#natural braided wedding hairstyles

[myouicieloz]

Heads will roll

Kim Minjeong x aespa 5thmember!reader

Synopsis: Your girlfriend promised you it was ok for you to match with your best friend, Yuna, for the upcoming Halloween party. However, with how she’s behaving all night, you simply had to drag her to and empty room and punish her.

Warnings: smut. sub!minjeong x dom!reader

Word count: 4.4k lol sorry

Notes: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! I’ve tried my best but the verbs might still be all wrong… I hope u enjoy, tho!! ^^ i rlly like halloween kisses mwuah

You spent the whole evening apart from your best friends and bandmates, shooting your solo pictures for the group’s latest comeback. Since you were the last one to do so, you asked them to get back to the dorm and get ready for Ryujin’s party without you. You’d see each other soon enough, anyway, so it wasn’t that big of a deal.

They sent you countless pictures of them getting ready, and your heart ached to be making funny group memories with them, instead of taking a thousand pictures in a cold studio. It was for work, though, so you’d just have to deal with it.

After what it seemed like ages, your photoshoot was finally over, and you quickly made your way to the dorm to shower and get ready. It sucked to do your makeup by yourself, since Giselle always did it for you, and to not curl Ningning’s hair just as she liked it, but it was either that or you’d all be terribly late for the party, and no one would have that.

Ryujin’s Halloween party was one of the most expected events of the year, so, naturally, no one would want to be late. The girl knew how to host a party— it always had sickening decor, lots of creative and delicious drinks and, most important, secrecy. None of what you did ever got leaked, to ensure the guests always had a good time.

Which you always, always did.

“Woah!” You whistled as you entered Ryujin’s living room, getting the attention of your bandmates. They smiled at you, waving and calling you over.

The four girls were impeccable, each one looking just as gorgeous as ever: Giselle was dressed as a sexy jaguar, wearing a tight jumper with little feline ears; Ningning opted to go as a corpse bride, although her bloodied, ripped wedding dress barely reached her knees; Karina, as a pirate, hat carefully placed in her hands; and at last, your sweet girlfriend, looking lavish as Alice in Wonderland.

You smiled at the sight of her beautiful face, promptly reaching out to hug her, but Winter was having none of it. She didn’t push you, naturally, but her face was all flustered, and she looked livid, frowning as she checked you out.

“Is that really why you didn’t match with me?” Winter asked, offended. She was judging your Lara Croft costume with hard eyes, even though they lingered on the leather belt you wore for a tad too long. There were fake guns attached to them, too, and your hair was braided into two elaborate pieces all by yourself, your skillfulness making the hairstyle neat and composed, not a single strand out of place.

“We’ve had this conversation before.” you reminded her, ever so patient— being used were used to her defensiveness. Besides, you knew you looked good; a little harsh look from your girlfriend wasn’t going to smash out your confidence, “I had already promised Yuna I’d match with her. She arranged our costumes and everything months ago, remember?”

Winter rolled her eyes, murmuring something too low for you to hear, but visibly still annoyed, regardless of your explanation.

You did warn your girlfriend that you’d be matching with your best friend for Halloween, just like you always did ever since you could remember. However, Winter hoped you’d notice her subtle signs and realize she wanted you to match with her, as a couple, instead. After all, it was your first Halloween together, and Winter wanted it to be special.

“You look beautiful, by the way.”

“Yeah, whatever.” She brushed past you, scoffing. You could tell she was very much pissed by the way she stomped through your friends, mixing herself a drink with too much alcohol in it, as she completely turned her back to you.

It was quite unusual for her to drink, but you’ve gotten on her nerves enough to make Winter want to relieve some stress. It bothered her to have you choosing Yuna-subaenim over herself, your girlfriend, no matter how hard she tried to shake the venomous feeling off.

Naturally, Winter knows it’s silly to feel this insecure and jealous over a stupid costume, specially since you and Yuna have been friends since your rookie days— and you’ve only been dating for a couple of months.

Nonetheless, Winter can’t help but to be sulky besides Karina, downing her cup in a few, long gulps. She doesn’t even dislike Yuna, even though she wasn’t exactly friends with the girl, either. Winter found her kind and lovable enough, with her long hair and composed, yet bubbly remarks.

It simply unsettled your girlfriend, to see you matching with Yuna when she was so excited about your first Halloween together. You were Winter’s first partner, and the thought of wearing matching outfits had her all month wondering what to pick. There were just so many cool options, and she was so excited… Which was why having you mention Yuna had already bought you identical costumes— just like she did every year, as long as Winter could remember, — was like a bucket of cold water being thrown in her head.

Of course, had your girlfriend told you wearing couple outfits to the party was that important to her, you would’ve simply brushed Yuna off, claiming you’d comply with your girlfriend’s wishes this year. However, she said nothing, so you naturally didn’t think much of it, brushing it off.

However, Winter felt a bitter taste in her mouth as she stared at you and Yuna, looking pretty much like twins if it weren’t for you towering over the girl, hair much longer and darker. It was as though she were fighting her first battle, a silent, passive one with your best friend, and she had just lost.

Winter really wasn’t going to hide her pout for the rest of the night. She’d allow herself that, at least.

-

Your girlfriend behaves like nothing but a fucking brat the whole afternoon.

She makes sure to be extra touchy with people— much unlike her nature, laughing hard and smiling at whatever it is that Jaehyun was saying. The boy was as boring as they came, and she’d stopped listening to his ramble minutes ago. Now, her eyes were trained on you, with every action calculated to bring you to the edge. From the way her slick fingers traced his skin, to her leaning to listen better, since the music is so loud, isn’t it?

You let her be, allowing Winter to celebrate her little tantrums alongside her members. Despite her obvious confrontation with you, she genuinely seems to be enjoying herself: laughing, drinking and joking with the girls and other close friends on the dance floor. So you let her have her little victory, observing from afar as you enjoy your night just the same; Even though your eyes narrow once you feel her subtly— almost unnoticeably, ducking from your touch, when you join the girls after hanging out with your other friends for a while.

In fact, Winter’s cold shoulder gave you plenty of time to think about the ways you’d punish her for her foolish behavior. You licked your lips at the thought of having little Alice in Wonderland all spread open just for you, crying as you deny her orgasms over and over until her pretty, abused cunt is all red and sore, drenching and clenching over the slightest brush of your fingers. It’d be such a heavenly sight: the girl on all fours, screaming and pleading for you to touch her anywhere, to do anything to her or else she’d explode.

However, you remain composed, your face giving none of your impurities away as you twist the ice in your whiskey and patiently listen to whatever funny story is being told by Chaeryeoung in the corner you all stand. You could feel the avalanche of thoughts and ideas going over and over through your mind, aching to make your girlfriend wither and destroy her petite body, as you made sure to let her know who possessed her in every way.

Meanwhile, Winter was walking through a dangerous path, she knew it as much. The feeling of your eyes poking wholes on her back was dense enough to send electric shocks through her entire body, and she was well aware of you watching her every move. She smiled to herself, glad to have your full attention despite feeling like such a loser, earlier. The thought of being punished for all of her bratty actions, too, aroused her perhaps a bit too much to keep her from being good. So she closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and smiled again, humming to herself as she knew her night was barely getting started.

“Hey, if you’d like we could, ahn, keep our conversation somewhere quieter…” Winter heard Jaehyun say, lips dangerously close to her ear. She was about to brush him off when he was abruptly shoved backwards, and soon enough she felt a strong grip on her waist.

She couldn’t contain a smile, hearing your harsh voice echoing from above her tiny frame.

“I suggest you keep your _hands_ to yourself, subaenim, if you want them intact.” You growled, turning your girlfriend to you as you pushed her upstairs, opening doors until you found an empty room. You shoved Winter on the bed without delicacy, smiling slightly to see her bounce a little on the mattress, in response to your touch. She was so petite—even now, staring at you behind her lashes.

“Fucking whore.” You cursed, taking your time unbuckling your numerous belts as she stared at you, licking her lips at the sight of your hands putting on work. She needed them on herself, immediately. “Throwing yourself at that fucker like a cheap slut. I guess that is just what you are, right?” You said, gripping her face. “A cheap fucking slut.”

Winter’s pupils were as blown out as yours, and her heart was beating so loud she was sure it echoed loudly through the bedroom. It was so hot for her to have you like this: mad out of your mind, handling her like a doll. It was a deep contrast from your caring, worried nature, one that she loved to experience from time to time. And the best part was that she got to have this feral side of you all to herself. You were hers, and hers alone.

No stupid fucking costume would change that.

She nodded as best as she could, since your touch was strong in order to keep her still.

“Say it.”

“I’m just a cheap slut.” Her reply came immediately, as Winter’s eyes remained locked on your face.

You kissed her deeply in response, exploring all the possible places of her mouth. Your hands went down her neck, blocking her airways just enough to make your girlfriend sigh, lightheaded.

“Perfect, baby.” You praised, sucking on her pulse point. “And who owns you?”

Winter’s hands found their way to yours, even though her touch wasn’t meant to make you stop.

She simply had to feel you, to have your skin on hers. It was a necessity to taste you and to have you taste her, too. It was taking you too long to touch her, already: she was feeling like her whole body was going to explode.

“You, unnie.” She breathed.

You stopped your work on her neck, now sucking at her earlobe as you whispered. “Just that? I’m starting to think you don’t want me to do anything to you at all; you just wanted to fuck that stupid ass guy to piss me off.”

She whined as you distanced yourself, opening her legs so you could place yourself between them. She looked like a painting, with her shoulder-length hair all disheveled and flustered face, trying to gather her breath and her thoughts. You allowed her to do so, squeezing and brushing your hands up and down her thighs while waiting for her next move.

As if Winter could ever concentrate with you touching her like that.

Pulling you by your pants—she couldn’t help but to look for your belt, biting her cheek to keep a smile from adorning her face as she found it in your hands, already—she pleaded. “Please, mommy,” She opened her legs even more, with her hands on your neck to kiss you again, “I’ve been so bad tonight… please, please punish me.”

You smiled, thinking about all the ways you’d ruin her through the night. She was so beautiful, so eager to surrender herself to you completely. It warmed your heart with both desire and lust, to know you had her to yourself.

“You’ll be well punished, Minjeongie. Don’t worry,” You promised, leaving wet kisses against her shoulders. “I’ll ruin you, so you’re reminded to not even look at anyone else, my love. You’re fucking mine.”

As you shared another wet, lustful kiss, Minjeong couldn’t help but to feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

-

You interlock her wrists with one of your belts, wiggling it to make sure it wasn’t too tight on the girl’s skin; just enough to make it a slightly ache. “Do you know your words?”

“Yes.”

“And what will you do if you want me to stop?”

“I’ll use them.” She assured you, nodding.

“Very well, then,” You took her in, looking so pretty messed up like that. You’d have to leave her like that more. “On your fours.”

Winter got half-up, cocking her head to the sides as she sent you a confused look. You were both still all dressed up. Had you forgotten about that detail, perhaps?

“Dress stays on,” You mumbled, groping her body through the fabric. “You look too pretty in that outfit. It nearly made me fuck you in the middle of the room, for everyone to see, when I first saw you.”

She giggled, delighted to have your praises. Her face was met with a pout soon after, though, as she sighed, defiantly. “If only you’d matched with me, instead of that bi—”

Winter lets out a loud grasp once you turn her around, adjusting her body roughly on your thighs.

“Shut the fuck up.” You told her. “Toys don’t talk. Specially ones that behaved so poorly the whole night.” Pushing her tiny dress up, you gave her ass a good squeeze. “Now, count. 10 for each cheek, since I’m feeling patient, for now.”

Winter couldn’t suppress the shiver that went through her body as she heard your words. She bit her lips, not wanting to let you see how much your tone aroused her; so drenched already, and you’ve only made out for a few minutes.

“O-one,” She took a deep breath as you went on, kissing her back and her ass until you’d finished, your hands’ impressions well painted on her milky skin. “T-two…”

You were surprised she didn’t lose count, not even once, even though her face was already glistening with a few tears, and she was shaking her head vigorously. “T-ten!”

You let out a proud smirk once you got her spankings over with, helping her up. “You did good, love.” You assured your girlfriend, kissing her gently to make sure she wasn’t overwhelmed. You let Winter take some time to breathe, nodding as she got her body closer to yours as much as she could, since her hands were still locked up.

Winter was always needy and touchy. You laugh at her exasperate touches, kissing her as you guide her body to lay on the bed completely. You tear down panties with hunger, soon taking out her white stockings, too, until you manage to push up the skirt of her dress and leave her cunt bare, inviting you over.

“You look so pretty, love. All dolled up and ready for me. So fucking hot tonight, baby.”

All she could do was nod, lost in pleasure as you kiss along her thighs. She instantly opens them more, hoping you’d mark them —just as you both liked it. You took your time pinching, sucking and bruising her perfect skin, enjoying the sound of the pornographic moans that left her mouth. You were drenched yourself, too, at the sight of your pretty girlfriend’s face as she lets out incoherent cries and whines.

Your fingers brush her cunt, never more than a light tease over her heated body as you add, “Wearing this little dress like the whore you are. Do you even have any idea of how delicious you look right now? Of how many people ogled you all night, desperate to touch you?” You giggled to yourself at the sound of her frustrated huffs, tracing your fingers to her slit before giving her pussy a long lick, “They can’t, though. You’re all mine. Mine to mark, mine to toy with. My doll.”

She couldn’t even answer as you dive in, sucking her pretty cunt vigorously as Winter wriggles and tries her best to get a hold of your hair, which makes you nibble your teeth though her sex, provoking her.

“M-more, more, mommy. Please! Oh shit—“ She was a mess, feeling even more as if she were going to erupt. Your hands kept touching her everywhere, with your nails leaving long, red lines from her forearms to the ends of her thighs.

