#‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. heavy lies the heart of the father who has to watch his son bow beneath the weight of the

[merlinbingo]

First up, I just want to say wow! Not sure what I was expecting when I started this, but you guys have just been amazing.

Over the course of January, we’ve had 126 sign-ups! Of those, 21 people have already created a whopping 43 fills, and one of you has even got a bingo!

All fills created in January (GMT) have been reblogged, and all badges earned in January have been sent out. If you think we’ve missed you, please reach out!

We’ve got a lot of fills to round up, so they’re all hidden below the cut and sorted by ship and then by rating.

Take a look, take heed of the tags/warnings/ratings (including those where the creator has decided to use the 'Not rated' and 'Choose not to use archive warnings' options - these works could contain anything at all, so please practice self-care when deciding whether or not to click on that link!) and make sure you leave these wonderful creators some love!

Gen/No ship

In a Year, in a Season, in a Moment. by BardsBeBardin924 Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: A short series of short poems. Four characters, four seasons. Explorations of love and pain. Just the human things.

The Danger Of Frog Catching by Simoneleona & blueclaw7 Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: When Elyan heard of the frog catching adventures of his friend, he immediately wanted to do so himself. It is nothing new that Gwen is busy when Elyan wants to do something.

cat!Merlin by unmarkedinlife Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Court Sorcerer Merlin is still cute transformed into a cat.

No Sword in Our Lake by BardsBeBardin924 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: A fragmented Camelot reels in the immediate aftermath of the battle at Camlann. Queens, Knights, and Sorcerers come together to fight through their grief to do the one thing they know: live, and live, and live some more, for those who are no longer able.

Running by donttouchtheneednoggle Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary:

Burning by donttouchtheneednoggle Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary:

Immortal by donttouchtheneednoggle Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary:

Merlin/Freya

Freylin Avalon AU by camelotsheart Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Freya and Arthur have a conversation about Merlin in Avalon.

Merlin/Gwaine

Drowning by donttouchtheneednoggle Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary:

Arthur/Gwaine

Jealousy, Turning Saints Into The Sea by fxndom-hoe Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Gwaine is flirtatious by nature. Arthur gets jealous easily. What a fun mix.

Arthur/Lancelot

Servant by donttouchtheneednoggle Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary:

Arthur/Mithian

Brief Encounters by Fluffypotatey Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Two different times, Mithian can remember meeting Arthur. Now she is to marry him. She wonders if he even remembers her.

Merlin/Arthur

Take my hand, wreck my plans by heartsocold Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur doesn't know how to be affectionate but for Merlin he'll try.

But first, skin care. by heartsocold Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Merlin and Arthur are bloggers who are introduced to the world of skin care.

Hopelessly devoted (to you) by Stardustwrites17 Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Summary: When Arthur and Merlin visit Queen Elena's castle, their stay gets prolonged by un unexpected storm.

when the truth comes out by heartsocold Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: Graphic depictions of violence Summary: When a vengeful sorcerer kidnaps Arthur, Merlin will do anything to keep him safe. Even if that means revealing his magic.

I Miss Your Smile by QueenoftheBritons Rating: General audiences Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Once magic is made legal and Merlin is appointed Court Sorcerer, he thinks things should change rather quickly. Unfortunately, even now people will fool and take advantage.

Humans Are Annoying, Their Mating Practices Even More So by tehfanglyfish Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: After waiting for Merlin and Arthur to confess their obvious love for one another, Kilgharrah gets annoyed and takes matters into his own hands. Or rather paws. Or feet. Or whatever.

Secrets of a Lifetime by huniths-muse Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur notices that his son has a very distinctive birthmark. Turns out, Merlin has one too.

standing in a timeless dream by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife on ao3 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: For the “space” prompt - Merthur domesticity sharing the same living space and getting ready for bed.

standing in a timeless time by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife on ao3 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Domesticity and occupying each other's space getting ready for bed.

he'll know me crazy, soothe me daily, better yet, he wouldn't care by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur and Merlin have kids and they're single parents and barely functioning humans.

Battered and Wrecked, I Come to You First by queerofthedagger Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Life has a habit of throwing challenges at anyone. Some are almost mundane, like surviving finals or breaking your wrist in a bike crash. Others are much harder, like standing up to your father and making your own path. All of them, though, are easier to bear if you have someone who sticks with you through hell or highwater.

I'd give you all the years of my life by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife on AO3 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Hanahaki prompt - Merthur journey to find some magical people who may be able to cure Arthur's 'condition'. They're idiots as usual.

The Issue of Knighthood by evaelisaa Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Summary: Arthur offers Merlin knighthood (he has his reasons), but Merlin declines (he also has his reasons).

I'm already gone (chapter title is 'wish we had more time') by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife on AO3 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: Chapter summary: Merlin reminisces, and makes a wish. Story summary: I watched Wonder Woman 1984 and decided to make it Merthur so y'all can suffer with me.

Chapter title: 'anything you want' by Emma, or ItsAWonderfulLife on AO3 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: Chapter 2 of fic 'I'm already gone' - Merlin makes tea and toast and is just grumpy on main with his cat mug, Ralph. Someone might be coming back at the end of this chapter. Merlin Bingo Square #C5 - Slice of Life.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown by emma.freeman313 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Ostracise: to exclude, by general consent, from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etc.

