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ezziefae · 2 months

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My thoughts on The Prisoner's Throne.

(spoilers ahead, and talk about Holly Black's planned book)

ps: I finished this book in one sitting on release day and needed days to process everything, that's why this is a late post. Enjoy!!!!

Heather and Vivi

Where were Heather and Vivi? They were present in the prologue but then they vanished. I was excited to see Vivi become friends with Wren, especially after the rude comments she made towards Wren in TQON. I wonder why Holly excluded them from everything after the prologue, such as the family drama scene at the feast. However, I appreciated how they were mentioned in the story, particularly when we learned that Oak and Heather's mom are close, and that Oak would sleep at their house.

Oak abdicating as heir

So yeah, Jude and Cardan have given Oak permission to resign from the throne as heir, and obviously Oak is taking that opportunity to do just that, just not yet….he has to stay heir for months since Jude and Cardan are going away together. I always knew Jude and Cardan were going to stay as High King and Queen of Elfhame, but only because Oak married Wren and therefore became King of the Ice Needle Citadel, but that didn't happen…Jude is letting him step down because she knows he's grown, and wants him to make his own choices, which is great. If Oak resigns, Jude and Cardan will need to have a child to maintain the royal lineage. So, it's VERY possible that we may see a Jurdan baby in the future.

political problem (Holly Black's next faerie book)

So finally we know what the next book will be about. We know that Jude and Cardan have plans to go to the Undersea. That was the plan Holly Black has been teasing at us for a long time now. This means we’re getting another Elfhame book (Holly didn't say an "Undersea book", she said "Elfhame" even though it's going to be set in the Undersea). In an interview online, Holly Black states that this book will possibly be a stand-alone. Many fans are speculating that this book is going to be a Nicasia POV, but from reading the interviews from Holly I believe it’s going to be either a Jude or Cardan POV (maybe even both). This would make sense since Holly has said many times that she's planning to give us more Jurdan, and that Jude still has a lot of story in her. The Prisoner's Throne leaves us with many unanswered questions, such as what happens to the Ghost, if Oak gets married, news about Wren and her family, and whether Jude and Cardan have children. A standalone book to wrap up these loose ends would be very needed.

Cardan saving and being protective of Jude

Do you guys remember the post I made about Cardan fighting alongside Jude? and how he will not sit on the sidelines to watch her fight? Fans who know Cardan well already knew this to be true, but this book further proved this. This isn’t the first time has Cardan stepped in front of Jude to save her from being impaled. My man sacrificed himself so Jude wouldn't get hurt. Many times during the Stolen Heir duology Cardan has been called a coward, but mannn he's no coward, he will protect those he loves dearly, it was so refreshing to get more of his protective side in this book.

Taryn and The ghost

Since TQON, fans have been speculating that Garrett and Taryn are involved in a romantic relationship. Although it wasn't confirmed in the book, The Prisoner's Throne offered some insight into this. We find out that Heather, Vivi, and Oak have all speculated about it. Furthermore, Oak reveals that even after 10 years, The Ghost has remained close to Taryn and her child Leander. In one chapter of TPT, The Ghost has a serious conversation with Oak, but when Leander interrupts them, Oak notices that The Ghost becomes a different person around Taryn's son. He changes his behavior and has an indulgent smile towards the boy. I personally find it adorable, and after all the hardships The Ghost has been through, I believe he deserves to find happiness, even if it's with Taryn of all people.

The Ghost’s tragedy *sobs into pillow*

I never expected The Ghost to become such a prominent character in the book. It was amazing how I started to develop an emotional attachment to the Ghost throughout the book, only for him to end up turning into a tree by the end. The chapter where the family feasts and Lady Elaine and the Ghost are found dead was pure chaos and full of royal family drama. I had such a good time reading that part, until the Ghost turned into a tree. Also, going back to the topic of the Ghost and Taryn, I feel bad for Taryn even though I know she is a terrible character. It was heartbreaking to see Taryn sob and hold the Ghost while he was slowly dying (We didn't get word from Taryn that they were dating but I think that part was enough comfirmation that they were indeed lovers). As far as we know, Taryn and the Ghost did not get a happy ending in this book :(

ps: This is why I believe holly black's next book will be a Jurdan POV, because the only way we get to know about the ghost is through them. Nicasia is not close to Wren, Oak, the Ghost, or Taryn, we will never get insight on what happens to them if this next book is a Nicasia POV. Also I've been hearing as of 3/12/24 that Holly might possibly write a Jurdan dual POV, so...more reason to believe that it will definitely not be a Nicasia POV.

Taryn Vs Wren

It's funny how Holly decided to create a lot of family issues in the second book of the duology. Many fans believe that this duology should have been a three-part series to resolve these issues. One major problem is that Taryn dislikes Wren and holds her responsible for what happened to The Ghost. Oak's family is also not very fond of Wren. It would have been nice to see a moment in the book where Oak's family and Wren could have worked together and gotten along, but that didn't happen. If Oak and Wren plan to get married, I hope that they can resolve these issues between them all.

Cardan VS Taryn

It shocked me that after 10 years of them being brother and sister in law, that they still don’t get along. I think Taryn was wrong to feel like she had to protect The Ghost from Cardan when he was only trying to help. In fact, it annoyed me a bit. While Cardan was respectful towards Taryn, he had every right to dislike her, unlike Taryn who had no reason to dislike Cardan. Moreover, I would like to mention the moment when they found the ghost almost dead and Cardan ignored Taryn and answered Jude instead, Cardan being petty to Taryn in the most respectful way is hilarious. I think that moment perfectly sums up their relationship.

Wren’s Family

Although I’m happy Wren's sister Bex reunited with Wren, I was very much expecting to get more closure from that, like seeing Wren's entire family together reunite in the book. It feels like that left a huge void at the end of the book.

Wren’s Transformation

Okay, that was absolutely shocking. Holly mentioned in one of her interviews that there would be a transformation in the book, and I guess that was it. Wren now has beautiful wings. Can someone please draw a picture of Wren with wings? Also, can you imagine what Oak and Wren's children would look like if they ever had any? Their child would have blue skin, hooves, and wings. That would be a very interesting looking child.

Wren VS Jurdan

Wren was so wrong for making Jude and Cardan appear weak in front of their court. While reading this part, I remember thinking 'Wren, please stop," I found this chapter fun to read, and seeing Jude and Cardan's reaction to Wren's power. It was interesting to see how Wren exposes Jude's geas and curse to almost the entire court, and how Cardan becomes overprotective of Jude while Wren was removing her curse. I love Cardan.

Where was Queen Annett?

Since the stolen heir, I believed that queen Annett was going to be a problem for Elfhame and Wren. As you may recall, Wren freed her prisoners, and I always believed Queen Annett would've punished Elfhame for it since Wren was with Elfhame's heir Oak. However, she did not appear in The Prisoner Throne at all. I wonder if Holly forgot to bring this issue up or if she has decided to address it in her upcoming faerie book. (Queen Annett is also pregnant, so I think she will definitely be brought up again)

Madoc's Character

I'm a bit disappointed. I was expecting a lot from Madoc in this book, but nothing happened, except the fact that Jude lifted his exile (temporarily?) It bothers me that she lifted his exile easily, does Jude not remember he caused many problems for them? Madoc is the reason why Cardan almost died, why Oak was put in danger, he's the reason why the royal family died, and why Orlagh was weakened. I at least expected that Jude lifting his exile would've caused political problems for her, since Madoc is a political criminal for Elfhame and the Undersea. I thought he would’ve at least made a big heroic or villainous move in The Prisoner's Throne, or found a way to at least redeem himself, but nope.

Oak and Wren's Ending

So…Oak does not become king of anything, which is shocking. Everyone believed that if he didn’t become the King of Elfhame he would at least rule the Ice Needle Citadel, which can still happen, since he did propose to Wren at the end of the book. But still, I find it unnecessary, I think that Wren should step down from being Queen, and run to the mortal world with Oak where they can live away from the royal duties. Oak has expressed many times he does not want to be king, but if he marries Wren he will be king, which doesn't seem satisfying to me. Wren never cared for power in The Stolen Heir, she only ever cared for love and her family, I think the ending felt incomplete and unfinished. A lot of stuff was built up from The Folk Of The Air series, and this duology was supposed to give us results, but it did not. Even Oak and Wren's love story felt rushed. I didn’t see much of a connection. It didn't give me much of what I felt when I read Jude and Cardan's love story (You guys are so welcome to disagree with me)

Jude and Oak

So if you read the book, you know how shocking Jude and Oak's relationship became. Especially that scene where they “duel” (And Jude was an absolute fucking badass in that scene) The way she tricked Hag and even Oak at first that she was going to trade Oak for Cardan. I was very impressed with Jude in this book, especially in this chapter where we see her ordering her archers, and her ripping her dress to be able to fight while she's all wet. Her dialogue was so badass: "What if I give you Oak's head instead of Cardan's" and even this quote "Well, then, what a wonderful opportunity for you to prove your loyalty and die for the High King." Chapter 23 (I was so gay for Jude in this chapter, she was so mommy material) Despite feeling a bit betrayed by Oak and believing that she had failed in protecting him, she still trusted him when it came to Wren.

Oak Vs Taryn

"For a moment, he thinks of going over there and dumping his red clover tea over his sister's head" (Chapter 19)

(Jaw was on the FLOOR when i read this) I think it really sucked that Oak's family never told him about this, and I understand that Oak had every right to feel so raged that his family hid his mother’s true killer from his knowledge. Oak and The Ghost have been close, we did get some insight of The Ghost going to the mortal world and train Oak with Magic. I really hope Oak and The ghost's issue gets resolved, but that can only happen when the ghost gets cured....I love family drama, and it shows.

Jurdan Kids

Going back to the topic at hand, Cardan and Jude have given Oak permission to abdicate, which leads me to believe that they are planning to have kids of their own. So far, there hasn't been any indication from Jurdan that they are against having children. Holly has given us insights into Jurdan taking care of Leander, which is incredibly heartwarming. For example, we find out that Cardan plays with Leander, and there's a part where Jude is in the mortal world with newborn Leander, and Oak remembers Jude playing with baby Leander with a toy, almost like she was playing with a cat. I think these are definite hints from Holly that Jurdan would make great parents. Holly did say that we would get an answer to Jude and Cardan possibly having kids in the Prisoner's Throne, and I believe this was it. I will definitely make a separate post on this.

Randalian

I'm so happy this man is dead, it was long overdue. This man annoyed the crap out of us since the folk of the air series (it’s crazy that Jude and Cardan never decided to remove him from the living council, he never saw eye to eye with Jude and disrespected them constantly)

Lady Asha apperance

It turns out that Lady Asha is still in the court. She was only mentioned once when Lady Elaine was speaking with her. At that moment, I became suspicious and believed that Lady Asha was also part of the conspirators.

Locke appearance

The dream Oak had with Locke as a fox was fun and interesting. Even though it was a dream, it was cool to hear Locke again and how he acknowledged being murdered by Taryn.

Taryn is aging...but not Jude

FINALLY, we have some information on this topic. Oak describes Jude as looking very young, and Taryn as aging. He offers two possible explanations for this: either Taryn has visited the mortal world too often as her years are catching up to her, or becoming a mother has exhausted her. For a long time since TFOTA series, fans have speculated that since Jude is the Queen of Elfhame, she will never age. And it looks like Holly seems to support this, especially since Oak finally wonders "if Jude is quite as mortal as she once was". I from now on have no doubt about it, i am a "Jude will never age as long as she's Queen of Elfhame" believer.

The Cardan and Oak problem

it turns out that it wasn’t a big deal, Oak had been too much in his head, he was his own enemy when it came to Cardan, and it was amazing to see Cardan and Oak have a brotherly talk by the end of this book. Cardan’s character has really matured, and its amazing how comfortable he's become with his loved ones (i love him so much) I will admit, that when Cardan was talking to Oak about delaying his abdication of heir, I thought he was going to announce Jude’s pregnancy and you can't blame me, the way Holly wrote it made it sound like he was going to do that. (would’ve made me scream) but nope.

Summary:

The beginning was slow, but I nonetheless enjoyed it. I love Oak and Wren, however, I felt that they could have had a stronger connection in the story. There were too many unanswered questions left in the book, and it did not provide any closure to Oak and Wren's future. I feel that the series should have been a three-part book series instead of a duology. Moreover, many of the main characters seemed to have lost their power, such as Oak's resignation as heir to the throne, Wren losing her godly powers, and Tiernan being fired from his position as Oak's guard. I think many new readers who have never read the Folk of The Air series might not have appreciated that. Despite this, I appreciate that Jurdan was not removed from the Elfhame throne. However, I think that Holly Black set up more problems in this book than solutions, which makes it feel neglectful towards Oak and Wren's story. I am excited about this book, and I am sad that we may not get more news on Elfhame until possibly 2026, as she is currently working on the second book of The Book of Night. Anyways, In other news, I have a virtual event with Holly Black tonight 3/12/24, so I will write anything important down, and I will try to ask good questions!

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elephart-hi · 2 years

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Some background on Oak and Suren for anyone who needs a refresher (with new edits)

This is after Cardan became a snake

This after Cardan’s head was chopped off at the coronation during the sentencing

Here are my thoughts

SOOO first thing that confused me with the description was that Holly called Suren the changeling queen (check my edit!) !!! One bc she is technically no longer a queen and two in order for her to to be a changeling Suren would have had to leave fairy for the mortal world!!!

But the discription also calls her a runaway soooooo maybe she ran away from fairyland and became a changeling that way (check my edit!)

Also let’s not forget the boon she owes Oak!!!!

Or that they were almost betrothed lol cute

So a reluctant prince on a quest with a scary queen

Hmmm

sounds a lil familiar

I can just imagine Cardan saying that the Greenbriar men have a pension to both being lazy and besotted with terrifying women

I’m so excited for this book

Edit:

TOTALLY MISSED THIS!!

@painfullysensible

SHE IS ALREADY A CHANGELING so ur telling me this poor 9 year old child was raised in the safety of the mortal world ONLY TO BE DRAGGED BACK TO END UP LIKE THIS!!!!

(From Suren’s wiki page)

So you mean to tell me that poor baby Suren was raised as a happy little changeling child going to school in the mortal world (where her evil parents dumped her for their own greedy purposes) playing video games and having a safe normal mortal life….

Until her wicked parents FORCEFULLY dragged her back to fairyland when THEY decided she would finally be useful to them.