As you kept on with an even faster rhythm, you could feel her inner walls clenching and her eyes starting to close in pleasure. So, naturally, you subsided your movements, allowing Winter’s cunt no more than a few kitten licks. She opened her eyes immediately, looking at you so adorably confused and frustrated.

“Do you really think you deserve to cum, my sweet?” Your fingertips entered her hole just enough so you could gather some of her wetness and taste it yourself, giving her sex a light slap. It made her joint, and you smiled at how sensitive she was, all bruised and marked. “With how much of an ungrateful slut you’ve been all night, hiding from my touches and presenting yourself to others…”

Still, she shook her head vigorously, “I’ll make it up to you, mommy, I promise.” Winter pleaded, with her best, sweetest voice. “Let me cum, please! Even though I don’t deserve it.”

Her obvious attempts to get herself off made you scoff, although you positioned yourself between Winter’s small body once again. She was your little doll, after all, so pretty dressed up as Alice in Wonderland.

And you have all the time in the world to edge her until she’s a withering mess, at the dorms, anyway.

Positioning your index and middle finger on her entrance, you brushed her hair off her face. “Work for it then, doll. If you want to get off so bad, do it.”

Winter’s eyes widened at your suggestion, and she let her shoulders down at the thought of having to do all the work. She’d never done such a thing, specially since you were always so eager to be the cause of her moans as she fell into pieces. As she opened her mouth to whine again, though, a simple look from you shut her out: the girl immediatly knew it was either that or nothing. Logically, your girlfriend bit her lip, pressing herself against your fingers as she felt the feeling of them in her tight cunt. She let out a loud moan, fucking herself on your fingers until the knot on her stomach soon presented itself back.

“Stop staring at me like that.” She said, looking the other way to not acknowledge you observing her, since she couldn’t push you herself. You curled your fingers inside of her, giggling at her little screams and surprised huffs.

“But you look so pretty, specially like this. Only for me.” You were making your best to follow through your words, even though Winter’s sounds and movements were making you crazy. You simply needed to grab her pretty little waist and take her until she was really screaming, crying loudly for you to stop.

However, you had to be patient, or else your girlfriend wouldn’t be taught her lesson. One she so desperately needed, so she would communicate to you better.

“Only for you, always.” She promised, her breathing erratic as she twitched under you. “Mommy, I’m gonna—please, please, let me cum.”

“Do it, love. You can cum, now.” You smiled, kissing Winter’s thighs as you bit them gently.

That did it for her; with a loud cry, she came all over your hand, trying to get your fingers off her pussy once she got too sensitive. You retrieved your fingers, sucking them clean as Winter gestured for you to set her hands free, which you promptly did. She immediately went to your lap, wrapping her fingers around your neck as she marked your skin, just as you had done to her, earlier.

“Thank you mommy.” She murmured, still light-headed and needy from her orgasm. You loved how dependent she got afterward, always requiring many cuddles and kisses after you fucked. You loved your girlfriend deeply, and she’d always be the number one in your life. “I wore the dress just for you, you know? I saw your look when we passed by the costume shop.”

You hummed, throwing your head slightly to allow Winter to suck on your neck as she liked to, “You’re such a little evil being, Minjeong.” She giggled, trailing kisses through your face until she captured your mouth, pulling you in for a long, slow kiss.

“I’m only yours.” She moved her bangs out of her face. “Are you only mine, too?”

“Of course, baby.” You frowned, squeezing her tiny waist to assure her of so. “I belong to you, just as you belong to me.”

“Good.” She whispered, feeling relieved to have that envious feeling finally off her shoulders. She didn’t master the courage to look at you, as she added. “I just wish we had matched, tonight.”

You held her even closer, kissing both of her cheeks repeatedly. “We will, next year. Ok?” You winked, managing to get a smile from her at the subtle promise. “You have to tell me when something’s bothering you, baby. I thought you were cool with me matching with Yuna and all.”

“I thought I was cool with it, too.” She shrugged, kicking her feet. “But I guess I wasn’t.”

You kissed her once again, hoping to have her know how much you loved her.

“It’s all good now, though. Come on, the party’s still going. Let’s head back?”

Winter’s head cocked to the side at your words, and soon her hands were toying with the hem of your crop top. She smirked, trying to look as innocent as she could at the thought of keeping you all to herself.

“Not yet… still want to get more of what’s mine, then.” You smiled back at the auburn haired girl, placing your arms up to allow her to get rid of the piece. “Besides, you’ve made me do all the work just now… I think I deserve a compensation.”

You scoffed, but pushed Winter’s body back on the bed just the same. You were her girlfriend, after all. You’d always spoil her rotten and indulge to her wishes.

“Bratty ass.”

[caelwynn]

Caelwynn's Mod List for Stardew 1.6 - Fashion/Farmer Portraits

Farmer 2.0 ESWF Looks — allows you to set up portraits and Fashion Sense Outfits for different seasons/weather/events. I have a brief explanation for setting up the portraits here.

Farmer Portraits for 1.6 — mod that allows your farmer to have a portrait that appears during dialogue.

Fashion Sense — allow you to use custom clothing/hair/accessories.

Fashion Sense Outfits — allows you to save specific outfits.

Portrait Frame Variations — adds some pretties to the frames during dialogue.

Fashion Sense Packs:

Ani's Colour Collection

Ani's Recoloured Pants

Cottagecore Set

Cozy Mittens

Cozy Scarves

Gloves and Sleeves Pack

Kisekaes Skirts

Lumisteria's Fashion Sense Clothes

Lumisteria's Hairstyles

Mermaid Pendant for Farmer

Missy's Shirts

More Accessories and Stuff

Natural Hairstyles

Seasonal Hats

Simple Farmer Dresses

Traveller's Attire

Vanilla Accessories

Vanilla Pants and Skirts

Winter Solstice Hats

WS78 Summer Fun Pack

WS78 Happy Wedding Pack

Asta Slumber Party

Hoods & Hoodies Pack

Rural Outfitters

FS - Player Height Variety

FS - SH's Coats and Jackets Pack

Small Boots

Colorful Braids

The Masterpost for all of the mods is located here.

[two-white-butterflies]

coaxed you into paradise - c. 11

Description: The life of Saera Targaryen told in four acts. She was her father's forgotten daughter, cast aside as she looked nothing like her mother. Her younger days were spent beside her uncle. Years following her marriage with Ser Harwin Strong, she catches him in an affair with her older sister. She returns to seek solace in the arms of her uncle, that she's loved all her life.

(Coaxed You Into Paradise and High Infidelity Rewrite.)

masterlist for this series

Chapter Eleven: Vengeance (Saera I)

When I was young, I asked my uncle: ‘What made us different from our subjects? Why do we live in castles, and them in squalors?’ - he smiled at me, finding my inquisitive nature like his own. I sat on his lap, holding a book of our history. ‘Our dragons’ he replied. ‘But we are mortals like them - we live and die like them’ I stated, and he petted my hair - listening to my explanation like I was an expert proficient on the topic. 

He chuckled, paying no mind to my explanation. 

He told me that I was right. We were mortals like our subjects - akin to them in the same way that a dragon was akin to a lizard. They had the same scales - and the same look, but dragons were greater than lizards. 

What was a dragon without fire? 

Saera. Me. 

For they have taken my uncle - my fire. 

Mysaria combed through my hair gently, careful to not anger me. Tears have been flowing down my eyes for the past hour. I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to lock myself inside my chambers and never come out - unless of course, Daemon was knocking. 

“You must pretend that you killed me, so I can run away from this place.” I sobbed, feeling my lungs release all its air.

My grip on the Valyrian necklace tightened - it was the only thing I had that reminded me of my uncle. ‘He’ll be there for the bedding ceremony.’ Lancel Hightower’s voice rang through my skull, my vision almost darkened. My kepus, my lover - will he have to see me in that way? 

“Aōha kepus iksis daor iā traditional vala, dārilaros. (Your uncle is not a traditional man, princess.)” Mysaria tried to comfort me, attempting to speak in Valyrian so that the other handmaidens wouldn’t be able to listen in our little conversation. 

“Iksā zūgagon bona kessa dōrī jorrāelagon ao, lo iksā married. (You are afraid that he won’t love you if you are married.)” Mysaria states, continuing to braid my hair. It wasn’t a traditional braid for a westrosi bride. It was a hairstyle for a Khaleesi - highlighting the wars that her love has won. My braid was one inspired by Stepstones. “Kessa iēdrosa jorrāelagon ao.  Kessa iēdrosa bāne ao. (He will still visit you. He will still warm your bed.)” Mysaria explained, and more tears fell from my eyes. 

I stare at myself through the vanity - my face was even rounder and swollen than before. “Yn kesan daor sagon zȳhon! (But I will not be his!)” I argued, my grip around the necklace tightened - creating marks upon my fingers. “Ao sytilībagon naejot aōla - daor naejot Daemon. (You belong to yourself - not to Daemon.)” Mysaria tried to comfort me, taking her sweet time in arranging my hair. 

I was thankful to her - as she was trying to buy more time. I closed my eyes, wiping the tears away from my apple cheeks. If Daemon were able to hear me - I could only pray that he knows to make Caraxes ride faster. 

“Jaelan naejot sytilībagon naejot zirȳla.  Mirre yno - zȳhon naejot udrāzma. (I want to belong to him. All of me - his to command.)” I stated, opening my eyes. 

“Yn aōhon naejot udrāzma, ēlī. (But yours to command, first.)” Mysaria exhaled, the other handmaidens began flooding the room - placing jewels on my body. One tried to remove the necklace that my kepus gave me, but I was able to send her down with a glare. 

“Aōha kepus jittan nyke, (Your uncle sent me.)” Mysaria revealed straightening the wedding gown at the side of my bed. It was the gown of my dreams, it was in white - with golden threads embroidered on the hems.

 “ - naejot mīsagon ao. (To protect you.)” Mysaria finished, lifting the gown.

“You have failed to convince me, Mysaria. It is a sweetened deal. Ñuha kepa iksis biare, se nyke jiōragon ñuha qogror. (My father is happy, and I get my pleasure.) Yn ñuha kepus iksis daor sepār qogror syt nyke.  Issa se bane hen ñuha ābrar. (But my uncle isn’t just pleasure to me. He is the bane of my existence.)” I closed my arms, refusing to wear the gown. 

As if the gods have seen my disdain - my father enters the room. His back was hunched, and he wore the crown of kings. He was smiling, beside him was his betrothed - Lady Alicent Hightower. I wanted to kill both of them. 

“Saera, your handmaidens tell me that you are dissatisfied.” he stares at me, hoping that the rumors were false. My father was a difficult creature. He told me that I was beautiful - but I was too opinionated. He told me that my eyelashes were long, but they were too blonde. He complimented me for my positive traits - but always found a way to make them sound bad. 

“My wedding is happening too soon.” I complain, hiding the tears that flowed over my cheeks. “You told me that I had a month more.” I add staring at him with eyes that were begging for a reason. He took a deep breath, and I knew that there wasn’t any escape to my fate. “It will be best to do the wedding now - Ser Harwin is yet to prepare in becoming your uncle’s replacement.” he told me, sitting beside me and shooing Mysaria away. 

He was stabbing me with a fucking dagger. 

“Kepus has already won the war. Why do you have to replace him?” I inquire, defending his station and reach over the kingdom. Daemon will not like it, but the men were still loyal to him either way. “Your uncle cannot maintain his power in the castle - he has duties elsewhere, dear girl. His wife is yet to bear a son.” he informs and your eyes darken at his last word. 

Son. A pregnant woman was only important because she could possibly give birth to a son. He killed my mother for a son - and mayhaps he is killing me too. 

“He is hoping that you grant him an annulment,” I stare at the side - eyes narrowing at my father’s next words. “I will not grant him that.” he asserts, and I release a sigh. “I will no longer entertain your notions about Daemon. He is a past that you should forget - Ser Harwin shall treat you as you deserve, and you will be thankful of him.” he places a hand on my shoulder. 

I wanted to cry - but I didn’t. 

What was the use? 

—

I wanted to be married in a Sept, like all the noble princesses did - but instead I was thrown in the middle of a throne room. With only my father’s noble men as audience. My sister, Rhaenyra, was not there - though I doubt that her presence would bring any comfort to me. 

Harwin was kind and endearing - but he wasn't what I desired. Any lady would be lucky to have him, but I wanted my uncle. 

I take a deep breath. 

Would our children have his eyes? Would I be forced to stare at my children's eyes and see the eyes of a man I was forced to love? 

I imagine my uncle barging through those steel doors, taking me by the hand and preventing this farce to continue. He'd fly me to Dragonstone, instill his promise of claiming me as his wife. 

Harwin continued staring at me - there were white lights on his eyes, not like stars - but they were shining. Shining for me. 

I couldn't feel my wedding - every word uttered by the Septon sealed my freedom. His hands were wrapped around mine, covering my pale palms with his. I glanced at his face for the second time - fantasizing that he was Daemon. 

“The love of the Seven is holy and eternal. The source of all life and love. We stand here tonight in thanks and praise to join two souls as one. Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. Hear now their vows.” he announced, and the lighting shifts - darkening. 

I take a nervous breath, facing him fully and holding both of his hands. He smiles at me - giving me a toothy-grin, but I don’t smile back. He has turned me into a caged bird. He has taken everything from me - and he doesn’t even know who I am. He starts first, cleaning his throat - rubbing circles on my palms. 

“Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers as she is mine, now until the end of days.” he vows in a rehearsed manner. The ringing in my ears began. I didn’t want to say anything - I didn’t want to open my mouth. I was silent for a few seconds - but Lord Lancel nudged me. 

"Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am his as he is mine, now until the end of my days." I vow - reluctantly. I felt weak. My sister didn't lie when she called me weak behind my back. The people of this court tried to sugarcoat my weakness by telling me that I had a gentle disposition, but the truth was - I didn't have the guts. I didn't have the bravery to stand up for myself.

Daemon was right. I needed to be stronger. I needed to grow thorns.

The Septon raises his hands, and we join our fingers together. “You are now man and wife. May the Seven guide you and bring you eternal life.” the Septon pronounces - Lord Lyonel claps in celebration. 

His house has finally made it! He has finally mingled his blood with the royals. Harwin keeps staring at me - expecting a kiss, but I wasn’t going to give it to him. Fuck him. 

—

Daemon arrived - sometime before midnight and after. He wasn’t happy - and that is coming from someone who is unaware of the conversation he had with my father beforehand. He still stares at me - watching me converse with my husband. “ - your uncle is impressive, Saera. He’s ended a war in a few days.” Harwin compliments, and the smallest of smiles enter my lips. 

“He always finds a way to surprise us. He’s incredible.” I reply, staring at my blonde lover. He was beautiful. His clothes were changed - he adorned a white robe, with golden threads in the middle. He has found a way for us to look as one. It seemed like we were the one’s getting married. 

“It’s hard to live in his shadow.” Harwin complains, leaning on his chair. “The men do not bend for me. They speak of your uncle and his ruthless justice. I cannot be that, Saera.” he hums, taking a long sip of his wine. 

“Be different.” I reply and the men begin standing up. 

My dreaded ceremony. 

The only ceremony that Daemon is able to witness. 

My father raises his cup, staring at the lords with a smile on his face. “Ser Harwin Strong - the husband of my beloved daughter, has decided that the bedding ceremony remains private. Let us bid the newlyweds farewell.” he announces and I let out a sigh of relief. 

I wasn’t horrible in bed - but I didn’t want to be watched. 

Harwin stands up, a few handmaidens stride in our direction. “We’ll have a few seconds to freshen up. Shall we meet at our shared chamber?” he questions and I nod my head. Happy at the outcome. 

—

“You came too late.” I look up, untangling my hair from all its braids. Mysaria was standing beside me, watching Daemon and I converse with each other. “What have they fucking done.” he grits his teeth, taking another step forward. He wanted to take me away - to claim me as his. 

“I tried to stop them, I promise.” I breathe, combing through my hair in a rushed manner. He takes another step forward, leaning over my body and resting his head on my shoulder. He smelled like wine and strawberries. I wanted nothing more in the world than to have him. 

“I know you did, my good girl.” he whispers, trailing kisses along my collarbone. Mysaria keeps watching us, eyes wide open. Daemon stares at her through the mirror, silently dismissing her. 

Mysaria exits the door, and all hell breaks loose. All remnants of his self-control diminished at the sight of me in my nightgown. “I did all I could.” I add, and he throws me on the bed - roughness enveloping his eyes. “I know,” he whispers again, burying his face on my chest. 

“I wanted you to enjoy your first time.” he confesses, lifting my skirts and exposing my unclothed cunt. It was as delicious as he imagined - pink and tender for his picking. “A bastard like that cannot pleasure you.” he groans, pressing kisses on my thighs. 

A million thoughts raced through my head. My wildest dreams were coming true. “Then enjoy me, kepus.” I plead. 

He looks up at me - eyes seducing me further into his siren song. 

That was all he needed. 

He presses a sloppy kiss on my cunt - sending butterflies through my stomach. He was skillful - licking and slurping. 

I closed my eyes, and he tapped my thighs impatiently. “Look at me, little girl. Look at your uncle while he eats you.” he commanded and I forced my eyes open. “Kepus -” I moaned, bucking my hips to regain more pleasure. 

He chuckles, sending vibrations down my spine. 

“I love you, never forget that.” 

next chapter>>

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[the-lonelybarricade]

A Blaze in the Dark - (2/7)

Chapter Title: Promised to Another

Summary: On the eve of her wedding, knowing nothing about her husband besides his apparent disinterest in his soon-to-be wife, Elain uses a spell to meet her true love in her dreams.

A contribution to @elucienweekofficial Day 2: Magic.

Read on AO3 ・Series Masterlist・Previous Chapter

-

It was a lovely day for a wedding.

At least, that was what Elain’s governess had declared when she’d swept into the room at the break of dawn with a flock of maids in tow.

Elain was promptly thrown into a bath, where the maids crowded around and began their work without taking turns—one preening and plucking Elain of every hair below her neck while another scrubbed furiously at the dirt beneath her fingernails, dodging the work of the maid who was rubbing lavender soap into her scalp. All the while, Elain gritted her teeth, trying not to think too carefully about why the presentation of her body was given such precedence.

Only once she was suitably clean for a prince did they offer her breakfast. Elain turned it down, possessing no appetite, though she did accept a cup tea, which she sipped while staring absently in the mirror, watching as two maids fussed her hair into a traditional Eastern hairstyle that she might have paid closer attention to if she had the vacancy of mind.

Instead, she stared at the ruby encrusted hairpiece that was getting wedged against her scalp, and wondered what gemstone matched the color of her true love’s eyes. Not a ruby, surely, for she’d never seen a man with red eyes. But maybe emerald, or sapphire? Perhaps they were brown, like hers, the color of a steady, solid oak.

Not that it mattered, when she would never be able to glimpse them in person.

“What color eyes does the Prince have?” she asked the maids.

They blinked at her, and Elain supposed it was because they didn’t know either, before she realized it was the first thing she’d said to them in hours. And when they frowned, unusually hesitant to answer, she thought they might have been discouraged from speaking about him at all.

She asked, “Has anyone in the manor seen him before?”

When they shook their heads, she sighed. She would find out soon enough.

Any further questions, which were equally unlikely to be answered, were interrupted by an incessant banging at the bedroom door. The maid twisting Elain’s hair into a braid lept at the sound, which resulted in her tugging on the strands of Elain’s hair so tightly that she jerked backwards, spilling the tea on her lap in the process.

“Let me in this instant!”

That was Nesta’s voice, punctuated by several more bangs so furious in nature that Elain wondered if her sister was kicking the door.

In the mirror, Elain saw her governess roll her eyes. “Insolent girl,” she scolded towards the door. “I will not allow you to disrupt your sister’s wedding preparations!”

“There will be no preparations!”

Even with two maids dabbing cotton towels at her scalding wet lap, Elain flinched at the next assault on the door.

The governess clicked her tongue. “I will just be a moment,” she said to the maids. She didn’t bother speaking directly to Elain, who was little more than a doll sitting before her vanity in the eyes of her governess, ready to be dressed up on a whim. Hardly disturbed by boiling water and sharp hairpieces. She said, again to the maids, “See to it that Elain is put into her corset. The dress will be arriving shortly.”

The wedding dress was a generous gift from the Eastern Kingdom, she was told. To Elain, it sounded like just another piece of control that she was to forfeit to her husband. Never mind her quiet fantasies of one day wearing her mother’s wedding dress. Now, she was marrying into a royal family, and there were standards to uphold. Now, it was more fitting that the dress was provided for her.

A wedding sanitized of any sentiment.

Whatever Nesta had to say when the governess opened the bedroom door, it slipped past Elain entirely. Just like everything else. All sound and color became neutral as Elain allowed the maids to stand her from the vanity and step her into the corset. She hardly felt the bindings tighten as they pulled at the laces. The fabric biting into her skin was little more than a kiss on her ribs. She might have ordinarily complained, or at the least offered them a sour look, but all Elain could do was stare into that mirror and watch herself like it was a stranger reflected in the glass. Some other unfortunate girl who was being wedged into lace and ribbons. It was easier to pretend she was just an observer.

Elain was shocked back into her body when one of the maids touched her arm.

“Take some time to relax,” she said. “We’ll be back to help you into your dress once the delegation from the Eastern Kingdom arrives.”

Elain nodded, watching as they herded towards the bedroom door. Then it clicked shut, and she was by herself, left to nothing but her thoughts. That seemed very precarious.

If she listened carefully, she would likely be able to hear the screaming match Nesta was undoubtedly engaged in, but that would require listening past the muted buzz in her ear. Elain wondered if her eldest sister would be permitted to attend the wedding, or if she would be locked in her room for fear of offending their royal guests—among them, the eldest son who had allegedly taken an interest in Nesta. Nesta would surely be doing everything in her power to offend them for that reason alone, so that King Beron might back out of this agreement with their father.

It occurred to Elain that she could attempt to summon that same wicked temper she’d pretended to possess last night. She could make herself so disagreeable that Lucien Vanserra would decide he didn’t want her as a wife after all. She could scream the entire way down the aisle, but it didn’t seem wise to invite the anger of King Beron. As much resentment she carried for this arrangement, she did not want her father to become an enemy of the continent’s most ruthless ruler by presenting an unweddable daughter to his son.

Elain contemplated all of this as she stood at the tall arched window overlooking the gardens, where she could see the servants rushing back and forth to prepare for the arrival of their esteemed guests. There were so many people rushing about that she was certain she could don a ragged cloak and slip right through. If she was Feyre, she would have done so and attempted to sneak out the Archeron gates while everyone was distracted by the arrival of the prince.

But she was not Feyre, she was Elain. And she did not don a ragged cloak to slip through the gates of the manor. She doned a ragged cloak to slip into the gardens around the back, far enough from the chapel and the gates that no one would be paying much attention to the servant girl kneeling among the flowerbeds, hood drawn up to avoid the blaring sun.

The maid had told her to relax before the wedding, and this was the only way Elain knew how. A princess was likely not allowed to garden. With the rumored temperament of her husband, she suspected those rules would be enforced strictly—with severe punishment, if disobeyed. This was likely her last hour of true freedom, and that alone made it worth the wrath of her governess once she discovered the dirt beneath Elain’s fingernails.

“Pardon me,” said a masculine voice at her back.

Elain jerked her head up, startled at the unfamiliar voice. She hadn’t been keeping track of time, but a quick glimpse at the sky saw the sun at its peak, meaning she had been outside for far too long. Her stomach became leaden with dread, already imagining the state that the manor was in while her governess searched for her.

The Eastern Kingdom must have arrived, because the gentleman in front of her was certainly not from the manor, nor was he dressed in any fashion she was familiar with. He bore a deep burgundy tailcoat with golden leaf-shaped epaulets on either shoulder. His red hair was braided back from his face, though strands of it still hung over his shoulder and back. She’d never seen a man with such long, beautiful hair.

That was far from the most beautiful thing about him, though. Elain had to stifle a gasp when she dragged her eyes up to his face and glimpsed two different colored eyes. One dark russet, like the coat of a red fox, and the other as gold as the ornamental leaves on his shoulder. The latter eye was mechanical, though it tracked her as though it was no less functional than the other.

There was a scar on his face—three long slashes that cut through the scarlet brow above his mechanical eye all the way to his strong jaw. Had he gained that scar and lost his eye on the same day, she wondered? The medals fastened over the heart of his jacket were surely from the military, and it was likely the case that he’d received the injury during his service.

It was impolite to ask, so Elain smothered her fascination in place of a simple greeting. “Good day,” she said pleasantly, cautious to hide any notable affluence in her diction. “Are you in the company of King Beron and his sons?”

He was young by her estimations. Close enough in age to ease her concerns that he could be one of the seven princes. He didn’t wear a crown, either, though he was dressed in enough finery to make her father’s treasury weep in envy. A royal attendant, perhaps?

“Yes,” said the gentleman. The corner of his full lips pulled into a smirk. “We’ve just arrived, but we’ve been informed the bride is missing. Have you seen anyone come this direction?”

“I have not, my lord.” Elain ducked back into the flowerbed, hoping the hood had effectively obscured her elegantly woven hair that would surely give herself away. “It’s just been me in this part of the garden all morning.”

That didn’t seem a sufficient answer for him. She could sense him hovering, the toes of his polished shoes visible in the corner of her eye.

“Have you been the one maintaining this garden?”

“Parts of it,” she said noncommittally.

“I’ve recently developed an interest in gardening myself.”

At this, Elain turned her head, squinting into the sunlight to look up at his face again. “Is that so?”

He shrugged as though bashful. “As I said, it’s a recent interest. What’s the flower in your hand there?”

Elain glanced down at her hand, studying the green alkanet she’d been ripping from the bed, and the delicate blue flowers that sat at the top of their stems. “Forget me not,” she said.

“You’re pulling them out?”

“It’s a weed,” she grunted, ripping another from the roots before tossing it onto the pile at her side. “Not everything that’s pretty is worth preserving."

A broad hand crept into her periphery, prodding curiously at the flower petals.

“And I suppose their meaning is in the name? Forget me not?”

She snorted. “They’re a symbol of true love.”

His fingers paused where they were beginning to lift one of the plants by the stem.

“Is the Archeron family making a statement, then? Having these flowers removed on the day Elain Archeron is to be married?”

There was no accusation in his voice, simple curiosity, but Elain hastened to answer, “No! Heavens, no. They are just weeds, and I am pulling them out because that is what this garden requires.” She pulled another, perhaps with a tad more passion than was necessary. “And,” she added through gritted teeth, “because flowers have value beyond their pretty appearance or the ways we’ve named them. Therefore, my lord, there is no need to assign extra meaning to what I’m doing.”

She heard him huff. “And I’m the only one assigning extra meaning, am I?”

“The bride to be is not here,“ Elain said, returning his same haughty tone. “I do not know where she is, but perhaps you will have better luck finding her in a different garden.”

Whatever interest he’d possessed in finding the bride was quickly forgotten, because he chose that moment to sit on the pavement beside her. He grabbed the pile of weeds from the ground and plucked them into his lap with no care at all for the dirt that spilled onto his dark trousers.