Heavy is the heart that loves the crown by emma.freeman313 Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Duty of care: a moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety or well-being of others. Servitude: the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful. Devotion: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity. Love: indefinable.

to ash and dust by TheDragon Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: They used to be different, the dreams; they've changed over the years. The person condemning him to death used to be nothing more than an expressionless, vacant face attached to a man's body; yet when he moved to Camelot it became Uther: his face red with rage and veins throbbing at his temple and the side of his neck.

fireworks by Emma, ItsAWonderfulLife Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: Arthur gets acquainted with the new world. Something continues to be wrong with Merlin's magic. The plague spreads to other continents. Basically just Arthur being a space nerd.

the beauty in what is by ItsAWonderfulLife (Emma) Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: Arthur's POV for this one folks. The Winter Solstice comes to Avalon, and to Glastonbury. Merlin thinks he's good at keeping secrets but Arthur has another informant.

truth by ItsAWonderfulLife (Emma) Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: Major character death Summary: The big sad chapter. Arthur has to go back, because they have to save the world. The death is very much temporary though I promise I require happy endings always.

in the winter night sky, ships are sailing by ItsAWonderfulLife Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Merlin and Arthur are happy with their relationship. They're madly in love, and have no need for sex. The rest of the world doesn't really seem to understand, but that's okay.

don't tell me what to do by ItsAWonderfulLife Rating: Teen Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur's last name is PenDRAGON.

Kisses and Kingdoms - Royal Merlin by Emma, emma.freeman313 on Spotify Rating: Mature Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: The playlist tells the tale of Merlin being born as a druid prince and his parents celebrating (Daughter), for he symbolises a new hope for magic users everywhere. He spends his youth carefree and wild in the druidic realm and amongst nature (Pierre), but eventually leaves for Camelot (From Eden) to negotiate peace treaties with the new king once Uther passes, where he meets King Arthur and is instantly enamoured (ocean eyes). He is delighted to discover Arthur is lovely and wants peace as much as he does, and they work together, but he falls in love with him, and, believing Arthur to be in love with Gwen, grows extremely sad (I couldn't be more in love) and flees to the woods. Arthur rides after him, catching up to him to inform him he's an idiot, Gwen's married to Morgana, and that he's hopelessly in love with Merlin (Can't help falling in love). Merlin is overwhelmed with emotion and proposes to Arthur (Marry Me), binding them with druidic love runes for marriage. They rule over a prosperous and thriving combined Camelot/foresty kingdom of love and acceptance at such a young age, still intimidated by the responsibilities they face and still dealing with some TraumaTM on Arthur's part but grateful to have each other (Young God).

Falsely Accused by johnlock-and-merthur-4ever Rating: Mature Ao3 warnings: Graphic depictions of violence Summary: Arthur is out on a hunt when Aredian arrives. Aredian accuses Merlin of being a sorcerer and things go downhill. (Or uphill depending on who you are)

some of us love you Achilles, it's not much but there's proof by ItsAWonderfulLife Rating: Mature Ao3 warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Summary: Merlin Bingo #G5 'Illnesses' - After a fight with Merlin, Arthur flees to the only place in the city he can breathe. Morgana helps him talk about his feelings. MASSIVE TW FOR MENTION OF SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION. Nobody dies. Happy ending. Sad fic.

Go for It (Nobody moves, nobody gets hurt) by nuttersinc / Leandra (ao3) Rating: Explicit Ao3 warnings: Underage Summary: Merlin is definitely not in love with his soon-to-be stepbrother Arthur. In fact, they have trouble being civil to each other. Their animosity doesn’t keep Merlin from misappropriating Arthur’s shirt for a guilt-tripped wank though.

Reflecting Ecstasy by MerthurAllure Rating: Explicit Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur fingers Merlin in front of a mirror so he can watch

You Give Me Fever by slantedknitting Rating: Explicit Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: Arthur is a history teacher who just wants to live his life in peace. Morgana is the frontwoman of a successful band, and she bursts back into Arthur’s life after a two-year estrangement. As Arthur wades cautiously back into his sister’s life, he meets the band’s new drummer, Merlin. Merlin is charming and clever and, per Morgana’s decree, off limits to Arthur. Now Arthur has to decide if he wants to appease his sister or go after what (who) he really wants.

protective merlin by bananichu Rating: Not rated Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: its a drawing

the violet sheds (Ch. 2) by unmarkedinlife Rating: Not rated Ao3 warnings: No archive warnings apply Summary: After Arthur discovers Agravaine's treachery, he follows Merlin and Gwaine to Chemary. The revelations that follow will change everything.

#merlin bingo #round up #january #hooo boy #so many glorious works for you to check out here #your work not here? ask yourself 'did i fill out the submission form?'

[gendryaweeklyupdates]

All Updated Gendrya work this week (08-Mar-20 to 14-Mar-20)

Note: all dates are in dd-mm-yy

Redemption by LME ( 16/? as of 08-3-20)

Imagining Arya and Gendry's reunion when the Game of Thrones is finally over. This story is focused on the voyage of 'Arya the Adventurer' on her ship Nymeria, after she asks, "What is west of Westeros?".