AND THEN PAINFULLY ENSLAVED HER

they bound her with a cursed bridal and stitched a crown permanently onto her head and chained her wrist BY PENETRATING HER SKIN AND PUTTING A CHAIN THROUGH IT TO LEASH HER

What THE F&$@ I’m livid

So my NEW THOUGHTS With this additional information:

First of all Suren is a FANTASTIC CLONE CHARACTER TO THE WHOLE DUERTE FAMILY

Vivi was taken to the mortal world to be protected but then was forcefully dragged back around the same age that Suren was, by her own evil parent who wanted to use her (remember the Prophecy that made their mother run in the first place! It went something like: Eva’s child will be a more powerful weapon than One that Justin could ever forge) Madoc wanted that weapon

Jude and Tayrn also we’re stolen from the only life they ever knew. And Jude ended up being that weapon from the prophecy and Madoc knew that and definitely wanted to manipulate her to gain control

Suren is also a clone to Cardan, who was physically abused his family (like she was) and then was used as a puppet king (like she was) (yes jude treated him way better but it was still what happened)

AND OAK OMFG DONT GET ME STARTED ON HOW OAK AND SUREN CLONE AND FOIL EACHOTHER

The tl;dr Suren suffered the fate that Madoc would have subjected to Oak to, furthermore their lives and stories clone the other’s

A royal heir stolen away as a child

Lived a normal life til the time came for their parents to exploit them

To be used as a puppet king/queen

So they were again stolen away from the only life they ever knew

Also bonus their lives have been split between elfhame and the mortal world at opposite times of their lives

Let’s get into it

Madoc LITTERALLY was going to use Oak as his own puppet king!! It’s the whole reason Jude went through with everything!!! She sent Oak to the mortal world to protect him from that horrible and dangerous fate!

Oak was a royal heir stolen by Oriana. Then he was raised and loved by her, Madoc and his adoptive sisters.

Oak was SO LOVE IN FACT that when the opportunity came for his father to exploit him, his adoptive sister literally took over the country to prevent it from happening

Right before Jude found out about Oak, Vivi was like come back to the mortal world with me. Jude was like I’m not sure if I know how to be a human anymore… maybe I could learn, (learn to not be a power-hungry monster girl anymore) I could just turn over Cardan to Madoc, he’s never done anything for me anyways, maybe I could be human and live with my sister. BUT THEN SHE FOUND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT OAK FROM ORIANA and so she had to construct the whole plan to betray Madoc and Cardan and to take over Fairyland.

Just so Oak could have a chance at the normal life she and her sisters never got so to protect him they stole him away from the life he had always know to live in the mortal world

JUDE WENT THROUGH HELL TO KEEP OAK SAFE, yes she kept at it bc of her lust for power but it all started with her love for Oak. This is how Loved Oak was. His family, specific Vivi, Oriana and Jude, went to great lengths to protect Oak

BUT POOR SUREN

she was royal heir stolen away to the mortal world and was raised their until the time came for her parents to exploit her

She was then again stolen away from the live she had always know and was abused and exploited as their puppet queen!!!

No one protected her

Except for Oak.

The boy prince who almost suffered the same fate as she did. Oak Interceded for her and was the reason she was granted Leniency

THE STOLEN HEIR WILL BE AMAZING

I can’t wait to know the actual canon back story for surens life in the mortal world and how everything went down ABBDJSUSHDHE AHHHHHH

#oak greenbrair #queen suren #tfota #holly black #the stolen heir #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #edited

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someonelookingpraediti · 2 years

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📚 Mid-Year Freakout Tag 2022 📚

Copied from Mia @yourneighborhoodbibliophile

1. How many books have you read so far?

46! I've managed more in the first half of this year than all of last year!

2. What genres have you read?

I’ve pretty much just read Fantasy. I've read a couple of Romance, some Sci-Fi, and one Heist book!

3. Best book you’ve read so far in 2022

Favourites this year have been the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, and the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson!

4. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2022

So far, the only sequels I've read have been when I've read the entire series in one hit. I'm awaiting a couple of sequels in the second half of the year, though.

5. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah, Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older, and Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor are the ones that immediately spring to mind. But the list never seems to stop, I buy books much faster than I can read them.

6. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Greywaren!! I've been putting off reading the Dreamer Trilogy until they're all out, but I'm planning on doing a full Raven Cycle re-read and then launching into the Dreamer books straight after. I'm also looking forward to The Lost Metal, which is the final book in Mistborn Era 2, but I'm definitely going to have to re-read those too, because I've forgotten the third book entirely.

7. Biggest disappointment

I've read some truly awful books this year. The biggest disappointment was definitely The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake. I was really looking forward to it, because it sounded perfect for me, but it was so badly written! Other books that didn't live up to the hype: Lore by Alexandra Bracken, and These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.

8. Biggest surprise

Actually, The Cruel Prince!! I went into it really negatively, thinking it was going to be teen trash that I would hate, but it captivated me right from the start, and now I recommend it to everyone!

9. Underrated gems

Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman gets another shout out - I've seen hardly anyone talk about it, but I've been trying to get everyone I know to read it. Also, Tithe (and its sequels) by Holly Black. The Folk of the Air gets a lot of love, but the earlier books are just as good but get ignored.

10. Book that made you cry

The Queen of Nothing, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Gallant, Cemetery Boys, probably like a dozen more.... I'm a crier!!

11. Book that made you happy

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater! It's such a sweet, cutesy story, and sometimes it's nice to just fall in love.

12. Most beautiful book cover of a book you’ve read so far this year

Maybe Only a Monster by Vanessa Len. The UK cover is gorgeous. Honourable mentions to Pandora, King of Elfhame, and Skyward.

13. How are you doing with your year’s goals?

My goal this year is 72 books (6 per month) and I'm absolutely smashing it! Most months I've read more than six, so I'm well ahead of my target.

14. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

These Hollow Vows, Ariadne, The King Must Die, Stalking Jack the Ripper, The King's Renegal, The Dark Tide, Heroes of Olympus, The Lost Metal, the Dreamer Trilogy, A Deadly Education, my full reading list is here and it is... lengthy.

#tag game #mid-year freakout tag #misc

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radicalrascals · 2 years

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The Audacious Merc

Original Character | FC: Joseph Gilgun

NAME: Thomas Matthew Hartigan (assumed)

AGE: mid 20s to late 30s

SPECIES: fae

PROFESSION: mercenary

Short Bio [Urban Fantasy Setting]

When his fae parents decided to kidnap a human baby, Tom was left in their place to be raised by humans. It took seven years for the Hartigans to figure out the child they were raising was not theirs, and that he was certainly not human.

At the age of 11 Tom was sent to a military facility where he was trained to use his fairy powers to the benefit of Queen and country, turning him into an obedient super(natural) soldier.

Eventually Tom manages to escape the government facility and ends up fending for himself, becoming a mercenary.

Relationships

Rosalyn van Grayson > [Tag]

Penelope > [Tag]

Lucy Preston > [Tag]

Abraham King > [Tag]

Katelyn Miller > [Tag]

Playlist

Dumpster to the Grave by Star Fucking Hipsters from From the Dumpster to the Grave (2011)

I Walk The Line by Alien Sex Fiend from I Walk The Line EP (1986)

Incomplete by Bad Religion from Stranger Than Fiction (1994)

Die for the Government by Anti-Flag from Die for the Government (1996)

Bored to be Wild by Sleaford Mods from Austerity Dogs (2013)

Detailed Profile

FULL NAME: Thomas Matthew Hartigan (assumed)

KNOWN AS: Tom Hartigan

NICKNAMES: Tom, Tommy (if you have a death wish)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENDER: male

SPECIES: fae

RESIDENCE: always on the move

PROFESSION: mercenary

~~~~~~~~~~~~

AGE: mid 20s to late 30s

DATE OF BIRTH: November 30

PLACE OF BIRTH: Elfhame (the land of the fae)

NATIONALITY: British

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIOLOGICAL PARENTS: unknown; fae

“PARENTS”: Elizabeth Hartigan & Andrew Hartigan

“SIBLINGS”: William Robert Hartigan (older brother) , the real Thomas Matthew Hartigan (same age)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

FACE CLAIM: Joseph Gilgun

HEIGHT: 6ft 0 (1.83m)

NOTABLE FEATURES: he’s tattooed all over his body; sometimes sports a short mohawk

STYLE: prefers darker colours as it’s easier to hide the blood stains; very happy with basics such as t-shirt, jeans and hoodie, but his steel-toed combat boots are always a must

~~~~~~~~~~~~

LANGUAGES: English (native)

SPEECH MANNERISM: Tom’s speech comes across rather coarse, tainted by a vaguely Northern English accent and his frequent use of cussing and rude expressions. He’s none to engage in overly sophisticated discussions, nor does he have the vernacular to do so, but he makes an effort to pronounce foreign words and names correctly.

STRENGTHS: proficient magic user; knows his gun fu; cooks really well

WEAKNESSES: pure iron nullifies his ability to cast magic and will burn his skin upon contact; iron alloys, such as steel, still make great weapons against his fae nature as wounds derived from a weapon of this kind will take much longer to heal; iron aside, Tom is erratic with a strong fear of commitment making it hard to find and keep love

