Lucy glares at her friend, keeping her brother tight in her grip. “And you, what is this about being sold? Don’t tell me that my brother-” “Lucy, it’s not like that,” Seth says hurriedly. “I can’t say my hands are completely clean but any sales I make-” “So you did sell her,” she growls, jabbing an accusing finger in her brother’s chest. “Which means you’re not better than that thing back there. Some low-life, no good, rotten piece of-” “Lucy!” Chise’s sharp cry surprises her enough to let go of her brother, blinking as her friend gently places a hand on her arm. “Lucy it really wasn’t like that. I wanted to be auctioned.” “You…” Lucy doesn’t have anything to say to that, she’s too flabbergasted to snap a retort. Or: A day out leads to Lucy learning the unsavory truth behind how Chise knows her brother. She takes it about as well as expected.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

pls pls tell us how Mathye and Charlemend became friends I am DYING to know!

Mathye will request to work in the hardest-hit/poorer areas of Ishgard whenever he's back in the city. During the Firmament's reconstruction, he elected to work in Ser Vaindreau's Grace--just as Charlemend and Maelie joined. Maurilette thought it would be a good idea to assign Charlemend to Mathye as an assistant.

The two pretty much had been working off negative stories/connotations about the other--but Mathye getting to see Charlemend willing to get his hands dirty while Charlemend saw Mathye work first hand--went a long way in the two of them developing a mutual respect for one another, which then turned into friendship. It also helped they had a shared interest in Maelie's education, Mathye teaching Maelie basic healing (and by proxy Charlemend, who was teaching Maelie how to read and write).

[lilareviewsbooks]

June Rapid-Fire Reading Wrap-Up: 15 SFF/Romance Books

Hey guys! Happy June (boooo no more pride month!!)! Last month I read a whopping 15 books (do not ask me how) and so I thought I'd do a quick little monthly wrap up for you guys :)

Mortal Follies, by Alexis Hall

416 pages | 2.5 stars | WLW rep!

I reviewed this in my Queer Bridgerton Post, so I'll be brief! This one follows Maelys, as she finds out she's cursed by a magical entity and recruits a grumpy Ducchess to help her break it. The gimmick is that the whole story is narrated by a member of the fae, who has been exiled and is reminiscing on their Regency adventures!

I thought the gimmick was pretty cool, but the plot lost itself in the second half. The main conflict is resolved way too soon and it spirals from there. But I loved the first half and thought it had a strong point about women's bodily autonomy in Regency England. Since I loved the narrative voice so much, I think I'll continue with the series!

The Navigating Fox, by Christopher Rowe

160 pages | 4 stars | no queer rep on page

I'm finally getting back into novellas! I was excited to read this one: in a world where animals speak and act like humans, the world's only sentient fox begins a journey with a rag tag group to the doors of Hell...

I thought the premise was really interesting and so was the world-building. There's a lot to love here as it really does build a very interesting world that's immersive. But I thought the ending was rushed and that kinda soured it for me. Though overall, I would recommend!

Squire, by Nadia Shammas & Sara Alfageeh

305 pages | 2.5 stars | no queer rep on page

Squire is a graphic novel that I had started once in a bookstore and had really wanted to finish! We follow Aiza, who's part of a minority under Imperial rule, as she trains to achieve her dream of becoming a Knight.

The art for this is absolutely beautiful, and the themes are also very important and well thought-out, as you can clearly tell with the authors' reflections at the end of the book. But I found myself enjoying those more than the graphic novel itself. The TLDR is that I think the graphic novel does not communicate visually. Instead, it communicates via dialogue, which makes it all feel rushed. Plus, I feel like this could've been a book: although the art absolutely has its merits, nothing convinces me that this story had to be told in graphic novel format. In the end, I wasn't that impressed by the story-telling!

The Obelisk Gate, by N.K. Jemisin

410 pages | 4.5 stars | transfem side character!

Oh my God, The Obelisk Gate! This one is hard to review because it's the second book in the Broken Earth Trilogy. In the first book, we follow Essun, who has magical powers related to the Earth, and two other perspectives, as new "Season" begins, and the world turns desolate again.

This one picks up right where we left off, and I had a really good time! Jemisin's writing style is addicting, and I feel like I know Essun so intimately! It's definitely a middle book in the sense that I was only given more questions and didn't really get any answers, but I'm happy with that hahahah I'm halfway through the third book and loving it, as well! Highly recommend, especially for fans of The Locked Tomb!

