#who only treatied with him. not with the future queen.

[beliscary]

there's a tower in belisaere called dolorous bastion

[gabessquishytum]

i was thinking about that reddit post about the guy who married a friend out of mutual convenience and came to reddit asking for advice on how to start actually dating his husband (twitter link because the original is deleted, https://twitter.com/redditships/status/1241613092875841536?s=20) and you know what. dreamling au? dreamling au.

like. just imagine? prince dream who's being pressured constantly to marry, every single time someone high-enough ranking visits the palace he's dragged off to be introduced to their daughters, he's so tired of it. hob's parents are the king and queen of a neighbouring kingdom, dream's parents have been trying to get a solid treaty established for years, so when they make an offer that includes a generous trade deal and the marriage of dream to their daughter? it's agreed on before dream even has a chance to argue.

dream's fully prepared to have a loveless marriage that's amicable at best, but when he meets his new "wife", well... hob's hardly what he expected. he's very clear on the point that he's not a woman, for one. he's prepared to pretend in public if he absolutely has to but he's not and won't pretend he is in private -- and he doesn't seem to quite know what to do with himself when dream tells him that he's really very fine with that? he's not sure how much he can do for hob at court, he only has so much power as a prince, but he promises he'll do what he can to let hob be comfortable in their private lives.

turns out, dream can do a lot more than that. the king and queen die only a few months after dream and hob are married, and dream promptly sets about revising a few marriage and gender laws. and when hob can finally come to court and present himself as dream's husband... he's so happy, dream's never seem him smiling so much, and dream looks at his husband who's finally able to be himself and dream realizes he is. maybe having. some feelings.

-🐈‍⬛

I’m so in love with Hob “call me a girl and I will cut your dick off” Gadling.

He’s terrified by the prospect of this marriage and has very low expectations of his future husband. Dream is a very pleasant surprise, considering what Hob was imagining! He can use his proper name, he can dress as he likes, he can be a man! Finally! It’s a life he never dreamed of having, even if it can only happen in private.

And then Dream actually changes the world for him, and Hob can’t quite believe it at first. He thinks it must be a joke when Dream asks him to help ratify certain new laws. But Dream doesn’t make jokes like that, and he wants to be sure that he uses the right words and that these laws will last forever. And of course Hob does his best to help and offer up his own opinions on how things should be changed. Dream listens to him carefully and it’s like he’s making Hob’s dreams come true all over again. All he says is that Hob is his husband. Of course he wants him to be safe and happy.

How can Hob help falling in love with Dream? This man has gone above and beyond what’s necessary to make him happy. He’s accepted Hob for who he is, and he’s made damn sure that everyone else accepts him too. Hob wants to kiss his perfect, serious little mouth every hour of the day. He’s never been in love before, and now he’s falling more in love with his husband as every day passes.

They sleep together in same bed (it’s big enough for at least six people), and although they start out on opposite sides of the massive mattress, every single morning Hob wakes up with Dream in his arms. Somewhere along the way in the night, they gravitate towards each other and end up snuggled in one little ball of repressed feelings and not-really-unrequited love.

It’s only a matter of time before Dream leans up and kisses his husband good morning. It happens accidentally, when he’s still half asleep, but it finally breaks the seal on their mutual pining. Hob smiles and pulls the covers up over both of their heads, making a cozy little nook in which he can press Dream backwards and finally kiss him properly.

(Hob was always terrified by the idea of consummating a marriage. But now Dream calls him Robert, beloved husband, it doesn’t seem quite so scary anymore.)

[city-of-ladies]

Queen Naqiʾa/Zakūtu

(Relief depicting Naqiʾa and her son Esarhaddon)

"Naqiʾa (c. 730– 668 BCE), wife of Sennacherib (705– 681), mother of the Neo- Assyrian king Esarhaddon (681– 669) and grandmother of Ashurbanipal (668– 627), is the best documented and in all probability most influential royal woman of the Neo- Assyrian period.

It was often suggested that Naqiʾa was the driving force behind Sennarcherib’s installment of Esarhaddon as crown prince. This was a truly exceptional case, as Esarhaddon was one of Sennacherib’s younger sons and most probably, even as a young man, suffered from an illness that would later kill him. Sickness was often interpreted as a sign of divine wrath in Mesopotamia; therefore, it was a severe obstacle for a claimant to the throne and any sickness of the king could be used to question his status as the darling of the gods. Maybe we will never know what the reasons for Esarhaddon’s promotion were, but we are sure about the results of Sennacherib’s decision.

Sennacherib was assassinated by his other sons and Esarhaddon had to fight his brothers in order to be enthroned. While the rebellion was going on, Naqiʾa explored the future of her son by asking for prophetic messages, something that was usually a privilege of the kings. The answer highlights the role of Ishtar, here called the Lady of Arbela, and the privileged position, of Naqiʾa:

I am the Lady of Arbela! To the king’s mother, since you implored me, saying: “The one on the right and the other on the left you have placed in your lap. My own offspring you expelled to roam the steppe!” No, king, fear not! Yours is the kingdom, yours is the power! By the mouth of Aḫat- abiša, a woman from Arbela.

Seemingly, the prophecy was right: it took Esarhaddon only two months to defeat his brothers and he was enthroned as Assyrian king. In this text Naqiʾa is already designated as queen mother; according to Melville this was “the highest rank a woman could achieve.”

In earlier research Naqiʾa was often seen as the strong woman behind a weak, sick, and superstitious king. Newer research has demonstrated that despite all of his problems, Esarhaddon was a capable ruler, who brought the Neo-Assyrian Empire to its maximal extension and pacified Babylonia, at least for a while. 

During his reign Naqiʾa became really powerful and commissioned her own building inscription. To undertake large building projects and praise them in inscriptions is typical for kings, but extraordinary for a royal woman. The inscription introduces Naqiʾa in a bombastic tone, which is quite typical for inscriptions commissioned by kings:

I, Naqiʾa … wife of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, daughter- in- law of Sargon [II], king of the world, king of Assyria, mother of Esarhaddon, king of the world [and] king of Assyria; the gods Aššur, S.n, Šamaš, Nab., and Marduk, Ištar of Niniveh, [and] Ištar of Arbela … He [Essarhaddon] gave to me as my lordly share the inhabitants of conquered foes plundered by his bow. I made them carry hoe [and] basket and they made bricks. I … a cleared tract of land in the citadel of [the city of] Nineveh, behind the temple of the gods Sîn and Šamaš, for a royal residence of Esarhaddon, my beloved son …

We can clearly see that Naqiʾa held an extraordinarily powerful position during the reign of her son and this continued even after Esarhaddon’s death. She was eager to assure the enthronement of her grandson Assurbanipal. The loyalty treaty that was intended to secure his reign is called the treaty of Zakutu, another name of Naqiʾa. Its first lines read:

The treaty of Zakutu, the queen of Sannacherib, king of Assyria, mother of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, with Šamaš- šumu- ukin, his equal brother, with Šamaš- metu- uballiṭ and the rest of his brothers, with the royal seed, with the magnates and the governors, the bearded and the eunuchs, the royal entourage, with the exempts and all who enter the Palace, with Assyrians high and low: Anyone who (is included) in this treaty which Queen Zakutu has concluded with the whole nation concerning her favorite grandson Assurbanipal […]

That Naqiʾa was able to conclude a treaty with the most powerful persons throughout the empire and to establish her favorite grandson on the throne is clear evidence for her powerful position, even if she simply continued the plans she had made earlier with Esarhaddon. It seems that Naqiʾa died shortly after Assurbanipal was enthroned as king."

Fink Sebastian, “Invisible Mesopotamian royal women?”, in: The Routledge companion to women and monarchy in the ancient mediterranean world

[ezziefae]

It never hit me that Cardan and Nicasia were actually engaged until I read your post analyzing their relationship. I know they had plans, but I didn't realize it was an official engagement. Do you think when Nicasia asked Cardan to come back to the Undersea with her, it was her way of proposing? If not, which one do you think proposed and how?

Proposing in the faerie world is very different from the mortal world. The fae don't kneel on one knee and pull out a diamond ring. Because Cardan and Nicasia are part of their own royal bloodline the moment they started a serious romantic relationship was the moment it was expected of them to someday be married to be the King and Queen of the Undersea. Since Cardan wasn’t at all favored in Elfhame, it was clear that he would someday rule the sea with his then-lover Nicasia, who is the only heir to Queen Orlagh’s throne. Both Nicasia and Cardan fully embraced that someday they would be married and rule together. All of Elfhame and the Undersea expected it to happen, it would have been a useful peace treaty between land and sea.

Nicasia and Cardan becoming lovers was an automatic engagement for them both. They didn't go through the typical courting process and there was no formal proposal like the one between Cardan and Jude in TWK. Neither of them proposed to each other, since Cardan was the Prince of Elfhame and Nicasia the Princess of the Undersea then it was an automatic engagement. The moment they became lovers, they also became engaged.

Even in the 5th chapter of The Stolen Heir, when Hyacinthe talks to Wren about Oak’s seductive powers, he goes on to mention Nicasia as Cardan’s former betrothed.

“Oaks half brother [Locke] is said to have made both Jude and her twin, Taryn, his lovers and stolen Cardan’s former betrothed [Nicasia] from his side”

(the stolen heir, chap 5, pg 93)

When I first read this quote last year, I was like, "Hold up…they were betrothed to each other?" but it obviously makes sense that they were.

Yes, Nicasia and Cardan had plans, and they spoke to each other about what they're future would be like. When Nicasia asked Cardan to join her and go away with her to the Undersea I believe that was also her way of just wanting him by her side (Reminder: Nicasia doesn't like Elfhame, she sees everything there beneath her, and she was very much in love in cardan....in her own way) and no, that wasn't her way of proposing, because once again, they were already engaged to each other. Hope that helps.

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

I have seen a post comparing Steven's adoption of Henry II in the anarchy with what the Velaryons did with the Strong boys wanting to justify that their claim is legitimate, but in my humble opinion it is not comparable at all. This situation could be extrapolated to Aegon II having adopted his nephew Aegon (that was the LEGITIMATE son of his political rival) having himself a living son, in addition everyone would know that he is not his son and well in this case it would not be applicable but the adopted heir retains his family name...This is not what happens with the Strong boys, It has nothing to do with the modern concept of adoption that they want to apply. I don't understand why it's so hard for them to accept that these guys had no real claim to the throne. They can continue enjoying their characters accepting that they are bastards in every sense of the word. Do you think they are comparable situations?

I haven't seen this argument myself but clearly those are two completely different situations. Stephen didn't adopt Henry II, he made him his heir as a compromise to end to the civil war. And yes, the clear parallel would Aegon II naming Aegon III his heir over Jaehaerys and Maelor, had they survived. Again, this was part of a peace treaty. Everyone knew who Henry II's parents were, and there was no question of his not being trueborn. Henry II was still Count of Anjou, the title he inherited through his father, and styled himself Henry FitzEmpress in honor of his mother.

To understand why this happened, we need to look at some context. Henry II was only 20 when he decided to re-take his mother's throne, and Stephen was past 60. At that point England had been at war off and on for the better part of 15 years and both the clergy and the lords were unenthusiastic about continuing and forced Henry and Stephen to the peace table after Henry made some early gains in his campaign. Stephen respected Henry, and Stephen's own sons were kind of uninspiring as future kings go. Eustace, the older son and main obstacle, died before Stephen did, and the younger son, William, agreed to renounce his claim. Stephen never really took the throne due to strong personal ambition in the first place, but because he was persuaded by people close to him that Matilda would be a poor choice for queen, both due to her being a woman and due to the influence of her husband, Geoffrey of Anjou, who was pretty well hated in England. Leaving the throne to his children did not seem to be a major consideration for him when all was said and done. Conceding heirship to Henry II meant that the fighting could come to an end, and the country would be in capable hands, but Stephen himself would not face the humiliation and possible consequences of being outright deposed. As it turned out, Stephen died not even a year later, so Henry II took the throne sooner than expected.

Rhaenyra's Strong children are bastards that she's trying to put into the line of succession while claiming they are trueborn. They were not "adopted" by the Velaryons. The medieval world did not have a concept of adoption like we do in the modern world (Rome did, but not medieval Europe). The reason why it is treason to call them bastards is because what Rhaenyra is doing is illegal, and Viserys, Corlys, and Laenor are shielding her from the consequences. I wrote a post here about the whole idea that Rhaenyra's children are not legally bastards, but I have to admit comparing them to Henry II becoming heir after Stephen is a new one!

[miryum]

Foundling Villa- Epilogue

Royal!Charles Leclerc x Reader. Princess Y/n is arranged to marry Prince Charles. There will be many ups and downs that the author hasn’t planned out yet, but read along to find out more! (Yes, I know that sounds super cheesy) Warnings per chapter. Hope you guys enjoy!

Tag list: @notleclerc @sunsumonner @saturnsrinqs @livster @chonkybonky @eau-rougee @champomiel @justyouraverageeverydaysimp @multifandom-loser @atlanticowe

We’re here!!!! Thank you so much to everyone who was so sweet and supportive and I love you all so much!! Finally have time to work on all the requests y’all sent in!

Warnings: perfect fluff

ao3 link  

“Are you kidding me?”

“No, cherié,” Charles grinned cheekily. “I’m not.”

“But didn’t we already do that?” Your hands were pressed to your chest in surprise. 

