Tumgik
#greek gown
hauntedbystorytelling · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Elli Sougiultzoglou Seraïdari (aka Nelly’s / Νελλυς) :: French dancer Daljell, photo-shoot on Athens Acropolis by the Greek photographer Elli Souyioultzoglou-Seraidaris in 1930 | src Benaki museum
895 notes · View notes
wedding-affair · 1 year
Photo
Tumblr media
Paolo Sebastian | Autumn/Winter Couture 2023
Collection: Moonlight Serenade Gown: PSAW2311
463 notes · View notes
gotstabbedbyapen · 6 months
Text
Aglaea: I love you. Hephaestus: I mean, you love everyone and everyone loves you. Aglaea: I want to be with you. Hephaestus: I enjoy your companion too. But you should also take care of your other fields. Aglaea: Hephaestus, son of Hera and god of the smith. I want to marry you, build a family, and live with you for the rest of our eternal lives. Hephaestus: ... Very poetic. You're getting better at your literature.
42 notes · View notes
simgerale · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media
this is me now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#nonsims#RAMBLE AHEAD. you are warned my friend ⚠#i officially have a wedding dress#and a veil#oh my gosh it's a long train and honestly it looks similar to what cindy has going on#but... detachable sleeves#let that sink in#so it's kind of off the shoulder. strapless. but. BUT. the poofy sleeves are just off to the side#i went in wanting lace#and detail#and off-the-shoulder sleeves#i came out with a romantic gown that makes me look like i'm in a greek goddess club#and AND iT'S SO COMFY#every other dress was itchy or had some fabric that wasn't agreeable#but this..... it's like.. chiffon. it's super soft. it's flexible. it's lightwegith.#lightweight*#and i'm ALL about comfort so it was instantly a MWAH chef kiss#i kept going back to it. we'd try on other dresses and she'd ask 'so better or worse than that one'#and i'd be like..... i still like the other one#lol so at the end i tried it on again and she asked me important questions that made me realize that#it was the one. i kept going back to it for a reason. it may not have met my ideas but i loved it#and it was so WEIRDDDD when she said. can i ask you the question (^:#and i was like ....YES#and she was like .... are you saying yes the dress? (^:#....YES!!#never felt so girly in my life#but in a good way#anyway all this is to say................... i've got a gown. it's a little more real. i'm getting married. i'm adult. i'm woman.#i'm proud of myself too. didn't feel insecure.#anywho. have a good sunday everyone!!!! thanks for listening to me mwah
20 notes · View notes
atbussysparks · 7 months
Text
Y'all will never catch me marrying into a boring ass wedding culture y'all already know I'm marrying into an Indian family or Nigerian family. WHAT YALL GONNA DO WHEN YALL AT THE CRAZIEST NON AMERICAN WEDDING IN THE WORLD AND THEN YOU SEE AN ENTIRE MEXICAN AND KOREAN FAMILY TREE WALK IN AND GO APESHIT⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
2 notes · View notes
saisew · 2 years
Text
Amphitrite 🐬 Salacia
Tumblr media Tumblr media
40 notes · View notes
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Find an early selection of Renaissance and Reenactment Costumes at vintagepatternwarehouse.com for Halloween or Renaissance Fairs!
13 notes · View notes
1000lightsinthedark · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
1 note · View note
itsphoenix0724 · 3 months
Text
Can You Kill A God? (Azriel x Reader)
Summary: No one will ever forget why you are Death's queen ever again.
Based on another fic I wrote which you can read here
Warnings: Gore, blood, the reader is a little sinister but I love it, SMUT (unprotected sex, breeding kink?, oral: m and f receiving)
Word Count: 2.4k
A/N: I've been really missing Death!Az and Life!Reader recently. Also, I've had an obsession with Get In The Water from Epic the musical and this is what spawned. I did set in Ancient Greece so I did mention a Greek city. Happy New Year!!!
Tumblr media
It started as a petty slight. Some stupid mortal king had said they feared Death more than War, so the god had raged a challenge. Your husband doesn’t normally involve himself in other matters, he had no need. Eris was irrelevant to him. Of all the other gods he is the only one who was inevitable, who would be permanent despite all odds. Azriel didn’t even feel the need to acknowledge the God of War, but he had started harming your creations, which was unacceptable in his eyes. The souls had come into the underworld brutalized, they curled into your lap as you wiped their tears with the gossamer of your gown and told you that they had been sent as a message. You shed your own tears as you escorted them to eternal paradise and Death’s eyes went dark with promise as he cupped your jaw. 
Then he prepared for battle. 
You had to return to the overworld soon, the last phases of winter thawing into springtime greenery. He would sort this mess out before you leave his protection realm. Azriel gathered his allies and they outfitted themselves for combat. He took care to strap the armor to your chest, the gauntlets on your arms, and around your calves, kissing his devotion before securing every piece of metal. You did the same to him taking extra care to protect his heart. The sight of you almost sent him to his knees. There are still flowers wound through your hair, nightshade and belladonna make a deadly crown, and the golden glow that seems to permanently surround you bounces off the obsidian steel of your armor.
The battle had been bloody and long, it felt as if you’ve been here for days. Your dress was torn, the cloth shredded around your feet. Blood covered your entire front, caked and cracked into your skin. 
You cannot kill a god. 
But that doesn’t make the battle any less gruesome. 
Nothing would touch you thanks to Death looming over your shoulder. Every attack that may have hit you was deflected by your husband and vice-versa until the God of War catches onto this little tactic and baits Azriel by attacking you. Az had jumped in front of you, a wall of shadows blasting the God of War back a few feet at the risk of wounding him. 
But Death had fallen, red blood spilling sickly and sweet onto the fresh spring grass. It reminds you of a splitting pomegranate as the red seeps out and stains the dirt, every god in the field halts their battle and watches 
You fall to your knees in front of him, vines starting to curl around him as your magic begs to erupt from your chest to protect what’s yours. Eris gloats from his spot hovering in the air, laughing at Azriel struggling to breathe around the blood coming up his throat. The thorn vines wrap around Azriel to ward off any who might try to weaken him further as you rise to your feet. 
“Flower,” he wheezes around a cracked rattle in his throat, shaking his head and trying to sit up. You shush him gently pouring golden light into his chest that does nothing. You are not the Goddess of Healing, life will never stop death, and Az will have to heal on his own. War still mocks your shushing, your tears, calling your magic pathetic. The earth beneath you starts to rumble. 
You are the Goddess of Life, the Goddess of the Earth, the World Shaker, and you will make every God here remember why you are Queen of the Underworld. 
Rising to your feet, the earth grumbles and shudders under the very force of your erratic heartbeat. War made a mistake waging this war in Sparta, his arrogance will be his downfall. Your entire body shakes with rage as you stare at Eris from his spot in the air. 
“Get on the ground Eris.” Your voice rumbles in time with the splitting of the Earth and War widens his eyes at the splintering ground. Yet, his overconfidence keeps him hovering out of your reach.
“Go home, Little Goddess” He drawls, “You’ve been beaten.” he spits at you with venom in his eyes—a dark, dark laugh bubbles out of your chest like molten lava. 
“If you don’t come down here I will collapse every wall in your city, and kill everyone in it.” You glare up at him, and he laughs shaking his head in disbelief. “Don’t believe me?” You quirk a brow and the rise around the city starts to shake. “Tell me God, what happens when every last worshiper of yours is dead?” His eyes widen in fear then. 
Because that is how you kill a god, you force them into the darkness of being forgotten until they waste away like little more than salt in water. 
Faster than a breath thorn-covered vines shoot from the earth and drag War kicking and screaming, golden light begins to glow so brightly from your eyes as your fury hauls him to the ground.
 People seem to forget that Death is the calm acceptance of something coming to an end. Life joins this realm wailing its existence to the stars, Life can be a very violent thing.
You will break him beyond repair, you can’t hear the sounds of Eris choking on his blood, the only noise in your head is the dull thumping of a war drum. He fights back with as much power as he can muster, but you’re barely trembling with the effort it takes to hold him there. The sinister in your smile reflects in his shining, terrified eyes. 
How pretty would it be if lilies sprouted from his lungs? 
Someone may be calling your name but you can’t hear anything, the tunnel vision threatening to collapse you entirely. You might not be able to kill him like this but regrowing all of his organs certainly would take some time. Feeling the golden power writhe and wrap around his heart, begging you to let it off its leash and crush, but it’s then that you feel the cooling darkness wrap around your shoulders. Death sweeps his chill gaze over War after rising to his feet. You still hold the line firm, one arm shooting out to block Azriel from any further advancement. The light in your eyes still refuses to dim, but Az wraps a hand around your jaw delicately turning your face toward him. 
“You’ve made your point My Love,” the steady weight of his hand calms the rising heat in your blood. “It’s time to let him go.” Azriel didn’t particularly care if you ripped Eris apart and scattered him to the seas, but he knew the guilt would threaten to drag you into the abyss entirely. The light dims, and you drop your hand. Eris falls to the ground like a puppet dropped from strings, coughing blood like shiny red rubies onto the grass. You’re only looking at Az, the wash of reassurance running over your body as you finally process that he’s whole–that he’s standing. 
He’s alright. 
Death doesn’t deign to even look at War as shadows come around you like dark silk, and you’re back in his realm. He finally sags into your arms as he lets the facade drop, the real pain and exhaustion catching up to him. Az thinks you might call for a medic, but it feels like someone is holding his head underwater. The silk of the sheets feels distant against his skin as your hand strokes his face, and he finally lets his eyes slip closed. 
Azriel sleeps for four days. 
He wakes in your bedroom, your presence absent, but a pitcher of water remains on the bedside table. The armor he’d donned for battle had been stripped from him, replaced by a black chiton that fell loosely around his chest and hips. He chugs half the water in one go as his power reaches out frantically for you, his heart settles when he feels like your golden aura, and he rises to set off looking. 
He finds you beneath an ever-blooming willow tree in Asphodel fields, reading animatedly to a group of children, the golden reeds bellowing in the fresh spring air. They scatter as he leans against the trunk, giggling and laughing as they chase each other into the meadow. You’re overjoyed when you see your husband, throwing his arms around him and crashing his lips to yours. 
“Are you all right?” You mutter, gently pushing back the curtain of black hair that had fallen into his eyes. You’re so delicate with him, Azriel feels his heart skip two beats in his chest. 
“I’m content,” He hums lazily dropping his nose into your hairline, the lingering smell of lilies floods his senses and calms his nerves as it always does. He nudges his nose to your pulse point before biting gently at your fluttering heartbeat. 
“Azriel,” your voice reverberates into his chest, twinning heartbeats thudding together. “You’re still injured.” he continues his exploration of your neck, nipping his displeasure at your attempt to coddle him. Your body shudders as he finds a sensitive point, and you can feel his smug smile at your jugular. 
“Let me worship my Goddess in peace,” he rumbles relishing in the feel of your skin and the golden warmth of the fresh sun. He drops to his knees in the dirt, pressing devotion into the curve of your knee as your back thumps against the bark of the willow. He smirks as the flowers bloom around you in time with your bashfulness, red poppies matching the pretty flush on your cheeks. 
“The souls,” You whip your head from side to side as he runs his hands along the sensitive skin of your inner thigh. He tilts his head in contemplation, hazel eyes reflecting the warmth like molten gold. You feel his power ripple around you and a blanket of silence covers the area. Everything goes quiet, no birds chirping or animals running through the surrounding forest, even the rustling of the grass in the wind falls silent under his command. 
“No one will bother us now,” Azriel muses, continuing his travels up your thighs, you squirm under his attention as he climbs higher and higher. 
“You’ve been asleep for four days,” You barely get the words out as he runs his thumb delicately over the apex of your thighs, enjoying the feel of you under his hands. “You should really eat something,” He growls his frustration as he bites a dark mark on the sensitive skin of your inner thighs. 
“I’m trying to eat if you would stop interrupting me.” His eyes turn almost black as he focuses his attention on your core again, brushing aside the scrap of silk covering you. Az lets out a guttural moan as your scent floods his senses.  He dives in then, feasting on you like he needs it more than air. He’s wasted precious time with you since he’s been asleep, winter is caving to the sweet spring, but it seems the cold is listening to his prayers and holding on just a little longer. He licks straight to your center, tasting the honeyed sweetness as it floods his mouth. No matter how many centuries you spend together you are always still so responsive to him, you’re twitching and squirming against the tree just about to tumble over that edge when you yank his head away to pull him to his feet. His eyes are glazed over and your slick is dripping down his chin, you haul his mouth to yours tasting yourself on his tongue. All of a sudden his back is against the tree and you sink to your knees before him, tearing at the laces of his pants. 
It seems that you’ve missed him as well. 
You look up at him through batting lashes, and Azriel strokes his hand along your jaw in adoration. You take him in your mouth and Az feels like molten iron has been poured down his spine, white-hot pleasure blinding all of his senses. Death’s knees begin to buckle under Life’s ministrations, the smug look in her eyes adding to the crumbling of his resolve. He has always laid everything he is at your feet, intimacy is no different. You stroke the rest of won’t fit in your mouth in time with the bobbing of your head and he feels weightless. 
Your tongue strokes along a vein on the side of his cock and he explodes almost embarrassingly quickly. It appears that four days had taken more of a toll on him than anticipated. He scoops you into his arms and in a blink you’re in your bedroom. The absurdly large bed stretches across the expanse of the room, the open windows letting in the sun. Azriel tosses you on the cool silk sheets as he stalks on top of you. His lips collide with yours again as he slowly draws one hand up your thigh and draws your underwear down your thighs, throwing it somewhere behind him. He thrusts into you in one long motion, and the searing pleasure sends a rumble of power that shakes the very foundation of the palace. 
“Calm Flower,” he whispers as he hits the spot inside of you that threatens to launch you into oblivion. “You’ll bring the walls down around us.” You let out a laugh that bubbles into a moan as he continues his languid drive into you over and over. Azriel starts to ram into you as his restraint falters like a splitting thread, toying his fingers over the apex of your thighs with musician’s grace as he bites at your neck and thighs. He flips you over at lightning speed, your ass in the air as he drives your further into the mattress, your moans muffling into the pillows as your try to keep up with the relentless tempo. You finally tip over the edge right before Az spills himself inside you, your combined release makes him let out a roar so loud the birds flee from their nests in the trees. He watches himself spill out of you, thrusting it back inside with two of his fingers. You whine in overstimulation as he crooks his fingers inside of you, he lets out an amused huff as he gently strokes your shaking thighs. Azriel waves a hand, and you hear the water in the bathtub start to run. You stroke a gentle hand through his night-dark hair and he leans into your touch. 