The Memoirs of Lady Trent, by Marie Brennan (vols. 2 - 5)

350ish pages | 5 stars | genderqueer character in vol. 3!

The highlight of my month was definitely The Memoirs of Lady Trent! I listened to the audiobook of 4 volumes this month, and was absolutely addicted. The narration by Kate Reading is amazing!!

The series follows Isabella, who lives in a fantastical version of Victorian England, and rebels against societal implications by being obsessed with the study of dragons, and fucking off whenever possible to study them! Each book is one of her adventures, but they all culminate beautifully in the last volume with one hell of a reveal!

I couldn't pick a favorite, but it's between 2 and 3, and for a least favorite, I'd have to give it to book 4. But I had fun with all of them regardless, and was so charmed by the cast of characters! My only qualms were with the endings, which I always felt were a little rushed. But even that didn't hinder my excitement and my love for these books - they are amazing! Definitely new favorites!

(I have a more detailed review of book 2 here.)

The Justice of Kings, by Richard Swan

496 pages | 3.5 stars | no queer rep on page

Next up, The Justice of Kings! It follows Helena, the assistant to Sir Vonvalt, who is detective, judge and executioner of a sprawling Empire, as she and her boss uncover a conspiracy in a smalltown.

I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't what I expected. This is more of a mystery than anything else, and I was expecting a little more than that (not that there's anything wrong with mystery!). I also feel like the characters didn't really change from the beginning to the end of the book, and that the ending doesn't entice you into reading the second book. But I've heard great things about the second book, and so I'll be reading it this month for sure!

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, by K.J. Charles

331 pages | 4 stars | MLM main couple!

I also reviewed this one for the Queer Bridgerton Post, so I'll be brief once again! This one follows Gareth, who runs into his old lover when he comes to Romney Marsh to claim his inheritance from a father he didn't know - and ends up with a sister and a step-mother!

I really enjoyed this! It's very sweet! I thought Gareth's trauma was dealt with expertly, and that his love interest is very charming. The side plot deals with smuggling, so it's very exciting - if a little ridiculous at times! But I had fun regardless! Definitely recommend!

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics, by Olivia Waite

219 pages | 5 stars | WLW main couple!

Another one that I reviewed for the Queer Bridgerton Post! This was definitely my favorite of the bunch. It follows Lucy, an astronomer, who takes up residence with the Countess of Moth in order to translate a particularly tricky piece of French mathematics. It deals with the trials of women to get scientific and artistic recognition in Regency England, and also explores abusive relationships and other pressures put on women at the time.

Despite the heavy topics, it manages to stay very sweet and compelling! I found the discussion of embroidery in particular to be very refreshing and impactful - I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Highly recommend!

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, by Lex Croucher

416 pages | 4 stars | WLW and MLM main couples!

The last of the Queer Bridgerton Post books! This one takes place in medieval England, where the princess Gwen and her bethrothed Art find out they are very much gay - and hijincks ensue!

I thought this was witty and charming - but it's definitely take it or leave it when it comes to the humor. If it's not your style, put this down, because it won't stop hahaha But because of the humor, I was having a lot of fun, and so ended up rating it highly even though I see plenty of flaws. In specific, I think the romances are barely developed - it's more the friendships that end up being the focus. And the ending... It's quite bad. Atrocious, even. I couldn't get specific without spoilers, sorry, but it didn't really ruin it for me. I still would recommend!

The Eye of the World, by Robert Jordan

864 pages | 3 stars | no queer rep on page

This month I also began my Wheel of Time journey, by reading The Eye of the World. To be honest, guys, this read like a gigantic, 800-page prologue to something. Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy it! I did! But I couldn't really tell you where we're going - which honestly, is fine. This series has 13 books, after all.

I'm excited to continue! I've heard things pick up in the second book and so I'll definitely pick it up this month. But this was a little too slow for me, which is why I gave it a 3! I still had fun though! And I'll definitely do a more in-depth review in the future!

The Fireborne Blade, by Charlotte Bond

176 pages | 2.5 stars | WLW rep!