“Since she is not here, tell me about her,” he said, beginning to separate the flowers from the long bristly stems. “Is she kind?”

“Some might say she is.”

“Would you?”

“I would say I hardly know her,” Elain said carefully. “Would you be able to answer the same of your prince? Is he kind?”

“Ah, well. Unlike you I have the misfortune of knowing the prince very well. Now, is he kind?” He considered the answer for a moment. “I suppose it depends on whether or not he has the luxury.”

A disheartening answer.

Elain frowned. “Kindness is a not luxury, it’s a basic decency. And if Prince Lucien possesses it in short supply, then I pity his wife.”

It was a foolish thing to say to a courtier from the Eastern Kingdom, but the sunlight was directly overhead and Elain was beginning to feel the heat smothering her, inescapable in its reminder that the time was upon her. The wedding was here. It was now. The man beside her, a token of the unknown people and culture she was about to be plunged into.

The man laughed. A warm, wonderful sound that drew her eyes back to his face. He’d tipped his head back slightly so that the sun fell across his bronze cheeks, illuminating the swirl of dark freckles hidden on his smooth skin as well as around and amongst the scars. His smile was wide and bright, and she wished she could stay here, undisturbed in the garden where everything felt natural. Familiar. Even him.

“You speak very freely,” he said, his amusement still curling at his lips.

He said it like a compliment, and Elain found herself smiling, too.

Until a small yellow butterfly flitted through the space between them, dousing her brief spark of joy as readily as a kick to the stomach. She noticed his eyes widen, tracking the butterfly’s movements as if startled by the sight. It occurred to Elain that it was winter in the Eastern Kingdom, and it had likely been months since the last time he’d seen a butterfly—if they were found naturally in the East to begin with.

Before yesterday, a butterfly would have felt like a good omen. A symbol of faith and renewal. Now, she could feel one of those wings beating beneath her tongue, and she was worried she might be sick in the flowerbeds.

“Too freely,” she said, hastily standing up while brushing the dirt off her hands. “I forget myself.”

The gentleman, who had been extending his hand towards the butterfly, paused. He was frowning. “I am not offended, lady. There is no need—”

“I must assist with finding the bride,” she said. “I’m certain Prince Lucien must be in quite the state to hear she’s missing.”

“He is inconsolable, lady.”

He said it mockingly, though Elain could not tell if it was said at the expense of the prince or herself. She didn’t have time to undress his meaning, or the rueful smile he offered her as she curtsied her goodbye. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as she left, noticing how the smile dropped, and how his eyes fell back to the resting butterfly.

-

Elain had nearly managed to sneak back into her bedroom before she was caught by Nesta, who tugged her by the arm into a nearby study.

“Don’t be a fool,” she hissed, quickly shutting the door behind them. “There will be no escaping this if you go back in there.” Her blue eyes narrowed into slits. “I thought you ran away.”

Only Nesta could say that like it was a bad thing Elain had returned. As if running away was an option when she had no means of surviving on her own. There was her true love, but…

Elain hugged her arms over her chest, like that might soothe the ache seeping from her heart. “I just needed a moment of fresh air.”

“It’s not too late,” Nesta said, gripping her shoulders so hard that her nails would surely leave divots in Elain’s skin. “You could go now. If there was ever a moment for bravery, Elain—”

“I am being brave now!” she protested. “By staying. For you and father.”

Nesta shook her head. “Whatever deal father’s struck, you’ll be paying us no favors by seeing it through.”

“You are only saying that because you don’t want to marry Prince Eris.”

“I am saying it because I am afraid.” Nesta’s voice rang out through the library, bouncing off the deserted tables. Her eyes were so wide, their color all the more shocking through her burning, unshed tears. “I am afraid of what will happen if you marry him. Aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Elain said, blinking back the sting behind her own eyes. “I am terrified, Nesta. But what can be done?”

Footsteps sounded down the hall, alarming in both pace and quantity. Nesta held her gaze as somewhere in the distance, a door slammed open. They were searching for her.

Nesta lifted her skirts and withdrew a small pouch from a pocket sewn in the inner lining.

“Find him,” she said, pressing the pouch into Elain’s hand. “If true love is real and Feyre’s spell is to be believed, then he would help you.”

With shaking hands, Elain pulled the fabric open to reveal a dozen butterfly wings, if not more.

Elain’s lips parted. She glanced up to Nesta—Nesta, who had always scoffed at the premise of true love. When Feyre had revealed the spell to them, all those nights ago when she’d attempted to run away to be with her true love, Nesta had called Feyre naive. She’d labeled the spell deceitful and had reminded Elain that magic was forbidden. They had sworn together, years ago, that they would always uphold that one, sacred rule.

Had so much truly changed?

Elain’s fingers curled protectively around the pouch, despite how she willed her fingers to open, willed her hand to return the gift. She wanted to say she couldn’t accept it. It was her wedding day and her true love was betrothed. It was already too late.

If anyone deserved the butterfly wings and the chance to escape their fate, it was Nesta.

“You should take this,” Elain said, inwardly wincing at the scratch in her voice. “You should try to be with your true love.”

“I have a while yet before I’ll be taken to a Kingdom in the depths of Winter. You take them, Elain. And use them. Wisely.”

There was no room to say anything more. No thank yous or teary goodbyes. The doors to the library were pushed open and they were inundated by a group of servants headed by their governess. Elain only had the sense to hide the pouch beneath her ragged cloak before she was yanked sideways by the arm.

“You foolish girls!” Their governess sent Nesta a baleful look, one that her sister returned in equal intensity. “Well done,” the old woman snapped. “You have effectively embarrassed your family before the Eastern Kingdom. Let us hope Prince Lucien takes kindly to the delay and the nerves of a new bride. Let’s go, Elain.”

In a matter of minutes, Elain was stripped of her clothes and plunged back into the bath. The water had gone cold, but Elain didn’t care and neither did the servants scrubbing her of any evidence of dirt. The water washed away her crime of autonomy, until she was once again her governess’s doll, listening mutely to the string of admonishments while a pair of maids kept her hair elevated from the water and ran a brush through the loose strands to cleanse them of any impurities.

Eventually, her governess took a break from scolding Elain to glance towards the freestanding clock in the bedroom. She clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

“You were meant to be married an hour ago.”

Elain said nothing, which hardly made a difference to her governess, who preferred when Elain was silent. Children should be seen and not heard, she would often say, though it was unclear to Elain when children had morphed into ladies.

She continued to say nothing, burning in that same resentful silence she had endured since she was old enough to speak and clever enough to watch Nesta discover that thoughts spoken allowed could make others uncomfortable, could be perceived as a challenge. She stepped into the dress—a tiered satin gown dyed a rich burgundy color. It was embroidered in golden leaves that traced the hem of the skirt and climbed elegantly up the front. The sleeves opened wide at her elbow, hemmed in gold and rippling like water when she lifted her arms.

It was, all around, much lighter than she expected. Which was good, because every step towards the chapel felt excruciating, like someone had replaced the loose stones with shards of broken glass, each one shattering beneath her impractical shoes.

Her father was waiting for her just outside. His smile was rehearsed, just like his meek, “You look beautiful, Elain.”

But did she look happy? Elain swallowed the question, along with her pride, and stepped into the chapel with her father.

Elain had only been in the chapel a handful of times. She recalled hiding amongst the pews during games of hide and seek when she was younger, and there had been the occasional ceremonies they’d been dragged to attend as children. But none of them, not even their father, had stepped through the double doors since they had hosted their mother’s funeral just beyond.

It was fitting, Elain thought. She would say goodbye to her life in the very same place she had said goodbye to her mother. As the doors opened, the air felt just as heavy as it had all those years ago, though nothing about the chapel had remained the same. Candles were nestled into every space imaginable. The golden light flickered against the satin ribbons draped from pew to pew, where the ends of the seats were decorated with a collection of flowers—daffodils, red chrysanthemums, marigolds.

Marigolds. A symbol of mourning. Elain wondered who selected them, if perhaps it was a final slight from Nesta against their father. A brief scan of the crowd saw her eldest sister sitting near the front, scowling menacingly towards their father who pretended not to notice. Elain was surprised to see Nesta wasn’t making a scene, but perhaps the man beside her—a tall, red haired gentlemen who was studying Elain through an arched brow—was keeping her in check with the hand he had placed at her shoulder.

Elain couldn’t help straightening as their eyes met and his mouth widened into a cruel smile. A Vanserra. The eldest if she had to guess, from the proprietary way he leaned closer to Nesta and whispered something in her ear. Something that made her eldest sister stiffen.

She quickly averted her eyes, trying not to think too carefully about what Eris Vanserra could say, or do, to make even Nesta heel on today of all days. Everyone in the room was watching Elain, waiting for her to break composure. She turned her eyes to the aisle, over the carpet of blossoms scattered along the floor, then up. To the man waiting for her on the other side of the altar.

It was a wonder she remained standing. The whole world lurched forward. Or at least, that’s how it felt to be staring at the man from the garden, dressed in the burgundy tailcoat that was a perfect match to her dress. Elain gasped when she saw him—but for a moment, with his wide eyes and parted lips, she was convinced the sound had come from him first.

Around them, the crowd began murmuring, though the words became only a dizzying muddle in her head. She watched Lucien quickly regain his composure, smoothing his expression into a neutrality that hardly felt suited to a wedding. Elain did her best to follow suit, trying to give her body back to the Elain from the mirror, the stranger who was getting married. But now she felt jittery in a way that made surrendering her mind feel impossible.

She was marrying the man from the garden. Who had seemed… kind. If a little snide. But not nearly so close to the monster she’d conjured in her head. And what surprised her, more than their encounter in the garden, was that he was young. A year or two older than her, at most. And he was handsome—though she had already discovered that much.

Elain had not expected this. She had not expected the way his eyes fixed on her, watching her every step with an fixation that did not match a man who had neglected to court his bride. He hadn’t inquired anything about her, she reminded herself, as she felt the heat rise over her cheeks.

“Haven’t seen my bride, have you?” he said to her, quietly, once she’d joined him at the altar.

The only one close enough to hear them was the clergyman, an elderly man who slotted his eyes between them curiously but otherwise did not comment. He had been present to verify her purity just a few nights prior, and the memory of that humiliation sharpened the anxiety and anger she’d been struggling to push down.

She sniped, “There were no mirrors in that garden as far as I recall.”

Lucien laughed under his breath. “And you hardly know her?”

“I know only who she has been told she must pretend to be,” Elain said, raising her chin in the stubborn way she’d seen from her sisters a thousand times before. “I know nothing of the girl beyond the pretense.”

“I know she likes to dress up as a servant and act discourteously towards foreign royalty.”

“I did not know you were royalty,” she protested. Then with narrowed eyes and all the poison she could muster standing this close to the clergyman, she said, “Perhaps I was distracted by how inconsolable you were at the news of your missing bride.”

His eyes flashed. With what, she could not tell—ire, perhaps? It was excusable to speak to him this way as a servant ignorant of his status. But to be this insolent as his bride, standing at the altar before both of their families? She took a small, conscious step back. Imperceptible to all but Lucien, who appeared to be gnashing his teeth together from the way his jaw stiffened.

The clergyman cleared his throat. He was smiling pleasantly to the crowd, like the bickering of a couple about to enter marriage was hardly something new to him.

“Welcome all, blessed by the Mother on this joyous day, as we witness the promises of marriage between two souls. The seventh prince of the Eastern Kingdom, son of King Beron, Prince Lucien Vanserra. And his stunning bride, the second daughter of Lord Archeron, Miss Elain Archeron.”

Elain felt her heart thudding in her chest, an errant prisoner begging to be let out. Suddenly, this was becoming real. And inescapable.

“This commitment is between two people who will love each other, who will endure both tension and healing as they grow and change together in the years to come, and who will welcome each other’s growth with mutual love and respect.”

Perhaps the corset had been laced too tightly. That must have been what was trapping the air in her lungs, causing the room to spin as she struggled for breath, as her fingers tightened along the dethorned stems of the bouquet she clutched in her hands.

Her eyes met gold, then russet. He was frowning, brows pinched together while he studied her. She watched as his expression softened.

You can say ‘no’, he mouthed.

“Prince Lucien Vanserra and Miss Elain Archeron, do you declare before me, the Mother, and the witnesses present that you come here voluntarily and without reservation and that you are free by law to be married to each other today?”

Lucien was watching her expectantly. They all were. Elain turned her head to the crowd, finding Nesta, softly shaking her head. And her governess, gray eyes burning furious at the small hesitation. Lucien likely thought he was kind in offering her the chance to say no, here at the altar, where the burden of rejection would be placed upon her shoulders with everyone as witness.

“Y-yes,” Elain said.

Her husband, with a solemn look in his eyes, echoed her agreement.

“Before you are joined in marriage, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

The exclusion of all others, Elain thought, feeling the pouch of butterfly wings where she’d tucked them into a hidden seam in her dress. She felt a phantom hand trace the skin of her inner thigh as she recalled all the places she should have woken up with love bites this morning. Did the binding laws of marriage apply to her dreams?

A petal drifted aimlessly to the floor, shaken loose from the bouquet trembling in her hands. Elain watched as the clergyman removed a box from his coat pocket. The sun streaming in from the stained glass windows glinted against the precious metal of two golden rings—one more slender than the other, each adorned with twisting leaves and small red gemstones.

“The band of a wedding ring symbolizes everlasting love,” the clergyman said. “A ring possesses no beginning, just as it possesses no end. Prince Lucien, place a ring on your bride and repeat after me.”