Yes, spring may be coming soon. The time with your husband dwindles to sparse moments in a dying winter fire, but as Az scoops you into his arms to take you to the bath you enjoy every single moment you have left.
491 notes · View notes
lawsvalentine · 1 year
Text
How They React To You Wearing Lingerie on Valentine’s Day
• OP Men HC • (18+)
Fem!reader
Characters: Monster trio, Usopp, Law, Ace
CW: Lingerie visuals included, smut( sexual content, oral sex(fem recieving), penetrative sex, dry humping, roleplaying, use of handcuffs, riding)
Cee’s Note: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 💓💓 Here is my gift to you guys. Enjoy my lovelies ☺️
Luffy
Tumblr media
Luffy usually doesn’t care what you have on in the bedroom
However, you noticed he was particularly fond of your red colored panties
So you decided to wear this red lingerie for Valentine’s day and surprise him
“L-Luffy..”
Luffy sucked harshly on the top part of your cleavage leaving a faint mark atop one of your fleshy mounds. He thought you looked so pretty in that bra, even more so littered with the hickeys he just gave you.
You sigh as he started dragging his tongue down from your breasts down to your navel till he reached your panties. You gasped as he licked and sucked through the fabric, tasting your arousal that had leaked through. He hums, already hungry to taste more of you.
“Mm… your so wet already, Y/N”
Zoro
Tumblr media
Zoro is a simple man, he doesn’t mind what you wear, hell, even a big t shirt you usually wear will do it for him
You thought you would spice things up for Valentine’s day and wear this cute night gown
“Fuck….you look so good like this”
Your eyes rolled back as Zoro was currently jackhammering into you. Your fingers clutching the bed sheets, moans spilling out your mouth at his deep strokes. His hands were gripping your thighs, pressing them against your pretty little night gown.
When Zoro had first seen you in it, he couldn’t decide if he wanted to rip the pretty clothing off you or fuck you with it on. He ended up choosing the ladder and he was glad he did. It turned him on so much seeing your tits jiggle above the dainty fabric as he fucked into you.
Sanji
Tumblr media
Sanji loves absolutely ANYTHING you wear. You could wear a paper bag and he would still think you’re beautiful
When you asked him what kind of lingerie he liked on women, he said he likes the color pink prefers the lingerie be more dainty and girly
You were excited to give Sanji exactly what he wanted for Valentine’s Day with this lingerie
“That’s it, princess…cum for me”
Your back arches as you spill all over Sanji’s mouth, your arousal dripping down his beard. Sanji moans as he laps up as much of you as he can, relishing in your taste. He currently had his face buried in your sex as his fingers held your panties to the side.
He couldn’t bring himself to rid the pretty fabric from your body. The pink color and the laced skirt made you look just like a princess to him, a sexy princess. You were making his head spin and nose bleed with how stunning you looked.
Usopp
Tumblr media
Usopp is not picky about what you wear in the bedroom but you two have dabbled in a bit of role playing during sex
So you thought it would be fun to make this lingerie into a sexy cupid costume for Valentine’s day night
Usopp’s wrists struggled against the handcuffs restraining him to the bed frame as you grinded against the bulge of his clothed cock. He let out a small whine as he desperately wanted to touch your body. You hum in pleasure as you continued moving your hips against him, loving the control you had.
For tonight’s role-play, you were the greek goddess Cupid, sent to punish this handsome mortal.
“Uh uh, no touching unless I permit you, mortal”
“Y-yes my goddess”
Ace
Tumblr media
Ace really likes whenever you wear lace bras and panties. He loves the way the fabric looks and feels on you. He’s also a sucker for bows on your panties or bras.
You saw this lingerie and knew Ace would love it for Valentine’s day
“Fuck babe…you look so fucking hot riding me with that on”
You threw your head back in pleasure as you fucked yourself on his dick, moaning how big he felt. He groaned at your words, eyes glued to your body.
As much as he loved it on, he needed to feel you. Ace grazed his fingertips up your body leading to the thin stringy bow holding your laced top together. With a quick pull of the string, it came undone revealing your bare breast to him. His hand squeezed the round flesh as he watched you bounce on his hard cock.
Law
Tumblr media
Law loves whenever you wear his clothing to bed. He loves how the loose material hugs your curves and how sexy your thighs and legs look while wearing it
You knew that your legs was his biggest weakness with you so you decided to wear these stockings for Valentine’s day.
Law couldn’t get over how sexy the stockings looked on you. He had ordered you to strip off everything but the stockings. Once you did what he said, he couldn’t keep his hands off your legs.
“You look like such a pretty little whore, and I intend to fuck you like one”
Law placed a kiss against the laced stocking covering your ankle. You legs were around his neck, causing Law to fuck deeper into you. Whimpers escaped your lips each time his cock hit that spot deep inside you.
3K notes · View notes
hauntedbystorytelling · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media
Arnold Genthe ~ Marion Morgan Dancers. From Out of the Shadows. 1920s| src david pollack
View on WordPress
151 notes · View notes
edenesth · 7 months
Text
Blossoming Alliances
Tumblr media
Pairing: prince!Yunho x princess!reader
AU: arranged marriage au
Word Count: 10.9k
Summary: As a means to bring peace between two kingdoms, Prince Yunho of Wonderland is forced into an arranged marriage with the Princess of Aurora. Firmly against the idea of being bound to a complete stranger, the prince makes things more difficult than it has to be. What happens when he finds himself falling for the princess that he so strongly refuses to marry?
ATEEZ Masterlist
Tumblr media
"I don't care what the king and queen have planned for me, I'm not-"
Yunho's protest abruptly halted as he skidded to a stop, the air seemingly knocked out of his lungs and his words stuck in his throat. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze ensnared by an ethereal sight.
Following closely behind him, Yeosang, the prince's trusted advisor and personal assistant, muttered a quiet curse as he narrowly avoided colliding with the taller man's back.
The prince's eyes widened in awe as he beheld the graceful figure of the individual meant to be his future princess, strolling amidst a sea of blooming flowers.
The delicate hues of the petals seemed to pale in comparison to her radiant presence, she had the beauty parallel to that of a Greek goddess. With every step she took, her flowing gown mirrored the elegance of her movement and a gentle breeze played with the tendrils of her hair, adding to the aura of enchantment.
The instant Yunho laid eyes on the princess he was bound to marry, all previous arguments and objections he had harboured about the arranged marriage faded into oblivion, vanished entirely from his thoughts.
His jaw hung slack and he struggled to find words. His feet remained firmly rooted to the ground as he stared, momentarily transformed into a foolish, unprincely observer.
"You were saying, your highness?" Yeosang inquired, his tone tinged with sarcasm, his brow arched.
"Is that… her? The p-princess?" Yunho stammered, his ability to speak suddenly elusive. His advisor nodded, regarding the prince with an amused glint in his eye, "Yes, your highness, that is her. Beautiful, isn't she? It seems the rumours about her divine beauty were entirely accurate."
Indeed, she is.
The prince's breath caught in his throat as he watched her, his heart beating faster than usual.
Her every gesture seemed to be poetry in motion, as though the garden itself had come alive to pay homage to her beauty. He felt a sense of time slowing down, his world narrowing to encompass only her in that moment. And as the princess turned to catch a glimpse of him, their eyes finally met.
Flustered, Yunho blinks his eyes rapidly and clears his throat loudly.
Stunned by the charming smile she had sent his way, he gives the princess a curt nod out of courtesy before looking away quickly, embarrassed.
It probably wasn't anything new to the princess for people to gape at her the way he did. But he wasn't just anyone, he was the crown prince of Wonderland, goddammit.
Ah great, I've just made a complete fool of myself.
Gone were all the words of his carefully planned and well-rehearsed speech he had spent all night to come up with, fully prepared to have a whole debate with his parents today about why they should not go through with the plan.
Sensing Yeosang's judgemental gaze on him, he scoffs before waving the shorter male off.
"W-whatever, beauty isn't going to be enough to keep a marriage strong. She could be spoiled and haughty for all we know, and the last thing I need is a wife that's all looks and no brains."
The advisor scoffs, "Sounds to me like an excuse, my prince. You seem to be convincing yourself more than anyone else. The princess should be anything but spoiled and haughty if she is already here ready to meet you."
Yunho glares down at his oldest friend in irritation, he sometimes wished Yeosang could be less rational because the advisor was annoyingly correct with his statement.
A part of the prince wanted the princess to be on her worst behaviour, that would give him a good reason to not comply but if she continues on with her good girl act and wins everyone's favour, that would make him seem like the bad guy.
Or perhaps, he was.
Why was he so against this again?
Right, because she's a complete stranger. And not just any stranger, she had to be one all the way from Aurora too.
That was why he came to seek an audience with his parents. They'd be kidding themselves if they thought he'd be backing down so easily without a fight.
With his sights set on the grand doors to the throne room, the prince reminds himself of why he's come to this part of the palace. He proceeds to march forward, determined to talk his way out of the marriage no matter how breathtaking he finds the princess to be.
Yes, the princess was insanely gorgeous.
That was an undeniable fact and Yunho would have to be blind to think otherwise.
However, he genuinely believed that beauty alone amounted to very little, especially in marriage. This union was a lifelong commitment.
This was no fairytale.
Whoever it was that Yunho married, he had to spend the rest of his life with, so his future wife would have to possess a lot more qualities than simply being easy on the eyes.
Pull yourself together, Jung Yunho. She's just another beautiful face and you've seen plenty of those.
You see, Crown Prince Yunho, heir to the throne of Wonderland, has found himself entangled in the intricate web of politics when his parents arrange a marriage with the princess of the neighbouring kingdom, Aurora. Tensions have simmered between the two nations for years, and this alliance is seen as a way to bring peace to the region.
But there was just one major problem, Yunho was vehemently opposed to the arranged marriage.
He resents the idea of being bound to a stranger, especially from a rival nation. His preconceived notions about the princess lead him to believe she's merely a pawn in her own right, just as he feels he is in this political game.
Unfortunately for him, the meeting with his parents had pretty much gone the exact way he wished it hadn't. As Yeosang had predicted, each of his arguments was met with compelling responses from his parents, rendering him momentarily speechless.
Yunho accuses the princess of being spoiled but with his continuous stubbornness and adamance, he was beginning to look the part himself.
While he voiced concerns about potential issues arising from this union, such as constraints on personal freedom, emotional distress, compatibility problems, and the inevitable cultural and societal pressures, his parents remained unfazed.
They had anticipated their son's dissatisfaction when they initially revealed the arrangement and had been prepared for his complaints.
"Yunho-yah," The queen began, her voice gentle yet firm, "We understand your concerns about the arranged marriage. But you must also understand the broader implications of our decision."
The king leaned forward, his expression serious, "Our kingdom stands at a crossroads, my son. The tensions between our nation and Aurora have lingered for far too long. The alliance formed through this marriage could finally bring about a lasting peace."
The prince's brow furrowed as he folded his arms, a mix of frustration and reluctance in his eyes, "But father, how can I marry someone I've never met? Someone from a land with which we've had conflicts?"
His mother's gaze softened, "Yunho, we're not asking you to abandon your feelings or desires. We're asking you to consider the greater good. The princess is in the same situation, and she's willing to put aside her own reservations for the sake of her people. It's a sacrifice for both of you."
And there it was, he must look like an absolute asshole all thanks to her obedience. Yeosang would definitely agree, even his advisor was supportive of the marriage. The prince seems to be the only one against this.
"We've always taught you to put the needs of the kingdom before personal wishes. This is one of those times when our actions will shape the course of history. Your cooperation can be a bridge towards a more peaceful future."
His father added, eyes trained firmly on his son.
He needed Yunho to understand that this matter was not up for negotiation, the only reason they were still entertaining his tantrums was to hopefully talk some sense into him. After all, his compliance would make a huge difference and things could be so much easier.
Yunho sighed, his shoulders slumping, "I understand the reasons, mother, father. But how can I be expected to share my life with someone I know nothing about?"
The queen leaned forward, her expression filled with empathy, "Arranged marriages are not what they used to be, Yunho. You'll have the opportunity to get to know the princess, to find common ground, and perhaps even build a genuine connection."
She was right but for some reason, Yunho's brain refuses to see things that way.
There had to be alternative methods to form an alliance; why did he need to sacrifice his choice to love? As a royal, he was only permitted one marriage and now one of the most momentous decisions of his life was about to be dictated by the future of his kingdom.
He would have said those words out loud had it not been for the look in his father's eyes, the king was growing tired of this pointless talk.
As the prince's gaze shifted between his parents, a mixture of uncertainty played across his face. He knew their words held weight, that his compliance could influence the fate of their kingdom. With a sigh, he uncrossed his arms and met their eyes.
He sensed that further argument was futile. The arrangement would proceed whether he liked it or not, "I hear you, father, mother," He finally said, his tone resigned, "I'll meet the princess and try to see the bigger picture."
And by that, what he actually meant was that he would be keeping busy, looking for loopholes to escape this predicament.
It was an exhausting journey getting from Aurora to Wonderland by carriage but you didn't voice your discomfort because you knew it must have been so much harder for your guards and servants.
It hasn't been easy on you, learning of the sudden need for you to wed the prince of another nation. It had to be Wonderland too, of all kingdoms, the specific one that hadn't been on particularly good terms with Aurora for as long as you could remember.
The truth was that you had been prepared for this all your life.
Since childhood, your mother had instilled in you the belief that your primary duty, as a princess, was to marry for political reasons someday. As much as you had dreaded it, you had always known that this day would arrive sooner or later.
What truly caught you off guard, however, was the fact that you were arranged to marry the future king of Wonderland, not Utopia. This was partly because you had always assumed you'd marry Prince San of Utopia, a kingdom with strong ties to your parents.
You and San had practically grown up side by side, he was a good friend of yours and you wouldn't have minded spending your life with him. He was easily one of the most gentle and caring men you've met, he would have made a fine husband.
While you didn't harbour any personal grievances against Prince Yunho or Wonderland, you had heard of his discontent with the arrangement, which naturally left you feeling disheartened.
It wasn't like you were ecstatic about this either but you understood that it was an integral part of your role as a royal, no?
Due to the prince's resistance, his parents had requested your arrival a bit earlier than initially planned, hoping to give him time to warm up to you before both kingdoms made the official announcement regarding your alliance to the public.