Charles laughed from his place on one knee. He held a ring box with a beautiful stone surrounded by tiny, intricate diamonds. The stone glimmered in the light and you recognized it as your favourite. “I know, but I want to do it properly this time. I want it to be a happy time, now that war has come and gone from our doorstep. I want the vows to be meaningful. I want to kiss you well. I want to dance with you for the first time again and spin you around and look at you with love. I want people to toast us and not talk about treaties and prosperity. I want them to talk of love and happiness. I want to redo our wedding night.” You laughed softly at that, melting at his words. “I want to marry you again. What do you say?”

“Of course, Charlie.”

Charles leaped up and spun you around. He pressed a messy kiss to your lips. “Really?”

“Charles Leclerc,” he set you down and you cupped his face, saying, “I love you. I will marry you a thousand times over if it means I prove it to you.” Charles grinned, kissing you again, and slid the ring on your finger. “It’s beautiful, Charlie,” you gasped.

“Only the best for my cherié.”

**

“I promise to stay by your side, hold you close, and never leave you. I will be with you in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in pain and in pleasure,” the guests chuckled at that and you're pretty sure you heard Pierre’s loud groan. Daniel’s laugh echoed above the crowd. Max rolled his eyes. Charles smirked and continued, “Y/n L/n, I grew to love you and every day, my love for you grows. By the end of our long, love-filled lives, I’m sure my heart will give out from how much I love you. You may be Enza’s beloved princess, but you’ll always be my queen.” He ended his vows with a kiss on the forehead. 

You huffed playfully and rolled your eyes. “I don’t know how to follow that.” You rested your forehead on his and Charles’ smirk fell away into a deep, loving smile. “But our journey has had many ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Cause it led me to you.” 

Ralph yelled out, “Cheesy!” You stuck out your tongue in his direction. The crowd laughed.

“I think I’ve already proved to you that I love you and will stay by your side no matter what plagues the land or our relationship. But I promise to stay by your side for the future as well. I have so much love for you that it’s hard to express. I love your compassion and your humour. I love your intelligence and your empathy. I love your family,” Arthur let out a whoop at that. “And you’re not bad-looking, either.” Charles raised a brow and pouted and you didn’t think you could smile any wider. “You have stood by me even when I didn’t want anyone in the same room. You’ve listened when no one else did and gave me confidence when I doubted myself. Charles Leclerc, you are the best man I could’ve asked to spend my life with and I’m so glad you are bound to me by law so you can’t run away.” 

“I would never,” Charles snorted quietly.

“Mmhm. Sure.” You look at him sceptically. Charles dove in for a kiss but the priest muttered something and pushed him back. 

“Can we just say ‘I do’?” Charles whined. “I want to kiss my wife.”

The priest, having had to put up with the Leclerc brothers for a long time, sighed and continued the ceremony that was happening in the Foundling Villa gardens. After hurried ‘I do’s, Charles dipped you low and whispered a, “Hi,” before kissing you passionately. The guests clapped and cheered at the display and you wrapped your arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. 

“Get a room!” Brenda shouted out and Charles broke away to shout back, “Later, we will!” The L/n and Leclerc siblings groaned, disgusted at the thought.

“I love you,” you whispered against his lips.

“Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure I love you more.”

[rosewoodroad]

Scattered thoughts on SoTO

Tl;dr: Lukewarm climax, lukewarm ending. Isgarren is still rude.

Finished the final chapter in an hour and a half. A lot of drama was condensed into those 3 instances, but it felt like there was zero point to the first two where we were just at the camp. It got a bit juicier in the third instance in Eparch's palace. Like, three drops of juice juicier.

The most interesting bits of the story I can recall are:

Eparch ate his entire army! At the time, I was like "oh shit" but in hindsight, I was really hoping for Eparch to be planning a massive attack or something. There was so much build up as to why he wasn't retaliating against Peitha. But no, his great plan was just to eat his own soldiers. I guess it makes sense with his character, but I think if the execution and consequences of the reveal was better, it would have been a real slap to the face.

Eparch's first contact with Tyria was the Maguuma Jungle and Mordremoth, the latter of which he was scared of. This is a real neat detail imho, and helps paint a better picture of the power hierarchy between our antagonists. Eparch truly isn't that big of a threat in the end.

Eparch's final battle was a letdown for all his intrigue. Heitor was harder than him. I literally stood there and tanked all his hits, there was zero mechanic to the encounter. It sure made the speedkilling achievement easy, though.

Meh battle aside, Snargle is always a pleasant surprise.

Isgarren is such an asshat. It makes him an interesting character, but I'm upset they didn't do more with him. Like, what was all that talk about the Commander being similar to Isgarren before? Everyone is like, "you remind me of him" but they never show how?? I thought they were gonna do some real in depth introspection into his personality by the time the story ends but I guess that's it. We're supposed to see the two of them as twins for some reason, but maybe the Fractal will shed some light?

Sounds like Zojja is leaving us for good this time. The exchange between Zojja and the Commander is the only element of the chapter that made me feel things :( Also, I love how the Commander's lines here mirrored their monologue in the prologue: "See? Everyone's doing just fine, Aurene" to "Everyone will be fine, Zojja."

I think my biggest disappointment with the ending is the lack of implications in the epilogue. We could talk with a bunch of people but they're all about the future with the Kryptis and whether peace is possible and whatever. Nothing about, or from, mainland Tyria. No hints for the next expac. No mention of our guild members. No Ivan, who sent us on the mission to begin with and heard nothing from us since. No Taimi, who really ought to be spamming calls on the comms device now that she knows Zojja is back. What is the point of the communicator device in our bags when it's literally used for the prologue and nowhere else???

Peitha's king now. I love how they kept the 'king' title instead of making her queen. But... that's it for her, I guess. I knew she wouldn't betray us, but I admit it's also sort of boring how the story just ended there. I think it could have benefited from more post-story achievements where we help out with turbulent politics or diplomacy instead of going on another treasure (or kryptis) hunt binge. Right now, it feels like the equivalent of brushing dirt off our pants and going, "welp that's done."

Nobody's gonna mention what Eparch said about Kryptis' predatorial nature, huh? They drop his (very, very tiny violin) sympathetic backstory and motivations, and then proceed not to bring its implications up at the peace treaty scene. Absolutely nobody is bothered by Kryptis possibly needing to feed off mortals.

All in all, honestly a forgettable ending. Looking back, the expac started off really strong thanks to the intrigue behind the Wizards and Isgarren. But once that intrigue is solved and we go delving into Nayos, it just feels like a rehash of all our previous adventures where we fight to overcome some Great Force of Evil- just that the Commander isn't in the spotlight anymore. I would've preferred it if the past three chapters were spent with the wizards instead, solving dumb magical problems (or even fighting to keep the Astral Ward a secret!) instead of partaking in a generic military storyline for the 9th time. Like, instead of Eparch, we could have been hunting down a whistleblower, or a traitor maybe, something that keeps the intrigue there.

At least it's acknowledged that the Commander is tired of this stuff too. They need a nap.

[gulnarsultan]

*a deep breath* imagine,

Baby Prince/Princess Targaryen got lost. Or a very young Prince/Princess Targaryen got lost. The Prince/Princess was never found. But now the Prince/Princess has a new family.

Far beyond the borders of his/her native home lives Y/n, a creepy monster/witch/sorceress/follower of a non-classical faith. And she finds the lost child. She, in general, does not like people, and even more so children, but this plaintive cry made Y/n roll her eyes and take the silver-haired child with her. The baby immediately stopped crying, as she/he found her/himself in the arms of a strange woman/The little child stopped crying, and hugged the strange woman tightly by the neck. Y/n did not plan to keep the child, but it turned out, how it turned out. And now she is the "mother" of son/daughter, who absolutely adoring his/her monster/witch/sorceress/follower of a non-classical faith mama. Y/n lived alone all her live. And now she has a child, who does not move away from her not a step.

Perhaps, Y/n has a coven, of "monsters/strange people", like herself. And every time the coven gathers, the silver-haired child is surrounded by attention, affection and games of "creepy monsters". Or even he/she plays with other children, the same "monsters". But even when other "strange people" and the lost Prince/Princess are having fun, playing, he/she always returns to mommy, and hugs her very tightly, promising, that he/she will always love only her. Or is she raising a child all by herself.

And so, the child has grown up, and Y/n has to comfort the sobbing boy/girl, why he/she does not have the same horns/hooves/claws/fangs/magic/anything, as mommy. She/he wants mommy to love her/him, to make mommy so proud. She/he will do everything for mama. The silver-haired girl/boy loves her/his mama more, than anything in the world. "How many times have I told you, I'm not your blood mother. Oh... Come here, poor child, everything will be fine. I love you. I don't care, if you look different." And even as an adult man/woman, the silver-haired child will painfully adore his "creepy" mother, and do everything, that she would look only at him/her.

Or, someday the lost Prince/Princess will be found. After all, his/her dragon egg has hatched, and the dragon is alive and well. And the royal court believes, that the child is alive and well.

Already the young Prince/Princess was returned to his native home. Everyone is happy. Except for the loss him/herself. A young woman/man knows, that people like Y/n, still observe ancient treaties, and "do not go out to people." That's why most people, like him/her have forgotten about people, like Y/n. The Lost Prince/Princess is trying to escape.

-Excuse me. I want to go home. To my mom. Goodbye.

-I'm your mother! You're already home!

-No, I'm sorry, you're not my mother. My mom, is the most beautiful woman in the coven/in the world/My mom has the most beautiful horns, but you don't have horns/My mom has claws, like your heel, but you don't have them/My mom has the strongest and most beautiful magic, and you can't even light candles. I don't know you. I don't like you. Leave me alone! Don't follow me! - And even to lure Targaryen home, with the help of a dragon did not work. He/she just stole the dragon and disappeared.

Or. Already old enough, but still a child, the silver-headed child was returned to his/her native home. The child cried and struggled for days, calling for his/her mother. The child was inconsolable. Perhaps, the child will be able to escape. Or a single mother will have to break her promise, and take the "not her" child back herself.

Or. For some reason, he/she did not escape, and remained in the Targaryen house, accepting his/her original fate. But the future King/Queen never called "mama" this woman, who called herself his/her mother. Perhaps, he/she will establish a relationship between people and "creepy monsters/strange people". Maybe, he/she will even bring Y/n, his true mother, to the royal house, so that her wisdom and warmth will always be there. If the mama agrees, but if not, the silver-headed child will persuade her, beg or even force her. Or maybe, even already being a strong ruler, the King/Queen Targaryen will, from time to time, run far-far away, back home, to his/her mommy. To cry and bask in her arms.

No matter, what fate the silver-headed child chooses, the "creepy" morher Y/n will always be his/her priority, the most important person in life, the biggest and strongest love. His/her tearfully adored mommy.

You're amazing at writing screenplays.😍❤ Even if Targaryen Prince/Princess can't get away with Y/N, Y/N won't leave her alone. Sikca will visit. Maybe he will move in with the child. The child does not accept his biological mother. Even if Y/N does not accept it out loud, he sees the child as his own child. No force can separate the two.

[yandere-fics]

fake marriage?

my time has come...

Let's start with Abigail because I simply love her too much, I have this image that the reader is the youngest daughter of a minor noble house... the reader's parents had made a deal with House Parley a long time ago to be able to marry Abigail to the older brother of the reader but the reader offers her own hand in marriage to the Parleys in exchange for taking her as far away from her power-hungry family as possible.

For Elisha I have a slightly cruel character... in fact the reader for this specific headcanon is a little more cunning and manipulative, I imagine the reader as a recognized assassin in the underground, the best at her job, one day a nobleman arrives to ask for Elisha's head for a fairly considerable amount of money, so the reader accepts without hesitation... this is where the cruel part begins... the reader for a long, long, long time pretends to be the faithful travel companion of Elisha and her lover when at some point the reader asks for Elisha's hand in marriage with the idea of stabbing her in the back on the day of the honeymoon.

I have a bit of conflict with Theanna because part of me imagines the reader as a servant too busy with her own affairs to even think too much about that pretty ring that her princess gave her and another part of me simply wants to see the reader as a young queen who rose to power very much against her true wishes and who now needs to marry the princess of the neighboring kingdom to establish political alliances.

Veronia confuses me a little because due to her nature she simply looks at the reader and says "she is my wife"... but I can also see that the reader was offered to Veronia very against her will since the locals of the town where she was offered her as a sacrifice so that the evil dragon would not unleash her wrath against them.

Ainsley is an enigma but I also have a somewhat crazy headcanon for her and the reader... the reader is simply a potential magical resource never seen before... her blood has magical properties both unknown and powerful no one knows how the reader's blood will act, one day a drop of blood can make the earth fertile and the next day the mere smell of her blood can kill anyone who dares to be close, Ainsley upon hearing this fascinating anomaly decides to go find the reader to study it further in depth... the problem is that the reader's parents refuse to hand over their little daughter just like that... of course unless there is a marriage deal involved to help them get out of the situation in which they find themselves.

(Sorry this took a bit. I had so many ideas about this. Also I recognize the idea behind Ainsley's but I can't remember from where.)