Lucien removed the smaller ring from the box, pinching it delicately between his elegant fingers. He turned to her and reached out his free hand in offering. Elain’s hands tightened around the flower stems. She felt like she was being asked to put her own head on the chopping block, and in that moment she did consider bolting down the aisle—running as fast and as far away as she could, until she could slip one of Nesta’s butterfly wings beneath her tongue and hope her true love would be able to help her out of the mess she’d wrought upon herself.

The clergyman cleared his throat. Elain glanced up from Lucien’s waiting hand.

Those mismatched eyes were staring at her. Not at all impatient, like she might have expected from a man being forced to endure her inaction while his entire family watched, expressions likely wilting in disapproval.

But not his.

His gaze was level, encouraging but not overbearingly so. And when the clergyman went to clear his throat again, Lucien silenced him with a single, cutting glance.

Then those simmering pools of russet and gold were fixed on her once more. She wondered if it was the differing colors that had thrown off the maids when Elain inquired about his eye color. Did others find it offputting? Elain was reminded of flames dancing in a hearth, glowing brightest at the center and trailing into flickering copper. She could tell, by the way he held himself beneath her silence, that he was someone who burned steadily. Warm, reliable, capable of harming her if approached without caution.

Flowers and fires were not so different, she thought. Each was pleasant until mishandled. Elain decided that if she had spent her lifetime weathering the thorns in her garden without any gloves, so too could she endure the fire of Lucien Vanserra.

Elain placed her hand in his. She was unsurprised to find his touch was firm—enough so that he stilled her shaking from the observance of their families, whilst possessing a gentleness that managed to still her breath, too.

He slid her silk glove down her arm slowly. It would be odd to do so with haste, Elain reasoned, but there was unhurriedness to the motion and she couldn’t decide if it erred on indulgence or reluctance.

Either way, when the glove was removed and his fingers rested on her bare skin, Elain had to stifle another gasp. His skin was scorchingly hot. She would have feared he was feverish, if there was even the barest hint of a flush on his brown cheeks. He was the picture of health and composure as he positioned the golden ring at the tip of her finger.

“I call upon the mother,” he said, repeating the words fed to him by the clergyman, “to witness that I, Lucien Vanserra, take you, Elain Archeron, to be my wife.”

He slid the ring down her finger, reciting, “With this ring, I wed you. With this body, I honor you. With this name, I offer you my home, my land, and all my worldly goods. And with my heart, I provide you with love and faithfulness until my dying breath.”

Elain tried not to panic at the thought that the same would be asked of her. Love and faithfulness, both of which she had already betrayed.

The clergyman turned to her. “Elain Archeron, please place this ring upon the bridegroom’s finger and repeat after me.”

With the ring now fastened to her finger like the world’s smallest prison sentence, Lucien let his dominant hand fall to his side. The other, he kept extended, allowing Elain to slip her gloved hand beneath his own.

Her fingers shook so severely she worried she would drop the ring once she caught ahold of it. With none of the same patience, she quickly pushed it onto Lucien’s finger, securing the gold band in place before the clergyman had even fed her for the first line.

Without anything to do with her hands, she was forced to look up, into Lucien’s eyes, as she said, “I call upon the mother to witness that I, Elain Archeron, consent for you, Lucien Vanserra, to be my husband. With this ring, I wed you. With this body—” Elain swallowed, willing her voice level— “I obey you. And with my heart, I devote my love and faithfulness to you until my dying breath.”

The clergyman smiled. Lucien did not. He was watching her so intently, appraising her with an expression she could not begin to decipher. There was no pleasure on his face from what she could tell—but then, there wasn’t any on hers. They were strangers confessing love to each other, and their lack of conviction was entirely his doing.

“May the Mother and her Cauldron bless this marriage and guide you on the path that you now advance as one. Prince Lucien, you may now kiss your bride.”

Elain’s eyes widened. She looked to Lucien, who was still watching her so closely that none of the panic seeping through her veins could have escaped his notice. This was meant to be her first kiss. Would he be able to tell—would they all be able to tell that she had not preserved this act for her husband?

He stepped towards her. Elain swayed back, nearly taking a step away before his hand smoothed behind her back, pulling her closer.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “Close your eyes.”

A hand brushed over her cheek, smooth and large and oddly comforting. With her eyes closed, she could pretend she was back in the dark room from the night before. In the dark, it was her true love holding her.

“It will be over before you realize it,” he said, lips brushing the corner of her mouth. Then he tilted his head, and he was kissing her. Softly.

And it… it was pleasant.

So much so, that her lips parted of their own accord. And when she kissed him back, she heard him gasp. She swallowed the sound, feeling it flutter to her stomach. It was surely some kind of poison, taking root in her body, because it encouraged her to do strange things like catch his shoulders and pull him closer. Somewhere, she’d gotten so caught up in the memory of last night that she’d forgotten this wasn’t actually her true love.

The witnesses began to clap. The church bells peeled overhead. Elain supposed that was their sign to break away from each other, but Lucien kissed her a moment longer and Elain made no effort to pull away. A soft moan built in her throat, fortunately interrupted by the clergyman clearing his throat once again.

Elain opened her eyes to see Lucien drawing back. Lucien.

Her husband.

That reality felt startling to her, like she’d been doused with cold water. She was blinking as Lucien took her hand, the one now adorned with her wedding ring, and turned them to face the standing crowd. Instinctively, she twined her fingers through his, trying to avoid looking too closely to the right side, where King Beron watched the proceedings with a grim, set face. Five of his sons sat behind him, all of them sharing the same distinct red hair that matched the elegant lady sitting at King Beron’s side, who was staring at Elain and Lucien through wide, tearful russet eyes. The Queen of the East. Lucien gave Elain’s hand a tight squeeze.

There would be a small reception of afternoon tea in the Archeron ballroom. It was a humble event, surely not befitting of a royal wedding. Elain wondered if there would be an additional ceremony held more publicly once they returned to the Eastern Kingdom, or if the haste and secrecy of this entire affair was intentional. It was possible that, despite the arrangement, they believed it was shameful that a prince would not be marrying someone from a royal bloodline. Elain was well aware that they intended to leverage her relation to Feyre to form an alliship with the Northern Kingdom—but if that alliship was considered so valuable, why was this marriage being treated as though it was borne from scandal?

All questions she would refrain from asking her husband, who would be offended at best and untruthful at worst. But soon, she would be the lady of his estate and its staff would report directly to her. There was no better source of information about the master of the house than from the mouth of his own servants.

“Shall we?” Lucien asked.

Elain straightened her shoulders. She didn’t think she would ever be ready for what was to come—a steady procession of guests, each coming to congratulate them as she sat beside her husband and acted as the starstruck maiden who was obnoxiously pleased to be married to a prince. She only wondered what part Lucien would play.

“Do you feel confident you know the way, your highness?”

“You are my wife, you mustn't address me so formally,” he said, the corner of his lip downturned. “Lucien will do. And I feel quite confident—I became rather familiar with the layout of the manor while in search of my bride.”

“Yes,” she said dryly, “you must have searched tirelessly for her amongst the garden beds.”

They stepped off the altar. Elain kept her head straight as they walked through the crowd throwing handfuls of rice as they passed.

“As it happens, I was successful in finding her.” She snuck a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. Pieces of rice clung to his hair and she resisted the urge to brush them off. “Though you will forgive me that I did not hasten to force my reluctant bride into marriage. Please enlighten me, so I may improve my performance for the next time. Would you have preferred more force, a bit of rope, perhaps?”

They were out of the church now. Their families would follow in a procession, but they were far enough back that, combined with the ringing bells, Elain felt comfortable in saying, “If you didn’t want to force your bride, then perhaps you should have inquired to my willingness when you arranged this marriage.”

He barked a single, dark laugh. “You think I arranged this marriage? Praytell, do you believe that royals often have a say in marriages, that we’re allowed to freely choose our brides in the name of love?”

“I never said that I believe royals marry for love,” Elain said. The condescension in his tone was quickly tempering her anger, glowing like a red-hot poker in her stomach. “I’m well aware that your title provides its own set of limitations. But surely a prince could choose from a selection of fitting ladies—”

“I had no choice at all,” he interrupted. “King Beron decided that you would be my betrothed, and I was in no position to decline. Your willingness, or lack thereof, was not made known to me. And if it were, there was nothing I could do short of denying a direct order from my King—treason, if you’re unfamiliar.”

“Treason?” Elain laughed in disbelief. “You are his son—”

“You know nothing—” His tone had gone dark and cold. A glowing ember dropped into water, hissing and hardening into stone. “—Nothing of my family, or what it means to be the seventh son of King Beron Vanserra. I do not have the luxury of questioning orders. I know it must baffle you, as you have clearly made me out as the villain in your mind, but I had just as much a say in this marriage as you did. I did not delight in taking this choice from you, Elain.”

“You…” Elain blinked. “You did not want to marry me?”

“Had that never crossed your mind?” He clicked his tongue. “Such vanity.”

Her eyes were stinging again. Elain didn’t know why it mattered. But her heart ached at the thought that her husband didn’t even want her. She was dispensable to him, which was a fact she had always assumed. A pawn that tied his family to the Northern Kingdom and nothing more. But she had thought, with every ounce of the vanity he accused, that desire had played a role as well—that she had been sought for the beauty she was assured she possessed.

“Don’t act the wounded bird, now,” he chided. “You have made no secret of your reluctance to marry me. Am I not allowed to express the same sentiment?”

Elain bit her lip, preventing it from wobbling. They were nearly at the entrance to the ballroom and the second they sat at their table, she would need to face their families with feigned joy.

With a measured breath, Elain said, “You act as though my contempt is the result of my own naivety. I am well aware that most matches are made in the absence of love. I’ll have you know, I was resigned quite happily to this arrangement until you made it clear there would be no effort of courtship, not even a letter.”

Lucien’s silhouette was the picture of indifference, but she felt his hand tighten in her own. Their shoes echoed off the tiled flooring of the ballroom, which had been transformed into an elegant dining hall, laid with velvet-clothed tables and brass-sconce candles. At the forefront of the room was a small table decorated in golden ribbon, set elegantly for two.

Steeling her nerves, Elain continued, uncertain if she was determined to wound him or force an apology. “What I find offensive, your highness, was that you could not afford even the barest effort that was owed to our betrothal, formed in convenience as it may have been. You may paint me as vain and petulant, but my displeasure is well founded. It was me that you were slighting in your silence, not your father.”

They stopped before the table. Lucien pulled out a seat for her, shaking his head all the while. “I thought it was Eris marrying the outspoken sister.”

“I have no comment to offer in turn,” she grumbled, even as he pushed her chair into the table like a gentleman. “All my knowledge of you has been acquired only in the last few hours.”

“And what have you learned?” He crooned, sliding gracefully into the seat beside her. He propped an arm on the table to angle himself closer to her, and Elain hated how handsome he looked with the sunlight streaming in from behind, lighting the copper in his hair.

“That you are arrogant and insufferable.”

He laughed as though delighted. “If you are the passive one, I look forward to seeing what challenge awaits Eris.”

Elain said nothing, irritated by the change in his tone and frustrated that he had not offered an apology—or at the least, an explanation.

“What happens now?”

“We dine with our families—“

“No,” she said, cutting him off. “What happens in our marriage? You do not want me. Does this mean I will be cast away while you pursue a mistress and have illegitimate children? You have slighted me before we were even to be married, should I expect such treatment for the remainder of our marriage?”

“Cauldron, are we discussing this now?”

Across the room, the King and Queen stepped through the doors, followed by five of Lucien’s brothers. Elain smiled pleasantly at them, though none returned the gesture as they were escorted to their seats.

“Yes,” Elain said. “I would like to know your expectations so I am not deluded by pretense during our honeymoon.”

Lucien sighed. “I intend for us to live separate, amicable lives. My estate is large and we will each have our own wing, so we scarcely need to cross paths. You can occupy yourself with whatever will satisfy your happiness and to the rest of the world, we will maintain the illusion of a happily married couple—which means no bastard children. For either of us.”

He met her eyes intently, wanting the gravity of that rule to rest over her. As if the idea of having an illegitimate child wasn’t already appalling. No bastard children… He had, she noticed, elegantly sidestepped the question of mistresses.

“And you and I?”

“You and I what?”

Elain pressed, “Will we be having children? Fulfilling our marital duties? I assume we’re expected to produce an heir.”

“No,” he said, frowning. “You have no such marital duties, Elain. I’ve no intention of gratifying my father with an heir. In a few years we can say that we have tried and the doctors can conclude that I am sterile.”

They will not. Elain knew this with certainty. It was always the woman who was at fault in such situations. It would be Elain with the shortcoming, incapable of fulfilling the one duty that was expected from a wife. Not the prince of a pure, royal bloodline. She would be bearing the humiliation of not having children. As well as the isolation.

“So I will never be a mother,” she said, staring blankly at the guests filling the room.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lucien glance towards his own mother. “There are worse fates,” he said, not unkindly. “You will find fulfillment in other ways. I truly do seek your happiness, and I would like us to be friends.”

That was an easy suggestion for him to make, when he would be getting everything he wanted from this arrangement.

“Do you find this agreeable?”

No. Not if he’d be taking on mistresses, making a mockery of her while she passed time idly, fulfilled by neither children nor love.

Love…

Elain ducked her hand beneath the table, feeling for the pouch of butterfly wings she’d tucked into the in-sewn pocket of her petticoat. Her husband was giving her license to pursue her own happiness. By his own rules, so long as there were no illegitimate children, she needn’t feel guilty for the night she’d spent with her true love, or any that she might spend with him in the future.

Which did she desire more—children, or her true love?

Her freehand snagged at the stem of sparkling wine laid in front of her, taking a sip to buy herself time in answering. It bubbled on her tongue, lighter and freer than she could ever hope to be. And as she looked over the rim of the crystal-cut glass, she made eye contact with King Beron.