Fortunately for you, the king and queen of Wonderland had warmly received you upon your arrival and offered a brief tour of the palace's central court. They made every effort to make you feel welcome before escorting you to your chambers.
Unfortunately for you, the prince was nowhere to be seen. You couldn't help but have mixed feelings about his nonattendance, especially since he was the primary reason for and the most significant aspect of your visit.
But you supposed that may have been too much to ask of him, given his well-known opposition to this marriage.
Here you were, finally settling into the grand bed chambers designated for you. You sat in contemplative silence by the ornate vanity while your handmaiden, Yeri, attentively touched up your appearance.
"What is the matter, my princess? Are you feeling okay?"
Once she was done brushing your hair, you moved to pat her hand appreciatively, "I'm fine, Yeri, really. Just... trying to adapt to the new environment. It's quite different here compared to home, isn't it?"
"If you're trying to say it's more depressing here, then yes, I agree with you," You laughed quietly, attempting to hush her with an alarmed expression, "Oh my god, keep it down, you fearless woman! If anyone hears you, we're dead," She snickers, nodding quickly, "Yes, yes, your highness. I was just playing with you, at least it finally got you to smile again."
Scrunching your face up at her playfully, your heart warmed at how sweet it was of her to ensure you were alright.
"You're the best, Yeri. I really can't do this without you, so please be on your best behaviour," You shook your head when she grinned cheekily, "Now where's the fun in that?" She lifted her hands to surrender when you glared at her, unamused, "Okay, okay, sheesh."
"Go and get some rest, Yeri. You must be tired, tell the rest to join you too. I'll send Mingi for you if I need anything," She stood with her hands on her hips and let out a huff, "I know you won't, you're too kind for your own good. If I catch you trying to do anything by yourself, I'm never leaving your side again."
Before you could offer any protest, she gestured across her lips, mimicking a zipper, "I won't say this again, my princess. Let the servants do their jobs. We're not in Aurora anymore, you can't let these foreigners think you're weak or easy, do you understand?"
She was right, you hadn't thought of that at all.
Back at home, you had treated all the royal staff like friends and often chose to handle tasks yourself to avoid inconveniencing them, even when it was their responsibility. But you were no longer in Aurora, and your actions in Wonderland could potentially be mistaken as weakness or gullibility.
Yeri did not leave you until she made you pinky promise her.
You softened, hugging her before she went to catch up on some much-needed rest. Thanks to your cheerful and friendly disposition, all members of your staff have developed a deep fondness for you. Yeri, in particular, always had your best interests at heart.
Deciding it was probably best to familiarise yourself with the layout of the palace, you began wandering around with your personal guard, Mingi, following closely behind. You would have sent him to his chambers too, had he not frowned warningly at you.
He didn't have to say the words out loud, all it took was one look for you to understand his 'don't you even dare' loud and clear.
Thankful for and comforted by Mingi's tall frame towering over yours protectively from behind, you took your time sauntering about. You noted the difference between the interior at home and here; while the colours back at home were brighter, most of the decor in Wonderland leaned towards the darker side.
Your lips curved upward when you happened upon the royal garden just outside. The garden held a special place in your heart; it was your sanctuary in Aurora. There, you'd lose yourself in books, indulge in painting or simply unwind on days when you have no princess etiquette lessons.
Bounding toward it with excitement, you instructed Mingi to wait for you by the garden gates while you took a stroll by yourself. Lost in your own world, your attention had been fully captured by the new flowers you hadn't seen back in Aurora.
Unbeknownst to you, a certain pair of eyes had remained trained on your frame for quite some time now.
It was only when you finally sensed this invisible gaze that you turned and found yourself locking eyes with a strikingly tall and handsome man. As was your instinctual reaction, you greeted him with a warm smile, even if you didn't know who he was.
You resisted the urge to giggle at his expression which was similar to that of a deer caught in headlights as he nodded once politely at you before turning away almost instantly.
But before you could watch on any longer, Mingi had come to escort you back to your chambers. Exploration time was over, you had to get ready for dinner with the king and queen soon.
And all the way back, you couldn't get your mind off the man you had seen earlier.
That tall and handsome man, you later learned, was your future husband, Crown Prince Yunho of Wonderland.
On your second day here, you had the pleasure of sharing a light meal with him. Perhaps it was your jitters or perhaps it was the knowledge of his displeasure with the arrangement, you half-expected him to be rude or mean.
To your complete surprise, he had been more civil and polite than you had imagined. However, it was quite apparent to you that he had made a constant effort to keep you at arm's length.
Even after a week of your presence in the palace, he remained equally reserved.
As suggested by his parents, you have been sharing meals together more often in order to get to know one another better. Weirdly though, the questions exchanged between you two during conversations remained surface level and he refused to dive any deeper beyond simple pleasantries.
It was almost impossible to get close to him.
In a way, it was frustrating. You couldn't quite put your finger on it but you almost wished he would express his displeasure or frustration openly. His aloof behaviour, on the other hand, made you feel unimportant and irrelevant.
Gazing miserably up at the stars littered across the night sky by your balcony, you don't notice Yeri coming up to you until you feel her wrap a shawl over your exposed shoulders.
"You alright, your highness? Mingi mentioned you looking particularly upset these days. I thought things were going well with the prince?"
You sighed, pursing your lips, "I don't know, Yeri. I suppose that's how it looks to others from the outside but..." Your heart clenched, and you wondered to yourself if this was how life was going to be like married to Yunho.
"Even when he's right in front of me, he still feels so far away," Laughing humourlessly to yourself, you rubbed your hands tiredly over your eyes, "Does that even make any sense?"
Yeri runs her hands comfortingly up and down your arms, "Wow, so he's going to be that kind of husband, huh. I'm so sorry, your highness. You, of all people, don't deserve this kind of treatment, especially from the man who is supposed to be your husband."
You shook your head to ease her worries, "I'll be fine. Maybe he'll warm up to me eventually, hm? Just the way you did," She smiled half-heartedly at you, "Gee, for your sake, I sure hope so."
While you were caught up in your own feelings of despair, Yunho dedicated the majority of his time to the library, fervently seeking an alternative method for forming the alliance, anything except marriage. He refused to believe that this was the only way to do so, even when Yeosang had told him countless times that his efforts would be fruitless.
As his advisor had reiterated over and over, even if he did find another way, nothing could be stronger than an alliance formed through marriage. But Yunho would like to argue that his adamance might be stronger, though he knows he would be shot down mercilessly by his friend with actual logic.
In frustration, he slammed yet another book shut, running his hand through his hair and groaning loudly without bothering to keep his voice down. Nobody in the library would dare ask him to quiet down anyway, he was the crown prince of the nation.
Come on, there has to be another way.
Without wasting another moment, he moved on to the next book. He couldn't afford to waste any more time. Every passing day brought him closer to the solidifying of this arrangement.
Despite his lack of success in finding a solution, he was rather pleased with how he had handled you. As he had expected, you appeared to be nothing more than a pawn, sent here to be manipulated by your parents.
In the few conversations he had with you, you seemed somewhat one-dimensional, repeatedly expressing your contentment with fulfilling your duties as a princess for the betterment of your kingdom. No doubt just reciting words handed to you in a carefully crafted script, you appeared to lack personality whatsoever.
Yunho knew he was right about you from the beginning, you were all looks and not much else.
Or so he thought.
The prince had been quick to judge without bothering to get to know you any better. He couldn't have possibly been able to get a feel of your character when he continuously kept you at a distance.
It wasn't until he was forced to spend time with you as you navigate several formal events and ceremonies meant to showcase your unity, that he began to see you in a new light. You were not the stoic and passive figure he had imagined.
You revealed yourself to be an incredibly articulate and knowledgeable speaker, both on and off the stage. From delivering formal speeches to engaging in discussions with important figures of Wonderland, he was thoroughly impressed by your depth of knowledge and your ability to hold conversations on topics that sometimes even challenged him as the crown prince.
Not only that, he later saw how intelligent and compassionate you truly were but most importantly, how you shared his concerns about the forced arrangement.
It was within the confines of the royal garden that you and Yunho engaged in a heartfelt conversation, away from any prying eyes.
Your sigh was soft, your gaze fixed on the distant horizon, "Thanks for agreeing to see me, Yunho. There's something I feel I must address, I cannot go on like this for much longer." Concern filled the prince's eyes when he detected the exhaustion in your tone.
"You know, I'm not an idiot. I know what you've been doing this whole time, trying to keep me at a distance. I'm well aware of your feelings about this arrangement."
Yunho hung his head in shame, realising that he had underestimated you, believing you wouldn't see through his actions.
"I just... I need you to understand that it hasn't exactly been easy for me either. I'm not a fan of all this, to be quite honest with you. You don't think I want to marry for love too? At this point, I've just accepted that it would be a dream never to come true. Life as royalty comes with sacrifices and this is only one of many, Yunho."
The prince turns to face you, his voice was sincere, "Gosh, I honestly didn't know. All this while, I've thought only about myself. I... I'm sorry for the way I've acted, princess. I have no excuses for that."
Well, that was a surprise.
You didn't think you'd hear him apologise to you. So sincerely too.
"Thank you for the apology, it means a lot," He nodded but seemed like there was more he wanted to say, "Yunho, is there something else you wish to say?"
The prince hesitates, "It's just... You sounded like you're being weighed down by a lot. I know our kingdoms haven't been on the best of terms but, is everything okay in Aurora?"
You took a moment before meeting his eyes, your gaze holding a blend of determination and vulnerability, "My kingdom, Aurora, it's... it's in a delicate state. The tensions between our kingdom and Wonderland have taken a toll on our people. There have been losses, conflicts that have stretched on for too long."
Yunho nodded slowly, empathy evident in his features, "I know that our kingdoms have had their differences. But you've chosen to embrace this alliance, despite the challenges it presents."
Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, you continued, "I've seen the suffering, Yunho. I've seen families torn apart by the feuds between our lands. I've felt the weight of the responsibility that rests on my shoulders. This marriage, as much as I've also hated the concept, offers a chance for healing. It's a way to bring peace to our people, to ensure a better future."
Yunho studied you, his admiration growing with every word you spoke, "Princess, I think that your willingness to prioritise your people's well-being over personal desires is truly commendable."
A faint smile touched your lips, "Thank you, I've wrestled with it and struggled against the confines of tradition. But I've come to realise that sometimes, as leaders, we must put aside our own wishes for the greater good."
That's just great, the prince has never felt more ashamed of himself. He must seem like a brat compared to you, he now fully understands why you were so loved by the people around you.
If only he had opened his eyes to this side of you sooner. There was no one to blame for this but himself, he was filled with immense guilt and regrets for the way he had treated you before.
He reached out hesitantly before gently placing a hand on yours, "Your strength and dedication are inspiring, princess. To choose the path that challenges your heart for the sake of your people speaks volumes about your character. I'm sorry for misjudging you before."
Your eyes met his, and for a moment, the weight of your shared responsibilities seemed to lessen, "Let bygones be bygones, Yunho. I hope that even if we cannot feel love for one another, you'll still be able to find a friend in me."
Yunho squeezed your hand gently, "Likewise, I hope you'll be able to do the same with me."
As you spend more time together, Yunho witnesses your genuine commitment to bridging the gap between your nations.
He discovers your efforts to learn about Wonderland's culture and language, your sincere desire to foster understanding and your determination to defy your own family's pressure for the sake of your people.
One day in the library, he stumbled upon you buried under piles of history books, dictionaries and many more Wonderland-related materials. He was surprised to learn from the royal librarian that you had been visiting frequently for the past few days.
Seeing you so engrossed in your studies, he decided not to distract you and instead settled at the table across from yours. He occasionally stole glances at you while he went about his own tasks.
You didn't notice the prince's presence until hours later when you finished one book. Stretching your limbs, you let out an unintentional moan before finally looking up, only to find Yunho staring at you, clearly amused.
A loud yelp escaped your lips ungracefully upon seeing him, and the librarian shot you a warning glare while you repeatedly bowed your head apologetically.
You hid your face in your palms, overcome with embarrassment, as the prince snickered cheekily. Now that he had your attention, he moved to your table and sat down in front of you.
"That surprised to see me, princess? I can't believe you didn't notice me at all, I've been here for hours."
Your jaw dropped, "Really? Gosh, I didn't realise."
He didn't dare say it out loud but Yunho found you so incredibly adorable in that moment, his heart skipping a beat at your natural and genuine reactions. He felt so privileged to have been able to see this candid side of you, it was so fresh and unlike the whole princess facade that you were always forced to put on in front of others.
After he ordered a nearby servant to prepare you both some light snacks and tea, you engaged in a relaxed conversation.
"Now we all know why I'm here but what are you doing here, Yunho? Shouldn't you be kept busy fulfilling your princely duties?" He sighs, pulling out the books he's been frantically looking through to show you. You furrowed your brows at the sheer amount of materials related to strategic alliances, historical governing regulations and such, "I'm afraid I don't understand."
There was a brief pause when the servant returned with the snacks Yunho had requested. He waited until you were alone before he continued.
"To be completely honest, from the moment you arrived here, I've been searching for ways for Wonderland and Aurora to form an alliance without marriage. Initially, it was for my personal reasons, but after speaking with you and realising how much you disliked this arrangement, I knew I had to keep looking—for both our sakes."
You stared at him, astonished, "You're saying that you're doing this for me too?"
He nods, "Yes, especially after hearing you speak of the struggles of your people, I knew then that this alliance must be formed for the greater good. But you also spoke so bitterly about not being able to marry for love, it pained me to hear you say that it would only be a dream never to come true."
The sincerity in his tone was enough to touch your heart, you hadn't expected him to take your words this seriously.
"So, I figured we must find another way to go about this, in order to secure peace between our kingdoms as well as our right to marry someone of our own choice."
As grateful as you were for his efforts, you didn't want to cling to false hope, as the ideal outcome he aimed for seemed far-fetched. Seeing him conduct this research alone, you could tell that his advisor likely considered it impossible and had given up trying to reason with the prince.
You smiled appreciatively at him, patting a hand gently over his.
"That's very sweet of you, Yunho, to be so considerate, from worrying about the state of my nation to my happiness. You have no idea how much this all means to me. But you do understand that it's a scenario highly unlikely to come to fruition, yes?"
Guilt washed over you when you saw his face slightly fall due to your words.
"Yeah, I'm aware, but I won't give up. We'll never truly know if we don't try, am I right?" To lift the mood and avoid making you feel bad, he wiggled his eyebrows playfully, not missing the way his heart skipped a beat when you let out a small giggle.