♡ How They React To Being In A Fake Marriage With Their Darling ♡

♡ You were the illegitimate child of a duke whose heirs all dropped dead. A servant your entire life, you had no idea that one day your father would come to you begging you to let him legitimize you so you could marry the future king instead of his children who died one day. ♡

♡ Theanna needed a treaty with one of the dukes and you were his only remaining child, however you really had no desire to be queen. The crown princess could go marry anyone else for all you cared, you'd never interacted with her much but well, her reputation was abysmal. ♡

♡ That was when your father threw himself at her mercy, telling her the treaty could still go on even with his dead children, telling her about his secret child within the palace. Really all she needed was to marry someone in his family to guarantee they'd be allies in the future. So she decided she would go see the secret child for herself, just to see if she was up to standard. ♡

♡ She liked you enough for you to be her queen, if you accepted and so she left the ring in your room and offered you time to 'consider her proposal'. She expected that you would be in her chambers, agreeing to be queen within a month after you finished any business you had leftover, but you, much to her dismay, ignored the ring. ♡

♡ You barely had any time at all to consider the proposal, I mean you were always working so how could you even begin to consider marriage, especially such an important marriage, one that offered no divorce. Too bad for you that Theanna is in a rush, she needed that treaty and so she starts to use her influence to push you into the marriage. ♡

♡ Your wedding was quick and simple. You assumed it was perhaps because she didn't care but really it was the opposite darling, sure she was in a rush to bind your father to her side, but she also didn't want to allow you time to decide this marriage wasn't for you. The first weeks of marriage are completely unremarkable, she didn't visit your chambers once with her influx of paperwork. ♡

♡ Not that you tried very hard either, you said your pleasantries and while you consummated the marriage on the first night, you never came to visit her, nor did you offer her any affection when you two were required to spend a night together once a week.(Not that it was lacking, she more than made up for your lack of affection on those long nights.) ♡

♡ Things did improve after half a year, you two attended events together and occasionally she would invite you to the library with her under the guise of getting her new queen familiar with the royal archives. Occasionally you would spend the day with her in her office and meetings, giving your opinion on the topics you managed to understand. She didn't even force you to get a royal tutor which is something the king's spouse would normally need.(Mostly because that would steal your time from her) ♡

♡ Still this wouldn't do, truth be told waking up with someone next to her, a wife, on that first morning had simply felt right to her, a feeling she wasn't going to let go of. You were her queen were you not? Well then act like it. It may sound like she's being rude but she didn't mean it in a bitchy way. It's just, she understands you had a rushed marriage but haven't you had enough time to adapt to her? She's been more patient than she really ought to be. It's time for things to change. ♡

♡ The Adventurer was bound to have enemies, plenty of people who would want her head, and who were you to turn down easy money? You'd be rich if you even took on five of these contracts to remove her from the picture. Blood cults, nefarious nobles, even mercenaries who thought she was taking all their work. It was all yours for the taking. ♡

♡ You weren't particularly sure what her type was, but it couldn't be that hard to seduce and disarm a lonely traveller, you'd done it plenty of times before without even having to do anything with those people, so she couldn't be much harder. Well that's what you expected but she was surprisingly guarded. ♡

♡ You could tell she liked you but it wasn't easy to get her to be affectionate with you at first. She was constantly flirting with you but never allowed herself to show any real sincerity, until you realized you had to be bold and make the first move. After that, she folded quickly. It only took a few well placed "Babyyyy"'s for her to be at your mercy. ♡

♡ After that it was child's play to get the information that you wanted out of her. It wasn't exactly what you needed, for her to drop her weapons entirely, but it was a step in the right direction and after you killed her then you could always sell this knowledge to the highest bidder. ♡

♡ It wasn't easy to get into a situation where she didn't have her weapons on her though, she was always carrying them when she was traveling, which she was always doing. Even on your first drunk night in the tavern together, her knives were within reach. ♡

♡ You were sure she didn't fully trust you, when in reality she just wanted to always be prepared to protect you. It wasn't you that she didn't trust, it was this world but nevertheless this made your job much harder. You realized you would have to push harder if you wanted to catch her in a position to kill her. And so marriage was the only answer. ♡

♡ You had planned to kill her on your wedding night except she literally stayed awake with you the entire night and you honestly felt really guilty about blindsiding her like that so you gave it a couple of days before you put your plans into motion. It did not go the way you expected. ♡

♡ Elisha found out about the contracts a few months into you dating and instead of being heartbroken, she was outraged that someone must've been manipulating you! This wouldn't stand, they were holding the promise of money over you. You definitely loved you, you must've, you were just too vulnerable. She'd get rid of them for you. ♡

♡ So that night when you straddled her sleeping form and prepared to drive your knife into her heart, she swaddled you tightly in your bedding and locked you away in your bedroom. It was for your best, just for a little while, until she could get rid of the issues plaguing her wife and repairing the relationship. It would only be a matter of time before you realized you could let your guards down and love her fully. ♡

♡ Your parents were determined to arrange a marriage between your brother and Abigail, lost in the delusion that once they wed, he would get to be the Duke of Parley since Abigail had no real interest in the title herself but they still needed someone to manage the house of Parley. He'd offer to be a helpful husband and take care of the title for her while she focused on her knighthood. ♡

♡ Your parents and brother were horribly cruel and while you wanted to propose the idea of you going instead, your parents gave every single opportunity to your brother and so they'd never go for it. So you only had one option, approach her in the tavern before she made it to your estate and offer yourself to her in exchange for freedom from your family. ♡

♡ Abigail was going to decline your parents offer, sure it had been decided since they were young but she was not willing to ever marry a man, still desiring a beautiful lady to dedicate her sword to, and she knew very well that your parents had allowed the promise of the marriage to go to their heads and as in-laws they would compromise the reputation of house Parley. ♡

♡ Yet in you stumbled, having never been allowed to leave your family's estate it was quite a walk, and she was intrigued. She knew very well who you were, you'd had to see each other at balls since you were very young and as far as she was aware, you never left home. According to your parents, you were an introvert, which meant if you'd come in person, whatever you had to say was incredibly important. ♡

♡ You didn't even ask her to go to a private room to discuss it, not risking her not wanting to fully hear you out. You simply tossed yourself at her feet, knowing you would never escape your family if you didn't seal the deal tonight. You were honestly a blubbery mess and it was a miracle she understood what you said. ♡

♡ Your deal seemed decent to her, she still got the connection to your family but she didn't have to deal with the horrible husband and she was sure you weren't likely to allow your parents leeway to ruin the Parley name. Truly she should have thought about it before, why did she never even consider the beautiful sister of her fiance instead. ♡

♡ She was quick to ferry you away from your family, not giving them a chance to berate you for stealing the riches that came with being a Parley away from your brother. Your wedding was a simplistic military wedding and your honeymoon was spent in her private knights quarters. It was a fake marriage thus Theanna didn't grant Abigail's request for time off but it was fine with both of you. ♡

♡ To be frank, you two were very awkward with each other at first since neither of you had planned to get married, it was just a spur of the moment proposal to get you out of your parents estate. It wasn't until you decided to attempt to embroider a handkerchief for you, seeing it as your duty being married to a knight, that she began to fall in love with you. ♡

♡ She had always dreamed of being gifted something like that from her lady, it didn't matter if the stitches were a bit messy or if you were doing it out of obligation, it changed the way she saw you completely and she will start to get very angry if you remind her that it was only an arranged marriage. ♡

♡ You lived in a village near Veronia's territory, one that regularly made offerings to appease the dragon living a few miles away. It was your first year attending the offering and one of the dragon's servants, you assumed, appeared to collect the offerings. ♡

♡ She was extremely friendly, not someone you would expect to be working for a dragon but then again you could never really tell with people, even the most sane might be bond to servitude by a dragon that was literally known as 'The Evil Dragon'. Still you felt drawn to her. ♡

♡ Veronia always presented herself as a servant when she went to collect offerings, she didn't want people to be aware that the dragon had a human form, and she wanted to be able to find her mate without scaring them away by automatically making it known that she is the dragon. ♡

♡ She had wanted to make a move right then but didn't want to blow her cover so she decided to wait until the next day and rush back into town, rushing to you and explaining that the dragon had demanded a bride. She knew you'd likely offer yourself rather than allow anyone else from the village to be subjected to the dragon, and if need be she could always claim there was something wrong with any other bride they chose. ♡

♡ She had spent a little time conquering a castle nearby just so she would have somewhere nice to house her bride, but she still wanted to guarantee no one would know your location so in her servant form she told the villagers that they could escort you to the middle of the woods but then you'd have to travel the rest of the way with her. ♡

♡ To be honest she wasn't even entirely sure what her plan here was, hopefully seduce you by pretending to be a servant and then reveal that she was actually the dragon once you loved her? She didn't know but she couldn't risk rushing it when you felt so comfortable talking to her at the moment. ♡

♡ You honestly were so glad not to see the dragon that you didn't even question the dragon not appearing once. You feared if you asked where your supposed wife was, you would instantly have to come face to snout with them and be eaten alive. You feared becoming dragon chow too much to say anything. ♡

♡ The dragon left gifts by your side as you slept, ones you were too scared to reject and in the day you spent it happily chatting with the servant, Veronia, who you found made good company. It wasn't a bad life in the castle, though you wished you could return to the village and marry Veronia instead. ♡

♡ At least until one night you had peeked your eyes opened and discovered Veronia was the one leaving the gifts and you pieced it together really quickly that Veronia was the dragon and she's manipulated you unto this marriage. Now you were trapped in the woods, and all because you'd gotten too friendly with the servant of an evil dragon. ♡

♡ You were born with an overwhelming amount of magic in your blood but without the power to use any of that magic. A wellspring that you couldn't touch, a valuable asset to anyone who was studying magic, which wasn't many in the kingdom, but enough for your parents to be wary if anyone approached their daughter. ♡

♡ Ainsley knew very well about the magic that flowed through your blood, bountiful for increasing her research, not that she needed anything additional, but it was too tempting not to attempt to get at it. She wasn't extremely cruel, she wouldn't experiment needlessly. She was a murderer but you hadn't done anything like the nobles of the court that she preyed on had. ♡

♡ She'd sent servants out to try to approach your parents in the past just so she could perfect her approach before she truly made her move. She wanted to see which things might scare your parents away from a deal and which approaches made them seem more amicable. ♡

♡ It was through that, that she learned marriage seemed the only viable option to obtain you. Her approach was to offer you her protection as the court wizard. She told them that she was only going to examine your blood to make sure the excess mana wasn't a threat to yourself and if it was then she would figure out ways to gently lower the mana in one's body. ♡

♡ She spent the evening slowly wooing your parents before she broached the idea of marriage, telling them that it would guarantee your protection while she figured out if your blood and the blood of others like you, posed a threat to yourself. They didn't need to know that she would take additional blood samples to continue her work with immortality. ♡

♡ Or at least she was until you peeked through the doorway and she fell in love at first sight. Her heart soared when your eyes locked and you smiled at her, already aware the court wizard had a fantastic reputation and she was there to help you. She took that as a sign of love and was prepared to pay an overwhelmingly high dowry. ♡

♡ The wedding was grand since she knew there was no rush, the deal was done and you two were in love at first sight, right? Well she's quite disappointed when you don't immediately jump into wedding preparations with her. I mean it's a symbol of your undying love so why aren't you giddy? ♡

♡ Ah, she gets it, you want something quick don't you? Well as much as she finds that charming, this is a once in a lifetime deal, you must take it seriously. In actuality you still think it's just a contract marriage though so you don't think the wedding needs to be a spectacle. ♡

♡ Once you're actually married, you realize that you've just agreed to marry a crazy murderer who thinks you peeking through the doorway was a destined meeting. Turns out she was not there to save you from your blood condition, she was just another vulture, only one that wasn't planning on bleeding you dry, rather one that wanted to make sure not a single drop of your blood would ever spill. ♡

[heavenlyakin]

Part 3: I Took All My Things

Summary: Your life is forever changed when your most trusted advisor arrives home with an engagement treaty. As Queen of your Kingdom, you knew there would be sacrifices but little did you know how much the cost of these sacrifices would be. What do you do when your mind wants one thing but your heart longs for another?

Characters: Reader (some descriptions apply), Ella and Bella ( oc chambermaids), Suguru Geto, Camilla (oc advisor), Sebastian (oc butler), and finally the arrival of Satoru Gojo

Warnings: none

Length: 1.6k

Navigation | Prev Chapter | Next Chapter

“Do you think this is a little much?” You ask Bella, one of your chambermaids, as she does your hair. She’s pulling the red strands up into an updo with pearled pins. 

“It matches your dress,” she says, not giving an opinion but rather a statement. 

Your dress is a cream underskirt with gold lacing on top and pearls adorned all over the skirt and bodice. Your breasts are pushed up so high you’re worried they’ll pop out if you move too suddenly. You giggle at the thought, the scandal that would cause. 

“Are you excited to meet King Gojo?” Ella, Bella’s twin, asks you. 

“I met him once before,” you say, not really sure yourself. “That was long ago, though.” 

“I’ve heard he’s to die for gorgeous.” Ella smiles, bringing Bella more pins for your hair. 

“Ella,” you scold, trying to keep from laughing. “Maybe you’ll catch his eye.” 

“Since you banned the color red, I doubt that.” Bella teases you and her sister. 

You laugh this time, letting the nerves take over. Your fingernails are in disarray from the picking, and your ladies have given up on polishing them for the events. They’ve even called in specialists who claim to make fake nails that look as natural as real ones. 

“I do wish the rain would stop,” Ella sighs, sitting on the chaise in front of the window of your dressing room. 

“We all do,” you sigh with her. “Perhaps it’ll subdue soon.” 