I was very excited to read The Fireborne Blade! It follows a female knight as she ventures into the cavern of a dragon with her squire, which is quite an exciting premise for me! But I found the writing to be too tell-y instead of show-y, and even though the world was awesome, this made me feel less immersed. The twists are also no properly established beforehand, which makes them all come out of nowhere, making the story very weak. Unfortunately I just didn't enjoy myself too much :(

Half A Soul, by Olivia Atwater

304 pages | 4 stars | no queer rep on page!

Listen, I was only going to read this because the third book is sapphic, but I ended up falling in love! I was so pleasantly surprised! This story follows Dora, who was cursed as a child to only have half a soul, and struggles with social cues and her emotions because of this. When her beloved cousin decides to spend the season in London, in search of a husband, Dora trails along, and is soon dropped into a world of magic!

Although intellectually I know the romance is underdeveloped and the social critique is rather lukewarm, I found this to be so charming that I couldn't put it down. It's absolutely delightful and makes you feel warm inside! Dora and her love interest are very sweet together, and it's excellent to see representation for autistic people done so well - and magically! However, I will say I thought the epilogue kind of ruined it. I felt it was absolutely unnecessary!

Regardless, I highly, highly recommend!

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

A bunch of books this time hahaha but thank you for sticking with me :) I'm excited for what next month brings and would love to hear from you! What did you read this month? Any stand-outs?

[supeskenobi]

Some thoughts about Episode Nine of HotD:

I've seen both praise and critique for the latest episode of HotD, an whilst it is by no means my favourite episode of the season (probably second least), I vehemently disagree with the notion that it is anything like the latter seasons of Game of Thrones:

I've seen people question Alicent's hesitancy to make Aegon King, despite the fact that two episodes ago she was all for it. In the period of time between these episodes, we have learnt (and Alicent has) that Aegon is a whorehomgering, alcoholic, r@pist, nonce. Why would she want him to be King? However, her being at Viserys' deathbed and hearing his "last words" about "the Prince Who Was Promised" and her misconstruing it to mean her son Aegon, and not the Conqueror, helps to justify the decision in her mind, as she believes her husband had a change of heart; and she is merely acting on his wishes. She was only outraged when she learned that the council had been conspiring against her husband's decision, which I doubt she could've foreseen. Her father? Yes. The whole council minus "Beesbury the GOAT"? No.

The other big moment (aside from Quentin "Clubfoot" Strong) was Rhaenys' escape on Maelys. I've seen people cry that she killed the commonfolk, and yeah that's not great, but it's almost as if GRRM has been writing about the effect war has on regular people for decades. In 'A Game of Thrones', Varys says to Ned "Why is it always the innocents who suffer most, when you high lords play your game of thrones?” During the 'War of the Five Kings" countless smallfolk die due to Tywin Lannister's scorched Earth policy. A war that he was fighting to keep his grandson, an illegitimate, bastard born of incest as King. The Dance of the Dragons saw tens of thousands of smallfolk die. It's just an element of the story and always has been.

Another moment within that scene, is why didn't Rhaenys just kill "The Greens"? Look, this is not her war. It never has been. However by aligning her House to Rhaenerya's cause in the last episode, she has become a part of it. Yes she could've killed them all and saved everyone a hell of a time, but why draw first blood? If you want to show that your side aren't the bad guys (and don't give me any of that "don't kill smallfolk" bs, this is war, people die), you wait for them to strike first. Put the fear of God (or in this universes case the Gods) into them. Make them look the aggressors, that way your side looks like the lesser of two evils.

It also plays into another theme of the books. Mercy. Daeron II Taragaryen showed mercy to his bastard half brother, Daemon Blackfyre, married him off to a Tyroshi noblewoman, gave him some land and a keep. But Daemon rose in rebellion and triggered the 'First Blackfyre Rebellion). Years later, Aerys I Targaryen showed mercy to Aegor Rivers aka Bittersteel, after the "Third Blackfyre Rebellion" and had him sent to the Wall. However Bittersteel fled East, allowing him to plan the "Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion". In 'A Game of Thrones', Ned shows mercy to Cersei and her children, instead of having them arrested or murdered. His mercy, killed him and helped to kickstart the "War of the Five Kings". In the world of ASOIAF, showing mercy comes with great consequences, and obviously Rhaeneys mercy will do just that in the 'Dance of the Dragons'.