This has been happening way too frequently lately.
But Yunho reassured himself that he was just happy to have made a new friend, nothing more and nothing less.
He continued to tell himself that, even when all he could think about was your beautiful smile and cute laugh, feeling determined to do whatever it took to keep that smile on your face.
Despite his initial resistance, Yunho and the princess slowly begin to discover common ground. You find yourselves sharing your hopes, fears and dreams, gradually forming a connection that transcends your initial animosity.
"You sure seem a lot happier these days, I assume things are going well with the princess?"
Yeosang wonders out loud, spotting that dreamy look on the prince's face again, he's been seeing it more often lately.
He hoped this change in demeanour indicated Yunho's willingness to comply, as he was growing weary of the prince's stubbornness. The advisor feels he was about to age another ten years if he had to deal with any more of that.
However, to Yeosang's dismay, Yunho's response was not what he wanted to hear, "If by things going well, you mean us finally becoming friends, then yes. But I'm telling you, I haven't given up trying to find that loophole."
The advisor could feel his blood pressure rising; he knew the king would not be pleased with this response. Unbeknownst to Yunho, his parents had instructed Yeosang to provide daily progress reports on his relationship with the princess.
Yeosang had hoped that the improved rapport between the prince and the princess would finally allow him to deliver some positive news to the king and queen. These reports were also shared with the princess' parents in Aurora, as both sets of parents eagerly awaited the day when Yunho would agree to the arranged marriage.
As much as they were rulers of their kingdoms, they were also parents to their children.
While your parents bore the weighty responsibility for the welfare of your kingdom and its people, they fervently hoped to spare you from an utterly loveless marriage that could subject you to potential mistreatment from an apathetic spouse.
Their genuine desire rested on the Prince of Wonderland's acceptance of you, with the hope that affection would develop over time, all while forging a harmonious bond between your respective realms. You were, after all, their only daughter and they weren't entirely heartless.
Beneath their regal exteriors was compassion for you.
If worse comes to worst, they were prepared to alter their strategies and seek a more suitable match for you.
The truth was that you were originally pledged to wed Prince San of Utopia, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the economy, consolidating authority and expanding your territorial holdings. If it weren't for the impending conflict between Wonderland and Aurora, your union with San might have already taken place.
Back then, your parents deemed it less advantageous for Aurora to merely grow stronger through an alliance with Utopia, knowing that it would eventually still culminate in a costly war with Wonderland. It was during this pivotal moment that their priorities shifted, with the king and queen of Aurora deciding that averting war held more importance.
Yet, if Prince Yunho of Wonderland remained obstinate in his refusal to cooperate, they were prepared to consider risking war if it meant securing a more promising marriage prospect for their daughter.
With Utopia's support, Aurora could potentially secure victory against Wonderland without undue hardship.
This, ultimately, constituted your parents' contingency plan.
Though they hoped it would never have to come down to that.
As time passes, Yunho and you can no longer deny the growing attraction between you.
You secretly spend more time together, leading to many heartfelt conversations and shared experiences that further strengthen the bond between you.
Neither of you had been entirely sure of your feelings for each other until one particular evening when you decided to sneak out to town.
Yunho was determined to show you how vibrant and exciting life could be in Wonderland, especially after you had been making endless jokes about his kingdom being gloomy and depressing.
Dressed in the simplest clothing he could find in his wardrobe, he patiently awaited your arrival by the secret passage leading to the town. Yunho had discovered this hidden path during his teenage years, with the assistance of a younger and more rebellious Yeosang.
Embarrassingly enough, he found himself momentarily frozen when he first saw you in casual attire.
You had to bring him back to reality by waving your hands in front of his face, grinning when you noticed the faint blush on his cheeks.
For Yunho, it was incredibly difficult to take his eyes off you that night. His natural protectiveness over you had been triggered by the absence of your guard, Mingi. To his dismay, he wasn't the only one who had his eyes on you. Your beauty was just a natural magnet to all beings around you, attracting looks from almost everyone passing by.
Even in a simple cream-coloured gown, likely borrowed from one of your maids, Yunho couldn't help but wonder how you managed to radiate such elegance and charm.
However, Yunho was oblivious to the fact that you were equally captivated by his appearance. It was your first time seeing him dressed so casually and you were awestruck by how attractive he looked. You couldn't help but wonder if he was aware of the effect he had.
As you strolled through the night market, side by side, there had been many heart-fluttering moments between you all throughout the night.
Upon your arrival, you stumbled upon a street performer whose humorous antics made you both burst into uncontrollable laughter. You later dared each other to try exotic street foods like spicy skewers and strange-looking desserts. Watching each other's reactions as you savoured these new flavours brought moments of playful intimacy.
A street musician catches your attention when he suddenly begins playing a sweet, melodic tune on his guitar. Yunho, with a smile, pulled you into a spontaneous dance under the moonlight, leaving your heart racing. It felt different from all the times you'd danced together during the many formal events and ceremonies.
With your arms circled around his neck and his hand firmly on your waist, he pulls you impossibly close. Your heart pounds twice as fast as your trembling eyes meet his in a deep gaze, you wonder if he felt what you felt too.
But it wasn't until his gaze fell upon your lips that your breath hitched. His eyes were unreadable, he seemed to have a million thoughts going through his mind before he looked back into your eyes, smiling assuringly at you.
Feeling flustered, you nestled your head against the space between his neck and shoulder, seeking refuge from his intense gaze. Yunho's heart melted and he gently rested his cheek against the side of your head.
Deep beneath your hearts, you'd both wished for time to remain frozen and for this moment to last forever.
Neither you nor Yunho bothered to correct the musician when he called you a lovely pair of newlyweds. Instead, you both exchanged shy smiles with each other before gracefully sauntering away.
As the night went on, you found yourselves at a candle-lit vendor stall, choosing handcrafted candles together. The vendor's stories about the meaning behind each candle's design further deepened your connection.
Next, you stumbled upon an antique shop tucked away in a corner. As you explored the treasures within, you exchanged stories of your past, revealing vulnerable moments and secrets, which drew you closer.
Nearing the end of your tour, you found a secluded bench to rest before returning to the palace. The night sky above was clear and you both paused to gaze at the stars. The moment felt magical, it was almost as if the universe itself was conspiring to bring you together.
"So, is Wonderland still as 'gloomy and depressing' as you'd previously described it to be?" The prince questioned cheekily, making dramatic air quotes as you laughed, "Fine, guess I was wrong about that. It's pretty amazing, I suppose."
It was getting late and Yunho knew he had to take you back soon, no matter how reluctant he was to do so.
In an attempt to prolong your little date by a bit more, he offered to buy you a pack of those candied fruits he recalled you saying you liked to enjoy together before leaving.
"Wait for me, I'll be back real quick."
You watched endearingly as the prince squeezed his way through the crowd to get to the dessert stall where you'd stopped by earlier. This Yunho was so different from the one you had first met, he was making it hard for you not to catch any feelings.
Lost in your own thoughts, you failed to notice a drunkard approaching you from a dimly lit nearby alley.
Startled, you emitted a gasp of surprise as he harshly gripped your arm and abruptly yanked you from your seat, "Wait a moment, I know you. Aren't you that darn princess from Aurora?" His words struck you like a thunderclap, and his narrowing eyes bore into you ominously.
How could he have possibly recognised me?
"S-sir, I think you've been mistaken. I'm no princess, just a commoner like you," You couldn't help but recoil at the sight of his discoloured teeth as he clenched them menacingly, "Don't you dare deceive me, girl! Your accent betrays you; I know you're not from around here!"
With wide, frightened eyes, you struggled desperately to free yourself from his rough grasp, which was sure to leave a bruise on your wrists, "N-no, please!"
There were no words to capture the terror coursing through you as he attempted to drag you into the alley from which he had emerged, "You'll pay for what your people have done to me! Thanks to you Aurora scum, I've lost my family!"
You looked around frantically in search of Yunho, tears threatening to spill from your eyes as you cried out his name desperately for help.
"Shut up, bitch. How dare you taint the name of my prince with that filthy mouth of yours." The man growls, your heart stopping as he bends down to pick up a shard of shattered beer glass from the ground.
Just as he swung the shard toward you, a tall figure leapt between you and the man, wrapping you tightly in his arms and instantly turning you away to shield you from the attack. He took the blow on your behalf, a sizable gash now marring his back.
The drunkard froze in place, realising the injury he had inflicted upon his own prince, "Oh, my prince! I had not intended to harm you; it was meant for her-"
Turning his head to direct a scathing glare at the man, Yunho sneered, "How audacious of you to attempt an assault on royalty. Do you realise that she is to become your future princess?" The man fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness, "Leave my sight at once. You will not escape so lightly should you ever attempt such a thing again."
Yunho shifted his focus back to you once the drunkard had hastily departed, looking you over for any signs of injury.
Once assured of your well-being, he pulled you tight into his embrace. He couldn't get over the way his heart lurched in his chest at the sight of you being manhandled by the drunk homeless man.
Tears flowed down your cheeks as the realisation dawned that the prince had indeed heard your desperate pleas for help. You found yourself sobbing, torn between profound relief and a gnawing sense of guilt.
You were relieved, beyond words, that he had come to your rescue. Yet, the guilt weighed heavily on your heart, knowing that you were the reason he had been hurt. Swiftly, you pulled away from him, turning him around to inspect his injury. To your astonishment, your eyes widened in shock.
"We must return immediately! You need medical attention, Yunho!" You exclaimed urgently.
Not wanting to further distress you, Yunho nodded in agreement. Together, you made your way back to the palace. Along the journey, he handed you the crumpled bag of candied fruits he had kept in his pocket this whole time.
"Here, please stop crying. I like it better when you smile." He said, his lips curving into a fond chuckle. Your response was to cry even harder at his touching gesture.
"I'm sorry for leaving you behind," Yunho admitted with a sigh, "I should have taken you with me," Your brow furrowed in confusion, "Why should you be sorry? You saved me, Yunho! And now, you're injured because of me."
With a tender sigh, he pressed a gentle kiss to your temple as the palace gates drew nearer.
This was indeed an unforgettable night.
Yeri and Mingi were utterly startled when they learned about your recent adventure with the prince, an escapade that had placed you perilously close to harm's way. In fact, the entire royal staff shared their incredulity. As a result, security measures around the palace grounds had been heightened significantly to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
Nevertheless, the prince and the princess seemed to have drawn closer in the wake of these events. You faithfully visited Yunho daily to monitor his recovery and ensure he received the necessary rest.
The recent days had been remarkably peaceful, and judging from the interactions between the two, there was a palpable sense of optimism among those who observed them. It seemed that perhaps, at long last, the prince might come to terms with the arranged marriage with the princess.
Unfortunately for you all, the peace only lasted so long.
One day, as you spent time with Yunho in his garden, Yeosang abruptly burst in, his breathless urgency disrupting the tranquil atmosphere. He conveyed the news that you had never imagined could transpire.
"We're under attack, and by 'we,' I mean both Wonderland and Aurora," He gasped out, causing you to leap from your seat in shock, "What- by who?" You demanded, your voice quaking.
The advisor swallowed hard before responding, "It's Utopia. We suspect they are displeased with Aurora for terminating their alliance to form a new one with us instead."
Utopia, long thought to be peaceful, had suddenly launched a surprise attack on both you and Yunho's kingdoms. For generations, the neighbouring kingdom of Utopia had been a beacon of peace and tranquillity on the horizon.
But on this fateful morning, a shockwave of dread rippled through both Wonderland and Aurora as the tranquil facade of Utopia shattered.
You sank back into your chair, a sense of hopelessness washing over you as you gazed up at Yeosang, "Is there any chance I could have a conversation with Prince San? We've shared a close bond since childhood. If I could just speak with him, perhaps we could find a resolution without resorting to further violence."
Detecting the despair in your voice, Yunho offered a comforting gesture by gently covering your hand with his own. It was a silent reassurance that you were not alone in this ordeal, that he would stand by your side throughout the entire journey.
The advisor nodded in response, his tone assuring, "I'll do my best to arrange it. It shouldn't be too difficult if he's willing to meet with you."
You marvelled at Yeosang's ability to work swiftly, and soon enough, you found yourself granted a brief audience with San. Despite your insistence on meeting him alone, Yunho vehemently protested, vowing never to allow you to do something so dangerous on your own.
And so, it was how you and Yunho came to be seated across from Prince San of Utopia, a figure from your childhood and the person who should have been your betrothed by now.
As expected, his expression brimmed with heartfelt apologies.
San retained the gentleness and caring nature you had known throughout your shared history. He candidly admitted that this was all orchestrated by his parents, emphasising his own reluctance and powerlessness to halt their plans.
"Believe me, I tried everything within my ability to dissuade them from this reckless course of action. However, my father felt deeply betrayed by your parents for abruptly breaking our long-standing alliance."
San rubs his neck sheepishly, "You understand how eagerly my parents had anticipated our union. Your sudden change of heart and the decision to arrange a marriage with the Prince of Wonderland, of all people, appeared to our people as if you were abandoning your friends to align with the enemy."
Your face fell as you comprehended the unfavourable perception that had taken hold among the people of Utopia. In hindsight, you realised it was difficult to blame them for their anger.
"But, of course, this doesn't excuse my father's decision to attack your kingdoms." San continued earnestly.
"I stand firmly against this aggression, just as you do. However, my position as the prince of Utopia places me in a precarious situation. I cannot betray my own nation to support you directly. What I can pledge is my commitment to not interfere in any way. I won't participate in this conflict, that much I can assure you."
With San's explanations, you gained a clearer understanding of the circumstances that led to the current crisis.
While Yunho watched on, harbouring a trace of jealousy, you bid farewell to the Utopian prince with a tight embrace. San whispered kind words in your ear before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead, offering his good wishes and luck for the challenging road ahead.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, you promptly corresponded with your parents in Aurora to notify them of the latest developments.
Despite your parents' earnest attempts to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic negotiations with the Utopian rulers, it became evident that quelling their anger was no simple task. It appeared that the only viable path forward was to prepare for the impending conflict, as the prospect of war loomed inevitably.
The unexpected and brutal surprise attack launched by Utopia's forces leaves the people of Wonderland and Aurora reeling in disbelief. The peace they had cherished for so long was now under siege and their very survival hung in the balance.
Your kingdoms, though distinct in culture and tradition, were suddenly united by a common enemy that threatened to engulf you in an unending nightmare. Forced into an alliance born out of dire necessity, the people of Wonderland and Aurora put aside their prior differences and prejudices.