“Your Highness,” Suguru’s voice at the door perks your ears up. 

“Is it time?” You ask, looking at his reflection in the mirror. 

Suguru is dressed in a navy blue coat, gold trim, and lacing on the cuffs. His pants match, and the white shirt beneath looks good on him. His hair is tied back with it falling in long strands behind his back. ‘

“The scouts spotted his convoy a few miles out. We need to be there to greet him when he arrives.” He shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “It’s best we go now.” 

You nod, and Bella and Ella exit through the servant's passages. Suguru takes your arm, walking with you to the hall and down the steps that lead to the front gates of the palace. In the foyer, many members of the court are dressed in their best, eager to see who could be their future King. 

The front doors open, revealing the giant tents you had strung up so you and your guests would not be soaked to the bone by the rain. The ground has been covered with long rugs, to keep your shoes and feet dry. It must look ridiculous from afar, but once you’re under the tents it’s not so bad. There are decorations and plants, making it look more lively. The only annoying thing is the sound of the rain pounding down on the tents and the constant stream of water on the sides. 

The sound of horns startles a few of your ladies in wait, their gossip stopping abruptly. You fold your hands in front of your gown, staring forward as Suguru and Camilla join you, one on each side. Camilla squeezes your arm once for reassurance then drops her hands to her side. You look over to see that she’s wearing a pink gown with white lace. 

The sound of King Gojo’s convoy becomes louder than the rain, and within moments a grand black carriage arrives in front of the tents. A few guards trickle out, and then you see that infamous white hair. 

King Satoru Gojo is adorned in a long white cloak, covering most of what he’s wearing underneath. The cloak itself looks warm, something you’re wishing you had in this dress despite its long sleeves. He smiles at you as he steps forward, his advisors and guards slowly making their way behind him. 

He extends his hand, “Queen —--,” your last name sounds foreign to your ears. 

“It’s a pleasure to officially meet, Kind Gojo.” You take his hand, shaking it and releasing it. He steps closer, and you have to look up to meet his eyes. He’s as tall as Suguru. 

“Please, call me Satoru,” his smile is infectious. You can’t help but smile back at him. 

“Shall we get out of the damp air and into the warm castle?” You suggest and he nods. 

You lead him inside, speaking a few orders to the staff waiting at the door. They take his cloak from him, revealing the dark blue attire he wears beneath. The silk fabric looks soft, and comfortable to travel in, but well enough to wear to greet you. 

“I can have my butler, Sebastian, show you to your chambers if you’re tired. However, I would suggest some tea to warm up before resting until tonight.” You suggest, folding your hands in front of you and politely smiling at Satoru. 

He smirks, stepping closer to you, uncomfortably close for someone you don’t know. “Will you be joining me for tea?” 

Your face heats up and you're concerned you’re blushing. “I have a few things to take care of. However, if you would like I can have my schedule rearranged.” 

Behind Satoru, you see Suguru sigh and shake his head. The rest of your advisors are smiling beside him, Camilla particularly happily grinning at you. She nods and you look back at the King in front of you. 

“I’d be flattered if you joined me.” He holds out his arm and you slip yours in with his. 

It feels foreign to hold onto another man as you walk down the hall, followed only by a few guards, a mix of yours and his. As you walk, you tell him about the castle, some facts you’d share with any guest in your home. He comments on the art on the walls and you find it interesting that he’s actually interested in what you’re saying. 

“Do you have a preference for tea?” You ask, sitting on one of the blue velvet chairs in the tea room. 

“Sugar, and lots of it.” He admits with a grin. “I am fond of sweets.” 

“As am I,” you tell him. “I will have some cookies and cakes brought up with the tea,” you tell him and look to Sebastian who nods before leaving the room. 

Now it’s just the two of you, alone in the room. There’s a long silence, you looking down at your hands in the lap of your dress and King Gojo looking around the room. After a few more moments, you decide to break the silence. 

“Did you-” 

“Are you-” 

You and him speak simultaneously. Both of you begin to laugh, sighing at the awkwardness. 

“I was going to ask if your travels were well, despite the rain in my country.” He looks at you as you speak, his blue eyes something you find hard to look away from. 

“It wasn’t terrible, just a bit cold.” He admits. “The rain doesn’t bother me usually, but I will say it must be exhausting having an onslaught of it for weeks.” 

“Months,” you tell him. “Nearly three.” 

“I see why you’ve been looking for treaties then, given the drought from last year.” 

“It has been a tough year,” you admit. “I’m doing what I can to keep the people at ease.” 

Sebastian appears with a few others who set the tea and treats down between the both of you. You thank them before dismissing everyone. The hot tea warms your body, allowing you some time to think about what else you can talk about with Satoru without sounding like a weak ruler. 

You watch as Satoru pours you both a cup of tea, setting the pot down and dropping six sugar cubes into the cup. You smile, taking three for yourself. Perhaps your sweet tooth is nothing comparable to his. 

“Have you considered my offer?” He asks, and you cough. 

“I believe that should be handled between our advisors in council.” 

He laughs, “You don’t have to say yes to me now or even no. I would just like to know if this trip will be in vain. You’re not the only one with something to lose or gain.” 

“What could you have to lose if I rejected the amendment and decided to look elsewhere for help?” 

He frowns, turning to look out the window. “This rain isn’t natural,” he suggests. “What is to say it won’t creep up on my borders or that your people decide to leave because of it, seeking refuge in my kingdom, stretching our supplies thin?” 

You hadn’t considered that possibility. “I have been considering it. I just can’t say yes without meeting you officially and knowing what I’m getting into.” 

“We have met,” he teases. “If I recall, you left crying.” 

“I’m sure most girls would cry if a cruel prince pulled her hair.” You shoot back, making him laugh. 

“I was an unruly teen,” he admits. “I hope I can show you that I have matured.” He sets his teacup down.

“I hope I will show you I am more than a whiny child.” You smile and stand. “I’ll see you tonight. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of my staff to show you around. Sebastian is at your disposal as well.” 

He nods, and you leave the room. You clench and release your fists a few times, trying to ignore the racing of your heart. Nothing you discussed is remotely concerning, but you are curious about his concerns. You need to meet with your advisors about this. 

You need Suguru.

[scotianostra]

May 30th 1291 saw claimants to the Scottish throne meet King Edward I of England at Norham on Tweed to resolve succession, this became known as The Great Cause.

Bishop Anthony Beck entertained Edward I and his advisers at the castle while the king arbitrated between 13 competitors for the Scottish throne. Judgment was made in favour of John Baliol in 1292 at Berwick Castle, and three days later Baliol paid homage to Edward in the hall at Norham.

Following a period of prosperity for the Scottish Kingdom, tragedy struck when,in 1286, Alexander III died and left no heir. The nobles of Scotland agreed to oversee the coronation of Alexander’s granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, as well as selecting a regent to rule and a husband for her to marry.

In the meantime, in order for the kingdom to function properly, ‘Guardians of the Realm’ had to be appointed.

The men chosen were: the Bishops Fraser of St Andrews and Wishart of Glasgow, the barons John Comyn of Badenoch and James Steward, and the Earls of Buchan and Fife. It was agreed amongst the Guardians that the nobility of the realm would swear an oath of loyalty of the young queen, but in the meantime they would rule in the name of the Scottish crown.

Tragedy struck when Margaret died travelling from Norway to Scotland. This left the future of the Scottish Kingdom in jeopardy as without her, the Treaty of Birgham was meaningless.

Edward I was informed, by the Bishop of St. Andrews, that Robert Bruce and the Earls of Athol and Mar were scheming and that war was a distinct possibility. The bishop asked Edward for assistance in order to stop a civil war. Bishop Fraser clearly favoured Balliol, but Bruce and his followers appealed to Edward by writing the ‘Appeal of the Seven Earls.’

At Norham, Edward showed his intentions of being made Overlord of Scotland, demanding that the Scots make him their feudal overlord before he would make any judgement on who would become the new King of Scots.

The Scots were worried because Edward had a large military presence with him. The Guardians replied stating that only a king could deal with such a demand which could only happen after Edward had selected one.

Edward wrote to English monasteries asking them to search for legal evidence in their documents for English overlordship over Scotland. He also threatened to blockade Scottish ports with his navy and summoned men to form an army.

Fourteen claimants petitioned Edward for the throne of Scotland, but two emerged as having serious claims – John Balliol and Robert Bruce. To make sure that he became overlord of Scotland, Edward demanded that all the claimants accept this before he would pass judgement. This agreement is known as the 'Award of Norham’.

The Award of Norham was an important acknowledgement. It gave legal possession of the Kingdom of Scotland to Edward and meant that it was his to give away.

This was not what the Guardians had intended – Edward had totally outmanoeuvred them. They were furious! Edward had moved from being a neutral observer choosing between the two main rivals to being a judge with the right to give away their kingdom!

Technically this made Edward the legal owner of Scotland, the English King was a very clever man and one of the top legal minds of the time

Everyone had agreed to Edward’s demand, although it was understood that their oaths would revert to the new king once he was chosen. This was probably the reason he would take so long to make his decision .It would be easier for him to hold on to the legal position of overlord after a longer period of time.Historians point out that the longer Edward was overlord, the harder it would be for the new king to establish his authority .Once Edward’s authority was agreed, a court was set up and the investigation of the claims to the throne could begin...........

The Photo is a depiction of Norham Castle in medieval times.

[gloriousbouquetlove]

Far Cry Cradle

After the events of the war started by Lucis Kingdom, only those humans who helped defeat the silver owls were allowed to stay in the Briar Kingdom.

But after 400 years a peace treaty has finally been signed between the Briar Kingdom and the neighboring countries. A truly important moment that marked fairies and humans alike.

And it was a really stressful time for the Draconia family, especially for Levan, the kingdom's current king and minister of peace. The poor man was locked in his office for several weeks signing papers and sending letters to all the neighboring kingdoms. His wife and son had to forcibly drag him out to take a break.

It was also difficult for Lilia, after all she was the right hand of Queen Meleanor Draconia, and had to be by her side at all times. And he had to endure his queen's outbursts of anger when a neighboring kingdom imposed somewhat inopportune conditions.

But finally everyone could take a well-deserved rest.

Lilia went to her home, a small cabin far from the capital, which she built with her partner several years ago. He already wanted to arrive, to finally be able to lie down in his bed and fall asleep embraced with his beloved wife and his dear...

“¡BUA, BUA!”

That cry could be heard outside the cabin, a cry that I knew very well and that I missed a lot, with the whole treaty thing. Lilia hardly had time to spend with her family. But now he's going to fix that.

Without wasting any more time, the fairy flew to the window of the room he shared with his beloved and was able to see his wife and his little son.

Leia stood next to the crib, worryingly rocking the baby back and forth.

"What's wrong Silver, are you hungry?... No, maybe it's your diaper?... Also, did you lose your blanket?... No, here it is, my sweet Silver, what do you need?"

“Maybe a lullaby would help.”

Both the woman and the baby were surprised to hear that familiar voice.

“Lilia, you came back”

“Hello my love, I see that you have some problems putting our little one to sleep.”

“Yes, it's been like this these days and I don't know why…”

“Baba…Baba”

The little boy stretched out his little hands towards his father while a cute little smile formed on his face.

“Oh how cute, apparently he's very happy to see you.”

“Khee hee, I see it”

Lilia approached Leia and extended her arms, she understood what she wanted, and carefully placed Silver in her father's arms.

The baby was very happy, babbling incoherent words while playing with his father's long hair.

But it was already too late, so without further ado the fairy began to sing:

A warm cradle

Starlight and joy

My eyes are watching over you still,

let’s be together

With no fear,

even if we wake from this dream

Sleep, sleep,

my beloved child

In dreams,

I pray you would be guided

to walk toward the light

When the song came to an end, the little one was already asleep, being careful not to wake the baby, Lilia placed him in his crib.

A warmth filled the fairy's heart when she saw how her son slept, he looked so cute and fragile, but every day the little boy grew more and he knew that in the future he would become someone strong and independent who would protect his loved ones.

The feeling of being hugged from behind took him out of his thoughts, his beloved rested her head on his shoulder and also watched as his baby slept.

“He really missed you.”

“I missed him too, I missed them both.”

The fairy turned around and looked the human in the eyes.

“I love you beast”

No matter how many times she heard those words, they always made her heart jump for joy.

“I love you too Lilia”

Without saying another word, Leia sealed her lips with Lilia's, and they melted into the kiss.

Lilia was finally home.

(I'm sorry if you don't understand, English is not my first language).

[neoninky]

TWST Fic: 'Her Devoted Shield' Chapter 2

Not gonna lie this chapter was a bit of a challenge BUT here it is!

I will be updating the links on my Masterlist for anyone who may have missed a chapter or would like to read my other stories - everything to stories, art, random silly posts are linked there. You can also find all my writing on my AO3 page.

For anyone who wants to read this story but hasn't played through the Diasomnia chapter in the game, just a heads up - there are references to the game canon in this chapter and will be in future chapters. Just FYI. Likes, comments, and reblogs (not reposts) are appreciated as always!