I'll admit, maybe these elements could've been handled better and executed better; but to say that any of this is anything at all like S5-8 Game of Thrones is ridiculous. If anything it's like Game of Thrones Episode 10 of Season Four. Some silliness, but still a good episode of television.

[monomatica]

Review : Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️���� 4.5 Stars

I really loved this book. I’m a big fan of all the different genres that Alexis Hall writes in because they all have the same unique voice, amazing characters, wicked sense of humor and interesting word play that I am always delighted by. Mortal Follies has it all.

This book is billed as Queer Fantasy Bridgerton, and that is exactly what it is, but it’s also a story where A Midsummer Night’s Dream is canon creating a world full of goddesses, fairies, witches, magic waters and sorcerers and it’s great fun. Hall plays with Regency language in that the characters have polite etiquette, but the things that are happening around them and to them are extremely wild and it makes for a fun juxtaposition. Being queer is accepted in this world and all the women are strong-willed and marriage is not their goal. The Duke of Annadale is a woman and she and Miss Mitchelmore have to remove a curse (or two) together which brings about a lot of magical hijinks and leads to a sapphic romance. It’s both creative and refreshing.

Puck, a Hobgoblin, is the narrator and is so sassy and sarcastic I adored him. He plays the role of a Lady Whistledown where he is bound to tell us stories of all the hottest gossip that he witnesses first hand. We don’t learn what he did to deserve this fate, but it is a very clever device in the book. He interrupts the story to talk directly to us the reader to explain things and it’s super fun. Hall seems to delight in writing in Puck’s voice. I giggled along with everything he says.

There were so many things that reminded me of Bridgerton: the MCs bicker, but are attracted to eachother and won’t admit it (Anthony & Kate), someone falls into the water (Anthony), Maelys is super horny (Daphne), stubborn and tenacious (show Eloise), the Duke of Annadale is a brooding Duke (Anthony) and Maelys’s best friend Lizzie is a pure romantic dreamer (Benedict). Of course Puck is Lady Whistledown, telling stories of things they witness (Penelope).

If you are a fan of Bridgerton, fantasy romance and/or A Midsummer Night’s Dream you will love this book.

•• Thanks to NetGalley & DelRey for the ARC ••

[pridepages]

eARC Review: Mortal Follies

A HUGE thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:  It is the year 1814 and life for a young lady of good breeding has many difficulties. There are balls to attend, fashions to follow, marriages to consider and, of course, the tiny complication of existing in a world swarming with fairy spirits, interfering deities, and actual straight-up sorcerers.  Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into high society hindered by an irritating curse. However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, Miss Mitchelmore must seek out aid, even if it means mixing with undesirable company. And there are few less desirable than Lady Georgianna Landrake—a brooding, alluring young woman sardonically nicknamed “the Duke of Annadale”—who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune. If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress. Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.  But Miss Mitchelmore’s reputation is not the only thing at risk in spending time with her new ally. For the rumoured witch has her own secrets that may prove dangerous to Miss Mitchelmore’s heart—not to mention her life.

RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2023

See my full review under the cut!

Alexis Hall is back in the Regency, but this time it’s sapphics and sorcery! Fans of Hall, Austen, and Shakespeare will find something to love in this book.

Fans of A Lady for a Duke will appreciate how effortlessly Hall writes for the era in a style that is both credible but still readable. But be forewarned that this is decidedly a fantasy novel. All the action--and there is a lot--revolves around the magical lore. And there’s plenty of it! Luckily, we have a guide in our surprise narrator. Hall’s choice to have the story told by someone who (for the most part) is only an observer to the action rather than a party to it is bold. It gives the reader a wider perspective on events as well as providing some convenient deus ex plot device when required in an entertaining way. But it does create some narrative problems: the fame story is intriguing, but never really developed. Once the happily ever after is achieved, the narrator abandons our heroes. Consequently, the ending feels somewhat rushed and leaves a dissatisfied aftertaste.

Still, I wish there weren’t a ban on sharing snippets because Hall’s writing is packed with notable and quotable lines! And readers will positively adore the characters. I have been desperately waiting to see Hall turn their hands to a sapphic love match, and this one did not disappoint! Fans of Elizabeth and Darcy (or even Daphne and Simon) will find worthy successors in Maelys and Georgiana. But of the whole cast, I have to say that my heart belongs to the adorable ray of sunshine that is Lysistrata Bickle, who gives us a metaphor to say gay rights on par with David Rose’s now ubiquitous ‘I like the wine not the label.’ (Let’s just say I’ll never hear ‘make up the numbers’ the same way again!)