INTERESTS: Tom loves punk music and cooking and is a bit of a gun nerd

VICES: smokes and drinks frequently, not opposed to harder stuff

~~~~~~~~~~~~

NSFW

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: heteroromantic

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: pansexual

PREFERENCE: dom | switch | sub

ROLE: top | vers | bottom

#Muse #Muse: Tom

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court-of-forever-undone · 3 years

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I Knew You’d Come Back to Me

Chapter Two: Slept next to her, but I dreamt of you (Cardan’s POV)

Summary: While homesick and heartbroken in the mortal world, Jude finds a pile of letters on her doorstep that include an official pardon and a love confession from Cardan. What is supposed to be a happy reunion quickly falls apart when Jude is told Cardan has returned to Nicasia in her absence.

Cardan is determined to make it up to Jude.

**This fic is inspired by the love story between Taylor Swift’s characters Betty, James, and August.**

Should you wish to listen: Cardigan | Betty | August

Tags: Multiple POVs, angst and a happy ending, Jurdan, post-wicked king, canon divergence

Masterlist

Read on AO3

Four Months Post Exile

If she has decided that she wishes to stay away and forget about Elfhame, me, then I will forget about her as well. Except that I can’t because for the eternity she has been gone there has been nothing to rid my thoughts of her.

I grab the nearest pitcher of wine, not that they are ever far from my reach as of late, and swallow as much of the tart liquid as I can. At least if I pass out there is a chance I may dream of her, or dream of losing her. But it is a chance I am willing to take.

There is a revel happening, for a reason I cannot remember. Probably honoring some guest that I cannot be bothered to care about at this point. I tend to the kingdom as best as I can for the day, but by the time the dawn is rising I do everything I can to forget the subtle human features that haunt me. The curve of her ear, the flush in her cheeks, the softness of her form.

Since she has been gone there has been an unbearable ache in my chest that only seems to worsen at her memory. I’ve taken back up with a variety of powders that I grew accustomed to at Balekin’s parties. The numbing sensation is highly preferable to the agonizing dread that awaits me in sobriety. At least when time passes differently, I can imagine that she is home again, or at the very least, I can pass more days until she returns.

Her return seems more and more uncertain because despite my letters, she has not come home, nor even responded to them. She has made no inclination that she intends to return, which is ridiculous because she is the queen. When she returns I will have to remember to remind her of all the accusations she threw my way at neglecting responsibilities, meanwhile she has spent months in the mortal world as if waiting for me to come bring her home myself.

I grin at the idea. A trip to the mortal world could quickly end this ridiculous torture. At least I would have the chance to see her in the flesh.

She could get her anger out and then return home with me. At this point, a curse from her lips would sound like music and her fingers curled around my neck would be ecstasy.

In time, that anger might turn to forgiveness and we can all move on from this nonsense.

Present Day

What a dreadful day today has been. I should have returned to my chambers the moment I was given news of a wine shortage because poisoned wine had been found in the castle’s cellars, because that meant I had to suffer through the small council’s bickering mostly sober, followed by hours of grievance hearings from folk. For a kingdom full of people who find me utterly incompetent, they sure do make plenty of pleas to the crown.

Only one hour remains until I can leave the presence of my court and scout for my own wine to drink, poisoned or otherwise.

“Cardan…?” Nicasia said with the air of a question.

I respond with a non-committal sound before glancing in her direction to my left. Again, she had found a seat nearest mine, despite my repeated reminder that she was no longer entitled to that spot. We were nothing beyond friends with a bit of history, even if my entire council, mother, and Nicasia herself thought it was ridiculous to prolong a “land-sea” alliance any longer.

I turn back to the conversation I had been ignoring and make an appropriate response, before quickly tuning them out again. Courtiers have nothing better to do than waste my time.

Admittedly, I could see my advisors’ point and I haven’t exactly fought to deny Nicasia’s advances anymore. Not when the one I want has rejected me entirely, favoring a mortal over me and forsaking our kingdom to my inadequate rule.

If I were a kinder soul, I might have been content to see her happy and adjusted to the mortal world, but I am not. I hate myself for sending her away and I hate her just as much for not wanting to return. Every time someone suggests I marry, I want to scream the truth for the entire kingdom to hear.

I married the mortal Jude Duarte. I did it so she would release her hold over me, but I also did it because I wanted to. I wanted to make her my queen and share this dreaded life with her; the powerful, defiant, occasionally murderous, human woman with all her soft features and perfectly odd ears.

Pride be damned. If she returned, I’d allow her anything. She would never need a geas to command me. She was already a ruler, she deserved the credit. The court would eventually adjust to the idea of a human ruler once they recognized her rule. I would lead the most devoted of her court and in our bedroom, I would further prove to her just how devoted I was by spreading --

Nicasia’s hand sliding over my knee snaps me from my thoughts. The touch of her hand felt sickly wrong considering my thoughts of Jude. I brush her hand aside and purposefully ignore the hurt look on her face. I may allow her into my room on nights where even the wine and the powders cannot bring me peace, but she knows I am far too sober and there are too many people around for that.

At the edge of my peripheral I see a dark shadow approaching. The Roach; always a welcomed distraction usually armed with wonderfully bad news.

“Come to tell me of another attempt on my life?” I murmur as he bows down to whisper in my ear.

“You are needed at once, your majesty” the goblin reports.

At that, I laugh but make no effort to move. “There is a first for everything. What is it?” I am happy to use whatever matter it is as an excuse to leave, but I am curious what requires my attention that the spies could not handle themselves.

“Jude has returned. She is waiting to see you.”

His words hit like the hilt of a sword to the chest. I stand, jumping the courtier closest to me.

“I have matters to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” I say to no one in particular, trying to ignore the loud pounding in my ears as my heart threatens to beat out of my chest.

I begin to follow the Roach out of the room when I feel a hand on my arm.

“What is going on?” Nicasia asks, her eyes wide. I shake out of her grasp.

“It is a matter of great importance that does not concern you.” Instead of moving away, like my body demands to, I move in closer to her so only she can hear me. “I meant my words in the gardens. Do not show up this evening or any evening again.”

Her mouth fell slightly open as water rimmed her eyes. I didn't stay for her response, instead I turned back and followed the Roach into the tunnel, knowing every step was bringing me closer to Jude. As we stalk through the hallways, I cannot slow the questions bombarding my mind.

Did she decide against her life in the mortal world? Did she miss me as I have missed her? What should I say to her? Will she allow me to embrace her? Should I announce her return tonight?

I have envisioned dozens of scenarios of what I would say or do when she returned, but now that she is only a few steps away I have no plan past seeing her, holding her if I can, to make sure she is real and not my imagination come to life.

We take the final turn that I know leads to the headquarters for the Court of Shadows when Livier blocks the doorway.

“Where is she?”

I watch as her face contorts. She opens her mouth to respond before closing it again, clearly unsure how to answer. I don’t have patience for this. I have to see her now.

“Move Livier,” I demand.

How many months has it been since we had fallen asleep together after our vows? How long has it been that I’ve felt her pressed against me?

“Cardan, wait!” She exclaims as I try to move past her. “She doesn’t want to see you.”

I stop dead at her words.

Before I can speak, the Roach asks for me, “What do you mean? She sent us to get him.”

The pixie nods. “Yes. She went to the royal chambers, but she returned soon after and has stated she does not wish to speak.”

I cannot help the bite to my words. “To speak to anyone, or just me?”

Her silence gives me my answer. “Why?” I spit out.

She is on the other side of the wall. It has been months, what about my room could have made her decide against seeing me? A darker thought crosses my mind; what if she has decided to return to the mortal world again? The idea threatens to break me then and there in the dark tunnels beneath the castle.

Livier looks at her companion with unease.

“Why?” I demand again.

The Bomb swallows before explaining, “When she returned, she asked how long you and the Princess of the Undersea had been back together.”

My desperation melted into cruel pitiful laughter. She was jealous of Nicasia, while she had herself a human plaything. The hypocrisy was grand. I wonder how her face would look when I asked about the man and how she could possibly blame me when she broke our vows first. My laughter quickly fizzled into a frozen anger.

I needed to leave before the weight of the situation could bear down on me. In all my imaginations, I never predicted this. I had hoped she’d run to my arms or more realistically, slap me followed up with a kiss. But never returning and refusing to see me.

I want to beg to see her. Beg for her forgiveness. Beg her to stay even if she hates me.

As a king, I have every right to go wherever I please. But as a queen, she has the right to deny entry to anyone. So I turn in the tight hallway and take the turn that leads to my rooms.

She is home. She wouldn’t see me, but she is home, which meant I could fix this. She might not see me tonight, but I would win her forgiveness and maybe her love too.

****

After almost two weeks of announcements and planning, Jude’s coronation ball will begin soon. I have still yet to see her in person, but through messengers and letters she agreed to rule with me and begrudgingly accepted my proposal for a party to celebrate her return and status.

The actual coronation will not take place for another few weeks due to the time needed to gather all the court’s representatives, but this evening would be a full celebration nonetheless. She is home and that enough is cause to celebrate.

The party will also finally force Jude out of the shadows. I suspect she has moved around the castle quite a bit as I heard she met with her sisters and the Living Council, but she has made a careful effort to avoid me.

There have been several times where I have made it all the way to her door before deciding to leave and giving her the space she demands. For months now, I have had dreams of the moment we saw each other again; I have imagined her vulgar words and sweet touches. Tonight is the last night I can imagine because in a matter of hours I will see her again. For the evening, she will have no choice but to stand in the same room as me. I already announced her as my wife and Elfhame’s High Queen. After this evening, she can avoid me outside of official business, if she wishes. It would be devastating, but no more devastating than how it felt when she was gone.

I pace back and forth in my chambers thinking through all the details of the evening since I have nothing better to do. I dressed long ago in a suit twin to the dress I had sent for Jude. If I thought the last dress I designed for her was stunning, I am not sure I’ll be able to survive seeing her in tonight's creation. I gave the tailor a sketch of a silver gown with a fitted bodice and twin streams of fabric that flow from the shoulders. The hope was to create an illusion of the armor she seemed to favor. I doubt the tailor will disappoint and frankly, Jude could wear an old sack and still be devastatingly beautiful.

Before long I receive the signal to head to the ballroom. As I enter the room, I admire for the first time the servant’s efforts to fulfill my image for the evening. The decoration for a typical revel was nothing compared to the fanfare visible this evening. Long strings of lights and streamers hung from the ceiling and sweet and savory treats of all varieties are piled high on trays. The musicians and other entertainment for the evening are already in full swing keeping the guests happy and amused.

As is customary, the party has been going on for some time now, before the king and now queen enter. The center of the space is filled with revelers dancing and singing. At any other party, I would have gladly joined, but I cannot help the pooling sense of unease as I glance through the crowding looking for a particular face.

I do find the face I am looking for, but not the right person. Taryn is standing on the side of the dance floor chatting with some courtier. Locke is nowhere to be seen, which is for the best. If I notice him even causing Jude to frown this evening, I will have him locked in the dungeons for the night.

I occupy myself with some wine while I wait and use the opportunity to boast of Jude’s brilliance to anyone who decides they wish to speak with me. After about a dozen of these conversations, I finally catch a glimpse of her walking into the room with Vivianne at her side.

My Jude.

I admire her with total abandon. She is absolutely stunning. The movement of her steps causes the fabric to shimmer as it flows obscenely over her body. While I will imagine her in this dress for many nights to come, it is the crown that sits atop her head that captures my attention.

The crowd cheers at her arrival and many bow to her. While she keeps her emotions well concealed, I can see the smallest of smiles appear on her face. She enjoys the recognition. Seeing her now, if I could have given her this from the start I would have.

My heart-stopping queen.

I stay to the side where I am and watch her enjoyment from afar. She dances with her sisters from time to time and speaks to members of the gentry with ease. I know she has noted my presence, even if she has yet to look in my direction. When it is time to address the crowd, it is my turn to avoid her direction. I keep my speech to the folk short, enough to praise her and remind anyone who may be considering treason exactly who Jude Duarte is. At the final toast, I steel myself before addressing her directly.

“Welcome home, Jude.”

Our eyes meet for the briefest of moments, burning with a million unspoken words before she breaks away and turns to address the now-growing crowd around her.

It was the first time she acknowledged me since the morning I sent her away and suddenly the emotion behind that realization hits me all at once. I let my eyes linger on her turned back a moment longer, before downing my drink and disappearing into the gardens to wallow in my own self pity.

I told myself I would be happy if she just returned home, but now I realize how badly each moment I spend away from her aches. In school, I hated the way I longed for her. I had chalked it up to being a disgraceful obsession; one I would have been glad to be rid of whatever that meant for Jude. Now, I am equally obsessed with my mortal queen, but rather than having just my thoughts occupied with her, I feel a feral desperation to be near her, to set things right with her.

It is not uncommon for me to be followed, but when I hear soft steps behind me, the last person I expect to turn and see is Jude. Her brown eyes widened in surprise, as if she was not the one following me. We both stare at each other for a half a second too long, before Jude mumbles something and turns to leave. I take her by the arm before she can take a single step away. I won’t let her get away a second time.

“Ask me how hideous you look tonight,” the words tumble from my mouth before I can stop them.

She turns back to face me. I loosen my hold on her arm, but let my hand linger until she decides to brush it away.

“This again?” She asks, sounding more tired than annoyed. I didn’t realize how much I missed her voice.

Desperate to hear her again, I reply, “I can’t. You look like a knight from a story tonight.” A filthy story, perhaps.

Jude’s cheeks pinken as she shifts away from me. If I wasn’t afraid to lose her, I might have found her unease at my closeness cute.

“I’m glad to see the kingdom is still in one piece.” Jude acknowledges, changing the subject away from her. The distance between us feels infinitely greater than the foot of space physically separating us. I’d give anything to embrace her now.

“I had help,” I state simply. It is the truth. The Court of Shadows kept tabs on everyone, friends and enemies, and the Living Council for all the headaches they cause me, they did their job as well.

“Nicasia?” Jude didn’t try or simply failed to hide the accusation in the question.

I sigh heavily and take a seat on one of the garden’s benches. “Ahh that. Yes, it is about time we talked.” I motion for her to join me, to which she refuses.

“I don’t want to hear anything about the two of you. I understand we married out of political strategy, I won’t hold you to human standards of monogamy.” Jude echos my sigh, “After your letters, I thought… Well, I misunderstood the situation.”

My core twists at the way her voice trembled on the words. When did her pain stop being cruel amusement and instead became a twin knife that hurts us both?

“I meant every word in those letters” I murmured softly. How many times had I imagined this conversation before?

Anger burns across her face, “So, what? You got bored of waiting for me to return from the exile YOU-” she jams her pointer finger into my chest hard enough to bruise, “ordered! Maybe next time make sure your letters are actually delivered or perhaps don’t send me away in the first place.”

I stand, challenging her anger with my own. “You think I wouldn’t have waited? I went to bring you home. I saw you dancing with the mortal. Don’t pretend I was the first to stray.”

I expected more anger, denial perhaps, but not... confusion?