Chapter 2: Breaking Through the Silence

Petra fell face first into the soft bed, letting the pillow consume her exhausted sigh. This entire week had been the longest 'day' of her life. The night was quiet save for a chorus of crickets outside her window. Astrid made sure Moselle got settled in before returning to her room. Tai also had his private room, but he always stayed in the gardens until late into the night. Petra never questioned it. He had been that way as long as she knew him. She could see him once again sitting quietly under the moon as usual. Her thoughts about the meeting with Reine would be keeping her up, so who was she to judge? Ultimately, she came to the same agreement between Rollo Flamme and Reine. That didn't stop the anxious gnawing in her gut, however.

"I don't know if this is a viable possibility as of right now. However...what about Briar Valley? At the very least, Moselle is already acquainted with Malleus Draconia, so there will be one less stranger waiting for her." Rollo Flamme couldn't think of any other place on the planet safer for a fellow dragon fae than the last place he wanted to send Moselle to. It wasn't a guaranteed option either, but where else could a dragon like Moselle live and thrive? 

"Briar Valley?" Petra felt the words prick at her like their name's sake. Everyone turned their attention to her, waiting to hear her thoughts on the suggestion. It wasn't too outlandish aside from the fact that even she knew very little about the fae kingdom that neighbored her own. The princess thought, slowly piecing together her case. 

"Well, most dragon fae do live there so it's not a terrible suggestion. The only other place for a dragon community would be The Land of Red Dragons, but I don't think they would accept her. At least not from what Tai's told me. The Long that rule there are dragon fae but not like the Draconias or other Briar dragon fae..."

Like people, Petra learned, that not all dragon fae were alike, and not all societies operated the same. Especially when it came to outsiders. The ancient Long were once a powerful empire of draconic fae that ruled over other fae native to their lands and kept their territory separate from humans. Nowadays, they were regarded as mighty guardians and lived peacefully alongside humans. People even regarded the remaining Long as gods to pray to for prosperity or protection. Their world was peaceful but elite. They were the only dragons in the land and they wanted to keep it that way. The chances of a foreigner like Moselle being welcomed there were improbable. "Our treaty with Briar Valley is fairly new. This and Moselle's previous introduction to Lord Draconia may give us some leverage, even so, we must tread carefully. The situation seems very tempestuous," Reine's expression was serious but still reserved a bit of hope for Rollo's sake, "However, I agree with Monsieur Flamme. This is the best course of action. I will reach out to Queen Malefica tomorrow and start the process, if at all possible." 

Rollo gave his deepest thanks to Reine for her help before the call ended. As soon as the mirror darkened, Reine sat back on her throne with a troubled sigh. Petra felt the same energy wash over her as well. 

'Tempestuous' was an understatement even to those on the outside. Riddle and Petra had both been there during Malleus' overblot episode all those years ago. While the situation was resolved before it could spread further across the ocean, Sage Island wasn't the only one affected. The sleeping curse had spread offshore and onto Sacred Crown's island as well. Reine was spared from being in the epicenter, thankfully, as she was in the Rose Queendom at the time. Whether or not Malleus knew the girls' school was affected too was unknown. Later on, when Petra asked her classmates and friends about it, most couldn't remember exactly what happened just that they had all fallen asleep for an extended time and experienced strange dreams. Night Raven had kept things quiet enough that the truth never reached the other island's shores. So the following year, everything was normal on the surface: classes, exams, festivals, none of the female students of Sacred Crown were wise to what had happened and their friends from NRC didn't speak of it. Only Petra saw it in their eyes whenever with her friends from Sage Island. They had been told to keep quiet.

Like them, Petra had to pretend not to know the truth. She had been there, right there, on NRC's campus when it happened. Lilia had sent her an invitation to his going away party and her headmistress gave her permission to go to Sage Island for the ocassion. Petra already had mixed feelings about the event. She didn't know what made Lilia decide to leave the school and set off elsewhere. She wasn't told where exactly he was going either. Even so, in the short time, they had known each other, Lilia and the other Diasomnia boys had become dear friends to her so naturally she wanted to show up for him. And then it happened. Petra had trouble falling asleep ever since, never knowing if it was her dream she was having or the one someone else put in place for her. That night wasn't any different. 

-

"What do you think of him, Petra?"

Petra was barely awake during her breakfast with Reine. The young queen had something, or rather someone, on her mind and asked to have a meal with the one person she knew she could discuss it with. Even in her dazed state, Petra knew who Reine meant. 

"I haven't seen him since that time," Petra stared into her teacup, "But honestly, I think Malleus is a good person deep down. That's what I want to believe anyway. I don't think Silver, Sebek, or Lilia would have fought as hard as they did if he wasn't. Why do you ask?"

Reine's smile was colored with sadness, "I believe that my dear friend has been suffering for a long time for reasons I cannot understand. I also believe that he's been suffering even more since that night." 

The tired princess tried to hide her guilt, but her face was too honest. The rose queen sipped her tea before lowering her voice, "I will not pry, Petra. What you, Silver, and Sebek experienced within the dreams is none of my business. I'm just glad you all made it back safely. However, if you need to talk to someone about it, we have many healer mages trained in counseling." 

This wasn't the first time Reine had made this offer to Petra and it wouldn't be the last. It wasn't that she was ungrateful, it was just that everything she saw in Lilia's dreams seemed far too personal and tragic to discuss with anyone not directly involved. She even felt like an intruder just being there alongside Silver and Sebek.

"Thank you, Reine, but I'm fine," A half lie if there ever was one, "I've gotten so used to keeping everything a secret anyway." 

Reine poured herself some more tea before adjusting the topic just enough to not, hopefully, overstep, "I understand. I imagine Silver and Sebek feel the same way," she smiled saying their names, "I do miss them. I hope they are well. How long has it been since you've seen them?"

Petra hesitated, her brain stuck in the memories of following them both through the dreamscape, "Uh...not since we graduated I think. I haven't been able to stay in touch with them since I left home." 

Even after they were all out of school, Petra immediately plunged into her crusade so naturally they had lost contact. She never admitted it but Petra did wonder how the two were doing.

"And...Tsunotaru?"

Petra nearly choked on her tea making her and Reine laugh at the nickname, "Oh Seven, I haven't called Malleus that in years!"

What had started as a joke during the girls' initial visit to the Night Raven campus had quickly turned into a full-fledged nickname for the fearsome prince of Briar Valley. The girls thought it cute and endearing. The boys? They nearly passed out when they found out what Petra had decided to call the 'tall guy with horns' she kept seeing outside their temporary dorm's windows, not knowing who he was at first. True, Reine was the first one to befriend Malleus Draconia, but Petra formally introduced herself to him during the ball on the last night. Well, as formal as the tomboy prince could muster anyway. Petra laughed at the memory.

She was dancing with Silver when Malleus joined the girls on the dance floor as they flocked around him like curious little birds. This caught the bewildered eyes of his schoolmates who normally avoided him like the plague. Clearly, these girls were insane. And then it happened. Petra joined the little group along with Silver and Lilia and made herself known to Malleus...by walking right up to him, no hesitation in sight, and greeting him. 

"Hey Tsunotaru! It's nice to finally see you face to face!" She laughed with the smile of one who stepped right over decorum without batting an eye. 

Had there been a record player in the room at the time, it would have scratched tremendously as the words left her mouth. Everyone within hearing distance all froze in shock all at once. 

"TSU-TSUNOTARU?!"

Malleus stood wide-eyed before breaking into a wide smile and hearty chuckle, "Is this what you wish to call me?"

Honestly, Petra found the nickname just as funny, "If you don't mind, sure!"

The proud fae's eyes narrowed with amusement as his grin turned a bit mischievous, "Very well, Child of Man."

Petra groaned in second-degree embarrassment at the memory, "And THEN you tell me who he is AFTER the fact even though you knew it was him right away!"

Reine giggled brightly, "Oh come now, it was adorable! And Malleus was very fond of it, wasn't he? He kept responding to it all night and every time you two saw each other after. He even kept calling you 'Child of Man'. He never called any of the rest of us that. He must have been quite fond of you. Poor Sebek though." 

Petra's eyes playfully rolled as soon as she heard his name again, "Oh good grief, that boy was so mad!", she quickly mimicked the grumpy crocodile's furrowed brow and boisterous voice, " 'HUMAN! HOW DARE YOU REFER TO MALLEUS-SAMA WITH SUCH BLATANT DISRESPECT!! RAWR RAWR RAAAAW!'"

Riddle heard his wife's laughter down the hall. When he entered the atrium where the two young women sat, Petra was using her hands to imitate a toothy maw as she continued to make fun of Sebek's enthusiastic nature. 

" 'Furthermore! Did I mention how grand Young Master Malleus-sama looks today, HUMAN?! Cease what you are doing this instant and let me tell you the tale of how Malleus-sama elegantly brushed his majestic fangs this morning!! I should know I was there! COUNTING each brush stroke! SUCH TECHNIQUE!' "

Reine was nearly in tears from laughing so hard, "You're terrible!" 

Riddle did his best not to laugh as he cleared his throat loud enough to be heard.

"Oh good morning, darling," she wiped her eyes and calmed her laughter.

"Your Majesticness," Petra gave Riddle a playful half bow from her chair as she settled back in with a cat-like smirk. 

The redhead kissed his wife on the forehead before apologizing, "I don't mean to interrupt a flawless Sebek impression-," This made Petra snicker, "-however, I just wanted to let you know that the mirror is ready and Her Majesty Queen Malefica has agreed to an audience this afternoon." 

Reine thanked her husband before he left the two old friends to their privacy. The unsettling anxiety returned and Reine noticed before Petra could even think of hiding it, "Petra. What is troubling you? You've seemed uneasy ever since Briar Valley was brought up yesterday."

The rose queen had a way of speaking to her friends and loved ones that was both comforting and discreetly authoritative. One as headstrong as Petra had little defense against it. Reine sat poised and ready to listen. Great Queen of Hearts knows she could and would wait as long as she needed.

"I'm just concerned for Moselle," Petra was treading lightly, "I mean...it's hard to say what the night fae are like. I only know Lilia and Malleus. I'm sure they would both treat her well. But...from what I can tell she's..." 

Petra had many great qualities: bravery, loyalty, dependability, and good-natured humor, she had all of that in spades. The ability to express deeper emotions or even comment on emotionally vulnerable topics? Here is where the princess struggled. People like Astrid and Reine were far more suited for those things. Reine knew this about her friend for years and offered her a lifeline.

"You're worried about her ability to adapt, yes?" Petra visibly relaxed now that Reine understood her, "I am a little worried myself. From what you and Tai found out about her, she hasn't known anything about the world outside Fleur City. I imagine she is hundreds of years old much like the fae in Malleus' kingdom, but their culture is very sophisticated and traditional. It may be a bit overwhelming for her." 

The princess grimaced at the word choice, "And by that you mean full of hoity toity nobility and their ridiculous rules and expectations? Doesn't sound too different from human monarchies..." 

At face value, Petra was speaking to both her and Reine's experiences only. In truth, Petra clearly remembered the Senate and their attitudes towards those outside of the royal family during her time in the dreamscape. They were cold, harsh, and ugly to poor Lilia when all he wanted to do was help Malleus. She hadn't known Moselle long but the thought that the dragon fae may be treated the same made Petra feel sick. That and as much as she believed Malleus to be a good person at heart, what if that same senate, that same society changed him?

"Reine, can I ask you something? About the Draconias?"

Reine watched as whatever was weighing on Petra dimmed her usual light, "What is it?"

Petra felt the words clutter up in her mind. A million questions kept writing, erasing, and rewriting themselves on her tongue that couldn't seem to untie itself. In the end, she settled for the elephant in the room. The room being the entire hush pulled over Malleus Draconia's swift disappearance from school life and the rest of the world.

"What...what happened to Malleus? Do you know? I mean, I get it if it's top secret royalty info or something but...wasn't he supposed to be the next king after he left school?" 

Petra had assumed that to be the result, especially since the dragon was far beyond the typical school age. As soon as the Overblot was resolved, Petra was immediately ushered off Sage Island and back to her own school. There were no goodbyes, no explanations, only her vow to keep silent on the situation altogether. The next time NRC opened its campus was the following semester when the juniors had, presumably, left the campus for their internships. Any mention of Malleus Draconia was dismissed with some vague answer that implied he did the same.

Reine's expression reflected the gravity of the truth. She slowly stood up and spoke to Petra in a hushed voice, "I think this conversation is better continued elsewhere." 

She beckoned for her friend to follow her to the throne room. 

- 

The once entirely ivory hall was now a rich mixture of white and red after Reine had taken over. Any servants or guards that were in the area were quickly dismissed as the two royals entered. Reine seated herself before continuing, addressing the confusion on Petra's face. 

"You already know how important reputations are in noble courts. I don't want to provide wandering ears or loose lips with ammo against our newest ally. Especially when Malleus' reputation is already severely wounded." 

Reine sat poised, clearly aware of the power anything she said held, inside or outside her walls. Petra quietly sat by her throne, ready to hear what the queen had to say. 

"I don't know all of the details but I do know that Malleus has been kept from taking his place as king for these past five years. This is why his grandmother, Queen Malefica, is still my point of contact. I gather that...the powers that be in Briar Valley saw him unfit to rule after everything that happened," Reine's eyes were incredibly sad as she spoke about her dear friend, "This is just speculation, but no one has seen him since the Overblot, yes? ...I don't think he was allowed to stay at Night Raven after that. I haven't even seen him through my communications with Briar Valley either. I have a feeling, he's being isolated as a punishment."

"They're treating him like a criminal?!" Even keeping her voice down, Petra's shock still ripped through her whispers.