And that’s the real pleasure in a Hall novel. These books are pure queer joy. In these pages, gay people have gods to thwart and curses to break...but homophobia isn’t one of them. Here, queerness is only a source of self-discovery and growth instead of being the source of conflict. Whether they are fighting rogues, baking cakes, or dabbling in the occult, Hall characters are fully realized people and heroes not because of their queerness, but alongside it. And that’s the real magic.  

[lyranova]

Children of the Future: Shadows of the Past

Chapter 3: No Rest for the Wicked

Hiya guys! So here’s chapter 3, I’m really enjoying this series so far and I hope you are too! I’ll try and get back on my other one’s shortly since I’m starting to miss them a bit (I also need to get back on writing requests 😭!) but I do apologize if this chapter is written funny or if there’s a lot of typos or anything, I’m having to write on a computer due to my hands and I’m not used to it. Also Corduroy and Chenille belong to my mutual @hybridanafrost and I thank her for allowing me to use them 🥰! I hope you all enjoy~!

Word Count: 3,263

Warnings: None

———

Later That Same Day

Yami silently flew to the Hideout. His mind just kept going back to the memory of William coughing in the hallway and looking pale. They both knew he was lying when he said he was fine, or that he would be fine. But Yami hadn’t wanted to call him out on it, William needed time to accept it himself and tell his son just how sick he really was and he was going to give his old friend that. Yami sighed and rana hand over his tired face, how he wished he hadn’t quit smoking right now.

He finally landed outside the much expanded Hideout. Over the years, as the Black Bulls each got married and began having their own families, Yami had asked Henry to give everyone their own living space. That way the Bulls could all be together but also have some privacy. And so far it had worked out very well, but now that meant the Hideout had expanded up and out in order to accommodate them all.

But Yami and the others didn’t mind. Because it meant they could all stay together.

Yami set his broom down against the wall of the Hideout before he moved towards the front door. Before he even opened the door he could already hear all the chaos and laughter happening on the inside, he couldn’t help but smile a bit. This is something he had always wanted for his brats; them to be safe, happy, and laughing.

He opened the door and immediately had to dodge a misdirected spell that came at him. He sighed and shook his head before he moved out of the way and closed the front door. The ones sparring were, as usual, Luck and Magna. Even as those two idiots got older they still sparred like they were teenagers. Meanwhile Magna’s kids Corduroy and Chenille just watched, Chenille with a nervous look on her face, and Corduroy with a grin on his face.

“ Wow dad you’re so cool!” Cory shouted as he watched his dad dodge one of Luck’s spells, Magna turned and gave his son a thumbs up.

“ Thanks son, that means a lot!” But as soon as the words left Magna’s lips he immediately got hit by one of Luck’s spells.

“ You shouldn’t have taken your eyes off your target Magna!” Luck laughed cheerfully as Magna growled.

“ I should have gone with mom to the fabric store,” Chenille said quietly.

Yami shook his head once again before he looked around the room. Henry’s daughter Alice was sitting on the couch, quietly reading the same book that she always read. Despite inheriting her fathers magic, luckily she hadn’t inherited her fathers illness so she could freely be around the other Bulls without the fear of siphoning their mana. Beside her was Aloys Adlai, who was also reading a book, he was exactly like his father but with his mothers magic. Beside him was Wendy Agrippa, Gordon’s eldest child and only daughter, she was sewing a doll just like father always did. She had the face of her mother, but her eyes and hair color were that of her fathers, and her magic was a variation of her fathers. On the other side of the room was Wendy’s younger twin brothers Thomas and Nicholas, they were the spitting image of their father in appearance and, in Nico’s case, magic as well. Thomas kept his hair slicked back like his father, while Nico kept his hair messy, that was the only way to tell them apart. The two were talking and playing with Maelie Adlai.