In the midst of the chaos and devastation, you and Yunho found yourselves facing an unthinkable reality.
You and the prince were gathered in the meeting chamber where you were scheduled to meet not only with the king but also with some of Wonderland's most influential figures, including generals and other military leaders, to discuss war strategies.
As you waited for the meeting to commence, an overwhelming sense of guilt gnawed at you, and you felt the need to seize the moment and extend an apology to the prince.
"I'm truly sorry, Yunho. If it weren't for our decisions, this devastating war wouldn't have befallen Wonderland either. Now you're embroiled in this conflict as well." You confessed with remorse.
Yunho shook his head, a faint smile gracing his lips as he gently tilted your chin upward, causing you to meet his gaze.
"You do realise that war would have inevitably reached Wonderland regardless, yes?" He replied, his words carrying a weight of resignation, "The difference lies in whether it's a war with Aurora or Utopia. And you know what? I'd much prefer to stand beside you in this fight. So, thank you for coming to me."
Your heart leapt at his words which felt almost like a confession.
The prince's unwavering eyes remained fixed on yours and just as he leaned in closer, his nose brushed against yours, Mingi loudly cleared his throat, snapping you out of your reverie and interrupting the delicate moment.
Yunho directed a disapproving glare at your guard but soon grasped the reason behind his actions, as the arrival of other attendees signalled the commencement of the meeting.
Thankfully, everyone else had been too distracted by the gravity of the situation to notice your slightly flustered state.
As you and the prince work together to assess the scale of the threat and develop a strategic response, the bond between you grows even stronger than it already is. It was a connection forged not only by your shared responsibility to protect your people but also by the vulnerability and uncertainty of the situation you found yourselves in.
Through this, you discovered that your strengths complemented each other beautifully. Yunho's tactical brilliance and leadership skills blended seamlessly with your sharp intellect and diplomatic finesse.
Through long nights of planning and strategising, you began to trust and rely on each other implicitly.
In the dimly lit courtyard, the air was heavy with anticipation and worry. Prince Yunho of Wonderland stood resolute, clad in his regal armour, his sword gleaming at his side.
Beside him, your eyes brimmed with concern about the inevitable separation.
During your many discussions, you'd insisted on going to war by his side but he had protested and convinced everyone that it would be wiser to keep you in the palace as backup. Deep down, you know it was merely a tactic to keep you safe.
Yunho gazed into your eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he brushed a strand of hair from your face.
"Remember," He began softly, "I promised to return safely," His voice was unwavering, filled with conviction, "I hope you understand it's crucial that you remain here in the palace, as a beacon of strength and hope for our people. You'll be our guiding light."
You nodded, your eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Yunho continued, his voice tender and persuasive, "Staying here is the right choice, my princess. You will provide the vital support we need from within these walls. Trust in my determination. I'll do everything in my power to ensure our victory."
As you reluctantly released each other's hands, Yunho planted a tender kiss on your forehead, a final gesture of reassurance.
With unwavering resolve, he turned to depart, leaving behind the woman he now knows he cherished, fully determined to fulfil his promise and return to your side.
And since the day he left to fight the war that your kingdom caused, your days had been marked by waiting, your heart a constant blend of hope and fear. You paced the palace corridors, restless but steadfast, watching the horizon for any sign of Yunho's return.
As time crawled by, whispers of the war's progress reached your ears. Each tidbit of news was a double-edged sword, carrying both relief and anxiety. You clung to the words of those who assured you of Yunho's valour and the strength of your armies.
Then, one fateful day, a messenger arrived, breathless and dishevelled. He bore news of victory, but it came at a price. Your heart raced as you learned that Yunho had been injured in the final battle.
Despite the fear that clenched your heart, there was a glimmer of hope. The prince was on his way back to the palace, victorious yet wounded. You could hardly contain your emotions—relief, worry and an overwhelming desire to see him safe and sound.
With bated breath and tears of both joy and anxiety in your eyes, you readied yourself to welcome the prince home, ready to tend to his wounds, grateful that he was coming back to you.
As Yunho stirred from his week-long coma, he couldn't have been more elated to find you as the first sight that greeted his awakening. You were perched on your elbows by his bedside, fast asleep with tear-stained cheeks.
The sight of you tugged at his heartstrings, a profound realisation washing over him. He knew then, without a shadow of a doubt, that waking up to you each day was what he yearned for.
Gently placing a hand on your cheek to tenderly wipe away your tears, he took care not to disturb your slumber. He breathed a contented sigh as you instinctively nestled into his touch in your sleep.
Gosh, I could watch her like this forever.
But of course, the peace was short-lived like always. Just as Yeosang entered and spotted him awake, the serene moment vanished with the advisor's enthusiastic shout, "He's awake!" echoing down the corridor to summon the attention of the healers.
Yunho silently cursed when the sound roused you from your sleep.
You sat up abruptly, realisation dawning as you discovered he was finally conscious, "Oh my god, Yunho!" You threw your arms around his neck and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Returning your embrace with equal fervour, he buried his face against your shoulder, hearing your whispered words, "It's over, it's finally over."
Although he understood that you were referring to the end of the war with Utopia, he seized the moment to confess his feelings for you.
"No, it's not over yet," You pulled away, a look of confusion crossing your face, "What do you mean it's not over? We won the war, didn't we?"
He smiled, his fingers caressing your face tenderly.
"It's not over until you tell me if you're willing to marry me. If you haven't already noticed, I love you, princess. I can't pinpoint when it all began, but after all the time we've spent together and all the trials we've faced, I only know that I can't bear to spend another day without you by my side. Throughout that war, the one thing that kept me going was the thought of returning to you and asking you myself; Will you marry me?"
At long last, Yunho admits to himself and you that he's fallen in love with you. Lucky for him, you felt exactly the same.
You smiled tearfully back at him, "I thought you'd never ask, Yunho. I love you too, my prince. And the answer is yes, I will marry you." Putting a hand up to stop the healers and Yeosang from entering, he wasted no time pressing his lips firmly against yours in a passionate and emotional kiss.
Finally.
Not wanting to cockblock the pair any further, the servants scurried to pull the doors to the prince's bed chambers closed to give the two some privacy for the time being.
Now, all that's left for the prince to do is man up and speak to his parents about this.
In the opulent royal chamber of the palace, Prince Yunho, his demeanour a mix of determination and vulnerability, stood before his parents. You had initially offered to go with him but he had refused, telling you that this was something he had to do on his own.
With a steady voice and unwavering eyes, he expressed his heartfelt desire.
"Mother, father," He began, "I wish to marry the Princess of Aurora now, without delay." His words carried a depth of conviction that resonated through the room.
His parents, the king and queen of Wonderland, exchanged knowing glances. A warm, teasing smile crept onto their faces as they responded to their son's heartfelt request.
"Well, well," The queen quipped with a playful glint in her eye, "It seems our prince has finally surrendered to the inevitability of an arranged marriage."
The king chuckled in agreement, his tone light yet affectionate, "Indeed, my son. It's about time you acknowledged the wisdom of our arrangements."
Yunho, while blushing slightly at their playful teasing, nodded with a genuine smile.
His parents' gentle ribbing was a testament to their shared understanding and affectionate bond. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one filled with the promise of love, unity and a bright future with the princess he had come to cherish.
Meanwhile, back in Aurora, your parents brimmed with joy upon receiving the news. They got to work immediately with the wedding arrangements.
Swiftly, an official announcement about the union of the Prince of Wonderland and the Princess of Aurora was made to the people of both nations.
In the wake of the collective struggle against Utopia, the people had found a way to set aside their differences and grievances.
Together, they rejoiced in their newfound unity, celebrating not only the alliance between the two kingdoms but also their triumphant victory over Utopia. The past was relegated to history and a promising future beckoned, marked by cooperation, harmony and shared aspirations.
"Congratulations, my dear princess," Yeri grinned as she took a step back, admiring her handiwork. Your hair and makeup were flawless, "Thank you, Yeri, for standing by my side through it all," You expressed your gratitude, "I hope you've grown accustomed to Wonderland because we'll be here for the long haul."
Yeri chuckled, "Oh, princess, I didn't come here with the expectation of returning to Aurora. I suppose deep down, I knew this is where you truly belong—right by Prince Yunho's side."
A delicate blush warmed your cheeks at the mention of your soon-to-be husband.
Yeri regarded you with affection, her gaze filled with sincerity, "You look so genuinely happy these days, princess. That's all I've ever wished for you—happiness. Promise me you'll keep this joy alive for a long time."
You nodded, tears shimmering in your eyes, "I will, Yeri, I promise."
"Don't you dare shed a tear; I spent ages on your eye makeup!" Yeri quipped and you both shared a laugh. Your heart swelled with warmth when you noticed Mingi, your closest guard, wearing a subtle smile in his corner, "I see you there, Song Mingi." You teased.
He scoffed lightly, "I wasn't trying to hide. But congratulations, your highness." Touched by his gesture, you approached Mingi and hugged him, careful not to disrupt your wedding gown.
At that moment, the bond between you and your loyal guard and handmaiden was a testament to the enduring friendships that had guided you through the journey to this joyous occasion.
In the resplendent palace courtyard, where the sun bathed the surroundings in a warm, golden glow, the Prince of Wonderland and the Princess of Aurora stood before their families, their subjects, and the benevolent eyes of the heavens.
With heartfelt sincerity, you exchanged vows, your voices carrying the weight of your love and commitment. Yunho's voice, steady and unwavering, vowed to cherish and protect you for all time, while your words promised to stand by his side through all the trials and joys that life would bring.
As you concluded your vows, the air seemed to hold its breath, witnessing this profound declaration of love.
The moment that followed was pure magic—a sweet, tender kiss that sealed your promises and marked the beginning of your journey together as husband and wife. The world around you faded, leaving only the prince and princess, lost in the warmth of your love and the promise of a beautiful future ahead.
The kingdoms of Wonderland and Aurora have come together not only through the arranged marriage but also through the genuine love and connection between Prince Yunho and his princess.
Your union becomes a symbol of lasting peace.
Gazing out from the balcony of your and Yunho's bed chambers, you released a contented sigh, entranced by the breathtaking view of Wonderland.
Never had you imagined such a reality for yourself.
Marriage had always appeared as a mere obligation, a duty that came with your role as the princess of your realm. Yet, here you stood, wedded to the love of your life.
It was beyond anything you could have hoped for.
Reflecting on your initial apprehension at the prospect of marrying Yunho, you chuckled at the insignificance of those fears now.
Your lips curled into a smile as the familiar embrace of strong arms enveloped you from behind, drawing your form close to his, the contrast in your sizes a comforting reminder of his protective presence.
"What are you doing out here all alone, hm? Come back to bed, my love," He murmured, pressing affectionate kisses along your exposed neck, "Just reminiscing about how silly we were at the start. Look at us now, so happy together."
Yunho's smile illuminated the night as he gently turned you to face him, "I'm glad that marrying for love is no longer only a dream never to come true for you," He whispered before capturing your lips in a loving kiss, "I love you so much, my princess."
A swell of joy filled your heart, a testament to the boundless depth of your love, "I love you too, my prince. Thank you for making my dream come true."
In the realm of Wonderland and Aurora, where love had once been the cornerstone of your alliance, Prince Yunho and you, the Princess of Aurora, embarked on your journey of happily ever after.
Your union, born from an arranged marriage but nurtured by genuine love, was a symbol of unity and hope for your kingdoms.
Together, you ruled with wisdom, compassion and unwavering devotion to your people. The lands of Wonderland and Aurora flourished under your reign and the scars of past conflicts began to heal as the two kingdoms truly became one.
Hand in hand, you ventured through the seasons of life, sharing laughter, dreams and challenges. Your love, built on a foundation of trust and companionship, only deepened with time. Together, you found solace in each other's arms and the comfort of knowing you were each other's greatest support.
As the sun set over your united kingdoms, you stood on the balcony of your palace together, watching the horizon with hearts full of contentment.
Your journey had been one of growth, resilience and love, and you knew that your happily ever after would continue to unfold, a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.
Tumblr media
Hope you enjoyed this and thank you for reading! I love reading your thoughts, reviews and feedback so feel free to leave a reply, an ask or even a message if you want! <3
Let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list for all my stories.
Tag list: @aurasblue
Tumblr media
All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.
476 notes · View notes
sirfrogsworth · 5 months
Text
Froglock Holmes, Internet Sleuth
Tumblr media
I don't remember dates very well, but I believe sometime in the mid 2000s I had a friend drive me from St. Louis to Detroit. It was a very difficult journey. I have never done well as a car passenger and driving for an entire day was one of the more miserable experiences in my life.
But I got through it because I was *convinced* I was about to be cured. Back then it was the only thing I wished for and I was willing to try absolutely anything.
So we were off to see the Wizard about my wish.
During that time there were no doctors in St. Louis who knew anything about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. But I found a website for a medical company that claimed if I saw one of their approved doctors, they could guarantee a 50% improvement. And when I did my pre-interview on the phone, that lady said some patients experienced a full recovery. To which I replied, "Yes, I will take one full recovery please."
But the closest approved specialist I could find was in Detroit and she would only treat me if I did my first consultation in person. She would then continue treating me over the phone.
My friend took three days off and she borrowed her parent's SUV so I would have leg room during the 8 hour trip. We loaded up on snacks and compact discs and began our road trip to wellness. We merged onto the Yellow Brick Road (a.k.a. I-70 East) and headed toward the land of Marshall Mathers.
Tumblr media
The more I got car sick, the more I focused on asking the Wizard to grant my wish.
A new... mitochondria?
Plus several trillion.
A new several trillion little powerhouses.
Tumblr media
This doctor was part of a national network of facilities that claimed they could effectively treat Fibromyalgia and CFS with a groundbreaking 6 step "holistic" approach. It was super holistic. Extra super duper holistic. The website made sure you knew it was holistic.
And those 6 steps sounded very fancy.
Tumblr media
I mean, that all seems pretty legit. They were going to enhance my cells and address coagulation deficits. That's a thing, right?
Now I know that "holistic" is a buzzword that should be met with skepticism, but back then I was really hopeful they could help me. They enthusiastically made bold promises and filled me with such assured hope that I sold my car to help pay for everything.
We arrived in Detroit the evening before the appointment. I slept maybe an hour. Morning eventually arrived and we headed to the office. They gave me a clipboard full of paperwork that took forever to fill out.
"Can I please just see the Wizard and get my wish?"