The queen placed a gentle hand on Petra's shoulder, to comfort herself just as much as her friend, "I can't say for sure. I don't like whatever is happening, but this is beyond me or anyone outside of the kingdom. I hope things are changing just from the treaty between the Rose Queendom and the Valley. This is the first they've opened themselves to the outside in several hundred years." 

Petra couldn't argue with that, "That is true, I guess. They haven't even opened their gates to my kingdom and we're on the same continent. Can't say I blame them, given...ya know...history."

History textbooks around the world talked about the infamous Human-Fae war that happened hundreds of years ago. Petra grew up hearing the stories she thought were true as a child from her people. She learned the hard way that you cannot put faith entirely in history books written by those who survived the war. In word of mouth, King Henrik's side of the story was passed down from generation to generation as a fallen hero to many and a greedy brute to others in the minority. Petra still had nightmares about what he did in Lilia's memories. Her father, King Bernhard, never said much on the matter. He always preferred to look to the future, not the past. Remembering her father made Petra suddenly feel light-headed.

"Petra? You look...very tired. I think you should rest today," Reine helped Petra to her feet, "Don't worry about the meeting. I will fill you in later." 

-

Petra felt deja vu hit her as she once again flopped onto her bed, face first. She didn't want to argue with Reine. She knew she needed to sleep but getting a peaceful sleep was still a challenge. She lay there in silence and let her thoughts skitter around like invisible beetles as her eyes grew heavier. Petra remained asleep for only a moment before the nightmares overwhelmed her again. A scream was pushed out of her lungs like air pushing against dark waters as she flailed to break back into the waking world. Before she even opened her eyes fully, she heard a familiar voice.

"Petra. Petra! Wake up!"

Tai's concerned face focused into view as Petra's heavy breath regulated itself. The fox sat on the bed at Petra's side, brushed his ward's hair from her face, and gently pulled her close to him as she calmed down. 

"Tai...?"  her voice shook with uncertainty.

"I'm here, pup. You're awake."

After a few assurances and fresh water, the two sat on Petra's bed together. Tai had been with her on this journey every step of the way and saw her like this often. Any time he insisted she tell him what was going on, she refused. Unfortunately for her, Tai had been through his share of stubborn wards before and enough was enough.

"Petra," his tone turned firm and serious, "Tell me what is going on."

She looked away, ready to deflect, when the fox gently cupped her chin and made her look at him, "Please talk to me. Whatever it is, you've proven your strength. You shouldn't have to break your back just to make a point, pup."

He released her once her eyes told him she was ready to open up. The fox listened without interrupting for as long as she needed him to. When she needed more water, he fetched it. When she struggled with her words and needed a moment to collect them, he was patient. She told him enough about her experience in seeing what had happened to Malleus' family, to Lilia, and even fighting against the raging dragon fae to save him from the horrifying Overblot. She told him how it all still haunted her. What she did not tell him was the dream Malleus had placed her in. He didn't ask. In the end, Tai just grinned about one detail in particular.

"Silver and Sebek," he tested out their names with a teasing air, "Sounds like you three are close?"

At this point, one of Tai's fluffy fox tails was out, swishing back and forth playfully. Petra felt awkward and huffed, knowing what the fox was getting at, "They're just friends."

"Friends you've never told me about before now. Male friends. Interesting..."

"I've had guy friends before!" 

The fox's wry grin deepened at Petra's defensive tone, "Yes when you were a child. You constantly tried to keep pace with the knights and the other boys your age around town. Then you became a teenager and blossomed into more of a young lady..."

Petra groaned and used the pillow to shield her face as Tai continued.

"And suddenly boys started taking a different interest in you. One that you had no desire to reciprocate whatsoever. So it's nice to hear that somewhere in the world, there is at least one young buck that doesn't repulse you. Two in fact, miracles of miracles."

"This is why I didn't want to tell you," Petra's muffled voice groaned through the pillow, "you always make these things weird," she finally came up for air with an even more tired expression, "We're just friends."

Tai's grin weakened as he moved the conversation along, "And the...other one? The one who dreamed about the past?"

"Lilia," Petra laughed, "He's a hoot. I think you'd like him a lot. Turns out he's Silver's dad. Well not biologically, but you know what I mean. I figured he was older being a fae and all but damn." 

The fox's tail stilled and his chuckle was a bit muted, "He sounds like an interesting fellow. They all sound like a close-knit group too. Which begs the question, are you afraid of possibly seeing them again?"

The notion made Petra freeze up, not exactly in fear, "Wha-I mean, no, not exactly. It's just that...if, IF, the royal family allows Moselle into their kingdom, she'll be all on her own." 

Tai watched every signal Petra's body language was giving off, big and small, as he listened to her. He knew she was scratching the surface of her true anxieties, but perhaps that was enough for now. This was also something Tai had been broading over since the possibility was brought up. He figured now was as good a time as any to make his suggestion.

"She doesn't have to be. If she does decide to go that is," he saw something light in the princess' eyes, "If Moselle is given entry and decides to take it, I imagine she would like to have familiar support to go with her. And while it's not the same...it is close to home, pup. Home that neither one of us has seen in almost half a decade." 

Petra inhaled and exhaled roughly, "You do have a point..."

The fox gently rubbed her back to put her at ease, "Let's see what our rose queen can do before we get too ahead of ourselves first, hmm?"

-

King and Queen Rosehearts stood before the mirror ready and waiting when the doors opened for Astrid. The petite healer bowed to them both before approaching to stand beside them before the mirror. 

"How is she doing, Astrid?" 

"Incredibly well, Your Majesties! Moselle's appetite is on  the rise and she's been doing vocal practices all morning," Astrid was brimming with soft sunshine, "She's currently resting in the garden pool as we speak." 

The relief was palpable between the three humans. Reine especially, "Excellent. Hopefully, we can ensure a future for her today." 

As the queen spoke, the surface of the mirror began to ripple. In place of Malefica stood her advisor, a dragon fae man with a calm mature expression that clashed with youth. As with many fae, his hundreds of years were hidden by a face that couldn't be a day over twenty-eight at most. He was a quintessential fae of the night: deep obsidian eyes, long rich navy colored hair, and dark twisted horns atop his head. Unlike the royal family that wore their hair down with ornate crowns framing their horns and brows, his hair was tied up in a silken tail with a few silver adornments on his horns to show his status as the queen's right hand. Reine had only spoken to him once or twice before but greeted him cordially just the same.

"Lord Nocturne, thank you for meeting with us today." 

The dragon fae gave the young queen a graceful bow, "Your Majesties, it is an honor as always."

His voice was deep baritone, clear gravitas in its canter. His dark eyes ticked over towards Astrid who gave him a practiced bow. 

"This is Astrid Piperita, one of our trusted healer mages," Reine introduced her with a clear hint of pride, "She will be contributing to our discussion today." 

"Miss Piperita, a pleasure," Lord Nocturne nodded to her before continuing, "I apologize that Her Majesty Queen Malefica is not present. She is feeling a bit under the weather as of late. Do trust anything you have to say will be relayed-" 

The distant sound of large metal doors opening rang in the background as a commanding voice interrupted the stoic fae. Queen Malefica brushed aside the small fae servants who fussed over her as she walked into the room. In her old age, she still carried herself with dignity and command despite her much slower pace.

"Borlean, you dare hold official council with our ally without your queen present?" Her words held a moderate bite towards her young advisor but no true anger. The young dragon remained unruffled as he greeted his queen. 

"Not at all, Your Majesty. I was merely greeting the Rose Queen on your behalf," the advisor offered his hand to Malefica to properly seat her on the throne behind him before stepping aside.

The ancient queen addressed the three humans with grace before cutting right to the quick, "I understand you have an urgent matter to discuss, Rose Queen."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will not waste another moment of your precious time," If Reine felt any nerves under the imperious dragon's gaze, she hid them flawlessly, "We are  currently hosting a dragon fae who was rescued from poachers and an exotics collector after years of imprisonment." 

The dragon queen sneered in disgust at the mention of this 'collector' and poachers, "Utterly deplorable. May they all suffer for their brutal savagery. Was this poor fae one of ours?"

"No, Your Majesty. She is a dragon of a different kind. She comes from Fleur City, in the Shaftlands, but cannot return home, unfortunately. She is without blood relations as well." 

"Alone in the world without a clan or mate. A pity," Malefica sighed as certain details stood out, "Fleur City, you say? What is her name?"

"Moselle, Your Majesty," Reine's hope that the name rang a bell for the dragons was satisfied as something sparked in Malefica's shrewd gaze. 

The elder queen pondered before addressing her advisor directly, "Borlean. Do we know of any Shaftlandian fae by that name? It sounds familiar..."

Lord Nocturne seemed to be weighing his next words carefully while lowering his voice to speak only to her, "I believe...the prince may have mentioned that name before, my queen. Though he hasn't been sociable in some time." 

Some maternal interest suddenly lifted Malefica's serious expression, "Did he now?" 

Reine saw an opportunity to seal the prospect in question and drew the conversation back on track, "If I may, Moselle did have a close friendship with several humans during her time in Fleur City. One in particular, she was very close with. He was the one that alerted us to her situation and informed us of her acquaintance with Lord Draconia during a past visit to the city."

This claim intrigued the briar queen as she received additional confirmation from Lord Nocturne, "His Highness did travel there to an academic summit during his junior year at school." Malleus had strategically omitted the part about Rollo's intended homicide on magic. Reine smiled to herself, making one last push.

"In that light, perhaps Your Majesty could offer a haven to Moselle. After all, Briar Valley is renowned for being the home to many dragon and night fae who have thrived under your esteemed rule, Queen Malefica. Where else could be safer for a lost child such as her?"

In any other case, this would be laying it on a bit thick. Reine, in her cleverness, knew that dragon fae were an especially proud people. At least they had been reported as such by historians. Reine was banking on this information remaining true in the current times. Malefica pondered over the young human's words while her advisor stood silently, watching her with a somewhat expectant look on his otherwise stoic face. It was hard to tell if he liked the idea, but as any good advisor should, he waited for his queen to speak first. Malefica finally answered with resolve.

"I shall like to observe Miss Moselle before I decide. Unfortunately, it is not possible to do so directly. Our ambassador's assessment shall do in my stead. I believe she is already preparing a journey to the Rose Queendom. Borlean will inform her of my decision before she leaves," she gestured to her advisor who saw himself out to do just that, "In the meantime, tell me more about this young fae."

A foot in the door! The three humans sighed in relief before Astrid stepped forward to give the queen more insight into her patient.

-

Lord Borlean Nocturne walked the halls of the dark castle in search of the royal ambassador. After several years of service, he knew the exact places to look. One not being her office. He gave polite greetings to each servant and guard he passed in his quest until he left the main castle and entered the main courtyard just in time to see the changing of the guard. He paid no mind to the captain barking commands to the other armored fae as he continued to the administration's wing. Nocturne's composed expression crumbled into annoyance at the sound of a familiar laugh. That boisterously posh voice signaled his destination. In front of the Senate's chamber stood a proud figure chatting away to the guards refusing to let her inside. 

"So I said, 'Polyester? In this economy?! I think not!' Ha, ha, ahhh...Anyway! I specifically scheduled an audience with the Senate for exactly an hour ago, today, and I do not wish to be kept waiting any longer, thank you very much." 

This was a lie. The ambassador wouldn't schedule anything having to do with the Senate if her life depended on it. Regardless, Borlean approached in his usual quiet steps as his presence made the guards stand at attention faster than a Draconian lightning strike. 

"Is that so, Ambassador Valida?" 

The shorter fae woman turned on her heel with a self-satisfied grin, "There he is! Lord 'Boring' Nocturne finally gracing the peasantry with his untimely presence!"

Ambassador Valida was easily towered over by the dragon but always carried herself as she believed a lady should: with the grace and elegance of a prima ballerina standing center stage, commanding the attention of all within the room. She was the finest ambassador the royal family could ask for, after all: charming, well-spoken, and always engaging and witty with her audience save for the man currently before her. That was the impression most in the castle had of her. Borlean, however, saw her as she was: a chattering little raven fae obsessed with pomp and circumstance and taking as many jabs at him as possible like her bird namesake pecking at an eagle. Where she saw a rivalry, he barely noticed her unless he had to. The ambassador, in her own words, preferred to lead by example and took the current fashion from each country she visited to show solidarity while also 'bringing a bit of flare back to this gloomy kingdom'. Today Valida was dressed to the nines in a prim suit, dripping in ruffles and ribbons, and a top hat pinned into her jet-black curled hair, clearly prepared for her journey to the Rose Queendom. Why a pitstop to harass him and the Senate had to be on the itinerary now of all times was beyond him.

"I do not recall any such appointments being made today aside from the meeting with our allies in the Rose Queendom, which I naturally prioritized."

The raven stood unphased, "Resolute as always, my lord. If you could be so kind as to spare me an audience as Senate Representative as well, it would be most appreciated." 

The dragon's eyes narrowed ever so as he leaned down to look the raven in the face, "Imagine if you focused your attention on your duties, Ambassador, just how much more you could gain aside from another tacky frock for your wardrobe," Valida gasped, her cool veneer finally breaking, but was cut off before she could retort, "If you insist on arguing the same case before the Senate once again, let me save you some time. The topic of Malleus' coronation is up for discussion today. A discussion I will be leading and bringing to a conclusion."