Yami heard a shout in the kitchen and watched Charmy and her daughter Lovely walk out with a group of sheep following shortly after. They had plates and plates of food and were setting them out onto the table. Lovely had inherited her fathers blue hair color and her eyes were the same color as her mothers, her younger brother Vincent followed behind all the sheep and began to set out the drinks. He didn’t like cooking or food as much as his mother and sister did, but he had inherited his fathers love of art and painting. Vincent’s hair was black like his mothers but his eyes were pink like his fathers.

Yami still had a hard time believing that Charmy had fallen in love with Rill Boimortier even though it had been nearly 15 years now since they had gotten married.

“ C-Captain Yami sir, you’re back already!” Ezio Roulacase exclaimed as he ran over. The young man looked identical to his mother, but his personality and magic was the same as his fathers.

“ Of course I am, did you expect me not to come back at all?” Yami asked with a raised brow, Ezio’s demeanor immediately grew nervous and he shook his head.

“ N-No sir! We just thought the meeting would run late.” Ezio said with a sheepish laugh.

“ How did Asta do at his first meeting?” Vanessa asked as she walked over. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at their Captain. He grinned at them.

“ He did great, so you guys can stop you’re worrying.” Yami told them and he heard everyone collectively sigh in relief. He knew everyone had been anxious and had wanted him to do well, so now that they had confirmed that he did, they all felt a weight fall off their shoulders.

“ At least we know we raised him well,’’ Finral said with a laugh as he walked over to his son and wife. Yami nodded, they all had raised Asta well.

“ Where’s my brats?” Yami asked curiously, he saw everyone else’s kids but his own. Charmy suddenly pointed towards the back door with her thumb.

“ They’re outside with Ms. Charlotte,” She said as she watched their Captain make his way towards the door. “ Tell them to hurry up and come inside since dinner’s ready!”

Yami walked outside and saw Hikari sparring against her mother as Hana and Einar watched. He crossed his arms as he silently watched his wife and eldest daughter, they looked nearly identical in their fighting styles, except Hikari had adopted a lot of Yami’s fighting style as well. She was like the perfect blend of her mother and father. Yami was pulled out of his thoughts as he noticed Einar turn to look at him.

“ Papa!” The young boy shouted excitedly as he jumped up and ran towards his father. He jumped into his arms and Yami held him.

“ Hey kid,” Yami said warmly. “ Who’s winning so far?” He asked and Einar grinned.

“ Mama of course! Tata’s still trying her best, but she’s still always losing against her.” Einar said with a sad look on his face, he always called Hikari ‘Tata’, apparently it meant “Big Sis” in the Diamond Kingdom. At least that’s what one of Einar’s favorite books told him.

“ But mama’s not going easy on her anymore, and Hikari’s still managing to hold her own,” Hana stated as she walked over to her father and brother. Yami nodded, it was no surprise that Charlotte had stopped taking it easy on their daughter. She was a Vice-Captain now, and had proven that she was a fierce and capable warrior. So there was really no need to take it easy on her.

One of Charlotte’s Briar spells hit Hikari’s katana and kocked her back a few feet. Hikari was huffing and puffing while Charlotte hadn’t even broken a sweat.

“ I’m…not done yet,” Hikari panted as she doubled over to try and catch her breath. “ I still…need to surpass my limits!” Hikari continued, and Yami shook his head.

She had certainly adopted Yami’s stubbornness.

“ Hey brat,” Yami shouted, drawing both Charlotte and Hikari’s attention to him. “ You can surpass your limits after you get something to eat! Charmy said if you didn’t come inside and eat you’d never get another meal from her!” Yami added, of course Charmy didn’t actually say any of that. But he knew it was a sure fire way to get Hikari to stop training. As he expected the girl sighed dramatically before she put her katana away.

“ Alright, alright, I’m coming! Sheesh tell Charmy to hold her sheep.” Hikari grumbled as she rubbed the back of her neck, mimicking her fathers habit. Yami chuckled as he set Einar down and the young boy ran to his sister.

“ Take your brother and sister inside, I gotta talk to your mom for a sec.” Yami told her, his eldest daughter nodded and he ruffled her hair gently as she and her siblings walked past him and into the house.

Charlotte frowned a bit as she walked up to her husband, she didn’t need to be able to read Ki to notice something was wrong with him. His eyes held a seriousness in them, and maybe a hint of sadness and worry in them too. Had the meeting gone that badly?

“ What’s going on? Did Asta’s first meeting not go well?” She asked in concern, Yami quickly shook his head.