“What the hell are you talking about? I haven’t been with anyone else,” Jude yells exasperated.

“The blond male. I came to see you and…” I trail off when Jude laughs suddenly. “What could possibly be funny?”

She covers her face with her hands, shaking her head side to side, “Cardan, you saw me with a friend. Nothing ever happened between us, ever.”

Shame washes over me like a tidal wave. I had returned from that trip thinking Jude had made her decision to forget me and stay behind. I had walked straight into a revel and drank every drop of wine in sight. Nicasia found me a few hours later laying in the grass outside the castle and when she came near I did the one thing I thought would make me feel better.

Nicasia had been the first to notice me, my first real friend then lover. After Jude, I thought she could be the thing I needed again, but I was wrong. It didn’t take long for me to realize it would never be as it was before because my heart still belonged to Jude. If I had only spoken to Jude that night in the mortal world, none of this would have happened.

“I believed the reason for your continued absence was because you were still mad. I thought I could go to the mortal world and convince you to come home, but I saw you with the mortal man. I did not handle the thought of you with another well. Nicasia was there when I got back and… I let her into my bed, but it was you that I thought of every moment you were gone.”

Several emotions ripple across her face before she quickly schooled her face into the impenetrable mask she wears around others. She wears around me too. I continue before the fear of her rejection can stop me.

“There are no tricks within my words, so please hear me when I promise you, Jude, mortal High Queen of Elfhame, it is you I love. My heart is yours and forever will be. There will be no other’s, and if you choose to have me again, it will only be you.”

I raise my hand to cup her face and watch as her eyes flutter close. My name falls off her lips like a plea and I think it might be the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I lower myself to meet her soft lips. Her hands soon find the front of my jacket and I don't fight when she tugs me closer to her.

Without breaking the kiss, I use my free hand to grip her lower back and pull her back into the garden seat with me. On my lap, Jude opens herself up to me and I greedily take in more of her, missing the taste of her. I can’t help but continue to caress her body with my fingertips, long after we break to catch our breath. I place a series of kisses along her neck, each more drawn out than the last before I speak the cruel fact still on my mind, “of all my terribleness, the worst thing I ever did was what I did to you.”

It hurts knowing I can speak those words aloud. I reach up to wipe a stray tear that has fallen from her eyes.

“Will you have me again, Jude?” My heart pounds in the wake of the question. I watch as she considers it. Truthfully, I wouldn't blame her if she refused me, but it would be torturous to have her so near and not mine.

Slowly, she gives a subtle nod and I don’t hide my sigh of relief. She stares at me for a second longer, before smiling, “I love you, Cardan."

I capture her lips again, finding her more addictive than the sweetest wine.

“My sweet nemesis, how glad I am you have returned.”

Tag List: @wafflesandschemingfaces

If anyone else would like to join the list, let me know!

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alwaysreadingandranting · 3 years

Text

Favourite moments from HTKOELTHS:

Cardan constantly thinking about how he ended up with Jude 🥺❤

"His unpredictable, bold mortal High Queen" 🥺🥺🥺

"You think you're the equal of a battalion of knights?"

JUST ALL THE JURDAN BANTER OKAY

Somebody please go looking for my boy and tell him stories 💔💔💔

Cardan and his door. Door and his prince ❤

"The international incident that was her youngest brother." 😂😂😂

Cardan winning Nicasia's favour as the first time he ever won anything 😔😔😔

Cardan and his squad of Big Bad Villains

Spoiled moths who demand alcohol

The Prince of Elfhame is Mildy inconvenienved because he has a cruuuuush

The entirety of chapter five. Every single sentence.

"She was the only real thing in a land of ghosts." 😭😭😭😭😭

"Jude, Cardan thought, hating even the shape of her name. Jude."

Just. The. Entire. Chapter. Five.

Being in the Undersea being suffocating for Cardan = SYMBOLIC of his relationship with Nicasia

Cardan thinking of Jude even when on a date with Nicasia; "it meant nothing" yeah, sure, honey

Rhyia giving him Alice in Wonderland

"There was absolutely no reason to think of Jude in that moment" *proceeds to think of Jude*

Cardan getting his heart broken by Nicasia hurt me 💔

But what hurt me more is that he understood that she loved Locke and set her free 😔💔

"I'm afraid I may have set one of the guests on fire" I -

"I am nothing if not dramatic." We stan a self-aware King 🙌🏻

"A hate you could drown in like a vat of wine"

"It shouldn't matter. The human girls were insignificant, nothing." "Which one? Which mortal girl?" 😏😏😏😏

"It disgusted him that he couldn't stop." [thinking about Jude]

Cardan being fascinated with mortal food

"Cardan considers that villainy takes many forms, and he is good at all of them."

JUDE EATING THE HALF OF HIS DUMPLING

Cardan with his arm around Jude's waist!!! GIVE ME MORE DOMESTIC JURDAN 😭😭😭

They were watching kNIVE OUT!!!!

He doesn't mind the small bed BECAUSE JUDE IS IN HIS ARMS

Everything about tracing her features

"I hated you." They're so in love ❤

Cardan annoyed that Bryern didn't think he'd come for Jude

"His queen"

"Marriage means sharing each other's interests, and since his wife's run toward strategy and murder" 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Jude scheming behind his back to go after Aslog + Cardan scheming by going behind her back to do it himself

Just these two married idiots being domestic by scheming all the time ❤

Cardan really is a 'happy wife, happy life' kinda guy

Cardan interested in the mortal novels

Cardan thinking he's so good at passing for mortal while saying things like "your pardon" 😂😂😂

Cardan not wanting to pay like a "common peasant" 😂

CARDAN WEARING A HOODIE

"Did she have him with butter or jam?" I WHEEZED

He laughs when he's nervous vs all the times he laughed around Jude in the series 🥺🥺🥺

Cardan knowing Jude would kill him if he died so pathetically 😂😂😂

His every thought at what he should be doing being about what Jude would have done, I'm soft 🥺

"You don't think monster girls and wicked boys deserve love?"

My man is so in love with Jude, he out here making stories of their happily ever after

"Truly, I don't know what I would do without her." My heart cannot handle this 🥺

Cardan, the damsel in distress, waiting for His Wife and Queen to rescuse him >>>>>>

JUDE'S PROTECTIVE WIFE MODE

Not even iron poisoning can stop this man's sass

"I don't even understand why the things you say make me smile." 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

"So long as you're begging" on the first and the last page >>>>>

#htkoelths spoilers #htkoelths #how the king of elfhame learned to hate stories #holly black #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #cardan x jude #jurdan #jude duarte #the folk of the air #tfota #the cruel prince #the wicked king #queen of nothing #tcp #twk #qon

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shadowturtlesstuff · 3 years

Text

A day dedicated to Jude

I was looking through my google docs and found a random jurdan fic so i quickly edited it. Enjoy

We are alone, walking through our rose garden as the sun starts to set over Elfhame. There is another revel tonight, like most nights, but tonight serves more of a purpose. At least it does for my husband and I. A few weeks ago I accidentally told Cardan my birthday, and so he took it upon himself to organise a revel in my honour. He thankfully neglected to tell people why it was honouring me; he has just claimed that he can honour his wife whenever he likes. Which made me smile despite the fact I did not want any sort of attention around my birthday. Perhaps just by my sisters, Oak, Heather and Cardan. Alas, tonight I will dine with Elfhame and my husband and dance and try to enjoy my night.

Cardan had refused to go to meetings and made sure I wasn't able to attend any, either. Again missing the reason behind his actions. The Court of Shadows knows, we spent time with them drinking, until the Bomb and Roach decided to spend the rest of the day in the mortal world until tonight. The Ghost has disappeared in search of my twin most likely. So we had spent the day in bed, over a year of being married, of being High King and Queen together, and the simplicity of the day had been strange to us both. Cardan had become used to it far faster than I. Yet I will admit I did enjoy doing nothing, worrying about only my husband, which I always did but there were no other worries alongside it. It was nice. As much as that thought would've scared me in the past it does not now. I welcomed relaxing on our bed and resting my sore muscles.

My stomach has healed nicely from where my father stabbed me. Often I find Cardan tracing the line when we are in bed together. His face is always lost in thought when I find his hand absentmindedly caressing the line. He has expressed his hatred for Madoc many times, which is completely understandable. So when I find him in that state I simply take his hands and reassure him I am okay, that we made it.

I take his hand now, which surprises us both but he smiles. It was his idea to walk together before we entered our party. Even though we spent today together alone, he wanted one more time with me. So we've dressed ready and are walking slowly together. "Thank you for the revel Cardan, even though I specifically told you I didn't want to celebrate." I feel his pace drop and he turns and faces me. I have not explained why I wished not to celebrate but with Cardan I didn't need to. He understood that it was a reminder that I was mortal; one of my many shortcomings. Fae do not age the same ways as mortals, and my life would end far faster than Cardans'. It was a reminder I was running low on time to spend with my husband in the peace that we'd worked so hard for.

"And I told you that I simply cannot just ignore your birthday. It is a day where I can tell you how much I adore you and you cannot stop me." It never ceased to amaze me how much we have both changed by opening our hearts to each other. He kisses my hand and pulls me into a hug. Cardan, I have found out, loves to cuddle. He will do it any chance he gets. Not that I mind it, often when I feel his arms snake around me whilst I’m working I welcome the small break it offers.

“Very well husband, I supposed we should go to the party.”

“Your party.” He counters and I nearly shake my head at his antics.

We walk hand in hand together, the guards open the doors for us and we make our way into the main hall. All eyes turn to us. I spot my sister with the Ghost, Vivi and Heather on the other side of the room dancing together already. Taryn left her child with Oriana for the night and I’m sure she was complaining about not being with him. Cardan and I have only seen my nephew a handful of times. When Cardan held him for the first time his eyes had held promise for our future. Both of us had not been raised as a child should be or in a way that prepared us to be parents; but we both held hope that we’d learn together. I know Cardan would be the most loving father a child could ask for.

Cardan leads me to my throne and instead of going to his he sits on the arm of my chair. He refuses to leave my side, and whilst it isn’t strange for him to sit here, I fear that our people will figure out why this is in my honor and that Cardan is being more of a husband than High King. Most revels we have roles to play, to appear menacing and diplomatic and everything people in charge should be. Cardan is more open with gestures of love than I am, yet I can’t help but think of all the things they could claim when it is just a mortal birthday he’s celebrating.

It is a long time before Cardan and I have a peaceful second with each other. People have been coming to us all night, to show respect as they always do and to try and figure out any information about tonight. They haven’t. I am tired even though I have done nothing all day. I would happily spend tomorrow in bed with my husband if I didn’t have more meetings that I pushed back to have today off. Cardan is still sitting next to me, and I’m half tempted to fall asleep on him despite being in front of everyone. Instead of doing that I grip his elbow. He’s currently gesturing to some fae I didn’t realise appeared so taking his hand would only annoy the fae he’s talking to. So I settle for the elbow and he wordlessly slows his hand gestures until it is just his left moving. Then eventually that stops and the fae has left us all alone and Cardan is facing me. I give him a small smile, and he returns it. “Do you want to leave?” He asks.

I sigh. Yes, I do. I want to be in bed with him holding me as I do nothing. But I know I can’t get into that habit no matter how much I now wish to. “No, we haven’t even spoken to my sisters yet and I think they’ll hang you if I don’t see them at all.” I tell him and then laugh when he panics. “I’m kidding, kinda. I mean, if they don’t at least wish me happy birthday then they’ll be a bit angry.”

“Let’s go find your sisters then shall we?”

We find Taryn with Vivi and Heather instead of the Ghost and I am immediately embraced by them all. They whisper happy birthday so that everyone around us cannot hear and then Vivi notices that Cardan is just standing awkwardly watching the four of us hug and insists that he joins us. Somewhat reluctantly he wraps his arms around me and Taryn and joins our hug, finding a way to press a kiss to my head. Despite my tiredness, and I suppose my stubbornness, to not celebrate my birthday I smile at the people willing to tolerate me in this way.

“How’s your little one?” I ask Taryn as we all move from our hug. The fae are all listening and hovering but I don’t really care too much.

“He’s getting so big, you two must come see him soon. He misses his Uncle Cardan.” This makes Heather giggle as Cardan winces. He doesn’t mind it but would prefer not to be called that here. When we got home and spoke about it he kept repeating Uncle Cardan like he still couldn’t believe he was a part of our family. As messed up as all of us are, I am happy we faced so much to find this life.

“When we were with him yesterday he squeezed my finger and I honestly nearly had a heart attack.” Heather, ever the dramatic, going into more detail about the time she and Vivi spent with Taryn yesterday. Because Taryn lives alone she often has my sister and her girlfriend around often and if me and Cardan didn’t have to work to run a kingdom I’m sure Cardan would be with his little nephew all day.

I feel Cardans' hand move around me and he holds me in a side hug as we listen to our family. Again he kisses my temple and this time I rest my head on my husbands' chest and smile. “Happy birthday my Wicked Queen.”

(i’m using normal tags so if you only read my cressworth sorry)

@fangirling-again @kittycat2187 @goatahoan @city-of-fae @the-hoofflepooff @ink-insomnia @purplecreatorhorsewagon @boredbookwormgirl @goddess-of-writing-wars @lovecakeandmore @yikesitsmaddie @loveyatopluto @bookscressworth @androgynousdeputylawyershoe @fandomtakeover @throneoftsc

#tfota #jude #cardan #jurdan #cruel prince #wicked king #queen of nothing #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte

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florafey · 4 years

Note

Do you have any headcanons about Jude and cardan as parents?

Funny you should ask. I blame you, Curly Red Queen, for the rabbit hole I’m about to go down

- They’re the power couple to end all power couples, even before having kids

- They give Rhys and Feyre a run for their money but we don’t pit Kings and Queens against Kings and Queens in this house and anyways, I digress

- Cardan loves his children

- Naturally, of course, but he has no solid father figure to help him figure out this whole parenting thing

- So he’s nervous about it the first time, of course

- But Jude reassures him over and over that he’s going to be great and he has to believe her

- She wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true

- And by the time kid number three rolls around, Cardan has this dad thing down pat

- He wrestles with his kids all the time, both his sons and his daughters

- One of his sons has a little tail

- Said son is in love with his dad’s tail and Cardan doesn’t mind it when his little hands play with the tuft of hair on the end

- Cardan teaches his son how to use it for balance and how to pick up small things with it

- Cardan’s daughter gets jealous that she doesn’t have a tail, too

- It stuns Cardan at first, because all he can remember about his childhood is being absolutely humiliated because of his tail and here is his little girl telling him she wishes she had one just like it

- He almost cries but Jude saves the day

- “Let the boys have their tails,” she says, “My little girl and I have matching ears.”

- And it’s true. Jude and Cardan’s daughter has dull ears like a mortal

- But she also has vibrant, purple eyes so she isn’t worried about not looking like a faerie

- Cardan and Jude parent like they rule the kingdom: efficiently and kindly, but stern when needed

- Cardan is usually the first to get stern

- His kids know by now that whenever Dad looks at them in a certain way, they better shape up

- Like all kids, they’re thoroughly disgusted by how in love their parents are

- Their daughter(s) think its so romantic and wonderful but their son(s) always stick their fingers down their throat whenever they see Dad kiss Mamma

- Bedtime stories are very much a thing

- Cardan will make up a story and then recruit Jude to help him finish it and she has to pretend like she knows how it ends

- Neither of them knows how it ends

- Jude does the voices for all the girl characters and Cardan voices the men

- But because Cardan is literally making the story up as he goes, Jude has to improvise 100% of her lines

- They make it work

- Some of the stories told at bedtime are the best stories faeries had ever had the privilege of hearing

- Sometimes, though, they stick to more traditional stories and read from books

- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a unanimous favorite

- Cardan likes to carry his children on his shoulders or on his back

- It’s just efficient

- It’s not a strange sight to see the High King of Elfhame walking through the palace with a toddler in his arms, a two year old on his back, a four year old on his shoulders, and a set of twins running behind him