Rating:M

Even the Darkest Night will end. by @lianria (12/? as of 08-3-20)

Arya reaches out to old allies for help, and the pack begins to reform. Pack doesn't always mean just wolves anymore.

Rating:M

Runaway With Me - Part 2 by @the-end-is-kigh (14/14 as of 08-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Arya Stark was not happy when her family was forced to move to King's Landing due to her father's promotion. But at the same time, it allowed her to escape her problems back home, allowed her to meet a cousin she'd never known, get a job doing what she loves and there's the issue of a certain mechanic.

Maybe the move would be worth it?

But the problems from back home follow her, her only hope is to keep running, until she can't run any more.

This is the reaction mostly to the letters Arya and Gendry send back home.

Rating:T

One for the road by @obsessivewriter (9/9 as of 8-3-20)

As a survivor, Arya always knew she was living on borrowed time, five years in remission she had done almost everything on her bucket list until her time ran up.

That time is up now and there is only one thing she never got to experience: falling in love.

Gendry will do anything for his best friend, and really how hard could it be to fall for someone you already love?

Rating:E

The Ghost of the Red Keep by TheDameintheRaininMaine (4/? as of 8-3-20)

Lysa never sent her letter. Bran was never pushed. Five Starks make the journey to King's Landing.

And one day beneath the Red Keep, Arya hears a voice she decides must be a ghost.

Rating:T

Evading Capture by @katlyn1948 (9/? as of 8-3-20)

Arya evades the brotherhood, but fails and Gendry can't seem to keep his eyes of their captive.

Rating:M

A Thunder In Our Hearts by hungerwolves (2/? as of 9-3-20)

In which Arya has to marry lord Gendry Baratheon, the legitimized bastard son of the King in the South, to avoid war between the 6 Kingdoms and the North.

Unrated

Heavy Lies The Crown by OneMoreNight1996 (7/? as of 13-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

When the truth of the Baratheon children is revealed, King Robert orders the execution of Cersei and Jamie Lannister and exiles the children to Casterly Rock. This leaves him without an heir so he is quickly forced to legitimize a bastard blacksmith brought to him by Ned Stark and, in the eye of the King, his heir is in need of a bride.

Rating:E

The Last Time by @yanak324 (14/? as of 9-3-20)

After a decade away, Arya returns home. Encountering the boy she left behind is not in her plans.

At least she’s always known the Gods have a funny sense of humor.

Rating:E

True Love's Kiss by @prettyyvacant321 (2/? as of 9-3-20)

Gendrya Sleeping Beauty AU with a few twists!

Based off the January (oops I'm late but what's new) prompt from @days-of-gendrya on Tumblr.

Rating:M

Head of the River by @everyl1ttleth1ng (13/? as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Gendry Waters, multiple Pan Westeros Games gold medal winning rower, has been the highly successful and well-loved Director of Rowing at the exclusive Riverlands Grammar School for six years now. Ser Davos Seaworth has very recently retired as school principal and been replaced by the much younger multiple gold medal winning fencer from the North, Dr Arya Stark.

One morning Gendry finds himself approached by his new boss. She wants him to teach her how to row.

(In which Gendry is still rowing AND Gendry and Arya spend time in a boat together.)

Rating:T

Gym Daze by @dragongoddess13 (5/5 as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

For years they worked out together. In high school he drove them to the gym every afternoon after school or after extracurriculars. In college, they went first thing in the morning before classes and after graduation, when they both moved down to King’s Landing, they found a new gym and a new schedule. 

Or how Gendry and Arya learn to use their frequent trips to the gym in ways that were a whole new kind of satisfying.

Rating:E

I Wanna Be Yours by @sneetchstar (15/? as of 12-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Gendrya one-shot collection.

Rating:E

When Winter Comes by OneMoreNight1996 (2/? as of 11-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Winter sets in after the Long Night is over leaving everyone stuck in Winterfell and unable to go south. This causes some tension within the group as secrets are revealed and promises are made.

Rating:E

The odd girl who smelled the rain by @blue-nebulae (5/6 as of 12-3-20)

Gendry noticed her the very first week of the semester.

Something about her caught his eye, he didn’t know exactly what it was, perhaps the fact that she was a very pretty short girl or the fact that she was carrying a bright yellow umbrella, and using it almost like a cane, on a perfect summery day and that was odd.

Rating:T

More Than Words by @keepitmovinshawty (6/? as of 12-3-20)

Arry and Steffon first meet on the beaches of Braavos while escaping their responsibilities. Both ignorant of their true identities, it comes as a surprise when they meet again on a more formal scale and try to handle a relationship while the world watches.

Rating:M

Bad Pick-up lines Work Best by JoPoGirlsKickAss (17/? as of 12-3-20)

Gendry's life is suddenly sprinkled with bad pick up lines--at first he ignores them, then he realizes they might all be from the same person and that person might just be the death of him.

In which Arya flirts hard and Gendry is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[Slow(ish) burn until chapter 15]

Rating:T

The Lost Prince by @psychvamp25 (37/40 as of 12-3-20)

The first Baratheon prince died in his crib, this is known.