This time, he smiled. A cruel, vulpine expression that caused Elain’s skin to prickle down her arms and legs. She hastily set down the wine and averted her eyes back towards Lucien. If he was a steady burning hearth, then his father was the smoke and ash that remained once the flame was smothered. Elain could sense there was nowhere he touched that his mark wasn’t left, and that would include any future children she sired to his line.

Maybe Lucien had good reason to deny his father an heir. He seemed earnest enough. She could see him begging her with his eyes to trust him. Against her better judgment, she wanted to.

“I agree,” she said. “But I want your assurance of something in return.”

[hellishjoel]

ahh so many congrats to you, my love!! i feel so lucky to have met you through this fandom and definitely consider you a friend worth having <3

for your casino: 💎 + "fixing the other's hairstyle to let their hands run through their partner's hair"

the red viper of dorne and the snake charmer

1k / pairing: oberlyn martell x reader

physical affection request: fixing the other's hairstyle to let their hands run through their partner's hair

warnings/information: MA 18+ (minors DNI), reader is described to have hair but no other physical traits - including unspecified gender (this is my first time attempting a non-specified reader so if there are any slips, please feel free to let me know and I will quickly address it!)

a/n: I used the lovely @morallyinept’s character analysis of Oberyn and dialogue for assistance since this is my first Oberyn piece! Thank you so much, Jett! Please go read the rest of their works, they are amazing! 

---

What’s to like about King’s Landing? 

You miss home. You miss Dorne. It may be summer here in King’s Landing, but the warmth wasn’t as rich. The sun didn’t glow on your skin, it didn’t make you melt into happiness. There were no hills, there was no sand. It was all crowded streets and city dwellers. And it smelled like the sewers. 

The only reason you’re here is at the request of your paramour, Prince Oberyn of Dorne. And he hates this place as much, if not more, than you do. 

So many terrible memories here, terrible people, terrible ideologies. No one was open here. It was incredibly traditional and formal, with not a single soul open to anything but the old ways. 

Perhaps that’s why you and Oberyn were seen as sore thumbs compared to the rest of the capital visitors for the great wedding of yet another king. You wonder how long this one will last before another usurper takes the dead man’s crown. The gold smelter must have been very busy these past few years. 

You sit atop Oberyn’s balcony, legs dangling over the edge as you look past the city and over the water. You’d rather wait on the ship, to be truthful. 

A warm presence joins you from behind. Oberyn’s silky robes and toned muscles meet the planes of your back. 

“You’re not present, my love.” 

An immediate peace settles over you, letting your muscles go lax at Oberyn’s gentle coos. 

“I'm sorry, my dearest. I’m not sure I’ll ever be while I’m here,” you admit, eyes casting downward as you watch people weave in and out of the market streets. They’re so small from up here. Maybe that’s why the Lannister's act the way that they do. They really must believe they are bigger and better than everyone else because that’s all they see from the towers of the Red Keep. Tiny little people with tiny little dreams. 

You can hear Oberyn sigh, his tough and calloused hands working up your arms and gently into your shoulders. Your eyes fall closed as he speaks. 

“You know, when I was just a boy and visited King’s Landing for the first time, the Iron Throne and the fight for it was at its peak. I was so curious about this Iron Throne, having never seen it before, but knowing all the great stories. Young and with a wild imagination, I leaned into the legends of the throne, not knowing how true or untrue those rumors may be.” 

Oberyn pauses to run his fingers down the long braid you had tied your hair into. Your hair in all its naturalness didn’t seem to be taken affectionately by the people of the capital. You didn’t know how to style it in the manner that they did. So you thought it would be best to tie it back and keep it out of the way. Make yourself smaller so they can make themselves larger.

Oberyn loves every single piece of you just the way you are. His fingers dip in and out of the interwoven pieces as he continues. 

“I imagined that the Iron Throne was a hundred feet tall, made upon tens of thousands of iron swords that were conquered from King Aegon. It was dark, and scary, and daunting. But when I saw it in person, saw it for what it really was…” he pauses to stroke his fingers through the strands, your face softening as he admires the beauty you so naturally possessed. 

“And what?” You ask as you turn your head just slightly to the right, chin over your shoulder to let him know you are listening. “What was it really?”

Oberyn shakes his head and shrugs nonchalantly. 

“It was a horrible chair.” 

You sputter up a laugh and smile for the first time in King’s Landing. He joins you with a hearty chuckle, and it makes your heart beat faster. 

“Truly, it was just a horrible, uncomfortable chair. Others saw it as a symbol of power, I saw it as a symbol of oppression. It was made of melted swords from defeated enemies, that so much is true, but it was made with no care. It has sharp edges and points, those parts left unmelted by dragonfire. It is ugly and brutal. It wasn’t smooth or elegant or formal, it was all a lie. But it was told to be great.” 

Your face softens, and your gentle eyes meet that of the Red Viper’s. Oberyn sees you as his equal; not many in such a high-powered position could so confidently say that. 

Finally free of your braid, of your constraint, Oberyn runs his fingers through in a routine way he usually does at night, the two of you bare between silk sheets. It’s comforting to him just as it is you. 

“You don’t like it here.” He states. “Then… we set sail tomorrow at dawn.”

You part your lips in surprise, tilting your head. "What about the wedding? The King?"

He scoffs and shifts his jaw. "Fuck the King."

His large hand cups your cheek, strong fingers memorizing the curvature of your features as the brown embers in his eyes meet yours. But you can’t help but feel a bit guilty. 

“You don’t have to void your entire trip just because I’m…” Your words fall flat and you look back out over the sea, wishing so desperately to be seeing the outskirts of Dorne. 

“My dearest, there is nothing I would love more than to be in the sultry embrace of a Dornish night with you, where the stars themselves seem to dance to the rhythm of our beating hearts. You are my flame, my fire, and your flame is dying here. I must protect you. Your eyes scream for the desert sun. I was a stubborn bull to take you away. Our shadows will burn together, I know this to be true, for the passion I feel for you is marked on the landscape of my desires.”

Your heart races under his gaze. He’s made by the Gods with his sharp jawline and cheekbones etched of marble stone. Eyes brewing with pure charm and eroticism that dance hand in hand. 

“Let us escape the constraints of King’s Landing. For in the realm of pleasure, there are no houses, no sigils, no armies. Dorne is here, with you, always. Be with me for one more night in King’s Landing, and I promise to never return.” 

He stands and offers his open hand to you. You smugly smile and join him, letting him reel you in further to the bedroom. “The Red Viper has quite the tongue.”  You taunt as your warm palms fall to Oberyn's sun-soaked chest. 

“You already know that to be true, my love.”

-

hehehe ngl that was fun, thank you so much for celebrating with me, Erin!

[lyrabeautysalon]

The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Makeup Services at Lyra Salon in Guruvayur

Guruvayur, a serene town in Kerala, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and the famous Guruvayur Temple. Known as the "Dwarka of the South," Guruvayur is a sought-after destination for traditional Kerala weddings. At Lyra Salon, we understand the significance of this special day and offer exceptional bridal makeup services to make every bride's dream come true.

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Guruvayur weddings are celebrated with traditional rituals and customs, often held at the iconic Guruvayur Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in South India. The grandeur of a Guruvayur wedding lies in its simplicity and adherence to age-old traditions, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.

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Experience the best bridal makeup services in Guruvayur with Lyra Salon, where tradition meets elegance.

[snowberry-crostata]

Clothing of Skyrim, Part IV: Jewelry and Accessories

As a culture that takes great pride in its smithing traditions, jewelry is an essential component of Nordic dress. Earrings, necklaces, amulets, belts, and decorative hair combs are worn by all classes, though the quality of the accessories varies with the wealth of the owner.

Most women and some men wear one or more earrings. Women’s earrings are typically crafted in gold or silver, are often a gift from her parents, and can serve as goods for bartering if she falls on hard times. Beaded necklaces are another ubiquitous accessory. The beads are made of painted wood, cut and polished stone, metal, glass, or ceramic. Other materials that might be used include amber, gemstones, carved bone, animal teeth, and coins (particularly foreign ones). The necklaces are colorful and often appear random in nature, with beads having been accrued individually over time. Coastal communities, particularly in The Pale and Hjaalmarch, incorporate shells into their beadwork. While the beads can be chosen purely for aesthetics, oftentimes individual beads have a special meaning or commemorate a specific event in a person’s life. Several necklaces and amulets might be worn simultaneously.

Clasps and brooches are used to secure capes and cloaks, and vary from simple iron loops to elaborately wrought pieces made of precious metals and set with gems. Pairs of brooches, linked together with strings of beads or a decorative chain, are often seen as decoration, particularly for married women. These can also be seen securing fur cloaks across the chest of noblemen and Jarls.

Armbands are a piece of jewelry rarely seen on non-Nords. These metal bands sit on the upper arm and are often elaborately inscribed and decorated, or fashioned in a unique shape (such as an armband in the shape of a serpent). The armbands are not simply a fashion accessory; they are often given as gifts to represent an alliance between clans or as a gift between spouses (sometimes taking the place of a wedding ring).

As they are a devout people, Nords are often seen sporting tokens representing one or more Gods of the Nordic pantheon. These vary from simple talismans carved from wood or bone to elaborately embossed and jeweled amulets. The most popular amulets seen on Nords are those devoted to Kyne, Dibella and, of course, Talos. As the Cult of Mara has spread over the last century, the Imperial tradition of unmarried adults wearing amulets of Mara when seeking a partner has gained popularity.

Hair combs, sticks, and clasps are another essential accessory for both men and women, as many Nords follow the custom of wearing their hair long. Ties, beads, metal accents, and feathers are used to accessorize more elaborate hairstyles.

Belts range from practical to decorative. Flat or braided leather and tablet-woven belts are most commonly seen on everyday clothing. Nobles and Jarls often have belts fashioned of fine leather with embellishments like tassels, coins, and buckles in steel, gold, and silver. Warriors are often seen sporting wide, heavy leather belts, suitable for supporting the weight of weapons and armor. A simple cloth or leather purse is attached to the belt, along with keys, combs, talismans, pouches and bags, drop spindles, knives, and any other day-to-day necessities.

[beauty-makeover]

Hair cutting and styling for girls encompass a wide range of options, from short to long hair, classic to trendy, and everything in between. Here are some popular haircuts and styles for girls to consider:Bob Cut:Classic Bob: A timeless chin-length cut thats versatile and suits various face shapes.Long Bob (Lob): A longer version of the bob, typically ending around the shoulders.Inverted Bob: Shorter at the back and longer in the front, creating a stylish angle.Pixie Cut:Short Pixie: A daring and low-maintenance option with short sides and back.Long Pixie: Slightly longer on top while still maintaining the pixies edgy look.Layered Haircuts:Face-Framing Layers: Soft layers that frame the face, adding movement and dimension.Shaggy Layers: A messy, textured look thats playful and trendy.Bangs:Side-Swept Bangs: A classic choice that adds a touch of elegance to any haircut.Blunt Bangs: Straight-across bangs that make a bold statement.Curtain Bangs: Center-parted bangs that frame the face on either side.Long Hair Styles:Beachy Waves: Effortless, tousled waves that give a relaxed vibe.Straight and Sleek: Smooth, straight hair that looks polished and chic.Braids: Various braiding styles, such as fishtail, French, or Dutch braids, for an intricate look.Ponytail: High or low ponytails can be both practical and stylish.Specialty Styles:Updos: Elegant styles for formal events, like buns, chignons, and twists.Half-Up, Half-Down: A combination of up and down styling, providing the best of both worlds.Space Buns: Two buns on the top of the head, often seen as a playful and youthful choice.Color and Highlights:Balayage: Hand-painted highlights for a natural and sun-kissed effect.Ombre: Gradual color transition from roots to ends.Pastel Hues: Soft, muted colors like lavender, pink, or mint for a whimsical look.Bold Colors: Vibrant shades like blue, purple, or red for a striking appearance.Classic Updos:Elegant Bun: A timeless choice that can be styled into a sleek, high bun or a softer, low bun.Chignon: A sophisticated low bun often adorned with accessories like pins or flowers.French Twist: A twist of hair that creates an elegant and polished updo.Half-Up Half-Down Styles:Curled Half-Updo: Half of the hair is pulled up and secured, while the rest is left down in cascading curls or waves.Braided Half-Updo: Incorporate braids into the half-up style for a romantic and bohemian look.Braided Styles:Crown Braid: A braid that wraps around the crown of the head, creating a beautiful halo effect.Waterfall Braid: A flowing braid that cascades down the back or side of the head.Loose Waves and Curls:Soft Waves: Effortless waves that exude a natural and romantic vibe.Loose Curls: A glamorous option that adds texture and movement to the hair.Vintage-Inspired Styles:Retro Waves: Old Hollywood-inspired waves that are glamorous and sophisticated.Victory Rolls: Vintage rolls and twists that evoke a nostalgic feel.Boho-Chic Styles:Messy Updo: A relaxed and tousled updo with loose strands and a carefree vibe.Flower Crown: Adorn any hairstyle with a floral crown for a whimsical and bohemian touch.Sleek and Modern Styles:Straight and Polished: Straight hair styled with a sleek finish for a modern and chic look.Geometric Updo: Create unique shapes and twists for a contemporary and artistic style.Accessories and Embellishments:Hair Accessories: Enhance your hairstyle with decorative pins, combs, tiaras, or hair vines.Veil Integration: Coordinate your hairstyle with your chosen veil placement and style.Formal Events:Classic Chignon: A sophisticated low bun that exudes elegance and grace.French Twist: A polished twist of hair that adds a touch of glamour.Sleek Ponytail: A high or mid-level ponytail thats straight and sleek for a modern look.Vintage Waves: Old Hollywood-inspired waves that bring a touch of retro chic to your style.Side-Swept Curls: Elegant curls swept to one side for a romantic and formal appearance.