I got to the exam room and they put me in a gown with the butt showing—which I don't think my friend was prepared for. I have a condition known as Hank Hill Butt and it can take a bit of getting used to upon first glance.
Tumblr media
My poor friend refused to make eye contact while I was wearing it.
The doctor finally arrived and this supernatural healing wizard turned out to be a very short Greek lady. She asked dozens of questions—most of which I answered on the forms already. She poked my belly, checked my reflexes, and at no point did her examination require a gown with the butt showing.
She officially diagnosed me with severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and told me she was going to type up a custom treatment regimen and while she was doing that, I was going to get a special IV they designed to specifically combat CFS.
They took me to a room full of comfy reclining chairs and hooked me to an IV full of orange nonsense. Once that was done I met back up with the Wizard and she had created the afore-mentioned "customized" treatment regimen full of expensive supplements and vitamins that were not covered by insurance. Many of which I had to buy directly from the facility. As I looked over the treatment worksheet, I realized they gave the same document to all of the patients.
It was at this point, 560 miles away from my home, stuck in some office in the suburbs of Detroit (which will eventually be taken over by a tooth pulp dentist), with my Hank Hill butt hanging out...
I realized this could have been an email.
I decided to put everything on three different credit cards. Combined with the money from my car, I had about $20,000 to invest in fixing my broken body. My plan was to get all better so I could get a job and pay everything back. I even told the doctor this brilliant financial stratagem and she agreed it was a good plan. No notes.
Tumblr media
Young Froggie was being hit in the face with red flag after red flag and Old Froggie is a little embarrassed about that.
I don't remember any of the supplements, but they had names like "EnergyMax Plus" and "Ultra MitoBooster 3000." They definitely sounded like legitimate, evidenced-backed medical supplements and not knockoff energy drinks endorsed by D-list Instagram influencers.
Tumblr media
It wasn't all overpriced vitamins though. The doctor had some silly ideas that were actually covered by insurance. She said I should thin my blood so it took less energy to circulate. And I should boost my testosterone levels above the typical range to improve energy. So I had to inject myself with blood thinners and rub testosterone cream on my legs every day for months.
The blood thinners gave me tons of painful bruises at the injection sites and made me dizzy from time to time. The shots became so painful I would have to close my eyes and have my dad inject me. Otherwise I would chicken out. We kept running out of places that didn't have bruises so he would just pick the smallest bruise and stick the needle there.
And the testosterone cream had an interesting side effect that I am debating whether to talk about as I write this sentence.
Tumblr media
Okay, I'm just going to tell you.
We are all adults here and we can handle adult conversations while remaining dignified and mature.
Tumblr media
The testosterone cream gave me constant, spontaneous, hours-long boners.
I hadn't experienced anything like it since I was a teenager. No erotic inspiration required other than a gentle breeze. Only this time I didn't have a math book to hide behind.
None of it helped my fatigue.
In fact, the constant bonerpalooza was exhausting to deal with.
"Oh look, that actress I enjoy has a fully exposed ankle." "I bet that attractive lady has boobs under that heavy winter coat." "Hey, is it Wednesday?"
Tumblr media
At some point it becomes a chore, ya know?
Thank god it was well before 2014, because if I had seen Chris Evans bicep curling a helicopter I probably would have needed hospitalization.
/end dignified adult conversation
Tumblr media
After six months I had 0% of the promised 30-50% improvement 90% of the time and she kept saying I just needed to give it more time. She said it works quicker with the IVs full of orange nonsense. But they custom made those IVs and can only administer them in Detroit. She claimed the oral supplements were filled with the same nonsense, but took much longer to kick in. She told me I could be patient or drive to Detroit once a week for an IV treatment if I wanted faster results. If that were true, I feel like that should have been disclosed at the beginning. But I was assured I could get the same results without the IV treatments.
It didn't matter at that point. My credit cards were maxed out and I was out of money. I called the doctor and asked if there was any treatment she could recommend that was covered by my insurance. She got very quiet and awkwardly said she would try to figure something out. Roughly 30 minutes later I was emailed a coupon for $20 off our next phone consultation. I responded and told her I literally had no money left.
I never heard from her again.
The Wizard had no ability to grant my wish for several trillion properly functioning mitochondrias. She had no magic treatment. I finally saw her for what she truly was.
Tumblr media
With perfect hindsight I could now see all of the red flags.
Though if I hadn't at least tried, I probably would have wondered and regretted it.
Hard to say.
I was kind of amazed how they built a country wide collection of clinics and they were able to operate for years solely on the placebo effect.
Years later I was curious what happened to this network of quackery. I found a news article saying it was all shut down due to fraud. I don't think they had a holistic approach to paying their taxes.
The reason I am telling this tale is because I have been playing detective and gathering evidence for my disability case. I started to wonder if maybe I could find my fraudulent Wizard to see if she had any kind of records or something that might help me. I knew it was a long shot, but I didn't want to leave a stone unturned.
At first all I could remember was her last name and that she was a D.O. and not an M.D. Standard Google searches were not turning up anything. I couldn't find her current practice nor any contact information. Apparently her Greek last name is a popular Arabic first name for men... so all my searches kept resulting in doctor dudes. This was not the time for a sausage fest and I was getting frustrated.
And then I finally remembered the name of the medical company.
Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc.
I even remembered their URL... fibroandfatigue.com
So I went to the Wayback Machine and I was able to find their now-defunct website. I suddenly remembered its cloudy banner image and "concerned_woman.png" like it was yesterday.
Tumblr media
Why, yes... I am tired of being tired.
I also remembered their promise that over 90% of patients had at least a 30-50% improvement. Which was the claim that sent me down this rabbit hole to begin with all those years ago.
I started searching different versions of the site to see how their claims of effectiveness changed over time. At first they basically implied they made everyone completely better.
Tumblr media
If I saw that I would definitely think I was getting a cure. But I imagine this caused some problems so they had to dial it back a bit.
I couldn't find the 90% version, but I did find the 30-50%.
Tumblr media
This actually sounds like you have a 100% chance of a 30 to 50% improvement.
As I skipped around to the archived captures of different years, the promised percentage kept changing. I don't think they did an actual statistical analysis of their patients. I think they just picked a percentage that sounded enticing without promising too much. Just enough to be life-changing with a built-in excuse for when it all goes tits up.
Years after my experience, the site finally settled on a 65% improvement in energy levels. It was on their new page detailing how "affordable" their treatment was.
Tumblr media
$20,000, you say? Balderdash, no one would spend that much.
If you were curious, they claim their treatment is now affordable due to a new monthly payment plan system. It did not become any cheaper.
However, under the 65% promise, they added this disclaimer with a large bold heading...
Success depends largely on your dedication and commitment. Our most successful patients are the ones who make the commitment to follow the treatment program rigorously. Patients who are aggressive and comply with the treatment process experience significantly better long-term results than those whose dedication is half-hearted and whose compliance is minimal.
In other words, "If our bullshit supplements don't work, it is YOUR fault."
Or in my case... "If you run out of money, it is YOUR fault."
Oh and there was also this...
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Looking at all of the versions of the Fibro & Fatigue, Inc website was certainly fascinating, but I had to quit dicking clicking around and find my focus.
I still had detective-ing to do.
Tumblr media
I was on the hunt for a Detroit-area Greek doctor of osteopathy.
There were ~250 captures of the site between 2004 and 2016. She wasn't listed in the newest captures, nor the oldest captures. So I kept trying to drill down to find the exact time period she worked at the company.
And then... EUREKA!
She was hiding in 2005 on their "Meet the Doctors" page.
Her first name was *drumroll* Sultana!
Tumblr media
I can't imagine why I didn't remember that common first name.
Finally, after weeks of trying to figure this out, I now had enough information to do a proper Google search and discover what the heck she is currently up to. Probably putting people in open-butt gowns to check their tonsils or something.
*googling noises intensify*
Tumblr media Tumblr media
I'm not sure I've ever come across such a literal dead end.
Should I be making puns about this?
I mean, she did help exploit me out of my entire life savings and put me in significant credit card debt with the Sex Panther-approved promise of a guaranteed 30-50% recovery 90% of the time.
Tumblr media
And the institution she was a part of was shut down for fraud.
Still... I never wished an early death upon her.
I would have been happy with a trip to small claims court.
Tumblr media
254 notes · View notes
laundrybiscuits · 8 months
Text
(soulmates AU continued from Part 1)
Eddie has a blotchy, uneven blob on his wrist. 
His jacket sleeve had been covering it up every time Steve had seen him in that long, terrible week, so when they’re finally let into his hospital room, Steve can’t help the way his face twists in surprise. He’s never heard of anyone with that kind of soulmark before. 
Luckily, Eddie doesn’t seem to notice Steve gawking. He’s cuffed to the bed and he looks so breakable in his thin hospital gown, blinking blearily at them before his gaze slides away again. 
“Hi, Eddie,” says Nancy.
Eddie’s mouth twitches up into what could be a smile before he winces. Half of his face is wrapped in big white bandages. 
It’s strange to see everything around him in whites and greys and pale blues. He looks more out of place here than he had in the Upside Down. 
“Hey,” he rasps. “Y’here for Red?” 
“Yes, we are,” Nancy says, crossing to his side. “And we’re here for you too. How are you feeling?”
“Like…what’s his name. Prometheus.”
Nancy laughs, and Steve folds his arms defensively. He hates when people talk about all that fantasy shit like it’s a normal thing to know. 
“The hell does that mean?” he snaps, before he remembers he should probably be a little nicer to Eddie. Nancy’s already glaring at him. 
“Greek guy,” says Eddie. He doesn’t sound mad or anything. “Dared to steal fire from the gods. Got his liver eaten every day.”
“Wait, every day? How does that even work?”
Eddie grins with half his mouth. “That’s the bitch of it, Harrington. He regrows it every time, just to get it eaten again. Poor fucker never gets to die, just—just keeps hurting.”
“Well, we’re very glad you didn’t die either,” says Nancy, patting his cuffed arm. It’s the one with the weird blobby mark, but she doesn’t seem like she even notices. “It’s so ridiculous that they’ve got you in handcuffs like this. I’ll talk to someone, maybe—”
Eddie waves his free arm languidly. “Ah, don’t worry about it, Wheeler. Prometheus, right? He always…always grows it back again.” He’s starting to slur his words a little, drifting. 
“Hey, man,” says Steve. “We’ll let you get some rest, okay? But we’ll—we’ll be back.”
“Ten-four, good buddy,” says Eddie, and closes his eyes. 
———
Steve wants to bring up Eddie’s weird mark with Nancy, but he doesn’t know how to not make it seem like he’s trying to get her back. 
So the next time he gets a chance, he asks Dustin as casually as he can: “Hey, you ever see Eddie’s soulmark?”
“Hah!” says Dustin. “No way. He covered it up years ago, before we ever even met him.”
“Wait, covered it up? Like…”
“Like, he decided to reject the uncaring hand of fate in a super permanent way.” Dustin pauses, squinting at Steve’s confused face. “He got a cover-up tattoo. Obviously.”
“Oh, sure, obviously. Totally normal thing to do,” says Steve, rolling his eyes. “Jesus, I’ve never even heard of that before.” 
Later, the unwelcome thought that’s been prowling around the edges of his mind finally takes shape: what if Nancy wants to get a cover-up? 
She wouldn’t, would she? 
He doesn’t want to remember the way she always preferred long sleeves, even when they were dating; how she’d slide her fingers tight over her wrist compulsively, clutching, sometimes for no reason at all that he could see. 
———
Soulmarks aren’t even that common, so he’s always seen his mark as kind of like a prize. It had felt like winning the lottery, when he’d watched the tidy script appear on his skin a few weeks after his thirteenth birthday. 
He’d been a little surprised when he met Nancy Wheeler for the first time, a whole year and a half later; he’d never thought he’d go for someone like her. But then she turned out to be smart and passionate and surprisingly pretty after all, and the knowledge of a future together had sounded better and better all the time. 
And now…Robin said, once, that maybe there was another Nancy Wheeler out there just waiting to meet him. The thought fills him with syrupy dread. He’s pretty sure Robin was trying to be nice and comforting, he just really hates the idea that he’s been getting it wrong all this time; that he tried so hard and felt all those things for nothing. But it’s Nancy’s handwriting for sure, just like it’s his on her wrist, and it seems pretty impossible that there’s also another Steve Harrington out there for her too. 
So it has to work out, it all has to fit together in the end. It’s going to. He holds onto that for a very long time.
———
Steve doesn’t really get another chance to look at Eddie’s shitty cover-up for a while. At first, he thinks visiting Max and Eddie can be something he and Nancy could maybe do together, but she’s pretty busy handling the legal side of things. From what Jonathan says, it sounds like she’s actually managing to get a pretty good deal for both of them, like maybe there’ll be a duplex in a not-too-bad part of town with the Mayfield-Munson name on it. She’s good at that kind of thing, according to Jonathan. Steve wouldn’t really know.
It’s really obvious that Jonathan doesn’t know how to be around Steve. Like, how do you hang out with the guy who’s got your soulmate’s name etched on his skin by destiny? But somehow they make it work. 
In fact, Steve’s started to take some strange kind of comfort from it. Jonathan’s probably the only other guy who knows what it’s like, this off-kilter funhouse vertigo of Nancy’s choice. It connects the two of them even more than it connects either of them with Nancy, probably. 
Steve doesn’t blame Jonathan anymore, is the point. If—when Nancy comes back to him, they’ll both be better off because Jonathan’s been in their lives. He gets that now.
Anyway, Nancy’s busy with paperwork or yelling at men in suits or whatever it is she’s actually doing, but Steve still wants to see Max and Eddie. Mostly Max, to be honest, but it’s not like he doesn’t want to see Eddie too. He barely knows the guy, but he thinks it’s pretty normal that he feels some kind of connection or bond or whatever. It’s normal, after going through some shit with another guy his own age, to want to get to know him a little more. 
Of course, Eddie ‘the Freak’ Munson isn’t exactly normal, so Steve tries not to feel hurt when he opens the door and Eddie’s whole body flinches back, arms coming up protectively, eyes big and scared. 
“Sorry,” says Steve, suddenly feeling like he should’ve knocked. “Didn’t mean to startle you, dude.”
Eddie bows from the waist, which looks fucking ridiculous when he’s sitting up on the bed hooked up to a bunch of monitors and stuff. He looks way better than the last time they’d been in the same room. 
“Not at all, good sir,” he drawls. “Welcome to my humble abode. Sorry I can’t offer you any refreshments; we’re shockingly low on pudding cups.”