- I have no idea how many kids those two end up having. They’re unhinged and unpredictable

- But the kingdom adores the Greenbriar children

- All the kids are so well-mannered that it’s no trouble liking them or getting along with them

- Some of them are shyer than others so they’re more likely to hide in Jude’s skirts during a party but the kingdom still gushes over them

- The kingdom also likes the change in pace with how many kids the King and Queen have ;)

- Children are a happy, happy thing and Jude is a mortal woman, so she gives the kingdom tons of reasons to be happy

- It’s almost a little overwhelming both for Jude and the citizens

- The citizens don’t know how to handle being this happy this often

- And Jude still finds it a little odd how strangers will be moved to tears over the fact that she’s pregnant...again

- Cardan uses it to tease her because he’s fucking Cardan and why wouldn’t he

- “It’s about time we give the kingdom another celebration, don’t you think?”

- Cue Jude glaring at her husband and reminding him that the child she is currently breastfeeding is a mere five weeks old

- Cardan kisses the child and then his wife and says, “That’s fair. I’ll give it another month.”

- Jude kicks him because her hands are busy, but she’s laughing

#jurdan #jurdan headcanons #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #jude x cardan headcanons #Folk of the Air #the wicked king #the cruel prince #the queen of nothing

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beeirifulmer · 2 years

Text

You Have Your Father's Eyes Pt. 2

This is kinda poorly written and I apologize

//Warning: This contains all book spoilers

Justin was wrong.

He wished maybe this was his fairytale, maybe this was his happy ending. But the closest happy ending he got was 10 minutes ago when he was playing with his daughters, wife smiling.

Before the knock came.

Before he had to grab the axe.

Before he had to try and kill a man in front of his children.

Before he was dying on the rug Eva was so careful of keeping clean. Before Eva was trying to crawl to him for he couldn't move, not with the way Madoc just gutted him.

He looked up and saw his little girl pounding her small fists into the tall man, Justin's heart raced the best it could. Please don't hurt her, he wished he could plead, please don't hurt my Jude.

Justin closed his eyes for a moment, but when he opened them.

His daughters were gone.

"I'm so sorry, Justin." Eva cried as she gave up crawling, close enough to Justin to reach for his hand. "This is my fault." Justin could only shake his head, his body was fading quicker than he wished. "Where is our happily ever after?" She grasped his hand weakly, and Justin couldn't help but grin just a little.

He was dying, yes. But his daughters were going to Elfhame, if Madoc still had that kind soul to children he always had. And he was dying holding his wife's hand. He had twins with her, he helped raise Vivi. He was dying contently, just hoping his children were safe.

"I love you," Justin used all of his strength to tell her that, but he noticed she was already gone. Looking up at the ceiling, he closed his eyes and dreamt of his happy ending.

The one that sadly wouldn't come.

"What do you mean, you cannot find him?!" Orlagh yelled at her maids.

"He is nowhere to be found, miss. Rumor has it he left Elfhame with a woman named Eva." Orlagh's head snapped to look at the maid.

"Eva? Madoc's woman?" The maid nodded. "Well then he shall be dead or hidden until he dies of something." The Queen looked to her small granddaughter, her second child's daughter who died in childbirth. "I guess you will be of good use to me after all."

"I won't let you down, Grandmother."

"Please. Call me mother, grandmother makes me sound haggish."

"As you wish, Mother." The granddaughter bowed her head, earning a grin from Orlagh.

"You will marry and be Queen of Elfhame."

"What Prince did you have in mind, madam?"

"Prince Cardan. Oh I can see it now! High King Cardan, next to his High Queen Nicasia." The little girl grinned with delight. "Do you like the sound of that, dear?"

"I love it, Mother." Nicasia nodded almost too eagerly.

"The plan worked out anyways. The rightful heir to the Undersea crown, will be High Queen of Elfhame."

But - just like her son - Orlagh's plans didn't work out the way she wanted them to.

"Am I not pretty enough?" Nicasia sobbed to Orlagh, who felt her jaw tighten in anger. How dare that prince find eyes for another woman, a mortal at that? "What do I do, Mother?"

"Hush, child. Do not fret, Mother will take care of everything."

By taking care of everything, Orlagh meant kidnapping the mortal girl and tormenting her until she learned her lesson. "You mortals have magic to lure men don't you?" Balekin sneered at the girl, Orlagh let out a cackle.

"Of course not! She's just a useless mortal girl! The only magic she would ever have is that berry string of necklaces she always wore, but now..we have the higher power." Another hit and another hit before Orlagh cut off the girl's water breathing supply. "How does it feel, hm?"

The girl only choked and looked at her with pissed off eyes. Orlagh refused to stare at her eyes, she felt she needed more power to make the girl sick to her stomach with that gaze.

"How does it feel to be suffocated?" Orlagh let the girl breathe again. "Jude Jude Jude. Pathetic mortal girl." Another hit, Jude finally let out a pained cry at that one. It took a lot to break that girl, she reminded the Queen of her son.

Thats when the light flickered on.

No, it couldn't be, right? Justin wouldn't have let his children come here. No, it was just a trick.

So Orlagh looked the girl in the eyes. "I did nothing wrong." Jude hiccuped, that strong wall she created falling down.

"Who's your father?"

"What?"

Another hit.

"Who's your father?! I will not ask again!"

Jude refused. And she gained even more torment and beatings until she finally screamed it out.

"Justin!"

Tag list: @fantasyfox10123 (If you wish to be in my taglist, let me know!"

#cardan greenbriar #cardanandjude #jude duarte #jude greenbriar #jurdan #queen of nothing #the cruel prince #the wicked king #fota #cardan my beloved

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bookquotes-20 · 3 years

Text

Broken Chord

Fandom: Folk of the Air

Pairing: Jurdan

Rating: 13+

Warning: Slightly OOC but tons of angsty fluff ;)

For as long as she could remember, all that mattered to Jude Duarte was power. The thought had been forged into her mind, hammered by the innumerable hours of training with Madoc where her only task was to find the advantage. Figure out how to gain the power in the situation, and take it. Take it without mercy, without hesitation. Power was all that mattered in the twisted world she could not stop her heart from calling home. She had spent her whole life without it. People dangled it in front of her, taunting her with displays of superiority she so deeply yearned to return them. Each night, as sleep pulled her under, her final thought would be of revenge. Some day, she’d tell herself, some day I would be the one to hold it all in the palm of my hands. She didn’t know how, she didn’t know when. But she could dream, and dream she would. Dream of fantastical circumstances that turned the wooden sword in her hand to steel sharp enough to gnaw through bone, stain her hilt with rich gold and her blade with deep crimson, worthy of respect. Worthy of admiration. Worthy of fear.

She had it all today. Even if only person knew it. The Puppetmaster. The Kingmaker. The Queen, as the Court of Shadows had taken to calling her. Now, there were days the name felt like a knife twisting in her stomach.

Every day she reveled in the bliss, in the thrum of adrenaline that raced in her veins at her newfound importance. She faced each day with her head high, with a grace and ease that should not have come so easily to a mortal amid regal faeries.

But it was as each day neared its end, that her father’s words would ring in her ears.

Power is far easier to acquire than it is to hold onto.

A lesson best learned by experience, she had seen. She loved her role, her work, her importance. But the sigh she heaved as she entered her chambers when all was done, was a stark reminder of who she was, she truly was. Because at the end of the day, she was still a mortal amongst Fae.

Her breaths come heavier and a dull ache settles into her limbs as she closes the door behind her. Another day, another battle. Hearing days were the most tedious. For hours she stood by the King’s side as folk across the land came to him seeking counsel, mercy, or favors. The benevolent king, of course, simply sat upon his throne with an expression of boredom and a glass of wine in his hands. It was Jude who listened to each word that fell from their lips in search of any trickery or deception they may be trying to place on the king or his kingdom. For hours, her mind raced through infinite possibilities of deceptive intent behind their words, and her fatigue was tangible. Her head pounds furiously and her shoulder slouches. Sluggishly, she makes her way to the modest armoire she had allowed within her room. On autopilot, her hands reach in to pull out a billowy night shirt and comfortable pants. Unfastening Nightfell from its spot at her hip, she places the blade in the corner of the armoire delicately. She has just finished throwing on the her night shirt when she hears a soft knock at her door.

At such a late hour, the number of people who would come to her was short. Had it been the King’s guards or her Court of Shadows the knock would have been of urgency. She opens the door with a sigh, only slightly surprised to see the High King standing at her door.

“What do you want, Cardan?”

She expects to see the same bored boy she had spent the day standing beside, not a man with muscles pulled taut and anger shining in his eyes.

“I hear there was a Counsel meeting today.” His voice is calm, controlled in a way that spells danger. Jude raises an eyebrow.

“And this is of importance to you because?”

“Oh really, Jude,” he drawls, “you weren’t even going to tell me about all the important decisions you made today?” His eyes narrow. “Decisions involving me.”

“I make decisions involving you every day, I don’t see what makes this any different.” Yes she did. The decision she had made today was unlike any she’d made before. Well, with the exception of one. One that had disastrous consequences for her heart and self-control. Cardan moves at her with blinding speed, pinning her between himself and the wall.

“Cut the nonsense, Jude,” he snarls. “You know full well why this is different. You decided to just marry me off. To Nicasia.”

She swallowed. The words felt just as heavy in her ears as they did in her throat when she forced them out in front of the Counsel.

“Yes.” It’s the only word she can come up with. His hand slams against her the wall inches from her head.

“Why?” he growls. She knows he’s restraining himself but she can’t bring herself to care. She’s tired and just wants the day to be over. She wants to be done with this, if only just for a few hours.

“Because it’s the best move for the kingdom.” His eyes darken. He’s not pleased with that answer. “We’re treading dangerous waters between the attack on the Court of Termites and Orlagh’s anger with Elfhame. We can’t find a war on two fronts. We both know that Nicasia has wanted to be your queen for years. She could placate her mother and the alliance would strengthen our image amongst the other courts.” She works hard to force the words out of her mouth. “A union between the land and the sea is not easily ignored, it could quiet all the dissent and doubt amid the lower courts.”

“You forget one thing,” his voice is low as his face nears hers. His breath is hot against her skin. “I already have a queen.”

Anger ignites her blood, exhaustion forgotten for just a moment.

“Oh really?” her voice is as sharp as her blade, as is her accusation. “Says who?”

His eyes widen in surprise, and his grip on her loosens. “Jude-“

“To whom, am I your queen, Cardan?” She steps forward and he staggers back slightly. “To the entirety of the court, I am still your seneschal. You made sure of that when you laughed me into ridicule at the time of my exile.” It’s her that anger flares at him now. “So what did you expect me to say when the Counsel suggested a perfectly viable way of resolving our political troubles?”

“So you want this?” Accusation laces his words now. “This is what would make you happy?”

She hesitates. Tries to force out the word. Tries to say nothing would make her happier. When did lying to him become hard?

“Yes,” she says. Her voice betrays no emotion; it’s resolute.

“For once, Jude, stop lying.” His eyes close and his brows furrow in frustration. It seems her hesitation betrayed what her voice didn’t.

“What does it matter, Cardan?”

“It would hurt us both.” She ignores the implication of his words.

“So what?”

“Jude.” There’s a warning in his voice. She doesn’t care.

“It doesn’t matter Cardan.”

“Jude.”

“Just do it!”

“I CAN’T!” he roars. “I can’t.” He sounds broken. His eyes are pleading and desperate. “I wish so badly that I could.” He scoffs out a laugh void of humor. It’s a painful sound to hear. It’s a sound filled with pain. Filled with guilt and regret and hatred but laced with surrender. “I don’t know how you do it so easily, I truly do envy you for it. But even for the kingdom’s sake, for even your own sake, I can’t bring myself to purposely hurt you.”

She can’t ignore it anymore. His words. The meaning behind them. The chord between them that has been stretching tighter and tighter for far too long. Silence fills the room. She’s tired. She’s so tired. She’s tired under the heaviness of the armor she wears, the layers upon layers of metal that weigh on her bones. Her exhaustion coaxes a little more truth out of her. Words that would never have spilled from her lips otherwise.

“It’s not easy,” she whispers. She’s turned away from him now, knowing her throat would close if she were facing him. A stubborn tear drops from her eyes but she doesn’t dare wipe it away for fear that the arms she has wrapped around herself are the only thing holding her together. She imagines she’d collapse if they moved, crumble to the floor like a wooden puppet with all its strings cut.

“It’s never been easy to see you in pain. For the entirety of my exile, I spent the day planning countless ways to take your life. To make you pay for ripping me away from everything I loved, from my home. But every night, without fail, I’d wake up screaming from nightmares. I’d watch Madoc attack the palace and steal Oak away. I’d watch Taryn turn Vivi against me. Rob me of the only support I have left. I’d watch the Roach and the Bomb try to fight their way out of a fire and I’d never be able to save them. I’d watch the people I came closest to calling friends called out for me to save them while I could do nothing but watch them burn. And every single time, the last thing I’d see is you.” His breath hitches behind her, the only sound in the room other than the beating of their hearts. The room around them fades away as she loses herself in the macabre scene that had tormented her for months. “I’d watch Madoc drive a sword through your heart. I could never reach you fast enough to stop him, but I’d always be there in time to catch you as you fell. I’d always watch you bleed out in my arms. What you said always changed. Sometimes it would be the cruel words you used when we were kids. Sometimes you’d just repeat my exile sentence over and over and over again. While I sobbed and screamed and begged you not to leave me, you’d repeat over and over how you wanted me as far away from you as possible.” She turns to face him now. He looked haggard, eyes blown wide and breaths coming heavy. “Your pain has always been my worst nightmare. And I lived it every single day.”

His hand comes to the nape of her neck, cupping the back of her head. He tilts it forward and presses his forehead to hers. His eyes are closed, eyebrows furrowed as if in pain. She can feel his warm breath fan her cheeks.

“Forgive me,” he whispers so softly it's almost lost in the darkness. The request is genuine, she feels it in the way his body trembles faintly against hers. She lacks the strength to speak. She hesitates and can feel his body coil at her silence. She gives the slightest of nods, one he only registers through the touch of their heads. He exhales slowly, the tension seeps slowly out of his body. The hand at her neck softens and he takes a tiny step forward. He pulls her into him, his free hand wrapping around her back, pressing against her skin with nearly painful intensity. As if decreasing the distance between their bodies would decrease the distance between their hearts. Her arms wrap around his torso and she presses her cheek to his chest. Perhaps it will.

He tugs them onto the bed, still holding her against him. She listens to his heart under her cheek. The steady beat is a welcome reminder that the visions weren’t real. They weren’t real.

She repeats the words over and over again in an effort to convince herself. I don’t know if this is real. Or a dream, she thinks. I don’t care — if it’s a dream, I don’t want to wake up; if it’s real, I never want it to end. Her heart finally admits that, at least. Whether my head is brave enough to allow me to embrace the admission, I don’t know. She feels his lips press to her temple.

“You’re here,” he whispers against her skin. He’s trying to convince himself of the fact just as much as she is. “You’re here and I don’t want you to leave. Not again. Never again.” He sounds delirious, repeating the words with a fervor that surprises her. She looks up at him and the sincerity in his eyes takes her breath away. She knows he cannot lie, she knows the words he speaks must be the absolute truth for there is no room for twisting or deception. She sees his very soul in his eyes and is shocked to find no walls. No barriers keeping her out. He lay himself out bare before her, placed his heart in the palm of her heart. He couldn’t know what she would do with it. He did it regardless.

“You’re trusting me with an awful lot Cardan,” she whispered with a lowered gaze.