Arya Stark comes to King's Landing when her father becomes Hand of King and her sister is set to marry the Crown Prince, Joffrey. Arya journeys to the street of steal and meets a handsome young blacksmith. Little does she know, that her relationship with this blacksmith could change the future of the Seven Kingdoms.

Rating:T

A Dance of Shadows by Faiseuse_d_Histoires (29/50 as of 13-3-20) (significant Gendrya with Jonerys)

It’s been one year since the death of Daenerys Targaryen, called by some "the mad queen", and the North and the Six Kingdoms try to rebuild all that was lost. Jon Snow had disappeared beyond the Wall, his wolf last seen near Hardhome. Queen Sansa "the Wise" is facing unrest in the nearby villages, which leads her to make questionable choices in the eyes of her people. In the South, king Bran the Broken fell seemingly ill and fear for his life makes people uneasy about the succession.

As once again instability risks to break the kingdoms, a hero reappears, with the name of a long-feared enemy, and an old song is beginning to be sung once again, with fire and ice meeting for one last dance.

Not mentioned, but coming: Some news from the iron islands and Dorne, trouble coming from Essos… oh, and some resurrection, perhaps.

Rating:M

The Prince That Didn't Come by @igitnothin (61/63 as of 13-3-20)

On an normal winter day, Hot Pie happily delivered two meat pies and a jug of ale to a waiting table.

There was no interruption from his ordinary work. No happy reunion, no thrilling tales, and no missing Stark girls to steal his food and change the world. There was nothing but another group of hungry mouths to feed.

Or Arya Stark does not visit the Crossroads Inn, and the world of ice and fire is changed forever.

Unrated

then we take berlin by @evax3 (14/20 as of 13-3-20) (equally Theon/Robb)

After Petyr Baelish tragically suffocated on a gigot before he was able to poison Jon Arryn, Westeros fought in united strength against the White Walkers and built up a diplomatic relationship with Queen Daenerys in Meereen after the victory.

So, the land was at peace, the winter was over and 2 years later Theon, Robb and Arya sat together in Winterfell, bored to fucking death.

Fortunately, distraction seemed within reach, as Theon discovered a book in Maester Luwin’s library, maybe solving their problem. Promising the opportunity to travel back in time and experience one of the big battles again, they’d fought in the past.

But mixing the ingredients, something went wrong and instead of arriving back on the field of the second Battle of the Dawn, they found themselves in Berlin of the 21st century, still wearing their thick furs and understanding not a single word.

Putting their hopes in a certain dark-haired goldsmith from California, who kindly takes them in, they tried their best to somehow find their way back home and find a lot more in the process.

Rating:M

Prompts by @psychvamp25 (9/? as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

A collection of any of the prompts I get. Will be standalone little ficlets.

Rating:G

Through the storms by @nikelaos87 (3/? as of 14-3-20)

The sequel of "An empty shell"

«I won't marry you»

«You can't»

Rating:M

You Feel Like Moonlight On My Skin by @randifrnz (3/5 as of 14-3-20)

After six months in the capital, it is time the future King and Queen of Westeros continue the envoy through the kingdoms of the lands to know and build relationships with their people. Throughout their journey, the crown prince and princess grow even closer and grow up as well. Arya navigates what it means to be a woman grown and what it means to want.

Rating:E

Masterlink for the week: here

#gendrya #gendryaweekly #gendrya weekly #gendrya fanfiction #arya stark x gendry waters #arya x gendry #gendryafics

[jovialyouthmusic]

Uneasy Lies the Head

Follow up to Royal Romance Au Fanfic ‘Charlotte’s Choice’

Chapter 2 Ultimatum One

Charlotte buries herself in official papers and archives, and Drake prvides some respite

@ao719 @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @sleepwalkingelite @boneandfur @blackcatkita @brightpinkpeppercorn @choicescommunity @darley1101 @drakewalkerrosenberg @debramcg1106 @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @goirishsunshine @gardeningourmet @livingthroughchoices @likethetailofacomet @mrs-nazario @mind-reader1 @ooo-barff-ooo @silviasutton1989 @speedyoperarascalparty @zaffrenotes @missevabean @mrsdrakewalkerblog @cora-nova @missameliep @tanelle83 @endlessly-searching-for-you @jlouise88 @drakenazario @tabithacarlisle @furiousherringoperatortoad @notoriouscs @classylady1234 @wickedgypsymoon @carabeth @choices-fangirl @indiana-jr @indiacater @noey718-blog @katedrakeohd @bobasheebaby @annekebbphotography  @kennaxval @sirbeepsalot @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @aworldoffandoms @iplaydrake @drakesensworld @drakewalkerisreal @samcpossum 

2 Ultimatum One

Across the country, on thousands of TV screens, the face of Queen Charlotte wavered and faded, to be replaced by that of the traitor Anton Severus. His ice blue eyes bored into thousands of households, holding the attention of many, many people.

‘Attention Citizens of Cordonia. You know who I am. I, Anton Severus call on you all to overthrow Queen Charlotte and her forces. Her Father was a tyrant, and such a weak and cowardly young woman does not deserve your loyalty. I have a strong and legitimate claim to the throne and entreat you all to support me in the name of House Severus, ousted by the usurper House Rys centuries ago.’