“Right,” says Steve. He’d forgotten the way Eddie talks and how it makes him feel two steps behind sometimes. Like Dustin, kind of, but not as annoying for some reason. Maybe Eddie’s a little nicer about it, he guesses, though nice isn’t exactly a word he’s ever associated with Eddie Munson before. 
Without really meaning to, he glances at Eddie’s wrist. It’s tucked casually away against his stomach, half-hidden by the hospital sheets. 
“Yeah, uh,” says Eddie. “Henderson…said you asked about. You know.”
Steve feels betrayed, even though he knows he shouldn’t. He hadn’t told Dustin not to say anything, because it wasn’t—it wasn’t fucking relevant to anything, so why would Dustin even mention it? Goddamn asshole kid. 
Eddie holds out his arm, wrist up, fingers loosely curled. 
“Doesn’t bite,” he says, so Steve takes the invitation and comes closer. He almost reaches out to grab Eddie’s hand, but that would be a weird thing to do, so he doesn’t. 
After a moment, Steve says, “I just don’t get why you’d do that.”
Eddie cocks his head. “No? You don’t get why someone might not want to do exactly as they’re told, Ozzy?”
Steve doesn’t know what he expected. Just the typical Munson rebel bullshit after all. But he’s here, and Max is sleeping, so he might as well throw himself into the shiny plastic chair and say, “Whatever, man. How’re you doing?”
As Eddie launches into a convoluted story about some nurse feud he’s been eavesdropping on, Steve makes sure not to let his gaze drift to the obscene blob blotting out the fine tendons and blue veins on his wrist; doesn’t wonder at all about what else that ink might be covering up, and definitely doesn’t wonder why Eddie would want to throw away his one and only universe-approved shot at true love. 
What would be the point?
260 notes · View notes
saisew · 2 years
Text
Aphrodite 🐚 Venus
Tumblr media Tumblr media
33 notes · View notes
sunnysidevans · 5 months
Text
Hopelessly Devoted To You - J.Seresin.
Tumblr media
Summary: After an accident that has you toying on the edge of life and death, you find yourself agreeing to save your beloved. You are then face to face with who you truly are and where you truly are supposed to be.
Pairing: Hades!Jake Seresin x Goddess!Reader
Warnings: 18+, mentions of death, mentions of blood and accident related injuries, swearing, fluff, arranged marriages(like so tiny) - like one mention of (y/n) but mostly none.
A/N: Helloooooooooo world!!! I am here with a halloween fic, I have not seen any of these written for Jakey yet and I wanted to give it a shot. I know this can be inaccurate to greek mythology but I have attempted to put a mix on that along with disney's hercules. Forgive me for not producing any work recently. I am endlessly thankful for all of you.
italics indicate flashbacks.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Red and Blue hues with the wail of the sirens seemed out of reach. The world seemed to stop under the fluorescent lighting of the hospital. The words on the paramedic’s lips fell on deaf ears as she wheeled in the gurney.
The doctor yelling for doctors was almost muffled as you stood there, dress torn and blood dripping down your arms, some of your own blood falling against your eyelashes as you blink.
“Sweetheart” the voice was soft, a comforting hand placed on your skin as you jump, looking over at her. The woman smiled sweetly, a gentle arm around your waist as she began to lead you through the emergency department.
“C’mon honey, let's get you cleaned up” her voice is soft, her touch even softer. She tried to hide your eyes from the curtained room, your feet stopping the two of you, breath catching.
“The curtain is closed” you whisper as she nods slowly, running a comforting hand up and down your back, “yes hon”. Looking over at her, your lip quivers, “that means he’s dying”. She shakes her head and encourages you to keep moving down to the room at the end of the hall.
As she closes the curtain, she hands you a gown. “Let's get you out of that” she smiles at you softly and begins to help you pull the stained dress of your body and tying the blue hospital gown around you.
“This is gonna sting” her voice is muffled again as your eyes stare out into the active emergency room.
Doctor after Doctor made their way into the curtained room, you watch as another white coat makes their way in and another comes out, pulling bloodied gloves off their hands. You walked away with only scratches, skin stained red from not only your own blood but his.
“Here sweet girl, I got you something to drink '' the same nurse pulls you from your thoughts, a small smile on her lips as she sets the cup with ice and can of ginger ale beside you.
“I know it’s not much but” she shrugs with a smile, opening the can and pouring the liquid in. “Is he gone?’ she was surprised at the sound of your voice as she looked up from the cup. She sets the can down and moves to stand in front of you. Pulling the stool over she sits down to be more level with you.
“They are doing everything they can for him” she reaches out and rests a hand on your knee. “I promise you, now, is there anyone I can call for you?” it had been hours you’ve been there and this was the most she got out of you, with a shake of your head she nods and hands you the cup of ginger ale.
You sip on the straw slowly as she smiles sadly and makes her way out of the room and shutting the curtain gently behind her. You stared blankly at the white sheet.
Stepping into the room the nurse stops short at the now vacant room, the gown sat on the floor in a pile, “we’ve got a runner!” she yells and quickly runs back to the nurses station. The rain poured as you ran, not a care at the burning of your feet against the pavement. The way your chest was heaving as you made it up the church steps.
You push open the door as the priest turns at the intrusion at such a late hour. “Ma’am, are you okay?” He is quick to set aside his book, rush down the steps to meet you at the open doorway. Your chest heaves as you shake your head, walking ahead past the pews and to the front of the church.
Falling to your knees in front of the cross you close your eyes and pray.
“I will do anything for him to stay” you whimper, hands together in prayer as the church then goes dark. “Will you do anything?” The voice was soft, gruff but almost comforting. Opening your eyes, you look around you. Everything was dark, a shiver down your spine at the cool breeze.
“Anything, please” you pleaded as the voice chuckled darkly, “oh child, all this for a man?” your eyes follow the room, unsure of where the voice was coming from. “You know how the saying goes now don’t you?” he questions your silence as you shake your head quickly, a sniffle on your lips.
“A soul for a soul” his grin was cheshire as he stood behind you.
Watching the sobs shake your shoulders, he reaches out to place a hand on your shoulder but then a hand replaces his own. A gasp is ripped from your body as you are then back on the church floor on your knees and a paramedic is beside you and lights shone brightly in your face.
Days went by, days spent beside your beloved’s hospital bed as you continued to think about the saying playing over and over.
A soul for a soul.
Taking his hand into your own, you sniffle and watch as his fingers shift slightly. You stand from the chair slowly, “Zack?!”. You are quick to drop his hand and run to the door pulling it open quickly.
“Hurry! I need a doctor in here!” you are then gently shoved from the room as nurses and doctors make their way inside. You go to protest as the gentle hand is placed on your arm, “Sweetheart”.
Turning at the sound of her voice, she smiles gently. “C’mon, let's give them time and get you some coffee?” she questions as you turn back to the room. You nod after a few minutes, following her to the elevators. The room was full of white coats, multiple doctors it seemed almost euphoric, the whole room in white.
“How long have you and Zack been together?” the nurse whispers, sitting across from you as you look up at her, hands around your own paper cup. “Um, 3 years” you reply, taking a sip from the flimsy lid. “How sweet” she hums as she watches over your face, the way your eyes were everywhere but hers.
“We were uh, on our way to eloping, uh when the accident happened” she nodded sadly, “I’m sorry”. You set the now empty cup down and look at her with a sad smile, “do you have a chapel here?”. 
The nurse, you now learned her name was Doris held open the door for you, the chapel was cold and vacant. You walk in slowly, looking back at her with a small smile, “thank you”. She nods and heads down the hall with her own soft smile.
Looking around the room, you take the candlestick and use the matches to light it. Walking to the front of the room, you kneel to your knees and close your eyes. You felt the cold chill again as you began to pray.
Praying to anyone who’d listen. Your eyes open and the room is dark, looking around you, the room is the same as it was in the church a week ago. “Still willing to do anything for him?” The voice is softer than before, still gruff. You nod, eyes looking around the room for him. “Anything” you whisper, eyes falling on the figure at the back of the room, only making out his silhouette.
“A soul for a soul dear” he breathed as you turned to face the front of the room, looking at the faint reds that danced around the black.
“What does that mean?” you ask softly as he chuckles, “I give him his soul and I take yours in exchange” you gasp as he’s in front of you then, “and you will come with me, stay with me here” he motions to around him, the dark fog lifts as he motions to the dark but subtle kingdom.
“Are you the devil?” you whisper, eyes looking up his silhouette till you meet his eyes, green and soft. “No Darling '' his grin is wide as the cheshire cat, he holds his hand out to you “Hades, King of the underworld”.
+
The hand on your shoulder is gentle, pulling a gasp from your chest as you turn to face the hand attached. “Sorry” the voice is soft, attached to a small smile. You smile at her, “Hi Natasha”. She smiles and holds her hand out to you as you take it gently.
“Are you okay?” she asks as you follow beside her, hand staying in hers. “Yes and no,” you reply. You’ve been in the underworld now for years. “What is it?” she holds the door open gently as you follow her in the dark room, it was time for dinner.
“Thinking about my old life is all” she nods softly as she motions for you to sit. “Are you unhappy?” The voice is gruff as he enters the room, dressed in casual black slacks and a black vest. You roll your eyes, turning to face him with a raised brow “would it matter if I was Jake?”.
He unbuttons his sleeve, rolling up the one and moving onto the other. He never let you refer to him as Hades, always his name before he became the king. Jake. “I suppose not,” he smirks, sitting down at the head of the table and pulling himself closer. You sigh, sending Natasha a small smile and sitting down in your respected chair. “How was your day?” he asks softly, setting his fork down gently. “It was okay” you reply, looking over at him with a raised brow, “and your own, your majesty?” he chuckles, shaking his head.
“I’m not a king here” he replies as you shake your head. “You are a king wherever you go” he smiles and nods slowly. “Did you finish the library?” you ask softly as he looks up from his plate and sets his napkin down.
“Why don’t I show you?” he stands and holds a hand out to you. You take it and follow behind him. 
The underworld wasn’t bad. You had to admit you were almost happier down here than you were above. It was hard to be upset and unhappy when the man beside you gave you anything you requested. The halls were quiet as he pulled the ring of keys from his back pocket, you watched closely as he unlocked the door and held it open for you. “Go one” he encourages as you smile, walking past him as a gasp falls from your mouth softly.
The walls were lined with books up to the ceiling. You turn to him, a smile on your lips. “Thank you” you turn back to walk along the wooden bookshelves, running your fingers along the spine of the books. “You know” he makes his way beside you, hand falling to the small of your back. His touch was gentle, which always shocked you.
“Hm?” turning to the side, you smile at him slightly. “You ask and I deliver, do I not?” he grins as you giggle and nod. “You do Jake, you do” you whisper, running a comforting hand along his shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. “I appreciate it, it makes me feel connected to my life” you whisper as he chuckles, nodding. “Are you missing it?” he asks softly as you nod slightly. “I miss… sunshine sometimes and flowers but I’m not unhappy” you look at him as he nods, shoving his hands into his pockets. The door creaks as it is opened slowly, Hermes peaks his head in, “Sir”. Jake rolls his eyes, turning to his friend, “Bob, please just Jake” he nods and adjusts his glasses.
“Uh, Zeus is here and uh he’s insisting”  he is shy around you, as you smile kindly and send a small wave towards him.
“I’ll be right there, will you be okay?” he turns to you, hand on your shoulder gently moving to the nape of your neck, thumb against your jawline. “Go, sounds important” you nod against his palm as he kisses your temple gently and makes his way out the room.
He walks beside Bob, adjusting his sleeves, “she's adjusting'' Bob makes note as Jake chuckles. “She is slowly, thank you” he nods as he pushes the door open to the banquet room, dark and covered in grays and reds. Zeus stands in the middle with hands on his hips.
“Zeus, what do I owe this pleasure?” Jake asks as Bradley turns to face the god. “It’s far from a pleasure Hades” he seeths as Jake can’t help but roll his eyes. “Then why are you here?” His places his hands on his hips as Bradley sighs. “I’ve kept your secret long enough but there has been some developments” Bradley looks at him through his lashes. “And those developments are what?” Jake asks with a raised brow.
“She’s Ares’s daughter” he whispers as Jake’s movements stop.
“Excuse me?” he asks as Bradley nods. “He was talking about it today with Poseidon.. How his beloved daughter was now fully missing” Bradley shoves his hands into his dark slacks.
“How-” Bradley cuts him off as he nods. “Him and Aprodite thought it may be better for her to have a better life without this… mess” Bradley continues, “they lost contact with their source who’s been following her, they know she's disappeared". Jake sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.
Leaning against the door frame, you can hear the soft grunts from behind the mahogany door as well as the two raised voices. “My lady” Bob’s voice is soft as he calls to you, turning to face him, he smiles. “He would kill me if he knew you were standing here” you shake your head and turn back to the door at the raise of Jake’s voice. “She agreed to come down here! She agreed to this life and just because she is Ares daughter changes nothing!” he seeths.
You frown, your father was a god?
You step back from the door quickly as it's then ripped open and you are face to face with Zeus. You push past him to walk into the room, “Jake?” he has his back towards you, the black of his suit almost darker in the room. “Is what you say true?” you fight back from almost seething towards him.
You stand taller as he keeps his back towards you, “talk to me Hades''.
His shoulders slack at the sound of your voice, deep and also filled with pain. “You’ve kept me down here knowing my parents are up there” you whimper, the tears flowing down your cheeks in rivers. “I’m sorry” his voice is gruff as he turns to face you.
“Ares is your father. But, you agreed to come down here and live this life in exchange for his life” Jake reminds you as you approach him slowly, pushing a finger in his chest.
“I never knew them, remembered anything about this world and you’ve taken this from me” you whisper, rushing out of the room quickly. 
+
The kingdom was silent for days.
You spent days in the library. Locked doors and Cerbeus sat in front of them, growling anytime Jake approached. “You are my protector you know” He crosses his arms over his chest as the hound growls again.
“Sweetheart” Jake stands at the door, hands in his pockets as he looks at the door, almost pleading and praying you’d open it. He hears the lock click and you open it gently.
“Good boy” you pet one of the three heads on the dog, letting him into the room and onto the black couch. “Yes?” you ask, hand on the door as you had the urge to slam it into his face. “I think, I think we should talk, '' he pleads as you raise a brow. “Should we?” you tilt your head as he sighs, head falling in shame. “Yes,”  he nods. “I see” you nod watching his face. “Over dinner?” he asks as you nod slowly, moving back into the room and shutting it behind you.