“I entrusted my heart to you long ago, Jude.” His voice is a low murmur. Her breath catches in her throat. “It seems you simply did not realize it.” He tilts her head up so she meets his eyes. “I trust you just as much right now as I did when I gave you the crown at what turned into my coronation.” The very words he used to fling at her as an accusation now spilled from his mouth with nothing but warmth and sincerity. “Just as much as the day I gave Taryn anything she asked thinking she was you. Just as much as the day I married you.” His thumb swiped away a tear that had strayed from her eye to her cheek. “I trust you with all that I am, Jude.” He smiled at her sadly. “It is up to you to do with it as you please.” She was silent as she kept her eyes fixed on his. She thinks that he must be wondering what she was searching for in the depths of his black orbs. She isn’t searching for him. In his eyes, she is searching herself. Her soul. When it came to Cardan, her head has always been at odds with her heart — she would never come to a decision with either of them. So, she searches for the one thing that could overpower both. Deep within that part of her that had been suppressed for most of her life, subdued by the harshness of her childhood, by the fear of emotion other than rage and pain, of thoughts other than power and vengeance. The visions from her nightmares flash before her. Her heart races and breath freezes and there is her answer. The very thought of life without him shuts down her lungs and the time she spent away from him was spent in crippling pain she hadn’t recovered from in the entirety of her exile.

She tightens her arms around him and presses her cheek to his heart again. “I missed you,” she whispers against his skin. She feels him freeze beneath the tangible weight of her words. “I missed you and I never want to have to again.” A droplet of moisture hits her hair. The air that was caught in his lungs releases slowly. She finally meets his gaze again.

His voice is strangled as he chokes out the word, “Stay.” She brushes her fingers against his cheekbone, wiping away the tear. The metal of her ring scrapes against his cheek. “Please, stay.”

She smiles. His heart skips a beat and he swears it is the most beautiful thing he has seen. “I will, for as long as you’ll have me.”

“Forever,” he says before pulling her mouth to his. He kisses her like he never thought he would get to again. She feels months of yearning in the way his lips move against hers and she can’t help but respond in kind. Her fingers tangle in his soft curls as she pulls him impossibly closer and his arm crushes her to him. They pull apart only when air becomes absolutely necessary and even then he keeps his forehead pressed against hers.

“Jude Duarte,” he whispers, raising her hand and pressing it against his chest right above his heart. “I pledge my heart to you till my dying breath.” Tears prick her eyes again and for once she doesn’t feel ashamed in letting them fall. She brings his hand to her heart as well. He can feel the press of her ruby ring against his hand and his heart races. She’s still wearing it. He feels her heart pick up speed under his touch and it nearly undoes him.

“Cardan Greenbriar, my words may not carry the guarantee of honesty yours do. But I hope you can feel the truth in the beat of my heart when I say, I pledge to you my heart and soul till my dying breath.”

She brushes her lips over his, a feather soft touch. Not of want, not of need, but a promise. The promise of more.

Notes:

This is my first venture into Folk of the Air fanfic after reading so many insanely amazing ones on tumblr and AO3. It’s been a work in progress for weeks and I’m so excited to finally be able to share it!! Please do let me know what you think ❤️ I hope you enjoyed it!!

This takes place somewhere in an altered version of post Wicked King, where Jude comes back from her exile but only Cardan knows they got married and she’s the queen.

Also, a huge thank you to everyone who sent asks!! I’m working on multiple asks simultaneously so I’ll try to have them finished as soon as I can!

Please feel free to send in more, I love having new ideas to ponder and try to write. I’ll try my best to write them! (I really mostly write for Shatter Me and Folk of the Air).

Thank you lovelies ❤️

#jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #jurdan #the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #book quotes #booklr #booklover #love #books #fic #jurdan fic #fanfic #I love this ship so much #my beautiful babies

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playlistmusings · 3 years

Text

I had him right there where I wanted him

3,252 words

Jude Duarte x Cardan Greenbriar

read on ao3

A very big thanks to @yourlocalautisticoverlord for giving me the prompt: Knife Wife Jude teaches Cardan basic self defense (he is very bad at it).

Jude is bored and wants someone to spar with. The only thing stopping her from having a sparring partner is that, Cardan sucks at fighting. Luckily, Jude doesn't mind teaching her husband how to defend himself and Cardan doesn't mind the way Jude teaches him.

-----

Ambiguous time period, could be set during a slightly AU TWK if Cardan and Jude had their shit together and Jude wasn’t exiled or post TQoN with pretty much no changes to canon.

-----

Cardan felt oddly at peace in the training room of the Court of Shadows. He knew he probably shouldn’t, after all he was surrounded by more weapons than he could count and some of the most gifted and terrifying warriors and spies he’d ever met. But one of those warriors was his wife and everyone else had, at one point or another, actively worked to keep alive and on the throne, so perhaps the peace was justified. So, he sat in a chair off to the side, pieces of parchment in his hands that he read through whilst desperately trying to ignore the group of spies that was taking turns sparring each other. He was just flipping a letter over to read the back—because reports on crop growth were so interesting—when a knife flew past his face and thudded in the wall. Ripped from his thoughts, Cardan looked up and towards the person who threw the knife—of course it was Jude, who else would risk even nicking the High King? —and gave her a sardonic glare, daring her to let a second knife already held between her fingers go flying.

“Come on, Cardan! At least try to spar with us!” Her voice rang out as she grinned at him, as if all it took for Cardan to give up was a taunt and a smile (which, to be fair to Jude, usually that was all it took).

“I have important work to do, you know, as High King of Elfhame I actually have to do things.” He held her gaze, shifting from a glare to a equally sarcastic smile, the type of smile that usually made her jut out her chin and glare at him—the smile that usually followed some offhand comment meant to rile her up and preceded Jude muttering something about how insufferable or intolerable or in- something Cardan was before she crashed her lips into his. But here, in the training room, surrounded by people, Cardan was pretty certain she wouldn’t do anything—after all she always seemed off when publicly showing affection. And if they only kissed or hugged when they were alone, it didn’t really bother Cardan, if anything it made moments like these, where he could taunt her like he did back when they were in school—minus the part where she thought he was genuinely trying to kill or main her—all the more fun. So, as Jude glared, obviously trying to come up with some clever retort, Cardan’s smile softened, turning genuine for only a second before he forced himself to focus on the papers sitting in his lap.

“Ah, yes, High King Cardan has to focus on his work, because he’s so important, and does nothing but focus on work…” Jude muttered half formed insults under her breath while walking to rip her knife from the wall. And if someone saw Cardan smiled wider when he heard her, then he would claim that he was just happy that Elfhame was having a good farming season and it had nothing to do with his wife.

-----

Jude was exhausted. The good kind of exhausted, though, where you could feel your muscles work through every movement, growing stronger as you pushed them. Yet, all of her sparring partners were apparently too exhausted to continue training. One by one, over the course of an hour or so everyone had made their way out of the room, first it was the Roach claiming he had somewhere to be, then it was the Bomb claiming she had a meeting with someone— acting like no one knew that someone was the Roach—and then, all too quickly, it was only Cardan and Jude in the room. This would have been a welcome change, if Cardan weren’t more focused on those God damn papers than Jude. She had been trying to get him out of that chair for hours, taunting him and “accidentally” losing grip of her weapons and strategically letting them fly past his head in an attempt to break his focus on his work and look up at her instead.

So now she stood in the middle of the room, exhausted and exasperated, trying to think of some way she could get Cardan’s attention. At this point it was less about the way he seemed to have a stick up his ass and wouldn’t interact with anyone else, or her wanting her husband to pay attention to her, or anything like that, Jude was filled with determination and spite, if he would work so hard to not pay attention to her then she would refuse to let him do anything other than focus on her.

She pulled her arm back before swinging it forward, letting the thin throwing knife slip out of her fingers and spin through the air past Cardan’s ear and into the wall behind him, it was the second time she had done this today, but luckily that didn’t mean it surprised Cardan any less. His eyes snapped up to hers before wandering around the room briefly, as if just noticing that they were alone in the training room. His gaze latched onto hers right as she started stalking towards him, Nightfell swinging in one hand, a random dagger in the other.

“What are you up to?” His voice was uneasy, but just barely, his discomfort hiding in the waver his voice had as he ended his question—he was trying to hide his discomfort in the way that only Jude could see through.

She kept walking toward him, stopping an arms-length away before holding the dagger out to him, “Take it.”

Cardan looked at her face, as if searching for a reason for her actions, before gingerly taking the dagger from her left hand.

-----

Cardan held the dagger in his right hand, feeling its weight, trying not to slice a finger on the blade. Jude was certainly up to something, he couldn’t figure out what quite yet, perhaps she was going to make him spar her or perhaps she had snapped and was going to kill him here in the Court of Shadows, tucked away where only a select few people could find his body. However, while Cardan was left wondering what was going to happen, he was pretty certain it was happening because he had been very purposefully ignoring her all afternoon.

“Stand up.” Her chin was jutting out again, and Cardan could see her jaw clench as he took a few seconds before sighing and setting the parchments on the floor and standing, making a show of every action he made.

“So, now are you going to tell me what’s happening?” Something in Jude seemed to momentarily soften as he looked her in the eye plainly, with no pretense or sarcasm, just searching for an answer in her face.

“I’m bored and you’re here and I’m going to spar you,” Her voice made it clear that even if he wanted to ignore her, she wouldn’t make it easy for him.

“Well, my Queen, that would be a wonderful idea if I were a partner worth sparring.” Cardan thought back to days spent attempting to refine what few combat skills he had, forcing himself out of his memories before they could go down a dark path consumed by Balekin’s taunts and servants whipping his back.

“Then, I don’t know, I’ll…” Jude turned on her heel, exasperation coloring her voice as it faded off, “I’ll just have to teach you. I know you can fight a little, so I’ll teach you, I mean it makes sense for you to at least be able to try to protect yourself.”

Cardan once again forced his thoughts away from other lessons he’d been forced into, knowing that he couldn’t hide the discomfort Jude’s words brought on.

“Oh, I don’t mean to—I won’t make you, if you don’t want to, it’s fine, I forgot about all that. It’s okay, Cardan, I’m fine,” Jude stuttered her apology as her mind drifted to the time she hid under a table in Balekin’s house.

Cardan’s heart softened, the realization that despite all of Jude’s rough edges, she’d do anything before hurting someone she loved sunk in as he said words he didn’t know if he’d regret, “No, it’s fine, let’s do this. Teach me to fight, your Majesty.”

-----

Jude nodded, still feeling guilty for forgetting why Cardan didn’t enjoy endless sparring sessions like she did. She quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind, trying to take Cardan’s reassurance, after all he couldn’t lie to her even if he wanted to, so it had to be fine, right?

“Okay, let’s start with defensive positions, then.” Jude approached Cardan, loosely holding Nightfell in her hand before swinging directly towards Cardan’s side, stopping inches away from his arm that did nothing but flinch. Dear God, he really has no self-preservation, no wonder he always got into messes. Jude groaned a little before looking at Cardan and asking, “So, in that scenario do you really just want to lose an arm?”

He shook his head, “Obviously not, but what am I supposed to do? You have a whole sword and I have, what? A tiny knife?”

“You could at least try to block me. Like, here, like this.” Jude moved towards Cardan and lifted his harm and hand to make a motion so that his dagger would intercept the path of her blade. And so, it went on like that, for what felt like years. Jude slowly showing Cardan a motion, working with him until he could do it cleanly, eventually moving on from defensive maneuvers to offensive jabs and slashes. It was progress, however clumsy and unpracticed his movements were, at least it was progress. Jude kept telling herself it was unreasonable to expect Cardan to perfect anything she showed him but something in her ached for him to understand faster, to understand more.

-----

Cardan had been trying to execute the same movement for about fifteen minutes now. Jude kept claiming he was going wrong when he did something wrong with his wrist, right there after you reach out, but he still had no clue as to fix it. And while Cardan could see the merit in knowing how to defend oneself, he did have an entire legion of knights whose sole job was defending him, so he didn’t have to and on top of that he had a wife who was more than happy to ride off into battles for him, so there was really nearly no scenario he’d need to know any of this stuff. The last time he could even think of getting attacked was when Jude held a knife to his throat in Dain’s study—which to be honest, he didn’t exactly mind repeating that event. But alas, despite all the repetition and scolding and sweat, Cardan loved seeing the way Jude’s face lit up whenever he mastered a movement or successfully blocked an attack. Something about Jude just seemed right when she fought, like this was what she was meant to do. Her eyes had a fire in them, and her body moved with a practiced ease that Cardan was only now noticing, when for once he could focus on her and her movements without a threat looming over every action. It was intoxicating, seeing someone so in their element, seeing Jude so clearly doing exactly what she was trained to do, exactly what she loved. Even now, when she wasn’t doing anything other than glaring at his arm—as if that was the solution to his problem—there was something in her that made it clear that she wasn’t actually mad or upset, she was purely focused and full of intent.

Cardan made the same movement for possibly the hundredth time, which elicited a drawn out and dramatic groan from Jude as she threw her head back in exasperation, “I keep telling you, not that, you need to—” Jude groaned again before stepping behind Cardan and reaching around his body to grab his wrist, “You need to do this.” Cardan felt sparks erupt across his skin as her breath hit the back of his neck, trying desperately to focus on the way her hand twisted his wrist and pushed out his arm and not on the way he could feel a ghost of her lips right above his shirt or the way his tail was flicking back and forth, wanting to reach out and around one of her legs, trapping her against him.

After a few repetitions, Jude stepping back, and Cardan didn’t know whether to thank her or beg her to come back. He tried the movement again and this time he thought Jude was going to kill him with the glare she shot at his hand. He tried to shrug, and she groaned again.

“Perhaps this is a signal that we should stop?” Cardan offered, hoping that Jude would take him up on his offer and he could stop pretending like he even knew what scenario he would need use this movement in.

“Perhaps.” Jude echoed, looking lost in her thoughts, no doubt still trying to think of some way she could help fix his issue.

Cardan walked over to a table and placed the dagger he had been using next to a variety of other knives before he was interrupted.

“You know what? No. That’s not happening. I taught you all of this so that we could spar, so before we’re done, we’re going to spar.”

As Cardan turned to face Jude, readying some response about that being unnecessary and there always being tomorrow, he was faced with a fearsome sight, Jude standing just behind him, Nightfell drawn and a blaze in her eyes. His throat bobbed as he reached to pick up the dagger just in time for Jude to make her first strike.

Cardan didn’t know how he blocked it, his arm instinctively reaching out while his wrist twisted so he could stop her blade from slicing his side.

“Of course, now you get it,” Jude’s voice filled the training room as she stepped back, so that they could spar in the middle of the room.

As soon as Cardan reached Jude, he knew he made a mistake. She was relentless, all offense and power and grace, and it felt like all he could do was struggle to hold onto his dagger and hope he wouldn’t get cut.

She swung her sword around in mesmerizing arcs before reaching out to continue her attack, stepping towards Cardan so she could push him away from the center of the room. Cardan knew he should lash out, at the very least he should find a way to move away from exactly where Jude wanted him to be, but he couldn’t find any openings. She was unstoppable, a force of nature pushing against him and forcing him to use every ounce of training he had just to stay in one piece.

As soon as Cardan felt one of his feet hit the wall behind him, he knew he was done for. He was trapped and definitely the worse swordsman—knifeman? —and he knew he couldn’t get out of the reach of Nighfell or block Jude’s attacks forever. Jude’s eyes lit up when she saw Cardan freeze, using the opportunity to let her sword clatter to the floor, take Cardan’s dagger from his hand, and push him against the wall, holding the knife to his throat, all in one maneuver.