“ Nah the brat did fine,’’ Yami quickly assured her. “ It’s William. He…announced that he was retiring as Captain.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise, sure he had mentioned it the day before at the party, but she didn’t really think he would go through with it!

“ What? What made him decide to do this so suddenly?”

“ He’s sick Charlotte, very sick.” Yami said softly, and he swore he watched her eyes widen more and her eyebrows raise considerably.

“ Did…he say what was causing it?”

“ Nah, he said he needs time. So I’m gonna give him a while before I start pushing for answers. He asked that you and I not tell anyone until he’s ready.” Yami said and Charlotte nodded in agreement, they would both keep their friends secret for now.

“ And,” Yami continued. “ He’s appointing his kid as Captain.” He watched as his wife shrugged at him.

“ Okay.” Was all she said, she didn’t look angry or concerned, she actually looked like she had expected it.

“ You’re not worried at all? What if that brat loses control again and hurts someone, or worse, gets someone killed?” Yami asked as he crossed his arms, he watched his wife do the same.

“ Since when did you hold a persons mistake against them?” She asked curiously. She watched a red blush appear on Yami’s cheeks. She knew exactly what this was all about, and it had nothing to do with Alistar.

“ He won’t hurt Hikari, besides they’re not even in the same squad so the chance of her getting hurt by him is very slim. And in addition to that, Alistar’s gotten much better at controlling his emotions which also means his magic is under better control. It’ll be fine,” Charlotte assured him. “ And if for some reason it’s not, and he does happen to lose control and injures her, I’ll kill him myself.” Charlotte added firmly and Yami couldn’t help but snort and laugh at her words.

People thought he was the more overprotective of the two, but in reality, it was Charlotte who was the overprotective one.

Eventually the couple went inside to have dinner with the rest of the squad.

—-----

At The Golden Dawn Base

Alistar yawned quietly as he followed his father out of his office, down the stairs and corridors, and eventually outside. William had told him that he needed to tell him something privately and that he would need some help to do it, which meant only one thing: They were going to visit his mother’s grave.

Alistar didn’t like going to visit her mother very often. It wasn’t because he didn’t love her or anything, it was just…hard since he had been the one who caused her to be in the graveyard in the first place.

As the two walked into the graveyard and made their way to Zera’s grave Alistar used his plant magic to conjure up a small bouquet of flowers. You couldn’t show up empty handed, his father had said.

The two eventually made it to her grave and stood in front of it, William knelt down and placed the flowers on her headstone.

“ I’m sorry it’s been a while dear, I hope you haven’t been too lonely.” William said softly as he stood back up.

“ Hi mom,” Alistar said a birt sheepishly. “ It’s been a while, I’m sorry.” He apologized softly and William chuckled.

“ Your mother would understand. She knows how nusy we Magic Knights are, especially when they’re a Vice-Captain such as yourself.” William said as he patted his sons shoulder comfortingly.

The two fell quiet after a few moments. William, unsure of where to begin, and Alistar unsure of what was going on. It wasn’t very often that his father would ask to speak with him privately, the last time they had a discussion like this was when he promoted Alistar to Vice-Captain status.

“ What’s going on father, did something happen at the meeting?” Alistar asked, a tinge of concern in his voice. William smiled and shook his head.

“ No, it’s nothing like that. The meeting went very well, and I think Asta will make a fine Wizard King.” William said genuinely. Alistar nodded in agreement, he didn’t know Asta as well as everyone else did but, from what he had seen, Asta really was an amazing and kind person.

“ If the meeting went as well as you say it did then what do we need to talk about?” Alistar asked with a small frown and William sighed, silently asking his wife’s spirit to give him strength.

“ I-” William began but was cut off by the sound of a familiar static noise. The two men turned and saw Marx’s face staring at them.

“ Ah Captain and VIce-Captain Vangeance there you are, I was looking for you all over the place!” Marx said in relief, but his eyes began to move around as he noticed where Alistar and William. “ Um, is now a good time? I can go to another squad-?”

“ What is it Marx?” William asked patiently, he couldn’t help but be silently thankful that the memory mage had interrupted them.

“ Ah right, well,” The man cleared his throat. “ I just received word of a remote village being attacked by bandits. And supposedly these bandits are former Magic Knights. So the village leader requested our assistance. I thought maybe The Golden Dawn and the Black Bulls would like to take it on as a joint mission.” Marx finished as he looked between the two.