"Well, well, it's nice to hear you finally took a page from my book in consideration for our noble prince," the ambassador scoffed only for the dragon to blow a puff of smoke into her smug face, making her bristle and cough roughly.

"I always consider Malleus's welfare in this kingdom's affairs," Borlean resumed his full height and turned his back to the ambassador, "Her Majesty has another task for you. You are to meet a fae by the name Moselle during your visit to the Rose Queendom's royal family and make a proper assessment of her. Focus on that instead of worrying about what the rest of us are doing."

The tall doors to the Senate's hall opened and slammed behind Borlean with finality. The raven dusted herself off and marched away with a huff, "Ha! Just like the old sack of scales to take his time listening to my proposal before presenting it  as his own to the Senate. Typical."

The spectral Senate held court in a large hall, rarely traveling outside of it anymore as their powers slowly waned over time. One of two of them was replaced by living descendants from designated noble houses within Dragonopolis, the ones that remained anyway. Because of this, Borlean acted not only as an advisor to the monarch proper but as the face and voice of the ancient Senate as well. After the truth of the Senate's involvement during the war surfaced, Malefica insisted on flesh and bone support being present and active at her side and Malleus once he took over. Though the remaining pyres had grown weaker, that certainly didn't make them any less opinionated on royal matters. Stubbornness and tradition often caused the living members to agree with whatever point the old Senate stood for, only swaying when their interest lay elsewhere.

"Senators," Borlean addressed the room before taking his place in the  center seat, "I would like to begin right away with our kingdom's most pressing matter: the succession to the throne."

A few disgruntled murmurs already began to brew about the room. One of the large specters spoke over the room, "Our queen has kept the Valley safe and intact for years and remains to do so to this day. The Valley is thriving. This matter isn't of consequence." 

The murmurs echoed the Senator's sentiment. Borlean continued, knowing this was going to be an uphill battle, "I agree that Queen Malefica has given protection and prosperity to our people during her reign. However, gentleman, how much longer must we force the chain of succession to remain a standstill? Her Majesty is well beyond her years of service to her country and I believe Prince Malleus has been waiting long enough. If we continue to halt our kingdom's progress it will fade away into a lost history even more than it already has." 

This caused an upset amongst the other senators. One dragon fae stood, demanding to be heard, "If Malleus takes the throne then our kingdom will fall into ruin even faster! He is reckless! Juvenile! He's already influenced Her Majesty in making a pact with that child from the Rose Queendom! What else will he do to expose us once he is in power?!"

Borlean kept his cool and addressed the fae, "Do you suggest a better solution then?" This was hardly a question. He knew what was coming. "The only solution is that Her Majesty chooses a proper heir from one of the noble families! One that is disciplined, forthright, and puts the Valley's best interest first!"

The hall burst with irate shouts being hurled between the members, some arguing that their houses would be the best choice while others were outraged at the notion of breaking a long-standing tradition even in the face of their clear disapproval of Malleus. Borlean sighed and rested his head in his hand, silently bolstering his sanity. One even more ludicrous notion cut through all the rest.

"My Lord, if the Queen is unable to continue her rule then by rights, you may oversee the throne in her stead! The Nocturne house has always been faithful to the royal family!" 

The furious look on Borlean's face silenced the room in seconds, "That is out of the question. It is not my right nor my place. Senators, do you hear yourselves? It has been five years."

"Five years is but a moment for our people," the old Senators outright laughed in their representative's face, "What difference does it make if it's five, ten, or even twenty years?"

Borlean's eyes narrowed as he dropped his trump card, "And it's been hundreds upon hundreds of years since we lost our late king and Queen Malefica was forced to rule alone. The prince has been nothing if not steadfast in his preparations and decorum. How much longer must he be kept from his birthright? Would you continue to sully the Draconia legacy all for the sake of familiarity? By doing so, you spit on our princess' sacrifice by neglecting her son and refusing her mother her proper rest."

The room fell silent at the mention of the late king and Princess Maleanor. Borlean did not speak of them lightly. He knew what he was doing. When the Senate finally came to a peaceful quiet, Borlean took command of the room once again.

"Senators, it is time that we allow Briar Valley to move forward. Time is molding the world around us and the only one fit to bring our kingdom into an even more prosperous future is Prince Malleus Draconia. We will not heal old wounds and ill repute by keeping him in the shadows forever. It has been said many times by our own Ambassador Valida and I will echo the sentiment one last time. Let it be decided once and for all." 

After years and years of juggling this back and forth, the Senate finally and begrudgingly conceded on the matter. 

"We agree then, Lord Nocturne. We entrust the decree to you."

- 

Before the news was officially announced to the rest of the kingdom, Borlean took initive to tell the one person who needed to hear it the most. Unlike the ambassador, the prince was more difficult to pin down. The dragon fae moved strategically throughout the castle looking for the next best indicator. He spotted two familiar heads of green and silver hair standing about the eastern gardens seemingly guarding the large tree they flanked.

"Silver. Sebek."

The two knights snapped to attention as soon as they heard their names. Sebek bowed to the fae like clockwork, "Lord Nocturne, good afternoon, sir!"

As he grew into his twenties, Sebek had gained some control over his loud voice. Some. Silver was just the same as always minus longer hair he now wore in a short tail at most times, "Good afternoon, my lord." 

Somehow the two boys had both grown taller and even more toned in body. Sebek, especially. Probably due to his unyielding rivalry with Silver. Their armor bore the Draconia family emblem like the rest of the royal guard but was designed to set them apart as Malleus' guards, making them easy to spot.

Borlean's eyes flicked to the tree and back to the two young men, "May I speak with him, please? I bring good news." 

Both of the knights looked expectant and stepped aside for the advisor. When he circled the tree, he found Malleus sitting in the shade, silently reading. With no one else around, the older dragon fae dropped formalities and sat with the prince on the grass.

"Malleus."

"Borlean," a tiny smirk pulled at the prince's lips as he continued to read the page, "You say it's good news today? Dare I hope my dear cousin is being honest with me?"

It was common knowledge that the Nocturne house was the same noble family Malleus' late father, Duke Raverne, came from. It was lesser known that Raverne Nocturne, or Draconia as he took his wife's name, was Borlean's uncle. Borlean preferred to keep it that way seeing as how nepotism was already running rampant in the court.

"I wanted you to be the first to hear, Malleus," his tone barely changed even when he was in familial company, "Your coronation is set three months from now." 

The prince finally lifted his green eyes to look at his cousin directly. His expression was somewhere between surprise and doubt. Before either fae could say a word, they were blasted with Sebek's enthusiastic outburst.

"AT LAST! Malleus-sama! Congratulations!!" Joyous tears prickled at the corner of Sebek's eyes as he and Silver peeked around the tree. 

"Is it true?" Silver looked hopeful but hesitant as he spoke to Borlean directly.

"It is," Borlean answered plainly, "It was decided and put into an official decree barely an hour ago. I wanted you to be the first to know, Malleus."

His cousin was never one to gush or give grand displays of emotion or affection. Malleus had known him to always appear distant and cold on the surface. Borlean always put his duty to serve the crown above all else. This was a point of tension between him and his cousin in the past, especially when Malleus was forced back home. After years of isolation, Malleus had come to understand while Borlean's ways weren't full of obvious warmth, his intentions were good. However, not enough time had passed to put Malleus' distrust in the Senate to rest. He wasn't sure if there was enough time in existence to break that, honestly.

Malleus snapped the book shut and rose to his feet with a guarded look, "I thank you for your efforts, Borlean. I suppose now there is much to do in preparation...?"

The advisor stood, promptly brushing himself off before falling back into his proper stance, "Very much to do. We need your approval on current administration positions, the royal guards, and the like. Any changes you desire to make in the staff you will inherit from your grandmother are better decided sooner than later. Along with some paperwork as well. That said, I believe your mental preparation should take priority today, Malleus." 

It was a long-winded way of saying 'boring busy work' but Malleus still appreciated the last sentiment the most. Borlean bowed to his cousin and turned to go before something else crossed his mind. 

"Master Lilia should be home before the coronation, I believe. There will be a formal celebration ball on the day of, naturally. I'll make sure to sneak his name onto the guest list."

Malleus smirked in amusement at the implication as his cousin and advisor walked back into the castle without another word. Lilia had decided to return to Briar Valley after finishing his third year at Night Raven instead of quitting flat out. After his return, his reputation with the Senate was as sour as ever thus keeping his presence in Dragonopolis scarce. It was thanks to Borlean turning the occasional blind eye that Lilia got to see any of 'his boys' at all once they were all in the Valley once more. And it was thanks to Malleus' change of heart that let Lilia travel to the Land of the Red Dragons. What had once been a decision to permanently move across the world changed into a month-long trip. His reasons weren't entirely clear. Either way, all three young men were happy that their beloved father figure and teacher would soon be with them again. Especially now.

"Lilia-sama will be so happy to hear the news!" Sebek was beaming as he and Silver followed Malleus down the corridors. Silver hummed in agreement though something else crossed his mind.

"It'd be nice to have a welcome home party for him...but now, there may not be time." 

The two knights talked back and forth as the prince's mind wandered. He should feel happy. He was happy, wasn't he? He was finally getting what he had worked towards all of his life. What he wanted...wanted? Was that the right word? He did want it. His grandmother wanted it. His parents before him wanted him to take the throne and continue the royal line just as they had done and just as his children would someday do. It was a natural course of action and a joyous time now that it was finally coming to pass, right?

Malleus frowned at the notion. Finally succeeding his grandmother was a relief and an honor. It was also an incredible burden. He would technically have more power to dictate his life and establish his own rule, but ultimately, the reality felt like his leash was only being lengthened by a small margin. Not to mention the doubling, and tripling, of expectations. He had prepared for this his entire life and continued during his probation, and yet, Malleus felt very little joy concerning his future. Power, prestige, status...a trivial circus of courtship to find a suitable queen that checked all the strategical boxes for everyone around him except for him. Ugh, he was probably looking forward to that part the least. The small taste of a simple, peaceful life away from home as a student and not a crown prince was so distant from his life now that he wondered if it was real. Simple. Easy. Natural...

His heart suddenly ached for those times while simultaneously feeling immense guilt for ruining them in the end all because of his selfish fear of losing them. His heart ached for a time, for people, for a person he had lost.

"Silver. Sebek. I wish to be alone, to rest."

The two knights halted at Malleus' sudden request. He didn't wait for them to answer before he disappeared in a flash of green fairy lights. Malleus reappeared in his room in the far tower of the castle. He would apologize for suddenly ditching his two knights, his friends, later, but now there was only one thing on his mind. He was drawn to the desk, cluttered with trinkets, books, ink, and parchment. It had been a constant shifting state of disarray for quite some time now but there was one consistancy he always kept in neat order. Malleus opened the drawer that held a box of unread letters he had written over the years. The earlier ones had been sent out and returned unanswered. Others were never sent at all. Each one was addressed to the same person: Moselle. 

His past circumstances surrounding the hows and whys these letters never made it into her hands were a mess of variables. No matter how he tried to reason through them, Malleus always came out the other side feeling hollow. He had even considered getting rid of them before but could never bring himself to. The prince sighed and slammed the drawer shut before he could make himself feel even worse. He spent the remains of the evening humming a wordless lullaby to himself in hopes of quieting the harsh thoughts in his head.

------------------------------------------------------------------

(if you'd like to be tagged in these posts, let me know!)

@foxwitchaine @iscarlettappel @nuitthegoddess @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @victoria1676 @yunaemiya @ladyrosemoon @aiimee9

[ruthlesslistener]

I just can't get over the fact it was PK who offered the hornet deal thing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the guy with a baby death pit didn't think twice to toss a child at someone to get them on his side, but what did Herrah think? Again she wasn't in a position to refuse, needing a heir, but god that must have been a jarring proposal.

I mean, if you look at it from the political circumstances, it does make a whole lot more sense than from just a casual 'hey want me to be a sperm donor' offer. Deepnest and Hallownest had political tension between them, to the point where the Pale King signed a treaty with the Mantis Lords to guard the city's gates; Herrah is known as 'the Beast' to the citizens of Hallownest, and her den is spoken of as being 'beyond the kingdom'. So they were already in tense circumstances to begin with, and then PK comes over to her lands about a problem that primarily affects his kingdom and asks her to lay her life down for a problem that isn't fully hers to deal with. That's a lot to ask for, especially when you don't have an heir to make sure that your kingdom stays intact after you're gone. PK probably came over to Deepnest after hearing about the ferocity, strength, and loyalty of their queen, noticed that she had no heir to succeed her throne, and then offered to ensure she had one so that she could lay down her life knowing that her sacrifice would save her people in the future (yikes) and that the title of ruler was secure. That's excellent for Deepnest.

And that's not all the benefits of him siring her heir, either! That's just the most basic breakdown of the bunch. Him doing so would automatically place Hallownest and Deepnest in a position for a treaty, as the heir of Deepnest now has the blood of Hallownest running in her, essentially tying the fate of the two kingdoms together. It's a big show of peace, because he offered to create and then put his own rival on the throne, meaning that he technically couldn't become Deepnest's king after her death- because his daughter is already there. And on top of that, he is a god, meaning that none of the spiders of Deepnest could truly contest with her heir after her death, because her baby has divine blood running through her veins and a (presumably) alive father in the neighboring kingdom over. Having a halfblood heir means that her child is already LEAGUES above everyone else who might try to take the throne, both in power and vitality. So not only did PK offering to give her an heir essentially meant that he stepped forward and went 'hey, in exchange for your sacrifice, I will ensure your future and place my own rival on your throne', it also brought Deepnest and Hallownest from a place of animosity to one where trade was happening between the kingdoms (or, well, Hallownest was buying Deepnest's silk en masse) AS WELL as strengthening Herrah's lineage and basically ensuring that her baby would not only be strong and healthy, but also stay on the throne. All things considering, if everything worked out as it should have, then Herrah would have exchanged her life for a boon that might have very well set Deepnest into a golden age after her sacrifice.