Cardan breathed heavily, looking into Jude’s eyes hoping she understood this was him surrendering.

“Come on Cardan, how do you ever expect to win a real fight if you can’t even stop me from unarming you?” Jude’s voice was a little breathless, despite the lack of sweat on her body and the steady heartbeat Cardan could feel through her chest and she pinned him to the wall.

He grinned.

-----

Jude suddenly felt unsure of her victory. Yes, she had a weapon poised in the perfect position for a killing move. Yes, she had him trapped. Yes, she had the upper hand.

But then his hands were on her waist and he gave her one of his stupid smiles, the one that she didn’t know how to respond to, and he whispered, “Come on, love, we both know I’m already winning in this situation.”

Jude forced herself to keep her grip on the dagger, but she knew he could feel her pulse stutter then speed up, and suddenly she didn’t know whether to curse or thank her past self for deciding the best way to beat Cardan was to use her body to trap him against the wall. It felt oddly reminiscent of their first kiss, where she thought she had him exactly where she wanted him, but then he somehow gained all the control. As his hands pulled her even closer—she didn’t even realize that was possible—she resigned herself to losing just this once and let her hand fall down to her side and the dagger slip from her grip.

His lips were on her jaw first, making her head fall back with a groan as he worked his way down her throat. Jude felt a little stupid for letting herself give into Cardan’s charms so easily—was that really all it took? A cocky comment and a touch? –but quickly pushed thoughts of stupidity and regret out of her mind as he took her face in his hands so he could crash their lips together. It was a breathless mess of teeth and lips and tongue, as their hands pulled on each other, trying to get closer, closer. Jude felt like she was making up for that first kiss, where Cardan was drunk, and she was confused, and everything was hiding behind too many falsities and lies to even begin to unravel the truth about either of their feelings. But now—when she had Cardan in her arms and her feelings sorted and a ring on her finger—she felt like this was what that first kiss could have felt like, in some different life where things weren’t as complicated.

All the thoughts of the past were quickly shut out as Cardan flipped them around, so that Jude’s back was against the wall, and lifted her up so that he could kiss her deeper. Jude felt lost in him, she knew she must be doing something, after all Cardan was gasping into her mouth, but she couldn’t take her focus away from Cardan and his hands and his lips long enough to even think about where her hands were. As Cardan pulled his lips from hers, leaving Jude making a rather undignified noise in the back of her throat—a noise she would most definitely deny making if asked about it at a later date—he panted and held a finger to her lips.

“Jude.” Cardan’s voice was rough and low. “Jude, I think someone is coming in.”

As soon as he said the words, Jude could hear voices and nearing steps through the door. She groaned, letting her face fall onto Cardan’s shoulder before unwrapping her legs from around him and walking back to where she had dropped Nightfell. As the door opened to reveal the Bomb and the Roach, Jude turned back to Cardan who had just barely reached the dagger he had been using all afternoon, she grinned dangerously before asking, “Want to spar again?”

#the folk of the air #tfota #tfota fanfic #the folk of the air fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #jurdan #jude x cardan #high queen jude #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #fluff #jurdan fluff #cardan greenbriar #ask

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kathrynreads · 3 years

Text

Oh Poison My Friend Part 4

AN: finally. this is the last part.

“Jude, tell me something.” Oh no. I know where this is going. “Why did you take the Wraithberry poison?” I didn’t meet his eyes. I looked down at my lap instead.

“You know why,” I said quietly.

“You were building up your immunity. But why? Who’s going to poison you?” he tilted my chin up and looked into my eyes.

“No one’s going to poison me.” I paused. “They were going to poison you.” My voice came out as barely a whisper.

“What? Who’s they? What does this have to do with you poisoning yourself?” he asked, a little louder than intended but still soft.

“I got the news that you were going to be poisoned by the end of the week. At the ball on Sunday. I thought if we called the ball off, then the attackers might know we’re onto them.” I looked at his face, which had a tiny bit of anger but was still unreadable.

“I thought that if I increased my intake, then I might be able to resist the poison. Every time, someone handed you a drink or food, I would flirtatiously take it from you and drink it so no one would suspect anything. I just wanted to protect you Cardan.” I justified. “It didn’t matter if I was dead. I’m not the queen. But you’re the king. You have a kingdom to lead.”

“Shut Up!” he said sternly. “How could you? How could you think that? How can it not matter if you were dead? You mean so much to me! If you had just waited until the ball instead of trying to be a smart ass by drinking that poison, you would have been the queen!” He quickly put a hand to his mouth and went quiet after that. Like he said something he didn’t mean to say.

“What?” I choked. “What do you mean I would have been the queen?” He met my eyes again.

“I was going to ask you to marry me. At the ball. In front of all of Elfhame.” he admitted. “That’s why I threw the ball. How could you even think for a second that you don’t matter? Did you hear Oak every time he came? His cries broke my heart. You heard them too right?”

I nodded. “Could you tell me one thing?” I asked. He nodded. “Did Taryn come and visit me? I don’t think I heard her voice. I may have but I don’t remember.” He looked down to his hands. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

“No. It’s not that.” he looked back up at me.

“Then?”

“She came once. The first time. When we told her the news, her, Vivi and Oak came. She didn’t say anything. I think she was in shock.” Cardan tried to make me feel better by defending her.

“I doubt it. That she was in shock. The last time I saw her, she told me that she wished she never had a twin at all. That she wished I never existed. All because I tried to warn her about that jackass Locke who’s only using her to get up to higher standards with Madoc. He’s always wanted to be Madoc’s right hand.” I could feel tears pricking my eyes, but I didn’t let them through. I refuse to cry over a twin who doesn't give a crap about me. I looked away, but Cardan knew. How does he do that?

“Hey hey hey. Please don’t cry,” he said softly. He moved behind me so that I was lying between his legs and my back rested on his chest. He rubbed my arm and held me. That was all I needed. For someone to hold me.

“She’s my sister Cardan. My identical twin sister. Vivi is only my half-sister and cares way more than Taryn. We’re supposed to have a special bond. Twins are special. My mother always told us to cherish what we had. I tried to look out for her and she wished me dead.” Cardan bought his head down so that his cheek touched my temple.

“Jude, don’t worry about her. I’m here for you. Vivi and Oak are here for you. Speaking of, we have to tell them. I’ll call in someone to send a letter.”

“No. Don’t. I wanna surprise them. I also wanna stay here a little longer. With you.”

“Of course darling.” I could hear him smiling. “I love you. You know that right? Please never scare me like that again.”

“No promises.” I chuckled.

“Jude! I’m serious. You said you heard me right? Every day I begged for you to wake up. It kills me to see you hurt.”

“Fine. I’ll take better care. Oh, by the way, how long was I out? A couple of weeks? I lost track after a few days.”

“Umm… something like that. You were out for ninety-six days; three months.”

“WHAT?” I exclaimed, pushing myself off of him and turning to look at him.

“Yeah. That’s what made it so hard. The healer said that you were dying a slow and agonizing death and you were suffering and in pain. And the woman who was in here before you woke up, was here to….” he stopped.

“Put me down, right?”

He nodded and looked away. Just before he turned, I saw that his eyes were a little glossy. I cupped his face in both of my hands and turned him to face me. “Now it’s my turn to tell you not to cry. Not now Cardan. I’m here. I’m awake. And I’m not going anywhere.” A single tear rolled down his cheek.

He pulled my face down to his and kissed me as if I was slipping away and he’d never see me again. I returned it with just as much emotion. His lips tasted salty; probably because he just cried. But I didn’t care. I pulled back and rested my forehead on his.

“You get that? I’m not going anywhere.” I whispered. Now my eyes filled with happy tears.

“Promise?” he whispered back.

“Promise.”

Fin

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wylanvnneck · 3 years

Note

Jurdan, Angst, prompt number 3 please!!🥰

Angst Prompt #3: "No, don't cry, I hate it when you cry."

Fandom: TFOTA

Ship: Jurdan

Masterlist | Prompt List

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The High King of Elfhame feels a fissure start to build in his semblance of a heart as he gazes upon the downturned face of his wife standing before him. The picture that she paints is tragic and beautiful, her umber hair loosely trailing down her back over her ivory nightgown, her face turned down and away from the moonlight shining through the window, her usually fiery eyes hidden from view. Just seconds ago she had changed his life with her words and he’d been glowing and luminescent, the excitement mixed with trepidation racing through his body like the finest of wines but now the air around them is cold and damp, uncertainty and confusion taking over his euphoria.

There’s a silence that he doesn’t know how to break. Even the drapes on their shared four poster bed make no noise as the wind rips through them and the whole atmosphere is quiet and still, a stark contrast to the panic and turmoil rising within him with every passing second.

He can’t take much more of this, he doesn’t have the strength to and he needs to change this, to fix this, to bring back the laughter and the happiness. Before he can demand that she speak, tell him, help him, his pointy-tipped fae ears pick up on the low sounds of a sob. A hitched breath.

He steps forward right up in front of her, desperate. “Jude? Jude look at me.” He hears the anguish in his voice. “Please.”

Finally, she meets his stare, her eyes glistening as she blinks hard against the reluctant tears starting to trail down her cheeks. Gently, he reaches out to catch one of them, absorbing her sorrow with his fingertips.

“No, don’t cry, I hate it when you cry. I never know what to do.”

She lets out a shaky breath and attempts a small watery smile and the fissure in his heart starts to heal. He cradles her face and leans down to be closer, searching her closed expression. His wife so rarely broke down, always putting up a brave front, but in moments like this, despite his sadness on her behalf, he’s also grateful to be the only one that she would remover her armor for, the only one who would ever see the mortal High Queen of Elfhame so vulnerable.

“My Darling Villain, what is it? Are you unhappy about this?”

The question hurts, the idea that Jude doesn’t want this, but he hopes she can change her mind. He’d thought of their possible future children before of course, and it had always felt so far away, something exciting but not pressing. Now that the reality was in front of him it was frightening, alarming, maddening, delightful, wonderful; it was many many things.

“It’s not that I’m not happy. I am - I think.” Her expression is softer now, her tears slowing and her voice is strong, all good signs. “It’s only...Well, look at us Cardan! We were two broken halves that miraculously fit together, what do we know about good parenting? I was raised by a blood thirsty Redcap that I no longer speak to and you by an uncaring mother and absent father, how could we possibly raise children of our own without messing them up!”

She had a point. Neither one of them had had loving childhoods, their parents either dead or as good as. Still, if there was one thing he was determined to do now that he was High King with Jude as his queen, it was to write his own destiny. A prophecy had caused his pain but in the end Jude had helped make it his salvation. She herself was a mortal, a mortal who had gone on to become the Queen of the Fae, something that no one would ever have imagined before. Yes, their younger days had left them undeniably scarred and beaten down but not broken, never broken. There’s not much he need reassure her about, not much he needs to help her with but over this, he can.

“Jude, listen to me. You and I, yes, we have our scars. But we also have the power to be who we want to be. Look at where we are now and look at where we started. We have the power to create our own fates, which means that we have the ability to raise our children up together in the way that we want to, regardless of how our own guardians raised us. Will we have some navigation issues along the way? Probably. But will we always try to do our best by our kids and love them unconditionally? Absolutely. And that, My Queen, is how I know that we won’t mess them up. At least, not too badly.”

Her brown eyes are wide, the tear tracks beneath them already drying. A corner of her tantalising lips lifts up. “When did you get to be so wise?”

He smirks, grateful for the levity that was starting to come back, chasing away the tumult. “I’ve always been so, it’s not my fault you were determined not to admit it.”

She shakes her head and laughs and the sound unleashes a warmth inside of him. Smiling now, he wraps his arms around her small frame and pulls her close, breathing in the woodsy scent of her hair and dropping a kiss to the top of her head, love and contentment welling up inside of him like a waterfall.

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

Omg @cupcakesandkittens, I'm so sorry for how long this took, I wasn't quite decided on what I would do for this prompt but I kinda like how it went and I hope you do too💕 Thank you for being such an awesome mutual🌻

Tagging: @aelinfeyreeleven945tbln, @thewickedkings and @kittkatandbooboo 💓

*Please let me know if you'd like to be added to or taken off of my taglist.

#drabble #i like to think that this walks a fine line between cheesy and sweet #the folk of the air #tfota #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #dd writes #tfota fanfic #fanfiction #jurdan #jude × cardan #fluff #such fluff

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thatbrownb1tch · 3 years

Text

Edit:

Okay wait so someone asked for this but I can’t find their question anymore but I’m still posting this. Also this is my first fanfic so I’m sorry if it’s trash. If you guys have any advice it’d be really helpful and appreciated. I’m not the best with smut but I am willing to go a lot more deeper than what I did in this

Summary:

Set after TWK, Jude moves on and spends 5 years in the mortal world. She ends up getting married but the land is dying in Elfhame so Cardan kidnaps her.

Cardan

“Your majesty,” a soft voice entered the throne room. I looked up to find a human servant standing there, quivering.

“Yes?” I asked louder than I intended.

She jumped a little, “the court of Shadows are requesting an audience with you.”

“When?” What do they need. The last time they were here, they made it very clear that they weren’t happy about how I’m okay with Jude stay away for so long.

“Right now would be better,” The girl was skinny, not slim like Faerys but sickly skinny. Something that no mortal should look like, yet every single human I’d seen looked exactly like that except for two.

“Alright, send them in.” They entered silently without saying a word, “So are you planning to talk?” I broke the silence.

“Yes,” The roach began but he was cut off.

“You have to get her back. Look at Elfhame, it’s failing without her. The land is dead, no plants are growing. We’ll all die off if you don’t find a new bride or get her back,” The bomb blurted.

“I don’t know who you are talking about,” My eyes narrowed. I didn’t like how they figured out that Jude truly did become my wife.

“Drop the act. We figured it out and you have to go get her back. Your majesty,” The roach added.

“She stayed away for 5 years. I doubt she’s willing to come back any time soon unless I bring her here without her will,” I realized what they wanted me to do the second the words left my mouth. My expression must’ve given me away because the pair suddenly looked satisfied.

“Great, so go get her now,” The bomb clasped her hands excitedly while the Roach led them outside.

Jude

“Honey?” I called out to Thomas. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, just there’s someone here-“ I heard a loud noise and then Thomas groan. I was up before I knew it and my feet led me straight to the kitchen where I picked up a knife. It wasn’t very sharp but whatever out there wasn’t very sharp to attack at the front door step. People were always outside in the neighborhood, if anyone did anything outside their house it would spread like wildfire. I walked towards the front door to see a cloaked figure standing with my husband inside. The door was locked so no one saw anything.

“Thomas?” I slowly walked over to him with my grip on the knife fastening.

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” He said as he stiffened. His arm went around my waist quickly as the man approached us.

“Who are you?” You could hear the fear in my voice but something about this person was familiar. As if I’ve seen him before but I couldn’t place my finger on it with the hood covering his face. He took another step towards me and before I knew what I was doing my hand were pushing the hood down while the knife was pressed against his stomach. I think my eyes are deceiving me. There’s no way he’s here standing in front of me, the shock still doesn’t leave me as he pushes me away and goes towards Thomas. Memories flash between my eyes, how Madoc swung his sword and killed my mother and father in front of me. How their life less bodies were on the floor as Vivi, Taryn, and I were forced to leave and go to that wretched place which broke me in so many ways. I stood there as I watched the same man chock my husband to death like he did to my parents years ago. I watched how he picked Thomas up by the throat and looked straight into my eyes. I could hear Thomas’s shouts but I couldn’t bear to move. Get out of here! Jude! Go! Jude! Leave! Run Jude! I staggered back to the front door but I heard Thomas fighting for his life. I can’t just run, I needed to save him. Save my husband and save this life I’ve created for myself. One where I got to live a happy life, one where I didn’t need to be scared every second of the day. I took a step forward to him.