William noticed his son’s light up just a bit at the mention of the Black Bulls. Of course the young man was able to hide his feelings from everyone else, but he wasn’t good at hiding them from his father.

“ We’ll take the mission, but,” William said before he turned to look at Alistar. “ Alistar will be the one to lead them and will get to choose the members he wants to take along.” He watched his son’s blue eyes widen in surprise.

“ What? Why? Shouldn’t you be the one to lead this kind of mission?” Alistar asked in confusion as Marx quietly agreed with William’s statement before disappearing. William smiled gently before clapping his son on the shoulder.

“ Consider this your first real mission as the newly appointed Captain of the Golden Dawn.” William said before he turned around and began to walk away, leaving Alistar to stand there completely stunned.

“ Come on Captain Alistar Vangeance, you need to hurry up and head out.” William called as he noticed his son hadn’t snapped out of his daze. The young man quickly shook his head before nodding and running after his father.

—-----

In The Spade Kingdom

Yuno, Neva, and their three children quietly walked into the Castle with their guards and Castle servants behind them. Yuno hadn’t wanted servants when he first became king, but after a while he realized just how much they did to help the Royal family and keep things in order. So when Yuno officially became king he immediately raised all their wages to reflect how much he appreciated them and their hard work.

“ Your Majesties!” Ralph saluted as he and the others watched them walk by. Yuno instantly waved their salutes away.

“ You didn’t need to stay up and wait for us, you all should have gone to sleep.” Neva said quietly as she carried a sleeping Kya gently in her arms while Yuno carried Kito and Miku sluggishly walked beside her parents while holding each of their hands.

“ It’s alright, I had something urgent that I needed to discuss with King Yuno.” Ralph said with a serious expression, causing Yuno to frown.

“ It can’t wait until morning?” Yuno asked quietly, and when Ralph shook his head,he nodded before handing Kito off to one of his guards. “ Alright, I’m sorry about this,” Yuno added to his wife, who only smiled and shook her head.

“ It’s fine, just go do what you have to do.” Neva said softly in an understanding tone. Yuno smiled gratefully at her before he kissed his children on the head and gave Neva a gentle kiss on the lips.

Yuno quickly followed Ralph down the halls until they came to Yuno’s office. They walked over to the desk and Yuno looked down at a bunch of papers and maps that were sitting on the surface.

“ What’s all of this?” Yuno asked curiously and Ralph sighed.

“ Honestly we aren’t too sure ourselves. These coordinates are the last known locations of about 20 merchants that have gone missing in the last two weeks.” Ralph said seriously as Yuno’s brows raised in surprise.

“ 20 merchants in 2 weeks? How are we just now learning about this?” Yuno asked and Ralph shook his head.

“ We initially thought it may have only been a coincidence, or that people were making up false reports. Until we began noticing certain patterns,” Ralph suddenly began moving papers around until he found the right documents.

“ The merchants all had deliveries in the Lumi Kingdom?” Yuno asked with a frown as he began to read the papers over, and Ralph nodded.

“ That’s right. Now merchants go missing all the time due to the treacherous terrain that’s between us and Lumi, which is another reason we didn’t pay much attention to this, but according to these letters and other documents all the merchants that had been reported missing all made it to Lumi.” Ralph said as he began pointing at letters and receipts. Yuno’s frown deepend.

“ Are there any records showing that they left, or attempted to leave, Lumi? Maybe the merchants decided to stay there a while longer? Or maybe they died on the way back?” Yuno pointed out and Ralph shook his head.

“ That’s what I thought too. But from the witness statments and letters and documents it shows that all the merchants had plans to return to the Spade Kingdom. As for if they died on the way back, that’s someting I want to go and investigate if you’ll allow it. Things…just aren’t adding up, sir.”

Yuno placed a thoughtful hand under his chin as his mind began to race. Could there be something to this? Or was it just a simple missing persons case? His gut began screaming at him.

“ Investigate it. And ask for the Lumi Kingdom’s cooperation.” Yuno said seriously and Ralph nodded before saluting his King and walking out of the office. Yuno sighed quietly before he sunk down into his office chair.

Ther was certainly no rest for the wicked.

———

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!