[funnyterekenoow]

Revamp Your Look with These Trendy Hairstyles: Unlock Your Style Potential!

Are you tired of the same old hairstyle that you've been sporting for years? Are you looking for a fresh and exciting change to revitalize your look? Well, you're in luck! In this blog post, we'll explore some of the hottest hairstyle trends that are making waves in the fashion world. Whether you want to make a bold statement or enhance your natural beauty, these hairstyles are sure to unlock your style potential and leave you feeling fabulous. Get ready to transform your appearance and step into a whole new level of confidence!

The Bob: Classic Elegance with a Modern Twist The bob hairstyle has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among fashionistas. This season, the bob is all about modern variations and personalization. From the sleek and straight blunt bob to the textured and tousled lob (long bob), there's a bob style that suits every face shape and hair type. Embrace this timeless cut, and you'll exude confidence and sophistication wherever you go.

Braids: Intricate Artistry for Every Occasion Braids are no longer limited to casual or bohemian looks. They have become an essential part of red carpet events and formal occasions. From intricate fishtail braids to romantic milkmaid braids, these styles offer a versatile range of options. Whether you're attending a wedding, a gala, or simply want to add an element of elegance to your everyday style, braids are the perfect choice. Experiment with different braiding techniques and accessories to express your creativity and turn heads wherever you go.

Natural Curls: Embracing Your Texture Natural curls are having a major moment in the fashion industry, and it's time to embrace your unique texture. Instead of spending hours straightening or fighting against your natural hair, let your curls take center stage. Opt for a well-defined curly look or go for a loose and beachy vibe with waves. Invest in high-quality hair products specifically designed for curly hair to enhance your natural pattern and keep your locks healthy and vibrant.

Pixie Cut: Embodying Confidence and Boldness If you're ready to make a daring statement and showcase your fierce personality, a pixie cut might be the perfect option for you. This short and chic hairstyle not only highlights your facial features but also exudes confidence and individuality. Choose from different variations, such as the classic pixie, undercut pixie, or textured pixie, depending on your style preference. With the right attitude and the perfect pixie cut, you'll feel empowered and ready to conquer the world.

Your hairstyle plays a significant role in defining your overall look and boosting your confidence. Whether you prefer a classic bob, intricate braids, natural curls, or a bold pixie cut, there's a trendy hairstyle that will perfectly complement your personality and style. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Experiment with different looks, consult with a professional stylist, and remember to maintain the health of your hair through regular trims and nourishing treatments. With the right hairstyle, you'll feel like a brand new person and radiate confidence wherever you go. So, go ahead and unlock your style potential with these trendy hairstyles!

[merrybrides]

10 Tips For Wedding Hair in Humid Weather

Worried about humidity ruining your hair for the wedding? 😳

We get it.

Humidity makes hair poof & encourages frizz… we get it.

Hair loses its volume and refuses to stay in place without extra help… we get it.

Don’t worry…

You can’t control the weather, but here 10 tips for wedding hair in humid weather.

Ready to get started?

Prepare Before Your Big Day

1. Shampoo & Conditioner

Preparation is key for keeping your hair in place when it’s humid outside.

Take care of your locks as a part of your normal hair care routine, not just in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

This means finding the right shampoo & conditioner for your hair.

Pay attention to:

Your hair texture

Level of dryness

The health of your hair

With this info, you will find a shampoo & conditioner that suits your hair type.

This is great for your hair’s overall health because it helps your hairstyle battle humidity on the big day.

2. Wash the Night Before

I’m sure you’ve heard the age-old argument of styling your hair dirty VS clean.

People believe that dirty hair is best for a better hold.

Or is that just me?

Either way, it’s better that you wash your hair the night before instead of the morning of.

Hairdressers likely prefer to work with clean hair when styling your hair.

Dirt & buildup can weigh your hair down.

You’ll enjoy having clean hair and feel more comfortable in the heat & humidity.

If you’re not sure about it, discuss this with your hairdresser.

They’ll tell you how to prepare your hair for the best hold & look.

3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Moisturizing is not just for your face!

Aside from conditioning, make sure to keep an eye on your hair’s moisture.

A moisturizer, like a hair mask, is different from a conditioner & a deeper form of conditioning.

Both work to maintain your hair’s moisture and water retention.

The healthier your hair is, the more it will retain its moisture on a healthy level.

It will look better too!

4. Say NO to Hairdryers

This is especially important when you wash your hair the night or day before.

It’s better to let your hair air dry.

Using a hairdryer with heat damages your hair and its texture.

Your hairdresser will know how to deal with your hair texture in its natural state.

So, don’t worry about using a hairdryer to tame your mane.

Heat styling isn’t the best option for hair.

It’s better to avoid it when leading up to your wedding.

On your wedding day, give yourself enough time for your hair to dry.

Be sure it’s completely dry before heading into the humidity.

We want your hair in tip-top shape – not something you are constantly worrying about!

5. Embrace Texture

When you choose your wedding hairstyle, consider your natural texture.

Pick a style similar to your hair’s texture to avoid changing it with heat styling.

The less you fight against your hair, the more it reduces frizz & the risk of it falling flat.

Wear naturally curly and/or wavy hair in its natural state or with more defined curls.

For straight hair, wear your hair naturally with accessories.

Embrace your natural texture to give your hair a fighting chance against humidity.

If you want other options, then the next tips are for you!

6. Low Ponytail

Another option for a style that holds up well in humid weather is a low ponytail.

Your hair is completely out of the way, and it’s securely in place.

So don’t worry about your hair moving everywhere and the friction causing frizz.

A low ponytail is also an alternative way to wear your hair in its natural state & avoid heat styling…

Which is always a plus!

Add braids, accessories, flowers to jazz up the classic ponytail look.

7. Up-Do

An up-do is a great way to go.

Your hair is securely in place and styled in a way that keeps its shape, rather than hoping for the best.

Because of how you style an up-do with pins & extra accessories, your hair is less likely to fall flat.

Your hair doesn’t have to be slicked up.

You can wear it loosely, like a swept-up look.

Choose from a sleek bun or tousled curl up-do.

8. Half Up Half Down

Next, we have the half up half down style.

Wearing only half of your hair up is the best of both worlds.

You can still wear your hair down in any texture you want, but also achieve a decent hold by styling half the hair up.

When half of your hair held up, there is less free hair to get unruly with wind & humidity.

It’s also a great way to show off accessories, if you ask me!

The Wedding Day

9. Oils, Balms, and Serums

It’s likely that your hairdresser will use oils, balms, or serums to style your hair.

This helps to manage any flyaways, frizz, and can also be a heat protector.

Balms help add texture to the hair & are useful to keep your hair in shape.

To minimize damage to your hair, you need a heat protector for any kind of heat styling.

Serums are thicker than oil and are usually used after oils & heat styling.

The serums seal your hair and are often anti-frizz products.

10. Light Hairspray

Finally, your hairstylist is done!

After prepping, protecting, and styling, the final touch should be light hairspray.

Avoid touching your hair as much as possible after the last touch.

Don’t use hairspray so strong that it leaves your hair crunchy.

Make sure it’s just strong enough that your hair is held in place.

A light spray helps block out dreaded humidity.

Final Tips

There is no 1 size fits all solution, but you can take steps beforehand to have style-ready healthy hair.

How you take care of your hair in daily life, what products you use, and how you style your hair contributes to fighting the humidity.

Consult with your hairdresser for recommendations.

[brioso123]

Which Makeup is Best for Maharashtrian Wedding - Airbrush/HD Makeup?

A Maharashtrian wedding is one of the most enjoyable weddings among the various cultures of India because it is also full of color and fun rituals that bring the whole event to life. The Maharashtrian bride is getting married this season, you will likely have a lot to do before the big day. Self-care and handling all makeup looks for different occasions are undoubtedly high on your priority. 

Let’s make it easy by hiring the Best Makeup Artist in Pune. They help you to manage all your makeup and use makeup that is long-lasting. You don’t need to put in extra effort to complete your bridal glam look. So you just enjoy your wedding function. After all, on one of the most important days of your life, you want to look like a million bucks.

A classic Nath (nose ring) and crescent moon bindi define the classic Maharashtrian bridal look, which is complemented with Airbrush and HD makeup for indoor and outdoor. To help you with your bridal makeup, we have compiled the essential makeup guide you need to achieve the perfect Marathi makeup.

A Few Tips and Tricks for a Bride from Maharashtra

1. Hairstyle 

A traditional Maharashtrian bride typically wears her hair in an Ambada with different accessories, a neat and simple bun that makes her look unquestionably regal. As a result, we recommend that you stick to your traditional hairstyle. To add a personal touch, you can make several variations, such as a braided bun or a plaited bun, or different bun accessories, that will look great with your Maharashtrian saree and add a twist to your traditional look.

2. Makeup 

Makeup depends entirely on the look and your skin tone. Airbrush and HD makeup is the best for wedding makeup. If you have oily skin then airbrush makeup is best otherwise HD makeup also gives you a flawless look with intricate embellishments. You can choose between Airbrush and HD makeup. Always listen to the opinion of Professional Makeup Experts on the subject.

3. Outfit 

The traditional outfit adds some extra beauty to your look. Choose the best outfit that goes with the Maharashtrian look. Also if you hire a makeup artist then they will help and suggest what outfit is best for your overall look. 

Which Makeup is Best for a Wedding

Choosing a makeup artist who can make you look gorgeous on your wedding day is really important, but there is something much more important - the makeup technique he/she will use.

Brides all over the world opt for Airbrush or HD makeup that gives you the best look and stunning appearance. This makeup is for all wedding functions. These new makeup techniques leave no blemishes and look amazing on camera.

What are Airbrush and HD Makeup?

The technique for applying both Airbrush bridal makeup and HD bridal makeup is different. HD makeup is applied with high-end HD products that are designed to scatter light on the skin, making it look softer and prettier. Whereas Airbrush makeup requires an applicator brush to apply a layer over light makeup. Airbrush makeup uses a free-hand technique to manipulate distance and pressure to create specific effects and reach. When the trigger is pressed, a fine mist of foundation covers the face for a flawless finish, and the makeup blends seamlessly with the skin.

Which Skin Type HD Makeup is Suitable 

This makeup technique is suitable for all skin types, as it makes makeup more natural than layering. If you're looking for a soft focus and non-dramatic look, then HD Makeup is perfect for you.

Which Skin Type Airbrush Makeup is Suitable 

This makeup technique works wonders for brides with oily skin as the products used are silicone based and stay in place for a long time. However, if you have drier skin, airbrush makeup might not be the best option for you. This type of makeup begins to flake much more easily on dry skin. Because airbrush makeup is waterproof, it is not as creamy as a traditional foundation, according to makeup artists. As a result, it is not suitable for dry skin. This is also an expensive method and you may need to budget.

Conclusion

The MUA's tell you which is the best makeup in HD and Airbrush makeup, though. It depends on you and your makeup artist for your Maharashtrian wedding look, learn about her experience and make sure it matches what you want. They'll wrap up this blog with the key takeaways that will help you decide between Airbrush and HD Makeup.

The MUA's skill is crucial to both HD and Airbrush makeup, though. Before hiring a Makeup Artist for your wedding, learn about her background and make sure it matches what you're looking for.

[megamobilestylesposts]

Discover 4 Perfect Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Discovering the ideal bridesmaid hairstyle can be a delightful journey.

Whether you're standing beside the bride at a glamorous ballroom wedding or a serene garden ceremony, your hair should complement your beauty and the event's style. Let's explore some stunning bridesmaid hairstyles that will make you look and feel your best.

Elegant Updos for Bridesmaids

Updos are timeless and elegant, perfect for bridesmaids who want a sophisticated look. Here are some chic updo options to consider:

Classic Chignon

The chignon is a classic updo that exudes grace and sophistication. It's a versatile choice that works well with various hair lengths and textures.

Smooth and Sleek: Ideal for formal events, this style keeps hair neat and polished.

Textured and Tousled: Perfect for a relaxed, bohemian vibe, this style adds volume and a touch of whimsy.

Romantic Braided Updo

A romantic braided updo combines the elegance of an updo with the intricate beauty of braids.

French Braid Bun: Start with a French braid that wraps into a bun at the nape of the neck.

Crown Braid: Braid the hair around the crown of the head, creating a halo effect that is both enchanting and stylish.

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles for Bridesmaids

If you want a balance between an updo and wearing your hair down, a half-up, half-down hairstyle is perfect. It combines the elegance of an updo with the softness of loose hair.

Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

This style is timeless and chic, ideal for any wedding theme.

Loose Waves: Create gentle waves for a romantic and effortless look.

Sleek and Straight: For a modern and polished appearance, keep the top section smooth and straight.

Braided Half-Up, Half-Down

Adding braids to your half-up, half-down style can enhance its beauty and uniqueness.

Waterfall Braid: A cascading braid that adds a touch of elegance to your look.

Fishtail Braid: This intricate braid provides a beautiful contrast to loose curls or waves.

Gorgeous Down Styles for Bridesmaids

Wearing your hair down can be just as glamorous as an updo. Here are some stunning down-style options:

Soft, Romantic Waves

Soft waves are perfect for a romantic and feminine look.

Beachy Waves: Create loose, beachy waves for a relaxed and natural look.

Hollywood Glam Waves: For a touch of old Hollywood glamour, go for big, voluminous waves.

Sleek and Straight

For a modern and sophisticated look, sleek and straight hair is a fantastic choice.

Middle Part: A middle part can elongate your face and add a contemporary flair.

Side Part: A deep side part can add volume and create a dramatic effect.

Unique and Creative Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Sometimes, stepping outside the traditional styles can lead to a truly unique and memorable look.