At the Palace, Bastien was on the phone, barking out orders while Charlotte stared at the screen, shocked and dismayed.

‘Where is this being broadcast from? Shut it down! Shut it down now!’ Bastien ordered but Anton continued.

‘To save unnecessary conflict, I call on Charlotte Rys to stand down from her illegitimate claim to the Monarchy. I urge you, Charlotte, to acknowledge me as King of Cordonia. If you act swiftly I will be merciful and allow you to rule as my Queen, but if you delay my forces will remove you and your upstart Consort from power. Be warned, my forces are ready to strike, and soon’ The picture faded, and the crest of the house of Severus appeared for a moment before the screen went totally blank.

‘We’ve shut down the transmitter’ announced Bastien ‘Anton must have hacked into it, it’s inoperative until we can be sure we have control of it again.’ Charlotte was pale, but instead of fear she showed anger.

‘How dare he?’ she said in a low tone ‘How dare he risk the wellbeing of my citizens? He won’t get away with this. Where is the film crew? I’m going live straight away, as soon as we have control back’

‘Your Majesty!’ Bastien cautioned her ‘Please, you must consider what you say very carefully’

‘Oh don’t worry Bastien, I know exactly what to say. Anton will rue the day he crossed swords with me. I’m not the weak cowardly woman he thinks I am. I know exactly what makes him tick after that awful visit to Valtoria. He’s vain and arrogant and egotistical. Leave it to me, my citizens will never have to suffer under his reign.’ Charlotte was coldly furious, and Drake looked at her in wonder and admiration. He had never seen her so focussed and under control. She had changed rapidly since Constantine died, and he was not sure how much more power would affect her. He reached out to hold her hand, and he saw her eyes focus on him and grow soft. She squeezed his hand back.

‘Thankyou Drake’ she sighed ‘I won’t let anger or fear get the better of me’ It was a short while before Bastein could be sure of having control of the airwaves again, and the film crew set up to broadcast live. Charlotte appeared cool and calm in front of the cameras.

‘My dear citizens, let me assure you that the usurper Anton Severus is bluffing, and even now my loyal Guard are closing in on him. I have no intention of handing over power to him. I can assure you, after spending some time in his company, he only seeks power and has no interest in the wishes of the people. Even now, I am preparing legislation that will allow ordinary citizens to have a say in the policies and economics of our beautiful country. My father and I had the opportunity to test each of the suitors and their aims and abilities in governance, politics and economics. Please be assured that although he professed to support every good policy that was presented him, Severus either had no grasp of economics, or deliberately tried to make himself appear generous, while supporting policies that would bankrupt the economy in the long term.’ Charlotte paused.

‘I have always known the virtues of balance and moderation as a method of maintaining the status quo. Add to that the fact that the former Lord Severus has  both threatened and carried out physical violence in order to gain power, and you will see that he is not fit to rule as Monarch. I hope you will all support me in my efforts to apprehend him and bring him to justice for treason before he causes more harm.’ She gave a warm smile, and the broadcast ended.

After the film crew had left, Bastien called a security meeting and the Palace went into lockdown.

‘We don’t know what plans Anton has made, or whether he is bluffing’ Bastien said ‘We are still looking into various dissident factions within the country, but Anton has kept his tracks well covered. For now, I advise that you stay at the Palace, your Majesty, while we conduct our enquiries. Plans for the Coronation have to go ahead – the longer you remain uncrowned, the weaker our case. We have to double security or move the whole ceremony back to the Palace as originally intended.’ Drake spoke up.

‘I don’t see why we shouldn’t hold the Coronation here – unless we want to lure Anton out by using the Cathedral’ Bastien nodded.

‘We don’t have to make the decision tonight. I suggest we sleep on it. Your majesty, I strongly advise you don’t spend any time alone if you can help it.’ He smiled at Drake ‘Perhaps your prospective consort will see that you aren’t alone overnight’ Drake nodded gravely, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

‘I will gladly take on that task – Charlotte will be safe in my hands’

Later, they lay silent in the huge bed, Charlotte stunned and wondering how things had changed so fast, feeling lost – but not alone. Drake was there, solid and dependable, tender and loving. She burrowed into him and he held her tight until she relaxed and they made love for comfort, not for passion or longing.

They had waited so long to be together, and now things were very different to how she imagined but she wouldn’t be without him for anything. The idea that she would give in to Anton, accept him as King and become his Queen was unthinkable. She was still some time away from being legally, properly joined to Drake, but at least they could be lovers in the real sense of the word. Next they had to go through the Coronation, when she formally announced him as Consort and she became lawful Queen of Cordonia, but then they had to plan the wedding before they were properly joined. If it wasn’t for him – she wasn’t sure how she would cope with what life had brought her.

Charlotte tossed and turned even with Drake beside her. Eventually she fell into a deep sleep, but it was not so deep that she didn’t dream.

She was dancing with Drake, his feet slow and clumsy, and she smiled to encourage him.