“Take me, please. Leave him. Take me,” I pleaded. If one of us deserved to be taken by him it was me. Madoc released Thomas and turned on his heels as fast as he could. He grabbed my arm as he began to pull me with him outside where hopefully someone would see us. But somehow, not one person was outside, it was just me strangling underneath the grasp of the man who just attempted to kill my husband.

“No!” I heard Thomas yell from inside but we were too far away from him by the time he opened the door.

I woke on a bed, a familiar one that I haven’t seen in a very long time. I woke up to a man sitting in the chair next to me. But not just any man. He was my husband, my true husband.

“Jude,” He breathed.

“Why?” It was the only thing that I could say. Why did he need to ruin it for me? Every single good thing has always been ruined by him. It’s as if he swore to ruin my life for centuries, as long as I’m alive.

“What?”

“I was happy.”

“I know, but I wasn’t,” His eyes softened at my gaze.

“What is your problem? You banished me. I had a happy life with a man I loved,” I never told Thomas I actually loved him because the truth is, I cared about him but not in the way I should’ve. He was more like a best friend to me than a husband but I never did tell him that. We had fights about it too, he always said I never thought of him as a husband but I never confirmed it. He never could see through my lies like Cardan could, it gave me an advantage. I lied about the stupidest things but Thomas always believed me. He always believed me about eh stupid ta things m, even ones where you could see through my lies. He lashed said it’s because we’re in a trusting relationship but I think he just loved me too much to fight with me.

“How I’ve missed your lies,” Cardan always knew when I lied.

“I did not miss you at all,” I wanted to make it clear that I’m not happy about what happened.”

“I know you didn’t. But the land did, Jude, everything is dying off. You have to come back, please.”

“I am back.”

“No, given any chance you’ll just run again, you won’t stay with me. You’ll run away again. Please, stay,” His pleads were nice to hear.

“I hate you. Cardan Greenbriar I will always hate you and don’t you ever think I’ll change my mind because I hate you and will always hate you,” I wanted this to be the truth so badly yet deep down I knew this was a lie.

“Fine, divorce me then. We don’t need to tell anyone but the land is dying with the Queen being gone. The land can be great with just one ruler,” He said disappointed.

“Fine. Just know that I will never love you again,” Once more a lie was said. The real truth was I couldn’t stop thinking about him, he was in my head 24/7.

“I’ll try,” He said as he leaned in closely. There was barely any room in between of his as his lips grazed mine. I could feel his hunger, I wanted it as much as he did in spite of everything I just said. He waited for a second before pressing his lips harder on mine. I could feel it deepening while he moved so he was now on top of me. I was under him, vulnerable, not ready yet. I could tell this was what I was waiting for. For 5 years this was all that I wanted.

“I hate you,” I gasped as he entered me with no warning. I couldn’t tell when he got his pants off, but more than that when I was changed into a night gown and had no underwear on. He thrusted into me as I moaned out his name. We became one, like we did all those years ago. I hate him so much but what I hate even more, is how much I’ve wanted this.

“How I’ve missed you,” He said as he fell over next to me on the bed. “So you’ll stay?” I can’t believe that he was still thinking about this.

“After you kidnapped me and tried to kill my husband?” We all knew who my real husband was but it still didn’t mean he could just ruin a life I built.

“You didn’t even love him.” He always could look through me, “Jude, please, stay.”

“Fine, but promise me I can leave any time I want to,” I want a plan b. One where I can run to Vivi, one where I won’t need to go to Taryn or Madoc.

“I promise, you may leave whenever you desire.”

“Thank you, and I have a question,” I had many but this one, I had for a while.

“Yes?”

“Why did Madoc kidnap me?”

“Everyone else was too scared. Most thought they’d die,” He laughed a little.

“And by everyone, you mean you?” I too know a little about Cardan.

“Ah,” He made eye contact with me, “what type of husband would I be if I wasn’t scared of my wife?”

“A bad one, I’d say,” If I knew anything about Faery couples, it’d be that the man always had the upper hand. But, I think we’ve made it clear that we will always fight for it, “I will always be in control.”

“Unless we’re in the bedroom,” I could feel his smirk.

“Shut up,” now I’m laughing and soon Cardan’s joined. We lay there for a very long time. I don’t know when but we fall asleep, and I have the best night of sleep I’ve had in 5 years.

Outside the walls of the palace, the sky is somehow more blue while the grass has become greener. Flowers grew while plants took over. Trees stood tall again while they filled up the once dull forest. Elfhame became lush and green once more, the best it’s looked in the last 5 years. No one acted as if anything was different but everyone knew, the high king’s bride has returned. He’s finally feeling how he felt all those years ago with the love of his life. The one who somehow brightened up his day with just a glimpse of her face. The one who he stared at as if she was the sun, lighting up eternal darkness. The one who made him feel alive again and again with each laugh that left her. Each smile and giggle that rarely showed up. How he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with the girl who meant everything to him.

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laequiem · 3 years

Text

No tricks, only treats [ONESHOT]

/ Cardan and Jude join the rest of the family to enjoy Halloween in the Mortal World.

Part of Tales from the Mortal Realm, a collection of random moments in the lives of the Queen and King of Elfhame.

"Is it strange that I find you attractive dressed as such?"

I was looking at myself in the mirror, assessing my outfit, when Cardan sneaked into the room. His training with The Ghost was paying off, he was as silent as ever.

"Strange? Yes. Surprising? No."

Read it on ao3

"Is it strange that I find you attractive dressed as such?"

I was looking at myself in the mirror, assessing my outfit, when Cardan sneaked into the room. His training with The Ghost was paying off, he was as silent as ever.

"Strange? Yes. Surprising? No."

I saw him prowl towards me through the glass. He slid his arms around my waist, staring at me through my reflection.

Today is October 31st and Oak insisted we join him in celebrating Halloween. Of course, this means we all need costumes. I decided to go as the one character I knew more than anyone else.

Cardan.

I looked through his wardrobe for my outfit. It was quite hard to find a top that was loose enough to account for my breasts, as most of his clothes were tailored to fit him perfectly. I also found a dark blue coat, its collar covered in iridescent feathers. I gave up trying to find pants in his collection, as my hips would never fit, and just wore a pair of black leggings with black combat boots.

"What do you mean, dear Jude?"

"The only thing you love more than booze is yourself."

He raised his brows, making a show of looking offended.

"Your capacity to lie to yourself will always impress me,” he said then plucked a kiss to my temple, “I love you more than I love wine."

I don’t think I will ever get over him being caring . It felt as if he was a completely different person from the boy who would disturb lessons just to get attention.

Cardan turned me to face him, then inspected my face. “Something is missing.” He took my hand and directed me to his personal vanity. He opened the drawer and pulled out some cosmetics. He lined my eyes with kohl and coated my lashes with dark mascara. I suppressed my laugh when I saw he was so concentrated that he had stuck out his tongue. Then, he took out some glittery gold powder and applied it on my cheekbones.

He took a step back to look at his handiwork and smiled.

“And the final touch,” he said as he plucked his crown off his head and put it on my head at an angle, “Voilà!”

I looked at myself in the mirror. I did not bother with any kind of wig. I put my hair up in elaborate braids, letting a few short curls hang in a few places. Yet, even without his signature dark hair, I still looked like him. I made faces at myself in the mirror, trying to get his grin right.

Finally, I got up. “Your turn now, dearest Cardan.”

When Heather learned that Cardan would be coming too, she started suggesting outfits for him. She even went as far as drawing some of them. Something about his otherworldly looks inspired her. Maybe it's the tail, since a lot of her designs included it: a devil, sexy cat man and my personal favorite, a cute puppy.

In the end, I chose my own, petty idea. I walked in the closet and pulled out the outfit I had the servants clean for the occasion.

“A King needs his Queen,” I grinned as I revealed the Queen of Mirth dress and crown.

Cardan threw his head back laughing. “You sure know how to hold a grudge.”

Thankfully, my husband was a team player, and he went with it. Even in this, he looked strikingly handsome. Or pretty, I guess. Unfair.

We landed in Maine in the early afternoon. It was strange to be awake so early, but Cardan did not seem bothered at all. We met up with Vivi, Heather, Oak, Taryn and Garrett at the entrance to FallFest, some kind of harvest festival that was held every October in the local park. It had everything from harvest contests to food stands, a section with typical carnival games, a small hay maze and even a haunted house.

I was not surprised to see my eldest sister dressed up, she went crazy for Halloween every year. Vivienne would dress up for a week straight before Halloween, even when she still lived in Elfhame. She was wearing a tight black bodysuit with a tail and claws as well as a black leather mask with cat ears. Heather dressed up as some kind of … plant lady? She had a short bodysuit made of green ivy leaves, green stockings and a long red wig. Oak was with them, wearing a reddish pink shirt with a big yellow star on it. I can only assume they went for pop-culture references I am unfamiliar with.

The real surprise was seeing my twin Taryn and her quiet lover also dressed up.

"What are you dressed as?", Cardan inquired, cocking his head to the side, "You ought to have dressed as Jude, you have already proved to be so good at it."

I snapped my head at him and slammed my foot as hard as I could on his. He was joking, of course. But the peace between me and Taryn was still fairly new. We mostly kept to ourselves and rarely talked. Garrett was back with the Court of Shadow and we were friendly, but he kept his professional and personal lives completely separated.

Cardan was hopping on one foot, scowling at me like he did not understand why I was upset. Taryn understood, though. She was sheepishly looking at the ground.

"I… I'm sorry for tricking you, Cardan."

I tried finding something to say to end the awkwardness. I wanted Cardan to apologize for what he said, but I knew he would not. Fae don't apologize.

Thankfully, Vivi broke the silence. "C'mon guys, we're here to HAVE FUN!" she complained, "What ARE you two dressed as?"

"Phantom of the Opera." Garrett replied.

"Nerds."

"Says the one dressed up as Catwoman." Garrett mocked.

The bickering continued, though less mean-spirited than Cardan’s original comment, as we walked down the main path. Our first stop was the pumpkin carving station. Each couple got their own pumpkin to carve, though Vivi and Heather’s pumpkin was mostly Oak’s handiwork and the couple making sure he did not stab himself. Taryn and Garrett made some intricate flower design on theirs, Garrett being the one doing the carving of course. As for us, well… Cardan had creative ideas, but no skills with a blade, and my skills were more of the stabbing variety. We settled on giving our pumpkin a traditional jack-o-lantern face.

After the effort of carving pumpkins, we were starving. Oak was complaining, dragging his feet on the ground so much that Vivi and Heathers were holding both of his hands to pull him along. Behind them, I saw Taryn with her arm looped around The Ghost's.

I was suddenly very aware that Cardan and I were the only ones not holding hands.

Nobody knows us here. We needn't keep the appearance of the power couple, together to rule and nothing else.

I took my hand out of the pockets of my borrowed coat and tentatively brushed my fingers against Cardan's hand. I saw him whip his head towards me, and I blushed when I witnessed the surprise in his face. Soon enough, he smiled. One of those smiles he kept for me and only me, blissful and happy. The smile he gives me when we have the time to spend hours cuddled together in bed, enjoying each other's presence.

Cardan took my hand and squeezed. I squeezed back.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating good food, trying to guess the weight of giant pumpkins and visiting a haunted house. Cardan was fascinated by the weird human traditions and absolutely ecstatic about the food. Pumpkin-spiced flavored food will become the new trend in Elfhame, judging by his reaction.

When the sun started to go down, Taryn and Garrett left for Madoc’s, who decided to try giving out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Heather and Vivienne had initially volunteered to take Oak trick-or-treating himself, but when one of their friends invited them to a party, we offered to take him instead. Oak was excited to spend more time with me and “Uncle Cardan”.

I had not gone trick-or-treating in...10 years? Maybe 12? Since my parents died. Cardan, obviously, had never gone. So, dressed up as each other, with Oak dressed as some cartoon character, we roamed the residential streets of the city to beg for sweets.

“If it is called ‘trick-or-treat’, does that mean I can make bargains if someone refuses to give me candy?” Cardan asked as we watched Oak go up to a house.

I gave him my best ‘I’ll-strangle-you-if-you-do’ stare. “No. No turning people into cats, no curse making them hear imaginary insects buzzing around their ears.”

“Why is it called trick-or-treat, then?”

Vivienne told me they had to explain this to Oak, too, a few weeks ago. Someone at school had mentioned being excited to go trick-or-treating and my brother had been very confused.

“I don’t know.”

Cardan hmmed and smirked, “Perhaps the Folk were involved when the holiday was first established.”

I crossed my arms.

“If that’s the case, not all traditions need to be brought back.”

He laughed at that, then reached around me and pulled me closer to him.

“You win. I won’t trick anyone,” he crooned in my ear, “but I want a kiss for being well behaved.”

I rolled my eyes dramatically. “So needy.”

Once again, I had to remind myself that nobody knows us here. Nobody recognized our costumes today: in the mortal world, dressed as each other, we were only The Guy In An Ugly Dress and Fashionable Emo Boy. Nobody knew we are King and Queen of Elfhame, therefore there are no expectations to be the hedonistic king and his murderous wife.

I slid my hand behind his neck and pulled him down. I felt him smile as I captured his lips with mine.

“Ew, gross!” Oak’s voice came from the other end of the driveway, “Stop that, come here.”

Reluctantly, we pulled away from each other and looked towards the house. Oak was in front of the opened door, talking with a couple.

“Honey, look,” the tallest woman exclaimed as we walked down the driveway, “She’s dressed as High King Cardan!”

“Oh my god,” the other one replied, sounding so very human, “that sounds kind of profane. Do you think he would have her hung for this?”

As I looked at the two women, I realized that Oak had stumbled upon the house of a Fae couple. They saw through his glamour, and he saw through theirs.

“This is my sister Jude,” Oak started, “and this is my Uncle Cardan.”

Both females had gone completely still and were staring at Cardan with wide eyes. Simultaneously, they bowed deeply.

“Forgive us, Your Majesty. We weren’t expecting you.”

“We so rarely see our kind around here,” the shorter one said nervously, “we… wanted to meet who little Oak was with.”

“We have tea, if you would like.”

I dared a glance at Cardan and noticed he seemed amused. Was he delighted to make them uncomfortable?

“That won’t be necessary,” he said as he took my hand, “My wife has us on a tight schedule, we have other houses to visit. Have a nice evening.”

I caught the emphasis on wife and realized they only recognized him as royalty. ‘ Your Majesty ’, singular. I could tell from the two females’ expressions that they also understood their mistake. I felt bad for them knowing they had no ill intent, probably unaware of the situation in Faerie. Yet, I could not help the grin that crept on my face. I worked hard to become High Queen. I fought and killed my way through the ranks, almost dying. Multiple times. I made decisions that will haunt me until the day I die. I am High Queen, and the Folk must know.

“It was nice meeting you,” I say as I take Oak’s hand, “You are welcome to visit us at the palace if you wish.”

My memories from before Faerieland were to blurry, I did not remember getting so much candy. Did Taryn and I get that much? How could we possibly have eaten all of that? Cardan and I each had a smaller bag, only accompanying Oak to some of the doors, but Oak had multiple full bags. Once he went to sleep, Oriana was more than happy to give us some. She had learned how bad candy was for children’s teeth - even little Fae kids. She filled little bags for us to take back to Elfhame.

Like anyone eating candy for the first time, Cardan went a little crazy. He wanted to try everything. Faeries might be different in a lot of ways, but I now have proof that chocolate is addictive even to them.

The High King of Elfhame ate so much candy that he fell asleep on the couch, to the former General’s dismay.

#tfota #the folk of the air #cardan #cardan greenbriar #jurdan #judecardan #jude duarte #the cruel prince #the wicked king #queen of nothing #holly black #fanfic #fluff #laequiem

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