(And it also points to how desperate PK was for the Dreamer plan. Not only did he sacrifice his top scholar and someone who looks to have been essential to managing the City of Tears, he also gave a whole hell of a lot without getting a whole hell of a lot in return. Trade and kingdom security is great, but it looks like it was mostly Deepnest selling to Hallownest, and Hornet being raised by the White Lady certainly didn't place Deepnest under Hallownest's rule. If anything, she ended up inheriting both kingdoms...though not through happy circumstances)

Personally what I think is funny is that PK's solution to everything seems to be 'make baby to fix problem'. I mean, it makes sense in both the highly specific contexts that required it, but it also places him as the anti-zeus of mythology (has a lot of kids but not bc hes a slut, just bc he can fuck his way out of it instead of fight) which is personally very funny to me

[jellymeduza]

1250 followers gift - take a peek at my medievalish fantasy game (part 3/?)

part 1 | part 2

In today's edition we're paying a visit to the royal house of Darius of the red banner.

tw: child negligence

The head of the house is king Konrad the Ginger (even though nowadays he's grey-haired). He's charismatic (8 points), creative and athletic (7 points of creativity and condition) and pretty good with mechanical stuff (6 points). His personality is 4/10/5/2/4, over-emotional, evil, coward, technophobe, no sense of humor (wonderful set of traits for a king, isn't it?). His favourite colour is red. His aspiration is family.

His wife is Victoria the Elder. She's good at cooking and creative (7 points of each skill). Of course Dariuses have servants that cook for them, but she likes to prepare a meal from time to time. Who's going to stop a queen, anyway? Her personality is 5/8/6/3/3, adventurous, vegetarian, heavy sleeper, ambitious. Her aspiration is family as well.

Konrad and Victoria have two children: Fiona and Władysław IV. As a part of peace treaty Fiona married Arthur Claudius and Władysław IV married Cecylia née Claudius. Konrad the Ginger used to rule the realm with king August the Mad of house Claudius, but following his death, Konrad's co-king is his son-in-law Arthur of house Claudius.

Konrad encouraged his daughter to take more 'manly' activities, such as science and fencing, much to his son's dismay. Truth be told, Konrad favourises Fiona over Władysław IV since only she inherited his red eyes, which are seen as a signature trait of the Dariuses.

Władysław IV's aspiration used to be family when he married Cecylia. He wanted a big family with many sons. He loved his tender wife, gentle as a true noble lady should be, unlike his sister. Now his aspiration is popularity/family (popularity is supposed to be read as power since there's no such an aspiration 😥). His personality is 7/4/1/8/5, loves the heat, loves the cold, coward, hot-headed, loner. His favourite colour is red. His higher skill is charisma (5), he's got 4 points of both condition and logic.

The couple had a pair of twins at first: Virgilius (the elder twin, the one with wooden sword) and Elisabeth (the younger twin, the one in red dress with short curly hair). He was proud that he was the first one to have a son - Fiona had a child earlier than Cecylia, but she gave birth to a daughter. He loves the twins with all his heart - Virgilius will be his heir and a king one day, while Elisabeth is daddy's little girl.

Virgilius' personality is 10/2/1/3/10, absent-minded, insane, eco-friendly (he may be the heir of Dariuses, but August the Mad's blood surely is strong). His favourite colour is red.

Elisabeth's personality is 6/10/1/8/10, loves the heat, artistic, hates the outdoors. Her favourite colour is red.

The couple soon was happy to expect another child. This time there was only one child, a girl Anna Bona. Since she's the third one, she wears the colour of the house of Claudius - blue. Władysław IV wasn't happy with the girl - he wanted another boy. Additionally she dresses in blue, the colour of their rivals. Therefore the relationship between him and his daughter is rough, he usually takes his anger out on her. She also received the worst chamber of all of her siblings. Her personality is 10/6/4/3/5, loves the heat, unlucky, brave. Her favourite colour is blue - she sees it as a colour of riot against her unjust father. The worst thing is that she used to look up to him.

Cecylia used to be madly in love with Władysław IV. The engagement and future marriage reminded her of knightly romances she used to read as a young girl. She couldn't be happier when she gave birth to the twins. Everything seemed to be like a wonderful dream - she had healthy children and Arthur had beautiful children as well and kingdom seemed to be getting back at right tracks. Then Anna Bona was born and Władysław IV started acting strangely. He wasn't as courtly as he used to be, he often had tantrums and yelled at Cecylia and Anna Bona. Cecylia found her refuge in writing romances, similar to the ones she'd read. The novel was a bestseller and now every person of noble birth owns it. After that she was scared of having another child. Unfortunately, she was pressed by her husband on the matter of having another child and she got pregnant once more, much to her horror. The unwanted pregnancy depressed her highly and she lost the interest in her children altogether, dedicating her time only to writing. She gave a birth to another girl - Catherine.

Catherine (the girl in red dress with long braids), unwanted by her mother and ignored by her father, doesn't have a close relationship with them. She spent her toddlerhood overlooked by her grandparents Konrad and Victoria, and the servant-wizard Eugene. Her personality is 1/1/10/3/10, brave, light sleeper. Her favourite colour is red.

Wanting to make up for her negligence, especially the cold treatment of Catherine, Cecylia wanted to have another child. She promised herself this time she will be a doting, loving mother. And she got pregnant again, even though her relationship with her husband has highly deteriorated. While Cecylia still loves Władysław IV, she's lost the crush on him. This time she gave a birth to a boy, Charles, and Władysław IV adores him, but she feels it's not enough to save her marriage. She's started as an optimistic young lady, but she's growing bitter - her marriage is ruined, she's lost her connection with her children and her sweet, funny brother Caligula killed her best friend and sister-in-law Fiona (who returned as a vampire) and now he is a fugitive. Cecylia's personality is 9/2/6/3/5, light sleeper, adventurous, loves the cold, eco-friendly, no sense of humor. Her favourite colour is blue. Her aspiration is family. She's creative (9 points) and pretty charismatic (5 points).

Charles (held by Eugene Magic) is an infant. His personality is 9/10/9/5/2.

All the children are friends with their Claudius cousins. They are attending a private school, just like the young Claudiuses. And it looks that all the kids inherited their father's sad expression. 😆

The royal family is assisted by the neutral wizard Eugene Magic. He's responsible for all kinds of duties: teaching young princelings reading and writing, overlooking them, curing diseases etc. He's friends with Fiona Claudius and Cecylia Darius. He's highly respected by Arthur Claudius for saving Fiona (well, doing it as well as he could) and by Konrad the Ginger. He's a son of Baltazar and Salamandra Magic. Even though he lives in the castle, he's got a wife Łucja (Lucy) Magic. They have three children: Alice (teen) and twins Magus and Merlin (there are lots of twins in this kingdom, you'll see). Seeing the disaster that is Cecylia and Władysław IV's marriage and their relationship with their children, he made a vow to look after his own children. He visits them daily and is friend with all of them. He often takes his wife on dates. His kids are also allowed to visit him, so they know young princes and princesses. He also has a great relationship with the Darius children. His personality is 7/4/1/8/5, night owl, supernatural fan, loves the heat, hates the outdoors, artistic. His favourite colour is green. He's maxed out his wizarding skills. He's quite good at mechanical stuff, logic and creativity (6 points of each) and at cleaning (5 points). His aspiration is knowledge.

Lots of drama, huh?

Next up, the noble house of Watch!

part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8

[stingslikeabee]

Tianyu still often got lost in the royal family's private rooms. It was like a gilded maze, full of gold and exquisite stone. He roamed around that afternoon and eventually ended his journey in the main sitting area. The foreign man stopped there to scratch at his arm ( or, really, the scales beneath his flesh he needed to drop ). As he lifted his hand, he scraped his limb against the edge of a table. Instead of hurting, the action felt good.

Sighing shakily, Tianyu slowly let himself transform. It would just be for a few moments, he thought — only long enough to rub into the wood and see if he could free these itchy old scales. The very young green dragon, barely the size of a small horse, hesitantly ducked down to the height of the table. Those first harsh rubs were euphoric. Perhaps, a long soak in hot water ( Daigo's preference ) or a partner would have helped better, but this was all Tianyu would allow. He released a high - pitched whine of pleasure and sank to the floor.

After several minutes had passed, the dragon shook his slim body and opened his eyes. He was immediately greeted by the sight of the Queen of Solaris — his future mother - in - law, maybe. Tianyu's glowing eyes, like pools of the poison that made the tips of the many barbs on him, widened. With a soft keen, he instinctively shied away from Melissa and flattened to the carpet. Unlike the other pure - blooded dragons in the palace, he had never had a good encounter in his rightful shape. Tianyu acted as though he were a kicked dog, yielding to the Queen.

Scraps of extremely dry scales littered the floor around him. Patches hung from the dragon's hide. He looked rough, to put it kindly, and in this form his sunken sides and showing ribs was apparent. It was obvious that Tianyu, though almost thirty in his human body, was practically a small child for dragonkind ; his state clearly showed his ignorance toward his own upkeep.

unscripted asks . always accepting

Caring for those who were weaker and more vulnerable, Melissa used to say, came with the pretty crown atop her head and the many duties of the role attached to her name. A queen (or king) without their people were nothing; it had been their suffering that had pushed the monarch to don the best clothes she had and to boldly walk into a dragon's den, with magic so thick it had been possible to taste on the tip of the tongue.

It had been madness - an ill-advised gambit by mostly everyone of the small council, but one which had miraculously worked. It felt both a century ago and just yesterday, but the age of all the heirs to the crown established clear proof that the fateful encounter between Melissa and Daigo had been almost two decades prior. It was true that it began harder and harder to tell time when one looked at the brunette - surrounded by the magic of her beloved, aging slowed down to a pitiful crawl for the woman and their shared offspring.

And it showed in how ready Hikari was to one day take the throne if her older brother abdicated (a very likely future, considering Kazuya's preferences were entirely in opposition to those of a ruler). Her mission as a diplomatic envoy to nations that had been previously ready to pounce and annex Solaris had been incredibly successful; not only to inspire a new deal of conversations and treaties being signed, but also to illustrate new future options for creatures - such as Tianyu - who had failed to reap any benefits of their true selves.

In a country that now looked up to dragons as their saviors - and even held festivals to honor Daigo, as much as it all probably translated as an amusing occasion to the gem beast and nothing more - Melissa's son-in-law still struggled to make peace with his inner self. To run into him looking so vulnerable and in need of help had the queen sighing softly, eventually moving to sit down at one of the chairs paired with the table that the young chromatic had used earlier.

"It is alright, my dear. Come closer so I can help - you can only do so much with that sort of assistance, I'm afraid," Melissa murmured, speaking in a soft tone and making no imposing gestures whatsoever. The idea was to let the young man feel like he could trust her - his future in-laws - to be in any shape he desired or enjoyed, even if Daigo's distaste for his kind was not particularly disguised. The old, ancient being was proud, immortal and too powerful to care for the feelings of 'worms', as he put it - even if that was one his own hatchling had affections for.

It seemed like time stalled for a moment - Tianyu looked alarmed and defenseless, dejected and ashamed of the state he was in. But whatever terrible itch he had was stronger than self-respect, which eventually drove him to sit down at Melissa's feet very quietly. When he did so, the queen bit back another sigh when he moved in a way that seemed to indicate an irrational fear of pain coming from another handling him - but eventually, through gently pulling and very soft humming, Tianyu seemed to relax enough to grant the queen ample room for her job.

Within the following few minutes, the monarch did something that many would say to be very far from her duties as a queen - but not those of a mother who cared for her children. Melissa did not enjoy seeing the poor dragon so scared of his own shadow when Daigo was around, or that he thought his truest self something so fragile that was reserved for Hikari alone. They had to do something about him, the queen thought - he needed to soak more frequently, eat well and hydrate. If he moved to the palace permanently (after the wedding, of course), it would be fine eventually.

"There - do you feel any better?" Melissa asked, tentatively scratching a patch of scales at his back in a way that her oldest had appreciated when young; and even if the chromatic looked different with a certain flush over his cheeks and still very much embarrassed that the queen of all people had found him while transformed, he at least seemed to be relieved of the annoyance brought on by the shedding. Perhaps a tiny step towards a more confident relationship, the monarch thought with excitement.

"Now, if you follow me, I can take you back to your quarters, and ask for a servant to fix you a good hot bath. I know our tubs are not as exquisite as those naturally occurring at the mountains, but they should help. I will send Hikari to you with some food for later too - is that acceptable?"

Tianyu looked at Melissa in a way that was strangely adorable - with a mix of confusion, bewilderment and gratitude, but with no trace of fear in with his handsome young features. Smiling warmly at her future son-in-law, the queen nodded and moved to stand, adjusting the skirts around her and then holding out a hand to him. "Then off we go, my dear. Get used to these pathways - they will be yours too in no time."