‘Just take it slow, I don’t care if you step on me, I’d rather dance with you than anyone else’ He grinned apologetically, and she looked down at his feet. She guided him with soft pushes and pulls of her hands, and slowly he improved, the steps growing smoother and then faster, and they started to fly across the ballroom floor.

‘That’s so much better Drake’ she said, looking up at him  and almost screamed. It was not Drake, but Anton who held her and whirled her around the floor. His smile was cold, his ice blue eyes boring into hers.

‘Think again Charlotte’ he said. ‘Where’s your crown? She reached up to her head for the heavy symbol of the Monarchy that she was sure she had been wearing only minutes before, but her head was bare – not even a tiara sat on her glossy dark hair.

‘Father’ she cried, hearing the gunshot behind her. She was alone and Constantine dropped to the floor, the crown dropping off his head, red blood blooming where his heart was. She didn’t know whether to go to him or retrieve the crown, and it rolled across the floor toward Anton, who picked it up triumphantly  and held it aloft.

‘You’ll never wear it’ he said in a low sinister tone, suddenly close to her, lips next to her ear. She shuddered and looked at the ground. Blood spread out from her father’s body as he lay on the ground, lifeless. The floor changed to a checkerboard of black and red – the black an empty void, the red sticky with blood.

She looked up at Anton who had transformed into a chess piece that towered over her – the Black King, and she was the Red Queen. He floated over the void, and she could only step on the red squares which threatened to hold her down to the board, immovable. She tried to move away from him, other black pieces looming up, surrounding her. She was the only red piece left on the board save one, walled off by the knights and bishops and pawns. It was Drake, and he held out his hand, calling her name

‘Charlotte,’ he cried ‘over here. My sweet Princess, come to me’ She looked down at her feet, sinking into the sticky red blood.

‘I- I’m Queen now’ she protested

‘You’ll always be my Princess’ called Drake ‘Come to me my sweet girl’ She struggled, and suddenly she was free, the chess piece that imprisoned her cracking apart, emerging from what she realised was her chrysalis. She was the Phoenix, her arms transformed to wings of fire, fingertips spewing out flame that consumed the black pieces, melting them to slag and then powder, burning away the sticky blood to reveal the white marble beneath, the powder blown away, the marble clean and smooth.

‘I’m coming Drake, I’m coming’ she sang, stretching her wings and soaring high into the air.

The next day Charlotte went to Constantine’s chambers. She had ordered his rooms shut up save for a once over by his aide Geoffrey, and she called him in to the study. The man looked sorrowful and haggard – for the past few months he had spent most of his time by the King’s side, one of the few to know how ill he was and tend to him, hide the signs. There were two high backed chairs by the fireplace, the grate empty and cold

‘Geoffrey’ She said softly ‘Please sit, do you need anything – a drink perhaps?’ He shook his head

‘No thankyou your Majesty’ but he sat down and looked at the fireplace, shivering slightly. She smiled.

‘It’s strange without the fire burning, isn’t it? All these years and I never knew why he insisted on it, everywhere he went’ she referred to the King’s method of writing private notes, to be burned once read, as a security measure when he was wary of being overheard. Geoffrey nodded, misty eyed. ‘How are you, Geoffrey?’ she asked ‘and please, you can call me Charlotte, you’ve earned the right. I am so grateful for your years of service.’ She realised she knew little about the man, silent and ever present, taken for granted.

‘Thankyou your – Charlotte’ he replied, sitting on the edge of the chair. She barely knew where to begin.

‘What will you do now he’s gone?’ she asked, trying to keep her voice steady around the lump that formed in her throat ‘You know you have the support of the Crown for as long as you need it. Do you have family?’ she cursed that she didn’t know, had never heard of any attachments, and nobody could tell her. He had been there for as long as she could remember, but even Bastien knew nothing about him save for his unswerving loyalty. The man shook his head slowly

‘The King was my family’ he said simply, and looked up at her with pale grey eyes that held a sadness in them ‘Lifelong service was expected when I began here. I never married – I have a sister who is a little younger than me, and I have nephews and nieces’ he smiled ‘Though I never had much time to spend with them.’

‘And what would you like to do now, Geoffrey?’ she asked ‘You have earned your retirement – or if there is a job on the staff that appeals to you, I can arrange that, you will want for nothing.’ The man looked around the rooms, his eyes watering.

‘I – I can help you go through the King’s belongings if you would permit it.’ He said ‘There are places nobody else knows about, things he kept.’ Charlotte fought to remain dry eyed – she had enough of crying and needed to be strong for Cordonia, and for those around her. Anton had called her weak, and she couldn’t afford the luxury of tears.

‘Thankyou Geoffrey. You don’t have to decide what you want – take your time, we are all grieving. If there is anything you want – anything, tell me and it’s yours.’ The man bowed his head

‘Thankyou your – Charlotte. If I might be permitted to keep my rooms, come and go as I please – in accordance with Mr Lykel’s approval of course. I won’t move anything of your fathers, I hope you will permit me to help you go over his rooms when you wish’ Charlotte’s phone vibrated – it was a message from Bastien asking to meet her urgently in her study..

‘I have to go. I will let you know when I have time to…’ she waved her hand to indicate the room, the lump in her throat preventing her from saying any more. They both stood, and Charlotte stepped forward to embrace her father’s aide. He stiffened at the unfamiliar contact, then relaxed and hugged her back.