Boho Braids

Boho braids are perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

Messy Braids: Create loose, messy braids for a relaxed and bohemian vibe.

Braided Crown: A braided crown can add a whimsical touch to your hairstyle.

High Ponytails

A high ponytail is modern, chic, and incredibly versatile.

Sleek High Ponytail: For a polished look, keep the ponytail sleek and smooth.

Curly High Ponytail: Add curls to your ponytail for a fun and playful style.

Perfect Bridesmaid Hairstyles with MOBILESTYLES

Choosing the perfect bridesmaid hairstyle is all about finding a style that makes you feel beautiful and confident. From elegant updos to romantic waves, there are countless options to explore.

For personalized beauty on demand, consider MOBILESTYLES, where professional beauty experts come to you. Whether you need hair, makeup, or other beauty services, MOBILESTYLES ensures you look your best for every special occasion.

[toniandguyindia]

Experience World-Class Hairdressing at Toni&Guy, Mandapeta

In the heart of Mandapeta, where tradition meets modernity, there's a place where you can transform your look with a touch of elegance and international flair—Toni&Guy. Known globally for its trendsetting styles and professional expertise, Toni&Guy has brought its iconic brand to Mandapeta, offering a premium hairdressing experience like no other.

Why Choose Toni&Guy, Mandapeta?

Expert Stylists: At Toni&Guy, Mandapeta, you are in the hands of highly trained and experienced stylists who are passionate about hairdressing. Each stylist undergoes rigorous training to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and products. Whether you want a classic cut, a bold new style, or a complete makeover, our team is dedicated to making you look and feel your best.

Personalized Consultations: Understanding that every client is unique, Toni&Guy, Mandapeta offers personalized consultations to help you choose a style that complements your personality, lifestyle, and preferences. Our stylists take the time to listen to your needs and provide expert advice to achieve a look that suits you perfectly.

Cutting-Edge Techniques: Toni&Guy is renowned for pioneering some of the most innovative hairdressing techniques in the industry. From precision cutting and creative coloring to advanced hair treatments and styling, Toni&Guy, Mandapeta brings these world-class techniques right to your doorstep.

Premium Products: To ensure the best results, Toni&Guy, Mandapeta uses only high-quality, professional-grade products. From shampoos and conditioners to styling tools and finishing sprays, every product is chosen to enhance the health and beauty of your hair. We work with leading brands in the industry to provide you with a luxurious salon experience.

Trendy and Timeless Styles: At Toni&Guy, Mandapeta, we believe in creating styles that are not just fashionable but also timeless. Whether you're looking for the latest trend or a sophisticated look that never goes out of style, our stylists have the skills and creativity to deliver. From sleek bobs and textured layers to vibrant colors and elegant updos, your dream hair is just an appointment away.

Relaxing Ambience: Step into Toni&Guy, Mandapeta and enjoy a salon experience that goes beyond hairdressing. With a welcoming and modern ambiance, our salon is designed to provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy a soothing hair wash, a refreshing beverage, and the luxury of being pampered by our friendly staff.

Commitment to Hygiene and Safety: Your health and safety are our top priorities at Toni&Guy, Mandapeta. The salon follows stringent hygiene protocols, including regular sanitization of tools and spaces, to ensure a clean and safe environment for every client.

Services Offered

Toni&Guy, Mandapeta offers a wide range of hairdressing services tailored to meet the needs of men, women, and children. Our services include:

Haircuts and Styling: Precision cuts, blow-dries, and custom styling for any occasion.

Coloring and Highlights: From natural shades to bold colors, balayage, and highlights.

Hair Treatments: Deep conditioning, keratin treatments, and other restorative services.

Special Occasion Styling: Elegant updos, braids, and styling for weddings, parties, and events.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Ready for a hair transformation? Visit Toni&Guy, Mandapeta and discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and professional care. Whether you're looking for a simple trim or a complete makeover, our team is here to help you achieve the hair of your dreams.

Book your appointment today and experience the Toni&Guy difference in Mandapeta. Your perfect hairstyle awaits!

[ladivine1]

Bridal Style Tips for a Perfect Beach Wedding

A beach wedding embodies the essence of romance, freedom, and natural beauty. The soothing sound of waves, the soft sand beneath your feet, and the picturesque backdrop create an unforgettable setting.

However, planning a bridal look that complements the beach environment requires careful consideration. From choosing the perfect wedding dress to nailing your makeup, here’s a quick guide to ensure you look stunning on your special day.

Choosing the Perfect Beach Wedding Dress

The key to selecting the ideal beach wedding dress lies in balancing comfort and style. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

Fabric Selection: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon or tulle. These materials flow beautifully with the sea breeze and keep you cool under the sun.

Silhouette: A-line and sheath silhouettes are popular choices for beach weddings. They offer a relaxed fit that’s easy to move in, yet they maintain a flattering shape.

Length: Consider a dress with a shorter hemline, like tea-length or high-low styles, to avoid dragging the fabric through the sand. If you prefer a full-length gown, a lightweight, flowy train that can be easily bustled is ideal.

Detailing: Minimalist designs with delicate lace or subtle beading are perfect for a beach wedding. Avoid heavy embellishments that may feel too formal or cumbersome in a casual, outdoor setting.

Color: While traditional white is timeless, don’t shy away from subtle shades like ivory, blush, or champagne, which can complement the natural tones of the beach.

For a beautiful selection of high-quality wedding dresses that would potentially match a beachside wedding, we recommend Ladivine! They have a pulse on the latest wedding dress trends and each of their dresses exemplifies quality. Visit their website to browse through their selection.

Footwear for the Sand and Sea

Your footwear choice is crucial when navigating sandy terrain. Here are some options to consider:

Barefoot Sandals: These are an elegant and comfortable option. They mimic the look of sandals with intricate beadwork or lace but leave your soles bare, making it easy to walk on the sand.

Flat Sandals: If you prefer a bit of protection, choose flat sandals with simple, delicate straps. Opt for styles embellished with pearls or crystals for a touch of bridal elegance.

No Shoes: Embrace the beach vibe and go barefoot. Adorn your feet with anklets or toe rings for a bohemian touch.

Bridal Hairstyling for a Beach Setting

Beach weddings often come with breezy conditions, so it’s essential to choose a hairstyle that can withstand the elements:

Loose Waves: Soft, flowing waves are a classic choice that complements the beach setting. Use a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray to enhance natural texture and hold.

Braided Styles: Braids are both practical and beautiful for a beach wedding. Consider a fishtail braid, a braided crown, or a half-up, half-down style with braids to keep your hair in place.

Updos: For a more polished look, opt for a low bun or chignon. These styles can be adorned with seashells, pearls, or floral accents for a beachy touch.

Accessories to Complete Your Look

Accessorizing is all about enhancing your bridal style without overwhelming it:

Jewelry: Opt for delicate, minimalistic pieces. Pearl earrings, a simple necklace, or a dainty bracelet can add a touch of elegance without being too heavy or flashy.

Veil Alternatives: If you want to forgo a traditional veil, consider a flower crown, a bohemian-inspired headband, or a chic hairpin. These options are more suited to a beachy atmosphere.

Bouquet: Incorporate tropical flowers like orchids, plumeria, or hibiscus into your bouquet. Add elements like seashells or driftwood for a unique, beach-inspired arrangement.

A Beautiful Beach Wedding Starts With the Perfect Wedding Dress

A beach wedding offers a unique and breathtaking setting for your special day. By carefully considering your wedding dress, accessories, hair, and by embracing the natural beauty of the surroundings, you can create a bridal look that’s both stylish and comfortable! To get started, visit Ladivine to start shopping for your dream beach wedding dress!

For more information about Wholesale Bridesmaid Dresses and Evening Dresses Wholesale please visit:- Ladivine / Cinderella Divine Inc

[janneymorgan]

Enhance Your Bridal Style with Stunning Wedding Hair Vine Accessories

Every bride dreams of looking her absolute best on her wedding day, and the right accessories can truly elevate your bridal look. At Ellee Couture Boutique, our collection of Wedding Hair Vine Accessories is designed to add a touch of ethereal beauty to your hairstyle, making you shine as you walk down the aisle.

Our Wedding Hair Vine Accessories are perfect for brides who want to combine elegance with versatility. These delicate vines can be effortlessly woven into various hairstyles, whether you’re opting for a classic bun, loose waves, or a whimsical braid. Crafted with care, our hair vines feature exquisite details like sparkling crystals, dainty pearls, and intricate floral motifs, offering a blend of natural beauty and sophisticated design.

What makes our Wedding Hair Vine Accessories so special is their ability to adapt to different bridal themes and personal styles. Whether you’re planning a rustic outdoor ceremony, a glamorous ballroom affair, or an intimate garden wedding, these accessories will complement your look perfectly. Lightweight and easy to secure, they ensure that your hairstyle remains flawless throughout the day and into the night.

At Ellee Couture Boutique, we take pride in offering a carefully curated selection of Wedding Hair Vine Accessories that cater to every bride’s taste. Each piece is designed to highlight your natural beauty and enhance your wedding dress, providing a cohesive and elegant look that will be remembered for years to come.

Explore our collection today and discover how our Wedding Hair Vine Accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to your bridal ensemble. With our beautiful hair vines, you’ll not only look stunning but also feel confident and radiant on your big day.

[digitalsanshta]

When it comes to achieving that flawless look for your special day or any important event, finding the right makeup artist can make all the difference. For residents of Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, the search for the best makeup artist ends with Maahi Kaur. Known for her artistic flair, expertise, and passion for beauty, Maahi Kaur has become a trusted name for those who desire a stunning transformation.

Why Choose Maahi Kaur?

Maahi Kaur is not just another name in the makeup industry; she’s a trendsetter, a perfectionist, and an artist who brings out the best in every individual. Here’s why Maahi Kaur is considered the best makeup artist in Indirapuram:

1. Expertise and Experience

With years of experience in the field, Maahi Kaur has mastered the art of makeup. She has a keen understanding of skin types, facial structures, and makeup techniques that enhance natural beauty. Whether it’s bridal makeup, party makeup, or a professional photoshoot, Maahi’s skill set covers all aspects. Her ability to adapt and innovate with the latest makeup trends makes her a preferred choice for many.

2. Customized Makeup Solutions

Maahi Kaur believes that makeup is not just about applying products to the skin but about understanding a person’s personality, preferences, and unique style. She offers personalized consultations to understand the client’s needs and tailor her makeup techniques accordingly. From subtle, natural looks to bold, glamorous styles, Maahi’s versatility ensures that every client looks and feels their best.

3. High-Quality Products and Hygiene Standards

One of the hallmarks of a top makeup artist is the quality of products used, and Maahi Kaur stands out in this aspect. She uses only premium, high-quality, and skin-friendly products from renowned brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, HUDA Beauty, and more. Her commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards is evident in her practice of using sanitized brushes, tools, and disposable applicators, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for every client.

4. Specialized Bridal Makeup Services

A bride’s wedding day is one of the most important days of her life, and Maahi Kaur understands the importance of looking perfect on this special occasion. Maahi’s bridal makeup services are highly sought after in Indirapuram for their attention to detail and flawless execution. She offers a range of bridal packages that include pre-bridal skincare, HD makeup, airbrush makeup, hair styling, draping, and more. Her approach ensures that each bride not only looks stunning but also feels confident and radiant on her big day.

5. Exceptional Skills in Hair Styling

In addition to makeup, Maahi Kaur is also known for her exceptional hair styling skills. She offers a variety of hairstyles that complement different face shapes and outfits, from elegant updos to soft curls and intricate braids. Her ability to blend makeup and hair styling seamlessly is what sets her apart from other makeup artists in Indirapuram.

6. Regular Training and Upgradation

The world of makeup and beauty is constantly evolving, with new trends and techniques emerging regularly. Maahi Kaur stays updated by attending workshops, training sessions, and beauty expos, ensuring that her clients always receive the latest and most stylish makeup services. Her dedication to continuous learning and upgradation is a testament to her passion for her craft.

7. Client-Centric Approach

Maahi Kaur is known for her warm and friendly demeanor, which instantly puts her clients at ease. Her client-centric approach is focused on understanding their needs and creating a relaxed environment. She listens attentively to what the client wants and provides her expert suggestions to enhance their look without overwhelming them.

What Clients Say About Maahi Kaur

The glowing testimonials from her satisfied clients speak volumes about Maahi Kaur’s skills and professionalism. Many of her clients praise her for her ability to transform them into the best versions of themselves while still keeping their natural features intact. Here are a few highlights from client reviews:

“Maahi is a magician! She did my bridal makeup, and I have never felt more beautiful in my life. Her attention to detail and calm demeanor made the whole experience so special.”

“I booked Maahi for a family function, and she exceeded my expectations. She created a look that was both glamorous and elegant, exactly what I wanted.”

“The best thing about Maahi is that she knows how to enhance your natural beauty. I felt comfortable and confident throughout the process.”

How to Book an Appointment with Maahi Kaur

Booking an appointment with Maahi Kaur is easy and hassle-free. She offers flexible slots to accommodate different schedules and ensures that each client receives her undivided attention. To book a consultation or makeup session, you can contact her directly through her social media profiles, website, or phone.

Conclusion

For anyone looking to enhance their beauty and make a lasting impression, Maahi Kaur is the go-to makeup artist in Indirapuram. Her blend of creativity, skill, and professionalism, combined with her client-focused approach, makes her the best choice for makeup services. Whether it’s for a wedding, party, or any special event, Maahi Kaur promises to deliver a look that is both memorable and magnificent.

So, if you want to look your best and feel your most confident, choose Maahi Kaur — the best makeup artist in Indirapuram. Book your appointment today and get ready to step into a world of beauty and elegance!