“You have to give her time '' Natasha makes note from her place at the end of the hall. “I-” she shakes her head to stop him, “You do, she is hurt and feels betrayed by you Hades" He sighs as he looks at his friend. “Bring her for dinner please?” he asks as she nods.
You lean against the door, listening to the two of them as Cerbeus watches you from the couch, leaning his heads down with a heavy sigh.
Two hours later, you hear her soft knock against the wood. “(Y/N)” she whispers as you sigh, opening the door to her smiling face which slowly falls as she takes in the look in your eyes. “I know” she nods, moving past you slowly as you close the door behind her. “I don’t know the full details…” she trails off as you sit back down in the maroon arm chair.
“He lied to me. I belong in the upper city not down here” you snap, head falling as you shake your head. “It’s not your fault” you whisper as she moves to sit in front of you on the coffee table, placing a hand on your knee gently.
“I am not taking his side, or anyones but hey” she reaches over to gently encourage your chin up to meet her eye. “He’s a mess since you’ve been ignoring him, I think you should listen to him” she whispers as you roll your eyes with a small smirk. “You of all people encouraging me to talk to hades?” she laughs as you smile. WIth a nod, you stand and pick up the dress she left on the sofa.
Making his way into the dining room, Jake’s heart was quite literally on his sleeve. He was nervous you would stand him up and stay locked away in your library. He stops at the sight of you standing by the table, standing in a dark emerald dress that fell to the floor, a small smile on your lips.
“Hades” you nod to him in respect as he stands in front of you, hands at his sides, almost stunned. “I should’ve never shunned you out. You deserve to tell me your side of the story…” he nods slowly, walking closer to you. “Come, let’s go talk” he holds his hand out as you take it, following him out of the dining room and down the hallway. He opens the door in front of him, encouraging you out into the garden of his home.
Smiling, you walk out into the plants that lined each side of the walkway. He watches the way your eyes filter along every flower that lined the garden. Sitting down on the bench, he sits beside you with a slight huff.
“How do we know he’s my father?” you ask softly after a few minutes of silence. “The word has gotten around Olympus of your disappearance, he’s put it out there from what I understand” he responds, neither one of you looking at the other.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that conversation” he adds as you shake your head. “Bob warned me I shouldn’t have been listening,” you admitted as he nodded beside you. “I um-” he swallows almost nervously as you then look over at him. 
He takes in the softness of your eyes, the small smile on your lips. “If you would like to go to the upper city I am not going to stop you” he whispers as you furrow your brows slightly.
“But I-” he shakes his head, “you’ve been here with me for almost five years… I think you’ve done your time” he nods sadly as you nod. “Jake” you reach over, taking his hand gently in your slightly manicured fingers. “I appreciate all you’ve ever done for me” you whisper as he nods at you sadly. “I will set it for you to head up there in the morning then?” he asks as you nod.
“I will let Zeus know” He stands, hand dropping from your own as he makes his way inside, not daring to look at you over his shoulder.
Morning came a lot faster than you expected. Before you knew it you were there ready to board the boat that would take you to Olympus. Natasha stands beside you at the docks, Cerberus at her side. You turn to face her as the boat arrives, hugging her tightly.
“I appreciate you” you whisper, hugging her tighter as she smiles, arms wrapping around your waist. “Be safe my dear, bring your light to the upper city” she whispers as you smile, pulling back to bend at the knee to the hound beside her. All three heads leaning forward to lick your cheeks, you giggle.
“You behave for everyone down here” you scratch under each of their chins with a smile. “Ma’am” the seaman stands from the boat, a slight scowl on his lips.
You stand, looking back at Natasha and make your way to the boat. You climb on with the help of the seaman and pull the bag with you, sitting down where he instructed. The underworld got smaller and smaller the further you went, Natashas small wave could be made out in the distance.
“Next stop, Olympus!”
Everything was so much brighter. It almost was blinding as you made it to the docks of Olympus. Looking around at all the people around you, standing slowly as the boat comes to a stop. Multiple signs of “welcome home!” or “she has returned!”. You frown slightly, climbing off the boat as Zeus, who introduces himself as Bradley, meets you at the end of the dock.
“Welcome home” he smiles, hand held out to you.
“I have someone who’d like to meet you” he grins as you take his outstretched hand, looking around at all the people. There were more people than you were used to. “I will get you settled of course but this someone has been itching to see you” Bradley adds as you nod slowly, the knock on the wooden door pulls your focus back to the home you stood in front of.
An older woman opens the door quickly, a gasp on her lips.
“Ares!” she screeches, moving down the steps and wrapping you in her arms. You stand still for a moment, almost frozen. Soon, an older man is behind her at the door and has a smile on his lips. “My oldest daughter,” he smiles. The two of them stand back in front of you, smiles on their lips.
“Ares and Aprohdite, I present to you, your oldest daughter” Bradley grins as you smile at the two of them. “You can call us Sarah and Tom” Aphrodite points to herself and then to the man beside her.
“Come, let us get you settled” Tom’s hand reaches out to you as you gently take it and follow the two of them inside. 
+
Olympus was bright. Flowers thrived in the gardens as well as the sun shined brightly. Settling into it was hard for you, it was nothing compared to the underworld.
You’ve been in Olympus for almost a month. “We are holding a gala” Aphrodite smiles, hands together in pride. “To celebrate your homecoming” she holds her hands out to you as you nod, slowly pushing food around with a fork, almost like a teenager. “Honey '' Tom sits up in his seat, setting his fork down onto his plate with a clank. “What is it?” he asks as you shake your head,setting your own fork down and turning to him with a smile, “nothing, that sounds lovely”.
The two smile and resume their meal, you couldn’t help but wonder if Jake would make an appearance at this gala. “Will Hades be invited?” you ask softly, looking at your parents who both drop their silverware. “Of course not” Your mother seeths, you nod slowly.
“Sorry I asked” you reply and take your plate and stand from the chair, walking out to set it in the sink and out into the backyard. Sitting down on the grass you sigh, looking out at the clouds. 
“You are miserable” Natasha comments, setting the suit out on his bed, Jake paces the room, dressed in his slacks and undershirt. “I am aware” he seeths, pulling the button-down over his shoulders. “You miss her” she smirks proudly as he sighs. “You are in luck then” she adds as the envelope is held between her two fingers. He looks at the envelope with furrowed brows, “what is this?” he asks, taking it and stopping himself from ripping it open.
Your handwriting.
He knew the soft pen stroke as well as the small heart you added at the end of his name. “They are holding a Gala in Olympus for the return of Ares' daughter, and it seems she wants you there '' he opens the envelope slowly.
“Hades,
Please take this as a formal invitation to the Gala here in Olympus. The homecoming of the beloved eldest daughter of Ares and Aphrodite is to be celebrated!” 
He tilts his head. “She did not write this” he comments as Natasha sighs. “Do you want to go? I will arrange it with Hermes” she crosses her arms over her chest, in a scolding manner as he sighs. “I do not know” he replies, tossing the envelope onto his desk, walking out of the room with a slam to the door. She sighs, hands on her hips.
Jake sits in the dining hall, Cerberus sat beside him and lays his heads in his lap with a deep sigh.
“I know” he reaches down and scratches at the top of one of his heads. “I miss her too” he whispers as Natasha smirks in the doorway. She pulls the invitation from her pocket and makes the RSVP and gently slides it back into the return envelope.
+
The day of the gala approached quickly. You were thrown into gown fittings quickly. Every single gown didn't feel like you. As you sat in the backseat of the limo. The maroon gown sat against your skin delicately.
Your mother wanted you in a white gown but that felt too pure for you, almost a reminder how you made it here.
“Miss” you look up at the sound of the driver's voice, you’ve learned his name is James. “Yes?” you ask, sitting up slightly as he smiles at you in the rearview mirror. “We are here” he adds as you nod slightly, looking out to the crowd of people. You gulp, sitting back in the seat and twiddling the strap of your handbag. “Ready?” he asks as you nod, smiling at him as he climbs out the seat and makes his way to your door, pulling it open.
As soon as the door opens the lights are almost blinding as you climb out with the assistance of James. “Thank you” you whisper as he nods, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze. Your eyes land on your parents, quickly making a beeline to them, following behind them in the venue with a smile on your face.
“You okay sweetheart?” Your moms voice is soft, hand on your arm as you nod and give her a reassuring smile. “Let’s mingle!” she encourages, arm linking through yours.
The soft clinking of glass quiets the chattering room, you stand beside your father, glass of champagne flute in hand. “Thank you all for being here tonight” Ares’s voice booms through the room, a grin on his face.
“We can't thank you all enough for coming” he looks over at Aphrodite and then back at you. “My girl is home” he holds his glass up as the crowd cheers.
You smile, looking around the room as you notice the door at the end of the room opens and closes quickly. “It’s been a long journey but I can’t thank the gods enough for my girl” he pulls you into his side, a kiss to your temple as your eyes stay trained on the back of the room.
“And now we have our new Hera” Aphrodite adds as your eyes snap to hers quickly.
“Excuse me?” you ask, now moving from your fathers side as she smiles. “Bradley is searching for a wife and it's you” she whispers as you are quick to shake your head.
“I am gonna have to object” the voice is deep, a gruffness that you knew immediately.
You turn and there in his black suit, maroon dress shirt tucked into his slacks, stood Hades. “Jake” you breathe, a smile spreading on your berry stained lips. Jake was never so happy to see that smile.
He tucks his hands into his pocket, “This is no wedding” Ares adds as Jake nods, looking at him with a smirk. “Sure, but there will be no wedding happening” his green eyes follow over to you, lifeless until they meet your face, a small smile makes its way on his lips.
You are quick to move from your fathers grasp and down the steps into Jake’s awaiting arms. Wrapping your arms around his neck you tangle your fingers in the small hairs at the nape of his neck, holding him tightly against your body. “Shhh” he whispers in your ear, holding your body closer to him as if molding the two of you together. 
The sound of glass shattering pulls you from the bubble you tried so hard to grip onto tightly. You turn to the sound and find your father seething. “What makes you think you have any right!” He points towards Jake, making his way to the two of you.
Jake is quick to put a protective arm around your waist and push your body behind him. “I don’t but I know an unhappy woman when I see one” Jake adds, your hand grips his bicep tightly.
“You have no right to make a claim against her” Jake laughs, a full belly laugh. “Technically I had made a claim on her first, she agreed to come with me” Ares’s face is burning as he looks between the two of you.
You move from behind Jake and look between your parents. “I love him” the two of them gasp. “He’s protected me and cared for me all these years and yet you didn’t have the decency to come looking for me!” you breathe as your mother places a hand over her heart.
“I’ve been with Hades for over five years! On Top of the years I spent in that shitty place with the shittiest man I ever met!” you yell, tears are now flowing down your cheeks. “Yet, Hades came to me, he came to me and let me save a man who did not love me, who had not once cared for me” you turn to Jake who stands there with his hands in his pockets, head down.
“And yet the most heartless man of Olympus cares for me" you look back at your parents. "He turned his whole world around for me” you walk to Jake as his head snaps up, looking at you. Taking his hand you turn to your parents.
“So no, he does have a right to claim” you smile at him sadly then back to your parents. “And I am not going to be the next Hera and will not be marrying Zeus" you smile towards Bradley who has a friendly smile on his lips.
"I am going back to the underworld with Hades, where I belong” you whisper, giving Jake’s hand a squeeze as you turn back to him.
“Take me home” you whisper as he grins, wrapping an arm around your waist, following beside you out the door. "Sweetheart” he whispers, stopping you at the end of the steps.
“I am hopelessly devoted to you and only you Hades” you face him, sniffling as the tears roll down your cheeks.
“I meant everything I said, I meant all of it” you whisper as he reaches up and cups your cheek and gently catches the tears with his thumb. “I’ve been devoted to you since you first came to me, since you first agreed to come live with me” he whispers a smile on his lips. "From the days you fought so harshly to get away from me" he grins as you can't help but giggle.
Thud.
The sound triggers him to look up from his book as Jake raises a brow. He then hears your screams as he drops the book and takes the steps three at a time. He is quick to make it to your room and pushing the door open quickly.
You continue screaming, throwing the vases against the door, knocking over furniture. "(Y/N)" He makes his way into the room, dodging the framed photo being thrown at him.
"Hey!" he grabs hold of your hands as you scream. "Why are you keeping me here like a prisoner!" you push his hands off you as he sighs. "You agreed to this" he reminds you shake your head, sobbing.
"I just want to be free! I didn't know I'd be locked away in a tower like a princess!" he sighs, hands on his hips. "You have free reign here, you choose to lock yourself up in here, what do you want? I will give you anything you want" you sniffle, turning away from him, "I just want my life back".
"He's moved on you know" Jake whispers as you turn to him, "what?".
He nods, hands on his hips, "he found someone new, shortly after you were brought down here with me"
Panting you move closer to him, pushing against his chest as you seeth. "you monster"
“Hades has a heart in there?” you rest a hand on his chest over where his heart sits, he chuckles. “I’ve found it more with you” he admits, pulling you closer to him.
“I am sorry about the way you came to me but I am not sorry for bringing you to me” he admits as you nod, sniffling and standing up on your tippy toes to pull him down from his neck.
“Shut up and kiss me Hades” he grins, pulling you in by the waist, kissing you as if his life depended on it. You grin, arms wrapping around his neck as the two of you part, nudging his nose against your own. “Let’s get you home” he grins, arms wrapping around your waist securely. 
“Cerby!” you squeal, running to the three-headed dog that meets you at the door, you fall to your knees and catch him, laughing as he tackles you to the ground, licking over your face.
“Hi!” you laugh as he pants above you, letting you stand back up, kissing all three of his heads. “Someone's home” Natasha smirks from the top of the stairwell, as you smile up at her.
“Yes, yes I am, you are stuck with me!” you grin, watching as she makes her way down the steps. Jake’s arm wraps around your waist from behind, a grin on his lips. “But, her things must be moved into the suite” Jake grins as you smile, looking over at him with a chuckle.
“Is that so?” Natahsa questions as then she notices the slight shimmer of the rings on both of your left fingers. “Oh my god!” she laughs, running to hug the both of you.
You smile as you embrace her tighter, this is where you belonged.
In the underworld beside your beloved.
Tumblr media
If you enjoyed this, you can find all of my other work here, in The Library.
likes,comments and reblogs are always welcome! I love hearing everyone's opinions!
247 notes · View notes