‘Thankyou Charlotte. He loved you very much, and you are becoming more like him every day’ He bowed his head and left, and Charlotte went to her study, where Bastein waited, looking grave. He was seated, still recovering from his injuries, and looked uncomfortable not to be standing in front of her.

‘Your Majesty, there is a new development’ he said. I’m about to call an emergency meeting, but I need to tell you first’ She nodded and closed the door, walking in to sit at the desk.

‘What is it Bastien?’ she asked, her stomach knotting with dread.

It appears the Royal Crown has gone missing from the Cathedral’ he said. ‘the Coronation is in jeopardy’

#charlotte's choice #uneasy lies the head #drake walker #the royal romance #royal romance au #the royal romance au #trr fanfic

[vixxscifiwritings]

Long Live the King (7/?)

Characters - Ken (Main), Hongbin, VIXX + OCs  Genre - Drama/Tragedy Warnings - None AU - VIXX as Royalty A/N -  The grand coronation day part 1 Summary: Even if the world falls apart, the Crown cannot.

As the empire mourns the death of High King Jae Yi, Heir Apparent Jaehwan ascends the throne, inheriting a world where peace balances on the edge.

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” - William Shakespeare, (Henry IV, Part II)

Find all the chapters here

“Are you ready Your Majesty?” Jaebum asked, his hand resting on the car door’s handle.

“As ready as I will be” Jaehwan said. He adjusted the crimson geranium shaped brooch on his coat. Geraniums were to be his sigil.

Haneul’s birth flower. 

He smiled at it before nodding at Jaebum and stepping out. The roar of applause and cheers was deafening. Jaehwan smiled graciously as he walked on the carpet set out for him.

“Long live High King Jaehwan!”

Dressed in red and gold robes, he looked every bit the part. He stood at the gates of the cathedral, escorted in by the squad of his war generals.

“On your mark, Your Majesty” General Kangin said. Shindong, Sungmin and Ryeowook took their places. Kangin and Shindong would lead followed by Jaehwan. Ryeowook and Sungmin would follow, all four dispersing when Jaehwan would stand on the stage to be crowned by his Prime Minister to be - Im Jaebum.

Jaehwan nodded and walked ahead with the generals falling in line. Jaebum had taken his place by the throne setup on the stage. The cathedral had large windows and the coloured sunlight filtered through the tinted glass. The central platform was positioned to be illuminated at all times of the day and the coronation was timed so that the stage would be highlighted bright gold. An indicator of the prosperity to come under the new king’s reign.

“Let’s begin” Jaehwan said and the four generals bowed. Kangin and Shindong started, marching to the beat of the organ playing. Jaehwan started next, two paces away from the marching generals. He bowed his head in greeting to his mother who was sitting in the front seat. Yunmi nodded, tears in her eyes. Hongbin who had been sitting next to her, put a hand on her shoulder. 

Jaehwan looked ahead and stopped in front of the steps that led to the throne. Jaebum came forward, followed by three attendants. One carried the crown, sitting on a red cushion, the second the ceremonial First Robe while another carried a ring. This wasn’t part of the ceremony but Jaehwan had specifically asked for the ring to be present today.

“Your Majesty” Jaebum started and the music died down. The pianist started playing an instrumental version of a classical song

“Lee Jaehwan, son of late High King Jae Yi, The First of the House of Lee, you stand before the Throne. State your purpose for approaching the throne” Jaebum demanded.

“To rule as the High King of the Inner Kingdoms” Jaehwan replied.

“To rule the Inner Kingdom requires strength of character. To be a ruler requires dedication to the cause of your subject's well being. To rule is to set the example of character your subjects must live by. To rule by the laws to ensure justice for the sake of peace in your kingdom" Jaebum said.

"As the First of the House of Lee, I pledge my heart and soul to the cause of justice. I pledge to put my subject's interests before my own. I pledge to live by the example of good character that I wish to see my subjects live by and to rule them justly and fairly with equality before law" Jaehwan said.

“Lee Jaehwan, you stand before the Throne in judgement of your words. Let any who oppose them speak now before the sacred Throne” Jaebum said. The crowd waited with baited breathe as the two minute silence ensued.

“Lee Jaehwan, your subjects deem you worthy. Stand and approach the Throne for your coronation” Jaebum said. Jaehwan bowed before climbing up the steps. He turned and stood. Jaebum took the First Robe from his attendant and put it on Jaehwan’s shoulder. It was red velvet with golden filigrees and rubies encrusted in the embroidery. A reminder that with the luxury f kingship came heavy responsibility of actions.

“I give to you, your new king. The First of the House of Lee, Ruler of the Inner Kingdoms,   High King Lee Jaehwan” Jaebum said placing the golden crown on his head. He stepped away and for a moment no one spoke.

The attendees broke into an applause which reverberated in the cathedral. Word travelled quickly to the outside where the commoners waited for confirmation. Jaehwan stole a glance at his mother who was wiping away her tears and smiled. He turned to face the audience, taking a step forward. His steps were heavy and his stomach turned from the nervousness and anticipation. He raised a hand, halting the festivities.

“Esteemed dignitaries and loyal subjects of the Throne” Jaehwan began. “Your presence graces the occasion. An occasion of utmost importance to any kingdom, the coronation of a new king.”

“The Late High King Jae Yi, was more than my father. As a father he told me that a man is nothing more than his actions. As a petulant child, I understood it to mean that I must never be caught stealing candy from the kitchens. As a ruler I now understand these words meant more than what could be conveyed in simple syllables.”

“My father was a man who ruled by the oaths I have sworn before you. He was wise and just, he brought prosperity to our land under his visionary guidance. My goal is to live by the principles he did. To be benevolent and just, the protector of the weak and the bringer of prosperity to all” Jaehwan concluded. He gestured and the third attendant came forward bearing a ring. 

“I take his ring as a sigil for his principles which will guide me through kingship. Along with the adoption of the geranium for the prosperity of the land in the years to come” Jaehwan concluded, putting on the ring. He bowed his head before turning and sitting on the Throne.

“Long Live The King!” Shindong yelled before the four generals knelt in deference to the High King.

“Long Live The King!” the cathedral echoed.

#long live the king series #vixx ken #royalty au

[obclus]

——————  •   ❝  uneasy lies the head that wears a crown ! ❞ the date is january 17th, the sounds of a newborn child echo through hospital walls — tradition breaks like the thinnest sheet of glass. this is your heir, your future, your legacy. washed away by the thing you fault most, an emotion, love.   .   .   .   — the history of you starts well before your birth, and as fate would have it, this was to be a tale of deceit. a betrayal most foul. should anyone ever question your lineage all they would have to do was read the story of your ancestors and be off running with their tails between their legs. yet, like all good stories, it was soon lost in time. blood began to wash away with the inauguration of each new heir. so that by the time your grandmother came around, house elison had been known for nothing but charity, temperance and grace. but you share blood with sirens, con artists and deceivers. you are the product of millennia coming to a staggering crescendo — and you are not meant to go gentle into that goodnight. elosie — your mother. a blonde warrior of a woman with a heart as strong and cruel to match the iron she surrounded herself in. originally she was second in the line of succession to the throne. but then there is fate, that calculated bastard, an attack descends on the royal family. your mother was still only a child, the softness of such an age, sixteen. sixteen years in her sister’s shadow, sixteen years standing shorter than her. here is where time introduces itself as your most valuable ally. exactly one month prior to silvia’s coronation, the attack occurs. the assailant is murdered on sight but not before he has wreaked his havoc. frenzy consumes the streets of the dutch square as your mother stares, face wet with the blood of her sister who lies on the carriage floor beside her. elosie’s screams pierce through the crowd as she tries to call attention to any surrounding guards, somewhere in the distance she can hear her parents voices, her father’s bellowing above the rest. her throat goes sore and the raven is silenced. she kneels down closer to her sister in fear, fingers hovering above her rigid body — she looks like a bird, so fragile and delicate. eventually silvia would succumb to head injuries and pass away. this led to elosie becoming the heir apparent. however, elosie had never been one who did quite fit into a family of royals. she did love her country ? of course, she’d be happy to die and defend it to her last dying breath, but after sixteen years as an extra piece of a puzzle that was not lacking, she found the newly imposed position too heavy for her to bear. most importantly she was not willing to give up her iron heart. and when she met maximilian dils at one of the royal family’s events, the two fell harder than lucifer from heaven. in the end, she had only just turned eighteen when they married. elosie also did not seek parliamentary approval for their marriage, as this is required in the netherlands, resulting in her having ceased to be in line to inherit the throne. the title of princess remained hers as she had only ceased the ability of becoming queen. regardless elosie moved to london with maximiliane, leaving your grandparents to rule over a broken country. then came along you, moth girl. you were a ripple that turned into a tsunami. you were the water so still, serene and patient, but it took you long to get there. your parents died when you were only seven years old. by that time you had visited your mother’s homeland only twice. once seven months after your birth, and the other when you turned four. both events were private as the grief your family had endured still felt fresh. your grandmother often visited you and saw the face of her lost daughter whenever she looked upon you. it tore at her heart when she had to leave your side, but what could she do ? she had a country waiting for her. and your mother tried her hardest to forge you of her own steel, but iron and steel weather to rust. after their untimely deaths, your grandparents swept you away to their lands full of castles. you see another side of luxury. sure you always had silk, lace and other fine linens but this was different. the air had a constant ringing now, like the sound of a knife clinking across a crystal glass, or the soung of an angel humming in your ear. your grandmother pushes a decree — HER ROYAL HIGHNESS princess ADALINDA of elison. you are to bare a crown on your head, it is not the same as that of a king or queen’s. it is light, but in that light you remember all the death and bloodshed that has placed the molded gold at the top of your head. though you may be ineligible of inheriting the throne — if your mother taught you anything at all, it is that you do not need a crown nor title to RULE. 

#so this is set to be before the official reinstatement of linda back into the royal house #i just wanted to post something today #probably should have posted this one first but #*shrug* idk it's late again and i'm taking a break from studying my calc notes #( let this remind you why you once feared the dark — edits. )